june 2012
hometown
. LESSONS FROM DAD
Jessica z Sanche ING
Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers in our community
HOMECOM Page 10
www.myhometownchulavista.com
Business highlight: sport clips resident spotlight: the colonna Family
june 2012
local getaways
contents
Jessica SanchezG
from the editor... Each month, the last piece of editorial I complete for the new issue of My Hometown Chula Vista is my Editor’s Letter. For me, this space provides an opportunity to expound on our selected editorial theme, or highlight several articles that I think are well done, or share a personal connection to something our readers will find in the publication. Leaving this piece until the end also allows me to see how that month’s magazine has come together and how we’ve successfully met our goals and expectations. With the June issue focused on Father’s Day, I write my Editor’s Letter excited about how we’ve completed our work this month. Our “Lessons from Dad” article represents the focus of our community publication perfectly. As you will see, we solicited input from a number of great families who help to make this such a great community. With the help of several moms/wives, I posed a question to several local children – what lessons have you learned from your dad? Thoughtful, sincere, enlightening and wonderful responses quickly followed. Local fathers are teaching important life lessons through both their words and actions. Our children, from as young as 5 to as old as 21, are paying attention to what their fathers are doing at home and in the community. What stands out for me after reading all of the great responses we received is that some amazing male role models are building a solid foundation for the future of this community. Of course, dads are not the only ones doing great things for the betterment of our community. We highlighted some wonderful mothers in our May issue and this month we’ve included news on lots of community activities and events that directly impact the quality of life in Chula Vista. Take a look at our “On Your Doorstep” and “Out and About” sections and you’ll find many ways for you and your family to take part in a family campout, or an outdoor movie night, or visit an educational historical exhibit, or take in a performing arts production. A stable and grounded foundation is one of the best gifts we can give to our children. When you take a minute and look around you see that folks in this community are earnestly building exactly that. Michael Minjares, Editor of My Hometown
IN
HOMECOM Page 10
hometown
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june 2012
What’s inside
feature
LESSONS FROM DAD Page 14
community news 7
Summer Sundays Returns to Village Walk Students’ Talents Shine at Summer Arts Academy
12
scene 10
Jessica Sanchez - Chula Vista’s Idol
on topic Health Insurance Options for Children
20
Beware of a Second “Child”
21
community calendar 22
Local Events and Activities
resident spotlight 23
The Colonna Family
school news Groundbreaking on New Elementary School
25
business highlight Sport Clips
26 june 2012 my hometown 3
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Look what great things your community is up to...
To local resident and business owner Dr. Henry Kikunaga and his UCSD Kendo (Japanese fencing) team. In April, the team competed in the UCLA Yuhihai Kendo Tournament and took home first place defeating UC Berkeley in the finals. The top finish followed a second place showing at the annual Shoryuhai Harvard Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament, the largest in the nation, in which approximately 20 universities from across the U.S., Canada and Europe participated. Although the UCSD team was unable to repeat as champions, they competed all the way to the end before falling in sudden death overtime to a team from the University of Washington.
To the arrival of Enamorada by Karina’s to the Village Walk at EastLake. Keeping with Karina’s focus on Mexican seafood dishes, the new local restaurant will also include authentic Mexican favorites on the menu including queso fundido, chiles rellenos, enchiladas suizas and more. Enamorada can be found at 866 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 110, in the space previously occupied by The Brigantine. For more information call (619) 591-9800. To Dr. Melinda Silva on the opening of her new practice – MD AntiAging – in the Eastlake Village Walk Medical Arts complex. The mission of MD AntiAging is to help both women and men reach their optimal health by customizing a treatment plan that is best for them. The practice is located at 890 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 305.
To the City of Chula Vista Police Department on being the highest ranked police station in the U.S., according to a survey conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice in New York. The local police station received marks of “More than Adequate” in all areas of the survey – Community Orientation, Physical Conditions, Equal Treatment, Transparency and Accountability and Detention Conditions. According to the website www.altus.org, the survey was conducted through personal visits to 1,044 police stations in 20 countries, including 21 in the U.S., in order to assess the quality of services provided by police.
To 14 graduating seniors from Sweetwater District High Schools who received Karangalan Scholarships. A total of $4,800 in Karangalan Scholarships was awarded to outstanding Filipino American students who demonstrated excellence in both academics and community service. Karangalan is a Tagalog word that means “pride, dignity and honor.” The winners are: Danielle Dimicali, Otay Ranch High; Alyssa Pack, Bonita Vista High; Francis Aquino, Hilltop High; Leemay Avila, Sweetwater High; Alana Bianes, Bonita Vista High; Althea Escalante, Mar Vista High; Alvin Balmeo, Sweetwater High; Dannie-Rose Cruz, Sweetwater High; Gabriela Lavadia, Olympian High; Briana Rose Patricio, Otay Ranch High; Alberto Reyes, Olympian High; Jasmine Saluta, Eastlake High; Tori Van Nostrand, Olympian High; Mark Yabut, Sweetwater High.
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
4 my hometown june 2012
Publisher Tim Minjares tim@fountain-inc.com
Editorial Mike Minjares mike@fountain-inc.com
Sales Melissa Granados meilssa@fountain-inc.com
Production AJ Moreno intern@fountain-inc.com
Copyright 2012. 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 “This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land” Exhibit Opens “This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land,” a yearlong exhibit documenting the history of Chula Vista’s Japanese American community, will open June 7 at the Chula Vista Heritage Museum. The exhibit will document the arrival of Japanese workers in 1905, the“celery wars” of the 1920s and 1930s, and the community’s World War II internment and post-war resettlement. Featured in the exhibit is a replica of the Poston, Arizona, barracks where about 450 Chula Vista residents were interned during the war. An opening celebration will be held at the museum from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 7, featuring music by Downbeat Big Band and a preview of Allegiance: A New American Musical. The musical, set in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, will have its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in September. The exhibit, which will run through May 2013, is sponsored by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library in partnership with the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego. The exhibit and its related activities are partially funded by a grant from California Reads. California Reads programs are made possible with support from Cal Humanities in partnership with California Center for the Book. The Chula Vista Heritage Museum is located at 360 Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. Hours are noon to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and noon to 3:00 p.m. Saturday. For more information or group tours, contact the Museum at (619) 427-8092 or through its website: www.thefcvl.org.
Snores N S’mores Family Campout – June 8 Hot dogs and marshmallows are sure to be on the menu at the sixth annual Snores N S’mores Family Campout on Friday, June 8 at Montevalle Recreation Center at 840 Duncan Ranch Road. The community is invited to come out and enjoy a night under the stars with the whole family. Campout activities will include jumpers, arts and crafts, telescope viewing, a movie, dinner, breakfast and more. Cost for the event is only $7 per person with children two years and younger free. Participants need to provide their own tents and sleeping bags. For more information, stop by the recreation center or call (619) 409-1977.
Live Well, San Diego! Summit 2012 – June 15 The County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency presents the Live Well, San Diego! Summit 2012 on Friday, June 15. With sessions taking place across the county, this program is focused on building a healthy community for all ages by envisioning ways different generations can work together to strengthen one another and our communities. In the South Bay, the event will be held at Chula Vista Middle School, 415 5th Avenue, and run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come and participate in the discussion about how to weave intergenerational programs into the fabric of policies and actions. For more information, visit www.AISevents.org or call (858) 514-4652.
Memorial Park Bowl Hosts Annual Pet Fest and Doggy Dash The 11th Annual Pet Fest and Doggy Dash takes place at Chula Vista’s Memorial Park Bowl on Saturday, June 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The yearly charitable event brings together local pet lovers for a morning of outdoor fun. A one-mile doggy dash, special demonstrations from the Chula Vista K-9 unit and various pet-related vendors highlight the day’s activities. Pet contests will be conducted all day with prizes awarded to the cutest pet, smallest pet, largest pet, best pet trick and best pet costume. Pet adoptions as well as spay and neutering services will be available. More information can be found online at www.thirdavenuevillage.com
Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida The local community is invited to join the Spina Bifida Association of California at the inaugural Walk-N-Roll for Spina Bifida on Saturday, June 23. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with registration at Chula Vista Bayside Park. The family-friendly, non-competitive walk event and educational resource fair focuses on raising awareness of Spina Bifida and celebrating the accomplishments of the over 166,000 Americans living with its challenges. To register, visit www.walknrollsd.org. june 2012 my hometown 5
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Chula Vista City Amateur Golf Championship Returns to Local Courses After a 10-year hiatus, the Chula Vista City Amateur Golf Championship returns July 19-23. With Men, Women, Senior and Junior Divisions, the new format, open to all amateur golfers, will see many top local golfers taking on the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course. The top contenders after the opening two days will then head to the San Diego Country Club to determine the champions for each division. Entry fees run $155 for adults and $65 for junior golfers with a limited number of entries available. Award trophies will be presented to the winners with top finishers in the Adult Flight category receiving gift cards. For more information contact the Friends of Chula Vista Parks & Recreation, the organizers of the event, at (619) 656-0618.
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on your doorstep Summer Sundays Returns to Village Walk Eastlake High School’s Show Choirs – Spotlight Ladies and Center Stage will kick off the six-week Summer Sundays series at Village Walk at EastLake on June 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy this free event that will continue every Sunday through July 8 and include great band performances, cool car club exhibits, a children’s craft activity, as well as merchant food samples, giveaways and prize drawings. The Show Choir’s musical performance on June 3 will set the perfect background mood as visitors stroll through the beautiful European-style shopping center to view the car displays from the San Diego Porsche Club and children will enjoy making their own Treasure Box and then have fun with the free balloon sculptures and face painting that will be provided. All kids’ craft activities available while supplies last. The six Summer Sundays will feature free live music, cars and a different weekly children’s craft along with complimentary food and product samples from many of the merchants at Village Walk. Review the Summer Sundays calendar to be informed of all of the activities taking place at the beautiful Village Walk at EastLake,
Date
Band
Car Club
Kids’ Craft Activity*
June 3
Eastlake High School Spotlight Ladies & Center Stage Show Choirs.
Porsche Club
Treasure Box
June 10
Graceland. “An Elvis Presley Tribute.�
Model A Restorer’s Club of San Diego & San Diego Antique Motorcycle Club
Beach Bag
June 17
The Stilettos
South Bay Cruisers
Chalk Board
June 24
AM Forever
San Diego Air Cooled VWÂ Club
Bird House
July 1
Joe Rathburn’s Island
Pick Ups Ltd
Pencil Box
July 8
The Earthmovers Featuring Lady J
Corvette Owner’s Club of San Diego
Book Bag
located at the intersection of EastLake Parkway and Miller Drive at 878 EastLake Parkway. For more information, visit shopvillagewalk.com or call (858) 695-2700.
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on your doorstep Dream Big Read! – Summer Reading Program The new Otay Ranch branch of the Chula Vista Library has been an early hit with local residents. According to Library Director Betty Waznis, the Otay Ranch Branch Library had over 2,700 visitors on opening day and more than 10,000 in the first two weeks. The new local library, located just off the food court at Otay Ranch Town Center, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.; and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Starting June 1, signups for the popular Summer Reading Program begin. “Dream Big Read!” runs from June 4 to July 14 and encourages local students to read for fun while also earning prizes and free books. Special programs will be introduced each week. For a complete schedule of this popular summertime activity, visit www.chulavistalibrary.com.
8 my hometown june 2012
Cool California Challenge Chula Vista has enrolled in a new statewide competition – known as the Cool California Challenge – to be recognized for its sustainability accomplishments. The City is competing against the cities of Citrus Heights, Davis, Gonzales, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, San Jose, and Tracy. Each community will earn points when its residents and businesses sign-up through the Cool California web portal and successfully reduce their energy use over the next couple months. The three cities with the most points will earn “Cool California Cities” recognition, with the top city being named the “Coolest California City.” Sign-up today and start earning points at www.coolcalifornia.org/community-challenge, to ensure that Chula Vista makes it through the first Qualifying Round! Chula Vista residents and businesses that sign-up will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win an Ematic 4GB MP3 Player or 5.0 Megapixel Digital Camera. Rules and details are on the website. If you need help reducing your energy use, contact the City for a free energy evaluation and free promotional items at (619) 409-3893 or Conservation@chulavistaca.gov.
on your doorstep
Popular Summer Movie Series Celebrates Love of Reading and Family Entertainment This summer, Foundry United Methodist Church is bringing back its popular Family Movie Nights Under the Stars at Montevalle Recreation Center at 840 Duncan Ranch Road. Like last year, admission is free and movie snacks and drinks will be provided. This year, though, there is a new twist to the event. All three of the movies being shown are cinematic adaptations of popular childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books. Children who read the books in preparation for the movie will be given a special prize. Students at EastLake and Otay Ranch elementary schools were given a list of which books to read to be ready for each movie. For June 29, they were asked to read Richard and Florence Atwaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mr. Popperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Penguins; for July 27, Dolphin Tale: The Junior Novel; and for August 31, Dr. Seussâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Lorax. All three movies will begin at 8:00 p.m. and beach chairs, picnic blankets and sweaters are recommended. Foundryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead pastor, Rev. Christian DeMent is part of
the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chula Vista Servesâ&#x20AC;? initiative that is implementing the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. He explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Studies show that children who are reading at grade level by third grade are more likely to graduate from high school on time with their peers.â&#x20AC;? Pastor Christian says that they hope to change attitudes about literacy by combining books and popular movies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want kids to look forward to their times with these wonderful stories; not just think of them as homework.â&#x20AC;? Community service and youth issues are not new to Foundry UMC. Their November golf tournament Birdies, Bogeys & Books helped raise funds for the new public library which opened at Otay Ranch Town Center in April. Beginning September 9, Foundry UMC will open its doors for weekly worship at 861 Harold Place. Learn more about them and Family Movie Nights Under the Stars by visiting the website at foundryotayranch.org or facebook.com/foundryumc my.
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Chula Vista’s Jessica Sanchez In front of thousands of adoring fans – including lots of immediate and extended family – Chula Vista’s Jessica Sanchez delivered another outstanding performance at Eastlake High School on Saturday, May 12. The American Idol homecoming, hosted by “Little Tommy” Sablan, gave Sanchez’s fans a chance to see their hometown Idol favorite up close and in person.
10 my hometown june 2012
on your doorstep
Students’ Talents Shine at Summer Arts Academy In the mountains near Lake Cuyamaca, students from the Sweetwater Union High School District will work this summer on refining their talents in the performing and visual arts. The SUHSD Summer Arts Academy is a free, one-week camp offered each summer to 160 students in the Visual and Performing Arts classes within the local district and will take this year from June 25 – June 30. This is place the only camp of its kind offered within the United States thanks to the support of the district’s Board of Trustees and the VAPA Department led by Director Russ Sperling. The Director of the Academy this year is Eric Mabrey, Band and Music Theory teacher at Olympian High School. Teachers from each of the district’s school sites recommend students from seven of the VAPA disciplines to be selected to attend the Academy. The seven disciplines include Band, Orchestra, Choir, Visual Arts, Baile Folklorico, Mariachi and Dance. Criteria to being selected include outstanding academic
Call (619) 409-1975 12 my hometown june 2012
and citizenship grades in the student’s discipline, grade level (no older than junior in high school), and equal, as is possible, representation of all schools within the Sweetwater district. The Academy takes place at the Outdoor School operated by the San Diego County Office of Education. Students stay in nice cabins and eat three balanced meals daily provided by the Outdoor Schools’ kitchen staff. The outdoor environment provides a unique and special experience to each of the students and staff. Students have the opportunity to meet other students from around the district in each discipline, which makes for new friendships. Lessons are taught by teachers other than teachers the students may have at their own school giving a new approach to common issues; broadening each student’s knowledge base. Students at the camp undergo six hours of intensive instruction each day in their chosen discipline and are taught by an outstanding teaching staff accompanied by 10 college student assistants. In addition to the rigorous class schedule, students enjoy break times, recreational activities that include daily swimming, hiking, out-door sports and more. Following the last class each day, there is a different activity such as a talent show, campfire, scavenger hunt, star watching, and the Big Dance on the Academy’s last night. Often, students come away from this unique Academy with life-changing experiences and certainly with a new wealth of learning. Students also bring back to their respective schools new leadership and understanding of their discipline and the visual and performing arts. The entire Sweetwater community is invited to attend the Academy’s final production on Saturday June 30, at the Jack Tygett Performing Arts Center at Chula Vista High School beginning at 2:00 p.m. The production will showcase each discipline’s hard work and accomplishments during the week and concludes with a grand finale featuring all disciplines and audience. Don’t miss this amazing demonstration of some of the finest talent our SUHSD has to offer. my.
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LESSONS FROM DAD Nearly all of us learn from our fathers in some form or
fashion. The teachings come in the form of instruction on how to throw and catch a ball, change a car’s oil or a fix a flat tire, correctly (or quickly) knot a tie, cook a steak on a grill and a
whole host of other tangible activities designed to perfect skills that make life easier. But the male head of the household – or person that fills that role – also often influences the values we
grow up with and the way we perceive what is important. One
of our community editors at Fountain Media Group put it like
this: If mothers are the glue that holds families together, fathers
are the foundation that keeps families stable and grounded. And, she is absolutely right.
By Mike Minjares
june 2012 my hometown 15
fatherhood
LESSONS
FROM DAD
In honor of Father’s Day, My
Hometown Chula Vista decided to check in with some of the great
local families we know and ask the
Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers in our community.
Keep teaching because your children are paying attention and learning valuable lessons.
children – the immediate beneficiaries of the solid foundations being
built in our community – what les-
sons they have learned from “Dad.”
With responses from kids as young
as 5 to as old as 21, we proudly fea-
ture their responses here.
Mark Caro In the Caro household, Father’s Day is likely to be spent serving Mark breakfast in bed and letting him do whatever he wants, which is probably working in his garden. In terms of lessons absorbed, each of Mark and Patty’s children have learned something important about how to act from their father. For 5-year-old Timmy the lesson is: “To be on my best behavior and watch out for strangers.” Middle daughter Maddie, age 8, says she has learned that she should “always be strong and mature.” Oldest child Jacqueline, 11, shows how well she has been paying attention to her father’s words and actions as she shares that she has learned “to be responsible, be a good role model and that everything he tells me will help me somehow in the future.”
Greg Sullivan Cyndi and Greg Sullivan met in high school (Hilltop High to be precise) and have strong connections to the Chula Vista community having grown up in the area. Greg has also built a strong rapport with each of his children and his girls have certainly benefitted from his engaged parenting style. Vanessa, age 8, says her dad has taught her many French words and the appealing qualities of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, but her favorite activity with Greg is their bedtime ritual. Each night the two continue their nightly Froggy story. “We make up more of the story every night,” she said. “When he tells me the story it makes me know he’s a nice person.” Older sister Rachel, who is 10, shared some of the practical lessons she has learned from her father. “He teaches us about grammar, a lot! He tells us not to say ‘like’ or ‘um’ when we are talking. And because of Daddy, I know who Danny Elfman is.”
16 my hometown june 2012
fatherhood
Rob Shields Over in the Shields house, Rob and Cheryl have made “Family Time” a priority. Family dinners happen nightly around the dinner table with all five members of the family eating together. They ask about each other’s days and keep a pile of “Family Talk” questions nearby to help keep the kids – 9-year-old triplets Caroline, Zachariah and Hannah – talking and active in the conversation. Judging by what the three kids said about what they
have learned from their dad Rob, it is obvious the actions of their parents have rubbed off on the Shields children in a big way. Hannah said she has learned “how to think of others before you think of yourself and be kind to other people. Dad is kind to other people – like the Prom we put on (‘A Night To Remember’ Prom for students with special needs) we made other people feel special by being kind to them.” Caroline’s response was: “Attitude of gratitude. Daddy reminds us to be thankful for what we have. We sometimes can complain, but Daddy reminds us of all the good things in our life.” The girls’ brother Zachariah has learned similar values while also picking up some important tips on being a man. About his dad he said, “He taught me to do what is right, even if it’s not what everyone else is doing. Since I was little, he always told me to be a leader, not a follower. He always tells me I can make a difference. I’ve also learned how to be a gentleman – opening the door, looking people in the eye and being friendly.”
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fatherhood
John Pack David Pack, whose father Dr. John Pack owns Pack & Bianes Vision Care with his wife Beverly Bianes, points to his dad as the person who has shown him the benefit of hard work. He has seen his dad’s words of wisdom play out in his involvement in sports, music and school. “He would always tell me how he worked hard to become an optometrist,” the 12-yearold shared. “The one thing I’ll always remember my dad saying is if you want something you have to work hard for it. I think that saying is very valuable to me because I know later on in life I may not get something I want but I’ll just have to work harder for the next opportunity.” Similarly, David’s sister Alyssa, 17, also pointed to her dad’s teachings about the importance of determination in reaching for your goals as a lesson she has learned recently. “This year, I applied for a few prestigious colleges,” she said. “Being a straight A student, International Baccalaureate candidate, involved in sports, member of a few clubs, and holder of a few hundred community service hours, I guess you could say I had high hopes of getting into at least one of my three top choices. However, sadly as announcement day came I learned I was denied to two and waitlisted for the last. This crushed me. After crying for several hours, my dad consoled me telling me that despite all the bad news, I had failed to look at the bright side. I had gotten accepted to great schools, world renown for having one of the best programs for my major. He told me that he was proud of me regardless and that a few college denials couldn’t take away from all of my accomplishments. My dad taught me that no one else can define your own success. I think this will be a lesson I will carry with me throughout life.”
Jason Schafer Important lessons are also being learned in the Schafer family house. Jason Schafer, who, along with wife Julia, provides our readers with wonderful photographs on a regular basis, has two children – Christopher, 10 and Ainsley 7 – and both of them shared lessons about how they should interact with others. “My Dad taught me that friendships can be rough, but you can make them better by saying you are sorry,” Ainsley said. Older brother Christopher commented that, “I learned to always be honest with your parents from my Dad.”
18 my hometown june 2012
Dennis Llavore Dennis’ son, Mitchell Llavore, age 15, can see how his father’s planning led his family to the life they currently enjoy. “My father would always tell me, ‘Your future starts today,’” he said. “If there is one thing he keeps reminding us of it’s always plan for the near and far future. He tells me that everything we do now will affect us in the future and I know why he does that. It is because when he was my age he did the same exact thing. He has planned for his future and still continues to do the same thing today. He planned for a great career, he planned for an amazing family, and most of all he planned for my future. That’s why he is a great inspiration not only to me, but to everyone.” Mitchell’s sister Milani, who is 12, agrees that her dad is someone people can look up to. “Our dad, Dennis Llavore, is the best dad anybody could ask for,” she shared. “We really look up to him as a role model since he’s funny, athletic, smart, caring and, of course, loving. He’s also always there for us, too.”
fatherhood
struggles and heartaches we have received an overwhelming amount of support by people we’ve known for 20 years and some just 2 months. His pledge to awareness for HD is why our family has been given recognition time and again. He has taught me that no matter how devastating your situation may be, there is always someone else out there worse off and that if you want anything to change you must get up and find a way yourself.” For Taylor, age 16, the lessons she has learned from her dad have made a lasting impact on her life. “I’ve probably learned the most from my dad than anyone else in my life,” she said. “His influence has had the biggest impact, whether it’s his great taste in music or food, or simply his kind ways. I definitely look up to him and I definitely see a lot of him in me. He’s a great dad and he’s taken drastic measures for my mom, sister and I. Everyone always says their parents are the best, strongest, most heroic people they know, but I mean it when I say my dad is all those and more.”
Renato Shaffer Taylor and Alexa Shaffer, who along with mother Sharon and dad Renato were featured in last month’s Resident Spotlight article, have seen the best in their father even during a very trying circumstance. “My dad has taught me the power of human connection,” 21-year-old Alexa said. “He goes out of his way to be friendly and humorous and in turn during our family’s
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on topic: Health
Health Insurance Options for Children By Barry Cogdill, Business Choice Insurance Services
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ather’s Day is upon us. Besides getting some couch time to watch the U.S. Open, and a reprieve from maintenance chores around the house, Father’s Day gives me pause to be thankful that I am the proud father of two wonderful kids. This is a time I get to reflect on what it means to be their Dad, and what my responsibilities are to them. We have all heard about the large number of people without health insurance in our state. In California, the estimates for the number of uninsured residents range from 4 million to over 7 million people. It benefits all of us when we get our citizens covered under some kind of health insurance umbrella. There are many doors into the health insurance market, but we have found that
Don’t Miss Out on Family Fun! EastLake Educational Foundation Upcoming Events:
VIP Reception-4th of July Celebration Wednesday, July 4th Olympic Training Center
Annual Golf Tournament Monday, September 24th EastLake Country Club
Call Nicole 619-997-6470 for all event information. Funds raised go to the EastLake Educational Foundation to fund technology in the local schools.
20 my hometown june 2012
many consumers just don’t know about the available options – especially for their children. There is some current legal uncertainty regarding some of the features of the new Health Care Reform law, which will be decided this summer by the Supreme Court. However, two significant parts of the new law that help children get health insurance are already in place. First, children under the age of 19 are now guaranteed health insurance coverage – they cannot be denied for pre-existing medical conditions. Second, most children can now stay on a parent’s employer health plan through age 26. The covered child does not have to reside in the home, and does not have to be a dependent for tax purposes. The difficult economic times of the past few years have been a financial hardship for many of our residents. Income levels have decreased for some. There are two markets in California for health coverage that are income specific, and can help lower the cost of insuring kids. Medi-Cal is our state program for the low income and medically needy populations. For moderately higher income children, up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, Healthy Families provides coverage. For example, a family of four with monthly income slightly over $4800 per month would qualify for Healthy Families coverage for their kids. In both of these market options, premiums are very low, and benefits are high. This is made possible with state and matching federal funds helping to subsidize the cost of coverage. There are important eligibility requirements for both programs. There are some excellent resources available for consumers. If you want to see what types of coverage are available in California, use www.coverageforall.org. This non-profit consumer site has a simple list of questions to help guide you, and also has a benefit matrix that covers all of California’s insurance market options. They can also be reached by phone through the U.S. Uninsured Help Line at 800-234-1317. my.
Barry Cogdill has been a South County resident for over three decades. He is the President of Business Choice Insurance Services, an independent insurance agency, which has been assisting Californians’ with their insurance needs for over 20 years. Both Barry and Kathy Zwick are available to answer your insurance questions at (619) 543-8000.
on topic: PETS
Beware of a Second “Child” By Lindy Robbins
probably forgot much of what he actually did so many years ago. The good news of having a second “child” is that, after you decide you aren’t going to give them away and you endure their individual personality quirks, you somehow adjust and grow to love them separately and completely. But, beware, you may just delude yourself again and think about a third! my. Lindy Robbins has worked as a psychotherapist for over thirty years. She lives in EastLake with her husband, Chuck, and delightful pets.
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fter raising four human children between us, you would think we’d know better than to think that a second adopted dog would be the same as the first one. A first child (like our first dog, Ralf) can be calm and easy-going, but beware! A second human or canine is going to have their own personality and their own challenges. Why didn’t we think of this? Probably because the heart is a terrible determiner of good sense. So, when Laidee Byrd entered our life, my husband and I just followed our hearts and let her in. She came to us looking like a pathetic brillo pad of a creature, with matted fur and a very sad, yet very calm demeanor. The first vet visit revealed untreated Guardia, severe anemia, a swollen spleen and Demodex mites. We didn’t think about this amount of sickness masking her real personality. All we knew was that we needed to fix up our little year-old Laidee and, thanks to modern medicine and thousands of dollars, she began to heal over several months of treatment. The same determination that helped her to heal became a challenge to our nerves on a day-to-day basis. The better she
felt, the more spunky and assertive she became. It’s a funny thing, spending hardearned money on something. It begins to create “worth” so when things begin to disappoint, you aren’t going to get rid of it so easily due to the “investment” factor. When we realized that Laidee wasn’t exactly house-trained, we put up with ruined carpeting. When she dug up plants in our garden or chewed up outdoor furniture, we simply laughed it off, noting that a few dollars of plants didn’t come close to our escalating vet bills for spaying, teeth cleaning, or specialized treatments for her skin condition. And, we had to admit that we enjoyed her emerging spunk to a certain degree. It’s human nature to compare one thing to another. When Laidee was “good” we began to say things like, “Unlike Ralf, she is quiet and loves to sleep on car rides.” We even went so far as to say, “She always does her ‘business’ so much more quickly than our Ralfie!” However, when she was “bad” we also compared with, “We don’t remember Ralf doing this at all when he was a puppy” even though Ralf is almost 12 (around 80 in human years) and we
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on topic: garden
Gardening Lessons from Dad By Katie Seidenwurm, Landscape Designer and Owner, Zinnia Design,
W
hen I was growing up, if I Trips to the rural nursery can be fun. As wanted to find my Dad, I knew I a kid, my dad would take me to a nursery could find him in the yard. He would be that was out in what we called “the tomato out there in his own world. Sometimes fields.” Thirty years ago, there were acres it would take a few times of my calling of agriculture off of Black Mountain Road his name before he would acknowledge where the nurseries were located. My dad me because he would be so focused and I would venture out on dirt roads to on the task at hand. I found his focus get a good deal on plants. To this day, a intriguing. He would explain what he plant nursery is one of my favorite places to was up to – whether it be weeding, spend time. watering, or planting new plants. I was The main goal is color! Even if you have My Dad, Bill Cox, with my son, Nathan, 2009. amazed at how many hours he could to add annuals (gasp!). My dad buys flats of work without any complaint. After the marigolds, pansies, and even poinsettias that day’s work he would proudly show us (my brothers and me) what he rotates in dedicated annual plant beds. The annuals last a few he had accomplished. weeks, then he changes them out with the next annual. I like how It wasn’t until years later when I owned my first home that I understood this passion for gardening. My husband and I were recently married. I would spend many hours in the yard gardening. I remember one afternoon, my husband called from the house inquiring about dinner. I had completely lost track of time and was in my own world. The gardening bug had struck. Although I studied Landscape Architecture in college, there wasn’t a lot of instruction on basic gardening. With my first home, I relied on what I knew from my dad – the best gardener I knew. I would call him with all sorts of gardening questions. When he visited, we would tour our yard and discuss what plants were doing well and what plants were suffering. He had advice and anecdotes – some which proved successful and some that didn’t. In any case, he gave advice freely and with love and for that I am grateful. If he wrote a gardening book, these would be his top gardening tips. If a plant is failing, trim it back (way back), add fertilizer and wait. My dad will cut back suffering plants sometimes to the ground in hopes of saving them. I thought for sure that he had killed a few of them. However, most often, this works. Patience. Patience. Patience. If a plant is too big, don’t remove it, relocate it. This is sometime back-breaking work, but it is worth it. My dad sometimes moves large shrubs from one side of the yard to the other. Usually, the plant survives. I respect that he tries to make it work with the plants that he had rather than removing plants. I use this technique with my landscape design clients as well. No need for a new plant when you have one already in your yard that simply needs to be moved. Gardening is a trial and error hobby. This goes with patience. It’s hard to know when it’s time to give up on a plant. After you have moved it a few times and it’s still not healthy, is it time to trash it? Maybe. Also, if you like a plant at the nursery, says my dad, buy it and try it. What do you have to lose? 22 my hometown june 2012
he chooses just one flower color and fills the whole planter with it. Brilliant color. Figure out how to water it when you are not around. My dad hates to hand-water. He taught himself irrigation. When I was a kid, we didn’t have an automatic controller. Instead, the valves were controlled by knobs that you turned with a long metal rod. If you have something to give, Those rods were always propped up against the house. With the addition irrigation goes on by ontheme. thenof the automatic controller, itself. He has figured out how to attach drip hoses to his container plants. He even put drip hoses on his hanging baskets. He says that he doesn’t want to miss watering if he is on a trip. Sound advice. Buy snail bait in bulk and don’t eat it! I knew that those brown pellets were poisonous as a kid. My dad was at war with the snails. I would collect them and make houses for them, but he wanted them dead. We had different priorities. Today, I understand his actions. I want them dead too. Bring diseased twigs to the nursery. If the plant has black spots on them. Cut off a twig. Bring it to a nursery. Befriend the nursCaseyNurseryman Family Programs is eryman. recommends a spray or powder. No more looking for foster parents black spots on plants and you get a new friend at the nursery. who can help teenagers find Bonus. waynot home to a safe and gardening, don’t do it. I love this. Iftheir you’re enjoying yourself stable family. Gardening isn’t for everyone. If you don’t like it and instead resent every hour you are knee-deep in mud, then find another hobby. more ILearn am sure thatatthere are more tips that I forgot. With Father’s www.casey.org/SanDiego Day approaching, I reflect on the lessons that my dad has taught call 619.543.0774 me.orGardening is but one of the areas where I have soaked up his advice and tried to pass it on to my kids. Happy Father’s Day! my.
something to give
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change a life change a life forever. forever
A year of your life can Zinnia Design (858) 705-4975, katiezinnia@gmail.com, www.designbyzinnia.com
School News Board of Education Breaks Ground on New Elementary School
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gainst a backdrop of large earthmoving equipment and clutching ceremonial shovels and hard hats, the Board of Education broke ground May 8 on the future site of Enrique S. Camarena Elementary School. Student Safety Patrol members from nearby Wolf Canyon Elementary School led the flag salute on a warm, sunny day at 1650 Exploration Falls Drive, the Camarena School’s address in eastern Chula Vista. Board Vice President Douglas E. Luffborough, III, noted that all the planning that was accomplished over the past few years “culminated in this day.” Now, it is time for the construction phase of the project. “We have begun construction on a campus that will be smartly designed, energy efficient, and that will showcase 21st Century teaching and learning,” Luffborough said. He reminded the students who were present that their destiny is to achieve great things. “That’s why we are here today,” Luffborough said. “For this is not our school. It is yours. And your destiny begins here, as you now write the future of Camarena Elementary School.” In the distance, construction workers could be seen hammering away on rooftops on residential housing projects. The sight was reminiscent of the District’s boom days, when the region was among the fastest growing in the nation. The Great Recession brought new construction to a halt, but signs exist of a re-emerging housing market, one that should help boost a slowly growing local economy. Already, grading on the new school site has begun at a furious pace. Camarena Elementary is scheduled to open in July 2013. It will immediately relieve enrollment pressure at Wolf Canyon Elementary School. The Board approved naming the
school after Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena, a former Marine, police officer and DEA agent whose death at the hands of a Mexican drug cartel in 1985 sparked what is now Red Ribbon Week in schools across the nation. The groundbreaking ceremony attracted parents, staff, business and community leaders, who joined architect Ruhnau Ruhnau Clarke, contractor Balfour Beatty Construction, and District staff and administrators for the event. Camarena family members, including matriarch Dora Camarena, 88, were featured guests and were a poignant reminder of the heavy price the family has paid in service to the country. Mrs. Camarena also lost a son to the Vietnam War, and her son “Kiki” Camarena’s death still reverberates in law enforcement circles. Camarena’s sister Diana Lucero, who was a college student at the time of her brother’s death, said: “After so many years, it’s heartwarming to see that Kiki’s memory and what he was trying to accomplish is still vivid in so many people’s minds. His story has touched thousands and thousands of children through the Red
Ribbon Campaign, and having a school named after him will help more children understand the risks associated with illegal drug use.”
Fast facts about Enrique S. Camarena Elementary School: • It will be the District’s 46th school (including charters). • State approved site on April 30, 2008, with final District purchase of the site in 2008. • Estimated cost is approximately $30 million (excluding site costs of $2.7 million). • The funding source is the Community Facilities District/MelloRoos special tax assessments. (No new school state funding is available on this project.) • First two-story District site in east Chula Vista. • 32 classrooms. • 67,253 square feet. • Capacity of 800 students.. my.
june 2012 my hometown 23
calendar
JUNE 2012
out and about June 3 Summer Sundays series at Village Walk at EastLake – 5-7pm each week through July 8; Free event features music, car exhibits, children’s craft activity and giveaways; (858) 695-2700 or shopvillagewalk.com
June 9 “Father Day” – 5-9pm – Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy; Kids ages 3-12; $25 per student; $35 day of event; Show dad he is the greatest with a gift made just for him; (619) 585-1133, www.neishas.com
June 15 Live Well, San Diego! Summitt – 9am-2pm at Chula Vista Middle School, 415 5th Ave; Building a healthy community for all ages by having generations work together; (858) 514-4652 or www.AISevents.org
June 18 – 22 Art Camp – Vocal music, hip hop dance, drama and musical theater; New Hope Community Church, 2720 Olympic Parkway; Register online at www.go-newhope.com Otay Ranch Town Center Farmer’s Market – every Tuesday 4-8pm Eastlake Business Association – every Monday 11:30am-1pm at Tacos & Tarros; eastlakebusiness.org
June 4 – July 14 Chula Vista Library’s Summer Reading Program; Read for fun, to earn prizes and free books with special programs every week; www.chulavistalibrary.com for complete schedule
June 10 Mariachi Extravaganza Concerts – 1pm & 5pm at Jack Tygett Performing Arts Center at Chula Vista High School, 820 Fourth Ave; Featuring Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose Hernandez; Matinee concert tickets $15, evening concert tickets $20; Support Mariachi in local schools; www.sweetwatermariachi.org Summer Sundays series at Village Walk at EastLake – 5-7pm each week through July 8; Free event features music, car exhibits, children’s craft activity and giveaways; (858) 695-2700 or shopvillagewalk.com
June 23 Spina Bifida Walk-N-Roll – 9am at Chula Vista Bayside Park; Family-friendly event focuses on raising awareness and funds for Spina Bifida Association of California; Register at www.walknrollsd.org Kids Ready To Read – every Thursday 11:15am at Otay Ranch Branch Library; Interactive storytime program for kids 3 and younger; www.chulavistalibrary.com
June 7
June 8
Opening of “This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land” exhibit of Chula Vista’s Japanese American history – 5-7pm at Chula Vista Heritage Museum, 360 Third Avenue; (619) 427-8092 or www.thefcvl.org
San Diego County Fair Opens – runs through July 4 at Del Mar Fairgrounds; www.sdfair.com
June 11-15 Bible Camp: Sky! – 9am-noon at New Hope Community Church, 2720 Olympic Parkway; Open to 1st through 6th graders; Register online at www.go-newhope.com
June 16 11th Annual Pet Fest and Doggy Dash – 8am-12 noon at Memorial Park Bowl; Yearly event for local pet lovers includes pet contests, special demos and pet-related vendors; www.thirdavenuevillage.com
June 24 Summer Sundays series at Village Walk at EastLake – 5-7pm each week through July 8; Free event features music, car exhibits, children’s craft activity and giveaways; (858) 695-2700 or shopvillagewalk.com
June 30 Sweetwater Summer Arts Academy final performance – 2pm at Jack Tygett Performing Arts Center www.suhsd.k12.ca.us/vapa
Snores N S’mores Family Campout – 5pm at Montevalle Rec Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Rd; $7 per person, kids 2 and younger free; Participants need to bring own tents and sleeping bags; (619) 409-1977
June 14 Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Mixer –5:307:30pm; hosted by Chula Vista Golf Course, 4475 Bonita Rd, Bonita; (619) 420-6603 or www.chulavistachamber.org
June 17 Father’s Day Summer Sundays series at Village Walk at EastLake – 5-7pm each week through July 8; Free event features music, car exhibits, children’s craft activity and giveaways; (858) 695-2700 or shopvillagewalk.com
June 29 Family Movie Night – Mr. Popper’s Penguins – 8pm at Montevalle Rec Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Rd; Free admission, snacks and drinks available; Beach chairs, blankets and sweaters recommended; foundryotayranch.org
Please note events and times are subject to change.
24 my hometown june 2012
The Colonna Family U
p until the fifth of January of this year, life had been running along a fairly smooth course for Angie and Gino Colonna. Sure, the San Miguel Ranch couple has experienced challenges over the years after they met, got married, bought a house together and welcomed in two wonderful sons Alessandro and Massimo. But overall, the two local residents, originally from Colombia, had set a plan in motion and with lots of hard work, determination and faith had seen that plan come to fruition. No family, however, can, with any degree of certainty, predict that one day they will be blessed with not only one additional family member but rather three – as in triplets! Funny how life has a way of altering even the best laid plans. In a very short time, the Colonnas will grow from a comfortable family of four to a family of seven, with all five children under the age of four. “We are blessed and very fortunate,” Angie says about their present situation. “I always wanted a big family and know I was born to be a mom. I wanted to earn my college degree, travel the world and have a home first. All things considered this is good timing in all senses.” Still, the unexpected reality that what was originally going to be a single addition to the household has suddenly turned into three new additions has given both Angie and Gino reason to pause and take a moment to come to grips with what is ahead.
Jessica Fraser Photography (619) 339-1847 jessicafraserphotography.com
The triplets will consist of two identical girls and one fraternal sister, with a due date of August 21 but likely to come sometime in July. “I’m happy, anxious, excited, nervous – just a blend of emotions,” said Gino when asked how he was dealing with the knowledge he will soon be a father to five young children. “We have faith that this will all work out. Angie and I have enjoyed every single moment in the development stages of our two boys. Angie is a great mom and together, I know the kids will be well taken care of. I do wonder though what it will be like to have girls.” The Colonnas have taken several steps to prepare for their new bundles of joy. The couple have hired a nanny, purchased a mini van (something Angie thought they’d never do), reached out to family and friends and garnered support from their employers for some professional flexibility. Even with all that taken care of, Angie knows there is still more to do. “I’m still working on the mental preparation,” she said. “I know when the girls arrive it is going to be ‘fun chaos.’ That’s what I’m calling it. Life is full of surprises and we are going to make the most of it.” Anyone interested in assisting the Colonnas with their upcoming “fun chaos” and overwhelming surprise is encouraged to contact Gino via email at ginocolonna@hotmail.com. my. june 2012 my hometown 25
Sport Clips W
hen one door closes another one opens” is a saying many people in our community were reciting during the recent tough economic times. For the owners of the local Sport Clips franchise, Dean and Jan Stark, that mantra wasn’t just a quaint saying designed to ease the pain of a professional layoff it was the truth and the story behind how they came upon an opportunity to go into business for themselves. The Starks moved into the local area from Chino Hills as Dean took a job in San Diego. As the economy started its downturn, he was laid off from work and presented with a severance package that included assistance in finding a new career path. Since Dean and Jan had been talking about wanting to work together in a new venture, they decided to attend a session where a franchise broker spoke about three potential business opportunities. Sports Clips happened to be one of the three businesses he mentioned. The two liked the general concept – a hair salon focused on men’s and boy’s haircuts with a sports theme. The couple completed their due diligence and opened a Sport Clips in both the Village Walk at EastLake and the Shops at San Miguel Ranch shopping centers. Five years later, the Village Walk location continues to do well with Dean handling the administrative side of the business and Jan focused on the team and interacting with the community. “We loved the concept right from the start,” Jan said. “It seemed fascinating and really cool. Sport Clips is a place a guy 26 my hometown june 2012
Photo Courtesy of: Photo By Elsa www.photobyelsa.com
can come in and watch sports and get a quality haircut. The concept goes back to the old fashioned barbershop idea.” At Sport Clips, men and boys receive the MVP treatment, literally. The popular Sport Clips service – the MVP – includes a precision haircut, shampoo, hot steamed towel treatment and a neck and shoulder massage. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes and can be enjoyed while watching all the sports action available on several large screen televisions located throughout the salon. “We are proud to be able offer the extras that make our clients feel like this was a wonderful experience,” Jan said. “They receive a great haircut and a mini spa treatment in a very personable experience. What is really cute from my perspective is that the little boys want the whole MVP treatment just as much as the dads do. My team is incredible and I let them know that all the time.” As local residents, the Starks also have made it a point to be active in supporting the community. Sport Clips is a frequent contributor to local schools, the YMCA, Little Leagues in the area and even Rady Children’s Hospital. “It makes us feel good to give back to the community and be able to help out,” said Jan. my. Sport Clips Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Parkway, Ste. 1627, Chula Vista 91914; (619) 656-8231; haircutmenchulavistaca.com
My Hometown Mercado CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
FAMILY SERVICES
GoldBridge Learning Academy STANCH THE SUMMER SLIDE! Research shows that children’s learning slides when school’s out, losing 1-3 months of progress in math skills and reading achievement. Let ACL help your student stay in academic shape! READ. WRITE. Do fun MATH. Prepare for the NEXT GRADE. Learn how to STUDY, or THINK critically and PROBLEM SOLVE. Improve WORKING MEMORY. Enrichment or remediation. Summer = the perfect time to get ahead! Affordable. 1415 Ridgeback Road, Suite 1 Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 656-6026 www.americancenterforlearning.com
MEDICAL
• Individualized education at an affordable price • Stimulating learning environment with technology • Multilingual & professional faculty • Career planning with global perspective Summer Camp for Kids (Begins June 4: arts & crafts, Chinese language, games and self-defense work out)
Intensive Summer SAT Test Prep Course
(619) 808-1598
• • • • •
HMO PPO Tricare Senior Plans Private PayDiscounts • Same Day Appointments
Maria Oseguera, M.D. Edward Schumaker, D.O. HABLAMOS ESPANOL
(619)-946-4073
(855) 619-6191
www.goldbridgelearningacademy.com
www.LSABT.com
VISION
2452 Fenton St. Suite 301
Pediatrics Adolescent Care Adult Women’s Health Senior Care DMV, Sports Employment Immigration
Letitia A. Stanton-Aicher MS, CCC-SLP
(Free Mock test & grading, systematic review, test strategies & simulation)
Eastlake Family Medical • • • • • • • •
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.
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
(619) 216-3937
www.packandbianesvision.com
BEAUTY
Having a bad hair day? No need to panic! Studio MG Salon in EastLake offers the latest styles and trends. Specialties include the popular Keratin Complex Smoothing treatment, L’Oreal Professional Exclusive, hair extensions, nails, qualified color professionals and glamorous special occasion styling. Call Studio MG Salon today for your next trim or complete makeover. 2240 Otay Lakes Rd. Ste 301 Chula Vista, CA 91915. Follow us on Facebook.
(619) 779-7854 www.studiomgsalon.com
DINING
june 2012
Authentic Italian Cuisine With A Modern Twist. Come enjoy delicious food and exquisite wines in our beautiful dining room or watch a game in our bar! Reserve our elegant private room or patio for your next group function. Daily happy hour, open seven days a week.
2330 Proctor Valley Rd Chula Vista, CA 91915
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