June 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, San Diego County La Mesa Branch Library, Readers Inc., and Friends of the La Mesa Library, will co-host Reading in the Park on Sat., June 18 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at CollierPark, 4401 Palm Avenue, La Mesa.  

Hear children’s book authors give theatrical readings of their works and explain how their stories are created. Visit the craft table where kids can decorate a bookmark to take home. Everyone in the family can bring a gently used book to the event’s book exchange table and take home a fun new read. Guests can also sign up for La Mesa Library’s Summer Reading Program.

Tea, Cakes and Frivolity Planned 

June 10, 2011 (Julian)--Residents throughout San Diego County are invited to attend the Julian Woman’s Club Apple Blossom Tea today. The annual event, attended by people of all ages, offers a formal English tea serving with sandwiches and sweet pastries. The event also includes opportunities to win themed gift baskets.

June 6, 2011 (Flinn Springs) – The South of France is famed for its lavender fields. Yet many local residents don’t realize that lavender is grown right here in East County.

June 4, 2011 (La Mesa) -- This summer the City of La Mesa is offering fun, safe, and FREE outdoor family activities including the Chipotle “Sundays at Six” Summer Concert Series each Sunday in June and July at Harry Griffith Park. In addition, the city hosts a popular outdoor movie night July 29 at La Mesita Park plus a special "dive-in" showing at the La Mesa pool July 15.

June 3, 2011 (El Cajon) --The concerts on the Prescott Promenade, located at 201 E. Main Street will be offered on Fridays through September 30th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Enjoy great music with no admission charge! Concerts are presented by the El Cajon Community Development Corporation and the downtown business district, and sponsored by Sycuan Casino and Taylor Guitars. 

June 2, 2011 (Spring Valley) – The National Cat Protection Society invites you to its 43rd anniversary party. Tour includes kitten center, adult cat areas and retirement homes—enriched with a wall-to-wall overhead walkway, ramps, lifeguard tower,  island, volcano, pressure-controlled heating pads, scratching posts, and “Retirement Bay."

June 2, 2011 (El Cajon) -- For the first time ever, historical characters in period costumes will present awards to winning essay writers at the El Cajon Historical Society's 30^th annual Third Grade Essay Contest in El Cajon!  The award program is Monday, June 6^th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Avenue.  Winning third grade students will receive trophies and cash.

June 1, 2011 (El Cajon)--Andrew Woodruff, author of The First Comprehensive San Diego Banknote Census, will share his knowledge of the history of banking and local banknotes on Friday, June 3, from 6:00 to 7:30. This is the fifth in a “Salon Series” of open houses at the Knox House Museum, offered by the El Cajon Historical Society in cooperation with El Cajon’s Community Development Corporation’s “First Friday” program. The series features speakers and musicians with unique talents and expertise to encourage conversations and discussions with members of the community.

Park Plans First Community Celebration, Opens Bayshore Bikeway Link

 May 28, 2011 (Otay Valley) --Otay Valley Regional Park will host its first-ever parkwide community event and open the long-awaited link between the park’s 8-mile trail system and the 26-mile Bayshore Bikeway on June 4th, National Trails Day.

The first-annual “Discover Otay Valley Regional Park,” will feature activities at seven different areas of Western Otay Valley Regional Park, a 2,000-acre open space in San Diego and Chula Vista with 8.2 miles of trails.

May 26, 2011 (San Diego County) --The region’s largest free outdoor summer movies series returns this year with more locations and more great family films than ever before. The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the cities of San Diego, National City, La Mesa, San Marcos, Oceanside, Poway and Lemon Grove and the U.S.S. Midway to expand the Summer Movies in the Park series.

May 26, 2011 (El Cajon)--Cajon Classic Cruise Car Show will feature Funny Car Frenzy on Wednesday, June 1st. The public is invited to enjoy classic cars, restaurants, street vendors, raffles, live entertainment, and awards for the top cars.

Festivities and Thank You Lunch Follow Trail Projects at Los Peñasquitos June 4

May 24, 2011 (Los Penasquitos) -- The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation invites the public to celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve by pitching in on morning trail improvements, then enjoying lunch and live entertainment.

May 20, 2011 (Mt. Helix) – The East County Youth Symphony will present a free concert at the Mt. Helix Park ampitheater on Sunday, May 22 at 4 p.m. An 85 piece orchestra will play a trumpet concerto followed by pops music.

MISSION HONORED: DREAM ACHIEVED

A Community Celebration for the Dedication of the Veterans Wall of Honor

May 18, 2011 (Alpine) -- Fernando Gonzalez volunteered to be the general contractor for the Veterans Wall of Honor, and couldn't be happier with the results. "This is a beautiful symbol of respect and honor for those who have sacrificed for our country in the armed services. The vision is perfect ,the commitment of the community is fantastic, and I am so proud to contribute a small part. It's my best project ever!"

The wall of honor will be dedicated on May 30, 2011 at the Alpine Community Center.

May 12, 2011 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers and Bears is holding its "Wild in the Country" fundraiser on Saturday May 21, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

"There will be several incredible live auction items, including trips to Hawaii, Banff, Canada, a polar bear expedition and more!" a press release from LTB states. The organization is is also partnering with two entertainers - the  band Haute Chile and the dancers of Dance Masters.  Phil's BBQ is catering this event. 

"Phil's has been providing amazing food to the San Diego area for years and is always a big hit," LTB's release states. "Hope you'll come to this event to support animals and help raise awareness for the plight of captive big cats."