Grossmont High School Groundbreaking for Event Center Pg 9
FEB 22 - 28, 2019 Vol. 1 No. 4
The East County Community Times
East County’s Only Photojournalism Publication
East County Honors Masquerade
Annual Awards Gala Get Your Community Fix!
NEWS In the
PAGE TWO • FEB 22 - 28, 2019
Grossmont Healthcare District Unveils Proposed Zone-based Election Maps
Dianne’s Corner News and notes from County Supervisor Dianne Jacob In my recent State of the County address, I laid out an ambitious list of initiatives that will help us address many of our biggest challenges. Among the proposals outlined in my speech that will come to the Board of Supervisors over the next few months: Housing: Doubling the size of the county’s housing trust fund, to $50 million, and increasing financial incentives to make it easier to build granny flats and other secondary dwellings next to existing houses. Wildfire protection: Strengthening the building code for construction in high-risk fire areas and offering grants to existing homeowners to encourage the installation of safer vents, walls and other fire-resistant materials. New homes and communities must be built to give people and property the greatest chance of survival. Mental health and substance abuse services: Developing a coordinated system of care that focuses on individuals, not programs, and making improvements related to PERT, the county’s Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams. Energy: Joining the community choice energy movement and teaming up with local cities to open up the energy market. County government is already allowed to shop the energy market. We buy the bulk of our electricity from providers other than SDG&E. If the county can shop for energy, why not the rest of us? Why not ratepayers, school districts and others? With two new members on the Board of Supervisors, it’s time to open the window to bold ideas and fresh opportunities. I plan to make the most of it! I welcome your thoughts and feedback on what is already turning into a busy 2019. For more District 2 news, go to www.diannejacob.com or follow me on Facebook and Twitter. If I can assist with a county issue, please call my office at 619-531-5522 or email dianne.jacob@sdcounty. ca.gov. Have a great East County day! Dianne
The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) has taken the next step as part of its future transition from district-wide to zone-based elections for its five-member board of directors. Tentative maps showing proposed boundaries for the five zones across GHD’s 750-square-mile district are now available for public review on the GHD website, www.grossmonthealthcare.org/about-ghd/zonebased-elections. The public is invited to review the maps and provide input at two public hearings, the first one to be held Monday, March 4. The hearing will be held during the GHD’s regularly scheduled monthly board meeting starting at 7:30 a.m. at the GHD Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Another public hearing, expected to be held during a future GHD regularly scheduled board meeting, has not yet been scheduled. At the two upcoming public hearings, GHD said a presentation will include the rationale behind the composition of the proposed maps by representatives from a company that specializes in demographics and mapping. Comments will be accepted from members of the public, as well as from GHD board members. “We look forward to hearing input from voters about the boundaries for the proposed maps,” said Randy Lenac, GHD board president. “If someone cannot attend in person, we’re also accepting written input.” Written correspondence also can be sent to Barry Jantz, GHD CEO, at bjantz@grossmonthealthcare.org. Final maps could be adopted by the GHD board as early as April of this year, according to a schedule the board approved last October, when the intent to transition to zone-based elections was announced. If final maps are approved per the schedule, the first zone-based election with board members elected only by voters residing within a specific election district or zone would be held in November, 2020. GHD’s decision to transition to zone-based elections was pursuant to the 2001 California Voting Rights Act. Previously, for decades, GHD has used an at-large election system in which board members have been elected by voters of the entire district. GHD’s transition is similar to what’s been taking place statewide with hundreds of local public agencies, including healthcare, water, and school districts, as well as cities and other governmental jurisdictions. Three previous public hearings on GHD’s transition process have been held, including two in December and a third on Jan. 7. The Grossmont Healthcare District is a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in the East Region. Formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, GHD now leases operations to Sharp HealthCare via a public-private partnership, and continues to own the hospital on behalf of local taxpayers. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in San Diego’s East County. For more information about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Rick Griffin Marketing Communications
Destination El Cajon El Cajon Police Citizen’s Academy Begins March 13: See how El Cajon’s finest work to keep us safe! The El Cajon Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2019 Citizen’s Police Academy. The ten-week academy provides an overview of the Police Department functions. Students attend weekly classes and learn about topics including the history of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and crime scene investigation. The academy also includes presentations from the various divisions within the Police Department. Students participate in hands-on exercises, such as conducting traffic stops, dusting for fingerprints, and a firearms simulation. The academy begins on Wednesday, March 13, and concludes with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 15. Classes will be held every Wednesday, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the El Cajon Police Station, in the Community Room, located at 100 Civic Center Way. Everyone is encouraged to apply; however, residents and people working in El Cajon will be given priority. Participants must be at least 18 years old. All applications must be dropped off or received by mail by March 6. Email applications are not accepted. The first twenty-five applicants will be accepted, on a first-come-first-served basis, pending a background check and approval. All other applications will be placed on a waitlist. Participants who are accepted into the program will be notified shortly after submission. Applications are available online at www.elcajonpolice.org, at the front counter of the Police Department, or by email at sscheurn@cityofelcajon.us. Applications can be dropped off or mailed to: El Cajon Police Department, Attn: Samantha Scheurn, 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020 For additional information or for questions, please contact Samantha Scheurn at (619) 579-4227 or sscheurn@cityofelcajon.us. Be Prepared - Free Disaster Preparedness Classes: Will you know what to do in the case of a wildfire, a home fire, or earthquake? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and the hazards that may impact the area they live. Applications are now being accepted. For more information or to register, visit the Heartland Fire website at www. heartlandfire.org and look under “Emergency Prep.” The East County CERT Academy begins Saturday, March 23. For more information call (619) 667-1471 St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon is Sunday! Bring the family and wear green for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk, Green Mile all set for Sunday, March 3! Pre-register now, or beginning at 6 a.m. on the day of the event. All three runs begin at the El Cajon Arch, 198 West Main Street. The first run, the Green Mile begins at 7 a.m., the Half Marathon at 7:15 a.m., and the 5K at 7:30 a.m. Funds raised will benefit several East County charities. Once registered, Race Packets can be picked up on Saturday, March 2, at the Downtown Café, 182 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.stpatricksdayhalf.com for more information, to register or to volunteer. This annual event is hosted by the Run East County Foundation. Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon
Foothills Church Hosts `Blessed with a Dress,’
Foothills Christian Church, 365 West Bradley Ave., El Cajon, will host “Blessed with a Dress,” a free event for young women needing high-quality, fashionable formal wear for school dances and other special occasions. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, girls can visit the church campus and select a free dress, pair of shoes, and jewelry for upcoming formal events. Church officials are seeking donations of gently used dresses and accessories. Items can be delivered any weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the church office, 350 Cypress Lane, Suite B, El Cajon. “Prom season is coming and everyone knows how expensive formal wear can be. So, we are here to help any San Diego young lady who might need a helping hand getting a formal dress for any occasion,” said Elizabeth Church, administrative assistant, Foothills Christian Church. “This event is an opportunity to obtain free, high-quality, fashionable formal wear for school dances and any other special occasion. We want to make sure that no young ladies are sitting at home without a dress. Help us make dreams come true.” For more information, contact Elizabeth Church at (619) 4427728, or send an e-mail to elizabethchurch@foothillschurch.org. Rick Griffin Marketing Communications
On The Cover El Cajon - Saturday, February 25, was the San DiegoEast Couunter Chamber of Commerce Honors Masquerade 2018 Annual Awards Gala. The event was held at the El Cajon Courtyard Marriott.
Cover: Jay Renard Cover design: Jay Renard / The East Community Times
Times Business
SERVICE DIRECTORY PAGE THREE • FEB 22 - 28, 2019
Your Voice in the Community San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce
Office: 619.440.6161 Fax: 619.460.6164 info
WWW.EASTCOUNTYCHAMBER.ORG
YOUR AD HERE!
Simply mail your business card, along with your check for $25 per week (four week minimum = $100) and mail to:
The East County Herald
Business Services P.O. Box 2568 • Alpine, CA 91903 It’s that easy!
10315 Mission Gorge Road • Santee • 92071
www.SanteeChamber.com Phone: 619.449.6572 Fax: 619.562.7906
RONN HALL INSURANCE AND NOTARY SERVICES Office 619-562-8585 Cell 619-670-1200 RonnHall@RonnHall.com
RonnHall.com CA License 0723568
4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 www.yourcompanywebsite.com
FREE ESTIMATE
HOUSE CLEANING ROCIO & ANA
(619)
884.1798
MARIA CAMERON
MARIA CAMERON
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
office 206.555.0123 cell 206.555.0133 sample@email.com 4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 www.yourcompanywebsite.com
office 206.555.0123 cell 206.555.0133 sample@email.com 4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 www.yourcompanywebsite.com
References Available
A Culture of Generosity...
Stoney’s Kids Legacy
MARIA CAMERON
MARIA CAMERON
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
office 206.555.0123 cell 206.555.0133 sample@email.com 4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 ‘It’s All About The Kids!’ www.yourcompanywebsite.com A Non-Profit Organization Benefitting East County Kids... Our Future!
office 206.555.0123 cell 206.555.0133 sample@email.com 4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 www.yourcompanywebsite.com
P.O. Box 2568 • Alpine, CA 91903
www.stoneyskidslegacy.org MARIA CAMERON
MARIA CAMERON
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
office 206.555.0123 cell 206.555.0133 sample@email.com 4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 www.yourcompanywebsite.com
office 206.555.0123 cell 206.555.0133 sample@email.com 4567 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 98052 www.yourcompanywebsite.com
MARIA CAMERON
MARIA CAMERON
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
COMMUNITY Matters ADVANCED HEARING AID PAGE FOUR • FEB 22 - 28, 2019
TECHNOLOGY $ For LessThan 200
Coldwell Banker West Opens New East County Office Coldwell Banker West (CBW), one of San Diego County’s largest real estate companies, has opened a new office in La Mesa to be called its Mount Helix office. The company said it has leased and moved into a 13,000-squarefoot, two-story office building at 9555 Grossmont Summit Dr., which previously was occupied by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties. According to CWB agents familiar with the situation, Berkshire’s lease had expired and Berkshire was hoping to occupy only a portion of the building, which was built in 2001. However, when the landlord put the office space on the market, CBW’s offer to lease the entire 13,000-square-foot building was accepted. Financial terms of the lease were not disclosed. The building has office space for about 150 real estate agents. More than 60 former Berkshire agents have reportedly switched and joined CBW. CBW said the new office lease acquisition has increased the number of its sales agents and broker associates to more than 800. CBW’s new Mount Helix office is the company seventh office location. Founded in 2007 by Peter Mendiola, CBW president, CBW
“I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!”
is one of the nation’s fastest growing Coldwell Banker franchises with steady growth in recent years. In 2017, CBW acquired Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate McMillin Realty. Also in 2017,
— Don W., Sherman, TX
CBW opened a second El Cajon office Fletcher Hills at 2382 Fletcher
How can a hearing aid that costs less than $200
Parkway. Additional CBW offices include: 4538 Bonita Road, Bonita; 1061 Tierra del Rey, Chula Vista; Downtown Marina, 620 First St., San Diego; Eastlake, 2300 Boswell Road, Chula Vista; Granite Hills, 810 Jamacha Road, El Cajon. For more information about Coldwell
be every bit as good as one sells for $2,250 or more?
Banker West visit www.coldwellbankerwesthomes.com. Coldwell Banker was founded in 1906 by Colbert Coldwell. In 1913, Benjamin Arthur Banker joined the firm and later became
The answer: Although tremendous
Coldwell’s partner.
strides have been made in Advanced Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...
Rick Griffin Marketing Communications
MDHearingAid® uses the same kind of Advanced Hearing Aid Technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Over 300,000 satisfied MDHearingAid customers agree: High-quality, FDA-registered hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. The fact is, you don’t need to spend thousands for a hearing aid. MDHearingAid is a medical-grade hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance, and works right out of the box with no timeconsuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more?
Can a Hearing Aid Delay or Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia? A study by the National Institute on Aging suggests older individuals with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. They suggest that an intervention — such as a hearing aid — could delay or prevent this by improving hearing!
Chick-fil-A Santee Hosted 6th Anniversary Party The Santee Chick-fil-A restaurant, 9418 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, celebrated six years of serving guests with an anniversary party in the restaurant on Thursday, Feb. 28. The 110-seat restaurant opened on February 28, 2013. In honor of the celebration, from 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., every guest received one free order of Chick-fil-A Nuggets (6-count) with the purchase of any entrée when the Chick-fil-A One App is scanned at checkout. Guests were encouraged to download the app before they arrive. The giveaway was limited to one per person. Starting at 6 p.m., celebratory birthday cake was available to every guest, along with balloons and photo opportunities with the Chick-fil-A cow. “One of our goals at Chick-fil-A Santee is to promote community connections and enrich the lives of everyone we come in contact with,” said Kyle Steck, franchise operator of Chick-fil-A Santee. “We want to invite all of our guests to join us in our birthday celebration while enjoying some of our delicious food.” Rick Griffin Marketing Communications
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR
45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL!
Hearing is believing and we invite you to try this nearly invisible hearing aid with no annoying whistling or background noise for yourself. If you are not completely satisfied with your MDHearingAid, return it within 45 days for a FULL REFUND.
For the Lowest Price Call
1-844-857-3149 Use Code
Nearly Invisible
BIG SOUND. TINY PRICE.
BATTERIES INCLUDED!
READY TO USE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!
HQ97 and get FREE Batteries for 1 Year Plus FREE Shipping
Proudly assembled in America!
DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED
FEB 22 - 28, 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
PAGE SIX
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
FEB. 22 - 28, 2019
FEB. 22 - 28, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
PAGE SEVEN
East County Chamber Presents `East County Honors’ Awards El Cajon - Saturday, February 25, was the San Diego-East Couunter Chamber of Commerce Honors Masquerade 2018 Annual Awards Gala. The event was held at the El Cajon Courtyard Marriott. The evening began in the courtyard with a buffet dinner, open bar, live music, silent action, and networking. Dessert and champagne were served in the ballroom along with a live auction and the awards ceremony. Photos by Jay Renard/community Times
FEB 22 - 28, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
PAGE EIGHT
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
Light the Water Lantern Festival Saturday, March 23, 2019 4:00 pm Santee Lakes, Lake 1 More Information: www.1000lights.com
MARCH 30TH 7:00pm
Doors Open @5:30pm
FUNDRAISER
OPEN TO PUBLIC
For information contact Diana @619.797.7172 oepproductionsdiana@gmail.com
TICKETS Available @CGC or www.EventBrite.com
OPPORTUNITY BASKETS
$15 – GENERAL ADMISSION $20 – VIP SEATS: Front 2 Rows,
Meet & Greet Comedians
CHAMPION Gymnastics & Cheer 10580 Prospect Ave – Santee 619.449.7717 www.cgcchamps.com
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH www.EVENTBRITE.com OR at Champion Gymnastics and Cheer FRONT DESK $15 – General Admission $20 – General Admission PLUS Pulled Pork or Chicken/Combo Meal $20 – VIP Seating, First 2 Rows, Plush Seats, Meet and Greet Comedians $25 – VIP Seating PLUS Pulled Pork or Chicken/Combo Meal While this is PG family-friendly event, it is recommended (but not limited to) for persons age 16 and up.
CASH and CHECKS accepted at Event! • •
Fabulous High End Opportunity Baskets! Concessions with Food/Refreshments
Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly benefit the enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated kids at the facility – going towards competitive teams expenses and additional equipment/design upgrades for development of all athletes.
FEB 22 - 28, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Grossmont High School Groundbreaking for Event Center
EL Cajon – Tuesday, February 26 was the informal groundbreaking ceremony to mark construction of Grossmont High School’s new Center complex was held at Grossmont High School.Funded by Proposition U and Measure BB, the new project is the latest for Grossmont’s comprehensive master plan, providing a stateof-the-art facility that will bring together performing arts programs, including dance, choral, digital music, and drama, in a central location to promote student interaction and collaboration. The new facility replaces outdated performing arts facilities that no longer meet the needs of the campus. It will provide the school, district, and community a modern venue for workshops, conferences, and other special events. It will also serve as a Board Room for Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) trustees. Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
PAGE NINE
FEB 22 - 28, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Santee Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Awards Night
Lakeside – Thursday, February 21, was the Santee Chamber of Commerce 2018 Annual Awards Night Celebration. The event was held at the Barona Casino and Resort. A light buffet dinner was served. After dinner, the awards were announced. .
Chairman’s Award: Mike Clinkenbeard, Mike & Marla Clinckenbeard- Farmers Insurance Outgoing Chairperson: Darlene Fenn, COHR Consulting Santee Young Profession of the Year, Kyle Whissel, Whissel Realty New Business of the Year, Fifty-Two East Eatery Business of the Year, Mission Realty Group. Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
PAGE TEN