El Cajon Valley High School

TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL - A CANDID ACCOUNT OF COVID-19

This essay shared third prize in the East County Leadership Council (ECLC) 2021 COVID-19 essay contest. Prize money has been provided through the generosity of ECLC donors and a grant from the Foundation for Economic Justice.

By Maryam Hashimi

El Cajon Valley High School student

July 13, 2021 (San Diego's East County) -- I was glad that schools were closing when Covid hit, but I was unaware of the difficult portion that lay ahead.

One of the most difficult aspects of COVID-19 was being at home the entire time. Throughout the academic year, I was heavily involved in school events. I would leave for school at 7 a.m. and return at 7 p.m.

Moving from a full schedule to an empty one was a significant adjustment. I simply didn’t know what to do with myself at home. My track and field, volleyball, and fashion show were all canceled, which made me very sad. Those were the only things that could keep me motivated and joyful on a daily basis. I grew depressed and had sporadic moments that I simply cried because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to achieve my goals.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NEW NORMAL

This essay shared third prize in the East County Leadership Council (ECLC) 2021 COVID-19 essay contest. Prize money has been provided through the generosity of ECLC donors and a grant from the Foundation for Economic Justice.

By Merna Poulis

El Cajon Valley High School student

July 12, 2021 (San Diego's East County) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has affected numerous aspects of our society today. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in every corner. Physical touch has been frowned upon for the past year, and distance is the new normal. Masks have become a substantial part of our everyday look. Going to school, or receiving an education has easily been one of the biggest challenges that everyone has had to face. Overall, COVID-19 has strongly impacted each and every one of us, but the classrooms have changed the way students view school physically, mentally, and emotionally. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LITTLE MERMAID REVIEW - BE A PART OF THE EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL WORLD THROUGH MAY 11

 

 

By Kathy Carpenter, reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com

May 5, 2019 (El Cajon) - More than a few teens can identify with Ariel, The Little Mermaid, who hates her dad because he won't let her do what she really wants to do. Her dad doesn't understand or love her.  The theme is brought to us in fun fairy tale fashion, The Little Mermaid, based on the Disney version and yes, Disney does everything possible to entertain.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A RAINBOW OF LOCAL RESIDENTS FACE OFF AGAINST SCHOOL PICKETERS FROM INFAMOUS WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH

Messages of love and inclusivity overwhelm hate group picketing two East County high schools



By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Robert Gehr and Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

Photos by Paul Kruze and Robert Gehr

 

March 26, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) — Some 300 spirited protesters held a “Rainbow Dance Party” Monday, vastly outnumbering three members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) which briefly picketed El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon and Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley.

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY PREP BASEBALL: COUGARS MAUL BRAVES 18-0

 

 

Story and photos by Liz Alper

 

March 20, 2019 (El Cajon) - El Cajon Valley and Steele Canyon baseball are both off to rocky starts as they begin conference play against each other this year.  The Braves are 2-3 while the Cougars teeter at .500 at 5-5. They started Grossmont League play today with a home-at-home series, starting in El Cajon. ECM Sports was there for our first baseball coverage of the season.  Senior Robert Verdugo took the mound for the Braves against senior Jack Schlotman for Steele.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

“RAINBOW DANCE PARTY” PLANNED TO COUNTER WESTBORO, HATE GROUP PICKETING HIGH SCHOOLS MARCH 25

 

 

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Activists have announced plans for a “Rainbow Dance Party” to counter picketing by the hate group Westboro Baptist Church on Monday, March 25th. The counter-protesters will begin their event at 6:45 a.m. at El Cajon Valley High School, shortly before Westboro’s picketing starts at 7 a.m.  Then the rainbow dancers and marchers will proceed to Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley, arriving before Westboro’s picketing at 8:30 and remaining until 9:30 a.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

INFAMOUS HATE GROUP, WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH TO PICKET EL CAJON VALLEY AND MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOLS MARCH 25

 
 
Westboro has protested funerals of soldiers and slain Sandy Hook elementary students.  Its inflammatory hate speech targets gays and lesbians, Jews, Muslims, Catholics and others.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
March 13, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Westboro Baptist Church has been designated a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and by the Southern Poverty Law Center.  The notorious cult-like group has announced on its website plans on March 25 to picket El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon at 7 a.m. and Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley at 8:50 a.m.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOYS BASKETBALL: EAGLES LEAVE BRAVES IN DUST IN CROSSTOWN MATCHUP

 

Story by Liz Alper

 

Photos by Don De Mars

 

January 29, 2019 (El Cajon) - We’re back at the home of the Braves this week, but this time for a boys’ game.  The Braves are struggling a little bit at 9-12 overall (2-4 in league) coming into tonight’s game against the school a couple of blocks away from them, Granite Hills.  The Eagles aren’t doing so great either; they sported a .500 record in league play coming into tonight (3-3) but overall, were at 8-13.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: COUGARS FORCE OT, COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT BRAVES 41-33

 
 
Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
January 18, 2019 (El Cajon) - El Cajon Valley and Steele Canyon girls basketball met on Braves wood for a Friday night contest between two evenly-matched teams.  The Lady Braves are faring astonishingly well at 12-5 overall coming into tonight.  The Cougars are hanging in there at 7-8.  Both were .500 in league (2-2) coming into tonight.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIELD HOCKEY: BRAVES FALL TO CHAPARRAL 1-0

 

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and in-game updates!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 19, 2018 (El Cajon) - ECM Sports is taking a break from football for a bit (don’t worry; it’ll be back on Friday live from West Hills!) and covering some lady sports, starting with field hockey.  Tonight, we traveled to El Cajon Valley, where the Lady Braves are struggling so far at 0-3.  They hosted Chaparral High from Temecula tonight in a home-at-home contest.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING OF FUTURE STUDENT SERVICES/EVENT CENTER FACILITY

 

 

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.)


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

THE WIZARD OF OZ REVIEW: EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH APRIL 26 - MAY 5: IT TAKES COURAGE TO SHINE

 

By Kathy Carpenter

April 28, 2018 (El Cajon) -  Among the buildings when El Cajon Valley opened its doors in 1955 was The Little Theatre, a building that stands by itself. I've really grown to like the little building over the past few years. It's the only school I've been to with anything like this. In the next year or two it will be demolished for a bigger and better (in some views), events center to house band, drama and Associated Student Body (ASB).

If you have performed in this theatre, you may want to come out to a show soon. Introduce your children or grandchildren to a place of fond memories which will not be around much longer.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PREP BASEBALL: WOLF PACK OVERCOMES BRAVES IN WILD SIX-INNING COMEBACK

 

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

April 10, 2018 (El Cajon) - ECM Sports couldn’t forget about prep baseball; it’s our reporter’s favorite spring sport to cover and in our first baseball game of 2018, we headed to El Cajon Valley. The Braves sport a decent .500 (4-4) record coming into league play in today’s game against West Hills.  The Pack, on the other hand, need to get things going heading into league as they’re 4-9 to start the season.  Sophomore Joseph Thrailkill took the mound for the Wolf Pack against senior Jesus Favela for the Braves.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SOFTBALL: BRAVES ROUTED BY COLTS IN HOME OPENER

 

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 6, 2018 (El Cajon) - Basketball playoffs are, for the most part, over (except for state playoffs and hats off to Mount Miguel and Foothills Christian boys basketball and good luck to them), so now it’s time for spring sports.  El Cajon Valley girls softball kicked off their season against the (sort of in East County) Crawford Colts.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: MONTE VISTA RUNNING BACKS SHINE AS MONARCHS CONQUER BRAVES 50-0

 

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Check out ECM’s sports section for more sports stories!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

October 20, 2017 (El Cajon) - ECM Friday Night Lights is back in action this week with our first-ever visit to El Cajon Valley.  The Braves are struggling at 2-5 and 0-1 in league play.  Tonight the Monarchs of Monte Vista paid Darryl R. Priest Field a visit.  The boys in red and gold are 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Grossmont League.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NONSTOP FUN AT EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL THE ADDAMS FAMILY MAY 4-13

 

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate Reviewer www,sdtheatrereviews.com

Journalist www.sandiegosplash.com

May 8, 2017 (El Cajon) - If you have not seen the play version of The Addam's Family, you are missing a classic. The same loveable characters are brought to life in a romantic comedy with little Wednesday all grown up and in love, comedy- you cannot help but laugh at with those old favorites.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOYS BASKETBALL: MATADORS PULVERIZE BRAVES 70-32

 

Do you have a son or daughter that plays a sport at a level other than varsity?  Drop a line on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

January 24, 2017 (El Cajon) - Deep in the heart of conference play, the El Cajon Valley High School Braves varsity boys basketball team looked to improve their 0-2 record in conference play against the Matadors of Mount Miguel.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY AT EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL DEC. 8-10

 

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

December 7, 2016 (El Cajon) - Peace on Earth, good will toward men. This is the time of year for giving. Give yourself a gift by taking time away from the stress of shopping, baking, social events, wrapping, the list goes on ... Add time for yourself helping others. For$7.00 you can't even go to a movie,  but you can enjoy going toyouth theatre. The look on the faces of the cast as they look out and see a full audience is priceless.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AUDREY 2 RUNS AMOK IN EAST COUNTY: LITTLE HOUSE OF HORRORS CONTINUES MAY 5-7

 

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

May 5, 2016 - (El Cajon) - Remember when you were in the theatre program in high school? Perhaps even El Cajon Valley High School?  They have this beautiful little old theatre which I'm sure housed many many of you and your plays over the years. Remember how nice it would be or would have been to perform in front of a full house? A real confidence booster to feel people are here to see me. I matter.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

20TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR JOY GETS BIGGEST TURNOUT AT EL CAJON SITE

By Janis Russell 

 

December 14, 2015 (El Cajon) – Over 5,000 people attended Toys for Joy at El Cajon Valley High School on December 12th, according to Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church.  For many of the children in need present, these may be the only toys they receive this Christmas season. 

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ARREST MADE AFTER "BURNBOOK" THREAT AGAINST EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH

 

Grossmont district blocks access to Burn Book app following latest incident

March 11, 2015 (El Cajon ) – An anonymous message sent on the popular phone app “BurnBook” at 12:40 a.m. threatened the safety of students and staff at El Cajon Valley High School, El Cajon Police reports.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BLOOD BANK DONATIONS SOUGHT: MARCH 24 AND 28 IN EAST COUNTY

 

March 10, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Blood Bank will be accepting donations this month at two locations in East County.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SMALL, BUT EXPLOSIVE BRAVES SHOULD WIN VALLEY TITLE

 

By David Dickens

January 9, 2014 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Valley High School boys basketball coach Marty Ellis has still plenty of work to do, however there is a  a very good chance to win the Grossmont Valley League title.

 “Due to lack of practice time, we can’t fix what needs to be fixed,” stated a frustrated Ellis. Which is quite true at all levels due to the delays because of tournament schedules.

 The EL Cajon Valley Braves are small in size but extremely quick and one of the best squads at trap defense. The Braves started off with a bang out of the gate with an 8-0 run, which has since declined to 10-5, winning only two of their last eight games. It definitely can be exhausting as well, going from tournament to tournament.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETES TWO MODERNIZED CLASSROOM BUILDINGS, GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL ADDS TENNIS COURTS

October 30, 2012 (El Cajon )--On Thursday, Oct. 25, El Cajon Valley High School celebrated the completion of its 700 North and 700 South classroom buildings with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and program showcase. The two 9,000-square-foot buildings were renovated to improve safety and quality and now provide well-equipped learning spaces for career technical training and art classes as well as outdoor spaces for displays, meetings and comfortable student access. Modernization of the building also featured video production studios and computer labs for students.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL DEDICATES METAL WORKS FACILITY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SUITES


Modernized Career Technical Education building provides state-of-the-art workspaces to students

January 26, 2012 (El Cajon)--Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and El Cajon Valley High School officials dedicated a newly renovated metal works facility and special education suites with an honorary chain-cutting ceremony yesterday.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH TO HOST RELAY FOR LIFE

May 26, 2011 (El Cajon) - Next weekend, you're invited to bring a team and take part in the Relay For Life at El Cajon Valley High School and help find a cure for cancer.  

 

This special 24-hour event is Saturday, June 4-5, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at 1035 E. Madison Avenue, in El Cajon.  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SEEKS DONATIONS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES

 

February 6, 2011 (El Cajon) – “Budget cuts! We need your help!” states a press release announcing a school supply drive to benefit El Cajon Valley High School. The drive will be held on March 10 and 11, with drive-through drop offs in the student parking lot at 1035 East Madison Ave. in El Cajon.

 

Scroll down for details on items needed, times, and contact info.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.