MOUNTAIN LION PROMPTS LOCKDOWN OF JAMACHA ELEMENTARY
Printer-friendly version November 9, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Jamacha Elementary School was locked down for several hours today after an area resident reported seeing a mountain lion nearby this morning. The school is located at 2962 Jamul Drive in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon. View a map. “As a precaution, our Superintendent said it would be wise to lock the gates and not let children leave unattended,” said a school employee who asked that her name not be published. “Our principal did call home as an emergency communications to all parents to let them know what was going on.” Last week, East County Magazine readers Paul and Deanna Stevens reported that a dog in their neighborhood had been mauled by what they believed was a mountain lion on Steele Canyon Road, as ECM previously reported. A neighbor’s turkey was also eaten by a predator that scaled a five-foot fence. EHow.com offers tips on how to protect yourself against an attack. • Avoid hiking alone, especially between dusk and dawn, when lions are most active. • Make a lot of noise when hiking so you won’t surprise a lion. • Keep children close when hiking in mountain lion country; most mountain lion attacks are made against children. • Keep pets on leashes while hiking. • Avoid approaching a mountain lion if you see one in the distance — it may just be curious about you. Most lions avoid confrontation, so give it an opportunity to slip away. • Be prepared for a possible attack if a mountain lion is nearby, staring at you aggressively and crouching or hiding. • Stay calm and don’t run if you’re faced with a possible attack. Take out any weapons or deterrents (such as pepper spray), or look around for rocks and sticks. • Raise your hands or hold things above your head to make yourself appear larger. Pick children up off the ground, but don’t crouch or bend over if you can help it. • Talk or yell loudly and slowly back away, maintaining eye contact with the mountain lion. • Fight back aggressively with weapons and deterrents if you’re attacked, all the while trying to remain standing. Printer-friendly version
GROSSMONT & CUYAMACA COLLEGES HONORED CONTRACTORS FOR IMPROVING CAMPUSES
Printer-friendly version November 9, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – With construction finishing on 14 projects at Grossmont and Cuyamaca College, leaders of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District recently took time to honor the architects, engineers and contractors who led the work to transform the two East County campuses. More than 20 companies honored at the Nov. 4 event at Cuyamaca College all worked on projects funded by a combination of state money and Proposition R, the $207 million bond measure approved by East County voters in 2002. Cindy Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, compared the new buildings on the two campuses to the famous line recited in the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams” – “If you build it, he will come.” The facilities were built, and thousands of students keep coming to the colleges, she said. “There was a dream and we built it together,” Miles told about 65 people in the Cuyamaca College’s Digital Theater. “We have fulfilled these dreams because of the vision and the support of our East County voters.” Miles noted that the construction work provided more than 2,700 jobs over eight years. One-third of the work on the projects – about $64 million — went to East County companies, she said. The Communication Arts Center where the event was held is among six projects at Cuyamaca College built as a result of the bond measure and state funds. Other projects at the Rancho San Diego campus include a student center, a Business and Technology building and a Science and Technology Center. At Grossmont College, a Health and Physical Sciences Complex opened in September. Seven other Prop R projects on the El Cajon campus include a Science & Lab building, a parking structure, and a Digital Arts/Sculpture complex. The renovation of a Student Services complex at Grossmont College is set to be completed in winter 2011. An expansion of Cuyamaca College’s Learning Resource Center is also underway. The group also heard from two students who told how their lives have been transformed by attending community college. Both students are recipients of $1,000 Osher scholarships, which are funded by donations augmented by a 50 percent match from the Bernard Osher Foundation. Each $13,500 donated to a college translates into a $1,000 scholarship for a student each year forever. Diedrea Lewis, a Grossmont College student, enthusiastically related how her education has changed her life since she was a homeless single parent. “Being a student at Grossmont College has been nothing, nothing, nothing short of amazing,” she said, her voice filling the auditorium. “I would crawl on my hands and knees, surrounded by broken glass, surrounded by half a million poisonous snakes, just to get to Grossmont College.” Cuyamaca College student Doug Brower said he had to start his life over in 2000 after his finances were wiped out searching for his two daughters who had been abducted by their mother. Brower, who plans to attend seminary after leaving Cuyamaca College, said the Osher scholarship “helps me and others like me on the path to better ourselves.” The Osher scholarships are the result of a $50 million commitment to California’s 112 community colleges from the Osher Foundation. The colleges have until June 30, 2011 to raise the money to be eligible for matching grants. Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges have raised a combined total of about $400,000 toward their goal of almost $800,000. Bill Garrett, president of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board, and his wife, Judy, have already given $27,000 to the district, enough to fully fund two Osher scholarships. Garrett announced that he and his wife have decided to donate an additional $13,500 to fund another scholarship. “I’m not going to make 50 percent on my money on anything today,” Garrett said. “This is the best way to leverage my investment.” Yehudi Gaffen, chief executive officer of Gafcon, Inc., which oversaw the construction work, said he and his wife, Pam, also contributed to the Osher scholarship fund in gratitude for his company’s work on the Grossmont and Cuyamaca College campuses. “Without the work you’ve done to get the bond approved, there wouldn’t have been the jobs for our people in this time of recession,” he said. Other companies that were honored in addition to Gafcon are: Mosher Drew Watson and Ferguson; International Parking Design; Spencer/Hoskins; LPA, Inc.; NTD Architecture; Carrier Johnson; CW Driver; Rudolph & Sletten; Soltek Pacific; McCarthy Building Companies; Sundt; RBF Consulting; BDS Engineering, Inc.; West Coast General; SRM Contracting & Paving; Gordon Prill, Inc.; Nolte Associates, Inc.; Ramona Paving; and Sierra Pacific West, Inc. Also recognized were Krueger International Inc.; Precision Electric Co.; Datatel Inc.; Consolidated Building Systems Inc.; Whillock Contracting Inc.; Sehi Computer Products; Blue Coast Consulting, LLC; and Mountain Movers. To donate money for an Osher scholarship, contact Chancellor Cindy Miles at (619) 644-7569. For more information about the colleges and the district, go to www.gcccd.edu. Printer-friendly version
THE DOG BLOG: HOLIDAY NUTRITION TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
Printer-friendly version By Dawn Celapino November 11, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–‘Tis the season for cakes, cookies, pies and a lot of food! The average person gains between 7 – 10 pounds from now until the end of the year. Along with the parties, dinners and social events comes the end of daylight savings time. People tend to get more sedate and eat more. Not a good combination! Eating the right foods will not only make you feel better, but it will keep the weight down–so you don’t have to be one of the millions of people who make a New Years Resolution to lose weight. The following are some tips that may help you: 1. Plan ahead! If you do not have time to grocery shop for healthy foods during the week, do it on the weekends. Plan your meals for the week. Better yet–make a big batch of a healthy food that you can munch on during the week. A salad, casserole, soup, etc. can help with your lunches and dinners for the week. 2. Pack ahead. Pack your lunch and snacks for the day and then just stick with what you pack. Don’t be tempted to head to the vending machine or the nearby Car’s Jr. when you get hungry–you will already have your healthy snacks handy! 3. Educate yourself. Do you know what the difference between a carbohydrate, protein, fat or dairy is? Do you know how to read a food label? Knowing these things really help in planning a nutrient filled day that will keep your calories low and your energy high. 4. Calories in vs. Calories out. Weight gain is as simple as this: the amount of calories that you put in your body must be lower than the amount that you expend. If it is more, even by a little, it will catch up to you and before you know it you have gained 10 pounds. There are 3500 calories in a pound so after you expend that many calories–you will lose a pound. example: 200 calories = deduct for walking for 1/2 hr or add by eating one Hershey kiss. (Note: never give chocolate to your dog–since chocolate is poison for a dog’s system.) 5. Lack of energy. If you are tired during the day, not feeling like working out, not sleeping well, getting the 3 p.m. slump–it may be your diet. Are you consuming the majority of your calories in carbohydrates? Think of carbs as the sticks on a fire. They burn fast and once they are burned up-you get tired or crave more. Eating a balanced diet: carbohydrates, protein, fat, vegetables, fruit and dairy, will give you more energy and keep your body healthy. Also remember your dog’s diet will affect how your pet acts as well. If you dog is acting sluggish, scratching, or has a change of behavior–the first thing that you should look at is his/her diet. Sometimes there is something in the food that does not agree with your pet, or the food may be not the right combination of ingredient for his energy level. Since nutrition is such an important part of everyone’s life and fitness goals, we will dedicate the next six weeks to this important topic–so stay tuned for more tips and helpful information. Jack’s blog is posted every Wednesday! For more information please visit www.LEASHYOURFITNESS.com. Dawn Celapino is a fitness trainer with www.LeashYourFitness.com. She has taught yoga, kickboxing, boot camp & sculpting classes in corporate, outdoor & residential settings. Dawn loves to run, hike, mountain & road bike, kayak, swim, surf, & yoga. As long as her Cairn Terrier, Jack, is with her, she is happy. Printer-friendly version
SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS OF BANK ROBBER RELEASED; AUTHORITIES SEEK PUBLIC HELP TO IDENITFY SUSPECT
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2010 (San Diego) — The FBI and San Diego Police Department seekthe public’s assistance to identify a man responsible for robbing the Chase Bank at 6116 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, on Saturday, November 6th at 3 p.m. The robber made a verbal demand for money in a soft but intense tone of voice, according to FBI special agent Darrell Foxworth. At one point during he stated “don’t mess with me.” The teller provided the robber a sum of money and he left on foot. Witnesses describe the robber as follows: Sex: Male Race: White Age: Approximately 35 – 40 years old Height: Approximately 5’9” tall Weight: 150 – 170 lbs. Hair: Brown, short, slightly wavy hair Eyes: Blue Clothing: Dark pants, blue jeans and plaid long sleeve shirt Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255, San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit at (619) 531-2299 or CrimeStoppers at (888) 580-8477. Printer-friendly version
CONTROLLED BURN NEAR PINE VALLEY NOV. 9-10
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2010 (Pine Valley) – Cal-Fire will be burning brush piles on the Corte Madera Ranch south of Pine Valley during the next two days. Smoke will be visible from through the eastern portions of San Diego County. Weather permitting, the burns will begin around 10 a.m. and should be completed by 2 p.m. both days as part of an ongoing vegetation management plan, said Nick Schuler, Cal-Fire battalion chief. Printer-friendly version
HOLIDAY TOY & FOOD DRIVE
Printer-friendly version Does your family need help? Register Nov. 20th November 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The 35th annual East County Toy and Food Drive is now underway. Scroll down for a complete list of events and see how you can help brighten the holidays for those in need. If your family needs help this holiday season, submit your application in person on November 20th at the Salvation Army office, 1011 E. Main Street in El Cajon. Appointment numbers will be distributed starting at 5 a.m. Toys are for children under age 12 and space is limited. For requirements to qualify, see www.ectfd.org and click on “How do I sign up.” Questions? Call (619)440-2457. To support the East County Toy & Food Drive, drop off a new toy at any East County fire station now through December 15th. Monetary donations can be sent to the Salvation Army; visit www.ectfd.org for details. Nonperishable food items are also sought; bring food items to the Salvation Army at the address listed above. Barrels may be placed in your place of business for food collections; contact Sandy.webb@usw.salvationarmy.org for a barrel. A toy parade will be held on December 11th from 9 a.m. to noon in the Target Parking lot at 250 Broadway in El Cajon; firetrucks arrive around 11 a.m. Donations of large toys or toy collections may be brought to this event. Additional events for the toy drive are listed below: 12th — BREAKFAST WITH SANTA at HOMETOWN BUFFET – EL CAJON MAIN STREET 7am – 9am 19th thru Dec. 24th — KETTLE PROGRAM The Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraising campaign runs Mon. – Sat. 15th thru Dec.16th — FOOD & TOY DRIVES Begin for schools, organizations and community partners 23rd — CELEBRITY NIGHT at HOOLEYS IRISH PUB & GRILL (Grossmont Center location) 5pm – 11pm 26th thru Dec. 19th — ANGEL TREE Volunteers will accept donated toys at our angel tree in the Parkway Plaza mall DECEMBER 8th — HOLIDAY PARTY & AUCTION at VIEJAS DREAMCATCHER LOUNGE 6pm – 9pm 11th — FIRE TRUCK/TOY PARADE & LIVE RADIO BROADCAST – El Cajon Target on Fletcher Parkway/Broadway 9am – 12pm 16th, 17th & 21st — DISTRIBUTION OF TOYS & FOOD TO NEEDY FAMILIES Printer-friendly version