war dog C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA
The Story of a k9 Soldier
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FREE
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: RALPH VAUGHAN BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS: CARECONNECTION + PROPERTY MERCHANT
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER What will you do to make Veterans Day different from other days? If you’re not sure, let me offer some suggestions:
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NOVEMBER 2015
04 BRAVO Announcements
Call up a friend or relative who is or has been in the military and say thank you.
06 NEWS
If you don’t know a veteran personally, write and mail a letter to a service member. Go to www.amillionthanks.org for the address and more information.
On your Doorstep
Visit the Veterans Home of California in Chula Vista and talk with residents. The 305-bed facility is full of veterans with fascinating stories they would love to share. Donate time, money or supplies to a Veterans Day drive. Fly the American flag, or replace your faded, torn one with a new one. Visit www.almanac. com/content/american-flag-guidelines for flag rules. If you eat dinner out and notice an armed services member in uniform, buy him or her a drink or dessert. Say a prayer for those who have ensured our freedom. Invite a veteran—or a military family who is living without a spouse because he or she is deployed—to join you for Thanksgiving dinner. November doesn’t just ask us to consider what Veterans Day means, but it also asks us to consider what we’re thankful for. It is an opportune time for us not only to recognize our thankfulness to veterans, but also to act on it and show it. This month we consider who else makes our freedom possible. Veterans, most assuredly. But also a surprising number of support personnel. We’ve highlighted a K9 trainer and photojournalist in this issue. Keep reading to hear their incredible stories.
14 FEATURE War Dog
18 ON TOPIC Holiday Pet Sitting
21 SCHOOL Vista Square Elementary Celebrates Re-Opening
22 CALENDAR Out & About
24 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT CareConnection Property Merchant
26 RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Ralph Vaughan
Happy Veterans Day and happy Thanksgiving!
Cover/Feature Photos by Don Brown
—AMBER WEBER, editor OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
great things happening in our community
Left: Finalists for Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers; Center: Teacher of the Year Armando Leon; Right: Beautify Chula Vista Volunteers
› To Chula Vista resident ARMANDO LEON for being named a San Diego County Teacher of the Year by Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers. Armando is one of five finalists for the annual award. He teaches U.S. history and AVID to 8th grade students at Mar Vista Academy in the Sweetwater Union High School District. Finalists were selected based on student achievement, professional development and community involvement, teaching philosophy and personal style, knowledge of educational issues and trends, promotion and development of the teaching profession, accountability and ability to serve as ambassadors of education. The award ceremony was televised on Channel 4 San Diego on October 10. Also nominated by their school districts as a Teacher of the Year candidate were Chula Vista residents Andrea Cooke, Cynthia Arredondo-Quintanar, Gale Marshburn, Michelle Yepiz, Blakeslee Detisch and Diane Ince. Congratulations, teachers!
› To the 721 community members who volunteered their time on October 10 for BEAUTIFY CHULA
VISTA DAY. The City of Chula Vista and I Love A Clean San Diego co-hosted the clean-up event at Rice Canyon at Discovery Park (369 volunteers) and the Otay Recreation Center (352 volunteers). Participation increased 13% over 2014 and had the most volunteers engaged in the event since 2011. Volunteers removed a total of 14,320 pounds of debris from Chula Vista parks, neighborhoods and canyons. Volunteers also removed graffiti, planted 220 drought-tolerant seedlings, removed invasive plants and stenciled a pollution prevention message over storm drains. Participants received commemorative event t-shirts, reusable water bottles and breakfast. 4 O U R H OMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 15
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.
Visit beautifychulavista.org for more information and to learn about ongoing volunteer opportunities in Chula Vista.
› To the CHULA VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVESD) and SAN DIEGO YOUTH SYMPHONY and CONSERVATORY (SDYS) for being selected as speakers for the National Endowment for the Arts Education Webinar Series that aired on October 14. CVESD and SDYS were selected to share their story about the Community Opus Project, a partnership that leveraged $15 million for arts education. Speakers included Dr. Francisco Escobedo, CVESD Superintendent; Glendora Tremper, CVESD School Board President; and Dalouge Smith, SDYS President and CEO. "The arts are a perfect medium to enhance collaboration, creativity, and criticalthinking skills throughout our system," said Dr. Francisco Escobedo. "The funding for collaboration while also boosting arts instruction District-wide is a win-win for classroom teachers and arts supporters. We believe other school districts can replicate our efforts." To view the webinar, go to arts.gov/ videos/webinars.
› To County Supervisor and Chula Vista resident GREG COX for his appointment by the White House to the National Ocean Council’s Governance Coordinating Committee, a group that advises the President on ocean policy issues. Supervisor Cox was chosen for his service on the California Coastal Commission, his leadership of San Diego’s growing “blue economy” and his advocacy
on initiating marine spatial planning. “I’m incredibly honored to be asked to serve the nation on this committee,” said Supervisor Cox. “Growing up in California, I have always had a love and respect for our oceans and coastlines, and I will continue working to protect our big blue world.” The National Ocean Council is charged with implementing the National Ocean Policy, which was created by President Obama in 2010 to improve the health of our oceans, support our economy, bolster safety and security, and better understand how our activities impact the ocean. The Governance Coordinating Committee of the Council includes state, local and tribal representatives from across the nation. Supervisor Cox was nominated by the National Association of Counties and will serve a two-year term.
PUBLISHED BY:
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
AMBER WEBER, Editor
MELISSA MONROY, Design
ASHLYN O'HARA, Intern
› To the CHULA VISTA VETERANS HOME for working toward a comprehensive plan to become sustainable and provide a healthier environment for its veterans. Some of the steps it’s taking are going through a lighting retrofit by installing LED lights, changing all the faucet aerators to more water efficient ones and using low VOC paint and cleaning supplies. In addition to recycling, the facility practices source reduction by not using disposable cups, plates and bottles. Because the home is located in the east side of Chula Vista, it uses recycled water for irrigation (purple piping). This effort by the Veteran’s Home will also benefit the health and wellbeing of the veterans and workers. Green buildings are known to be beneficial to the health of their occupants because of better air quality and habitability. Of the ten veterans homes managed by the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the Chula Vista site is the only one in San Diego County. For more information about CalVet’s plans for sustainability, visit www. greenbuildings.ca.gov/departments/?id=CDVA.
ALEXIS HERNANDEZ, Intern
Send advertising inquiries to Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. Send editorial contributions to Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. Visit us online at www.OurHometownMag.com. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. OHTM Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers. OHTM Inc has the right to refuse advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at (619) 840−7722.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5
NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
Starlight Parade
and Holiday in the Park Holiday cheer is near! The Chula Vista Starlight Parade is back, brighter and bigger than ever. It will take place December 5 at 6 p.m., led by Grand Marshal Tony Raso, along historic Third Avenue in Chula Vista. The parade will immediately follow the Third Avenue Village Association’s Holiday in the Village event. Before finding your place to view the parade, make your way to Memorial Park and take a ride down Frosty’s Snow Hill. The snow hill is free, frosty fun for all to enjoy from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Also in Memorial Park is Holiday in the Village from noon to 4:00 p.m. Step into the mind of Dr. Seuss where the Grinch and his
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Whos will transport visitors to Whoville. Jingle along to live music from Chula Vista High School House of Guitars, Songstress, Vida Blue and more. Take a picture with Santa Claus and experience magical holiday stories as performed by costumed characters. Don your ugliest apparel for the return of the Ugliest Holiday Sweater Contest and compete for a pretty prize and ultimate bragging rights. Be the hit of your holiday gatherings with unique gift items from local artisans. More information is at www.thirdavenuevillage.com. The celebrations culminate with the return of the Starlight Parade. Just as the winter sky grows dark, joyful parade
units will travel down the historic route of Third Avenue, beginning at H Street and finishing up at E Street. You will be whisked away to a whimsical winter wonderland of twinkling lights, holiday décor and fun surprises for the whole family to enjoy. A variety of colorful floats, caroling groups, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars and other participants will usher in the holiday season as part of San Diego County's largest nighttime parade. The Snack Alley is new for 2015, offering delicious treats to compliment your parade viewing experience. Stop by Snack Alley to get piping hot coffee or
On your Doorstep
hot chocolate, a bag of freshly popped kettle corn, a scrumptious cinnamon churro, a fluffy cone of cotton candy or another snack of your choosing from the food vendors on site. The parade is a free event for all ages, making it the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and get the family in the festive spirit. For more information or to participate in the parade, call (619) 233-5008 or visit StarlightParade.com.
Heels for Healing
Would you like to be part of breaking a world record? Now's your chance. Rabeka Harrison, founder of Together As 3 Point One, is hosting a unique 5k in November. Guys, you may actually get a hall pass on this one.
Nov 8 @ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
On Sunday, November 8, Heels for Healing will attempt to break the world record for the greatest number of 5k participants wearing high heels. The Heels for Healing 5k Fun Run/Walk will raise money for local charities to help bring the community together and raise awareness of our community's needs. Visit the Facebook page for an updated list of participating organizations. Also, it will allow everyone to help break the current world record of 957 participants. The race will take place at Salt Creek Golf Course.
The event goes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. So, grab your favorite and most comfortable three-inch heels and come have some fun! The price is $30 and includes a finisher medal; t-shirts are an additional cost. Participants do not need to be in heels to participate.
To register, visit www.TogetherAs3PointOne.com.
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On your Doorstep
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On your Doorstep
Spotlight on cyt The Addams Family Opens Nov 6
Founded in 1981, Christian Youth Theater (CYT) San Diego is an educational nonprofit organization that is committed to developing character in children and adults “one stage at a time.” CYT is dedicated to changing lives and serving children and families by providing them with unique experiences that have a long-lasting and positive impact. Bonita High School student Mia Apalategui aptly sums up her experience: “CYT has been a constant comfort throughout my entire life. It’s where I found my closest friends, my love for the stage and some of the most influential and wise people I’ve ever met.” CYT provides after-school theater arts training and camps for students ages 4 to 18 serving nearly 5,000 annually from Chula Vista to Oceanside. Because CYT does not own facilities for classes or productions, it works throughout San Diego County partnering with schools, churches and theaters for space. CYT has a strong presence in South County and currently uses Mater Dei High School for all South County productions and Sweetwater Community Church for all classes. Every session, CYT offers 10-week theater arts classes such as acting, voice, dance and a broad spectrum of specialty workshops. Students have the opportunity to work behind the scenes or audition and perform on stage in a Broadway-style, fully staged musical theater production for the community. Sixty South County cast and their families are now working toward a November 6 opening of their production of The Addams Family. The show’s Director, Michael Oakley—a former CYT student himself—shares, “this show has iconic characters that teach us about the value of family, trust and the importance of being yourself.” Purchase tickets online ($15) or at the door ($18). In addition to the six public performances each session, CYT South County provides affordable school field trips to more than 4,000 Chula Vista children annually. As part of these field trip performances, participants learn theater etiquette and even get a behind-the-scenes look about how theater is produced. CYT also offers an after-school program and a free ticket program to foster kids and military families. Visit www.cytsandiego.org for more information. OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9
On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Rotary
OktoberFiesta a Success The Chula Vista Rotary Club hosted its 2nd Annual OktoberFiesta last month on October 10. OktoberFiesta is a combination of a traditional October German festival and a mariachi concert. You put the two together and you have one exciting event. This year the presenting sponsor was Seven Mile Casino located at 285 Bay Boulevard. Offering first-class dining, owner Harvey Souza is a community leader and has been a generous community supporter for over 70 years. This year he partnered with the Chula Vista Rotary Club to host this wonderful event. OktoberFiesta was held at the Salt Creek Recreation Center. Nearly 300 guests were entertained with music from three extraordinary mariachi bands: Mariachi Azteca from Montgomery High School, Mariachi Juvanil Azteca and Mariachi Garibaldi from Southwestern College. Guests were also treated to food from Karinas, Trader Joe’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Papa Gallo Café, P.F. Chang’s, Eastlake Tavern and Bowl, Salt Creek Golf Club, Rubio’s and Savioe. All this great food was paired with local beer from Bay Bridge Brewing, Novo Brazil Brewing and Groundswell Brewing. Keeping with the Mexican tradition there was also tequila from El Chachanella and Los Tres Tonos. For those who wanted something sweet, Edible Arrangements offered delicious chocolatedipped fruit, and Nestle Toll House served a variety of its signature cookies. To wash it all down, Avenzo Coffee prepared its secret-recipe iced coffees, a crowd favorite. This event would not have been possible if it weren’t for local businesses and friends who helped underwrite it. Special thanks go to Seven Mile Casino, Scripps, Republic Services, Tyco Property Management, The Securities Center, Otay Ranch Baldwin &
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On your Doorstep
The Chula Vista Rotary is an 89-year old service club whose motto is “Service Above Self.”
Rotary promotes youth leadership and provides high school scholarships to local students.
Sons, Green & Green Attorney at Law, The Eastlake Self Storage, Focuscom, Bob Bliss CPA, and personal support by Dency Souval, Gabriela Lutteroth and Gary Bryant. Proceeds from this year’s event will go back into our community. The Chula Vista Rotary is an 89-year old service club whose motto is “Service Above Self.” It annually supports numerous community projects such as Christmas in October, an annual bike giveaway where nearly 300 bikes are donated to the Salvation Army, YMCA, Ronald McDonald House, South Bay Community Services and Breakfast with Santa hosted by the Chula Vista Kiwanis. Rotary also promotes youth leadership and provides high school scholarships to local students.
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On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Clean Business Program Update
Staff at the City of Chula Vista’s CLEAN Business program consider the achievements of 2015 and plan for the future of the program. Eleven new businesses have joined the program this year. Ten of these businesses are going through the REV sustainability program to create a sustainability plan that they will implement over the next five years. The program is evolving due to the engagement of businesses with the City staff, residents and with each other plus participation in workshops offered throughout the year. The new website for the CLEAN Business program is now live; businesses can access it and fill out the scorecard online. City staff is still required to verify each business as it comes on board, and then every three years, but having a pre-filled scorecard will save time for both the business and City staff. This will also allow the business to explore all requirements and options to meet them. The City is also looking for volunteers who wish to have a picture of their business featured on the website. Please contact the conservation section at (619) 409-3893 or visit http://www. chulavistaca.gov/departments/clean. Students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District experience a rigorous 21st century learning environment that is rooted in effective teaching practices and high-quality instruction. We nurture every child’s imagination, intellect, and sense of inquiry. Working with stakeholders, we harness the potential of a collective intelligence rich with the imagination and creativity necessary for students to become difference makers. CVESD is frequently honored for student academic achievement, high performing schools, and quality instruction.
www.cvesd.org · (619) 425-9600 12 OU R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 15
The CLEAN Business program is meant to assist businesses in their efforts to become more sustainable and lower their carbon footprint. One of the new initiatives financed by SDG&E and the San Diego Foundation is the provision of guidelines for small businesses to calculate their GHG emissions and report to the Climate Registry. For more information, visit http://www.theclimateregistry.org/.
On your Doorstep
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war dog The Story of a k9 Soldier Written by Amber Weber / Photography by Don Brown
Tony Villalobos and his family live with an American soldier and hero: their German shepherd dog, Basco. Trained as a war dog, Basco (pronounced Bosco) served more than four years in Afghanistan, from 2010 to 2014. Today he is retired and lives in Eastlake. It was a Wednesday afternoon when Tony Villalobos received a phone call saying he was needed in Afghanistan. The year was 2010, and he had a contract as a civilian K9 handler with the Navy in San Diego. The following Monday, Tony arrived in San Antonio to meet and train his partner, Basco. As a K9 handler, Tony had years of experience training dogs for police, search and rescue, and the military. Military dogs, also called war dogs or working dogs, are typically trained to detect explosives, narcotics or human remains—“to bring everybody home,” says Tony. Basco is a narcotics dog, but he’s also dual purpose and pretty good “at catching bad guys.” Tony’s career was to train dogs to make them proficient to carry out their mission. The mission this time was to find narcotics in Afghanistan, where summer temperatures fluctuate between 110 and 130 degrees. “A lot of people don’t realize that drugs are used to fund terrorism,” Tony explains. “We did a lot of raids to keep drugs out of compounds. We also worked at prisons and were the last line of defense to stop contraband from going into them.” Both Tony and Basco had to acclimate to the climate. Because war dogs are so dedicated to their task, they will work until they pass out. Dehydration was a regular occurrence, but a veterinarian was on site. As partners, Tony and Basco literally went everywhere together. Tony fed him and took care of him. Basco slept in Tony’s tent or room each night. “We worked together 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he remembers. In January 2014, Tony did one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. He returned to the U.S. because of injuries he had sustained in Afghanistan, without Basco. “The last time I saw him, we went through our morning routine, and I put him in his kennel. Then I had to leave. He had no clue I wasn’t coming back,” mourns Tony.
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OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
Pictured Top to Bottom: Zorro, Kristen's Dutch Shepard (Photographed by David Ochoa, Extravagant Images) and Tony Villalobos and Basco in Afghanistan, 2010
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Being separated from Basco was too much for Tony. He says, “I called every day and emailed everybody in the company to try to get him home. I even went as high up as the CEO of the company, who told me to stop emailing.” A few months later, Tony learned that Basco had been sent from Afghanistan to Alabama and would be donated to a police department. Once again, Tony got on the phone and started emailing to try to be reunited with his partner. Once again, he was told it wasn’t time for Basco to retire. And then it happened. At the end of May 2014, Tony received a phone call as he was driving home from a doctor’s appointment. He learned that Basco was done working and up for retirement. “I think I probably caused a couple of accidents,” Tony admits. “I was screaming and so excited. I couldn’t believe it. I thought I’d never see him again. A lot of times they [war dogs] get assigned to somebody else and you lose track of
them. It’s very lucky I got him. It was the best feeling in the world.” Within 24 hours, Tony raised approximately $2000 from his friends to pay for travel expenses to bring Basco home, and Dr. Anderson from Otay Pet Vets donated free medical care to Basco for his first year home. Thankfully, Basco appears healthy. As a seven-year old war dog, “he’s lucky that he doesn’t have any major medical issues. The environment is extremely hard on the dogs. A lot of them have emotional issues like PTSD or come back with cancer. He’s been doing really well,” says Tony. When they were reunited, no two living beings could have been happier. “He didn’t forget me. I still get emotional,” Tony says, choking up. So what are Basco’s days like in his retirement? “Even though he’s retired, he still thinks he’s working,” explains Tony.
“He still sleeps by my side and protects me. He inspects every backpack and package that comes into the house. All Amazon packages get reviewed, and he sniffs the kids’ backpacks when they come home from school each day.” Tony’s wife has fallen in love with Basco and knows the feeling is mutual. Today Tony works for an organization called Operation Releash, which helps K9 handlers know where their dogs are. Often handlers aren’t able to adopt their dogs because they change jobs or live with another family that doesn’t want to give them up. Operation Releash brings closure to the handler. Alternately, Mission K9 Rescue, a partner organization, finds war dogs and helps them live out their retirement. Kristen Maurer, president and co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue, says there are thousands of war dogs that help the U.S. She explains that they are either military
working dogs (MWD) or contract working dogs (CWD). MWDs are owned by the Department of Defense and assigned to military services; CWDs are owned and trained by private companies, and then contracted by the Department of Defense to work in the same ways as MWDs. The biggest difference is that CWDs are typically given less care than MWDs, and not all CWDs make it home after their contract ends. Mission K9 Rescue provides physical, monetary and transportation assistance to retired MWDs, CWDs and other service dogs. The organization raises money to fly the dogs back to the U.S. so they can receive proper medical treatment and be adopted. Kristen’s dog Zorro, a Dutch shepherd who worked as a CWD, came back from overseas “in such bad shape. When he wasn’t working, he was located downwind from a burn pile. He breathed in all the toxins and has inoperable prostate cancer and liver disease.”
War dogs “are very loyal dogs,” says Kristen. “We want to give back to them and find them loving homes if they don’t have handlers to go to.” In 2014, Mission K9 Rescue placed 25 dogs in homes and reunited 25 dogs with their handler. So far this year they have placed 20 dogs and reunited 10. Kristen adds that 10 more are coming from Kuwait and 10 more from Afghanistan. Tony has high praise for Mission K9 Rescue. “They’ll drive across the country to find war dogs and let them live out their retirement. They do so much to bring these heroes home.” To help war dogs like Basco and Zorro, check out missionk9rescue. org. Every veteran, whether human or canine, has contributed to the safety and greatness of our country. May they live the remainder of their years in peace. OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 17
ON TOPIC
/ By Ashlyn O’Hara
holiday pet sitting
Holidays bring a festive excitement unseen at any other time of year. However, they can also bring the stress of putting affairs in order, especially where furry friends are concerned. No doubt one of the main worries faced by residents is where their pets will stay while they travel during the holidays. Although boarding facilities are always an option, most pet owners are turned off by the idea of their canine companions in a crate during one of the happiest times of the year. Luckily, the South Bay area is seeing a rise in pet-boarding facilities that provide safe, loving environments for fourlegged friends.
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BeLoved Pet Sitting One such business is BeLoved Pet Sitting, which offers a unique, in-home approach to pet care. Serving pet-owners in Chula Vista, Bonita and Imperial Beach, the company aims at ensuring the comfort of pets above all else. Owner Susan Kaplan remarks, “Being surrounded by their favorite sights and smells and kept on the same routine helps to keep the anxiety over your absence to a minimum.” In hour-long visits, BeLoved Pet Sitting offers feeding and watering, administering medicine, grooming and cleaning litter or backyard messes.
Pet owners can rest assured they are receiving optimal care, as each sitter is licensed, bonded and background checked. With a fervent emphasis on providing care that ensures the utmost comfort for their clients, BeLoved Pet Sitting has the animals’ best interests at heart.
Camp Run-a-Mutt Another business dedicated to serving man’s best friend is Camp Run-aMutt. The camp affords a cage-free environment where dogs can roam free, both indoors and out on “paw-friendly” turf and rubber flooring.
SCHOOL
All dogs that are boarded can be monitored online with unique “Muttcams,” which provide viewing of the canine campers. Within Camp Run-a-Mutt lie hidden treasures, such as spacious grassy areas, a custom waterfall and splash pond, and even cooling misters. The camp also offers dog obedience classes and professional grooming upon request. The safety of the animals is a top priority, and the facility requires a full-day evaluation before boarding in addition to a preliminary checklist that lays out standards for age, vaccinations and conduct with other animals.
From their “Muttcams” to cage-free play, Camp Run-a-Mutt’s progressive style is adored by its patrons.
The South Bay area is seeing a rise in pet-boarding facilities that provide safe, loving environments for four-legged friends.
Camp Schultz Camp Schultz likewise contributes to the dog daycare community. As much a getaway as a boarding facility, Camp Schultz brims with a variety of features designed to offer a paradise for pooches. It boasts over 15,000 square feet of artificial turf and several miles of horse trails that wind through beautiful Bonita. It’s also home to 20 air-conditioned, outdoor suites and over 60 individual dog runs.
Centered on love and comfort for pets, Camp Schultz is a family-run business with over 75 years of experienced staff who all believe in giving animals the highest level of care. In addition to boarding dogs, Camp Schultz provides full pet grooming and daily daycare services. This care facility takes in the dogs they serve as their own.
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SCHOOL Vista Square Elementary Celebrates Re-Opening
Left:. Vista Square Elementary Principal Marissa Allan (photo, left with ceremonial scissors), Board President Glendora M. Tremper (center) and Chula Vista Deputy Mayor Pamela Bensoussan (right) at the red ribbon celebration. Right: Vista Square Elementary Principal Marissa Allan shares a moment with students in the school's newly refurbished Library Media Center.
Vista Square Elementary School Principal Marissa Allan and Board President Glendora M. Tremper cut the red ribbon to officially celebrate the re-opening of the school on September 28. As part of the improvements, Vista Square’s Library Media Center was refurbished with dark-stained bookcases, lighting accents and living-room style couches. It is now a welcoming, collaborative environment for young readers. Chula Vista Deputy Mayor Pamela Bensoussan applauded the dramatic "makeover" this summer at three schools in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, thanks to general obligation bond funds approved by voters in 2012 as Proposition E. Contractors and District facility personnel worked nonstop to ensure that improvements to Ella B. Allen School, Hilltop Drive and Vista Square were ready in time for fall classes.
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OUT & ABOUT
NOVEMBER WINTER YOUTH COED BASKETBALL REGISTRATION Now through December 10 @ Chula Vista Recreation Centers. Geared toward youth born between 2002 and 2009, participants will learn the fundamentals of basketball. No experience necessary to play. Register on a walk-in basis or online at chulavistaca.gov/rec. For more info, call (619) 409-1980.
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CYT PRESENTS THE ADDAMS FAMILY @
Mater Dei Theater, 1615 Mater Dei Drive in Chula Vista. This new musical comedy is spooky fun for the whole family! The show runs through November 15. Tickets are on sale now for $15 and $18. For more info, visit cytsandiego.org.
07-08
STARLIGHT AUXILIARY HOLIDAY BAZAAR @ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nov. 8 @ Norman Park Senior Center, 270 F Street, Chula Vista. Get a head start on your holiday shopping. Proceeds benefit the developmentally disabled at Starlight Center, the South Bay chapter of the Arc of San Diego.
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HEELS FOR HEALING 5K FUN RUN/WALK
@ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Salt Creek Golf Course. Put on some high heels and be part of breaking a world record. Price is $30 and benefits local charities. Visit www.TogetherAs3PointOne. com for more info. 22 O U R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 15
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11 VETERANS DAY
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DEC SAVE THE DATE
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 Sharp Chula Vista, 751 Medical Center Court in Chula Vista. For more info or to RSVP, call (619) 420-6603 or email info@chulavistachamber.org.
13-14 VICTORIAN COUNTRY
PARADE BAND REVIEW & FESTIVAL: A SALUTE TO VETERANS @10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ H St. and Bay Boulevard. The parade will be followed by a festival in Bayside Park. Learn more at www.ChulaVistaParade.org or contact (619) 796-BAND (2263).
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASE @ 2 p.m. @ San Diego Administration Building, 202 C Street, 12th Floor in San Diego. You can oppose the recycled water rate increase by attending or writing a letter of protest to the City of San Diego.
5 | Starlight Parade Holiday in the Village starts @ noon. The parade kicks off @ 6 p.m. @ Third Avenue Village. Kick off the holiday season by attending this free event for all ages. For more info or to participate in the parade, call (619) 2335008 or email Leanne@ mcfarlanepromotions.com.
EASTLAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION every Monday @ Eastlake Tavern & Bowl, Eastlake; 11:30 a.m.1 p.m.; eastlakebusiness.org.
CHRISTMAS
@ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane, Chula Vista. Get started on your holiday shopping and enjoy hourly entertainment while supporting veterans and children in our local area. Tickets are $25/person and must be purchased in advance by calling Kim Coronado at (619) 240-0098 or the lodge at (619) 421-2011.
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CHULA VISTA BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER @ 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. @ Eastlake High School, Chapman Theatre, 1120 Eastlake Parkway in Chula Vista. Tickets are $22 and $27. Purchase in person at the Chula Vista Ballet or online at chulavistaballet.org.
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FREE FLU VACCINE @
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. @ South Bay Homeless Connect, Turning the Hearts Center, 345 Fifth Avenue in Chula Vista. Free walkins welcome. Free flu vaccine for ages six months and older.
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COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH’S 125 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION @ 276 F. Street in Chula Vista. Services are @ 8:15 and 10 a.m. with an anniversary celebration following the 10 a.m. service.
FARMER’S MARKET Thursdays @ Third Avenue Village Association (Third Ave. & Center St.); 3-7 p.m.
KIDS READY TO READ Interactive storytime program Thursdays @ Otay Ranch Branch Library; 11:15 a.m.; chulavistalibrary.com.
EASTLAKE FOOD TRUCK GATHERING Wednesdays @ Eastlake Design District; 5:30-8:30 p.m..
26 THANKSGIVING DAY
PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 23
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
CARECONNECTION
When you first meet Lindsay Polis and Tina Nava from CareConnection, you will know there’s something special about them. It won’t take long to realize that they understand how to care for people. Was it the professional education and degree from California Medical College? Or is it the years of experience in education and the healthcare industry? The answer in part is both. The real truth why you’ll love these two wonderful women is that they’ve probably been in your shoes. Both cared for a parent in need of help and support. Lindsay cared for her mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer; Tina’s mother suffered a life-changing stroke. It was during these times that they both experienced a lack of compassion and personal attention from the caregivers delivering respite care. Lindsay and Tina found a common bond, and together they decided to help create change in the personal home care industry. What separates CareConnection from others in home care companies? They only work with caregivers who are a certified nurse assistant, licensed vocational nurse or a registered nurse. Even with this high standard, the cost is nearly the same as companies that don’t always use the same level of skilled professionals to care for your family member. The level of care is monitored throughout the day. Lindsay or Tina will often do a personal, in-home visit just to see how things are going. They see their caregivers as compassionate companions with exceptional skills. They offer part-time support for as little as one day a week for four hours to 24/7 care. CareConnection is also qualified to help parents who have special-needs children and young adults. To contact Lindsay Polis or Tina Nava for more information, call them personally at (619) 921-1244 or find them online at www.SDCareConnection.com.
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PROPERTY MERCHANT
The real estate market is recovering in San Diego, and the market to flip houses is still alive. Although reality shows make it seem easy, flipping homes for profit takes skill. If you lack the skill but want to share in the profit of a good flip, call Property Merchant. Owner-realtor Llew Quinol has built a career understanding real estate. Llew practices what he teaches. He has owned, rehabilitated (“rehabbed”) and redeveloped property throughout the U.S. The art of rehabbing a property is in the margin. Anyone can buy a fixer upper, but can they make money? There are many variables to understand, such as short-term funding, building codes and permits. On top of that you need a reliable contractor who can stay within a timeline. These are crucial elements in making a rehab work. Llew spent his early career in city planning. That’s important because he can identify good properties in a desirable neighborhood. The bottom line is knowing where to find the ugliest house in the nicest area. As a realtor for over a decade, he knows how to negotiate a sales price that leaves room to rehab the property and deliver a healthy profit to the investors. As a former real estate appraiser, Llew understands how to size up a property and see its potential. He also knows when to walk away from a money pit. Llew has lived and worked in the greater San Diego area since he was five. He’s a graduate of San Diego State University with a B.A. in public administration. He currently lives in Chula Vista with his wife, Sergia, of 22 years. He also enjoys teaching kung fu to a select, small group of dedicated students. To learn more about real estate investing, call Llew Quinol at (619) 888-2249.
Family services
Personalized, one-on-one speech therapy services in the comfort of your own home. research-based bilingual therapy for children and adults. Private pay only. letitia a. stanton-aicher ms, ccc-slP
(855) 619-6191 www.LSABT.com
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 25
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT Ralph Vaughan
By Ralph E. Vaughan It started with TV Guide. I compulsively completed mailer cards. My mother sometimes mailed them, which was how I ended up facing an Army recruiter who said, “Young man, I have an opportunity for you!” After training at Fort Ord, land of liquid sunshine, and a brief interlude at Fort Polk—which was like Fort Ord except hotter and with alligators—I flew to Germany. Two years later, a reenlistment officer said, “Sergeant Vaughan, I have an opportunity for you!”
food, water or medicine, except by helicopter. We had helicopters. I wrote stories about and took photos of soldiers doing what soldiers do: helping others when no one else can. The articles appeared in the Courier as well as in newspapers of the towns near the post. They were read avidly, not because of who wrote them, but for whom they were about.
“Become a journalist,” he said. In infantry, we never thought about support troops—except cooks. Everyone thought about cooks, often with malice. School made me one of thousands of Army journalists; advanced training made me one of 200 photojournalists.
I flew on several sorties. I recall one where a storm blew us off course, and Haiti threatened to shoot us down. I missed one flight, bumped because they needed a doctor more than a photojournalist. Ten minutes out, the chopper crashed, killing all. It was a story I wrote with care, for it might be clipped by a proud parent or a widow for a fatherless child.
Assigned to The Fort Campbell Courier, I covered aviation units. We were sent to the Dominican Republic in 1979, following Hurricane David. More than 1500 people perished. Roads were destroyed. Villages had no way to receive
I left the Army in 1980. From 1975 to 2005, I wrote a short story nearly every week, published about 300 of them in magazines and collected some in Beneath Strange Stars, published in 2014. I also wrote novels after retiring,
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including two Sherlock Holmes’ collections and a set of canine detective books, the only series set in Chula Vista. In Paws & Claws: A Three Dog Mystery, canine sleuths Levi, Sunny and Yoda battle outlaw cats trying to subjugate a Chula Vista neighborhood. Then came A Flight of Raptors, K-9 Blues and The Death & Life of an American Dog. The detectives uncover a dog fighting ring, clear framed Chula Vista Police Department K-9 dogs, fight an ancient evil menacing Chula Vista and help a war dog with PTSD-induced amnesia. The Chula Vista-based books are about friendship, courage, good versus evil and the power (and price) of redemption. Of all the words I’ve written, none are more important than those about soldiers. They celebrated unsung heroes and were preserved for children and grandchildren. I see not words, but faces, those who served their country, often behind the scenes, unnoted except for yellowed clippings in a keepsake scrapbook.