East County Magazine
LIGHTS OUT: EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TO CLOSE FOR 2-YEAR RENOVATION
Printer-friendly version CITY OF EL CAJON TERMINATES MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTIAN THEATER GROUP; POSTPONES CLOSURE UNTIL AT LEAST MID-2010 TO HONOR CONTRACTS FOR SHOWS By Miriam Raftery October 14, 2009 (El Cajon) – El Cajon City Council members voted unanimously yesterday to terminate its agreement effective January 1st with ArtBeat Management, a subsidiary of Christian Community Theater, which has managed the East County Performing Arts Center
CHAMPAGNE IMAGES: NEW PAINTINGS BY DAWN SEBAUGH
Printer-friendly version Exhibit Oct. 13-25, Champagne Reception Oct. 17 at O’Dunn Fine Art October 12, 2009 (La Mesa) – An exhibition of abstract artwork by noted artist Dawn Sebaugh opens tomorrow and will run through October 25 at O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa. In addition, the gallery will host a champagne reception where guests can meet the artist
EARNIE MILES, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Printer-friendly version By: Dennis Moore At 82 years of age, most people would be settled down into their twilight years or in a nursing home. But legendary gospel music broadcaster Earnie Miles is still going strong, after celebrating his 30th anniversary as the host of the hugely popular Sunday morning gospel music program, “The Earnie Miles Show” on KNOE-TV
VIEJAS HOSTS STATE’S LARGEST BBQ COOKING CHAMPIONSHIP OCT. 17
Printer-friendly version Teams from around the country cook up a good time at free “Smokin’ in the Park” Festival October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week? Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County’s most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the
PROGRAM & FILM ON HOMELESSNESS SET FOR NOV. 6
Printer-friendly version October 13, 2009 (San Diego) — The Center for Social Advocacy in El Cajon presents “Homeless in our Community, Homeless on our Border”, a free community awareness event on November 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the San Diego Women’s Club, 2557 Third Ave., San Diego. Keynote speaker John Carlos Frey, award-winning director of The Invisible Chapel, willlscreen his
STAYING IN CHILDHOOD: LOCAL SCULPTOR DAN JONES
Printer-friendly version By Takayuki Higuchi October 7, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Remember being a kid—the innocent joy and laughter? Spring Valley native Dan Jones has embarked on a whimsical sculptural works project titled ‘Tinkerbot,” which evokes those magical feelings from our childhood. Tinkering them with his own hands, Jones gives new life to materials which otherwise would be thrown away.
NOTED CHILDREN’S AUTHOR IN LA MESA OCT. 16 FOR READING & BOOK SIGNING
Printer-friendly versionBook Review: Nugget on the Flight Deck By Patricia Newman New York, Walker and Company, 2009. Illustrated by Aaron Zenz. Hardback Picture Book, 40 pages, with Target Age: 4-8 years. Reviewed by Deena While “Welcome aboard, Nugget…I’ll bet you’ve never been aboard a carrier before…” October 13, 2009 (La Mesa) — San Diego may be
SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOOK FESTIVAL! OCT. 16-18 MEET YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS AT LOCAL LIBRARIES
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Libraries will host a book festival in celebration of the written word on October 16-18. The festival includes appearances by nearly 100 authors at libraries in Bonita, Borrego Springs, Enicnitas, Poway, and Vista as well as appearances by top authors at the County Administration building.
MILITARY TO BE HONORED WITH GOLF, DINNER & PRIZES AT OCT. 16 EVENT SPONSORED BY RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Printer-friendly version Public invited to participate – or sponsor a military member or veteran October 11, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament tees off this Friday at the newly-renovates Lakes course at Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego. “We expect a perfect autumn day, “ said chamber president Valerie Harrison, who seeks additional sponsors
GALAPAGOS AUTHOR TO PRESENT SLIDE SHOW, SIGN BOOKS IN EL CAJON OCT. 13
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (El Cajon)–Bette Blaydes Pegas, local author of Chasing a Dream in the Galapagos: A Personal Evolution, will be at the Rancho San Diego Library in El Cajon on Tuesday, October 13th. Pegas will give a slideshow presentation on her life-changing trip to the Galapagos in the library’s conference room at 5:30 PM. She will also be available
CELEBRITIES JOIN EL CAJON FIRE SAFETY & CAREER EXPO: SATURDAY OCT. 10
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (El Cajon ) –The annual El Cajon Fire Safety & Career Expo takes place Saturday, October 10th, at 100 E. Lexington Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free family event offers valuable safety, health and career information–plus plenty of fun! Meet Captain Jack Sparrow, an amazing tribute artist of the popular Johnny Depp character
“TRIBUTE TO THE STARS” IN EL CAJON OCT. 10: EVENT TO BENEFIT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FEATURES AMERICA’S TOP CELEBRITY TRIBUTE ARTISTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie and Jennifer Anniston celebrity impersonators join a “Tribute to the Stars” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center to benefit the Mother Goose Parade. Other special appearances include tribute artists for Gwen Stefani, the music of No Doubt, “Twilight” movie
GERMAN-AMERICAN CLUB HOSTS EL CAJON OKTOBERFEST: BAND FROM GERMANY & AUTHENTIC GERMAN FOODS, BEER ON TAP
Printer-friendly version September 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the first two weekends of October at Okberfest in El Cajon. Visitors are invited to savor authentic German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato salad, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, German pastries and of course, a wide selection of German beers
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY IS A LESSON IN EAST SAN DIEGO’S HISTORY
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Independent bookstore and coffeehouse Upstart Crow of Seaport Village and acclaimed small press Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon are teaming up to offer the public a free monthly author appearance and book signing. These “Third Thursday” events began in June, and have featured appearances by local authors of books on such diverse topics as the
LA MESA OKTOBERFEST PROVES A ROUSING SUCCESS
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (La Mesa) – The big beer garden filled to capacity on Friday and Saturday night, when party-goers from around San Diego County gathered in downtown La Mesa to celebrate La Mesa’s Oktoberfest. Entertainment ranged from polka dancing to a rock-and-roll band, plus perennial favorites such as the beer stein hoisting contest (photo, left). La
STARRY STARRY NIGHTS: BORREGO SPRINGS OCT. 22-25
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – The 44th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival takes place October 22-25. “To help celebrate our recent designation as California’s first International Dark Sky Community, our Festival and parade theme this year is Starry Starry Nights, for which yours truly will be the Grand Marshal,” famed night sky photographer and syndicated astronomy columnist
GALACTIC GALA: “STAR GRAZING” OCT. 22 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version Celebrate Borrego Springs’ "Starry Starry Nights" and International Dark-Sky Community designation! October 7, 2009 – You’re bound to feel star struck at the Galactic Gala honoring Dennis Mammana, Borrego Springs’ celebrity astronomer and Borrego Days Parade Grand Marshal. The event will be held on Thursday, October 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Anza Borrego Desert
GUITAR CONCERT AT GROSSMONG COLLEGE OCT. 9
Printer-friendly versionOctober 7, 2009 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College guitar instructor Fred Benedetti, chair of the Grossmont College guitar studies department, will perform at a concert benefiting the Grossmont College Guitar Guild starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, at the college’s recital hall, Room 220. The public is invited to attend. Admission to the concert is $10
KID ZONE HAS FUN FOR ALL AT EL CAJON FIRE SAFETY & CAREER EXPO – OCT. 10
Printer-friendly version September 13, 2009 (El Cajon) – Learn about becoming a firefighter, police officer or 9-1-1 dispatcher at the El Cajon Fire Safety & Career Expo on Saturday, October 10th. The event will also feature a new Kids’ Fun & Safety Zone with a variety of family-friendly activities. Kids can enjoy visits with KC the Safety Robot and
VIEJAS & RADIO STATION MAGIC 92.5 STAGED HUGE BLOCK PARTY
Printer-friendly version Thousands enjoyed free concert, car show and kids fun zone Story and Photos by Leon Thompson Viejas (September 26, 2009) Thousands of enthusiastic rock music fans of all ages convened in the parking lot of Viejas Casino to hear a free concert co-sponsored by radio station Magic 92.5 on Saturday, October 3. The event, new this year,
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A decade of dogs: Fido Fest celebrates 10th anniversary
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 10, 2026 (Santee) – It’s time to grab your canine friends and their leashes for the dogstravaganza that…
Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the…
Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the drawing board to the engineering phase. San Diego County officials are holding a public workshop later this month, inviting residents and other interested stakeholders to review design elements for the transformation of the Campo
Casa de Oro has new “House of Gold” mural, thanks to ArtReach and Casa de Oro Alliance
East County News Service February 8, 2026 (Casa de Oro) — The Casa de Oro Alliance and ArtReach celebrated celebrate the completion of a vibrant…
La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March
East County News Service February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) — With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation,…
San Diego poet shares secrets and solace of a psychotherapist in The Best Sex I Never Had
Book by Susan Black Allen Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 2, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego resident and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has written…
A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by
Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape
San Diego Automotive Museum to hold “Garage Night” fundraiser
Printer-friendly versionEvening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth East County News Service Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) — The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St.
The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026
Printer-friendly version Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026. The schedule includes educational opportunities,
New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions. From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first “New Moon Fishing” event of the year, offering a
Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’
Printer-friendly versionPhotos and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in
Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society
Printer-friendly versionPhoto from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) — Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society. Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS’ care
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Printer-friendly version Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and
East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7
Printer-friendly version December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home. The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and
Destination East County: Dreamy December events to remember
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Listen to an audio version of this story. November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County! Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting
Artists from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to show off skills
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 28, 2025 (El Cajon) — The holiday spirit is already brightening up downtown El Cajon, with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and its Sophie’s Gallery again central to the vibe. Next month, St. Madeleine Sophie’s is inviting the community to meet and discover the creative talents of some of its artists while giving
Operation Masquerade: A Rent Beacham Mystery
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Larry M. Edwards Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 28, 2025 (San Diego) — Larry Edwards, a San Diego resident, has written another Rent Beacham mystery. San Diego journalist Rent receives information about a cold-case homicide in Washington State. His investigation leads him to investigate links between illegal disposal of hazardous waste from a San Diego boatyard in
New City Sinfonia and Downbeat Big Band swing into the holidays with Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 25, 2025 (El Cajon) — The sounds of the holiday season will get a swinging upgrade next month, as the New City Sinfonia and the Downbeat Big Band team up for a special performance featuring Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Organizers of the Dec. 10 event at
Dawn Hough Sebaugh’s “Wear Art, Live Art” fashion show at Wieghorst Museum features modern art styles with Western vibe
Printer-friendly versionThe show featured clothing created from paintings, illustrating the power of art in fashion Story and photos by Heidi Hope November 23, 2025 (El Cajon) — Boots and Belles, a fashion show at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon on Nov.8, showcased creative fashions by designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, owner of Wear Art, Live Art (WALA). The
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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