East County Magazine
KICK OFF YOUR SHOES! GRAPE STOMP AT ORFILA AUG. 28
Printer-friendly version August 26, 2010 (San Pasqual) — Orfila Vineyards in San Pasqual invites you to celebrate the fruits of their labors at its annual Grape Stomp from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, August 28. Tickets ($85 each) include dinner, wine-tasting reception with hors ‘de oeuvres, live music, tractor rides, and of course, stomping of the grapes. Reserve early, as this event
COMEDY NIGHT & WINE TASTING AT THE VINE
Printer-friendly version August 26, 2010 (Alpine) – It’s comedy night at The Vine in Alpine on Friday, August 27 at 9 p.m. This month’s comedians include headliner Patrick DeGuire, as well as Graci Stumpf, Willy Wilson, and Josh Lawson—with a cover charge of just $7. How do you top that act? On Saturday, August 28 from 4-7 p.m., the
LANTERN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES VIETNAMESE CULTURE IN CITY HEIGHTS AUG. 27-29
Printer-friendly version By Ray M. Wong August 25, 2010 (City Heights) — Phong Huynh came to the U.S. as a refugee with his family from Vietnam in 1990 at age 12. One of his fondest memories of the country where he spent most of his childhood is the Mid-Autumn Festival called “Tet Trung Thu” celebrated every year. He
A CONVERSATION WITH LOCAL FILMMAKER VERNON MORTENSEN
Printer-friendly version The Kid: Chamaco, which he produced, opens Friday for a one-week engagement By Brian Lafferty August 26, 2010 (El Cajon)–“The quality of writing will get you through the door,” says East County film producer Vernon Mortensen. His newest film, The Kid: Chamaco, opens Friday for a one-week showing at the Reading Gaslamp. “To get to the door, half
STONEY’S KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY AUG. 26 AT SYCUAN
Printer-friendly version August 23, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Stoney’s Kids invites you to a birthday party this Thursday, August 26th from 5:30 to 8:30 on the lawn at Sycuan-Singing Hills in El Cajon. This free event honors founder Stoney Stone’s 85th birthday and brings together East County’s business, community and education leaders to benefit the health and welfare
LES MISERABLES DEBUTS AUG. 27-29 AT KROC CENTER THEATRE
Printer-friendly version August 20, 2010 (San Diego) – The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Verge Teen Theatre company will present Les Miserables School Edition, the first show for this teen-organized theatre company. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Miserables is set in France during the early 19th century. It focuses on the lives of several characters, including Jean Valjean,
NIGHT OF A THOUSAND LAUGHS: AUG. 21 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version August 19, 2010 (Spring Valley) — Does your funny bone need tickling? Young Actors Theatre invites you to bring the whole family for a performance by well-known comedy magician/ventriloquist Steve Taylor and his ventriloquist characters Alli The Crocodile, Pokey The Possum and Rudy O’Riley. Attendees are featured on stage with Steve as he selects a member of the
BOOK REVIEW: SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS
Printer-friendly version Shadows & Reflections, By Lori Brookes, (Blurb Creative Publishing Service, 2010, 31 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore August 15, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — If ever a picture was worth a thousand words, San Diego author and photographer Lori Brookes’ book, Shadows & Reflections, says it all. Her compilation of pictures taken along the River
A CENTURY OF NAKED LADIES
Printer-friendly version Revealing art exhibit Aug. 18-Sept. 26 August 13, 2010 (La Mesa) – O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa unveils “A Century of Naked Ladies”, kicking off the month-long exhibition with a special celebration August 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. “These artists offer their interpretation of the female form: lush, humorous, pitiless, or compassionate,” says gallery owner
BIG DADDY ORCHESTRA HEADLINES HEART OF MT. HELIX AUG. 14
Printer-friendly version August 11, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – Tickets are now on sale for the third annual HeART of Mt. Helix on Saturday, August 14 from 5:30-10 p.m., billed as “the event of the summer at the top of the hill.” Big Daddy Orchestra will headline this year’s event, which also features musical vignettes, wine tasting with Artesa Winery, art,
MIRACLE-MAKER SUNSHINE HORTON HOSTS DANCE-A-THON FUNDRAISER AUG. 13-14 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service August 7, 2010 (El Caon) – Sunshine Horton has been a “Miracle Maker” for Rady Children’s Hospital for 16 years, winning the “Most Creative Miracle Maker Award” in 2010. This year, she invites the public to her 16th annual birthday fundraising event, which includes a dance-a-thon and fashion show hosted by the Downtown Café, (182 East
SHOW TIME! MOVIE NIGHT AT ALLIED GARDENS
Printer-friendly version August 6, 2010 (Allied Gardens) — Bring your blankets and beach chairs for free movie night at the Allied Gardens Community Park 5155 Greenbrier, on Saturday, August 7th. A showing of the family-friendly movie "Madagascar, Escape 2 Africa" will begin at dusk. The movie showing is sponsored by Allied Gardens Recreation Council in partnership with www.navajoevents.com. Patrick Henry High School’s band will
SUMMER MUSIC & CULTURE FESTIVAL TO ROCK RANCHO SAN DIEGO SUNDAY
Printer-friendly version August 5, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – “This has been a very big undertaking,” Valerie Harrison, president of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, said of the first-ever Summer Music & Culture Festival set for this Sunday, August 8 starting at 11 a.m. in the Water Conservation Garden. “The Chamber has been working on this for nearly
JULIAN STARFEST AUGUST 5-8
Printer-friendly version East County News Service August 5, 2010 (Julian) – The public is invited to an annual stargazing party and astronomy exhibition held on new moon weekend each August under the dark skies of Julian, amongst the grape vines and apple orchards of the Menghini Winery. Venus, Mars and Saturn will be within a 5-degree circle just after sunset, with
BOOK REVIEW: BAREFOOT IN BAGHDAD
Printer-friendly version Barefoot in Baghdad, By Manal M. Omar (Sourcebooks, Naperville, Illinois, 2010, 242 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore Barefoot in Baghdad is a Muslim American Woman’s Story of Struggle, Sisterhood, and Love in the Chaos of Iraq July 29, 2010 (San Diego) — Manal M. Omar, author of Barefoot in Baghdad, an international aid worker from
ALOHA! ANNUAL LUAU IN DESCANSO AUGUST 1
Printer-friendly version July 30, 2010 (Descanso) — A Hawaiian vacation is the grand prize at an annual luau hosted by Chapel of the Hills Community United Methodist Church (www.chapelofthehills.org) on Sunday, August 1st from noon to 4:00 p.m. All are invited to the Hawaiian-style pit-barbequed pork dinner. Music and authentic Pacific Island dance entertainment, carnival games and door prizes round out
POLITICS IN PARADISE: AUGUST 20
Printer-friendly versionJuly 28, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual “Politics in Paradise” event on August 20 from 6-9 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden. The bipartisan program provides voters in East County with the opportunity to hear from legislators representing them in Washington, in Sacramento, and at the County
40th Annual Ramona Country Fair July 29-August 1
Printer-friendly version July 28, 2010 (Ramona) – If you thought the only place to find carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, Midway games, live music, local crafts and fair food was Del Mar, think again! Ramona’s 40th annual country fair has all of this and more –and admission is free! (There is a fee for ride tickets.) This event also includes such
PINE VALLEY DAYS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS ON JULY 30- 31
Printer-friendly version July 28, 2010 (Pine Valley) – The 40th annual Pine Valley Days takes place on July 30th and 31st in this normally quiet mountain town in East County to benefit charitable causes supported by the Mountain Empire Mens Club. Two full days of activities include a parade, rides, barbecue dinner, live music and dancing. The Pine Valley parade
MUSIC, MAGIC, & MORE AT SUMMER MUSIC & CULTURE FESTIVAL AUGUST 8
Printer-friendly version July 20, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Where can you see a snake charmer and fire dancers, sample foods from around the world, savor music and dancing by top performers, enjoy beer and wine gardens, find face-painting for kids and a mesmerizing magic show—all free? Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce invites you to the first-ever Summer
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Post-Thanksgiving fun with big cats and bears at LTB
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo by Karen Pearlman Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) — While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine. Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will
San Diego County Assessor’s Santee office hosting free archives celebration Saturday, Oct. 4
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 27, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) will host an American Archives Month Celebration to highlight San Diego County history from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the ARCC’s East County office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. Admission is free. The event will include exhibits and tours of the county
The Conrad Prebys Foundation grants more than $13 million to local groups
Printer-friendly versionPhoto by Hana Tobias for transcenDANCE East County News Service Sept. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) – With cuts in federal and state funding putting many arts organizations and cultural institutions at risk, along with as local budget shortfalls, donor fatigue and inflation woes, grants from outside agencies have grown more important than ever for many groups. Leading the
New blockbuster set in Borrego already a big hit in San Diego County
Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Zach Pope, Youtube screenshot September 24, 2025 (San Diego) – It doesn’t arrive in theaters until Friday, but a new blockbuster movie generating Oscar buzz has already been a big financial hit for San Diego County. “One Battle After Another,” a new Warner Bros. movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio
Bonitafest melodrama “Here Comes the Sun” recalls ill-fated attempt to silence Southwestern’s student newspaper
Printer-friendly versionSource: Bonitafest Photo: campus police officer threatens to arrest the newspaper faculty advisor for refusing to turn over students in the 48th annual Bonitafest Melodrama “Here Comes The Sun,” based on the true story of the 2010 South Bay Corruption Scandal story broken by Southwestern College journalism students. Pictured (l-r) Randy Phillips, Ella Aldridge, Dalia Candelario, Alec Zelaya, Kloie Blunt-Coleman, Sofia
Destination East County: October outings
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — October brings Oktoberfest celebrations in La Mesa and El Cajon and Borrego Days in the desert, as well as an array of spooky events such as a haunted circus, haunted trails in county parks, a Day of the Dead celebration, Hauntfest on Main in El Cajon, a
Top hat and tails is theme of La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes Oct. 8
Printer-friendly version September 19, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces its 15th annual Salute to Local Heroes, which will incorporate the theme “Top Hat & Tails” This night celebrates local heroes, recognizes the incoming Chamber Board of Directors, includes a silent auction, raffles and more. This event will be held on October 8 from 5:30
Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (San Diego) — The free two-day Adams Avenue Street Fair, considered San Diego’s favorite music festival, and attended by more than 50,000 people in Normal Heights, is happening this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21. Presented by San Diego Foundation, the 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair features 75 musical
HauntFest Headed to El Cajon in October
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (El Cajon) — Spooky fun is coming to downtown El Cajon with the annual HauntFest in October. The community-centered event that typically draws more than 20,000 people, is set for 4 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. The city says that the annual free Halloween block party is the largest
Lemon Fest coming to St. John of the Cross this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The annual St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish Fall Festival, the Lemon Fest, is coming to the church on Broadway this weekend. The community event, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature a car show
Church hosts Compassion Experience Sept. 19-21 on global child poverty
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Compassion Experience participants step into the global mission field without leaving the country. September 17, 2025 (San Diego) — College Avenue Church in San Diego will host Compassion Experience, an immersive experience transporting visitors to vulnerable communities where Compassion International works on Sept. 19-21. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire compassion and action for
Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion. Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m.,
Aaaaaaahs in Santee: The Wizard of Oz Coming to the Community Park
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept.15, 2025 (Santee) — Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh My! The city of Santee is hosting a free outdoor screening of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz later this month. In a partnership with the County of San Diego’s Summer Movies in the Park series — presented by San Diego
Celebration of archaeology in the desert coming in November
Printer-friendly versionKumeyaay native plant presentation by Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretative Center. Photo by Laurie Brindle East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — Get ready for some adventures in artifacts. California State Parks and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society are getting set for “Archaeology Day” in November. Archaeology Day is a family-friendly event that celebrates the
September events in the Anza-Borrego Desert
Printer-friendly version Photo of people checking out the Anza Borrego Desert courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — It’s September — and that means the heat is on in the Anza-Borrego Desert. With average daily high temperatures in the mid-90s°F and above, Borrego Springs will likely be too hot for comfortable
Sycuan Powwow Sept. 12-14 brings together tribal members from across nation
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2025 (Sycuan) – Tribal dancers from across the nation will participate in the annual Sycuan Powwow September 12-14 at the Sycuan reservation in rural East County. The event also features a bird singer contest and grand entry processions, as well as Native American arts and crafts vendors. The powwow area is next to
Downtown El Cajon’s 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk Returns September 12th
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue. Hosted by
Rare Collection: the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Display at the Wieghorst Museum
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching. September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October
Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to
Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of
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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