East County Magazine
SPECIAL MISSION: BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 19, 2010 (San Diego) – A procession of around 100 visitors accompanied by their pets lined up yesterday morning outside the San Diego Mission de Alcala. The faithful and the curious turned out for the Blessing of Animals, a tradition started by St. Francis of Assisi in the 1200s. The custom was practiced in
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF: A TERRIBLE MISTAKE
Printer-friendly version A Terrible Mistake, The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA’s Secret Cold War Experiments, By H.P. Albarelli, Jr. (Trine Day, LLC, Walterville, Oregon, 2009, 826 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore Who Was George Hunter White? The author of this best-selling true-life thriller implicates former southern California Border Patrol agent, journalist and intelligence operative in the
COMEDY CLUB ACT OPENS TO FULL HOUSE IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version Fun Continues Tonight at Gio’s with more headliner comics By Miriam Raftery July 18, 2010 (La Mesa) – Brew-Ha-Ha’s first weekly comedy show upstairs at Gio Bistro and Wine Bar in La Mesa opened to a sold-out crowd last Sunday night. The act proved a rollicking success—artfully blending universally funny jokes with some East County-oriented punch lines. Brew Ha Ha
WATER-WISE PLANTS FOR THE SOUTHWEST: A WISE ADDITION FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF
Printer-friendly version Review by Miriam Raftery July 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Thirsty for ideas to use less water yet still have attractive landscaping? Water-Wise Plants for the Southwest (Cool Springs Press, 2010) offers a wealth of practical solutions ideal for homeowners in San Diego County, where drought, cutbacks in water supplies and rising water
SHOWTIME! OUTDOOR MOVIES DEBUT AT COUNTY PARKS
Printer-friendly version July 17, 2010 (San Diego) – Looking for some summertime family fun? San Diego County has announced “Movies in the Park” at parks and pools countywide. Grab your beach chairs, beat the heat, and head out to a park near you—including numerous locations in East County. In San Diego’s eastern regions, locations include Lemon Grove’s Recreation Center, Lindo
AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR READS AT BORDERS JULY 23
Printer-friendly version SAN DIEGO, CA July 23, 2010 Meet author Gary Winters, of The Deer Dancer, Friday evening as he gives a presentation and signing for his powerful novel, The Deer Dancer, at Borders Books and Music in El Cajon. The author will speak briefly about the process of writing this novel, read from his book, and take questions.
OLÉ! NOVAMENCO FLAMENCO CONCERT JULY 24
Printer-friendly version July 12, 2010 (El Cajon) – NovaMenco, San Diego’s acclaimed flamenco fusion group, will perform July 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the new shaded ampitheater at the Water Conservation Garden. NovaMenco’s flamenco guitar style blends rhythms of pop with echoes of ancient Byzantines for a modern Mediterranean sound. Flamenco dancers will enhance the evening’s excitement. Wines
RIDE ‘EM COWBOYS: BULLS ONLY RODEO JULY 16-17 IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version July 11, 2010 (Lakeside) – Bull-riding has been called “the most dangerous sporting event in America” by Sports Writers of America. On July 16-17, the Lakeside Optimist Club will host the 12th annual Bulls Only Rodeo at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. In addition to bull-riding, the event will also feature other rodeo events such as wild horse racing
SPECIAL EVENT OPENS AUG.7 TO COMMEMORATE FAMED ARTIST LORA WOODHEAD STEERE, FOUNDER OF IDYLLWILD ARTS
Printer-friendly version Nobel Laureate to join historians and musicians honoring legendary So-Cal artist, a former San Diego Art Guild member "So fitting and so overdue to pay tribute to Lora’s life and myriad contributions as a pioneering artist, naturalist, and community builder; who sculpted lives as consciously and creatively as she molded clay.”- – Lora’s grandson John E. Steere Jr.
MEDITERRANEAN FEAST & MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT MIXER JULY 30, 2010–FREE!
Printer-friendly version July 9, 2010 (College Area) – What could be better than a free feast, music, and partying with East County Magazine? You’re invited to our “Midsummer Night Mixer and Mediterranean Feast” to welcome our region’s new restaurant, Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie in the College area. This free event will be held on Friday, July 30th from
FREE SUMMER MOVIES IN LA MESA JULY 16 AND 30
Printer-friendly version July 8, 2010 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa is offering two free summer movie nights. The movies are shown on large screens, providing family entertainment under the stars. Now you can enjoy a "dive-in movie" while swimming or floating, or relish a movie in the park at dark. “Dive-in-Movie” features “UP” on Friday, July 16th
HIT THE ROAD, JACK! WEEKEND DRIVER AUTHOR TO APPEAR IN LA MESA JULY 22
Printer-friendly version July 8, 2010 (La Mesa) — What does author Jack Brandais do when he’s not busy being the media spokesperson for the San Diego Unified School District, writing a driving column, or reviewing new cars? He hits the weekly Back to the 50’s car show in La Mesa! On July 22 at 6 pm, he’ll be signing copies
FESTIVAL OF THE BELLS RINGS OUT AT SAN DIEGO MISSION JULY 16-18
Printer-friendly version Long before the Internet or cell phones, mission bells served as major means of communications. Tone sequences announced times for work, meals, mass and siestas. Bells guided travelers along El Camino Real (the King’s Highway), signaled danger, honored the dead, and pealed to celebrate joyous feast days, weddings and fiestas. July 6, 2010 (San Diego) – Tucked away just east of I-15,
ON THE PROWL: ALLEY CAT SUMMER FEST JULY 9
Printer-friendly version July 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – On Friday, July 9th, fans of art, music, wine and classic cars will be prowling the streets of downtown El Cajon for the 5th annual Alley Cat Summer Fest. The event, which many consider to be the “cat’s meow,” is presented by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to benefit Sophie’s Art
ARRIBA! FLAMENCO NIGHT AT ANDIAMO JULY 10
Printer-friendly version July 5, 2010 (Tierrasanta) – The Malamañas will present a fusion of Flamenco and romantic Latin music with Spanish guitars and vocals on Saturday, July 10th at Andiamo Riestorante in Tierrasanta starting at 5 p.m. The restaurant will feature a fixed-price “Sunset Special” menu at $29.95. The three-course menu includes Caesar classic salad or soup of the
JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT OPENS JULY 7
Printer-friendly version July 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – C. Hook Theater will present Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat July 7-10. C. Hook Theater productions are held at the Performing Arts Center at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center, 6845 University Avenue in San Diego (one block west of 70th Street). The musical production
CELEBRATE THE FOURTH WITH A BANG!
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 2, 2010 — Ready for a fun and festive Fourth of July? No need to fight traffic at the beach areas. East County has many patriotic celebrations including parades, free concerts, and several fireworks displays. Check out our guide below! El Cajon Kennedy Park Picnic & Fireworks The City of El Cajon
NEED SOME LAUGHS? BREW HA HA WEEKLY STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW COMES TO EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version July 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – Brew Ha Ha "Sunday Night Comedy" opens July 11 at Gio Bistro and Wine Bar, 8384 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa’s downtown village. The weekly performance will be the first of its kind in East County, according to producers. Brew Ha Ha Comedy has been making people laugh with shows since November 2009
THE SHOW WILL GO ON! LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS & MUSIC FEST SAVED
Printer-friendly version BAND SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED East County News Service July 2, 2010 (Lake Murray) – It’s official! Fourth of July fireworks show and Lake Murray Music Fest will be held. While $3,000 is still needed to cover expenses for East County’s biggest Independence Day extravaganza, organizers announce that the show will go on—much to the community’s delight. Entertainment starts at noon
SEUSSICAL, THE MUSICAL! PRODUCTION DEBUTS JULY 9 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version July 1, 2010 (Spring Valley) Young Actors Theater (YAT) will present Seussical, the Musical at the Encore Theater, 9620 Campo Road in Spring Valley, July 9-11 and July 16-18. Based on writings of Dr. Seuss, the production is suitable for audiences of all ages. The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a
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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