East County News Service

July 22, 2023 (Santee) – Catalytic converter thefts off vehicles have been on the rise regionally. To help protect motorists from losses and increase the chances of being able to return stolen parts to their owners, the San Diego County Sheriff is hosting a free catalytic converter engraving event on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. at 8891 Railroad Ave. in Santee.Reservations are required.

East County News Service

July 27, 2023 (Lakeside) -- You're invited to come support first responders and help keep your community safe.  Lakeside Fire Dept. will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday,, August 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fire Station 2, locaetd at 12216:Lakeside Avenue in Lakeside.

This event will include fire engines, face painting, a dunk tank, CPR lessons and more.

East County News Service

July 18, 2023 (Ramona) – Three days of family fun are coming up at the Ramona Country Fair. Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the fair features amusement rides, carnival games, live music, a cornhole competition, an off-road show, food & beverage vendors, craft & commercial vendors, western shows and more.

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2023 –Our East County Dining Club is back!  East  County Magazine invites you to join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a fundraiser where you can savor the flavors of southern Italy at AnniVenti La Trattoria,  a delightful new restaurant at 8099 Broadway in Lemon Grove. RSVP early to save space!

15% of all food and drinks plus 100% of raffle tickets will benefit East County Media to support East County Magazine, nonprofit award-winning community news coverage, and East Coundy Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

For just $35 per person, (excluding tax and tip), the 4-course feast will include:

Appetizers served family-style (pistachio burrata, calamari, and charcuterie)

Pasta entrée options:

-- Spaghetti Vongole (clams, white wine garlic sauce, pesto and pistachio)

-- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (chicken pasta in creamy pepper sauce)

-- Busiata Normanna(eggplant, tomato, basil, mint, ricotta)

-- Pappardelle al Ragu (slowly braised beef pasta)                  

Caesar salad

Desert:  Tiramisu,Limoincello, or Cannoli

The restaurant also has a full wine list as well as beer and creative cocktails.

Win prizes! We will also have a raffle with prizes including a gift card to AnniVenti, gift certificates for other local merchants, gift baskets, jewelry, flowers, books, and more! Thanks to our prize sponsors so far: Anniventi La Tratorria,  Mastiff Kitchen, Jasmine Creek Florist,  Elevated Coffee, Mario's Family Clothing Center,  Stephanie Klein at Roots Real Estate, Lemon Grove Antique Mall, El Pollo Grill, Maxwell's House of Books, Mary Ann Chanthala at ASKMary4RealEstate brokered by ΓEA⅃, Moutain Gypsy, Jean's Dance Studio, Busy Bee Garden Co-op, Flowers by Elsa, and more.  

RSVP BY JULY 17: Please email editor@eastcountymagazine.org and include your name, the number of people in your party, and the subject line  “RSP for AnniVenti.” To reserve space for the July 20 event. (Late RSVPs may be accepted on a limited basis, based on availability.) We expect this to be a popular event to welcome Lemon Grove’s newest fine dining restaurant!

July 5, 2023 (La Mesa) -- On Thursday, August 17, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will produce its 8^th Annual “Summer Bash” Business Expo. This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott  (141 N. Magnolia Ave. El Cajon) from 5-7:30 p.m.

“To encourage you to come out and see us again, tickets are being offered at the low price of $15 apiece and include food from many local restaurants,” says Mary England,  the Chamber’s president. “There will be raffles and business vendors will offer numerous FREE door prizes that evening. You may win free prizes/gifts to use the rest of your summer!”

By Miriam Raftery

July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fireworks, parades, a deep pit barbecue, a stargazing festival, outdoor concerts, farm tours with berry picking, a food fest and more are all happening in East County as summer heats up.

Scroll down for details on these events and many more, coming up across San Diego’s inland region.

By Miriam Raftery

June 22,2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Parades, outdoor concerts, dancing under the stars, farm tours, theater productions, a food fest, and more are all happening in East County as summer heats up.

Scroll down for full details on these and many more hot summertime happenings.

East County News Service

June 18, 2023 (La Mesa) — San Diego Concert Band will have two free performances in the next week locally, with two more next month. This week’s shows are:

By Miriam Raftery

June 16, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- A Juneteenth Jubilee, outdoor concerts, the Mt. Helix Food and Wine festival, a Taste of San Diego East, a Team on a Trek challenge, comedy, the musical Grease onstage,  4tth of July celebrations and fireworks are all coming up in San Diego’s East County in June and July.

Find full details on these and many more hot summertime happenings below.

East County News Service

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Historical Society is hosting an open house to celebrate its 50^th anniversary. The public is invited to commemorate this special occasion on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knox House Museum, 280 North Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon.

East County News Service

June 8, 2023 (La Mesa)-- It's the best breakfast deal in town.  On Saturday, June 10, Heartland Firefighters of La Mesa will host a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at La Mesa Fire Station 11 (8034 Allison Avenue) from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. For just $5, guests can savor pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice, as well as  receive emergency preparedness training.

The public can receive training in several areas: CPR, Basic First Aid, and Crime Prevention. There will be training “stations” for the public to receive the information.

East County News Service

June 8, 2023 (Santee) –  Harken back in time to the 16^th century to experience the Renaissance on Saturday, June 17 in Santee.  Come as you are, or dress to experience the life of a noble, knight or peasant.

You can try your hand at archery, watch fighting tournaments all day long, learn a craft, learn a dance, listen to a bardic recital, or experience a battle of the bards. Enjoy fun for the entire family – and admission is free.

By Jessyka Heredia

June 7, 2023 (Lemon Grove)- The Lemon Grove Recreation Center will be hosting the 3^rd annual 3-on-3 Trevon Harris basketball tournament on June 10, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

East County News Service

Photo:  CC by NC-ND via Bing

June 6, 2023 (Guatay) -- The parking lot sale at Heavenly Oaks Residential Community returns on Saturday, June 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay (halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley.)

If you plan to go to the Run to the Hills car show that day in Pine Valley, head west 3.5 miles on Old Highway 80 to Heavenly Oaks. There will be lots of quality "garage sale" items for sale.