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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KING’S VISION LAUDED AT LA MESA MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL:
Printer-friendly version Music, Dance, and Storytelling Highlight 13th Annual Event — VIEW OUR VIDEOS! Moreton Bay Fig Morris English Dance Troupe. By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) — "On Tuesday, we will celebrate a historic day–I never thought I would see the day when we would have an African-American president," Dr. Eugene R.
La Mesa Multicultural Festival Videos
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FORMS IN METAL EXHIBITION OPENS IN HYDE ART GALLERY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 14, 2008 (El Cajon) — To mark the 1st anniversary of the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Sculpture facility, the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College will host Forms in Metal , a group exhibition of contemporary metalwork from January 26-February 26; An opening event is scheduled for February 10th from 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will feature the
INAUGURATION CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY BALL– PUBLIC WELCOME
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery San Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending
FESTIVAL OF THE MONTH — MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN LA MESA CELEBRATES OUR REGION’S DIVERSE HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 8, 2008 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival on January 18th aspires to be an afternoon of civic pride and festivities for the family in a celebration honoring our community’s rich diversity of cultures and international traditions. The ceremony, held on Martin Luther King Day weekend, also honors the slain civil rights
SAN DIEGO YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 5, 2008 (San Diego) —The San Diego Young Artists Symphony (YAS), conducted by Mary Gerard and Hernan Constantino, performs at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature movie music from the Phantom of the Opera, Amadeus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry
OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S HOTTEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 28, 2008 — Looking to party hearty on December 31st? Here are our picks for the best places to ring in the New Year east of I-15. From a Chinese dragon parade to a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band bash, you’ll find it all in East County and San Diego’s eastern region.
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization.
KRUGER BROTHERS CONCERT IS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Printer-friendly version By Jackie Hanson Photos by Gian Vaitl December 10, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’ve heard of the Kruger Brothers, then you’ve likely heard the superlatives used to describe their music: sublime, inspiring, sheer genius… (the list goes on). If you’ve been fortunate enough to actually hear the Kruger Brothers live, you’ll realize that words pale
KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 6, 2008 (San Diego) — A series of events commemorating Kwanzaa have been announced, including several in San Diego’s eastern region. The 18th annual Pan-African Associations of America Umoja Day program will take place December 26th at the Malcolm X Library located at 5148 Market Street in San Diego. This a day long event and includes an adult
Armchair Impressionists Exhibition December 1- 31, 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Tammy Lawhead December 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — The Armchair Impressionists, including Jeffrey Graham, Rustin Holec, David Lawhead, Karen Marsh, and William Marsh, will feature their paintings December 1 – 31, 2008 at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego; El Cajon, CA. Please join them at the Artist’s Reception, December 7th from 2 –
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
KRUGER BROTHERS TO PERFORM CONCERT & HOST WORKSHOP AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE DEC. 5
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (El Cajon) — Kruger Brothers will perform an exclusive concert at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the National Endowment for the Arts Artistic Excellence Award for their “Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra”, the Kruger Brothers’ music combines
HOTEL CASSIOPEIA
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Kathy Carpenter Now showing at the Don Powell Theatre at the San Diego State University campus, through December 7, 2008. Sundays 2:00 p.m. all other days 8:00 p.m. For ticket information call 619-594-6884 or check online at www.theatre.sdsu.edu. Charles L Mee’s Hotel Cassiopeia follows the American collage artist Joseph Cornell. Cornell’s dreamlike abstract art is the theme
COOL! OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held
MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS – A STAR-STUDDED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals takes place this Sunday, November 23rd. The Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi. This year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of
HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK
Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and
WEEKEND HALLOWEEN SCENE & MORE EAST COUNTY EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionFor a frightfully good time this week (not to mention satisfying your sweet tooth cravings), you’ll find plenty of Halloween haunts in East County. Start with Wednesday night’s “Trunk or Treat” in El Cajon, where classic car club members will be doling out goodies. On Thursday, dig into a pumpkin pie-eating contest and costume party in Valley Center, or
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ELKS OKTOBERFEST
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2008 (El Cajon) – Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to 1975. “I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left), who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen. “This is why every year, they honor me.” Still radiant at
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION Oct. 19 for 6th EL CAJON INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBIT
Printer-friendly version By Jolene Crowley Sisters III by Sammy Pasto (El Cajon) – The public is invited to a free artists’ reception hosted by the St. Clair Gallery in East County Business Center on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 3-6 p.m. Nearly 200 pieces of art in all fine art categories will be displayed, including photography by 22 San Diego artists,
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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