East County News Service

September 15, 2019 (El Cajon) – Grossmont High School invites all Foothillers and friends to the school's 99^th anniversary celebration and homecoming activities next weekend including:

Grossmont High School Museum open Thursday, September 19th from 4-6 p.m.

By Helen Ofield

September 13, 2019 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Historical Society will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Parsonage Museum on Sept. 21 from 2 - 4:30 p.m. in Civic Center Park between Main and Olive Streets, Lemon Grove. 

This event has been cancelled due to not enough RSVPs to meet the restaurant's minimum.  Refunds will be issued to those who purchased tickets. 

September 9, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Our next East County Dining Club event is a Mideast feast at Happy Times Mediterranean Restaurant (2441 Jamacha Rd., El Cajon in the Rancho San Diego area) on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Come savor the flavors of Iraq with authentic foods and a special musical performance by Fouad Sawa and the Peace Band performing on authentic Middle Eastern instruments. Meet the media and make new friends, plus we'll have opportunities win win prizes.

This restaurant requires us to RSVP no later than Sept. 17 - no exceptions  Early reservations are strongly recommended!

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2019 (Ramona) --- After Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) was detected in Ramona last week and the area placed under a regional quarantine, the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture has announced that it will hold a town hall at the Ramona branch library on Monday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. 

Bird owners are invited to come learn more about the disease, how to proptect your birds, methods to clean your property,  status of the outbreak, and what to expect in recovery.

East County News Service

Photo: Vegan burger, courtesy of Grossmont Center

September 6, 2019 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to taste how delicious a vegan lifestyle can be at the First Friday Night Market at Grossmont Center on Friday, October 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sponsored by Vegan San Diego, this free event gathers the most exceptional vegan vendors all in one spot so that you can savor and sip delectable plant-based food and beverages.

The Sycuan band of the Kumeyaay nation will hold its 30th annual powwow from Friday evening, September 6 through Sunday, September 8 at the Sycuan powwow ground (5577 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon). 

The event features bird singing and Native American dance competitions, drumming, Native arts and crafts vendors, foods and more.

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2019 (Mt. Helix) – The San Diego Astronomy Association will be setting up telescopes in Mt. Helix Park on September 14 starting at 6 p.m. for free astronomical viewings.  

By Miriam Raftery

August 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features Miner’s Day at the Julian Mining Company, berry picking at Julian Farm and Orchard, the Barona Pow-wow, Julian Fall Art Show, Sky Hunters in Julian, and a Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley.

Plus, we have a preview of coming events including the Sycuan Powwow, Julian Grape Stomp Festa, a “Holy Smoke” BBQ, Campo Grape Picking and Stomping Party, the Ramona Grape Stomp, fall at the Farm, a bluegrass festival in Santee, plus concerts and car shows in El Cajon.

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

By Miriam Raftery

August 26, 2019 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – As fall and cooler weather approaches, the Jacumba Hikers have released a schedule of upcoming hikes from Sept. 21 through Oct. 26. The hikes range from easy to hard to destinations that include peaks in Anza Borrego, Kitchen Creek Falls, Jacumba’s fall festival, Valley of the Moon, Devil’s Canyon and Carrizo Creek. Below is the full schedule with details, and be sure to read the group’s safety tips. 

East County News Service

August 26, 2019 (Ramona) — It’s time for stompers and swabbers to create their two-person teams to challenge brother, sister, classmates, boss, colleague or best friend to win the  title of “Ramona Grape Stomp Champion” at the third annual Ramona Grape Stomp on Saturday, September 14 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center (ROCC) from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event offers fun for the entire family—children’s activities, wine tasting, competitive and fun stomping, music, line dancing, food, and shopping. 

Join us at our exciting new event, which we hope will be the first in a series.  Come be in the know about news shakinng up East County, and meet movers and shakers in our region! Just $16 in advance ($20 at the door).

EAST COUNTY MOVERS, SHAKERS & NEWSMAKERS

Thursday, August 29

• Reception (wine & foods from local restaurants*)  5 p.m.
• Program with our newsmakers/speakers  6 p.m.
• Plus prize drawings galore, museum tours, silent auction
• Musical entertainment by  Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham

Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College

12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon

                                          (Museum entry is between the Water Conservation Garden's two driveways)

Speakers:

Jim Price, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum:  See a sneak preview of the railway’s Centennial Celebration coming up this fall , hear tales of the railroad's colorful past, and learn why it's called San Diego’s “Impossible Railway.”

Taylor O’Sullivan, Sullivan Solar Power: Sullivan’s project developer and NABCEP Certified Energy Practitioner will share info on the latest and greatest local solar trends including solar & storage technology, how to profit from new SDG&E time-of-use rates, and what residents can do to avoid missing out on the last year of a 30% federal tax credit.  Plus see a solar system on display.

Christina Whipple:  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member on fire insurance options for property owners who receive nonrenewal notices

Barry Jantz, Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine: Hear the latest updates on a controversial proposal for a sand mine on the Sweetwater River at the site of the Cottonwood Golf Course, adjacent to homes and a federal wildlife preserve, also near schools and businesses.

Historical reenactor Victor Contreras will bring to life Bonifacio Lopez, cattle “king” from the 1800s, and speak on efforts to outreach to local schools and community groups with historical reenactments as we commemorate San Diego’s 250th birthday

Miriam Raftery and Paul Kruze,  Editor and Contributing Editor, East County Magazine: Hear the latest on breaking news stories & exciting events coming up, includng the opening of the Magnolia Performing Arts Center in East County.

Prize drawings with prizes galore, a silent auction, museum tours and more!

Buy tickets:  https://www.eastcountymedia.org/east-county-moversshakers#

General Admission: $16 in advance ($20 at the door); Students: $12.

Reserve early – seating is limited!

Questions? (619)698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org

Special thanks to our event's undewriter: Sullivan Solar Power

East County News Service

August 15, 2019 (El Cajon) - August 28 at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon is set for the East County Boomers & Seniors Expo.  It is free for the public and free parking is provided.

Informational speakers and health screenings are included.

East County News Service

August 6, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features the HeART of Mt. Helix food, wine and art festival, Mary Poppins Returns at MacArthur Park in La Mesa, a star party at Mission Trails, a twilight walk at Mission Trails, Beat the Heat activities at Stelzer Park in Lakeside, DJ nights at Viejas Roller Rink in Alpine, the Captain Marvel movie August 17 at Wells Park in EL Cajon, Elvis Tribute concerts in Lemon Grove and El Cajon, Queen Nation in concert in Santee, Cajon Speedway family night and more.

Plus, we have a preview of coming events including powwows at Barona and Sycuan, a sky hunters demonstration with birds of prey in Julian, a Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley, the Campo Grape Picking and Stomping Party, and more.

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