East County Magazine
California opens $2.5M in grants to reimagining State Parks through art and culture
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Sacramento) – Looking to literally bridge the gap between nature and the diverse communities of the state, California…
GUHSD Superintendent backs DA’s appeal against potential release of 2001 Santana shooter
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 10, 2026 (Santee) — Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte has sent a letter to District Attorney Summer Stephan expressing full support for her appeal of the San Diego Superior Court’s decision to grant a recall and resentencing hearing for Charles “Andy” Williams, the perpetrator of the 2001 Santana
A decade of dogs: Fido Fest celebrates 10th anniversary
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 10, 2026 (Santee) – It’s time to grab your canine friends and their leashes for the dogstravaganza that…
Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the…
Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the drawing board to the engineering phase. San Diego County officials are holding a public workshop later this month, inviting residents and other interested stakeholders to review design elements for the transformation of the Campo
Casa de Oro has new “House of Gold” mural, thanks to ArtReach and Casa de Oro Alliance
East County News Service February 8, 2026 (Casa de Oro) — The Casa de Oro Alliance and ArtReach celebrated celebrate the completion of a vibrant…
La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March
East County News Service February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) — With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation,…
San Diego poet shares secrets and solace of a psychotherapist in The Best Sex I Never Had
Book by Susan Black Allen Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 2, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego resident and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has written…
A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by
Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape
San Diego Automotive Museum to hold “Garage Night” fundraiser
Printer-friendly versionEvening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth East County News Service Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) — The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St.
The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026
Printer-friendly version Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026. The schedule includes educational opportunities,
New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions. From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first “New Moon Fishing” event of the year, offering a
Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’
Printer-friendly versionPhotos and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in
Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society
Printer-friendly versionPhoto from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) — Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society. Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS’ care
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Printer-friendly version Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and
East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7
Printer-friendly version December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home. The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and
Destination East County: Dreamy December events to remember
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Listen to an audio version of this story. November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County! Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting
Artists from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to show off skills
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 28, 2025 (El Cajon) — The holiday spirit is already brightening up downtown El Cajon, with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and its Sophie’s Gallery again central to the vibe. Next month, St. Madeleine Sophie’s is inviting the community to meet and discover the creative talents of some of its artists while giving
Operation Masquerade: A Rent Beacham Mystery
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Larry M. Edwards Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 28, 2025 (San Diego) — Larry Edwards, a San Diego resident, has written another Rent Beacham mystery. San Diego journalist Rent receives information about a cold-case homicide in Washington State. His investigation leads him to investigate links between illegal disposal of hazardous waste from a San Diego boatyard in
Search by Specific Date
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
POWAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO OPEN 2024-2025 CONCERT SEASON WITH FAMED ROMEROS GUITAR QUARTET
Printer-friendly version“Trip to Spain” concert on Nov. 17 will feature music with a Spanish flair Source: Poway Symphony Orchestra October 26, 2024 (Poway) – The Poway Symphony Orchestra will open its 21st concert season with “A Trip to Spain with The Romeros,” presenting a program of lively Spanish-inspired music and featuring the world-renowned Romeros guitar quartet. The concert will
POWAY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TO OPEN 2024-2025 CONCERT SEASON WITH FAMED ROMEROS GUITAR QUARTET
Printer-friendly version“Trip to Spain” concert on Nov. 17 will feature music with a Spanish flair Source: Poway Symphony Orchestra October 26, 2024 (Poway) – The Poway Symphony Orchestra will open its 21st concert season with “A Trip to Spain with The Romeros,” presenting a program of lively Spanish-inspired music and featuring the world-renowned Romeros guitar quartet. The concert will
PARTY OF THE CENTURY! NOV. 17 AT WINEWORKS: NOW JUST $50, BENEFITS OUR REPORTING AND FIRE ALERTS!
Printer-friendly versionCost reduced due to a generous sponsor! East County Magazine invites you to our Roaring ’20s Jazz Age Party! Sunday, November 17 6 p.m. at Wine Works (8167 Center St., La Mesa, CA 91941) Benefits East County Media, 501c3 nonprofit supporting East County Magazine local news reporting and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Celebrate the era of
PARTY OF THE CENTURY! NOV. 17 AT WINEWORKS: NOW JUST $50, BENEFITS OUR REPORTING AND FIRE ALERTS!
Printer-friendly versionCost reduced due to a generous sponsor! East County Magazine invites you to our Roaring ’20s Jazz Age Party! Sunday, November 17 6 p.m. at Wine Works (8167 Center St., La Mesa, CA 91941) Benefits East County Media, 501c3 nonprofit supporting East County Magazine local news reporting and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Celebrate the era of
HAUNTED CIRCUS BRINGS THRILLS, CHILLS TO EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionBy Lindsay Elias October 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – The superheroes gathered at The Magnolia in El Cajon for the 2nd annual Haunted Circus. The event was organized by Twisted Orbit Circus Entertainment and included appearances by Captain America, Ghost Rider, Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman, and the duo Harley Quinn and the Joker. The audience cheered on the performers
HAUNTED CIRCUS BRINGS THRILLS, CHILLS TO EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionBy Lindsay Elias October 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – The superheroes gathered at The Magnolia in El Cajon for the 2nd annual Haunted Circus. The event was organized by Twisted Orbit Circus Entertainment and included appearances by Captain America, Ghost Rider, Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman, and the duo Harley Quinn and the Joker. The audience cheered on the performers
HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS
Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes Reviewed by Pennell Paugh October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book that mixes science fiction and fantasy with romance. In 1888, Rene Sakin loses both her parents, falls into depression and is expelled from a prestigious medical college for
HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS
Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes Reviewed by Pennell Paugh October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book that mixes science fiction and fantasy with romance. In 1888, Rene Sakin loses both her parents, falls into depression and is expelled from a prestigious medical college for
HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS
Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes Reviewed by Pennell Paugh October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book that mixes science fiction and fantasy with romance. In 1888, Rene Sakin loses both her parents, falls into depression and is expelled from a prestigious medical college for
RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) — The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.
RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) — The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.
RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) — The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.
SANTEE BREWS AND BITES FESTIVAL OCT. 19 FEATURES FAST TIMES
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2024 (Santee) — Looking for a totally tubular time? The Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser will be far out dude! Fast Times, the ultimate 80’s experience band, will be headlining this year’s Brews & Bites on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr., Santee).
SANTEE BREWS AND BITES FESTIVAL OCT. 19 FEATURES FAST TIMES
Printer-friendly version October 12, 2024 (Santee) — Looking for a totally tubular time? The Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser will be far out dude! Fast Times, the ultimate 80’s experience band, will be headlining this year’s Brews & Bites on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr., Santee).
JULIAN PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS MUSICAL OCT. 11-20
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) – The Fantasticks is the longest running production in American theater, since its debut in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York. The musical features a timeless fable of love that is both nostalgic and universal, transcending cultural barriers. Julian Performing Arts presents the
JULIAN PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS MUSICAL OCT. 11-20
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) – The Fantasticks is the longest running production in American theater, since its debut in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York. The musical features a timeless fable of love that is both nostalgic and universal, transcending cultural barriers. Julian Performing Arts presents the
JULIAN WONDERFEST OCT. 26: WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, A STAR PARTY AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) — Julian Wonderfest offers free awe-inspiring activities from wildlife encounters, music, and art by day to an evening star party to view the night skies. This special event held on Saturday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery in Julian will feature games
JULIAN WONDERFEST OCT. 26: WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, A STAR PARTY AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 12, 2024 (Julian) — Julian Wonderfest offers free awe-inspiring activities from wildlife encounters, music, and art by day to an evening star party to view the night skies. This special event held on Saturday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery in Julian will feature games
HEARTLAND COIN CLUB HOSTS COIN SHOW IN SANTEE OCT. 26
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Santee) – At the Heartland Coin Club Coin Show, you and your family can immerse yourselves in the world of numismatics. Whether you are a budding collector or a seasoned enthusiast, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, and currency.
HEARTLAND COIN CLUB HOSTS COIN SHOW IN SANTEE OCT. 26
Printer-friendly version By East County News Service October 16, 2024 (Santee) – At the Heartland Coin Club Coin Show, you and your family can immerse yourselves in the world of numismatics. Whether you are a budding collector or a seasoned enthusiast, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, and currency.
Search by Specific Date
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