October 21, 2011 (Poway)--Looking for a knight in shining armor?  

October 20, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – An “extreme parade” this Saturday promises to be a memorable highlight in this year’s Borrego Days Desert Festival October 21-23.

By Megan McGlamery

October 13, 2011 (San Diego) – The SilverWood quartet will perform a free concert featuring the rich harmonies and stirring rhythms of Latino, Celtic and American styles of music.

Ruling today on smart meter opt-out for SDG&E customers sparks added interest among local ratepayers

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – SDG&E wants to hike utility rates by over 17% in the next four years.  Tomorrow, East County residents will have a chance to voice their views on the proposal at two hearings held by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The public meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the El Cajon City Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street in El Cajon. 

An East County Magazine poll of readers has found that thus far, 93% of the 275 who voted think the CPUC should deny SDG&E's rate hike request.  TAKE OUR POLL: Should the CPUC approve SDG&E's rate hike?

The rate hike is opposed by the CPUC’s own Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), which conducted an audit that found SDG&E inflated its costs. The DRA recommended that SDG&E lower—not raise—its rates.   

UPDATE:  THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO A LABOR DISPUTE.

San Miguel Fire seeks sponsors and door prize donors for event

October 8, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Bring the family for fun and free activities at the 5th annual Fire Expo at the Rancho San Diego Towne Center on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a children’s zone, rescue demonstrations, fire and rescue vehicles, fire safety and health information, law enforcement demonstrations, music, free food and free prize drawings.

October 6, 2011 (Borrego) –If you plan to enjoy Anza-Borrego this fall, why not make your visit a learning adventure?  Deepen your connection to nature, strengthen your understanding of the environment, and of course, have fun.  The Anza-Borrego Foundation announces a variety of fall classes and tours in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  For the full list, visit their website at http://theabf.org/events and scroll down for highlights.

By Miriam Raftery

September 30, 2011 (Julian)—Autumn means apple season in historic Julian, where you can sample fresh apple cider or bring the family and pick your own apples at roadside orchards.

September 30, 2011 (San Diego-- Fork it Over for Kids with Sam the Cooking Guy, winner of 12 Emmys for his TV cooking shows! 

September 18, 2011 (El Cajon)—The public is invited to view a wide variety of roses on display, along with plants and craft items for sale at the East County Rose Show. This free event will be held from 12-4 p.m. on October 1st at the Foothills Adult Center, 1550 Melody Lane in El Cajon. A rose show luncheon will be served at noon; luncheon reservations are required by Sept. 26.

San Diego Arts Guide features gallery event on cover

September 28, 2011 (La Mesa) – Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel and his intriguing collection of oil and acrylic paintings will be in La Mesa Village tonight from 5-8 p.m. for a reception at at O’Dunn Fine Art. The public is welcome to attend, also savoring refreshments and entertainment provided by guitarists Bill Coleman.

San Diego Arts Guide will  be  present to launch its October-December edition, which features a Kempel painting, “Skyscrapers in the Night,” from the exhibit on the cover.

September 23, 2011 (Santee)--Sip wine while tapping your toes to some lively music at the Santee Wine and Bluegrass Festival this Saturday, September 24.   The festival runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071. Advance tickets are $30; tickets purchased after September 12 are $35.

Meet the artist Sept. 28

September 6, 2011 (La Mesa) -- AbEx invades La Mesa Village! Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel is bringing a selection of larger oil and acrylic paintings to East County for his exciting show September 7 – October 9 at O’Dunn Fine Art.  Art lovers are also invited to meet this talented artist at a reception on Wednesday, September 28 from 5-8 p.m.

Influenced by the 20th century San Francisco abstract expressionist movement, Krempel references the beauty of both natural and man-made landscapes in his work. He has been featured in dozens of bay area shows, and is the founder of the Temporary Artists Group (TAG), which brings emerging artists to the community. With degrees in both the arts and psychology, John's paintings dance at the interface of the physical and psychological worlds.

September 1, 2011 (Valley Center)--English high teas have become among the most popular events served up at Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center. Savor refreshing teas and delicacies such as tea sandwiches, chicken herbs de Provence, Devonshire cream, fresh fruit, lavender scones and more at an English-style high tea on September 17 at 2 p.m.

September 15, 2011 (Alpine) – Alpine Kiwanis will host a Chili Cook-Off, along with the Show & Shine Car Show, at the Alpine Community Park this Saturday, September 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy music by the Legends, crafters, vendors, bratwurst, ice cream and more at the festivities.

The event will be held at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.