RECORD NUMBER OF GUHSD SCHOOLS RECEIVE CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS AWARD
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont High School, Helix Charter High School and Grossmont Middle College High School Receive Prestigious Honor April 2, 2009 (El Cajon)—On April 1, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced that 125 California high schools were awarded the prestigious 2009 California Distinguished Schools Award. This marks the first year that a record three GUHSD schools have been recognized by the state for outstanding academic achievement. The honored schools include Grossmont High School, Helix Charter High School and Grossmont Middle College High School. "California Distinguished Schools must meet the challenge of providing all their students with a rigorous education and to fully prepare today’s students for success in postsecondary education or the workforce," O’Connell said. "In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important that the academic success of all of today’s students is directly linked to the effectiveness, competitiveness, and resiliency of our not-too-distant future workforce.” O’Connell added, "In addition, these extraordinary high schools have shown they are able to increase the achievement of all their students and have provided evidence that they are closing the achievement gaps that, unfortunately, exist at many schools." “We are pleased that Superintendent O’Connell has recognized these three Grossmont Union High School District schools as California Distinguished Schools,” said Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Robert Collins. “The honor recognizes the exceptional academic program at each of these schools and we congratulate the teachers, school and community leadership.” Valhalla High School also attained this prestigious honor in 2001, which was renewed in 2007. This year, the selection process required schools to provide an in-depth description of two "signature" practices implemented at the schools that are replicable, and directly related to the success of their students. During an intensive site visitation by a trained team of external educators, additional evidence about the effectiveness of the "signature" practices was gathered and analyzed. Information about these successful signature practices will be shared through the CDE Web site later this year. An awards ceremony honoring the Distinguished Schools will be held Friday, May 29 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. The full list of the 2009 California Distinguished Schools award winners can be downloaded here: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/disting2009.asp Printer-friendly version
DESERT DREAMS: LOOK WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE SUN AT ANZA-BORREGO
Printer-friendly version Wild horse sculptures By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (Borrego)—Visitors to Anza-Borrego may be startled by the vision of life-sized metal sculptures of dinosaurs, mastodons and other prehistoric creatures rising from the desert floor like sentinels of a forgotten era. Other sculptures portray wild horses, birds of prey, tortoises, a saber-tooth tiger and Native American themes. The creations by sculptor Ricardo Breceda are just some of the many surprises in store for those who visit the Anza-Borrego Desert, a treasure trove of hidden gems. The Gomphotherium “Sky Art” art sculptures are located in Borrego Springs on the Galleta Meadows Estate owned by Dennis Avery, who became inspired to create a “creature desert” after learning of the region’s important fossil record. He helped fund publication of a book, “Fossil Terasures of the Anza-Borrego Desert” in 2006 and later moved on to commission the dramatic sculptures. Breceda utilizes wire, metal and scrap reinforcement bars to create he sculptures wielding hammers, screw drivers and sledgehammers. Ulitmately, he hopes to create 100 or more. The sculptures are visible along the highway leading from Borrego Springs to the visitor center at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. You can also view the sculptures online at www.galletameadows.com/gallery/. Mammoth sculpture dwarfs visitor Coyote at Anza-Borrego Visitors Center Stained glass window at a local saloon in Borrego Anza-Borrego Desert State Park ( http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638 ) is the largest state park in California with 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish name borrego, or bighorn sheep. Washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas are among the attractions. You may also glimpse roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas, chuckwallas. Be sure to carry water and be watchful for red diamond rattlesnakes when walking or hiking in the desert. Cacti in Bloom Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitors Center If you’re planning a trip to Borrego, stop by the visitors’ center for tips on hikes of scenic canyons and tips on where you may still be able to glimpse wildflowers, though the season is fast fading. The center has exhibits of desert wildlife, historical displays, and a garden of desert plants. There are also ranger-led activities. In addition, the Anza-Borrego Foundation & Institute at www.theabf.org offers a host of interesting classes ranging from natural history courses to stargazing. Also check the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association at www.abdnha.org. For the adventurous at heart, California Overland Desert Excursions (www.californiaoverland.com) offers tours ranging from two hours to overnight camping trips. Borrego Springs offers resorts, a tennis center and golf courses. For a listing of these and other attractions, visit the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce webpage at www.borregospringschamber.com. There are also musical and theatrical programs at the Borrego Performing Arts Center ( http://www.bspac.net/ ). Printer-friendly version
MAKING THE GRADE: GUHSD’S 2009 TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Printer-friendly versionMike Love and David Bradford Selected to Represent GUHSD in Prestigious San Diego County Teacher of the Year Competition April 3, 2009 (El Cajon)–At its Governing Board Meeting on Thursday, April 2, the Grossmont Union High School District honored Teacher of the Year nominees from its represented school sites. These nominees are selected by their peers. A panel comprised of previous Teachers of the Year and District personnel selected two representatives from this distinguished group of nominees to be considered for the San Diego County Teacher of the Year competition. If selected to represent the County, the next step is the California State Teacher of the Year competition. GUHSD 2009-10 Teacher of the Year Nominees: French Language and ESL Instructor, Fulbright Exchange Teacher, PAR Consultant, French Club and French Honor Society Advisor Representing Grossmont High School Azita Mahmoudi English and AVID Instructor, PLC Leader, Staff Development and Literacy Coordinator Representing El Cajon Valley High School Jonathan LeMaster Special Education American Government , Economics and Study Skills Instructor Representing El Capitan High School Ben Davis English Instructor, PLC Leader, BTSA Support Provider and Yearbook Advisor Representing Granite Hills High School Carrie Gaeir Mathematics and Learning Center Instructor, former Coach, Class and Club Advisor Representing Monte Vista High School Leisa Petrie Special Education Inclusion Support and Peer Tutor Instructor, part-time Professor at San Diego State University and Club Advisor Representing Santana High School Liz Castagnera Mathematics Instructor, Faculty Advisor to PALS, Friday Night Live, AVID Site Team Member,former Class Advisor and Coach Representing West Hills High School Jamie Bean Science Instructor, Science Team Coordinator and ASB Advisor Representing Alternative Education Matt Farley The two GUHSD Teachers of the Year who have been selected to go on to compete at the County level are: Mike Love 2009 – 2010 GUHSD Teacher of the Year Representing Mount Miguel High School Mike Love is a Mathematics Instructor, who has taught at Mount Miguel for the past fifteen years.He currently serves as the Math Department Chair and served students in the AVID program for fourteen years. Mr. Love is the SAAB (Student African American Brotherhood) Advisor. SAAB “is a nationally chartered program that motivates young men of all backgrounds to commit to principles of accountability, pro-active leadership, self-discipline, and intellectual development.” Under his leadership, Mount Miguel became the first school in the nation to have a SAAB Chapter. Mike is a Golden Apple Award Winner who has worked with the Upward Bound Program, and in 2008, received the San Diego State University SAAB Distinguished Leader Award. David Bradford 2009 – 2010 GUHSD Teacher of the Year Representing Valhalla High School David Bradford is a Chemistry Teacher, currently in his twenty-third year at Valhalla. Mr. Bradford enjoys making his course relevant to student’s everyday lives. He says to be able to present the marvels of the natural world to his students makes it easy for him to get up each day and come to work. Mr. Bradford is a Golden Apple Award Winner, and has been very involved in the life of Valhalla, as an ASB and Class Advisor, Technology Coordinator, Digital High School Mentor, School Site Council Member, and more. Printer-friendly version
DRY TIMES: WATER-SAVING LANDSCAPE ADVICE
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2009 (San Diego)—With water districts urging consumers to cut outdoor water usage by 40% amid the drought, homeowners are left wondering how to maintain an attractive yard without being water hogs—and paying hefty prices to be levied against heavy water users. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) offers some recommendations for consumers to make smart choices and protect the environment even with mandated water reductions. A press release from the CLCA states, “This advice can help your landscape survive this year’s drought and help you prepare for predicted future water shortages.” Landscaping is an important part of any community, not only from the joy it brings, but the quality of life that it provides to humans and other species as well, the CLCA points out. Plants positively alter our environment, reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, protect the land, provide us food, create oxygen and sustain life. As our climate changes we need to protect our plants, The CLCA urges property owners to adapt to our changing environment and make choices that benefit us all and preserve our future by following these tips. Water Trees First: If trees are lost, surrounding temperatures increase, making everything hotter. Trees are also expensive to replace. Many surrounding plants depend on them, because trees offer shade and protection for some lawns and other plants that may not survive the hot sun without them. In addition, they are often homes, shelter and/or food to birds and animals, which could possibly die if trees perish. Ways to Maximize Water and Help Protect Your Trees • Drill several 4" wide holes about 24”-30” deep around the base of the tree being careful not to damage large roots. Fill the holes with compost, which will allow the water to reach the roots of the tree. • Another option is to put your garden hose on a timed, low drip and get the water down deep. You can also install a temporary drip system tied into a hose bib or use a soaker hose on the surface to slowly water the base of the tree. What Else Can I Do Now to Prepare for the Drought? • Mulch heavily all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster. • Mow grass (Fescue, Rye, Kentucky Blue Grass) higher – 3”-3.5” to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. • Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper. • If you intend to prune, do so before April or don’t prune. Pruning stimulates growth, which needs more water. Existing growth will also provide additional shade to the soil, helping to retain moisture. • Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water. • Fix or replace any broken sprinklers and repair leaks. • Keep your lawn as healthy as possible. A healthy lawn will survive better. Many lawns can go very dry and still come back. • Attach a water efficient spray nozzle to your hose and use it to mist your lawn to build up humidity for a few minutes at the end of the day. • Check with your local water agency for possible rebates on low water usage irrigation products. How to Maximize Landscape Watering During A Drought • Start watering earlier and finish before 9:00am. • Set your spray irrigation timer to run half the normal time and run a second cycle at least half an hour later. This will dramatically reduce runoff. Clay and other soils will only absorb so much water and anything beyond that point is wasted water. Average time should be five minutes or less per cycle on a level site. • Consider a smart controller, which monitors the weather and adjusts watering accordingly. • Soil may look dry, but may still have plenty of moisture. If a 6” screwdriver goes easily into the soil then wait to water. What if I Can Only Water One or Two Days a Week? • Program your sprinkler time for multiple start times with run cycles about 5 minutes each. Repeat the cycles 3-4 times at least 30 minutes apart. If runoff occurs reduce minutes per cycle. • Mow lawns higher and less often. Do not take off more than 25% when mowing. • Help your trees get more water as mentioned above. How Can I Maximize My Landscape Water Savings? • Check regularly for leaks and then fix them immediately. • Incorporate existing water saving technology into your irrigation system. New sprinkler heads and smart controllers maximize water savings. • If you have a water meter, learn to read your meter. It will help you determine if you have a leak. • Turn on each sprinkler zone and see how much time it takes to start generating runoff for each zone. Round sprinkler time down to the nearest minute and set that time as your maximum run time for each station. Program your controller for multiple run cycles. • Runoff means wasted water. No runoff means water is being absorbed by the soil. How Can I Prepare for a Drier Future? • Make sure your irrigation system is efficient, pressure regulated and consistently up to date with the latest water saving technology. • Study your landscape and the local community. Examine the long-term survivability of your current landscape and consider incorporating climate appropriate plants. • If your area is at risk for fire, consider adding native fire retardant plants and learn how to protect your property. • Study your environment, the animals that exist within the landscape and your long term needs to help you make good ecological choices. For additional information about saving water, please go to: http://www.clca.org/clca/about/consumer/drought/ and http://www.clca.org/clca/about/waterWise.php Printer-friendly version
HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free. The Easter bunny’s hut located in Macy’s courtyard is open now through April 11th for pictures Monday through Friday from 11am – 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am – 6pm. Photo prices begin at $10.95 and package purchases include a free adult best value ticket to the San Diego Zoo. The entire family is welcome for photos, including pets. Printer-friendly version
EDITORIAL: AN OPEN LETTER TO JANET NAPOLITANO, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY, REGARDING ALAN BERSIN–A TOP CANDIDATE FOR U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PATROL TOP SLOT
Printer-friendly versionBy Ernie McRay Editor’s Note: Alan Bersin has served as Superintendent of Public Education in San Diego City Schools and was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as California Secretary of Education. He is now in the running to head up the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol. Dear Secretary Napolitano: April 1, 2009(San Diego)–I write this letter because Alan Bersin is rumored to be on a short list of people who seek to run the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. If I didn’t say anything against the possibility of him rising to such a position I would feel as though I was letting my fellow citizens down, especially in light of the faith that so many, like me, have placed in President Barack Obama. Obama has declared before the world that he is about reaching across aisles, about collaborating, about listening, so that better minds can make the changes our country and, indeed, our world needs if our troubled times are to be turned around. His recent outreach to the Iranian people said volumes about how dedicated he is to working with others, no matter how different their ideals and ways of thinking might be compared to ours. Well, whales will be dancing at the Apollo before Alan Bersin works in collaboration with anyone, before he listens to anybody, before he treats anybody with the human respect and understanding they need to feel satisfied that they’re contributing to the creation of a better world. Oh, he’ll give you and Obama and any upper level person in the administration a smile that will sweep you off your feet. He’ll shake your hand in standard ways or like a soulbrother, whatever will make him seem like “the man.” He’ll say whatever needs to be said to impress but, Lordy, the people who work under him will face a level of humiliation and stress no well meaning human would deserve. There will be no “Yes ‘We’ Can” under his command. He’s the epitome of the cliche: His way or the highway. As a principal when he was at the helm of San Diego City Schools I saw him dismiss people’s concerns and ideas as though he was trying to set a “Guinness record for ignoring people.” At a meeting in my neighborhood at the beginning of his term he literally turned his back to Latino activist friends of mine because he didn’t “respect” them or their questions. That sure showed. He took us principals on a yacht cruise around the harbor and before we had barely sailed he made it clear that parents would have very little to say regarding what happened in our schools. Wasn’t long before that was old news. He demoted some principals for reasons never disclosed. Now that was his prerogative but some in that group were among the most outstanding educators on this planet, let alone San Diego City Schools. I once made a statement at a meeting reacting to something he had said, nothing contentious, just a different slant – and when I was done he went on to the next agenda item as though I didn’t even exist. I had never experienced anything quite like that and I have sat at the back of a few buses. I spent my entire career in the school system working to make it human and caring and respectful and child oriented and he, in his first moments on the job, blasted that kind of thinking to kingdom come. The school system, years later, still suffers from a lack of morale. This will be your U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency if you select Alan Bersin to run it. It will be a sore thumb, an hypocrisy in an administration that is promoting hope and change. As a native of Tucson, a “Sonoran” to my very core, I shiver at the thought that this man would have anything to do with the Arizona border. I don’t know who else is on your list but there has to be somebody available who will be tough on terrorists, who will “serve the American public with vigilance, integrity and professionalism” without going about it like the Godfather. This editorial reflects the views of its author and does not necessarily represent the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
PUMPED UP: CHAPARRAL HIGH STUDENTS TAKE ON POLICE IN SHOW OF STRENGTH
Printer-friendly version Campus Supervisor Tim Wargo (left), Resource Officer Steve Paz, and Officer Joe Crawford spot student Brandon Lawtum-Grindle Annual bench-press competition fosters trust between El Cajon Police Officers and at-risk teens. By Gayle Early March 25, 2009 (El Cajon)—Twenty-three Chaparral Continuation High School students flexed their muscles last week during a weight-lifting competition with members of the El Cajon Police Department in a show of strength and good will. Local TV stations trained cameras on the bench press, center stage, while a Channel 933 music van piped the jams, ratcheting up the already hyperkinetic energy of teens and classmates. The El Cajon Police Officers Association and Wal-Mart sponsored the event. Classmates, family, and friends poured onto the high school lawn at lunchtime to whoop, holler, and pump up the competitors. “It brings out the best in them,” said a very buff Chaparral School Resource Officer Steve Paz, 39, who came up with the idea when he took his job at the school three years ago. “This is a continuation school, so it’s a little bit regimented, no sports activities, no dances, no extracurricular activity, so something like this gives them an opportunity.” About a dozen on- and off-duty school cops, motorcycle cops, SWAT-team members, including team captain Lieutenant Jeff Davis; supervisors and officers from Paz’ own police division, including El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco, kept score, competed, spotted weight lifters at the bench, or came to show support. Math students and teachers calculated stats, and the school’s art department had designed and silk-screened T-shirts for the event. Women competitors (left to right: Sophia Acevedo, Gabrielle Kelly-Mazon, Brooke Sorenson, Kayla Pike, Victoria Thompson) wait their turn for the bench press In the women’s round, Gabriella Kelly-Mazon squared off with Kayla Pike, after both pushed 95 pounds up to the bar. Kelly-Mazon then hoisted 105 pounds to take first place. Victoria Thompson also managed to press 95 pounds, a whopping 73% of her body weight. Thompson took second, since pound-for-pound she was the strongest of all the women competitors. In the young men’s competition, Chris Jones and Bryant Johnson both maxed out at 245 pounds, although Jones eased into first place for having lifted 146% of his body weight, according to the student mathematicians. The four winners received additional $25 gift cards from Wal-Mart. After the student rounds, the officers displayed what an extra decade or two of working out can do to muscle mass. Flexing chiseled biceps, Officer Paz effortlessly hoisted 315 pounds, after spotting several rounds of students. Officer Jason Becker came to support the event on his own time Student Echo Ibrahim, 16, with Officer Steve Paz, sporting T-shirts designed by Chaparral’s art department Off-duty officer Jason Becker, weighing in at about 285 pounds and 6’5, benched 385 pounds. Robert Collins, Superintendent of Grossmont Union High School District, observed, “His arms are the size of my thighs.” Principal Lucia Washburn said Chaparral, a feeder school for the Grossmont Union High School District, pulls its 350 students from all over East County—Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, and La Mesa. Some students come for disciplinary issues, but “most students elect to come here because they got behind in credits, and they’re looking for a smaller environment, where they don’t get lost.” “Because it’s so small they get lots of individual attention, and they start having success,” Washburn said. Paz said that students have the option, after a successful year at “Chap’,” to return their home school. “The reality is, though, a lot of kids choose to stay here, because they like it. It’s a smaller environment, you get a little more focused attention from the teachers. You can expedite the credit process, and get on with it a little bit quicker,” Paz added. Officer Paz is one of four members from the El Cajon Police Department contracted to work with the school. Last year San Diego Chargers’ Darren Sproles, #43, handed out awards. Brandyn Dombrowski, the Chargers’ rookie guard from SDSU, was slated to appear this year, but was a no-show. Paz shook hands and awarded all the competitors gift certificates for Wal-Mart and Jamba Juice. Chaparral students happily volunteered to hurl Station 933 towels and T-shirts to the audience along with the jamming music. Printer-friendly version
GROW THE GREAT PUMPKIN: VALLEY CENTER FARMERS’ MARKET HOSTS PUMPKIN GROWING CONTEST—FREE SEEDS IN APRIL!
Printer-friendly versionApril 8, 2009 (Valley Center) – Remember Charlie Brown’s quest to grow the Great Pumpkin? Now you can grow your own jumbo-sized jack-o-lantern. The San Diego County Farm Bureau is putting on the first Valley Center Pumpkin Growing Contest at the Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market. Anyone interested in participating can pick up free pumpkin seeds from the farmers’ market manager, Lorrie Scott, at the Thursday markets during the month of April. On Thursday, October 22, participants will bring their pumpkins to the market for an official weigh off. There will be awards for a variety of categories including the heaviest pumpkin. Participants must be residents of San Diego County and show proof of residency to participate in the weigh off. Go to the San Diego County Farm Bureau website, www.sdfarmbureau.org, for contest updates and details. You’ll also find good ideas on how to grow a big pumpkin. Whether you’re an avid grower or will be planting your first seed, come to the Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market during the month of April to get your free seeds and try out your green thumb. The Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market takes place on Thursdays from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Valley Center Lower Elementary School at 28751 Cole Grade Rd., Valley Center, CA 92082. Printer-friendly version
COMPOSTING IS EASIER AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Hutman April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Sure, you recycle, but do you compost? You probably know a little about composting and have heard it’s important for the environment. However you have always pushed it into the back of your brain saying “maybe someday” or “I don’t know how to start.” However composting is much easier than you think, and there are many nearby resources available to help you. The most important reason to start now is the positive difference you will be making in the environment by recycling valuable organic materials. It’s estimated that 50% of your everyday waste can be composted and reused. Why? There are many great reasons to start composting. Gardeners love it for the great fertilizer it produces for their plants. Composting saves money, since you won’t need to purchase commercial fertilizer. It conserves water by helping the soil to hold more moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. Composting helps the environment by recycling waste and extending the life of landfills. Normally your waste is put into a landfill, where the waste decomposes without access to air and releases methane gas, a harmful greenhouse gas. However, by composting your waste is mixed with dirt and air, and no methane gas is released into the atmosphere. How to Start ? Free workshops and education are offered by San Diego County, the City of Encinitas, and the City of San Diego. The best thing to do is to attend a workshop that will walk you through the ins and outs of composting. Check out the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (www.solanacenter.org) for dates and times of workshops. You can also find exhibits and a wealth of information on composting at Cuyamaca College’s Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon (http://www.thegarden.org/gardensExhibits.html). Unincorporated areas of the county offer subsidized compost bin prices that substantially reduce the cost of bins. However, the Solana Center offers compost bins at cost prices to anyone outside those areas. Plus compost bins can be built yourself quite easily and the Solana Center offers directions on how to build them. A good sized bin is usually 3 feet by 3 feet. Most people think the bigger the better, but with composting that is actually not the case. Making compost is kind of like preparing a meal, according to the Solana Center. There are four main ingredients: greens, browns, water, and air. You want to have 50% greens and 50% browns. The breaking down of the compost is done by microorganisms and macroorganisms– and there are more in a handful of compost than there are people on the planet! There are three types of compost styles. The first is active composting, which involves turning the pile on a regular basis, and monitoring the temperature and moisture level weekly. Through the active method you can have compost ready in as little as 12 weeks. The second type is the passive method which is the easiest, but longest of all. You turn your material and add water less frequently, but it can take from six to 18 months before your compost is ready. The last type is vermicomposting, which is composting with earthworms. You will need a special worm bin; fortunately the great thing is the bins are small and can used in very small spaces, even condo balconies! Vermicompost will be ready in about three to four months. What to Compost Vegetables, fruits, egg shells, coffee grinds, tea bags, dryer Lint, grains, pasta, bread, and even hair can all be composed. NEVER use meats, fish, oil, dairy products or sweets. The jury is still deciding on citrus, but in very small amounts you will probably be fine. Another good rule to follow is if in doubt, leave it out! You want to make sure to cover your compost with a couple inches of dirt so rodents cannot smell it. If you are noticing any unwanted invaders in the area, cover waste with a wet sheet of newspaper and more dirt. The overall texture in your bin should be moist like a wrung out sponge. The Solana Center offers the “Rot Line”, where Master Composters are available to answer your questions. Bin Sales are held at the Solana Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays and they can also answer any compost questions you can think to throw at them. There is also a blog on their website, called the “Solana Center Composter.” Don’t forget to visit a free workshop for specific instructions on how to get started composting. There are so many wonderful reasons to get started composting right away; your finished compost can be used as potting soil or spread as a ground cover. But the best part is knowing that through a little bit of time and energy, you have turned waste into something reusable! Know stop making excuses and go get started already! Rachel Hutman is a freelance writer hailing from Lisbon, Maryland. She is obtaining her masters in Journalism from San Diego State University. She lives in Pacific Beach with her husband and two Pugs. She enjoys anything outdoors, playing guitar, and, of course, writing. Additional Resources: www.solanacenter.org Solana Center Rotline 760-436-7986 ext.222 City of Chula Vista 619-409-5900 www.chulavistaca.gov/clean City of La Mesa 619-667-1338 www.cityoflamesa.com/composting City of Imperial Beach www.cityofib.com Local nurseries are a great resource for composting information CA Integrated Waste Management Board www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics Compost Resource Page Howtocompost.org Rachel Hutman is a contributing writer for GoodTasteInternational.com and has served as a staff writer for the Grapevine in Washington D.C.. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in creative writing from the University of Maryland and is currently an intern with East County Magazine. 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TAKING ROOT: VICTORY GARDENS SPROUT IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Roots, in coordination with several grassroots food and gardening groups, announces the formation of Victory Gardens San Diego. The group’s mission is to encourage and assist in the development of sustainable, healthy, Earth-friendly home, community and school food gardens throughout the San Diego area. The movement aims to foster appreciation for the taste of fresh healthy food grown locally. Participants are invited to share with family, friends, and community while teaching children about healthy food and where it comes from. Creating your own garden is a low cost outdoor activity that helps you reduce your carbon footprint. Some locations have already been selected. Now volunteers are needed to help with a one-day install, or "instant garden makeover." To find out more or to become involved with this project as it gets off the ground, visit the VGSD website: www.victorygardenssandiego.com. To learn about additional activities, check www.sandiegoroots.org. Printer-friendly version