COLLEGE DISTRICT BIDS FAREWELL TO TRUSTEES RICK ALEXANDER AND DEANNA WEEKS
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Two departing Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board trustees who helped oversee the transformation of the Grossmont and Cuyamaca College campuses were honored Tuesday for their years of service to the district. Rick Alexander, who served for 20 years, and Deanna Weeks, a board member for six years, were feted at a reception at Cuyamaca College held before their last board meeting. Both decided not to run for another term. Cindy Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, said the retirement of the two trustees is the end of an era for the district. “I want to give you a huge, huge thank you on behalf of Grossmont and Cuyamaca College and all of East County for your services,” Miles told Alexander and Weeks. Both Alexander and Weeks were active supporters of Proposition R, the $207 million bond measure approved by East County voters in 2002. Fourteen projects were built on the two campuses with the bond money and state matching funds, including the Cuyamaca College Student Center where the reception was held. All of the Proposition R projects have been completed except renovation of a Student Services complex at Grossmont College and an expansion of Cuyamaca College’s Learning Resource Center. Alexander was first elected to the board in 1990 and served three terms as board president. He said he’s proud to see the physical changes in the college campuses and the increased opportunities for education that they provide. “It’s been one hell of a ride,” he told the group of college leaders and East County dignitaries. “We got a lot accomplished.” During his time on the board, Alexander was an advocate for community colleges and was a founder and the first president of the Board Alliance of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association. He led efforts that resulted in more financial aid for California’s community college students and more funding for community colleges that allowed them to expand their classes, programs and services. Alexander also serves on the board of Middle College High School at Grossmont College, which allows 11th and 12th graders to get a jump start on their college credits. Weeks was appointed to the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District board in 2004 and was elected for a four-year term in 2006. She is currently board vice president and served as president in 2006. Weeks said she’s proud of the new buildings at Grossmont and Cuyamaca College, and the colleges’ growth in enrollment and their growth in community stature. “When you look at what the faculty and staff have done, it’s really an honor to be a part of it,” she said. Weeks, who also recently retired as president/chief executive officer of the East Coutny Economic Development Council, is the founder of the East County Economic Development Foundation, established to support students and instructors in high school and community college career and technical programs. Since 2004, the foundation has raised more than $400,000. She also formed SEED (Supporting Education and Economic Development), an East County Economic Development Council committee of community, education and business people to improve student success. Bill Garrett, president of the Governing Board, said Alexander and Weeks will be missed. He cited Alexander’s expertise in real estate and construction, and Weeks’ business community perspective. “They’ve always had the interests of the students in mind,” he said. Student trustees Chris Enders of Grossmont College and Chuck Taylor of Cuyamaca College praised Alexander and Weeks as their role models. “You’ve never babied me,” Enders told Alexander. “You’ve always been direct with me. I always saw it as a sign of respect.” To Weeks, he said, “I’ve always called you a classy lady. I’ve always looked up to you.” Both Weeks and Alexander said they plan to remain active. Alexander said he plans to continue his work in commercial real estate, while Weeks said she is working with her husband, San Diego State University professor John Weeks, as a consultant in demographics. Weeks said she’s also planning to start piano lessons with Steve Baker, Grossmont College’s dean of arts, languages and communication. “It’s one of the things on my bucket list,” she said. The board will install its newly-elected members, Edwin Hiel and Debbie Justeson, on Dec. 14 following certification of ballot results. For more information about the colleges and the district, go to www.gcccd.edu. Printer-friendly version
FILM SHOWING ON ANNA SANDOVAL’S LIFE TO BE SHOWN NOV. 20 AT SAN DIEGO WOMEN’’S HISTORY MUSEUM
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego Women’s History Museum will present a film showing on the life of Kumeyaay elder Anna Prieto Sandoval this Saturday, November 20th from noon to 4 p.m. Sandoval, the first woman chair of the Sycuan tribe, helped lead her people from poverty to prosperity and was instrumental in bringing Indian gaming to the reservation. She was inducted into the San Diego Women’s History Hall of Fame earlier this year. ECM has previously profiled the accomplishments of Sandoval, who died October 28th at age 76. The Women’s History Museum has opted to cancel its annual Native American Heritage Celebration due to Sandoval’s passing and will instead present a film on her life as a tribute to her contributions to the community. The San Diego Women’s History Museum is located at 2323 Broadway, Suite 107, in San Diego. 2323 Broadway Ste. 107, San Diego, California 92102 For more information, call 619 233-7963 or visit www.WomensMuseumSD.org. Printer-friendly version
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AWARDS PRESENTED BY SAN DIEGO EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Printer-friendly version November 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Women leaders in six categories were honored at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce 2010 Women in Leadership luncheon. More than 350 guests attended the event on October 29th at the Doubletree Hotel in Mission Valley. Each year the Chamber sifts through and considers a host of qualified candidates to honor in six different categories – Business, Non-Profit, Education, Government, Healthcare and Arts/Culture/Media – at its annual luncheon. The following were this year’s winners: Business: Debra Reed, President/CEO of the Southern California Gas Company & San Diego Gas & Electric Non-Profit: Joyce Glazer, the Salvation Army Advisory Board Education: Dr. Constance Carroll, Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District Government: Mary Sessom, Mayor of the City of Lemon Grove Healthcare: Gloria Chadwick, President of the Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Trustees Art/Culture/Media: Dee Dean, Owner & Publisher of the East County Herald Rana Sampson, a national problem-oriented policing consultant and the former director of public safety for the University of San Diego, served as this year’s keynote speaker. Sampson previously was a White House Fellow, a National Institute of Justice Fellow, an attorney, and undercover narcotics officer and patrol sergeant with the New York City Police Department. She currently serves as the Development Director for the San Diego Center for Children–as well as being the First Lady of San Diego. Dress for Success was again chosen as this year’s beneficiary and guests to the event brought scores of new, or gently worn, clothing, accessories and footwear for the organization. Dress for Success helps women transitioning into the workforce by providing clothing, a network of support and knowledge to enable them to succeed in both work and life. Major sponsors for the event included Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Cox Communications, SDG&E, Sycuan Casino, AT&T, California Bank & Trust, the San Diego Association of Realtors and Waste Management. Printer-friendly version
64th ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ROLLS OUT SUNDAY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version Also enjoy "After the Goose" shopping specials, rides and activities in downtown El Cajon November 18, 2010 (El Cajon)–The 64th Annual Mother Goose Parade presented by Cox Communications will march down Main Street in El Cajon this Sunday, November 21 at 10:00 a.m. This San Diego favorite is the largest parade in the County and the biggest of its type west of the Mississippi. The parade features over 100 colorful entries from cities throughout the United States. Spectators will be treated to a line-up of spectacular floats, marching bands, equestrians, clowns, giant helium balloons, specialty vehicles and Santa Claus. This year’s Grand Marshals are members from both the Northern La Mesa, California team and the Monterrey, Mexico team that played in the historic 1957 Little League World Series Championship. In that game, a talented La Mesa team encountered a storybook group of boys from Monterrey that made history. Angel Macias Barba, the Monterrey pitcher who threw the only perfect game in Little League history and his team mate Jose Maiz Garcia will join Jerry Wilson, Lew Riley, Tom Blackwood, Bob Brown, Joe McKirahan, Dick Gowins, and Leonard Tobey from the La Mesa team in the Mother Goose Parade this Sunday. Wondering what to do following the Mother Goose Parade? Don’t rush off! Downtown El Cajon invites you to experience After the Goose! — a special holiday promotion. Enjoy free rides on the Holly Jolly Trolley double-decker bus, Christmas carolers, and the unveiling of downtown storefront holiday displays. Shops and restaurants will be offering a variety of treats, specials and shopping discounts. Vote for the best window display and get your downtown holiday passport stamped to enter an opportunity drawing to win free prizes. The Mother Goose Parade Association is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting higher education. The Association awards scholarships and pushes the boundaries of higher education through its personal growth programs and workshops. The Association currently conducts annual programs and workshops to help strengthen the lives of others and to educate them on various issues that are of public benefit. Additional programs and workshops are continuously considered and added on an annual basis. For more information including the parade route details, see: http://www.mothergooseparade.org/2010/parade/ Printer-friendly version
SPRING VALLEY’S HISTORIC BANCROFT ROCK HOUSE GETS MAKEOVER
Printer-friendly version Changes Enhance Historic Charm November 17, 2010 (Spring Valley)–The public is invited to come glimpse what life was like for San Diego pioneers in the 1800s. Yesterday, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation officially opened the newly restored Bancroft Rock House in Spring Valley. The improvements to the historic rock house include a new roof, floor, front porch, fencing, entry gate, fire-rated wood shingles and parking improvements. The restoration project also includes access for persons with disabilities, interpretive signage and solar-powered security cameras. “The County’s renovations to the Bancroft Rock House will give park visitors a visual example of communities in the 1800s,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “What better way for children to learn about the history of San Diego than to see it up close?” Jacob noted during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Built between 1885 and 1888, the Bancroft Rock House is named for Hubert Howe Bancroft, a wealthy writer, editor and publisher of history books. The rock house was used as a school house, a guest house, and a fire-safe storage building for part of Bancroft’s extensive transcripts and book collection. The Bancroft Rock House is currently listed as a County of San Diego Historic Landmark. The Bancroft Rock House restoration project is an exemplary historic preservation project. Special engineering and innovative building techniques were used during the project. “The Department of Parks and Recreation is very proud of the restoration project at the Bancroft Rock House,” said Brian Albright, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We took great care to preserve the historic look of the house and the integrity of the historic site.” The park renovations were paid for with county funds, Murray-Hayden grant funds and California Cultural and Historical Endowment funds. For more information on the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation visit www.sdparks.org. Printer-friendly version
VIEJAS, PADRE WATER AND NATIVE HERITAGE COMMISSION AGREE TO FURTHER CULTURAL ASSESSMENT AT SACRED SITE
Printer-friendly version November 17, 2010 (Alpine) – The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and Padre Dam Municipal Water District today announced an agreement to conduct further tribal cultural resource investigations at a proposed development site which has been declared a sanctified Native American burial ground and ceremonial site. The agreement between the parties and the Native American Heritage Commission was reached in connection with pending litigation over development at the site, located south of I-8 in Lakeside, as ECM has previously reported. Pursuant to the agreement, the parties have jointly asked the court to suspend the litigation for at least 60 days to allow the investigation to be completed. The decision comes on the heels of an election in which Padre Board president Dan McMillan lost his reelection bid to James Peasley, who was supported by the Viejas and Sycuan tribes. California Attorney General Jerry Brown filed suit against Padre Dam in June 24 after the District continued construction despite a court order to halt all work at the site. The court order was in response to the District’s defiance of a California Native American Heritage finding on behalf of Viejas. The Commission had asked Padre to stop construction after discovery of a sacred burial ground and ceremonial site on the property, but the District continued to excavate, as an ECM video documented. 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. For more information on the history and current government of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians visit www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org. Padre Dam Municipal Water District, provides water, sewer and recycled water services for the 100,000 people living in the communities of Santee, Blossom Valley, Crest, Harbison Canyon and Alpine, and owns and operates Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, a regional park and campground. For more information on Padre Dam Municipal Water District please visit http://www.padredam.org/. Printer-friendly version