November 18, 2009 (El Cajon) –Sophie's Gallery invites you to “rekindle the magic of the season” at its 10th Annual Holiday Show celebration, “Wings of Snow.” The exhibit features a collection of unique angels and winged mosaic pieces hand-crafted by developmentally disabled individuals from St. Madeline Sophie’s Center.
November 16, 2009 (Julian) -- Julian Stage Company and the Julian Chamber of Commerce present the 2009 production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol--a Julian holiday tradition.
Give your holiday spirit a boost with the classic story of a lonely, miserable, hard-hearted old man who finds the true meaning of life and love during one haunted Christmas Eve. Editor's hint: Allow time to take in the quaint holiday charm of small-town, historic Julian, with its horse-drawn carriages, strolling carolers, and hot spiced cider.
November 15, 2009 (Julian) - On November 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists and artisans from the Julian Arts Guild invites the public to in an open studios and galleries tour. What better way to do some early holiday shopping and enjoy the beautiful backroads and byways near the historic gold mining town of Julian?
November 13, 2009 (La Mesa) – Celebrities will serve up fare on Tuesday, November 24th from 5 to 10 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in La Mesa’s Grossmont Center. All tips and donations benefit the East County Toy and Food Drive to help the growing number of needy children and their families this holiday season. Celebrity waiters will include former Cy Young award-winning pitcher Randy Jones and others from the Padres, Paul Bloom from KUSI News, as well as KOGO radio representatives Cliff Albert, Chip Franklin, LaDona Harvey, Phil Farrar, Cal Walker.
Nearly 700 East County families have requested help to provide food and toys for their children this Christmas, signing up on the first day that assistance applications were available.
November 12, 2009 (El Cajon)--The Mother Goose Parade Association has announced the Grand Marshals for the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 – the “Chula Vista Park View All-Stars.”
Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows
November 10, 2009 (Alpine)– Viejas Outlet Center officially kicks off the holiday season this Friday, November 13, with the opening of Southern California’s largest ice rink including skating show at 6 p.m., holiday tree lighting at 7:30. p.m., the return of the Legend of the Ice Princess performance, plus holiday savings at all retail stores.
Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Chancellor is Guest Speaker
November 10, 2009 (El Cajon, CA) . . . Friends of East County Arts, Inc., celebrating their 25th year of supporting the arts in East County, will present its Annual Holiday Tea at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, Thursday December 3rd from 1pm to 3pm.
November 9, 2009 (Alpine) -- Hate holiday shopping? Here’s something to purr about. Lions, Tigers and Bears, a big cat rescue facility in East County, invites you to a holiday party where you can help big cats while shopping for those on your gift list.
November 5, 2009 (Alpine)-Meet 13-year-old Vincent "Vinnie" Higgins of Alpine, who just discovered he is facing a life changing illness. Vinnie has bone cancer, and he and his family can use some help.
The Joan MacQueen Middle School eighth-grader has been an Alpine American Little League player. This year he was playing for the Alpine Pop Warner Mountaineers.
Seasonal Family Activities, Camping and Old West Costume Contest All Part of the Fun
October 21, 2009 (Boulevard) - Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites (formerly Outdoor World RV Park), is offering a taste of the Old West with their “Old West Harvest Fest,” celebrating the harvest season and Southern California’s historical heritage. The event will be held Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25. Seasonal family activities to include a hayride, pumpkin painting contest (paints provided, pumpkins $5 or bring your own) bonfire and cookout, stargazing, an old time radio play (“The Lone Ranger”) and an Old West 1850’s costume contest.
October 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – San Diego Master Chorale will present an encore performance of “From Handel to Halloween: Music for our Spirits” on Sunday, October 25th at 4 p.m. in La Mesa.
Hear a wide variety of "spirited" choral music including classics, folk songs, popular music in keeping with the season, spirituals, and a special focus on men's voices. Known as the “voice of San Diego,” the San Diego Master Chorale is comprised of 120 of San Diego’s finest singers and is an arm of the San Diego Symphony. The SDMC is celebrating is 49th season.
October 15, 2009 – It’s time to round up the family and head ‘em on out to one of East County’s most unique events—the annual Western Heritage Days Vaquero Festival in Descanso.
The all-day event Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, hearkens back to the days of Spanish California and our early rancheros heritage. The popular event also includes some new twists, however—notably the Extreme Cowboy Race.
Teams from around the country cook up a good time at free “Smokin’ in the Park” Festival
October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week? Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County's most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the Park” BBQ Championship & Festival (www.viejasbbq.com) is back for its fifth year…bigger and better than ever. This year, more than 60 teams will compete for $23,000 in cash and prizes, making it the largest competition of its kind in the state.
Public invited to participate – or sponsor a military member or veteran
October 11, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament tees off this Friday at the newly-renovates Lakes course at Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego. “We expect a perfect autumn day, “ said chamber president Valerie Harrison, who seeks additional sponsors to honor military heroes and enable more to participate, including wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. “It is heartwarming to see the players really kick-back and just enjoy a fun day,” she added.
Lunch will be provided by The Press Box Lounge and Sports Bar. The event also includes a dinner reception catered by Outback Steakhouse of El Cajon. Guests can also enjoy contests, dancing after dinner to the music of D.J. Eric Lund, special speakers, raffle drawings for prizes, and a silent auction.
October 9, 2009 (El Cajon)--Bette Blaydes Pegas, local author of Chasing a Dream in the Galapagos: A Personal Evolution, will be at the Rancho San Diego Library in El Cajon on Tuesday, October 13th. Pegas will give a slideshow presentation on her life-changing trip to the Galapagos in the library’s conference room at 5:30 PM. She will also be available afterward to sign copies of her book.
October 2, 2009 – The San Diego Solar Home Tour 2009 offer working examples of residential solar energy technology on a tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, the California Center for Sustainable Energy is joining the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) National Tour to showcase residential homes using solar technology at locations throughout San Diego County—including many homes in East County.
October 2, 2009 (Descanso) – For a wild night on the town, dine and visit with exotic big cats at Saturday night’s Between the Stripes fundraiser at Lions, Tigers & Bears big cat rescue facility in Descanso. Dubbed “The Mane Event,” the party runs from 2 to 6 p.m., with a VIP reception at 1 p.m. Advance ticket purchases required. Festivities include a silent auction, opportunity drawing, plus activities for children including face painting and jumpies.
September 30,2009 (La Mesa) – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, more than 200,000 people are expected to flock to downtown La Mesa for one of East County’s biggest annual celebrations: La Mesa 36th Annual Oktoberfest. This year, watch for some new attractions—and the return of an old favorite.
By popular demand, the big beer garden is back—along with traditional German foods and music including a Bavarian band the Gemutlichkeit Dancers. But there are also some changes—including Sunday afternoon rock and roll music by the Heroes, one of San Diego’s most popular rock groups, plus new food options ranging from shaved ice to hamburgers.
September 24, 2009 (Alpine) – Radio station “Magic” 92.5 is hosting a free block party featuring live entertainment by stars including Teena Marie, Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb, Siren’s Crush and Rising Star. Other activities will include a car show, jumpies for children, crafts, foods, shopping and the Viejas interactive fountain.
Julian (September 18, 2009 ) -- A decades old Julian tradition returns when the gates open on September 19th and 20th to the 39th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival. Sponsored and presented by the Julian Lions Club at Frank Lane Park, the annual event is the oldest bluegrass festival in California and this year’s edition boasts one of its strongest line-ups.
September 13, 2009 (El Cajon) If you’re a musician seeking an audience, Valley Music wants you. The El Cajon music store hopes to begin hosting an East County Open Microphone series beginning Saturday, September 26th.
September 3, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Thousands of tribal members from across the United States as well as many local participants and spectators are expected to flock to the Barona and Syucan reservations in East County during the first two weekends in September.
September 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—This Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a fun-filled month of festivals and other fantastic events in San Diego’s East County. Here’s our guide to the year’s most diverse array yet of unique and mostly free or low –cost activities.
July 30, 2009 (Ramona) -- From watermelon-eating contests to waterfights, Ramona's down-home country fair offers family fun and crowd-pleasing favorites including carnival rides, live music, food, livestock auctions, junior livestock exhibitions, many vendors and more.
July 16, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--East County Magazine invites you to meet the press and join ius for an evening of food, fun and festivities. "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine" will be held on Wednesday, August 12th from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill in Grossmont Center, La Mesa. Reserve space now for the happening event of the summer.
July 10, 2009 (El Cajon)--“Diamond Is Forever,” the popular Neil Diamond Tribute band, will perform tonight at El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon.
November 18, 2009 (El Cajon) –Sophie's Gallery invites you to “rekindle the magic of the season” at its 10th Annual Holiday Show celebration, “Wings of Snow.” The exhibit features a collection of unique angels and winged mosaic pieces hand-crafted by developmentally disabled individuals from St. Madeline Sophie’s Center.
November 15, 2009 (Julian) - On November 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists and artisans from the Julian Arts Guild invites the public to in an open studios and galleries tour. What better way to do some early holiday shopping and enjoy the beautiful backroads and byways near the historic gold mining town of Julian?
November 13, 2009 (La Mesa) – Celebrities will serve up fare on Tuesday, November 24th from 5 to 10 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in La Mesa’s Grossmont Center. All tips and donations benefit the East County Toy and Food Drive to help the growing number of needy children and their families this holiday season. Celebrity waiters will include former Cy Young award-winning pitcher Randy Jones and others from the Padres, Paul Bloom from KUSI News, as well as KOGO radio representatives Cliff Albert, Chip Franklin, LaDona Harvey, Phil Farrar, Cal Walker.
November 12, 2009 (El Cajon)--The Mother Goose Parade Association has announced the Grand Marshals for the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 – the “Chula Vista Park View All-Stars.”
Viejas Outlet Center transforms into a winter wonderland complete with ice skating, holiday tree lighting & shows
Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Chancellor is Guest Speaker
November 9, 2009 (Alpine) -- Hate holiday shopping? Here’s something to purr about. Lions, Tigers and Bears, a big cat rescue facility in East County, invites you to a holiday party where you can help big cats while shopping for those on your gift list.
November 5, 2009 (Alpine)-Meet 13-year-old Vincent "Vinnie" Higgins of Alpine, who just discovered he is facing a life changing illness. Vinnie has bone cancer, and he and his family can use some help. 
October 21, 2009 (Boulevard) - Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites (formerly Outdoor World RV Park), is offering a taste of the Old West with their “Old West Harvest Fest,” celebrating the harvest season and Southern California’s historical heritage. The event will be held Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25. Seasonal family activities to include a hayride, pumpkin painting contest (paints provided, pumpkins $5 or bring your own) bonfire and cookout, stargazing, an old time radio play (“The Lone Ranger”) and an Old West 1850’s costume contest.
October 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – San Diego Master Chorale will present an encore performance of “From Handel to Halloween: Music for our Spirits” on Sunday, October 25th at 4 p.m. in La Mesa.
October 15, 2009 – It’s time to round up the family and head ‘em on out to one of East County’s most unique events—the annual Western Heritage Days Vaquero Festival in Descanso. 
October 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Looking to spice up your week? Viejas Casino & Outlet Center will host California’s largest BBQ cooking championship again this year in one of East County's most popular free events of the season. The “Smokin’ in the Park” BBQ Championship & Festival (
October 11, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – “It’s in the Hole” golf tournament tees off this Friday at the newly-renovates Lakes course at Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego. “We expect a perfect autumn day, “ said chamber president Valerie Harrison, who seeks additional sponsors to honor military heroes and enable more to participate, including wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. “It is heartwarming to see the players really kick-back and just enjoy a fun day,” she added.
October 9, 2009 (El Cajon)--Bette Blaydes Pegas, local author of Chasing a Dream in the Galapagos: A Personal Evolution, will be at the Rancho San Diego Library in El Cajon on Tuesday, October 13th. Pegas will give a slideshow presentation on her life-changing trip to the Galapagos in the library’s conference room at 5:30 PM. She will also be available afterward to sign copies of her book.
October 2, 2009 – The San Diego Solar Home Tour 2009 offer working examples of residential solar energy technology on a tour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, the California Center for Sustainable Energy is joining the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) National Tour to showcase residential homes using solar technology at locations throughout San Diego County—including many homes in East County.
October 2, 2009 (Descanso) – For a wild night on the town, dine and visit with exotic big cats at Saturday night’s Between the Stripes fundraiser at Lions, Tigers & Bears big cat rescue facility in Descanso. Dubbed “The Mane Event,” the party runs from 2 to 6 p.m., with a VIP reception at 1 p.m. Advance ticket purchases required. Festivities include a silent auction, opportunity drawing, plus activities for children including face painting and jumpies.
September 30,2009 (La Mesa) – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, more than 200,000 people are expected to flock to downtown La Mesa for one of East County’s biggest annual celebrations: La Mesa 36th Annual Oktoberfest. This year, watch for some new attractions—and the return of an old favorite.
September 24, 2009 (Alpine) – Radio station “Magic” 92.5 is hosting a free block party featuring live entertainment by stars including Teena Marie, Lisa Lisa, Debbie Deb, Siren’s Crush and Rising Star. Other activities will include a car show, jumpies for children, crafts, foods, shopping and the Viejas interactive fountain.
Julian (September 18, 2009 ) -- A decades old Julian tradition returns when the gates open on September 19th and 20th to the 39th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival. Sponsored and presented by the Julian Lions Club at Frank Lane Park, the annual event is the oldest bluegrass festival in California and this year’s edition boasts one of its strongest line-ups.
September 13, 2009 (El Cajon) If you’re a musician seeking an audience, Valley Music wants you. The El Cajon music store hopes to begin hosting an East County Open Microphone series beginning Saturday, September 26th.
By Miriam Raftery
September 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—This Labor Day weekend marks the beginning of a fun-filled month of festivals and other fantastic events in San Diego’s East County. Here’s our guide to the year’s most diverse array yet of unique and mostly free or low –cost activities.
August 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Movies in the park have emerged as this summer’s hot new trend for free family fun.
July 30, 2009 (Ramona) -- From watermelon-eating contests to waterfights, Ramona's down-home country fair offers family fun and crowd-pleasing favorites including carnival rides, live music, food, livestock auctions, junior livestock exhibitions, many vendors and more. 
July 16, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--East County Magazine invites you to meet the press and join ius for an evening of food, fun and festivities. "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine" will be held on Wednesday, August 12th from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill in Grossmont Center, La Mesa. Reserve space now for the happening event of the summer.
July 10, 2009 (El Cajon)--“Diamond Is Forever,” the popular Neil Diamond Tribute band, will perform tonight at El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green, the free weekly summer concert series featuring live music for all ages from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon.
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