East County Magazine
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
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
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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.
“STIMULUS CONCERT” HOSTED BY VALLEY MUSIC APRIL 19 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionApril 13, 2009 (El Cajon) – Valley Music invites the public to a “Stimulus Concert” on Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Donwtown Café, 182 Main Street in El Cajon. The program features appearances by award-winning San Diego performers, including Eve Sells, Berkley Hart, Crosswinds, Ronny Corbin & Pirate Radio, Mark Neill & Rian Greene and the
TRADITION AND CONCEPT BRIDGED: ART EXHIBITION APRIL 13-30; ARTISTS RECEPTION APRIL 14 AT HYDE ART GALLERY
Printer-friendly versionApril 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Art Council presents “Traditon and Concept Bridged”, a ceramic exhibition by two very accomplished artists, Joanne Hayakawa and Kouta Shimazaki. “To term this exhibition a ceramics exhibition is to pare this collection of artwork down to it’s most minimal definition,” the gallery’s announcement states. “Even to use the title “Tradition and Concept
LOCAL ARTIST AND AUTHOR CHARLAVAN PUBLISHES BOOK FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (El Cajon)—The indomitable spirit of Charlavan Baker Hart shines like a beacon of hope in her new book, Tit Tatts: Life After Breast Cancer. The El Cajon artist has owned four galleries, authored the newspaper column “Pearls”, produced Internet radio programs, worked as an image consultant and reaped rewards as a professional poker
WORLD’S BIGGEST TENT CIRCUS COMES TO EAST COUNTY: CARSON & BARNES BRINGS BIG TOP TO ALPINE, LA MESA & POWAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The 73rd edition of Carson & Barnes Circus will bring nearly 100 performers and a traveling zoo to East County in April, with proceeds helping to benefit local hosts. “From time to time, special opportunities take place that benefit everyone,” says Valerie Harrison, president of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, which
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS CONCERT: SUNDAY, APRIL 19 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 10, 2009 (El Cajon)—Grossmont Community Concert Association will present a Scholarship Winners Concert featuring performers honored by Music Scholarship Council. The concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19th at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas in El Cajon. “Come to hear gifted young musicians and be inspired and uplifted,”
SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT SANTEE LAKES
Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2009 (Santee)—Carnival rides, a petting zoo, crafts, food, inflatables and pony rides are among the attractions planned for “Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes” on Saturday, April 11th. Continuous egg hunts will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Egg hunts are limited to children eight and younger. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand—and “hoppy” to
O’DUNN FINE ART GALLERY OPENS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Ford Hutman Photo by Tim Thomas Pastelist Molly Lipsher, oil painter Jack Jordan, Paul Henricksen, La Mesa Chamber CEO Mary England, gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn, Mayor Art Madrid, Miss La Mesa Stephanie Packard, and Miss La Mesa Teen Katrina Schweitzer. March 29, 2009 (La Mesa)—Art aficionados flocked to the grand opening of O’Dunn Fine Art Gallery Thursday
HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free. The Easter bunny’s hut located in
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS
Printer-friendly versionWildflower Hike Planned April 16. April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will

REMINDER! JOIN THE FUN TONIGHT AT A “HOT TIME AT HOOLEYS” WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE!
Printer-friendly version August 12, 2009 – We sold out — but had a handful of cancellations so there are just a few tickets left for tonight’s "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine." Festivities are from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in Grossmont Center. Tickets cost $25 or $20 for Chamber of Commerce members or members of sponsoring organizations.
APRIL 2009 FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: PARTIES, A PARADE, RODEO, RIVER BLITZ AND MUCH MORE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Aloha! Viejas teams up with El Cajon to host a brand new festival on Saturday, April 4. The new "It’s 5’clock Somewhere Party" includes transformation of a downtown warehouse into an inland "beach" paradise complete with tiki bar, Hawaiian food and music by Shipwrecked, a Jimmy Buffet-style band. Also this
JESSE LAMONACA HEADLINES AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 1
Printer-friendly version Jesse LaMonaca April 1,2009 (El Cajon) — The Cuyamaca College Music Industry Studies program is proud to announce the Coyote Music Festival on May 1, 2009 on the grand lawn of Cuyamaca College. The event will feature 6 San Diego acts playing original music during the late afternoon concert: Jesse Lamonaca, Regina Leonard, Silent Lune, Goodnight Caulfield, Rhythm
LA MESA VILLAGE ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (La Mesa)–”Step back in time in La Mesa’s downtown village on Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Antique Street Faire. During the annual event,, La Mesa Boulevard is closed and antique dealers from far and wide set out their wares. Reminiscent of an old fashioned Midwest flea market, the event features
SPRING BREAK! WHERE TO HAVE FUN IF YOU’RE STAYING IN TOWN
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — With the economy in the tank, many college students are staying in San Diego over spring break. So after you get sunburned at the beach, what’s there to do for the rest of the week? Check out our guide to the coolest spots to have fun in San Diego’s eastern region.
THIS WEEK IN EAST COUNTY: DESERT IN BLOOM & MUCH MORE
Printer-friendly versionMarch 19, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–What’s up this weekend and next week? Plenty! Flowers are still in bloom in portions of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Stop by the visitor center for info on best viewing areas to view wildflowers; also ask for tips on where to spot bighorn sheep, including young lambs. There’s lots more coming up in
ALL ABOARD! SD LAS HERMANAS HOSTS CASINO FUNDRAISER ON RIVERBOAT
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Las Hermanas, a group of East County women who raise money for East County charities, is hosting Casino Night with the San Diego Las Hermanas Riverboat Queens on Friday, March 27. The spring fundraiser is being held aboard the William D. Evans Riverboat, launching from the Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay. The
OLAF WIEGHORST HISTORICAL HOME TO OPEN MARCH 19
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Miriam Raftery Olaf Wieghorst historic home March 11, 2009 (El Cajon) — Recently designated a historic site by the City of El Cajon, the long-time home of famed western artist Olaf Wieghorst will open to the public on Thursday, March 19th at 4 p.m. In an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, the artist’s
EL CAJON’S ANNUAL DANCE RECITAL IS BACK: MARCH 22 EVENT AT ECPAC INVOLVES THE YOUNG & YOUNG AT HEART
Printer-friendly versionMarch 12, 2009 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon Recreation Department will hold its much anticipated Annual Dance and Tumbling Recital at the East County Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 22, 2009, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This event has been a highlight in the City for over 20 years. This year’s recital, "Dance And Tumble–Through The
SDSU STUDENTS ORGANIZE ART RELIEF EVENT MARCH 14 TO BENEFIT KATRINA VICTIMS; PLAN TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS MARCH 28-APRIL 4.
Printer-friendly versionBy Matt Schauer March 8, 2009 (San Diego) — An Art Relief Auction on March 14th will raise funds to benefit College Students for New Orleans, a non-profit organization intent on rebuilding homes in New Orleans and restoring lives of people affected by Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Katrina. We travel to Louisiana four times a year with groups as
NEW ORLEANS JUST MIGHT BE THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Maia Neubig Maia Neubig is an SDSU senior who traveled to New Orleans on two separate occasions as part of the Art Relief effort. The best part about the trips are the people down there, they are some of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met in my life. They truly love and appreciate every one
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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