East County News Service

February 12, 2023 (San Diego) -- North America’s songbird population has declined dramatically in the last 50 years, and the most significant cause of the decline is loss of habitat. In a lecture on Thursday, March 2 at 6 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park’s visitor center, Kay Charter of the nonprofit Saving Birds Thru Habitat will offer tips on creating habitat in your own yard to help songbirds thrive.

By Kathy Carpenter

February 6, 2023 (Poway) - Does air turbulence scare you? Take a ride with a plane full of awkward characters facing both metaphysical turbulence and unpredictable aircraft motions. PowPac presents “Air Turbulence," a new comedy by local playwright Daniel Watts. Engaging characters tickle your funny bones as you are sucked into the airborne experience in this amusing perspective of a rough flight.

By Miriam Raftery and Jonathan Goetz

February 3, 2023 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s destination East County features events in mid-to late February across San Diego’s inland region.

Hot happenings include a tribute to Michael Jackson at Sycuan, a candlelight concert in Jacumba, Valentine teas in Julian, black history month events at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, new moon fishing at Lake Jennings, Laurel and Hardy night in Spring Valley, birdwatching classes at Mission Trails, Fido Fest in Santee, Touch-a-Truck in Lakeside, and Hawkwatch in Ramona.

East County News Service

January 31, 2023 (Lakeside) – A new moon fishing night will be held at Lake Jennings on Saturday, February 18^th. The lake will stay open until 10 p.m.; entry gate closes at 9 p.m. The lake was recently stocked with 2,100 pounds of rainbow trout. 

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2023 (Escondido) – Throughout February, admission is free to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido for seniors age 65 and up.

Enjoy the sights on an Africa Tram, see the platypuses and other Aussie species at Walkabout Australia, wander through Tiger Trail, take a stroll around Mombasa Lagoon, ride on the African tram, and relax with refreshments on the patio at Kijamii Overlook. There's a world of sights to see at the Safari Park.

POSTPONED:  Due to inclement weather, Fido Fest has been postponed until Saturday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Due to inclement weather, The City of Santee’s seventh annual Fido Fest will be postponed to March 11. Our focus is on the safety and enjoyment of our furry friends and their families. The event is rescheduled to Saturday, March 11 from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, located at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee. Join us for a dog-gone good time…”

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2023 (Santee) – Fido Fest, the largest dog festival in East County, will be presented by the city of Santee on Saturday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dog adoptions, giveaways, a dog agility course, costume contest and much more will be available at the free event held at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive).

January 26, 2023 (Pala) -- Pala Casino Spa Resort is excited to present legendary group Spyro Gyra and world-renowned prolific acoustic guitarist Peter White on Friday, February 17, performing live indoor at the Events Center. The show will start at 8:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $45.

This show is just one of the impressive lineup of headliner and tribute concerts that will be held at the Events Center and Starlight Theater.

East County News Service

January 24, 2023 (Julian) – Julian Tea & Cottage Arts invites you to romantically-inspired Valentine’s Teas from Feb.9 through Feb. 14.  The four-course menu features soup, finger sandwiches and savories, a scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, plus a grand finale served on a three-piece dessert tray.

By Jonathan Goetz and Miriam Raftery

January 21, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming festivities and events include concerts at The Magnolia in El Cajon and Viejas in Alpine, a star party, wildlife tracking and birding classes at Mission Trails, a play at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa and Hawkwatch raptor viewing in Ramona.

By Kathy Carpenter

January 19, 2023 (La Mesa) - After tragedy, life needs to be rebuilt. Lamplighters Theatre presents The Revlon Girl, written by Neil Anthony Docking. With so many tragic events hitting the news these days, it's hard to recall the details from month to month. Disasters need to be remembered and documented. The Revelon Girl humanizes Aberfan in England in 1966, delivering the stories and healing process of four women who lost their children and the woman who volunteers to help them.

By Miriam Raftery

January 10, 2023 (El Cajon) – The iconic rock and roll band Three Dog Night will perform March 19 at 8 p.m. at The Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon, Live Nation announced today. Founded in 1969, the group scored 11 Top Ten hit songs and a dozen consecutive gold albums in its heyday from 1969 to 1975. Today, Three Dog Night still features founding member/vocalist Danny Hutton and other stellar musicians.

The band’s well-known hits include One, Mama Told Me (Not to Come), Joy to the World, Shambala, Black and White, and many more. 

East County News Service

January 1, 2023 (Poway) – Bring the kids for a day of snow-filled fun at a Winter Festival complete with sledding down a snow hill, building a snowman, roasting marshmallows by a campfire, making silly faces in a photo booth, and taking a spin around a synthetic ice skating rink.

The Winter Festival will be held at the Poway Community Park and Auditorium, 13094 Civic Center Drive in Poway on Friday, January 23 from 5 p.m.to 9 p.m. and Saturday, January 14 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.

There will also be food vendors and shuttles available.

East County News Service

December 26, 2022 (Alpine) – Robin Parks, field representative with the Mountain Lion Foundation, will give a “Mountain Lions 101” presentation on January 20 at 1 p.m. in the Alpine branch of the San Diego County Library (1752 Alpine Blvd., Alpine). 

“Some of this interest has been prompted by the whole P-22 matter,” says Parks, referencing the mountain lion that gained fame for surviving in the Hollywood Hills before being euthanized at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park earlier this month due to injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle and other health conditions including a skullyfracture and kidney failure.