September 19, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa's  Environmental Sustainability Commission is holding the fourth annual "Sustain La Mesa" Environmental Festival on Saturday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa, 91942.[Additional Info]

September 18, 2011 (El Cajon) --The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the first two weekends of October. Festivities will be held at the Societies’ headquarters at 1017 South Mollison Avenue in El Cajon.

September 15, 2011 (Alpine) – Alpine Kiwanis will host a Chili Cook-Off, along with the Show & Shine Car Show, at the Alpine Community Park this Saturday, September 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy music by the Legends, crafters, vendors, bratwurst, ice cream and more at the festivities.

The event will be held at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

September 12, 2011 (Escondido) – Get a close-up look at what fresh and local agriculture is all about from those who know it best: San Diego farmers! On Saturday, Oct. 15, six local growers will open their farms to the public for San Diego County Farm Bureau’s second annual Farm Tour Day, with guided walking tours from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

September 10, 2011 (San Diego) – This week’s blackout reminded many San Diegans of the importance of being prepared before disaster strikes. On October 7, the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties will provide training on your rights to help during a major disaster such as a wildfire or earthquake.

Tribe says “Thank You” to community

September 12, 2011 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino, a premier Southern California gaming, dining and entertainment destination, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary by offering the public a free meal at the award-winning Harvest Buffet. That’s a free meal – no strings attached – from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13.

September 9, 2011 (Escondido) -- It's time to enjoy the fruits of the harvest--along with plenty of family fun at Escondido's annual Grape Day Parade and Festival this Saturday, September 10.

The public is invited to join in festivities that include a grape stomp, free grapes, a parade, entertainment, arts and crafts, kids' activities, and food.

September 6, 2011 (San Diego) – Nile Sisters, a City Heights-based nonprofit organization specializing n helping African refugee women and their families, invites the public to the 2011 Nile Sisters Banquet. The event celebrates the organization’s ten year anniversary of serving African women in San Diego. The banquet will be held on Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7715 Draper Avenue. Tickets cost $25.

September 4, 2011 (Lakeside) -- The White Tail and New Moon families, members of a southern Cheyenne tribe, have traveled all the way from Oklahoma to Lakeside to participate in the Barona Pow-Wow.  The three day event, which concludes today, draws tribal participants from across North America.

September 2, 2011 (Lakeside)--Tribal dancers from across the United States will compete for $60,000 in prize money at the Barona Poway. The pow-wow will be held Friday, September 2 through Sunday, September 4 at the Barona Baseball Field on the Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside. 

This event, which also features Native American crafts, jewelry and food vendors, is free and open to the public.

September 1, 2011 (Descanso) -- This year, Our Lady of Light Parish will be holding its 74rd annual barbecue on September 4th. Our Lady of Light is a Catholic Church in Descanso, California, 32 miles outside of San Diego. Each year on Labor Day Sunday, people from across San Diego County converge on the little town for the Church's annual Labor Day barbecue.

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2011 (City Heights)—A shimmering dragon marched past, trailed by followers beating cymbals and carrying glow sticks. Hundreds of lanterns glowed softly against the night sky, accentuated by the streaming lights of carnival rides. I sampled Thai chicken-on-a-stick, along with fried bananas and yams—all at the third annual Lantern Festival in City Heights.

August 27, 2011 (Allied Gardens) – The public is invited to bring your blankets and low-backed chairs to enjoy a free showing of “Iron Man 2.” The “Movie at the Park” event will be held tonight starting at dusk at the Allied Gardens Recreation Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave., in the Allied Gardens area of San Diego.