Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009, but benefit may be offset by hike in Medicare premiums for some recipients

October 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the Social Security Administration announced today.

October 17, 2011 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB) is inviting all 11th and 12th graders to write and submit up to a 400-word essay on the importance of marketplace ethics and receive up to a $1,500 scholarship from the BBB. The presenting sponsor of the BBB’s scholarship program is Sycuan Casino in El Cajon. Last year’s winners included two high school students from East County high schools.

New service also offers crime alerts

October 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Crimemapping.com, which initially covered only unincorporated areas of San Diego under jurisdiction of the Sheriff, has now been expanded to include all cities and communities within San Diego County. The site allows users to click on a map or type in a community name to find detailed information on the number and types of crimes—such as arson, assaults, homicides, vehicle crimes, or property crimes. You can also sign up to receive free crime alerts.

October 19, 2011 (Lemon Grove)—Could a major earthquake strike San Diego County—and will you be prepared? Well-known earthquake expert and media commentator Dr. Pat Abbott, will discuss the "big one on the next "History Alive" lecture series. The event, sponsored by Lemon Grove Historical Society, will be held November 3 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove.

By Miriam Raftery

October 18, 2011 (Santa Ysabel) - When someone leaves a casino carrying a large sum of cash, it's typically a jackpot winner. But early Monday morning, a thief  pulled off a heist at the Santa Ysabel Casino, stealing a large amount of money from a secure location.

 October 18,2011 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Dance Department will present “Breaking Boundaries,” a student-choreographed dance concert featuring performances by students demonstrating various genres of dance, Thursday through Sunday, October 27 to 30.

The concert will showcase a variety of dance genres including modern dance, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Performances by dance students are under the direction of co-directors David Mullen and Kathy Meyer.

Half a million in Madrid sing Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as peaceful protest

“Move Your Money” campaign urges transfer of money from big banks to local financial institutions by Nov. 5; “Solidarity” leader Lech Walesa joins forces with Occupy Wall Street

By Miriam Raftery

October 17, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement and similar demonstrations against financial institutions and corporate power in Spain and Germany, a “Global Day of Protest” on Saturday, October 15 brought millions of people into the streets in protests held in 950 cities worldwide.  The  largest occurred in Madrid, where an estimated half million Spaniards joined together to sing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and raise hands to show that theirs was a peaceful protest. (Click video to view).

The movement is attracting some strange bedfellows—drawing support this week from labor leaders, Solidarity's Lech Walesa, and even a co-founder of the conservative Tea Party movement. 

East County Magazine News Service

October 17, 2011 (El Cajon) – For the second time in less than a month, a car lost control on an East County freeway and crashed into an East County car dealership. Around 2:15 p.m. yesterday, a Honda Civic ran off I-8, severely damaging a pickup truck at Carl Burger Dodge in La Mesa.

Over 6,000 East County Students Expected to Attend Career/College Fair on Oct. 22.

By Connie Frankowiak

October 17, 2011 (Julian)-- Who are these people that are taking to the streets, parks and open spaces of America because they know that no one in power is listening to them???!!!!

By Brian Lafferty

October 17, 2011 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Aesop’s Fables,” a whimsical production that highlights Aesop’s imaginative fables, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Stagehouse Theatre on campus.

The public is invited to attend the play, and its content is suitable for all ages. Admission cost is $8 per person. All major credit cards are accepted. The box office accepts phone orders and will be open one hour prior to all performances.

October 18, 2011 (La Mesa)-- After 10 years as General Manager of the Helix Water District, Mark Weston announced he will retire on December 30. On Tuesday at 6 p.m., the Board will provide staff with directions on recruiting a replacement. The meeting will be held at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.