January 31, 2010 (Alpine) -- Want to get fit and healthy in the New Year? Certified raw culinary chefs Diane Haworth and Michael Varbaek will be guest speakers for the Alpine Business Networking Association (ABNA) on Thursday, February 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vines Bistro & Wine Bar, 2502 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Guests are invited for a raw food presentation and information on healthy eating.
 

HIGHLIGHTS, NATIONAL & LOCAL REACTIONS TO SPEECH

View video of speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2010-state-union-address
 

Read full text of speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-state-union...
 

January 17, 2010 – Sempra Energy Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Sempra Energy (parent company of San Diego Gas & Electric Co.) has pledged $50,000 in disaster-relief assistance funds to victims of the devastating Haitian earthquake. Sempra Energy Foundation will direct the funds through the San Diego—Imperial County Chapter of the American Red Cross International Relief Fund.

January 1, 2010 (San Diego) -- San Diego County Credit Union®, with three local East County branch offices in El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee, has been recognized for ethical business conduct with a 2009 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB). SDCCU received its Torch Award in the over-500-employee category.

SDCCU was one of 20 companies honored by the BBB for ethical business practices either as a 2009 Torch Award winner or finalists; however, SDCCU was the only financial institution that was recognized.

By Frank V.V. Boss, Jr.

January 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –As the holiday season ends, retailers and business are hoping that 2010 will bring better prospects and spending by consumers in San Diego and East County. So as the rest of the nation still feels the affects of a rough winter and slow-moving economy, consumers are predicted to rebound slowly over the next several months.

Even though there is some predicted economic improvement, will the public bounce back and start to spend again? Or have consumers experienced such a shock to their wallets that they have transformed into a whole new thriftier shopper which will continue for a long time?

December 31, 2009 (San Diego) – On Wednesday, January 6th at 10:30 a.m. Richard Trumka, national president of the American Federation for Labor-Congress of Industrial Occupations (AFL-CIO) will speak about putting San Diegans back to work.

“The first priority of 2010 for San Diego must be to build on those efforts and find new ways to put people back to work," states a press release issued by Center for Policy Initiatives (CPI), a local research and advocacy group focused on the needs of workers.   "Let's start the new year with strong action for good jobs!”

By Miriam Raftery
 

Good Money: Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing

RETIREMENT PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES & CHANGES for 2009-2010

By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ®
President, Blue Summit Financial Group

December 2009 (La Mesa) -- Below is a brief discussion of some of the major opportunities available for you now and in 2010.  A check-up with your tax professional, and/or financial advisor is wise to ensure that you are taking advantage of all great tax and retirement planning strategies given your individual situation.

By Gina McGalliard

November 30, 2009 (La Mesa) --The Academy of Performing Arts, San Diego’s acclaimed dance studio which has sent numerous students on to professional ranks, has just relocated to La Mesa. The new four-studio home is located at 5120 Baltimore Drive in the same shopping center with a Discount Dance Supply Store.

November 24, 2009 – Tribal Council leaders rolled out the first strikes following a ribbon cutting ceremony today at the new Viejas Bowl, located in the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. (www.shopviejas.com. Opening ceremonies included a blessing and smudging, or burning of sage, to bring good luck to Viejas’ newest entertainment venture.

November 18, 2009 (Alpine) Alpine Business Networking Meeting is offering a tour of Alpine Fitness Club (www.AlpineFitnessClub.com), 1620 Alpine Blvd., location of the organization’s next meeting on November 19 (upstairs at "Mike's Place") from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

November 15, 2009 (Lakeside) - Community leaders turned out for a grand opening at Garden Fresh Market in Lakeside last weekend, where children frolicked down a giant inflatable slide as parents shopped and savored free barbecued hotdogs and tacos.

“We have more products now,” said owner Noko Kako, an Iraqi Chaldean immigrant who also owns markets in Chula Vista and San Diego. “We have a pizza restaurant—and we do delivery.” The in-store deli counter also serves up sub sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, calzones, fish and chips, shrimp baskets and more.

November 1, 2009 (San Diego)--Federal stimulus spending has generated 1,290 jobs in San Diego County, according to data reported this week on the first round of job creation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Story and photos by Leon Thompson

October 31st, 2009 (Mission Valley) -- The 2009 Center on Policy Initiatives Gala, held at the Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay on October 21st, honored the MAAC Project, which provides self-sufficiency for low and moderate-income people. Long-time activist Deborah Szekely , and San Diego’s Construction Workers were also honored. View highlights and videos of the event, including a film on construction premiered by MAAC.