January 31, 2011 (Santee) – Two-year-old Ethan Miller, son of Darren and Christie Miller in Santee, has neuroblastoma cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. A charity golf event will be held on Thursday, April 7th at Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego to benefit Ethan Miller and his family.

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2011 (Alpine) -- Elected officials, tribal leaders, community members and veterans turned out this morning at a “Labor of Love” event to break ground for Alpine’s Wall of Honor.

Viejas tribal chairman Anthony Pico spoke movingly about his own military service in the Army and his memories of visiting the Viet Nam memorial in Washington D.C., where 13 of his friends’ names are inscribed. “For every friend who has fallen, there is someone who will remember them,” he said, expressing sorrow that his fallen comrades could not live into the autumn of their lives but instead, sacrificed their futures for our country. “They stayed forever young in my mind,” he said.

By Ron Logan

January 24, 2011 (Mt. Helix) – More than a year has passed since a massive earthquake leveled Haiti. While much of the country remains in shambles, there is one East County resident who has made a positive difference to the people of her homeland. That person is Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat.

When asked why she has given so much of herself to the people of Haiti, Murat replied, “My mother told me ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ So, I am doing this, just because.”

January 19, 2011 (San Diego) – The San Diego Police Department and STAR/PAL invite the public to attend the 2011 Chief’s Challenge Indoor Triathlon on Saturday, January 22nd. Officers from SDPD and other local agencies will put their athletic ability to the test to help raise money to support underserved youth in our community. Proceeds will directly benefit inner-city youth who take part in STAR/PAL programs.

By Billy Ortiz and Miriam Raftery
Photos by Billy Ortiz
Videos by Billy Ortiz and Ron Cook

January 2, 2010 (San Diego) – As winter temperatures locally dip below freezing, San Diego Veterans For Peace is distributing sleeping bags and ponchos to the homeless.

“So far we have distributed 145 sets, and are seeking donations to continue,” said Ramona resident Dave Patterson, Veterans for Peace spokesman.  The group seeks donations of cash, sleeping bags and ponchos to help protect local veterans from winter storms and cold.  Last year, more than 60 homeless people died on the streets of San Diego, many from exposure to harsh winter weather.

January 1, 2010 (La Mesa) --Kids and Seniors Together (KAST) is looking for a few good volunteers! Jointly sponsored by the City of La Mesa and La Mesa Spring Valley School District, KAST is an intergenerational after-school program that matches mature adults with second through-fourth-grade students. It is designed to provide mature adults an opportunity to share their talents, skills and special interest with students who benefit from one-on-one mentoring.

By Cate Sacks

December 17, 2010 (La Mesa) – “Food, wine, art and a chance to talk with local people who are going about making the world a better place, one village at a time…what could be more in the holiday spirit?” asks an invitation from Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Art in La Mesa. Tonight from 5-7 p.m., she will host a wine-tasting event to benefit H.U.G.S. (Helping Ugandans Grow Stronger). The organization is raising funds to build a bakery in western Uganda that will provide jobs for women and girls in this impoverished area.

Dec. 16, 2010 (San Diego) – For the second consecutive year, Sempra Energy Foundation today announced $1 million in charitable donations to non-profit organizations in California and the U.S. Gulf region to help people in need. The contributions also include a grant-incentive program to support the Sempra Energy family of companies’ employee volunteer efforts.

December 10, 2010 (La Mesa)-- La Mesa Police Department seeks donations of teddy bears and other stuffed animals for the 20th Annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive, which benefits children at Rady Children’s Hospital. The public is encouraged to donate new and unused teddy bears (with tags still affixed) or other stuffed animals, which can be dropped off in the La Mesa Police Department lobby in the designated barrels.

December 8, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- They make a difference everyday and they do it for free. Volunteers play a vital role in building a community. On December 7th, Sheriff Bill Gore and the County of San Diego honored Lemon Grove Senior Volunteer Patrol member Dale Kephart, 93, with a “Volunteer of the Month” award.

Breast cancer rehab center can now receive tax-deductible donations

December 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Authority in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will be holding its annual Fill The Boot Drive to raise funds to battle this debilitating disease. Locations and times of East County locations where you can help “fill the boot” with donations are listed below: