By Greg Dunne

May 22, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- The other day, my friend Glenn Kessell asked me what bird he often hears making very piercing calls in the morning before any of the other birds have started singing. I told him it was most likely the Western Kingbird. The Kingbird has a very loud, high pitched call – best described as Chi-BEER!

East County News Service

May 15, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County includes La Mesa Rocks, the Manzanita Rendezvous, Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest, El Cajon’s America on Main Street, Explore Mission Trails Day, a Wild in the Country Casino Real benefit, and the Grip It and Rip It Golf Tournament.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a production of Into the Woods, , open house at the Oasis Camel Dairy, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, Fly Days at Gillespie Field, the annual Julian Dance and Barbecue, Fido Fest in Santee, Lavender Days at Summers Past Farms, Sundays at Six Concerts in LA Mesa, Night Fishing at Santee Lakes, the Julian Blues Fest,  Santee Summer Concerts, a Father’s Day Brunch with Cowboy Jack, and a Father’s Day adventure at Fort Cross in Julian filled with rugged, manly experiences! 

So scroll down for all of these events and many more.

East County News Service

May 1, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes hot events happening in May across our region, from Friday night dinners and concerts in El Cajon, to Mother’s Day teas in Julian. 

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including America on Main Street in El Cajon, Explore Mission Trails Days, and more.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more.

East County News Service

April 26, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days Parade, a wine-tasting festival in Jamul, and a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Cajon Classic Cruises.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including the opening of El Cajon’s dinner and a concert series, a fashion show to benefit East County arts, Vintage Alpine, butterfly festivals, Explore Mission Trails, and El Cajon’s America on Main Street celebration.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Keeping it in your own lane!

April 18, 2017(San Diego) -- Situational Awareness (aware of your surroundings at all times) is huge in the fire service. It provides firefighter safety at all times by maintaining situational awareness and being present at all times. The same holds true with driving. We all need to be aware and present and expect the unexpected at any time.

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2017 (San Carlos) – As a Navy chef,  Geoff Cole traveled the world preparing feasts for admirals and other VIPs.  Now he’s opened a  salute-worthy restaurant in San Diego's San Carlos neighborood. At Admiral's Experience, he serves up  what he calls “world class cuisine” from around the globe—as well as a catering service.   

“I cooked for all the admirals, senators and dignitaries on their private jet,”  Chef Cole told East County Magazine.  Of Jamaican descent, he’s  lived in exotic locales such as Hawaii and collected favorite dishes in his travels to Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean and other places.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Snakes' eyes – they’re watching!

April 10, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- We know all about those snakes at work that slither around trying to work their way into promotions, office social circles and politics, or even belly up to the boss. They’ll do anything (even bite you in the back) as long as it benefits them.  But the snake I’m talking about is actually more fearful of you, however just as dangerous and you need to exercise caution around them: rattlesnakes!

East County News Service

April 5, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Spring Carnival at Lake Jennings, Sweat Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, a Hot Rods and Chili Cookoff in Jamul, a Taste of Julian, a Bunny Train ride in Campo, and a production of the Dresser in La Mesa.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Mariachi concert at Cuyamaca College, an Egg-stravaganza at Santee Lakes, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, the opening of Cajon Classic Car Show and outdoor concerts in El Cajon, Clint Black in concert at Sycuan, a Spring Butterfly and Garden Festival, and the San Diego Festival Chorus’ Spring Concert.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

March 29, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes an anniversary party for the Anza Borrego Foundation, Julian Gold Rush Days, the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest,  a harp concert,  veterans sharing history from the Korean War, and more.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Spring Carnival at Lake Jennings, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, a Taste of Julian, Bunny Train Rides, an Eggstravaganza, a butterfly festival, and concerts by country music star Clint Black.

So scroll down for all of these events and many others!

UPDATE:  Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest date changed to April 1.

Hear our radio podcast of Destination East County by clicking the audio link.

East County News Service

March 22, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes lilac festival, an extreme hiking challenge, live music at local wineries, and a street fair with carnival rides.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including Julian Gold Rush Days, Sweet Pea Day, a Taste of Julian, a harp concert, a harmonica festival, and Easter events including an Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes and a Bunny Train ride at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo

So scroll down for all of these events and many others!

East County News Service

March 14, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a Circle of Art Show in Borrego Springs, a Lilac Festival in Santa Ysabel, as well as a violin and piano concert at Cuyamaca College.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including an April Fool’s week favorite: the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s contest, Sweet Pea Day in Flinn Springs, Hot Rods and a Chili Cookoff in Jamul, the Rolando Street Fair, a Taste of Julian, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, and help for the homeless with La Mesa Conversations.

So scroll down for all of these events and many others!

By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – I come from a farming family, so I’ve looked forward to sampling the farm-to-table fresh cuisine at Farmer’s Table in La Mesa. The restaurant lives up to its pledge of “honest food done right” with locally grown, organic vegetables and an array of tasty dishes to savor.

East County News Service

February 28, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes Run East County in El Cajon, a Queen Bee Tea in Alpine, Jungle Book for Kids, Diva, Baja Blues Brothers and Bon Jovi in concert.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including a Lilac Festival, the Rolando Street Fair, a Star Party in Lakeside, the Circle of Art show in Borrego Springs and more.

So scroll down for all of these events and many others!

 By Fire Cief Sam DiGiovanna

February 20, 2017 (San Diego) -- With the Academy Awards approaching, stars will walk down the red carpet and then, a lucky few will have the honor of taking home an Oscar. Each year we honor these actors for their impressive performances—their ability to move us, to bring characters to life on the screen, to communicate something profound.

What does this have to do with you? We have opportunities to put on our best performances every day – it’s a choice. But there’s one thing we routinely do in which our power to communicate is truly profound: being kind and considerate.