East County News Service

January 21, 2019 (La Mesa) – Get creative!  Nainsook Framing + Art in La Mesa is offering a variety of art classes in February.  Enjoy an evening of wine, art and friendship while learning how to create mosaics, watercolor paintings, pendant jewelry and more.  Special for Valentine’s Day, on Feb. 7 you can also learn how to turn a black and white photo of your sweetheart into a painting.

By Miriam Raftery

January 19, 2019 (Julian) – The community is invited to a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Julian Cuyamaca Firefighters Association on Sunday, January 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Bring a non-perishable food item to share for the Julian Blessing Box, a free food pantry that helps people in need.

East County News Service

January 16, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes an art show at the Wieghorst Museum, Hawk Watch in Ramona, a Lamplighters Theatre murder mystery play in La Mesa, bluegrass music at the Alpine library, and a beer pairing at Baron’s back room in Alpine.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a powwow at Cuyamaca College, the rock band KISS in concert at San Diego State University, and an open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona.

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

East County News Service

January 16, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Citizen of the Year luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 12-2:30 p.m. at the El LCajon Elks Lodge (1400 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon).

Cost per person is $20.  For more information, please contact the Chamber office at (619) 440-6161.

East County News Service

January 16, 2019 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “Keeping Your Brain Fit,” an informational program about how to improve your brain health with brain exercises and lifestyle changes, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

East County News Service

January 14, 2019 (San Diego) - Yuko Maruyama, pianist-composer-arranger, will perform jazz compositions from her CD albums as well as her uniquely modern interpretations of favorite American classics from the 1940’s Big Band era with the Mercantile Alley Band – piano, bass drums, accordion, percussion, vocals. This free concert will be held on February 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mission Trails Church, 4880 Zion Avenue.

East County News Service

January 11, 2019 (Alpine) — Baron’s Market in Alpine will host a backroom beer pairing with 100% of proceeds donated to benefit Alpine schools/PTA. The fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, January 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.  As the market transforms its loading dock and stockroom into a local brew speakeasy, guests will sample beers from Refuge Brewery with gourmet bites made from the market’s natural ingredients.

East County News Service

January 8, 2019 (Santee) -- The Santee Historical Society announces San Diego Trolleys, a presentation and book signing by Douglas W. Mengers on Saturday, January 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Santee Historical Society and Museum, 9200 Magnolia Avenue in Santee.

Starting with the first horse-drawn trolleys introduced by the San Diego Streetcar Company in 1886, San Diego’s history includes the growth and decline of several transportation systems. After electricity arrived, San Diego was the site of early experimentation for electric trolleys on the West Coast.

East County News Service

January 7, 2019 (San Diego) – Mission Trails Regional Park has discontinued its free, bi-monnthly Sunday afternoon concert series which has run for seven years, despite near-capacity audiences for music ranging from indigenous to classical to jazz, The Mission Times Courier reports.  The decision to axe the concerts was made following the retirement of Jay Wilson, head of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation who established the popular concert series.

Fortunately, musicians have found a new home at the Mission Trails Church (4880 Zion Ave., San Diego 92120), where concerts will continue in a larger space with more parking on the second Sunday of each month from 3 to 4 p.m.

East County News Service

December 19, 2018 (San Diego's East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes New Year’s Eve celebrations in Alpine, Lakeside and Jamul plus events coming up in January including a circus in Otay Ranch, classes at the Water Conservation Garden, live music and open mic nights at Wynola Pizza, ice skating at Viejas, desert hikes and a paleolithic conference in Borrego Springs, a star party at Mission Trails, and the musical “Songs for A New World” at the Encore Theatre in Spring Valley.

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

By Briana Gomez

Miriam Raftery, editor of East County Magazine hosted a spirited holiday party on Sunday, December 16 at her home on Mt. Helix.

In attendance at our "Feasting and Merrymaking" celebration were staff members, board members, and volunteers for the non-profit publication, as well as community members who purchased tickets to support the online magazine.

Click here for  free circus pass for children age 10 and under

East County News Service

December 19, 2018 (Oray Ranch, Chula Vista) -- American Crown Circus is bringing its Circo Osorio to the Otay Ranch Town Center January 10^th through 14^th.  A family tradition for over 90 years, the show includes aerial acrobats, trapeze flyers, illusions, a wheel of death, daredevils, creative costumes and theatrical showmanship. 

You're invited to "runaway to the circus."  The Las Vegas-based show promises spellbinding performances as aerial artists swing, acrobats tumble and artists defy the laws of gravity just inches from the audience.

East County News Service

December 13, 2018 (El Cajon) – The Olaf Wieghorst Museum at the Wieghorst Western Heritage Center, 131 Rea Ave., El Cajon, is presenting an exhibit of 25 quilts created by East County residents, including Cheryl Minshew, Daniela Stout and Sylvia Thomas. “Visitors to the Wieghorst will be impressed by the variety and creativity of patterns designed by East County residents,” said Minshew, the show’s curator. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Dec. 29.  Admission to the museum is free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, phone (619) 590-3431, or visit www.wieghorstmuseum.org.

Copyright 2018 by Sam Warren

“Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the backyard and shot it.”  —Truman Capote 

December 8, 2018 (San Diego) – From a writers’ and editors’ holiday potluck party to author book signings, writing classes and library events, there’s a lot happening in our local literary community.

CLICK TO SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF BOOK EVENTS

East County News Service

December 7, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Picture it – a horse-pulled wagon filled with carolers young and old making its way through suburban streets as the neighbors call out Christmas greetings.  It’s the annual Hayride and Chili Dog Dinner at The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa 91942.