East County Magazine
JAZZ 88.3 TO LAUNCH “THE SPEAKEASY” JAZZ PROGRAM ONLINE
Printer-friendly version By Bill Pogue March 10, 2010 (Mt. Helix) — Snap your fingers, toss your head, and toe-tap to the rhythms of all kinds of jazz on KSDS 88.3 FM, a San Diego jewel. Mark DeBoskey, station manager and a Mt. Helix resident, has helped to make Jazz 88.3 one of the world’s premier jazz stations. Now the radio
CUYAMACA COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR 1 OF 4 IN STATE TO WIN COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ HIGHEST TEACHING AWARD
Printer-friendly version Music Professor Pat Setzer to receive Hayward Award for Excellence in Education EL CAJON – Cuyamaca College music instructor Pat Setzer, a key player in the planning and construction of a performing arts complex inside the campus’ sprawling $45 million communication arts center, is one of four community college faculty members statewide to win the 2010 Hayward
RIVER PARK FOUNDATION HOLDS “SAVE THE SOURCE” PROJECTS MARCH 13
Printer-friendly version March 10, 2010 (Lakeside) –On March 13th, the San Diego River Park Foundation and its partners will team up for a new event to raise awareness about the San Diego River. More than 100 volunteers will participate in five special projects in Lakeside, Ramona, and Julian areas. The public is invited to participate in the events, which include
RAMONA MUSIC FEST MARCH 20
Printer-friendly version March 8, 2010 (Ramona) — The Ramona Music Fest benefit concert is March 20, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Dos Picos Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. in Ramona. The third annual event hosted by Ramona Kiwanis and Ramona Rotary clubs will feature two stages and wandering musicians. A variety of music is promised, from mellow
PUBLIC HEARING ON PERFORMING ARTS THEATER MARCH 9
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2010 (El Cajon) – A public hearing on the future of the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) will be held on March 9 at 1:30 p.m. at El Cajon Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street. The City has proposed to close the theater for up to two years due to remodeling. CitizensOversight.org, a watchdog
SHOW GOES ON: CIRCUS VARGAS NOW PLAYING IN EL CAJON THROUGH MARCH 8
Printer-friendly version Performances also slated in Vista and Mira Mesa March 3, 2010 (El Cajon) – Children and the young at heart savored thrills and chills at Circus Vargas, now showing in a big top tent pitched in the parking lot at Parkway Plaza. Prior to the main show, the ringmaster invited all kids into the center ring for
SIMONE AABERG KÆRN: SEIZE THE SKY
Printer-friendly version SDSU Exhibition inspires us to rise above By Kristin Kjaero March 4, 2010 (San Diego) – Who hasn’t dreamed of flying? Seize the Sky explores this archetypal image in women’s lives across cultures and generations, to rise above circumstance and make their own destiny in the metaphorical and literal freedom of the sky. Simone
SDSU WOMEN’S STUDIES DEPT. PLANS YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION
Printer-friendly version 1970-2010: Forty Years of Community Activism, Scholarly Excellence and International Programming March 4, 2010 (San Diego) – March is women’s history month. However, the women’s studies department at San Diego State University plans a year-long celebration to commemorate its 40th anniversary. Upcoming events include: SPRING • “Documentary Filmmaking: The Shape of Water”
EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE 1860s FRONTIER AT VALLECITO DAYS MARCH 5-7
Printer-friendly version March 3, 2010 (Vallecito) – Vallecito Stage Station once served as a rest stop for weary travelers along the Southern Overland Trail on the Butterfield Stage Coach. On March 5, 6 and 7, history will come alive as the 1850s camp in the Anza-Borrego desert welcomes visitors to tour the original adobe Vallecito Stage Station and participate
MUSICAL “I LOVE YOU BECAUSE” OPENS AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (El Cajon ) – The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department presents “I Love You Because,“ a romantic musical comedy. The production will be presented March 11-13 and March 17-20 at 7:30 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on March 13 and 20 in the Stagehouse Theatre. Critics hail it as “a charming piece
CERAMIC WORKS EXHIBITION OPENS AT GROSSMONT’S HYDE ART GALLERY MARCH 15-APRIL 22
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (El Cajon)– Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery will present “Ceramic Works,” a free exhibit of ceramic artwork by Patsy Cox and Eric Rempe, on display from March 15 to April 22. The exhibit is open to the public. Cox’s work consists of thousands of small objects combined to form one large installation, featuring a blend
KING ARTHUR’S QUEST BRINGS NEW MUSICAL MAGIC TO POWAY PERFORMING ARTS MARCH 6
Printer-friendly version February 28, 2010 (Poway) — The nation’s pre-eminent participatory children’s theater company returns to the Poway Center for their eleventh season. Missoula Children’s Theatre will cast local children in a magical new musical. More than 50 local students will participate in a one-week theater camp that takes them from auditions to rehearsals to two full-scale productions of King
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: BANDS, CROWDS TURN OUT FOR VALLEY MUSIC EVENT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 23, 2010 (El Cajon) – A standing-room-only crowd turned out to savor music from seven different bands at Valley Music’s grand reopening on Saturday. “This has been the best way to get people to find us,” co-owner Andrea Long said, noting that providing entertainment has been a successful way to
IT’S A CIRCUS! BIGTOP BRINGS ITS MAGIC TO EAST COUNTY & SD IN FEB. & MARCH
Printer-friendly version February 23, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Circus Vargas opens this week at Westfield Parkway Plaza in El Cajon, with additional shows in National City, Vista, and Mira Mesa. This year’s theme of an enchanted forest features “magical creatures, mystical fairies, pixies, sprites, butterflies and more”—along with crowd-pleasing favorites such as an aerial bungee ballet, acrobats,
O’DUNN FINE ART EXPANDS OFFERINGS IN NEW LA MESA LOCATION
Printer-friendly version February 20, 2010 (La Mesa) – Leaders in the arts and business communities gathered Thursday for the grand re-opening of O’Dunn Fine Art, which moved into an expansive new space across the street from its original location in La Mesa’s downtown village. “I have about 60 artists represented and 120 paintings,” said gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn. The
7 BANDS PERFORM TODAY AT VALLEY MUSIC RELOCATION CELEBRATION IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version February 20, 2010 – Valley Music invites the public to its relocation celebration today at the store’s new location at 1611 North Magnolia Ave., Suite 310, in El Cajon’s Gateway Magnolia Plaza, from 12:30-5:45 today. Schedule of events: 12:30-1:00 Billy Leonard 1:15-1:45 Cain Street 2:00-2:30 The Winchester Friendly 2:45-3:15 Keeper 3:30-4:00 Kilgore
STORYTELLING & OTHER EVENTS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Printer-friendly version February 19, 2010 (San Diego) – Storytelling, the passing down of tales from generation to generation, has kept cultural heritage alive through the ages. In celebration of Black History Month, several black storytellers will give performances this weekend in San Diego and Spring Valley. In addition, Southwestern College hosts a Black History Cultural Day and the Malcolm
O’DUNN FINE ART CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING TODAY AT 5:30
Printer-friendly version February 18, 2010 (La Mesa)–The public is invited to a reception and grand-reopening of O’Dunn Fine Art from 5:30 to 7:30 today. The gallery has moved to a newer, larger location at 8325 La Mesa Boulevard, across the street from its original space in La Mesa’s downtown village. For more information on the gallery and artists with works
DOLLAR-WISE DIVAS: UNCLE SAM WANTS TO GIVE YOU MONEY TO BUY A HOME
Printer-friendly version “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye” – free seminars Feb. 27 in La Mesa, March 1 in El Cajon Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle! By Nancy and Dawn Clement February 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Uncle Sam wants to give you
SIMPLY STEINBECK: PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FEB, 12-MARCH 17, SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2010 (Spring Valley) — From his quiet beginnings in the small farming town of Salinas, California, John Steinbeck went on to live a larger-than-life existence. Steinbeck achieved worldwide recognition for his keen observations and powerful descriptions of the human condition. He championed the forgotten and disenfranchised while affirming the strength of the human spirit. Steinbeck drew
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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
Post-Thanksgiving fun with big cats and bears at LTB
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo by Karen Pearlman Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) — While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine. Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will
San Diego County Assessor’s Santee office hosting free archives celebration Saturday, Oct. 4
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 27, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) will host an American Archives Month Celebration to highlight San Diego County history from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the ARCC’s East County office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. Admission is free. The event will include exhibits and tours of the county
The Conrad Prebys Foundation grants more than $13 million to local groups
Printer-friendly versionPhoto by Hana Tobias for transcenDANCE East County News Service Sept. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) – With cuts in federal and state funding putting many arts organizations and cultural institutions at risk, along with as local budget shortfalls, donor fatigue and inflation woes, grants from outside agencies have grown more important than ever for many groups. Leading the
New blockbuster set in Borrego already a big hit in San Diego County
Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Zach Pope, Youtube screenshot September 24, 2025 (San Diego) – It doesn’t arrive in theaters until Friday, but a new blockbuster movie generating Oscar buzz has already been a big financial hit for San Diego County. “One Battle After Another,” a new Warner Bros. movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio
Bonitafest melodrama “Here Comes the Sun” recalls ill-fated attempt to silence Southwestern’s student newspaper
Printer-friendly versionSource: Bonitafest Photo: campus police officer threatens to arrest the newspaper faculty advisor for refusing to turn over students in the 48th annual Bonitafest Melodrama “Here Comes The Sun,” based on the true story of the 2010 South Bay Corruption Scandal story broken by Southwestern College journalism students. Pictured (l-r) Randy Phillips, Ella Aldridge, Dalia Candelario, Alec Zelaya, Kloie Blunt-Coleman, Sofia
Destination East County: October outings
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — October brings Oktoberfest celebrations in La Mesa and El Cajon and Borrego Days in the desert, as well as an array of spooky events such as a haunted circus, haunted trails in county parks, a Day of the Dead celebration, Hauntfest on Main in El Cajon, a
Top hat and tails is theme of La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes Oct. 8
Printer-friendly version September 19, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces its 15th annual Salute to Local Heroes, which will incorporate the theme “Top Hat & Tails” This night celebrates local heroes, recognizes the incoming Chamber Board of Directors, includes a silent auction, raffles and more. This event will be held on October 8 from 5:30
Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (San Diego) — The free two-day Adams Avenue Street Fair, considered San Diego’s favorite music festival, and attended by more than 50,000 people in Normal Heights, is happening this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21. Presented by San Diego Foundation, the 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair features 75 musical
HauntFest Headed to El Cajon in October
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (El Cajon) — Spooky fun is coming to downtown El Cajon with the annual HauntFest in October. The community-centered event that typically draws more than 20,000 people, is set for 4 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. The city says that the annual free Halloween block party is the largest
Lemon Fest coming to St. John of the Cross this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The annual St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish Fall Festival, the Lemon Fest, is coming to the church on Broadway this weekend. The community event, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature a car show
Church hosts Compassion Experience Sept. 19-21 on global child poverty
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Compassion Experience participants step into the global mission field without leaving the country. September 17, 2025 (San Diego) — College Avenue Church in San Diego will host Compassion Experience, an immersive experience transporting visitors to vulnerable communities where Compassion International works on Sept. 19-21. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire compassion and action for
Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion. Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m.,
Aaaaaaahs in Santee: The Wizard of Oz Coming to the Community Park
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept.15, 2025 (Santee) — Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh My! The city of Santee is hosting a free outdoor screening of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz later this month. In a partnership with the County of San Diego’s Summer Movies in the Park series — presented by San Diego
Celebration of archaeology in the desert coming in November
Printer-friendly versionKumeyaay native plant presentation by Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretative Center. Photo by Laurie Brindle East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — Get ready for some adventures in artifacts. California State Parks and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society are getting set for “Archaeology Day” in November. Archaeology Day is a family-friendly event that celebrates the
September events in the Anza-Borrego Desert
Printer-friendly version Photo of people checking out the Anza Borrego Desert courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — It’s September — and that means the heat is on in the Anza-Borrego Desert. With average daily high temperatures in the mid-90s°F and above, Borrego Springs will likely be too hot for comfortable
Sycuan Powwow Sept. 12-14 brings together tribal members from across nation
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2025 (Sycuan) – Tribal dancers from across the nation will participate in the annual Sycuan Powwow September 12-14 at the Sycuan reservation in rural East County. The event also features a bird singer contest and grand entry processions, as well as Native American arts and crafts vendors. The powwow area is next to
Downtown El Cajon’s 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk Returns September 12th
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue. Hosted by
Rare Collection: the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Display at the Wieghorst Museum
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching. September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October
Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to
Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of
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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