East County Magazine
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
County hosts International Dark Sky Celebration April 18 at Santa Ysabel Nature Center
East County News Service April 3, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – Reach for the stars at San Diego County’s International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday,…
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus brings “HERstory — Icons, Rebels and Trailblazers” to The Magnolia April 25-26
East County News Service April 3, 2026 (El Cajon) — The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will take center stage at The Magnolia later this…
Mild desert weather promised for hot weekend events in Jacumba Hot Springs – April 4, 5
By Rebecca Person April 3, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Sunny, mild desert weather sets the stage April 4 and 5th, for a stellar weekend…
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
“Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul…
Ilan-Lael Foundation hosts docent-led tour April 9 in Santa Ysabel
By Philicia Tonangoye Karen Pearlman contributed to this story. April 1, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) — The nonprofit Ilan-Lael Foundation will host an immersive art and…
Fallbrook artist loses 50 years of work in studio fire
“This is nothing compared to what is taking place in the world” — Jerome Gastaldi, who lost 50 years of work in a fire at…
Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Tribute Fair: festival April 4-5 in Jacumba
By Rebecca Person March 28, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — East County’s abuzz with a Beatles invasion. De Anza Springs Resort, a high desert retreat,…
Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by…
East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26
Skip Interstate 8 and ‘ride the rails’ with the Padres-wrapped Trolley East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) — With the San Diego…
Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert…
The Circle Players present ‘The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise’ April 17, 18 and 19
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) — The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate…
Mt. Miguel High School Foundation hosts “Spring Craft Fair” April 11 to support local students
East County News Service March 23, 2026 (Spring Valley) — The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation is inviting the community to its upcoming “Spring Craft…
Sarah Foles: A Short Story Collection by Travis Lee provides rich social commentary
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Travis Lee has released a collection of short stories currently displayed in…
Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and ‘No Place Like Home’ gala
East County News Service March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — Nonprofit Walden Family Services , which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families…
Planning under way for 80th annual Crest 4th of July Parade and daylong festival
Vendors, food trucks and parade participants wanted By Paul Levikow March 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association is planning the 80th Annual Crest…
Destination East County: April festivities and Easter events
By Miriam Raftery March 20, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming events in our inland region include egg hunts, a bunny bash, and a…
Julian Junior Theater makes debut with ‘Annie Jr.’ April 24-26
East County News Service March 19, 2026 (Julian) — In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County’s…
Final chord at Hooley’s with Evans Academy Extravaganza March 20
Photo courtesy Facebook By Karen Pearlman March 19, 2026 (La Mesa) — For nearly two decades, the dark wood and stone hearth of Hooley’s Public…
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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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4TH ANNUAL JULIAN TOWN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 7
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HERE’S THE SCOOP: LAKESIDE’S ICE CREAM SOCIAL MAY 31
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service May 25, 2025 (Lakeside) – It’s starting to warm up in Lakeside, so it’s about time for another Ice Cream Social. The Lakeside Historical Society invites you to savor the third annual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday May 31. The event will be held in the courtyard of the Olde
PULITZER PRIZE WINNING AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST CHRIS HEDGES TO SPEAK ON GAZA, SIGN BOOKS MAY 30 AT KNSJ FUNDRAISER
Printer-friendly versionMay 24, 2025 (San Diego) — Pulitzer Prize winning author Chris Hedges will speak at a fundraiser for KNSJ radio on Friday, May 30 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2728 6th Avenue in in San Diego. Hedges, is a journalist, author, commentator and Presbyterian minister who has worked as a war correspondent and New York Times Middle Eastern Bureau Chief,
VERMONTER: LOCAL AUTHOR’S CIVIL WAR NOVEL DRAWS FROM ANCESTOR’S EXPERIENCES
Printer-friendly versionNovel by A.J. Converse Reviewed by Pennell Paugh May 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Long-time San Diego resident Al (A.J.) Converse has written a historical fiction novel about his great-grandfather’s experience serving in Company G of the Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers, Second Vermont Brigade in the Union Army that fought at Gettysburg, PA. Converse details the way of
REVIEW: SHAKESPEARE’S TWELFTH NIGHT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE THROUGH MAY 24
Printer-friendly version Get ready for a whirlwind of mistaken identity, tangled romance, and laugh-out-loud confusion in this timeless Shakespeare comedy. By G. A. McNeeley Photography By Kristin Campbell May 22, 2025 (El Cajon) — Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy that was created by William Shakespeare, and directed by Linda Libby. This is one show at the Grossmont College
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JAMMIN’ JUNE EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery May 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jam-packed with summer fun, including outdoor concerts in El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and Viejas. You can also cheer on Flag Day Parade, enjoy the Descanso Day Parade and Fair, laugh along with comedian Arsenio Hall at Sycuan, learn about our region’s
IN SEARCH OF THE CROWN: MEMOIR OF A BLACK BEAUTY QUEEN DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Printer-friendly versionShe dared to challenge an unjust system Book by Catherine Grace Pope, EdD Reviewed by Pennell Paugh May 20, 2025 (San Diego) — Catherine Pope, a San Diego resident, has written a debut book about her struggle to gain social justice. Pope, as a poor 19-year-old black college student, set her sights on the Miss America Crown. She began
EXPERIENCE EAST COUNTY HISTORY AND CULTURE AT CAMPO DAYS JUNE 14-15
Printer-friendly version By G. A. McNeeley May 18, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to step back in time to the Wild West and experience the history and culture of San Diego’s East County during Campo Days. This free event includes visits to four museums in Campo, as well as activities ranging from riding a historic railway to watching exciting
OUR INTERVIEW WITH DR. KEITH BLACK, AUTHOR OF BRAIN SURGEON AND LEADING BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCHER
Printer-friendly version Dr. Keith Black Interview with Anat Tour/ East County Magazine May 10, 2025 (San Diego) – Recently, ECM Bookshelf host Anat Tour sat down for an in-depth interview with Dr.Keith Black on our East County Magazine Radio Show. Dr. Black A pioneer in brain tumor research and leading neurosurgeon, he is also author of the book Brain Surgeon.
TAKE THE WARRIOR HIKE CHALLENGE MAY 24 AT EL CAPITAN COUNTY PRESERVE
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DESCANSO DAY FAIR AND PARADE JUNE 7: SMALL TOWN FAMILY FUN
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EL CAJON HOSTS AMERICA ON MAIN STREET MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service May 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — America on Main Street is also known as El Cajon’s Largest Block Party. The event will hosted in Downtown El Cajon on Saturday, May 17. Admission and most activities are free of charge. America on Main Street is a celebration of the American spirit through appreciation and respect of
GUHSD STUDENTS ART SHOW AT LAKESIDE LIBRARY THROUGH MAY 12
Printer-friendly version Video and article by Shiloh Ireland View video Grossmont High School District, composed of 12 high schools, has an art show at the Lakeside Library through May 12th. Beautiful pieces of art are displayed, and some are for sale. A lot of talent awaits you. Check the library for library hours and support these young artists. The San
TOWN HALL MAY 8 ON SAN DIEGO IN-CUSTODY DEATHS AND ALLEGED MISTREATMENT OF INMATES
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 7, 2025 (San Diego)—The Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego (RJCSD) and Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) invite you to attend a Community Town Hall centered on the ongoing inhumane treatment of people detained in the San Diego County Jails. The event will be held on Thursday, May 8 from
THE RIVER AT SYCUAN CASINO RESORT RETURNS FOR SUMMER WITH PRESTIGIOUS COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Sycuan Casino Resort, in partnership with KSON, is bringing back The River from June through September. The River at Sycuan is San Diego’s only country concert pool party that will feature “the hottest country artists in the nation,” according to a Sycuan news release. The
ON TWO LEGS AND THREE WHEELS: THE TRAVEL ADVENTURES OF A COUPLE OVERCOMING AGE AND DISABILITY
Printer-friendly versionMemoir by Cary D. Lowe Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 30,2025 (San Diego) — On Two Legs and Three Wheels, by San Diego writer Cary Lowe, gives an emphatically positive answer to the question of whether readers can continue traveling as they get older or become disabled. Lowe describes his trips with his multiple-sclerosis-disabled wife to sites
SAN DIEGO AUTHOR ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF MURDER MYSTERY NOVEL
Printer-friendly version By Pennell Paugh April 30, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego writer, Peter Shaw recently released a debut novel: Murder on the Way: A Camino de Santiago Mystery. On a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the Camino family sends a hitman who poses as a pilgrim. His target stole a bag of the gang’s money, now travels as
JAMUL TRAILS RANCH HOSTS FARM DAYS FIRST TWO WEEKENDS IN MAY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 29, 2025 (Jamul) – Jamul Trails Ranch invites you to experience Farm Days, which include a petting zoo, planting sunflowers, painting bird houses and feeding farm animals. Farm Days will be held May 2-4 and May 8-10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jamul Trails Ranch is located at 2865 Echo Valley Road in Jamul.
CARMEN LUCAS, TRIBAL ELDER AND EDUCATOR, TO SPEAK IN ALPINE JUNE 8
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 27, 2025 (Alpine) – Carmen Lucas is a respected Kwaaymii Laguna elder, consultant, tribal monitor, educator and lifelong advcoate for Native American heritage preservation. She will be sharing her story, teachings and vision for the future of tribal cultural preservation at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 8 at the Alpine Women’s Club (2166 Alpine Blvd.
SPRING GARDEN AND BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 3
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 24, 2025 (El Cajon)—On May 3, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival returns at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. The event features plant sales nurtured by Cuyamaca College Nursery students as well as butterflies, live music, specialty garden-related vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The festival coincides with the college’s Coyote Music
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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