East County Magazine
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF: REPORTER REVEALS POWERFUL CONSPIRACY IN TRUE-LIFE THRILLER, THE LAST CIRCLE
Printer-friendly version The Last Circle, By Cheri Seymour (TrineDay LLC, Walterville, Oregon, 2010, 584 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore October 1, 2010 (San Diego) Former investigative reporter Cheri Seymour, a San Diego County resident, has written a non-fiction thriller to end all thrillers. The Last Circle is ripped from the headlines of one of our era’s most controversial
JULIAN APPLE DAYS FESTIVAL OCT. 2-3
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2010 (Julian) — As part of Julian’s Apple Days Centennial Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival will be held October 2nd and 3rd. Festivities take place at Menghini Winery in the historic gold rush town of Julian, located on Highway 79 in East County’s mountain region. Festivities include apple displays, music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s
THIRD ANNUAL “SUSTAIN LA MESA” ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 9TH
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2010 (La Mesa) — The Environmental Sustainability Commission is holding the third annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival on Saturday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa, 91942.This year’s festival will feature over 30 booths and exhibits as well as expert speakers and activities for all ages.
ALPINE VIEJAS DAYS SUNDAY OCT. 3; PARADE HONORS HEROES
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2010 (Alpine) – “Honoring our Heroes” is the theme of this year’s Alpine Viejas Days Parade this Sunday, October 3rd at 2 p.m. A full day of family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. also include an Alpine Craft and Vendor fair, a Health Fair, as well as opening ceremony at 10 a.m. The Viejas
PARTY TIME! 7th ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION IN LA MESA OCT. 1-3
Printer-friendly version September 28, 2010 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants’ Association invite you to La Mesa’s annual Oktoberfest celebration in the downtown Village October 1-3. This year’s event will feature 400 vendors, two beer gardens, live music, carnival rides, and an estimated 200,000 visitors. Hours are: Friday, October
WILLKOMEN! GERMAN-AMERICAN CLUB HOSTS OKTOBERFEST IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 29, 2010 (El Cajon) –The German American Societies presents the 39th annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon over the first two weekends of October, the 1st – 3rd and 8th – 10th, 2010. Hours of this traditional, family-friendly festival are Fridays from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturdays from noon until 10:00 PM, and
SAN MIGUEL FIRE HOSTS FIRE SAFETY COMMUNITY FAIR OCT. 9
Printer-friendly version September 27, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Fire station tours, fire safety demonstrations, and a children’s fun activity dinner are among the activities planned for this year’s Fire Safety Community Fair and open house. This free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9th at the San Miguel Fire Station #22, 11501
MILLION DOLLAR PRIZE FOR “IT’S IN THE HOLE” GOLF TOURNAMENT OCT. 22
Printer-friendly version September 26, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Some lucky golfer could go home a millionaire in the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce 3rd annual “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament. The event will take place at Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego on October 22. A $125 entry fee includes green fees, cart, lunch, dinner,
MONARCH MANIA TAKES WING IN ALPINE: SAGE & SONGBIRDS FALL FESTIVAL SEPT. 25
Printer-friendly version September 18, 2010 (Alpine) — After 13 wildly successful spring festivals, Sage & Songbirds s launching its first-ever Fall Festival in Alpine on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Viejas Outlet Center. Admission is free. Monarch Mania will feature a live Monarch butterfly release at 2 p.m., caterpillar races, a plant sale of specialty
VIEJAS WINE FEST & “TRI-TIP THROWDOWN” SEPT. 25
Printer-friendly version September 20, 2010 (Alpine) – The inaugural Viejas Wine Fest, featuring samples from some of southern California’s premier wineries, will be held Saturday, September 25th in the Park at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine, east of San Diego. The Viejas Wine Fest, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine Foundation, runs from 3 p.m. to
STOP SUNRISE POWERLINK MARCH AND RALLY SATURDAY SEPT. 25
Printer-friendly version Congressional debate to follow Stop Powerlink events September 25, 2010 (Lakeside) – A rally for San Diegans who oppose the Sunrise Powerlink will be held Saturday, September 25th in Lakeside. The rally will be held at Lindo Lake Park (by the pavilions near the playground) at 10 a.m., followed by a march through Main Street in downtown
NEW! FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL IN JULIAN SEPT. 25-26
Printer-friendly version September 17, 2010 (Julian) — The first annual Folk Music Festival will be held in historic Julian, paired with the 24th annual Julian Art Guild Show. Both events will be held on the rustic grounds of the Menghini Winery on September 25 and 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pre-purchased tickets cost $5 each day and
POWAY RODEO & RODEO DANCE SEPT. 24-25 DRAWS FANS OF AMERICA’S ORIGINAL EXTREME SPORT
Printer-friendly version September 20, 2010 (Poway) – This Friday and Saturday September 24-25, the 38th annual Poway Rodeo evokes the spirit of our region’s western heritage. Saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing and team roping are among the events showcasing skills that date back to the era of Spanish California ranchos. The annual roundup of
POWAY DAYS HERITAGE PARADE, PICNIC & FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND; BATTLE OF THE BANDS ALSO SLATED
Printer-friendly version September 16, 2010 (Poway) – Poway Community Association invites the public to dress up in old-fashioned or Western wear and head ‘em on out to Old-Fashioned Poway Days this weekend, where activities include a parade, picnic, battle of the bands/dance, a trail ride (bring your own horse!) and the Poway Days Festival. The fun stars with the
“WILD WEST” BONITAFEST SEPT. 25
Printer-friendly version September 18, 2010 (Bonita) – The community of Bonita invites the public to its annual “Wild West” Bonitafest on Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crafts, games, exhibitors and food are all part of the festivities at the event, which celebrates the heritage and spirit of Bonita and the Sweetwater Valley. Bonitafest takes place
BOLTON DAZZLES , DELIGHTS CROWD AT VIEJAS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Paul Parks September 14, 2010 (Alpine)–Michael Bolton displayed the dazzling breadth of his talent in a concert at Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge in Alpine Sunday night. His performances ranged from vintage classics by Sinatra and Gershwin to jazz and rock ‘n’ roll. Mounting a platform in the center of the audience, he sang
REAL TO HOST CANDIDATE FORUM SEPT. 21 IN CAMPO
Printer-friendly version September 14, 2010 (Campo) — The Rural Economic Action League will host a candidate forum to allow the public to query contenders for the Campo Lake Morena Planning Group on their views and positions. The forum is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the Mountain Empire Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road, in Campo.
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR KIDS: SEPT. 25 AT KIDS CARE FEST IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version September 13, 2010 (La Mesa) — Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa are jointly presenting the ninth annual Kids Care Fest, a free event featuring free health care screenings as well as children’s activities, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. The public is invited
BOOK REVIEW: I WAS…I AM–AN INMATE’S STORY OF REDEMPTION
Printer-friendly version I Was … I Am, How to Move Beyond Your Past to Create an Extraordinary Life, by Allison ‘Tammy’ Moore, (Wilmington, Delaware, 2010, 338 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore September 12, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Allison ‘Tammy’ Moore has written what at times seems like a tragicomedy: I Was … I Am. In reality,
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE, CRAFTS AND DANCES TAKE CENTER STAGE AT SYCUAN POW-WOW
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 12, 2010 (Sycuan) – Tina Santiago, a member of the Conshatta tribe from Louisiana, weaves a basket of willow reeds while onlookers browse her wares at the Sycuan Pow-Wow in El Cajon. “It takes about 25 hours to make this basket,” she said of a finely-crafted, finished basket priced at $250.
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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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
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
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues