East County News Service 

February 25, 2019 (El Cajon) – Foothills Christian Church at 365 West Bradley Ave. in El Cajon will host “Blessed with a Dress,” a free event for young women needing high-quality, fashionable formal wear for school dances and other special occasions. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, girls can visit the church campus and select a free dress, pair of shoes and jewelry for upcoming formal events.

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A comedy night fundraiser to benefit the East County Transitional Living Center in El Cajon will be presented on Saturday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Rd. in La Mesa.

East County News Service

February 14, 2019 (Alpine) – You’re invited to discover “Women Warriors” this Sunday, Feb. 17 in Alpine.  Presented by the Alpine Historical Society, author and performer Annette Hubbell will bring to life the amazing stories of ordinary women who changed themselves and helped others. 

Actor Dean Chisnall to visit East County high school in March

East County News Service

February 8, 2019 (Spring Valley) -- London stage actor, Dean Chisnall, will be visiting Steele Canyon Charter High School from March 7 through March 9 to help prepare the school’s theatre department for their own production of the award-winning hit, Les Misérables, premiering March 20th.  He will also be the main event in “Who Am I? An Evening with Dean Chisnall” benefit night for San Diego County theater students at Steele Canyon High School on the evening of Thursday, March 7 @ 7:00pm.  “I’m so excited and honoured to come to Steele Canyon - it’s a huge privilege to be invited to share my passion with such like minded students and staff. I’ll be there soon... See you on the barricade.” -Dean Chisnall

East County News Service

February 7, 2019 (La Mesa) – The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now presenting its Winter Art Exhibit featuring 15 paintings by 10-year-old Mia Bruso of  Alpine. The exhibit runs through the end of March. Kathy Quinn, Herrick Library director, said it is the first time since the library opened in 2002 that the featured artist for the quarterly art exhibit is a child.

East County News Service 

February 5, 2019 (San Diego) -- The critically-acclaimed and award-winning Kidz Danz Kompany of La Mesa presents its annual teen dance concert “American’t Dream” at the City Heights Performance Annex (3795 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA, 92105) on February 8-9, 2019 at 7 p.m.

East County News Service

February 4, 2019 (San Diego) -- Join co-author Don Endicott for a presentation on the revised 2nd edition of 50 Best Short Hikes, San Diego, the last book originally written by renown local hiking expert Jerry Schad, first published shortly after his untimely death in 2011. Endicott will be speaking and signing books at Mission Trails Regional Park on Saturday, March 2 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Admission is free.

East County News Service

February 2, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Nearly every day is a great day to be outdoors when it comes to San Diego County Parks and Recreation. Are you ready for an adventure? We can help with that. Here are some ideas for the month of February at parks in East County.

By Miriam Raftery

January 17, 2019 (La Mesa)--Join us at our East County Dining Club’s next delicious event: a seafood soiree in the cozy party room at Red Lobster (8703 Murray Dr., La Mesa) across from Grossmont Center on Thursday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP and prepay  to reserve space for this popular event.

You don't have to be a member to attend, though members receive special benefits. Proceeds benefit East County Media to support East County Magazine and East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

Your options include not only delicious wood-grilled lobster, shrimp and salmon, but also sizzling steak, Cajun chicken pasta, and options for luscious desserts.

We will also have plentiful prizes for our drawing including Red Lobster and other restaurant gift certificates, winery gift certificate, a wine rack, jewelry, novels, cookbooks, spa gift certificates, coffee, hand-woven scarf, and more.

East County News Service

January 29, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Baron’s backroom beer pairing, a powwow at Cuyamaca College, the Lunar New Year at Barona, and Hawk Watch in Ramona

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions just in time for Valentine’s Day including a group wedding vow renewal at Parkway Plaza, Cupids and Canines at Grossmont Center, and KISS in concert at SDSU. There are also theatrical productions, open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy, a Borrego historical tour and living history presentation on the de Anza expedition.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

January 28, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Love knows no timeline. For up to 75 couples looking to refresh their commitments to each other, Parkway Plaza regional shopping mall in El Cajon is celebrating love with a first-of-its-kind marriage vow renewal ceremony.  On Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m., Center Court will be transformed into a chapel of love complete with flowers, music, champagne, cake and more. Up to 75 couples will join the Rev. Drummond Macomber, a non-denominational minister who is well-known for his community involvement.

East County News Service

January 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the 14 Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Diego County will host a “Daddy-Daughter Date Night” for fathers and daughters from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5.  Local Chick-fil-A restaurants in the East County are located at 9418 Mission Grove Road in Santee and 8200 Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa.