Holidays in East County 2012

Holidays in East County 2012

OMA’S CHRISTMAS TREE PATCH IS OPEN THROUGH DEC. 21

December 2, 2012 (Lakeside) – Oma’s Christmas Tree Patch is now open Tuesday – Friday 2-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. through December 21.  Children can participate in all activities for $5 per child, which includes a water bottle and candy cane.  Activities include a hayride, hay maze, petting corral and more.


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HOLIDAY TOURS OF THE KNOX HOUSE MUSUEM DECEMBER 8 & 15

December 2, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Knox House Museum is open for tours December 8 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 280 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon.  The Museum is decorated for the holidays in the spare 1880’s Frontier style.

On December 7 from 5 – 8 p.m. the museum will be lit with candles and lanters for “Light Up the Knox”.  All tours are free.  For more information visit www.elcajonhistory.org.


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A CHRISTMAS POEM FROM CAL-FIRE

by Darleen Hayden

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
but alas and alack ‘twas no fire screen there!
 
A few feet away stood the holiday tree
so majestic, so regal, and as dry as could be . . .
Its lights left glowing, what a sight to behold,
and the wiring beneath was time-worn and old.
 


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GROSSMONT CENTER HOSTS FREE HOLIDAY FESTIVAL DECEMBER 8

Fun includes horse-drawn wagon rides,  caroling and prize drawings for 

December 2, 2012 (La Mesa) – Grossmont Center in La Mesa invites the public to a free holiday festival on Saturday, December 8. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be available free from 1-3 p.m. Christmas caroling will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the mall’s Christmas tree.  Other fun activities include ornament decorating, kids crafts, min-fire truck rides, face painting, balloons, and refreshements.


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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS HOLIDAY MIXER DEC. 12

December 1, 2012 (El Cajon) – East County Chamber of Commerce and Team KIA of El Cajon host the annual Business After Hours Holiday Mixer on December 12 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Team KIA of El Cajon, 541 N. Johnson Ave., El Cajon.  Stop by for heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, holiday music and lucrative business networking.

Admission to the event is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.  RSVP online here.


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EAST COUNTY CHAMBER’S FIRST FRIDAY BREAKFAST IS DEC. 7

December 1, 2012 (Alpine) – East County Chamber of Commerce’s last First Friday Breakfast of 2012 will be held December 7 at 7:15 a.m. at Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine.  The East County Toy & Food Drive will be showcased to highlight how many underserved families benefit each year from the charity and community spirit of East County residents and businesses.


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LAKESIDE CHAMBER’S 14TH ANNUAL SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IS DEC. 1

November 29, 2012 (Lakeside) – Lakeside Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual Spirit of Christmas on Maine Ave. is December 1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The lighting of the community Christmas tree will highlight the event.  Santa will be in attendance for photo opportunities as well.

The event will feature local school performances, kid activities, jumpy jumps, rides and crafters booths.  The event is free to attend.


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SHOPPING FOR SMILES: VIEJAS FIREFIGHTERS ROLL OUT BIKES FOR NEEDY KIDS

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2012 (La Mesa) – Viejas firefighters, clad in uniforms, Santa hats and reindeer antlers, rolled into action at Target in Grossmont Center today to stock up on toys for needy local children.  More than 80 Viejas tribal government staffers donated funds to purchase 30  bicycles. 

“We’re here because we want to bring a little bit of joy to some kids who may need that,” Viejas Tribal Chairman Anthony Pico told ECM.  “We know what it’s like to be poverty stricken and perhaps to have Christmas with no gift.  It means so much more when you know where you’ve come from and where you’re going.”  He smiled, adding with a Santa-like twinkle in his eye, “These are some of the most fun times of the year.”


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GIFTS FROM THE EAST: 2012 HOLIDAY SHOPPING IDEAS FOR UNIQUE GIFTS MADE IN EAST COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) --  Looking to support our local economy while choosing special holiday gifts? We’ve scoured East County to find truly unique gifts made and sold locally. What could be finer than to receive an alpaca sweater spun and woven with locally grown wool? Or a hand-stitched quilt, locally crafted jewelry  or a delectable freshly baked dessert? Perhaps your gift recipients would savor local wines grown in the Old World style, camel milk soaps scented with frankincense and myrrh, or intricately hand-beaded  pottery.

Search no more! You’ll find all of these delightful items and more in our “Gifts from the East: 2012 Holiday Shopping Guide” below:


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CUYAMACA COLLEGE’S WINTER WONDER JAM A HOLIDAY TREAT AND A CHANCE TO GIVE

November 28, 2012 (El Cajon)--Like the incessant sounds of a metronome, the clock is ticking for music students working behind the scenes on the Winter Wonder Jam -- Cuyamaca College’s answer to Lollapalooza -- set for Saturday, Dec. 7, in the performing arts theater.

Open to the public, the event will showcase five local bands rocking at the Rancho San Diego college from 7-10 p.m. This year, students in the college’s Music Industry Studies Program came up with the idea of a toy and food drive for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and the campus food bank for needy students with families.

James Block/Cuyamaca College photograph
Curt Owen, with bassist Gabriel Fleming, performs in the
2011 Winter Wonder Jam music festival at Cuyamaca College.

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37TH ANNUAL EAST COUNTY TOY AND FOOD DRIVE DEC. 5

November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The 37th Annual East County Toy and Food Drive is December 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge, Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine.  Drop by anytime during the event and sample heavy hors d’oeuvres, participate in opportunity drawings and silent & live auctions.

The suggested donation is $20 per person.  All proceeds benefit the East County Toy and Food Drive serving needy East County children and their families this holiday season.


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SANTA BREAKFAST & VIEJAS TOY DRIVE DEC. 1

November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Center, with Viejas Enterprises, presents Breakfast with Santa on December 1 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the community center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine. A buffet style breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs will be served. 

The event will also feature arts and crafts, decorate your own cookie, door prizes, silent auction items and drawings.


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ALPINE’S 17TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS & SNOW SLEDDING DEC. 7

November 25, 2012 (Alpine) – Santa will be riding his sled down Alpine Blvd. on Dec 7 at 6:30 p.m. for the 17th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights.  Following the parade Santa and his helpers will light the Alpine Community Christmas Tree at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road accompanied by a holiday sing-a-long.


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HO! HO! HO! SANTA AT THE LAKES DECEMBER 9

November 26, 2012 (Santee) – Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve will be holding Santa at the Lakes on December 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  There will be snow for sledding, pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides and craft booths.  The star of the event will be Santa.

Parking is $5 per vehicle and activity and ride tickets are 50 cents each.  For moe information call 619-596-3141 or visit www.santeelakes.com.


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A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AT KEYS CREEK LAVENDER FARM ON DEC. 8

November 25, 2012 (Valley Center) – Keys Creek Lavender Farm is holding its first ever holiday celebration on December 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 12460 Keys Creek Rd., Valley Center.  The event will feature live music, vendors, booths, holiday lights, food, drinks, gift wrapping and lavender goodies.


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“LIGHTING AT THE LAKES: SOLAR TREE TO SHINE IN SANTEE DEC. 8

November 25, 2012 (Santee) – The Santee Lakes Foundation, in concert with San Diego State University, SDG&E and the Santee Lakes Preserve presents the inaugural “Lighting at the Lakes – 2012” December 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  at Lake One under the new Pavilion. 


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SING-ALONG CHRISTMAS CAROLING ON MT. HELIX DEC. 16

November 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Sounds of the season will emanate from the Mt. Helix Park Amphitheatre on December 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. during the annual Sing-along Christmas Caroling event.  Gina Seashore, known locally as That Music Lady, will be leading the caroling with her regular group of musicians.


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FIFTH ANNUAL “STUFF THE BUS” HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE DEC. 1 AT ALBERTSONS STORES

ALBERTSONS pre-packaged food bags coupled with other generous donations will help meet the 15,000 lb. goal

November 25, 2012 (San Diego) - Within the last five years, the number of San Diego residents relying on the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for their meals has almost doubled. In these challenging economic times, the Food Bank is feeding more than 350,000 people countywide each month. 


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UCCLM CHANCEL CHOIR PRESENTS ‘I BELIEVE, A CHRISTMAS CANTATA’ DEC. 16

November 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – The United Church of Christ La Mesa Chancel Choir will present “I Believe” on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa.  The cantata, composed by John F. Wilson , will be highlighted with a multi-media presentation of scenes depicting the Christmas story.

The concert is free and all are welcome.  Visit www.ucclm.org for more information.


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DIVORCE FAMILIES CAN STILL ENJOY HAPPY HOLIDAYS—WITH A LITTLE PLANNING

Communication, courtesy and putting your kids first goes a long way

By Myra Chack Fleischer, Fleischer & Associates

November 28, 2012 (San Diego)--The holidays aren’t always warm and fuzzy like a Hallmark card for divorced and separated parents. Phones start ringing off the hook in family law offices all over the country including Fleischer & Associates as families start squabbling over custody and visitation schedules, winter vacations and even gift-giving. Serious fears about non-custodial parent abductions and unsupervised visits can arise.


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PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATIONS ON THANKSGIVING

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts. But it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday amid the Civil War, with a proclamation in which he asked "the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation" and restore "peace, harmony, tranquility and union."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during the Depression in 1933 issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in which he urged, "May we seek guidance in more surely learning the ancient truth that greed and selfishness and striving for undue riches can never bring lasting happiness or good to the individual or to his neighbors. May we be grateful for the passing of dark days ... for the brighter day to which we can win through by seeking the help of God in a more unselfish striving for the common bettering of mankind."


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COUNTY OFFERS FREE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS MEALS FOR THOSE IN NEED

November 20, 2012 (San Diego)--Agencies throughout the county  are providing FREE Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. There are also agencies  giving out toys for children during Christmas.  Below are details.


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HAWK WATCH HOLIDAY HARVEST FAIR ON NOV. 24

November 20, 2012 (Warner Springs) – Hawk Watch Winery will be holding its Holiday Harvest Fair on November 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 27054 Chihuahua Valley Rd., Warner Springs. 

Wingshadows Hacienda farms will be offering up homemade, home grown holiday fare including fresh jams, jellies, sauces, marinated feta cheeses, infused balsamic vinegars and fresh bread.  Also featured will be goats milk soaps, bath oils and bath gels.  Hawk Watch will introduce their own Hawk Watch Hand Roasted coffees.

Visit www.hawkwatchwinery.com for more information.


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GET JOLLY AT THE HAWK WATCH CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC. 22

November 20, 2012 (Warner Springs) --  Hawk Watch Winery is holding its 3rd annual Christmas party on Dec. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 27054 Chihuahua Valley Rd., Warner Springs.  The party is free and open to everyone.  Enjoy the solo saxophone of Jason Weber while sampling some amazing homemade holiday desserts among the twinkling Christmas lights in the barrel room.

Visit www.hawkwatchwinery.com for more information.


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RECYCLE THANKSGIVING TURKEY FAT, OIL AND GREASE AT EDCO BUYBACK CENTERS

November 20, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--With Thanksgiving here, a thought to consider is what to do with kitchen fat, oil and grease (FOG) that’s left over from all that cooking or after deep frying a turkey. For interested residents, EDCO has a free, safe and more environmentally friendly option for disposing of household FOG.

Residents are asked to simply collect used discarded FOG in a leak-proof container and drop it off free of charge at one of EDCO’s conveniently located Buyback Centers. The FOG will then ultimately be processed, filtered and converted into bio-diesel by a third party processor.


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GRAND OPENING OF VIEJAS ICE RINK AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING KICKS OFF AT VIEJAS OUTLETS

Stores open at midnight on Thanksgiving for an early start to "Black Friday" shopping specials

by Ariele Johannson

November 17, 2012 (Alpine) --Viejas Ice Rink formally opened its fifth season yesterday along with specific extended holiday hours at Viejas Outlet Center.

Now, when shopping, visitors are treated to views of excited skaters making their way around the cool, white ice rink, skating to the sounds of favorite Christmas melodies. Bedecked at one end with the traditional giant, decorated Christmas tree, the ice rink this year also has festive café lights. One of the decorative creeks nicely reflects the tree as you walk in from the east side of the Center.


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HOLIDAY HOME TOUR DECEMBER 1 IN LAKESIDE

November 19, 2012 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside Historical Society will be hosting their annual HOLIDAY HOME TOUR on Saturday, December 1 from 10a.m. until 2p.m. Four unique homes and one business will be featured on the self-guided tour. The Lakeside Museum and Olde Community Church will open for viewing as well. Mrs Clause Christmas Resale Shoppe will be open for shopping.


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VIEJAS CASINO AND OUTLETS LAUNCH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE TO SUPPORT LOCAL SALVATION ARMY

By Bill Weaver

November 18, 2012 Alpine)  -- Viejas Casino & Outlets today launched its annual Holiday Toy Drive to support the local Salvation Army. With the help of Viejas Team Members and guests, the goal is to provide 5,000 toys to deserving families in San Diego and Imperial Counties. That’s up from 3,000 toys last year.


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SLOW SMOKED TURKEY TIME AT CALI COMFORT THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 22

November 16, 2012 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort BBQ Restaurant will be open to celebrate Thanksgiving the Cali Comfort Way from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  A catering package is available for dine in or take-out.  The package feeds up to 6 people and includes slow smoked whole turkey, country stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, wedding beans, mac-n-cheese and rolls with honey butter.  The cost is $89.99 and it must be ordered by November 19.

Call 619-337-0670 to reserve a table or place an order.  Visit www.calicomfortsd.com for more information.


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THANKSGIVING DINNER AT BLEU BOHEME NOVEMBER 22

November 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Bleu Boheme, 4090 Adams Avenue, San Diego, will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The special prix fixe menu is $48.95 per person and $16.95 for the children’s menu.


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