East County News Service
March 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – Bright Star, a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40, takes stage at Lamplighters Theatre. The play opens April 18 and runs through May 19.
Bright Star is inspired by a real event and featuring the Tony and Grammy-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. When Alice Murphy, the brilliant editor of a southern literary journal, meets Billy Cane, a soldier just home from World War II, they discover a powerful secret that alters their lives. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
With its San Diego premiere at The Old Globe Theatre in 2014, Bright Star is written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The musical is inspired by their Grammy-winning collaboration on the 2013 bluegrass album Love Has Come for You and in turn, the true folk story of the Iron Mountain Baby.
DIRECTOR: Teri Brown
MUSIC DIRECTORS: Robert Johnson & Jerrica Stone
CHOREOGRAPHER: Sharla Mandere
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Abby Lacey
PRODUCERS: Cydney King & Nancy Roger
CAST: Anthony Donovan, Don Evans, Michael Harrison, Josalyn Johnson, Mitch Krassin, Marcy Ledvinka, Nikki Lyn Maas, Christopher T. Miller, Keri Miller, Lee Price, Hannah Roskelley, Matt Sayre, Odie Taylor and Car Thometz
PERFORMANCE DATES: April 18 through May 18, 2025:
Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Matinee Saturday April 26 at 2:00 p.m.
TICKETS: General admission: $30.00 Students/Seniors/Military: $27.00 (group rates available)
TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED AT by calling the box office at 619-303-5092 and leaving a detailed message, or by emailing boxoffice@lamplighterslamesa.com.
Bright Star contains adult situations and language. This production is best suited for those over the age of 14 and is presented by special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
More information: https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/
East County News Service
March 30, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s “History Alive” lecture series continues this Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. with local author Sandra Bonura speaking about her new book, Empire Building: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego.
The event will be held at the H. Lee House in Treganza Park, 3205 Olive St., Lemon Grove.
Sugar mogul, newspaper publisher and railroad baron, Spreckels was at the forefront of innovation and building San Diego. In the early 20th century, one in 15 San Diegans worked for a company owned by Spreckels.
By Miriam Raftery
March 29, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Councilmember Laura Lothian will host a town hall community discussion on a battery storage facility proposed on El Paso St. The town hall will take place Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brew Coffee Spot, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd.
Heartland Fire Chief Brent Koch, Heartland Acting Fire Marshall Rebecca Winscott, and La Msa Director of Community Development Lynette Santos will also participate in the discussion.
Battery storage facilities are key to expanding renewable energy production such as wind and solar energy, enabling power to be utilized even when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow.
But lithium ion battery storage facilites have also sparked fires, most notably a fire at a large battery storage site in Otay Mesa, where some nearby businesses had to evacuate for two weeks.
La Mesa City Manager Greg Humora has said that the proposed La Mesa site would be smaller and compartmentalized, with other safeguards to reduce fire risk, as ECM reported.
But the La Mesa site is directly adjacent to homes, with shopping and businesses also close by, raising concerns from residents and property owners over potential negative impacts.
The town hall is an opportunity for area residents to ask questions and learn more.
Organizers are seeking a headline sponsor
East County News Service
March 26, 2025 (Escondido) -- Mark your calendars for Valley Vibes, a free, family-friendly fiesta with interactive exhibits, great food, crafts and live music courtesy of North Park Rock-n-Blues Band. Valley Vibes will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido. The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority are hosting the free event to celebrate nature and draw attention to the organizations’ conservation, education and recreation programs.
“Our plan is to have a great time while showing visitors the value of nature and how much it deserves our protection,” said Conservancy Executive Director Cheryl Goddard.
To offset costs, organizers are seeking a headline sponsor.
More than a dozen partner organizations are joining the party to showcase wildlife in the watershed. Visitors can participate in demonstrations of outdoor skills, get up close with reptiles, meet adoptable senior dogs, learn to track wildlife and interact with conservation experts.
Exhibitors include: San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy; San Dieguito River Park JPA; Volcan Mountain Foundation; Southwestern Field Herping Society; Master Gardeners; Surprise Farm Retreat Center; Friends of Sikes Adobe; Ilan-Lael Foundation; San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society; San Diego Mountain Biking Association; Frosted Faces Foundation; San Diego Tracking Team; Kit Fox Outfitters; Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary, and City of Escondido.
Interested in sponsoring Valley Vibes? As a $5,000 headline sponsor, your organization can be front and center during the event while tying your brand to our conservation and education mission.
Exclusive headline sponsors benefits include: prominent placement on all digital and print promotions including websites, social media, newsletters and press releases; display of your banner for maximum exposure at the event, and multiple sponsor announcements during the event to highlight your support. Sponsorship of Valley Vibes is tax deductible. Let’s make Valley Vibes a huge success together!
Contact 858-866-6956 or sdrvc@sdrvc.org.
East County News Service
March 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) - On March 18, Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow issued a proclamation declaring March 30 as the “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” There will be a celebration on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the mural that tells the story of a historic school desegregation case victory for students in Lemon Grove nearly a century ago. The mural is on the side of the building at 7963 Broadway, Lemon Grove.
LEMON GROVE INCIDENT
March 30, 2025 marks the 94th anniversary of the first successful school desegregation case in the United States, in 1931, when Mexican-American parents challenged the Lemon Grove School District’s attempt to segregate their children. The case was called “Roberto Alvarez v. the Board of Trustees of the Lemon Grove School District” and is often referred to as the Lemon Grove Incident. This was 23 years before Brown v. Board of Education case.
CELEBRATION
The celebration of the Lemon Grove Incident will take place in front of the mural on the side of 7963 Broadway. The proclamation will be presented by Pastor Anne Stapleton to Roberto Alvarez Jr, the son of the original plaintiff in the landmark case. At the event, Alvarez will retell the story and artist, Mario Chacon, will talk about the mural he painted back in 2022.
The celebration will be hosted by the new tenants moving soon into 7963 Broadway – Grace Communion Lemon Grove, with pastors Anne and Mark Stapleton.
GRACE COMMUNION OPENS NEIGHBORHOOD SPACE AT SITE OF MURAL
GC Lemon Grove believes all people are built for connection and is therefore building out the space to be called “The Neighborhood” which will host local events that help neighbors connect with neighbors.
Members of the City Council and Planning Commission will also be present.
Mexican food and drinks will be available for purchase at the Lemon Grove Incident Celebration to help support future community gatherings.
By Miriam Raftery
March 21, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – An international aerobatics competition will be held at the Borrego Springs airport Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, organized by the International Aerobatic Club’s Chapter 36. A highlight for viewers is Saturday’s four-minute freestyle flights set to music, usually involving smoke, flown by top pilots, IAC36 president Bryan Jones advises.
Thursday is practice and registration, while Friday features contest flights all day long.
You can also stop by the Propeller Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy food and drinks plus a rooftop deck to view the flying.
The IAC Chapter 36 is based in Borrego Springs and promotes precision aerobatics through coaching, competition and comraderie. The Borrego airport boasts the world’s finest, permanent surface-waivered aerobatics box.
For a full schedule of events, visit https://iac36.org/ .
March 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo.
This April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt. Helix for the Mt. Helix Park’s centennial celebration, a Taste of Lakeside, a mystery dinner theater in El Cajon, plus a winetasting festival in Ramona.
Scroll down for details on these activities and more.
VIEJAS OUTDOOR ROLLER RINK OPENS APRIL 4
Southern California’s largest outdoor roller rink will open for the spring and summer season at Viejas Outlet Mall on April 4. Skate rentals are available. After skating, visitors can also enjoy shopping or dining at the outlet centers many stores and eateries.
Learn more at https://viejasoutletcenter.com/.
BUNNY TRAIN RIDES AT CAMPO DEPOT APRIL 5-20
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo invites you to come aboard the bunny train departing Saturdays and Sundays from April 5-20. Trains depart at 10:30, 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
After your ride through our beautiful backcountry, a treasure trove of hidden eggs awaits youngsters at the Museum’s exhibit building. Children can trade eggs for prizes and meet the Easter Bunny, who will be chilling out in his charming garden, ready for cuddles and photo opportunities.
For more information or advance reservations, visit psrm.org/bunny-train/.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT PARKWAY PLAZA APRIL 5
Parkway Plaza regional shopping mall invites you and the family to hop on over for an Easter Eggstravaganza on April 5 from 1-3 p.m.
Activities include balloon art, crafts, a scavenger hunt, prizes, and a box lunch—plus photos with the Easter Bunny and 3D printed eggs, while supplies last. The first 100 registrants will also receive bunny ears and a goodie bag.
You can find event details and register at visitparkwayplaza.com.
MYSTERY DINNER THEATER AND FRENCH CUISINE DINNER APRIL 5-6 IN EL CAJON
The Circle Players will be performing the dinner theatre production of “Everyone’s A Critic” on April 5th at 6:30pm and on April 6th at 1:30pm. Performances will be held in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle, El Cajon. All seats for this mystery dinner theatre show are $30 and includes a 3-course French-themed meal.
About the show directed by Joel Gossett On the brink of a famous food critic’s first bite, the staff of the exclusive French restaurant Goût de Paris has a traitor in the kitchen who appears to be bent on sabotaging the evening. You, the audience, while enjoying a delicious French three-course meal, must guess who the culprit is.
Reservations can be made by visiting the website at www.thecircleplayers.org and clicking on tickets.
TASTE OF LAKESIDE APRIL 8
The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association invites you to the Taste of Lakeside, its upcoming fundraiser on April 8 from 5-8 p.m.. This event brings together ten local restaurants, including Cali-Stack, Ranch House, Octavio's, East Bound, Yogurt Barn, The Parks, Caffeine Queens, and the VFW, offering attendees the opportunity to sample their culinary delights.
Tickets ($30 donation) may be purchased from Mary's Donuts, or from the Lakeside Historical Society on Saturdays, or from any Maine Avenue Revitgalization Association member. All funds raised will directly support Downtown Historic Lakeside.
MT. HELIX CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION APRIL 12
You’re invited to join the 100th anniversary celebration of Mt. Helix Park with a Roaring ‘20s themed party on April 12 from 4:30 - 8 p.m. in the Mt. Helix Nature Theater. Enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner from Bekker's Catering, followed by dueling pianos and dancing under the stars. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included as well.
All tickets include shuttle service to and from the parking lot, entertainment, appetizers, dinner, dessert, beer, wine, and soft drinks. For tickets, visit mthelixpark.org/100
CHEERS TO THE VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL
The Ramona Valley Vintners Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce invite you to Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona).
The event includes catered small bites, arts and craft vendors, live music by a local artist, unlimited tastings from local wineries and a complimentary tasting glass.
For tickets and lists of participating wineries and vendors, visit https://ramonachamber.com/cheerstothevalley/.
INTERNATIONAL AEROBATICS COMPETITION TAKES PLACE APRIL 10-12 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
An international aerobatics competition will be held at the Borrego Springs airport Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, organized by the International Aerobatic Club’s Chapter 36. A highlight for viewers is Saturday’s four-minute freestyle flights set to music, usually involving smoke, flown by top pilots, IAC36 president Bryan Jones advises.
Thursday is practice and registration, while Friday features contest flights all day long.
You can also stop by the Propeller Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy food and drinks plus a rooftop deck to view the flying.
The IAC Chapter 36 is based in Borrego Springs and promotes precision aerobatics through coaching, competition and comraderie. The Borrego airport boasts the world’s finest, permanent surface-waivered aerobatics box.
For a full schedule of events, visit https://iac36.org/.
DAFFODIL DAYS IN JULIAN NOW THROUGH APRIL 13
Julian Farm and Orchard invites you to Daffodil Days, which continues each Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to u-pick daffodils, visitors can also enjoy other activities for a fee including a petting zoo, rock climbing, swings, picnic areas, a tractor-pulled hayride and more.
For details, visit JulianFarmAndOrchard.com/daffodil-days-spring.
SANTEE BUNNY TRAIL APRIL 12
The city of Santee invites you to hop on over to Santee’s Bunny Trail on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santee Trolley Square (9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee)
Guests can enjoy photos with the bunny, games, crafts, face painting, giveaways and carnival rides.
LILAC FESTIVAL APRIL 19-MAY 11
Fort Cross Adventures in Julian hosts its spring lilac festival from April 19 through May 11 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
General admission includes entry into a lilac maze, family farm area and more. A festival activity package adds a wagon ride, treasure hunt, interactive reptile show, visits with farm animals, hoedown and jug band show, painting craft, and lilac-themed candle dipping. Additional activities are available for a fee.
Preregistration for the Lilac Festival s advised. For reservations and information, visit fortcross.com/lilac-festival .
Visitors can also purchase fresh lilac bouquets at the farm stand seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SWEET PEA DAY APRIL 19
Summers Past Farms invites you to Sweet Pea Day in Saturday, April 19. You can stroll through a towering fragrant maze of these old-fashioned, dainty flowers, take photos, cut and make your own bouquet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as long as the blooms last.
Summers Past Farms is located in Flynn Springs, between El Cajon and Alpine. You can find more information at https://www.summerspastfarms.com/.
LAKESIDE RODEO APRIL 24-27
The 61st annual Lakeside Rodeo takes place April 24-27 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. Events range from barrel racing to bull riding. All proceeds from the Lakeside Rodeo benefit youths and youth groups in Lakeside, such as scholarships for high school seniors, special needs summer camps, the 4H club, Future Farmers of America, book giveaways, scouting, journalism classes, auto mechanics instruction, youth sports, and the arts.
For tickets and details, visit lakesiderodeo.com.
LAKESIDE WESTERN DAYS PARADE APRIL 26th
The 60th annual Western Days Parade in Lakeside steps off starting at 9:35 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. This year’s parade along Maine Avenue in downtown Lakeside honors hometown heroes.
The parade is organized by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce. More information is available at lakesidechamber.org.
East County News Service
March 20, 2025 (Ramona) -- The Ramona Valley Vintners Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce invite you to Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona).
The event includes catered small bites, arts and craft vendors, live music by a local artist, unlimited tastings from nine local wineries and a complimentary tasting glass.
For tickets and lists of participating wineries and vendors, visit https://ramonachamber.com/cheerstothevalley
East County News Service
March 20, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The Circle Players will be performing the dinner theatre production of “Everyone’s A Critic” on April 5th at 6:30 p.m. and on April 6th at 1:30 p.m. Performances will be held in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle, El Cajon. All seats for this mystery dinner theatre show are $30 and includes a 3-course French-themed meal.
About the show directed by Joel Gossett On the brink of a famous food critic’s first bite, the staff of the exclusive French restaurant Goût de Paris has a traitor in the kitchen who appears to be bent on sabotaging the evening. You, the audience, while enjoying a delicious French three-course meal, must guess who the culprit is.
Reservations can be made by visiting the website at www.thecircleplayers.org and clicking on TICKETS
East County News Service
March 19, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the International Laurel and Hardy fan organization, presents: Ollie Feigns Illness to Attend Lodge Events!
Films include Laurel and Hardy in "Be Big!" and "Sons of the Desert", plus Harold Lloyd's "High and Dizzy" and Will Rogers' "Big Moments from Little Pictures". Movie-related books will be available for purchase.
Saturday April 5, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. Admission is $10 and includes dessert. Free for children 12 and under. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., program starts at 5 p.m.
Visit the Saps At Sea - San Diego Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/111118255744315