We are continuing our Veterans Day tradition of recognizing County employees who have served in the armed forces. Thanks to those veterans who chose to share their stories and thank you to all veterans for your service. We are building on the submissions we've had the last few years.
Read MoreConquer what is arguably the toughest trail in the county this Veterans Day weekend. Trek up El Cajon Mountain in El Capitan County Preserve during the Warrior Hike Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 9.
County Parks’ Warrior Hike Challenge launched in 2015 as a way to celebrate the athleticism and mental stamina shown by members of the armed services and that’s required to climb El Cap. It now takes place twice a year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.
There are several levels to this “warrior” journey. Participants can choose their own adventure, navigating the length of trail that matches their individual interest and ability.
Boot Camp
Trail Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Recon
Trail Difficulty Rating: Moderate-Difficult
Distance: 6+ miles
Warrior
Trail Difficulty Rating: Difficult
Distance: 11+ miles
The event is free and open to all ages and dogs on leash. Parks and Recreation encourages all guests to consider the demands of the challenge, which include the trail’s steep inclines and lack of shade when selecting their hiking buddies.
Attendees should bring ample water (1+ gallons for Warriors), and wear sturdy hiking boots. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a walking stick or poles are also recommended.
Healthy refreshments are available at “celebration stations” at the staging area at the base of the preserve, and the 1-mile and 3-mile turnaround points.
The Warrior Hike Challenge officially starts at 7 a.m. and staff will be onsite until 4 p.m. to answer questions and provide support.
El Capitan is located at 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road in Lakeside. The parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and Blue Sky Ranch Road. Overflow parking is at Oakoasis County Preserve across the street and along Wildcat Cayon Road. RSVPs are not required.
Learn about volunteering for the 2024 Warrior Hike Challenge.
Congratulations to the 2024 County Employees Costume Contest winners. More than 1,200 employees voted in the poll to select the winners.
This year we had four categories and four winners:
Scariest: Leandra King, Self-Sufficiency Services
Most Creative: Sherry Brideau, Public works
Best Makeup/Face Paint: Nined Penuelas, Self-Sufficiency Services
Best Group: Armida Nieblas, Maria Ugarte, Deere Garcia, Paula Cuevas, Mike Schmidt, Ubaldo Chavez, Shantal Diaz, Bianca Graciano, Jacqueline Gopez, Paola Jimenez, & Leticia Ramos from Self-Sufficiency Services – Hospital and Community Support Services
Michele Light, the County’s Debt Finance Manager, was recently named an Issuer Ambassador at the 28th Women in Public Finance (WPF) Annual Conference held in San Diego this year.
WPF is a national, professional organization that supports and advances the careers of women in public finance by fostering relationships and networking and providing educational and learning activities and forums. The 2024 Issuer Ambassador Program included 14 chapters and 19 ambassadors nationwide.
As a member of the San Diego Chapter for the past several years, to include serving as the President for two years, Light was nominated and selected for her dedication to the San Diego Chapter and experience in debt finance in the San Diego region.
When asked, ‘what does this honor mean to you?’ “I was humbled to have been nominated by my peers in the finance industry and was thrilled when I was selected to serve as an Issuer Ambassador. I remember attending my first annual conference held in Los Angeles several years ago and how motivated, encouraged and supported I felt when the conference ended. WPF reminds us how important we are to the field of finance and to each other in our career journeys,” said Light.
Light joined the County 23 years ago and has served as a manager in several departments that include the Sheriff, Auditor and Controller, San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA), and currently serves as the Debt Finance Manager in the Office of Financial Planning.
