September 4, 2015 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Rotary Club invites you to a Comedy  Hypnosis show with Marsha Starr –where the audience members are the stars—on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the La Mesa Community Center.  She’s performed on Broadway, in Vegas, and at the Comedy Store.

August 14, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Applications are being accepted for several openings on the City’s Aging and Veterans Commission, Environmental Sustainability Commission, La Mesa Community Parking Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission.

“The Mayor and City Councilmembers value the input from our community volunteers,” said Mary Kennedy, City Clerk. “By bringing new ideas to the table and representing the community, you will be helping your City government make the best most informed decisions possible for the benefit of the entire community.”

East County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hosts First Fundraising Event

August 11, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)--The East County Chamber of Commerce Foundation is hosting a first annual Wine & Beer Garden Fundraiser on Thursday, August 20 at The Water Conservation Garden from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

his premiere social event will help raise funds for some of the Foundation’s flagship business development and education programs, including the Ethics in Business Program, the East County Business Incubator Program, East County Business Resource Center, Business College Student Scholarships, and much more.   The event will feature several local restaurants, breweries and wineries, as well as Garden tours and a silent auction.

July 30, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce was proud to host a gift giving activity in partnership with the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center. "Christmas in July” allowed toys to be given to the La Mesa City Employees Association, who will distribute them to deserving children during this year’s holiday season.

Proceeds will send San Diego’s WWII Veterans to Washington, D.C. memorials

July 23, 2015 (San Diego)--On Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m., Honor Flight San Diego will host “Comedy for a Cause,” a fundraiser at the San Diego Yacht Club. The fundraiser aims to raise monies to send World War II veterans on the organization’s October 2015 honor flight to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their sacrifice.

San Diego family prepares for 10^th annual “Grand Stand” to raise funds for childhood cancer research, family adds new stand location in 2015

July 17, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Continuing their quest to end pediatric cancer, the Miller family of San Diego will host their 10^th annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Saturday, July 25, 2015 from 10am-6pm. In addition to their home lemonade stand located at 3366 Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, the Miller family had added a second satellite location to their efforts this year in front of Thorn Street Brewery (3176 Thorn Street) in North Park. These “Miller Tribe and Crew San Diego Grand Stands”—led by team captain Amy Miller—will raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit that works toward better treatments and ultimately cures for all kids with cancer.

Food Bank Distribution July 18

School Supply Drive through August 9

July 16, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Journey Community Church currently has two outreach programs underway in La Mesa.

Volunteers needed in East County and Tierrasanta

By Milvi Chao

July 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Some friendships take years to grow, but when Little Brother Juan-Antonio met his Big Brother Jay in 2012 through Big Brothers Big Sister’s Operation Big program, the pair hit it off immediately. Operation Bigs is a one-to-one mentoring program for military children ages 7-17, the first of its kind in the nation.

July 3, 2015 (La Mesa)--Mama’s Kitchen, www.mamaskitchen.org, prepares and delivers nutritious meals to San Diego men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS.   Additionally, they provide pantry services (Mama's Pantry) and nutrition education to its clients. 

The people of The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa invite you to join them in overfilling a collection barrel for Mama July 8 through July 28.  She needs nonperishable food items (no expired food, please):  canned tuna, chili, salmon, fruit and soup; peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce, boxed cereal and dry milk (small boxes).

June 26, 2015 (El Cajon ) – From now through July 4, Coldstone Creamery in Rancho San Diego (2963 Jamacha Road, El Cajon) will donate 20% of all purchase to benefit the ACES Foundation, which supports the El Cajon Animal Shelter. Just mention “El Cajon Animal Shelter” when ordering, or present the flyer in this story.

Photo: KaBoom! Playground previously built at Wells Park in El Cajon

June 13, 2015 (El Cajon)--Once again, the City of El Cajon plans to build a playground in a day.  Volunteers are needed to help with the assembly of a one-of-a-kind, customized playground at Bill Beck Park on June 18 and June 20.  The existing playground at Bill Beck Park was over 50 years-old.  So, a new playground is planned to provide youths with a better area to play and have fun.  Some of the volunteers who have registered so far include off-duty Heartland Fire & Rescue Firefighters and El Cajon Police officers, along with other City personnel and members of local civic groups.

June 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Volunteers who pick fruit to feed the hungry have an urgent need for sites to glean spare fruit from backyard gardens and farms in order to continue to supply churches and food pantries that distribute the produce.

By Miriam Raftery

May 28,2015 (Spring Valley)—The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary  Club honored five local women with its Paul Harris award, named for Rotary Club's founder.  The awards, presented at Noah Homes in Spring Valley On May 17^th, were presented for outstanding community service to Supervisor Dianne Jacob, retired Grossmont College administrator Eve Lill, Noah Homes CEO Molly Nocon, Water for Children Africa executive director Vickie Butcher, and Jazzercise entrepreneur Susan Shofner.

The tea included catering of delicacies by Aubrey Rose Team Room in La Mesa , a display of vintage museum-quality dolls by Gail Pogue, and china place settings loaned by Rotary Club members.