Multi-phase project will include new state-of-the-art Student Services Building, Event Center, and Food Services Building

East County News Service

September 13, 2018 (El Cajon) — A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Friday, September 14 at 9 a.m. to mark construction of El Cajon Valley High School’s new Student Services and Event Center complex. (View a preliminary animation of the project design here.)

Source:  Grossmont/Cuyamaca Community College District

September 10, 2018 (El Cajon) – Food, music and dance at Cuyamaca College and a visit at Grossmont College by nationally acclaimed poet Yosimar Reyes will highlight a series of special events honoring Latinx Heritage Month at the two East County colleges from mid-September to Nov. 1. All events are free and open to the public.

East County News Service

September 4, 2018 (San Diego) — Last week, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos sent a letter to college campuses reversing a campus sexual assault policy established by President Obama.  DeVos’ action would bolster the rights of those accused of sexual assault and reduce liability for colleges and universities, as the New York Times reported.

Source:  scdoe.net

August 15, 2018 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Board of Education (County Board) and the County Superintendent of Schools are currently seeking candidates interested in being appointed to the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Personnel Commission. Letters of interest for appointment to the Personnel Commission are currently being accepted for the County Board/Superintendent-appointed personnel commissioner. The term of office will commence Dec. 1, 2018, at noon, and expire Dec. 1, 2021, at noon. The County Board/superintendent-appointed commissioner will assume office at the regularly scheduled Personnel Commission meeting on Dec. 19, 2018.

Earn an A+ in sustainability this school year with tips from Waste Management

Source:  Waste Management

August 7, 2018 (San Diego) - As millions prepare to head back to school, Waste Management of Southern California is offering parents, students and educators practical tips to make this school year more sustainable by reducing, reusing and recycling right, in and out of the classroom.

By Miriam Raftery

July 26, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The filing period to run for local offices opened on July 16 and closes August 10.  But so far, no candidates have pulled papers to run, let along qualified, in most East County or other inland San Diego County races listed on the Registrar’s site for school boards, water boards, fire boards and community planning groups. In others, only incumbents have filed.

For instance, in the Grossmont Union High School District, heated controversies and lawsuits have erupted over alleged bond misappropriation, failure to build an Alpine High School, and efforts to shut down popular charter schools.  Yet so far, incumbents Jim Kelly, Robert Shield and Dr. Gary Woods have all pulled papers to seek reelection, but nobody has filed to run against them.

Note: City council and mayor candidates apply through cities and will not be listed until after the filing deadline has closed. ECM has requested info from East County cities on those races.

Below are other local races in East County, including names of any candidates who have pulled papers to run (though not yet qualified).

East County News Service

July 14, 2018 (San Diego) – A rainbow flag raised on July 11th at the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union center heralded the kick-off for pride festivities at San Diego State University. An SDSU delegation also marched in the San Diego Pride Parade today in Hillcrest, with students, staff, faculty and alumni joining in. 

East County News Service

Photo from left to right:  GHD board members Michael Emerson, Randy Lenac, nursing student Sofia Grant, cardiology technician student Kira Bunker, pharmacy technician student Ophelia Williams, GHD board members Gloria Chadwick, Virginia Hall, Bob Ayres.

June 19, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) has announced the recipients of two 2018 GHD scholarship programs, one for nursing students and another for students pursuing careers as medical health technicians.

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Community College District

June 11, 2018 (El Cajon) - Commencement day is always a day of celebration and promising futures as students take part in a time-honored processional, while families and friends cheer and beam with pride.

This year’s graduation ceremonies at Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges were ones for the record books as a highest-ever 2,500 graduates received more than 5,500 degrees and certificates on June 6 and 7. These numbers translate into a 23 percent increase in the number of graduates and a 20 percent hike in the number of degrees and certificates compared to 2017’s record-setting numbers.

Update June 6, 2018 -- With 100% of precicnts counted and only late mail-in and provisionals remaining, Munoz is up with 56.73% over Lund with 43.07%.

By Miriam Raftery and Jonathan Goetz; photo by Jonathan Goetz

June 5, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- Incumbent County Board of Education member Alicia Munoz has fended off a challenge by East County Chamber of Commerce president and community college instructor Eric Lund.  Munoz, who had heavy backing from the American Federation of Teachers, has 57.46% of the vote over Lund's 42.34%, with 20% of precincts reported.

"It's been a good learning experience. This is my first time running and I'll be more prepared next time," Lund told East County Magazine.

By Miriam Raftery

May 31, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) –  Last week, we interviewed Eric Lund, candidate for San Diego County Board of Education in district 3, on our radio show. Lund is president of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and also teaches business classes Grossmont and Southwestern Community Colleges. In addition he heads up the East County Homeless Task force and is a member of the East County Adult Education Alliance. The district encompasses most of East County as well as parts of San Diego.

Hear the full interview, originally aired on KNSJ Radio, by clicking the audio link, or scroll down for highlights.

“I’m so much an advocate of great education. I love teaching,” says Lund, who has taught for 17 years and was inspired by his grandfather, who headed up SDSU’s English Department for many years. “I really feel that our education system that is ranked one of the lowest in the United States can and should do better.”

Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

Photo:  Cuyamaca College commencement speaker Joel Spencer

May 27, 2018 (El Cajon) -- A continuing focus on student success and a streamlined process for university transfer are yielding record numbers for Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, where a highest-ever 2,500 graduates will receive more than 5,500 degrees and certificates on June 6 and 7.

By Miriam Raftery

May 25, 2018 (Campo)—A grandmother and a second bystander came to the aid of a school bus driver confronted by a man armed with a knife, while an older student helped youngsters escape out a back exit.

The bus was heading to Campo Elementary School around 8:30 a.m. when Matthew Barker, 37, of Campo boarded the bus near Jeb Stuart road. The driver told him to leave, but instead advanced toward students until the driver blocked his way.

Also offering referral fees and hiring local representatives

By Deann Rios

May 22, 2018 (San Diego) -- International Education Student Exchange Program (INTER-ED) is committed to making the world a better place by offering opportunities to break down cultural barriers and bring our world closer together. This non-profit, in association with the United States Department of State, is seeking volunteer hosts to help them achieve this goal by serving as American ambassadors.

By Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2018 (Santee) – An e-mail threat that referenced a possible act of violence at an unnamed high school in Santee prompted additional law enforcement patrols today at Santana and West Hills High Schools.

According to Sgt. William Amavisca at the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, “The investigation has found no evidence to suggest the threat has any validity. There is currently no immediate threat to either campus or student thus far.”