East County News Service

March 10, 2018 (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 showcasing 13 art pieces by Fabian Diaz Luevano of El Cajon.

East County News Service

March 9, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The Water Conservation Garden invites the public to its third annual Water-Wise Home Garden Tour.  The tour on March 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. will highlight five beautiful gardens utilizing an array of color, variety, and low water use plants, shrubs and trees.  The gardens emphasize plants from semi-arid regions of the world including Australia, New Zealand, Southwestern U.S. and South Africa.

By Miriam Raftery

March 6, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to join the La Mesa Conversations leadership and your neighbors to discuss upcoming events including panels on healthcare, homeless and education—and hear your ideas.

Enjoy no-host cocktail or food and stimulating conversations at this event on Sunday, March 11 from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Hooley's Irish Pub and Grill, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr #247 (near Macy's and Chuze Fitness), La Mesa in the Guinness Room.

By Miriam Raftery

March 5, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- An impressive lineup of musical performances are coming up with Cuyamaca College’s annual Spring Concert Series, which opened in February and continues with many upcoming shows.

“The Spring Concert Series includes some very exciting events, including some new and repeat performers,” said Taylor Smith, Performing Arts chair at Cuyamaca College. “I am especially excited about the new ECHO Chamber Music series, which will feature world-renown instrumentalists. Each semester, we try to provide an educational and entertaining series with a wide variety of musical styles. This semester we are presenting music from Beethoven to the Beatles and everything in between. Where else in San Diego can you go to see such a variety?”      

All but the Coyote Music Festival take place at the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets to all other shows is $8, or $5 for students unless otherwise noted.

East County News Service

March 4, 2018 (Valley Center) – Keys Creek Lavender Farm will host a Sunday bunch on Sunday, March 11^th at 11:30 a.m.  At this first in a series of spring and summer brunches, Chef Evanlee will serve a farm-inspired menu of breakfast foods along with mimosas, tea and coffee while guests enjoy scenic lavender field views.

For reservations or more information, visit Keys Creek Lavender Farm at www.KCLFarm.com.

By Miriam Raftery

March 2, 2018 (La Mesa) – Nainsook Framing + Art invites you to “Glow,” a spring artists’ reception  on Saturday, March 3 from 6-8 p.m.  The event features works by local artists Beverly Berwick, Mary Sue Compton, Gary Dyak, Tina Fries-Miller, Sue Z. Gold, Susan Hewitt, Roberta Labastida, Harriet Lisak, Carol Mansfield, Ann Slater, Paul White and Jami Wright.

Wine and cheese will be served at the reception, which is open to the public.  The art show will run from March 3 through April 30. 

East County News Service

March 1, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Shawii, or acorn “mush,” was one of the most important foods for Kumeyaay/Diegueño People for thousands of years. The long process for preparing this staple food has been passed down from generation to generation.  On Saturday, April 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Martha Rodriquez (San Jose de la Zorra) will teach a class on how to make this rare treat at the Barona Cultural Center and Museum.

www.http://losangeles.splashmags.com/

East County News Service

February 27, 2018 (Ramona) --  Indivisible Ramona invites the public to attend an evening of presentations on the “Changing Faces of Agricultures”, including farm labor, and its impact on the economy of San Diego County tonight, Tuesday, February 27, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ramona Library Community Room, 1275 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065. 

Attendees will hear from two expert speakers and Congressional candidates about San Diego County agriculture productions of more than $1.7 billion and agricultural exports from and through the county at more than $18 billion and how immigration, housing, NAFTA and other key issues could have an impact. Both Republican and Democratic candidates running for Congress in District 50 have been invited to participate and offer comments.

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2018 (Ramona) – You’re invited to meet artists, art teachers, furniture artisans and celebrate the life of the late, great artist Helen Petre  on Friday, March 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the 2Create Gallery, 438 Main Street in Ramona.  The event is the first of a series of “First Friday” art events that the gallery plans to host, each featuring art, music and refreshments.

Helen Petre was a colorful and acclaimed artist who lived in Julian and continued creating works of art well into her nineties. Known for her stylish hats and fashionable clothing that she designed herself, during her long and productive life she became a prolific artist excelling in collage, monoprinting, mixed media and bookarts. 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes Seussical, the Musical in Spring Valley’s Encore Theatre, Hawk Watch in Ramona, the Boots Ball in Borrego Springs, Gregory Page at Mission Trails, and the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions, including a First Fridays art show at 2Create Gallery in Ramona, the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, Circle of Art in Borrego Springs, Tomatomania at the Garden, the Alaskan String Band at Kroc Center, the Bunny Train at the Campo Depot, Spring Extravaganza at Santee Lakes, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa and a night of Laurel and Hardy comedy films in Spring Valley, all in March.

April’s events include Julian Gold Rush Days, Julian Family Fiddle Camp, Sweet Pea Days and an antique show at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, Heritage of the Americas Museum’s 25^th anniversary party, the season opening of Cajon Classic Cruises in El Cajon, and Musical Journeys, a spring concert presented by the San Diego Festival and Chorus.

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

February 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to our Mardi Gras dinner party benefit for East County Magazine!

Join us Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the award-winning San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa for a catered New Orleans Cajun/Creole dinner and festivities -- all for just $28 (leap year pricing on leap day!).  

$28 price includes tax, tip, Mardi Gras mask, beads, New Orelans dinner and a glass of wine

RSVP required by Feb. 21 as we must guarantee a number and prepay the caterer.

There will also be opportunity drawings, a silent auction, games and prizes galore! Scroll down or click “read more” for the delicious details.

East County News Service

February 15, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Art lovers can view works of over 70 fine artists at the 29^th annual Circle of Art Show and Sale on Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. This popular event will be held Saturday, March 10^th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 11^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Deadline for new members to apply is Feb. 26 to perform in Spring Concert April 29

By Teresa Fistere, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra

February 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego Festival Chorus, based in East County, is in its 18^th season, and never sounded so good!

We are non-sectarian, performing choral masterworks and popular choral arrangements in the same program.

Our winter concert featured the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and a zany “Musicological Tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas”. 1400 people attended our performance at the College Avenue Baptist Church, a marvelous venue.

This spring’s concert starts with John Rutter’s “Requiem”, a modern choral masterpiece. Anyone would be inspired by it. Then we get to perform songs from a new choral version of “West Side Story”. It’s a wonderful American musical. We finish the concert with delightful songs from “The Wizard of Oz”.

East County News Service

February 12, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) – Heritage of the Americas Museum is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with a special event on Saturday. April 14^th from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring guest artist Alfredo Rodriguez. The celebration also features a catered buffet, music, auction, drinks and good times.