Grossmont Hospital raising funds to build neurosciences center
The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) recently announced it will allocate up to $4 million in matching funds toward the development of the new Sharp Center for Neurosciences at Grossmont Hospital.
The GHD board unanimously approved the expenditure that will be dispersed in $1M increments as the funds are obtained by the Grossmont Hospital Foundation.
The new center will be created by remodeling and expanding the existing rehabilitation center into a multi-department facility which will treat inpatient and outpatient populations suffering from stroke or other brain and spinal conditions.
Once complete, the Center for Neurosciences will provide a total of 50 licensed beds. The new facility will create a full continuum of care for patients requiring these highly specialized services, featuring an inpatient progressive care unit, an inpatient rehabilitation unit, and a new 16-bed neuro-intensive care unit. The design will also include physical therapy and occupational therapy gymnasium areas.
In 2019, the Board of Directors committed a $4M grant toward Sharp Grossmont Hospital achieving designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, elevating care to a higher level for patients who require intensive care and specialized techniques that aren’t always available at most primary stroke centers. The investment served as a first step in supporting development of a center dedicated to brain and spine care at the district hospital.
“Our vision is to create a single center of excellence where patients will be treated from start to finish— in one location — with experts dedicated to neurosurgical, neurological, and complex spine care, as well as movement disorders. At this time, a center of this magnitude does not exist in San Diego, and we are thrilled to be the first.” said Scott Evans, Sharp Grossmont Hospital CEO.
The total cost of the Sharp Center for Neurosciences is $58.2 million. Construction is expected to start in the Fall of 2022, with completion taking place in Spring 2024.
“We are proud to support our community hospital in their building a Center for Neurosciences to serve East San Diego County residents with the highest quality brain and spine care in the region,” said GHD Board President Virginia Hall, RN. “These investments will create a full continuum of care for patients requiring these specialized services.”
Deano’s Pub grand opening
On Saturday, February 5th Deano’s Pub is being welcomed to La Mesa’s business community. This newly renovated bar has been transformed into a friendly neighborhood bar.
Deano’s Pub is located at 5286 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa. In addition to watching a favorite team on the big screen TV’s, listen to live music and enjoy Karaoke during special evenings. Deano’s Pub is the perfect place to join friends and unwind after a busy day. This Grand Opening happens when the bar opens at 6:00 a.m. and continues all day. The “official” ribbon cutting will happen at 4:00 p.m. Deano’s Pub will be offering special happy hour pricing throughout the entire day and evening.
Join the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and meet owners Dean and Erika Velasco, as well as their staff and personally welcome them to the business community. RSVP at rsvp@lamesachamber.com.
Senior living center running pet memorial drive
Waterford Terrace, part of Sunshine Retirement Living, is running a pet memorial in honor of resident corgie Luke who died of aggressive cancer mid-January. Luke was well-loved by everyone at Waterford Terrace and the surrounding neighborhood. His owner Lydia is conducting a drive in his honor. To participate, please drop off pet supplies at Waterford Terrace at 5580 Aztec Drive and they will be donated to foster organizations.
GUHSD Superintendent to retire
Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Superintendent Theresa Kemper announced that she will retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year after 33 years of service to GUHSD.
In an announcement message shared with GUHSD staff, Mrs. Kemper honored the unifying spirit that has kept GUHSD’s “inextinguishable light of hope burning for 101 years.”
“From library tech to locksmith, buyer to bus driver, technology specialist to teacher, everyone who makes our schools work cares deeply about kids and believes in public education’s central role in the betterment of humankind,” said Kemper.
Kemper began her career with GUHSD in 1989 as an English teacher at El Cajon Valley High School. She then served as a District English Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Principal at Granite Hills High School, Principal of Grossmont High School and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services – responsible for all educational programs districtwide – before being named Superintendent in the summer of 2020.
At the time of her selection, the COVID-19 pandemic had yet to show any signs of relenting. In choosing Mrs. Kemper to lead GUHSD’s family of 17 schools and programs, over 3,000 caring staff members, and over 17,000 students, Governing Board President Rob Shield said, “Theresa Kemper (was) the obvious choice to see our District through its most challenging period.”
The GUHSD Governing Board will conduct a nationwide search for the next Superintendent and will seek input from the GUHSD community. The Governing Board hopes to name the next Superintendent in May 2022. Mrs. Kemper’s last day is expected to be June 30, 2022.
Speech scholarship competition
The La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women is holding their annual Speech Trek, speech contest, open to all high school students in grades 9-12. The virtual contest is open to all high schools including public, charter, and private.
Each year a critical topic is selected and students, along with a branch/teacher coach, create, prepare, and present an original, 5- to 6-minute speech. This year’s topic is, “Has the United States lived up to its pledge of ‘liberty and justice for all?’ Would requiring the study of diversity, equity and inclusion in a high school setting help ensure liberty and justice for all?”
This year’s contest will be held via Zoom on February 8, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. All speeches will be videotaped for the State-level competition.
The winning participant’s video will then be sent to the AAUW State competition. Winners at the local level in the La Mesa-El Cajon branch will receive $500 for first place and $250 for the runner-up. The winner at the State level will win $1500, second place will receive $1000, and third place will take home $500.
The state winners will be announced on April 30, 2022, at the annual meeting and their speeches will be available for viewing on the AAUW-CA website www.aauw-ca.org following that meeting.
For more information, email ssutton1950@gmail.com.
