November 11, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The next antique show in El Cajon will be held on Wednesday, November 14.  See great collectibles, including jewelry, photos, artwork, dolls, textiles, dishes, pottery, glassware and more! 

This  event is held the 2^nd Wednesday of every month at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at 195 East Douglas Avenue, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Parking and admission are free and you can receive one free appraisal.  Additional appraisals are just $5.00 each. For more information, or if you would like to be a vendor, please call (619) 887-8762.

November 9, 2012 (El Cajon)--On November 12,  the City of El Cajon will celebrate 100 years as a city.

Free festivities at this community celebration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown El Cajon on Rea Ave. and East Main St. between Magnolia and Claydelle Avenues. The area will be closed to traffic.

Business Mixer, Political Mixer, and Festivities Focus on Restoring American Dream

November 4, 2012 (San Diego)--Celebrate being American at a fun-filled two day festival at historic Tuna Harbor Park (700 North Harbor Drive) in San Diego, CA on November 5 and 6  from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Freedom Festival is dedicated to connecting people to resources for establishing our original values as Americans, bringing together pioneers dedicated to the promise of the “American Dream” and the prospect of growing businesses to promote the American economy and jobs.

By Mayan Avitable

October 30, 2012 -- Halloween has become a very popular holiday being celebrated in many communities for days and even weeks before October 31. Just look in the  local entertainment sections of the community newspapers and websites will confirm the many parties, carnivals, concerts, sales, and displays provided for those interested in a spooky celebration! Halloween celebrations create fear of the dead, zombies, and displays of creepy graves where ghoulish spirits return to disturb one and all.

On the other hand, Día de los Muertos, traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, honors death. The holiday is celebrated to celebrate the memories and spirits of friends and relatives who have crossed over. In the past, it was celebrated for as many as two months. The dates are observed in many Latin American countries and in the U.S. as well.

October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Get ready to rumble.  Not content with just putting on the much-anticipated eighth annual Chili Cook-Off & Western Round-Up on November 3, Soroptimist of Lemon Grove has added -- gasp! -- judges!

That's right, pals, though you, your family and friends, will still deliver The People's Choice Award -- a coup de grace bestowed only on a gifted few -- the Big Jalapeño will be announced after a trio of judges has eaten themselves into a chili-induced torpor, then retired to consider the verdict.  (Actually, they'll be in a back room with ice packs on their heads, pencils in hand, pleading for a bodyguard.)

October 26, 2012 (Borrego Springs) -- Grab the family and head out to California’s Secret Desert™, Borrego Springs, for the 47th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival.  Friends and family will gather for this three-day local tradition to enjoy the Heart of the Desert in our own backyard.  

The free festival, dedicated to the memory of Dennis Avery (1940-2012), takes place on October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and continues October 27 from 11:00 a.m.  to 10:00 p.m., and October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

October 18, 2012 (El Cajon) – HauntFest on Main is a new free event taking place in Downtown El Cajon on October 26, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.  The event will kick off a week long Centennial Celebration of the City of El Cajon that focuses on the historic downtown district.  HauntFest on Main will be a family-friendly event featuring live music from over 16 bands on multiple stages.  Performers include Eve Selis, Without Au Doubt, One Eighty and much more.

October 13, 2012 (San Diego) – East County parks have Halloween covered, from haunted hikes to safe Halloween events.  Following is a list of what’s happening around the County.

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

October 11, 2012 (Miramar Marine Corp Air Station)—This weekend’s air show at Miramar is the largest show in the continental United States, according to Lt. Col. Farnan. Visitors to the base can expect to see “more civilian and military aircraft in one place” than anywhere else.

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.