october 2012
hometown
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shed those unwanted pounds
Chula Vista
Watering Holes Ideas To Satisfy Your Wish To Indulge www.myhometownchulavista.com
Business highlight: Via Lago Trattoria resident spotlight: The Richardson Family
october 2012
hometown
local getaways
contents
from the editor... The arrival of fall means the time for family and community celebrations is upon us. At the end of October, many of us will be hurriedly dressing our kids in playful costumes for Halloween-related festivities at school, at home and in the community. My wife and I typically take turns accompanying our two children on their trick-ortreating rounds throughout our neighborhood. While one of us heads out with the flashlight and comfortable shoes, the other stays at home to hand out sweet treats to the young revelers. Both of us enjoy seeing kids from our community dressed up, out with their family and friends, and unknowingly making important connections to the place they call home. Over the next few months, strengthening personal ties to family, friends and neighbors takes on added importance as the end-of-year holidays take center stage. But what is great about living in a place like east Chula Vista is that there is very little reason to wait for a special occasion or holiday to take time to enjoy the company of dear friends. This month’s issue of My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine centers on the idea of spending time indulging in some of life’s simple pleasures – like a glass of fine wine or a wellcrafted beer. Throughout this special edition of our community publication, we feature several stories about going out and living the good life. There are so many outstanding places to spend a fun evening that we know we’ve only scratched the surface of the numerous choices you have. Perhaps the places we’ve highlighted will spark you to try a new location for your next outing or maybe it gives you a little extra motivation to go out and find your own new favorite before the calendar turns to the new year. Of course, along with our focus on going out and having a good time we must also encourage responsibility and moderation. No matter how well the evening out has been, it can’t be considered a complete success unless everyone makes it home safely and without regret. If you’ll be partaking in a tasty beer or a fine glass of wine, or two, while out, know your limits, designate a sober driver and be prepared to call a cab if needed. Cheers!
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October 2012
What’s inside
feature
Chula Vista
Watering Holes Page 12
community news Otay Ranch Town Center Parade & Community Festival
7
community calendar 21
Local Events and Activities
on topic Are Your Finances Important to You?
22
Dateless?
23
resident spotlight 24
The Richardson Family
school news Otay Ranch Town Center Partners with DonorsChoose.org
25
business highlight Via Lago Trattoria
26
Michael Minjares, Editor of My Hometown
october 2012 my hometown 3
BRAVO
Look what great things your community is up to...
To Toyota Chula Vista on awarding $5,000 to the South Bay Family YMCA to provide scholarships, financial assistance and program subsidies for swim lessons. With the $5,000 grant, the local Y will be able to provide program scholarships for more than 100 South Bay children. With more than 2,200 pools nationwide, YMCAs are collectively the largest operator of swimming pools in the United States. The South Bay Family YMCA is home to the largest outdoor heated pools in the South Bay, with more than 118,000 visits annually. Contributions help the Y fulfill its promise of strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Through Toyota’s grant, the Y will able to make the South Bay community stronger by investing in kids’ dreams, growing families’ bonds and uniting the South Bay community. To Pride Martial Arts and its many title holders. The local studio boasts 14 students that won California State Titles with an additional 39 State Titles won at the school in Chula Vista. In addition, Mr. Sean Berry, Mr. Johnnie Morris, Sr. and Mrs. Lizbeth Ahn won World Titles! Berry, a 5th degree Black Belt, Morris, a 4th degree Black Belt and Ahn, a 3rd degree Black Belt also serve as Instructors at Pride Martial Arts. The recent success represents Mrs. Ahn’s sixth World Title and Mr. Berry’s third.
To Eastlake High football player Isiah Olave on being named a High School Athlete of the Week by U-T San Diego after the Titans’ game against Scripps Ranch in September. The junior running back will be counted on to contribute to the team’s drive for another section championship. To Chula Vista Elementary School District students for making sizable gains in standardized testing in the 2011-12 school year, with a larger proportion than ever scoring proficient or advanced in English/Language Arts and mathematics. The student achievement gains placed CVESD well ahead of county and state rates for proficiency or higher, based upon student results for the California Standards Tests (CST) or the California Modified Assessments (CMA) that were administered in May 2012. “We are extremely proud of our students,” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “We commend the hard work and commitment of our teachers and principals. Our teachers are amazing.” Locally, Heritage Elementary was first among District schools in both school-wide English/ Language Arts and school-wide math proficiency. A blistering 88 percent of Heritage students were proficient or advanced in mathematics and 84 percent in English/ Language Arts. Corky McMillin Elementary had the highest performing 6th grade students, with 87.5 percent proficient or above in math and 89 percent proficient or above in English/Language Arts.
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 october 2012
Publisher Tim Minjares tim@fountain-inc.com
Editorial Mike Minjares mike@fountain-inc.com
Sales Melissa Granados meilssa@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
Safe Trick-or-Treating at EastLake Centers
Calling all ghosts and goblins! Children ages 12 and under are invited to pick up free treats at participating merchants at Village Walk at EastLake and EastLake Village Marketplace on Wednesday, October 31 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Children should dress in costume and be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the costumed characters, mascots and other specials planned by merchants at both centers. Village Walk at EastLake is located on EastLake Parkway and Miller Driver in Chula Vista and features 30 stores and services including Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Pier 1 Imports and T.J. Maxx. EastLake Village Marketplace is located on the corner of Otay Lakes Road and EastLake Parkway in Chula Vista and features 30 shops and services including Target, Lowe’s and Office Depot. For additional information, call (858) 695-2700.
march 2012
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Southwestern College’s Gift of Scholarship Gala Oct 6 The 2012 Gift of Scholarship Gala will be held at Southwestern College (SWC) on Saturday, October 6. Monies raised from the Gift of Scholarship Gala help the SWC Foundation provide nearly $200,000 annually in student scholarships as well as underwriting of student and faculty activities in support of the extraordinary learning environment at Southwestern College. This spectacular event will highlight the generous support of donors and will be the crescendo of a yearlong project that raises scholarship funds, celebrates successful alumni and acknowledges corporate and private partnerships. For the first time ever, the Gala will be held at Southwestern College, showcasing many student programs. The Southwestern College Foundation (SWCF), seeks to provide and support the margin of excellence that tuition and tax support cannot offer. The Foundation is a separate not-for-profit, IRS 501 (c) (3) corporation chartered to provide financially for the educational needs of Southwestern College. Since state funding is limited and does not meet all the needs of the College, SWCF actively pursues and generates resources to help the College fulfill its mission to its students and to the community it serves. Southwestern College is one of 112 public community colleges in California and is the only institution of higher learning for the southern portion of San Diego County. For additional information, contact Linda Gilstrap at (619) 216-6614 or lgilstrap@swccd.edu for further information.
McMillin Elementary 3rd Annual Fall Festival McMillin Elementary School PTA invites the local community to join in the fun at its 3rd Annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McMillin Elementary School located at 1201 Santa Cora Avenue in Chula Vista. Attendees will enjoy games, food, crafts and more. Bring the family to a fall event full of fun and support a local, amazing school. Proceeds from the festival will go toward educational assemblies and instructional supplies. For any questions, email mcmillinpta@yahoo.com
october 2012 my hometown 5
on your doorstep
march 2012
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Follow My Hometown magazine on Facebook face b ook /myh om e tow n chul avi s ta
Warm, Year-Round, Indoor Salt-Purification System Pool 3 to 1 Student Teacher Ratio All Ages, 3 months and up! USSSA Member Special Needs Welcomed Birthday Parties We also have a competetive swim team!
Family owned and operated 315 Showroom Pl. Ste. 102 Chula Vista, CA 91914 1-877-277-SWIM (7946) www.floatiesswimschool.com Next to Kid Ventures
6 my hometown october 2012
Beautify Chula Vista October 13 The 10th Annual Beautify Chula Vista Day will take place on Saturday, October 13. Beautify Chula Vista Day will grow to four locations this year: Rice Canyon at Discovery Park, Harborside Park, Otay Valley Regional Park at Rios Staging area, and Eucalyptus Park. “I’m pleased that in its 10th year, Beautify Chula Vista will expand and serve multiple areas in our city,” said Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox. “Volunteer efforts over the past years have helped remove thousands of pounds of trash from neighborhoods, erase graffiti and build community pride. I thank all the volunteers who have committed to this annual Chula Vista service effort and welcome the new volunteers who will join us this year.” Save the date for Saturday, October 13 at 8 a.m. to participate in litter pick-up, graffiti clean-up and weed abatement. Volunteers must provide their own transportation, snacks/lunch and wear appropriate clothing including closed toe shoes and work gloves. Registration is now open at www.beautifychulavista.org. Financial contributions are vital to the continued success of Beautify Chula Vista. Organizers are seeking financial sponsors of $500 or more to assist in providing volunteers with t-shirts, snacks and clean up supplies. Sponsor names will appear on volunteer t-shirts and on the web site www.beautifychulavista.org. Local businesses can help promote neighborhood revitalization and community pride by being a sponsor. For sponsorship information, please contact Jennifer Quijano in the Mayor & Council office at jquijano@chulavistaca.gov or call (619) 409-5812.
on your doorstep
Otay Ranch Town Center Parade & Community Festival Chula Vista is home to an amazing community event that honors military veterans, celebrates our community and brings marching bands from all over Southern California. This annual event – The Otay Ranch Town Center Parade & Community Festival – will take place on Saturday, November 10 at the Otay Ranch Town Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Parade Band Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA, brings the event to the Chula Vista Community. These groups are dedicated to honoring our military veterans, showcasing the talents of our youth through music and dance, and the diversity of our community. The atmosphere of the day will be fun for the entire family! The day begins with a Community Parade at 10 in the morning. The marching bands will compete on Eastlake Parkway near the intersection of Eastlake Parkway and Birch Road, where a full panel of judges from the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association will critique music, marching and pageantry. Most of the marching bands will compete for trophies, scholarships and awards. Our community entries in the parade will join the bands inside the Otay Ranch Town Center at the east end of the Mall on Kestrell Falls Rd. The parade continues west on “Main Street – Otay Ranch Town Center” and will be met with crowds lining the streets cheering on the parade participants. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., the Community Festival begins in the Macy’s parking lot located on the south side of the Town Center off of Birch Road. The festival will include many vendors, great food, games, fun activities for the entire family and will include a performance stage where talented musicians and dancers will perform throughout the day. The awards presentation for the Marching Bands and Parade Participants will begin at 1:00 p.m. inside the Festival at the Performing Main Stage. Each year this event brings more and more of our community out to see the day’s activities, participate in the fun and help celebrate our veterans. Students from the marching bands have worked hard preparing for this event, which brings the very best marching bands from throughout Southern California to Chula Vista. Bands from as far away as Lancaster, Los Angeles, and the Counties
of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino enjoy this unique event filled with activities and fun. We look forward to seeing you on November 10. The Otay Ranch Town Center is located at 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista 91915. For more information about this event, visit the website at www.paradeband.org
CELEBRATE KIDVILLE CHULA VISTA´S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
HALLOWEEN BASH October 26th, 2012. 5pm-7pm Open play in our state-of-the-art children´s gym Arts & Crafts Pizza and Juice Admission: $ 17 per child 2nd child 10% off RSVP
D yo ress ur in Co favo stu rite me
New born - 6 years
Call for details: 619-407-7756 Email: chulavista@mykidville.com www.kidville.com october 2012 my hometown 7
on your doorstep
Chula Vista Charitable Foundation Awards Grant Now in its second year of grantmaking, The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation (CVCF), an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, continues to meet its mission of improving the quality of life within Chula Vista. Last month, the local group’s efforts included awarding $24,828 to the Chula Vista Community Collaborative at a grant ceremony during the Otay Ranch Town Center Celebrates Fashion Night Out event. The grant will support the Chula Vista Community Collaborative’s Family Engagement Project. “We are honored to award this grant to the Chula Vista Community Collaborative,” said Christopher Redo, the foundation’s chair. “Our foundation is made up of members who care deeply about Chula Vista causes and our community. The program at the Chula Vista Community Collaborative will help so many of our neighbors access the support services their families need.” The Family Engagement Project will eliminate barriers to accessing support services, increase family engagement in support services and develop a centralized,
accountable and responsive referral processing system. The grants Margarita Holguin accepting a check ceremony was to the CVCC from CVCF Board Chair held during the Christopher Redo and CVCF Board Otay Ranch Town Chair-Elect Michael Meacham Center Celebrates Fashion’s Night Out event on September 6, where the CVCF was designated as the exclusive charitable partner. Each $25 VIP Lounge entrance fee from the evening will go directly to supporting the work of the foundation. Fashion’s Night Out is a global initiative with more than 4,500 events held worldwide each September. In addition to its grantmaking activity, the CVCF is also working to increase charitable giving by and for the benefit of all who live and work in Chula Vista and build a Chula Vista endowment to provide for the community into perpetuity. For more information, visit www.chulavistacharitablefoundation.org. my.
POWERFUL STAFF WITH LARGE HEARTS Power Hour Club SOUTH BAY FAMILY YMCA Without our Y staff, 1 out of 4 children will be left unsupervised after school in the south bay. Without our staff, drowning would continue to be one of the top three causes of death to children under the age of 5. Without our staff, more than 52% of individuals would continue to be considered obese in the south bay. Without our staff, the Y would not exist. We’d like to THANK our staff, who goes above-and-beyond each day to LIVE the Y mission. And then, they go further. This past year, 145 staff from our South Bay Family YMCA pledged to be members of our Power Hour Club. They have pledged ONE HOUR of their pay, ever month to put back into their YMCA programs. No need to thank us, THANK them. www.southbay.ymca.org/giving.html | 619.421.9622 8 my hometown october 2012
on your doorstep
EastLake Church Branching Out EastLake Church has begun offering weekly services in the space formerly occupied by Seau’s Restaurant at the Westfield Mission Valley Mall. Services are held on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. and feature live music, programs for kids, and practical teaching in a service that lasts about an hour. “We understand that Seau’s Restaurant occupied a place of great significance in the hearts of people throughout the San Diego community,” said Mike Meeks, lead pastor of EastLake Church. “For us, the opportunity to offer hope and encouragement to both Mission Valley and the greater San Diego community is a great way to transition the legacy of what Seau’s Restaurant represented as a community gathering place for many years.” EastLake Church began offering services in eastern Chula Vista in 1993, but in recent years expanded to offer additional services at campuses in Imperial Beach, Rancho San Diego, North Park and online. “The addition of a location in Mission Valley allows us
to continue our mission - to help people find and follow Jesus - for an entirely new community of people,” said Pastor Meeks. “We want to be a place with a casual atmosphere and a serious faith, with no weird stuff.” Over the past few years, the church has not only expanded its outreach to the local community, it has engaged in service projects locally and globally. The church has provided the funds and volunteers necessary to build multiple homes for families in need in Baja California, partnered with the Hope Child Care Program to offer education and care for hundreds of children affected by the AIDS crisis in Bulanga, Uganda, and served as a sponsor and partner with the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition to combat slavery and human trafficking. EastLake Church’s Mission Valley location is located at 1640 Camino Del Rio North #1378 in San Diego. For further information on the church, visit the church’s website at eastlakechurch.com.
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on your doorstep
90 Days Was Just the Start for Stacey Curry Stacey Curry readily admits she surprised herself by winning Body By Bobbie’s 90-Day Fitness Challenge. The 55-year-old local resident, wife, mother and grandmother lost a total of 21 pounds, 6 inches from her waistline and more than 11 percent in body fat during the 12-week personal training program offered by the EastLake fitness center. But according to Curry those impressive results are only the beginning. She has plans to continue her personal wellness efforts and even reach out and help others with their journey to better health. “I’m just at the start of my journey,” Curry shared. “The 90-Day Fitness Challenge was just a start and I’m going to use it as a springboard to help me with the rest of my life. I felt so good after the 90 days I didn’t want all this work to go
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down the drain so I’m still going to classes. I know what to do and how to keep the weight off.” Curry was one of six finalists who competed in the challenge that included personal training, group conditioning, nutritional guidance and individual progress tracking. As the overall winner, Curry won a one-year membership to The Institute of Health & Fitness. But it was the intangible results that really stand out for her. “Honestly, it was a challenge,” Curry said. “Because I made a commitment, I knew I had to stick to it. There were mornings when I did not want to get out of bed I was so sore from the previous days’ classes. I am a competitor and I was not going to let this beat me. Completing the program gave me the confidence that I may have been lacking. I just needed the encouragement and the accountability – these were big things for me.” Like many people, Curry said she had tried many times to lose weight and get fit, but every time she would lose she would eventually gain it all back. She read about the 90-Day Fitness Challenge in My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine and thought it couldn’t hurt to put in an application. When Ty Valkanas, owner of Body By Bobbie Institute of Health & Fitness, called and asked if she was ready to give 110 percent and she walked into the fitness center for the first time, Curry knew this time was going to be different. “Right away I could tell they wanted to help people,” Curry said. “I had Nick as a trainer and he was perfect for what I needed. I asked a lot of questions and he answered all of them. He was kind and knowledgeable and I really appreciated his encouragement.” Curry, a former PE major in college, now has her sights set on helping other people with similar life situations to reach their fitness goals. “I would love to work with women in the 40-60 age range and help them get started with something,” she said. “My advice is you need to start with something you enjoy. If you like to dance, get a video and dance. If you like to bike, then go out and bike. Start somewhere and find someone to encourage you.” Congratulations, once again, to Stacey Curry. Keep up the good work! my.
For more information on the 90-Day Fitness Challenge, visit www.TheInstituteofHealthandFitness.com.
on your doorstep CAST Program Accepting New Volunteers
Concordia’s Fall Harvest Festival – Oct. 27
If you have ever thought about serving your community as a volunteer, consider joining the CAST program. Chula Vista’s CAST – Citizen’s Adversity Support Team – consists of volunteers trained to provide families of trauma victims with compassionate, supportive assistance. Volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year, are trained by professionals including police officers, firefighters, psychologists, and emergency room staff. First responders summon CAST to a variety of emergency calls – serious motor vehicle accidents, murders, domestic violence, shootings and fires. Since 1993, CAST members have responded to thousands of calls in the communities of Chula Vista, Bonita, and Imperial Beach. The next training session begins in January and runs through mid-April 2013. For more information, or to request an application, please contact Dr. Emerald Randolph at (619) 691-5213 or erandolph@chulavistaca.gov.
Concordia Church and School loves serving the East Chula Vista community. At the heart of the Windingwalk community, the local organization loves seeing families gather to meet and greet each other as neighbors at the various community events sponsored at Concordia such as the popular Living Nativity, Easter EGGStravaganza and the summer Freedom Parade. Parents from the Concordia Preschool are planning the first Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 27 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. In addition to fun carnival type games, the event will feature a dunk tank and lots of yummy food stations for an inexpensive family fun night. There will be live music and even a kids’ costume contest. Put the date on your calendar and if you have any questions, contact Melissa Salomon, Concordia’s Community Life Coordinator, at mgsalomon@gmail.com or check out more information about Concordia’s events at www.concordiachurch.com
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october 2012 my hometown 11
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Watering Holes From downtown Chula Vista to the central area of the city to out in the eastern corridor, local residents have no shortage of places to go out and grab a beer, enjoy a glass of wine or dine on a tasty meal. Our hometown offers trendy, up-scale establishments along with neighborhood watering holes that locals have enjoyed for years. Whether you want to sit at a bar watching all the sports action on televisions overhead, enjoy a delicious meal with a glass of fine wine listening to live music or somewhere in between these two options, Chula Vista has lots of places to satisfy your wish to indulge.
october 2012 my hometown 13
Photo courtesy Schafer Photography; www.schaferphotography.net
watering holes
In the western part of our South Bay community, classic, old school bars are some of the best-known places to sit back with friends and enjoy a cold one or two. Dock’s Cocktail Lounge in downtown Chula Vista (317 Third Avenue) fits the historical part of the city very well. Said to be one of the oldest bars in Chula Vista, Dock’s offers the feel of a neighborhood joint welcoming locals and visitors alike. If karaoke is your thing, Dock’s provides the chance for you to showcase your pipes Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 p.m. to close. Right off the 805 freeway on Telegraph Canyon Road sits The Canyon Sports Pub & Grill. The former Canyon Club has been
14 my hometown october 2012
around for 50 years changing ownership in 2006. “The Canyon” fits the definition of a local watering hole with a friendly local vibe, a generous number of beer options on tap and quality pub food. Daily specials offer opportunities to branch out and try something new without putting a dent in the wallet. In east Chula Vista, we are lucky enough to have an outstanding, award-winning local brewery in The Brew House at EastLake. The Brew House prides itself on offering expertly crafted brews along with quality food that goes beyond burgers, wings and pizzas. For the local sports fan, The Brew House also presents viewing parties for major sporting events, including Monday Night Football, MMA and more. “So many cool places to grab a beer in Chula Vista. Guess I would have to go with The Brew House in EastLake,” posted local resident Kurt Bunch on My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/myhometownchulavista). His enthusiasm for the local watering hole is shared by Laura Fox. “I work in Chula Vista and love being able to pop over to The Brew House at EastLake for a beer at the end of the day. Their Bonita Blonde is one of my all-time favorite brews and I really enjoy their Wolf Canyon Wheat, too!” Just a couple doors down in the EastLake Design District we have another place to enjoy a cold beverage while also getting in some bowling action as well. EastLake Tavern & Bowl has a bit of everything for individuals, couples and families from good food, friendly service, plentiful drink options, lots of televisions and two distinct bowling areas. The community came out in mass to the EastLake establishment to view local girl Jessica Sanchez make it all the way to the finals of American Idol. But you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to join with friends and neighbors for some pizza and beers while seeing who can knock down the most pins in those always-stylish bowling shoes. Being neighbors with Mexico, fine Mexican food restaurants exist all over the city. Enamorada by Karina’s in the Village Walk at EastLake is one of the newest, but local diners also enjoy Miguel’s, Hector’s Mariscos and Achiote, to name a few on the eastside. Of course, if you are going to enjoy good Mexican food, there is no beating My Hometown’s favorite – Lolita’s. If your tastes run more to a glass of fine wine and a sit-down meal, Chula Vista has plenty to whet your appetite. Regular readers of My Hometown Chula Vista know about Villa Capri at the Shops at San Miguel Ranch. Assistant Manager Laura Paredes has contributed several articles on wine and wine pairings, including one in this issue. In addition to delicious Italian specialties, Villa Capri has plenty of live entertainment with karaoke every Thursday, including Happy Hour drink specials all night, and a variety of bands playing on Friday and Saturday evenings. Over at the Village Walk at EastLake, local patrons are sure to enjoy the wonderful ambiance and great food at Via Lago Trattoria – our featured business this month. Also receiving a mention on our Facebook page was Valentino’s Lounge on East Palomar. Jennifer Bradstreet let us know that you can’t beat Valentino’s Happy Hour. Whatever local place you call a favorite, we hope you take some time out to order up your preferred beverage, a mouth-pleasing meal and enjoy good times with great friends and neighbors. my.
watering holes
Homebrewing:
By Lillian Leopold
Lessons Learned
ing the kits. What I have found to be most helpful are the recipes they provide, so there’s no guesswork in what materials you have to buy. Plus, they’re open seven days a week and are a phone call away when you’re up to your elbows in the brewing process and you have a question. Ah, the brewing process. Here’s what’s involved: Day One: Start early in the day. You’ll be boiling your ingredients and then adding them to a sterilized bucket filled with cooled bottled water (do not use distilled water). Day Two: You’re waiting to see bubbles coming up through the air lock, signifying your yeast is working and fermenting your brew.
I learned to love beer in college. I know, doesn’t everybody? But I went to college in the beer capitol of the United States – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – home of Miller Brewing Company and Pabst Blue Ribbon. For Christmas one year not too long ago, I asked for a homebrewing kit. It involves a large boiling pot, two 7-gallon plastic buckets, a special lid for one of the large buckets with a hole for an air lock and stopper, a long thermometer, a racking cane and long tubing, a bottle filler, beer bottles and a bottle capper. I also purchased a hydrometer, which measures a beer’s density and alcohol content. Even before I brewed my first batch of beer, I soon discovered several things: • this hobby was going to be more complicated than I had anticipated • it is not a one-person operation • and you won’t be tasting the fruits of your labor for at least a month after you begin the process. In making my beer, I have relied on two brewing bibles: Zymurgy: the Journal of the American Homebrewers Association; and Basic Brewing Instructions from the very helpful people at Home Brew Mart on Linda Vista Road in San Diego. I also kept a journal so that I could document each of my brews and make notes for improving the next batch. Home Brew Mart has all the ingredients you need, includ-
Day 14: By now your yeast should have finished its job and you’ll begin bottling. Warning: this can be frustrating. All your equipment and bottles must be fully sterilized. You’ll be transferring your beer from the fermenting bucket into the primer bucket that contains special sugar water (to create carbonation) using the long siphon tube. But you won’t be sucking on the tube to start your siphon! Here’s where physics gets involved, and this takes time. From the primer bucket you’ll be using the racking cane to pour the warm beer into bottles and capping them. Day 28: Your beer will have been aging for two weeks, and you’re finally ready to enjoy! While I’m just a dabbler, there are serious homebrewers and a local “fermentation fraternity” that meets regularly in San Diego to talk all about homebrewing (www.quaff.org) Even the White House has jumped into homebrewing. The current chefs are using the honey from the White House garden to make beer: www.whitehouse. gov/blog/2012/09/01/ale-chief-whitehouse-beer-recipe Although this article just scratches the surface of the rewards of homebrewing (not to mention some of the hilarious missteps – like not placing the spigot stopper on the inside of the bucket and the spigot on the outside of the bucket to prevent my first brew from spilling out of the bucket) it is like any other hobby. Practice makes perfect. And it always helps to have a bottle of home brew in your hand while you’re making the next batch. my. october 2012 my hometown 15
watering holes By Michael Monaco
Nothing to Wine About
Have you ever enjoyed a nice glass of wine? One that awakens your pallet and moves you to say, “Oh my, that’s nice.” It’s a surreal experience. I started making wine with my dad in 1980. We decided it was time to continue a family tradition. My grandfather made wine in Italy and later Montana where he immigrated. At age 13, he served me my first real glass of wine. It was dark, heavy and so strong I needed a cola chaser. I swear I could stand a spoon up in the glass.
In the old days, winemaking served two purposes. First, enjoying a glass of wine was a social function. Second, it was cheaper to make your own wine. So what’s the big deal about fermented grape juice? The simple answer is crafting. Like any good hobby there’s a certain level of craftsmanship needed to produce a good wine. It’s not difficult to make wine, but it does require attention. New wine can turn to vinegar if unattended during the fermentation process. Here’s an example of what wine goes through – harvesting, crushing, fermentation, pressing, racking or filtering, aging and bottling. Aging wine in oak is a common practice in red wines. It mellows the wine and adds a desirable characteristic. But too much of anything can also be bad. Oxygen, for example, is important in the early stages of crushing and fermenting
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16 my hometown october 2012
however it’s an enemy when the wine has stopped fermenting. Wild airborne yeast and bacteria can contaminate new wine and turn it into vinegar. With patience and good instruction anyone can make wine, and not just from grapes. I have made wine from pears, plums, pomegranates, passion fruit and, most recently, tamarind. California Fruit Wine – an up-andcoming, locally owned winery – produces wine from strawberries, raspberries, mangos and even pumpkin. Wine is also made from other natural products like honey, known as mead. Red wine in moderation may have health benefits – it’s high in antioxidant’s especially resveratrol. Resveratrol is showing promising signs of helping combat heart disease. Winemaking helped me court my wife Sabrina. We’ve now been married 22 years. The first wine I made was plum followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Barbera, Pinot Noir and Petite Syrah. My first solo vintage was a Chardonnay in 1985. Lately, I’ve focused more on Italian liqueur’s – notably Limoncello, a lemon liqueur commonly found in Southern Italy. I’ve produced this type of liqueur using lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine and oranges. Frankly, the orange tasted like cough syrup. Not my favorite. Recently, I started blending a friend’s Cabernet Sauvignon with a pomegranate wine that adds a nice level of complexity many find enjoyable. Yes, enjoying a nice glass of wine can be one of life’s great pleasures, but making a great tasting wine of your own allows you to share that experience with others in a very personal way. Salute! my. Michael Monaco lives in east Chula Vista with his wife and two children and emceed last month’s Chula Vista Rotary Wine & Food Festival.
watering holes
The Art of
Picking the Right Wine By Laura Paredes, Villa Capri Italian Restaurant
Photos courtesy of J.R. Wright
Browsing through the seemingly endless selections of wine at your local wine store can be overwhelming. And trying to order a decent wine from a restaurant can be daunting. The different bottle shapes, sizes, all the years and regions can make you go cross-eyed. Get through that and,
most importantly, you’re stuck with the type of wine and its price! When gathering with friends or family, wine is a versatile choice that can enhance any event. Whether it’s an elegant evening, a networking function or a quiet and intimate dinner. But what goes into choosing a wine? Whether you’re at a restaurant, grocery shopping for the week, or purchasing a hostess gift, picking a great wine doesn’t have to be such a chore. First, narrow down your options to red or white. If the wine is to be enjoyed with a meal, it should be paired. The easiest tip is to pair light wines with light foods and red wines with heavier foods. Chicken, fish or light pastas vs. beef, duck or tomato-based pastas. If you’re ready for the next level, experiment with light reds and heavier poultry dishes or sweet whites with spicy cuisine. If the wine is to be sipped on its own, ask yourself what you feel like. Whites are chilled and can be crisp or buttery. Reds should be served a little cooler than room temperature and can be velvety or peppery. Next, know that different regions mean different tastes. Red wine from Napa
will not taste the same as a red wine from Italy. My tips here are based on popularity. Our west coast is known for great wines. Oregon, Washington and, of course, California. Italy’s most famous regions are Northern Italy through Central Italy. Popular wines from these regions include Barolo, Pinot Grigio and Chianti. And we can’t forget France. Classic favorites include Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. Now, consider bold or subtle? The varietal is the type of wine – what you will find inside the bottle. Basic whites are Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, to name a few. Light reds are Pinot Noir and Merlot; bolder reds consist of Zinfandel, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Then there are blends of varietals, which are called Meritage.
Wines are known to improve with age; however, age isn’t everything. There are many wines that don’t improve over time. Climate and weather conditions affect the grapes and their harvest. That’s why some years are better than others. Most whites and sparkling wines don’t need aging, yet many red wines improve with aging. Wineries age their red wines for quite some time before distributing them, so the wines you find on the shelves are perfectly sufficient. You finally chose a wine, now what happens if you don’t like it? Don’t dismiss it after the first encounter. There could be particular factors that led to that “bad wine”. Temperature, if the wine is served too warm or too cold, red wine wasn’t aerated enough, over pouring into a wine glass, drinking with the wrong foods are all factors that can negatively influence our enjoyment of a particular wine. Red wines should be served around 60°, white wines around 45°. Red wines should aerate for about 15 minutes. Pouring too much wine into a glass won’t leave
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october 2012 my hometown 17
watering holes
enough room for aeration and swirling. Lastly, if your food isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suitably paired with your wine, you may confuse your palate. Of course if you order at a restaurant, most of these mistakes can be avoided. When purchasing and stocking up wines
at restaurants like our Villa Capri in EastLake, a lot of steps are taken to provide customers with a great variety. The most important element is the price. What is profitable for the restaurant, yet affordable for customers? Next is quality of wines, their tastes, and providing a broad selection for customers. Restaurants
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may carry your favorite label, though it is also important to offer new or unique labels, that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t readily available at your local grocery store. Restaurant vendors help tremendously by bringing samples and offering recommendations, depending on what the restaurant is in search of. So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still hesitant about ordering or purchasing wine, ask someone! Ask your server what they suggest, or locate the facilitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; manager. There are many guidelines to help choose the right wine, from simple to intricate. The aforementioned are just some basics, but above all, what matters most are your taste buds and what you enjoy. So sip away! my. Laura Paredes is the assistant manager at Villa Capri Italian Restaurant in EastLake and a 2007 graduate of the San Diego Culinary Institute; www,villacaprichulavista.com
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October is a great month to visit Pediatrics in Paradise. We offer well baby care, immunizations and sports/school physicals. We also offer flu shots to get your child ready for flu season. Call us to make your appointment today!
Singing Story Time 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 10:30am Kids Yummy Eats 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 11:00am Visit Our Website For More Free Classes
www.PediatricsOtayRanch.com 1741 Eastlake Parkway Chula Vista, CA
Phone: (619) 482-1700 Follow Us On Facebook For More Events & News
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Watering hole By Enrique Morlett, Chula Vista Fit Body Boot Camp
Has Too Much Indulgence Turned Your Abs of Steel Into a Beer Belly? Are you ready to shed those unwanted pounds and attain a leaner, healthier physique? Enrique Morlett, certified personal trainer and owner of Chula Vista Fit Body Boot Camp offers up a few tips to jump start your metabolism and get you off on the right foot. – Editor’s note • H.I.I.T. causes metabolic adaptations that enable you to use more fat as fuel under a variety of conditions. This will improve your athletic endurance as well as your fatburning potential.
• H.I.I.T. trains and conditions both your anaerobic and aerobic energy systems
Typical workouts are an hour long. However, another really great option is a 30-minute express workout (all the calorie burning in half the time!). Recent surveys show that participants exercising for 30 minutes actually lost weight more quickly than those doing 60-minute workouts. If you’re really looking to see results, I recommend that you work out 4-5 times per week. It’s important to give your body a couple of rest days to recuperate. I also usually recommend that my clients choose one day a week where they allow themselves to indulge in a few special treats. Finally, enlist a partner to keep you accountable. Whether it’s a workout buddy to get you out of bed or a personal trainer to help push you to the next level, having someone who takes your fitness goals as seriously as you do, can be the difference between seeing real results and trudging along. It’s easy to convince yourself to stay in bed an extra half hour or to go to happy hour instead of a workout, but a partner or trainer will hold you accountable to your goals and to yourself. One additional note, if you are considering a personal trainer, be sure to ask for references, talk to the trainer to see if you are compatible, ask about areas of expertise/specialization, inquire about education and certifications and make sure they have professional liability insurance. my.
• H.I.I.T. increases the amount of calories you burn during your exercise session and afterward because it increases the length of time it takes your body to recover from each exercise session. This is known as the coveted “after burn effect”
Enrique Morlett is the owner of Chula Vista Fit Body Boot Camp, a Chula Vista-based small group and personal training studio. For more information, visit chulavistafitbodybootcamp.com.
While it might sound obvious, the first step is to reduce your caloric intake, especially those calories consumed from beer or wine. Beer, wine and other alcoholic spirits are empty calories, meaning that they fill you up on calories that provide no benefit to your body. Your diet should consist primarily of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. These foods are lower in calories per gram and provide your body with needed energy. Treat yourself to a glass of wine or a lower calorie beer a couple of times a week to keep cravings at bay. Next, you need to ramp up your physical activity. I recommend that my clients use a high-intensity interval training (H.I.I.T.) program. H.I.I.T. is a specialized form of interval training that involves short intervals of maximum intensity exercise separated by longer intervals of low- to moderateintensity exercise. Because it involves briefly pushing yourself beyond the upper end of your aerobic exercise zone, it offers you several advantages:
20 my hometown october 2012
october 2012
calendar
out and about October 6
October 8
October 11
October 12-25
Chula Vista Fire Department Open House – 10am-2pm at Fire Station #4, 850 Paseo Ranchero; Live fire department demos, fire equipment displays, fire prevention exhibits, free rides on the “Little Fire Truck.”
2nd Annual Police Explorer Golf Tournament – at EastLake Country Club; Fourplayer scramble format; Fee includes green fees, golf cart, range balls & a catered lunch; www.cvexplorers.com
Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Mixer –5:307:30pm; hosted by Kaplan College, 555 Broadway, Ste #144; (619) 420-6603 or www.chulavistachamber.org
The Sugar Witch – at OnStage Playhouse, 291 Third Avenue; www.onstageplayhouse.org
Southwestern College’s Gift of Scholarship Gala – 5:30pm Reception & Silent Auction, 7pm Dinner & Program at Mayan Hall Patio Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road; Funds raised support SWC Foundation and student scholarships; www.swccd.edu/gala
October 13
October 19
October 20 & 21
10th Annual Beautify Chula Vista – 8am; Volunteers participate in litter pick-up, graffiti clean-up and weed abatement; Registration information online at www.beautifychulavista.org
McMillin Elementary Fall Festival – 4-7pm at 1201 Santa Cora Ave.; Games, food, crafts & more; Email mcmillinpta@yahoo.com
Miss California State Finals Scholarship Pageant – at Ruth Chapman Theater, Eastlake High School; 4-age divisions, speech and essay scholarships awarded; Email misscalifornia@cox.net
Through October 26 12th Annual Community Art Show presented by the Chula Vista Art Guild at Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Road; Exhibition open to all artists 18 and over; Awards presented to top entries; www.chulavistaartguild.com
October 31 Safe Trick-or-Treating – At Village Walk at EastLake and Village Marketplace from 3-5pm; Children should dress in costume and be accompanied by an adult; (858) 695-2700.
2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s South Bay – 7am Registration, 8am Walk begins at Otay Ranch Town Center; Email Dani Dawson at dani.dawson@alz.org or http://act.alz.org “Happy Halloween” – 5-9pm – Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy; Kids ages 3-12; $25 per student; $35 day of event; You’ll be haunting the night away! Come dressed for a costume parade & contest; (619) 585-1133, www.neishas.com
Chula Vista High School Homecoming – 8am Alumni Tea (cafeteria), 9am Alumni Assembly, 6pm Alumni Parade & 7pm Football game vs. Olympian at Chula Vista High School
October 26
October 27
Mariachi Scholarship Foundation 6th Annual Golf Tournament – 12pm Shotgun start; Proceeds to benefit the Mariachi Scholarship Foundation in its support of local students; Sandi Smith (619) 796-7715 or sandra. smith@sweetwaterschools.org
Concordia Church & School Fall Harvest Festival – 3-5:30pm at 1695 Discovery Falls Drive; Carnival-type games. Dunk tank, food stations, live music & kids’ costume contest; www.concordiachurch.com
Kids Ready To Read – every Thursday 11:15am at Otay Ranch Branch Library; Interactive storytime program for kids 3 and younger; www.chulavistalibrary.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
Please note events and times are subject to change.
on topic: finances
Are Your Finances Important to You? By Mario Fragomeno, Independent Capital Management, Inc.
T
he challenging economic times of the past recent years have brought a financial struggle for many Americans, even those living in our local communities of Otay Ranch and EastLake. With job growth at a relative stand still, our visions of tomorrow’s financial security can become increasingly unclear. What can one do in these difficult times to ensure a bright economic future? Simple: begin by creating a financial strategy using financial tools that will empower you to overcome your negative patterns of the past while making progress in the present. Below are different options you should be utilizing depending on your life goals and unique position. Retirement Plan - Everyone knows saving is a challenge. It can feel like a constant tug of war between enjoying your hard earned money now versus saving for some seemingly distant future. Now imagine how hard it will be to save money when you are retired. Scary, right? With reports of our social security system going under in 35 years or less and pension programs a thing of the past for many working Americans, saving for retirement is now on you and is more important than ever. If you’re near retirement age, have you asked yourself if you are ready? Already retired, you say? Congratulations! Now, which steps have you taken to ensure that you do not out live your money, to protect and pass on your fortune to loved ones or even a charitable organization? If you are a small business owner, on the other hand, implementing a comprehensive retirement plan can potentially help you increase your tax deductions, retain and reward employees, provide protection from creditors and shift dollars from your business to your retirement on a tax-deductible basis. Life Insurance Policy - If you’re like most people, you know you need life insurance – you just don’t like talking about it. It’s not that you don’t appreciate its value or think you don’t need it, but thinking or discussing the reason for life insurance simply makes people feel uncomfortable. If you don’t have a clue about what type of policy is unique for you, or how much life insurance you need, you are not alone. Few people truly understand life insurance and all of its intricacies. That’s okay, it’s not your job to know everything about it – it’s mine. We’ll work together to find the best policy for you. College Saving Plan - The benefits of a college education are obvious: the ability to compete in today’s aggressive job market,
22 my hometown october 2012
increased earning power and expanded horizons. However, these advantages come at a price – college is expensive! College savings plans are tax-advantaged savings vehicles and the most popular ways to save for college today. Many families finance a college education with the help of student loans and other types of financial aid, such as grants and work-study programs, but this is rarely able to cover the costs of rising tuition and living expenses. In these tough times, however, a solid college savings plan should be the cornerstone of any successful financial strategy for your children’s future. Estate Planning - By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives. Your age, health, wealth, lifestyle, life stage, goals, and many other factors determine your particular estate planning needs. A professional financial specialist helps you understand what estate planning really means to you. It’s easy to understand why people tend to postpone putting together a financial strategy, even though they know they need it. But the bottom line is that time is the most valuable asset you have to accumulate wealth. The longer you wait, the harder it is to take advantage of essential tax breaks and compounding interest. A fantastic strategy is to start with an amount within your budget and increase it over the years as your budget allows. When you save regularly over time, you may be surprised to see how much wealth you can accumulate over the course of your life. What are you waiting for? Get started now. my.
Mario Fragomeno is a financial specialist with Independent Capital Management, Inc. 3131 Camino Del Rio N, Suite 1150 San Diego, CA 92108 and is available at (858) 255-0836 or www.mariofragomeno.com Securities offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA, SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Independent Capital Management, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor. Fixed and Traditional Insurance Services offered through Independent Capital Management, Inc. Independent Capital Management, Inc. is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial, Inc. or registered as a broker-dealer.
on topic: love
Dateless? By Jaime Bemarás, MultipliDate.com
I
n the January issue of My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine, one of the checkboxes on the cover read “Find love”. Just another box on a list of resolutions. Simple, right? Maybe. There are tons of reasons why people spend precious time alone when they’d rather share it with someone special. For singles, this becomes an inescapable reality in the coming months, when people seek to spend time with loved ones. Not looking forward to the kids’, I mean, “singles” table again this Thanksgiving? Then get busy. Now. You can venture into the fine local watering holes featured in this issue. But meeting someone to date can be very inconsistent. Tell me if this sounds familiar: you spend a good while talking to someone, only to learn that they’re already dating someone else; they just happen to be not present tonight. Back to square one. Minus the time lost. Make that square zero. You can also spend eternity looking at profiles on a traditional dating site. You might even meet the person behind the profile – eventually. But sometimes, as you meet, it becomes evident that the real person and the profile do not match what the image you had in your mind. Those first few face-to-face minutes are crucial.
East Chula Vista is an excellent area for dating – if one knows this tip: MultipliDate.com. What if you had more dates than nights of the week? MultipliDate.com is a different kind of dating site. You get to meet the actual person! It uses specialized logic to maximize your dating potential, and eliminate human error as much as possible. It’s very easy, and fun! You can learn all about how it works at the website. Plus, registration is currently free, so there’s no risk in trying it. But why is east Chula Vista a great place to date? Because for those just starting out, for those looking to settle down, and for those who want to reinvent their emotional lives after a past relationship, this is the community where people move to live and grow as a family. You are not alone in your search. You just need to put yourself in the ideal situation to meet other like-minded singles looking to date. Who knows? You just might end up featured as a couple in a future issue. Multiply your dating life. Check out MultipliDate.com. Then meet, choose, and date! my.
october 2012 my hometown 23
on your doorstep
The Richardson Family W
ith election season in full swing, politicians on both sides of the aisle are commenting on the “American Dream.” Amidst all the campaign talk it’s easy to lose sight of what that phrase really means. Well, in the Richardson house in EastLake one finds a true illustration of what living the American Dream actually means in today’s day and age. Rick Richardson grew up only four miles from his current house. The Bonita Vista High graduate lived close to Southwestern College in a single-parent household. He admits the family struggled to make ends meet on his mom’s salary alone and when it came time to head off to college, financial considerations played a large role. When the Army offered to help pay for Rick’s college expenses, it was off to San Diego State University, ROTC and the National Guard. Military service would not be foreign to the local resident as several family members had served in the Army, Navy and Air Force. After graduating from SDSU, Rick spent 24 years in active duty in the Army, including two tours in Iraq and nine years in Europe. The Army officer served as a field artilleryman and strategic planner, retiring as a Colonel in 2011. With wife Carmen and daughters McKenzie, 16, and Cameryn, 12, Rick brought his family back home to Chula Vista last year. “We had visited this area a lot over the years and saw EastLake grow,” said Rick, who now works as the Co-Executive Director of 24 my hometown october 2012
Photo Courtesy of: Jessica Fraser (619) 339-1847 www.momentsbyjessica.com
the non-profit organization Child Development Associates, the company his mother founded in 1974. “This place has everything we wanted – a beautiful community, outdoor trails, its own shops and restaurants, great schools and a safe environment.” Together with wife Carmen – the two will have been married 20 years at the end of December – Rick has quickly gotten involved in the local community. Carmen works with a tutoring program at First Methodist Church while completing work on her teaching credential. Rick sits on the HOA Board for EastLake III and joined the Board of Directors of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation. “In looking for ways to re-connect with the community, I wanted to find ways to give back,” he said. “I have found that through the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation. I enjoy working with others to make Chula Vista a better place today and into the future.” That focus on building community is one of the many things Rick shares with wife Carmen. The former Nebraska native also wants to be involved in enhancing her new home’s future. “EastLake is awesome, but it is part of the larger Chula Vista community,” she shared. “We’ve seen the world, seen the U.S and gained a global perspective. We see how it all starts with where you live, in your neighborhood. There is more we can do to support the community. We are passionate about making sure the community we live in is the best it can be.” my.
School News Otay Ranch Town Center Partners with DonorsChoose.org to Celebrate Schools!
O
tay Ranch Town Center is harvesting its passion for education, partnering with DonorsChoose.org for its Celebrate Schools! philanthropic initiative. The partnership is designed to shine the spotlight on the importance of a quality education and assist local-area schools and teachers with muchneeded supplies and funding. Started in 2000 by social studies teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. The website is designed to connect individual donors directly with classrooms in need, grades kindergarten to high school. Teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org. Requests range from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class. Donors browse project requests and are able to donate any amount. Once a project reaches its funding goal, DonorsChoose.org delivers the materials to the school. From now until October 13, all members of the mall’s frequent shopper program, “The Club,” will receive an email with a link to DonorsChoose.org and a special code specifically matched to a list of project requests from participating schools High Tech High, High Tech Middle, High Tech Elementary and DaVinci Charter School. Members’ donations will be matched in various amounts depending on the project and week (full schedule listed on the DonorsChoose.org page). When donors go online with the matching code, they can donate to any program they want. Donors are not limited to just the four participating schools that have partnered with the local shopping center. If shoppers are not already members
of The Club, they can register on-site at Otay Ranch Town Center until October 13 or through www.otayranchtowncenter. com; once processed, new members will then receive the email with code linking to the local project requests. A full list of the local school project requests is also available on www.facebook.com/ OtayRanchTownCenter. “Being able to directly impact the quality of a child’s education is something that is extremely important to Otay Ranch Town Center... after all, it all starts in the classroom. DonorsChoose.org makes it so easy, and tangible, to give back to local-area schools and the projects you’re passionate about. The best thing is, no matter what the dollar amount, you know you’re helping a school in need,” said Tim Colby, senior general manager for Otay Ranch Town Center.
In addition, Otay Ranch Town Center’s parent company is giving away $20,000 to one U.S. school that will be nominated by a Club member. The in-mall sign up stations will allow members to nominate a local-area elementary or high school for the opportunity to receive a $20,000 award. All eligible, nominated schools will be included in the national drawing held after October 14. On October 13, Otay Ranch Town Center and participating schools will join forces to host a fun, in-mall event to Celebrate Schools! and the mall’s charitable partnership with DonorsChoose. org. The event will be held in the Food Pavilion where each participating school will have an informational and fundraising booth, student musical groups will perform and the mall will have a redemption zone where shoppers can sign up for The Club and win fantastic prizes, all while supporting these local schools. my.
october 2012 my hometown 25
Via Lago Trattoria N
estled among the quaint specialty shops and businesses of the European-styled Village Walk at EastLake shopping center, sits an outstanding local restaurant offering a taste of fine Italian cuisine, an impressive wine selection and engaging staff. For five years now, Via Lago Trattoria by Busalacchi has served up delicious food and drinks to locals and visitors alike – making everyone that comes into the EastLake gem feel welcomed. According to Managing Partner Jan Montell, the idea behind Via Lago Trattoria has always included striving to become a neighborhood restaurant where individuals, couples and families all could come in and share a family meal, celebrate a special occasion or casually enjoy a glass of wine. “When you come into Via Lago Trattoria, we hope you feel like you are walking into our home,” Montell said. “Our customers come here to enjoy a family meal eaten in courses – like you used to do at grandma’s house. We want you to feel like you are experiencing a taste of Italy through fresh and seasonal food and great service.” Montell, an EastLake resident, comes from a family of foodies and has years of professional experience in the hospitality arena. Her father owned a restaurant in Pennsylvania, while her mom was an outstanding cook as well. Montell says it was like living with two excellent chefs. Montell started a successful catering business through her dad’s operation. She has been with the Busalacchi family of restaurants for 15 years now, having served in many roles including general manager at Trattoria Fantastica 26 my hometown october 2012
Photo Courtesy of: Vanessa Ortiz Photography www.vanessaortizphotography.com
and then Café Zucchero both on India Street. It is that special combination of experience and passion that she displays on a daily basis at Via Lago, interacting with patrons and staff, overseeing the dayto-day activities and implementing new ideas. In addition to the tasty food – Joe Busalacchi serves as executive chef – and delightful European-inspired ambiance, Via Lago holds cooking classes and wine pairing sessions. Four nights a week diners are treated to live music and a fun Happy Hour on Tuesdays. The EastLake restaurant offers a wide variety of specials and has introduced a Wednesday wine night where customers can enjoy a new bottle of wine for up to 50 percent off, though every day discounted wine will be featured in new wine bins. New appetizers are also being added to the menu. It’s part of Montell’s efforts to make Via Lago a place the community sees as a valued resource. “I feel we are just starting to hit our mark,” Montell said. “Via Lago is becoming a neighborhood restaurant and I love that. We want to be an integral part of this community and its growth. Living in EastLake, I know this area has a strong sense of community and it makes the neighborhood that much stronger. We’re going to continue to be a place that has good food, good service and is refining its approach to the culinary art of Italian cooking.” my. Via Lago Trattoria, 866 Eastlake Parkway, Ste. 210 Chula Vista 91914; (619) 216-8660; www.vialagotrattoria.com
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MEDICAL
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Eastlake Family Medical 2452 Fenton St. Suite 301
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(619)-946-4073
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
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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
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