ARSON SUSPECTED IN KINGDOM HALL FIRE
Arson is suspected in a fire that was reported at the Kingdom Hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 2035 Adams Ave. on Dec. 20 at 11:55 p.m. Reports stated smoke was coming from the front door and San Diego Fire and Rescue and investigators were called to the scene. Lee Swanson, public information officer for San Diego Fire and Rescue said the fire is believed to be a cover up for a burglary or burglary attempt, according to notes given to him by dispatchers, investigators and the Incident Commander. Investigators identified several places in which a fire was set, and early reports estimate $50,000 in property damage along with $25,000 in missing content.

SCRIPPS AND SHARP HOSPITALS SETTLE MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL SUIT
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced on Dec. 7 that her office settled two separate civil lawsuits against Scripps Health and Sharp Memorial hospitals for improperly handling, transporting and storing medical waste at their facilities and at a City of San Diego landfill. County Department of Environmental Health officials found multiple violations of the State Medical Waste Management Act and Hazardous Waste Control Act during various inspections of Scripps Health and Sharp Memorial Hospital facilities and the Miramar Landfill. Both hospitals have agreed to adhere to proper waste disposal practices and to engage in additional projects to benefit the environment.

UPGRADE YOUR HOME, EARN REBATES
With thousands of dollars in incentives and rebates currently available, Senator Christine Kehoe encourages homeowners to think about an energy upgrade. By using a “whole house” approach, the California Energy Commission (CEC) can help reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency and lower utility bills. Examples of energy upgrades include energy saving dual pane windows, insulation and air sealing, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Depending on the upgrades you choose, you could save 10-40 percent on energy costs and be eligible for up to $4,000 in rebates. For more information, visit energyupgradeca.org.

TRUE NORTH LAUNCHES BEER OF THE MONTH PROMOTION
True North Tavern, located at 3815 30th St. in North Park, will be highlighting different microbreweries every month with its “Beer of the Month” promotion. As a part of this promotion, True North Tavern will feature one or two standout beers not typically offered on their menu. Patrons are encouraged to sample the Beer of the Month, offered at $3. The two beers featured for December are Coronado Brewing Company’s Orange Avenue Wit and Widmer Brewing’s X-114 IPA.

FAULCONER AND SANDERS UNVEIL OLD TOWN MURAL
The Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Diego held a press conference Dec. 7 to unveil the Gateway Mural located on the underpass of Interstate 5 at the corner of Rosecrans and Jefferson Streets. The Gateway Mural was designed and installed in partnership with Urban Corps of San Diego County to celebrate the area’s historical influences, prominent features, attractions and the people of the surrounding Midway and Old Town communities. “This mural celebrates the great people and rich character of our beach, bay and historic neighborhoods,” said City Council President Pro Tem Kevin Faulconer. “I am proud to have collaborated with Mayor Sanders and local leaders to create a revitalized community gateway that San Diegans and visitors will enjoy for years to come.”

COUNCILMEMBER GLORIA REAPPOINTED TO COMMITTEES
San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria was selected by his colleagues on Dec. 12 to chair the Budget and Finance Committee in 2012. He served as chair in 2011 and led the Land Use and Housing Committee in 2009 and 2010.
His Council colleagues also reaffirmed Councilmember Gloria as Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Redevelopment. Though the State legislature ended redevelopment this year, the California Supreme Court is currently considering the legality of that move. The continuation of the Ad Hoc Committee will allow the City to be well positioned should the Court reinstate redevelopment.
Councilmember Gloria will also maintain his involvement in both the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the Metropolitan Transit System.

SOHO SEEKS HELP WITH AGUA CALIENTE SIGN
Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) is asking for help in a time-sensitive matter regarding the historic Agua Caliente sign in downtown San Diego painted on the California Theatre. The Historical Resources Board (HRB) staff made the decision to allow a beer advertiser to paint over the original Caliente artwork with a new beer ad. They are asking citizens to write the Mayor and City Council, requesting them to intervene to rescind the decision made and that this item be properly reviewed and marked for consideration as a historic and cultural resource. For more information, visit sohosandiego.org/main/mayor_hrb_city_all.htm

REUBEN H. FLEET SCIENCE CENTER TO HOST WINTER CAMPS
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center will be hosting their “Tinkering Studio” Winter Camps on Dec. 26 – 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For grades 1- 2 and 3-4, participants may sign up for a single day or enroll for the whole week. Registration is $40 per day for members, and $45 per day for non-members. The “Tinkering Studio” enables students and families to explore new materials, investigate new technologies and build new creations. They are encouraged to engage in inquiry, the scientific process of asking and answering questions. For more information, visit rhfleet.org.

SOHO ACQUIRES 1884 SANTA YSABEL GENERAL STORE
Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) recently announced the purchase of the 1884 Santa Ysabel General Store. Located at 30275 Highway 78, the store was purchased for $294,000. SOHO says the iconic building is the most important site left of the 19th century town site of Santa Ysabel. Having been vacant for the last few years, the first priority is to clean the building. Anyone wishing to be a part of a work party sometime in January can email SOHO to get on the volunteer list. The plan is for SOHO to operate the site together with several land conservancy organizations as a Nature Interpretive Center, Mercantile and Visitor Center.

LOOK AND LISTEN PRESENTS YEAR-ROUND ENTERTAINMENT
The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announced its first year-round performing arts series titled Look & Listen. Look & Listen: Performing Arts Series programming is dedicated to connecting the community to cultural experiences through music, theatre, comedy, dance and the collaborative arts. Some of the headliners include comedian Judy Gold and a Piano Concert with Ory Shihor. Ticket prices vary based on the event and unless otherwise noted, will take place at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre located at 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (858) 362 – 1348 or visit lfjcc.org.

GAS LEAK IN UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CONTAINED
During construction at 4547 Utah St. in University Heights, crews struck a San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) natural gas line, causing a leak that required the evacuation of several residents. The leak was reported at approximately 10 a.m. on Dec. 19. Soon after, SDG&E crews were on site to fix the line and San Diego Fire and Rescue evacuated nearby residents. It took approximately one hour for the line to be fixed and residents to return home. There were no reported injuries or gas outages.

C. ARNHOLT SMITH ESTATE UP FOR SALE
On Dec. 21, Jeanette Amen with Prudential California Realty listed the C. Arnholt Smith Estate as a Real Estate Owned (REO) Property for purchase. It sold for $3,275,000 in 2006 and is currently listed at $1,800,000. Amen said, “Since the home has a historic designation, property taxes are reported as $6,858 per year.” The home is a Monterey Colonial-style, approximately 5,533 square feet on an over half-acre lot. It’s located on a private road in Mission Hills above Old Town with panoramic views.

HILLCREST BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES “ANNUAL GIVING” CAMPAIGN
This holiday season the Hillcrest Farmers Market is hosting it’s first “Annual Giving” campaign where you can purchase raffle tickets that enter you in a chance to win a year’s worth of gift certificates to the farmers market. All the raffle money goes towards Mama’s Kitchen. Individual tickets can be purchased for $2 or three raffle tickets for $5. Mama’s Kitchen is a non-profit charitable organization that delivers food and support to San Diegans affected by HIV, AIDS or cancer. With a $5 raffle purchase you’ll get a free Hillcrest Farmers Market recyclable tote bag. Tickets can be purchased at the Info Booth.