October 21, 2010 (Alpine) – Viejas Outlet Center is once again offering a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.  Stores will welcome little ghosts, goblins and parents to participate in this free family event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 31.

October 20, 2010 (San Diego) -- The American Society of Interior Designers’ self-guided Kitchen Tour, set for Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase nine  remodeled kitchens in San Diego County designed by some of the top designers in the region.

Tour sites include three in San Diego's inland regions (La Mesa, Rancho Bernardo and Poway), as well as San Diego, La Jolla, Carlsbad and Vista.  

October 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – A pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animal exhibit, draft horse-drawn hay ride, and mobile video game truck are among the attractions at the Alpine Education Foundation’s Fall Festival at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Old Highway 80 in El Cajon.

October 15, 2010 (Spring Valley) – The first annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival will be hosted this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. In front of Cali Comfort  Restaurant & Sports Bar. Troy Street will be closed down between Bancroft and Central avenues for the event, which includes BBQ samples, family activities, a children’s fun zone, street vendors, and more.

October 12, 2010 (San Diego) – Want to learn more about Prop 23, one of the most important environmental battles ever in California’s history? Prop 23 would overturn the landmark AB 32 measure that reduced greenhouse gas emissions and strengthened clean air standards.

October 9, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks Reserve RV park and campground in Boulevard invites you to come celebrate the Old West from Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 24 at the annual Old West Harvest Fest.

Rummage, art, jewelry, fossils, gems and mineral offered for sale by museum patrons

October 8, 2010 (El Cajon) – Over 300 members of Heritage of the Americas Museum have donated household goods to benefit the Museum. This giant sales will occur throughout the Museum with free admission and parking on Friday and Saturday, October 22-23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The public is invited to the Fourth Annual El Cajon Animal Shelter Open House on Saturday, October 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1275 North Marshall Avenue. This family Halloween- themed event includes displays and activities, such as photos of your pet for $5. A low-cost rabies clinic and micro chipping I.D.’s for pets will be offered, plus “late fees” on licenses will be waived for El Cajon residents. Tour the shelter to see dogs and cats available for adoption.

As a special treat there, a Halloween Costume contest for dogs will include prizes for winners; contest starts at 1 pm.

October 6, 2010 (Alpine) – The San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers invites you to Exotic Escapes, a fundraising event to benefit advancements in animal care as well as Lions, Tigers & Bears.

October 2, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The public is invited to an Oktoberfest celebration at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon, for the Elks' annual Oktoberfest on October 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be food and beverages, craft booths, German music to enjoy, a nail pounding contest and pitcher holding contest along with drawings for many prizes.

Overnight campout offers stargazers a unique view of the desert—both terrestrial and celestial—from expert guides

September 30, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The Environmental Sustainability Commission is holding the third annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival on Saturday, October 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street, La Mesa, 91942.This year's festival will feature over 30 booths and exhibits as well as expert speakers and activities for all ages.

September 28, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants’ Association invite you to La Mesa's annual Oktoberfest celebration in the downtown Village October 1-3.  This year's event will feature 400 vendors, two beer gardens, live music, carnival rides, and an estimated 200,000 visitors.

Hours are:

September 27, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Fire station tours, fire safety demonstrations, and a children’s fun activity dinner are among the activities planned for this year’s Fire Safety Community Fair and open house. This free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9th at the San Miguel Fire Station #22, 11501 Via Rancho San Diego in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.

This "hot"event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the San Miguel Regional Firesafe Council, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, and community partners including East County Magazine and the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.