YOU Can Help Us Continue to Serve the Community
So that we can spend our dollars where they're needed in the community, we at the El Cajon CDC often seek the donation of supplies and/or equipment that are regularly used to facilitate our programs and special events. The list includes many varied items - all of which help to defray program costs. Donate today!
El Cajon CDC Wish List
- Subscription to The San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper
- White Copy Paper
- Pens - blue, black
- Correction Tape
- Address Labels
- Trash Bags - 13 and 33 Gallon
- Latex Gloves
- Trash Grabbers/Pinchers
- Ground Coffee
- Post-Its - 3"x3" and 2"x1.75"
- Dry-Erase Markers - Small and Large
- Pads of Easel Paper
- Postage Stamps
- Gift Cards (Target, Office Depot, Staples, Home Depot, etc.)
- Cases of Bottled Water
- Rolls of Raffle Tickets - Double Ticket
- Zip Ties - Large
- XLR Cables - Male to Female (for our sound system)
- Binder Clips - all sizes
- Paper Clips - all sizes
- Staples
- Packs/Cases of Canned Soda - Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Coke, Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Diet Sprite, Mountain Dew
- Unique Raffle Prize Items and Gift Certificates
- Anything else you think may help us serve the community!
Giving is so easy and each gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Will you consider making a donation to the El Cajon CDC today? Should you have any of these items that are new (or almost new) and would consider donating them to the El Cajon CDC, please contact Claire Carpenter, President and CEO, at (619) 401-8858. With your donation of any item on this list, you actively become a part of our mission to make a difference in lives of citizens in El Cajon. It's easy to give a monetary donation online as well! Just click here and in a few simple steps, you will be helping us continue to serve the community around us. Please note that your gift is deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
What Is the El Cajon CDC?
 El Cajon CDC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit community development corporation that was established in 1996 through a grassroots effort by local government, business owners, and residents. El Cajon CDC takes part in, and proactively works toward the many revitalization efforts in Downtown El Cajon. These strategies include the Downtown El Cajon Specific Plan 182 which provides developers with recommendations for land uses and development standards that encourage mixed-use development. The El Cajon CDC Design Review Commission, assigned by City of El Cajon, reviews and approves all renovation and new construction projects to ensure that pedestrians find a safe, clean and inviting atmosphere in Downtown El Cajon. Our corporation also proactively encourages the redevelopment of Brownfield sites. All our development efforts incorporate feedback from local residents and businesses gained through community surveys, forums, committees, and partnerships with other community agencies.
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Sycuan Casino donates $5,000 to El Cajon CDC!
 El Cajon CDC would like to extend a gracious THANK YOU to Sycuan Casino for their generous $5,000 contribution to the El Cajon CDC. Sycuan Casino sponsored the El Cajon CDC Open House this year. The El Cajon CDC officially unveiled our new office location at 131 East Main Street, Suite 201 on October 22 with a Ribbon Cutting & Open House. Approximately 75 of our friends and supporters toured our new office location, enjoyed delicious appetizers and desserts, and visited with our dedicated staff. Sycuan Casino also graciously donated prizes for our golf putting contest / raffle (including a one night stay & golf package for two at Sycuan Resort, and a Sycuan picnic set filled with goodies).
Sycuan Casino - thank you for your contribution and for your continuous partnership!
JPMorgan Chase Foundation Awards El Cajon CDC with a $25,000 Grant!
 El Cajon CDC would like to extend a sincere THANK YOU to JPMorgan Chase & Co. for their generous $25,000 grant to the El Cajon Community Development Corporation. These funds will support the El Cajon CDC’s efforts in economic revitalization in Downtown El Cajon. El Cajon CDC programs directly benefit Downtown El Cajon businesses and residents through our Clean & Safe program, Lend A Hand Days, Saturday Morning Clean-Ups, downtown events, and business recruitment and retention programs.
Thank you JPMorgan Chase Foundation for your generous contribution and for supporting the El Cajon CDC!
Gafcon Inc. donates $5,000 to El Cajon CDC!
 The El Cajon CDC would like to thank Gafcon, Inc. for their generous contribution. Gafcon is a woman-owned program and construction management firm providing professional construction consulting, construction program management, real estate economics consulting, design management and construction-related claims support. They employ more than 150 at their San Diego corporate headquarters and branch offices in Irvine and Los Angeles. With their $5,000 contribution, the El Cajon CDC welcomes them as a lead donor of the Lend A Hand program. Gafcon’s investment in Lend A Hand will help to revitalize the Downtown El Cajon community through supporting neighborhood enhancement projects and Saturday Morning Clean-ups.
Thank you Gafcon, Inc. for investing in the revitalization of Downtown El Cajon and for supporting the El Cajon CDC!
FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH DECEMBER 2009: ROCK A BETTIES BEAUTY SHOP
By El Cajon CDC Board Member Nancy J. Lewis
 Candy Simon grew up in East County, and fell in love with the Weinstock Building at 169 East Main Street (on the west side of Prescott Promenade). Built in the late 1890s, it’s the oldest building on Main Street. She just knew that some day she would open her own beauty salon in that building. “I like to think of it as El Cajon’s hidden treasure” said Simon. Years later she shared her dream with her friend Brooke Johnston. With more than 30 years of combined salon experience, they knew what they wanted and made it happen, and Rock A Betties Beauty Shop was born on February 14, 2004. Located on the second floor, the salon windows offer a panoramic view of Main Street as well as lots of sunshine and fresh air.
The salon name was chosen to appeal to men and women alike” who want to express themselves and where they would feel comfortable.” Candy and Brooke wanted to “create a place where people - staff and clients alike - would feel comfortable and have fun in,” and they certainly succeeded. Whether you’re rock ’n roll, 40s or 50s, you will feel right at home. The salon décor is eclectic. The reception desk is a thatched-roofed tiki bar, and each operator’s station is decorated to their own taste. Brooke’s station pays homage to “The Wizard of Oz.” Candy, Brooke, and their staff offer a variety of services from hair styling, cutting, and coloring to facials, micro-dermabrasion and make-up in this fun setting. There is a selection of items made by local artisans for sale that runs the gamut from jewelry, accessories, and quirky knit hats to handmade soaps. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a selection of “vintage” candy including Zots, Sixlets, and candy cigarettes. Even if you walk in with a frown on your face, you’ll be smiling broadly when you walk out! Both ladies agree that “meeting new people and making people happy” is the best part of owning the salon.
Both Candy and Brooke are fans of the El Cajon Community Development Corporation (CDC), and enjoy being involved in all the activities they sponsor, such as the Cajon Classic Cruise and Concerts on the Green. “It’s great having our own neighborhood business association (the CDC) and a team of people who can answer our questions and help us with problems.” Rock A Betties applied for and received a Business Improvement Grant from the CDC to help them when they opened the business, and are grateful for the continued help and support the CDC offers the Downtown merchants.
Rock A Betties Beauty Shop is located on the second floor at 169 East Main Street, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Reach them by phone at (619) 579-0617, via e-mail at bettyhootie@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.rockabetties.com. If you schedule an appointment during December and mention this article and where you saw it, you will receive 15% off on your service or retail purchase.
FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2010: LIBERTY TAX SERVICE
By El Cajon CDC Board Member Nancy J. Lewis
 Need help with your tax forms? Want to become certificated by the state of California as a tax preparer? Gabe and Gabby Gomez at Liberty Tax Service will be glad to help you.
Gabe spent eight years as a master trainer for H & R Block, and Gabby had over eight years’ experience processing medical insurance claims, so when the Liberty Tax franchise became available, they decided it was a perfect opportunity to combine their talents and strike out on their own. In November 2008, they moved to the current location because it was right in the heart of Downtown El Cajon.
Liberty Tax offers preparation of both state and federal tax forms, refund transfers, and refund anticipation loans, and clients also have the option of having Liberty’s fee deducted directly from their refund. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee at no charge, something other preparers may charge extra for. Those wishing to become certified tax preparers can take advantage of a free 60-hour state-mandated course and, upon completion, take the state certification exam. Students pay only $149 for the textbook, and both morning and evening classes are available. The office has been given ”Hispanic Certification” by Liberty Tax Corp., and reaches out to the Hispanic community through free education seminars (call for information) and by preparing Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) forms at no cost.
The El Cajon Community Development Corp. (ECCDC) helped the Gomez’s when they moved in by letting them know what regulations they needed to comply with. “The ECCDC is proactive, friendly, and resourceful,” said Gabe. “They’re accessible and very resourceful.” He especially likes their Merchant Promotion Committee “because you get to know the other local business owners.”
Liberty Tax Service is located at 124 West Main Street (just west of Magnolia) and is open Sunday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and from February through April, 7:00 am to midnight. Give them a call at (619) 440-1040, e-mail them at 11728@libertytax.com, or visit their website at libertytax.com. When you have Liberty do your taxes, mention this article and where you saw it between now and April 15th and receive a $50 discount.
FEATURED BUSINESS OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY 2010: GREEK TOWN RESTAURANT BUFFET
 Greek Town Restaurant Buffet, located at 345 West Main Street (corner of Sunshine) is truly a family affair. Daughter Helena joined parents Hana and Kays Oshana on the management team when she was born seven months ago, and spends a lot of time keeping an eye on things. Kays does the cooking, and Hana handles the books. Since purchasing the eatery in 2008 they have made changes to the décor and added a cozy wine bar. The atmosphere is comfortable, casual and family friendly.
Specializing in Mediterranean/Greek and Middle Eastern food using the best quality ingredients, they offer a selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, entrées and side orders including mouthwatering beef and chicken kabobs and delicious desserts such as the traditional baklava. Buffet items are prepared in small quantities to ensure quality and freshness. Both Greek and Turkish coffees are available along with hot tea or coffee, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Greek Town offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $9.99 Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, a dinner buffet for $11.99 Monday through Saturday 4:00 to 9:00 pm, and a Sunday buffet from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm for $11.99. Take-out buffet lunches are also available. Sit-down dining is available indoors or outdoors. Live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays begins at 7:00 pm. Catering for off-site events is available, and the restaurant may also be rented for private parties. Seniors receive a 10% discount, and children under age ten are half price.
The Oshanas like being in Downtown El Cajon because of the cultural diversity and the people. The part of the business that Hana likes best is “when we see our customers smiling and walking out happy,” adding “we like to please our customers.” Both Hana and Kays speak highly of the El Cajon Community Development Corp. (ECCDC.) “They’re supportive of downtown businesses and have been very helpful to us.” The Oshanas plan to add Greek-style columns to the exterior façade and an outside grill, and have received a Business Expansion Grant from the ECCDC to help with this and other improvements.
Greek Town Restaurant Buffet, 345 West Main Street, is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sundays 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Give them a call at (619) 441-9708, e-mail them at contact@greektownrestaurantbuffet.com, or visit their website at www.greektownrestaurantbuffet.com. Enjoy a meal there during February and mention this article and where you saw it, and receive a 10% discount.
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