DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY EVENTS
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.
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