SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

I-15 REOPENED AFTER “BOMB HOUSE” BURNING IN ESCONDIDO

December 9, 2010 (Escondido) – A controlled burn has destroyed the Escondido home filled with explosives and chemicals used in bomb making. A bomb-arson team ignited the residence on via Scott via remote control shortly before 11 a.m. today.

 

The burn proceeded as planned, albeit with a later start time than previously announced.  A massive blaze swiftly consumed the home, punctuated by popping sounds likely caused by hand grenades and ammunition stored in the premises, Sheriff’s represented Jan Caldwell said.

GOVERNOR TO SPEAK AT SUNRISE POWERLINK GROUNDBREAKING TODAY; PROTEST PLANNED IN MCCAIN VALLEY

 

December 9. 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is confirmed to appear with other dignitaries at a groundbreaking hosted by San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) for Sunrise Powerlink slated for 11 a.m. today (originally set for 9 a.m.)

 

In response, the Protect Our Communiities Foundation is organizing a protest, calling the groundbreaking “premature” since three active lawsuits against Sunrise Powerlink are currently in the courts—any one of which could potentially halt the project.

SHERIFF HONORS SENIOR VOLUNTEER DALE KEPHART, 93

 

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.

PAROLEE ARRESTED FOR KIDNAP, RAPE OF GIRL ABDUCTED FROM WAL-MART IN EL CAJON

 

December 8, 2010 (El Cajon)—A 15-year-old girl was abducted from the Wal-Mart at 13487 Camino Canada in El Cajon on Monday December 6th, San Diego Sheriff’s Department reports. Parolee David Lascelles has been arrested for allegedly using a gun to kidnap the victim, then drive her to Fiesta Island, where he reportedly raped her.

URGENT PLEA FOR TOY DONATIONS

 

TOY DRIVE PARTY TONIGHT AT VIEJAS;

FIRE STATIONS ALSO ACCEPTING TOYS

“To date, we’ve hardly received any toys.” – Monica Zech
 

December 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Donations for the East County Toy & Food Drive are lagging far behind prior years, says Monica Zech, public information officer for the City of El Cajon. “To date, we’ve hardly received any toys,” she said. “I know times are tough, but we usually have individuals and civic groups donating toys by now…I hope you can help.”
 

New unwrapped toys may be dropped off at all fire stations throughout East County. In addition, the public is invited to a Holiday Toy Drive Party tonight at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge, 5000 Willow Road at Viejas Casinio in Alpine from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $20, or $10 with a new, unwrapped toy. The event includes a silent auction to benefit the East County Holiday Toy & Food Drive.

JUDGE DENIES REQUEST TO HALT BURNING OF BOMB HOUSE IN ESCONDIDO

Photos courtesy of San Diego Sheriff Department

December 8, 2010 (Escondido) – A federal judge has denied a final-hour plea by accused bombmaker George Jakubec to halt the burning of the home he rented in Escondido. Authorities plan to proceed tomorrow morning with plans to burn down the residence and the massive stash of explosives and chemicals inside.

 

YOUTH TO PRESENT FIRST POSADA & LIVE NATIVITY IN KENSINGTON

 

December 8, 2010 (Kensington ) - Middle and high school students from San Diego’s Kensington Community Church (United Church of Christ) will present a traditional Mexican  “Las Posadas” (“the inns” in Spanish) procession on Saturday, December 18 at 5:30 p.m.

 

The public is invited to follow by candlelight as Joseph, Mary and a donkey try to find lodging. A stable will feature live animals and the Nativity scene come to life. 

READER'S EDITORIAL: FAILING TO LISTEN IS BAD FOR BUSINESS--AND COMMUNITY

 

Council should say "no" on Dec. 14 to Walgreen's plan to sell alcohol

 

By Garry Davis

December 8, 2010 (El Cajon)--Earlier this year, a lot of us began our effort to revitalize a key business district in El Cajon by forming the Second Street Business Association – Alliance for a Better Community. What we hope to promote is a balanced mix of businesses that generate jobs and revenue for our local economy.

 

And who am I kidding, we also obviously want more customers for businesses.

 

“Balance” is the key word.

MAKING THE GRADE: RIVER VALLEY CHARTER SCHOOL OUTPERFORMS OTHER SAN DIEGO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS

By Ray M. Wong

December 8, 2010 (Lakeside)--The school doesn’t look that impressive: A waist-high, chain-link fence separates a gravel parking lot from the school, a cluster of portable structures But appearances can be deceiving. River Valley Charter, a small public school in Lakeside serving 7th to 12th graders, has been the highest rated high school in San Diego County for seven years running.

 

“STUFF THE BUS” FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER SAT. DEC. 11

 

December 7, 2010 (San Diego) – Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) aims to load up ten buses with 8,000 pounds of food for hungry families this Saturday, December 11, at ten Vons stores across San Diego County.

 

SHOWDOWN ON TAX CUTS, UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSIONS LOOMS IN CONGRESS


Local representatives weigh in with their views

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 6, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – Congress is under fire to take action before Bush-era tax cuts expire at year’s end. Republicans want to see all tax extended, but have opposed extending unemployment benefits, which also expire this month. Democrats wanted to extend tax cuts for the middle class but eliminate tax cuts for the wealthy in order to reduce the deficit, and also extend benefits for the unemployed.  But Democrats could not pass their plan due to opposition from Republicans, who contend the wealthy need tax cuts to create jobs.

 

Now, President Barack Obama is pushing a compromise measure that would include a mix of new tax cuts, including a payroll tax cut and individual tax breaks, while also restoring some estate tax revenues.  

FORMER REP. HUNTER TO SIGN COPIES OF HIS NEW BOOK DEC. 18 IN LA MESA

 

December 7, 2010 (La Mesa) – Former Congressman Duncan Hunter (father of the current Congressman) is the author of a new book, Victory in Iraq: How America Won. He will be signing copies of his book on Saturday, December 18 from 3-6 p.m. at Maxwell’s House of Books at 8285 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa.

EAST COUNTY TOY AND FOOD DRIVE FUNDRAISER AT VIEJAS DEC. 8

 

December 7, 2010 (Alpine) -- On December 16, 17 & 21, the East County Toy and Food Drive will provide toys and a Christmas meal to over 1,500 East County families who have signed up with us requesting assistance. “To do this we need your help. We desperately need toys and financial donations to make this possible,” says Capt. Darren Norton with the East County Salvation Army.

Viejas will host Stoney and Rob's Holiday Party and Auction in the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge this Wednesday evening, December 8th from 6-9 p.m. to raise money for the toy and food drive.

TROLLEY LINE REOPENS AFTER MINOR COLLISION IN EL CAJON

 

December 7, 2010 (El Cajon) – A driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, rolling the front of the vehicle into the path of an oncoming trolley. The trolley struck the vehicle at North Marshall Avenue and Billy Mitchel in El Cajon, triggering a multi-agency response, Incident Page Network reported at 10:49 a.m. Fortunately, the driver was not injured.

HOUSE APPROVES SETTLEMENT IN NATIVE AMERICAN TRUST FUND CASE


Local representatives split on votes

 

By Miriam Raftery
 

December 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)—By a 256-152 vote, the House of Representatives has approved the Claims Settlement Act of 2010, which will provide $3.4 billion to settle a lawsuit which alleged federal mismanagement and loss of billions of dollars in trust funds for Indian tribes and individual Native Americans. Arizona Senator John McCain, former chair of the Senate committee on Indian Affairs, has called the government’s mismanagement “theft from Indian people” and declared that Native Americans are “rightfully owed the money.”

Although the measure had bipartisan support, among San Diego’s Congressional representatives, Republicans Duncan Hunter and Brian Bilbray voted against the settlement. Democrats Susan Davis and Bob Filner voted for it, while Republican Darrell Issa did not vote. 

GROSSMONT HOSPITAL BOARD VOTES TO NAME CONFERENCE CENTER AFTER STIERINGER, DECLARES STIERINGER DIRECTOR EMERITUS


Watchdog activist says he will file complaints with FPPC and Attorney General; 2nd watchdog group also questioned board’s actions

 

By Miriam Raftery
 

December 6, 2010 (La Mesa)—By a unanimous vote, the Grossmont Healthcare District Board voted to recognize recently resigned board member Jim Stieringer as director emeritus and to name the District conference center after him. The Board made these votes despite a letter from Citizens Oversight Projects founder Ray Lutz stating that he believes such actions violate the law.

 

Terry Francke, general counsel for CalAware, a statewide watchdog group on open government issues, also questioned legality of the emeritus title and suggested that ”an attorney general’s opinion could and should be sought before action is taken” by the Board, La Mesa Patch.com reported shortly before the vote was taken.

U.S. PROPOSES REAR VISIBILITY RULES FOR VEHICLES TO PROTECT KIDS & ELDERLY

Each week, 50 children are backed over by vehicles, resulting in serious injuries and deaths
 

By Miriam Raftery

 

December 5, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Department of Transportation this week proposed a new safety regulation to help eliminate blind zones behind vehicles.

 

“There hasn’t been an announcement this big since seatbelts and airbags were added to vehicles. We will no longer be backing up blindly,” Janette E. Fennell, founder and president of KidsAndCars.org, said of the new safety standards proposed.

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