Thanksgiving

LAKESIDE CAFE & BAKERY: LOCAL LANDMARK PAYS IT FORWARD WITH THANKSGIVING MEALS TO THE NEEDY

By Shiloh Ireland

November 20, 2023 (Lakeside) -- In 2017, husband and wife Jose Ortiz and Claudia Ortiz purchased the Lakeside Cafe in Lakeside, offering home-cooked breakfasts and lunches. Since 2018, they have generously given complete Thanksgiving meals to people in need each year. But this season, they have received more requests than they can accommodate. So, they are asking help from the community for donations.


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OPERATION GOBBLE SERVED UP TURKEYS TO 1,000 FAMILIES

East County News Service

December 1, 2022 (San Diego) – A thousand local families received free turkeys for Thanksgiving as part of Operation Gobble.  The effort was organized by Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, with giveaways in Lemon Grove, City Heights, Southeastern San Diego and the County Administration Center.


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THANKSGIVING DUI PATROLS

Increased DUI patrols throughout holiday weekend

November 23, 2022 (San Diego) - Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year with millions of people hitting the road to get to their holiday destinations.


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LIONS TIGERS & BEARS HOSTS THANKSGIVING TURKEY BASH NOV. 25-26

East County News Service

November 20, 2022 (Alpine) – You’re invited to watch rescued big cats and bears enjoy their Thanksgiving feast during the annual Turkey Bash at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine. Reserve in advance for Friday or Saturday, Nov. 25 or 26.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 13, 2022 (San Diego) -- Please Pass the Safety! And can you add some manners, too?

Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the Holiday Season. Many of you are starting your Thanksgiving plans. Most will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the holidays.

It’s time to serve up these cooking safety tips. After all - Thanksgiving is the single worst day for residential fires!


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TIPS FOR COPING WITH THANKSGIVING IF THE POWER GOES OUT

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2021 (San Diego) – With SDG&E warning over 28,000 customers in 38 communities of possible power outages Thursday through Saturday due to high fire danger, how can you salvage Thanksgiving dinner plans with your family?  Here are a few ideas:

1. Cook your turkey and side dishes on Wednesday. You can serve sliced turkey and sides cold, or cook or reheat on a covered  camp stove on your patio outdoors, but keep a water bucket handy if you cook on any open flame.

2. Barbecue the bird!  If you have a rotisserie or smoker, you can cook the whole turkey outdoors. Or carve it into slices and cook the [pieces on your gas-powered or charcoal-fired barbecue.

3.. Plan a picnic outside with side dishes that can be served cold. How about a yam potato salad instead of baked yams?  Or a balsamic green bean salad instead of green bean casserole?  Opt for smoked turkey slices with pre-chilled cranberry-orange sauce or other embellishments.

4. Consider ditching traditional turkey for smoked salmon or a gourmet charcuterie board instead.


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SDG&E WARNS OF POWER SHUTOFFS OVER THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY DUE TO FIRE DANGER: OUTAGES COULD LAST DAYS

Update November 24, 2021:  SDG&E has widened its list of possible outage areas to include more than 53,000 customers. See the updated list of impacted communities here:  https://www.sdge.com/psps-dashboard

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- Before you stock up on turkey and other groceries for a feast, be aware that San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is asking customers in 38 local communities to prepare for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) over the Thanksgiving holiday.


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TURKEY GIVEAWAY AND VACCINATION CLINIC NOV. 20 AT JACOBS CENTER HOSTED BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN WEBER

By Miriam Raftery

November 9, 2021 (San Diego) -- This holiday season, Assemblywoman Dr. Akilah Weber is giving back to the community by hosting the 79th Assembly district’s 9th annual Drive-Through Turkey Giveaway and Walk-Up Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, November 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Avenue in east San Diego.


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HOLIDAY COOKING DISASTERS TO AVOID

By Miriam Raftery
 
December 1, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – With many families avoiding holiday gatherings due to the pandemic and restaurants closed for indoor dining, some people not accustomed to preparing a Thanksgiving feast opted to attempt cooking at home. The rush to fix multiple dishes can lead to mistakes even by experienced chefs – and inexperience can lead to outright disasters. 
 
 
La Mesa resident Lori Kern posted on Facebook, “Ok, so let’s talk about our Thanksgiving dinner fails. This year mine wasn’t so bad. I blew up a cube of butter in the microwave. What did you do?"

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SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS TIPS FOR A PET-FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING

East County News Service

November 23, 2020 (San Diego) - By keeping them safe, your pets will be as thankful for you as you are for them!

Thanksgiving can be a very food-centric holiday, but is it safe to share what you’re eating with your dog or cat? San Diego Humane Society has tips to help make this a safer celebration for everyone:

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LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS EXOTIC ANIMAL SANCTUARY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY SEASON WITH FESTIVE, SOCIALLY-DISTANCED OUTDOOR EVENTS

Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears
 
November 18, 2020 (Alpine) – Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, is welcoming guests to spend the holidays with its resident exotic animals. The animal rescue and education facility has released its holiday schedule, celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with enriching animal activities during their limited-capacity, special visits.
 
Lions Tigers & Bears guests will encounter retired circus animals, exotic animals formerly used for inhumane photo and petting opportunities and abandoned, illegally owned big cats, all who’ve been rescued and given forever homes in wide open habitats.
 
Visitors will observe in awe as these majestic creatures celebrate with feasts and activities of their own during each holiday-themed visit.

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THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS, A TERRIBLE FOOD THING TO WASTE

 

For a lot of us, one of the best things about Thanksgiving is all those leftovers—gravy-covered turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and pie for days!

But too much of anything can be a bad thing, even Thanksgiving leftovers. Every year, 40 percent of all food in the U.S. is wasted, often by being tossed out as trash into landfills, even as many Americans don’t have enough to eat, according to the National Resources Defense Council. In addition, the average four-person household spends $1,500 a year on food they end up throwing out.


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RINCON INDIANS AND SUPERVISOR HORN TO GIVE AWAY 500 TURKEYS TO NEED FAMILIES THIS WEEKEND

 

 

East County News Service

November 16, 2018 (Escondido) -- The Rincon band of Luiseño Indians and Supervisor Bill Horn will be distributing 500 turkeys with all the trimmings to North County families in need this Thanksgiving season.   


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WARM THANKSGIVING FORECAST

 

East County News Service

November 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Your turkey in the oven won’t be the only thing warming up this Thanksgiving.  The National Weather Service predicts warm, dry weather through the holiday weekend—with record temperatures likely Wednesday and Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.


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THANKSGIVING TURKEYS NEEDED FOR HOMELESS IN EL CAJON

 

Source:  ECTLC

November 13, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The East County Transitional Living Center is in need of fresh or frozen turkeys to feed its more than 400 residents on Thanksgiving Day.  The residents are recovering from homelessness or addiction.


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RINCON BAND OF LUISEÑO INDIANS TO HOST THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY EVENTS

 

East County News Service

November 18, 2017 (Escondido) - The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians is supporting and sponsoring the 1st Annual North County Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway including three upcoming events.


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KNOW YOUR HEART HEALTH RISKS AND AVOID A VISIT TO THE ER THIS THANKSGIVING

 

By Hannah Boss

November 4, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - The holiday known for the turkey, the stuffing and the pies (are you hungry yet?) is unfortunately also known for meals that are chock full of fat, sugar and sodium - all things that are bad for your heart.


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CHIEF’S CORNER: THANKSGIVING COOKING TIPS

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Now You’re Cooking – With Safety!

November 14, 2016 (San Diego)--Thanks giving is quickly approaching and did you know Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year? “Thanksgiving is a fun, festive holiday, but it’s also very hectic says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “All the entertaining and distractions make it easy to forget about what’s cooking on the stovetop.”


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FALL IN LOVE WITH PARKS THIS MONTH

 

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 2, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Give thanks all month through several fall and Thanksgiving-themed happenings at San Diego County Parks. Take a pilgrimage to one or all three of the community gatherings in the East County.

The trio of events is free and open to all ages. There is a $3 parking fee at Louis A. Stelzer and El Monte parks.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: MAKE SURE THIS THANKSGIVING YOU'RE STUFFED WITH SAFETY!

 

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 17, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Kitchen is the heart of the home during the holidays. Keep it safe with these safety tips:


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CROWD FLOCKS TO MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ALONG NEW ROUTE

 

Story and photos by Robert Gehr © 2014

November 24, 2014 (El Cajon)--Traditionally held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this year’s Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon was exciting. The day was lightly overcast with a slight breeze, providing a little relief from the warm midday sun.


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HOW TO MAKE THIS YOUR BEST AND SAFEST THANKSGIVING MEAL EVER

November 22, 2014 (San Diego) – So — how long are you planning to thaw that turkey? (24 hours for every five pounds of weight.)

And what's the best way to cook the stuffing? (Separately, of course.)

Thanksgiving is the biggest home-cooking event of the year. You want everything to be perfect—and safe. The last thing anyone wants is uninvited bacteria, party-crashers like salmonella, listeria and E. coli that could make your guests sick.

Never fear--here are five steps from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health to make this your best and safest Thanksgiving meal ever: Plan Ahead, Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: BACK IN BLACK, GRAB THE SACK!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

November 22, 2014 (San Diego)--People trampling over each other for cheap goods merely hours after celebrating what they are already thankful for. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when holiday gift buying begins.  “Unfortunately, Black Friday is a day when many shoppers become victims of crimes and injuries says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”


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THANKSGIVING FEAST AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS NOV. 29

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

November 22, 2014 (Alpine) --The Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 29th, is a special day at the Lions Tigers and Bears ranch in Alpine. It is the day the animals celebrate with their version of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

You’re invited to join in a special feeding visit at 10:30 a.m. to watch big cats and bears enjoy their feast. Turkey and fish donations are greatly appreciated. Click here to donate a turkey for the cats or fish for the bears in advance.


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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--You’ve heard of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, when large corporate retailers seek to lure consumers with loss-leader items and long lines at those big box stores.

But there’s also Small Business Saturday, an effort that aims to boost business for your neighborhood Mom and Pop stores that create local jobs and keep sales tax revenues in our communities-- from hardware stores to gift shops to coffee houses.


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SALVATION ARMY PREPARES FOR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A KETTLE KICK OFF PARTY

 

By Janis Mork

November 17, 2013 (El Cajon)- On November 14, the Salvation Army of El Cajon Corps held its 38th annual Kettle Kick Off party at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill in the Grossmont Center mall. The day after, people started ringing bells at different businesses for people to put money in the red kettles to raise money for East County children and families in need during the holiday season. This year will be a challenge because of when Thanksgiving falls, and the season will be shorter than last year. The organization hopes to provide 500 families with Thanksgiving baskets.

ECM interviewed Captain Terry Masango (photo, left), administrator of all of Salvation Army’s services and pastor of the Salvation Army El Cajon Corps Community Center.  “We have senior homes, serve meals to the seniors, have after school youth programs, and serve groceries to 1100 families a month,” he said, adding that Salvation Army believes in offering help to those in need as part of its mission. ”We’re also in the process of registering 1400 families for Christmas.”


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BISTRO 60 OFFERS THANKSGIVING FEASTS TO GO

 

November 14, 2013 (San Diego) – “We’ll take all of the stress out of your Thanksgiving Dinner this year,” Bistro 60/San Diego Dessert’s website promises. The restaurant, located at 5987 El Cajon Boulevard in the SDSU College area is taking orders for Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings for $165 – or less than $15 per person.  Orders must be placed and payment received by  November 19.

The menu includes oven roasted turkey (serves 10-12, additional turkeys available for $50), all of the following side dishes:  cranberry relish, homemade stuffing, corn bread, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and glazed carrots.  Dessert includes choice of pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. Extra pies available for $15.


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PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATIONS ON THANKSGIVING

By Miriam Raftery

November 22, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts. But it wasn’t until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday amid the Civil War, with a proclamation in which he asked "the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation" and restore "peace, harmony, tranquility and union."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during the Depression in 1933 issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in which he urged, "May we seek guidance in more surely learning the ancient truth that greed and selfishness and striving for undue riches can never bring lasting happiness or good to the individual or to his neighbors. May we be grateful for the passing of dark days ... for the brighter day to which we can win through by seeking the help of God in a more unselfish striving for the common bettering of mankind."


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COUNTY OFFERS FREE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS MEALS FOR THOSE IN NEED

November 20, 2012 (San Diego)--Agencies throughout the county  are providing FREE Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. There are also agencies  giving out toys for children during Christmas.  Below are details.


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HOT TIPS FOR A SAFE THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST

By Bill Weaver

November 21, 2012 (San Diego) – Thanksgiving is almost upon us and family and friends will come together to celebrate. Food safety is very important because large amounts of food are often prepared and served. Here are a few safety tips to prevent microscopic unwanted guests from joining your party:


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