August 1, 2010 (Julian)--Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro in Julian will host a Seven-Course Wine Pairing Dinner featuring fine wines from five back country wineries on Saturday, August 6 at 7 p.m.

"We have so much talent here in the back country and it is such a pleasure to work with these amazing vintners,” said Jeremy Manley, the restaurant’s Cordon-Bleu trained chef.

Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle!

By Nancy Clement

July 28, 2010 (Pine Valley) – The 40th annual Pine Valley Days takes place on July 30th and 31st in this normally quiet mountain town in East County to benefit charitable causes supported by the Mountain Empire Mens Club. Two full days of activities include a parade, rides, barbecue dinner, live music and dancing.

By Miriam Raftery

July 19, 2010 (San Diego) – A procession of around 100 visitors accompanied by their pets lined up yesterday morning outside the San Diego Mission de Alcala. The faithful and the curious turned out for the Blessing of Animals, a tradition started by St. Francis of Assisi in the 1200s.

The custom was practiced in San Diego by Father Junipero Serra, founder of the Mission, and has continued ever since--accompanied by barks, mariachi music, and an occasional "oink."
 

July 17, 2010 (San Diego) – Looking for some summertime family fun? San Diego County has announced “Movies in the Park” at parks and pools countywide. Grab your beach chairs, beat the heat, and head out to a park near you—including numerous locations in East County.

East County News Service
 

July 11, 2010 (Lakeside) – Bull-riding has been called “the most dangerous sporting event in America” by Sports Writers of America. On July 16-17, the Lakeside Optimist Club will host the 12th annual Bulls Only Rodeo at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. In addition to bull-riding, the event will also feature other rodeo events such as wild horse racing and mutton busting. All proceeds will benefit youth in the community.     
 

 Click the video for a "bullish" point of view:

July 9, 2010 (College Area) – What could be better than a free feast, music, and partying with East County Magazine? You’re invited to our “Midsummer Night Mixer and Mediterranean Feast” to welcome our region’s new restaurant, Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie in the College area.

This free event will be held on Friday, July 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We’ll also have prize drawings—including a two-hour party with a D.J. from Nights of the Sound Table. RSVPS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT. Space is limited to the first 30 who reserve space, so RSVP now to writerink@cox.net.

July 8, 2010 (La Mesa) -- What does author Jack Brandais do when he’s not busy being the media spokesperson for the San Diego Unified School District, writing a driving column, or reviewing new cars? He hits the weekly Back to the 50’s car show in La Mesa! On July 22 at 6 pm, he’ll be signing copies of his book, Weekend Driver San Diego, at the Readers Inc. bookstore in the heart of La Mesa village.

July 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – On Friday, July 9th, fans of art, music, wine and classic cars will be prowling the streets of downtown El Cajon for the 5th annual Alley Cat Summer Fest. The event, which many consider to be the “cat’s meow,” is presented by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to benefit Sophie’s Art Gallery, creating opportunities for artists with developmental disabilities.

July 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – Brew Ha Ha "Sunday Night Comedy" opens July 11 at Gio Bistro and Wine Bar, 8384 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa’s downtown village. The weekly performance will be the first of its kind in East County, according to producers.

By Miriam Raftery

June 28, 2010 (La Mesa) – “This is a wonderful opportunity for art collectors,” Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art in La Mesa, told East County Magazine. On Wednesday from 5-8 p.m., the gallery will host a reception and opening of a month-long exhibition of masterworks by Stanislaus J. “Stan” Sowinski, who died in January at his Rancho Bernardo residence at age 82. 

His large-scale oil paintings and Byzantine-style icons grace the walls of many public buildings including city halls and a university, as well as corporate headquarters, restaurants, and prominent churches.

East County News Service

June 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Among the most unique summertime activities in East County are the “Hot Kroc Nights” and “Pool Flicks” offered by the Salvation Army Kroc Center. You've heard of a drive-in movie...now you can enjoy a "dive-in" showing--or cool off with iceskating at an NFL-sized rink. 

By East County News Service

June 18, 2010 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon's 15th Annual Concerts on the Green begins Friday, June 25 with the Legends, who will perform their oldies music from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in downtown El Cajon. Ed Waymire returns as master of ceremonies.  

The temporary location for Concerts on the Green is the outdoor amphitheater at the East County Performing Arts Center pending completion of the renovation of Prescott Promenade.

June 13, 2010 (City Heights) – A 2K fun walk will be held Saturday to promote refugee awareness and senior fitness, followed by the Somali Family Service Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City Heights Community Park, 3795 Fairmount Avenue. Savor ethnic food and entertainment, meet healthcare providers and local refugee/immigrant and nonprofit organizations, and hear from prominent speakers including Mayor Jerry Sanders, Congresswoman Susan Davis, and City Councilmember Todd Gloria.