Santa gears up to help local families in need The 2012 Operation Santa program is officially in effect. The college-student-run holiday donation drive — chaired this year by UCSD students Kelly Wong, Connie Tran, Joyce Hsiao and Michelle Cao — will be assisting San Diego families in need throughout the season to ensure as many families as possible fulfill their holiday wish lists. Hosted by community-service organization Alpha Phi Omega, Operation Santa helps families through a nomination and “adoption” program, wherein families either nominate themselves or are referred by a friend on the organization’s website, operationsantasd-.org. Families are then “adopted” by members of the community or by Alpha Phi Omega, and wish lists — which typically consist of necessities, food and children’s toys — are fulfilled and delivered to each family. Last year, the organization set a record by helping 132 local families. Families must be nominated by midnight on Nov. 11. For more information about how to nominate families, to become a community adopter or for other ways to help, visit operationsantasd.org. This Halloween, don’t forget your teeth One La Jolla dentist is asking trick-or-treaters to put their money where their mouth is this Halloween. Dr. Charles Briscoe is reviving his annual Cash for Candy event following the sweets-filled holiday. In an effort to slow down sugar consumption and the resultant tooth decay, Briscoe and the staff at La Jolla Dental Care will offer children the chance to trade in the candy they collect in turn they will receive $1 per pound of candy, as well as an electric glowing toothbrush. Candy will be collected at 7737 Herschel Ave. the day after Halloween only (Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Children must be accompanied by a parent, and the candy must be unopened. It will then be shipped to troops overseas via Operation Gratitude. For more information, call (858) 454-3221, or visit www.lajolladen-tal.com.