April 7, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Author, interior designer and local store owner Laurie Ann McMillin Ray is encouraging the 'interior design challenged' to bring in pictures of living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms or home offices that need a makeover. Picture providers will be given a free five-minute 'design-on-a-budget' consultation at her book signing at the Grossmont Center Barnes & Noble from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.

by Walter Hall

January 16, 2010 (El Cajon) - Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon’s award-winning regional press, observes 25 years of hard-won success in the book trade this month. The anniversary is a remarkable achievement by a singular couple – Diana and Lowell Lindsay – who have the mischievous look of people who know they’re onto something special. 

Book Review: Nugget on the Flight Deck By Patricia Newman

New York, Walker and Company, 2009. Illustrated by Aaron Zenz. Hardback Picture Book, 40 pages, with Target Age: 4-8 years.

Reviewed by Deena While

“Welcome aboard, Nugget…I’ll bet you’ve never been aboard a carrier before…”

October 13, 2009 (La Mesa) -- San Diego may be the nation’s 9th largest city, but it is still a Navy town at heart. The graceful passage of San Diego’s homeport aircraft carriers down the harbor channel, past Ballast Point and out to sea is one of our area’s most awe-inspiring sights. And any one of those ships could have a nugget aboard.  Navy and Marine jargon is often heard in our community. In Navy-speak, a nugget is a new pilot on his first tour of duty. Patricia Newman’s just-released book is a fun-filled introduction to the basics of carrier operations, centered on the heart-warming story of one particular nugget.

October 9, 2009 (San Diego)--Independent bookstore and coffeehouse Upstart Crow of Seaport Village and acclaimed small press Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon are teaming up to offer the public a free monthly author appearance and book signing. These “Third Thursday” events began in June, and have featured appearances by local authors of books on such diverse topics as the history of San Diego, adventure in the Galapagos Islands, and money management.

Gary Mitrovich is the next scheduled to appear on Thursday, October 15th at 6:30 PM. Mitrovich is the local author of East of San Diego: The Lost History of the East San Diego Police Department 1912-1923.