C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA
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JANUARY 2017
Embrace
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: CYT SAN DIEGO LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: CHULA VISTA CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER Happy 2017! To kick off the new year, I had the pleasure of writing the January feature story. It’s about embracing the qualities
16
Embrace
that will help you become the person you want to be. When I began writing the feature, the first thing I did was google the word “embrace.” To my surprise, I learned that dozens of organizations and businesses use the word “embrace”
J A N U A RY 2 0 17
04 BRAVO Announcements
06 NEWS On your Doorstep
14 SCHOOL NEWS Students Introduced to Computer Science
in their titles and as product names: Infant Warmer, Embrace Earmount
16 FEATURE
Lavalier Microphone, Embrace Scar
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance, Embrace
Therapy, Healing Embrace—even Embrace Home Loans! There are both an English band and an American band named Embrace, a documentary, and at least seven books by that title.
20 ON TOPIC Silent Voices
sure you’ve also heard the phrases:
23 CALENDAR
“Embrace the day. Embrace the
Out & About
“Embrace” is a popular word! I’m
journey. Embrace life with every
and variety of word art that
24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
represent these are immense.
CYT San Diego
It’s clear to me that we can choose
26 LOCAL ORGANIZATION
breath. Embrace failure. Embrace change.” The number of images
to embrace anything. I encourage you to embrace your loved ones and to check out the feature to see how you can embrace the life you’d like in 2017.
Chula Vista Charitable Foundation
—AMBER WEBER, editor OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
Andy Cruz, December Citizen of the Month.
› To ANDY CRUZ, Citizen of the Month for December 2016. Born and raised in Bonita, Andy is a local business owner and founder of Ninety-Ten Brand, a local apparel company. Andy’s personal mission is to donate $1 billion in his lifetime by giving back 90% of his company’s profits and products to the poor and victims of injustice. He uses Ninety-Ten Brand as a catalyst to help other nonprofit organizations in the community. To date, NinetyTen Brand has given $25,000 in monetary and physical contributions towards nonprofits. He has worked with numerous organizations including the San Diego Rescue Mission and the Bilateral Safety Coalition Corridor, an organization that works to combat human trafficking. Councilmember John McCann recognized him as Citizen of the Month because of his willingness to help the community.
› To the 14 local, high school student delegates from the SOUTH BAY
FAMILY YMCA’S YOUTH & GOVERNMENT MODEL LEGISLATURE AND COURT PROGRAM. 4 O U R H OMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 17
. . . great things happening in our community
South Bay Family YMCA's Youth & Government Model Legislature and Court Program delegates.
The students from Bonita, Eastlake, High Tech, Olympian, Otay Ranch, and Southwest high schools held their annual Bill Hearing Night and Showcase at Chula Vista City Council Chambers on December 5. Delegates debated two bills to bring to the state’s capitol. Bills in discussion included AB 178, making standardized testing such as the SAT or ACT obsolete in state colleges’ admissions processes, and AB 2283, which proposes the state and local election process change to a ranked system. Mayor Mary Casillas Salas gave a special address and awarded the delegates for their civic engagement. A panel comprised of Supervisor Greg Cox, Superintendent Dr. Karen Janney, Senior District Representative Raquel M. Maden, Deputy Mayor Steve Miesen, and President and CEO of National City Chamber of Commerce Jacqueline L. Reynoso gave the delegates feedback on the bills and debates. The YMCA’s program cultivates interest in politics, government, media and the legislative process by providing scenarios where youth can apply the
knowledge they have acquired in the program. For more information about the YMCA’s Youth & Government Model Legislature and Court program, contact Maria Masis, Teen Program Director, at mmasis@ymca.org.
› To the Otay Water District Board members inducted on December 7: HECTOR GASTELUM (Division 4), MARK ROBAK (Division 5) and MITCH THOMSON (District 2). The Board also elected new officers for next year, including President MARK ROBAK, Vice President TIM SMITH (Division 1) and Treasurer MITCH THOMPSON. Mark has served on the District’s Board for 12 years; his election as president follows one year of Board leadership under Mitch Thompson. “Otay Water District serves a vital function of providing high value water and wastewater services to its customers, and I’m proud to be a part its leadership,” said Mark. “Our District continues to provide services at affordable rates and has a reputation for outstanding customer service. I plan to continue
on this path, and our customers should expect no less than my 100 percent commitment in my new role as president.” The five-member Board of Directors is the governing body of the District and is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, adopting the annual budget and other matters related to the management and operation of the water agency. Each director is elected by voters within one of five divisions to represent the public's interest on the Board. Directors serve four-year terms in office. Following the Oath of Office and vote of officers by the Board at its meeting, each of the directors immediately assumed all powers and duties of a member and/ or officer of the Board of Directors.
› To the 106 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WHO ATTENDED THE ANNUAL BIKE ASSEMBLY on November 29 and helped assemble 319, 20-inch bikes. This event is the longest running community service project
SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS! Email editor@ourhometownmag.com prior to the
5th of the month and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.
Drew Kohler, Chula Vista Kiwanis President; Tonie Andrade, Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake President and Betty Waznis, Rotary Club of Chula Vista President at the annual bike assembly.
of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista. For the past decade the Chula Vista Kiwanis and most recently the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake have joined in making it possible to give away the bikes and helmets to 12 local organizations. This year the organizations are Ronald McDonald House, Bonita Rotary, Chula Vista Public Library, Bonita Kiwanis, Border View YMCA, South Bay YMCA, Chula Vista Community Collaborative, South Bay Community Services, Sharp Hospital, Chula Vista Kiwanis, Boys and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army. Special thanks go to The Venue at Eastlake and Mike Vogt with The District at Eastlake for donating space for the assembly and storage of the bikes. Mike Vogt also donated the beverages along with Mark and Stacey Scott with Encore Realty Inc., who donated 20 pizzas with a 20% discount from Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. In addition Steve Miesen with Republic Waste donated the dumpsters for both trash and recyclables. Helmets were made possible by a generous discount from Pacific Cycle. All this was made possible by grants from County Supervisor Greg Cox, County of San Diego Employees Union, and the Chula Vista Rotary Clubs.
CVESD students praised for academic performance.
› To the CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVESD) and 56 of its students for their academic performance in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, the state online tests that replaced paper-based ones. New assessments in English/Language Arts and Mathematics are aligned to California’s more challenging academic standards. At its December 14 meeting, the Board of Education recognized 56 amazing students who achieved the highest score possible in both subjects during testing last spring. Last year, there were 33 such students. Districtwide, 280 students attained the highest score possible in English/Language Arts, and 139 in Mathematics. Five students in grade five and two students in grade eight received the highest score possible in science. Board President Francisco Tamayo praised the hard work of students and their teachers in mastering the more rigorous standards.
› To STARLIGHT PARADE WINNERS from the December 3 event.
Best Marching Band: 1st Place - Eastlake High School Tritan Regiment 2nd Place - Bonita High School Club Blue 3rd Place - Morse High School
PUBLISHED BY:
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
AMBER WEBER, Editor
Best Representation of a Holiday Theme: St. Rosa of Lima Catholic Church Most Creative: Night Before Christmas Boy Scouts Club 151
MELISSA MONROY, Design
Best Use of Lights: FIAT group, St. Rose of Lima Glee Best Community Entry: Chula Vista Elementary School District Safety Patrol
ASHLYN O'HARA, Intern
Best Car Club: South Bay Cruisers Car Club Most Enthusiastic Entry: Olympian High School
Advertising inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com.
Best Dance: Neisha's Dance & Music Academy
Editorial Contributions: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag. com.
Best Starlight Spirit: Girl Scouts Chula Vista Service Unit 662 Best Military Entry: Military Order of the Purple Heart and Ladies Auxiliary
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 OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5 to refuse advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.
NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
Chula Vista City Manager Announces New Police Chief
Chula Vista City Manager Gary Halbert has announced that Captain Roxana Kennedy will be appointed the 24th Chief of Police for the City. Kennedy is the City’s first female Chief of Police. She replaces retiring Chief David Bejarano. “I am grateful for Chief Bejarano’s years of outstanding service and leadership,” said Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “He is leaving the Police Department in good hands with Captain Roxana Kennedy. Her management of our police officers, implementing innovative initiatives, and advancing a culture of excellence will continue the City’s commitment to strong and safe communities.” Captain Kennedy currently oversees the Patrol Operations Division of the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) and was Second in Command. The Patrol Division is the largest division in the police department and is composed of 67 percent of all sworn personnel. Kennedy oversees Patrol, Traffic, School Resource Officers, Street Team and Gang Suppression
Unit, Community Policing Unit, Community Relations and Crime Analysis. In addition, this Division also includes canine units, Senior Volunteer Patrol, the Reserve Unit, Crisis Negotiations, SWAT, Mobile Field Force, bilingual services, and mental health assistance in coordination with the Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams. “I am honored to finish my law enforcement career in Chula Vista,” said Police Chief David Bejarano. “Captain Kennedy is the ideal person to lead this department forward as we work together to maintain safe neighborhoods, advance technology to fight crime, and serve the community through collaboration.” As an officer, Kennedy established a reputation for an outstanding work ethic, professionalism, commitment to the community, and dedication to the job. Her passion for police work and providing the highest quality of service to the community quickly propelled her through the ranks to become Chula Vista’s first female Police Lieutenant and then in 2013, Police Captain. Kennedy has worked various assignments throughout her career. She served on both the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Mobile Field Force Unit for 22 years, including 12 years as the Unit Commander for each team. In addition, Kennedy directs an active Wellness/ Peer Support Team for the Department. Kennedy has a bachelor’s degree in business management from California Coast University. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class #243 and serves on the FBI National California Chapter Board of Directors. She also serves as the President of the San Diego Chapter of Woman Leaders in Law Enforcement and volunteers with Project Compassion and Athletes for Education.
The new Chief was sworn in on December 30, 2016. 6 OU R H OMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 17
On your Doorstep
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OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7
On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Voters Approve Measure P Unofficial results show 67% approval for half-cent sales tax
Chula Vista voters have approved a temporary, 10-year, half-cent sales tax to fund high priority infrastructure needs. Collection of the sales tax will begin April 1. The sales tax is projected to raise a total of $165 million which will be used to upgrade police, paramedic and 9-1-1 equipment, vehicles and facilities; fund streets and sidewalks; replace storm drains to prevent sinkholes; improve parks; repair recreation facilities; and repair or replace other City infrastructure. In the coming weeks, the City Council will approve the financing plan to begin implementing infrastructure upgrades and repairs; take action to establish the Citizens Oversight Committee; and authorize the implementation process for funding infrastructure needs as outlined in the Intended Infrastructure, Facilities and Equipment Expenditure Plan. The plan was approved by the City Council as part of the action to place the temporary sales tax measure on the November ballot. The age of “big data” has enabled the City to inventory and track individual assets, assess their condition and criticality, which provides the ability to make data-driven decisions to prioritize use of the sales tax resources in a transparent fashion. Criticality takes into account the probability of failure and the consequence of failure of the asset. For example, failure of a fire truck to arrive in a timely fashion to an incident will score much higher than a graffiti tag on a City building. The sales tax revenues generated over the 10-year timeframe could address all infrastructure assets designated with the highest probability of failure which, if not addressed, could result in significant impact to public safety response or availability of highly used community infrastructure. Measure P was supported by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, the Association of General Contractors– San Diego Chapter, and local public safety, business and community leaders. For more information on Chula Vista infrastructure and the Intended Infrastructure, Facilities and Equipment Expenditure Plan, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/infrastructure. 8 OU R H OMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 17
On your Doorstep
Top 6 Reasons to Participate
IN SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK
San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW) kicks off the new year with food, fun, and memories January 15 to 22. Now in its 13th year of bringing people together to dine out, reconnect, and indulge, restaurants will participate across every neighborhood in San Diego County. Here are six reasons to visit a participating restaurant this year.
1. Variety is the spice of life. Over 180 restaurants will be dishing out scrumptious, three-course dinners and twocourse lunches for only one week. From Thai cuisine to Indian, American, Italian, French, and more, restaurants offer the opportunity to enjoy a variety of foods that fit within any budget.
Take a walk on the wild side and let our chefs expand your culinary palate with their creative offerings.
6. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of scrumptious Girl Scout cookies and the arrival of girl scouting in San Diego. Chefs are creating new menu items featuring the beloved treat, including Samoas crusted fried shrimp and Do-si-dos peanut Thai chicken.
Dinner will be served as a threecourse, prix-fixe menu for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and lunch will be served as a twocourse, prix-fixe menu for $10, $15 or $20 per person. Tickets are not necessary, but reservations are recommended.
Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information, including a list of participating restaurants, or to make your reservations in advance.
2. Make time to reconnect. The only thing that makes a delicious meal better is sharing it with the special people in your life. SDRW is the perfect time to catch up with your family, friends, and loved ones after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
3. Shake up your routine. Take a break from your usual shopping, prepping, and cooking. Say goodbye to washing dishes for the night and enjoy the comfort of exceptional service and well prepared food at your fingertips.
4. You can’t miss the foodie event of the year. SDRW features the most delectable menu options for a foodie’s paradise. There’s no better time to kick off a year of delicious dining than at SDRW!
5. Try everything once. Although it may not be possible to try all 180 restaurants, SDRW invites you to try something new at least once during SDRW. OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9
On your Doorstep
There’s No Business Like Show Business
Several of Chula Vista’s youth are making it big in show biz. One is on Broadway, another is on a hit TV show, and yet another is off to a professional ballet company. CAMREN BICONDOVA plays the role of young Selina Kyle/Catwoman on the Fox Television series Gotham. Before she was well known, she lived here in Chula Vista. She started her dance lessons at age six, taking ballet, jazz, hip hop, and tap at Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy (NDMA). She even joined the dance team, performing all over the community. “Camren had the ‘It’ factor,” says NDMA studio owner Neisha Hernandez. “Combine her charisma and her talent with her work ethic and there was no stopping her. We are so happy for her great success!” JASMINE YATES is another homegrown talent. She started ballet and tap lessons when she was just a toddler. Ballet stole her heart, and she quickly stole audiences’ in her performances with the Chula Vista Ballet. When she graduated high school, she received a full scholarship to the prestigious Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York City. Jasmine returned to Chula Vista this November to dance in The Nutcracker with the Chula Vista Ballet. She was dazzling to watch and filled Chula Vista audiences with pride! NICO DEJESUS has spent the last two years touring the United States and Canada as Romeo in Newsies. Like these other two locals, this musical theater success got his start in dance by taking lessons at Neisha’s. He was about eight years old when he began to take hip-hop. “Nico was a natural,” says Neisha. “When he dances, people can’t help but smile. His energy is contagious and you just feel happy!” Nico just returned home for the holidays before heading back to New York City. While here, he taught several master classes to the next generation of dancers at Neisha’s. Chula Vista has a diverse culture, creating the perfect atmosphere for the arts to thrive. If you are ready to explore the arts for your own enrichment or perhaps with the hope of someday putting your own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy is an option for your first dance steps. NDMA encourages kids to lead inspired lives, on stage or off.
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On your Doorstep
Counter clockwise (top to bottom): Camren Bicondova, Nico DeJusus and Jasmine Yates.
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11
On your Doorstep
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12 OU R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 17
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On your Doorstep
Apply to Serve on a City of Chula Vista Board or Commission
The City of Chula Vista has more than 140 commissioners serving on 20 boards and commissions. Residents volunteer to consider issues regarding historic preservation, growth management, planning and development, recreation, cultural arts, sustainability, healthy communities, youth issues and more. Boards and commissions provide an important civic engagement opportunity for citizens to participate in City of Chula Vista government processes. Their activities help shape and influence public policy, provide opportunities for public input in various stages of the decision making process, City of Chula Vista Boards and provide diverse and Commissions community input for Board of Appeals and Advisors the City Council to Board of Ethics consider. Board of Library Trustees Charter Review Commission Citizens Oversight Committee Civil Service Commission Commission on Aging Cultural Arts Commission Growth Management Oversight Commission Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission Historic Preservation Commission Housing Advisory Commission International Friendship Commission Mobilehome Rent Review Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Planning Commission Safety Commission Sustainability Commission Veterans Advisory Commission Youth Action Council
Chula Vista residents are encouraged to apply for a board or commission. These are voluntary positions, and members must reside in Chula Vista as a registered voter (except for the Youth Council where members can be under the age of 18). Currently, there are several Boards and Commissions with vacancies including the Cultural Arts Commission and the Veterans Advisory Commission.
The COC will be composed of 16 members. Eleven of the COC members will be nominated, apply and serve as “designated members.” Designated members will be nominated by local organizations and individuals such as the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Chula Vista Youth Sports Council, Chula Vista Growth Management Oversight Commission, and the Chula Vista Police and Fire Chiefs. The remaining five members will be “at-large members” selected from a pool of applicants who apply directly to the City. The City Council will interview and appoint each of the 16 members. The application period ends on February 2. For more information on the COC, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/ MeasureP.
Serving on a board, commission or committee is a great opportunity to give back to the community, be involved in local issues, and contribute to the decision-making process. For more information and to apply, visit http://bit.ly/1JClVSE.
The newest commission to be established is the Measure P Citizens Oversight Committee (COC). The COC has been created to review proposed expenditure plans and all audits related to funds received pursuant to the temporary half-cent sales tax for infrastructure that was approved by voters in November 2016. Applications are now being accepted for the COC.
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13
SCHOOL
/ News
Local Schools Introduce Students to Computer Science
Schools across the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) recently participated in one of the largest learning events in history: the "Hour of Code" during Computer Science Education Week.
Fourth grade students at Olympic View Elementary use their mobile devices to demonstrate how they programmed characters in video games to fly, jump or do other activities.
Hour of Code is a movement to encourage students to experience at least one hour of coding. Code is the language you type into a computer to tell it what to do. In CVESD, the goal initially was to attract more than 200 classrooms and 5,000 students to participate. The event turned out to be so popular that more than 12,000 CVESD students participated in coding activities in early December.
"The Hour of Code connected our campuses to our goal of ensuring that all students engage in relevant, motivating, personalized learning experiences that integrate the use of technology," said Antwon Lincoln, CVESD Instructional Technology and Media Coordinator. "Hour of Code is a fun and exciting way to connect students to what are known in education circles as the Four Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity." Technology is transforming every industry. In 2015, seven million job openings in the U.S. were in occupations—including art and design—that value coding skills. But 75 percent of schools in the U.S. don't teach computer science. Hour of Code organizers noted that regardless of what our students do when they grow up, whether they go into medicine, business, politics, or the arts—knowing how to build technology will give them confidence and a competitive edge. Learning programming at such a young age can give CVESD students a head-start on the path to high-wage careers. At Olympic View Elementary, all students in grades K-6 took part in the Hour of Code, participating in activities tailored to their respective grade levels. Fourth grade students in teacher Victoria Wiseman's class learned to code video games. Some students became so transfixed in their respective projects that they didn’t even want to stop for recess. "They're very excited," Wiseman said. "My goal is to help them in their future careers be prepared to do something like this. It does not matter what the career field is, they all use computers. They all need computer programmers, from agriculture to energy to medicine." And that's the point, say officials at Code.org, a 501(c)3 public non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science. The organization's vision is for every student in every school to have the opportunity to learn computer programming. After launching in 2013, Code.org organized the Hour of Code campaign– which has introduced over 100 million students to computer science to date–and partnered with more than 70 public school districts nationwide to expand computer science programs.
14 OU R HOMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 17
Embrace
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
FostLoervieng
Embrace by Amber Weber
Another new year is here.
As you
reflect on last year and plan for 2017, I ask you to consider the word “embrace.” Now, this word is not one of my favorites; I find it to be rather duplicitous. For example, someone who is aging might embrace the times by coloring her graying hair instead of resisting a turn-back-time amenity. But someone else might embrace aging by no longer
=
coloring her hair and believing that her beauty comes from within. In another example, someone who has had a complacent year might embrace risk and push himself to try new experiences or visit a foreign country. Yet, someone else might say he’s had enough risk in his life and choose to embrace security and stability.
16 OU R HOMETOWN • J ANUAR Y 2 0 17
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you [to be] a better man.
In each of these cases, and many more, we can “embrace” just about anything. So what are we supposed to embrace in the new year? I believe the answer, like many, to be “it depends.” Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you [to be] a better man.” See, it depends on who you want to be. So who are you? That is the first step in choosing to embrace anything. The second step is answering the question, “Who do you want to be?” From there, you can determine the choices that take you from the first answer to the second.
Embrace
...Our Country. November 2016 brought unprecedented election results.
election results or relieved by them, consider joining a future
Billionaire Trump defeated politician Clinton. Rather than dwell
political campaign. Make your voice heard when it matters,
on this victory or defeat (since it is both), think about the fact
and stand behind your beliefs. In fact, you might consider
that millions of Americans are grateful that a non-politician,
applying for one of Chula Vista’s boards and commissions.
Republican will be in the
They’re “by the people, for
White House.
And that
the people.” Most terms are
millions more have taken
four years, and you need
Trump’s
to be registered to vote in
election
as
a
personal loss because a nonpolitician, Republican has won. These Americans with differing views don’t just
Be kind to those who dif er from you.
live across the country from each other. They live in the same states, the same cities,
-
and sometimes the same families. So what should you embrace?
Chula Vista to be eligible. Boards and commissions include advising the city on
veterans,
housing,
--
ethics, aging, and many more relevant topics.
But don’t stop there. You’re also a human being. Be kind to those who differ from you. Practice patience and tolerance. Respect the
Embrace being an American. As a citizen who lives in this
governmental systems that were put in place by our forefathers,
country, you have the right to vote, the right to hold an opinion,
and respect those who don’t share your opinion. After all, who’s
and the right to voice that opinion. Whether you are angry at the
to say that you’re right and they’re wrong?
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 17
FostLoervieng
=
...A Cause.
-
As you consider who you are and who you want to be, ask yourself what you care about. Where do you invest your time when you aren’t at work, and what are your interests? You might consider taking on a
cause, whether it is political or community-focused. If you love children, become a volunteer tutor with Oasis. If you have a heart for the homeless, check out
...New Opportunities.
the Sister Dolores Social Outreach Program. You could support, either through volunteering or financially supporting, the library, police or fire departments, EastLake Educational Foundation, Scripps Mercy
A common theme of a new year is setting a resolution—
Hospital Chula Vista, a veteran’s club and more. The
resolving to make a change. Often this change is about losing
list doesn’t stop.
weight, but it may be about spending more time with a spouse or child, improving a home, or learning a new skill. Again,
Becoming a member of the Chula Vista Charitable
the list could go on. The point is that opportunities surround
Foundation is another way to support a cause,
us, and change is inevitable. John F. Kennedy wrote,
especially if you’re not sure which specific one
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past
you’d like to support. An affiliate of the San Diego
or present are certain to miss the future.”
Foundation, the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation’s purpose is “to increase charitable giving by and for the
Again, who are you? You are probably not the same person
benefit of all who live and work in Chula Vista; build
you were 10 years ago. You have probably met a snag or two
a Chula Vista community endowment to provide
along your life journey as well as unexpected joy. It’s possible
funding annually to Chula Vista organizations and
that you made both poor decisions and wise ones. Hopefully
causes; and give Chula Vista community members a
you learned from them.
vehicle for legacy planning and gifts that will benefit Chula Vista, now and forever.” Half of all membership
Fear often holds people back from change, and sometimes
dues go directly into grantmaking efforts, and the
change involves taking risks. You may be considering a career
other half go into a permanent endowment to sustain
change but are worried about whether it’s the right next step.
future efforts for the Chula Vista community.
Or you may desire to learn a musical instrument but secretly wonder if you’ll be any good at it. Seek advice from others,
As a member, you’ll be able to vote for the grant
equip yourself with the tools necessary to succeed, and believe
applications you think should be funded plus have
in yourself. On a personal note, I never would have become
the opportunity to get involved at a leadership level.
the editor of this magazine if I hadn’t moved across the country
Winston Churchill said, “You make a living by what
to California. Change begets new opportunities, and new
you get. You make a life by what you give.” You just
opportunities can bring exciting advancements to work or
need to decide what that will be and embrace it.
home life.
18 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 17
Embrace ...A Healthier Lifestyle. In 2016, the City of Chula Vista announced its Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan, which includes seven focus areas to address the impact that our air, water and surroundings have on our ability to live healthier lives. The Plan recognizes that some government actions, such as where we plan to build freeways and industrial uses, can poorly impact air quality in some neighborhoods. But it also knows that people make decisions that directly impact their health. One of the simplest, most straightforward answers to the question of “Who are you?” is that you are a body, mind, and soul. To lose weight, everybody knows the trick is to exercise more and eat less. But being healthy is more than that. Consider embracing a healthier lifestyle by planting a backyard garden, starting a home compost, enrolling in a Chula Vista home audit, planting a tree, disposing of hazardous waste
Embrace
yourself.
safely, or taking a walk around your neighborhood while picking up trash. The City’s action plan and programs that address the strategies in it are available at www.chulavistaca.gov/clean. To improve your mind, one of the best places to embrace knowledge is the
Last, as you enter the new year, consider embracing yourself, in whatever mental, emotional,
public library. The Chula Vista Public Library offers traditional knowledge in the pages of books, but also new ways to learn through computer access,
physical, or financial state you’re
downloadable e-books and magazines, and Chromebook checkout. If you
in. You know yourself best, but you’ll
have a library card, you can even check out free passes to the San Diego Museum of Man, Living Coast Discovery Center, and the New Children’s Museum. And, students can sign up for a tutor.com account to access homework help.
be your best when you’re “at war with your vices and at peace with your neighbors.” Whether you
“How’s your heart?” This is a question my dad would ask me as a young adult, on the drive from the airport to my parents’ home when I would visit. He didn’t mean if I were exercising regularly. He meant, How’s
are young, old, rich, poor, single or married, be honest about who you
my soul? Am I fulfilled? Am I living in a manner that honors God? EastlakeDirectory.Blogspot.com lists over 60 churches and places of wor-
are, right now, and embrace it. Only
ship in the Chula Vista community. Embrace having a healthier soul,
you can set your path toward the
whether it’s by visiting a local church or a nearby yoga studio, finding a quiet place to pray or meditate, or taking walks along our beaches or trails
person you want to be.
to wonder in the beauty of our world.
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 19
ON TOPIC Silent Voices Offers Encouragement to Women in the New Year by Sharon Pearce, Executive Director of Silent Voices
The new year is always a good time to look back, evaluate where we've been, and think about where we'd like to go. Sometimes, though, our past choices have a way of holding on, no matter how hard we try to move on and "get on" with our lives. Perhaps a bad relationship still has us in its grip. Maybe the person is gone, but the emotional damage done replays in our minds, making it difficult to feel "safe" with someone new, someone better. Or that relationship pushed us into something we deeply regret—maybe an abortion—and we haven't quite figured out how to let ourselves off the hook for what we've done.
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We can try to forget, for years, but that regret can poison everything good that comes along. We yearn for a fresh start, a new beginning. While the past can't be undone, we can learn new ways of looking at it and learn how to forgive ourselves and others. We can also choose to embrace the new life we're offered—if we're brave enough to stop pretending—and start the healing process. Some things are so painful that we try to bury them beyond memory. I've learned from my own experience that no matter how deep I buried my pain, it always found a way out, and I was in a constant state of anxiety and fear. When I finally
stopped and faced the pain (and its cause), I was able to move beyond it and into freedom. My staff and I are passionate about helping other women find that same freedom in a safe, nurturing environment. Silent Voices is a faith-based non-profit organization with over 30 years of experience. We offer free pregnancy tests, counseling and support, and education about pregnancy and abortion. We can help you sort out what's going on—help you face your pain—and walk with you as you rediscover a truly wonderful person: the real you. For more information, call us at (619) 422-0757 or email svoices@ pacbell.net.
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On your Doorstep
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 21
22 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 17
OUT & ABOUT
JANUARY 01
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SAVE THE DATE
HAPPY NEW YEAR
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE #MLKDAY
TASTE OF EASTLAKE
02/10
@ 6 – 9 p.m. @ The Venue at Eastlake, 871 Showroom Place in Chula Vista. Enjoy fantastic food, wine, brews and spirits with many of Chula Vista’s local leaders, business owners and educators. The event will raise funding and celebrate 22 years of the EEF’s providing vital technology funding to our local public schools. Tickets $50/person. To purchase, visit www. eefkids.org. For more info, contact Christopher Tobin at (619) 997-6470.
CHULA VISTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTALLATION DINNER & DANCE @ 6 – 11 p.m. @
06-29 PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM @ Onstage Playhouse, 291 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista. Enjoy Woody Allen’s classic romantic comedy Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets $17-$23. Call (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or visit www.onstageplayhouse.com.
What is the MLK Day of Service?
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Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on MLK Day to serve their neighbors and communities.
CHULA VISTA CHAMBER MIXER @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mix, mingle, and meet future business partners. $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Hosted by Eastlake Speed Circuit, 881 Showroom Place #101 in Chula Vista. For more info or to RSVP, call Marlene Polansky at (619) 424-8000 or email mpolansky@copylink.net.
15-22 SAN DIEGO 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.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"
The MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. Volunteer opportunities can be found at www.serve.gov.
Bonita Golf Club, 5540 Sweetwater Road in Bonita. Congratulate former officers and welcome in officers and board members for 2017. RSVP on or before January 27. For more info, call (619) 420-6603 or email info@ chulavistachamber.org. 02/11 INAUGURAL STATE OF THE DISTRICT @ 10 a.m.
– noon. @ Montgomery High School, 3250 Palm Ave in San Diego.
EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION every Monday @ Eastlake Tavern & Bowl, Eastlake; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; www. ebanetworking.com.
FARMER’S MARKET Thursdays @ Third Avenue Village Association (Third Ave. & Center St.); 3-7 p.m.
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PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 23
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
CYT San Diego
San Diego Christian High School teachers, Paul and Sheryl Russell, had a vision to provide an opportunity for amateur actors to perform in San Diego community productions. This vision was realized when they formed Christian Community Theater (CCT) in 1980. CCT’s first show, The Sound of Music, was built in the Russell’s garage and performed atop beautiful Mt. Helix in La Mesa. This production was so well received that one year later parents asked the Russells to consider starting an after-school theater arts program for their children. This request was the catalyst for Christian Youth Theater (CYT), which originated in El Cajon with only 24 students. It has grown to be the largest children’s theater organization in the country, serving more than 24 cities and enrolling 16,000 students annually. CYT San Diego continues as a local nonprofit organization now best known for providing after-school theater arts training for students ages four to 18 as well as for its quality, family-friendly musical theater productions. Its local presence has grown beyond El Cajon so that families may have CYT closer to their neighborhoods. Programs opened in Escondido in 1986 and South County in 1987. Other areas soon followed, and now CYT San Diego is located in six areas around the county with an annual enrollment of more than 4,000 students who take classes, participate in shows and attend summer theater camps. 24 O U R HOMETOWN • JANUA R Y 2 0 17
CYT prides itself in being more than a theater arts training organization. CYT is different—its vision to build character in children and adults is achieved through programming that places the maximum worth on people, provides Godly role models, and involves and supports the family unit. Because of these unique aspects, CYT has coined the phrase, “The CYT Difference.” This difference impacts children and families throughout the region and beyond. One student sums up this difference when she shares, “After struggling with school, I go to CYT to get my joy. In CYT I am loved and accepted and my learning differences don’t exist. I can stand out for what I do well instead of standing out for my challenges.” Parents also experience the difference as one expresses, “CYT has given my family a place where we can do the things we love to do, and be together…It has even brought us closer.” Multiple studies have shown that study of the arts contributes to student achievement and success in school and beyond. In addition, experience with CYT provides valuable life skills and relationships to last a lifetime. That’s the difference! To learn more about CYT San Diego, visit cytsandiego.org.
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OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 25
LOCAL ORGANIZATION
Chula Vista Charitable Foundation
LEFT TO RIGHT: RICK RICHARDSON, LISA MOCTEZUMA, MICHAEL DE LA ROSA, DEBBIE ESPE, GLEN GOOGINS, ZANETA ENCARNACION, MORA DE MURGUIA AND SUSANA VILLEGAS
By Susana Villegas For many non-profits in Chula Vista, the new year ushers in a new time of charitable giving by the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation (CVCF). CVCF is one of nine, local, affiliate foundations established through the San Diego Foundation to promote philanthropy and civic engagement led by local community leaders. With over 100 members, the all-volunteer CVCF raises funds from individuals, local businesses, and corporations that have one thing in common–they all want to give back to Chula Vista. CVCF is currently accepting proposals for its seventh annual grant cycle through 5:00 p.m. on January 9, 2017. In 2016, CVCF gave a total of $44,945 to three nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping foster children, preventing domestic abuse, and fighting childhood hunger. CVCF was proud to support the Brighter Futures for Foster Children program at Voices for Children, the Domestic Violence Prevention Workshops with Amigas Punto Com, and the Feeding Kids Initiative of Feeding America San Diego. These grants built on prior years of support for the Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego Audubon, the Living Coast Discovery Center, St. Rose of Lima (food outreach program), and WeSupportU.
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“As Chula Vista’s communities continue to grow, we cannot forget the important role of non-profits in making our communities stronger by helping those in Chula Vista that need help,” said Debbie Espe, new CVCF Board Chair. “We thank the donors and members of CVCF who believe in supporting the work of the non-profit community, and we welcome new members to CVCF to support our non-profits. Contributions to CVCF of all sizes, by those who give to charity regularly and by those that are new to charitable giving, are welcomed.” This year, CVCF invites non-profit organizations and agencies to submit proposals in the range of $5,000 to $50,000 that support the educational development and physical and mental well-being of youth in Chula Vista. Those proposals can be in any number of areas, including early education, healthcare, recreation, the arts, and food security. Application and grant guidelines are available online at www.sdfoundation.org/ programs/regional-affiliates/chula-vista/. For more information about CVCF, visit www.facebook. com/ChulaVistaCF.