East County Magazine
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
Poway OnStage brings holiday cheer with ugly seasonal sweater soirée plus a chance to give back
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 19, 2025 (Poway) — Sweater weather is upon us, and ugly sweaters are about to take a fashionable, functional turn on center stage in Poway. Poway OnStage is going to host two performances of “The Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soirée: Holiday Hits in Horrible Knits” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Poway Center
Lemon Grove’s Community Bonfire to light up the night Dec. 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The city of Lemon Grove will host its 29th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park, 3200 Main Street. Activities include a live band, kids’ zone, and foods available for purchase. In addition, the mayor will deliver welcoming remarks at 6
Lamplighters Theatre presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Nov. 29 – Dec. 14
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait. A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” featuring the wild adventures
Holiday in the Village: A La Mesa tradition returns Dec. 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Village Association’s 10th annual Holiday in the Village event will take place on December 13 from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. It will feature a variety of enhanced holiday traditions including an ice rink, a winter wonderland, Mrs. Claus’ reading nook, selfies with Santa, holiday photo
Julian Theater Company presents “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 12-20
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Ebeneezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will come to life in Julian, where the Julian Theater Company presents Charles Dickens’ holiday classic play, “A Christmas Carol.” You’ll be drawn into Dicken’s Victorian supernatural world of Christmas festivity, family, redemption, family, and love. The
Nutcracker Ballet comes to The Magnolia in El Cajon Dec. 20-21
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — San Diego Ballet brings “The Nutcracker”, a cherished holiday classic, to the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon with performances on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday, December 21 at 12 p.m. The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international
“Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jade and friends Dec. 5 at Sycuan
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — ‘Tis the season to enjoy “Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jam, who was named Breakout Artist of Year by the Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. She earned a San Diego Music Award in 2023 “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Album” for her debut
Thankful Fur You: Holiday Tours Nov. 21 at Calif. Wolf Center in Julian
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Make a holiday treat such as a pumpkin spiced meatball, then watch as wolves at the California Wolf Center in Julian savor their pre-Thanksgiving feasts. The “Thankful Fur You” event takes place on November 21 at 2:40 p.m. and lasts an hour and a half. Support wolf conservation efforts with an unforgettable experience
Pine Valley Camp Christmas brings forest to life with lights, holiday music and activities
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 17, 2025 (Pine Valley) – Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, Pine Valley Camp Christmas provides enchanting family entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of lights bring the forest to life, timed to the beat of holiday music hourly from 6-9 p.m. including the finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” There’s also
Mayor Wells hosts Jubilee Jam at the Magnolia Dec. 6 to help bring San Diego Rescue Mission to East County
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — You’re invited to a free, family friendly evening filled with music, joy and holiday cheer—all for a good cause. On December 6, Jubilee festivities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the Magnolia theater featuring Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band performing
Saps at Sea present ‘End of Year Film Fun’
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 15, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy fan organization, invite you to close out their 47th year with some End of Year Film Fun in El Cajon on Saturday, December 6. This month’s guest comedian is Charlie Chase
Hear our interview with La Mesa director Elisha Cecil, whose movie “Amber” is screening at San Diego Film Week Nov. 14
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 12, 2025 (La Mesa) – Elisha Cecil is a filmmaker, screenwriter and director from La Mesa. His films have been featured in many major film festivals, including Eyes of Shadow and Amber, a short horror film showing at the San Diego Film Week on November 14. East County Magazine interviewed Cecil for our radio show,
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 holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light
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 Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona. “November is our favorite time to celebrate our famous racing turkeys who are back and better than ever (sort of… breeding season is on 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 magical holiday experience of The Nutcracker is coming to San Diego later this month. Mission Hills-headquarterered BalletCenter Studios is presenting an enchanting new production, “Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier,”
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 nonprofit organization is holding Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser in December at its 142-acre site in Alpine. The event will include gift-giving, holiday lights and music, and will support
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 brand-new production titled “A New Experience”, bringing its signature mix of magic, heart-pounding excitement, and family fun to Parkway Plaza November 12 – December 5. An entertaining outing for families,
La Mesa Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming Nov. 7
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Nov. 4, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa City Council member Laura Lothian and The Cohn Restaurant Group are partnering to transform a tree at a local downtown La Mesa restaurant into a Christmas tree with a special star on top. Casa Gabriela will be the site of the towering 80-foot tall
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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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ARTISTS’ RECEPTION AT ST. CLAIR GALLERY JUNE 6
Printer-friendly version May 22, 2010 (El Cajon ) – The 19th El Cajon Invitational Art Exhibit and Artists’ Reception will be held on Sunday, June 6 from 3 to 6 p.m. View works of numerous artists and photographers, meet artists Barbara McVey and Cindie Wolf , and savor wine and cheese at the reception, which will be held
BOOK REVIEW: THE FRANKLIN SCANDAL
Printer-friendly version The Franklin Scandal, By Nick Bryant ( Trine Day LLC, Walterville, Oregon, 2009, 652 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore May 23, 2010 (San Diego) –Author Nick Bryant reveals a tragic and sinister tale of a nationwide pedophile ring that pandered children to a cabal of the rich and famous, stretching from Southern California to cornfields of Nebraska
ART FOR HAITI: LOCAL DOCTOR SEEKS GALLERIES, RESTAURANT & SHOP OWNERS TO SELL ART FOR QUAKE RELIEF
Printer-friendly version Donations, supplies also needed to help children who survived quake May 21, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat gives a grim update on the plight in Haiti. “Only a few people have received tents, tarps, or food to sustain them. Many are presently dying of disease, malnutrition, or simply checking out mentally or dying with a
EAST COUNTY’S BRIDAL AND BEAUTY FAIR DEBUTS SUNDAY, JUNE 6
Printer-friendly version Prizes include honeymoon stay at Angel’s Landing and bachelorette party with “Sam the Pirate” Johnny Depp celebrity look-alike May 21, 2010 (El Cajon) – Here come the brides! At last, East County has a one-stop-shop for wedding needs—as well as free beauty services, musical entertainment, prize drawings, raffle, auction, bridal gown modeling, and more. East County
SALUTE TO OLD GLORY: LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 5
Printer-friendly version May 24, 2010 (La Mesa) — On Saturday, June 5th beginning at 9:00 am, downtown La Mesa will dress up in red, white and blue for the 13th Annual La Mesa 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 view over 75 entries, including
ROUND UP THE FAMILY FOR WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS JUNE 5-6
Printer-friendly version This year’s event includes a juried art show, exhibitions by women artists of the west May 19, 2010 (El Cajon) – Yee ha! Time to round up the family for one of East County’s favorite festivals, Western Heritage Days. Sponsored by the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians, this free festival celebrates our
ART IN THE GARDEN: MAY 21 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version May 18, 2010 (La Mesa) – Enjoy Art in the Garden this Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Gio Bistro Wine Bar. O’Dunn Fine Art and Bella Mesa Galleries will showcase artwork for sale, offering special pricing for art garden visitors. Also enjoy free wine-tasting, appetizers, and visiting with local artists and gallery owners. Premier East County oil
TOP DOGS WANTED: NOVELTY DOG SHOW JUNE 6 IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version May 16, 2010 (Alpine) – Attention all dog lovers! The Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club presents the 6th Annual Novelty Dog Show at10:00am, Saturday, June 6th, 2010 at the Viejas Outlet Center , 5005 Willows Road in Alpine. Canines of all shapes and sizes will be given a howling reception as they compete for the illustrious “Top Dog”
SANTEE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 10
Printer-friendly versionThe City of Santee’s annual Santee Summer Concert Series is set to bring high-energy performances for all ages. Concerts will be held at the Santee Trolley Square Amphitheater on Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., from June 10 through August 19. Here is the concert schedule: For more information, please call the City of Santee Special Events hotline at
MAKING MUSIC: INSTRUMENT DRIVE BENEFITS SAN DIEGO STUDENTS
Printer-friendly version Jazz 88.3 FM, Coles Fine Flooring Team Up to Collect Donated Instruments SAN DIEGO (May 14, 2010) – Music Matters has been a five-year duet to benefit students of San Diego and inspire future generations of musicians. Throughout May, Jazz 88.3 FM and Coles Fine Flooring are collaborating on their fifth annual Music Matters drive to collect musical
REVIEW: GAM3RS –“MADE OF AWESOME”
Printer-friendly version By Phyllis Mutta and Takayuki Higuchi “Hilarious and entertaining” – Takayuki Higuchi “This play is a must-see for everybody.” – Phyllis Mutta May 13, 2010 (San Diego) – ECM reviewer Walter G. Meyer’s new play, GAM3RS, opened May 7th at the Ion Theatre in Hillcrest off of 6th Avenue. This one-man show captures today’s contemporary life
CONCERT SERIES UNVEILED FOR DREAMCATCHER AT VIEJAS
Printer-friendly version May 12, 2010 (Alpine) – The DreamCatcher at Viejas Casino in Alpine announces a concert lineup featuring musical styles ranging from country to jazz, as well as rock, rhythm and blues. The series includes country legend Merle Haggard and other musical stars such as the Temptations, as well as a two-woman show, Vicki Lawrence and Mama, inspired by characters from
CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE FRIDAY MAY 15
Printer-friendly version May 10, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present a performance by Grossmont College Music Dept. classical guitar instructor Robert Wetzel starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Room 221 on campus. The public is invited to attend. The performance is a fund-raiser for the Grossmont College Guitar Guild. Admission is
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! SDSU STUDENT FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE & BENEFIT MAY 16
Printer-friendly version May 7, 2010 (San Diego) — A screening of four outstanding short films by SDSU student filmmakers will be presented, followed by a question and answer forum with the cast and crew, on May 16th. All contributions raised will enhance the SDSU Student Filmmmakers Scholarship Fund, providing cash awards for the best student films. The event will be held on
7th ANNUAL RIVER DAYS MAY 8, 9, 15 AND 16
Printer-friendly version Free Events Celebrate San Diego River and our Environment May 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The 7th annual celebration of the San Diego River is set for May 8-16. River Days 2010 will have over 40 events, including nature hikes and guided tours on local ecology and history, museum and native plant garden open houses, service projects
SUDANESE CENTER HOSTS FUNDRAISING EVENT SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version May 7, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego’s Southern Sudanese Community Center invites the public to a benefit event on Saturday, May 8 at 4 p.m. Sample Sudanese foods, enjoy live music, and help support the center’s many programs to assist newly-arrived immigrants and refugees from the Sudan. The Center is located at 4077 Fairmount Avenue
SANTEE STREET FAIR PROMISES FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Printer-friendly versionThe Santee Street Fair will be held May 29th, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on River View Parkway next to the Santee Trolley Square. There will be live bands and entertainment, rides, food vendors and a beer and wine garden. Entertainment includes Lindsey Spurlock, the Corvettes, Outta-Sync, Rockola, Blues 1-4-5 and Ramshackle. Canned goods will be collected to help
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF: JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER’S DAY, ONE MOM SPEAKS OUT ON GREATEST GIFT A MOTHER CAN RECEIVE
Printer-friendly version Author will share her story and sign copies of Delivering Hope on Saturday May 1st in El Cajon May 1, 2010 (El Cajon) — Ten years ago, Pamela MacPhee offered to become her very own human biology experiment by carrying a baby for her cousin’s wife, who was devastated by infertility from cervical cancer. MacPhee successfully delivered a
COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL: FREE CONCERTS MAY 1 SHOWCASE LOCAL TALENT
Printer-friendly version El Cajon, CA – The Cuyamaca College Music Industry Studies program will host the second annual Coyote Music Festival on May 1, from 12-5 pm on the lawn of Cuyamaca College. The free, all-ages event will present a wide range of musical styles including alternative rock, folk, Indie, metalcore, and rap. This year the festival has expanded
“THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH BUTTERFLIES” AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: 13TH ANNUAL SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL & GARDEN TOUR
Printer-friendly version Alpine’s Biggest Annual Festival to be held May 1 & 2, 2010 SAN DIEGO, Calif. – April 29, 2010 – Viejas Outlet Center will host Alpine’s biggest festival, the 13th annual Sage & Songbirds Festival & Garden Tour on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. The theme for this year’s event is “The Hills Are Alive
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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