November 13, 2011 (San Diego)--Amy Lynn Kanner returns to the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center Theater with her Celtic Harp, for a performance on Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m. The concert will be followed by a public reception in the Visitor Center Gallery.

Story by Nadin Abbott

Photos by Nadin Abbott and Jennifer Douglas

November 12, 2011 (San Diego)—Over a hundred women walked from the other side of Third Avenue downtown, pushing wheelbarrow and carrying trash bags filled with supplies such as dry socks. The rain came down hard, soaking them. Many East County women were among the crowd, including a Jamul mother and her son.

They chanted “We are the ninety-nine percent,” and “Banks got bailed out, we got sold out.” The occupiers peeked out from under plastic tarps, or came out from whatever cover they were allowed by San Diego Police, and cheered. To them, it was a surprise. A few faces, filled with emotion, had tears. View a video:

November 12, 2011 (Alpine) -- Santa arrives in Alpine Friday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. riding down Alpine Boulevard for the 16th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights. 

Immediately following the parade, Santa and his helpers will help light the Alpine Community Christmas Tree at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road. Join a holiday sing-a-long, and stay for the free snow hill sledding.   

By Cate Sacks

November 12, 2011 (Blossom Valley) -- News from Facebook, Therapy dog Howard has passed all the training to become a therapy or service dog. This boy is simply awesome. He is gentle, submissive and kind. I have never heard him bark, and he is happy just "being"..whether than means with the other dogs, people, children or just by himself. He is a young boy who has been rounded off to a year old. His body is that of a boxer but his look is that of a chesapeake bay retriever...an amazing combination that is hard to find. He sleeps quietly in his crate and learns quickly.  

 November 12, 2011 (California) -- Veterans now have a new smart phone tool to help them connect with their benefits and find services that will help them successfully transition from military to civilian life. 

Tree-lighting and ice show extravaganza  light up the night tonight

November 11, 2011 (Alpine) -- Skate into the holidays on Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink, now open at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. The  nearly 10,000-square-foot rink, one of our region’s most popular winter playgrounds, will remain open through Jan. 8, 2012.

November 11, 2011 (Descanso)  -- Want to start your holiday shopping early?  Check out one the many unique gift items while welcoming in the winter season at the Descanso Arts and Crafts Fair. The event takes place Saturday, November 19 at the Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade, in the mountain town of Descanso from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 By Nancy Clement

November 11, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Celebrating its 10th year, Young Actors Theatre re-presents the musical that started it all – Oliver! The public is invited to enjoy the classic Charles Dickens’ tale brought to life onstage at the Encore Theatre in Spring Valley.

Applications for those in need accepted Nov. 12, 16, and 29

 November 11, 2011 (Santee) – As the holiday season begins to pick up steam, the Santee Santas are already in full swing with their holiday preparations to ensure that every Santee resident enjoys some holiday cheer.

By Miriam Raftery

“How many more children are going to have to die before we get a high school in Alpine?” – Rose Urdahl, Alpine resident
 

Update November 11, 2011:  Mother discharged from hospital

November 10, 2011 (El Cajon )—Plans to reopen the old Marshall Scotty’s go-kart track as Canyon Raceway have been stalled, co-owner Carrie Ludeke has informed ECM.