Oct 11, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Halloween just got more frightening in the East County and it's happening at Cottonwood Golf Club with a "Scary Maze.” "Scary Maze" will frighten and entertain people of all ages beginning Friday, October 19 and continuing on Fridays and weekends through October 28.

The 10,000 square foot maze will be built on Cottonwood Golf Club's driving range. Stacked bales of hay and the design will provide a frightening challenge to find the exit. "We are taking the term "dead end" literally," said Henry Gamboa, Cottonwood Golf Club's Principal Owner.  He added, "There's a reason we are using the word "scary" to describe the maze and visitors will discover why as they try to make their way out."

October 6, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society is holding its annual October Autumn Tea at the historic H. Lee House on October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The Lee House is located at 3205 Olive in Lemon Grove.

The cost to attend is $23 per person and is first come, first served.  The seating is limited to 30.  For more information contact 619-460-4353 or lghistorical@gmail.com.

By Rebecca J. Williamson

October 6, 2012 (El Cajon)--El Cajon, indeed, will have chickens in their town – not just in ovens---but on hats! Where?  Oktoberfest -- held this weekend at the German-American Societies of San Diego, Inc. facility on South Mollison.

October 5, 2012 (San Diego) -- Mid-October is Homecoming week for San Diego State University. This year’s homecoming theme is “Paint the Town Red”--something the Honorary Chair and Grand Marshall for the festivities – The Show – knows all about!

SDSU will host several events starting Sunday, Oct. 7 and leading up to the homecoming football game against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012 at 3:45 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

October 5, 2012 (Valley Center) – Feast your eyes on the delicacies to be served up Saturday, October 6 at 2 p.m. during an English High Tea at Keys Lavendar Farm in Valley Center.  Savor vanilla scones with Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves,  Chicken Herbs de Provence and more while sipping on a variety of fruit blend and black teas—and of course, lavender tea.  See full menu.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm is located at 12460 Keys Creek Road in Valley Center, CA 92082.  For reservations call 760-742-0523 or email events@kclfarm.com 

If you can't attend, you can order products here.

September 27, 2012 (El Cajon) -- For fans of Oktoberfest in El Cajon, festivities will run September 28, 29 and 30, and again October 5, 6 and 7 at 1017 S. Mollison Avenue. Come and enjoy authentic German food and a variety of German pastries.

September 27, 2012 (Palomar) -- Did you know that Palomar Mountain State Park is made up of pioneer homesteads that included magnificent apple orchards still producing delicious apples to this day? On Sunday, October 21 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. you’re invited to join in a celebration of  the Park's apple heritage with fresh apples picked from the park's 100 year old orchards, apple dishes, live music, cider, arts and crafts for kids, prizes and living history volunteers /re-enactors.

Guests are welcome to bring their own homemade apple dish-- and come dressed in 19th century homestead period attire. Admission is free to this second annual celebration.

September 22, 2012 (Alpine) – The annual Alpine Viejas Western Days Parade will be September 30 at 2 p.m. beginning at 2955 Alpine Blvd., Alpine (Albertsons).  The event includes a craft fair and car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The real Wells Fargo Stagecoach will be on display.  A rock-climbing wall and children's bounce house will also be available.  Enjoy live music and family fun at this event coordinated by the Alpine Stagecoach Lions. 

Please join us this evening to enjoy some cheer and help fund live reporting of wildfires and other hot news in East County! We now have THOUSANDS of dollars in great prizes!

Join us Wed. Sept. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at El Cajon Brewing Co. for beer-tasting, great food, live music by Charlie Rae (she's opened for Sheryl Crow and other stars), tons of prizes, hot cars from Carrera Coachwerks and more during El Cajon's Classic Cruises' season finale.   

First 100 guests get a $10 voucher for FREE FOOD OR BEER!

Over 1,000 children anticipated to attend with their families

Grossmont Healthcare District and the City of La Mesa will present Kids Care Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa.

Kids Care Fest is a free, family-oriented event featuring free health care screenings open to the public. Over 1,000 children under age 12 are expected to receive free, potentially life-saving health care screenings including hearing, vision and dental from healthcare professionals at 50 exhibit booths. Free medical information from pediatricians, dermatologists and pharmacists will also be available, as well as flu shots.

More free hands-on activities will include arts and crafts, water safety, astro jumps and pony rides, demonstrations and displays from police and fire officials--plus giveaways and more.

September 18, 2012 (San Diego) – The 2^nd Annual Adams Avenue Beer Taste is being held in conjunction with the Adams Avenue Street Fair on September 29.  There will be over 15 brewers in attendance, with more than 30 beers to sample.

Find inspiration, savor a fresh foods buffet, and learn the latest in sustainability

By Walt Meyer

September 16, 2012 (Lakeside)--At Heartland Coalition/UnitedGREEN's  Forging a Sustainable Future event at San Diego State University in March, keynote speaker Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared the importance of changing how we all live in light of the global climate crisis. But as has been said many times, all global change starts with local action--and there has never been a better time to take steps for real change. Toward that end, Heartland Coalition’s UnitedGREEN division is producing a series of customized Forging a Sustainable Future Solutions events to advance its mission of transforming the San Diego region.

The first FSFS event will be “Living Green at Blue Sky Ranch” on September 29 from 3-6:30 p.m. Exhibits and experts will explain permaculture, wildfire protection, Community Supported Agriculture, grey water, water catchment, organic farming and gardening, and other aspects of this self-sustaining community in Lakeside. The aim is to encourage others to emulate techniques used at Blue Sky Ranch (BSR) and invite people to showcase their innovations on the property. Early bird rates of $20 have been extended; at the door rates are $35/person or $60/couple.

September 14, 2012 (Julian)--For the 43rd year, Julian celebrates the end of summer with music.  The Julian Music Festival will be held on September 15 from 12 noon to 9 p.m. This year brings a change in location to the Menghini Winery.

Originally this festival was a banjo fiddle competition, and more recently known as the Julian Bluegrass Festival.  Now in its 40th year, the Festival expands to offer not only bluegrass, but an Americana mix of Western ballads and classic folk music. This year, an evening dance under the stars from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. is also new--so bring your dancing shoes and plan to kick up your heels.

September 11, 2012 (Santee) -- Don’t pass up a chance to relax on a bale of hay under the soft glow of moonlight with live bluegrass music playing in the background.

Santee is offering adults a chance to have a great night out with gourmet food and spirits while simultaneously supporting the local teen center at the recession-busting price of $35 per person.