East County Magazine
CONSERVATION IN BLOOM: REAP REWARDS AT SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL APRIL 24
Printer-friendly version Event highlights water conservation, cultural conservation, and Cuyamaca College’s biggest plant sale of the year April 3, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) — On Saturday, April 24, from 9am-4pm, Cuyamaca College’s campus will bloom with activity as three of its on-campus venues—the Ornamental Horticulture Department, the Water Conservation Garden, and the Heritage of the Americas Museum—invite the public
EASTERN EUROPEAN VOCAL CONCERT AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version April 3, 2010 (El Cajon)– KITKA, an Oakland-based ensemble that specializes in Eastern European vocal traditions, will perform at Cuyamaca College on Friday, April 16, at 7:30pm in the Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for seniors and students. The Cuyamaca College Foundation and the San Diego Center for World Music are co-sponsoring the
THEY’RE OFF! EASTER EGG HUNTS ABOUND IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version April 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a fun and festive place to take the kids on an Easter Egg hunt this weekend? Here are our picks for some special places to let the kids run wild. Besides hunting for eggs, youngsters can also enjoy carnival rides, pony rides, rock climbing, games, crafts, and viewing
COMMUNITY WEIGHS IN ON EL CAJON’S PLANS FOR THEATER
Printer-friendly version Can theater be key to downtown revitalization? April 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – At a community forum Tuesday, dozens of East County residents turned out to hear details of a proposed plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The conceptual business plan, prepared by consultant Kurt Swanson, calls for the City to takeover management of
BIGGEST HARMONICA PARTY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY: SPRING HARP FEST XI APRIL 3 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version April 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – Groove to the sounds of blues harmonica at Spring Harp Fest XI, April 3rd at Harry Griffen Park ampitheater in La Mesa from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. The benefit event is free to the public, though donations are welcome. Proceeds in past years helped purchase 3,000 harmonicas for kids
HOP TO THE FREE KROC HOP BUNNY DROP
Printer-friendly version April 1, 2010 (San Diego) – On Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Kroc Center will host its seventh annual free Easter Egg hunt and festival. Over 1,500 local children are expected to enjoy visits and photos with the Easter bunny, as well as pony rides, bounce houses, arts and crafts, a rock climbing
RUNNERS & WALKERS INVITED TO JOIN 44th Annual El Cajon 20K ON APPRIL 3
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2010 (El Cajon)–The 44th annual El Cajon 20K race will be held on Saturday, April 3. The 12.4 mile course starts and ends at Granite Hills High School, located at the corner of Madison Avenue and 4th Street. The event kicks off starting at 6:30 a.m. for walkers and race walkers, and at 7
CRAFTS, HORSES ADDED TO EAST COUNTY GARDEN TOUR APRIL 24
Printer-friendly version March 30, 2010 (El Cajon)–Six unique gardens are featured in the Friends of East County Arts, Inc. 15th Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two of the star attractions on this year’s tour are ‘Ali,’ a strapping three-year-old Clydesdale horse born the day prior to the 2007 garden, tour and
EL CAJON UNVEILS PLAN FOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: PUBLIC COMMENT TUESDAY AT 1:30 PM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 29, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon has issued a proposed business plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The proposed plan calls for the City to take back management of the facility, dramatically remodel the theater, then bring back headliner stars as entertainment. A City Council
DANCE & TUMBLING RECITAL SUNDAY MARCH 28
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon’s recreation department holds its annual Dance and Tumbling Recital, “Under The Big Top!” at the East County Performing Arts Center this Sunday, March 28, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. “It promises to be a day of amazing performances by the students in the
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW: LA MESA ANTIQUE FAIR SUNDAY MARCH 28
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa hosts its Antique Street Faire on Sunday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once a year, La Mesa Boulevard is closed in the downtown village, while antique dealers from far and wide display their wares. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned Midwest flea market, the event also features live
CAN YOU CATCH A WHOPPER? CATFISH SEASON OPENS AT SANTEE LAKES APRIL 17
Printer-friendly version March 23, 2010 (Santee) – Barona Valley Ranch Resort announces a catfish catching contest at Santee Lakes. The season starts April 17 and runs through October 31st. This year, the lakes have been stocked with 23,000 pounds of catfish. Catch a tagged catfish and win prizes including cash, fishing poles, tackle boxes, camping gear and free fishing
RAMONA MUSIC FEST THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 20
Printer-friendly version March 19, 2010 (Ramona) – From country music to rock and roll, from barbershop to Americana, you’ll find music to suit your fancy at the Ramona Music Fest this Saturday, March 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. Cactus Twang and White headline this year’s event, featuring Cactus Jim Soldi, former guitarist for Johnny Cash. Other performers include
MARK TWAIN CENTENNIAL TRIBUTE THROUGH MARCH 21 AT SDSU
Printer-friendly version “My faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the things that never happened. –Mark Twain’s autobiography March 19, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego State Experimental Theater presents “A Mark Twain Centennial Tribute.” The show runs through this weekend, with performances Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at
CHRIS KLICH JAZZ QUINTET PERFORMS TUES. MARCH 23 AS BENEFIT FOR CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Chris Klich Jazz Quintet with Laura Preble will be performing a concert Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, from 7:30pm to 9pm. The group will feature Chris on alto, soprano and tenor sax, clarinet and flute; Ed Kornhauser on piano; Brian Wright on
HOOLEYFEST! IRISH PUB’S ST. PATRICKS DAY BASH INCLUDES IRISH BANDS & FREE RIDES
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a fun, festive and safe way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow evening? Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill hosts its famed Hooleyfest! Celebration from 4 p.m. to midnight at both its original Rancho San Diego location and the new Grossmont Center site. Party-goers can avail themselves of
JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES—AND WHY EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT
Printer-friendly version A St. Patrick’s Day reflection on a writer’s own odyssey By E.A. Barrera "We may now imbibe freely of the contents of bottles and forthright books" Morris L. Ernst, Co-Founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. December 11, 1933. March 13, 2010 (San Diego) — The same week this country ended Prohibition, America opened the
INTERNATIONAL FAIR AT LAKESIDE SCHOOL OFFERS FOOD, GAMES, MUSIC & DANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Lakeside) – Travel around the world and learn about other cultures, watch traditional country dances, play carnival games and taste exotic foods without leaving San Diego County. It’s all part of the Lakeside Union School District and Riverview Elementary School’s second annual International Fair on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RENAISSANCE FAIRE BRINGS MEDIEVAL HISTORY TO LIFE SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center hosts full day of merry-making March 12, 2010 (Valley Center) – Highland games, archery, medieval music and cooking demonstrations are all part of the fun this Saturday, March 13th . Historical re-enactors from the Society for Creative Anachronism Inc. Renaissance Group will host a Renaissance Faire at Bates Nut Farm in
ON A ROLL: 2ND ANNUAL CASINO ROYALE NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 18
Printer-friendly version Tickets still available for La Mesa Chamber’s James Bond bash at Town & Country Resort March 11, 2010 (La Mesa) – Try your luck at Monte Carlo-style gaming tables amid a night of glitz, glamour and prizes galore at La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Royale Night on Thursday, March 18th . The event takes place in the
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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,
EAST COUNTY OKTOBERFESTS: WUNDERBAR!
Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (East County) – Time to get into the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and take to the streets for some old-fashioned celebrating at East County’s multiple Oktoberfests! Began in Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of royalty, Oktoberfests have since gained popularity worldwide. Below are details on our region’s oldest and biggest Oktoberfests, where you can savor
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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