Julian

WELCOME, MOUNTAIN DWELLERS!

Our Mountain Living section covers the mountain communities in San Diego's East County north of I-8 including Aguanga, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Guatay, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pine Valley, Ranchita, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley and Warner Springs.


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LOCAL BEERS WIN BIG AT 2023 BREWERS CUP OF CALIFORNIA

East County News Service

 

March 25, 2023 (San Diego) -- This year’s Brewers Cup of California included 1,306 entries from 191 breweries. There were 83 categories and a total of 37 medals were awarded to breweries within San Diego County, including 13 gold, 8 silver and 16 bronze. The overall total is nearly double the 19 medals collected by local breweries at the 2021 competition. 

 

East County’s winning brewers include Burning Beard Brewing of El Cajon, Julian Beer Co. and Smoking Cannon Brewery of Ramona. Julian took silver, while Burning Beard and Silver Canyon won both silver and bronze medals. Gold medalists included Mike Hess Brewing of North Park, though Mike Hess also has a brewery in Alpine. 

 

See below for a full list of San Diego County winners: 


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JULIAN FARM TO HOST REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTMENT MARCH 25-26

East County News Service

March 21, 2021 (Julian) —Julian Farm and Orchard is going back in time for “Revolution in the Orchard,” a Revolutionary War reenactment set to coincide with Daffodil Days. On March 25 and 26, the farm will be transformed into the scene of the War of Independence. This family friendly event will feature dozens of historical interpreters representing the soldiers and civilians of the American Revolution.

The 25-acre farm will be completely taken over by the reenactment. Both the British and Patriot camps will be prominent with battle fields and activity stations open for exploration. Guests will also get an up-close look into civilian and military life during the war.


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MOST STORES ON MAIN STREET CLOSED IN JULIAN SUNDAY DUE TO SNOWBOUND EMPLOYEES

Story and photos by Nadin and Tom Abbott

February 27, 2023 (Julian, CA) -- We decided to go up the mountain to Julian yesterday because it’s beautiful after a snowstorm. So we woke up bright and early and packed the Jeep for an adventure in the mountains. We also wanted to introduce my service dog to snow. As always, we packed our press passes and camera equipment, the latter because we wanted to take photos of this amazing winter wonderland, and in this, we were not disappointed.


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SCHOOLS CLOSED IN MOUNTAIN AREAS DUE TO SNOWY WEATHER

East County News Service

Image: cc via Bing

February 22, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- The safety of students and school staff is of the utmost importance to San Diego County school districts.

Because of inclement weather, schools in the following districts will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 22:

  • Julian Union Elementary School District
  • Julian Union High School District
  • Mountain Empire Unified School District
  • Spencer Valley School District

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JULIAN’S HISTORIC HERITAGE INCLUDES CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK SETTLERS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left via Calico Ranch on Facebook: Fred Coleman discovered gold, starting the Julian Gold Rush in 1869.

February 21, 2023 (Julian) - Many San Diego County residents have visited Julian, a historic gold rush town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Some may know that is was founded by former Confederate soldiers after the Civil War. But many are likely unaware of the black settlers who also played key roles in the town’s history.

It was Fred Coleman from Kentucky, a freed slave and rancher who discovered gold in a stream on what is now Calico Rancho; his find started Julian’s gold rush in 1869. Coleman married a member of the Santa Ysabel tribe. He had previously been a miner in Northern California. The Coleman Mining District in what is now known as Julian was named for him, and he served as its first recorder.

America Newton, a widow and formerly enslaved black woman, and her daughter, Clara, came to Julian from Kansas and started a laundry business that served war veterans, European immigrants, Native Americans, and newly freed African-Americans. She used her work ethic to build a new life of freedom.


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VALENTINE TEAS AT JULIAN TEA AND COTTAGE ARTS

East County News Service

January 24, 2023 (Julian) – Julian Tea & Cottage Arts invites you to romantically-inspired Valentine’s Teas from Feb.9 through Feb. 14.  The four-course menu features soup, finger sandwiches and savories, a scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, plus a grand finale served on a three-piece dessert tray.


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WOLF CENTER IN JULIAN OFFERS TOURS FEB. 4

By Miriam Raftery

January 22, 2023 (Julian) – Here’s an event worth howling about.  The California Wolf Center in Julian is offering guided tours on February 4. The tours last an hour and provide an opportunity to see the facility’s critically endangered wolves and learn about wolf conservation.


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JULIAN BRANCH LIBRARY AND KAISER PERMANENTE HOST BLOOD DRIVES WITH SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK

East County News Service

December 10, 2022 (Julian/El Cajon) - San Diego Blood Bank will host two blood drives during Christmas week.  Julian Branch Library will host a blood drive on Wednesday, December 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Kaiser Permanente Travelodge will also host a blood drive on Thursday, December 22 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 250 S. Travelodge Drive, El Cajon 92020.


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CELEBRATION OF LIGHT AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN

East County News Service

November 25, 2022 (Julian) - Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Wynola, near the quaint mountain town of Julian, will host a Celebration of Light and more holiday fun each Friday and Saturday in December from 5 to 8 p.m. The celebration includes a walk-through light display with seven different lighted musical scenes to dazzle guests.


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JULIAN FARM AND ORCHARD RESCUES STRANDED PIGS FROM LOCAL RESERVATION LAND

East County News Service

October 16, 2022 (Julian) - Julian Farm and Orchard has just rescued 17 Pot Belly Pigs from the local Santa Ysabel area. The pigs were rescued in partnership with the Mesa Grande Indian Reservation and the USDA after more than 100 pigs were dumped on the Reservation landJulian Farm and Orchard coordinated with Mesa Grande Tribe to pick up 17 pigs and bring them to their new permanent home on the farm.

“We learned about the plight of the pigs on the Mesa Grande Reservation through Facebook and immediately wanted to help. Working with the Mesa Grande Tribe, we were able to rescue 17 of the pot belly pigs” said Robin Madaffer, owner of Julian Farm and Orchard.

 

Staff will be working diligently to bring the pigs to good health and ensure they have a wonderful life in their new home. Visitors to Julian Farm and Orchard will now be able to visit the pigs along with the other furry friends that reside on the farm.

 

“We are excited to have them as part of our petting zoo family where they will be well-cared for and loved” Madaffer said.


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JULIAN FARM AND ORCHARD ANNOUNCES HARVEST FEST

East County News Service

September 21, 2022 (Julian) – The first day of Fall brings Julian Farm and Orchard’s “Harvest Fest” to ring in the seasonal spirit. 


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SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN RURAL AND MOUNTAIN AREAS CURTAIL CLASSES DUE TO STORM

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – High winds, rain and potential for storm damage have led several East County school districts to curtail classes today, the San Diego County of Education has announced. Others are holding minimum days due to the inclement weather.

  • Mountain Empire Unified School District has closed all schools today.
  • Spencer Valley School District schools will close at 11:30 a.m., with all after-school activities cancelled this afternoon.
  • Julian Union High School will follow a minimum day schedule.
  • Julian Union Elementary Elementary School District also has a minimum day.

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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: RAMPAGE IN THE DESERT AS BORREGO RUNS OVER JULIAN 51-0

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 2, 2022 (Borrego Springs) - For week three, ECM Sports took a journey far, far out into the desert for the only matchup between two East County schools this week, Julian and Borrego Springs.  Both teams have a loss on the season, which only started last week.

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COUNTY SUPERVISOR JOEL ANDERSON HEARS COMMUNITY CONCERNS DURING TOWN HALL MEETING IN JULIAN

By Henri Migala

August 31, 2022 (Julian) -- Joel Anderson, County Supervisor for District 2, held a Community Coffee Town Hall meeting in Julian on August 11.  Approximately 100 residents filled Julian’s historic town hall to discuss issues of concern, ranging from fire safety and road improvements to animal control and the exceptionally high cost of fire insurance, and many other matters of concern to residents.


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25TH ANNUAL JULIAN GRAPE STOMP FESTA KICKS OFF SEPTEMBER 3

By Miriam Raftery

Aug. 17, 2022 (Julian) – The Julian Grape Stomp Festa celebrates its 25th anniversary on September 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when guests can continue an Old World tradition of kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs and letting grapes squish beneath your feet.  Visitors can also sip samples from local wineries, enjoy food, shopping, live music and even kick up your heels with some extemporaneous dancing.


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SUPERVISOR ANDERSON INVITES PUBLIC TO JULIAN COMMUNITY COFFEE AND TOWN HALL MEETING AUG. 11

By Miriam Raftery

August 10, 2022 (Julian) – Supervisor Joel Anderson and the Julian Chamber of Commerce will host a Julian community coffee and town hall meeting on Thursday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event will be held in the Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main Street, in Julian.

Residents are invited to discuss issues that are important to you and your family.

RSVP to 619 531-5522.


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DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF NATURE, MUSIC AND THE MILKY WAY AT THE JULIAN NATURAL WONDERFEST AUGUST 20

East County News Service

July 17, 2022 (Julian) -- On Saturday, Aug. 20, the Julian Natural Wonderfest provides a free community celebration of the world of nature from 4 to 10 p.m. at Jess Martin Park in Julian.


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A SIP OF JULIAN JULY 30 -- TASTING ROOMS OFFER SAMPLES OF WINE, BEER, HARD CIDER, OR CRAFT COCKTAILS

Source: Julian Chamber of Commerce

July 17, 2022 (Julian) -- On Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Julian Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting the 7th annual Sip of Julian. The Sip features many of Julian’s alcoholic beverage purveyors.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: CLOUDS OR PINK UFOS?

East County News Service

June 18, 2022 (Shelter Valley) – Tina Goff snapped the photos left and below of saucer-shaped clouds at sunset from her home in Julian overlooking Shelter Valley around 8:06 p.m. on June 17.  Goffl quipped,  “They may be coming for us, LOL!”

Carol Birch also took pictures of the same beautiful and bizarre cloud formation. (right)


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LIMITED VEHICLE ACCESS TO SR-78/MAIN STREET IN JULIAN BEGINS SUNDAY

UPDATE AS OF 5/31:  road work has been DELAYED.  It has been moved to June 1 due to construction material delays.

Through vehicles detoured at Washington Street and B Street May 8-11

East County News Service

 

May 5, 2022 (Julian) – Caltrans crews will limit vehicle access to a one-block section of State Route 78 (Main Street)between Washington Street and B Street in Julian starting Mother's Day (Sunday, May 8) at 8 p.m. through Wednesday, May 11 at 5 p.m. for drainage repairs.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: SUNRISE ON VOLCAN MOUNTAIN

East County News Service

May 24, 2022 (Julian) -- Scott Lagace snapped these inspiring shots of the sun's rays on an early morning hike up Volcan Mountain in Julian.


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DAFFODILS BLOOM BY THE THOUSANDS IN JULIAN DURING DAFFODIL DAYS

By Kyle Alderman
 
March 12, 2022 (Julian) — Already famous for its autumn apple harvest, the rustic mountain mining town of Julian is developing a new reputation for its spring daffodil season.
 
This year all eyes are on Julian Farm and Orchard, where more than 50,000 daffodil bulbs have already begun to explode in bright yellow color just days before the start of the first annual “Daffodil Days” event.  The 25-acre family-friendly farm and orchard will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 19 through May 1 for “you-pick” daffodil harvesting as well as hayrides, a petting zoo experience, and axe throwing.

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SAVOR A TASTE OF JULIAN, A RURAL DINING ADVENTURE APRIL 30

East County News Service

March 9, 2022 (Julian) – Julian’s annual “Taste of Julian” celebrates the town’s diverse culinary delights – proving there’s much more here than the community’s famed apples.  The self-guided tour includes a variety of participating restaurants, bakeries, and tasting rooms for wine, beer and cider on April 30 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.


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SIGNS OF SPRING: JULIAN DAFFODIL SHOW MARCH 19-20, U-PICK DAFFODILS IN MARCH AND APRIL

By Miriam Raftery

March 9, 2022 (Julian) -- The Julian Daffodil Project was started by Sally Snipes in 1990 as a memorial to her father Jack Snipes. Now there are 4 million bulbs planted in Julian, according to the Julian Daffodils page on Facebook.

Each year, the group hosts the Julian Daffodil show. This year, the free event will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main Street in the heart of historic Julian.

In addition, you can enjoy U-pick daffodils on Saturdays and Sundays from March 19 through May 1 during Daffodil Days at Julian Farm and Orchard, 4381 Highway 79, Julian.


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EAST COUNTY EATER: THE ALL NEW PUB AT LAKE CUYAMACA

By Henri Migala

March 6, 2022 (Julian) -- If you live in San Diego, then you have probably enjoyed a country drive to the charming mountain town of Julian and perhaps stopped to have lunch at what used to be the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant overlooking the lake. It’s now under new ownership and has been fully renovated, reopened as the Pub at Lake Cuyamaca.


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ST. PATRICK’S DAY TEAS MARCH 17-21 IN JULIAN

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (Julian) – Julian Tea and Cottage Arts will be serving up St. Patrick’s Day Teas March 17-21, both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.  They are also available to go.


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SNOW DAY: SCHOOLS CLOSED IN EAST COUNTY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

February 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Due to an impending snowstorm, schools in the following school districts will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the County Office of Education has announced:

  • Julian Union Elementary School District
  • Julian Union High School District
  • Mountain Empire Unified School District
  • Spencer Valley School District

Schools in the Julian Union Elementary and Julian Union High school districts will have a late start on Thursday, Feb. 24.


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WINE AND CHEESE SOIREE DECEMBER 18 TO BENEFIT JULIAN TOWN HALL RENOVATION

East County News Service

December 15, 2021 (Julian) – Julian’s historic town hall, built in 1914, needs structural and safety upgrades. To restore it to its former glory and continue serving Julian residents and visitors, the Julian Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of events including a wine and cheese soiree on December 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the town hall at 2129 Main Street in Julian.


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NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 4 - JULIAN

 

 

By Kiki Skagen Munshi

 

December 11, 2021 (Julian) – ‘Tis the season to bundle up and head to Julian, East County’s charming and historic mountain town. Among the shopping options to discover are five new retail outlets that opened during 2020 and 2021 – offering delightful gift items such as locally made goat soaps, pet products, sports memorabilia, gems, jewelry and geodes. 

Supporting local businesses also helps keep your tax dollars in our region – as well as providing unique holiday gifts for those on your list. 


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