October 6, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) -- Join Ranger Lisa, and BLM’s Biologist Joyce, a bat expert, in watching a short bat movie, and take a bat hike with bat-sensing equipment on October 22 from 6-7 p.m.. Families are encouraged to attend, and also get to know their local National Wildlife Refuge in Rancho San Diego--the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

October 3, 2010 (Boulevard) – Sacred Rocks campground and RV park in Boulevard is kicking off a new activity for its two- and four-legged friends: horse camping October 15-17. If you bring a horse, you camp for free! Or if you prefer, enjoy trail riding through beautiful backcountry scenery – all free for a day.

October 2, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present The Miser, directed by Henry J. Jordan, Oct 7-9 and 13-16 at 7:30 pm and Oct 9 and 16 at 2:00 pm in the Stagehouse Theatre.  

September 30, 2010 (Julian) -- As part of Julian’s Apple Days Centennial Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival will be held October 2nd and 3rd.  Festivities take place at Menghini Winery in the historic gold rush town of Julian, located on Highway 79 in East County's mountain region.

September 30, 2010 (Alpine) – “Honoring our Heroes” is the theme of this year’s Alpine Viejas Days Parade this Sunday, October 3rd at 2 p.m. A full day of family-friendly events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. also include an Alpine Craft and Vendor fair, a Health Fair, as well as opening ceremony at 10 a.m. The Viejas band of the Kumeyaay nation sponsors the day’s events, along with the Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club presenting the parade.

East County News Service

September 29, 2010 (El Cajon) –The German American Societies presents the 39th annual Oktoberfest in El Cajon over the first two weekends of October, the 1st – 3rd and 8th – 10th, 2010. Hours of this traditional, family-friendly festival are Fridays from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturdays from noon until 10:00 PM, and Sundays from noon until 9:00 PM.

September 26, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Some lucky golfer could go home a millionaire in the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce 3rd annual “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament. The event will take place at Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego on October 22.

September 20, 2010 (Alpine) – The inaugural Viejas Wine Fest, featuring samples from some of southern California’s premier wineries, will be held Saturday, September 25th in the Park at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine, east of San Diego.

September 17, 2010 (Julian) -- The first annual Folk Music Festival will be held in historic Julian, paired with the 24th annual Julian Art Guild Show. Both events will be held on the rustic grounds of the Menghini Winery on September 25 and 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

September 16, 2010 (Poway) – Poway Community Association invites the public to dress up in old-fashioned or Western wear and head ‘em on out to Old-Fashioned Poway Days this weekend, where activities include a parade, picnic, battle of the bands/dance, a trail ride (bring your own horse!) and the Poway Days Festival.

September 14, 2010 (Campo) -- The Rural Economic Action League will host a candidate forum to allow the public to query contenders for the Campo Lake Morena Planning Group on their views and positions. The forum is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the Mountain Empire Community Center, 976 Sheridan Road, in Campo.

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 12, 2010 (Sycuan) – Tina Santiago, a member of the Conshatta tribe from Louisiana, weaves a basket of willow reeds while onlookers browse her wares at the Sycuan Pow-Wow in El Cajon. “It takes about 25 hours to make this basket,” she said of a finely-crafted, finished basket priced at $250.

September 9, 2010 (Lakeside) -- Lakeside's River Park will be hosting it's 4th annual signature fundraiser, Once in a Blue Moon Dinner & Auction on September 25th, 2010. Cocktails start at 5 p..m, dinner at 7 p.m. RSVPs are required by September 15 for this unique event.

Lakeside's River Trail is used by families, students, walkers and joggers as well as dogs and horses. But on September 25th the trail is transformed into a magical space along the San Diego River.

September 10, 2010 (Eastlake) –Aloha! EastLake Tavern and Bowl is hosting a luau to celebrate its first anniversary. A Hawaiian luau buffet includes whole roasted pig plate, lumpia, and mango ice cream. The event also features Hawaiian drink specials, contests, and more.