East County Magazine
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents Copenhagen Oct. 17 – Nov. 9: The moment that changed the world
East County News Service October 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – The Tony-award-winning play Copenhagen explores explores an explosive confrontation inspired by actual events that have intrigued and baffled historians for more than 50 years: a 1941 meeting between two brilliant physicists, Niels Bohr of Denmark and Germany’s Werner Heisenberg. The two men were long-time friends whose work together opened the way to the atomic bomb, but
The art and spirit of Borrego Springs in downtown San Diego
East County News Service Oct. 10, 2025 (San Diego) — The heartbeat of the Borrego Springs art scene is coming to downtown San Diego this weekend. Metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda‘s Public Art Roadshow will be on the San Diego County Administration’s Lawn No. 2 from Friday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13. Presented by Borrego Community Builders, a Rams Hill
Beauty pageant and blues legend Doug MacLeod coming to Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center in October
By Miriam Raftery Photo: award-winning blues musician Doug MacLeod September 29, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 2025-2026 season is underway. In October, the center will host the Miss Borrego Springs Pageant on Saturday, Oct. 11, followed by legendary blues musician Doug McLeod in concert on Friday, Oct. 17. Tickets for the pageant, which begins at
The Conrad Prebys Foundation grants more than $13 million to local groups
Photo by Hana Tobias for transcenDANCE East County News Service Sept. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) – With cuts in federal and state funding putting many arts organizations and cultural institutions at risk, along with as local budget shortfalls, donor fatigue and inflation woes, grants from outside agencies have grown more important than ever for many groups. Leading the way
New blockbuster set in Borrego already a big hit in San Diego County
By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Zach Pope, Youtube screenshot September 24, 2025 (San Diego) – It doesn’t arrive in theaters until Friday, but a new blockbuster movie generating Oscar buzz has already been a big financial hit for San Diego County. “One Battle After Another,” a new Warner Bros. movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del
Bonitafest melodrama “Here Comes the Sun” recalls ill-fated attempt to silence Southwestern’s student newspaper
Source: Bonitafest Photo: campus police officer threatens to arrest the newspaper faculty advisor for refusing to turn over students in the 48th annual Bonitafest Melodrama “Here Comes The Sun,” based on the true story of the 2010 South Bay Corruption Scandal story broken by Southwestern College journalism students. Pictured (l-r) Randy Phillips, Ella Aldridge, Dalia Candelario, Alec Zelaya, Kloie Blunt-Coleman, Sofia Petroulias
Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend
East County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (San Diego) — The free two-day Adams Avenue Street Fair, considered San Diego’s favorite music festival, and attended by more than 50,000 people in Normal Heights, is happening this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21. Presented by San Diego Foundation, the 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair features 75 musical acts
Aaaaaaahs in Santee: The Wizard of Oz Coming to the Community Park
East County News Service Sept.15, 2025 (Santee) — Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh My! The city of Santee is hosting a free outdoor screening of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz later this month. In a partnership with the County of San Diego’s Summer Movies in the Park series — presented by San Diego Foundation
Downtown El Cajon’s 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk Returns September 12th
East County News Service September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue. Hosted by the
Rare Collection: the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Display at the Wieghorst Museum
East County News Service Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching. September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October 10.
East County Arts Organizations
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VALLEY MUSIC SEEKS MUSICIANS FOR OPEN MIKE NIGHT
September 13, 2009 (El Cajon) If you’re a musician seeking an audience, Valley Music wants you. The El Cajon music store hopes to begin hosting an East County Open Microphone series beginning Saturday, September 26th. “We are interested in starting up an East County Open Microphone series and are looking for people who would like to participate,” Andrea Long
ZINN, THEOBOLD EXHIBITIONS AT HYDE ART GALLERY, GROSSMONT THROUGH SEPT. 17
September 12, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery presents paintings by Gillian Theobald and Ollie Zinn through September 17. Both artists probing dialogues. Zinn speaks through a language of figurative story-lines whereas Theobald explores a more atmospheric and abstract imagery. The selection of work displays two very different approaches to very contemplative subject matter. Both artists craft
COMPETITORS STILL SOUGHT FOR S.D. SENIOR OLYMPIC BALLROOM COMPETITION SEPT. 13 IN EL CAJON: “WHERE YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO BE A CHAMPION”
September 11, 2009 (El Cajon/Rancho San Diego)—If you’re over 50, now you can put on your dancing shoes–and be a good sport! Going for the gold, competitors in the San Diego Senior Olympics this year will waltz into Cottonwood Golf Club in Rancho San Diego on September 13th to dance the night away in the Senior Olympic Game Competition.
FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY ARTS CELEBRATES 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH GALA SEPT. 18
25 Years and $500,000 Given to the Arts… September 6, 2009 (El Cajon, CA)–Friends of East County Arts, Inc. will celebrate 25 years of giving to the performing and visual arts in the Greater East County with a spectacular Gala on September 18, 2009 at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse, located just off Friar’s Road at 2400 Admiral Baker Road,
TELLING YOUR STORIES: MEDIA ARTS CENTER LAUNCHES NEW FILM-MAKING PROJECT FOR AREA RESIDENTS
By Takayuki Higuchi September 3, 2009 (San Diego)–Imagine going to any San Diego County library and asking for help to create a video to tell your own story. Now you can do just that—thanks to a new project launched by Media Arts Center San Diego. The group will send a videographer out to create a short video, provide you
CELEBRATE EAST COUNTY!” DISCOVER OUR AREA’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS SAT. AUG. 29
Discounts for pre-reservation–RSVP now! WIN PRIZES: A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more! Like fine wine, the most festive event of the year just keeps getting better! Besides wine-tasting, gourmet foods, live music, art show, and book signings by East County authors , a museum tour and a scavenger hunt through one of the finest
ALL THAT JAZZ: CHRIS KLICH
Story and photos by Takayuki Higuchi In this exclusive interview, Chris Klich shares his insights and inspirations with East County Magazine. A native San Diegan and music instructor at Grossmont College, he has been performing professionally for 26 years, including appearances in East County with his Chris Klich Jazz Quintet. He has toured across America and around the world,
ALPINE BUSINESSMAN’S CHAIN SAW CARVES OUT NEW CAREER
Photos by Miriam Raftery and Marilyn Lukinich August 8, 2009 (Alpine)–A little boredom turned into a roaring artistic success for ex-logger James Lukinich of Alpine. Using a chain saw, the owner of the White Wolf Tree Service now coaxes charming designs out of wood. Fanciful birds, appealing bears, clever alligators and other creations quickly take shape. Making the first cut is
EX-PADRE GENE LOCKLEAR STARS IN ARTIST RECEPTION AT SILVER CREEK FINE ART GALLERY
August 6, 2009 (El Cajon) – Gene Locklear, former outfielder for the San Diego Padres and the New York Yankees, will be honored at an artist reception Friday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet Locklear and enjoy his artwork at Silver Creek Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing, 120 East Main Street in El
LIGHTS, CAMERAS, ACTION! FILM FESTIVAL AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE AUG. 8
August 3, 2009 (El Cajon) Grossmont College in El Cajon will host a one-day film festival featuring 20 films produced by students and independent filmmakers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. The public is invited to attend. An all-day admission ticket is $5. In addition to film viewing, workshops will be delivered on script writing,
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East County Magazine
Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history
East County News Service October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues