2023 Art & Garden Tour
2023-04-23 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Please plan to join us on April 23 from noon to 4 p.m. for GMIA’s Art & Garden Tour. This year, our signature event will be better than ever with five unique gardens to tour and artists at each venue. Consider contacting us at gmiavolunteer@gmail.com to work a shift at one of the gardens. This event is open to GMIA families only. Well-behaved children are welcome with their parents, but the gardens cannot accommodate strollers or pets. Please check page 8 of Viewpoints, which will be arriving in your mailbox later this month, to ensure your membership is current. If it has expired, renew with PayPal on this website or re-enroll on April 23 at any of the gardens. New members can also join GMIA by paying the $20 annual membership fee on the day of the tour.

GMIA Annual Dinner Meeting and Fundraiser
2023-06-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Cuyamaca College Student Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon, CA, 92019, United States
Join your fellow GMIA members for the Annual Dinner Meeting to be held Saturday, June 24 at the Cuyamaca College Student Center. Wear your Hawaiian shirt to join in the aloha theme, with a meal of teriyaki chicken, coconut rice and stir-fried veggies. Please indicate if you would prefer a vegetarian main course of a teriyaki mushroom medley.
A pre-tour of the Cuyamaca College campus will be held at 4 p.m., led by Cuyamaca College President Jessica Robinson. Sign up for the tour when you register for the dinner.
A reception will be held beginning at 5 p.m. on the terrace at the Student Center, with dinner following in the meeting space inside the center.
The keynote speaker will be Jim Newland, a historian and planner for the California State Parks Department. Newland has written the definitive history of Mt. Helix called Images of America: Around Mt. Helix and will give a fascinating talk about the history of Mt. Helix and display many of the photos from his book.
The dinner costs $25 for members and their guests, and $45 for nonmembers. The dinner is a fundraiser for GMIA and is sponsored by the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, Edco Disposal Co., San Pasqual Winery and Helix Brewing Company. Bring some cash to play the 50-50 game. Buy tickets and half of the proceeds will go to the winner and the other half will be donated to GMIA.
Thanks to our sponsors

GMIA Succulent Swap and Share
2023-10-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Wendy and Ron Caragher’s, 10805 Melva Road, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Begin your autumn with a visit to GMIA’s Succulent Swap and Share on October 7. For the third consecutive year, Wendy and Ron Caragher have volunteered to host at their home.
This year, the Succulent Swap and Share is a Members Only event, free to all GMIA families. It’s an opportunity to discover new varieties, learn more about GMIA, and enjoy the Caraghers’ magnificent gardens. As a special treat, Master Gardener Sharon Reeve, a La Mesa resident, will join us to share her expertise.
Coffee, water and light snacks will be provided. Whether you are swapping, sharing or taking home samples for your own garden, you will be welcome. And don’t forget to bring along a bag or box to transport your new plants home (No fire sticks please). New members are always welcome.

Supervisorial Candidate Public Forum
2023-10-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA, 92019, United States
The two finalists for the District 4 supervisorial seat will discuss issues of concern to East County residents at a public forum to be held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College.
The forum starts at 7 p.m., with a candidate meet and greet starting at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Parking and admission are free.
Monica Montgomery Steppe and Amy Reichert were the two top vote-getters in the primary election for the District 4 supervisor’s seat vacated by Nathan Fletcher. The general election is being held Nov. 7.
The forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters and will be conducted according to their guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions that could be selected for the candidates to answer. Questions can be submitted by emailing yourgmianeighbor@gmail.com.
The event is sponsored by the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association and the Casa de Oro Alliance.

GMIA Walk to the Top of Mt. Helix
2024-01-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Fire station parking lot, 10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Start the New Year with 300 of your neighbors at the San Miguel Fire station at Vivera Dr. and Mt. Helix Blvd.

2024 Art & Garden Tour
2024-04-28 12:00 - 16:00 | Fire station parking lot, 10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Mark your calendar for GMIA’s Art & Garden Tour on Sunday, April 28. Five unique gardens will be open to tour. Spend an enjoyable afternoon gathering design ideas, viewing original landscaping and learning which plants flourish in our region. Parents are welcome to bring their children, but the gardens cannot accommodate strollers. No pets, please.
Three of the gardens will be accessible through a shuttle van. To board the van, park your car in the lot by the fire station at 10105 Vivera Drive. The gardens are less busy later in the afternoon, so consider starting your tour in mid-afternoon. You’ll find a map and a description of the gardens inside this newsletter.
This event is open to GMIA members only. Please check page 8 of this newsletter to ensure your membership is current. If it has expired, you can renew online, or you can mail your payment to GMIA, P.O. Box 2751, La Mesa, CA 91943-2751. You can also join GMIA or renew your membership by paying the $20 annual fee on the day of the tour.
If you would like to help GMIA put on this event, please contact us at gmiavolunteer@gmail.com. We need volunteers to check in people at the gardens, assist with traffic, and assist those visiting the gardens.

2024 GMIA Annual Dinner
2024-06-22 16:30 - 19:30 | Cuyamaca College Student Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon, CA, 92019, United States
The GMIA Annual Dinner will be held June 22 at the Cuyamaca College Student Center. The dinner this year has a western theme, so you’re invited to show up in your cowboy gear. We’ll be providing bandanas as part of the fun.
Our new county supervisor, Monica Montgomery Steppe, will be the keynote speaker. If you would like to submit a question to her, send it to yourgmianeighbor@gmail.com.
The social hour begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. We’ll be offering a barbecue meal of smoked chicken in barbecue sauce with buns, beans, corn and potato-mac salad.
If you’d like to learn more about Cuyamaca College, be sure to sign up for a tour beginning at 4 p.m.
A raffle will be held with items that include a two-night stay at Santee Lakes, $100 gift card to Ruth Chris steak house, Swarovski jewelry, original artist-created pottery and other items.
The cost of the dinner is $30 until June 15, and $35 after that date.

Succulent Swap & Share
2024-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Wendy and Ron Caragher’s, 10805 Melva Road, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
GMIA’s annual Succulent Swap & Share is being held on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at the home of Ron and Wendy Caragher at 10805 Melva Road.
Trim your yard and bring your succulent cuttings (no fire sticks please) and check out the variety of succulents being offered to swap. Have a cup of Gladly Coffee with your green-thumbed neighbors and learn more about GMIA.
Shop the Swap is a new feature being offered this year. It’s a pottery pop-up featuring unique planters by local artist PK Pottery. Planters will range from $5 to $20, and PK Pottery is donating a portion of their sales to GMIA. After selecting a handmade container, head over to the new potting station and create your own mini succulent garden.
The Succulent Swap & Share is a free event for members only. Memberships are available for $20 per household.

17 th Annual Walk to the Top of Mt. Helix 2025
2025-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Fire station parking lot, 10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Get Ready to Walk!
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to indulge a little—go ahead and treat yourself to those festive feasts and sweet treats! But fear not, because we have the perfect way to kickstart a healthy New Year: the 17th annual Walk to the Top of Mt. Helix on Saturday, January 4.
Our popular community event promises to be a fantastic way to welcome 2025. Grab your friends, family, and your pups for a 3/4-mile stroll that takes you up to the stunning views of our beautiful area.
What You Need to Know
When: January 4th at 10 AM
Participants will be led by the sounds of the Grossmont High School Marching Band as we set off together.
Where: San Miguel Fire Station 21, 10105 Vivera Drive
Community Connections
In addition to breathtaking views, fresh air and complimentary refreshments, you’ll have the chance to connect with local organizations committed to our community, including:

Casa de Oro Alliance
La Mesa Historical Society
Senior Gleaners
SDG&E Vegetation Management
The Water Conservation Garden
Helix Water District

Give Back While You Walk
We’re holding a dog food can drive to benefit The Animal Pad, our local shelter. Bring a can or two to donate and help support our furry friends. Many of their adoptable pups will be joining the walk!
A Special Invitation
Before we hit the pavement, don’t miss the open house at Fire Station 21! Take a tour of the apparatus and chat with our local heroes. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the vital services they provide.
A special shout-out goes to the Mt. Helix Park Foundation for their unwavering support in making this event happen year after year.
Mark your calendars, lace up those sneakers, and prepare for an unforgettable New Year’s tradition. Let’s start 2025 with a step in the right direction—together!

GMIA 56th Annual Art & Garden Tour 2025
2025-04-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Fire station parking lot, 10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Four beautiful gardens will be available for viewing. Artists and musicians will be stationed at the properties.
This year, you can drive yourself to each home or take a shuttle and ride in comfort from garden to garden.
Details and descriptions of the gardens can be found in the Spring Viewpoints. Map of garden locations is shown below.

2025 GMIA Annual Dinner
2025-06-21 16:00 - 20:00 | Cuyamaca College Student Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon, CA, 92019, United States
Grab your tie-dye shirts and peace symbols for the GMIA Annual Dinner, June 21, 2025. We will be celebrating in 60s style at the Cuyamaca College Student Center, beginning with happy hour at 4:30. At 5:30, enjoy a roast chicken dinner with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. Vegetarian dinners also available. Beginning at 4 pm. you can get a tour of Cuyamaca College with a student ambassador. Hear from Andy Lawler, chief of the San Miguel Fire District, and the keynote presentation from Historian Jim Newland, who will talk about the fascinating history of Mt. Helix, and the men and women who settled the area. There will be a silent auction and a slide show of the GMIA activities since last summer. Your picture may be in it! Tickets are $30/each until June 11, when they go up to $35.
Thanks to the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community Community College District and Edco Disposal Co. for their sponsorships of the dinner. Thanks also to Helix Brewing Co. and San Pasqual Winery for supplying beverages for the event.

GMIA Succulent Swap: A Fall Celebration Rooted in Community
2025-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Wendy and Ron Caragher’s, 10805 Melva Road, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Forget the pumpkin spice—GMIA is kicking off fall with sun, succulents, and socializing! Join us for the annual Succulent Swap, a vibrant morning of gardening and connection in the heart of our community.

Saturday, September 27
The Caraghers’ Garden, 10805 Melva Road
10–11 AM: GMIA Members-Only Hour
11 AM–12 PM: Open to the Public
Free to all

Whether you’re a seasoned succulent collector or just plant-curious, this event has something for everyone:

Succulent Swap: Bring your best cuttings (no fire sticks, please!) and trade with fellow plant lovers.
PK Pottery Pop-Up: Shop handcrafted planters with flair.
Potting Station: Create your own mini garden masterpiece.
Sip & Socialize: Enjoy Gladly Coffee, sweet treats, and neighborly chats.

It’s more than a plant swap—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Come for the clippings, stay for the camaraderie.
Mark your calendars, prep your cuttings, and don’t forget—members first hour and then the fun blooms for everyone at 11 AM!

Start the New Year with Walk to Top of Mt. Helix!
2026-01-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Fire station parking lot, 10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Go ahead and indulge all you want in the next two months, but then step out in healthy fashion Saturday, Jan 3, 2026! Join your friends and neighbors,10 am, at the San Miguel Fire Station on Vivera Dr. You will be led up the hill (less than one mile) by the Grossmont High School Marching Band. At the top, you will find free coffee (donated by Gladly Coffee in Casa de Oro) tea, hot chocolate and snacks, including doggie treats, and one of the most beautiful views in our county. Some of your friends will be there talking with people from local organizations who make our community better, like the Senior Gleaners, Water Conservation Garden, La Mesa Historical Society, Casa de Oro Alliance, SDG&E Vegetation Management, and the Helix Water District.

GMIA’s Annual Art & Garden Tour
2026-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 | Fire station parking lot, 10105 Vivera Dr, La Mesa, CA, 91941, United States
Five beautiful gardens in the Mt. Helix area will be open to tour on Sunday, May 3 in GMIA’s annual Art & Garden Tour. This is a great opportunity to obtain great landscaping and planting ideas, meet your neighbors and enjoy some local art. Each of the unique gardens will inspire you and it’s always fun to view the hard work of our garden owners.
The gardens range from beautifully terraced yards with landscaping, cozy hidden areas, to villas made for entertaining, an estate that transports you to a fairy tale, and an example of low water and conservation at its best. Each garden will showcase a local artist, some using recycled materials.
This year, three of the gardens will only be accessible via shuttle and two are driveable. Choose your route and start or end with the shuttle. Parking is available in the lot by the fire station at 10105 Vivera Drive. Four shuttles will be operating continuously throughout the afternoon. The shuttle buses were made possible by a grant from County Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe.
This event is open to GMIA members only. Please check your membership status. You can join or renew your membership on the GMIA website, or you can sign up on the day of the event.
Parents can bring their children, but the gardens cannot accommodate strollers. No pets, please.

GMIA Annual Dinner
2026-06-20 16:30 - 19:30 | Cuyamaca College Student Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon, CA, 92019, United States
Celebrate the start of summer at GMIA’s Annual Dinner! You can visit with neighbors, enjoy a barbecue dinner, and learn about the Sheriff’s Department from County Sheriff Kelly Martinez.
The social hour begins at 4:30 p.m., with beer, wine, and soft drinks. A silent auction will offer a variety of items that are sure to pique your fancy.
If you’re interested, sign up for a quick tour at 4:30 p.m. of Cuyamaca College’s Ornamental Horticulture department, a short walk from the student center. The innovative program trains future horticulturists and landscapers with a full nursery of plants.
A tasty barbecue dinner will be offered, along with a vegetarian option. After dinner, the winner of the Al Platt Award, honoring a person who has contributed to GMIA and the community, will be announced, and a brief business meeting will be held.
The keynote speaker is Sheriff Kelly Martinez, was elected sheriff in 2022 after serving in the department since 1985. As sheriff, she oversees law enforcement for 4,200 square miles of unincorporated San Diego County, nine contract cities, seven jails, and courthouse security. Her department has a $1.2 billion budget and more than 4,700 employees. If you have a question you would like to have Sheriff Martinez address, send an email to yourgmianeighbor@gmail.com or write down your question at the dinner.
Dinner is $30 for members who pay before June 12, and it goes up to $35 per person after that. The dinner is for members only. Not a member? Join now!
A special thanks to our sponsors: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District; Edco Disposal Co.; San Pasqual Winery, and Helix Brewing Co.
