November 10, 2010 (El Cajon)--The Second Annual Jingle Paws Pet Walk and adoption event, sponsored by the ACES Foundation (Animal Center for Education and Services) and Camp Bow Wow, will be held on Saturday, December 4.  The event runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

Following a brisk 9 a.m. walk around the park, pets and their owners can enjoy Santa's Village filled with fun pet  activities, vendors, goodies, and adoptable pets--just in time for the holidays.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2010 (Escondido)--Knights and knaves, wizards and wenches, pirates and peasants strolled the grounds at Felicita Park in Escondido, where the Renaissance Faire was held on November 6th and 7th.

Thousands of people turned out for this festive annual event, including many community members clad in medieval and Renaissance-era attire.

November 13, 2010 (Alpine) - The public is invited to help support birds of prey at Sky Hunters, an Alpine-based center that takes in injured birds of prey, nurses them back to health and reintroduced them into the wild. 

Water-wise, fire-wise and cool-season gardening resources available

November 8, 2010 (Flinn Springs) – Summers Past Herb Farm invites you to a holiday open house on Thursday, November 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.

November 6, 2010 (Borrego Springs) -- Dennis Mammana, famed astronomer, night-sky photographer and syndicated columnist, will offer a series of classes in stargazing in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Courses range from the basics of star map reading to tips on watching the upcoming Geminoid Meteor Shower. An overnight camping trip is also planned.

Scroll down for a complete list of classes.

November 5, 2010 (Santee) – The Sheriff’s Santee Station and Santee Fire Department invite you to the 12th annual Santee Pancake Breakfast this Saturday at Fire Station #4, 8950 Cottonwood (corner of Mission Gorge and Cottonwood) this Friday and Saturday, November 5th and 6th.

Money raised from the breakfast will be split. The Sheriff’s Santee Station will use its half to help families in need through the nonprofit “Spirit of Giving” organization. The Fire Department will buy automated external defibrillators for Santee schools, community centers and churches.

October 29, 2010 (Ramona)--What could be spookier than a haunted hike in the woods?  Dos Picos CountyPark in Ramona is offering a haunted trail hike on Saturday, October 30th at 7:30 and 8 p.m.

The scary but kid-friendly trail hikes will include a moderate walk with some hills and uneven surfaces. Younger hikers must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is encouraged to bring a flashlight.

October 28, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce invites the public to a “Pancakes & Politics” breakfast on October 29th from 7:30-9 a.m. at Press Box Sport Lounge & Restaurant, 2990 Jamacha Road in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.

Congressman Duncan Hunter and his opponent, Ray Lutz, are both confirmed.  So are many other candidates, from state Assembly to fire board.  

Mall-wide trick- or-treating, “Scare Away Hunger” with San Diego Food Bank, and a dance performance of “Thriller” by St. Madeleine Sophie Center students

Kamps Propane makes challenge donation to raise funds for veterans’ Wall of Honor

October 9, 2010 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers and Bears invites you to come spend a “wild and ghoulish night in the country” with Raja, Bakari, Conga and other wild creatures at this big cat rescue facility in Alpine October 29-30. Camp-outs sell out quickly, so call to reserve space at (619)659-8078.

Halloween event includes prizes for runners with best costumes

October 21, 2010 (El Cajon) – Up to 3,000 participants are expected to take part in a 5K “Mud Run” on October 31st. The charity fundraiser  takes off at Skyline Church, 11330 in La Mesa, raising money to benefit children’s programs with Sonshinehaven.org, programs offered by Skyline Sports, and Rescue Task Force, a world relief organization.

October 21, 2010 (Alpine) – Viejas Outlet Center is once again offering a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.  Stores will welcome little ghosts, goblins and parents to participate in this free family event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 31.

October 20, 2010 (San Diego) -- The American Society of Interior Designers’ self-guided Kitchen Tour, set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase nine  remodeled kitchens in San Diego County designed by some of the top designers in the region.

Tour sites include three in San Diego's inland regions (La Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Poway), as well as San Diego, La Jolla, Carlsbad and Vista.