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.
East County News Service
January 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — Bougie’s Cheese Shop, newly opened in December, invites you to a Garden Party on Saturday, January 18 and 25 from 1-4 p.m. This patio event will feature non-alcoholic specialty drinks in honor of dry January paired with cheeses, along with curated snack boxes available for purchase.
Bougie’s Cheese Shop is located in the historic Levy house at 4679 Date Ave. in La Mesa.
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 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.
East County News Service
January 8, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – 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 (on sale now) and full details, visit https://www.borregospringsfilmfestival.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
View raptors and learn about birds of prey at Hawk Watch, hosted by the Wildlife Research Institute at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd.) in Ramona each Saturday in January and February starting at 10 a.m. Arrive early for this free event, with coffee and donuts available starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s recommended to bring binoculars, a folding chair, sturdy shoes and a jacket.
The event begins with an educational biologist’s talk plus a Q&A session with falconry or ambassador raptors that you can see up close and personal. After the 1.5 to 2 hour seated program, you can opt to drive a 2-mile route on paved roads to observe wild raptors including a Bald Eagle nest. Biologists and expert volunteers will help you spot and identify birds and view them through their high-powered professional telescopes.
If it rains, the educational program will be held in the barn, but without the usual falconry flight displays.
Hawk Watch is wheelchair accessible.
For more information, visit https://www.wildlife-research.org/hawkwatch .
East County News Service
February 2, 2025 (Santee) - Key of She, a 12 woman choral group, is presenting a free concert on Sunday March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Carlton Hills Lutheran Church at 9735 Halberns Blvd in Santee. The repertoire is an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pieces. Some a cappella and some accompanied, to cover all tastes in music.
You’re invited to join the Key of She in their first appearance “East of I-15."
You can hear previous performances on their website: KeyOfShe.org.