CVEC AT A GLANCE
The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC) is a first-ofits-kind creative campus in Southern California designed to support the future of storytelling, virtual production, digital content creation, and entertainment innovation. CVEC will blend traditional film & television media with community driven, digital content creation spaces to empower creators, attract top-tier talent, and reinvigorate independent storytelling. chulavistaec.com | V chulavistaec
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A Moment To Pause
Hi there!
I’m Sarah—Editor of Chula Vista City Lifestyle.
As we approach the season of gratitude, I am overwhelmed by the amount of blessings I see all around me. Whether it’s trees swaying in the breeze, the friendly stranger saying hello with a smile, or the snuggles of my pup—I’m finding that the practice of pausing, just for a second, helps me take it all in.
In a world where things move fast, where divisiveness and pain run rampant, I often look to the people in our community for hope and thankfulness.
In the pages of our magazine this month, you will find stories of everyday heroes. People taking the time out of their day to volunteer, organizations bringing the hope of sustainable opportunities to resilient families, and neighbors who are building their dream by starting a business built on joy and fun. Having the opportunity to speak to these people and share their stories reminds me of the wonder and awe that I have for people and for supporting our local neighborhoods. It’s my favorite part of the job.
As you read through this issue, I hope you, too, feel the magic of our community. Throughout this season, I pray you remember to take a few moments to pause, look around, and take it all in.
We have so much to be thankful for.
In Gratitude,
SARAH KRUEGER, EDITOR @CHULAVISTACITYLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Malave | andrea.malave@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sarah Krueger | sarah.krueger@citylifestyle.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Light House Electrical, proudly serving San Diego County, CA, offers unparalleled electrical services for both residential and commercial customers. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient electrical solutions. As a service-connected, disabled veteran-owned business, we bring a unique blend of expertise, commitment, and integrity to every project.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 – 3: VIVA! RIDE- REVBody and Edge Cycle celebrate Mexican Independence Day 4 – 5: Hotworx Chula Vista Millenia at Namaste on the Run, with Mayor John McCann 6 – 7: Realtor Annel Vargas hosts National City Chamber, “Women of Business Thrive Workshop: Building Wealth Through Real Estate.”
From Tired to Thriving, Whole & Well
Wholistic
business monthly
Urban Sage Acupuncture Brings Affordable Wellness to Chula Vista
Urban Sage Acupuncture & Wellness makes quality care accessible with its Community Acupuncture Program. Every Saturday from 11am–2pm, Dr. Jillian offers group treatments in a welcoming setting—helping clients manage pain, stress, anxiety, sleep, hormonal symptoms, digestive concerns, burnout, and more. At just $55 per session, with package discounts available, the program makes regular care achievable. Acupuncture, because sometimes the point is simply to feel better.
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ComForCare Southeast San Diego Brings Compassionate In-Home Care
ComForCare Southeast San Diego is proud to serve families across Chula Vista and the greater South Bay with trusted in-home care tailored to each unique situation. From companionship and dementia care to meal preparation, light housekeeping, and 24/7 support, ComForCare’s mission is to help loved ones thrive safely at home. Led by Deepti Kurup, the team is dedicated to bringing peace of mind to families through care rooted in dignity, respect, and compassion.
Wholistic Wellness Services- Supporting Well-Being Through Life’s Most Challenging Seasons
As the holiday season approaches, many face heightened stress, loneliness, and health challenges. Wholistic Wellness Services provides compassionate support to help individuals navigate this difficult time with balance and resilience. Offering virtual counseling, coaching, and wellness resources, founder Rachel Ferguson empowers clients to heal, grow, and rediscover gratitude in daily life. This November, we celebrate her commitment to fostering well-being and reminding our community that even in challenging seasons, there’s always space to be thankful.
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10 YEARS OF JOY
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER
Salvation Army Volunteer
Herb Geier and His Wife
Dorothy Celebrated for Their Generosity
If you ever got the chance to meet Herb, you’d be hard pressed not to smile.
At 76 years young, Herb’s humble sense of humor and bright spirit can lighten up any space. A 20-year Navy vet from Kansas, Herb and his wife moved to Chula Vista when he retired from the military, and have been dedicated members of the community ever since.
For the past 10 years, Herb has served as a bell ringer for the Chula Vista Salvation Army. From October to December each year, He suits up in his red Salvation Army apron, picks up a bell, and fosters a spirit of connection at the local grocery store while raising money for a great cause.
He is so consistent, that the people at his stores remember him, and look forward to seeing him year after year.
“A lot of people will come up and tell me stories of how the Salvation Army has helped them and impacted their lives. Perfect strangers. It makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.”
Herb volunteers nearly every day—Monday through Saturday—during kettle season, and is one of the organization’s most impactful fundraisers. He is more than a bell ringer, though. He’s a living reminder that generosity is contagious, and that small acts of kindness ripple outward through an entire community.
“I just like to get out and chat with people,” he says. “Especially the kids. Watching their faces light up when they drop in a donation and teaching them the joys of sharing, that’s my favorite part.”
Last month, Herb was recognized at the Chula Vista Salvation Army Advisory Board Meeting for his dedicated volunteer service. His wife, Dorothy, is his biggest supporter. Herb is experiencing macular degeneration and other vision related health issues, so he can’t see well enough to drive. Dorothy drives him to each and every volunteer shift, and to the meeting where he was honored. She is proud of Herb’s volunteer service, though it’s her quiet behind the scenes dedication that truly makes it all possible. The duo teaches us that it’s the little things in life that we can be grateful for—like giving back to the community.
“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to do this,’ says Herb. “It’s a good way to volunteer and remind people of the good that the Salvation Army does. They do a lot of good, and in this world we need more people doing good.”
This season, may we all find a way to be a little more like Herb—sharing joy, giving freely, and lighting up our community through small acts of kindness.
Congratulations, Herb, on 10 years of volunteering and for making a true difference in the lives of children and families across Chula Vista.
“They do a lot of good, and in this world we need more people doing good.”
Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts
ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY
The art of gratitude can be healing. It’s a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.
1. Five things that make you happy instantly:
2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?
3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?
4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?
5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:
6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?
7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:
8. List something good that caught your attention today.
9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?
10. What's something you did for another person this week?
11. Three things you own that make your life easier:
12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?
13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.
14. What are you most thankful for in your life?
15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.
16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:
17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?
18. What's your favorite holiday and why?
19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?
20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?
21. What are you grateful for in your career?
22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.
23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:
24. Three things you love about your town:
25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?
26. What meals do you enjoy most?
27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:
28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:
29. A happy memory from childhood:
30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.
A FOUNDATION OF GRATITUDE
Building hope for 10,000 more people in need
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER
The mission of SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) is to transform communities to support the well-being and prosperity of children, youth, and families. Their new Center for Impact means even more neighbors will find safety, stability, and the chance to thrive.
“Today, SBCS’s programs span a vast variety of support for youth and families... helping them take steps toward a brighter situation.”
Since 1971, SBCS has worked throughout San Diego County to strengthen communities with programs designed to create stability and opportunity for residents. For 50 years they’ve deepened their impact, reaching more than 50,000 youth and families each year. And they are based right here in Chula Vista—a hidden gem in our very own backyard.
In its early days, SBCS started as a drop-in center for teens. As kids spent more time at the center, though, it was clear that they were experiencing challenges outside of the program that impacted their lives in big ways. Things like violence at home, school trouble, or taking on household responsibilities while their parent was at work, made it hard for them to thrive. The team at SBCS stepped in time after time to support these youth as they navigated
the difficulties of their lives around them. That’s where the future of SBCS’s programs was born.
Today, SBCS’s programs span a vast variety of support for youth and families. Their team of over 500 employees work alongside schools, police departments, family resource centers, and affordable housing locations to ensure community members have what they need to live a bright and fulfilling life. Their programs are designed to support basic needs like food and housing, as well as emergency support for families experiencing domestic violence, addiction, or youth in the juvenile justice system. At the heart of it, if a family in the San Diego region is struggling with any sort of personal, physical, or emergency need—SBCS has a program to help them take steps toward a brighter situation.
EXPANDING POSSIBILITY FOR MORE SAN DIEGANS
On October 22nd, SBCS cut the ribbon on their brand new, 61,000 square foot facility on 4th Avenue in Chula Vista. Their grand opening marked a huge milestone for the organization, a cause for celebration.
Over the decades, SBCS had outgrown their space. Employees were spread out across multiple buildings in San Diego County, making collaboration difficult and transformation efforts disconnected. In the new center, all SBCS employees, community partners, and residents have a central location where they can work together to continue addressing the most pressing issues facing our neighbors and neighborhoods.
Most importantly? The space was built with the community in mind. Promotoras—or trained parent volunteers from local neighborhoods connecting SBCS programs to the community—shared their specific needs for the space. They suggested amenities (like a kitchen to offer meals during workshops), and intentional community gathering spaces. It was important for them for the space to feel dignified—somewhere they are proud to walk into. SBCS succeeded in making those dreams come true. The new space is beautifully designed to be welcoming, dignified, and community-driven— somewhere anyone would feel proud to walk into.
For the team at SBCS, this is about much more than just a building. It’s about creating community— offering opportunities, and fostering supportive and dignified environments for residents. It’s about increasing impact for those that need it, and making sure that there’s room for everyone. SBCS CEO Kathryn Lembo says that’s it’s because of support from communities like ours, that this was possible.
“This is about more than just a building. It’s about creating community— offering opportunities and fostering supportive and dignified environments for residents.”
“Thank you to our Chula Vista community for believing in our work and making our new Center for Impact possible,” she says, “With your support, this community-centered facility will be a launching pad for us to serve more people, more often and a symbol of our commitment to serving this community for decades to come.”
WHERE HOPE FINDS A HOME: A STEP INSIDE THE NEW CENTER
So, what’s happening within the walls of this huge new center? Tons!
The ground floor is a multipurpose community engagement and wellness center for all people served by SBCS and all of the neighborhood residents of Chula Vista. The space is
complete with a beautifully designed mental health wing, full of comfortable rooms to host therapy sessions and small group meetings as well as a collection of colorful and welcoming family rooms used for parental visits and children’s programs. You’ll notice windows lining the walls, allowing the natural light to radiate in, bringing even more warmth to the space. Continue around the first floor and you’ll find a large community engagement center full of moveable tables, chairs, and supplies for Leadership Academies, civic engagement trainings, Promotora groups, and other community-style events.
Down the hallway, you’ll find the SBCS neighborhood computer lab that’s open to the needs of the public on a daily basis, and a
teen room with after school and weekend hours so local teens have a safe and fun place to hang out.
The top three floors offer space to centralize all of the staff in one place, making collaboration a breeze.This huge upgrade will expand SBCS’s capacity to be able to serve up to 10,000 more people in San Diego with critical services, writing a new chapter of hope for our San Diego community.
A FOUNDATION OF GRATITUDE
The programs at SBCS are built upon the gifts and passion of the local community. None of the work they do would be possible without the support of their donors and neighbors who make their mark on the organization, leaving a legacy by supporting the Center for Impact and other SBCS programs.
Sometimes, though, it’s the unexpected gifts that mean the most. A few years ago, a woman called SBCS in response to a “thank you” call she received. When she spoke to a staff member, they asked her: “What inspired you to give to SBCS?”
She replied that a year before, she found herself in need of help while escaping an abusive home situation for her daughter. A parent at her school told her about SBCS, so they contacted the organization. They had found themselves without money, without a place to stay, and nowhere to go. They were desperate for help.
At the time, the SBCS emergency housing was full—yet that didn’t stop them from supporting this family in need. They placed the mother and daughter in a hotel room and provided them with $250 gift cards for food, until they were able to figure out their next steps.
New SBCS Center for Impact Building
Grateful for the support she needed to get them out of their terrible situation for good, the woman decided that as soon as she was steady again, she would make a donation back to the organization that helped her and her daughter in their time of need. She requested her donation be used to purchase some of the same $250 gift cards that had made all the difference for them the year before—ensuring another family could feel the same relief she once did. It was her own story, and her gratitude for the services she received, that inspired her to give.
This foundation—one of gratitude, giving back, and community rooted in deep care—is what keeps organizations like SBCS
working for a brighter future. Our communities are stronger and better because of that legacy, and we are grateful for all they do for Chula Vista, the South Bay, and the San Diego region as a whole.
BE A PART OF THE CHANGE
SBCS’s work is built on a foundation of gratitude—from those they serve, their dedicated team, and the community that stands beside them. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support their life-changing programs, visit their website at https://sbcssandiego.org/
HOW TO: seasonal home scents
ARTICLE BY CELENA CISCO
S PROV I DE W A R M A N D C O Z Y S C E N T S
Fall essential oil combinations provide a warm and cozy scent while also protecting from sickness prevalent in the colder season. Follow these oil combinations to create your own seasonal scent.
immune boost
DIRECTIONS :
Combine the following essential oils with a base oil (coconut oil).
INGREDIENTS:
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiseptic
• Lemon: Uplifts; Kills Bacteria Reduces Inflammation
• Oregano: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
HOW TO USE:
Apply to wrists or feet. Do not use it on your face.
home defender
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the following essential oils.
INGREDIENTS:
• Orange: Reduces Stress; Antimicrobial
• Eucalyptus: Decongestant; Provides Healing
• Cinnamon: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Black Pepper: Supports the Nervous System
• Clove: Antibacterial; Antiviral
• Rosemary: Reduces Stress; Helps with Respiratory Fatigue
HOW TO USE:
Fill the diffuser with water and apply the desired amount of drops.
FULL BELLIES & Full Hearts
NEW ROTATING SUSHI RESTAURANT BRINGS FOOD, FUN, AND FAMILY TOGETHER
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MING’S ROTATING SUSHI AND BAR
If you’re thinking about visiting Ming’s Rotating Sushi and Bar, prepare yourself for a whirling adventure. Though you might just miss this inventive restaurant nestled between businesses in the Bonita Point shopping center, once you step inside, you’ll be transported into a bright world of whirring delivery cars, a buzzing conveyor belt, and the low hum of diners enjoying their sushi rolls, ramen, and light bites.
There’s a warmth to the restaurant that makes it feel like you’re dining with an old friend—if that friend had a sushi carousel in their home. The reason? The love and care of the restaurant owner, Cici Chen. Cici and her husband Ming, the restaurant’s namesake, opened their rotating sushi bar after a lifetime of family restaurant experience. This is their first in Chula Vista, though, where they’ve lived for nearly 20 years. Their goal? To create a welcoming restaurant with the playful sense of wonder of the rotating sushi experience.
“You’ll see the bright colors–orange and pink–we wanted everything to be very colorful and welcoming for the whole family. When we opened, it was fun to see the kids get so excited.”
It took 16 months of renovations for the restaurant to be ready for its debut, but when they finally opened their doors this past February— they were met with a roaring welcome.
“At the beginning, we were really, really busy. We ran out of food every night, and we had to turn off the open sign before 8pm two times.” The customers, she says, were kind and welcoming. “We are thankful to this community, and to our customers, for coming here and eating with us and experiencing something fun.”
Cici and Ming have been intentional about every single step of their restaurant, right down to the bathrooms. Head to the back and you will find thoughtfully designed Japanese restroom amenities featuring stateof-the-art automatic toilets with heated seats—a small moment of luxury. “We were very thoughtful about the details. We really wanted our customers to have a great time and experience something new for them.”
In the restaurant, there’s a robot, affectionately referred to as “Diva,” that delivers drinks and accompaniments like ginger and wasabi to tables. When you are ready to eat, you can choose from a variety of rotating options—like “Ming’s Special” that includes mango—and simply stack up the plates as you finish.
For menu items, simply place an order from the table kiosk, then sit back and relax. In a few minutes, a small electric car glides along the track to deliver your order straight to your table, ready to eat. The LED screen on the car displays light up messages letting you know your food is ready, then flashes “Mission Completed” before zooming back to the kitchen for its next food delivery journey.
delighted by the cars and robots—it’s all together an entertaining experience for everyone involved.
THANKFUL FOR COMMUNITY
When it comes to community, Cici knows how to make others feel welcomed and celebrated. Her staff is made up of a handful of college students from Southwestern, SDSU, and UCSD—all local. One of her staff members, Ole, is an artist. In his down time, he sketched a picture of every single staff member at Ming’s, and continues to add to it as new staff join the team—a nod to the familial energy of their crew. Some days he even makes fun sketches on the balloons in the restaurant and gives them away to lucky customers or children who enjoy them.
“We’re thankful to this community, and to our customers, for coming here and eating with us and experiencing something fun.”
— Cici Chen, Restaurant Owner
The whole experience is a novel technological adventure. While common in Japan, revolving sushi is brand new in Chula Vista. Cici says it’s fun to watch both younger and older generations
Every day, Cici is thankful for her team and for all of the customers who come into the restaurant to eat. She is grateful to get to know more people in the community, and for the opportunity to take on this new challenge.
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Just as the details of the restaurant were meticulously designed, the name of the restaurant has significant meaning, too. Ming’s Rotating Sushi and Bar is named for Cici’s husband, Ming. The Chinese name “Ming” means “bright” or “clear.” In Chinese culture, this name is connected with the sun and moon (as you can see in their logo) and signifies ideas
of hope and possibility for the future. That’s why they want their restaurant to be full of bright welcoming colors— this chapter in their lives is marked by that very sense of hope and possibility.
After decades of hard work in family restaurants, Ming wanted to round out the final chapters of his career with something new, to challenge himself. Ming and Cici dreamed up their rotating sushi and bar in the hopes that they might rise to that challenge. Their dream is that someday, the whole community knows their name as a place where everyone comes together for have great sushi and great experiences. That Ming’s will be come “the place to go.”
A PLACE TO BE TOGETHER
Next time you and your family are looking for a fun place to eat out, you can’t go wrong with a family centered environment full of gratitude for being part of this wonderful Chula Vista community. Mings isn’t just a place to eat—its a place where joy, family, and community come together over sushi and everyone has a great time.
Ole's balloon art
H O P E
with YOU
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Fall into Winter
Water Heater Tune-Ups & Replacements
Don’t get left in the cold! Fall is the perfect time to tune up or upgrade your water heater before cooler weather hits.
Drain Cleaning & Root Prevention
Keep your drains flowing all season long! Fall is root season— prevent backups before the winter rains arrive.
Whole-Home Plumbing Inspections (Pre-Holiday Readiness)
Get your home holiday-ready! Fall inspections help avoid winter plumbing surprises when your home is full.
NOVEMBER 2025
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 1ST
5th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Downtown Chula Vista - Third Ave and Memorial Park | 3:00 PM
Join your neighbors on Saturday, November 1st from 3:00pm to 8:00pm as Downtown Chula Vista transforms into a beautiful and lively, cempasúchil filled celebration for the 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration! This free community event includes an ofrenda competition, live music and dance performances, car show, kids crafts, artisan vendors, treats, food, a community ofrenda and more.
NOVEMBER 2ND
2025 Komen San Diego MORE THAN PINK Walk
Balboa Park | 6:30 AM
Put on your pink and walk alongside other San Diegans to support Susan G. Komen’s largest fundraising event series! Sign up online at the Susan G Komen More Than Pink Walk website, and help achieve the vision of a world without breast cancer.
NOVEMBER 7TH
18th Annual Honor Our
Veterans Parade
Veteran’s Elementary School starting at La Media Rd and Santa Venetia St. | 8:30 AM
Veterans Elementary School respectfully invites you to attend the 18th Annual Honor Our Veterans Day Parade. Your presence will contribute to a meaningful tribute honoring the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans. All members of the public are invited to join us in recognizing and celebrating the enduring legacy of our heroes.
NOVEMBER 11TH
Chula Vista Veteran’s Home
Veterans Day Celebration
Veteran’s Home of Chula Vista Rose Garden Cafe - 700 E. Naples Ct. | 10:30 AM Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime and in peacetime. On Tuesday Nov. 11th, Rotary Club Chula Vista and Altrusa Chula Vista will join together to provide lunch and play board games with residents of the Chula Vista Veterans Home on Veterans Day.
NOVEMBER 27TH
Thankful Paws 5k/10k Turkey Trot
Rohr Park, Bonita, CA | 8:00 AM
Bring the whole family—including your four-legged friends—and kick off your Thanksgiving with a fun, active, and festive tradition. Runners of all abilities welcome, for the 5K, 10K, Kids’ Mile, and the always-popular Doggy Mile! Proceeds benefit Kane’s Animal Rescue, a local nonprofit dedicated to giving abandoned and at-risk pets a second chance at life. Sign up online.
NOVEMBER 27TH
THROUGH CHRISTMAS EVE
Salvation Army 135th
Annual National Red Kettle Campaign
Across Chula Vista
Starting right after Thanksgiving, The Salvation Army Chula Vista Corps kicks off its 135th annual national Red Kettle Campaign at various locations around Chula Vista. Proceeds support the purchase of holiday gifts for children in need. Learn more at chulavista.salvationarmy.org.
Want to be featured?
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh
Groceries
• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
