East County Magazine
WILD WEST LIVES ON AT WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS JUNE 6-7
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (El Cajon)—The Wild West comes alive at the 7th annual Olaf Wieghorst Museum Western Heritage Days in El Cajon. Free to the public, the event highlights our nation’s heritage West of the Mississippi from the 1700s through the early 1900s. From reenactments of the Old West to a Saturday night street dance under a full moon,
PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS HONORED IN LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE
Printer-friendly versionMay 30, 2009 (La Mesa) – For Robert Ruffato, the sight of Old Glory holds special significance. Ruffato was among 16 survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor who were honored in La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade. View our photo album from this event: http://www.photoshop.com/user/eastcountymagazine/?wf=share&trackingid=BTAGC&galleryid=987530fcbdc64e9fa01666e211decf7f “I was aboard the U.S.S. Utah at Pearl Harbor. Most of all, it
HAPPY DAYS! BACK TO THE 50’S CAR SHOWS IN LA MESA VILLAGE
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (La Mesa) — Step back in time to those lazy, crazy carefree ‘50s days at the La Mesa Village Back to the 50s Car Show. The event runs every Thursday evening between June 4th and August 27th. This Summer Event draws more than 2,500 spectators. Classic cars line La Mesa Boulevard and compete in the weekly
C. HOOK THEATER PRESENTS DAMN YANKEES JUNE 24-27 AT KROC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Printer-friendly versionJune 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Damn Yankees, a baseball-themed musical comedy, will be presented by C. Hook Theater at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Performing Arts Center June 24-27. The show provides a musical retellingof the Faust legend set during the 1950s in Washington, D.C., during a time when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball. Joe
ANONYMOUS DONOR TO MATCH UP TO $20,000 TO STOP SUNRISE POWERLINK: WESTERN FUNDRAISER SET FOR MAY 30 AT HAZY MEADOW RANCH, LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (Lakeside)—Donations raised at Saturday’s fundraiser to “Sunset the Sunrise Powerlink” will be matched up to $20,000, organizers have announced. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30th at Hazy Meadows Ranch, 15466 El Monte Road, in Lakeside and costs $5. Live music by “Fiddlegirl” Celia Lawley and the Mountain Echo
ARTISTS NEEDED TO PAINT UTILITY BOXES–AND BEAUTIFY DOWNTOWN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–Art – and the community it creates – is at the heart of igniting culture, communicating history and values, stimulating economic development, and building community pride. Transform common utility boxes into works of public art for all to enjoy through UArt: Downtown El Cajon’s Utility Art Box Program. If you’re an art lover and/or community
VIEJAS COOLS DOWN WITH FREE “POWER OF NIGHTFIRE” SHOW—AND AN INTERACTIVE WATER FOUNTAIN
Printer-friendly versionALPINE, Calif. — May 28, 2009 — As the weather begins to heat up and children get out of school, Viejas offers a place to beat the heat with an array family-friendly events. The annual Power of Nightfire show will feature performances at 9 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, until Labor Day. The unique performance intrigues the audience with
CHALDEAN VIRTUOSO JOINS GROSSMONT SYMPHONY IN “MIDDLE EAST MEETS WEST” CONCERT MAY 29
Printer-friendly versionMay 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Symphony Orchestra will present “Middle East Meets West,” starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at the St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church, 1627 Jamacha Way in El Cajon. Special guest artist will be Luay Yousif, violinist. Yousif, born in Baghadad in 1979, has performed with the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra at
LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE CELEBRATION MAY 30th
Printer-friendly versionMay 11, 2009 (La Mesa)– On Saturday, May 30st beginning at 9:00 am, downtown La Mesa will dress up in red, white and blue for the Annual Flag Day Parade, "A Salute to Old Glory!" The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and marches through downtown La Mesa Village. Spectators will enjoy over 75 entries, including 6 marching bands led
ART SHOW AT WILLIAM HERRICK COMMUNITY HEALTH LIBRARY FEATURES DISABLED ARTISTS’ WORKS
Printer-friendly versionThe Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library in La Mesa, a public library specializing in health research information, has announced it is hosting a display of 20 charcoal drawings drawn by persons who have developmental disabilities from Sophie’s Art Gallery, an art program provided by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a non-profit based in El Cajon. The
SANTEE STREET FAIR SATURDAY MAY 30: CARNIVAL RIDES, LIVE MUSIC & A BEER GARDEN
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (Santee) – Live bands, carnival rides, crafts, vendors, a beer garden and food (including a 65-foot-brat grille) will be featured at the Santee Street Fair this Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free to the public, the event will be held behind the Trolley Square shopping center in Santee, at 101 Civic Center
FREE “CONCERTS ON THE GREEN” OPENS MAY 22 WITH THE CAT-ILLACS
Printer-friendly versionMay 18, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 14th Annual Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages opens Friday, May 22, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon. Opening night of 2009 Concerts on the Green will feature the Rock’n Roll sounds of The Cat-illacs. In
THEY’VE GOT RHYTHM: FROM TRIBAL DRUMS TO DIDGERIDOOS AT SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version“I had a dream that I would have a drum,” recalled Neka’asawe, a drum maker who was among the many vendors displaying indigenous crafts at the Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center in early May. “I went into a sweat lodge and prayed. A spirit told me I would make many drums.” Printer-friendly version
VINTAGE AIRCRAFT SHOW LANDS AT GILLESPIE FIELD—MAY 16 & 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The public is invited to a free Vintage Aircraft Fly-In and Classic Car Show at Gillespie Field on May 16 and 17. In addition to 1920s- to 1950s-era aircraft, classic cars will also be displayed. Aircraft include a 1930 Stearman 4E Speedmail formerly used to deliver mail; the last remaining 1931 Laird LBC 300; and
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK CAPS SCRIPPS RANCHO COMMUNITY FAIR SUNDAY, MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 16, 2009 (Scrpps Ranch)–The Scripps Ranch Commuity Association invites you to help celebrate the 10th Annual Community Fair on Sunday, May 17, at the Scripps Ranch Community Park, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego.The fair runs from noon to 5:30 pm, followed by the first Symphony in the Park concert of the year at 5:45 pm. The concert
ESCONDIDO STREET FAIRE OFFERS FAMILY FUN ON SUNDAY, MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 16, 2009 (Escondido) – Over 700 booths, live entertainment, a farmers’ market, international foods plus arts and crafts displays will be featured at the Escondido Street Faire this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association, claims to be the second largest street fair in
ECCAC HOSTS PARTY MAY 30 TO FUND LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST POWERLINK: MAY 30 IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly versionThe East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 11-4 pm at Hazy Meadow Ranch in Lakeside, CA. This is an all-county event that will feature live music, raffle, opportunity drawing, carnvial games, pony rides, and more. The organization seeks public help to fund legal action to "sunset" Sunrise Powerlink. The
CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Printer-friendly versionLA MESA, CA (May 8, 2009) – Concerts in the Courtyard will feature free live entertainment produced by Grossmont Center in Macy’s Courtyard every first and third Thursday now through July 2ND from 6p.m. – 8p.m. The family-oriented concerts will feature sounds of diverse artists who will perform a variety of music genres from oldies and Jazz to
MAY 17 HARVEST PROJECT BENEFITS ARCHI’S ACRES, HELPS VETERANS FIND NEW ROOTS
Printer-friendly versionMay 9, 2009 (Escondido)–The independent arts organization contACT ARTS (formerly xDrop Arts Organization) is sponsoring The Harvest Project, a benefit event to help Archi’s Acres organic farm build a new greenhouse to serve more combat veterans in its Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program. The event is on Sunday, May 17 from 1 – 6 pm at the World
WEEKLY CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE OPENS MAY 13TH FOR 9TH SEASON
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cajon Classic Cruise, the largest weekly classic car show in Southern California, returns to Main Street in Downtown El Cajon on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with its 2009 Season Opener. In addition to viewing classic cars, the grand opening includes live music by the little Efert Band, a DJ from 104.2
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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.
POWER SHOP FOR A CURE
Printer-friendly version OCTOBER 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – Want to save money on some early holiday shopping–and help raise money for breast cancer patients and their families? October is the 25th Anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Saturday, October 24th, Grossmont Center is offering an all-day “Power Shop For A Cure” from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 100%
“EXTREME COWBOY RACE” TO HIGHLIGHT VAQUERO FESTIVAL IN DESCANSO OCT. 17-18
Printer-friendly version October 15, 2009 – It’s time to round up the family and head ‘em on out to one of East County’s most unique events—the annual Western Heritage Days Vaquero Festival in Descanso. The all-day event Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, hearkens back to the days of Spanish California and our early rancheros heritage. The popular

LIGHTS OUT: EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TO CLOSE FOR 2-YEAR RENOVATION
Printer-friendly version CITY OF EL CAJON TERMINATES MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTIAN THEATER GROUP; POSTPONES CLOSURE UNTIL AT LEAST MID-2010 TO HONOR CONTRACTS FOR SHOWS By Miriam Raftery October 14, 2009 (El Cajon) – El Cajon City Council members voted unanimously yesterday to terminate its agreement effective January 1st with ArtBeat Management, a subsidiary of Christian Community Theater, which has managed the East County Performing Arts Center
CHAMPAGNE IMAGES: NEW PAINTINGS BY DAWN SEBAUGH
Printer-friendly version Exhibit Oct. 13-25, Champagne Reception Oct. 17 at O’Dunn Fine Art October 12, 2009 (La Mesa) – An exhibition of abstract artwork by noted artist Dawn Sebaugh opens tomorrow and will run through October 25 at O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa. In addition, the gallery will host a champagne reception where guests can meet the artist
EARNIE MILES, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Printer-friendly version By: Dennis Moore At 82 years of age, most people would be settled down into their twilight years or in a nursing home. But legendary gospel music broadcaster Earnie Miles is still going strong, after celebrating his 30th anniversary as the host of the hugely popular Sunday morning gospel music program, “The Earnie Miles Show” on KNOE-TV
VIEJAS HOSTS STATE’S LARGEST BBQ COOKING CHAMPIONSHIP OCT. 17
Printer-friendly version Teams from around the country cook up a good time at free “Smokin’ in the Park” Festival October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week? Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County’s most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the
PROGRAM & FILM ON HOMELESSNESS SET FOR NOV. 6
Printer-friendly version October 13, 2009 (San Diego) — The Center for Social Advocacy in El Cajon presents “Homeless in our Community, Homeless on our Border”, a free community awareness event on November 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the San Diego Women’s Club, 2557 Third Ave., San Diego. Keynote speaker John Carlos Frey, award-winning director of The Invisible Chapel, willlscreen his
STAYING IN CHILDHOOD: LOCAL SCULPTOR DAN JONES
Printer-friendly version By Takayuki Higuchi October 7, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Remember being a kid—the innocent joy and laughter? Spring Valley native Dan Jones has embarked on a whimsical sculptural works project titled ‘Tinkerbot,” which evokes those magical feelings from our childhood. Tinkering them with his own hands, Jones gives new life to materials which otherwise would be thrown away.
NOTED CHILDREN’S AUTHOR IN LA MESA OCT. 16 FOR READING & BOOK SIGNING
Printer-friendly versionBook Review: Nugget on the Flight Deck By Patricia Newman New York, Walker and Company, 2009. Illustrated by Aaron Zenz. Hardback Picture Book, 40 pages, with Target Age: 4-8 years. Reviewed by Deena While “Welcome aboard, Nugget…I’ll bet you’ve never been aboard a carrier before…” October 13, 2009 (La Mesa) — San Diego may be
SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOOK FESTIVAL! OCT. 16-18 MEET YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS AT LOCAL LIBRARIES
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Libraries will host a book festival in celebration of the written word on October 16-18. The festival includes appearances by nearly 100 authors at libraries in Bonita, Borrego Springs, Enicnitas, Poway, and Vista as well as appearances by top authors at the County Administration building.
MILITARY TO BE HONORED WITH GOLF, DINNER & PRIZES AT OCT. 16 EVENT SPONSORED BY RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Printer-friendly version Public invited to participate – or sponsor a military member or veteran October 11, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament tees off this Friday at the newly-renovates Lakes course at Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego. “We expect a perfect autumn day, “ said chamber president Valerie Harrison, who seeks additional sponsors
GALAPAGOS AUTHOR TO PRESENT SLIDE SHOW, SIGN BOOKS IN EL CAJON OCT. 13
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (El Cajon)–Bette Blaydes Pegas, local author of Chasing a Dream in the Galapagos: A Personal Evolution, will be at the Rancho San Diego Library in El Cajon on Tuesday, October 13th. Pegas will give a slideshow presentation on her life-changing trip to the Galapagos in the library’s conference room at 5:30 PM. She will also be available
CELEBRITIES JOIN EL CAJON FIRE SAFETY & CAREER EXPO: SATURDAY OCT. 10
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (El Cajon ) –The annual El Cajon Fire Safety & Career Expo takes place Saturday, October 10th, at 100 E. Lexington Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free family event offers valuable safety, health and career information–plus plenty of fun! Meet Captain Jack Sparrow, an amazing tribute artist of the popular Johnny Depp character
“TRIBUTE TO THE STARS” IN EL CAJON OCT. 10: EVENT TO BENEFIT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FEATURES AMERICA’S TOP CELEBRITY TRIBUTE ARTISTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie and Jennifer Anniston celebrity impersonators join a “Tribute to the Stars” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center to benefit the Mother Goose Parade. Other special appearances include tribute artists for Gwen Stefani, the music of No Doubt, “Twilight” movie
GERMAN-AMERICAN CLUB HOSTS EL CAJON OKTOBERFEST: BAND FROM GERMANY & AUTHENTIC GERMAN FOODS, BEER ON TAP
Printer-friendly version September 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the first two weekends of October at Okberfest in El Cajon. Visitors are invited to savor authentic German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato salad, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, German pastries and of course, a wide selection of German beers
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY IS A LESSON IN EAST SAN DIEGO’S HISTORY
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Independent bookstore and coffeehouse Upstart Crow of Seaport Village and acclaimed small press Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon are teaming up to offer the public a free monthly author appearance and book signing. These “Third Thursday” events began in June, and have featured appearances by local authors of books on such diverse topics as the
LA MESA OKTOBERFEST PROVES A ROUSING SUCCESS
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (La Mesa) – The big beer garden filled to capacity on Friday and Saturday night, when party-goers from around San Diego County gathered in downtown La Mesa to celebrate La Mesa’s Oktoberfest. Entertainment ranged from polka dancing to a rock-and-roll band, plus perennial favorites such as the beer stein hoisting contest (photo, left). La
STARRY STARRY NIGHTS: BORREGO SPRINGS OCT. 22-25
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – The 44th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival takes place October 22-25. “To help celebrate our recent designation as California’s first International Dark Sky Community, our Festival and parade theme this year is Starry Starry Nights, for which yours truly will be the Grand Marshal,” famed night sky photographer and syndicated astronomy columnist
GALACTIC GALA: “STAR GRAZING” OCT. 22 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version Celebrate Borrego Springs’ "Starry Starry Nights" and International Dark-Sky Community designation! October 7, 2009 – You’re bound to feel star struck at the Galactic Gala honoring Dennis Mammana, Borrego Springs’ celebrity astronomer and Borrego Days Parade Grand Marshal. The event will be held on Thursday, October 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Anza Borrego Desert
GUITAR CONCERT AT GROSSMONG COLLEGE OCT. 9
Printer-friendly versionOctober 7, 2009 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College guitar instructor Fred Benedetti, chair of the Grossmont College guitar studies department, will perform at a concert benefiting the Grossmont College Guitar Guild starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, at the college’s recital hall, Room 220. The public is invited to attend. Admission to the concert is $10
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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