By Brian Lafferty

November 12, 2010 (San Diego) – The Freebie has a simple story, and it runs only seventy-eight minutes, but director Katie Aselton has crafted a movie that is more than mere premise. In addition to having two likeable characters and dialogue that is real, honest and rich, the movie also kept me guessing until the very end.

Funds to help families, blood drive, and card collection planned

By Miriam Raftery

November 18, 2010 (Lakeside) – Two funds have been established to help the families of four members of the Saddletramps motorcycle club in Lakeside who lost their lives in a tragic accident November 13th.  Community members have also rallied to organize a blood drive and collect sympathy cards.

“These families include one who lost both a mom and dad, leaving behind two young sons. The families are in need of aid to help with funeral costs as well as money for food, utilities and the basics of life,” a press release from the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce states.

Also enjoy "After the Goose" shopping specials, rides and activities in downtown El Cajon

November 17, 2010 (Alpine) – The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and Padre Dam Municipal Water District today announced an agreement to conduct further tribal cultural resource investigations at a proposed development site which has been declared a sanctified Native American burial ground and ceremonial site.

Story, photos and video by Billy Ortiz

Nothing but the Truth!

By Will Power

November 16, 2010 (San Diego)--I am officially a geezer on Thanksgiving. So I thought it would be a good idea to think of how being old is a good thing. So here goes! I am thankful:

Editor's note:  After receiving a refund for excessive charges to relocate a gas meter, Joel Harrison says he found a new form of overcharging--this time for “estimated” meter readings when his yard was easily accessible to the meter reader. Neighbors were also overcharged, according to Harrison. How many other homeowners were, too? If this has happened to you, please post a comment in the comment section below.

Update: Two men have been arrested for this shooting. They were taken into custody at an apartment on 52nd Street near Trojan Avenue.
November 16, 2010 (San Diego)—Shortly before 2 p.m. today, two men including one on a bicycle reportedly fired several rounds near Colina del Sol Park at Orange Avenue and fled toward El Cajon Blvd. San Diego Police officers found a man shot in the back. The victim has been taken to a hospital. As a precaution, Fay Elementary School has been placed on lockdown while police search the area.

November 16, 2010 (Otay Mesa) – San Diego Police are investigating two armed robberies on Sunday, November 14 of gas stations in Otay Mesa. The first occurred at 10:56 p.m. at the Chevron Gas Station, 3302 Palm Ave. The second robbery was at 11:35 p.m. at the Unocal Gas Station, 4360 Palm Avenue. In both cases, the suspect pointed a possible shotgun wrapped in a white cloth or white T-shirt at the clerk, then fled on cash with the cash.

By Miriam Raftery

November 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – In closed session this morning, Grossmont Hospital District's  Board unanimously found that Jim Stieringer should not get his old seat on the board back.  Stieringer resigned Novembe 5th, then tried to resuscitate his old job by asking to have his resignation rescind after the Board refused to consider his application for a $60,000 a year staff job, amid questions over legality and  conflict of interest concerns.

With Stieringer's Hospital District career in limbo akin to life support, today the District pulled the plug.  

By Miriam Raftery
Tanya Huang also contributed to this story

November 15, 2010 (San Diego)--Student reactions ranged from dismay to outrage upon learning that the University of California regents will consider an 8% fee increase for the 2011-2012 school year, while the California State University board of trustees has proposed a 5% increase for spring semester and a whopping 10% increase for 2011-2012.

Following last year’s 32% fee increases at the UC and a 5% increase at CSU campuses, many students fear that their dreams of a college education are fast disappearing.

November 14, 2010 (Wynola) – A traffic collision involving three motorcycles has resulted in major injuries at the junction of Wynola Road and Farmer Road near Julian.

Mercy Air has been requested and a landing area established following the accident, which was reported at 3:31 p.m., CHP reports.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2010 (Escondido)--Knights and knaves, wizards and wenches, pirates and peasants strolled the grounds at Felicita Park in Escondido, where the Renaissance Faire was held on November 6th and 7th.

Thousands of people turned out for this festive annual event, including many community members clad in medieval and Renaissance-era attire.

November 14, 2010 (El Cajon) – Anthony Watson, 22, of Spring Valley was struck and killed on November 10th when he attempted to run across the westbound lanes of Interstate 8 near State Route 67. He was hit by an SUV. Medics transported him to Sharp Memorial Hospital’s trauma unit, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.