C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA
FREE
SEPTEMBER 2016
to
PROTECT and to SERVE
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: VITALITY BOWLS CHULA VISTA LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT: BONITA KIWANIS
CONTENTS/
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 16
EDITOR'S LETTER This September, we honor the policemen and women who help keep us safe. Although Christmas is still several months away, I share this poem by an unknown author because it describes a childhood hero, Santa, recognizing a real-life hero, a police officer. We can do much to keep our community safe, and we can do much to recognize those who protect and serve. MERRY CHRISTMAS, OFFICER
16 PROTECT and
SERVE
Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give and to see just "who" in this home did live. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see. No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings by the fire, just boots shined bright. Then something else gleamed, reflecting the moonlight. They were medals and badges, awards of all kinds, and a sobering thought soon came through my mind. For this house was different, unlike any I'd topped. This was the home of a police officer, a cop. I'd heard stories about "them." I had to see more. So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone. Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home. He seemed so gentle, his face so serene. Not how I pictured a protection machine. Was this the hero, of whom I'd just read? Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed? His head was neatly groomed, his face weathered tan. I soon understood, this was more than a man. For I realized the families I saw that night owed their lives to these people, who were willing to fight.
Announcements
06 NEWS On your Doorstep
14 SCHOOL NEWS Innovation Station
16 FEATURE To Protect and to Serve
20 ON TOPIC A Fallen Officer
Soon around the nation, the children would play and grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed peace, each month and all year because of officers like this one lying here.
23 CALENDAR
I couldn't help wonder how many patrol on a cold Christmas Eve, in the shivering cold. I watched him for hours, so silent so still. I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.
Out & About
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red, and covered this officer from his toes to his head. Then I put on his jacket with badge silver and gold, with the words "police officer" emblazoned so bold. Although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride. And for one shining moment, I was an officer deep inside. I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice so clean and pure, said, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all's secure." One look at my watch and I knew he was right. Merry Christmas, my friend, ten-four, and good night.
FEATURE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DON BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
04 BRAVO
—AMBER WEBER, editor
24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT Vitality Bowl Chula Vista
26 LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Bonita Kiwanis
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
great things happening in our community
› To O’HARA WICKHAM, a student at Mater Dei Catholic High School in Chula Vista, for being elected the International Junior Optimist President at the annual Junior Optimist International Convention in Quebec City, Canada. She will take office on October 1 for her year of duty as the first student from the California South District ever elected International President. O’Hara served this past year as a director, and after exemplary service was chosen as president. Over the past eight years, seven San Diego County students have been elected to be a world-wide director.
Elected International Junior Optimist President, O'hara Wickman
At the convention, students from clubs and many districts across the U.S. and around the world have the opportunity to meet, team build, communicate, bond, network, market ideas and brainstorm through a series of workshops.
4 O U R H OMETOWN • SEPT EM B E R 2 0 16
Junior Optimist International is a community service-based organization run by youth with student clubs in over 18 countries and approximately 15,000 members worldwide. Currently, South Bay Junior Optimist Clubs are active at Mater Dei Catholic High, Bonita Vista High, Otay Ranch High, Eastlake High, Bonita Vista Middle, Southern CA Ambassadors, and Coronado High, Middle and Elementary Schools. To learn more about being an Optimist member, contact Elaine Lucca, California South Optimist Youth Advisor, at ElaineMLucca@ hotmail.com.
› To the ARC OF SAN DIEGO for receiving a $100,000 grant from the County of San Diego’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program. Recommended by longtime supporter Supervisor Greg Cox, this funding will assist with creating
SEND US YOUR GOOD NEWS!
PUBLISHED BY:
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.
a new and modern center for individuals with disabilities in Chula Vista at The Sol and Ruth Gerber Family Center.
longest drive” Betsy Anderson and Greg Howell; and “putting contest” Chris Pater. Many thanks to all community supporters and to "Support from the LaPrensa San Diego, County of San Diego Supreme Lending, is a tremendous asset New Venture Escrow, as we move forward Gun Owners of with our long-term California, Coldwell plans to increase our Banker Royal Realty, capacity to serve," said Window Sill Direct, David W. Schneider, Ticor Title, Papagayo’s The City of Chula Vista's newest park, Orange Park. President & CEO of & Trestonas Tequilas, The Arc of San Diego. People Helping "We are grateful for People, Filippi’s Pizza this assistance that Grotto, Greenwood will help us meet the critical need of rebuilding Memorial Park & Mortuary, First American Title, the center." Maria Zadorozny Family, Merck Animal Health, Kurt Stromberg DDS, MS, Inc., Green & Green Currently $3.5 million has been raised toward LLP, Bardy Family, Rossana T. Alfonso DDS, APC, the $4.5 million campaign. Renovations were Vinson Group, CalAtlantic Group Inc., Baldwin needed to address the challenges of the aging & Sons, Caren Folbre Veterinary Hospital and center. For more information about this project, Grande Homes Inc. contact Jennifer Bates Navarra, Vice President of Marketing & Development at (619) 685-1175, ext. Visit www.thehumananimalfoundation.org 291 or jnavarra@arc-sd.com. for more information, and save the date of July 28, 2017 for next year’s event.
› To the HUMANANIMAL FOUNDATION for its outreach golf tournament’s success. The highlight of the event was watching a helicopter take off and drop 250 numbered golf balls onto the green. Congratulations to Amy Soto, who won the $1,000 cash prize. Additional sponsorship helped raise over $14,000 to benefit the Citizens Adversity Support Team and the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility.
› To the CITY OF CHULA VISTA for opening
Tournament champions were Tom Conklin, Mike DePhillips and Pat Buono. Second place was Grant Brittain, David Lippe, Adam Leeds and Bruce Broadfoot. Third Place was Len Hering, John Moot and Steve Busch. Other winners included “closest to the pin” SWS Schweitzer and Carrier Campbellwood; “ladies’ and men’s
The addition of Orange Park now makes 57 parks maintained by the City. Partners on the park include SDG&E, which donated the underutilized property, and California Parks and Recreation Association, which funded the park via Proposition 84.
its newest park. Located at 1475 Fourth Avenue, Orange Park features three gazebos, a basketball court, multi-purpose field, walking trail with stationary exercise equipment, tot lot and a dog park. It was built using low-impact development and includes native plants that require very little watering on the 3.9 acres.
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
AMBER WEBER, Editor
MELISSA MONROY, Design
ASHLYN O'HARA, Intern
Advertising inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. Editorial Contributions: 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
Chula Vista Rotary Hosts 3rd Annual OktoberFiesta
If you love mariachi music, folklórico dancing, good food and libations, then mark your calendar for Saturday, October 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. for OktoberFiesta 2016. This multicultural event will be held at the Salt Creek Recreation Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. It is the perfect blend of a traditional mariachi concert, folklórico dancing and a German October festival. Enjoy samples from over 20 quality vendors, including local micro brews, bratwursts, wine, delicious food, spirits and sweet treats. Special thanks go to this year’s presenting sponsor, The District at Eastlake. Previously The Design District, this family-oriented center of entertainment has fast become “fun central.” Tickets to OktoberFiesta 2016 are available for purchase from a member of the Chula Vista Rotary Club, at the door or online at oktoberfiesta2016.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are $50 each; there is a small fee for purchasing tickets online. Participants must be 21 or older to attend. No children are allowed, and space is limited. You may also request tickets by mail. Send request and payment no later than September 30 to Chula Vista Rotary Club, P.O. Box 626, Chula Vista, CA 91921. Make check or money order payable to Chula Vista Rotary Club Foundation. Please include your name and a phone number. All proceeds go to the Chula Vista Rotary Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. It funds numerous community projects such as Christmas in October, Christmas bike giveaway, high school scholarships and other community programs supporting youth leadership and education. Additionally, a portion will go to the global fight to eradicate polio. Rotary International, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and world health organizations, aims to rid the world of polio in the very near future. Call (619) 9346107 with questions.
6 OU R H OMETOWN • SEPT EM B E R 2 0 16
On your Doorstep
City Council Candidate Forum Offers Opportunity to Voters
On Thursday, September 8, voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from City Council candidates from Districts 3 and 4. The forum will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. in Mayan Hall at Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road. "This year, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee has elected to organize a forum that will allow both our member-businesses and the Chula Vista electorate to evaluate, first hand, the policies and values of each of the four candidates for City Council. This first District Council Election in Chula Vista features candidates with diverse views. Their decisions will directly impact the look, the feel, and the financial health of our City as well as the
lives of our citizens and the success of our businesses," stated Bill Hall, co-chair of the Public Policy and Economic Development Committee. At 6 p.m., District 3 candidates Steve Padilla and Jason Paguio will respond to about 20 questions. At 7 p.m., District 4 candidates Rudy Ramirez and Mike Diaz will respond to another 20 questions. Each question will be posed by a sevenmember panel. Questions range from why they seek election and what they hope to accomplish, to whether they support project labor agreements or reinstatement of the Tourism Marketing District, and the impact of the Cost Recovery Program. Forum questions were developed by Chamber of Commerce
members, media representatives and Chula Vista civic organization leaders. "The Chamber has invited and received input from an array of business, professional and educational organizations including the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors, the Third Avenue Business Association, the La Raza Lawyers Association, the YMCA Youth and Government program and the Southwestern College Political Science program,� said Bill. The forum will be moderated by Mr. Reo Carr of the San Diego Business Journal. Learn about candidates in your district to vote wisely this November.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7
On your Doorstep
College for Kids Immerses Students in College Experience
South Bay Pumpkin Smash Presented by the Eastlake Business Association
Good grief, Charlie Brown—the Great Pumpkin is not going to like this! Mark your calendars for the inaugural, fun, family event of the year, the South Bay Pumpkin Smash. The event is designed to encourage youth to create a team, design and build a catapult, trebuchet or other similar medieval device, and throw pumpkins. Students may participate in Division 1 (grades 3-6), Division 2 (grades 7 and 8) or Division 3 (grades 9 -12). Each division will be given details and rules on how to build their medieval device. Teams may be coed, boys or girls. Each team may have up to eight youths and at least one adult leader over the age of 21.
It was a seemingly normal day inside Southwestern College classrooms recently. A biology class was learning about chromosomes and mitochondria, clay was being transformed into works of art inside the pottery studio, 3D models were being created in Photoshop, architecture structures designed for homeless people were being finalized and a production of “Alice in Wonderland” was warming up for an afternoon performance. But these summer classes weren’t filled with the usual adult Southwestern College student. Instead, they were filled with gifted, young, elementary and junior high school students who couldn’t wait another 10 to 15 years to take college classes. Each summer for the past 42 years, the College for Kids program has partnered with local South County school districts to give fifth- through ninth-grade students the opportunity to spend two weeks taking classes at Southwestern College. The program offers two, two-week sessions each summer and fills those sessions with workshops and classes in arts, sciences, technology and culture. According to Dr. Mark Meadows, Director of Continuing Education, more than 550 students participated in the program this year. For Meadows, who organizes College for Kids, evolving the program is an important part of putting it together. This year alone, College for Kids added five new classes, including cartoon caricature, sports science, cinematography and a Philippine culture class. As a former kindergarten teacher, Meadows’ favorite part of College for Kids is seeing the kids’ infectious energy and enthusiasm each year at Southwestern College. Mikaela Gonzalez, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Rancho Del Rey Middle School, has been coming to College for Kids 8 OU R H OMETOWN • SEPT EM B E R 2 0 16
College for Kids Musical: Instructor
Laura Hodge leads a musical theatre class in a warm-up before their production of “Alice in Wonderland.” College for Kids Homes for the Homeless: Students work on creating temporary, lightweight homeless shelters in the Homes for the Homeless class.
for the past four years and has taken architecture, painting, keyboard and poetry classes. Mikaela said she loves the way the programs give her a taste of what college is all about. “We actually have to find the classrooms and figure out where they are, like real college students would,” Mikaela said. “The teachers at this campus are so nice and they help you get new ideas and become more creative. Like, last year, I took Homes for the Homeless and I learned about why people are on the streets and how we can help them.”
The event will be held Saturday, November 12 at the Salt Creek Golf Club driving range. Information on how to register and compete will be announced in October’s issue of Our Hometown Magazine and Ella South Bay Magazine. Information may also be distributed through the Sweetwater Union High School District STEAM program, Chula Vista Elementary School District and the Eastlake Business Association’s website, www. ebanetworking.com. Presented by the Eastlake Business Association, this event is open to the public, but space is limited. Don’t put away your costumes just yet. This medieval themed event will transport you back to middle earth. Be prepared for anything.
On your Doorstep
ï‚‚ Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9
On your Doorstep
Keep It Fresh and Local during San Diego Restaurant Week
It is no secret that San Diego is quickly becoming one of the U.S.’s culinary hotspots. Whether you are a San Diego native or just want to dine out like one, San Diego Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and incredible restaurants. During San Diego Restaurant Week, Sunday, September 25 through Sunday, October 2, over 180 participating restaurants will celebrate local foods by offering dishes featuring ingredients sourced from our region. Fresh has never tasted so good. San Diego Restaurant Week’s participating restaurants team up with local distributors to bring diners an unforgettably fresh feast for the senses. Vegetables and fruits that travel only a handful of miles (as opposed to a handful of days) shine brightly in
10 O U R HOMETOWN • SEPT E MB E R 2 0 16
vibrant and flavorful cuisines carefully crafted by San Diego chefs who are eager to continue San Diego’s growing legacy as a dining destination. Pacific-caught seafood, fresh from the clear blue seas of our backyards, become the star of dishes. It’s not too early to start cataloging mustvisit restaurants for San Diego Restaurant Week; new restaurants are added weekly on sandiegorestaurantweek.com. Browse menus and make reservations online so you will be sure not to miss out on this fabulous local feast. Your epicurean journey awaits you – plan your experience in advance by searching for your next meal by category, neighborhood, distance, or price. Discover a participating restaurant in your community or explore a new area
of San Diego County. Create a profile to receive exclusive specials from local restaurants throughout the season and save your favorite “must try” restaurants to your profile for easy planning. 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 two-course prix-fixe menu for $10, $15 or $20 per person. Ditch the dirty dishes and dine out with 150,000 fellow diners to celebrate San Diego's thriving culinary scene and to experience firsthand the taste of fresh, local ingredients sourced right here in our own backyard.
Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information.
On your Doorstep
Segways in Your Neighborhood? By Stacey Kurz
This article is the sixth in a series of monthly Healthy Chula Vista highlights. Find out more at chulavistaca.gov/healthycv. Beginning this fall, the City of Chula Vista will be surveying pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, pedestrian traffic signals and crosswalks through a contract with Cole Associates, utilizing new and modern technology which involves an Ultra Light Inertial Profiler mounted on a In all, Segway.
sidewalks along approximately 440 miles of roadway will be surveyed spanning the entire city, ultimately leading to completion of a Pedestrian Connectivity and Infrastructure Improvement Plan.
The effort supports the Healthy Chula Vista Action Plan focus area of “Transportation” to inventory and report needed infrastructure improvements for pedestrians in support of physical activity. In all, sidewalks along approximately 440 miles of roadway will be surveyed spanning the entire city, ultimately leading to completion of a Pedestrian Connectivity and Infrastructure Improvement Plan. Projects like this, the completed Bikeways on Broadway Plan and new bike lanes and sidewalks currently being constructed on East H Street near Southwestern College are improving our infrastructure for alternative transportation and “paving” the way for safer and more efficient ways for us to get out of our cars and improve our health.
To learn more about biking opportunities in the City of Chula Vista, visit http://tinyurl.com/jbvcv2y. And watch for a Segway in your neighborhood! OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11
On your Doorstep
12 OU R HOMETOWN • SEPT E MB E R 2 0 16
Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!
On your Doorstep
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13
SCHOOL
/ News
Public-Private Leaders Dedicate Innovation Station at Chula Vista Public Library
Students, civic leaders, school officials and technology executives dedicated Innovation Station, a “makerspace” in the basement of the Chula Vista Public Library’s Civic Center branch, on August 17. The Big Reveal took place in the auditorium of the Civic Center branch, followed by a tour of the new lab and interviews with civic leaders, staff and sixth grade students from the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). It was followed by a community ribbon-cutting that officially inaugurated Innovation Station, inspired by the Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ in Sorrento Valley. Like Qualcomm’s Thinkabit Lab, Innovation Station fosters student interest in technology and engineering careers. Its location in the Civic Center branch basement resulted in a new and exciting use of the space—and helped extend hands-on learning to the community. Its brightly colored walls, bean bag chairs and whir of “robo-crafting” from student projects make for a positive place to learn. The makeover of the Library basement was supported by a state library grant, Friends of the Chula Vista Library, city funding, the school district and intellectual and in-kind support from Qualcomm. The idea is an extension of CVESD’s Mae L. Feaster Charter School’s success. Since the first Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab opened in March 2014 at the Company’s headquarters in San Diego, approximately 8,000 students from more than 75 San Diego schools, including Feaster, have been exposed to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professions. Last December, Qualcomm announced expansion of its Thinkabit Lab to three schools: Lewis Middle School, Vista Innovation and Design Academy (VIDA) and Feaster. The expansion reinforced Qualcomm’s commitment to inspire young generations to explore and pursue STEM education.
The Chula Vista Public Library's Civic Center branch is located at 365 F Street. For more information, visit www.thinkabitlab.com. 14 OU R HOMETOWN • SEPT EMB E R 2 0 16
School News
ï‚‚ Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE
to PROTECT and to SERVE Written By
ASHLYN O’HARA Photography Courtesy of
DON BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY 16 OU R HOMETOWN • SEPT EMB E R 2 0 16
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE
It’s fair to say that certain events in the past few years have clouded the image of law enforcement. Until recently, we were only spectators to the national tragedies involving officer shootings. One of our own residents, San Diego Police Officer Jonathan De Guzman, became the latest casualty. First, I ask you to take a moment to say a prayer or loving thought for the family of Jonathan De Guzman. Second, I ask that you take some comfort in knowing you live in one of the safest cities in America.
In November 2013, KPBS reported that Chula Vista was the 10th safest city with a population over 200,000 in the United States. This information was based on the FBI’s 2012 crime statistics. This is not the first time Chula Vista has ranked in the top ten. Chula Vista is a great place to live, in part due to a very dedicated and respected police department and an engaged community. Police Chief David Bejarano has been in law enforcement for 35 years, seven of those as Chula Vista’s Chief of Police and three years as the U.S. Marshal for the
Southern District of California, a presidential appointment by President Bush. Prior to that, Chief Bejarano spent 25 years with the San Diego Police Department, retiring as Chief of Police. If that isn’t enough, Chief Bejarano just completed a one-year term as the President of the California Police Chiefs Association. “My philosophy is simple, community policing. Keeping a community safe is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and citizens,” explained the chief. This includes the Chula Vista Police Senior Volunteer Patrol, Police/Community
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 17
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE
18 O U R HOMETOWN • SEPT E MB E R 2 0 16
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE
Advisory Committee and engagement programs like the annual Citizen Police Academy, Teen Academy, Explorer Program and the recent National Night Out event that hosted over 600 citizens, with 400 of the attendees touring their local police station. The Chula Vista community has also supported the Chula Vista Police Foundation. As a non-profit organization, the police foundation provides funding to the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) for specialized safety equipment, training and programs not funded by the department's budget. Some of these programs include K9, SWAT, Explorers and the Senior Volunteer Patrol. In addition, the Chula Vista Police Foundation supports programs that assist under-privileged families and children in our community. For example, over the past years, hundreds of needy children have received new shoes and socks, and thousands of Chula Vista families have received turkeys and other groceries to enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal. “The major difference between Chula Vista and, let’s say Ferguson, Missouri, is how the police department interacts with the community. The Chula Vista Police Department enforcement posture is based on the principles of community policing,” added Chief Bejarano. Unfortunately, a Department of Justice investigation determined Ferguson’s enforcement was based partly on raising revenue for the city. This type of enforcement is not how you gain the trust and support of a community. Community policing involves a close working partnership between the community and law enforcement in identifying and solving crime and disorder problems. Local police officers strive to offer themselves to the community as a trustworthy and companionable force. In 2010, the police department started testing body cameras. By 2014 every officer was wearing one. It is through its willingness to be upfront and honest that the CVPD distinguishes itself from others across the nation. Chula Vista is consistently recognized as one of the safest cities in San Diego County yet has the leanest police staffing at less than .90 officers per 1000 citizens. Policing is more complex and dangerous than ever. The CVPD fortunately has not had an officer-involved shooting since 2012, and most importantly, has not lost an officer in the line of duty since the 1950s. When Chula Vista resident and police officer for the San Diego Police Department, Jonathan De Guzman, was fatally shot while on the job, people from all over San Diego County joined together to pay their respects. They lined the streets for De Guzman’s funeral procession and waved American flags in the air. In recent years, fatal encounters between police officers have almost always been met with fierce public outrage, leading to such social disturbances as explosive riots and massive protests. However, this is not the case for San Diego. Residents mourned but not mobilized. Why was Chula Vista not added to
the growing list of cities that are being torn apart by conflicts involving police officers? In addition to having a trusted police force, the answer in part lies within the city’s leadership and operational blueprint. Contrary to popular belief, Chula Vista’s ability to keep its citizens safe stems not from how much money it has, but from its fiscal responsibility, the transparency of its government and the cooperation of its law enforcement. When those three crucial components are able to work together effectively, any city, no matter its wealth, is able to flourish. Within San Diego County, each city has an annual budget that the Mayor and City Council members approve. From that budget, it can be calculated how much the city has to spend on every man, woman and child living within its peripheries. In wealthier cities, such as Del Mar, the amount the local government is allowed to spend on each citizen (in terms of communal assets) is $2,597. The highest value per capita of San Diego’s eighteen cities, Del Mar is followed by Coronado at $2,057 and Carlsbad at $1,256. Chula Vista ranks second to last (17 out of 18), at $553 per capita. Yet, Mayor Mary Casillas Salas is quick to point out that Chula Vista rivals Coronado and Carlsbad as San Diego County’s top three safest cities. San Diego Business Journal 2013 CFO of the Year, Maria Kachadoorian, expertly manages Chula Vista’s finances. Her job is to stretch the city’s minimal per capita budget as far as it can go, and her knack for maximizing resources contributes heavily to Chula Vista’s success as a fiscal underdog. Additionally, Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and the elected City Council members John McCann, Patricia Aguilar, Pamela Bensoussan, and Steve Miesen make the budget accessible to the people. This transparency is primarily seen in the high number of public commissions, whose job it is to connect residents to the local government. Commission members are elected by the community, not appointed by the city government, thus preventing what is known as cronyism. A public forum for people to voice their concerns about different aspects of the community, commissions frequently host open meetings where anyone, even non-members, can make their voices heard. Chula Vista boasts 20 different boards and commissions. Among those are the Board of Ethics, which handles matters of unethical conduct and works directly with the City Attorney’s office, and the Safety Commission, which works to improve any and all aspects of citizens’ welfare. It is through commissions that people in the community are able to build a meaningful, substantial bond with the city government. They are where people who want to see changes go, and where the local government goes to remain grounded in its commitment to the community. In the wake of tragedy, it can be easy to assume the worst; however believing in something’s ability to persevere starts when you can acknowledge the ways it has already done so. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 19
ON TOPIC
A FA L L E N O F F I C E R
Chula Vista City Councilmember John McCann honored Jonathan “JD” DeGuzman, a fallen San Diego Police Officer and East Chula Vista resident, on the morning of Sunday, July 17 with hundreds of community members at Heritage Park in Chula Vista. Officer DeGuzman and his partner, Wade Erwin, were shot on the night of July 14 in the San Diego neighborhood of Southcrest. Officer DeGuzman was a resident in the Heritage neighborhood in Otay Ranch with his wife and two children. Residents gathered at Heritage Park to tie blue ribbons onto trees. The ribbons symbolize the community standing in solidarity with the DeGuzman family and the police department. Local Chula Vista businesses and residents also placed ribbons on their storefronts and homes in support.
Here ... you’re home!
McCann was joined by dozens of officers from both the San Diego and Chula Vista Police Departments, Chief of Police David Bejarano, Border Patrol and Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas. Councilmember McCann said to residents at the event, “We stand together, all across Chula Vista and San Diego County, and mourn the loss of a husband, a father, a community member, and San Diego Police Officer. We as a community are eternally grateful for the ultimate price Officer DeGuzman paid to serve and protect our community.” Mayor Salas also spoke to the crowd, thanking all officers for the job that they do. She spoke to the parents in the audience about the importance of teaching their children to have respect for police and how they protect and serve our community.
EXPERIENCE GOD AT C O NC O RDI A
SERVING THE CHULA VISTA
COMMUNITY SINCE 1962 Worship with us at our new campus Sunday Classic
Worship 8:30am • Fam Jam 10:30am
NOW enrolling for our expanded preschool program. Register today.
WWW.CONCORDIACHURCH.COM • 1695 DISCOVERY FALLS DR, CHULA VISTA, CA. 91915 20 O U R HOMETOWN • SEPT E MB E R 2 0 16
CRIMES OF OPPORTUNITY After the mayor spoke, Councilmember McCann led a moment of silence and closed the event with a prayer for the DeGuzman family and community. A giant card, signed by attendees with words of condolence and thankfulness, was given to DeGuzman’s wife and children.
If you would like to make a donation to the DeGuzman family, please send a check to the San Diego Police Officers Association, 8388 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA 92111 with “Officer Jonathan DeGuzman” on the memo line, or visit www.sdpoa.org/about-widows-orphans-fund/.
Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!
Most crimes in Chula Vista are crimes of opportunity. Leaving your cell phone, tablet, wallet, purse or other object of value visible in your car invites a crime. Daytime burglaries are also a crime of opportunity. Leaving doors unlocked, ground level windows open, or pet doors and unattended garages open invites an opportunist criminal. This also includes UPS, FedEx and USPS packages left at your doorstep. Plan to be home when they arrive, or ask a neighbor to pick them up from your porch. To reduce crime in your neighborhood, consider getting a home alarm. In addition, become more engaged in your community. Start or volunteer in a Neighborhood Watch Program. Report suspicious activity, and “if you see something, say something.”
VACATION CHECK If you are planning a vacation, you may go to the Chula Vista Police website at www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/police, find the search box and type vacation check. You will find information to inform the CVPD and Senior Patrol that you will be on vacation. They will make an effort to check on your home while you are away. Feeding your goldfish will cost extra.
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 21
REALTOR ® Cal BRE#01393526
Every sale utilizing my real estate services... helps me reach my 2016 goal to donate $10,000 to local non-profit organizations. Your support is appreciated, to allow me the opportunity to give back to our community.
Your Friend & REALTOR® For Life!
HomesWithWallace.com | HomesWithWallace@gmail.com
619.772.2054
22 O U R HOMETOWN • SEPT E MB E R 2 0 16
Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!
OUT & ABOUT
SEPTEMBER 06
LIFE-SIZE FAMILY GAME NIGHT @ 4 - 8 p.m. @ Otay Ranch Town Center Farmer’s Market in Chula Vista. Experience one-of-a-kind battle games with free, life-size versions of family favorites during the weekly Farmer’s Market.
08
CHULA VISTA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM @ 6 - 8 p.m. @ Mayan Hall, Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. This event is free to all Chula Vista residents.
09
ANNUAL WELLNESS VISIT @ Community Congregational Church, 276 F Street in Chula Vista. Plot your route to prevention and wellness with a licensed nurse practitioner. Call (888) 653-6450 to schedule the wellness visit; please have your Medicare card ready. Sponsored by San Diego Vascular Center.
10
SOUTH BAY PRIDE ART AND MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Noon – 8 p.m. @ Bayside Park, 550 Marina Parkway in Chula Vista. Enjoy live music, art, exhibitors, food, drinks and lots of fun at South Bay's annual celebration for the LGBTQ community. For more info, visit SouthBayPride.org.
11
MUSIC IN THE PARK @ 3 - 6 p.m. @ Memorial Bowl, 373 Park Way in Chula Vista. Enjoy musical performance by Cool Band Luke plus community showcases, a magician and family fun. For more info, call (619) 4095966 or visit chulavistaca.gov/ MusicinThePark.
BAY HUNGER 12 SOUTH 25 RELIEF FORUM @ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. @ Civic Center Library, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. Learn about the state of food insecurity in Chula Vista, impacts of nutrition on our community’s health, local and state initiatives and best practices in food delivery. To RSVP or for more info, visit www. chulavista.gov/healthyCV.
16 CHARITY GOLF
TOURNAMENT AND DINNER @10 a.m. @ Salt Creek Golf Club, 525 Hunte Parkway in Chula Vista. All proceeds benefit kids with special needs. Register online by 09/10 at www. aNighttoRememberProm. com/golf. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Erica Lawson at (858) 405-4172.
@9 17 BONITAFEST a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Bonita
Vista High School, 751 Otay Lakes Road in Chula Vista. Come see the South Bay’s best show choirs and stage bands, sample delicious food, take in arts and crafts and enjoy a day full of fun!
MOVIES 24 SUMMER IN THE PARK @ 7 - 9
p.m. @ Orange Park, 1475 Fourth Avenue (next to South Chula Vista Library) in Chula Vista. Featured movie is The Jungle Book. Bring friends and family, blankets, chairs and snacks for this free event. For more info, visit chulavistaca.gov/rec or summermoviesinthepark. com/.
PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT @ 6:30 p.m. @ Montevalle Rec Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road in Chula Vista. Pack dinner, snacks and a blanket to enjoy the evening with family and friends. The featured movie is Goosebumps.
25
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK Runs through October 2 @ Enjoy dishes featuring local produce, meats, seafood, craft beer, wine, spirits and more. Celebrate locally grown foods. For more info, visit sandiegorestaurantweek. com.
20
CLASICO GOLF TOURNAMENT @ 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ San Diego Country Club, 88 L Street in Chula Vista. Join business leaders, philanthropists and friends of San Ysidro Health Center and play golf for health programs and social services. Reserve your golf spot today at www.syhc. org/golf.
29
CHULA VISTA CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT Noon shotgun start @ Salt Creek Golf Club, 525 Hunte Parkway in Chula Vista. For more info, call (619) 4206603, email info@ chulavistachamber. org or visit www. chulavistachamber.org.
SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 21 JOAN EMBERY’S “MY ANIMAL WORLD” @ Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4755 Bonita Road in Bonita. This exhibit runs through December 3 and is free to the public. This special exhibit will showcase the life of local horsewoman and iconic San Diego Zoo “Wild Animal Ambassador.” For more info, visit www. bonitahistoricalsociety.org.
28
PADRE'S GAME DAY @ 7:10 p.m. @ Petco Bark. Hosted by Northwestern Mutual, the event benefits Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Tickets are $80 and includes entry to game, food, beverage and opportunity to participate in a silent auction. Email Belen Marrujo-Sanchez at belen.marrujo@nm.com for info.
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.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 23
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
Vitality Bowls Chula Vista
Vitality Bowls prides itself on being a superfood café The quality of the food blew them away. “The combination revolutionizing the way people eat. It is known for its açaí of fresh fruits, superfoods and overall healthful experience bowls, a true nutritional powerhouse made from a thick grabbed us by the taste buds–and, best of all, our kids loved blend of acai berries, topped with organic it!” they said. After eating at Vitality Bowls granola and other customizable superfoods. In daily, they knew they had to get involved on a addition to the bowls, it also serves smoothies, professional level as well. fresh juices, soups, salads and panini. It brings All smoothies the healthiest ingredients to Chula Vista As franchise owners, the Reeves’ lives have and bowls are residents every day, ensuring that there’s a totally changed. Not only have they embraced made without fun, family-friendly place for breakfast, lunch, the entrepreneurial lifestyle by opening a ice, frozen dinner or a quick bite on the go. business, but they’re genuinely excited to bring yogurt, added healthy food to their friends and neighbors to Needless to say, the quality of Vitality Bowls’ enjoy. They love the support they get from sugar or ingredients is of the utmost importance. the Vitality Bowls’ home office team and are preservatives, All smoothies and bowls are made without constantly encouraged by their customers, and are fillers, e.g., ice, frozen yogurt, added sugar or whom they witness undergoing the amazing packed with preservatives, and are packed with vitamins effects of açaí and other superfoods. vitamins and and minerals. A unique facet of Vitality minerals. Bowls is that it’s an allergen-free restaurant, On a more personal level, running a business meaning that all of the foods are made with as a married couple has allowed them to see diligent care to eliminate allergen crossmore of their family. They know each other's contamination. Vitality Bowls takes food strengths and weaknesses, and they’re able allergies seriously and wants customers to be able to have to assist in areas that might not be the best for the other. peace of mind when they’re in the store. Their children’s favorite product is the Dragon Bowl. They love making their own combination of toppings, including Relatives, who couldn’t stop talking about how much adding chocolate chips. They enjoy being in the store and they loved the brand and its signature açaí bowls, first want to start working at an early age. introduced Vic and Kristina Reeves to Vitality Bowls. Naturally, they were intrigued and knew they had to visit. For more information, visit vitalitybowls.com. 24 O U R HOMETOWN • SEPT E MB E R 2 0 16
Family services
Follow Our Hometown Magazine
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.
on Facebook!
letitia a. stanton-aicher ms, ccc-slP
(855) 619-6191 www.LSABT.com
Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!
GET THE PARTY STARTED! Rock Pop Latin R&B Swing Retro Country Contemporary Jazz
DJ Sound Express Entertainer • Emcee • Saxophonist
For bookings contact: Aaron Valencia 619-247-8422 www.djsoundexpress.com www.breezn.com • saxman3@cox.net
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 25
LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT
Bonita Kiwanis: Serving Youth, Our Community and the World
The Bonita Kiwanis Club will hold its annual golf tournament on Friday, September 25 at Eastlake Country Club. Every penny raised at the tournament serves local youth and community programs. For many years the club has volunteered time and resources throughout the community in the following endeavors: The • Distributing thousands of pounds of food in holiday baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas to less fortunate families throughout the South Bay. • Supporting Special Olympics events and Sports for Exceptional Athletes programs. • Actively participating with labor and materials in the "Christmas in October" fix-up projects for the elderly and disabled South Bay residents and veterans. • Providing annual scholarship awards to graduates of Palomar High School (an alternative school for at-risk students in the South Bay) and to Marshall Elementary School in Chula Vista.
Bonita Kiwanis Club is looking for new members who want to serve youth, our community and the world.
• Sponsoring/supporting youth service organizations such as Key Clubs at Bonita Vista H.S., Eastlake H.S. and the San Diego School for Performing and Creative Arts as well as at the K-Kids club at Marshall Elementary.
26 O U R HOMETOWN • SEPT EMB E R 2 0 16
• Actively participating in Miracle Mile of Quarters, Kids News Day and McDonald's Red Shoe program, three major fundraising events that support Rady Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. • Supporting the Boys & Girls Club of South County, volunteering for Boy Scouts of America and sponsoring a community Cub Scout pack. • Supporting "Stand Up For Kids," a program that serves homeless teenagers in downtown San Diego with meals, clothing, personal items, and onsite visits to support these teenagers. • Monetary, moral, and landscape supporting of the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC) that makes possible toll-free hot line and victim counseling of human trafficking in the South Bay.
The Bonita Kiwanis Club is looking for new members who want to serve youth, our community and the world. Join them at Eastlake Country Club on September 25 for a great afternoon of golf and fun. Or, join them for breakfast every Thursday at 7 a.m. at the Bonita Library Community Room. Visit www.bonitakiwanis.org or call 619-250-6275 for more information.
THE CHULA VISTA ROTARY CLUB PRESENTS
WITH PRESENTING SPONSOR
SATURDAY OCTOBER 15, 2016 @ 5PM TO 8PM A fun-filled fusion of international food, music and culture
GOOD TIMES. GREAT FOOD. LOCAL BREWS. Salt Creek Recreation Center | 2710 Otay Lakes Rd in Chula Vista, CA 91915
LIVE MARIACHI & FOLKLORICO DANCERS! Tickets $50 | Purchase online: oktoberfiesta2016.brownpapertickets.com | 21+ event SAMPLE DELICIOUS BITES, TEQUILA, BEER, AND WINE FROM OUR PARTICIPATING VENDORS
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS
A Generous Donation By THE
A Generous Donation By A Generous Donation By A Generous Donation By
SECURITIES DIANE FLINT - WAGES CENTER, INC.
TINA WILLIAMS
DIANE FLINT - WAGES MARK SCOTT
A Generous Donation By
DIANE FLINT - WAGES
Generous Donation By TINA WILLIAMS BOBASILVAS
A Generous Donation By
MARTY ADLER
A Generous Donation By
BOB SILVAS
A Generous Donation By
MARK SCOTT
A Generous Donation By A Generous Donation By
TINA WILLIAMS
Donation ByBy DIANE DIANE FLINT WAGES AAGenerous Donation By FLINT -- WAGES AGenerous Generous Donation MARTY ADLER GenerousDonation DonationBy By AAGenerous
TINA WILLIAMS WILLIAMS TINA
GenerousDonation DonationBy By AAGenerous
GenerousDonation DonationBy By AAGenerous
BOB SILVAS SILVAS BOB
MARTY ADLER ADLER MARTY
A Gen
A Generous Donat