EL CAJON SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR CITY POSITIONS
East County News Service January 8, 2016 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon City Council is now accepting applications for Commissions as listed below. The filing period ends January 14, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. Applicants will be interviewed and appointed on January 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. Personnel Commission – Two vacancies for two (2) four-year terms to expire January 31, 2020. Planning Commission – One vacancy for one (1) four-year term to expire January 31, 2020. Veterans Commission – One vacancy for one (1) four-year term to expire January 31, 2020. Applications are now available in the City Clerk’s Office and on the City’s website, City Commissions page, at www.cityofelcajon.us/your-government/commissions. Feel free to contact the City Clerk’s Office at (619) 441-1763 with any questions.
MISS EL CAJON PAGEANT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
East County News Service January 8, 2016 (El Cajon) — Young women ages 9-22 who would like to represent the City of El Cajon are encouraged to participate in the 2016 Miss El Cajon Pageant. The pageant is a rewarding experience for all who participate, with the chance to win a scholarship and to serve our community for an entire year. There are no entry fees and you are judged on personal interview, evening gown, onstage question, poise and personality. There is no swimsuit or talent competition. You must be a resident of El Cajon or attend/have graduated from Cuyamaca College or Grossmont College. A Pageant Orientation will be held March 5, 2016, at Parkway Plaza Mall, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The current Miss El Cajon, Kaci McCorkell and members of her court, will be available to answer questions regarding the Scholarship Program. Please bring your completed forms with you to this orientation. The 2016 Miss El Cajon Scholarship Pageant will be held April 9, 2016, at Greenfield Middle School’s theater. For more information, please call (619) 390-0061. Applications are now available by email at misselcajon@cox.net, or you may message the director on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Miss-El-Cajon-and-Miss-Rancho-San-Diego-Scholarship-Pageants-166632737869/info/?tab=page_info
CAMP ONWARD HELPS TEENS WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME GAIN SOCIAL SKILLS
By Janis Russell Hear a podcast of our interview aired on KNSJ radio: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/audio/2019/August/PeoplePower-CampOnward-Nancy%20Hagan%20-%20Kathy%20Gerstenberg%20-%20Laura%20Preble.mp3 January 8, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Camp Onward is designed for teens with Asperger’s Syndrome to help with social skills. East County Magazine recently sat down with founder Nancy Hagan, director Kathy Gerstenberg, and parent of a kid with Asperger’s Syndrome, Laura Preble. We asked them questions about how the camp got started, its impact on the kids and parents, and what the camp is like among other topics. Hagan is a retired speech pathologist at Grossmont High’s Academic Mastery Program that worked specifically with high school students who had high functioning autism. She met Gerstenberg there, where Gerstenberg was a teacher. They noticed that kids didn’t take those social skills they learned in the program back home over the weekends, summer, or holidays. Hagan wanted to come up with a place for these kids to hang out. Hagan’s family then suggested she start something. In 2011/2012, they bought a nine acre ranch in Jamul, where they brought in horses goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and all types of animals. Then kids were brought out. Hagan gave a description of the camp. “Camp Onward is a camp that meets every other Saturday…it’s a chance for teens that have social difficulties to get together, have fun, get outdoors, be around animals, and learn a lot of different life skills. The basic premise is that kids that have social skills need social areas to be able to grow in…we give them that place to make friends and hang out.” The camp was founded in March 2012. The results of the camp have been “awesome…we keep the camp to about six students and when we started in 2012, four of those students stayed with us from their freshmen to their senior years of high school. And three of the four have gone on to college, one in Long Beach, one in Montana, and one at Grossmont College.” Hagan defined Asperger’s Syndrome as “a high functioning autism. They’ve just recently changed the name, so that we don’t really use the term ‘Asperger’s’ any longer. But autism covers a wide spectrum of kids that have disabilities. They don’t even speak at all to high functioning autism, where these kids are very verbal. However, the social pragmatics is the real difficulty. They have trouble making friends and keeping friends. They have trouble reading body language. They have trouble responding appropriately in situations. They’re often the kid that others say, ‘Oh he’s the weird one. She’s the odd man out.’ However, they are delightful people, have a lot to offer, and simply need a chance to be in a place where they can be heard.” Gesternberg is a special-education teacher and autism specialist. She has a Masters of Science. She started working in Grossmont High’s Academic Mastery Program. If kids are interested in the camp, Gersternberg suggests that kids come with their parents to try it out for a day. The cost is $100 for each session or $360 for all four sessions. This camp is advertised through their open house, brochures sent to the high schools, word of mouth, Facebook page, and their website. The camp runs for four hours (9am-1pm), except for August and September. Their email is redhawkr@att.net. Their Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Onward/417084438369809. Their phone is (619) 202-6029. Asked about the activities offered, Gersternberg said activities are “broken down into four different segments. There’s cooking, woodworking, gardening, games, discussions and debates, obstacle courses, working with the animals, driving the tractors, capture the flag, disc golf, and so much more.” The same kids come back year after year. In fact, at the last session, one of those original four kids came back to visit for a day. “(The difference I saw in him) was incredible. I volunteered when he first started, and over the four years, he is a different man,” Gersternberg commented. Preble heard about the camp through Gesternberg, who is her co-worker. “[Gersternberg] was very excited about [the camp and] very enthusiastic. She said, ‘Oh, your son should come to the camp.’” Her son is Noel Klich, who is 13 years old. “He loves being outside, he loves building, but his biggest passion is really computers, which is really not unusual for kids with Asperger’s. They really generally love computers. So, getting him away from [computers] was a huge thing for me. I wanted him to be outside and have some experience..with people in real life and working in nature because I found that he’s much more calm and relaxed when he has time in nature. I think that’s true of a lot of kids, and they don’t have that opportunity. “The process of signing up “was very, very easy. There’s an enrollment packet that just asks for information, that’s basic that you would do at any camp. Then that’s pretty much it… I think the fact that they invite parents and kids to come check out the camp first really lessens the anxiety. Another thing with kids with Asperger’s is that they’re very, normally, resistant to new things and change. It makes them kind of nervous, I have found with my son.” Checking out the camp first lessened her son’s anxiety, and Preble even told him he didn’t have to go to the camp if he didn’t like it. He was at first resistant towards the camp, but after checking it out, he was open towards attending. “Now, of course, it’s his favorite thing to do.” He’s disappointed when it’s not the camp week. “Kathy has done so many amazing activities. And when I asked him..what he likes best about the camp, he [says], ‘Well, we just do unique things you don’t do anywhere else..and I love being around other kids that are like me. And [I like] the fact that Nancy and Kathy have made it a fun place to be, not a school place..” Her son just started attending this camp for one session
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A PERFECT RAINBOW
East County News Service January 7, 2016 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service tweeted this image, viewed from their window in San Diego, of a rainbow arcing over the city after today’s storm.
COUNTY ASKS ALL RESIDENTS TO REPORT STORM DAMAGE
East County News Service January 8, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – If you have damage from this week’s storms, the County wants to hear from you. Even if you live in a city within the county, it’s important for the County to get a report on all damages countywide. County officials ask that damages be reported, since they are adding up all the totals in hopes of getting a state or federal disaster declaration. A disaster declaration means residents with damage could be eligible for financial help to clean up and rebuild. To report damage, go to www.SDCountyRecovery.com and click on the “El Nino 2016” link, where you will also find other resources to get help.
OVER A FOOT OF SNOW ON MT.LAGUNA, RAINS DRENCH REGION
By Miriam Raftery Photos: Above, Jim Pelley sent us photo of snow-covered Laguna Mountains, viewed from desert in Ocotillo Below, Fox 5 TV tweeted image of news van on Mt. Laguna for a “San Diego snow day” January 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – After four years of drought, when it rains, it pours! During the past 72 hours, the National Weather Service reports heavy snowfall in our local mountains including 12 to 15 inches on Mt. Laguna. In addition, many communities soaked up several inches of rain, topped by Mt. Woodson with nearly seven and a half inches. Here are highlights on the snow and rainfall totals over the past three days. Skiers, rejoice! Big Bear reports 30 inches of snow. Here in San Diego County, Mt. Laguna had 12-15 inches of snow earlier today, with more snow likely to fall tonight. Mount Palomar has 7 inches of snow, Julian around 6 inches, while the snow level dipped down to Descanso and Pine Valley along Interstate 8, which each got an inch of snow. As for rainfall, Ramona got doused with 5.4 inches. Barona, Santee,Flinn Springs, Harbison Canyon and Alpine all got over 4 inches, while LaMesa and El Cajon had more than 3 inches of rain. Out in the desert, Borrego Springs had nearly 3 inches while Ocotillo Wells got about an inch. San Diego’s Lindbergh Field reported 2.77 inches of rain, while Fashion Valley got 3.23 inches as the San Diego River overflowed its banks, flooding parking lots and low-lying roadways. See storm totals for more areas here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/display_product.php?sid=SGX&pil=RRM
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A RIVER RAN THROUGH JAMUL—BUT HIGHWAY STAYED OPEN
Photo, left, by Jodie LaRosh, reposted with permission from the JAC January 7, 2016 (Jamul) –Jodie LaRosh came upon this surreal scene this morning at 7 a.m. at State Route 94. At a dip in the road near Jamul Estates, rainfall had created a river flooding the road. At 8:02 a.m., CHP asked for Caltrans to shut down the roadway. A t 8:27 CHP observed that “water is getting pretty deep” and again asked for a shutdown at Honey Springs and 94. But at 8:41 a.m., inexplicably, CHP posted, “SR 94 will remain open –there is a foot of water crossing from the creek.” Signs were posted to alert motorists. The Facebook page for Jamulians Against Casinos (JAC) posted updates throughout the day to keep Jamul residents informed and the Deerhorn Valley Antler sent “Antler Alerts” to warn of hazards, as did East Counth Magazine. It is unclear why the CHP, Caltrans and County did not shut down the road and allowed such motorists to enter such potentially dangerous fast-flowing waters. Headaches for Jamulians got worse later in the day, when a vehicle struck a power pole on Honey Springs Road, causing it to shut down for the entire night. Ronnie Durfee came across flooding across 94 this afternoon, between Rancho Jamul and Melody Lane. He estimated the depth at even greater than in the morning -18 to 24 inches. ““CHP was allowing cars to pass but I would not recommend it. Many were turning around and a couple had tried, but became disabled.”
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE BOARD ELECTS 2016 OFFICERS
By Miriam Raftery January 7, 2016 (La Mesa) — The board of directors of the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) recently elected its board officers for the 2016 calendar year. Re-elected for one-year terms were Robert “Bob” Ayres as president, Michael Emerson as vice president and Gloria Chadwick as secretary. All three served the same board officer positions in 2015, as well as a portion of 2014. Ayres began serving as GHD board president in July 2014, replacing Dr. Michael T. Long, who resigned. “I am honored and excited to serve again as president on a board with such committed and dedicated members,” said Ayres. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve in our role of monitoring and addressing unmet healthcare needs of the community to the greatest extent possible as we look ahead and take seriously our due diligence work on behalf of our constituent taxpayers.” Board member Randy Lenac was selected by Ayres to serve as board treasurer for 2016. Also serving on the five-member board is Betty Stieringer. Ayres, a retired banking executive and El Cajon resident, was elected to a four-year term in November 2012. He joined the board in December 2010 as an appointee to fill a vacant seat. Ayres has 49 years of experience in both public- and private-sector banking and construction financing and management. Emerson was appointed to the board in 2008. He was elected to a four-year term in November 2008, and was reelected in November 2012. An optician since 1975, Emerson is a Registered Dispensing Optician (RDO) and a Fellow of the National Academy of Opticianry (FNAO). He owns Hart Optical Company and resides in La Mesa. Chadwick has served on the board since 1998, when she became the first woman to be elected to the board in 22 years. In 2000, she became the first woman in District history to serve as board president. She was reelected in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. A second generation San Diegan and resident of Dehesa Valley, Chadwick retired as a psychiatric nurse after a 44-year career of working in the healthcare profession. Lenac, a resident of Campo, was appointed to the board in July 2014 to fill a vacancy. He was elected to the board in November 2014. Since 2011, he has served on the board of the Grossmont Hospital Corporation, a non-profit entity that oversees the management and operation of Grosssmont Hospital. Lenac has executive management experience in administration, finance and program development and strategy, including a 27-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps. Stieringer, a registered nurse and La Mesa resident, was elected to the board in November 2012, finishing first in a field of nine candidates. Her nursing career includes service at Grossmont Hospital and at the County of San Diego’s Juvenile Hall, Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility, and the Sheriff’s Central Detention Downtown Jail. The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region. Board meetings are regularly held at 7:30 a.m. on the first Monday and third Friday of each month at the GHD Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. The public is invited to attend. Formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, GHD serves as landlord of the Hospital in La Mesa on behalf of East County taxpayers. The five-member GHD board represents more than 500,000 people residing within the area’s 750 square miles. For more information, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org.
MONTOUR, RITCHIE HEADING TO AHL ALL-STAR GAME
By Liz Alper January 7, 2016 (San Diego) – The Gulls have made quite a splash in San Diego since their return to America’s finest city, and now two Gulls players are heading to the 2016 Toyota AHL All-Star Game. Defenseman Brandon Montour and left wing Nick Ritchie have been named to the All-Star Game, taking place in Syracuse, New York on January 31 and February 1. Both players are rookies making their first appearance in the All-Star Game. Montour, a 21-year-old native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, has tallied six goals and 22 assists in 30 games with only eight penalty minutes. He leads the league in power play assists and power play points. Ritchie, who is 20 years old and comes to San Diego from Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, has 12 goals and eight assists in 21 games played. He has also played 11 games with the Gulls’ NHL affiliate, the Anaheim Ducks, where he has tallied one assist, in a game November 30 versus the Vancouver Canucks.
EL CAJON SCHOOL RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR
East County News Service January 7, 2016 (El Cajon) – Montgomery Middle School in El Cajon is among six California schools chosen as Exemplars of 21st Century Learning, a prestigious designation given out by the national coalition Partnership for 21st Century Learning (p21.org/exemplar-program). Montgomery Middle School is an International Baccalaureate school that provides an environment of collaboration, innovative technology use, and inquiry based problem solving, all set in real world situations for a diverse population of students. State Superintendent of Public Education Tom Torlakson said he is pleased that more than one-third of the schools, districts, and programs chosen throughout the nation as Exemplars of 21st Century Learning are in California. Six California schools and one pre-kindergarten program were among the 19 schools and districts honored nationwide. “I’m pleased that so many of these schools and districts designated as national models are in California. That is a great tribute to our state’s dedicated, innovative, and hardworking educators, parents, and students,” said Torlakson. “These schools showcase the ways in which 21st century learning boosts student achievement, engagement, and preparation for lifelong learning and success.” P21 recognizes that all learners need educational experiences in school and beyond, from cradle to career, to build knowledge and skills for success in a globally and digitally interconnected world. Representing over 5 million members of the global workforce, P21 is a catalyst organization uniting business, government and education leaders from the U.S. and abroad to advance evidence-based education policy and practice and to make innovative teaching and learning a reality for all. “The staff at Montgomery is dedicated to providing a unique learning experience for each student, in order to prepare them for life and career skills” said Dr. Jacqueline Luzak, Principal of Montgomery Middle School. “While working together, the staff models the skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity that they teach to our students in their daily lessons.” “Every student deserves to experience authentic 21st century learning,” said Dr. Helen Soulé, P21 Executive Director. “P21 is proud to highlight the hard work exhibited by all P21 Exemplars as they redefine what teaching and learning means for students and educators in a world where learning doesn’t stop.” The 2016 California P21 Exemplars are: Bullis Charter School, Los Altos Montgomery Middle School, El Cajon National University Academy, Kearney Mesa Campus, San Diego Rancho Minerva Middle School, Vista Vitoriano Elementary School, Moreno Valley Visalia Technical Early College (VTEC) High School, Visalia Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (pre-K program), City of Industry The P21 Exemplar Program celebrates schools and districts that have successfully incorporated 21st century learning opportunities into teacher practice, curriculum, assessment, and professional development. This helps students master the skills needed to succeed in work and life in the 21st century. “All of these winners, past and present, have so many different successful approaches to education,” said Torlakson. Savanna High School in Anaheim, a 2013–14 designee, however, is one good example. Its curriculum focuses on college and career readiness, offering Career Pathways programs that help train students for careers in health care, visual arts, accounting, and media production. The high school emphasizes group projects that help students work together, communicate, and receive valuable practical experience. P21 evaluates school practices through a rigorous process that includes team site visits to assess implementation. Key exemplary practices are identified in the P21 Patterns of Innovation Report. The program is entering its fourth year and has identified nearly 60 exemplars across the country. Under the leadership of Torlakson, California became one of 20 P21 Leadership States in 2012, recognizing its commitment to integrating the P21 framework. Video case studies for the 2015–16 designees will be available on the P21 website in the spring. Applications are being accepted for the 2016–17 P21 Exemplar Program. The deadline for submission is January 15, 2016. The application is available on the P21 Web site at p21.org/exemplar-program-application.