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. For additional information, visit the About CDC page. Click here to sign up for our e-newsletter.
Concerts on the Green series Extended through September 24!
 Courtesy of Sycuan Casino, the 2010 season of Concerts on the Green has been extended through September 24! Due to popular demand, the El Cajon CDC is adding three concerts to the Friday night concert series.
Scheduled bands are: September 10 - Theo & The Zydeco Patrol; September 17 - Scott Martin Latin Soul Band; September 24 - Smokestaxx.
Enter to Win a Big Baby Taylor Guitar!
Win a beautiful Big Baby Taylor Guitar courtesy of Taylor Guitars!
It comes with one month of free music lessons at School of Rock, courtesy of San Diego's School of Rock.
Try your luck by purchasing your chances to win this beautiful guitar. Tickets are only $5.00 each, and you'll help support Downtown El Cajon and the FREE concert series. As an added bonus, each ticket is imprinted with a coupon from Main Tap Tavern for a free basket of their delicious fries or onion rings with purchase of adult beverages!
Tickets may be purchased at Main Tap Tavern, at the concert events, by visiting the Shop CDC page, or by calling the El Cajon CDC at (619) 401-8858. 
Take the Farmers' Market Survey!
 Have you shopped at a farmers' market? Would you like to shop at one here in El Cajon?
The City of El Cajon would like to hear from you on the idea of having a farmers' market in El Cajon.
In past years, El Cajon has been the site of a farmers' market. For a variety of reasons, the markets were not sustainable; but times are different and this idea is again being considered. If a farmers' market is to be established, good planning will be key to its success. You can really help in this effort by completing a short survey to let the City of El Cajon know your thoughts on this topic. Would you like to see the finest local fruits and vegetables, delicious bakery items, fresh cut flowers, and local handcrafts?
Your input is important, so please take a couple of minutes to help determine if and how the City of El Cajon should proceed.
Go to www.ci.el-cajon.ca.us and tell them what you think.
County of San Diego Contributes to National Night Out – Cajon Classic Cruise!
 The El Cajon Community Development Corporation (CDC) extends our sincere gratitude to Supervisor Dianne Jacob (District Two) and the County of San Diego for allocating $2,500 in Community Enhancement funds to the CDC’s National Night Out Cajon Classic Cruise car show on Wednesday, August 4.
National Night Out is a national program that raises awareness about crime/drug prevention and strengthens the community's relationship with police, social services, and government agencies.
This year, National Night Out (presented in conjunction with the Neighborhood Watch program and co-hosted by the City of El Cajon and County of San Diego), welcomed 4,000 attendees, 250 cars, 71 bikes, and lots of vintage police and fire vehicles.
Once again, with many community-based groups, law enforcement, and public safety agencies, the event has proven to be a great public service outreach event. Thank you County of San Diego for investing in Downtown El Cajon!
 Former Police Chief Joins El Cajon CDC
Former Coronado Police Chief Robert S. Hutton has joined the El Cajon Community Development Corporation as Urban Improvement Manager, according to Cindi Fargo, President and CEO of the non-profit organization that serves Downtown El Cajon redevelopment.
In his new position, Hutton will oversee the El Cajon CDC’s Urban Improvement Department, which includes the organization’s award-winning Clean & Safe Program. The Clean & Safe Program provides maintenance and safety-related services in the Downtown public-right-of-way above and beyond what is provided by the City of El Cajon. The Clean & Safe service area covers the Downtown area and provides trash removal, sidewalk power washing, weed abatement and other services. Safety services are provided through the iconic Downtown Ambassadors, who serve as eyes and ears to the El Cajon Police Department, provide directions to Downtown visitors and work with social service providers and the homeless community.
Prior to joining the El Cajon CDC staff, Hutton served ten years as Police Chief of the City of Coronado. He has more recently served as Director of Safety and Security for Loews Coronado Hotel, and as Systems Operations Manager for a major security firm in Southern California.
A long time El Cajon resident, Hutton is very familiar with the successful revitalization and redevelopment efforts in Downtown El Cajon and is thrilled to join the El Cajon CDC team.
JPMorgan Chase Foundation Awards El Cajon CDC with a $25,000 Grant!
 El Cajon CDC would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the JPMorgan Chase Foundation for their generous $25,000 contribution in support of the CDC’s revitalization efforts in Downtown El Cajon.
As JPMorgan Chase has evolved into one of the World's largest and most influential global financial institutions, their approach to philanthropic investment has also evolved. Throughout their evolution and change, however, one thing has remained constant: Their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in communities. JPMorgan Chase's philanthropic goal is simple - be the catalyst to meaningful, positive, and sustainable change within the highest need neighborhoods and communities across the globe.
El Cajon CDC programs directly benefit Downtown El Cajon businesses and residents through our Clean & Safe program, Lend A Hand Neighborhood Enhancement projects, Saturday Morning Clean-ups, business recruitment and retention programs, and over 40 free special events including the annual East County Homeownership Fair.
Thank you JPMorgan Chase Foundation for investing in Downtown El Cajon and making a difference in our community!
Sycuan Casino 2010 Event Season Sponsor for Cajon Classic Cruise and Concerts on the Green!
 We applaud Sycuan Casino, the 2010 Event Season Sponsor of El Cajon CDC's Cajon Classic Cruise and Concerts on the Green!
"Sycuan is pleased to work with the CDC on these high-profile community projects. We believe in the future of Downtown El Cajon and we want to be a part of it," said Michael Tabor, Sycuan's Director of Marketing.
Sycuan Casino is an enthusiastic supporter of CDC's special events and community enhancement program. We appreciate their steady commitment, over many years, in giving back to the people of El Cajon.
Thank you Sycuan, for investing in your hometown and making Downtown El Cajon a better place to live, work, and play!
 Featured Business of the Month for September:
NEW YORK BAKERY
By Nancy J. Lewis
There's a tasty bit of Old New York right here in Downtown El Cajon. It's the New York Bakery, located across the street from the East County Performing Arts Center at 245 East Main Street. Look up and you'll see a mini New York City skyline at the top of the building – the only thing missing is the honking of the taxi cabs!
Sylvana and Santo DiGrigoli brought New York Bakery to Downtown El Cajon in the spring of 2007, relocating the shop from North Park. Sylvana was "born into the bakery business" in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The family moved to the United States in the early 60's, settling in Brooklyn, New York and opening a bakery there. In the early 80's they relocated to San Diego, where her father purchased a bakery in North Park. Sylvana and Santo opened their own bakery across the street from Hoover High School in the mid 80's, and some of those Hoover students are still customers, traveling to El Cajon from all over San Diego for their bakery treats.
The move to Downtown El Cajon was prompted by the adoption of 4 children (Tony, age 7; Lola, age 8; Christian, age 9 and Salena, age 16). The DiGrigoli's wanted to raise them in the East County. Opening a retail bakery would allow them to spend more time with the children, and being in the heart of Downtown El Cajon was also appealing. True to their New York origins, they built their shop with an apartment above where the family lives. Although their business is primarily retail, they also bake pastries, cakes, etc. for area hotels and restaurants.
The bakery opens early and closes late (Monday through Saturday, 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday,
7:00 am to 8:00 pm). Patrons can enjoy a delicious frittata or country style eggs with fried potatoes breakfast for only $4.95, or stop in and choose a lunch or dinner from their extensive menu of hot and cold sandwiches, calzones and salads. Coffee is available all day for $1.95 and up with a free mini Danish included. Their selection of pastries, cookies and pies is extensive as well as mouthwatering. Among the cakes offered are Italian Rum, Black Forest or cheesecake. Tempting pastry offerings including cannoli, rum balls, chocolate mousse bombs, Napoleons, éclairs, cream puffs and tiramisu. They also offer a selection of pies, tarts and cookies (including sugar free) will make you want to order one of everything. New York Bakery can provide pastries, cakes cookies and pies for all occasions, and their cookie trays make great gifts. Fresh pizza dough is available for those who want homemade pizza without the mess.
Patrons may enjoy their purchases on site. Inside, there's a spacious seating area that has views of the park area across the street on one side and large glass windows offering a panoramic view of the baking and preparation area on the other. Those preferring to dine alfresco, can sit on the charming outdoor patio, where there’s even a "watering hole" for their canine companions.
Sylvana loves the fact that the shop faces the waterfall and park area on East Main Street in front of the theater. She says that late in the evening, when everything is quiet, she can hear the calming sound of the waterfall. One of the things she likes most about the bakery is "when people from the East Coast come in and reminisce about 'back home' and 'the good old days'." The DiGrigoli's are grateful to the El Cajon Community Development Corporation for all they do and "because they're really working hard to clean up Downtown."
New York Bakery is located at 245 East Main Street, and is open Monday through Saturday from
6:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. You may reach them by phone at (619) 334-5164 or FAX at (619) 749-2372.
Ledcor Group Donates to the Lend A Hand Program
 The El Cajon CDC would like to thank the Ledcor Group for their generous contribution. As a leader in six construction divisions - Commercial Building, Heavy Civil, Industrial, Mining, Pipeline, and Telecommunications, Ledcor provides innovative solutions to assist clients in the most economical and efficient way, while affording the utmost in quality of customer service. They employ approximately 5,000 people at their U.S. head office in San Diego and corporate head office in Vancouver, Canada.
Committed to making their community a better place to live and work, Ledcor contributed $1,000 and professional skilled labor valued at $3,000 to the Lend A Hand program. Ledcor's investment in Lend A Hand will help to revitalize the Downtown El Cajon mmunity through supporting neighborhood enhancement projects and Saturday Morning Clean-ups.
Thank you Ledcor, for investing in the revitalization of Downtown El Cajon and for supporting the El Cajon CDC!
Borrego Springs Bank Makes a Generous Contribution to Lend A Hand
 The El Cajon CDC would like to thank Borrego Springs Bank for their contribution of $2,500 to the Lend A Hand program. This valued investment helps revitalize Downtown El Cajon residential neighborhoods by supporting Lend A Hand Neighborhood Enhancement Projects and Saturday Morning Clean-ups. As a local community bank with a focus on small business lending and community development, Borrego Springs Bank is proud to support the local community of Downtown El Cajon and the El Cajon CDC.
Borrego Springs Bank has three branch offices located in the East County, in La Mesa at 7777 Alvarado Road, in Alpine at 5005 Willow Road, and in Borrego Springs at 587 Palm Canyon Drive. The newest Financial Services Center located in La Mesa continues the tradition of providing old fashioned, personalized customer service and offers a variety of FDIC insured deposit account products. If you are interested in building a new customer relationship with a bank that is dedicated to YOU, please contact Vicki Whitmire, SVP or Belsem Alnarraie, AVP at 619-668-5159 ext 203 or ext 306.
Thank you Borrego Springs Bank, for investing in the revitalization of Downtown El Cajon!
 Mainlanders, a bamboo and tropical décor importer that specializes in customization and party rentals, believes that their duty is to cultivate a relationship with their customer and cater to their needs, no matter how unique. "Company policies are merely guidelines, not laws," says owner Michelle Walashek. "The important goal is that the customers' expectations are surpassed with nothing short of excellence. We want them to be so excited that they cannot contain themselves!"
Currently undergoing renovations, Mainlanders has plans to continue offering an even more unique experience and adventure for customers. With an in-house graphics department that can produce custom drawings to exact specifications of commercial or residential requests, and an in-house partnership encompassing 60 years combined tropical landscape design experience, Mainlanders is ready for any task. The team works alongside their customer throughout the entire project, ensuring complete satisfaction. Also on staff are event coordinators, designers, artists, draftsmen, carpenters, installers, and their exclusive tiki carver. With the availability of such resources and products, no commercial or residential job is too big – all at an affordable price and in record speed. The team works alongside their customer throughout the entire project, ensuring complete satisfaction.
If the price of a product doesn’t meet the budget, Mainlanders has found an affordable solution by offering party rentals. Nearly every product in the store can be rented for only a fraction of its retail value. As Walashek explains, "this means that when the cost of a $400 bar is more than the wallet can take, Mainlanders can still help make your party a success with a $40 three day rental." Mainlanders also has experienced event coordinators that can help you plan your event. They can supply everything from umbrellas, tikis, bars, pub tables, and hundreds of other décor items to choose from. At Mainlanders, there is no party that can not be accommodated, whether it’s a matter of customization or affordability.
As the largest tropical tiki store in the nation, it's no wonder why customers keep coming back. Mainlanders understands the importance of custom needs, detail, relaxation, adventure, and affordability. Shop Mainlanders online at www.tropicaltikis.com, where all products in the store are showcased. For a more sensory tropical escape from your routine, visit the shop in person (less than two miles from San Diego State University) at 6195 University Avenue in San Diego, now open seven days a week to welcome tropical decor-loving customers. Call 866-384-4479 for more information.
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What's new in Downtown El Cajon?
Sycuan Casino is a valuable partner of the El Cajon CDC and our events.
Find out what's happening at Sycuan Casino by visiting www.sycuancasino.com. |
