EAST COUNTY ’S TWO CHICK-FIL-A RESTAURANTS HOLDING FUNDRAISER FOR HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMS
East County News Service September 11, 2017 (La Mesa) – The two Chick-fil-A restaurants in the East County in Santee and La Mesa will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, Sept. 19 to support recovery efforts for Houston’s victims of Hurricane Harvey. Chick-fil-A officials said both stores will donate 15 percent of all sales between 5 and 8 p.m. to a Chick-fil-A fund earmarked for Houston residents. Both owner-operators of the two Chick-fil-A restaurants have a personal stake in the fundraiser. Both have friends and family members living in Houston who were impacted by the hurricane. Santee’s Kyle Steck, a San Diego native, has in-laws living in Houston, including wife Jamie’s father who pastors a church there. In addition, Steck sold dental equipment in Texas for several years before joining Chick-fil-A. He has led the Santee restaurant since August 2015. “Like many of you, we’ve been moved by the images of devastation, and there are a lot of people in East County who would love to help in some way with the horrendous damage in Houston,” said Steck. “In the aftermath of the disaster, we have an opportunity to share. Their biggest need right now is money to help with the recovery. We are proud to offer our restaurants as a way for people to come together and help out.” Rick Preciado in La Mesa spent 12 years working as an operations executive for various oil and gas, building materials and chemical companies in Houston before joining Chick-fil-A and moving to San Diego to open the La Mesa restaurant earlier this year. Preciado said his previous home in Spring, Tex. was among many in the neighborhood that were flooded with more than a foot of water. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help the victims of the hurricane get what they need to rebuild their lives,” said Preciado. “Natural disasters are devastating to those who have been affected. Many families in Houston face a long and difficult road to recovery as the rebuild their lives, homes and businesses. But, for those of us in the East County, here is an opportunity to take action and show how much we care for those in need.” The Santee Chick-fil-A is at 9418 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. The Grossmont Chick-fil-A is at 8200 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa. The Atlanta-based chain also is helping like many other corporations. The company is matching dollar-for-dollar every contribution made online or through its Chick-fil-A One mobile app, up to $500,000, to ultimately meet a goal of $1 million for the American Red Cross.
A JUICY STORY: RAMONA’S FIRST GRAPE STOMP IS A SUCCESS
Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition By Miriam Raftery September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”, teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend. Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.” One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel. A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto. Less competitive-spirited folks could also stomp just for fun–and pose for photos–at a separate stomping area. “We’re excited to see the wineries coming together to give back to our community,” Terri Kerns from Ramona Ranch Winery and Vineyards, a sponsor of the event, told East County Magazine, “ since the Ramona community has so embraced the wineries.” She said the event has drawn large crowds eager to partake in the fun. Hosted by the Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, Ramona Rotary Club and Ramona Senior Center, the event benefits such as college scholarships, senior nutrition, the Ramona Boys and Girls Club, Fourth of July fireworks, and education about this fast-growing wine region. Crowds flocked to the Ramona Outdoor Community Center Pavillion, where activities included wine tasting from numerous local wineries serving up locally produced vintages, many from award-winning local wineries, ranging from sweet or dry whites to bold reds such as a 9-year-old Zinfandel on the tasting menu. Guests could also enjoy foods, bid on silent auction prizes such as wine baskets and hand-made Adirondack chairs, vie for raffle prizes, or shop from vendors offering everything from Western wear to wine-themed accessories such as blown-glass wine stoppers and serving trays made from old wine bottles. If you missed this year’s Ramona Grape Stomp, no worries — organizers have promised to make this successful stomp an annual event, so you can come back next year and many times more in the future to stomp, shop and sip to your heart’s content.
BAMBOOZLED: KIDZ DANZ KOMPANY SHOWS SEPT. 22-23 INCLUDES PSALMS FOR CHILDREN OF SYRIA AND ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE
East County News Service August 21, 2017 (San Diego) — Kidz Danz Kompany, the acclaimed children’s dance troupe based in La Mesa, presents “Bamboozled” at the San Diego Performing Arts Center (4579 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego) on September 22-23 at 7 p.m. “Bamboozled” is a celebration of love and all it encompasses, from sorrow and acceptance to family and human friendship. Founding Artistic Director Spencer John Powell with the creative genius of the Kidz Danz Kompany dancers present multiple works. “Dear John” celebrates the artistry of Elton John. Through the medium of dance, “Taught” and “Psalms for the Children of Syria” visually present to you a new understanding of the world in which we now live. Principle Visionary Dance Theatre dancer James LaRose presents “Shimmy Sham,” an upbeat tap number that will have you dancing in your seats. Finally, Internationally-acclaimed choreographer and Professor of Dance at University of South Florida Jeanne Travers presents her 2011 work “Tunisian Nights.” This fast-paced dance, set to the music of Dizzy Gillespie, has been performed around the world and will be performed for the first time by the teenagers of Kidz Danz Kompany. Kidz Danz Kompany will be showing off their acting chops in a new work with original script written by celebrated San Diego author Sherri Rabinowitz. San Diego-based illustrator, graphic designer and visual artist Brenda York also collaborates with Kidz Danz Kompany to present her compelling compositions and striking work. Also in collaboration is artist Debbie Solan as well as artist Marjorie Pezzoli with her beautiful silks. This multi-artist event, multi-discipline event entertains you and gives you thought-provoking and presentational dance theatre at their highest level yet. Buy tickets at visionarydancetheatre.org.
ARTIST DRAWS NATIONAL ATTENTION WITH CHILD MURAL AT BORDER FENCE IN EAST COUNTY
By Miriam Raftery September 10, 2017 (Tecate) – “The history of humanity is the story of people migrating,” French artist JR posted on his Twitter feed. Drawing attention to the plight of innocent children denied entry to, or facing expulsion from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s tough policies, JR erected a 70-foot-tall mural titled Kikito. It depicts a one-year-old boy peeking over the border fence in Tecate, visible from the U.S. side of the border in San Diego’s East County. The work, which the artist began work on a month ago, has gained national media attention, with reports in the Washington Post, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Hill in Washington D.C., to name a few. It’s also drawn crowds locally. “At 1 year old, you don’t see the frontier or which side is better. For this kid, there are no walls or borders.” @JRart The action comes as prototypes of a solid border wall are set to be erected in San Diego’s Otay Mesa, with plans to ultimately obstruct the entire U.S. border. Trump has also stepped up detentions and deportations, also announcing end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) meaning unless Congress takes action in six months. “Dreamers” brought here as children can be deported. JR hopes his artwork can change hearts and minds. He believes it’s “all a matter of perspective,” adding in another Tweet, “What you see can change who you are” #NoBorders #Mexico #USA. A Twitter user named DebS called the work “amazing and soul restoring,” adding in a message to the artist, “This is both amazing and ‘soul restoring’. your beautiful art rises above the wall in more ways.”
COLLEGE STUDENT LEARNED SHE WASN’T A CITIZEN
By Iveth Estrada, provided by Grossmont Community College District Reprinted with permission from San Diego Jewish World September 11, 2017 (El Cajon) — Iveth Estrada didn’t know she was an undocumented immigrant until shortly before she enrolled at Cuyamaca College. She didn’t know while growing up with her family in Spring Valley. She didn’t know while competing with the varsity swim and water polo teams at Monte Vista High School. “I only found out when I was talking to my mom about getting a job and she told me, ‘Well, you need a Social Security card for that and you were born in Mexico,’” said Estrada, who would learn she was brought across the border from Acapulco shortly after celebrating her first birthday. Today, despite growing anti-immigrant fervor, Estrada has found a home at Cuyamaca College. She is thriving academically, she has spearheaded the formation of a new United Dreamers club, and she is laying the groundwork to secure a master’s degree and launch a career as a clinical psychologist. In many ways, she is the face of the undocumented college student in California. “Inspiring, tenacious, and resilient are just some of the many adjectives I would use to describe Iveth Estrada,” said Mary Garcia, a Cuyamaca College counselor. “She is a natural leader and an asset to her community on and off campus. As an undocumented student, she has had not only academic but also personal barriers, yet she manages to overcome them semester by semester. I truly don’t know how she does it, given the political climate in our country.” Estrada is among the estimated 741,000 students nationwide who have benefited from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a policy enacted by the Obama administration that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable, two-year period free from deportation and be eligible to work. But Estrada’s amnesty under DACA expires in March 2018, and she is uncertain of her future with a new presidential administration pledging to crack down on illegal immigration. “Right now, I basically have permission to go to school and work here until next year, but after that, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Estrada said. “Are they going to pull me out of school? Take my education away? Are they going to put me in a country that I’ve never really lived in before? I don’t know anything about Mexico. What about my little sisters? They were born here, so I guess they would stay. But if my mom and I are deported, does that mean they would be orphans? It’s unsettling. It’s crazy.” Despite the distractions, Estrada is excelling in the classroom and as a student engagement ambassador helping the Office of Student Affairs coordinate various cultural events. “Cuyamaca College is fortunate to have students such as Iveth who are passionate about their beliefs and determined to get a good college education,” said Lauren Vaknin, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, who serves as Estrada’s supervisor. An average student at Monte Vista High School, Estrada almost didn’t make it to Cuyamaca College. “I wasn’t even aware of what college was,” she said. “I just thought you had to graduate from high school and that was it.” When representatives from Cuyamaca’s former First Year Experience program – now called the Pathway Academy – visited Monte Vista, Estrada learned otherwise. “They told me all about the college, how to apply, how to take the assessments,” she said. “I wasn’t prepared to go to a university. I never took an SAT test; I didn’t even know what it was. Cuyamaca was affordable, it was accessible, so it made perfect sense.” Estrada said it was the best decision she’s made in her 19 years. “I’m thankful to be here,” she said. “Academically, it’s amazing. I have a job to help support myself, and I’m working with counselors who are incredible.” Estrada’s goal is to transfer to a University of California campus after earning her associate degree at Cuyamaca College, then secure a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in psychology before becoming a clinical psychologist. She is on track to graduate from Cuyamaca in spring 2018. Until then, she’ll be plenty busy as president of the nascent United Dreamers. “It’s primarily a way to provide a safe space for undocumented students,” Estrada said. “We give them a place to talk, a place to support each other and maybe put on some events.” “It’s sad, but a lot of undocumented students are looked at as criminals,” Estrada continued. “But nothing could be further from the truth. I came here as a baby and I had no idea I wasn’t an American citizen until recently. We’re people like anybody else who are looking for a good education and an opportunity to succeed.”
SAN DIEGO STATE FOOTBALL SWEEPS MW WEEKLY AWARDS
Penny becomes first player in MW history to win two weekly awards in same week Source: goaztecs.com Photo: Rashaad Penny (pictured) was named both the MW Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Week, while Noble Hall was the MW Defensive Player of the Week. Courtesy goaztecs.com September 11, 2017 (San Diego) – The San Diego State football team swept the Mountain West weekly awards after a 30-20 victory at Arizona State on Saturday, the league announced Monday. Senior Rashaad Penny (Norwalk, Calif.) became the first player in MW history to win two of the three awards in a single week, capturing both the offensive and special teams award, while junior Noble Hall (Las Vegas) picked up the MW Defensive Player-of-the-Week award. It is just the eighth time in the 19-year history of the league that a team has swept the weekly awards (excluding co-players) and the league-record third by the Aztecs (also Oct. 23, 2000 – Derrick Lewis (offense), Jomar Butler (defense) and Nate Tandberg (special teams) and Nov. 2, 2015 – Donnel Pumphrey (offense), Damontae Kazee (defense) and Donny Hageman (special teams)). Penny rushed 18 times for a career-high 216 yards (12.0 avg.) and a touchdown, while adding four catches for 38 yards and a touchdown, and a 99-yard kick return for a score. Penny, who yesterday was named the Walter Camp FBS Offensive Player of the Week, became the first player in FBS this season with at least one rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown and one kick return score in the same game. Penny’s 353 all-purpose yards (216 rushing, 99 kick return and 38 receiving) are the most in a FBS game this season (second is 272), third most in SDSU single-game history, only trailing Marshall Faulk’s 422 vs. Pacific on Sept. 14, 1991 and Darnay Scott’s 354 against UTEP on Oct. 17, 1992, and rank as the fifth most in Mountain West history. The 216 rushing yards are also the fifth most in a game this season in FBS play. Penny’s first score was a 95-yard rushing touchdown to put San Diego State up 7-0 in the first quarter, which is the longest rushing play in FBS this season, third-longest rushing play in program history and longest since a 99-yard run by Ronnie Hillman vs. Wyoming on Oct. 29, 2011. He later added a 99-yard kick return touchdown in the second quarter to put the Aztecs up, 14-7, tied for the fifth-longest kick return in FBS this season and tied for the seventh-longest kick return in program history. It extended his school record with his sixth career KR score. Penny finished his scoring with a 33-yard touchdown catch from Christian Chapman in the third to give SDSU a 27-14 advantage. Penny, who last Monday was named the MW Offensive Player of the Week for the first time, became the 11th player in SDSU history with multiple 200-yard rushing games, recording his seventh career 100-yard rushing game (all over the past 12 games). Penny now has 18 career rushing touchdowns and 29 overall touchdowns (also six kick return and five receiving), and 25 touchdowns (17 rushing, four receiving and four kick return) over his last 20 games. Penny, whose six career kick return touchdowns are also the most among active FBS players and one shy of a NCAA record, moved into 17th place on San Diego State’s all-time rushing list, now with 1,821 yards. Penny was also named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his outstanding versatility against Arizona State and as a CFPA Honorable Mention National Performer of the Week. Hall, meanwhile, picked up his first career defensive honor, the first by an Aztec since Malik Smith won the weekly award on Nov. 30, 2015, the first by a SDSU defensive lineman since Jerome Long on Sept. 13, 2011 and just the third San Diego State defensive lineman to win the award in the MW era (since 1999). Hall set career highs in every category against the Sun Devils, registering five tackles (four solo), 1.5 sacks for 13 yards, 2.5 tackles for loss for 20 yards and two forced fumbles. The two forced fumbles are tied for the most in a FBS game this season as he helped limit the high-powered ASU offense to just 44 rushing yards on 31 carries (1.4 avg.). On the season, Hall has nine tackles (seven solo), 4.5 tackles for loss for 26 yards, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Among the NCAA FBS leaders, Hall ranks in a tie for second in forced fumbles per game (1.00) and in a tie for 11th in tackles for loss per game (2.25).
TRUMP SIGNS DISASTER RELIEF BILL, AFTER PARTNERING WITH DEMOCRATS TO RAISE DEBT LIMIT CEILING
By Miriam Raftery September 9, 2017 (San Diego)—President Donald Trump has signed into law H.R. 601, to provide $15.25 billion in emergency appropriations for disaster response. The measure also extends authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program through December 8th to help those impacted by disasters including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The President confounded Republicans in Congress by crossing the aisle to work with Democratic leaders to pass the disaster relief bill, which also extends the nation’s debt ceiling until December 8th. Conservatives have opposed raising the debt ceiling, wanting to take money from other programs instead and/or avoid further debt ceiling decisions closer to next year’s elections. In the end, some Republicans joined with nearly all Democrats to pass the bill. In his signing statement, President Trump said he “appreciates Congress putting aside partisan politics and acting quickly to ensure that first responders, local officials, and Federal emergency management personnel have the resources they need to respond to the natural disasters impacting our Nation,” adding that “as the damage from Hurricane Irma unfolds, it is especially important that the men and women in the Southeast and our Caribbean territories stand strong and rest assured that this Administration will always put the needs of the American people above partisan politics as usual.” The Trump administration has ordered an aircraft carrier to Florida, where it stands ready to provide emergency medical aid and other relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded. The President has drawn praise for his swift action in rseponse to the devastating storms, though critics say his failure to acknowledge climate change and his appointment of climate change deniers to head up the Environmental Protection Agency and NASA, which includes the National Weather Service, is blocking efforts to reverse climate change. Scientific experts have warned that warm ocean surface temperatures caused by climate change are fueling larger and more dangerous storms such as the unprecedented number of severe hurricanes currently ravaging parts of the U.S. as well as islands across the Caribbean and Mexico’s eastern coast. Far more aid will ultimately be needed to address needs of survivors of the hurricanes as well as wildfires ravaging Western states. The Governor of Texas has estimated that damage in his state alone could reach $180 billion. The $15.25 billion approved is an important first step, however, to provide rescue and relief personnel during and immediately after these disasters.
NATIONAL CONSUMERS LEAGUE BLASTS HOUSE VOTE TO EMBOLDEN PYRAMID SCHEMES
Source: National Consumers League September 15, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – The National Consumers League (NCL) is warning consumers over the inclusion of language in an appropriations bill approved today by the U.S. House of Representatives that will enable pyramid schemes to proliferate, putting millions of consumers at increased risk of financial harm. The amendment, sponsored by Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI), purports to create a federal definition of pyramid schemes and protect consumers. In fact, NCL says, the language is a thinly-veiled attack on the Federal Trade Commission’s ability to protect consumers from fraudulent direct selling business opportunities. Disregarding vocal opposition from consumer and Latino advocacy groups, pyramid scheme experts, FTC Commissioner Terrell McSweeny, former senior FTC officials, and members of the direct selling industry itself, the House has voted to enable pyramidal business practices that the FTC and the courts have consistently found to be illegal. “This amendment, inserted into must-pass legislation in the dead of night at the behest of some the nation’s largest direct selling companies, will make millions of consumers more vulnerable to pyramid schemes,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “It is incredibly important that the Senate recognizes the true, destructive nature of this amendment, ensures that such language does not make it into its appropriations bill, and works to delete it from any conference report that receives consideration.” The Moolenaar amendment language, through “definitional trickery and numerous carve-outs, weakens the core precedents that the FTC has relied on for decades to shut down fraudulent business opportunities and discipline an industry with a long history of pyramid scheme behavior,” an NCL press release states. The federal courts have consistently stated that the critical difference between a legitimate direct selling business and a pyramid scheme is that the revenue must come primarily from the sale of products and services to retail customers unaffiliated with the business opportunity. Unfortunately, the Moolenaar amendment will undermine this critical tenet prevent the FTC from prosecuting all but the most blatantly fraudulent pyramid schemes, the consumer group says. “Today’s vote is disappointing, but is not the end of the fight,” said John Breyault, NCL vice President, public policy, telecommunications, and fraud. “We will continue to expose the direct selling industry’s campaign to sneak this destructive bill through Congress and work with consumer champions in the Senate to protect consumers from fraudulent pyramid schemes.”
AZTEC FOOTBALL PRESS CONFERENCE 9/12: 2-0, ANOTHER PAC-12 COMING UP
Like our sports coverage? Donate to help support ECM’s sports section! Type “Sports” on the donation line! Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories! For Noble Hall and David Wells’ portion of the press conference, click “read more” and scroll down. By Liz Alper Videos courtesy goaztecs.com September 12, 2017 (San Diego) – Aztec football is 2-0 coming into today’s press conference with head coach Rocky Long, senior tight end David Wells and junior defensive lineman Noble Hall. Long doesn’t think it’ll mean anything if they beat another Pac-12 opponent, Stanford, this weekend. “…all it will mean if we beat them is we’re 3-0, that’s all it’ll mean.” The Aztecs and the Cardinal run very similar offenses, Long mentioned. He also talked about the Aztecs’ usual habit of taking too many penalties. “Well, we’re trying to fix it by coaching and we’re trying to fix it in practice. I think a lot of it has to do with young players and I think last week we had six or seven penalties because our players were too excited about playing.” Long talked about being lackadaisical in the fourth quarter and whether being outscored is a concern. “It’s always a concern when they have an opportunity to come back to win the game when you’re ahead, that’s always a concern…I don’t think we played the deep ball very well and that’s the only way they got back in the game is throwing the deep ball.” If Stanford shuts down the running game, Long has faith that junior redshirt quarterback Christian Chapman can pass effectively. “I think Christian is very accurate with the football so if we have to throw it we have confidence that we can throw it and catch it.” Long is concerned about Stanford, however. “I think that they are very good at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. That is our biggest concern about how we’re going to match up on both sides of the ball. They are big and strong on the defensive line also. It’s how we’re going to match up at the line of scrimmage. Hopefully it’s an equal match up there and it turns out to be up to the other guys to determine who wins and loses.” Wells praised senior running back Rashaad Penny. “…Rashaad is definitely a big moving piece for us, especially in our running attack. He’s good, he’s really good, so especially if we can get him going early in the game that’s a good sign for us. It helps us – not like boost our morale because we believe in ourselves and we believe that we’re a great team and we believe that we’re a great offense and we can run it against anybody – so once we’re able to get it going and start doing that, that’s when the wheels start turning and we start going even more.” Hall echoed him. “We feel like if he can come out and bust a long run or a long kickoff return, the defense can come out and force a 3-and-out or force a turnover and get them right back on the field to do it again.” He also praised the offensive line. “For a young offensive line, I think they’re doing a great job. They’re coming off the ball hard and they’re hitting dudes in the mouth and that’s all we can ask of these guys. They’re doing their assignments well and when I get up to the line they’re eager and they’re ready to go…” Wells also said he “felt great” to be back on the field after missing week one. SDSU takes on Stanford at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Qualcomm.
SDSU MEN’S SOCCER FALLS 1-0 AGAINST UTAH VALLEY
Pablo Pelaez registered a game-high four shots Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com September 10, 2017 (San Diego) – The San Diego State men’s soccer team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Utah Valley on Sunday night to conclude the 2017 Courtyard Marriott San Diego Central Tournament. Utah Valley’s Gui Leme posted the only goal of the match, capitalizing on an unassisted opportunity by pushing a shot into the bottom left corner of the net for a 1-0 Wolverines advantage. “I’m proud that we came out with a much better performance in the second half and certainly after Friday night, three games in seven days is never easy,” said head coach Lev Kirshner. “The last 45 minutes and what we saw against UC Santa Barbara is more indicative of what this program is built on. We’re just not doing enough of the little things right now.” SDSU had one of its best offensive chances just 5:37 into the game, as Pablo Pelaez rocketed a shot well beyond the 18-yard box, but was stopped by goalkeeper Rubio Elliott, who made a full-extension save on a chance that would have cruised just inside the crossbar. Despite being down 1-0 at halftime, SDSU limited Utah Valley to just three first half shots and had a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. For the second half, the two teams were even in shots, at 5-5, and corner kicks, at 2-2. Looking to make a late comeback, the Aztecs were able to keep the contest a one-goal deficit thanks to an impressive save from Adam Allmaras in the 60th minute, as the redshirt senior stopped a shot from Utah Valley’s Austin Buxton from point-blank range to maintain the 1-0 score. Allmaras posted two saves in his Sunday night outing. The Aztecs wrap up a season-long four-game homestand next weekend, welcoming Cal Poly to the SDSU Sports Deck for a Saturday night affair at 7:00 p.m. ECM will have full coverage of this game, which you can see by following @ECMagSports on Twitter for live updates. MAN OF THE MATCH: Kyle Adams earned Man of the Match honors, being a key part of numerous defensive stops throughout the match. The junior from New Zealand was one of five SDSU players to play all 90 minutes of action. With his effort over SDSU’s two games in the Courtyard Marriott San Diego Central Tournament, Adams earned All-Tournament team honors. Box score