Santana High School Commpletes Event Center Pg 6 - 7
MAY 10 - 16, 2019 Vol. 1 No. 15
The East County Community Times
East County’s Only Photojournalism Publication
Rick Wilson
East County Chamber New CEO Get Your Community Fix! www.ecctimes.com
NEWS In the
PAGE TWO • MAY 10 - 16, 2019
East County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New CEO
El Cajon – Monday, May 13 - Rick Wilson is the new President/CEO of the San Diego-East County Chamber of Commerce. He is a community leader with 23 years of experience in leadership, fundraising, fiscal management, operations, supervision, philanthropy, and program development. He has superior communication skills, valuable management experience, is flexible, loyal, and has proven his capabilities of handling multiple responsibilities. He currently resides in San Diego County.
Rick has a Masters’ Degree (MBA) in the field of business administration
and management. Recently, he was executive director for the Liberty Station Community Association. Previously, he was executive manager of the YMCA of San Diego County, facilities manager for the National Football League (NFL), and assistant building manager for the UCSB Recreational Sports Executive Director.
El Cajon’s 6th Annual America on Main Street El Cajon, CA – The City of El Cajon invites all to the 6th annual America on Main Street event on Saturday, May 18, from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this family-friendly community event. Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 1969 lunar landing, El Cajon selected this year’s theme as “Out of this World.” The event also honors Armed Forces Day. Event highlights include: • Naturalization Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. • Over 150 booths - including food booths from around the world • Space & Science Zone with space-themed inflatables • First Responder Safety Zone • Military displays • Free carnival rides, games, arts and crafts, and a reptile petting zoo • Face painting and balloon artists • Three stages featuring over 30 bands, community groups, and street performers • Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a guitar from Taylor Guitar or bicycles • Light show at 8:45 p.m. Join the party in downtown El Cajon on Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. Please call (619) 441-1754 or visit www.americaonmainstreet.org to learn more.
Date: Saturday, May 18 Time: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Location: East Main Street (between Magnolia Avenue and Ballantyne Street)
4th Annual Grossmont Cuyamaca College District GUHSD Joint Board Meeting On behalf of Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and Grossmont Union High School District governing boards, we are pleased to invite you to attend our 4th annual joint board meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m., at Cuyamaca College, Student Center I-209, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92019. This joint partnership, known as the East County Education Alliance (ECEA) was formed in 2014, and we are excited to share its accomplishments and progress with the community. ECEA is rooted in our shared commitment to ensure and fulfill the promise with each and every East County student. The Alliance was formed to increase collaboration between the two districts so that students are better informed about their college and career options and have a smoother path to and through college. We are also pleased to announce that we are expanding our East County Education Alliance partnership to include the Mountain Empire Unified School District, whose Governing Board will be participating in this Board Meeting. A formal signing of our East County Education Alliance Agreement by representatives of all 3 boards will also take place at this time. Your interest in education and your leadership role in our community are appreciated. We hope you may be able attend to hear about our collective promise for student success.
Alpine Chamber Hosted Workshop Assisting Small Businesses Understand New Energy Pricing Small business owners and local residents attended a special workshop hosted by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 7, at the Alpine Library. Representatives from San Diego Gas & Electric were on hand to explain new pricing plans available to customers. These new pricing plans reflect statemandated changes intended to shift towards clean energy use. “These plans are designed to give customers more choices and control over their energy bills. TOU plans offer customers two ways to save: by shifting electricity use to lower cost hours of the day, before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m., and/or by reducing overall usage.” The reality is that many small businesses may be overpaying for energy costs. It is important to understand how SDG&E’s changes will affect your bottom line.
Former Santee Santas President Receives Multiple Honors Santee – Wednesday, May 8 – Santee resident, Sam Modica, has retired as President of the Santee Santas Foundation, having been involved with the non-profit organization for more than 12 years. The last 8 years he was President of Santee Santas Foundation. Sam was honored at the Santee City Council meeting with a proclamation from the City of Santee for his leadership, community spirit, and his tireless dedication to the happiness and wellbeing of the Santee community. He also received a proclamation for his years as a volunteer from Senator Brian Jones, and a certificate of recognition from Assemblyman Randy Voepel. According to Santee Mayor John Minto, “Sam brings the mission of Santee Santas to the people every day of the year.” The City of Santee proclaimed May 9, 2019, as “Sam Modica Day.” Sam was also presented with a beautiful mantel clock by the Santee Santas. President Sam Modica was instrumental in moving the Foundation into the 21st century by implementing an online application making it quicker and easier for families to sign up. Santee Santas Foundation experienced exceptional growth during Sam’s time as president. He initiated improvements to the way things are accomplished, and will be forever remembered and appreciated by those who worked beside him. After more than a decade of giving his time to others during the holiday season, Sam is looking forward to spending time with his family during the holidays. Established in 1953, Santee Santas Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that brings comfort and joy to Santee residents by providing food and gifts during the holiday season. It is a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) registered organization. Volunteers work all year long preparing for holiday deliveries with food drives at local schools and businesses. They use cash donations to purchase turkeys, potatoes, milk, and other perishable items. Santee Santas also assists those in crisis throughout the year. In 1953, Santee was mainly farm and dairy land and only four or five families were helped as part of the Holiday Program. In 2018, 216 families consisting of 793 individuals, 385 children and 97 seniors in our community were gifted with deliveries of food and toys for the Holiday season.
On The Cover East County Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New CEO (See article above)
Cover: Jay Renard Cover design: Jay Renard / The East Community Times
Times Business
SERVICE DIRECTORY PAGE THREE • MAY 10 - 16, 2019
Your Voice in the Community San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce
Office: 619.440.6161 Fax: 619.460.6164 info
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Simply mail your business card, along with your check for $25 per week (four week minimum = $100) and mail to:
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GUHSD Names Retired Sheriff’s Captain Maria Wood as New Director of School Safety El Cajon, CA – May 10– At the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, May 9, the Grossmont Union High School District confirmed Maria Wood as the new Director of School Safety. This newly-created position was developed in coordination with top law enforcement officials in the region to refine the District’s safety priorities. Ms. Wood has deep roots in the East County. She is a lifelong resident, graduate of Grossmont High School and her children graduated from GUHSD schools. Over the course of her 30-year career in the Sheriff’s Department, Maria Wood served in a variety of increasingly specialized leadership positions in several law enforcement divisions and bureaus. “The depth and breadth of Maria’s extensive emergency planning background and her local law enforcement connections are going to take GUHSD to the next level in providing safe, secure environments for our students and staff,” said GUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tim Glover. San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore responded to the announcement with, “I would like to congratulate Maria Wood and the Grossmont Union High School District for selecting her for the position of Director of School Safety. During her 30 years of service with the Sheriff’s Department, Maria was known as a leader and trendsetter for our department.” Sheriff Gore added, “Early in her career as deputy and sergeant, Maria became recognized as a subject matter expert relating to emergency operations while leading critical incidents. This path in her career eventually evolved into her final assignment where as a captain, she was selected to lead the Sheriff’s Department of Emergency Services Division. In this role, she was responsible for developingprograms and policies, de-conflicted and coordinated new initiatives, and provided professional management and direction of critical units, divisions and programs.” El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis echoed what a remarkable asset she will be to GUHSD and the communities it serves, “Maria is a great choice. She brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to the position. Plus, she’s a great person.” In addition to Chief Davis, La Mesa Police Chief Walt Vasquez served as animportant advisor in the development of the professional qualifications for the Director of School Safety position. Chief Vasquez noted, “The decision by GUHSD to create this new position raises the bar throughout the region and demonstrates the district’s deep comm ment to strengthening student and staff safety”.
Summer Kicks Off K9 Style at Santee’s Fido Fest Santee’s annual dog festival is back to start the summer with a day of fun for dogs and their people alike. Fido Fest will feature a constant series of contests and exhibitions on Saturday, June 8 from 9 am to 1 pm at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive. Dozens of vendors will showcase the latest and greatest in pet products and services, from dog training to doggie clothing. Along with food and vendor booths, discounted vaccinations and free microchipping will be offered to encourage responsible pet ownership. Arfs and crafts, games, and activities will keep your furry friend busy all morning with unique opportunities like a Pawcasso art project and Puptini drinks. Prizes will be awarded to winners of a dog/owner look-a-like contest, a doggie cake walk, smallest dog, largest dog, and a best trick competition. A dog portrait artist will be available to sketch a caricature of your best buddy. San Diego Flyball will set up a hurdle relay race, where swift-pawed dogs will compete for treats and bragging rights. Stage demos will include Guide Dogs for the Blind, Behavior Buddies dog training and the crowd-pleasing San Diego County Sheriff’s Dept. K-9 unit. If you’re looking for a new family member, there will be dog adoption agencies at the event offering a chance to find a best friend and provide a FUR-ever home for a dog in need. Don’t miss the Shelter Showcase, which will occur onstage at 9:30 and 10:20 a.m. Rescue organizations will introduce some of their adoptable dogs looking for a family. “This year we are excited to feature an agility course, dog dash competition, and a hay bale mountain where your pup can showcase their athleticism,” said Bree Humphrey, Special Events Supervisor. “We’ll also have an off-leash zone with more tennis balls than the dogs will know what to do with.”\ Sponsors of the event include co-host Camp Bow Wow, Waste Management, HomeFed, San Diego County Credit Union, and Allegiance Heating & Air Conditioning, FURology Pet Spaw, and Whissel Realty. Event information is available at FidoFestSantee.com.
MAY 10 - 16, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
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MAY 10 - 16, 2019
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Santana High School Celebrates Newly Completed Multipurpose Event Center and Physical Education Building Santee - Tuesday, May 14 was the Santana High School Event Center & Physical Education Building Dedication & Ribbon Cutting. There was a fantastic performance by the Santana High School Band and Santana Color Guard. The Santana Sultan was unveiled in a new mascot costume. The Santana Cheer Team was also present. Representatives from the City of Santee were present including: Mayor John Minto; Councilmember Ronn Hall; Councilmember Laura Koval; City Manager, Marlene Best; and Santee School Board member, Elana Levens-Craig. Certificates of Recognition were given by representatives of the offices of County Supervisor Dianne Jacobs and Assemblyman Randy Voepel. Speakers at the event included: Tim Schwuchow, Principal, Santana High School; Tim Glover, Superintendent, Grossmont Union High School District; Daisy Rohner, Band Director; Lucas Phillips, Athletic Director; and Michele Farres, Physical Education Department Chair. Tours of new facilities were provided. The Construction Manager is Balfour Beatty Construction. The new 21,200 gross square feet Event Center/Physical Education building now provides Santana a state-of-the-art facility for campus events, performances, conferences and P.E. activities. The facility replaced an old, run-down P.E. locker facility originally built in the early 1960’s and which was torn down to start this project. The facility features an interior passage that will serve as a new “Hall of Fame” for the campus to hang banners and display memorabilia and awards from Santana’s many award-winning athletic and performing groups and prominent alumni. The Hall of Fame will serve as a highly-functional and aesthetic design component to tie the physical education programs to the performing arts programs sharing the space. The new PE facility will include new shower/locker rooms, team rooms, equipment room to support the PE curriculum and sports activities, dance classroom and a new wrestling room. A trainer’s room is also included to handle sports-related injuries and provide preventive treatments. Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
MAY 10 - 16, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Prescott Promenade Park Clock Dedication El Cajon – Tuesday, May 14 – The Rotary Club of El Cajon held the Dedication of the Prescott Promenade Park Clock to the downtown area of the City of El Cajon. Speakers included Joe Mackey, president of the Rotary Club of El Cajon and Bob McClellan, El Cajon City Councilmember. A beautiful flower arrangement was provided by Bev Ireland of Jasmine Creek Florist. A reception immediately followed at Testo Pepesto Italian Restaurant. The clock was erected to honor the City of El Cajon and to recognize the more than 90 years of Community Service performed by the Rotary Club of El Cajon.
Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
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THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Rancho San Diego
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Saturday, June 8, 2019 9:00 am – 1:00 pm 550 Park Center Drive, Santee www.FidoFestSantee.com
MAY 10 - 16, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Business After Hours Mixer at Olaf Wieghorst Museum El Cajon - Wednesday, May 8 - The East County Chamber of Commerce held its Business After Hours Mixer at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. There was food,drink, a beautiful outdoor setting, and mingling with other businesses.
Photos by Jennifer Boyd for the Community Times
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THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
Trans Net Sales Tax 2004 in Jeopardy
Santee – Thursday May 9, Reform California announced it would be targeting politicians who are raiding San Diego’s road repair fund. This was announced by Chairman Carl DeMaio at a news conference in Santee. SANDAG members who support the overturn of voter approved tax hike of 2004 (Trans Net Sales Tax) would divert funds specifically earmarked for road improvements to transit and bike projects. The press conference was at Park ‘n Ride at Mission Gorge Road and Big Rock Road.
Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
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