East County Magazine
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
New City Sinfonia and Downbeat Big Band swing into the holidays with Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 25, 2025 (El Cajon) — The sounds of the holiday season will get a swinging upgrade next month, as the New City Sinfonia and the Downbeat Big Band team up for a special performance featuring Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Organizers of the Dec. 10 event at
Dawn Hough Sebaugh’s “Wear Art, Live Art” fashion show at Wieghorst Museum features modern art styles with Western vibe
Printer-friendly versionThe show featured clothing created from paintings, illustrating the power of art in fashion Story and photos by Heidi Hope November 23, 2025 (El Cajon) — Boots and Belles, a fashion show at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon on Nov.8, showcased creative fashions by designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, owner of Wear Art, Live Art (WALA). The
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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
HAPPY DAYS! BACK TO THE 50’S CAR SHOWS IN LA MESA VILLAGE
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (La Mesa) — Step back in time to those lazy, crazy carefree ‘50s days at the La Mesa Village Back to the 50s Car Show. The event runs every Thursday evening between June 4th and August 27th. This Summer Event draws more than 2,500 spectators. Classic cars line La Mesa Boulevard and compete in the weekly
C. HOOK THEATER PRESENTS DAMN YANKEES JUNE 24-27 AT KROC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Printer-friendly versionJune 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Damn Yankees, a baseball-themed musical comedy, will be presented by C. Hook Theater at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Performing Arts Center June 24-27. The show provides a musical retellingof the Faust legend set during the 1950s in Washington, D.C., during a time when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball. Joe
ANONYMOUS DONOR TO MATCH UP TO $20,000 TO STOP SUNRISE POWERLINK: WESTERN FUNDRAISER SET FOR MAY 30 AT HAZY MEADOW RANCH, LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (Lakeside)—Donations raised at Saturday’s fundraiser to “Sunset the Sunrise Powerlink” will be matched up to $20,000, organizers have announced. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30th at Hazy Meadows Ranch, 15466 El Monte Road, in Lakeside and costs $5. Live music by “Fiddlegirl” Celia Lawley and the Mountain Echo
ARTISTS NEEDED TO PAINT UTILITY BOXES–AND BEAUTIFY DOWNTOWN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–Art – and the community it creates – is at the heart of igniting culture, communicating history and values, stimulating economic development, and building community pride. Transform common utility boxes into works of public art for all to enjoy through UArt: Downtown El Cajon’s Utility Art Box Program. If you’re an art lover and/or community
VIEJAS COOLS DOWN WITH FREE “POWER OF NIGHTFIRE” SHOW—AND AN INTERACTIVE WATER FOUNTAIN
Printer-friendly versionALPINE, Calif. — May 28, 2009 — As the weather begins to heat up and children get out of school, Viejas offers a place to beat the heat with an array family-friendly events. The annual Power of Nightfire show will feature performances at 9 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, until Labor Day. The unique performance intrigues the audience with
CHALDEAN VIRTUOSO JOINS GROSSMONT SYMPHONY IN “MIDDLE EAST MEETS WEST” CONCERT MAY 29
Printer-friendly versionMay 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Symphony Orchestra will present “Middle East Meets West,” starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, at the St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Church, 1627 Jamacha Way in El Cajon. Special guest artist will be Luay Yousif, violinist. Yousif, born in Baghadad in 1979, has performed with the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra at
LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE CELEBRATION MAY 30th
Printer-friendly versionMay 11, 2009 (La Mesa)– On Saturday, May 30st beginning at 9:00 am, downtown La Mesa will dress up in red, white and blue for the Annual Flag Day Parade, "A Salute to Old Glory!" The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and marches through downtown La Mesa Village. Spectators will enjoy over 75 entries, including 6 marching bands led
ART SHOW AT WILLIAM HERRICK COMMUNITY HEALTH LIBRARY FEATURES DISABLED ARTISTS’ WORKS
Printer-friendly versionThe Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library in La Mesa, a public library specializing in health research information, has announced it is hosting a display of 20 charcoal drawings drawn by persons who have developmental disabilities from Sophie’s Art Gallery, an art program provided by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a non-profit based in El Cajon. The
SANTEE STREET FAIR SATURDAY MAY 30: CARNIVAL RIDES, LIVE MUSIC & A BEER GARDEN
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (Santee) – Live bands, carnival rides, crafts, vendors, a beer garden and food (including a 65-foot-brat grille) will be featured at the Santee Street Fair this Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free to the public, the event will be held behind the Trolley Square shopping center in Santee, at 101 Civic Center
FREE “CONCERTS ON THE GREEN” OPENS MAY 22 WITH THE CAT-ILLACS
Printer-friendly versionMay 18, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 14th Annual Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages opens Friday, May 22, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon. Opening night of 2009 Concerts on the Green will feature the Rock’n Roll sounds of The Cat-illacs. In
THEY’VE GOT RHYTHM: FROM TRIBAL DRUMS TO DIDGERIDOOS AT SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version“I had a dream that I would have a drum,” recalled Neka’asawe, a drum maker who was among the many vendors displaying indigenous crafts at the Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center in early May. “I went into a sweat lodge and prayed. A spirit told me I would make many drums.” Printer-friendly version
VINTAGE AIRCRAFT SHOW LANDS AT GILLESPIE FIELD—MAY 16 & 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The public is invited to a free Vintage Aircraft Fly-In and Classic Car Show at Gillespie Field on May 16 and 17. In addition to 1920s- to 1950s-era aircraft, classic cars will also be displayed. Aircraft include a 1930 Stearman 4E Speedmail formerly used to deliver mail; the last remaining 1931 Laird LBC 300; and
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK CAPS SCRIPPS RANCHO COMMUNITY FAIR SUNDAY, MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 16, 2009 (Scrpps Ranch)–The Scripps Ranch Commuity Association invites you to help celebrate the 10th Annual Community Fair on Sunday, May 17, at the Scripps Ranch Community Park, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego.The fair runs from noon to 5:30 pm, followed by the first Symphony in the Park concert of the year at 5:45 pm. The concert
ESCONDIDO STREET FAIRE OFFERS FAMILY FUN ON SUNDAY, MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 16, 2009 (Escondido) – Over 700 booths, live entertainment, a farmers’ market, international foods plus arts and crafts displays will be featured at the Escondido Street Faire this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association, claims to be the second largest street fair in
ECCAC HOSTS PARTY MAY 30 TO FUND LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST POWERLINK: MAY 30 IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly versionThe East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 11-4 pm at Hazy Meadow Ranch in Lakeside, CA. This is an all-county event that will feature live music, raffle, opportunity drawing, carnvial games, pony rides, and more. The organization seeks public help to fund legal action to "sunset" Sunrise Powerlink. The
CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Printer-friendly versionLA MESA, CA (May 8, 2009) – Concerts in the Courtyard will feature free live entertainment produced by Grossmont Center in Macy’s Courtyard every first and third Thursday now through July 2ND from 6p.m. – 8p.m. The family-oriented concerts will feature sounds of diverse artists who will perform a variety of music genres from oldies and Jazz to
MAY 17 HARVEST PROJECT BENEFITS ARCHI’S ACRES, HELPS VETERANS FIND NEW ROOTS
Printer-friendly versionMay 9, 2009 (Escondido)–The independent arts organization contACT ARTS (formerly xDrop Arts Organization) is sponsoring The Harvest Project, a benefit event to help Archi’s Acres organic farm build a new greenhouse to serve more combat veterans in its Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program. The event is on Sunday, May 17 from 1 – 6 pm at the World
WEEKLY CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE OPENS MAY 13TH FOR 9TH SEASON
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cajon Classic Cruise, the largest weekly classic car show in Southern California, returns to Main Street in Downtown El Cajon on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with its 2009 Season Opener. In addition to viewing classic cars, the grand opening includes live music by the little Efert Band, a DJ from 104.2
ARRIBA! CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA AT SAVANNA GRILL
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (El Cajon)—No need to venture south of the border to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cinco de Mayo grand opening party at Savanna Grill complete with music, mariachis, mariachis and Mexican-style food–and the public is welcome to join the fiesta. Savanna Grill is located at 3773 Willow
Circus Brings Smiles to Young and Old
Printer-friendly versionBIG RIDE: Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce leader Valerie Harrison (front) joins East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery and Caroline Braun from Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s aboard an elephant at the Carson & Barnes Circus. May 3, 2009(San Diego’s East County)–Hosted by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, the world-renowned Carson & Barnes Circus presented a dazzling performance
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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