November 15, 2012 (Alpine) -- The Alpine Woman’s Club will hold its eighth annual “Christmas in Alpine” Holiday Home Tour on Sunday, December 9th from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be an opportunity to stroll through five stunning country estates and view one of Alpine’s beautiful churches, which will be decorated for the season. The historic town hall will also be open from 1:30 on for ticket holders.  Refreshments will be served.  The tour tickets are $30.00.

Want your company's coupon added?  Just $100 if you provide the artwork, or add $35 if you need lay-out. Email ads@eastcountymagazine.org to reserve your space. 

We also have very affordable display ads available to brighten your retail business this holiday season!

To view our holiday coupons, click here.

November 13, 2012 (Descanso) – Looking for some hand-crafted, locally made gifts this holiday season? Visit the Descanso Town Hall at 24536 Viejas Grade on November 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Arts & Crafts Fair. 

Many local artists and craftspeople will be displaying their wares for sale.  Items include paintings, photography, jewelry, decorative gourds, custom embroidery, leather goods and much more.

November 9, 2012 (Campo) – All aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.  The trains will be running Nov. 23-24, 30 and Dec. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 and depart at either 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. from the Museum at Highway 94 at Forrest Gate Road, Campo.

Santa’s Elves will serve cookies and hot cocoa while leading a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols and reading a famous Christmas story while the Limited rockets toward the North Pole.  The train will stop at Santa’s Workshop to allow Santa to board the train and visit with all the children on the return trip.

November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman’s Club 8th Annual Holiday Home Tour is December 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have an opportunity to stroll through five stunning homes which will be decorated for the holidays and visit a local church which will also be decorated for the season.

November 9, 2012 (Jamul) – The 2nd Annual Christmas in Jamul craft show is November 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Reno’s Pub & Grub, 14019 Campo Road, Jamul.  The craft show features Christmas themed crafts and more by local craftsmen.  Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities.

The craft show will take place on the patio.  Hot dogs and cheeseburgers will be available for purchase at $2  and $3 respectively.

November 8, 2012 (Campo)—The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo  rolls out its 2012 Santa Train, the North Pole Limited, each Friday and Saturday starting November 23 through December 22. 

This popular attraction sells out early each year, so reservations are strongly recommended.  Santa’s elves will serve cookies and hot cocoa while leading a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols and reading a famous Christmas story. The train departs the Museum on Highway 94 at Forrest Gate Road in Campo and stops at Santa’s workshop , where Santa will board the train and visit with all children on the return trip.

October 26, 2012 (Escondido) – Orfila Vineyards & Winery is hosting a Halloween Festival October 26 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at its tasting room located at 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido.  Activities include a costume contest, wine tasting, live music, dancing, Halloween trivia and food trucks.  Admission is free.

October 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Monster Mash Sports Dash is a fun-filled 5k run/walk covering the entire Grossmont High campus at 1100 Murray Dr., El Cajon, happening October 27 beginning at 8 a.m.  The event will also include sports and fitness challenges such as making a jump shot or kicking a goal.

October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Don’t miss this fun event! The El Cajon Animal Shelter’s Annual Open House is planned for Saturday, October 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be a pet Halloween costume contest at 12:00 noon with prizes awarded to the top three costumes.  See an El Cajon Police K-9 demonstration; and visit the many dogs and cats ready for adoption to a loving home.  If you already have a dog, low cost dog micro-chipping and rabies vaccinations will be available. This event is hosted by the ACES Foundation.  For more information visit their website at www.acesfoundation.org.

October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- On Friday, October 26th from 4:00-5:00 p.m., Hillside Center is hosting its annual Pumpkin Carve. Children ages of 5-12 years old are encouraged to explore their creativity by carving a pumpkin masterpiece. Each child will receive one pumpkin to create the scariest, funniest, or most creative pumpkin they can imagine.

October 21, 2012 (Alpine) – All ghosts and goblins are invited to show off their most creative costumes at the Halloween Costume Contest on October 27 at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Blvd., Alpine.  This free, fun, family-friendly event begins at 2 p.m. with registration and ends at 3:45 p.m. when the winners are announced.

Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, funniest and best overall costumes.  The age groups will be 3 & under, ages 4 – 7 and ages 8 & older.  Visit www.alpincreekcenter.com for more information.

October 21, 2012 (Alpine) – Viejas Outlets will host Trick or Treat Off the Street on October 31 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 5005 Willows Rd., Alpine.  This free event allows little ghosts and goblins, as well as parents to enjoy a safe Halloween.

By Paula Dickenson, Crime Prevention specialist, San Diego Sheriff, Alpine

October 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- Halloween is an exciting, fun-filled time for young people.  Unfortunately, it can also result in tragedy. The following safety tips are offered for parents, children, and drivers, which will help make Halloween a safe event for all.

By Lauren Schmitt, MS, RD

October 20, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- Are you worried about gaining those dreaded pounds during the holiday season?  There is no reason to accept the fact that weight gain is inevitable during the holiday season.  You have the power to stop that vicious cycle.  If your eating habits are not as healthy as you would like, use the few months prior to the holidays to make healthy changes. 

It takes six weeks to change unwanted habits, so start now.  That way, once the holidays hit, you have a healthy foundation to work with.  People who eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight year round are less likely to overindulge time after time during the holiday season.