San Marcos Home Journal

Preston Brown

Photo by Kelly Mitchell, KEM Photography

18 The 2023 San Marcos Rising Stars Students Aim High

20 San Marcos Promise Student Ambassador Kelly Amador Villarreal

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Vol. 1 • No. 1

Publisher

Tori Brown

I am thrilled to introduce you to the very first San Marcos Home Journal, 92078. Our magazine is your magazine, as in, we are a community cheerleader and “brand” ambassador. Our company, Journal Publications, has been producing the Julian and Ramona Home Journals for decades. We are proud to get the first San Marcos issue in your hands.

Our mission is simple: We produce quality magazines that shine light on all that is good in the communities we serve. From the people to the places, from the nonprofits to the small businesses, from the stellar students to the star athletes — and everything in between.

Every monthly magazine will have a theme, and our June issue highlights San Marcos youth. I was honored to personally attend the recent San Marcos School Unified School District’s “Year in Review.” Although I already have a strong appreciation for our schools’ personnel, after experiencing the status updates from several learning pathways and other unique initiatives, I can only say, ”WOW!” Witnessing the sincere desire of many key sta members to serve our local youth and cultivate future leaders was inspiring. I encourage you to take a moment to investigate further (hint: Start by reading this magazine).

Another story highlights the exciting achievements of a graduating senior. Kelly Amador Villarreal, a first-generation college-bound student dubbed by others as a “silent leader,” has been doing amazing things in her personal life and for her community. Also, San Marcos Promise, the high school program in which Kelly served as an ambassador, is engaged in many impactful activities and soon will be branching out to other towns. If you don’t already know what they do, San Marcos Promise was recently named the 2023 Community-Based Organization of the Year by the San Diego County O ce of Education.

An additional story in this month’s issue is about one of my sons. I debated the appropriateness of publishing his story, because I do not favor nepotism. However, after careful consideration of Preston Brown’s impactful achievement and backstory, I realized the story falls 100 percent in line with the overall mission of this publication. If this story highlighted any other San Marcos youth during our youth appreciation month, I would be compelled to publish it. After all, I am a consummate advocate of our youth.

Important note: We are only just beginning! We have many goals for this magazine and the community we serve. Please email me at tori@journalpubs.com with feature story ideas and event calendar items. We want to connect with you and to promote you. We are here for the long haul and are proudly one of San Marcos’s biggest cheerleaders.

Yours truly,

Copy Editor

Annette Williams

Contributors

Cathryn Curry Hasz

Charlene Pulsonetti

Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Advertising Sales

Tori Brown

Advertising Coordinator

Breanna Hecker

Layout & Graphic Design

Eva Popcke

Accounting

Sara Hine

Kayli Hine

President & CEO, Journal Publications, LLC.

Michael Raher

The San Marcos Home Journal is published by JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, LLC.

1410 Main St., Suite C P.O. Box 2214 Ramona, CA 92065 760-788-8148

To advertise please contact Tori Brown on 402-490-3244 or tori@journalpubs.com.

To submit a story idea or press release, please email tori@journalpubs.com.

© 2023 San Marcos Home Journal. Lakeside Home Journal is published every month, and distributed free of charge. Advance written permission must be obtained from the publisher for partial or complete reproduction of any part or whole of the San Marcos Home Journal magazine including advertising material contained in its pages. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication. The publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in editorial or advertisements printed in the publication. We reserve the right to edit submittals. Editorials and information on calendar events are welcome. Send to the Journal Publications LLC, 1410 Main St., Ste. C, Ramona, CA 92065; phone 760-7888148; or email michael@journalpubs.com.

PUBLISHER TORI BROWN

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SERVICES

Congratulations to the San Marcos Home Journal on your first publication! We are so proud of your e ort to further connect this wonderful community we call home. And what better time to begin this than in our 60th year as a city!

San Marcos is ascending into a new era of its history, but our values of determination, grit and spirit of service have remained the same. We have established time and time again, we are a drive to destination, and not a drive through city.

We as a community are focused on improving our city but remaining true to our small-town roots, which is why we pride ourselves in investing in our local businesses and working hand in hand with them to watch them grow. In 2022 alone, San Marcos assisted over 175 organizations with a variety of services including site selection, permit assistance, connection to resources and much more.

But this is not all we pride ourselves on. We are also an educational hub for North County. From our magnitude of higher education institutions to developing the next generation of leaders in our San Marcos Unified School District. Education has always been a high priority for San Marcos. As is our students’ mental health. I am personally very proud of the launch of the “Let’s Face It. Together” campaign earlier this year. In the first quarter of this program, the Wellness Team has been able to provide 170 confidential mental health consultations with students for free. This is a major

SUBMITTED BY REBECCA JONES, MAYOR

accomplishment, and I can’t wait to see the continual growth of this program.

In the same realm of mental health, our healthcare system is something to marvel at. With the new opening of the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in August, San Marcos continues to reinforce our importance as a healthcare center point.

Just as health is an important pillar of our community, so is public safety. Our police and fire departments work tirelessly to keep our residents safe. Which is why, I’m thrilled to say, our overall crime rate has gone down by 5% since 2018 and our fire departments are one of the 37 departments in California to receive a Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating.

As in all aspects of our community, we also take pride in our Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments. They help to keep our beloved “San Parkos” nickname, alive and well through their various infrastructure projects, family fun activities and preserving our over 290 acres of land dedicated to parks.

This is only a hint of what makes San Marcos Shine. We are a diverse, vibrant community with a rich history. And I am grateful to have served this city as an elected o cial for the past 16 years.

Congratulations, again, to the San Marcos Home Journal for your first publication! I look forward to your presence in our community.

SAN MARCOS HAPPENINGS JUNE / JULY

TUESDAYS

San Marcos Farmers Market

251 North City Dr., San Marcos

Beautiful, open-air market features fresh local produce, baked goods, cheese, eggs, yogurt, fresh flowers, prepackaged foods, hot foods, artisans and crafters, and live music from 3 to 6 p.m. Free. Use the adjacent parking structures. No charge for up to two hours. Visit sanmarcosfarmersmarket.org.

June 15: North County Co ee Talk Collaboration & Community

Ascend Co ee Roasters, 1080 W San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos

Those who are interested in all things real estate are invited to get social, talk shop, learn more about each other, build community and collaborate from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free.

June 17: Hops in the Hills 2023

San Elijo Park Lower Softball Field, 1195 Elfin Forest Rd., San Marcos

This 21-plus event will showcase some of the best craft beers, meads, wines and more around. Enjoy live DJ music, plenty of dancing and awesome food options from 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds from this North County locals’ favorite annual event support schools in the surrounding area. Check Eventbrite for cost.

June 22: Gather and Grow: A Mommy & Me Market

TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Rd., San Marcos

This is a market where moms and dads can discover and grow their community of support in San Marcos and North County areas. The market, open from 9 a.m. to noon, will feature support vendors and activities for moms and their families, where they can find resources and help create their village of support. There will be multiple resource vendors, games, photo opportunities, and tasty co ee and smoothies from the Common Grounds Café & Co ee Bar onsite, plus plenty of space where children can safely play and have fun. All ages and abilities are welcome. Free.

June 22: World’s Largest Swim Lesson

Las Posas and Woodland Park pools

Be a part of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson at noon. Other activities include sponsored local food, San Marcos Fire Department CPR demo, complimentary swim lesson level evaluations, coloring booth, water safety activity stations and free open rec swim. Free.

June 24: Annual K9 event: K9s and Quesadillas

Cocina Del Charro, 1020 W San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos

Global Conservation Force will host a fundraiser in support of its mission to protect wildlife from noon to 3 p.m., with a focus on raising funds for K9s who work tirelessly to fight poaching. The event will be held in a beautiful indoor venue with a variety of activities, including a ra e with great prizes and updates on K9s in the field. Food and beverages will be provided, with a selection of alcoholic drinks available for purchase. There will be opportunities to meet and interact with K9 ambassador Odin, whose siblings are on the forefront of wildlife protection. All wildlife lovers and supporters are welcome to enjoy support a worthy cause while contributing to the protection and conservation of precious wildlife and the amazing K9s who help make it possible. General admission is $25. Tickets available via Eventbrite.

June 24: Summer Concert Series

Wood House at Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Rd., San Marcos Gates open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m., and event ends at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $8 at the Community Center, Senior Activity Center or online at the city website at sanmarcos.net/register, or for $10 cash only at the gate. Season pass is $24.

June 25 and July 9: Makers Market at Ascend Co ee Roasters

1080 W San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos

Enjoy live music, local artisans and crafters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featured musician is guitarist and vocalist Taylor MacPherson, who will play classic rock hits from the sixties and seventies. There will be a ra e in the afternoon, and all vendors will be donating to the prize. Make a purchase and get a ticket for the drawing. Guests may also relax and dine al fresco in the Ascend Co ee patio while listening to music classics. Free event.

July 4: Annual Fireworks show at Bradley Park

1587 Linda Vista Dr., San Marcos

San Marcos hosts one of the most spirited Fourth of July celebrations in North County. This year’s festivities will include carnival games, jumpers and food sales on-site starting at 6 p.m. Guests should plan to bring beach chairs or blankets for lawn seating. The fireworks display will be viewable from Bradley Park in San Marcos beginning at 9 p.m. The fireworks display is funded entirely by donations from businesses and residents of San Marcos. Last year’s donations are being rolled over to help fund this year’s show, but an additional $12,000 is needed. Donations to the GoFundMe account at https://tinyurl.com/ SM4thofJuly are appreciated.

July 6: Writers Open Mic Night

Ascend Co ee Roasters, 1080 W San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos

This event from 6 to 8 p.m. is for adult audiences ages 18 and older, due to mature content. Free.

July 15: Summer Concert Series

Wood House at Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Rd., San Marcos

Gates open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7:30 p.m., and event ends at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $8 at the Community Center, Senior Activity Center or online at the city website at san-marcos.net/register, or for $10 cash only at the gate. Season pass is $24.

July 15: Summer Concert Series at Lakehouse Resort

1105 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos, An Elton Dan show pays tribute to Elton John. Guests will be captivated by his incredible band, backup singers, over-the-top-costumes and high-energy performance. Low-back chairs are welcome, but umbrellas and camp chairs are not permitted. Cost is $45 for adults, and free for children 6 and younger. Gates open at 4 p.m.

MEDI-CAL BENEFICIARIES MUST RENEW ANNUALLY

West PACE is reminding community members that Medi-Cal needs to be renewed each year for benefits to continue.

Enrollees will receive a letter in the mail indicating whether or not their Medi-Cal was automatically renewed by the county, or if the county needs more information. It’s important to read this letter and follow all instructions.

Items the county will request include completed renewal forms; verification, such as a copy of a pay stub; and contact information updates.

If the county requests more information, it must be turned in by the due date, or Medi-Cal benefits may end, and enrollment status may be jeopardized.

Information may be submitted online, by mail, in person, by phone or by arranging an appointment to meet with an authorized representative.

The team at West PACE is also available to help answer questions by phone at 760-280-2230.

VWD TO HONOR FORMER BOARD

MEMBER BETTY FERGUSON

In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, the Vallecitos Water District (VWD) announced an event to honor former Board Member Margaret E. “Betty” Ferguson and the 1946 Jeep (Willys) CJ-2A she enjoyed driving. Betty passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2022.

The event will take place on Wednesday June 21, at 4 p.m. at the VWD o ce, 201 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos, and will include an unveiling of the Jeep.

Betty served as a member of the VWD Board of Directors for 35 years, beginning with her election in 1978. She had a special place in the hearts of district employees, as she was always their champion. She fostered a great relationship between the board and the district’s employees and made it her goal to always show her appreciation for their work.

In her earlier years, she enlisted in the Women’s U.S. Marine Corps on Feb. 2, 1950, and was discharged as a corporal on March 14, 1952, at Camp Pendleton. After serving in the Marine Corps, Betty developed a special connection to VWD’s 1946 Jeep.

The Jeep served the district for many years, bringing pipe, tools and an air compressor to run a jackhammer to job sites. It was later used as a survey vehicle to access di cultto-reach locations within the district’s service area. In the early 2000s, the Jeep was refurbished and repainted to work as a parade vehicle, driven by board members at community events.

Once the Jeep was retired and moved into the VWD lobby, it was named in her honor and is now a ectionately known as “Betty.”

NEW PAGEANT LAUNCHED FOR GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES

Bree Goelze, a San Marcos resident and Ms. U.S. 2022, has launched a new pageant for girls with disabilities, which will be held on June 22.

“Miss California Extraordinaire provides contestants with disabilities an experience of a lifetime,” states the event website, https://missextraordinaire.com. “Every contestant is a winner and receives a title.”

Goelze adds that it is more of an esteem pageant event rather than a beauty pageant in that it focuses on building self-esteem and confidence in every participant.

In addition to the ceremony, Goelze has begun a monthly Girls’ Day Out for the contestants, which o ers an avenue for the families of special needs kids to network about resources they have discovered in the community while having fun together as a group and celebrating their special kids.

Goelze is married to a firefighter and is the mother of four boys. She is actively involved in charity work in addition to her job as a speech-language pathologist.

Bree Goelze founded the new Miss California Extraordinaire pageant.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BREE GOELZE

Thinking

Ilana Huff

From left, San Marcos Deputy Mayor Sharon Jenkins, Brown and Boy Scouts of America Troop 651 Scoutmaster Dr. Randy Smith.

United States Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant Jessica Rae Taylor is joined by veterans as they share their stories during the unveiling ceremony. Brown speaks during his Eagle Scout Service Project unveiling ceremony.

PRESTON BROWN SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS

WRITTEN BY CHARLENE PULSONETTI | PHOTOS BY KELLY MITCHELL, KEM PHOTOGRAPHY

Preston Brown considered what would best serve his community in the early planning stages of his Eagle Scout Service Project. He eventually chose to build a veterans memorial wall for the Escondido Moose Lodge 1874.

It would be a challenging task, especially for a then-eighthgrader who began planning in February 2022. But overcoming challenges and having a positive outlook are what Brown does best.

Diagnosed with severe asthma and cold urticaria at a young age, he and his family moved to California for his health. At the age of 10, he joined Boy Scouts of America Troop 651 after being introduced to the organization by his adoptive father. While he joined later in life than some of his peers, he quickly found his place among the ranks.

As a senior patrol leader, Brown led weekly meetings, devised agendas and helped younger Scouts. His younger brothers, Jamison, Louden and Bennett, are also Scouts.

“One of the most important things I’ve learned is leadership,” he explains. “(Scouts) teach you important skills in everyday life.”

When his family joined the lodge, he learned that many members were either veterans or family members of veterans. He thought having a place of remembrance would be nice for them.

Plans began about a year ago and started with an initial design created in a free online program. Brown made adjustments based on feedback from the lodge board of directors and, once approved, he began fundraising.

“I did three main fundraisers,” he says, sharing that they included a yard sale, a request for donations and a pancake breakfast. Along the way, he recruited fellow Scouts and their families to help with the logistics.

Brown coordinated with material suppliers. Granite was donated by Arizona Tile in Miramar, which was then sandblasted by Borst Designs and transported by Davis Stone. He worked alongside contractors to prepare the site and arrange for timely delivery.

Making arrangements took considerable time out of Brown’s busy schedule, which included sports as well as schoolwork.

Along with the skills taught to him in Boy Scouts, Brown explains that he also used mechanisms he has developed to work through the side e ects of his ADHD and tic disorder.

“I found a way to target it toward the good things,” he says, sharing that he channels his hyper-focus toward what’s most important at the moment, whether that be keeping his grades up or quickly responding to contractors for his project. “I see it as an ability, because it helps me focus on the right things.”

Before unveiling his project at the lodge’s Annual Memorial Day Picnic on May 28, Brown worked on his speech with his mom, Tori Brown. He also asked lodge member Dan Papp, whom he says was his biggest mentor for the project, to help fine-tune it.

Along with dedicating the memorial, Preston donated $300 and a flag flown over the United States Capitol, provided by U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa.

The Abraham Lincoln quote Brown chose for the wall — “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause, honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause” — aligned with his project vision.

“I wanted this wall to apply to everybody — the veterans, past, current and future, and family and friends who help those vets, as well,” he says.

Continued on page 16

The ceremony was attended by lodge members, family and friends, and representatives of service organizations, among others. A key part of the ceremony was inviting veterans to the podium to share their stories.

Now that the memorial is complete, Brown has redirected his focus toward another long-term project — developing a new computer programming language.

After teaching himself coding for the past six years, he realized that there wasn’t a language that quite fit his needs. He wanted to create one that was powerful but simple to use.

He worked with developers at his dad’s friend’s company to come up with ideas, which led to Pekoscript. The code is now in beta and may soon be released.

Though he is hopeful that Pekoscript will take o , Brown plans to apply to a university or college when the time comes.

“I plan on working toward a doctorate in computer science, though I may pause at my master’s to get experience in the industry,” he says.

Brown credits his family for grounding him and giving him a place to be 100 percent himself.

“They support me every day by giving me a place to live, giving me food on my plate, and working extra hard so me and my brothers can have a good life,” he says. “My parents help drive me. Normally I can drive myself, but sometimes you get tired mentally and need that extra push.”

Seeing Preston play in three sports, take honors and AP classes, develop a programming language and complete an Eagle Scout project has been a joy for Tori.

“Part of why I’m so proud of Preston’s accomplishments is because his childhood years weren’t always the easiest,” she says. “He’s dedicated, motivated, he works hard, he works smart, and he should be an inspiration.”

Brown received accolades from his teachers and troop leaders, as well.

“He’s well respected by the other Scouts,” says Scoutmaster Dr. Randall Smith. “I think he found it quite easy to lead by action and example. I feel that he really represents the Scouting program and what we hope to (see) in the youth. He is a shining example of a very positive outcome to the programs and what we like to see — the values of Scouting embodying in youth.”

Preston Brown stands with his Eagle Scout Service Project.

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ThegoodnewsisthatatLevyAudiology,wetestand treatauditoryprocessingdifficulties.Thisgoesfar beyondthestandardhearing testyourchildren receiveatschool.Treatmentiscustomizedtoyour child’suniquepatternofauditorystrengthsand challenges.

Let’sgetyourkiddoreadytostartthenewschool yearstrong!

THE 2023 SAN MARCOS

RISING STARS STUDENTS AIM HIGH

WRITTEN BY CATHRYN CURRY HASZ | PHOTOS BY AMY VENTETUOLO

John F. Kennedy once said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource, and its best hope for the future.”

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce and San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) recently teamed up to start a program to celebrate our future entrepreneurs, artists and leaders.

With the school year wrapping up, and kiddos of all ages sprinting (“Walk, don’t run!” she shouted in her past life as a swim coach) toward the swimming pool, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the school year and introduce San Marcos’s new Rising Star Program — a monthly event where a few seniors from each San Marcos Unified high school are hand-selected for their academic and extracurricular successes.

From left are SMUSD Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen, Kelly Amador Villarreal, Nicholas Pulido, Jessie Way, Jarisbel Lobato Zamora, Rami Khalid, Emily Gonzalez Chavez, Monica Lopez Alvarado, SMUSD Board President Jaime Chamberlin, Brisa Jaime, Rosa Garcia Romero and Kimberly Hernandez

Beginning in January 2023, the Rising Stars Program showcases students within the SMUSD who’ve been selected by their school principal for their outstanding achievements.

“The monthly Rising Stars event is hosted at Palomar College, where three high school seniors from each high school in San Marcos Unified are honored for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities and/or the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education,” said SMUSD Public Information O cer Amy Ventetuolo.

“Thanks to the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s dedication to support and recognize local youth achievement, students in SMUSD have been recognized at the Rising Stars events with their family, local elected o cials, and community and business partners in attendance.”

Being recognized as a Rising Star not only grants students continued motivation and inspiration to resume their exemplary achievements both within and outside the classroom, but it also allows them to apply for the Rising Stars Scholarship.

Each month since January, the program has celebrated the selected Rising Stars, but the May event served as the scholarship ceremony, where all Rising Stars who applied for a scholarship were given this award.

“At our last Rising Stars event, which was the scholarship event, Rising Star Kelly Amador Villarreal mentioned that after receiving the award, people would stop her mom and say, ‘I saw your daughter was a Rising Star,’ which brought her great joy,” Ventetuolo shared.

Unlike other awards and scholarship programs, the Rising Stars Program and its supporters look beyond the limitations of scholastic accomplishments and take into account students

who demonstrate resilience, honor and high moral fiber — those who set an example for other classmates who hopefully will follow in their footsteps.

Rising Stars of 2023 are, in alphabetical order:

•Monica Lopez Alvarado, Twin Oaks High School

•Henry Davis, Mission Hills High School

•Emily Gonzalez-Chavez, Twin Oaks High School

•Kimberly Hernandez, Mission Hills High School

•Brisa Jaime, Mission Hills High School

•Rami Khalid, Twin Oaks High School

•Jesse Osborne, Twin Oaks High School

•Nicholas (Ray) Pulido, San Marcos High School

•Rosa Garcia Romero, San Marcos High School

•Kelly Amador Villarreal, Mission Hills High School

•Jessie Way, San Marcos High School

•Jarisbel Lobato Zamora, San Marcos High School

The Rising Stars Program, scholarship and events are made possible through the support of sponsors, including Nordson Corporation, EDCO and Palomar College, and the coordination of the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.

These students deserve accolades, and their community looks forward to watching them reach for the stars!

From left are SMUSD Executive Director Educational Services Steve Baum, San Marcos High School Principal Adam Dawson, Nicholas Pulido, Mission Hills High School Assistant Principal Jillian Ryan, Brisa Jaime, Emily Gonzalez Chavez and Twin Oaks High School Principal Garth Phillips.

From left are SMUSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ti any Campbell, Mission Hills High School Principal Nathan Baker, Kelly Amador Villarreal, the Amador-Villarreal family and City of San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones.

THE 2023 SAN MARCOS RISING STARS STUDENTS AIM HIGH

WRITTEN BY REBECCA JEFFERIS WILLIAMSON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA STOUT

Apromise made. A promise kept. The San Marcos Promise program helps deliver information and ways to succeed to San Marcos Unified School District high schoolers.

Senior Kelly Amador Villarreal, as one of the program’s ambassadors, shares the San Marcos Promise message with fellow students.

“Our ambassadors serve as our voices, eyes and ears on campus,” said San Marcos Promise Executive Director Lisa Stout.

“Kelly is one of our ambassadors at Mission Hills High School,” said Stout, who describes her as a “quiet leader — one who will do great things.”

The organization assists students at other schools in the district, as well.

Stout noted that the program helps students find scholarships and provides additional opportunities that help them prepare for college.

Along the way, Amador Villarreal, 17, who will be attending University of California, Irvine, (UCI) as a political science major, was granted $17,500 in scholarships. She will attend orientation at UCI this summer.

Amador Villarreal wanted to extend her thanks to the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, Rising Stars and AVID groups, among others, for the scholarships they awarded to her.

“I started in my senior year but joined the program (San Marcos Promise) in my junior year,” said Amador Villarreal, who attended meetings and events on the group’s behalf.

“My AVID teacher, Jamie Yorba, always helped me find answers to questions I had,” she said, crediting her mentors.

AVID, which stands for “Advancement Via Individual Determination,” is a college-prep program that assists firstgeneration, low-income students in becoming college-ready and being accepted by a college.

San Marcos Promise student ambassador Kelly Amador Villarreal.

San Marcos Promise is an educational foundation and 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2014, but active the last four years, according to Stout. The program has received the inaugural community-based organization of the year award by the San Diego County O ce of Education.

Amador Villarreal credits the organization with “opening up connections,” among other benefits.

After completing her college undergraduate work, she plans to attend law school and work in the field of immigration law.

Amador Villarreal, who has three younger siblings, is the first college-bound student in her family. Her mother is from Mexico, and her father is from the U.S.

After learning she was accepted to UCI, her family bought T-shirts and other school spirit items to show o their school pride and celebrate.

The San Marcos Promise 2022-23 student ambassadors.

San Marcos Promise student ambassador Kelly Amador Villarreal, left, and executive director Lisa Stout, right.

PUZZLES

CLUES ACROSS

1. Sloping position

5. Descendant of a notable family

10. Following accepted norms

12. Root vegetable

14. Having a shape that reduces drag from air

16. Integrated circuit

18. Records electric currents of the heart

19. Used to anoint

20. Japanese city

48. Frosts

50. Dipped into

52. Controversial replay system in soccer

53. Comforts

55. Needed for yoga

56. Ands/__

57. South Dakota

58. Printing system

63. Dramatic works set to music

65. Highest points

66. Social division

67. Used to treat Parkinson’s disease

CLUES DOWN

1. Hill or rocky peak

2. Initial public o ering

3. Type of light

4. Test

5. Flaky coverings

6. Former NFLer Newton

7. Part of the eye

8. Roman god of the underworld

9. Negative

10. Indiana pro basketball player

11. Replaces lost tissue

13. Denotes one from whom title is taken

15. Historic college hoops tournament

17. Hut by a swimming pool

18. Defunct European monetary unit

21. Feeds on insects

23. Adult male

24. Melancholic

27. Sheets of glass

29. Slang for famous person

32. Not good

34. “Ghetto Superstar” singer

35. The “World” is one

36. Used to make guacamole

39. Midway between south and southwest

40. Wet dirt

43. Ancient Egyptian name

44. Set of four

46. Strips

47. Wife

49. More dried-up

51. Socially inept person

54. Clusters on fern fronds

59. Bar bill

60. Prefix indicating “away from”

61. Very important person

62. Fiddler crabs

64. Special therapy

TOSSED SALAD WORD SEARCH WORDS

APPLES

ARUGULA

AVOCADO

BEANS

BEETS

BERRIES

CELERY

CHICKEN

CHICKPEA

CROUTONS

KALE

LETTUCE

NUTS

OIL

OLIVES

ONION

PEPPERS

RADISHES

SEEDS

SPINACH

SPROUTS

TOMATO

VINEGAR

The greatness

community ofa ismostaccuratelymeasuredbythe compassionateactionsof itsmembers."

-CorettaScottKing

FOR ALL THINGS SAN MARCOS

Hi there! My name is Ilana Huff

and I am thrilled to partner with the San Marcos Home Journal and bring this new publication to our community. I love supporting local and am proud to have a strong reputation for providing the highest level of respect and service to my clients and the real estate industry.

Long-time residents of North County, my husband and I planted our roots in San Elijo Hills in 2001, and can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. Affectionately considered part of the “founding families,” we have witnessed the beautiful growth and development of San Marcos and cherish living here.

As a mom of 4, I am very active within our local schools both voluntering and sponsoring. My 2 youngest sons will soon be a freshman and senior at San Marcos High School, where my older children also graduated. Go Knights! Over the years my family has also been involved within local sports including; Youth Baseball, Pop Warner Football, Track and Field, and the California All Stars.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly at 760-917-8833 to discuss your real estate needs, or if you have any questions about the market or community information. I would love the opportunity to connect and am here to help as your local agent next door!