Raised in a jungle in war-torn Uganda, Nathanael now struggles to adapt to the American lifestyle in an urban jungle in City Heights

By Diana Barreto

July 12, 2010 (San Diego) -- A member of the Acholi tribe in northern Uganda and a resident in an African refugee camp for 12 years, James Nathanael came to the United States with high hopes and great expectations.

He left his home and tribe in Northern Uganda in 1986 because of ongoing wars in his area. “There was a lot of killing,” he recalls. “I had to leave the country due to fear.” He lived a fulfilling but simple life as a student and a farmer prior to these wars. But the danger that surrounded him drove him from the life he knew and loved.

July 11, 2010 (Lakeside) – Bull-riding has been called “the most dangerous sporting event in America” by Sports Writers of America. On July 16-17, the Lakeside Optimist Club will host the 12th annual Bulls Only Rodeo at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. In addition to bull-riding, the event will also feature other rodeo events such as wild horse racing and mutton busting. All proceeds will benefit youth in the community.     
 

 Click the video for a "bullish" point of view:

July 10, 2010 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police have arrested two juveniles for stealing a woman’s wallet in front of the Von’s store at 9011 University Avenue. A third suspect remains at large.

Police received a call reporting the robbery at 8:21 p.m. The 21 year-old victim was in the Vons parking lot when the three suspects approached her from behind. One grabbed the victim’s wallet and forcibly took it. All three suspects ran away while witnesses chased them.

Police seek teens in grey car with license similar to ZRS573

Beads of Courage Arts-in-Medicine Program Coming to San Diego

July 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Local area leaders have teamed up with Beads of Courage to host a 2nd Annual Journey to Fight Cancer Golf Tournament & Luau at the Cottonwood Golf Course in El Cajon on Friday, July 23 starting at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start and scramble.

July 10, 2010 (San Diego)--The family education department of the International Rescue Committee – San Diego will host a 2-hour workshop on July 26, 2010, from 9:00 a.m.to 11 a.m., on child abuse prevention (with an emphasis on sexual abuse prevention) for child care workers and any interested community members.

“Moms are uniting and leading the charge to end drug prohibition, just as they did with alcohol prohibition in the 1930s. It’s time to end the pointless and punitive criminalization of people who use drugs and the needless deaths caused by the illegal drug trade.” -- Gretchen Burns Bergman, Executive Director & Co-Founder A New PATH

By: Dennis Moore

July 10, 2010 (San Diego) –Family members of drug victims have joined forces with healthcare and others to forge a coalition calling for changes in failed drug policies.  These policies have led to increased violence and mass incarceration, while failing to curb addiction and overdose deaths.

“This is going to be something special and everyone is invited and welcome to attend.  I have some magic tricks up my sleeve from my recent internship at The Marine Room.”--Chef Jeremy Manley

July 9, 2010 (Julian) -- On Friday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m. Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro will host a four-course wine pairing dinner featuring wines from four back country wineries: Menghini Winery and J. Jenkins Winery from Julian as well as Shadow Mountain Vineyards and La Serenissima Vineyards from Warner Springs.

July 9, 2010 (East San Diego) – Samuel Metu has been arrested for felony hit-and-run. Metu was the driver of a 2000 Toyota Corolla that struck and killed a four-year-old boy in the 6700 block of Madrone Avenue in the Skyline neighborhood shortly before noon today.

July 9, 2010 (Sacramento) --Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) announced today that AB 2674 has been signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger. This legislation closes a loophole in state law that allowed a spouse convicted of soliciting the murder of a husband or wife to reap financial benefits such as community property in retirement and pension benefits from the injured spouse.

July 9, 2010 (Alpine) – For years, the only “Bear” at Lions, Tigers and Bears, a facility in Alpine for rescued and abused big cats, was a miniature horse bearing that name. But now a black bear cub named “Liberty” has been brought to the facility by California Fish & Game Aget Kevin Brennan, who captured the yearling at a campground near Mt. Baldy in Angeles National Forest.

July 9, 2010 (College Area) – What could be better than a free feast, music, and partying with East County Magazine? You’re invited to our “Midsummer Night Mixer and Mediterranean Feast” to welcome our region’s new restaurant, Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie in the College area.

This free event will be held on Friday, July 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We’ll also have prize drawings—including a two-hour party with a D.J. from Nights of the Sound Table. RSVPS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT. Space is limited to the first 30 who reserve space, so RSVP now to writerink@cox.net.

July 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce invites you to “pack your suitcases and travel to some of the most breathtaking and exciting locations throughout the world.”