East County News Service

March 11, 2023 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the official Laurel & Hardy fan organization, will host its April gathering, "A Very Special Night," on April 15 at Williams Hall at Trinity Presbytarian Church in Spring Valley.

SNL Star Brings Comedy Brilliance to East San Diego County’s Top Destination for Entertainment and Fun

March10, 2023 (Jamul)  – On Saturday, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Jamul Casino will welcome Darrell Hammond to The Rooftop for a one-of-a-kind dinner and comedy show.  Widely recognized for his sharp humor and masterful impressions of politicians, celebrities and newsmakers on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Hammond has been keeping audiences laughing for nearly three decades. 

He comes to Jamul Casino as part of its Supper Club at The Rooftop series, which pairs “outstanding entertainment with exceptional cuisine at Jamul Casino's spacious outdoor event venue.  The show demonstrates Jamul Casino’s commitment to offering its guests world-class entertainment, food, and fun,” according to a press release from Jamul Casino.

By Kathy Carpenter

March 9, 2023 (La Mesa) - Individuality versus conformity is an eternal conflict and in the case of One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, man versus institution. More than that, this is a story of people, with a huge, wonderful cast full of characters to connect to and learn from. The play is emotionally impactful and well-acted; you leave Lamplighters theatre with an impression of right or wrong and individuality at all costs. 

March 8, 2023 (Rancho San Diego) -- On May 6, Cuyamaca College is combining several major events for a true springtime extravaganza.

The Water Conservation Garden will host its Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Guests can watch butterfly releases and children can join Miss Smarty-Plants and Miss Monarch at a Pollinator Party to hear stories and craft their own Pollinator wings. The Garden will also have specialty vendors, workshops, and food trucks.

In addition, Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture Department will hold its largest plant sale of the year in their brand-new nursery. Plus, the Heritage of the America’s Museum will be hosting tours throughout the day.

Spring-themed Festivities Scheduled March 18 – May 14, shining spotlight on local wildlife

East County News Service

Photo by Emily Senninger

March 7, 2023 (Escondido) -- Celebrate the arrival of spring in full color at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with the return of Spring Safari Featuring Butterfly Jungle. Visitors and their families can embark on a wild, global adventure without ever leaving Southern California—and every visit contributes directly to saving wildlife in our own backyard and around the world.

East County farmers and ranchers are among those offering tastes

East County News Service

February 24, 2023 (Carlsbad) -- Are you interested in the farm-to-table food movement, preserving urban-facing agriculture, and knowing your local farmers, including those in East County? If you would enjoy tasting locally sourced bites and beverages while learning more about agriculture in San Diego County, then GRAZE at the Fields is the event for you. On Thursday, April 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the San Diego County Farm Bureau will be hosting a one-of-a-kind tasting and education event at the world-renowned Carlsbad Flower Fields.

East County News Service

February 20, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County has a wide range of creative events, from Black History Month to Fido Fest, from birdwatching tips to the return of HoooleyFest, Touch-a-Truck, a liar’s contest in the desert, a harmonica festival in La Mesa, a chili cookoff in Lemon Grove, and an Earth Day Boulder Fair in Jacumba Hot Springs.

East County News Service

Note: This event was postponed due to rain from Feb. 25 to March 11.

February 20, 2023 (Ramona) – The County of San Diego invites you to its “Love Your Heart Community Fair” on Saturday, March 11 from 12-3 p.m. at the Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street in Ramona.

Learn about good heart health and how to control your blood pressure—and get a free blood pressure monitor as well as a blood pressure check.

Plus there will be information booths, a Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals walk, and food distribution. In addition, the fair includes vaccines available free for COVID-19 and flu, as well as Naloxone distribution to prevent overdoses.

East County News Service

Photo: Pegleg Smith state historical marker;  CC by SA-NC

February 17, 2023 (Borrego Springs, CA) – Telling a whopper is usually taboo.  But at the Peg Leg Liars Contest, named for the purported discoverer of a yet-to-be-found treasure in black gold, you can win prizes for spinning the best tall tale.

After a two year hiatus due to COVID, the contest will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the American Legion Post, 4515 Borrego Springs Road in Borrego Springs (across from La Casa del Zorro). The contest starts at dusk.

Begun informally in 1916 and formally in 1948, the event is the longest ongoing story-telling competition in the West.

Services for East County children in need is Saturday, February 25

Source:  San Diego County Dental Foundation

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

February 9, 2023 (El Cajon) - The San Diego County Dental Foundation will host the free Give Kids a Smile preventive dental treatment program for East County children in need at the El Cajon Family Health Center on Saturday, February 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

February 8, 2023 (La Mesa) – San Pasqual Winery has Valentine’s week happenings in the Barrel Room at its tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown village.

East County News Service

February 5, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs)  - From bathhouse bazaars to a candlelight concert and organized hikes, Jacumba Hot Springs has something for everyone coming up.

East County News Service

January 31, 2023 (Lakeside) – If you’re not a fan of football, Lake Jennings is offering you a quiet alternative to cheer about: on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12, the lake is offering free boat launches. If you do want to watch the big game, you can take in some early morning fishing before kick-off

Source: Women of Color ROAR

January 31, 2023 (San Diego) - Women of Color Roar Media, will convene the fifth anniversary Black History Month Breakfast at Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92114, on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

Update: Due to inclement weather, this event has been postponed until March 19.

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2023 (Lakeside) – Lakeside Chamber of Commerce invites you to Touch-a-Truck, an experience “geared towards the kid in all of us,” according to the event website.  Guests can touch and see a wide variety of vehicles, trucks and equipment during the event on Sunday, Februry 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11600 Riverside Drive in Lakside.