GAME OF THE WEEK: PIRATES MAKE SCOTTIES WALK THE PLANK, WIN SIXTH STRAIGHT DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIP 26-10
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (SAN DIEGO) December 15 – On a good day, it is difficult to beat Oceanside High School in a CIF championship football game. Prior to Friday’s Division II championship game, the Pirates had appeared in 16 championship games and won 11 of them. They had also won the last five championship games, including three against Helix. On a bad day, beating the Pirates in a championship game is almost impossible. Helix found that out after committing six turnovers in a 26-10 loss to Oceanside Friday night at Qualcomm Stadium. The opportunistic Pirates scored all 26 of their points from four of the turnovers. It likely left many Highlander fans wondering how the game would have ended if their team protected the ball better. Initially not all was bad for the Highlander offense. On their first drive of the game, they systematically moved down the field and scored first. Brandon Lewis hit Sean Linton on a 10 yard slant pass for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Four of the six plays on the drive were for 10 yards or more. Unfortunately for Helix, the game did not stop there. On their next drive, they resorted to some trickery in their play calling only to have it backfire. Cameron Lee, normally a wide receiver, took a pitch and dropped back to pass. As he threw the ball deep, crowd noise on the Helix side of the stadium came to a crescendo in anticipation of a big play. A new crescendo erupted on the Pirates’ side of the stadium when Jerry Whittaker intercepted the pass. He continued to make big plays for the offense on the next drive when he had a 28-yard pass reception and scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to tie the game at seven. This would be the only touchdown in the game scored by Oceanside’s offense. "Football is a game of momentum. It’s simply a game of momentum. Whoever has the momentum, it’s going to carry over more," Whittaker said about the Pirates’ defense scoring so many points. The turnover bug spread to Helix’ special teams. In the second quarter, a bad snap sailed over punter Vann Sabin’s head and into the end zone. Devin Taverna fell on the ball in the end zone for an Oceanside touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, Sam Niu blocked a punt by Sabin and fell on the loose ball for another Oceanside touchdown. "Coach put us in the right spot, we came out and made the right play" said Taverna, who was almost a one man wrecking crew for the Pirates’ defense. In addition to his fumble recovery for a touchdown, he intercepted two passes, including one that he returned 46 yards for a touchdown. To be fair, a lot of credit goes to the entire Oceanside defense for a game well played. Lots of their players made big plays, including Tokio Markis, who had a big sack of Helix quarterback Brandon Lewis. "Pirates are Pirates and we all stick together," Markis said about the teamwork on defense, "Defense is the heart of our team and it came through in the CIF. Defense wins championships." Add one more win to the Pirates’ championship totals. They have appeared in 17 championship games, winning 12 of them. They extend their streak of championship titles to six. Four of those championship games have come at the Highlanders’ expense, and this one has to be especially frustrating for the team from La Mesa. With the loss, Helix finishes the season with a record of 9-5. The team should be promising in 2010 as many key players like Lee, Lewis and running back Darrien Hancock return with the experience of their latest playoff run. "We had a lot of chances, but we had six turnovers, that’s what killed us on the special teams, we had a chance, we came in confident, it just didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to," Lewis said about the Highlanders’ performance. Oceanside improves their record to 13-0 and is a strong candidate to be selected to play in the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game for Division I. UPDATE (Sunday, December 13) Oceanside has been chosen to play in the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game for Division I. They face Bellarmine Prep from San Jose next Saturday at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Another San Diego area team, Francis Parker, will face Modesto Christian in the CIF State Football Championship Bowl Game for the Small Schools Division, also next Saturday at the Home Depot Center. Christopher Mohr is a freelance writer in the San Diego area and is an avid Chargers, Padres and Detroit Red Wings fan Scoring Summary __________________________________________ Helix 7 0 3 0 – 10 Oceanside 7 12 0 7 – 26 __________________________________________ First Quarter H – Linton 10 pass from Lewis (Sabin kick) O – Whittaker 5 run (Velasquez kick) Second Quarter O – Taverna fumble recovery in end zone (kick failed) O – Taverna 46 interception return (run failed) Third Quarter H – FG Sabin 29 Fourth Quarter O – Niu recovered blocked punt in end zone (Velasquez kick) Printer-friendly version
EL CAJON TRAFFIC ADVISORY: WASHINGTON AVE. CLOSURE
Printer-friendly version December 15, 2009, 12 noon (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have just issued a traffic advisory of a major road closure. Washington Avenue is closed, east and westbound, between Emerald and Magnolia Avenue’s to clear and repair a downed power pole from the roadway that followed an earlier collision. This area will be closed until further notice. Watch for traffic control in the area. Use Chase Avenue or Main Street as possible alternates. Printer-friendly version
FREEBIE ALERT! WINTER SOLSTICE WALK DEC. 21
Printer-friendly version Cowles Mountain is the site of a Kumeyaay Indian solstice site and the Canyoneers are conducting a free walk up the mountain on December 21 at 6 am to view the sunrise on the first day of winter. This is an hour and a half walk and you will need to bring a flashlight as the official time of sunrise is as at 6:47 am and you will be walking in darkness for the earliest part of the walk. The trailhead is located on the corner of Golfcrest and Navajo Road. There are restroom facilities at the base of the mountain (Thomas Bros. Map 1250-F4). Come and see the sunrise over our east county and enjoy the first day of winter. Printer-friendly version
DOLLAR-WISE DIVAS: SAVE MONEY – BE CREATIVE WITH GIFT WRAP
Printer-friendly version Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle! By Nancy and Dawn Clement December 17, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – We all know the holidays can get extremely expensive. Not only do people buy many gifts to give away, they also spend a good chunk of change on gift-wrap for those gifts. There are ways you can save on gift-wrap, however. You just need to get a little creative. You can even use the money you save to buy more presents! Take advantage of gift wrapping service during the holidays. When you purchase your gifts, be sure to ask if the store offers gift-wrapping. Most stores provide complimentary gift-wrap year round, and if they do not, they may still give you a box. If you are flying out of town this season, do not bother wrapping your presents – there is free gift-wrapping available at the Lindbergh Field airport (past the security checkpoint). Active duty enlisted personnel can get two gifts per day wrapped free at MCAS Miramar through December 26. All Navy Liberty Centers have free gift-wrap supplies available through December 24. Atlas Storage Centers in San Diego is offering a gift-wrapping “center” free to the public during normal business hours. Call 619-690-7202 for more details. Gift baskets are a wonderful gift and do not require wrapping. They look impressive and are easy to put together. You can find good deals on baskets at your local thrift store. If you have the time, you can even spray paint them in festive colors. Fill the basket with assorted goodies and cover with colored cellophane (which you can get at the grocery store). Gift baskets are perfect for homemade edibles, and the recipient has a nice basket to use later on. Many attractive gift bags can be purchased at dollar stores at minimal cost, then recycled over and over for future gift-giving occasions. If you simply must use traditional gift-wrap, choose a guilt-free gift-wrapping service. Many wonderful non-profit organizations run gift-wrapping tables during the holidays. There is a small donation to use their services, but it is always for a good cause! Nancy Clement is an east county Realtor®, mortgage broker and freelance writer and can be reached at 619-563-4184 or Dollar-wiseDivas@cox.net. Dawn Clement is a stay-at-home mother of three, a freelance writer, and creative shopper. Printer-friendly version
NEIGHBOR HEARS SMOKE DETECTOR, CALLS FIRE DEPT.
Printer-friendly version December 15, 2009 (Spring Valley) — San Miguel Firefighters responded to a structure fire on the 600 Block of Brady Court, in the La Presa area. No one was home when the fire ignited. Fortunately, a neighbor heard the smoke alarm sound, investigated, saw thick black smoke coming from the roof and called 9-1-1. Firefighters quickly put on the flames, containing fire damage to the home’s family room and ceiling. During a search for possible victims, firefighters found and rescued a small family dog. The flames were knocked down in about 30 minutes. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. A dollar loss to the structure and contents has not been determined. “Without question, a working and effective smoke alarm helped keep damage to a minimum,” concluded Leonard Villareal, public information officer for San Miguel Fire. Printer-friendly version
LOCAL PILOTS AIRLIFT TOYS FOR TOTS
Printer-friendly version December 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)– In East County’s mountains, Santa got some help to airlift in toys just in time for Christmas. The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has been collecting toys for needy children in the community. Members of The Ninety-Nines, a women’s flying organization (1st President Amelia Earhart), packed their airplanes full of toys at Montgomery Field & Gillespie Field on December 5th, then flew into the Ramona airport to deliver the Toys for Tots. Bo Donovan, airport manager, observed, "One of the Marines, John, told me we collected more toys than any other event, except the Charger’s game day drive." The "Ninety-Nines" are licensed women pilots who have come together for the mutual support and the advancement of women in aviation. Formed in 1929 and named after the original "99" charter members, the "Ninety-Nines" are now 6,000+ from 35 countries. Virtually all women pilots of achievement have been 99s, such as: charter members Amelia Earhart, air racer Louise Thaden, and San Diego’s own "Women’s Air Force Service Pilot" Betty Gillies. For more details visit our website: http://www.sandiego99s.org A second airlift was slated for the Fallbrook Airpark on Saturday, December 12th. Toys are still needed for toddlers and children. Next up, Toys For Tots will hold a "sushi night" at Kenrix Sushi in Ramona on Wednesday, December 16th. Toys may be dropped off at Ramona Airport or directly to the Marine Corps Reserve Station, just off Palomar Road, East of I-15. For more information, visit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation website: http://san-diego-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/eastcountymagazine.org.asp. Printer-friendly version
ALPINE FIRE POSED CHALLENGES FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 14, 2009 – A structure fire in Alpine reported shortly before 6 p.m. this evening has been extinguished, a dispatcher for Heartland Fire has informed East County Magazine. The fire at a two-story home the 1600 block of Peutz Valley Road posed challenges to firefighters, who found a locked gate at the scene, according to Incident Protection Network. Crews were dependent on "storage tank" water as there are no hydrants in that area, Heartland Zone News reported. .Crews also had to deal with access issues as a key bridge in the area showed signs of erosion from recent rains. Units from the Alpine, Viejas, Lakeside, San Miguel, and CALFIRE responded to the blaze. Arriving engine companies conducted an interior search and found no occupants, then began an interior attack and ventilation procedures as it was suspected that the fire had spread to the attic. Printer-friendly version
SEASONAL FLU CLINICS ANNOUNCED IN LA MESA DEC. 17 & SAN DIEGO DEC. 21
Printer-friendly version December 14, 2009 (La Mesa) -Sharp Grossmont Senior Resource Center is offering seasonal flu vaccine from the county. The seasonal flu arrives in late December and circulates as late as February and March. Seasonal Flu Shots Clinic dates and locations: • Dec. 17, 9 – 11 a.m.: La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., 91942 • Dec. 21, 1 – 3 p.m.: Elderhelp of San Diego, 4069 30th St. San Diego, 92104 Suggested donation is $2. No appointment is necessary. The seasonal flu shot is recommended for older adults, adults with a chronic condition, caregivers and persons who come into contact with the public. The flu clinic will be administered by Grossmont SHARP Hospital and is open to people age 21 and older. It is not available for children or pregnant women. If you are allergic to eggs or if you are ill, you should not take the vaccine. This vaccine does not protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. If you have questions about the vaccine, please contact your personal physician. For more information about the upcoming flu clinics, please call (619)740-4214. Printer-friendly version
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT BILL GARRET & WIFE DONATE $27,000 to OSHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Printer-friendly version Judy Garrett recalls father’s love of teaching in community colleges December 14, 2009 (El Cajon) – – Honoring a family member’s devotion to community college students during a teaching career spanning more than two decades, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board President Bill Garrett and his wife, Judy, have donated $13,500 to a scholarship fund at each of the district’s two colleges, for a total gift of $27,000. Judy Garrett, a member of the foundation boards at both Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, presented a check for Cuyamaca College at the November governing board meeting. A similar donation from the Garretts to Grossmont College was announced at the college’s foundation gala in October. The couple’s donation in the memory of Judy Garrett’s father, Reynold Stone, augmented by a 50 percent match from the Bernard Osher Foundation, establishes a perpetual $1,000 annual scholarship at each campus. “Dad was a gentle, unassuming man whose greatest joy came from helping others gain beneficial new skills, whether tutoring his fellow high school students, teaching the radio communications technicians he served with in the Army during World War II, helping his own daughter and son with their homework, or teaching college students electronics, engineering, and computer courses on three different community college campuses,” Judy Garrett said. Stone taught from 1950-1957 at the New York State Technical Institute’s Binghamton campus recently visited by President Obama, and from 1970-1985, at the Tennessee State Technical Institute’s Chattanooga and Nashville campuses. Over the years, the schools evolved from technical institutes to junior colleges, to now, community colleges. Between teaching jobs, Stone was an electrical and hydraulics systems engineer for Boeing. Chancellor Cindy L. Miles said the district is “most appreciative” of the Garretts’ contribution. “We are extremely fortunate to benefit from the philanthropy of Bill and Judy Garrett,” she said. “Their dedication to our entire district is reflected in these very generous gifts that will assist students at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges in perpetuity. I trust that Judy’s father would be most pleased.” The Garretts’ donation to benefit a Grossmont College Osher scholar has been designated to a theater arts student to memorialize Stone’s love of theater. “After my father and stepmother retired, they traveled throughout the Southeast and Midwest, often planning their sightseeing trips to include musical theater shows, dinner theater productions, and other entertainment,” Judy Garrett said. “To honor that part of their lives, Bill and I donated $13,500 to establish the Reynold Stone Grossmont College Bernard Osher Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to theater arts students.” The donation to Cuyamaca College honors Stone’s teaching career with the designation of computer and information science students as scholarship recipients. “My father-in-law had an appreciation for the magic of both the performing arts and the technical world,” Bill Garrett aid. “Whether it was a night at the theater with his wife, or helping a student find the solution to a tricky technical problem, he was a man of broad interests and a zest for life. But above all, he was a teacher at heart.” Even after retiring in 1985, Stone stayed close to the classroom, volunteering his time teaching computer courses at a senior center and older-driver safety programs for the AAA Club in Nashville, Judy Garrett added. What is the Osher scholarship? The 2008 Osher Initiative for California Community College Students included a $50 million commitment to students, marking the single largest gift to a community college system in U.S. history. The initial $25 million from Osher established the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment, which this fall provided Osher scholarships to 1,250 students attending the state’s 110 community colleges. The awards are funded by investment returns, thus creating a perpetual scholarship fund that will help future generations. At Grossmont College, the $274,000 from the initial endowment brought $500 scholarships this fall to 13 students. Cuyamaca College’s $120,000 benefitted six students. An additional Osher foundation pledge of $25 million challenges community colleges to raise $50 million by June 30, 2011, thus increasing the community colleges scholarship endowment to $100 million. Based on enrollment, Grossmont’s challenge is to raise $549,000; Cuyamaca’s is to raise $239,000. Investment returns from these sums could fund $1,000 scholarships to as many as 79 students each year. The Osher Foundation has pledged an additional $20 million in endowed scholarships to California community college students transferring to University of California and California State University campuses. Although community college fees remain low at $26 a unit, other costs such as textbooks, housing, food and transportation are a challenge for many. “Receiving this scholarship means so very much to me and is something I am very proud of,” said Roxanne Jones, a Grossmont College Osher scholar. “It also gives me a sense of achievement, along with motivation to continue my studies. It is somewhat difficult to concentrate on my studies while worried about books, food, and gas money, all at the same time. The assistance from the Osher Foundation will help to alleviate some of my financial stressors, thus allowing more time to focus on my education.” The Osher Foundation endowment bolsters financial aid programs at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, where assistance is available in the form of grants, work, loans and scholarships. In 2008, a total $20 million in financial aid was distributed, with nearly half of all students enrolled receiving average awards of $3,000. Financial aid information, as well as filing forms, are posted at www.grossmont.edu/fa/default.asp and www.cuyamaca.edu/finaid/ Students are encouraged to file college scholarship applications for the spring semester starting Jan. 25. For other information about the district and the colleges, go to www.gcccd.edu. . Printer-friendly version
ALPINE SCHOOLS & VIEJAS TEAM UP TO BRING NEW MUSIC & MATH PROGRAMS TO ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS
Printer-friendly version Creative Partnership Overcomes Economic Obstacles to launch innovative new program December 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Despite deep education budget cuts statewide, kids at schools in Alpine are benefiting from an innovative, new program that improves math and music skills, thanks in part to proceeds from concerts and other events held at Viejas Casino and Outlet Center in Alpine. Earlier this year, hundreds of K-8 students at Alpine’s three elementary schools began using a new program called ST Math + Music, a research-based program designed to improve math and music skills. The program is based on brain research and was developed by the California-based nonprofit MIND Research Institute. Viejas dedicated a portion of proceeds from the 2009 concert season ticket sales, as well as proceeds from food sales at its annual state barbeque championship event to purchase the music and math software, as well as some classroom music keyboards, for the school district. “It’s amazing that we are able to launch a program like this in such a challenging economic period,” said Alpine Superintendent Greg Ryan. “But this demonstrates the community spirit and the commitment to education that we all share in Alpine. We especially want to thank Viejas for their support. We couldn’t have done it without them.” Viejas Tribal Chairman Bobby L. Barrett said, “Times are tough for everyone right now, and schools are forced to make significant budget cuts. But this partnership between Viejas and Alpine shows what can be done when the community comes together, gets creative and is determined to overcome obstacles and help our children. We are very proud of this project and look forward building upon our relationship with local schools.” About the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians 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. About the Alpine School District The Alpine Union School District, located in eastern San Diego County, is an elementary (K-8) district with three elementary schools, one middle school, one early childhood education center, a home school, and a community day school. The District’s current enrollment is approximately 2,050 students. Parents and community members strongly support the schools through a volunteer program and various organizations. For more information, visit http://alpineschooldistrict.net/. About the MIND Research Institute MIND Research Institute is a neuroscience and education non-profit corporation dedicated to education program excellence and cutting edge scientific research. MIND Research Institute has transferred more than 30 years of breakthrough brain and learning research into applied education programs for K-12 students. MIND Research continually improves its programs through data mining over 50 million student sessions and nine years of standardized math test results, and publishes its scientific and educational research. Standardized test results have shown remarkable increases for participating students. For more information, visit http://www.mindinst.org/. Printer-friendly version