 Want to know what’s going on around our neighborhood? Find out here on the Community News page! Visit throughout the day to get your updated local news headlines. In addition, you can also find out about local happenings. If you know of an event, such as a city picnic, local high school graduation or a wedding, post it here to let all of us know! Be sure to keep yourself informed by checking this page frequently! |
- Summer Camp - College for Kids - Heritage of the Americas MuseumPosted on: 2010-07-16Registration begins Tuesday, May 4. The Museum does not accept credit or debit cards.
To register, please go to www.cuyamaca.edu/museum or call the Museum at 619-670-5194.
Click here for more info!
Website:www.cuyamaca.edu/museum - ERIC PAREDES ' A CELEBRATION OF LIFE'Posted on: 2010-07-15July 11, 2010
Dear friends:
As you already know, it has been a very difficult year for our family but we know that all of you have prayed for us. All we can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We are planning a Celebration of Life for our beautiful son so please join us if you can
FRIDAY JULY 23rd, 2010 AT 6PM at ST. LUKE’S CATHLOLIC CHURCH LOCATED ON 1980 HILLSDALE RD. EL CAJON, 92019.
Please feel free to pass this email to your friends and family that might want to attend.
Thank you so much.
HECTOR, RHINA AND JESSICA
-
2010 Summer Reading Club Sponsored by the San Diego County LibraryPosted on: 2010-06-08How Do I Get Started?
1. You can sign up for the Summer Reading Club 3 ways:
•At your local County Library branch.
•Online.
•If you are in a summer group that can't get to the library, ask your Group Leader to register your group here, and receive a summer reading kit in the mail!
2. Next up, start reading!
Record your minutes spent reading online or on a reading log.
3. Reading Goals:
•1st = 300 minutes (5 hours)
•2nd = 600 minutes (10 hours)
•3rd = 900 minutes (15 hours)
4. Once you've reached a reading goal, go to your local County Library branch to pick up your prize and/or grand prize raffle ticket. If you've recorded your minutes online, make sure all of your minutes are recorded first. If you've used the reading log, please bring it with you.
- Cox Cable Rate Hike Alert!Posted on: 2010-06-08It is imperative that we be heard and file a complaint. Please Contact:
By PHONE:
619.595.4685
By EMAIL:
Tracy.DeFore@sdcounty.ca.gov
By US POST:
Cable Franchise Administrator
County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 208 (MS-A359)
San Diego, CA 92101
Click Here for more info.
- SAM THE PIRATEPosted on: 2010-05-18
“Stay the course to your dreams.” – Sam Sparrow
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
August 25, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – “I was a rebel growing up,” recalls Sam Sparrow, who spent his childhood in Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego and Bonita. He later traveled to Florida before returning home and finding his true calling as a celebrity impersonator who bears an uncanny resemblance to Johnny Depp, star of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Click Here to Read Full Story -
WINNERS CHOSEN IN MISS EL CAJON AND MISS TEEN EL CAJON SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANTPosted on: 2010-04-07
March 28, 2010 (El Cajon ) – On March 27, winners were crowned in the Miss El Cajon and Miss Teen El Cajon Scholarship Pageant at the East County Performing Arts Center. A total of 26 young women ages 14 to 26 competed for titles.
2010 Winners are:
Miss El Cajon: Kristen Beat
Miss El Cajon Teen: Megan Araujo
Miss Rancho San Diego: Allison Boettcher
Miss Teen Rancho San Diego: Morgan Gallo
- NEW County Curfew Aims To Keep Kids SafePosted on: 2010-03-03Beginning next month, young people in the unincorporated areas of the region will need to be home by 10 p.m. following a unanimous decision of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors today. Supervisor Dianne Jacob urged turning back the curfew from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. to make the County consistent with other cities and keep young people safe.
The curfew will apply to all those under 18 loitering in public places without permission from a parent or guardian. It won’t apply to minors at or heading home from sanctioned events.
Jacob joined forces with District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis and Sheriff Bill Gore to advocate for the earlier curfew. The three officials said the move will stop young people from seeking out jurisdictions with later curfews to stage parties. Jacob said the change will especially help crack down on gang-related activity in the Spring Valley area.
“I can tell you firsthand that Sherriff’s deputies need this important tool to make communities safer,” Jacob said, describing a scene she witnessed during a recent curfew sweep in Spring Valley. Jacob said deputies and probation officers lacked the authority to break up a large party outside an apartment complex at 10:30 p.m. The group included suspected gang members.
“Statistics reveal that the hour between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. is prime crime time for kids. By enforcing the earlier curfew we can ensure that kids are exactly where their families believe them to be,” Jacob said. “For kids that are in the wrong place, we’re working with law enforcement, community groups and faith-based organizations to put them on a path to better behavior.”
Local statistics suggest that the enforcement of an earlier curfew will lessen the number of crimes against juveniles and especially target violent crimes. More than 43 percent of curfew violations within the Sherriff’s jurisdiction occur on Friday and Saturday night, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
The cities of San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee have 10 p.m. curfews. The County plans to contact cities with 11:00 p.m. curfews to request the earlier hour.
# # #
Jennifer Stone
Communications Advisor
Office of Supervisor Dianne Jacob
County of San Diego
619.531.5522
Website:www.diannejacob.com -
SAFE HAVEN FOR MOUNTAIN LIONS PLANNED IN ALPINEPosted on: 2010-02-12Shrinking habitat in San Diego’s backcountry has led to inevitable clashes between mountain lions, humans and domesticated animals. But unlike some predatory animals, mountain lions can't be repatriated after capture due to their large, exclusive territory (up to 100 square miles), drastically reduced amount of remote habitat, and the growing number of lions being captured.
With few places to take captured cougars, authorities often must kill these carnivores whose ranges conflict with people. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that between 100 and 135 mountain lions are killed in California each year.
Lions, Tigers & Bears, a big cat rescue facility in Alpine, wants to provide authorities an alternative to killing these animals and also provide the organization’s members with opportunities to observe the animals close-up and learn safe actions should they encounter a big cat in the wild.
ConradThe facility is currently home to one young mountain lion, Conrad, who was captured by State Fish & Game officers near an elementary school. The Department contacted Lions Tigers & Bears which, through donations, was able to design and construct a habitat for Conrad.
Now Lions, Tigers & Bears has plans to create a far more extensive Conservation & Education Station capable of housing up to four mountain lions, with ample exercise room for all.
The planned station will include a 4,300-square-foot sleeping area with a concrete pad, a large alley way for long walks and runs and 12-foot fence with the top enclosed forthe safety of both animals and people. Another 700 square feet of enclosed access/egress pathways and horse-trailer access is an integral part of the enclosure. A water feature will provide cats with recreation and hydration and an irrigation system will feed the water feature and bring in water for plants, cleaning and fire suppression.
The goals of the Conservation & Education Station and the methods to achieve them are:
Goal 1: To save three to four wild mountain lions from death over the next five years and board them in a safe, no-kill conservation facility.
Goal 2: To educate the public about big cats and other wildlife native to the California's chaparral ecosystem. The facility will also educate its 12,000 members on how to co-exist with mountain lions. Through camps, classes, programs and other programs, Lions Tigers & Bears seeks to inform people on topics such as:
-- The relative rarity of mountain lion attacks (only 21 persons in all of North America have been killed by mountain lions since 1890, according to the Mountain Lion Foundation).
-- The important role the mountain lion serves in keeping in check the species they prey on, principally deer but also wild hogs, raccoons, rabbits, porcupines, and birds.
-- How to protect pets and livestock.
-- What to do in the event you encounter a mountain lion.
To complete the initial phase of Conservation & Education Station, Lions Tigers & Bears will need to raise $99,000. The complete Conservation & Education Station will cost $250,000. Donations may be made at members@lionstigersandbears.org.
For questions, call (619)659-8078.
Website:members@lionstigersandbears.org -
MEMORIAL SUNDAY AT STEELE CANYON FOR DAVID REID; SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED IN HIS MEMORYPosted on: 2010-01-29A memorial service for David Norman Reid will be held on Sunday, January 31st at 2 p.m. at the Steele Canyon High School theater (see address below). Reid was killed last Friday when a car driven by Andrew Bellati, 18, crossed the center line at a high speed and crashed head-on into Reid’s van.
Reid’s son, Garrett, 17, was seriously injured in the accident, as was Bellati and a female passenger in Bellati’s vehicle. CHP continues to investigate the accident and Bellati may face charges.
Garrett Reid suffered a skull fracture, broken arm, fractured wrist and broken toe, according to Jamie Luke, a family friend serving as spokesperson for the Reid family.
“He had surgery on Saturday and he’s going to have to have another surgery on his wrist,” Luke said, adding that Garrett is trying to maintain a positive outlook because it’s what his father would have wanted. “Emotionally it’s very hard on him, but physically he’s healing well,” said Luke.
David Reid was a radiology computer specialist and a Navy veteran. He was also an active supporter of the Steele Canyon Players drama club and a drama boosters group that raises money for productions and scholarships. He is survived by his wife, Lynn, son Garrett, and daughter, Katy.
A new scholarship is being established in honor or Reid, Luke disclosed. While details are being worked out with the school, those who wish to make a donation may send a check payable to Steel Canyon High School/PTO and note that the donation is for the David Reid scholarship. Checks may be mailed to:
Steel Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley, CA 91978.
- GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT FACES PAINFUL BUDGET CUTSPosted on: 2010-01-29“Tonight is a most difficult meeting,” GUHSD Superintendent Bob Collins told those present this evening at a special governing board budget workshop. Citing funding cuts from the state plaguing school districts throughout the state, he warned of a growing budget gap.
“The current district surplus will be fully consumed in solving this crisis—and it will not be enough.” He predicted, “It will be gone by the end of the year—and things are going to get worse.”
The District is preparing its budget for the next three fiscal years. By the third year, it will likely face a budget gap of approximately $20 million, according to a presentation made by Scott Patterson, deputy superintendent of business services.
Superintendent Collins assured that the District will fulfill its obligation to “provide all students with quality instruction” even amid difficult times and offered praise for Grossmont staffers who have risen to the challenges faced by trying circumstances.
“We will try to keep cuts as far from classrooms as possible,” he pledged. “My recommendation is that we not lay off any personnel. As tragic as salary cuts or furloughs may be, the prospect of someone losing their job is devastating.”
He proposed the following steps to deal with the budget crisis:
• A hard freeze on filling all certificated and classified vacancies, except for classroom teachers, starting February 1
• An across-the-board 25% cut in all central office expenditures and budgets
• A 5% decrease in compensation to the Superintendent
• Cuts to professional development costs, except for literacy programs
• An end to most consulting contracts
Patterson said the outlook has worsened since the District held an interim meeting in December. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new proposed budget, though not yet law, “Does set a tone of discourse and in our case, in a negative directions.” According to the Governor’s budget analysis which the district received January 13, education cuts would account for 25% of proposed state budget cuts.
By March 15, the District must submit a plan to the County and State for its budgets for the next three years—without knowing what the State’s final budget will be.
Cuts should include triggers for restoration, Patterson recommended.
The Governor’s proposed $19.9 billion budget may be overly optimistic, since it relies on $6.9 billion in federal funds requested but not allocated.
“So it’s smoke and mirrors,” trustee Jim Kelly commented.
The good news is the state budget proposes no mid-year cuts this fiscal year, but by fiscal year 2010-2011, the district will likely face a $20.1 million deficit once the surplus is used up and new cuts kick in.
The Governor’s budget includes a negative COLA (cost of living adjustment) of .38%. “That means we get less money,” Patterson explained. The Governor also targets school district central administration. “That could be 50-60% cuts in administration,” said Patterson, bringing shocked looks to trustees’ already-grim faces. The Governor is also pushing for more contracting out of services, elimination of laid-off teachers’ guaranteed rights, and shorter notification for lay-offs.
Another variable is enrollment. The district has boosted its enrollment in the past year through truancy programs aimed at regaining “fifth year” seniors. Immigration has also increase enrollment, bringing in more average daily attendance dollars. But whether that will continue is in question.
Patterson outlined “level one” cuts he believes will be needed to stem the budget shortfall. These include cutting tutorial programs in half, eliminating ninth grade teachers through attrition, cutting summer school to one three-week session, slashing the district office operating budget by 25%, reducing school site dollar allocations 25%, reducing substitute budgets, targeted program reductions, eliminating non-classroom vacancies, and reducing special education programs.
He said additional “level two” cuts will also be needed. Those include reducing the deferred maintenance fund and spending down that reserve (since some maintenance needs have been eliminating due to new buildings built under a bond issue), equalizing furlough days, reducing the school year by five days, eliminating department chair release periods to require extra work, and negotiating salary rollbacks and/or health and welfare benefit cuts, such as higher copays on medical or requiring employee contributions for dental coverage.
But he conceded, “That’s very difficult to get a union to accept, and very difficult to get a union to accept.”
Other recommended actions include a hard freeze on hiring teachers and a suspension on hiring classified substitutes.
Priscilla Schreiber“It’s unnerving to spend down our reserves,” said trustee Priscilla Schreiber. 'This whole thing is unnerving.'
David Golden, representative for the Classified Service Employees Association (CSEA), voiced concerns to East County Magazine over the proposals. “I think there are a lot of problems with it,” he said. “They’re not using the correct numbers for the ADA.”
In an interview with ECM following the meeting, Superintendent Collins said the district is also pursuing “as many grant proposals as possible,” which could ease the crunch somewhat, though most are narrowly targeted, such as for literacy programs. “The issues here are bigger than Grossmont. They’re bigger than the other school districts,” he observed. “There has to be, in critical institutions, a way to stabilize funding for families and kids…That’s true of police, fire and other critical services.”
Collins faults the state government for failing to find long-term stable funding sources for education in California.
“What else can I cut?” he asked, clearly frustrated at the daunting challenge. “We’re at very minimal operating levels. We will deal with it and we will keep our promise to provide students with quality instruction,” he concluded. “But it will be on the backs of classified and certificated employees who are really doing extraordinary jobs under extremely difficult situations.”
- Cottonwood Resident Announces: JUMPITZ Charity Event Aboard The Midway -Posted on: 2009-12-30Hello Everyone,
Last Sunday The Jumpitz hosted a wonderful, free event for children of the military on the USS Midway. Through our generous sponsors, we were also able to raise $25,000 to Snowball Express-- a charity for children of fallen military members. One of our sponsors wants to extend their support for our 2010 charitable efforts in working with kids of military members, and have challenged us to see how much visibility we can get to our post event, youtube click. PLEASE take the time to click through to this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhlIYJSEnc8
and ask anyone and everyone to do the same via e-mail, facebook, etc. We want to do everything wecan to support these causes. As you can see from the video, Snowball express has the endorsement of the Obamas, First Lady Shriver and our local Congresswoman Davis. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!'
--
Ellen Meador
EHM & Associates
8921 Complex Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
c 619.504.5421
f 619.447.7676Email:ehmeador@cox.net - Pete Thomas - Senior at Valhalla - takes detour to Colorado StatePosted on: 2009-12-28EL CAJON (12-23-09) — Valhalla High senior quarterback PETE THOMAS believes he can make an immediate impact as a freshman at Colorado State. That’s why he's rescinded his June commitment to Arizona State.
“I feel I had to do what’s right for me,” Thomas said. “At CSU, I have an opportunity to play early. That’s the goal of any incoming freshman.”
That wasn’t the case at ASU where Thomas felt the football program had become a bit too unstable. The Sun Devils were without an offensive coordinator after head coach Dennis Erickson fired Phil Olson following the 2009 season.
“I’m going to graduate in January, and I didn’t want to go over there where they didn’t have an offensive coordinator in place,” Thomas said.
- JACOB, HUNTER OPPOSE SYCUAN LAND GRABPosted on: 2009-10-23Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fellow R.A.G.E. supporter,
I have some terrific, encouraging news for you tonight.
I am pleased to report that both Dianne Jacob, our County Supervisor, and Duncan H Hunter, our local Congressman, have filed letters with the Bureau of Indian Affairs opposing Sycuan’s attempt to add nearly 2,000 acres of land in the Dehesa Valley to their existing reservation. The land includes the Singing Hills golf resort. As you know from earlier columns, we are greatly concerned that this is a subterfuge to permit construction of a casino on the land at a later date. Click Here for Full Article -
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE GETS ON BOARD!Posted on: 2009-10-23Thursday, October 22, 2009
Fellow R.A.G.E. supporter,
A few days ago, I told you about the welcome support of Country Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Congressman Duncan Hunter for our opposition to Sycuan’s 2,000-acre “land grab”. We hoped that this would spark further opposition from our public officials.
But never, in our wildest dreams, did we imagine that Governor Schwarzenegger himself (as represented by his top legal person, Andrea Lynn Hoch), would register opposition to the Sycuan land annexation. The attached “bombshell” letter shows that, in fact, the Governor’s office has just gone on record with the BIA as opposing this project- and most vehemently!
Click Here for Full Article -
SDSU CUTS ENROLLMENT, CHANGES ADMISSION & TRANSFER STUDENT POLICIES: ANNOUNCEMENT DRAWS CRITICISMPosted on: 2009-10-13September 23, 2009 – In response to “devastating budget cuts”, San Diego State University President Stephen L. Weber announced that SDSU will cut enrollment by 10.8%, or 4,588 undergraduate students. In addition, the school will make changes to its admissions policy for incoming fall 2010 freshmen and transfer students. The announcement has sparked concerns and criticisms from community leaders.
“These changes are a direct result of devastating state budget cuts of $571 million to the California State University System and SDSU,” Weber wrote in an e-mail sent to faculty members yesterday.
Statewide, CSU school have cut enrollment by 40,000 for this year and next. State budget cuts are “adversely and unfairly affecting not only thousands of CSU students, but many others throughout our state,” said Weber. SDSU has already cut 600 faculty and staff position, with most remaining employees taking unpaid furloughs.
For first-time freshmen, SDSU is declaring all majors and pre-majors impacted (including undeclared) with a goal to “better manage enrollment and ensure students can get the classes they need to graduate,” according to Weber’s e-mail. Applicants will be required to apply to a pre-major or undeclared and will be admitted based on their CSU Eligibility Index (calculated from grades and SAT/ACT scores). Local students will be given extra eligibility index points, but first-time freshmen from outside SDSU’s service area will be required to live on campus their first year starting in fall 2010. These changes impact only freshmen, not students already enrolled.
For transfer students, SDSU plans to continue honoring the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) as its first admission priority but will require applicants to complete 100% of their transfer work at local community colleges. That could leave out students who started their education elsewhere, including some military veterans. Local students who have moved back home from colleges or universities elsewhere due to financial hardship may also find the doors closed to them at SDSU, even if they have met other transfer requirements.
In addition, transfer students must have completed all general education and preparation for their major, and have a minimum GPA of 2.4 or the required GPA for their major (whichever is higher). SDSU will continue to honor its “Compact for Success” with Sweetwater Union High School District and the City Heights Collaborative with Hoover High School.
Grossmont Union High School Board Trustee Richard Hoy expressed concerns over the impact of reduced enrollment and other changes on East County students.
“There is no doubt that the current economy coupled with state budget reductions for public education from elementary through college is having an adverse effect on East County students,” Hoy told East County Magazine. “At a time when young people need more education and technical training in order to prepare for new jobs and careers, course offerings and admissions are being cut back. My hope is that we see a rapid and robust turn around in the economy, but unfortunately, that may not be the case.”
The announcement of enrollment cuts and tightened requirements for incoming students and transfers comes on the heels of hefty tuition hikes---increases which sparked protests among students last week at SDSU.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell has issued a number of statements concerning the staggering $18 billion in cuts to education in California over a two year period. In a speech on May 21, he warned, “'It doesn't take much to realize what these cuts mean for education. School leaders are going to be doing all they can just to keep the lights on and the doors open. I fear that the progress we've made for seven years is likely to be completely derailed and our efforts to close the achievement gap will be an afterthought.”
O’Connell called for passage of a constitutional amendment to “end gridlock and increase budget accountability,” according to a statement on the California Department of Education website.
Democrats fought to stave off deep cuts in education funding, trying instead to push through budgets that would increase revenues through proposals for various fee and tax increases. But even though Democrats are the majority party in the State Capitol, the state constitution requires a two-thirds vote to pass any budget bill. Republicans have unanimously refused to increase any fee or tax, even for cigarettes or yacht sales. When a lone Republican Senator voted for a budget with revenue increases (later vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger), the California Republican Party retaliated by refusing to fund his reelection campaign. With no budget, the state ran out of money and began issuing IOUs in July. Left with no alternative, Democrats ultimately passed a budget that included education cuts proposed by Republicans.
Sen. Kehoe at education rally“There is a partisan element unfortunately,” State Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) told East County Magazine following a hearing on wildfire preparedness today in San Diego. “Our Republican colleagues cannot vote for any tax or fee. That is unbreakable with them.” The result, she added, “is crippling our fire and emergency services, and it’s crippling education. Just look at what's happening with the CSU and UC systems.”
Some fear that SDSU’s admission policy changes may adversely impact local students, particularly women. Leaders of We Advocate Gender Equality (WAGE) sent an open letter to Weber alleging that “We concur that SDSU is once again pursuing a strategy of “discouraging” local students from enrolling on campus.” According to the WAGE letter, benefactors of the university the chair of the Academic Senate’s Diversity and Equity Committee, and community organizations have predicted the admissions changes “will decimate the numbers of local students at SDSU.”
Female students may be most adversely impacted, national and local WAGE leaders Charity B. Hirsch and Pat Washington, PHD, suggested. They contend that scholarly studies show that female students tend to be more tied to their communities because they may lack support from parents to move away and because women students earn less than young men, making it harder for them to support themselves away from home. WAGE leaders concluded, “By closing the door to many of these youngsters, the University and CSU will perpetuate the educational inequality that has plagued women in our society.”
Website:www.sdsu.edu/enrollment.info - Prop H and Prop UPosted on: 2009-09-15
- Eric Paredes Memorial InformationPosted on: 2009-07-28Friends...
On July 23, 2009, after 15 short years of life, Eric A. Paredes became an angel in heaven and we lost a beautiful boy. Eric was the most caring, thoughtful, funny, sensitive and loving, young man. Eric would light up any room with his constant smile. Eric loved life and lived it to the fullest. He enjoyed being with family and friends. He was a talented wrestler and had a passion for dancing. He was loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his adoring parents, Hector and Rhina Paredes, beautiful sister Jessica, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, cousins and many, many friends. Eric will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Eric's services are as follows;
Vigil/Rosary Wed, July 29th at 6:30 pm at
The Church of St. Luke 1980 Hillsdale Road El Cajon, CA
Liturgy/Celebration of Eric's Life Reception Thurs, July 30th at 1:00 pm at The Church of Saint Luke
followed by a reception in the Parich Hall.
Donations can be made to the Eric A. Paredes Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Branch and will benefit the Steele Canyon High School Wrestling Program.
We realize that many of you have been wanting to help the family in some way. If you would like to help, we would love for you to share your favorite salad or dessert at the Celebration of Eric's Life. If you choose to bring something, please deliver to St. Luke's Church by 11:30am on Thursday, July 30th.
Thank youEmail:michelle.speegle@cox.net - JACOB SADDLES UP FOR HISTORIC FIFTH TERMPosted on: 2009-01-09Better fire protection, improving parks and trails top agenda as Chairwoman in ‘09
SAN DIEGO -- “There is no place on earth like the Second District. We work hard. We say what we mean. And, a handshake still matters,” San Diego County Chairwoman Dianne Jacob said as she took the oath of office for an historic fifth term on the Board of Supervisors.
“Today, I offer this handshake to the people in my district: I will continue to give you nothing less than 110 percent of my efforts,” Jacob said with her husband of 47 years, Paul, at her side. She was sworn in by the Honorable Peter C. Deddeh, Supervising Judge of the San Diego Superior Court in East County.
In addition, Jacob was selected by her colleagues as Chairwoman of the Board for 2009. The position requires that she chair all board meetings and represent the Board at official functions. Traditionally, the chair makes an annual visit to Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of the County.
In remarks to her constituents, Jacob noted that she made good on a 2004 promise to consolidate fractured rural fire districts in the wake of the 2003 Cedar Fire. She pledged to continue to work with regional leaders to invest in better fire protection in the year ahead.
“The County’s commitment to spend $15.5 million annually to consolidate rural fire agencies means better-coordinated services at more than 50 stations in the unincorporated area. Ultimately, 1.5 million acres will fall under the new San Diego County Regional Fire Authority. That’s more than half the geographic area of the county,” she said.
Jacob said that tackling gang violence and creating places for families and young people to play would top her agenda in the year ahead.
“We cannot ignore gang violence or deny it. We cannot cross our fingers and hope it goes away. Law enforcement is making inroads. More needs to be done and I will soon be detailing ways to combat this growing menace,” Jacob said.
Jacob also said the County would soon open the much-anticipated Lakeside Baseball Park and was making progress on several long term trail projects, including the historic Stowe Trail that will stretch from Santee to Poway.
“When we build safe places for kids to play, they exercise, we build stronger communities. We fight crime and obesity. We support families and promote teamwork. Simply put, we plant seeds for a better future,” Jacob said.
Jacob is a former elementary school teacher and past president of the California School Boards Association.
She was re-elected in the June primary and garnered nearly 78 percent of the vote.
Click Here for More Info -
Friends of Howie HawverPosted on: 2009-01-03Dear soccer families, coaches, and friends - I am calling upon you to take a few moments and read the below, regarding one of our own great So Cal Coaches.
Howie Hawver, a great soccer master mind who has successfully coached everything from U8-College soccer is in need of OUR help. Howie has recently been diagnosed with ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, sometimes called Maladie de Charcot) is a progressive, usually fatal, neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system that control voluntary muscle movement. In the United States, the condition is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Howie needs medication that in hopes will slow down the progress of the disease. Unfortunately, as with most expensive medications it is only partially covered by insurance (left with a $2500 bi-monthly expense) Howie needs our help.
As a director, girls coach, boys coach, camp instructor, high school coach, college coach, Howie has spent the last 25 plus years shaping some of the great soccer players of our time. To list Howie's accomplishments would take too long and would take away from his true need right now - WE THE SOCCCER COMMUNITY.
Howie has been a staple in the San Diego soccer community for over 25 years. I have personally coached, club, High school, and College against Howie. His soccer knowledge is second to none, and his players are a testiment to that. Now it is time for us (even coaches like me - who was always competing against) to make our testiment to Howie.
I am asking you to take a few moments and think about what an impact a coach a has made in your childs life. As a coach I ask you to think about what he has given to the game. As a Christian I ask that you pray for Howie and his family and doctors.
A dear friend of mine has done tremendous amounts of leg work to open an acct and talk Howie into accepting help from us, the soccer community. Its now up to us to help one of our own in great need. If you can make any donation to help fund the nec medication please contact:
Please make your checks payable to 'Friends of Howie Hawver'
Then send your donations directly to:
The San Diego County Credit Union
Attention: Michelle Swope
312 W. Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
Yours in soccer,
Matt Robertson -
What is Odin's March?Posted on: 2008-09-25Click Here to Find Out! -
County Announces - $15 Million Available for First-Time Home BuyersPosted on: 2002-01-31December 18, 2009 (San Diego) -If you're a first-time homebuyer, you may be able to take advantage of state funds awarded to the County of San Diego Department of Housing and Community Development. The department received $15 million for the Mortgage Credit Certificate, or MCC, program, in addition to almost $11 million awarded to Housing and Community Development earlier this year.
An MCC allows eligible homebuyers to reduce their federal income tax by up to 20 percent of the annual interest paid on a mortgage loan. With less being paid in taxes, the buyer's net earnings increase, enabling that person to more easily qualify for a mortgage loan.
Homebuyers must meet certain qualifications to participate in the program. Among them, buyers cannot earn more than $109,020 annually for a family of three or more, and not more than $94,800 annually for a family of two or less. The limits are higher if buyers purchase home in specially designated areas. The purchased home must be the buyer’s primary residence, and an MCC may only be used to purchase single-family detached homes, condominiums, townhomes and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation.
The property to be purchased must be located within an unincorporated area of San Diego County, or in the cities of Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, or Vista. The cities of San Diego and Oceanside operate their own individual MCC programs.
Interested homebuyers apply for the program through a mortgage lender. For information, please visit the County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Web site, or contact Bonnie Petrach at (858) 694-4810
