SDSU AND VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS AGREE ON NAMING RIGHTS TO SDSU ARENA: ON CAMPUS VENUE TO BE CALLED VIEJAS ARENA STARTING JULY 1, 2009
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (San Diego)–The on campus sports and entertainment venue at San Diego State University will be renamed Viejas Arena, under a new agreement between the university and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the two announced today. "We’re very pleased that the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who are such an important member of the San Diego community, has decided to partner with us," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "SDSU’s arena is one of the top sports and entertainment venues in San Diego County. We believe Viejas will help add to the arena’s success into the future." The naming rights agreement will officially go into effect July 1, 2009 and will pay SDSU approximately $6 million over 10 years. The agreement was brokered by Premier Partnerships with local support by ISM. Cox Communications paid SDSU more than $5 million over the 12 year life of the previous agreement, which will expire June 30, 2009. "The arena at SDSU is one of the premier venues in Southern California for sports and entertainment," said Bobby L. Barrett, Viejas Tribal Chairman. "We’re very excited to be associated with SDSU and its arena in such a meaningful way and we are looking forward to building upon our already great relationship with SDSU." Viejas Entertainment & Production President Anthony San Pietro said, "Viejas has a long and successful track record in the entertainment field, including event production and concert booking and promotion. We look forward to bringing that experience to the new Viejas Arena to enhance its reputation as one of southern California’s premier sports and entertainment venues." Opened in 1997 as Cox Arena, the arena seats 12,414 for basketball and up to 12,845 for concerts. It is home to SDSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and has hosted such acts as Aerosmith, Pearl Jam, Neil Diamond, Elton John and Bob Dylan. SDSU hosted the first two rounds of the 2001 and 2006 NCAA men’s basketball tournaments there, and this month will welcome the first two rounds of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. From CIF high school basketball championships to such family shows as The Wiggles, the arena has become an important venue for a variety of community activities. The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians is a sovereign Nation whose people have inhabited the San Diego County area for thousands of years. The 1,600 acre Viejas Indian Reservation is located near Alpine, California, approximately 35 miles east of San Diego. Viejas Enterprises operates the tribe’s business entities, including the Viejas Casino ~ Viejas Outlet Center ~ Viejas Entertainment & Production~ Three Fires LLC and Four Fires LLC, two partnerships that have developed hotels in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California~ Borrego Springs Bank~ three radio stations and two RV parks. For more information, visit www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org. San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 85 areas, master’s degrees in 75 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s approximately 35,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu. Printer-friendly version
ALL ABOARD! SD LAS HERMANAS HOSTS CASINO FUNDRAISER ON RIVERBOAT
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Las Hermanas, a group of East County women who raise money for East County charities, is hosting Casino Night with the San Diego Las Hermanas Riverboat Queens on Friday, March 27. The spring fundraiser is being held aboard the William D. Evans Riverboat, launching from the Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay. The San Diego Las Hermanas, an independent philanthropic organization, was formed in 2001 to raise money for East County charities for children. The group meets monthly in members’ living rooms. Last year the group raised approximately $70,000 for its chosen charities. Charitable causes which have benefited from Las Hermanas include Horsemanship for the Handicapped, Casey’s Place (a before and after-school mentoring program), Fostering Opportunities/Dollars for Scholars, and Community Coaching Center, a facility which helps children and teens with autism. "We were able to offer seven scholarships in the last year for local students from Fostering Opportunities, a program for foster kids over 18 who have dropped out of the system," said Heidi Martin, co-president of Las Hermanas along with Joeann Gautlier. Martin also thanked Site So-Cal for helping the nonprofit Las Hermanas organization purchase a trailer for the Horsemanship for the Handicapped Program. The two-hour cruise includes dinner, an open bar, a disk jockey, dancing and a silent auction with a $1,000 opportunity drawing and opportunity drawing. Tickets are $125 per person. The event is from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Guests are invited to come dressed in cocktail attire or "risk-taking" costumes for an evening of "high stakes" entertainment. R.S.V.P. by March 22 to events@SDLasHermanas.com. For more information about the event or the organization, visit http://sdlashermanas.com/ Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — MID-MARCH
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. SDG&E SAYS ITS EQUIPMENT STARTED 167 FIRES IN 5½ YEARS Union-Tribune (March 14, 2009) — Nearly 170 fires have been started by San Diego Gas & Electric Co. power lines or transformers in the past 5½ years, according to a report the utility released yesterday to bolster its proposal to shut off power to some areas during periods of high fire danger. Of those fires, 13 occurred during strong winds, and a handful became infernos, such as the Witch Creek, Guejito and Rice Canyon fires of 2007, the report says. The 40-page report is a response to 21 questions posed by the state Public Utilities Commission, which is examining SDG&E’s plan. GROUPS SEEK $2.7 MILLION FOR FIGHTING POWER LINES North County Times (March 7, 2009) — Opponents of San Diego Gas & Electric Co.’s power line have petitioned the state to compensate them for $2.7 million in costs they say they incurred over three years battling the Sunrise Powerlink —- costs that would be passed on to utility ratepayers. The groups were "intervenors" in the Sunrise case under a program that allows opponents to take on a formal role in arguing merits of utility projects before the California Public Utilities Commission, the regulatory body that licenses electric, gas and telephone projects. The state lets intervenors recoup their costs. SDG&E SET TO PAY AFTER MISSTATING SUNRISE INFO Union-Tribune (March 7, 2009) — San Diego Gas & Electric Co. agreed yesterday to pay up to $1.1 million to settle accusations that it tried to mislead state regulators about the route of its proposed Sunrise Powerlink. The company didn’t admit lying to regulators, but apologized for what it said was a mistake: failing to include two documents in a public filing describing a presentation to staff members at the state Public Utilities Commission. CLIMATE CHANGE ACCELERATES WATER HUNT IN US WEST Reuters (March 10, 2009) — It’s hard to visualize a water crisis while driving the lush boulevards of Los Angeles, golfing Arizona’s green fairways or watching dancing Las Vegas fountains leap more than 20 stories high. So look Down Under. A decade into its worst drought in a hundred years Australia is a lesson of what the American West could become. Bush fires are killing people and obliterating towns. Rice exports collapsed last year and the wheat crop was halved two years running. Water rationing is part of daily life. "Think of that as California’s future," said Heather Cooley of California water think tank the Pacific Institute. SD MAYOR SEEKS TIGHTER RULES ON ABANDONED HOMES Recommendations aim to reduce blight Union-Tribune (March 11, 2009) — San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said yesterday that he is taking new steps to prevent home foreclosures and preserve neighborhoods by reducing blight from abandoned dwellings. Sanders unveiled recommendations from an advisory panel to tighten regulations governing the maintenance of foreclosed homes. He also announced the creation of a Housing Commission Web site to help people facing foreclosure. The mayor also noted that the city will use $9.4 million in federal neighborhood stabilization funds to finance the purchase of foreclosed homes by first-time buyers and to buy, rehabilitate and rent out units in areas hard-hit by home loan failures. Printer-friendly version
BE INVENTIVE: SCIENCE FESTIVAL AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 20-21
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — The public is invited to experience hands-on scientific demonstrations and view exhibits that celebrate science in our everyday lives at the 2009 Grossmont College Science Festival on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, to be held on the college campus. Admission and parking are free. Families with students of all ages are encouraged to attend. Activities will include telescope stargazing at the campus Main Quad and clips from sci-fi movies from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 20. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, activities will include scores of hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, walk-through tours of high-tech buildings on campus and guest speakers. A complete schedule of activities is available at www.grossmont.edu/sciencefestival. For more information, call Patty Sparks at Grossmont College, (619) 644-7141. Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Dr., in El Cajon. For driving directions and a campus map, visit www.grossmont.edu. "Pathways to Tomorrow’ is the theme of the 2009 Grossmont College Science Festival. "Science is infused in everything we do, everyday," said Jim Papageorge, a Grossmont College professor and event manager. "Our goal with this two-day Festival is to inspire the next generation of leaders in science. We want to show both boys and girls that science, math and technology are cool, hip, interesting and fun. This will be a terrific opportunity to show school-age children how to build a pathway so they can be part of the scientific future." Printer-friendly version
MORE THAN PLANTS AT WATER-WISE PLANT FAIR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Flowering perennials from Daylily hill Maic Palmiere of Crest displays baskets and jewelry made from pine needles March 14, 2009 (El Cajon) — Birdhouses, eco-friendly jewelry, and water-saving wizardry awaited visitors at the Water-Wise Plant Fair, held today at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. If you thought low-water landscaping means gravel and cacti, think again. An abundance of flowering plants and shrubs on sale offered visitors a wide array of beautiful yet water-saving alternatives to water-hogging plants and lawns. "These are made from pine needles," said artist Maic Palmieri, standing beside a display of dazzling earrings and other jewelry. Nearby, Vince McGrath displayed a collection of hand-made birdhouses. Elsewhere, vendors touted everything from earthworms to composting information. Display shows flowers, fruits and vegetables grown vertically in Hydrostackers Helen McBrady displayed Hydrostackers, Styrofoam planters arrayed vertically. The practice has caught on among commercial growers of crops such as strawberries, with farmers discovering they can maximize yields and minimize water usage in an era where higher water rates and possible water rationing looms. Her display booth also featured information on other water-saving options, such as rain cisterns and use of bamboo, a fast-growing wood that replenishes itself every several years. A sign at the booth proclaims, "It is believed that if bamboo were planted on a mass basis, it could completely reverse the effects of global warming in just six years." Birdhouses by craftsman Vince McGrath Children enjoyed making paper box planters, while their parents chatted with experts on a variety of topics. Sponsors also held a raffle for prizes including a free landscape redesign—a coveted item among homeowners in today’s era of water shortages. For information on upcoming water-wise events and more, visit our calendar of events—and check www.thegarden.org. Printer-friendly version
IT’S NO LONGER SANTEE, BUT MORE LIKE SANTREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Karla Moran (Karla Moran) March 14, 2009 (Santee) —The working power of a city makes a difference–as evidenced at the 8th annual SanTree Fest and Earth Day Celebration. Sponsored by the City of Santee, this year’s event had its best turn out yet. The community worked together to improve the environment and create a cleaner tomorrow. Parents and children shared time together hiking a riverside trail, planting trees, and potting flowers at Mast Park in Santee, where live bluegrass music and free food welcomed volunteers and visitors. Guests even took home free trees as souvenirs! For videos and photos of this eventful day, be sure to check our slideshow at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EfQpcpS1IU. "Today is the day, we will all get muddy for a good cause," explained Silvia Torres, who had extra pairs of socks ready for her family in her tote bag. (Indeed, one event organizer confided, kids love this event because they can all get dirty!) "This year we had at least 110 volunteers," Sue Richardson, recreation services manager for the City of Santee explained. "This is probably the biggest event we’ve had." Boy and Girl Scout troops participated, along with the West Hills gymnastics team and other community groups, she added. (Karla Moran) Organizations such as Waste Management, Rubio’s, Lowe’s, San Diego Regional Urban Forest Council, the Department of Environmental Health, and many more all contributed by supplying free plants, free trees, free food, free smoothies, and many more gifts that made this festival a pleasant morning. Bluegrass music by Virtual Strangers added rhythm and excitement to the crowd, as families cheerfully approached different booths and got a better understanding of plants, trees, and information on how to recycle. For example, I was surprised to learn that Best Buy accepts electronic devices, ink-cartriges, and other products and recycles them for you. The company is even willing to assist you by picking up refrigerators or any heavy products from your home, to save their customers the hassle of driving to the store. Lillianne Stepp plants a tree (Leon Thompson) Trees used in the tree – planting were provided through a state grant to the City of Santee under the Tree City USA program. It was a very unique experience for most families. Children were so involved and enthusiastic that many parents were enjoying their smoothies as their children dug and planted trees. "They will not let me borrow the shovel or let us assist them," Mr. and Mrs. Schultz claimed as their daughter Christine, 7, and Alex 6 planted their second consecutive tree. Children of all ages enjoyed planting. The day began with an early morning nature walk along the San Diego River. "The hike was nice and the kids had fun," said Martin Larsen, who enjoyed the walk with his sons Brendan, 8, and Ronnie, 2. Brendan carried a hiking stick. "I want a snake to crawl up on it!" he exclaimed later, holding a rosy boa snake nurtured by an environmental group. Kids had the chance to pet the snake and a tarantula as they took a break from all the digging. (Miriam Raftery) Richard Dhu, San Diego River Park Foundation, noted that important components of Santee and Mast Park include "testing the water and pulling out non-native plants"”anything we can do to get people involved with the river." He praised Mast Park, adding, “You can ride a horse through here." The Foundation and other groups are working to create an inter-connected chain of parks and greenbelts along the entire length of the San Diego River. "Our vision is to someday be able to walk or ride a bike all the way from Julian to the Pacific Ocean," Dhu observed. This Earth Day Celebration made a difference in the city of Santee. If you missed this event, be sure to check our calendar to learn more about upcoming "Green" events and other family festivities in East County — such as Cuyamaca College’s Spring Festival and more. Karla Moran is a public relations major at San Diego State University and an intern at East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version