March 3, 2020 (Lemon Grove) - You're invited to our next East County DIning Club Event, which benefits East County Magazine and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts. RSVP now to reserve space and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine on Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m at Giardino’s Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove! (8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove)
Their chef is from Parma, Italy, the ambience is friendly and the Italian food is delicious!Plus they now have a full liquor license – so you can enjoy drinks such as Mimosas, Lavendar Lemonade with vodka, martinis, whiskey and tequila drinks, full wine list, craft beers, port and other after dinner liqueurs and coffee drinks.
Win prizes! Our prize drawings will include restaurant gift certificates, wine lover's gifts, whale-watching with Hornblower in San Diego, gift certificates to local stores, gardening gift baskets, a cutlery set, bakeware, cookbooks, and more.
Giardino’s has prepared a special menu for us at a set price of $35 (tax and tip not included). The feast includes:
March 11, 2020 (Alpine) - Baron’s Market in Alpine (1347 Tavern Rd.) will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Tuesday, March 31st from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Anyone 17 and older who weighs at least 114 pounds and is in good health may be eligible to donate blood. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended prior to donation. All donors must show picture identification.
March 11, 2020 (La Mesa) -- Children and teens are invited to bring their bicycles and helmets to participate in a Bicycle Safety Fair on Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Grossmont Center (in the West Court parking lot between Chuze Fitness and Fuddruckers, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive). Admission is free to this family-friendly event where children of all ages can engage in fun and educational cycling activities, visit vendors, and receive educational information and giveaways.
DUE TO THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION OVER THE COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS), ALL EVENTS BEFORE MARCH 31 HAVE BEEN ORDERED CANCELED. PLEASE CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS FOR STATUS OF ALL UPCOMING EVENTS.
By Miriam Raftery
March 9, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features St. Patrick’s Day fun at Hooley’s Irish Pub, Irish teas in Julian, spring wildflower walks in the Anza-Borrego Desert, a Hawk Talk at the Santa Ysabel Nature Preserve, Agatha Christie’s the Hollow in La Mesa, concerts at the Magnolia in El Cajon and a LatinX Film and Art Festival at San Diego, all in March.
Plus we have a preview of April attractions including an oysters and white wine pairing at Ramona Ranch Winery, Cajon Classic Cruises in El Cajon, a Literary Arts Festival at Grossmont College, as well as a Garden and Butterfly Festival at Cuyamaca College.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF A VENUE BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS.
East County News Service
March 8, 2020 (Lemon Grove) – Arriba! Lemon Grove Lions Club, the nonprofit organization devoted to service and volunteering, is hosting its Salsa y Salsa Fundraiser on April 18 from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature a salsa tasting and salsa contest, salsa dancing, plus delicious Mexican food, music, silent auction & raffle.
The cost of admission is $20 in advance/$25 at the door. All proceeds will go toward Lions Club Service Projects and support our Lemon Grove Little League.
March 7, 2020 (Ramona) – Ramona Ranch Winery is offering an array of April events to tempt your taste buds, including:
Wednesday, April 1st - Made to Order Pasta with award winning wines at the Ramona Par Lounge from 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 4th - White Wine & Oysters with John Little Catering; reservations available now, wear white to delight in this pairing at the annual "White Party!"
Saturday, April 11th - Cheeses from the Cave offers up an array of samples, showcasing locally made cheese and how it pairs with the winery’s wines.
Saturday, April 18th - Sommelier Meghan Vergara rounds out the Trifecta, with an afternoon of wine tasting with a sommelier, winery owner and winemaker on how take your wine drinking knowledge and enjoyment to a whole new level as you taste thru Ramona Ranch wines, including some unreleased ones and discuss sustainability.
March 7, 2020 (Spring Valley) – In honor of international women’s day, Gladly Coffee in Spring Valley (formerly Butler’s) presents “Center Stage,” an all-female musical showcase this Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m.
March 6, 2020 (Borrego Springs) – Candlewood Arts Festival Gallery is hosting free art workshops for all ages each Sunday in March from 1 to 5 p.m. Aspiring artists are invited to make new projects with different artists each week:
Drop in anytime and stay as long as you wish at Candlewood Arts Festival Gallery, 587 Palm Canyon Drive, #125, at the mall in Borrego Springs.
March 5, 2020 - (La Mesa) - Lamplighters Community Theatre presents "The Hollow." Everyone loves a good mystery and Agatha Christie's are some of the best. The house was full which proves my point. Why don't they do more mysteries?
When I think Agatha Christie I don't think of humor, but I had not heard of "The Hollow.” It was quite funny, peppered with one-liners. Since this play is lesser known, it kept me guessing to the end. The play has everything a good whodunit needs: humor, a plot that keeps you guessing, and a cast of great characters.
March 5, 2020 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features St. Patrick’s Day fun at Hooley’s Irish Pub, Irish teas in Julian, spring wildflower walks in the Anza-Borrego Desert, Agatha Christie’s the Hollow in La Mesa, and concerts at the Magnolia in El Cajon.
Plus we have a preview of coming attractions including a LatinX Film and Art Festival at San Diego State, Eggstravanza at Santee Lakes and Cajon Classic Cruises in El Cajon.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
Photo: Gretchen McNeil, keynote speaker and young adult novelist
February 26, 2020 (San Diego) -- Canyon Crest Academy’s Creative Writing Club announces the speaker line-up for the 9th Annual CCA Writers’ Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2020. This event is the only free writing conference for high school students in the country.
Sophie Camilleri, president of the CCA Creative Writing Club noted, “We are very proud of this year’s line-up of speakers. We have New York Times bestselling authors of young adult novels, graphic novels and comic books, Hollywood screenwriters and producers, an amazing poet and performer, a literary agent, a college essay expert, a Comedy Central stand-up comic, an award-winning playwright, songwriters, and so much more!”
February 25, 2020 (El Cajon) – Grossmont College will host its 24th annual literary arts festival on April 20-23. Scroll down for details and find more information here.
MONDAY, APRIL 20
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Why Lit Matters panel hosted by Professors Lisa Ledri and Sarah Martin
2.-3:15 p.m. Student Poetry Slam hosted by Gill Sotu
7-8:15 p.m. poet Chris Baron reading / book signing
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
7-8:15 p.m. New Voices student reading (Building 26, Room 220)
February 21, 2019 (El Cajon) -- America’s favorite dance show is going back on tour this winter with “Dancing with the Stars – Live Tour 2020.” The longest tour to date will be dancing through Sycuan Casino Resort on March 26 at 8 p.m. The all-new production will feature fan-favorite professional dancers wowing audiences with every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars.
February 19, 2020 (San Diego) – The 27th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival will take place March 12-22 at two locations, AMC Fashion Valley 18 (7037 Friars Rd) and Digital Gym Cinema (2921 El Cajon Blvd.) The 11-day festival will present over 160 films from Latin America, the U.S., and Spain, showcases Latino cinema, arts and culture.
The even also features opening and closing night parties, the 5th annual Sabor Latino food, beer and wine festival on March 14, Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers and actors from around the world, free student screenings, and more.
February 19, 2020 (Lemon Grove) -- Giardino Neighborhood Cucina, a cozy Lemon Grove eatery, is bringing some fun and unexpected culinary events to East County. Over the next two months, guests can head in for cooking classes, a truffle and wine dinner, Festa Della Donna, or International Women's Day, and more. See below for full calendar and delicious details.
February 19, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features spring wildflower walks, Cupids and Canines at Grossmont Center, hawk watching in Ramona, chamber music at Cuyamaca College, a Leap Day concert in the Anza-Borrego Desert, open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, comedy and concerts at the Magnolia I El Cajon.
Plus we have a preview of coming attractions including tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, Trivia nights at Wine Works in La Mesa, Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at Lampligters Theatre, a Salute to Local Heroes, St. Patrick’s Day events, and the opening of Cajon Classic Cruises season I El Cajon.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
February 15, 2020 (Alpine) – The Alpine Chamber of Commerce will host a business townhall and candidate forum for those running in the San Diego 2nd Supervisorial District to fill the vacancy to be left by Dianne Jacob’s retirement. The forum will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 5-7 p.m. at the Alpine library, 1752 Alpine Blvd., Alpine CA 91901.
All four candidates running have confirmed that they will attend. They are former State Senator Joel Anderson, Poway Mayor Steve Vaus, behavioral health consultant Kenya Taylor, and homebuilder/rancher Brian Sesko.
February 15, 2020 (Spring Valley) -- Remember the saying be careful what you wish for? Freaky Friday is a possible result from the quote. Over-the-top-family-fun. Everyone always thinks the grass is greener on the other side.
In Freaky Friday a daughter wants just one day of peace—a hassle-free day from her mom. Her mom wants just one day together with her family under her expectations. When they argue over an hour glass, their lives are changed for a day. But not what they wished for. They are transformed into each other: the daughter now in the mom’s body, the mom is in the daughter's body. Since neither can live their lives looking like the other, they are forced to exchange places. The mom goes to school. The daughter takes on the day before the wedding preparations for a perfectionist mom planning her own wedding.
February 14, 2020 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Harp Society will perform a free concert at the Mission Trails Church, 4880 Zion Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120. The concert will be from 3 - 4 p.m. The church is located up Zion Avenue from the Kaiser Hospital. There is plenty of free parking. The church can accommodate 150 people.
Then San Diego Harp Society is a local chapter of the American Harp Society. Harp students playing this year will be Gigi Accomozzo, Emma MInami, Isabella McCormick, Lauren Colt, Sophie Dimmick, Anna Reynolds and Megan Apostol.
Every year the Society presents a recital of their advanced students. This year there will be 7 young ladies, between the age of 13 and 17 playing tunes from the harp repertoire. The Society has been with us for six years, the first five when we were at Mission Trails Regional Park. In January 2019 the concerts moved to a new venue, Mission Trails Church.
February 14, 2020 (Santee) -- The San Diego Humane Society will host a microchip clinic for pets on Sunday, March 1 in Santee from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for dogs, cats and bunnies. The cost is $15, cash only. (You must be signed up by 12:15 p.m.)
The event will take place at 8917 Carlton Hills Blvd. Santee (near the GTM Store/Mary’s Donuts), hosted by Andy Popka from State Farm. Phone: 619-698-2333
February 10, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features Cupid’s Country Picnic in Santa Ysabel, Hikes and Hops in the Anza Borrego Desert, Emoja Jazz and Jokes at Cuyamaca College, Cupids and Canines at Grossmont Center, and Hawk Watch in Ramona.
Plus we’ll have a preview of coming events including music and comedy stars performing at the Magnolia in El Cajon,Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, a Leap Day concert in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Agatha Christies “The Hollow” onstage at Lamplighters Theater in La Mesa, and the La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes at Sycuan.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
February 6, 2020 (El Cajon)—Wynonna Judd and her band, The Big Noise, will be live in concert at the Magnolia in downtown El Cajon on February 8th.
Judd has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. As half of the mother daughter duo “The Judds”, she was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline." This iconic performer has received over 60 industry awards, with countless charting singles, including 20 No.1 hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not me,” and “Grandpa, (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ole Days).”
February 6, 2020 (San Diego’s East County)—What could be more romantic than sipping wine at a beautiful backcountry winery or vineyard? Several local wineries are sweetening the occasion with these special events:
CHEESE AND WINE PAIRING AT HATFIELD CREEK WINERY IN RAMONA
Hatfield Creek in Ramona is offer a Valentine’s Day cheese and wine pairing Feb. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Tastes also include other goodies including sweets, fruits and nuts along with rich zinfandel and petite syrah wines. Cost is $25 per person and includes a red rose and photo.
February 6, 2020 (Pala) -- Rez Radio 91.3 will broadcast and live stream the 50th Congressional District candidates forum scheduled for Friday, February 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Valley Center High School’s Maxine Theater. Candidates expected to attend include in alphabetical order, Ammar Campa-Najjar, Carl DeMaio, Darrell Issa, and Brian Jones. Moderators for the forum will be VCBA’s William Del Pilar and VC Roadrunner editor David Ross.
February 6, 2020 (Spring Valley) – Cub Scout Pack 355 invites community members to a flag retirement ceremony on Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. at Santa Sophia Academy, 9806 San Juan Street in Spring Valley.
“We would be honored if you and your families could join us as we participate in this honored tradition,” a press release from the group states. “We encourage and welcome you to bring your unserviceable, worn or damaged flags to this event as well, to be collected for a dignified retirement.”
February 1, 2020 (San Diego) — The Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS (SDAR) and SDMLS will host back-to-back candidate debates on Friday, February 14 for California’s 50th Congressional District (the race to fill the vacant seat formerly held by Rep. Duncan Hunter) and City of San Diego Mayor. The #SDARdebates is a special event that will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., following the annual New Laws & Industry Outlook event. Moderating both debates will be Matthew T. Hall, editorial and opinion director at The San Diego Union-Tribune and president-elect of the national board of the Society of Professional Journalists.
You are invited to attend and cover this major political event with an expected audience of 400 people. Registration is free and required for admittance to this event.
January 31, 2020 (San Diego) – Dr. Helen Horvath (photo, left) is an ardent supporter of equal rights for both men and women. She grew up learning and supporting equal rights for all. As a result of this belief, Dr. Horvath and ILKA Technologies, Inc. have designed a Women’s Public Policy Forum that will occur on February 11, 2020, to coincide with President Lincoln’s birthday. This is an all day community public policy forum designed to train and create legislative solutions for our communities on key family and women’s issues.
January 30, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County features a powwow at Cuyamaca College, Hawk Watch in Ramona, well known performers at the Magnolia Center in El Cajon, and the kickoff of Black History Month at Grossmont College.
Plus we’ll have a preview of coming events including the ECHO Chamber Music Series at Cuyamaca College, Emoja Jaz and Jokes also at Cuyamaca College, Hikes and Hops in the Anza Borrego desert, birdwatching in Lakeside, a Chapman Stick concert at Mission Trails Church, Trivia Nights at Wine Works in La Mesa, a Leap Day violin concert in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “The Hollow” onstage at Lamplighters in La Mesa, and the La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
January 30, 2020 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to its 12th annual Salute to local Heroes. This year’s theme is "Hooray for Hollywood: and the event will be held on March 12 at Sycuan Casino Resort from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
First responders from La Mesa Police, fire and paramedics will be honored as well as members of the retired senior volunteer patrol. The celebration also includes installation of the Chamber’s new board of directors.
Suggested attire is Hollywood glam, cocktail or business.
Photo: Pete Zanko - Andrea Acuna - Steve Murdoch in "Nuts" at PowPAC
January 29, 2020 - (Poway) - PowPAC presents "Nuts", written by Tom Topor and Directed by Brent A. Stringfield. Do you love to watch all those courtroom shows we have on television today? For me this was just like watching one of those, but live. Although, Stringfield says those shows don't communicate the truth and honesty of a piece like this. On television we often have some theatrics and flourish by either the defense attorney or the prosecution. With "Nuts", we rely on the acting before us.
“Nuts” is a compelling story of a woman trying to prove she is capable of standing trial for murder. Set in courtroom and in New York City's famed Bellevue Hospital in 1979. Have progressed through time? Not really the same story could be told today in my opinion.
East County News Service
Source: City of La Mesa
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
By Kathy Carpenter
East County News Service
February 25, 2020 (El Cajon) – Grossmont College will host its 24th annual literary arts festival on April 20-23. Scroll down for details and find more information 
Tickets are now on sale
By Kathy Carpenter
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service 
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
By Kathy Carpenter
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