July 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 1,000 Beanie Babies will be distributed through Spirit of America projects to bring smiles to children in war-torn Afghanistan, thanks to the efforts of Parkway Middle School children, Fletcher Hills Kiwanis Club, and local author Diana Lindsay.  Lindsay, author of guide books on the Anza Borrego desert, is also the mother of Lt. Commander Jon Lindsay, a former Spirit of America volunteer.

Beads of Courage Arts-in-Medicine Program Coming to San Diego

July 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Local area leaders have teamed up with Beads of Courage to host a 2nd Annual Journey to Fight Cancer Golf Tournament & Luau at the Cottonwood Golf Course in El Cajon on Friday, July 23 starting at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start and scramble.

July 7, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Saddle up and head on over for an evening of innocent fun at the tables at Home of Guiding Hands 1st Annual Wild West Casino Night, Friday, July 16, 7–11 p.m. at Gio Bistro Wine Bar in La Mesa. Ticket includes hors d'oeuvres, a beverage of your choice, and $200 of gaming credit, opportunity drawings and door prizes. Net proceeds benefit San Diegans with developmental disabilities.

July 1, 2010 (Campo) – The second annual Robert Rosas Memorial Off-Road ride will be held on July 10th. Proceeds will benefit the family of slain Border Patrol Agent Rosas, who was shot and killed while on duty in July 2009 near Campo.

East County News Service

June 29, 2010 (Poway) – The public is invited to participate in the 22nd annual Make-A-Wish Golf Class July 23 at the Maderas Golf Club in Poway. San Diego County Credit Union is presenting sponsor of the event, along with the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

June 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Agent Richard Agundez, who won the Medal of Valor for his heroic efforts to stop the Granite Hills High School shooting, will retire tomorrow after 30 years of service with the El Cajon Police Department. He is one of the Department’s most highly decorated officers.

May 29, 2010 (Jamul)- Harmonica John and the Reggae Band PSYDECAR will perform at a post-Memorial Day gathering Tuesday, June 1 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. across the street from the fire station at 14024 Peaceful Valley Road in Jamul.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)—Cub Scouts from the Wolf Den of Pack 391 donned gloves and helped pick up trash around Steele Canyon Bridge earlier this month—all as part of their recycling requirement to earn Wolf badges.

The Pack includes students at local elementary schools in first through fifth grade. Second graders from the wolf Den picked up three bags of trash as well as some items to be recycled.

Donations, supplies also needed to help children who survived quake

May 21, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat gives a grim update on the plight in Haiti. “Only a few people have received tents, tarps, or food to sustain them. Many are presently dying of disease, malnutrition, or simply checking out mentally or dying with a broken heart.”

VIP party honored achievements by local citizens and community leaders

By Miriam Raftery; photos by Julie Edwards

May 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – During a “Celebrate our Citizens” VIP party at Cuyamaca College on April 28, East County Magazine presented awards to honor local citizens’ achievements in five categories: Humanitarian, Community Organizing, Education, Business Leadership, Environmental Protection, and Community Heroes. In addition, a special award recognized Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz and the Viejas Fire Department for their efforts to keep our communities safe from wildfires.