East County News Service

June 14, 2018 (La Mesa) - The Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Fest will celebrate Independence Day on July 4^th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with live bands, food, fun and a fireworks finale. 

The festival will be held on the San Carlos side of Lake Murray, but the full lake will be open during the day for fishing and other family-fun activities.

For more information, you can visit www.LakeMurrayFireworks.org.

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes hikes in local parks after dark,  El Cajon movies in the park and more movies in county parks, Santee’s Summer Concerts series, Wags and Wine at the Water Conservation Garden, a Queen Bee Brunch in Alpine and a Passport Through Time along historic highways in East County.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Sha Na Na. live at Sycuan, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, Julian’s Quilt Show, Santee Salutes, Julian’s Fourth of July Parade, the Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Fest, and the Descanso Days Parade and Fair.

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

Source: Ilan Lael Foundation

Cover photo credit:  Michael Gerdes and Chris Henry

May 16, 2018 (Wynola) -- The Ilan-Lael Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Wynola, will host its annual Father’s Day Open House and Studio Tour on Sunday, June 17^th.

Just three miles west of Julian, this picturesque spot with views of the Volcan and Cuyamaca Mountains is home to renowned artist James Hubbell.  Between the late 1950’s – 1960’s, using natural local materials, James designed and constructed a handful of artistic buildings that became his family’s home, now a designated historic landmark.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy SDSU News Center

June 11, 2018 (San Diego) – Billed as the largest pyrotechnics show west of the Mississippi, the 43^rd annual KGB SkyShow fireworks program is scheduled for September 8^th after the San Diego State University Aztecs home opener. 

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2018 (La Mesa) – What good is sitting alone in your room? As the song goes, come to the cabaret this Sunday, June 17 at San Pasqual Winery’s tasting room in the La Mesa downtown village. This night of story and song in the winery’s intimate back room will feature four talented singers Roylee York, Tim Moore, Amy Rubinate and Ron Snyder on piano, organized by Los Angeles producer Clifford Bell. 

The 6 p.m. show has a $15 cover charge plus two items minimum (beverages and light snacks are available).

For tickets, visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3476298.

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove residents are invited to the 2018 Lemon Grove Summer Kick Off Event and Community BBQ on Monday, June 11 from 3-5 p.m. at Lemon Grove Recreation Center (3131 School Lane.).

Kick off your summer in style with friends and family and enjoy live music from DJ BodyRawk, participate in activities at the Recreation Center, win prizes and learn about fun summer programs and events for kids in Lemon Grove. A free BBQ meal will be provided to every guest.

By Miriam Raftery

June 9, 2018 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to a magical evening of festivity and excitement at a masquerade ball titled “A Night To Remember.”

This black tie formal affair—masks mandatory—will be held on Friday, September 28 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Crystal Ballroom (414 Magnolia Ave., El Cajon). 

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) – The dog days of summer are here – with “Wags and Wine” on Tuesday, June 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.  You’re invited to bring your furry friend for a special evening stroll through the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.

By Annie Greenberg

June 7, 2018 (Alpine) -- Linda Cioffi is on a mission: to help find a cure for Alzheimer's in her lifetime.  Her annual fundraiser, Quest for the Cure, is this Friday, June 8, from 4 p.m. to8 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center Grand Ballroom. The community is invited to attend and enjoy opportunity drawings and a silent auction. The grand prize for the opportunity drawing will be a luxury staycation at a beach or bayfront home in San Diego with area theme park tickets. Other items include a Barona Casino package with spa and golf, and a Palm Springs getaway.

By Miriam Raftery

June 3, 2018 (Poway) -- “Country crooners, ‘80s hitmakers and man’s best friend are among the headlining talent Poway OnStage have lined-up for their 2018/19 Professional Performance Series at the Poway Performing Arts Center. This season, we are delighted to welcome old friends and new talents to the Poway stage,” says Poway OnStage President and CEO Michael Rennie.  “Returning Poway OnStage alum include perennial Poway favorites and equal opportunity offenders The Capitol Steps, guitar masters the Romeros; and celebrity talents from Dancing with the Stars and American Idol performing the all-new Motown with a Twist.” 

“First time appearances include  ‘80s hitmakers Starship featuring Mickey Thomas; the Indian-dance-by-way-of-Bollywood spectacular, Mystic India; the wily canine exploits of The Stunt Dog Experience; the revamped Kingston Trio, the inimatable Arlo Guthrie, Irish dance phenomenon Murphy’s Celtic Legacy and country singer Clay Walker.”

Below is the full schedule and details:

By Colleen Ince

June 1, 2018 (Descanso) - You don’t want to miss the 49^th Annual Descanso Days Parade and Fair on Saturday, July 7^th.  The parade starts at 10:00 am but be sure to get your spot early. The road closes at 9:30 a.m. and the fair will begin following the parade. There is no admission fee.

Source:  City of El Cajon

June 1, 2018 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon proudly invites the community to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new El Cajon Animal Shelter on Saturday, June 2, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The $10 million state-of-the-art facility was funded by Proposition O, a voter-approved temporary sales tax used to finance the construction of the police station and the shelter. 

Source: County Library branch in El Cajon

Photo by Miriam Raftery: Pacific Crest Trail in Campo

May 29, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Local hiking enthusiast Dana Law will share his adventures and tips for hiking the legendary Pacific Crest Trail at a special presentation on June 16^th at 2:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Branch Library located at 201 E Douglas Avenue.

East County News Service

May 29, 2018 (La Mesa) - The Foothills Art Association invites everyone to enjoy “Art in the Park” an art show and sale at MacArthur Park in La Mesa on Sunday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Many local artists will be displaying and selling their artwork during a festive day in La Mesa’s newest community park. See the art, listen to the music, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy a family day at MacArthur Park.  

East County News Service

May 28, 2018 (La Mesa) – San Diego Oasis, a nonprofit that promotes successful aging throughout San Diego County for anyone over age 50, will host author and local historian Jim Newland for a special presentation discussing a new book on the history of Grossmont Hospital from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 31, at the Oasis Lifelong Learning Center at the Grossmont Center mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. The public is invited to attend this free presentation. For more information, call (619) 881-6262 or visit www.sandiegooasis.org.