By Miriam Raftery, Editor
 
December 27, 2009 – We’ve made our list and checked it twice, finding out who’s been naughty or nice. Below is our list of “naughty newsmakers” who made headlines for antics that were seamy, steamy, or just plain unseemly. Some of these folks from San Diego’s eastern region accomplished good deeds in their careers before finding themselves in hot water, making one wonder: just what were they thinking? For those who made this year’s “naughty” list—from Tiger Woods’ mistress to ethically challenged politicians to a dethroned beauty queen--we couldn’t resist also offering some good-spirited advice for New Year’s resolutions.

By Miriam Raftery

November 4, 2009 (San Diego) – A settlement agreement has been reached in two lawsuits between pageant officials and Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in EL Cajon who lost her Miss California USA crown. The website TMZ claimed that revelation of a sex video made by Prejean prompted a hasty settlement.

June 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, has been dethroned as Miss California USA. Her turbulent reign, which weathered revelations of topless photos and a controversy over her statements opposing gay marriage, came to an end over the beauty queen’s alleged refusal to honor commitments for public appearances on behalf of the pageant. Her saga sparked controversy both locally and nationally. Here in East County and San Diego, community leaders say the Prejean controversy raises issues not only about her conduct, but about the conduct of pageant officials—and pressures imposed on teen beauty contestants.