YMCA

500 GATHER AT SANTEE YMCA OVER LOCKER ROOM CONTROVERSY

 

By Shiloh Ireland

Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

Photo, left: Conservative activist Carl DeMaio speaks at rally

January 23, 2023 (Santee) -- On a rain-soaked, muddy field at the Santee YMCA, around 500 peaceful rally goers and counter protesters turned out on January 18th. Organizers staged a rally supporting women and girls’ rights over concerns regarding a transgender person in the women’s locker room, while counter protesters turned out in support of transgender rights.

At the flash point of the controversy, 17-year-old Rebecca Phillips told YMCA staff and the Santee City Council that she saw a “naked man” in the locker room earlier this month as Phillips emerged from the shower. The teen had testified that she was traumatized and voiced concern for her younger sister who attends camps at the center.

The person Phillips saw was Christynne Lili Wrene Wood (photo, right), a transgender person who has indicated she has undergone gender-change surgery and considers herself a woman.


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SLAMMED IN SANTEE, TRANSGENDER WOMAN REVEALS HERSELF AFTER HARSH YMCA RALLY

 

By Ken Stone and Chris Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association 

January 19, 2023 (Santee) - Speaker after speaker in front of the Santee YMCA invoked right and wrong, “what is true and what is good,” as they denounced policies that allowed “grown men to parade around naked in women’s showers and locker rooms.”


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TENSIONS ESCALATE AT SANTEE YMCA

YMCA closes early due to rallies today, apologizes to teen; Santee School district pledges review of YMCA policies before approving future field trips for students

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Shiloh Ireland

January 18, 2023 (Santee) The Santee YMCA branch announced it will close early today to protect staff members after an announced rally and counter-protest over a teen girl’s complaint of a transgender person she described as a “naked man.”

The San Diego Sheriff’s Department issued a statement indicated it is aware of the planned protest, adding, “We support the public's right to free speech and assembly. We encourage the peaceful gathering of people. We respect your right to be heard.”

The statement added, “The Sheriff's Department does not condone any acts of violence or intolerance in our communities. We are a county that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds. Our job is to enforce the law. As long as people express themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner, we do not have any lawful authority to intervene.”


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PARENTS TO RALLY JANUARY 18 AT SANTEE YMCA OVER TEEN GIRL COMPLAINT OF NAKED TRANSGENDER PERSON IN LOCKER ROOM

By Miriam Raftery

January 14, 2023 (Santee) – A group called SanteeParents4Choice is planning a “rally for women’s and girls’ rights”  at the Santee YMCA (10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee) on January 18 at 6 p.m.  Organizers have pledged to hold a non-violent rally to highlight parents' concerns over protecting privacy.

The action is in response to a teen girl who says she became frightened while showering at the YMCA, when she saw a naked trangender person in the women’s locker room. At last week’s Santee City Council meeting, a tearful Rebecca Phillips, 17, testified that two weeks earlier, “As I was showering after my workout, I saw a naked male in the women’s locker room. I immediately went back into the shower, terrified, and hid behind their flimsy excuse for a curtain until he was gone.”


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GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT HELPS LOCAL FAMILIES PREPARE FOR SCHOOL

While supplies last, backpacks filled with school supplies are still available for pickup at the Herrick Library

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of Grossmont Healthcare District

August 12, 2021 (La Mesa) - The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) supported hundreds of East County San Diego families at their three-day Family End of Summer Palooza event, giving away essentials to prepare for back to school.


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YMCA PROVIDES COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND AFFORDABLE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN A COVID-19 WORLD

By Dr. Helen Horvath

 

ECM interviewed Krysta Esquivel, Executive Director for YMCA Youth & Family Services, and Brittany Villarino Vetter, Associate Director in part II of our series on mental health services

 

July 30, 2020 (San Diego) -- COVID-19 has impacted our communities in so many ways. Divorce filings have gone up; domestic violence has increased and people have lost jobs, and insurance.  Key to these losses are our community’s sense of fear and anxiety of what will happen next.                                                                                                                 


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MENTAL HEALTH IN A COVID-19 WORLD: HOW TO GET HELP

 
Part I in a two-part series
 
By Dr. Helen Horvath
 
Photo, left: isolation during COVID-19 has increased stress, anxiety and depression (Creative Commons image via Bing)
 
July 29, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – COVID-19 has substantially changed our world, along with our relationships. Isolation due to quarantine and lockdowns, stress over loss of a job or loved one, has further exacerbated mental health conditions ranging from depression to anxiety. 

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HOW WILL THE YMCA SURVIVE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

 

 

By Dr. Helen Horvath 

 

July 19, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) -- In this ongoing series about impacts of COVID-19 to our families and vital community nonprofit services, ECM explores  the pandemic’s effects on operations at the YMCA of East County and San Diego County through an exclusive interview with Courtney Pendleton, Association Director of Public Relations and Communications, San Diego YMCA. 

 

The YMCA of San Diego County has served our region for 138 years with a dedication to strengthening our communities through physical activities that feed the mind, body, and spirit of our communities. The Y, as most people affectionately call the YMCA, has become one of the most diverse organizations serving our areaThrough the years, for many, the 18 YMCAs in San Diego County have become places of diversity and inclusion to meet up, exercise, socialize, and meet new and old friends while potentially learning new skills.  

But shutdowns of facilities, programs and fundraising events have posed daunting challenges for the YMCA to work out.  


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NONPROFIT LAUNCHES DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM AT YMCA

 

 

East County News Service



January 30, 2017 (San Diego) – Champions for Health, a local nonprofit formerly known as the San Diego County Medical Society Foundation, has announced it has entered into a collaboration with YMCA of San Diego County for the launch of “Jump Start for Health,” a new type 2 diabetes prevention program throughout San Diego County.


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TOYOTA AND HONDA OF EL CAJON, ALONG WITH WELLS FARGO, TEAM UP TO SUPPORT YMCA

 

East County News Service

July 24, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Toyota and Honda of El Cajon and Wells Fargo Dealer Services presented a $22,700 donation to the YMCA of San Diego County. The donation was made in appreciation of Toyota and Honda of El Cajon’s ongoing community support efforts. The funds will help the YMCA of San Diego’s mission of strengthening its community through offering programs that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.


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YMCA OFFERS SPLASH WEEK AND WATER SAFETY FOR KIDS

March 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As swim season approaches, the East County Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in East County, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.

“The East County Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Laura Merritt, Director of Marketing and Development. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”


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SHERIFF'S SANTEE PANCAKE BREAKFAST NOV. 2 AND 3

October 27, 2012 (Santee) -- The Santee Sheriff's Station and Santee Fire Station invite you to the 14th Annual Santee Pancake Breakfast. It's a great way for people to get to know their local deputies, firefighters, neighbors, as well as help those in need. 



Money raised from the two-day breakfast will benefit two organizations. 


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YMCA’S BRANDING EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS FOR LOCAL YOUTH AND FAMILIES SEPT. 29

September 22, 2012 (San Diego) -- On Saturday, September 29, hundreds of East County residents will shine their belt buckles and don their best pair of jeans for East County Family  YMCA’s annual fundraiser called The Branding. The event, now in its 19th year, will be held in a western setting at McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego.

Since The Branding’s inception, thanks to the generosity of community members, sponsors, donors, and dedicated volunteers, The Branding  has raised more than $1.5 million.


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PROJECT WILDLIFE WINS $25,000, MISSION TRAILS $10,000 IN SDG&E ECO AMBASSADOR’S PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD


December 11, 2011 – By just eight votes (15,885 to 15,877), Project Wildlife captured first place in the SDG&E Eco Ambassador’s People’s Choice Award.  Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, which won second place, will receive a $10,000 grant. 

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YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS & SERVICES -- FUN FOR ALL

 

 

 

 

June 20, 2011 (East County) -- Summer programs at the three East County YMCAs are available for all people in the East County community. Programs include chlid care, swimming, sports, summer camps and more.

 

 

 


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ROB SAUVAJOT APPOINTED TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/VICE PRESIDENT OF THE EAST COUNTY FAMILY YMCA

June 20, 2011  (East County) -- When Steve Rowe East County Family YMCA’s executive Director/VP left the local Y to tackle his new role as the new Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of San Diego County, Rob Sauvajot was appointed to the Executive Director/Vice President of the East County Family YMCA. Rob previously served as the Executive Director of the Peninsula YMCA in Point Loma. Rob’s long career at the YMCA of San Diego County started at the La Jolla YMCA in 1988 as a Day Camp leader. At the La Jolla YMCA, he held positions such as Childcare site supervisor, Day Camp Coordinator, Program Department Head and Associate Executive Director before accepting his former position as Executive Director of the Peninsula Family YMCA in 2004.

 


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WE FOUND THE END OF THE RAINBOW IN EAST COUNTY


 

By Miriam Raftery

 

April 13, 2011 – It’s official—the rainbow ends in Jamul!

 

 A spectacular rainbow arched over a field behind Donna Hendrix’s Jamul home after last week’s rainstorm week—putting in a special appearance at a party celebrating Steve Rowe’s promotion from executive director of the East County YMCA to a leadership role in the San Diego YMCA.


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LEMON GROVE TO HEAR PROPOSALS TUESDAY TO OUTSOURCE RECREATION PROGRAMS & YOUTH SERVICES

By Miriam Raftery

 

April 4, 2011 (Lemon Grove) – Faced with a budget gap, Lemon Grove City Council will consider four proposals at Tuesday's meeting for slashing costs in recreational services:

 

1) outsource youth programs to the Boys and Girls Club of East County;

2) Outsource both youth and adult services to the East County Family YMCA;

3) Combine contracting with one of those organizations to run some programs, while having a new Recreation Services Department handle others;

4) Completely eliminate the City’s Recreation Services Department—a move that could also end City-sponsored community events such as Concerts in the Park, Movie Night, and the annual holiday Bonfire.


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YMCA ANNOUNCES SUMMER DAY CAMPS FOR KIDS TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL--AND HAVE FUN

 

Options range from “splash” and “equestrian” camps to “web design” camp and more

 


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YMCA HOSTS WILD WEST “BRANDING” FUNDRAISER SEPT. 25

September 12, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Live music, gourmet barbecue, an auction and dancing under the stars are among the attractions at “The Branding,” the Old West-themed fundraiser to benefit the East County Family YMCA. Over the past 17 years, the Branding has raised over $1.4 million to support youth programs and services.

 


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2010 YMCA NATIONAL GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS COME TO SAN DIEGO

 

More than 4,000 gymnasts to compete June 22-25, 2010


June 17, 2010 (San Diego). – From June 22 - 25, 2010, the East County Family YMCA will host more than 4000 gymnasts and their families at the 2010 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships. The Cameron Family YMCA  in East County has been home to the most highly regarded YMCA gymnastics program in the country for over 25 years.
 

 


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CHARTER MEMBERSHIPS NOW ON SALE FOR NEW MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA

January 20, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – A grand opening is slated for April at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12012 Campo Road in Rancho San Diego, 9. The East County Family YMCA is offering special discounts to the first 1,000 people who sign up as charter members.


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East County Family YMCA’s URBAN BRANDING SEPT. 26


Event Raises Funds for Special Programs and Projects for Local Youth and Families

 


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YMCA RISES IN EAST COUNTY; PUBLIC INVITED TO "TILT UP" RISING MONDAY AUG. 17

 

McGRATH FAMILY YMCA GETS ONE STEP CLOSER TO OPENING DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY


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FREE GYMNASTICS DAY FOR KIDS FEB. 21 AT CAMEROM FAMILY YMCA, SANTEE

February 12, 2009 (Santee) -- The Cameron Family YMCA in Santee will host their annual Free Gymnastics Day on Sat., Feb. 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event is a special day of fun in the branch's fully-equipped gymnastics center for boys and girls ages three to 13 years of age. The Cameron Family YMCA is located at 10123 Riverwalk Drive in Santee.


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