East County Magazine
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
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
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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.

FIND PUPPY LOVE AT FIDO FEST FEB. 22
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups. The city of Santee event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee. Contests

FREE FEBRUARY ADMISSION FOR SENIORS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park January 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast

EXTRA, EXTRA! EL CAJON WELCOMES DOGS IN CELEBRATING END OF ‘PAWHIBITION’ JANUARY 25
Printer-friendly versionSource: Downtown El Cajon January 24, 2025 (El Cajon) – For the first time in 30 years, dogs are wagging their tails back into downtown El Cajon! Join the city on Saturday, January 25th for the End of Pawhibition, a celebration of this historic ordinance repeal. This all-day event will be filled with pawsitively delightful activities for you and

LEMON GROVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HOST FUNDRAISER FOR LA FIRE DISASTER RELIEF
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, Lemon Grove non-profit service clubs such as the Lemon Grove Lions, Lemon Grove Forward Club, Thrive, Soroptimists International of Lemon Grove, Mt. Miguel High School Alumni and the Lemon Grove Fire Department to name a

CAITLIN ROTHER TO RELEASE UPDATED EDITION OF BODY PARTS FEB. 25
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 21, 2025 (San Diego) – New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother, an investigative journalist and former San Diego Union-Tribune reporter, will release an updated edition of her true-crime book, Body Parts, on February 25. The book takes a deep psychological look at serial killer Wayne Adam Ford, a trucker who confessed to

TOUCHING INFINITY: A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF A SUPERNOVA
Printer-friendly version Novel by Mark O’Bannon Reviewed by Pennell Paugh January 19, 2025 (San Diego)—San Diego resident Mark O’Bannon has released a new science fiction romance, Touching Infinity (Imperium Prequels). In a society where arranged marriages are considered more sensible and enduring, Alastronia DeTroyes, a young planetary scientist, is excited to find herself traveling into a system that she

GARDEN PARTY AT BOUGIE’S CHEESE SHOP IN LA MESA JANUARY 18 AND 25
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — Bougie’s Cheese Shop, newly opened in December, invites you to a Garden Party on Saturday, January 18 and 25 from 1-4 p.m. This patio event will feature non-alcoholic specialty drinks in honor of dry January paired with cheeses, along with curated snack boxes available for purchase. Bougie’s Cheese Shop

LAUREL AND HARDY FAN CLUB MEETS FEB. 1 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)– In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads?? Films include “Should Married Men Go Home?”, “Our Wife”, and “Yes, Yes Nannette.” The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Jonathan Goetz January 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – January happenings include a film festival in Borrego Springs—ideal if you like the desert without the heat—as well as opportunities to see raptors up close in Ramona, take a group hike up Cowles Mountain, watch a thriller at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, or network with veterans in Santee.

BORREGO FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 15-19: TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 8, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Film Festival takes place January 15-19 in Borrego Springs, showcasing independent films. The event also features a filmmaker networking event, catered opening gala, panel discussions, filmmaker activities, Saturday party, red-carpet event, and catered awards ceremony. For a list of films, see: https://www.borregospringsfilmfestival.org/2025films For tickets (on sale

WAIT UNTIL DARK: THRILLER TAKES STAGE AT LAMPLIGHTERS IN LA MESA JAN. 10 THROUGH FEB. 2
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) — Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott’s 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds,

HAWK WATCH AT RAMONA GRASSLANDS EACH SATURDAY IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service View raptors and learn about birds of prey at Hawk Watch, hosted by the Wildlife Research Institute at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd.) in Ramona each Saturday in January and February starting at 10 a.m. Arrive early for this free event, with coffee and donuts available starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s recommended to

THE COLONIAL FARM: LA MESA AUTHOR’S LATEST BOOK FOCUSES ON PLIGHT OF KENYAN FARMWORKERS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: The author will have a book signing event at the San Carlos Library onApril 25 at 2:00 p.m. By Wanjirũ Warama Reviewed by Pennell Paugh January 1, 2025 (La Mesa) — Wanjiru Warama a resident of La Mesa, provides true stories of how her family and community lived in abject poverty on British colonial farms in Kenya in

NEW YEAR’S EVE HAPPENINGS AROUND SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Ben Perez Photo: Viejas will host a party at The Park on New Year’s Eve. Photo courtesy Viejas Resort December 29, 2024 (San Diego) – San Diego County residents have myriad opportunities to ring in 2025 with New Year’s Eve celebrations across the region. First Nation casinos across the county will be part of the variety of

BILL WALTON TRIBUTE TO HONOR BASKETBALL GREAT AT HELIX HIGH ON JANUARY 3
Printer-friendly versionTickets on sale now at https://www.gofan.co/event/2594824?schoolId=CA22796 By Ben Perez December 23, 2024 (La Mesa) –Always saying he was honored to be from East County, “Billy from La Mesa” is how Bill Walton wanted people to know him and greet him. So it’s only fitting that his high school alma mater in La Mesa is honoring him

“LA PASTORELA DE CORAJE” AIRING ON KNSD 89.1 FM
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Image: angels and devils prepare for an epic battle for the souls of humanity in the Teatro Pastorela production of “La Pastorela de Coraje,” broadcast through January 1 on KNSJ 89.1 radio. The holiday musical comedy has run for 34 years on San Diego County stages and airways. It features (from top l) Ella Aldridge,

PAPER TARGETS: ON FRIENDSHIP THAT TRANSCENDS TIME AND TRAUMA
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Patricia Watts Reviewed by Pennell Paugh December 8, 2024 (San Diego) — San Diego author Patricia Watts writes in her novel Paper Targets about Roanne, who never got angry — until the night she killed her ex-husband and herself. Roanne and her best friend, Connie, went to high school together and became suburban wives at the same

CRIME UNDER THE SUN: SISTERS IN CRIME ANTHOLOGY
Printer-friendly version Edited by Matt Coyle, Naomi Hirahara, & Tammy Kaehler Reviewed by Pennell Paugh December 5,2024 (San Diego) — Crime Under the Sun is the second anthology to be offered by Partners in Crime, the San Diego chapter of Sisters in Crime. Out of 60 entries, the editors selected the best 15. You will meet a beguiling bail

SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND HOSTS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 4, 2024 (San Diego) — The San Diego Concert Band kicks off its 35th season with the annual holiday concert on December 19 at Joan B. Kroc Theatre at 7 p.m.. Barbara Allen returns as guest vocalist, backed by the band playing special arrangements by local musician, composer/arranger, and music educator Adam Pezdek.

DECEMBER IS NATIONAL IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH; SDCCU OFFERS DEC. 18 WEBINAR AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE
Printer-friendly versionWebinar on identity theft prevention will detail ways to protect your information Source: San Diego County Credit Union December 4, 2024 (San Diego) – San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), one of San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is offering free resources and raising awareness regarding identity theft crimes during National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. On Wednesday, December 18
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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.
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