November 9, 2012 (San Diego) – Practically every commercial I saw for Skyfall emphasized the action sequences. Not surprising, since studios throw all the best parts in the trailers and ads. Here's some irony for you: MGM and Columbia only thought they included the best parts. Audiences who watch the official trailer and the TV spots think they're getting a dark action movie. Wrong. Unlike such recent spy films as Salt - which are ninety-percent action and ten-percent espionage - Skyfall is ninety-percent spy film and ten-percent action…as a James Bond movie should be.
Dear EarthTalk: What is the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network and why is it so important to put so much effort into saving one species? -- Ginny Bateman, Portland, OR
November 9, 2012 (California) -- Western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are tiny, long-legged members of the owl family, native to the Americas and preferring open landscapes where they can dig new holes or use existing ones (such as abandoned prairie dog, skunk or armadillo homes) to nest and rear their young. Unlike most other owl species, these small but charismatic birds are more often seen out and about during daylight hours, but they are most active and do their primary feeding at night, preferring a diet of small rodents and large insects.
November 9, 2012 (Washington D.C.) -- A nationwide recall of Banana Boat spray-on sunscreens has been issued by Energizer Holdings, Inc., the U.S. Food & Drug Association (FDA) announced. The voluntary recall follows five cases of consumers suffering burns after the product ignited on the skin.
Read more for a list of products and additional details:
November 9, 2012 (Santee) Despite a surplus of winter sunshine rather than snow, the city of Santee has found the formula to making the season feel like an old-fashioned movie, at least for one evening.
Families are invited to experience this magic by attending the City of Santee and Waste Management Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Santee Trolley Square from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16. The free event, which offers activities for people of all ages, is a festival that celebrates the start of the holiday season.
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) -- Last Friday, November 2, Marie Curie, John Muir, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Henry Ford, Orville Wright and Amelia Earhart were spotted at Boulder Oaks Elementary School in Alpine! Fourth and fifth grade students from Mrs. Newcomb, Mrs. Morales and Mrs. Golden's classes brought famous figures back to life at the school's annual Dead Scientists and Explorers Wax Museum.
November 9, 2012 (Campo) – All aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. The trains will be running Nov. 23-24, 30 and Dec. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 and depart at either 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. from the Museum at Highway 94 at Forrest Gate Road, Campo.
Santa’s Elves will serve cookies and hot cocoa while leading a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols and reading a famous Christmas story while the Limited rockets toward the North Pole. The train will stop at Santa’s Workshop to allow Santa to board the train and visit with all the children on the return trip.
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers & Bears is holding its 2012 Christmas Party on December 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. This celebration is a great way to show your support for the Big Cats by spending some time with them and finding unique holiday gifts from among the many vendors participating. Delicious food and beverages will be available.
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman’s Club 8th Annual Holiday Home Tour is December 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have an opportunity to stroll through five stunning homes which will be decorated for the holidays and visit a local church which will also be decorated for the season.
November 9, 2012 (Lakeside) – County Parks and Rec is holding a Turkey Toss November 10 at Louis Stelzer Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside. This children’s event will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The children will toss aluminum cans at different targets for points. The competition will be broken up based on age with the first prize in each bracket winning a turkey. All other participants will receive fun treats. Each child should bring 10 empty soda cans. The completion is open to children ages 4 – 13.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Much is happening in San Diego County parks and recreation centers this November. There is something for everyone, from crafts to wild life and nature hikes. Visit www.sdparks.org for more information regarding the events listed below.
November 9, 2012 (El Cajon) – At approximately 6:50 AM this morning San Miguel Firefighters responded to Dehesa Road and Willow Glen, where a 45 year old male from El Cajon was traveling eastbound on Dehesa Rd. west of Willow Glen Dr. He was riding a 1996 Suzuki motorcycle. For reasons unknown he failed to maintain control of the bike and slid across the solid double yellow line west of the intersection with Willow Glen Dr.
November 9, 2012 (Jamul) – The 2nd Annual Christmas in Jamul craft show is November 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Reno’s Pub & Grub, 14019 Campo Road, Jamul. The craft show features Christmas themed crafts and more by local craftsmen. Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities.
The craft show will take place on the patio. Hot dogs and cheeseburgers will be available for purchase at $2 and $3 respectively.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego)—In an election where voters overwhelmingly showed support for public education, education champion and Assemblyman Marty Block easily won his race to take a seat representing the 39th State Senate district.
With 100% of precincts counted and only absentees remaining, Block has captured 57.4% of the vote, while ex-Assemblyman George Plescia got 42.57%.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Wind gusts up to 65 mph and heavy snowfall in San Diego’s mountains are forecast for tonight through Saturday, with snow falling to the 4,000 foot level tonight in areas including Cuyamaca, Mount Laguna and Ranchita. Up to a foot of snow may fall on higher elevations, with 3 to 6 inches above 4,500 feet.
In valley and desert areas, rainfall and gusty winds are forecast as well by the National Weather Service in San Diego.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego) –Some of the biggest winners and losers in this election weren’t candidates—though they’ll clearly be feeling the impacts of the election outcomes.
So who in town needs crying towels, and who should be popping champagne? From our region’s not-so-influential media mogul to techie geeks who proved social media can help defeat special interests, here are our picks for the biggest post-election winners and losers:
November 9, 2012 (El Cajon)--On November 12, the City of El Cajon will celebrate 100 years as a city.
Free festivities at this community celebration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in downtown El Cajon on Rea Ave. and East Main St. between Magnolia and Claydelle Avenues. The area will be closed to traffic.
November 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – In startling contrast to numerous national polls that had predicted a near-tie in the presidential race, President Barack Obama won a sweeping victory. Obama captured 303 electoral votes, Romney 206, winning not only Democratic strongholds, but also nearly all swing states. According to CNN, the President also trounced Romney in the popular vote by more than a million vote margin.
Similarly, Democrats gained power in Sacramento and San Diego, taking control of the Council and Mayor’s office with wins looking increasingly likely to oust Congressman Bilbray and seat a Democrat on the all-Republican Board of Supervisors.
November 9, 2012 (Santee) –Ushering in the holiday season, Santee Trolley Square will be transformed into a cheerful village where carolers dressed in period costumes sing traditional holiday songs, kids can skate on synthetic ice, or pose for photos with Santa Claus while the whole family enjoys live music, food and horse-drawn carriage rides.
It’s all part of the city of Santee’s annual tree-lighting ceremony, a free family event to usher in the holiday season on Friday, November 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego)—Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis has won reelection, beating Republican challenger Nick Popaditch by a solid 60.42% to 39.58% margin. With redistricting, Davis now represents areas as far east as El Cajon.
For Popaditch, a military veteran, this was his second defeat at the polls; in 2010 he ran unsuccessfully against Congressman Bob Filner.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Fans of modern design are invited to explore some of the most notable modern residences in San Diego this fall when the Dwell Home Tours (www.dwellhometours.com) come to America’s Finest City for the first time.
The San Diego Tours take place on November 10 and 11 showcasing ten amazing modern homes through the East County, North County and Central San Diego areas ranging from stunning new constructions to brilliant renovations.
November 8, 2012 -- (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 reflecting 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:
November 8, 2012 -- (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:
Board majority to continue support for unification efforts
By Bill Weaver
November 7, 2012 (Alpine) -- The Alpine Union School District (AUSD) saw its top two campaign spenders become the winners of seats on its Board. Tim Caruthers was the top spender at almost $7,800, followed by Joe Perricone, who spent $5,300. Perricone got the most votes in the community, followed by Caruthers.
November 7, 2012 (San Diego)- After Juan Vargas beat Republican Michael Crimmins 69.9% to 30.1%, Vargas’ supporters shouted, “Sí se puede!” (Yes we can!) and, “Juan! Juan! Juan!” After his impressive win, Vargas told ECM, “I’m very excited and very happy about the results I’m seeing so far, and very excited to be working with social justice.”
An American success story, Vargas who graduated from Harvard Law School is the son of farmworkers , where he was a classmate of President Barack Obama, before serving on San Diego's City Council and in the California Legislature. Vargas will replace Congressman Bob Filner, who has been elected Mayor of San Diego.
The 51st Congressional district spans the southern portions of San Diego County and extends into Imperial County. Below are Vargas' goals in Congress and details his legislative record.
November 8, 2012 (San Diego)--Heartland Coalition has received the prestigious “Service Firm of The Year” award by the Minority Business Development Agency. The award, presented October 25 in Riverside, recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and commitment in advancing minority business enterprises. The MBDA theme for this year is “Build it here-sell it everywhere.”
November 7, 2012 (Sacramento )- For California Democrats, the biggest plum of yesterday’s election is the sweeping victory of state legislative candidates that has given the Democratic Party a two-thirds "supermajority" in both the Assembly and State Senate.
A two-thirds majority means that Democrats can now pass tax increases without a single Republican vote. It also means that the Legislature has the power to override a veto by Governor Brown.
Governor Brown today called for "the prudence of Joseph,” a Biblical reference to planning for years of both prosperity and famine. "We have to make sure over the next few years that we pay our bills, we invest in the right programs, but we don't go on any spending binges," the Governor said in a press conference at the state capitol.
"Ask the Experts" and the most diverse water-wise plant sale in the County
November 8, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) -- Considering fall and winter as, “prime gardening months” would be scoffed at in many parts of the United States, but not in San Diego.
With its Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild-to-cool wet winters, and warm-to-hot dry summers, theFall Garden Festival, held at the Water Conservation Garden from 10am-4pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012, helps San Diegans make the most of the region’s fall-to-spring planting season…and save water while they do it!
Update November 8, 2012, 5 p.m.: McClellan's lead has grown to over 600 votes, making it appear likely that he has secured reelection.
November 8, 2012 (El Cajon) – Councilmen Tony Ambrose and Bill Wells appear to have won reelection to the El Cajon City Council, while Councilman Bob McClellan retains a slim 114-vote lead over challenger Ben Kalasho. The Registrar of Voters still has 475,000 absentee and provisional ballots left countywide to count. Asked how many are in El Cajon, the Registrar’s office declined to provide that information but said updates will be posted daily at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/results/election.xml. The election must be certified by December 4, meaning close races could take weeks before a final outcome will be know.
November 8, 2012 (Campo)—The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo rolls out its 2012 Santa Train, the North Pole Limited, each Friday and Saturday starting November 23 through December 22.
This popular attraction sells out early each year, so reservations are strongly recommended. Santa’s elves will serve cookies and hot cocoa while leading a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols and reading a famous Christmas story. The train departs the Museum on Highway 94 at Forrest Gate Road in Campo and stops at Santa’s workshop , where Santa will board the train and visit with all children on the return trip.
November 8, 2012 (San Diego) –Tuition at 23 California State University campuses—including San Diego State University and Cal State San Marcos locally, will rescind a $249-per-semestser tuition fee hike that had taken effect in the fall term. Fees will now revert back to $5,472, the same rate as last year.
“We are hopeful that the passage of Proposition 30 will be the beginning of the state’s reinvestment in higher education,” CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed said in a statement issued yesterday.
By Brian Lafferty
E - The Environmental Magazine
November 9, 2012 (Washington D.C.) -- A nationwide recall of Banana Boat spray-on sunscreens has been issued by Energizer Holdings, Inc., the U.S. Food & Drug Association (FDA) announced. The voluntary recall follows five cases of consumers suffering burns after the product ignited on the skin. 
November 9, 2012 (Santee) Despite a surplus of winter sunshine rather than snow, the city of Santee has found the formula to making the season feel like an old-fashioned movie, at least for one evening.
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) -- Last Friday, November 2, Marie Curie, John Muir, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Henry Ford, Orville Wright and Amelia Earhart were spotted at Boulder Oaks Elementary School in Alpine! Fourth and fifth grade students from Mrs. Newcomb, Mrs. Morales and Mrs. Golden's classes brought famous figures back to life at the school's annual Dead Scientists and Explorers Wax Museum. 
November 9, 2012 (Campo) – All aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. The trains will be running Nov. 23-24, 30 and Dec. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 and depart at either 5:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. from the Museum at Highway 94 at Forrest Gate Road, Campo.
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers & Bears is holding its 2012 Christmas Party on December 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. This celebration is a great way to show your support for the Big Cats by spending some time with them and finding unique holiday gifts from among the many vendors participating. Delicious food and beverages will be available.
November 9, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman’s Club 8th Annual Holiday Home Tour is December 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have an opportunity to stroll through five stunning homes which will be decorated for the holidays and visit a local church which will also be decorated for the season.
November 9, 2012 (Lakeside) – County Parks and Rec is holding a Turkey Toss November 10 at Louis Stelzer Park, 11470 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Lakeside. This children’s event will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
November 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Much is happening in San Diego County parks and recreation centers this November. There is something for everyone, from crafts to wild life and nature hikes. Visit 
November 9, 2012 (El Cajon) – At approximately 6:50 AM this morning San Miguel Firefighters responded to Dehesa Road and Willow Glen, where a 45 year old male from El Cajon was traveling eastbound on Dehesa Rd. west of Willow Glen Dr. He was riding a 1996 Suzuki motorcycle. For reasons unknown he failed to maintain control of the bike and slid across the solid double yellow line west of the intersection with Willow Glen Dr.
November 9, 2012 (Jamul) – The 2nd Annual Christmas in Jamul craft show is November 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Reno’s Pub & Grub, 14019 Campo Road, Jamul. The craft show features Christmas themed crafts and more by local craftsmen. Santa will be on hand for photo opportunities.
By Miriam Raftery
November 9, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Wind gusts up to 65 mph and heavy snowfall in San Diego’s mountains are forecast for tonight through Saturday, with snow falling to the 4,000 foot level tonight in areas including Cuyamaca, Mount Laguna and Ranchita. Up to a foot of snow may fall on higher elevations, with 3 to 6 inches above 4,500 feet.
By Buck Shott
November 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – In startling contrast to numerous national polls that had predicted a near-tie in the presidential race, President Barack Obama won a sweeping victory. Obama captured 303 electoral votes, Romney 206, winning not only Democratic strongholds, but also nearly all swing states. According to CNN, the President also trounced Romney in the popular vote by more than a million vote margin.
November 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- Fans of modern design are invited to explore some of the most notable modern residences in San Diego this fall when the Dwell Home Tours (
November 8, 2012 -- (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 reflecting 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:
November 8, 2012 -- (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:
Board majority to continue support for unification efforts
By Janis Mork
Story and photos by I.C. Jimenez
By Miriam Raftery
"Ask the Experts" and the most diverse water-wise plant sale in the County
Update November 8, 2012, 5 p.m.: McClellan's lead has grown to over 600 votes, making it appear likely that he has secured reelection. 
November 8, 2012 (Campo)—The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo rolls out its 2012 Santa Train, the North Pole Limited, each Friday and Saturday starting November 23 through December 22. 
By Bill Weaver
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