East County Magazine
Exclusive: ECM obtains video showing start of Coches Fire
View video September 17, 2025 (Lakeside) — East County Magazine photographer Patrick Ward has obtained surveillance video from a Lakeside homeowner who lives next to the spot where the Coches Fire began. The video from the homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, shows vehicles on the roadway around 2:56 p.m. on September 8, 2025, followed by brush igniting in several
Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country
East County News Service Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion. Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday,
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
Supreme Court “legalized racial profiling” in Los Angeles ruling, immigration and civil liberties experts warn
By G. A. McNeeley September 14, 2025 (Los Angeles) — The Supreme Court has lifted restrictions that had barred the Trump administration from carrying out immigration-related raids in the Los Angeles area based on broad criteria, such as speaking Spanish or gathering at locations where day laborers often congregate, according to POLITICO. The justices, divided 6-3 along ideological lines, put
Protestors confront El Cajon City Council over ICE resolution, Ortiz recall
Leslie Thompson (photo, left) of El Cajon speaks out about Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Sept. 9 El Cajon City Council meeting By Paul Levikow Sept. 11, 2025 – (El Cajon) Protestors showed up at the El Cajon City Council meeting again this past week to continue voicing opposition to the city’s resolution regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They
Celebration of archaeology in the desert coming in November
Kumeyaay native plant presentation by Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretative Center. Photo by Laurie Brindle East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — Get ready for some adventures in artifacts. California State Parks and the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society are getting set for “Archaeology Day” in November. Archaeology Day is a family-friendly event that celebrates the rich
September events in the Anza-Borrego Desert
Photo of people checking out the Anza Borrego Desert courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — It’s September — and that means the heat is on in the Anza-Borrego Desert. With average daily high temperatures in the mid-90s°F and above, Borrego Springs will likely be too hot for comfortable outdoor activities,
Frosted Faces Foundation opens Community Veterinary Center to care for senior dogs and cats
Adopt a senior pet and receive free veterinary services East County News Service September 7, 2025 (Ramona) — Frosted Faces Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping senior animals and the people who love them, unveiled its new Community Veterinary Center next door to the organization’s rescue facility at 1448 Pine Street in Ramona. Realizing that senior animals face many barriers
Sycuan Powwow Sept. 12-14 brings together tribal members from across nation
By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2025 (Sycuan) – Tribal dancers from across the nation will participate in the annual Sycuan Powwow September 12-14 at the Sycuan reservation in rural East County. The event also features a bird singer contest and grand entry processions, as well as Native American arts and crafts vendors. The powwow area is next to the Sycuan
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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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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE: MUSIC U CAN LIVE 2
By Dennis Moore March 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Just like Hip Hop artist "R" Kelly did in my hometown of Chicago, East County Gospel singer Nicolas SK Shivers seems to be taking a similar path to stardom and fame, by initially selling and promoting his music on the streets of San Diego. I ran into Nicolas "SK"
VROOOOOM! DREW FORD/LA MESA KIWANIS CLUB TO HOLD SOAP BOX DERBY RALLY RACES MARCH 7 & 8
“There’s No Substitute for Experience,” Says Derby Director March 1, 2009(La Mesa)–In the seventh year of its Soap Box Derby program, the Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa will hold two days of Rally Races on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. The back-to-back races lead to the Annual La Mesa Soap Box Derby in late
A REAL FAMILY CIRCUS: EIGHT GENERATIONS UNDER THE BIG TOP
By Yuliana Cerda Vittorio Arata,
Gabriella Quiroga (1), 
Katya Quiroga,
Mariella Quiroga (Mark Raftery) February 21, 2009 (El Cajon) — Circus Vargas distinguishes itself from the competition because the audience becomes part of the show. Every child who attended a recent performance at Parkway Plaza was invited to participate in the pre-show and taught to juggle scarves, spin hula hoops, and balance
GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
As part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin Luther
ECUMENICAL GATHERING AT FRIENDSHIP PARK DISRUPTED BY TAUNTING; MINISTER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Story and photos by Gayle Early Rev. John Fanestil apprehended by California Border Patrol agents in full riot gear. February 21, 2009 (Imperial Beach) On Saturday, about 200 people and 40 civic organizations gathered to protest the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) closure of Friendship Park on Monument Mesa in Border Field State Park. The media also had a strong
FAMED STARGAZER & NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHER DENNIS MAMMANA OF ANZA-BORREGO SHARES SECRETS OF SUCCESS– AND ANNOUNCES UPCOMING TRIPS TO VIEW CELESTIAL WONDERS IN THE NIGHT SKY
By Miriam Raftery Northern lights images from Anza Borrego desert February 22, 2009 (Anza Borrego) — In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, we thought it fitting to share with our readers the beauty and grandeur of the night sky as depicted by Dennis Mammana, world-famous night sky photographer and East County resident. His dazzling photos include rare shots
CONFRONTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEAD ON: LEARN THE WARNING SIGNS–AND WHERE TO GET HELP. POTRERO’S JAN HEDLUN, PANELIST AT FEB. 27 CONFERENCE IN SAN DIEGO, SHARES HER STORY
Author Jan Hedlun Potrero resident Jan Hedlun shares her personal and deeply moving experiences as a former victim of domestic abuse in hopes of helping others. Hedlun will appear as a panelist at a Feb. 27 conference at Thomas Jefferson School of Law titled “Confronting Domestic Violence Head-On.” (Click here for conferences details). Domestic violence is the most common cause
WOW- IT’S A POW-WOW! SAT. FEB. 28 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
February 23, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 21st annual Grossmont College Pow-Wow, a celebration of American Indian culture, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the college’s Student Center. Admission is free. The day-long event, which begins at noon with gourd dancing and giveaways, features American Indian dancers and drummers. Vendors will sell American Indian cuisine, clothing, art and jewelry. The
MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL)
Review By Kathy Carpenter Now Playing: Feb. 20–27 at 8 p.m., Feb..28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m,, and March 1 at 2p.m. Experimental Theatre SDSU: Tickets $18-$20; ticket info:(619) 594-6884 or theatre.sdsu.edu Musical of Musicals, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, is a delight for all fans of musical theatre. This Musical, or I should
KIDS JOIN IN FUN AT CIRCUS VARGA–”SHOWING THROUGH MONDAY IN EL CAJON
February 21, 2009 (El Cajon) — Ringmasters invited all children in the audience into the ring for free lessons in how to spin hula hoops, juggle scarves, and balance peacock feathers at Circus Vargas in El Cajon. Youngsters could also ride a Clydesdale horse during intermission, or pose for family photos with a giant snake. Performances run daily through Monday,
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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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues