EAST COUNTY HAPPENINGS

City councils

El Cajon, 3 p.m. Tuesday; La Mesa, 6 p.m. Tuesday; Santee, 6:30 p.m.

School boards

Cajon Valley Union School District (El Cajon), 5:30 p.m. Tuesday

La Mesa Community Conversation coming up

The La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission and the Advancing Health Literacy Program are hosting a virtual Community Conversation at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 to discuss the challenges, successes, and opportunities since the beginning of the pandemic as they affect access to health care and resources. The event is free and open to the public. Register at https:// bit.ly/3hd2m8c to receive the link.

‘Touch-a-truck’ event returns to Lakeside

The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce welcomes back its fifth annual “Touch-a-truck” event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27 at 11600 Riverside Drive in Lakeside. Kids of all ages can touch, blow the horn and clamber aboard lots of different industrial vehicles, such as dump trucks, excavators, fire trucks and San Diego Sheriff ’s Department SWAT vehicles. The show is presented by Martin Marietta and hosted by Lakeside Land Company, Marathon Construction Corporation, and Hamman Companies. A portion of event proceeds will help fund local educational programs geared toward trucking, construction, and industrial career paths for youth. Tickets are $15 per child and $5 per adult (ages 16-plus), available online or at the door. To buy tickets, visit Lakesidechamber.org or tatlakeside.com. Call (619) 561-1031.

Evening mixer at Thoughtful Creations

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosts a “Taco Tuesday” mixer from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Thoughtful Creations, with co-sponsors Dragonfly Market & Pacific Coast Market. Meet Thoughtful Creations owner Shawndie Smith and the vendors who will be showcasing their works. The evening includes food, beverages, raffles and a silent auction. Free to the public, but registration required at https://bit.ly/33kqy9s. Thoughtful Creations is at 8270 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.

Food distributions in Ramona, El Cajon

Feeding San Diego is hosting a drive-through food distribution from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Way, Ramona. Register at https:// feedingsandiegofeb24.rsvpify.com. Another distribution will take place from 10 a.m.-noon Friday at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. Register at https://feedingsandiegofeb25.rsvpify.com. Every registered attendee will receive about 50 pounds of dry goods, fresh produce, and a frozen meat protein. Visit feedingsandiego.org/ together-tour.

Spring Fling Business Expo set for March 23

The Spring Fling Business Expo hosted by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will be held from 5-8 p.m. March 23 at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon, 141 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon. This is an opportunity for the business community to participate and share their services with chamber members, other businesses and the public. Tickets are $10 for this 21-plus adult event; order them at lamesachamber.net/ spring-fling-business-expo. To reserve a display table, contact Mary England at (619) 251-7730 or email maryengland@lamesachamber.com.

Blood drives

• 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today, Journey Community Church, 8363 Center Drive, La Mesa

• Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday 2/22, Barons Market, 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine

• 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, near movie theater

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 27, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2766 Navajo Road, El Cajon

Appointments strongly encouraged. Photo ID required. Call (800) 469-7322 or visit Sandiegobloodbank.org.

Send items to fyi.east@sduniontribune.com at least two weeks before events.