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.

 
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.

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.

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.

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.

By Miriam Raftery
 

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.

Discounts for pre-reservation--RSVP now!

WIN PRIZES:  A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more!

August 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Movies in the park have emerged as this summer’s hot new trend for free family fun.

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 9, 2009 (San Diego) -- Here's some news the kids will "snap" up:  Salvation Army Kroc Center announces its popular "Hot Kroc Nights" and "Pool Flicks" are back for the 2009 Summer Season. Hot Kroc Nights offer family specials for ice skating or swimming every Wednesday night through August 26.

June 21, 2009 (La Mesa) The First Annual Keller Williams Realty La Mesa/East County Chili Cook-off will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 12-4 p.m. at the La Mesa Trolley Courtyard, corner of La Mesa Blvd. and Spring Street. The event will feature music by the Off Beats Band, a pepper-eating contest, fresh salsa competition, drink far, face painting/clowns, and a performance by Rubio’s Dance Studio. A $20 tasting fee will benefit Rubio’s Dance Studio and Sonshine Haven. For more information, callLaura Kelley @ 619.985.3362.

April 22, 2009 (Alpine) – Here’s an appetizing event blossoming with opportunities: The Vine Wines Bar & Bistro has teamed up with Petunia & Pomegranate Nursery in Alpine to co-host Springtime with the Vintners. Savor an afternoon of wine, music, appetizers and art amid two picturesque venues this Saturday, April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m.. Admission is $15.

Drawing to win a High-Efficiency Clothes Washer or Home Landscape Re-design April 18, 2009 (RANCHO SAN DIEGO)—On Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m,, Cuyamaca College’s campus will bloom with activity as three of its on-campus venues—the Ornamental Horticulture Department, the Water Conservation Garden,and the Heritage of the Americas Museum—invite the public to celebrate spring at their sixteenth annual Spring Garden Festival. “Conservation in Bloom” is the theme at this family festival that includes tips on green living, and both free admission and parking.

April 13, 2009 (El Cajon) – Valley Music invites the public to a “Stimulus Concert” on Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Donwtown Café, 182 Main Street in El Cajon. The program features appearances by award-winning San Diego performers, including Eve Sells, Berkley Hart, Crosswinds, Ronny Corbin & Pirate Radio, Mark Neill & Rian Greene and the Unknowns, Tom Hiatt, The honky Tonk Kings, Bleu Dawg, and some surprise guests.