WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EL CAJON

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By Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon

Whether you’re looking for some hot events, a free pet, disaster response training, or tips to stay cool, the City of El Cajon has news you can use.

EVENTS

August 18, 2015 (El Cajon) - A Special Day of Free Concerts On August 29 In Downtown El Cajon.

On Saturday, August 29, it will be a day of music at the Prescott Promenade.  Starting at 12 noon, three groups will take the stage as to “make-up” concerts for those that were rained out in May during the Dinner & a Concert series.

Concert Schedule:

  • Soul Persuaders (soul) - 12:00 p.m.
  • Laguna - 2:30 p.m. (rock)
  • Liz Grace & the Swing Thing (swing) - 5:00 p.m.

The Prescott Promenade is located at 201 E. Main Street.  These free concerts are hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. For more information please visit www.downtownec.com, or call (619) 334-3000.

Listen To Rockbilly Music This Friday At The Next Dinner & a Concert

Playing at the next Dinner & a Concert in Downtown El Cajon is the Neil Morrow Band playing rockabilly music this Friday, August 14.  Don’t miss a moment of the 2015 season of “Dinner & a Concert” at the Prescott Promenade!  Enjoy great music and dancing on Friday nights, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., now through September 25.  Arrive early to dine at one of many great restaurants downtown or bring your picnic and lawn chairs. There are also some local vendors to visit. These free concerts are located at 201 E. Main Street and are brought to you by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. See the full line-up of bands at www.downtownelcajon.com or call (619) 334-3000.

This Coming Saturday Is A Great Day To Find Your New Pet!

Thinking about getting a pet? Mark this coming Saturday, August 15 on your calendar! County Animal Services is among more than a dozen local organizations taking part in “Clear the Shelters,” a one-day, all-out push in cities around the country aimed at getting every shelter animal into homes. For that day only, County Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees on its pets for qualified applicants, and that includes a spay or neuter.  Some of the shelters are waiving vaccinations, microchip and a free veterinary exam.  The El Cajon Animal Shelter is one of several shelters involved in this special event! The El Cajon shelter is located at 1275 N. Marshall Avenue. If you qualify, there is "no" adoption fee, but there is a $10 charge for a microchip and a fee for licensing - if you live in El Cajon. For more information please call (619) 441-1580.

Tickets Still Available For Haute With Heart Fashion Show

The 38th Annual St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center’s Haute with Heart Fashion Show “I Love Fashion” is scheduled for this weekend, Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front Hotel, located at 1 Park Boulevard in San Diego.  The Haute with Heart Fashion Show highlights professional models, members of the community and St. Madeleine’s, dressed in the latest fashions on the runway.  This event also features fabulous boutique shopping, live and silent auctions, opportunity drawings, and a heartwarming performance from the Center’s performing arts students.

Proceeds raised benefit the unique programs St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center offers to over 400 adults with developmental disabilities (e.g. autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy).  To contribute to the success of our 38th Annual Fashion Show, please consider becoming a Table Captain or Underwriter. Your commitment and support is greatly appreciated! Registration, silent auction and boutique shopping open at 10:00 a.m. For more information or tickets, please visit www.stmsc.org, or call (619) 442-5129, ext. 115.

Cajon Speedway Family Night At The Next Cajon Classic Cruise

At the next Classic Cruise Car Show on August 19, it’s Cajon Speedway Family Night!  See an array of classic vehicles, and motorcycles during the 2015 season of “Cajon Classic Cruise Car Shows.”  Car shows are every Wednesday night through October 28 on East Main Street, between Magnolia and Claydelle Avenues, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This popular car show is held in the area of the Prescott Promenade, and is hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. For more information, please visit www.cajonclassiccruise.org or call (619) 334-3000.

The Chamber Is Still Accepting Leadership East County Applications  

San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the San Diego Leadership East County Program 2015 - 2016 class.  The cost is $800, the time commitment: (1) 8-hour day, per month, for 11 months, the program starts August 21, 2015.  The learning experience is priceless!  The mission of the Leadership program is to utilize the unique perspective, experience and talent of its participants to identify, mentor and prepare the East County leaders of tomorrow.  A goal is to acquaint participants with East County's assets, needs and challenges. For more information visit: www.eastcountychamber.org or call (619) 440-6161.

Emergency Resource Fair At Parkway Plaza

An Emergency and Resource Fair will be held at Parkway Plaza on Saturday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Sears Court area of the mall.  You will find the latest information on earthquake safety, fire safety and how to create safety plans to better prepare you, your family, and your community in the event of an emergency!  Talk to representatives of the American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Heartland Fire & Rescue, San Diego Gas & Electric and more! This event is hosted by Senator Joel Anderson at Parkway Plaza.  For more information, please call (619) 596-3136.

Free Community Workshop On Lowering Your Energy Bills

If you are looking for ways to lower your energy bills and make your home more energy-efficient, you may be interested in attending a “Home Energy Upgrade Workshop” at the Renette Park Community Center on Wednesday, August 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Renette Center is located at 935 S. Emerald Avenue in El Cajon.  Experts from the non-profit Center for Sustainable Energy will provide an educational presentation on home energy upgrades and incentives. Home performance contractors will be available to answer questions after the presentation. To register, go to www.energycenter.org/Aug26.

El Cajon Police Citizen’s Academy Begins September 2

The El Cajon Police Department is now accepting applications for the next 2015 Citizen’s Police Academy. The Citizen’s Police Academy is a ten-week program that allows members of the community to learn about their police department and how it functions. Participants will attend weekly classes on topics that include: the history of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and crime scene investigation.  Additionally, they will see presentations from the various divisions within the Police Department and participate in hands-on exercises, such as conducting traffic stops, dusting for fingerprints, and a firearms simulation.  The academy will begin on Wednesday, September 2, and conclude with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, November 4. Classes will be held every Wednesday, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the El Cajon Police Station. Everyone is encouraged to apply; however, citizens and business people from the City of El Cajon will be given priority.  A total of 25 people will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, pending a background check and approval. Applicants will be notified of their application status via mail by August 26, 2015.

An application for the Citizen’s Police Academy can be downloaded on the El Cajon Police website, and are also available at the front counter of the Police Department, or one can be mailed to you.  Applications must be dropped off or mailed to the El Cajon Police Department, Attn: Samantha Scheurn, 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020. Emailed applications will not be accepted.  Applications will be taken in the order received and all applications received after the first 25 will be placed on a waiting list. If you have any questions or need an application, please contact Police Services Officer Samantha Scheurn at (619) 579-4227.

Special Art Show At Wieghorst Museum

Beautiful artwork on display at the “Invitational Art Show” at the Wieghorst Museum, now through September 3 in Downtown El Cajon.  Enjoy beautiful artwork by local artists, such as: Gloria Chadwick, Grace Schlesier, Joe Garcia, Jack Jordan, Mehl Lawson, Chris Mummert, Mark Martensen, James Kermott and Carlos Castrejon. General museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Wieghorst Museum is located at 131 Rea Avenue.  For more information, please call (619) 590-3431.

All FORE R.E.C. Golf Tournament Is September 18 - Register Now

Golfers - register now for this fun event! The 17th Annual All Fore R.E.C. Golf Tournament, Dinner & Auction, is Friday, September 18, at Sycuan Golf Resort, 3007 Dehesa Road.  Check-in is at 10:00 a.m. and the Shotgun Start is at 12:00 p.m.  A box lunch is included, and then a buffet dinner at 5:30 p.m.  This event is presented by the City of El Cajon Recreation Department and Crest Kiwanis Club.  All proceeds directly support activities that develop youth and provide positive choices through youth activity scholarships, youth sports, recreation classes and after-school programs. To register online for golf and/or dinner, please visit www.elcajonrec.org.  For more information or sponsorship, please call (619) 441-1673. 

5th Annual Chaldean American Festival

The 5th Annual Chaldean American Festival will be held the weekend of September 19 & 20 at Centennial Plaza, 200 Civic Center Way in Downtown El Cajon.  There will be music, dancing, vendor booths and food.  Hours for this free event will be from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. both days.   For more information, please call (619) 619-654-1451.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

A good time to clear out the clutter in your medicine cabinet. On Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the El Cajon Police Department, working in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be hosting a prescription drug drop off site in the parking lot of their police station, located at 100 Civic Center Way. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. This effort is designed to prevent pill abuse and theft by getting rid of potentially dangerous, expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs in a safe manner. Studies show that most teens who have abused prescription drugs get those drugs from their own homes or from the homes of friends. Bring your outdated, unused or unwanted prescription pills, ointments, or liquids; no questions asked! 

One More East County CERT Disaster Preparedness Academy For 2015

A few spaces left!  Now is the time to prepare for the next earthquake or wildfire!  Register for the last East County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) disaster preparedness academy of 2015, it begins September 19. An academy consists of six classes. Once the academy begins, classes are held every other Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  These classes are free, but what you learn is priceless!  Classes are taught by members of Heartland Fire & Rescue.  Visit the East County CERT website at www.heartlandfire.org for the full 2015 CERT schedule.  If you would like to register, please call (619) 441-1737, and leave your name and best contact phone number.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The El Cajon Farmers’ Market Every Thursday

Stop by the El Cajon Farmers’ Market every Thursday at the Prescott Promenade, located at 201 E. Main Street.  Hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - rain or shine! The Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh baked breads and hot prepared food. Also, there are several vendors and live music! For more information, please visit www.elcajonfarmersmarket.org

September 8 & 22 - El Cajon City Council Meetings are at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., as needed. The meetings are held in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Way. For more information, and to view the full agenda online, please visit www.cityofelcajon.us. September 8 & 22 - El Cajon City Council Meetings are at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., as needed. The meetings are held in the City Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Way. Note: There will be no August 25 City Council meeting which was canceled as part of the summer schedule. 

August 14 & 28 - Alternate Friday closures for El Cajon City offices. Please go to www.cityofelcajon.us for a full calendar of hours for City offices during 2015.

When It’s Hot - Visit A Cool Zone Near You

You can beat the heat and save on energy costs by going to a local Cool Zone!  Cool Zones are designated air-conditioned buildings easily identifiable by a light blue Polar Bear Cool Zone logo. There are more than 100 locations throughout San Diego County in libraries, indoor malls and senior centers. (Like the Downtown El Cajon Library and the Parkway Plaza Mall) The Cool Zones website provides a list of places to go that are air-conditioned when the weather is extremely hot as a way to stay cool and save on energy costs.  For more information on Cool Zones, please visit www.CoolZones.org or call (800) 510-2020. 

Some HOT Weather Safety Tips: 

  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
  • Drink water. Stay hydrated!  Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity, such as gardening and exercise.  If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 7:00 a.m.
  • Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available – go to the nearest Cool Zone. Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood.
  • Make sure pets are safe. Be sure they have cool shade and plenty of water. 
  • Please do not walk your dogs on hot pavement or asphalt.  Hot surfaces can burn the pads of their paws.  Special dog booties can be purchased to protect their paws.
  • Remember - temperatures in a vehicle can rise dramatically, quickly causing serious injuries even death. NEVER leave babies, children, the elderly or your pets in a vehicle - not even for a moment.   

 


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