East County News Service

April 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- The 2023 GI Film Festival San Diego opens Monday, May 15 starting at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park, and runs through Saturday, May 20. Opening Night will feature a trio of local films, as well as a reception where festival guests can socialize over small bites and refreshments. Tickets for Opening Night cost $25 for general admission and $20 for military, veterans or KPBS members. All tickets can be purchased online now at GIFilmFestivalSD.org.

By Patricia Haley

April 23, 2023 (Julian) -- The Julian Woman’s Club will present The 96^th Annual Wildflower Show at the Clubhouse of the Julian Women’s Club (2607 C Street Julian) on Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. both days.

For two days, club members collect specimens from the over 850 plant species in the area surrounding Julian. The plant display ranges from desert cacti to high mountain dogwood gathered in a 15 mile radius from the historic old mining town of Julian. Permission to collect is obtained from private property owners.

Each year flowers vary depending on weather and rainfall. The display is always colorful and informative as plants are labeled and arranged by area of origin.

Family friendly event brings together residents, businesses, and local services

East County News Service

April 17, 2023 (Spring Valley) — You’re invited to join a community celebration at Spring Valley Day in front of Bancroft Elementary School on April 29 from 10a.m. to 3 p.m.  Spring Valley Day is a free, street-fair style event that will feature merchants, arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, Cars and Community car show, free pony rides, free kids’ zone, first responder displays, and multiple San Diego County services.

By Miriam Raftery

April 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- There’s a wide assortment of events coming up across San Diego’s East County, including Cajon classic cruises, a butterfly jungle,  Earth Day celebrations, music festivals and concerts, a Lego building event, a wine and food festival, Campo Days, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine,  a Western Days parade, a rodeo, and Descanso Day.

Scroll down for full details on these and more great events.

April 13, 2023 (Santee) -- Enjoy a Saturday full of fun and the opportunity to learn about how to start your very own coin collection or have the chance to add new coins to your collection. There will be plenty of U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, AND currency too.

By Mimi Pollack

April 11, 2023 (Ramona) -- South African musician and humanitarian Sharon Katz, will be giving a complimentary concert at the Ramona Ranch Winery on Sunday, April 16^th from 2:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a wonderful musician in a lovely setting?

Music can soothe and heal the soul, no matter where you are from. The Ramona Ranch Winery, which is also a working farm with animals, will provide a peaceful outdoor setting where one can enjoy their award-winning wines by the bottle or the glass as they listen to songs in Spanish and various African languages sung by Katz, a musician who also has quite a story to tell.

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2023 (Descanso) – Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 3. The festivities take place at the historic Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso, a small rural town east of Alpine.

East County News Service

April 12, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – For its annual Earth Day celebration, the Desert View Tower and Boulder Park will host a Boulder Fair on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

East County News Service

April 8, 2023 (Mount Helix) – The 106^th consecutive Sunrise Easter Service atop Mt. Helix will be held tomorrow at 6:30 a.m.  Free shuttle services begin at 5 a.m. from Grossmont High School, since there is no parking at the amphitheater.

The event is the second longest running Sunrise Easter Service in America, according to the Mt. Helix Park Foundation. The nation’s oldest is in Salem, North Carolina, which has held consecutive services since 1772.

The Mt. Helix Park Foundation and College Avenue Church invite you to enjoy a glorious sunrise over the mountains just as the service begins. 

East County News Service

April 7, 2023 (San Diego) – A celebration to honor San Diego State University’s men’s basketball team after its historic run to the NCAA championship will be held Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley.  The team made the final four for the first time in the university’s history.

Parking and tickets are free, though fans must claim tickets in advance at https://am.ticketmaster.com/sdsu/2023MBBCelebration.

Major San Diego nonprofit recognizes longtime philanthropic supporters

April 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) will host its annual Heart & Soul Gala at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m. This year’s annual gala, “Planting for the Future,” will celebrate JFS’s efforts to provide resources and support to San Diegans of all ages and backgrounds, and share stories of success from throughout the year.

This year’s Gala Honorees are Joan and Irwin Jacobs, along with Marie Raftery and Dr. Bob Rubenstein – recognized for their tremendous support and contributions to JFS throughout the years.

East County News Service

March 31, 2023 (Santee) – The City of Santee will host “Hop Down the Bunny Trail,” a free family-friendly event on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santee Trolley Square, 9850 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.

The fun includes music, kids’ crafts, carnival rides, giveaways, Easter bunny photos, an egg hunt, and more.

By Kathy Carpenter

March 28, 2023 (Poway) -- On March 25 at Powpac Theatre in Poway, "The Savannah Sipping Society" opened.  It’s a tale of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. The story follows four women who form a deep bond through a series of unexpected events, helping each other navigate through life's challenges. It is a refreshing take on female friendships that is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Through their weekly meetings, they share laughter, tears, and support each other through their triumphs and struggles. The joy they bring to each other's lives is palpable, and their friendship is a testament to the power of human connection.

By Kathy Carpenter