East County Magazine
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
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) – Fall is prime time for festivals in East County. The tough part is choosing among so many fun-filled events. The air is crisp–and so are the ripe, juicy apples at Julian’s Apple Days October 4th and 5th. Savor apple cider and piping hot pies, or enjoy a horse-drawn
EXTRAORDINARY TIMES, EXTRAORDINARY ART
Printer-friendly versionBy Jolene Crowley October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Three local artists, Theresa Vandenberg Donche of Mt. Helix, Encinitas resident Reed Cardwell, and Igor Kautsenko of Fallbrook, will be displaying their latest work collectively entitled “Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Art!” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3911 Harney Street in Old Town. East County resident Vandenberg Donche was born
7 BANDS HOLD CONCERT TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS OCT 4
Printer-friendly versionROC For Fire Relief Concert and Fire Expo Helps Neighbors, Celebrates Heroes Saturday, October 4th, 2008 12:00pm to 10:00pm Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Lakeside www.rocsd.net Listen to music from the bands. October 1, 2008 (Lakeside) – “Relief is still needed in a serious way,” said Randy Seol of the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, a longtime San Diego resident who
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 21, 2008 (JULIAN) – “We’ve had at least 500 people here so far,” Dick Thilken, president of the Julian Lions Club said of the 38th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival on Sunday afternoon, September 21st. “Each day we’ve had six musical groups playing.” Besides officially scheduled acts, players from various areas joined in for some impromptu
FUN-FILLED FESTIVALS: SEPT. 12-30th
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Fall is in the air – the perfect time for an end-of-summer celebration or a visit to East County’s back country towns in the early days of autumn. Find details on these at many other events at our calendar, which covers all communities east of I-15. Julian Apple Days are here! Time to head up to
September Festivals
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Sept. 1, 2008 (East County)–We first planned to call this column Festival of the Month. But after discovering how many great events communities and groups are hosting in San Diego’s eastern region we changed the column name to tell you about as many fun-filled festivals as possible. Many are free, though some charge admission. Check out details
Celebrating 100 Years: Cleveland National Forest Centennial
Printer-friendly version Fiddlin’ Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks By Miriam Raftery A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest–a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events
Notes On Air – Tracy Lee Nelson
Printer-friendly version By Richard Noel Notes On Air is a monthly music column highlighting local artists, events, and other music-related news. In this month’s column, we talk with Tracy Lee Nelson, accomplished blues musician who is also tribal chairman of the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley. Nelson’s music places an emphasis on his heritage, bringing a Native American
Music Review – On an Island
Printer-friendly versionBreezin’ to the music of Charlie Imes By Libby Belle San Diego singer/songwriter Charlie Imes has captured the easy, breezy spirit of laid-back Southern California living on his new CD, On An Island. Imes and the Hodad Surf Club Band will perform at BonitaFest, a street festival in Bonita, on September 27th (see our calendar section for details). He
Artist Profile – The Unconventional Phebe Burnham
Printer-friendly versionBy Jackie Hanson “There’s a colorful character,” you might say to yourself upon seeing Phebe Burnham laughing and chatting at a local art event. If you guessed that she was one of the artists (or the artist, as is often the case) you’d be correct. Phebe Burnham is not only a source of local color, she is an acclaimed
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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.
BOOK REVIEW: THE BRACELET’S SAGA OF CHILD ABDUCTIONS HAS TIMELY RING
Printer-friendly version The Bracelet, By Charles A. Bonner (Verily Publishing Company, Sausalito, California, 2009) Book Review by Dennis Moore June 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Several years ago, my then 11-year old daughter, Brandy, escaped the clutches of a would-be child molester in Chicago, right after she had gotten off the bus from school. Heaven forbid, my daughter
WILD WEST LIVES ON AT WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS
Printer-friendly version Story by Miriam Raftery Photos and video by Khari Johnson June 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – History came alive at the eighth annual Western Heritage Days June 5-6 in El Cajon, where Buffalo soldiers, ladies with parasols and Laguna Mountain men roamed the streets. Entertainment also included Native American dancers, musical acts such as Tom Hiatt and the
FLYING HIGH: PILOTS TAKE WING AT GILLESPIE AIR SHOW
Printer-friendly version Story, photos and video by Khari Johnson June 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – Up to 10,000 people turned out to watch more than 20 different types of vintage planes as well as skydivers, historic re-enactors and pyrotechnics displays at Wings Over Gillespie last weekend. View ECM’s highlights from the event. The air show at Gillespie
CELEBRATE WORLD REFUGEE DAY WITH A 2K WALK AND SOMALI FAMILY SERVICE HEALTH FAIR JUNE 19
Printer-friendly version June 13, 2010 (City Heights) – A 2K fun walk will be held Saturday to promote refugee awareness and senior fitness, followed by the Somali Family Service Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City Heights Community Park, 3795 Fairmount Avenue. Savor ethnic food and entertainment, meet healthcare providers and local refugee/immigrant and nonprofit organizations,
POMERADO BRASS QUINTET – FREE CONCERT TODAY AT MISSION TRAILS
Printer-friendly version June 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – What could be more inspiring than a concert in a nature preserve? Pomerado Brass Quintet performs today at 2 p.m. in the Mission Trails Regional Park’s visitor ampitheater. The concert will feature light classical music, popular favorites and patriotic songs. A reception in the visitor center gallery will follow.
Barona 40th Annual Pow-Wow
Printer-friendly version June 12, 2010 (Lakeside) — Mark your calendars for the 40th annual Barona Pow-Wow on September 3-5. Over $60,000 in prize money will be given, and there will be contest dancing. All drums and dancers are welcome. Admission and camping is free. For more information call the Barona Tribal Office, (619)443-6612 ext 120. Printer-friendly
AN EVENING TO REMEMBER: SYMPHONY AT THE LAKES JUNE 12
Printer-friendly version June 10, 2010 (Santee) – On June 12, Santee Lakes will come alive with the sounds of orchestral and jazz music. Young Artists Symphony (YAS) and the Santee-Lakeside Rotary are collaborating to present this special evening of music, dance, refreshments, wine and cuisine at the YAS Symphony at the Lakes. Musicians will perform in a recreational preserve beneath
WORLD FAMOUS STARS IN CONCERT JUNE 11 TO BENEFIT INDUSTRIAL ARTS AT EAST COUNTY SCHOOLS
Printer-friendly version Doyle Dykes and the Kruger Brothers to perform June 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – The East County EDC Foundation has teamed up with Taylor Guitar, Deering Banjo, and famed musical entertainers to raise funds for industrial arts programs in our region—such as a guitar-making course that gives students hands-on experience crafting musical instruments. Taylor and Deering, based in
SUMMER MUSIC & CULTURE FESTIVAL COMES TO EAST COUNTY AUGUST 8
Printer-friendly version June 10, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Celebrating East County’s multitude of cultures from around the world, the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Summer Music & Culture Festival. The event, which is free to the public, will be held Sunday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Water Conservation Garden at
JOIN THE GOOSE FOR TEA ON SATURDAY, JUNE 12
Printer-friendly version June 10, 2010 (El Cajon) — The third annual "Royal Tea & Fashion Show" benefitting the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade will be held Saturday, June 12th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon. Guests are invited to reserve a table and display your best tea set at
LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR FREE “MOVIES IN THE PARK” AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER
Printer-friendly version Season kicks off June 16 with Monsters vs. Aliens, wraps up with Avatar June 10, 2010 (Alpine) — The Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off its free “Movies in the Park” series on June 16 with a showing of the hit movie Monsters vs. Aliens. The season concludes this year with Avatar, the blockbuster that set new
WORLD CUP FEVER HITS EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version CALI COMFORT HOSTS VIEWING PARTY FOR OPENING SOCCER MATCH FRI. A.M. June 10, 2010 (Spring Valley) – The World Cup Soccer tournament kick off Friday, June 11 at 7 a.m. with a match between Mexico and South Africa.. Next up, game two on Saturday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. pits the U.S.A. vs. England. Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar in
A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND LITERATURE: JUNE 11 AT BORDER’S IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version June 9, 2010 (El Cajon) — Local author Ella deCastro Baron will read selections from her autobiographical book, Itchy Brown Girl Seeks Employment, with accompaniment by singer Malia Martinez and guitarist Graham Hadidian this Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Borders Bookstore in El Cajon. Baron’s book blends fiction and non-fiction including memoir, poetry, letters and narrative.The author, who

SERENI-TEA: SIPPING SELF SUCCESS
Printer-friendly version Sereni-Tea, By Dharlene Marie Fahl (Transformation Media Books, Bloomington, Indiana, 2009, 209 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore June 9, 2010 (San Diego) Author Dharlene Marie Fahl, a protégé of Mark Victor Hansen (Co-creator, #1 New York Times best selling series, Chicken Soup for the Soul), has an ambitious goal: to become Amazon’s next best-selling author. From

A FATHER’S DAY GIFT TO ALL DADS: AUTHOR, LIFECOACH TO APPEAR AT CALI COMFORT RESTAURANT JULY 20
Printer-friendly version Author Steve Tarde, who has taught sports visualization to top sports stars, will read from his book, Gift to My Dad, and sign copies of his book at a special Father’s Day event at Cali Comfort Restaurant, 8910 Troy Street, Spring Valley on July 20th at 3 p.m. Note: savor a free entree (with purchase of another) at Cali Comfort
JOIN US SUNDAY AT THE EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR!
Printer-friendly version FREE! Bridal fashion show, beauty treatments, vendors, music, & great prizes Win a honeymoon suite in Julian–or a night on the town with limo, paparazzi, and Johnny Depp look-alike “Sam the Pirate” June 5, 2010 (Fletcher Hills) — We’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate–and you’re invited to this fun, FREE event: EAST COUNTY BRIDAL & BEAUTY FAIR
WWII DOGFIGHTS, AERIAL STUNTS ALL PART OF 15th ANNUAL WINGS OVER GILLESPIE AIR SHOW JUNE 4-6
Printer-friendly version Up! Down! Flying Around. Looping The Loop And Defying The Ground. They’re All, Rightfully, Kings! Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines. June 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – On June 4, 5 & 6, Air Group One, the San Diego wing of the Commemorative Air Force will present their 15th annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show at Gillespie
BACK TO THE ‘50s CAR SHOW STARTS THURSDAY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version June 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – -Participants are revving up for La Mesa’s “Back to the ‘50s” car show, which will be held every Thursday night in June, July and August. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on La Mesa Boulevard in the downtown village of La Mesa. Cruising in classic cars (pre-1973) is
MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION AT SACRED ROCKS RESERVE
Printer-friendly version May 29, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve RV park and campground invites you to an annual Memorial Day celebration. Don’t feel like roughing in a tent or RV? Other lodging options include rental cottages or a Western-style bunkhouse. “We have exciting new games like bocce ball and petanque, and as always, nature walks, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LA MESA LIBRARY!
Printer-friendly versionBy Kristin Kjaero May 26, 2010 (La Mesa) — Come one, come all and help the La Mesa Library celebrate its second birthday Friday, May 28 with an afternoon of music by Raggle Taggle (2:30 p.m.), refreshments (3:30 p.m.), Lego building (3:45 p.m.), and San Diego County Library Director José Aponte (2:30 –p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Since the La
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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