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.

EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HAS AN ARRAY OF EVENTS COMING UP
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 27,2024 (San Diego’s East County) –The East County Regional Chamber of Commerce has several events coming up including First Friday breakfasts, business after hours mixers, coffee connect, a veterans’ awards luncheon, and holiday mixers. Go to https://business.eastcountychamber.org/events/calendarcatgid/Chamber-Events-6 to see all upcoming events and to register. Below are links for details on the individual events.

EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HAS AN ARRAY OF EVENTS COMING UP
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 27,2024 (San Diego’s East County) –The East County Regional Chamber of Commerce has several events coming up including First Friday breakfasts, business after hours mixers, coffee connect, a veterans’ awards luncheon, and holiday mixers. Go to https://business.eastcountychamber.org/events/calendarcatgid/Chamber-Events-6 to see all upcoming events and to register. Below are links for details on the individual events.

POWAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO OPEN 2024-2025 CONCERT SEASON WITH FAMED ROMEROS GUITAR QUARTET
Printer-friendly version“Trip to Spain” concert on Nov. 17 will feature music with a Spanish flair Source: Poway Symphony Orchestra October 26, 2024 (Poway) – The Poway Symphony Orchestra will open its 21st concert season with “A Trip to Spain with The Romeros,” presenting a program of lively Spanish-inspired music and featuring the world-renowned Romeros guitar quartet. The concert will

POWAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO OPEN 2024-2025 CONCERT SEASON WITH FAMED ROMEROS GUITAR QUARTET
Printer-friendly version“Trip to Spain” concert on Nov. 17 will feature music with a Spanish flair Source: Poway Symphony Orchestra October 26, 2024 (Poway) – The Poway Symphony Orchestra will open its 21st concert season with “A Trip to Spain with The Romeros,” presenting a program of lively Spanish-inspired music and featuring the world-renowned Romeros guitar quartet. The concert will

PARTY OF THE CENTURY! NOV. 17 AT WINEWORKS: NOW JUST $50, BENEFITS OUR REPORTING AND FIRE ALERTS!
Printer-friendly versionCost reduced due to a generous sponsor! East County Magazine invites you to our Roaring ’20s Jazz Age Party! Sunday, November 17 6 p.m. at Wine Works (8167 Center St., La Mesa, CA 91941) Benefits East County Media, 501c3 nonprofit supporting East County Magazine local news reporting and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Celebrate the era of

PARTY OF THE CENTURY! NOV. 17 AT WINEWORKS: NOW JUST $50, BENEFITS OUR REPORTING AND FIRE ALERTS!
Printer-friendly versionCost reduced due to a generous sponsor! East County Magazine invites you to our Roaring ’20s Jazz Age Party! Sunday, November 17 6 p.m. at Wine Works (8167 Center St., La Mesa, CA 91941) Benefits East County Media, 501c3 nonprofit supporting East County Magazine local news reporting and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Celebrate the era of

HAUNTED CIRCUS BRINGS THRILLS, CHILLS TO EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionBy Lindsay Elias October 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – The superheroes gathered at The Magnolia in El Cajon for the 2nd annual Haunted Circus. The event was organized by Twisted Orbit Circus Entertainment and included appearances by Captain America, Ghost Rider, Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman, and the duo Harley Quinn and the Joker. The audience cheered on the performers

HAUNTED CIRCUS BRINGS THRILLS, CHILLS TO EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionBy Lindsay Elias October 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – The superheroes gathered at The Magnolia in El Cajon for the 2nd annual Haunted Circus. The event was organized by Twisted Orbit Circus Entertainment and included appearances by Captain America, Ghost Rider, Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman, and the duo Harley Quinn and the Joker. The audience cheered on the performers
HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS
Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes Reviewed by Pennell Paugh October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book that mixes science fiction and fantasy with romance. In 1888, Rene Sakin loses both her parents, falls into depression and is expelled from a prestigious medical college for
HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS
Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes Reviewed by Pennell Paugh October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book that mixes science fiction and fantasy with romance. In 1888, Rene Sakin loses both her parents, falls into depression and is expelled from a prestigious medical college for
HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS
Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes Reviewed by Pennell Paugh October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book that mixes science fiction and fantasy with romance. In 1888, Rene Sakin loses both her parents, falls into depression and is expelled from a prestigious medical college for

RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) — The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.

RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) — The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.

RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) — The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.

SANTEE BREWS AND BITES FESTIVAL OCT. 19 FEATURES FAST TIMES
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2024 (Santee) — Looking for a totally tubular time? The Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser will be far out dude! Fast Times, the ultimate 80’s experience band, will be headlining this year’s Brews & Bites on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr., Santee).

SANTEE BREWS AND BITES FESTIVAL OCT. 19 FEATURES FAST TIMES
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2024 (Santee) — Looking for a totally tubular time? The Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser will be far out dude! Fast Times, the ultimate 80’s experience band, will be headlining this year’s Brews & Bites on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr., Santee).

JULIAN PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS MUSICAL OCT. 11-20
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) – The Fantasticks is the longest running production in American theater, since its debut in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York. The musical features a timeless fable of love that is both nostalgic and universal, transcending cultural barriers. Julian Performing Arts presents the

JULIAN PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS MUSICAL OCT. 11-20
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) – The Fantasticks is the longest running production in American theater, since its debut in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York. The musical features a timeless fable of love that is both nostalgic and universal, transcending cultural barriers. Julian Performing Arts presents the

JULIAN WONDERFEST OCT. 26: WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, A STAR PARTY AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) — Julian Wonderfest offers free awe-inspiring activities from wildlife encounters, music, and art by day to an evening star party to view the night skies. This special event held on Saturday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery in Julian will feature games

JULIAN WONDERFEST OCT. 26: WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, A STAR PARTY AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) — Julian Wonderfest offers free awe-inspiring activities from wildlife encounters, music, and art by day to an evening star party to view the night skies. This special event held on Saturday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery in Julian will feature games
Search by Specific Date
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