East County News Service

February 28, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) — California's largest tomato seedling sale is back and the Garden at Cuyamaca College is the only San Diego location this spring.   TOMATOMANIA features hundreds of heirlooms and hybrid tomato varieties, expert advice, and the accessories to grow tomatoes in your own backyard.

East County News Service

February 28, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes Run East County in El Cajon, a Queen Bee Tea in Alpine, Jungle Book for Kids, Diva, Baja Blues Brothers and Bon Jovi in concert.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Lilac Festival, the Rolando Street Fair, a Star Party in Lakeside, the Circle of Art show in Borrego Springs and more.

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

By Miriam Raftery

February 26, 2017 (Alpine) – Alpnie was once known as the honey production capital of the world.  Now here’s the buzz:  On Saturday, March 11 from 10 to 4, Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce will present the first annual Honey Festival to celebrate the region’s sweet success.

East County News Service

February 23, 2017 (Jacumba) – On Saturday,  February 25^th, the Jacumba Hikers and Walkers will hike to the top of Mt. Tule.  With an elevation of 4,647 feet, Mt. Tule has spectacular views of Carrizo Gorge and McCain Valley. 

East County News Service

Hear this week's Destination East County from our radio show on KNSJ by clicking the audio link.

February 22, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes black history celebrations in Spring Valley and Cuyamaca College.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including Jungle Book for Kids, concerts, carnival rides, a daffodil show, open house at a camel dairy, a healthcare fair and a stargazing party.

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

East County News Service

February 17, 2017 (El Cajon) - Join El Cajon as the city celebrates its 28th Annual Arbor Day ceremony and 20th year of receiving the Tree City USA award on Saturday, March 25, 8:00 a.m. at Kennedy Park (1675 East Madison Ave., El Cajon.)

East County News Service

February 16, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes Latin music at a winery, a gardening with nature program, an All That Jazz salute to local heroes, a star NFL quarterback coming to East County, and a stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including Karamu, a black history month celebration in Spring Valley, more Black history events at local colleges, Jungle Book for Kids, a Queen Bee Tea in Alpine, internationally acclaimed Gregory Page performing at Mission Trails, a healthy living fair for seniors, the annual Run East County St. Patrick’s Day half marathon, plus carnival rides and more at the Rolando Street Fair.

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

East County News Service

February 15, 2017 (Spring Valley) - You’re invited to Spring Into Healthy Living on March 15^th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the McGrath Family YMCA (12006 Campo Road) in Spring Valley. The (free) health and wellness fair for seniors will include free health screenings, speakers and information on how to avoid scams, driver safety and fire safety, and more.

East County News Service

February 12, 2017 (Borrego Springs) — The Borrego Days Desert Festival faces possible cancellation this year due to a shortage of sponsors, the Borrego Sun reports. The festival has taken place for the past 52 years as a tradition to welcome snowbirds who flock to the desert each winter with a parade and other activities. 

East County News Service

February 9, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Karamu, a celebration of  Black History Month, will be held February 25^th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the county library in Spring Valley at 836 Kempton Street from 1 to 3 p.m.  This event will include speakers, art, live entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments.

East County News Service

February 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County)  - This week’s Destination East County includes some hikes in county and state parks to chase away those winter blues, a musical gold rush event at Agua Caliente, Valentine’s celebrations and more.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including All That Jazz--A Salute to Local Heroes, Black History Month events across East County, and the Run East County St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon.

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

By Miriam Raftery

Listen now to our interviews, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link .

February  7, 2017 (Borrego Springs)—In April, the Anza-Borrego Foundation will celebrate its 50^th anniversary.  We recently interviewed Paige Rogowski, ABF’s executive director, on exciting events coming up to celebrate the occasion. In addition, we interviewed Diana Lindsay, a historian who has written extensively about Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

They shared some fascinating history with us about our desert region, and the colorful characters from the region’s past, info on the State Park, as well as the Foundation’s successes and continuing efforts to purchase and preserve privately owned lands within the largest state park in California.

East County News Service

February 7, 2017 (Lakeside) - Robin Rierdan with the Lakeside Rive Park Conservancy will lead a series of four beautiful hikes through Lakeside. The first is this Friday, February 10^th along the Flume Trail in El Monte Valley.  Space is limited and registration is required by Thursday. Register here.

You can meet the alpacas at an open house Feb. 11

By Mimi Pollack

Photos by Mimi Pollack and Dan Harrison

February 3, 2017 (Descanso) -- “David is a unicorn,” says Amy Alyeshmerni, referring to David Kabbai, her partner of six years in life, love, and business. ”Here is a man who owns a ranch, loves animals, and wants us to spend every other Friday with his mother for Shabbat dinner. How unusual is that? I am very lucky!”  

Listen to Destination East County by clicking the audio link.

East County News Service

February 1, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a powwow, a jazz piano concert, a guitar and mandolin duo at a winery, and a British farce onstage.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Celtic music concert, Cupids and Canines, Dining and Dancing with your Valentine, a production of To Kill a Mockingbird, and quarterback Marlin Briscoe at Grossmont College in honor of Black History Month.

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