HEALTHY COOKING WITH CHEF BERNARD: DEC. 13 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionDec. 3, 2010 (La Mesa)– Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver of the Marine Room team up with Sharp HealthCare’s Registered Dietitian Candy Cumming for a live cooking demonstration in La Mesa–along with a discussion on how carbohydrate content of foods can affect your blood sugar. The famed chefs will share cooking techniques, healthy recipes and information about fresh seasonal ingredients. The award-winning chefs are the authors of the acclaimed cookbook, Flying Pans: Two Chefs, One World. This event takes place on Monday, Dec. 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Main Auditorium, 5555 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, 91942. Space is limited, so register now. The event is free to the public. Please register at 1-800-82 SHARP (1-800-827-4277), or visit www.sharp.com/grossmont. Printer-friendly version
HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 3, 2010 (San Diego) – A new program is proving effective at helping chronically homeless people in San Diego County find permanent homes, get medical care and other support services needed to rebuild their lives. Facilitated by United Way of San Diego County, the San Diego County Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (PTECH) has found permanent homes for 177 chronically homeless San Diegans in the past 17 months, including people in East County–and actually saved taxpayers money. The program is based on a proven “housing first” model, which provides affordable housing while simultaneously providing supportive services including medical care, counseling, and more. Studies have shown that a small percentage of homeless people have accounted for a high amount of emergency medical services in the past. The PTECH program has already saved over $700,000 in city and public services. “Together, we are able to aid this vulnerable population, while benefitting the community at large, both socially and economically,” said Brian Maienschein, commissioner of PTECH and a former San Diego Councilman. Mainschein told East County Magazine that it’s important to address the needs of homeless people countywide, including the growing number in East County. Many of the homeless have disabling conditions. Over 30 percent have a mental disability, Home Again reports. Some have medical disabilities such as diabetes or illnesses which left untreated, resulted in emergency care or in some cases, death. More than 60 homeless people have died on streets of San Diego in the past year. A substantial number of homeless people also have alcohol or substance abuse issues. Many are veterans, including some disabled veterans from the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In San Diego, about 25% are farm workers and day laborers forced to choose between paying for food or shelter. There are an estimated 7,800 to 10,000 homeless people in San Diego County—and nearly one in four are chronically homeless (continuously homeless for a year or without shelter four or more times in the past three years). About 10% of the County’s homelesse are in East County, according to the Regional Task Force on the Homeless. Another 15% are in the northeast inland region. Homeless counts for East County and inland cities found 483 in El Cajon, of whom only 129 had shelter of any sort. Lemon Grove, La Mesa and Santee have 99, 26, and 15 homeless individuals—and none have shelter. In the unincorporated areas of the County, a count was only done in Lakeside and spring Valley, which had 144 and 284 homeless people respectively—none with shelter. The City of San Diego has the lion’s share of homeless (4597) of whom 2484 had shelter when the annual homeless count was conducted. Among inland cities in the northeast section of the county, Escondido has 741 homeless (455 sheltered) while Poway has 33, none sheltered. In June 2009, PTECH distributed nearly $800,000 raised by the United Way to four local groups, then distributed another $427,000 in June 2010. Grant recipients to date include the Crisis House in El Cajon, Alpha Project, San Diego Rescue Mission, and Townspeople. Crisis House’s Regional Access Center met with 455 chronically homeless people and housed 37 from June 2009 through October 2010, providing access to emergency food, supplies, phone, mail and legal assistance, as well as motel vouchers, transitional housing programs, and referrals for medical care and community resources. San Diego Rescue Mission’s Recuperative Care Program helped 141 homeless people recover from acute illnesses or injuries during the same time period, saving over 1,000 acute inpatient days at Scripps. Over 50 chronically homeless people have progressed from this program to permanent housing. Alpha Project has helped 85 chronicalyl homeless individuals secure permanent housing and provided over 600 counseling sessions and medical services to over 300 patients. The goal was to outreach to at least 300 people a month; in September, Alpha Project reached 700 people. Townspeople’s program has helped five chronically homeless individuals obtain supportive and affordable housing and participate in a recovery program, abstaining from alcohol or other substance abuse for at least six months. At a press conference earlier this month held at the United Way, several speakers addressed the homelessness issue including United Way president Doug Sawyer, Alpha Project CEO Bob McElroy, and Herb Johnson, president/CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission. McElroy discussed the plight of one chronically homeless man who finally received a home of his own for the first time in many years. “You should have seen his face,” he said, adding that the man was also motivated to reestablish contact with his family. Printer-friendly version
DRIVER EVADES POLICE IN HIGH-SPEED CHASE THROUGH LA MESA
Printer-friendly version December 3, 2010 (La Mesa)– La Mesa Police were involved in a vehicle pursuit through La Mesa. An officer attempted to stop a black BMW for running a red light at the intersection of University Avenue and Allison Avenue at 8:20 last night. When the officer initiated his emergency lights and siren, in an attempt to stop the vehicle, the driver fled. The pursuit traveled through La Mesa where the suspect ran red lights and traveled at high speeds. The pursuit ended in the 9400 block of Mesa Vista Drive when the driver stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. El Cajon Police K-9 officers and the San Diego County Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter assisted in a search for the suspect. The suspect was not located. There were no injuries or collisions associated with this incident. Printer-friendly version
HOLIDAY IN THE GARDEN LIGHTS UP NIGHT AT WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN DEC. 3 & 4
Printer-friendly version December 3, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)–The public is invited to enjoy holiday-merry making at The Water Conservation Garden’s third annual ‘Holiday in the Garden’ event. The five-acre water-saving garden will be illuminated with thousands of energy-saving lights, courtesy of SDG&E. The glow of holiday lights will make an enchanting backdrop as visitors stroll the grounds and enjoy activities including a holiday marketplace, cookie decorating and craft-making for kids, photos with Father Nature, music, seasonal tamales and warm holiday punch. On Friday night, the Poway 4-H Club will host a holiday petting corral where adults and children can get close up to goats, bunnies and other 4-H farm animals. While on the grounds, visitors can view The Garden’s exhibits which offer tips for saving up to 70% of the amount of water used in home landscapes, against the glow of LED holiday lights that offer up to a 90% energy savings compared to incandescent lights. The event is also a drop off point for canned goods for the San Diego Food Bank’s Holiday Food Drive. Anyone 13 years or older that brings in at least 2 canned goods for the food drive receives $1 off admission. COST: $3 General Admission, Garden Members & Kids 12 and Under Free. Free Parking. Some kids’ activities $1. Bring in 2 canned goods for San Diego Food Bank Holiday Food Drive and Save $1 off admission. One discount per person. WHEN: Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, 5:30-8:00pm WHERE: Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, El Cajon, CA 92019 For more information on Holiday in the Garden or The Water Conservation Garden, please contact Elizabeth Ramos at Elizabeth@thegarden.com or directly at (619) 985-8337. Printer-friendly version
HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS: LAKESIDE’S SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ON MAINE DEC. 4
Printer-friendly version December 3, 2010 (Lakeside) –Santa Claus is coming to town, arriving in Lakeside for the 12th annual Spirit of Christmas on Maine Avenue this Saturday, December 4th, Festivities will be held from 1 to 6 p.m., with a community tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce invites you and your family to visit with Santa and enjoy holiday music, a petting zoo, hay rides, jump area for kids, games, a Blackhawk helicopter, Christmas shopping, food, and entertainment. This year’s event also includes a toy and food drive; guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item to share. This year’s tree lighting will be dedicated to Mr. Brown, El Capitan’s Band Director. “Mr. Brown was a great supporter of the Lakeside Community and always helped us celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with music from the El Capitan Marching Band,” states a press release from the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce. Printer-friendly version
JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR GANG STABBING
Printer-friendly version December 3, 2010 (San Diego) – Two 16-year-olds have been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon following the stabbing of a 22-year-old woman in the Colina Del Sol neighborhood last night around 10:38 p.m. Additional suspects have been identified and are currently being sought by police. According to San Diego Police, a group of Hispanic male juveniles attacked a group of Hispanic females in the 20s in the 5005 block of Trojan Avenue, which is located south of El Cajon Blvd. near 50th Street . The women ran home, however one suffered a stab wound to her abdomen and was taken to a hospital. The injury is considered non-life-threatening. Printer-friendly version
RUSSIAN-THEMED SETS SHOWCASE NUTCRACKER IN POWAY
Printer-friendly version Alpine artist’s work celebrates Tchaikovsky’s homeland and her own Russian heritage December 3, 2010 (Poway)—Enchanting Russian scenes created by Alpine Artist Catherine Hand, MA, MFA frame Southern California Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker on December 4, at 1:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. Inspired by her mother’s legacy and her own travel in Russia, Hand designed backdrops rich in Russian art and architecture for SCB’s performance. Russian-themed sets are rare among Nutcracker productions. “My mother was born in the Ukraine and escaped to Canada when the Jews were driven out. In her twenties she was sent as an emissary to Russia to study labor organizing. She brought back with her an ebony lacquer box with a beautiful painting of a troika (a horse-drawn Russian carriage). Of all my mother’s things, this oval antique box is my most treasured possession," Hand recalled. “In 1976, I traveled to Russia myself with a group of dancers. I grew up fearing the Soviet Union and was taught to see Red Square as the symbol of communism and the threat of nuclear war, but when I got to Moscow and saw that fairy tale fantasy world of gorgeous fanciful architecture, it left an indelible impression on me of a time of storytelling, poetry and romance." “Twenty years later . . . Sylvia and Mark Zetler commissioned me to design the Nutcracker [for the Southern California Ballet production (then Southern California Youth Ballet). [They] gave me the opportunity . . . to transform that [childhood] symbol of fear into a child’s fantasy. “I changed the walls of Red Square into strawberry shortcake. The Russian dachas (country cottages) became gingerbread houses dripping with icing. The onion domes were painted like crystalline candy-coated confections, the pillars, candy canes of exotic marzipan colors.” Hand even managed to include a subtle reference to former president Ronald Reagan’s famous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Since Reagan loved jelly beans, she filled one scene with a swirling cotton candy sky and flying jelly beans of all colors. “This was my vision of the sweet peace that I hoped to see in my lifetime,” Hand commented. The Nutcracker is a great way to introduce children to ballet and the world of theatre. At the Southern California Ballet’s production, children go backstage following each performance, where they can see the sets up close and meet the performers. With sets to delight a child’s whimsy, the beauty of the music and movement, plus ticket prices well below the average, this one-day-only holiday performance is perfect for families. Since only two performances are scheduled, the tickets will sell out early. Priced at $15, $21, and $28 each, they will go on sale soon through the box office of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 858-748-0505, or online at www.powaycenter.com. Southern California Ballet (www.scyballet.org) is a non-profit performing entity in residence at Black Mountain Dance Centre (www.bmdance.com). SCB is dedicated to the development of strong dance artists through training by a renowned staff of instructors credentialed in the International Cecchetti Ballet Method. Printer-friendly version
SANTA TO LEAD BICYCLE TOY DRIVE TO KROC CENTER
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Santa Claus will soon be getting some exercise. Instead of riding in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, Santa will utilize pedal power as he leads over150 bicyclists in the San Diego Bicycle Club’s 23rd annual “Light up a Life” holiday toy drive on December 11th. The group will deliver canned food, toys and gifts to assist in The Salvation Army’s Toy and Joy Christmas Program. The caravan leaves La Jolla at 8:45 a.m. (departing from the UC Cyclery at La Jolla Village Square) and will reach the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 6845 University Avenue in Roland around 10:30 a.m. Toys will be donated to benefit needy families in our community. Printer-friendly version
ELDERLY DRIVER INJURES THREE STUDENTS FROM MOUNT MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2010 (Spring Valley) — San Miguel Firefighters responded in force to a multi-casualty accident which injured a driver and three Mount Miguel High School students who were walking home from school just after 3 p.m. today. A section of Sweetwater Road was shut down, allowing Mercy Air to transport the most seriously injured student, according to Leonard Villareal, spokesman for San Miguel Fire. he accident occurred near Sweetwater Road and Ildica.Tccording to investigators, a 72-year old man lost control of his vehicle went off the road, snapping a power pole before hitting the three students. Rescue crews attended to the injured while part of the utility pole dangled in the air. Several residents in the area lost electricity. While serious, none of the injuries appeared life threatening. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Printer-friendly version
SANTEE MAN, BRYSON LUKACIK, MISSING FROM BIG BEAR VACATION AFTER POSSIBLE HEAD INJURY
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2010 (Santee) – Santee resident Bryson Lukacik, 22, walked out of a vacation cabin at Big Bear shortly after midnight early on Saturday morning, November 27th. He told family members that he had fallen from a chairlift while snowboarding on Friday. The temperature was below freezing and a foot of snow was on the ground when he stepped out into the night. He hasn’t been seen since. Lukacik, a graduate of El Capitan High School, is bipolar and does not have his medication with him. He was staying in the cabin with his father, Joe Lukacik, and his father’s girlfriend. The senior Lukacik said he heard a door open and went out looking for his son, but was unable to find him, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Authorities believe that Lukacik left home on foot and was walking on Balsam Drive toward Bear Mountain. He was last seen wearing a blue pull-over sweater with Mickey Mouse on the front, jeans, black gloves, and blue shoes. Family members believe he may have suffered a head injury and is possibly trying to return home to Santee. The Union-Tribune reports that a bus driver said someone who may have been Lukacik took the bus and got off at a Greyhound station in San Bernadino. Sheriff’s deputies at Big Bear conducted a door-to-door search of cabins and also checked area hotels, businesses and hospitals. A search and rescue team and a helicopter also helped search the area. In addition, community volunteers are assisting in search efforts. Lukacik’s father told Rim of the World News that he was thankful for the support he’s gotten from Big Bear Lake residents following his son’s disappearance. "I’ve never seen anything like it," he said. "I can’t believe how much they have helped doing everything from handing out fliers to assisting in the ongoing search. Thank you." According to the Rim of the World News report, the senior Lukacik arranged to have six search and rescue dogs from San Diego join the search for his son. Bryson Lukacik is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. According to the San Bernadino Sun, he has a tattoo on his chest that reads “Forever Forgiven.” If you have information on his whereabouts, call the Big Bear Substation of the San Bernadino Sheriff’s Department at 909-866-0100. Printer-friendly version