BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS ... ELITE COMPUTERS + ROYAL CARPET WAREHOUSE & FLOORING RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT ... NORBERT STEIN
Make This Your Year
january 2014
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID GARDENA, CA PERMIT #40
CONTENTS
J A N U A R Y 2 0 14
From the Editor...
Mike Minjares EDITOR, OUR HOMETOWN
12 MAKE THIS YOUR YEAR 04 BRAVO Announcements
05 NEWS On your doorstep
12 COVER STORY Make This Your Year
15 FEATURE Giving Back Growing Old in EastLake
17 ON TOPIC Cover/Feature Photography by Schafer Photography
In the fall of 2007, Tim Minjares and Karen Smith mapped out a plan to grow their successful Fountain Media Group, Inc. publishing company by one additional community publication. The new publication, to be launched in April 2008, would be called My Hometown and be directly mailed to more than 20,000 Chula Vista homes. In fact, the original plan called for the production of two community publications – one for the community of EastLake and another for residents of Otay Ranch. They asked me to come on board and help launch the two new publications as editor, lead writer and director of ad sales. As planned, My Hometown EastLake and My Hometown Otay Ranch hit homes the first week of April in 2008 and we were off. From the start, My Hometown, now known as Our Hometown, has received tremendously positive feedback from its readers. It really is no surprise that local residents enjoy hearing about the good work being done in their communities. As we approach nearly six years of publishing Chula Vista’s community publication, we can reflect back and appreciate the support of so many wonderful people and groups that embraced our vision of a monthly magazine that would help people feel good about where they’ve chosen to live, raise a family, work, or own a business. And now, it’s time for me to step aside and allow someone else to steward this incredibly valued community resource. This issue will be my last as editor. I’m proud of what we have created and feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to be the voice of this publication since its inception. I have learned so much and cherish the people I’ve met along the way. It’s not easy to willingly walk away from something that is so special to me and my family, but it’s simply time to do so. There are many people that need to be thanked for all they’ve given this publication, and me, but there simply isn’t the room. But I must say thank you to all of our contributors, supporters, advocates, advertisers, publishers, sales staff and to you our readers. It’s been a great ride. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the journey.
Purposeful Work Garden New Year
20 SCHOOL NEWS ACT/SAT Prep Workshops
22 CALENDAR
Out & About
24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS Elite Computers Royal Carpet Warehouse & Flooring
26 RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Norbert Stein
BRAVO To HERITAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for being honored as one of the top three finishers in the 2013 Walk, Ride, and Roll to School Challenge. Recently announced by SANDAG, the iCommute program recognized six employers and three schools from throughout San Diego County for being outstanding role models for choosing healthy and sustainable ways to get around, such as carpooling, biking, walking, and using public transit. The local school took third place and earned $500 for classroom supplies. In total, 39 local organizations representing more than 82,000 employees participated in this year’s Rideshare Corporate Challenge. To the CITY OF CHULA VISTA on earning a top-ten ranking in the 2013 Digital Cities Survey. Chula Vista ranked sixth nationally in its population category of 125,000 - 249,999, the highestranked California city. The awards are presented annually by the Center for Digital Communities Program, a division of e.Republic and the Digital Communities Program, and is open to all U.S. cities. The survey criteria focused on results achieved by cities via the use of technology in operating efficiencies, realizing strategic objectives, innovative or creative solutions or approaches, effective collaboration and transparency measures, among others. The City of Chula Vista’s efforts to make its services more accessible and its government more transparent through the use of technology were the reasons for the high ranking.
Look what great things your community is up to...
To MARINE GROUP BOAT WORKS for pledging over $25,000 in in-kind donations for 2014 to Chula Vista’s Living Coast Discovery Center. The donation marks the fifth consecutive year that the locally owned boat-building and repair facility has stepped forward to cover the Living Coast’s annual animal food budget, which represents one of the center’s largest annual expenses. “It has been our pleasure at the Marine Group Boat Works to watch the Living Coast grow into a gem that our community embraces,” said Marine Group President Herb Engel in a release. “We couldn’t be happier to support the center’s mission to inspire children of all ages to care for the natural world that exists right in our backyard.”
To JACQUELINE A. CRUMPPACE, Otay Ranch resident, retired music educator and former Rancho del Rey Music Teacher for publishing Poetic Inspirations: A Collection of Poetry. This eloquent, new and uplifting collection of poetry is a wonderful and encouraging book that will definitely stir the soul of all who read it. Mrs. “C-P,” (as her students sometimes called her), loved to teach music and now, her retirement days are filled with her love for writing inspirational poetry. For more information, or to purchase your exciting copy, please go to the online bookstore at www. dorrancebookstore.com.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO BRAVO, send a quick note to Our Hometown’s editor at EDITOR@OURHOMETOWNMAG.COM and we will do our best to put your good news announcement in an upcoming issue. Submissions should be sent by the 10th of the month. We look forward to hearing from you! 4 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
On your doorstep
Chula Vista Named 10th Safest City By FBI The City of Chula Vista has been named as the 10th safest city in America according to rankings based on FBI data released November 24 by Law Street Media, a new web site covering law and policy. Full rankings are available at www.LawStreetMedia.com. Based on FBI violent-crime data compiled for calendar 2012, Irvine, California was ranked to be the safest American city. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report statistics for 2012 cover every city with a population over 100,000 – 286 cities in all. Four major crime categories were used to create a standard measure of violent crimes per 100,000 people including murders, aggravated assaults, robberies and forcible rapes.
PUBLISHED BY Standout Media Group, Inc
The top ten safest cities with populations over 200,000 are in order: Irvine, CA; Gilbert, AZ; Plano, TX, Fremont, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; Henderson, NV; Virginia Beach, VA; Irving, TX; Garland, TX; and Chula Vista, CA. As readers of Our Hometown are well aware, Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, economic and environmentally diverse zones in the United States. It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of over 250,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 50 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, and a variety of natural resources and quality infrastructure. Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, start-up firms, corporations, nationally recognized entertainment venues, the nation’s only warm weather Olympic Training Center, an award winning nature center and a historic downtown all contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses.
PUBLISHER Michael Monaco sales@ourhometownmag.com
EDITORIAL Mike Minjares editor@ourhometownmag.com
ShortStop Barber Shop Opens in Otay Ranch New small-business owners Edgar Gonzalez and Ruben Jimenez plan to put the fun back into the traditional cut and style with the opening of ShortStop Barber Shop in Otay Ranch.
will be a place where locals can come in for a great haircut, watch sports on televisions and talk about sports with professional barbers and friends. Traditional and modern haircuts are available along with a variety of sports-themed packages that include an aromatherapy massage as part of the top-notch hair services. Gonzalez, a former major league baseball player, is the older brother of former Eastlake High and current Los Angeles Dodgers star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Located at 1393 East Palomar, Suite 401, the new neighborhood barbershop
More information about ShortStop Barber Shop is available by calling (619) 397-0223 or online at www.shortstop-barbershop.com
APPLICATIONS FOR THE EDITOR POSITION AT OUR HOMETOWN ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED. Come be a part of our community-focused team. For details, visit our website at www.ourhometownmag.com.
DESIGNER Elsa Flores design@ourhometownmag.com
DESIGNER Melissa Monroy design@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
JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 5
On your doorstep...
LOCAL SCHOOLS Shine AT PARADE BAND REVIEW accElEratinG innovation throuGh thE intEllEct Students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District experience a rigorous 21st century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and highquality 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. CVESD is frequently honored for student academic achievement, high performing schools, and quality instruction.
thE district’s nEWEst school Enrique S. Camarena Elementary is the District’s newest campus, and is located at 1650 Exploration Falls Drive in the Windingwalk community of Chula Vista. Learn more about District attendance boundaries and student enrollment by contacting (619) 425-9600, x 1571
www.cvesd.org • (619) 425-9600 ext. 1570 Each child is an individual of GrEat Worth
WIN A 90 DAY MEMBERSHIP TO b2be Nominate a friend or yourself by liking us on Facebook. More details at: www.ourhometownmag.com
6 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
With 15,000 to 20,000 people in attendance at the annual Parade, Marching Band Review and Community Festival this past November, everyone at the Otay Ranch Town Center enjoyed a festive and lively atmosphere. The talented students from Bonita Vista High and Eastlake High stood out from the crowd as each local school’s band earned first place awards in their respective divisions.
Put on by the local Parade Band Foundation, Inc, in partnership with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and the South Bay Family YMCA, this entertaining community event featured 30 award-winning high school marching bands competing for scholarships, grants and prizes sponsored by Chula Vista’s leading businesses, along with Chula Vista alumni groups and special donors. While Bonita Vista High took home top honors in the Class AA Division, Eastlake High captured the judges’ award in the Class AAA Division. In addition to the marching bands from all over San Diego, this year new groups from El Centro, Palm Desert and Lakewood also participated. With the help of Supervisor Greg Cox and the San Diego Community Enhancement Fund, the Otay Ranch Town Center, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, and the South Bay Family YMCA, Parade Band Foundation, Inc. awarded $2,000 in grants and scholarships, $3,500 in awards and trophies, and $4,000 in travel assistance, as well as thousands of dollars in in-kind donations by local businesses supporting attending scholastic music programs.
On your doorstep
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS JANUARY 19 – 24
Spanning six days and with more than 180 participating restaurants, San Diego Restaurant Week has quickly become one of the year’s much-anticipated events. Local residents from all over the County are invited to experience outstanding cuisine that is sure to satisfy the most discerning palate while defining the art of dining in San Diego. Restaurant Week takes place twice each year and the first one is set for January 19 to 24. The
event features prix fixe menus at nearly 200 restaurants in San Diego, including right here in the South Bay. No tickets, passes or coupons required, simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as you like during San Diego Restaurant Week. Two-course lunch meals run $10, $15 or $20, while a three-course dinner checks in at only $25, $35 or $45 per person. For more details and a list of participating dining establishments, visit sandiegorestaurantweek.com
JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 7
On your doorstep
EBOOKS
Enhance CHULA VISTA PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES
Did you receivce a new Ebook reader as a holiday gift? The Chula Vista Public Library has a large collection of Ebooks compatible with most Ebook readers, and checkout is free of charge.
With a library card, signing up for the service is easy via the library’s website at www.chulavistalibrary.com. The library also hosts free classes occasionally to teach guests how to use the service. “In this age of technology, many people are under the erroneous assumption that libraries will become obsolete,” said Betty Waznis, director of the Chula Vista Public Library. “However, public libraries are thriving with the latest technology, including Ebooks.” Just as with the “hard” book publishing industry, authors and publishers must still be paid for online books, added Waznis. “Our E-book collection is free to our cardholders because the library purchases access to them in the same way it purchases books,” she said. “We hear so many people expressing concern about the mounting cost of downloading Ebooks and they’re astounded to hear that they can download them for free through the library.” The Chula Vista Public Library is continually adding titles to its downloadable collection, and they are compatible with Kindle/Kindle Fire, Nook, iPad/iPod Touch, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone and more. Nearly 2,500 titles span best-selling fiction, nonfiction, young adult and children’s books. These Ebooks are available through the library’s catalog from the Serra Cooperative Library System’s Digital Download Library. For further information, feel free to check the library’s website, or call or visit any of the library’s three branches – Civic Center, South and Otay Ranch. Chula Vista Public Library locations are: -South Chula Vista Branch 389 Orange Avenue, (619) 585-5755 -Otay Ranch, Otay Ranch Town Center 2015 Birch Road, #409, (619) 397-5740 -Civic Center Branch 365 F Street, (619) 691-5069
8 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
On your doorstep
PRIDE MARTIAL MOVES INTO NEW LOCATION
Pride Martial Arts is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its new location. The community is invited to attend the celebration to be held on January 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EastLake’s popular martial arts academy is the only certified ATA (American Taekwondo Association) academy in the South Bay. With over 8,700 square feet, Pride Martial Arts now has a state-of-the-art facility with three training floors including a spring floor for advanced and extreme acrobatics in the new location next to Floaties and SKYZONE at The EastLake Design District. Certified instructors provide comprehensive training for all ages. Pride also offers to its students after school program allowing students to train, complete their homework with assistance from tutors and be provided with a healthy snack. For additional questions regarding the academy and the various programs offered, please contact Pride Martial Arts at (619) 421-1282 or check out prideata.com.
WIN A 90 DAY MEMBERSHIP TO b2be Nominate a friend or yourself by liking us on Facebook. More details at: ourhometownmag.com
JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 9
On your doorstep
Youth Leadership
Southwestern Nursing Class
Academy Applications TEXT CHALLENGE WINNERS N OW B E I N G A C C E P T E D
The city of Chula Vista Mayor’s office is currently accepting applications for the inaugural Citizens’ Youth Leadership Academy (CYLA). Mayor Cheryl Cox proposed the youth academy concept to expose high school juniors to the work of city employees in an effort to advance students’ understanding of the necessary training and education needed for jobs in public service and other sectors as they make plans for their senior year, graduation, career training and college. The series of six evening sessions will provide students with an inside look at city programs, services and policies, coupled with direct access to city leaders and frontline staff. In addition, students will experience tours of city facilities, including a citywide bus tour of Chula Vista’s major projects led by Mayor Cox. Sessions include police and fire safety, conservation, city finance, planning, recreation, road improvements and library services. CYLA is open to 11th-grade students who are Chula Vista residents or attend high schools in Chula Vista. The academy will be held on Wednesday evenings, February 12 through March 19, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with one Saturday morning bus tour. Students will receive 20 hours of community service credit after successfully completing the program. To be considered, one letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor or school administrator must be submitted along with a completed application. The application and letter of recommendation must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 22. To apply for CYLA and for further information, visit www. chulavistaca.gov/goto/cyla. For questions, please contact Jennifer Quijano in the Mayor’s office at jquijano@ chulavistaca.gov or at (619) 409-5812. 10 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
The Associate Degree in Nursing Class of 2014 at Southwestern College is the proud winner of the ATT National Don’t Text and Drive Day challenge. The ADN Class of 2014 received $1,000 for winning the challenge. ATT and the Associated Student Organization (ASO) campus clubs at Southwestern College partnered together for this challenge. Each club received a code to text to, and encourage family, friends and anyone else they could to also text this code to ATT. The code was a pledge, to not text and drive. The ADN Class of 2014 was the winners out of close to 20 clubs that participated. Southwestern College was tops in the state of California for participating in the challenge.
“On behalf of the 72 members of the club, I sincerely thank you for this donation,” Nunn said. The funds will ensure that there will be no out-ofpocket expenses for any of the nursing graduates when they have the special ceremony where they receive their nursing pins in the spring, Nunn said in a release. At the kick-off campaign, joining AT&T representatives in taking the pledge were California Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, Southwestern College Governing Board President Humberto Peraza, Jr., Southwestern College Governing Board Member Norma L. Hernandez, Southwestern College Superintendent/President Dr. Melinda Nish and a representative from Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office.
Prompted by statistics that show there are more than 100,000 texting-related car “I want to thank AT&T for being a crashes each year, wireless carriers have socially responsible comjoined together to spread pany,” Peraza said. “I conthe “It Can Wait” message. fess, I text and drive all “We want to make texting a the time. I think I’m pretdriving a stigma, much like T E X T I N G R E L AT E D ty quick and that I can drinking and driving,” said CRASHES EACH YEAR get away with it. But the Christine Moore, spokesreality is, I can’t.” woman for AT&T. The five-day campaign garnered more than 1,000 pledges for In driving the point home, Moore the largest single event campaign in the asked members of the audience what nation, Moore said. their last text was. One student shouted out, “Did you fold my clothes yet?” At the Southwestern College Governing Moore asked, “Was that text message Board in August, club President Mollie worth dying for? Nunn accepted a check for $1,000 from Moore and AT&T.
100K
celebrate here! lunch happy hour dinner •
Live
•
Contemporary Italian Cuisine Full Bar & Daily Happy Hour Specials
reserve for
valentine’s day now!
kar (hap aoke t py Mus h ic d hour alursda ate l y s at c night!) s asabe llacv. com
$7.99
lunch specials! Wednesday - Friday
panini with Soup or Salad* penne elena* or lasagna* spaghetti & Meatballs* personal pizza *Lunch portions. All served with salad. May not be combined with other coupons or promotions. Expires 1/31/14
2330 Proctor Valley Rd., Chula Vista (near Albertsons) www.casabellacv.com 619-216-5900
Osso Bucco
JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 11
Make This Your Year
Make This Your Year
By Sonny Ngyuen, b2be Sports & Wellness
“This year I’m gonna get in shape.” How many times have we said this? How often do we hear this from people around us? What exactly goes into making a simple choice like this? Most people already answer this by just saying it. However, like we all know, talk is cheap. Any words without actions are just that, words. To those that actually act on this stated goal, there’s the sense of determination and “gung-ho” attitude, going all out with new workout clothes, shoes, a new playlist with songs to “pump you up.” Here’s where the fun begins, deciding where to apply this new found drive. The fitness industry is huge. You can throw a rock in any direction and you’ll hit studios, gyms, jogging trails, or instructors offering classes at your local park. The venues are endless. So how do you choose when you have so many resources at your disposal? What makes one better than the other? There are a lot of factors that play into making a choice this big: money, convenience, preference, culture and popularity. There is one that stands out the most – money. With our economy the way it is, investing in a gym membership is something that has become more and more accessible.
12 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
Photos Courtesy of Schafer Photography
At b2be Sports & Wellness we pride ourselves in offering the most complete forms of fitness services and amenities. The best way we’ve found successfully to impact people’s lives is by actually caring for our members. Like every gym you’ll find classes, great equipment, but most importantly amazing people. People that are here are here to serve you and help you discover what your real potential is. Once you sign up we get you ready and set you up, mapping out the best route for you to take to reach your goal. I’m a local boy, I grew up here in EastLake. I see more members every day in the community, a lot of whom I’m proud to call my friends. I can’t re-call how many times I’ve found members at places like Sprouts or restaurants like Casa Bella, where I’ll be reminded about some changes he or she wants on their Wellness Key, whether it’s a more intense exercise or to set up a sit down appointment. At b2be everybody has their own identity here and reason for being here. We strive to maintain such a rapport that ultimately leads to trust. We really do care about our members here and want you to reach your goals. You can count on us to guide you and support you, for motivation. We’ll even recommend something healthy if you choose to eat out. The trainers at b2be tap into what you really want. We help establish short realistic goals that ultimately will lead to you obtaining your ultimate goal. Someone may want that truly muscular chiseled look, but has never done a squat or a hanging leg raise in their life. There’s your first goal: learn how to train your body first. With your monthly followups, together we establish short term goals that are easy for you to reach. Along with training, you may not know how or what to eat; nutrition is very important. “Abs start in the kitchen.”
Your diet is a key factor for you reaching your goals. Without a proper, efficient diet it will seem like your training endlessly without noticing the results you’re striving for. We take it a bit further here, instead of giving you an improvised or general “diet” we teach you how to eat, what foods to buy, what’s the best time to eat them and why. Your shopping experience gets changed without you noticing. You’ll find yourself down the aisles of Sprouts and know that you need some extra carbs because you may have a heavy weight training workout
27, he weighed in at 186 lbs with 15% body fat. He is coming in without fail every morning and going through his workout on his Wellness Key and coming back in the evenings to take part in our Cross Training classes. From nothing he created everything for himself, but it had to come from him. I asked him that day I followed up with him why he still uses his key, he answered “… It’s the most complete tool I’ve ever used, keeps me on track with what I have to do and helps me make myself better… I would’ve given up a long time ago.”
ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMMITMENT ARE REALLY POWERFUL WHEN APPLIED. the next day and you need energy. We don’t just tailor images; we transform lifestyles through our service.
Accountability and commitment are really powerful when applied. They play a huge role in our lives and in our ability to reach our goals.
A great example is one of our members, Francisco Barrera. He joined our club back in January of 2012. During his assessment and initial interview, we found he had never trained before, smoked, had no knowledge of proper food, but he was convinced that he needed help. He started off weighing 200+ lbs with 23% body fat. His Wellness Key was made with a basic introductory workout. Even with him convinced, it was hard to keep him accountable and getting him to follow through with his workouts. After constant encouragement, emails and phone calls, he began being more constant. One thing I told him was that it’s his responsibility, we can only help him 5 hours out of the week and there are 168 in a week. Something in him clicked and it began. I’m very proud to say that up to his last follow up which was on November JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 13
Make This Your Year REACHING NEW YEAR’S
Fitness Goals By Mike Minjares, Editor, Our Hometown Mayra Llavore admits now that initially the goal of becoming more fit and in better shape had a little something to do with wanting to look good for a high school reunion. Today, as the EastLake resident counts 30 completed half marathons since she got serious about working out – with a goal of reaching 50 before she reaches 50 years of age – fitness and an overall healthy sense of wellness have become daily habits she cherishes.
So, how does someone go from hating to run and eating out frequently to successfully maintaining a well-balanced diet and a regular workout routine? “Finding a partner to work out and train with is really important,” Llavore said in explaining what has been her secret to her long-term success. “Having an accountability partner means you have someone who pushes you. It is natural to feel lazy and to not want to go work-
out, but if you have an accountability partner you are motivated to do it.” More often than not, Llavore’s accountability partner is also her life partner – her husband Dennis. According to Mayra, her husband has always been into fitness. He bikes, runs, eats well and for years has led local weekend bootcamps for friends and neighbors. Mayra became serious about her own fitness about seven years ago and has
seen it become a lifestyle for her and her family. Just last month Mayra and her daughter Milani participated in the Iron Girl 5K at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, with Dennis and their son Mitchell cheering them on.
FINDING THE RIGHT PARTNER IS THE KEY “I never thought I could run,” Mayra admitted. “I actually hated running, it hurts. But I joined a cousin on a run and thought, ‘Oh, I can do this.’ The sense of accomplishment you have when you finish a run is so overwhelming.” For someone looking to get started, Mayra suggests looking on social media for locals with similar interests. Both Mayra and Dennis post on their individual Facebook pages about their workout plans and often have friends join them on a run or bike ride. The South Bay Trail Runners, Bonita Road Runners and Sole Sisters are a couple of local running groups that welcome newcomers at all fitness and experience levels. As Mayra says, finding the right partner is the key to reaching your fitness goals.
14 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
Make This Your Year
The Year To Give Back By Nicole Graichen, Executive Director, EastLake Educational Foundation
THERE ARE MORE THAN 2 MILLION NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS IN THE US.
Ringing in the New Year offers an opportunity to make a change. We set resolutions every January to enhance our personal lives as well as positively impact the lives of those around us. We will eat healthier, exercise harder, love deeper, give more, take less, laugh often and pray daily. What would happen if we made room in our lives for one more resolution? One that takes very little time, costs less than 35 cents per day, and provides you assurance that you are making a significant impact within your own community. This year, what if you made the selfless decision to donate to the charity of your choice? As little as $10 per month makes a substantial impact and greatly benefits local nonprofit organizations. Local community nonprofits exist to enhance the lives of individuals and families right here in Chula Vista. They are an important fraction of what makes our community whole, and such a wonderful place to call home.
One of the oldest charities in our area is the EastLake Educational Foundation (EEF). Since 1995 the EEF has given more than 1.5 million dollars to the local EastLake school’s technology programs. This particular nonprofit is imperative to our community because each year our children’s schools count on donations in order to fund their technology programs. When today’s children begin to enter college or the professional world they are expected to be exceedingly proficient in all aspects of the technological tools they will use. Introducing children to the tools they need to develop these skills starts in the classroom as early as kindergarten. Technology enhances the teacher’s ability to teach the students. Educators are able to reach new heights of curriculum when they have more tools at hand. Children with different learning styles are able to have a better understanding of what they are learning. Technology enhances the relationship between student and teacher, as well as the student’s caretakers, by offering multiple outlets for communication.
15 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
The EEF was able to give $150,000 to our local EastLake schools for the 2012-2013 school year. This would not have been possible without donations from our community. This year, please consider including your community in your 2014 resolutions. If only 100 people gave $10 per month for the entire year, we would have $12,000. That is a significant donation to any charity, but for us it is a potentially life changing amount for a child you may personally know. Your donation to the EEF would mean a brand new computer lab, 70 refurbished computers, Robotics supplies and competition for local kids, laptops for a special needs classroom, an online reading program for local children, new cameras and equipment for a photography department, a sound system for the high school band or tools to create presentations for school projects. The options are endless. Make this year’s resolution really count. You can make a difference not only in our schools, but in each student’s future, EastLake’s future, Chula Vista’s future and the future business professionals and community leaders that we are raising today.
In thinking about what organizations to support, it is important to consider how your money will be used, how much is typically spent on overhead or administrative costs, whether the organization is associated with a national organization or is an independent, local nonprofit, and how the organization rates on lists put together by nonprofit watchdog organizations like Charity Watch or Charity Navigator. At the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, 93 cents of every dollar donated is spent on programs and services. Together with hundreds of local community partners including many serving the South Bay, the Food Bank provides emergency food relief to more than 320,000 San Diego residents each month. The Food Bank relies on the generous support of foundations, corporations and individuals to secure the necessary resources to serve as an important safety net for lowincome families, seniors, and military personnel and their dependents. One of the Food Banks more popular donation options is the Monthly Meals Club. Individuals who join the Monthly Meals Club help the Food Bank feed the hungry every day, all year long. A monthly gift of $10 will guarantee a hungry individual at least one healthy meal every day, every month, for the entire year. A monthly gift of $30 will provide three meals a day, every month, for the entire year. To join the Monthly Meals Club, please contact Sandra Rabourne today by sending an email to srabourne@ sandiegofoodbank.org or by calling (858) 863-5142.
Growing Old in EastLake By Lindy Robbins
When I first moved to EastLake, I was a middle-aged woman. Now some 17 years later, I'm a much older version of a middle-aged woman. However, our dog, Ralf, who started out as a puppy only 13 years ago when we chose him from the Bonita shelter, has become a very old fellow indeed. Within the same time span, my own aging has been more subtle and acceptable to me, while my husband appears to be ever the youthful, funny guy I married. Ralf's changes have become more shocking. As he bobbles around with his arthritic body and responds less and less to our calls, these losses seem like an affront to the boundless energy he once possessed. We remember all of the fun we enjoyed with Ralf along, from camping trips to long hikes in the wilderness. He was the witness to our day-to-day life together that formed the fabric of our marriage. Yet now our daily routine has changed considerably. For years, we took a long morning stroll up to Sunset View Park, where Ralf would jump and play with his doggie pals. Then, we'd return on the same route to greet the school children awaiting the bus. Now we drive to the park. His nose seems to remember everything, but his body walks slowly around the edge of the park, observing his younger "sister," Laidee Byrd, running madly across the grass.
16 OUR HOMETOWN 路 JANUARY 2014
At home, our kitchen counter is filled with bottles to assist Ralf in coping with his aging process: wheat bran for his constipation, Glucosamine for his aching joints, and a high calorie booster for his finicky appetite. Every week now, we bring him to a local vet clinic for a laser treatment to relieve the pain from his arthritis. As we await his final days, I have to remind myself over and over that a dog's life is indeed significantly shorter than most humans. I tell myself that we have given a wonderful animal a terrific time with nothing less than loving care. And the eventual price of giving love and receiving warm greetings with a wagging tail is always the same: loss. This bittersweet time is celebrated now by sharing a blanket in the warm sun and with gratitude for all the years we have had together growing old in EastLake. Lindy Robbins is a practicing psychotherapist in Chula Vista. Together with husband, Chuck, they are blessed with grown children and four granddaughters.
PURPOSE AND MEANING AT WORK By Glen F. Pastores
ON TOPIC
Well-known euphemisms such as: “Thank Goodness It’s Friday” (T.G.I.F), “Hump Day” (Wednesday) and “Monday Blues” signify the proverbial struggle for workers to survive through the workweek and reach a safe haven of comfort and joy that we like to call the weekend. There is an underlying assumption that no one wants to work or be at work.
But, do workplaces have to be a place that is dreaded or feared? According to an American Time Use Survey, employed persons ages 25-54 with children spend most of their day at work. We spend more hours of the day at work than sleeping, spending time with our family and friends, and doing the things we enjoy. Not convinced? Write down five things that you enjoy doing. How many of those things on your list did you do, say in the last month?
If this is indeed the case, why wouldn’t anyone want to spend those ‘work hours’ feeling happy, satisfied and productive? Many people believe that you should find something about your job that motivates you – such as a skill that you are good at, or something that makes you feel that you are doing something meaningful. This shift in a new worldview and attitude toward work may bring about more intrinsic motivation and thus more automatic feelings of satisfaction.
WRITE DOWN FIVE THINGS THAT YOU ENJOY DOING. HOW MANY OF THOSE THINGS ON YOUR LIST DID YOU DO, SAY IN THE LAST MONTH?
Another proactive way to find meaning in the work you do, is to create a passion board. A passion board is similar to a collage. You’ll need a good size poster board and several different magazines. Look through the magazines and cut out things that you are truly passionate about. These passions do not have to be work related. Select things that you believe you cannot live without or businesses or people that align with your values and beliefs. This project takes some thought, so you might want to take a whole night or a day or so to complete it. After making your collage, look at what themes pop up from your collage, or ask friends or colleagues what themes jump out at them. Once you find that passion, learn more about things you love and be creative in finding ways to incorporate it in your current job, or find a place to work that aligns with this passion. Believe it or not, you can make a living doing what you love as your job. Another way to go about it is to seek employment at a company that aligns with your own values and beliefs. Much like businesses that hire people that align with their values, people should also ensure that their values align with the company that they work for. There are some people that become “stuck” at a job. Most likely they are not excited about what the company stands for or the products they sell. These incongruent and misaligned beliefs between the employee and the company values may ultimately lead to lack of energy, lack of interest and lack of productivity. This is not good for the employee or the company. When you work for a company that aligns with your values, it is most likely that your work is passionate, meaningful and enjoyable. This new year, make a commitment to identify your values and what matters to you the most. Once you figure that out, JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 17
Purposeful Work, CONTINUED
A New Senior Residential Community Devoted to Enhancing Life for Those with Memory loss
Lic. #374603431
850 Duncan Ranch Rd. Chula Vista, CA 91914 (619) 202-1023 activcareliving.com
18 OUR HOMETOWN 路 JANUARY 2014
try to incorporate those values in your personal and work life. Understanding and knowing your passion and where it comes from will make life much easier. Attempt to incorporate your values consistently. When there is something that does not align with your values, take a moment to take action and correct it. This may mean supporting businesses that only align with your beliefs or volunteering or finding employment that offers meaning and value to you. You will find that the more aligned your actions are with your beliefs, the more happier and satisfied you are in your personal and professional life. Be congruent with who you are and what you believe in. Glen F. Pastores is an Otay Ranch resident who recently earned his PsyD degree in Organizational Development with an interest in Business Psychology.
Something New
ON TOPIC
IN THE GARDEN THIS NEW YEAR By Katie Seidenwurm, Landscape Designer & Owner, Zinnia Design, (858) 705-4975, designbyzinnia.com
With the beginning of a new year, we often have high hopes for something new in our lives. What can we do that is new in the garden? What can we try in our outdoor environment that maybe we’ve never done before but have heard is great? Here are some suggestions for the “New Thing” in the garden:
BARE-ROOT TREES
PLANT A TEA ROSE
START COMPOSTING
This is the perfect time of year to plant trees because most are dormant in the winter and they develop their roots in the early spring. An even better idea is to plant it as bare-root stock which are plants that are sold without soil. Generally bareroot plants are less expensive than container-grown plants and their roots are easier to inspect. Because there isn’t any soil, they are easy to lift and maneuver as well.
Roses have had an allure for centuries; the epitome of flowers. The Tea Rose (or hybrid tea) has long stems with a few flowers at the end of each stem while a floribunda rose (or shrub rose) has flowers all over the bush. The fragrances and colors of roses are wonderful and evoke so much pleasure for even the grumpiest gardener. Some may say that roses are not worth the work and necessary maintenance. Next time you purchase a bouquet of roses, think about that rose being available to you in your own backyard.
Personally, composting is my next venture. Composting is a way to reduce the amount of refuse that goes in your trash cans and our landfills. Kitchen scraps can be combined with grass clippings and garden scraps in a compost bin to create a nutrient-rich garden soil. Micro-organisms break down the raw materials into the compost. There are numerous free workshops offered around the county each month on how to compost. There are demonstration gardens as well where you can see composting in-action. Contact the San Diego Botanical Garden at www.SDBGarden.org, the Compost Demonstration Garden at the San Diego Zoo or the South Bay Botanic Garden at Southwestern Community College at www.swdcc. edu or (619) 421-6700 ext. 5371. I see how much vegetable and other food waste that I throw away and wonder how much soil I could make out of it. Also, my trash bin wouldn’t be as full each week and I would save money on store-bought fertilizer and soil.
When planting a bare-root tree, place it higher than the surrounding soil. This is known as mound planting. This allows the crown of the plant (where the trunk meets the roots) to stay dry and not get too wet where it might rot. The roots are still allowed to grow down to reach the moist soil. Mound planting is different than the usual planting method of creating a basin where the water gets trapped. For more information on bare-root planting, refer to the San Diego Master Gardener site at mastergardenerssandiego.org.
Rose bushes are also available in bareroot form this time of year. After you bring your rose home, remember to prune off any dead looking roots. In addition, cut back the branches to 12-15 inches. Remove any canes that are growing without any leaves or flowers on them. These should be cut to the soil level. The rose bush will look a bit bare for a few months until spring when the leaves and flowers grow in.
Whatever you decide to do in your yard this new year – whether it be to plant a bare-root tree, plant a rose or take up composting, enjoy the novelty of doing something new and for the first time. As adults, new things are not as prevalent in our daily lives as they were when we were young. New things invite risk as well as rewards. Remember, gardening is an iterative process: we try one thing, learn a lesson, then try something else. Trial and error – it’s the gardening way.
WIN A 90 DAY MEMBERSHIP TO b2be Nominate a friend or yourself by liking us on Facebook. More details at: ourhometownmag.com
JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 19
SCHOOL NEWS ACT/SAT
Test Preparation
WORKSHOPS
I N F O S E S S I O N SAT, JANUARY 18 9:00 TO 11:00 A.M. The San Diego and Imperial Counties California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) will offer free Workshops for 11th grade SUHSD Students: What to Expect on The SAT and ACT. The first informational Session, which is open to students and parents, takes place Saturday, January 18 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Olympian High School, 1925 Magdalena, Chula Vista.
To qualify for admission to a four-year university, students must take the SAT or ACT. It is recommended they take the test during the spring semester of 11th grade. It is strongly encouraged that students and parents participate in a preparation workshop to inform them about these important exams. The initial Informational Session will cover: the difference between the SAT and the ACT and which might suit each student better; which colleges require the SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT/ACT and what subjects are offered; how the tests are structured and scored; tips and strategies for performing well; what to expect on the essay.
Information Center Now Open! Call Or Come By Today For More Information!
(619) 271-4385 Introducing a wonderful new community to call home! Westmont at San Miguel Ranch offering a full service retirement community with Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Lic # Pending
2334 Proctor Valley Road, Suite 104, Chula Vista, CA 20 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
There are two identical Informational Sessions, one on Saturday, January 18 and one on Wednesday, January 22 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Southwest High) and students are asked to only register for one. In addition, Cal-SOAP will also offer workshops that allow students to work on practice questions from the ACT (January 25) and SAT (February 1) exams. To register for the Informational Session, go to www.sandiegocalsoap. com and click on “Events.” Register for one informational session and any additional SAT or ACT sessions you would like to attend. For assistance or questions, please contact Karla Whitaker at kkwhitaker@ ucsd.edu or (858) 569-1866 ext. 216.
JOIN CONNECT INSPIRE
Join Today. First Month Free! SOUTH BAY FAMILY YMCA
southbay. ymca.org
WIN A 90 DAY MEMBERSHIP TO b2be Nominate a friend or yourself by liking us on Facebook. More details at: www.ourhometownmag.com
JANUARY 2014 路 OUR HOMETOWN 21
CALENDAR 2014 Out & About
January
01/
11 01 Happy New Year
PRIDE MARTIAL ARTS NEW LOCATION OPENING 11am-3pm at EastLake Design District next to Floaties and SKYZONE; (619) 421-1282 or prideata.com
14 09
School Resumes
CHULA VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER 5:30-7:30pm; hosted by The Steakhouse on Broadway, 556 Broadway; Membervh fee $10, nonmember $20; (619) 420-6603 or www.chulavistachamber.org
10
PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATER AUDITION TOUR at Chula Vista Ballet; Registration 6:30pm, Audition 7-8:30pm; Program is open to students 12 and older; Applicants must be 12 years of age by program start date, 6/23/2014; Registration fee of $35 is due at the time of the audition; www.pbt.org
22 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
for CVESD and Sweetwater Schools
19-24
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK Prix fixe lunch and dinner menu items enable diners to enjoy great meals at affordable prices; List of participating restaurants & sample menus available online; sandiegorestaurantweek.com
20 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day No school for CVESD and Sweetwater Schools
18
CAL-SOAP ACT/SAT TEST PREP WORKSHOPS 9-11am @ Olympian High School Multi-Purpose Room, 1925 Magdalena; Free workshop for 11th graders and their parents covering the differences between the SAT and ACT; Contact Karla Whitaker @ (858) 569-1866 x216 or kkwhitaker@ucsd. edu
23
PREPARING FOR
MT. WHITNEY 6:30-8pm at Chula Vista REI, 2015 Birch Rd, Ste. 150; Want to hike the highest peak in the continental US? Baffled by the Mt. Whitney permit lottery system? Join us as we help you navigate the permit system and cover the basics of preparing for Mt. Whitney, including physical conditioning, nutrition, gear and clothing. Free; Register online www.rei.com to call (619) 591-4924
26
APPRECIATION BRUNCH FOR OUR WOUNDED HEROES 10:00-1pm at The Steak House on Broadway, 556 Broadway; $15 per Person for Brunch; $20 per Person for Brunch & Unlimited Mimosas; Join us for Raffles, Silent Auction, Music, Entertainment for the whole family; Contact Evelyn Griger @ (619) 252-9482
EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION every Monday 11:30am-1pm at Oggi’s Eastlake; eastlakebusiness.org
OTAY RANCH TOWN CENTER FARMER’S MARKET every Tuesday 4-8pm
KIDS READY TO READ every Thursday 11:15am at Otay Ranch Branch Library; Interactive storytime program for kids 3 and younger; chulavistalibrary.com
PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
WIN A 90 DAY MEMBERSHIP TO b2be Nominate a friend or yourself by liking us on Facebook. More details at: ourhometownmag.com
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
ELITE Computers Not many east Chula Vista residents have lived in the area longer than Joe Kheder. The owner of Elite Computers has called EastLake home for 24 years now. He has witnessed firsthand the city’s expansion and the growth of its business, as well as residential, communities. With Elite Computers recent move into its new location in the nearby Shops at San Miguel Ranch shopping center, Kheder welcomes the opportunity to provide his wide-ranging computer services to his neighbors from the local area.
Photo Credit to Ana Romo
“I have been in this industry for 17 years,” said Kheder, who is a member of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and local Optimist Club. “In starting Elite Computers I wanted to work and help the community I live in by providing a service that will stand out from the rest of the stores. We are all about service. We may be small in size, but we’re very big in customer service. It’s our service that sets us apart.” At Elite Computers, customers find assistance with a host of computer and technical issues. Kheder and his staff offer full-service computer repair, virus removal, data backup and reload, memory installation, laptop disassembly and even printer repair. Upgrades, custom builds and networking solutions can also be found at Elite Computers. Visitors will find an internet lab available, ideal for research, completing school work, gaming and surfing the web. Standard turnaround time for repairs is two days, but emergency services are available. “When folks come to Elite Computers, we want them to be able to say they had the best, knowledgeable service and it is the go-to store when it comes to technology,” said Kheder. Elite Computers, 2326 Proctor Valley Road, Ste. 102, Chula Vista, (619) 656-6606
24 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
Royal Carpet
WAREHOUSE & FLOORING Ask longtime customers and clients about Marty Adler of Chula Vista’s Royal Carpet Warehouse & Flooring, and you will hear that service is in his blood. Ask those that he serves alongside in Chula Vista Rotary or the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, and you will hear that Chula Vista is in his blood. For the local small business owner and Chula Vista resident both characterizations ring true. Royal Carpet Warehouse & Flooring opened in 1965 under the direction of Adler’s father, who arrived in Chula Vista in 1960. From the beginning, the independent flooring contractor has prided itself on providing outstanding customer service. It’s an approach to business that continues with Marty as owner. “Royal Carpet Warehouse is a little different than most carpet stores,” he said. “The reason is our customers receive personal service directly from the owner, me. I’ve been in the flooring business for over 40 years having started from the bottom up. The most important aspect of our business is personal service.” That focus on service also explains Adler’s extensive community involvement in the city he has called home since he was 10. He has been actively involved with other local business leaders with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce for years. The former Hilltop Elementary, Hilltop Junior High and Hilltop High School student is also proud of the 17 years he has served with the Chula Vista Rotary Club. “My personal motto is service with a smile,” he said. “I want our customers to have fun choosing their carpet and flooring and then to expect great service and a great install.” Royal Carpet, (619) 507-5302; www.royalcarpeting.net
Our Local Business
On your doorstep
energetic lady. Must st lov fit and ready to jump mp in the fun. fun. Military Military traini be helpful.
DEPENDABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE agent seeks customers looking for real PROTECTION and long term RELATIONSHIP. If you love painting, painti ng, decorati decorating, baking and
Bernardo Vasquez, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0F45943 460 Third Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 Bus: 619-425-6560 Cell: 619-876-0056
seeks advent adventurous cat ow be employed loyed and willing willing Especially fond ond of black tuxedo cats. All respons respons answered. Looking oking for th fect match. seeks woman of my dreams Must bee fit and and love love spen and nights nights outdoor outdoorss in t
Look no further. Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do. GET TO A BETTER STATE . CALL ME TODAY. ™
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, 1101201.1 State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL
Family services
Personalized, one-on-one speech therapy services in the comfort of your own home. research-based bilingual therapy for children and adults. Private pay only. letitia a. stanton-aicher ms, ccc-slP
(855) 619-6191 www.LSABT.com
JANUARY 2014 · OUR HOMETOWN 25
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
NORBERT STEIN
If
a
100-year-old,
Simply stated, Norbert Stein’s life has been His enthusiasm, creativity and ad-lib poetry retired World War II about service. And what a distinguished and illustrate his zest for life. veteran can continue captivating life it has been for the man known to make a difference, as the “Poet of Chula Vista.” For those who have “As I celebrate my Centennial, my new life what is stopping had the pleasure of spending time with this true has just begun,” he said. “Thank the Lord, I am any of us? local treasure, Stein’s enthusiasm for his adopted still aboard as I am heading for 101.” hometown and his commitment to helping it grow and flourish are only part of what lingers after your encounter For his 100th birthday, Stein held a fun-filled gathering at the with him has ended. What often resonates for much longer is the Living Coast Discovery Center and asked guests to donate to sense that we all could do a little more to make the Chula Vista the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation in lieu of gifts. The community a great place to live, work and give back to others. I event raised about $3,000 for the foundation. As the oldest mean, if a 100-year-old, retired World War II veteran can continue member of this organization dedicated to improving the to make a difference, what is stopping any of us? quality of life within Chula Vista, Stein has set a personal goal to grow the membership from 70 to 100 in honor of his Stein was born in 1913 in the small Bavarian town of Aidhausen, birthday. Germany. He left his native country in 1935, crossing the Atlantic on the Europa and arriving in New York at the end of June. Armed “We are very, very grateful for Mr. Stein’s enthusiastic comwith the experience gained during an apprenticeship in the meatmitment to help us recruit new foundation members,” said cutting business, Stein found his first job in the U.S. at a New York Christopher Redo, Legacy Committee Chair of the Chula butcher shop. He continued to work in the meat wholesale busiVista Charitable Foundation. “Norbert has probably lived in ness through the 1930s until he joined the Army’s 77th Infantry Chula Vista longer than any of us! Most gratifying, however, Division in World War II’s Pacific theatre. For his exemplary miliis that he’s become one of our most energetic members in tary service, Stein earned the Bronze Star. Following the war, Stein promoting the mission, goals and community impact of the returned to New York City before heading out to California in 1958. foundation.”For Stein, the chance to give back to a city he has He has made Chula Vista his home ever since. seen grow up around him is the perfect fit. While Stein has found success in many professional arenas as a local resident, it is his personal interactions with his fellow Chula Vistans that make him a popular community figure. 26 OUR HOMETOWN · JANUARY 2014
“If I knew about the Charitable Foundation sooner, I would have joined sooner,” he said. “It’s the most noblest of causes to help people in need.”
S
A
T
U
R
D
A
Y
FEBRUARY 8, 2014
6:00 p . m - 11:00 p . m Bonita Golf Club 5540 Sweetwater Road Bonita, CA 91902
S P O N S O R S HIPS
You are cordially invited to attend the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce 87th Annual Installation Dinner and Dance
Event Sponsor - $8,500 Reception Sponsor - $4,000 Band Sponsor - $3,500
Join us to congratulate and thank our former officers and welcome in officers and board members for 2014!
Dessert & Wine Sponsor - $3,000
Board Installation - Honorable Mayor Cheryl Cox
Award & Program Sponsor - $2,500 Table Sponsors - $1,500
Master of Ceremonies - County Supervisor Greg Cox
D
E
T
A
I
L
S
Reception Hour: 6:00 p.m Dinner/Program: 7:00 p.m Dance: 9:00 p.m Dress: Black Tie Optional Celebrating 87 years RSVP: On or before January 24, 2014 to 619.420.6603
For further information regarding the recent EZ legislation, or clarification of the aforementioned deadlines, please contact Kevin Sullivan (SDREZ Manager) at (619) 533-5954 (ksullivan@sandiego.gov)