January 1, 2011 (Lakeside) – An argument that began with racial slurs resulted in a fight involving 30 to 40 people shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve. The brawl ended with multiple injuries and five arrests in Lakeside.

An open letter to Mayor Jerry Sanders opposing plan to fluoridate San Diego’s water

By Jeanie Ryan
 

January 1, 2010 (San Diego) --The problem with water fluoridation is that it negatively affects those we try to protect. The American Dental Association advises no fluoride for children under 6 months and then very little to one year of age-- less than that with is supplied in fluoridated water.
 

We know that fluoride crosses the blood brain barrier and that one in six children have a learning disability. Studies have shown that children in high fluoride areas have lower intelligence. (See a Chinese study linking mental retardation and low IQs to fluoride in water.) 

January 1, 2011 (Alpine) – Hit by a double whammy of storm damage followed by thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, the Alpine-based big cat rescue facility Lions Tigers & Bears is seeking help from the public in both cash donations and a wish list of items needed.

December 31, 2010 (San Diego) – A free tow home is available for New Year’s party-goers who don’t want to take chances behind the wheel. The “tipsy tow” service is offered by the Automobile Club of Southern California, but is open to everyone, even if you are not a member. Free tows are available from 6 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. tomorrow by calling 1-800-400-4AAA.

The Auto Club estimates that a first time conviction for driving under the influence can cost $13,468 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and increased insurance costs.

DUI Arrests Down; With One Suspected DUI Related Fatality

December 31, 2010 (San Diego)--A countywide holiday anti-DUI crackdown has resulted in numerous DUI arrests during local traffic enforcement details and special DUI deployments in San Diego County. From 12:01 a.m.  December 17 through midnight on December 29, officers from 14 county law enforcement agencies arrested 499 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2009, 582 DUI arrests and bookings occurred during the same 13 day time period.

As part of the Winter Holiday Anti-DUI crackdown, members from multiple law enforcement agencies in San Diego County will be conducting DUI checkpoints and directed DUI Saturation enforcement during the New Year’s Eve weekend. Details are planned in the following cities, San Diego’s Sheriff office reports:

December 31, 2010 (San Diego)--A woman, 59, was driving her Ford Escort southbound in the 4700 block of College Avenue when an 81-year-old man crossed mid-block in fron of the car and was struck. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries to his arm and both legs.

December 30, 2010 (San Diego's East County)--With three disaster declarations in just one year (for earthquake, flooding, and the “bomb house”), it’s been a turbulent year in East County and San Diego’s inland regions.

Here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories of 2010—from Mother Nature rocking our region to political and economic upheavals. We’ve also had stories of inspiration and courage, some heart-wrenching tales, plus news items that range from wild to just plain wacky.

Here are our picks for the year’s top stories that impacted East County.

December 30, 2010 (San Diego)--HOME (Home Owners Mobile Education) will offer FREE counseling services to San Diego homeowners experiencing difficulties making monthly mortgage payments. The HOME clinic will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Malcolm X Branch Library & Performing Arts Center.  This event is in co-sponsorship with Congresswoman Susan Davis, and the Legal Aid Society of San Diego Pro Bono Program. 

December 30, 2010 (San Diego) – Across the County, emergency crews are busy repairing roads and assessing other damage from the most recent storm.

Following on the heels of last week’s heavy storms which saturated soils and overflowed numerous waterways, the most recent downpour caused additional rock and mudslides, undermined roads and caused potholes and sinkholes.

December 30, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for San Diego’s inland valleys and lower deserts for late tonight through mid-morning Friday. Temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 20s to low 30s, with isolated areas in the mid-20s. Strong, gusty winds are also forecast.

December 30, 2010 (El Cajon)—An El Cajon man turned himself into the El Cajon Police Department around 11:30 a.m. today, stating that he was the driver of a hit and run vehicle. According to El Cajon Police Detective Tim Roberts, the driver is John Senati, 46, of El Cajon.

The collision occurred Monday evening in the 500 block of North Mollison Avenue when a vehicle struck and  injured a pedestrian who was crossing the roadway. The pedestrian remains hospitalized in critical condition.

December 29, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Some prominent East County residents passed on in 2010, but left their mark indelibly on our region. A few were famous, such as movie star Dennis Hopper, or tribal leader Anna Sandoval. Some were heroes--including a Pearl Harbor survivor. Others made news with the dramatic means of their passing—stories that touched our hearts or served as lessons learned.

Below are some of the most memorable individuals from San Diego's inland region to whom we bade final farewell in 2010.

By Miriam Raftery

December 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice among this year’s headline makers? Our editorial staff has been making our list and checking it twice.

Here are our nominees for the naughtiest—and nicest—newsmakers of the year in 2010. Note: We don't include criminals in this list, as major crimes will be included in our "top news stories of 2010" that will be posted in a couple of days.

Do you agree with our choices? Please post comments--and your own nominees--below!