December 16, 2010 (San Diego) --The FBI and several local banks are offering a combined reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the “Geezer Bandit.”
The “Geezer Bandit” is believed to be responsible for robbing 12 banks since August 2009 throughout San Diego County, including East County, and most recently, in Bakersfield.
December 15, 2010 (Spring Valley)– To help make the holiday season brighter for low-income families in his district, Assemblymember Marty Block (AD-78) will sponsor the “Holiday Helping Hands” Event on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 12-1:30 p.m. (while supplies last), at the Family Health Centers of San Diego at 8788 Jamacha Road, Spring Valley.
In partnership with the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Block will distribute toys to children and families at the health center. He will also donate baby clothes and supplies to the health center’s Holiday Baby Boutique Program to assist expectant mothers and newborn babies.
December 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – An early morning fire at 4:30 a.m. Monday resulted in the death of a cat and sent the owner to a hospital with respiratory problems sustained while trying to locate her pet in a smoke-filled apartment unit.
Chez Nous Gourmet Deli and Café 9821 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite E, San Diego
858-566-4766
Review By Tanya Huang
December 15, 2010 (Scripps Ranch)--As I pull into the familiar small parking lot, the first places I’m forced to notice are Carl’s Jr. on my right and the local salon on my left. Then, slowly but surely, my eyes are drawn to the sky blue sign, “Chez Nous.” I feel as though I’ve spotted a long lost friend in a crowd of strangers. It’s been months since I’ve been home, in Scripps Ranch, and even longer since I’ve indulged in the best sandwich in town.
December 15, 2010 (San Diego)-- The FBI today announced the arrest of Sammy William Thomas, 27. Thomas was taken into custody on December 8 by Agents and Officers from the FBI, San Diego Police Department, El Cajon Police Department and the California Department of Corrections.
He is charged with nine bank robberies, including several banks in East County.
Authorities seek culprit who cut off dogs’ ears; also need adoptive home for pair
December 15, 2010 (San Diego)-Sunny and Cher, brother and sister puppies found with their ears cut off, were reunited yesterday at the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.
Sunny was found November 19th in a dumpster outside a Mission Valley shopping center. Then just one month old, he was brought to the County Animal Services shelter and underwent emergency surgery. On December 7th, an assistant at a Tijuana veterinary hospital notified U.S. authorities about a second puppy found in the streets of Tijuana, also with its ears maimed.
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 16, 2010 (San Diego)--While thousands of illegal immigrant mothers wade the Rio Grande in January to see their children become US citizens, US health insurance companies are refusing to cover the birth of legitimate US citizens because it may cost too much.
December 15, 2010 (La Mesa) –Most robbers demand cash. But at noon yesterday, a man armed with a handgun entered Dr. Newman’s Optometry Office in the 5600 block of Lake Murray Boulevard and demanded that the doctor fill a bag with eye glass frames.
December 15, 2010 (Alpine) – Giving the reindeer a rest, Santa is bringing a helicopter to the Albertson’s store, 2955 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.
Free Santa photos with your children and pets will be provided. Free popcorn, candy, hot chocolate and hot cider will all be part of the festivities this Saturday, December 18 from 1-6 p.m.
Nothing but the Truth!
By Will Power December 14, 2010 (San Diego)--Necons, who have made the 21st Century the Age of Unbridled Greed, have a new plan. Not happy with a monopoly on electricity, gasoline, and natural gas, the new Conservatives want to privatize the LA Freeway system, to keep those damned poor people on the surface streets, while they cruise in Lexus Lanes.
December 14, 2010 (San Diego) – All lanes of I-15 southbound are closed down at the 163 junction due to a fatality accident. At 9:18 p.m., CHP received reports of a motorcyclist down; death was pronounced at the scene. A Sig-Alert was issued at 9:30 p.m. and the San Diego Medical Examiner is en route. No other details are yet available.
December 14, 2010 (Pine Valley) – Two injured patients were transported by helicopter to a local hospital following a head-on, off-road collision on Bear Valley Truck Trail five miles south of I-8 in Pine Valley this evening.
December 14, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Parents, are you looking for a fun place to take the kids while you get some holiday shopping done? Hillside Center in El Cajon is hosting a “Winter Wonderland Party Palooza” from 4-6 p.m. and children ages 5-12 are invited. The event includes a variety of holiday games, arts & crafts, cookie baking, and much more. Sign-ups have already started and the deadline to enroll is Wednesday, December 15th.
Are You Prepared For A Disaster? Earthquake, Fire? 2011 East County CERT Training Schedule Announced
December 13, 2010 (San Diego's East County)--Will you be prepared when a disaster happens, such as an earthquake, firestorm or house fire? To find out how to be prepared, attend one of the County's East County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academies in 2011.
Thoughts on giving, plus egg nog recipes for your holiday season
By Sharon Courmousis, Sacred Rocks Reserve
December 15, 2010 (Boulevard)--The presents are wrapped and the little dears are tucked up tight. All the games and toys and electronics advertised on TV – wrapped up under the tree. Oh, wait, that was last year, or the one before. This Christmas everyone seems to be downsizing IF they are lucky enough to even have a home, and a job, and something extra. So the question is HOW do you make this a wonderful Christmas if the day itself is not really about the quantity of gifts?
December 11, 2010 (San Diego)--While watching Tiny Furniture, which opened yesterday at the Ken Cinema, I was somewhat captivated and never bored. It accomplishes its goals and captures without fail the feeling it wants to convey.
Feasting, frolicking, and merrymaking--ho, ho! Plus thousands of dollars in prizes!
Join East County Magazine at our holiday party Sunday, December 19 from 5-9 p.m. at Cafe' 67 (Highway 67 at Mapleview in Lakeside). Enjoy feasting, frolicking, mingling and merrymaking!
Victory in Iraq: How America Won By Duncan L. Hunter. Columbus, MS. Genesis Press. 2010. 433 pages. Illustrations, end notes, and index. $19.95
Reviewed by Walter Hall
“The community of America’s military folks, active and retired, are at once a national resource and a national treasure.” --Former Congressman and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Duncan L. Hunter
December 14, 2010 (San Diego's East County)--The title of this book will delight many and annoy many others – who will likely pass it by. That’s too bad. Because at heart this is a tribute book. And a timely one. The setting is Iraq, but the subject is American grit, talent, innovation, and occasionally plain, raw courage. The ham-handed title is a distraction.
December 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – An estimated 1,000 to 2,000 customers are in the dark due to a power outage in Santee, El Cajon, Fletcher Hills, Lake Murray and Sycamore Canyon areas, SDG&E reports. Power went down around 5:26 p.m. due to a suspected problem in overhead electrical lines.
Watchdog group says state law does not allow charges above 10 cents a page
December 13, 2010 (Martinez, California)– In a case that could have wide repercussions for members of the public and media outlets seeking public records from public agencies in California,, today Californians Aware (CalAware) filed a lawsuit in superior court, seeking an order to bar Contra Costa Community College District from continuing to violate the California Public Records Act (CPRA).
The district has been charging fees for copies of district records that are substantially above the "direct cost of duplication"--the maximum allowed by law, said CalAware general counsel Terry Francke.
December 13, 2010 (San Diego) – Hundreds gathered in front of Michel David’s College-area apartment Saturday night at a candlelight to remember the slain student after David was identified as the victim in a murder-suicide that occurred on Friday. David, 22, was a senior at SDSU. Her former boyfriend, Daniel Shoemake, is believed to have murdered David with an assault rifle before killing himself with a handgun.
“She was just an angel. She always had a positive outlook on life,” April Hernandez, aho traveled to Costa Rica with David in a study-abroad program, told ECM News partner 10 News.
December 13, 2010 (La Mesa) -- State Senator-elect Joel Anderson, County Supervisor Diane Jacobs and other community leaders will join Skyline Church this Wednesday, December 15, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the start of construction for a new Worship Center at Skyline Church in La Mesa.
Update 6:30 p.m. Approximately one-third of students stayed home today as a result of a rumored school shooting. According to posts by parents and students at Facebook and 10 News, some authorities were aware of the potential threats on Friday. Some parents have questioned why the District did not notify parents on Friday, why a parent meeting has not been called, and whether adequate steps have been taken to protect student safety.
December 13, 2010 (Lakeside) – A parent of two teens at El Capitan High School notified East County Magazine late last night that there is a “major rumor running that there is going to be a shooting tomorrow at the school.” The source said the shooting was rumored to be planned in retaliation for the death of former El Capitan student Christopher Carioscia, whose body was found at Barona last week following discovery of his burned car. The parent said Carioscia also went by the name Chris Younghusband. Law enforcement officials have previously stated that Carioscia had a history of drug problems.
Detective Jason Rouse at the Santee Sheriff’s substation confirmed, “We have received reports from several parents. At this point we have not been able to identify a source other than there’s lots of kids on Facebook saying they’ve heard about this.”
December 16, 2010 (San Diego) --The FBI and several local banks are offering a combined reward of $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the “Geezer Bandit.” 
By Tanya Huang
Chez Nous Gourmet Deli and Café 
ecember 15, 2010 (San Diego)-Sunny and Cher, brother and sister puppies found with their ears cut off, were reunited yesterday at the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.
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 14, 2010 (San Diego)--Necons, who have made the 21st Century the Age of Unbridled Greed, have a new plan. Not happy with a monopoly on electricity, gasoline, and natural gas, the new Conservatives want to privatize the LA Freeway system, to keep those damned poor people on the surface streets, while they cruise in Lexus Lanes.
December 14, 2010 (San Diego) – All lanes of I-15 southbound are closed down at the 163 junction due to a fatality accident. At 9:18 p.m., CHP received reports of a motorcyclist down; death was pronounced at the scene. A Sig-Alert was issued at 9:30 p.m. and the San Diego Medical Examiner is en route. No other details are yet available.
Are You Prepared For A Disaster? Earthquake, Fire? 2011 East County CERT Training Schedule Announced
By Sharon Courmousis, Sacred Rocks Reserve
December 14, 2010-- East County Magazine's editor is cleaning house!
By Brian Lafferty
December 13, 2010 (Martinez, California)– In a case that could have wide repercussions for members of the public and media outlets seeking public records from public agencies in California,, today Californians Aware (CalAware) filed a lawsuit in superior court, seeking an order to bar Contra Costa Community College District from continuing to violate the California Public Records Act (CPRA).
December 13, 2010 (San Diego) – Hundreds gathered in front of Michel David’s College-area apartment Saturday night at a candlelight to remember the slain student after David was identified as the victim in a murder-suicide that occurred on Friday. David, 22, was a senior at SDSU. Her former boyfriend, Daniel Shoemake, is believed to have murdered David with an assault rifle before killing himself with a handgun.
December 13, 2010 (La Mesa) -- State Senator-elect Joel Anderson, County Supervisor Diane Jacobs and other community leaders will join Skyline Church this Wednesday, December 15, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the start of construction for a new Worship Center at Skyline Church in La Mesa.
December 13, 2010 (Lakeside) – A parent of two teens at El Capitan High School notified East County Magazine late last night that there is a “major rumor running that there is going to be a shooting tomorrow at the school.” The source said the shooting was rumored to be planned in retaliation for the death of former El Capitan student Christopher Carioscia, whose body was found at Barona last week following discovery of his burned car. The parent said Carioscia also went by the name Chris Younghusband. Law enforcement officials have previously stated that Carioscia had a history of drug problems.
December 12, 2010 (San Diego)--Here we go again, justifying doing something bad to do something supposedly good.
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