East County Magazine
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
Steel Magnolias onstage at Julian Town Hall Oct. 17-26
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Julian) — The East County Performing Arts Association invites you to experience the heart, humor, and resilience of Southern women in Steel Magnolias. The play will be performed in the Julian Town Hall the weekends of Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., with
Cajon Cruise returns next week in El Cajon, hosted by Downtown Café
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow September 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – East County car enthusiasts have cause for celebration, after the El Cajon City Council on Tuesday approved a two-month extension of the Cajon Cruise on Main Street and Prescott Promenade, this time hosted by Downtown Café. The revived car show will rev up on Wednesday nights Sept. 10 through
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INAUGURATION CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY BALL– PUBLIC WELCOME
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery San Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending
FESTIVAL OF THE MONTH — MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN LA MESA CELEBRATES OUR REGION’S DIVERSE HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 8, 2008 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival on January 18th aspires to be an afternoon of civic pride and festivities for the family in a celebration honoring our community’s rich diversity of cultures and international traditions. The ceremony, held on Martin Luther King Day weekend, also honors the slain civil rights
SAN DIEGO YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 5, 2008 (San Diego) —The San Diego Young Artists Symphony (YAS), conducted by Mary Gerard and Hernan Constantino, performs at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature movie music from the Phantom of the Opera, Amadeus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry
OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S HOTTEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 28, 2008 — Looking to party hearty on December 31st? Here are our picks for the best places to ring in the New Year east of I-15. From a Chinese dragon parade to a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band bash, you’ll find it all in East County and San Diego’s eastern region.
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization.
KRUGER BROTHERS CONCERT IS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Printer-friendly version By Jackie Hanson Photos by Gian Vaitl December 10, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’ve heard of the Kruger Brothers, then you’ve likely heard the superlatives used to describe their music: sublime, inspiring, sheer genius… (the list goes on). If you’ve been fortunate enough to actually hear the Kruger Brothers live, you’ll realize that words pale
KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 6, 2008 (San Diego) — A series of events commemorating Kwanzaa have been announced, including several in San Diego’s eastern region. The 18th annual Pan-African Associations of America Umoja Day program will take place December 26th at the Malcolm X Library located at 5148 Market Street in San Diego. This a day long event and includes an adult
Armchair Impressionists Exhibition December 1- 31, 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Tammy Lawhead December 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — The Armchair Impressionists, including Jeffrey Graham, Rustin Holec, David Lawhead, Karen Marsh, and William Marsh, will feature their paintings December 1 – 31, 2008 at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego; El Cajon, CA. Please join them at the Artist’s Reception, December 7th from 2 –
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
KRUGER BROTHERS TO PERFORM CONCERT & HOST WORKSHOP AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE DEC. 5
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (El Cajon) — Kruger Brothers will perform an exclusive concert at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the National Endowment for the Arts Artistic Excellence Award for their “Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra”, the Kruger Brothers’ music combines
HOTEL CASSIOPEIA
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Kathy Carpenter Now showing at the Don Powell Theatre at the San Diego State University campus, through December 7, 2008. Sundays 2:00 p.m. all other days 8:00 p.m. For ticket information call 619-594-6884 or check online at www.theatre.sdsu.edu. Charles L Mee’s Hotel Cassiopeia follows the American collage artist Joseph Cornell. Cornell’s dreamlike abstract art is the theme
COOL! OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held
MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS – A STAR-STUDDED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals takes place this Sunday, November 23rd. The Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi. This year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of
HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK
Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and
WEEKEND HALLOWEEN SCENE & MORE EAST COUNTY EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionFor a frightfully good time this week (not to mention satisfying your sweet tooth cravings), you’ll find plenty of Halloween haunts in East County. Start with Wednesday night’s “Trunk or Treat” in El Cajon, where classic car club members will be doling out goodies. On Thursday, dig into a pumpkin pie-eating contest and costume party in Valley Center, or
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ELKS OKTOBERFEST
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2008 (El Cajon) – Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to 1975. “I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left), who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen. “This is why every year, they honor me.” Still radiant at
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION Oct. 19 for 6th EL CAJON INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBIT
Printer-friendly version By Jolene Crowley Sisters III by Sammy Pasto (El Cajon) – The public is invited to a free artists’ reception hosted by the St. Clair Gallery in East County Business Center on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 3-6 p.m. Nearly 200 pieces of art in all fine art categories will be displayed, including photography by 22 San Diego artists,
EAST COUNTY OKTOBERFESTS: WUNDERBAR!
Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (East County) – Time to get into the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and take to the streets for some old-fashioned celebrating at East County’s multiple Oktoberfests! Began in Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of royalty, Oktoberfests have since gained popularity worldwide. Below are details on our region’s oldest and biggest Oktoberfests, where you can savor
THIS WEEK’S HOT EVENTS: OCT. 15-22, 2008 — PRO-AM GOLF, CRUISIN’ OLD HWY 80, GREEN JOBS FAIR, SYMPHONY CONCERT, SIDEWALK ARTS, CAMPO HARVEST FESTIVAL AND PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionTee off for a good cause at a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course this Friday. Proceeds benefit Home of the Guiding Hands, which provides shelter and services for mentally disabled people. HGH has a huge funding gap due to the California budget crisis. Speaking of driving, take a blast to the past by joining a
Weekly Events – October 6-14 THIS WEEKEND: ARRIBA! LA TOMATINA TOMATO FEST
Printer-friendly versionPlus Candidate Forums, Oktoberfest Parade, Hello Dolly and more By Miriam Raftery Borrowing a tradition from Spain (with a few Southern California twists), Tierra Miguel Farm in Pauma Valley is hosting La Tomatina – a tomato fest complete with authentic Spanish cuisine (bring your own paella), wine and beer tasting, live music and a tomato fling! Call ahead to
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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