By Miriam Raftery

April 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The merry month of May brings many special events including a trio of events at Cuyamaca College including the Coyote Music Festival, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, and a museum Arts and Crafts Fair.

Food, wine and beer lovers can savor Vintage Alpine, a Taste of Ramona,  as well the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival.  El Cajon’s Music on Main outdoor concert series returns, along with the America on Main Street festival.

There are also Mother’s Day teas in Julian, Tacos and Beer in Ramona with a Mother of the Year contest, a mountain man rendezvous in Campo, Paws in the Park in Lemon Grove, Wild in the Country to benefit exotic animal rescues in Alpine, and a mariachi concert at Sycuan.

Scroll down for details on these fun and festive happenings.

March 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas , an aerobatics competition in Borrego Springs, and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo.

This  April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt. Helix for the  Mt. Helix Park’s centennial celebration, a Taste of Lakeside, a mystery dinner theater in El Cajon, plus a winetasting festival in Ramona.

Scroll down for details on these activities and more.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

March 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in January highlighting the cancer risks associated with even small amounts of alcohol consumption, noting that alcohol links to at least seven types of cancer. However, alcohol does not only increase the risk of cancer. Alcohol consumption has also been a topic of debate concerning its effects on heart health. Even minimal alcohol intake can elevate the risk of heart disease. For residents of East County, understanding these risks and taking proactive measures can help maintain heart health.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

February 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- The start of a new year often brings the promise of new beginnings. For many, that includes resolutions focused on personal health and well-being, from hitting the gym to adopting healthier eating habits. In recent years, however, more and more of us have embraced a different kind of New Year’s resolution: abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. This annual challenge, known as Dry January, has gained popularity, particularly among the “Sober Curious” movement, which seeks to explore the impact of alcohol on mental and physical health. In San Diego County, it’s more than just a passing trend. It's a growing cultural shift.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 16, 2025 (San Diego) -- Recent brush fires in Southern California have proven January is extremely dry. But there’s a different dry in January. Dry January is an annual challenge that encourages people to give up alcohol for the entire month. It has gained widespread popularity in recent years as individuals look to kickstart their year with a focus on health, detoxification, and self-care. Originating as a campaign by Alcohol Concern in 2013, it has grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating each year.

The benefits of taking part in Dry January are far-reaching. Abstaining from alcohol for a month can help reset the body, improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and even lead to weight loss. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on one’s relationship with alcohol and assess whether drinking habits need adjustment in the long term. Whether you want to take a break from the habit or simply explore how life feels without alcohol, Dry January provides a supportive environment for positive change.

East County Eater

December 18, 2024 (El Cajon) – The tradition of skewered meats slow-grilled over a wood-burning fire arose in southern Brazil’s Pampas region, where gauchos, or Brazilian cowboys, would then take knives worn on belts and cut thin slices known as churrascos. Now you can savor this tradition at Rodizio Grill, an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse in downtown El Cajon. 

You can savor no less than 15 different cuts of meat served tableside by gaucho-clad waiters, including tender slices of steak, tri-tip, bacon-wrapped chicken, mint lamb  cooked with white wine and garlic, Portuguese sausage called Linguicia, ham, fish, and more. There’s also a grilled pineapple that will have you craving more.

Even vegetarians will find plenty to savor, since Rodizio also has an impressive salad bar featuring over 30 different salads plus an array of tasty hot side dishes such as Brazilian black bean stew, potatoes, rice seasoned with yucca flour, grilled vegetables and cinnamon-glazed bananas.

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a dazzling array of holiday events coming up across our inland region--including synchronized light shows at Camp Christmas in Pine Valley, North Pole Limited Train Rides at the Campo depot, Lakeside’s Spirit of Christmas,  La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, a holiday bonfire in Lemon Grove, holiday lights on Main in El Cajon, a Snow Day at Lindo Lakes in Lakeside, a Christmas Market in Crest, caroling on Broadway in Lemon Grove, Christmas on Mt Helix, and the German-American Societies Christmas in El Cajon.

Scroll down for full details on these festive events.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

October 22. 2024 (San Diego) -- Alcohol consumption is embedded in our social fabric, often marking celebrations, casual gatherings and daily routines. While moderate drinking is generally accepted, alcohol misuse brings significant social costs that affect our communities at large. Understanding and addressing these impacts helps build a healthier and safer society.

By Miriam Raftery

October 1, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- There are some outrageous October outings in East County this year, including Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, an autumn jubilee in Wynola Hauntfest on Main and a Haunted Circus in El Cajon,  a Haunted Forest at Banner Ranch near Julian, Rolling Pumpkins at Parkway Plaza, Julian Wonderfest, and Pumpkin Express train rides in Campo.

Here are the haunting details.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

September 2024 –(San Diego’s East County) -- September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is not just a national or state concern. It’s something that touches our neighborhoods, our schools, our families, and our friends. Mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, especially after the social and emotional strain of the past few years, according to a study by the American Psychology Association. We can unite as a community to support one another and raise awareness about the resources available to help those in crisis.

East County is not immune to the devastating impact of suicide. The pressures of everyday life, financial stress, family issues, academic pressures, and the lingering effects of the pandemic can all contribute to a mental health crisis. For some, the feelings of hopelessness and despair can become overwhelming, leading to thoughts of suicide. According to data released by the county, the east region had higher age-adjusted death rates due to suicide than the county overall in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Data for 2019 and 2022 was not available. In addition, the east region had higher age-adjusted hospitalization and Emergency Department discharge rates due to suicide attempts/ideation/intentional self-harm than the county overall every year from 2018-2022.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- August is National Golf month. This safety article is dedicated to one of the best people in the world.  My Dad Frank DiGiovanna!  He loved to golf and was instrumental in helping me write this. This week would have been his birthday. Here’s to you, Dad!

Golf really is a very safe sport and if you follow a few basic safety rules injuries can be reduced or eliminated.   Swinging of metal clubs propel golf balls at high speeds. If you’re in the way of either, you’re in danger. Following a few basic guidelines can help ensure your safety and that of those around you on the course.

By Jessyka Heredia

June 17, 2024 (El Cajon) Middle Eastern cuisine has many regions that share similarities with readily available ingredients to the region and yet still have distinct differences in preparation. Tarbosh in El Cajon has brought their owner’s family recipes, which are delightfully light with generous portions that are sure to satisfy the whole family.