OUR GUIDE TO TRANSPORTATION IN SAN DIEGO’S INLAND REGION

A collage of different images of a train and a bicycleAI-generated content may be incorrect.

San Diego’s vast inland region has many attractions, some as close as 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, with mountains an hour or so away and deserts two hours or more. 

Here’s our “getting here” guide:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

22ND ANNUAL GRIP IT & RIP IT GOLF TOURNAMENT AT SINGING HILLS MAY 15

East County News Service

April 22, 2025 (El Cajon) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 22nd annual “Grip it and Rip it” golf tournament at Singing Hills  Golf Club on May 15.

The event for ages 21 and up includes one round of golf and lunch.

The invitation states, “Challenge yourself on Willow Glen, a par 72 course, with demanding, narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Sweetwater River runs along the course and comes into play on many holes, providing dramatic scenery and difficult shots. The layout contains several dogleg holes, elevation changes and water crossings that create an incomparable day of golf for enthusiasts. Ted Robinson redesigned Willow Glen in 1980.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

OUR GUIDE TO VISITING TRIBAL LANDS IN SAN DIEGO’S INLAND REGION

Photo, right, Sycuan pow-wow dancer

East County News Service

San Diego’s inland region is home to 19 Native American tribes and 18 reservations—more than any other county in America. Local tribes trace their history here back more than 12,000 years.

Many of our local tribes welcome visitors to enjoy facilities on tribal lands, which are each sovereign nations. Attractions include casinos, hotels, golf courses, spas, concerts and other live entertainment, restaurants, an outlet shopping mall, restaurants, buffets and bars, a speedway, a paintball range, a museum, Native American pow-wows, a brewery, a vineyard, a dispensary, hiking trails, campgrounds, a water park, bike park, and a zip line.

All local tribal lands are in San Diego County’s inland areas, including northeast, southeast, and central east locations. View map here, or scroll to the bottom of this article.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

POPE FRANCIS DIES ON MORNING AFTER EASTER

East County News Service
 
April 21, 2025 -- The day after people of the Christian faith had their holiest celebration of resurrection and new life, Pope Francis passed away early this morning at age 88.
 
The Holy See announced his death early this morning, saying the pontiff passed peacefully at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where he had been residing in recent months due to ongoing health issues.
 
In a statement reported by multiple news outlets, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vatican’s health department, said Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure
 
His passing marks the end of a papacy that spanned more than a decade and left a profound impact on both the Church and the wider world.
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ISSA SUIT AGAINST CALIFORNIA SEEKS TO STOP COUNTING OF BALLOTS AFTER ELECTION DAY

League of Women Voters, groups representing veterans and seniors, and Issa’s Democratic opponent Curtis Morrison all oppose action in court

By Miriam Raftery

April 20, 2025 (San Diego) – Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican representing the 48th Congressional district, has filed a lawsuit against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. The suit, Issa v.Weber, seeks to halt California’s decade-long practice of allowing mail-in ballots to be counted up to a week after an election, provided they were postmarked by Election Day.

Ballots at risk of not being counted include many cast by military members deployed overseas, as well as seniors and others who rely on mail-in ballots.  Motions to intervene in the suit have been filed by organizations representing veterans, women, voters, and by Issa’s political opponent.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUP. ANDERSON: SIGN PETITION TO EXTEND PUBLIC NOTICE REVIEW PERIOD

East County News Service
 
April 19, 2025 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson (photo, left) the county's District 2 representative and voice, is asking for the public's help to weigh in on extending public notice review time for the Board of Supervisors agenda.
 
Anderson sent an email to constituents noting that "public engagement is essential to making sure that County government works for you."
 
Anderson said that the County currently posts Board of Supervisors meeting agendas here six days before meetings, with changes or edits posted just two days before.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NASHVILLE AMERICANA DUO- GOLDPINE AT THE BARN IN RAMONA MAY 23

East County News Service

April 19, 2025 (Ramona) – The Nashville Americana duo Goldpine, a husband and wife team, will perform at The Barn (344 Main St., Ramona) at 8 p.m., Friday, May 23.

The duo won the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest and has performed at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion.

Their music tells stories of live, love and purpose.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WILD IN THE COUNTRY FUNDRAISER COMING MAY 17; GALA HELPS LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS

Photo and story by Karen Pearlman

April 19, 2025 (Alpine) – The permanent refuge for a bevy of rescued wild animals, Lions, Tigers & Bears isn’t your average animal sanctuary -- so don’t expect its annual fundraiser to be anything but extraordinary.

The Alpine-based nonprofit will welcome visitors to its big cats and bears haven for the annual Wild in the Country 2025 next month. The annual event, including live and silent auctions, live entertainment, gourmet food, drinks and more, is set for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17. A VIP reception is also offered from 1 to 2 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

'UNITED WE DREAM' BAZAAR COMING TO EL CAJON IN MAY

East County News Service
 
April 18, 2025 (El Cajon) -- A special community event hosted by nonprofit License to Freedom will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 in El Cajon.
 
The vibrant marketplace, called the United We Dream Bazaar, will feature handmade crafts, traditional food, cultural performances and small business booths run by refugee and immigrant women from the community.
 
"It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and empowerment, showcasing the beauty and richness of cultures from around the world," said Dilkhwaz Ahmed, executive director of License to Freedom.
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE’S BEST LEAVING CITY MANAGER JOB

Santee City Manager Marlene Best (left)

By Mike Allen

April 18, 2025 (Santee) – Marlene Best, Santee’s city manager for the past nine years, is leaving the job effective April 23.

Following a closed session of the Santee City Council on April 18, Mayor John Minto announced he will sign a separation agreement with Best, and begin the process of looking for a new permanent city manager, and hiring an interim city manager.

“I can’t tell you a whole lot because this is a personnel matter,” Minto said.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DESCANSO MAN CONFRONTED BY MOUNTAIN LION IN CUYAMACA RANCHO STATE PARK

By Karen Pearlman

Image of Mountain Lion courtesy Pixabay

April 17, 2025 (Descanso, CA) -- A 31-year-old Descanso runner on Wednesday, April 16, came face-to-face with a mountain lion that he says charged at him, during an evening run on the Oak Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

JJ Goodrich wrote on his Facebook page as well as in the Descanso Neighbors Facebook page that he had an encounter with a local mountian lion.

"Please be aware if you hike out there," Goodrich wrote in Descanso Neighbors. "It was on Oak Trail between East Mesa Fire Road and Harvey Moore. Probably 140-150 lbs, never hissed, ears up, and maintained eye contact. They can close the distance incredibly fast, it was impressive."


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SEN. JONES' BILL TO END ELDERLY PAROLE FOR VIOLENT SEX OFFENDERS PASSES KEY SENATE COMMITTEE

East County News Service

Photo snip of Jones with San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan (right) courtesy California State Republicans YouTube channel

April 16, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) -- In February, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) introduced Senate Bill 286, to close what he called a “dangerous loophole” in California’s Elderly Parole program that allows violent sex offenders and murderers as young as age 50 to be released early.

Authored by Jones, and coauthored by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove), the Senate Public Safety Committee earlier this month unanimously approved the bipartisan SB 286, also known as Mary Bella’s Law, to close that loophole.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EARTHQUAKE EXPERT WARNS ELSINORE FAULT IN EAST COUNTY IS CAPABLE OF MUCH STRONGER QUAKE

By G. A. McNeeley
Map via Miracosta College
 
April 16, 2026 (Julian) -- While the 5.2 earthquake centered in Julian Monday was minor, the Elsinore Fault that produced it is capable of an 7.5 magnitude earthquake.
 
Another thing to consider is that each point on the Richter scale is exponential, which means it’s 10 times stronger than the last point.
 
For example, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake is 10 times stronger than a 5.2 magnitude earthquake.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CA SENATOR SCHIFF INTRODUCES FIREWALL ACT

East County News Service

Photo: Getty Fire, courtesy of LA Fire

April 14, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) -- U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced his first bill. 

The Firewall Act aims to help homeowners hit by climate-fueled disasters such as recent Southern California fires. It would provide a tax credit for upgrades to make houses more resilient.

“By getting ahead of natural disasters, we can save taxpayer dollars and prevent the devastation that so often comes along with wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters,” Sen. Schiff says.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WINDY AND WET WEATHER FORECAST; SNOW POSSIBLE IN MOUNTAINS

By Miriam Raftery

April 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As a cooling trend continues, the National Weather Service predicts strong winds, rain, and snow for our mountain areas later this week.

There is a chance of rain countywide and mountain snow on Thursday, increasing on Friday, with possible rain in the mountains as late as Saturday morning.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MAN SHOT AFTER ALTERCATION IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

April 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon  Police homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting.  Officers responded to call reporting the shooting in the 1100 block of East Madison Ave. at 9:47 p.m. last night.

“Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and located an adult male in a parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” says Sgt. B. Stanley.

Paramedics transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he later died.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SPRING HARP FEST RETURNS TO LA MESA APRIL 19

East County News Service

 

April 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you love harmonica music, head out to Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa this Friday, April 18. Spring Harp Fest takes place at Harry Griffen Park from10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 

Enjoy live music from many local harmonica players and groups. There’s also an unknown players jam.

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TRUMP PAUSES MOST TARIFFS FOR 90 DAYS AFTER BACKLASH, BUT STIFF TARIFFS ON CHINESE GOODS REMAIN

East County business leaders speak out on impacts of tariffs


By G. A. McNeeley 


April 14, 2025 (San Diego) – On Wednesday, April 9, President Donald Trump temporarily dropped tariff rates on imports from most of the United States’ trade partners to 10% (for 90 days), to allow trade negotiations with those countries. 

 

Trump announced the pause hours after goods from nearly 90 nations became subject to tariffs imposed by the United States, according to CNBC. 

 

On Thursday, April 3, a libertarian group (that’s been funded by Leonard Leo and Charles Koch) mounted a lawsuit against Trump's tariffs (which sent international markets plummeting), according to The Guardian. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EARTHQUAKE NEAR RAMONA SHUTS DOWN HIGHWAY 76

Last updated April 14, 2025 8 p.m including reports from readers, local authorities, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

April 14, 2025 (Ramona) -- A 5.2 earthquake struck at 10:08 a.m  about 2  miles south of Julian. The jolt was felt across the county, knocking pictures off walls and bottles off shelves at homes in La Mesa.

California Highway Patrol reports that boulders dislodged by the quake are blocking State Route 76 near State Route 79 in the Lake Henshaw area. See photo below right, via CalTrans. Mud and debris are also reported at the entry to Palomar State Park.

SDG&E's website reports an unplanned power outage in the Santa Ysabel/Julian areas.

"The earthquake epicenter was in Julian, under Heise Park, 2 miles from our house. Power is still out in our area. Cats are still hiding due to aftershocks," resident Nancy Kramer advised ECM at 12:40 p.m.

In Julian, Mountain Spirtis Liquor posted video showing broken bottles that fell off shelves, 10 News reports.

Leslie Crouch told ECM via email,"I’m in Julian the epicenter and I lost a lot of my knickknacks. Antique glassware, bottles,  pictures broken."

Descanso resident Cynthia Burnham posted on Facebook "Yes, it was very scary - had pics and a clock fall off the wall, plus could see the waves of movement in the shaking window glass next to my desk. And it was a loud one. (Sounds like a train coming through.) It was also 40 seconds long..."

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in San Pasqual, elephants formed an “alert circle” during the earthquake, encircling young elephants to protect them.  “Elephants have the ability to feel sound through their feet,” says Emily Senninger with the Safari Park. “This video demonstrates the strong social family structure in elephant herds. The herd, consisting of Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi, and youngsters Zuli and Mkhaya, went back to normal after about 4 minutes, though they did stay close to one another. “ View video.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAN DIEGO SLAMS SHUTOUT, IMPROVES TO 13-3 IN RED-HOT START

Padres lead NL west division in team’s best season start

By Karen Pearlman

Photo courtesy of San Diego Padres: Winning pitcher Michael King gets Gatorade ice bath after complete-game shutout of Colorado Rockies Sunday at Petco Park

April 13, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Padres are all alone in first place in the National League West, above both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, with a winning ratio of .813. That's the most winning record in Major League Baseball, across all divisions.

And as the team improved to 13-3 after a 6-0 win over Colorado on Sunday afternoon in front of a sellout Petco Park crowd of 42,706, the Padres continue to leave opponents scoreless.

The Padres are off to their best start in the team’s 57-year history in Major League Baseball. The team currently tops the National League west standings, ahead of the Giants (11-4) and Dodgers (11-5).


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WHAT'S BREWING? SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 24

East County News Service

April 13, 2025 (Santee) – The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer returns May 24. This annual event features a beer garden featuring craft brews, wine and spirits, kids’ zones with carnival rides and games, live music and entertainment, plus over200 vendors showcasing local arrtisans and businesses.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Town Center Parkway and Riverview Parkway in Santee.

This event, hosted by the Santee Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santee, is for ages 21 and up, and it’s dog-friendly.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

RESIDENTS CHARGED UP OVER PROSPECT OF BATTERY STORAGE SITE IN LA MESA NEIGHBORHOOD

Story and Photos By Karen Pearlman
 
April 11, 2025  (La Mesa) --  “No matter how it’s sugarcoated, battery storage facilities are dystopian looking, loud, detrimental to real estate values and potentially deadly,” La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian says.
 
For several years, Lothian (pictured above, with Heartland Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Bent Koch) has been a vocal opponent of a proposed Battery Energy Storage System site in the Lake Murray area of La Mesa.
 
With residents asking to be heard, she held an informal town hall on Wednesday, April 9 at Brew Coffee Spot on Lake Murray Boulevard, just steps away from the proposed site.
 
Although the La Mesa City Council still has to approve the project, local residents are fired up and mostly angry about the possibility of the system running in the neighborhood.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

OUR GUIDE TO COFFEE SHOPS IN SAN DIEGO’S INLAND REGION

By Branda Gorgies, Miriam Raftery and Karen Pearlman

 

Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or a jumping java joint complete with live music, poetry readings and delicious dishes, San Diego’s inland region has an array coffee houses brimming with both character and freshly-brewed coffee choices.

Whether you're seeking espressos, mixed coffee beverages, cold brews, or just a good cup of freshly ground java, you'll find plenty of tempting choices, including many that also serve up foods ranging from pastries and snacks to full breakfasts, lunches, healthy options and more.

Here's our guide to the best places to find a great cup of coffee and other coffee-related options:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE SELF FUNDS $23.5M COMMUNITY CENTER; DELAYS VOTE ON PAY HIKE

 
By Mike Allen
Image: Rendering of planned community center
 
April 10, 2025 (Santee) -- The Santee City Council did a bit of creative financing to fund a planned community center at its April 9 meeting.
 
The project, behind the Cameron YMCA that has been planned for some 20 years, could go out to bid by this summer and start construction by January following the council’s action to move some funds from its general fund to a city fund set up for building capital improvements.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

35TH ANNUAL VINTAGE ALPINE MAY 4 OFFERS TASTES OF LOCAL WINES, BEERS, AND FOOD

By Miriam Raftery
 
April 8, 2025 (Alpine) –You’re invited to the 35th annual Vintage Alpine on May 4 at the beautiful Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs. The event features tastes of over 40 wines as well as beers, samples from fine local restaurants and live music—all for a good cause.  Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of Alpine Foundation, a nonprofit which supports many local youth and community needs.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HIMALAYAN RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 18TH ANNIVERSARY

 
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
April 10, 2025 (La Mesa) – Khem Kharel, owner of Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa, pulled out all the stops to celebrate the popular restaurant’s 18th anniversary with a lavish party on March 26.
 
The restaurant that first opened in 2007 and expanded in 2012 specializes in Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan dishes.
 
Guests savored a tastebud-tantalizing buffet of Chicken Tikka Marsala, Lamb Curry, Basmati White Rice, Basmati Yellow Rice, Veggie Chow Mein, Dal Makhani, Chicken Chilli, Fish Curry, and Paneer Tikka Masala.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MANZANITA SPRING RENDEZVOUS: MOUNTAIN MEN, PIONEERS AND MORE

By Miriam Raftery

(Click image above to view flyer with sign-up details)

April 10, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to join mountain men, fur trappers and pioneer families from the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous for “Shinin’ Times” that rewind back to the 1820s.

The organization’s spring camp will be held May 2-10 at Northcote Ranch,2402 Lake Morena Drive in Campo. Spread over 10 acres of mountain prairie, the reenactment area includes primitive camps, a trader’s row, archery range, tomahawk and knife throwing range, and black powder rifle walk-through range.

Participants can learn primitive skills (such as tomahawk and knife throwing, shooting with a primitive bow and arrow, and fire starting with flint and steel), take aim at a BB gun shooting gallery, and  be immersed in living history.

 For those wishing to go beyond a day visit, you can camp out in a tipi encampment or in the “Tin Tipi” modern camp for tents and RVs.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

1 OF EVERY 2 PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SAN DIEGO IS ELIGIBLE FOR CALKIDS SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships worth up to $1,500 can be used for college or career training

Source: CalKids

Photo: Students wear CalKids T-shirts at anniversary event

April 10, 2025 (San Diego) -  College acceptance and financial aid letters are arriving soon, and high school seniors and college students have a major opportunity to ease their higher education costs through the CalKIDS program.

CalKIDS is the nation's largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. This statewide initiative, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, provides eligible California public school students with CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500—helping them take the next step toward college or career training by easing financial barriers to higher education.

In San Diego County, more than $148 million in CalKIDS Scholarships has been made available to public school students over the last three years, providing critical financial support for their higher education. A CalKIDS Scholarship does not require students to submit essays, meet a minimum GPA, or provide recommendation letters. Claiming a scholarship is simple and takes just minutes at CalKIDS.org.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HOUSE GOP APPROVES ECONOMIC ATTACK ON POOR TO FUND 'BIG PAYOUT' FOR BILLIONAIRES

By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams

Apr 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- In a party-line vote, House Republicans on Thursday approved a budget blueprint that sets the stage for the GOP to pass another round of tax cuts for the rich, paid for in part by slashing Medicaid, federal nutrition assistance, and other critical programs.

The final vote was 216 to 214, with two Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Victoria Spartz of Indiana—and every Democrat opposing the measure, which now must be converted into legislation.

The budget reconciliation process that Republicans are using for their sweeping bill means it can pass with a simple majority in both chambers of Congress.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

OUR GUIDE TO ANNUAL FESTIVALS IN SAN DIEGO’S INLAND REGION

Each year, San Diego County’s inland communities host many special events and festivals that reflect our region’s colorful history, arts and music, cultural heritage, diversity, beautiful environment, and holiday celebrations. 

Parades, outdoor concerts and movies, country fairs, classic car shows, powwows, rodeos, Oktoberfests, ethnic events, wine and food tastings, seasonal and holiday festivities are just some of the many annual events held in our inland region.

For current and complete calendar listings, visit http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/calendar . Also see our seasonal articles on major festivals and our Destination East County column listing top festivals and events.

Some of the major annual festive events in East County include the following. Actual dates vary from year to year, and  new events are frequently added:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages