
East County News Service
March 1, 2025 (Mt. Helix) -- Mt. Helix Park invites you to Nature Day atop Mt. Helix on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event will feature live animals, a butterfly release, booths from over 30 nature organizations, activities, crafts and a native plant sale.
Shuttles for the public are available (free) from Grossmont High School.

By Miriam Raftery
February 27, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – March brings some merry events including farm tours, a stargazing party, live music concerts, a Spring Fling business expo, Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, Daffodil Days in Julian, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Nature Day atop Mt. Helix, a Pirates of Penzance production at Grossmont College, a desert homes tour, and the Price is Right game show at Sycuan.
Scroll down for these events and more, all in San Diego’s East County.
FARM TOUR ADVENTURES AT FORT CROSS ON SATURDAYS
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel, just outside of Julian, is offering farm tour adventures each Saturday this spring.
The farm tour adventure includes visits with farm animals, an interactive reptile show, archery, tomahawk throwing, paint balls at the Ghost Town slingshot range, a jug band, walking trails, tire swings, plant sales and more.
For reservations and tickets, visit https://www.fortcross.com
STARS AT MISSION TRAILS March 7
Members of the San Diego Astronomy Association invite you to enjoy stargazing at Mission Trails Regional Park on the first Friday of each month, starting at dusk.
Meet at the far end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground’s Day Use Parking Lot to view the nighttime sky through telescopes, weather permitting.
For more information, visit https://mtrp.org/events/
GROSSMONT COLLEGE CONCERT BAND CONCERT MARCH 5
Grossmont College Concert Band Concert will present a concert (free!) on Wednesday, March 5 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the school’s Performing & Visual Arts Center.
The ensemble features talented wind and percussion musicians, including students, educators, and community members. For more information, visit https://www.grossmont.edu/events/index.php
SPRING FLING BUSINESS EXPO MARCH 5
On Wednesday, March 5th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to their 10th Annual Spring Fling Business Expo. This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott in El Cajon between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Guests can meet local business owners and have opportunities to win door prizes and raffle items. For more information, visit http://www.lamesachamber.com
TOMATOMANIA MARCH 7-9
Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. You can purchase tomato plants including some varieties, heirlooms and l classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful tomatoes.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 8.
This year, there’s also a tomato cooking class with Chef Nicolai Winkler. Reservation and a fee are required for the class. Another class offers tips on how to collect and store water on your property.
For details visit https://thegarden.org/.
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH SEAN GASKELL: MARCH 7 AT JULIAN LIBRARY
Friends of the Julian Library will present a concert by Sean Gaskell on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp. This performance, titled “Music on the Mountain,” will take place on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Julian branch of the county library, 1850 Highway 78 in Julian.
Gaskell studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800 year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire.
Gaskell has presented adult, youth and family programs at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada.
SPANISH NIGHTS AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 7
Fri, Mar 7, 2025 7:30pm | US/Pacific
The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino. His first concert performance titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” will be held on March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Performing Arts and Visual Center.
Maestro Constantino is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. The Spanish Nights concert will feature works of Ravel, Bizet, and de Falla, featuring some of the most iconic and beloved pieces in the Spanish repertoire, from the seductive rhythms of Ravel’s Bolero to the dramatic flair of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnole, to the haunting beauty of Bizet’s Carmen
For tickets, visit https://gcccd.universitytickets.com
DAFFODIL DAYS IN JULIAN: WEEKENDS MARCH 7-APRIL 13
East County News Service
Julian Farm and Orchard invites you to Daffodil Days, held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from March 7 through April 17 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: https://www.JulianFarmAndOrchard.com/daffodil-days-spring
ENTRANCES AND EXITS DANCE CONCERT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 8-10
Grossmont College’s dance department will present “Entrances and Exits,” a faculty-choreographed, student-performed dance concert on March 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.in the Performing and Visual Arts Center.
For tickets and more information, visit https://www.grossmont.edu/events/index.php
NATURE DAY ON MT. HELIX MARCH 15
Mt. Helix Park will host Nature Day atop Mt. Helix on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This event will feature live animals, a butterfly release, booths from over 30 nature organizations, activities, crafts and a native plant sale.
Shuttles for the public are available (free) from Grossmont High School.
BORREGO HOME AND GARDEN TOUR MARCH 15
The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association invites you to the 2025 Borrego Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Explore four desert dwellings in the heart of the Borrego Springs, at your own pace. Each home showcases unique architecture, landscaping and design elements.
Tickets are available online at www.abdnha.org/gardentour or visit the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center (652 Palm Canyon Drive, (760) 767-3098).
ST. PATRICK’S LUCKY ADVENTURES MARCH 17 AT FORT CROSS
Fort Cross near Julian invites you to St. Patrick’s Lucky Adventures on March 17
Participants can kick up your heels in an Irish jig, see snakes like those that St. Patrick drove away from Ireland, target sneaky leprechauns at the Ghost Town slingshot gallery, and venture into a land of leprechaun magic as you seek to find special treasures.
To purchase tickets and get more information you can visit https://www.fortcross.com.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT HOOLEYS MARCH 17
Hooleys Irish Pubs in La Mesa and Rancho San Diego invite you to don your best green attire to join in celebrating St Patrick’s Day on March 17 with Irish music and more. Details will be posted at https://hooleys.com .
PIRATES OF PENZANCE AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 20-29
Grossmont College’s Theatre Arts Department presents “The Pirates of Penzance” March 20-22 AND MARCH 27-29.
This stage production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera offers a rollicking good time with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes.
For tickets and details, visit https://www.grossmont.edu/events/index.php
SPRING FESTIVAL AND EASTER CELEBRATION IN ALPINE MARCH 20-22
Alpine Country Crafts and Gifts (2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine) invites you to a Spring Festival and Easter Celebration. The event takes place on:
Thursday, March 20 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, March 21 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ALWANI MIDDLE EASTERN ORCHESTRA MARCH 27
The Alwani Middle Eastern Orchestra will perform at Cuyamaca College’Samuel Ciccati Theatre on March 27 at 7:30 p.m. It’s mission is to counter negative narratives about the Middle East by showcasing the region’s cultural richness through the transformative power of music.
For tickets visit https://gcccd.universitytickets.com/.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT AT SYCUAN MARCH 29
On on-stage version of the popular TV game show “The Price is Right” is coming to Sycuan, with two shows on March 29 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Audience members will have a chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win major prizes.
Tickets are available at https://www.sycuan.com.

By Miriam Raftery
February 27, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. The free, two-day event celebrates 75-80 incredible varieties of your favorite summer treat—tomatoes. You can purchase tomato plants including some rare varieties, cherished heirlooms and legendary classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful tomatoes. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 8.

You can also sign up for a free workshop titled “That’s Swale” on March 8 from 10-11 a.m. with Eric Saline of Wild Made Design. Soil is the most efficient water storage you can have on your property, and building good healthy soil benefits every level of a garden ecosystem. Before you install plants, rain tanks, and grey water systems, be sure your landscape is designed to handle and harvest as much water as possible – passively. REGISTER HERE
Registration is required for both special classes.
Cuyamaca College is located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019. For more information, visit Events at The Garden - The Water Conservation Garden

East County News Service
February 20, 2025 (Alpine) – Alpine Country Crafts and Gifts (2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine) invites you to a Spring Festival and Easter Celebration.
The event takes place on:
Thursday, March 20 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, March 21 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery
February 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Late February brings several unique activities to enjoy, including new moon fishing at Lake Jennings, Fido Fest in Santee, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, a farm tour adventure at Fort Cross in Santa Ysabel, Romeo and Juliet onstage in Borrego Springs, Hawk Watch in Ramona and a concert by Mariachi Amapolas at Cuyamaca College.
NEW MOON FISHING AT LAKE JENNINGS FEB. 22
You can fish by the light of a new moon at Lake Jennings on February 22nd. Fishing opens at 6 a.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. You can also opt to rent a lakefront firepit complete with Adirondack chairs. The lake will be stocked with trout just a few days earlier, on February 17th.
Advance reservations are required and can be made at https://lakejennings.org/.
FIDO FEST IN SANTEE FEB. 22
The city of Santee invites you to bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups. The 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 on a leash, friendly with other dogs and people, comfortable in large groups, and up to date on vaccinations. 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.
BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION FEB. 22
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.
FARM TOUR ADVENTURE AT FORT CROSS FEB. 23
Fort Cross Adventures in Santa Ysabel near Julian invites you to a farm tour adventure on February 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.
This event includes a two-hour guided activity tour with archery, tomahawk throwing, slingshot range, farm animal visit, and interactive reptile show.
For reservations and details, visit https://www.fortcross.com/.
ROMEO AND JULIET FEB. 21-23
Romeo and Juliet will take stage at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center February 21-23. The Shakespeare classic tells the tale of an age-old vendetta between two powerful families that erupts into bloodshed while a young lovestruck Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet Capulet.
For tickets, visit eastcountyarts.org.
HAWK WATCH IN RAMONA EACH SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY
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 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.
MARIACHI AMAPOLAS CONCERT FEB. 27 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Mariachi Amapolas, an all-female mariachi band, will perform a concert at Cuyamaca College in the Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre on February 27 at 7:30 p.m. These talented musicians have traveled the world, and they’ll now bring their lively music to Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego.
For tickets and more information, visit Cuyamaca.edu and type “theatre” in the search bar, or click https://gcccd.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1888.

By Miriam Raftery
February 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – February brings some favorite festivities and fun-filled events including a Judy Collins Concert in El Cajon, a stage production of Romeo and Juliet in Borrego Spr9ings, romantic Valentine’s teas in Julian, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, the Boots and Bowties awards dinner at Sycuan, Fido Fest in Santee, and Hawk Watch in Ramona.
Scroll down for full details on February’s events in San Diego’s inland region.
JUDY COLLINS AT THE MAGNOLIA FEB. 12
Award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins will perform at the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon on February 12. Her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” won entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame and she won song of the year at the Grammy’s for her version of “Send in the Clowns” She’s had numerous top-ten hits, gold and platinum selling albums. Recently, artists such as Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins.
For tickets, visit https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/.
VALENTINE TEAS IN JULIAN FEB. 13-17
Julian Tea and Cottage Arts will host Valentine’s Teas February 13 through 17. The special set menu is a romantically inspired four-course experience starting with a cup of soup, then a variety of finger sandwiches and savories, followed by a scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, plus a luscious dessert tray.
Vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s options are available with advance notice. These teas will be served indoors and are also available to go.
For reservations and details, visit https://juliantea.com/.
ROMEO AND JULIET FEB. 14-23
Romeo and Juliet will take stage at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center February 21-23. The Shakespeare classic tells the tale of an age-old vendetta between two powerful families that erupts into bloodshed while a young lovestruck Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet Capulet.
For tickets, visit eastcountyarts.org
BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION FEB. 22
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.
FIDO FEST IN SANTEE FEB. 22
The city of Santee invites you to bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups. The 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 on a leash, friendly with other dogs and people, comfortable in large groups, and up to date on vaccinations. 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.
EAST COUNTY HONORS AWARDS FEB. 22 AT SYCUAN
The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 113th annual East County Honors on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at Sycuan Casino Resort at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is Boots and Bowties.
For over a century, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce has been a strong voice on business, education, and community issues of interest to the East County Region of San Diego County. Since 1912, the Chamber has held the tradition of swearing in the new Chamber Board of Directors and recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and community leaders of East County.
For tickets, visit https://business.eastcountychamber.org/events/details/2-22-east-county-honors-awards-gala-17797.
HAWK WATCH IN RAMONA EACH SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY
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 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
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.


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/
