Update: Both 163 and 805 are now reopened, though traffic on 163 remains slow as of 5:55 p.m.

December 28, 2012 (San Diego) -- For the second time today, a suicidal person threatening to jump off a bridge has caused major traffic delays.  Late this afternoon, State Route 163 has been shut down in both directions at the Laurel Street Bridge in Balboa Park.  The I-5 connector to 163 is also closed due to the jumper.

Earlier today, a man threatening to jump off a bridge forced shut-down of I-805 at State Route 54. That individual has been taken into custody and 805 is now reopened. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, please contact these resources: 

By Ariele Johannsen

December 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for the best parties and most fabulous feasts in East County and San Diego’s inland areas this New Year’s Eve?  East County Magazine has prepared our guide to the top local activities where you can ring in the New Year.  Local casinos are hosting parties with drawings for prizes ranging from cars to cash, and some offer free shuttle rides from convenient East County locations. Local chefs are pulling out all the stops with special menus.  There’s even an alcohol-free celebration for those who prefer not to imbibe, plus special transportation to help you reach destinations in more distant locales. Check the websites below for the latest details.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

East County Magazine is now on Facebook!  You can follow us, be our friend, and "like" us here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-County-Magazine/524328380924611.

This is a new page, separate from our editor, Miriam Raftery's Facebook page.  We will be transitioning our news site's information to the new page, so please be sure to "friend" us for the latest posts. 

December 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa Centennial Committee invites you to take a step back in time at the "Party of the Century", celebrating 100 years of La Mesa history.  The event, priced at $100 a ticket, will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the La Mesa Community Center.

The party will feature music by the Cadillacs as well as teh pEter Marin and Fran Unqueto Trio, dancing, and food.  

December 28, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says 774 people were killed in California last year due to alcohol-related crashes. Don't become a statistic or endanger others. Use the phone numbers below to arrange for a designated driver, or for a free towing service to your home.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department will be out in force this holiday weekend with extra patrols and DUI checkpoints across the county.  “Celebrate the festivities with your family, not the in the jail or hospital,” the Sheriff urges. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime. You will be arrested. Remember, 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.' We will be watching.”

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The power of social media has given rise to a new phenomenon seen across our region and around the world:  residents are taking to the streets, sending tweets, and discovering the power of the people.  They’re organizing online, launching petitions, posting viral videos on Youtube, promoting causes on Facebook.  A year aqo, in 2011, the world witnessed the power of citizen activism when the Egyptian government was overthrown.  Here at home, the rise in citizen activism in the past year has led to some remarkable achievements and some noteworthy upsets.

Here are some of the results of citizen activism in our region over the past year.

December 27, 2012 (La Mesa)—A fire that began in or near a wall heater yesterday morning swiftly engulfed a granny flat in the 8400 block of Sunrise Avenue.  After a neighbor reported the blaze, Heartland Fire & Rescue crews arrived within five minutes.  

Firefighters stretched hose lines inside the building to aggressively fight the fire, while other crews vented the structure to allow smoke and hot gases to escape.  The blaze was doused within 10 minutes and firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. 

By Rebecca J. Williamson

December 27, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Marquez vs Pacquiao fight has nothing over the boxers (and stuffed animal lovers) at El Cajon’s Und1sputed Fitness and Training Center. Boxers Andy Murad and 14-year-old high school student Anthony Cesena were among those who pitched in to help during the Center’s toy drive, Christmas party, and fight club exhibition held Saturday, December 15.

Also recycle glass bottles and beverage containers from holiday parties

December 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--EDCO has sent a reminder for customers to recycle this holiday season. Paper gift wrap, gift boxes, greeting cards, cardboard and glass, metal and plastic beverage containers can all be recycled in customers’ commingled recycling containers. Holiday trees, wreaths, garlands and cut flowers can also be recycled by placing these in the designated green waste cans after all lights and decorations have been removed. For more holiday information, visit www.edcodisposal.com.

December 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – Looking for some laughs?  Brew Ha Ha Comedy presents Janice Remland performing live standup comedy at the Holiday Inn, Mesa Grill, 8000 Parkway Drive, La Mesa on Dec. 28.  The mixer will begin at 6 p.m. with the show time at 7 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—East County lost some prominent residents in 2012, from celebrities and pioneers to lesser known individuals who achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their lives or touched our hearts in their passing. 

Scroll down to read about those lost in 2012; click on their names to read more about these remarkable individuals.

December 26, 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 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.

• Business groups grow frustrated over impasse in ‘fiscal cliff’ talks (The Hill)
• Immigrants Welcomed: A City Sees Economic Promise (NPR)
• Nearing fiscal cliff, wind industry waits (North County NPR)
• American wind industry proposes to phase out tax credits (Hydrogen News)
• End the Wind Production Tax Credit (U.S. News and World Reports)
• NRA defends call for armed guards at schools (Reuters)
• Audits looking for undocumented immigrants on the rise (Christian Science Monitor)
• Few tests done at toxic sites after superstorm (U-T San Diego)

WORLD

• North Korea could have U.S. within missile range, says South (Reuters)
• Mayan temple damaged in tourists’ ‘apocalypse’ frenzy (Raw Story)
• India rape protests; reporter shot dead (Sky News)
• AP Exclusive: Palestinians aim to isolate Israel  (U-T San Diego)
• UN confirms Hezbollah fighting for Assad in Syria (Jerusalem Post)
• Thousands of Islamists clash with opponents in Egypt (Christian Science Monitor)
• Risk For Pakistan's Polio Workers Escalates (NPR)

Read more for excerpts and links to full stories.

Decenber 26, 2012 (Cuyamaca) -- Turkeys for Christmas  may conjure up images of a holiday dinner.  But photographer Tom Lemon spotted this flock on Christmas Day while driving through Rancho Cuyamaca State Park.  He suggests these turkeys should be grateful that they're living in a protected area where hunting is not allowed--or, perhaps, hoping more folks will choose ham for their next holiday feast.

December 25, 2012 (San Diego's East County) -- No, this isn't a preview of what East County might look like after a few decades of rising tides and global climate change.  This image of Cowles "island" is in fact Cowles Mountain, surrounded not by water, but a sea of clouds. 

Scroll down for a second image depicting the Grossmont Knoll and Cowles Mountain, adrift in early morning clouds viewed from Mount Helix.  Both of these magical images were photographed by photographer Tom Lemon.