East County Magazine
RELIGIOUS ART FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT St. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Printer-friendly version Resurerction Flower,award-winning photo by mkona Schlesinger of Poway March 4, 2009 (San Diego)—Many East County residents were accepeted into the 46th annual all-media Religious Art Festival of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church by juror Hiroshi Miyazaki. In the poetry division Elaine Parker, Rancho San Diego won second place and Eldon (Mike) Meyer of Lemon Grove received two Honorable
NO SPAIN, NO BULL–ITS THE “RUNNING OF THE GOATS” IN CREST SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Printer-friendly versionMarch 3, 2009 (Crest)–It may be un-"herd" of, but it is happening in Crest and it’s not a baaad idea. The first ever "Running of the Goats" will take place on March 7, 2009 at the South Lane Park in Crest. This "running" will not reflect the danger as experienced in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain,
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: MARCH 2009
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Spring is in the air! This month’s events include street fairs, music festivals, St. Patrick’s Day celebrating, stargazing, train rides, eco-events, nature hikes, a free job search program, a soap box derby, and a baseball contest where winners can advance to finals at a Major League All-Star game. Also a "running of the
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE: MUSIC U CAN LIVE 2
Printer-friendly versionBy Dennis Moore March 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Just like Hip Hop artist "R" Kelly did in my hometown of Chicago, East County Gospel singer Nicolas SK Shivers seems to be taking a similar path to stardom and fame, by initially selling and promoting his music on the streets of San Diego. I ran into Nicolas
VROOOOOM! DREW FORD/LA MESA KIWANIS CLUB TO HOLD SOAP BOX DERBY RALLY RACES MARCH 7 & 8
Printer-friendly version“There’s No Substitute for Experience,” Says Derby Director March 1, 2009(La Mesa)–In the seventh year of its Soap Box Derby program, the Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa will hold two days of Rally Races on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. The back-to-back races lead to the Annual La Mesa Soap Box Derby in
GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionAs part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin
FAMED STARGAZER & NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHER DENNIS MAMMANA OF ANZA-BORREGO SHARES SECRETS OF SUCCESS– AND ANNOUNCES UPCOMING TRIPS TO VIEW CELESTIAL WONDERS IN THE NIGHT SKY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Northern lights images from Anza Borrego desert February 22, 2009 (Anza Borrego) — In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, we thought it fitting to share with our readers the beauty and grandeur of the night sky as depicted by Dennis Mammana, world-famous night sky photographer and East County resident. His dazzling photos include rare
WOW- IT’S A POW-WOW! SAT. FEB. 28 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 23, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 21st annual Grossmont College Pow-Wow, a celebration of American Indian culture, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the college’s Student Center. Admission is free. The day-long event, which begins at noon with gourd dancing and giveaways, features American Indian dancers and drummers. Vendors will sell American Indian cuisine, clothing, art and jewelry.
MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL)
Printer-friendly versionReview By Kathy Carpenter Now Playing: Feb. 20–27 at 8 p.m., Feb..28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m,, and March 1 at 2p.m. Experimental Theatre SDSU: Tickets $18-$20; ticket info:(619) 594-6884 or theatre.sdsu.edu Musical of Musicals, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, is a delight for all fans of musical theatre. This Musical, or I
KIDS JOIN IN FUN AT CIRCUS VARGA–”SHOWING THROUGH MONDAY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 21, 2009 (El Cajon) — Ringmasters invited all children in the audience into the ring for free lessons in how to spin hula hoops, juggle scarves, and balance peacock feathers at Circus Vargas in El Cajon. Youngsters could also ride a Clydesdale horse during intermission, or pose for family photos with a giant snake. Performances run daily through
TV M*A*S*H DOCTOR OFFERS HEALING WORDS FOR HUMANITY IN NEW BOOK; VISIT TO BONITA LIBRARY DRAWS FULL HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club. February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs of war. But what many fans don’t realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much in common with the character he portrayed, Dr.
BREAKFAST WITH BAKARI THE LION: FEB. 21 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 16, 2009 (Descanso)–Here’s something to roar about–Lions, Tigers & Bears is hosting “Breakfast with Bakari”, an African lion at big cat sanctuary in Descanso, just east of Alpine. Guests are invited to enjoy breakfast, visit with 13 rescued cats, other farm animals and their caretakers. You can also watch lions and tigers frolicking in the new Tiger Trails
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK? PLENTY!
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Concerts, circus performers, art shows, the AMGEN tour and wheelchair ballroom dance lessons are among the many exciting activities coming to San Diego’s eastern region this week. Printer-friendly version
I HAVE A NEW RING: SILVER ART CLAY IN SANTEE CLASS FORGES CREATIVE ENDEAVORS
Printer-friendly versionBy Jackie Hanson I’m admiring my new ring. Its flowers and curliques catch the light as I type. Amazingly, t I made it myself! That’s because I had the great good fortune to discover Tes Shea and the jewelry classes she teaches for the City of Santee. Last Friday, Tes was teaching how to make “Easy Rings” out of
EL CAJON MOURNS PASSING OF WAYNE STALKER, LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE AND ARTIST
Printer-friendly versionThe El Cajon Police Department and the City are saddened by the death of retired Animal Control Officer Wayne Stalker. Wayne passed away on Wednesday, February 4 after a long courageous battle against cancer. Wayne joined the El Cajon Police Department as a Volunteer Police Reserve Officer on September 9, 1981, and then held various positions at the police
ART SALE FEB. 14: HERITAGE OF AMERICAS MUSEUM AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFive East County artists will help raise money for the Heritage of the Americas Museum with an art sale from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College, 12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, in El Cajon. Admission is free. Printer-friendly version
CIRCUS VARGAS PRESENTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW: BIG TOP COMES TO EL CAJON FEB. 19-23
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 7, 2009 (El Cajon) — Circus Vargas will present dazzling and death-defying feats in its 40th anniversary production, coming to El Cajon February 19th-23rd in the Parkway Plaza parking lot. Acrobats, clowns, magical illusionists, horses, motorcycles, music and dance are among the entertainment slated. Early-birds will be treated to a preview show in which children of all ages
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2009
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Winter’s chill is past–time to step out in the sunshine and savor some of the many fun-filled events this month in San Diego’s eastern regions. Find details on all of these events and more. Just click the calendar link at the top of our homepage! This is the
HAWK WATCH 2009
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 1, 2009 (Ramona)–Each Saturday in February from 9 a.m to noon, the public is invited to visit the Ramona Grasslands with the Wildlife Research Institute, Inc. for a free educational program. You will see raptors such as the Golden Eagle, the wintering Ferruginous Hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon and the Red-shouldered Hawk. Nineteen (19) species of raptors
KING’S VISION LAUDED AT LA MESA MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL:
Printer-friendly version Music, Dance, and Storytelling Highlight 13th Annual Event — VIEW OUR VIDEOS! Moreton Bay Fig Morris English Dance Troupe. By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) — "On Tuesday, we will celebrate a historic day–I never thought I would see the day when we would have an African-American president," Dr. Eugene R.
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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.
25 WAYS TO ROMANCE YOUR VALENTINE IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version February 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some creative ways to romance the sweetheart on Valentine’s Day weekend? San Diego’s eastern region has many unique options for romance, ranging from free hiking and picnic spots to gourmet dining, upscale resorts and sweetheart spa retreats. For the adventurous at heart, thrill to your heart’s desire
MARTIN ATKINS’ TOUR:SMART SEMINAR AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE FEB. 10
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (El Cajon)– Martin Atkins could be the definition of entrepreneurial activity in cultural arts endeavors spanning genres, borders and industries. For over three decades, the producer, drummer, and documentary filmmaker has been at the cutting edge of the entertainment industry, says Pat Seltzer, chair of the performing arts college at Cuyamaca College. Atkins will
SDSU CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH SERIES OF EVENTS
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego State’s Department of Africana Studies is partnering with campus cultural groups and the Department of Music and Dance to present a series of social and education events in February honoring Black History Month. Upcoming events include films, lectures, jazz concerts, a convention, dinner, Black History Bowl, and a parade Schedule

BOOK REVIEW: SPEAK TO YOUR LIFE: DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Printer-friendly version By Lady Shaunte’ Garrett Book Review by Dennis Moore February 4, 2010 (San Diego) — Yesterday, I ministered to inmates at the George Bailey Center Jail in San Diego County, reading from Speak to Your Life, a book of daily devotionals by San Diego's Stellar Award-winning gospel radio announcer Lady Shaunte Garrett: “Today I will have an attitude
RAISING FARMER’S SPIRITS: JULIAN FFA, JEREMY’S ON THE HILL AND SHADOW MOUNTAIN WINERY TEAM UP FOR FEB. 3 EVENT
Printer-friendly version January 22, 2010 (Julian) — Owners of a gourmet restaurant, Jeremy’s on the Hill, and Shadow Mountain Winery will host a five-course wine pairing and dining event on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6 p.m. All proceeds of the event will benefit Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Julian. The organization raises awareness on the importance of agriculture for past and future
HALLELUJAH! GOSPELFEST AT SDSU JAN. 31
Printer-friendly version January 27, 2010 (San Diego) — Smith Recital Hall at San Diego State University will feature sounds of gospel music as SDSU hosts the second annual GospelFest on Sunday, Jan. 31. Kicking off Black History Month in February, the event features groups from across San Diego County. The free event starts at 4 p.m. and is open to the public.
LA MESA HOSTS MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL SUNDAY JAN. 17
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (La Mesa) The public is invited to join La Mesa’s 14th annual Multicultural Festival. The event will be held this Sunday, January 17 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Rudolph Johnson, CEO of Neighborhood House Association, will be a guest speaker. Entertainers include Moreton Bay Fig Morris
SUNBELT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF INK AND IMAGINATION
Printer-friendly version by Walter Hall January 16, 2010 (El Cajon) – Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon’s award-winning regional press, observes 25 years of hard-won success in the book trade this month. The anniversary is a remarkable achievement by a singular couple – Diana and Lowell Lindsay – who have the mischievous look of people who know they’re onto something
FORUM ON EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER JAN. 21
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon continues to work on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include renovations which could close the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) for up to two years. As part of the design and review process, the City has sought public input through two forums.
HAWK WATCH: SATURDAYS IN RAMONA THROUGH FEB. 27
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2010 (Ramona) – The Ramona Grasslands, a protected resource area, is home to 19 species of raptors including golden eagles, hawks and falcons. Each Saturday through February 27 from 9am-noon, the Wildlife Research Institute is hosting “Hawk Watch” at the Ramona Grasslands. Visitors will observe the wild raptors and learn from WRI biologists about the
“CONNECTIVITY” ART SHOW BY MIYA HANNON AT HYDE ART GALLERY
Printer-friendly version January 16, 2010 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery presents “Connectivity,” a showing by artist Miya Hannan, from January 25-February 25. An opening event in honor of the artist will be on Tuesday, February 5th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. “This very beautiful installation at once puts the viewer in harmony with its ethereal
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF: ROUNDING THIRD–A DASH FOR EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Christian Young January 15, 2010 (San Diego)–Drawing on his own experiences, San Diego author Walter G. Meyer embarked upon a decade -long journey to create his recently published novel, Rounding Third. This book is much more than a fictional account drawn together from adolescent memories. Wthin the story’s characters can be found, according to Meyer, “a bit

BOOK REVIEW: POLICE AND PUBLIC SECURITY IN MEXICO
Printer-friendly version Edited by Robert A. Donnelly and David A. Shirk Book Review by: Dennis Moore January 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–Yajaira Mota Orozco,a San Diego mother of two children, lost her life while eating at a restaurant in Tijuana. During December, she became the 88th victim of alleged gang and drug violence in a single month, underscoring
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: HEATH LEDGER’S SWAN SONG, “DOCTOR PARNASSUS,” A VISUALLY SUMPTUOUS, WELL-ACTED TREAT
Printer-friendly version By Brian Lafferty January 12, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–While watching The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus I could not help but remember a film with elements similar to it. That film would be The City of Lost Children, a 1995 French film co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie) and Marc Caro. Like The City of Lost Children, Doctor
LOCAL AUTHOR’S FANTASY NOVEL “ICE SONG” RECEIVES CRITICAL PRAISE
Printer-friendly version GENDER-BENDER BOOK RATED “BEST OF 2009” BY BARNES & NOBLE, SCHOOL LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL, AND ROBOTS AND VAMPS San Diego, CA January 8, 2010 – San Diego author Kirsten Imani Kasai’s debut novel ICE SONG, about a uniquely gifted single mother’s quest to rescue her abducted children, has been lauded as one of the best books of
KING AIDE TO SPEAK JAN. 15 AT YMCA’S 25th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2010 (San Diego) — The YMCA of San Diego County will host its 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Town & Country Resort Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. This milestone YMCA of San Diego County event will be
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THESE EAST COUNTY LOCATIONS
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a festive party or a special restaurant to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Below is our guide to New Year’s Eve attractions in East County and San Diego’s eastern regions on December 31st, including live music and dancing, fireworks, special menus, casino promotions, and activities for children, families and
WALK UP MT. HELIX TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2009 (Mt. Helix) – Need to get in shape after all that holiday feasting? Join members of the Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) for a 1.3 round-trip walk up Mt. Helix on January 2nd at 10 a.m. Meet at the fire station at 10105 Vivera to stroll together to the summit, where entertainment
BOOK REVIEWS: LOCAL AUTHOR OFFERS TREASURIES FOR DOG AND CAT LOVERS
Printer-friendly version Reviews by Dennis Moore December 21, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’re looking for last-minute holiday gifts for the pet lovers on your list, I heartily recommend Richard Lederer’s newest books. Most of us are either a cat lover or a dog lover–though Lederer, author of A Treasury for Cat Lovers and A
SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT: VOCAL COMPETITION AT SDSU JAN. 30 OFFERS $2,000 TOP PRIZE
Printer-friendly version December 18, 2009 (San Diego) – High school juniors, seniors and sophomores who are recommended by a vocal or choir teacher are eligible to enter the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition at San Diego State University on January 30th, where competitors will vie for a top prize of $2,000. Applications must be received by January 15th. The competition, which
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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