Features, Food & Fun

Features, Food & Fun

Hannah Shirley the pygmy hippo, turns 52

East County News Service
 
Nov. 20, 2025 (Ramona) -- San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrated the coming 52nd birthday of Hannah Shirley (photo, left, courtesy San Diego Humane Society), the world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus in managed care.
 
Hannah enjoyed a festive “Hungry Hungry Hippos”-themed party that included floating fruit treats and colorful decorations inspired by the beloved children’s game.
 
San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife team, which has cared for Hannah since her rescue in 2002, joined in the celebration alongside guests and supporters.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BalletCenter Studios bringing a twist on a holiday classic

"Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier" Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre
 
East County News Service
 
Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego) -- A fresh take on the magical holiday experience of The Nutcracker is coming to San Diego later this month.
 
Mission Hills-headquarterered BalletCenter Studios is presenting an enchanting new production, "Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier," for three performances at the end of November.
 
Clara & the Nutcracker is a warm-hearted tale offers a fresh perspective on the familiar holiday story, following the young orphan Clara on her journey to find the true meaning of family.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Tour de Tapas starts lunch service in downtown La Mesa

East County News Service
 
Oct. 24, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Lunch service has begun at one of downtown La Mesa's newest eating establishments.
 
Tour de Tapas, which opened last December with dinner service only, is now featuring its “Euro Small Plates & Sips” in La Mesa Village at lunch.
 
Dinner service is available 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at the restaurant at 8323 La Mesa Blvd., but lunch is also now available from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
 
The establishment also offers a Happy Hour.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Our guide to the Ramona Wine Region

By Miriam Raftery

Overview

Nestled in the foothills of San Diego’s East County, The Ramona region is nationally recognized as an American Viticultural Region (AVA). You can savor wines at over 40 tasting rooms.  

Ramona is also home to a historic downtown district with shopping, galleries and restaurants, a western museum, a camel dairy, a paint ball range, colorful murals, restaurants , and live music including a theater with concerts. There are also annual events including rodeos, a country fair, hawk watch,  an art and wine festival, and a holiday wine trail to savor.

There are also several county parks in Ramona where you can enjoy hiking trails and scenic views. Ramona’s lodging options range from resorts with golf, tennis and spa facilities to rustic cabins and camping.  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Hot Coupons