August 21, 2011 (El Cajon) – – A conga line of well-wishers and an engraved award are among the acknowledgements recently given to Maria Baeza, a Grossmont College employee for 22 years credited as the behind-the-scenes person for the campus’ biggest events, including graduation and student elections.

August 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Department of Fish & Game has launched a new hotline phone number for reporting mountain lion sightings at (951)443-2944.

What happens when a lion sighting is reported?

August 21, 2011 (San Diego) – Not every preschool ice skating, swimming, dance, gardening and sports as part of the curriculum. But the new RJ’s Preschool Academy at the Salvation Army Kroc Center will offer all of these activities and more.

By Miriam Raftery
 

August 21, 2011 (Spring Valley) – “What I’ve been working on is jobs and everything that I can do to strengthen the middle class,” Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) told constituents at a meeting of the Spring Valley Citizens Association Thursday evening.

 
The Congresswoman fielded questions from a audience members reflecting a broad spectrum of views and provided updates from Washington. She also discussed two upcoming events: a home mortgage clinic on August 27 and a boot camp for job seekers August 30. (Get event details.) 

August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) – Do you live, work or attend school in La Mesa? The city invites you to help plan and build a community garden. A meeting will be held Wednesday, August 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helix Charter school campus, 7323 University Avenue, Room 1300, La Mesa.

“Tell us what you would like to see there and how you would like to help with the garden,” an invitation from the City states.

August 20, 2011 (Julian) -- The Julian Triangle Club will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, August 23rd, at Wynola Pizza Express, between 5-8 p.m.  Music will be provided from 6-8 p.m. by the “Gory Dayz” combo.   

 August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) --Sharp Healthcare announces two programs for seniors.

PROJECT C.A.R.E. OFFERS HELP FOR SENIORS:  Do you live alone? Concerned about someone living alone? Project C.A.R.E. can provide a daily computerized telephone call, Vial of Life, friendly visitor and more. Call the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center at 619-740-4214 for details.

 Update 12:36 p.m.:  Spread of the Bullpen Fire has been stopped at four acres.  The Incident Commander has released the airtankers, 1 helicopter, and the bulldozer.  Firefighters will remain on scene mopping up hot spots.  One minor injury to a firefighter, a bee sting, was reported.

August 20, 2011 (Lakeside)CAL FIRE is on scene of a two-acre brush fire near 1154 Bullpen Street, near the community of Barona (TB Map 1193 A4). Currently there are 5 engines, 2 fire crews, 2 helicopters, 2 airtankers, 1 bulldozer, 1 chief officer (75 firefighters).

The fire was reported at 11:49 and the cause is under investigation.

Looking for a cool place to chill out with your dog? Andiamo’s Ristorante Italiano & Bar in Tierrasanta will host “K9s & Frozen Cocktails” on Wednesday, August 31 for customers and their canine companions. Patio doors open at 5 p.m.

Andiano’s is located at 5950 Santo Road, San Diego 92124. For more information, visit www.andiamo-ristorante.com
 

August 18, 2011 (Bonita) – A woman kidnapped on Fairmont Avenue in City Heights was beaten and sexually assaulted before escaping her attacker.  After flagging down motorists, she was found naked along southbound 125 just south of Highway 54 in Bonita around 8:30 last night. Several drivers stopped to help the victim, 21.

By Brian Lafferty

 
Nothing but the truth!
 
By Will Power
 

August 17, 2011 (San Diego) -- The Society of Professional Journalists will mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a program looking back at coverage of what was one of the most important news events in recent history.

“Operation Shadowbox” arrests 60; Suspects at Chaldean Social Club sold improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to undercover officers

By Miriam Raftery