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
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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
JAZZ 88.3 TO LAUNCH “THE SPEAKEASY” JAZZ PROGRAM ONLINE
Printer-friendly version By Bill Pogue March 10, 2010 (Mt. Helix) — Snap your fingers, toss your head, and toe-tap to the rhythms of all kinds of jazz on KSDS 88.3 FM, a San Diego jewel. Mark DeBoskey, station manager and a Mt. Helix resident, has helped to make Jazz 88.3 one of the world’s premier jazz stations. Now the radio
CUYAMACA COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR 1 OF 4 IN STATE TO WIN COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ HIGHEST TEACHING AWARD
Printer-friendly version Music Professor Pat Setzer to receive Hayward Award for Excellence in Education EL CAJON – Cuyamaca College music instructor Pat Setzer, a key player in the planning and construction of a performing arts complex inside the campus’ sprawling $45 million communication arts center, is one of four community college faculty members statewide to win the 2010 Hayward
RIVER PARK FOUNDATION HOLDS “SAVE THE SOURCE” PROJECTS MARCH 13
Printer-friendly version March 10, 2010 (Lakeside) –On March 13th, the San Diego River Park Foundation and its partners will team up for a new event to raise awareness about the San Diego River. More than 100 volunteers will participate in five special projects in Lakeside, Ramona, and Julian areas. The public is invited to participate in the events, which include
RAMONA MUSIC FEST MARCH 20
Printer-friendly version March 8, 2010 (Ramona) — The Ramona Music Fest benefit concert is March 20, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Dos Picos Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. in Ramona. The third annual event hosted by Ramona Kiwanis and Ramona Rotary clubs will feature two stages and wandering musicians. A variety of music is promised, from mellow
PUBLIC HEARING ON PERFORMING ARTS THEATER MARCH 9
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2010 (El Cajon) – A public hearing on the future of the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) will be held on March 9 at 1:30 p.m. at El Cajon Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street. The City has proposed to close the theater for up to two years due to remodeling. CitizensOversight.org, a watchdog
SHOW GOES ON: CIRCUS VARGAS NOW PLAYING IN EL CAJON THROUGH MARCH 8
Printer-friendly version Performances also slated in Vista and Mira Mesa March 3, 2010 (El Cajon) – Children and the young at heart savored thrills and chills at Circus Vargas, now showing in a big top tent pitched in the parking lot at Parkway Plaza. Prior to the main show, the ringmaster invited all kids into the center ring for
SIMONE AABERG KÆRN: SEIZE THE SKY
Printer-friendly version SDSU Exhibition inspires us to rise above By Kristin Kjaero March 4, 2010 (San Diego) – Who hasn’t dreamed of flying? Seize the Sky explores this archetypal image in women’s lives across cultures and generations, to rise above circumstance and make their own destiny in the metaphorical and literal freedom of the sky. Simone
SDSU WOMEN’S STUDIES DEPT. PLANS YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION
Printer-friendly version 1970-2010: Forty Years of Community Activism, Scholarly Excellence and International Programming March 4, 2010 (San Diego) – March is women’s history month. However, the women’s studies department at San Diego State University plans a year-long celebration to commemorate its 40th anniversary. Upcoming events include: SPRING • “Documentary Filmmaking: The Shape of Water”
EXPERIENCE LIFE ON THE 1860s FRONTIER AT VALLECITO DAYS MARCH 5-7
Printer-friendly version March 3, 2010 (Vallecito) – Vallecito Stage Station once served as a rest stop for weary travelers along the Southern Overland Trail on the Butterfield Stage Coach. On March 5, 6 and 7, history will come alive as the 1850s camp in the Anza-Borrego desert welcomes visitors to tour the original adobe Vallecito Stage Station and participate
MUSICAL “I LOVE YOU BECAUSE” OPENS AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (El Cajon ) – The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department presents “I Love You Because,“ a romantic musical comedy. The production will be presented March 11-13 and March 17-20 at 7:30 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on March 13 and 20 in the Stagehouse Theatre. Critics hail it as “a charming piece
CERAMIC WORKS EXHIBITION OPENS AT GROSSMONT’S HYDE ART GALLERY MARCH 15-APRIL 22
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (El Cajon)– Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery will present “Ceramic Works,” a free exhibit of ceramic artwork by Patsy Cox and Eric Rempe, on display from March 15 to April 22. The exhibit is open to the public. Cox’s work consists of thousands of small objects combined to form one large installation, featuring a blend
KING ARTHUR’S QUEST BRINGS NEW MUSICAL MAGIC TO POWAY PERFORMING ARTS MARCH 6
Printer-friendly version February 28, 2010 (Poway) — The nation’s pre-eminent participatory children’s theater company returns to the Poway Center for their eleventh season. Missoula Children’s Theatre will cast local children in a magical new musical. More than 50 local students will participate in a one-week theater camp that takes them from auditions to rehearsals to two full-scale productions of King
MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: BANDS, CROWDS TURN OUT FOR VALLEY MUSIC EVENT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 23, 2010 (El Cajon) – A standing-room-only crowd turned out to savor music from seven different bands at Valley Music’s grand reopening on Saturday. “This has been the best way to get people to find us,” co-owner Andrea Long said, noting that providing entertainment has been a successful way to
IT’S A CIRCUS! BIGTOP BRINGS ITS MAGIC TO EAST COUNTY & SD IN FEB. & MARCH
Printer-friendly version February 23, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Circus Vargas opens this week at Westfield Parkway Plaza in El Cajon, with additional shows in National City, Vista, and Mira Mesa. This year’s theme of an enchanted forest features “magical creatures, mystical fairies, pixies, sprites, butterflies and more”—along with crowd-pleasing favorites such as an aerial bungee ballet, acrobats,
O’DUNN FINE ART EXPANDS OFFERINGS IN NEW LA MESA LOCATION
Printer-friendly version February 20, 2010 (La Mesa) – Leaders in the arts and business communities gathered Thursday for the grand re-opening of O’Dunn Fine Art, which moved into an expansive new space across the street from its original location in La Mesa’s downtown village. “I have about 60 artists represented and 120 paintings,” said gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn. The
7 BANDS PERFORM TODAY AT VALLEY MUSIC RELOCATION CELEBRATION IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version February 20, 2010 – Valley Music invites the public to its relocation celebration today at the store’s new location at 1611 North Magnolia Ave., Suite 310, in El Cajon’s Gateway Magnolia Plaza, from 12:30-5:45 today. Schedule of events: 12:30-1:00 Billy Leonard 1:15-1:45 Cain Street 2:00-2:30 The Winchester Friendly 2:45-3:15 Keeper 3:30-4:00 Kilgore
STORYTELLING & OTHER EVENTS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Printer-friendly version February 19, 2010 (San Diego) – Storytelling, the passing down of tales from generation to generation, has kept cultural heritage alive through the ages. In celebration of Black History Month, several black storytellers will give performances this weekend in San Diego and Spring Valley. In addition, Southwestern College hosts a Black History Cultural Day and the Malcolm
O’DUNN FINE ART CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING TODAY AT 5:30
Printer-friendly version February 18, 2010 (La Mesa)–The public is invited to a reception and grand-reopening of O’Dunn Fine Art from 5:30 to 7:30 today. The gallery has moved to a newer, larger location at 8325 La Mesa Boulevard, across the street from its original space in La Mesa’s downtown village. For more information on the gallery and artists with works
DOLLAR-WISE DIVAS: UNCLE SAM WANTS TO GIVE YOU MONEY TO BUY A HOME
Printer-friendly version “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye” – free seminars Feb. 27 in La Mesa, March 1 in El Cajon Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle! By Nancy and Dawn Clement February 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Uncle Sam wants to give you
SIMPLY STEINBECK: PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT FEB, 12-MARCH 17, SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2010 (Spring Valley) — From his quiet beginnings in the small farming town of Salinas, California, John Steinbeck went on to live a larger-than-life existence. Steinbeck achieved worldwide recognition for his keen observations and powerful descriptions of the human condition. He championed the forgotten and disenfranchised while affirming the strength of the human spirit. Steinbeck drew
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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