San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
41ST RAMONA RODEO SET FOR NEXT WEEKEND
Event will be held at Fred Grand Arena; youth in spotlight
This year’s 41st annual Ramona Rodeo is expected to draw spectators and participants from around the region for traditional Western entertainment.
The Aug. 26-28 event features riding events such as bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding; timed events including tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping; and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing.
One event to watch for this year will be youth bull riding. Eleven- and 12-yearolds representing the Southern California Youth Bull Riders will put on a show of riding junior steers.
Junior Saenz, president of the Valley Center-based nonprofit organization, said performing in front of a large crowd gives the young people an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a professional rodeo cowboy.
“We participated in last year’s rodeo and we did an exhibition,” Saenz said. “It was mostly for people to watch kids get on steers and get the kids pumped up.
“The people really like it because the kids are small, but they look like professionals. The way they’re dressed and act, everything from their boots to their chaps, looks professional.”
Ramona Rodeo’s youth bull riding will feature four riders at each performance on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday night’s rodeo performance, which starts at 8 p.m. and is followed by a dance at 10:30 p.m., will be dedicated to the late Ramona rodeo cowboy Casey Tibbs. Guests are encouraged to wear purple and gold attire in his honor that night.
Saturday’s rodeo, which also starts at 8 p.m. and is followed by a 10:30 p.m. dance, will be a “Let Freedom Ring” patriotic night and guests are encouraged to wear red, white and blue.
Sunday’s 4 p.m. rodeo performance is dedicated as a “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night.
The rodeo will be held at the Fred Grand Arena in the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane.
General admission tickets are $20 for those 7 and older and $5 per person for ages 2 to 6 on Friday and Sunday. The Saturday admission price is $25 for those ages 2 and older. Preferred and VIP tickets are also available.
For more information, visit ramonarodeo.com.
City council
El Cajon, 3 p.m. Tuesday; La Mesa, 6 p.m. Tuesday; Santee, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
School board
Cajon Valley Union School District (El Cajon), 5:30 p.m. Tuesday
‘Taste of Oasis’ offers semester preview
The nonprofit San Diego Oasis invites local older adults aged 50 and up to attend its free annual “Taste of Oasis” showcase from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The event will also include an online feature with messaging from several instructors. No registration needed. “Taste of Oasis” gives local older adults an opportunity to sample the upcoming semester of San Diego Oasis classes, as well as meet instructors. Classes range from dancing, exercise and music to conversations with history, technology, art, and poetry instructors. Attendees can also see fitness demonstrations and browse various vendor resources. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. This year’s “Taste of Oasis” is sponsored by AARP, SDG&E, Sharp Healthcare and United Healthcare. Sponsorships are still available. Contact Kristen Amicone at kristen@sandiegooasis.org and visit Sandiegooasis.org.
Still time to register for community college classes
There’s still time to register for classes at Grossmont or Cuyamaca community colleges. Both colleges will welcome back students on campus beginning Monday. If you need help registering for classes, the colleges have several opportunities:
Grossmont College: In-person Class Assistance events noon to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a .m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Student Services Building computer lab.
There will also be a Student Fair in the Main Quad from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday with a College Hour from noon to 1 p.m. And there’s always the Virtual Help Center at www.grossmont.edu/help-center.
Cuyamaca College: Online Student Help Center (www.cuyamaca.edu/helpcenter) or How to Register for Classes webpage (www.cuyamaca.edu/admissions/how-to-register-for-classes). Financial aid information is also available online through the Grossmont College Financial Aid Office (www.grossmont.edu/financial-aid) and the Cuyamaca College Financial Aid Office (www.cuyamaca.edu/financial-aid/ index.php). If you are a first-time college student planning to attend full time, you may be eligible for free tuition through the Grossmont-cuyamaca College Promise program (www.gcccd.edu/promise/index.php).
La Mesa seeking youth commissioners
The city of La Mesa is putting out a call for young volunteers for its Youth Advisory Commission. Those who are between 13 and 20 years old, live within the city limits, and want to help plan the activities for the youth of La Mesa may be eligible to volunteer. Find applications at linktr.ee/cityoflamesaca. Deadline is Sept. 20.
Project Ready for students sets orientation
The Urban League of San Diego County is partnering with higher learning institutions, school districts, local corporations and philanthropic supporters to improve college access and readiness for Black and Brown students. Project Ready holds an orientation for students at 6 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Lemon Grove recreation center gym, 3131 School Lane. Register at https:// conta.cc/3zzkoiv. This program focuses on Mentorship, Leadership Development, Historical and Cultural Literacy, College Tours, College, National Case Competition, and Career Preparation in partnership with the National Urban League. Call (619) 266-6237.
Grant program taking applications
North Island Credit Union invites San Diego County teachers who have an innovative class project idea to apply for a grant through its biannual Teacher Grant program. The program is available to full-time teachers in San Diego and Riverside counties, or credit union members teaching in California, who wish to fund special learning opportunities for their students. The project should have clearly defined objectives tied to students’ academic needs, display creativity, and benefit a number of students. Ten North Island Credit Union grants of $500 each will be awarded to area teachers in late October in the fall program. Learn more at northisland.ccu.com/teachergrant. Deadline is Sept. 30.
Blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank hosts these donor opportunities:
• Noon-5 p.m. Thursday, Barons Market, 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine
• 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, near movie theater Those 17 and older, weighing at least 114 pounds and in good health, may be eligible to donate blood. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended before donating. Appointments strongly encouraged; photo ID required. Call (800) 469-7322 or visit Sandiegobloodbank.org.
Send items to fyi.east@sduniontribune.com at least two weeks before events.