November 29, 2012 (Lake Murray) – San Diego Police officers apprehended an adult and a juvenile suspected of beating an elderly resident with a pry bar after forcing their way into his home in the 8400 block of Harwell Drive in the Lake Murray area yesterday afternoon in broad daylight.
The victim suffered a serious head injury and injuries to his arms while trying to defend himself, said Watch Commander Dan Lasher.
November 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- Looking to support our local economy while choosing special holiday gifts? We’ve scoured East County to find truly unique gifts made and sold locally. What could be finer than to receive an alpaca sweater spun and woven with locally grown wool? Or a hand-stitched quilt, locally crafted jewelry or a delectable freshly baked dessert? Perhaps your gift recipients would savor local wines grown in the Old World style, camel milk soaps scented with frankincense and myrrh, or intricately hand-beaded pottery.
Search no more! You’ll find all of these delightful items and more in our “Gifts from the East: 2012 Holiday Shopping Guide” below:
November 28, 2012 -- (San Diego’s East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:
November 28, 2012 (El Cajon)--Like the incessant sounds of a metronome, the clock is ticking for music students working behind the scenes on the Winter Wonder Jam -- Cuyamaca College’s answer to Lollapalooza -- set for Saturday, Dec. 7, in the performing arts theater.
Open to the public, the event will showcase five local bands rocking at the Rancho San Diego college from 7-10 p.m. This year, students in the college’s Music Industry Studies Program came up with the idea of a toy and food drive for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and the campus food bank for needy students with families.
James Block/Cuyamaca College photograph
Curt Owen, with bassist Gabriel Fleming, performs in the
2011 Winter Wonder Jam music festival at Cuyamaca College.
November 28, 2012 (San Diego)--Congresswoman Susan Davis announced a lottery for tickets to the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 21, 2013. Davis will randomly select inauguration tickets for constituents of the new 53rd Congressional District.
“Some lucky constituents will have a chance to be a part of history!” said Davis. “During inaugurations, Americans come together to celebrate our enduring democracy. Holding a lottery gives everyone who wants a ticket a fair chance.”
November 27, 2012 (San Diego)- A storm brewing over the northeast Pacific is expected to bring powerful swells and waves up to 10 feet high to San Diego’s coast this week, with the biggest breakers expected on Friday. But dudes, don’t grab those surfboards and head west--according to the National Weather Service, “very strong rip currents will make for dangerous swimming conditions.”
November 27, 2012 (La Mesa)—ECM writer Kristin Kjaero has asked us to post a request from a friend stationed in Afghanistan with the Army Corps of Engineers. He seeks donations of twin-sized blankets for 300 female students. Below is his letter, which tells their remarkable story.
Please read it, and consider donating new or second-hand blankets to bring some much-needed comforts to these courageous and determined young women.
November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The 37th Annual East County Toy and Food Drive is December 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge, Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. Drop by anytime during the event and sample heavy hors d’oeuvres, participate in opportunity drawings and silent & live auctions.
The suggested donation is $20 per person. All proceeds benefit the East County Toy and Food Drive serving needy East County children and their families this holiday season.
November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Center, with Viejas Enterprises, presents Breakfast with Santa on December 1 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the community center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine. A buffet style breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs will be served.
The event will also feature arts and crafts, decorate your own cookie, door prizes, silent auction items and drawings.
November 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Arbor Day in Mission Trails is being celebrated at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground day use parking lot on December 1. Everyone is invited to take part in the planting of oak trees. Volunteers may help with the planting, or as act as cheerleaders for those that are.
Volunteers are also need to pull weeds and help with general landscape maintenance of the area. Some shovels will be available. Gloves and shoes are recommended.
Opponents to deliver photos of loved ones to be harmed by cuts at Rep. Hunter's office Wed.
November 27, 2012 (Oakland)--Nearly 5 million Californians could be negatively impacted if Congress cuts Social Security, including 662,232 people with disabilities and 364,365 children, according to a new AFL-CIO report.
Of 11 million Californians who get health care coverage from Medicaid, 4.4 million children and nearly a million seniors could be affected if the lame duck Congress cuts Medicaid benefits. As the “fiscal cliff” approaches, members of Congress have suggested cutting these safety net programs, while calling for extending tax cuts benefitting the richest 2%.
November 27, 2012 (San Diego)— A startling 28% of all women serving in the military report being victims of sexual assault.
Now the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 that would give women serving in our military the same access to affordable reproductive health care as federal civilian employees. This amendment would allow the federal health care plans of service women to cover abortions in cases of rape or incest.
November 28, 2012 -- (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecti 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:
November 25, 2012 (Alpine) – Santa will be riding his sled down Alpine Blvd. on Dec 7 at 6:30 p.m. for the 17th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights. Following the parade Santa and his helpers will light the Alpine Community Christmas Tree at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road accompanied by a holiday sing-a-long.
November 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Thanks to reader Tom Lemon for letting us know that the International Space Station will be visible over East County this week. You can check this NASA site to learn about viewing opportunities in your community: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html.
Best viewing will be on Saturday, December 1 around 5:40 a.m., Lemon advises.
November 23, 2012 (San Diego)—There is a real danger that Production Tax Credits (PTCs) for industrial wind projects will be extended. They are due to expire at year’s end, but Congress may vote soon on a proposal to extend those credits. Extension of PTCs could be surreptitiously attached as a rider to the upcoming congressional budget bill.
If you want to protect our mountains, deserts, scenic and rural areas, wildlife and Native American cultural sites, please join me immediately in asking your members of Congress not to renew tax credits for these large-scale projects remote from places where the energy will be used.
There are much cleaner, less destructive, more efficient ways to meet our nation’s energy needs!
November 26, 2012 (San Diego) – California Public Utilities Commissioner Mark Ferron has issued a draft decision finding no current need for the Quail Brush and Pio Pico gas-fired power plants proposed by SDG&E at Mission Trails and Otay Mesa. He concludes the plants would not be needed until at least 2018—and then only if a Carlsbad power plant is shut down and not replaced. A separate proposed decision by CPUC administrative law judge Halley Yacknin also rejected both plants.
The full CPUC will have the final say, and could opt to amend the draft decision before a public meeting, which has not yet been scheduled.
November 26, 2012 (Santee) – Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve will be holding Santa at the Lakes on December 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be snow for sledding, pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides and craft booths. The star of the event will be Santa.
Parking is $5 per vehicle and activity and ride tickets are 50 cents each. For moe information call 619-596-3141 or visit www.santeelakes.com.
November 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Refugees living in El Cajon and City Heights are invited to free workshops at the New Roots Aqua Farm, 4035 Fairmount Avenue in San Diego. Learn how to grow healthy organic vegetables in urban areas with no soil and minimal water! Also see New Roots’ 1,200 square foot aquaponics system that includes fish farming with tilapia that are sustainably raised and hormone free.
Workshops in December will be offered in several languages including English, Swahili, Spanish and Arabic. See schedule below for details.
November 25, 2012 (Valley Center) – Keys Creek Lavender Farm is holding its first ever holiday celebration on December 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 12460 Keys Creek Rd., Valley Center. The event will feature live music, vendors, booths, holiday lights, food, drinks, gift wrapping and lavender goodies.
By Kurt Wannebo, CEO, San Diego Real Estate and Investments (SDREI)
November 26, 2012 (San Diego)--Did you know that right now that we are actually in a seller’s market and prices are starting to go up? If you are a buyer waiting for the bottom of the market to buy, news flash, you already missed it by a couple of months! Every day I speak with buyers and sellers that believe we are still in a declining market, when in actuality it’s the other way around.
November 26, 2012 (Washington D.C.)-- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (NRC) has ordered that oral arguments be heard at 1:00 pm EST on Wednesday, December 5 from Citizens' Oversight (COPS) and Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding a license amendment request by SCE for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
November 27, 2012 (Alpine)—Piano students of Suzie Steenbergen held their autumn piano party recital celebration on November 18 in the sanctuary at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Alpine.
“It was a fine afternoon and 50+ family members and friends gathered to hear piano music on the church’s lovely piano,” Steenbergen said.
Photo caption: Left to right:Alex Speck, Rhianna Speck, Sophia Parsons, Ashley Hoffman, Mia Moran, Avery Howard, and Bella Nedjar.
November 26, 2012 (Jacumba) – Kiwanis Clubs in Campo and Crest have joined forces to assist a family with a two-year-old child. The family, who lost their home in the Shockey Fire, has been living in a temporary arrangement but was able to purchase a fifth-wheel trailer thanks to community donations.
More funds are needed, however, since the trailer needs “much repairs and appliances” before the family can call it home this winter in an area tha receives snow, says Lorrie Ostrander of Jacumba, who has been coordinating relief efforts for the fire victims.
November 25, 2012 (Santee) – The Santee Lakes Foundation, in concert with San Diego State University, SDG&E and the Santee Lakes Preserve presents the inaugural “Lighting at the Lakes – 2012” December 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake One under the new Pavilion.
November 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Sounds of the season will emanate from the Mt. Helix Park Amphitheatre on December 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. during the annual Sing-along Christmas Caroling event. Gina Seashore, known locally as That Music Lady, will be leading the caroling with her regular group of musicians.
ALBERTSONS pre-packaged food bags coupled with other generous donations will help meet the 15,000 lb. goal
November 25, 2012 (San Diego) - Within the last five years, the number of San Diego residents relying on the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for their meals has almost doubled. In these challenging economic times, the Food Bank is feeding more than 350,000 people countywide each month.
November 25, 2012 (Ramona) – “Since the State of California has ignored my requests and pleas for help in saving innocent lives from dying on California Highways, I took my fight to the federal level,” Ken Vanek, brother-in-law of Bridgette Hale, told East Couinty Magazine. Now the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on November 23 has issued new recommendations to reduce impaired driving.
Hale, a young mother from Ramona, lost her life in a head-on collision on Highway 67 in January 2010. California Highway Patrol did not order a blood test of the driver, John Holsheimer, although many witnesses reported he had been driving erratically before the crash. A hospital blood test reportedly showed he was under the influence of drugs, but evidence could not be presented in court because tests were not ordered by law enforcement.
November 26, 2012 (Lakeside) – ECM news partner 10 News reports that shots were fired at 1:45 a.m. at a Sheriff’s deputy in the 12700 block of Laurel Street in Lakeside. The deputy, who was not injured, said he thought the shots came from the Beechtreet Street and Pino Drive vicinity.
November 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – The United Church of Christ La Mesa Chancel Choir will present “I Believe” on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa. The cantata, composed by John F. Wilson , will be highlighted with a multi-media presentation of scenes depicting the Christmas story.
The concert is free and all are welcome. Visit www.ucclm.org for more information.
ECM news partner 10 News
By Miriam Raftery
November 28, 2012 (El Cajon)--Like the incessant sounds of a metronome, the clock is ticking for music students working behind the scenes on the Winter Wonder Jam -- Cuyamaca College’s answer to Lollapalooza -- set for Saturday, Dec. 7, in the performing arts theater.
November 28, 2012 (San Diego)--Congresswoman Susan Davis announced a lottery for tickets to the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 21, 2013. Davis will randomly select inauguration tickets for constituents of the new 53rd Congressional District.
By Miriam Raftery
November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The 37th Annual East County Toy and Food Drive is December 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge, Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. Drop by anytime during the event and sample heavy hors d’oeuvres, participate in opportunity drawings and silent & live auctions.
November 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Center, with Viejas Enterprises, presents Breakfast with Santa on December 1 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the community center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine. A buffet style breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs will be served. 
November 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Arbor Day in Mission Trails is being celebrated at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground day use parking lot on December 1. Everyone is invited to take part in the planting of oak trees. Volunteers may help with the planting, or as act as cheerleaders for those that are.
ovember 27, 2012 (Oakland)--Nearly 5 million Californians could be negatively impacted if Congress cuts Social Security, including 662,232 people with disabilities and 364,365 children, according to a new AFL-CIO report.
November 27, 2012 (San Diego)— A startling 28% of all women serving in the military report being victims of sexual assault. 
November 25, 2012 (Alpine) – Santa will be riding his sled down Alpine Blvd. on Dec 7 at 6:30 p.m. for the 17th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights. Following the parade Santa and his helpers will light the Alpine Community Christmas Tree at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road accompanied by a holiday sing-a-long.
November 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Thanks to reader Tom Lemon for letting us know that the International Space Station will be visible over East County this week. You can check this NASA site to learn about viewing opportunities in your community: 
By Terry Weiner, Desert Protective Council
November 26, 2012 (San Diego) – California Public Utilities Commissioner Mark Ferron has issued a draft decision finding no current need for the Quail Brush and Pio Pico gas-fired power plants proposed by SDG&E at Mission Trails and Otay Mesa. He concludes the plants would not be needed until at least 2018—and then only if a Carlsbad power plant is shut down and not replaced. A separate proposed decision by CPUC administrative law judge Halley Yacknin also rejected both plants.
November 26, 2012 (Santee) – Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve will be holding Santa at the Lakes on December 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be snow for sledding, pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides and craft booths. The star of the event will be Santa.
November 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Refugees living in El Cajon and City Heights are invited to free workshops at the New Roots Aqua Farm, 4035 Fairmount Avenue in San Diego. Learn how to grow healthy organic vegetables in urban areas with no soil and minimal water! Also see New Roots’ 1,200 square foot aquaponics system that includes fish farming with tilapia that are sustainably raised and hormone free.
By Kurt Wannebo, CEO, San Diego Real Estate and Investments (SDREI)
November 26, 2012 (Washington D.C.)-- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (NRC) has ordered that oral arguments be heard at 1:00 pm EST on Wednesday, December 5 from Citizens' Oversight (COPS) and Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding a license amendment request by SCE for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. 
November 27, 2012 (Alpine)—Piano students of Suzie Steenbergen held their autumn piano party recital celebration on November 18 in the sanctuary at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Alpine.
November 26, 2012 (Jacumba) – Kiwanis Clubs in Campo and Crest have joined forces to assist a family with a two-year-old child. The family, who lost their home in the Shockey Fire, has been living in a temporary arrangement but was able to purchase a fifth-wheel trailer thanks to community donations.
November 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Sounds of the season will emanate from the Mt. Helix Park Amphitheatre on December 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. during the annual Sing-along Christmas Caroling event. Gina Seashore, known locally as That Music Lady, will be leading the caroling with her regular group of musicians.
ALBERTSONS pre-packaged food bags coupled with other generous donations will help meet the 15,000 lb. goal
November 25, 2012 (Ramona) – “Since the State of California has ignored my requests and pleas for help in saving innocent lives from dying on California Highways, I took my fight to the federal level,” Ken Vanek, brother-in-law of Bridgette Hale, told East Couinty Magazine. Now the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on November 23 has issued new recommendations to reduce impaired driving.
November 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – The United Church of Christ La Mesa Chancel Choir will present “I Believe” on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa. The cantata, composed by John F. Wilson , will be highlighted with a multi-media presentation of scenes depicting the Christmas story.
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