October 22, 2012 (Spring Valley) San Diego County Sheriff's Department wants your help in finding a missing juvenile. William Patrick Gear Jr., age 12, left his Spring Valley home in the 8700 block of Ildica Street around 8:15 this morning. He was on his way to La Presa Middle School on his blue BMX bicycle, but never arrived on campus.

Gear has no history of running away or any medical issues. He has never missed a day in school.  He was last seen wearing a gray, purple and white plaid flannel over a black T-shirt; skinny blue jeans; black, white and gray shoes and a black backpack. He's four feet, four inches tall, 90 pounds, with hazel eyes and blond hair.

October 22, 2012 (Lakeside) – The body of a woman whose husband has been arrested for murder was found October 18 in a dumpster off Wildcat Canyon Road.

Channel 8 CBS TV reports that the body is believed to be Quee “K.C.” Chadwick, the missing wife of Newport Beach real estate investor Peter Chadwick.  Chadwick has been charged with murder with special circumstances and is accused of killing his wife for financial gain, thus could face the death penalty if convicted.

Students set new records of success on all fronts

October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego State University students have set new records in graduation and continuation rates. And new campus census numbers released last week show that SDSU continues to be a national leader in eliminating the “achievement gap” between students of color and their counterparts.

The six-year graduation rate, which is the national benchmark for graduation rates, is at an all-time high of 66.5 percent at SDSU, up from 65.7 percent last year. For students of color, that number is at a record 63.5 percent, an increase from 61.3 percent in 2011.

Dept. of Energy grant will turn a theory and a lab model into a full-scale testing device.

October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – For the last few years San Diego State University engineering professor Fletcher Miller has been working in his campus lab to prove a theory about a more efficient way to produce solar energy. Thanks to a U.S. Department of Energy grant of $3.9 million, he will now be able to test his theory in a more realistic scenario.

The grant, from the SunShot Initiative, will enable Miller and his team of graduate and undergraduate student researchers to take a lab-scale model and, over the next four years, develops a full-scale model that will be tested at the National Solar Thermal Testing Facility in New Mexico.

October 22, 2012 (El Cajon)--A series of free “How-To” workshops designed to help East County small business owners improve their employee productivity and performance is being offered by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.

“We’re proud to work with the chamber to offer courses dedicated to supporting East County businesses so that they can be as productive and effective as possible,” said Cindy L. Miles, college district chancellor.

October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – The third and final presidential debate will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.   Democrats and Republicans have both announced local debate watching parties; scroll down and click "read more" for details.

Note:  For those who wish to attend tonight’s Grossmont Union High School District candidate forum hosted by East County Magazine and moderated by the League of Women Voters, ECM will post videos of the presidential debate at www.EastCountyMagazine.org later tonight.

October 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Sheriff’s deputies responded to a radio call of a possible carjacking in Lemon Grove at 3:30 a.m. A taxi driver had been flagged down earlier by two men at 12th Street and Imperial Avenue in San Diego, then drove them to Lemon Grove on Highway 94 and stopped at North Avenue and Olive Street.

“One of the subjects allegedly hit the driver on the head with the butt of a black semi-automatic handgun,” said Sergeant Luis Chavezz with the Sheriff’s office. “The driver and the subject wrestled over the gun as the other subject allegedly began hitting the driver with his fist. The driver was able to exit the taxi and fell on the street. One of the subjects alledgedly kicked the driver on the head and then got back inside the taxi.”

October 21, 2012 (Ramona) – Ramona Merchant’s annual Safe Trick or Treat will take place on October 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 960 Main Street, Ramona. Assemblyman Brian W. Jones of the 77th Assembly District will be recognizing the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and its members for their solution to providing a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Participating Ramona businesses will receive certificates for their volunteer spirit and community service.

October 21, 2012 (San Diego) – The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s annual Boo Bash! on October 27 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego.  Everyone is welcome to celebrate a safe, family-friendly Halloween at the Center.  Festivities will include cookie decorating, fang-tastic pumpkin decorating, spooky carnival games, snacks, frightful bounce houses, trick-or-treating, rock climbing and more.

The event is free for members with their membership card, adults and children under 2.  Guests ages 3 – 18 will be $5 per person.  Visit www.kroccenter.org for more information.

October 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather statement for our region. Today and tonight, gusty southwest to west winds are forecast in mountains and deserts, with patchy dense fog on I-8 in mountain areas.  Monday through Saturday, strong gusty northeast to east winds are possible in East County’s mountain passes and canyons.

October 30, 2012 (San Diego) -- Looking for a safe environment for your little vampires, pirates and mermaids on Halloween night? You’re invited to the County Department of Parks and Recreation’s FREE Annual Safe Halloween Carnivals.

October 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is having a Garage Sale Fundraiser on October 27^th, 7:30 am – 2:00 pm. at 6210 Lakeshore Dr. San Diego 92119 (San Carlos area). Merchandise available includes household items, electronics, quality clothing, children’s equipment and clothing, garden plants and cuttings, sports equipment, furniture and much more.

October 20, 2012 (Julian) -- Cheers! On Friday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m., Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro teams up with Stone Brewing Company for a five course beer pairing event. 

Five farm to table inspired courses will be expertly paired by Chef Jeremy Manley with Stone Ruination IPA, Stone Cali – Belgique IPA, Stone Smoked Porter, Oaked Arrogant Bastard and Stone Imperial Russian Stout.  Costumes are recommended and local musicians will be playing.

Fill Out Forms Online; Signature May Still Be Needed

October 20, 2012 -- If you want to vote in the Nov. 6 Presidential General Election, you must register by Monday, Oct. 22. You will need to register if you:

• are not currently registered
• recently moved
• recently changed your name
  

October 20, 2012 (Alpine) -- The Alpine Community Planning Group has announced its agenda for its October 25 meeting. Several special presentations will be made:

1.      A representative for the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians is asking the Planning group to recommend the desires of the Tribe regarding parcel number 404-080-26-00 be considered for the proposed land use designation of "rural commercial" in the update to the General Plan as proposed by the San Diego County, Department of Planning and Land Use.

Presentation, Discussion and Action.