From Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon
Special Activities & Events:
Tickets Available for Citizen of the Year Luncheon
The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Citizen of the Year Luncheon on Monday, February 5th, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge. This luncheon is hosted by the El Cajon Valley Lions Club. Cost per person is $20, before January 29; $25 for tickets after January 29th and at the door. The lodge is at 1400 E. Washington Avenue, El Cajon. If you have questions, please contact the Chamber office at (619) 440-6161.
RUN EC’s St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon – Sunday, March 4, 7:15 a.m.
Register now for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk, Green Mile, and Tribes & Clans competition. The Half Marathon begins at 198 West Main Street, in Downtown El Cajon, next to the El Cajon Arch. Funds raised will benefit several East County charities. Visit www.stpatricksdayhalf.com for more information, to register or to volunteer. This annual event is hosted by the Run East County Foundation.
Applications Now Being Accepted For The Miss El Cajon Pageant
You could be the next Miss El Cajon! Pageant officials are now accepting applications for the 2018 Miss El Cajon pageant to be held on Saturday, April 29 at Greenfield Middle School, 1495 Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. Join the rich tradition of the Miss El Cajon Pageant, open to young women, ages 9 to 22, participants must reside in the City of El Cajon. Meet new people, learn new skills, make lasting friendships, represent your City and promote volunteerism! No talent or swimsuit competition. Over $1,500 in scholarships and awards.
The 1st Orientation Workshop is Monday, April 9, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Rancho San Diego Library – Community Room, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019. Email misselcajon@cox.net for an application packet. The packet must be completed in time for the April 9 orientation.
5th Annual America on Main Street – Saturday, May 19
Join the City of El Cajon for its free, family-friendly community festival, “America on Main Street!” This special event is Saturday, May 19, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Downtown El Cajon. This patriotic tribute is planned to coincide with the nationally recognized Armed Forces Day and celebrates the American spirit through appreciation and respect of the many diverse, ethnic, and historical groups in the community. The theme is “A Salute to Heroes!”
Special highlights include:
- 1:30 p.m. Naturalization Ceremony (75 to 100 becoming U.S. Citizens)
- Armed Forces Day Tribute – Military Coast Guard Flyover at 2 p.m.
- Over 150 booths!
- Military displays, the Statue of Liberty and other patriotic displays
- Three stages of live entertainment – featuring over 30 bands & community groups
- Street Performers
- American and ethnic food booths throughout the event
- Carnival Rides
- Arts & Crafts
- Petting Zoo – Unique animals, including a llama!
- Closing the night with a laser light show!
This popular event promises to be a day of fun and appreciation, celebrating this community! Festivities and street closures are located on East Main Street and Rea Avenue, between Magnolia Avenue and Ballantyne Street/Avocado Avenue. To learn more, please call (619) 441-1754 or visit www.americaonmainstreet.org.
El Cajon Valley Host Lions Present Gunsmoke VIII
The El Cajon Valley Host Lion’s Club will host their Annual Gunsmoke event on Saturday, May 19, 6 – 10 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, 1400 E. Washington Avenue. This Western Casino night event is $50 per person, and includes $200 in gambling chips. Gambling includes Black Jack, Roulette, Texas Hold Em, Poker and more. In addition, enjoy live Western/Bluegrass music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and an opportunity drawing. Funds raised support the El Cajon Valley Host Lions in their efforts to provide eyeglasses to students and other community services for the underprivileged. For more information and tickets, call (619) 518-7910, or (619) 312-9328.
General Information:
January 26 (tomorrow) – Alternate Friday closures for El Cajon City offices. Please go to www.cityofelcajon.us for a full calendar of office hours for City offices during 2018.
February 13 – El Cajon City Council Meetings are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., as needed. 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.
February 13 – City Council Interviews Applicants for City Commissions. The City Council will be interviewing applicants for open commission seats on the Personnel Commission, Planning Commission and Veterans’ Commission. Applicants will be interviewed during the 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting. Contact (619) 441-1763 for additional information.
February 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 19 – City offices will be closed in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.
March 11 – Daylight Saving Time Begins – It’s time to “spring forward” and turn clocks ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning. It’s also a great opportunity to check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home and/or business. Visit www.heartlandfire.org for more safety tips!
Recreation:
Winter 2017 City Recreation Guide Is Now Available
The winter edition of the City of El Cajon Guide to Recreation is now available! See all the wonderful programs offered by the City of El Cajon Recreation Department online at www.elcajonrec.org. Or pick up a copy of the new guide at El Cajon Recreation Centers, at local libraries, and in the lobby of City Hall, at 200 Civic Center Way, and at the El Cajon Police Station located at 100 Civic Center Way. For more information, please call (619) 441-1754.
Kids Night Out
Sign up for a fun night out at Fletcher Hills Center’s Kid’s Night Out class! Kid’s Night Out will take place Friday, February 2 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Kids ages 6–12 are welcome! There will be crafts, games, dinner and FUN! The cost is $6 per child. Register at Fletcher Hills Center, 2345 Center Place, El Cajon or online at www.elcajonrec.org. Space is limited! For more information, call (619) 441-1672.
Pickleball – New
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines the elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Games for either singles or doubles are inside the gymnasium each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bostonia Recreation Center, 1049 Bostonia Street in El Cajon. Pickleball can help you stay active and healthy. Paddles and whiffle type balls will be available and all skill levels available. For more information, call Bostonia Center at (619) 441-1670.
Safety:
Free Disaster Preparedness Classes
Will you know what to do in the case of a wildfire, a home fire, or earthquake? Register now for this free 2018 East County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) disaster preparedness academy. Visit the Heartland Fire website at www.heartlandfire.org for the full CERT schedule under “Emergency Prep.” The academy begins the first weekend in March – accepting applications now! Classes taught by firefighters. For more information please call (619) 667-1471.
Stay Informed on all City Events, City Services & Meetings
Visit the City of El Cajon’s website at www.cityofelcajon.us. Register for the “E-NOTIFICATION” system and select the information you would like to receive email notifications about, such as news releases and upcoming events. In addition, find links and information for various City departments and services. Sign up today!