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!
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.
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.
Congratulations to Claire Carpenter, Winner of the Women in Leadership Award!
Congratulations to Claire Carpenter, winner of the Women in Leadership Award (Nonprofit category), sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce! Claire will be honored at the Women in Leadership Luncheon on November 14 at the Doubletree in Mission Valley. The following is more information about the award:
“Women who have made outstanding achievements in the fields of business, healthcare, education/academia, government, non-profit and art/culture/media will be honored. These women must have demonstrated exemplary character & integrity along with outstanding leadership ability.”
Downtown El Cajon is fortunate to have such an esteemed and respected leader in the community. The next time you see Claire, tell her congratulations!
Citi Foundation Grants El Cajon CDC $15,000
 Citi Foundation recently granted the El Cajon CDC Homeownership Program $15,000. This funding will support affordable housing and financial education. With the completion of the Wisconsin Cottages, El Cajon CDC is now focusing on identifying condo conversions and acquisition/rehabs that will result in increased affordable housing stock. El Cajon CDC also looks forward to inviting members of the community to come to classrooms that will be developed in our new office to participate in financial literacy and new homebuyer education. Citi Foundation’s grant will support these efforts of increasing the accessibility of safe and affordable housing in Downtown El Cajon.
We would like to especially thank Gustavo Bidart, Vice President of Citibank, for all of his support of Downtown El Cajon. Thank you!
U.S. Bank Continues their Support
 U.S. Bank has again supported Downtown El Cajon through their recent grant of $7,500, totalling $15,000 over the past two months. Their first $7,500 supported the 4th Annual East County Homeownership Fair and this recent $7,500 will go toward general support of El Cajon CDC. Unrestricted funding allows El Cajon CDC to carry out day to day activities and make sure that Downtown El Cajon is continuing to change and grow. U.S. Bank’s increased investment in the community demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of Downtown El Cajon. We are so proud to call U.S. Bank a continued partner in the revitalization of our community. Thank you, U.S. Bank!
Featured Business of the Month: Glamour Girlz Boutique
By El Cajon CDC Board Member Nancy J. Lewis
 Don’t know what to wear to that special holiday event? Look no further than Glamour Girlz Boutique at 124 East Main Street in Downtown El Cajon. There you’ll find a huge selection of finery and accessories to complete the outfit at discount prices. Owner Peggy Harris has 25+ years of fashion and merchandising experience, and she and partner Marian Charles have assembled an outstanding selection of items for the shop, which opened in November 2006. Harris loves the fashion industry, and having her own shop was always a dream. Glamour Girlz is the realization of that dream. The shop, with its large display windows “is a unique place to walk into,” says Harris. The only women’s clothing store in Downtown El Cajon is a fun, classy, and affordable place to shop. The elegant atmosphere, with mannequins and colorful racks displaying the unique fashions and counters offering jewelry and accessories make shopping there a pleasant experience for women from ages 20 to 90. You might even sit down and chat with Peggy or Marian over a cup of coffee.
Harris likes to describe the shop as “a touch of Rodeo Drive in Downtown El Cajon…but at great prices everyone can afford.” The fashions are discounted, and prices are less than half what you would pay in a high-price boutique. In addition, everything is always on sale. If you don’t see exactly what you want, just ask Peggy, and she’ll find it for you. Glamour Girlz offers a personal shopper service, and can get special items from designers and manufacturers for its clients, and they will soon be adding an on-line shopping option. Besides its personal shopper service, Glamour Girlz also puts on fashion shows for women’s groups and fund-raising organizations. Call Peggy for more information and to book your group’s show.
Glamour Girlz participates in the El Cajon Community Development Corporation’s “First Friday” event each month by holding an evening sale. This month, Peggy and Marian invite you to a party on Friday, December 5 to celebrate their 2nd anniversary as well as the opening of a new Boudoir & Spa Boutique section that will offer unique furnishings for the bedroom. Stop by to browse, enjoy refreshments, and meet new friends. Also, once a month Glamour Girlz hosts a “Lunch Is On Us” event with light lunch, a fashion show, prize drawings, and sales.
When asked what was her favorite thing about Glamour Girlz, Harris replied “Meeting so many wonderful women and having a place where women can get personal attention while shopping and network with each other.” One client even found a new job as a result of chatting with another client.
Visit Glamour Girlz during the month of December and mention this article, and you will receive $10 off your purchase. Offer not valid with any other promotion or sale price.
Glamour Girlz is located at 124 East Main Street, and their hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. To learn more, visit their website, www.iamglamourgirl.com. You may also call them at (619)749-3650 or e-mail them at phsuccess@aol.com.
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!
Having problems in your neighborhood?
Click on the Whose Job Is It? link and find out who to contact for help.
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 their entertainment calendar.
We Believe in a Healthy Downtown - this is how it's accomplished
Cox Business Internet 3x3 Over Cable Modem Makes T-1 Networks a Thing of the Past
 During these trying economic times, small- and medium-sized businesses now have an easier and more cost-effective way of getting commercial Internet speeds without having to use the antiquated T-1 network.
With the new Cox Business Internet 3x3 delivered via cable modem, Cox Business is making T-1 copper data networks a thing of the past and giving businesses commercial-fast data speeds without high costs. Read more...
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