May 26, 2011 (San Diego County) --The region’s largest free outdoor summer movies series returns this year with more locations and more great family films than ever before. The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation has teamed up with the cities of San Diego, National City, La Mesa, San Marcos, Oceanside, Poway and Lemon Grove and the U.S.S. Midway to expand the Summer Movies in the Park series.

May 26, 2011 (El Cajon)--Cajon Classic Cruise Car Show will feature Funny Car Frenzy on Wednesday, June 1st. The public is invited to enjoy classic cars, restaurants, street vendors, raffles, live entertainment, and awards for the top cars.

Festivities and Thank You Lunch Follow Trail Projects at Los Peñasquitos June 4

May 24, 2011 (Los Penasquitos) -- The San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation invites the public to celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve by pitching in on morning trail improvements, then enjoying lunch and live entertainment.

May 20, 2011 (Mt. Helix) – The East County Youth Symphony will present a free concert at the Mt. Helix Park ampitheater on Sunday, May 22 at 4 p.m. An 85 piece orchestra will play a trumpet concerto followed by pops music.

MISSION HONORED: DREAM ACHIEVED

A Community Celebration for the Dedication of the Veterans Wall of Honor

May 18, 2011 (Alpine) -- Fernando Gonzalez volunteered to be the general contractor for the Veterans Wall of Honor, and couldn't be happier with the results. "This is a beautiful symbol of respect and honor for those who have sacrificed for our country in the armed services. The vision is perfect ,the commitment of the community is fantastic, and I am so proud to contribute a small part. It's my best project ever!"

The wall of honor will be dedicated on May 30, 2011 at the Alpine Community Center.

May 12, 2011 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers and Bears is holding its "Wild in the Country" fundraiser on Saturday May 21, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

"There will be several incredible live auction items, including trips to Hawaii, Banff, Canada, a polar bear expedition and more!" a press release from LTB states. The organization is is also partnering with two entertainers - the  band Haute Chile and the dancers of Dance Masters.  Phil's BBQ is catering this event. 

"Phil's has been providing amazing food to the San Diego area for years and is always a big hit," LTB's release states. "Hope you'll come to this event to support animals and help raise awareness for the plight of captive big cats." 

May 10, 2011 (Santee) --The West Hills High School Foundation is hosting a Stand Up Comedy fundraising event Saturday,  May 14th at West Hills High's Bob Guess Theatre in Santee.  The doors open at 6:15 and the show starts promptly at 7:00.   Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.  Headliner and alumni Dat Phan will be performing with a variety of other comedians.  Dat was the season 1 winner of NBC's hit show, "Last Comic Standing."

Advanced tickets can be purchased at Al's Sport Shop in Santee or online at www.WHHSFoundation.org

May 9, 2011 (El Cajon) -- If you haven’t been yet, don't miss the next monthly antique show in El Cajon on Wednesday, May 11th!  See all the great collectibles, including jewelry, photos, artwork, dolls, textiles, dishes, pottery, and glassware.

This event is held the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at 195 East Douglas Avenue, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

May 6, 2011 (Lake Murray) --  The Lake Murray 4th of July Music Fest Bake Sale will be held this Saturday, May 7th.   Each year the Music Fest committee budget runs short, so we are starting early to give them a fund-raising boost.  Most of us look forward to watching the fireworks from our favorite viewing point above Lake Murray, so let's work together to ensure it's success again this year. Everyone can do their part by donating a baked goodie and/or stopping by our booth to support the cause.  The bake sale will be held at the corner of Del Cerro Blvd. and Marne Ave. (across from the Chevron). 

May 6, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Looking for an unusual and sure-to-please place to take your Mom for Mother's Day?  East County Magazine has compiled our list of top Mother's Day events in East County.  If you know of one we missed, please post in the comments section below!

San Diego River Park Foundation announces a series of events to raise funds for establishing trails, parks, gardens and visitor centers along the 52-mile-long San Diego River. The events include San Diego Days, San Diego RiverFest, and a Healthy River Run.

San Diego River Days May 7-8 and 14-15 offer community events along the 52-mile San Diego River from the mountains near Julian to Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach. Activities include bike rides, cleanups, mountain hikes, planting along the river, educational venues, along with nature and history walks. At the conclusion of River Days on May 15, the San Diego River Park Foundation and more than 50 organizations of the San Diego River Coalition join together with families from throughout the county for RiverFest.

May 4, 2011 (El Cajon)--Concerts on the Green, downtown El Cajon’s free weekly Friday night summer music series, opens this Friday, May 6, 2011. Chosen one of San Diego Magazine’s Top 10 outdoor music venues, Concerts on the Green at Prescott Promenade Park feature musicians performing from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Opening night of 2011 features San Diego’s favorites - the Mar Dels – to rock your socks off.

Thanks to all who made our SummerFest a sizzling success!

Over 300 community members who attended, dozens of sponsors, a legion of loyal volunteers, the talented Chefs de Cuisine,  Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation for hosting our event at their beautiful facility, and our VIP guests including two members of Congress.

All proceeds benefit East County Magazine's nonprofit community news reporting and wildfire/emergency alerts to keep our reader safe and informed.

Thanks to our generous sponsors:

Chefs de Cuisine, Mission Trails, East County Magazine, Holiday Inn on the Bay, Julian Meadows Inn, Sycuan Resort, Golden Artistry, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Main Street 5 Gallery, Sportsplex, Heritage of the Americas Museum, Crunch Fitness, Lemon Grove Historical Society, Gio Bistro Wine Bar, Golden Artistry, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, Elephant & Castle, Nights of the Sound Table, Lions, Tigers & Bears, Dube Vineyards, San Pasqual Winery, Gloriosa Vineyards, La Serenissima Vineyards, Mangio Bene, Sea World, San Miguel Fire, John Hammerstand flight instructor, Olaf Wieghorst Gallery, artists Gloria Chadwick, Abigail Migala, and Denise Strahm.

April 28, 2011 (La Mesa) – At All Things Bright and British, a La Mesa shop specializing in British goods from scones to fine china, new owner Bill Jaynes invites the public to a week-long “Changing of the Guard” celebration. Festivities begin on Friday, April 29—just in time for the royal wedding of Prince William of Wales and his bride, Catherine Middleton.

“Watch the royal wedding with us—and bring a chair,” said Jaynes, who has taken command of the business from his parents, making this a double celebration. A piper band will perform Friday morning, followed by an Elton John tribute band from 2-6 p.m. Traditional English food, prizes and free gifts are all part of the fanfare.

April 28, 2011(El Cajon) -- The theme next week for the Cajon Classic Cruise is Cinco de Mayo.  Featured cars from Latino car clubs and collectors will be on display in addition to the classic souped up, and dressed out cars always on display. To see the Cajon Classic Cruise schedule, and other information see: Cajon Classic Cruise information

Mariachis will be performing, and the downtown merchants will be serving Cinco de Mayo food and drink specials May 4 (a day before cinco de Mayo) from 5-9 p.m. Car Show Ambassador, Steve Lordigyan, a car collector himself, says "This night is always fun because we often see cars we rarely see throughout the season."