Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

East County Magazine

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues

“DREAM SCAPE” PAINTINGS  AMONG ART ON DISPLAY AT ST. CLAIR GALLERY THROUGH MAY 29; ARTISTS’ RECEPTION MAY 19

By Miriam Raftery "Morning Light" by Alex Toporovsky April 27, 2009 (El Cajon)—“In my work, I try to evoke a séance of peace and happiness,” artist Alex Toporovsky told East County Magazine.  “These are usually things which are lacking in most people’s lives, including my own. We are all so busy running around and trying to make a living these

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SILVER CREEK FINE ART CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH $3,250 DRAWING

April 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–Silver Creek Fine Art & Custom Framing is offering more than $3,000 in prizes as part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, according to Lynn Endicott, owner of the art gallery and custom framing business serving East San Diego County since 1979. “We wanted to do something fun to mark our 30th year in business and something

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GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HOST 23RD ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION AND AWARDS CEREMONY

April 22, 2009 (El Cajon)– In celebration of student achievement, the Grossmont Union High School District is hosting its 23rd annual Creative Visions student art exhibition at Westfield Shopingtown-Parkway Plaza. The event officially kicks off with an awards ceremony on Friday, May 1, 2009, at 5:30 pm. Students will receive cash awards for artwork judged in the following categories: drawing,

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ST CLAIR GALLERY SHOW DRAWS CROWD

Photographer Dan McGeorge poses with images of Arizona canyons April 15, 2009 (El Cajon) – A March 27 art show at the St. Clair gallery in El Cajon proved a success, drawing hundreds of visitors and resulting in sales for artists displaying their works. “I’ve always loved horses,” said San Diego artist Melva Riley, who adeptly captures the spirit and

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“STIMULUS CONCERT” HOSTED BY VALLEY MUSIC APRIL 19 IN EL CAJON

April 13, 2009 (El Cajon) – Valley Music invites the public to a “Stimulus Concert” on Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Donwtown Café, 182 Main Street in El Cajon. The program features appearances by award-winning San Diego performers, including Eve Sells, Berkley Hart, Crosswinds, Ronny Corbin & Pirate Radio, Mark Neill & Rian Greene and the Unknowns,

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TRADITION AND CONCEPT BRIDGED:  ART EXHIBITION APRIL 13-30; ARTISTS RECEPTION APRIL 14 AT HYDE ART GALLERY

April 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Art Council presents “Traditon and Concept Bridged”, a ceramic exhibition by two very accomplished artists, Joanne Hayakawa and Kouta Shimazaki. “To term this exhibition a ceramics exhibition is to pare this collection of artwork down to it’s most minimal definition,” the gallery’s announcement states. “Even to use the title “Tradition and Concept Bridged”

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LOCAL ARTIST AND AUTHOR CHARLAVAN PUBLISHES BOOK FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (El Cajon)—The indomitable spirit of Charlavan Baker Hart shines like a beacon of hope in her new book, Tit Tatts: Life After Breast Cancer.  The El Cajon artist has owned four galleries, authored the newspaper column “Pearls”,   produced Internet radio programs, worked as an image consultant and reaped rewards as a professional poker player. 

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SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS CONCERT: SUNDAY, APRIL 19 IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery April 10, 2009 (El Cajon)—Grossmont Community Concert Association will present a Scholarship Winners Concert featuring performers honored by Music Scholarship Council. The concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19th at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas in El Cajon. “Come to hear gifted young musicians and be inspired and uplifted,” the

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O’DUNN FINE ART GALLERY OPENS IN LA MESA

By Rachel Ford Hutman Photo by Tim Thomas Pastelist Molly Lipsher, oil painter Jack Jordan, Paul Henricksen, La Mesa Chamber CEO Mary England, gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn, Mayor Art Madrid, Miss La Mesa Stephanie Packard, and Miss La Mesa Teen Katrina Schweitzer. March 29, 2009 (La Mesa)—Art aficionados flocked to the grand opening of O’Dunn Fine Art Gallery Thursday evening

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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues

Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues