By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2016 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to enjoy the magic of the holiday season at La Mesa Shimmer on Thursday, December 1^st from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.   A lighting ceremony will be held at 5 p.m.at Legacy Park in the heart of the city’s historic downtown village, where you can also enjoy a hot chocolate bar, live music, and holiday window displays, shopping and dining.  For more information, visit www.cityoflamesa.us/shimmer.

East County News Service

November 29, 2016 (San Diego) — The Consumer Review Freedom Act, a measure to protect freedom of speech in online consumer reviews, has been approved by both the House and Senate and now heads to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature.

East County News Service

November 29, 2016 (Spring Valley) - Moni Blom, Pierre Bounaud, DiAnne Broussard, Richard Burkett, Clay Associates, Sunshine Cobb, Nan Coffin, Steve Cook, David Cuzick, Mary Cuzick, Danae Fasano Dehne, Ellen Fager, Robert Farmer, Jeremy Gercke, Bernie James, Ashley Kim, Roberta Klein, Merle Lambeth, Sam Lopez, Lisa Maher, Janet Martini, Hasuyo Miller, James O'Brien, Maricarmen Olimón, Mike Ridge, Linda Royster, Harumi Sako, Mike Sisson, Julie Thompson, and Lynn Zimmer will all be featured potters at the 2016 San Diego Pottery Tour on Saturday and Sunday, including many artists in East County.

Added: find postgame notes, quotes and box score inside

By Liz Alper

Photos by Cristian Rangel

November 28, 2016 (San Diego) - After defeating Cal last Monday, SDSU men’s basketball returned to Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena on a rainy Monday night to face Savannah State.  A special fact about tonight’s game was that the Aztecs wore turquoise Nike N7 jerseys in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

November 28,2016 (Dehesa) — Three hikers were stranded overnight in Sloan Canyon near Dehesa after one fell and injured his head on Saturday.

A rescue helicopter was unable to fly due to a storm. Drenched by the deluge in chilly temperatures, the hikers were rescued the next morning by a Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team which used ropes and pulleys to bring them to safety.

East County News Service

November 27, 2016 (El Cajon) — Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre will present “These Shining Lives” in December.  The play recounts the true story of women workers exposed to radiation at the Radium Dial Company. Their fight for justice and their sacrifices created a legacy of better working conditions for future generations. 

East County News Service

November 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The newly created San Diego East County Regional Homeless Task Force held its first meeting in mid-November at the El Cajon Police Department. 

The effort is being spear-headed by the San Diego-East County Chamber of Commerce with support from civic leaders, educators, religious and other nonprofit organizations, social service providers and law enforcement. City managers from La Mesa, El Cajon and Lemon Grove and about 100 others attended the inaugural meeting.

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2016 (Lemon Grove) — On election night, George Gastil held a lead over Racquel Vasquez in the Lemon  Mayoral race.  But by morning, Vasquez was on top. Her margin has now grown go 120 votes, close to 1%. 

On Saturday,  Gastil posted on Facebook, “There are still some provisional ballots being counted, but not enough to make a difference. (You can see the latest results for races at Registrar of Voters website, sdvote.com.) The early absentee votes went more for me, and the later absentee and poll votes went more for Vasquez. It was an energetic and positive campaign, with a record number of people voting in a Lemon Grove Mayoral election. I called Racquel Vasquez and congratulated her.”

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2016 (Lemon Grove) — The City of Lemon Grove will host its 19^th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 2^nd at Civic Center Park (3200 Main St.) from 5 to 9 p.m.

The city’s winter tradition includes the lighting of a giant bonfire as well as live music, rock climbing, a hayride, game truck, game booths,  arts and crafts, face painting, hot chocolate and snacks.

SDSU had its best shooting performance since the 2014-15 season opener vs. Sacramento State

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

November 27, 2016 (South Orange, N.J.) - The San Diego State women’s basketball team shot 60.4 percent from the floor to beat Central Connecticut State University, 80-62, at the Seton Hall Thanksgiving Classic Sunday afternoon.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  UCSD HP Wren camera on Mt. Laguna

November 27, 2016 (San Diego's East County) --The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for our mountain and desert regions through tonight,with gusts up to 65 miles an hour possible.  If traveling watch for downed trees and power lines, blowing sand, rain-slicked highways and icy conditions in higher mountain areas.

Drought-parched mountain areas in East County have received welcome relief from a pair of storms that swooped into the region over the weekend.

As of 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, the National Weather Service reports over 2.4 inches of rain fell at Lake Cuyamaca, with nearly 1.7 inches at Julian. Snow has fallen on taller mountain peaks, including over an inch on Mount Laguna.

East County News Service

November 27, 2016 (Descanso) – You’re invited to a Holiday Open Ranch at Alpacas of Diego, located in Descanso (10499 Highway 79), just east of Alpine.  This festive day of fun will be held on Saturday, December 3^rd from10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

UPDATE: Aztecs will play in Wyoming for Mountain West Championship game.

Edited to add postgame notes and quotes at the bottom of story

By Liz Alper

Photo by Cris Rangel

November 26, 2016 (San Diego) - In their last home game of the season (barring hosting the Mountain West championship game), Aztecs football hosted the Colorado State Rams on Senior Night.  

November 22, 2016 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Chamber of Commerce  President loves giving back to help people in need during the holiday season.  This year,  the  Chamber has added military families to its list of beneficiaries to receive help this holiday season, along with seniors and children.

Hear our interview with Mary England,  originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link above to learn how you can help brighten the families for people in need in our community.

By Miriam Raftery

November 25, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – President-Elect Donald Trump ran as an outsider, a TV celebrity and business mogul with no political experience, who pledged to shake up the status quo in Washington D.C.  His cabinet appointees thus far reflect a mix of people outside the D.C. beltway as well as seasoned Washington insiders.