East County Magazine
Post-Thanksgiving fun with big cats and bears at LTB
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo by Karen Pearlman Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) — While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine. Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will
San Diego County Assessor’s Santee office hosting free archives celebration Saturday, Oct. 4
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 27, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) will host an American Archives Month Celebration to highlight San Diego County history from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the ARCC’s East County office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. Admission is free. The event will include exhibits and tours of the county
The Conrad Prebys Foundation grants more than $13 million to local groups
Printer-friendly versionPhoto by Hana Tobias for transcenDANCE East County News Service Sept. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) – With cuts in federal and state funding putting many arts organizations and cultural institutions at risk, along with as local budget shortfalls, donor fatigue and inflation woes, grants from outside agencies have grown more important than ever for many groups. Leading the
New blockbuster set in Borrego already a big hit in San Diego County
Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Zach Pope, Youtube screenshot September 24, 2025 (San Diego) – It doesn’t arrive in theaters until Friday, but a new blockbuster movie generating Oscar buzz has already been a big financial hit for San Diego County. “One Battle After Another,” a new Warner Bros. movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio
Bonitafest melodrama “Here Comes the Sun” recalls ill-fated attempt to silence Southwestern’s student newspaper
Printer-friendly versionSource: Bonitafest Photo: campus police officer threatens to arrest the newspaper faculty advisor for refusing to turn over students in the 48th annual Bonitafest Melodrama “Here Comes The Sun,” based on the true story of the 2010 South Bay Corruption Scandal story broken by Southwestern College journalism students. Pictured (l-r) Randy Phillips, Ella Aldridge, Dalia Candelario, Alec Zelaya, Kloie Blunt-Coleman, Sofia
Destination East County: October outings
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — October brings Oktoberfest celebrations in La Mesa and El Cajon and Borrego Days in the desert, as well as an array of spooky events such as a haunted circus, haunted trails in county parks, a Day of the Dead celebration, Hauntfest on Main in El Cajon, a
Top hat and tails is theme of La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes Oct. 8
Printer-friendly version September 19, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces its 15th annual Salute to Local Heroes, which will incorporate the theme “Top Hat & Tails” This night celebrates local heroes, recognizes the incoming Chamber Board of Directors, includes a silent auction, raffles and more. This event will be held on October 8 from 5:30
Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (San Diego) — The free two-day Adams Avenue Street Fair, considered San Diego’s favorite music festival, and attended by more than 50,000 people in Normal Heights, is happening this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21. Presented by San Diego Foundation, the 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair features 75 musical
HauntFest Headed to El Cajon in October
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (El Cajon) — Spooky fun is coming to downtown El Cajon with the annual HauntFest in October. The community-centered event that typically draws more than 20,000 people, is set for 4 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. The city says that the annual free Halloween block party is the largest
Lemon Fest coming to St. John of the Cross this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The annual St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish Fall Festival, the Lemon Fest, is coming to the church on Broadway this weekend. The community event, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature a car show
Church hosts Compassion Experience Sept. 19-21 on global child poverty
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Compassion Experience participants step into the global mission field without leaving the country. September 17, 2025 (San Diego) — College Avenue Church in San Diego will host Compassion Experience, an immersive experience transporting visitors to vulnerable communities where Compassion International works on Sept. 19-21. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire compassion and action for
Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion. Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m.,
Aaaaaaahs in Santee: The Wizard of Oz Coming to the Community Park
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept.15, 2025 (Santee) — Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh My! The city of Santee is hosting a free outdoor screening of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz later this month. In a partnership with the County of San Diego’s Summer Movies in the Park series — presented by San Diego
Celebration of archaeology in the desert coming in November
Printer-friendly versionKumeyaay native plant presentation by Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretative Center. Photo by Laurie Brindle East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — Get ready for some adventures in artifacts. California State Parks and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society are getting set for “Archaeology Day” in November. Archaeology Day is a family-friendly event that celebrates the
September events in the Anza-Borrego Desert
Printer-friendly version Photo of people checking out the Anza Borrego Desert courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — It’s September — and that means the heat is on in the Anza-Borrego Desert. With average daily high temperatures in the mid-90s°F and above, Borrego Springs will likely be too hot for comfortable
Sycuan Powwow Sept. 12-14 brings together tribal members from across nation
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2025 (Sycuan) – Tribal dancers from across the nation will participate in the annual Sycuan Powwow September 12-14 at the Sycuan reservation in rural East County. The event also features a bird singer contest and grand entry processions, as well as Native American arts and crafts vendors. The powwow area is next to
Downtown El Cajon’s 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk Returns September 12th
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue. Hosted by
Rare Collection: the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Display at the Wieghorst Museum
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching. September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October
Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to
Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of
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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
CONSERVATION IN BLOOM: REAP REWARDS AT SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL APRIL 24
Printer-friendly version Event highlights water conservation, cultural conservation, and Cuyamaca College’s biggest plant sale of the year April 3, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) — On Saturday, April 24, from 9am-4pm, Cuyamaca College’s campus will bloom with activity as three of its on-campus venues—the Ornamental Horticulture Department, the Water Conservation Garden, and the Heritage of the Americas Museum—invite the public
EASTERN EUROPEAN VOCAL CONCERT AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version April 3, 2010 (El Cajon)– KITKA, an Oakland-based ensemble that specializes in Eastern European vocal traditions, will perform at Cuyamaca College on Friday, April 16, at 7:30pm in the Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for seniors and students. The Cuyamaca College Foundation and the San Diego Center for World Music are co-sponsoring the
THEY’RE OFF! EASTER EGG HUNTS ABOUND IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version April 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a fun and festive place to take the kids on an Easter Egg hunt this weekend? Here are our picks for some special places to let the kids run wild. Besides hunting for eggs, youngsters can also enjoy carnival rides, pony rides, rock climbing, games, crafts, and viewing
COMMUNITY WEIGHS IN ON EL CAJON’S PLANS FOR THEATER
Printer-friendly version Can theater be key to downtown revitalization? April 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – At a community forum Tuesday, dozens of East County residents turned out to hear details of a proposed plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The conceptual business plan, prepared by consultant Kurt Swanson, calls for the City to takeover management of
BIGGEST HARMONICA PARTY IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY: SPRING HARP FEST XI APRIL 3 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version April 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – Groove to the sounds of blues harmonica at Spring Harp Fest XI, April 3rd at Harry Griffen Park ampitheater in La Mesa from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. The benefit event is free to the public, though donations are welcome. Proceeds in past years helped purchase 3,000 harmonicas for kids
HOP TO THE FREE KROC HOP BUNNY DROP
Printer-friendly version April 1, 2010 (San Diego) – On Saturday, April 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Kroc Center will host its seventh annual free Easter Egg hunt and festival. Over 1,500 local children are expected to enjoy visits and photos with the Easter bunny, as well as pony rides, bounce houses, arts and crafts, a rock climbing
RUNNERS & WALKERS INVITED TO JOIN 44th Annual El Cajon 20K ON APPRIL 3
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2010 (El Cajon)–The 44th annual El Cajon 20K race will be held on Saturday, April 3. The 12.4 mile course starts and ends at Granite Hills High School, located at the corner of Madison Avenue and 4th Street. The event kicks off starting at 6:30 a.m. for walkers and race walkers, and at 7
CRAFTS, HORSES ADDED TO EAST COUNTY GARDEN TOUR APRIL 24
Printer-friendly version March 30, 2010 (El Cajon)–Six unique gardens are featured in the Friends of East County Arts, Inc. 15th Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two of the star attractions on this year’s tour are ‘Ali,’ a strapping three-year-old Clydesdale horse born the day prior to the 2007 garden, tour and
EL CAJON UNVEILS PLAN FOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: PUBLIC COMMENT TUESDAY AT 1:30 PM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 29, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon has issued a proposed business plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The proposed plan calls for the City to take back management of the facility, dramatically remodel the theater, then bring back headliner stars as entertainment. A City Council
DANCE & TUMBLING RECITAL SUNDAY MARCH 28
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon’s recreation department holds its annual Dance and Tumbling Recital, “Under The Big Top!” at the East County Performing Arts Center this Sunday, March 28, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. “It promises to be a day of amazing performances by the students in the
WHAT’S OLD IS NEW: LA MESA ANTIQUE FAIR SUNDAY MARCH 28
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa hosts its Antique Street Faire on Sunday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once a year, La Mesa Boulevard is closed in the downtown village, while antique dealers from far and wide display their wares. Reminiscent of an old-fashioned Midwest flea market, the event also features live
CAN YOU CATCH A WHOPPER? CATFISH SEASON OPENS AT SANTEE LAKES APRIL 17
Printer-friendly version March 23, 2010 (Santee) – Barona Valley Ranch Resort announces a catfish catching contest at Santee Lakes. The season starts April 17 and runs through October 31st. This year, the lakes have been stocked with 23,000 pounds of catfish. Catch a tagged catfish and win prizes including cash, fishing poles, tackle boxes, camping gear and free fishing
RAMONA MUSIC FEST THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 20
Printer-friendly version March 19, 2010 (Ramona) – From country music to rock and roll, from barbershop to Americana, you’ll find music to suit your fancy at the Ramona Music Fest this Saturday, March 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. Cactus Twang and White headline this year’s event, featuring Cactus Jim Soldi, former guitarist for Johnny Cash. Other performers include
MARK TWAIN CENTENNIAL TRIBUTE THROUGH MARCH 21 AT SDSU
Printer-friendly version “My faculties are decaying now and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the things that never happened. –Mark Twain’s autobiography March 19, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego State Experimental Theater presents “A Mark Twain Centennial Tribute.” The show runs through this weekend, with performances Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at
CHRIS KLICH JAZZ QUINTET PERFORMS TUES. MARCH 23 AS BENEFIT FOR CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Chris Klich Jazz Quintet with Laura Preble will be performing a concert Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, from 7:30pm to 9pm. The group will feature Chris on alto, soprano and tenor sax, clarinet and flute; Ed Kornhauser on piano; Brian Wright on
HOOLEYFEST! IRISH PUB’S ST. PATRICKS DAY BASH INCLUDES IRISH BANDS & FREE RIDES
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a fun, festive and safe way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow evening? Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill hosts its famed Hooleyfest! Celebration from 4 p.m. to midnight at both its original Rancho San Diego location and the new Grossmont Center site. Party-goers can avail themselves of
JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES—AND WHY EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT
Printer-friendly version A St. Patrick’s Day reflection on a writer’s own odyssey By E.A. Barrera "We may now imbibe freely of the contents of bottles and forthright books" Morris L. Ernst, Co-Founder of the American Civil Liberties Union. December 11, 1933. March 13, 2010 (San Diego) — The same week this country ended Prohibition, America opened the
INTERNATIONAL FAIR AT LAKESIDE SCHOOL OFFERS FOOD, GAMES, MUSIC & DANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Lakeside) – Travel around the world and learn about other cultures, watch traditional country dances, play carnival games and taste exotic foods without leaving San Diego County. It’s all part of the Lakeside Union School District and Riverview Elementary School’s second annual International Fair on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RENAISSANCE FAIRE BRINGS MEDIEVAL HISTORY TO LIFE SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center hosts full day of merry-making March 12, 2010 (Valley Center) – Highland games, archery, medieval music and cooking demonstrations are all part of the fun this Saturday, March 13th . Historical re-enactors from the Society for Creative Anachronism Inc. Renaissance Group will host a Renaissance Faire at Bates Nut Farm in
ON A ROLL: 2ND ANNUAL CASINO ROYALE NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 18
Printer-friendly version Tickets still available for La Mesa Chamber’s James Bond bash at Town & Country Resort March 11, 2010 (La Mesa) – Try your luck at Monte Carlo-style gaming tables amid a night of glitz, glamour and prizes galore at La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Royale Night on Thursday, March 18th . The event takes place in 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
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