Our Hometown Chula Vista - February 2015

THE MARSHALLS + HOMS + JOHNSONS + ARINGS share their story on what

FEBRUARY

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS: Momentum Church + Chula Vista Ballet

Ramirez Family

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RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT:

2015

CONTENTS FROM THE EDITOR I remember reading John Gray’s Mars and Venus on a Date in college. My closest friend—who later became my boyfriend, and much later my husband—had read the book (while dating someone else) and loaned me his copy.

We had many conversations about the text, discussing whether John Gray’s statements were really true. In the end, the book made so much sense to me that I wished it had been required reading back in high school to help students navigate relationships and friendships.

Since then, other great relationship books such as The Five Love Languages and Love & Respect, among others, have been published. Why are they so popular?

Because the desire for love is as powerful as the need to sleep, eat or breathe.

To be loved is surely one of the greatest affirmations there is. This can come in many forms. In my own life it has come from my parents, friends, my precious grammie, my husband, a dear neighbor—even pets. But with love comes responsibility. We have an obligation to show love as others have shown it, and as we wish it were shown to us. Every relationship is a two-way street.

Marriage relationships are not easy. It is easy to lose patience, to bottle up emotions and to harbor resentment. It takes humility and empathy to lay challenges on the table and talk through solutions.

But marriage matters, and the bond can be richly rewarding.

This month, read the stories of four couples who have learned how to show love to each other. Despite the challenges—whether every-day or unique—they are committed to each other “for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish” until death parts them. To love and be loved may take some effort, but the results are well worth it.

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LOVE IS...

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 15

04 BRAVO Announcements

06 NEWS On your Doorstep

13 FEATURE Love is...

18 ON TOPIC Pet Love Chocolates and Relationships

20 SCHOOL Domestic Abuse

22 CALENDAR Out & About

24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS Momentum Church Chula Vista Ballet

26 RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT

AMBER WEBER

Ramirez Family

editor

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BRAVO ›

/ Great Things Happening in our Community

To STEVE MIESEN, the newly appointed Chula Vista City Councilmember.

Steve fills the seat vacated when Mary Casillas Salas was elected Mayor in November.

“I appreciate the unanimous Council support of Mr. Miesen after our deliberation process,” said Mayor Salas. “It took some time, but in the end, we reached consensus and selected the right person at the right time for our city.”

Steve is Division Manager for Republic Services, a national company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, recycling and disposal services. He has lived in Chula Vista for 13 years and has been active with a number of nonprofit organizations. He is also a member of the Port of San Diego Bayfront Cultural Design Committee. “I am humbled and honored to be selected as City Councilmember for Chula Vista,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with the community and with my Council colleagues to make a difference in Chula Vista.”

›

To DR. FRANCISCO ESCOBEDO, who was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as one of 100 top school leaders from across the nation to participate in the inaugural National ConnectED Superintendents Summit. The Summit took place on November 19 at the White House and was hosted by President Obama.

Dr. Escobedo, Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, was among exemplary local school officials who were recognized for their leadership in helping transition their districts to digital learning.

He said his selection for the Summit was a reflection of the hard work taking place across the system.

“It is a privilege to be recognized, but this really is a tribute to our amazing teachers and our Information Technology department, which put us at the forefront in San Diego County and the nation,” Dr. Escobedo said.

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“Our students have access to the Internet, and the opportunity to collaborate, create, and deepen their learning through an array of technology tools. The technology is used as a fulcrum to enhance students’ learning and understanding of the world around them.”

The White House summit will be followed by a series of 12 to 15 regional summits that will focus on the digital progress made possible by local school districts.

To help spotlight the value of technology in schools, the Education Department is sponsoring a Future Ready Initiative aimed at showcasing outstanding school leadership and strategies.

PUBLISHED BY:

›

To the organizations selected as the 2014 STARLIGHT PARADE’S BEST PARADE UNITS:

PUBLISHER Michael Monaco

BEST MARCHING BAND: Olympian High School Rancho Del Rey Middle School Laurie Goganzer, Regional V.P. and Executive Director, South Bay Family YMCA and South Region.

›

To YMCA leaders TINA WILLIAMS and LAURIE GOGANZER. After more than 20 years providing leadership to the South Bay Family YMCA, Executive Director and South Bay resident Tina Williams has been promoted to Senior Vice President for YMCA Child and Youth Development Services for the YMCA of San Diego County. Assuming leadership as the Regional Vice President and Executive Director for the South Bay Family YMCA and South Region is Laurie Goganzer.

BEST HOLIDAY THEME: Camacho Brokers

EDITOR Amber Weber

MOST CREATIVE: Republic Services Drummers BEST USE OF LIGHTS: Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts Troop #151 BEST COMMUNITY ENTRY: CVESD Safety Patrol

DESIGNER Melissa Monroy

BEST CAR CLUB: Lowrider Community of San Diego MOST ENTHUSIASTIC GROUP/ENTRY: Morse High School

Hailing originally from the Jersey Shore, Laurie most recently led three YMCAs in Los Angeles.

She is a perfect selection for this position, as BEST DANCE: the South Bay Family YMCA is embarking on La Bella Pizza expansion, including a new facility serving the west side of Chula Vista. In her most recent BEST STARLIGHT SPIRIT: role, Laurie was responsible for orchestrating Chula Vista Deputy Mayor Pat Aguilar several multi-million dollar facility renovation projects and facility openings; organizing and rebuilding staff teams; growing programs and membership; leading numerous volunteers on committees, boards, and special events; annual and capital fundraising; strategic planning and implementation; and managing multi-million dollar budgets.

Wolf Canyon Elementary School at the 2014 Starlight Parade

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of the month, and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.

CONTRIBUTOR Jen Amos

CONTRIBUTOR Keren De Leon

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Our Hometown Magazine can be found online at www.OurHometownMag.com.

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Standout Media, Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. StandOut Media has the right to refuse advertising. Contact Standout Media Group, Inc. at (619) 840−7722

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NEWS

/ On your Doorstep

Bite, Sip and Slurp through the Village Taste of Third Annual Event

The 19th annual Taste of Third provides a culinary trip around the world right on Third Avenue in the heart of Chula Vista.

The most appetizing event of the year will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. at participating locations along Third Avenue between H Street and E Street. Ticket holders will receive petite portions of signature dishes and drinks from roughly twenty Village eateries.

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Stroll the avenue to discover your new hot spot, or rekindle your love of an old favorite.

Tickets are $20 in advance and are on sale at the Third Avenue Village Association office located at 353 Third Avenue. For more information, visit www. thirdavenuevillage.com.

 March 12 | 4 to 8 p.m.

Tickets on sale now!

SWC Academic Support to Expand in Spring 2015 Semester An unprecedented expansion of student tutoring services at Southwestern College launched in January, thanks to $400,000 in funding from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

The grant will fund up to 28 tutors to work with professors to target struggling students in 40 basic skills classes, more than doubling the number of courses at Southwestern College that will have what administrators call “embedded tutors.”

On your Doorstep

Southwestern College also is investing $3,000 annually in another new effort using eTutoring.org, an online platform where tutors work with students in real time. This service teams students with tutors to review essay submissions and to answer questions in courses ranging from accounting to web development. eTutoring is used across North America in more than 130 two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities.

Basic skills courses, also known as remedial classes, are aimed at students who have not reached collegeready status in subjects such as math and English. Students often become discouraged if they have to take too many remedial classes before qualifying for college-level coursework.

The California Community Colleges system has emphasized augmenting its basic skills services, and the $400,000 for the added tutors is part of a larger $930,000 grant that is also paying for basic skills’ boot camps, data analysis, surveys and more at Southwestern College.

Shawna Williams, a former Southwestern College student who has tutored at the campus for several

“I’ve seen the confidence in those I’ve tutored grow, and I’ve seen them become more determined to succeed.”

years, said she has seen the transformative power that tutoring can have. “It is so rewarding,” Shawna said of her experience.

“I’ve seen the confidence in those I’ve tutored grow, and I’ve seen them become more determined to succeed.” Shawna, who is a coordinator in the new basic skills tutoring program, termed tutoring “supplemental instruction that can help students stay in school.”

Southwestern College has long offered tutoring services, but its efforts were previously limited because of funding. Services include an embedded tutoring program known as Power Study. Additionally, students can drop in or make an appointment at the Academic Success Center on campus. All tutoring services are free to Southwestern College students.

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On your Doorstep

Family Keeps Amy Louise Nash Touchet’s Legacy Alive May 17, 1980 to February 27, 2014 Amy Louise Nash Touchet fought a courageous eight-month battle against a rare neuroendocrine gastric carcinoma.

Amy was young, ran daily, ate healthily, and all her blood work was consistently normal—not the picture of cancer that anyone anticipated.

Amy was a blue-eyed blonde. She had a fun, loving and energetic personality.

Amy loved to make everyone happy and developed comical antics at an early age to achieve her goals. She played soccer and enrolled in gymnastics and swimming at a young age. Later she added cross-country and violin as hobbies.

Amy attended Radford University on a soccer scholarship and was a standout player. She obtained her master’s degree in occupational therapy from San Jose State University and was passionate about her work at California Children's Services in Santa Clara County, where she treated young children. An avid runner, she was proud to run the Women's Nike Marathon annually with Team "A" in honor of two young leukemia patients.

Students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District experience a rigorous 21st century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and high-quality instruction.

We nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Working with stakeholders, we harness the potential of a collective intelligence rich with the imagination and creativity necessary for students to become difference makers.

www.cvesd.org • (619) 425-9600 ext. 1570 Each child is an individual of GrEat Worth

Amy's greatest love was being a mom.

She took great care in leaving a lasting legacy for her children, Noah and Ashlyn. Her wish was that her kids would be able to “enjoy all the blessings and opportunities that my own parents provided as I grew up." Her greatest desire was for them to attend college.

Amy wore #8 in college, which, turned sideways, is an infinity sign. Her family has adopted the motto “Infinite Strength, Infinite Love.”

The Nash family desires to keep Amy's legacy alive with the #TeamAmyStrong Legacy 5k Run/Walk. The run will be on Saturday, March 7 at 8:30 a.m. at Otay Valley Regional Trails, 1780 Rios Avenue in Chula Vista. Register online at http://bit.ly/TeamAmyStrongLegacy5k-2015. Proceeds will support the Noah and Ashlyn Touchet College Fund and another family that is affected by a rare cancer. For more info, visit: www.facebook.com/events/635951103197795/

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On your Doorstep

Las Primeras Celebrates 65th Year Anniversary with Fiesta Tropicana On Saturday, March 7, hundreds of attendees will join Las Primeras to celebrate its 65th anniversary. Fiesta Tropicana will include entertaining themed games, dinner, drinks and silent and live auction items.

Las Primeras is an all-volunteer group of women dedicated to assisting children's charities, individuals and groups with immediate needs in our community.

Donations from the group in 2014 exceeded $60,000, and the group is hoping to give even more in 2015 with the money raised at Fiesta Tropicana.

Mi Escuelita, a therapeutic preschool serving children who have been affected by violence, was one nonprofit benefitting last year from Las Primeras’charitable giving.

The donation was used to purchase needed curriculum designed for the children served at Mi Escuelita. At a recent classroom reading, Las Primeras member Cindy Warren read the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

But in this version, Little Red uses a cell phone to dial 9-1-1 for help and learns always to trust her senses. “Being part of Las Primeras has been so rewarding. Seeing first-hand how our donations are strengthening the resiliency of these children has been a moving experience,” says Cindy.

Varsity Team Inc is a nonprofit helping foster youth by providing a home, social and emotional support and life skills to position youth for success. Without the donation from Las Primeras in 2014 the organization would have been forced to close one of its homes. “I was brought to tears when I learned of the significant timing of our gift. I am so proud to be part of Las Primeras,” says Mary Augustine, current Las Primeras President.

Tickets for Fiesta Tropicana can be purchased online www.lasprimeras.org or by calling event co-chairs Cindy Warren (619) 427-6725 and Leslie Schroeder (619) 987-9257. The event will be held at the San Diego Country Club located at 88 L Street in Chula Vista.

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On your Doorstep

CVHS Presents "Bye Bye, Birdie"

Golf Tournament to Benefit Students with Special Needs at Prom

Chula Vista High School’s School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) will present Bye Bye, Birdie, a classic teen musical featuring awe-inspiring choreography and unforgettable musical numbers.

On February 27, join A Night to Remember Prom for its first Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Dinner and Silent Auction, which will help offset the cost of the prom event. Although the prom is free for participants, it costs approximately $40,000 to produce.

This ambitious, all-school production features over 100 talented students from the SCPA. Director Sharon Maley, musical director Barbara Schroeder and choreographer Valerie Ingram bring to the stage this delightful story from the early 1960s. The musical focuses on the media furor surrounding teen idol Conrad Birdie as he departs public life to join the Army. Conrad’s beleaguered agent, Albert, and Albert’s long-suffering girlfriend, Rosie, cook up a final publicity stunt so they can retire from show business. Conrad will bestow “one last kiss” on a lucky girl chosen at random during a nationwide TV broadcast. That girl is Kim McAfee, from the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio.

Will Kim and the citizens of Sweet Apple ever be the same again? Will Albert and Rosie escape the limelight to their own dream of small-town life?

And will Conrad’s swiveling hips create an even greater media sensation? Come to Bye Bye, Birdie and find out!

The show will take place Feb. 26-28 and March 5-7 in the Jack Tygett Performing Arts Center on the school´s campus at 820 Fourth Avenue. Evening performances are at 7:00 p.m. Matinees on Feb. 28 and March 7 are at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www. cvscpa.com and at the door (cash only). The cost for tickets online is $10 for adults and $5 for students/children five and under, or $12 and $7 at the door. Come and enjoy this thrilling, humorous and delightful classic for the whole family!

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For most teenagers, prom is one of the most memorable nights of their lives. Yet, students with special needs like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism are often not included in the celebration or are marginalized.

A Night to Remember Prom gives students with special needs, i.e. honored guests, a free prom experience designed just for them. This firstclass prom is a night of over-the-top celebration where the students are honored, loved and accepted by their peers.

Student volunteers from dozens of local schools are paired with the honored guests and serve as hosts for the evening, making sure the guests are the stars. This event helps break down walls and stereotypes and brings students together, regardless of their abilities. Over the past four years, over 2,500 area students have attended this event. In May 2015, we expect over 800 students from 70 area schools.

Each student is truly an honored guest and is provided a free prom dress or tuxedo, professional hair styling and makeup, a corsage or boutonniere, a tiara and jewelry, a ride in a limousine and a walk down the red carpet while being photographed and cheered by friends. The prom is a full night of dinner, dancing and entertainment.

It is possible for everyone to get involved at the golf tournament, even those who aren’t golfers.

By spending a fun day on the links, which includes beer tasting, bull riding and games along the course, participants help these special students enjoy a night they would likely never experience. Join the fun at 5 p.m. and attend the dinner and silent auction for $25 per person. Prizes include a tour of the New York Stock Exchange, hotel getaways, a Taylor guitar and much more.

Business sponsorships for the golf tournament are still available, and silent auction items are still being sought. Register online at www. aNighttoRememberProm.com/golf.

For questions, contact Erica Lawson at (858) 405-4172 or email golf@ aNighttoRememberProm.com.

All ages are welcome.

Everyone involved with prom, including the founder/directors, is a volunteer. 100% of all proceeds are used to offset the cost of the prom. The Arc of San Diego has partnered with A Night to Remember Prom to provide financial accountability and maintain 501(c) (3) charitable status, Tax ID #95-1863913.

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On your Doorstep

South Chula Vista Library Seeks Prom Dress Donations

Photo Courtesy of PrincessProjectsd.org

 Saturday, April 18th

With prom season a few months away, the South Chula Vista Branch Library is seeking donations of gently used prom dresses for its annual teen Prom Dress Drive and Gown Giveaway set for Saturday, April 18.

In partnership with the Princess Project of San Diego, the library is collecting formal dresses in all sizes, fabrics, colors and styles for proms, quinceañeras and other special

occasions. Dresses must be in excellent condition. Donations of stylish jewelry, purses and wraps may also be donated.

The Princess Project is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses to high school girls in need. The event is in its seventh year.

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According to Library Branch Manager Joy Whatley, “Often, for teens from financially challenged families, the free dress is the difference between attending the annual rite of passage or staying home. We want to make sure they’re able to go to their prom.”

For more info, call (619) 585-5755 or visit princessprojectsd.org. Donations may be dropped off at the South Chula Vista Branch Library, 389 Orange Ave.

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12 OU R HOMETOWN • F EBRU A R Y 2 0 15

KEVIN + KIMBERLEY MARSHALL

TOM + LORETTA HOM

ATIBA + ADONICA JOHNSON

CRAIG + JERI ARING

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LOVE IS...

KEVIN + KIMBERLEY MARSHALL

A love story that began in a very ordinary way has turned into an extraordinary adventure.

In 1985, just out of high school, Kimberley took her first job at a restaurant. There she met the future love of her life, Kevin Marshall, then a senior at Bonita High School. Different from any boy she’d ever met, Kevin fascinated her. His kind and affectionate nature mixed with his good looks and abundant energy swept her off her feet. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that, four years later, she would be married, own a home and be a partner in a business called Copy Link.

Three years after getting married, when their adventure was just getting started, they welcomed their first daughter, Devin. Three years after that, their youngest daughter, Courtnie, was born.

Their son, Kevin, was born in 2000.

You see, Mamma and Papa Marshall, as they are so often referred to, are the parents who love everybody, “We put toothpaste inviting everyone to their on each other’s home for the holidays, whether family or not. They feel they toothbrush every day. have been truly blessed, want If we are traveling, to share their home and love we’ll text the kids everyone they meet. They want to do it, just so the to leave the next generation with the important legacy of other knows we are loving people. thinking of them."

Kevin and Kimberley have been each other’s best friend, lover and business partner for 25 years. How do they show love to one another? “It’s the small things,” Kimberley says. “We put toothpaste on each other’s toothbrush every day. If we are traveling, we’ll text the kids to do it, just so the other knows we are thinking of them.

We always go to bed together and eat dinner as a family.” The Marshalls acknowledge that this gets harder with teens, but they still try.

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Although raising a family and working together comes with its challenges, their dedication to their family is the force that has helped them achieve their greatest accomplishment…being truly in love after 30 years.

This kind of love made all the difference in May 2013. After a routine mammogram, Kimberley was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47. On Mother’s Day, Kevin and Kimberley sat with their family around the fire pit as they so often did, and they broke the news that Kimberley had breast cancer. As the news soaked in, everyone promised to be there for each other and vowed to get through this together.

Kevin promised to be by Kimberley’s side every step of the way. He went to every doctor’s appointment and even turned them into dates. He was with her during her two surgeries and all but one round of chemo. When Kimberley lost her hair from the chemo, Kevin shaved his head in the spirit of togetherness. He took care of her, their son and all of the other spousal and business duties during her four months of treatment. After one of the hardest years of their lives, they are still loving each other and all who come in their path.

Remembering what fascinated her most about Kevin 30 years ago, Kimberley believes that Kevin is just as kind, just as affectionate, and even more good looking with just enough energy to still sweep her off her feet.

TOM + LORETTA HOM

Not all battles with cancer end with a happy ending. But not all unhappy endings remain that way, either.

Tom Hom lost his wife of 48 years, Dorothy, from ovarian cancer. When Tom learned the diagnosis, with much sorrow, he gave the doctor’s report to his wife.

Without hesitation, she asked their children to help their father find a nice woman to marry again. Because of her love for and understanding of Tom, she wanted him to be happy without her and was clear about not wanting him to live alone. She died just nine days later.

In 2000, six months after Dorothy’s death, Tom took a trip to Honolulu with his two eldest daughters to visit some of Dorothy’s relatives.

Daughter Gayle accompanied Tom to worship at the church where his former pastor had also served.

During the coffee hour, Tom introduced himself to a woman named Loretta, identifying himself as a good friend of the pastor they both knew.

Both Tom and Loretta were active in their respective churches and actively engaged in civic affairs, Tom serving on the San Diego City Council and the California State Assembly, and Loretta elected by her teacher’s organization to represent it at the national level. They had much in common in terms of their desire to improve the quality of life for others.

Tom and Loretta began corresponding by email and then phone. Tom learned that Loretta was also a widow. Within a few months,

Loretta visited Tom in San Diego and began meeting relatives. Soon Tom made another trip to Hawaii to meet Loretta’s family. One year after Dorothy’s death, they were engaged, and two months later, married. The couple purchased a new home that could be theirs in which to make new memories.

Dorothy’s “marching orders,” as Tom calls them, were powerful in terms of paving the way for Tom to meet someone and to marry. Their grown children were welcoming and encouraging. After getting to know Tom as a “perfect gentleman,” Loretta’s children were confident that this was a good match, too.

Tom's world view of life has always been optimistic. Losing Dorothy was tragic, but Tom knew that life could still be good even though it would be different.

Out of sorrow they found joy, and out of loss they found each other.

Today, Tom and Loretta spend nearly every day doing things together. They plan their activities to meet each other's needs and interests. They express love in words, too.

They like to sing songs such as "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" together and have a good laugh. Out of sorrow they found joy, and out of loss they found each other.

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LOVE IS...

ATIBA + ADONICA JOHNSON

February 5 just marked the 18th wedding anniversary of Atiba and Adonica Johnson, who both serve in the U.S. Navy.

This anniversary is quite an accomplishment considering that they have had 11 deployments between the two of them. In fact, they were geographically separated their first year of marriage.

In the spring of 1997, Adonica met her husband Atiba when she was stationed overseas in Rota, Spain. Atiba had already been stationed in Rota for nearly two years when they met at a sports bar on base. Flattered by Atiba’s persistence, Adonica says, “He chased me for a couple of short months before we finally became an ‘item’.”

The next year, they were married, and their son, Atiba, Jr., was born in Spain.

Fortunately, the Navy has a “spouse collocation” policy to try to accommodate dual military couples. They each received orders to San Diego, but Atiba transferred from Spain one full year before Adonica did. To make matters worse, when Adonica finally arrived in San Diego with their son, Atiba was three months into a six-month deployment with his ship.

At the end of the day, they

The busyness of relocating and raising their infant child kept Adonica preoccupied while Atiba was away. She was also excited to set up their home, knowing Atiba would be glad not to be on a ship anymore. Since their original orders to San Diego in 1998, they have received spouse collocation every time they’ve received new orders. Although they have had numerous deployments between the two of them, they count their blessings that they haven’t had to relocate or uproot their kids. Atiba and Adonica have never been deployed at the same time, which means at least one of them has always had shore duty to provide stability for Atiba, Jr., who is 16, and Christian Samuel, who is 8 years old.

understand that their commitment to the military is not forever— their family is.

Atiba and Adonica have certainly experienced the stress, loneliness and vulnerability that come with significant periods away from their spouse. But, at the end of the day, they understand that their commitment to the military is not forever—their family is. They try to look at the positive benefits of being a dual military family and the good experiences they have been able to share together.

They are committed to family vacations at least once a year when they’re both home.

They try to make the most of the time they’re both home by cooking special themed weeknight meals, eating dinner together at the table every week night and having date nights. That said, they do look forward to Atiba’s retirement next June and Adonica’s retirement a few years later, which will start a new season of life together.

Adonica and Atiba admit that the last 18 years haven’t been “smooth sailing,” but they make the necessary course corrections to get back on track. Navigating the challenges of a dual-military marriage and family keeps them focused and anchored to each other.

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CRAIG + JERI ARING

Craig and Jeri met as students at Point Loma Nazarene University and developed a strong friendship.

They spent the early part of their friendship playing tennis, although Jeri admits that she was a novice and Craig spent most of their evenings chasing after random balls that she hit. Craig was shy about transitioning their friendship into a relationship, and it made Jeri shy, too. She found out that she was his first girlfriend and, of course, his first kiss! For their first Valentine’s Day, he gave her a card that said, “You taught me everything I know about kissing!”

Craig and Jeri are very different. He gets up an hour and a half before he needs to leave for work so that he can follow his morning routine, and she sleeps in until the last possible moment. He likes the same thing for breakfast Monday through Friday, and Jeri grabs whatever she can as she rushes out the door. Craig has a step-by-step system for making a PB&J sandwich, and Jeri says she probably makes it differently each time.

One of the best examples was when Jeri and the kids parked outside the UPS building, waiting for Craig to arrive after finishing his deliveries. In their hands was a

Despite their differences, Craig and Jeri have a deep appreciation for each other.

Jeri loves that Craig is honest, loyal, kind, compassionate, hardworking and sees the best in others. She describes him as a man of great humility and a loving, hands-on father to their children, Wesley, who is 11, and Lucy, who is 7. Craig is amazed by how understanding his wife is. This past Christmas, during Craig’s busiest time as a UPS driver, they put their home on the market. Jeri, her parents, and their kids all helped to pack and move furniture during the holidays. Jeri still found time to prepare dinner after Craig came home from work and to make sure they could have some leisure time on weekends. “I need to go out and buy Jeri some flowers!” he says.

big sign that read, “We love you!”

their openness about their relationship was a powerful example for Craig and Jeri. They learned that their marriage shouldn’t be a competition. It needs to be a partnership.

Today, Craig and Jeri have been married for 15 years, but they confess that the first three years of marriage involved learning to communicate and understand each other. They learned their lesson well, and they make it a point to commit acts of kindness for one another. One of the best examples was when Jeri and the kids parked outside the UPS building, waiting for Craig to arrive after finishing his deliveries. In their hands was a big sign that read, “We love you!” To speak it and to show it, now that is love.

Shortly before Craig and Jeri were married, they attended a marriage retreat. They were the only engaged couple there. The retreat gave them the opportunity to listen to others talk about their struggles and triumphs throughout their marriages. Craig’s parents attended the same retreat, and OU R H OM E TO W NMAG. CO M 17

ON TOPIC

/ Pets

Pet Love By Mark Henderson Love is sharing your life with a pet who loves you. Pets share an unconditional love with their owners without expectations or hesitation. However, to show your love, consider these three areas:



Food

Pets are inquisitive just like little children. A great way to show your love is to take the same precautions with your pets as you would with a toddler.

Keep the following out of reach: human prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, insecticides, household cleaning products, many house plants and floral arrangements, and chocolate.

Also take care to keep veterinary products and “people food” where your pets can’t access them. Many veterinary products are flavored to encourage pets to consume the medication inside. But, overdosing is easy if the pet gets access to the package. And who can resist giving Fluffy and little treat from the table? That treat, the next, and the next can lead to obesity, skin and allergy problems, bladder issues, bad teeth and bad breath, among others. An occasional pet treat is fine, but don’t forget to feed them a balanced diet for their proper life stages.

18 OU R HOMETOWN • F EBRU A R Y 2 0 15



Medical Care

Just like people, pets need regular exams and checkups to monitor general health.

During their different life stages, there is nothing that says “I love you” than making sure they are taken care of.

When they are young, make sure they get all their vaccinations. This can save you much pain later on. Getting your pets spayed or neutered is another way to show your love. There are so many unintended puppies and kittens born—and killed—each year, which can be prevented by a simple surgery.

As adults, yearly exams and your pets’ dental health monitoring may identify issues when they are small and treatable before they get out of hand. As pets mature into their senior years, they may have special needs as well.



Lifestyle

Exercise, playtime with their humans, attention, and proper grooming are great ways to show your love to your pets. Remember, many dog breeds were bred to perform certain “jobs” and have different activity levels.

Consult your veterinarian to get a recommendation when you’re out looking for that perfect addition to your family.

Following these guidelines will not only show your love to your pets, but it will also allow you to enjoy each other’s company for many wonderful years. Always consult with your veterinarian with questions or concerns regarding your pet.

Exercise, playtime with their humans, attention and proper grooming are great ways to show your love to your pets.

ON TOPIC

/ Relationships

Is Your Relationship Like A Box of Chocolates?

By Susan LeBron

“Life is like a box of chocolates” has come to be a favorite quote when making the point that we never know what experiences life will bring us.

In relationships, as in that box of chocolates, we are accustomed to biting into whatever comes our way and then left to deal with the outcomes or pay the consequences. Relationships can be amazing romances with 60-year anniversaries or disasters that lead to a bitter end.

The guide allows us to identify a flavor by the candy’s shape, helping us to decide which to try first and which would be better left to share with someone else.

Just as we are often surprised by the flavor of a dry, crunchy nougat when we thought it was a smooth, chewy caramel, decisions we make about whom we date, marry or get involved with don’t often turn out the way we planned. A little honest Q&A can resolve part of this enigma.

Simply communicating to each other honestly about a variety of topics early in a relationship can alleviate the majority of surprises that lead to an aftertaste of pain and regret. In the book No Fig Leaves Allowed! Getting Emotionally Naked! local author Susan LeBron offers couples and singles a foundation of truth that has helped people build stronger relationships. The self-help combination of personal anecdotes, whimsical caricatures and eleven Discovery Activities is an appropriate gift for dating, engaged, newlywed or even seasoned couples.

It can also be especially helpful to those experiencing a break-up or divorce to rediscover their expectations for future relationships.

Communication is the best way to navigate the sweet spots and snares of relationships. So is there a way we can tell what we are biting into for each box of chocolate? The folks at Russell Stover, best known for their Whitman Sampler, suggest it is still best just to bite into each piece.

For those who prefer to know what they are biting into, a map of the pieces is available at www.russellstover.com.

» Caramels are usually square.

» Chocolates with soft centers, such as

All of us, and our palates,

truffles and whips,

might be a bit more relaxed

are round.

and prepared by knowing ahead of time what we are biting into in terms of our

» Rectangular

chocolates and relationships

candies are typically

this Valentine’s Day.

filled with nougat.

Here’s to a year of delicious relationships!

» Oval candies most often contain butter fudge.

» Nut clusters are usually round and have a chunky surface.

 Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

"No Fig Leaves Allowed! Getting Emotionally Naked!" by Susan LeBron was released in November 2014 and is now available on Amazon.com or Kindle.

Susan will sign books on February 27 from 7-9 p.m. at an event hosted by the Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffeehouse in Seaport Village, 835 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. She can be reached at author@nofigleaves.com.

OU R H OM E TO W NMAG. CO M 1 9

SCHOOL

/ News

Palomar PTA Leader’s Death Galvanized Community Tragedy rallies community and focuses light on domestic violence

The news hit Palomar Elementary Principal Erika Taylor like a shock. Her school’s PTA vice president was killed the day after Thanksgiving. Leonor Castillo was allegedly run over by her estranged husband—not once, but twice. She was the mother of three daughters, ages 3, 8 and 10. The two older girls attend Palomar.

When school resumed the following Monday, Erika helped explain what happened to the girls, whose maternal grandparents were struggling to fully disclose the heart-wrenching truth. How do you tell children that their mother is dead? How do you tell children that their father is the suspect?

By the end of the week, Erika was standing in front of a phalanx of television news cameras, accompanied by parents. She recited statistics about domestic violence.

HELP FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE If You or Someone You Know Is Being Abused: Call the San Diego Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-DVLINKS (1-888-385-4657).

The hotline is answered by trained

An estimated one out of every four children in California is directly exposed to violence as a victim or witness.

counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days

Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk for developmental problems, psychiatric disorders, school difficulties, aggressive behavior and low self-esteem.

for services in every region of the

Erika said parents at the school came to her office immediately following Leonor Castillo’s death asking what they could do. She is working closely with her parent leaders, community organizations and elected officials not only to assist the Castillo children, but also to ensure the issue of domestic violence emerges from the shadows.

availability, counseling referrals,

“In this community, it’s not generally a topic of conversation,” Erika said.

“People don’t like to talk about it. After Leonor’s death, I had parents who had never really spoken at length with me before come forward and share how this has affected them and mention about their own past experiences.”

Palomar Elementary held a fundraiser for the children of Leonor Castillo on December 18 at the Chula Vista Elks Lodge. Members of the community from all walks of life and political persuasions attended.

It was a remarkable show of unity.

Now, even after the glare of TV news cameras has faded, the community has not forgotten the Castillo children. Large contributions from local churches such as Saint Pius Catholic Church and gift cards from individuals and families provide support to the children.

Checks for the Castillo family can be made out to Leonor Castillo Benefit Account and delivered to Mission Federal. Donations may also be mailed to Palomar Elementary at 300 East Palomar Street, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

20 O U R HOMETOWN • F EBRU A R Y 2 0 15

a week. It is bilingual, confidential and referrals may be provided

County. It offers information such as domestic violence shelter bed

batterer's treatment information and assistance with safety planning.

If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Additional resources include the San Diego Domestic Violence Council: http://www.sddvc.org/ and South Bay Community Services (SBCS) : http://www. southbaycommunityservices.org/ index.php/what-we-do/supportiveservices.

MEMORIES OF A

LIFETIME

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

速

6th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance Serving families has always been at the heart of the Y. We have a fundamental desire to provide opportunities for every family to build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance, and become more engaged with our south bay community.

Date: Sunday, February 8, 2015

ign MILY YMCA a p m Y FA al Ca

Location: South Bay Family YMCA Sports Complex, nnu SOUTH BA A 2390 Boswell Road, Suite 300, Chula Vista 91914 Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm Serving families has always been at the heart of our Y. We have a fundamental desire to provide opportunities Daughters: Ages 2-12 for every family to build strong bonds,Dancing, achieveOpportunity greater workdrawings, /life balance and become more engaged within our Activities include: Dinner, Dessert, - March 5th in raising needed funds for our south bay community. south JOINbooth US February 5thbags Fingerbay nailcommunity. painting, Photo & Goodie

www.southbay.ymca.org/giving www.southbay.ymca.org | 619.421.9622

OU R H OM E TO W NMAG. CO M 21

OUT & ABOUT

FEBRUARY 13

5-16

ONSTAGE PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS "ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST"

CYT'S DISNEY'S MULAN JR. Opening

night @ 7 p.m. @ Mater Dei High School, 1615 Mater Dei Dr. in Chula Vista. A celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. Tickets $15-$18. Production runs through the 22nd. For more info and showtimes, visit www.cytsandiego.org or call (619) 588-0206.

An exploration of the beauty and the danger of being an original @ Onstage Playhouse, 291 3rd Ave. in Chula Vista. Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. until Sept. 13. Tickets $17-$23.

Call (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or visit www.onstageplayhouse.org.

valentine's day

2ND ANNUAL HTE CARNIVAL @ 5 - 8 p.m. @

High Tech Elementary School, 1949 Discovery Falls Drive in Chula Vista. Event will include games, prizes, face painting, inflatable obstacle course and more.

8

CASH FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOP @ 9 a.m. to noon. @ Chula Vista High School, 820 Fourth Ave. in Chula Vista. Get free assistance with FAFSA and Dream Act applications. For what to bring and to pre-register, visit www.sandiegocalsoup.com.

For more info, call (858) 569-1866.

CHULA VISTA BALLET VALENTINE'S TEA @ 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. @ Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy, 870 Jetty Ln in Chula Vista. Ticket costs $15. For more info, contact (619) 585-1133, chulavistaballet@gmail.com or visit www.chulavistaballet.org.

7

26-28

CVHS PRESENTS “BYE BYE, BIRDIE” @ 7 p.m. @ Jack Tygett Performing Arts Center, 820 Fourth Ave. in Chula Vista. Enjoy a thrilling, humorous and delightful classic teen musical for the whole family. Purchase pre-sale tickets a www.cvscpa. com; $10 for adults and $5 for students/children in advance.

#TEAMAMYSTRONG LEGACY 5K @ 8:30

a.m. @ Otay Valley Regional Trails, 1780 Rios Ave. in Chula Vista. Register online at http://bit.ly/ TeamAmyStrongLegacy5k-2015.

TASTE OF THIRD AVENUE @ 4 - 8 p.m.

Sample petite portions from Village eateries at the 19th annual Taste of Third; visit www.thirdavenuevillage.com.

15

RAINBOW RUN @ 8

a.m. @ Harvest Park, 1550 East Palomar St. in Chula Vista. Proceeds to benefit Castro Limon for cancer-stricken children in Tijuana. All ages can participate. Contact Oskar at 1Oskar.paredes@gmail.com for more info.

THEATER SUNDAY @ 2 - 3

p.m. @ Chula Vista Library, 365 F Street. Free theater experience preview of Disney's Mulan Jr. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Call (619) 691-5069 for more info.

16 president's day

27 1ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT, DINNER & SILENT AUCTION

12

MARCH

12

14 6

21

SAVE THE DATE

20

CHULA VISTA CHAMBER MIXER @

CHULA VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTALLATION DINNER & DANCE @ 6-11

5:30 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet future business partners. Hosted by Westmont San Miguel, 2325 Proctor Valley Road. $10 for members and $20 for non-members. For more info or to RSVP, call (619) 271-4385.

22 OU R HOMETOWN • F EBRUA R Y 2 0 15

p.m. @ Bonita Golf Club, 5540 Sweetwater Road in Bonita.

Congratulate former officers and welcome in officers and board members for 2015. To RSVP, call (619) 420-6603.

|

@ Salt Creek Golf Club, 525 Hunte Parkway in Chula Vista. A Night to Remember Prom event benefits kids with special needs. To register and/or sponsor, contact Erica Lawson at (858) 405-4172, golf@ aNighttoRememberProm.com, or visit ANightToRememberProm. com/golf.

 Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION every Monday @ Filippi's Pizza Grotto, Eastlake ; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. eastlakebusiness.org FARMER’S MARKET Thursdays @ Third Avenue Village Association (Third Ave. & Center St.); 3-7 p.m.

KIDS READY TO READ Interactive storytime program Thursdays @ Otay Ranch Branch Library; 11:15 a.m.; chulavistalibrary.com

PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

OU R H OM E TO W NMAG. CO M 23

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

MOMENTUM CHURCH

CHULA VISTA BALLET

How would it look if a church kept things simple and just did what Jesus said: to love God with every bit of who we are, while continually loving others as much as we love ourselves? When lead pastor Chris Hornbrook and his wife, Lyndsey, started Momentum Christian Church in Chula Vista in 2008, they aimed to do just that.

When most people go to the theater to watch a play or a ballet performance, they see the finished product: the artistry, sets, music, costumes and the magic! What happens before the bright lights hit the stage begins right here at the Chula Vista Ballet (CVB), a non-profit ballet company under the direction of Taeko Nishino.

Indiana natives, Chris and Lyndsey moved to Chula Vista to start Momentum with the desire that people experience the same hope and healing in Jesus that they’ve had in their own lives. With the foundational mission statement of “Love God. Love Others,”Momentum has built a community of followers of Jesus Christ.

CVB was founded in 2008 out of a desire to provide additional performing opportunities to advancing ballet dancers in the area. Since then, the company has produced numerous full-length ballets each year. This past November, the company brought to Chula Vista a spectacular Nutcracker performance that included a live orchestra. “Our local talent pool paired with some amazing guest artists from around the nation made this performance a beautiful representation of what the arts are in Chula Vista,” said CVB Founder and Executive Director Neisha Hernandez.

To help people love God, Momentum has nearly 20 community groups that meet weekly to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus, while encouraging members to become a catalyst for positive change in the community. Its community groups are places where people can make friends and build deeper relationships.

To love others, Momentum launched ENGAGE to challenge every person at Momentum to go on at least one short-term mission trip every year. Trips range from weekend trips renovating the home of an elderly, disabled person in Chula Vista to weeklong trips to the Dominican Republic serving a local orphanage.

As a non-profit organization, Chula Vista Ballet has a limited income stream derived from grants, donations and the proceeds of their performances. This is a challenge that Board Treasurer Vanessa McEvoy says can be daunting at times. The company is actively working to build its audience and is recruiting community partners who want to see the arts thrive in Chula Vista.

Momentum isn’t a place to go just on Sundays… it’s a community of people who are daily pursuing Jesus while also loving and serving the people in their community.

They gather on Sunday mornings at Montevalle Community Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road in Chula Vista, with two services starting at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.

Coming up this month, CVB is hosting a My Princess & Me Valentine Tea & Performance. Soon after, nationally recognized dancer and teacher Donald Tolj will be a visiting guest artist, setting contemporary choreography on the company dancers. This work will be presented later in the year. The season will close in August with the presentation of the beloved Sleeping Beauty ballet.

momentumsandiego.com

chulavistaballet.org

24 O U R HOMETOWN • F EBRUA R Y 2 0 15

OUR LOCAL BUSINESS SECTION Family services

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Bernardo Vasquez, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0F45943 460 Third Avenue, Suite A Chula Vista, CA 91910 Bus: 619-425-6560 Cell: 619-876-0056

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No one wants to pay for unnecessary extras and with my help, you won’t have to. I’ll help make sure you understand your options, and that you have the best coverage at the best price.

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Complete Compassionate Companion Animal Care • Full Service Medical and Surgical Facility • Focused on Your Pet’s Health • Serving the community for 13 years The Best of South County Gold Star Award

2 0 1 3

Voted Best Veterinarian in the South Bay for the Last 5 Years!

Dr. Lynette Henderson and rescue kitten

Telegraph Canyon Animal Medical Center 577 Telegraph Canyon Road Chula Vista • (619) 421-1323 www.TelegraphCanyonVet.com

OU R H OM E TO W NMAG. CO M 25

Photos by Sara Ram

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT The Ramirez Family

“Mine, his and ours” is one way Sara Ramirez describes her family. “Mine” is Sara, who was a single mother raising her young daughter, Samarah. “His” is Gerald and his son, Ian. Then came “ours,” a collaboration of love and marriage, which brought Daniel. This blended family stays busy with many activities and interests.

Sara was the daughter of a U.S. government employee born in Saint Croix, Virgin Islands. She has had a rewarding career at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Gerald was the iconic mid-westerner born in Cary, Illinois, who dreamed of sun and surfing. He ended up in the Golden State when he offered to help a friend move to California.

Taking advantage of the free moving truck, he found a place in Ocean Beach with only a couch, some clothes and a jet ski.

When Gerald wasn’t surfing, he was working to save money to travel. In his younger years, he traveled to 25 different countries. He eventually graduated from San Diego State University with a B.A. in International Economics. After interning at Merrill Lynch, he was hired as a full-time employee and worked there for seven years.

He then moved to Bank of America, which bought Merrill Lynch in 2009. Gerald made the leap to Morgan Stanley in 2011 and has become a respected financial advisor.

2 6 OU R HOMETOWN • F EBRUA R Y 2 0 15

2008 was an interesting time for Gerald and Sara. Both were single parents of newborns, and both were working full time.

That same year, Sara moved to Tijuana to be closer to her family. Six months later she met Gerald online, and a relationship started. This blossoming relationship was tested when Sara moved to Virginia in early 2009. They saw each other every month. Both knew it was getting serious, but Sara made it clear she would not move in with him until they were married.

On June 20, 2010 they married in Las Vegas at the world-famous Little White Chapel. To make sure everyone they invited could attend, they broadcasted the ceremony online. Thanks to technology, this relationship started online and became official online.

Today the Ramirezes are one happy family. Sara is working toward a career in real estate and is a stay-at-home mom raising preschooler Daniel. She is also active in the Arroyo Vista PTA where Samarah and Ian attend. Gerald is a member of the Chula Vista Rotary Club, is on the Advisory Board for Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, and both are founding members of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation.

Samarah loves to swim and do gymnastics, Ian enjoys playing the guitar, and Daniel enjoys swimming. Gerald and Samarah plan on doing their first mini triathlons this year.

golf for a cause a benefit foR kids with special needs

1st annuaL goLf tournament,

d inn e r a n d siL e n t au Ct i o n frid ay | february 27th | 201 5

$400

fouRsome

$25

$125

dinneR/auction only

s a l t c R e e k g o l f c l u b | 5 2 5 h u n t e p a R k way

individual | chula vista, ca

10:00 a.m. registration

ponsor Listing without use of logo

Morgan Stanley

12:00 p.m. shotgun start 5:00 p.m.

dinner & silent auction

Gerald D. Ramirez, CRPC® Vice President | Financial Advisor

to register and/or sponsor, ContaCt eriCa Lawson

phone: 858-405-4172 | email: golf@anighttoRemembeRpRom.com | visit anighttoRemembeRpRom.com/golf

Sponsor Listing with use of logo

Gerald D. Ramirez, CRPC® Vice President | Financial Advisor