East County News Service

June 14, 2018 (Julian) -- This year Julian’s 4^th of July parade has the theme, “Julian’s Star Spangled 4th,” a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily.

For more than twenty years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers from all over have lined up at on the town’s main street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American Flag down the thoroughfare. Bands include a bag pipe band, Dixieland jazz, mariachi music and the Gold Drum and Bugle Corps.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

June 13, 2018 (Ramona and San Diego) -- “I’ve seen people start with a Star Wars T-shirt and a tie,” said Steve “Captain” Kirk.  Kirk is a Ramona resident, and the creator of the inaugural InterGalactiCon, a fandom based con, that will be held this weekend, starting June 15-16, at San Diego’s Town and Country Hotel San Diego in Mission Valley.

Source: Ilan Lael Foundation

Cover photo credit:  Michael Gerdes and Chris Henry

May 16, 2018 (Wynola) -- The Ilan-Lael Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Wynola, will host its annual Father’s Day Open House and Studio Tour on Sunday, June 17^th.

Just three miles west of Julian, this picturesque spot with views of the Volcan and Cuyamaca Mountains is home to renowned artist James Hubbell.  Between the late 1950’s – 1960’s, using natural local materials, James designed and constructed a handful of artistic buildings that became his family’s home, now a designated historic landmark.

East County News Service

June 11, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The city of El Cajon’s Recreation Department invites you to enjoy 10 free Summer Movies in the Park from June 16 through August 18 at various parks throughout the City of El Cajon! 

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Star Party at Oakoasis preserve in Lakeside, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, Fido Fest in Santee, the Julian Dance and Back Country BBQ, Art in the Park and a firefighters breakfast in La Mesa, the San Diego Concert Band at Harry Griffith Park, a Taste of La Mesa, and the start of Santee’s summer concert series.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Queen Bee Brunch in Alpine, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, Julian’s Quilt Show, Santee Salutes, Julian’s star-spangled Fourth of July Parade, and the Descanso Days Parade and Fair.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) – The dog days of summer are here – with “Wags and Wine” on Tuesday, June 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.  You’re invited to bring your furry friend for a special evening stroll through the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.

County News Service

June 2, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This June, wait out those warmer temperatures for the cool breezes the evening brings. We’ve planned star parties, evening hikes and educational programs the whole family will enjoy – at or after sunset! Inclement weather may cancel; contact the parks by clicking on the links below.

Source: Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce

June 1, 2018 (Alpine) -- Alpine will celebrate its wonderful honey history at the 2^nd Annual Queen Bee Brunch on Saturday, June 23.  Complete with a fashion show, exclusive vendors and mimosas, the brunch is presented by the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce and the Alpine Community Center.

East County News Service

May 29, 2018 (La Mesa) – On Sunday, June 10, Heartland firefighters of La Mesa will present a pancake breakfast fundraiser at La Mesa Fire Station 11, 8034 Allison Avenue. The event, suitable for all ages, will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

By Gary Gorton, St. Pius X Wine Tasting Festival Committee

Photos, left and below right: Vineyards and tasting room at Granite Lion Cellars in Jamul

May 23, 2018 (Jamul) -- Jamul has always been identified as a wine rich region. Grapes and wine were introduced to California in San Diego at the site of the Mission de Alcala, the first of the California Missions by Father Junipero Sierra who established the first vineyard on the Mission Valley Property back in 1769. The first wine for sacramental use was made by the monks in 1774.

How appropriate, then, that it is St. Pius X in Jamul hosting the third-annual wine-tasting festival this year. The date is June 30, 2018 from 5:30pm to 9:00 pm. The festival will be sponsored by the Wineries on Highway 94 and is being hosted at Jamal’s own D&S Farms, home of Granite Lion Cellars.

East County News Service

May 21, 2018 (Santee) – The City of Santee will present Santee Salutes, featuring all-American fun and fireworks on July 4^th from 2:30 to 10 p.m.  The festivities take place at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive) in Santee.

By Miriam Raftery

May 17, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes America on Main Street in El Cajon, the Manzanita High Rendezvous at Lake Morena, the Ramona Rodeo,  a bike ride at Lindo Lakes, a salute to military families at Lake Morena, customer appreciation days at the Garden,  Rock and Roar at Lions, Tigers and Bears, and Stars on the Water in concert in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival, Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley, a stockroom speakeasy in Alpine, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, Fido Fest in Santee, outdoor movies in county parks, a Secret Garden Party at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, San Diego Concert Band in concert, a Taste of La Mesa, Santee’s summer concert series, and a heritage quilt show in Julian.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

May 16, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The 2018 season of Summer Movies in the Park opens this month. The annual event is bigger and better than ever with 151 screenings at dozens of parks across the county. View the full schedule for movies all summer long countywide here.

By Miriam Raftery

May 9, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Taste of Julian, the Coyote Music Festival at Cuyamaca College, the Jukebox Kings in downtown El Cajon, a Salsa fiesta in Lemon Grove, Sherlock Holmes Final Adventure at Grossmont College, and the Manzanita High Rendezvous in Lake Morena.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Mother’s Day hike on Volcan Mountain in Julian, a salute to military families including kayaking and mountain biking at Lake Morena, a star party at Oakoasis in Lakeside, hiking in Flinn Springs, wilderness survival for families in Lake Morena, a bicycle ride and safety talk at Lindo Lakes in Lakeside, the Ramona Rodeo, the America on Main Street festival in El Cajon, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley, La Mesa’s Flag Day parade, a Secret Garden Party at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Fido Fest in Santee and Santee’s summer concert series.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

May 7, 2018 (Santee) - The city of Santee invites you to Fido Fest on June 9^th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive in Santee).

This event will feature dog adoptions, exhibitors, giveaways, demonstrations, live entertainment and a silent auction to benefit Dogs on Deployment, which helps deployed military members find volunteers to board their pets while they are away.