East County Magazine
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION AT ST. CLAIR GALLERY JUNE 6
Printer-friendly version May 22, 2010 (El Cajon ) – The 19th El Cajon Invitational Art Exhibit and Artists’ Reception will be held on Sunday, June 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. View works of numerous artists and photographers, meet artists Barbara McVey and Cindie Wolf , and savor wine and cheese at the reception, which will be held

BOOK REVIEW: THE FRANKLIN SCANDAL
Printer-friendly version The Franklin Scandal, By Nick Bryant ( Trine Day LLC, Walterville, Oregon, 2009, 652 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore May 23, 2010 (San Diego) –Author Nick Bryant reveals a tragic and sinister tale of a nationwide pedophile ring that pandered children to a cabal of the rich and famous, stretching from Southern California to cornfields of Nebraska
ART FOR HAITI: LOCAL DOCTOR SEEKS GALLERIES, RESTAURANT & SHOP OWNERS TO SELL ART FOR QUAKE RELIEF
Printer-friendly version Donations, supplies also needed to help children who survived quake May 21, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat gives a grim update on the plight in Haiti. “Only a few people have received tents, tarps, or food to sustain them. Many are presently dying of disease, malnutrition, or simply checking out mentally or dying with a
EAST COUNTY’S BRIDAL AND BEAUTY FAIR DEBUTS SUNDAY, JUNE 6
Printer-friendly version Prizes include honeymoon stay at Angel’s Landing and bachelorette party with “Sam the Pirate” Johnny Depp celebrity look-alike May 21, 2010 (El Cajon) – Here come the brides! At last, East County has a one-stop-shop for wedding needs—as well as free beauty services, musical entertainment, prize drawings, raffle, auction, bridal gown modeling, and more. East County
SALUTE TO OLD GLORY: LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 5
Printer-friendly version May 24, 2010 (La Mesa) — On Saturday, June 5th beginning at 9:00 am, downtown La Mesa will dress up in red, white and blue for the 13th Annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade, ”A Salute to Old Glory." The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and marches through downtown La Mesa Village. Spectators will view over 75 entries, including
ROUND UP THE FAMILY FOR WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS JUNE 5-6
Printer-friendly version This year’s event includes a juried art show, exhibitions by women artists of the west May 19, 2010 (El Cajon) – Yee ha! Time to round up the family for one of East County’s favorite festivals, Western Heritage Days. Sponsored by the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians, this free festival celebrates our
ART IN THE GARDEN: MAY 21 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version May 18, 2010 (La Mesa) – Enjoy Art in the Garden this Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Gio Bistro Wine Bar. O’Dunn Fine Art and Bella Mesa Galleries will showcase artwork for sale, offering special pricing for art garden visitors. Also enjoy free wine-tasting, appetizers, and visiting with local artists and gallery owners. Premier East County oil
TOP DOGS WANTED: NOVELTY DOG SHOW JUNE 6 IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version May 16, 2010 (Alpine) – Attention all dog lovers! The Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club presents the 6th Annual Novelty Dog Show at10:00am, Saturday, June 6th, 2010 at the Viejas Outlet Center , 5005 Willows Road in Alpine. Canines of all shapes and sizes will be given a howling reception as they compete for the illustrious “Top Dog”
SANTEE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 10
Printer-friendly versionThe City of Santee’s annual Santee Summer Concert Series is set to bring high-energy performances for all ages. Concerts will be held at the Santee Trolley Square Amphitheater on Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., from June 10 through August 19. Here is the concert schedule: For more information, please call the City of Santee Special Events hotline at
MAKING MUSIC: INSTRUMENT DRIVE BENEFITS SAN DIEGO STUDENTS
Printer-friendly version Jazz 88.3 FM, Coles Fine Flooring Team Up to Collect Donated Instruments SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2010) – Music Matters has been a five-year duet to benefit students of San Diego and inspire future generations of musicians. Throughout May, Jazz 88.3 FM and Coles Fine Flooring are collaborating on their fifth annual Music Matters drive to collect musical
REVIEW: GAM3RS –“MADE OF AWESOME”
Printer-friendly version By Phyllis Mutta and Takayuki Higuchi “Hilarious and entertaining” – Takayuki Higuchi “This play is a must-see for everybody.” – Phyllis Mutta May 13, 2010 (San Diego) – ECM reviewer Walter G. Meyer’s new play, GAM3RS, opened May 7th at the Ion Theatre in Hillcrest off of 6th Avenue. This one-man show captures today’s contemporary life
CONCERT SERIES UNVEILED FOR DREAMCATCHER AT VIEJAS
Printer-friendly version May 12, 2010 (Alpine) – The DreamCatcher at Viejas Casino in Alpine announces a concert lineup featuring musical styles ranging from country to jazz, as well as rock, rhythm and blues. The series includes country legend Merle Haggard and other musical stars such as the Temptations, as well as a two-woman show, Vicki Lawrence and Mama, inspired by characters from
CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE FRIDAY MAY 15
Printer-friendly version May 10, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present a performance by Grossmont College Music Dept. classical guitar instructor Robert Wetzel starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Room 221 on campus. The public is invited to attend. The performance is a fund-raiser for the Grossmont College Guitar Guild. Admission is
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! SDSU STUDENT FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE & BENEFIT MAY 16
Printer-friendly version May 7, 2010 (San Diego) — A screening of four outstanding short films by SDSU student filmmakers will be presented, followed by a question and answer forum with the cast and crew, on May 16th. All contributions raised will enhance the SDSU Student Filmmmakers Scholarship Fund, providing cash awards for the best student films. The event will be held on
7th ANNUAL RIVER DAYS MAY 8, 9, 15 AND 16
Printer-friendly version Free Events Celebrate San Diego River and our Environment May 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The 7th annual celebration of the San Diego River is set for May 8-16. River Days 2010 will have over 40 events, including nature hikes and guided tours on local ecology and history, museum and native plant garden open houses, service projects
SUDANESE CENTER HOSTS FUNDRAISING EVENT SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version May 7, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego’s Southern Sudanese Community Center invites the public to a benefit event on Saturday, May 8 at 4 p.m. Sample Sudanese foods, enjoy live music, and help support the center’s many programs to assist newly-arrived immigrants and refugees from the Sudan. The Center is located at 4077 Fairmount Avenue
SANTEE STREET FAIR PROMISES FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Printer-friendly versionThe Santee Street Fair will be held May 29th, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on River View Parkway next to the Santee Trolley Square. There will be live bands and entertainment, rides, food vendors and a beer and wine garden. Entertainment includes Lindsey Spurlock, the Corvettes, Outta-Sync, Rockola, Blues 1-4-5 and Ramshackle. Canned goods will be collected to help
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF: JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER’S DAY, ONE MOM SPEAKS OUT ON GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN RECEIVE
Printer-friendly version Author will share her story and sign copies of Delivering Hope on Saturday May 1st in El Cajon May 1, 2010 (El Cajon) — Ten years ago, Pamela MacPhee offered to become her very own human biology experiment by carrying a baby for her cousin’s wife, who was devastated by infertility from cervical cancer. MacPhee successfully delivered a
COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL: FREE CONCERTS MAY 1 SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT
Printer-friendly version El Cajon, CA – The Cuyamaca College Music Industry Studies program will host the second annual Coyote Music Festival on May 1, from 12-5 pm on the lawn of Cuyamaca College. The free, all-ages event will present a wide range of musical styles including alternative rock, folk, Indie, metalcore, and rap. This year the festival has expanded
“THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH BUTTERFLIES” AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: 13TH ANNUAL SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL & GARDEN TOUR
Printer-friendly version Alpine’s Biggest Annual Festival to be held May 1 & 2, 2010 SAN DIEGO, Calif. – April 29, 2010 – Viejas Outlet Center will host Alpine’s biggest festival, the 13th annual Sage & Songbirds Festival & Garden Tour on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. The theme for this year’s event is “The Hills Are Alive
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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