Also check out Julian Gold Rush Days at the Julian Mining Company just across the street

By Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s still time to bring home a bouquet of fragrant lilacs as the Lilac Festival continues in its final day of the season at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures today.  It’s all part of a revitalization of new activities reclaiming the region's  historical roots along Highway 78 just outside of Julian in San Diego's East County.

East County News Service

March 31, 2017 (San Diego) – “We’re heading for a sold-out house!” says Chuck Brown with the San Diego Concert Band.  “Be among the ‘Last 100’ to get your tickets for the 28^th annual Spring Celebration Concert – “Around the World in 90 Minutes” – presented by the San Diego Concert Band.  Don’t miss this musical travel log  as we visit Australia, England, Italy, Ireland, S. Korea, Spain, and other places.”

By Devorah Ann Fox

March 30, 2017 (La Mesa) – California philanthropist and environmentalist Tom Steyer will speak at the La Mesa – Foothills Democratic Club meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at the La Mesa Recreation Center.  A 6:30 p.m. snack and social hour will precede his 7 p.m. speech and a question and answer period.

By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- The California State Parks Foundation invites you to volunteer to help a local state park get ready for the summer season this Earth Day,  April 22^nd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Spring flowers have brought splashes of color across the sunny slopes and green pastures of parks around California. After a record-breaking season of winter rains, California’s state parks are flush with wildflowers and wildlife. Winter has transitioned to spring and that means it’s also time for some spring cleaning.  This year marks the 19^th year of Earth Day spring cleaning in our state parks.

East County News Service

March 28, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) - The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will host its Spring Butterfly and Garden Festival on Saturday, April 29^th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activities include butterfly pavilion and garden tours, butterfly releases, face painting, kids’ activities and craft vendors, animal exhibitors, educational exhibits and presentations, us edible, ornamental and native plant sales. You can also sign up for landscape design consultations.

East County News Service

March 28, 2017 (Crest) -- Why do more than 3 million Americans practice an ancient healing art of Qigong from China?  Find out on April 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Crest Library (105 Juanita Lane, El Cajon).

East County News Service

March 27, 2017 (Lakeside) -- If you’re a senior citizen baffled by all those high-tech gadgets, now there’s a solution for you. The County’s Mobile Tech Lab is coming to Lakeside’s Community Center (9841 Vine St.) on March 31^st from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

East County News Service

March 25, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – On April 1^st (no fooling!) the Anza Borrego Foundation will hold a day-long celebration commemorating its founding 50 years ago. 

The ABF will throw a party to look back at its accomplishments to support the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and set the mood for the next 50 years.  

East County News Service

March 25, 2017 (Lakeside) – Thousands of eggs and 1,700 pounds of trout are among the attractions at the Spring Carnival Lake Jennings slated for Saturday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.   The event will also feature free paddle boating for the whole family, a Kid’s Pond for children under age 10, rainbow trout fishing and of course, an egg hunt. 

By Kathy Carpenter

Journalist www.sandiegosplash.com

March 24, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? My heart filled with joy at the sight of the full audience at the Monarch Theatre. Once Upon a Mattress was everything a magical tale should be: fun, funny, and fabulous.

By Kathy Carpenter

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (El Cajon) - The El Cajon branch of the San Diego County Library at 201 E. Douglas Avenue in El Cajon will host its second annual Family Play Day on Saturday, April 1 at 12:00 p.m. There will be crafts and activities for kids of all ages, as families learn how to make play items from common, everyday materials.  It’s fun, inexpensive, and teaches kids how to be resourceful.  This event is sponsored by the Friends of the El Cajon Library.

East County News Service

March 21, 2017 (Santee) -- The City of Santee, and Santee Lakes present the 14th annual Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve (Lake #5) on Saturday, April 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

East County News Service

March 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – The 18^th annual Spring Harp Fest, showing harmonica players and more, will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St.) in La Mesa. 

The event is free though a $10 donation is suggested. Funds are used to donate harmonicas to local schools. This year’s lineup includes:

East County News Service

March 16, 2017 (El Cajon) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a real estate trade group for San Diego-area realtors, will host California Assemblyman Randy Voepel for a meet-and-greet from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Friday, March 31, at PSAR’s East County Service Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon. The public is invited to attend. Members of PSAR’s East County Governmental Affairs Committee are organizing the event.