By Miriam Raftery

Savor stargazing, a nature scavenger hunt, community bonfire and the bounties of nature—or cozy up to watch football in the clubhouse
 

November 9, 2010 (Alpine)  Artists perform in period costumes and even guests are invited to attend in historical fashions at the Chamber Music Extravaganza on November 13 at 4 p.m. at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 1460 Midway Drive in Alpine.

October 29, 2010 (Ramona)--What could be spookier than a haunted hike in the woods?  Dos Picos CountyPark in Ramona is offering a haunted trail hike on Saturday, October 30th at 7:30 and 8 p.m.

The scary but kid-friendly trail hikes will include a moderate walk with some hills and uneven surfaces. Younger hikers must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is encouraged to bring a flashlight.

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 5, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Artwork created by faculty members of the Grossmont College Art Department will be on display through Oct. 28 at the Hyde Art Gallery, located on campus. The public is invited to view the exhibition of approximately 55 pieces from 29 different art department instructors.

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
 

October 1, 2010 (Julian) –If you’re heading up to the Julian Apple Festival this weekend, you’ll find plenty of sights to see along the way.

September 30, 2010 (Julian) -- As part of Julian’s Apple Days Centennial Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival will be held October 2nd and 3rd.  Festivities take place at Menghini Winery in the historic gold rush town of Julian, located on Highway 79 in East County's mountain region.

September 28, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants’ Association invite you to La Mesa's annual Oktoberfest celebration in the downtown Village October 1-3.  This year's event will feature 400 vendors, two beer gardens, live music, carnival rides, and an estimated 200,000 visitors.

Hours are:

East County News Service

September 29, 2010 (El Cajon) –The German American Societies presents the 39th annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon over the first two weekends of October, the 1st – 3rd and 8th – 10th, 2010. Hours of this traditional, family-friendly festival are Fridays from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturdays from noon until 10:00 PM, and Sundays from noon until 9:00 PM.

September 17, 2010 (Julian) -- The first annual Folk Music Festival will be held in historic Julian, paired with the 24th annual Julian Art Guild Show. Both events will be held on the rustic grounds of the Menghini Winery on September 25 and 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Part IV in a five-part series featuring gardens on the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association (www.gmia.net) spring garden tour.

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 14, 2010 (San Diego's East County)--Motorists can expect lane and ramp closures along east and westbound Interstate 8 from the Viejas Creek Bridge in Alpine to the Horsethief Creek undercrossing Sundays through Thursdays between 7 p.m.and 5 a.m., beginning tonight and continuing through mid November. The on- and off-ramps at Willow Road and State Route-79 (Japatul Road) will also be subject to closure, but will not be closed at the same time.

September 13, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Jeff Isaac, better known as “The Lawyer in Blue Jeans” will speak Friday, September 24 at the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Friday Sun-Up Breakfast at Cottonwood Golf Club. The TV and radio personality/attorney will provide tips on how to protect your business and personal assets.

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 12, 2010 (Sycuan) – Tina Santiago, a member of the Conshatta tribe from Louisiana, weaves a basket of willow reeds while onlookers browse her wares at the Sycuan Pow-Wow in El Cajon. “It takes about 25 hours to make this basket,” she said of a finely-crafted, finished basket priced at $250.

September 11, 2010 (Lakeside) 4:50 p.m.– California Highway Patrol has issued a SIGALERT for Willows Road at mile marker 2 in Lakeside, where traffic is backed up to the Willow Road intersection. The alert is due to a head-on collision reported around 4 p.m. At least one victim is trapped, CHP reports.