East County Magazine
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
EX-PADRE GENE LOCKLEAR STARS IN ARTIST RECEPTION AT SILVER CREEK FINE ART GALLERY
Printer-friendly version August 6, 2009 (El Cajon) – Gene Locklear, former outfielder for the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees, will be honored at an artist reception Friday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet Locklear and enjoy his artwork at Silver Creek Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing, 120 East Main Street
“NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM” BIG-SCREEN MOVIE AT ALLIED GARDENS PARK SAT. AUG. 8–FREE!
Printer-friendly version August 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Movies in the park have emerged as this summer’s hot new trend for free family fun. This weekend, Allied Gardens Community Park (just north of I-8) installs a 15 by 20 foot inflatable screen and professional sound system to bring you a first-rate Hollywood movie in the park at dark. Navajo Events, sponsors
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! FILM FESTIVAL AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE AUG. 8
Printer-friendly version August 3, 2009 (El Cajon) Grossmont College in El Cajon will host a one-day film festival featuring 20 films produced by students and independent filmmakers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. The public is invited to attend. An all-day admission ticket is $5. In addition to film viewing, workshops will be delivered on script
IT’S IN THE HOLE! GOLF TOURNAMENT TEES OFF OCT. 16 AT COTTONWOOD
Printer-friendly version August 2, 2009 (El Cajon) –Looking for some fun in the sun? Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce invites community members to take their best shots with local business members in the “It’s in the Hole Golf Tourmanent” Friday October 16. The event will be held at the brand new Lakes Course at Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego.
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
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…
East County Chamber honors leaders, organizations at 114th annual soiree
Printer-friendly versionSycuan Casino Resort hosted the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce’s 114th annual East County Honors Awards Gala over the weekend. Photos and story by Karen Pearlman March 2, 2026 (El Cajon) — More than 400 business and nonprofit leaders, community advocates and public officials gathered at Sycuan Casino Resort last Saturday for the 114th Annual East County
San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce hosts 114th annual East County Honors Awards gala
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 27, 2026 (El Cajon) — On Saturday, February 28, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 114th anniversary of its annual East County Honors event at Sycuan Casino Resort at 5 p.m. Since 1912, the Chamber has held the tradition of swearing in the new Chamber Board of Directors and recognizing
Poway Symphony concert March 22 features Mendelssohn Classics
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 26, 2026 (Poway) — The Poway Symphony Orchestra will perform a “Mendelssohn Classics” concert that starts at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Poway Symphony Orchestra, a 65-member ensemble, will perform under the baton of Conductor and Music Director John LoPiccolo. Ensemble leadership said that the afternoon will showcase
The Bloodstones of Power: The Norwesis Chronicles, Book 3 by Alain Lescart
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 25, 2026 (San Diego) — Alain Lescart, a resident of San Diego, entered his latest fairy story in the San…
The Bloodstones of Power: The Norwesis Chronicles, Book 3 by Alain Lescart
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 25, 2026 (San Diego) — Alain Lescart, a resident of San Diego, entered his latest fairy story in the San…
Hot times! Lemon Grove Lions & Lemon Grove Forward Club host Chili Cookoff fundraiser March 28 for service projects
Source: Lemon Grove Lions February 24, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove Lions Club and Lemon Grove Forward Club, organizations devoted to volunteering and supporting…
Hot times! Lemon Grove Lions & Lemon Grove Forward Club host Chili Cookoff fundraiser March 28 for service projects
Source: Lemon Grove Lions February 24, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove Lions Club and Lemon Grove Forward Club, organizations devoted to volunteering and supporting…
Tacos, taxes and targeted relief — Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson hosting resource fair
East County News Service Feb. 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — As the April income tax filing deadline looms, State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-SD)…
Tacos, taxes and targeted relief — Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson hosting resource fair
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — As the April income tax filing deadline looms, State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-SD) will serve up a unique blend of financial relief and local flavor next month. Weber Pierson’s office on Saturday, March 14, is hosting “Tacos & Taxes” at the Jackie Robinson YMCA. The event offers
Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse in East County
East County News Service Feb. 18, 2026 (San Diego County) — The thunder of hooves isn’t just coming from local farms and ranches this week;…
Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse in East County
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 18, 2026 (San Diego County) — The thunder of hooves isn’t just coming from local farms and ranches this week; it’s the sound of the Year of the Fire Horse. Lunar New Year festivities — some of which will last all year long — are trotting through the region. The 2026 celebrations carry a
San Diego State, San Diego Humane Society team up to support furry friends
East County News Service Feb. 15, 2026 (San Diego) — While many people chomped on chocolates and bequeathed bouquets of red roses on Valentine’s Day,…
Hear our interview with Chris Pierce, Spring Valley Community Alliance President, on Feb. 19 Spring Valley Changemakers Summit and more community happenings
By Miriam Raftery February 14, 2026 (Spring Valley) – “The main goal is to connect people and build inspiration. We have a lot of talented…
Destination East County: Springtime festivals and events
By Karen Pearlman Feb. 13, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — As the chill of winter fades, seasonal events are blossoming across San Diego’s inland…
Treasure hunters wanted at Parkway Collectibles event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — Whether you are hunting for a rare holographic Pokémon Charizard or looking to add the latest vaulted Funko Pop to your shelf, Parkway Plaza is the place to be later this month. Parkway Collectibles, the monthly pop-up event hosted by The Coin Toss, is set to return from 11 a.m. to 7
Treasure hunters wanted at Parkway Collectibles event
East County News Service Feb. 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — Whether you are hunting for a rare holographic Pokémon Charizard or looking to add the…
La Mesa Lions, Lemon Grove Lions partner for fundraising dinner
East County News Service Feb. 11, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The sweet aroma of garlic and simmered marinara sauce will fill the air in Lemon…
California opens $2.5M in grants to reimagining State Parks through art and culture
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Sacramento) – Looking to literally bridge the gap between nature and the diverse communities of the state, California…
GUHSD Superintendent backs DA’s appeal against potential release of 2001 Santana shooter
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 10, 2026 (Santee) — Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte has sent a letter to District Attorney Summer Stephan expressing full support for her appeal of the San Diego Superior Court’s decision to grant a recall and resentencing hearing for Charles “Andy” Williams, the perpetrator of the 2001 Santana
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