Photos by Dave Billick, courtesy of Ramona Valley Vintners Assoc.
May 7, 2012 (San Diego)—The Ramona Valley Wine Region has proved to be a tough contender amongst some of the world’s best wines. Last month, an estimated 180 people witnessed three Ramona wines defeat the French in the French American Wine Challenge, a blind-tasting held at Fifty Seven Degrees wine bar in Mission Hills.
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May 2, 2012 (San Pasqual)--With two wheels on the ground the group speeds forward, smooth cement below and nothing but grass on the horizon. Oh, and a few giraffes. I’m in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and I’m standing on a Segway. An activity I once thought of as daunting and foreign, my Rolling Safari Tour was an easy and exciting way to see the park and get up close and personal with the animals that make it so special.
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April 2, 2012 (Cedar Creek) – When Ed Hale read that the National Forest Service (NFS) was reopening one of two entrances to Cedar Creek Falls starting yesterday, he and a friend headed east to hit the trail--and brought back a firsthand account of their experiences as well as some changes at the popular hiking site.
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March 20, 2012 (Anza-Borrego) -- Pacific Crest Trails Association and Anza-Borrego Foundation are pleased to announce the purchase of 40 acres within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
The once privately-held parcel located next to the Pacific Crest Trail will be preserved as open space and set aside for public use. PCTA helped pay a portion of the purchase price and Anza-Borrego Foundation will hold the land in trust for the state park. It’s the first partnership between the two nonprofit conservation groups.
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March 19, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- As a late winter storm sweeps across our region, readers in San Diego's East County have shared some of their favorite photos of the season.
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“Throughout history, it was hard for black men, with no education. They couldn’t become officers. They weren’t trained right. African-Americans were always left with the worst equipment (like hats and shoes) while the white officers made 50 cents more.” – Trooper John Green
By Megan McGlamery
February 10, 2012 (Lemon Grove) In celebration of Black History Month, the Lemon Grove Historical Society hosted members of the San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers. Dressed in authentic uniforms, the speakers—including veterans of the famed regiment and their descendants--explained the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, as well as their importance to the San Diego community.
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February 3, 2012 (Jacumba)--Jacumba is located in San Diego County on Old Highway 80 next to the Mexican border, Imperial County and south of Interstate 8. Native American Kumeyaay called it Ahkum, which translates to bubbling water. Indeed, Jacumba is blessed with a bubbling spring and wells producing both hot (101 degree) and cold waters. The spring was always important for plant, bird and other animal wildlife. The Kumeyaay also utilized the spring for its water and heat. They would dam the spring outflow and create ponds. Later in the 1800s, early settlers were attracted for the same reasons.
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January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for something luscious for your special someone?We promise you’ll love our guide to the most delectable treats in town! Whether you’re seeking candies, cakes, crepes or gelatos, we’ve found an appetizing array of choices.Or surprise your heart’s delight with a special gift—such as candy-making class or a gourmet chocolate-of-the-month club.
Scroll down for these delicious options, and more "sweet" surprises.
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January 2, 2012 (Ramona) – The Ramona Grasslands and Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) invites the public to visit and view wintering and resident birds of prey. Programs begin promptly at 9 a.m. and end at noon every Saturday in January. This free event is held at the WRI headquarters at 18030 Highland Valley Road near the intersection of Rangeland and Highland Roads in Ramona.
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December 4, 2011 (Anza Borrego)Winter is a beautiful time to visit our desert region. The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is offering a series of interpretive events in December to help you explore the area’s many wonders. Options include hikes to hidden canyons and caves, bird watching walks, lectures on paleontology and archaeology, animal tracking, a sunset/moonlit hike, and much more. Scroll down for a complete list of activities and links to register.
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October 13, 2011 (El Cajon) – Many East County residents have fond childhood memories of revving up at the Go Kart Track at the old Marshall Scotty’s facility. Now, 17 years after the site closed down, Go Kart riders will once again be able to take a victory lap.
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October 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Halloween is coming soon and with it, the annual tradition of finding the perfect pumpkin for carving a jack-o-lantern—not to mention sweeter varieties for baking pumpkin pies! Fortunately, there are several great places in East County to find giant pumpkins, as well as fun family activities from corn mazes to petting zoos.
Here are a few of our favorites:
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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.
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October 2, 2011 (San Diego) --As autumn falls upon us with its charm of a girl in an orange dress who just said “Goodbye!” to summer, I decided to venture to inland San Diego, away from my beloved Pacific.I did not know what to expect… networks of snakelike freeways and paved surface streets guided me east as multi-colored cars were carrying faces locked in the air-conditioned reality of another day of work.
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September 29, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Historical Society opens its Centennial year activities with the release for sale of its special edition 2012 Centennial Calendar at Oktoberfest, which runs Sept. 30 through October 2.
Calendars feature historic photos plus fun Centennial facts.
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September 26, 2011 (Poway) – It was my conscious decison to get out of my comfort zone when I photographed my first rodeo – the 2011 Poway Rodeo. The rodeo grounds are just a couple miles from my home, and although it has taken me some time to warm up to the idea of residing in Poway, there are certain aspects of the city that are starting to grow on me. "Country living" is one of those aspects.
I am what you would call a greenhorn.
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September 21, 2011 (Santee) -- Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve recently received the 2011 San Diego's Best Campground from the San Diego Union Tribune's Readers Poll.
"Thank you to the residents of San Diego for their continued support," said Jonathan Skinner,director of park and recreation. "The staff and volunteers at Santee Lakes are dedicated to maintaining the high quality standards, which our patrons have come to expect."
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
September 12, 2011 (San Diego County) – September is a beautiful time to head outdoors and enjoy over 350 miles of hiking and biking trails at more than 90 parks in San Diego County spanning 44,000 acres—mostly in East County and our region’s inland areas. Many have organized activities, as do local community and recreation centers. Below are listings for some of the fun activities planned this month. The listings contain the information needed to go to the activities and recreation centers: maps, phone numbers, dates, and special interests.
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Bill in Sacramento may save park from closure; public help sought
By Megan McGlamery
Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report
September 4, 2011 (San Diego)--Since their inception in 1864, Califonia’s state parks have served to enlighten citizens about nature, history and culture. Unfortunately, severe budget cuts have led to imminent closure of many of these beloved landmarks.
Located eight miles east of Escondido, the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park is just one of many amazing pieces of living history slated to close forever next July, when 70 California state parks will be shut down.
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Aug. 28, 2011- Sweltering heat couldn’t keep East County wine lovers from kicking off this year’s grape harvest at San Diego’s award winning Orfila Vineyards and Winery’s 18th annual grape stomp in Escondido’s San Pasqual Valley yesterday.
Roughly 420 people channeled their inner vintner by stomping freshly picked grapes with their bare feet, leaving many astounded with the sheer gooey nature of the after product.
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
August 28, 2011 (City Heights)—A shimmering dragon marched past, trailed by followers beating cymbals and carrying glow sticks. Hundreds of lanterns glowed softly against the night sky, accentuated by the streaming lights of carnival rides. I sampled Thai chicken-on-a-stick, along with fried bananas and yams—all at the third annual Lantern Festival in City Heights.
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August 22, 2011 (El Cajon) – Looking to kick up your heels and dance the night away? Or just kick back with a picnic dinner while enjoying some live music under the stars? El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green continue each Friday night from 6 to 8 p..m. now through September 30th.
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August 11, 2011 (Viejas) --Are you a vendor looking for a wild venue? Monarch Mania, set for Sunday, Sept. 18 at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine, is for you! Last year's Monarch Mania event drew thousands of visitors, eager to witness the release of hundreds of magnificent Monarch butterflies and take part in other Festival activities, along with shopping for unique arts and crafts from event vendors.
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August 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Very soon, East County Magazine will be unveiling a very special guide to East County written by travel writers -- offering you tips of all the very best attractions and activities. Watch our sneak preview 7-minute video here:
Sponsors needed! Call (619)698-7617 or e-mail editor@eastcountymagazine.org to learn how you can become a sponsor for one of our 10 "video adventures" for your region in East County. Each region will highlight the history, culture, and attractions. We will also have special sections for dining, lodging, wine tasting, activities, a shopping and services directory, seasonal favorites, festivals and events, and much, much more!
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August 1, 2011 (Jamul) – A little-known but very special treat in San Diego’s East County can be found at Jamul Haven, an authentic Victorian-era bed and breakfast inn in Jamul, California. Built in 1899 as the home of “olive king” Charles Gifford, the elegant mansion later served as a stage coach stop.
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By Serena Scaglione
By Miriam Raftery
March 19, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- As a late winter storm sweeps across our region, readers in San Diego's East County have shared some of their favorite photos of the season.
By Mia Myklebust
By Miriam Raftery
August 1, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Very soon, East County Magazine will be unveiling a very special guide to East County written by travel writers -- offering you tips of all the very best attractions and activities. Watch our sneak preview 7-minute video here:
August 1, 2011 (Jamul) – A little-known but very special treat in San Diego’s East County can be found at Jamul Haven, an authentic Victorian-era bed and breakfast inn in Jamul, California. Built in 1899 as the home of “olive king” Charles Gifford, the elegant mansion later served as a stage coach stop.
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