UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

SEE WHAT'S GOING ON IN YOUR CITY!

Here's what's happening in El Cajon:

By Monica Zech, City of El Cajon Public Information Officer

Applications Now Being Accepted For 2012 Citizen's Academy

The El Cajon Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2012 Citizen's Police Academy. The Citizen's Police Academy is an eight week program that allows members of the community to learn how their police department functions from the inside - out.  Students will attend weekly classes and learn about topics including the history of law enforcement, the criminal justice system and crime scene investigation. Students will see presentations from divisions within the police department and participate in hands-on exercises such as conducting traffic stops, dusting for fingerprints and firearms simulation.   

The academy will begin on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.  Classes will be held weekly from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the El Cajon Police Department located at 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.  Anyone is encouraged to apply, however residents and business people in the City of El Cajon will be given priority in acceptance to the academy. A background check will be conducted on all applicants.  A total of 25 students will be accepted on a first come first served basis. An application for the Citizen's Police Academy can be downloaded at www.elcajonpolice.org.  If you have any questions or need an application, please call (619) 579-4227, or (619) 441-1597. 

The Popular Morning Glory Brunch Is Set For April

The 14^th annual Morning Glory Brunch, benefitting St. Madeleine Sophie's Center is set for Saturday, April 14^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the St. Madeleine's Organic Garden.  Event highlights include live music & entertainment, boutique shopping, live and silent auctions, and over 20 food and beverage stations!  For more information visit www.stmsc.org, or call (619) 442-5129, ext. 115. 

East County Chamber Citizen Of The Year Luncheon

 On Monday, February 27, the Chamber will hold its annual Citizen of the Year luncheon at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.  The Center is located at 195 E. Douglas Avenue. Join the Chamber as they honor the Citizen of the Year 2011 and nominees.  For reservations please call (619) 440-6161.

 Are You Prepared For A Disaster? Register For CERT!  

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is all about being prepared for a disaster, such as an earthquake, firestorm or house fire. This FREE preparedness education program offers residents the knowledge and tools they'll need in the event of a disaster.  The first academy is now full, but there are two more academies being offered for 2012.  Pick the one that best fits your schedule, and call (619) 441-1737 to register.  Please leave your name and best contact phone number.  Hurry, classes will fill quickly.  

The 2012 East County CERT schedule is as follows:

Academy - #1 - beginning January 28 - Full. Thank you!

Academy #2 - 70% Full

Academy - #3 - Space Available

CERT classes are held on Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes take place at 8054 Allison Avenue in La Mesa.  The hands-on training classes will be held at 1301 N. Marshall Avenue, Heartland Training Facility (HTF), in El Cajon. Class sizes are limited to 35 people per academy, ages 16 and up, non-residents welcome.  For safety concerns, we ask you do not bring babies or children to class. Wear closed toed shoes only - no sandals.  On the first day you will need to bring a 1½-inch thick notebook binder for the curriculum. Any classes missed may be made up during the following academy.  Classes are taught by members of Heartland Fire & Rescue and Santee Fire Departments.  For general information on being prepared for a disaster, please visit www.heartlandfire.org. 

Visit The Knox House Museum During February

If you haven't had the chance to tour the Knox House Museum, stop by any Saturday during the month of February for museum month in the City.  The Knox House has a wealth of information about El Cajon, with photos and artifacts on the history of the City.  Did you know the Knox House wasthe first commercial building in El Cajon, built in 1876 as a hotel for travelers and teamsters on their way to the Julian gold fields. The Knox House Museum will be open each Saturday in February, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at 280 N. Magnolia Avenue, in El Cajon.  Free admission with private tours available for your class or organization. For more information, please call (619) 444-3800, or visit www.elcajonhistory.org.

During Museum Month - Don't Forget To Visit The Wieghorst Museum 

The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in downtown El Cajon honors the accomplished artist Olaf Wieghorst, who lived in our community for more than 40 years.  Olaf was well known for his magnificent portrayals of the nineteenth century American West. You'll also find his restored childhood home next to the center.  Tours are welcomed, or consider being a volunteer. The Museum is located at 131 Rea Avenue in El Cajon. For more information on hours or special tours, please visit www.wieghorstmuseum.org, or call (619) 590-3431.

Creative Builders Needed For BARKITECTURE 2012

You are invited to be a part of the first "Barkitecture" by designing, building and donating a "doggy dream house" or "cat condo" to the ACES Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to assist the El Cajon Animal Shelter. By designing and building a dog house or cat condo, your company or organization will be included in all local media marketing. This event will not only ensure funds and support for the shelter, but also recognize the great talents and commitment of local architects and builders of San Diego County. Designer information will be displayed, along with the houses, at Westfield Parkway, the busiest shopping mall in East County, from April 20-29. They will then be auctioned off at an exciting and unique reception on April 29.  During the display of the structures, the public will be invited to vote on "the people's choice" award.  Professional judges will also choose winners in several categories. On the afternoon of the auction, the winners will be announced and prizes awarded. Organizations such as Boy Scouts and student groups are encouraged to enter in the non-professional category. The entry form is available on line at www.ACESFOUNDATION.org.The registration deadline has been extended to February 15.For more information or to have a brochure mailed to you, please call (619) 561-3277.   

Youth Of The Year Award Nominations NOW Being Accepted

The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition would like to recognize youth for making a difference in our community.  If you see, hear, or know of a youth who has gone the extra mile to improve the quality of life in our community, please take this opportunity to acknowledge and reward that effort.  "The Success of Tomorrow.Depends on the Youth of Today!" 

How Does This Work? The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition presents a "Youth of the Year" Award to recognize those youth who go above and beyond in serving their community either through their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service in El Cajon.  Leadership can be defined as those individuals who consistently facilitate a team vision and help guide others towards success. Community service is work that helps better the community through the value and impact of those served.  Final awards will be based on dedication, commitment beyond what may be required by school, and demonstrated impact of those served. 

Who is Eligible? Two youth will be awarded each year:  one youth currently at the middle school level (grades 6^th - 8^th) and one youth currently at the high school level (grades 9^th - 12^th).  Note:  Recognized work by youth is based on their personal merits and contributions and is not intended to be limited to their school involvement.  All nominations are reserved for youth who are City of El Cajon residents. Youth will be recognized and awarded for service accomplished within the calendar year previous to the nomination period.  Currently awarding for work accomplished in and between, January 1 through December 31, 2011. Current Teen Coalition members are not eligible for this award. 

Nomination and Selection Process - Anyone may nominate a youth by completing the nomination form found on our website at www.elcajonrec.org, and returning it to the City of El Cajon Recreation Department.  Nomination forms will only be accepted from now through March 9, 2012  The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition will review applications and select finalists in each grade level category.  Nominators of the finalist will also be invited to attend the March 18^th Teen Coalition meeting to further discuss the accomplishments of youth they nominated with the Teen Coalition.  The Teen Coalition will make their final selection and notify the awarded youth recipients and their nominators of further details by the first week in April. 

Award Presentation - Youth selected for this award will be presented with a City of El Cajon Teen Coalition "Youth of the Year" Award plaque and proclamation during an El Cajon City Council Meeting in April. A perpetual plaque will also be displayed in the "Wall of Fame" case at City Hall.  Press releases will go out showcasing award recipients. For More Information please contact the City of El Cajon Recreation Department, Attn: Teen Coalition, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA  92020, or you can call (619) 441-1754. 

East County Chamber Upcoming Celebrations

Celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce with your Chamber family and friends at a gala to be held Saturday, February 4, at the historic US Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego. Join them as they celebrate 100 years of serving the business community of East County, honoring individuals and businesses that make our home such an extraordinary place to live and work!  For more information on tickets please call (619) 440-6161.

On Monday, February 27, the Chamber will hold its annual Citizen of the Year luncheon at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, from 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.  The Center is located at 195 E. Douglas Avenue. Join the Chamber as they honor the Citizen of the Year 2011 and nominees.  For reservations please call (619) 440-6161. 

  Volunteers & Sponsors Welcome For El Cajon's Centennial Celebration In 2012!

You can be a part of the party and of history!  Excitement is growing as plans continue for the City of El Cajon's Centennial Celebration in 2012.  The exact date of the City's 100^th Birthday is Monday, November 12, 2012; but fun events are in the planning stages leading up to that date - and after!  The Centennial Celebration Committee, led by Councilmember Jillian Hanson-Cox, is now accepting volunteers. Go to www.elcajon100.com and look for the volunteer information and registration, as well as sponsorship opportunities. 

El Cajon Library - Book Discussion Club

Discussing books and authors in their libraries is a natural fit for book lovers. The Pageturners Book Club of the El Cajon Branch Library, at 201 E. Douglas Avenue, is looking to expand its membership. The group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the library. The club is free of charge and new members are welcome to drop in to a meeting. Members take turns leading the sessions, and authors are chosen by the group.  "Members discuss works by a different author at every meeting," says Adult Services Librarian Jenne Bergstrom. "They're encouraged to read any book by the current author, and come to the group ready to discuss that title."  Upcoming authors include 1930 Nobel Prize winner Sinclair Lewis, popular crime novelist P.D. James, and New York Times bestselling authors Patrick Taylor and Karen White.  For more information call the library at (619) 588-371.

Safety Lectures for your group or school!  In El Cajon, Safety Educator Monica Zech is available to speak to your group or school by request.  Injury prevention lectures cover such topics as driving safety, disaster preparedness, fire safety and careers in Emergency Medical Services.  Please call (619) 441-1737, or send your request to mzech@cityofelcajon.us.  

  Note: Please keep me informed of your community events by placing me on your mailing or e-mail list. If you have an event in the City of El Cajon that you would like to share, please contact Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon, via e-mail at mzech@cityofelcajon.us, or send to: Monica Zech, Public Information Officer, City of El Cajon, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.

^{Grossmont Healthcare District supporting Volunteers in Medicine}

^{The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) board of directors has unanimously voted to approve a $150, 000 grant to Volunteers in Medicine – San Diego, Inc. (VIM), a non-profit that brings together medical professionals and patients who don’t have health insurance. The money will be used to pay for diagnostic lab fees and medical supplies, as well as X-ray and ultrasound tests, for uninsured East County residents who are treated for free at the VIM El Cajon medical clinic at 1457 East Madison Avenue. GHD is a taxpayer-supported public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County. VIM’s clinic, located in a parking lot behind Chapel of the Valley United Methodist Church in El Cajon, is staffed by more than 100 professional volunteers, including retired doctors, nurses and support staff, who donate thousands of hours in providing primary care services to more than 2,000 patients annually. The majority of patients are from employed working families who earn too much to qualify for a government health program, yet earn too little to afford health insurance, according to VIM officials. The Grossmont Healthcare, formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, serves as landlord of the hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of local taxpayers. For more information about GHD, visit}

^{www.grossmonthealthcare.org}

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