East County Magazine
YEE-HA! RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR JULY 30-AUG. 2
Printer-friendly version July 30, 2009 (Ramona) — From watermelon-eating contests to waterfights, Ramona’s down-home country fair offers family fun and crowd-pleasing favorites including carnival rides, live music, food, livestock auctions, junior livestock exhibitions, many vendors and more. Ramona’s 39th annual country fair is more affordable than the Del Mar Fair, too. Ride tickets run $15 ($12 at select presale
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT–KROC CENTER AUG. 4
Printer-friendly version July 29, 2009 (San Diego)–Join Crime Stoppers, Target and the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the free National Night Out Against Crime. Meet your neighbors and enjoy giveaways, games, face painting, live entertainment, police K-9s, rockclimbing, balloon animals, community booths and more. This free community event will be held on Tuesday Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. at
DIVINE BOVINE: THE COW, THEN & NOW
Printer-friendly version ART SHOW AUG 18-30, ARTIST RECEPTION AUG. 22IN LA MESA July 29, 2009 (La Mesa) – Holy cow—a unique art show is coming to La Mesa! O’Dunn Fine Art has acquired some “udderly” delightful images of the cow by Danish impressionist Gunnar Bundgaard (view a complete 20th Century collection at www.odunnfineart.com.) Providing delicious contrast are post-modern renderings of the divine
EXPLORE 7 MILLION YEARS OF EVOLUTION AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO
Printer-friendly version Author of New Book on Anza-Borrego Desert’s Fossil Treasures Featured at Aug. 15 Event July 29, 2009 (San Diego)—Lowell Lindsay, co-author of Fossil Treasures of the Anza-Borrego Desert: The Last Seven Million Years, will be at the San Diego Zoo’s new Elephant Odyssey Exhibit on Saturday, August 15. He will be discussing, in a hands-on presentation, one of
PREMIER WESTERN , LANDSCAPE & PORTRAIT ARTIST JACK JORDAN HAS AUGUST SHOWING IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version July 28, 2009 (La Mesa)– Twenty oil paintings by El Cajon resident Jack Jordan are now on display through the end of August at the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa. The artwork includes landscapes, western themes and portraits. Jordan is a premier oil painter whose work has appeared in
IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS
Printer-friendly version A review of Lemon Grove’s Concerts in the Park By Leon Thompson July 23, 2009 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove’s Berry Park was filled with the summer smell of barbecue, the music of children laughing and the vision of families having fun. The occasion was Lemon Gove City’s third “CONCERTS IN THE PARK” with the country
EL CAJON ARTIST WINS BEST OF SHOW AT ALLEY CAT SUMMER FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version July 24, 2009 (El Cajon)–Gloria Chadwick, noted local artist and community art activist, received the Best in Show award at the Third Annual Alley Cat Juried Art Show produced by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. (photo (l to r): Bonnie Fredensborg, president of Friends of East County Arts, Inc., artist Gloria Chadwick, and El Cajon Councilwman Jillian
ET BY STARLIGHT: LA MESA OFFERS FREE MOVIE SHOWING JULY 31
Printer-friendly version July 22, 2009 (La Mesa)–The City of La Mesa is offering a free movie night under the stars on Friday July 31st. This family-oriented event will feature the movie “ET: The Extra-Terrestrial”, rated PG. "Come see if ET phones home," states a press released issued by La Mesa, which invites the public to bring family, spread out a blanket
A “VINE” TIME IN EL CAJON: CROWDS SAVORED CHAMBER’S WALKING WINE TASTING & ART TOUR
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 18, 2009 (El Cajon)—Over 200 people signed up for a “Taste of Wine & Art” event sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. Held in conjunction with the Alley Cat Summer Fest, the tour featured samplings of appetizers and desserts, beers, tequila, live music and artwork displays at venues throughout downtown. The
YOU’RE INVITED! HAVE A HOT TIME A HOOLEYS WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE
Printer-friendly version July 16, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–East County Magazine invites you to meet the press and join ius for an evening of food, fun and festivities. "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine" will be held on Wednesday, August 12th from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill in Grossmont Center, La Mesa. Reserve space now for the happening event of the summer. The
THE CAT’S MEOW: ALLEY CAT SUMMER FEST 2009 ON JULY 17 AND 18
Printer-friendly version5,000+ EXPECTED AT EL CAJON COMMUNITY CONSORTIUM July 15. 2009 (El Cajon)– On the prowl for some fun this weekend? El Cajon community art groups, museums, restaurants, and other downtown businesses are staging Alley Cat Summer Fest 2009, an event best described as the cat’s meow. Organizers predict 5,000 people at the two-day event on Friday, July 17, 4
SUMMER POPS! CONCERT SUNDAY JULY 19 IN ALLIED GARDENS
Printer-friendly version July 17, 2009 (Allied Gardens) — Navajo Events will host the 5th annual Summer Pops Concert on Sunday, July 19th at the Allied Gardens Community Park. The concert is free to attend and be enjoyed by people of all ages. The public is invited to pack a blanket, some snacks to munch on and join friends in the
PAINT THE TOWN: ARTISTS WANTED TO BEAUTIFY DOWNTOWN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version July 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The El Cajon Community Development Corporation (El Cajon CDC) is looking for artists to turn unattractive utility boxes into works of art through the Utility Box Art Program (UArt). Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on July 30th. Painting of the utility boxes was begun several years ago by the former City of
NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE FRIDAY JULY 10 AT FREE “CONCERTS ON THE GREEN”
Printer-friendly version July 10, 2009 (El Cajon)–“Diamond Is Forever,” the popular Neil Diamond Tribute band, will perform tonight at El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon. Concerts on the Green has performances every Friday evening through
COOLEST PLACE IN TOWN: POOL FLICKS & HOT KROC NIGHTS
Printer-friendly version July 9, 2009 (San Diego) — Here’s some news the kids will "snap" up: Salvation Army Kroc Center announces its popular "Hot Kroc Nights" and "Pool Flicks" are back for the 2009 Summer Season. Hot Kroc Nights offer family specials for ice skating or swimming every Wednesday night through August 26. Pool Flicks, July 29 and August 19,
“MAGNIFICENT MILKY WAY” WITH ASTRONOMER DENNIS MAMMANA AT BORREGO SPRINGS AUG. 15
Printer-friendly version July 5, 2009 (Borrego Springs)–Few celestial sights are as stunning as an August desert sky. On Saturday, August 15, famed astronomer and night sky photographer Dennis Mammana offers an evening of galactic viewing along the Milky Way. Mammana invites guests to "witness some of the most magnificent scenery anywhere" from “the nearest of stars and glowing
PICNIC, FIREWORKS & STREET CLOSURES ANNOUNCED IN EL CAJON FOR 4TH
Printer-friendly version July 4, 2009 (El Cajon)–A dazzling display of fireworks will light the skies over El Cajon this 4th of July thanks to a generous donation by Waste Management in partnership with the City of El Cajon. Patriotic festivities take place at Kennedy Park,1675 East Madison Avenue, across the street from Granite Hills High School. This daylong event starts
IT’S A BLAST: LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS SHOW & MUSIC FEST WILL GO ON
Printer-friendly version July 4, 2009 (Lake Murray) – Thanks to last-minute donations from community members, Navajo Events announced today that ample funds have been raised to have tonight’s 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Murray, capping off an all-day Music Fest. Music kicks off at noon for the event, which is free. Here’s the entertainment lineup: 12:00-1:00pm
SOCK HOP, FONZIE LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST AT MAJOR’S DINER 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY IN PINE VALLEY JULY 11
Printer-friendly versionJuly 1, 2009 (Pine Valley) – Happy Days are here again — Major’s Diner is turning 50! To celebrate reaching the half-century mark, Pine Valley’s ‘50s style diner is hosting a sock hop, Fonzie look-alike contest, and showing off vintage ‘50s cars. In addition, prices will be rolled back to the 1959 menu—with 29 cent hamburgers and 10 cent
EAST COUNTY SKIES TO LIGHT UP ON 4th OF JULY: FIREWORKS SHOWS LISTED COUNTYWIDE
Printer-friendly versionJuly 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–No need to endure bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch fireworks at the beach areas. Instead, grab a blanket, beach chairs and your favorite refreshments, then head to one of the East County or North County inland areas listed below. (For those whose family festivities may lead you to venture west of I-15, we’ve also included all
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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.
WILD IN THE COUNTRY: MAY 9 AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
Printer-friendly versionMay 3, 2009 (Alpine) –Looking for a truly wild night out? Dust off your boots for a hoedown with the Country Cats at Lions, Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s only wild cat rescue facility. The event features a barbecue, visits with exotic big cats and other ranch animals, “Splash” performing artists, plus a silent and live auction hosted
ROCKOLA! BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND CONCERT OPENS SPRING FEST IN ALLIED GARDENS FRIDAY NIGHT
Printer-friendly versionAllied Gardens (April 29, 2009) – Spring Fest, one of East County’s favorite community parties kicks off Friday night, May 1st at 6 p.m. with a concert by Rockola. Bring your dancing shoes! Enjoy classic rock ‘n’ roll music as well as food, a beer garden, and more. Known for their Beatles tributes, Rockola has concert clips you can
GOOD BET: POKER FUNDRAISER & RIDE MAY 9; EVENT TO BENEFIT WARNER SPRINGS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (Warner Springs)—Feeling lucky? Join a Poker Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Warner Springs Agriculture Department on May 9th. A $75 entry fee includes entry into a 7-card-stud poker tournament, tri-tip barbecue lunch at Lake Henshaw Resort, apple pie and ice cream from the Julian Café served up at Jess Martin Park in Julian, a $10 free
LIFE’S A CIRCUS: BIG TOP SHOW TONIGHT IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO, NEXT 2 DAYS IN POWAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 28, 2009(San Diego’s East County)—Elephants hoisted a big top tent to open the 73rd edition of Carson & Barnes Circus in Rancho San Diego/La Mesa, where the show goes on with a 4:30 matinee and a 7:30 evening show tonight. The circus brings nearly 100 performers and a traveling zoo to East County. Proceeds help benefit local hosts–including
CHALDEAN FOOD TASTING FESTIVAL & BUSINESS FAIR FRIDAY NIGHT
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (El Cajon)—East County is home to one of the largest populations of Iraqi Chaldean Christians in the United States. On Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m., the public is invited to savor the authentic flavors of Chaldean cuisine including such favorites as falafels, kebabs, shawamma, hummus, tabbouleh, and more. The event, hosted by Knights of
“DREAM SCAPE” PAINTINGS AMONG ART ON DISPLAY AT ST. CLAIR GALLERY THROUGH MAY 29; ARTISTS’ RECEPTION MAY 19
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery "Morning Light" by Alex Toporovsky April 27, 2009 (El Cajon)—“In my work, I try to evoke a séance of peace and happiness,” artist Alex Toporovsky told East County Magazine. “These are usually things which are lacking in most people’s lives, including my own. We are all so busy running around and trying to make a living
SILVER CREEK FINE ART CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH $3,250 DRAWING
Printer-friendly versionApril 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–Silver Creek Fine Art & Custom Framing is offering more than $3,000 in prizes as part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, according to Lynn Endicott, owner of the art gallery and custom framing business serving East San Diego County since 1979. “We wanted to do something fun to mark our 30th year in business and
STUDENTS GO ALL OUT FOR FREE COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL , HOPE FOR A HOWLING SUCCESS
Printer-friendly versionApril 23, 2009 (El Cajon, CA) – The bands are ready to play. The stage is set up and the equipment is in place. Thousands of flyers and postcards have been distributed, and hundreds of posters have been put up San Diego City and in East County. For the students in Cuyamaca College’s Music Industry Studies program, the efforts
SPRINGTIME WITH THE VINTNERS: MEET 7 LOCAL WINEMAKERS APRIL 25 in ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionApril 22, 2009 (Alpine) – Here’s an appetizing event blossoming with opportunities: The Vine Wines Bar & Bistro has teamed up with Petunia & Pomegranate Nursery in Alpine to co-host Springtime with the Vintners. Savor an afternoon of wine, music, appetizers and art amid two picturesque venues this Saturday, April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m.. Admission is $15.
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HOST 23RD ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Printer-friendly versionApril 22, 2009 (El Cajon)– In celebration of student achievement, the Grossmont Union High School District is hosting its 23rd annual Creative Visions student art exhibition at Westfield Shopingtown-Parkway Plaza. The event officially kicks off with an awards ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2009, at 5:30 pm. Students will receive cash awards for artwork judged in the following categories:
LIVE BUTTERFLY RELEASE, WILDLIFE EXHIBITS & MORE AT SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL MAY 2-3 IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionApril 21, 2009 (Alpine)–The upcoming Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center, May 2-3, will be filled to capacity with vendors and exhibitors from throughout Southern California. In addition, prizes for this year’s opportunity drawings exceed the value of years past—including a grand prize of four tickets to Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park. Also of interest
SAGE & SONGBIRDS GARDEN TOUR: RAPTOR REHAB FACILITY INCLUDED ON THIS YEAR’S TOUR MAY 1-3
Printer-friendly versionApril 20, 2009( Alpine)–Are you looking for ideas to “spruce up” your garden or yard? The Sage & Songbirds Garden Tour has a wealth of ideas for creating beautiful gardens that also provide wildlife-friendly habitat. The 12th annual event, set for May 1-3, spotlights five unique gardens, chock-full of plants, waterscapes, pathways, structures and other very interesting features. Lisa
RSVP NOW! ON THE ROAD WITH THE EAST COUNTY EATER APRIL 20
Printer-friendly versionWhat could be better than an evening of wine-tasting, fabulous food and the marvelous music of Paul Nichols–all to benefit East County Magazine? The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is the coziest retreat we’ve found yet, and they’re opening up just for us on Monday, April 20 from 6 to 8 pm. Reserve now – space is
ST CLAIR GALLERY SHOW DRAWS CROWD
Printer-friendly version Photographer Dan McGeorge poses with images of Arizona canyons April 15, 2009 (El Cajon) – A March 27 art show at the St. Clair gallery in El Cajon proved a success, drawing hundreds of visitors and resulting in sales for artists displaying their works. “I’ve always loved horses,” said San Diego artist Melva Riley, who adeptly captures the
SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL’S “CONSERVATION IN BLOOM” HIGHLIGHTS WATER CONSERVATION, CULTURAL CONSERVATION, AND CUYAMACA COLLEGE’S BIGGEST PLANT SALE OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly versionDrawing to win a High-Efficiency Clothes Washer or Home Landscape Re-design April 18, 2009 (RANCHO SAN DIEGO)—On Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m,, Cuyamaca College’s campus will bloom with activity as three of its on-campus venues—the Ornamental Horticulture Department, the Water Conservation Garden,and the Heritage of the Americas Museum—invite the public to celebrate spring at their sixteenth annual
SAN DIEGO EARTH WEEK FEATURES NEW EVENTS IN 2009
Printer-friendly versionGREEN JOBS FAIR AT SDSU AND A GREEN CITY LEADERSHIP FORUM ARE NEW THIS YEAR; EARTH FAIR KICKS OFF WEEK’S ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES April 17, 2009 (San Diego)—Earth Day Week in San Diego kicks off with Earth Fair 2009 in Balboa Park on Sunday, drawing more than 70,000 visitors. Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair features more than 400 exhibitors, special
YEE-HA! LAKESIDE RODEO APRIL 24-26
Printer-friendly versionApril 15, 2009 (Lakeside) The 45th annual Lakeside Rodeo has gained national exposure over the last 44 years, from a small hometown event to being named the International Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo (IPRA) of the year FOUR times! Events include bull-riding, bareback bronc, steer wrestling, team riding, and more. The annual Lakeside Rodeo held every April is the largest
“STIMULUS CONCERT” HOSTED BY VALLEY MUSIC APRIL 19 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionApril 13, 2009 (El Cajon) – Valley Music invites the public to a “Stimulus Concert” on Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Donwtown Café, 182 Main Street in El Cajon. The program features appearances by award-winning San Diego performers, including Eve Sells, Berkley Hart, Crosswinds, Ronny Corbin & Pirate Radio, Mark Neill & Rian Greene and the
TRADITION AND CONCEPT BRIDGED: ART EXHIBITION APRIL 13-30; ARTISTS RECEPTION APRIL 14 AT HYDE ART GALLERY
Printer-friendly versionApril 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Art Council presents “Traditon and Concept Bridged”, a ceramic exhibition by two very accomplished artists, Joanne Hayakawa and Kouta Shimazaki. “To term this exhibition a ceramics exhibition is to pare this collection of artwork down to it’s most minimal definition,” the gallery’s announcement states. “Even to use the title “Tradition and Concept
LOCAL ARTIST AND AUTHOR CHARLAVAN PUBLISHES BOOK FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (El Cajon)—The indomitable spirit of Charlavan Baker Hart shines like a beacon of hope in her new book, Tit Tatts: Life After Breast Cancer. The El Cajon artist has owned four galleries, authored the newspaper column “Pearls”, produced Internet radio programs, worked as an image consultant and reaped rewards as a professional poker
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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.
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