Scripps Ranch News - April 2023

Young rockers enter AllStar finals

By Kaila Mellos

Amonumental achievement was reached recently by certain students from School of Rock Scripps Ranch.

The School of Rock AllStars Competition kicked off a few weeks ago, and the Scripps Ranch team advanced six of its strongest musicians, including drummers, guitarists and vocalists.

“It’s an international competition with over 300 locations eligible to participate in the auditions. Only the top students from each school audition, and there are three rounds,” said Steve Peterson, owner of the School of Rock Scripps Ranch and Del Mar locations. “We were lucky enough to have had all six students audition and make it past the first two rounds into the third and final round.”

The AllStars competition puts students at the school through

three rounds of intensive auditions and playing live. The competitors hope to be chosen in the final round to go on a country-wide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1 percent of

School of Rock students are selected each year to represent the School of Rock as an AllStar.

Students in the Performance Program and House Band can au-

Symphony in the Park concerts return

By Terry L Wilson

It’s almost time to break out the beach chairs and picnic baskets for another season of fun and music at Hoyt Park with the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park free concert series.

“We were down for two years because of COVID, and last year we were just thrilled that more than 2,000 people came out for our first concert,” said Steve Fiorina, a member of the Symphony in the Park committee. “Our largest crowd to that point was about 1,200, but last year’s opener was at full capacity, and everyone was excited to be there, and just had a wonderful time.”

The 2023 concerts are in place with many crowd favorites returning with their unique musical and entertainment stylings.

“This year we have four summer concerts, everything is in place and ready to go,” Fiorina said. “All the concerts are free. We have major sponsors

for all four concerts and face painting (for children); and we want to thank our sponsors who make this event possible.”

Having the event sponsored didn’t happen overnight. Jed Petty originated the idea of having concert hosts when he was on the Symphony

in the Park committee when it began planning for the event debut.

At first it was thought that nobody would pay the amount for the concert sponsorship. Petty’s vision required a lot of hard work and support from the business community, which took time, but eventually his plan came to fruition. The nonprofit Symphony in the Park organization still depends on tax-deductible donations to keep the music playing and to fund its program benefitting the high school music department, helping buy additional instruments, music books and even uniforms.

“Tommy Boyd is the drummer and manager for the group The Heroes.

Local School of Rock AllStars include (from left) vocalist Tiffany Enering, guitarist Liad Shaphir, drummer Jameson Powell-Espiritu and guitarist Melanie Peterson. Those not pictures are drummer Ronin Cianciosi and vocalist Jamie Fusaro-Mobley. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

The Heroes, a crowd favorite at the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park concert series, will rock Hoyt Park on July 9. (courtesy of The Heroes)

Cassity is honored by high school

Longtime Scripps Ranch resident Beverly Cassity was recently chosen to be inducted into the Kearny High School Hall of Fame. She is a graduate of the Kearny High School class of 1964.

The school selects a few alumni for this high honor each year. The honorees are chosen by the Kearny High School Alumni Association based on their accomplishments within a handful of categories. This year, Cassity was chosen for her accomplishments in business.

Cassity joked that her reaction was, “Have you run out of important people?”

However, her business accomplishments clearly justify this honor. She ran a car transfer business, owned a national award-winning cheerleading gym and operated the original Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market.

Today, Cassity is the manager of the “new” Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market and Family Festival, held from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.

“I think what caught the attention of my high school was that we took a chance on opening up the (new) Farmer’s Market in the middle of COVID because I was sick and tired of staying home,” Cassity said. “We wanted to do something to get everybody on their feet and back out again and meeting with friends and family. And we accomplished that.”

Although her award is in the business category, her legacy of volunteerism is just as strong. Cassity was heavily into volunteering for the first 11 years she lived in Scripps Ranch, she said. Besides running the original Farmer’s Market, she organized the

old Scripps Ranch Community Fair for several years. She used to volunteer to be in charge of opening day festivities for the local girls softball league, the youth soccer league and Scripps Ranch Little League.

She has always stayed close to her high school, and still meets with friends who are former students she went to high school with each month.

“I volunteered to head up the committee for our class reunions since the day we graduated. So, every class reunion that’s happened since I graduate in 1964, I’ve been the head of the committee,” Cassity said. “We just had our 57th year reunion. ... It was pretty cool.”

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held April 29. Cassity’s name will be added to a permanent plaque that stays on display at the school.

“I was really proud because my grandchildren will be there and I wanted them to be able to see this to learn that if you work really hard, people will notice,” Cassity said.

ScrippsRanchNews.com

The free community newspaper, neighborhood website and social media network for Scripps Ranch Scripps Ranch News is published monthly and mailed directly to homes in Scripps Ranch.

Editor & Publisher John Gregory john@scrippsranchnews.com

Art Director & Publisher Jacqueline Gregory jacqueline@scrippsranchnews.com

Photographers Lisa Shadburn, Jim Wick

Digital Content Manager Suzanne Micheletti

Reporters Jill Alexander, Kaila Mellos, Ashley Shah, Hector Trujillo, Terry Wilson

Advertising John or Jacqueline Gregory info@scrippsranchnews.com

2023

Phone

(858) 945-4465

Mailing

Anthony D. John D.D.S., M.S., Root Canal Specialist MEMBER OF

Beverly Cassity

5-year-old raises funds to cure cancer

Scripps Ranch resident Owen Presnall, age 5, recently raised more than $5,000 for cancer research. He started a team called O-wen We Cure Cancer to support Curebound’s Padres Pedal the Cause fundraising event that took place March 18 at Petco Park.

Book Donation Day set at the library

Grace’s Book Nook at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library is holding a special book donation day event on Wednesday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will be accepting donations curbside, and book donors will receive a special thank-you gift (at this special event only) and a receipt for tax purposes.

Can’t make it on that day? Donations of gently used books are welcome anytime at the library.

A Scripps Ranch gem hidden away in the library, Grace’s Book Nook is the used bookstore at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, staffed completely by volunteers and open Mondays through Saturdays.

Find fantastic bargains on books for all ages and tastes at the Book Nook, plus magazines, greeting cards, DVDs, CDs and more – including special floating waterfowl food for that visit to adjacent Evans Pond to feed the ducks.

The stock of used books is continuously updated.

The next Second Saturday pop-up book sale features an expanded inventory on May 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Those interested in exploring volunteer opportunities with the Book Nook team may send an email to booknook@srfol.org.

Owen, a T-K student attending Miramar Ranch Elementary School, started fundraising in January, taking photos with signs to send to family and friends to recruit support. He became a Cure Creator top fundraiser by raising $2,500 in February, and was rewarded with bubbles and M&Ms from the Padres Pedal the Cause team. Then, days before the event, he reached Yellow Jersey top fundraiser status: $5,000. He is only the second

child to do so for this fundraiser.

The event occurred in midMarch with more than 3,000 participants raising $2.5 million and counting. Owen participated in the 5k walk along the Embarcadero and then participated in the kids challenge where he ran along the bases on the field at Petco Park with the Friar and Spiderman.

During this process, Owen’s parents explained to Owen how many people in

their life cancer had touched, according to his mother, Heather Dean-Presnall. But since he is a five-year old, he ultimately told people he was fundraising to help sick people.

In total, Owen’s team raised more than $5,449, all of which will be directed to funding cancer research in San Diego.

Learn more about this mission to make San Diego the cancer curing city at Curebound.org.

Owen Presnall (courtesy photo)

Owen Presnall (courtesy photo)

Aviara Trio to perform

“The Pleasure of Your Company” concert series, sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library, will present the Aviara Piano Trio, comprised of violinist Robert Schumitzky, cellist Erin Breene and pianist

Ines Irawati, on Sunday, May 21, 2:30 pm, performing romantic chamber music in the intimate setting of our library’s Community Room. There is no charge for the concert, although donations are appreciated. Masks may be required for all audience members regardless of immunization status.

SUSTAINABLE SCRIPPS RANCH

Building electrification is coming your way

By Larry Peranich

Burning of fossil fuels in residential and commercial buildings is responsible for 14 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California. While smaller than transportation (38 percent) and industrial (23 percent), emissions from buildings will need to decrease significantly if we are to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 as required by law.

Roughly 90 percent of current residential GHG emissions come from water heaters and furnaces.

One step taken by the California Air Resources Board is to eliminate the sale of natural gas-powered water heaters and furnaces after 2030. This will be for both new construction and replacing worn-out units in existing buildings.

Roughly 90 percent of current residential GHG

emissions come from water heaters and furnaces. The intention is that gas-powered heaters will be replaced by electrically powered heat pumps. Heatpump water heaters and space heaters have efficien cies of 250 percent or more.

Most heat pump water heaters contain back-up re sistive heating elements and require a 240 Volt, 30 Amp circuit. Some new wa ter heaters do not have the back-up heaters and can plug into a standard 120 Volt, 15 Amp circuit. However, without the back-up heating elements, they can take longer to reheat if all the hot water is used. If you will want the higher-powered units, you should be sure to have an electrician install the 240 Volt circuit before you need to replace a water heater after 2030.

The City of San Diego has a more ambitious climate

action plan than the state, net-zero by 2035. The most impactful strategy in the climate action plan is “Decarbonization of the Built Environment” or, in other words, eliminating use of fossil fuels in our residential and commercial buildings. To work with this strategy, San Diego Community Power has recently committed to provide 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2035.

San Diego

Community Power has recently committed to provide 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2035.

The likely first step the city will take is to modify our building codes to require all new buildings to be 100 percent electric, with no natural gas. The second step is for cityowned buildings to reduce natural gas usage by 50 percent by 2030 and by 100 percent by 2035.

The third, and most difficult step is for natural gas use by existing buildings to drop 45 percent by 2030 and 90 percent by 2035. This will be expensive and politically difficult, and the details are yet to be finalized. Federal subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act will lower the cost. See rewiringamerica. org/app/ira-calculator to find out what subsidies you

Ridgeview Health Center is a new, open-to-the-public care community providing living options in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Nestled among rolling hills and landscaped grounds in Scripps Ranch, we offer multiple levels of care all located on the same campus. At Ridgeview Health Center, you can have enhanced peace of mind that your loved ones will Live Better.

We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of residents and their families. Our goal is to maximize the physical, cognitive, social and spiritual potential of all our residents.

ELECTRIFICATION

Continued from Page 4

qualify for.

We will be posting more links on our webpage about electrifying your home.

Upcoming events:

• Friday, May 19, 10 a.m.

SSR & SRCA 50PLUS

LECTURE: HIKING

TRAILS IN SCRIPPS

RANCH

Scripps Ranch Library

Community Room

• Friday, May 19, sunset (rain or clouds cancel)

STARGAZING

West Sycamore, end of Stonebridge Parkway

• Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.

MAGIC OF SOIL

Scripps Ranch Library

Community Room

GARDEN SHARE

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Library courtyard

Sustainable Scripps Ranch is a standing committee of the Scripps Ranch Civic Association. To learn more about Sustainable Scripps Ranch, visit scrippsranch.org/ssr or email SustainableSR@ scrippsranch.org.

Plan ahead in case a disaster happens

By Karen Herreros

We have talked about planning in the past, but here are some additional thoughts.

Planning ahead of a disaster can help reduce anxiety.

It’s important to your household and neighbors to know how to get in touch with each other and how you can help each other during and after an emergency.

Work as a team to assess needs and what you would do if you experience a disaster while you or other family members are away from home.

Get connected

When an emergency strikes, we come together to help each other. Most of these networks and connections are either in-person or online. Consider the relationships you already have, whether it be family, friends or neighbors. Stay in touch with them and discuss your plan before a disaster strikes.

Connect online Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor create groups with your in-

ner circle so you can quickly send messages, share supplies and make a plan. Follow emergency related feeds to stay informed such as your local American Red Cross and other emergency providers

Connect in person

Make a point to meet your neighbors and connect with a group in your neighborhood. Some of these could include

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Neighborhood Watch or faith based organizations. The more you plan ahead with your neighbors and community, the safer you all will be.

Communication plan

Families should have a communication plan in place and discussed with their family for how they are going to com-

Happy Mother’s Day !

municate during and after a disaster if they are separated. Every family member should carry emergency contact information with them and include a copy in their emergency supply kit as well as in their wallet.

Plan ahead and stay safe. Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council, srfiresafecouncil@ gmail.com, srfiresafe.org, (858) 201-3711.

SCRIPPS RANCH FIRE SAFE COUNCIL

Planning ahead of a disaster can help reduce anxiety and keep family members safe.

he Scripps-Mesa Garden Club is celebrating, along with many others, a spectacular spring. Wildflowers are blooming abundantly in our open spaces. The director of the club’s website is collecting and displaying photos of their beauty. Go to scrippsmesagardenclub.com to enjoy them.

Instead of the regular library community room gathering on May 23, that evening members will tour a local garden featuring an

abundance of orchids. The usual short business meeting, social time and plant share will follow the tour.

In April, local wild bird experts Jerry and Arlene Martin taught the gardeners about the proper food and equipment that supports the plentiful wild bird population that resides or flies through our region. The Martins run Wild Birds Unlimited, 10549 Scripps Poway Parkway, a wild bird supply store in our community, and were generous with sharing their knowledge of our feathered friends.

The Garden Club meets monthly, except in December, and welcomes residents of Scripps Ranch and Mira Mesa to join in learning more about gardening techniques. Check the website above to find more information about the group.

Welcome Club celebrates 40-plus years

By Denise Stewart

It is a pleasure to know that the founder of the Welcome Club of Scripps Ranch from more than 40 years ago is still active and enjoying the social events of this community’s group. Becky MacDonald and 130 newer Welcome Clubbers will launch another year of friendship and frolic, and will celebrate their installation of officers in May. Coming up on the club’s May calendar are the usual book discussions, trail walks, Bunco games and craft gatherings. Members get to pick and choose from the lively list of interest groups that keep participants active and smiling.

Members are looking for-

ward to the May Coffee which will be enjoyed at Sue Cauble’s home.

In April, Kate Schaap and her team hosted that monthly occasion and treated the ladies to a brunch to remember.

A monthly movie and lunch are a pleasant routine event for the Welcome Club members. The film in May is fea-

turing Hollywood beauties from our young adult years who will be discussing books on the screen. Afterward, the viewers will be enjoying lunch and laughing again at their jokes.

Coming along in June will be the fixed monthly interest groups, an evening theater event, a movie, and the coffee as well as the meeting at the Community Center on May 8 at 7 in the evening.

For more information about the club, you are welcome to check out the website scrippsranchwelcomeclub. com. It is the uncomplicated way to start a new set of relationships when you are new to the Ranch, newly retired or an empty nester seeking more social contacts.

SCRIPPS RANCH

SCRIPPS RANCH WELCOME CLUB

ALL THE COLORS

A wide, vibrant rainbow arches above homes on a Scripps Ranch hillside in early April between rainstorms. The unusual abundance of precipitation this winter and early spring brought about numerous rainbows, kept the soil moist, kept temperatures low and resulted in a colorful display of floral blooms throughout the community. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

For more information about the club, you are welcome to check out the website scrippsranchwelcomeclub.com.

BUNNY HUG: A youngster hugged the inflatable bunny at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market and Family Festival during activities at the special Easter event on April 6. The Easter-themed celebration included face painting, balloon art, a live deejay and vendors provided treats for the youngsters. (courtesy of Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market)

Honey: sweet, sweet honey

By Jill Alexander

Whether you enjoy your honey whipped or the regular way – gooey and sweet – you’re in luck.

Aliza Stanton and her family produce Aliza’s Honey which can be found on Thursdays at the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market.

They are also beekeepers who began the business in 2008 by doing live bee removal, and the business progressed from there.

Mission Statement: Through

the bee removal business, they have been able to safely relocate bee colonies from homes and businesses to their main apiary as well as other locations around San Diego County.

Their website states: “Our mission is to allow the bees we rescue to pollinate our city’s beautiful local flora and support local agriculture. The products that we sell here are a byproduct of these rescued bees from around San Diego County.”

The difference: What makes this honey different from

MAY 5-7, 2023

Poway Center for the Performing Arts

those in the local grocery store is simple: “Our honey is truly local. Our hives are located throughout San Diego, while most local honey that is sold in San Diego comes from places like Valley Center. Which to my thinking isn’t very local. … and we never filter or pasteurize, as our honey comes directly from the hive. It’s raw and unfiltered,” Aliza Stanton said.

Besides offering honey products at farmer’s markets in the county, there is also an online shop where you can order items at alizashoney.com.

Sought after: Stanton believes these honey products are sought after because “people who appreciate and love natural products, care about sustainability and want local, pure, raw, unfiltered honey.”

She hears what customers are saying about the products, which makes her smile.

“The most common comment we hear when customers try our honey and whipped honey is ‘Oh my gosh, that’s good,’” she said.

COLE PORTER’S MUSICAL SENSATION!

Set sail with Scripps Theatre Arts on a hilarious musical romp across the Atlantic. It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely!

Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse

New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman.

This version of Anything Goes was adapted from the 1987 Broaway revival, originally produced by Lincoln Center Theater.

get tickets

While the honey product line doesn’t offer different flavors of honey, there are various flavors of whipped honey.

“We make four varieties of whipped honey, and you have to try it,” she said. “We’re working on adding new flavors. We also produce hand cream, lotion, bars, soap and candles that are all natural and handmade.”

Future endeavors: As for the future of Aliza’s Honey, Stanton said it’s to continue “sharing our products with our friends and neighbors.”

Aliza’s Honey products range in price from $8 to $25.

Visit Aliza Stanton at Aliza’s Honey booth at the Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, held from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road.

Aliza’s Honey offers honey, whipped honey, hand cream, lotion, bars, soap and candles. (courtesy photo)

By Jill Alexander

You don’t have to go to New York to get a feel for the Big Apple.

Simply head over to Scripps Ranch Theatre to enjoy a performance of Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers” at the Legler Benbough Theatre on the campus of Alliant International University, and step back in time.

If you’re unfamiliar, “Lost In Yonkers” was written by Simon, who is considered one of America’s great comic playwrights. The play is set in Yonkers in 1942.

LOST in Yonkers

“the Shakespeare of his time,” and possibly the “most successful playwright in history.”

“It’s a great comedy and there is a lot to discover with these characters. In his heyday, Neil Simon was terrific and prolific, and this play won a Pulitzer in 1991,” said director Jacquelyn Ritz.

ious at times for two hours. In a sense, it’s a relief that you can go through something difficult and come out better for it,” Ritz said.

“I think we can all identify with someone along the way, and it’s a nostalgic journey since it is in World War II in 1942 and power-packed with all sorts of stuff,” Ritz said. “It’s two young boys who are left without a mother, and the people trying to care for them in different ways. Some are quite ridiculous while others are quite beautiful. Eventually, the boys grow up throughout this and try to figure out how to become human beings.”

Bella is 35 years old, mentally challenged, and living at home with her mother, stern Grandma Kurnitz. As the play opens, ne’er-do-well son Eddie deposits his two young sons on the old lady’s doorstep. He is financially strapped and taking to the road as a salesman.

The boys are left to contend with Grandma, Bella, and her secret romance, and with Louie, her brother, a small-time hoodlum in a strange new world called Yonkers.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play deceptively hides real honest life affirmation between jokes, and shows why Simon has been called

It’s “a beautiful play and tells in-depth stories with great wit, great charm, hilarity and heart, and it’s really about the human experience,” she added.

Ritz said everyone is welcome and should attend, “because you will find yourself watching a family of three generations go through ups, downs, struggles and triumphs. It’s a family that functions with dysfunctions, working together, learning, growing and challenging each other.”

“There’s real love at the core and is a beautiful journey. You’ll pop on to be lost in something really wonderful and charming and hilar-

The talented cast includes Kenny Boardier as Eddie, Katee Drysdale as Bella, Jill Drexler as Grandma Kurnitz, Eddy Lukovic as Louie, Melanie Mino as Gert, and J.P. Wishchuk as Arty.

Scripps Ranch Theatre performances are at the Legler Benbough Theatre on the campus of Alliant International University, 9783 Avenue of Nations.

Performances run May 19, to June 11: Fridays/Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

Preview performance: Friday, May 19; Opening Night: Saturday, May 20; Matinee: June 10 at 2 p.m. No show on June 4.

Buy tickets at scrippsranchtheatre.org.

by Neil Simon | Directed by Jacquelyn Ritz SCRIPPSRANCHTHEATRE.ORG TICKETS: 858.395.0573

‘It’s a great comedy and there is a lot to discover with these characters.’

—Jacquelyn Ritz

‘‘I think we can all identify with someone along the way.’

—Jacquelyn Ritz

SYMPHONY

Continued from Page 1

He is also the one who gets the bands for us, and he never has a band that doesn’t want to come back,” Fiorina said. “They love the reception they get in Hoyt Park. The concert is a lot of fun for everyone. There isn’t a bad seat in the park.”

“We have such a wonderful audience each year and we just love playing for everyone at the park. It’s our favorite concert of the year,” Boyd said. “We’re going to mix it up this year like we always do and keep it fun with a few songs that everyone in the audience can relate too.”

Jimmy’s Buffet tribute band takes center stage to start the season off with a Caribbean flair on June 11.

The Heroes will perform on July 9. They are a crowd favorite and always draw a capacity audience for their top 40-dance music.

On Aug. 13, Stone Soul, an eight-piece band from Los Angeles, will play Motown favorites with a big

YOUNG ROCKERS

Continued from Page 1

dition for this competition. Winning student musicians will have an authentic touring experience, including traveling on a tour bus, participating in tour publicity, and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a 10-day tour.

“To make it through each round, they must perform two songs. One song is a song that the School of Rock chooses, and then they bring their song that they perform. In the second and third rounds, they’re given some parameters. They must perform one classic rock song, and they’re given a list of artists to choose from, like Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin or The Beatles. They also bring in their song that they’re going to audition with,” Peterson said.

“They’re also put through the wringer on music theory knowledge, like knowing how to play a 12-bar blue or a minor third pentatonic,” he said. “They’ll throw some tough music theory questions at the kids and score

band beat.

The Verge, a dance and show band playing classic rock, will close out the summer season on Sept. 10.

The traditional Holiday Concert with Santa & Friends is scheduled for Dec. 10, 56:30 p.m. at Jerabek Park.

To ensure that everyone enjoys the summer concerts, visitors are asked to not bring high-back chairs; keep kids safe by not letting them climb the steep hill that runs along the side of the park; and to keep pets at home.

them based on how well they answered those questions.”

The six San Diego teenagers that made it to the third and final round are drummers Jameson PowellEspiritu, 17, and Ronin Cianciosi, 14; guitarists Melanie Peterson, 16, and Liad Shaphir, 16; and vocalists Tiffany Enering, 17, and Jamie Fusaro-Mobley, 16.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm, and there’s a lot of kids who wish they would’ve auditioned now that they see these six,” Peterson said. “We’re lucky, and we have a lot of talented kids at our school and the parents who support them. They’re just living their dream, so it’s nice.”

These six musicians are the first from the Scripps Ranch location to make it this far. Even though the last round’s final decision has yet to be made, the six students are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to even get this far into the competition representing San Diego.

“I’ve only been here for a year. So, being considered on the same level as some

The free summer concerts begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. at Hoyt Park.

Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park wishes to thank concert hosts: Greg Winsniew financial planner, Collins Family Jewelers, San Diego Castle Realty, Anderson Heating & Air, Barron Real Estate Group, and Filippi’s Pizza Scripps Ranch.

For additional information regarding the concert or if you would like to support the program with a donation visit: symphonyinthepark.org.

of these talented kids has been exciting. It’s been surreal for me because I’ve always wanted to try singing,” vocalist Enering said. “It would mean the world because I’ve wanted to be part of The School Rock for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always known about AllStars. I have had it in the back of my mind as a dream and a goal. Now being this close to it and wanting it so badly is hard to believe. To get that would just be, it sounds cliche, but it would be a dream come true.”

Guitarist Shaphir shares the same emotions and has always hoped to be able to be a part of the AllStar tour.

“I’ve been working on the guitar for a long time, and if I could receive this opportunity, it would mean a lot to me, and it’d be a huge step forward in my career. It would be a super-duper accomplishment, and I’ve always wanted to go on a tour. We’ve done a little tour with the house band here, but it’s not like on the level of AllStars,” Shaphir said.

For more information, visit schoolofrock.com/locations/ scrippsranch.

The Heroes perform in Hoyt Park during the Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park concert series in June 2022. (photo by Jim Wick)

SRHS students host Model U.N. conference

By Ashley Shah

The Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) Model United Nations (MUN) organization is holding a MUN conference by Zoom on May 13.

MUN is an organization available to students in middle and high school. It focuses on modeling how the United Nations work to solve global issues.

“Similar to the actual United Nations, we are given a topic and we are expected to represent a country, and debate the topic from the country’s standpoint. All ‘countries’ in the room have to come to a resolution for the issue,” said Aliza Alibhai, cosecretary general of the conference.

The organization meets weekly to develop skills, such as writing resolution papers for the issues, practicing public speaking and learning how to debate with others respectfully.

Those in MUN are able to showcase their skills at conferences throughout the year. The conferences typically oc-

cur from October to May.

“By the end of the conference season, the SRHS MUN team will have gone to about four conferences,” Alibhai said.

Not only can schools attend conferences, but they can also host them. Co-secretary generals Aliza Alibhai and Nathan Min have been working on getting their conference set up for months.

“Planning a conference takes a lot of work and coordination. It begins with making lots of documents to plan how the event will run, and what topics we are going to choose for the debate rooms. We needed to make sure that we had enough staff to keep the rooms going as well,” Alibhai said.

The SRHS MUN team has about four people per room to help the conference move along.

So far, about seven schools will be participating in their conference.

“There are about three middle schools and four high schools, including our school. In the conference, we

SEUSSICAL JR.: Marshall Middle school presented “Seussical Jr.” April 18-21. The production featured Marshall students not only as actors and singers, but also as directors, choreographers and tech crew under the leadership of Marshall theatre teacher Scott Sussman. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

SRHS BAND AT THE RADY SHELL: The Scripps Ranch High School Full Band and Orchestra, under the direction of Russell Shedd, closed out an afternoon of live performances by select high school bands from throughout the San Diego Unified School District at The Rady Shell on April 8. (photo by John Gregory)

“DOROTHY IN WONDERLAND”: Two worlds collide in “Dorothy in Wonderland,” presented by Dingeman Elementary

Bill to pay student reps advances

In a move supported and sponsored by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), student board member representatives throughout the state are one step closer to being eligible to receive paid compensation for serving on district or county school boards.

AB 275, introduced in January by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-78th Dist.), was unanimously passed on the Assembly Floor 67-0 on April 10 and now moves to the Senate. The bill would authorize a school district or county board of education to award a student board member financial compensation, elective course credit, or both.

Currently, student board members in California are prohibited from receiving financial compensation for their service. Of the more than 420 school districts serving high school students in California, more than 270 have one or more student members on their school board.

MODEL U.N.

Continued from Page 14

mix both the middle and high schools together,” Alibhai said.

The SRHS team has chosen multiple topics for the rooms to create solutions.

“Some of the topics we have chosen for this conference are the effects of global warming on pandemics, child labor globally, and we have chosen a special hypothetical topic that stems

“Our district thrives when it recognizes students as leaders, and engages in shared decision-making with them,”

SDUSD Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson said. “Student board members deserve more than just praise. They deserve compensation for their work.”

SDUSD has two student board members: Lea Nepomuceno, a senior at Scripps Ranch High School, and Matthew Quitoriano, a sophomore at San Diego High School. The district has a requirement that one seat come from a student attending a school where at least 60 percent of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-priced meals.

On March 22 in Sacramento, Nepomuceno testified before the Assembly Committee on Education in support of AB 275.

“Every student’s voice matters,” Nepomuceno said. “Finances shouldn’t be the barrier preventing any student in the state from pursuing a seat on their respective Board of Education.”

around creating an issue in the Star Wars universe,” Alibhai said.

Awards will be given to those who participated at the end of the conference.

“Some of the awards are ‘best delegate,’ ‘best research,’ and ‘outstanding delegation,’” she said.

This conference will be the fifth conference that SRHS has held.

“Holding conferences has become an integral part of the SRHS MUN organiza-

Student school board members attend board meetings, represent the student population in discussions, advocate for issues of concern to the student body, and help guide the governance process of their school districts.

“Student board members play a vital role in California schools by representing the student voice and sharing their perspectives with the board,” said Assemblymember Ward. “I am proud to author AB 275 so they can receive compensation for their time and work, and continue to help solve issues that impact students across the state.”

AB 275 does not specify the amount of compensation that would be offered for a student board position, but rather would leave that determination to each respective governing board.

If approved by the Senate this year, AB 275 would head to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature. If signed, the bill would become law and take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

tion. I hope that by holding these conferences we are able to create a welcoming environment where people feel empowered to speak. I want this to be accessible,” Alibhai said.

“MUN is an organization run for students by students. With this conference, we are trying to uphold that value,” she said.

For more information about the SRHS MUN organization, visit scrippsranchmun. wixsite.com/home.

School on April 26. “Dorothy in Wonderland” cast members are (front row) Swastik Joshi as Tin Man, Maggie Eusebio as Toto, Naomi Shadburn as Cheshire Cat, Kaan Utsukarci as Five, (back row) Ella Zou as Glinda, Saanvi Sharma as Dorothy, Aahana Saxena as Alice, Emily Lai as Queen of Hearts, and Evan Tan as Tweedle Dum. In this new twist to two well-known tales, Dorothy and Alice encounter new adventures when Oz meets Wonderland. The musical features fourth and fifth grade students from Ms. Harris’s and Mr. Saguil’s classes. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

Lacrosse team looks to finish strong

By Hector Trujillo

With four matches remaining in the regular season, the Scripps Ranch High School womens lacrosse team looks to close out strong despite three of the games being on the road.

“It’s been rewarding to see the team incorporate so

many new faces this year,” said head coach Michele Uhlfelder. “We have 10 players new to our varsity roster, and in each end of the field we have new players playing significant roles.”

Among the remaining games are one versus La Jolla High School on April 26; one at Cathedral Catholic on April 28; one at Coro-

nado High on May 1; and the May 3 closer at home versus Patrick Henry, which the Lady Falcons last faced in a 19-8 victory on April 14.

“Our veterans have been crucial to helping the team grow and they are making their teammates better in practice every day while making major contributions in games,” Uhlfelder said.

“We continue to push a high lacrosse IQ, and we are focused on getting measurably better each day.”

Among the standout performers so far this season are junior midfielder Dahlen Vilbrant, who is one of the fastest players on the team. Vilbrant leads the team in goals, ground balls and draws along with being excellent at reading defenses.

Junior midfielder Norah Lutz has been fantastic at taking the draw and winning possession. Senior defender Laila Major has been a solid force when it comes to anchoring the defense, with sophomore defender Charlize Fernandez stepping up in the clear game, on ground balls and in one versus one coverage.

“I love the work ethic of our players on the draw circle and the fight we have shown,” Uhlfelder said. “Our program has very good team speed. We are working on higher level stick skills and strengthening position specific work. I expect us to continue to battle, to stay together through challenges and ups and downs.”

Despite the fact that more than half the team is new this season, Scripps Ranch expects to continue playing up-tempo lacrosse and challenge opponents to prepare, think, react and compete hard.

“We are excited to see the growth continue and see how we have improved collectively and as a team at the end of the season,” Uhlfelder said.

The Lady Falcons had their best performance this year against Sage Creek High School on April 4 in a 19-3 victory at home.

Scripps Ranch High’s McKenna Durkin fights through a check as she moves downfield during action against La Jolla High on April 10. (photo by Jim Wick)

Norah Lutz of Scripps Ranch High looks to pass against La Jolla High on April 10. (photo by Jim Wick)

SRHS softball team enters final stretch

By Hector Trujillo

The Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) varsity softball team looks to close out its final six games of the 2023 regular season strong with CIF playoffs right around the corner despite starting off with a 2-71 record over the first 10 games.

SRHS lost some close ones including two by one-run –first to Mission Hills High on March 4 and another to Rancho Buena Vista High on April 6. The team also had to settle for a draw against Westview High School early in the season that could have been another victory after taking an early three-run lead.

In the remaining six games, all but one of which are league contests, SRHS has an opportunity to make some noise and put the team in prime position for the postseason.

“I expect us to make a run at winning Western League and I also expect us to make the top 12 for CIF Division II,” said head coach Jay Russell. “We were in Division I last year and this is the first year we’ve been in Division II. So, we’re just trying to battle our way back into Division I.”

The six remaining games will be split evenly between home and away, starting on April 27 versus University City high, followed by backto-back home games against Cathedral Catholic High on May 2, and then Mission Bay High School on May 4. The Lady Falcons will then travel to take on Mira Mesa

High School on May 6 before another road game on May 9 versus Academy of Our Lady of Peace, then close out the regular season at home against Patrick Henry High School on May 11. Scripps Ranch beat Patrick Henry in their first

head to head matchup last season, a 5-4 nail-biter fending off a last-inning rally by the Patriots.

“For me, there is no one standout because the whole team is producing the same,” Russell said. “I have 14 players on this team and

they’re all

producing. I have three good pitchers, so it’s not just one or two standing out, they are all contributing equally.”

SRHS ended last season with a 5-21 record when the team was still in Division I and hopes a good showing

in the CIF playoffs will get them back playing in that division where they were competing for several years.

“We’re actually better than our record – quite a bit better. We’re just playing a really tough schedule,” Russell said.

Scripps Ranch High junior Victoria Turfler delivers a pitch during a 6-4 victory against University City High on April 11. (photo by Jim Wick)

Scripps Ranch High senior Grace Rosas runs the bases in a game against University City High on April 11. (photo by Jim Wick)

Track & field team gears up for CIFs

By Hector Trujillo

Having finished all the scheduled meets for this season, the Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) track and field team now gears up for CIF and state competitions starting with the City Conference JV Championship at Canyon Hills up next on April 28.

“The team is progressing

as it should,” said SRHS head track and field coach Kadrina Coffee. “There’s improvement every week, so I’m a happy coach as long as I see improvement.”

The first meet of the season that the Falcons took part in was on March 4 at the Mt. Carmel Field & Distance Carnival, and the final one was on April 22 at the Dick Wilkins Frosh &

Soph Championships held at Del Norte High School. There were several standout performances throughout the 13 events SRHS took part in, but the most noteworthy came from Lizzie Tarczy who made school history on March 23 at the meet against Mira Mesa and University City where she cleared 5 feet, 7.75 inches to break the school’s all-time

high jump record. Tarczy also tied her own record on April 5 at the Scripps Ranch High versus Cathedral Catholic High meet held at Cathedral Catholic.

“Personally, I think I do much better jumping in the heat,” Tarczy said. “Something that my coach does that I think works really well for me is that I put the bar at a super high height.

I just see it over and over again, so I’m not scared of it when I do see it in the meet.”

The Falcons have a total of 140 athletes on this year’s team, which is a sharp increase from 2022, but are without the services of Aaliyah McCormick who now competes as a freshman for the University of Oregon. McCormick, who was ranked as the number one hurdler in the state, chose Oregon over Nebraska and San Jose State – the other schools she was considering.

“The more athletes I can take to the State meet, the better,” Coffee said. “My hopes and expectations are always to get to CIF prelims and finals, and then onward to State.”

The 103rd CIF State Track & Field Championships are May 26 and 27 at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium on the campus of Buchanan High School in Clovis.

Coffee has been coaching at SRHS for seven years and has had a prominent career in the sport which includes making the U.S. national team that competed in the 1995 Junior Pan American Championships in Chile where she took third in the 400 meters.

The victorious SRHS womens 4 x 400 relay team at the Arcadia Invitational on April 8 includes (from left) Jaclyn Macatee, Addy Richardson, Madeline Hanks and Tiffany Stoughton. (photo by Jim Wick)

The SRHS mens 4 x 400 relay team show their medals at the Elmer Runge Invitational on March 18. Pictured are (from left) Marley Randolph, Thijs Van Eldik Thiem, McAelan Remigio and Markell Martin. (photo by Jim Wick)

‘My hopes and expectations are always to get to CIF prelims and finals, and then onward to State.’

—Kadrina Coffee

Little League is in full swing

By Hector Trujillo

Scripps Ranch Little League (SRLL) has been able to get back on track despite a slow start due to all the rain that hit San Diego in recent weeks, with most teams losing between three or four games to their schedule.

“After we got back from spring break, things started picking up again,” said SRLL President Avi Barat.

The SRLL playoffs start the second week of May. The Championship Kickoff will be held at Jerabek Park on May 20 as closing day games will be played, along with entertainment for those attending and a special visit by representatives of the San Diego Padres.

based on personnel and field availability. The midweek days and Saturday times were not set for any

This is Barat’s second year as SRLL president.

“It’s easier in the sense now that I know how the season goes, but it’s also harder because I’m trying to make some adjustments that I think are needed,” Barat said. “It’s a little bit of both, but I definitely think it’s easier overall.”

specific team or division, and were announced by each manager a couple of weeks prior to the start of the season.

Approximately 600 kids across nearly 60 teams and seven different divisions are taking part in the 2023 season. In 2022, the 11u All-Star team captured the District 32 championship for a second-straight year, defeating Coronado in the final game 15-3.

Have we got gifts for Mom!

“There will be all kinds of fun activities that day,” Barat said.

SRLL Opening Day was held February 26 with MAPS intermediate competition beginning on March 4 while T-Ball and Rookies started competing on March 11.

Practices for the season started in early February and were held twice a week that first month, once during the week after school and once each Saturday. The regular season games are on Saturdays in order to replace the practice day.

Due to Daylight Savings Time in mid-March, the weekday practices were replaced with a game as well. An additional but optional weekday practice was allowed to be scheduled by the respective managers

‘After we got back from spring break, things started picking up again.’

—Avi Barat

BATS, GLOVES AND BASES

Spring is in the air, and so are baseballs and softballs. It’s a time for action around local Scripps Ranch playing fields as the diamonds are filled with players. Examples include the Scripps Ranch High School varsity baseball team (above) and the players participating in the Scripps Ranch Softball Association spring season (below).

Scripps Ranch High pitcher John Folkl delivers a pitch in a 5-4 victory against Dana Hills High on April 4. (photo by Jim Wick)

Cassidy Highlander winds up to sling a pitch during a recent Scripps Ranch Softball Association 10u division game. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

Nadia Berens sprints to a base in Scripps Ranch Softball Association 12u spring action. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

Scripps Ranch High baseball player Daniel Lee makes a catch in a close play during action against Dana Hills High on April 4. (photo by Jim Wick)

Doctor promotes colorectal cancer awareness

By Ashley Shah

Colorectal cancer awareness month is every March. However, even though the month has passed, it does not mean that awareness of the topic should pass, too.

Dr. Walt Coyle, a resident of Scripps Ranch, is a gastroenterologist with Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center and Scripps Clinic – and he is promoting information about this topic to raise awareness.

Recent studies have changed the way colon cancer, and preventative treatments, are being viewed. A study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine declared colonoscopies are less effective than previously known. The study included 85,000 patients in Northern Europe over 10-years. Two-thirds of the patients were not invited to receive a colonoscopy. However, of the onethird of patients who were invited to receive a colonoscopy, only 42 percent received one.

“When they published the data, they looked at the entire group together and said that a colonoscopy didn’t improve survival and death rates as much as it used to. But, if you dive deeper, if you were one of the patients that did a colonoscopy, your chance of getting colon cancer dropped by 31 percent, and your chance of dying from it decreased by over 50 percent,” Coyle said. “If you got the colonoscopy, it saved your life. I think it was a provocative study. It was done to get people to talk about colon cancer, and to get screened.”

Another study, published earlier this year by the American Cancer Society (ACS), focused on the data from colon cancer patients. The data suggests that younger people are at a higher risk of getting colon cancer now.

“The study showed two cohorts. If you were born in 1950, and compare those people to those born after 1990, the people born after 1990 have twice the risk of getting colon cancer,” Coyle said. “If you go back, in 1995, 11 percent of people were under 55 who had colon cancer. Now, it’s 20 percent, so it doubled. Moreover, in any other group, over 55, the rate of dying from colon cancer has been plummeting, except in young people; it is rising.”

Based on the recent infor-

mation about the rise of colon cancer in younger people and other factors, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the starting age for screening for colon cancer from 50 to 45, if there is no family history of cancer.

With this change – and considering colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both women and men, according to the ACS – it is imperative that people stay informed about colon cancer.

This year, there are expected to be more than 150,000 cases of colon cancer in the U.S. More than 50,000 deaths this year are expected to be caused by colon cancer in the U.S., according to the ACS.

Warning signs of this form of cancer can include blood in the stool, any change in stool habits, chronic abdominal pain, and weight loss, Coyle said.

“People often ignore the symptoms. I use Chadwick Boseman (actor, director, producer) as an example. He was only 39 – he was having some rectal bleeding. He, unfortunately, died

at age 43 of colorectal cancer. You should never ignore the symptoms, even if you are young,” Coyle said. Risk-factors to keep in mind can vary from genetics to environmental.

“We do know certain risk factors make the risk of getting this cancer worse. In my mind, it’s about half through genetics, and half through your environment,” Coyle said.

The lifetime risk of getting this cancer, without a family history, is 5 percent, according to Coyle. Other factors, such as preexisting cancers, may also play a part in the risk of develop-

ing colon cancer.

“Women who get breast cancer are getting tested for colon cancer. We’re finding all these genetic mutations that they have for colon cancer. If you have other cancers, even if you don’t have a family history, you should seek out your doctor to determine if that is putting you at risk,” Coyle said.

Besides genetic factors, there are lifestyle choices that play a role in increasing or decreasing the risk.

“Being obese increases your risk of getting colon cancer by 30 percent. Diet is important. The World Health Organization has said that processed red meats are really an issue. You should decrease those to about once a week. Smoking significantly increases your risk,” Coyle said. “What I really like to stress to my patients is exercise. If you can get your heart rate above 100 bpm three times a week for about half an hour, it decreases your risk by 20 percent. Drinking over two cups of coffee a day, in one study, dropped the risk of getting cancer by 26 per-

Dr. Walter Coyle

Ridgeview Health Center: A place to heal and call home

By Jill Alexander

Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” may have said it best when she clicked her heels exclaiming, “There’s no place like home!” Home is home, no matter what.

However, sometimes one might need assistance when maintaining their current home becomes difficult, especially if they are a senior in need of rehabilitation or therapy.

Enter Ridgeview Health Center, 9825 Glen Center Drive, located near the entrance to The Glen at

Scripps Ranch independent living community. Ridgeview Health Center is open to the public and offers living options in assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

“We offer the highest level of care, compassion and all the comforts of home. Our team is committed to the health and wellness of our seniors, and that’s what differentiates us from other communities – our staff,”

Director Robert Daynes said.

Services at Ridgeview Health Center are appropriate for individuals whose

needs extend beyond assisted living – such as a person recovering from surgery, injury, heart attack, stroke, or other illnesses. Additionally, Ridgeview Health Center’s team of professionals offers physical, occupational and speech therapy seven days a week.

Skilled nursing care is the next level of care after hospitalization when doctors refer a patient to a rehabilitation center.

“We are fully equipped to provide medical and therapy services that help those in our care recover and safely return home at their highest level of independence,” said social services director Melanie Spalding.

Daynes recalled watching Ridgeview’s construction during the COVID-19 pandemic “from the dirt up” to what it has become today –“a very special place.”

“I think what makes us special and why a family would choose this community is the people who work here,” Daynes said. “Our leadership team and directors are second to none, and they would give anything to provide our residents with the best care they can. The team members who work here love being here, and we have developed a wonderful environment filled with all kinds of activities that keep our residents active and engaged on a daily basis.”

Daynes and Spalding said the typical questions asked about skilled nursing are: “Does insurance cover care?” and “How long will I be here?”

CANCER AWARENESS

Continued from Page 21

SweetTreatByJessBakery@gmail.com

IG & FB: @SweetTreatsByJessBakery

SweetTreatsByJessBakery.com

cent. Vitamin D seems to protect women in terms of not getting colon cancer.” Early detection of this form

Yes, insurance does cover skilled nursing services at Ridgeview, and the duration of one’s stay depends on what kind of therapy is required. The team can go into more depth on these topics and questions during a walk-in tour of the community.

“Ridgeview promotes an environment of patient-centered care, with the goal of getting you back to your dayto-day life as soon as possible,” Spalding said. “We want to reach out to the local community and let locals know we are here for them and the Scripps Ranch community.”

Beyond the therapy and medical assistance, Ridgview focuses on caring for the whole person with life-enrichment activities such as art classes, book clubs, outings, happy hours, wellness

of cancer is crucial in minimizing the risk of getting it.

“There are several modalities to screen for colorectal cancer. The two main ways are stool-based testing, and colonoscopy, which are both recommended by the U.S Preventative Task Force,” Coyle said.

There are two types of stool-based tests.

“There is a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which tests for a specific part of blood, the globin part. It costs about $25, and it is recommended to do every year. It’s very easy; you just send a sample of your stool on a card to your doctor,” Coyle said. “The other type of test is the ‘Cologuard,’ where you send your entire stool in a box. It costs $600, but fortunately, most insurances cover it. This test should be done every three years.”

If a positive result comes

and fitness classes, support groups and themed events. It also offers a restaurant-style dining room, complete with a chef and servers to enhance the dining experience.

“For some of us, it’s truly a place to call home,” said resident Margaret Martin. “Everyone at Ridgeview Health Center has been helpful and has played a part in my recovery. They have all provided a great deal of attention and comfort which I am so grateful for.”

“So far, I have received outstanding care here at Ridgeview Health Center. Everyone that has cared for me has been kind and compassionate,” resident Patricia Lubarsky said. Visit ridgeviewhealthcenter.com or call (858) 2933900.

from either test, a colonoscopy should be done.

“In the colonoscopy, you are sedated. We take a fiberoptic tube through your colon. We look for any polyps or cancer. It detects, just like stool tests, but it also prevents. If we see a polyp, we remove it, and that’s how we decrease your chance of ever getting it,” Coyle said.

Unfortunately, most people are avoiding screening tests.

“Despite all of this, with the young people, people are living longer. We’re curing more people of colon cancer. The cure rate now is over 55 percent for on-comers. If it is just a small-early cancer, the cure rate is over 95 percent. This is just like any other cancer, early detection saves lives,” Coyle said.

Coyle urges all people to take charge of their health –and get screened.

Ridgeview Health Center, 9825 Glen Center Drive, offers assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. (courtesy photo)

A physical therapy room at Ridgeview Health Center. (courtesy photo)