East County News Service
January 31, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Black History Empowerment Celebration will be held on February 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, 7866 Lincoln St. in Lemon Grove. Festivities will include spoken word, drumming African dancers, music artists, soul food vendors, food trucks and more.
The event is sponsored by Thrive Lemon Grove, F.A.C.E. Lemon Grove School District, and House Gone Wild International.
East County News Service
January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups. The city of Santee event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee.
Contests will be held for the biggest and smallest dogs, best costume, and best trick. There will also be “arfs” and crafts, demonstrations, off-leash areas, vendors and giveaways.
Dogs attending must be social and friendly with other dogs and people, and comfortable in large groups.
Dogs who display aggressive behavior, as determined by City of Santee volunteers or staff, will be asked to leave.
Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. This means puppies must be over 4 months old and have completed their full set of puppy vaccinations, including rabies.
All dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Dogs must also be ready to have a good time, exhibited by lots of tail wagging!
For a list of adoption groups and event details, visit https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/fido-fest/45710.
Source: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
January 29, 2025 (San Diego) - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast 1,800-acre landscape, home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, alongside a botanical collection featuring over 1.3 million plants. This unique experience provides educational opportunities and unforgettable moments for all ages.
By visiting, guests contribute to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission to protect wildlife and foster a world where all life thrives. Please note: The Seniors Free offer applies exclusively to the Safari Park during February and does not include parking.
WHERE: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027
WHEN: Feb. 1–28, 2025; the Safari Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
MORE INFO: Visit https://sdzsafaripark.org/seniors-free
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
Source: Downtown El Cajon
January 24, 2025 (El Cajon) - For the first time in 30 years, dogs are wagging their tails back into downtown El Cajon! Join the city on Saturday, January 25th for the End of Pawhibition, a celebration of this historic ordinance repeal. This all-day event will be filled with pawsitively delightful activities for you and your four-legged friends.
Start your adventure at Rob’s Brewpoint, where you can sip a cappuccino while your pup enjoys a bakery bite. Then, stroll over to the East County Art Association gallery to admire a collection of artwork inspired by our beloved furry companions. Feeling hungry? Swing by Main Street Donuts and Deli for a doggie bag and head to Prescott Promenade for a picnic. Prefer patio dining? Testo Pepesto will be serving up their exclusive “Bone Appetito” menu for you and your canine dining buddy.
The day will also feature enrichment games, tunnels, and clicker training demonstrations from the All Breed Obedience Club, Inc. (ABOCI), an East County nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the canine-human bond. The San Diego Humane Society will be on hand with trainers to answer behavior questions, a licensing team to assist with licensing needs. They’ll even have supplies to give out!
This is your chance to be part of El Cajon history and support a more vibrant, inclusive, and dog-friendly downtown. Don’t miss it—mark your calendars for Saturday, January 25th and leash up your pup for the End of Pawhibition!
East County News Service
June 21, 2024 (Lakeside) — In honor of National Canoe and Kayak Day, Lake Jennings in Lakeside is offering guided kayak tours on Wednesday, June 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The hour-and-a-half tour costs $30 per person and includes a kayak rental. Learn about the lake’s history, biodiversity, conservation efforts and operations. Reserve space by calling (619) 596-1306.
Kayak rentals and launches are also available. Just purchase a day-use permit and launch fee at the bait and tackle shop. No fishing will be permitted from kayaks for this event. (Personal kayaks must be sit-inside kayaks, at least 10 feet long, not self-bailing and have seats for all persons inside. Sit-on-top or inflatable kayaks are not allowed.)
Lake Jennings is located at 9535 Harritt Road in Lakeside.
For more information, visit www.LakeJennings.org.
East County News Service
January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott's 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion.
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa will present this updated twist on the classic thriller starting January 10 through February 2. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except on Saturday, January 18, there will bea 2 p.m. matinee only.
For tickets, visit https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/
East County News Service
January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)-- In honor of Valentine's Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads?? Films include "Should Married Men Go Home?", "Our Wife", and "Yes, Yes Nannette."
The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020.
Admission is $10 and includes dessert. Children 12 and under are free. Movie-related books will be available for sale.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; the program starts at 5 p.m.
For more information,visit the Saps At Sea - San Diego Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/111118255744315
By Miriam Raftery
November 29, 2024 (Pine Valley) – Camp Christmas in Pine Valley is back, with dazzling lighting displays and more from 5:30 to p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, and Dec. 13-22. Visitors to Camp Christmas, located in a mountain community in San Diego's East County, will see thousands of computerized lights strung on trees and a spectacular water show, both synchronized to holiday music.
There’s also hayrides, a bounce house, laser tag, archery, food, live entertainment, and a talking Christmas tree, a Nativity presentation, Camp Christmas train rides, a children’s playground, climbing wall, face painting, gift shop, and more.
Food options include a buffet, barbecue dinners, snack bar, sweet treats, and more.
Pine Valley gets chilly in winter, so be sure to bundle up!
For reservations and details, visit https://pinevalleycampchristmas.com/
Photo: Viejas will host a party at The Park on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy Viejas Resort
December 29, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego County residents have myriad opportunities to ring in 2025 with New Year's Eve celebrations across the region.
First Nation casinos across the county will be part of the variety of New Year's Eve events welcoming 2025:
Jamul Casino guests can immerse themselves in shimmering lights and disco beats with "Shimmer & Shake." Festivities include a "Noon Year's Eve," with $20 free play for active players at noon, a Champagne Toast Mystery Game from 6 a.m. until midnight, Surf & Turf endless dining from noon to midnight at Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub, a VIP dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. for invited guests at Prime Cut, a VIP Countdown featuring B.I.G. from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. New Year's Day and live entertainment across multiple venues. For more information, visit https://www.jamulcasino.com/nye2025/
Viejas Casino & Resort is hosting an elegant New Year's Eve bash in "The Park" from 8 p.m. to midnight for invited and qualified myViejas Players Club members. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Registration is from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The For more information, visit https://viejas.com/myviejas-events/new-years-eve-bash-2025/
Sycuan Casino Resort offers an evening filled with an evening Bingo session with a $75,000 "Blackout Gam," balloon drops, party favors, "hot seats," live music and more. For more information, visit https://www.sycuan.com/promotions/new-years-eve-celebration-2024/
Barona Resort & Casino will have a celebration from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. for its Diamond and Platinum members with a 1980s vibe, with "Party People games," party favor giveaways starting at 8 p.m. in the VIP Eatery, and a countdown to midnight with a toast. For more information, visit https://www.barona.com/promotion/vip-new-years-eve-celebration/
Pala Casino is holding a "Get Your NYE On" event, offering live entertainment at its Center Bar, including performances by Forward Motion from 12:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Dudes of San Diego from 4:45 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. There will be an "Electrified Dance Party" from 9 p.m. until midnight, with a New Year's Day countdown starting at 11:45 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.palacasino.com/promotions/new-years-eve
Downtown San Diego:
"Big Night San Diego," will be hosted at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. An all-inclusive event, it will feature multiple party areas, live bands, DJs and a "silent" disco. Tickets include drinks and buffet options. For more information, visit https://www.bignightsandiego.com/tickets/
A "Glitz & Glam NYE Party" will be held at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. The expansive event will span multiple floors with a variety of music genres, live entertainment and VIP options. The event will include 60,000 square feet of event space and celebration across three floors, including the rooftop, and four rooms. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glitz-glam-new-years-eve-party-at-hard-rock-hotel-san-diego-tickets-1071225346849
"FNGRS CRSSD Proper NYE NYD" will be held at PETCO Park with techno and house music. A two-day event starting at 4 p.m. Dec. 31, it features artists including Boys Noize, Green Velvet, Marsh and Sweet Like Chocolate. For more information, visit https://www.propernye.com/
A "New Year's Eve in Paradise" will be held in a lobby pop-up bar at the Margaritaville Hotel from 6 to 9 p.m. live music, dancing and drinks. For more information, visit https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-hotel-san-diego/live-entertainment/nye-in-paradise
On the waterfront:
Gatsby's Yacht is offering a "San Diego New Year's Eve Party Cruise," sailing guests from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. New Year's Day on a luxury yacht on two decks with live DJs and panoramic views of San Diego's skyline. For more information, visit https://vipnightlife.com/events/2025-san-diego-new-years-eve-party-cruise-gatsbys-yacht/
City Experiences' City Cruises San Diego will have a four-hour New Year's eve plated dinner cruise on San Diego Bay, with a live DJ, and stunning views of the city skyline. Boarding is at 8 p.m.; the cruise is from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. New Year's Day. For more information, visit https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-diego/city-cruises/new-years-eve-premier-dinner-cruise/
SeaWorld San Diego will have a New Year's eve celebration starting at 5 p.m., to include DJ Perry at the Sky Tower area, champagne pop-up bars across the park and a New Year's Day countdown. A fireworks display is set for 9 p.m., and there will be access to the park's attractions and shows. For more information, visit https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/new-years-eve/
A New Year's Eve Bar Crawl and Party in Pacific Beach will go through eight parties during the night with exclusive drink specials. Check in starts at 8 p.m. at The Beverly Beach Garden. For more information, visit https://www.nasstive.com/pacificbeach/newyearseve/
Elsewhere:
The Encore Event Center and SDCCC is holding the "'Nuff Said New Year's Eve" party with celebrity host Mark Christopher Lawrence. The evening features a VIP dinner and a show featuring music by The Long Run - TLR, a tribute band celebrating music of The Eagles. There will also be stand-up comedy, a DJ and a midnight champagne toast. For more information, visit https://newyearpartysd.com/index.html
By Jonathan Goetz
January 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – January happenings include a film festival in Borrego Springs—ideal if you like the desert without the heat—as well as opportunities to see raptors up close in Ramona, take a group hike up Cowles Mountain, watch a thriller at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, or network with veterans in Santee.
Scroll down for details on these entertaining options.
WAIT UNTIL DARK IN LA MESA JAN. 10-FEB. 2
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa will present this updated twist on the classic Wait Until Dark thriller starting this weekend through February 2. The plot focuses on a blind woman trapped in an apartment with three men, then realizing that her blindness holds the key to escaping if she waits until after dark. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except on Saturday, January 18, there will be a 2 p.m. matinee only.
For tickets, visit https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com
HAWK WATCH EACH SATURDAY IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
The Wildlife Research Institute in Ramona invites you to Hawk Watch each Saturday in January and February at 10 a.m. at Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Rd, in Ramona.
Arrive at 9:30 for coffee and donuts, then enjoy the free program that includes Q&A with a raptor and her or his handler. The event begins with an educational biologist’s talk plus a Q&A session with falconry or ambassador raptors and a demonstration of a raptor in flight. Later you can opt to drive a 2-mile route on paved roads to observe wild raptors, including a Bald Eagle nest. Biologists and volunteers will help you spot and identify birds and view them through their high-powered professional telescopes.
For more information, visit https://www.wildlife-research.org/hawkwatch
EXPLORE COWLES MOUNTAIN JAN 14
Join the Santee Teen Center staff and participants for a hike up the backside of Cowles Mountain on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The hike will start at the Santee Teen Center at Big Rock Park, located at 8125 Arlette Street, Santee, CA 92071. This 90-minute hike is rated as difficult, so be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding experience. Exploring the local trails offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, relax, recharge, and get active.
Please wear walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The event is open to all ages, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participation is free, but advanced registration is required. In case of adverse weather conditions, the hike may be canceled, and registrants will be notified. So, put on your walking shoes, grab a water bottle, and come explore Cowles Mountain.
Register online with the City of Santee.
BORREGO FILM FESTIVAL JAN 15-19
The Borrego Film Festival takes place January 15-19 in Borrego Springs, showcasing independent films. The event also features a filmmaker networking event, catered opening gala, panel discussions, filmmaker activities, Saturday party, red-carpet event, and catered awards ceremony.
For a list of films, see: https://www.borregospringsfilmfestival.org/2025films
For tickets and full details, visit https://www.borregospringsfilmfestival.org/
VETERANS COFFEE CONNECT EVENT JAN 16
Join Veterans of East County Alliance at the Santee VFW Post 9327 (8516 N Magnolia Ave. Santee, CA 92071) on Thursday January 16 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to connect with veteran-owned and veteran-friendly businesses. Register to attend at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s website.