November 21, 2009 (El Cajon – Bring your dog for the first annual “Jingle Paws” Walk for Pets on December 5th.

Sponsored by the El Cajon Animal Center for Education Services (ACES) and Camp Bow Wow, the event will raise funds for medical needs of the animals at the El Cajon Animal Shelter. Participants can also try out an agility course, walk a hay bale maze, visits Santa's Village, adopt a pet, and get a photo of your pet with Santa.

November 19, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar in Spring Valley invites you to a “patio release party” this Saturday, November 21. Admission is free and includes free viewing of the pay-per-view United Fighting Championships (UFC) matchup between Tito Ortiz and Forerst Griffin 2 with Ashlee from Rock 105.3 radio’s Mikey Show.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Event Benefits Lions, Tigers & Bears

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 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.

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 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.

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