These are just some of the nearly $10,000 in prizes at East County Fest, our "Party of the Decade" celebrating our 10th anniversary on Saturday, August 25 from 6-10 p.m. at Mission Trails  Regional Park's beautiful visitors center. Get tickets.

By Miriam Raftery

Want to win a video production about your company or organization created by Raul Sandelin Films--a $1,200 value? 

Take home sports memorabilia from NBA superstar Bill Walton’s personal collection?

Get poker lessons from Richard Lederer, who taught his two children and they became world and national poker champions? 

Savor happy hour with friends at Hatfield Creek vineyard?  Or a vacation at an adobe inn at a winery? Or take home a barbecue for a cookout in your own backyard.

Wouldn't you love to win a beautiful pearl and silver ring and earrings set, baskets of wines, autographed books, restaurant gift certificates, San Diego Zoo passes, dance concert tickets, or tickets to a concert featuring a well-known performer at SDSU’s Cal Coast Open Air Theater?

Copyright 2018 by Sam Warren, past president of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild.

"There's a word for a self-published writer who never gives up... rich." Joe Konrath

August 18, 2018 (San Diego) – Top events this week include the San Diego Book Festival and East County Fest, where many prominent local authors will be signing copies of their books.

CLICK TO SCROLL DOWN FOR A FULL LIST OF BOOK EVENTS

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2018 (San Diego) – Language expert, author, columnist and radio personality Richard Lederer will be a special guest at our East County Fest 10-year anniversary party of the decade on Saturday night, August 25. (Tickets are going fast! Get tickets and learn more.)

In addition to speaking and signing copies of his latest books, Lederer has generously donated two special auction prizes – an entertaining and educational appearance by Lederer for your group, and a poker lesson by Lederer, whose skills enabled his two children to become world and national poker champions.

Lederer is the author of 50 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his current books, Amazing Words, Lederer on Language, and The Joy of Names. He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words” on KPBS.

Dr. Lederer’s syndicated column, “Lederer on Language,” appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States, including the San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.

East County News Service

August 16, 2018 (Ramona) – The Ramona Country Fair is inviting all homemade cooks of jams, jellies, jerky, salsas, breads, muffins, desserts, pickles and relishes to enter samples of their favorite recipes in the fair’s “Home Sweet Home Contest” on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona. Cost to enter the contest is free. You do not need to live in Ramona to enter. Entries must be labeled with the category and flavor. Entries will be accepted at 9 a.m. Judging will begin at 10 a.m. and ribbons for first, second and third place will be announced later that morning. For more information, call the Ramona Chamber of Commerce at (760) 789-1311, visit www.ramonachamber.com/home-sweet-home-contest.

By Miriam Raftery

August 14, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Three Dog Night in concert at Viejas, Watermelon Days at the Oasis Camel dairy, night fishing at Santee Lakes, the Mighty Untouchables in Santee, the Ramona Country Fair and our own East County Fest at Mission Trails,

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions for September including the Barona Powwow, Sycuan Powwow, Ramona Grape Stomp, and the Julian Music Festival.

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

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- NBA superstar, Hall of Famer, sportscaster and hometown hero Bill Walton has announced he will be at East County Magazine’s 10-year-anniversary party, “East County Fest” on August 25^th at Mission Trails Regional Park visitor center.

Walton was named to the NBA list of 50 best players of all time in 1997 among many other top honors -- and he started his winning sports right here in East County, leading Helix High School in La Mesa to CIF championships before going on to a legendary career in college and professional sports.

He has also generously agreed to donate autographed sports memorabilia from his personal collection for our fundraising auction. The value of these one-of-a-kind items? Priceless!

East County News Service

August 6, 2018 (Alpine) – The Alpine Historical Society and Alpine Woman’s Club invite you to a potluck luncheon on Sunday, August 19 at 2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. The lunch and general meeting starts at 1 p.m. with program at 2 p.m. featuring anthropologist/author Michael Wilken-Robertson, who will speak on the interdependence between native peoples and native plants in Southern California and Baja.

See attached flyer for information on reservations and details.

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a kayak tour at Lake Morena, a jazz concert at Mission Trails, Hall in Oates and Train in concert at SDSU, the Julian Natural Wonderfest, the HeART of Mt. Helix, and the Price is Right game show at Sycuan.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including our own East County Fest at Mission Trails, celebrating the 10^th anniversary of East County Magazine, as well as the Barona Powwow, Sycuan Powwow, Ramona Grape Stomp and the Julian Grape Stomp Festa,

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

East County News Service

July 31, 2018 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invite you to enjoy great food from a dozen restaurants, enter for a chance to win 40 free door prizes, and meet spotlighted business members at the 5^th annual Summer Bash Business Expo. The fun takes place Thursday, August 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa).

East County News Service

July 26, 2018 (Ramona) - Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery will host a free water-wise landscaping workshop August 25th from 5 to 7 p.m. The winery is located at 23578 Highway 67 in Ramona, CA 920650.

Learn how to create a less thirsty and environmentally friendly landscape! Join Solana Center for this presentation where you will learn the basics of water wise gardening. Using trial-tested advice and interactive demonstrations, our expert educator will teach you all you need to know to get started with a garden that fits San Diego's semi-arid climate.

The next Unplugged Dining event is slated for August 21 at 5 p.m. at these four restaurants:  Fourpenny House Pub, Centifonti's, Trattoria Tiramisu, and San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room, all in La Mesa

East County News Service

July 24, 2018 (La Mesa) -- This past Tuesday, the La Mesa Village had quite a buzz emanating from Fourpenny House Pub.   People came to try out a new concept – unplugged dining.  As there are no TV’s, this cozy Scottish Brew Pub already has less emphasis on screens than many restaurants.  Taking it a step further on Tuesday, Fourpenny offered table games and displayed signs encouraging people to take a tech break while enjoying their meal.

East County News Service

July 18, 2018 (Alpine) - A dinner and auction to benefit survivors of the West Fire in Alpine will be held on Saturday, August 18^th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center.

The Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce and Alpine Community Center are organizing the fundraiser. All funds raised will be donated to the Alpine Community Foundation to help and support those affected by the West Fire, which destroyed 34 homes and also destroyed many outbuildings, damaging other properties.

For tickets, visit http://www.AlpineChamber.com.

See details below:

East County News Service

July 16, 2018 (La Mesa) --  Once a Scotty, always a Scotty. Helix High School class of 1998 invites you to come join fellow classmates and teachers to catch up on old times at the 20-year reunion on Saturday, August 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Bolt Brewery, 8179 Center Street in La Mesa. All classmates from 1998 or any classes before or after 1998 who want to reconnect with old friends are welcome to attend.

UPDATE: WALK-INS ARE WELCOME! BUT PLEASE RSVP.

July 4, 2018 (El Cajon) -- You're invited to our next East County Dining Club event, which benefits our nonprofit East County Magazine and our East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts.  

Please join us in a Mediterranean Feast on Sunday, July 15 at 1 p.m. at Eat a Pita! (1255 Avocado Road in the Vons shopping center at Chase and Avocado in  El Cajon).

$28 INCLUDES: Mediterranean feast!  Beef kebab, chicken kebab/souvlaki, falafel, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), rice, Greek salad, pita bread and hummus, tax, tip, beer or wine, soft drink & refill, & 1 opportunity drawing ticket. Prizes include restaurant gift certifictes, a night's stay at Triple H Ranch Bed and Breakfast in Lakeside, jewelry, cookbooks, novels, Kamp's Propane gift certificate, ladybug planter, Prete-a-Porter Salon haircut, Club Pilates class and more!

RSVP BY JULY 10 for earlybird prize drawing: editor@eastcountymagazine.org   or 619-698-7617.

Saturday, July 28, 6-8:30 p.m.

East County News Service

July 10, 2018 (El Cajon) - The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College welcomes back the Gregory Page Trio for a summer concert on Saturday, July 28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Gregory will capture your heart with his engaging lyrics and soothing melodies reminiscent of the 1920’s sweet jazz era.

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.