February 8, 2014 (San Diego County) - The Canyoneers from San Diego Natural History Museum will be leading a nature walk/hike in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on Saturday, February 15^th starting at 9:00 AM to the Indian Hill area in the park. This walk/hike is rated Moderate with a boulder scramble 6 miles up to 1000 ft elevation change.

Air Group One presents a Friday Fly Days fundraiser with World War II antique aircraft and show carss on Friday, February 7^th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.at the Gillespie Field Cafe at 2015 North Marshall in El Cajon. There will be free admission and parking.

Besides the planes, visitors can expect live music, food, craft beers, and wine. Specials guests will be the Navy League and a Mystery Warbird.

February 1, 2014 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Celebrating its 100^th year, Jacumba Hot Springs in San Diego's East County has launched a Centennial website at  http://www.jacumbahotspringscentennial.org/.

The site lists upcoming festivals in this historic high desert community, plus a historical timeline, attractions and tips for visitors.  Festivals include a Blues Fest on May 3, a Healing Waters and Arts Festival on May 24, a Fall Centennial Festival on October 4, and a Feliz Navidad Christmas festival on December 6. Scroll down for more details, and visit the Centennial webpage for additional information. The site will be updated throughout the year with even more details, including a separate page for each of these unique festivals.

January 29, 2014 (Spring Valley) – February is Black History Month. To celebrate, the Spring Valley Library will hold a free community event on Saturday, February 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Entertainment will be provided by the Martin Luther King Jr. Choir and the WorldBeat Center’s drummers and dancers.  The public can also meet and greet legendary National Hockey League player Willie O’Ree.  In addition, crafts, refreshments and health screenings for all ages wil be provided.

January 2, 2014 (San Diego) – You’re invited to a star party with Mission Trails Regional Park guide and resident astronomer George Varga on Saturday, January 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Moon is past First Quarter and waxing. Jupiter will be rising in the Eastern sky. Up for viewing are The Pleiades (Seven Sisters), the Double Cluster in Perseus, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) high overhead as well as the great Orion Nebula rising in the East.

By Nadin Abbott

December 22, 2013 (East County) If you’re looking for some festive ways to ring in the New Year, you don’t have to head to the East Coast, since East County has plenty of celebrations--from New York-style parties to gourmet dinners, concerts, an art show, and more.

December 10, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland on December 13-14 during its old-fashioned Christmas in the Village. The family friendly event features horse-drawn carriages, strolling minstrels, carolers and street entertainers along La Mesa Boulevard.

Carnival rides, ponies, puppet shows, live music stages, bonfires and an outdoor market round out the traditional holiday fun.

December 4, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)--Cuyamaca College’s Annual “Winter Wonder Jam” takes stage this Friday, December 6  at 7 p.m. This event is to promote students' efforts in showcasing new local talent; the public is invited to come out and enjoy the music. These home-grown singer-songwriters will present a variety of acoustic, rock, jazz and hip hop genres

This concert takes place at the Performing Arts Theatre at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in Rancho San Diego.  The festival features four local artists performing their all-original music compositions. This event is FREE with a donation to the San Diego Food Bank and there is  plenty of free parking.

November 15, 2013 (El Cajon) – The 67^th annual Mother Goose Parade will roll out at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 24 complete with floats, marching bands, and radio personality Shotgun Tom Kelly as grand marshal.  Mother Goose Village will also be set up at the Prescott Promenade, 201 East Main Street, with fun actiivites from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The parade, a cherished East County tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, begins at the corner of Main and Magnolia in downtown El Cajon, continuing eastbound to Second Street and East Main.

November 16, 2013 (El Cajon ) -- Saturday, November 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be a day of food, crafts and entertainment for the whole family in El Cajon, where a craft fair will be held to support Rady Children’s Hospital.  Activities include bounce houses, face painting, carnival games, a Kid Zone, an on-site DJ and live band.

The location is the 900 & 1000 block of Arnele Avenue, at Lexus El Cajon, Subaru El Cajon and Mazda El Cajon.

November 14, 2013 (San Diego) -- Join Mission Trails Regional Park's resident stargazer, George Vargas, for a "star party" on Saturday November 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Meet at the far end of the Kumeyaay Campground day use parking lot, where a telescope will be available to veiw the nighttime sky. 

The moon will be one day short of being Full so it will contribute to light pollution. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and its companion M32 are well in position for viewing. Light from these two objects takes about 2.5 – 2.9 million years to reach Earth. The Double Cluster in Perseus will also be visible be in the northeastern sky.

November 8, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine branch of the San Diego County Library will be honoring our veterans on November 7 at 6 p.m., at 2130 Arnold Way, Alpine. 

The event will feature speaker Diana Saenger, author of “Mission Honored – A Dream Achieved; True stories of the Veterans on the Alpine Wall of Honor.”  A musical tribute will be performed by the East County Children’s Choir. 

November 7, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The Cameron Highlanders Pipe Band of San Diego County is having its 65th annual Tartan Ball on Nov. 16, 2013 at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. The Camerons have a long history, being one of the oldest continuously competing bands in the west coast.  The group also offers free bagpiping and drumming lessons at Helix High School every Wednesday from7 to 9 PM.

"We are always in the look out for new guests to join us for an evening of bagpiping, singing, dinner, and highland dancing," said spokesman Robert Yslas, Jr.

November 6, 2013 (El Cajon) – Exceeding expectations, the second Annual HauntFest on Main celebration, held on Friday, October 25, was deemed as an overwhelming success by City officials. The Halloween themed event drew an estimated 20,000 people to downtown El Cajon. 

Festivities were from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. with free admission.  Partygoers enjoyed live bands on multiple stages, such as: Paul Cannon, Fuzzy Rankins, Rockola, Jason Weber and Back to the Garden.  Families enjoyed the Terror Truck, the classic cars, the trick or treating booths, the movies on the giant movie screen, rides and games, pumpkin patch, craft booths, costumes, art show, and more.