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.
THIS WEEK’S HOT EVENTS: OCT. 15-22, 2008 — PRO-AM GOLF, CRUISIN’ OLD HWY 80, GREEN JOBS FAIR, SYMPHONY CONCERT, SIDEWALK ARTS, CAMPO HARVEST FESTIVAL AND PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionTee off for a good cause at a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course this Friday. Proceeds benefit Home of the Guiding Hands, which provides shelter and services for mentally disabled people. HGH has a huge funding gap due to the California budget crisis. Speaking of driving, take a blast to the past by joining a
Weekly Events – October 6-14 THIS WEEKEND: ARRIBA! LA TOMATINA TOMATO FEST
Printer-friendly versionPlus Candidate Forums, Oktoberfest Parade, Hello Dolly and more By Miriam Raftery Borrowing a tradition from Spain (with a few Southern California twists), Tierra Miguel Farm in Pauma Valley is hosting La Tomatina – a tomato fest complete with authentic Spanish cuisine (bring your own paella), wine and beer tasting, live music and a tomato fling! Call ahead to
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) – Fall is prime time for festivals in East County. The tough part is choosing among so many fun-filled events. The air is crisp–and so are the ripe, juicy apples at Julian’s Apple Days October 4th and 5th. Savor apple cider and piping hot pies, or enjoy a horse-drawn
EXTRAORDINARY TIMES, EXTRAORDINARY ART
Printer-friendly versionBy Jolene Crowley October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Three local artists, Theresa Vandenberg Donche of Mt. Helix, Encinitas resident Reed Cardwell, and Igor Kautsenko of Fallbrook, will be displaying their latest work collectively entitled “Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Art!” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3911 Harney Street in Old Town. East County resident Vandenberg Donche was born
7 BANDS HOLD CONCERT TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS OCT 4
Printer-friendly versionROC For Fire Relief Concert and Fire Expo Helps Neighbors, Celebrates Heroes Saturday, October 4th, 2008 12:00pm to 10:00pm Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Lakeside www.rocsd.net Listen to music from the bands. October 1, 2008 (Lakeside) – “Relief is still needed in a serious way,” said Randy Seol of the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, a longtime San Diego resident who
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 21, 2008 (JULIAN) – “We’ve had at least 500 people here so far,” Dick Thilken, president of the Julian Lions Club said of the 38th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival on Sunday afternoon, September 21st. “Each day we’ve had six musical groups playing.” Besides officially scheduled acts, players from various areas joined in for some impromptu
FUN-FILLED FESTIVALS: SEPT. 12-30th
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Fall is in the air – the perfect time for an end-of-summer celebration or a visit to East County’s back country towns in the early days of autumn. Find details on these at many other events at our calendar, which covers all communities east of I-15. Julian Apple Days are here! Time to head up to
September Festivals
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Sept. 1, 2008 (East County)–We first planned to call this column Festival of the Month. But after discovering how many great events communities and groups are hosting in San Diego’s eastern region we changed the column name to tell you about as many fun-filled festivals as possible. Many are free, though some charge admission. Check out details
Celebrating 100 Years: Cleveland National Forest Centennial
Printer-friendly version Fiddlin’ Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks By Miriam Raftery A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest–a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events
Notes On Air – Tracy Lee Nelson
Printer-friendly version By Richard Noel Notes On Air is a monthly music column highlighting local artists, events, and other music-related news. In this month’s column, we talk with Tracy Lee Nelson, accomplished blues musician who is also tribal chairman of the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley. Nelson’s music places an emphasis on his heritage, bringing a Native American
Music Review – On an Island
Printer-friendly versionBreezin’ to the music of Charlie Imes By Libby Belle San Diego singer/songwriter Charlie Imes has captured the easy, breezy spirit of laid-back Southern California living on his new CD, On An Island. Imes and the Hodad Surf Club Band will perform at BonitaFest, a street festival in Bonita, on September 27th (see our calendar section for details). He
Artist Profile – The Unconventional Phebe Burnham
Printer-friendly versionBy Jackie Hanson “There’s a colorful character,” you might say to yourself upon seeing Phebe Burnham laughing and chatting at a local art event. If you guessed that she was one of the artists (or the artist, as is often the case) you’d be correct. Phebe Burnham is not only a source of local color, she is an acclaimed
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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