By Miriam Raftery

May 1, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the premier of El Cajon’s Dinner and a Concert series, a Dive-In movie at Kroc Center, the La Mesa Beautiful plant sale, Vintage Alpine wine and food tastings, and a production of Sherlock Holmes, the Final Adventure at Grossmont College.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Manzanita High Rendezvous in Lake Morena, Salsa and Salsa in Lemon Grove, a Taste of Julian, the Coyote Music Festival at Cuyamaca College, film nights in the Lemon Grove library, the Ramona Rodeo, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, and the San Diego Concert Band at La Mesa’s Harry Griffen Park.

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

East County News Service

May 1, 2018 (Guatay) -- The annual Heavenly Oaks Community Yard Sale will be held this year on Saturday, May 19 beginning at 7 a.m. at Heavenly Oaks, 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay, located halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley off of I-8.

“Multiple households are participating, so it's a great way to see lots of items in one place,” says Douglas Harrison.  “Look for a big crowd in the parking lot.”

East County News Service

April 30, 2018 (Lemon Grove) - San Diego County Library’s Lemon Grove branch is partnering with the City of Lemon Grove for the second  annual Art Days: Family Art Festival. The event takes place in front of the Lemon Grove Library (3001 School Lane) on May 19 from 1-3 p.m.  The highlight will be an engaging community art project, led by local artist Ben DeHart. Art Days allows the community to get creative and participate in a variety of explorative art options, including button making and painting.

By Miriam Raftery

April 27, 2018 (Lake Morena) – Step back in time and see history come alive at the Manzanita High Rendezvous.  The authentic mountain man encampment with characters from the early 1800s will be open to the public May 11-13 and May 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  at the Northcote Ranch near Lake Morena.

See and participate in tomahawk and knife throwing, archery, black powder shooting and more. Traders sell their goods, story tellers spin their yarns and there is fun for the whole family.  In addition to day visitors, period campers may register ahead at www.Manzanita Rendezvous.com.

Directions:

Source: Institute for Public Strategies San Diego

April 26, 2018 (San Diego) -- With Prescription Drug Take Back Day coming up on April 28, San Diegans are encouraged to turn in medications that have expired or they no longer need so that they cannot be abused or overused. This is especially true among senior citizens, a demographic we don’t normally associate with a growing drug problem. 

By Miriam Raftery

April 24, 2018 (La Mesa) — Looking for trees, shrubs, bedding plants, veggies, herbs, cacti or succulents? How about tools, accessories, pots and garden books?

 La Mesa Beautiful will host its 38^th annual plant sale on Saturday, May 5^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 6^th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4816 Glen Street in La Mesa.

By Miriam Raftery

April 19, 2018 (La Mesa) – What’s in store for housing in La Mesa and the greater region?  Join experts in the field and the leadership of La Mesa Conservations at a panel discussion Wednesday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Police Department community room, 8085 University Avenue, La Mesa. 

East County News Service

April 18, 2018 (San Diego) - East County’s San Diego Festival Chorus presents its spring concert on April 29th with Rutter’s "Requiem" and songs from "West Side Story" and "The Wizard of Oz".

The "Requiem" comes from the Englishmen, John Rutter. It is a contemporary masterwork, a beautiful, simple requiem with an appeal to all who hear it.

East County News Service

April 14, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego Concert Band presents its 29^th Annual Spring Celebration Concert--a musical journey through our country’s most trying times, from the Revolutionary War to the present.

East County News Service

April 13, 2018 (Ramona) – Conservative candidates will be participating in a candidates forum hosted by Ramona Tea’d on Saturday, April 28 at 11:30 at the Ramona Mainstage, 626 Main Street in Ramona.

Twelve candidates for Sheriff, Judge, State Assembly, State Senate and Congress were invited.  Confirmed participants so far include Judge Gary Kreep, Vicky Rothman, Tom Palzer, Dr. Robert Newman, and Larry Wilske. Other invitees include John Cox, Travis Allen, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Bill Wells, Brian Jones, Judge Herbert Exarhos, and Steven Bailey.

You’re invited to bring your questions and comments. Doors open at 11 a.m.

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2018 (Descanso) — The Descanso Fire Safe Council invites you to a program on fire operations in the wildland urban interface.  Come learn what firefighters learn to protect your home and your community.

This special program will be held on April 21^st from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Descanso Library, 9545 River Drive in Descanso.  Registration is required.

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a Kidz Danz Company production of The Constitution, a Warbirds Expo at Gillespie Field, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, the Jamul Hot Rod and Chili Cook-off, Heritage of the Americas Museum’s anniversary celebration, a harp recital at Mission Trails, the Cajon Classic Cruise season opener in El Cajon, and a Lilac Festival in Wynola.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a meteor shower watch, a furry friends hike, an antique and crafts show, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s spring concert, Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days parade, a Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, the San Diego Chorus and Orchestra’s spring concert, Renaissance music at Mission Trails, outdoor concerts in El Cajon, and winetasting at Vintage Alpine.

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

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

April 9, 2018 (San Diego) -- As both the Christian and Jewish communities celebration of their holiest time of the year is coinciding with one another this year, the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra is joining forces with the voices of the East County San Diego Mormon Chorale in a landmark concert featuring the world premiere of an orchestral cantata written for cantor, choir, and orchestra called “Unetofah Takef” (Day of Reckoning) written by John Michael Luther. The performance features shofar (ram’s horn) virtuoso, Steve Ovitsky.

East County News Service 

April 7, 2018 (La Mesa) – On Thursday, April 26, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them for a unique evening and opportunity to meet some of the local businesses within our community. The 4th Annual “Spring Fling - Business Expo” has been requested by local businesses to provide them an opportunity to showcase their goods and services.