By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 19, 2025 (San Diego) - Each September, as the seasons shift and leaves begin to fall, we turn our attention to a quieter but critical risk, falls among older adults. Across the nation, Fall Prevention Awareness Month reminds us that staying upright isn’t just about balance, it’s about dignity, independence, and community care.

By Miriam Raftery

August 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As summer transitions into fall, September brings seasonal events such as an Autumn Jubilee, Sycuan's Powwow, the Alley Cat Art Walk in El Cajon, Grape Stomp Festa and Apple Time Tea in Julian, Oktoberfest in El Cajon, a 911 Memorial walk in Lakeside, a roaring '20s fashion show in Lemon Grove, and Poway’s annual Rotary parade. 

Plus find end of summer music jams at Santee Lakes, theatrical productions, concerts at several locations, Santee's movie in the park, comedy at Sycuan, a health fair at Parkway Plaza, and more.

Scroll down for details on all of these fun and festive events.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies East County

Photo:  members of the Revitalize Broadway Board celebrate the one-year anniversary of its founding.  Photo by Revitalize Broadway

August 12, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- When a group of Lemon Grove residents and business owners came together last year to reimagine the city’s aging Broadway corridor, they could not have imagined how much progress would be made in such a short time. One year later, their vision has blossomed into a vibrant community movement known as Revitalize Broadway Lemon Grove. And the momentum continues to grow.

This grassroots coalition has not only helped beautify one of East County’s most neglected thoroughfares but has also made significant strides in reducing alcohol-related harm and addressing public safety through the lens of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The results are inspiring.

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Hot August nights and late summer days bring some of East County’s most iconic events. 

This month’s hot happenings include the Ramona Country Fair, San Diego Dark Sky Fest in Julian, A Gatsby-themed Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival celebrating the Mt. Helix Park’s centennial, a country music pool party at Sycuan, Santee’s summer concerts,  La Mesa’s classic car show, Julian Mountain brew fest, Macy Gray in concert at the Magnolia, Grammy Award-winning Alabama Shakes at SDSU, Julian Mountain Brew Fest, open farm days at the Oaisis Camel Dairy,  and the new Jacumbia Fest brings Afro-Columbian vibes to Jacumba Hot Springs.

Scroll down for details on these events and more.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 20, 2025 (San Diego)-- Things have been heating up lately, but in a different way. Civil unrest has become the new norm. Like any type of incident, preparedness is key.  Knowing you and your family is prepared and safe will bring peace of mind.

Here are some tips if you find yourself in the middle of civil unrest and are concerned for your safety. This is also something you can share with your community as part of your Community Risk Reduction program.

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jam-packed with summer fun, including outdoor concerts in El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee,  and Viejas. You can also cheer on Flag Day Parade, enjoy the Descanso Day Parade and  Fair, laugh along with comedian Arsenio Hall at Sycuan, learn about our region's western heritage at Campo Days, and visit Julian’s Town Square Music Festival.

You can also savor a Father’s Day barbecue in Jacumba Hot Springs or Father’s Day tours at the Ilan Lael Center in Santa Ysabel. Meet local artists at the new Artival festival in El Cajon, see birds of prey up close at Mission Trails Regional Park, watch movies in the park, stroll through classic car shows, or watch a poolside concert at Sycuan.

Scroll down for details on these sizzling summer events and more.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

May 9. 2025 (San Diego's EastCounty) -- May 2025 marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and promoting wellness. It was established in 1949 by Mental Health America. The annual observance has been pivotal in bringing mental health to the forefront of national conversations. Over the decades, it has evolved to address various aspects of mental well-being, including the relationship between mental health and substance use.

In East County, mental health and substance use are a concern. Recent data highlights the challenges faced by the community. San Diego’s youth are drinking earlier and more often than their peers statewide. That’s a troubling sign of growing risk. One in four local teens has already consumed alcohol, and nearly 1 in 10 reported recent binge drinking.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 30, 2025 (San Diego) -- April is National Distracted Driver Awareness Month. You’ve seen it and there is a good chance you’ve done it. This is a good time to read and share with others because “if you’re texting, who’s driving?

Distracted driving—your first thought may be of cell phone use, but many other circumstances can be just as distracting. For instance, a phone call may suddenly ping in on your dashboard touchscreen, you may be scanning to find your favorite song in an endless playlist, or you could even just be trying to figure out how to move the automatic seat back just one more inch.

Every single day 100 Americans are injured in distracted driving crashes. Almost 10 people die in distracted driving crashes every day.

By Miriam Raftery

April 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The merry month of May brings many special events including a trio of events at Cuyamaca College including the Coyote Music Festival, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, and a museum Arts and Crafts Fair.

Food, wine and beer lovers can savor Vintage Alpine, a Taste of Ramona,  as well the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival.  El Cajon’s Music on Main outdoor concert series returns, along with the America on Main Street festival.

There are also Mother’s Day teas in Julian, Tacos and Beer in Ramona with a Mother of the Year contest, a mountain man rendezvous in Campo, Paws in the Park in Lemon Grove, Wild in the Country to benefit exotic animal rescues in Alpine, and a mariachi concert at Sycuan.

Scroll down for details on these fun and festive happenings.

March 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas , an aerobatics competition in Borrego Springs, and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo.

This  April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt. Helix for the  Mt. Helix Park’s centennial celebration, a Taste of Lakeside, a mystery dinner theater in El Cajon, plus a winetasting festival in Ramona.

Scroll down for details on these activities and more.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

March 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory in January highlighting the cancer risks associated with even small amounts of alcohol consumption, noting that alcohol links to at least seven types of cancer. However, alcohol does not only increase the risk of cancer. Alcohol consumption has also been a topic of debate concerning its effects on heart health. Even minimal alcohol intake can elevate the risk of heart disease. For residents of East County, understanding these risks and taking proactive measures can help maintain heart health.

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

February 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- The start of a new year often brings the promise of new beginnings. For many, that includes resolutions focused on personal health and well-being, from hitting the gym to adopting healthier eating habits. In recent years, however, more and more of us have embraced a different kind of New Year’s resolution: abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. This annual challenge, known as Dry January, has gained popularity, particularly among the “Sober Curious” movement, which seeks to explore the impact of alcohol on mental and physical health. In San Diego County, it’s more than just a passing trend. It's a growing cultural shift.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

January 16, 2025 (San Diego) -- Recent brush fires in Southern California have proven January is extremely dry. But there’s a different dry in January. Dry January is an annual challenge that encourages people to give up alcohol for the entire month. It has gained widespread popularity in recent years as individuals look to kickstart their year with a focus on health, detoxification, and self-care. Originating as a campaign by Alcohol Concern in 2013, it has grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating each year.

The benefits of taking part in Dry January are far-reaching. Abstaining from alcohol for a month can help reset the body, improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and even lead to weight loss. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on one’s relationship with alcohol and assess whether drinking habits need adjustment in the long term. Whether you want to take a break from the habit or simply explore how life feels without alcohol, Dry January provides a supportive environment for positive change.