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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
APPLES ON PARADE IN JULIAN JULY FOURTH
Printer-friendly versionJune 8, 2009 (Julian)–The Julian Fourth of July parade joins the town’s Apple Centennial Celebration when it steps out on Main Street this year. The parade, an annual event for more than 15 years and dubbed by many as the "best little town parade in America," has adopted As American as Apple Pie as its theme. It celebrates the
LA MESA DENIES FUNDS TO HELP SAVE LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS; BAKE SALE SATURDAY PLANNED IN HOPES OF RAISING $4,000 STILL NEEDED
Printer-friendly versionJune 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The City of La Mesa denied a request from Navajo Events to provide funding for the annual fireworks show at Lake Murray. “The 4th of July Fireworks Music Fest is just over $4,000 short of being a reality, so with all of our participation, we can make it happen!” Pam Melody of Navajo
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Printer-friendly versionJuly 1, 2009 (Lemon Grove)–The City of Lemon Grove will present free concerts on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at Berry Street Park, starting July 9th. Bring your own picnic basket or have a barbecue while listening to the music–and don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs for your listening pleasure. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
A ROARING WILD TIME: SPEND THE NIGHT AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS JULY 10 & 24
Printer-friendly versionJune 27, 2009 (Alpine_ Looking for a wild time? East County’s only big cat sanctuary invites you to spend a wild night in the country with Raja and Bakari at Lions Tigers & Bears. Pitch a tent and set-up camp next to the big cats–or opt for more luxurious lodging–complete with wine and dinner. Accommodations for campers include a
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEKEND? PLENTY!
Printer-friendly versionJune 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—If you’re looking for a hot time in East County this weekend, you’ll have plenty of events to choose from. Tonight, Santee Lakes has the first of its summer movie showings, starting with Madascar 2 – Escape to Africa. Or groove to the sounds of Theo and the Zydeco Patrol at El Cajon’s
BON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES
Printer-friendly versionBON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES June 22, 2009 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that more than 20 restaurants and food providers have signed up to participate in the first annual “Taste of La Mesa” slated for Monday,
GROWING OLD “GRAY”CEFULLY: PHOTOGRAPHER LORI BROOKES TO PRESENT PHOTO SAFARI WORKSHOP JUNE 27 IN BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly version photographer Lori Brookes By: Dennis Moore June 15, 2009 (Boulevard)–Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites, is offering lovers of nature and photography a one-day photo “safari” workshop with award winning photographer Lori Brookes. The event will be held from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Cost is
SENIOR FOLLIES OPEN JUNE 19TH THROUGH 28TH IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionJune 16, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 3rd annual Senior Follies returns June 19th through June 28th as CCT Musical Theater pulls out all the stops. Senior Follies is a musical revue that will transport audiences back to the best music and dance of the twentieth century–from Ragtime to Big Band, from Swing to Barbershop–all highlighted by elaborate sets, costumes and
FIREWORKS IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionJune 16, 2009 (El Cajon)–The annual 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks will once again be held at Kennedy Park, located at 1675 East Madison Avenue. The picnic starts at 12 noon and the fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. Disabled parking will be available at the event. Arrive early and keep in mind that parking is limited at
“TASTE OF LA MESA” JULY 20: RESTAURANTS SERVE UP FARE TO COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly versionJune 16, 2009 (La Mesa) — Gio Bistro Wine Bar and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invite area residents to savor the first annual "Taste of La Mesa" event. Sample fare from many of the La Mesa area’s finest restaurants and food while savoring an East County evening complete with music, food and drinks. The event will to
ARTIST PHEBE BURNHAM ANNOUNCES ART SHOWINGS
Printer-friendly versionJune 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–East County artist Phebe Burnham, whose work has previously been profiled in East County Magazine’s Arts & Music section (http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=0809phebeburnham), will have several showings of her works in June and July. Venues include El Cajon, Alpine and Santee. On June 23, the public is invited to meet Burnham and other artists at a
SUNDAYS AT SIX: FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK, LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionJune 14, 2009 (La Mesa)–This evening marks the opening of La Mesa’s "Sundays at Six" summer concert series, which run June 14 through July 25. Bring a picnic dinner and groove to the sounds of jazz, country, concert bands and variety music at the free concerts, which will be held at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La
PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 20 TO HELP SAVE LAKE MURRAY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (San Diego)—Organizers of the Fourth of July Music Fest and Fireworks planned for Lake Murray need public support to save this year’s event. A pancake breakfast June 20th at Casey’s Place, 7375 Jackson Drive, San Diego will help raise funds for this annual East County tradition. Breakfast costs $5.00 and will include pancakes, sausages, orange
IN THE HEART OF AMERICA: WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS FEATURES INCLUDE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Kyle Serzen Photo by Leon Thompson June 11, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cowboys and Indians crowded the streets of El Cajon last weekend during the Olaf Wieghorst Museum’s 7th Annual Western Heritage Days, a festival celebrating American history and the expansion of the western frontier. Western Days showcased gun fight reenactments, blacksmiths at work, cowboy storytellers, and Native American dancers.
VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER ANNOUNCES “TUESDAYS IN THE PARK” FREE MOVIES N THE PARK–ALPINE’S FIRST FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly versionJune 10, 2009 (Alpine) — Viejas Outlet Center will host “Tuesdays in the Park” featuring the 2009 Movies in the Park Season with free, family-friendly movies starting June 16. In addition, the center will host “Market in the Park”, Alpine’s first farmers’ market, beginning June 23. Both events are free to the public. Every Tuesday through August 11, the
DARING MEN AND WOMEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES: WINGS OVER GILLESPIE DAZZLES CROWD
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 10, 2009 (El Cajon) – A daredevil performance by famed stunt pilot Martin Kennedy thrilled spectators at Wings Over Gillespie, a three-day air show held June 5-7. Kennedy maneuvered a Staudacher S600, considered one of the world’s top aerobatic planes, through a series of tumbles, spins and heart-stopping freefalls that seemingly defied the laws of
A HOWLING GOOD TIME: VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER WELCOMES DOGS & OWNERS FOR A DAY OF FUN JUNE 6th
Printer-friendly versionSAN DIEGO, Calif. — June 1, 2009 — For the first time, Viejas Outlet Center is excited to welcome all dogs to the center for a “doggone” day of fun. On Saturday, June 6 Viejas will host the 5th Annual Novelty Fun Dog Show and the Service Dog Celebration. Starting at 8 a.m., owners and dogs of all shapes
WINGS OVER GILLESPIE AIR SHOW TO FEATURE AERIAL BATTLES JUNE 5-7
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian May 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—The San Diego Chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, Air Group One will present the 14th annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on June 5, 6 and 7. Each day of this memorable event will highlight WWII and Vietnam aerial battle re-enactments, in addition to pyrotechnic
WILD WEST LIVES ON AT WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS JUNE 6-7
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (El Cajon)—The Wild West comes alive at the 7th annual Olaf Wieghorst Museum Western Heritage Days in El Cajon. Free to the public, the event highlights our nation’s heritage West of the Mississippi from the 1700s through the early 1900s. From reenactments of the Old West to a Saturday night street dance under a full moon,
PEARL HARBOR SURVIVORS HONORED IN LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE
Printer-friendly versionMay 30, 2009 (La Mesa) – For Robert Ruffato, the sight of Old Glory holds special significance. Ruffato was among 16 survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor who were honored in La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade. View our photo album from this event: http://www.photoshop.com/user/eastcountymagazine/?wf=share&trackingid=BTAGC&galleryid=987530fcbdc64e9fa01666e211decf7f “I was aboard the U.S.S. Utah at Pearl Harbor. Most of all, it
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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