San Marcos: CERTainly, These Skills Couldn’t Hurt
When the “big one” hits, don’t expect an immediate response from 911 for a rescue from police, firefighters or paramedics, who will be initially overwhelmed.
That’s the word from this city, which has teamed up with Palomar College to sponsor a Community Emergency Response Team program, offering training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.
Graduates of the course may apply to become members of the local CERT team, who are issued free equipment kits that feature gloves, goggles, radios, fire extinguishers and other survival tools. Members must attend periodic Saturday morning training refresher sessions and participate in rescue drills with the San Marcos Fire Department.
The next CERT class is scheduled for 8 to 11 a.m. from Jan. 12 to March 15 at the San Marcos Regional Training Center, 184 Santar Place. There is no charge to participate.
For more information, call Maribel at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3405.
, Pat Broderick
– – –
San Diego: Chamber Gala to Attract 1,000 Leaders
More than 1,000 local business and government leaders are expected to attend the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 137th annual dinner Jan. 31 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Presented by AT & T; Inc., this year’s program will feature the induction of the chamber’s 2008 chairman of the board, Phil Blair, executive officer of Manpower Staffing Services in San Diego, as well as the entire 2008 board of directors.
In addition to the dinner, there will be a networking reception and awards ceremony, recognizing community leaders for outstanding performance and dedication to business.
Other sponsors of the event are Sempra Energy, Kaiser Permanente, Chevron, Union Bank of California and Wells Fargo.
, Pat Broderick
– – –
Vista: Your Classic Chariot Awaits at Used Car Lot
Classic Chariots, a used car dealership, opened for business Dec. 18 at 1611 W. Vista Way, replacing a car dealership that shut down in October.
“It’s a much bigger area than my other dealership,” said owner Mehdi Chitgari, who formerly operated a used car business in Kearny Mesa.
The new site just off the Emerald Drive exit on state Route 78 will provide room for about 150 cars, up from the former address, which held about 50. Among the brands are Toyota, Lexus, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and several European lines, says Chitgari.
The cars will range from about $3,000 up to $30,000, but most cost below $20,000.
, Mike Allen
– – –
El Cajon: At Mangia Bene, Eat, Drink, Learn to Lead
The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce plans to host a Leadership East County mixer from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 10 at Mangia Bene Ristorante Italiano, 221 E. Main St.
The cost to attend is $10 and proceeds go to the alumni scholarship fund. For more information, call the chamber at (619) 440-6161.
, Heather Chambers
– – –
Chula Vista: Whillock Contracting Gets Contract
The San Diego Unified Port District approved the demolition and removal of three modular classrooms at a bay front site on Marina Parkway that is planned for a combined hotel and convention center developed by Nashville, Tenn.-based Gaylord Entertainment.
The Board of Port Commissioners awarded the contract for the demolition to East County-based Whillock Contracting Inc. for $473,911. The bid was deemed the best of 17 received, and below a design consultant’s estimate of $900,000, according to a report by the port.
, Mike Allen
– – –
Coronado: There’s Only 1 Thing Cheesy About Eno
Three of the four basic food groups , wine, cheese and chocolate , are at the heart of a new attraction at the Hotel del Coronado.
Eno, an upscale wine tasting room, opened at the historic hotel in December. Directed by the hotel’s sommelier, Ted Glennon, the tasting room promises up to 500 varietals of wines, 35 kinds of cheeses and a changing menu of chocolates.
The venue also promises a minimum of attitude. Eno’s aim is to make the tasting experience friendly and unpretentious, with an emphasis on education, according to press materials.
The tasting room at the Del will be open afternoons and evenings.
Chicago-based Strategic Hotels and Resorts Inc. developed Eno. There are Eno tasting rooms at the InterContinental Chicago and Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel. Two more are planned for the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco and Fairmont Chicago.
, Brad Graves
– – –
El Cajon: Former Chamber Chief to Be Feted at Party
A retirement party in honor of former San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Saverson is set for 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina at Westfield Parkway mall, 415 Parkway Plaza.
The event will feature a no-host bar and hors d’oeuvres will be provided on the restaurant’s heated patio. For more information, call the chamber at (619) 440-6161.
, Heather Chambers
– – –
Carlsbad: Sewage Rains on Firms’ & #8201;New Year’s Parades
About 350 gallons of raw sewage spilled near Hoover Street on New Year’s Day, and most of it has flowed into the Agua Hedionda Lagoon nearby, forcing the closure of several businesses in the vicinity until further notice.
According to the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, the spill was caused by roots blocking a sewer line. The city also posted warning signs at the Agua Hedionda boat dock that will remain in place until the water tests free of pollutants.
, Connie Lewis
