East County Magazine
INAUGURATION CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY BALL– PUBLIC WELCOME
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery San Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending
FESTIVAL OF THE MONTH — MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN LA MESA CELEBRATES OUR REGION’S DIVERSE HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 8, 2008 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival on January 18th aspires to be an afternoon of civic pride and festivities for the family in a celebration honoring our community’s rich diversity of cultures and international traditions. The ceremony, held on Martin Luther King Day weekend, also honors the slain civil rights
SAN DIEGO YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 5, 2008 (San Diego) —The San Diego Young Artists Symphony (YAS), conducted by Mary Gerard and Hernan Constantino, performs at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature movie music from the Phantom of the Opera, Amadeus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry
OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S HOTTEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 28, 2008 — Looking to party hearty on December 31st? Here are our picks for the best places to ring in the New Year east of I-15. From a Chinese dragon parade to a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band bash, you’ll find it all in East County and San Diego’s eastern region.
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization.
KRUGER BROTHERS CONCERT IS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Printer-friendly version By Jackie Hanson Photos by Gian Vaitl December 10, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’ve heard of the Kruger Brothers, then you’ve likely heard the superlatives used to describe their music: sublime, inspiring, sheer genius… (the list goes on). If you’ve been fortunate enough to actually hear the Kruger Brothers live, you’ll realize that words pale
KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 6, 2008 (San Diego) — A series of events commemorating Kwanzaa have been announced, including several in San Diego’s eastern region. The 18th annual Pan-African Associations of America Umoja Day program will take place December 26th at the Malcolm X Library located at 5148 Market Street in San Diego. This a day long event and includes an adult
Armchair Impressionists Exhibition December 1- 31, 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Tammy Lawhead December 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — The Armchair Impressionists, including Jeffrey Graham, Rustin Holec, David Lawhead, Karen Marsh, and William Marsh, will feature their paintings December 1 – 31, 2008 at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego; El Cajon, CA. Please join them at the Artist’s Reception, December 7th from 2 –
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
KRUGER BROTHERS TO PERFORM CONCERT & HOST WORKSHOP AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE DEC. 5
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (El Cajon) — Kruger Brothers will perform an exclusive concert at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the National Endowment for the Arts Artistic Excellence Award for their “Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra”, the Kruger Brothers’ music combines
HOTEL CASSIOPEIA
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Kathy Carpenter Now showing at the Don Powell Theatre at the San Diego State University campus, through December 7, 2008. Sundays 2:00 p.m. all other days 8:00 p.m. For ticket information call 619-594-6884 or check online at www.theatre.sdsu.edu. Charles L Mee’s Hotel Cassiopeia follows the American collage artist Joseph Cornell. Cornell’s dreamlike abstract art is the theme
COOL! OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held
MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS – A STAR-STUDDED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals takes place this Sunday, November 23rd. The Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi. This year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of
HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK
Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and
WEEKEND HALLOWEEN SCENE & MORE EAST COUNTY EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionFor a frightfully good time this week (not to mention satisfying your sweet tooth cravings), you’ll find plenty of Halloween haunts in East County. Start with Wednesday night’s “Trunk or Treat” in El Cajon, where classic car club members will be doling out goodies. On Thursday, dig into a pumpkin pie-eating contest and costume party in Valley Center, or
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ELKS OKTOBERFEST
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2008 (El Cajon) – Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to 1975. “I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left), who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen. “This is why every year, they honor me.” Still radiant at
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION Oct. 19 for 6th EL CAJON INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBIT
Printer-friendly version By Jolene Crowley Sisters III by Sammy Pasto (El Cajon) – The public is invited to a free artists’ reception hosted by the St. Clair Gallery in East County Business Center on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 3-6 p.m. Nearly 200 pieces of art in all fine art categories will be displayed, including photography by 22 San Diego artists,
EAST COUNTY OKTOBERFESTS: WUNDERBAR!
Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (East County) – Time to get into the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and take to the streets for some old-fashioned celebrating at East County’s multiple Oktoberfests! Began in Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of royalty, Oktoberfests have since gained popularity worldwide. Below are details on our region’s oldest and biggest Oktoberfests, where you can savor
THIS WEEK’S HOT EVENTS: OCT. 15-22, 2008 — PRO-AM GOLF, CRUISIN’ OLD HWY 80, GREEN JOBS FAIR, SYMPHONY CONCERT, SIDEWALK ARTS, CAMPO HARVEST FESTIVAL AND PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionTee off for a good cause at a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course this Friday. Proceeds benefit Home of the Guiding Hands, which provides shelter and services for mentally disabled people. HGH has a huge funding gap due to the California budget crisis. Speaking of driving, take a blast to the past by joining a
Weekly Events – October 6-14 THIS WEEKEND: ARRIBA! LA TOMATINA TOMATO FEST
Printer-friendly versionPlus Candidate Forums, Oktoberfest Parade, Hello Dolly and more By Miriam Raftery Borrowing a tradition from Spain (with a few Southern California twists), Tierra Miguel Farm in Pauma Valley is hosting La Tomatina – a tomato fest complete with authentic Spanish cuisine (bring your own paella), wine and beer tasting, live music and a tomato fling! Call ahead 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.
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HORSING AROUND: MAGIC HORSE ART SHOW FEATURES ART CREATED BY THE HORSES
Printer-friendly versionThe Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center hosts an art fair and live auction on Sunday, December 13th from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeside VFW Hall, 12650 Lindo Lane, Lakeside 92040. Admission and meal costs $25, or reserve a table for six including wine for $150. The event includes a live auction, opportunity drawing, creative activities for
BOOK REVIEW: THE STRAIGHT-UP TRUTH ABOUT THE DOWN-LOW
Printer-friendly version The Straight-Up Truth About the Down Low By Joy Marie Book Review by Dennis Moore December 9, 2009 (San Diego) — While having dinner at a friend’s home this past Thanksgiving, my friend told me that her friend’s husband had left her after more than 30 years of marriage for a man that he had been having
HOLIDAY PICKIN’S AT DEERING BANJO
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 7, 2009 (Spring Valley) – “The banjo is America’s own instrument,” said Carolina Bridges, director of public relations at Deering Banjo. True, and Deering is America’s banjo company—the only U.S. maker that handcrafts its instruments using all American-made parts, Bridges said during a tour of Deering’s Spring Valley factory at the company’s holiday open
COMMUNITY FORUMS SET FOR EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER RENOVATIONS: DEC. 16 AND 21
Printer-friendly version December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon has been working on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include major renovations to the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) including closure of the theater for up to two years. The City iwill be hosting two community forums to share goals of
STEP BACK IN TIME AT CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 11-12
Printer-friendly version La Mesa’s historic shopping district offers a Victorian-style holiday celebration, rides, bonfires, specialty boutiques and unique gifts December 4, 2009 (La Mesa) – For two days and nights, La Mesa’s historic downtown village transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland complete with strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers and several stages. Bonfires will fill La Mesa Boulevard, where you
DANCE PROGRAM, “BREAKING BOUNDARIES,” AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 3-5
Printer-friendly version December 3, 2009 (El Cajon) — Breaking Boundaries” is an annual dance concert choreographed and performed by Grossmont College dance students. The Fall 2009 concert will showcase a variety of dance genres including ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop. Performances will be held at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre to showcase the joy of dance as expressed
BOOK REVIEW: SAN DIEGO BAY: A CALL FOR CONSERVATION
Printer-friendly version San Diego Bay: A Call for Conservation By the Students at Jacobs High Tech High. Foreword by E. O. Wilson. Preface by Jane Goodall. University of California San Diego Sea Grant Program. San Diego. 2009. Paperback. Illustrated. 344 pages. $24.95. Distributed by Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon, CA. Reviewed by Walter Hall Part history, part politics,
HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 10
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Music Department’s Jazz Ensemble will perform a holiday program starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Cuyamaca College Arts Center auditorium, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, in El Cajon. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Also
LOCAL PUBLISHER TURNS 25, THROWS EARLY HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 3
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2009 (El Cajon)– San Diego’s own book publisher, Sunbelt Publications, whose latest local-interest book is San Diego’s Finest Athletes: Five Exceptional Lives, turns twenty–five years old in December with a wide array of new books for all ages, and a big holiday party. On December 3, 2009, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Sunbelt will host their annual
LAST STANDUP COMIC DOUG WILLIAMS TO PERFORM IN LEMON GROVE DEC. 12
Printer-friendly version November 30, 2009 (Lemon Grove) – If laughter is the best medicine, this may be the cure for those mid-winter blues. Doug Williams, dubbed one of America’s most popular actors/comedians by Starz.com, will be performing at Sews and Shows in Lemon Grove on Saturday, December 12th. Williams is host of “Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand Up.”
ON THEIR TOES: ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS OPENS STUDIOS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version By Gina McGalliard November 30, 2009 (La Mesa) –The Academy of Performing Arts, San Diego’s acclaimed dance studio which has sent numerous students on to professional ranks, has just relocated to La Mesa. The new four-studio home is located at 5120 Baltimore Drive in the same shopping center with a Discount Dance Supply Store. “There’s so many
BOOK REVIEW: CHAPTER & VERSE: CROSSWORDS AND OTHER PUZZLES ~ GENESIS, BOOK ONE ~ BY T.J. JOHNSON
Printer-friendly version Xulon Press, ISBN # 9781604773200 Available through author’s website at www.hayneskid.com , Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble Review by Dennis Moore November 29, 2009 (San Diego) — TJ Johnson, a Bible teacher at Bayview Church in San Diego, sums up the genesis of her inspiration for writing a book of Biblical crossword puzzles. “These
JULIAN’S LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE TO SPARKLE IN SATURDAY TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY
Printer-friendly version November 25, 2009 (Julian) — Julian celebrates the holiday season by lighting up the town’s living Christmas tree at Pioneer Park on Saturday, Nov. 28. The historic gold rush town will also paysl homage to individuals who contribute time, skills, and energy to making Julian what some townspeople consider the best small town in Southern California. The event marks the
NUTRACKER BALLET COMES TO EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER DEC. 4 & 5
Printer-friendly version November 23, 2009 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College Music Department‘s Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with San Diego Ballet, will present two special performances of The Nutcracker at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. The ballet will be presented at the 1,142-seat East County Performing Arts Center, 210 East Main St.,
VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS: NUTCRACKER BALLET IN POWAY DEC. 12-13
Printer-friendly versionNovember 22, 2009 (Poway) – California Ballet Company will present The Nutcracker, a holiday classic ballet performance at the Poway Performing Arts Center. This is the longest running Nutcracker performance in San Diego and has been voted "Best Local Dance Performance" by Ranch & Coast Magazine in 2008. Ticket holders are invited to Sugar Plum Parties in the lobby immediately following all
MOTHER GOOSE PARADE SUNDAY TO FEATURE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONS, PIRATE “CAPTAIN JACK”, DISNEY STAR & NEW MOTHER GOOSE VILLAGE
Printer-friendly version November 19, 2009 (El Cajon) – The 63rd annual Mother Goose Parade, East County’s most famous holiday tradition, will be held this Sunday, November 22nd. The parade, which was saved thanks to generous community donations, will begin at 10 a.m. on East Main St. at the corner of Magnolia Ave., traveling east to Second St. Fans arriving
SOPHIE’S GALLERY PRESENTS “WINGS OF SNOW” EXHIBITION DEC. 4
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (El Cajon) –Sophie’s Gallery invites you to “rekindle the magic of the season” at its 10th Annual Holiday Show celebration, “Wings of Snow.” The exhibit features a collection of unique angels and winged mosaic pieces hand-crafted by developmentally disabled individuals from St. Madeline Sophie’s Center. The gallery is located at 109 Rea St., just
EL CAJON ARTIST HOLDS ONE-WOMAN ART SHOW DOWNTOWN TO BENEFIT CANCER CENTER
Printer-friendly version November 18,2009 (San Diego) – Fletcher Hills artist Mary Lou Holmberg will host a One Woman Art Show on Friday, November 20th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the lobby of Emerald Plaza, 402 W. Broadway in downtown San Diego. Her show, titled “Return,” celebrates two years of clean health for the award-winning artist and lung cancer
HUMBUG! SCROOGE RETURNS TO STAGE IN JULIAN PRODUCTION OF “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
Printer-friendly version November 16, 2009 (Julian) — Julian Stage Company and the Julian Chamber of Commerce present the 2009 production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol–a Julian holiday tradition. Give your holiday spirit a boost with the classic story of a lonely, miserable, hard-hearted old man who finds the true meaning of life and love during one haunted Christmas
JULIAN ART GUILD OPEN STUDIOS & GALLERIES TOUR NOV. 21-22
Printer-friendly version November 15, 2009 (Julian) – On November 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists and artisans from the Julian Arts Guild invites the public to in an open studios and galleries tour. What better way to do some early holiday shopping and enjoy the beautiful backroads and byways near the historic gold mining town of Julian?
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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