SAN DIEGO, Calif. — June 1, 2009 — For the first time, Viejas Outlet Center is excited to welcome all dogs to the center for a “doggone” day of fun. On Saturday, June 6 Viejas will host the 5th Annual Novelty Fun Dog Show and the Service Dog Celebration.

June 1, 2009 (El Cajon)—The Wild West comes alive at the 7th annual Olaf Wieghorst Museum Western Heritage Days in El Cajon. Free to the public, the event highlights our nation’s heritage West of the Mississippi from the 1700s through the early 1900s. From reenactments of the Old West to a Saturday night street dance under a full moon, this event is one of East County’s most colorful festivals. Watch for gunslingers, shoot-outs, saloon girls, mountain men, Buffalo Soldiers and Native American dancers—as well as a blacksmith shop, stagecoach and much more.

June 1, 2009 (La Mesa) -- Step back in time to those lazy, crazy carefree ‘50s days at the La Mesa Village Back to the 50s Car Show. The event runs every Thursday evening between June 4th and August 27th.

This Summer Event draws more than 2,500 spectators. Classic cars line La Mesa Boulevard and compete in the weekly contest. The car show runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music with DJ Jumpin' Jack Flash, shopping and dining every Thursday night until 9 pm in the Village.

ALPINE, Calif. — May 28, 2009 — As the weather begins to heat up and children get out of school, Viejas offers a place to beat the heat with an array family-friendly events. The annual Power of Nightfire show will feature performances at 9 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, until Labor Day. The unique performance intrigues the audience with water fountains, lasers, pyrotechnics, special effects and intricate choreography. The show tells the story of an ancient Kumeyaay Indian who saved his people from the evil “water spirit” and brings the valuable water back to his village.

May 28, 2009 (Santee) – Live bands, carnival rides, crafts, vendors, a beer garden and food (including a 65-foot-brat grille) will be featured at the Santee Street Fair this Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free to the public, the event will be held behind the Trolley Square shopping center in Santee, at 101 Civic Center Drive, near the intersection of Mission Gorge Road and Riverview Parkway. There is a trolley station in the shopping center, making the event easily accessible.

“I had a dream that I would have a drum,” recalled Neka’asawe, a drum maker who was among the many vendors displaying indigenous crafts at the Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center in early May. “I went into a sweat lodge and prayed. A spirit told me I would make many drums.”

May 16, 2009 (Scrpps Ranch)--The Scripps Ranch Commuity Association invites you to help celebrate the 10th Annual Community Fair on Sunday, May 17, at the Scripps Ranch Community Park, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego.The fair runs from noon to 5:30 pm, followed by the first Symphony in the Park concert of the year at 5:45 pm. The concert will feature the Siers Brothers Band, a Scripps Ranch favorite, performing classic rock `n roll.

The East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 11-4 pm at Hazy Meadow Ranch in Lakeside, CA. This is an all-county event that will feature live music, raffle, opportunity drawing, carnvial games, pony rides, and more. The organization seeks public help to fund legal action to "sunset" Sunrise Powerlink.

May 9, 2009 (Escondido)--The independent arts organization contACT ARTS (formerly xDrop Arts Organization) is sponsoring The Harvest Project, a benefit event to help Archi’s Acres organic farm build a new greenhouse to serve more combat veterans in its Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program. The event is on Sunday, May 17 from 1 – 6 pm at the World Beat Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park. (Photo: Ex-Navy Lt. Olaf Hansen tends hydroponic basil at Archi's Acres.)

April 29, 2009 (El Cajon)—No need to venture south of the border to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cinco de Mayo grand opening party at Savanna Grill complete with music, mariachis, mariachis and Mexican-style food--and the public is welcome to join the fiesta. Savanna Grill is located at 3773 Willow Glen Road in El Cajon, complete with an outdoor patio overlooking a golf course.

May 3, 2009 (Alpine) –Looking for a truly wild night out? Dust off your boots for a hoedown with the Country Cats at Lions, Tigers & Bears, San Diego County's only wild cat rescue facility. The event features a barbecue, visits with exotic big cats and other ranch animals, “Splash” performing artists, plus a silent and live auction hosted by Channel 8’s Larry Himmel. The top prize is a South African photo safari for two—perfect for the wild at heart.

April 29, 2009 (Warner Springs)—Feeling lucky? Join a Poker Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Warner Springs Agriculture Department on May 9th. A $75 entry fee includes entry into a 7-card-stud poker tournament, tri-tip barbecue lunch at Lake Henshaw Resort, apple pie and ice cream from the Julian Café served up at Jess Martin Park in Julian, a $10 free slot play at Santa Ysabel Casino, and buffet dinner (chicken and ribs) at Sadie’s Homestyle Restaurant. The day’s events also include live entertainment by musician Celia Lawley, a raffle, and an evening awards presentation.

April 29, 2009 (El Cajon)—East County is home to one of the largest populations of Iraqi Chaldean Christians in the United States. On Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m., the public is invited to savor the authentic flavors of Chaldean cuisine including such favorites as falafels, kebabs, shawamma, hummus, tabbouleh, and more.

The event, hosted by Knights of Columbus, will take place at the St. Peter Chaldean Church Hall, 1627 Jamacha Way in El Cajon. A fair showcasing local restaurants, business products and services is also included in the $10 admission charge.

April 21, 2009 (Alpine)--The upcoming Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center, May 2-3, will be filled to capacity with vendors and exhibitors from throughout Southern California. In addition, prizes for this year’s opportunity drawings exceed the value of years past—including a grand prize of four tickets to Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park.

What could be better than an evening of wine-tasting, fabulous food and the marvelous music of Paul Nichols--all to benefit East County Magazine? The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is the coziest retreat we've found yet, and they're opening up just for us on Monday, April 20 from 6 to 8 pm. Reserve now – space is limited! Early bird registration rate is $25 before Friday. Then the rate goes up to $30 – if seats are still available. Help toast our success--and help our nonprofit community publication grow!