East County Magazine
WILD WEST LIVES ON AT WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS
Printer-friendly version Story by Miriam Raftery Photos and video by Khari Johnson June 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – History came alive at the eighth annual Western Heritage Days June 5-6 in El Cajon, where Buffalo soldiers, ladies with parasols and Laguna Mountain men roamed the streets. Entertainment also included Native American dancers, musical acts such as Tom Hiatt and the
FLYING HIGH: PILOTS TAKE WING AT GILLESPIE AIR SHOW
Printer-friendly version Story, photos and video by Khari Johnson June 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – Up to 10,000 people turned out to watch more than 20 different types of vintage planes as well as skydivers, historic re-enactors and pyrotechnics displays at Wings Over Gillespie last weekend. View ECM’s highlights from the event. The air show at Gillespie
CELEBRATE WORLD REFUGEE DAY WITH A 2K WALK AND SOMALI FAMILY SERVICE HEALTH FAIR JUNE 19
Printer-friendly version June 13, 2010 (City Heights) – A 2K fun walk will be held Saturday to promote refugee awareness and senior fitness, followed by the Somali Family Service Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City Heights Community Park, 3795 Fairmount Avenue. Savor ethnic food and entertainment, meet healthcare providers and local refugee/immigrant and nonprofit organizations,
POMERADO BRASS QUINTET – FREE CONCERT TODAY AT MISSION TRAILS
Printer-friendly version June 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – What could be more inspiring than a concert in a nature preserve? Pomerado Brass Quintet performs today at 2 p.m. in the Mission Trails Regional Park’s visitor ampitheater. The concert will feature light classical music, popular favorites and patriotic songs. A reception in the visitor center gallery will follow.
Barona 40th Annual Pow-Wow
Printer-friendly version June 12, 2010 (Lakeside) — Mark your calendars for the 40th annual Barona Pow-Wow on September 3-5. Over $60,000 in prize money will be given, and there will be contest dancing. All drums and dancers are welcome. Admission and camping is free. For more information call the Barona Tribal Office, (619)443-6612 ext 120. Printer-friendly
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: SYMPHONY AT THE LAKES JUNE 12
Printer-friendly version June 10, 2010 (Santee) – On June 12, Santee Lakes will come alive with the sounds of orchestral and jazz music. Young Artists Symphony (YAS) and the Santee-Lakeside Rotary are collaborating to present this special evening of music, dance, refreshments, wine and cuisine at the YAS Symphony at the Lakes. Musicians will perform in a recreational preserve beneath
WORLD FAMOUS STARS IN CONCERT JUNE 11 TO BENEFIT INDUSTRIAL ARTS AT EAST COUNTY SCHOOLS
Printer-friendly version Doyle Dykes and the Kruger Brothers to perform June 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – The East County EDC Foundation has teamed up with Taylor Guitar, Deering Banjo, and famed musical entertainers to raise funds for industrial arts programs in our region—such as a guitar-making course that gives students hands-on experience crafting musical instruments. Taylor and Deering, based in
SUMMER MUSIC & CULTURE FESTIVAL COMES TO EAST COUNTY AUGUST 8
Printer-friendly version June 10, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Celebrating East County’s multitude of cultures from around the world, the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Summer Music & Culture Festival. The event, which is free to the public, will be held Sunday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Water Conservation Garden at
JOIN THE GOOSE FOR TEA ON SATURDAY, JUNE 12
Printer-friendly version June 10, 2010 (El Cajon) — The third annual "Royal Tea & Fashion Show" benefitting the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade will be held Saturday, June 12th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon. Guests are invited to reserve a table and display your best tea set at
LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR FREE “MOVIES IN THE PARK” AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER
Printer-friendly version Season kicks off June 16 with Monsters vs. Aliens, wraps up with Avatar June 10, 2010 (Alpine) — The Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off its free “Movies in the Park” series on June 16 with a showing of the hit movie Monsters vs. Aliens. The season concludes this year with Avatar, the blockbuster that set new
WORLD CUP FEVER HITS EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version CALI COMFORT HOSTS VIEWING PARTY FOR OPENING SOCCER MATCH FRI. A.M. June 10, 2010 (Spring Valley) – The World Cup Soccer tournament kick off Friday, June 11 at 7 a.m. with a match between Mexico and South Africa.. Next up, game two on Saturday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. pits the U.S.A. vs. England. Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar in
A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND LITERATURE: JUNE 11 AT BORDER’S IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version June 9, 2010 (El Cajon) — Local author Ella deCastro Baron will read selections from her autobiographical book, Itchy Brown Girl Seeks Employment, with accompaniment by singer Malia Martinez and guitarist Graham Hadidian this Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Borders Bookstore in El Cajon. Baron’s book blends fiction and non-fiction including memoir, poetry, letters and narrative.The author, who

SERENI-TEA: SIPPING SELF SUCCESS
Printer-friendly version Sereni-Tea, By Dharlene Marie Fahl (Transformation Media Books, Bloomington, Indiana, 2009, 209 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore June 9, 2010 (San Diego) Author Dharlene Marie Fahl, a protégé of Mark Victor Hansen (Co-creator, #1 New York Times best selling series, Chicken Soup for the Soul), has an ambitious goal: to become Amazon’s next best-selling author. From

A FATHER’S DAY GIFT TO ALL DADS: AUTHOR, LIFECOACH TO APPEAR AT CALI COMFORT RESTAURANT JULY 20
Printer-friendly version Author Steve Tarde, who has taught sports visualization to top sports stars, will read from his book, Gift to My Dad, and sign copies of his book at a special Father’s Day event at Cali Comfort Restaurant, 8910 Troy Street, Spring Valley on July 20th at 3 p.m. Note: savor a free entree (with purchase of another) at Cali Comfort
JOIN US SUNDAY AT THE EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR!
Printer-friendly version FREE! Bridal fashion show, beauty treatments, vendors, music, & great prizes Win a honeymoon suite in Julian–or a night on the town with limo, paparazzi, and Johnny Depp look-alike “Sam the Pirate” June 5, 2010 (Fletcher Hills) — We’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate–and you’re invited to this fun, FREE event: EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR
WWII DOGFIGHTS, AERIAL STUNTS ALL PART OF 15th ANNUAL WINGS OVER GILLESPIE AIR SHOW JUNE 4-6
Printer-friendly version Up! Down! Flying Around. Looping The Loop And Defying The Ground. They’re All, Rightfully, Kings! Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines. June 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – On June 4, 5 & 6, Air Group One, the San Diego wing of the Commemorative Air Force will present their 15th annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show at Gillespie
BACK TO THE ‘50s CAR SHOW STARTS THURSDAY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version June 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – -Participants are revving up for La Mesa’s “Back to the ‘50s” car show, which will be held every Thursday night in June, July and August. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on La Mesa Boulevard in the downtown village of La Mesa. Cruising in classic cars (pre-1973) is
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION AT SACRED ROCKS RESERVE
Printer-friendly version May 29, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve RV park and campground invites you to an annual Memorial Day celebration. Don’t feel like roughing in a tent or RV? Other lodging options include rental cottages or a Western-style bunkhouse. “We have exciting new games like bocce ball and petanque, and as always, nature walks, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LA MESA LIBRARY!
Printer-friendly versionBy Kristin Kjaero May 26, 2010 (La Mesa) — Come one, come all and help the La Mesa Library celebrate its second birthday Friday, May 28 with an afternoon of music by Raggle Taggle (2:30 p.m.), refreshments (3:30 p.m.), Lego building (3:45 p.m.), and San Diego County Library Director José Aponte (2:30 –p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Since the La
FREE! FOLK MUSIC CONCERTS AT COUNTY LIBRARIES
Printer-friendly versionMay 25, 2010 (San Diego) — The new San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase offers a wonderful variety of some of San Diego’s very best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. These concerts are FREE to the community and include locations in East County. The following are upcoming concerts for June 2010. Charles Johnson Saturday, June 19 – 10:30 AM
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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.

CARMEN LUCAS, TRIBAL ELDER AND EDUCATOR, TO SPEAK IN ALPINE JUNE 8
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 27, 2025 (Alpine) – Carmen Lucas is a respected Kwaaymii Laguna elder, consultant, tribal monitor, educator and lifelong advcoate for Native American heritage preservation. She will be sharing her story, teachings and vision for the future of tribal cultural preservation at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 8 at the Alpine Women’s Club (2166 Alpine Blvd.

SPRING GARDEN AND BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 3
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 24, 2025 (El Cajon)—On May 3, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival returns at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. The event features plant sales nurtured by Cuyamaca College Nursery students as well as butterflies, live music, specialty garden-related vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The festival coincides with the college’s Coyote Music

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MARVELOUS MAY EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The merry month of May brings many special events including a trio of events at Cuyamaca College including the Coyote Music Festival, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, and a museum Arts and Crafts Fair. Food, wine and beer lovers can savor Vintage Alpine, a Taste of

NASHVILLE AMERICANA DUO- GOLDPINE AT THE BARN IN RAMONA MAY 23
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 19, 2025 (Ramona) – The Nashville Americana duo Goldpine, a husband and wife team, will perform at The Barn (344 Main St., Ramona) at 8 p.m., Friday, May 23. The duo won the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest and has performed at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and the Bristol Rhythm and Roots

WILD IN THE COUNTRY FUNDRAISER COMING MAY 17; GALA HELPS LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
Printer-friendly version Photo and story by Karen Pearlman April 19, 2025 (Alpine) – The permanent refuge for a bevy of rescued wild animals, Lions, Tigers & Bears isn’t your average animal sanctuary — so don’t expect its annual fundraiser to be anything but extraordinary. The Alpine-based nonprofit will welcome visitors to its big cats and bears haven for the annual

‘UNITED WE DREAM’ BAZAAR COMING TO EL CAJON IN MAY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 18, 2025 (El Cajon) — A special community event hosted by nonprofit License to Freedom will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 in El Cajon. The vibrant marketplace, called the United We Dream Bazaar, will feature handmade crafts, traditional food, cultural performances and small business booths run by refugee

SPRING HARP FEST RETURNS TO LA MESA APRIL 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you love harmonica music, head out to Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa this Friday, April 18. Spring Harp Fest takes place at Harry Griffen Park from10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music from many local harmonica players and groups. There’s also an unknown players

WHAT’S BREWING? SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 24
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 13, 2025 (Santee) – The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer returns May 24. This annual event features a beer garden featuring craft brews, wine and spirits, kids’ zones with carnival rides and games, live music and entertainment, plus over200 vendors showcasing local arrtisans and businesses. The event takes place from 10 a.m.

35TH ANNUAL VINTAGE ALPINE MAY 4 OFFERS TASTES OF LOCAL WINES, BEERS, AND FOOD
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 8, 2025 (Alpine) –You’re invited to the 35th annual Vintage Alpine on May 4 at the beautiful Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs. The event features tastes of over 40 wines as well as beers, samples from fine local restaurants and live music—all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of

Our guide to movie viewing options in San Diego’s inland region
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery San Diego’s inland region has a variety of cinema options, including several movie theaters (some with upscale options), outdoor movies in the park for six months each year, summer “dive-in” movies at a pool, and a desert film festival. Beyond popcorn, many local theaters also offer a wide array of foods and even alcoholic beverages.

MANZANITA SPRING RENDEZVOUS: MOUNTAIN MEN, PIONEERS AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery (Click image above to view flyer with sign-up details) April 10, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to join mountain men, fur trappers and pioneer families from the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous for “Shinin’ Times” that rewind back to the 1820s. The organization’s spring camp will be held May 2-10 at Northcote Ranch,2402 Lake Morena Drive in

Our guide to annual festivals in San Diego’s inland region
Printer-friendly version Each year, San Diego County’s inland communities host many special events and festivals that reflect our region’s colorful history, arts and music, cultural heritage, diversity, beautiful environment, and holiday celebrations. Parades, outdoor concerts and movies, country fairs, classic car shows, powwows, rodeos, Oktoberfests, ethnic events, wine and food tastings, seasonal and holiday festivities are just some of the

JOURNEY OF THE HEART: AUTHOR TANYA HARRIS HOSTS BOOK SIGNING EXPERIENCE AT KROC THEATRE APRIL 16
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 8, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Tanya Harris lost her 13-yeare-old son, Treyvon, who was struck by a car outside his school in Lemon Grove in 2019. Now she has authored a book, Journey of the Heart: Should I Stay or Should I Go?” The book recounts her soulful, faith-filled exploration of

LEMON GROVE HOSTS EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to hop on over to the Lemon Grove Recreation Center at 3131 School Lane, Lemon Grove for the city’s ninth annual Eggstravanza from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 19. Egg hunts with 10,000 eggs are scheduled by age group at the following times

LAKESIDE RODEO AND WESTERN DAYS EVOKE AREA’S COWBOY HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 4, 2025 (Lakeside) – A series of events in late April honor Lakeside’s Wild West heritage—include the Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside Western Days Parade, and a Western Days Breakfast. The 61st annual Lakeside Rodeo takes place April 24-27 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. Rodeos began as a way for cowboys to hone their skills. Lakeside

MONSTERS ON THE LOOSE: THE TRUE STORY OF THREE UNSOLVED MURDERS IN PROHIBITION-ERA SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionBy Richard Carrico Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego denizen and resident Richard L. Carrico pieces fragments of evidence together for cold cases, while shedding light on a dark chapter in San Diego’s history. Monsters on the Loose tells the tragic, true stories of three females who were murdered early in 1931: Virginia

DARK SIDE: TRUE STORIES FROM A TEENAGE POT SMUGGLER
Printer-friendly versionMemoir by Stu Stall Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 1, 2025 (San Diego) — Stu Stall, a life-long resident of Coronado, has released a second memoir — Dark Side: True Stories from a Teenage Pot Smuggler. The book is filled with tales of adventure, danger and betrayal. Stall’s life in his twenties seemed carefree — full of parties, women,

AUTHOR OF BOOK ON JOHN D. SPRECKELS SPEAKS IN LEMON GROVE APRIL 3
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 30, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s “History Alive” lecture series continues this Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. with local author Sandra Bonura speaking about her new book, Empire Building: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego. The event will be held at the H. Lee House in

LAMPLIGHTERS THEATRE PRESENTS BRIGHT STAR APRIL 18-MAY 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – Bright Star, a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40, takes stage at Lamplighters Theatre. The play opens April 18 and runs through May 19. Bright Star is inspired by a real event and featuring

TOWN HALL APRIL 9 ON PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 29, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Councilmember Laura Lothian will host a town hall community discussion on a battery storage facility proposed on El Paso St. The town hall will take place Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brew Coffee Spot, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd. Heartland Fire Chief Brent Koch, Heartland
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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