Joe Mackey - El Cajon 2018 Citizen of the Year Pg 6 - 7
The East County Community Times
FEB 1 - 7, 2019 Vol. 1 No. 1
East County’s Only Photojournalism Publication
El Cajon Mayor’s
Town Hall Meeting Get Your Community Fix!
NEWS In the
PAGE TWO • FEB 1 -7, 2019
East County Realtors Group Hears 2019 Housing Market Forecast
The California housing market will continue soft in 2019 as prices remain flat and sales pull back because buyers are expected to remain on the sidelines throughout the year, according to California Association of Realtors (CAR) senior economist Oscar Wei. At CAR’s recent “2019 Housing Market Outlook” presentation to members of the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), Wei said, “The overall market will continue on a declining trend. Any growth will be at a very modest pace.” The Feb. 6 presentation was delivered at PSAR’s East County Service Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon, Wei said current market fundamentals, including positive job growth, income growth and household formation, are still solid even though sales are down double-digits despite recent declines in interest rates. He also said if a second government shutdown occurs, similar to the recent 35-day partial shutdown which exacerbated partisan divisions, then the real estate market and U.S. economy could be negatively impacted. Wei also told PSAR members that a window of opportunity is currently open for buyers as price growth remains near its lowest levels since early 2012. “Many should buy now before interest rates climb higher in the near future,” said Wei. “Inventory levels are improving, yet a tight supply led to one third of sales closing above asking price in 2018. The Fed has raised interest rates nine times since December 2015. If interest rates increase too fast, then economic growth will come to a halt.” Wei also offered highlights from CAR’s annual homebuyers survey, including: -- Most recent buyers ended-up compromising in some way, either by paying a higher price for a smaller home than desired or living a farther distance from work or schools. -- The reasons why most buyers delay buying sooner include saving for a down payment, waiting for finances to improve and prices to stabilize or difficulty qualifying for a mortgage. -- 80 percent of recent buyers had been saving for buy to more than one year. -- The net cash gain to sellers of roughly $200,000 has been the highest since 2006. Wei also said seven out of 10 Americans still believe that owning a home is an important part of the American dream, and 45 percent of home shoppers plan to purchase within the next five years. PSAR, a 3,200-member real estate trade group for San Diego-area realtors, operates three service centers in El Cajon, Chula Vista and San Diego’s Clairemont Mesa area. Rick Griffin Marketing Communications Public Relations, Advertising for The East County Community Times
La Mesa health Library Presents Artwork of 10-year-old Alpine Girl The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now presenting its Winter Art Exhibit featuring 15 paintings by 10-year-old Mia Bruso of Alpine. The exhibit runs through the end of March. Kathy Quinn, Herrick Library director, said it is the first time since the library opened in 2002 that the featured artist for the quarterly art exhibit is a child. Mia was born to Keith and Michelle Bruso at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in 2008. Mia attends Riverview International Academy in Lakeside and speaks both English and Mandarin, as well as a little Spanish. According to her parents and grandmother Joanne Bruso, Mia started to draw as soon as she could hold a crayon. She has been taking art classes since second grade. Mia’s dream is to become an artist as well as a veterinarian because she loves art and loves animals, especially cats. She also recently received her Karate master brown belt. “Mia’s proud grandmother suggested that we exhibit Mia’s art and we agreed that it was a wonderful idea,” said Quinn. Admission to the Herrick Community Health Care Library is free. The Winter Art Exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, phone (619) 825-5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org.
Rick Griffin Marketing Communications Public Relations, Advertising for The East County Community Times
On The Cover El Cajon – Wednesday, January 30, was the Mayor’s Town Hall meeting. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells held a meeting at El Cajon Valley High School. Wells began with State of the City. Main issues were public safety, neighbor improvements, economic development, fiscal responsibility and goals for the year 2019.
Cover: Jay Renard Cover design: Jay Renard / The East Community Times
Times Business
SERVICE DIRECTORY PAGE THREE • FEB 1 -7, 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
FREE ESTIMATE
HOUSE CLEANING ROCIO & ANA
(619)
884.1798 References Available
A Culture of Generosity...
Stoney’s Kids Legacy ‘It’s All About The Kids!’
A Non-Profit Organization Benefitting East County Kids... Our Future!
P.O. Box 2568 • Alpine, CA 91903
www.stoneyskidslegacy.org
RONN HALL INSURANCE AND NOTARY SERVICES Office 619-562-8585 Cell 619-670-1200 RonnHall@RonnHall.com
RonnHall.com CA License 0723568
4567 M www.y
COMMUNITY Matters ADVANCED HEARING AID PAGE FOUR • FEB 1 -7, 2019
Grossmont High School Art Exhibit Presents “AVENUE” El Cajon – Friday, February 1, Studio C Gallery and GUHSD present “AVENUE”, an exhibition of fine works by students of the community. Friday was the opening night. The artists were there to share their work. Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
TECHNOLOGY $ For LessThan 200
“I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!” — Don W., Sherman, TX
How can a hearing aid that costs less than $200
be every bit as good as one sells for $2,250 or more? The answer: Although tremendous
strides have been made in Advanced Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...
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!
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
Cuyamaca College’s 5th Annual Powwow Saturday, February 2, was the Cuyamaca College’s 5th Annual Powwow. Native American tribes from throughout the West were well represented at the Powwow. The event was free to the public. The Powwow celebrated American Indian culture complete with bird singing, gourd dancing, storytelling, and more. The powwow was sponsored by Cuyamaca College’s Native American Student Alliance, the Division of Equity & Engagement, Student Affairs and Associated Student Government. Photos by Ion Moe, Cuyamaca College.
FRB 1 - 7, 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. 1 - 7, 2019
FEB. 1 - 7, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
2018 El Cajon Citizen of the Year
PAGE SEVEN
El Cajon – Tuesday, February 5, the Rotary Club of El Cajon and the Lions Club of El Cajon Valley presented the 2018 El Cajon Citizen of the Year Awards. The event was held at the El Cajon Elks Lodge. A catered buffet lunch was served by Rita’s Catering. Center pieces were by Jasmine Creek Florist. This year’s citizen of the year is Joe Mackey, President/CEO of XL Staffing Services, Inc. and XL (Excell) Security, Inc,. He was also elected to the El Cajon Valley School board. He served as President of the El Cajon Valley School Board and the Cajon Valley Educational Foundation. Mackey is also a trustee on the board of the St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Mackey is new interim CEO of the East County Chamber of Commerce. Other nominees were: Dee Dean, Publisher, East County Herald, Retired. Rick Doremus, Home of Guiding Hands. Vince and Kay McGrath, volunteer at Water Conservation Garden. Daryl R. Priest, Priest Development Corporation, board leadership, and philanthropist. Tim McDougal, Senior VP at California Bank and Trust East County Commercial Group. Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
FEB 1 -7, 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!
Saturday, February 23, 6:00pm - 9:30pm Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon 141 N. Magnolia Ave, El Cajon 92020 Individual Tickets: $135 - $150 Sponsorships: $250 - $5,000 Program Ads: $175 More info 619-440-6161, info@eastcountychamber.org
• •
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 1 - 7, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
El Cajon Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting
El Cajon – Wednesday January 30, was the Mayor’s Town Hall meeting. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells held a meeting at El Cajon Valley High School. Wells began with State of the City. Main issues were public safety, neighbor improvements, economic development, fiscal responsibility, and goals for the year 2019. Topics from the audience included aggressive panhandling, cultural diversity, marijuana dispensaries, homelessness, East County Homeless Task Force, traffic, street improvement, Salvation Army building complete this year, and Black Bear Restaurant where Coco’s used to be. Photos by Jay Renard/Community Times
PAGE NINE
FEB 1 - 7, 2019
THE EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY TIMES • YOUR COMMUNITY OUR COMMUNITY
East County Chamber FebruaryFirst Friday Breakfast Santee – Friday, February 1, was the monthly East County Chamber of Commerce First Friday Breakfast. The event was held at the Carlton Oaks Golf Club. A buffet breakfast was served. Tabletop Sponsors were:Solstice Senior Living, Civility Partners, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. Updates were given on, Carlton Oaks Golf Club, Santee projects and events, Santee Chamber of Commerce, Forrester Creek Project, Boys and Girls Club of East County, Refer East County Groups, and Championship Gymnastics
.
Comedy Night.
PAGE TEN