By Miriam Raftery
March 12, 2025 (El Cajon) – Four members of El Cajon’s City Council yesterday voted to send letters of support for H.R. 1680 to its author, Colorado Republican Gabe Evans, and ask local Congressman Darrell Issa to co-sponsor the bill--even though the text of the bill has not yet been released.
The only description on the Congressional website states that the measure will “amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to expand the prohibition on State noncompliance with enforcement of the immigration laws, and for other purposes.” But according to Congress.gov, no text of the bill has yet been submitted to the Legislative Analyst. So we don’t know how the bill would affect immigrant enforcement locally, nor what “other purposes” might be included.
Two members of the public spoke, both opposed to the action.
Rebecca Branstetter called the bill “a pig in a poke” since there’s no text on the Congressional website yet. “If we can’t read and understand the text of the bill, we can’t know what Council is asking for in its letter to Darrell Issa.” She asked that the measure be tabled until text is available for residents and Councilmembers to review.
Stephane Cauchon also voiced opposition, calling the matter “a tempest in a teapot.” She voiced her opinion that nationally, “We’re close to a turning point” as voters lose jobs, benefits, VA services, understaffed national parks and other actions of the Trump administration. Coming on the heels of El Cajon’s recent 3-2 vote to support having police cooperate with federal immigration authorities to deport people accused or convicted of serious crimes, she said of the latest immigration proposal before the Council, “The tide is going to turn and the communities that are supporting you now will stop supporting you, and be ready to support those that have integrity.”
Two members of the City Council also voiced concerns over the lack of specifics in the bill.
“I’m very reluctant to support something that there’s no text on. It’s a blank check,” said Councilman Gary Kendrick.
Kendrick further pointed out that a letter the city just received from the U.S. Department of Justice confirms that the federal government will not indemnify El Cajon or its police officers, if the state takes legal action against them for violating SB 54, California’s law prohibiting local authorities from cooperating with federal immigration, except for undocumented persons convicted of certain serious or violent crimes.
Councilmember Michell Metschel said she watched a video by the Colorado Congressman in which he talked about “uncuffing the police and getting rid of all the illegal aliens,” not just violent criminals. “I don’t want to put my name on a letter going to a Congressman who hasn’t even written his bill yet.”
Councilman Steve Goble argued, “This is a chance to help craft the text,” noting that the city could pull its support in the future if it didn’t like the final language. He cited language in the draft letter from Mayor Bill Wells to Congressman Gabe Evans, the bill’s author, which says that El Cajon’s police chief suggests there may be over 200 “dangerous criminals” who are undocumented, living in El Cajon, as well as 52 unaccompanied minors who crossed the border, and whom the city is not allowed to check up on due to SB 54.
Kendrick suggested that the city should write a letter to state legislators asking for a “carveout from SB 54 to allow us to do welfare checks on these kids and make sure that they are safe.”
Councilmember Phil Ortiz criticized SB 54 for not allowing police to handover undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of non-violent serious crimes such as arson, battery and burglary. "It is not moral to give a free pass to all of these different crimes,” he said.
The measure passed 3-2, with Mayor Wells, Councilmember Ortiz and Councilmember Goble in support, while Councilmembers Metschel and Kendrick opposed.
By Miriam Raftery
March 12, 2025 (El Cajon) – By a unanimous vote, El Cajon’s City Council yesterday voted to adopt an ordinance prohibiting the sale of vaping or e-cigarette devices disguised as other products.
According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, teens are using stealth vaping products. Some are hidden in backpacks or hoodies. Others resemble flash drives, fidget spinners, pens, smart watches or hand-held gaming devices, making it easy for kids to use tobacco even in schools. Some are sold as single-use devices, making them affordable and accessible to young people.
“I received letters from each one of our local school districts asking us to do this,” said Councilman Gary Kendrick, author of the measure. In addition to tobacco, he noted, “kids are using cannabis...students are not going to be very well educated if they’re stoned out of their minds using these fake devices.”
The ordinance will impose a fine of $2,500 for a first offense by a local retailer. Subsequent offenses will result in fines and temporary license suspensions; a fourth offense will result in permanent revocation of the retailer’s tobacco license. Retailers will be entitled to due process to appeal.
Kendrick noted that the “primary goal of local government is to protect citizens, and children are the ones who need the most protection.”
The ordinance was approved 5-0.
Health and Human Services offers tips for parents and educators to help spot these clandestine devices, such as watching for hoodies or backpacks with a hose woven through the fabric, enabling the user to vape discreetly. Also be on the lookout for disposable e-cigarettes, which can’t be refilled and may resemble color pens or flash drives (thumb drives); the latter is the most popular stealth vaping device.
In 2024, 55.6% of youths using e-cigarettes reported using disposable versions that didn’t have to be hidden away at home, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey.
The problem is widespread nationally. The survey foundthat of high school students who use e-cigarettes, 26.3% use them daily and over 38% use them 20 or more days each month, becoming nicotine dependent.
The American Lung Association has developed a free educational program that schools can use as an alternative to disciplining children found with e-cigarettes, to encourage vaping youths to quit.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Doris Bittar, a Lebanese-Palestinian woman with a Jewish husband, wants a resolution that protects everyone equally without infringing on free speech rights.
March 12, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council once again waded into contentious waters at yesterday’s meeting, weighing a resolution to condemn antisemitism, with the Council majority refusing to remove a definition of antisemitism that has drawn controversy.
Mayor Bill Wells and Councilman Gary Kendrick introduced a resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as an education resource for police and other city departments. The agenda report on the item notes a rise in antisemitism since the Oct. 7,2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Even before then, a 2022 FBI report found that though Jewish people are only 2 percent of the U.S. population, they were the victims of 60 percent of religious-based hate crimes.
Mayor Wells recalled learning about the Holocaust as a child and believing such “cruelty and blind bigotry” would not happen again. But recently, antisemitism has become “rampant” on college campuses, in cities, and in countries around the world, according to the mayor. “I’m asking the City Council today to help us write a resolution stating that antisemitism is wrong and should be condemned,” he said.
Councilman Gary Kendrick, coauthor of the resolution, told of his mother’s trauma from living in Czechoslovakia in 1939 and seeing close friends who were Jewish, as well as her employer, hauled away by Nazis. They were never seen again. “We need to protect Jewish refugees from discrimination,” said Kendrick, adding that he wants to add an amendment to the resolution to “formally condemn all racism against any immigrant, refugee or asylum seeker...This is supposed to be a city of love, not hate.”
Thirteen people spoke on the resolution, most voicing opposition.
Vicky Estrella noted that some international organizations have concluded that some of Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza constitute “genocide” such as bombings of schools and hospitals. “They have destroyed the whole country...We should be free to speak out against this kind of oppression, as we did against the holocaust,” she said, adding, “This is a ploy to silence criticism against what Israel is doing.”
Doris Bittar, a Lebanese-Palestinian woman married to a Jewish man, wants protection for people on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. “Discrimination is up by 300 percent in Arab and Palestinian communities,” she told the Council. She also voiced concern about a Columbia University student whose green card was revoked by the Trump administration because he helped organize pro-Palestinian protests which the administration equates to supporting Hamas, a designated terror group. His lawyer denies any ties to Hamas. “He’s in a Louisiana prison,” Bittar noted. “What allowed that to happen? This definition (of the IHRA).” She wants any resolution to be “meaningful to all groups” and to be sure that it does not “squash our First Amendment Rights.”
Multiple speakers said they are members of Jewish Voices for Peace. They opposed the resolution, suggesting it conflates anti-Zionism, or opposition to the Israeli state, with anti-Semitism; meaning discrimination, violence or dehumanizing action toward Jews.
Summer Ismail with the Council of Islamic Relations said, “America is all about free speech,” but said in some U.S. states such as Arkansas, it’s now illegal to boycott Israel. She told the mayor, “I would like to work with you to come up with a better definition of anti-Semitism” and also “address anti-Muslim hatred.”
Liat, a who spoke in favor of the resolution but did not give her last name, however, maintained that the resolution “does not limit free speech.” She said that Jewish Voices for Peace does not represent most American Jews, citing a study that found 95 percent of American Jews consider Isarel an essential part of their Jewish identity. She noted that the IHRA definition has been “adopted by 95 percent of all Jewish organizations, 37 countries, 33 U.S. states and even the global imams’ council.”
During Council discussion, Councilmember Michelle Metschel said adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism would bring in “a political agenda.” She asked who the bill’s sponsor, the Antisemitism Task Force of San Diego, is, since an Internet search found no reference to any so-named organization. Metschel said she opposes antisemitism, but felt this resolution would “stir up chaos.” She said she reached out to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and proposed tabling the resolution until after the ADL issues a report due the third week in April.
She also objected to having Council vote on adopting the IHRA’s definition without being provided the 11 points in that definition. In addition, she called for Councilmembers to “sit down with the community” to discuss the issue with members of the Jewish community, as well as with church groups and Muslim groups to “have a community that is united.”
Kendrick said, “I’m okay with tabling it....I want to be sure that there’s no limitation on free speech,” adding, “I heard some pretty good testimony today, and I would like to talk with people from all sides.”
But Mayor Wells objected. “I’d be opposed to that.” He insisted that Israel is not an apartheid state, as one speaker claimed, stating that while there are 2.1 million Arabs in Israel, Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, Syria and Lebanon have almost none. He called Jewish Voices for Peace a “hard-core Marxist group that is a danger to America” and likened the liberal Jewish group to the Ku Klux Klan. Wells disputed Metschel’s contention that El Cajon has not had any antisemitic actions in recent years, noting that a Jewish doctor was shot and killed last year. However, authorities have not found the shooting by a disgruntled patient to be a hate crime.
Councilman Phil Ortiz said of the IHRA definition, “I don’t see anything in here that is going to stifle any kind of free speech.” He said if the resolution passes and a city employee were to post criticism regarding deaths of children in Gaza on social media, “nobody is getting fired” in the city for such actions.
Councilman Steve Goble opined, “I think you can be anti-Zionist and not antisemitic.” He said he would support any group being harassed or murdered, and indicated he would support the measure despite concerns it could “open Pandora’s box.”
Metschel said she would consider supporting the resolution if the IHRA definition was removed, which the mayor would not support.
The Council voted 4-1, with Metschel voting no, to direct the city manager to draft a revised version of the resolution, which is expected to be heard in two weeks.
By Alexander J. Schorr
Photo: Screenshot of audience members
March 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – Grossmont Union High School District’s board voted 4-1 to fire 49 credentialed teachers, including all high school librarians, despite vocal objections from a large crowd at the Feb. 27 meeting held at El Cajon Valley High School’s multi-purpose room. All seats were filled with protesting students, teachers, classified staff, librarians, and mental health workers.
There were about 600 people present at the facility, with a petition readily available before the meeting for signatures to vote against the resolution ultimately passing. As of February 28 there were 1,531 petition signers.
The board made these drastic cuts even though the district’s reserves are 13.7%, which is 4.5 times the minimum amount required by the state. The board blamed the cuts on declining enrollment, a point disputed by some speakers.
The resolution cuts funding and terminates positions of faculty in the district starting this fall including Assistant Principal / Vice Principals (10), English Teachers (8), French Teachers (1), Home Economics Teachers (1), Library Media Specialists (9), Math Teachers (2), P.E. Teachers (2), Principal-Special Education Academy (1), Program Specialist (2), Psychologists (4), Social Science Teachers (2), Spanish Teachers (2), Special Education Teachers M/M (4), and Theatre Teachers (1).
Additionally, the Grossmont Education Association reports that the GUHSD Governing Board voted to eliminate 61 certificated and classified jobs; the board voted to close Reach Academy and The Child Care Center which teen moms and staff rely upon.
The meeting began at 4:46 p.m.with a pledge of allegiance, and shortly after, Doctor Gary Woods called for a brief five minute recess due to public outburst, and the meeting reconvened at 4:53 p.m.
Photos, right: screenshots of an email detailing the positions to be cut, as well as protestors at the facilityPublic speakers urged the board to protect the positions
There were 90 speaker cards submitted, but the board restricted speakers to two minutes each, with a total of only 40 minutes allowed, so only about 20 members of the public were allowed to speak.
Board President Dr. Gary Woods vacated the room twice for recess as a result of an inability to civilly direct and contain the frustrations and energies of the meeting.
These were some of the comments and statements made by many of those present who were against the Board’s Decision:
James Messina, President of the Grossmont Education Association (GEA), addressed that declining enrollment is not connected to decreasing revenue, as just “last year, we banked a record ending balance of over $100 million.” He stated that “increasing class sizes to 38, the largest in SD county, will not help improve A to G passing rates, will not help students graduate, or decrease suspensions and expulsions! These cuts violate all our LCAP goals. They do not create highly qualified programs… or recruit and retain highly qualified staff.” Messina added that “when a district has a deficit, it saves money through attrition and retirements and then balances again for the next year with fewer employees moving forward. This is what every district does and what Grossmont has done for over 20 years."
Laura Preble, a former high school librarian, stated that “most kids need an adult other than their parents… and that was a lot of what we did in libraries too; making connections with these kids. Connections are the root of education."
Granite Hills High School Site Learning Specialist Gavin Preston went on to say that “the staff cuts, particularly the decision to eliminate all district librarians… is horrifying. Not just because of its impact on students, but because of the complete absence of collaboration or consultation with site administrators and teachers before these decisions were made by a handful of people who do not work with students."
Jay Steiger, a teacher and former candidate for the GUHSD who has chaired the district’s bond oversight committee, said, “There is no need for the layoffs.” He maintained that declining enrollment is not significant enough to be a factor. “Additionally the harm done [last year] to district level special education teacher training and other essential roles has not been rectified,” he said.
Guidance Counselor Susan Lusk stated, "I will not be leaving… I will be one of the counselors. trying to absorb the mess you leave behind for us. If we were to take the numbers of a 30% [cut] it would be like increasing a classroom from 36 students to 47 in one year. That number is devastating. That number is staggering. If it were a classroom, we wouldn’t have enough desks; we wouldn’t even have rooms [that were] big enough to accommodate the desks. My room is not big enough to accommodate this."
Brent Enerva stated: “In my job as a digital learning coach, I was able to work with teachers and help them overcome their fears of technology… until you decided it was best to cut my position."
A former teacher at Granite Hills High School, Rachel McCurry gave her input: “I love libraries… felt proud of you all, not these other fellows… I remember how they treated students… They made me a better teacher."
A student from Monte Vista High School illustrated that according to the school report card at her school, “reading proficiency is down to 44%. Districtwide… proficiency is down to 66%. For those who need a little clarification… out of 100 students, only 66 can read at grade level."
Matthew Norris also spoke. “Every meeting that you’ve had this last month [has been] worse than the previous…I am just blown away by what you do to just gut schools so much… you cut their counselors, their librarians… yet you have these special meetings to hire all these other people, which will cost even more money than the people that you are replacing, so I’m confused: you say… stupid things to justify all the things you do."
Suzanne Sanwald, a West Hills High School Librarian, spoke as well.She referenced cuts the board members have made in the past. The first time she spoke was “In support of our LGBTQ students.” Additionally, the next time she spoke on behalf of the ED service team that was eliminated. “I worked closely with them and knew what a devastating loss this would be,” adding that each time she returns, people whose jobs have been eliminated are gone. “Silence is no protection when people are being hurt."
In a FOX 5 interview after the meeting, teacher librarian Stephanie Macceca at Valhalla High School stated, “My job is on the line right now. It's not going to save any money to cut my job because they’re going to have to hire other people to replace us.”
Jason Balistreri, a Mount Miguel High School Teacher Librarian, said, “Today this board [views] eliminating librarians as a necessity, but that is contrary to the facts… in this increasingly dystopian district… taxpayer dollars will be wasted."
Maria Schembri gave her allotted time to a student from Santana High School, who said, “School psychologists and counselors have made school a safer place for me. While I have help at home,” she said, cutting psychologists and counselors puts students “at risk of losing the only mental health support they have.”
Photos, left: screenshots of posters and protesters from the beginning and ending of the meeting.There was an outburst at around 5:41 pm. of audience members clamoring, “Let us speak.” A 10 minute recess was called, though board members were absent for about 15 minutes.
Concerned parents and students spoke out regarding alleged weaponization of ideology against students. Many of them were students not only from El Cajon Valley High School, but also West Hills, Monte Vista, Granite Hills and Grossmont.
Photos, right: Rachel McCurry [left] and an unnamed student protesting the librarian cuts, who also referenced the importance of support following “two bloody shooting events” the GUHSD had two mass shootings in the past at Santana and Granite HIlls high schools.Various students from El Cajon Valley, Mount Miguel and Grossmont High Schools spoke, preferring their identities remain anonymous. Many of these students were part of the LGBTQ+ community, who expressed disdain towards the “callousness” of the board members
.
Here were some of the quotes by students during the Board’s recess:
"Taking away mental health services yet again... you don't really know until it affects you."
"I will never let these board members... cut something that will save lives" referencing a fellow student who committed suicide.
"You are taking away our student's safe spaces.”
"It does not hurt you to care about one other person."
"Our libraries do not get sufficient credit."
"I don’t understand what these... old men... understand about my life."
Photos: left: the audience reacting to the Governing Board Proposal—Right: The Governing Board Chris Fite, Jim Kelly, Scott Eckert, Robert Shield and Dr. Gary Woods visible.A student continued speaking out when the board returned at 6:02 p.m.
As the audience protested, Gary Woods and the other members left the room with protests and chants hurled their way, such as “shame,” “cowards,” “recall,” “shame on you,”and “vote them out.”
Woods stated: “We are moving to another room, media please follow us.” It is not a Brown Act violation to move board discussion of an agenda item to a back room excluding the public, provided media is present, though the action infuriated the large crowd. This reporter did not hear the announcement amid the chaos, however other local media was present in the backroom meeting.
The governing board voted 4 to 1 in favor of the resolution, with trustees Gary Woods, Scott Eckertt, Robert Shield and Jim Kelly voting yes and Chris Fite voting no.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., Trustee Chris Fite spoke before the vote. Fite was the only member opposed to the action, and was allowed only two minutes to speak. Fite vigorously opposed the cuts, insisting that the cuts are not financially necessary and suggested reserves could be tapped. “We have the money to do this.” Additionally, he said, “There is chronic underrepresentation of everyone... We need more people…These kids need more services.” Of the staffers slated to be fired, he stated, ”We need to retain these people... and build up this district."
Fite referenced the California Resources Requirements to retain a surplus of $35-$45 million dollars, “They easily can go into our $40+ million dollar reserves and save us for a year, for this year of uncertainty. The fact is, that they don’t want to.”
Additionally, the state of California requires holding a reserve of 3% of the annual budget to plan for economic uncertainties (about $10 million). GUHSD’s Governing Board voted to hold a reserve of 4.5% (Roughly $15 million), a larger buffer than required; GUHSD currently has 13.7% ($46 million plus), which would be roughly 4.5 times the minimum amount.
The Governing Board members apparently left through the backdoor of the facility at around 6:20 p.m. without addressing public comment, after shutting out the public for the rest of their deliberations. When the board members left the room, they chose not to explain their votes.
Colin McGlashen, the district’s communications director, told KUSI news after the meeting, “It's about looking down the road at what's in the best interest of the district.”
Although the district is issuing pink slips to the educators being laid off, it’s possible the board could rescind its action and have the terminated instructors return next year, if it chooses to do so.
In total, GUHSD voted to eliminate 49 full-time credentialed teachers, including counselors, assistant principals, and all 9 librarians on staff. The board chose to do this even though it will not contribute to higher academic achievements of students. Nor did state budget reductions after the Los Angeles fires make such drastic cuts necessary at this time, given the district’s substantial reserves.
By Miriam Raftery
February 27, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. The free, two-day event celebrates 75-80 incredible varieties of your favorite summer treat—tomatoes. You can purchase tomato plants including some rare varieties, cherished heirlooms and legendary classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful tomatoes. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 8.
Admission to Tomatomania is free, though there is a $25 charge to reserve space in the “Totally Tomato Cooking Demonstration” on March 7 from 12-1 p.m. Garden chef and instructor Nicolai Winkler will showcase tomato soup paired with a fresh tomato Panzanella salad. Class includes a personal portion of soup and salad, take-home recipe and up-close demonstration. REGISTER HEREYou can also sign up for a free workshop titled “That’s Swale” on March 8 from 10-11 a.m. with Eric Saline of Wild Made Design. Soil is the most efficient water storage you can have on your property, and building good healthy soil benefits every level of a garden ecosystem. Before you install plants, rain tanks, and grey water systems, be sure your landscape is designed to handle and harvest as much water as possible – passively. REGISTER HERE
Registration is required for both special classes.
Cuyamaca College is located at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019. For more information, visit Events at The Garden - The Water Conservation Garden
By Miriam Raftery
February 26, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police responded to a call yesterday from a man who found his mother’s body in the trunk of her car, a black Hyundai Sonata. The caller said he had gone to check on his mother after she didn’t return home from visiting her other son, Richard Leyva, 24, who was staying at the motel.
Following an altercation between the two brothers, Leyva got into the Hyundai and drove off, striking his brother, who was not injured. Officers responded and attempted a stop, by Leyva fled, initiating a pursuit that ended when Leyva crashed into two other vehicle. He was taken into custody after officers deployed a Taser to subdue him, according to Lieutenant Nick Sprecco.
“Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered a deceased woman in the trunk. The woman has been identified as 51-year-old Jamison Webster and her death is being investigated as a homicide,” Lt. Sprecco says.
Leyva has been booked into San Diego County Jail on charges of homicide, assault with a deadly weapon and evading law enforcement.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the woman's death.
The other drivers involved were uninjured.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call El Cajon Police at 619-579-3311 or anonymously at sdcrimestoppers.org.
East County News Service
February 23, 2025 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Police received an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) notification of a stolen vehicle at 1:37 a.m. Officers quickly located the car, but when they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver fled and a pursuit began. Due to the high speed, police ended the ground pursuit and utilized a Sheriff’s helicopter to track the car for approximately an hour as it traveled through the county.
“The vehicle eventually lost control and came to rest against a wooden pole on Sweetwater Rd. in Chula Vista,” says Lieutenant Mike Murphy with El Cajon Police Dept.
The driver, unable to exit the car through the driver's door, was arrested as he attempted to flee out the passenger door.
The two passengers fled on foot but were later apprehended after being monitored by the helicopter.
All three teens were arrested for auto theft and possession of stolen property and the driver of the car was also charged with evading arrest with wanton disregard for safety.
The driver and one passenger with a previous criminal record were booked into Juvenile Hall, and the other juvenile was released to a parent.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at (619) 579-3311.
East County News Service
February 22, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Goodwill San Diego announces the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new mobile Community Employment Center in El Cajon on February 26 at 9 a.m. This mobile center is designed to meet job seekers where they are, particularly assisting residents in rural areas and those facing transportation and childcare challenges.
The mobile center will actively participate in hiring events and is available to support local organizations and events as needed. The ribbon-cutting will be held at the Goodwill El Cajon Retail Store parking lot, 420 North 2nd Street, El Cajon on Wednesday, February 26 at 9 a.m.
In 2020, Goodwill received a generous gift from venture philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The funds from this donation were used to purchase the mobile center, enabling Goodwill to extend its reach to those in need of our free employment programs and services, helping residents achieve their career goals.
As a local nonprofit organization, Goodwill San Diego operates its social enterprise consisting of donation centers, retail stores, outlet centers, an online shopping platform (Shopgoodwill.com) and community employment centers to generate the resources needed to fund its mission.
The organization provides employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Free employment programs and services are available to all San Diego County residents and can be accessed through Goodwill Community Employment Centers in person or online in English or Spanish.
East County News Service
February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino. He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
“Welcome Hernan and join us for an unforgettable evening of Spanish music and culture,” an announcement from Grossmont College states. “Our orchestra will take you on a journey through the works of Ravel, Bizet, and de Falla, featuring some of the most iconic and beloved pieces in the Spanish repertoire. From the seductive rhythms of Ravel’s Bolero to the dramatic flair of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnole, and from the haunting beauty of Bizet’s Carmen, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don't miss this opportunity to be transported to the sun-kissed hills and vibrant cities of Spain, where music and passion come alive.”
When: Friday, March 7th, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Performing & Visual Arts Center, Bldg 22, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020
By Miriam Raftery
February 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The County-run safe parking site on Magnolia in unincorporated El Cajon, one of two East County sites set up to help homeless people living in their vehicles, is temporarily closed for renovations. The improvements will include picnic and meeting areas, a dog run, improved bath and shower areas, and permanent structures to house staff offices,
“The site is anticipated to reopen in summer 2025,” says Fernando Lopez, group communications officer for San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency. “People experiencing homelessness and their vehicles are currently being served at Bancroft Safe Parking,” which is located in Spring Valley.
The El Cajon site opened in 2022. The Bancroft site opened in August 2024 and has space for 27 cars to park overnight, starting at 5 p.m. The site has security, along with clean restrooms, hot showers, a small kitchen and a dog run for people with pets. Dinner and breakfast are provided.
The lot is operated by County contractor Dreams for Change.
Those in the program are also paired with a Dreams for Change case worker to help them find housing options.
Gillie and Henry drove their black sedan onto the County’s Bancroft Safe Parking site in Spring Valley in January and since then, they say they have been able to breathe a sigh of relief.
The couple spent months staying at various shelters or sleeping in their car on the side of the road, after increased rent and a job loss forced them out of their long-term rental apartment and into their vehicle.
“No matter how we tried to keep our boat afloat, it was impossible,” Gillie explained, County News Services reports. She says being at Bancroft Safe Parking “makes a whole world of difference to know that at five o’clock, we can come here, we get a shower, there’s a heater, there is coffee, oatmeal for the morning. It’s a relief.”
Gillie and Henry were referred to Bancroft Safe Parking by a County Office of Homeless Solutions outreach worker.
“Safe parking lots provide people with a place to park and sleep for the night, without the risk of being towed or asked to move,” said Dijana Beck, Director of the County Office of Homeless Solutions. “Participants also have support to get things like documents in order, reunifying with family and of course finding a more permanent housing solution.”
The goal is to help the families, couples, and other people find more stable housing. Pets are welcome, too. On average, residents stay at Bancroft Safe Parking between three to six months.
For Gillie and Henry, their wait is over as they move into a studio thanks to support from the program.
The County’s Bancroft and Magnolia Safe Parking sites are part of County’s broader efforts to expand emergency housing options for people experiencing homelessness in the unincorporated communities.
Next up, the County aims to open Troy Street Sleeping Cabins in Lemon Grove in 2026.
Learn more about programs and resources on the County’s Office of Homeless Solutions website.