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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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.
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