Volume 2, Number 3 • May / June 2011
Bringing The Community Together Mira Mesa • Sorrento Valley • MCAS Miramar
Welcome
to the latest edition of Mira Mesa Living!
What’s Inside... Redistricting Updates
Rancho Penasquitos
4
This issue takes us through another two months of covering life in our great community. There is so much happening; it’s been tough to cram it all into these 24 pages. It is almost like we need more space (hint: foreshadowing alert).
Besides the quality information you have come to expect from the pages of Mira Mesa Living, we are trying some new things in this issue as far as our design and layout. We hope you like some of the changes which are an attempt to spruce things up a bit. Please let us know what you think, whether positive or negative. As always, there are so many ways to reach us. To To To To
Advertise – Sponsor@MiraMesaLiving.com submit your articles, news and events – News@MiraMesaLiving.com Contact the Publisher – Publisher@MiraMesaLiving.com Join Mira Mesa Cultural Cooperative – Culture@MiraMesaLiving.com
Life in Mira Mesa is good, and it’s only going to get better as the spring turns into summer. Surely, you agree. We will see you on the streets living in Mira Mesa.
Miramar MCAS
Kearny Mesa
Spring is arguably our favorite time of year. After a soggy March, we are seeing more flowers in bloom. The weather is warming up. We can smell delicious food on our neighbors’ grills. Our children are having more fun outdoors later into the day because of the extended daylight hours. In this issue we focus on a lot of things that make us happy. That includes athletics at every level, expanding our cultural awareness and watching kids use MML as a learning resource. Basically, it all comes down to people in our community doing some amazing things like countless years of volunteer work or overcoming deadly obstacles to become a mentor for people raising money for cancer research. We also can’t forget to mention the hard work put in by high school and college students who graduate in May and June. That is no easy task and they need to be commended.
Mira Mesa
9
Miramar College Graduation
Mira Mesa Wrestling Running For His Life
13
14
Mira Mesa Volunteer of the Year
16
What You Need To Know
23
Sincerely, The Staff at Mira Mesa Living
Front Cover Photography: Ron Moralez • zoomshots.net
Michelle Tsai, Publisher – Ms. Tsai holds an MBA with an emphasis in finance and a BA in marketing from University of San Diego. She has lived in the Mira Mesa neighborhood for nearly a decade. In that time she has joined several committees including serving as Vice President of the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Tsai believes her strengths include connecting people and groups and building long-standing relationships in the community.
Leah R. Singer, Writer – Ms. Singer is a freelance writer and blogs about family, motherhood, traditions, cooking and other such topics. She earned a master’s degree in communication and bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science, both from San Diego State University. Ms. Singer enjoys living in Mira Mesa with her husband, daughter, and animal family. Read more about her at: leahsthoughts.com.
Steve Nicoles, Editor – Mr. Nicoles worked for nearly a decade as a professional television news reporter. He brings that experience along with several journalism awards including a regional Emmy ™ to Mira Mesa Living. As a graduate of San Diego State University, Mr. Nicoles is excited to be living and working in San Diego while focusing on one of the city’s most diverse and unique neighborhoods.
©2011 Mira Mesa Living. All Rights Reserved. Neither this publication nor any part thereof may be reproduced in any form, for any use without the written permission of the copyright owner. Contents of Mira Mesa Living are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the staff at Mira Mesa Living. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by Mira Mesa Living. The information in this publication is gathered in a way to ensure maximum accuracy. Mira Mesa Living cannot, and does not, guarantee the correctness of information, or the absence of errors or omissions, or against the presence of unintentional inclusions. Mira Mesa Living accepts no responsibility for ad contents or representations. Each advertiser is solely responsible for ad content. Representations made regarding the products, services or conditions are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.
Local Elementary School Finds New Way of Teaching
Photo: Ron Moralez, zoomshots.net By: Leah Singer We all enjoy reading magazines and periodicals for pleasure and information. But used as a teaching tool? That concept is being explored by a Mason Elementary teacher with the magazine you are reading now – Mira Mesa Living. Debbie Campbell is an English Learner Support Teacher (ELST) who works with students whose first language is not English. As well as teaching students, Campbell helps parents, teachers, administration and staff with the implementation of strategies to help students successfully use the English language and succeed academically. Campbell had the idea to bring Mira Mesa Living into the classroom as a way to help her students learn English while learning about their community.
“My expectations were to let the children see and become familiar with Mira Mesa Living (MML) since I felt many had not seen it; have them use it by reading the articles, sharing within the class with a partner; notice that all the information was about Mira Mesa, Sorrento Valley, and MCAS Miramar; then be able to take MML home and share it with their families,” said Campbell. Campbell used MML for her intersession students, comprised of 48 students within the third, fourth and fifth grades. She encouraged students to pay attention to events – the dates and times, who was involved, where they took place and what the cost would be (if any). Students were asked to use MML to research a community hero. Even items such as advertising and coupons were treated as teaching tools. The students noticed the number of businesses that were participating in MML. Campbell asked the students to locate particular coupons (such as restaurant coupons), and then find a copy of the restaurant menu on the internet or by visiting the site. Students were asked to imagine they were ordering from the restaurant and then determine how they use the coupon that was in the MML.
Advertise and be seen at the two biggest events in Mira Mesa!! July 4th Program (parade, activities and fireworks) - Mira Mesa Living Jul/Aug issue! Street Fair Program (map, vendors and performance) - Mira Mesa Living Sep/Oct issue!
SHOW YOUR LOVE TO THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LITTLE AS $50 A MONTH! Call 858-335-2484 or email: Sponsor@MiraMesaLiving.com
This lesson taught math skills; adding up several items, dividing by number of people, making sure they had read what the coupon required, and to understand how a coupon is used correctly. The fourth and fifth grade students used taxes and percentage as well. Campbell believes using a community publication like Mira Mesa Living made the students excited about a different way of learning. “They immediately began looking through [the magazine] and noticed several articles such as the Mira Mesa High Marauders and the Taste of Mira Mesa,” Campbell said. “But of course the most important was the monthly letter from the Mason Elementary Principal which was in the publication.” She further notes that one student had mentioned they had seen MML at a yogurt shop, but they had not picked it up because they didn’t know what it was. Campbell was thrilled to see the students so excited to take home their copies of MML. Students were encouraged to share the magazine with their families and even use some of the coupons. Campbell , who has been with Mason Elementary for six years, has plans to continue using MML in her ELS classes. Said Campbell, “It helped the students look at the parts of articles: title, author, subject and main idea. It gave them a little more knowledge about their surrounding community.”
Mira Mesa Living
Give Mira Mesa the Voice it Deserves at City Hall! By: Mitz Lee There has never been a better opportunity for our community to gain a stronger voice in San Diego politics. The recent census has confirmed what many of us in the Asian and Pacific American community have long known - our population in Mira Mesa and the surrounding communities has increased dramatically over the past ten years, far outpacing projections. With this increasing population comes a growing need for better representation at City Hall. One of the Redistricting Commission’s most important tasks is to attempt to unite “communities of interest” into their own city council districts. Mira Mesa and the surrounding communities of Rancho Peñasquitos, Miramar Key West and Kearny Mesa constitute the perfect exam-
ple of the type of natural community of interest the commission needs to focus on when drawing new district boundaries. Neighborhoods like ours that already function as a cohesive unit with similar demographics, along with shared transportation and infrastructure, police and fire-fighting resources and school systems should be grouped together in one district. Currently, our communities are split among three different council districts, and as a result, our priorities are not necessarily reflected by three separate council members, each of whom currently represents very diverse and geographically sprawling districts. As residents of these communities, we must make our voices heard and communicate our strong desire to be united under one
Northbound SR 163 Entrance to I-15 Express Lanes Closes for Three Months! Imagine the I-15 Express Lanes with 20 miles of congestion-free travel…in both directions… 24 hours a day…7 days a week! This vision of the I-15 Express Lanes will soon be a reality. But completing the I-15 Express Lanes will require construction that could affect your commute. Beginning Monday, April 11, the northbound SR 163 entrance to the I-15 Express Lanes is closing for about three months. Northbound SR 163 motorists should use a new entrance to the I-15 Express Lanes, just south of Miramar Way.
Save time. Stay safe. Visit: fastrak.511sd.com/i15construction for directional maps, construction alerts, or to sign up for construction e-mail alerts. Call: (866) 890-1397 for the toll-free construction hotline that is updated daily with the latest I-15 construction information.
Together, we can Keep San Diego Moving.
page 4
council district so that our priorities and needs can be better met by the city. We can each do our part by taking a few minutes to contact the Redistricting Commission. Our 100,000+ voices cannot be ignored. There are easy ways to show your support for the creation of a new council district with Mira Mesa at its center: 1. Email the Redistricting Commission: redistricting_2010@sandiego.gov
Rancho Penasquitos
Mira Mesa
Miramar MCAS
Kearny Mesa
2. Call the Redistricting Commission: 619-533-3060 8
3. Attend the upcoming Redistricting Commission meetings: for a complete schedule of the meeting dates, times and locations, visit www.sandiego.gov/redistricting.
Get Involved with the City Council Redistricting Process By: Bari Vaz, Mira Mesa Town Council Every ten years, following the release of the Census results, the City of San Diego redefines the boundaries of its City Council districts to adjust for population increases. This year’s process will also include expansion of the number of districts from eight to nine, as a result of voters approving the “strong mayor” form of government in June, 2010. This is the first time San Diego has added a new council district since the 1960s. For much of the past, the process of redistricting had been handled by the City Council members themselves. But in 2000, the city created its first Redistricting Commission to oversee the process. A commission of seven members from the community will review the census data,
take input from the residents of San Diego and define the boundaries of the nine City Council districts. The Commission meets at 4 pm on the first and third Thursday of the month. In May, June and July there will be a series of public hearings to take input from residents about district boundaries. Their final proposed plan will be published in August. For the 2010 redistricting process, the “ideal” district will have a population of 145,267 people. This means that Mira Mesa, with a population of approximately 73,000, will comprise about half of the City Council district in which it is included. What are your thoughts on how Mira Mesa’s new district should be designed? Get Involved! Participate in the City Council Redistricting process.
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Mira Mesa Town Council Fourth of July Celebration This year the Mira Mesa Town Council will host the 37th Annual Mira Mesa Fourth of July Celebration. It is one of our community’s longest running traditions, and it is completely funded through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from local companies and residents. This year, the Fourth of July festivities will fill an entire day: 7:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 9:00 PM -
Pancake Breakfast at the Epicentre Family Fun Day at the Park begins Mira Mesa Community Day Mira Mesa Fourth of July Parade Mira Mesa Blvd from Greenford Drive to Mira Mesa Community Park Fireworks Extravaganza, with accompanying music broadcast on KYXY
Donations for the Fourth of July may be made online, by mail or deposited at any branch of U.S. Bank. Online: www.MiraMesaTownCouncil.org Mail:
Mira Mesa Fourth of July P.O. Box 261264 San Diego, CA 92196-1264 (make checks payable to “Scripps-Mesa Fireworks”)
Donations can be made at any local branch of U. S. Bank (Make donations directly into our U. S. Bank account, titled "Scripps Mesa Fireworks, Inc. acct #153469297672, opened at the Mira Mesa Albertsons Branch, 10740 Westview Parkway) Corporate Sponsorships are available, and donations of goods and materials (food and water for volunteers, convertibles for the parade, etc.) are also needed. Corporate sponsorship information can be obtained by contacting Bari Vaz at 858-342-2033 or BariVaz@sbcglobal.net
Upcoming Town Council Meetings: Dates:
May 2 and June 6
Time:
7pm to 9pm
Location:
Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center (8460 Mira Mesa Blvd, next to Epicentre)
Mira Mesa Living
The Art of Ebru (marbling) Source: Pacifica Institute Marbling is the art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a pan of oily water and then transforming this pattern to paper. The special tools of the trade are brushes of horsehair bound to straight rose twigs, a deep tray made of unknotted pinewood, natural earth pigments, cattle gall and tragacanth. It is believed to be invented in the thirteenth century Turkistan. This decorative art then spread to China, India, Persia and Anatolia. Seljuk and Ottoman calligraphers and artists used marbling to decorate books, imperial decrees, official cor-
respondence and documents. New forms and techniques were perfected in the process and Turkey remained the center of marbling for many centuries. Up until the 1920's, marblers had workshops in the Beyazit district of Istanbul, creating for both the local and European market, where it is known as Turkish marble paper. No one knows for certain when the art of Ebru began, but there is some evidence that it was an art practiced in Samarkand in the 13th century. It is mentioned later in eastern Persia, in the Herat region, in the 14th century. As information was exchanged between cultures, the art of Ebru
CUISINE OF INDIA 9474 Black Mountain Rd.
858-695-9749 www.ashokasd.com
FREE LUNCH or DINNER
UP TO $12 VALUE. Buy 1 Entree at Reg. Price and 2 Beverages Get 2nd Entree of Equal or Lesser Value FREE. One per table. Excluded Buffet and Thalis. Dine in only. Expires 6-30-11
Lunch u Dinner u Take Out u Catering OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-10PM page 6
spread east to west along the Silk Road trade routes. The roots of the word Ebru are thought to come from either abru (a watery surface) or ebri (cloudlike). As the art spread through Anatolia, it eventually became Ebru. In the Ottoman era, like many arts, Ebru was not taught through written instruction. Instead, students served in an apprentice system and artists spent years, and often their entire lifetime, fully mastering the art. Ottoman sultans and court officials used Ebru as the background for state documents in part due to the aesthetic appeal, but also as a way to detect falsified documents. This is much the same as the intricate designs on modern-day currency that are intended to prevent forgeries. To begin the basic marbling process, the tragacanth liquid is prepared and put into the basin. The dyes are prepared and readied for use by adding bile. Then each of the dyes to be used is sprinkled onto the liquid with the brushes. The artist can adjust the colors and create the patterns they want. When the designs of the dyes are finished, a sheet of paper the same size as the basin is placed on top of the water. The paper is then removed, with the pattern adhering to it. This is left to dry, and the basin is prepared for the next design. Hundreds of sheets of marbled paper can be prepared using the same basin and liquid, but eventually the dyes will become grainy. When this happens, dyes prepared with turbot bile instead of ox bile are added to the center of the basin until they have spread over the entire surface. Paper is placed on this design, and the final Ebru from the tray is called “sand marbling” or “fishbone marbling.”
In addition to the basic method of marbling an entire piece of paper, there is written marbling. This particular style of Ebru combines marbling and calligraphy. On a blank piece of paper, the calligrapher will write out the work using a reed pen that is dipped in glue instead of dye. The writing is invisible when dried, and when immersed in the liquid in the basin, the remaining paper will absorb the dyes, leaving the writing to stand out without being dyed. Today in Turkey, Ebru is taught in many art schools. In İstanbul, classes are offered on an on-going basis at the Caferağa Medresesi in Sultanahmet. Located next to the Hagia Sophia, this is one of the better-known schools for traditional Turkish arts. The tiny complex was built in 1559 by master architect Sinan and today houses workshops, studios and a small café in a serene setting. Hours are flexible, and most of the teachers speak at least a little English. Students include Turks as well as artists from around the world who come to study for short periods of time. Pacifica Institute San Diego will start Ebru Classes in September 2011. Please visit web site after May 2011. www.pacificainstitute.org
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Mira Mesa Youth Lacrosse Selected to Host County Championships and All Stars By: Angela Wright The San Diego County Lacrosse Association (SDCLA) selected Mira Mesa Youth Lacrosse as the 2011 host of the County Division Championship and All Star games. The games will take place at the Mira Mesa High School stadium on Saturday, June 4th. Admission is free, so plan on stopping by to catch some great lacrosse action and learn a little about the sport. Mira Mesa Youth Lacrosse is in just its third season with SDCLA. The SDCLA has 64 teams county-wide ranging from Bonita in the south county up to Murrieta in the north. All the teams will be sending representatives.
Division I teams have players in grades 6-8, while Division III is for players in grades 5-6. For those who don’t know much about the sport, this is the perfect opportunity to check it out. According to US Lacrosse, nearly 30,000 players are playing collegiate lacrosse each year. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport at the NCAA level this past decade. Lacrosse programs have been started at most San Diego area high schools, including Mira Mesa High School. A majority of the Mira Mesa Youth lacrosse players are looking forward to playing at Mira Mesa High School. More details will be available at w w w. l e a g u e l i n e u p . c o m / m m y lacrosse.
Calendar of Events May Events 2 5 8 12 15 16
MMTC Meeting Mira Mesa’s Got Talent Tryouts Mother’s Day Mira Mesa’s Got Talent Tryouts MMHS Golf Tournament Mira Mesa Planning Community Planning Group Meeting 17 Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce Meeting/Mixer 19 Miramar College Commencement 28 Deadline to Apply for the July 4th Parade 28 Filipino Independence Day Parade (See Page 23) 28-30 AYSO Top Gun Soccer Tournament 30 Memorial Day
June Events 4 6 10 10 14 15
Make your policies sing. Ask us how.
19 21 21
County Division Lacrosse Championship and All Star games MMTC Meeting MMHS Graduation Start of San Diego County Fair Mira Mesa Recreational Council Meeting Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce Meeting/Mixer Father’s Day Mira Mesa Women’s Club Mira Mesa “Go Skate Day”
Jerry Salcedo - Lic 0D86120 Jerry Salcedo Agency 162 S Rancho Santa Fe Ste E100 • Encinitas, CA 92024 Phone: (877) 260-7104 E-mail: salcedj@nationwide.com
Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affi liated Companies. Columbus, OH. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark, and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Savings compared to standalone price of each policy, based on new customer data from May 2010. Availability and discounts vary by state and other factors. ADP-7403 (11/10)
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
page 7
Educational Journey Comes Full Circle
Minimizing Wireless Internet Security Risks By: Glenn Jacobs Wireless Internet (“Wireless Fidelity” or “Wi-Fi”) is a popular system for granting wireless Internet access to laptop and other PCs using radio waves for distances of up to 800 feet. Wi-Fi systems are now used in a great number of people’s homes and businesses. Usage of improperly configured Wi-Fi networks can lead to sensitive data being compromised. Personal Data Loss is the most prominent risk associated with unprotected (improperly configured) Wi-Fi networks:
Source: Miramar College When Brennan Cappa attended Mira Mesa High School, she established a presence in the high school newsroom, eventually becoming editor-in chief for the Mira Mesa Marquee in her junior year. Cappa always maintained a diary, like any high school girl, and found a strong passion for even more creative writing than AP journalism required. After high school graduation, Cappa, who loves to exercise, was drawn to the field of nutrition and enrolled at San Diego Miramar College. Discovering that the building blocks of nutrition were credited to the science of biochemistry, she changed majors again. “My appreciation for health and techniques of preventative medicine were shattered in 2008 when my mother was diagnosed with stage 3C breast cancer,” said Cappa. “She lived a very healthy lifestyle, staying active and maintaining an ideal diet of nutritious, unprocessed foods.”
Your email and “chat” messages may be intercepted •
Your usernames and passwords for financial and other websites may be intercepted •
Your website transactions may also be intercepted, ie, financial, medical and others
Cappa and her sister withdrew from college to provide their mother with 24/7 care in their home. Cappa said, “We knew she wouldn’t want to die in a hospital.
•
“Watching firsthand how fast life can be taken, my interest and concern for health disintegrated. I found much comfort in the words of the Buddha, those truths of life and loss, of change and inevitable suffering.” Cappa has come full circle now and has reverted back to her love of letters and words. She will receive her associate degree this spring from Miramar College. As a literature major, transferring to SDSU this fall, Cappa plans to continue on her educational journey. Perhaps one day, she says, she will write her mother’s story. Cappa said, “We are the products of her existence and the truths she left behind.”
The theft of credit card, banking, and investment accounts is the primary goal of almost all cybercriminals. Implementing the following steps will help minimize risks to your Wi-Fi network: Change your Wi-Fi logon username (SSID) to an obscure mixture of at least 10 letters and numbers that will not convey personal or business information •
Set your Wi-Fi Security Option to “WPA-2”. Set the Encryption to “AES” (Advanced Encryption Standard). AES encryption meets requirements for sensitive data. NEVER use “WEP” encryption-it’s too weak. •
Change your Wi-Fi logon and Wi-Fi Router “Administration” passwords to an obscure mixture of at least 10 letters and numbers. •
Keep your Wi-Fi Router’s security software updated. •
Disable “Automatic Wireless Connection.” •
Disable “Internet Connection Sharing.” •
Keep your laptop firewall and antivirus software constantly updated.
Lady Marauders Softball Team Looking For Outstanding Season
•
By: Michael Gapasin The Mira Mesa Marauder varsity softball team is looking to have a big season in 2011. This will be Brad Griffith’s 15th year as coach of the team. During that time, he won CIF titles in 2001, 2002, and 2004. Coach Griffith’s teams were also CIF finalists in 2000, 2005, and 2007. He won Eastern League Championships in 1998 – 2002, 2005, and 2007. This year the Lady Marauders opened the season ranked 10th in the county. They return 10 varsity players from last season that includes seven starters. Returning senior players include captains Joanna Asenjo (CF), Kasey Campbell (C), and Savana Weaver (C). Also returning as seniors are twins Katie (3B) and Kelsey Townsend (P/OF). Returning as a junior is 2nd team All-San Diego Section, Division I selection
and 2-time 1st team All-Eastern League selection, Lani Vanta (P/OF). Also returning are juniors Tani Leasau (RF/3B) and Amber Cordero (LF/DH). All three of these juniors are in their third year on varsity. Returning for her second season of varsity play is junior Amber Ratza (P/1B/OF). Also returning this year is last year's Eastern League Player of the Year, 1st team All-Eastern League selection and 1st team AllSan Diego Section, Division I selection, sophomore Katiyana Mauga (SS). Joining this year’s team are juniors Hali Coffin (1B) and Ashley Hight (OF/C) and freshmen Quirisa Mauga (2B) and Mercedes Humphrey (OF). Senior centerfielder, Joanna Asenjo said, “We have a lot of returners and we expect to do big things this year. We should go far in the playoffs. I would like to go out on top my senior year”.
The majority of Internet security breaches can be prevented by proper configuration!
Further information may be obtained by contacting Glenn Jacobs, Cyber Security Engineer, at netwizard@bookartcorner.com, or by reading Mr. Jacobs' new book, "Is Your Computer Bugged?" Available at www.bookartcorner.com at a 20% discount from the publisher.
Bringing the Community Together!
$
Taste of Mira Mesa Tops 11k By: Esther Alamedin The sixth annual Taste of Mira Mesa grossed more than $11,000! It’s an amazing feat and the Mira Mesa High School Foundation could not be happier or more proud of the community. About 300 people came to the event located on the GenProbe campus in late March. They enjoyed food sampling from 20 different restaurants in and around Mira Mesa, including the MMHS Culinary Arts Class.
For the second straight year, the Taste of Mira Mesa had help from all of the cluster schools. Christ the Cornerstone Academy teamed up with us for the first time to sell tickets and donate a basket for the silent auction. The MMHS compares this year’s numbers to last year’s, the first time the event was opened to neighborhood schools. The 2011 event surpassed last year meaning the amount schools will get back from the event will be more than in 2010. Challenger Middle School donated the basket that received the largest bid during the auction. An unofficial poll of the guests showed the cutest basket, including a rocking chair, came from Hage Elementary. MMHS would especially like to thank Walgreens and Liberty Tax Services for their donations and sponsorship. We will do it again next year and raise even more money for our children’s futures!
Photos: Ted Brengel, BrengelProductions.com
Four Local Children Named AYF Academic All-Americans By: Monica Reitano The American Youth Football Association released its Academic All-American Football & Cheer Team for 2010. Four Mira Mesa children made the list: Mara Bazzo - Cheer (Challenger Middle School), Jacklyn Little – Cheer (Waggenhiem Middle School), Matthew Reitano Football (Challenger Middle School) and Nevin Sarao - Football (Challenger Middle School).
In addition to the honor of making the Academic All-American team, Matthew Reitano is also one of six students nationwide to earn $500 for his accomplishments in academics and sports. More than 750,000 students participate in AYF. According to Elizabeth Bray, AYF Member Communications / National Cheer Director, in order to win the $500 award, students must be fine examples of AYF’s four pillars of academics, respect, discipline and performance.
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
IRU
$35
PRQWKV
23(1 72 (9(5<21( 0LUDPDU 5G 6XLWH 6DQ 'LHJR &$ ZZZ SPFX FRP $35 $QQXDO 3HUFHQWDJH 5DWH 5DWH DQG WHUPV PD\ EH EDVHG RQ FUHGLW ZRUWKLQHVV RI WKH ERUURZHU DQG LQFRPH YHULILFDWLRQ 5DWHV WHUPV DQG FRQGLWLRQV PD\ YDU\ GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH ORDQ WR YDOXH DQG DJH RI WKH YHKLFOH 2WKHU UHVWULFWLRQV PD\ DSSO\ 2IIHU DSSOLHV WR YHKLFOHV PRGHO \HDUV RU QHZHU 6DPSOH 3D\PHQW $35 IRU PRQWKV SD\PHQW ZLOO EH SHU ILQDQFHG 5DWHV VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH 0HPEHUVKLS RSHQ WR UHVLGHQWV RI 6DQ 'LHJR 5LYHUVLGH DQG 6DQ %HUQDUGLQR &RXQWLHV
page 11
“Quality Work For A Fair Price”
Pam Stevens Gives Mira Mesa National Attention Through a New Book By: Leah R. Singer When Pam and Jeff Stevens came to Mira Mesa in 1980 to make a home, they immediately knew they settled in the right place. Now – more than 30 years later – they still are in love with their community. These two active Mira Mesa residents are involved in community groups, local governance, and Pam just published a book on the history of Mira Mesa. Pam was inspired by the early history of Mira Mesa, when the tract homes were first built to give Southern California families an affordable housing option. With those new homes and families, suddenly the first schools were built. Mira Mesa welcomed its first elementary schools in 1969, which were located in two tract homes between the streets of Harlington and Buckhurst. Stevens notes the cover of her book, Mira Mesa, features a photo of those first schools. She’s spoken to many community members who recall their children attending that school.
LEWIS PLUMBING License: 864716
858-752-9225 COUPON
$
COUPON
OFF
$
25
OFF
15
Service Call
Service Call
First time client only. Limit One per Customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 6-30-11
Limit One per Customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 6-30-11
COUPON
10% DISCOUNT
For Active or Retired Military With ID. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 6-30-11
page 12
Mira Mesa – part of the Images of America series by Acradia Press – was published in April. Stevens loved putting the book together, using borrowed photos from Mira Mesa residents throughout the years. She scanned the photos, wrote captions, and chapter introductions. The book then took shape, almost as a jigsaw puzzle, said Stevens. While Stevens moved to Mira Mesa in 1980, she chose to focus on the early 1970s with the development of the new homes and schools as the focus of the book. “I wanted to describe the people who lived here when the only way in and out of town was using the Old Highway 395 and Mira Mesa Boulevard was a twolane highway,” said Stevens. During the 1970s, Stevens notes families were now settled in Mira Mesa houses and schools were under constructions. But there was still no grocery store. She describes Bradshaw’s Market, the first grocery store in Mira Mesa (now Seafood City). That shopping center is now (and has been) the starting point of the annual Mira Mesa Fourth of July Parade. Stevens encourages residents to read Mira Mesa to learn the history of their community. “It really tells the story of how this community evolved into what it is today,” said Stevens. “It will really give you the
feeling of being a part of the community.” Stevens’ involvement in Mira Mesa goes beyond the Mira Mesa book publishing. A former librarian, she spent many hours in local libraries working, as well as enjoying the facilities with her two daughters. Stevens started the Mira Mesa Library’s Banned Book Club, which began during Banned Book Week several years ago. She still oversees that group today, which meets every last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Mira Mesa Library. The group is open to anyone interested in the book selection or topic of discussion. Stevens (as well as her husband, Jeff) served as past president of the Mira Mesa Town Council and is still an active volunteer with the organization. She spends her time on the “Volunteer of the Year” dinner committee; Street Fair committee; and scholarship committee. She is also active on the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve Citizens Advisory Committee (serving as past chair); is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America; and is now a board member of the Mira Mesa Theater Guild. She admits to being very excited to work on the first Mira Mesa’s Got Talent competition taking place on May 21. One of the reasons Stevens enjoys Mira Mesa so much is the multi-cultural community. She describes a time years ago when she wrote for the former Mira Mesa and Scripps Ranch Sentinel newspaper. Her favorite article she wrote was one in which she describes a neighbor teaching her to make homemade lumpia. “I just love this family community,” Stevens said. “It’s a wonderful place to raise children. And it’s just friendly to people of all ages. That’s why we’ve stayed in Mira Mesa as empty nesters.” Mira Mesa is available now at the Mira Mesa Barnes and Noble, as well as online through Amazon.com and BN.com.
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Getting a Hold on Mira Mesa’s Successful Wrestling Program Mira Mesa Fall Guys Wrestling Club coach Eric Velasco is raising the awareness and skill level of wrestling in our neighborhood. The club has children as young as four years old hitting the mat. Parents say their kids are more confident and feeling better after picking up the sport. The club is preparing children for success at the high school level and beyond. Mira Mesa Living pinned Coach Velasco for a brief Q&A. Mira Mesa Living: Tell us a little about coaching the wrestling team Eric Velasco: Wrestling did a lot for me when I was kid. I wanted to give back to the kids something I loved. I loved wrestling in high school. I loved wrestling after high school, so when I heard about the fall guys program coming back to life I jumped on it. I didn’t even know I was going to end up coaching. I just offered to help. MML: What is the main reason contributing to the team’s success? EV: The success starts from them walking out on that mat. They’re winners at that point, in my eyes. It takes a lot to go out on that mat. You’re just by yourself. You’re going to wrestle another kid. It’s not like other team sports where you can hide or stay in the shadow of other people that are better, whereas here you’re out there on your own. The coaches are there, you have your family rooting for you, but ultimately you’re out there on your own. That to me is the biggest thing. You’re out there alone. You don’t have a shoulder to lean on. MML: What’s your philosophy with teaching these kids? EV: Just get them out there. Don’t let them shy away. We make a point that everyone is here doing the same thing, jump in. If you’re not going to jump in we’re going to get you out there. You might as well jump in or we’re going to point you out and single you out. It could go either way, but for the most part it’s worked well for us because of the fact they’re all friends. We try to keep it fun for them. We’re high-fiving them. It could be the smallest thing, but we cheer. It’s the littlest things, but we pick them up. It’s encouraging. We tell them to do their push-ups and sit-ups at home. We don’t try to do it here because we want to keep it a fun environment here.
Mira Mesa Fall Guys Wrestling Club is always looking for more participants, especially junior high students and girls. For more information call (858) 336-5067. Photos: Ron Moralez, zoomshots.net
page 13
Running FOR HIS LIFE By: Steve Nicoles Kevin Haas never thought about death. He never worried about it as a kid growing up in Chicago. He never thought about it while spending six years on U.S. Navy submarines. He never considered it as he walked into the doctor’s office to check out a lump in his neck and chest pain. Kevin said, “I would bend over in the shower and I couldn’t breathe. I thought it was heartburn.” Kevin seriously thought about dying for the first time on March 22, 2007 when doctors told him he had stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had two tumors on the same side of his diaphragm – one in his chest and one in his throat.
him working 20-hour weeks during radiation sessions. Kevin wanted to work more, but doctors said no. The other support Kevin needed came when he joined the Leukemia Lymphoma Society which included going to support group meetings. The society put him in touch with other survivors. It gave him friends when he had been all alone; his family still lives in the Midwest. The society also helped Kevin beat cancer. On July 24, 2008 Kevin received his first clean PET scan, a sign he had won. He said, “As soon as they took a picture and (the cancer) was gone, to me, it’s gone.” Kevin says he cannot thank the society enough for the help given him. So, when he learned about Team in Training, a running club raising money for Hodgkin’s lymphoma research, he sprinted to join. He became a team member in January, 2009. On May 31, five months later, he completed his first marathon, San Diego’s Rock & Roll Marathon, in five hours and 34 minutes; a decent time for a man whose running motto had always been “three miles or 30 minutes: run until you hit one of those numbers.”
Kevin is not the kind of person to ask why or how. Instead, the electrical plant operator at Qualcomm and Mira Mesa resident focused on beating cancer. His initial support came from work. Kevin says Qualcomm was very supportive. With 10 years of service to the company he easily used sick days during his chemotherapy treatments. Also, his bosses had no issues with
Kevin has been cancer-free for more than three years. Annual visits to his doctor can test if he is clean. In the span of half a decade, Kevin has made a full circle. As a cancer survivor he no longer thinks about death. He said, “I know in the back of my mind I could relapse. Chances are slim, but they’re there. I don’t dwell on it.” Kevin’s focus is on living and not taking life for granted. He has run two full marathons and six half-marathons. He is a mentor with Team in Training and responsible for training 13 people for an upcoming marathon; he gets them run-
ready as well as helps motivate them in fundraising efforts. Kevin’s next race is the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. For more information on the race and Kevin’s fundraising goals visit his Team in Training page at http://pages.teamintraining.org/sd/anchor11/khaas.
Make A Delicious & Healthy 2011!
Any Tropical or Berry Smoothie
$
1.00 OFF
8250 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite C (In Mira Mesa Mall) • 858-271-4585 MIRA MESA STORE ONLY. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. EXPIRES 6-30-11
page 14
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Bringing the Community Together!
Teen Advisory Council Rallies for Life By: Charmaigne Justiniano The Teen Advisory Council is known for its exciting events and kind-hearted teens. It provides a voice for teenagers by allowing them to participate in a constructive manner which helps improve their leadership skills. I am proud to announce that we have approximately 30 members on the Teen Advisory Council and it is still rapidly growing! Throughout the year, the council plans teen activities, events and participates in community events as well. During this time, they are helping the American Cancer Society gather donations for their well known event, Relay for Life of Mira Mesa/Rancho Penasquitos, on May 14th-15th at Hilltop Park. The Teen Advisory Council has made a goal of $1,500 just for this event. And to add personality, they have decided to contribute to a Hawaiian theme for their camp. In order to have different people participating in major events, two youth captains, Tuan Nguyen and Jessica Coleman, from the group were chosen and have been showing excellence in their works. Fundraising efforts include an
email campaign, BBQ on the day of the Relay, and a Benefit Concert held on April 15, 2011. If you would like to help them reach their goal for Relay for Life, please go to http://main.acsevents.org/ site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=31399&team_id =927254 and donate to the Teen Advisory Council. On Tuesday, June 21st, TAC and the Epicentre are celebrating, “Go Skate Day” in collaboration with Willy Santos and Bump Note in a fundraising effort for the Mira Mesa Skate Park. Please join us for an all day event with skate demos, competitions, prizes and music! The Teen Advisory Council plans a variety of events which suits teenagers in the community. The council is filled with motivated teen members who are determined to make a difference. The members in the group have been portraying a great influence around by giving us hope. For information on the Teen Advisory Council, contact Sigrid Batara: (858)217-5636 or http://www.harmoniumsd.org/services/y outh-epicentre.
Try Our New Pita Flavors! Now Serving Breakfast! 8250-D Mira Mesa Blvd. • San Diego Near Starbucks at the intersection of Mira Mesa Blvd. and Camino Ruiz
858-271-PITA (7482) • Fax: 858-271-7484 You can also order online at www.extremepita.com
FREE 6FREE INCH PITA
KIDS MEAL
Buy One Get One
FREE
with purchase of any pita
with regular pita purchase
with purchase of 2 drinks
Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 6-30-11
Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 6-30-11
Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 6-30-11
Why should you hire me to sell your home? • Will sell your home faster and for more money • My office is in the heart of Mira Mesa since 1975 • Full Time Agent – you can call me 24/7 • Flexible Commissions
• Short Sale Expert • No Transaction Coordinator Fee • Long Term Relationships with the most prolific agents and service providers in the area and am known to be fair, efficient and easy to work with.
Sandy Smith Years of experience, Years of results... Mira Mesa Volunteer of the year 2009
858-361-5229 DRE# 01238457
Email: sandysmith92126@gmail.com www.sandysmith92126.com
8250 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste. #B • Located in the Mira Mesa Mall for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
page 15
Mira Mesa VOY: John Sunde By: Steve Nicoles
Mira Mesa’s 2010 Volunteer of the Year has worked with RSVP for a decade; the last three years as an administrator. John Sunde painted 15,000 linear feet of fence along Mira Mesa Blvd. and Camino Ruiz. He logged 2,500 hours as a docent on the USS Midway Naval Museum. Still, he says he never expected to receive the honor. He said, “Given where I came from when I was a little boy, this is very humbling. I am honored. It’s unbelievable.” Growing up in the Midwest in the 1940’s and 50’s had its difficulties. John quickly admits people have had rougher childhoods than his, but plenty of others had it easier. In his words, John’s parents probably should not have had children. They often left John
and his younger brother home for long periods of time. As a 12-year-old, John lived in an 800 square foot house with his brother and 17 dogs. His parents rarely came by the house. Everyday after school, John cleaned up after the dogs, which were kept indoors all day.
“Marvelous Marv” Miles Real Estate Broker
The “Real” Mr. Mira Mesa 34 Years of Experience
Cell 619-993-8401 "Marvelous Marv" Miles has again been awarded the prestigious Five Star Professional Award. This award is earned, not given. ........
Property Gallery Area’s Oldest Real Estate Office
9396 Mira Mesa Boulevard page 16
Marv Miles DRE# 00585385
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
John Sunde (cont.)
Finally, John says he convinced his father to get him out of the house. He and his brother went in and out of foster care until John was 17 and joined the Navy. John said, “I was blessed. I found a home in the Navy and that’s what got me started.” John spent 21 years in the Navy. He retired and settled in Mira Mesa, but John does not sit back and watch the paint dry. He
Plaza Wine & Spirits Beer • Wine • Liquor Check Cashing & Money Orders
Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Father’s Day! 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., #125 • San Diego • 858-450-2939 actively gets out helping others. He said, “I have a passion for it. I’m just hungry for it. It just comes natural.” That natural desire drove John to drive other veterans to and from the hospital. He calls it his most rewarding volunteer work. But like every chapter in life, that one had an end. With his new free time, John jumped on board the USS Midway and into RSVP. John said, “You want to do something for somebody. You want them to be happy. You want them to be comfortable. You don’t want them to go through some of the same things you went through.” The honor of becoming Mira Mesa’s latest Volunteer of the Year recipient does not happen over night. John spent much of his life overcoming personal obstacles. With those hurdles cleared, he went directly to helping others.
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
page 17
Mira Mesa Living
MMH News
brate their success on the many grueling tests they take. Students have been challenged and reminded to give every test their best effort and it has paid off. With an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 823, we have passed the state goal of an 800 API score and hope to drive ahead even further with the tests this spring.
A Message from Mira Mesa High School Mira Mesa High School has had an exciting year so far and we’re looking forward to more great things in the last 9 weeks of school. I would like to share a few of the highlights as well as some upcoming dates.
Marauder Success! Over spring break, a team of culinary arts students participated in the California Prostart Culinary and Management Cup and returned with a 2nd place victory. The three students also returned with scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. The drama students and orchestra collaborated to put on an incredible performance of Aida in March
with sell-out performances. Every aspect of the production was creative and professional from the set designs, cast and pit orchestra, and the behind-the-scenes tech crew. Our students showcase so much talent that Broadway has only to look in on Mira Mesa High School to find the future stars of the big stage.
For the past several years, Mira Mesa High School has scored 29 of 30 goals in the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) federal rankings. Over spring break, we were notified that Mira Mesa High School met 30 of 30 AYP goals for the first time in its history. This is a tremendous indication of the hard work staff, students, parents and community have put in and I couldn’t be more proud.
Senior Exhibitions were completed in March. Our seniors shined and have put forth the effort to make our staff, parents, and community very proud. The entire body of students attended an academic achievement rally to cele-
Chamber Meetings/Mixers Upcoming Dates: May 17th and June 15th; Social 5:30pm, Meeting 6:00pm Members:
At The Center of San Diego Commerce!
Bangin' Burgers Being Fit Fitness Center Brengel Productions Buca di Beppo Business Law, Inc. California Bank & Trust Callahan's Pub & Brewery Chick-fil-A Comerica Bank David Vaz Inc Denby1StopShop.com El Camino Mortuary & Chapel Exchange Club Express Employment Professionals HEROES
HomeTown Buffet Huynh Law Office, PC IN2IT Nutrition Kiwanis Leah Singer, Writing and Marketing Specialist Loving Hut Magical Moments Professional DJ Marvin Miles, Real Estate Broker Mira Mesa High School Mira Mesa High School Foundation Mira Mesa Shopping Center Mira Mesa Town Council Mira Mesa Women's Club Mission Federal Credit Union
MMCC Member Benefits • • • •
page 18
Low Membership Fee ($120 per year) Free Farmer's Market Booth for Members (Limited Time) No Meeting Attendance Fee for Meetings/Mixers Member to Member Discounts •
•
•
Pacific Marine Credit Union RC Realty Robek's Juice San Diego Self Storage Sandy Smith, Real Estate Broker San Diego Executive Lions Club San Diego Miramar College San Diego Town Planner Steve Pearson, CPA Tom's Master Mechanics Union Bank US Bank - Albertson's US Bank - Ralph's Shopping Center Vulcan Materials Woodfin Hotel And more…..
Listing in MMCC Business Directory on Site Your detailed business data included with contact information Chamber marketing of your business via programs such as "Shop Mira Mesa"
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Bringing the Community Together!
Christ the Cornerstone Academy News By: Lark Mayeski, School Administrator In early March, Christ the Cornerstone Academy celebrated its rich heritage of being a Lutheran School. It is one of 2,382 schools which make up the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod nationwide. To celebrate this fact the school had a variety of fun activities throughout the week of March 4-11. On March 4th, they participated in the Regional Spelling Bee in Escondido. Micah Barreyro, Crystal Huynh, Allan Nuguid, Tori Tinsley, Christian Tolentino and Juliann Verzosa all placed. Monday the students dressed like teachers for the day and the teachers dressed like students. Tuesday was Crazy Day – students and staff alike wore crazy hats, socks, mismatched patterns, and even crazy hair. In a special ceremony after flag salute, Ms. Davis, the first grade teacher, had her hair spray painted to celebrate the fact that her class collected the most money in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Pennies for Pasta fundraiser. Wednesday the students brought their favorite stuffed animal to school for the day. The students were pleased to have a favorite friend sit on their desk and watch them do their best work throughout the day. The third through sixth grades travelled to Chollas Lake where there were over 500 students from different Lutheran schools in San Diego county competing in a race. The race was from ¾ of a mile to a mile and ¼ depending on the
grade of the child. Three Christ the Cornerstone students placed in the top ten in their age group: Jake Leyva, Brianna Robinson and Christian Tolentino. The children who raced participated in a canned food drive for the San Diego Food Bank and many food items were collected. We ended the week with $1.00 fee dress day. The day school students donated 50 cents per non-uniform clothing piece (preschool wore their Pajamas to school for the day). All the donations collected from this day were sent to the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter. Other activities throughout the month included a day school talent show which was hosted by the student council. Some students played the piano and others sang. There was also a student who did a cheer, another who showed karate moves, two students who played guitar and one student who swung Hawaiian twirling balls to music. The month ended when the school chorus, made up of 20 members, travelled to Village Community Presbyterian Church in Rancho Santa Fe for the annual Chorister’s Guild Music Festival. The students attended a workshop for half of the day. Then, they put on a wonderful free concert for the public. There were at least 300 children in the concert chorus. Christ the Cornerstone Academy is currently accepting enrollments for fall of the 2011/2012 school year. The school is known for its high academic standards as well as its small student to teacher ratio. For more on the school visit www.ctc-academy.org.
“Spring Clean” Your Body and Mind By: Jenny Barrett A time characterized by birth, renewal, and energy, spring is a fresh and blooming new season. Days become longer and the sunshine warmer; birds begin to sing and buds prepare to blossom. In sync with spring’s revival, our bodies also shift into a higher gear, letting us experience a welcome surge of energy. Almost instinctively, we clean out our closets and open all the windows to let in fresh air. But why limit spring cleaning to just our homes? Our bodies need it as well. Use that energy and get yourself into a healthy practice or routine like taking up yoga classes. With regular practice yoga cleanses the body and mind of toxins and aids in good digestion while keeping the immune system strong during the transition into the new season. Spring into action this season and become a healthier happier you by
trying a simple and safe cleanse to rid the body of unwanted toxins and excess winter weight. Don’t stop there! Add a regular yoga practice to your week’s routine and start feeling better inside and out. Naturally, yoga works to bring more balance to our lives as well as our diet. For instance, the gentle squeezing action of the muscles activated by the yoga asana (posture) helps to mobilize the lymph - a fluid that circulates throughout the body, carrying waste from the cells to be eliminated. With no pump of its own, the lymphatic system is activated by muscle movement. Since many of the yoga asana (postures) take us beyond our normal range of movement, accumulated toxins are mobilized for elimination.
you feel. Try the Mira Mesa farmers market to see what’s in season. Start your yoga practice today. Try your neighborhood yoga studio Four Seasons Yoga located on Miramar Rd. - west of the pyramid! They offer classes throughout the day, including afternoons and evenings, everyday of
the week. There are classes for every skill level! Class schedules can be found online at www.fourseasonsyoga.com. If you have any questions or want help getting started contacted Jenny Barrett, owner and teacher of Four Seasons Yoga at jcbarrett7@gmail.com
One Month Unlimited Yoga
$35!
Classes 7 Days A Week See Our Schedule Online! New students only. Expires 6/30/11
To get started: Find a cleanse that’s right for you this spring or try adding more fresh veggies and fruit to your diet and see how
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
7160 Miramar Rd. #116 • fourseasonsyoga.com 1.5 blocks west of the Pyramid • San Diego • 858-586-1672 page 19
Arts and the Ocean
In San Diego In 1883, San Diego lost out on a bidding war with Los Angeles over the railway that would connect it to the rest of the country. As a result, LA became the economic, political, and social hub of Southern California while San Diego was more or less forgotten: left to stew in it’s own juices for several more decades. It is this unique situation, set in motion over a hundred years ago and based on something as seemingly trivial as a pair of iron rails, that created our beloved seaside city’s unique character. Unburdened by the trappings of modern industry or the choking population rise of its sister city to the north, San Diego attracted an entirely different breed. Since that time San Diego has undergone quite a bit of cosmetic surgery; like the rest of California, seemingly everything has been paved over and sold to Starbucks. But unlike many areas of the coastline, the original heart and soul of San Diego endures, living on, in large part, through the arts.
Save up to
50% on your next vacation to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean and California. Call 858 768 2610 AskAboutTravel.com
Every month there is a plethora of art events taking place in San Diego. Whether you enjoy packing into a tiny jazz bar downtown, touring the world-renowned museums of Balboa Park, or rocking out for three days straight in the Coachella Valley, there is something for everyone here. So beloved is the San Diego art scene that some are beginning to realize its power as a social and political tool. Such is the case with Surfrider’s annual Art Gala. One of San Diego’s other defining characteristics is the ecological consciousness of its inhabitants. From Border Field State Park to San Onofre, there is not a single beach that is anything less than pristine and beautiful. Enjoy a day at the beach in San Pedro, which borders the LA harbor, and you’ll see that sadly not everyone enjoys a clean shoreline. And as many are aware, San Diego owes much of our ocean preservation to the good people of the Surfrider Foundation. In a tradition of perfect synergy between art and nature, they will again be holding the Surfrider Art Gala on the picture perfect shores of Del Mar. If you’ve attended past Galas, you know what an enormously important event this is for not only the art community, but all of San Diego. For the uninitiated, the Gala is essentially a festival of inspired art, the best local food and drink, and extensive musical entertainment. Eleven years ago it was such a hit that not only is the event still going strong, it continues to see exponential growth every year. People attend for a day of great entertainment, but return year after year for the profound effect the raised funds and new memberships have on San Diego. So popular the Gala has become, that it is no longer just a part of the local San Diego scene. For the last few years, folks have been coming in from all over the coastline to enjoy this event, filling up local hotels
and packing local restaurants. If this happens to be your situation, allow me to lend a little insider’s tip: book a room at the La Costa Resort and Spa. Located in nearby Carlsbad, it is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend of great San Diego art and weather. This full service resort is nestled near the ocean on 400 lush acres and rolling hills. After a day in Del Mar gorging yourself on local cuisine and enjoying all the art in the Surfrider Gala, there’s few things better than a treatment in their world-renowned spa. So whether you’re a life long San Diegan or a transplant, come out and enjoy the art that will be offered this May. As any true local will tell you, San Diego isn’t just great beaches and perfect weather; it’s a flavor and style all its own. Nowhere is this expressed more than at the Surfrider Art Gala.
Marauders Hope to Send Watkins Out On Top By: Michael Gapasin This will be Gene Watkin’s last year of coaching high school baseball. Coach Watkins has been coaching for over 30 years. This will be his 6th year coaching the Mira Mesa Marauders. A team with 11 returners, the Marauders opened up the season ranked 15th in the county.
The Mira Mesa Marauders baseball team has 11 players returning from last year’s team. The list of players includes team captains and 2nd team All-Eastern League selections, A.C. Herrera (SS/P) and Christian Erese (P/DH).
As of April 10, the Marauders were ranked 8th in the county with a record of 11-3. They won the City Conference Tournament beating the Cathedral Catholic Dons in the championship game 1-0. In that game Mira Mesa had four pitchers combine for a no-hitter. They opened league play with a pair of victories against
Patrick Henry. The Marauders look to return to the playoffs after just missing getting in last year. Mira Mesa has made the playoffs three times in the past five years that Watkins has coached the team. They won CIF titles in 1985, 1990, 1991, 1992 and were finalists in 1994. In 1992, Mira Mesa finished first in the state. Co-captain A.C. Herrera said, “Hopefully we return back to the playoffs and head for a CIF Division I title. I believe we can win it all. Watch out cause the Mecca is coming.” With the help of assistant coaches Mike Ramazzotti and Jason Molina, Coach Watkins looks to add a fifth CIF title for the Marauders.
Other returning players include: Mitchell Barnes-Wallace (P) Brandon Iwasaki (P) Trey Lomax (C) Jared Manaloto (C) Joey Portugal (1B/P) Ryan Segars (P) Marcus Smith (RF) Nathan Tajalle (2B/CF) Carlos Wiggins (LF/1B) Herrera said, “Mira Mesa is a team of hard work and determination. I believe our squad is loaded with talented players and our skills continue to grow each and every day. We’re not the biggest or the strongest team out there, but I do know that we are a team and we work together. We play the game and pay attention to detail. Win together, lose together, competing for 21 outs.”
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
FREE 1 week of Classes New students only. With this coupon.
Fun activities for the summer
FREE 1 Private Lesson New students only. With this coupon.
page 21
Mira Mesa Living
Mira Mesa Living
CLASSIFIEDS To place your classifed advertisement call (858) 335-2484 or email: news@miramesaliving.com Auto Repair
Pet Sitting Service
Tom’s Master Mechanics – Since 1981 We fix foreign, domestic & Hybrids Focus on driveability issues 5820 Auto Part Mall (858) 450-9494
PEGGY'S ANIMAL HOUSE PET SITTING Drop in service for dogs under 40lbs., cats, small animals & birds Licensed, Insured, Bonded pgato5@sbcglobal.net peggysanimalhouse.com
Computer Repair “I can fix that!” – Steve Stutsman Multimedia, Networking Complete Custom built systems sstuts@san.rr.com (858) 566-0066
Fitness Primal Training Center 9811 Mira Mesa Blvd. 858-530-0990 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Kids Self Defense ~ One Week Free Training
Gifts Gift Giving Made Easy! Ribbon Gift Collection Card Easy to Budget and to give the gift they want! Choose from 20 to 40 gifts in each price category. Order at DenbyWellness.Com or call Tracee 858-220-5566
Home Remodeling
PLUMBING SERVICE Lewis Plumbing – 65 yrs experience “Quality work for a fair price” (858) 752-9225 See coupons inside Mira Mesa Living
TRAVEL SAVE UP TO 50% on your next vacation to Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean Call Elisa@Askabouttravel.com 858-768-2611
Classified Ads Only $20!
Dine in • Take Out • Catering
$
2OFF $10OFF
Please present coupon. Not valid with other offers. Expires 6-30-11
Catering
of $50 or more Please present coupon. Not valid with other offers. Expires 6-30-11
858-527-0072 • 10550 Camino Ruiz • Inside Vinh Hung Supermarket page 22
Menu available on Website: www.MiraMesaSeniorCenter.org Site Manager: Gloria B. Supnet *$4 Lunch is suggested donation and is served to seniors.
PETS
Photo by Ron Moralez, www.ZoomShots.net
Two Combos
$4 Lunch* Mon-Fri at 12:00pm sharp
Slithering companions looking for a lovable home. Some for adoption and some for sale. Call 619-933-1213 for more information.
Independent Business Owner - Amway
Surfaces USA provides all of your natural stone and tile materials for your home remodeling project. Check out www.SurfacesUSA.com. Call 858-412-7969
VERNE GOODWIN MIRA MESA SENIOR CENTER
Also join us for fun activities: • Monthly Dance and Social – 2:00pm to 4:30pm (Third Sunday) • Exercise Classes – 9am to 11am (Monday & Wednesday) • Game Day – 1:00pm (Tuesday) • Game Night – 7:00pm (Wednesday) • Painting Class (Thursday) • Bingo – 9am to 11am (Friday) • Yoga – 1:00pm to 2:00pm (Friday) • Line Dancing – 7:00pm to 9:00pm (Friday) Lily Supnet (President, FASCA) to the right and Gloria Supnet (Nutrition Program Manager) to the left
8460 Mira Mesa Blvd. 858-578-7325 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS MIRA MESA SOCCER AYSO 285 Mira Mesa Soccer AYSO 285 is proud to host the 21st annual Top Gun Soccer Tournament May 28-30. About 130 teams are expected to participate. The tournament is being conducted as a fundraiser by Mira Mesa Soccer AYSO 285 for field development and maintenance, new equipment and to provide scholarship funds for youth in region 285. For information on how to join or help email Julius Hitchens at Julius@san.rr.com or visit www.miramesaayso.org.
GROUNDBREAKING SET FOR MAY 16 Groundbreaking ceremonies for Miramar College’s long-awaited Student Services Center/Bookstore/Cafeteria will be held Monday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. Funded by local bond propositions passed by voters in 2002 and 2006, the new facility will include many functions that have been housed in bungalows for decades -- admissions, accounting, financial aid, counseling, associated student council, veterans affairs, transfer center, cafeteria, bookstore, and more. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 858-536-7876 or email strevisa@sdccd.edu.
MIRA MESA’S GOT TALENT Are you a singer? Dancer? Ventriloquist? Elvis Impersonator? Lady Gaga Impersonator? Yo-Yo expert? If you have a talent, be it weird, strange, unusual or simply magnificent, we want you.
MMHS HOSTS GOLF TOURNAMENT The 1st Mira Mesa High School Athletics Golf Tournament fundraiser will take place on May 15, 2011 at the DoubleTree Resort. This event is co-hosted by the Mira Mesa High School Athletic Department and the Foundation.
Come audition for the first ever Mira Mesa's Got Talent. You will have a chance to perform your talent in front of a panel of celebrity judges, win a prize and possibly even become famous! The winner of Mira Mesa's Got Talent will get to perform at the annual 4th of July Day in the Park and the Mira Mesa Street Fair. Not to mention, cash prizes, tickets to Sea Word, movie tickets and more. Audition dates are May 5 and May 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the EpiCentre in Mira Mesa. What are you waiting for? Will you be the next Carrie Underwood? Only way to find out is to try out for Mira Mesa's Got Talent. For more information, visit http://www.miramesatheatreguild.org/productions.html
MARAUDERS PUT ON 2ND ANNUAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP This summer the Mira Mesa Marauder football staff will be putting on their 2nd Annual Youth Football Camp. This year the camp will be on Saturday, July 9th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Mira Mesa High School. The camp is for children ages 7 – 15. The cost for the camp is $40 if you register by July 1st. After July 1st, the cost will be $45. Walk-up registration is also welcome. Participants will receive a free t-shirt and lunch will be provided. They will learn individual and team techniques on both offense and defense. For more information about the camp please contact Coach Mike Gapasin at (858) 945-2163 or mike.gapasin@yahoo.com. MULTICULTURAL COOKING CLUB The love of cooking inspired high school student Shriya Chhabra to create the Multicultural Cooking Club in Mt. Carmel last year. As most of the high schools are culturally diverse, this club runs parallel to the school and fosters an awareness of diverse culture food. MCC not only has weekly cooking meetings, but also volunteers outside of school in cooking related events. MCC currently has 30 members that have contributed a lot to make this club successful. One of the volunteer events MCC recently participated in is the Meals on Wheels Door Hanging Event, which let people know about upcoming Meals on Wheels events.
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
Mira Mesa HS has a strong history of athletic excellence. It is under this backdrop that the tournament has been created. It is vitally important to continue to provide our students with quality athletic programs. Money is tight. Budgets have been placed on hold or diminished, and those who are affected the most are the student athletes. Simply, we need to create ways to fund our teams. This tournament provides an opportunity for our community to assist our athletic department in helping raise funding for our teams. We are looking for you to either participate in our tournament, become a hole sponsor or perhaps provide raffle items.
IT COSTS THAT MUCH? You are twice as likely to be overcharged as undercharged when businesses make pricing errors. According to the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures, one-quarter of the more than 1,100 businesses inspected during the last seven months had pricing errors. The Scanner Awareness Program, which scanned more than 18,000 products from more than 1,100 businesses, found, on average, there were $3.38 in overcharges for every $1 in undercharges. Several Mira Mesa-area businesses were fined for pricing errors in the last 24 months. If you found a pricing error, talk to an employee or store manager. You may also file a complaint by calling 888-TRUE-SCAN (888-878-3722)
ECO-EVENTERPRISE TEEN BUSINESS IN LOCAL JA COMPETITION Mira Mesa teenagers at Harmonium’s Epicentre have created a teen run entrepreneurial business through the Junior Achievement program. EcoEventerprise makes artistic centerpieces for special events. The products are made of recycled materials like plastic bottles. The young business people have been actively marketing their unique products and their earliest events include a special evening for the Scripps Ranch Wrestling Team along with the Mira Mesa Volunteer of the Year Recognition Dinner. Eco-Eventerprise will compete with other Junior Achievement businesses at a San Diego Area competition on May 12th. The winner will move on the National JA Competition in July in Washington DC. To place an order or for information on joining the teen business contact Meredith at the Harmonium Epicentre at 858-271-5634.
CELEBRATE FILIPINO INDEPENDENCE DAY The Council of Philippine American Organizations of San Diego County (COPAO) has announced that it is ready to stage Philippine Faire 2011 and the colorful Festival of Festivals Parade on May 28, 2011, at the Kimball Park in National City. The parade will be led by Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, who is this year’s parade Grand Marshal. She will be joined by elected officials and dignitaries from Federal, State, County and cities within San Diego County who have been invited to attend, as well as representatives from COPAO and the many local Filipino-American organizations. page 23
Businesses Serving the Mira Mesa Community Category Bank Car Repair Day Care Fitness Food Food Food Food Fundraising Insurance Liquor Store/Lottery Organization Organization Organization Pet Sitting Photographer Plumbing Realtor Realtor School School Travel Yoga
Businesses/Organizations
Coupon/Offers
Page
Pacific Marine Credit Union Tom's Master Mechanics Christ the Cornerstone Academy Academy of Martial Arts Ashoka the Great Chibugan Extreme Pita Roebecks Kevin Haas Nationwide Plaza Wine & Spirits SANDAG Town Council Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce Peggy's Animal House Sitting Brengel Productions Lewis Plumbing Marv Miles Sandy Smith Miramar College Miramar College Foundation Event Ask About Travel Yoga Ad/article
Yes Yes
11 7 21 21 6 22 15 14 14 7 17 4 5 18 22 17 12 16 15 10 8 20 19
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes
Yes Yes Yes
Businesses! Advertise and Show Your Love to the Community for As Little As $50 a month! Our Volunteers deliver Mira Mesa Living at the door steps in their neighborhood. We also have pick up locations throughout Mira Mesa community (Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa and MCAS Miramar): Ashoka the Great, Cuisine of India 9474 Black Mountain Rd.
Callahan’s Pub & Brewery 8111 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Champ’s Pub & Deli 7040 Miramar Rd.
Christ the Corner Stone 9028 Westmore Rd.
Endodontics, Dr. Gary Car DDS 6235 Lusk Blvd.
Happy Nails of Mira Mesa 10760 Westview Parkway
In2It Nutrition 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite 124
MCAS Miramar Joint Reception Center, Library, Lincoln Housing Office and Family Practice Clinic.
Mira Mesa Senior Center 8460 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Mira Mesa Town Council MJ’s Deli 6450 Luck Blvd.
Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Plaza Wine and Spirits
Mira Mesa Farmer’s Market
Postal Annex
Mira Mesa High School Foundation Booth
Miramar College Library Mira Mesa Library
6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite 125 10606 Camino Ruiz, Suite 8
Property Gallery 9396 Mira Mesa Blvd.
RC Realty 8250 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste B
To Advertise – Sponsor@MiraMesaLiving.com
Robeks 8250 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste. C
SD United Sports Training Center 7698 Miramar Road
To submit articles, news and events – News@MiraMesaLiving.com
Salon Renaissance 6440 Lusk Blvd. #D104
Sorrento Valley Dental Group 5915 Mira Mesa Blvd.
To Contact the Publisher – Publisher@MiraMesaLiving.com or call 858-335-2484
Starbucks 6765 Mira Mesa Blvd. Suite 149
Tom’s Master Mechanics 5820 Autoport Mall
8405 New Salem Street
MiraMesaLiving.com
To Join Mira Mesa Cultural Group – Culture@MiraMesaLiving.com