East County Magazine
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
HISTORY TO COME ALIVE AT LEWIS & CLARK BOOK PRESENTATION SEPT. 12
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)–James Thomas, author of Corp of Discovery: Lewis & Clark will be at the Heritage of the Americas Museum for a presentation and book signing on Saturday, September 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. Garbed in period costume, the author will make a presentation about his book and the historic Lewis & Clark
COMPETITORS STILL SOUGHT FOR S.D. SENIOR OLYMPIC BALLROOM COMPETITION SEPT. 13 IN EL CAJON: “WHERE YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO BE A CHAMPION”
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2009 (El Cajon/Rancho San Diego)—If you’re over 50, now you can put on your dancing shoes–and be a good sport! Going for the gold, competitors in the San Diego Senior Olympics this year will waltz into Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego on September 13th to dance the night away in the Senior Olympic Game Competition.
WOW! 2 NATIVE AMERICAN POW-WOWS TO DRAW THOUSANDS TO EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 3, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Thousands of tribal members from across the United States as well as many local participants and spectators are expected to flock to the Barona and Syucan reservations in East County during the first two weekends in September. Native American dancers, drummers and bird singers compete for
RAMONA AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE & FLY-INS
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2009 (Ramona)–Tne Ramona Airport hosts its annual open house on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features tours of the airport, Cal-Fire Air Attack Base, and control tower. Also on display are the Sheriff’s Copter 10 and Mercy Air helicopters, along with other aircraft including World War II-era Classic Warbirds.
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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.

‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibition coming to Grossmont College
East County News Service March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Library was selected as one of only 50 libraries across the United…

Irish Secrets and Lies by Debbie Wastling
Book by Debbie Wastling Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 18, 2026 (San Diego) – Irish Secrets and Lies by Southern California author Debbie Wastling is…

La Mesa Conversations to host panel on immigration enforcement and local response
East County News Service March 18, 2026 (La Mesa) — As the national conversation surrounding immigration enforcement continues to intensify, local community leaders are working…

Santee’s Bunny Trail March 28 includes dragon dancers and egg-citing activities
By Miriam Raftery March 17, 2026 (Santee) — Get ready for fire-breathing fun at Santee’s Bunny Trail, including dragon dancers performing from White Dragon Martial…

Inaugural Wellness 5K to fund expansion for Native Boys & Girls Club
East County News Service March 16, 2026 (East County) — The Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness will host its inaugural Wellness 5K…

Sanctified in Swing: A benefit for Lemon Grove Arts Collective on March 28
East County News Service March 16, 2026 (East County) — An evening of music, storytelling and community will be the draw in La Mesa later…

‘I’m Adopted’ by Cynthia R. Gould is the cat’s meow
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 16, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego author Cynthia R. Gould has released her second chidren’s book, and second…

Alejandro Escovedo to headline Adams Avenue Unplugged Saturday, April 25
Source: Adams Avenue Business March 16, 2026 (San Diego) – Adams Avenue Unplugged will take place on Saturday, April 25th, 12 noon to 12 midnight,…

Donate to help pets in need at Alpine Pet Food and Supply Drive April 4
East County News Service March 14, 2026 (Alpine) – Dog and cat food, treats, grooming supplies, new pet toys, feeding bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…

Cognitive behavioral therapy: healing through poetry
CBT Self-Therapy Poetry: A Right Brain Approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and DBT Self-Therapy Poetry: A Right-Brain Approach to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Books by Dharlene…

Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo
Book by Nico Waters Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 12, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diegan Nico Waters has written a series of children’s books….

Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo
Book by Nico Waters Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 12, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diegan Nico Waters has written a series of children’s books….

German Cabaret returns to El Cajon with ‘No Train to Anywhere’
East County News Service March 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — The German Theater Group San Diego has announced its 2026 production, a German-language cabaret titled…

German Cabaret returns to El Cajon with ‘No Train to Anywhere’
East County News Service March 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — The German Theater Group San Diego has announced its 2026 production, a German-language cabaret titled…

County lighting Administration Center in support of Sydney attack victims; Menorah lighting set for Dec. 22
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy San Diego County East County News Services Dec. 17, 2025 (San Diego County) — Behind the support of San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson from District 2, the County of San Diego will illuminate its County Administration Center in blue and white tonight, Dec. 17. The illumination in blue and white across from San Diego

Spring Into El Cajon on April 18 celebrates Arbor Day and arrival of spring
East County New Service Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay March 6, 2026 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon invites community members and…

SDSU hosts pow wow April 11
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (San Diego) — SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11…

Nature Day on Mt. Helix March 14: Butterflies, plants galore and more
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to celebrate Nature Day at the Mt. Helix Park, where Earth Day is…

Spring Into El Cajon on April 18 celebrates Arbor Day and arrival of spring
East County New Service Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay March 6, 2026 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon invites community members and…

SDSU hosts pow wow April 11
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (San Diego) — SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11…
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