Photos: Left: Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber with East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery. Center: Slack Key Ohana. Right: Jamul Casino Manager Mary Cheeks accepts Community Benefactor Award on behalf of Chairwoman Erica Pinto; Paul Gomez speaks at presentation of Briana Gomez Award for racial and social justice.
By Miriam Raftery
October 1, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – A sell-out crowd turned out on September 25th at Jamul Casino’s “The Rooftop” venue to honor East County Magazine’s Community Champions awards recipients.
The awards, presented during a tropical-themed Party in Paradise, included winners and honorable mentions in Healthcare, Public Safety, Environmental and Wildlife Protection, and Humanitarian categories, as well as a special Community Benefactor Award for Jamul’s tribal Chairwoman Erica Pinto.
In addition, the Briana Gomez Racial and Social Justice Award (named after ECM’s multicultural journalist who lost her life in a car accident) was presented to three recipients: Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, Rev. Shane Harris with the People’s Association of Justice Advocates, and Buki Domingos, a founder of San Diego’s Racial Justice Coalition and an advocate for human trafficking survivors.
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.
October 1, 2021 (Lakeside) – Looking for some spooky thrills? The Lakeside community has a trio of spooktacular Halloween events: Trail of Terror at the Lakeside River Park, Spooky Camp-o-Ween at Lake Jennings, and Trick or Treat on Maine Avenue.
Here are the haunting details:
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September 30, 2021 (Alpine) – The beautiful gardens at Summers Past Farms (15602 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs) is the setting for the 30th annual Vintage Alpine: A Wine Experience in the Country. The event takes place on Sunday, November 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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August 21, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – The 55th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival is slated to take place October 23 and 24 at Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
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September 26, 2021 (San Diego) – The 18th annual San Diego Restaurant Week starts today and runs through October 3. This year, the 90 participating restaurants include six in East County. La Mesa’s emergence as a dining destination is evidenced in its five options: Antica Trattoria, Farmer’s Table, Oyster & Pearl Bar, Pioneer BBQ, and Smokey & the Brisket. Lemon Grove’s Giardino Neighborhood Cucina is also included. All have outdoor dining options.
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September 19, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes some thrilling and chilling October events, including Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, the Festival of Sunflowers and Bathhouse Bazaar in Jacumba Hot Springs, an Autumn Jubilee in Santa Ysabel, the new El Cajon Foodie Fest, Dinner and Flamenco dancers in Lemon Grove, the Borrego Days parade and festival, the Lakeside River Park Conservancy’s Trail of Terror titled “Curse of the French Quarter,” Trick or Treat on Maine in Lakeside, spooky campouts at Lake Jennings, and Haunt Fest on Main in downtown El Cajon.
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September 19, 2021 (La Mesa) – The 48th annual La Mesa Oktoberfest returns October 1-3 with all of the event’s traditional activities including three bier gardens, Gluckglich games, Dackeldorft Daschsund Village, a Ferris wheel, Kinder Karneval, craft fair, over 100 vendors, live music including oompah bands, dancing, traditional and international foods and more.
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September 17, 2021 (Santa Ysabel) – Fort Cross Old Timey Adventuresinvites you to their 5th annual Autumn Jubilee. The fall festivities happen Saturdays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) from Sept. 18 through Oct. 30.
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September 14, 2021 (El Cajon) – The German American Societies invite the public to celebrate Oktoberfest in El Cajon the weekends of September 24-26 and October 1-3. Festivities include Oom-Pay music by the Guggenbach-Buam from Germany, German beers, food and desserts, dancing, kids’ activities, vendors and a raffle with a round-trip flight for two to Germany as grand prize.
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September 11, 2021 (El Cajon) – You could say it’s the cat’s meow. The 10th annual Alley Cat Art Walk will showcase works of local artists on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the “arts alley” between Main Street and Rea Street in downtown El Cajon.
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September 10, 2021 (Alpine) - The Children’s Nature Retreat in Alpine is hosting its 9th annual Fundraiser Gala with ‘An Evening On Safari’ on Saturday, Sept. 18.
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You’re invited to join East County Magazine in rooftop revelry at our “Party in Paradise” on Saturday evening, September 25th where we will also present Community Champions Awards to honor outstanding community members. View list of finalists for the awards. https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/east-county-magazine-announces-finali...
The event will be held atop the beautiful new, outdoor rooftop shaded deck atop the Jamul Casino, with panoramic 360-degree views! Enjoy a VIP cocktail reception, tropical dinner, live music by Slack Key Ohana, dancing, auction, raffle, and fun galore.
Proceeds benefit East County Media, supporting East County Magazine, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts, and our Community Champions Awards.
To reserve tickets at earlybird rates, click below:
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September 10, 2021 (El Cajon) – The annual Sycuan Pow-Wow returns September 10-12. The event will take place at the pow-wow grounds next to the Sycuan Casino and will feature Native American dance competitions, Kumeyaay bird singing, peon games, and more.
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Monthly bazaar and street market also set for same datea
By Rebecca Person
September 9, 2021 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- The Festival of Sunflowers is an annual exhibit featuring the work of a handful of local artists. This year, the event hosted by Gilliam Gallery at 44555 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba Hot Springs will be held October 2 from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
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September 9, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – A gala dedication to the newly-named Treganza Heritage Park will be held October 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Parsonage Museum at 3185 Olive St, Lemon Grove.
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September 4, 2021 (Lakeside) – Since 1932, the Barona Powwow has been an event for Native American tribal members to gather. The pandemic cancelled last year’s event, but this weekend the powwow returns with the theme “Back to our roots.”
On September 4 and 5, events include gourd dancing from 2-5 p.m. supper from 5-7 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., a parade and social dancing. Activities take place at the Barona Sports Complex on the Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside.
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September 4, 2021 (Spring Valley) – Mt. Miguel High School Foundation, the nonprofit organization devoted to helping Mt. Miguel High School, is hosting Quartermania on Saturday, October 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mt. Miguel High School Multi-Cultural Event Center, 8585 Blossom Lane, Spring Valley. The cost of admission is $20; all proceeds will go toward Mt Miguel High School Special Projects.
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September 3, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society invites you to savor a gala dinner with live Flamenco dancers on Saturday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the H. Lee House courtyard, 3205 Olive in Lemon Grove. The event celebrates Treganza Heritage Park, the new name of the cultural landscape that includes H. Lee House and the Parsonage Museum.
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September 3, 2021 (El Cajon) -- Foodie Fest aims to reignite the City of El Cajon restaurant/food services industry while celebrating the community’s diversity, supporting a major local non-profit and increasing a presence in Downtown El Cajon. The event will be hosted on Saturday, October 9, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
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August 24, 2021 (Valley Center) – You’re invited to meet the new owner of Keys Creek Lavender Farm, Heidi Blanton and bid farewell to outgoing owner Alicia Wolff at an English High Tea class. Dress up, don a hat and bring flat shoes to celebrate the joy of lavender at the high tea class on Saturday, September 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. outdoors under shady pepper trees.
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August 23, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days parade, a concert to benefit the homeless in El Cajon, a concert by Fred Benedetti in Julian, and the Holy Smokes BBQ in Descanso.
Plus, we have a preview of coming attractions including our very own Party in Paradise and Community Champions Awards on September 25 in Jamul, the Monkees Farewell concert in El Cajon, Laurel and Hardy Comedy in Spring Valley, and the Borrego Days Desert Festival, as well as outdoor concerts and car shows in El Cajon plus movies in county parks all summer long.
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August 19, 2021 (Descanso) - On Sunday, September 5, Our Lady of Light Catholic Parish is back and is excited to invite all to their 84nd Deep Pit BBQ. Dubbed Holy Smoke this year because the beef is slowly smoked in a deep pit while sending up heavenly holy smoke! Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County, visitors will have a day full of fun and beautiful surroundings of Descanso.
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August 14, 2021 (Lakeside) - Get your bucking broncos ready--the 57th annual Lakeside Rodeo returnss August 27-29 at the Lakeside Rodeo Arena and Facility. The fun gets started on August 27 at 7:30 p.m. and features bull fighting, barrel racing, a rodeo clown and more.
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July 29, 2021 (Ramona) – Vineyard Grant James in Ramona invites you and your dog to celebrate “Dog Days of Summer” with a “paw-ty” on July 31 and August 1.
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July 28, 2021 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to bring the family for a three-day “Family End of Summer Palooza” hosted by Grossmont Healthcare District at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa.
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July 28, 2021 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber’s 12th annual popular “foodie” event is happening on Monday, August 30. This special evening where guests can “eat their hearts out” will be between 5-8 p.m. at the newly renovated Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley.
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July 16, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County features the return of more cherished local festivals including Pine Valley Days, the Ramona Country Fair, an End of Summer Palooza, Lakeside's Western Days Parade and a Sip of Julian. Plus find outdoor concerts and movies happening all summer long across San Diego’s inland region.
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July 27, 2021 (Lakeside) – The community of Lakeside is excited to welcome back its Annual Western Days Parade in historic downtown Lakeside on Saturday, August 28 at 9:35 a.m. The theme this year is, “Thank You, Healthcare Workers.” Lakeside resident Dr. Benjamin “Ben” Aaron, the surgeon who removed the bullet from President Reagan, will be honored as the 2021 Grand Marshal.
The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce is excited to return to a spirit of community by supporting the Rodeo, local businesses and uniting the community. “We’re so happy to see our community get back together,” stated Lakeside Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kathy Kassel. “I look forward to this treat every year, especially this year.”
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July 9, 2021 (Ramona) -- Known as the “Best Days of Summer,” the Ramona Country Fair is an event for those looking for a real, old-fashioned country fair.
The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is presenting the Ramona Country Fair from Friday, July 30 to Sunday, August 1 – and the celebration promises to be extra special—the Fair is celebrating its 50th year.
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July 8, 2021 (Julian) -- On Saturday, July 31, the Julian Chamber of Commerce will co-host the 6th Annual Sip of Julian featuring alcoholic beverages and local cuisine.
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By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
Monthly bazaar and street market also set for same datea
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service 
By Regina Elling
East County News Service
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