December 22, 2013 (East County) If you’re looking for some festive ways to ring in the New Year, you don’t have to head to the East Coast, since East County has plenty of celebrations--from New York-style parties to gourmet dinners, concerts, an art show, and more.
Senator Joel Anderson Nominated Hill Creek Elementary School for Updated Technology
December 20, 2013 (Santee) – The Barona Band of Mission Indians is ending 2013 on a high note by awarding an education grant to a deserving local school. The program’s most recent $5,000 grant was presented by Councilwomen Beth Glasco and Bonnie LaChappa to Hill Creek Elementary in Santee, fulfilling important educational resources on both students’ and faculty’s holiday wish lists. Senator Joel Anderson nominated Hill Creek Elementary for the grant.
Supervisor Dianne Jacob aims to attend a hearing Monday, December 23 in San Diego Superior Court to protest the state’s latest plan to house a sexually violent predator in rural East County. The court will consider whether to place Mikel Wayne Marshall, a convicted child molester, in Jacumba Hot Springs. Jacob contends he would pose a menace to the community.
December 20, 2013 (San Diego) – What in the world were screenwriters Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith thinking as they wrote Saving Mr. Banks, a colossal misfire in tone? And director John Lee Hanchock (The Blind Side), who thought the script was good enough to film? The upbeat, sunshiny trailers constitute fraud as far as I’m concerned.
December 20, 2013 (San Diego) – The year is 1961, and the setting is Greenwich Village in New York City. Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is an aspiring folk singer – and a darn good one – just trying to earn a living. As gifted as he is, it’s too bad nobody wants to hire him. The film takes place during one week in which he finds his career – and himself – going nowhere at every turn.
December 19, 2013 (Mount Helix) -- Our "Feasting and Merrymaking" party was a rousing success. Thanks to all of you who joined in celebrating the holiday season as we continued our tradition of giving back to our community of readers. (Note: If you wish to receive invitations for our future events, including our upcoming Mardi Gras party, be sure to subscribe--free--to our newsletter at the top right side of the homepage.)
Miss San Diego and Miss San Diego East County greeted our guests and were welcome additions to our party this year. We also had visits from several elected officials including Congresswoman Susan Davis, La Mesa Councilwoman Christine Alessio, and Jacumba Planning Group member Howard Cook.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck north-central Baja, Mexico this evening about 70 kilometers northeast of Camalu. Residents in Jacumba, Lakeside and El Cajon reported feeling the tremor, posting on the Brush Fire Partyline on Facebook.
"Mexico......whoa.....that moved alot in Lakeside," wrote Cats Ballzier.
Instar "Star" Bales takes oath of office, alongside her husband, Gerald
By Janis Mork
December 19, 2013 (El Cajon)- At Tuesday’s El Cajon City Council meeting, Council appointed InStar Bales, an Iraqi Chaldean woman who has served on the planning commission, to fill the Council vacancy after interviewing 27 candidates.
After the meeting, Bales told ECM that she is “very honored” to be chosen. “When Councilman Bob McClellan said my name, I cried a little bit,” admitted Bales, whose integrity and willigness to stand up against special interests as a planning commission member were key factors in Council's decision to select her.
December 19, 2013 (Jamul) – Father Victor Mariestela, pastor at St. Pius X Church in Jamul, was struck head-on Tuesday night by a Ford Ranger while driving his SUV on Highway 94 west of Honey Springs Road. He was flown by medical helicopter to Sharp Memorial hospital, suffering serious injuries including two broken legs, a broken hip and broken wrist.
December 19, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Union School Board voted unanimously to slash pay and benefits for teachers by an average of 30 percent. Teachers fear losing their homes with such deep cuts – and in January, the teachers’ union will vote on whether to go on strike.
A cold storm system sweeping into San Diego’s mountain regions Thursday afternoon is forecast to bring snow down to 3500 feet tonight, with several inches of snow expected at elevations above 4500 feet. Heavy rainfall is occurring across much of the county and hail may also occur.
The winter storm advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m. Friday morning.
December 19, 2013 (La Mesa)--Supervisor Dianne Jacob will be the featured speaker at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:30 a.m. The event will be held at Marie Callender’s restaurant at 6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego.
Cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for guests with advancer reservation, or $25 at the door.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego) – We’re all kids at heart, but one of the first questions you should ask is, “What is the toy appropriate age?” says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. It's essential to adhere to the age guidelines indicated on toy packaging, because even a toy for a 3-year-old could have parts too small for a 2-year-old to handle properly.
Are there any small, loose parts that your child can swallow? If you're not sure, consider the toilet paper tube test: anything that can pass through the tube is too small to be given to a child under 3 years old. Marbles, coins and balls are common culprits.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego) -- Christopher Caluza, Philippine national champion, performed as the grand finale at last night's holiday ice show at the Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center Ice Arena. The show also included performances by skating school students, from tots to senior citizens.
Caluza got his start training at local ice rinks before gaining international acclaim. I recall seeing him landing splits on the ice when he was a young kid; we all knew he was destined to be a star! Click here to view the video of his performance: http://youtu.be/7gHnrQA21Gw
A Winter Solstice hike up Cowles Mountain will be held on Friday, December 20th from 6 to 8 a.m. will be led by a Mission Trails Regional Park trail guide.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to preserve and protect 448 acres between El Cajon Mountain and the El Capitan Reservoir. Known as Oak Ridge Ranch, the property is now National Forest system land donated by SDG&E.
The partnership at Oak Ridge Ranch protects native Engelmann oak trees that only grow naturally in a narrow band that stretches along the mountain foothills of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The Engelmann oak is an indicator species, which means that when this beautiful evergreen oak thrives, so too does the surrounding forest ecosystem.
State Board of Equalization Now Accepts Online Requests for Payment Plans
Sacramento – The California State Board of Equalization’s (BOE) newest convenient website service allows qualifying tax or fee payers to request a payment plan online. Payment plans allow tax or fee payers to pay down a past due balance over time, helping them avoid additional penalties and interest.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list? Here are some gift ideas that are made or located right here in East County, so you can support our local economy while delighting your friends and family.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:-
December 19, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) --ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
December 19, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news each week that could impact your health and our future.
December 18, 2013 (San Diego) – Dear EarthTalk: Is there a way to get local communities involved in cleaning up waterways, like rivers, lakes, streams and creeks?
-- Rebecca, via e-mail
Indeed, many of our local waterways have seen better days, thanks to decades of pollution. And cleaning them up and preventing further damage can be challenging, since much of the contamination has accumulated over time and results from what is known as “non-point source” pollution, which accounts for as much as 60 percent of the water pollution in the U.S.
December 18, 2013 (California) -- Voters who live in California's High Desert have a strong connection to public lands and see the benefits they provide for clean water, recreation and wildlife. That's according to a poll that found three-quarters of local residents have visited public lands in the last year.
Pollster Lori Weigel, Public Opinion Strategies, said voters value these lands for a number of reasons.
December 18, 2013 (San Diego) – As an adult child of octogenarian parents, I wore a virtual millinery shop full of hats. It often felt as if I needed more heads. I know I needed more arms and legs – and much more time.
One of my most-frayed chapeaus was my thinking cap, for I was most certainly the daughter of invention.
A big part of my role as the designated caregiver was inventing gizmos that would make my parents' lives more manageable and comfortable.
December 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Monte Vista (7-6) was expected to cruise through this Division 4 rematch on December 8th against the Sweetwater High Red Devils (9-4) for the SDCIF crown. However, just like the age-old saying, “On any given Sunday,” this time the whims of fate kicked in on Saturday. Playoffs at any level discount regular season play as a whole new atmosphere. The ironic stat in this battle: not a single pass was thrown in the Monarch triumph early in the regular season play; this time it was the pass that stole the game.
The Monarch strength all season long was the elite rushing attack led by running back Jermeil Jackson. This time around Monte Vista was stymied for a mere 186 yards – all rushing – and only amassed 31 yards total the entire second half of play. This hard-fought contest was full of turnovers and miscues on both sides. The slippery weather added to the ball security issues as well.
December 17, 2013 (San Diego) – As part of its ongoing search, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is asking for the public’s help to locate Arielle Randall who vanished from Grand Prairie, Texas. Arielle may be in the company an unknown male, and may be in the Chula Vista area. Arielle, 16, was last seen on Nov. 13, 2013 leaving her home. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Arielle is Black and Hispanic, and has brown hair and eyes. She is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. Her ears are pierced.
The public is urged to call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) with any information concerning the disappearance or current whereabouts of Arielle.
December 18, 2013 (San Diego) – As Californians ready for their holiday travels, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is set to begin its annual Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). The two-day holiday enforcement effort is designed to help ensure the safety of the motoring public during a time when celebrations are in full swing.
The MEP begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25. The effort coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over anti-driving under the influence (DUI) campaign, which began on December 13, 2013, and continues through January 1, 2014.
December 18, 2013 (Spring Valley) — Adair Barraza, Allan Barraza, Jake Evans, Jacob Hoffman, Sebastian Dickens, Randall Raush, Gabriel Meyer, Sean McDarby, Guillermo Dominguez and Anthony Poliza provided a magical season that ended Saturday, December 15 based on simple mathematics – not scoring enough points.
Apparently, according to American Youth Soccer Organization rules, “If a team in the playoffs has not put up enough points, their season is over.” This came as a shock after the “North Pole” team put on one of its best performances of the year against the “Outlaws” of La Mesa region.
December 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Christian High School in El Cajon won the CIF Division3 championship against the San Marcos High Knights on December 8. But another battle loomed in the courtroom over the prior week.
On December 9, Superior Court Judge William Sato denied Christian High’s request for injunctive relief to gain consideration as a Division 4 school in the state football series hosted by the San Diego CIF. Athletic Director David Beezer sought to create a fair advantage that Christian High should be entitled to based to its enrollment size. According to the SDCIF handbook, Christian High should be a Division 4 school as far as athletics are concerned contended Beezer, who believes Christian High is being discriminated against and that this is in conflict with the CIF’s own written policy.
A Winter Solstice hike up Cowles Mountain will be held on Friday, December 20th from 6 to 8 a.m. will be led by a Mission Trails Regional Park trail guide.
December 19, 2013 (San Diego)--This Thursday December 19th, from 2 to 4
State Board of Equalization Now Accepts Online Requests for Payment Plans
, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:- 
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