March 26, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Donate a gently-used formal gown to the San Diego County Library for their annual Prom Dress Drive and Gown Giveaway and make a difference in a local teen’s life.  The dresses can be dropped off at the El Cajon County Library branch at 201 E. Douglas Ave. between now and April 20. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2012 (Alpine)—A spinal tumor and life-threatening infection have left Bill Weaver, a dedicated education leader and advocate for East County’s  children, in need of community help.  I ask our readers to join in efforts to help Bill, who requires continuing in-home care while recovering from a long hospital stay. There are two ways you can help.

On Monday, April 2 from 3-10 p.m., the Alpine Tavern & Grill at 2502 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine will host “Beers for Bill,” donating 20% of proceeds to help pay for Bill’s medical expenses. 

March 13, 2012 (Jamul) – Nine Girls Ask? is holding its Tee-Off for Ovarian Cancer golf tournament on May 4 at Steele Canyon Golf Club, 3199 Stonefield Drive, Jamul.  The event registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the tournament will start at 1:00 p.m.

February 27, 2012 (Ramona) – San Nicolas Island is best known as the setting for the novel Island of the Blue Dolphin.  But the isle in California’s Channel Islands was also used by the Navy—and a colony of wild cats believe to be descended from pets of naval personnel  were hunting wild birds and lizards, endangering native species including foxes. 

The Navy was prepared to kill all of the feral cats—until the Humane Society and the Fund for Animals stepped in. 

February 21, 2012 (Jacumba) – Three-year-old Destiny Pierce is a survivor. Born with no trachea and with organs on the wrong side of her body, she defied doctors’ predictions that she would not live 24 hours and survived heart surgery. 

"Mr. Pierce left his job and stopped his education of becoming a nurse so that he could stay at home and take care of his little angel, Destiny," 

RSVP by Feb. 21  for “lunch and learn” with prizes and more

February 10, 2012 (San Diego) – If you’re an active senior or retiree with plenty of free time and a desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives, you’re invited to a free “Lunch and Learn” at Alvarado Hospital  on Saturday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 
February 8, 2012 (Santee) -- Pathways Community Church will be offering gently-used clothing in infant through adult sizes Saturday, February 18 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Even people who don’t have clothing to donate, can come in and stock up. Everyone welcome!

2011 Cultural Diversity Partnership Culminates with Annual Local Heroes Awards Celebration

 
February 1, 2012 (El Cajon)--The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is all about being prepared for a disaster, such as an earthquake, firestorm or house fire. This FREE preparedness education program offers residents the knowledge and tools they'll need in the event of a disaster.  The first academy is now full, but there are two more academies being offered for 2012.  Pick the one that best fits your schedule, and call (619) 441-1737 to register.  Please leave your name and best contact phone number.  Hurry, classes will fill quickly.  

 
January 30, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition would like to recognize youth for making a difference in our community.  If you see, hear, or know of a youth who has gone the extra mile to improve the quality of life in our community, please take this opportunity to acknowledge and reward that effort.