October 15, 2010 (Spring Valley) – The first annual Spring Valley Tailgate & BBQ Festival will be hosted this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. In front of Cali Comfort  Restaurant & Sports Bar. Troy Street will be closed down between Bancroft and Central avenues for the event, which includes BBQ samples, family activities, a children’s fun zone, street vendors, and more.

October 14, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The Foothills Bar Association invites the public to a Judicial Candidates Forum on Thursday, October 14th at 12 p.m. at the BJ’s Restaurant in Grossmont Center. Attorney Jim Miller and Deputy District Attorney Richard Monroy both seek the seat currently held by the Hon. Robert C. Coates, who is retiring soon. This is the only scheduled meeting where both candidates will be present.

The public is welcome to come meet the candidates and ask them questions. There is no charge, however guests are encouraged to purchase lunch.

October 8, 2010 (San Pasqual) – Orfila Vineyards presents “Concert in the Vines” on October17 from 6:30 to 8:30. The concert features the Spirit Wind jazz ensemble with international artist Adrienne Nims.

Tickets for the outdoor concert on a pavilion overlooking the vineyards cost $20 each (or $15 for Orfila Wine Lovers – OWL – members) and include a glass of wine.

October 6, 2010 (Alpine) – The San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers invites you to Exotic Escapes, a fundraising event to benefit advancements in animal care as well as Lions, Tigers & Bears.

October 2, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The public is invited to an Oktoberfest celebration at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon, for the Elks' annual Oktoberfest on October 16, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will be food and beverages, craft booths, German music to enjoy, a nail pounding contest and pitcher holding contest along with drawings for many prizes.

September 30, 2010 (Julian) -- As part of Julian’s Apple Days Centennial Celebration, a two-day Apple Days Festival will be held October 2nd and 3rd.  Festivities take place at Menghini Winery in the historic gold rush town of Julian, located on Highway 79 in East County's mountain region.

September 28, 2010 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants’ Association invite you to La Mesa's annual Oktoberfest celebration in the downtown Village October 1-3.  This year's event will feature 400 vendors, two beer gardens, live music, carnival rides, and an estimated 200,000 visitors.

Hours are:

September 27, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Fire station tours, fire safety demonstrations, and a children’s fun activity dinner are among the activities planned for this year’s Fire Safety Community Fair and open house. This free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 9th at the San Miguel Fire Station #22, 11501 Via Rancho San Diego in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.

This "hot"event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the San Miguel Regional Firesafe Council, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, and community partners including East County Magazine and the Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

September 17, 2010 (Julian) -- The first annual Folk Music Festival will be held in historic Julian, paired with the 24th annual Julian Art Guild Show. Both events will be held on the rustic grounds of the Menghini Winery on September 25 and 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

September 19, 2010 (San Diego) -- A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing) of Spring Valley will present the sixth annual “Strut for Sobriety!” luncheon, “Path to Recovery” awards ceremony and fashion show on Saturday September 25, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.

President of S.D. Archaeological  Society to Speak

September 19, 2010 (Alpine)--The Alpine Historical Society will have an Italian Dinner on Sunday October 17th at 5pm. This dinner is open to the community and provides an opportunity to learn more about historic Alpine.

September 13, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Jeff Isaac, better known as “The Lawyer in Blue Jeans” will speak Friday, September 24 at the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Friday Sun-Up Breakfast at Cottonwood Golf Club. The TV and radio personality/attorney will provide tips on how to protect your business and personal assets.

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 12, 2010 (Sycuan) – Tina Santiago, a member of the Conshatta tribe from Louisiana, weaves a basket of willow reeds while onlookers browse her wares at the Sycuan Pow-Wow in El Cajon. “It takes about 25 hours to make this basket,” she said of a finely-crafted, finished basket priced at $250.