East County News Service

November 26, 2015 (Lakeside) – Santa and his elves are hard at work getting ready for the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce’s 17^th annual Spirit of Christmas on Maine Ave. in Lakeside.  The holiday tradition takes place on December 5^th from 4 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public.

With an atmosphere of an old-fashioned, hometown Christmas, the event features the sights and sounds of Christmas including local school performances, Santa Claus and photos with Santa, food and drink, kids activities, rides and jumpy jumps, booths, crafters, and lighting of the community Christmas tree.

East County News Service

November 25, 2015 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to join the City of La Mesa in celebrating completion of the $5 million downtown streetscape renovation project on La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa’s quaint village. Experience the newly brightened Downtown Village on December 9th from 4:00-6:00 pm.

La Mesa Shimmer will feature a lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm at Palm Ave. and La Mesa Blvd.  Refreshments will be provided during the event at Palm Ave. and La Mesa Blvd.  and near Date Ave. and La Mesa Blvd.  Live bands and students from Peter Pan Junior Theatre will perform along the Boulevard from 4:00-6:00 pm.

Animals are safely en route, soon to find refuge at sanctuaries

November 24, 2015 (Alpine)--Bobbi Brink, Founder/Director of Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) in Alpine, and her team are making a 5,000 mile round trip journey to rescue and provide transport to six exotic animals, including four tigers from Ohio. The animals are en route to reputable sanctuaries in Nevada and California.

November 23, 2015 (La Mesa)- A fire on Wednesday morning destroyed a mobile home in the 7400 block of Oakland Road in La Mesa.  The loss is estimated at $50,000, including contents.

November 25, 2015 (San Diego) – San Diego State University police have issued the following alert regarding a sexual battery reported on November 23^rd at 4:30 p.m. at 5100 College Avenue.

Party Dec. 9 for all toy donors

November 25, 2015 (Alpine)—For every toy donated to this year’s toy drive, Viejas Casino & Resort will match it one-for-one.  “We have a very ambitious goal and we need your support to achieve success,” a press release states.

Since the Toy Drive in partnership with The Salvation Army in 2010, Viejas has donated over 30,000 toys, giving back to our community and helping to make the holiday season brighter for children in need.

Donations to help  victims of the French terrorist attacks are being accepted through Friday on the Adventures by the Book website

by Sárka-Jonae Miller, Ask an Author columnist

On the drive home to San Diego from an event in Los Angeles, USA Today best-selling author Jennifer Coburn and Adventure by the Book owner Susan E. McBeth came up with an idea to throw a fundraiser benefiting the French Red Cross. The two women had recently taken trips to Paris and wanted to do something to help the victims of the November 13 attacks.

By the time they arrived home, they already had four authors of Paris-themed books on board, according to Coburn. Eight days later on November 22, the Je Suis Paris fundraiser was realized and proceeds exceeded the initial goal of $5,000.

East County News Service

November 24, 2015 (La Mesa) – The Miracle Worker, a play that depicts the amazing life of Helen Keller, will be presented by Grossmont High School’s drama department December 2-4 and 9-12.

East County News Service

November 22, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) at its November 19 meeting proposed a $217 fine against Robert Shield, a trustee on the Grossmont Union High School District Board.

November 24, 2015 (El Cajon)--Students coming from foster-care backgrounds struggling to get through college will get much needed help, thanks to a $1.2 million grant the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District will receive from the state starting next year.

By John Greenwall

November 23, 2015 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Conversations and the Friends of the La Mesa Library presented a joint program earlier this week titled: The Town Library: A Valuable Community Partner?  Members of the audience listened to various leaders from around the San Diego metro region about the evolving role of libraries and how they maintain relevance in contemporary civic life.  After the panelists presented their views, there was a very robust, but civil moderated discussion with more than 35 attendees, including La Mesa City Councilmembers Guy McWhirter and Kristine Alessio.

By Miriam Raftery

November 24, 2005 (Washington D.C.)--The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved sale of genetically modified salmon – the first GMO animal to received federal approval.

East County News Service

November 22, 2015 (Jamul) –A car that ran a Border Patrol Checkpoint struck a bus on Highway 94 at Otay Lakes Road Saturday afternoon, sending four people to the hospital.

East County News Service

November 23, 2015 (Washington D.C.)—The U.S. State Department is warning travelers about terrorist threats in multiple regions following a spate of terrorist attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey and Mali as well as ISIS claims of downing a Russian jetliner.

American citizens are urged to be vigilant in public places and transit, avoiding large crowds and exercising particular caution at holiday festivals or events. The alert does not advise canceling travel plans to any specific region, however.

Travelers are also urged to monitor media for updated information and to be prepared for additional security measures and screenings. Also stay in touch with family members and have a contact plan in case of emergency.  You shold also register with the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Below is the full text of the alert: