january 2013
hometown
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ate Real Est r o Advice f 2013
HAPPY NEW
You!
Take a Risk This Year
www.myhometownchulavista.com
Healthy Eating and Easy Workouts Business highlight: floaties swim school resident spotlight: ricky milroy
january 2013
hometown
local getaways
contents
from the editor... Happy New Year! We have made it to the start of another year. The holidays are winding down and the time is near to begin setting out on transforming good intentions into measurable actions. There seems to be something about starting a new year that inspires people to embrace hope a little more tightly and believe that better times do indeed lie ahead. Now, based on how you want to define “better” the opportunity exists for all of us to go out and make 2013 better than last year. That’s the promise the opening of a new calendar brings – nothing for this year is final, we have a full 12 months ahead to live a year worth reflecting back on. Here at My Hometown Chula Vista, we head into 2013 with great confidence and enthusiasm. We’ve continued to carve out a nice niche among your available new sources, one that regularly includes many of your contributions. We are focused on keeping that aspect of our community publication at the forefront of everything we do. Your contributions to Bravo allow us to spotlight people and organizations in our community accomplishing great things. The news we receive about community events and activities fill our community news and calendar files and gives us the chance to promote ways for our readers to get involved locally. We’ve also been fortunate to connect with some talented writers who call Chula Vista home and welcome the opportunity to share their expertise or a well-written personal story in our community publication. Of course, we also appreciate the families and individuals who agree to be featured in our spotlight sections each month. If you are one to make New Year’s Resolutions, we hope that you will add getting involved with our community through My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine to the list. If you are not a writer or a photographer, you can still be involved by sending in story ideas or sharing information about a local event or nominating a great family or business for us to interview. You can respond to our Facebook posts or even post something of your own. However you see fit, we invite you to help us make 2013 a great one for our Chula Vista community.
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January 2013
What’s inside
feature
HAPPY NEW
You! Page 16
community news 5
Snow Returns to Village Walk
10
Shop Chula Vista Now
community calendar 22
Local Events and Activities
resident spotlight 24
The Harrison Family
school news Top X Games & Action Sports Deliver Important Message
23
business highlight Sky Zone San Diego
26
Michael Minjares, Editor of My Hometown
january 2013 my hometown 3
BRAVO
Look what great things your community is up to...
To Gregory Giller II from Boy Scout Troop 1194 in Chula Vista on completing his Eagle Scout Project. Giller, an Otay Ranch resident and two-time cancer survivor, built a Ga-Ga court for Cook Elementary School at the request of their principal, Mathew Shy. The local resident worked with scouts from his Troop and friends from his school (Otay Ranch High) to build the new play court. To the Otay Ranch Town Center branch of the Chula Vista Library for being honored by the prestigious national publication Library Journal in their 2012 “Best in Architecture Past and Present” list. Of the thousands of libraries nationwide, the branch inside Otay Ranch Town Center was honored and selected for criteria like: Innovative thinking in the reuse of existing structure; Movable furnishings; Transportable stacks; and Flexible configurations. To USA BMX, Chula Vista Rotary and AMR San Diego for providing 80 YMCA youth with brand new bicycles and helmets on December 21 at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. In addition to receiving their bicycle and helmet, YMCA youth enjoyed the opportunity to try out their new gear by testing out the BMX training track.
To the Eastlake High School football CIF San Diego Section Division I champs. The Titans defeated Mission Hills High School 21-14 on Friday, November 30 at Escondido High for the school’s second Division I championship in four years. Behind three touchdown runs from senior running back Aaron Baltazar, Eastlake led throughout the game to upset the top-seeded Grizzlies. “This title means a lot because we were very much underdogs in every playoff game, and it was the senior football players who decided they weren’t going to let it slip away like it has the last two years,” said Head Coach John McFadden. To San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) on awarding a $25,000 grant as part of the energy company’s 2012 Environmental Champions Initiative to the Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista. The Environmental Champions funds will support the Living Coast Discovery Center’s K-12 education program, which provides guided tours for thousands of local school children throughout the year with an emphasis on watershed protection, recycling, pollution and native plants/animals. To Alex Ohlendorf, a junior at Bonita Vista High School, on winning this year’s GOT MILK? Breakfast Billboard Photo Contest. Ohlendorf’s photo was placed on a local billboard and featured a photo of him and his fellow varsity football teammates – Duran Sealee, Joseph Snider, Gabriel Bell, Mohamad Zeidan and Braulio Navarrete.
If you would like to contribute to Bravo, send a quick note to My Hometown’s editor at mike@fountain-inc.com and we’ll do our best to put your good-news announcement in an upcoming issue. Submissions should be sent by the 10th of the month. Published by Fountain Media Group, Inc 1501 San Elijo Rd, Suite 104-202 San Marcos, CA 92078 (800) 497-1309 x701 www.fountain-inc.com
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Publisher Tim Minjares tim@fountain-inc.com
Editorial Mike Minjares mike@fountain-inc.com
Sales Melissa Granados melissa@fountain-inc.com
Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Fountain Media Group, 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.
on your doorstep
Jamie Nieto’s 2013 Track & Field Clinic Two-time Olympian and four-time National Champion high jumper Jamie Nieto will host a Track & Field Clinic at the Olympic Training Center on Saturday, January 5 from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. The clinic is open to students and coaches from elementary school all the way through college and university and costs $75. Participants are encouraged to bring running shoes, water bottle, appropriate athletic clothing and a lot of energy. In addition to the training, attendees will receive a nutrition talk and have the chance to collect autographs. For more information go online to www.jamienieto.com
Zumba Class Fundraiser at Olympic View Elementary Local Zumba instructor Yuko Saito invites the east Chula Vista community to join her in a great and fun workout that is also serving as a fundraiser for a neighborhood school. Every Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and again on Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saito leads participants through the popular fitness/dance routine. Each class costs $3 and is held at the Olympic View Elementary School auditorium. Saito donates a portion of the proceeds to the Olympic View Parents and Teachers Club, an important organization that benefits our local students and teachers. If you’ve resolved to improve your fitness or get more involved in supporting the community, this is a great opportunity to hit both items on your list. For more information contact Saito at (619) 851-3735.
january 2013
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Chula Vista Resident Makes Large Toys for Tots Donation Anyone who knows John Carroll knows he only knows one way to do things – all out. The local resident has for years been active in many community organizations and activities sharing his talents and enthusiasm and pushing events to great success. Last month, Carroll was on NBC San Diego to make a donation of toys and cash to the Toys for Tots program. Through the annual Fish Taco Party, Carroll dropped off 97 toys and $1,930 in donations. Working with family, friends and community contacts, Carroll has made a similar donation for 21 years now. Carroll says it’s his family’s way of giving back to those who need a little help during the holidays.
San Diego Restaurant Week Jan 13-18 Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. Held twice annually, San Diego Restaurant Week is a beloved culinary tradition featuring discounted prix fixe menus from more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants in 12 unique regions throughout San Diego County. No tickets or passes are required. Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week. Two-course lunches run $10, $15 or $20; and three-course dinners are only $20, $30 or $40. For a list of participating restaurants, including several local favorites, check out the website at www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com january 2013 my hometown 5
on your doorstep
march 2012
hometown
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The Rosemary Lane Gallery in the South Branch Chula Vista Public Library, 389 Orange Avenue, will be the site of local painter Katarzyna Lappin’s third solo exhibition of 20 paintings of Chula Vista. Lappin created the collection in honor of Chula Vista’s centennial year 2011 and features the beauty of local landmarks and historic sites. The collection will be on display from January 3 through 31 with an artist’s reception taking place Friday, January 4 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. During the reception, Lappin will sign her newly published book Katarzyna Lappin Paintings of Chula Vista. The book presents 20 images of the CV paintings and the inspirational stories behind each artwork. It also includes a special gift, the documentary on DVD produced by the artist’s husband, David Lappin. The reception is free, suitable for general audience and will include a projection of the video documentary. For more information about Katarzyna Lappin and her beautiful artwork, visit her website at http://katarzynalappin. com
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on your doorstep
Chula Vista Charitable Foundation Invites Nonprofits to Apply for 2013 Grants The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation (CVCF), an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, has released its 2013 Grant Guidelines. The focus this year is on improving civil society, particularly through education-based civic engagement programs. “This year the Foundation is soliciting projects that encourage citizen engagement and increase community involvement,” stated Christopher M. Redo, current Chair of the Foundation’s volunteer board. “By enhancing Chula Vista’s civic participation – especially among young people – the Foundation hopes to be a catalyst for higher levels of community engagement in the years ahead.” The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation will fund projects managed by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government agencies that demonstrate a benefit to Chula Vista residents. The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation will accept proposals up to $30,000. The deadline for submission is Monday, February 4 at 5:00 p.m. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. The full guidelines and application can be found online at:
http://www.sdfoundation.org/CommunityFoundations/ ChulaVistaCharitableFoundation/Grants.aspx The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation invites prospective applicants to learn more about the Foundation and the impact of its grantmaking. The Foundation will provide interested parties with specific information on its efforts in the community at a Grant Seekers Forum on Wednesday, January 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Chula Vista Public Library, South Branch, 389 Orange Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP to Sadie Brinton via email at sadieb@sdfoundation.org, or (619) 235-2300. Because space is limited, only one representative per organization may attend. Founded in 2008, The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation, an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life in Chula Vista through responsible and effective philanthropy. To date, the CVCF has granted more than $47,000 to Chula Vista nonprofits. For information on the foundation, contact Zaneta Salde Encarnacion, at zaneta@sdfoundation.org. my.
Local Band Wookie Garcia Releases CD
LAWYERS FINE & SHARIF, APLC Over 20 Years of experience in San Diego Courts Specializing in: FAMILY LAW Custody Visitation & Support CRIMINAL LAW Misdemeanors & Felonies BUSINESS LITIGATION WILLS & TRUSTS WAGE & HOUR CLAIMS 707 Broadway, Ste. 1410 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 239-3116 WWW.FINENSHARIF.COM 8 my hometown january 2013
The long-awaited debut CD from Chula Vista band Wookie Garcia has finally arrived. Songs from Ray’s Garage was released in December and features the musical talents of several familiar names to local music aficionados. Chula Vista’s Brian Sharkey (Hilltop High), Kyle Ince (Hilltop High), Jason SumnerLaRussa (Bonita Vista High) and Mark Tucker from Santee have produced a CD that’s sure to get added to your frequently played list. The CD also includes musicians from Ince’s previous band Usual Suspects (Robert Fedeli, Bob Sheehan). So you say your friends and co-workers might want to hear some of these tracks before you plunk down your hard-earned cash? Wookie Garcia understands and has that covered. Visit the band’s website, http://wookiegarcia.com, and click on the music player to hear samples of every song. In addition, if you’d like to see the band play live, head down to the Voodoo Stage at the House of Blues on January 8 at 8:00 p.m. It will be a great show and you’ll be supporting some hard-working local guys as well.
on your doorstep
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES KNOTT’S SOAK CITY – SAN DIEGO SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the Orlando-based owner of 10 U.S. theme parks, has acquired Knott’s Soak City – San Diego, a standalone Southern California waterpark, from Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. The park, located in Chula Vista, will undergo extensive renovation over the fall and winter and re-open next spring as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s third Aquatica-branded park. Both SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio now operate Aquatica parks. “These parks reflect the highest standard of quality in attractions, entertainment and theming, but the presence of animals makes the experience something truly special,” said Jim Atchison, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, in a release. “Aquatica San Diego, like its sister parks, will feature guest experiences with a variety of exotic animals. Having animals in our Aquatica parks adds an educational component to a waterpark visit that is both unexpected and enriching.” The first Aquatica opened adjacent to SeaWorld Orlando in 2008. It is now among the nation’s most visited water-
parks, with annual attendance of roughly 1.5 million guests. In addition to birds and tropical fish, Aquatica Orlando features Dolphin Plunge, the park’s centerpiece water slide, which includes an enclosed acrylic slide that allows riders to see animals underwater. Last year SeaWorld San Antonio unveiled its own Aquatica, with some of the region’s best ride attractions, along with displays of kookaburra, spoonbills and southern stingrays. “When the gates of Aquatica San Diego open for the first time next June, guests will see what visitors to Orlando and San Antonio already know: No theme park company can deliver a waterpark experience quite like SeaWorld,” said John Reilly, President of the company’s San Diego attractions. “Aquatica will be a great complement to SeaWorld and help us continue to bring value to our guests and enhance this destination.” Aquatica San Diego will be located at 2042 Otay Valley Rd. in Chula Vista. my.
Chula Vista Serves Launches “Third Grade Reads” Chula Vista Serves, in partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District and OASIS Tutoring, is launching a program titled “Third Grade Reads” with the assistance of a valued grant from Cities of Service and ServiceNation. This volunteer-powered initiative supports Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox’s goal to foster community efforts that raise awareness for education while creating a strategy to help improve students’ reading ability by the end of third grade. The $40,000 grant will allow the city to hire a part-time volunteer coordinator to manage community outreach, volunteer recruitment and assist with promotional needs. “A student’s ability to read proficiently by third grade is a proven marker of future success in school, leading to graduation, career and college,” said Mayor Cox, in a release. “Chula Vista’s partnership with Cities of Service has resulted in many positive outcomes, and the Third Grade Reads program is yet another opportunity for mentors to have a positive impact on younger students through the simple act of reading.” Chula Vista Serves is currently recruiting 100 volunteers to become tutors for students in need of assistance at Cook, Los Altos, Rice, Rohr and Vista Square elementary schools in Chula Vista. The combined efforts of the Third Grade Reads volunteers will help reach a goal of providing
teacher-selected students in kindergarten through third grade with two hours of reading and writing tutoring per week, one hour at a time, to help all participating students read at grade level. Free training sessions will be held in January and February at the Chula Vista Elementary School District. Chula Vista is one of eight recipient cities of the Third Grade Reads grant. The other seven recipients are: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Charleston, SC; Chula Vista, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Kansas City, MO; Orlando, FL; and Vicksburg, MS. Third Grade Reads is a high-impact service strategy in which the mayor’s office leverages the power of volunteers to help children attain reading proficiency by the beginning of fourth grade, funded by Target. Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015, to help kids learn, schools teach, and parents and caring adults engage. Launched in March 2011, through a grant-funded partnership with Cities of Service, Chula Vista Serves is supported by the Office of Mayor Cheryl Cox to help address community needs through service. Its primary area of focus is education. For more information about Chula Vista Serves or to volunteer for Third Grade Reads, visit CVServes.org, call (619) 409-1978 or email CVServes@ ChulaVistaCA.gov. my. january 2013 my hometown 9
on your doorstep
Chula Vista Library Offers Free Apps Did Santa bring you a new smartphone, iPad, tablet, or Android mobile device this Christmas? Or do you currently own one? If you have a Chula Vista Library card, you can download some great apps for free including:
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Access My Library (for iPad/iPhone/ iPod or Android) when you need credible information for life and learning from thousands of current magazines, journals, encyclopedias and more, it’s all available 24/7. With AML, your mobile device becomes a valuable research tool. While others tap out trivia answers, you’ll dig into the world’s leading reference data sources.
The ReferenceUSA (for iPad/iPhone/ iPod only) can help you find new business opportunities, research executives and companies, search for jobs and much more. RefUSA is the premier business and consumer research tool offering instant real-time access to in-depth information on millions of businesses and consumers.
Tutor.com to Go (for iPad/iPhone/ iPod or Android) connects you to a live tutor for one-to-one help in math, science, social studies and English, allows you to save or share your essays, assignments or homework in your Tutor.com Mobile Locker and access thousands of educational resources from the SkillsCenter™ Resource Library. You can even access all of your saved sessions and items in your Locker from your computer.
Overdrive Media Console (for Kindle Fire, iPad/iPhone/iPod or Android) allows you to browse, select, checkout/download and enjoy a wide selection of ebook titles anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit any of the city’s libraries or online at: www.chulavistalibrary.com. my.
on your doorstep
By Beth Yturralde
Guide Dogs for Blind Needs Volunteers As one of the leaders for our Puppy Raising Department of Guide Dogs for the Blind, I’d like to ask for your help in supporting this organization. We are one of the largest schools that provide dogs for the blind. We have two campuses – one located in San Francisco and one in Oregon. Volunteers are always needed to provide our puppies a home from age eight- to ten-weeks up until fifteen- to eighteen-months of age. The school provides all the veterinary costs and the raisers donate the cost for food and toys, and also the love. Locally, we meet once a month at my home in the Otay Ranch community of Chula Vista where we train the dogs together and support each other. We also meet a second time that varies each month to work on socializing our pups to various situations they may encounter in their daily lives with the blind. When it comes time for our dogs to return to the campus, if our pups pass all of their phases we are invited to meet their very lucky graduates. The fortunate individuals now have a pup in their life to forever change it. It is an experience like no other, a true meaning of giving. If it is decided your pup isn’t necessarily cut out for guidework, you are given the opportunity to keep your pup, or the school has a two-year waiting list of people waiting to provide a wonderful home. Nowadays, it seems we are approached daily to donate to many well deserving organizations, and some of us don’t have the financial means to do this. Volunteering with Guide Dogs for the Blind is an incredible way of donating your time and love to not only change a person’s life but to add fulfillment to your own life.
I am asked everyday “Isn’t it hard to give your pup away?� I would be lying if I said no, but once you experience the whole process you are hooked. If you are interested in volunteering time and opening your home to one of these darling puppies, please contact me at (619) 482-3199 and
check out the Guide Dogs for the Blind website at www.guidedogs.com. We meet the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. What better way to start the New Year than to help someone make their lives better! my.
YOUR FIRST CHOICE ÉŠ F Chula Vista Elementary School District PÄŠ FST ZPVS DIJME UIF IJHIFTU RVBMJUZ FEVDBUJPO 0VS POHPJOH DPNNJUNFOU JT UP FOTVSF UIBU PVS QSPHSBNT BOE DVSSJDVMVN FOSJDI BOE TVQQPSU TUVEFOUT BT UIFZ CFDPNF JOOPWBUJWF DSJUJDBM UIJOLFST XIP SFBEJMZ BEBQU UP B SBQJEMZ DIBOHJOH TU DFOUVSZ t "MM EBZ LJOEFSHBSUFO BU NBOZ DBNQVTFT t "NPOH MPXFTU BWFSBHF DMBTT TJ[FT JO 4BO %JFHP $PVOUZ t % VBM *NNFSTJPO QSPHSBNT t $IBSUFS TDIPPMT
THE DISTRICT’S NEWEST SCHOOL
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CVESD ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INDEX SCORE '2/74(
Enrique S. Camarena Elementary, is currently under construction at 1650 Exploration Falls Drive in the Otay Ranch Village 11 (Windingwalk) area of Chula Vista. The school will open in July 2013. All CVESD schools are projected to exceed the State 800 target and 25 % of our schools will top the 900 mark.
Learn more about attendance boundaries and student enrollment by contacting (619) 425-9600, x 1571
WWW CVESD ORG s EXT EACH CHILD IS AN INDIVIDUAL OF GREAT WORTH january 2013 my hometown 11
Chul a Vista
HAPPY NEW
You! Taking Care of Business Getting ready to Get Fit Healthy Eating and Easy Workouts
january 2013 my hometown 13
Happy New You!
2013
Taking care of business By Lisa Johnson “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” How many times have you heard that advice? And who first said that anyway? Well, that intrigued me and, being just a smidge of a history buff I looked it up. Seems Geoffrey Chaucer, famous English author of The Canterbury Tales was the first to pen something akin to this back in the 1300s. Something similar was later found in John Heyword’s collection of proverbs in the 1500s and also attributed to Cadwallader Colden in the 1700s. Does that really matter? No, but it’s interesting. Bottom line for me is that I couldn’t say it any better.
If you’re a business owner or operator and you’ve taken a moment from your busy schedule to read this, I want to encourage you to do one thing – take a risk and do something different. One thing. Just pick one thing and change it up this New Year! If the beginning of this new calendar year also begins a new fiscal year for you, then hopefully you’ve planned your budget to allow you the opportunity to do one thing differently – whatever that might be. Even if you didn’t budget for some kind of a change, you still have many opportunities. If you’re like me, January is the middle of our fiscal year at the YMCA so we take that opportunity to review our budget and other goals; we see where we are and make adjustments as needed. Happy New Year! From a business perspective, as you begin this year you should do three things: Review where you are in your annual business plan as well as your long range (5-10 year) business plan; renew your commitment to yourself and your business plan; then – do something different – take a risk. In your review, are you where you expected to be at this time? If not, adjust; if you are, continue to follow your plan, it’s working. Regardless of where you are when you review, recommit yourself to your goals. You must be accountable to yourself. Finally, take that risk. What does 16 my hometown january 2013
that look like? Here are some easy things you can do to give a boost to your business. Adjust your marketing. Consider exploring cause marketing – an investment in and alignment with a local nonprofit of your choice. Explore social media options if you’ve not done that before. Market in different publications or in different languages to attract potential new customers. Join something. Really – you’re thinking you don’t have the time. If things are going well, you need to keep those going. If not, you need to devote more time to work. Well, consider this…time spent networking, learning from others, or giving some time to support your community can all work to strengthen your business overall. As outgoing president
of the Chula Vista Chamber, I can advocate for joining that organization and it’s a fiscally reasonable choice. You’ll find the Chamber provides support for business as well as networking and outreach opportunities. Another option is to join a local service club. Our community boasts several organizations including multiple Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, Lyons Club, Optimists, and Altrusa International. Consider an indirect investment. This is my term for commitment of time or dollars to something where you don’t expect direct or immediate benefit. This may be easier to do if your review determines you are on target or ahead of your current business plan goals. Regardless, this may be your preferred “change one thing” opportunity. Here are some examples of an indirect investment; teach a class at a local high school or community college; support a gifted, committed employee in higher education; volunteer your time to mentor another business person; coach a Little League team; the possibilities are endless. Yes, each of these options requires an investment of time, capital, or both but, how did we begin this story… “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Truth be told, Chaucer defined his quote to mean, “You can’t get anywhere unless you’re willing to take a risk.” Around the same era, a French proverb translated to, “He who never undertook anything, never achieved anything.” You must invest, whether time or money, to potentially gain more in your business. Whatever you choose; this year, do one thing differently than you did last year and you’ll be very glad that you did. my. Lisa Johnson is a Chula Vista resident and Executive Manager at the South Bay Family YMCA.
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www.southbay.ymca.org | 619.421.9622
Happy New You!
2013 My New Year’s Resolution, To Get Fit; But Should I See a Doctor First? By Dr. Julie Keeler, Medical Director, Doctors Express Urgent Care
Engaging in an active exercise routine can be the single most important thing you can do for your health and wellbeing. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults (age 18-65) get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Low-to-Moderate is an intensity that can be sustained comfortably for about 60 minutes. Vigorous intensity is high enough to significantly raise both your heart and breathing rates, and usually performed for about 20 minutes before the effects of fatigue are felt. Those beginning an exercise program should begin with light-to-moderate intensity and gradually increase to personal preference and tolerance. The minimal goal should be 20 to 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity for three to five days per week. The seemingly ubiquitous disclaimer “consult a physician before starting any exercise program” is seen at gyms, exercise videos, on weight-loss pills and the like, yet heeded by few. Of course, reading the fine print just as you are about to begin exercising is neither convenient nor encouraging. Fortunately, many that ignore the warnings do so without incident. Generally speaking, an extensive medical work-up is not necessary for most who wish to begin exercising regularly. However, beginners should make sure they are in adequate physical condition to engage in an exercise regimen. Some actually discover a previously unknown heart condition, get injured, or end up aggravating a pre-existing condition during exercise which can put them at risk.
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Age and gender are two of the factors that increase a person’s risk when it comes to starting a physical fitness plan. Barring any known health issues, those in their 20s and 30s are typically safe to start exercising, while men 40 and over and women over 50 should take precautions. Men over 45 and women over 55 are generally thought to be at higher risk and are advised to seek medical advice before exercising. Those who are 59 or older should absolutely consult with a physician before starting an exercise plan. To minimize the potential of causing yourself harm, there are a few basic questions that you should ask yourself: Do you feel or have you ever felt chest pain during exercise? Have you been diagnosed with a heart condition? Do you have high or low blood pressure? Do you have high cholesterol? Do you or have you experienced dizziness during exercise? o you take prescription medication for blood pressure or a D heart condition? Do you or have you ever passed out during exercise? Do you have problems with your bones or joints? Do you smoke? Do you have Type 1 or 2 Diabetes? Are you significantly overweight or sedentary? Do you have any recent musculoskeletal injuries? If you have answered yes to any of the questions above, make an appointment with a physician before you start an exercise program. Your doctor will obtain a thorough medical history, perform a comprehensive exam and may run a series of tests. In most cases, you will be cleared for exercise with modifications if necessary. Remember that the goal of any exercise program should be to improve your state of health and wellbeing in the safest and most effective way possible. Good luck on your new year’s resolution! my.
Happy New You!
2013 Healthy Eating and Easy Workouts By Ty Valkanas, Body By Bobbie Institute of Health & Fitness
Wow! 2012 seemed to fly right by and 2013 is upon us! Time to set those New Year Resolutions again. Did you hit your goals for last year? Well, if not, you are not alone. Here are some tips to make sure you see success in your 2013 fitness goals and resolutions. • Start a workout routine and be consistent. Be realistic. Set yourself up for success! If your schedule only allows two or three days per week to workout then be consistent with that. You will start to feel the difference in your strength and endurance over your consistent effort without killing yourself by trying to start out doing too much. You will actually want to start adding more to your routine and will be able to handle it after a few weeks of consistent effort. •M ix up your routine so it’s not the same boring routine! This keeps your workouts fresh and exciting which will keep you engaged and makes the commitment easier. Running or walking is great, but it will not deliver the results for a firm tone body that most people want. Seek help from fitness professionals that know how to mix things up. They should know more than you and it would be well worth the investment in yourself if you see the results that you want. Even elite athletes need trainers and coaches…not because they are out of shape but because they need help fine-tuning their level of fitness! How much more do job holders, business owners, parents and children need someone guiding them into the most appropriate fitness routine? •H ealthy eating is more than just good food choices. Portion size is more of a concern. Even making the best food choices can cause you to store body fat if you eat too much! Come to understand how much food you should be eating
based on your current body weight, body fat, your activity level and your goals. This is the other key to seeing your success and would be worth the investment in yourself to find a fitness professional that can help you understand your specific needs for nutrition. •T here is no “magic pill!” There are so many products, supplements, video programs, etc. out there that make you feel if you just buy it then you will “magically” become fit and look like all the models advertising these things. Impossible! Results come from good work and consistent effort. The only “trick” is trying to do it smarter, not harder!! •H ave fun! Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make some bad food choices or miss a scheduled workout. Get over it and start being more consistent with your efforts. Before you know it you will see the results you really want and it will motivate you to keep it up! Let’s face it, obesity rates are at an all-time high and it’s getting worse. In a society of fast food and convenience in electronics we are less involved with physical activity and eating healthy. If that doesn’t concern you think about our children! We must lead by example and start living a healthier lifestyle. It really can be done while having fun and seeing results! Be part of the movement to help make Chula Vista the healthiest city in California! Sign up for our e-newsletter for Team IHF at www.TheInstituteofHealthandFitness.com for more helpful exercise tips and healthy eating tricks and recipes to take your fitness to the next level! my.
january 2013 my hometown 19
Happy New You!
2013 How to Rewire Your Brain and Make Those New Year’s Resolutions Stick! By: Alexandra Donnelly, LCSW, DCSW
Here’s the deal – it’s really quite simple – our brains are wired for making, and then keeping habits. Habits that reinforce pleasure, like enjoying delicious food, romance, laughing – all release the chemical dopamine in the brain, which in turn floods the body with very pleasurable feelings. In turn, repeated behavior deepens neurological grooves in the brain, making habits incredibly difficult to break. As humans, our brains prefer habitual behavior, because it’s comfortable and familiar. That’s what makes this time of year, when many of us try to break bad habits and develop good ones, so hard. For example, quitting smoking, excessive use of alcohol, eating too much junk food, etc...
Pediatrics in Paradise
Don’t panic-there is a solution! Figure out your trigger: There’s a reason you drink too much at parties or sit down with a bag of cookies every night: It feels good. Whether it’s to ease social anxiety or stress (the drinks) or to relieve loneliness and depression (the cookies), habits are formed when a behavior is linked to an emotion. Find a replacement habit: People don’t really break habits; they just replace them. So, to break a bad habit, find a new, healthy one to replace it. Walk after dinner instead of watching three hours of television. Eat an apple, not a box of cookies, before bedtime. Consistently repeating a healthy behavior is the best way to rewire the brain. Keep the good habit going for three weeks. Most people can maintain a new habit for two weeks. Studies show that if you can get through that two-week mark, you’ll most likely continue with a new habit as it becomes second nature
With your whole child's health at heart Make 2013 the year of health and fitness for your family. Please join us at our next event, Baby Shower in Paradise on January 23 from 5pm to 6pm at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. Registration required to attend, please contact us.
1741 Eastlake Parkway Chula Vista, CA
Phone: (619) 482-1700 www.PediatricsOtayRanch.com Follow Us On Facebook For More Event News
20 my hometown january 2013
Get the right kind of support. Studies show that new habits are difficult to keep when people lack support. The best prognosis for breaking a habit, is to find professional support – a doctor, a weight loss program, psychotherapy – and ask for support from friends and family who encourage and reinforce positive changes. Exercise. Research shows that consistent exercise increases the level of a key protein (BDNF,) which encourages the growth of new neurons in the brain. In fact, it is essential for rewiring the brain and creating new healthy habits. Interestingly, low levels of this key protein are linked to alcoholism and other destructive habits. Better yet, to create those new neurons, exercise doesn’t have to be excessive; it can be as simple as consistently walking each day. Happy New Year Chula Vista!
on topic: real estate
Real Estate Advice for 2013 By Rachel Crawford, Crawford Team & Associates
ping by to find out what’s going on. The Crawford team will arrange to show your home “by appointment” only, and market it in a manner that respects your privacy.
C
rawford Team and Associates is your one stop shop for all your real estate needs. Our staff of knowledgeable professionals is highly experienced in all facets of real estate sales. With all the changes that are happening in the real estate and mortgage industries, you need a dedicated team working hard for you. Every client’s individual needs are different. That is why the Crawford Team views all clients as their only client. We are not just there to help you buy or sell a home, we strive to ensure that your real estate transaction fits in with your broader personal and financial goals. If you are considering buying a home, now is a great time for you. Interest rates are at a historic low. Additionally, housing prices while low now, are showing signs of being on the rise. This unique situation of low interest rates coupled with affordable home prices means that in many cases it costs less to buy than to rent. This is a great time of opportunity for both the prospective homeowner and the investor.
As short sales have become a much more common place in the past few years, much has changed in how the banks approach them. In some cases, the Crawford Team may even be able to negotiate a cash payment to you, from your lender, for short selling your home, or you may qualify to buy a home almost immediately after a short sale.
for different people. For some it is a simple business decision and a very logical choice, while for others there are very real and stressful emotions associated with having to leave your home. The Crawford Team specializes in confidential short sales – no “For Sale” signs in your yard, no open houses, no nosy neighbors stop-
For more information on any of these real estate topics, call the Crawford Team for details. my.
Rachel Crawford is an east Chula Vista resident and offers more than 9 years of real estate experience. Rachel and her team can be reached at (800) 841-4682.
Currently the available home inventory is very low. This is great news for homeowners interested in selling their home. This low inventory is resulting in many sellers getting offers at or even above the list price of their home. If you are considering selling your home, the Crawford Team can provide you a free, no obligation market analysis for your home, in addition to recommendations for maximizing your home’s value. Again, every homeowner’s needs are unique and the Crawford Team will custom tailor a marketing strategy that is right for you, and maximize the return on your biggest investment. Despite the improving market, there are still many homeowners who owe significantly more on their mortgage than their home is worth, and the mortgage payments are just too high. Perhaps a short sale may be right for you. The Crawford Team is very aware that the decision to short sale a home is different january 2013 my hometown 21
calendar
january 2013
out and about January 2-4
January 4
January 5
January 7-11
Winter Camps – The Living Coast Discovery Center; Various camps for children ages 4-18 featuring animal encounters, games, crafts, outdoor and career exploration; www.thelivingcoast.org/ day-camps/
Artist’s Reception for Katarzyna Lappin’s Paintings of Chula Vista – 3-5pm at South Branch Chula Vista Library, 389 Orange Avenue; Solo exhibition of 20 paintings of Chula Vista Lappin created in honor of Chula Vista’s centennial year 2011; katarzynalappin.com
Jamie Nieto’s 2013 Track & Field Clinic – 12noon-4pm at Olympic Training Center; 2-time Olympian high jumper hosts clinic for athletes and coaches; Cost $75; www.jamienieto.com
Winter Camps – The Living Coast Discovery Center; Various camps for children ages 4-18 featuring animal encounters, games, crafts, outdoor and career exploration; www.thelivingcoast. org/day-camps/
January 12
January 13-18
Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Mixer –5:307:30pm; hosted by Miguel’s Cocina, 970 Eastlake Parkway #108, Chula Vista, 91914; (619) 420-6603 or www.chulavistachamber.org
“New Year’s Sparkle & Dance Party” – 5-9pm – Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy; Kids ages 3-12; $25 per student; $35 day of event; Celebrate the new year in shimmering style; (619) 585-1133, www.neishas.com
San Diego Restaurant Week – Price fixe menus for lunch or dinner at some of San Diego County’s best restaurants, including several local favorites; www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com
January 20
January 20 & 21
Tribute to Unity: A Night of Music and Spoken Word in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” -- 6:30pm at Foundry Church, 861 Harold Place; (619) 489-1031
Auditions for To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday – 7pm at OnStage Playhouse, 291 Third Ave; Audition will consist of readings from the script; No appointment necessary; Arrive by 6:45; Headshots and current theatrical resume encouraged; Performances begin in March; www.onstageplayhouse.org/auditions.html
January 21, 23, 28, 30
January 8 Wookie Garcia Performance – 8pm at the Voodoo Stage at the House of Blues, 1055 5th Avenue, San Diego; Chula Vista band plays songs from its new CD Songs from Ray’s Garage; wookiegarcia.com
January 10
January 16 Floaties Swim School Open House/Safety Talk – 6pm; Hear from local experts about the need for water safety and visit the EastLake Swim School; 1-877-277-SWIM or www.floatiesswimschool.com
January 26-27 WWRC Indoor Racquetball Camp – at b2be Sports & Wellness; Two days (16 hours) of fun racquetball instruction from USRA Hall of Famer Jackie Paraiso; $229 per player; www.wwrba.com
Otay Ranch Town Center Farmer’s Market – every Tuesday 4-8pm Eastlake Business Association – every Monday 11:30am-1pm at Oggi’s Eastlake; eastlakebusiness.org
22 my hometown january 2013
January 21 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday – School holiday
Albion SC Tryouts – 4-6pm at Montevalle Park; Soccer club tryouts for U7-U10 Boys and Girls for well-known soccer club’s South Bay program; Eric Chaisogkram, South Division Program Director, eric.chai@albionsoccer.org or www.albionsoccer.org
January 27
January 31
Wild Horse Trail Half Marathon; Race starts 7am at Otay Lake County Park; Part of the SDRI/Dirt Devil Grand Prix Series, as well as the Montrail SoCal Trail Half Marathon Cup and an introductory race for road racers interested in trail running; Registration closes January 6; www.dirtdevilracing.com
Chula Vista Business Symposium – 6:30pm at Via Lago Trattoria, 866 Eastlake Parkway; RSVPs accepted by the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce (619) 421-6603; Deadline Monday, Jan. 28 to register for first session
Kids Ready To Read – every Thursday 11:15am at Otay Ranch Branch Library; Interactive storytime program for kids 3 and younger; www.chulavistalibrary.com
Please note events and times are subject to change.
School News Making a Difference One Drop at a Time By Veronica Gerace
S
tudents enrolled in the Common Senior Experience at Olympian High School in Chula Vista are trying to make a difference in the local community and for people worldwide through their Big Thirst Campaign. Inspired after reading the book The Big Thirst and a visit from the author, Charles Fishman (pictured below), the Senior Class of 2013 decided to get involved. Led by the Common Senior Experience Committee, the seniors made a “pledge to transform the student body into a knowledgeable (high school) community that promotes water literacy and water stewardship.” Throughout the school year, the seniors have worked toward this goal through integrated curriculum and student led activities. During the early fall term, as writing assignments, groups of students wrote about their plans and focus for the yearlong water sustainability project. Some students chose to design t-shirts promoting water sustainability in their art classes, while others are creating videos in their video editing classes. The students will continue with events and projects throughout the remainder of the year and end by featuring their community activism work during their Senior Showcase in May. The Common Senior Experience is unique to Olympian High School. Each year a different book is chosen to be the focus of the senior class and each year seniors choose a cause related to the message of the book. This year the focus is upon water stewardship. The goal of the program is to help students realize they are a part of the global community and for them to set goals
to positively impact the community. One of the advisors of the Common Senior Experience committee, Ms. Exum, shared that students voluntarily stay after school to work on projects with other students and as a result become more engaged in their high school experience. Graduated students often return to share with the staff and current students the impact that the Common Senior Experience has had on their lives as university students who now feel compelled to get involved; students who are now unafraid to speak up and to volunteer as a result of the initiative and responsibility they learned from their Common Senior Experience at Olympian. The project has ignited a spark in the young adults toward adulthood and civic responsibility. As evidenced by Olympian High School senior Victor Malof ’s epiphany, “Even through small steps, everyone can make a difference in improving our world.”
The Big Thirst Common Senior Experience will culminate during a Make A Difference (MAD) concert on March 1 to which the community is invited to attend and local talent will perform. The seniors are hosting this concert to raise money for Charity Water, a nonprofit organization that provides safe drinking water to developing nations. “We seniors appreciate the luxuries with which we have been provided and now feel compelled to give back to the community through The Big Thirst Project,” senior Zoya Kakar said. The community can help support the Common Senior Experience at Olympian High School by attending the MAD concert and by making smart choices about water usage. To learn more about the Olympian High School Common Senior Experience, visit their website: olh.sweetwaterschools. org, or call (619) 656-2400. my. Veronica Gerace is a resident of east Chula Vista and a frequent contributor to My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine.
january 2013 my hometown 23
on your doorstep
Ricky Milroy I
f there is one thing that has become quite obvious over the course of Ricky Milroy’s first 21 years of life, it’s that it’s going to take a lot to keep this young man down. The Chula Vista resident, student at Southwestern Community College and small business owner has already overcome so many obstacles and challenges to be where he is now that the future appears bright no matter what direction he decides to head. And Milroy certainly has options to choose from in large part thanks to the support of his family, especially his grandparents Walt and Patti Roberts. Born to parents struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, Milroy, along with his younger sister Mikayla, was taken in by his grandparents at the tender age of two. It was a decision and act of love that changed Milroy’s life and one for which he remains eternally grateful. Not only did Walt and Patti provide the love and support Milroy and his sister needed as children growing up, they also provided the financial support Milroy needed to pursue his passion – skateboarding. In October 2011, Milroy started Gram and Pop Skate Shop – a small business focused on providing custom skateboards. Using stickers and hand-painted designs, Milroy produces one-of-akind skateboards that look great hanging on walls or out on the streets or in local skate parks. “I needed a way to make skateboarding cheaper for me,” said Milroy who has taken classes in graphic design and art at the 24 my hometown january 2013
Photo courtesy of Jessica Fraser Photography jessicafraserphotography.com
local community college. “I also found that my friends needed the same thing. So, I put a game plan together, ordered a few boards to get started and then went to work customizing boards.” The first custom board Milroy made was for a friend’s girlfriend. He now sells his hand-painted boards at craft fairs, holiday fairs and farmers markets. The custom boards run about $40 for just the board, though Milroy does throw in free grip tape with each purchase. He estimates that he can complete a custom order in about three days. So why “Gram and Pop Skate Shop” for the business name? “I didn’t have a name for the longest time,” he said. “It’s what I call my grandparents. The shop is at their home and I wanted to give a dedication back to them. Their support means everything. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.” According to Milroy, this is the third time he has tried running a skateboard-themed business. He says he is keeping it a side gig for now, but he does have plans to expand if things go well. “A year from now having my own store is probably farfetched,” he admitted. “But I would like to have a solid inventory and hopefully move out on my own. I’d also like to start a skate camp for kids to show them how to build their own boards and skate.” Milroy welcomes inquiries on custom boards through email at rickymilroy@yahoo.com my.
My Hometown Mercado FAMILY SERVICES
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Prepare for the private high school entrance tests (ACT Explore/ HSPT / ISEE) or the SAT/ACT. Get schoolwork support. Strengthen reading, writing, math. Enrichment, remediation. Study skills, test preparation. Serving families since 1984. Thousands of students. K-12. Experienced, caring teachers. Individualized instruction. Results!!! No contracts. Save time, energy, and frustration! Let us help. 1415 Ridgeback Road, Suite 1 Chula Vista, CA 91910
www.americancenterforlearning.com
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Personalized, one-on-one speech therapy services in the comfort of your own home. Research-based bilingual therapy for children and adults. Private pay only. Letitia A. Stanton-Aicher MS, CCC-SLP
For the past 20 years, Pack & Bianes Vision Care has offered state-of-theart eyecare for adults, children and infants. Look to us for the latest in contact lenses, eyewear, vision therapy or Lasik. We are providers for several insurance plans such as VSP & Tricare. Dr. Pack habla español.
Celebrating 20 years of Vision
(855) 619-6191
(619) 656-6026
october 2012
VISION
(619) 216-3937
www.LSABT.com
www.packandbianesvision.com
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C GRA ELEBRA T ND R E OPE OUR ENIN G!
cucina italiana
Tiramisu
The name Casa Bella was established to appeal to different cultures, since the focus will be on the addition of new dishes from mixed origins. The owners are excited to incorporate some of their culinary roots into the menu. Casa Bella will still offer their well-known Italian favorites, but the menu will be enhanced with fresh new flavors to give customers the option to taste a variety of cuisines. 2330 Proctor Valley Rd., Chula Vista (near Albertsons) www.casabellacv.com 619-216-5900
Osso Bucco
january 2013 my hometown 25
Floaties Swim School W
alk into any business where the owners are pursuing their passion and you can sense it right away. Everything just feels right. From the welcoming lobby, to the friendly staff, to the layout of the facility, to the décor, the whole place lets you know someone cares about the work being done there. This is definitely true at Floaties Swim School in the EastLake Design District. Opened in April 2012, Floaties Swim School is a family-owned and operated, year-round indoor swim school. With a 3:1 student to teacher ratio and small class sizes, Floaties prides itself on providing a welcoming and friendly environment for students as young as three months all the way to adults. The water is kept at a warm 90 degrees. It’s the type of environment owners Mike and Karyn Morrill envisioned when they started the business in their Poway backyard pool in 2006. “I’ve been a swim teacher for 20 years,” said Mike, who grew up swimming for fun and on water polo teams in high school and college locally. “I’ve always loved it. When we were about to have our first son, Karyn asked if I was going to do this my whole life. She encouraged me to try my passion so we turned our backyard into a swim school.” The business met with an overwhelming response that summer. The Morrills had more than 150 students taking swim lessons that first summer. The second summer, the business had outgrown the backyard as a waiting list had developed that they could not work through. It was time to expand. Mike and Karyn 26 my hometown january 2013
opened Floaties in the Poway area in 2008 and then ventured down to Chula Vista last year. Both locations have stuck with the approach that has worked from the start. “We try and make this a very welcoming and positive experience,” Karyn said. “Parents are trusting us with their most valuable thing in their lives. We have had success starting with kids as young as three months old. We welcome our clients to the Floaties family and then work to make sure each student is comfortable with their teacher. Mike and I are very accessible to our staff and clients. I grew up in Texas and swimming wasn’t my thing. It was Mike’s and now it is our passion and our platform to teach about the importance of water safety and swim lessons.” Both Mike and Karyn recognize the need Floaties is meeting in the local area. Mike said he sees so many pools in the neighborhoods along with several community pools. The couple’s goal is to teach water safety and basic swimming skills to local kids during the off-season so the kids can enjoy being in the water during the summer. “Our philosophy is trust, fun and safety,” Mike said. “If kids trust the teacher and have fun in the water than the learning is easy. It’s not rocket science, it’s swim lessons.” my. Floaties Swim School, 315 Showroom Place, #102, Chula Vista 91914; 1 (877) 277-SWIM; www.floatiesswimschool.com
Chula Vista
Business Symposium 2013 SERIES
FREE Space is Limited
Presented by: First Bank and My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine
Learn how to effectively and efficiently run a business
RSVP TODAY!
4 Part Series will address: Everything you wanted to know about owning and running a successful business but did not know whom to ask PART 1 TOPICS:
First Things First
4YPES OF "USINESSES s 0ROPER %NTITY s 0ERMITS ,ICENSES Thursday, January 31, 2013 6:30pm to 8:30pm Location %ASTLAKE 0ARKWAY #HULA VISTA #! Presenters:
LAWYERS FINE & SHARIF, APLC
RSVP BY *ANUARY TO DEBBIE CHULAVISTACHAMBEr ORG OR Produced by:
Event Sponsors: LAWYERS FINE & SHARIF, APLC
#/09,).+ THE /Ffi CIAL #OPY #OMPANY OF THE #HULA Vista Business Symposium