Lakeside Archway Sign Dedication - Pg 6
AUG 16 - 22, 2019 Vol. 1 No. 29
The East County Community Times
East EastCounty’s Only Photojournalism Publication
5th Annual SMOAC Backpack and School Supplies Distribution Get Your Community Fix! www.ecctimes.com
NEWS In the
PAGE TWO • AUG 16 - 22, 2019
Cuyamaca College Breaking Ground on Ornamental Horticulture Renovation EL CAJON – August 12 - A groundbreaking is being held on August 22 to mark the start of a $16.7 million project that will renovate indoor/outdoor classrooms/facilities and add new greenhouses for Cuyamaca College’s signature Ornamental Horticulture program. “This Proposition V-funded project is a milestone for the campus because of the significance of the program and its link to the history of Cuyamaca College,” President Julianna Barnes said in reference to the $398 million construction bond measure passed by East County voters in 2012 to improve and add facilities at Cuyamaca and Grossmont Colleges. “Ornamental Horticulture has a storied past at our college and it is long overdue for a renovation. With the modernizing of facilities, and the new greenhouses in particular, students have a lot to be excited about.” As one of the original programs started at Cuyamaca College in 1980, Ornamental Horticulture is a cornerstone program that’s produced thousands of graduates who have gone on to jobs such as landscape architects, turf managers, and even a host of TV landscaping shows – Sara Bendrick of two TV DIY network series, “I Hate my Yard,” and “Lawn & Order.” The two-year program offers nine degrees and certificates in arboriculture, floral design, golf course and sports turf management; irrigation technology; landscape design; landscape technology; nursery technology; sustainable urban landscapes; and
basic ornamental horticulture. With the renovation slated for completion in fall 2020, the program’s students will see updated facilities, well-equipped greenhouses, an outdoor instructional area, expanded retail space and much-needed storage space. About 10,000 square feet of usable space will be added with the renovation. The project includes gutting and renovating Building M to accommodate a design lab, a wet lab and lab prep room on one end, and a classroom on the other. Two new greenhouses will replace an aging, smaller one. A separate retail shop will be added and equipped with a cooler large enough to store flowers and delicate arrangements created in the floral design program. “Renovating the aging facility will mean major upgrades to the program,” said Program Coordinator Leah Rottke. “The main advantage of the renovation is that we will be able to provide students an experience that closely reflects the industry.” Rottke noted that the existing greenhouse is outmoded and has an east to west orientation instead of north to south to benefit most from the sun’s exposure. The new greenhouses will have environmental control features to improve plant life and an irrigation system connected to a central computer that will more accurately measure water usage and forecast needs. “We are a career technical education discipline and we strive to help students get jobs, so it is very important that we are able to replicate what’s currently
used in industry,” she said. Rottke said the new greenhouses and retail space will be a big boost to the program’s retail nursery. Proceeds from nursery sales fund scholarships and pay for class trips outside of the region such as to the Huntington Botanical Garden and the Living Desert Gardens in Palm Desert. The program makes about 25% of its annual plant sales at the popular Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, now in its 27th year. About 30,000 plants, including vegetables, herbs, California native plants, a vast array of annuals and perennial flowering plants, as well as trees and shrubs, are sold annually. The program will also be able to bring back its poinsettia sales, thanks to the new greenhouses. The sales were halted two years ago because the program lacked the space to grow the holiday perennial. In addition to the Ornamental Horticulture Complex and Building M Renovation, Cuyamaca College’s other major Prop V projects include a Student Services and Administration Building and improvements to the Student Center and Veteran Services Center. Major projects for Grossmont College include a Performing and Visual Arts Center, scheduled to be completed this fall, and a Science, Math and Career Tech Complex. Della Elliott/Communications Office/GrossmontCuyamaca Community College District.
Santee Seeks Input for Branding Research Process The City of Santee has partnered with North Star Destination Strategies to develop a “Brand” for our community. This brand will help the City market the area to visitors, residents and businesses in the year 2020 and beyond. According to North Star Founder Don McEachern, at the heart of Santee’s brand will be its competitive differentiator -in other words, what makes the community special so it can stand out in the marketplace. And one of the best places to find that figurative nugget of marketing gold is in the hearts and minds of the people who call Santee home. Toward this end, North Star developed a customized Community-wide Online Survey. The questionnaire has been carefully crafted to determine Santee’s strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate in this important community-wide initiative. The survey can be found on the City’s webpage at www.cityofsanteeca. gov. Surveys can be completed online and submitted electronically. Printed surveys will also be available at Santee City Hall in
the City Clerk’s Office. Surveys must be completed and submitted by September 2. All responses are anonymous. “We have partnered with more than 250 communities across North America, and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of insights gleaned from community members,” stressed McEachern. We encourage everyone to participate and provide input. As Santee Mayor, John Minto, said, “We need to hear from as many people as possible to help us create a positive identity that highlights what is special about our community. It is important for us to celebrate what we love about our community and share it with others. The future is bright in Santee; I sure hope you can see it because I can.” If you are interested in learning more about Santee’s branding initiative, call Santee City Hall at 619-258-4100 ext. 295. To learn more about North Star Destination Strategies, go to www.northstarideas.com. Jon Shellhammer/Special Events Coordinator, City of Santee.
On The Cover Santee – Sunday, August 18 – SMOAC held their Annual Backpack & School Supply Event at the Santee Branch of the San Diego County Library. Buddy Rabaya and John Hossick coordinated the event and there were many volunteers to assist students and parents with choosing a backpack filled with school supplies to use for the upcoming school year. Cover: Jay Renard Cover design: Jay Renard / The East Community Times
Times Business
SERVICE DIRECTORY PAGE THREE • AUG 16 - 22, 2019
YOUR AD HERE! Contact Us for Details Times_Publisher@cox.net
COMMUNITY Matters PAGE FOUR • AUG 16 - 22, 2019
Carl DeMaio Returns to Radio with Daily Editorials and On-Demand Podcast
San Diego – August 14 - Radio was good to Carl DeMaio and his reform movement. Over four years, Carl DeMaio built his weekday DeMaio Report radio show on AM-600 into a ratings powerhouse in the southern California market. Now Carl DeMaio is back on the airwaves with daily editorials on the news of the day and an on-demand podcast at DeMaioShow.com now and on other major platforms including Spotify, iHeartradio, iTunes, Spreaker, Amazon Alexa, and the Google Play store over the next few days. “I’ve made the decision to go back on the air because my loyal listeners say they miss our dialogue each day and because I believe Republican candidates need to speak directly to voters without the bias and distortion of the liberal news media,” said DeMaio. When DeMaio announced his campaign for US Congress, Federal Communications Commission equal time regulations required that he step down from his job hosting the DeMaio Report. In this new format, DeMaio is paying for the airtime for his daily editorials and will produce his on-demand podcast using campaign funds. DeMaio says the investment is well worth it.
“I believe in the power of news radio to inform and activate activists,” noted DeMaio. “I will be the first Member of Congress to produce a regular talk show - bringing voters inside the depths of the Washington Swamp to expose what is really going on and what activists can do to help drain that swamp,” said DeMaio. DeMaio has long been known for trying new things in campaigning and says Republicans need to break-the-mold of stale campaigns of the past. In his own campaign for Congress in California’s 50th District, Carl DeMaio broke records for a Republican congressional candidate by raising over $450,000 from grassroots donors in the first 72 hours, with an astounding $250,000 of that coming in the first 24 hours along. More than 5,000 donors contributed just an average of $88.89 each. Showing sustainability, more than 300 grassroots donors contributed twice during the 72 hour period. About Carl DeMaio: At a time when too many politicians cave in on their principles or merely pay lip-service to their constituents, Carl DeMaio is a fighter who takes action for what he believes in. A suc-
100th Anniversary of the Impossible Railroad Santee - Saturday, August 17– The Santee Historical Society hosted an Open House at the Santee Historical Museum. This event featured a special presentation by Reena Deutsch, author of “The Impossible Railroad,” based on her research of the colorful history of John D. Spreckels’ San Diego & Arizona (Eastern) Railway. The railroad, often dubbed the “Impossible Railroad” because of the challenges to build the route through brutal and hostile mountainous terrain, had a branch line through Santee and was the last link in the southern transcontinental rail network. The San Diego & Arizona (Eastern) Railway celebrated its 100th anniversary on August 19. The Santee Historical Society & Museum is open on Tuesdays, 10am-12pm, and on the 3rd Saturday of each month. The museum is located inside the Santee Barn, the city’s oldest building and the last remaining structure of the Edgemoor property. The Santee Historical Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing local history. Photos by Jay Renard, text by Sandy Renard/Community Times More Photos
cessful businessman, DeMaio founded his first company by age 24, his second by age 29, and sold both by age 33. Since then, he has hosted a popular news/ talk radio show on NewsRadio 600 KOGO, and founded Reform California – a grassroots campaign advocacy organization for government accountability and has blocked over $3 billion in tax hikes. Now Carl DeMaio is running for U.S. Congress with a plan to shake it up by advancing a bold, fresh Reform Agenda and recruiting other principled reformers to run for office. For more information on DeMaio’s candidacy, visit CarlDemaio.com Dave McCulloch/dave@capitolmediapartners.com
Cuyamaca College Receives National Recognition for Developmental Education Reforms El Cajon – August 12 - Cuyamaca College’s efforts to transform the way that students are taught Math, English, and English as a Second Language have been recognized by a national organization that promotes Latino success in higher education. The Rancho San Diego college was the only California community college selected as a finalist for the 2019 ‘Examples of Excelencia,’ a national recognition for programs advancing opportunity for Latinx students in higher education. Sixteen finalists were selected from a field of more than 166 nominated programs from 32 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Winners in four categories will be selected by Excelencia in Education at their annual ‘Celebración de Excelencia’ event on October 24 in Washington, DC. “Cuyamaca College opened the door to education’s promise for all students – including disproportionately impacted Latinx students,” said Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes. Cuyamaca College was the first community college in California to scale its develop-
mental reform efforts. The college eliminated remedial courses in math, English, and English as a Second Language, adopted changes to course placement policies, and provided support to students who needed it when placed into a transfer-level course. As a result of those steps, Latinx students increased successful completion of transfer-level English from 38% to 66%, and in transfer-level math from 15% to 65%. Completion rates in math for all first-time students increased from 23% to 67%, and in English from 38% to 79%. This is the second award that Cuyamaca College’s innovative effort has received. In July 2018, Cuyamaca College was one of two California community colleges to receive the Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award. The award, given by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, honors community colleges that have made the greatest contribution toward student, faculty or staff diversity and equity. Anne Krueger/Communications and Public Information Director/ Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
AUG 16 - 22 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
PAGE FIVE
COLLEGE COPY CENTER Quality
Value
Experience
Color Copies Business Forms Digital Input/Output Color Posters
Newsletters Business Cards Blueprints Manuals
(619) 697-2355 Fax: 619-697-7760 Send Digital Files to: copyguys@collegecopycenter.com 7939 El Cajon Blvd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
www.collegecopycenter.com
Viejas Casino & Resort ∙ 5000 Willows Road ∙ Alpine, CA 91901 ∙ 619.445.5400
Guests must be at least 21 years of age to enter the Casino. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to drink alcoholic beverages. Guests under 21 years of age are permitted in The Buffet only, but must be accompanied by an adult. Families are welcome at the Viejas Outlets and the Viejas Hotel. Please play responsibly. For help with problem gambling, call 800.426.2537
www.viejas.com
2018
T R AV E L G U I D E
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Lakeside Archway Sign Dedication Lakeside - Wednesday, August 14 - The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Lakeside Archway Sign Dedication. This is the first community archway identification sign erected in San Diego County and it shows the true spirit of Lakeside. The archway sign is located at 10109 Maine Avenue. Speakers at the dedication included: Kathy Kassel, Lakeside Chamber of Commerce President/ CEO; and San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. Certificates were presented to the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce by San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and from the office of California State Assemblyman Randy Voepel. Over 100 attendees were at this dedication. More Photos Photos by Jay Renard, text by Sandy Renard/East County Community Times
PAGE SIX
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Lakeside Chamber of Commerce 3rd Thursday Business Mixer
El Cajon - Thursday, August 15 – The German American Society in El Cajon hosted the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce monthly 3rd Thursday Business Mixer. This was a joint business mixer with the Alpine, San-Diego East County, and Santee Chambers of Commerce. All attendees were treated to a traditional German buffet dinner of bratwurst, sauerbraten, and potato salad. An announcement was made for ‘Oktoberfest in El Cajon’ that is sponsored by the German American Society in El Cajon on September 27-29 and October 4-6. Photos by Jay Renard, text by Sandy Renard/Community Times More Photos
PAGE SEVEN
PAGE EIGHT
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
PAGE NINE
El Cajon Dinner and A Concert – Stand Up Guys El Cajon – Friday, August 16 - The Dinner and a Concert Shows in Downtown El Cajon was held at the Prescott Promenade and featured the music of Stand Up Guys, with a Tribute to Woodstock. This concert was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in 1969. The concert was sponsored by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, West Bay Sounds, Waste Management, San Diego County Credit Union, Dixieline Lumber & Home Centers, Taylor Quality Guitars, Mercedes Benz of El Cajon, and True Line Alignment & Brakes. Food Vendors included: Munchies, Delish Dogs, Full Belly BBQ, Street Tacos, Grammys Gourmet Bakeshop, and Kettle Corn. More Photos
Photos by Jay Renard, text by Sandy Renard/Community Times
PAGE TEN
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
PAGE ELEVEN
SMOAC Annual Backpack & School Supply Distribution Santee – Sunday, August 18 – SMOAC held their Annual Backpack & School Supply Event at the Santee Branch of the San Diego County Library. Buddy Rabaya and John Hossick coordinated the event and there were many volunteers to assist students and parents with choosing a backpack filled with school supplies to use for the upcoming school year. Each student, grades K-12, were able to choose a backpack pre-filled will school supplies at no charge. 1800 backpacks were given out at this event. All school supplies and backpacks were donated though community generosity. More Photos
Photos by Jay Renard, text by Sandy Renard/Community Times
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
PAGE TWELVE
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Rancho San Diego
Every Great Event Begins and Ends at Hooleys!
2955 Jamacha Rd. 619.670.7468
La Mesa
5500 Grossmont Center Dr. 619.713.6900
Your Community Calendar Saturday, September 14, 2019 • 5:30-9:30pm Town Center Community Park East Tickets & Reserved Tables go on SALE March 1, 2019 Saturday, September 14, 2019 • 5:30-9:30pm Town Center Community Park East Tickets & Reserved Tables go on SALE March 1, 2019
Town Center Community Park East 550 Park Center Drive, Santee June 13 20 27
James Kruk & The Big Boss Men Country Night Patrick Howard Trampus Band Upstream
Elvis Tribute modern country Rock Caribbean, Reggae, Soca
July Supporting People, Parks & Programs Supporting People, Parks & Programs
TICKET INCLUDES:
Unlimited Food Samples (While Supplies Last) Beverage Samples of Beer & Wine (While Supplies Last) Commemorative Sampling Cup & Lanyard Cup Holder TICKET INCLUDES: Unlimited Food Samples (While Supplies Last) Beverage Samples of Beer & Wine (While Supplies Last) Commemorative Sampling Cup & Lanyard Cup Holder
11
Blues Night Bill Magee Blues Band
Lowdown Dirty Blues
18
Three Chord Justice
Premier country Band
25
Bump City Brass
Funk & Soul Dance Band
August
www.SanteeBluegrassFestival.com www.SanteeBluegrassFestival.com Must be 21 years old & up · All Sales Final
Must have ticket & ID to check in · We are not responsible for lost tickets
Must be 21 years old & up · All Sales Final If you are interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, please contact Jon Shellhammer: (619) 258-4100 x219 • jshellhammer@cityofsanteeca.gov Must have ticket & ID to check in · We are not responsible for lost tickets If you are interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, please contact Jon Shellhammer: (619) 258-4100 x219 • jshellhammer@cityofsanteeca.gov
1
Straight Six
Rock, Rhythm & Blues
8
Wingstock Back to the Garden
Music from the Summer of 1969 Tribute to the Music of Queen Variety Musical Entertainment
15
Queen Nation
22
The Mighty Untouchables
This free communit y event has been made possible by the support of event sponsors:
Thursdays, 6:30
2019
City of Santee & Barona www.SanteeSummerConcerts.com
Saturday, June 8, 2019 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 550 Park Center Drive, Santee www.FidoFestSantee.com
AUG 16 - 22, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
PAGE THIRTEEN