C H U L A V I S TA - B O N I TA
FREE
DECEMBER 2017
The Joy of Serving
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS: BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS + PLANNING COMMISSION
CONTENTS/ EDITOR'S LETTER
D E C E M B E R 2 0 17
I came to know and love Chula
04 BRAVO
Vista when working at the City on
Announcements
a time-limited, grant-funded project with the former mayor, Hon. Cheryl role was to develop and implement
06 NEWS
a service plan “that engages citizen
On your Doorstep
Cox. As Chief Service Officer, my
volunteers in solving public problems.” I had the joy of working with volunteers—moms and dads, principals and teachers, apartment residents and homeowners,
14 FEATURE The Joy of Serving
children and teens, average Joes and Janes—who had a vision. They improved their neighborhoods and schools through Love Your Block grants, tutored and read to children, mentored teens, and so much more. The community of Chula Vista is a collaborative one, and the people of Chula Vista are generous people. I have seen firsthand the joy of those who receive and the joy of those who give. This Christmas and new year, consider how your time, talents or treasure can benefit others. Most likely you’ll be blessed in return, with an expected joy.
20 SCHOOL NEWS 25 CALENDAR Out & About
26 BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Board of Appeals and Advisors + Planning Commission
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
—AMBER WEBER, editor
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 3
BRAVO
. . . great things happening in our community
PUBLISHED BY
MICHAEL MONACO, Publisher
AMBER WEBER, Editor
MELISSA MONROY, Design
Advertising inquiries: Michael Monaco at Sales@OurHometownMag.com. Editorial Contributions: Amber Weber at Editor@OurHometownMag.com. Visit us online at www.OurHometownMag.com.
› To the CHULA VISTA ROTARY CLUB AND OLYMPIAN HIGH SCHOOL for chartering its first Interact Club. Interact Club is a Rotary program where students begin to take action, build international understanding and make a difference in their community. It’s a chance to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of “Service Above Self” and to have fun while making a change in the community. Olympian’s Interact Club’s mission is to help impact the community by directly identifying a need and creating a project to help aid and make a difference. This year, students identified a lack of awareness on campus about mental health and ways to cope with stress. The club has taken measures to confront this issue by creating a video of awareness for their school news, getting a motivational speaker to address the situation, using animal therapy as an another way to cope, and having a mindful hike. Additionally, the Interact Club plans an international project to help aid people in other nations with the goal of being a service for others. Service. Impact. Change. This is what it means to be in Interact Club.
Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. OHTM Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those › To SOLOMON HAILU, a Chula of the Publisher or advertisers. Vista resident who ran the OHTM Inc has the right to refuse advertising. Contact OHTM Inc. at Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Las 4 (619) O U R840−7722. H OMETOWN • DEC EMB E R 2 0 17
Vegas on November 12 to raise funds for an exceptional cause. Solomon and his colleague John Tastad, both Sharp HospiceCare chaplains, have raised close to $2,600 to support Sharp HospiceCare through their marathon fundraising efforts, and the donations continue to come in. The total amount of funds Solomon and John raise will go toward services and resources for hospice patients who may otherwise be unable to pay. The two runners said that the marathon took on a new meaning following the tragic shooting that occurred in Las Vegas. They were honored to pay tribute to both the victims and those that stepped in to help while also showing appreciation for the work their hospice colleagues do every day.
› To the winners of the 2ND ANNUAL SOUTH BAY PUMPKIN SMASH–GAME OF THROWS. Before a crowd of hundreds, 14 local teams from 10 different schools tested their medieval siege machine in a breathtaking show of skill and teamwork. Hosted at the Salt Creek Golf Club and supported by LabRats Science Education Program, students from all over the South Bay demonstrated their STEAM
skills by throwing pumpkins to win prizes using either a catapult or trebuchet. This year’s presenting sponsors were Baldwin & Sons, master-planned community developer of Otay Ranch, the Eastlake Educational Foundation and the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake. The opening ceremony was presented by the Chula Vista Fire Department as they dropped a 100-pound pumpkin from a height of nearly 100 feet. This was a display of the ultimate pumpkin smash. This year, winners in Division 1 were Palomar High School Panthers in 1st place (returning champions) and Montgomery High School Aztecs in 2nd. Division 1 longest throw went to Palomar High School Panthers with a throwing distance of 51 meters. Division 2 winners were Castle Park Middle School Tater Tots in 1st place, Castle Park Middle School Chicken Nuggets in 2nd, and Eastlake Middle School Tre Bucket in 3rd. Division 2 longest throw went to Castle Park Middle School Chicken Nuggets with a throwing distance of 54 meters, the longest recorded distance of the event. In Division 3, Casa Familiar won 1st and had the longest throw in their division at 26 meters.
Send us your good news! Email editor@ourhometownmag.com prior to the 15th of the month and we will do our best to put the good news in an upcoming issue.
Special thanks to San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, who supported the event by making grant funds available to help teams in underserved areas buy needed materials. Twelve of the 14 teams benefited from the grant. Additional thanks go to Leo UlloaHiguera, STEAM Director for the Sweetwater Union High School District and Dr. Shawn Carlson, Executive Director of LabRats who donated countless hours to make this event a success. Additional thanks go to Lowes Eastlake and The Eastlake Self Storage/U-Haul for providing discounted materials, supplies and equipment/transportation. The 3rd Annual South Bay Pumpkin SmashGame of Throws is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2018. Registration will open in late July or early August 2018. Team registration is open to all public, private, and charter schools as well as after-school organizations, scouting, and home schools. Mark your calendars for this family-fun festival of flying fruit.
› To DELANEY COOK for winning a world championship title in sparring at the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) World Expo Conference in Little Rock, AR. Delaney is nine years old and has been training at Pride Martial Arts since she was three. Along with her world championship title, she earned a California state title and three district titles this year. Delaney trains over 12 hours a week at Pride Martial Arts, voted San Diego's Best Martial Arts and a Top 10 school in the nation by ATA. She is on the Legacy, Demo and Tournament team all while maintaining straight A’s in the dual immersion program at Camarana Elementary.
Her mom says, “Martial Arts has helped her become a self-confident leader far beyond her years. She's not afraid to try anything, she knows how to set a goal and figure out what ways to achieve them. She likes to teach others and celebrates their success. By being a student and a competitor, she knows what it feels like to fail and how to use that as a learning opportunity. The team at Pride have a genuine passion for making a positive change in the life of every child they encounter. ”
› To SWEETWATER AUTHORITY (Authority) for receiving a $276,060 check for its hydroelectric generation project at the Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant. At the October 25 Board Meeting, the Authority’s Governing Board received the check from the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE). The Authority contracted with NLine Energy for the development of the project, which secured up to $552,120 for the Authority in grant funding through the state’s Self-Generation Incentive Program, administered by the CSE. Additional installments up to $276,060 will be received annually over the next five years based on the amount of power generated. The newly completed 590-kilowatt hydroelectric system harnesses high pressure from the imported water supply. The system routes the water to two turbines that reduce the pressure, while generators turn the mechanical energy into electricity. This form of hydroelectric generation, known as “in-conduit” generation, utilizes existing water conveyance pipes to produce electricity without burning fossil fuels, making it a renewable and sustainable source of power.
Pictured from left to right: Olympian High School's Rotary Program: Interact Club Sharp HospiceCare chaplains Solomon Hailu and John Tastad Participants at the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Smash Game of Throws American Taekwondo Association World Championship medalist Delaney Cook
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 5
NEWS
/ On your Doorstep
SANDAG Refinances Toll Road Debt – Saves $147 Million over Life of Loans
SANDAG, operator of the South Bay Expressway toll road, refinanced its outstanding loans by securing a more conservative-level debt service structure that will save more than $147 million over the life of the 26-year loans. This equates to $88 million in present value.
The winning financial strategy comes in the same month that the State Route 125 toll road, South Bay Expressway, celebrates a decade in service. SANDAG purchased the Expressway for $351 million in December 2011 from creditors following a bankruptcy. The ten-mile toll road improved mobility in and from South County. Within months of the purchase, the SANDAG Board of Directors strategically lowered toll rates up to 40 percent to relieve traffic congestion on arterial roads in eastern Chula Vista and on the southern portion of Interstate 805, making it possible to forego widening of a portion of I-805. "Our strategy worked," said County Supervisor and SANDAG Chair Ron Roberts. "SANDAG closed on an extremely favorable refinancing opportunity, which reduces the costs to run the South Bay Expressway, a vital link serving residents throughout the region. SANDAG lowered tolls and now we lowered the loan financing costs by tens of millions. We are very pleased." In September 2017, the SANDAG Board of Directors voted to reduce the total debt service and approved the refinancing of the San Diego County Regional Transportation Commission and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loans used to purchase the toll road through the sale of $194 million of fixed-rate Series 2017 Revenue Bonds. SR 125 South Bay Expressway received a rating of "A" from Standard & Poor's and "A-" from Fitch. When the bonds were sold in November,
6 OU R H OMETOWN • DEC EMB E R 2 0 17
On your Doorstep
Big Savings as South Bay Expressway Celebrates Ten Years in Operation
Chula Vista Hiring Police Officers and Police Dispatchers
investor interest was high. The bonds were sold to 40 different investors, which enabled SANDAG to reduce interest rates from the initial offering.
If you are looking for a rewarding career in law enforcement, then the City of Chula Vista could be your answer. Currently, the City is hiring police dispatchers and lateral police officers. In addition to competitive salaries, Chula Vista has many assets to offer its employees including upgraded equipment, excellent schools and affordable housing in one of the country’s top ten safest cities with populations over 200,000. Chula Vista is the second largest city in San Diego County, the 13th largest in the state and the 89th largest in the country.
SANDAG operates the toll road under a Development Franchise Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through January 8, 2043. The SANDAG Board of Directors sets the rates for the tolls. With the cost savings resulting from the refinance, the SANDAG Board could avoid potential future toll increases, which would benefit all users of the South Bay Expressway.
The position of Peace Officer performs a variety of duties involved in the prevention of crime and the enforcement of law and order, participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations, provides assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs, and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services.
The toll road opened one decade ago on November 19, 2007. The South Bay Expressway four-lane toll road offers a congestion-free alternative to the region's South County roads and highways, particularly Interstate 805. It extends from Otay Mesa Road/State Route 905 in Otay Mesa near the international border, north through eastern Chula Vista to State Route 54 in Spring Valley. The toll road is equipped with technology to collect tolls electronically via FasTrak transponders mounted on motorists' windshields, so they can bypass pay stations at full highway speeds. FasTrak account holders receive a discount on tolls compared to cash/credit paying users. To learn more about the Expressway, visit SBXthe125.com.
Those who meet the minimum qualifications are invited to apply, provided the following criteria are met: be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-approved basic police academy, or be a lateral or out-of-state lateral applicant.
About SANDAG The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is the San Diego region's primary public planning, transportation, and research agency, providing the public forum for regional policy decisions about growth, transportation planning and construction, environmental management, housing, open space, energy, public safety, and binational topics. SANDAG is governed by a Board of Directors composed of mayors, council members, and supervisors from each of the region's 18 cities and the county government.
An added recruitment incentive for lateral applicants was approved by the Chula Vista City Council on October 10. It awards a bonus of up to $10,000 for any experienced lateral hired by the Department. Police dispatcher and police dispatcher trainee positions are also available. The police dispatcher trainee is an entry-level position to learn the dispatcher tasks, while the police dispatcher position is a more advanced position. An important requirement of this field is the ability to type at a rate of 40 words per minute (certificate required) in addition to handling the constant emergency telephone calls to 9-1-1. Recently, the Chula Vista Police Department installed a new Computer Aided Dispatch system with state-of-the-art features to better serve its residents.
The Chula Vista Police Department is committed to providing excellent service by hiring exceptional peace officers and police dispatchers. To see if you have the requirements to be part of this outstanding team, go to http:// agency.governmentjobs.com/chulavista/default.cfm.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 7
On your Doorstep
8 OU R H OMETOWN • DEC EMB E R 2 0 17
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On your Doorstep
First-of-its-Kind Quarry Crusher Run Supports Chula Vista Firefighter’s Foundation Proceeds Raised Set Record for Foundation
Nearly 300 runners, fitness enthusiasts and first responders, including 20 members of the Chula Vista Firefighter’s Foundation (CVFF), joined together on Saturday, October 28 to take part in the Quarry Crusher Run. While the race has been held in five other cities across the U.S., this marked the first race in California. The course, set up in Vulcan Materials Company’s Chula Vista quarry, led runners deep into the pit of the quarry surrounded by steep rock walls and up to the top of the quarry, featuring views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and the Otay Valley River Park. The grade of the race course varied from 8% to 15%. Presented by Hawthorne CAT, the Quarry Crusher Run offered two race categories: Single Crusher (~3.1 miles) and Double Crusher (~6.2 miles). Yesenia Byrne completed the Single Crusher in 26:33, making her the first female in the Quarry Crusher Run series history to win the race. Matthew Weigele was the first male to finish the Single Crusher race. Trent Moon was the first male to complete the Double Crusher, and Josephine Nagal was the first female to complete the Double Crusher.
CAST Program Accepting New Volunteers If you have ever thought about serving your community as a volunteer, consider joining the City of Chula Vista CAST program. Chula Vista’s CAST – Citizen’s Adversity Support Team – consists of volunteers trained to provide families of trauma victims with compassionate, supportive assistance.
An award ceremony followed the race in which Joshua Sanders, President of the CVFF, as well as Barb Goodrich-Welk of Vulcan Materials Company, presented awards to race participants. All of the proceeds generated from the race go directly to the CVFF, an organization dedicated to providing disaster relief, safety, education and community needs to the citizens of Chula Vista and surrounding areas. The Quarry Crusher Run will set a record for the Foundation, making this fundraiser the most successful single event the CVFF has ever had. About the Quarry Crusher Run Series Started in 2012, the Quarry Crusher Run began in Columbia, South Carolina. Each year the participant numbers continue to grow, and the race has been attracting out-of-county and state participants since its first year. In 2016, the Quarry Crusher Run expanded to Vulcan quarries in other cities and now hosts six events in six states. For more information, visit www.vulcanmaterials.com.
About Vulcan Materials Company VMC is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates—primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel—and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. Vulcan Materials Company is community-minded and gives back in many different ways each year.
Volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year, are trained by professionals, including police officers, firefighters, psychologists, and emergency room staff. First responders summon CAST to a variety of emergency calls, such as serious motor vehicle accidents, murders, domestic violence, shootings and fires. Since 1993, CAST members have responded to thousands of calls in the communities of Chula Vista, Bonita and Imperial Beach.
The next training session begins in January and runs through mid-April 2018. For more information or to request an application, please contact Maria Zadorozny at (619) 691-5213 or mzadorozny@chulavistaca.gov.
OU R H OM E TOW NMAG. CO M 9
On your Doorstep
Chula Vista Library Announces Annual Food for Fines Campaign
The Chula Vista Public Library will launch its annual campaign to eliminate overdue fines while helping those in need during the holiday season. “Food for Fines” offers library patrons an opportunity to donate non-perishable food items in return for clearing fines. Again this year, the library is partnering with Altrusa International, Inc. of Chula Vista, and all donations will benefit South Bay Community Services to help local families in need. Bring non-perishable food items to any library branch during open hours from Monday, November 27 through Friday, December 22, and overdue fines will be waived at the rate of $1 per item. Those who do not owe fines are also encouraged to donate. Food will be accepted at the following branch libraries: Civic Center, 365 F Street, (619) 691-5069; South Chula Vista, 389 Orange Avenue, (619) 585-5755, and Otay Ranch at the Otay Ranch Town Center (Food Pavilion area), 2015 Birch Road, (619) 397-5740.
Food for Fines works as follows: Non-perishable items such as dried pasta, canned or boxed foods will eliminate $1 worth of fines for each item. The library will waive a maximum of $10 in library fines per library card in exchange for donated food. Items may be used to clear fines only, not for lost or damaged books or collection agency fees.
Non-nutritious items such as candy or chips, food in damaged containers, or foods that have passed their expiration dates will not be accepted. For more information, visit any of the city’s libraries or online at www.chulavistalibrary.com.
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On your Doorstep
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 11
On your Doorstep
City Requests Assistance in Identifying Park Vandals
For the second time in a month, City of Chula Vista officials are requesting the public’s help to identify who may be responsible for using vehicles to damage several City parks during the late evening/early morning hours. Sometime Friday evening, November 10, Rohr Park and Terra Nova Park were severely damaged by vandals driving a vehicle(s) on the park grounds and soccer fields. In mid-October, the same type of damage happened at Discovery Park twice and also at Marisol Park. This damage makes the fields unusable so City staff and the Youth Sports Council must scramble to reschedule, cancel or postpone events to accommodate those playing in tournaments. These activities displace thousands of kids who play soccer at these locations. Besides the inconvenience for players and park users, the City must then spend thousands of dollars to replace the turf. This unexpected expense is a burden to the City and its taxpayers.
If you see or hear this vandalism when it's occurring, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Also, if you know who may have been involved in these activities, please call the Chula Vista Police Department's non-emergency number at (619) 691-5151. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
12 OU R HOMETOWN • DEC EMB E R 2 0 17
FREE Recycling Containers Available for Businesses
Want to save your business money while helping the environment? The City of Chula Vista’s Recycling Program is here to help you! The Free Recycling Container Program offers all Chula Vista businesses, at no cost, the necessary tools toward achieving excellent recycling methods. All businesses in Chula Vista can apply to this program to receive free recycling containers, recycling posters and employee training. Who can apply? All Chula Vista businesses that have a storefront. How do they apply? Visit www. chulavistaca.gov/clean to find the “Free Recycling Containers for Businesses” application. Complete the application and submit the form online, or contact Recycling Specialist Martie Solomon at (619) 409-5844 for print applications. City staff will contact you to arrange delivery of the recycling containers and provide employee training. Advantages of recycling in your business: • Improved business reputation – Attract new customers, enhance your chances of winning contracts and improve customer loyalty by demonstrating your environmental responsibility through recycling efforts. • Save money and reduce your disposal cost – Managing and handling waste is costly; recycling can help you reduce the volume of material you are putting in the
trash. Less trash, lower costs—why throw away your money? • Environmental benefits – Recycling keeps valuable, recyclable resources away from the landfill, which means fewer natural resources are extracted, resulting in less harm to the environment. The mission of the free recycling container program is to reach a 75% recycling goal by 2020 as required by the State of California. The diversion of recyclable material from the landfill will enable the City to reach benchmarks set in the City’s Climate Action Plan. Additionally, the program provides recycling expertise and resources to assist the community, more specifically local businesses with the necessary tools that will improve recycling habits, beautify the city and help the environment. The program creates an important nexus between the business community, the environment and the economic development of the City, in that recycling provides opportunities to create jobs, save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthy environment for businesses, their employees and the community.
For more information about this program and the Clean Business program please email environmentalservices@chulavistaca.gov or call (619) 409-5844. Don't trash a good thing— recycle it!
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OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 13
The Joy of Serving The Corporation for National & Community Service states that in 2015, nationally, 24.9% of residents volunteered 7.9 billion hours of service. The most popular volunteer activities were collecting, preparing or serving food; fundraising; engaging in general labor; tutoring or teaching; and mentoring youth. Religious, educational and community service organizations supplied the most volunteers. Age ranges were pretty well balanced across all ages, with 15% of volunteers aged 35-44 leading the way. People choose to volunteer for myriad reasons. Those who do engage in an act of service that in some way benefits the life of another. Often the life of the volunteer is also impacted; the joy of serving becomes a joy that is shared. Here are two stories about people in Chula Vista who have said yes to serving others and found joy in the process.
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THE JOY OF SERVING
OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 15
THE JOY OF SERVING
Thousands
Volunteer over ‘Serve Weekend’
BY ALMA FISHER, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, EASTLAKE CHURCH
From October 27-29, EastLake Church Chula Vista brought together more than 2,800 volunteers to complete a total of 174 service projects and more than 14,000 hours of community service for the residents of Chula Vista. From completing a painting project at a domestic violence shelter to serving lunch to kids who have aged out of the foster system, the serve weekend aimed to engage local residents in community service. Serve weekend was the culmination of EastLake Church’s fourweek series, I CV, which focused on what it means to be a good neighbor and how God offers practical ways that we can love and serve those around us. With more than 25 years in Chula Vista, EastLake Church has had a front row seat for our city’s incredible growth over the past two decades. “EastLake Church’s serve weekend is proof that our community is stronger when we have the active participation of residents. Their selfless dedication of time and resources made a great impact in the lives of many and created greater community pride,” said Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas. “Community service and giving back are in the DNA of EastLake Church,” said James Grogan, Lead Pastor. From partnering with the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition in 2014 to fully fund the first emergency response shelter in San Diego for victims of human trafficking, to building homes in Tijuana and providing funding and volunteer hours to the San Diego Rescue Mission for meals, education programs and new outreach efforts, EastLake Church has a long-standing history of service. “I was at a conference recently where one of the speakers asked, ‘If your church ceased to exist tomorrow, would your community notice or even care?’ I took that question to heart and committed to redoubling our efforts to love and serve this incredible community,” said Grogan. “By working with local schools and non-profit organizations and gathering thousands of people on one weekend, we hope our serve weekend was a catalyst for residents of the city to ask themselves, 16 OU R HOMETOWN • DEC EM B E R 2 0 17
“How can I make an impact in my community?” Throughout the weekend, volunteers expressed their excitement in being able to participate in community service projects with their families. “I enjoyed bringing my kids along to not only donate food at the food bank, but also to help out with the stocking and organizing,” said a Chula Vista resident and mother of two young children. “This type of activity begins instilling a heart for philanthropy and compassion in our kids.” “We invested over $100,000 to the community service projects that took place that weekend throughout Chula Vista and instead of having our regular services on Saturday and Sunday, we linked arms with our neighbors to fulfill the needs of our city,” said Grogan. A key project at the forefront of the serve weekend was the landscaping overhaul at the entrance of Eastlake High School. “Over a span of two days, close to two hundred volunteers came together to clean up the existing landscaping and plant new drought tolerant flowers and plants,” explained Grogan. In addition to investing community service hours and funding in Chula Vista, the entire EastLake Network of churches organized service projects in their communities. Projects in San Diego included preparing and serving a meal to the families at the Ronald McDonald House, revitalizing a garden at the YMCA in Imperial Beach and hosting a basketball game and breakfast for the residents of the San Diego Rescue Mission. In Playas de Tijuana, the team of over 100 volunteers completed a beach clean-up and renovated a local community park. The EastLake Church location in Pasadena scrubbed, organized and cleaned the inside and outside of the Harvest Home, a home for homeless, pregnant women and their children that provides housing, support and programs. In total, 3,932 EastLake Network volunteers across eight churches joined together to serve in 222 service projects throughout the cities they call home for a combined 17,711 hours of service.
ON TOPIC
OU R H OM E TOW N M AG. CO M 1 7
THE JOY OF SERVING
The Case for Hilarious
Givers
BY JUDD WHEELER, DIRECTOR, HILARIOUS GIVERS
Life in the suburbs of San Diego is good. Secure and comfortable homes are a near certainty for all. An abundance of nutritious food for our families is taken for granted. Drinking water? An unending supply is assured. Education for kids is free, comprehensive and available to all. Mobility? Most of us own cars to whisk us around on paved roads, to travel to wherever, available whenever. TV entertainment in our living rooms was not available, even to the most wealthy, not long ago. Medical care never before seen is practically guaranteed. Have an emergency? The cellphone in your pocket will summon help from a vast network of first responders, who will arrive within moments of being called. We live in the most prosperous time in the history of mankind. The power to share our abundance is likewise without precedent. We Americans are a generous lot. Much of our comfort and security are the result of the goodness of those who have gone before us. We naturally search for ways to share our good fortune with those less fortunate. Let’s picture another scenario. In Maneadero, life in the fields is good. Manolo has had steady work for more than six weeks. After the rains washed away his family’s shelter, it is good to be back to work. Manolo had built their casita of packing crates, cardboard cartons and plastic trash bags for his family, his wife Sarita and their three kids. That was all gone, together with the rest of their family belongings, lost during one fierce wind and rain storm, which lasted through the night and into the next day. He has managed to scrape together castoff material to build a replacement home. Having work for the two of them means 200 pesos (about $16) a day. The oldest son is in the fields, while the daughter (six years old) stays home to care for the baby. The daughter had a terrible fever last winter; several neighbors lost babies last year to la gripe (influenza). Sarita's precious daughter survived, but her hearing was destroyed by the untreated fever and will never be 18 O U R HOMETOWN • DEC EMB E R 2 0 17
recovered. She will live her life as a sordo mudo, deaf and mute. Sarita was told by the man from DIF that without proper nutrition, her children were vulnerable to sickness. Sarita did her best; she made sure everyone was fed with tortillas (corn meal, lard and salt) daily, and when she could, local vegetable greens, beans and the occasional piece of meat. Still, illnesses have been frequent and untreated. She hopes her children will grow to be strong, healthy and good providers like Manolo, able to work dawn to dusk when work is available. The difference between Manolo and Sarita’s family in Maneadero, and any family in Chula Vista, is simple: geography. Maneadero is 60 miles from Chula Vista, less than two hours' drive. If Manolo and Sarita lived in Chula Vista, their family life would be considerably different. We simply would not allow a family to live in those circumstances. Our sympathy and generosity would kick in–the kids would be in school, and Manolo would be earning more in an hour or two than the two of them earn in the fields in a day. Sarita might stay home to care for the little ones, or she might work; she would have a choice. Hilarious Givers has been empowering caring and generous families on this side of the border to reach out to deserving children and their families in Baja California for nearly 10 years. Millions of meals, thousands of mattresses, school uniforms and supplies, and emergency relief building material are all donated by generous Americans who heed the call of a loving God. Just as importantly, thousands of deserving kids have received the support they need to give them a fighting chance at a productive life. Nutrition. Education. Shelter. The things we take for granted. All are given without expectation of reward by generous families in Norte. Hilarious Givers launches its second decade of service with a vision of expanding its day-to-day reach into all of the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur and portions of Sonora. It has been our privilege to serve the four major cities of western Baja
THE JOY OF SERVING
California on a regular basis, and react to emergencies such as hurricanes, an earthquake and destructive neighborhood fires in the rest of northwest Mexico. We will build upon our existing partnerships with universities on both sides of the border and social, non-profit and governmental agencies in Mexico, with a view of expanding our current outreach. Hilarious Givers does not just “throw cash at the problem.� We strive to improve the lives of those we serve, leaving them better than we found them, and giving them the tools to form their own, better, self-reliant futures. Our investment in the lives of our neighbors requires less than a dime a meal from our financial supporters. Millions of meals are served for a few tens of thousands of dollars. All this has been accomplished with donated, ad-hoc warehouse space, donated transportation, all-volunteer manning, and a budget of less than $12,000 per year. We are taking a 'step up' this year. We will procure a long-term lease on a dedicated facility near the international border with Mexico. That facility will include a 5,000-square-foot warehouse together with modest administrative office space, and be operated by a professional, paid non-profit manager. We anticipate being able to reach out to many more families like Manolo and Sarita's when we have dedicated facility space, rather than being required to depend upon donated warehouse and office space. We're doing so much with very little; we will do much more when properly equipped! I am absolutely blessed to be able to offer this opportunity to reach out to 'the least among us.' I am hopeful that you take advantage of this invitation to share our abundance. Without your positive response to this invitation to 'step up' our effort, we will, of course, continue to provide the essential services to our limited catchment area, just as we have. That will be a blessing to thousands of deserving kids. But with your help, our outreach will increase dramatically, and our services will be more comprehensive to those we serve. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit www. hilariousgivers.org/ or call (619) 534-6801. OU R H OM E TOW N MAG. CO M 19
SCHOOL
/ News
CVESD Students Outperform Testing Averages Across the USA
It comes as no surprise that students in the Chula Vista Elementary School District would outperform the averages of their peers in San Diego County and California in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. With the recent release of state testing results, CVESD students outscored south San Diego County districts and California state testing averages for the third consecutive year. What isn’t as widely known is that CVESD students also outperformed the testing averages of 13 states across the nation in ELA, and all but one in mathematics. The 13 states including California are part of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. CVESD trailed only Washington in
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mathematics, by just one percentage point. (For consistent comparison purposes, only grades 3-6 were measured for the states and CVESD.) Overall, 63% of District students in grades 3-6 met or exceeded standards in English language arts. In math, 51% of District students met or exceeded standards. The average for students in the state of Washington in math was 52%. The student achievement has drawn a string of praise. “Credit our teachers for not only the work they put into their craft, but the belief that our students can and will achieve academically,” said CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D. “The teaching and learning that occurs every day in our
schools is amazing. It’s no accident. It has taken everyone working together. Our teachers are supported by parents who know that learning does not end when students leave the schoolhouse doors.” The California Department of Education released testing results for the state’s public schools in late September. This was the third year of computer-based tests, which use California’s challenging academic standards and ask students to write clearly, think critically, and solve complex problems. The tests, collectively known as the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), indicated students statewide maintained progress toward preparation for college and career.
The top performing District schools in English language arts—Thurgood Marshall and Veterans— were practically in a dead heat. Nearly 80% of students at each school met or exceeded standards.
CVESD’s results were significantly helped by the services and strategies put into place through its Local Control and Accountability Plan. For example, the Board of Education invested more than $5 million annually for three years to employ additional teachers with a focus on visual and performing arts, which in turn provided classroom teachers release time for collaboration. That time together was important for classroom teachers to strategically plan lessons and enhance instruction, officials said. Some individual schools made dramatic assessment gains. For example, Montgomery Elementary posted the District’s highest year-over-year increase in English, with an incredible growth
of 15.2%. Arts enthusiasts noted the connection between academic success and campuses that have a strong arts program. Montgomery is one of 18 CVESD schools to receive a VH1 Save the Music Foundation instrument grant. Montgomery also serves as one of five San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory “Community Opus Project” sites in the District. Additionally, this year, the school launched a partnership with La Jolla Playhouse. The top performing District schools in English language arts—Thurgood Marshall and Veterans—were practically in a dead heat. Nearly 80% of students at each school met or exceeded standards. Veterans Elementary was again the top performing District school
in math, as 75.7% of students met or exceeded standards. Wolf Canyon was second highest in math, with 69.4% of students who met or exceeded standards. Silver Wing Elementary recorded the biggest year-over-year increase in math, with growth of 12.6% in students who met or exceeded standards. “We have the same demographics as other districts around us, but we have nearly double the results,” said CVESD Board President Francisco Tamayo, at the October Board meeting. “There is definitely something we are doing right… While today we will celebrate these results, tomorrow we are back at the table and looking at how we can continue to increase. We can do better.”
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On your Doorstep
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School News
Sweetwater District Celebrates 50 Years of Band Pageants
The celebration of music, camaraderie and fun was celebrated in a huge way at the Sweetwater Union High School District’s 50th Annual Band Pageant. More than 2,300 students marched on the field at San Ysidro High where onlookers of family, friends and students packed out bleachers. The event, held annually for 50 years, is hosted by the Sweetwater District Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department. The event showcased high school marching bands’ competitive field shows, and the middle school bands joined together for a massed band performance at the end of the show. This year, VAPA Director Jeff Kover honored veteran pageant directors down on the field. Ed Reed, the first band pageant band director in 1968 was one of them. “I’m just happy to be here,” said Reed. “And I’m pleased to see that the district is continuing this great tradition. The students deserve it.” In July 1968, the six high schools of the Sweetwater District gathered together to begin the plans for the first Sweetwater Band Pageant. Designed as a showcase for the marching bands and their pageantry corps, this inaugural event took place on October 5, 1968, in what was then known as Aztec Bowl at San Diego State College. Eric Mabrey, Olympian High School Band Director and former Sweetwater District graduate, started when he was a seventh grader at Castle Park Junior High School in the 1970s. “This event is a great opportunity for students to present their halftime shows in front of an audience of thousands,” said Kover. “All their hard work [is] showcased among their peers. Doesn’t get much better than that.”
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PIANO
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LESSONS
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December STAND UP FOR KIDS HOLIDAY DRIVE The entire Sweetwater Union High School District is hosting a collection for San Diego teens who are facing homelessness and life on the streets. All items will be donated to Stand Up for Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping San Diego’s homeless teens. All donations must be delivered by December 15. For drop-off locations, contact Cecilia De La Riva at (619) 691-5578 or gcomm@ sweetwaterschools.org. NIGHTLY SNOWFALL @ 6 and 7 p.m. @ Village Walk (Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive in Chula Vista). Thanks to the team at Magic Snow, you can experience a Winter Wonderland in San Diego every year during the holidays. Visit through December 24 and watch the snow fall. It’s completely free and completely magical. For more info, visit shopvillagewalk.com. GIANT SNOW GLOBE DECEMBER 03, 10, 17 @ 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. @ Village Walk near the children’s play area. The perfect photo or backdrop for your holiday cards or social media posts.
OUT & ABOUT
JINGLE MINGLE MIXER AND BLANKET DRIVE @ 4:30 – 7 p.m. @ St. Paul’s Plaza, 1420 East Palomar Street in Chula Vista. Join for holiday cheer and share the warmth of the season by bringing a new blanket for PACE and homeless seniors. Appetizers and wine will be provided. RSVP to Mary Johnson, (619) 591-0600 or MJohnson@ StPaulSeniors.org.
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HOLIDAY PJ NIGHT WITH SANTA @ 5 – 8 p.m. @ Library Porch at the Otay Ranch Public Library, 2015 Birch Road Suite 409 in Chula Vista. Who said that pajamas were only for bedtime? Dress up the whole family in their favorite festive PJs and take an unforgettable photo with Santa. Whether it’s silly or sweet, it will be the perfect picture to share with all your family and friends.
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KIMBALL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION @ 4 – 8 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday @ Kimball Park, 12th Street and D Avenue in National City. This free, family event will have ice skating for all ages. Plus, enjoy the craft and food vendors, kids’ activities, snow play area, outdoor holiday movies, live music, and more. Don’t miss the tree lighting event at 6 p.m. on Friday. For more info, visit www.nationalcityca.gov/ AKimballHoliday.
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REINDEER DASH @ 9 a.m. @ Kimball Park, 12th Street and D Avenue in National City. This free, one-mile family run/walk will include a reindeer-themed photo booth, breakfast and photos with Santa, plus arts and crafts. For more info or to register, visit www.nationalcityca.gov/ ReindeerDash. COMMUNITY CONVERSATION @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ The HUB at the Otay Ranch Public Library, 2015 Birch Road Suite 409 in Chula Vista. Have you heard all the buzz about Amazon in Chula Vista? Join Councilmember Steve Padilla and Lee Chesnut of Chesnut Properties for a presentation and discussion about the vision for MILLENIA. Please RSVP to Tony Cruz at tcruz@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 585-5614 by December 6 to confirm your attendance. LA FIESTA DANZANTES WINTER RECITAL @ 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. @ Memorial Park, 373 Park Way in Chula Vista. La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego presents a Winter Recital at the Memorial Bowl in Chula Vista featuring Parkway and Otay dancers from preschool, beginner levels, intermediate, emerging and advanced/professional. Free and open to the public!
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FILM FORUM @ 5:30 – 8 p.m. @ Chula Vista Civic Center Auditorium, 365 F Street in Chula Vista. This is a free, all-ages event sponsored by the Friends of the Chula Vista Library. Enjoy a mini concert featuring Alyssa Walker, singer/songwriter/ guitarist, followed by a film screening of Your Name (Kimi No Na Wa) at 6 p.m.
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CHANUKAH PARTY & CELEBRATION @ 4 p.m. @ Temple Beth Shalom of Chula Vista, 208 Madrona St. in Chula Vista. This free event includes latkes, menorah lighting, and an opportunity to purchase pottery by Andrew J. Roth. Call Arlene at (858) 344-5632 with questions.
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HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
LAS COMADRES BOOK CLUB @ 6 – 7 p.m. @ South Chula Vista Library, 389 Orange Avenue in Chula Vista. Las Comadres & Friends, partnering with the Association of American Publishers, connects Latinas around the world through their love for literature. Explore the writings and latest materials from new and upcoming Latino authors. For dates, times, and book information, please call the library at (619) 585-5755 x. 92 or e-mail Jackie at jmacias@ chulavistaca.gov.
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SAVE THE DATE 01/28 TASTE OF EASTLAKE @ 6 – 9 p.m. @ The Venue at Eastlake, 871 Showroom Place in Chula Vista. For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor for 2018, call (619) 997-6470.
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS PLANNING COMMISSION
BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS
The Planning Commission works in conjunction with the Development Services Department and serves as the official planning agency for the City of Chula Vista. Its duties include evaluating major land use proposals in terms of their impact on the City and conducting public hearings on significant planning, zoning, and land subdivision matters. In addition, it recommends action and policy to the City Council. The Commission also guides the preparation for the General Plan and Specific Plans.
The Board of Appeals and Advisors consists of seven voting members appointed by the City Council to act as an advisory body. They advise and make recommendations to the City Council, the City Manager, the Building Official and the Fire Chief on matters relating to building construction. In addition, this group acts as an alternative administrative appellate review body for persons affected by decisions of those officers in regards to adopted building codes.
Design review is another aspect of the Planning Commission duties and requires that at least three members have experience in design and townscape matters. The Planning Commission also is the approval authority of Tentative Maps and Vesting Tentative Maps. Recent accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2016 included: • Approving a Master Precise Plan for Otay Ranch Village 3 North and a portion of Village 4. • Recommending City Council and the Planning Commission move forward with creating a new initiation process for amendments to the General Plan, Sectional Planning Area Plans, General Development Plans, Specific Plans, Precise Plans (Land Use Plans) and for rezoning. • Consideration of a Major Planning Application (MPA170003) to update the Otay Valley Regional Park Concept Plan.
Functions and duties of the Board are: 1) Create a forum for City-wide discussions, research, and analysis of critical issues of building construction, 2) Investigate and advise as to the suitability of alternate materials, types of construction, and interpretation of adopted building codes, 3) Conduct public hearings and recommend to the City Council the passage of new legislation pertaining to the design and construction of buildings, and 4) As an alternative to a hearing examiner, act as an administrative appellate body to hear appeals relating to determinations by City officials on issues related to adopted building codes.
Regular meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:15 p.m. in Conference Room 137, located in Building B (Development Services) in the Civic Center at 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista.
The Planning Commission members are all professional working volunteers and meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.
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