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.
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
JAZZ 88.3 TO LAUNCH “THE SPEAKEASY” JAZZ PROGRAM ONLINE
Printer-friendly version By Bill Pogue March 10, 2010 (Mt. Helix) — Snap your fingers, toss your head, and toe-tap to the rhythms of all kinds of jazz on KSDS 88.3 FM, a San Diego jewel. Mark DeBoskey, station manager and a Mt. Helix resident, has helped to make Jazz 88.3 one of the world’s premier jazz stations. Now the radio
CUYAMACA COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR 1 OF 4 IN STATE TO WIN COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ HIGHEST TEACHING AWARD
Printer-friendly version Music Professor Pat Setzer to receive Hayward Award for Excellence in Education EL CAJON – Cuyamaca College music instructor Pat Setzer, a key player in the planning and construction of a performing arts complex inside the campus’ sprawling $45 million communication arts center, is one of four community college faculty members statewide to win the 2010 Hayward
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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.
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