COMMUNITY LEADERS FLOCK TO ATTEND EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S VIP HOLIDAY PARTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery, Editor Education leaders at ECM’s holiday party (left to right): Henri Migala, executive dean, Cuyamaca College, Alan Ridley, Student Services Specialist, Cuyamaca College, Mary Kay Rosinski, board member, Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District, and Doug Dean, education chair, East County Chamber of Commerce with musician Gene Warren. December 15, 2008 (La Mesa) — It was a leap of faith to host a VIP holiday party as the upstart publisher in town. Being a big believer in the “if you build it, they will come” philosophy, however, we didn’t pause to worry about that nagging little fear: what if no VIPs showed up? Fortunately, the result was quite the opposite! More than 70 VIP guests attended our holiday soiree, where dozens of community leaders mixed and mingled with our writers, editors, webmaster, donors and supporters. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come in just three months–attracting over 485,000 visits to our website and now, a party guest list that reads like a Who’s Who of East County! Local luminaries present included Democratic and Republican elected officials, business and labor leaders, Chamber of Commerce officials, education leaders, officers of service clubs and charitable organizations, environmental and alternative energy experts, the head of Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, bloggers, doctors, lawyers, architects, nonprofit directors, and the San Diego regional organizer for President-Elect Barack Obama. Wow. Larry Urdahl, former Grossmont Union High School Board member, with his wife, Rose Lemon Grove Councilman-elect George Gastil and Assemblyman Joel Anderson. Obama regional co-coordinator Marsha Johnston and Glad Earth Foundation representative Martha Sullivan celebrate the season. Wade Vernon, Performwall, Dan Ortiz, United Auto Workers (UAW), Alan Ridley, Student Services Specialist, Cuyamaca College, and Lee Mench, East County Biz Center Our stellar guests savored wine-tasting compliments of Orfila Vineyards, an array of delicious food including pasta provided by Bistro D’ Vine, and live music by talented guitarist/singer Gene Warren. We also had some great door prizes, such as a gift certificate donated by Gio’s Wine Bar & Bistro, wine bottles and also a bottle of Ethos, a fuel additive to boost mileage donated by Alan Ridley. At the event, we also announced kick-off of a fundraising campaign to sustain our new media outlet–and help us expand to include (drum roll, please) East County Magazine TV! Democratic Regional Director Steve Rivera and former Congressional candidate Francine Busby Howard Bagley, Friends of East County Arts Association, center, chats with guests at buffet dinner table Indian Voices editor Rose Davis and her granddaughter ECM editors Jamie Reno and Miriam Raftery with webmaster Zakiya Khabir. We appreciate the tremendous outpouring of community support in terms of content, writing, volunteers, and great ideas–but we also need donations to cover our expanding operating expenses and upgrades needed for our fast-growing website. We especially appreciate monthly sustaining donations, so we can budget for the future. If each of our subscribers and readers could pledge even $25 per quarter–less than $9 per month– we’d have plenty to tide us through the coming year. (To give a holiday gift that supports independent media for our community, just click the “donate” button at the top of our site and choose the East County Magazine option from our publisher’s list.) Election lawyer Ken Karan and playwright Walt Meyer Jane Moore, El Cajon Community Development Corporation, and Drum Macomber, El Cajon Citizen of the Year Vines & Steins columnist Richard Noel with Orfila Vineyards representative Barbara Metz and Hector Torres. Valerie Harrison, president, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, with husband Joel Harrison and Alan Ridley, student services director, Cuyamaca College There are other ways you can help “be the media” for our region. If you can volunteer to help us with writing, research or office work, please send me an e-mail at editor@eastcountymagazine.org. If you’d like to become a sponsor or advertiser, contact leon@eastcountymagazine.org. Or call (619)698-7617. We also appreciate trade-outs of services in exchange for ad space in our widely-read publication. What’s next for East County Magazine? Our vision for the future includes hosting a citizen journalist training seminar, student writer programs, a public access television program, and if all goes well, an appreciation party for our readers. Meanwhile, happy holidays! Printer-friendly version
FOUNDER OF STONEY’S KIDS HONORED DURING EAST COUNTY TOY & FOOD DRIVE EVENT AT VIEJAS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Stoney Stone and his Wife. Photo Credit: Leon Thompson December 10, 2008 (Alpine) — Community members from throughout East County gathered at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge for a holiday party and auction to help needy families locally. In addition, community leaders paid tribute to B.W. “Stoney” Stone, founder of Stoney’s Kids and long-time organizer of the East County Toy & Food Drive. “We have over 1,400 families who need help this year,” Salvation Army Captain Darren Norton told East County Magazine, adding that the need is greater than ever this holiday season. More people need help because of the economic downturn, which has led to more people locally losing homes and jobs. In addition, a flood at a San Diego facility earlier in December destroyed about 1,000 toys already donated to the Salvation Army. Joe Browning from Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office presents Stoney Stone with flag flown over U.S. Capitol. The evening’s most emotional moment was the arrival of Stone, now wheelchair-bound following a recent severe illness. Assemblyman Joel Anderson presented Stone with a Legislative proclamation honoring his long-time service to the community. A representative of Supervisor Dianne Jacob announced that San Diego County officially declared the date Stoney Stone day. In addition, a representative from Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office gave Stone an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol. Founded in 1991, Stoney’s Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children of East County. Originally known as the East County Youth Development Advisory Council, the organization has given away money for reading, recreation, music, parent education, school banners, and juvenile justice diversion programs in addition to the annual holiday toy drive. For more information, visit www.stoneyskids.org/index-1.html. Printer-friendly version
HO, HO, HO! EAST COUNTY LEADERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON
Printer-friendly versionEast County’s movers and shakers got into the holiday spirit at parties throughout our region. December 15, 2008 (Rancho San Diego) — Jamul Chamber of Commerce president Valerie Harrison donned reindeer antlers to conduct last week’s meeting, where comedian Russ T. Nailz provided comic relief. Members brought toys for the East County Toy & Food Drive”as did attendees at a First Friday holiday breakfast hosted by the East County Chamber of Commerce. Valerie Harrison, president, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce Dave Scott of KUSI serenaded guests on his trombone in a unique performance with a string trio at a holiday tea hosted by Friends of East County Arts. Dave Scott of KUSI plays trombone at Friends of East County Arts holiday tea In Kensington, guests were in a festive mood at an Obama a "Change Party" hosted by Rita Sanchez, part of the Obama-Biden transition team’s national effort to obtain ideas from citizens across America about what the nation’s priorities should be for the future. Photo credit: Leon Thompson In El Cajon, Assemblyman Joel Anderson hosted a holiday open house, inviting the public and community leaders to mix and mingle. Newly elected Assemblyman Marty Block also held a holiday party in his Lemon Grove office. Assemblyman Joel Anderson greets Gregg and Debby Hamann of Hamann Construction at his holiday open house Foothills La Mesa and East County Democratic Clubs teamed up to host a holiday party of their own, where syndicated columnist Richard Lederer (Looking at Language) shared his wit and wisdom. At Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge in Alpine, costumed elves manned an auction to benefit the East County Toy & Food Drive. Civic leaders turned out to also honor the drive’s founder, Stoney Stone. Printer-friendly version
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization. “In 24 years, they’ve raised a half million dollars,” he said, adding that the group has no significant overhead and donates all funds raised for worthy local causes. “It’s all gone to schools and the arts, including the (East County) Performing Arts Center.” The event proceeded smoothly, with just one small exception. While elegantly dressed women chatted and sipped tea while patiently awaiting food service, one patron at the lone men’s table complained loudly, “Hey, the men over here are getting hungry!” Men and women alike bid on silent auction items and purchasing raffle tickets sold by Alexandra Fagelson, Miss Rancho San Diego, and Kari Satrom, Miss El Cajon. In an era of tough economic times, 170 people attended the event to support local arts projects. “It’s a good year,” event chair Cheryl Minshew told East County Magazine. Each table has individualized china settings and elegant decorations provided by a Friends of East County Arts member. In 2009, Friends of East County Arts will celebrate its 25th year. “We’re planning the most spectacular silver anniversary event in September,” president Bonnie Fredensborg told those present. Other upcoming events include the annual garden tour in April and a kids’ art show in Parkway Plaza. A trio of string players performed classical music during the tea, at one point joining a trombone performance by Dave Scott of KUSI Channel 9. Minshew shared some historical trivia with guests, noting that tea originated in China and over a billion cups of tea are consumed daily around the world. “Before the mid-18th Century, there were no handles on teacups. People used to pour their tea on saucers and slurp it,” she disclosed, glancing at the men’s table as she added, “Don’t even think about it!” Howard Bagley with Miss El Cajon at the holiday tea Bonnie Fredensborg, president, Friends of East County Arts Inc. Cheryl Minshew, president, Friends of East County Arts Inc. Printer-friendly version
Cuyamaca College dedicates Wendell Cutting Center in honor of East County humanitarian
Printer-friendly version From left: nephew L.G. Wayne Cutting; Cuyamaca Interim President Cristina Chiriboga; brothers Larry and Wayne Cutting; sister Ruth Anne Cutting; GCCCD Governing Board Trustee Deanna Weeks; TRUSTEE Bill Garrett; and student trustee Chuck Taylor. December 12, 2008 (El Cajon) Former governing board member Wendell Cutting was remembered Friday for his generosity of spirit and caring for humanity during a dedication ceremony for a Cuyamaca College science and technology building that now bears his name. The naming of Wendell Cutting Center, which houses labs for the life and physical sciences programs, as well as computer information science, recognizes not only the depth of his caring for students, but also the value he placed on learning. A middle-school teacher and administrator during the 70s and a governing board trustee from 2002 until his death in 2006, Cutting was a proponent of advancing science and technology education at Cuyamaca College. The indoor ceremony included the unveiling by his brothers, Larry and Wayne, of a bronze plaque bearing a likeness of Cutting. Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board Trustee Deanna Weeks, one of the speakers at the event, looked out at the audience of some 200 and remarked that it felt like a family reunion. “Wendell has brought us all together again”, said Weeks, who noted that like so many who had gotten to know Cutting, she regarded her respected colleague as a best friend. “Wendell had a gift of making each of us feel as if we were the special one”, she said. “Wendell was easily the most popular guy in East County. There were so many ways he could, and did, serve.” Governing Board President Bill Garrett told the audience that seated among them were representatives of just a few of the many civic, philanthropic and business organizations to which Cutting volunteered his time and effort: El Cajon Rotarians; Rescue Task Force, an East County-based international relief organization; Salvation Army; San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce; and East County Economic Development Council. Through Rescue Task Force, Cutting traveled to disaster sites around the world, helping victims of Hurricane Katrina and the Asian tsunami. “Wendell was a multifaceted person who enjoyed working with people from many walks of life in order to improve the human condition”, said Chancellor Omero Suarez. “One of those areas where he committed time, effort and resources was to teaching and learning. He believed very strongly that education was the foundation for developing a healthy and prosperous community. It was through education that lives could experience wondrous transformations; therefore, education was a keystone in his philosophical outlook on life.” Dr. Cristina Chiriboga, interim college president, described Cutting as a tireless advocate of students, noting that thanks in great part to his efforts, Cuyamaca has blossomed into a college in high demand. Now in its 30th year, Cuyamaca boasts a record enrollment of more than 9,000, and the opening of three new facilities since 2007, with a fourth currently under construction. Those, and others at Grossmont College are the fruit borne of Proposition R, the $207 million facilities bond approved by East County voters in 2002. “I want to share with you that although the science and technology center is not yet two years old, it is already filled to capacity with classes and students, and the biological science disciplines housed in this building have helped Cuyamaca College become the gateway to the health professions by providing the necessary academic preparatory courses for these careers”, Chiriboga said. “As well, we have been able to provide cutting edge, no pun intended, learning environments in the computer information science and graphic design programs.” “This building is a testament to Wendell’s belief in the power of the human spirit to work together to make the world a better place”, said science and engineering department chair Dr. Kathryn Nette “For those of you who are not familiar with the concept, the Cuyamaca way describes the attitudes, feelings and motivations that are at the root of the college. The words that describe it are inscribed in the walkways outside of this building”, said Michael Wangler, president of the academic senate, referring to the words, “friendly,integrity, vision, innovative, excellence, student-centered”,and “beautiful.” Also slated to speak today was Rep. Duncan Hunter, but with the unresolved auto industry bailout keeping him in Washington, D.C., Deputy Chief of Staff Michael Harrison spoke on his behalf. Harrison, who worked with Cutting as the congressman’s former district chief of staff — since 1994, remembered the kindness that Cutting showed him from the start, offering words of reassurance to a fresh-out-of-college political aide. “He said, do your job, do it professionally, do it slowly, and everything will be fine because, remember, things could be a lot worse”, said Harrison. In closing, Harrison shared a quote of Martin Luther King Jr. that he described as befitting Cutting. “The biggest difference you can make is making a difference in your community.” Printer-friendly version
THE WILL POWER REPORT – Prescription Medicine Costs
Printer-friendly versionNothing but the Truth! By Will Power January 1, 2008 (San Diego) — I am at the end of my rope with Big Pharma. They are the greediest, least efficient, most corrupt corporations going, and that included Big Oil. They sell bad, unsafe, overpriced drugs that kill people and don’t allow people who need drugs to get them. I went to the pharmacy today to pick up my asthma medicine. It somehow jumped overnight in price from $38 to $75 dollars. My inhalers recently jumped from $19 to $40+, while the size is decreased from 17 grams to 7 grams. The excuse is a new propellant that is supposed to decrease global warming. I had to leave without my medication. I guess the insurance company would rather see me in the Emergency Room than at home. Perhaps they make more money that way? Obama needs to clean out the lobbyists from the FDA and NIH. The government should make a single nation-wide formulary for every drug and give each US citizen a Smart Card which can be used at any US pharmacy. The Smart Card should list blood type, allergies, and an abbreviated health history. Mail-order medicine from Mexico and Canada should be allowed, along with unlimited imports of medicine bought by travelers. If this can be done by Executive Order, it would allow US seniors to buy the medicine they need at prices that are humane and affordable. Obama should make this legal as soon as he takes office. No more jamming seniors at the border for buying medicine they need! It is unconscionable that drug companies should make 1800% profit. No citizen that needs medicine should have to leave the pharmacy without it, as I have had to do twice recently. I cannot afford to pay the prices they ask. The current system, where Pharmacies charge whatever the market can bear, is insupportable under any circumstances. People should not get sick or die for the bottom line. No other western civilized nation has so poor a mechanism for delivering medication. Something needs to be done, and soon. Will Power is a retired teacher who holds a masters degree in creative writing. Printer-friendly version
The Rolling Reviewer- A Few of My Favorite Things
Printer-friendly versionBy Janelle Eckardt January 1, 2008 (San Diego) — There is no denying that the oversaturation of bright lights, holiday music, and the overabundance of sales successfully lures us into shopping every year for that one special thing we may have written off as excessive two months ago, but that is suddenly now budding into a necessity. And while that glorious gadget that will simultaneously style your hair and reorganize your PDA is still out-of-stock in January, you may consider marrying your urge to boost the economy with the interest to provide a true necessity for someone special in your life. Whether you’re shopping for someone you know or for yourself this year, it pays to be on top of all the new and exciting adaptive technology coming out daily. So look out Burp-Me-Elmo, I’m highlighting some of the best sources and products sure to bring lasting smiles long after the holiday season. The saying goes that necessity is the mother of all invention; what this fine adage leaves out, however, is that necessity also tends to bear Einstein’s genius level of frustration in us all, as well. For many people with particular and often times highly individualized needs, it can be incredibly challenging to access the tools to meet even the simplest daily requirements. It is for that very reason that a brain trust of sorts has developed across the country and world, fueled by “inventors” acting out of necessity to make lives more vibrant for everyone. Luckily for me, I was born into a family of such inventors — strangely enough, many of them only stumbled into their lab coats and bifocals after my sister and I joined the clan. Our parents understood that while my sister and I may face limitations and obstacles, we would not sit idly by and miss out on enjoying ourselves. When commercial children’s swim equipment didn’t work, my mom devised air tubes we could sit in that supported our posture and still let us splash around. My uncle built a swing set we could drive our electric wheelchairs on after he saw one that another family had ingeniously developed for their kids. And at a time when ventilators were not widely accepted as being portable, we had wooden trays attached to carry our equipment and batteries. For anyone who has jury-rigged, modified, concocted, or reverse engineered any form of adaptive equipment my stories are hardly remarkable. Every person with unique circumstances has come up against a wall that required a unique explosion to knock it down. Though, it seems many of us are so accustomed to addressing our own needs that we’re unaware of all the innovations that have finally been mainstreamed into the commercial market. Accommodations for the hearing-impaired, sight-impaired, mobility-impaired, and the patience-impaired can now be found in large varieties and qualities online. Thousands of products have been designed with specific conditions in mind, and are backed by professionals who at last understand the customer’s needs and concerns. After spending much time researching the latest online venues for everything adaptive equipment-related, and after considering the devices that have helped me the most, I’ve put together a list of products and resources that is in no way complete, but one I hope will lead anyone interested in the right direction of finding that one special thing to make his or her life a little better – if only to give our inventors a little time off. The New York based web company, adaptivemall.com, caters primarily to children with special needs and their families. Adaptivemall offers a well rounded selection of products intended to stimulate and support children at their highest functioning level. Specialty strollers, pushchairs, classroom equipment, therapeutic toys, bicycles, car seats, lifts, mobile standers, and even adaptive swings are only some of the categories covered. Shoppers will be relieved to know that licensed occupational and physical therapists directly handle each step of the ordering process, and personally ensure each product is properly sized for the customer. Considering the high price tag that is usually directly proportionate to the quality of adaptive equipment, there is the small consolation of knowing your order of $100 or more will be shipped for free. Did I mention most products come with a 30-day trial period, so you won’t be plagued by buyer’s remorse? Adaptivemall’s thoughtful and comprehensive selection is impressive, but I was particularly struck by the “Bus Transport” section that offers crash tested strollers and wheelchairs–an obvious safety concern that was largely ignored when I was bus-riding age. maxiaids.com, another web supply company based in New York, offers an astounding array of adaptive devises suited for multiple disabilities and lifestyles. Products are organized into six main categories: Blind and Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mobility, Medical and Health, Household, and Technology. MaxiAids is a one-stop-shop for anything and everything you’ve ever considered tinkering with–thousands of talking watches are offered in both men’s and women’s styles for folk with limited eyesight; various styles of eating utensils shaped and weighted for those with limited hand and arm strength and/or mobility; and grooming tools designed for safety and convenience. And just like Adaptivemall, MaxiAids provides free shipping on all land orders costing more than $100. Lastly, gift card denominations cap off at $1,000…just in case you were wondering. The most important thing to remember when picking a gift that influences how someone interacts with their surroundings is that you don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount or search out a rare find to make that difference. In fact, many things we all use for one function each day have great hidden potential. My sister, the texting queen of California, discovered untouched territory of obsession once she programmed her phone to complete words from only a couple letters typed. One of my favorite home accessories is a personal-sized wooden Lady Suzan on my kitchen table that allows me to access my food, drink, and anything else I please simply by turning it. Whether