East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (Tierrasanta) – If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate Father’s Day in inland San Diego, Andiamo Ristorante in Tierrasanta is offering a prix fixe menu starting at 5 p.m. on June 18^th for $29.95 per person – and kids under 12 eat free.

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2017  (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon invites you to participate in “Clean El Cajon Day” on Saturday, June 17^th at Wells Park.   Councilman Ben  Kalasho introduced the measure that created  Clean El Cajon Day and the first 100 people who sign up online will receive free T-shirts.  Click here to view a special video from Councilman Kalasho and Waste Management. 

East County News Service

June 10, 2017 (Ramona) – Nonie Darwish, a human rights activist, will speak on “The Difference between Biblical and Islamic Values” at a Ramona Tea’d forum on Saturday, June 24^th.   Darwish was born and raised in Egypt as a Muslim, but converted to Christianity after moving to the United States.  She is an author, lecturer and Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Policy.

East County News Service

June 7, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes lavender day at Summer’s Past Farms, the Julian Dance, the Taste of La Mesa, Fido Fest in Santee, outdoor concerts in La Mesa and Santee and night fishing at Santee Lakes.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Father’s Day Adventure at Fort Cross in Julian, the Julian Blues Fest, a Passport Through Time road trip on historic Highway 67, a Father’s Day brunch with Cowboy Jack, Santee Salutes, Julian’s Fourth of July Parade, El Cajon’s Independence Day celebration, Descanso Days, and astronomy night on Mount Helix.

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

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Lemon Grove Bakery

June 6, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – Here’s some sweet news for Lemon Grove residents and baked goods aficionados:  the Lemon Grove Bakery will be opening on Friday, June 9^th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the site of the former Grove Pastry Shop at 3308 Main Street, Lemon Grove.

By Miriam Raftery

June 2, 2017 (Descanso) – “Red, white and moo!” will be the theme of this year’s Descanso Days Parade and Fair on July 8^th.    Parade entries will be judged on best of theme, most creative, and judge’s choice.

East County News Service

May 31, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes Fly Day at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, the In-Ko-Pah outdoor overnight concert at Jacumba’s Desert View Tower, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, and Family Day at the Van Ommering Dairy in Lakeside.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, the Julian Dance, Fido Fest in Santee, summer concerts in La Mesa and Santee, a Taste of La Mesa, night fishing at Santee Lakes, Julian Blues Festival, a Father’s Day brunch with Cowboy Jack, a Father’s Day adventure at Fort Cross, the Secret Life of Pets showing at Santee Lakes, Julian’s 4^th of July Parade, plus Independence Day events with fireworks in Santee and El Cajon.

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

East County News Service

June 1, 2017 (Mt. Helix) – Mt. Helix Park is partnering with the San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) to host “Astronomy Night” atop Mt. Helix on Saturday, July 15th from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Bring your own telescope or witness the cosmos through one provided by members of the SDAA, who will be on site to help you interpret the night sky.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Daren Sefcik

June 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The 47^th annual Anza Borrego bighorn sheep count is set for  June 29^th through July 1^st,  with a mandatory orientation on June 17^th for all new counters and recommended for those who participated in the past.   The count will go on despite the death of its long-time leader, Ranger Steve Bier. 

“We were unable to find the master sheep count mailing list,”  states a letter from Anza Borrego Desert State Park Superintendent Kathy Dice and volunteer Sheep County Coordinator Mark Jorgensen, who are organizing a new sheep counting team. If you know of counters,  please forward their contact information to AB.Sheepcount@parks.ca.gov.

East County News Service

June 1, 2017 (Julian) --Sons of the American Legion will present the 11^th annual Julian Dance on June 10^th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The backcountry dance and barbecue features music by Three Chord Justice and the California Rangers, a large dance floor, plus dinner slow-cooked Santa Maria style over open oak-wood flames. 

This event is described as a “throwback to a simpler time with twinkly lights and bonfires backdropped by dark mountain skies,” a time for mountain residents and visitors to get together for a great time.

UPDATE:  Date changed to June 3

Source:  Saps at Sea

March 9, 2017 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the local Laurel & Hardy fan club, continues its 39th Anniversary Year on May 27 with a gathering of marvelous movie delights and hijinks!

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:  Norm Case examines Civil War drum played at the Battle of Shiloh  (photo, left) by his ancestor, Philo L. Case (photo, right)

May 28, 2017 (Ramona)--Philo Case, a drummer in the Union Army, played the long roll that called troops to arms during the battle of Shiloh, one of the bloodiest conflicts in the Civil War.  This Memorial Day weekend, his drum is on display at Hatfield Creek Winery in Ramona at 2 p.m. each day. 

Norm Case, Philo's descendent, shared the amazing history handed down through his family -- a tale that includes not only Civil War stories, but also a mystery involving another branch of his family tree that includes the niece of John Wilkes Booth.  Case says she's told him her family has kept a secret for generations--claiming her uncle came to Yakima, Washington and asked that his presence be kept secret -- after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

East County News Service

May 27, 2017 (Sycuan) – Superstars On Stage will be performing at Sycuan’s Live & Up Close theatre on July 7 and 8.”Incredible costumes, choreography and the best  tribute artists in the world recreate the magical, on-stage performances of some of the biggest stars to ever grace the stage,” a press release from Sycuan states.  Tribute artists appearing as Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston and Elvis perform their greatest hits in this high-energy Las Vegas style production show.

East County News Service

May 25, 2017 (Santee) – You’re invited to join over 30,000 visitors at the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival this Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Center Parkway and Riverview Parkway in Santee.

East County News Service

May 24, 2017 (Alpine) -- Would you know how to respond if your child stopped breathing or someone you love had a heart attack? The Alpine Woman's Club is hosting CPR & AED Certification Class on Saturday June 10^th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at  The Town Hall , 2156 Alpine Blvd.