East County Visitors Bureau Celebrates Eighth Anniversary

Local officials joined the San Diego East Visitors Bureau anniversary celebration at Barona Valley Ranch on Jan. 26. Pictured are: Evonne Darby, Barona convention sales; Chuck Hansen, vice president community relations, Viejas; and Mary England, member Lemon Grove City Council.

By Bobbie Zane

Nearly 150 visitor-industry professionals participated in the San Diego East Visitors Bureau’s recent anniversary gala at Barona Valley Ranch.

The Jan. 26 celebration marked the eighth year of operation for the bureau, which promotes tourism in the East San Diego County region. The area includes Julian and Borrego Springs.

The highlight of the party, which was held in the Barona Golf Events Center, was a silent auction to raise funds for scholarships for students in the tourism/hospitality program at Grossmont College and Mount San Miguel High School. About 30 prizes were auctioned, including several donated by Angel’s Landing in Julian.

Eric Lund, executive director of the bureau, took the opportunity to introduce a new marketing theme or brand for the region:“Celebrate the Great Outdoors of the Sunny Side of San Diego.” The theme appears on the visitor map that was distributed at the event.

The East County Bureau operates a visitor center in the Viejas Outlet Center, located at 5005 Willows Road, Suite 208 in Alpine where volunteers and staff members help visitors plan their trips in the area. Visitor-information literature from most East County communities also is available at the center.