Our Hometown Chula Vista - July 2019 by OurHometownMag

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JULY 2019

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C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA

NUESTRA FRONT ER A

2 0 0 Ye a r s o f B o rd e r H i s t o r y

IN THIS ISSUE 04 BRAVO Announcements

EDITOR'S LETTER When reading this month’s feature story, my ears perked up when I read about the trek through Goat Canyon in 1769 because my husband and I have hiked Goat Canyon. Similarly, I invited my husband to read the South Bay Historical

06 NEWS On your Doorstep

JULY 2019

Society’s article because of his interest in the San Diego & Arizona Railway, which runs through Goat Canyon. We have watched “The Impossible Railroad” documentary on YouTube more than once. This is an astounding, yet tragic, and almost forgotten, piece of Southern California’s past. This month’s feature story highlights Southern

19 FEATURE Nuestra Frontera

California history—200 years of U.S.-Mexico border history. “Nuestra Frontera: Our South Bay Families at the Border” is an exhibit at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center which tells the stories of the people who helped build this region. It highlights their joys, sorrows, challenges, and successes. Events throughout July and August allow visitors to hear about their experiences, so don’t miss the

25 SCHOOL NEWS

opportunity to take your kids or grandkids and keep them learning throughout the summer. Speaking of learning, I’d like to recognize journalism student, Natali Rahimzadeh.

26 CALENDAR Out & About

She wrote the “Rotary at Work Day” submission in last month’s Bravo section. July is full of activities, as you’ll see in the calendar. Check out the corresponding articles, and enjoy Summer! “The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.” -Maya Angelou

—AMBER WEBER, Editor O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 3

BRAVO

/ Great things happening in our community

PUBLISHED BY

MICHAEL MONACO Publisher

AMBER WEBER Editor

MELISSA MONROY Design

› To Bonita Vista High School Senior, SEAN BIANES, and Coronado High School Senior, GABRIELLE BESSETTE for winning the Republican Women of California - Southbay scholarship. Each student wrote compelling essays which answered the prompt, "What Does the U.S. Constitution Mean to Me?" Scholarship Chairperson, Nimpa Akana, was proud to present them with $1,000 and $500 scholarships. › To the 2019 ROTARY CLUB OF CHULA VISTA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS. Ten students each received $1,000 through either the Bill Padelford Scholarship for Academic Excellence or the Joseph Rindone Award for Service. Recipients were Julia Robles and Ariel Valdez (Castle Park High), Evelyn Johnson and Marilyn Zuno (Chula Vista High), Jordan Carpadakis and Isabella Ramos (Hilltop High), Mary Lara and John Amores (Olympian High), and Jessie Lee and Vanessa Sevilla (Otay Ranch High). Many thanks to the scholarship committee members, Bill Padelford, Suzanne Catanzaro, Bob Hoffman, Donna Moss, Carmen Richardson, Carmen Sandoval, Bob Silva, John Miller and Betty Waznis.

ARIANNA PINTADO Contributor

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.OurHometownMag.com. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. OHTM Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. OHTM Inc has the right to refuse advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.

› To SWEETWATER AUTHORITY (AUTHORITY) for receiving the American Water Works Association’s Public Communications Achievement Award at the 2019 Annual Conference & Expo. The prestigious award recognizes excellence and achievement in the field of public affairs among water utilities in North America. The Authority received the award for its strategic and comprehensive outreach campaign surrounding its 2018 five-year rate study titled “Securing Our Water Future.” The campaign was developed and executed at the direction of the Authority’s Board of Directors in an effort to engage customers and stakeholders during the water rate study process. Outreach efforts were extensive, spanning various platforms, media and methods in both English and Spanish, and communicated how the Authority uses water rates to invest in infrastructure and secure water reliability for customers. The campaign was executed by the Authority’s communications

team, with assistance from two consulting firms, Raftelis and SVPR Communications. This is the second award the Authority has received for this campaign. In April, the Authority received the California Association of Public Information Officials EPIC award, recognizing the campaign for excellence in public information and communication. Sweetwater Authority, a joint powers public agency, provides public water service to approximately 190,000 people residing in National City and the South Bay Irrigation District (which includes portions of Chula Vista and most of Bonita).

› To NEW GATEWAY SOLUTIONS AND FEEDING SAN DIEGO, RECIPIENTS OF THE CHULA VISTA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (CVCF)’S 2019 GRANTS. The grants were announced at the Annual CVCF Grants Celebration on May 30 at the home of CVCF members Dr. Marilyn and Steve Norton. According to the U.S. Census, the poverty rate in Chula Vista is 12.3% and many local families are left hungry and homeless every day. The 2019 CVCF grants will help address this challenge by increasing access to vital resources and services for Chula Vista families and youth. Lisa Moctezuma, CVCF Board Chair, stated, “The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation and its members believe in the importance of basic resources and aid for all families and individuals living in Chula Vista, and the 2019 grants double down on our commitment to improving quality of life by

SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS! Email editor@ourhometownmag.com prior to the 15th of the month and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.

Photos (from left to right): Scholarship winners Sean Bianes and Gabrielle Bessette; Recipients of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation 2019 grants; Ron Guitard at the Bike to Work Day event and participants of the Bicycle Scavenger Hunt.

helping those who need it most.” The $30,000 grant to New GateWay Solutions will support its Poverty Alleviation and Homelessness Prevention Program in Chula Vista, which provides residents with the tools needed to become economically self-sufficient. The program delivers important services, such as rental assistance, bus passes and jobseeker training to help individuals who are at risk of homelessness to stay in their homes while seeking stable employment. The $20,000 grant to Feeding San Diego will support the organization’s Chula Vista partner agency program through delivery of produce to distribution sites, as well as pass-through granting to help build the capacity of its partners to accept and store delivered or rescued food. The grant will help Feeding San Diego end hunger in the region and support the health and wellness of the entire community. CVCF is supported by local philanthropists and businesses dedicated to improving the quality of life and meeting emerging needs in Chula Vista. Since its inception, members have granted more than $350,000 to nonprofit organizations working in the community to grow a more vibrant region. To become a member, contact Estela Mitrani at estelam@sdfoundation.org.

› To the CITY OF CHULA VISTA, for earning the SANDAG GO by BIKE mini-grant for the second consecutive year. City staff,

along with colleagues from the San Diego Bicycle Coalition, organized a variety of outreach events throughout Chula Vista during the spring. In the month of March, a group of 18 riders left City Hall and rode along the Bayshore Bikeway to visit several City landmarks in the second annual Bicycle Scavenger Hunt.

May’s cycling events focused on bike commuting, and City staff participated in a safety class in preparation for Bike to Work Day a week before the big day. Bike to Work Day took place on Thursday, May 16, and was a success despite threatening rainstorms, with 88 people stopping by the Living Coast Discovery Center pit stop.

During the successful South Bay Earth Day event in April in downtown Chula Vista, families took to the streets and went on a guided ride from Plaza Bonita Mall to Third Avenue. They were able to securely leave their bicycles at the free bike valet staffed by the City and volunteers from Bike/Walk Chula Vista so they could explore the rest of the booths. At the same event, 22 children sharpened their cycling skills and rode through an obstacle course staffed by the San Diego Bicycle Coalition.

The City is proud of the collaboration with both SANDAG and the San Diego Bicycle Coalition. It is happy to provide outreach that helps the community be more bicycle friendly and educated about safety while riding. City staff plan to apply for the grant again next year and work on new events! Special recognition goes to the star volunteers from Bike/Walk Chula Vista, Matt Lowery and Jasmin Avila.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 5

NEWS

/ On your Doorstep

Respecting Old Glory Supervisor Cox announced flag retirement program on Flag Day

GORDON KOHL

Music

Keyboard Education KEYBOARDS • PIANO • ACCORDION

LESSONS PRIVATE IN-HOME MUSIC LESSONS BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED • CLASSICAL • POP • JAZZ • MUSICIANSHIP • SIGHT READING • HARMONY • THEORY

County Supervisor Greg Cox announced the creation of a regional program to make it easier for residents to properly dispose of their United States flags. “In a couple of weeks, on July 4th, residents throughout San Diego will be proudly flying the U.S. flag in honor of our nation’s birthday,” said Cox on June 14. “And with today being Flag Day, we thought what better day to let people know of this new program that will allow them to dispose of old or tattered flags with the proper respect they deserve.” The County flag retirement program is patterned after one sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that allows people to properly dispose of flags in accordance with the U.S. flag code. Supervisor Cox is President of NACo and wanted to bring the program to San Diego. The boxes will be available in libraries starting July 5. Under the program, flag retirement boxes will be placed at both county, city and participating libraries throughout the region. “County Supervisor Greg Cox’s Flag Retirement Box program will give San Diegans the opportunity to retire their American flags with the dignity and respect they deserve. The American flag is a symbol of our freedom, and it is wonderful that all City of San Diego libraries will be participating in this program,” stated Councilmember Chris Cate.

CAREER PIANO & ACCORDION TEACHER

Gordon Kohl

619-395-0454

Residents can simply visit a library and put their flags in a box. The boxes will be collected regularly by local Boy Scout troops and delivered to American Legion posts and Us4Warriors, a nonprofit group that helps veterans. American Legion posts and Us4Warriors will then conduct flag retirement ceremonies. The program is free and in partnership with the Us4Warriors Foundation, the American Legion and the Boy Scouts of America, San Diego-Imperial Council. For more information on the initiative, visit www. NACo.org/Connecting or call 1 (888) 444-1415, ext. 4.

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On your Doorstep

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 7

On your Doorstep

Luna Grill Coming to Chula Vistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Millenia Development Second Eastlake location to feature new interior style, menu updates

Chula Vista is getting a second outpost of Mediterranean favorite Luna Grill later this year. The 2,100-square-foot Eastlake Millenia restaurant will include a 500-squarefoot patio and showcase the latest iteration of the company's interior style, called "Luna Asteria," a blend of light and airy elements with gold, silver and blue details, designed to create a transparent, interactive and positive environment for guests and team members. A cross between a fast-casual and full-service sitdown restaurant, the new design also incorporates designated pick-up and to-go order areas to

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better facilitate online ordering and third-party delivery services. The newest Luna Grill will also feature the company's latest menu variations, including the new Modern Greek Salad which includes organic greens, feta cheese, Greek olives, sliced pepperoncini, tomato, cucumber, house pickled red onions and crunchy chickpeas topped with a house vinaigrette. Luna Grill's first Chula Vista location, located at 2275 Otay Lakes Road, was recently refreshed as well with new furnishings, flooring, paint and

On your Doorstep

Luna Grill is a pioneer of the "luxe casual" movement, providing fast, wholesome food that the whole family can enjoy.

dĂŠcor elements with a special Eastlake community message. Scheduled to open later this fall, the new Luna Grill Eastlake Millenia will be located at 2030 Birch Road, Suite 101 in Chula Vista. Luna Grill is a pioneer of the "luxe casual" movement, providing fast, wholesome food that the whole family can enjoy. Founded in 2004, Luna Grill offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine such as signature kabob plates, gourmet salads, appetizers including hummus and falafel, wraps, desserts, craft beer and wine in a contemporary setting. The concept has now grown to 50 locations in Southern California, Inland Empire and the Dallas Fort Worth area.

About Luna Grill: Founded in 2004, Luna Grill is a nationally recognized mark of excellence for foodservice establishments committed to nutrition and sustainability. Ranked number 30 in Restaurant Business' "The Future 50" fastest-growing small chains in the United States and named "Number 5 Fast Casual Concept" at Fast Casual's 2017 Movers and Shakers Awards, Luna Grill is pioneering the food industry with its commitment to wholesome food and environmentally friendly initiatives. Learn more and view the menu at www.LunaGrill.com. Follow on social at @lunagrill.

Vacancies on Boards and Commissions The City of Chula Vista has vacancies on three boards and commissions. Applicants must be registered to vote in the City of Chula Vista. The following boards and commissions have one vacancy available: Safety Commission, Human Relations Commission and the Commission on Aging. Please visit www.chulavistaca. gov/departments/city-clerk/ boards-commissions for more information and to apply.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 9

On your Doorstep

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On your Doorstep

Village Walk’s Free Summer Sundays Concerts and Activities Continue in July

The free Summer Sundays event at Village Walk continues for three Sundays in July and includes a different band and car club each week, displays from Village Walk businesses with samples and giveaways, and a free craft activity for children along with face painting and balloon sculptures. On July 7, attendees will be treated to the music of Steal Dawn. This top 40 rock and roll dance cover band has over 26 years of experience performing a great mix of music from rock and roll, alternative, country, disco, reggae and hip hop from bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Bruno Mars, Usher, Maroon 5, Muse, Def Leppard, Train, Hall & Oates, Ed Sheeran, Usher, KC and the Sunshine Band and more! Pick-Ups Limited will display their vehicles, and children will be invited to decorate dinosaur ceramic banks. Graceland, featuring Todd Torres, will take the stage on Sunday, July 14. This popular San Diegobased Elvis Presley show band features a group of musicians and performers dedicated to paying tribute to the music and memory of Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll.” For this throw-back performance, both the Model A Restorer’s Club and the San Diego Antique

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Motorcycle Club will have their vehicles on display, and the featured children’s craft activity will be a bird house planter stake. The last show for this year’s Summer Sundays event takes place on Sunday, July 21 and includes a performance by Joe Rathburn's ISLAND. This musical group specializes in a style known as tropical rock, and the band’s repertoire consists of Caribbean twists on the music of Paul Simon, James Taylor, the Beatles, Cat Stevens, Marvin Gaye, the Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Van Morrison, Buddy Holly, Louis Armstrong and many others. The ISLAND's sound is familiar, fresh and popular with audiences of all ages. The San Diego Jaguar Club will be on hand to display their cars, and children will have fun decorating a canvas door banner. Village Walk’s coupon booklets will be given out at each performance and can be used at many of Village Walk’s 30 shops, services, restaurants and eateries. Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Yummy Spoon, Amazing Lash, Eyeglass World and more will provide displays and samples during Summer Sundays. Photos (from top to bottom): Graceland pays tribute to the music and memory of Elvis Presley, the craft activity table and balloon sculptures for the kids.

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 11

On your Doorstep

Annual ‘Dog-Gone Good Fun’ Returns to Otay Ranch Town Center Farmer’s Market A fun afternoon of everything canine

The fourth annual afternoon of "Dog-Gone Good Fun" will return to Otay Ranch Town Center on Tuesday, July 30. Scheduled during the center's regular weekly Farmer's Market, residents can have some fun with their favorite, four-legged friend. Joining the lineup of the market's regular selection of certified farm stands, unique street foods and handicraft items will be an afternoon of fun activities for the whole family, including the canine members.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on July 30, visitors can enjoy:  Doggie treats (while supplies last)  Doggie "Summer Costume Contest" at the Popper Fountain (center court) at 6 p.m. with prizes from Otay Pet Vets Premier Veterinary Hospital (located in the mall). Dress your pooch in his or her favorite summertime getup!  Complimentary canine fitness/weight evaluation from Dr. Kevin Anderson, DVM, MPH, DACVPM of Otay Pet Vets Premier Veterinary Hospital. Get a recommendation on how to get your furry friend in tip-top summertime shape!  Dog training tips and demonstrations from Golden State Service Dogs  Free giveaways and prizes from various Otay Ranch Town Center merchants  Free crafts for kids and more!

One of San Diego County's most dog-friendly destinations, Otay Ranch Town Center offers complimentary water stations, a 10,000 square foot dog park, dog-friendly restaurant patios and the convenience of being able to stop at the newly expanded Otay Pet Vets Premier Veterinary Hospital right on the property for a checkup. About Otay Ranch Town Center: With nearly 100 of the country's top specialty stores, Otay Ranch Town Center is one of San Diego's most exciting outdoor shopping and entertainment destinations. It is conveniently located at 2015 Birch Road, 4 ½ miles east of the I-805 or just off the South Bay Expressway SR-125 in Chula Vista at Eastlake Parkway and Olympic Parkway. Otay Ranch Town Center is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about Otay Ranch Town Center, call (619) 656-9100 or visit www.otayranchtowncenter.com. 1 2 OUR HOME TOWN / JU LY 2 0 1 9

On your Doorstep

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 13

On your Doorstep

Taking Uber or Lyft? Remember These Safety Tips

EL E M

STA VI

RY TA

By District Attorney Summer Stephan

Each Child is an Individual of Great Worth

CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

L DIST R

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and you, the community. One way I have been doing that is through this column, where I provide consumer tips on public safety matters. This month I want to remind readers about staying safe when using Uber, Lyft or any app that connects you with strangers. We all enjoy the way technology has opened the world to us and provided life-changing conveniences. But, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security just because something is popular.

“

Do not allow minors to ride

Year-Round students return to school on

July 22

Uber and

Students attending Sunnyside Elementary return to school on

September 3

1 4 OUR HOME TOWN / JU LY 2 0 1 9

Lyft require passengers to be at least 18.

”

Scan QR code to view school calendars

www.cvesd.org

alone. Both

@CVESDNews

There are bad actors in every line of business who do not make up the majority, but whose behavior tarnishes the reputation of the industry. The same goes for Uber or Lyft. On one end of the spectrum, riders may end up with a rude driver. But on the extreme end, the ride could end in sexual assault, robbery, or worse: death.

A case of mistaken identity can turn into a huge risk when inadvertently getting into a vehicle you think is an Uber or Lyft, but is actually a predator. A dramatic and gutwrenching example of this occurred recently when a South Carolina college student was stabbed to death after accidentally getting into a car she thought was an Uber.

On your Doorstep

Personal safety begins with awareness. Criminals look for the easiest target, so don't make it easy on them.

Before you hop into that car, remember these tips:

• Make sure you are getting into the right car.

Check the license plate, make and model of the car, which the Uber and Lyft app provide after booking the ride.

• Ask the driver to confirm your name

before getting in the car so you know you are getting in the right car. Also, ask the driver for his or her name to confirm it is the same as the name displayed in the app.

• If possible, stay inside until your driver

arrives. Waiting outside with your phone in your hand could signal to fake Uber or Lyft drivers that you are a target.

• Ride in the back seat, especially when riding alone. This gives you better access to a safe exit and provides personal space between you and the driver.

• Use the ‘share trip status’ in Uber or the

‘send ETA’ feature in Lyft to let others know your location and to share your driver’s information with a friend or loved one.

• Trust your instincts. If you feel that you’re

in danger, you can call 911 from the Uber or Lyft apps.

• Parents should remember that even when

using ride sharing services, children who are of car seat age must safely be secured in an age-appropriate seat.

• Do not allow minors to ride alone. Both Uber and Lyft require passengers to be at least 18.

Personal safety begins with awareness. Criminals look for the easiest target, so don't make it easy on them. District Attorney Summer Stephan has dedicated nearly 30 years to serving justice and victims of crime as prosecutor. She is a national leader in fighting sex crimes and human trafficking, and in creating smart and fair criminal justice solutions and restorative justice practices that treat the underlying causes of addiction and mental illness and that keep young people from being incarcerated.

THE SOUTH BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS:

THE SAN DIEGO & ARIZONA RAILWAY CENTENNIAL

Celebrate the centennial of the San Diego & Arizona (SD&A) Railway. The year 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of John D. Spreckels driving the Golden Spike to mark the completion of his railroad project – the last transcontinental railroad built in the United States. SD&A was a cross-border railroad which ran from downtown San Diego through Tijuana, to Tecate, then back into the U.S. near Campo, and finally on to the Imperial Valley by way of the treacherous but beautiful Carrizo Gorge. The line was dubbed "The Impossible Railroad" because it took over 12 years to build, and it was always a highmaintenance line that was expensive to operate. Nonetheless, SD&A gave San Diego its first-ever direct connection to the East. For several decades both passengers and freight moved freely to and from Mexico and many destinations to the East without having to go through the Los Angeles area.

Southwest Railway Museum Centennial Committee and will be directly involved in many activities this year leading up to the celebration of the San Diego & Arizona Railway's 100th anniversary in November. To learn more about the South Bay Historical Society, visit southbayhistoricalsociety.org.

Join the South Bay Historical Society at 11 a.m. on July 13 when Jim Price of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum will present a slide show about the history of SD&A at the Chula Vista Public Library. The event is free to the public. On that same day, the Chula Vista Live Steamers will offer train rides in Rohr Park in Bonita for those who wish to make a “Railroad Day” of it! James (Jim) N. Price is a second generation Californian who spent his professional career working as an electronics engineer at the Navy research and development laboratory in Pt. Loma, presently called SPAWAR Systems Center. His interest in western history is an almost lifelong passion which trended toward the old mining towns of the West, and then to the railroads that served them. Some years ago, he authored the article "San Diego County Train Stations: Then and Now," and more recently has published Discovering the Ghost Railroads of Central Nevada." Jim is a member of the Pacific O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 15

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On your Doorstep

Real Estate Update: Credit Scores and Home Loans Courtesy of Minnie Rzeslawski, ReMax 24k

Your credit history is a track record of how well you use and pay back your credit. Good credit makes it easier to get loans at good rates while bad credit has the opposite effect. Your credit scores and credit reports are the primary information that lenders use to determine whether you’re a good or bad risk for a mortgage. Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) scoring is used by lenders when evaluating credit applications. Base FICO scores range between 300 and 850. Assessing your creditworthiness also gives lenders an idea of the amount they can safely loan you with the confidence For first-time that you can pay it back and make payments on time. home buyers

and those looking for a second home, getting a traditional home loan with bad credit or a

For first-time home buyers and those looking for a second home, getting a traditional home loan with bad credit or a poor credit score can be difficult. But it’s not impossible.

Administration (FHA) loans or VA loans. To get an FHA mortgage with the lowest down payment requirement (3.5%), you’ll need credit scores of 580 or better. So what should you do if you need to apply for a loan with bad credit? If one of those programs isn’t an option, take some time to improve your credit by paying debts on time before you apply for a loan. While you may be approved for a mortgage loan with a credit score between 620 and 680, such a score will affect your loan program and pricing. It will also result in your paying a higher interest rate.

Minnie Rzeslawski, a realtor at RE/ MAX 24K, recommends working on your score first. “It’s worth it to improve your score first if you can,” Minnie says. “It’s advised that you consult with a lender or your financial planner before putting down your payments, as different payments have a different effect on your FICO score.” Paying down one repayment may not positively affect your credit as would paying down another. So it's best to seek out professional advice. If you are interested in more information or would like to discuss your plans to purchase a home, consider contacting REMAX24K today at (619) 702-2400.

Here’s how FICO defines the credit ranges based on FICO® Score 8:

poor credit score can be difficult. But it’s not impossible.

Poor: 580 and lower Fair: 580-669 Good: 670–739 Very good: 740–799 Exceptional: 800+

People can have bad credit or poor FICO scores for many different reasons. For example, if you miss payments, max out your credit cards or have derogatory marks on your credit reports, such as a bankruptcy or a foreclosure, your credit scores could drop. Different lenders have different score requirements for various types of financial products. If your score is lower than 620, it’s unlikely you’ll receive approval for a traditional home loan, also known as a conventional fixed-rate mortgage. However, you may be able to apply for other programs, such as the Federal Housing O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 17

On your Doorstep

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Two Hundred Years of

BORDER H I STO RY The U.S.-Mexico border often conjures up images of foreboding, sometimes even mythical ideas of “the end of the earth” and “no-man's land.” Many say it's not a destination meant to be visited, but simply a place to be driven through quickly. In truth, the San Diego-Tijuana border has

"frontera" culture that dates back at least to the 1700s.

by Barbara Zaragosa

a rich history as well as a

O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 19

200 YEARS OF BORDER HISTORY

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C A P TA I N G A S PA R D E PORTOL A trekked through Goat Canyon in 1769. He took with him a party of men whose ethnic backgrounds included Amerindian, AfroLatino, Jewish, Mestizo and Spanish. These men spent many decades exploring the region of Alta (Upper) California under the Spanish colonial crown. When Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821, some of these families were granted vast acres of land. They also achieved prominence by holding high political positions and becoming cattle ranchers; the hide trade was particularly lucrative. However, after the Mexican-American War, many of these same families lost their political influence and, more devastatingly, their lands. A large number of descendants from these old families still live at the San Diego-Tijuana border region today.

A large number of descendants from these old families still live at the San Diego-Tijuana border region today.

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By the late 1800s, the rise of railroad barons as well as large mining and agricultural operations throughout the Southwest called for a large (and cheap) labor force. Intense recruitment began, in particular with companies enticing Mexican men and their families to come to the United States for work. With the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, the “Great Migration” intensified, with people of Spanish-speaking descent coming to lay railroad tracks, work the mines and then follow the crops until many settled at nuestra frontera–the San DiegoTijuana border region. These families went on to become farmers when this region was mostly agricultural. They also served in the United States armed forces. Later still, they participated in the United Farm Workers strikes of the 1970s, and their children became Chicanos who fought for civil rights.

200 YEARS OF BORDER HISTORY

Nuestra Fro n tera is an exhibit based on more than 50 oral interviews, 1,000 archival photographs, census and genealogy records. The exhibit displays large portraits of prominent border residents and retells their dramatic stories, such as that of Claudio Gonzales, whose ancestors explored Alta California during the 1700s. By the early 1900s, Claudio bought land in the Otay Valley and became a successful farmer. Alejandro Villalvazo's family escaped the horrors of the Mexican Revolution and by the 1950s built a successful business constructing gas lines throughout Tijuana.

Visitors can watch videos of locals describing how their family experienced the repatriations of the 1930s, the bracero program of the 1940s and then the subsequent Chicano Movement when la frontera became the epicenter of protests demanding rights for farm workers, for bilingual education and for immigrants. The exhibit also details the history of the actual San Diego-Tijuana border wall through photographs that date back to the 1800s.

Members of the Estudillo family with curator Barbara Zaragoza

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O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 21

200 YEARS OF BORDER HISTORY

Several exhibition activities will take place in July and August:

FAMILY DAY on July 6

fro m 12 - 2 p. m . This is a free event with curator Barbara Zaragoza, a book signing, and family picture at 1 p.m.

EXHIBITION TOUR on July 20 at 11 a.m . Walk through the museum with curator Barbara Zaragoza.

TORTILLA MAKING on July 27 from

11 a .m. - 12: 3 0 p .m . All ages are welcome to join the Kitchenistas and Katie Stokes, editor of Edible San Diego for tortilla making, conversation, and exploration of regional foods and people.

FILM SCREENING AND BOOK SIGNING on August 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Join professors and authors Alberto López Pulido and Rigoberto "Rigo" Reyes and follow the history and birth of lowrider culture to the present day in South Bay San Diego.

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“SALOONS, BROTHELS AND OPIUM DENS: LIFE AT LA FRONTERA DURING PROHIBITION.” o n A u g us t 1 0 a t 2 p.m. You'll hear about the Border Barons who started the "vice industry" in Tijuana and at the same time donated to churches in the South Bay. You'll find out that the famed horses Trigger and Seabiscuit were boarded in the South Bay and raced in Tijuana. You'll also learn that the 1920s is when our sewage problem at the border began, the foreshadowing of maquiladoras came to be, and much more. Fun, laughter and some serious topics are explored during this slideshow with original archival photos. A discussion and beer tasting will follow.

Rather than pass through our border quickly, the “Nuestra Frontera: Our South Bay Families at the Border” exhibit invites visitors stay a while, take a deep delve and learn about our rich border culture. To enjoy some of the archival photos online, go to Fronterizos – Chula Vista Heritage Museum.

The Bonita Museum and Cultural Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. It is located at 4355 Bonita Road in Bonita. Visit www.bonitahisotircalsociety.org or call (619) 267-5141 for more information.

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On your Doorstep

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SCHOOL CVESD Coastal Education Program Recieves STEM Grant from Toshiba America Foundation

With the support of a $1,000 STEM grant from the Toshiba America Foundation (TAF), District students who participated in the Coastal Education Program at the Living Coast Discovery Center this school year were able to increase their knowledge of science and the environment.

The Coastal Education Program serves over 7,000 transitional kindergarten through grade 8 students from CVESD each year. The overall goal of this program is to create knowledgeable, caring stewards of the environment who will learn how to improve the health of the San Diego Bay and the surrounding watershed while increasing their science content knowledge. The TAF funding provided a Flex camera and new microscopes for these students to use when they participated in a standards-based lesson. The Flex camera helped teachers set the students up for success. It provided the opportunity to show the type of details they should be seeing with their microscopes so they can accurately identify plant or animal structures and adaptations. Students who attended a Coastal Education Program this year have shown a 21% increase in their environmental and science content knowledge after participating in a lesson, according to program staff.

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“The hands-on, innovative learning opportunities this program provides reflect a proven approach to student engagement and achievement,” said CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “The support of Toshiba America Foundation helped make a difference in the scientific exploration of thousands of our students.” Toshiba America Foundation’s grants fund projects designed by individual classroom teachers. This “direct-to-teacher” approach brings immediate results. Teachers are able to change the way they teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and inquirybased approaches to the curriculum. TAF believes that STEM is a lot more fun than just reading a textbook. TAF grants provide teachers with the tools they need to be more effective educators. The grants make the classroom a more exciting place for both teachers and students.

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OUT & ABOUT

JULY

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—— NUESTRA FRONTERA: OUR SOUTH BAY FAMILIES @ Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Road in Bonita. Enjoy a walk through 250 years of San Diego history. bonitahistoricalsociety.org. 06 FAMILY DAY @ 12 – 2 p.m. Free (family picture at 1 p.m.) Includes book signing with curator Zaragoza. 20 EXHIBITION TOUR @ 11 a.m. with curator Zaragoza. 27 TORTILLA MAKING @ 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. with the Kitchenistas and Katie Stokes. Registration required. Tickets are $20 for general admission or $15 for members. —— MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE PARKS The Empower Hour invites you to a free evening at the park. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. chulavistaca.gov/rec. 06 THE GREATEST SHOWMAN @ Salt Creek Recreation Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. Rated PG. 13 WIZARD OF OZ @ Heritage Park, 1381 E. Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Rated G. 20 GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY @ Veterans Park, 785 East Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Rated PG-13. 27 BLACK PANTHER @ Montevalle Park, 840 Duncan Ranch Road in Chula Vista. Rated PG-13. —— MUSIC IN THE PARK @ 5 – 8 p.m. @ Memorial Bowl, 373 Park Way in Chula Vista. 07 BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Listen to bands of all genres and enjoy familyfriendly activities and food. 14 MARKET IN THE PARK: Enjoy local artisans and food with performances by Downtown Juan and Manny Cepeda.

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 —— SUMMER SUNDAYS @ 5 – 7 p.m. at Village Walk, on Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive in Eastlake. Hot bands, cool cars, and family fun… all free! Free merchant food samples and giveaways. 7 Performance by Steal Dawn, with Pick-Ups Limited Car Club and dinosaur ceramic bank craft. 14 Performance by Graceland featuring Todd Torres, with Model A Restorer’s Club of San Diego, San Diego Antique Motorcycle Club and bird house planter craft. 21 Performance by Joe Rathburn’s ISLAND, with San Diego Jaguar Club and a canvas door banner craft. —— FILM FORUM @ 6 p.m. @ Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. Presented by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library. 10 “OH LUCY!” (2017. 95 minutes. Rated PG-13.) 24 CLASSIC FILM DISCUSSION SERIES “1984” (1956. 90 minutes. Not Rated.)

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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

BUILD A (DERBY) CAR CLINIC @ 9 – 10 a.m. @ South Bay Family YMCA Goodrich Teen Center, 820 Paseo Ranchero in Chula Vista. Look at finished cars and get assistance with design, parts and rules, or bring a car to sell or swap. Registration is open now! www. orangecratederby.com. HISTORY OF THE SAN DIEGO & ARIZONA RAILWAY @ 11 a.m. @ Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. Jim Price of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum will present a slide show about the railway history. Free.

PLANET PARTY @ 5 – 7 p.m. @ Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. Families are invited to participate in STEAM activities, family games, story time and more as we explore the universe and celebrate the end of summer!

EASTLAKE FAMILY FUN DAY @ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Luna Grill in Eastlake Town Center, 2275 Otay Lakes Road, Ste. 199 in Chula Vista. Free Dip Trio taster, raffle prizes, face painting, balloon animals and more. Please call (619) 656-5862 for details.

from the OHTM team

CHAMBER MIXER @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hosted by St. Paul’s Plaza, 1420 East Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Mix, mingle and meet future business partners. $10 for members and $20 for non-members. For more info, visit chulavistachamber.org.

SHABBAT SERVICES @ Temple Beth Shalom of Chula Vista, 208 Madrona Street. Shabbat dinner starts at 6:15 p.m. and services will follow at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Arlene at (858) 344-5632. Additionally, every Saturday there is a Torah study from 10-10:45 a.m., Shabbat services and a luncheon.

EVENING WITH HEROES @ 4 – 8 p.m. @ Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway in Chula Vista. Enjoy an evening of interactive experiences with CVPD officers, dynamic demonstrations by SWAT and K9s, and a luau dinner. Limited tickets available. Purchase at www. chulavistapolicefoundation.org.

DOG GONE GOOD FUN @ 5 – 7 p.m. at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road in Chula Vista. Bring your dog dressed for the costume contest, grab some doggie treats and enjoy complimentary canine fitness/ weight evaluations. Don’t miss the giveaways, story times and crafts for kids!

SAVE THE DATE 08/02-04: FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE @ Chula Vista Civic Center Library, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. Purchase books (priced from ten cents to one dollar) and miscellaneous materials and support your library. Visit on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. 08/04: LEMON FESTIVAL @ 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Third Avenue Village in Chula Vista. Sport your brightest yellow outfit and enjoy lemoninfused treats, kid centric activities, live bands, and more. For more info, visit thirdavenuevillage.com. Free.

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200 YEARS OF BORDER HISTORY

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