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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
25 WAYS TO ROMANCE YOUR VALENTINE IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version February 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some creative ways to romance the sweetheart on Valentine’s Day weekend? San Diego’s eastern region has many unique options for romance, ranging from free hiking and picnic spots to gourmet dining, upscale resorts and sweetheart spa retreats. For the adventurous at heart, thrill to your heart’s desire
MARTIN ATKINS’ TOUR:SMART SEMINAR AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE FEB. 10
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (El Cajon)– Martin Atkins could be the definition of entrepreneurial activity in cultural arts endeavors spanning genres, borders and industries. For over three decades, the producer, drummer, and documentary filmmaker has been at the cutting edge of the entertainment industry, says Pat Seltzer, chair of the performing arts college at Cuyamaca College. Atkins will
SDSU CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH SERIES OF EVENTS
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego State’s Department of Africana Studies is partnering with campus cultural groups and the Department of Music and Dance to present a series of social and education events in February honoring Black History Month. Upcoming events include films, lectures, jazz concerts, a convention, dinner, Black History Bowl, and a parade Schedule
BOOK REVIEW: SPEAK TO YOUR LIFE: DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Printer-friendly version By Lady Shaunte’ Garrett Book Review by Dennis Moore February 4, 2010 (San Diego) — Yesterday, I ministered to inmates at the George Bailey Center Jail in San Diego County, reading from Speak to Your Life, a book of daily devotionals by San Diego's Stellar Award-winning gospel radio announcer Lady Shaunte Garrett: “Today I will have an attitude
RAISING FARMER’S SPIRITS: JULIAN FFA, JEREMY’S ON THE HILL AND SHADOW MOUNTAIN WINERY TEAM UP FOR FEB. 3 EVENT
Printer-friendly version January 22, 2010 (Julian) — Owners of a gourmet restaurant, Jeremy’s on the Hill, and Shadow Mountain Winery will host a five-course wine pairing and dining event on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6 p.m. All proceeds of the event will benefit Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Julian. The organization raises awareness on the importance of agriculture for past and future
HALLELUJAH! GOSPELFEST AT SDSU JAN. 31
Printer-friendly version January 27, 2010 (San Diego) — Smith Recital Hall at San Diego State University will feature sounds of gospel music as SDSU hosts the second annual GospelFest on Sunday, Jan. 31. Kicking off Black History Month in February, the event features groups from across San Diego County. The free event starts at 4 p.m. and is open to the public.
LA MESA HOSTS MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL SUNDAY JAN. 17
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (La Mesa) The public is invited to join La Mesa’s 14th annual Multicultural Festival. The event will be held this Sunday, January 17 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Rudolph Johnson, CEO of Neighborhood House Association, will be a guest speaker. Entertainers include Moreton Bay Fig Morris
SUNBELT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF INK AND IMAGINATION
Printer-friendly version by Walter Hall January 16, 2010 (El Cajon) – Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon’s award-winning regional press, observes 25 years of hard-won success in the book trade this month. The anniversary is a remarkable achievement by a singular couple – Diana and Lowell Lindsay – who have the mischievous look of people who know they’re onto something
FORUM ON EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER JAN. 21
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon continues to work on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include renovations which could close the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) for up to two years. As part of the design and review process, the City has sought public input through two forums.
HAWK WATCH: SATURDAYS IN RAMONA THROUGH FEB. 27
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2010 (Ramona) – The Ramona Grasslands, a protected resource area, is home to 19 species of raptors including golden eagles, hawks and falcons. Each Saturday through February 27 from 9am-noon, the Wildlife Research Institute is hosting “Hawk Watch” at the Ramona Grasslands. Visitors will observe the wild raptors and learn from WRI biologists about the
“CONNECTIVITY” ART SHOW BY MIYA HANNON AT HYDE ART GALLERY
Printer-friendly version January 16, 2010 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery presents “Connectivity,” a showing by artist Miya Hannan, from January 25-February 25. An opening event in honor of the artist will be on Tuesday, February 5th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. “This very beautiful installation at once puts the viewer in harmony with its ethereal
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF: ROUNDING THIRD–A DASH FOR EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Christian Young January 15, 2010 (San Diego)–Drawing on his own experiences, San Diego author Walter G. Meyer embarked upon a decade -long journey to create his recently published novel, Rounding Third. This book is much more than a fictional account drawn together from adolescent memories. Wthin the story’s characters can be found, according to Meyer, “a bit
BOOK REVIEW: POLICE AND PUBLIC SECURITY IN MEXICO
Printer-friendly version Edited by Robert A. Donnelly and David A. Shirk Book Review by: Dennis Moore January 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–Yajaira Mota Orozco,a San Diego mother of two children, lost her life while eating at a restaurant in Tijuana. During December, she became the 88th victim of alleged gang and drug violence in a single month, underscoring
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: HEATH LEDGER’S SWAN SONG, “DOCTOR PARNASSUS,” A VISUALLY SUMPTUOUS, WELL-ACTED TREAT
Printer-friendly version By Brian Lafferty January 12, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–While watching The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus I could not help but remember a film with elements similar to it. That film would be The City of Lost Children, a 1995 French film co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amelie) and Marc Caro. Like The City of Lost Children, Doctor
LOCAL AUTHOR’S FANTASY NOVEL “ICE SONG” RECEIVES CRITICAL PRAISE
Printer-friendly version GENDER-BENDER BOOK RATED “BEST OF 2009” BY BARNES & NOBLE, SCHOOL LIBRARY SCHOOL JOURNAL, AND ROBOTS AND VAMPS San Diego, CA January 8, 2010 – San Diego author Kirsten Imani Kasai’s debut novel ICE SONG, about a uniquely gifted single mother’s quest to rescue her abducted children, has been lauded as one of the best books of
KING AIDE TO SPEAK JAN. 15 AT YMCA’S 25th ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2010 (San Diego) — The YMCA of San Diego County will host its 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Town & Country Resort Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. This milestone YMCA of San Diego County event will be
RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT THESE EAST COUNTY LOCATIONS
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a festive party or a special restaurant to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Below is our guide to New Year’s Eve attractions in East County and San Diego’s eastern regions on December 31st, including live music and dancing, fireworks, special menus, casino promotions, and activities for children, families and
WALK UP MT. HELIX TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2009 (Mt. Helix) – Need to get in shape after all that holiday feasting? Join members of the Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) for a 1.3 round-trip walk up Mt. Helix on January 2nd at 10 a.m. Meet at the fire station at 10105 Vivera to stroll together to the summit, where entertainment
BOOK REVIEWS: LOCAL AUTHOR OFFERS TREASURIES FOR DOG AND CAT LOVERS
Printer-friendly version Reviews by Dennis Moore December 21, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’re looking for last-minute holiday gifts for the pet lovers on your list, I heartily recommend Richard Lederer’s newest books. Most of us are either a cat lover or a dog lover–though Lederer, author of A Treasury for Cat Lovers and A
SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT: VOCAL COMPETITION AT SDSU JAN. 30 OFFERS $2,000 TOP PRIZE
Printer-friendly version December 18, 2009 (San Diego) – High school juniors, seniors and sophomores who are recommended by a vocal or choir teacher are eligible to enter the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition at San Diego State University on January 30th, where competitors will vie for a top prize of $2,000. Applications must be received by January 15th. The competition, which
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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