C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA
FREE
JANUARY 2016
highlights - of 2015 -
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: MINNIE RZESLAWSKI, RE/MAX 24K LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: ROTARY CLUB OF CHULA VISTA
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER
14 a
recap
of 2015
“May Light always surround you; Hope kindle and rebound you. May your Hurts turn to Healing; Your Heart embrace Feeling. May Wounds become Wisdom; Every Kindness a Prism. May Laughter infect you; Your Passion resurrect you. May Goodness inspire Your Deepest Desires. Through all that you Reach For, May your arms Never Tire.” - D. Simone As we enter a new year, I wish this blessing for you. As you consider the year that has closed, I invite you to read some of our community's highlights of 2015. I’d also like to say thank you to all of OHTM’s readers and contributors. If you have ideas for future issues, please email editor@ourhometownmag. com. We appreciate all you do for this community and wish you a happy 2016!
J A N U A RY 2 0 16
04 BRAVO Announcements
06 NEWS On your Doorstep
10 SCHOOL NEWS Feaster Charter 'Thinkabit Lab' CVESD Earns Golden Bell Awards
14 FEATURE Highlights of 2015
20 ON TOPIC Preparing for What's Next after High School
22 CALENDAR Out & About
24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT Minnie Rzeslawski, re/max 24k
26 LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Rotary Club of Chua Vista
—AMBER WEBER, editor Cover/Content Photo provided by Eastlake Church Photography Ministry OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
great things happening in our community
Left: SWC Pacemaker Award recipients; Center: Bike Assembly partipants and presidents Lourdes Valdez, Viky Mitrovick and David Hoffman.
›
To SOUTHWESTERN COLLEGE (SWC)’S STUDENT PUBLICATIONS SWC SUN AND EL SOL for each
›
To three local service clubs that provided many children with a shiny new bike and helmet for Christmas at
›
winning a Pacemaker Award, the “Pulitzer Prize of collegiate news media.” The awards were announced at the 94th Annual Associated Collegiate Press National College Media Convention in Austin, Texas in November. El Sol, The Sun and the newspaper website also earned Best of Show awards. SWC students won a record 18 international awards at the conference. Earlier in the semester The Sun was named National College Newspaper of the Year by the National Newspaper Association of Columbia, Missouri. The San Diego Press Club named The Sun San Diego County’s Outstanding College Newspaper and presented SWC students with 30 of the total 48 awards presented to university and college journalists in the region. SWC journalism students also won a record 41 awards at the recent Journalism Association of Community Colleges Conference in Fullerton, including General Excellence awards for the newspaper, magazine and website.
the 37TH ANNUAL BIKE ASSEMBLY
the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and must meet strict criteria for budget presentation including a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and communications device. The City of Chula Vista’s Finance Department has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award nine times. According to the GFOA, award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving nearly 18,000 government finance professionals. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
4 O U R H OMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
AND GIVEAWAY. On December 2, over 70 volunteers assembled and prepared 265 bikes for distribution. Begun in 1978 by two Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Chula Vista, Manny Adler and Jon Miller, the event is now the longest running community project in the club’s 89-year history. Today the Chula Vista Kiwanis and Chula Vista Sunset Rotary clubs participate. All bikes were distributed among six local charities: South Bay YMCA, The Ronald McDonald House, Chula Vista Community Collaborative, South Bay Community Services, Salvation Army and Scripps Hospital. Mike Vogt at The District at Eastlake provided assembly and storage space, and funding from the County of San Diego through Supervisor Greg Cox supported the clubs’ efforts.
To the BUDGET AND ANALYSIS DIVISION OF CHULA VISTA’S FINANCE DEPARTMENT for receiving
SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS! Email editor@ourhometownmag.com
PUBLISHED BY:
prior to the 5th of the month and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.
Above: EBA Clean Community Volunteers
BonitaView Home features more than 5,600 square feet of living space, six large patient rooms with private patios, a spacious living room, kitchen, dining room, library, meditation room and wheelchairaccessible garden patio overlooking a tree-lined river valley. The architecture and décor at BonitaView Home was planned with attention to Bonita's historical values such as incorporating arched windows, stucco and clay tiles in the hacienda-style estate.
› To NAOMI TEWOLDE and KACIE › To the EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S CLEAN COMMUNITY PROJECT. On December 12, members gathered to clean up illegal dump sites on the old dirt portion of Proctor Valley Road. This area has become a stretch of road where people have discarded couches, old bikes, mattresses and trash. Within the half-mile stretch of road, the Clean Community Project’s volunteers collected nearly 4,000 pounds of trash. Special thanks go to Republic Services for donating a trash truck and driver to help haul away what was collected. Eastlake Business Association’s Clean Community Project holds these clean projects once every quarter. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Eastlake Business Association or helping with its next clean project, please contact Rabeka Harrison at (619) 829-6088.
› To SHARP HOSPICECARE for opening its newest hospice residence, BonitaView Home, on Nov. 23. The state-licensed facility is the first of its kind in the South Bay for end-of-life care designed around the needs of patients and their families. BonitaView Home provides understanding, expertise, guidance and medical and emotional support at the end of a loved one's life.
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
AMBER WEBER, Editor
MELISSA MONROY, Design
WRIGHT, the newly crowned Starlight Parade Ambassadors. Naomi is a junior at Bonita Vista High School, is part of the International Baccalaureate program for outstanding students and enjoys playing the clarinet. She is on the Board of Directors in Key Club, works as a tutor for her school’s T.E.A.M. program, and is an ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars. She loves to swim and figure skate, and her favorite subjects in school are physics, math and French. Kacie Wright is a freshman at Bonita Vista High School and enjoys playing softball, piano and singing. She is a member of her school’s women's show choir, Sound Unlimited. She is vice president of her class and an active member in the Italian Club, Friday Night Live and Nerds and Geeks United. As a Starlight Parade Ambassador, she hopes to be a role model and show people that being yourself can get you anywhere you want to go. Her favorite subjects in school include math, biology and Italian.
ASHLYN O'HARA, Intern
ALEXIS HERNANDEZ, Intern
Send advertising inquiries to Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. Send editorial contributions to Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. Visit us online at www.OurHometownMag.com. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. OHTM Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. OHTM Inc has the right to refuse advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5
NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
Olympic View Elementary School CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Twenty years ago, the second elementary school opened in the Eastlake community: Olympic View Elementary School, named in honor of the Olympic Training Center in Eastlake. In July 1995, Dr. Susan Mahler was named the first principal and had the honor and privilege of working with a dynamic staff. What an adventure the small staff of 20 had in creating a vigorous and exciting learning environment for the children living in the area.
6 OU R H OMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
Eastlake Company worked hand in hand with the Olympic View staff and families to make this the exceptional school that it remains today.
through on their first day of school. What an amazing experience it was to have an abundance of big brothers and sisters for our beautiful, young children!
Interestingly, the actual school campus was not ready to open its doors when the children started that July. It’s often been said that “it takes a village to raise a child,” and that’s what happened in the Eastlake village. Stan Canaris, then principal of Eastlake High School, opened his school’s doors so the kindergarten through sixth grade students had a door to walk
In October 1995, Olympic View staff, students, parents, district administrators and board, community and city dignitaries paraded from Eastlake High School to the Olympic View campus accompanied by the Eastlake marching band, cheerleaders, high school staff and even fire engines– with the parade route lined with the entire student body of the high school.
On your Doorstep
PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS GRANT Open to Artists
This January 28, the community will celebrate Olympic View’s 20th anniversary under the leadership of the current principal, Mrs. Gloria McKearney. The celebration will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Eastlake High School flag pole with a march to Olympic View, replicating the 1995 parade. Once at Olympic View, there will be a ceremony on the playground with a reception in the Shari Gilbert Auditorium following. All students and families of Olympic View (past and present), are invited to join in this celebration and reunion.
Applications for art grant opportunities in Chula Vista are now being accepted. The Performing and Visual Arts Grant is open for applications from individuals or groups based in Chula Vista. Projects eligible for the grant include dance, media arts, theater, musical performance, photography or folk arts. The deadline to apply is February 29.
ď ł Application Deadline February 29
More information and the application form are available at www.chulavistalibrary.com, or call Stephanie Loney at (619) 691-5288.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7
On your Doorstep
DINE OUT WITH: San Diego Restaurant Week
January 17 - January 24
Kick off the new year with San Diego Restaurant Week’s eight days of dining! Ecstatic to celebrate 12 years of culinary excellence, San Diego Restaurant Week will offer delicious discounted dining at over 180 restaurants located throughout San Diego County. For eight days, Sunday, January 17 through Sunday, January 24, foodies will be able to eat their hearts out at participating restaurants with unbeatable price options and no reservations necessary. The pricing includes three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person, or two-course, prix-fixe lunch menus for $10, $15 or $20 per person.
Explore scrumptious eats from the beaches to downtown and from North County to South Bay.
Students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District experience a rigorous 21st century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and high-quality instruction. We nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Working with stakeholders, we harness the potential of a collective intelligence rich with the imagination and creativity necessary for students to become difference makers. CVESD is frequently honored for student academic achievement, high performing schools, and quality instruction.
www.cvesd.org · (619) 425-9600 8 OU R H OMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
San Diego’s tastiest countywide affair gives diners the chance to explore scrumptious eats from the beaches to downtown and from North County to South Bay. Leave the thought of cooking utensils and dirty dishes at home and join over 150,000 diners to celebrate San Diego County’s thriving and unique culinary scene. Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information and a complete list of participating restaurants. Discover why San Diego is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most diverse and sophisticated culinary destinations.
On your Doorstep
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9
SCHOOL
/ News
Feaster Charter is One of Three in County TABBED FOR QUALCOMM 'THINKABIT LAB'
Mae L. Feaster Charter’s Engineering Lab is one of three middle schools in the county to be formally named a Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™, replicating the technology giant’s hands-on lab in Sorrento Valley that engages youth in technology and engineering careers. Feaster’s Engineering Lab opened last year and has received many kudos and awards for its Qualcomm-inspired approach to instruction. For example, Feaster third grade students learn about torsion, tension, compression and shear. Upper grade students learn to code for “Arduino,” an open-source electronics platform intended for making interactive projects. Feaster students from kindergarten through eighth grade
10 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 16
are taught the value of working with a team, revising an idea when it fails and the importance of understanding design. Now the school’s collaboration with Qualcomm is evolving to new, exciting heights. Qualcomm announced at a news conference in December an expansion of the Thinkabit Lab to three schools: Lewis Middle School, Vista Innovation and Design Academy (VIDA) and Feaster Charter School. The expansion reinforces Qualcomm’s commitment to inspire young generations to explore and pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. For Feaster, this means its existing space can be formally adorned with the Thinkabit branding.
“Feaster’s Lab celebrates students’ creativity,” CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. said. “We’ve witnessed an amazing job the labs have accomplished in infusing the arts, as well as science, technology, social studies, engineering and math into the curriculum. By fostering critical thinking and reasoning skills at a young age, the program can make a life-changing impact on students.” “Our work with Qualcomm started at Feaster Charter, which is a school with one of the highest numbers of English learners, and where close to 90 percent of students come from low-income families and where the neighborhood has one of the highest crime rates,” Dr. Escobedo
School News
said. “Yet, when we review the test scores, we find that Feaster is a school that exceeds expectations. Feaster students surpass county and state averages…and Qualcomm has been a contributing factor.” Since the first Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab opened in March 2014 at the Company’s headquarters in San Diego, more than 3,000 students from approximately 35 San Diego schools including Feaster have been exposed to STEM professions; 1,500 “robo-crafts” have been built and presented; 1,300 community and industry professionals have visited and 230 teachers have observed and actively participated in the lab. By opening the three labs within the middle school campuses themselves, Qualcomm is
helping ensure that more students and teachers have regular access to dedicated space that encourages creativity, collaboration and the development of critical skills necessary for the 21st century classroom. “Qualcomm believes it is our responsibility to increase awareness about STEM career paths and inspire and encourage students to pursue STEMrelated education,” said Bill Bold, senior vice president for government affairs of Qualcomm Inc. “Qualcomm is proud to help San Diego middle schools fill the STEM gap by replicating our Thinkabit Lab and providing teachers and students with regular access to unique, real-world engineering projects.”
Above: BYTES INTO THE EDUCATION APPLE: (L-R) CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.; Bill Bold, senior vice president for government affairs of Qualcomm Inc.; San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer; Devin Vodicka, Superintendent of Vista School District; and Cindy Marten, Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District are part of the team that has brought Qualcomm's vision of enhanced STEM education to life in local middle schools.
J.R.G Tax Service Income Tax & Financial Services
e Fast Tax Refunds e Drop-Off Service e Past Year Returns e IRS Tax Representation e Income Tax Preparation e Covered California Certified Agent e Call for your appointment
619-420-5464
www.ChulaVistaTaxService.com 2400 Fenton St., Suite, 212 • Chula Vista OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11
SCHOOL
/ News
LET IT RING: CVESD Earns Two Golden Bell Awards
The Chula Vista Elementary School District received two Golden Bell Awards from the California School Boards Association (CSBA). The honors were presented at the association’s recent annual seminar in San Diego. CVESD was recognized in the area of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) for its Community Opus program, a partnership with the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory to restore arts instruction to the elementary school day. CVESD also won a Golden Bell in the area of Wellness for its Growing Healthy Children initiative, a multi-faceted response to reduce the number of schoolchildren who are overweight or obese. The Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards and county offices of education. “The successes of our programs is a testament to the collaboration of teachers, parents, administrators, students and community partners,” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “Each played a role in ensuring that we provide opportunities to educate the whole child, that we nurture students who are healthy, creative, and innovative. These honors really celebrate everyone involved.” In June, the Board of Education decided to invest $5 million annually to employ additional teachers starting this school year with a focus on VAPA, which in turn provided classroom teachers with release time for collaboration. The Board’s decision is a result of a years-long partnership in music education with the youth symphony. Community Opus has received a host of honors, including recognition from the prestigious Yale School of Music, support from VH1 Save the Music Foundation and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, among others. 12 OU R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 16
“After many years of limited access to arts education in our schools, our District made a commitment to lead all of San Diego County in the restoration of music and arts education for all students,” Dr. Escobedo said. The Growing Healthy Children initiative began as a response to startling data about students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District who were overweight or obese. In 2010, the District first measured the height and weight of more than 24,000 students, combined that data with age and gender, and calculated students’ Body Mass Index (BMI). Nearly 40% of students measured were overweight or obese—which prompted a multi-faceted response involving the Board of Education, students, families, healthcare professionals, and city and county leaders. The resulting four-year effort stemmed the rising tide of childhood obesity. “We know that the positive changes we have documented in our students cannot be attributed to a single factor, but multiple influences and efforts that align with the goal of creating healthy school environments and healthy and safe communities,” Dr. Escobedo said. “When we took our initial BMI data and layered in environmental factors, such as a school’s proximity to fast-food restaurants and access or lack of access to parks, we all realized the problem, and the solutions didn’t stop at the schoolhouse doors.”
Above: HEARING BELLS: (L-R) Heather Cruz, CVESD Coordinator of Physical Education, Health, & Wellness; Board Member Francisco Tamayo; Board Member Marissa Bejarano; Board Member Glendora M. Tremper; Board Member Leslie Ray Bunker; VAPA Coordinator Lauren Shelton; and Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. celebrate the District‚s CSBA honors.
School News
Inspired Retirement Living
This is the retirement you deserve! Independent | Assisted Living | Memory Care
Amenities • San Miguel Dining Room-where you plan your meals around your day • Private Dining room for those special occasions with friends and family • Library • Spacious and comfortable living areas for everyday living, social gatherings, events and special occasions
Call today to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour! (619) 271-4385
• Arts and crafts activity room • Sweetwater Bistro • Rolling Hills Theater • Beauty Salon • Fully equipped fitness center • Pet Friendly • Emergency response system • Lushly landscaped interior courtyards
Westmont at San Miguel Ranch
2325 Proctor Valley Road, Chula Vista, CA 91914 | www.chulavistaseniorliving.com | (619) 271-4385 | Lic # 374603509
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13
highlights of 2015 Sometimes looking back can help us move forward. As we anticipate 2016, here are some of Chula Vista’s most memorable moments from 2015.
14 OU R HOMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
January:
The year opened with newly elected officials in office. Born and raised in Chula Vista, Mayor Mary Salas became San Diego County’s first Latina mayor. Councilwoman Pat Aguilar began her second term as Deputy Mayor, and John McCann returned to the City Council after serving as President of the Sweetwater School Board. Also in January, Southwestern College’s Jaguars ended the season 10-1 with a win in the American Football Conference Bowl against Santa Monica. The final score was 40-23. This is the first time in Southwestern College’s history that they have won three bowl games in a row.
February:
Steve Miesen was appointed to the City Council’s Seat 3, which was vacated when Mary Casillas Salas was elected Mayor in November. “I appreciate the unanimous Council support of Mr. Miesen after our deliberation process,” said Mayor Salas. “It took some time, but in the end, we reached consensus and selected the right person at the right time for our city.”
March:
OHTM ran a feature story on Promise Neighborhood—an initiative to create communities of opportunities and reverse the cycle of generational poverty. Chula Vista’s Castle Park neighborhood, through South Bay Community Services’ work with dozens of cross-sector organizations, was selected as one of 12 Promise Neighborhoods in the nation. With a $27.8 million federal grant over five years plus a local match from 28 partners, “CVPromise” has built a pipeline of services that are data-driven and results-based. Services support Castle Park children from cradle to career and provide in-school services and activities at five schools: Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Hilltop Middle, Castle Park High and Hilltop High. In two years, an increase in community involvement can be seen. Castle Park Elementary’s PTA, which had been dormant for years, is now more than 60 members strong. An Early Learning Network includes newborn home visits, parenting support, a preschool specially designed for English language learners, kindercamps and workshops. Supports extend into kindergarten to sixth grade with in-school and after-school tutoring and the Chula Vista College Institute. On the campuses of the middle and high schools are CVPromise Academic Advocates who work closely with students and their parents to support academic achievement and plan for higher education goals. Food and nutrition are also part of CVPromise. Castle Park Elementary’s Imagination Garden is thriving due to the support of a parent-run garden committee. The garden also serves as a place for all students to learn about fruits and vegetables, and
monthly intergenerational reading and gardening events take place. On the campuses of Castle Park Elementary and Castle Park Middle are monthly food distributions where families with food insecurities can access healthy food options. Now rounding out its second year, data help confirm that a student’s school success is not limited to classroom academics, but that the whole environment plays a role in students’ ability to learn and excel. // www.cvpromise.org/
April:
On April 25, nearly 900 cyclists and runners from Southern California participated in the 17th Annual Cycle EastLake & Run event. In wind and rain, they explored the community with the 100k Cycle, 25 Mile Cycle, Family Roll & Stroll and the 18-Mile Mountain Bike & Poker Ride. Kaiser Permanente and the Cox Cares Foundation gave away bicycle helmets at the event. All funds raised went to the EastLake Educational Foundation (EEF) to fund the technology programs at local EastLake schools. “Because of this amazing community we were able to raise $33,500 for the schools,” says Nicole Graichen, EEF Executive Director. “Thank you so much to everyone involved. It really is a team effort to put an event of this magnitude on and we appreciate each and every one of you.” // www.eefkids.org/event/cycle/ Also in April, OHTM printed a story about Miguel Aldrete, then a freshman at Bonita Vista High School. In 2008, Miguel started a non-profit organization called Kids 4 Our World with a vision to replant the rainforest. He wrote two books at the ages of 10 and 12 and used the proceeds to fund his efforts. To date, he has donated money to fund the planting of 14,000 trees in seven countries. Miguel has partnered with six, young, motivated teens called ambassadors and La Reserva Forest Foundation to embark on a journey to the rainforest of Central America to plant trees and create global awareness about our environment. “All you need is hard work and dedication, and you can make a difference no matter how old you are,” said ambassador Alex Avalos. // www.kids4ourworld.org/
May:
A meaningful event was the fifth annual A Night to Remember. On May 1, 425 special-needs students and their hosts from over 70 San Diego County schools were treated to a free prom night experience. The event was made possible through the generosity of donors, including the Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation. Chick-fil-A, Sycuan Casino and EastLake Church were also generous business sponsors, and many participated in fundraising at the Golf Tournament at Salt Creek Golf Club. Hundreds of volunteers made each moment special by cheering and celebrating the “honored guests.” Participants felt loved and honored. // www.anighttorememberprom.com OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
highlights of 2015
On Saturday, May 2, food and wine were center stage at the Bon Appétit library fundraiser hosted by the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation. Library supporters enjoyed drinks, tasty treats, music and dancing. Silent and live auction gifts were donated by organizations and individuals, including the Otay Ranch Town Center's sizable shopping spree and Sleep Train Amphitheater's concert tickets. According to Library Director Betty Waznis, "With attendance of more than 250, I am happy to report that our annual gala wine and food event raised a record amount—more than $25,000." The annual celebration under the stars raised funds to contribute toward opening the Otay Ranch Branch Library on Sundays. Proceeds also helped support the renovation of the Civic Center Library's auditorium and supplement the local history collection and Chula Vista Heritage Museum. "Many thanks to our major sponsors, The Securities Center, South Bay Volkswagen and Sprouts Market, as well as for the generosity of our loyal library supporters," added Betty. // www.chulavistalibrary.com
June:
The Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) Board of Education set aside $5 million to employ additional teachers starting in the 2015-16 school year with a focus on visual and performing arts, which in turn provide classroom teachers with release time for collaboration.
619.772.2054
REALTOR ®
Cal BRE#01393526
“Your Friend & REALTOR ® For LIFE!”
Specializing In:
· All VA Transactions · Down Payment Assistance Programs · 20+ years of Customer Service Experience · Flexible Schedule · Active in the South Bay Community · Certified VA Expert · Senior Real Estate Specialist (Age 50+) · Military Spouse for over 20 years
Angelica@HomesWithWallace.com
www.HomesWithWallace.com
16 OU R HOMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
Student Bruno Bello recalls how difficult it was to find something that was both challenging and enjoyable. He wasn’t into sports, and he wasn’t into school. He was despondent about the divorce of his parents. Then music changed his life in ways he couldn’t have imagined. Bruno was in the first group of CVESD students who began learning classical music after school through the Community Opus Project, the District arts initiative partnered with the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS). His budding career in the arts began when he was in fourth grade at Lauderbach Elementary. Now in middle school in the Sweetwater Union High School District, Bruno is taking honors classes and earning “A’s” on his report card. “It can change your life a lot. It can give you hope, to know that if you really want something, you can make it,” Bruno said about music education. “Music is a unifying medium that solidifies knowledge, and the quest for knowledge,” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “Music is a way for students to open up their understanding of math in a conceptual way, as well as enhance their natural creativity. They learn not only to play an instrument, but also to work as a team. Kids create intense relationships with one another as they practice and perform together.
highlights of 2015
In-school music instruction now takes place for 3,000 students. In addition, students with no musical background from across the District can learn an instrument after school with SDYS. The partnership has attracted the attention of school districts, arts enthusiasts and music educators from across the country. This summer, the Yale School of Music honored CVESD and SDYS with the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award. // www.sdys.org/opus/2015-16
July:
OHTM congratulated Olympian High School’s varsity softball team for winning the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section 2015 Girls Softball Division III championship that spring. It was the school’s first softball championship. In the eight years of Olympian’s softball program, six different head coaches have led the Eagles. The team had made the playoffs only twice and struggled to build continuity. In October 2014, the school hired Michael Gross, a long-time South Bay resident and recreational/travel ball coach. Coach Gross promised the girls that he would be there for the long haul, got them to buy into a new culture and believe not only in themselves, but also in each other. Little things like buying visors for the girls made a huge impact in their “team-first” attitude. Players understood their roles and embraced them. The team’s motto this year was “Work Hard, Dream Big, Soar High.” The girls adopted the message and battled all year to earn the championship banner.
August:
Summer was in full swing at the annual HarborFest, a free, family-friendly celebration in Bayside Park at the Chula Vista Marina. Held on August 22, the festival featured food and drinks at the Tacos & Spirits Revolution, and the Discovery Zone was filled with shows, interactive activities, arts and crafts and fishing off the pier. Kayaking, paddle board lessons, zip line, laser tag, rocket launches and a BMX show were available for active participants. Community members were also invited to tour historic ships, check out the classic and exotic automobile showcase and stroll through the art exhibition, all with breathtaking ocean views as a backdrop. Three stages offered music and dancing for a well-rounded, summer day of fun. // www.cvharborfest.com August also held the Lemon Festival, Chula Vista's sweetest sour event of the year. Bringing over 20,000 people to Chula Vista's original neighborhood, the Lemon Festival pays tribute to the city's sour history as the lemon capital of the world. Organized and executed by the Third Avenue Village Association every first Sunday of August, the event has become a summer tradition for many. This year visitors from throughout the county flocked to Third Avenue Village for crates full of fresh fun including live music on two stages, hundreds of vendors and a Kids Fun Zone. Be sure to throw on your brightest yellow outfit, pack your sentiment for citrus and head to Third Avenue Village for the event's 20th year in August 2016. // thirdavenuevillage.com/pec-events/lemon-festival-2015/
September: Mayor Salas proclaimed September 15 as Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Star Day in Chula Vista. The All-Stars won the West Region Championship after outscoring four opponents 50-22. They slammed 15 home runs and scored 50 runs on 59 hits in the four West Region games.
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 17
The team of 12-year olds competed in the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania in August. They were welcomed home by a grand celebration in Chula Vista after placing third out of approximately 8,000 Little League teams in their age group in the world. The San Diego Padres honored the 2015 West Region champions at a special pregame ceremony on September 8 at Petco Park. Players were presented with their own custom Padres jersey, watched batting practice and met several Major League Baseball players. Players Walker Lannom and Levi Mendez were named All-American players at this year’s Little League World Series. After a ceremony at the San Diego Hall of Champions to receive the Amateur Athlete of the Month award, Walker said, “It feels really good…It’s nice to have the cities of Chula Vista and San Diego now getting involved. It’s great to know that my hometown is behind me.”
October:
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista hosted its second annual OktoberFiesta, a combination of a traditional October German festival and a mariachi concert, on October 10. This year the presenting sponsor was Seven Mile Casino; the event was held at Salt Creek Recreation Center. Nearly 300 guests were entertained with music from Mariachi Azteca from Montgomery High School, Mariachi Juvanil Azteca and Mariachi Garibaldi from Southwestern College. Guests were treated to food from local restaurants paired with locally brewed beer and tequila. Dessert and iced coffee rounded out the night. This event would not have been possible if it weren’t for local businesses and friends who helped underwrite it.
November: As the City of Chula Vista moves forward with one of the nation's largest and most exciting waterfront developments, Parade Band Foundation, Inc. presented its sixth annual Chula Vista Bayfront Band Review & Festival on November 4. Dozens of marching bands competed along the H Street extension, ending at a community festival at Bayside Park. As the largest free event of its kind in San Diego County and top five largest in Southern California, the event drew thousands of scholastic music participants from throughout Southern California to Chula Vista. Military veterans, community service organizations, athletic teams, school clubs, cheerleaders, classic cars, team mascots, dance teams, ROTCs, local businesses and community leaders participated in the parade. The event also featured a community festival showcasing Chula Vista and San Diego's talents with live music, choirs, artists and acts. //
www.ChulaVistaParade.org Also in November came the Chula Vista Ballet Company (CVB)'s rendition of The Nutcracker. The spectacle of exquisite local ballerinas and the bravado of guest artists made for a not-to-be-missed partnership. Behind the flurry of white tutus, sparkling rhinestones and pink toe shoes lie months of demanding rehearsals and dedicated volunteers. Artistic Director Taeko Nishino says, “Our dancers range from teenagers to young adults. While there are many other fun and easy activities, 18 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 16
Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!
highlights of 2015 they have chosen to give up their evenings and weekends to train and perform with the CVB. Many of our dancers have been accepted into summer programs by renowned professional training schools, received scholarships won at international ballet competitions and have been invited to perform overseas.” “Being a non-profit [organization] we are so appreciative of our major sponsor, our home studio of Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy,” says Taeko. “Without them, we would not have a place to rehearse.” Neisha Hernandez, owner of the studio, says, “Ballet is the ultimate culmination of human beauty, artistic expression, passion and hard work. Our mission and vision include keeping the art of ballet alive in our community.” // www.chulavistaballet.org
December: On December 5, the Third Avenue Village Association brought Holiday in the Village and the Chula Vista Starlight Parade to town. Frosty’s Snow Hill offered free, frosty fun for all to enjoy, and the Grinch and his Whos transported visitors to Whoville. Chula Vista High School House of Guitars, Songstress and Vida Blue offered live music. Santa Claus and costumed characters provided photo opportunities and stories. Families donned their ugliest apparel for the return of the Ugliest Holiday Sweater Contest and competed for a prize and ultimate bragging rights. // www.thirdavenuevillage.com The celebrations culminated with the Starlight Parade, led by Grand Marshal Tony Raso. Joyful parade units traveled down the historic route of Third Avenue, beginning at H Street and finishing up at E Street. Onlookers were whisked away to a whimsical winter wonderland of twinkling lights, holiday décor and fun surprises. A variety of colorful floats, caroling groups, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars and other participants ushered in the holiday season as part of San Diego County's largest nighttime parade. The Snack Alley was new for 2015, offering delicious treats to compliment the parade viewing experience. Teens Naomi Tewolde and Kacie Wright were crowned Starlight Parade Ambassadors.
// www.StarlightParade.com OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 19
ON TOPIC
/ Written by Kara Dumlao, LMFT
PREPARING FAMILIES FOR WHAT'S NEXT AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
This time of year is very busy for families— especially those with a teenager in 11th grade. For teens, this stage of development can bring anxiety or excitement. Teens are asking themselves critical questions such as, "Who am I?" "What do I want to do with my life?" and "What is my purpose?" Parents have a strong influence on some of these questions throughout their children's development, but for teens to have ongoing fulfillment, they must come to their own conclusions. Some cultures put strong emphasis on certain fields such as doctors, nurses, attorneys or engineers. One of these may be a great fit for your children and will work well; however, a majority of the time when parents are pushing forward with their own ideas about their children's future, it is actually to fulfill unmet needs from their own lives. It also teaches teens not to listen to their own internal voice. Teenagers who want to please their parents are susceptible to making choices after high school which may not be in line with their hopes, dreams, interest and talents. This will not lead to much future happiness or fulfillment and may even cost extra time and money educationally or in their career as they sort out what they want versus what their parents want for them. The challenge for parents is to help teens tune into their own internal voice and promote what they are interested in or have talents for—not your own hopes for what they will do in the future. The goal of this stage of life is for parents to take a step back and allow their children to enter fully into adulthood. This generation faces new challenges with the ever rising cost of college and diminished career options upon graduating from college. 20 O U R HOMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
The goal of this stage of life is for parents to take a step back and allow their children to enter fully into adulthood.
Education remains an important cornerstone, but it may also be a time to consider alternatives to traditional college paths. If your teens are considering alternatives, encourage them to research and find out what they need for future success. Parents may struggle a bit with letting their children become more independent and leave home. This is commonly known as "empty nest syndrome." Parents have to adjust their lives and find new purpose and meaning once parenting tasks are complete. This can be a great opportunity to start to volunteer in the community, travel, join a new group or take up a new hobby. There will be more time, energy and resources for parents once their children leave home. It is normal to experience some grief in such a big change. If you find you are struggling with more sadness than happiness, it may be time to consider adding extra support including seeking professional counseling. If your teens are struggling with what to do after high school, this is an excellent time for them to seek professional counseling as well. Grow Through Life Counseling in Eastlake offers both a Teen Support Group for ages 13-17 and a Young Adult Support Group for ages 18-24 which provides extra support in making choices for the future. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 21
OUT & ABOUT
JANUARY 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR
4-8
MONTEVALLE WINTER CAMPS
17-24
RESTAURANT WEEK Experience cuisine that delights your palate. Prix fixe lunch and dinner menu items enable diners to enjoy great meals at affordable prices. List of participating restaurants and sample menus are available at sandiegorestaurantweek.com.
@ Montevalle Rec Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road in Chula Vista. A variety of fun camps and activities for kids age 5-14 while school is out. For more info, call Shaun Ellis at (619) 585-568.
05
AFTER SCHOOL KIDS CLUB @ 4
p.m. every Tuesday in January @ Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road in Chula Vista. Different activities for elementary school kids up to 12 years old.
14
CHULA VISTA CHAMBER MIXER
@ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Mix, mingle, and meet future business partners. $10 for members and $20 nonmembers. Location TBA. For more info or to RSVP, call (619) 420-6603 or email info@ chulavistachamber.org.
22 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 16
SAN DIEGO
18 MLK DAY
19
VOICES FOR CHILDREN PRESENTS: REAL WORLD PANEL @ 6:30–7:30 p.m. @ Bonita-Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road in Chula Vista. Come and listen to four courageous young people who currently live or have lived in San Diego County foster care after being abused, neglected or abandoned by their parents or care givers. The Real Word panelists are open and forthright about their experiences in foster care and how they coped in the face of adversity. Sponsored by Voices for Children.
22
TASTE OF EASTLAKE @ 6-9
p.m. @ The Venue at Eastlake, 871 Showroom Place in Chula Vista. Enjoy fantastic food, wine, brews and spirits. Also enjoy live music and live/silent auction with many of Chula Vista’s local leaders, business owners and educators. Tickets are $50/ person. This is a 21+ event. No ticket sales at the door. To purchase, visit www.eefkids. org or call (619) 997-6470.
25
FOSTER CARE ORIENTATION @
5-7 p.m. @ BonitaSunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road in Chula Vista. New Alternatives Foster Family Agency presents free informational sessions on how to become a foster parent. For more info and to register, call (888) 599-4663.
FEB SAVE THE DATE
19 | Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner & Dance @ 6-11 p.m. @ Bonita Golf Club, 5540 Sweetwater Road in Bonita. Congratulate former officers and welcome in officers and board members for 2016. RSVP on or prior to Friday, February 5. For more info, call (619) 420-6603 or email info@ chulavistachamber.org.
EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION every Monday @ Eastlake Tavern & Bowl, Eastlake; 11:30 a.m.1 p.m.; eastlakebusiness.org. FARMER’S MARKET Thursdays @ Third Avenue Village Association (Third Ave. & Center St.); 3-7 p.m.
KIDS READY TO READ Interactive storytime program Thursdays @ Otay Ranch Branch Library; 11:15 a.m.; chulavistalibrary.com.
Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!
PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
EASTLAKE FOOD TRUCK GATHERING Wednesdays @ Eastlake Design District; 5:30-8:30 p.m..
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 23
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Minnie Rzeslawski, re/max 24k
You’ve heard it said many times before: people do business with people, not a business. For Minnie Rzeslawski (rezlaw-ski) you get the best of both worlds—a well-respected, honest broker/owner and the world-class real estate brand of RE/MAX 24K. Originally starting in 1976 with one office in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has experienced incredible growth throughout the world. Today nobody sells more real estate then RE/ MAX. What makes such a claim possible? Professional, highly trained and experienced agents and brokers. Each franchise office is independently owned and operated. That allows Minnie’s office, RE/MAX 24K, to tailor its approach based on the market it serves. It’s not standardized; it’s customized.
Minnie is a strong believer
in helping people understand
As a realtor, Minnie has been an active real member in numerous professional organizations including the National Association of Realtors, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors. As an active community member, Minnie is also a member of the National Council of La Raza, board member and treasurer of the Latinas in Business Foundation and member of the National Association of Female Executives.
24 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 16
Minnie holds the distinction of being selected Entrepreneur of the Year by the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2006) in addition to being recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners with its Affiliate Award in 2006. Minnie has also been named a Five Star Professional for San Diego Magazine.
estate.
Minnie is a native San Diegan and a graduate of San Diego High School, where she met her husband Luis of 30 years. Real estate and property management is a family affair. Her oldest daughter Bianca is a property manager for one the largest companies in Australia. Her youngest daughter Ciara is closer to home, working for 24K International Realty, the holding company for Minnie’s ReMax franchise. Ciara also works as a property manager/ broker for 24K Property Management.
Minnie is a strong believer in helping people understand real estate. She invites anyone who may have a question about selling, purchasing or renting to call her.
Call (619) 702-2400 or email Minnie24krealty@gmail.com.
Complete Compassionate Companion Animal Care • Full Service Medical and Surgical Facility • Focused on Your Pet’s Health • Serving the community for 13 years The Best of South County Gold Star Award
2 0 1 3
Voted Best Veterinarian in the South Bay for the Last 5 Years! Dr. Lynette Henderson and rescue kitten
Telegraph Canyon Animal Medical Center 577 Telegraph Canyon Road Chula Vista • (619) 421-1323 www.TelegraphCanyonVet.com
Family services
Personalized, one-on-one speech therapy services in the comfort of your own home. research-based bilingual therapy for children and adults. Private pay only. letitia a. stanton-aicher ms, ccc-slP
(855) 619-6191 www.LSABT.com
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 25
LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT
Rotary Club of Chula Vista
Pictured from Left to Right: David Hoffman, President; Betty Waznis, President Elect; Carmen Sandoval, Secretary; Dan Dredla, Treasurer and Eric Rimmele, Past President.
Rotary International was founded in 1906 by an attorney named Paul Harris in Chicago, Illinois. It was named after the practice of “rotating” the business meetings amongst members. The concept was to share business ideas and business itself with fair, honest and like-minded professionals. It became very successful, and clubs were soon chartered across the United States. A few years later Rotary Clubs felt a need to help their community and so began the ideal and motto of “Service Above Self.” Chartered in 1926, the Rotary Club of Chula Vista has a long tradition of supporting the Chula Vista and Bonita community. People know the name Rotary, but few understand what Rotary really does. If you look around our community, you will see its history and impact. For example, in 1960 President Dwight Eisenhower accepted an invitation from the club to speak before the delegates of the Inter-American Municipal Congress at the San Diego Country Club. In most recent years the club pledged $20,000 a year for five years to help rebuild Memorial Park on Third Avenue. You may know a high school senior who has received a Joe Rindone Scholarship. Perhaps your child in the Chula Vista Elementary School District has participated in the “Four Way Test” speech contest. The Four Way Test is the moral code members of the Rotary live by. The four questions are: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
26 O U R HOMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 16
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista has also created longstanding community projects. Most notable is the annual bike assembly and giveaway, now in its 37th year. Rotary members are advocates for youth like LEAD (Leadership, Ethics And Determination) for 8th graders, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) for 11th graders and Model UN, a mock United Nations assembly for high school student who learn to deal with an international crisis and conflict resolution. By the way, did you know that in the early formation of the United Nations some members were Rotarians? In the past few years the Rotary Club of Chula Vista has hosted an annual fundraiser called OktoberFiesta. It is part Oktoberfest and part Mariachi Fiesta. Most of the funds raised stay in the Chula Vista area, and some support a housebuilding project in Mexico or projects for providing fresh water in the Philippines. On a global scale, Rotary clubs around the world all support the effort to eradicate polio. Through numerous partnerships and funding, over one billion dollars has been raised over the past 30 years towards this effort, and now new polio cases are down to just one country, Afghanistan. It is estimated that we may live in a poliofree world by 2020. If you’d like to learn more about the Rotary Club of Chula Vista, ask a member or go online to www. chulavistarotary.org.
The EEF invites you to the Friday, 1/22/16, 6-9PM The Venue at EastLake
871 Showroom Place, Chula Vista, CA 91914
Presenting Sponsor: The adrian & Betsy Gonzalez Foundation Gold Sponsors: Team Legg/Manalo Realty, EastLake Villiage Marketplace, a&S Flooring, Manalo Realty, Movement Mortgage Silver Sponsor: US Bank Supporters: The Venue at EastLake Evans Digital Photography, adorable Baby Photography
Tickets: $50 Per Person
No Ticket Sales at the Door, 21 & Over Only Guests will enjoy fantastic food and drinks from restaurants, wineries, breweries, and spirit purveyors. Also, live music and a fabulous live/silent auction. It will be a night to remember with many of Chula Vista’s local leaders, business owners and educators.
TickETS ON SaLE NOw! Visit www.eefkids.org or Call 619.997.6470
Vendors: Bay Bridge Brewing Caesars Tijuana Restaurante Bar Chef Mario Medina, Berninis Bistro Filippis Pizza Grotto Chef Martin San Roman, Dobsons Bar & Restaurant Chef Carlos S. Cervantes, Paellas Villa de Cervantes Ono’s Cafe Giggling Goodies by Risa L&L Hawaiian BBQ- El Cajon Luna Grill Maness Vineyards & Casi Cielo Farm & Winery NOVO Brazil Brewing Company Organo Gold PRP Wine International Quigley Fine Wines Savoie St. Petersburg Vodka Stone Brewing Company Trader Joes Via Lago Trattoria
...Plus more to come! we look forward to seeing you there.