East County Magazine

San Diego Automotive Museum to hold “Garage Night” fundraiser
Printer-friendly versionEvening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth East County News Service Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) — The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St.

Hannah Shirley the pygmy hippo, turns 52
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 20, 2025 (Ramona) — San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrated the coming 52nd birthday of Hannah Shirley (photo, left, courtesy San Diego Humane Society), the world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus in managed care. Hannah enjoyed a festive “Hungry Hungry Hippos”-themed party that included floating fruit treats and colorful decorations inspired
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 magical holiday experience of The Nutcracker is coming to San Diego later this month. Mission Hills-headquarterered BalletCenter Studios is presenting an enchanting new production, “Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier,”

Tour de Tapas starts lunch service in downtown La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 24, 2025 (La Mesa) — Lunch service has begun at one of downtown La Mesa’s newest eating establishments. Tour de Tapas, which opened last December with dinner service only, is now featuring its “Euro Small Plates & Sips” in La Mesa Village at lunch. Dinner service is available 4 to 10

Our guide to the Ramona Wine Region
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Overview Nestled in the foothills of San Diego’s East County, The Ramona region is nationally recognized as an American Viticultural Region (AVA). You can savor wines at over 40 tasting rooms. Ramona is also home to a historic downtown district with shopping, galleries and restaurants, a western museum, a camel dairy, a paint ball range,