By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through East County, not a creature was stirring, not even a coyote…

Click here to listen to  “'A Visit From St. Nicholas in East County”, our special audio presentation--including what residents  in our mountains, deserts, rural and urban areas may be asking Santa for this season:  http://k007.kiwi6.com/hotlink/00k2bvgikc/NightBeforeChristmas.mp3

Senator Joel Anderson Nominated Hill Creek Elementary School for Updated Technology

December 20, 2013 (Santee) – The Barona Band of Mission Indians is ending 2013 on a high note by awarding an education grant to a deserving local school. The program’s most recent $5,000 grant was presented by Councilwomen Beth Glasco and Bonnie LaChappa to Hill Creek Elementary in Santee, fulfilling important educational resources on both students’ and faculty’s holiday wish lists. Senator Joel Anderson nominated Hill Creek Elementary for the grant.

By Brian Lafferty

December 20, 2013 (San Diego) – What in the world were screenwriters Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith thinking as they wrote Saving Mr. Banks, a colossal misfire in tone?  And director John Lee Hanchock (The Blind Side), who thought the script was good enough to film?  The upbeat, sunshiny trailers constitute fraud as far as I’m concerned.

December 19, 2013 (Mount Helix) -- Our "Feasting and Merrymaking" party was a rousing success.  Thanks to all of you who joined in celebrating the holiday season as we continued our tradition of giving back to our community of readers.  (Note: If you wish to receive invitations for our future events, including our upcoming Mardi Gras party, be sure to subscribe--free--to our newsletter at the top right side of the homepage.)

Miss San Diego and Miss San Diego East County greeted our guests and were welcome additions to our party this year.  We also had visits from several elected officials including Congresswoman Susan Davis,  La Mesa Councilwoman Christine Alessio, and Jacumba Planning Group member Howard Cook.

Instar "Star" Bales takes oath of office, alongside her husband, Gerald

By Janis Mork

December 19, 2013 (El Cajon)- At Tuesday’s El Cajon City Council meeting, Council appointed InStar Bales, an Iraqi Chaldean woman who has served on the planning commission, to fill the Council vacancy after interviewing 27 candidates.

After the meeting, Bales told ECM that she is “very honored” to be chosen.  “When Councilman Bob McClellan said my name, I cried a little bit,” admitted Bales, whose integrity and willigness to stand up against special interests as a planning commission member were key factors in Council's decision to select her.

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2013 (Alpine) – The Alpine Union School Board voted unanimously to slash pay and benefits for teachers by an average of 30 percent.  Teachers fear losing their homes with such deep cuts – and in January, the teachers’ union will vote on whether to go on strike.

December 19, 2013 (La Mesa)--Supervisor Dianne Jacob will be the featured speaker at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Tuesday, January 21 at 7:30 a.m. The event will be held at Marie Callender’s restaurant at 6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego.

Cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for guests with advancer reservation, or $25 at the door.

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2013 (San Diego) -- Christopher Caluza, Philippine national champion, performed as the grand finale at last night's holiday ice show at the Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center Ice Arena.  The show also included performances by skating school students, from tots to senior citizens.

Caluza got his start training at local ice rinks before gaining international acclaim.  I recall seeing him landing splits on the ice when he was a young kid; we all knew he was destined to be a star!  Click here to view the video of his performance: http://youtu.be/7gHnrQA21Gw

December 19, 2013 (San Diego) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to preserve and protect 448 acres between El Cajon Mountain and the El Capitan Reservoir. Known as Oak Ridge Ranch, the property is now National Forest system land donated by SDG&E.

The partnership at Oak Ridge Ranch protects native Engelmann oak trees that only grow naturally in a narrow band that stretches along the mountain foothills of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The Engelmann oak is an indicator species, which means that when this beautiful evergreen oak thrives, so too does the surrounding forest ecosystem.

State Board of Equalization Now Accepts Online Requests for Payment Plans

Sacramento – The California State Board of Equalization’s (BOE) newest convenient website service allows qualifying tax or fee payers to request a payment plan online. Payment plans allow tax or fee payers to pay down a past due balance over time, helping them avoid additional penalties and interest.

December 19, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list?  Here are some gift ideas that are made or located right here in East County, so you can support our local economy while delighting your friends and family.

December 19, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) --ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

•  
• Arts and culture contribute more to U.S. economy than tourism (Marketplace.org)
• Veterans fight federal budget provision (WAVY TV)
• Judge rules polygamy protected under freedom of religion (ABC)
• US judge rules NSA data sweep an 'indiscriminate and arbitrary invasion' (CS Monitor)
• Navy expands sonar testing despite troubling signs (KPBS)
• Michigan passes ‘rape insurance’ bill (MSNBC)
• Obama “keep your plan” promise labeled lie of the year by Politifact (CBS)

WORLD

• China makes history with Jade Rabbit moon rover landing (Yahoo News)
• North Korea Kim’s uncle executed (The Nation)
• What does 74% youth unemployment feel like? (APM Marketplace)
• Amazing photos capture snow covering Middle East (UT San Diego)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click "read more" and scroll down.

December 18, 2013 (San Diego) – Dear EarthTalk: Is there a way to get local communities involved in cleaning up waterways, like rivers, lakes, streams and creeks?

-- Rebecca, via e-mail

Indeed, many of our local waterways have seen better days, thanks to decades of pollution. And cleaning them up and preventing further damage can be challenging, since much of the contamination has accumulated over time and results from what is known as “non-point source” pollution, which accounts for as much as 60 percent of the water pollution in the U.S.

By Marsha Kay Seff

December 18, 2013 (San Diego) – As an adult child of octogenarian parents, I wore a virtual millinery shop full of hats.  It often felt as if I needed more heads.  I know I needed more arms and legs – and much more time.

One of my most-frayed chapeaus was my thinking cap, for I was most certainly the daughter of invention.

A big part of my role as the designated caregiver was inventing gizmos that would make my parents' lives more manageable and comfortable.

December 17, 2013 (San Diego) – As part of its ongoing search, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is asking for the public’s help to locate Arielle Randall who vanished from Grand Prairie, Texas. Arielle may be in the company an unknown male, and may be in the Chula Vista area. Arielle, 16, was last seen on Nov. 13, 2013 leaving her home. She has not been seen or heard from since.

Arielle is Black and Hispanic, and has brown hair and eyes. She is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. Her ears are pierced. 

The public is urged to call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) with any information concerning the disappearance or current whereabouts of Arielle.