SDSU’S ALLISON REASER HEADS TO PAN AMERICAN JUNIOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Printer-friendly version July 20, 2011 (San Diego)–San Diego State’s Allison Reaser will compete in the heptathlon at the 2011 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships this weekend (July 23-24) at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Fla. The freshman earned the right to represent the United States after winning the event at the 2011 USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships last month in Eugene, Ore. The Pan American Junior Championships in Athletics is a biennial international competition for athletes between 16 and 19 years of age in the Pan American region. The first championship was held in Sudbury, Canada in 1980. This will be the first time a U.S. city will host the championships since 1999 (Tampa, Fla.). The two-day heptathlon gets underway Saturday (July 23) with the 100-meter hurdles at 9:30 a.m. ET. The high jump (10:30 a.m. ET), shot put (5 p.m. ET) and 200 (5:30 p.m. ET) are also scheduled for Saturday, while the long jump (10 a.m. ET), javelin throw (11:15 a.m. ET) and 800 (5:10 p.m.) will be contested on Sunday (July 24). The heptathlon will wrap up a long season for Reaser. Including the indoor campaign, Reaser has competed in 85 events. Reaser has finished five multi-events this year, winning four – MWC Championships pentathlon (Feb. 24), Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational heptathlon (April 7-8), MWC Championships heptathlon (May 11-12) and the USA Junior Championships heptathlon (June 23-24). In Reaser’s three heptathlon wins this season, she has averaged 5,376 points with a high of 5,408 at the MWC championship meet in Fort Collins, Colo., on May 11-12. Live results and more info on the meet can be found at http://www.usatf.org/events/2011/PanAmericanJuniorAthleticsChampionships/. SDSU’s Pan American Junior Athletics Championships Schedule Ansin Sports Complex – Miramar, Fla. Heptathlon – Allison Reaser Saturday, July 23, 2011 9:30 a.m. ET – 100-meter hurdles 10:30 a.m. ET – high jump 5 p.m. ET – shot put 5:30 p.m. ET – 200 meters Sunday, July 24, 2011 10 a.m. ET – long jump 11:15 a.m. ET – javelin throw 5:10 p.m. ET – 800 meters Printer-friendly version
FUNBELIEVABLE PROVIDES OFF-THE-WALL PLAY ADVENTURES FOR KIDS
Printer-friendly version "Seeing is believing!" Lynne McTurk, Funbelievable By Miriam Raftery July 20, 2011 (Lakeside) – Now there’s a place where you can let kids climb the walls—plus run, jump, and bounce to their heart’s delight. It’s a great place to beat the summer heat and let the kids run wild. Funbelievable’s new indoor play and party center in Lakeside measures 6,000 square feet, including a 30-foot-high soft play space with four-lane wave slide, racing tubes, spiral slides, aerial glides, “hang tough” rock climb, ball pool with electronic ball shower, and interactive games. There’s also an indoor sports arena, plus separate play area for babies and toddlers. The air-conditioned facility also caters to parents’ needs. There’s an organic snack bar serving up fresh fruits, Paninis, and healthy sandwiches all freshly made, plus specialty coffees and teas. A comfy seating area has Wi-Fi Internet access and mercifully, no blaring music to drown out conversation, study time or play. “Seeing is believing!” says Lynn McTurk, who brought the triple-tiered, British-style “Funbelievable” play space here from Scotland, along with a partner. "We wanted to bring something special to San Diego." This is the first–and only–Funbelievable Center in the world, with unique qualities created by McTurk and her partner. However play equipment made by the same manufacturer has gained popularity around the world, she notes; the largest is in Beijing, China. McTurk felt demand would be strong in East County due to summer heat. With the indoor play facility, parents also have peace of mind (there are gate locks and no adults are admitted without children) plus no need to worry about snakes or insect bites. The center offers birthday party packages as well as “date nights” (pre-planned evenings with supervision for parents who want a night out) and “kids’ club” (biweekly supervised play for parents who need to run errands) options. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except certain holidays) and welcomes children ages 0-12 years. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Admission is $10 for the first child and $8 for siblings. Non-walking children are free with a paying child, or $5 without. Admission is free for adults with children, plus there is a $1 military discount per child. Play is unlimited during off-peak times and may be limited to two hours during weekends and school holidays. Ask for a punch card to save more—5 visits/$40, 10 visits/$80. Or bring a group; 8 or more is $7 per child. There are also membership packages allowing unlimited visits as well as party discounts and special member events. For instances, a 3-month membership is $80 for the first child and $45 for each sibling; a full year membership is $199 for the first child and $95 for each sibling. Group memberships cost $149 per child for 12 months, with 8 or more children. “Our main priorities are safety and cleanliness,” McTurk emphasizes. The play equipment has been independently certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Programme for Playground Safety in the UK, the American Society for Testing and Materials, Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents, and is ADA accessible. “The whole thing is sanitized twice a day,” McTurk says. Funbelievable is located at 11655 Riverside Drive in the River Run East Business Park, Suites 155-157, Lakeside, CA 92040, close to Highway 67. For more information, call (619)456-2474 visit www.funbelievableplay.com. Printer-friendly version
DIAMOND LITERARY DINNER CRUISE ELEGANTLY CELEBRATES LOCAL AUTHORS
Printer-friendly version By TJ Dunnivant July 18, 2011 (San Diego)–As an East County resident and local news writer, attendance at the 7th Annual Diamond Literary Festival Authors Dinner Cruise at the Bahia Resort Hotel aboard the “William D. Evans” boat was all but mandatory for me. East County Magazine’s own writer and book reviewer, Dennis Moore, was the honorary guest speaker and to miss such an occasion would have been a travesty both in nature and professional human interest. It was a night to remember, as a number of “Literary Greats” from throughout all of California were mentioned and profiled. Many of the greats such as Ilene Proctor, of Ilene Proctor International, a publicist for many of the authors in which books had been reviewed in the East County Magazine by guest speaker Dennis Moore, traveled hundreds of miles to participate in the effervescent evening of good taste and company under the stars. Proctor came with an armful of goodies to be shared with all. On hand she had copies of her latest book “Divinity of Doubt: The God Question” a book also reviewed by Moore for the East County Magazine and in arms she brought a special invited guest, client of another literary piece “The Bracelet” Akram Arastehjoo, who took a flight down from San Francisco to add to the evening’s tranquil tides of San Diego’s bay. Akram, an Iranian immigrant, is working on a compelling book and screenplay about having to leave her daughter behind in the tyranny of Iran’s political nightmare. Another special writer in attendance, more than shares a special interest with me, she also almost shares the identical first name meaning of the initials “TJ” with me. Author, TJ Johnson is yet again another published celebrity of a book called “Chapter & Verse: Crosswords and Other Puzzles” that was reviewed by Moore in East County Magazine as well. Johnson enjoyed an evening of participating in the camaraderie of other great writers, as well as, selling personally autographed copies of her latest published works. As a delectable dinner course of Cabernet Chicken was served, entertainment was served through live music by “Men 4 Christ” and a poetic nurturing performance by author and poet, Burdella “Carmen” Turner. Carmen’s riveting performance included a jaw dropping scene that included a snatching of her hair peace off of her head to display a scar covered metal plate left in her head after surgery following a prolific car accident. The audience was left mystified by her courage of works expressed through personal experiences. Executive Director, Alice F. Jefferson was the master mind behind the spectacular event that celebrated authors in honor of the annual Diamond Literary Festival (DLF). Jefferson said that it was her desire that the DLF become the heart of San Diego. “A City of this magnitude, with such a large number of talented educators, publishers and writers,” she said, “should have its own literary festival.” The overall theme and mission of the Diamond Literary Festival is to support and promote literacy among young people. All the professionals in attendance that evening were happy to play their part in seeing that mission to fruition. Printer-friendly version
NOW SHOWING: SANTEE MOVIES BY THE LAKE, STARTING JULY 22
Printer-friendly versionJuly 20, 2011 (Santee) — Grab your beach chairs or blankets and head on out to Santee Lakes for free movies at the lakes on July 22, August 5 and August 19. (Parking is $8). Bring a picnic–or enjoy enjoy burgers, hot dogs, refreshments and more served up by the West Hills High School Band and Color Guard as a school fundraiser. Movies are family-oriented and begin at dark. Show schedule: 7/22/11 Santee Movies by the Lakes presents The Ant Bully – Friday, July 22nd. Parking – $8. Gates open at 4:00pm. Snack Stand opens at 6:00pm, games and contests begin at 7:00pm and the movie starts at dark – around 8:00pm. 8/05/11 Santee Movies by the Lakes presents Tangled – Friday, August 5th. Parking – $8. Gates open at 4:00pm. Snack Stand opens at 6:00pm, games and contests begin at 7:00pm and the movie starts at dark – around 8:00pm. 8/19/11 Santee Movies by the Lakes presents Toy Story 3 – Friday, August 19th. Parking – $8. Gates open at 4:00pm. Snack Stand opens at 6:00pm, games and contests begin at 7:00pm and the movie starts at dark – around 8:00pm. Printer-friendly version
SAN MIGUEL FIRE’S CERT TEAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS: NEXT FREE TRAINING STARTS JULY 23
Printer-friendly version July 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — San Miguel Fire District invites you to join the San Miguel Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Free training includes search and rescue, earthquake preparedness, fire extinguishers, medical aid for disaster victims, and disaster psychology. The next free course starts July 23 and continues each Saturday through August 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, or to enroll, call 619-660-5359 or email lvillarreal@smgfire.org. You can also view a flyer. Printer-friendly version
NEED A NEW CAREER, SKILLS, OR DEGREE? GROSSMOT COLLEGE AUG. 2 PROGRAM HELPS ADULTS RETURN TO SCHOOL
Printer-friendly version The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Recreate Yourself,” a free orientation meeting for adults interested in returning to school to learn a new career, earn a college diploma or upgrade workplace skills for a job promotion, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Speakers will include current and former students who successfully returned to the classroom. Counselors will be on hand to answer questions. Information will be available on admission procedures, transfer programs and financial aid. The program, offered by the Grossmont College Career Center, will be held in in Building #34, Room #107 on the college campus. Admission and parking are free. The closest parking lot is Lot #3. Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Dr., in El Cajon. For more information, phone Nancy Davis at (619) 644-7615 or Susan Esparza at (619) 644-7697, or visit www.grossmont.edu/adultreentry. Printer-friendly version
WHEELS OF THUNDER: MOTORCYCLE POKER RIDE JULY 23 TO BENEFIT SAN DIEGO RIVER PARK CONSERVANCY
Printer-friendly versionJuly 19, 2011 (Lakeside)–Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts! The Wheels of Thunder Poker Ride will take place this Saturday, July 23rd. Hear the wheels of thunder as you cruise the back roads of San Diego and ride the 80-mile route to benefit a charitable cause. All proceeds benefit restoration of the San Diego River to create trails, restore habitat, and improve water quality. The Wheels of Thunder Poker Ride is a noncompetitive, self-guided, 80-mile ride that requires riders/ passengers to make a total of 5 stops along a designated route. At each stop, riders will select 1 card from a deck of playing cards. Riders will have a full 5-card hand once they arrive at the last stop, Barrett Junction Cafe, by 3 p.m. Prizes for best poker hands will be given at 3:30 p.m. Participants will also enjoy a fish fry lunch, live entertainment, and auction prizes. The ride starts at the El Cajon Harley Davidson, 621 El Cajon Blvd, Saturday, July 23, 2011. Rider check-in is 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. A free continental breakfast will be served. All clubs, groups and makes of bikes are welcome. Riders and passengers are required to provide their own motorcycles and safety gear, to have current registrations, inspections, and driver’s license; and to obey all traffic and motor vehicle laws. Organizers urge all motorcyclists to receive professional training before operating motorcycles and to always wear helmets and safety gear. Sponsors includes SD Hardknocks, Melody Bennett at East county Chopperz Beauty Salon and Spa, and A.M. Ortega Construction. For more information on the event or event sponsorship please contact Kristen Itahara at events@lakesideriverpark.com or 619-443-4770. Interested in volunteering? Please contact Seth Connolly at Sethriverpark@gmail.com. Tickets are $20 per rider, $10 per passenger, or $15 for non-riders. Dinners are included if postmarked by July 20. To register, or get more information, go to www.SDWheelsofThunder.org. Printer-friendly version
MOZART MUSIC TAKES STAGE AT EAST COUNTY YOUTH SYMPHONY CONCERT JULY 23 AT SDSU
Printer-friendly versionJuly 23, 2011 (San Diego) — The East County Youth Symphony will present a concert of Wolfgang Mozart symphonies No. 40 and 41 at San Diego State University (SDSU) on Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.m. The program will be held at the Smith Recital Hall (SDSU campus) 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego. Funds raised at this performance will be used to purchase music instruments for the Orchestra. Admission is $12. Tickets are available online now at http://www.ecySymphony.com/performances.htm and also will be available at the door. East County Youth Symphony is a 501(c)(3) EIN: 20-5881556 For more information, visit: http://www.ecySymphony.com Printer-friendly version
COUNTRY STAR TANYA TUCKER PERFORMS JULY 23 AT SYCUAN
Printer-friendly version July 19, 2011 (El Cajon) – Country music superstar Tanya Tucker will perform two shows on Saturday, July 23 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at Sycuan Casino’s Showcase Theater. Voted the Country Music Association’s female vocalist of the year in 1991, she had eight consecutive singles reach the Top 10 charts including “Down to My Last Teardrop,” “(Without You) What Do I Do With Me” and “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane.” Tickets cost $25 and $35. For more information on Sycuan or to buy tickets, visit www.sycuan.com . For more information on Tanya Tucker, see http://www.tanyatucker.com/ Printer-friendly version
HELIX WATER TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING JULY 21 ON PROPOSED RATE HIKE
Printer-friendly version July 19, 2011 (La Mesa) — Helix Water District will hold an informational public meeting on the proposed water rate increase on July 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The proposed new rates would begin in September. Information on the District’s 2011-12 budget and water rate study are available at www.hwd.com/pubs/index.htm Printer-friendly version