El Cajon Community Development Corporation (El Cajon CDC) welcomes you to Downtown El Cajon!
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. We believe in a beautiful, safe, vibrant, and prosperous community rich with housing and business opportunities and alive with art, culture, and history.
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All Downtown El Cajon Businesses OPEN During Construction
The City of El Cajon has started the Main Street and Magnolia Avenue Corridor Improvement Project. The project will include new landscaping, street lights, additional crosswalks, and new sidewalks. During this time the local merchants will be open for business and they can use your support!
Check out to the Downtown Business Directory to learn more about the business diversity Downtown El Cajon has to offer, and then take a walk down Main Street to check out local shops and restaurants. Not sure where to park? Click here (PDF) to view a current parking map or pick one up at any downtown business.
For construction updates, dial the Construction Hotline (619) 441-5524 or visit the City of El Cajon website and the El Cajon CDC Public Improvements webpage. Stay tuned - we can't wait to bring you updates and a beautiful Downtown El Cajon!
We believe in Downtown El Cajon
 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. Downtown El Cajon streetscape, to begin construction in 2008, will include distinctive lighting, benches, trees, and further amenities while widening sidewalks and contributing a unique identity to the heart of East County. 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.
Lend A Hand Day 2008 is Here!
 Can you volunteer your time, materials, or expertise? Do you have landscaping, construction, or contracting experience? Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference in Downtown El Cajon! Mark your calendar now and be sure to join in with fellow residents and volunteers as we turn out in force to clean, paint, landscape, and spruce up a neighborhood in Downtown El Cajon.
Lend A Hand Day will take place on three different days this year. You’re invited to volunteer at as many as you’d like!
Saturday, April 26, 2008 was a huge success!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
8:00 am – 4:00 pm each day
Please click here (PDF) to download the volunteer application. You may type directly into this form and submit electronically to register for this event. Please print and sign the waiver and bring to Lend A Hand Day. The application consists of 6 steps:
- Step 1: Volunteer Information
- Step 2: Relevant Expertise
- Step 3: What can I bring?
- Step 4: Volunteering Date Preference
- Step 5: Donating & Fundraising
- Step 6: Code of Conduct & Waiver
If you have any questions about Lend A Hand Day, please contact Christina Burke, Community Development Coordinator, at (619) 401-8858.
Featured Business of the Month: Ferrell’s Solutions
By El Cajon CDC Board of Directors member Nancy J. Lewis
 The intricacies of computers are second nature to Richard Ferrell and his associate Noel Taber, who have been working with them since they were teenagers. “The people at just about every place I worked since I was a teenager asked me to fix their computers,” said Ferrell, so opening his own computer repair, upgrade and sales business was a logical step. He began working out of his home, but quickly ran out of space. A resident of Downtown El Cajon, Richard wanted to find a more professional and suitable location close by.
He found the perfect location at 165 East Main Street, Suite B, (just behind Pasteur Café on the west side of Prescott Promenade), and opened for business in December 2007. Ferrell chose the space for several reasons. He can walk to work, he likes the special events and activities held in Downtown El Cajon, and he likes the area’s restaurants and clean environment.
Specializing in home and office PC repair and upgrades, Ferrell’s Solutions can custom build an affordable computer system for anyone. They can also help you transition to digital menus and advertising options with a dedicated LCD advertising system. “We will never sell you something you don’t need,” said Ferrell. “We’re different from other Downtown businesses because we focus on the technical aspects of local businesses and residents and provide them with friendly ‘small town’ customer service.” With this in mind, Richard has installed an antenna on his building and invites you to bring your laptop and your lunch to Prescott Promenade and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and free internet access
In a cooperative effort with Van Le of Pasteur Café, Ferrell has set up an internet café area in the restaurant. There’s one station there now, but more will be added as the need grows. He also plans to host “LAN parties” in the restaurant, where groups of 20 or so can gather to hook up together and play multi-player PC games with each other or online while enjoying great food and snacks.
Stop in and say “hi” to Richard and Noel. Ferrell’s Solutions is located at 165 East Main Street, Suite B (Behind Pasteur Café) and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10:00 am - 1:45 pm, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. You can reach Ferrell’s by phone at (619) 438-2091 or by clicking here.
Advertise your business while supporting Downtown El Cajon
Would you like to expose your business to more people in Downtown El Cajon? Whether you're looking to just "get your name out there" or are looking to play a more active role in what we do in Downtown El Cajon, we have the perfect package of opportunities for you. Click here (PDF) to view the 2008 Sponsorship Opportunities and Community Builders Program Package - including all new member benefits, and find out about the many ways we can work together to build your business and Downtown El Cajon!
It's your downtown
If you are interested in learning more about what we do at the El Cajon CDC, or would like to get more involved with Downtown El Cajon, then you are invited to attend the El Cajon CDC’s Volunteer Open House.
Click here to get involved and learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
Having problems in your neighborhood?
Click on the Whose Job Is It? link and find out who to contact for help.
Free Parking in Downtown El Cajon
While the parking on Main Street is metered there are several locations around Downtown El Cajon that provide free parking. Your destination is sure to be just a short walk from these lots. Click here (PDF) to download the Downtown El Cajon parking map.
What's new in Downtown El Cajon?
We Believe in a Healthy Downtown - this is how it's accomplished
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