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 18^th. 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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

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.