
East County Magazine

Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert…

Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
East County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2, and will offer a deep dive into the history of the

Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of student violinists. Now with Villa Musica is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the

Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member); Nancy Waters (member); Kayleen; Susie Hoolihan (Club Treasurer); Metilde; Rasha; Flor;

Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order
By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos, CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: a line of federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in the day. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local April 18, 2026 (Sacramento)

How the fruit fly quarantine has impacted food donations — and how you can help
By Philicia Tonangoye Image: Tangerines, via Bing (cc) April 18, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The Mexican fruit fly quarantine has reduced donations of fresh produce to local food pantries, since organizations such as Produce Good mainly rely on backyard harvests to help community members in need. Home growers are not allowed to move their backyard products in the

Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort has been recognized with two prestigious ADDY Awards from AAF Reno, earning a Gold ADDY and Best of Show in the Corporate Social Responsibility category for “Water Sweet – The Story of

Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Tiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery and Paul Levikow April 10, 2026 (Santa Ysabel/Wynola) – Visitors travelling to Julian north from Ramona can oftentimes overlook two equally charming communities along the way. Some might even think Santa Ysabel, population around 600, and Wynola with about 200 residents,

Lionel’s Legacy hosting sleepover party and more in Lakeside April 18-19
East County News Service April 14, 2026 (Lakeside) — East County-based senior dog rescue group Lionel’s Legacy is holding a day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside. The first-ever “Canine Carnival” is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts that night will take visitors into more activities the morning and

Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
East County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday, April 15 hosting the first-ever Mountain Empire Art Show 2026, opening at 4 p.m. and the Boulevard-Jacumba Town Hall Event at 6:30 p.m. The first annual Mountain Empire Art Show is an act of advocacy for the vibrant and sometimes hidden gem
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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.
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK
July 1, 2009 (Lemon Grove)–The City of Lemon Grove will present free concerts on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at Berry Street Park, starting July 9th. Bring your own picnic basket or have a barbecue while listening to the music–and don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs for your listening pleasure. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. No
A ROARING WILD TIME: SPEND THE NIGHT AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS JULY 10 & 24
June 27, 2009 (Alpine_ Looking for a wild time? East County’s only big cat sanctuary invites you to spend a wild night in the country with Raja and Bakari at Lions Tigers & Bears. Pitch a tent and set-up camp next to the big cats–or opt for more luxurious lodging–complete with wine and dinner. Accommodations for campers include a fabulous
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEKEND? PLENTY!
June 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—If you’re looking for a hot time in East County this weekend, you’ll have plenty of events to choose from. Tonight, Santee Lakes has the first of its summer movie showings, starting with Madascar 2 – Escape to Africa. Or groove to the sounds of Theo and the Zydeco Patrol at El Cajon’s free
BON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES
BON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES June 22, 2009 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that more than 20 restaurants and food providers have signed up to participate in the first annual “Taste of La Mesa” slated for Monday, July
HOT STUFF: CHILI COOK-OFF JUNE 27 IN LA MESA
June 21, 2009 (La Mesa) The First Annual Keller Williams Realty La Mesa/East County Chili Cook-off will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 12-4 p.m. at the La Mesa Trolley Courtyard, corner of La Mesa Blvd. and Spring Street. The event will feature music by the Off Beats Band, a pepper-eating contest, fresh salsa competition, drink far, face painting/clowns,
WILL POWER: ULTERIOR MOTIVES
Nothing but the Truth! June 21, 2009–As California lurches towards insolvency, the supply-siders who wrecked the system now propose to turn over the state’s assets to private parties. The most valuable and scenic properties, the California State Parks, are now going to be rented out for private “management”. It’s the first step towards selling them outright to developers. Printer-friendly version
WILL POWER REPORT: RFID AND THE ELECTRONIC NAZIS
Nothing but the Truth! June 14, 2009 — The implantation of tiny RFID (radio frequency identification devices) devices on practically anything has been promoted as “anti-shoplifting” and “inventory control”. But did you all new cars will soon be equipped with an RFID device so accurate that the government will be able to track you car everywhere you drive and at

MINUTEMEN LEADER ARRESTED IN MURDER OF 9-YEAR-OLD VISITED EAST COUNTY MINUTEMEN TRAINING CAMP
By Miriam Raftery Exclusive: An East County Magazine special report June 14, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Shawna Forde, leader of Minutemen America Defense(MAD), has been arrested along with two men and charged with double homicide in a home invasion. The victims included a nine-year-old girl and her father. Forde has recently visited Camp Vigilance, a high-desert training
WRANGLING RATTLESNAKES: A TRUE TALE FROM EAST COUNTY
By Sandra Millers Younger Editor’s note: We’re so inspired by this reader’s “unrattled” attitude over a common backcountry fear that we’d like to make “Tales from East County Readers” a regular feature. Do you have a memorable East County experience to share? If so, please send your essay to editor@eastcountymagazine.org. June 17, 2009 (Lakeside)–It had to happen. Leaving
GROWING OLD “GRAY”CEFULLY: PHOTOGRAPHER LORI BROOKES TO PRESENT PHOTO SAFARI WORKSHOP JUNE 27 IN BOULEVARD
photographer Lori Brookes By: Dennis Moore June 15, 2009 (Boulevard)–Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites, is offering lovers of nature and photography a one-day photo “safari” workshop with award winning photographer Lori Brookes. The event will be held from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Cost is $75 per
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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.