Descanso library celebrates women’s history
     DESCANSO — On Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m., the Descanso branch of the San Diego County Library will present the video Women of Mystery – Three writers who Forever Changed Detective Fiction.
      The writers we will be viewing and discussing will be Sara Paretsky, Marcia Muller and Sue Grafton. We will also have a book discussion on F is for Fugitive by Sue Grafton. Refreshments will be served.
     For more information one may contact the library at 445-5279.

Bethel Assembly to re-create Jerusalem marketplace
    ALPINE — Travel back 2,000 years to see, hear, touch, and even taste what it was like to live in Bible times at the Jerusalem Marketplace,, which is not so far out of town as it sounds.
     The marketplace will be recreated at Bethel Christian Assembly, 1929 Arnold Way. 
     The adventure starts at 9:30 a.m. and will end at 11:30 a.m. from March 24 to 26.
     Families may explore authentic marketplace shops, become students in synagogue school, take part in games, dance to lively Bible songs, and sample tasty tidbits as you discover more about life when Jesus walked the earth.
     Jerusalem Marketplace is great fun for children of all ages; even teenagers will enjoy signing on as Tribe Leaders or Assistant Tribe Leaders who help younger kids. 
     For more information or to register your family, call Linda Cota at 445-5508.

MEHS drama sings ‘Happily Ever After’
     PINE VALLEY — The Mountain Empire High School Drama Club will be presenting the musical Happily Ever After for four performances. The play features all your beloved fairy tale characters: Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, the Big Bad Wolf, Two Prince Charmings and many, many more.
     It's a fun-filled night of fun and laughter for the whole family. Students from Mountain Empire's High School, Middle School, and Elementary schools make up this huge cast of dwarfs, rabbits, princesses, an evil witch, and more. 
     Performances are Thursday, April 21 at 4 p.m.; Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m.; and a special matinee on Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7:00 for Adults and $3.00 for children 12 and under.

Disney Quiz Night to aid kindergarteners
     ALPINE – The PTA for Creekside Early Learning Center at Alpine’s All Kindergarten school is sponsoring “Disney Quiz Night” on Friday, Mar. 11. Disney Quiz Night will entertain about 300 people and raise money to support the non-profit organization’s attempt to supply kindergartners with new playground equipment.
     Contributions are also welcomed from businesses and corporations, including items that can be used in the silent auction. Donors will be recognized in the program, and those who donate over $200 will be prominently featured in the program.
     For further information, one may call Brenda Holmes at 445-9264.

Kiwanis hosts Easter breakfast
     ALPINE — The Kiwanis Club of Alpine will hold its 50th annual Carmelo Manuele Easter Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m., Sunday, March 27 at the Alpine Elementary auditorium.
     Tickets are $5 for adults and children under 12 are $2. Children may have their photos taken with the Easter bunny. The Viejas and Ewiiaapaayp bands of the Kumeyaay Indians have contributed significantly as well as many other businesses, so their names will be on placemats given to each attendee.
     Tickets are on sale at Alpine True Hardware and the Alpine Chamber of Commerce and may also be purchased from any Alpine Kiwanian or at the door.

Roping event will benefit England baby
     LAKESIDE — A family whose baby was born with a severe heart condition will be the beneficiaries of proceeds from the Maddie Jo England Benefit Roping competition Saturday, March 29, at the Sunbar Roping arena.
     Events will include two drawpots, a raffle and auction of rare items, including a George Strait autographed guitar, Justin boots and Western Horseman framed prints.
     The arena is located at 11055 Morena Ave. and books open at 9 a.m.
     For further information, one may call Monty Crist at 449-4618 or Dick Hastings at 417-1637. 

Boulder Oaks to host Western Days
     ALPINE – The Boulder Oaks Elementary School PTA is hosting Western Days Carnival for the youth of Alpine on Friday, Apr. 15. The evening will include games, a rock wall, a cakewalk, good music, great food and a silent auction.
     The program will raise money for the 460 students at the school. Local businesses are encouraged to help by donating goods or services.
     For more information, one may call PTA President Carrie Schimke at 445-8676, or e-mail her at boespta@yahoo.com.

Wild night of gambling funds health care
     CAMPO – Mountain Health and Community Services will hold Casino Night from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 14, at the Mountain Empire Community Center, at 976 Sheridan Road. For an advance ticket, the cost is a $50 per person donation. It will be $65 at the door and $100 per person for the High Roller ticket.
     The event will feature a catered buffet dinner, Casino Gaming by Casino Magic, High Roller Tables, High Stakes poker games, a costume contest, door prizes, a silent auction, and music. 
     A ticket gives one the barbeque dinner, a chance to win at the door prizes and grand prizes, plus $500 in casino money. The High Roller ticket affords the above benefits plus $200 extra in casino money and champagne. Also, it entitles one to a personal host to provide an endless array of food, snacks and beverages.
     All proceeds help cover expenses incurred by under/uninsured patient visits at Mountain Empire Family Medicine in Campo, High Dessert Family Medicine in Jacumba and Alpine Family Medicine in Alpine; and other expenses incurred in the operation of the Mountain Empire Community Center, including supplementing the Senior Nutrition Program and other activities, programs, community meetings and events.
     Participants must be 18 or over. There are two no-host bars, and for alcoholic drinks patrons must be 21 or over.
     For an advance ticket, one may call Lynn Neff at 478-5254 x35 or visit the website at: Mountain Health and Community Services.

NRA holds meetings in Alpine
     ALPINE — The East County chapter National Rifle Association is now holding meetings in Alpine at the Bread Basket restaurant. 
     Regular meetings will now be held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
     At the last meeting the group was entertained by retired Fish and Game representative Bob Turner with a slide show on American Mountain lions. 
     Bob Maupin at Hi Pass Sports will accept applications from new members and those wishing to become active in the NRA.