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Volume 5 Issue 6 • May 2022
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Aaliyah The Scripps Ranch Old Pros July 4th Run & Ride returns this year with streets full of participants and a celebration in Hoyt Park. (photo by John Gregory)
Run & Ride
CAN FLY! Aaliyah McCormick is the number one hurdler in the state.
Registration begins soon as popular event returns July 4
Photo by Jim Wick
By John Gregory
T
he Scripps Ranch Old Pros July 4th Run & Ride, a Scripps Ranch tradition, will return with in-person events – and signups will open in a few days. This massive happening includes running and cycling events, all starting on the morning of July 4 in Scripps Ranch. Everything culminates with a celebratory festival in Hoyt Park. The Run & Ride has been held virtually the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions – registered participants ran or biked through the courses by themselves at a time of their own choosing. This year, the start of events with massed participants will be back in the streets. The event’s 10k run is one of San Diego’s most popular races, as thousands of participants assemble for what has become a significant and popular run known to attract recognized competitors as well as weekend warriors, according to Anthony Gonzalez, Old Pros 2022 Run & Ride Czar. The Run & Ride also includes a 2-mile fun run; and four bike rides: 12 miles (street), 28 miles (street), 28 miles (gravel), and 50 miles (street). All the events end in Hoyt Park with music and festivities. The 28 mile gravel bike ride is the first See RUN & RIDE, Page 18
Track star Aaliyah McCormick leaves SRHS with another standout season By Hector Trujillo
A
ll great athletes have a calling early on to do what they were meant to do. This could not be more evident than in the case of Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) senior Aaliyah McCormick who competes on the track and field team. Besides setting personal records this year in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 100 meters hurdles, she has also helped her team with several standout performances in various meets this season. “I started running when I was nine years old and I originally started racing the kids at my elementary school,” McCormick said. “My teachers would tell my mom that I was super-fast, so she decided to put me in track.” McCormick committed to the University of Oregon, making her announcement on Jan. 16 at Hourglass
Community Park in a locally televised event alongside family and friends. She chose Oregon over Nebraska and San Jose State, which were the other schools in the running. “I committed to Oregon because, in my heart, I knew it was the best fit for me educationally and athletically,” she said. “I knew that if I attended Oregon it would put me right on track for what I wanted to be and do for the rest of my life.” Among her most noteworthy moments during her time competing for SRHS is the accomplishment of becoming the number one hurdler in the state, as well as breaking her own school records multiple times. “The best part of competing is the peace I feel when the gun goes off,” McCormick said. “I wouldn’t have gotten this far without my teammates and my coaches. They were the ones that believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself – and for that, I thank them. See AALIYAH CAN FLY, Page 18
‘New’ Farmer’s Market & Family Festival celebrates its first year By John Gregory
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he “New” Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market & Family Festival will celebrate its one year anniversary on June 16 with special attractions. On that day, each vendor will contribute something for free drawings, which will be held all day long for visitors, according to Beverly Cassity, Farmer’s Market manager. In addition, there will be several attractions, especially for children. Some of these include a caricature artist, a balloon artist and a face painter. Cassity said she is also trying to book a live band, and she anticipates several new
Mike Cassity (left), Farmer’s Market Manager Beverly Cassity and Assistant Manager Tim Mapes. (photo by John Gregory)
NEWS, Pages 2-4
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LEISURE, Pages 5-8
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LIFE, Pages 9-11
•
SCHOOLS, Pages 12-15
vendors. “It’s going to be really festive all day long. All the vendors are going to be decorated up. We’ll have balloons everywhere,” Cassity said. The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market offers numerous vendors of all types, including plenty of food booths serving cuisine from throughout the world. Farmers offer fresh produce and other vendors sell a variety of items and services each week. The “New” Farmer’s Market and Family Festival celebrates its first year after launching in May 2021. Beverly and Mike Cassity, along with assistant manager Tim Mapes, are mainly responsible for running the market See FARMER’S MARKET, Page 8 •
SPORTS, Pages 16-19
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Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
SCRIPPS RANCH FIRE SAFE COUNCIL
Fire protection myths and facts By Karen Herreros
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
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MYTH: If there is a wildfire
and my home is in danger, firefighters will do all they can to save it.
Coaches and parents, scan and save our contact info for dental emergency needs.
FACT: Laws about removing
trees and shrubs are different across the state. Contact your local fire station and ask what you can do and work with them to solve any problems.
MYTH: It is expensive to create and keep a defensible space around my property.
FACT: It doesn’t have to be ex-
gency professionals do all they can to stop wildfires, but they have to be smart, and they will look for homes and buildings that they are more likely to be able to protect. Homes with defensible space are the homes that firefighters look for because they are safer to go near and easier to save.
pensive to create and maintain defensible space. Removing dead trees, plants and leaves, and thinning shrubs and trees can be very affordable. You just need to look around. It is also important to remove ladder fuels. Ladder fuels are low tree branches and shrubs under trees that allow a fire to climb higher and spread faster.
MYTH: It is against the law to
MYTH: It doesn’t matter what
FACT: Firefighters and emer-
265
Located in Suite 265 via West entrance of the Pinnacle Medical Building
Learn the facts and protect your home and family from fire danger by creating defensible space. I know we have been talking about this on a regular basis, but IT’S A FACT. There are simple things you can do to help protect your home from wildfires, and in the past we have given you some ideas as to how to do that. Here are some facts to support those ideas:
remove trees and vegetation.
I do, wildfires will come and
destroy all that is in their path.
FACT: It DOES matter. Mak-
ing a clean, open space 100 feet around your home can help firefighters save it and your family and pets.
MYTH: Creating 100 feet of
defensible space around my property will not allow me to have a nice yard.
FACT: Correctly done, your yard can look great and contribute to the health and variety of natural areas.
FACT: These five steps will
improve the chance that your home and family can be saved in a wildfire. DO
YOUR PART AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY! You can contact the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council at (858) 201-3711 or srfiresafecouncil@gmail.com.
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District 6 candidates state their positions SCRIPPS RANCH
Jane L. Glasson I, Jane L. Glasson, am a candidate for San Diego City Council District 6. About 20 years ago, I started working at an elementary school in Scripps Ranch. I worked at four sites in Scripps Ranch. I want to give my best to you as a councilmember. I’m a leader with education, experience and commitment. In San Diego County, I graduated with Distinction in the major at a university and graduated at two community colleges. I’ve volunteered throughout my life, beginning as a junior staff at a Boys and Girls Club where I was named Young Lady of the Year for the years 1977 and 1980. I volunteered serving as membership secretary and points secretary at a community college for both honor societies. I graduated Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Gamma Sigma. In District 6, I volunteered as treasurer of my HOA. My priorities for District 6 are, as follows: • Fix streets and potholes. • Restore public safety to numbers needed to protect neighborhoods. • Support businesses. • Maintain parks. • Protect beaches.
Tommy Hough My name is Tommy Hough. I currently serve as a San Diego County Planning Commissioner for Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, and I recently served as the key coordinator and primary
Jane L. Glasson
Tommy Hough
consultant for the ReWild Mission Bay campaign via the San Diego Audubon Society, though most San Diegans know me from my time on the radio hosting mornings and other dayparts at “it’s about the music” FM 94/9, and later, at 102.1 KPRI and 91X. As a result of last year’s city redistricting process, portions of Scripps Ranch have been moved from their long-time alignment in District 5 to join Mira Mesa, Kearny Mesa, University City, Sorrento Valley and Miramar in District 6. So, for the second time in two years, Scripps Ranch neighbors in redistricted areas will choose a new councilmember beginning with the June 7 primary, with the top two primary finishers moving on to a November runoff regardless of party
Kent Lee
affiliation. I first registered as a Democrat when I turned 18 in 1987, and I’ve been involved with our local Democratic Party for the last 11 years. … I first ran as the endorsed Democratic candidate for the District 6 seat in 2018, and I’m delighted to bring our Neighborhoods First effort to portions of Scripps Ranch this cycle. … As a Mira Mesa resident, I’ve seen how our communities have been left behind with a legacy of deferred maintenance, in part because our last three D6 councilmembers were beholden to, and in some cases recruited by, Downtown special interests to serve their interests through our D6 seat. As a grassroots candidate, I am a clean break from that tradition. My job is to serve you, and our community. … I bring a record
of accomplishment, and I’m committed to putting Neighborhoods First in focusing on our middle class and working class neighbors – not Downtown developers, lobbyists or the black tie donor class. Downtown needs to hear the wisdom of our neighborhoods. I will bring that advocacy to City Hall, and I hope to earn your support.
Kent Lee
NEWS
S
cripps Ranch residents whose homes are within the new District 6 San Diego City Council boundaries will have the opportunity to vote for a new representative in the upcoming June 7 Primary Election. Some local voters are now in District 6 because new boundaries based on census population figures, and drawn by a redistricting commission, were recently approved. This resulted in some Scripps Ranch neighborhoods landing within District 6 while the rest remain in District 5, which is represented by Marni von Wilpert. Sitting District 6 Councilperson Chris Cate is termed out, thus a primary election is being held which includes a field of three candidates vying for the soon-to-be vacant seat in District 6. Here are the position statements that each District 6 candidate sent to Scripps Ranch News for publication:
My name is Kent Lee, and I’m running to serve as your next San Diego City Councilmember. As a father of two, in a home where both my wife and I work to support our family, I know all too well the financial hardships we are all enduring at the pump, grocery store, and to keep a roof over our heads. Navigating us out of these tough economic times requires community trusted experience and leadership that will work hard for families, small businesses and all San Diegans. I’ve spent the last 15 years advocating for our neighborhoods and communities as a small business advocate, serving on See CANDIDATES, Page 4
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Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
SR POTHOLE PROBLEMS Mooney receives ‘Lifetime’ award This is an example (at right) of the “elephant hide” surface on the lower half of Forestview Lane near Arbor Park Place. It was reported several years ago, according to resident Kay Rosell. “We’re told we are ‘scheduled’ for a complete redo rather than resurfacing, but no idea when,” Rosell stated. Now, you may publicize those annoying potholes in Scripps Ranch that aren’t getting fixed. Describe the pothole(s) and about how long they have been at the
S
location. Include the name of the street and the nearest cross street (no exact street numbers). Send a high res photo of the street or of the offending pothole. Email to info@scrippsranchnews.com. Deadline is June 12. (photo by Kay Rosell)
cripps Ranch resident Brian F. Mooney, FAICP, senior vice president and practice leader for the Planning + Design Division at RICK Engineering Company (RICK) was recently honored with the 2022 Al Reynolds Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) at its annual conference. The award recognized Mooney’s leadership in the environmental and urban
NEW PARK
Mayor Todd Gloria and District 5 City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert joined City staff and community members to officially open Fairbrook Neighborhood Park, 10366 Rue Fontenay on May 12. The $6 million, nearly 3.4-acre park features a children’s play area, picnic shelters, open grass area with seating, a sports course plaza with half-court basketball and pickleball, a comfort station with accessible stalls and bike facilities. (photo by Cynthia Kurose)
planning profession, his sucform one of the first intercess in developing award-windisciplinary community ning city and regional plans, planning and environmentand his mentoring of generaal studies firms in Califtions of young proornia in 1979, Amfessionals. Mooney is erican Pacific Envihighly respected for ronmental Consultintegrating environants Inc., and later mental and cultural Mooney and Assocvalues into plans iates. At Mooney and extensively usand Associates he ing public involvewas instrumental in ment programs. developing masterIn 2015, he merged Brian F. Mooney planned communihis firm, Mooney ties, general plans Planning Collaborative, with for cities and tribal projects RICK and assumed the role throughout California and of planning and design practhe United States. Mooney tice leader for RICK’s 10 sold his practice in 2007 and offices in California, Ariformed a new company, The zona, Colorado and Nevada. Mooney Planning CollaboMooney started his career rative, where he made docuat the County of San Diego mentary films and served as in 1975 with the Office of an adjunct professor at the Environmental ManageNew School of Architecture. ment and assisted in devHe has a bachelor’s degree eloping the first guidelines in Anthropology from San to implement the CaliforDiego State University and nia Environmental Quality a master’s degree in Urban Act (CEQA), and he served History from the University as the principal spokesperof San Diego. son for the Environmental Review Board at the County Planning Commission. Continued from Page 3 He was also integral in the first community plans adopted in San Diego County. the Mira Mesa Community Mooney left the county to Planning Group, and as a nonprofit leader. Now, I’m running for San Diego City Council to serve my neighbors in District 6 because I want to make sure our communities have a seat at the table so that we can create long-lasting, substantive change for future generations. When elected, I will immediately get to work on our challenges, including fighting for strategic infrastructure needs by investing in our streets, libraries and parks; increasing housing Conscious Sedation attainability at all income levels, especially middle- to I.V. Sedation low-income housing; finding innovative ways to partner with our diverse small busiHospital Privileges ness community to spur ecoat Radyʼs Childrenʼs nomic growth; and addressing homelessness with com Hospital passionate solutions. Like many of my neighbors, I’m raising a young family during a time when the future is uncertain. I want to create a San Diego that our children can call home and be proud of.
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More about the election • To view the City Council district boundaries, visit bit. ly/3LcQC6O and click + to expand the map; or type in your address. • For more information about the June 7 Primary, visit sdvote.com.
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LEISURE
May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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The Heroes take center stage on June 12 SCRIPPS By Terry L. Wilson
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SCRIPPS RANCH SYMPHONY IN THE PARK
THE HEROES June 12 6-7:30 P.M. Hoyt Park
FREE
LEISURE
cripps Ranch resident Tommy Boyd and The Heroes band are amped up and ready to hit the stage for Symphony in the Park on June 12 in Hoyt Park. “I started the band in 1981,” Boyd said. “We began playing in local clubs, then we transitioned into playing for corporate events, then themed events, and it wasn’t long until we were performing all over the world. Our theme parties include: A Speakeasy from the 1920s to a World War II USO show with three girls doing the Andrews sisters to hits by Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller.” With Boyd center stage, he led his band onto his home turf playing a “gig” for the Scripps Ranch annual concert series, Symphony in the Park, that has now become a staple and fan favorite. “We started performing at Scripps Ranch in the late ’80s, and in 1991 I became a resident of Scripps Ranch,” Boyd said. “My wife has lived here (Scripps Ranch) since 1972. I loved the com-
RANCH
symphonyinthepark.org The Heroes will open the 2022 Scripps Ranch Symphony in the Park summer season with a concert on June 12 in Hoyt Park. (courtesy of The Heroes)
munity, so I bought a house in 1991 and several years later I became a member of the … committee and now I’m on the board of directors.” With Boyd’s help, the concert series has undergone numerous face-lifts. In the beginning, the stage was a flatbed truck. Today, the bands have professional sound equipment. “We actually put two flatbed trucks together to make a stage,” Boyd said. “And that was taken care of by the Scripps Ranch Old Pros,
which is a group here at Scripps that promotes local events and scholarships for students in Scripps Ranch. They created a permanent stage that would fit any band.” In addition to dressing up the stage, thanks to Boyd’s connections with the music community, he was able to persuade a diverse parade of talent to perform for Symphony in the Park concerts. “I’ve been playing music all over San Diego for a long time,” Boyd said. “That gave me an opportunity to let
other bands, and band leaders, know about our concerts in the park series. I helped them to see the benefits of performing here because the Scripps community has companies that put on large events. So, it was a great way for other bands to network for jobs by appearing on our stage.” Taking a cue from Bob Hope’s legacy of performing for service men and women in wartime and peace, the Heroes have picked up where Hope left off by following in his musical footsteps. “Although we do corporate See THE HEROES, Page 6
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Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
‘I Hate Hamlet’ delivers new perspective and fun By Ashley Shah
‘I think comedy will show people a new way of looking at things.’
“I
Hate Hamlet,” Scripps Ranch Theatre’s last performance of the 2022 season, will have its opening night on May 27. “‘I Hate Hamlet’ is a very, very funny play. A lot of people see it as a hero’s journey,” director Phil Johnson said. There are six characters in this production. Andrew Rally, played by Alex Guzman, is the main character. “Rally is a TV star on a medical show in Los Angeles. However, the series is failing. He accepts the role as a Broadway actor, playing ‘Hamlet’ in New York,” Johnson said. “When he gets to New York, he has a lot of doubts about playing the role, but everyone around him keeps telling him to do it. In the middle of his seance, he yells ‘I Hate Hamlet,’ which summons the ghost of John Barrymore, the famous Shakespearean actor who played Hamlet.” The ghost of John Barrymore, played by John DiCarlo, ensures that Rally learns the role of Hamlet.
—Phil Johnson
Phil Johnson, director
Scripps Ranch Theatre presents a fun and funny production of “I Hate Hamlet,” running May 27-June 12. (photo by Ken Jacques)
“Rally is living in Barrymore’s apartment, and the ghost of Barrymore doesn’t leave until he sees that Rally has seen the role through,” Johnson said. Rally’s girlfriend, Deirdre McDavey, played by Lynnia Shanley, comes with Rally to New York.
“The girlfriend is very theatrical and funny. She loves Shakespeare, so she really encourages Rally to take and stay with the role of Hamlet,” Johnson said. Other characters include Rally’s producer from Los Angeles, a real estate agent and a friend.
This production is set in 1989. “I think because the ’80s were such a time of excess in so many ways, that it really fits into this play, which is full of ridiculous theatrical types,” Johnson said. “I Hate Hamlet” was cast more than two years ago, right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “We did cast for the play, but we never got to rehearse. About two to three months ago, we changed some of the casting,” Johnson said. Now that the play is being rehearsed, Johnson has been able to look at the play in a different way. “The play was always very
comedic to me, but now that I rehearse it, I find it inspiring as well. It comes to a small, but life changing truth that little experiences can show you your true path in life,” Johnson said. “Now that we’ve rehearsed it, I’ve gotten to see the main character’s journey, and how he’s found something more important than what he was doing before.” Rehearsals started in late April. “The rehearsals are great, and the actors are really picking up the play. I have a feeling we should be done rehearsing way before the play’s opening night because of how quickly everything is coming together,” Johnson said. “I always feel that comedy has a special ability in theater. It’s been a difficult last few years, and I think comedy will show people a new way of looking at things,” Johnson said. The production of “I Hate Hamlet” will run for three weeks, starting May 27 and ending June 12. To purchase tickets, visit scrippsranchtheatre.org/ tickets or contact the box office at (858) 395-0573.
THE HEROES
Continued from Page 5
extravaganzas and weddings all over the world, the proudest thing we do is from Feb. 14 through mid-April we play for the troops all over the world,” Boyd said. “We started doing that about 31 years ago. We’ve also done a lot of USO shows. In fact, the USS Midway was the first aircraft carrier we played on that wasn’t moving.” Boyd went on to praise his band members of 30 years: Laymon Davis, Mark Moorhead and Mattie Mills. Each one brings something special to the group. Collins Family Jewelers is the host-sponsor for the June concert. The free summer concerts begin at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. at Hoyt Park. For additional information, visit symphonyinthepark.org.
SCRIPPS RANCH
LEISURE
May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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Linda Gonzales travels the country gathering stones to make custom crystal and gemstone jewelry. (courtesy of K2 Wellness Gems and Crystals)
Farmer’s Market: healing stones By Terry L. Wilson
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cripps Ranch resident Linda Gonzales brings the healing power of precious stones to her K2 Wellness Gems and Crystals booth each Thursday at the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market and Family Festival.
‘A lot of the jewelry that we make is in swirls and wire wrapping.’
“A Spanish Festival” Suites 1 and 2 from L’Arlésienne, Georges Bizet Fantasía para un Gentilhombre, Joaquín Rodrigo
—Linda Gonzales
(courtesy of K2 Wellness Gems and Crystals)
(courtesy of K2 Wellness Gems and Crystals)
“I make custom crystal and gemstone jewelry,” Gonzales said. “I travel the country gathering top quality stones, then craft them into different styles of neck-wear.” After a 30-plus year career working for San Diego government, Gonzales retired from the 40-hour workweek crowd to craft gems – especially those that are said to have special healing powers. “I have two daughters, Krystal and Kristina. Krystal has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disability and Kristina goes to college,” Gonzales said. “A few years back, Krystal went
into an emotional spiral. I needed to find an outlet that would give her a purpose in life, so I retired from my job with the city to take care of her. My daughter has a passion for jewelry. She especially admires crystals and gemstones, so we began making jewelry.” When the COVID-19 pandemic locked the outside world down, Krystal sank into a deeper depression when she was unable to get outside, leaving mom with a problem to solve. “I had to find a way to motivate her, so we began producing and selling more jewelry,” Gonzales said. “When
the restrictions were lifted, that’s when I began going to various farmer’s markets. I noticed she (Krystal) was in a better mood. She wanted to help make the bracelets. Now we make jewelry fulltime.” Krystal sometimes works the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market booth with her mom. Krystal not only sells the jewelry, according to her very proud mom, she also provides the creative flair by designing the pieces. “Krystal has a very creative mind, so she feels honored when people buy her pieces,” Gonzales said. “She will come up with a unique look and I’ll See HEALING STONES, Page 8
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Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
Poway Symphony performs May 29
HEALING STONES
Continued from Page 7
piece them together. Kristina helps by taking all of our photographs and creating the company’s websites. She is in college and works part-time, and helps when she can. For centuries, gemstones have been said to have the power to heal, and were once used to ward off evil spirits and to cure ailments. Today, those stones are part of “alternative medicine.” “I have seen how the crystals have helped my daughter,” Gonzales said. “A lot of the jewelry that we make is in swirls and wire wrapping. In Krystal’s mind, she sees the wrapped wires and swirls as something healing. Krystal says, ‘It’s beautiful because it never ends, it’s always spiraling.’ I think a lot of her emotions come out through how she designs some of the pieces.” Tucson and Hawaii are two of Gonzales’ favorite locations for finding the perfect stones to match her daughter’s creative flair. “I believe that the healing power of the stones work. I have seen this to be true with my daughter,” Gonza-
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and helping to get it started – along with a big boost from Rick Moreno of Newtopia Cyder. The Cassitys managed the old Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market, which closed in October 2018. The old Farmer’s Market served as an ongoing fundraising project for Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary, with a large percentage of the profits benefitting the school. The former market was forced to close because the San Diego Unified School District board voted to rede-
T
les said. “Among my favorite stones is Labradorite. It’s the stone of transformation when changes are happening in your life. Amethyst is a very healing deep purple crystal. It’s the one Krystal and I wore when we took up meditation to deal with her disease, and she has outlived her life expectancy. She will soon be 23. So, yes, I do believe in the healing power of crystals.” The Scripps Ranch Farmers Market is held from 4 to 8 p.m. each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road (next to Newtopia Cyder). There is plenty of parking across the street at the National University parking lot.
he Poway Symphony Orchestra’s 65-member strong orchestra will perform a number of classical favorites in a program titled “A Spanish Festival” on Sunday, May 29 at 4 p.m. in the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. The concert will begin with Suites No. 1 and 2 from “L’Arlésienne” by Georges Bizet. The orchestra will then be joined by guest artist and guitarist Fred Benedetti for the performance of the “Fantasia para un gentilhombre” by Joaquin Rodrigo. The concert will conclude with the sparkling “España” by Emmanuel Chabrier. The semi-professional orchestra will perform under the baton of Music Director and Conductor John LoPiccolo. Prices for this concert range from $15 to $35 with discounts for seniors and students. Tickets for this evening of music are available at powaycenter. com. For more information about the orchestra, visit powaysymphonyorchestra.org.
velop the property where the market was being held at 10380 Spring Canyon Road, in the former Innovations Academy parking lot. Now, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the nonprofit sponsor of the market and beneficiary of some of the profits. “We would like to thank all of Scripps Ranch from the bottom of our heart for supporting us and keeping us viable,” Beverly said. “We need your support, and you gave it to us. Thank you so much.” Another upcoming special day will be The Old Pros Day
at the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market & Family Festival on June 23. Shoppers may join in the fun with the Scripps Ranch Old Pros by registering for the Fourth of July Run & Ride events. The Farmer’s Market will now observe new Daylight Savings hours of operation: 4 to 8 p.m. Visit scrippsranchfarmersmarket.com. The Scripps Ranch Farmer’s Market is held each Thursday at 10045 Carroll Canyon Road (next to Newtopia Cyder). Free parking is available across the street in the National University parking lot.
(courtesy of K2 Wellness Gems and Crystals)
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May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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Young poet recognized SCRIPPS
Chip’n FORE Children fundraiser set for June 4 The Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary – Scripps Ranch Unit invites residents for a night out of fun with “a round of nine holes” enjoying local cuisine, specialty drinks, auctions and music during Chip’n FORE Children, a special fundraising event set for June 4. This is a perfect place to gather with the community, enjoy each other’s company and give back to the kids at the same time. The Auxiliary’s last event, Cheers for Children – held in March 2020 – was a tremendous success, raising more than $20,000. Now, after two years away, the group is swinging into action to make a difference in the
lives of children. This year’s proceeds will benefit The Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital, which has recently cared for two Scripps Ranch children. Read about their stories at rchascrippsranch.com. The golf-themed Chip’n FORE Children fundraising event will be held June 4, 6-10 p.m. at 15545 Via La Ventana. Those not able to attend who would like to make a donation may do so online as well. Receipts will be mailed for all donations. To reserve tickets for Chip’n FORE Children, register online at rchascrippsranch.com/events.
Kavya Iyer
LIFE
RANCH
K
avya Iyer, a kindergarten student at Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School, and the daughter of Vishu and Ramya Subramanian, won Honorable Mention for her poem in the California Coastal Commission statewide art and poetry competition in the K-1 Grade Poetry category. The winners were announced recently on the contest website: bit.ly/3Nieya7. The winning poems were published in the May issue of Tab: A Journal of Poetry
and Poetics, and an audio recording is available at tabjournal.org/current-issue.
A Busy Day at the Beach The Sea ... I love the Sea ... The shells, the sea glass, The Sand dollars, the kelp, I love it all so much! I sway with the waves As they crash on my feet And I watch it sadly as it goes back I already had a busy day It is time for me to go home As I go home in the car I wave at the waves Just as another one comes back. —Kavya S. Iyer, Kindergarten, San Diego
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Susan Castellana built a drip water system in her backyard and planted a variety of seeds to produce this colorful meadow. (courtesy of Scripps-Mesa Garden Club)
Master Gardener shares experience By Denise Stewart Master Gardener Dawn Stanke hosted the ScrippsMesa Garden Club for a tour of her garden for the May meeting. She shared her knowledge and experience in growing citrus and other fruits and vegetables as the group visited various areas of her yard. The Scripps-Mesa Garden Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. During the growing season, most meetings are at outdoor venues and focus on techniques that are successful in our climate and soil conditions. During the cooler months, meetings are at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Community Room featuring programs that support gardeners’ interests. For more information about local gardens, native plants and Scripps Ranch tree species, check out the website scrippsmesagardenclub.com. Member Brydon Bennett recently posted an informative article about bees.
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SCRIPPS RANCH
LIFE
www.scrippsranchnews.com
Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
SCRIPPS RANCH WELCOME CLUB
Fun events are on the horizon By Denise Stewart
I
n May, with newly elected leadership in place, the Scripps Ranch Welcome Club celebrated with a Coffee Klatch at the home of JoAnn Farmen, outgoing president. A Gadabouts adventure, led by Pam Savelsberg, was taken to Summers Past Farms in Alpine for a tour of the gardens and lunch at a nearby restaurant. An outdoor TGI gathering at a private Scripps Ranch hummingbird haven made for a delightful Friday evening among the birds, flowers and friends. All the usual monthly activities like trail walks, Bunco, book clubs and crafts went on during May while plans for June were being finalized. Coming up next month are a pre-theatre dinner party and taking in a performance at Scripps Ranch Theatre. Another monthly Coffee Klatch at the Community Park is planned because the unique venue as so popular with members earlier in the spring. Also, a Gadabout to
(photos by Alex Heitstuman)
The Welcome Club Board of Directors celebrated club founder Becky McDonald’s birthday and the end of the term for President JoAnn Farmen. Pictured from left are Lynnell Hallock, Diane Rider, Sue Crumley, Pam Savelsberg, JoAnne Farmen, Denise Stewart, Vicky Bergman, Angela Piccillo and Becky McDonald. (courtesy of SR Welcome Club)
savor the unique characters and relationships in “Downton Abby” will happen as soon as the long-awaited movie opens and tickets are available. With pleasant evening temperatures making it possible, another TGI will take place at a member’s home. This time it will be on a Saturday. As always, the shared plates of delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres will fill the table and tempt the partiers. Meanwhile, all the regular daytime activities will keep members in touch and enjoying their favorite pastimes. June’s monthly meeting on June 13 at the Community Center will have a presentation by Scripps
Lic. No. 782799
Ranch Theatre describing its offerings for the upcoming season. Looking forward to July’s Welcome Club traditional Salad Supper, JoAnn Farmen has announced the theme for the popular event. Polka Dots and Flip Flops will inspire colorful contributions to the decorations and gift baskets. Local residents may learn more about the Welcome Club on its website scrippsranchwelcomeclub.com. Contact information is available there, and inquiries are warmly greeted. Afterall, some members of this club have been having fun together for more than 40 years.
Col. 3:17
Scout observes duck families
Alex Heitstuman is a Scripps Ranch Girl Scout and eighth grader who has been documenting and photographing wildlife at Hendrix Pond, near Aviary Drive, Willow Creek Road and Caminito Doha. She has been observing the duck babies every day and watching them grow while she documents this with photos. Alex loves photography and is an avid writer, according to Jennifer Richmond, her scout leader. Her proud parents are Bill and Erica Heitstuman. This is her article about the pond as an asset to the community, about conservation and about the baby duck families:
By Alex Heitstuman Hendrix Park is a great place to relax, adventure and stroll. It is located on Aviary Drive, near Vons, Starbucks and the Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club. It’s covered with trails to walk and explore. The picnic tables and benches make for a relaxing break. The sounds emanating from the pond include tweets, quacks and croaks, and it’s easy to tell
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that a variety of wildlife thrives in this park. This population had a new addition with the coming of spring: Ducklings! So far, nine baby mallard ducklings, five grebe babies and at least four coot babies have been spotted cruising around the pond. If you want to come in time to see them coming out of their nests to eat or just swim around, they usually come out in the mornings around 8 a.m. and the afternoons around 4 p.m. If you’re eager to see the ducklings, please be considerate that you’re coming to their home. Please be respectful not to yell at the ducks, run at the ducks, and if you want to feed them, choose seeds, grapes or oats instead of bread. For your safety, if a duck starts walking toward you, back up, as father ducks are very protective even if the babies aren’t around. They will be especially hostile if you try to touch or pick up the ducklings, so it would be best to just look and take some cute pictures. Since I discovered the ducklings, I have been coming to Hendrix Pond every day to take pictures of them. During my time there, I started noticing the other species that were little known to me. If you look closely, you can see a redwinged blackbird flitting from branch to branch, and if you listen attentively, you can hear a bullfrog croak from the vegetation. If you want a place to relax, walk your dog, birdwatch, or just happen to have some extra time after a drink at Starbucks, I sincerely recommend heading to Hendrix Pond to discover and enjoy the animals that inhabit it.
SCRIPPS RANCH
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May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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SUSTAINABLE SCRIPPS RANCH
Honeybee swarming season in Scripps Ranch By Denise Bienias
H
oneybees are wonderful, important insects. They pollinate 80 percent of all flowering plants, including more than 130 types of fruit and vegetables, are the sole pollinator for our California-grown almonds (80 percent of the world’s crop) and are the only insect producing human food, namely honey. In the spring, a feral (wild) or managed honeybee colony can become congested or overpopulated in its current space. As a result, the colony splits into two or more distinct colonies. This is called swarming, a honeybee colony’s natural means of reproduction. Urban beekeepers have techniques to prevent their hives from swarming, but feral hives must and will swarm when overpopulated. The current queen and half of the colony will swarm on a sunny day, sometimes after several cold or rainy days, in search of a new home.
When seeking a new home, bees are very docile because they do not have a home to protect. —Denise Bienias This is a magnificent spectacle: thousands of buzzing bees flying together, ten feet above ground or higher, as a swarm. This swarm may land on a temporary resting spot until scout bees locate a permanent home. This landed swarm now becomes a bee cluster, or bivouac, with the worker bees on the outside surrounding the queen in the middle for protection from weather and predators. This is the cluster of bees that you might see, for example, in a tree on your property. When seeking a new home, bees are very docile because they do not have a home to protect. Left alone and un-
A swarm of bees may land on a temporary resting spot until scout bees locate a permanent home.
provoked, this cluster is gentle and can be easily captured by a beekeeper for safe relocation to a managed hive if needed. It is usually not necessary to remove a swarm unless it threatens nearby foot traffic or allergic individuals. The swarm will fly away on its own within
hours or days, after the scouts find a new cavity to move into. In the wild, bees typically find a large hollow tree cavity, but in our populated neighborhoods, they might have to use vacated owl boxes, hose boxes, water meter boxes, garbage cans, composting containers, fence
spaces, shed spaces, garage spaces, attics or wall spaces, to name a few common choices. Once a swarm moves into a satisfactory cavity and the queen starts to lay eggs, this swarm becomes a new colony. This amazing process can happen within 24 hours. As this new colony grows, it can become more defensive as it protects its new home. If it doesn’t endanger animals, property owners, or neighbors, it can be left as a natural hive. However, if it becomes a safety issue or a nuisance, you can find qualified live bee removal services that who will safely and humanely collect and relocate the colony at sandiegobeekeepingsociety.com. Author Denise Bienias, dbeesbackyardhives@gmail. com, is a four-year Scripps Ranch beekeeper and vice president of the San Diego Beekeeping Society. To learn more about Sustainable Scripps Ranch, visit scrippsranch.org/ssr or email SustainableSR@scrippsranch.org.
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SCRIPPS RANCH
SCHOOLS
Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
SCHOOLS
Schools have faced changes and challenges By Ashley Shah
L
ike most schools in the 2021-2022 school year, Scripps Ranch High School and Marshall Middle School transitioned to fully in-person learning after almost a year and a half of providing either hybrid or fully remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to these changes – including the shift back to full in-person instruction while a pandemic is ongoing, these schools have faced many challenges and changes.
Scripps Ranch High School
Over the past school year, there has been an increase in teacher absences. “The absences kind of come in surges. In the fall, it was not that bad, but during the winter, especially in January, we had a lot of absences. Now, in the spring, it has mellowed out,” Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) Principal Matthew Lawson said. Due to the amount of teacher absences, substitute teachers have been in de-
Principal Matthew Lawson
mand. “We have been very lucky to get teacher substitutes. Our school general secretaries Maria Medina and Leslie Blair have a really good relationship with the substitute teachers, so we have been able to get many of them,” Lawson said. SRHS also had two on-site substitute teachers provided by the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). “In the event that we could not get outside substitutes, we were able to have the on-site substitutes fill in,” Lawson said. “There were only some days when we had to combine classes and have students in the quad because we were not able to get anyone to fill.”
Alongside an overall increase in teacher absences, there was an increase in student absences. “Similar to the teachers, the student absences come in waves. In January we hit a peak for the amount of student absences,” Lawson said. In November and December of 2021, cases ranged from about three to 10 coronavirus cases per week, whereas in the beginning of January of this year, cases spiked to about 71 to 85 positive cases. From the end of January to April, cases have stayed low, only reaching a maximum of 22 cases at the end of April. With teacher and student absences being abundant this year, delivery of instruction has changed. “Teachers have had to be flexible with their lesson plans so that students could access the lessons even if they were out. There has been more make up work as well as make up tests than there ever has been,” Lawson said. Because of the switch from
COMPLIMENTARY
ORTHODONTIC
online to in-person learning alongside teacher absences, students have had to adjust. “As a principal, I’ve heard all sorts of unique stories. Some students have been really impacted by the changes and absences, and others not so much. Our academic data is still showing very well, though,” Lawson said. “Overall, even though this year has been difficult, it is just so much better than before because we are physically together, and have been able to see students,” Lawson said. Around 2,000 students attend SRHS this year, similar to years prior. “I think this year has been a huge success and a breath of fresh air. In the fall, we weren’t really allowed to do things yet, like have a homecoming dance, but now in the spring, we have been able to have dances and hold events – just outside,” Lawson said. “Sports and clubs have been in full swing since fall, though.”
Marshall Middle School
Similar to SRHS, Marshall Middle School (MMS) has faced an overall increase in teacher absences. “We had a hard time getting teacher coverage. At the worst, we had six or seven teachers absent,” Principal Joshua Way said.
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Principal Joshua Way
The peak of teacher absences occurred in January. “Even though we had classes unfilled, we were able to get other teachers in their preparatory periods to cover. There were probably only about two to three days in the year where we had to combine classes in the multipurpose room, and we would have admin cover,” he said. Student absences also were at an overall high this year. “We definitely had a lot of absences, but Marshall did not feel it as bad as other schools. We have kept a pretty low COVID rate,” Way said. See CHALLENGES, Page 13
SCRIPPS RANCH
SCHOOLS
May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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By Kaila Mellos
T
he Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) Falcon Playhouse is opening the Black Box once again to produce a production of “Radium Girls” in June as the last show of the season. Patrick Garcia, the technical theatre director for the Falcon Playhouse, expressed the excitement surrounding this play since it is in the playhouse’s Black Box. It will be the first show of the season to happen within this performance space. “What’s really fun about this piece – and also presents its own challenges – is that we’re doing it in the Black Box, so it’s a much smaller space, much more confined,” Garcia said. “Our Black Box set sits about 75 seats, so the audience is up close and personal with the whole scene.” Garcia also described the actors’ excitement about the production. “That presents an interes-
CHALLENGES
Continued from Page 12
From November to December, cases ranged from about one to two per week. At the beginning of January, cases spiked to about 13 to 14 a week. From the end of January to now, cases have remained low, ranging from about zero to five a week, according to Way. Switching from online to in-person learning while having many absences has created a new way of instruction. “A lot of our curriculum was switched to online because it had to be last year, and so this year, we kept a lot of it online because we knew students would be
ting challenge that I think the student actors are excited about because I told them you can’t fake anything here,” he said. “You gotta really know what you’re doing and commit to your choices as an actor.” “Radium Girls” is a play based in the 1920s surrounding women who worked for a company that used paint that had radium in it. The women were slowly poisoned by the paint over time, mostly because they used their mouths to get the straightest point on the paintbrushes they used to paint. The play follows a group of women fighting for change against the company to save lives and bring justice. “Radium Girls” was a student pick by the theatre student board. According to Garcia, the Falcon Playhouse is run like an actual professional theatre company. The student board is com-
prised of people from the playhouse who make decisions for everyone, including possible picks for which plays will be performed throughout the semester. “I have students who are board members … they create committees, and there’s a play reading committee,” Garcia said. “Students read the play and look at it and pitch it. From what they pitch to me, the director, I then make my final choices.” “Radium Girls” was an exciting choice that Garcia had heard many good things about from colleagues at other schools because there are many ways it can be directed. He thought it would be a good choice as the last play to show all the actor’s growth since the beginning of the year. Actors will be playing singular roles instead of having multiple roles. “It has the opportunity
coming and going,” Way said. “Teachers have kept assignments that used to be on paper in the online format so that students can work on it even if they cannot come in.” Another change MMS faced this year was with the social scene for students. “Something I have noticed this year is that students are struggling with the social aspects in school. It doesn’t really help that teachers and students are always coming and going,” Way said. “Also, we haven’t been able to hold pep rallies and events that usually create the community at our school.” Despite not being able to do in-school events, MMS
has been able to produce theatrical musicals, some after school events and performances. Way remains optimistic about this school year, despite the challenges and changes MMS has faced. “There has been a lot of good from being in-person,” he said. “Our curriculum has become a lot more flexible, which is beneficial to both staff and students. There is now a greater emphasis on social and emotional wellbeing. Mental illness has always been there, but now we are making it a priority because so many people are facing it now. And it has just been so nice to actually see students, build connections with them and have them in the classroom.”
for a lot of ensembles, so I had two options. I could cast a small group who played multiple roles, which would be a great acting experience. But I chose to go the route to include more actors,” Garcia said. “We have a cast of 35, and some of them play multiple roles, but we are making it look balanced and not overly crowded.” Some of the featured actors include Natalia Darwish, Ariela Schneiderman,
SPORTS
SRHS Falcon Playhouse presents ‘Radium Girls’ in June
Nathaniel Feria and Garrett Henry. The play will be assisted by the Falcon Playhouse’s stage manager Chris Klacka and assistant stage manager Abby Leader. “Radium Girls” will be performed in the Black Box from June 8 through 10 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be for sale at the door beforehand and at the finance office for students of SRHS. For more information, visit falconplayhouse.com.
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Halle, congratulations on your high school graduation. You are an amazing daughter and big sister! Always keep your faith and integrity. We know you will continue to make us proud as you start your new adventure at USD! We love you, Mom, Dad, Charlize, and Hudson!!!
We are very proud to announce the graduation of our son, Derek Leung, from UCSD class of 2022. He graduates with a BS in Data Science and a minor in Economics. We know you will do great things! Congratulations and good luck! Love, Mom and Dad
We are proud to announce the graduation of our son Steven Leung from San Diego Mesa College, class of 2022, with an AA in Psychology. He has been accepted at UCSD and will begin classes there in the fall. Congratulations and good luck! Love, Mom and Dad
We are so proud of all your accomplishments, Olivia Ryley Bautista Pennington! CalPoly San Luis Obispo is getting an awesome new teaching student!
Kiara, what a proud day! We couldn’t be happier for you! Happy Graduation Day! You deserve to see your dreams come true! Mom and Dad
Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
Isabella, we are incredibly proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations on your promotion! You’re a beacon of light in this world, a force to be reckoned with. We know your future will be bright. Follow your bliss and the rest will take care of itself.
Jake, we are so proud of the man you have become, and we look forward to seeing you thrive as a freshman at San Diego State. With your humor, your friendliness and your innate drive to take on new challenges, we know you will go far. Love, Mom and Dad
Natalia, your upcoming graduation has given us a chance to express just how proud of you we are. You have grown into a beautiful, intelligent, and kind young woman. We can’t wait to see all of the accomplishments you will attain in the years to come. We love you!
Congrats to our SRHS graduate Kayden Williamson! We are so, so proud of you. Can’t wait to see all the trouble you get into at CU Boulder in the Fall - Go Buffs! We love you! Mom, Dad, Makena and JoJo Lorena Ford - Your fearless commitment to advocate for inclusion and equity of your fellow students is admirable. We are so proud of all your hard work! Congratulations on your Girl Scout Gold Award and making SRHS and SDUSD more inclusive! Keep sharing your talents, smile and kind heart. TQM, Mami, Papi & Karina
Dylan Brayton - we are so proud of all your accomplishments and know you have a bright future ahead! We wish you all the best in Middle school and have no doubt you’ll do great! Love, Mom & Dad
Amanda Brayton - We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and look forward to watching you achieve all your goals in life. Keep chasing those dreams! Love, Mom & Dad
Congratulations to our beautiful Chloe on your 8th grade promotion. You are smart, funny, and kind. The future is bright and we cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes you. Keep reaching for the stars! We love you and are always so proud. Love, Mom & Dad
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
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SHRS BAND PLAYS THE RADY SHELL
T
he Scripps Ranch High School Full Band and Orchestra, under the direction of Russell Shedd, was a big hit as it closed out an afternoon of live performances by select bands from throughout the San Diego Unified School District on April 30 at The Rady Shell beside San Diego Bay. The musicians from Scripps Ranch received an enthusiastic standing ovation following their spirited performance. (photos by John Gregory)
The Scripps Ranch High School Class of 2022 commencement ceremony will be held June 14, 5-6:30 p.m. in Grosvenor Stadium on the Scripps Ranch High School campus. All details are available at bit.ly/ 3a3Yzyk.
Senior Car Parade
MMS promotion
The 2022 Marshall Mid-
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dle School (MMS) Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and the ceremony will start at 8:30 a.m. Promoting students will need to arrive at the upper fields by 8 a.m. There will be assigned seating for students based on their first period teacher. Upon arrival, students will need to find their seats and be ready to start the ceremony promptly at 8:30 a.m. Guest seats are not assigned and there is no limit to how many guests attend. The ceremony will also be streamed live on Zoom for any family to watch from off campus. Parking will be available on campus and at Alliant University. In addition, parents are reminded to purchase tickets for their eighth grade students for the MMO Eighth Grade Party which will be held on Friday, June 10. Visit bit.ly/3a3YT00.
Ranch Round Up
The annual Jerabek Elementary School Ranch
Roundup fundraiser will be held on June 3, 3:357:30 p.m. at the school. This western-themed event offers an abundance of fun family activities including games, food and fun for all ages. Highlights include a cake decoration contest and a student talent show.
Hawkstar Variety Show at MRE
The Miramar Ranch Elementary School Hawkstar Variety Show is back on a real stage again. This traditional show – featuring students showcasing talents such as singing, dancing, acting, comedy, music, martial arts, gymnastics and magic – will be held at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library on Monday, June 6, at 5:30 p.m.
New associate principal at SRHS
Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) chemistry teacher and ASB advisor Ashley Gay has been named the new associate principal at the school. She will join the administration team beginning July 1.
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The Scripps Ranch High School Class of 2022 Senior Car Parade is scheduled for Monday, June 13 at 5 p.m. Participating vehicles should line up at 4:15 p.m. along Red Cedar Drive toward Scripps Lake Drive. The parade will start at the corner of Red Cedar Drive and Ironwood Road. Graduating seniors participating are encouraged to wear their commencement caps and decorate their vehicle.
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SCRIPPS RANCH
SPORTS & FITNESS
Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
SCRIPPS
SPORTS
RANCH
Rory Long competes in a relay. (photo by Jim Wick)
Jaiden Wick (photo by Jim Wick)
SRHS track & field has impressive season By Hector Trujillo
T
he Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) track and field team concludes a season full of stand-
out performances as it enters CIF-San Diego Section Finals on May 21 and State Finals on May 27 and 28. The team opened competition on March 5 at the Mt.
Carmel Field & Distance Meet, taking part in several events including the varsity 1,600 meters where Ken Belt came out in fifth place in the mens final with a time
of 4:27:32, and Samantha Nauman finished in eighth place among the women with a time of 5:22:80. “Both boys and girls have done well this season,” head track and field coach Kadrina Coffee said. “They are right on schedule to hit their peak times.”
‘Both boys and girls have done well this season. They are right on schedule to hit their peak times.’ —Kadrina Coffee The following tournament was the Don Jones Bronco Invitational at Rancho Bernardo High School on March 12 where SRHS once again held its own thanks to Addy Richardson and Katie Ellermeyer coming in first and second place, respectively, in the womens frosh 1,600 meters, along with another stellar showing from Samantha Nauman who took third place in the womens 800 meter invite. The team competed in a three-school tournament on March 17 at Mira Mesa High School, which saw the women come out with nine first place finishes including winning the 4 x 400 meter relay courtesy of Chloe Ellermeyer, Jaiden Wick, Michaela Martin and Samantha Nauman. The men came out with five first place finishes See TRACK & FIELD, Page 17
SCRIPPS RANCH
SPORTS & FITNESS
May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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Fitness Quest 10 team raises impressive amount By Hector Trujillo
‘We had such an awesome outpouring from our clients and their friends and families.’
G
ym members and staff of Fitness Quest 10 in Scripps Ranch took part in the most recent Padres Pedal the Cause fundraiser held at Petco Park on April 9, raising $32,213 for the annual event that promotes collaborative cancer research. The gym sponsored 50 of its clients to take part by paying their registration fees to participate in the 5K run alongside 15 staff members, all representing Fitness Quest 10. “Every family has been impacted by cancer in one way or another, whether it be a friend, family, co-worker or even themselves,” said Fitness Quest 10 general manager Jeff Bristol. “We put it out and started advertising in here internally through e-mail and social media that said there are different ways you can participate. I was confident that we would hit
TRACK & FIELD
Continued from Page 16
of their own including the 4 x 400 relay with the team of Rory Long, Tyler Bay, McAelan Remigio and Shelon Hutchinson II; along with the 4 x100 meter relay with a team comprised of Nijah Richardson, Rory Long, Marley Randolph and Adam Tahlawi. In total, SRHS would compete in 13 more tournaments, including the ones for junior varsity athletes on April 13 and 29, before taking part in the Western League Finals at University City High School on May 6. At that meet the womens varsity team came out with seven first place finishes including once again winning the 4 x 400 meter relay. Three of the first place finishes were courtesy of Aaliyah McCormick who won the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles along with the 100 meter dash. Teammate Samantha Nauman won the 800 meters. “I love the fact that we have more athletes interested in track and field,” Coffee said. Coffee has been coaching at SRHS for six 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.
—Jeff Bristol
The Fitness Quest 10 team raised $32,213 during the annual Padres Pedal the Cause fundraiser held at Petco Park promoting collaborative cancer research. (courtesy of Fitness Quest 10)
our goal of $12,500, but we way exceeded that goal.” Bristol was made aware of the opportunity to take part in the fundraiser from longtime gym member Susan Couch, who has been involved with the event for several years. Each person who participated had a fundraising minimum of $250, which was exceeded by everyone in rapid fashion.
Besides the 5K run in downtown, there were also bicycle rides that ranged in distances from 25 to 100 miles. “We had such an awesome outpouring from our clients and their friends and families,” Bristol said. “We’ve been here in Scripps Ranch for 23 years, and we just have an amazing community and client base – many of them who are local
Scripps Ranch residents themselves.” The participants from Fitness Quest 10 out-raised teams representing much larger companies based in San Diego such as Qualcomm and Sempra Energy. “We’re already talking about next year and how we’re going to be involved, and hopefully we can come back and make an even bigger impact,” Bristol said.
Curebound, the nonprofit organization that runs the event, donates 100 percent of the funds raised to cancer research for institutions such as the Salk Institute and UCSD, with a total of $3,061,015 being raised and 2,184 participants involved this year. Padres Pedal the Cause is Curebound’s signature event, bringing together thousands of participants each year to raise money for collaborative cancer research. Padres Pedal the Cause is one of San Diego’s most impactful fundraising experiences, with more than $15 million raised to date, funding 78 innovative research grants in all types of cancer. Visit curebound.org.
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SPORTS & FITNESS
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Scripps Ranch News | May 2022
RUN & RIDE
Continued from Page 1
SRHS track coach Kadrina Coffee calls Aaliyah McCormick a model student-athlete. (photo by Jim Wick)
AALIYAH CAN FLY Continued from Page 1
I’m eternally grateful to call them more than teammates and coaches. They’re family.” When she arrives at the University of Oregon, McCormick will be joining a program that has a long history of success in the sport. The Ducks’ track and field program has a combined 22 outdoor and indoor national
championships (12 for the men and 10 for the women) along with 39 conference championships (24 for the men and 15 for the women). “Aaliyah is a model student-athlete. She demonstrates everything a captain should,” said SRHS head track and field coach Kadrina Coffee. “Kind, thoughtful, encouraging and supportive. As a coach, I can’t ask for anything more.”
new event added to the Run & Ride in 30 years, Gonzalez said. This trail ride for mountain bikes will wind its way through portions of Scripps Ranch and Poway before looping back to Hoyt Park. “It’s a perfect ride for those who like to ride but would rather avoid riding in the streets,” Gonzalez explained. “There has been an increase in popularity of mountain biking within our community, so it seems like the right thing to do.” Eighty percent of the course will be along trails, going through Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve trails, then on to Poway and back to Scripps Ranch. Gonzalez emphasized the celebration in Hoyt Park, which is the traditional ending point for each athletic event on July 4. “It’s been two long years since we had our normal events,” he said. “So, this year we will be including bands; the beer garden will be in effect; as well as entertainment for the kids such as bounce houses and inflatable slides. We’ll also have concessions in the park such as ice cream and some food
The Scripps Ranch Old Pros July 4th Run & Ride includes four bike rides. (photo by John Gregory)
vendors.” More than 6,000 people participate in the Run & Ride each year, Gonzalez stated. The Scripps Ranch Old Pros donate more than $30,000 to youth sports and college scholarships every year from this event. The group also raises money for community youth and high school sports programs. The Old Pros is a nonprofit organization united behind friendship, and a love of sports, to provide Scripps Ranch with a combination of neighborhood leadership and civic service, according to Gonzalez. Visit runride.org for additional information.
SCRIPPS RANCH OLD PROS
July 4th
Run & Ride • 10k run • 2-mile fun run • 12 mile bike ride • 28 mile bike ride • 28 miles trail ride • 50 mile bike ride • Celebration in Hoyt Park Visit runride.org
SUMMER CAMP & SWIMMING PROGRAMS Open to members and non-members!
Register at www.srsrc.com
SUMMER CAMP REGISRATION
NOW OPEN
YOU CHOOSE THE CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR CHILD!
• Choose between Traditional on-site camps or weekly themed Specialty camps
• Choose to add enrichment
class or group swim lessons.
• Camps run Monday-
Friday 7:30am-5:30pm.
• Camps open to Kinders thru
GROUP SWIM LESSONS SCRIPPS TRAILS CLUB
• Lessons taught at Trails club in our special lessons pool. • Parent-Tot classes to 12 year olds. • Group lessons open to members & nonmembers
8th graders. Camps open to members & nonmembers.
See brochures and register at www.srsrc.com
Aviary location: 9875 Aviary Drive, San Diego, CA 92131 | Trails location: 10216 Scripps Trail, San Diego, CA 92131
SCRIPPS RANCH
SPORTS & FITNESS
May 2022| Scripps Ranch News
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19
COME JOIN THE
FALCON
FAMILY
(photo by Jim Wick)
POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL
The Scripps Ranch High School Powder Puff Football Game, pitting junior female students against senior female students, was
held April 29, with the juniors coming out on top 7-0. Chloe Ellermeyer scored the winning touchdown.
Scripps Ranch Pop Warner Fall 2022 Registration is Now Open!
WANT TO JOIN?
REGISTER TODAY!
• Build self esteem, make new friends, and have fun!
TACKLE FOOTBALL, FLAG FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING (AGES 5-14)
• No experience necessary
• Season Begins August 1.
• Helmet, Shoulder Pads, Poms, Bows, and more are provided
Commitment, Teamwork, Community and Excellence are just a few of the values we instill in our Scripps Ranch Pop Warner athlete
SRHS LACROSSE
www.srpw.org
INJURED
The Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) womens varsity lacrosse team defeated La Costa Canyon High 9-5 in the semi-final round of the CIF San Diego Section 2022 Girls Lacrosse Championships Open Division on May 17. Now, Scripps Ranch will face La Jolla High in the championship game May 21 on the Patrick Henry High field at 5 p.m. In Round 1, SRHS defeated San Marcos High 11-8 on May 12.
IN AN ACCIDENT?
619-804-2781 Scripps Ranch High defeated La Costa Canyon High 9-5 on May 17. (photo by Jim Wick)
SRHS VOLLEYBALL
The Scripps Ranch High School mens varsity volleyball team went all the way to the fourth round of the CIF San Diego Section 2022 Boys Volleyball Championships Open Division before suffering a tournament-ending defeat at the hands of Cathedral Catholic High on May 10. Earlier in the tournament the Falcons defeated Torrey Pines High 3-1, lost to Cathedral Catholic 1-3 and came back to beat Torrey Pines 3-2. The Falcons qualified for the 2022 CIF SoCal Boys Volleyball Championships – Division II state tournament, losing to Upland High on May 17 in the first round.
HAMILTON ARENDSEN INJURY ATTORNEY SCRIPPS RANCH RESIDENT harendsen@abinjury.com Scripps Ranch High School vs. Cathedral Catholic High School on May 10. (photo by Jim Wick)
May 27 - June 12 Fri & Sat 8pm • Sun 2pm Preview Performance: May 27 Opening Night: May 28
E T A T!
E H L I M A H
a tv actor with a failing series... a chance to play a dream role... but the knives are out all around!
written by Paul Rudnick directed by Phil Johnson
LOCAL FLAVOR PLAY READING
FIRST DAY IN
DECEMBER Theatre Location May 30, 2022
O
n the first day of December 1969, the lives of five fraternity brothers are shattered as they listen to the Army’s draft lottery, which uses their birthdays to determine the order they will be drafted to Vietnam. Suggested donation: $10 at the door. Talk-back with audience to follow.
Legler Benbough Theatre at Alliant International University 9783Theatre Avenue ofLocation Nations Legler Benbough Theatre at Off Pomerado RoadUniversity East of I-15 Alliant International 9783 Avenue of Nations Off Pomerado Road East of I-15
(Above address is for GPS use only, not for postal mail)
Box Office: 858.395.0573 Social Media Purchase tickets online or contact Dani DeCarlo, ScrippsRanchTheatre.org SRT Patron Services Manager at 858-395-0573. ScrippsRanchTheatre.org
@scrippsranchtheatre
* All patrons must either show proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative PCR test taken in the prior 72-hours. * All patrons must wear masks at all times while inside the theatre.