December 5, 2011 (Poway) – Two Poway schools, Stone Ranch Elementary and Oak Valley Middle School, were briefly locked down this afternoon following a report of a large mountain lion sighted in a canyon at 4S Ranch Parkway near Dove Creek Road. The big cat was close to a boys and girls club as well as the schools, the Union-Tribune reports.

December 4, 2011 (San Diego) –The driver of a Land Rover has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after causing a crash that sent a family of four to the hospital. The accident occurred about 10 a.m. on eastbound I-8 near Waring Road.

The Land Rover was traveling 80-90 mph when it struck two vehicles, including a Lexus SUV that spun out and crossed the center divide, then plummeted 120-150 feet down an embankment.

December 4, 2011 (Jamul)—Shawn Andrew Corrigan, 34, ignored orders to stop at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Campo on November 28. He fled the scene at a high rate of speed, traveling westbound on Highway 94, and lost control of the vehicle in Jamul. He collided with two vehicles traveling eastbound.

December 4, 2011 (Campo)--The Campo Sheriff’s Station and County Animal Services are investigating reports of animal neglect at a ranch owned by Raymond and Nennette Wyatt in Campo. This morning, authorities seized 58 animals including horses, goats, sheep and cattle from the ranch, located in the 1900 block of Buckman Springs Road this morning.

Lakeside residents mourn loss of pristine views as towers dominate face of mountain listed as county scenic view corridor. 

By Billy Ortiz and Miriam Raftery

Cal-Fire asks public to be on the lookout for fires and be prepared

December 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – A wind warning has been downgraded to a wind advisory, however sustained northeasterly winds of 35 mph with gusts of 50 mph are forecast tonight through Friday afternoon in East County mountains, valleys and desert areas.

Goldman Sachs is majority owner of property management firm headed by Senator Feinstein’s husband

Story by Miriam Raftery, photos by Ron Logan

November 30, 2011 (San Diego) –Startling ironies came to light today in the case of Ray Lutz, an East County political activist and former Democratic Congressional candidate arrested yesterday for refusing to move a voter registration table out of the Civic Center Plaza.

No holiday events slated to help downtown merchants this year, as redevelopment agency forced to close doors due to state funding cuts and lack of support from city

City to vote December on management of a new PBID

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2011 (El Cajon) –  Community leaders are reacting with shock, dismay, and questions after learning that the Board of Directors of the El Cajon Community Development Corporation has voted to dissolve the redevelopment organization due to lack of funding from both the city and state.  President and CEO Cindi Fargo has been laid off, along with the remaining staff.

November 30, 2011 (El Cajon ) – An investigation into the death of motorcyclist Shawn Russell Kinzer, 40, has determined that his injuries were caused by a hit and run accident—not losing control of his vehicle as initially reported by authorities. The accident occurred on November 10 at 8:40 p.m. on I-8 east of Magnolia.

“This is what they do in banana republics and undemocratic societies.”—former San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre, calling arrest a violation of the Civil Rights Act and the First Amendment

By Miriam Raftery and Ron Logan

November 27, 2011 (Escondido) – Escondido Police are searching for a peeper caught on videotape rubbing up against female shoppers and taking photos up their skirts. The incidents occurred at the Westfield North County Fair in Escondido yesterday around 2:30 p.m. during the “Black Friday” shopping rush.

November 26, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, which graciously donated space at its beautiful visitor center to benefit our nonprofit with our "Summerfest" event, has asked for our help--and yours. 

November 26, 2011 (San Diego) – Startled shoppers in two San Diego Walmart stores received a message delivered by 75 Occupy San Diego protesters forming a human microphone. The protesters urged Walmart shoppers to support locally-owned small businesses instead of corporate-owned mass merchandizers.

View a video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgafr1uO_EY&feature=share

November 23, 2011 (La Mesa) – Mayor Art Madrid cut the ribbon this week at the grand opening of twin glass elevators rising from the Grossmont Trolley Station to the street above. Before, commuters and apartment dwellers along the transit line had to climb a steep flight of 77 stairs to access Grossmont Shopping Center or Grossmont Hospital above, an impossible feat for those in wheelchairs.