EL CAJON: A former Helix High School teacher has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor sex-related charges involving a former student when she was 17.

Jeff Wenham, 46, pleaded not guilty two weeks ago to five counts of annoying or molesting a child under the age of 18 and one count of failure to report suspected child abuse, Deputy District Attorney John Philpott said. He has a Sept. 16 hearing in Superior Court in El Cajon.

Wenham resigned in June after he was accused of inappropriate relations with the student, who is now 18 and graduated in June.

Garry Wilcox, who taught geography and coached soccer at the school, pleaded guilty last month to having sex with the same student when she was 17. He was scheduled for sentencing yesterday.

Two other former Helix High teachers were arrested and charged with having sex with students, one in December 2006, the other in October 2007. Both pleaded guilty and were placed on probation.

The school hired an ethics consultant this year to develop a training program to prevent sexual relationships between teachers and students.

Annual YMCA fundraiser set for Rancho San Diego

RANCHO SAN DIEGO: The East County Family YMCA will host its main fundraiser next month. The nonprofit's 15th annual Urban Branding event, is planned for Sept. 27 at the McGrath Family YMCA Sports Complex, 12012 Campo Road, Rancho San Diego. Tickets are $150, and tables of 10 cost $1,500 to $5,000.

The event, which has raised more than $1.4 million for the East County organization, will include gourmet food, beer and wine, live music and dancing. Games, live and silent auctions and a grand-prize drawing also are planned.

The event, which has been held in Deerhorn Valley at the ranch of San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and her husband, Paul Jacob, will be held on the McGrath Y's sports fields.

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Julie Armitage at (619) 464-1323, ext. 8119, or go to eastcounty.ymca.org.