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.
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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
Poway OnStage brings holiday cheer with ugly seasonal sweater soirée plus a chance to give back
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 19, 2025 (Poway) — Sweater weather is upon us, and ugly sweaters are about to take a fashionable, functional turn on center stage in Poway. Poway OnStage is going to host two performances of “The Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soirée: Holiday Hits in Horrible Knits” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Poway Center
Lemon Grove’s Community Bonfire to light up the night Dec. 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The city of Lemon Grove will host its 29th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park, 3200 Main Street. Activities include a live band, kids’ zone, and foods available for purchase. In addition, the mayor will deliver welcoming remarks at 6
Lamplighters Theatre presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Nov. 29 – Dec. 14
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait. A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” featuring the wild adventures
Holiday in the Village: A La Mesa tradition returns Dec. 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Village Association’s 10th annual Holiday in the Village event will take place on December 13 from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. It will feature a variety of enhanced holiday traditions including an ice rink, a winter wonderland, Mrs. Claus’ reading nook, selfies with Santa, holiday photo
Julian Theater Company presents “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 12-20
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Ebeneezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will come to life in Julian, where the Julian Theater Company presents Charles Dickens’ holiday classic play, “A Christmas Carol.” You’ll be drawn into Dicken’s Victorian supernatural world of Christmas festivity, family, redemption, family, and love. The
Nutcracker Ballet comes to The Magnolia in El Cajon Dec. 20-21
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — San Diego Ballet brings “The Nutcracker”, a cherished holiday classic, to the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon with performances on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday, December 21 at 12 p.m. The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international
“Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jade and friends Dec. 5 at Sycuan
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — ‘Tis the season to enjoy “Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jam, who was named Breakout Artist of Year by the Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. She earned a San Diego Music Award in 2023 “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Album” for her debut
Thankful Fur You: Holiday Tours Nov. 21 at Calif. Wolf Center in Julian
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Make a holiday treat such as a pumpkin spiced meatball, then watch as wolves at the California Wolf Center in Julian savor their pre-Thanksgiving feasts. The “Thankful Fur You” event takes place on November 21 at 2:40 p.m. and lasts an hour and a half. Support wolf conservation efforts with an unforgettable experience
Pine Valley Camp Christmas brings forest to life with lights, holiday music and activities
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Pine Valley) – Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, Pine Valley Camp Christmas provides enchanting family entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of lights bring the forest to life, timed to the beat of holiday music hourly from 6-9 p.m. including the finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” There’s also
Mayor Wells hosts Jubilee Jam at the Magnolia Dec. 6 to help bring San Diego Rescue Mission to East County
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — You’re invited to a free, family friendly evening filled with music, joy and holiday cheer—all for a good cause. On December 6, Jubilee festivities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the Magnolia theater featuring Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band performing
Saps at Sea present ‘End of Year Film Fun’
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 15, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy fan organization, invite you to close out their 47th year with some End of Year Film Fun in El Cajon on Saturday, December 6. This month’s guest comedian is Charlie Chase
Hear our interview with La Mesa director Elisha Cecil, whose movie “Amber” is screening at San Diego Film Week Nov. 14
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 12, 2025 (La Mesa) – Elisha Cecil is a filmmaker, screenwriter and director from La Mesa. His films have been featured in many major film festivals, including Eyes of Shadow and Amber, a short horror film showing at the San Diego Film Week on November 14. East County Magazine interviewed Cecil for our radio show,
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 holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light
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 Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona. “November is our favorite time to celebrate our famous racing turkeys who are back and better than ever (sort of… breeding season is on 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 magical holiday experience of The Nutcracker is coming to San Diego later this month. Mission Hills-headquarterered BalletCenter Studios is presenting an enchanting new production, “Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier,”
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 nonprofit organization is holding Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser in December at its 142-acre site in Alpine. The event will include gift-giving, holiday lights and music, and will support
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 brand-new production titled “A New Experience”, bringing its signature mix of magic, heart-pounding excitement, and family fun to Parkway Plaza November 12 – December 5. An entertaining outing for families,
La Mesa Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming Nov. 7
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Nov. 4, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa City Council member Laura Lothian and The Cohn Restaurant Group are partnering to transform a tree at a local downtown La Mesa restaurant into a Christmas tree with a special star on top. Casa Gabriela will be the site of the towering 80-foot tall
Oaks from Acorns Grow
Printer-friendly versionBook by Richard Opper Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks from Acorns Grow. It’s written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals. Mona Oakheart goes to Guam to find her leading porn
Save a life, honor a Legend at Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive on Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionLast year’s inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive hosted by the San Diego Blood Bank was in Mission Valley. This year’s Nov. 5 drive will be at Grossmont Center, in Walton’s hometown. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 30, 2025 (La Mesa) — The San Diego Blood Bank is calling on the community to
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.
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