November 1, 2015 (Ramona) – This year’s Ramona Art and Wine Festival will feature 15 local wineries, artists, vendors and chefs on November 7 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at a new, expanded location at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona).  Hand-painted barrels will be auctioned to benefit the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Planstravaganza! Among San Diego County’s Most Diverse Water-Wise Plant Sales; Vendors, Professional Consultations Available

October 29, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)--The Water Conservation Garden is hosting its annual Fall Planstravaganza! on Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help San Diegans make the most of the region’s fall-to-spring planting season and save water while they do it.

The event boasts the most diverse drought-tolerant plant sale in San Diego County. Retailers and growers will sell shrubs, trees, perennials, succulents and more, making the event one-stop shopping for fall and winter gardening essentials.  Plants that get planted during the mild San Diego fall planting season will reward gardeners with strong root systems that allow the plants to establish to their potential by the spring, particularly with this year’s upcoming El Nino. 

Story and photos by Robert Gehr© 2015

October 22, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Classic vehicles, hot rods, motorcycles and more are all part of Trunk or Treat at the Cajon Classic Cruise night on Wednesday, October 28 from 5 to 8 p .m. This family event in downtown El Cajon (Main Street at Magnolia Avenue and Prescott Promenade Park)  draws thousands of revelers celebrating Halloween - don’t forget to dress up for the occasion.

East County News Service

October 17, 2015 (El Cajon)--East County’s only haunted amusement park trail debuts this Halloween season at the abandoned Marshal Scotty’s amusement park in El Cajon (14039 Ridge Hill Road, at the Lake Jennings exit).  Rumored to be haunted by past park employees, Marshal Scary Scotty’s “Scare Trail” will be open October 28-31, 2015 from 6 to 11 p.m.

This year, see the bumper car carnage, try to stay in one piece through the slaughter trailer and the haunted park offices, visit the frightening Ferris wheel….and don’t forget to brace yourself as you walk through the remains of the death coaster.

Listen to Destination East County, also airing on KNSJ radio, byclicking the audio link.

By Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery

October 14, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County include the Enchanted Garden Gala, Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History, Fall Fest in La Mesa, and a Trick or Treat dog show.   Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including A Desert Festival in Borrego springs, Marshall Scotty’s Haunted Amusement Park, Haunt Fest on Main Street, and the opening of the sixth season of the Visionary Dance Theater.

On October 22/23/24, 2015 millions of Jews in over 500 cities in 65 countries around the world will join as one in celebrating a traditional, cohesive and momentous Shabbat

October 9, 2015 (San Diego)-- On October 22, 23 and 24, 2015 millions of Jews in over 500 cities in 65 countries around the world will join as one in celebrating a traditional, cohesive and momentous Shabbat, a day of rest and rejuvenation. Locally, Shabbat San Diego (www.shabbatsandiego.org) is coordinating and planning, in conjunction with local congregations, community organizations, schools and youth groups, a unique free three-day experience to inspire more than 20,000 Jewish San Diegans to join in and experience the uniquely joyful mind-body-spiritual restorative powers that a personally evocative Shabbat experience promotes.

Listen to Destination East County, also aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link.

East County News Service

October 8, 2015 (San Diego's East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes a production of Stage Fright, a craft and harvest festival, Oktoberfest, Fall Fest at Grossmont Center, and a  Fair Trade Gift Fair.  Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Enchanted Garden Gala, Tournament of the Phoenix and Festival of History, Haunt Fest on Main Street, and a Trick or Treat dog show.

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2015 (La Mesa)—La Mesa’s annual Oktoberfest took place last weekend, on a smaller sale than in the past but with a renewed emphasis on the festival’s roots: German food, beer and music.

October 5, 2015 (Alpine) - The Alpine Woman’s Club will hold its Eleventh Annual “Christmas in Alpine” Home Tour on Saturday, December 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have an opportunity to stroll through five stunning country estates, and visit Alpine’s beautiful Country Garden Shop. The Historic Town Hall will be open from 1  p.m. on for ticket holders to enjoy light refreshments and to pick up a surprise gift.

October 2, 2015 (Spring Valley)—A San Diego Laurel and Hardy Group, Saps at Sea, will present a Howl-o-Ween Spooky Spectacular event on October 31 starting at 7 p.m. at Williams Hall at Trinity Church, 3902 Kenwood Drive in Spring Valley.

Listen to Destination East County,  also aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link.

East County News Service

October 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County includes the famous annual Oktoberfests held in both La Mesa and El Cajon and a reenactment festival about the 1800s. We also have a preview of some upcoming events in early to mid-October of theater, fairs, and classic cars.

September 30, 2015 (Alpine)—The Alpine VFW Bert Fuller Post 9578 will host a “Fall Deep Pit BBQ” on October 10 starting at 2 p.m. This event is open to the public and proceeds benefit veterans organizations.

East County News Service

September 10, 2015 (La Mesa)—Oktoberfest has been a tradition in La Mesa’s downtown village since 1942, drawing over 100,000 attendees in recent years.  This year, the La Mesa Village Merchants Association aims to host the Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3 from 12 noon to 10 p.m.

After meeting its deadline for paying off past debt to the city and obtaining a permit, organizers plan to bring the popular festival goes back to its roots with a focus on German heritage. 

The Bavarian Beergarden Band, Alpine Gemutlichkeit Dancers, and the El Cajon German Band highlight the entertainment listed on the Merchants' website.  There will be German food including bratwurst and real German beer served up at two beer gardens. Beer lovers can choose from Oktoberfest Marzan, Hef, Munich Lager and kegs of Salvator. There will also be vendors.

Below is the lineup of entertainment:

East County News Service

September 26, 2015 (Palomar) – Palomar Mountain State Park invites the public to its 2015 Palomar Apple Festival on Sunday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This free festival includes delicious apple goodies, spinning and weaving demonstration, arts and crafts,  games and activities, a pie eating contest,plus  live folk music and square dancers  (join in – all are welcome!).