By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Beanbag round and projectiles similar to those used to subdue kidnap suspect

December 11, 2014 (El Cajon )—“There’s a good chance that our police officers saved the lives of four kids today,” Councilman Gary Kendrick told East County Magazine, reflecting on the dramatic rescue of the  children for whom an Amber Alert had been issued. The body of their mother had been found in another vehicle and their abductor was their father, who was believed to be armed and dangerous.

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our interview (originally aired on KNSJ):  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

December 11, 2014 (La Mesa)—It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in La Mesa’s downtown village, where holiday lights are twinkling and festivities are set to begin for the 25^th annual Christmas in the Village celebration on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13.  

East County Magazine sat down for an interview with John Vigil, self-proclaimed “Chief Elf” from the La Mesa Village Merchants Association and Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Fine Art, for a sneak preview of this year’s event—and why it’s especially important this year for local merchants to have a strong community turn-out.

December 10, 2014 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Democrats balk at spending bill, raising shutdown risks (Reuters)
• Giveaways to Wall Street and nation’s wealthiest in spending bill (Common Dreams)
• Falling gas prices may boost the U.S. economy (Los Angeles Times)
• A first: National debt passes $18 trillion (APM Marketplace)
• 24 states now suing Obama over immigration (CNN)

WORLD

• Malala, Satyarthi accept Nobel Peace prize (CNN)
• Despite failures, U.S. likely to continue raids to free hostages (Reuters)
• Mexico sends federal troops into towns plagued by drug gangs (Reuters)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

By Mimi Pollack

December 10, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) --Animals have a way of reaching others and comforting in a way that people sometimes can't. When a well-trained and loving dog is brought to a retirement home, a nursing and rehabilitation facility, or a hospice, etc., it brightens the day of so many people, bringing positive companionship. That is why pet therapy dogs provide such an invaluable service, and there are many owners who would like their pets to participate. However, if someone is interested, it is very important to do some research first.

By Miriam Raftery

December 10, 2014 (Washington D.C.)--A bill passed by House Republicans is reigniting water wars in California and faces virtually certain defeat in the Senate, due to opposition from both of California’s Senators and a veto threat by President Barack Obama.

East County News Service

File photo: marijuana seizure

December 9, 2014 (Spring Valley) – An armed robbery at an unlicensed marijuana dispensary in Spring Valley turned violent, resulting in gunshot wounds to an alleged robber and an employee of a nearby store who tried to assist the robbery victims.

East County News Service

December 9, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - A Pacific storm is predicted to bring more rain and cooler temperatures late this week. The National Weather Service is forecasting up to three inches of rain in mountains, with lower levels in valleys, deserts and coastal areas.  In addition, winds up to 50 miles an hour are expected, along with up to several inches of snow at elevations over 5,500 feet.

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our interview with Marissa Grace (originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM)  here:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

December 7, 2014 (La Mesa) – East County Magazine sat down recently with Marissa Grace McRoberts, a 12-year-old singing sensation from East County who made her debut on the KYXY Jeff and Jer show. You can also hear an excerpt of her song, "In My Dreams."

She has performed at Oktoberfest in La Mesa, at Grossmont Center concerts, at La Mesa's Craft Brew & Wine Festival earlier this month, and will sing solo later this month at Petco Park. 

By Greg Dunne                                       

December 9, 2014 (Mission Trails) --So striking are the looks of the Spotted Towhee that you can’t take your eyes off him until he ducks out of sight again in the undergrowth. Even if you’ve seen these birds many times before, you can’t wait to see another one. The Spotted Towhee’s jet-black head with contrasting white and brown and red eyes will immediately catch your attention.

By Miriam Raftery

December 9, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Corporations behind the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility  and the failed Quail Brush gas-fired power plant in San Diego are being sued in federal court amid revelations of bribery allegations and a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

By Miriam Raftery

December 9, 2014 (San Diego) – Former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio lost his runs for mayor and Congress, defeated by Congressman Scott Peters in the 50^th Congressional District.