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MAY 2017
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: HEALTHY CHULA VISTA ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THE COMMISSION ON AGING
Honoring Those Who Served
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER Memorial Day is a time of reflection, of sorrow, and of joy. I reflect on why my brother is an active-duty serviceman, willing to be stationed around the world despite having a wife and daughter to care for. Why my dad dedicated years in the Air Force Reserves. Why seven—seven—of my
M AY 2 0 17
04 BRAVO Announcements
06 NEWS On your Doorstep
cousins are, or have served, in the military. My sorrow is from the pain that my fatherin-law brought back from Vietnam, that he
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never healed from. For some it’s the grief
Students Clean Up
of losing a spouse, a father, a child. And for
San Diego Bay
others, it’s the feeling of guilt for surviving when dear friends and comrades did not. The joy is knowing that I am an American. It’s knowing that people love this country enough to lay down their lives, not just for me, but for something much greater than me. For freedom. We have a responsibility to remember those who have died to protect that freedom. To paraphrase Ronald Reagan from his Memorial
A letter from CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo
16 FEATURE Honoring Those Who Served
Day speech in 1986, “We owe them the promise of not forgetting them…Peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. We also owe them a promise to look at the
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world with a steady gaze and to stay strong.”
Out & About
In Reagan’s same speech, he also said that together. Enjoy the life that our soldiers have
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made possible for us. Whether you spend
Sylvan Learning Center
Memorial Day is a time for families to be
the day at the beach, go for a hike, watch the parade, or have a cookout, remember that it’s possible because of the brave men and women who gave their lives for your freedom. May our sorrows and our joys honor them.
26 BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission and
—AMBER WEBER, editor
the Commission on Aging OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
. . . great things happening in our community
PUBLISHED BY
› To the
CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVESD) for one-third of its campuses
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
to be recently recognized as 2016 California Honor Roll schools by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE). “We are proud to recognize those schools and school districts who are succeeding in putting their students on a path of productivity that not only leads to success in the classroom, but also prepares them to contribute to and benefit from a more productive economy,” said Greg Jones, ERP and CBEE Board Chairman. “Leadership from both education and the business community is critical to linking success from one system to the next.”
AMBER WEBER, Editor
MELISSA MONROY, Design
The Honor Roll is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and highlight successful practices that improve outcomes for students. Schools receiving this distinction from leaders in the California academic and business communities have demonstrated consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement levels over time, and reduction in achievement gaps among student populations.
ASHLYN O'HARA, Intern
Advertising inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com.
The following 15 of 45 CVESD campuses received the Honor Roll distinction: Allen Elementary, Casillas Elementary, Chula Vista Hills Elementary, Clear View Elementary, EastLake Elementary, Finney Elementary, Halecrest Elementary, Hilltop Drive Elementary, Olympic View Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Rogers Elementary, Rosebank Elementary, Silver Wing Elementary, Sunnyside Elementary, and Tiffany Elementary.
Editorial Contributions: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. Visit us online at www.OurHometownMag.com. Copyright 2017. 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 4 OtoUrefuse R H OMETOWN advertising. • MAY Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.
District officials credited teachers and administrators for their focus on high expectations and continuous improvement. “We did not apply for this award. They found us!” said Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “It is a great honor to have been chosen. Our students and staff work very hard to achieve the results we have experienced in our District. The Honor Roll distinction is a credit to everyone involved in supporting our teaching and learning.”
› To the
SAN DIEGO YOUTH SYMPHONY AND CONSERVATORY (SDYS) AND THE CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVESD) for
being featured in High Notes: The Case for Music Education published by UCTV’s STEAM Channel. The video makes the case for music education and features students, administrators and academic researchers. The success of SDYS’ Community Opus Project in Chula Vista, effects of in-school music education in CVESD schools, and highlights of SDYS’ partnership with UCSD’s Center for Human Development on the SIMPHONY Study are key topics in the 17-minute video. To view, search for “High Notes” at www.uctv.tv/steam/. The video was published one month before SDYS’ annual Viva Musica community celebration, which will take place on Saturday, May 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Memorial Park, 373 Park Way in Chula Vista. The event features free concerts, vendor booths, food trucks and more. Join your community in supporting music education!
SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS! 2017
Email editor@ourhometownmag.com prior to the 15th of the month and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5
NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
Get Your Spring Plants at Great Prices
Annual Plant Sale Saturday, May 6 @ 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bonita Valley Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale is Saturday, May 6. A great selection of sun and shade plants, including perennials, herbs, vegetables, wildflowers, natives, ornamental grasses, cacti and succulents will be on sale. Garden ornaments, pots and other garden miscellany are also included. All plants are grown locally, many by club members. Southwestern and Cuyamaca College students receive scholarships from the Bonita Valley Garden Club annually from the proceeds of this popular plant sale. The sale will be held at Bonita Museum, 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita 91902 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bonita Valley Garden Club was founded in 1972 and currently has 98 members who meet at 9:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month from September through June at the Community Room of the Bonita/Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road. Meetings feature various speakers, demonstrations and refreshments. Service projects include keeping the Stephanie Rossi Trail free of debris, providing holiday decorations for veterans, participating in December Nights at Balboa Park and fundraising for scholarships. Workshops on floral design and decorations are also offered, as well as support for student gardens at local schools. Visitors are welcomed to attend meetings. For more info, visit the club’s Facebook page. 6 OU R H OMETOWN • MAY 2017
On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Hosting Two Fun Family Events on May 6
Two, fun, family events are scheduled on Saturday, May 6, in Chula Vista and offer something for everyone! Start the day off at the Ninth Annual Chula Vista Community 5K Fun Run, and then spend the afternoon at LakeFest 2017, a free festival with live bands, children’s activities, and much more. Chula Vista Community 5K Fun Run Held at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, run, walk or stroll at the Fun Run, which helps support free, after-school health and wellness programs for youth in Chula Vista. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m. After the race, there will be a community expo, silent auction, opportunity drawing, and a $5 pancake breakfast supporting the Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL). A non-profit community-based organization, CVPAL supports local less fortunate and at-risk youth. Schools, groups, clubs and businesses are encouraged to participate in the Fun Run as a team. Registration is $35 per person, $15 for ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are free. Please note that pets are not allowed at the Training Center. Registration includes your entry and a Fun Run t-shirt. For more details and registration information, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/goto/funrun. LakeFest 2017 This free, family event is set to be a rocking good time for all ages. It will take place at Mountain Hawk Park overlooking Otay Lake on May 6 from 12 to 5 p.m. With live bands, interactive fun, local eats, craft beer and festive booths, the entire family will enjoy this experience. Enjoy the view from on top of the rock wall, roll along in the battle balls, test your skills on the BMX obstacle course, or give archery a try. Peruse neighborhood businesses showcasing their wares and feed your appetite with tasty bites from local eateries and exotic food trucks. The 21 and up crowd can imbibe in samples of over 25 craft beers from local South Bay breweries including Bay Bridge Brewing, Groundswell Brewing, Thr3e Punk Ale Brewing, Novo Brazil Brewing and Resident Brewing as the craft beer industry pours into the City of Chula Vista. To purchase beer tasting tickets, visit www. readertickets.com/events/41555411/lakefest. Live music will drift from the main stage all day and boast the likes of local well-known bands. The spectacular Montell Jordans kicks off the afternoon until Sprung Monkey takes the stage. The infamous Unwritten Law rounds out the musical entertainment. For more LakeFest information, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/ LakeFest.
Photos Provided by the City of Chula Vista OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7
On your Doorstep
San Ysidro Health Center Presents
On Saturday, June 24, San Ysidro Health Center (SYHC) will present the Black, White & Bling Bash, the organization’s eighth annual fundraising gala, starting at 5 p.m. at the Hotel del Coronado. The event will honor local individuals making a positive impact by protecting and promoting the health and wellness of the community’s underserved populations and celebrate nearly five decades of service to the community by SYHC. Proceeds raised will help the organization continue to provide compassionate, high quality health services for children and seniors throughout San Diego County. The Health Champion award will be awarded to Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Senator Ben Hueso and Congressman Juan Vargas for their continuous support and collaboration with SYHC, and their tireless dedication to protect funding for vital healthcare services for San Diego County’s families that need it the most. “We wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the help of our community partners,” said Kevin Mattson, president and CEO, San Ysidro Health Center. “Our champions this year were selected because of their leadership on groundbreaking legislation, which in turn has helped protect critical funding needed to provide essential health services for families in San Diego.” SYHC was founded by seven women whose mission was to help their community find affordable and culturally-appropriate healthcare. This legacy has been passed down from generation to generation for nearly five decades. Yolanda Selene WaltherMeade and her daughter Andie Ezquerro Walther-Meade have been chosen as legacy 8 OU R H OMETOWN • MAY 20 17
On your Doorstep
Organization’s biggest fundraiser aims to raise $500,000 for health services for children and seniors
chairs, new positions this year, a mother and daughter working together to help continue the work and mission of SYHC. This year’s gala chairs also include Patricia Salas, Drs. Hamid, and Nasrin and Majid Mani, who have been also been advocates of SYHC in various capacities for many years. “My daughter Andie and I are thrilled to be working with San Ysidro Health Center to make a positive impact for the clients and patients the organization serves,” said Yolanda Selene WaltherMeade. “This is their biggest fundraiser of the year and we hope to propel the organization’s efforts and help expand its reach to the community.” Guests will have an opportunity to mingle, enjoy delectable dishes and drinks, and participate in live and silent auctions throughout the evening. Some of the best chefs from across California and Baja California will be in attendance creating unique tastings during the event’s firstever culinary showcase curated by Chef Flor Franco of Indulge Eat Drink Travel. Musical entertainment will include music by Grammy Award-nominated guitarist David Maldonado. The evening will conclude with a five-star dining experience created by John Shelton, head chef of Hotel del Coronado, paired with wines provided by Montesquieu Wines and soundscaping by legendary DJ Scott McDonald. Tickets for SYHC’s Black, White & Bling Bash are available for $500.00 per person. Tables are $5,000. Sponsorships are also available. Please contact Maggie Hannegan at Maggie.hannegan@syhc.org or visit www.syhc.org/gala for more info.
SYHC is a non-profit organization committed to providing high quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable health care services for the entire family. SYHC provides innovative care to over 92,000 patients through a vast and integrated network of 34 program sites across San Diego County.
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On your Doorstep
Support the International Back to Back Wool Challenge in Bonita
In 1811 at Newbury in Berkshire, UK, a one-thousand pound wager was made to make a coat from a sheep's back to a man's back in one day. Watched by 5,000 people (the whole town!) the coat was completed in 13 hours. The sheep was eaten with much quaffing of beer to celebrate. Today's challenge began in 1992 when Richard Snow, a young spinner in the Scottish Wool Centre at Alberfoyle in Scotland, developed thyroid cancer.
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His desire to raise funds for cancer research sparked a more recent Back to Back Challenge. It drew interest not only because of the clever wool promotion, but also as a fundraiser for cancer research. At about the same time, Australia began to have similar wool challenges. Teams formed by football clubs spun and knit scarves in their team colors. Wendy Dennis, Australian Wool Showcase member, took part
in the 1994 Fourth World Congress on Colored Sheep at York University, UK, and visited the Scottish Wool Centre. With similar competitions being held in Scotland and Australia, Wendy helped create a combined International Competition, and rules were written. By 1996, 22 teams were competing. The Guinness World Record Time is four hours, 51 minutes and 14 seconds, set in 2004 by the Merriwa Jumbucks from New South Wales, Australia.
On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Accepting Applications for Boards and Commissions
The San Diego County Spinners team has been practicing and hopes to beat their last time. On May 20, a sheep will be shorn at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center located at 4355 Bonita Road. The competition will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Arrive early to see the sheep! Lots of vendors and demonstrations as well as a children’s activity area will make this a special day for
The City of Chula Vista is currently accepting applications for volunteer positions on Boards and Commissions. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote in Chula Vista elections. Present vacancies are Board of Appeals and Advisors, Board of Ethics, Civil Service Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, and Wildlife Advisory Group. Visit the website, www.chulavistaca.gov/cityclerk, for details and application deadline (if applicable). Beginning July 1, the following Boards and Commissions will have one or more vacancies: Board of Ethics, Charter Review Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, International Friendship Commission, Mobilehome Rent Review Commission, Planning Commission, and the Sustainability Commission. The deadline to apply for these vacancies is June 1. For more information regarding the specific seats that will become available, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/cityclerk.
For more information about Boards and Commissions, please contact Leah Larrarte at (619) 476-2300.
the whole family.
This is a fundraiser for cancer research so please shop the handmade items, yarn and more at the Museum. Donations will be accepted on behalf of the Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Cancer Center. In 2016 the Spinners raised the most money for Cancer Research, and their time wasn’t too shabby either!
For more info, call (619) 2675141 or email bonitamuseum@ sbcglobal.net. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11
SCHOOL
/ News
Chula Vista Elementary Students Strive to Clean Up San Diego Bay
There were discarded tires, shoes, bottle caps, wrappers and ropes. This trash was pulled from the shores of San Diego Bay by students from Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School during a “Beautify the Bay” program at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Altogether, student groups from CVLCC pulled more than 134 pounds of trash from the bay in two days. While the students were stunned and saddened at the amount of trash, they did not want to stop cleaning up. “One student actually found the skull of an animal, probably a coyote, during the cleanup and he told me, ‘This is the most interesting day of my life,’” recalled Karen Quiros, Science Resource Teacher for the Chula Vista Elementary School District. She often hears, “This is the best day of my life!” as she leads study trips around the Living Coast. District students, such as those on the CVLCC clean-up, have access to the Coastal Education Program at the Living Coast thanks to funding from the Unified Port of San Diego. The Port awarded $12,400 to provide transportation for District students to attend the Living Coast Discovery Center between August 5, 2016 and June 30, 2017. “I feel honored to have this program chosen for this vital funding,” said Karen, who is based at the Living Coast Discovery Center. “The experience the students get by participating in a Coastal Education Program is invaluable. Many students are bursting with excitement as they start telling me about their previous experience at the Living Coast as soon as 12 OU R HOMETOWN • MAY 2 0 17
they get off the bus. The hands-on, investigational learning makes them more knowledgeable about the living world around them and inspires them to care and become active participants in the protection of it.” The Port’s Environmental Education Program has generously provided funding to the CVESD’s Coastal Education Program over the past seven years. Since January 2010 the Port’s funding has enabled 1,361 classes with over 19,700 students to participate in the Coastal Education Program. Students have been educated about the flora and fauna in and surrounding the San Diego Bay and learned how their actions have a direct effect on the health of these species. These students have increased their science content knowledge and their environmental awareness knowledge by an average of 21%. During the remainder of this current 2016-17 school year, 93 additional classes with about 2,624 students are scheduled to be funded by the Port for an exceptional educational experience. The Coastal Education Program comprises 24 hands-on transitional kindergarten-grade 8, standardsbased programs that enhance the learning of students in the content areas of life science, physical science, environmental science, social studies and earth science. There are several programs per grade level for the teachers to choose from, and all are aligned with the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. Each year over 6,000 students from CVESD attend the Coastal Education Program.
Students from Chula Vista Learning Community Charter pulled more than 134 pounds of trash from San Diego Bay in two days as part of their coastal education at the Living Coast Discovery Center. For over seven years, the Port of San Diego has provided funding for Chula Vista students to attend Living Coast.
About the Chula Vista Elementary School District
The Chula Vista Elementary School District is the largest TK-6 grade district in the state, serving 29,600 students at 45 schools. The Districts charters include middle grades; two serve high school students as well. Since 1987, CVESD has funded a full-time Science Resource Teacher who is co-located at the Living Coast Discovery Center. This enables CVESD to provide a TK-8th grade coastal education program fully integrated into the elementary education science curriculum through hands-on experiences supported by classroom lessons. About the Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center's nonprofit zoo and aquarium is uniquely situated on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, offering visitors an ideal setting in which to explore the amazing animals and plants that call our coastal region home. With a diverse collection of animal ambassadors and handson, interactive exhibits, the Living Coast inspires curiosity and exploration of the living earth in guests of all ages. Visit www. thelivingcoast.org for more info.
ï‚‚ Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!
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School News
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School News
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
Honoring Those Who
Served by Michele Briggs and Sherry Hill
photos provided by glen abbey
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On your Doorstep
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On your Doorstep
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On your Doorstep
On MEMORIAL day in 1936, a group of Thomas J. Bratcher’s veteran comrades gathered for a brief memorial service at his graveside in Willow Vale Lawn at Glen Abbey Memorial Park. This humble service was the beginning of what is now the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary. It’s a ceremony dedicated to honoring our departed veterans who gave their all to protect the American way of life. Over the years, veteran service organizations and Glen Abbey have partnered to continue this tradition of honor. These include the Chula Vista Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts since 1938, and more recently the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61 and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association. Glen Abbey has long been dedicated to recognizing the veterans of our community. “We’re honored to be the final resting place of Robert Tyce, the first American to be killed at Pearl Harbor during the attack in December of 1941,” said Rachel Vargas, General Manager of Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary. During the month of May, Glen Abbey Memorial Park will be decorated with flags and bunting throughout the grounds and at the chapels. The Saturday prior to Memorial Day, hundreds of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and their parents and Scout leaders will dedicate themselves to placing flags on more than 7,500 veterans’ graves throughout the cemetery. With two dedicated veterans’ lawns and many other veterans interred throughout the rolling hills of Glen Abbey, this makes for a spectacular patriotic site. Another breathtaking site is the Avenue of Flags that will fly along Glen Abbey Drive. Mr. Gus Hermes and his wife Gigi, longstanding members of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61 and Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association Unit 61, faithfully oversee this beautiful, annual highlight. Each of the flags is donated by family members of veterans from throughout the United States and flown in honor of those veterans. Flags donated during the past year will be presented, raised and dedicated as part of the Memorial Day program on Monday, May 29. This year’s one-hour Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on May 29 on the west lawn of Glen Abbey’s historic “Little Chapel of the Roses,” an exact scale replica of Lord Tennyson’s chapel built in Somersby, England. The ceremony is designed to pay special recognition to veterans, inspire gratitude for our freedom and the sacrifices of those who have served our nation in the armed forces, and to provide a wonderful experience for family members of all ages. This year’s special speakers will include veterans John Greene of Chula Vista and Charles Banks of Washington, D.C. “Memorial Day is one of our favorite days of the year at Glen Abbey,” said General Manager, Rachel Vargas. “It’s the one day when every employee, our local veteran service organizations, many of our Glen Abbey families and the community at large come together to celebrate and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and way of life and those who have given of themselves in military service. It is truly an event for everyone and for all ages.” Family-friendly activities will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until noon. They include crafts for children, a car show, a variety of music and Bonita High School’s Sound Unlimited. Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, along with the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61 and the other local veteran service organizations invite you and your family to celebrate this Memorial Day at Glen Abbey on Monday, May 29. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
“It’s the one day when every employee, our local veteran service organizations, many of our Glen Abbey families and the community at large come together to celebrate and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and way of life and those who have given of themselves in military service. It is truly an event for everyone and for all ages.” —Rachel Vargas, General Manager at Glen Abbey
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honoring those who served
the American Legion was founded in 1919 on the foundation of four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Post 434 Chula Vista is comprised of veterans; the Auxiliary Unit 434 and Sons of Legion Squadron 434 include family members of veterans; and American Legion Riders Chapter 434 is made up of members from one of these three groups. American Legion Post 434 Chula Vista spends each year accomplishing the missions of these four pillars as follows:
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Volunteers at Post 434 participate in the Veteran Stand Down in San Diego County each year. They prepare meals, assist with clothing distribution, and provide assistance in the preparation and submission of claims to the Veterans Affairs. The Post also supports the Operation Comfort Warrior Program. American Legion Riders Chapter 434 conducts fundraisers in order to contribute monies to Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.
National Security Post 434 conducts an event known as the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program whereby students from local high schools are offered the opportunity to compete with their prepared speeches about the Constitution of the United States. The topic for their second speech is given to them, and they have a short time frame in which to prepare. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive monetary awards for their participation, and the 1st place winner then competes at the district level. It is inspirational to listen to the competence, educational expertise, and motivation displayed by these young adults.
Americanism The Boys State Program is another program that Post 434 offers. Local high school juniors learn how the government works in American Legion Boys Nation. Students are interviewed by Post 434 members, and six delegates are selected to travel to Sacramento for one week to participate in the large-scale educational and training evolution. Each delegate represents his state as a senator, and elections are held for city and state positions. The knowledge that is gained is extensive. Auxiliary Unit 434 conducts a similar program known as the Girls State Program. Post 434 is most proud of its Unserviceable Flag Retirement Ceremony. This year’s will be the fourth annual, held on June 17. The Post receives unserviceable flags from other veteran service organizations and from all over the county. A fire permit is obtained from the City of Chula Vista Fire Department, and an official ceremony is conducted. The event involves Post members from all groups, active duty personnel, Boy and Girl Scouts, and San Diego Young Marines. At the completion of the ceremony the participants carry the folded flags back to the burn pit area where the flags are honorably destroyed.
Children and Youth Post 434 also conducts the Essay Scholarship Program for high school seniors every year. The essays are judged, and one winner from each of seven local high schools is awarded $1,000 as a college scholarship. Again, the competence and academic excellence is rewarding to observe.
If you would like to join the American Legion or get involved, please visit www.legionpost434.us/. 20 O U R HOMETOWN • MAY 2 0 17
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OUT & ABOUT
may HEATHERS THE MUSICAL @ Onstage Playhouse, 291 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista. Westerberg High is ruled by a posse of mean girls: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. Enjoy the hottest new musical, based on the classic 1989 film, on Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Show runs through May 27. All tickets are $25. Call (619) 422-RSVP (7787) or visit www. onstageplayhouse.com.
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YOUR TEEN 07 SCREEN @ 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
@ Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Avenue in San Diego. Young people ages 12-25 can be screened for heart health at this free event. 1 in 100 are at risk from an undetected heart abnormality. Participants must register in advance at epsavealife.org/register.
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CHULA VISTA CHAMBER MIXER @ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mix, mingle and meet future business partners. $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Hosted by Scripps Health at the Woltman Family Diabetes Center, 450 Fourth Street in Chula Vista. For more information, email info@chulavistachamber.org.
COMMUNITY FUN RUN @ 6:30 a.m. @ Olympic Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway in Chula Vista. The Chula Vista Community Fun Run (5K) is intended for all levels of runners, while allowing strollers and families to participate in a fun and engaging environment at the Chula CYCLE EASTLAKE & Vista Olympic Training Center. For EASTLAKE HALF @ registration info and prices, visit 6:30 a.m. @ EastLake www.chulavistaca.gov/goto/funrun. Middle School, 900 Duncan Road in Chula Vista. Register online now at www.eefkids.org/cycle. BONITA VALLEY GARDEN CLUB’S ANNUAL PLANT SALE @ 8:30 a.m.— 3 p.m. @ Bonita Museum, 4355 Bonita AVENUE AMPS & ALES @ 1 – 5 Road. A great selection of sun and p.m. @ Memorial Park, Third shade plants, including perennials, Avenue, 373 Park Way in Chula herbs, vegetables, wildflowers, Vista. Get amped up for Chula natives, ornamental grasses, cacti and Vista’s first craft beer and musical succulents will be on sale. Proceeds festival. Purchase a tasting ticket go toward student scholarships. to receive an unlimited sampling
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BENCH PARTY @ Noon–2 p.m. @ Chula Vista Marina, north end of Bayside Park. Jean Issac's San Diego Dance Theater will perform at the Bench Party, a temporary public art project. Free entertainment and refreshments will be provided. LAKEFEST @ Noon–5 p.m. @ Mountain Hawk Park, 1475 Lake Crest Dr. in Chula Vista. The whole family is invited to attend this all-ages event that features live bands, craft beer, free kids activities and great food. You won't want to miss this familyfriendly event! Learn more at www.chulavistaca.gov/LakeFest.
of specialty beer samples. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $55 for VIP. For more details, or to purchase tickets, visit http://eepurl.com/bV48v5.
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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
THE FUTURE OF CARING @ 2–4 p.m. @ St. Paul’s Plaza, 1420 E. Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Join guest speaker Scott Tarde as he discusses the new Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Center coming to the South Bay. Reserve by May 19 at bit.do/ TownSquare or call (619) 948-8768.
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ALICE’S TEA PARTY FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON @ 11 a.m. @ the Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane in Chula Vista. Fashions will be provided by Chico’s at the Viejas Outlet Center, and the event will include an opportunity drawing. Tickets are $30. Call (619) 426-4244 or email Christine_ Schroeder@ymail.com by May 12 to reserve your spot. Sponsored by the Chula Vista Woman’s Club to support scholarships for students. BENCH PARTY @ Noon–2 p.m. @ Chula Vista Marina, north end of Bayside Park. Fern Street Circus will be performing at Bench Party, a temporary public art project. Attendees will be entertained with puppets, jugglers, aerialists, and more. Attendees will also have a chance to test out their own circus skills in an interactive workshop in tight wire, hooping and puppetry. Free food and refreshments will be available.
VIVA MUSICA @ 1–4 p.m. @ Memorial Bowl in Memorial Park, 373 Park Way in Chula Vista. Celebrate the talent of young musicians from the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory’s Community Opus Project. This free concert will feature numerous performances, chalk art, face painting plus food and ice cream trucks. Most Opus project members are Chula Vista Elementary School District students between fourth and sixth grade. For more information, visit www.sdys.org.
FOLLOW @OURHOMETOWNCHULAVISTA ON FACEBOOK! PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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WATER AGENCY CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY @ 9 a.m. –2 p.m. @ The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon 92019. Join Sweetwater Authority, Otay Water District, Helix Water District and the City of San Diego for a day of fun and learning. The event will feature docent-led tours, presentations on native butterflies, and more. Parking and admission are free. For more information, visit www.thegarden.org/ agencyday.
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MEMORIAL DAY
ENTER YOUR GARDEN Help inspire your neighbors to beautify their front yards! Photos of all yards entered will be posted online. Enjoy a free, walk-by tour of all yards June 10 and 11. Winners and tour map announced June 10. For details, visit www. cvgcfrontyard.squarespace.com. Chula Vista Garden Club Front Yard Competition is accepting entries online between May 15-31.
RECOGNIZE YOUR CHULA VISTA VETERAN Nominations are now open for the City of Chula Vista Veteran of the Year. For application and details, please visit http:// bit.ly/CV-Veteran-of-the-Year. Deadline for submission is June 30, 2017.
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BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Sylvan Learning Center
Candice DeVane is the owner of the Sylvan Learning Center in Eastlake, but she didn’t always work in education. She’s also never owned a business before. That didn’t stop her from leaving a successful engineering career and moving across the country to pursue her dreams to help children be their best selves.
Candice: I didn’t want to just tutor children in their homes. I wanted to provide tutoring on a larger scale. I felt that an education franchise was the perfect way to provide this valuable service while still working for myself.
Susan Gunelius had the opportunity to ask Candice how she seamlessly made the shift from corporate America to franchise owner with a smile on her face (and moving to the other side of the country as she did it). Here’s what she said:
Candice: I researched a number of different education franchises and decided on Sylvan because of its personalized learning plans, focus on STEM education, and integration of technology in its service offerings. To me, the Sylvan brand represents quality supplemental education that works with students to help them achieve academically and be their best selves.
Susan Gunelius: Candice, you’re an engineer. What made you decide to change your career?
Susan: Why did you choose Sylvan?
Candice DeVane: I was working as a regulatory engineer for a satellite communications company, and after getting my MBA, I was promoted to a management position. I got this position and realized I didn’t love what I was doing. It wasn’t fulfilling, and I felt like I was just going through the motions. I needed a change.
When I reached out to Sylvan, they told me that a franchisee in Chula Vista wanted to sell. I contacted the franchisee and after just a few months, we started the transfer process!
My husband and I decided to relocate across the country to the San Diego area. As I was applying for jobs in engineering in San Diego, I realized none of the job descriptions appealed to me. After much soul-searching, I decided to look at ways I could pursue tutoring as a full-time career, which I had been doing part-time through my church.
Candice: Life is too short to just go through the motions. If you’re not happy in your “successful” career and want to pursue your dreams as a business owner, you should go for it!
Susan: What made you choose franchising?
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Susan: What is your advice to other people thinking of leaving a successful career to start a business?
The Lesson: Don’t be afraid to make a change. Take the leap.
ï‚‚ Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Back Row L-R: James Merino (HAC), Vicki Lisama (HAC), CVPD Officer Jeff Pace, Lorena Quiroz (HCVAC), Diana Milburn (HCVAC), Ricardo Jimenez (HCVAC), Lucia Martinez (HCVAC). Front Row L-R: Lillian Uy (Chair HAC), Ana Melgoza (Chair HCVAC), Mary Cruz (HCVAC), Mora deMurgia (HCVAC), and Sergio Quero (HAC).
Chula Vista residents provide a valuable service to the community by volunteering to serve on City Boards and Commissions. This month we highlight groups that support and promote health and wellness so that we can age successfully in our community.
HEALTHY CHULA VISTA ADVISORY COMMISSION
COMMISSION ON AGING
The Healthy Chula Vista Advisory Commission was formed on April 14, 2016, and is the first commission in San Diego dedicated to advising a local jurisdiction on health-related policy and programs. The commission advises the City Council on implementation of the Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan, which identifies seven focus areas and 66 strategies to Engage community and stakeholder partnerships, build stronger Land Use policies using a holistic health perspective, build better Transportation networks that encourage people to use alternative transportation and access assets, encourage better access to Healthy Food, increase Physical Activity of residents, address Health Care and Prevention inefficiencies, and raise awareness of Environment Quality inequities and conservation of our natural resources.
The Commission on Aging is committed to addressing the concerns and challenges that face senior citizens of our community. The seven-member Commission provides a forum where senior citizens may voice their concerns and suggestions. From there, the Commission makes recommendations and advises the City Council on all matters affecting older residents in Chula Vista.
The nine-member Board includes five experts in the focus areas of the Action Plan and four residents, one from each Council District (also a first for a City Commission). The members work closely with City staff, community stakeholders and residents through monthly meetings, where they review policies, track legislation and provide feedback. Commissioners hope to educate the community on health issues, find ways to reduce barriers to healthier options and ensure equitable access to resources. Together we can build a healthier Chula Vista!
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This May, the Commission on Aging will be an advocate for Older Americans Month. The theme, Age Out Loud, is to give aging a new voice—one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say. This theme shines a light on many important trends. More than ever before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and others. What it means to age has changed, and Older Americans Month 2017 is a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.
If you would like more information on these or any other City boards and commissions, please visit www.chulavistaca.gov/city-clerk.