By Ron Logan

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 (San Diego) – Internationally recognized investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author Greg Palast will be speaking and signing copies of his latest book, Vultures’ Picnic: In Pursuit of Petroleum Pigs, Power Pirates, and High-Finance Carnivores (available in stores November 14) on Thursday, November 17th at 7 p.m. in Hillcrest.

November 4, 2011 (El Cajon) -- The Water Conservation Garden is offering a 20 minute landscape design consultation at the Fall Garden & Home Festival. A professional designer who focuses on drought tolerant landscapes will meet with you. After the meeting, you'll leave with design ideas, and a list of plants.

Bring photos of your house and the area you want designed. Also provide the dimensions of the space, and photos of design styles you like.

 Part 2 on March 3-4 to feature Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

November 3, 2011 (San Diego) – UnitedGREEN, a division of the nonprofit Heartland Coalition and sister organization of East County Magazine, will present Forging a Sustainable Future, a two-part conference that aspires to foster alliances between businesses, government and grassroots organizations to build a green future not only for San Diego, but our nation and the world.

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom will keynote the event.

October 21, 2011 (Poway)--Looking for a knight in shining armor?  

October 20, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – An “extreme parade” this Saturday promises to be a memorable highlight in this year’s Borrego Days Desert Festival October 21-23.

By Megan McGlamery

October 13, 2011 (San Diego) – The SilverWood quartet will perform a free concert featuring the rich harmonies and stirring rhythms of Latino, Celtic and American styles of music.

Ruling today on smart meter opt-out for SDG&E customers sparks added interest among local ratepayers

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – SDG&E wants to hike utility rates by over 17% in the next four years.  Tomorrow, East County residents will have a chance to voice their views on the proposal at two hearings held by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The public meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the El Cajon City Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street in El Cajon. 

An East County Magazine poll of readers has found that thus far, 93% of the 275 who voted think the CPUC should deny SDG&E's rate hike request.  TAKE OUR POLL: Should the CPUC approve SDG&E's rate hike?

The rate hike is opposed by the CPUC’s own Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), which conducted an audit that found SDG&E inflated its costs. The DRA recommended that SDG&E lower—not raise—its rates.   

UPDATE:  THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO A LABOR DISPUTE.

San Miguel Fire seeks sponsors and door prize donors for event

October 8, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Bring the family for fun and free activities at the 5th annual Fire Expo at the Rancho San Diego Towne Center on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a children’s zone, rescue demonstrations, fire and rescue vehicles, fire safety and health information, law enforcement demonstrations, music, free food and free prize drawings.

October 6, 2011 (Borrego) –If you plan to enjoy Anza-Borrego this fall, why not make your visit a learning adventure?  Deepen your connection to nature, strengthen your understanding of the environment, and of course, have fun.  The Anza-Borrego Foundation announces a variety of fall classes and tours in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  For the full list, visit their website at http://theabf.org/events and scroll down for highlights.

By Miriam Raftery

September 30, 2011 (Julian)—Autumn means apple season in historic Julian, where you can sample fresh apple cider or bring the family and pick your own apples at roadside orchards.

September 30, 2011 (San Diego-- Fork it Over for Kids with Sam the Cooking Guy, winner of 12 Emmys for his TV cooking shows! 

September 18, 2011 (El Cajon)—The public is invited to view a wide variety of roses on display, along with plants and craft items for sale at the East County Rose Show. This free event will be held from 12-4 p.m. on October 1st at the Foothills Adult Center, 1550 Melody Lane in El Cajon. A rose show luncheon will be served at noon; luncheon reservations are required by Sept. 26.

San Diego Arts Guide features gallery event on cover

September 28, 2011 (La Mesa) – Bay area abstract expressionist John Krempel and his intriguing collection of oil and acrylic paintings will be in La Mesa Village tonight from 5-8 p.m. for a reception at at O’Dunn Fine Art. The public is welcome to attend, also savoring refreshments and entertainment provided by guitarists Bill Coleman.

San Diego Arts Guide will  be  present to launch its October-December edition, which features a Kempel painting, “Skyscrapers in the Night,” from the exhibit on the cover.

September 23, 2011 (Santee)--Sip wine while tapping your toes to some lively music at the Santee Wine and Bluegrass Festival this Saturday, September 24.   The festival runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071. Advance tickets are $30; tickets purchased after September 12 are $35.