By Brian Lafferty

September 13, 2010 (San Diego)--“I don’t want to play the character of Joaquin Phoenix anymore,” says Phoenix, the subject of this documentary. “I want to be whatever I am.” That is his explanation for why he chose to give up acting in favor of a rap music career. I’m Still Here, helmed by Phoenix’s brother-in-law Casey Affleck, is a film that you simply cannot prepare for. There are many images you will never unthink. These are not criticisms; as hard as it was to watch, I liked it. I didn’t necessarily enjoy it as I normally would. The documentary sets out and accomplishes what it wants to do and conveys what it wants to communicate. It doesn’t work as entertainment but then maybe that wasn’t the point.

September 13, 2010 (Lakeside) -- San Diego Sheriff’s deputies rescued three hikers on El Cajon Mountain (El Capitan) in Lakeside’s El Monte Valley last night.  The rescued proved challenging due to rugged terrain and conditions.

September 12, 2010 (Lakeside) – Joseph Cantorna, 54, was arrested today in the 8800 block of Cherry Road in Lakeside for lewd acts involving a child. According to Sgt. Brent Strahm with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, a witness intervened and called Sheriff’s deputies after observing the man inappropriately touching a 9-year-old boy and attempting to expose himself.

September 12, 2010 (Spring Valley) – A brush fire reported around noon today charred approximately three acres at the junction of Highway 94 and Highway 125, Heartland Fire confirms.

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 12, 2010 (Sycuan) – Tina Santiago, a member of the Conshatta tribe from Louisiana, weaves a basket of willow reeds while onlookers browse her wares at the Sycuan Pow-Wow in El Cajon. “It takes about 25 hours to make this basket,” she said of a finely-crafted, finished basket priced at $250.

September 11, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon branch of the San Diego County Library will be hosting a program called "Winter Gardening" on Sunday, September 12 at  2:00 p.m.. Master Gardener Joyce Gemmell will give a presentation on what to plant and where to plant it so you can have fresh produce all winter long from your home garden. The program is free, and all are welcome.

September 12, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) - A 63-year-old man was found by a fisherman on Friday, September 10 floating face down about 200-300 yards offshore near Point Loma Nazarene University. The County Medical Examiner’s report states that the man was a resident of El Cajon, but also states that he was “unemployed and lived with a roommate in Santee.”

September 11, 2010 (Ramona) – Mercy Air is en route to Ramona, where a major accident has left three injured including one in CPR status, Incident Page Network reports.

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce hosting a ribbon-cutting today for its newest member, Vienna Flowers.

Crop Report Hints Growers May be Moving From Greenhouses to Outdoor Nurseries

September 11, 2010 (San Diego) -- There’s a new king --- crop-wise --- in San Diego County, “Ornamental Trees and Shrubs,” according to the annual crop report put out by the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures.

September 11, 2010 (El Cajon ) - The 21st Invitational Art Exhibit at St. Clair Gallery, featuring over 165 pieces of fine art, runs through September 17. An artists’ reception will be held on September 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

September 10, 2010 (Alpine) – The Willows Road offramp from I-8 will be closed intermittently on September 14-17 for construction. Full details on closures are as follows:

For those readers who spend more time in front of the computer than the TV set, we bring you the latest TV commercials for candidates vying for the top job in California politics. 

September 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- A full freeway closure of eastbound Interstate 8 (I-8) is scheduled for Sunday night, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Highway construction crews will close all eastbound lanes between Second Street and Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. The closure will beginning with one lane closed at 7 p.m. then all lanes closed by 10 p.m.. The freeway will begin to reopen at 6 the following morning with all lanes open by 7 a.m.

September 9, 2010 (Lakeside) -- Lakeside's River Park will be hosting it's 4th annual signature fundraiser, Once in a Blue Moon Dinner & Auction on September 25th, 2010. Cocktails start at 5 p..m, dinner at 7 p.m. RSVPs are required by September 15 for this unique event.

Lakeside's River Trail is used by families, students, walkers and joggers as well as dogs and horses. But on September 25th the trail is transformed into a magical space along the San Diego River.