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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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.

California opens $2.5M in grants to reimagining State Parks through art and culture
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Sacramento) – Looking to literally bridge the gap between nature and the diverse communities of the state, California…

GUHSD Superintendent backs DA’s appeal against potential release of 2001 Santana shooter
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 10, 2026 (Santee) — Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte has sent a letter to District Attorney Summer Stephan expressing full support for her appeal of the San Diego Superior Court’s decision to grant a recall and resentencing hearing for Charles “Andy” Williams, the perpetrator of the 2001 Santana

A decade of dogs: Fido Fest celebrates 10th anniversary
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 10, 2026 (Santee) – It’s time to grab your canine friends and their leashes for the dogstravaganza that…

Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the…

Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the drawing board to the engineering phase. San Diego County officials are holding a public workshop later this month, inviting residents and other interested stakeholders to review design elements for the transformation of the Campo

Casa de Oro has new “House of Gold” mural, thanks to ArtReach and Casa de Oro Alliance
East County News Service February 8, 2026 (Casa de Oro) — The Casa de Oro Alliance and ArtReach celebrated celebrate the completion of a vibrant…

La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March
East County News Service February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) — With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation,…

San Diego poet shares secrets and solace of a psychotherapist in The Best Sex I Never Had
Book by Susan Black Allen Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 2, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego resident and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has written…

A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by

Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape

San Diego Automotive Museum to hold “Garage Night” fundraiser
Printer-friendly versionEvening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth East County News Service Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) — The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St.

The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026
Printer-friendly version Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026. The schedule includes educational opportunities,

New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions. From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first “New Moon Fishing” event of the year, offering a

Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’
Printer-friendly versionPhotos and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in

Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society
Printer-friendly versionPhoto from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) — Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society. Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS’ care

Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Printer-friendly version Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and

East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7
Printer-friendly version December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home. The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and

Destination East County: Dreamy December events to remember
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Listen to an audio version of this story. November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County! Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting

Artists from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to show off skills
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 28, 2025 (El Cajon) — The holiday spirit is already brightening up downtown El Cajon, with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and its Sophie’s Gallery again central to the vibe. Next month, St. Madeleine Sophie’s is inviting the community to meet and discover the creative talents of some of its artists while giving

Operation Masquerade: A Rent Beacham Mystery
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Larry M. Edwards Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 28, 2025 (San Diego) — Larry Edwards, a San Diego resident, has written another Rent Beacham mystery. San Diego journalist Rent receives information about a cold-case homicide in Washington State. His investigation leads him to investigate links between illegal disposal of hazardous waste from a San Diego boatyard in
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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