East County Magazine
BOOK REVIEW: ANZA-BORREGO: A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Printer-friendly version Anza-Borrego: A Photographic Journey. By Ernie Cowan. Foreword by Diana Lindsay (Anza-Borrego Foundation and Institute). San Diego. Sunbelt Publications. 2008. Illustrated with full color plates. 80 pages. $19.95. Reviewed by Walter Hall Cowan captures the essence of this grand desert Park and shares it with the world in this heartfelt account. Mark C. Jorgensen, Superintendent, Anza-Borrego. December
FREEBIE ALERT! WINTER SOLSTICE WALK DEC. 21
Printer-friendly version Cowles Mountain is the site of a Kumeyaay Indian solstice site and the Canyoneers are conducting a free walk up the mountain on December 21 at 6 am to view the sunrise on the first day of winter. This is an hour and a half walk and you will need to bring a flashlight as the official
HORSING AROUND: MAGIC HORSE ART SHOW FEATURES ART CREATED BY THE HORSES
Printer-friendly versionThe Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center hosts an art fair and live auction on Sunday, December 13th from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeside VFW Hall, 12650 Lindo Lane, Lakeside 92040. Admission and meal costs $25, or reserve a table for six including wine for $150. The event includes a live auction, opportunity drawing, creative activities for
BOOK REVIEW: THE STRAIGHT-UP TRUTH ABOUT THE DOWN-LOW
Printer-friendly version The Straight-Up Truth About the Down Low By Joy Marie Book Review by Dennis Moore December 9, 2009 (San Diego) — While having dinner at a friend’s home this past Thanksgiving, my friend told me that her friend’s husband had left her after more than 30 years of marriage for a man that he had been having
HOLIDAY PICKIN’S AT DEERING BANJO
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 7, 2009 (Spring Valley) – “The banjo is America’s own instrument,” said Carolina Bridges, director of public relations at Deering Banjo. True, and Deering is America’s banjo company—the only U.S. maker that handcrafts its instruments using all American-made parts, Bridges said during a tour of Deering’s Spring Valley factory at the company’s holiday open
COMMUNITY FORUMS SET FOR EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER RENOVATIONS: DEC. 16 AND 21
Printer-friendly version December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon has been working on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include major renovations to the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) including closure of the theater for up to two years. The City iwill be hosting two community forums to share goals of
STEP BACK IN TIME AT CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 11-12
Printer-friendly version La Mesa’s historic shopping district offers a Victorian-style holiday celebration, rides, bonfires, specialty boutiques and unique gifts December 4, 2009 (La Mesa) – For two days and nights, La Mesa’s historic downtown village transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland complete with strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers and several stages. Bonfires will fill La Mesa Boulevard, where you
DANCE PROGRAM, “BREAKING BOUNDARIES,” AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 3-5
Printer-friendly version December 3, 2009 (El Cajon) — Breaking Boundaries” is an annual dance concert choreographed and performed by Grossmont College dance students. The Fall 2009 concert will showcase a variety of dance genres including ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. Performances will be held at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre to showcase the joy of dance as expressed
BOOK REVIEW: SAN DIEGO BAY: A CALL FOR CONSERVATION
Printer-friendly version San Diego Bay: A Call for Conservation By the Students at Jacobs High Tech High. Foreword by E. O. Wilson. Preface by Jane Goodall. University of California San Diego Sea Grant Program. San Diego. 2009. Paperback. Illustrated. 344 pages. $24.95. Distributed by Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon, CA. Reviewed by Walter Hall Part history, part politics,
HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 10
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Music Department’s Jazz Ensemble will perform a holiday program starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Cuyamaca College Arts Center auditorium, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, in El Cajon. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Also
LOCAL PUBLISHER TURNS 25, THROWS EARLY HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 3
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2009 (El Cajon)– San Diego’s own book publisher, Sunbelt Publications, whose latest local-interest book is San Diego’s Finest Athletes: Five Exceptional Lives, turns twenty–five years old in December with a wide array of new books for all ages, and a big holiday party. On December 3, 2009, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Sunbelt will host their annual
LAST STANDUP COMIC DOUG WILLIAMS TO PERFORM IN LEMON GROVE DEC. 12
Printer-friendly version November 30, 2009 (Lemon Grove) – If laughter is the best medicine, this may be the cure for those mid-winter blues. Doug Williams, dubbed one of America’s most popular actors/comedians by Starz.com, will be performing at Sews and Shows in Lemon Grove on Saturday, December 12th. Williams is host of “Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand Up.”
ON THEIR TOES: ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS OPENS STUDIOS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version By Gina McGalliard November 30, 2009 (La Mesa) –The Academy of Performing Arts, San Diego’s acclaimed dance studio which has sent numerous students on to professional ranks, has just relocated to La Mesa. The new four-studio home is located at 5120 Baltimore Drive in the same shopping center with a Discount Dance Supply Store. “There’s so many
BOOK REVIEW: CHAPTER & VERSE: CROSSWORDS AND OTHER PUZZLES ~ GENESIS, BOOK ONE ~ BY T.J. JOHNSON
Printer-friendly version Xulon Press, ISBN # 9781604773200 Available through author’s website at www.hayneskid.com , Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble Review by Dennis Moore November 29, 2009 (San Diego) — TJ Johnson, a Bible teacher at Bayview Church in San Diego, sums up the genesis of her inspiration for writing a book of Biblical crossword puzzles. “These
JULIAN’S LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE TO SPARKLE IN SATURDAY TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY
Printer-friendly version November 25, 2009 (Julian) — Julian celebrates the holiday season by lighting up the town’s living Christmas tree at Pioneer Park on Saturday, Nov. 28. The historic gold rush town will also paysl homage to individuals who contribute time, skills, and energy to making Julian what some townspeople consider the best small town in Southern California. The event marks the
NUTRACKER BALLET COMES TO EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER DEC. 4 & 5
Printer-friendly version November 23, 2009 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College Music Department‘s Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with San Diego Ballet, will present two special performances of The Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. The ballet will be presented at the 1,142-seat East County Performing Arts Center, 210 East Main St.,
VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS: NUTCRACKER BALLET IN POWAY DEC. 12-13
Printer-friendly versionNovember 22, 2009 (Poway) – California Ballet Company will present The Nutcracker, a holiday classic ballet performance at the Poway Performing Arts Center. This is the longest running Nutcracker performance in San Diego and has been voted "Best Local Dance Performance" by Ranch & Coast Magazine in 2008. Ticket holders are invited to Sugar Plum Parties in the lobby immediately following all
MOTHER GOOSE PARADE SUNDAY TO FEATURE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONS, PIRATE “CAPTAIN JACK”, DISNEY STAR & NEW MOTHER GOOSE VILLAGE
Printer-friendly version November 19, 2009 (El Cajon) – The 63rd annual Mother Goose Parade, East County’s most famous holiday tradition, will be held this Sunday, November 22nd. The parade, which was saved thanks to generous community donations, will begin at 10 a.m. on East Main St. at the corner of Magnolia Ave., traveling east to Second St. Fans arriving
SOPHIE’S GALLERY PRESENTS “WINGS OF SNOW” EXHIBITION DEC. 4
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (El Cajon) –Sophie’s Gallery invites you to “rekindle the magic of the season” at its 10th Annual Holiday Show celebration, “Wings of Snow.” The exhibit features a collection of unique angels and winged mosaic pieces hand-crafted by developmentally disabled individuals from St. Madeline Sophie’s Center. The gallery is located at 109 Rea St., just
EL CAJON ARTIST HOLDS ONE-WOMAN ART SHOW DOWNTOWN TO BENEFIT CANCER CENTER
Printer-friendly version November 18,2009 (San Diego) – Fletcher Hills artist Mary Lou Holmberg will host a One Woman Art Show on Friday, November 20th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the lobby of Emerald Plaza, 402 W. Broadway in downtown San Diego. Her show, titled “Return,” celebrates two years of clean health for the award-winning artist and lung cancer
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RELIGIOUS ART FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT St. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Printer-friendly version Resurerction Flower,award-winning photo by mkona Schlesinger of Poway March 4, 2009 (San Diego)—Many East County residents were accepeted into the 46th annual all-media Religious Art Festival of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church by juror Hiroshi Miyazaki. In the poetry division Elaine Parker, Rancho San Diego won second place and Eldon (Mike) Meyer of Lemon Grove received two Honorable
NO SPAIN, NO BULL–ITS THE “RUNNING OF THE GOATS” IN CREST SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Printer-friendly versionMarch 3, 2009 (Crest)–It may be un-"herd" of, but it is happening in Crest and it’s not a baaad idea. The first ever "Running of the Goats" will take place on March 7, 2009 at the South Lane Park in Crest. This "running" will not reflect the danger as experienced in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain,
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: MARCH 2009
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Spring is in the air! This month’s events include street fairs, music festivals, St. Patrick’s Day celebrating, stargazing, train rides, eco-events, nature hikes, a free job search program, a soap box derby, and a baseball contest where winners can advance to finals at a Major League All-Star game. Also a "running of the
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE: MUSIC U CAN LIVE 2
Printer-friendly versionBy Dennis Moore March 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Just like Hip Hop artist "R" Kelly did in my hometown of Chicago, East County Gospel singer Nicolas SK Shivers seems to be taking a similar path to stardom and fame, by initially selling and promoting his music on the streets of San Diego. I ran into Nicolas
VROOOOOM! DREW FORD/LA MESA KIWANIS CLUB TO HOLD SOAP BOX DERBY RALLY RACES MARCH 7 & 8
Printer-friendly version“There’s No Substitute for Experience,” Says Derby Director March 1, 2009(La Mesa)–In the seventh year of its Soap Box Derby program, the Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa will hold two days of Rally Races on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. The back-to-back races lead to the Annual La Mesa Soap Box Derby in
GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionAs part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin
FAMED STARGAZER & NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHER DENNIS MAMMANA OF ANZA-BORREGO SHARES SECRETS OF SUCCESS– AND ANNOUNCES UPCOMING TRIPS TO VIEW CELESTIAL WONDERS IN THE NIGHT SKY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Northern lights images from Anza Borrego desert February 22, 2009 (Anza Borrego) — In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, we thought it fitting to share with our readers the beauty and grandeur of the night sky as depicted by Dennis Mammana, world-famous night sky photographer and East County resident. His dazzling photos include rare
WOW- IT’S A POW-WOW! SAT. FEB. 28 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 23, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 21st annual Grossmont College Pow-Wow, a celebration of American Indian culture, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the college’s Student Center. Admission is free. The day-long event, which begins at noon with gourd dancing and giveaways, features American Indian dancers and drummers. Vendors will sell American Indian cuisine, clothing, art and jewelry.
MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL)
Printer-friendly versionReview By Kathy Carpenter Now Playing: Feb. 20–27 at 8 p.m., Feb..28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m,, and March 1 at 2p.m. Experimental Theatre SDSU: Tickets $18-$20; ticket info:(619) 594-6884 or theatre.sdsu.edu Musical of Musicals, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, is a delight for all fans of musical theatre. This Musical, or I
KIDS JOIN IN FUN AT CIRCUS VARGA–”SHOWING THROUGH MONDAY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 21, 2009 (El Cajon) — Ringmasters invited all children in the audience into the ring for free lessons in how to spin hula hoops, juggle scarves, and balance peacock feathers at Circus Vargas in El Cajon. Youngsters could also ride a Clydesdale horse during intermission, or pose for family photos with a giant snake. Performances run daily through
TV M*A*S*H DOCTOR OFFERS HEALING WORDS FOR HUMANITY IN NEW BOOK; VISIT TO BONITA LIBRARY DRAWS FULL HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club. February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs of war. But what many fans don’t realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much in common with the character he portrayed, Dr.
BREAKFAST WITH BAKARI THE LION: FEB. 21 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 16, 2009 (Descanso)–Here’s something to roar about–Lions, Tigers & Bears is hosting “Breakfast with Bakari”, an African lion at big cat sanctuary in Descanso, just east of Alpine. Guests are invited to enjoy breakfast, visit with 13 rescued cats, other farm animals and their caretakers. You can also watch lions and tigers frolicking in the new Tiger Trails
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK? PLENTY!
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Concerts, circus performers, art shows, the AMGEN tour and wheelchair ballroom dance lessons are among the many exciting activities coming to San Diego’s eastern region this week. Printer-friendly version
I HAVE A NEW RING: SILVER ART CLAY IN SANTEE CLASS FORGES CREATIVE ENDEAVORS
Printer-friendly versionBy Jackie Hanson I’m admiring my new ring. Its flowers and curliques catch the light as I type. Amazingly, t I made it myself! That’s because I had the great good fortune to discover Tes Shea and the jewelry classes she teaches for the City of Santee. Last Friday, Tes was teaching how to make “Easy Rings” out of
EL CAJON MOURNS PASSING OF WAYNE STALKER, LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE AND ARTIST
Printer-friendly versionThe El Cajon Police Department and the City are saddened by the death of retired Animal Control Officer Wayne Stalker. Wayne passed away on Wednesday, February 4 after a long courageous battle against cancer. Wayne joined the El Cajon Police Department as a Volunteer Police Reserve Officer on September 9, 1981, and then held various positions at the police
ART SALE FEB. 14: HERITAGE OF AMERICAS MUSEUM AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFive East County artists will help raise money for the Heritage of the Americas Museum with an art sale from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College, 12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, in El Cajon. Admission is free. Printer-friendly version
CIRCUS VARGAS PRESENTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW: BIG TOP COMES TO EL CAJON FEB. 19-23
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 7, 2009 (El Cajon) — Circus Vargas will present dazzling and death-defying feats in its 40th anniversary production, coming to El Cajon February 19th-23rd in the Parkway Plaza parking lot. Acrobats, clowns, magical illusionists, horses, motorcycles, music and dance are among the entertainment slated. Early-birds will be treated to a preview show in which children of all ages
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2009
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Winter’s chill is past–time to step out in the sunshine and savor some of the many fun-filled events this month in San Diego’s eastern regions. Find details on all of these events and more. Just click the calendar link at the top of our homepage! This is the
HAWK WATCH 2009
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 1, 2009 (Ramona)–Each Saturday in February from 9 a.m to noon, the public is invited to visit the Ramona Grasslands with the Wildlife Research Institute, Inc. for a free educational program. You will see raptors such as the Golden Eagle, the wintering Ferruginous Hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon and the Red-shouldered Hawk. Nineteen (19) species of raptors
KING’S VISION LAUDED AT LA MESA MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL:
Printer-friendly version Music, Dance, and Storytelling Highlight 13th Annual Event — VIEW OUR VIDEOS! Moreton Bay Fig Morris English Dance Troupe. By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) — "On Tuesday, we will celebrate a historic day–I never thought I would see the day when we would have an African-American president," Dr. Eugene R.
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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
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