East County Magazine
HUMBUG! SCROOGE RETURNS TO STAGE IN JULIAN PRODUCTION OF “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Printer-friendly version November 16, 2009 (Julian) — Julian Stage Company and the Julian Chamber of Commerce present the 2009 production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol–a Julian holiday tradition. Give your holiday spirit a boost with the classic story of a lonely, miserable, hard-hearted old man who finds the true meaning of life and love during one haunted Christmas
JULIAN ART GUILD OPEN STUDIOS & GALLERIES TOUR NOV. 21-22
Printer-friendly version November 15, 2009 (Julian) – On November 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists and artisans from the Julian Arts Guild invites the public to in an open studios and galleries tour. What better way to do some early holiday shopping and enjoy the beautiful backroads and byways near the historic gold mining town of Julian?
VIEJAS TREE LIGHTING AT S. CA’S LARGEST OUTDOOR ICE RINK FRIDAY NOV. 13
Printer-friendly version Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows November 10, 2009 (Alpine)– Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 13, with the opening of Southern California’s largest ice rink including skating show at 6 p.m., holiday tree lighting at 7:30. p.m., the return
GIO HOSTS BENEFIT NOV. 14 FOR 6-YEAR-OLD CANCER PATIENT AIDAN INMAN; BABY SISTER MAY OFFER “MIRACLE” CURE
Printer-friendly version November 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – Six-year-old Aidan Inman was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on July 15th. The next day, his baby sister, Madison, was born. “Madison’s birth offered Aidan a miracle in that her stem cells were harvested from her umbilical cord. Her cord cells may be needed at some point in his treatment,” Aidan’s mother,
TEA TIME! FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY ART CELEBRATE 25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TEA
Printer-friendly version Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Chancellor is Guest Speaker November 10, 2009 (El Cajon, CA) . . . Friends of East County Arts, Inc., celebrating their 25th year of supporting the arts in East County, will present its Annual Holiday Tea at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, Thursday December 3rd from 1pm to 3pm. This year’s event promises participants
ARMCHAIR IMPRESSIONISTS EXHIBITION NOV. 1-30: RECEPTION NOV. 15
Printer-friendly version By Tammy Lawhead, events coordinator, Armchair Impressionists November 7, 2009 (El Cajon) — Renown Western artist, illustrator, and art instructor Jack Jordon and watercolorist Carol Harris are special guest artists at this year’s Armchair Impressionists Exhibition. Paintings by armchair Impressionists Jeffrey Graham, Rustin Holec, David Lawhead, Karen Marsh, and William Marsh will be featured November 1 -30 at
VISIT THE PAST AT LA MESA HISTORICAL HOMES TOUR NOV. 7
Printer-friendly version The La Mesa Historical Society presents the 4th annual Home Tour on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour features five historic homes in the downtown La Mesa area. The tour will highlight 5 properties which will include Bungalow, Spanish Eclectic and Moderne styles. All will have artists working in the yards. Free
BELLA MESA GALLERY OPENS, BRINGS NATIONAL-CALIBER ARTISTS TO LA MESA’S DOWNTOWN VILLAGE
Printer-friendly version By Leon Thompson Photos by Leon Thompson, Takayuki Higuchi, and Miriam Raftery October 29, 2009 (La Mesa) – “In the ‘30s, La Mesa was an artists’ and film-makers destination,” Gabriel “Gabe” Giordano, co-owner of the new Bella Mesa Gallery at 8080 La Mesa Blvd., said at a grand opening party on October 10th. “Tonight, one has the feeling
CASH FOR BEST COSTUMES AT CASINO HALLOWEEN CONTESTS
Printer-friendly version October 29, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Want to be a winner at a casino—without having to gamble any money? Several area casinos are hosting Halloween costume contests and paying out big cash prizes. Others are offering parties, gifts, and Halloween eve concerts. Sycuan Casino in El Cajon is advertising the biggest Halloween Party in San
NEW SPORTS BOOK SCORES WINNING LOCATION FOR LAUNCH PARTY
Printer-friendly versionSAN DIEGO, CA October 20, 2009 Join author Joey Seymour in celebrating the launch of his new book San Diego’s Finest Athletes: Five Exceptional Lives on Thursday, November 5th. The launch party for the book, published by Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the San Diego Hall of Champions. The San Diego
MUSIC IS THE BEST MEDICINE: GROSSMONT/SHARP HOSPITAL PHYSICIANS SAVORED “HAPPINESS COMMITTEE” MUSICAL EVENING
Printer-friendly version A review by Bill Pogue October 27, 2009 (La Mesa)–Grossmont Hospital Chief of Staff Michael Musicant M.D. recognized that the pace and structure of the medical practice today is stressful and tends to isolation of practitioners, compared to 30 years ago. So he set up a “Happiness committee” dedicated to getting staff together around social projects. Six
BOO BASH! OCT. 31 EVENT AT KROC CENTER OFFERS FAMILY FUN
Printer-friendly version October 27, 2009 (San Diego) – Looking for a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween? The Salvation Army Kroc Center offers a “hauntless jaunt” with family-oriented activities on Saturday, October 31, starting at 5 p.m. Kroc Center is located at 6845 University Avenue in San Diego (two blocks west of 70th Street in La Mesa). Activities include
SCHOOL SPIRITS: “BOO” PARADE IN COLLEGE AREA USHERS IN HALLOWEEN WEEK
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 25, 2009 (San Diego) – Students from San Diego State University, high school marching bands and other community participants relished some pre-Halloween revelry in the BOO! Parade yesterday. From floats such as a giant black cat to cars draped with spiderwebs, parade participants showed their Halloween spirit. SDSU’s homecoming king and queen led a
TOURNAMENT OF THE PHOENIX: INTERNATIONAL JOUSTING COMPETITION IN POWAY CONCLUDES SUNDAY
Printer-friendly version October 24, 2009 (Poway)—The medieval sport of jousting takes center stage in Poway this weekend, where competitors from around the world vie in barred jousting contests at the Tournament of the Phoenix. The "Tournament of the Phoenix" derives its name from the circumstances surrounding the first joust event in October 2007. When the Witch Creek fires devastated
JOIN SDSU IN THE ANNUAL BOO! PARADE
Printer-friendly version Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 am – 6 pm October 23, 2009 (San Diego) — Hop on your broomsticks to experience a day of Halloween thrills and chills! It’s the return of The Boulevard BOO! Parade and Carnival, where ghosts and goblins of all ages are invited to encounter the magic. This Halloween tradition features the SDSU All-Greek
OLD WEST HARVEST FEST OCT. 23-25 AT SACRED ROCKS RESERVE IN BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly versionSeasonal Family Activities, Camping and Old West Costume Contest All Part of the Fun October 21, 2009 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites (formerly Outdoor World RV Park), is offering a taste of the Old West with their “Old West Harvest Fest,” celebrating the harvest season
TRUNK-OR-TREAT & CAR SHOW OCT. 28 IN EL CAJON: FREE TREATS & PRIZES FOR BEST-DRESSED CAR
Printer-friendly version October 22, 2009 (El Cajon)–The public is invited to the annual Cajon Classic Cruise Halloween Car Show, Costume Contest & Downtown “Trunk or Treat” event on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in Downtown El Cajon. Admission and parking are free. Main Street will be closed to traffic in order to accommodate the cars and
ALL ABOARD! HAUNTED TRAIN TOUR & PUMPKIN EXPRESS
Printer-friendly version (Click arrows to hear the haunted train) October 19,2009 (Campo)— The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum at the historic Campo Depot invites families to board the Pumpkin Express and ride the rails to the great pumpkin patch. In addition to a scenic one-hour train ride, kids can tour the haunted train, pick out a pumpkin and decorate it
AOOOOOOO! HOWL-O-WEEN AT CALIFORNIA WOLF CENTER OCT. 24
Printer-friendly versionOctober 19, 2009 (Julian) –The California Wolf Center in Julian will host two Halloween-themed events that are among the most unique in San Diego County. Where else can you participate in a howling contest, take a twilight wolf tour, and learn about werewolves? On October 24th, the Center holds two separate events. The first begins at 12 noon and
A SPIRITED PERFORMANCE: FROM HANDEL TO HALLOWEEN
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – San Diego Master Chorale will present an encore performance of “From Handel to Halloween: Music for our Spirits” on Sunday, October 25th at 4 p.m. in La Mesa. Hear a wide variety of "spirited" choral music including classics, folk songs, popular music in keeping with the season, spirituals, and a special focus
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Julian Mountain Brewfest set for Aug. 23
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 24, 2025 (Julian) – The Julian Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the Julian Mountain Brewfest at Nickel Beer Company at 1485 Hollow Glen Road from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23. A $25 ticket includes eight tastings, a commemorative cup and live music by the Sun Valley String Band. For
Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival Aug. 16 features Gatsby theme
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report Last year’s Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation) July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned “public” park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount
Destination East County: midsummer fun
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As the weather heats up, late July has many cool events including visits to the new Camel Lavender Farm in Ramona, Music on Main in El Cajon, Cajon Cruises, Movies at county parks and recreation centers, La Mesa’s Sundays at Six concerts and classic car shows, outdoor
Memory Weavers: award-winning novel of two women bonded by traumas
Printer-friendly version By Muffy Walker Reviewed by Pennell Paugh July 23, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident, Muffy Walker celebrates the release of her debut novel, Dream Weavers. The book has received the Firebird Book Award, the Literary Titan Silver Book Award, the Hawthorne Prize, and was selected as finalist for the 2025 International Impact Book Awards in the
State Parks Photo Contest Running Through Sept. 30
Printer-friendly versionAnza-Borrego Desert State Park photo (left) by Karen Pearlman East County News Service July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) — California State Parks Foundation is inviting park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks. The California State Parks Foundation
You’re Invited! July 17 Feast at Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa with East County Magazine’s Dining Club
Printer-friendly version You’re invited to East County Magazine’ s DIning Club feast at Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa on Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit our local news reporting and our wildfire and emergency alerts! Everyone is welcome to attend. Himalayan Cuisine features delicious cuisine from Nepal, Tibet and India. Plus we’ll have a fabulous raffle with many great
Haute with Heart Fashion Show Aug. 2 Benefits St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope July 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – You’re welcome to join in the spirit of London at the 47th annual Haute with Heart Fashion Show benefiting the nonprofit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon. The event will celebrate British fashion and culture. This fashion show on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 2
Festive Fourth of July Events and Fireworks
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman June 25, 2025 (San Diego County) – Independence Day in the USA is just days away, and across San Diego County, there are myriad events to be part of to celebrate. East County Magazine has compiled a list of various offerings to celebrate the Fourth of July, whatever part of the region you’re
Roaring ’20s Fashion Show Sept. 27 Benefits Lemon Grove Charities
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 3, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – You’re invited to step into the splendor of the Jazz Age at a Roaring Twenties Fashion Show event benefitting the Lemon Grove Forward Club and the Southern District Women’s Club. The event on Saturday, September 27 will feature a glamourous day of style and community purpose featuring a
LAKESIDE FIRE PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 28
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services June 27, 2025 (Lakeside) — The Lakeside Firefighters are hosting a $5 pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 28 at Lakeside Fire Station 2. The breakfast of pancakes as well as sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee, will be served from 8 a.m. until noon at the station at 12216 Lakeside Ave. At the event, there
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES OPENS JUNE 26
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 25, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove’s summer concert series kicks off at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt. Vernon in Lemon Grove) each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The series opens June 26 with a DJ and Karaoke and runs through August 7, concluding with the Bayou Brothers playing Cajun, Zydeco and
LA MESA SUNDAYS AT SIX CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES
Printer-friendly versionThe Navy Southwest Band, shown here in 2013, is a regular part of the Sundays at Six summer concert series in La Mesa. (Photo by Karen Pearlman) East County News Services June 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa’s Sundays at Six summer concert series continues this Sunday, June 29, with variety dance band Breez’n taking the stage from
BRAXTON’S CENTURY, VOL. 3: ROYAL HISTORICAL FANTASY
Printer-friendly version Braxton’s Century, Vol. 3 by J R Strayer Jr Review by Pennell Paugh June 22,2025 (San DIego) — San Diego resident J.R. Strayve, Jr. has produced his third book in the Braxton Century series — a historical fantasy set in the late Victorian, Edwardian, and early 20th century. Braxton, as Europe hurtles toward war and revolutions
FARM TOUR DAY RETURNS JUNE 28
Printer-friendly versionExplore San Diego Agriculture with Local Farmers East County News Service June 10, 2025 (Escondido) — The San Diego County Farm Bureau is bringing back Farming Tour Day, starting at 9 a.m., Saturday June 28. This year’s event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a diverse array of local farms in Escondido, showcasing the heart of San Diego agriculture.
CONCERNS LEAD JEWISH COMMUNITY TO PULL SUPPORT OF SD PRIDE
Printer-friendly versionControversial Headline Performer, Safety Concerns Cited as Reasons for Withdrawal By Karen Pearlman June 7, 2025 (San Diego) – Many local Jewish organizations from across San Diego County that have traditionally been part of the annual San Diego Pride event will not be joining in this year. Jewish community leaders say that because the Pride Festival chose musical artist
LOCAL AUTHOR’S NOVEL, IN HARM’S WAY, BRINGS REVOLUTIONARY WAR NAVAL BATTLES TO LIFE
Printer-friendly versionIn Harm’s Way: Book One of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles by Thomas M. Wing Reviewed by Pennell Paugh June 7, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Thomas M. Wing has released his second novel In Harm’s Way, an action-packed historical story set during America’s War of Independence. Wing says he based his story on actual
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 6, 2025 (La Mesa) — Heartland Firefighters of La Mesa will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser and emergency preparedness training on Sunday, June 8, at La Mesa Fire Station 11. The event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 8034 Allison Ave., is open to all ages. Tickets are
MT MIGUEL HS FOUNDATION HOSTING QUARTERMANIA FUNDRAISER
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 6, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mt Miguel High School Foundation, the nonprofit organization devoted to helping Mount Miguel High School, is hosting Quartermania this month. Quartermania is a cross between an auction and bingo. The event, set from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, will be held at the Mount
LOCAL NOVELIST EVOKES APPALACHIA IN DEPRESSION ERA
Printer-friendly version Thank Ye, Mister Sun by Bob Riffenburgh Reviewed by Pennell Paugh June 5, 2025 — Award-winning San Diego resident Bob Riffenburgh has written a charming historical fiction novel about Appalachia, 1939-40. Thirteen-year-old Ronson Allen stays hungry after dinner because there isn’t enough food to go around. Nevertheless, he feels carefree, loves his family, and is
“ARTIVAL” DEBUTS IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON JUNE 7
Printer-friendly version June 3, 2025 (El Cajon) — Artival– an art, wine and music festival–makes its debut in downtown El Cajon on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate art, culture and community. Organizers describe the new festival as “where art meets vibes: immerse yourself in creativity, community and craft.” Enjoy an art walk featuring works by
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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