JULIAN’S LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE TO SPARKLE IN SATURDAY TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY
Printer-friendly version November 25, 2009 (Julian) — Julian celebrates the holiday season by lighting up the town’s living Christmas tree at Pioneer Park on Saturday, Nov. 28. The historic gold rush town will also paysl homage to individuals who contribute time, skills, and energy to making Julian what some townspeople consider the best small town in Southern California. The event marks the beginning of the annual Julian Country Christmas celebration–three weeks of holiday festivitird during which visitors and residents capture the spirit of the season in an old-fashioned way. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a program of Christmas carols sung by local vocalists. Santa arrives aboard a fire engine just before 6, when the tree is lit. It’s easy to get into the spirit of the season in Julian. The historic town, known for its apples, is set in the Cuyamaca Mountains an hour’s drive east of San Diego, where December days and evenings are crisp and cool. With the scents of apple pies emerging from ovens and spiced cider on a back burner, Julian also smells like Christmas. Founded during a gold rush in the 1870s, Julian looks and sounds like Christmas too. Twinkling white lights and garland outline wooden false-fronted buildings along Main Street and up the side streets. In the spirit of the season, many shopkeepers add their own favorite Santas, sleighs and reindeer, garlands, wreaths and bows to the show. The Julian Pioneer Museum and historic Grosskopf House are all decked out in Victorian holiday finery. Everywhere you’ll hear the sounds of Christmas as well…costumed strolling carolers recall Victorian times, when Julian was a thriving Gold Rush town, and the Julian Doves and Desperadoes share Christmas memories in living history dramas. You’ll find many unique shops in Julian, many stocked with locally hand-crafted gift items during the holiday season. Most, including the Julian Crafters who set up shop in Town Hall during the season, offer one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found in shopping malls. Friendly shopkeepers take pride in providing personal service to every visitor. Julian’s lodgings put out a special welcome during the holidays. The bed and breakfast inns are decorated in holiday finery. And most innkeepers prepare special holiday treats for their guests. Be sure to stop by Mom’s Apple Pies – and present this coupon for a free cup of coffee with any slice of pie. For more information on Julian, visit http://www.julianca.com. Printer-friendly version
SMALL BRUSH FIRE ON I-8 NEAR GOLDEN ACORN CASINO CONTAINED
Printer-friendly version November 26, 2009 – A traffic alert was issued at 10:34 a.m. Thanksgiving Day due to a small brush fire on the side of the freeway along I-8 eastbound near the Golden Acorn Casino in the Live Oaks Springs area. Lanes remained open but traffic slowed briefly due to smoke conditions. At 10:55 a.m., CAL-FIRE confirmed that the fire has been contained to a half acre and traffic is improving. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Printer-friendly version
SANTA’S COMING TO BATES NUT FARM
Printer-friendly version November 26, 2009 (Valley Center) – Ho, ho! Santa arrives November 27 and 28 at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. The visits comes amid a weekend-long arts and crafts fair with over 100 artisans selling hand-crafted wares. Santa will be visiting with children and the young at heart at 1 p.m. both days. Other activities include face painting, Kids ‘n Paint, visits to the farm zoo, a country barbecue and kettle corn. In addition, the Lion’s Club hosts a pancake breakfast at the farm from 7 to 10 a.m. Bates Nut Farm was founded in 1921 and is now run by the family’s fifth generation. Over the years, it has become one of the most famed family destinations in San Diego’s eastern region—a perfect place to picnic and enjoy country hospitality on a real working farm. Be sure to stop by the country store, where you’ll find not only a variety of fresh nuts, but also dried fruits, gifts and collectibles, kitchen items, and an old-fashioned candy counter complete with fudge, truffles, chocolates and sugar-free candies. For more information, visit www.batesnutfarm.biz. Printer-friendly version
DRIVER PASSES OUT, DESTROYS 2 PLANES AT GILLESPIE FIELD
Printer-friendly version November 26, 2009 (El Cajon) On this Thanksgiving Day, a motorist in El Cajon can be thankful he survived a freak accident that left his vehicle beneath a plane at Gillespie Field. Just after 4:00 p.m. yesterday, the 57 year-old driver traveling northbound on Johnson Avenue, just north of Bradley Avenue, apparently passed out behind the wheel. He then crashed through a fence near Golden State Flying Club at Gillespie Field into a row of parked planes, destroying two 152 Cessna’s and slightly damaging a third plane. When the driver awoke, his truck was under one of the planes. El Cajon Fire crews, Paramedics and El Cajon Police quickly arrived on scene. The driver was checked out by paramedics and appeared to be uninjured. He also had his dog (a chocolate Labrador) with him that also appeared to be unharmed. There were no other injuries involved, and there was no fire. The accident is now under investigation. It does not appear that alcohol or any other drugs were involved in this incident. According to an employee at Golden State, damage to the planes and to the fence has been estimated to be about $200,000. Printer-friendly version
PICKUP TRUCK STRIKES, KILLS SANTEE MAN IN WHEELCHAIR
Printer-friendly version November 26, 2009 (Santee) – Santee resident Hector Villasenor, 62, died after being struck by a pickup truck in the 8900 block of Carlton Hills Blvd. shortly before 6 p.m. on November 24. Santee Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call following the accident and found Villasenor non-responsive, lying in the roadway. Santee paramedics were unable to revive him but he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation indicates Mr. Villasenor drove his wheelchair eastbound onto Carlton Hills Blvd, directly in front of a southbound pickup truck, according to the Sheriff’s report. The driver of that vehicle, a 49 year old Lakeside resident, was unable to stop before striking Mr. Villasenor. It is believed the truck was traveling at or near the posted speed limit. It does not appear that alcohol was a factor in regards to the truck driver. There are no pending criminal charges at this time. Mr. Villasenor’s family has been notified. Printer-friendly version
HOT PROWL BURGLARIES IN ELCAJON PROMPT MASS PUBLIC WARNING
Printer-friendly versionProwler may be a frequent visitor to area, police believe November 26, 2009 (El Cajon)— Southeast El Cajon has had approximately 30 hot prowl burglaries and attempted burglaries since fall 2008. A hot prowl burglary occurs when occupants are home, often at night while residents are asleep. The latest in this series occurred early Saturday morning in the area of Jamacha and Granite Hills. In earlier cases, the suspect committed several burglaries in the same area over a few days, and then would not strike again for some time. The cases on Saturday morning are the first since September. Investigators believe that the suspect may visit the area on a regular basis and is familiar with neighborhoods where crimes are being committed. The suspect commonly takes small items such as wallets and purses, and enters homes through unlocked doors and windows. Police urge residents to lock their doors and windows, especially at night. The police department would like to remind members of the community to be vigilant and aware of what is happening in their neighborhoods. During many of the incidents, victims reported hearing suspicious noises during the night, but failed to call the police department. Members of the community should immediately call 911 to report any suspicious activity. When police are made aware of an incident at the time it is occurring, officers can immediately move into the area, and there will be a greater chance of apprehending a suspect. On November 25 at 6pm a "reverse" 911 went out to residents of the Granite Hills area reminding them to lock their doors and windows even when they are home. It is also to let people know to call 911 if they have someone inside their home or if they see a prowler in the area. If you do see someone that does not belong or is acting strange, police urge that you call and give a complete description of the person and direction of travel. Other steps you can take to protect yourself include installing better outdoor lighting and forming a neighborhood watch group by calling Officer Dan Hansen at (619)441-1597. In addition, El Cajon Police will open a storefront at Parkway Plaza weekdays from December 7-31, offering additional safety tips. Anyone with information on potential suspects in these hot prowl cases should contact the El Cajon Police Department Investigations Division at (619) 579-3321. Printer-friendly version
ROBERTS DROPS OUT OF RACE IN 50TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT; CITES FAMILY NEEDS
Printer-friendly version November 25, 2009 (San Diego) – Dave Roberts is dropping out of the Democratic primary in the 50th Congressional District. In a letter sent to supporters this evening, the Solana Beach Councilmember issued the following statement: This past Monday was one of the happiest, yet saddest days of my life. As many of you know, Wally and I have been foster parents for abused children for well over a decade. Years ago, we adopted our first two sons from the foster care system and we are in the process of adopting our third son. About five weeks ago, we were unexpectedly contacted by the San Diego County Department of Children’s Services and offered two additional foster children, ages two and one year old, to bring into our home. These children are the half brother and sister of our youngest son. On Monday, we learned that these two young, foster children may become available for adoption and a permanent part of our family. In a short time, our family has almost doubled in size and we have come to love these two children, and they have quickly become an integral part of our family. Keeping families together is an important value to us and we consider it important that we rescue these two children from their prior environment into one that offers love, a chance for a good education and healthy lifestyle. With our young children so new to our family, my campaign absences are unfair to them and Wally. While we could have hired people to help us, spending time with our newly expanded family cannot be done by anyone else. Parents all over the world are postponing their dreams for their children. I am in good company. Therefore, after much deliberation and discussion with my family and advisers, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress. This decision was made after much thought and many sleepless nights. I thank each one of you who worked so hard to help launch and grow our campaign, particularly our oldest son Robert who accompanied me to many of our campaign events. I thank my advisers, supporters and other volunteers who have been with me from the start, opened their homes for events, and for Wally who shared my dream. I have decided to refund contributions to all my supporters. Going forward, I will continue to work to build a strong Democratic Party in the 50th Congressional District and use my unique talents to forge bipartisan solutions whenever possible. I will continue to do this in my role as a Solana Beach councilmember and my other local, state and national positions. My hat goes off to both Francine Busby and Tracy Emblem who are still in this race. Once the voters decide next June who our Democratic nominee will be for 2010, I will work with them to defeat Brian Bilbray. The mission goes on and our work to create jobs, reform healthcare and protect our environment does not cease with the suspension of my campaign for Congress. I will be working tirelessly with each of you to achieve our vision. My best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! We truly have much to rejoice in my family with our children this year – it will definitely be a table full of lots of love and laughter. With my sincere best wishes and appreciation, David W. “Dave” Roberts Editor’s note: Francine Busby had this reaction to news of Roberts dropping out of the race: "I am sure that this was a difficult decision. I admire Dave’s selfless commitment to put the needs of his growing family first. I wish him and Wally all the best." Printer-friendly version
HOW NOT TO COOK A TURKEY
Printer-friendly version November 25, 2009 – El Cajon Fire Department tells us that –we kid you not— each holiday season, 911 receives calls from people asking how to cook a turkey. Please do NOT call 911 for turkey-prep instructions! Instead, check out the free turkey roasting and safety tips posted at the El Cajon Fire Department’s website http://elcajonfire.com/archives/2009/11/holiday-safety-cooking.php. Be sure to check out their video demonstration on the dangers of deep-frying a turkey–complete with action fire-fighting footage. (Please don’t try this at home!) The site also contains helpful tips on these topics: * Butterball’s roasting tips * How to roast a turkey * How to deep fry a turkey * Holiday food safety videos in English & Spanish * Food allergies: What you need to know when guests are coming Printer-friendly version