June 4, 2023 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to bring friends, form a team with a creative name and vie for prizes in fun challenges at stations across Grossmont Center in La Mesa on Friday, July 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s all part of “Team on a Trek,” an event to raise funds for the nonprofit San Diego Oasis Learning & Wellness Centers. The fun will also include music, entertainment and awards.
What is “Team on a Trek?”
“It’s essentially an Amazing Race type of event, but for all ages and levels,” says Oasis committee member Claudia Erickson. Sponsors as well as teams are sought.
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Update: Due to construction on the "barrier- the WALL" organizers had to make adjustments and have the water merge at Imperial Beach by the pier on June 14. The driving access to the park will be gated. The water that was collected will still be taken/ran to the corner of Mexico and California. This was changed because this event is for everyone and easier for brothers and sisters with disabilities, according to a post on Bobby Wallace's Facebook page.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo, left: Barona tribal members with Passamaquoddy tribal members in Maine
Photo,right: via "Run with the Sun" page of indigenousnetwork.org; Bobby Wallace (right) with run participants
June 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Local Native Americans are about to complete the longest indigenous prayer run in U.S. history. “Run with the Sun” is the brainchild of Lakeside resident Bobby Wallace, a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, in hopes of protecting waters across America.
“It’s been awesome making changes in people’s minds about water everywhere,” Wallace told ECM in an interview today. “We started running, traveling with the water over every footstep of this continent, over every major waterway, with a prayer for all water.”
The effort is supported by the Barona, Sycuan and Viejas tribes in San Diego’s East County, as well as participants from other tribes across the U.S.
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May 22, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Concerts, comedy, a Flag Day parade, a musical play, food festivals, a pride walk, and a library fundraiser are all coming up in San Diego’s inland region during late May and June.
Scroll down for full details on these and more festive events coming up.
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April 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- The 2023 GI Film Festival San Diego opens Monday, May 15 starting at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park, and runs through Saturday, May 20. Opening Night will feature a trio of local films, as well as a reception where festival guests can socialize over small bites and refreshments. Tickets for Opening Night cost $25 for general admission and $20 for military, veterans or KPBS members. All tickets can be purchased online now at GIFilmFestivalSD.org.
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April 23, 2023 (Julian) -- The Julian Woman’s Club will present The 96th Annual Wildflower Show at the Clubhouse of the Julian Women’s Club (2607 C Street Julian) on Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. both days.
For two days, club members collect specimens from the over 850 plant species in the area surrounding Julian. The plant display ranges from desert cacti to high mountain dogwood gathered in a 15 mile radius from the historic old mining town of Julian. Permission to collect is obtained from private property owners.
Each year flowers vary depending on weather and rainfall. The display is always colorful and informative as plants are labeled and arranged by area of origin.
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April 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- There’s a wide assortment of events coming up across San Diego’s East County, including Cajon classic cruises, a butterfly jungle, Earth Day celebrations, music festivals and concerts, a Lego building event, a wine and food festival, Campo Days, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, a Western Days parade, a rodeo, and Descanso Day.
Scroll down for full details on these and more great events.
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April 13, 2023 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is holding a community engagement meeting about military equipment on Monday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the County Operations Center (5520 Overland Ave., San Diego).
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April 11, 2023 (Ramona) -- South African musician and humanitarian Sharon Katz, will be giving a complimentary concert at the Ramona Ranch Winery on Sunday, April 16th from 2:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a wonderful musician in a lovely setting?
Music can soothe and heal the soul, no matter where you are from. The Ramona Ranch Winery, which is also a working farm with animals, will provide a peaceful outdoor setting where one can enjoy their award-winning wines by the bottle or the glass as they listen to songs in Spanish and various African languages sung by Katz, a musician who also has quite a story to tell.
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Major San Diego nonprofit recognizes longtime philanthropic supporters
April 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) will host its annual Heart & Soul Gala at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m. This year’s annual gala, “Planting for the Future,” will celebrate JFS’s efforts to provide resources and support to San Diegans of all ages and backgrounds, and share stories of success from throughout the year.
This year’s Gala Honorees are Joan and Irwin Jacobs, along with Marie Raftery and Dr. Bob Rubenstein – recognized for their tremendous support and contributions to JFS throughout the years.
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March 22, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a wide assortment of events coming up across San Diego’s East County, including a Revolutionary War reenactment, a supper club show with an SNL comedy star, a butterfly jungle, Easter egg hunts, car shows, Earth Day celebrations, wolf center tours, music festivals, a Western Days parade, a wine and food festival, and a Wild in the Country event at an exotic animal sanctuary.
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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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March 21, 2023 (La Mesa) - The Roustabouts may be small, but their shows pack a powerful punch. With a mission to deliver more than just a theatrical experience, but something that audiences can take home and incorporate into their lives, The Roustabouts bring you the World Premiere of Will Cooper’s gUnTOPIA at the Moxie Theatre. This Twilight Zone-esque production is fresh and awesome, offering a thought-provoking commentary on gun control and social issues in our society.
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SNL Star Brings Comedy Brilliance to East San Diego County’s Top Destination for Entertainment and Fun
March10, 2023 (Jamul) – On Saturday, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Jamul Casino will welcome Darrell Hammond to The Rooftop for a one-of-a-kind dinner and comedy show. Widely recognized for his sharp humor and masterful impressions of politicians, celebrities and newsmakers on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Hammond has been keeping audiences laughing for nearly three decades.
He comes to Jamul Casino as part of its Supper Club at The Rooftop series, which pairs “outstanding entertainment with exceptional cuisine at Jamul Casino's spacious outdoor event venue. The show demonstrates Jamul Casino’s commitment to offering its guests world-class entertainment, food, and fun,” according to a press release from Jamul Casino.
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March 9, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – With springtime fast approaching, East County has an array of events coming up, including St. Patrick’s Day festivities, a butterfly jungle, Easter extravaganza, a harmonica festival, classic cruise nights, a charity golf tournament, an Earth Day fair, Coyote Music Festival, Spring Garden Festival, Vintage Alpine and more.
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February 20, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County has a wide range of creative events, from Black History Month to Fido Fest, from birdwatching tips to the return of HoooleyFest, Touch-a-Truck,a liar’s contest in the desert, a harmonica festival in La Mesa, a chili cookoff in Lemon Grove, and an Earth Day Boulder Fair in Jacumba Hot Springs.
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Note: This event was postponed due to rain from Feb. 25 to March 11.
February 20, 2023 (Ramona) – The County of San Diego invites you to its “Love Your Heart Community Fair” on Saturday, March 11 from 12-3 p.m. at the Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street in Ramona.
Learn about good heart health and how to control your blood pressure—and get a free blood pressure monitor as well as a blood pressure check.
Plus there will be information booths, a Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals walk, and food distribution. In addition, the fair includes vaccines available free for COVID-19 and flu, as well as Naloxone distribution to prevent overdoses.
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February 3, 2023 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s destination East County features events in mid-to late February across San Diego’s inland region.
Hot happenings include a tribute to Michael Jackson at Sycuan, a candlelight concert in Jacumba, Valentine teas in Julian, black history month events at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, new moon fishing at Lake Jennings, Laurel and Hardy night in Spring Valley, birdwatching classes at Mission Trails, Fido Fest in Santee, Touch-a-Truck in Lakeside, and Hawkwatch in Ramona.
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January 31, 2023 (San Diego) - Women of Color Roar Media, will convene the fifth anniversary Black History Month Breakfast at Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92114, on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
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January 26, 2023 (Pala) -- Pala Casino Spa Resort is excited to present legendary group Spyro Gyra and world-renowned prolific acoustic guitarist Peter White on Friday, February 17, performing live indoor at the Events Center. The show will start at 8:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $45.
This show is just one of the impressive lineup of headliner and tribute concerts that will be held at the Events Center and Starlight Theater.
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January 21, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming festivities and events include concerts at The Magnolia in El Cajon and Viejas in Alpine, a star party, wildlife tracking and birding classes at Mission Trails, a play at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa and Hawkwatch raptor viewing in Ramona.
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Photo: Harris Hawk by Alan Vernon, cc via Wikipedia
January 1, 2022 (San Diego) – Mission Trails Regional Park will host “Hawk Talk with Huxley the Harris Hawk” on Sunday, January 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Stop by the Visitor Center Lobby to meet local falconer, Bob Gordon, and his feathered friend, “Huxley” the Harris’ hawk. Get up close and personal with this majestic bird of prey, while learning all about what makes it so special.
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January 1, 2023 (Poway) – Bring the kids for a day of snow-filled fun at a Winter Festival complete with sledding down a snow hill, building a snowman, roasting marshmallows by a campfire, making silly faces in a photo booth, and taking a spin around a synthetic ice skating rink.
The Winter Festival will be held at the Poway Community Park and Auditorium, 13094 Civic Center Drive in Poway on Friday, January 23 from 5 p.m.to 9 p.m. and Saturday, January 14 from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
There will also be food vendors and shuttles available.
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December 20, 2022 (San Diego) – The 6th Annual Shane Harris Community Christmas Day Breakfast & Gift Giveaway will take place on Christmas Day from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 6125 Imperial Ave. in San Diego. San Diego's only Christmas Day gathering for foster families, unsheltered youths and struggling families will feature thousands of wrapped gifts for kids, bikes, electronic devices and 16 tons of snow!
Families countywide can register and volunteers can sign up at
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.
December 12, 2022 (San Diego) - The Harlem Globetrotters are headed to San Diego on their 2023 World Tour. They'll demonstrate their high-flying basketball skills at the Pechanga Arena on February 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
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December 12, 2022 (La Mesa) – Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber will host her second annual Winter Literacy and Book Giveaway event (while supplies last) on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 6845 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115.
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December 6, 2022 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Concert Band wishes you "Happy Holidays" and a prosperous New Year at its 33rd annual Holiday Celebration Concert, “Sparkling Lights.” The Band will perform new pieces, old favorites, and will accompany the audience for the sing-a-long at the concert on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre for the Performing Arts.
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November 20, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features fun and fabulous holiday events coming up across San Diego’s inland region, as East County communities celebrate the season.
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October 19, 2022 (San Diego) -- Twelve years ago, San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Collier was killed while trying to stop a driver who was drunk and high on drugs going the wrong way on SR-52 in Santee. His life was cut short robbing his family of a son, brother and fiancé, and his coworkers of a valued colleague.
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September 21, 2022 (San Diego) - The Doobie Brothers will be performing at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at San Diego State University on Friday, September 30th as part of the iconic rock group’s 50th anniversary tour.
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December 17th is National Wreaths Across America Day and one local program is working hard to honor veterans
East County News Service
August 30, 2022 (San Diego) -- Freedom is often defined as “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, a special few Americans will forgo some of their personal freedoms by choosing to serve their country and its citizens. This selfless sacrifice is what makes every veteran a hero. In addition, when asked why they did it, many will answer simply by saying, “Because it was the right thing to do!”
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Update: 
East County News Service
Source: San Diego County Sheriff
Major San Diego nonprofit recognizes longtime philanthropic supporters 
By Kathy Carpenter
March10, 2023 (Jamul) – On Saturday, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Jamul Casino will welcome Darrell Hammond to The Rooftop for a one-of-a-kind dinner and comedy show. Widely recognized for his sharp humor and masterful impressions of politicians, celebrities and newsmakers on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Hammond has been keeping audiences laughing for nearly three decades. 
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery and Jonathan Goetz
Source: Women of Color ROAR
By Jonathan Goetz and Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
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By Miriam Raftery
Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department
East County News Service
December 17th is National Wreaths Across America Day and one local program is working hard to honor veterans
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