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.

October 18, 2012 (El Cajon) – HauntFest on Main is a new free event taking place in Downtown El Cajon on October 26, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.  The event will kick off a week long Centennial Celebration of the City of El Cajon that focuses on the historic downtown district.  HauntFest on Main will be a family-friendly event featuring live music from over 16 bands on multiple stages.  Performers include Eve Selis, Without Au Doubt, One Eighty and much more.

October 13, 2012 (San Diego) – East County parks have Halloween covered, from haunted hikes to safe Halloween events.  Following is a list of what’s happening around the County.

Oct 11, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Halloween just got more frightening in the East County and it's happening at Cottonwood Golf Club with a "Scary Maze.” "Scary Maze" will frighten and entertain people of all ages beginning Friday, October 19 and continuing on Fridays and weekends through October 28.

The 10,000 square foot maze will be built on Cottonwood Golf Club's driving range. Stacked bales of hay and the design will provide a frightening challenge to find the exit. "We are taking the term "dead end" literally," said Henry Gamboa, Cottonwood Golf Club's Principal Owner.  He added, "There's a reason we are using the word "scary" to describe the maze and visitors will discover why as they try to make their way out."