Observer
EAST COUNTY
HOLIDAY ROUNDUP
sports:
MERRY CHRISTMAS! NOTHING From Christmas lights and Santa visits BUT NET
to carolers and acts of giving, we’ve Braden River wins packed this edition full of holiday cheer. key district game. The Observer wishes you a happy holiday. PAGE 17
You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.
SHORT STACK
Thursday, DECEMBER 23, 2010
LIVING NATIVITY
SAFETY
Lakewood CDDs prep for security changes
KUDOS, QUOTABLES AND COMMUNITY
+ McNeal reports snow on campus
Despite the forecast otherwise, McNeal Elementary School reported snow last week. Pre-kindergarten teacher Karen Washington and paraprofessional Francine Bronston had their 12 Wee Wildcats dress up as snowmen to hand out candy canes to the rest of the students.
The Tabernacle has offered its Living Nativity for more than 20 years.
The Savior is Born
Ranch Community Development Districts 1 and 4 will continue with their current security provider as they search for a replacement. By Pam Eubanks | News Editor
Caleb Jordan portrayed Joseph in this year’s Living Nativity.
+ Gullett presents Holiday program
Gullett Elementary School celebrated the holiday season with a special program. Fifth-graders presented the wondrous winter show, which was directed by Tim Hamand.
Whitney Kitchens (Mary) played Baby Jesus in the Living Nativity per- Even Tabernacle children played formance when she was a baby. This year, Jennifer Ellis portrayed Jesus. big roles in the Living Nativity.
+ Harvest shares holiday cheer
Members of Harvest United Methodist Church brought the Christmas spirit to Falkner Farms during the church’s annual Christmas party. Children at the farm enjoyed food, music, games, crafts and more. The church also pre-
An estimated 5,000 people watched the story of Christmas brought to life during the Tabernacle’s annual Living Nativity performances Dec. 16-19. The East County church’s Christmas tradition featured more than 100 cast members, live animals, flying angels and more. — Michael Eng
SHORT STACK / PAGE 2 INDEX Business Directory.................. 23 Classifieds................................ 23 Cops Corner...............................5 Crossword............................... 22 Neighborhood............................7 Sports...................................... 17 Vol. 11, No. 51 One section www.YourObserver.com
The Living Nativity featured dramatic lighting and music. Right: Harry Stenger, Lance Wiegand and Jeff Ashe portrayed three kings.
John King and his son, James, played the innkeeper and the innkeeper’s son.
LAKEWOOD RANCH — Supervisors on two Lakewood Ranch Community Development Districts will continue using their current security providers as they hunt for potential replacements. Lakewood Ranch CDDs 1 and 4 voted Dec. 16 to continue using their existing security provider, Allegiance Security Group, as they better learn what security services residents desire and as they look for potential replacements. In CDD 1, supervisors voted unanimously to enter into an interim contract with Allegiance, extending its services through mid-April, as they solicit bids from other security providers. The board also is considering altering the scope of contract services, as well as whether CDD 1’s security contract should operate independently from CDD 4. Currently, each CDD has a separate contract with Allegiance but shares Allegiance personnel to extend the hours of coverage in both communities. In CDD 2, supervisors vote 3-2 to renew an annual contract with Allegiance Security but included a provision to replace them with 30 days notice. “What this board wants to do is try to take a few steps back and learn what the citizens in our community want for security,” CDD 4 Chairman Michael Griffin said. Supervisors Nancy Johnson and Stacy White, who opposed remaining with Allegiance, instead supported an option to contract with U.S. Security Associates for a three-month period starting in January as the CDD searches for a new security contractor. “Our residents have been very unhappy with Allegiance, wheth-
SEE CDDs / PAGE 2