Our Hometown Dec 2024

DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

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CHULA VISTA & BONITA DECEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 12

B R A D WE B E R

Left to Right: Summer Armentrout, Lead Pastor Rancho Vista Church and Kevin Marshall, President of Copy Link

Publisher

M I CH A E L M O N AC O

Community General Manager

My name is Rev. Summer Armentrout and this past October I was officially installed as the new lead pastor of Rancho Vista Church. I’m no stranger to Chula Vista because prior to my current position, I served for seven years as the associate pastor at The Refinery located on 5th and E. During this time, I’ve grown to love Chula Vista for its diverse neighborhoods and culture.

A R I P I N TA D O

Independent Contributor R ACH E L PE R E Z

Independent Contributor RILE Y KAI

Intern Photographer

Rancho Vista Church has existed for over 20 years, and like most churches, especially during and after the Covid pandemic, it experienced its share of ups and downs and everything in between. I believe our church’s current season holds great potential for impacting our community and growth in our congregation. We also have a clearer sense of God’s mission to share His love with one another and also with our neighbors in practical ways.

H A S T I SH A R I F, M A R I A U L LOA

Interns

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MICHAEL

MARIA

ARI

RACHEL

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We’re currently interested in sharing our building space with another small/midsize church and also with one or more non-profit organizations in need of office space or a community workspace space during the week. Uniquely positioned on Otay Lakes Road in a business park, our building is close to the 125 freeway, and next to many businesses as well as residential neighborhoods. It’s always been our vision to use our space not just to hold our Sunday services but to also contribute to the flourishing of our community by building meaningful relationships with other organizations.

As a small worshipping community, we provide many benefits that aren’t always available at larger churches. For instance, our members have the opportunity to truly get to know one another, and to be known, while closely journeying with one another in our personal and spiritual lives. We also offer fellowship and a worship service on Sundays at 10 a.m. in person and on Facebook, as well as a children’s ministry for prek-6th grade. Small groups are offered both online and in person during the week and we’re currently exploring ways to serve in our community together.

One other benefit of a smaller congregation is that as their pastor I also get to be known (and not just for my sermons on Sunday) as a flesh-and-blood person too, with needs, weaknesses and interests of my own. At Rancho Vista Church, we strive to welcome each person and to see them as a valuable, unique individual and an integral part of our worshipping community.

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

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SENIOR NEWS

Elder Fraud: Protecting Our Seniors from Scams

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his is the fourth article in a four-part series focusing on elder fraud; the Grandparent Scam was featured in the September 2023 issue, Tech Support Scams in the October 2023 issue, and Gift Card Scams in the November 2023 issue. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that 88,262 victims of fraud age 60 and older suffered $3.1 billion in losses in 2022, an 84% increase from the prior year, with each victim losing an average of $35,101. Native Chula Vistan and current Bonita resident Elizabeth Cox is Immediate Past President of the FBI San Diego Citizens Academy Alumni Association. In that capacity, she is committed to sharing information that prepares and prevents seniors from becoming victims of scams. More information and resources are available at SDElderFraud.com.

Romance Scams in the Digital Age In today’s interconnected world, where love can spark with a single click, seniors increasingly venture into the digital realm of online dating. However, the same platforms that promise companionship also harbor dangers, particularly for older adults. As the FBI intensifies its investigations into elder fraud, a worrying trend emerges — loneliness, especially during the holiday season, exacerbates the risk of romance scams for seniors.

Loneliness and the Lure of

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Digital Romance The festive cheer of holidays often casts a contrasting shadow of loneliness for many, particularly the elderly. The absence of loved ones, memories of times gone by, and isolation intensified by colder weather can make seniors more emotionally vulnerable. The pandemic, with its forced isolations and quarantines, further deepened this emotional chasm for many.

In their search for companionship and warmth during these lonely periods, many elderly individuals turn to the internet. Online dating apps, with user-friendly interfaces and the promise of finding a compatible partner, seem like the perfect antidote to solitude.

The surge in digital platforms and the normalization of online dating made it easier for seniors to connect with potential partners from the comfort of their homes.

For someone battling loneliness during the holiday season, the instant gratification of online attention can be exhilarating.

However, this very vulnerability becomes a potent weapon in the hands of scammers.

Cybercriminals who pose as potential romantic partners exploit the emotional needs of their victims. The holiday season, with its emphasis on family, togetherness, and gift-giving, provides the perfect backdrop for scammers to weave stories that extract financial favors.

FBI Tips to Avoid Romance Scams • Be careful what you post and

make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.

• Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere • Go slowly and ask lots of questions.

• Be wary if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.

• Be cautious if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.

• Beware if the individual promises to meet in person and always comes up with an excuse why they can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.

• Never send money to anyone with whom you have communicated only online or by phone.

Building Resilience Protection against romance scams is not just about digital vigilance; it’s also about addressing the root cause—loneliness. Here’s how communities can step in: • Holiday gatherings: Volunteer at community events or organize meet-ups for seniors during the holidays. Real-world interactions can reduce their

reliance on digital platforms for companionship.

• Mental health check-ins: Encourage regular emotional check-ins. A simple conversation can sometimes unveil the depths of loneliness one might be feeling.

• Educate and share: Share stories of scams, especially those that have a holiday angle, to make seniors more alert to the dangers lurking online.

The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation’s (SDSCF) #NoSeniorAlone for the Holidays campaign brings awareness to more than 130,000 isolated “senior orphans” in San Diego County who are at risk due to loneliness.

SDSCF provides grants to 28 senior centers across the county to host holiday events filled with vital companionship and community connections. These centers serve as hubs that provide year-round social services to support independent lives. Learn more about holiday events, dances, theater outings, crafts, and more at sdscf.org.

The fusion of holiday-induced loneliness and the digital dating landscape creates a potent mix that scammers are keen to exploit.

By understanding the emotional underpinnings, supporting victims, and fortifying our digital and emotional defenses, we can create a safer environment for our elderly loved ones. Learn more and sign up to attend an upcoming information session with an FBI agent or intelligence analyst at SDElderFraud.com.

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

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CIT Y NEWS

6 Ways to Reduce Food Waste during the holidays and have a zero-waste feast!

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he holidays truly bring out our inner gourmand.

We celebrate with feasts that can be so expansive, the leftovers are often anticipated as much as (if not more than) the meal itself! With all that food, of course, there’s bound to be some food waste; even those coveted leftovers get relegated to your food & yard waste cart or bin can in a day or two if they’re not eaten.

Today, an estimated one-third of all the food produced in the world goes to waste. That’s equal to about 1.3 billion tons of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, and grains that either never leave the farm, get lost or spoiled during distribution, or are thrown away in hotels, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, or home kitchens. Thankfully, with a little advance planning and a few waste-reduction tactics under your apron, you can serve up a delicious, satisfying, zero-waste holiday feast.

1. Choose recipes that “fit” together.

Carefully inspect recipes’ ingredient lists so you can choose a selection for the meal that will, in the end, use up whole vegetables, containers of broth, etc. Example, if a veggie dish calls for half an onion, scope out another recipe that will use up that other half.

2. Plan ahead for “special” ingredients.

So many holiday recipes call for unique, and sometimes expensive, ingredients, like buttermilk, cream, or fresh herbs that might not be used completely in one dish and might not make sense in any other dish in the meal. Create a plan for these ingredients before you even buy them, whether that means finding out how to store them for the longest period of time (freezing, canning, drying) or coming up with some post-holiday recipes in which

they can be used.

3. Transform extras into almostready meals.

Don’t have the patience to plan out ahead of time how everything will fit together? That’s okay just seize the moment while you’re cooking or packing up leftovers to prep and stash unused veggies and more for use later on. By actually investing the time to prep or cook these ingredients like sautéing an onion to use later or creating an almost-finished soup to freeze we’re more likely to use the leftovers.

Make extra broth or stock on hand for this very purpose since many foods freeze better suspended in a liquid. You can throw some veggies, shredded cooked meat and extra fresh herbs in with some stock and freeze in a container or resealable/ reusable plastic bag. Even months later, you can reheat the mixture (seasoning it to taste) and simmer until the flavors are blended; top with cheese or croutons or anything else you might have on hand for a quick and easy meal.

4. Promote smaller portions.

Avaricious guests may be inclined to load up their plates with far more than they’ll actually eat in one sitting. Set out smaller serving spoons if hosting the meal familystyle, or if you’re feeling ambitious, arrange individual plates in the kitchen and serve everyone the same selection of smaller helpings of each dish to start.

crisp, then use the newly formed croutons within a week (or freeze to keep them even longer). She also suggests blending extra mashed potatoes with stock or broth to make a creamy potato soup; add garlic or other herbs to taste. You could even mix or mash together any complementary dishes and use the result to make savory hand pies with store-bought pie-crust dough; you don’t even have to bake them before wrapping them well and freezing—just pop them into a 350ºF oven until golden brown when you want to eat them).

6. Be generous!

If your guests don’t finish what’s on their plate, simply transfer the remainder into a reusable container, label it with their name and stash it in the fridge until just before departure. Also offer to pack up extras of whatever other dishes are left for those guests who’d like them.

Still have leftover food?

We want to feed people first but in the unfortunate instance that you need to dispose of your food please remember to always put it in your green food & yard waste cart of bin. Wasted food isn’t just a social or humanitarian concern, it’s an environmental one. When we waste food, we also waste all the energy and water it takes to grow,

harvest, transport, and package it.

And if food is placed in your black trash cart of bin it will go to the landfill and produce methane—a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. About 6%-8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food. In the US alone, the production of lost or wasted food generates the equivalent of 32.6 million cars’ worth of greenhouse gas emissions. If you compost at home you can also add your food discards to your compost pile but remember to keep oils, fats, grease, bones and meat out. Also check into cooking oil recycling program.

Residents can dispose of their cooking oil at the city’s household hazardous waste collection facility, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am-1pm.

There’s no better way to celebrate during the holidays and enjoy our favorite foods than by making sure none of it goes to waste. By wasting less as you plan, prepare, and enjoy the holiday, you’ll reduce the 40% of food that gets wasted in our country. It’s also a great way to build new habits and get your family and friends involved in the issue. And don’t forget to skip on the use of disposable plates, utensils, and trays and use those washable and reusable options to make your feasts truly zero waste. Happy holidays!

5. Get clever with leftovers.

Simply reheating the same foods for days after holiday parties gets boring fast. And how many holiday ham sandwiches can you eat anyway? Think of other ways you can transform holiday dishes into new and exciting ones. Bake stuffing on a rimmed baking sheet at 375ºF until it’s dry and

Rotary Club Above & Beyond Award Recipient

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n December 1st the Rotary Club of Chula Vista recognized Fire Captain Michael Neal as the newest Above & Beyond Award Recipient. He was

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nominated by Chula Vista Fire Chief Harry Muns.

Captain Neal joined the department in 2002 and has been an engaged and significant contributor ever since. He

currently serves as an Operations Support Captain who is responsible for a multitude of assignments aimed at providing the behind-thescenes activities necessary which allow our Fire Station personnel to

protect and serve the City of Chula Vista. In this role, he has made significant strides in two areas for the betterment of the department and therefore the community as a whole.

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Captain Neal has played an integral part in the maps that are used to route our response vehicles to active incidents. In his earlier years with the organization, he actually produced them and ensured they were accessible and would be accurately displayed on our Fire Apparatus computers. However, now he is responsible for managing this work through other CVFD personnel, the City of Chula Vista GIS, and our Fire Dispatch Center. In addition, he is our point person to ensure that real-time incident information for large-scale incidents is captured and properly displayed on interconnected applications for incoming resources, the County of San Diego, as well as the State of California. This critical functionality is time sensitive as it is used to rapidly evacuate threatened communities, directs emergency response units to the most impacted areas, and provides the necessary information to the State and FEMA in order to achieve support for emergency declarations.

VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

PODCASTS

Produced by IQ Podcasts

Hosted by Michael Monaco

Episode 7 Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Moisés Aguirre

Episode 8

Mayor John McCann

Topic - Mayor John McCann leading Chula Vista into the future

Episode 9 Left to right: Michael Monaco, Rotary Club Chula Vista, Chula Vista Fire Captain Michael Neal, Chula Vista Fire Chief Harry Muns.

The Chula Vista Fire Department currently operates from 10 fire stations with the 11th due in the next six months. From these fire stations, 28 Fire and EMS vehicles are deployed on an average of 168 responses per day.

To support this mission, there are a dozen more apparatus that serve in a reserve capacity to ensure the minimum number of emergency vehicles are in service for Fire and EMS personnel can respond when needed. Maintenance and repairs are completed by the City of Chula Vista Public Works Department which works tirelessly on these vehicles and is nearly a full-time job. Coordination between the Fire and Public Works Departments is another critical function to ensure there is little to no lapse in service capability. Daily, there are apparatus going into and out of service and they all need to be prioritized to meet the demand for 911 calls for service. Captain Neal has been able to maximize the Fire Department’s availability related to fleet maintenance needs. He has been able to accomplish this by building strong relationships with his counterparts from City Shops and through the use of data to unify our collective approach to maintaining our Fire and EMS response vehicles.

Because of his efforts, we are a better Fire Department, and our City is a safer place for us all.

Chula Vista Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Reyes

Episode 10 Chula Vista City Manager Maria Kachadoorian

Website: ourhometown.online Email: info@ourhometownmag.com Instagram: @ourhometownonline

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

E D U C AT I O N N E W S

Altrusans Donate Pre-School Books to Child Development Associates (CDA)

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embers of Altrusa International, Inc. of Chula Vista participated in this year’s Kellogg’s Feeding Reading program, purchasing select Kellogg’s products and getting free books on a one-for-one basis, up to ten. The books members selected were pre-school books from Penguin Random House. Members put Altrusa book plates in each book at its November 15 meeting.

The club’s service committee recommended this project which was supported by the club as its Make a Difference Day project. They

chose to give their 95 pre-school books to Child Development Associates (CDA), which provides affordable and reliable child care services to eligible families throughout the region, and is one of the largest employers in Chula Vista.

The Altrusa Club is a non-profit service organization and its focus is literacy and community service. They welcome the community to check them out and consider joining. They meet the third Wednesday of every month at 6pm. Visit their website at www.altrusacv.club

Rick Richardson, CEO and President of CDA, Mayra Alvarez, CDA Provider Services Supervisor, Carmen Richardson, Altrusa Club of Chula Vista.

Nonprofit: Expanding Access to Affordable Child Care in San Diego

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hild Development Associates (CDA) celebrates an important milestone: enrolling over 7,000 new children into a program that provides free or reduced child care services to families in need.

CDA, a local nonprofit founded in 1974 by a single mother, has played a pivotal role by offering subsidized childcare to thousands of lowincome families across San Diego County. The financial strain of child care, often exceeding 60% of a family’s income alongside other essential expenses like housing, transportation, and food, has been a longstanding concern. But with insufficient funds to serve all at-risk families, CDA has advocated for additional state and local resources to meet the unmet need.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provided

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additional funding enabling CDA to expand child care services to more families in the Alternative Payment Program (APP). This program empowers families to choose the child care provider and setting that best suits their needs, with CDA providing direct reimbursement to the chosen provider. The APP is flexible supporting year-round, full-day, and before-and-after-school schedules to safeguard continuity of care.

Affordable and accessible child care not only enables parents to engage in the workforce, but also contributes to overall economic stability and prosperity.

“For years, affordable child care has been out of reach for many families. This funding allowed CDA to expand and serve thousands more families, providing equal access to child

care. This is important because subsidized childcare levels the playing field, offering more children the chance to succeed in school and in life, bridging the achievement gap before it even starts. Simultaneously, parents can contribute to the economy or pursue education for better job opportunities.” – Rick Richardson, CDA President and CEO Research underscores the positive impact of quality early education on children. Those who receive such education are not only better equipped for the academic challenges of school but also demonstrate heightened cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Beyond the immediate benefits to children, affordable child care plays a pivotal role in empowering parents, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, to pursue education and employment opportunities. This, in turn, serves as a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Child care yields a multitude of

advantages for both employers and employees. When employees have reliable child care, absenteeism due to child care-related issues significantly decreases, resulting in heightened attendance and overall productivity. Acknowledging and meeting the child care needs of the workforce fosters a more engaged and satisfied work environment.

In essence, affordable child care emerges as a catalyst for fostering a productive and supportive work environment, nurturing both professional growth and breaking socio-economic barriers for families. CDA is actively enrolling.

If you or someone you know needs help paying for child care contact us at (619) 427-4411 or apply today at childcaresandiego.com. To learn more about CDA visit cdasd.org.

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

We create positive change Child Development Associates (CDA) is a community based, nonprofit agency dedicated to creating positive change. We encourage and support the success and well-being of children, families, and the child care community.

Our Programs •

Alternative Payment Program Helping families afford child care.

•

Nutrition Program Helping child care providers serve healthy meals.

•

•

2023 Impact •

Enrolled 3,055 new children in our Alternative Payment Program providing them with child care services.

•

Supplemental Rate Payment Program Supporting child care providers across California with additional funds.

Distributed $24,000,778 stipend payments to over 2,000 child care providers to support the stability of their business.

•

Positive Change Giving Program Supporting families with critical needs and resources.

Supported over 1,020 child care providers to serve nutritious meals to the 9,985 children across six counties.

•

Provided affordable child care to over 13,500 San Diego County children so parents can earn and children can learn.

Discover more cdasd.org @cdasandiego

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

POLITICAL NEWS

Mayor John McCann’s Desk

Starlight Parade is Back!

Office of Mayor and City Council Directory Mayor John McCann 619-694-5044 jmccann@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Carolina Chavez, District 1

619-691-5044 cchavez@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Jose Preciado, District 2

619-691-5044 jpreciado@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Alonso Gonzalez, District 3

619-691-5044 agonzalez@chulavistaca.gov Council Member Andrea Cardenas, District 4

619-691-5044 acardenas@chulavistaca.gov 10

I

am proud and honored to bring back the Starlight Parade to Chula Vista. The Starlight Parade is a part of our heritage in Chula Vista.

Every year, as a child growing up in Chula Vista, I looked forward to the Starlight Parade. I even walked in the Parade with our Safety Patrol. I remember watching with my family, being in awe of the different floats, and seeing our City come together for the holidays. After several years of the parade not happening, I was thrilled to bring it back this year after the last parade was held in 2019. This year, in partnership with the Downtown Chula Vista Association, we added the Starlight Festival.

A Long-standing Tradition The tradition dates back to 1964, when it was originally called the Starlight Yule Parade. Over the years, attendance grew and the parade became known as the Starlight Parade. The City of Chula Vista takes the lead in organizing the holiday tradition. This year, the parade was back, bigger, and better than ever with more than 140 participants.

This year’s parade featured 63 floats, 9 marching bands, 13 car clubs, 20 cheer and dance teams, 31 walking and marching groups, 1 sports team, 1 bicycle group, and others.

Christmas Tree Lighting The highly anticipated event drew tens of thousands of visitors. The Festival from 3PM thru 6PM had ballet folklórico, mariachi, photos with Santa, and a holiday market.

I appreciate the collaboration with Downtown Chula Vista Association for making the festival prosperous.

The event was successful due to the countless hours of service and months of planning the Mayor’s Staff, the City Departments of Communications, Administration, Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, Public Works, Park Rangers, Park Maintenance, Traffic Engineering, Sustainability, and Risk Management. To kick off the parade, I was joined by Supervisor Nora Vargas, Asssemblymember David Alvarez, and my entire family, to light the 25-foot Christmas Tree on Third Avenue.

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I want to thank our Grand Marshal Tommy Sablan, our emcees Michael Monaco of Our Hometown Newsprint, and Gloria Beltran from the morning show El Despertador on Radio Latina.

Thank you to our sponsors: Seven Mile, Meridian Development, Pacifica Companies, Cota Vera, Baldwin & Sons, Vulcan Materials Company, SDG&E, Port of San Diego, Raising Cane’s, Community Health Group, Cox Communications, Radio Latina, Channel 93.3, Univision, iFlycameras.com, and MTS. All is Merry and Bright The Starlight Festival and Parade will continue on as a longstanding tradition.

Spending the day with my wife, children, and grandchild reminded me that we live in

VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

the best City in the state of California. I am proud to be your Mayor and this is my dream job. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones and stay safe during your travels.

KEEP UP WITH MAYOR MCCANN Twitter: @mayorjohnmccann Instagram: @mayorjohnmccann Facebook: Mayor John McCann Youtube: Mayor John McCann Next Door: Mayor John McCann Send a Direct Message if you’re interested in subscribing to our monthly community newsletter.

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

A Publication of Local Umbrella Media

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

EASTLAKE CHURCH A positive force for good in and around Chula Vista

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or decades EastLake Church has purposed to make a positive difference in the city of Chula Vista.

And for several weeks this fall, thousands of volunteers teamed up to tackle several hundred service projects to do just that. On the eve of an election year, in a cultural climate that feels very divided and isolating, Eastlake Church asked the question “instead of looking at our differences, what if we dreamed up ways to show our community, city, and world what we stand FOR?” From that question came a yearlong focus in 2024 to live out what the church stands for and to show up in real places and spaces to be a positive force for good in and around Chula Vista.

It all kicked off with a month of service projects that ranged from school campuses, to community organizations, to food and clothing

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drives, and even partnering with groups around the county and across the border. All told, thousands of people pitched in to serve in over 150 projects totaling 5700 hours of community service.

Eastlake Church is the physical home of the Fostering Love Community Closet, a resource for families who take in foster children and might need help stocking up on things like clothing, cribs, strollers, and diapers. Families can come in and “shop” for free and leave with bags full of anything they might need for their foster placements, or temporary assignments to care for children.

During the recent Serve Projects, volunteers teamed up in a myriad of ways to help the FLCC. Kylie Kavanagh, who helped found the FLCC said, “It was wonderful to see so many people volunteer their time and resources to help serve the foster youth of San Diego at the Fostering Love Community Closet. During one of the FOR serve days, we received numerous donations that were sorted and organized while the

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closet got a fresh makeover with new floors and paint making it more inviting for those that come to receive clothing and other items.

We are thankful for all those that gave so that we are able to fulfill all the requests sent to us for children in need!”

One of the largest projects that volunteers tackled was serving the Chula Vista Elementary School District and it’s five Resource Centers spread out across the city where families in need are provided with food, school supplies, and other resources. Hundreds of volunteers combined efforts to donate food, collect donations, pack meals and deliver supplies to the resource centers. One Saturday saw shifts of people show up to the CVESD rented warehouse to get all the donations organized and packed while another crew loaded up the finished products and dropped them off at the resource centers to be available for families thoughout the year. It was truly a team effort from start to finish to provide needed items to families throughout the school district. The

VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

Resource Centers are now stocked up to meet these needs all yearlong.

The reach of the Serve Projects even extended across the border, where EastLake Church has two partner churches in Playas and Zona Norte. One Saturday was spent providing meals to 1200 refugees who are being sheltered in a church. Volunteers crossed the border and spent the day cooking and handing out meals, hugs, and listening ears as they served the refugees with food and encouragement. The following weekend, volunteers crossed into Tijuana to serve the homeless and in need with food, resources, and a chance to connect them with longterm help.

The San Diego Rescue Mission has a long and storied history serving the homeless around the county. EastLake Church has partnered with the SDRM for years, providing financial help, as well as opportunities to get involved in helping provide resources, training, and a helping hand to giving the homeless new opportunities. The

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

two groups teamed up again in November as the SDRM hosted a homeless outreach day at their Navigation Center in National City. Volunteers from EastLake Church served in numerous capacities, helping people pick out needed clothing items, packing and distributing hygiene kits, serving lunch and even cutting hair! The Navigation Center serves as a hub for the homeless population to have access to shelter, as well as services to help them transition off the streets.

Homeless Outreach days not only provide resources and friendly faces for the homeless, but hope to create connections and a safe place for people in unhoused circumstances.

Some of the most rewarding Service Projects were kids and students showing up at local school campuses to clean up, rake leaves, and beautify schools. Almost 200 students and their families showed up for these projects at Olympian

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High School, Bonita Vista High School and EastLake Middle School.

Judy Otero, who works with students at EastLake Church said, “During these FOR service projects it was such an honor being able to witness middle school and high school students take time out of their week to serve others. These students stepped up and did not hesitate to get their hands dirty if it meant they were able to help out their community. I was encouraged by them and their willingness to put others above themselves and be a light to their community.”

A huge point of connection between EastLake Church and the Chula Vista community was the Blocktober Halloween Event which provided a safe and familyfriendly environment for kids to trick or treat, have Halloween snacks and activities. Blocktober provided service opportunities as

well as a fun and memorable free community event for Chula Vista residents.

EastLake Church is part of the Community Church Movement, a collection of church locations in Venice, Ca, Imperial Beach, Torrey Pines, Rolando, and across the border in Tijuana. Each location also hosted Service Projects and movement-wide over 2,000 volunteers combined efforts for almost 9,000 hours of community service in their local communities.

The FOR initiative will continue into 2024 as EastLake Church explores what it means to show up FOR people, neighborhoods, communities, cities and the globe.

Part of the initiative is a financial goal to continue to partner with boots on the ground organizations that serve in first-responder roles, as well as groups like the Bright Hope School and Orphanage in Uganda, which provides housing, medical

care, and schooling for kids in Bulangi Village, Uganda.

Eastlake Church is also a longstanding financial partner with the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition here in San Diego. The BSCC is instrumental in helping victims of human trafficking find immediate help, resources, and safety. Together, EastLake Church and the BSCC have served well over 1000 victims of human trafficking. This includes emergency shelter, victim services, transportation, and support with basic needs including medical care and counseling.

In addition to these partnerships, the 2024 FOR initiative will continue to look for ways to meet needs and serve the people of Chula Vista, San Diego, and the world. To learn more about EastLake Church, the FOR initiative, or any of the partner organizations mentioned here check out EastLake.church.

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

From the Chula Vista Elementary School District

84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910 • (619) 425-9600

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

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Chula Vista Altrusa Club and MAAC Charter School Working on Joint Project

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@OURHOMETOWN.MEDIA @OURHOMETOWN.MEDIA

ltrusa International, Inc. of Chula Vista and MAAC Charter School are working together on a joint project called “IDEA” (Inspiring a Desire for Educational Achievement), which is being funded by a $4,000 Altrusa International Foundation grant. The goal of the project is to inspirea atrisk students to pursue higher education and meaningful careers - to “see” themselves in a place beyond their current circumstances.

The project consists of four parts: 1) Inspirational presentations by Altrusans and community members to students during advisory classes; 2) Presentation of $20 gift cards to 13 students at each four quarterly Eagle Warrior ceremonies to reward them for their hard

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work and accomplishments. The first two award ceremonies have been held, with the latest held on November 17. 3) Touring the UCSD campus, led by volunteer UCSD student advisors. Busses will take all of the school’s students and faculty to UCSD for campus tours in late January 2024, paid by the grant. Altrusa will also pay for student and staff meals on campus. Altrusa volunteers will ride the bus and tour the campus with the students. 4) Development and administration of a survey of the students pre- and post- campus tour, to measure their interest and the program’s success.

The November speakers were Altrusan Lily Ramirez, Community Leader (and former Altrusan) Zaneta Encarnacion, and Out-ofState Community Leader (and former ASTRA member and Altrusan) Bianca Quilantan. Lily said “I spoke about my story which is somewhat similar to a lot of their stories. Born south of the border, immigrated with parents, didn’t speak English, parents earned minimum wage and had no education. I got almost everyone’s attention when I started talking about my story. I hope that I reached some of them to make good choices in their future.” Lily is an AVP, Specialized Deposits Manager for Enterprise Bank + Trust. Zaneta said she “shared my story and the important role education played in where I am vs. where many of my childhood friends are.” Zaneta was the first in her family to graduate from college. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is the Chief of Staff to the Superintendent/ President of the Southwestern Community College District. She indicated that the school may ask her back to talk to more students.

Bianca, eldest daughter of Altrusa club copresident Irasema Quilantan, is the Higher Education reporter for Politico in Washington, D.C.. In that role, she covers the White House, Supreme Court, House of Representatives, and the Secretary of Education. She talked about her educational background, telling the students that she “basically flunked out” of San Diego State University her freshman year, realizing that she found it too hard and was lost. She began again at Southwestern College, where she was involved with ASTRA and the school newspaper. It was here that she fell in love with journalism and transferred to Chico State University to earn her bachelor’s degree. She told the students that she had no idea that journalism could be a career, encouraging them to try different internships and find out what they enjoy doing. She worked for the local Chico newspaper and was part of a group of reporters who were finalists for The Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the Paradise, CA fire. She mentioned how hard she worked in college, carrying a heavy load of classes while working full-time for the local Chico newspaper.

That hard work paid off as Politico hired her. She told students to beware of “impostor syndrome” where you question your good fortune and why you deserve that. She said “you are deserving of every opportunity you get.” Bianca mentors journalism students and handed out her business card to the students, encouraging them to talk to her if they have any questions. Tommy Ramirez, the school director, talked to Bianca and asked her if she would be the school’s contact when they tour Washington D.C. in the future.

Future speakers include Michael Monaco, Community Manager of “Our hometown.”

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

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CIT Y NEWS

Animal Care Services in Chula Vista Offers December Adoption Specials

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ith an abundance of animals to choose from, come adopt your own Holiday Elf at the Chula Vista Animal Services and make this a very happy holiday season for both you and your new furry friend!

To help clear the shelter, the City’s Animal Services department will waive all adoption fees through December 23. Visit Chula Vista’s Animal Services facility at 130 Beyer Way Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Interactions and adoptions are available until one hour prior to closing, and the facility closes daily from 12 to 1 p.m. Also happening in December, Animal Services will provide free microchips to the first 100 pets brought in by residents of Chula Vista, National City and Lemon Grove. No appointment is necessary; stop by during business hours and bring documentation of residency. And, the first 100 rabies vaccinations in December will be free to pets from Chula Vista, National City and Lemon Grove.

Offered only during Wednesday Rabies Clinics (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.), the service is available while supplies last. No appointment is necessary, but documentation of residency is needed.

For more information, please visit the facility’s webpage at https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/animal-care

Sunrise Rotary Trivia Night 2024

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hula Vista Sunrise Rotary is pleased to announce their annual fundraiser, Trivia Night 2024. This is an evening of fun and facts as money is raised for Polio Plus and local charities. It is time to begin forming your team of up to eight players now!

Early Bird Registration opens on January 6 and runs through January 22 at a cost of $320 for the team of eight.

From January 23-March 1 the price is $360 per team. This event, which takes place at The Venue in Eastlake, is great for clubs, schools and organizations who want to challenge others! Doors open at 5:15 with the event beginning at 6:00 PM. Teams that have registered by February 9 will receive two free mulligans (FREE answers). Last year’s winning team was able to use a mulligan on the final trivia question of the evening which took them across the finish line. The winning team goes home with money spent on their registration fee.

Beer and wine are sold at the event, and teams are responsible for bringing their own tailgate food.

Last year’s beneficiaries included: Just in Time for Foster Youth, South Bay Sustainable Communities, San Diego Therapeutic Horsemanship, San Diego Rescue Mission, Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, Loving You through It, and the San Diego Blood Bank located in Chula Vista.

For more information and registration details, please visit www.cvsrtrivianight.org.

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Giana’s Garden Pizza Tomato Sauce, fresh mozzarella, zucchini, eggplant, olives basil, artichokes, mushrooms, tomatoes

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Dine-In | Take-Out | Delivery | Catering 2322 Proctor Valley Rd, Ste 101, Chula Vista

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

Prescription Drug Take-Back Food Waste Collection is HERE! Food Waste Collection is HERE! FOOD WASTE COLLECTION PLEASE PUTINFOOD YOUR GREEN CART ALONG WITH YARD W PLEASE PUT FOOD WASTE YOURWASTE GREENINCART ALONG WITH YARD WASTE. & Electronic Waste with Cart Service The itemsFood below can now be put in your green cart.

Waste Collection is PUT HERE! Event Disposal THE ITEMS BELOW CAN NOW BE IN YOUR GREEN THE ITEMS BELOW CAN NOW BE PUT IN YOUR GREEN CART.

Chula Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that food waste Chula Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that food waste is kept out of trash cart Chula Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that food waste is kept out of trash carts/bins. is kept out of trash carts/bins.

PLEASE PUT FOOD WASTE IN YOUR GREEN CART ALONG WITH YARD WASTE.

Please put food waste in your greenfood cart along with yard waste.

FOOD WASTE FOOD-SOILED P FOOD FOOD-SOILED PAPER ChulaWASTE Vista Municipal Code 8.25 now requires that waste is kept out or of trash carts/bins.

Dispose of expired unused NO PLASTICS OF ANY TYPE. prescription NO METAL.medications NO GLASS.- no THE ITEMS BELOW BE PUTEggs/Shells, INasked YOUR GREEN CART. Coffee Grounds, Coffee CAN Grounds, NOW Eggs/Shells, questions plus electronics!

Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and Vegetables Piz Pizza Coffee Filters andBoxes Tea Bags Coffee Filters and Tea Bags FOOD WASTE FOOD-SOILED PAPER · Computers, Laptops, Gaming Systems

Saturday, April 27, 2019 10 am - 2 pm

Paper Towels Paper Towels (Apple, Chromebooks & PCs) and Napkins and Napkins Coffee Grounds, Eggs/Shells, Bread, Yard Public Works Bread, Mice Fruits and Vegetables · Monitors (any size), Keyboards, Cereals, Pizza Boxes Cereals, Coffee Filters and Tea Bags Tortillas, 1800 Maxwell Road, Chula Vista Tortillas, · Servers, Routers and Switches Rice and Beans Rice and Beans Seafood Seafood · Software, Hardware For more information, call (619) 691-5122 Paper Towels Meat and Bones Meat and Bones and Napkins or email environmentalservices@chulavistaca.gov · Tablets (iPads, Androids) Dairy Dairy Bread, Paper/Card Paper/Cardboard Products Products Cereals, Takeout Con PaperPhones, Plates · Cell Phones, Land TakeoutFax Containers Paper Plates Tortillas, Rice and Beans · Printers, Copiers, Scanners, Projectors Seafood NOOF PLASTICS OF ·NO ANY TYPE. NO GLASS. METAL. NO PLASTICS ANY METAL. Meat TYPE. and Bones Ink and Toner Cartridges (new) NO GLAS Dairy Flowers and Paper/Cardboard Flowers and Products · Televisions, VCRs, DVRs, Recorders YARD WASTE Houseplants YARD WASTE Takeout Containers Houseplants Paper Plates Proceeds from the collection of electronic waste at this event will help (without pots (without pots · Radios, Stereo Equipment, Speakers provide computers for low-income families. or soil) Leaves or soil) Leaves FO FOOD · Miscellaneous Cords NO PLASTICS OF ANY TYPE. NO METAL. NO GLASS. Grass PLASTIC bags.

NO PLASTIC bags. NOGrass

WA WASTE NO PLASTIC wrap. NO PLASTIC wrap.

YARD WASTE RECYC RECYCLING Tree and (without pots Tree and NO PLASTIC packaging.

NO PLASTIC packaging.

Brush Clippings willorNOT be accepted! soil) Brush Clippings Leaves FOOD is EA is EASY! NO compostable PLASTIC. Grass PLASTIC bags.

NONO compostable PLASTIC. Clippings WASTE FOOD WASTE 1. SEPARATE food 1. SEPARA NO PLASTIC wrap. waste. waste.

RECYCLING RECYCLING IS EASY! Tree and NO PLASTIC packaging.

Brush Clippings 2. COLLECT using 2. COLLEC 1. SEPARATE food waste.

NO PLASTIC bags. is EASY! a contai a container of NO compostable PLASTIC. Clippings

Clippings

NO PLASTIC wrap.

NO PLASTIC packaging.

NO compostable PLASTIC.

Flowers and Houseplants Household Hazardous Waste

your cho 1.

SEPARATE food container of your choice. waste.

3.

EMPTY into your3. EMPTY i 3. EMPTY into your Green Cart.

Green Cart. using Green C 2.

COLLECT a container of your choice.

2. COLLECT usingyour a choice.

information andand helpful on food and yard waste For more informationFor andmore helpful tips on food yardtips waste 3. EMPTY into your collection, scanchulavistaca.gov/sustainability. the QR Code or visit chulavistaca.gov/sustainability. collection, scan the QR Code or visit

Green Cart.

Baje este código con suinformación celular para en obtener información en español Baje este código con su celular para obtener español el programa de colección deydesechos sobre el programa desobre colección de desechos de comida jardín. de comida y jardín.

For more information and helpful tips on food and yard waste collection, scan the QR Code or visit chulavistaca.gov/sustainability.

Baje este código con su celular para obtener información en español Our Hometown Newsprint woulddelike to de comida y jardín. sobre el programa de colección desechos welcome our newest intern Dolev Klaiman

D

olev Klaiman is a marketing student at San Diego State University, with a passion for graphic design and advertising. Previously a collegiate athlete with Los Angeles Pierce College, the Woodland Hills native is new to Chula Vista and the San Diego County and is eager to get involved with the community by being a part of Our Hometown. When he’s not helping bring you the latest news, he enjoys traveling, playing sports, and going to ski in the snow.

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VOLUME 22 | DECEMBER 2023

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R E A L E S TAT E N E W S

San Diego Housing Bubble?

ASK MINNIE!

Minnie Rzeslawski

T

he “San Diego Housing Bubble” denotes a period in San Diego, California, characterized by a rapid and unsustainable surge in housing prices. Housing bubbles arise when housing prices experience a substantial and prolonged increase that isn’t justified by the underlying market fundamentals, such as income growth, population expansion, and genuine housing demand.

In the context of San Diego, this phenomenon specifically pertains to the period leading up to the 2007-2008 U.S. housing market crash. During this time, San Diego witnessed a significant upswing in housing prices, propelled by speculative buying and excessive lending practices. Buyers, motivated by the fear of missing out on potential profits,

in-home

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www.riley.photography/newborn hello@riley.photography

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flooded the market, generating a surge in demand. This heightened demand, coupled with easy access to credit, resulted in a speculative frenzy and inflated housing prices.

The bubble ultimately burst as the vulnerabilities of the housing market became apparent. Factors like subprime mortgage lending, predatory lending practices, and an oversupply of housing contributed to the market’s collapse. Housing prices plummeted, triggering a wave of foreclosures and financial distress for numerous homeowners and investors.

The San Diego Housing Bubble serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with speculative booms and underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced and sustainable housing market.

Despite this historical episode, San Diego’s current housing market exhibits strength and resilience, thanks to robust economic fundamentals. The city’s economic stability is underpinned by consistent job growth, diverse industries, and stable housing demand.

Job growth is a cornerstone of San Diego’s strength, with the region experiencing steady employment expansion across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, biotechnology, and defense. This diverse economic landscape provides a solid foundation for stability, reducing the risk of sudden job losses and maintaining a steady demand for housing.

The city’s diverse economy further fortifies its housing market. San Diego’s thriving industries span a wide range, preventing heavy reliance on a single sector. This diversification acts as a buffer against economic downturns, as the impact on any one industry is likely to be mitigated by the performance of others, enhancing overall economic stability and supporting housing market resilience.

Additionally, San Diego benefits from a stable housing demand driven by its desirable location, pleasant climate, and vibrant lifestyle. This consistent demand, coupled with controlled construction activity and limited land availability, fosters a balanced market and prevents excessive price inflation.

Government and city planning have also played a role in managing growth and maintaining a stable housing market in San Diego. Zoning regulations, responsible urban planning, and a focus on preserving natural beauty have contributed to controlled and sustainable development. This approach helps prevent speculative booms and market imbalances that could lead to a crash.

In summary, San Diego’s housing market is bolstered by strong economic fundamentals, including robust job growth, a diverse economy, and stable housing demand. The city’s economic stability, coupled with controlled construction activity and thoughtful planning, makes its housing market less susceptible to crashes, providing a foundation of stability for homeowners and investors.

(Minnie Rzeslawski is a licensed real estate Broker/Owner of The 24K Real Estate Group serving all of San Diego and Temecula/Murrieta. She can be reached at Minnie24krealty@gmail. com www.24krealty.com DRE#01428687)

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22 | DECEMBER 2023 2023 A Publication of Local Media Media 20VOLUME | VOLUME 9 DECEMBER A Publication of Umbrella Local Umbrella

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YOU BELONG

AT THE Y SOUTH BAY FAMILY YMCA 1201 Paseo Magda, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Join a vibrant community dedicated to fostering every aspect of your well-being. Our new membership plans provide tremendous value and access to 14 locations.

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• Reservations for select group fitness classes & unlimited drop-in access • Child Watch service with reservations from December 1 • Up to 25% off program fees like swim lessons, sports and more • Live and on-demand content with YMCA360 • Two guest passes per month for your friends • Nationwide access to YMCAs when you travel The Y’s ACCESS Scholarship Program provides reduced membership and program fees to those facing financial hardship. Apply at any branch or online at ymcasd.org/scholarships.

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619-213-6109 | CourageChristian.org

Courage Christian Academy, located in Chula Vista, is not just any Christian school. It is based on America’s historic Christian method of Biblical reasoning which makes the Truths of God’s Word the basis of every subject in the school curriculum. Courage Christian Academy is a Principle Approach® school whose aim is to raise up Christian leaders who can think and reason from the unchanging principles of God’s Word. Courage Christian Academy is a Biblical classical school that teaches children how to apply those principles in every area of life through the 4Rs of learning: Researching, Reasoning, Relating, and Recording what they learn in their own notebooks. Noah Webster of dictionary fame defined education as a “all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations.” At Courage Christian Academy we see children as a gift of the Lord who have a God-given purpose and destiny.

We are here to partner with you in that great endeavor!

Courageously securing the future of the next generation!

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