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.
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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
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
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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