"If our democracy is to work in this increasingly diverse nation, each one of us must try to heed the advice of one of the great characters in American fiction, Atticus Finch, who said "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."- President Barack Obama, Farewell Address January 2017

Copyright 2017 by Sam Warren, Editor

January 22, 2017 (San Diego) – Whether you’re looking to find some great reads, meet the authors, or learn how to write the great American novel yourself, you’ll find a wealth of literary happenings in Sam Warren’s Reader’s and Writer’s Calendar. 

East County News Service

January 21, 2017 (La Mesa) -- People's hearts tend to grow 3x the size when Valentine's Day rolls around. This year, the community can show their love by attending Cupid's Carouse, an annual tasting party, on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7 - 10 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center.

East County News Service

January 18, 2017 (San Diego) -- Media Arts Center San Diego announces the 24^TH annual San Diego Latino Film Festival, which will take place March 16-26 at the AMC 18 Fashion Valley theaters in Mission Valley.  The festival will occupy five screens for eleven days and will present over 160 films from Latin America, the United States, and Spain.

East County News Service

January 18, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association will present a three-part program titled “California Dreamin’” on the story of migration and immigration.  All three parts will be presented on Saturday, January 28^th and will encompass the history of the early Californians, Western women, and the impacts of immigration on Native Americans.

East County News Service

Hear our interview, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio, by clicking the audio link.

January 13, 2017 (San Diego) –  Rev. Shane Harris with the National Action Network (NAN) aims to reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream here in San Diego, the eighth largest city in the U.S. , starting with a local MLK march on Monday.  This week, in an exclusive interview with East County Magazine on KNSJ,  Rev. Harris shared his concerns and visions for the future.

“What we’ve seen with the Democrats and Republicans nationally and statewide is they will run around touting Dr. King, but they don’t understand his dream and vision,” Rev. Harris explains. “Dr. King died for a poor people’s campaign.  He was getting ready to lead a poor people’s march in Washington D.C. when he was killed.”

Source: San Diego Sheriff

January 12, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation is holding a Coffee with the Community on Wednesday, January 25^th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Lemon Grove Community Center, Lemon Grove Community Center, at 3146 School Lane in Lemon Grove.

East County News Service

January 12, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes a writer’s conference, a British comedy, a Casablanca film showing in Alpine, and Ben Vereen onstage in Poway.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including cabaret nights, a Celtic guitarist, and a Powwow.

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

By Miriam Raftery

January 7, 2017 (East San Diego) – The National Action Network (NAN) along with a coalition of African-American activists, labor, and families of police shooting victims held a press conference last week to announce the first annual Martin Luther King march in San Diego “reclaiming MLK’s day and dream” on January 16h. The event will be four days before inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump “to set the tone on important issues regarding the civil rights community in San Diego and beyond” as well as to hold elected officials at all levels accountable on key issues, states a press release from NAN.

East County News Service

January 7, 2017 (El Cajon) - Keepers of the Faith, originally from Hawaii, currently residing in Seattle, WA. will be in concert next Thursday, January 12.  These “boys” have been redeemed from a life of crime and decided to share their testimony via music.  

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes an artists’ reception, a family fun fest, train rides, a walk up Mount Helix, a Lore of the Kumeyaay class, and an international music and arts festival.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including theatrical performances, a writers’ conference, a Hawaiian and Celtic guitarist and song writer, outdoor ice skating, an author’s book signing, and a Native American powwow at Cuyamaca College.

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

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (El Cajon) - The Native American Student Alliance at Cuyamaca College will host its 3rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, February 4^th from  10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in front of the Communication Arts complex (Building B).

East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (San Diego) – Each year, talented students from San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory's most advanced level Ovation, and intermediate level Showcase programs compete in our solo Concerto Competitions.   In addition to cash scholarship awards, the winners of both competitions gain the opportunity to perform as featured soloists in future San Diego Youth Symphony concerts.

Source: Water Conservation Garden

January 2, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) – Caring for your landscape in winter leads to thriving spring gardens.  On Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will offer a class titled “Winter Garden Care: Proper Pruning Practices.”

East County News Service

December 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a New Year’s Eve Party, New Year’s day hikes in local state parks, a Joe Rathburn concert, and trivia nights at a winery!

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a family fun fest, vintage train rides, a classic movie night, a writers’ conference, and a stage production of “What the Butler Saw.”

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