By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A comedy night fundraiser to benefit the East County Transitional Living Center in El Cajon will be presented on Saturday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Rd. in La Mesa.

East County News Service

February 4, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a jazz and soul food event at Grossmont College, an owl discovery event in Lakeside, open farm day at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a lunar new year celebration at Barona, hawk watch in Ramona, a star party at Mission Trails, a Celtic dance show in Poway, a Moxie theatre world premiere play, a Valentine’s tea in Julian, Black History month open mic night and a film showing at Grossmont College, and a mega-pet adoption at Grossmont Center in La Mesa..

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Butterfly Day, a Laurel and Hardy fan club event titled “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” a Borrego Historical tour and a living history presentation in the steps of explorer Juan Bautista de Anza.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

February 2, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Nearly every day is a great day to be outdoors when it comes to San Diego County Parks and Recreation. Are you ready for an adventure? We can help with that. Here are some ideas for the month of February at parks in East County.

East County News Service

January 29, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Baron’s backroom beer pairing, a powwow at Cuyamaca College, the Lunar New Year at Barona, and Hawk Watch in Ramona

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions just in time for Valentine’s Day including a group wedding vow renewal at Parkway Plaza, Cupids and Canines at Grossmont Center, and KISS in concert at SDSU. There are also theatrical productions, open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy, a Borrego historical tour and living history presentation on the de Anza expedition.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

January 24, 2019 (Lakeside) -- Barona Resort & Casino invites you to welcome the Lunar New Year beginning Tuesday, February 5 through Tuesday, February 19 with traditional performances, lion and dragon dancers, lucky Hong Bao, all-you-can-eat lobster, and lobster specials, Party People games, Dragon Alley bonuses as well as over $518,888 in cash giveaways. Visit www.barona.com for entertainment times, restaurant specials and other details.

East County News Service

January 16, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes an art show at the Wieghorst Museum, Hawk Watch in Ramona, a Lamplighters Theatre murder mystery play in La Mesa, bluegrass music at the Alpine library, and a beer pairing at Baron’s back room in Alpine.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a powwow at Cuyamaca College, the rock band KISS in concert at San Diego State University, and an open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

January 7, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Hawk Watch in Ramona, the American Crown Circus in Otay Ranch, an Agatha Christie whodunit presented by Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, desert hikes and bike rides, bluegrass jams, garden classes and more.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including bluegrass music at the Alpine Library, Songs for the New World at the Encore! Theatre in Spring Valley and the rock band KISS live at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Briana Gomez

Miriam Raftery, editor of East County Magazine hosted a spirited holiday party on Sunday, December 16 at her home on Mt. Helix.

In attendance at our "Feasting and Merrymaking" celebration were staff members, board members, and volunteers for the non-profit publication, as well as community members who purchased tickets to support the online magazine.

Click here for  free circus pass for children age 10 and under

East County News Service

December 19, 2018 (Oray Ranch, Chula Vista) -- American Crown Circus is bringing its Circo Osorio to the Otay Ranch Town Center January 10^th through 14^th.  A family tradition for over 90 years, the show includes aerial acrobats, trapeze flyers, illusions, a wheel of death, daredevils, creative costumes and theatrical showmanship. 

You're invited to "runaway to the circus."  The Las Vegas-based show promises spellbinding performances as aerial artists swing, acrobats tumble and artists defy the laws of gravity just inches from the audience.

East County News Service

December 7, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Picture it – a horse-pulled wagon filled with carolers young and old making its way through suburban streets as the neighbors call out Christmas greetings.  It’s the annual Hayride and Chili Dog Dinner at The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa 91942.

You're invited to our Holiday Party!

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Join East County Magazine, East County Wildfire & Eergency Alerts and the East County Dining Club at our

Feasting & Merrymaking Holiday Party

Sunday, December 16th, from 3-7 p.m.

at our editor's Mt. Helix home: 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa 91941

• Kaleidoscope Carolers

• Guitarist/vocalist Paul Nichols

• Holiday feast

• Prizes galore

• Meet the media and community VIPs

Tickets in advance: $15 and bring a dish to share ($20 at the door)

(Volunteers and staff are comped free.)

All others, please buy tickets online:

Number of Tickets

Be sure to RSVP! (619)698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org and please let us know if you’ll bring an appetizer, main dish, side dish, desert or sealed beverage

Our party is open to all East County Magazine or wildfire alert subscribers, dining club members,  their guests and our friends.  You can subscribe FREE at the top right side of our homepage.

Giveaways:  All guests will receive pass for a child 10 or under to the American Crown Circus performance in January in Chula Vista, plus free certificate for skincare dermabrasian treatment at Alvarado Skincare Institute in La Mesa. 

Raffle: Prizes include restaurant gift certificates, spa/skincare gift certificates, children's books, wine lover's basket, jewelry, hand-knitted scarves, candy and more!

Thanks to our sponsors: American Crown Circus, California Coat Credit Union, Red Lobster, Giardino, Alvarado Institute of Skin Care, Julian Wine and Chocolate, Barnes and Noble, Julian Weaving Works, Gypsy Treasures and more to come.

Invite your friends and family-the more, the merrier!

East County News Service

December 2, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The holiday season in East County has many fun and festive events coming up, including the Alpine Parade of Lights and Snow Festival, La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, Breakfast with Santa in Alpine, San Diego Festival Chorus & Orchestra’s Christmas concert, an Enchanted Village in Spring Valley, North Pole Limited train rides in Campo, outdoor ice skating at Viejas and more.

Plus, there are some non-holiday happenings this season including concerts by such stellar performers as Fleetwood Mac, LeAnn Rimes, Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando and the Kingston Trio, a radio production of It’s a Wonderful Life, and a comedy  appearance by Trevor Noah.

So scroll down for all of these events and more!

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2018 (Alpine) – Alpine resident Rhonda Lamar will be opening her home on December 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to showcase 25 decorated, themed Christmas trees – all to benefit Rady Chldren’s Hospital of San Diego.  She’s decked the halls with a popular peppermint tree, a wine tree, a monkey tree and an elf tree, among others. All guests will also be treated to apple cider and cookies.

East County News Service

November 25, 2018 (Santee) – The Santee Historical Society invites you to an old-fashioned Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 1st from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Santee Barn (9200 Magnolia, between Mast and Mission Gorge Rd.)