November  12, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Two local artists from La Mesa  are organizing an East County Art Festival. 
 

November 13, 2010 (Alpine) - The public is invited to help support birds of prey at Sky Hunters, an Alpine-based center that takes in injured birds of prey, nurses them back to health and reintroduced them into the wild. 

November 10, 2010 (El Cajon)—You’re invited to begin the holiday season with the warmth of friendship at Friends of East County Arts’ Annual Holiday Tea on Thursday December 9 the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Avenue, El Cajon, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

This year’s event promises participants a stimulating afternoon of delicious tea and sandwiches, entertainment, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Entertainment will be provided by rising new vocalists Jody Bagley and Christy Phares, with accompaniment by Sally Brumfield.

by Cindy Douglas

Cindy Douglas, a certified raw foods educator from Whole Raw Food Now (www.wholerawfoodnow.com), will host a free workshop on raw foods November 13 from 1-3 p.m. in Alpine.  The even will feature cooking tips, the latest science, and free smoothie samples.

Viejas Outlets Center transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating, Midnight Madness shopping, holiday tree lighting and more
 

November 4, 2010 (Escondido) – Visit Falconbridge Village for a trip back in time to merry old England at this weekend’s Renaissance Faire and Fall Festival in Felicita Park, Escondido. Enjoy period music, jousting, pageanty, Shakespearean theater and reenactors representing Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court. Vendors, children’s activities and continuous entertainment are also slated.

October 28, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce invites the public to a “Pancakes & Politics” breakfast on October 29th from 7:30-9 a.m. at Press Box Sport Lounge & Restaurant, 2990 Jamacha Road in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.

Congressman Duncan Hunter and his opponent, Ray Lutz, are both confirmed.  So are many other candidates, from state Assembly to fire board.  

October 9, 2010 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers and Bears invites you to come spend a “wild and ghoulish night in the country” with Raja, Bakari, Conga and other wild creatures at this big cat rescue facility in Alpine October 29-30. Camp-outs sell out quickly, so call to reserve space at (619)659-8078.

October 20, 2010 (San Diego) -- The American Society of Interior Designers’ self-guided Kitchen Tour, set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase nine  remodeled kitchens in San Diego County designed by some of the top designers in the region.

Tour sites include three in San Diego's inland regions (La Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Poway), as well as San Diego, La Jolla, Carlsbad and Vista.  

October 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – A pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animal exhibit, draft horse-drawn hay ride, and mobile video game truck are among the attractions at the Alpine Education Foundation’s Fall Festival at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Old Highway 80 in El Cajon.

October 15, 2010 (Spring Valley) – The first annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival will be hosted this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. In front of Cali Comfort  Restaurant & Sports Bar. Troy Street will be closed down between Bancroft and Central avenues for the event, which includes BBQ samples, family activities, a children’s fun zone, street vendors, and more.

October 14, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The Foothills Bar Association invites the public to a Judicial Candidates Forum on Thursday, October 14th at 12 p.m. at the BJ’s Restaurant in Grossmont Center. Attorney Jim Miller and Deputy District Attorney Richard Monroy both seek the seat currently held by the Hon. Robert C. Coates, who is retiring soon. This is the only scheduled meeting where both candidates will be present.

The public is welcome to come meet the candidates and ask them questions. There is no charge, however guests are encouraged to purchase lunch.

October 8, 2010 (San Pasqual) – Orfila Vineyards presents “Concert in the Vines” on October17 from 6:30 to 8:30. The concert features the Spirit Wind jazz ensemble with international artist Adrienne Nims.

Tickets for the outdoor concert on a pavilion overlooking the vineyards cost $20 each (or $15 for Orfila Wine Lovers – OWL – members) and include a glass of wine.