March 10, 2010 (Lakeside) --On March 13th, the San Diego River Park Foundation and its partners will team up for a new event to raise awareness about the San Diego River. More than 100 volunteers will participate in five special projects in Lakeside, Ramona, and Julian areas. The public is invited to participate in the events, which include clean-up and park beautification efforts as well as an open house at a nature preserve.

 

March 8, 2010 (Ramona) -- The Ramona Music Fest benefit concert is March 20, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Dos Picos Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. in Ramona. The third annual event hosted by Ramona Kiwanis and Ramona Rotary clubs will feature two stages and wandering musicians.
 
A variety of music is promised, from mellow rock to jazz, from ’50s rock to country, headlined by Cactus Twang & Whyte, whose music is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash.

 
 
March 7, 2010 (Lakeside) - Lakeside Union School District and Riverview Elementary School host their second annual International Fair on Saturday, March 20th from 10am to 5pm. Travel around the world and learn about other cultures, watch traditional country dances, play carnival games and taste exotic foods without leaving San Diego County. The community event, complete with a one-of-the kind silent auction and local vendor booths takes place on the grounds of Riverview Elementary School at 9308 Winter Gardens Boulevard in Lakeside.

Performances also slated in Vista and Mira Mesa

March 3, 2010 (El Cajon) – Children and the young at heart savored thrills and chills at Circus Vargas, now showing in a big top tent pitched in the parking lot at Parkway Plaza. Prior to the main show, the ringmaster invited all kids into the center ring for lessons in juggling, feather balancing and other circus tricks.

1970-2010: Forty Years of Community Activism, Scholarly Excellence and International Programming


March 4, 2010 (San Diego) – March is women's history month.  However, the women’s studies department at San Diego State University plans a year-long celebration  to commemorate  its 40th anniversary.  

Upcoming events include:

March 3, 2010 (Vallecito) – Vallecito Stage Station once served as a rest stop for weary travelers along the Southern Overland Trail on the Butterfield Stage Coach. On March 5, 6 and 7, history will come alive as the 1850s camp in the Anza-Borrego desert welcomes visitors to tour the original adobe Vallecito Stage Station and participate in frontier-style activities.

February 23, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Circus Vargas opens this week at Westfield Parkway Plaza in El Cajon, with additional shows in National City, Vista, and Mira Mesa.

This year’s theme of an enchanted forest features “magical creatures, mystical fairies, pixies, sprites, butterflies and more”—along with crowd-pleasing favorites such as an aerial bungee ballet, acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers and more.

WIN FREE TICKETS!  Sign up for a free subscription to East County Magazine before Feb. 25 and enter a drawing to win free tickets!

February 19, 2010 (San Diego) – Storytelling, the passing down of tales from generation to generation, has kept cultural heritage alive through the ages. In celebration of Black History Month, several black storytellers will give performances this weekend in San Diego and Spring Valley. In addition, Southwestern College hosts a Black History Cultural Day and the Malcolm X Library plans a Jamaican barbecue class—all in San Diego’s eastern regions.

“Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye” – free seminars Feb. 27 in La Mesa, March 1 in El Cajon

Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle!

By Nancy and Dawn Clement

February 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Uncle Sam wants to give you money to a buy a house, but you must hurry because there is a deadline; you must be in escrow by April 30 and must close escrow by July 1, 2010.

This program is the Homebuyer Tax Credit, and in November of 2009 was revised to include both first-time buyers and buyers who already own a home.

 
February 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some creative ways to romance the sweetheart on Valentine’s Day weekend? San Diego’s eastern region has many unique options for romance, ranging from free hiking and picnic spots to gourmet dining, upscale resorts and sweetheart spa retreats.
 
For the adventurous at heart, thrill to your heart’s desire with options such as sky sailing, trail rides, a train trip, and overnight Jeep tours for two. There are also special events planned including a chocolate lover’s festival, winery parties, a romantic comedy musical, an exotic night at the Wild Animal Park and a “Cosby and Cupid” live comedy performance. Scroll down for 25 romantic ways to delight your Valentine!
 

 
February 4, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego State’s Department of Africana Studies is partnering with campus cultural groups and the Department of Music and Dance to present a series of social and education events in February honoring Black History Month. Upcoming events include films, lectures, jazz concerts, a convention, dinner, Black History Bowl, and a parade  Schedule and details:
 
 

January 22, 2010 (Julian) -- Owners of a gourmet restaurant, Jeremy's on the Hill, and Shadow Mountain Winery will host a five-course wine pairing and dining event on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6 p.m.  All proceeds of the event will benefit Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Julian. The organization raises awareness on the importance of agriculture for past and future generations.

“With lack of funding, we will lose this important educational component of our community,” said Jeremy Manley, 23, Chef de Cuisine at Jeremy's on the Hill “We are hoping you will be able to join us and support your local FFA chapter while enjoying fabulous food and wine from our back country hidden treasures."

 
January 15, 2010 (La Mesa) The public is invited to join La Mesa’s 14th annual Multicultural Festival. The event will be held this Sunday, January 17 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

January 14, 2010 (Ramona) – The Ramona Grasslands, a protected resource area, is home to 19 species of raptors including golden eagles, hawks and falcons.

Each Saturday through February 27 from 9am-noon, the Wildlife Research Institute is hosting “Hawk Watch” at the Ramona Grasslands.

 
January 1, 2010 (San Diego) — The YMCA of San Diego County will host its 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Town & Country Resort Hotel, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. This milestone YMCA of San Diego County event will be highlighted by keynote speaker, Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles, a longtime leader in the civil rights movement and pastor of the Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. Rev. Kyles was one of King’s closest aides and witnessed his murder.
 
Guests will hear Rev. Kyles’ story of how he persuaded Dr. King to come to Memphis, TN to encourage community support for striking sanitation workers. The last hour of Dr. King's life was spent with Kyles at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

 
December 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a festive party or a special restaurant to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Below is our guide to New Year’s Eve attractions in East County and San Diego’s eastern regions on December 31st, including live music and dancing, fireworks, special menus, casino promotions, and activities for children, families and seniors.

December 28, 2009 (Mt. Helix) – Need to get in shape after all that holiday feasting? Join members of the Grossmont Mount Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) for a 1.3 round-trip walk up Mt. Helix on January 2nd at 10 a.m.

Cowles Mountain is the site of a Kumeyaay Indian solstice site and the Canyoneers are conducting a free walk up the mountain on December 21 at 6 am to view the sunrise on the first day of winter.

La Mesa’s historic shopping district offers a Victorian-style holiday celebration, rides, bonfires, specialty boutiques and unique gifts

December 4, 2009 (La Mesa) – For two days and nights, La Mesa’s historic downtown village transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland complete with strolling minstrels, carolers, street entertainers and several stages. Bonfires will fill La Mesa Boulevard, where you can roast chestnuts over an open fire or delight in a horse-drawn carriage ride. You’ll also find carnival rides, puppet shows, and Santa Claus.

 
November 25, 2009 (Julian) -- Julian celebrates the holiday season by lighting up the town's living Christmas tree at Pioneer Park on Saturday, Nov. 28.  The historic gold rush town will also paysl homage to individuals who contribute time, skills, and energy to making Julian what some townspeople consider the best small town in Southern California.  The event marks the beginning of the annual Julian Country Christmas celebration--three weeks of holiday festivitird during which visitors and residents  capture the spirit of the season in an old-fashioned way. 

November 19, 2009 (El Cajon) – The 63rd annual Mother Goose Parade, East County’s most famous holiday tradition, will be held this Sunday, November 22nd.
 
The parade, which was saved thanks to generous community donations, will begin at 10 a.m. on East Main St. at the corner of Magnolia Ave., traveling east to Second St. Fans arriving early can join a 9 a.m. red carpet review at Prescott Promenade (200 E. Main St.), where parade grand marshals—the World Series champion Park View Little League All Stars--will be welcomed, along with some members of the 1961 and 1957 La Mesa/El Cajon Little League All Stars.  Additional special guests - Actor Adrian R'Mante, who plays Esteban on Disney's "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." See members of the military, and a Black Hawk Helicopter.

Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows

November 10, 2009 (Alpine)– Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 13, with the opening of Southern California’s largest ice rink including skating show at 6 p.m., holiday tree lighting at 7:30. p.m., the return of the Legend of the Ice Princess performance, plus  holiday savings at all retail stores.

 
November 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – Six-year-old Aidan Inman was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma on July 15th. The next day, his baby sister, Madison, was born. “Madison’s birth offered Aidan a miracle in that her stem cells were harvested from her umbilical cord. Her cord cells may be needed at some point in his treatment,” Aidan’s mother, Jen Inman, wrote on a blog dedicated to her son.

The La Mesa Historical Society presents the 4th annual Home Tour on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The tour features five historic homes in the downtown La Mesa area. The tour will highlight 5 properties which will include Bungalow, Spanish Eclectic and Moderne styles. All will have artists working in the yards.

 
October 29, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Want to be a winner at a casino—without having to gamble any money? Several area casinos are hosting Halloween costume contests and paying out big cash prizes. Others are offering parties, gifts, and Halloween eve concerts.

October 27, 2009 (San Diego) – Looking for a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween? The Salvation Army Kroc Center offers a “hauntless jaunt” with family-oriented activities on Saturday, October 31, starting at 5 p.m. Kroc Center is located at 6845 University Avenue in San Diego (two blocks west of 70th Street in La Mesa). Activities include trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, face painting, carnival games, snacks, and a live performance by The School of Rock Band.

By Miriam Raftery

October 25, 2009 (San Diego) – Students from San Diego State University, high school marching bands and other community participants relished some pre-Halloween revelry in the BOO! Parade yesterday.

From floats such as a giant black cat to cars draped with spiderwebs, parade participants showed their Halloween spirit. SDSU’s homecoming king and queen led a procession of cheerleaders, some turning cartwheels down the street. A drum majorette marched in front of Aztec band members clad in spooky and kooky costumes. Flappers, mermaids and vampires mingled with ghosts, ghouls and goblins. 

October 24, 2009 (Poway)—The medieval sport of jousting takes center stage in Poway this weekend, where competitors from around the world vie in barred jousting contests at the Tournament of the Phoenix.
 
The "Tournament of the Phoenix" derives its name from the circumstances surrounding the first joust event in October 2007. When the Witch Creek fires devastated Southern California the week prior to the first event, it seemed the event would have to be cancelled.  But the events’ core organizers concluded that the event should commence.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 am – 6 pm

October 23, 2009 (San Diego) -- Hop on your broomsticks to experience a day of Halloween thrills and chills! It’s the return of The Boulevard BOO! Parade and Carnival, where ghosts and goblins of all ages are invited to encounter the magic.
 

This Halloween tradition features the SDSU All-Greek Float Competition, the SDSU Homecoming King and Queen, the renowned Marching Aztecs band, and numerous SDSU student organizations.

Seasonal Family Activities, Camping and Old West Costume Contest All Part of the Fun

October 21, 2009 (Boulevard) - Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites (formerly Outdoor World RV Park), is offering a taste of the Old West with their “Old West Harvest Fest,” celebrating the harvest season and Southern California’s historical heritage. The event will be held Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25. Seasonal family activities to include a hayride, pumpkin painting contest (paints provided, pumpkins $5 or bring your own) bonfire and cookout, stargazing, an old time radio play (“The Lone Ranger”) and an Old West 1850’s costume contest.