East County Magazine
FIRE ENGINE PARADE HONORS 9-11 HEROES AT ESCONDIDO’S CRUISIN’ GRAND
Printer-friendly version Photos and Story by Mary E. Paulet September 11, 2010 (Escondido) – In a scene reminiscent of classic Americana movies Grease and American Graffiti, 1957 Chevrolets and 1902 fire engines thundered up and down the streets of Escondido last night. The community celebration known as Cruisin’ Grand features pre-1973 era American-made cars, which take over downtown
ENCORE! CONCERTS ON THE GREEN EXTENDED THROUGH SEPT. 24
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2010 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon Community Development Corporation has extended their Concerts On The Green series for 2010 through September 24th! Concerts are held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The last two concerts are September 17th with Scott Martin’s Latin Soul Band and on September 24th it’s Smoke Staxx. These popular musical
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION SEPT. 12 AT ST. CLAIR GALLERY
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2010 (El Cajon ) – The 21st Invitational Art Exhibit at St. Clair Gallery, featuring over 165 pieces of fine art, runs through September 17. An artists’ reception will be held on September 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Kathleen McCarthy is showing at St. Clair Gallery for the first time in
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON: LAKESIDE RIVER PARK FUNDRAISER SEPT. 25
Printer-friendly version September 9, 2010 (Lakeside) — Lakeside’s River Park will be hosting it’s 4th annual signature fundraiser, Once in a Blue Moon Dinner & Auction on September 25th, 2010. Cocktails start at 5 p..m, dinner at 7 p.m. RSVPs are required by September 15 for this unique event. Lakeside’s River Trail is used by families, students, walkers and joggers
GROSSMONT INSTRUCTORS PRESENT GUITAR CONCERT FRIDAY, SEPT. 17
Printer-friendly version September 9, 2010 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present “Odeum Guitar Duo,” a fund-raising performance for the Guitar Guild by two Grossmont College guitar instructors Fred Benedetti and Robert Wetzel, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, at the College’s recital hall, room 220. Odeum refers to a small building in ancient Greece or Rome
EASTLAKE TAVERN AND BOWL CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY WITH $5 LUAU SEPT. 10
Printer-friendly version September 10, 2010 (Eastlake) –Aloha! EastLake Tavern and Bowl is hosting a luau to celebrate its first anniversary. A Hawaiian luau buffet includes whole roasted pig plate, lumpia, and mango ice cream. The event also features Hawaiian drink specials, contests, and more. EastLake Tavern and Bowl is located at 991 Showroom Place in east Chula Vista. The event
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING SINGER, SONGWRITER MICHAEL BOLTEN TO APPEAR AT VIEJAS SEPT. 12
Printer-friendly version September 9, 2010 (Alpine) –Viejas Casino (http://www.viejas.com) announced today that legendary singer, songwriter Michael Bolton will perform at the Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge on September 12. Bolton has sold more than 53 million records, won several Grammys for Best Male Vocalist, earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and is currently on a world tour promoting his
BOOK REVIEW: BEYOND JUSTICE IS A MASTERFUL LEGAL THRILLER SET IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Beyond Justice, By Joshua Graham (Dawn Treader Press, 2010, 430 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore September 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — San Diego author Joshua Graham has written a riveting and supernatural legal thriller, Beyond Justice, that at times has spiritual overtones. Beyond Justice is the story of Sam Hudson, a reputable San Diego attorney
FREE BARN DANCE! SWING YOUR PARTNER SEPT. 11 IN POWAY
Printer-friendly version September 8, 2010 (Poway) – Grab your partner and head on out to Old Poway Park, where a free barn dance will be held on Saturday, September 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes, participate in free traditional dance lessons, and dance the evening away to toe-tapping western music. The event is hosted by
RENDEZVOUS IN POWAY: WILD WEST HISTORY COMES ALIVE SEPT. 11-12
Printer-friendly version September 8, 2010 (Poway) – Want to meet mountain men and cowboys? Try your hand at panning for gold? See mock train robberies and gunfights? Come costumed in Old West attire? The City of Poway, along with living history groups from Shadow River Regulators, Cimarron Ridge Old West Productions, and the Apache Canyon Gang, present the annual
HOT GREEN EVENTS: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WEEK SEPT. 12-16
Printer-friendly version The California Center for Sustainable Energy announces Sustainable Energy Week Sept. 12-16. Activities include a free Family Energy Day & Street Smart event September 12, Clean Energy Tours September 14 and 15, and a Clean Energy Conference September 16. Family Energy Day and Street Smart on September 12 will be tons of free, family fun with food,
HOBO CAMPFIRE SING-A-LONG SEPT. 10 IN OLD POWAY PARK
Printer-friendly version September 6, 2010 (Poway) — What could feel more like the Old West than sitting around a campfire singing songs and listening to storytelling? On September 10th, the City of Poway and the Old Poway Park Action Committee will host a hobo campfire sing-along from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Old Poway Park on the banks of
CRUISIN’ GRAND: FRIDAY NIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN ESCONDIDO
Printer-friendly version By Mary Paulet September 5, 2010 (Escondido) – For San Diego classic car enthusiasts of all ages, the place to see and be seen on Friday nights is Escondido’s Cruisin’ Grand, a pre-1973 car-themed festival that attracts participants from across San Diego. The events also feature live music and vintage entertainment from hula hoops to a
FAMILY TIES: BARONA POWWOW STRENGTHENS TRIBAL BONDS, KEEPS TRADITIONS ALIVE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2010 (Lakeside) –At Barona’s 40th annual powwow, Barona tribal member and community leader Bonnie La Chappa grilled tortillas at her family’s campsite in preparation for a family feast. “Every powwow takes on its own culture, depending on the reservation,” she said. “For me, it’s a social gathering—everyone coming together. The dancers come
CHALDEAN FESTIVAL SEPT 4 & 5 IN ELCAJON
Printer-friendly version September 1, 2010(El Cajon ) – Folk dancing, authentic Chaldean food, live music and singing performed in Aramaic-Chaldean and English will all be part of the festivities at the Chaldean Annual Festival in El Cajon. A $5 admission/voucher may be used towards food, children’s games, or purchases from vendors. An art
BARONA HOSTS 40TH ANNUAL POW-WOW SEPT. 3-5
Printer-friendly version September 3, 2010 (Lakeside) – The public is invited to attend the 40th annual Barona PowWow. The event, which has free admission, will be held September 3-5 at the Barona Baseball Field. More than $60,000 in prize money will be awarded in Native American dance competitions. The powwow, which attracts competitors from all over North America, also features
CHALLENGE CENTER’S 13TH ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT PRESENTS NORM MACDONALD
Printer-friendly version August 30, 2010 (La Mesa)–Norm MacDonald, star of movies and Saturday Night Live (SNL), will take the stage at Challenge Center’s 13th Annual Comedy Night on September 11 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The event benefits the scholarship fund established by Challenge Center, a nonprofit gym in La Mesa that has achieved dramatic results helping patients with strokes,
ART SHOW FEATURES LOCAL LANDMARKS
Printer-friendly version August 30, 2010 (El Cajon — Hyde Art Gallery, located on Grossmont College’s campus in El Cajon, is presenting through September 16 an exhibit of 31 paintings from three different artists: Wade Cline and William Glen Crooks, both of San Diego and Suong Yangchareon of Los Angeles. The paintings feature local landmarks and sights, including famous traffic
ALL THAT GLITTERS: JULIAN ARTS GUILD FALL ART SHOW & SALE SEPT. 3-6
Printer-friendly version August 28, 2010 (Julian) – Julian, the historic mining town in San Diego’s East County mountains, has a wealth of talented local artists. From Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 4, you can enjoy works by many artists in one location: the upstairs of Julian’s Town Hall on Main Street. Meet the artists at a reception Friday evening

BOOK REVIEW: SHADOW MASTERS SHINES LIGHT ON DARK DEALINGS
Printer-friendly version Shadow Masters, By Daniel Estulin (Trine Day, LLC, Walterville, Oregon, 2010, 357 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore August 26, 2010 (San Diego) — Award-winning investigative journalist and best-selling author of The True Story of the Bilderberg Group, Daniel Estulin, has followed up with another powerful expose in a similar vein, Shadow Masters. To carry the Bilderberg
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FORMS IN METAL EXHIBITION OPENS IN HYDE ART GALLERY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 14, 2008 (El Cajon) — To mark the 1st anniversary of the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Sculpture facility, the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College will host Forms in Metal , a group exhibition of contemporary metalwork from January 26-February 26; An opening event is scheduled for February 10th from 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will feature the
INAUGURATION CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY BALL– PUBLIC WELCOME
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery San Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending
FESTIVAL OF THE MONTH — MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN LA MESA CELEBRATES OUR REGION’S DIVERSE HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 8, 2008 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival on January 18th aspires to be an afternoon of civic pride and festivities for the family in a celebration honoring our community’s rich diversity of cultures and international traditions. The ceremony, held on Martin Luther King Day weekend, also honors the slain civil rights
SAN DIEGO YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 5, 2008 (San Diego) —The San Diego Young Artists Symphony (YAS), conducted by Mary Gerard and Hernan Constantino, performs at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature movie music from the Phantom of the Opera, Amadeus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry
OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S HOTTEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 28, 2008 — Looking to party hearty on December 31st? Here are our picks for the best places to ring in the New Year east of I-15. From a Chinese dragon parade to a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band bash, you’ll find it all in East County and San Diego’s eastern region.
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization.
KRUGER BROTHERS CONCERT IS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Printer-friendly version By Jackie Hanson Photos by Gian Vaitl December 10, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’ve heard of the Kruger Brothers, then you’ve likely heard the superlatives used to describe their music: sublime, inspiring, sheer genius… (the list goes on). If you’ve been fortunate enough to actually hear the Kruger Brothers live, you’ll realize that words pale
KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 6, 2008 (San Diego) — A series of events commemorating Kwanzaa have been announced, including several in San Diego’s eastern region. The 18th annual Pan-African Associations of America Umoja Day program will take place December 26th at the Malcolm X Library located at 5148 Market Street in San Diego. This a day long event and includes an adult
Armchair Impressionists Exhibition December 1- 31, 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Tammy Lawhead December 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — The Armchair Impressionists, including Jeffrey Graham, Rustin Holec, David Lawhead, Karen Marsh, and William Marsh, will feature their paintings December 1 – 31, 2008 at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego; El Cajon, CA. Please join them at the Artist’s Reception, December 7th from 2 –
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
KRUGER BROTHERS TO PERFORM CONCERT & HOST WORKSHOP AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE DEC. 5
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (El Cajon) — Kruger Brothers will perform an exclusive concert at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the National Endowment for the Arts Artistic Excellence Award for their “Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra”, the Kruger Brothers’ music combines
HOTEL CASSIOPEIA
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Kathy Carpenter Now showing at the Don Powell Theatre at the San Diego State University campus, through December 7, 2008. Sundays 2:00 p.m. all other days 8:00 p.m. For ticket information call 619-594-6884 or check online at www.theatre.sdsu.edu. Charles L Mee’s Hotel Cassiopeia follows the American collage artist Joseph Cornell. Cornell’s dreamlike abstract art is the theme
COOL! OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held
MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS – A STAR-STUDDED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals takes place this Sunday, November 23rd. The Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi. This year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of
HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK
Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and
WEEKEND HALLOWEEN SCENE & MORE EAST COUNTY EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionFor a frightfully good time this week (not to mention satisfying your sweet tooth cravings), you’ll find plenty of Halloween haunts in East County. Start with Wednesday night’s “Trunk or Treat” in El Cajon, where classic car club members will be doling out goodies. On Thursday, dig into a pumpkin pie-eating contest and costume party in Valley Center, or
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ELKS OKTOBERFEST
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2008 (El Cajon) – Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to 1975. “I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left), who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen. “This is why every year, they honor me.” Still radiant at
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION Oct. 19 for 6th EL CAJON INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBIT
Printer-friendly version By Jolene Crowley Sisters III by Sammy Pasto (El Cajon) – The public is invited to a free artists’ reception hosted by the St. Clair Gallery in East County Business Center on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 3-6 p.m. Nearly 200 pieces of art in all fine art categories will be displayed, including photography by 22 San Diego artists,
EAST COUNTY OKTOBERFESTS: WUNDERBAR!
Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (East County) – Time to get into the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and take to the streets for some old-fashioned celebrating at East County’s multiple Oktoberfests! Began in Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of royalty, Oktoberfests have since gained popularity worldwide. Below are details on our region’s oldest and biggest Oktoberfests, where you can savor
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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.
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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