Update: Hear our interview with Paige Rogowski, Executive Director of the Anza Borrego Foundation and Diana Lindsey,  past president of the Foundation and historian for Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Listen now by clicking the audio link.

Guided hikes are also available

East County News Service

November 16, 2016 (Anza-Borrego) – In celebration of Anza-Borrego Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, Anza-Borrego Foundation and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are inviting visitors to complete two five-hike challenges on some of the most famous (and infamous) peaks and trails in the region.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 2, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Give thanks all month through several fall and Thanksgiving-themed happenings at San Diego County Parks. Take a pilgrimage to one or all three of the community gatherings in the East County.

The trio of events is free and open to all ages. There is a $3 parking fee at Louis A. Stelzer and El Monte parks.

East County News Service

September 1, 2016 (Lakeside) – The much-anticipated reopening of San Vicente Reservoir is slated for September 22^nd, SDFISH.com reports.  The lake has been closed since September 1, 2008 for construction of the largest dam-raise in the U.S.  SDFISH.com has also set up a discussion forum on San Vicente’s opening here.

Fishing and boating reservations must be made in advance through Ticketron roughly four weeks in advance.  The following information is available on the city of San Diego’s website for San Vicente:

East County News Service

August 28, 2016 (Mt Laguna) -- Lore of the Laguna’s (Living History Pageant) returns as the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association presents its 29th Annual LIVING HISTORY after a two-year hiatus. The past comes alive in this re-enactment of life in the Laguna Mountains, starting in the early 1900s and going back in time. Visit with Native Americans, rugged cowboys and turn-of-the-(last) century mountain men. Meet the first Laguna Forest Ranger, and relive the summer encampment of a 1908 pioneer family from Imperial Valley. How did they survive back then without any modern devices or conveniences and most of all, cell phones or social media? It was a slower pace, but lives were just as eventful and full of adventure as they are now.

East County News Service

July 24, 2016 (Campo) – Last week, County Supervisors voted to convey 247 acres in Campo to several nonprofit organizations, including Mountain Health and the Pacific Southwest Museum, to expand historical, civic and educational opportunities for rural residents and visitors.

East County News Service

May 11, 2016 (Lakeside) -- Lake Jennings will hold its greatly anticipated Catfish Opener on Friday, May 27th. The lake will open at 4 p.m. instead of the usual 6 a.m., and will close at midnight. 2,000 lbs. of catfish will be stocked for this event.

Source: City of La Mesa

April 24, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Do you have a budding artist or a child that wants time with animals, to feed the hogs or wash an emu?  What about your sports enthusiasts, or do your kids love to work with wood and tools?  La Mesa Community Services is offering twenty-one (21) “Summer to Remember!” camps that will put a smile on any child’s face ages four years and up.  2016 Camps include:  

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2016 (Ramona) -- Savoring an afternoon of superb wine tasting at Vineyard Grant James in Ramona, it’s not hard to realize  why this family-owned winery has been drawing rave reviews on Yelp.  The place has ranked five stars—the top rating, with 64 reviews. 

The wines are complex and satisfying.  Owners/hosts Jacques and Susanne Sapier are warm and welcoming.  A stone patio with views of the sun setting over nearby mountains provides an idyllic setting.  Live music by a Dave Billock and his local band, plus delicious locally-made cheeses, round out a palette-pleasing experience.

By Miriam Raftery

February 5, 2016 (Ramona) –“Valentine’s Day will always be very special here at the dairy, as this was when our beloved Valentine was born in the snow,” writes Nancy Riegler, co-owner of Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona. 

Update: Listen to our interview with Don Axe, aired on KNSJ Radio (click here)

By Brigitte Garcia

Photo: Don Axe and Brigitte Garcia

January 28, 2016 (Spring Valley) -- Spring Valley farmer Don Axe has used extra space in his backyard to create his own agricultural business, Valley View Urban Farm. He can now make anything from soap to ice cream. Axe has found a way to keep all different animals such as chickens, rabbits, goats, ducks, a pet dog and even a pot-bellied pig, also growing vegetables and fruits--all on just a half-acre lot.

He’s an accomplished farmer with four first place prizes won in the Del Mar Fair for his own homemade cheeses. You can learn what it takes to make his award winning mozzarella and more when he teaches his next cheese making class--one of several courses he teaches for those seeking farming opportunities in small spaces.

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -

Mission Trails Regional Park Guide and experienced birder Winona Sollock will lead a free educational bird identification class in the park on Saturday, January 30^th  at 1 p.m.  The hour-and-a-half class will help increase your enjoyment of nature by teaching you five simple techniques to identify birds at a glance.You will also learn how to use a field guide, so bring one along if you have it.

East County News Service

January 4, 2016 (Jacumba)--The Jacumba Hikers and Walkers have announced their schedule of hikes for January and February in the high desert region surrounding Jacumba Hot Springs. 

The hikes range from easy to extreme, covering terrain from wilderness to a desert oasis, mountains and canyons.  You’ll also see sites rich in history reflecting the region’s Native Americans, Spanish, and pioneer settlers. Other excursions including a trip to the Chinese Castle, a Garnet Mine, Goat Canyon’s railroad trestle, and a waterfall, plus dips in mineral hot springs at the Jacumba Spa and Resort.

For a full schedule, scroll down, and also be sure to read these hikng safety tips.

By Miriam Raftery

December 17, 2015 (Descanso) – Gateway to Cleveland National Forest, the Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains, Descanso is a small town that takes pride in its rural tranquility, scenic beauty, and rich history. 

The very name means “place of rest” in Spanish, a haven where early travelers stopped off  to encamp beneath the shade of pine and oak trees beside fresh-flowing water fed by mountain streams.  Descanso Valley was once known as Guatay Valley, reportedly derived from the Kumeyaay Indian name for “Na-Wa-Ti-e,” meaning Big Chief’s House, as Native Americans called the majestic mountain often veiled in mist beyond meadows strewn with wildflowers, golden in the sun.