March 25, 2011 (San Diego) – Many San Diegans are unaware that the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit is an all-volunteer unit.

To learn skills needed for rescuing people who may become trapped in rugged terrain, 25 volunteers are undergoing training this weekend by rappelling down the side of a 70-foot-high tower at Stu Segall Productions in Kearny Mesa.

March 25, 2011 (El Cajon)--Grossmont College is soliciting assistance from the public for photos of campus activities from the 1990s for inclusion in its 50th anniversary commemorative book. The soon-to-be-published book will highlight the college’s history since it opened in 1961, and more photos are needed from the 1990s, college officials said.

Photos can be placed on flash drives or CDs or sent to the college via e-mail by Tuesday, March 29.

March 25, 2011 (San Diego) – A major accident on southbound 15 at the Rancho Bernardo Road exit involves at least seven vehicles, with one crossed into oncoming traffic. Multiple injuries, some major, are reported, including a mother and 6-week old twins. For more details, visit www.Sigalert.com and watch for updates here soon.

Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce WHEEL program offers special program at KGTV 10 News

March 25, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Want to get media coverage for your business or organization? Find out how at “Media Day” on April 1st.  This special, all-day event at KGTV 10 News is sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce as part of its Women’s Higher Education Entrepreneurial Leadership (WHEEL) program, but is open to everyone. 

Get tips from editors of local print, online and broadcast media on how to maximize your exposure in the press. Hear from marketing and public relations experts on ways to write effective press releases and develop winning strategies for “earned media coverage” – in other words, free press! The program also includes an image consultant from Marinello School of Beauty, who will advise how to present your best image. 
 

Winemaker moves operations from San Marcos, opens tasting room in East County
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

March 24, 2011 (Julian) – Marc Hashagen isn’t your typical winemaker. A firm believer in giving things a go even when the odds seem long, he began making wines with a friend back in 2006 because “we love wine,” he recalled.

Born in Norway and raised in a small English farming town by his parents, both American teachers, he returned to the U.S. after they retired and headed west.  “We Googled winemaking in San Diego,” said Hashagen, who teamed up with a friend, Charlie Chabalko, now co-owner.

March 24, 2011 (Borrego) – 9:37 p.m. – A residential fire at 5965 Split Mountain Road in Borrego Springs is causing a heavy glow from a distance, Incident Page reports. Currently a one alarm fire, the blaze is a long drive time away from emergency responders, according to IPN.

20% of funds for developmentally disabled adults will be cut under the Governor’s budget

March 24, 2011 – Cash prizes totaling $10,000 will be given away to three winners in the 6th annual St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Frog Race, which will be held April 16 during the Morning Glory Jazz Brunch at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.

Early bird discounts end April 1st—and the organization, which helps developmentally disabled adults, is in urgent need of help.

By Jon Mattes

March 26, 2011 (San Diego)--Did you miss the proposed trillion dollar government giveaway last week to big corporations? No, that is not a typo, a trillion not a billion, and yes, a Congressman proposed just that.

Representative Brian Bilbray of San Diego, a former lobbyist, proposed a bill that would allow US corporations to dodge taxes on a trillion dollars in profits. Forget the debate over the estate tax or a tax break for the super rich; this proposed giveaway has them all beat, hands down!

March 24, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Grab your umbrella if you’re heading out this weekend. The National Weather Service predicts light rainfall late tonight and early tomorrow, with a second storm due to arrive Saturday night.

Snow levels are predicted to drop to 5,500 feet, with windy conditions in San Diego’s desert areas.

March 23, 2011 (Lakeside) 11:39 p.m. – A single car rollover accident tonight on San Vicente trapped a driver’s arm beneath the vehicle, Incident Page Network reports. The driver was later pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner is en route and San Vicente has been closed down between Wildcat Canyon Road and Arena, CHP's website reports. No further details are yet available.

SAN DIEGO, CA – On Saturday, March 19, the Miss San Diego Pageant and Scholarship Association held the 2011 Miss San Diego Pageant at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Thirty-five talented women ages 13-24 participated in a program that has been a San Diego tradition since the late 1920’s. Over $4,000.00 in scholarships were awarded.

Danamarie McNicoll Carter of La Mesa won the title of Miss San Diego’s Outstanding Teen 2011. She is a former Miss Teen La Mesa and a student at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace. She wowed the judges with piano performance which accounted for 35% of the overall score.

March 23, 2011 (Carmichael, California)– For the third time in five years, Californians Aware (CalAware) has tested state agencies’ responses to very basic requests for public records. Analysis of the results found no measureable improvement overall-with agencies overall averaging a C+--and many flunking requirements of California’s open government laws.

“What, if anything, will Governor Brown do to make further improvements?” asks Emily Francke, executive director of CalAware.

March 22, 2011 (La Mesa)--At 2:35 p.m., three masked suspects smashed the I-Pod liosk display counter at Grossmont Center and stole  electronic items. The suspects are described as either black or Hispanic males.

Popular American musical playing March 24-27 in Spring Valley

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Director Jean Isaac calls Ragtime a show that “will get inside your soul.” Drawn to the musical’s epic scale and powerful yet timeless themes, she observes, “It’s a beautiful story to be told," then adds that it's important to tell the story anew in today’s turbulent times.

Isaac delivers a moving interpretation, brought to life through often stellar performances by the Young Actors’ Theatre cast.