Sheriff’s staff collects teddy bears for Children’s Hospital patients
     ALPINE — The Alpine Sheriff’s substation is collecting stuffed animals for the San Diego Children’s Hospital.
     From now until Dec. 12, donations of new teddy bears or other stuffed animals can be made at the substation located at the Alpine Creek Shopping Center.

Alpine Chorale holds holiday concert
     ALPINE — The Alpine Chorale will hold its annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Boulder Oaks Elementary School and the community is invited.
     There is no cost and refreshments will be served. 
For more information one may contact Sheila Cochran at 445-8145.

Festival of Lights to be bigger and better
     CAMPO — Judging for this year’s Lake Morena Festival of Lights will be held Dec. 18 and festivities will include hay rides, live music, a community bonfire, and a full map of decorated homes for the community to enjoy.
     Senator Denise Morena Ducheny, Jonathan M. Hardy and Sherif’s Sgt. Mike Radovich will serve as this year’s judges of best decorated homes/yards and a cash prize made up of entry fees, which are only $5.
     Maps of all houses in the Festival of Lights will be available at most of the convenience stores as soon as they are made, so community members can make their own tours. 
     Lake Morena Community Church will host the bonfire and chili supper and the party can move inside if weather is uncooperative. Hay wagons, singers and judges will load up at 5 p.m. at the new church building, located at Oak Drive and Molchan Road for a ride through the community.
     All area residents are invited enter their decorated houses and yards, so the entire community can enjoy their beauty. To participate, get your house listed by calling John Long at 478 2541.

Coldwell Banker supports Toys for Tots
     ALPINE — Coldwell Banker Premier Properties in Alpine is pleased to be part of the Toys for Tots program for its 15th consecutive year.
     From now until Dec. 22, the Coldwell office, located at 2124 Arnold Way, will serve as an official collection center for toy donations.
     Residents are invited to stop by and contribute a new unwrapped toy for an underprivileged child this season.

Alpine Pony Baseball registration begins
     ALPINE — The Alpine Viejas Pony Baseball league will hold early-bird registration for the 2006 season, beginning Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pony Fields behind Shadows Hills Elementary School.
      Other registrations will be held at the Shadow Hills Auditorium on Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 10 and 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Jan 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pony Field. The registration fee is $175 and include a jersey hat.
     There are open positions for team managers and coaches, as well as the Pony board, and all parents are encouraged to apply.
     For more information, one may call 871-7376 or 886-8621.

Firefighters hold 19th annual toy parade
     EL CAJON — Representatives from Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Heartland Fire Departments, The Salvation Army and Santa Claus himself will hold the 19th Annual Firefighter Toy Parade on Saturday, Dec. 17.
     The toy drive will benefit the East County Toy and Food Drive, San Diego’s largest and oldest toy and food drive. Officials will receive toy donations from the community beginning at 9 a.m. at the Target parking lot at 250 Broadway in El Cajon. The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians will also present a $15,000 check to the East County Toy and Food Drive founder, Stoney Stone.
     A parade of fire engines, loaded with toys and decorations, will travel through the streets of El Cajon beginning at 11 a.m. and finishing at Target parking lot.
     During distribution, parents shop for donated gifts at The Salvation Army’s Toy and Joy shop.