East County Magazine
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.
IT’S OFFICIAL: MOTHER GOOSE PARADE IS SAVED!
Printer-friendly version September 6, 2009 (El Cajon) – Organizers of the Mother Goose Parade have voted to save East County’s most cherished holiday tradition, after an outpouring of community do nations raised enough to cover a significant portion of the costs, East County Magazine has learned. “The parade will be scaled down to reduce costs,” Monica Zech, spokesperson for the City
FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY ARTS CELEBRATES 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA SEPT. 18
Printer-friendly version25 Years and $500,000 Given to the Arts… September 6, 2009 (El Cajon, CA)–Friends of East County Arts, Inc. will celebrate 25 years of giving to the performing and visual arts in the Greater East County with a spectacular Gala on September 18, 2009 at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse, located just off Friar’s Road at 2400 Admiral Baker
SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: STOMP, PLUCK & SWING IN EAST COUNTY!
Printer-friendly version September 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—This Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a fun-filled month of festivals and other fantastic events in San Diego’s East County. Here’s our guide to the year’s most diverse array yet of unique and mostly free or low –cost activities. Start by rocking out to the season’s last Concerts
TELLING YOUR STORIES: MEDIA ARTS CENTER LAUNCHES NEW FILM-MAKING PROJECT FOR AREA RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly version By Takayuki Higuchi September 3, 2009 (San Diego)–Imagine going to any San Diego County library and asking for help to create a video to tell your own story. Now you can do just that—thanks to a new project launched by Media Arts Center San Diego. The group will send a videographer out to create a short video, provide
2 ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS GET KIDS INVOLVED IN KEEPING AREA CLEAN & GREEN
Printer-friendly version “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 12 Coastal Cleanup Day at Lake Murray – Sept. 19 By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero If young people are our future, then the environment will ultimately be in their hands. Two events in East County this month provide perfect opportunities for families to spend quality time together, and for community
BOOK REVIEW: FIRE, CHAPARRAL, AND SURVIVAL IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Printer-friendly version by Richard W. Halsey Second Edition, Revised and Updated Sunbelt Publications, San Diego. 2008. 232 pages, illustrated, color plates. Reviewed by Walter Hall “The Viejas fire in ’01, the Galivan fire in ’02, and then again during the Cedar fire in ’03. It’s always the same damn thing.” — A weary incident commander back on
CELEBRATE EAST COUNTY!” DISCOVER OUR AREA’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS SAT. AUG. 29
Printer-friendly version Discounts for pre-reservation–RSVP now! WIN PRIZES: A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more! Like fine wine, the most festive event of the year just keeps getting better! Besides wine-tasting, gourmet foods, live music, art show, and book signings by East County authors , a museum tour and a scavenger hunt through one of
A Requiem for Reading?
Printer-friendly version by Craig S. Maxwell The memorial service for my grandfather, Vernon Wahrenbrock, was sparsely attended; the inevitable consequence, I suppose, of his having lived nearly a century. All his friends and much of his family were gone. We, his survivors, were there of course. And so were a few of the folks he’d come to know at
CELEBRATE EAST COUNTY! AUG. 29 BENEFIT FOR EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE
Printer-friendly version DISCOVER OUR REGION’S BEST KEPT SECRETS! August 7, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – East County Magazine invites you to savor the best of East County wines, food, music, arts and literature. Join us on Saturday, August 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. for an evening of festivities at Heritage of the Americas Museum, Cuyamaca College in El Cajon’s Rancho San Diego. Find
BOOK REVIEW: HOWARD DEAN’S PRESCRIPTION FOR REAL HEALTHCARE REFORM: HOW WE CAN ACHIEVE AFFORDABLE MEDICAL CARE FOR EVERY AMERICAN AND MAKE OUR JOBS SAFER
Printer-friendly version By Howard Dean, M.D. Chelsea Green Publishing Reviewed by Miriam Raftery The free market just doesn’t work in medicine. You can’t be an informed consumer. I never saw someone with severe chest pain jump off the table and say, Doctor, I’m going to the cheaper guy down the street.” — Howard Dean. M.D. , on a
LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND: THE SAGA OF COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE
Printer-friendly version George Galdorisi and Thomas Phillips. Minneapolis, Zenith Press. 2008. 642 pages. Reviewed by Walter Hall August 15, 2009 (San Diego)–This is a remarkable and opportune book. San Diego-based authors George Galdorisi and Thomas Phillips – both with significant operational experience in multiple theaters – are not poets. But they have given their narrative an epic quality.
DIVE-IN MOVIE: SHARK TAIL!
Printer-friendly version August 13, 2009 (San Diego) — Bring your rafts for the pool or beach chairs for the deck, then head on over to the Allied Gardens Pool for a "dive-in" movie this Saturday night, August 14th. Showtime for a viewing of Shark Tail starts at 7:45 p.m. To view a trailer of Shark Tail, a Dreamworks movie suitable for
HEART OF MT. HELIX AUG 15
Printer-friendly version July 12, 2009 (Mt. Helix) — Tickets are now on sale for the second annual HeART of Mt. Helix, a festive summer event from 5:30 pm – 10 pm at Mt. Helix Park, atop the mountain. Local restaurants will be serving signature appetizers. The event also features a "Hometown Heroes" program, music and dancing to the Mar Dels
ALL THAT JAZZ: CHRIS KLICH
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Takayuki Higuchi In this exclusive interview, Chris Klich shares his insights and inspirations with East County Magazine. A native San Diegan and music instructor at Grossmont College, he has been performing professionally for 26 years, including appearances in East County with his Chris Klich Jazz Quintet. He has toured across America and around the
ALPINE BUSINESSMAN’S CHAIN SAW CARVES OUT NEW CAREER
Printer-friendly version Photos by Miriam Raftery and Marilyn Lukinich August 8, 2009 (Alpine)–A little boredom turned into a roaring artistic success for ex-logger James Lukinich of Alpine. Using a chain saw, the owner of the White Wolf Tree Service now coaxes charming designs out of wood. Fanciful birds, appealing bears, clever alligators and other creations quickly take shape. Making the first cut
OBSERVATORY DONATED TO JULIAN HIGH:; DEDICATION AUG. 18 , JULIAN STARFEST AUG. 20-23
Printer-friendly version August 7, 2009 (Julian, CA)–(Julian, CA) “Eagle Observatory” will be dedicated at Julian High School at 5 p.m. on August 18, 2009. The astronomical observatory, funded through donations and built by volunteers, will be officially “opened” for observing and “first light”. Named “Eagle” for Julian High School’s mascot, the donated observatory is the result of tremendous collaboration that
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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.
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FIND PUPPY LOVE AT FIDO FEST FEB. 22
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups. The city of Santee event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee. Contests
FREE FEBRUARY ADMISSION FOR SENIORS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park January 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast
EXTRA, EXTRA! EL CAJON WELCOMES DOGS IN CELEBRATING END OF ‘PAWHIBITION’ JANUARY 25
Printer-friendly versionSource: Downtown El Cajon January 24, 2025 (El Cajon) – For the first time in 30 years, dogs are wagging their tails back into downtown El Cajon! Join the city on Saturday, January 25th for the End of Pawhibition, a celebration of this historic ordinance repeal. This all-day event will be filled with pawsitively delightful activities for you and
LEMON GROVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HOST FUNDRAISER FOR LA FIRE DISASTER RELIEF
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, Lemon Grove non-profit service clubs such as the Lemon Grove Lions, Lemon Grove Forward Club, Thrive, Soroptimists International of Lemon Grove, Mt. Miguel High School Alumni and the Lemon Grove Fire Department to name a
CAITLIN ROTHER TO RELEASE UPDATED EDITION OF BODY PARTS FEB. 25
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 21, 2025 (San Diego) – New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother, an investigative journalist and former San Diego Union-Tribune reporter, will release an updated edition of her true-crime book, Body Parts, on February 25. The book takes a deep psychological look at serial killer Wayne Adam Ford, a trucker who confessed to
TOUCHING INFINITY: A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF A SUPERNOVA
Printer-friendly version Novel by Mark O’Bannon Reviewed by Pennell Paugh January 19, 2025 (San Diego)—San Diego resident Mark O’Bannon has released a new science fiction romance, Touching Infinity (Imperium Prequels). In a society where arranged marriages are considered more sensible and enduring, Alastronia DeTroyes, a young planetary scientist, is excited to find herself traveling into a system that she
GARDEN PARTY AT BOUGIE’S CHEESE SHOP IN LA MESA JANUARY 18 AND 25
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — Bougie’s Cheese Shop, newly opened in December, invites you to a Garden Party on Saturday, January 18 and 25 from 1-4 p.m. This patio event will feature non-alcoholic specialty drinks in honor of dry January paired with cheeses, along with curated snack boxes available for purchase. Bougie’s Cheese Shop
LAUREL AND HARDY FAN CLUB MEETS FEB. 1 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)– In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads?? Films include “Should Married Men Go Home?”, “Our Wife”, and “Yes, Yes Nannette.” The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Jonathan Goetz January 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – January happenings include a film festival in Borrego Springs—ideal if you like the desert without the heat—as well as opportunities to see raptors up close in Ramona, take a group hike up Cowles Mountain, watch a thriller at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, or network with veterans in Santee.
BORREGO FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 15-19: TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 8, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Film Festival takes place January 15-19 in Borrego Springs, showcasing independent films. The event also features a filmmaker networking event, catered opening gala, panel discussions, filmmaker activities, Saturday party, red-carpet event, and catered awards ceremony. For a list of films, see: https://www.borregospringsfilmfestival.org/2025films For tickets (on sale
WAIT UNTIL DARK: THRILLER TAKES STAGE AT LAMPLIGHTERS IN LA MESA JAN. 10 THROUGH FEB. 2
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) — Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott’s 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds,
HAWK WATCH AT RAMONA GRASSLANDS EACH SATURDAY IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service View raptors and learn about birds of prey at Hawk Watch, hosted by the Wildlife Research Institute at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd.) in Ramona each Saturday in January and February starting at 10 a.m. Arrive early for this free event, with coffee and donuts available starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s recommended to
THE COLONIAL FARM: LA MESA AUTHOR’S LATEST BOOK FOCUSES ON PLIGHT OF KENYAN FARMWORKERS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: The author will have a book signing event at the San Carlos Library onApril 25 at 2:00 p.m. By Wanjirũ Warama Reviewed by Pennell Paugh January 1, 2025 (La Mesa) — Wanjiru Warama a resident of La Mesa, provides true stories of how her family and community lived in abject poverty on British colonial farms in Kenya in
NEW YEAR’S EVE HAPPENINGS AROUND SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Ben Perez Photo: Viejas will host a party at The Park on New Year’s Eve. Photo courtesy Viejas Resort December 29, 2024 (San Diego) – San Diego County residents have myriad opportunities to ring in 2025 with New Year’s Eve celebrations across the region. First Nation casinos across the county will be part of the variety of
BILL WALTON TRIBUTE TO HONOR BASKETBALL GREAT AT HELIX HIGH ON JANUARY 3
Printer-friendly versionTickets on sale now at https://www.gofan.co/event/2594824?schoolId=CA22796 By Ben Perez December 23, 2024 (La Mesa) –Always saying he was honored to be from East County, “Billy from La Mesa” is how Bill Walton wanted people to know him and greet him. So it’s only fitting that his high school alma mater in La Mesa is honoring him
“LA PASTORELA DE CORAJE” AIRING ON KNSD 89.1 FM
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Image: angels and devils prepare for an epic battle for the souls of humanity in the Teatro Pastorela production of “La Pastorela de Coraje,” broadcast through January 1 on KNSJ 89.1 radio. The holiday musical comedy has run for 34 years on San Diego County stages and airways. It features (from top l) Ella Aldridge,
PAPER TARGETS: ON FRIENDSHIP THAT TRANSCENDS TIME AND TRAUMA
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Patricia Watts Reviewed by Pennell Paugh December 8, 2024 (San Diego) — San Diego author Patricia Watts writes in her novel Paper Targets about Roanne, who never got angry — until the night she killed her ex-husband and herself. Roanne and her best friend, Connie, went to high school together and became suburban wives at the same
CRIME UNDER THE SUN: SISTERS IN CRIME ANTHOLOGY
Printer-friendly version Edited by Matt Coyle, Naomi Hirahara, & Tammy Kaehler Reviewed by Pennell Paugh December 5,2024 (San Diego) — Crime Under the Sun is the second anthology to be offered by Partners in Crime, the San Diego chapter of Sisters in Crime. Out of 60 entries, the editors selected the best 15. You will meet a beguiling bail
SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND HOSTS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 4, 2024 (San Diego) — The San Diego Concert Band kicks off its 35th season with the annual holiday concert on December 19 at Joan B. Kroc Theatre at 7 p.m.. Barbara Allen returns as guest vocalist, backed by the band playing special arrangements by local musician, composer/arranger, and music educator Adam Pezdek.
DECEMBER IS NATIONAL IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH; SDCCU OFFERS DEC. 18 WEBINAR AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE
Printer-friendly versionWebinar on identity theft prevention will detail ways to protect your information Source: San Diego County Credit Union December 4, 2024 (San Diego) – San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), one of San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is offering free resources and raising awareness regarding identity theft crimes during National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. On Wednesday, December 18
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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