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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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
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