January 22, 2010 (Julian) -- Owners of a gourmet restaurant, Jeremy's on the Hill, and Shadow Mountain Winery will host a five-course wine pairing and dining event on Wednesday, February 3rd at 6 p.m.  All proceeds of the event will benefit Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Julian. The organization raises awareness on the importance of agriculture for past and future generations.

“With lack of funding, we will lose this important educational component of our community,” said Jeremy Manley, 23, Chef de Cuisine at Jeremy's on the Hill “We are hoping you will be able to join us and support your local FFA chapter while enjoying fabulous food and wine from our back country hidden treasures."

January 14, 2010 (Ramona) – The Ramona Grasslands, a protected resource area, is home to 19 species of raptors including golden eagles, hawks and falcons.

Each Saturday through February 27 from 9am-noon, the Wildlife Research Institute is hosting “Hawk Watch” at the Ramona Grasslands.

December 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for a festive party or a special restaurant to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Below is our guide to New Year’s Eve attractions in East County and San Diego’s eastern regions on December 31st, including live music and dancing, fireworks, special menus, casino promotions, and activities for children, families and seniors.

ALPINE

Cowles Mountain is the site of a Kumeyaay Indian solstice site and the Canyoneers are conducting a free walk up the mountain on December 21 at 6 am to view the sunrise on the first day of winter.

Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows

November 10, 2009 (Alpine)– Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 13, with the opening of Southern California’s largest ice rink including skating show at 6 p.m., holiday tree lighting at 7:30. p.m., the return of the Legend of the Ice Princess performance, plus  holiday savings at all retail stores.

The La Mesa Historical Society presents the 4th annual Home Tour on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The tour features five historic homes in the downtown La Mesa area. The tour will highlight 5 properties which will include Bungalow, Spanish Eclectic and Moderne styles. All will have artists working in the yards.

October 27, 2009 (San Diego) – Looking for a safe and fun place to celebrate Halloween? The Salvation Army Kroc Center offers a “hauntless jaunt” with family-oriented activities on Saturday, October 31, starting at 5 p.m. Kroc Center is located at 6845 University Avenue in San Diego (two blocks west of 70th Street in La Mesa). Activities include trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, face painting, carnival games, snacks, and a live performance by The School of Rock Band.

October 24, 2009 (Poway)—The medieval sport of jousting takes center stage in Poway this weekend, where competitors from around the world vie in barred jousting contests at the Tournament of the Phoenix.

Seasonal Family Activities, Camping and Old West Costume Contest All Part of the Fun

October 21, 2009 (Boulevard) - Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites (formerly Outdoor World RV Park), is offering a taste of the Old West with their “Old West Harvest Fest,” celebrating the harvest season and Southern California’s historical heritage. The event will be held Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25. Seasonal family activities to include a hayride, pumpkin painting contest (paints provided, pumpkins $5 or bring your own) bonfire and cookout, stargazing, an old time radio play (“The Lone Ranger”) and an Old West 1850’s costume contest.

(Click arrows to hear the haunted train)

October 19,2009 (Campo)— The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum at the historic Campo Depot invites families to board the Pumpkin Express and ride the rails to the great pumpkin patch.  In addition to a scenic one-hour train ride, kids can tour the haunted train, pick out a pumpkin and decorate it on-site. These spirited train rides are offered on Oct.24-25 and on October 31st, with departures at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – Want to save money on some early holiday shopping--and help raise money for breast cancer patients and their families?

 
Teams from around the country cook up a good time at free “Smokin’ in the Park” Festival

October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week?  Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County's most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the Park” BBQ Championship & Festival (www.viejasbbq.com) is back for its fifth year…bigger and better than ever. This year, more than 60 teams will compete for $23,000 in cash and prizes, making it the largest competition of its kind in the state.

October 9, 2009 (El Cajon ) --The annual El Cajon Fire Safety & Career Expo takes place Saturday, October 10th, at 100 E. Lexington Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free family event offers valuable safety, health and career information--plus plenty of fun!  Meet Captain Jack Sparrow, an amazing tribute artist of the popular Johnny Depp character from Pirates of the Caribbean, K-C the Safety Robot, Coasty the talking Coast Guard Boat, Sparky the fire dog, Callahan the Firefighter and Mother Goose. You’ll also have a chance to meet Miss El Cajon and Miss Teen El Cajon--plus teen stars from TV and Disney movies.