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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Oaks from Acorns Grow
Printer-friendly versionBook by Richard Opper Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks from Acorns Grow. It’s written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals. Mona Oakheart goes to Guam to find her leading porn
Save a life, honor a Legend at Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive on Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionLast year’s inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive hosted by the San Diego Blood Bank was in Mission Valley. This year’s Nov. 5 drive will be at Grossmont Center, in Walton’s hometown. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 30, 2025 (La Mesa) — The San Diego Blood Bank is calling on the community to
Pala Band of Mission Indians invites community to honor local heroes at Veterans Day celebration
Printer-friendly versionSource: Pala Band of Mission Indians October 29, 2025 (Pala) – The Pala Band of Mission Indians and Pala Veterans Program will honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans with a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors and remarks from guest speakers, followed by a
Little Black Dress event at Goodwill starts in November
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (San Diego County) — Goodwill Industries of San Diego County‘s Little Black Dress event featuring a custom gown by top designer Evan Hirsch is set to begin in November. Goodwill San Diego’s Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs,
Seven women honored at East County Chamber WILL event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (East County) — The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce awarded a group of top females from around the county last Friday at its 23rd annual Women in Leadership event. The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and
Events planned to support family of La Mesa Police officer killed in car crash
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) — At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa. The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil
Full Moon Walk in Anza Borrego’s South Palm Wash Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). “Experience the unique
Destination East County: Notable November Events
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – November brings numerous noteworthy events to East County, including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, an Antique and Craft Fair at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, the Wheel of Fortune live game show at Viejas in Alpine, the award-winning play Copenhagen at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, stargazing at
Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 18, 2025 (San Diego) – National award-winning author Ha Jin, who became a U.S. citizen after the Tiananmen Square uprising. explores themes of rebellion in China and the struggles of a Chinese student in America in his novel, Looking for Tank Man. His main character, Lulu, who is a young woman from China, attends
El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City by Richard Carrico
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 19, 2025 (San Diego) – History buffs will love Richard Carrico’s new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City. The book briefly covers San Diego area history before the first pioneers arrived. The author’s preview to European colonization is short but extensive. Richard Carrico’s greatest focus is upon the presidio
No Kings rallies across San Diego County and nation Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Organizers are predicting that this Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration against the “authoritarianism of the Trump regime” may be the largest yet, including over 2,500 sites in all 50 states as well as territories and other nations. Locally, a large rally is planned at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego
Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local filmmaker Michael Fanter. The film celebrates the community’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped “The Town with the Giant Lemon.” The event will take place at The
Olaf Weighorst Museum announces 1st annual fashion show fundraiser: ”Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy”
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 16, 2025 (El Cajon) – Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center will host its first annual Fashion Show Fundraiser – “Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy” on November 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature stunning designs of local artist and designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, whose WALA Collection
13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival set for Nov. 1
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 15, 2025 (Ramona) — The 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is heading to the Begent Ranch in Ramona on Saturday, Nov. 1. The popular event, set from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, will include wines and craft beverage tastings, all-day live
Hear our interview: Santee filmmaker Natalie Camou de Zavaleta talks about #1Bad Dad, her short comedy airing at the San Diego Film Festival
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope October 8, 2025 (Santee) – Natalie Camou de Zavaleta is a Santee resident and award-winning filmmaker whose short comedy, #1 Bad Dad, will be showing at the San Diego Film Festival, which runs October 18 and 19. ECM interviewed her for our radio show on KNSJ, 89.1 FM on her film, which explores the theme
Jewish Family Service hosts drive-thru food distribution for government workers on Oct. 15
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy Jewish Family Service East County News Services Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Jewish Family Service of San Diego has found another way to help those impacted by the United States federal government shutdown. The nonprofit that helps the entire community, along with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, is hosting a
Local children’s book author and filmmaker named finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Anat Tour, a children’s book author, singer, documentary filmmaker, and math teacher based in East County, has been named a finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards in the Education category. In addition to her writing and filmmaking, Anat is a passionate singer and host of East County
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents Copenhagen Oct. 17 – Nov. 9: The moment that changed the world
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – The Tony-award-winning play Copenhagen explores explores an explosive confrontation inspired by actual events that have intrigued and baffled historians for more than 50 years: a 1941 meeting between two brilliant physicists, Niels Bohr of Denmark and Germany’s Werner Heisenberg. The two men were long-time friends whose work together opened the way to the atomic bomb,
All that and pumpkins, too: 50 years and counting at Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy Family Christmas Tree Farm East County News Service Photo by Scott Lagace October 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Don’t let the name fool you — Family Christmas Tree Farm is geared up for Halloween, too. As autumn settles in over San Diego County, El Cajon’s Family Christmas Tree Farm has rolled out
Chili Cookoff Nov. 8 to benefit Circle TLC Ranch
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) — Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November. Dubbing itself “the best chili cook off in East County,” leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend. The
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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