East County Magazine
ARTIST’S RECEPTION JULY 2 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version July 1, 2010 (La Mesa) – A reception for local artist Judith Burnett will be held Friday evening, July 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Foothills Gallery, where an exhibition of Burnett’s paintings and sculptures will be featured through August 4. Burnett’s daughter, guitarist Lauren Burnett, will provide musical entertainment at Friday’s reception. The Foothills
SPECIAL BUS & TROLLEY SERVICE INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND
Printer-friendly version San Diego – Those wanting to see the fireworks light up the sky on July 4 won’t have to worry about the hassle of traffic and parking. Metropolitan Transit Service (MTS) has extended service for the holiday. All three trolley lines will operate expanded service after the fireworks end–whether you’re heading to the beach areas or relishing 4th
ATTENTION DOG OWNERS! K-9S AND COCKTAILS WED. JUNE 30TH IN TIERRASANTA
Printer-friendly version June 29, 2010 (Tierrasanta) – Looking for a doggone fine place to take your canine companion—and socialize with other dog owners? Back by popular demand is “K-9s and Cocktails” night at Andiamo’s restaurant this Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. Bring your dog and enjoy happy hour drink specials on the patio. “It’s terrific,” waiter Daniel Comrie
MASTERWORKS EXHIBITION OF OIL PAINTINGS BY THE LATE STANISLAUS SOWINSKI OPENS WEDNESDAY AT O’DUNN FINE ART IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery June 28, 2010 (La Mesa) – “This is a wonderful opportunity for art collectors,” Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa, told East County Magazine. On Wednesday from 5-8 p.m., the gallery will host a reception and opening of a month-long exhibition of masterworks by Stanislaus J. “Stan” Sowinski, who died
POOL FLICKS & HOT KROC NIGHTS: COOL WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Among the most unique summertime activities in East County are the “Hot Kroc Nights” and “Pool Flicks” offered by the Salvation Army Kroc Center. You’ve heard of a drive-in movie…now you can enjoy a "dive-in" showing–or cool off with iceskating at an NFL-sized rink. Hot Kroc
$8,000 NEEDED TO SAVE 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS AT LAKE MURRAY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 28, 2010 (Lake Murray) — The Lake Murray Kiwanis Foundation needs to raise $8,000 more in donations and advertising sponsorships to hold the annual 4th of July event, which customarily features bands, fireworks, and family-friendly activities. The event was cancelled in 2004 due to lack of funding. Organizers hope to avoid a similar fate
KIDS FUN-ATHALON AND WILD 4TH OF JULY AT SACRED ROCKS RESERVE
Printer-friendly versionJune 27, 2010 (Boulevard, CA) — What could be more traditionally American then families having fun together? Celebrate the 4th in a wilderness weekend full of old-fashioned fun for the whole family at Sacred Rocks Reserve. Activities include a kids’ Fun-Athalon (swim, bike, run), stories of the Old West around the campfire, light stick parade, crafts, big bubble
LEMON GROVE LIBRARY HOSTS PRIDE CELEBRATION WITH AUTHORS, MUSIC, AND MORE
Printer-friendly version July 1, 2010 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove library is hosting a Pride Celebration on July 10 from 12-3 p.m. This festival is celebrating the local literature, music, dancing, and more that contributes to the rich culture of San Diego. The Pride Festival will host many popular authors, including Robert Heylmun, Eric Shanower, Walter G. Meyer, and
HEADS UP! PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE JUNE 26
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service June 21, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – In the early morning hours on Saturday, June 26, sky watchers in our region can see a partial eclipse of the moon, which is visible across much of North America, South America and Asia. You’re also invited to join syndicated “Stargazer” columnist Dennis Mammana
ROADSTER REFURBISHED BY LOCAL SHOP STUDENTS ROLLS OUT AT BENEFIT CONCERT: BUYER WANTED!
Printer-friendly version Videos showcase talents of Dykes and Kruger Brothers June 22, 2010 (El Cajon) – A full house packed a benefit concert held at Cuyamaca College to support shop programs at local high schools—including a guitar-making course and a class in which students rebuilt a classic roadster car. World-famous musicians Doyle Dykes and his daughter, Haley performed, along with the
OLDIES BUT GOODIES: THE LEGENDS OPEN FRIDAY NIGHT “CONCERTS ON THE GREEN” SERIES JUNE 25 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service June 18, 2010 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s 15th Annual Concerts on the Green begins Friday, June 25 with the Legends, who will perform their oldies music from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in downtown El Cajon. Ed Waymire returns as master of ceremonies. The temporary location for Concerts on the Green is
VROOOOOM! CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE SEASON OPENS JUNE 30
Printer-friendly version June 20, 2010 (El Cajon, CA) — The 2010 Cajon Classic Cruise opens Wednesday, June 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Main Street in the heart of historic downtown El Cajon. Admission is free to the Cajon Classic Cruise car show, featuring more than 500 classic, custom and hot rod cars and motorcycles valued at
EAST COUNTY’S LARGEST FREE HEALTH FAIR THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 19
Printer-friendly version June 17, 2010 (La Mesa) — The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce is organizing the East County’s largest free health fair, called Summer Healthcare Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, June 19, at the Grossmont Center shopping center, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., in La Mesa. The 10th annual event will feature free
NEW BOOK ON LA MESA KICKS OFF CITY’S CENTENNIAL
Printer-friendly version JUNE 17, 2010 (LA MESA) –The new book, La Mesa, highlights the history of the city in over 200 evocative historical images of notable events, institutions, landmarks and individuals in the area. The book marks the kick off of the 2012 City of La Mesa Centennial celebration, and all author proceeds are being donated to the
PAUL NICHOLS PERFORMS “EXTRAVAGANZA” FRIDAY AT GIO’S IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version June 17, 2010 – Paul Nichols will perform his “solo acoustic extravaganza” complete with guitar, vocals, foot stomping and harmonicas on Friday, June 18th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Gio Bistro & Wine Bar/Restaurant in La Mesa Village. Loyal readers of East County Magazine will recall this talented artist’s performances at our “On the Road with
LAKE MURRAY ORGANIZATION NEEDS TO RAISE $10,000 TO KEEP FIREWORKS EVENT
Printer-friendly versionJune 17, 2010 (San Diego ) — The Lake Murray Kiwanis Club is looking for donations to fund the Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest. All donations will be appreciated; large sponsors are offered advertising during the Music Fest. Donations can be made on Paypal, or sent to the Lake Murray Music Fest, P.O. Box 191522, San Diego
NEED WORK? FREE JOB FAIR TODAY
Printer-friendly version June 20, 2010 (El Cajon) — Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) will host a community job fair today from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in partnership with the East County Career Center and Cuyamaca College. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the student center at Cuyamaca College.900 Rancho Diego Parkway in
ANNUAL LA MESA FIREFIGHTER’S PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 19
Printer-friendly versionJune 17, 2010 (La Mesa) — Bring the family and join the La Mesa Firefighters for a morning of fun at their annual Pancake Breakfast, June 19 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Tickets, $5.00, will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and can be purchased at La Mesa Fire Stations or at the door the day of the breakfast. Breakfast
FATHER’S DAY CONCERT COMMEMORATES EAST COUNTY CHORAL LEADER HAROLD LUTZ
Printer-friendly version June 20, 2010 (San Diego) – The All Saints’ Episcopal Church Choir will present a free classical/sacred choral concert today at 4 p.m. in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 625 Pennsylvania Avenue in San Diego. The event is dedicated to the memory of Harold G. Lutz, an East County choral conductor, composer and educator. Lutz taught music,
BOOK REVIEW: THE BRACELET’S SAGA OF CHILD ABDUCTIONS HAS TIMELY RING
Printer-friendly version The Bracelet, By Charles A. Bonner (Verily Publishing Company, Sausalito, California, 2009) Book Review by Dennis Moore June 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Several years ago, my then 11-year old daughter, Brandy, escaped the clutches of a would-be child molester in Chicago, right after she had gotten off the bus from school. Heaven forbid, my daughter
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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.

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.
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