HOLIDAY HOOPLA PARTY TONIGHT! JOIN EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE FOR SOME HOLIDAY CHEER
Printer-friendly version Yes, there’s still time to RSVP and join East County Magazine for feasting, fun & merry-making at our HOLIDAY HOOPLA PARTY on Sunday, December 13th 2-6 p.m. in La Mesa. Festiivities will include great food (turkey, ham and all the trimmings!), wine-tasting, prizes, games, and a rib-tickling presentation by Emmy Award-winning comedian Russ T. Nailz. • A hearty feast catered by Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar • Holiday cheer provided by comedian Russ T. Nailz • Winetasting by La Serenissima • Spiced Wassail bowl • Chargers’ game on downstairs TV—cheer for the bolts! •Prizes and surprises * Note: The "after party" caroling up to the top of Mt. Helix is canceled due to rain and standing water in the ampitheater, however our guests are welcome to stay late and enjoy caroling around the piano. If you play an instrument, bring it! *Suggested donation: $10 before Dec. 10, or $12 at the door 4438 Hideaway Place, La Mesa RSVP: 619-698-7617 Pproceeds will benefit East County Magazine and also help establish an ECM scholarship fund to help refugee students in East County. There are 300-400 refugee families a month being resettled in East County by the U.S. government, most from war-torn regions, many from refugee camps. Please help to make a college education possible for deserving refugees and their children. Printer-friendly version
HAVE A HAPPY–AND SAFE–CHRISTMAS
Printer-friendly version December 6, 2009 (San Diego) — Cal Fire has provided this poem filled with tips for keeping your family safe during holiday celebrations. CHRISTMAS POEM by Darleen Hayden ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but alas and alack ‘twas no fire screen there! A few feet away stood the holiday tree so majestic, so regal, and as dry as could be . . . Its lights left glowing, what a sight to behold, and the wiring beneath was time-worn and old. Mother was sleeping in flannel of red, and father, in blue, was smoking in bed. The children were restless in their tosses and turns, each wearing a night shirt that will too easily burn . . . I cannot go on; my story ends here. There won’t be a Christmas for this family, I fear! How about you there, do you follow the rules? To help you be safe, I’ll give you some clues. Be careful with candles! No matches for kids! Make sure all poisons have tight fitting lids! No drinking when driving! Don’t leave children alone! Instead, leave a sitter and your name by the phone! Leave her the numbers of the following three, the firemen, the police, and your favorite M.D. Are you fire safe? Need first aid at all, just pick up the phone; give the station a call. That’s what its for, help with this, and for that, they’ll be at your door in just two minutes flat! The joys of the season! A safe New Year too! Good health and happiness to each one of you! Printer-friendly version
WOUNDED MILITARY AIDED BY LOCAL CHARITY & SOCO GROUP
Printer-friendly version 46 Back Packs for severely wounded military packed and ready to ship December 6, 2009 (San Diego) — Today, World Emergency Relief (WER) does not have to travel thousands of miles to provide for needs. Through its program, Project NOT Forgotten, WER provides backpacks to returning severely wounded military personnel. Medical care is so good today that a severely wounded serviceman (or woman!) can be in a bed here in a U.S. Military hospital in three days. However, they are often med-evaced so quickly that all of there personal belongings are left behind. “WER is proud to help as needed, without duplicating the efforts of other organizations serving our wounded warriors” states Gary Becks, chief executive officer of WER and Rescue Task Force, which was founded in El Cajon and recently merged with WER. Beck shared his stories of how long it took wounded military persons to return to the states after injuries when he was a Corpsman serving in Vietnam, compared to today’s quick return. World Emergency Relief (WER) has combined efforts with local corporations, service groups, churches and many individuals to put together a very welcoming array of goods in a back pack that truly lets the service men and women know the are not forgotten. Thus the name “Project NOT Forgotten”. Some of the backpacks pictured in the photo were generously donated through the San Diego Downtown Rotary club with proceeds from their “Holes for Heroes” golf tournament. “To continue to provide the required back packs, it takes group efforts” states Andrea Stone, Founder of the program and WER’s V.P. of International Programs. Last week, SoCo Group, Inc, headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, brought a large team of employees, and some of their employee’s children who are on vacation from school to help WER pack the back packs and ready them for shipment. SoCo Group, Inc. provided the transportation for 7 back packs to Balboa, and 39 others are ready for shipment to Brooke Army Hospital in Texas, Bethesda Naval Medical, also known as National Medical Center in Maryland, and Walter Reed Army Hospital also in the Washington, DC area. SoCo Group has been providing petroleum needs to Southern California and Arizona for over 80 years. They are proud to be part of an organization that helps them give back to the needs throughout the world. For over five years SoCo Group, Inc has been a supporter of WER’s program Rescue Task Force (RTF) that runs literacy centers in Afghanistan for women who formerly were forbidden to learn to read and write. The back pack project is a newer program that SoCo Group embraced immediately when they heard of the needs. World Emergency Relief has provided comfort and hope to children and families around the world for 24 years. Founded as an outreach to a disastrous famine in Africa, WER knows that every day is a disaster when you have little or nothing. RTF could not ignore the needs of our wounded military who have given so much to ensure our freedom, this backpack is the least we can do the welcome then home and remind them that they are not forgotten! WER cannot provide this life-changing aid without the help of others. Donations are urgently needed to help continue this backpack distribution. Each back pack cost $625. The pack includes the basic such as toiletry items, as well as some sweats and sandals, but it also has what we like to call “Heart Medicine” such as a phone and minutes to call loved ones, Nintendo DS and games, a CD player and CDs, as well as a gift card for purchases at the hospital restaurants or gift shop. Cash donations and Gift-in-kind of specific items are needed to help WER provide these wonderful things to the service person and the loving family members who sits by their bedsides. For more information and specifics, visit www.projectnotforgotten.org. Contact Peggy Reiber at .760-930-8001 for info on how you can help, or visit http://www.wer-us.org. Checks can be made out to: Project Not Forgotten c/o World Emergency Relief 2270 Camino Vida Robles Suite K Carlsbad, CA 92011 Printer-friendly version
THE DOG BLOG: JINGLE PAWS IS A TAIL-WAGGING SUCCESS
Printer-friendly version By Penny Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson December 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – It was a frisky romp through Wells Park this morning, where I joined a pack of other dogs and their owners in the first-ever “Jingle Paws!” walk to benefit El Cajon’s Animal Shelter. Much to my delight, I discovered even more entertaining activities—such as a canine agility course, bobbing for hotdogs, vendors selling every imaginable gift item any dog could want, and even a visit from Santa Paws…er, Claus. The event was a tail-wagging success, raising over $4,000 and attracting far more entrants than the 100 goodie bags in stock. Participants could choose from several levels ($15 to $50), which explained why some entrants sported T-shirts, others wore holiday bandanas, and still others trotted along in home-made holiday fashions. After a rousing figure-8 loop of the park (which also has an enclosed dog park area where well-behaved dogs can run freely off-leash year round), I tried try my skills on an agility course. I tripped over the first hurdle, knocking it over. The second time I decided to sneak around—not over—the hurdle. Then I watched a young pup take a running leap and clear it with ease. After that, I stepped lightly over the barrier (ok, so being an 80-pound golden retriever has its advantages over those miniature breeds). Then I did a doggone fine job of completing the rest of the course—which included a tunnel to crawl through and a straw bale maze. Next, we played a game similar to musical chairs, only with spots to stand on. “Losing” was the best part, since every dog got a treat! Being a retriever, however, I dived in muzzle-first for my fair share of submerged hotdog bites at the “bobbing for dogs” tub. I got my photo taken for a canine ID program, so if I ever get lost, my master will have some flattering pictures on hand. Inside Santa’s Village, seeing Santa was a real highlight – though his fur coat was even redder than mine! I’m told the kindly St. Nick was portrayed by none other than Drum Macomber, El Cajon volunteer extraordinare, who suited the jolly role to a T-bone. I went nose-to-nose with some big horses from the El Cajon mounted police. There were lots of other rescue breed groups on hand, too, plus opportunities for folks to adopt a homeless dog just in time for the holidays. My favorites were some “gentle giants” at the Leonberger Rescue booth. One dog tipped the scales at a whopping 190 pounds (photo, below). I felt like a chihuahua by comparison. A lady with a spinning wheel was making some beautiful soft scarves and sweaters out of all that dog hair, which is called chingora. Maybe because it’s soft like a chincilla and angora wool. But hey, why not doggora? We browsed for a while at various vendor booths, where you could find everything from dog toys to earrings of every conceivable canine breed. Lots of those nice vendors gave me treats, too! The event was co-sponsored by Camp Bow-Wow (a doggie day care center) and the ACES Foundation, which pays for surgeries for injured shelter animals. Donations poured in from local companies, too, including Petco, Starbucks, Einstein Bagels, Howard’s Bakery, Silver Creek Fine Art Framing, Von’s, ResMed Corp., San Diego County Credit Union, and officers from El Cajon Police Department. It sure felt good to help out all those less fortunate dogs and cats in the shelter—and I had a doggone great time, too. Two paws up for this awesome event. I sure hope the sponsors will bring back Jingle Paws next year! Printer-friendly version
ACLU SUES CITY OF SAN DIEGO FOR DESTROYING HOMELESS PEOPLE’S BELONGINGS INCLUDING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES, BLANKETS AND PHOTOS OF LOVED ONES
Printer-friendly version Class Action Suit Alleges Policies Intended to “Harass Homeless People Into Going Away” December 5, 2009 (San Diego)–SAN DIEGO – In a series of aggressive raids in September and October, city workers escorted by police seized and summarily destroyed the possessions of homeless men and women. In a lawsuit filed December 2nd, the Dreher Law Firm and the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties call for a permanent injunction stopping the city from repeating “unlawful, unconstitutional policies and practices.” The suit alleges that no legitimate, lawful or moral basis exists for the wholesale destruction of people’s property. “The City knew these personal items were not trash—they were clearly the entirety of each of these person’s possessions, and included treasured family photographs and mementos, prescription medication, and blankets to keep warm.” said Scott Dreher of the Dreher Law Firm. “The city’s actions are unconscionable.” The ACLU asserts that on at least three occasions in September and October, police officers and environmental services workers watched as homeless men and women temporarily stored their possessions in front of a fenced-off vacant lot and then walked inside God’s Extended Hand, a small East Village church, or the Neil Good Day Center, a facility that provides showers, laundry, and information and referral services for the homeless. City workers and police officers then immediately descended on the people’s possessions, tossing everything—including church-owned shopping carts—into an attending garbage truck and compactor, crushing everything. As word spread and some of the owners came running out of church begging to be allowed to retrieve their items, they were told by the police that it was too late—“This is City property now.” When one plaintiff asked what he was supposed to do now, an officer told him he could “head for the Arizona border.” “These raids have nothing to do with cleaning up trash,” said David Blair-Loy, legal director of the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. “This is purely and simply a drive to force homeless people out—out of the neighborhood, out of the city, and out of sight and mind.” The suit, which also seeks an order certifying a class of all owners of personal property lawfully possessed by homeless persons in San Diego that has been or will be taken and/or destroyed by the City, claims that the City of San Diego has established policies and practices that discriminate against homeless individuals and violate their constitutional rights, including freedom from unreasonable search and seizure, to due process, and to equal protection under the law. The San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness conducted a census of homeless people in January 2008 and counted a total of 7,582 in the region. Of this total, 3,856 were unsheltered and sleeping in the streets, and an additional 1,009 were housed in emergency or seasonal shelters. More than half of the total lived in the City of San Diego. Emergency and transitional facilities do not accommodate the population’s need even for temporary overnight housing, and even those who do have shelter space must leave during the day with their possessions. San Diego CityBeat reports that a spokesperson for the city’s Environmental Services Department said that his department handled 27 similar “abatements” but this was the first to generate complaints. The San Diego Sheriff’s deputies have conducted similar raids on homeless camps in East County, most recently in Lakeside, as ECM has reported: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2290. San Diego law enforcement has lost legal challenges in the past over its aggressive tactics involving the homeless. The face of homeless in America is changing, with an increasing number of people left homeless due to foreclosures, job loss and depletion of savings due to the weak economy and the financial meltdown. According to a fact sheet ( http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/who.html _ published by the National Coalition for the Homeless, 40% of homeless men are veterans. A startling 39% of homeless people in America are children under 18. One-quarter (25%) of homeless women are domestic abuse victims, and families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Printer-friendly version
WINTER WONDERLAND DAY CAMP AT HILLSIDE RECREATION CENTER IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon Recreation Department is offering a safe and fun camp to engage the kids during the winter break. Hillside Center will be hosting “Winter Wonderland” Day Camp for ages 6-12 on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Each day is going to be packed with arts and crafts projects, including edible craft activities and other special winter-themed projects. A variety of sports and games will be offered including indoor soccer, whiffleball, kick ball, and a scavenger hunt. The campers will be assigned to a specific, experienced counselor according to age, but will also be able to make new friends of all ages. Each camper will need to bring a sack lunch each day of attendance; daily snacks will be provided. The fee is $24.00 per day or $21.00 per day for El Cajon residents. Space is limited, register at Hillside Center, 840 Buena Terrace in El Cajon. Call (619) 441-1674 for more information. Printer-friendly version
WATCH THE HOLIDAY COME ALIVE WITH TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2009 (El Cajon) –CCT Musical Theater presents the 17th annual Traditionsl of Christmas–A Musical Spectacular at the East County Performing Arts Center December 10-13 and December 17-23 . The performance includes high-kicking Rockette-style dancers, Santa and his workshop of elves, and a live Nativity Pageant. The event also showcases holiday customs from around the world, favorite Christmas songs, and inspirational scenes. The family-friendly show also displays favorite holiday traditions from every century, every culture, and every generation. This has always been a time for our CCT family to come together and share in the joy of the season,” says Christian Community Theater (CCT) founder and Artistic Director Paul Russell. “We want to share this expression of Christmas with our extended San Diego family. What better way to unite and come together as a community and as a nation than during this season of love and hope." For tickets or more information, call (619) 588-0206 or (800) 696-1929. To purchase tickets online go to www.tickets.cyt.org, or visit their box office at 1545 Pioneer Way in El Cajon. Printer-friendly version
HOLIDAY RECIPE SECRETS: HACIENDA SANGRIA
Printer-friendly version Courtesy of Hacienda de las Rosas Winery December 5, 2009 (Ramona)–Hacienda de las Rosas Winery, located in Ramona, also has a tasting room in Old Town. Hacienda Sangria has been served at many special holidays in Old Town state park and is a favorite of many guests. It will be served every weekend through the holiday season. “We receive lots of requests for this recipe,” says co-owner Tammy Holzauer. “Use it and enjoy with your friends!” Recipe ingredients and instructions: Hacienda Sangria Two Bottles of Palomino Wine (not oaked, slightly tart tasting Sauvignon Blanc) 2/3 cup sugar 3 oranges sliced 1 lemon / 1 lime One liter of Ginger Ale Sliced Strawberries, Peaches, Berries Add Ice and Stir….Serve Chilled. Note: Palomino wine, the key ingredient, is available at a two for one sale through January 1st at Hacienda de las Rosas’ tasting room in Old Town. For more information about Hacienda de las Rosas winery and tasting room, visit http://haciendawinery.com/. Printer-friendly version
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: “PRECIOUS” AGGRESSIVELY BLEAK BUT VERY REWARDING
Printer-friendly version By Brian Lafferty December 5, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) is one of the most strong-willed characters I have seen in a long time. She’s pregnant, at sixteen, with her second child by her father. Her mother (Mo’Nique) is both physically and psychologically abusive, calling her mean names and always bringing her down. She’s illiterate. She’s harassed at school and on the street. She enrolls in an alternative school and the other students are initially mean-spirited. In her mind, the world is unfair and cruel, with very few people on her side. This movie is one of the most aggressively depressing films I have seen in years. For every glimmer of hope for Precious, there is a major setback. However, she refuses to give up easily and this is why the film works. She slogs through this terrible life with a straight face that shows no emotion. She gives us an insight into what she’s thinking with narration that gives us a bleak, yet hopeful picture. She refuses to be intimidated, even when her mother belittles her and hurls a television set at her and her newborn son. When things get rough for her, including being raped by her own father, she retreats into a fantasy world where she’s loved and adored. Visually speaking, the film is relentlessly gritty. The cinematography gives an honest glimpse of the streets of Harlem, where the buildings are ratty and the indoors are dark to the point where it is sometimes hard to see. There is no room for glamor. The actors look like normal people instead of looking beautiful with the help of high-profile make-up artists and costume designers. The exceptions are the fantasy sequences. These scenes contain saturated colors, brightness, and the actors are made up and dressed well. They also provide a balance between the real, gritty world and the ideal life Precious seeks. In addition to the courageous performance by first time actress Sidibe, the supporting actors have plenty of moments to shine. Director Lee Daniels boldly goes against type by casting singers and comedians against type and it pays off. Mo’Nique, who is better known for making people laugh, is relentlessly and aggressively cruel. She’d rather sit at home and watch The $100,000 Pyramid than pursue a job and take care of her daughter. Mariah Carey gives a strong performance as the caring, no-nonsense welfare worker. Despite its aggressively depressing nature, with scenes that will no doubt cause many gasps in the audience, Precious offers hope, albeit in a very subtle manner. This movie is at times hard to take but in the end it’s a very rewarding experience. A Lionsgate release. Director: Lee Daniels. Screenplay: Geoffrey Fletcher, based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. Original Music: Mario Grigorov. Cinematography: Andrew Dunn. Cast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, and Lenny Kravitz. Runtime: 110 minutes. Rated R. Brian Lafferty welcomes letters at brian@eastcountymagazine.org. You can also follow him on Twitter: @BrianLaff. Printer-friendly version
HEAVY SNOW FORECAST FOR EAST COUNTY MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly version SNOW LEVEL COULD BLANKET AREAS DOWN TO 4,000 FEET By Miriam Raftery December 4, 2009 (San Diego) – A white Christmas appears likely for San Diego’s mountain communities. Wet weather is forecast for Southern California next week, with heavy snowfall possible in mountain areas from a series of storms, the National Weather Service predicts. The first storm system is predicted to bring rain, wind and show to the region from Sunday night through early Tuesday. This will be a cold storm that originated in Canada and will likely bring snow levels to 4,000 feet or lower. Heavy snow is possible in the mountains with a foot or more at higher elevations. An inch of rain is forecast for lower elevations. A second storm is on track to hit our region Wednesday night and is expected to bring moisture from the tropical West Pacific. The second storm could bring widespread heavy rain and more snow, though at much higher elevations. Boaters are warned of large surf and dangerous boating conditions. Check road conditions before driving in mountain areas during or after a snowstorm, since chains may be required and roads closed in some areas. To view a "snow day" gallery taken last winter following a snowstorm in East County’s mountains, visit http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/339_snow_day_photo_gallery. To read our editor’s "Snow Day" essay, see http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/340_winter_wonderland. Printer-friendly version