Nixing Alcohol Permits, Girl Escapes Abduction Attempt, and Britney vs. Lindsay

At Mount Helix Patch, we know that in your busy lives there may be some stories that you can't read about the day they happen. With the "Week That Was" column, we'll provide a roundup of the most important stories of the week.

It was a news-heavy week in Spring Valley, Casa de Oro and Mt. Helix. We start off with the story of the Spring Valley Planning Group denying alcohol upgrade permits to three local markets: Circle Market, Kenwood Market, and Park Market.

A man is recovering from four gun shot wounds, sustained last week after he refused to give up his wallet to would-be robbers. The men reportedly chased the man before gunning him down on Helix Street. The victim is expected to make a full recovery.

A 12-year old girl fought off two men who approached her while she was walking to school. One of the men reportedly grabbed the girl by the backpack and tried to pull her into their vehicle, but she broke free and ran to , where school officials contacted the authorities.

John Cahan, 39, the Spring Valley man who was arrested on Dec. 26 for attacking his father with a samurai sword in their home on Terraspiro Avenue, will have to stand trial for the attack, said a judge during his preliminary hearing last week. Cahan is charged with assault, elder abuse causing injury and first-degree burglary.

A touching story emerged from Helix High School last week, as many of the school's special ed students participated in a Special Olympics event. Great photos and video from freelancer Chris Stone.

There's been lots of feedback about Mount Helix Patch's restaurant reviewer Glenn Grant's less-than-flattering review of a community landmark steakhouse. Grant offers the restaurant management some constructive criticism on how to bring back to its former glory.

Family Friend columnist Genevieve Suzuki offered her opinion on the similarities and differences between the downfall and rehabilitation efforts of two tabloid starlets: Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears.

As a celebration of Mount Helix Patch's (and all of San Diego County's) military veterans, I attended the popular "Parade of Flight" aviation anniversary event on Saturday aboard the USS Midway Museum. Photographer Don Kohlbauer took some spectacular photos. Check them out here!