East County Magazine
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,
JAZZ CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE THURSDAY OCT. 8
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Jazz Ensemble, featuring jazz saxophonist soloist Christopher Hollyday, will perform starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Cuyamaca College Arts Center auditorium, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, in El Cajon. The performance is open to the public. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
BETWEEN THE STRIPES: THE “MANE” EVENT SAT. OCT. 3
Printer-friendly version Event Benefits Lions, Tigers & Bears October 2, 2009 (Descanso) – For a wild night on the town, dine and visit with exotic big cats at Saturday night’s Between the Stripes fundraiser at Lions, Tigers & Bears big cat rescue facility in Descanso. Dubbed “The Mane Event,” the party runs from 2 to 6 p.m., with a
LA MESA OKTOBERFEST GEARING UP FOR BIGGEST CELEBRATION YET
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 30,2009 (La Mesa) – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, more than 200,000 people are expected to flock to downtown La Mesa for one of East County’s biggest annual celebrations: La Mesa 36th Annual Oktoberfest. This year, watch for some new attractions—and the return of an old favorite. By popular demand, the big beer garden is back—along with traditional German
BOOK REVIEW: TRUE CRIME STORIES (PART II)
Printer-friendly version I’M IN THE TUB, GONE. By Richard James Carlson Publish America, Baltimore. 2004. 123 pages. Available at the San Diego Police Museum and on Amazon.com Reviewed by Walter Hall “Today is the final day of this life…” Only once in a long while do we encounter a book that just won’t let go. This
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR, THIS WEEK
Printer-friendly version September 27, 2009 (San Diego)—The Fourth Annual San Diego City College International Book Fair kicks off a full week of literary and cultural events on Monday. Already San Diego’s largest book event, the Lucha Libro theme for 2009 assures a broad regional appeal again this year–including paticipation by some East County writers. The Lucha Libro program offers San Diegans
FREE POETRY WORKSHOPS: “BULLETS OUTTA GUNS” IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version Jim Moreno is currently initiating a poetry workshop afterschool program at the UPAKA Center (Urban Performing Arts & Creative Arts Center) in La Mesa, California entitled "Bullets Outta Guns". Jim believes that when adults provide afterschool art or sports programs and 10 children show up, 20 bullets are removed from guns: 10 bullets from police revolvers and 10
KIDS CARE FEST SAT. SEPT. 26 in LA MESA
Printer-friendly version September 25, 2009 (La Mesa)–Kids Care Fest is a fun, free interactive family event sponsored by Grossmont Healthcare District, La Mesa Park & Recreation Foundation and City of La Mesa. The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Briercrest Park and the Grossmont Healthcare District office next door, 9001 Wakarusa St. in
MAGIC 92.5 HOSTS BLOCK PARTY AT VIEJAS SATURDAY, SEPT. 26
Printer-friendly version September 24, 2009 (Alpine) – Radio station “Magic” 92.5 is hosting a free block party featuring live entertainment by stars including Teena Marie, Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb, Siren’s Crush and Rising Star. Other activities will include a car show, jumpies for children, crafts, foods, shopping and the Viejas interactive fountain. The event will be held in between
FROM HANDEL TO HALLOWEEN
Printer-friendly version September 23, 2009 (Santee) – San Diego Master Chorale presents “From Handel to Halloween”, a concert of “spirited” music on October 16 at the Sonrise Community Church in Santee. The program features classics, folk songs, popular music in keeping with the season, spirituals, and a special focus on men’s voices at this family-oriented concert. Tickets cost $20 for
BOOK REVIEW: TRUE CRIME STORIES
Printer-friendly version EAST OF SAN DIEGO. The Lost History of the East San Diego Police Department, 1912-1923. By Gary E. Mitrovich San Diego Police Historical Association, San Diego, 2008. 112 pages, illustrated. Distributed by Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon, CA. Reviewed by Walter Hall To counter the reckless operation of motor vehicles, City Marshal J.P. Ayers “…declared war
HATE CRIMES SUMMIT OCT. 1 IN EL CAJON SEEKS TO STEM VIOLENCE IN OUR AREA
Printer-friendly versionMost Local Hate Crimes Are Committed by Youths Under 21 United for a Hate Free San Diego, a coalition of faith and community leaders, presents the 2nd annual Hate Crimes Summit on Thursday Oct. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Ave, in El Cajon. A series of violent, hate-motivated incidents in East County and elsewhere
PICKIN’ & STRUMMIN’ AT THE JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL SEPT. 19-20
Printer-friendly versionJulian (September 18, 2009 ) — A decades old Julian tradition returns when the gates open on September 19th and 20th to the 39th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival. Sponsored and presented by the Julian Lions Club at Frank Lane Park, the annual event is the oldest bluegrass festival in California and this year’s edition boasts one of its strongest line-ups.

JULIAN APPLE DAYS FESTIVAL CAPS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OCT. 3-4; ADDITIONAL EVENTS HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC TOWN’S SAVORY PAST
Printer-friendly version September 14, 2009 (Julian) –Wyatt Earp, the frontier lawman best known for his role in the O.K. corral shootout, judged apple products at San Diego's first County District Fair back in 1889–where Julian's produce won 88 first and second place awards. In 1909, the town hosted its first Apple Days celebration–and ever since, the historic gold rush town had staked its
BIGGEST OKTOBERFEST WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI: LA MESA OCT. 2-4
Printer-friendly version September 14, 2009 (La Mesa) — You’re invited to join a few friends–200,000 or so–in the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the Western United States. Festivities extend through six blocks in the La Mesa Village area of downtown La Mesa, featuring three beer gardens and more than 300 vendors. Savor German foods, contests, and entertainment ranging from a bBavarian Beer Garden Band, San Diego Concert Band to the
VALLEY MUSIC SEEKS MUSICIANS FOR OPEN MIKE NIGHT
Printer-friendly version September 13, 2009 (El Cajon) If you’re a musician seeking an audience, Valley Music wants you. The El Cajon music store hopes to begin hosting an East County Open Microphone series beginning Saturday, September 26th. “We are interested in starting up an East County Open Microphone series and are looking for people who would like to participate,” Andrea
ZINN, THEOBOLD EXHIBITIONS AT HYDE ART GALLERY, GROSSMONT THROUGH SEPT. 17
Printer-friendly version September 12, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery presents paintings by Gillian Theobald and Ollie Zinn through September 17. Both artists probing dialogues. Zinn speaks through a language of figurative story-lines whereas Theobald explores a more atmospheric and abstract imagery. The selection of work displays two very different approaches to very contemplative subject matter. Both artists
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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.

CAROLING ON BROADWAY: DEC. 13 AND 21 IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 30, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly – so Revitalize Broadway invites singers (no experience required) to join in spreading some holiday cheer. Caroling on Broadway will take place Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 21. Meet at the Lemon Grove Promenade at 5:30 p.m. for caroling down Broadway, which

DANCING LIGHTS, TALKING TREES AND A LIGHT SHOW AT CAMP CHRISTMAS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 29, 2024 (Pine Valley) – Camp Christmas in Pine Valley is back, with dazzling lighting displays and more from 5:30 to p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, and Dec. 13-22. Visitors to Camp Christmas, located in a mountain community in San Diego’s East County, will see thousands of computerized lights strung on trees

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: 2024 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a dazzling array of holiday events coming up across our inland region–including synchronized light shows at Camp Christmas in Pine Valley, North Pole Limited Train Rides at the Campo depot, Lakeside’s Spirit of Christmas, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, a holiday bonfire in Lemon Grove,

HOLIDAY ART WALK NOV. 30 IN EL CAJON, FOLLOWED BY AN ARTIST’S RECEPTION
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 27, 2024 (El Cajon) – East County Arts Association invites you to enjoy strolling down Main street in downtown El Cajon for a holiday art walk with 28 participating vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to vibrant paintings, pottery and more. The event takes place Saturday, November 30 from 2 p.m.to 8

CHRISTMAS AT THE GERMAN-AMERICAN SOCIETIES IN EL CAJON DEC. 7-8
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 27, 2024 (El Cajon) – The German-American Societies of San Diego and Dia Rasselbande Preschool invite you to a traditional Christmas Market. This festive event features shopping for handmade gifts, delicious German dishes, holiday beer and Glühwein, choral performances, kids’ activities, and photos with Santa. This festive event will be held at the German American

CHARIOT CANYON: A RENT BEACHAM MYSTERY
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 25, 2024 (San Diego) — Award-winning San Diego author Larry M. Edwards involves investigative journalist Rent Beacham in another mystery. In Chariot Canyon, Rent looks into reports of welfare fraud. His investigation not only becomes more dangerous, by a twist of fate, he becomes personally connected to people involved. When horseback riders discover

CREST HOSTS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRE WITH SANTA ARRIVING BY FIRE TRUCK
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 24, 2024 (Crest, CA) – The reindeer are taking a day off on Sunday, December 8, when Santa will arrive at the Crest Christmas Craft Faire aboard a fire truck! Santa arrives at 4 p.m. and will visit with children until 6 p.m. The Craft Faire begins at 10 a.m. and runs through

SNOW DAY AT LINDO LAKES DECEMBER 6
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 20, 2024 (Lakeside) — Even sunny San Diego can get snow with the assistance of modern technology. You’re invited to Snow Day at Lindo Lake on December 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., as the County turns this popular park into a family-friendly winter wonderland with fresh snow for sledding and snow play.

LAKESIDE ARTIST WINS BEST OF THEME AWARD
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego Watercolor Society Photo: “Got My Eye On You” by Dottie Thompson. Watercolor, 18 x 24”. Image courtesy of San Diego Watercolor Society November 19, 2024 (Lakeside) – Dottie Thompson, an artist and resident of Lakeside, California, has won the Best of Theme award in the highly competitive November 2024 San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) Member’s gallery exhibition “Evoking

LEMON GROVE TOASTS TO HOLIDAYS WITH BONFIRE DECEMBER 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to the city’s annual community bonfire on Friday, December 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. in Lemon Grove. Enjoy visits with Santa, music with a live band, a game truck, crafts, inflatables, free cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn,

PRISON DOCUMENTARY COULD SWEEP SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL CIRCUIT
Printer-friendly versionBy Michael Howard Photo: Dr. Paul and Lori Sutton at the San Diego Film Awards. Photo courtesy of Paul Sutton November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – A retired San Diego State University professor is poised to sweep the San Diego film festival scene this month when his short documentary From Pen to Paper about imprisoned men who take

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE CELEBRATION NOV. 9
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 7, 2024 (Rancho San Diego, CA) – The Water Conservation Garden is hosting a free 25th anniversary celebration this Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrating 25 years of educating the public about water conservation, this event features animal encounters, garden talks, food, live music, activities and fun for all

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT AT MISSION TRAILS HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE NOV. 9
Printer-friendly versionSource: Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation November 5, 2024 (San Diego) – It’s that time of year again: time to find the perfect gift for that special someone. You can find it at the Holiday Marketplace at Mission Trails on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will support the independent vendors and all

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT AT MISSION TRAILS HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE NOV. 9
Printer-friendly versionSource: Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation November 5, 2024 (San Diego) – It’s that time of year again: time to find the perfect gift for that special someone. You can find it at the Holiday Marketplace at Mission Trails on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will support the independent vendors and all

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 113TH ANNUAL EAST COUNTY HONORS AWARDS GALA NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
Printer-friendly versionSource: East County Chamber of Commerce November 1, 2024 (El Cajon) – The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 East County Honors. On Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, The East County Chamber will celebrate the 113th anniversary of its annual East County Honors event at Sycuan Casino Resort at 5 p.m. For

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 113TH ANNUAL EAST COUNTY HONORS AWARDS GALA NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
Printer-friendly versionSource: East County Chamber of Commerce November 1, 2024 (El Cajon) – The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 East County Honors. On Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, The East County Chamber will celebrate the 113th anniversary of its annual East County Honors event at Sycuan Casino Resort at 5 p.m. For

BORREGO SPRINGS FILM INSTITUTE PRESENTS CASABLANCA AND MORE FREE SCREENINGS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 27, 2024 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Springs Film Institute is offering a series of free film showings at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. The next showing is the classic film “Casablanca” on November 6 at 7 p.m. The1942 film, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, features a cynical expatriate American cafe

BORREGO SPRINGS FILM INSTITUTE PRESENTS CASABLANCA AND MORE FREE SCREENINGS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 27, 2024 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Springs Film Institute is offering a series of free film showings at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. The next showing is the classic film “Casablanca” on November 6 at 7 p.m. The1942 film, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, features a cynical expatriate American cafe

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: NOTABLE NOVEMBER EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 27, 2024 (Ramona) – Notable November events are coming up –including the Ramona Art and Wine Fest, Valor Awards for Veterans, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, East County Magazine’s Roaring ‘20s party at La Mesa Wine Works, the Romeros Spanish guitar concert, comedy night at Sycuan, Santee’s tree lighting and sledding,

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: NOTABLE NOVEMBER EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 27, 2024 (Ramona) – Notable November events are coming up –including the Ramona Art and Wine Fest, Valor Awards for Veterans, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, East County Magazine’s Roaring ‘20s party at La Mesa Wine Works, the Romeros Spanish guitar concert, comedy night at Sycuan, Santee’s tree lighting and sledding,
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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