6 Cool Ways to Celebrate the New Year

We promise: there's not an ugly holiday sweater in sight.

10 Can't Miss Day Trips You Should Take in 2014

Visit these hot spots across America next year.

Best Maps of 2013: Where Are the Richest Parts of Town?

The map below shows the median income in blocks across your neighborhood as reported by the US Census Bureau.

The Seven Most Inspiring Stories in Southern California in 2013

From an abused foster child headed to UC Berkeley, to health tips from the world's oldest person, to a 9-year-old computer whiz, these were Patch's most-read stories over the past year about inspiring people in Southern California.

5 Things to Know: Minimum Wage Increase and Year-End Tax Breaks

Here are some interesting and important things to know for the coming week.

Historic Day Trips in the San Diego Area

Give your kids a fun, hands-on learning experience at these San Diego-area historic sites.

1966: The Ant's Ankles

News from the last edition of 1966 when the Lemon Grove Review surpassed even its own standards for idiosyncratic, often hilarious, and frequently unusual news from the home of the Big Lemon

MONDAY ESSENTIALS: Make and Keep Your New Year Resolutions

Want to lose weight? Get fit? Quit smoking? Check out some tips on how to start and how to stick with it.

Some San Diego Airport Travelers Skip Security Line With TSA-Pre

Lindbergh Field was one of 60 airports to recently receive TSA-Pre, an expedited airport security screening program.

Is Pope Francis Too Radical for American Politics?

As Pope Francis gains admirers, he simultaneously alienates some American Catholics and Catholic allies.

Best Maps of 2013: What Section of Town Has the Most Carpoolers

The map below is a snapshot of what section of town has the most carpoolers.

Katy Perry and Penguins: 5 Best Feel Good Patch Stories of 2013

Here's five of our favorite ‘feel good’ stories of 2013.

Ten Most-Read Stories on Southern California Patch Sites in 2013

From a kidnapper's autopsy, to a couple's 17th child, to a brother-in-law's prophetic sermon, these 10 stories on Southern California Patch websites were the most read in 2013.

Best Maps of 2013: Where Are the Homes Just Under $200K?

The map below shows percentage of owner-occupied homes valued between $150,000 and $199,999 in your neighborhood, as reported by the US Census Bureau.

Letting Kids Stay Up Til Midnight on New Year’s Eve

An explanation of why I’ve decided to let my daughters ring in the new year.

Budget-Friendly Day Trips Near San Diego

Explore the outdoors, learn about California's history, enjoy a local street fair and find much more at these budget-friendly day trips for people of all ages.

5 Things to Know: Increase in Stamp Prices, Healthcare.gov Deadline Extension

Here are some interesting and important things to know for the coming week.

10 Fun News Year's Facts and Traditions

Here are some interesting tidbits about the upcoming holiday.

10 Money-Saving New Year's Resolutions for 2014

These promises are easy to keep—and a boon for your bank account.

A Food Bank’s New Year’s Resolution

Santa Ana Winds Make for Sunny Christmas But Add to Fire Danger

The weather maybe pleasant but it brings with it the danger of fire.G

From “Cronut” To “Selfie,” NYT’s 2013 Words Of The Year

San Diego lexicographer Grant Barrett adds more than 30 words to the Words of the Year list, including twerk, glasshole, vape and catfish.

CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES: Check Out What's Coming Out and When it Starts

Looking for some entertainment this holiday? Here is what's playing on the big screen.

Community Update

An American Family: New Art Exhibit

Annual Valentine Tea

Art Talk with Kathleen Strzelecki

"History Alive" Series Continues

Student Artworks on Display at Mission Trails Regional Center

Art teachers from the Grossmont Union High School District hand selected the student pieces on exhibit.

New Gen X Moms in Town: Best Data Maps of 2013

Are you a new mom with an old Lemonheads t-shirt? The map below shows where you can find other new moms of your generation.

12 Delicious and Surprising Holiday Side Dishes

These sides will take center stage at the holiday table.

Christmas Dinner SOS: How to Save Your Holiday Dishes

Simple tips for making sure all your hard work in the kitchen doesn't go to waste.

10 Weird Facts About Christmas Foods

Here are some fun and weird facts about Christmas foods that might have you rethinking your own holiday menu and traditions.

Top 10 'Dangerous Toys' for Christmas

Before you wrap it up, look it up.

Christmas Eve Service & Cinnamon Rolls

Photo Gallery: The Most Festive and Wacky Gingerbread Houses

From an entire gingerbread village to a life-sized gingerbread house, these sweet and festive creations are the perfect addition to the holiday season.

This Trick Will Save Your Holiday Fruit Pie

A pie bird will prevent your pies from getting soggy.

Wind Advisory in Effect for Area

A wind advisory went into effect early today for the valleys and mountains of San Diego County.

Travel Tips if You're Leaving San Diego for the Christmas Holidays

As you prepare for holiday travel, arrive early at Lindbergh Field, watch for the new upper-level roadway at Terminal 2 and be aware that the California Highway Patrol will be on maximum enforcement.

Unique Holiday Dessert Recipes

Spice up your holiday dessert spread with these creative dishes.