East County Magazine
ALPINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S FALL FESTIVAL AT SUMMER’S PAST FARMS OCT. 16
Printer-friendly version October 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – A pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animal exhibit, draft horse-drawn hay ride, and mobile video game truck are among the attractions at the Alpine Education Foundation’s Fall Festival at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Old Highway 80 in El Cajon. Admission to the event is free, though there is a nominal cost for
“PASSPORT THROUGH TIME” ROAD TRIP ON OLD HIGHWAYS 80 & 94 IS READY TO ROLL ON OCTOBER 16
Printer-friendly version October 11, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The public is invited to join in the fifth annual Passport Road Trip on Saturday, October 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 2 pm. The “cruise” will begin at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo, motor along scenic Historic Highways 94 and 80, then end with special activities at a fundraising
MMMMM! SPRING VALLEY TAILGATE PARTY & BBQ FESTIVAL SUNDAY OCT. 17
Printer-friendly version October 15, 2010 (Spring Valley) – The first annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival will be hosted this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. In front of Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar. Troy Street will be closed down between Bancroft and Central avenues for the event, which includes BBQ samples, family activities, a children’s fun zone, street
OFF-ROAD EXPO ROLLS OUT AT PARKWAY PLAZA OCT. 23-24; MOTOCROSS CELEBRITIES TO APPEAR
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Off-road vehicles and celebrity motocross riders will be on hand Saturday and Sunday, October 23-24 at the Off-Road Expo at Westfield Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon. Off-road vehicles including Jeeps, ATVs, trucks, dirt bikes, buggies and more will be displayed by event partners Motoworld of El Cajon and

BOOK REVIEW: THE NEW JIM CROW: MASS INCARCERATION IN THE AGE OF COLORBLINDNESS, IS AN ENLIGHTENING READ
Printer-friendly version The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, By Michelle Alexander (The New Press, New York, N.Y., 2010, 290 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore October 8, 2010 (San Diego) — Michelle Alexander, former director of the Racial Justice Project of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Northern California and a former
DEBATE AT SDSU OCT. 14 ON PROP 23; MEASURE WOULD ROLL BACK CLIMATE CHANGE PROTECTIONS
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2010 (San Diego) – Want to learn more about Prop 23, one of the most important environmental battles ever in California’s history? Prop 23 would overturn the landmark AB 32 measure that reduced greenhouse gas emissions and strengthened clean air standards. Students at San Diego State University are sponsoring a debate on Prop 23 to
“TREK ON THE WILD SIDE” OCT. 23 AT MISSION TRAILS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Printer-friendly version October 11, 2010 (San Diego) — The Jarrett Meeker Foundation invites the public to its 23rd anniversary "Trek on the Wild Side" fundraising event on Saturday, October 23 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center. The event, which costs $75, includes a guided nature walk, wine and cheese reception, barbecue dinner,
OLD WEST HARVEST FEST OCT. 22-24
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve RV park and campground in Boulevard invites you to come celebrate the Old West from Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24 at the annual Old West Harvest Fest. “Dress the whole family up in 1850s gear, such as prairie farmer, gambler, school marm, rancher, cowboy, cowgirl, schoolgirl, monk,
LIVE IN THE VINES: ORFILA PRESENTS JAZZ CONCERT
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2010 (San Pasqual) – Orfila Vineyards presents “Concert in the Vines” on October17 from 6:30 to 8:30. The concert features the Spirit Wind jazz ensemble with international artist Adrienne Nims. Tickets for the outdoor concert on a pavilion overlooking the vineyards cost $20 each (or $15 for Orfila Wine Lovers – OWL – members) and
HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM HOSTS 5 SALES OCT. 22-23
Printer-friendly version Rummage, art, jewelry, fossils, gems and mineral offered for sale by museum patrons October 8, 2010 (El Cajon) – Over 300 members of Heritage of the Americas Museum have donated household goods to benefit the Museum. This giant sales will occur throughout the Museum with free admission and parking on Friday and Saturday, October 22-23 from 8 a.m.
TOYS COME TO LIFE IN “TIN” AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE’S STAGEHOUSE THEATRE OCT. 22 & 23
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present Tin, written and directed by Jerry Hager, October 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m. and October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Stagehouse Theatre. All tickets for this event are $6 each. The story, Tin, is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Steadfast
EL CAJON ANIMAL SHELTER HOSTS OPEN HOUSE & DOG COSTUME CONTEST OCT. 23
Printer-friendly version The public is invited to the Fourth Annual El Cajon Animal Shelter Open House on Saturday, October 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1275 North Marshall Avenue. This family Halloween- themed event includes displays and activities, such as photos of your pet for $5. A low-cost rabies clinic and micro chipping I.D.’s for pets will be
HALLOWEEN HIKE WITH A RANGER: LOOK FOR BATS OCT. 22
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) — Join Ranger Lisa, and BLM’s Biologist Joyce, a bat expert, in watching a short bat movie, and take a bat hike with bat-sensing equipment on October 22 from 6-7 p.m.. Families are encouraged to attend, and also get to know their local National Wildlife Refuge in Rancho San Diego–the San Diego National Wildlife
EXOTIC ESCAPADES AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS OCT. 16
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2010 (Alpine) – The San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers invites you to Exotic Escapes, a fundraising event to benefit advancements in animal care as well as Lions, Tigers & Bears. Hosted by Lions, Tigers & Bears in Alpine on October 16 from 1-5 p.m., this unique event will feature animal presentations from
FACULTY ARTWORK ON DISPLAY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE THROUGH OCT. 28
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2010 (El Cajon) — Artwork created by faculty members of the Grossmont College Art Department will be on display through Oct. 28 at the Hyde Art Gallery, located on campus. The public is invited to view the exhibition of approximately 55 pieces from 29 different art department instructors. According to Ben Aubert, Hyde Art Gallery curator,
SACRED ROCKS TROTS OUT A NEW ACTIVITY: HORSE CAMPING OCT. 15-17
Printer-friendly version October 3, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks campground and RV park in Boulevard is kicking off a new activity for its two- and four-legged friends: horse camping October 15-17. If you bring a horse, you camp for free! Or if you prefer, enjoy trail riding through beautiful backcountry scenery – all free for a day. Horse camps
OKTOBERFEST AT THE EL CAJON ELKS LODGE
Printer-friendly version October 2, 2010 (El Cajon) — The public is invited to an Oktoberfest celebration at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon, for the Elks’ annual Oktoberfest on October 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be food and beverages, craft booths, German music to enjoy, a nail pounding contest and pitcher holding
CANCER RIP-OFF: NEW BOOK SERVES UP FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Printer-friendly version Cancer Rip-Off, We Are Victims of Mass Marketing, By Max Sturman, (Do It Naturally Foundation, 2010, 226 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore October 2, 2010 (San Diego) San Diego author Max Sturman has written a provocative new book, The Cancer Rip-Off. Sturman reveals links between nutrition and the causes of cancer—and raises probing questions
THE MISER OPENS OCT 7 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE THEATRE; RUNS THROUGH OCT. 16
Printer-friendly version October 2, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present The Miser, directed by Henry J. Jordan, Oct 7-9 and 13-16 at 7:30 pm and Oct 9 and 16 at 2:00 pm in the Stagehouse Theatre. The Miser, written by the famed French playwright Molière, stands out as one of the great comic
DESERT STARGAZING CAMPOUT OCT. 9-10 IN BORREGO BADLANDS
Printer-friendly version Overnight campout offers stargazers a unique view of the desert—both terrestrial and celestial—from expert guides October 1, 2010 (Borrego Springs) – Noted astronomer and syndicated columnist Dennis Mammana, along with California Overland Desert Excursions, will hold an overnight campout under the clear, dark desert skies on Saturday/Sunday, October 9/10. Visible that weekend will be such celestial showpieces
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Oaks from Acorns Grow
Printer-friendly versionBook by Richard Opper Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks from Acorns Grow. It’s written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals. Mona Oakheart goes to Guam to find her leading porn

Save a life, honor a Legend at Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive on Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionLast year’s inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive hosted by the San Diego Blood Bank was in Mission Valley. This year’s Nov. 5 drive will be at Grossmont Center, in Walton’s hometown. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 30, 2025 (La Mesa) — The San Diego Blood Bank is calling on the community to

Pala Band of Mission Indians invites community to honor local heroes at Veterans Day celebration
Printer-friendly versionSource: Pala Band of Mission Indians October 29, 2025 (Pala) – The Pala Band of Mission Indians and Pala Veterans Program will honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans with a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors and remarks from guest speakers, followed by a

Little Black Dress event at Goodwill starts in November
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (San Diego County) — Goodwill Industries of San Diego County‘s Little Black Dress event featuring a custom gown by top designer Evan Hirsch is set to begin in November. Goodwill San Diego’s Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs,

Seven women honored at East County Chamber WILL event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (East County) — The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce awarded a group of top females from around the county last Friday at its 23rd annual Women in Leadership event. The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and

Events planned to support family of La Mesa Police officer killed in car crash
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) — At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa. The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil

Full Moon Walk in Anza Borrego’s South Palm Wash Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). “Experience the unique

Destination East County: Notable November Events
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – November brings numerous noteworthy events to East County, including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, an Antique and Craft Fair at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, the Wheel of Fortune live game show at Viejas in Alpine, the award-winning play Copenhagen at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, stargazing at

Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 18, 2025 (San Diego) – National award-winning author Ha Jin, who became a U.S. citizen after the Tiananmen Square uprising. explores themes of rebellion in China and the struggles of a Chinese student in America in his novel, Looking for Tank Man. His main character, Lulu, who is a young woman from China, attends

El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City by Richard Carrico
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 19, 2025 (San Diego) – History buffs will love Richard Carrico’s new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City. The book briefly covers San Diego area history before the first pioneers arrived. The author’s preview to European colonization is short but extensive. Richard Carrico’s greatest focus is upon the presidio

No Kings rallies across San Diego County and nation Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Organizers are predicting that this Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration against the “authoritarianism of the Trump regime” may be the largest yet, including over 2,500 sites in all 50 states as well as territories and other nations. Locally, a large rally is planned at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego

Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local filmmaker Michael Fanter. The film celebrates the community’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped “The Town with the Giant Lemon.” The event will take place at The

Olaf Weighorst Museum announces 1st annual fashion show fundraiser: ”Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy”
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 16, 2025 (El Cajon) – Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center will host its first annual Fashion Show Fundraiser – “Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy” on November 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature stunning designs of local artist and designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, whose WALA Collection

13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival set for Nov. 1
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 15, 2025 (Ramona) — The 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is heading to the Begent Ranch in Ramona on Saturday, Nov. 1. The popular event, set from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, will include wines and craft beverage tastings, all-day live

Hear our interview: Santee filmmaker Natalie Camou de Zavaleta talks about #1Bad Dad, her short comedy airing at the San Diego Film Festival
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope October 8, 2025 (Santee) – Natalie Camou de Zavaleta is a Santee resident and award-winning filmmaker whose short comedy, #1 Bad Dad, will be showing at the San Diego Film Festival, which runs October 18 and 19. ECM interviewed her for our radio show on KNSJ, 89.1 FM on her film, which explores the theme

Jewish Family Service hosts drive-thru food distribution for government workers on Oct. 15
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy Jewish Family Service East County News Services Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Jewish Family Service of San Diego has found another way to help those impacted by the United States federal government shutdown. The nonprofit that helps the entire community, along with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, is hosting a

Local children’s book author and filmmaker named finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Anat Tour, a children’s book author, singer, documentary filmmaker, and math teacher based in East County, has been named a finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards in the Education category. In addition to her writing and filmmaking, Anat is a passionate singer and host of East County

Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents Copenhagen Oct. 17 – Nov. 9: The moment that changed the world
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – The Tony-award-winning play Copenhagen explores explores an explosive confrontation inspired by actual events that have intrigued and baffled historians for more than 50 years: a 1941 meeting between two brilliant physicists, Niels Bohr of Denmark and Germany’s Werner Heisenberg. The two men were long-time friends whose work together opened the way to the atomic bomb,
All that and pumpkins, too: 50 years and counting at Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy Family Christmas Tree Farm East County News Service Photo by Scott Lagace October 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Don’t let the name fool you — Family Christmas Tree Farm is geared up for Halloween, too. As autumn settles in over San Diego County, El Cajon’s Family Christmas Tree Farm has rolled out

Chili Cookoff Nov. 8 to benefit Circle TLC Ranch
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) — Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November. Dubbing itself “the best chili cook off in East County,” leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend. The
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
East County Magazine

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) — Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the

Racing turkeys stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 9, 2025 (Ramona) – This is not a turkey trot. The Wild West Turkey Stampede returns November 15, 28, 29 and 30 at the
BalletCenter Studios bringing a twist on a holiday classic
Printer-friendly version“Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier” Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre East County News Service Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego) — A fresh take on the

Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays. The

Marinelli Brothers Circus brings big top shows to El Cajon Nov. 12 – Dec. 5
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 6, 2025 (El Cajon) – A brand new circus is coming to San Diego’s East County. The Marinelli Brothers Circus brings its