C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA
FREE
NOVEMBER 2019
"We're Americans with a different way of life, a life that
we're proud of."
E D U C AT I O N A D V O C AT E : C R Y S TA L P R I D M O R E
IN THIS ISSUE 04
BRAVO Announcements
06
NEWS On your Doorstep
14
FEATURE Prisoners of War
21
ON TOPIC Supporting and Celebrating our Veterans
22
SCHOOL NEWS 25
CALENDAR Out & About
26
EDUCATION
ADVOCATE
Crystal Pridmore
EDITOR'S LETTER One of my friends, a high school teacher, posted the following on Facebook this fall: “This is the first year where all my students were born post 9/11.” The attack on September 11, 2001 is a vivid memory for me. Yet an entire generation is growing up without an understanding of the panic and fear that Americans experienced on that horrible day...and even more importantly, without a memory of the unity that occurred across the country.
NOVEMBER 2019
Will these new generations honor veterans and keep the memories of the past alive? War can, after all, bring out the very worst—and the best—in others. I believe the answer depends on how well we, ourselves, remember and honor the past, and how well we share it with others. On September 11, 2019 I met Henry “Jim” Bedinger, a POW during the Vietnam War. He shared memories of that painful experience with me, but he also laughed, repeatedly. I could even describe him as jolly. This month’s issue is full of pain and may trigger a tear or two. But it is one of my favorite issues because the stories of the men—four of them, all POWs—are not stories of defeat, but of hope. Read and share, with your friends and your family, to honor our veterans and to remember their sacrifice. “Sometimes you never realize what you have until you have to live without it. America is a land of hope. It’s not just a land. It’s not just a people. It’s the idea that tomorrow will be better and we can make it so.” —Jim Bedinger
—AMBER WEBER, Editor
The cover shows Lou Berger (one of Tom's liberators of the First Cavalry), Tom Crosby and Chief Joe Pisano. Joe is the artist and made the piece with 4,000 screws depicting a child POW and his liberator. Tom and Lou were the inspiration for the child POW and liberator.
O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 3
BRAVO
/ Great things happening in our community
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.
PUBLISHED BY
MICHAEL MONACO Publisher
AMBER WEBER Editor
MELISSA MONROY Design
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 the EASTLAKE EDUCATION FOUNDATION for its successful Technology & Innovation Fair and EastLake Cycle & 5K Run held on Oct. 19. The events inspired kids and provided an opportunity for schools to raise money for technology and innovation programs. Many thanks to the community representatives who engaged students around STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning. San Diego Futures Foundation--an event partner--hosted an onsite career assessment called RIASEC. Kids were able to answer questions to learn about careers that might be a good fit for them. The world-renowned Salk Institute taught kids about capturing CO2 to prevent air pollution. Thirty innovation educators engaged students in future careers. Other innovation providers included the Fleet Science Center, League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers, Forward Slope, Border Patrol, Police Drone Team, American Heart Association, San Diego County Parks and Recreation, North Island Credit Union, Hour of Code, NDIA, Middle School Solar Cars, TitanBots, Sylvan Learning Center, Robothink, South Bay Pumpkin Smash: Game of Throws, Code Ninjas, Science Delivered!, YMCA, San Diego County Credit Union, Hands on Technology, San Diego Media Arts, and Smart Mind Robotics. Additionally, the San Diego Bike Club hosted a bike safety rodeo and free helmet giveaway. Over 100 kids received free helmets. The EastLake Cycle & 5K Run celebrated its 25th year! Participants chose from the 5K run/walk, the 18-mile Mountain Bike Ride and the 25-mile Marty Garcia Road Ride. San Diego Bike Club, 619 Barkada, and Bonita Bikes hosted the cycling events. Congratulations to Olympic View Elementary School, which had the most participants. Any school interested in signing up in 2020 should contact Janet Francis at janethfrancis@eefkids.org.
› To MAYOR MARY CASILLAS SALAS for being awarded the 2019 Distinguished Citizen Award by the San DiegoImperial Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The award ceremony took place on September 26 at The Venue in Eastlake and was attended by many community leaders and supporters. The ceremony
included a presentation of the flags by color guard from Troop 800, followed by an invocation from Rabbi Mendy Begun. Introductions and comments were given by Dick Thorn, President of San DiegoImperial Council BSA; William Hall, President of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce; and San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox. › To the CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT (CVPD) AND CHULA VISTA POLICE FOUNDATION (CVPF) for giving away new shoes and socks to approximately 300 local students. The 9th annual School Resource Officer Shoe and Sock Giveaway event was held on Sept. 21. School resource officers worked closely with school principals, school nurses and South Bay Community Services counselors to identify boys and girls under 18 years of age who live, go to school or attend counseling services in Chula Vista. In addition to shoes and socks being provided, backpacks were donated by Debbie Escobedo, CVPF Chairwoman and President & CEO of Balboa Thrift and Loan. She graciously donated backpacks for past events, and her ongoing contribution is appreciated. CVPF Board Director, Hoss Said, also donated backpacks along with dental kits from Children's Primary Dental Group. Angie Lasagna, VP Community Relations and External Affairs at Mission Federal Credit Union, presented a generous $1,500 check to the Foundation. The Foundation is grateful for the continued support and contributions made by Mission Fed, which has been a dedicated community partner. Special thanks also go to community member Jean Martinez, who donated $2,000 for the Shoe and Sock Giveaway. Ms. Martinez contributes annually to this event, and the Police Foundation appreciates her ongoing support.
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NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Challenges Proposed Power Bill
Californians deserve a choice when it comes to the appliances and energy they use, especially when there are natural gas options that are also in line with the state's clean energy and climate goals. A balanced energy approach preserves that fundamental right to choose, minimizes costs and strengthens California's economy. Over 80 percent of homes and businesses in California use natural gas, as it is the preferred source for cooking and space and water heating, and there is no law preventing customers from electrifying their homes or businesses if they so choose. In the San Diego region, more than 800,000 homes and businesses count on natural gas for heating, cooking and industrial processes.
COST IMPLICATIONS
The Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) believes that the state mandate to remove affordable natural gas from homes and businesses entirely, is misguided. The cost of living in California is among the highest in the nation. Eliminating natural gas from homes and businesses could significantly raise everyone's energy bill, further compounding their financial burden. Electricity costs more than natural gas. With electrification, a customer's electricity usage will increase, and the costs associated with switching out gas appliances for electric ones and upgrading electrical panels where required will compound the financial impact. There would also be a financial impact to businesses if they are required to switch from natural gas to electricity. Those costs would likely be passed on to consumers, further compounding the financial burden of such a policy.
RESILIENCY
When power disruptions occur due to natural disasters or other outages, natural gas can supply reliable backup power for longer durations, either as part of a microgrid system or a generator, than renewable generation and energy storage 6 OUR H OME TOWN / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 9
On your Doorstep
The cost of living in California is among the highest in the nation. Eliminating natural gas from homes and businesses could significantly raise everyone's energy bill, further compounding their financial burden.
alone. Having a diverse energy supply that includes natural gas gives cities the ability to recover more quickly from disasters, increasing their resiliency. Doing away with gas in those segments will reduce system use overall, making the system less reliable and potentially unavailable to support resiliency and recovery during natural disasters, wildfires and other emergencies. Natural gas is a foundational resource for baseload electric generation and enables renewable electricity in today's system— it kicks in to ensure a continuous power supply when renewable sources go
down. After all, renewable electricity is not always available when people need it. For example, the sun doesn't always shine, and the wind doesn't always blow. Natural gas allows for the largescale integration of renewable resources and gives us a continuous, reliable power supply to avoid blackouts.
REDUCTION IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Renewable natural gas can give us a way to meet our climate change goals for less money and with less disruption. Renewable natural gas allows us
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to continue to utilize existing natural gas infrastructure while taking steps to decarbonize the gas pipeline in support of California's climate goals. When natural gas is derived from renewable sources like wastewater, landfills or dairy farms, it reduces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. A new study shows that replacing less than 20 percent of the traditional gas supply with renewable natural gas can achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions equivalent to converting 100 percent of buildings to electric-only energy by 2030.
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On your Doorstep
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Farmer's Market Returns to Otay Ranch Town Center
Chula Vista Ballet Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ with Special Guests Misa Kuranaga, principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet, is performing with the Chula Vista Ballet this month. The Nutcracker production is THE artistic event of the year in the community. It is open to all and not to be missed. This year promises to be the best production yet with Misa Kuranaga, the San Francisco Ballet’s principal ballerina, starring as the Sugarplum Fairy. Partnering with Misa is Simone Acri of the Tulsa Ballet. Ryosuke Ogura, David Block and Sayat Asatryan will join the local cast as well. The Chula Vista Ballet is a 501(c)(3) ballet company under the artistic direction of Taeko Nishino. Taeko has headed up the company for 13 years, travelling between Japan and the United States to find the best ballet mentors, coaches, choreographers and dancers to partner with the company. For this production, 60 children from our community auditioned and received roles; the company itself is comprised of 19 local ballet dancers. Thanks to a generous grant from the County of San Diego’s Community Enhancement Program, the Chula Vista Ballet is also presenting The Nutcracker for free to children in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. “Providing the opportunity for children to see live performing arts on a local stage is priceless,” says Chula Vista Ballet Executive Director, Neisha Hernandez. The motto of the Chula Vista Ballet is to “Bring Art to Your Life.” You can bring art into your life—and into your family’s--by seeing this production. Get tickets to The Nutcracker at www.chulavistaballet.org today. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. on November 21 and 22. 8 OUR H O METOWN / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 9
Santa's grand arrival and a festive countdown will top off an afternoon of fun, holidaythemed activities for the whole family at the annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Farmer's Market at Otay Ranch Town Center. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, in addition to the lineup of the market's regular selection of certified farm stands, unique street foods and handicraft items, shoppers and families can enjoy: • Free holiday crafts for kids, • Free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last, 5 - 6:30 p.m.), • Magic snowfall at Santa's house (after tree lighting at 7 p.m.), • Roaming carolers, • Special holiday-themed merchants and unique gift stands, and • Local entertainment and music.
Santa will arrive in grand style and light the Christmas tree on Main Street at 7 p.m. sharp. "The annual tree lighting and holiday farmer's market is always a huge hit with our neighbors and community," said Otay Ranch Town Center General Manager Tim Kilcourse. "We hope everyone can join us for the countdown ceremony and in welcoming Santa. There will be kids’ activities, delicious foods, and festive entertainment – It’s truly a great evening for the whole family and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!" he added.
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. This urbane, bustling, open-air center also features a wide variety of amenities including outdoor cafes, grand fountains, a pet-friendly setting and adjacent dog park, branch of the Chula Vista Library, food pavilion, party space, a fireplace and a popper fountain for children. Otay Ranch Town Center 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 – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (619) 656-9100.
On your Doorstep
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O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 9
On your Doorstep
1 0 OUR HOME TOWN / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 9
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On your Doorstep
Real Estate Update: Title Insurance Courtesy of Minnie Rzeslawski, ReMax 24k
Title insurance protects property buyers and mortgage lenders against defects or problems with a title when there is a transfer of property ownership. Title insurance protects against any property loss or damage the lender might experience because of liens, encumbrances or defects in the title to the property. Title insurance protects against claims from defects such as forgeries, fraud, undisclosed or missing heirs, unpaid taxes and assessments, unpaid judgments and liens, encroachments and easements, unreleased mortgages, mental incompetence of grantors on the deed, impersonation of the true owners of the land by fraudulent persons, refusal of a potential purchaser to accept title based on the condition of the title, improper execution of document, or mistakes in recording. However, different coverages of title insurance protect against different items, and buyers should consult with a professional. If there is a loan on the home, title insurance is required; the buyer, seller and lender all benefit from issuance of title insurance. The average owner’s title insurance policy costs about $1,000. But, depending on how much your home costs, title insurance could run anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This cost is included as part of your closing costs, and even though you'll pay for this policy only once, your coverage lasts as long as you own the home. However, if you refinance down the road, you will need to pay for title insurance again. The process begins with escrow, or the lender opens a title order. Then a title agent begins a title search. A preliminary report is issued for review and approval, and all closing documents are recorded upon escrow’s instruction. When recording is confirmed, all demands are paid, funds are disbursed, and the actual title insurance policy is created. Minnie Rzeslawski, a realtor at RE/MAX 24K, recommends when buying property to think of buying a title insurance policy. “A real estate purchase is more than likely one of the largest financial investments you will ever make,” says Minnie. “So, when you buy a title insurance policy, think of it as buying peace of mind!” If you would like more information on title insurance, please call Minnie at (619) 804-5373.
The Starlight Parade Returns to Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright The free Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire returns on Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 8 p.m. to jumpstart your holiday season. The City of Chula Vista welcomes all to attend the festive Starlight Parade as it lights up the heart of downtown, Third Avenue Village. Come early and enjoy the free Children’s Faire at Memorial Park, back by popular demand. Take pictures with Santa, sled down a real snow hill, attend holiday story time, jump in a holiday bounce house, and enjoy a holiday tent filled with dozens of free crafts from 2 to 5 p.m. After the faire, grab your perfect spectator spot to watch the most electrifying parade, which kicks off at 6 p.m. During the parade, more than 100 participants will spread holiday cheer along Third Avenue and compete in categories like best marching band, best representation of holiday theme, most creative and more. Since holiday excitement works up an appetite, there will be amazing food vendors in Snack Alley to keep stomachs full and spirits lifted. On December 7, downtown Chula Vista will transform into a winter wonderland for people of all ages to enjoy. Share in the delight of building a holiday tradition that will warm your winter memories for years to come. For more information, to participate in the parade, or to inquire about becoming a sponsor, please visit starlightparade.com or call McFarlane Promotions, Inc. at (619) 233-5008. O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 11
On your Doorstep
Calling All Entertainers Who Love to Make Others Laugh
Hope and Healing… Hope opens the door to healing and a brighter day.
By Ashley Gardner
Dealing with health, financial, relationship issues, etc.? Come find out about hope and healing at the Christian Science Church. Located at 41 “I” Street in Chula Vista. Christian— about the life, love, healing, and vision of Christ Jesus. Science— the spiritual fact that you are the loved child of God… God’s healing love and care are always with you.
Come discover God’s healing power. Thanksgiving Day Service Thursday, November 28, 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church
10:00 a.m.
Sunday School
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday Testimony Meeting
7:00 p.m.
Ya gotta laugh!
Thursday Sermon on the Mount Reading 6:15 p.m. (Via Conference Call) Step 1: Call 1-646-5588665; Step 2: Press Mtg. ID No: 255 942 377#; Step 3: Just press # Tuesday - Saturday Reading Room 10:00 a.m. -2 p.m. (bookstore/library) at 300 Third Ave. at “F” Street 619-422-6400
Explore: prayerthatheals.org
Are you the “funny one” in your family? Always the “life of the party”? Love to entertain your friends with really bad jokes? Love to hear the sound of laughter? If so, then OnStage Playhouse is looking for you. It’s out to prove that South Bay is one funny place!
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In December, the playhouse will mount a comedy showcase featuring known and unknown comics to entertain in a “Cabaret of Comedy”…because these days, we really “gotta laugh!” If you’re interested in entertaining, all you need to do is create your funniest video skit, song or story that riffs your favorite topic. You may submit any of the following: • Stand-up comedy • Character sketches • Amusing monologues • Funny songs Participants are encouraged to send their two-to-three-minute audition video via YouTube link, Dropbox or Google Share to OnStage Playhouse at ospprogram@gmail.com. For more info, call (619) 865-0276.
On your Doorstep
Photo by Bob Hoffman Photography
O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 13
"We're Americans with a different way of life,
‹ HENRY “JIM” BEDINGER CDR, USN (Ret.) —— Vietnam POW Fifteen-year-old Daniel Bedinger ran away from home to fight with his brothers in the Continental Army in 1776. He was the best shot in the family and taught others how to use a long rifle. Daniel was put on a POW ship in New Jersey, weighed less than 90 pounds, and was ultimately included in a POW exchange. Yet, he stayed with the Continental Army and became the youngest officer in his state’s chapter. Daniel received a Certificate of Cincinnati signed by George Washington and Henry Knox, which was passed down from generations and hung in the home of descendant Jim Bedinger when he was growing up. Jim credits his family history, and the values it represents, to his being receptive to serve in the military. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Jim’s travels were in the cradle of the Revolutionary War. He met decorated military figures through his dad’s landscape business and enlisted in the Navy after high school. As a lowly E3, for one week he did compartment cleaning, another mess hall cleaning, another the chief’s office. “I cleaned so well you could eat out of the garbage can. You need to get up pretty early to outfox the fox!” Jim remembered, laughing. After graduating from Union College, a small men’s college in New York, and the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Program, he was commis1 4 OUR HOME TOWN / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 9
sioned. He married the love of his life, Laura, in December 1967, then moved to San Diego. Jim deployed with VF-143 aboard the USS Constellation and went to Vietnam in 1969. That November, his plane was shot down. He ejected and was soon surrounded and captured by North Vietnamese military. Jim was sent to Hỏa Lò Prison, sarcastically called the Hanoi Hilton. At this time in history, the North Vietnamese government wanted political propaganda. Jim was routinely asked about the number of anti-war demonstrations he had participated in, which never resulted in the answer the troops were looking for. Eventually, Jim was placed with a roommate, Ernie Brace. Ernie had been captured in 1965 and kept in tiger cages in the jungle. “I haven’t had a roommate in four years—don’t blow it on the first night!” Ernie said as they stayed up late talking. Ernie and Jim were roommates for the rest of their imprisonment. John McCain, III, former U.S. Senator from Arizona, was a prisoner of war with Jim and Ernie. John’s cell was next to theirs, and the last on the block. That meant that John could see out of a knot hole in the wall, past the wash basins and into the courtyard, and warn his fellow prisoners when guards were on their way. “He was a
a life that we're proud of."
great neighbor who saved us from severe punishment,” Jim said with admiration. On one such occasion, the POWs had been passing notes through their clothing, using the drawstring of their trousers to attach tightly wound notes written on brown toilet paper. When the guards got wind of the note passing, John warned his comrades by shouting, “Ho Chi Minh!” in just enough time for them to remove the notes from their pants and swallow them. The guards took the clothing, pulled all of the drawstrings and didn’t find a single note because of John. John McCain, who had been captured in 1967 and sustained numerous, debilitating injuries, was an inspiration to the imprisoned men. Every half hour, when the guards were on their break, he would call out sports-related questions such as, “Who won the Stanley Cup? Who won the World Series? Did the AFL join the NFL yet?” He was so intent on keeping up the spirits of his fellow patriots that it took Admiral Stockdale, also a prisoner, to call out, “McCain, go to sleep—and that’s an order!” Jim recalled other memories of being a POW with John McCain. He shared that the “bucket brigade” came in the morning to dump the waste buckets, but not John’s. John had to empty his own. As the son of John McCain, Jr., who was commander of all U.S. forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972, the John McCain that we knew received especially poor treatment. At one time, John was taken away for two weeks in an iron collar, chains, hand cuffs and leg irons. He ate only once a day. “Whether you agree, disagree, or couldn’t care less about his politics, he inspired me; he motivated me,” said Jim. “When I did something that was actually noteworthy, he was
——— P R I S O N E R S O F W A R
By Amber Weber
‹ JAMES KELL CPO, USN
‹ ROBERT CHICCA
the first to congratulate me. He had indomitable spirit and pride in the Navy.” Jim reflected on national security during our conversation as well. “When I was on the ground in Laos, I saw military operations of specific logistics with foot trails and a constant stream of 200 to 500 people hauling war supplies that never stopped. We live in a dangerous world that is not of our making. We need a stronger defense. We need to be prepared and defend our country. We may dream of peace, but the enemy always gets a vote, too.” Eventually, i.e. three years, four months, and six days after being captured, Jim and the others were released. Despite the beatings, starvation, derision and evil they had endured, the shared experience also brought them together. Jim and a group of friends called themselves LULUs—the Legendary Union of Laotian Unfortunates. He also said that in the U.S., for senior officers such as Admiral Stockdale or LCDR John McCain, RHIP meant “Rank has its privileges.” In Hanoi, it meant “Rank has its pain.” Men like Ernie Brace, Walt Stischer, Steve Long, John McCain, Admiral Stockdale, Bill Lawrence and Chuck Gillespie all experienced physical and psychological torture. Yet they never lost faith in their country. Jim remained in the Navy until he retired in 1989. He is the recipient of two Purple Hearts and numerous other medals and awards. A lifetime member of VFW post 211 in Chula Vista, he is also proud that his great grandfather’s family lived on C Street. Inspired to read more? Look for Patriot, Prisoner, Survivor: An American Family at War by Henry James Bedinger, published in August 2019 by Montezuma Publishing in bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com.
SSG, USMC ——North Korean POWs
The USS Pueblo—the only U.S. Navy ship currently held captive—is on public display in North Korea. The January 1968 attack by North Korea killed one man, wounded others, and sent 82 crew members to a POW camp. Bob Chicca, a resident of Bonita, and Jim Kell, a resident of Eastlake, were among them. The ship’s mission was to spy on Russian and North Korean communications from international waters. Originally a cargo ship, it was minimally armed. After only two weeks at sea, the USS Pueblo was attacked by Korean air and sea vessels. One of two U.S. Marine Corps members on board, Staff Sergeant Robert Chicca was on the ship because he spoke minimal Korean, and his language skills were valuable to the Navy. He was wounded by the 57 mm shell that shot through the side of the ship and exploded. Eventually, the captain of the USS Pueblo, CDR Lloyd Bucher, was seized at gunpoint. The men were bound, blindfolded, marched down the pier to a little hut with a stove, and told they would be killed. Then they were put on train cars and buses, and sent to a POW camp in Pyongang. “We rode a bus from the train station to the first place we were going to be housed, and Bob couldn’t walk,” remembers Chief Petty Officer Jim Kell, of the U.S. Navy. Jim, the assistant officer
in charge of special operations, carried Bob on his back up three or four flights into the building. They each shared a room with seven others; officers received individual rooms. In the first few days, their only food was two strips of turnips the size of a French fry, and a small piece of bread the size of a half dollar. Often they were fed only turnips and rice, although sometimes they would get a bowl of hot water with part of a potato. Now and then they’d receive “sewer trout”—a small, cooked fish complete with skin and bones, or even pork the size of a quarter, also with its hair and skin still on it. The men starved. Bob remembers being beaten— nearly every day. Also, Japanese encephalitis had invaded North Korea, and the foreign military inoculated the prisoners…with the same needle, Jim remembers. As a result, one of his roommates got jaundice and hepatitis. Of course, the physical and psychological abuse the prisoners sustained was in full violation of international agreements. The North Koreans alleged that because the crew were guilty of espionage that they weren’t subject to the Geneva Accords. At this time in history, “It was important for the Koreans to pass out propaganda to the world to show how victorious they were, even though O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 15
On your Doorstep
Tree Lighting and
Holiday Farmer’s Market Night TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
5–7 P.M.
Kick off the season at our annual tree lighting
Enjoy a holiday-themed night at the Farmer’s Market
Musical entertainment, treats, giveaways and more!
Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. to help light the tree!
For even more holiday fun, bring your favorite furry friend for a photo with Santa for one of our Pet Nights: November 18 and 25, December 2, 9 and 16
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——— P R I S O N E R S O F W A R
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
they had very little,” said Jim. The American captives were frequently photographed by the North Koreans. The Koreans would stage the photos with fruit, flowers or magazines to make the photos look as though they were treating the prisoners humanely. So, the crew began putting up their middle finger in the photos to show the world that these photos were not representative of their experience. When the Koreans asked what it meant, the men said it was a “Hawaiian good luck sign.” “We would even do jumping jacks with the middle finger up so that if we were photographed the people would know it was all crap,” said Bob. They got away with it for some time…until Newsweek did a story on it. “I don’t mind that they did the story, but I would have rather that they did it after we got out because it really pissed the Koreans off,” Bob continued. Suffice it to say, beatings became more frequent and prolonged. Jim remembers, “The Koreans would ask, ‘Why are you laughing?’ We were talking about them and making fun of them, but they didn’t understand why prisoners were laughing. It’s because they didn’t understand the American way of life. For example, we sent letters home saying, ‘Say hi to Aunt Minnie and Uncle Mickey’ to show that we were still resisting. We would never give up no matter what. We encouraged each other and let them know we’d get out even if we didn’t know when. “We’re Americans with a different way of life, a life that we’re proud of,” Jim continued. “I prayed every day. We believe in God, country and our families, and never gave up. The Koreans didn’t value life and didn’t believe in God.” On the rare occasion when they were permitted to send letters home, they were required to write, “If my country doesn’t apologize, I will be killed.” While Jim included that line in the letter to his grandmother and his senator, he refused to include it in the letter to his wife, out
threw a party for the POWs with special guests John Wayne and Pat Boone. “Walking into a room full of people who loved us, standing and applauding for all of us, was humbling and wonderful,” said Jim.
of concern for her. His wife did not receive his letter, but the others did.
Bob had two operations while in captivity and nine more since being freed, but his body has never fully healed. He lost almost 60 pounds from starvation and remembers looking like a skeleton. “Not many people get to be tested like that and find out you’re OK. I sure don’t want to go through it again, but I’m glad I went through it,” reflected Bob.
Over the years, Bob has organized 16 Despite the mistreatment, the ship’s reunions, held about every two years; crew consistently and vehemently Jim has attended all but one. The last denied going outside of international reunion was the 50th anniversary, held waters, but the captain had to make a in Pueblo, CO. The men have had a close difficult decision: continue to tell the relationship with the City of Pueblo and truth about remaining in international are still working together to try to get the waters and watch his crew executed, ship back. CDR Bucher’s clothing and or state that the ship illegally entered Bob’s Marine Corps uniform are “right Korean waters? Ultimately, he chose to there in a glass case.” save his crew by stating they had left interWhen asked for advice national waters. After about the current “NOT MANY 11 months in captivpolitical climate, Jim ity, the U.S reached answered, “There is PEOPLE GET TO an agreement with a difference between BE TESTED LIKE North Korea to free our country and our the POWs. The men government leaders. THAT AND FIND walked across the Leaders can make OUT YOU’RE OK. “Bridge of No Return” mistakes, but America in a single-file line stands for its values.” I SURE DON’T and came home to San Jim’s values are love WANT TO GO Diego on Christmas and trust in God. Eve in 1968. “Whenever there was THROUGH IT a serious situation, I AGAIN, BUT I’M When they landed would pray hard on it, GLAD I WENT at Miramar, then and it would be resolved Governor Ronald favorably,” he stated. THROUGH IT.” Reagan and his wife were present to greet Bob Chicca has been a resthem. The men were ident of Chula Vista and taken to Balboa Naval Bonita since 1972. He built Hospital, and all the cars on the street a career selling graduation supplies and jewpulled over and waved flags. “The recepelry, and was self-employed for over 40 years. tion we got from the American people Jim Kell and his wife, Pat, have lived in Chula when we came home was overwhelmVista and Eastlake since 1973; they have been ing. We weren’t expecting it,” said Bob. married over 60 years. Jim worked for the City A radio station collected money specifically for the crew, which they used to make a ring for each POW who wanted one. Additionally, a group of supporters
of El Cajon for 18 years. Both men regularly speak about their experience as a POW to community groups in order to give inspiration to others. For more information about their crew’s experience, visit USSPueblo.org. O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 17
PRISONERS OF WAR
A CHILD POW DURING WORLD WAR II —— Japanese POW in the Philippines By Tom Crosby Seventy-four years ago last February, infantrymen with the U.S. Army’s First Cavalry Division rescued prisoners in the Japanese prison camp in Manila, Philippines where I was held with four other members of my family. I was eight years old when put in the prison camp. This was to be our home for the next three years during WWII. The men of the First Cavalry are the veteran heroes in my life. My family and I, Americans, were living a normal life in the outskirts of Manila when Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941. That same afternoon, the Japanese bombed the Philippines, hitting many military installations. Shortly after Christmas of 1941, Manila was declared an Open City, allowing the enemy to enter Manila. Japanese soldiers forced our family from our home and trucked us to the Catholic University of Santo Tomas (built in 1611) in Manila, where we joined about 3,000 other civilian allied nationalities. Santo Tomas was a day school with no dormitory facilities. Over the next couple of years, the camp grew to over 4,400 prisoners. We were separated upon entering the camp. All of the women were housed in the main building, the elder men were housed in the gymnasium on cots, women with very young children were in another building, and my brother, Patrick, and I joined the young men and boys in the same building as the Japanese commandant and camp guards. Our meals were the worst, mostly watery rice called lugao, with whatever you could find to eat with it. We were allowed to grow vegetable gardens; however, each year the monsoon rains would flood the gardens, and we would have to grow new ones. Sanitation chores were an important part of our daily routine. We had to deal with the heat and humidity, dirt, bedbugs, flies, mosquitoes, many other insects, and the challenges of so many people living in confined spaces. The last year worsened when the Japanese Military Police (similar to the German Nazis) 1 8 OUR HOME TOWN / NOVEM B ER 2 0 1 9
Tom Crosby, ca. 1955 ›
took over the camp. They were much stricter. The enemy’s supplies had been cut off, resulting in more food rationing on the already meager twice-a-day bowls of rice we were receiving. We stood at attention for hours at more frequent roll calls. Many people died of starvation and beriberi. Many adults lost half of their body weight. When liberated at age 11, I weighed 48 pounds, and my brother weighed less. My grandmother, who was a nurse at the Cavite Naval Base before the war, boiled our leather shoes and belts, and we drank the water to get what little nutrition we could. After the Japanese guards finished their meals, we stole their garbage for the bones, which we also boiled. That wasn’t half bad and tasted like weak bullion. When we received an occasional care package from the Red Cross, the Japanese took the food and cigarettes, leaving only a few toiletries and a candy bar. One square of a Hershey bar, one lick a day, was like heaven. All young boys were assigned to carry buckets of water for the Japanese prison guards, among other chores. We carried them to the third floor of the main building where there was little water pressure. Toward the end of our imprisonment, my brother and
Tom and Patrick Crosby, brothers and child civilian prisoners of war in the Philippines from 1942 to 1945.
I were too weak to carry the buckets; only some older boys still had enough strength to carry water. Near the end of our three very hungry years, the enemy was given orders to eliminate all military and civilian POWs so there would be no witnesses to their atrocities. On February 3, 1945, before their orders could be carried out, elements of General MacArthur’s First Cavalry Division spearheaded through the Japanese infantry lines to rescue our prison camp. During the rescue, my brother and I were among 250 young men held hostage, following a short shootout in the building we were in. At the end of 36 hours of tense negotiations, the U.S Army escorted the enemy’s Commandant and his 65 men, fully armed, and released them a few blocks from our camp to join the rest of the Japanese Army. We were unharmed and joined our families and the rest of the freed prisoners. With no homes to return to, we remained in the camp until we could be returned to the U.S. or other home countries. A few days later, the Japanese counterattacked our camp, shelling us for four days, resulting in many casualties. Ultimately, the First Cavalry and
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PRISONERS OF WAR
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ON TOPIC Patrick, age 6, in the POW camp in 1943. All young boys were assigned to carry buckets of water for the Japanese prison guards.
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37th Infantry Divisions succeeded in chasing the enemy from our camp. 3,800 civilians were liberated during this rescue. After coming to the United States, my brother and I went to a boarding school to regain our health and catch up on our education. After high school we both joined the Navy during the Korean War as our way of saying “thank you” to America for rescuing all of us. I’m alive today because the First Cavalry Division sacrificed so much, and gave their lives to save innocent civilians from their forced imprisonment during the war. I will always thank the military for my freedom and my appreciation of life, my career with the City of Coronado, and 51 years with my wife who has since passed away. Veterans Day is a very special day for me. My sincere thanks to the many veterans for all that they gave. I praise the veterans here and gone. God bless them. Tom is a member of the San Diego Chapter of American Ex-POWs, a volunteer at the VA Regional Center and a docent at the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park. He and his late wife lived in Chula Vista when he worked at Rohr Corp. for 13 years. For over 50 years, Tom coached the Chula Vista Aquatic Association’s springboard diving team. He has four children, nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Celebrating and Supporting our Military Veterans By Randal Craft
We all have the great opportunity this month to celebrate and commemorate the service and many sacrifices of our United States military veterans. We can certainly attend ceremonies, share our words of gratitude and praise, and make them feel much appreciated. Is there anything else we can do? Absolutely! From my perspective as a retired U.S. Navy chaplain, I would like to recommend three particular steps to consider. First, be a good listener. Having a good “listening ear” is key to effective support. Be willing to take the time and to sacrifice self-interests to listen to someone who has a story to tell. We might feel we need to have all the answers and be able to solve someone’s issues, but showing a caring spirit through just listening can go a long way towards supporting a veteran. That said, it may also be helpful to refer a veteran to a resource guide, particularly veterans who have been deployed to combat environments. One example is The Wounded Warrior Handbook: A Resource Guide for Returning Veterans, Updated Second Edition by Janelle Moore, Cheryl Lawhorne and Don Philpott. This book is packed with information that can equip veterans, their friends and family to be more prepared. Another viable resource is your local library. Visit https://calibrariesforveterans.org/ for more information. Second, be an alert “first responder”-someone who’s first on the scene and can facilitate support. The road to progress may end up starting with you. For example, if counseling might be helpful to a veteran, call the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in La Jolla at (858) 642-3496 and see if a chaplain is available for assistance. Another resource is “Courage to Call,”
a free 24/7 helpline by veterans for veterans who need to sort out life issues. Just call (877) 698-7838. And, if you’re comfortable praying, that can also make a positive difference in supporting veterans. Bottom line—you should be prepared to be of assistance should circumstances arise that need your responsive attention. Third, encourage veterans to strengthen their “spiritual fitness,” or mental capacity to sustain themselves during times of hardship, stress and challenge. Qualities like resilience, flexibility, tolerance, hopefulness, forgiveness and trust in others can go a long way in this direction. Personal or religious beliefs, philosophical or personal core values, and a sense of purpose and meaning can help one to develop such qualities. You can learn more about spiritual fitness by going to the Human Performance Resource Center website at https://www.hprc-online.org/ or www. heroesonthewater.org which promotes spiritual fitness by helping “warriors relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors.” The resources for veterans are many, but some of the most valuable are individuals like you and me. So, set a goal to support a veteran at the next opportunity. Your effort can have a ripple effect and set an example for others to follow. There’s no telling how many veterans you may indirectly support as a result of your effort to help even one of them. Let’s remember to celebrate and support our veterans. They have given so much. May we give back to them as well. Randal Craft, Chaplain, U.S. Navy, (Ret.), is the media/government relations contact for First Church of Christ, Scientist, Chula Vista.
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SCHOOL
/ News
Get to Know Sweetwater District Student Board Representative Ethan Collier with a Q & A
What made you decide to run for the Sweetwater District Student Board Representative position? I decided to run because I wanted to be an advocate for underrepresented students, specifically our LGBTQ students. I wanted to show that we, as LGBTQ students, still have a voice in what happens in the world around us, and I wanted to advocate for Sweetwater's Student Body as a whole. Student perspective and insight are extremely important not only within our district, but with global issues worldwide. Thus, I wanted to show other students that they, too, can be an advocate and fight for what's just and change the future (as we say in CASC).
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How has this experience been thus far? So far, this has been an amazing learning experience. Even though I'm familiar with LCAP funding and how school districts budget themselves, this new experience broadened my knowledge and helped me better my public speaking skills. I learned how to develop a tougher skin and make tough decisions when it comes down to it. I want to thank Dr. Janney, Board Vice-President Mr. Frank Tarantino, and Dr. Mariana Gomez for helping me transition into this position and serve as mentors to me throughout the process. Why did you decide to become a member of the California Association of Student Councils (CASC)? I decided to join CASC during my freshman year because I saw it as an opportunity
to break out of my shell and develop more as a leader and person. Learning about social justice and advocacy interested me the most and helped me grow into the advocate I am today. I've been involved with CASC three years now. I previously served in Outreach for the Region 12 Cabinet for two years before becoming the Region President this year. This is my first year serving on the CASC State Council, a group of 25 high school students that are in charge of various statewide conferences we hold in Sacramento and Los Angeles. What other extracurricular activities are you involved in? Outside of CASC, I've been involved with my school's Foreign Language and Global
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School News
Ethan is a junior at Hilltop High School in the Sweetwater Union High School District.
CVESD Strategies are Highlighted in Case Study of ‘Positive Outliers’
Studies program student council, Ballet Folklórico program, GenderSexuality Alliance Club, and AP Scholars since my freshman year. This year, I joined my school's Peer Mediation (Connect Crew) class in which we mentor students throughout their first year of high school. I'm also a Teen Court juror and a member of the Restorative Youth Justice Advocacy group within our district.
A new report, Closing the Opportunity Gap: How Positive Outlier Districts in California Are Pursuing Equitable Access to Deeper Learning, takes an in-depth look at strategies in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) and six other districts that helped to raise student academic performance above their peer groups in California.
Are you taking any AP courses? Currently, I'm enrolled in two AP classes: AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Calculus AB. However, I'm taking a total of five AP exams this year, including AP English Language and Composition, AP Physics 1 and AP United States History as well. Have you made a decision on where you would like to attend college? If so, what will you study? I haven't decided where I would like to go, however my top choice of a university is Stanford. From there, I'd like to double major in political science and education. You have quite the schedule; how do you juggle it all? I live by three simple words: Know your limits. I've set limits on myself and learned to set attainable goals as well. I also make sure to take care of my family and myself so that I can perform my best every day. What advice would you give to underclassmen who aspire to follow in your footsteps? My advice to underclassmen would be to always stay true to yourself and aspire to be great in your way. Everyone has a calling in life, we just have to find it. As well, be sure to study hard and have fun during high school. The people you meet and the memories you make will last you a lifetime. Be sure to take care of yourself, too. Don't let anyone get under your skin because you're unique. Let your uniqueness shine, and it will carry you far!
The Learning Policy Institute (LPI)’s chief executive officer, Linda Darling-Hammond, heads the State Board of Education and examined what the “positive outlier” districts had in common that contributed to their students’ success. LPI’s analysis found several commonalities across the districts, including: • a widely shared, well-enacted vision that prioritizes learning for every child; • continuous leadership from instructionally engaged leaders; • strategies for hiring, supporting, and retaining a strong, stable educator workforce; • collaborative professional learning that builds collective instructional capacity; • a deliberate, developmental approach to instructional change; • curriculum, instruction, and assessment focused on deeper learning for students and adults; • use of evidence to inform teaching and learning in a process of continuous improvement; • systemic supports for students’ academic, social, and emotional needs; and • engagement of families and communities.
“We are honored to have our instructional strategies and the work of our teachers highlighted in LPI’s case study,” said Gloria Ciriza, Ed.D., CVESD’s executive director of curriculum, assessment and instruction. “We have made a collective effort, involving a broad group of stakeholders, to close the opportunity gap while supporting the success of all students.” The report includes case studies of each of the seven school districts, which were selected from more than 100 positive outliers in California because of their geographic and demographic diversity. The case studies are a companion to California’s Positive Outliers: Districts Beating the Odds, which was released earlier this year and used a quantitative analysis to identify factors that appear to distinguish these “positive outlier” school districts — those in which African American, Latino/a, and white students achieved at higherthan-predicted levels, controlling for their socioeconomic status. The study includes a series of recommendations for federal, state and local policies that can contribute to supporting student learning. Thus, the work of the seven school districts could impact future education policy changes in California, Dr. Ciriza said. In addition to CVESD, the other school districts in the LPI report are Clovis Unified School District, Gridley Unified School District, Hawthorne School District, Long Beach Unified School District, San Diego Unified School District and Sanger Unified School District. O U R H O M E TO W NM AG.CO M 23
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November 02
VETERANS WALK @ California Veterans Home, 700 E. Naples Court. Walk to give over 300 local veterans a holiday dinner party in December. Register at TheVeteransWalk.org and contact Hank at (916) 2212709 or hendrik.schanstra@calvet. ca.gov with questions. QUARRY CRUSHER RUN @ Vulcan Materials Chula Vista Quarry, 2275 Hard Rock Road in Chula Vista. Join the challenge of making it down steep declines into the earth and climbing back up to the top. Participants will receive an official t-shirt, commemorative finisher’s medal and, of course, bragging rights! Proceeds benefit the Chula Vista Firefighter’s Foundation. For more info and registration, visit www. quarrycrusherrun.com. SOUTH BAY PUMPKIN SMASH GAME OF THROWS @ 9 a.m. @ Eastlake Middle School, 900 Duncan Ranch Road in Chula Vista. The entire community is invited to attend. Students in grades 3-12 are encouraged to participate and build Medievalstyle devices, smash pumpkins and win prizes. Admission is free for spectators. For details, rules and registration, visit bit.ly/sbps-gameofthrows. CHULAFEST @ 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. @ Chula Vista Community Park, 1600 Eastlake Parkway in Chula Vista. This is a free, family, friendly multi-cultural, community festival. Enjoy food, cultural dance, live music, art, lifestyle vendor and an urban dance showcase. For vendor information, email info@chulafest. com or cvarts@chulavistaca.gov.
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OUT & ABOUT
08-10 VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS @ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ El Cajon Elks Lodge #1812, 1400 E. Washington Avenue in El Cajon. Start your holiday shopping, support local veterans and experience the Art of the Queen’s High Tea. Shuttle service provided. For more info, visit www. chulavistavcc.com.
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VETERANS DAY
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CHAMBER MIXER @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, 751 Medical Center Court in Chula Vista. Mix, mingle and meet future business partners. $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. For more info, visit chulavistachamber.org. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE SOUTHBAY DETACHMENT 1207 MEETING @ 7 – 8 p.m. @ Chula Vista Veterans Home, Building F, 700 E. Naples Court in Chula Vista. Meet former and retired veterans plus hear from a guest speaker. Please contact Commandant JD White at (619) 977-0509 with questions.
ISLAND BLUE HOLIDAY FEST @ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Chula Vista Harbor, 604 Marina Parkway in Chula Vista. Hosted by Arts Alive Events. Bring the family to this free community event with a DJ + entertainment + vendors + food + shopping + gingerbread contest and more surprises!
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GLENNER ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY CENTERS, INC. “SHARING THE CARING” FUNDRAISING EVENT @ 6 – 11 p.m. @ Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, 15150 San Dieguito Road in Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. Attend an evening of delicious food, music and dancing while raising funds to help the Center provide affordable and accessible care and support services for families affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Visit https://bit.ly/2LnQhkG or call Gloria Baker at (619) 997-2707 for more info.
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TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY FARMER’S MARKET @ 5 – 7 p.m. @ Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road in Chula Vista. Kick off the season at the mall's annual tree lighting with family and enjoy the holiday-themed Farmer’s Market, musical entertainment, treats, giveaways and more! Santa will arrive at 7 p.m.
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SIENNA OTAY RANCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION @ 3 – 6 p.m. @ Sienna Otay Ranch, 1290 Santa Rosa Drive in Chula Vista. Enjoy hors d' oevres, refreshments, entertainment and fun prizes. Please RSVP to (619) 779-7400 by November 15.
21-22 CHULA VISTA BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER @ 6:30 p.m. @ Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Avenue in San Diego. Don't miss Taeko Nishimo’s The Nutcracker featuring Misa Kuranaga, principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet as the Sugar Plum Fairy! Tickets start at $25. Purchase tickets at chulavistaballet.org.
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
SAVE THE DATE 12/07 STARLIGHT PARADE & CHILDREN’S FAIRE @ 2 – 8 p.m. @ Third Avenue Village. This free, family event returns to ring in the holiday season with tons of festive activities. Take pictures with Santa, sled on Frosty’s Snow Hill, decorate ornaments and more. starlightparade.com.
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Crystal Pridmore
EDUCATIO N ADVO CATE
GRAMMY Music Educator Award Semifinalist
Myrtle S. Finney Elementary School music director Crystal Pridmore is the kind of teacher who brings parents into her class to play instruments with their children, who brings joy to her lessons in a way that students readily connect to her instruction, and who helps teach other music teachers about their craft. Pridmore is now a GRAMMY semifinalist in music education as well. She is one of 25 music teachers from 25 cities announced as semifinalists for the Music Educator Award™ presented by the Recording Academy™ and GRAMMY Museum®. In total, more than 3,300 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states. The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. The finalists for the Music Educator Awards will be announced in December. The recipient will be recognized during GRAMMY® Week 2020. “Ms. Pridmore is just an amazing music teacher,” said CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “It is just a blessing having her in our District. She has been a tremendous influence on music education in our system. Music is an amazing way to process difficult emotions and feelings. Ms. Pridmore opens up that gateway for our students.”
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Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students’ lives. The seventh annual honoree will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards® and a range of GRAMMY Week events. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants. “I believe when you find something that works when teaching kids, you have to share it,” Pridmore said. “It’s an open source. We need to be sharing ideas with each other. We need to be making each other better, and that high-quality education reaches every single child regardless of what neighborhood they live in.” Pridmore has the ability to reach students regardless of the students’ language proficiency. “It doesn’t matter if a child comes into my classroom unable to speak any English at all,” Pridmore said. “They can participate in music. They can keep a beat. They can hold rhythm sticks…They can follow along perfectly well because music is the universal language.” Finney Principal Beverly Prange, Ed.D., said Pridmore’s classroom is a showcase of quality music instruction. “People come from all over California, all over the world, to see what’s going on in her classroom and learn because of her innovative teaching techniques.” For more information, please visit grammymusicteacher.com.
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