"There's No Substitute for Experience," Says Derby Director

March 1, 2009(La Mesa)--In the seventh year of its Soap Box Derby program, the Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa will hold two days of Rally Races on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. The back-to-back races lead to the Annual La Mesa Soap Box Derby in late May. Winners of that contest are sent to the National Derby in Akron, Ohio, in July.

February 21, 2009 (El Cajon) -- Ringmasters invited all children in the audience into the ring for free lessons in how to spin hula hoops, juggle scarves, and balance peacock feathers at Circus Vargas in El Cajon. Youngsters could also ride a Clydesdale horse during intermission, or pose for family photos with a giant snake. Performances run daily through Monday, Feb. 23, so there's still time to bring your kids for some family fun. Unlike shows in large arenas, this show is under an old-fashioned big-top tent--and there's not a bad seat in the house.

February 18, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--Concerts, circus performers, art shows, the AMGEN tour and wheelchair ballroom dance lessons are among the many exciting activities coming to San Diego's eastern region this week.

By Miriam Raftery

February 1, 2009 (San Diego's East County) — Winter's chill is past--time to
step out in the sunshine and savor some of the many fun-filled events this
month in San Diego's eastern regions. Find details on all of these events and
more. Just click the calendar
link at the top of our homepage!

This is the prime season to visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where a
wealth of activities are slated in February--from a desert night sky lecture
on Feb. 6th to Archeology Weekend on the 21st-22nd and a hike through slots,
vistas and side canyons on the 28th.

Music, Dance, and Storytelling Highlight 13th Annual Event -- VIEW OUR VIDEOS!

Moreton Bay Fig Morris English Dance Troupe.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson

January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) — "On Tuesday, we will celebrate a historic day--I never thought I would see the day when we would have an African-American president," Dr. Eugene R. Bailey, retired U.S. Navy captain, told an audience of several hundred people at La Mesa's Multi-Cultural Festival. "Today I have to pinch myself to believe I actually commanded ships," said Bailey, who entered the Navy when opportunities for minorities were restricted. "We Americans have actually come a long, long way."

Story
and photo by Miriam Raftery
San
Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community
Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural
of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on
Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all
walks of life attending the many events, fostering fellowship and sharing dialogue. The
day begins with viewing the swearing-in ceremony on live TV at 9 a.m., followed
by hour-by-hour community celebrations and reflections from noon to 7 p.m.

December 28, 2008 — Looking
to party hearty on December 31st?  Here are our picks for the best places
to ring in the New Year east of I-15.  From a Chinese dragon parade to
a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band
bash, you'll find it all in East County and San Diego's eastern region.  Find
details on these events at

Quintessential hometown fun

By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero

La
Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town!

On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas
lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival
rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies,
carriage, and fire truck.

By Miriam Raftery

November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals
takes place this Sunday, November 23rd.  The Mother Goose Parade in downtown
El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of
its kind west of the Mississippi.  This
year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of 50 celebrity participants
led by grand marshals Tori Spelling (star of Tori and Dean Inn Love and Beverly
Hills 90210), KayCee Stroh of High School Musical fame, and Padres
first basement Adrian Gonzales. 

By Miriam Raftery

October
20, 2008 (El Cajon) - Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration
hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to
1975.

“I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left),
who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen.   “This
is why every year, they honor me.”  Still radiant at 86, Howard
wore her original dress and tiara as a fellow Elk pushed her wheelchair in
the Oktoberfest Parade.  The aromas of steak and bratwurst simmering on
a barbecue filled the air, along with scents of potato pancakes and other traditional
German fare.

Tee off for a good cause at a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course this Friday. Proceeds benefit Home of the Guiding Hands, which provides shelter and services for mentally disabled people.  HGH has a huge funding gap due to the California budget crisis. 

By Miriam Raftery

October
1, 2008 (East San Diego County) -  Fall is prime time for
festivals in East County. The tough part is choosing among so many fun-filled
events.  The air is crisp--and so are the ripe, juicy apples at Julian’s
Apple Days October 4th and 5th.   Savor apple cider and piping
hot pies, or enjoy a horse-drawn buggy ride in East County’s historic
gold rush town. 

By Miriam Raftery

Fall is in the air – the perfect time for an end-of-summer celebration or a visit to East County’s back country towns in the early days of autumn.  Find details on these at many other events at our calendar, which covers all communities east of I-15.

Fiddlin' Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks

By Miriam Raftery

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest--a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events in San Diego's East County mountain parks.

On September 6, the Fiddlin' Foresters will perform a concert from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Road, Ramona.

On September 20th and 21st, the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association (LMVA) and Cleveland National Forest will host "Living History Weekend" at the LMVA visitors center on Laguna Mountain.