La Mesa Village to host ‘Unplugged’ events

National Day of Unplugging (NDU) has announced its 11th year series of Unplugged Events, beginning, March 6 and 7. Over the past decade, NDU has been at the forefront of the movement to educate people about the dangers involved with over-reliance on technology — especially as it pertains to handheld devices.

To kick off NDU, on March 6, starting at 3 p.m., La Mesa Village will be hosting a fun, free event at the Friday Farmers Market where kids can hunt for a stuffed rooster named Rodney, shop with Rodney Bucks, try cooking, do garden crafts, try healthy foods, type on a typewriter and play games. Kids come to hunt for Rodney Rooster and are rewarded for unplugging and trying healthy foods. The weekly kid count (Rodney Finders) has grown from 15 to over 70 in three months.

“The idea took off immediately” said Claudia Erickson, founder of the Unplugged Village who runs the weekly events. “It’s a simple idea. This is a safe place where kids can be unplugged and have a little adventure each week.”

The entire town of La Mesa is getting onboard. Mayor Mark Arapostathis is presenting a proclamation for NDU.

“As the mayor and a school teacher, I applaud and support the efforts of programs like ‘Unplugged Village’ designed to create designated times and places when students, parents and families can unplug and spend time with each other”.

In addition to the market event, people can unplug at Public Square Coffee House, La Mesa Wine Works or catch the movie “Screenagers Next Chapter” (dealing with social media, mental health and resilience) on March 4. Get free tickets at bit.ly/2PtkPVh.

To learn more visit unpluggedvillage.com and go to NationalDayofUnplugging.com to “Take The Pledge,” and download a free toolkit with tips and more.

Cuyamaca College president selected for Aspen Institute Fellowship

Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes has been selected by the Aspen Institute to join the 2020-21 inaugural class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship program.

The new initiative is designed to support community college presidents in the early years of their tenure to accelerate transformational change on behalf of students. Barnes is one of 25 college leaders selected from more than 100 applicants for the Aspen Fellowship, which is funded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and run by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

The leaders, all of whom are in their first five years at their post, begin their seven-month fellowship in June. Their institutions span 15 states and vary widely, from a rural college with fewer than 2,000 students to a statewide system that educates more than 150,000.

“I am truly honored to be selected for this prestigious program that will benefit our students and, in turn, our community,” Barnes said. “The Aspen Presidential Fellowship’s focus on student success and equity resonates with the mission and vision of Cuyamaca College, which is a higher education leader. I cannot wait to learn all I can to make certain the college remains on the cutting edge in meeting student needs.”

Barnes began her tenure as Cuyamaca College president in October 2015. Under her leadership, Cuyamaca College instituted reforms that have markedly increased the number of students completing transfer-level math and English classes. The college was honored with the Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award from the California Community Colleges and recognized nationally by Excelencia in Education.

Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, said that kind of leadership is critical. “We know more than ever before about how community colleges can improve outcomes for students, both in and after college,” he said. “And the urgency for them to do so only increases – especially for students of color and low-income students. These fellows have shown they are fully, urgently committed to excellence and equity, and we look forward to working alongside them.”

Helix students awarded $3,500 from BBB

Better Business Bureau (BBB) partnered with San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) and awarded $5,000 in scholarships to three San Diego students through the BBB Ambassador Scholarship program. Through presentations, ambassadors empowered high school peers nearing college and beyond with tools for navigating credit and budgeting, online safety, rentals and housing, student loans, scholarships, and employment scams.

On Jan. 15, scholarships were awarded to students who presented the information they were coached on to the highest number of their peers during a reception at iHeartRadio. All BBB Ambassadors were celebrated for their success, reaching nearly 22,000 high school students through 100 presentations in San Diego, Orange, and Imperial counties.

Receiving a $2,500 scholarship, Sundus Hersi represented Helix Charter High School in first place. Kevin Do, Serra High School student, received the second-place scholarship of $1,500. Third-place scholarship recipient, Zubeyda Farah of Helix Charter High School, received $1,000.

“By supporting BBB’s Ambassador Program, SDCCU has helped to educate the next generation on issues of financial awareness, scam avoidance, and how to make the right decisions for their futures,” said Michael Sedio, VP, chief operating officer and general counsel at the Better Business Bureau.

“As one of Southern California’s largest locally owned financial institutions, SDCCU sees improving the financial health of today’s students as essential in helping them thrive in a competitive society. Learning the basics on how to manage your money early on, at a young age, is vital to future financial success.” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO.

All participants received a certificate recognizing their contributions as official BBB Ambassadors and are encouraged to include their involvement on resumes and college admission applications, highlighting their experience in public speaking. For additional information on the program, please visit ambassador.bbbcommunity.org.

La Mesa Summit Estates to begin construction

The Phair Company has announced it will soon begin construction on its La Mesa Summit Estates project.

The gated community of 30 homes will feature three single-story and two-story floorplans with four to five bedrooms and three to five baths.

Each of the 30 homes feature a multi-generational suite — a second master bedroom with a full bath, a kitchenette, a media center, a stacked washer and dryer, and a separate entrance. “This allows grandparents or a boomerang adult child to live in a supportive extended family environment, but at the same time have a feeling of independence,” the Phair Company stated in a press release.

Situated in a 10-acre parcel atop Eastridge Drive, La Mesa Summit Estates will have unobstructed views of the ocean and the Coronado Islands, Downtown San Diego, Point Loma, Mt. Soledad, Cowles Mountain, the Cuyamacas, or Mexico. Each home will feature a great room living area with 12-foot sliding doors to optimize the views.

The homes will also utilize “earth-friendly” design and construction: renewable/sustainable materials, energy-efficient HVAC systems with Wi-Fi remote control programmable thermostats, tankless water heaters, rooftop solar, plumbing for gray-water use in xeriscape drought-tolerant landscaping, Energy Star-rated appliances, fire sprinklers, non-VOC paints, and an electric car charging station in each garage.

Prices will start in the mid $900,000s.