February 2025 Articles

By Branda Gorgies, with updates by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery

Updated March 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – East County has various places to listen to live music, hear comedy, watch plays and enjoy other live entertainment, all while supporting local artists and businesses. Venues range from cozy coffee shops, wineries, breweries and bars to casinos, restaurants, colleges, community theaters, performing arts centers, and city street festivals.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS AND MAJOR CONCERT VENUES

The Magnolia is in the heart of downtown El Cajon. The city spent more than $8 million to renovate it, adding state-of-the-art sound,lighting and projection systems , extra-wide rows, views from all seats, plus a VIP lounge and bars. The venue seats about 1,200 people. The venue offers events including singers, bands, comedians and other well-known entertainers.

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, is host to ballet, plays, comedy and music. The center currently has events lined up for their 2023-2024 season. The events go up until March, with at least one being held every month. Their next event is in November featuring Sue Palmer and her motel swing orchestra.

Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre   is an outdoor amphitheatre at San Diego State University built in 1939 and originally called the Greek  Theatre. President John F. Kennedy once delivered a commencement speech there. These days, the amphitheatre hosts concerts featuring popular bands and singers.

California Center for the Arts Escondido includes both a theater and large concert hall with excellent acoustics, providing a variety of performances ranging from concerts to community festivals such as Dia de Los Muertos and a Winter Wonderland event. There is also a museum at the center.

Poway Center for the Performing Arts has concerts from pop to classical, plus musicals, art shows and more live entertainment options.

Viejas Arena at SDSU has more than 12,000 seats and has held headliner concerts with music stars such as Madonna, Metallica, and Foo Fighters in the past. The arena at San Diego State University is also home to Aztecs basketball games and other events.

Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel offers live music beside the mineral pool, at the Desert Hideaweay bar, as well as concerts at the Old Bathhouse. While there you can soak away your cares or stay for the weekend at the recently remodeled hotel.

Also see our Casinos and Tribal Resorts section for additional concert venues on Native American tribal lands locally.

CASINOS AND TRIBAL RESORTS

Golden Acorn Casino, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo. The Golden Acorn Casino,located just off I-8 in Campo, is owned by the Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians. Entertainment options include live bands and DJs,  mainly on Saturday nights.

Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center.  Harrah's is located in the newly named “Funner” community, owned by the Rincon band of the Luiseño nation.. The resort offers live entertainment, often including celebrities, as well as activities ranging from golf to a swim-up bar.

Jamul Casino Resort, 14145 Campo Rd., Jamul. The Jamul Casino Resort has added a high-rise hotel opening in May. Currently there are several entertainment venues ranging from the Jive Lounge to a rooftop venue, with options that will be expanding when the new facility opens.

 Pala Casino Resort, 11154 State Route 76.  Pala offers live indoor and outdoor entertainment, with large concert venues often feature well-known entertainers, as well as bar/lounge musical performers.

Casino Pauma, 777 Reservation Road, Pauma Valley.  Casino Pauma offers music in its Red Parrot Lounge, including live bands and DJs.

Sycuan Casino, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon. The Sycuan Casino in El Cajon has three venues for live music. The venues include the Live and Up Close Theatre; Heritage Event Center; the Retreat Pool and Cabanas. The Live and Up Close Theatre and Heritage Event Center hold regular concerts with a diverse set of artists. Although the Retreat Pool and Cabanas don’t have as many shows lined up, there are still a few to look out for.

Valley View Casino and Hotel,  16300 Nyemii Pass Rd, Valley Center.  Owned by the San Pasqual band of Mission Indians, Valley View Casino has live entertainment at its Main Stage Bar.

Viejas Casino Resort. 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine. All Viejas events are 21+, including the concerts. The casino has an outdoor venue called The Park, and there are also performances held in the Lobby Bar and the Oak Ballroom. Although currently closed due to remodeling, the website does state that the V Lounge has "local live entertainment."

COLLEGES

Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College

Both schools have a venue for live music from their orchestras, chorales, ensembles, etc. Grossmont has the Performing and Visual Arts Center as well as the Stagehouse Theatre. Cuyamaca has the Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre. Cuyamaca has a larger range in the dates of their events, but both venues hold plenty of events for you to enjoy. Find tickets to events at both campuses here.

SDSU

San Diego State University has four venues you can head to for a musical experience. The Cal Coast Amphitheatre has multiple events coming up soon, with notable artists such as Kim Petras, The National, Ivan Cornejo and more. The Viejas Arena is a stadium for basketball and concerts. It has nearly 13,000 seats available. Major artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Doja Cat, Pierce the Veil, and more, are scheduled to perform in the arena. The Smith Recital Hall has less of a major stadium vibe, but still has plenty of performances for you. The hall has many divisions of the SDSU school of music and dance performing soon.

BARS

Bancroft Bar, 9143 Campo Rd., Spring Valley

The Bancroft Bar, located in Spring Valley, offers a multitude of performing artists. It’s a 21+ establishment that stays open far past midnight. They have events lined up everyday this October and at least one per week in the following months. The bar itself offers 13 different items on its tap list as of now for you to enjoy.

Camel's Bar and Grill, 100330 Friars Road, San Diego

With pool tournaments, dart machines, cornhole and other games, Camel's is a hub for locals in Grantville. The spot also offers live music several nights a week. According to Camel's website, a Blue's Berry Jam hosted by John Frazier is held from 7 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday night, there's dance and hip-hop from 9 p.m. until close on Fridays and a live band every Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Every second Sunday is a Blues Jam with John January. Camel's hours are11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday; 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Deano’s Pub, 5286 Baltimore Dr., La Mesa

Deano’s Pub has live music performances every Friday and Saturday. All events are free, with no cover charges guaranteed on the pub’s website. The pub also holds karaoke, open mic nights, football watch parties, bingo, trivia, and pool and shuffleboard games. You could also do a little shopping and dining before visiting the pub as it’s located in the Baltimore West shopping center.

Don's Cocktail Lounge, 13321 Business Highway 8, El Cajon

Along with live music and live performances, Don's  Cocktail Lounge on Business Highway 8 offers a wide variety of beer, cocktails and some  food along with sports, billiards, bar games, and karaoke. The venue is open 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Eastbound Bar & Grill, 10053 Maine Ave., Lakeside

The bar and grill has “Live Music Saturdays” from 9pm to 1 am. The events offer DJs, live bands, and karaoke, which is the third Saturday of the month according to the website. The bar holds events for every day of the week except Thursday and Friday. On Mondays, they have football nights, and the bar celebrates taco Tuesday with special deals. Wednesday nights are reserved for family-friendly bingo and trivia takes Sunday night.

Flame Bar & Grill, 3773 Willow Glen Dr., El Cajon

The bar hosts live music from Middle Eastern artists throughout the month. These events tend to be on a Thursday or Saturday, with some held on a Friday night. Some of these events also have belly dancers to perform. All events are 21+ and some of them are free but some of them will come with a ticket price. They post all planned events on their facebook and list a phone number on each post for more information or to RSVP.

Full Circle Saloon, 8528 Magnolia Ave., #105, Santee

Full Circle Saloon has a full calendar of events held at the bar. The bar advertises “pool tables, darts, shuffleboard, full bar, sports, strong drinks and smiling faces,” along with their live music on the website.

Hearth House, 5505 Jackson Drive, La Mesa

The neighborhood gathering spot in a strip mall near Parkway Drive offers cocktails and pub grub with arcade games, shuffleboard and pool. The venue known for its horseshoe-shaped bar has live music from 6 to 9 p.m. every Sunday night. Outside food is allowed and there is outdoor seating. The bar, which first opened in 1985, recently changed hands, with new ownership that also run Eastbound in Lakeside and The Hills also in La Mesa.

The Jazz Lounge, 6818 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego

The Jazz Lounge is self-described as a “live and virtual platform for creative artists” on their Facebook Profile. The lounge hosts a variety of artists and live streams all the performances on Facebook. All ticket sales can be accessed through their website.

O'Sullivan's Irish Pub Escondido, 118 E Grand Ave., Escondido

O’Sullivan’s has live music several nights a week, including the weekend. Venue owner Dennis J. O'Sullivan is a strong supporter of the San Diego Humane Society and the pub patio is “dog friendly.” Hours are noon until 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; noon until 10 p.m., Thursday; noon until midnight Friday; 11 a.m. until midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday

Pal Joey's Cocktail Lounge , 5147 Waring Road, San Diego

Pal Joey's offers live music several nights a week as well as karaoke with DJs The bar in Allied Gardens also hosts an annual car show in its strip mall parking lot called "Eye Candy" that benefits Friends of Braille Institute. (The 2025 event is set for Sunday, May 18). Known for a top collection of bourbons, Pal Joey's is one of the region's oldest bars, around since 1969. Its hours are 6 a,m. until 2 a.m. every day of the week.

Poway's Irish Pub, 13314 Poway Road, Poway

Poway’s Irish Pub has live music every Friday and Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. The venue formerly known as Patrick’s Irish Pub, serves traditional Irish food and has billiards tables. Hours are 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 10 a.m. until midnight Sunday

Ramona Mainstage, 626 Main St., Ramona. This site is a former theater that is now an all-ages venue with live music. Bands that have played there include Stevie Ray Visited (Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band) and  Boys of Summer (Eagles tribute band) as well as live original acts like The Lowdown Drifters, The Young Dubliners and guitar guru Gary Hoey. Tickets and a virtual tour are available on their website.  The venue also serves drinks.

The Renegade, 14335 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon

The Renegade is the go-to bar for country music and l\ine dancing. The bar has a food truck, nicknamed the “Chuck Wagon,” that offers burgers and snacks for your late night fun. Their live country music is held on Friday and Saturday nights with a $5 cover charge.

BREWERIES

While breweries don’t hold live music events often, there are several around East County that perform live music and hold other events.

BNS Brewery,  10960 Wheatlands Ave., Santee

BNS  has live music on Friday and Saturday, line dancing and even comedy nights on occasion. The brewery/distillery is open noon until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon until 6 p.m. Sunday; noon. until 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; and noon until 11 p.m. Thursday.

Burning Beard Brewing Co., 785 Vernon Way, El Cajon

Burning Beard offers craft beers as well as burgers, plus live bands on some Saturday nights.

Helix Brewing Co., 8100 Commercial Drive, La Mesa

Helix started as a home brewery that expanded to a public craft brewery in 2015. Next door is its Sourworx sour beer facility.. Helix Brewing offers live music on Friday starting at 4 p.m.; and on Saturday starting at 6 p.m. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Sunday; 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sourworx closes a half hour before Helix. Here is their calendar of events.

Mike Hess Brewing Co., 1347 Tavern Road,  Alpine

Hess offers live music, trivia contests, and cornhole competitions. You can savor beers, hard ciders, and wine, plus order up foods including pizzas, burgers and salads. Dining options include indoors or a patio with firepit--and the patio is dog friendly.

CITY AND COUNTY FESTIVITIES

East County’s four cities (El Cajon,  La Mesa,  Lemon Grove and Santee) each put on outdoor concert series each summer. Downtown El Cajon, the city’s merchants’ association, has concerts with live band on Friday nights from spring through October, as well as a DJ at Wednesday night classic cruise car shows. 

The cities also sponsor a variety of other events with live music,  from  La Mesa’s Oktoberfest to Lemon Grove’s concerts in the park to El Cajon’s American on Main festival and Santee’s Summer Concerts, as well as holiday festivities such as Santee Salutes on July 4^th ,  El Cajon’s HauntFest on Main, Lemon Grove’s Holiday Bonfire, and La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village. There’s also an Oktoberfest hosted by the German-American Society in El Cajon with a band flown in from Germany each year.

The County of San Diego hosts events in county parks, such as outdoor movie nights and holiday events. You can find these at the County’s Parks and Recreation site.

East County Magazine's "Destination East County" column lists top festivals and events each month, including city and county festivals, small town parades and fairs, events sponsored by merchants' groups, nonprofit events, and many more.

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The County of San Diego also hosts events in county parks, such as outdoor movie nights and holiday events. You can find these at the County’s Parks and Recreation site.
 

LIBRARIES

San Diego County Libraries

Public libraries have various events and programs to cater to the community. The San Diego County Libraries have a search option for the events held at the library, which range from afterschool programs for children, book discussions, storytimes, English Language Learning, to music. You can filter through these events to look for music specifically. There’s also filter options for library location, so you can choose whichever library is more convenient for you. Many of these events are tailored for both children and adults, and some even have musical lessons with different artists.

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Julian Station, 4470 Julian Rd at Highway 78., Julian

Julian Station has wine tasting from several local wineries each week, as well as tastings of beer and hard cider, plus an authentic Mexican food restaurant. The venue hosts live music from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in a family-friendly event area with a covered back patio. In inclement weather, music is played inside. The patio and Julian Station’s outdoor game area offer sweeping views of the Volcan Mountain Open Space Preserve. Julian Station also has unique shops and boutiques, local art and gifts and antiques for sale.

Ramona Ranch Winery, 23578 Highway 78, Ramona

The Ramona Ranch Winery has various local artists perform every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. with wine offerings during the concerts. The winery also holds Saturday afternoon “Yappy Hours” with drink specials and dog treats. Upcoming events are shared via Instagram and Facebook page.

San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room, 8374 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

San Pasqual Winery's Tasting Room in La Mesa's downtown village has easy-listening live music in its barrel room on occasion, including inviting bands from La Mesa's Farmer's Market after the market ends on Friday evenings. You can also savor award-winning wines by winemaker Linda McWilliams while enjoying the music. Check their website for the calendar.

Wine Works, 8167 Center St.,La Mesa

 Wine Works offers live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The venue also has a variety of other events besides live music, including “Sip & Script” and Trivia Thursdays. Wine Works is owned by San Pasqual Winery. Food vendors are present during live performances, which are hosted in the tasting room, barrel room and patio, where you could also hold a private event.  Food vendors are available during live performances.

Find more East County wineries at the Ramona Valley Vineyards Association and  the Wineries of Highway 94   as well as the San Diego Vintners’ Association.

RESTAURANTS

The Barn Dining & Dancing, 344 Main St., Ramona

The Barn, a bar with dancing and steakhouse dining, has all-ages dancing (with lessons offered) and live music, from rock to country to jazz, during the week and on weekends. The venue also offers catering. Hours of operation are 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday; and 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday.

Casino Inn Bar & Grill, 1155 Alpine Blvd, Alpine

The Casino Innpse:preserve;" id="docs-internal-guid-651b4bd2-7fff-66b3-c151-8e60f222a495">The downtown restaurant keeps visitors updated on all kinds of events on their calendar. They commonly have live music being played in their outdoor dining area. The restaurant is a nice spot for a night out as they have a quality buffet menu, a wonderful ambiance and music to go along with it.

Grand Ole BBQ, 15505 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon

This BBQ spot has live music hosted every weekend afternoon. This rustic restaurant serves up Texas-style BBQ along with their musical performances. They also have a catering service under the name “Grand Ole BBQ y Asado.” The shows are all kid-friendly and the restaurant has a large outdoor dining area.

Hacienda Casa Blanca, 700 N Johnson Ave Suite A, El Cajon

Hacienda is a family favorite Mexican restaurant. The restaurant posts a list of upcoming live music events for the month on their website. All events start at 5:30 pm and they’re all held on Tuesday to Thursday.

Hooley’s Public House

Hooley’s offers great Irish cuisine at two different locations in East County. The website has two different links for the La Mesa events and the Rancho San Diego events. Not only can you visit Hooley’s for the Irish Pub atmosphere and the live music, you can also reserve a private event or party to be held at one of the locations.

Pine Valley House, 28841 Old Hwy 80, Pine Valley

The Pine Valley House has a lot to offer to the community. From a “steakhouse, saloon, coffee bar, special events to gym & yoga classes,” as listed on their Facebook, this location is quite versatile. Each event and concert is announced on their Facebook profile. The community center has a variety of events, ranging from live music to dungeons and dragons.

Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room, 7777 University Ave, La Mesa

The Riviera has a set list of live music performed every Friday and Saturday, with the exception of a couple events being on different days. On the first Friday of the month, Amanda Portela performs, and on the fourth Saturday, Konrad Malinowski performs. Their website also puts up the genre the artists perform.

Steele 94, 12891 Campo Rd, Spring Valley

The Steele 94 restaurant hosts live music every Friday and Saturday. Although they don’t list the events or bands performing, more information is offered by calling (619)669-1979.

THEATERS

C. Hook Theatre of La Mesa features high school/young adult performers with family-friendly programs.  They perform at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center’s theatre  at 6845 University Avenue., San Diego.

Grossmont College Stagecoach Theatre, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, San Diego, offers plays ranging from Shakespearean dramas to modern musicals. For tickets, visit the box office site.

Lamplighter’s Community Theatre.   ,5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa  is now in its 85^th season.  The community theatre perform a variety of plays,  from comedies to dramas throughout the year.

MoxieTheatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego features plays by women playwrights in productions that have  G.R.I.T. – Guts, Resilience, independence, and Tenacity explore the depth of the human spirit and the expanses of the universe.

Julian Theater Company holds a multitude of events all over Julian. These events are commonly held at Julian Town Hall or Julian High School Theater. They’ve currently announced the 2023/2024 season shows, all available to view on the East County Performing Arts Association website. You can purchase tickets for both individual shows and for the entire season.

Off Broadway Live, 99490Cuyamaca St., #100 in Santee offers two main music events; their “ENCORE Supper Club” and “DECADES: Flashback.” The ENCORE Supper Club offers “dinner, drinks, dessert and a live band show unlike anything else.” The shows occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. DECADES: Flashback takes you through the historical development of music, fashion and culture. The shows occur the same days as the ENCORE Supper Club.

Scripps Ranch Theatre, located on the campus of Alliant University at 10755 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego, has been offering live theatrical productions since 1978.

Young Actors Theatre produces musical productions showcasing talented youthful actors at theatres across San Diego County, including locations in East County.

DANCE

Mounerath Powell Dance (formerly Visionary Dance Theatre), 8677 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Driven by the Vision of Artistic Director Spencer John Powell, VDT strives to enrich the community and its own company members through the shared experience of dance, theatre, and art. Included in this Vision is the belief that dance is for everyone. VDT brings together dancers & performers of all skill levels to create an environment of shared passion, growth, and opportunity for all of its members. Their students perform modern dance and musical theatre productions.

CHURCHES

Manzanita Concerts, 4880 Zion Ave., San Diego

Manzanita concerts are held in the Mission Trails Church. All events are free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated and are directed toward the performing artists. Although halfway through the 2023 fall season, there are two upcoming concerts; one in November featuring Clinton Davis, an “old time music master,” and one in December featuring MohaviSoul, performing “bluegrass originals and classics.

COFFEE HOUSES WITH LIVE MUSIC

Brew Coffee Spot, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa

Brew Coffee Spot is a sweet place with pastries and coffee. Every Friday night, the cafe hosts a different event. They’ll rotate through music, open mics, and comedy nights. Each upcoming event is posted on their site with the feature artist(s), the time and date, and the genre of music. They also offer a small description of the artist themself.

Public Square Coffee House, 8278 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

The Public Square Coffee House is located in La Mesa and is quite popular among younger adults and teenagers. They have a “Public Square After Hours” for all the concerts and open mics held. The upcoming concerts are posted on both their website and Instagram account. 

Spacebar Cafe, 7454 University Ave. A, La Mesa

The Spacebar Cafe is an internet cafe known for its atmosphere and good food. They have a variety of events lined up until February, many of which are live music events. The cafe is big on jazz, but also has local musical talent and open mic music nights.

The Well Cafe, 1945 Alpine Blvd. #2110, Alpine

The Well Cafe is a small cafe in Alpine. They have pastries and sweets to pair with your cup of coffee. All their live events are posted on their Facebook page. In the past, they’ve had rock painting with live music and on their third anniversary they held a celebration with a raffle and live music.

Novel by M. Lee Buompensiero

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

March 6, 2025 (San Diego) -- Long-time San Diego resident, M. Lee Buompensiero has released an award-winning novel, Sumerland. The story is full of romance, unusual hauntings, heart-warming dog crises and mishaps.

Kate Post inherits the San Diego historical Liebersohn mansion after her mother, whom she rarely saw and barely knew, dies. Kate doesn't want the house, nor any reminder of her mother's abandonment. Leaving with every intention of returning to San Francisco, Kate stumbles and falls in front of the house. An odd inscription etched in concrete beside a garden pathway catches her eye; it haunts her dreams and changes her mind. She will do a period restoration on the house and make for a quick sale. This will take it off her hands for good.

Francis and Marie-Claire Liebersohn have unfinished business—they want someone to set the record straight seventy years after their deaths. Their hauntings reveal family secrets and awaken Kate to paranormal realities. Prompted by her friend, Lulu, Kate adopts a new mission to set matters right for living relatives, including herself.

Kate’s romance with her dog’s vet seems real life. The dog that pulls Kate into committing to a totally new life is endearing. The melting of Kate’s heart by the dog is realistic and heartwarming. The disturbing hauntings that Kate witnesses turn out to have a positive purpose. I loved this story. I couldn’t put it down.

Below is an excerpt from the novel:

“I turned to look back at the old house. Even in its shabby state, you’d be blind not to see that it had been magnificent at one time. I tried to imagine the grand old Craftsman dismantled, torn down and replaced with a cookie-cutter row of faux-French chateau townhouses. Something inside knotted my stomach. Guilt? I shrugged that off and considered the renovations needed to convert the place into a B&B.

“It might not be so crazy after all. Of course, I’d have to hire a manager to run it. But do I want to?

“The logical right side of my brain took over What? Are you nuts? Focus! You don’t want this. Think about it—the time, energy and money. I did the math. I was perfectly happy with my current career path—the sterile landscape of investment counseling. No personal attachments. The black and white, plusses and minuses, the safe uninvolved terrain of advising clients about solid investments. Simple. No emotional ties.

“This wasn’t anything like that. This bound me to my mother. My stomach twitched again. I did a quick mental one-eighty back to my original plan, which was to settle what business needed settling and get back to San Francisco, where my job and condo and lifestyle await. Not that many would call twelve-hour workdays and little free time for cultural or romantic involvement a lifestyle. Still, it was my world and I wanted to get back to it. I needed to retreat to the familiar, the safe, the unattached—the total opposite of this … house.

“I don’t owe this house or mother my time or money.

“That sealed it. I’d have Lizbeth list the property. I turned and started back up the path when I caught my foot on something, tripped, and landed face down in a tangle of withered hydrangeas at the foot of the stairs.

“’Oh, Kathryn,” Lizbeth squealed “Are you all right?’

“I scrambled to my feet, more embarrassed than damaged, and brushed off the remnants of dirt and debris. When I bent to pick up my satchel, I noticed something scrawled in concrete. It was partially hidden by the bushes. I pushed the dead brush aside and stared at the initials in a sketchy scrawl etched into the concrete: “WJL.” Above that: ‘Sumerland – 1941.’”

The author, M. Lee Buompensiero, is a third-generation San Diegan. She has supported the writing arts as a volunteer at the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild. For her many years as managing editor for the Guild’s annual anthology, The Guilded Pen, and for her efforts while serving on the Guild’s board, she received a Rhoda Riddell Builders Award.

Buompensiero also writes under the pen name, “Loren Zahn,” and is the author of the Theo Hunter Mystery Series: Dirty Little Murders, Deadly Little Secrets, and Fatal Little Lies.

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s department

March 2, 2025 (Lakeside) - The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is investigating the discovery of explosive materials inside a recreational vehicle (RV) in Lakeside. The items were discovered when deputies from the Sheriff’s substation in Lakeside responded to a call reporting a possible overdose in the 11000 block of Lakeside Avenue.

When they arrived, they found a man who was unresponsive in a RV on the property. Paramedics took the man to the hospital to receive medical care.

“While at the scene, deputies noticed several items in the RV that were indicative of possible explosives,” says Sergeant Anthony Tripoli.

The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit, was called in to assist. Members of the City of San Diego and San Diego County HAZMAT teams, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit with the disposal of some of the explosive materials.

The investigation into this incident by the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit continues.

The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit investigates all matters relating to arson, suspicious fires, fire injuries, fire death, explosions, explosive injuries, explosive-related deaths and the recovery and safe disposal of homemade bombs and military munitions.

By Miriam Raftery

File photo:  Ben and Jessica Kalasho

Updated Feb. 28 at 7:20 p.m. with additional details and clarifications.

February 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Former El Cajon Councilman Besmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica, appeared via video at a San Diego Superior Court hearing today, asking the court to set aside arrest bench warrants ordered back in May 2023.  Those warrants were issued after the Kalashos were found guilty of criminal contempt of court and ordered to report in September to serve eight days in jail, but failed to appear.

The judge refused to let the Kalashos off the hook, following arrguments on both side.

The Kalashos indicated at the time that they did not wish to travel to San Diego because it would be unsafe for Jessica was pregnant; she appeared in today’s court video with a toddler on her lap.

However, attorney and plaintiff Lina Charry said she had video of the Kalashos attending a wedding in San Diego County around that time.

She objected to any further delays, stating, “This is their sixth attempt to try and dismiss their warrants.”

Ben Kalasho fired back, “That’s not true.”

Judge Wendy Behan made clear that while she would  set aside the bench warrants, but this does not terminate their guilty convictions for contempt charges. The judge indicated that a new date must be set for the couple to appear and serve their jail sentence; failure to do so will result in reissuance of the arrest warrants.

Kalasho asked for a hearing in late November and December, when he said the couple planned to visit relatives over the holidays.

The judge insisted that such a long delay would not be allowed.

“I live half the year in North Carolina and half the year in Dubai,” said Kalasho, who has been working under the pseudonym Chef Benjamin Epicure at Smithmore Castle, a luxury hotel and wedding venue in North Carolina. 

According to a Facebook page for Benjamin Epicure, he is also currently employed at the Dubai Creek Gold & Yacht Club Residences in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ultimately the judge ordered Ben and Jessica Kalasho to report in to Superior Court Department 66 on June 9 at 8:30 a;m. to serve out their eight-day sentences in jail.

The contempt of court charges came after Kalasho was found by the court to have defamed Charry by falsely claiming she had had sex in public places, in retaliation after she sued him for damages suffered when a car in a carwash he owned crashed into Charry’s business next door.The Kalasho's were found guilty of multiple counts of contempt for violating court orders, lying under oath, failing to comply with orders,intentionally failing to produce financial documents pursuant to court orders, failing to appear for mandatory court appearances, and unlawfully interfering with court proceedings by  providing false, misleading, or obstructive testimony under oath.

A court ordered the Kalashos to pay damages to Charry, but the couple stonewalled during a series of 15 judgement debtor examinations, where the Kalashos were supposed to answer questions on record about their financial assets. According to Charry, the couple refused to answer some questions and failed to produce account statements that they were required to bring.

Charry then filed an order asking the court to find the Kalashos criminally guilty of contempt  in the civil case, a tool that attorney Charry says is “rarely ,if ever, used” in a civil case. But in this instance, the judge concluded that the Kalashos’ failure to fulfill the requirements of the judgment justified finding them  guilty on criminal counts and ordering them both incarcerated.

If the pair shows up on June 9 as ordered, their eight-day incarceration is slated to commence. Left unresolved is the question of how Charry may recover assets to satisfy the civil judgment against the Kalashos, or what will happen if the Kalashos fail to appear.

East County News Service

February 28, 2025 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino will open the doors to its high-rise boutique hotel tower this spring, featuring 200 rooms, 52 spacious guest suites, 360-degree views and a curated collection of leisure experiences.

"This all-new hotel represents a proud moment in our tribe's journey and further supports our continued dedication to self-sufficiency," said Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village. "We’re not just transitioning from Jamul Casino to Jamul Casino Resort – we're building a legacy that honors our community while inviting visitors to experience the beauty and hospitality of our ancestral lands."

The 16-story hotel tower was originally imagined as a crystalline jewel box floating against the Jamul mountains, ultimately allowing visitors to now stay where they play. Guests will have access to the state-of-the-art hotel and its offerings through a climate-controlled, enclosed pedestrian sky bridge. The rooms’ sleek and elegant design creates a calming place of tranquility with one-of-a-kind views.

The all-new boutique hotel tower at Jamul Casino Resort aims to earn the AAA Four Diamond Rating – North America’s premier hotel rating program recognizing the most important aspects of luxury such as cleanliness, comfort, cuisine and consistency.

Among the many amenities will be an approximately 4,800-square-foot restaurant with sweeping views of the surrounding area, retail space, meeting and banquet facilities, a full-service spa and salon with an outdoor deck, a fitness center, and an 11,000-square-foot rooftop pool deck with a jetted hot tub, cabanas and a rooftop bar.

"We are thrilled to unveil this beautiful new hotel that our guests have been eagerly anticipating," said Mary Cheeks, President and General Manager of Jamul Casino. "With exceptional dining destinations, wellness-focused amenities, and curated experiences, we have created a space that truly caters to gaming enthusiasts, business professionals, and leisure travelers alike. We invite all guests to visit, unwind, play, and discover the very best of San Diego.”

Opened in 2016, the Jamul Casino is owned and operated by Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC), a wholly owned enterprise of the Tribe. The $430 million, award-winning casino features nearly 1,700 slot machines, 46 live table games, a dedicated poker room, and various restaurants, bars and lounges.

Jamul Casino supports more than 1,400 permanent jobs throughout the region and is the closest casino to downtown San Diego, which is the eighth-largest city in the United States by population.

To learn more about Jamul Casino, visit www.jamulcasino.com.

Many people and their dogs came together at Town Center Community Park East for the ninth annual Fido Fest in Santee. 

By G.A. McNeeley 

Photos by Scott Lagace and G.A. McNeeley

February 26, 2025 (Santee) - The city of Santee invited lots of people (and their dogs) for fun times at this year’s Fido Fest. People were also able to adopt their own furry friend from one of the many rescue groups present at the event hosted by the city of Santee on February 22 at Town Center Community Park East in Santee. 

Contests were held for the smallest dog, the biggest dog, the best costume, and the best trick. There were also demonstrations for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit and the Santee Fire Department Search & Rescue Dog, as well as arts and crafts. 

Agility courses were also present for dogs of all sizes to show off their skills and abilities. There were also off-leash areas, and over 50 vendors that were offering pet-friendly products, services, treats, and more. 

Donation drives were also accepting unopened dog food, bedding, blankets, toys, and other items that got donated to the rescues who participated in the event. 

The San Diego Humane Society was offering free microchipping, and they were also offering paid pet licensing services on-site (at varying costs). Pet health experts and veterinarians were also available to provide attendees with helpful tips and information. 

ECM spoke with a representative at the Amazing Strays Rescue Booth, who said that the organization is non-profit, foster-based, and volunteer-run. The group also had binders for the dogs (and cats) that were available for adoption. The binders included success stories and “medical cases,” which are dogs and cats who need extra care. Their organization is also known for rescuing homeless and at-risk pets, providing safe environments for them as well as trying to combat the spread of diseases in pets. 

Event organizers from the city of Santee told ECM said that this was their ninth year organizing the event. The event used to be in the summer, but it was too hot, so the event was moved to February. Organizers gave us an event schedule, an activity guide for other events in Santee, and a park map (all of which can be found online). They also told us that they help organize all of the big events in Santee. 

“I think this a great event, because I can bring my dogs, Ella and Russel, with me to the park. There’s a lot for them to see and sniff,” said, an attendee. “They got to feast on all of the different treats that vendors had available.” 

We also reached out to the San Diego Humane Society, via email, after speaking to a representative at their booth who gave us their contact information. We asked what sorts of programs they have that our readers should know about. 

“San Diego Humane Society offers multiple programs to prevent unnecessary pet surrender and to keep pets with their families through challenging times,” said Nina Thompson, Director of Public Relations, San Diego Humane Society. “Services focus on all things related to pet care, including assistance with behavior and training, pet food and supplies and veterinary care. We also offer additional resources for military members and community members experiencing domestic violence and housing insecurity.” 

Thompson also told that we can visit the following link to learn more about these services: 

sdhumane.org/supportservices

Rescue Groups that attended this year’s Fido Fest included 4 Patas, A Way Home for Dogs, Amazing Strays Rescue, Friends of Cats, Friends of Humane Services Tijuana, Frosted Faces Foundation, Heart of Gold’s Shelter, K9 Connection Pet Adoption, Leonberger Rescue Pals, Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue, Mutt Luv, Open Arms Rescue, Passion for Pitties, Paws 4 Thoughts Animal Rescue, Rescue Fenix, Ruger’s Rescues, The DeTommaso Dogs, and Woofs and Wags. 

For more information on the adoption groups, other events in Santee and additional information: 

https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/fido-fest/45710

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2025 (El Cajon) -- At 4:30 today, the Grossmont Union-High School District is holding a special meeting to considering firing 49 employees including all high school librarians.  Others targeted include English teachers, psychologists and more.

Opponents of cutting librarians have set up a website at  https://sites.google.com/view/save-guhsd-librarians/home. It includes a petition which has gathered over 1,100 signatures as of late this afternoon.

“The Grossmont Union High School District Board majority is pulling the same shady tricks as last year. They are planning layoffs claiming no money when they are holding a 13% reserve fund. This is well over state requirements,” says Jay Steiger, former GUHSD candidate who previously served on the district’s bond oversight committee.

 View the full list of 49 positions on the chopping block.  The 4:30 p.m. meeting of the GUHSD board will be held today at El Cajon Valley High School’s multipurpose room, 1035 East Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

On Facebook, Steiger states, “Teacher librarians are essential to support student research, digital literacy, responsible use of AI, helping find reading material that matches student interests (so they are more likely to read!), managing a library and tech budget, supervising Chromebook laptops, and building essential trust with students.”

The district’s agenda states,” On February 27, 2025, the Board of Trustees determined it needs to reduce or eliminate 49.2 full-time equivalent certificated administrative and/or teaching positions at the end of the current school year, and that potentially impacted certificated employees be provided written notice prior to March 15, 2025. Potentially affected employees were notified by the deadline.” The agenda adds the seniority will be taken into account in eliminating positions.

Trustee Chris Fite has indicated he opposes these cuts, as he has previously voted against other recent controversial staffing cuts including teachers and the district’s public safety director, but the other four members have supported those cuts.

By S.E. Michael

Photos: CC via Bing

February 27, 2025 (San Diego) -- Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress ran on a pro-life platform. But it’s clear from recent actions of the Trump administration that its leaders don’t care about babies. Its actions are putting lives and wellbeing of millions of infants and children at risk, both around the world and here in the U.S.

Cutting off U.S. Aid including food in famine-stricken areas, clean water and medical supplies without notice, for instance, means that “millions of children will suffer and thousands may die” around the world, according to an analysis by First Funding for Children. Ships laden with food were prohibited from unloading, leaving food to rot rather than save lives of starving children, CBS reports. The United Nations warns of “mass death” in Sudan from starvation and is seeking donations after the U.S. abruptly cut off all aid.

Similarly, Republicans’ Congressional budget cuts to Medicaid, school lunch programs, and the child tax credit will all harm children.

Mass federal firings by the Dept. of Government Efficiency (DOGE) include workers who ran childcare and Head Start programs and also ended a program to improve maternal healthcare for pregnant women, threatening the wellbeing of their unborn  babies.

Cuts to medical research will “will limit access to effective health care treatments and diagnostics for patients” and “threaten the ability of children’s hospitals to provide future groundbreaking cures for children,” according to a press release from the organization representing children’s hospitals.

Robert F. Kennedy Junior, the anti-vaxxer named Secretary of Health and Human Services, is considering changing recommendations for childhood vaccines such as measles and polio, an action that if carried out could put children at risk of dying or being left paralyzed from devastating and preventable childhood diseases.

The Trump administration is also pushing to deport undocumented children who entered the U.S. alone, putting their lives and safety at risk and to cut off infant assistance funds for migrant babies, as well as legal assistance for unaccompanied minors.

Cuts to the department of Education, which Trump eventually hopes to eliminate, would harm children with disabilities, PBS reports. NBC reports that if Trump is successful in eliminating the department of Education, it would harm the most vulnerable students,  such as by ending federal funding of schools, increasing class sizes for all public school students, eliminating federal funding for students with disabilities, ending civil rights protections for minority students, and grants to assure equal access to education for all children.

Eliminating waste, fraud and abuse is best accomplished by a careful, extended examination of individual programs—not slashing and eliminating entire programs and departments such as USAid and the Department of Education, nor gutting funds for children’s health research and successful childhood vaccine programs, nor eliminating childcare options for working parents, or taking away all protections for vulnerable immigrant children unaccompanied by parents or guardians.

These are politics of cruelty, not compassion. If you care about the lives of babies and children, now is the time to speak out and let your elected members of Congress know that policies harming children are unacceptable and must change.

S.E. Michael has written about medical issues for trade journals and newspapers, and is the parent of child cured of a life-threatening condition through a procedure at a children’s hospital made possible by federally funded medical research.

The opinions in this article reflect the views of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. To submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org

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.

Admission to Tomatomania is free, though there is a $25 charge to reserve space in the “Totally Tomato Cooking Demonstration” on March 7 from 12-1 p.m. Garden chef and instructor Nicolai Winkler will showcase tomato soup paired with a fresh tomato Panzanella salad.  Class includes a personal portion of soup and salad, take-home recipe and up-close demonstration. REGISTER HERE

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