December 15, 2010 (Alpine) – Giving the reindeer a rest, Santa is bringing a helicopter to the Albertson’s store, 2955 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

Free Santa photos with your children and pets will be provided.  Free popcorn, candy, hot chocolate and hot cider will all be part of the festivities this Saturday, December 18 from 1-6 p.m.

Rancho San Diego festivities also include snowman contest, bonfire, and more

December 11, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)--The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Olde Time Christmas Village December 11th from 3-9 pm in the Rancho San Diego Professional Center, 3855 Avocado Bl., La Mesa.

This free public event celebrates children and community. Activities include a snowman building contest, a bonfire, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday treats, sweets and more.

TOY DRIVE PARTY TONIGHT AT VIEJAS;

FIRE STATIONS ALSO ACCEPTING TOYS

“To date, we’ve hardly received any toys.” – Monica Zech
 

December 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Donations for the East County Toy & Food Drive are lagging far behind prior years, says Monica Zech, public information officer for the City of El Cajon. “To date, we’ve hardly received any toys,” she said. “I know times are tough, but we usually have individuals and civic groups donating toys by now…I hope you can help.”
 

New unwrapped toys may be dropped off at all fire stations throughout East County. In addition, the public is invited to a Holiday Toy Drive Party tonight at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge, 5000 Willow Road at Viejas Casinio in Alpine from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $20, or $10 with a new, unwrapped toy. The event includes a silent auction to benefit the East County Holiday Toy & Food Drive.

December 3, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)--The public is invited to enjoy holiday-merry making at The Water Conservation Garden’s third annual ‘Holiday in the Garden’ event. The five-acre water-saving garden will be illuminated with thousands of energy-saving lights, courtesy of SDG&E.

Alpine artist’s work celebrates Tchaikovsky’s homeland and her own Russian heritage

December 2, 2010 (Alpine) – Alpine Boulevard transforms into a winter wonderland on December 3, when the town hosts its annual Alpine Village Christmas celebration.

Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m., riding in the 15th annual Parade of Lights.  Afterwards, Santa and his helpers will light a holiday tree at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., and join in a holiday sing-along. Kids and the young in heart are also invited to stay and play in a free mountain of snow, complete with sledding.

November 29, 2010 (El Cajon)--Grossmont College Music Department will present “Jazz Night,” an evening of Grossmont College students performing a recital of various styles of jazz music, starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5, in Room 220 on the Grossmont College campus. The public is invited to attend. Also performing at the event will be Grossmont College Music Dept. co-chair Derek Cannon and Kamau Kenyatta of the Cannon/Kenyatta Project.

By Dennis Richardson

Photo by Trever Richardson

November 28, 2010 (Lakeside)--Lakeside Historical Society opens its annual Christmas Resale Shoppe on December 1st.  The  shoppe will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Christmas Eve, December 24th. 

November 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The Salvation Army Kroc Center Kroc Kids Junior Theatre Company will A Christmas Carol on December 10-12. The beloved holiday production retains its emotional power and pure joy thanks to the marvelously-told story by Ockrent and Ahrens and the powerful Menken/Ahrens score filled with beautiful melodies and emotional lyrics. Sixty youths ages 7-19 will perform.

November 24, 2010 (San Pasqual Valley)--Kiburi, a 10-day-old cheetah cub, opened his eyes today (Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010) at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Animal Care Center. He took in the world, gobbled down a bottle, played for a little while, and then went back fast asleep in the window of the nursery. 

November 20, 2010 (La Mesa)--Holiday offerings of smaller paintings priced for gifting is a tradition in the art world; many galleries feature shows entitled "Little Gems", "Holiday Miniatures Exhibit", and the like. 

Also enjoy "After the Goose" shopping specials, rides and activities in downtown El Cajon

By: Lisa Lightfoot
 

November 16, 2010 (Descanso) -- Looking for something different to do this weekend? Join local artists in Descanso for an Arts Fair this Saturday, November 20t. Enjoy some free refreshments, listen to some wonderful live music, all while doing holiday shopping as you take in the fresh mountain air along with a little backcountry hospitality.

November 12, 2010 (La Mesa) – Savor fair trade coffee while perusing products from fair-trade artisans around the world at the La Mesa Holiday Alternative Gift Fair. The event will be held on Sunday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa in the parish hall.