Four seasons to enjoy Jamul-area wildlife preserve

By Marc Arndt
http://www.sandiegohiker.net

February 10, 2011 (Jamul) -- Last summer I visited Hollenbeck Canyon for the first time, and was impressed by its unusual character. Since then, I’ve returned to enjoy the attractions in other seasons. This is not a typical coastal sage brush canyon at all, but shaded by massive coast live oaks and California sycamores with a seasonal creek running intermittently through the canyon bottom.

February 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County)--This week, we bring you some beautiful images of nature.

This egret paid a visit to Robin Kendall's home in San Carlos, wading right in to take a dip in a swimming pool in her backyard. 

By Pam Wilmers

View an aerial video of East County: http://www.facebook.com/v/1274446437632

January 28, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- With my heart beating and my curiosity rising, I lifted off from Gillespie Field in El Cajon in a single engine Cessna with pilot Bill Howell. Nothing could have prepared me for what we are about to behold on a warm and gorgeous winter morning.

January 1, 2011 (Lakeside) -- Trever Richardson took this awe-inspiring shot of sunshine on the horizon, viewed from a hiking trail at Louis Seltzer Park in Lakeside. 

Send your best photos to editor@eastcountymagazine.org!

December 23, 2010 (San Diego's East County)-- Videographer Billy Ortiz traveled to Flinn Springs Park yesterday, capturing storm-swelled headwaters of Los Coches Creek.  He spliced yesterday's shots together with some October images of areas further downstream, including a spectacular waterfall at the long forgotten Los Coches dam in Lakeside.  Then he added a soundtrack to create this one-of-a-kind music video.  Enjoy!

December 18, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- To quote a favorite carol, "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" all across East County!  Here are highlights from just some of the holiday festivities that have recently taken place in our communities.

At the Olde Time Christmas Village, sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, youngsters frolicked in snow--some for the first time.  

By Jeremy Los

December 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- The holiday season is upon us—bringing carols, crowded shopping malls and of course, Christmas lights! Several East County neighborhoods have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the holiday season with extravagant light displays for everyone to enjoy. Scroll down for descriptions, and view our map of holiday light displays in East County.

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.

December 14, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights stories of importance to East County residents published in other media.  Latest Roundup headlines include:

• Police: Dangerous gang still operating in Santee
• Sheriff's conceal weapons carry permit program upheld
• Santee's mayor says he's done being a Republican
• Iraqi Christians flee wave of targeted violence
• State sets few rules when home=school
• Water board members get healthy benefits

Feasting, frolicking, and merrymaking--ho, ho!
Plus thousands of dollars in prizes!

 Join East County Magazine at our holiday party Sunday, December 19 from 5-9 p.m. at Cafe' 67 (Highway 67 at Mapleview in Lakeside).  Enjoy feasting, frolicking, mingling and merrymaking! 

150 protesters stage rally outside, vow to file new lawsuits

View our video highlights by Billy Ortiz

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Dennis Richardson and Miriam Raftery

“Some people look out in the deserts and just see empty space. I see a gold mine there for clean energy.” – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“This is a big land grab—the taking away of our wilderness areas.” – Marion Bowles, protester

December 10, 2010 (McCain Valley) – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Kennedy’s son, Joe Kennedy, were among the leaders on hand for a symbolic groundbreaking of Sunrise Powerlink yesterday at McCain Valley in San Diego’s East County. Inside the Rough Acre Ranch (former training ground for the San Diego Chargers), the Governor praised the project as “an example to the rest of the nation.”

He then helped affix a commemorative plaque to a massive power tower top, or bridge, wider than the audience seating area. The project will have 436 towers. Afterwards, about 200 invited guests celebrated at a lavish luncheon provided by SDG&E and its parent, Sempra Energy.

December 6, 2010 (San Diego)—Brew Ha Ha, the popular comedy show featuring headline comics and rising stars, will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location near San Diego State University on Friday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. They’ve been described as a “volcano vaporizer of crazy laughter” by San Diego CityBeat and as a “rollicking success” by East County Magazine, among other thumbs-up—or should we say, funny bones-up--reviews.

December 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Santa Claus will soon be getting some exercise. Instead of riding in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, Santa will utilize pedal power as he leads over150 bicyclists in the San Diego Bicycle Club’s 23rd annual “Light up a Life” holiday toy drive on December 11th.

December 2, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- The City of Lemon Grove hosts its annual community holiday bonfire on December 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Civic Center Park, corner of Olive and Church Streets. Rain or shine, this free family-orientated event features live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, free refreshments, game booths, crafts, face painting, and more.

In addition, the Lemon Grove Historical Society will hold its traditional open house at the Parsonage Museum, 3185 Olive, and the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, both in Civic Center Park, on Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.

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.

December 2, 2010 (El Cajon) -- A crowd of nearly 150 children, parents, community members and government leaders gathered Wednesday November 17 to celebrate completion of the new “Little Rascals Rooms” youth facility constructed at the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County (BGCEC) Clubhouse in El Cajon.

November 29, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- While residents in other parts of the country are shoveling snow, and even coastal residents are contending with foggy winter days, here in East County it's been a week to savor some beautiful moments.  We hope you'll enjoy a few of the best shots captured by our readers and staff this week in East County!

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. 

This extensive array features roomfuls of new and slightly used Christmas items for sale including Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, angels, cookie jars, teddy bears, ornaments of every description and many wonderful items for decorating that you cannot find anywhere else. Scroll down for details on the inspiration behind this event, andiew a video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHvYSkLSPAo

3rd annual holiday invitational art show runs through Jan. 14

November 28, 2010 (El Cajon) – The third annual Holiday Invitational Art Exhibit, featuring 32 artists and 190 pieces of artwork on exhibit, runs through January 14 at the St. Clair Gallery in El Cajon. On Sunday, December 5, an artists’ reception will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. The event, which includes wine and cheese, is free and open to the public.

By Miriam Raftery

November 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)—One of East County’s best-kept secrets is the cornucopia of unique shops and stores in our mountain towns. From downtown Ramona to the sleepy hamlets of Wynola and Santa Ysabel, to  historic Julian and rustic Alpine, you’ll find a wealth of treasures for those on your holiday gift list—including many hand-made items unique to our region.

Here’s our guide to some of the best buys that we found:

November 24, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Enjoy a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley in downtown El Cajon!  There is no charge to ride the authentic British-style double-decker bus, which passengers can board at East Main Street and Sulzfeld Avenue, across from Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon.

The open-air bus travels its route every 15 minutes, providing a bird’s eye view of the sights, sounds, holiday lights, and merchant window displays. The ride features live Christmas carolers,  holiday decorations, and other entertainment.

By Billy Ortiz

Flume-riding was a popular East County sport in the late 1800s.  What was it like to travel via water flume from Cuyamaca to San Diego?

November 23, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – For this video adventure, I took a boat ride on El Capitan Reservoir to locate the Conejos Creek diverting dam (South Fork Feed) to the Cuyamaca Flume—once a major water source for our region. What I found was only half the dam, but still well preserved. The diverting dam is tucked away in  scenic mountains 10 miles east of downtown Lakeside, accessible by boat--or a long walk on the dizzying flume trail along the east side of El Capitan Reservoir.

My reward was breath taking, to see this part of history that was once part of the Cuyamaca Flume.

November 21, 2010 (El Cajon) -- 'Tis the Season to be jolly, and you'll find a variety of fun family holiday events, promotions, prizes, shopping, and dining specials in Downtown El Cajon. Here’s a list of holiday events, starting with “After the Goose” shopping specials today. Other upcoming events include First Fridays, Cajon Classic Cruise Parade of Lights, Festive Fridays, and Christmas on the Prescott. Plus learn how you can win prizes with a “shopper passport” from Downtown El Cajon.

The following information is provided by the El Cajon Community Development Corporation:

November 21, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort Restaurant and Sports Bar invites you , your family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving all day—and join a holiday crowd  to cheer on your favorite team while watching NFL football. The family-owned restaurant in Spring Valley will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A loaded turkey dinner plate with all the fixings plus homemade pumpkin pie costs $15.99 – one of the best bargains in town.

If you attended East County Magazine’s holiday party last year, you'll have fond memories of the scrumptious feast served up by Cali’s cooks and catering crew. We at ECM are also thankful for Cali’s for being the major sponsor of our Sports section. Please tell them thanks if you visit—and let them know you heard about them through East County Magazine!

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

November 18, 2010 (El Cajon)--The 64th Annual Mother Goose Parade presented by Cox Communications will march down Main Street in El Cajon this Sunday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m. This San Diego favorite is the largest parade in the County and the biggest of its type west of the Mississippi. The parade features over 100 colorful entries from cities throughout the United States. Spectators will be treated to a line-up of spectacular floats, marching bands, equestrians, clowns, giant helium balloons, specialty vehicles and Santa Claus.

Story, photos and video by Billy Ortiz

November 17, 2010 (Alpine)—Far off the beaten path in the back country of east San Diego County, nestled in a hidden glen, is a special rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned birds of prey. Sky Hunters is a raptor education facility geared toward public information, preservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Scroll down for details and to view our video.  

November 10, 2010 (El Cajon)--The Second Annual Jingle Paws Pet Walk and adoption event, sponsored by the ACES Foundation (Animal Center for Education and Services) and Camp Bow Wow, will be held on Saturday, December 4.  The event runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

Following a brisk 9 a.m. walk around the park, pets and their owners can enjoy Santa's Village filled with fun pet  activities, vendors, goodies, and adoptable pets--just in time for the holidays.

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 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. 

 Silpada Jewelry will be sold to raise funds for the center's work--and you can enjoy a tour of the facility to see these amazing birds up close and personal.

November 11, 2010 (Lakeside)--This Thanksgiving, Barona Resort and Casino’s chefs are preparing a delectable spread at several of their restaurants.

From the upscale Barona Steakhouse to a cornucopia of variety at the Seasons Fresh Buffet , as well as the casual ambience at Sage Café with views of Barona Creek golf course and the Barona Valley, you'll find savory holiday choices to fit every budget while enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving Meal.