My Hometown Chula Vista - November 2012

Business highlight: Foundry united Methodist ChurCh resident spotlight: the Cox FaMily

hometown

november 2012

.

www.myhometownchulavista.com

Chula Vista Kids GiVe

thanKs

Season of GivingLocally

november 2012 my hometown 3

novemBer 2012

What’s insideloCal getaWays

contentsFroM the editor...

feature

For as far back as i can remember giving back has always been a part of my house-hold. even though growing up my family did not have much extra money – what with four young kids running around – my parents always made sure we found ways to recognize how good we had it and how we had a respon-sibility to help others.

as a kid, i can remember being asked (forced, might be closer to the truth) to vol-unteer at various church functions, including handing out Christmas greens from the back of a freezing-cold garage all the while getting pricked by holly branches and smelling like pine. i never could quite grasp why we had to do that year after year, but in reflecting on that opportunity now i recognize what my parents were trying to instill in me and my brothers and sister – we all can find ways to give back and make a difference in our com-munity.

in this issue of My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine, giving back and giving thanks take center stage. there are so many people in our local area who clearly understand the importance of getting involved and making a difference and illustrate that by their actions. in this issue we feature a few of them in the hopes their stories might continue to inspire us all to do more, especially at this special time of year. i’m a big believer those actions, big or small, that allow us to focus on improv-ing the lives of others can really mean the world to the recipient of our good work. it doesn’t have to be anything outrageous or grandiose to be transformational and impact-ful. it just needs to be sincere.

giving thanks also resonates most when it is genuine. like the local school kids who share with us what they are thankful for, we have many people we need to say thank you to as well for all their great work in helping bring this community publication to you. Contributors like elsa Flores, Julia and Jason schafer, Jessica Fraser, Michael Monaco, Zaneta encarnacion, lillian leopold, anthony Millican, lisa Johnson, rebecca Kelley, Veronica gerace, robin Cartwright, Manny rubio, diane howell, seb Martinez, alexia Marroquin, and, of course, all our great advertisers. thank you and happy thanksgiving!

Michael Minjares, editor of My Hometown

hometown

november 2012

.

community newsotay ranch town Center gives Military Families special treat 8

local students succeeding at all levels 11

community calendarlocal events and activities 22

resident spotlightthe Cox Family 24

school newssweetwater district teacher named san diego County teacher of the year 23

business highlightFoundry united Methodist Church 26

Season of GivingLocallypage 12

4 my hometown november 2012

puBlished ByFountain Media group, inc 1501 san elijo rd, suite 104-202 san Marcos, Ca 92078 (800) 497-1309 x701 www.fountain-inc.com

puBlishertim Minjares [email protected]

editorialMike Minjares [email protected]

salesMelissa granados [email protected]

Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohib-ited. Fountain Media Group, Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers.

BraVoto William virchis on being honored as a “Pioneer” for his pioneering contributions to latin-hispanic theater by the Bonita Business and Professional association (BB&Pa) on september 29. Mr. Virchis, a longtime educator, activist, visual and performing arts administrator, criti-cally acclaimed theater director and volunteer, received BB&Pa’s award for contributing to the betterment of Bonita in his field. Mr. Virchis, known as “Bill” to many, was also recognized recently as one of 22 “remarkable Mexicans” by the Consulate general of Mexico in san diego for his significant contributions to the region.

to salt Creek elementary school third grade teacher robin Jones on being selected as one of four national lifeChangers of the year. national life group awards this honor to outstanding educators, administrators and school district personnel employed by K-12 schools nationwide. the local teacher received a $2,000 grant to purchase items for her class-room.

to Chula vista’s deputy Fire Chief/Fire marshal Justin gipson and Fire Captain robert nelson for being rec-ognized by the Chula Vista City Council for achieving Professional Credentialing from the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC), an entity of the Center for Public safety excellence, inc (CPse). the two recently completed a stringent process to receive their exemplary awards. Chief gipson, a 13-year member of the Fire

looK What great things your CoMMunity is uP to...

department, achieved his Fire Marshal designation and Captain nelson, who has 20 years with the department, achieved his Fire officer designation. the award requires an assessment of the applicant’s education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, con-tributions to the profession, and community involvement. the Fire Marshal honor to Chief gipson by the CPC is one of only 40 worldwide.

to Chula vista head Football Coach Judd rachow on win-ning the Chargers Coach of the Week honor for the week of september 28. the former hilltop high and san diego state university tight end has provided great leadership to his spartans teams over the years. about the award, rachow said, “it’s quite an honor, but i would have to give most of the credit to our kids and coaches. they do an outstanding job everyday and i think it’s a tribute to all the hard work they do day in and day out.”

to skyzone san diego on opening their doors to their newest location – in the eastlake design district. the 20,000 square foot facility features the latest in tram-poline fun and is the first indoor trampoline park in san diego. skyzone san diego, which opens the first week of november, offers 3d dodgeball courts, sky slam Basketball, Cageball, a 4-lane Foam Pit and private party rooms. the new business is located at 851 showroom Place, suite 100; http://sandiego.skyzonesports.com/

iF you Would like to ContriBute to Bravo, send a quick note to My Hometown’s editor at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to put your good-news announcement in an upcoming issue. submissions should be sent by the 10th of the month.


on your doorstep

Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

the 10th annual Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce golf tournament is set to tee off on thursday, november 29 with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start. For $125 for an individual player or $500 for a foursome, the local event provides a great opportunity to mix a little sporting fun with professional networking. the registration fee includes green fees, cart, range balls, boxed lunch and an awards banquet. For more information or to register, contact the Chamber of Commerce directly at (619) 420-6603.

Parade & Community Festival Nov. 10 at Otay Ranch Town Center

Marching bands, com-munity groups, local leaders and dignitaries and more will be on hand at this year’s otay ranch town Center Parade & Community Festival on saturday, november 10 – Veterans day Weekend. the Community Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. as groups make their way down the shopping center’s “Main street.” the Community Festival kicks off at 11 in the morning and features great food, games, a host of ven-dors, fun activities for the whole family and a performance stage. Come on out and join your community in saluting our country’s military veterans. For more information about this event, visit the website at www.paradeband.org.

facebook/myhometownchulavista

Follow My Hometown magazine on Facebook

hometown

march 2012

.

the legend oF poCahontas hits the Cyt stage

the legend of Pocahontas has lived on in books and movies, and now it comes to life on stage with a thrilling combination of storytelling, choreography and plot mov-ing musical numbers that will not disappoint. The Legend of Pocahontas takes to the stage in Chula Vista on november 2-4 and november 9-10, at Mater dei high school theater. all seats are reserved and ticket prices are $12 ($15 at the door). For tickets visit www.cytsandiego.org.

Christian youth theater’s (Cyt) origi-nal musical production of The Legend of Pocahontas follows Pocahontas as she grows from being a curious brave child to a beautiful and intelligent woman of the time. More than 80 local youth make up this talented cast of actors, singers, dancers and tech crew who weave the historical storyline into spectacular sights, memorable tunes and dynamite choreography.

the accomplished artistic team of directors – director denise Plunk, Music director tony atienza and Choreographer Francine Maigue – takes the original musi-cal score written by Jon lorenz to produce a powerful and brilliantly entertaining musical that also teaches lessons of love both for environment and one another.

“the story of Pocahontas tells about a lack of under-standing and acceptance from each side,” said director Plunk. “and still today, we continue to see intolerance and inequality in our world. The Legend of Pocahontas reminds us that we are all more alike than different.”

eleCtion day novemBer 6on tuesday, november 6, Chula Vistans will take to

the polls to vote on issues and candidates on the national, state and local levels. at the City level, the purpose of the election is to conduct a runoff election between the candidates who received the highest and second highest number of votes for Member of the City Council, seats 3 and 4 in the general Municipal election held on June 5, and to submit to the electorate Proposition B (district elections/Mandatory runoff elections). the candidates for seat 3 are larry Breitfelder and Pamela Bensousson while the remaining candidates for seat 4 are Mary salas and linda Wagner.

the polls will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Polling place location information can be found online at www.chulavistaca.gov


on your doorstep

Fire Engine Arrival for Santa & Mrs. Claus at EastLake Village Marketplace

santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire engine at eastlake Village Marketplace saturday, december 1 at 1:00 p.m. to kick off the center’s annual family holiday event. Parents are invited to bring their cameras to snap a photo of their child with santa and the entire family can then enjoy a free ride on the fire engine. after visiting with santa, Mrs. Claus will be giving away free holiday activity books. Children ages 12 and under are also invited to make a free holiday craft and free balloon sculptures and face painting will also be available.

Musical entertainment will be provided by a number of local school and community choral groups including eastlake high school Center stage and spotlight ladies, arroyo Vista Charter Choir and Momentum Church.

eastlake Village Marketplace has over 30 shops and services includ-ing target, lowe’s, office depot and BevMo and is located on the cor-ner of eastlake Parkway and otay lakes road. Make sure to come on out and welcome in the holiday sea-son with friends and neighbors.

facebook/myhometownchulavistaFollow My Hometown magazine on Facebook

hometown

march 2012

.

LIMITED REGISTRATION FOR BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL

PRIDE MARTIAL ARTS2334 Proctor Valley Road, Suite 101 | Chula Vista, CA 91914

(619) 421-1282 | www.prideata.com | [email protected]

GGOR9012-10 Otay Ranch 8.625x11.125.indd 1 10/8/12 11:14 AM


on your doorstep

Chula Vista is competing against three other communities in the statewide Cool California Challenge, which recognizes jurisdictions for their “green” accomplishments. the City has made it to the finalist round along with davis, sacramento and tracy and has a chance to win the $100,000 grand prize and be declared the “Coolest California City!”

through March 2013, the City will earn points in the Challenge when its residents and busi-nesses reduce their energy use, ride bikes instead of driving and adopt other sustainable behaviors. More than 300 community members have already helped Chula Vista earn points. do your part by signing up today at www.coolcalifornia.org/community-challenge! the online registration process is easy and just requires your most recent energy bill.

the Cool California Challenge has Cool ben-efits too. Chula Vista residents enrolled in the Cool California Challenge at www.coolcalifornia.org/community-challenge can exchange up to two incandescent holiday light strands for an equal number of energy-saving led strands on saturday, december 1 at Memorial Park (385 Parkway) from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. Participants just need to bring a copy of their Cool California account page and a valid California id (or copy of their most recent sdg&e bill). supplies are limited and avail-

able on a first-come, first-served basis.not a participant in the Cool California Challenge yet?

signing up is easy at www.coolcalifornia.org/community-challenge or the City can help you enroll at the exchange on december 1 if you bring your most recent sdg&e bill. my.

Cool CaliFornia Challenge

otay ranch town Center’s annual tree lighting & santa Parade offers a special treat to local military families. the parade, which takes place on saturday, november 17 at 6:00 p.m., will give 60 kids and their fami-lies from the south Bay Family yMCa affected by deployment the opportunity to march in the parade, get a ViP hot chocolate and cookie hour with santa and be cheered by thousands of thankful residents for their service to our country.

“deployment is hard for any military family; deployment during the holiday season is even hard-er,” said tim Colby, senior general manager of otay ranch town Center. “We are thrilled to partner with the south Bay Family yMCa to support their mem-bers in the military,” he added.

san diego County is home to the largest concen-tration of military men and women in the nation. “one out of every five individuals that our south Bay Family yMCa serves is active duty, retired or dependents of military members,” said rebecca Kelley, marketing, business and community relations director for the south Bay Family yMCa.

the yMCa’s participation in this year’s parade also gives local residents the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those families who sacrifice so much protecting freedom around the world and give up the chance to spend holi-days together.

“giving families a chance to participate in the santa

Parade at otay ranch town Center is a great way to honor our members,” added Kelley. “serving families has always

been at the heart of the y. We have a fundamen-tal desire to provide opportunities for every fami-ly to build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance, and become more engaged with our south Bay community.”

one special little boy will get a real treat during this year’s parade. seven-year-old ryan Fenwick of Chula Vista will be designated as “santa’s helper” and “honorary tree lighter” for the event. ryan’s dad daniel is attached to the uss Peleliu and will not be home until at least next easter. Mom orie is taking care of not only ryan but also nine-month-old daughter alice. to help brighten their holidays, ryan will light the tree, then climb into santa’s car for the parade and officially launch the holiday season at otay ranch town Center.

excited about the upcoming parade and chance for a meet and greet with the big guy, ryan is looking forward to asking for a remote control car for Christmas and showing off his missing front tooth.

the santa Parade at otay ranch town Center is the only holiday parade in eastern Chula Vista and is highly anticipated every year. emceed by local radio personality xavier the x-Man, the parade features marching bands, floats, balloons and local community groups.

Otay Ranch Town Center Gives Military Families Special Treat at 2012 Santa Parade

Surrogate Alternatives, Inc. specializes in SURROGACY & EGG DONATION

family you dream about. You can also HELP a couple by becoming a Surrogate or Egg Donor and receive compensation to help your own family at the same time!

Est. 1998

Call us today: (619)-397-0757 or visit us on the web at www.Surro.org

Surrogate Alternatives 876 Jetty Lane

Chula Vista, CA 91914

Are you having trouble conceiving? If so, Surrogacy & Egg Donation are alternatives to adoption that allow you to have the

Surrogates Change Lives!


on your doorstep

the third avenue Village association (taVa) invites the community to celebrate the season in the historic heart of Chula Vista on saturday, december 1. holiday in the Village will be a free pedestrian-friendly event centered on the unique charm of the newly renovated Village Plaza and the business district. the event will replace the annual starlight Parade this year due to potential safety concerns as a result of the continued construction of the third avenue streetscape Project. taking place at the new Memorial Park Plaza and along third avenue from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the event will feature costumed carolers, holiday karaoke, handcrafted gifts, local art, ugli-est holiday sweater contest and more. explore the Village and take advantage of the many restaurant and retail spe-cials offered exclusively for the event.

Costumed characters from the 20th Century Fox movie, ice age, and the san diego Padres “swinging Friar” and

his “Pad squad” will help spread the holiday cheer along third avenue. long time san diego Padres announcer and Baseball hall of Fame inductee, eduardo ortega, and radio announcer, xavier “the x-Man”, will be honored for their con-tributions to the community.

strolling musicians will perform through-out the Village and san diego gas and electric will conduct their annual led light exchange. Classic cars will be on display and santa Claus will be chauffeured to the park for pictures at

1:30 p.m. the day’s festivities will culminate with the annu-al lighting of third avenue at 5:00 p.m., when the Mayor, taVa Board members and local dignitaries will unveil the new plaza and transform the Village with holiday lights.

taVa executive director, luanne hulsizer, said “We wel-come this opportunity to showcase our new pedestrian friendly Village and invite the community to launch the holi-day season with us by exploring the shops and restaurants our enhanced district has to offer.”

third avenue village assoCiation deButs “holiday in the village”on saturday, deCemBer 1


on your doorstep

according to recently released data, students in the Chula Vista elementary school district (CVesd) and sweetwater union high school district (suhsd) are find-ing success at all levels of the curriculum. With impres-sive gains by schools across the south Bay, encouraging signs point to continued achievement for our local stu-dents.

all CVesd schools surpassed the state academic Performance index (aPi) benchmark score of 800, and a record number exceeded 900, according to results released in october by the state superintendent of Public instruction.

CVesd’s 2012 aPi score improved to 870, which is a 9-point gain from the prior year and well above the

statewide 815 aPi score for elemen-tary schools. the aPi results come on the heels of an earlier state report that illustrated how more district stu-dents than ever are scoring proficient or advanced in english-

language arts and Mathematics, based on standardized testing in 2011-12. district students continue to outper-form their peers in the county and state.

“the aPi results are reason to celebrate,” superintendent Francisco escobedo, ed.d. said in a release. “For the first time, every school in our district is above the state benchmark even as the bar goes higher. this is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, teachers and principals. the level of par-ent engagement in our district is second-to-none, and it shows in the high achievement of our schools.”

individual school results are impressive. a record 10 schools now have aPi scores of 900 or above: heritage (936), olympic View (923), thurgood Marshall (917), Corky McMillin (915), halecrest (912), salt Creek (910), Veterans (909), arroyo Vista Charter (906), Chula Vista hills (906), and anne and William hedenkamp (901).

the state and federal government use testing data in two very different approaches for accountability. California utilizes the aPi model to monitor growth, and the federal government uses the adequate yearly Progress (ayP) model to measure attainment of proficiency targets. as required by federal law, the state also released the results for the federal school accountability measures. CVesd is one of only two large districts in san diego County that is not in federal Program improvement status.

among CVesd’s highlights:

• Greg Rogers school (pictured) was tops in the District in year-over-year aPi growth, with a 41 point gain; Myrtle s. Finney school was second with a 39 point year-over-year gain; and hazel goes Cook was third with a 37 point increase compared to last year.

• Overall, Heritage Elementary was first among all district schools with an aPi score of 936 – outpacing elementary schools in Coronado and many in Poway as well.

• The API score for English learners improved to 830, which is higher than the overall aPi score for some districts in the state.

the 2012 aPi gains reflect the instructional leadership of principals and teacher leaders, the frequent on-going assessment of students and the standards-based instruc-tional planning accomplished through grade-level collabo-ration, said John M. nelson, iii, ed.d., CVesd’s assistant superintendent for instructional services and support.

Middle and high school students at sweetwater district schools continue to make significant gains in newly released 2012 academic Performance index (aPi) scores. as a district, sweetwater made a 10-point gain, increas-ing to 794. in addition, 11 schools now have scores above 800, the state’s academic performance target.

“seeing continued academic success in the sweetwater district is something that we can all be proud of,” said school Board President Pearl Quiñones in a separate release. “teachers, administrators and staff work tire-lessly to ensure that student success is a top priority for the district.”

While the majority of schools showed improvement, hilltop high gained 25 points and scored above 800 for the first time. all schools that were previously above 800 remained in that category and showed steady gains in performance.

the biggest gains were made by Bonita Vista Middle and Castle Park Middle with gains of 46 and 44 points, respectively. other schools that showed strong gains of 20 points or more were rancho del rey Middle, eastlake high and san ysidro high.

“We continue to move this district in a positive direc-tion academically,” said superintendent ed Brand. “our students are focused thanks to the efforts of staff. We look forward to continuing these efforts and know that there is no limit to what students in the sweetwater district can achieve.”

My hometown Chula Vistanovember 2012 issueMhCV Community news –(Photo of students at greg rogers elementary)

loCal students suCCeeding at all levels


the “season of giving” is here. throughout the year, people give

their time and talent through volunteerism and community service

projects. But this is the time of year that generosity with one’s trea-

sure spreads as quickly as holiday cheer.

The cynic might chalk this influx of charitable giving to the tax write-off that lessens the pain of dreaded tax season. The optimist might believe that the giving season stimulates an inherit desire to contribute towards helping our fellow man.

In either scenario, the fact remains Chula Vista is a community of givers. In 2008, according to a study in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Chula Vista residents donated $6.5 million, rang-ing from church tithing to passionate, personal causes.

The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation is hoping to harness this giving spirit to sup-port and sustain local nonprofit programs that solely benefit those who live in Chula Vista. Individuals join the foundation by committing to an annual contribution of $1,000 (less than $84 a month). Half of all contributions are used for annual grants, and the other half is invested into a permanent community endowment to benefit the community in perpetuity.

Each member’s contributions are pooled together to make the greatest local impact. One of the benefits members enjoy is having the opportunity to vote on each year’s funding focus area and the program(s) that will receive funding.

In the first two years of grantmaking, more than $47,000 has been given back to programs serving the Chula Vista community. Members are currently planning for the 2013 grant cycle, where they hope to grant $30,000 to local nonprofit programs.

The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation is in need of new members so that grant funding can continue to increase each year.

• Are you passionate about your community? • Do you have a desire to ensure your charitable giving benefits others in Chula Vista?• Would you like to be involved in the spending and strategy of your charitable giving?• Can you benefit from a charitable giving tax write-off?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please consider joining the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation or making a one-time donation and extend the “season of giving” well beyond the holidays. For more information, contact Zaneta Salde Encarnacion at [email protected]

Zaneta encarnacion is a resident of otay ranch and serves as the director of the Chula Vista

Charitable Foundation.

Season of GivingLocallyBy Zaneta encarnacion


As the season has arrived for families to gather ‘round and spend time reflecting on what they have to be thankful for, My Hometown Chula Vista thought it would be fun to check in with some of our com-munity’s youngest residents to find out what comes to mind when they take a minute to think about what they have in their lives to be thankful for.

With the help of EastLake Elementary School’s third grade teacher Melanie Highhouse, local students were asked what they are thankful for this year. Their responses – serious, fun, enlightening – show that even the youngest among us have many reasons to give thanks.

“In our 3rd grade class, family and friends are very important to us. We begin the year by talking about our ‘at home’ family and our ‘school fam-ily.’ The students recognize that each

‘family’ should be treated with love and respect. Friendship is also a cornerstone to a successful year. We always say, ‘to have a friend, you must be a friend.’ We are thankful to be an “EastLake School Family.” – Melanie Highhouse, 3rd Grade Teacher, EastLake Elementary

Students’ responses:

Alejandra – I’m thankful for my buddies Mia, Ari, and Miliani because they help me a lot.

Kayla – I’m thankful for God and every-thing He created.

Ricardo – I’m thankful for my teacher, Mrs. Highhouse.

Jonathan – I am thankful for my family and my dog because I love them.

Luke – I am thankful for my pals Mia, Vicente, and Cody because they help me.

Miliani – I am thankful for my family and friends.

Chloe – I’m thankful for my chums Cassandra and Elizabeth. I am also thank-ful for my pet bunny Zero.

Beatrice - I am thankful for my family and teacher for helping me through school.

Vicente – I am thankful for my supportive family.

Cassandra – I am thankful for having a sister and family.

Chula Vista Kids Give Thanks

Ireland – I am thankful for my family’s love and for my pets.

Shelby – I am thankful for my awesome family.

Samantha – I am thankful for my family, my dog Remy, and my hamster Milo.

MacKenzie – I am thankful for my family because they take care of me.

Mia - I am thankful for my family, my dogs Mudge and Bella, and my hamster Fluffy.

Elizabeth – I am thankful for my loving family and my two parakeets Sweet Pea and Bluebell.

Ari – I am thankful for a great family and my playful dogs.

Alyssa – I am thankful for my best friends Betty and Mia because they push me to do my best!

Cody – I am thankful for everything that’s ever happened in my life.

Jessica – I am thankful that my family takes good care of me.

We’d like to say “Thank you” to all the boys and girls who shared their ideas about giving thanks with My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine. We wish you all and the entire Chula Vista community a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. my.

Over 20 Years of experiencein San Diego Courts

707 Broadway, Ste. 1410San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 239-3116WWW.FINENSHARIF.COM

Specializing in:

FAMILY LAW - Custody Visitation & Support

CRIMINAL LAW - Misdemeanors & Felonies

BUSINESS LITIGATION

WILLS & TRUSTS

WAGE & HOUR CLAIMS

LAWYERSFINE & SHARIF, APLC


20% OFFENTIRE CHECK

$18 maximum value for dinner. $10 maximum value for lunch. Dine-in-only. One coupon per table. Not valid with Happy Hour Specials. Food only. Does not include alcohol. Not valid on prix fixe menu, holidays or with any other offer.

$5.99LUNCH SPECIALS!

Wednesday - FridayPanini w/Soup or Salad*

Personal Pizza w/SaladLasagna w/Salad*

Spaghetti & Meatballs w/Salad*

Penne Elena w/Salad*

cucina italiana

Join Us for LunchHappy Hour or Dinner.

2330 Proctor Valley Rd., Chula Vista (near Albertsons) www.villacaprichulavista.com 619-216-5900

Osso Bucco

Tiramisu

HOLIDAY PARTY NOW!

BOOK YOUR

*Lunch portions. Expires 11/30/12

Expires 11/30/12

With the holidays fast approaching, it seems only fitting to take the opportunity to highlight a woman whose legacy of commit-ment to community exemplifies what this time is all about. The woman in question is Sister Dolores Molina, aka “Mama Dee”. A brief background on Mama Dee – she was born on April 17, 1928 in San Francisco, California. She joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family on July 2, 1952 and spent many years dedicated to religious education in parishes throughout California. In 1975, Mama Dee became the pastoral associate and the Director of Social Concerns at a local Chula Vista parish, Saint Rosa of Lima. It is here that Mama Dee began her ministry to the poor, a ministry dedicated to getting the poor and down-trodden basic essentials such as food and clothing; a ministry that would extend beyond Chula Vista to Tecate, Tijuana and Mexicali.

Mama Dee was a woman with a wide smile, a compassionate heart and an indelible sense of community. She was a woman that always had a bowl of candy on her desk, and was ready to give it out. One of the hallmarks of Mama Dee and her team’s work was that they always took the opportunity to get to know the people that stopped by their food pantry, remembering that most of these people before they arrived there, for their various reasons, were people just like themselves. People that have simply fallen

on hard times. The organization often acted as a bridge between many other social outreach programs, referring the people that passed through to organizations that could help them. At the heart of the Mama Dee organization is the idea that food, cloth-ing, and kindness are not only essential to the body but also the human spirit.

Since her death in 2001, The Sister Dolores Outreach Program has continued to feed the hungry and carry on her mission, though director Trudy Balesteri will admit, Mama Dee’s charisma has been hard to replace – a charisma responsible for inspir-ing people to get involved, to donate money, and to care about their community. By utilizing modern day outreach skills and by becoming creative about funding, Mama Dee’s work continues. By keeping the volunteer staff relatively small, the program has remained both intimate and impactful.

Come early December, the organization will have its annual Gala highlighting the philanthropic work of members of the Chula Vista community. Mama Dee’s legacy has continued on thanks to this very community and for anyone interested in get-ting more information about the gala or simply wanting to get involved in Mama Dee’s continuing work, visit the Saint Rosa of Lima website at www.strosecv.com/ my.

Mama Dee’s Legacy Still Shows The Way

By seb Martinez


INSTITUTE OF HEALTH & FITNESS

Group Conditioning Classes TRX Suspension Training

MUAY THAI KICKBOXINGPersonal Training & Nutrition Programs MUAY THAI KICKBOXINGMUAY THAI KICKBOXINGMUAY THAI KICKBOXING

KID’S PROGRAMS K-12

FAMILY GYM & MIXED MARTIAL ARTSFAMILY GYM & MIXED MARTIAL ARTSFAMILY GYM & MIXED MARTIAL ARTSFAMILY GYM & MIXED MARTIAL ARTSFAMILY GYM & MIXED MARTIAL ARTSFAMILY GYM & MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Email for a schedule & more information: fi [email protected]

BodyByBobbie.com

871 Harold Place, Suite 106Chula Vista CA, 91914

(619) 651-1862(800) 920-7719

INSTITUTE OF HEALTH The90DayFitnessChallenge.com

SIGN UP TODAY!

Global Fighting LegionHOME OF:

From its inception, Rancho Vista Church has been about doing stuff. Pastor John Rose told My Hometown Chula Vista Magazine in early 2010 that the value for him, his team and members of the Chula Vista church was in serving others. Nearly three years later that focus on giving back and making a positive difference in the community has only increased. Once again this November and December Rancho Vista Church will work hard to brighten the holidays for people on both sides of the international border through a wonderful program.

The “Niños de Natividad” activity represents a seven-year tra-dition of Chula Vista families bringing Christmas to the needy of Baja, Mexico. Over the years, more than 2,000 Chula Vista resi-dents have participated in this opportunity to share some warm holiday spirit. The success and size of this event has grown to the point that last year the city of Ensenada participated in this event, and the Mayor of Ensenada worked alongside Chula Vista fami-lies in passing out gifts! The whole community is invited to get involved in a variety of ways.

The program begins with the collection of new unwrapped toys in neighborhood homes promoted through flyers in east Chula Vista elementary schools and local homes indicated by “Niños Collection Site” yard signs. Donations will be accepted November

18 through December 16. In addition, participants can drop off new unwrapped gifts on Sunday, December 16 at Otay Ranch High School, 1250 Olympic Parkway.

Once the toys are collected, a community-wide wrapping fiesta with songs of the season and snacks is held, also on December 16 at Otay Ranch High School, with local volunteers turning donated toys into Christmas presents. Finally, groups of Chula Vista fami-lies (children and adults) transport gifts south of Ensenada the Saturday before Christmas for a large “gift explosion” Christmas party with an average of 4,500 people and 3,500 Christmas gifts presented to the poorest of the poor children of Baja. According to Pastor Rose, once a local official commented, “This is the only Christmas these children will ever have.”

To be part of the caravan to the “Niños de Natividad” Christmas party in Ensenada on Saturday, contact event coordi-nator Nancy Alvarado at (619) 709-6099. For more information on the 2012 event, including collection sites, go online to http://ranchovistachurch.com/happenings/ninos-de-natividad-2012/

“Niños de Natividad” is open to people of various faith (or no faith) backgrounds. The idea is to simply get people involved and doing something positive for someone else, the very essence of giving back. my.

Niños de Natividad


suMMer traVel

I can’t predict the future.But I’ll help you prepare for it.Call me to help you get the best coverage to fit your needs.

Diane Margarini AgencyDiane Margarini

[email protected] Bonita Road

Suite DBonita, CA 91902

(619) 962-91620H51046

©2006 Nationwide Insurance Company of America. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Nationwide Life InsuranceCompany. Home office: Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered servicemarks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Not available in all states.

©2006 Nationwide Insurance Company of America. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Nationwide Life InsuranceCompany. Home office: Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered servicemarks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Not available in all states.


Helping PawsSeveral years ago my sister’s troop vol-

unteered at the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility to do paintings throughout the halls of the building. I was mesmerized by the murals and even more so by the animals within its walls. Ever since then, I have always had a dream to help the ani-mals because I have a love for them. My affection for the animals grew even deeper when my sister became a foster parent during two summers and I was able to help her care for several kittens.

The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility has many animals to care for, includ-ing large and small dogs, cats and even a few ducks. So when it came time for me, as a Cadette Girl Scout, to choose a community service project for my Silver Award, I decided to make my mark by not only volunteering to become a foster par-ent like my sister did, but also to spread awareness about the program and about pet adoption in general. I believed this would be meaningful and save many more animals that are in such need of being adopted, as well as help the animal care facility find homes for them.

Being a foster parent means that you are taking on the responsibility to care for an animal that is not quite ready to be adopted, and in doing so you help its chances for healthy development and growth in a safe, nurturing and loving environment. The requirements include

Warm, Year-Round, Indoor Salt-Purification System Pool 3 to 1 Student Teacher Ratio All Ages, 3 months and up!

USSSA Member Special Needs Welcomed

Birthday Parties

Family owned and operated 315 Showroom Pl. Ste. 102 Chula Vista, CA 91914 Next to Kid Ventures

We also have a competetive

swim team!

1-877-277-SWIM (7946) www.floatiesswimschool.com

having the time to care for the animal; especially baby animals who require a lot of attention; a home that has the suitable amount of space to accommodate the ani-mals, and the desire to nurture and care for animals.

I contacted Eileen at the shelter, who is in charge of the foster program. She informed me that I would need to come in person so she could evaluate whether my home (and myself) would be a suit-able fit for the program. After completing paperwork (along with my mom’s help) and talking to Eileen, I was thrilled to learn that I could take on this awesome job. She took us to the back of the facil-ity, away from public view to the kennels where they keep the kittens/cats who are not ready for adoption. To my surprise, she let me choose two kittens. I quickly pointed to two, not really having a prefer-ence, and learned that they were only15 days old! Being so little, this required a lot more work than older kittens.

Next came the training, which took place in a hospital type room at the shel-ter. Feedings would be every three hours out of a bottle, which was formula, made for kittens mixed with warm water. While it sounded simple enough, bottle feeding such young kittens is challenging because they initially reject the bottle since it is very different from their mother’s milk. Another challenge was that I would need to help the kittens go to the bathroom because they were too little to use a litter box. Eileen called this process “stimulat-ing” the kittens, and this involved running warm water over their “parts” and rubbing them so they would go to the bathroom. Before I left the shelter, I had learned how to hold the kittens in a couple different ways depending on whether I was holding them for feeding or to stimulate them.

A couple hours later, and we were at home with our new members of the fam-ily. I had set up my bathroom next to my bedroom with their pillow bed and all of their food. Eileen said they would do better in a warmer, smaller room. And

By hannah alderete


NOW ENROLLING!

YOUR FIRST CHOICE

EACH CHILD IS AN INDIVIDUAL OF GREAT WORTH

Chula Vista Elementary School District

CVESD ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INDEX SCORE*

All CVESD schools are projected to exceed the State 800 target and 25 % of our schools will top the 900 mark.

*Projected to 2012

Chula Vista Elementary School District

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE INDEX SCORE*

so the job began and I spent the next few days teaching the kitties, who I came to name “Socks” and “Charlie,” how to suck on the bottle and how to go potty. It was extremely rewarding when they eventually sucked on the bottle easily and actually wanted the food. It was even exciting to see their first “present” they left on the floor, which meant they could start using a litter box!

Although it was hard at times to assist Charlie and Sock’s needs and stay home instead of going out, it was so much fun playing with them and having their com-pany always running around the room. They also grew attached to me, and would climb my leg or jump on me when I was sitting on the floor. Watching them grow from the size of my palm to almost two pounds (which is the weight they need to be to be adoptable) was a great feeling; knowing I helped them become healthy, playful kittens was worth all of the work. Which leads me to probably the toughest part of the job being a foster parent – giv-ing them back.

I took Charlie and Socks back on a Saturday afternoon, a little more than four weeks after bringing them home. I knew I could not keep them, but still I wanted to make sure they would be adopted, and so I told relatives and friends about them, and actually found someone who would adopt Socks! I told Eileen to please let me know if no one adopted Charlie because I would find a home for him somehow. She assured me he would not have any trouble being adopted – because he was healthy and of course, incredibly cute!

I hope by reading about my experi-ence that more people, even teenagers who have time to serve in the summer, will consider being a foster parent. It is more than just a job; it is an incredible opportunity to learn the value of helping the helpless, and providing a great service to the community. Through being a foster parent, I learned than even kids can do something very important to help their community and become more mature, responsible people as a result. Who would

ever think two little kittens could teach me these lessons that will last a lifetime, but I am so grateful that they did.

There are currently 70 kittens/cats up for adoption at the CVACF. To learn more about the foster program and pet

adoption in Chula Vista, please call the CVACF at (619) 691-5123, or visit www.petharbor.com.

Hannah Alderete is a local resident and a 9th grader at High Tech High Chula Vista my.


calendar novemBer 2012

out and aBout

please note events and times are suBJeCt to Change.

November 2-4the legend of pocahontas by Cyt – at Mater dei Catholic high school, 1615 Mater dei drive; tickets $12 in advance & $15 at door; More than 80 local youth make up the talented cast; www.cytsandiego.org

November 9-10the legend of pocahontas by Cyt – at Mater dei Catholic high school, 1615 Mater dei drive; tickets $12 in advance & $15 at door; More than 80 local youth make up the talented cast; www.cytsandiego.org

November 17otay ranch town Center’s tree lighting & santa parade – 6pm; holiday event features marching bands, floats, balloons & community groups; www.otayranchtown-center.com

November 22happythanksgiving! November 29

Chula vista Chamber of Commerce 10th annual golf tournament – 11am shotgun start; registration fees $125 per player or $500 per four-some includes green fee, cart, range balls, boxed lunch & awards banquet; (619) 420-6603

November 10round robin – utilizing technology in Business – 8am-12noon at Celebration hall, the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, 404 euclid ave; experts presenting on utiliz-ing technology to market and grow your business; www.accionsandiego.org/round-robin.html

otay ranch town Center parade & Community Festival – 10am-4pm at otay ranch town Center, 215 Birch road; Marching bands, community entries and ViPs parade down “Main street – otay ranch town Center” at 10am; Community Festival begins at 11am; www.parade-band.org

Chula vista Ballet presents excerpts of the nutcracker – 2 & 6pm at eastlake high school; tickets $15 gen-eral admission available at neisha’s dance & Music academy; (619) 585-1133

“thankful thanksgiving” – 5-9pm – neisha’s dance & Music academy; Kids ages 3-12; $25 per student; $35 day of event; show your thanks by making a table craft for the family and enjoy a special menu prepared by you!; (619) 585-1133, www.neishas.com

November 11veterans day

November 16Quilts exhibit: stitching Forward” – reception 5:30-7pm at Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita road; exhibit runs nov. 7 – dec. 14; (619) 267-5141 or www.bonitamuseum.org

November 8Chula vista Chamber of Commerce mixer –5:30-7:30pm; hosted by Copy link, inc, 3441 Main street, suite 100, Chula Vista, Ca 91911; (619) 420-6603 or www.chulavistachamber.org

November 4daylight saving time ends – set your clocks back one hour

November 6election day – get out and exercise your right to vote!

otay ranch town Center Farmer’s market – every

tuesday 4-8pm

eastlake Business association – every Monday

11:30am-1pm at oggi’s eastlake;

eastlakebusiness.org

kids ready to read – every thursday 11:15am at otay

ranch Branch library; interactive storytime pro-

gram for kids 3 and younger; www.chulavistalibrary.com

save the date: december 1 – santa’s Fire engine arrival at eastlake Village Marketplace – 1pm;

Musical entertainment, holiday crafts, face painting, photos with santa, free fire

engine rides


sChool neWs

Teaching is an art. On a daily basis, teachers prepare lessons that strive to

bring out the best in students and achieve academic and personal success. In San Diego County, five teachers are honored each year for their efforts as the best in their profession.

Emily Jimenez of Rancho del Rey Middle School was among the five San Diego County Teachers of the Year at the 2012 Salute to Teachers event held on October 6 in the Balboa Theater in downtown San Diego. The five teachers of the year will go on to represent San Diego County in the California Teacher of the Year program, which will be announced later this year. Nominees for San Diego County Teacher of the Year were selected by their school districts based on student achievement, teaching philosophy, famil-iarity with current issues in education and community involvement.

“I’m encouraged and excited by this award,” said Jimenez in a release. “It has

Sweetwater District Teacher Named San Diego County Teacher of the Year

made me step aside and really reflect on why I do what I do.”

Jimenez began teaching 12 years ago and has spent the last six at Rancho del Rey Middle School in the Sweetwater Union High School District where she teaches 7th grade English.

Jimenez believes that this award is something that she shares with her colleagues and all teachers. She says that this opportunity will enable her to represent the entire profession and share her philosophies on teaching. She especially wants to share this with her students.

“I’m not in class talking to myself,” said Jimenez. “It’s about my students taking ownership of this and feeling like they are a part of this as well.”

One of Jimenez’s passions has been to teach social responsibil-ity and tolerance to her students. She organizes lessons on the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement and organizes assem-blies with a Holocaust survivor and another featuring a civil rights activist.

In addition to Jimenez, several other local educators were nomi-nated by the Sweetwater District for Teacher of the Year awards. Congratulations also go out to Lourdes Duran (EastLake Middle), Chandra Goodnough (Mar Vista Middle), John Patel (San Ysidro High) and Ben Cassel (Sweetwater High).

“It’s teachers like Emily that make all of us in the Sweetwater District proud,” said Board President Pearl Quiñones. “We thank her and all of our teachers

for the amazing things that they do.” my.

Rancho Vista Church currently meets atOtay Ranch High School at 1250 Olympic Parkway, 91913

R A N C H O V I S TA C H U R C H . C O M

Excellent children’s program and activities newborn –High SchoolLead Pastor: John Rose

Rancho Vista Church currently meets atNOVEMBER 4th - 25th. 9am and 10:30am


on your doorstep

Whether it’s in the educational, professional or personal areas of life, Claudia and Eddie Cox have never had to stray too

far from their Chula Vista roots to find opportunities for success. The San Miguel Ranch couple has built a solid and supportive foundation in their hometown that they are happy to be able to rely on even today. It is that strong local connection that their chil-dren Connor and Athena will also likely tap into as they grow older.

Claudia and Eddie met as seniors at San Diego State University. Claudia recalls the two, trying to complete another General Education requirement for graduation, sitting in a Sociology 101 course “with a bunch of freshmen.” The year was 1995. Married in 1999, Claudia and Eddie looked around at other locations in the county to start a home, including the booming North County San Diego area as well as downtown, but quickly realized it would be nice to be near family and friends.

“I grew up in Chula Vista and attended Tiffany Elementary School,” Claudia shared. “When we got married in 1999, I was working in Chula Vista at the time. There were all these new homes in east Chula Vista and my mom and dad were close by. It’s been 12 years now that we’ve lived in east Chula Vista and this is home.”

A former teacher at Halecrest Elementary School, Claudia now works part-time as a vision therapist for Pack & Bianes Vision Care. Eddie, an alumnus of the former Marian Catholic High

School in the South Bay, works as a mortgage broker and owns SouthWest Equity Mortgage. Like many other small business owners, he has ridden the roller coaster of the recession, but says “owning your own business is fantastic.” Eddie appreciates the bonds he and his family have built to the local area.

“We have seen all the additions to the east Chula Vista area,” he said. “It has grown so much since we were kids. I hope that it continues to have the strong sense of community that we have enjoyed as it grows.”

Both Eddie and Claudia recognize that a large part of their connection to the community will come through their kids’ involvement in the local schools and extra-curricular activities. Connor, who is 7.5 years old, and Athena, now 5.5, attend Liberty Elementary School and are enrolled in the Spanish Immersion Program. In addition to school, the two Cox children actively participate in the outstanding program at Pride Martial Arts. Connor likes to also play wallball at school along with basketball and flag football. Athena has tried her hand at T-ball and is now enjoying soccer. Their father Eddie can often be found on the sidelines as coach or assistant coach depending on the sport.

“We feel so connected to the community through all the fami-lies we know, especially as our kids engage in more activities,” Claudia said. “It’s a big community, but we all seem to be inter-connected.” my.

the Cox FamilyPhoto courtesy of

schafer Photography

(619) 261-0471

www.schaferphotography.net


CHILD DEVELOPMENT

(619) 656-6026 www.americancenterforlearning.com

1415 Ridgeback Road, Suite 2 Chula Vista, CA 91910

Prepare for the private high school entrance tests (ACT Explore/ HSPT /

ISEE) or the SAT/ACT. Get schoolwork support. Strengthen reading, writing,

math. Enrichment, remediation. Study skills, test preparation. Serving families

since 1984. Thousands of students. K-12. Experienced, caring teachers. Individualized instruction. Results!!!No contracts. Save time, energy, and

frustration! Let us help.

My hoMetoWn MerCado

Pediatrics in ParadisePediatrics in Paradise

Visit Our Website For More Free ClassesVisit Our Website For More Free Classeswww.PediatricsOtayRanch.comwww.PediatricsOtayRanch.com

Singing Story Time2nd & 4th Tuesday at 10:30am

Singing Story Time2nd & 4th Tuesday at 10:30am

Get Your ChildReady For Flu Season

Get Your ChildReady For Flu Season

Kids Yummy Eats1st & 3rd Wednesday at 11:00am

Kids Yummy Eats1st & 3rd Wednesday at 11:00am

1741 Eastlake Parkway Chula Vista, CA Phone: (619) 482-1700

1741 Eastlake Parkway Chula Vista, CA Phone: (619) 482-1700

Follow Us On Facebook For More Events & News

October is a great month to visit Pediatrics in Paradise. We offer well baby care, immunizations and sports/school physicals. We also offer flu shots to get your child ready for flu season. Call us to make your appointment today!

2452 Fenton St. Suite 301

MEDICAL

Eastlake FamilyMedical

• HMO• PPO• Tricare• Senior Plans• Private Pay-

Discounts• Same Day

Appointments

• Pediatrics• Adolescent Care• Adult• Women’s Health• Senior Care• DMV, Sports• Employment• Immigration

Maria Oseguera, M.D.Edward Schumaker, D.O.

HABLAMOS ESPANOL

(619)-946-4073

VISION

For the past 20 years, Pack & Bianes Vision Care has offered state-of-the-art eyecare for adults, children and infants. Look to us for the latest in

contact lenses, eyewear, vision therapy or Lasik. We are providers for several

insurance plans such as VSP & Tricare. Dr. Pack habla español.

Celebrating 20 years of Vision

(619) 216-3937 www.packandbianesvision.com

Follow My Hometown magazine on Facebookhometown

october 2012

.


if everything goes right and construction stays on track, the doors to the new Foundry United Methodist Church will open

in EastLake in November and the local community will have a new place to come together and worship. But for Pastor Christian De Ment and his staff, the first service at their newly renovated space in a business park on Harold Place will not be the first time they have offered heartfelt service to this community.

For more than a year now, De Ment and the dedicated folks behind Foundry Church have set out to illustrate their commit-ment to a relational and community-centered approach to prac-ticing their faith. Foundry Church participated in the Chula Vista Centennial celebration last year, led a community park clean-up, fundraised for the new Otay Ranch Library, offered movie nights at Montevalle Recreation Centers promoting Chula Vista Serve’s Grade-Level Reading Program and have continued their involve-ment with an orphanage in Tijuana. The idea was to get out in the community, talk with people, establish relationships and thereby find out what the needs were then go about finding ways to meet them.

“We really want to connect with the community,” De Ment shared following a brief tour of the new church still under con-struction. “We want to find ways to enhance what is happening within the community and work together with other congrega-tions to do the work. At Foundry, we are dedicated to serving the community, education and children, and being involved in service worldwide.”

De Ment, who with wife Kelli is expecting their first child in the coming months, grew up in the United Methodist Church. The fourth generation San Diegan points to his involvement in a church youth group and working on missionary teams as his most influen-tial experiences.

“Being a part of mission teams and serving people in need was extremely powerful,” he said. “I still draw from these experiences and I’m often reminded of the people we served in my work as a pastor today. I learned that I can make change, make the world a better place through my actions and faith.”

De Ment started as youth pastor while in college at San Diego State University as a way to volunteer and give back to the com-munity that had given so much to him. While many in ministry say they were called to the profession, De Ment experienced that feeling, literally. On the day he planned to resign from his volunteer role, he received a call from another church offering him a position as youth pastor. He took the position and served for 10 years. After gradu-ating seminary school, he has spent the last six years as Associate Pastor at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa.

“In starting this new church I wanted to be a pastor to the com-munity first,” he said. “I have met so many people doing that. It is about building relationships and caring for your neighbors.” my.

Foundry united Methodist Church

861 harold Place, Chula Vista 91914;

(619) 489-1031; www.foundryotayranch.org

Foundry united methodist ChurCh

Photo courtesy of:

Photo By elsa;

www.photobyelsa.com

SAN DIEGOSKY ZONE

INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARKWWW.SKYZONESPORTS.COM/SANDIEGO

851 Showroom Pl #100, Chula Vista, CA 91914Eastlake Design District

Prices: Birthday Packages

• Foam Zone• 3-D Dodgeball• HUGE Main Court

• Sky Slam Basketball• Cageball One on One• Open Jump

10 Person Party ..........................from $29520 Person Party ..........................from $49530 Person Party ..........................from $695

30-min jump: $1060-min jump: $1590-min jump: $20120-min jump: $25Super Pass $130(Valid For 10 One Hour Jumps)SkyMania $20JumpaPalooza $20

Pricing Includes The Use Of

619-599-8222

Documents

My Hometown Chula Vista - November 2012