Our Hometown Chula Vista - November 2018 by OurHometownMag

C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA

FREE

NOVEMBER 2018

SERVING WITH HONOR ———————————————— F O R L I F E ————————————————

C I T I Z E N O F T H E M O N T H : PAT T Y D AV I S

CONTENTS/

N O V E M B E R 2018

EDITOR'S LETTER

I remember getting into my car, with yet another load of belongings to transport, and hugging the steering wheel.

BRAVO Announcements

“My constant companion!” I thought, to my car. When my husband and I moved into our first owned home in 2014, the move nearly overwhelmed us. Through numerous moves to many areas of the country, my Honda Accord had moved with me each time. It was, and is, a loyal friend. What transitions have you experienced in your life? Perhaps a move, marriage, children, job changes, death of a loved one…Transitions are a normal part of life, but they’re not always (or even usually) easy. Going through them alone is particularly difficult. I had my husband and neighbors as support during our move, but it was my car that had made every single previous move with me and helped normalize the transition. I ask about transitions because the men and women in our Armed Forces typically transition, at some point, into being a civilian. For them, this means ending a career in the military and finding a new job. It usually means moving from a military base to some other place. It always means leaving a particular work culture for a new one. Our veterans have experienced transitions. One organization that provides support to Special Operations Forces is The Honor Foundation (THF). Chula Vista resident Joe Lara is the Senior Director of Programs at THF. He has written our feature story to bring awareness to the challenges that veterans face when they come out of the military as well as some of the supports available to them. Wondering how you can support a veteran? Google “how to help veterans” for a list of ideas. And if you are a veteran, thank you. Thank you for honoring service above self, for upholding America’s values and for giving us a reason to be proud to be an American.

06 NEWS On your Doorstep

14 FEATURE Serving with Honor, for Life

21 SCHOOL NEWS Teacher of the Year Award Recipients

25 CALENDAR Out & About

26 CITIZEN OF THE MONTH Patty Davis

—AMBER WEBER, editor OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3

BRAVO

. . . great things happening in our community

PUBLISHED BY

› To the CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT (CVPD) for celebrating National Coffee with a Cop Day with fellow citizens on Oct. 3. The event gave the Chula Vista community a chance to interact with the officers who secure their neighborhood on a daily basis.

MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher

AMBER WEBER, Editor

MELISSA MONROY, Design

ARIANNA PINTADO, Contributor / Intern Advertising Inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. Editorial Contributions: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. Visit us online at: www.OurHometownMag.com.

The informal meet-up was held at the Starbucks in the Chula Vista Center from 7 to 9 a.m. Complimentary coffee circulated the room while people talked with officers about neighborhood issues and asked questions. This event served as a way for citizens to speak to officers in a casual and nonintimidating atmosphere. Lieutenant Martin from the CVPD said that great conversations were had with citizens who attended. The CVPD held multiple Coffee with a Cop Wednesdays throughout last year at different locations. Citizens are encouraged to ask questions or voice concerns to any police authority; this event creates the perfect opportunity to do so. If there are any concerns in need of discussion, check out the next meetup and even get a free cup of joe out of it.

› To SADOC SANCHEZ and CHANCE CAMPBELL, CITY OF CHULA VISTA PARKS MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES who rescued residents from a house fire on October 8. Sadoc and Chance were working near Southwestern College when they saw smoke coming from a two-story home. They rushed to the residence and encountered two occupants trapped outside on the second-floor balcony. The two city employees raced up the stairs inside the home to attempt a rescue but were held back by the heat and thick smoke. They went back outside and helped the two family members and a pet escape from the balcony. One family member jumped into the arms of the rescuers. No one was injured. Chula

Vista Fire personnel were able to put out the blaze in 30 minutes and are investigating the cause of the fire. Sadoc and Chance received a proclamation and medal from Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and City Councilmembers on October 16 for their heroic efforts.

› To the CITY’S CLEAN BUSINESSES PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS. Chula Vista Clean Businesses distinguish themselves for going above and beyond in their effort to conserve energy, water, and reduce their waste, while educating their employees and patrons about sustainability. To further showcase these great local businesses, the City of Chula Vista Office of Sustainability is implementing a new marketing campaign that will use social media with beautiful and interesting short videos to recognize and promote the CLEAN Business program participants and their efforts. This campaign is made possible thanks to the financial assistance of SDG&E’s Local Government Partnership program. Boochcraft, the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Cool Down Coffee, Eastlake Self Storage, El Primero Boutique Hotel and San Diego Urban Timber are all featured on the City’s YouTube channel. The City would like to invite all Chula Vista residents to recognize and support CLEAN businesses and be aware of how important it is to always respect and protect our environment. Please watch the videos and celebrate our sustainable businesses with us! Visit https://tinyurl.com/y8j5npm5.

If you own or manage a business in Chula Vista and would like to learn more about Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any the CLEAN Business program, please visit form, in whole or part, without www.chulavistaca.gov/clean, call (619) written permission is prohibited. OHTM Inc. is not responsible for 409-1975 or clean@chulavistaca.gov. 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 Send us your good news! the Publisher or advertisers. OHTM Inc has the right to refuse Email editor@ourhometownmag.com prior to the 15th of the month and we will do our best to put the advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. good 4 O U R H OMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 18 news in an upcoming issue. at (619) 840−7722.

OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5

NEWS

/ On your Doorstep

Openings in Chula Vista Boards and Commissions

Serving your community can be a powerful and rewarding opportunity. It is important that a city gives its citizens the chance to share their voice among the people and influence change. The City of Chula Vista has recently gained some vacancies for boards and commissions and is looking for locals to fill those seats. This includes the Planning Commission, Measure P—Citizens’ Oversight Committee, Cultural Arts Commission, Growth Management Oversight Commission and more. HERE ARE WHAT SOME OF THE POSITIONS ENTAIL AND REQUIRE:

The Planning Commission evaluates land use proposals, conducts public hearings on subdivision matters and makes recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Commission is the official planning agency of Chula Vista, also guiding the preparation of the General Plan and Specific Plans. The Measure P—Citizens Oversight Committee ensures the City is compliant with the one-half cent sales tax implemented by voters in 2016. They will ensure the action by working closely with the City’s accounting department. The two positions that are vacant include the Parks and Recreation Commission Representative and a District 1 Representative. The Cultural Arts Commission advises the City Council and City Manager about issues affecting citizens about the arts. Members approach the Council with the needs of the citizens and suggest ideas that will assist with growing the cultural arts throughout the City of Chula Vista. The Growth Management Oversight Commission provides an independent review of the General Plan regarding developmental issues. It ensures that public facilities are being used efficiently for the planning of developmental projects. The positions open for this commission include a Business Representative and a District Representative. These are only a few of the many positions that are vacant and ready to be filled by a Chula Vista local. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote in Chula Vista elections. If any of these positions spark an interest in you, more information can be found at www.chulavistaca. gov. You may also contact Leah Larrarte at (619) 476-2300. 6 OU R H OMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 18

On your Doorstep

ï&#x201A;&#x201A; Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7

On your Doorstep

Rotary Grants Support CVESD Arts Program, Global and Local Youth Projects

The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake has awarded a $2,500 grant to the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) to support arts education. The grant was supported with a matching contribution by Rotary District 5340. The contribution for CVESD's Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) program will provide funding for professional development for arts teachers, as well as art supplies and equipment including instruments for new mariachi programs.

8 OU R H OMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 18

"We're proud to support local schools, and ensure students have access to a quality arts education," said Sabrina Monaco, president of Chula Vista Eastlake Rotary. "We look forward to seeing students perform, and showcase their work in the arts." A ceremonial check presentation to VAPA will be part of the May 4, 2019 "Hearts for Arts" event hosted by Chula Vista Eastlake Rotary. The Hearts for Arts event provides an opportunity to highlight student performances. Rotary members in turn have the opportunity

to stage a community event with broad appeal and generate even more funds for the District's VAPA program. Sabrina noted that the arts grant is one of six grants awarded by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake this year. Together, the grants total $6,700 to support local and global projects. The other grants include support for the following: • SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. Grant funds will sponsor two 8th-grade students to attend LEAD, and two 11th-grade

 Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

On your Doorstep

students to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. • SOUTH BAY PUMPKIN SMASH "GAME OF THROWS." The event engages school teams to develop a catapult to throw a pumpkin toward a specific mark. Students use their science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) abilities to create the catapults. • THOUSAND SMILES FOUNDATION, which provides free life-saving surgeries and related health/dental care to underserved children at its clinic in

Ensenada, Mexico. Grant funds support arts and crafts supplies for the children during their stay, as well as dental hygiene products. • WATTOTA WEMA CENTER IN KENYA, an orphanage. Last year, the club donated money to purchase an industrial sized oven so that the center's youth could have hot meals and learn a trade through operating a bakery. This year's grant will purchase supplies for the bakery. The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake worked with the Rotary Club of Milmani in Nairobi on this project.

• YMCA STEAM initiatives at its Y Academy and Character Builders programs. Grant funds support scholarships for local youth to attend the programs and purchase equipment for Maker Stations. Over the years, Rotary has given back in countless ways. "Whether building homes in Tijuana, feeding the hungry here in San Diego, or donating funds to eradicate polio across the globe, Rotarians make a difference in their community and the world," Sabrina said.

OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9

On your Doorstep

Enjoy Otay Ranch Town Center Tree Lighting and Holiday Farmer's Market Night

Chula Vista Welcomes Six Ballet Superstars It’s time to kick off the holiday season with Chula Vista Ballet’s traditional favorite, The Nutcracker. Hold on to your tutus because this year our city is welcoming six distinguished guest artists from around the world! Famed San Francisco Ballet soloist Koto Ishihara will be delighting our audiences with grace and precision as she dances the role of Sugarplum Fairy. The Huffington Post recently called Ishihara “the face of Tchaikovshy’s wintry ballet.”

Otay Ranch Town Center invites families to kick off the holiday season at the mall's annual tree lighting. On Tuesday, November 20 from 5 to 7 p.m., the mall and weekly Farmer’s Market will offer a free celebration to include musical entertainment, treats, giveaways and more! Santa will arrive at 7 p.m. sharp to help light the tree. So come out to the Main Street of Otay Ranch Town Center to see the tree lighting and Santa's arrival, then move over to the Popper Fountain area for a magic snowfall as Santa enters his house. Free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last) will be available.

The role of Cavalier will be danced once again by up-and-coming ballet dancer Simone Acri, who is an apprentice with Tulsa Ballet. Simone was born in Japan and later received a full scholarship to the Royal Ballet School of London where he graduated in 2016. He has been with Tulsa Ballet since. Another great artist making his way to Chula Vista all the way from Japan is Kazuki Yagi. He is returning to take the stage as the Nutcracker Prince and the Spanish Variation. You won’t know which you like more—his impressive leaps or his captivating smile. Dancing opposite him in the Spanish Variation is a local favorite, our hometown sweetheart Annika Dalbratt. She is currently dancing with Ballet Idaho and is the spokesperson for the US Prix de Ballet.

Photography by Brad Mathews (shown from top to bottom): Ryosuke Ogura, partnering Chula Vista Ballet dancer Hayden Villandre; Simone Acri; Koto Ishihara. 10 O U R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 18

There’s more! David Block is playing the role of Marzipan, and Ryosuke Ogura is playing the role of Snow King. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these great dancers share the stage with the Chula Vista Ballet on November 17 at 2 or 6 p.m. for $25. The Nutcracker is fun for the whole family! Get tickets at www. chulavistaballet.org.

On your Doorstep

Magic of the Starlight Parade Returns to Third Avenue

Ring in the holidays with free festivities at the Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire! The City of Chula Vista is thrilled to announce the return of the long-beloved Starlight Parade to historic Third Avenue. This year’s parade will honor local Chula Vista first responders with Police Chief Roxana Kennedy and Fire Chief Jim Geering serving as Grand Marshals. The magic begins Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. with the Children’s Faire at Memorial Park, followed by the parade which kicks off at 6 p.m. Back by popular demand, the free Children’s Faire runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Friends and family, young and old, can make their way to Memorial Park and take a ride down everyone’s favorite Frosty’s Snow Hill. Downtown Chula Vista will transform into a Winter Wonderland with real snow for sledding, photos with Santa, fun games, story time, train rides, bounce house, ornament making and an all new “Elf Yourself” station where little ones can dress up in hats, face painting and glitter to magically transform into Santa’s Little Helpers. There is something for everyone to take part in at Starlight’s Children's Faire!

GORDON KOHL

Music

PIANO

KEYBOARD & ACCORDION

LESSONS

CAREER PIANO & ACCORDION TEACHER

PRIVATE IN-HOME MUSIC LESSONS BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED • CLASSICAL • POP • JAZZ • MUSICIANSHIP • SIGHT READING • HARMONY • THEORY

619-395-0454

Snack Alley will feature delicious treats to enjoy prior to settling down and cozying up for the parade. Beginning at H Street and ending at E Street, joyful and jolly parade units will travel down Third Avenue as they compete for multiple festive categories like “Best Use of Lights” and “Most Enthusiastic Group.” A variety of colorful floats, caroling groups, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars and other participants will take part in the holiday spirit at this free Chula Vista event that only comes once a year. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, the Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire is a holiday event meant for everyone to enjoy. Share in the delight of building a holiday tradition that will warm your winter memories for years to come. For more information, to participate in the parade or to inquire about becoming a sponsor, please visit starlightparade.com.

 Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11

On your Doorstep

12 OU R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 18

 Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!

On your Doorstep

Eastlake Educational Foundation Donates $120,000 for STEAM Education

South Bay Historical Society PRESENTS THE SOUTH BAY’S WINE TASTING ROOM (1965-1982)

As kids settle into the new school year they have an advantage—improvements in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs provided by the EastLake Educational Foundation (EEF). The EEF recently provided a $20,000 check to six EastLake Schools in support of the 2018-2019 school year. The $120,000 total donation was made possible in part by the support of the community at last year’s EEF fundraising events and activities. A special thank you goes to the Adrian & Betsy Gonzalez Foundation for their generosity. Each year the EEF works with teachers and school principals to determine the best use for the donated funds. This year computers, tablets, software programs, teacher training and staffing to support a technology assistant are at the top of the list. “Our community is very fortunate to have a wonderful foundation that continues to support and enrich our schools. EEF has given our schools the opportunity to maintain and sustain the growing cost of technology. We are grateful to EEF and all of its efforts,” said Michelle Escoto, an EastLake parent.

The South Bay may be filling up with breweries these days, but the region was once home to a well-known winery. In September 1982, reporter Ron Lane wrote a bit of the winery's history for The Star-News just as he announced that the winery was closing down.

The EEF will begin celebrating 25 years of serving the community next year. The Board of Directors will lead the EEF into its next chapter of impact by creating a new strategic plan, and the Board wants to hear from community members. Part of the strategic planning process will include focus groups, surveys and research into the best ways for the EEF to support STEAM opportunities for the community. If you would like to take part, please email Janet Francis at janethfrancis@eefkids.org.

Les and Marian Downs, a husband and wife team, managed the Brookside Winery since it first opened in 1965. The winery, located in Bonita, was built in 1964 by the late Bonita architect, Victor Wulff. Mr. Wulff traveled the length of the Camino Real looking for the right design for the winery. He used the best features of all the Spanish missions and incorporated them into the buildings that Brookside, Inc. used. The Bonita Brookside Winery design was used for Brookside Wineries all over California.

New to the EEF Board are Ian Burgar, Elaine Elefante-Leano, Debbie Fisher, Victor Ibarra and Gloria McKearney. They join current Board of Directors Stan Canaris, Amanda Gregory (Treasurer), Lynn Howell (Secretary), Dr. Susan Mahler, Natasha Martinez, Patrice Milkovich (President). Also new to the leadership team this year is Executive Director, Janet Francis. The EEF is also excited to announce that it has launched a new website, www.eefkids.org, which is full of information about programs, events, resources and donors. "The site's landing page takes the visitor directly into our schools. It’s a reminder that the kids are at the heart of what we do," stated Janet Francis, EEF Executive Director. Since 1995, the EEF has donated over $2,000,000 to EastLake Schools to fund technology and STEAM programs. Learn more about the EEF at www.eefkids.org.

At one time, Brookside, based in Escondido, had 34 outlets in four states. The one-story building, surrounded by landscaping, featured high, open-beam ceilings and a loft at the rear of the structure. Inside were the wine-testing rooms, which were also used for social events. Many Friday and Saturday nights, organized groups would come to the Bonita Winery to have meetings, talk and, of course, wet their lips with a variety of fine wines. The building still stands and currently houses Performance Bicycle as well as Donny's Cafe. Check out more South Bay history at www.southbayhistoricalsociety.org.

OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13

SERVI N G W IT H HONOR

SERVING WITH HONOR ———————————————— F O R L I F E ————————————————

IF ONE WERE TO DESCRIBE A TALENT POOL OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WORK EXTREMELY WELL UNDER

The Special Operations community is a group of talented, elite individuals. They are the best in the world at what they do and have dedicated their lives to serving. But after serving a 10, 20 or 30-year career, what’s next for them and their families? Where do they land?

PRESSURE, WITH LIMITED RESOURCES, IN AUSTERE ENVIRONMENTS, WITH A “FAILURE NO-OPTION”

The mission at The Honor Foundation (THF) is to serve others with honor for life, so their next mission is clear and continues to impact the world.

MENTALIT Y–WOULD A NAVY SEAL COME TO MIND? IF IT DOES NOT, THE HONOR FOUNDATION EXISTS TO CHANGE THAT.

14 OU R HOMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 18

THF provides a transition experience like no other. Established in 2014 with Navy SEAL Foundation as a founding partner, it was created exclusively for the U.S. Special Operations community. The organization provides a clear process for professional development and a diverse ecosystem of world-class

support and technology. Every step is dedicated to preparing these outstanding men and women to continue to realize their maximum potential during and after their service career. With three campuses in San Diego, CA, Virginia Beach, VA, and Camp Lejeune, NC, each location is dedicated to providing a “high touch, high value” experience by conducting two sessions per year in the Spring and Fall to help these individuals find their next adventure after service. Cohorts, known as groups, attend life-shaping classes in the evenings twice per week, following a curriculum designed to make them dive deep into themselves and answer some of life’s most challenging questions. Fellows of the program are introduced to world-class faculty, a team of executive coaches and a network of mentors to guide them through their transition process…for life.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

S E R V I N G WI TH HONOR

By Joe Lara, Sr. Director of Programs, The Honor Foundation

“I went through a rough transition, but THF provided me with the tools, mentorship, and guidance to succeed beyond my wildest dreams,” said one THF alumnus. “Hands down one of the best decisions I could have made for the future of my family and for myself.” Another THF alum, a U.S. Navy SEAL, said, “Thank you THF for illuminating the path I was born to walk!” What is often misunderstood by potential hiring managers and business executives is what the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community offers. There is a false narrative of ‘what it is like to work with veterans’ in the civilian sector. While the military functions in a hierarchical structure with strategic goals and desired outcomes made from the top down, when it comes to implementation and execution, the SEALs, Marine Raiders, Green Berets, and Special Operations support personnel are extremely dynamic and adaptable.

The work environment demands flexibility to adjust for complex problem solving–with zero room for failure. The stakes are very high and demand a certain level of leadership–leadership that is typically found in Special Operations and rare elsewhere. Think about this: They are natural leaders with years of experience strengthening your organization and positively impacting the culture, bringing a “can-do” attitude no matter what the odds. At The Honor Foundation, the mission is not only to serve the men and women of the SOF community, but also to educate and build lasting relationships and business partners. The organization is constantly seeking those who can best support, mentor and/ or hire alumni. The desire is to help businesses understand the potential of this elite talent pool as future leaders of industry.

OVER 95% OF THF GRADUATES HAVE EITHER L ANDED ROLES OR WERE ACCEPTED INTO HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ADVANCED DEGREES– WHAT THOSE AT THF DEFINE SIMPLY AS FULFILLMENT.

Fellows have landed in roles in clean energy, business development, directors in human resources, and as key innovators inside emerging small to medium sized companies. Hiring managers and CEOs have been thrilled with the return on investment and results.

OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15

SERVI N G W IT H HONOR

16 OU R HOMETOWN â&#x20AC;¢ NOV EMB E R 2 0 18

“KATERRA sees value in its team members and finding the right people that will embrace the culture and ethics of a company that will be disrupting a major market. Working with The Honor Foundation enabled the right candidate to join the team to add value to the mission and success of the company.” —Danielle Cornell, HR Director, Talent and Recruitment at KATERRA.

As a non-profit transitioning institute, The Honor Foundation’s efforts are laser focused on the transitions made by their fellows. Fortunately, THF’s staff does not carry out this effort single handedly. Hundreds of talented individuals have partnered with THF to support 70,000 transitioning veterans within the next five years. One may ask: How do they plan on accomplishing such a lofty goal? Well, it’s not without the support of their tribes.

The Coaches Tribe is comprised of executive coaches and active business leaders. These experienced individuals donate their time and talent in support of each Fellow’s success during the program experience. With over 90 coaches across the country and North America, all fellows receive outside business perspective, are asked tough questions, and gain a sense of clarity during the program. The Faculty Tribe is world class and comes from all areas of business and academia. It brings transition curriculum

S E R V I N G WI TH HONOR

to life and pushes the fellows to understand themselves in a new light. The Mentor Tribe is highly successful at what they do and affords the fellows shadowing opportunity, guidance and advice. The Executive Sponsor Tribe is made up of individuals who are senior decision makers inside their organizations. They have the motivation, drive and overall influence to put plans, actions or introductions into effect to support The Honor Foundation’s mission.

OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 17

SERVI N G W IT H HONOR

THESE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE ARE THE MISSION MAKERS, DOOR OPENERS AND LIFE CHANGERS FOR THE HONOR FOUNDATION FELLOWS. THEY ARE EXTRAORDINARY INDIVIDUALS

The amount of resources and the network at your fingertips through THF is absolutely incredible and the staff are some of the most dedicated people outside of the Special Operations community I’ve ever met,” said a U.S. Army Green Beret and THF alumnus.

To learn more, please visit honor.org and explore the mission further. THF headquarters are located in Sorrento Valley.

WHOSE PERSONAL VALUES AND PROFESSIONAL MISSION ALIGN WITH THOSE OF THE HONOR FOUNDATION AND THE SPECIAL COMMUNIT Y THEY SERVE. THESE ARE SOME OF MOST VALUED REL ATIONSHIPS INSIDE THF’S NETWORK.

18 O U R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 18

Originally a military family, Joe Lara, his wife of 20 years and sons chose to live in Chula Vista in 2004 and call it home. Retiring in 2016 after a 24-year career, Joe is now the Sr. Director of Programs for The Honor Foundation.

 Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

S E R V I N G WI TH HONOR

OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 19

SERVI N G W IT H HONOR

20 O U R HOMETOWN â&#x20AC;¢ NOV EMB E R 2 0 18

SCHOOL CVESD and SUHSD Each Celebrates a County ‘Teacher of the Year’

Rosebank Elementary School’s special education teacher Melissa Moreno and Sweetwater High School’s teacher Sesha Haynes were selected as two of five San Diego County Teachers of the Year. The announcement was made at the September 15 “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers” gala. Sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education, the event was telecast live by Cox Communications from Balboa Theatre. Moreno and Haynes were two of San Diego County’s 22,000 public school teachers celebrated, with a spotlight on 41 Teacher of the Year nominees representing the county. Bonita Vista High School’s Music Machine opened the show with a spectacular performance. When her name was called, Mrs. Moreno stared and remained seated, processing what had just occurred. “I did not believe they were going to call my name,” she recalled. “I was surrounded by so many amazing educators. I was in absolute shock. I sat there for a few seconds to regain my composure because I was so emotional, and then I was happy and overjoyed.” Mrs. Moreno taught mild/moderate special day class students in pre-kindergarten through grade 2 last year at Rosebank Elementary School, where children learn to be creative thinkers, high achievers and confident in their own abilities. She is passionate about her students and being a teacher. “I have known my whole life that I wanted to be a teacher,” Mrs. Moreno said. “I used to play ‘school’ when I was little with my friends. I would make them be the students and I would always be the teacher.” While in college, she worked as an instructional assistant in an elementary special education classroom. “That’s when I knew I was meant to be a special educator. I just fell in love with special education,” she said. Principal Neil MacGaffey said Mrs. Moreno’s unique skills with students are immediately apparent. “Melissa is such a gifted teacher,” Mr. MacGaffey said. “Her classroom is warm and loving, although when needed, she is firm and demanding. She is a master at putting in place the structures necessary for students to understand what is expected each day and to be able to thrive and learn at their level, at their own pace.” Ms. Haynes has been teaching in the Sweetwater District for 10 years, working at Sweetwater High for the past eight. Equally adept at teaching math in a mixed-grade classroom or teaching fundamentals in a special day class for students with disabilities,

'Teacher of the Year' Award Recipients: Sesha Haynes, Sweetwater High School (left) and Melissa Moreno, special education teacher at Rosebank Elementary School.

Ms. Haynes’ priority is providing a safe place where students feel at ease practicing and questioning. “My goal each day is make my students know that I care, believe and will do whatever it takes to help them be successful,” she said. Ms. Haynes is immersed in the school community, serving as a club adviser and coach, all the while making sure students feel connected. After hearing from students of color who were feeling disconnected, she started a Black Student Union, which has grown to a multiracial group that finds strength in differences and similarities. She connects student athletes to students with disabilities through the Unified Devil Buddies Club. “Ms. Haynes is an exceptional educator and human being who truly cares about children’s academic, social, and emotional growth,” Principal Maribel Gavin said. "Teachers don’t teach to be recognized, we teach because of the kids," said Ms. Haynes. "This award means I have a platform to advocate for students and teachers, for diversity and culture. It reinforces my belief in my school district and how we are driven to excellence by teaching all students." The finalists were selected based on student achievement, professional development and community involvement, teaching philosophy, knowledge of current issues in education, promotion and development of the teaching profession, accountability and ability to serve as ambassadors of education. The state-wide Teachers of the Year winners will be announced later this fall. Replays of “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers” are available at yurview.com. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 21

SCHOOL

/ News

Recognizing the Sweetwater District Nominees for 'Teacher of the Year'

Congratulations to all six Sweetwater District Teachers of the Year who represented the district at the San Diego County Salute to Teachers gala in September. These six teachers held the spotlight amongst 41 Teacher of the Year nominees representing districts in San Diego County. LOUISE WILLIAMSON, the founding member of the Social Justice Corps, a coalition of educators from South County, advocates equity for students by organizing forums, workshops and school teams focused on compassion and justice. She began her teaching career in 1987 and has taught in Venezuela and Florida for parts of her career. She came to the Sweetwater District in 1997 and is currently teaching restorative practices and peer counseling at Hilltop High. Louise believes her strategies in the classroom provide students with ways to transform and thrive. She believes that a teacher’s love has the ability to transform the world. TARA TAYLOR values the teaching profession and enjoys facilitating environments where her students work through problem solving processes to gain higher understanding of their work. She began her teaching career 21 years ago at Castle Park Middle School in the Sweetwater District. Since then, she has worked at Bonita Vista Middle and is currently teaching “exploring computer science” and “exploring technology” at Eastlake Middle. She believes the nation’s needs for programmers will continue to grow, and she teaches each class with enthusiasm and passion for technology. KATINA RONDEAU says the gift of education broke the welfare cycle she was raised in as a young child. To her, education is the only thing in life that can afford students the opportunity to lift them up from their adverse circumstances. Katina has taught core subjects in residential treatment facilities for foster teens and is currently a special education teacher at Hilltop High Learning Center. She believes when she is able to engage with her students she is able to navigate them through life’s tough spots. In addition to teaching, she is a mentor for the San Diego County Social Service and Foster Care System. GINA SACLAUSO CARO teaches home economics and health education at Chula Vista Middle. She says her classroom is a place where hard work and integrity are rewarded. It is her belief that before students can begin to love learning, they first have to love themselves and 22 O U R HOMETOWN • NOVEMB E R 2 0 18

believe that they are loved and valued. Gina began her teaching career in the Philippines in 1986. She has been teaching home economics and health education at Chula Vista Middle since 1994 and was recognized as the District Advisory Council Teacher of the Year. She strives to begin each day stirring her students’ passion for learning and to find their deeper humanity and happiness. SESHA HAYNES has been recognized by the district as one of the top leaders in test scores for mathematics. Math can be one of those subjects where many students seem to hit a wall. She believes it is her job as an educator to tear down that wall, or at least make it easier to climb over. Sesha began her career in Foster Youth Services at the San Diego County Office of Education in 2003, all while working as an instructional assistant at Castle Park Middle. She now teaches “math and transitions” and “health in fundamentals” at Sweetwater High. She is also a coach and advisor for multiple student organizations. MARIA ELENA GALLEHER strongly believes in enhancing her student’s psychological and physical health by advocating for the “whole child.” As a peer mediation instructor, she believes when teachers address the emotional well-being of a child through restorative practices, prevention of acts of aggression can occur. This amazing teacher began her career in 1988 at National City Junior High School, now National City Middle. Currently, she teaches AP government, peer mediation, food and nutrition through gardening, Spanish and Mexican-American studies at Chula Vista High. She believes that one teacher cannot nourish “the whole child” alone, but that all teachers can make transformational change together.

On your Doorstep

ï&#x201A;&#x201A; Follow Our Hometown Magazine on Facebook!

OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 23

24 O U R HOMETOWN â&#x20AC;¢ NOVEMB E R 2 0 18

OUT & ABOUT NOVEMBER FILM FORUM Friends of the Chula Vista Library invite you to a free film presentation @ 6-8 p.m. @ Chula Vista Civic Center Auditorium, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. 14 “LEAVE NO TRACE” Rated PG. 28 “THE STRANGER” Rated PG.

FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE. For more info, contact SUHSD College & Career Readiness at (619) 600-3340. FINANCIAL AID EVENTS 11/06 @ 6 p.m. @ Mar Vista HS, New Gym 11/13 @ 6 p.m. @ Sweetwater HS, Theater and Library 11/15 @ 5 p.m. @ Palomar HS, Computer Lab 12/1: CASH FOR COLLEGE @ 9 a.m. - Noon @ Sweetwater HS, Computer Lab

SOUTH BAY PUMPKIN SMASH GAME OF THROWS @ 9 a.m. @ Eastlake Middle School, 900 Duncan Ranch Road in Chula Vista. The entire community is invited to attend. Students in grades 3-12 are encouraged to participate and build Medieval-style devices, smash pumpkins and win prizes. Admission is free for spectators. For details, rules and registration, visit www. LabRats.org.

03-04 BONITA OPTIMIST CLUB SEMI-ANNUAL BOOK SALE @ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Bonita Museum, 4355 Bonita Road in Bonita, 91902. Over 11,000 gently used books are for sale. All proceeds go directly to the youth in our community. Visit www.bonitaoptimist.org for more info.

VETERANS WALK Registration @ 7 a.m. Opening Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. @ Veterans Home, 700 East Naples Court in Chula Vista. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111 invites you to this special event devoted to help support those living in the Veterans Home. Walk, donate, sponsor or volunteer and honor their service. For more info, contact Hank Schanstra at Hendrik. schanstra@calvet.ca.gov or (916) 221-2709.

ELECTION DAY Find your polling place at www.sos.ca.gov/ elections and vote! MARINE CORPS LEAGUE SOUTHBAY DETACHMENT 1207 MEETING @ 7 – 8 p.m. @ Chula Vista Veterans Home, Building F, 700 E. Naples Court in Chula Vista. Meet former and retired Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force veterans plus hear from a guest speaker. Please call Commandant Jim Thomas at (619) 227-9535 with questions.

10-11 PUBLIC RUN DAYS @ 12 – 2:30 p.m. @ Chula Vista Live Steamers, 4358 Sweetwater Road in Bonita. Come out and ride the trains. Donations are appreciated but not required.

VETERAN'S DAY

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION @ 4 – 6 p.m. @ Sienna at Otay Ranch, 1290 Santa Rosa Drive in Chula Vista. Enjoy food, refreshments, entertainment and prizes. Overflow parking and free shuttle bus provided at Cottonwood Park, 1778 E Palomar Street. Call (619) 5504521 to RSVP by November 9.

TREE LIGHTING AND HOLIDAY FARMER’S MARKET NIGHT @ 5 – 7 p.m. @ Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road in Chula Vista. Kick off the season at the mall's annual tree lighting with family and enjoy the holidaythemed Farmer’s Market, musical entertainment, treats, giveaways and more! Santa will arrive at 7 p.m.

16-18 VICTORIAN COUNTRY CHRISTMAS @ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane in Chula Vista. Enjoy High Tea, holiday shopping and a silent auction to support local veterans. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots drive. Entrance is free. To purchase tickets for the high tea, call (619) 240-0098 or visit chulavistavcc.com.

CHULA VISTA BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER @ 2 and 6 p.m. @ Chapman Theatre, Eastlake High School, 1120 Eastlake Pkwy in Chula Vista. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $35 for VIP (early entry). For more info, visit chulavistaballet.org.

 FOLLOW @OURHOMETOWNCHULAVISTA ON FACEBOOK! PLEASE NOTE EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

SAVE THE DATE

12/01: STARLIGHT PARADE @ 6 – 8 p.m. @ Third Avenue Village. This free, family event is back by popular demand. Take pictures with Santa, enjoy a real snow hill, ornament creation station, bounce house and more. For more info, visit starlightparade.com. 12/02: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA @ 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Chula Vista Golf Course, 4475 Bonita Road in Bonita. Enjoy the ginger bread and hot cocoa stations, free picture with Santa, holiday movies and more. Tickets are $19.99/adult, $14.99/kids and free for children under 5. To RSVP, contact Rebecca Del Toro at (619) 479-4141 x225.

OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 25

Chula Vista City Councilmeber Steve Padilla's

CITIZEN OF THE MONTH

PATTY DAVIS

Patty Davis was born in 1950 in Louisville, KY. She grew up on a dairy farm, milking cows before and after school. One thing people learn on a farm is planning. They have to plan to raise their own food as well as the animal’s food. That ability to plan served Patty well throughout her career. Leadership skills were evident early in Patty’s life, as she was elected president of the 4H Club, governor of her 8th grade class, and at age 18 the youth representative for the Democratic precinct. She was president of her school’s National Honor Society, president of the Christian Student Mission Crusade and was chosen to attend Kentucky Girl’s State, a nation-wide leadership development effort sponsored by the American Legion. She graduated from Ursuline Academy, received the U.S. Army Walter Reed Nursing Scholarship and attended the University of Louisville. Patty met her husband Rod Davis at college. They married and were transferred to San Diego in 1969. Their first child, Rod the Second, was born at Balboa Naval Hospital, and their second son, Eric, was born in Louisville, KY. In 1977, after stints in Oakland, CA and Guam, the family moved to Chula Vista. In 1979, Patty started her real estate career as a successful sales agent and property manager. In 1986, she became involved with the local Association of Realtors’ Government Affairs Committee, which sparked her

26 O U R HOMETOWN • NOV EMB E R 2 0 18

interest in local politics, private property rights and leadership within the real estate community. She traveled to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to lobby politicians on real estate issues. In 1992, Patty served as president of South San Diego Bay Cities Board of Realtors. During her year as president, the association built a large, new office building to house themselves as well as commercial tenants. Patty was soon designated as a Director for the California Association of Realtors and for the National Association of Realtors. She was chosen to be a rent control mediator for mobile home parks in Chula Vista. She also served six years on Chula Vista’s Economic Development Commission and eight years on Chula Vista’s Planning Commission. Patty was elected in 1998 to the Chula Vista City Council and served seven years. She also served on the Local Agency Formation Commission and in 1999 co-founded Christmas in October with Dr. Emerald Randolph and continues to co-chair the event. Every year this program fixes up houses of low-income homeowners in Chula Vista, thanks to the volunteers who assist with donations and hands-on work. Patty was active with the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years, serving on the Board of Directors and as a committee chair. She currently chairs the Cultural Arts and Design Review Committee for the Port District’s Chula Vista Bayfront. Thank you, Patty, for your many contributions to Chula Vista!

 Follow @ourhometownchulavista on Facebook!

S E R V I N G WI TH HONOR

OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 28