September 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—This Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a fun-filled month of festivals and other fantastic events in San Diego’s East County. Here’s our guide to the year’s most diverse array yet of unique and mostly free or low –cost activities.

Discounts for pre-reservation--RSVP now!

WIN PRIZES:  A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more!

August 13, 2009 (San Diego) --  Bring your rafts for the pool or beach chairs for the deck, then head on over to the Allied Gardens Pool for a "dive-in" movie this Saturday night, August 14th.  Showtime for a viewing of Shark Tail starts at 7:45 p.m.

July 29, 2009 (San Diego)--Join Crime Stoppers, Target and the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the free National Night Out Against Crime. Meet your neighbors and enjoy giveaways, games, face painting, live entertainment, police K-9s, rockclimbing, balloon animals, community booths and more.

By Miriam Raftery

5,000+ EXPECTED AT EL CAJON COMMUNITY CONSORTIUM

July 15. 2009 (El Cajon)– On the prowl for some fun this weekend?  El Cajon community art groups, museums, restaurants, and other downtown businesses are staging Alley Cat Summer Fest 2009, an event best described as the cat's meow. Organizers predict 5,000 people at the two-day event on Friday, July 17, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., downtown El Cajon.

July 10, 2009 (El Cajon)--“Diamond Is Forever,” the popular Neil Diamond Tribute band, will perform tonight at El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon.

July 5, 2009 (Borrego Springs)--Few celestial sights are as stunning as an August desert sky. On Saturday, August 15, famed astronomer and night sky photographer Dennis Mammana offers an evening of galactic viewing along the Milky Way.  

July 4, 2009 (Lake Murray) – Thanks to last-minute donations from community members, Navajo Events announced today that ample funds have been raised to have tonight’s 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Murray, capping off an all-day Music Fest.
Music kicks off at noon for the event, which is free. Here’s the entertainment lineup:
 

12:00-1:00pm - Pullman Standard (A younger type Rock & Roll sound, they played at SpringFest)
 

1:30-2:30pm - Lanuza (Latin Jazz)
 

July 1, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--No need to endure bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch fireworks at the beach areas. Instead, grab a blanket, beach chairs and your favorite refreshments, then head to one of the East County or North County inland areas listed below. (For those whose family festivities may lead you to venture west of I-15, we’ve also included all fireworks locations countywide.) Two communities, Julian and Crest, will host parades this year, but no fireworks. Have a safe and festive Fourth of July!

June 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The City of La Mesa denied a request from Navajo Events to provide funding for the annual fireworks show at Lake Murray. “The 4th of July Fireworks Music Fest is just over $4,000 short of being a reality, so with all of our participation, we can make it happen!” Pam Melody of Navajo Events has informed East County Magazine. Last weekend’s pancake breakfast raised a portion of the funds, but more is still needed. So a bake sale will be held this Saturday, June 27 from 10 am to 3 pm.

June 27, 2009 (Alpine_ Looking for a wild time? East County's only big cat sanctuary invites you to spend a wild night in the country with Raja and Bakari at Lions Tigers & Bears. Pitch a tent and set-up camp next to the big cats--or opt for more luxurious lodging--complete with wine and dinner.

BON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES June 22, 2009 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that more than 20 restaurants and food providers have signed up to participate in the first annual “Taste of La Mesa” slated for Monday, July 20, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The Title Sponsor of this event is Gio Bistro Wine Bar, owned by Gabriel and Tracy Giordano.