By Jeremy Los

December 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- The holiday season is upon us—bringing carols, crowded shopping malls and of course, Christmas lights! Several East County neighborhoods have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the holiday season with extravagant light displays for everyone to enjoy. Scroll down for descriptions, and view our map of holiday light displays in East County.

150 protesters stage rally outside, vow to file new lawsuits

View our video highlights by Billy Ortiz

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Dennis Richardson and Miriam Raftery

“Some people look out in the deserts and just see empty space. I see a gold mine there for clean energy.” – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“This is a big land grab—the taking away of our wilderness areas.” – Marion Bowles, protester

December 10, 2010 (McCain Valley) – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Kennedy’s son, Joe Kennedy, were among the leaders on hand for a symbolic groundbreaking of Sunrise Powerlink yesterday at McCain Valley in San Diego’s East County. Inside the Rough Acre Ranch (former training ground for the San Diego Chargers), the Governor praised the project as “an example to the rest of the nation.”

He then helped affix a commemorative plaque to a massive power tower top, or bridge, wider than the audience seating area. The project will have 436 towers. Afterwards, about 200 invited guests celebrated at a lavish luncheon provided by SDG&E and its parent, Sempra Energy.

December 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Santa Claus will soon be getting some exercise. Instead of riding in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, Santa will utilize pedal power as he leads over150 bicyclists in the San Diego Bicycle Club’s 23rd annual “Light up a Life” holiday toy drive on December 11th.

December 2, 2010 (Alpine) – Alpine Boulevard transforms into a winter wonderland on December 3, when the town hosts its annual Alpine Village Christmas celebration.

Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m., riding in the 15th annual Parade of Lights.  Afterwards, Santa and his helpers will light a holiday tree at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., and join in a holiday sing-along. Kids and the young in heart are also invited to stay and play in a free mountain of snow, complete with sledding.

November 29, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- While residents in other parts of the country are shoveling snow, and even coastal residents are contending with foggy winter days, here in East County it's been a week to savor some beautiful moments.  We hope you'll enjoy a few of the best shots captured by our readers and staff this week in East County!

3rd annual holiday invitational art show runs through Jan. 14

November 24, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Enjoy a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley in downtown El Cajon!  There is no charge to ride the authentic British-style double-decker bus, which passengers can board at East Main Street and Sulzfeld Avenue, across from Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon.

Also enjoy "After the Goose" shopping specials, rides and activities in downtown El Cajon

November 10, 2010 (El Cajon)--The Second Annual Jingle Paws Pet Walk and adoption event, sponsored by the ACES Foundation (Animal Center for Education and Services) and Camp Bow Wow, will be held on Saturday, December 4.  The event runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

Following a brisk 9 a.m. walk around the park, pets and their owners can enjoy Santa's Village filled with fun pet  activities, vendors, goodies, and adoptable pets--just in time for the holidays.

November 13, 2010 (Alpine) - The public is invited to help support birds of prey at Sky Hunters, an Alpine-based center that takes in injured birds of prey, nurses them back to health and reintroduced them into the wild. 

November 11, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)--FBI and the East County Regional Gang Task Force are seeking the public’s assistance to find and arrest Manuel Vera, age 37, of Chula Vista, California. Vera is wanted on federal drug charges related to a methamphetamine distribution ring in East County.

By Miriam Raftery

Savor stargazing, a nature scavenger hunt, community bonfire and the bounties of nature—or cozy up to watch football in the clubhouse
 

November 9, 2010 (Alpine)  Artists perform in period costumes and even guests are invited to attend in historical fashions at the Chamber Music Extravaganza on November 13 at 4 p.m. at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 1460 Midway Drive in Alpine.