October 15, 2009 – It’s time to round up the family and head ‘em on out to one of East County’s most unique events—the annual Western Heritage Days Vaquero Festival in Descanso.

The all-day event Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, hearkens back to the days of Spanish California and our early rancheros heritage. The popular event also includes some new twists, however—notably the Extreme Cowboy Race.

October 13, 2009 (San Diego) -- The Center for Social Advocacy in El Cajon presents “Homeless in our Community, Homeless on our Border”, a free community awareness event on November 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the San Diego Women’s Club, 2557 Third Ave., San Diego. Keynote speaker John Carlos Frey, award-winning director of The Invisible Chapel, willlscreen his film.

Public invited to participate – or sponsor a  military member or veteran

October 11, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament tees off this Friday at the newly-renovates Lakes course at Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego. “We expect a perfect autumn day, “ said chamber president Valerie Harrison, who seeks additional sponsors to honor military heroes and enable more to participate, including wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. “It is heartwarming to see the players really kick-back and just enjoy a fun day,” she added.

 Lunch will be provided by The Press Box Lounge and Sports Bar. The event also includes a dinner reception catered by Outback Steakhouse of El Cajon. Guests can also enjoy contests, dancing after dinner to the music of D.J. Eric Lund, special speakers, raffle drawings for prizes, and a silent auction.

By Miriam Raftery

October 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie and Jennifer Anniston celebrity impersonators join a “Tribute to the Stars” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center to benefit the Mother Goose Parade. Other special appearances include tribute artists for Gwen Stefani, the music of No Doubt, “Twilight” movie stars, and Johnny Depp tribute artist “Cap’n Jack” Sam Sparrow.

The public is invited to join in the fun for $15 a person, $40 for a family four-pack--or splurge on a $45 rock star limo package that includes a celebrity red carpet welcome--complete with paparazzi to commemorate your arrival.

October 7, 2009 (La Mesa) – The big beer garden filled to capacity on Friday and Saturday night, when party-goers from around San Diego County gathered in downtown La Mesa to celebrate La Mesa’s Oktoberfest. Entertainment ranged from polka dancing to a rock-and-roll band, plus perennial favorites such as the beer stein hoisting contest (photo, left). La Mesa Police estimate that more than 200,000 people flocked to the three-day event.

Celebrate Borrego Springs' "Starry Starry Nights" and International Dark-Sky Community designation!

October 7, 2009 – You’re bound to feel star struck at the Galactic Gala honoring Dennis Mammana, Borrego Springs’ celebrity astronomer and Borrego Days Parade Grand Marshal. The event will be held on Thursday, October 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Anza Borrego Desert State Park Visitors Bureau; RSVPs are requested by October 9.
 

A highlight of the evening will be an astronomy program titled “Stroll along the Milky Way” with honored guest Dennis Mammana.

Thousands enjoyed free concert, car show and kids fun zone

Story and Photos by Leon Thompson

Viejas (September 26, 2009) Thousands of enthusiastic rock music fans of all ages convened in the parking lot of Viejas Casino to hear a free concert co-sponsored by radio station Magic 92.5 on Saturday, October 3. The event, new this year, was clearly a success—as evidenced by a line of cars backed up to the freeway exit by mid-afternoon.

The event featured attractions for the whole family including free rides in the fun zone for the young and young at heart, a vintage and custom car show. A troop of young spray-can outlaws fascinated the crowd by transforming a blank wall into living art that seemed to jump from the wall. (The artists, who declined to have their faces photographed, honed their skills from years of practice in places not so welcoming as here.)

September 30,2009 (La Mesa) – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, more than 200,000 people are expected to flock to downtown La Mesa for one of East County’s biggest annual celebrations: La Mesa 36th Annual Oktoberfest. This year, watch for some new attractions—and the return of an old favorite.

By popular demand, the big beer garden is back—along with traditional German foods and music including a Bavarian band the Gemutlichkeit Dancers. But there are also some changes—including Sunday afternoon rock and roll music by the Heroes, one of San Diego’s most popular rock groups, plus new food options ranging from shaved ice to hamburgers.

September 24, 2009 (Alpine) – Radio station “Magic” 92.5 is hosting a free block party featuring live entertainment by stars including Teena Marie, Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb, Siren’s Crush and Rising Star. Other activities will include a car show, jumpies for children, crafts, foods, shopping and the Viejas interactive fountain.

Julian (September 18, 2009 ) -- A decades old Julian tradition returns when the gates open on September 19th and 20th to the 39th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival. Sponsored and presented by the Julian Lions Club at Frank Lane Park, the annual event is the oldest bluegrass festival in California and this year’s edition boasts one of its strongest line-ups.

September 14, 2009 (La Mesa) -- You're invited to join a few friends--200,000 or so--in the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in the Western United States.  Festivities extend through six blocks in the La Mesa Village area of downtown La Mesa, featuring three beer gardens and more than 300 vendors.

September 11, 2009 (Ramona)--Tne Ramona Airport hosts its annual open house on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event features tours of the airport, Cal-Fire Air Attack Base, and control tower. Also on display are the Sheriff’s Copter 10 and Mercy Air helicopters, along with other aircraft including World War II-era Classic Warbirds.

September 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—This Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a fun-filled month of festivals and other fantastic events in San Diego’s East County. Here’s our guide to the year’s most diverse array yet of unique and mostly free or low –cost activities.

Discounts for pre-reservation--RSVP now!

WIN PRIZES:  A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more!

August 13, 2009 (San Diego) --  Bring your rafts for the pool or beach chairs for the deck, then head on over to the Allied Gardens Pool for a "dive-in" movie this Saturday night, August 14th.  Showtime for a viewing of Shark Tail starts at 7:45 p.m.