my hometown magazine - nov/dec 2011

www.myhometownchulavista.com

Business highlight: Photo by Elsa resident spotlight: thE lEach family

HOLIDAYEVENTS

hometown

nov/dec 2011

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Gives ThanksPorch Swing Street Lights Shine Bright

Charitable Foundation Works to Enhance Chula Vista

A Family’s Hanukkah Traditions

Holiday Dinner, Your Way

The Chula VistaCommunity

november/december 2011 my hometown 3

novemBer/decemBer 2011

What’s insidElocal gEtaWays

contentsfrom thE Editor...

community newschula Vista band review 9

community calendarlocal Events and activities 20

business highlightPhoto by Elsa 21

school newsthe spirit of giving 22

on topicfall gardening tips 24

resident spotlightthe leach family 25

feature

hometown

nov/dec 2011

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for the final issue of My Hometown Chula Vista for 2011, i asked several in our com-munity to share what they are thankful for this thanksgiving. you’ll find most of the responses in the “giving thanks” piece. all but one, any-way.

sebastian martinez, who has contributed sev-eral stories for our community publication, sent something in that needed just a bit more space. i hope you enjoy it and the coming holidays.

“aunts, uncles and cousins all crowded by the counter in an attempt the get the biggest piece of the pumpkin pie, a hulking turkey, warm and freshly made biscuits and laughter. these are all the hallmarks of thanksgiving for my family. though the location might change, the friendly faces never do. as much as these are the reasons i love thanksgiving, you could take away the turkey, the tortillas, the pumpkin pie, but the faces and the laughter would still be there. the faces and laughter might not feed the stomach but they feed the soul because when my cousins are cracking jokes i forget that the other day i got in a huge fight with my best friend, or that my family might not have enough money to pay all the bills this month, or that before i know it the comfort of high school will be far behind and i will be a part of a very different world: an adult world where it’s easy to get caught up in the “cookies and the cake” rather than the people who make the “cookies and cake” all worth it.

my message for everyone this thanksgiving is to forget what isn’t working for you right now. instead, go outside and find a tree. look at the leaves changing – the small moments of magic that happen when you forget to look. thanksgiving as we all know is about being thankful for what we have and not for what we’re missing. however i propose that “we” transform thanksgiving and make it a day where we look for the moments and the people that might have eluded us – the unnoticed moments of magic that shape our years, our lives and deserve a shout-out. When you let those moments fill you up there is no room for being unthankful, but there just might be enough for a little bit more turkey.”

michael minjares, Editor of My Hometown

page 14

Centennial CelebrationThe Chula Vista Community Gives Thanks ........................12

Porch Swing Street Lights Shine Bright ...............................14

Charitable Foundation Works to Enhance Chula Vista .......15

A Family’s Hanukkah Traditions ........................................16

Holiday Dinner, Your Way ..................................................17

Holiday Events ...................................................................19

Giving Thanks

4 my hometown november/december 2011

feedback

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braVoto Kenny Baumgardner for taking on the challenge of painting a map of the United states on the school play-ground at hedenkamp Elementary school as his Eagle Project. Working with the school’s Pta, Kenny completed the service event over the weekend of september 16-18. donations and much appreciated advice were received from the home depot on olympic Parkway and the chula Vista michael’s store. Kenny worked with his family and volunteers from troop 1194 to finish the map. the following monday morning the students came to school to a surprise – a bright 26’ x 20’ map of the United states to help them in their geography and social studies classes.

to yolanda sherard on being named one of five san diego county teach-ers of the year at the recent “a salute to teachers” event. sherard teaches Us history at rancho del rey middle school and was one of 45 teachers nominated for the award. she, and the other final-ists, will now go on to represent the county in the california teacher of the year program, which will be announced later this year. congratulations also go out to heidi grande of Eastlake middle school on also being nominated this year.

looK What grEat things yoUr commUnity is UP to...

to Fred h. rohr elementary’s parent teacher association on being awarded a goodrich foundation grant for $30,000. the funds will assist in development of rohr’s computer lab, construction of a school garden and encouragement of students to enter the fields of sci-ence, technology, engineering and math. the school extends a special ‘thank you’ to the employees of goodrich aerostructures (rohr inc.) for ongoing support of the students, staff and community.

to Jude isbell, Eastlake high senior, on being named a Union-Tribune high school athlete of the month. the standout football player earned recognition for his contri-butions on both offense and defense helping the titans to another successful season on the gridiron.

to Katie gates on being recognized as the local make-a-Wish chapter’s “Wish granter of the year.” the long-time Eastlake resident became a Wish granter in 2009, and over the past two years has granted 16 wishes to children with life threat-ening illnesses. about the award, Katie said, “i am just an ‘in-between jobs’ regular person who loves volunteer work and helping the families with something very special to take them away, if only for a little while, from the hospital, the doctors, the stress, etc. i myself know the loss of a child so i can totally sympa-thize with what they are going through.”

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.

Kenny and mrs. mills -- hedenkampPta President with the finished map


on your doorstep

Eastlake little league opens spring baseball registration on november 1 and continues through december 17 for tee-

ball, minor b, minor a, majors and Junior divisions. these divisions are open to boys and girls born between may 1, 1997 and april 30, 2008. late registration will be accept-ed through January 8, 2012. all registration is done online with all necessary information provided at www.eastlakell.com. Eastlake little league opening day is set for march 3, 2012. more details are available on the website or by emailing [email protected].

registration

nov1 - dec 17 www.eastlakell.com

EastLake Little League Sign-Ups Are Here

Golf Tournament to Support CV Library Foundation

birdies, boogies and books – a golf tourna-ment to support the chula Vista library foundation and foundry Umc will take place sunday, november 13 at Eastlake country club. foundry is teaming up with the chula Vista Public library foundation as it works toward building a library in otay ranch. registration is $125 each if registering as a foursome; $135 for individual registration and includes golf cart, box lunch, dinner, range balls, door prize opportunities, contests, hole-in-one opportunity and live entertainment during dinner. check-in begins at noon with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.

in addition, foundry is now sponsoring regular gather-ings in the otay ranch and Eastlake communities. faith-life dialogues with Pastor christian – faith on tap happens on the first tuesday of each month at Eastlake tavern & bowl, 6:30 p.m.; conversations of faith are on the second tuesday of each month at En fuego café, 6:30 p.m.; and foundry’s out & about Walking group ventures out on Wednesday mornings at mountain hawk Park, 9:00 a.m. for more infor-mation on the golf tournament and other foundry activities, visit the website at: foundryotayranch.org.

The Diary of Anne Frank at OnStage Playhouse

The Diary of Anne Frank takes up residence in november and december at chula Vista’s onstage Playhouse. The Diary of Anne Frank is based on the real life diary written by anne frank, and has become a classic of modern world literature. this 1999 revised play and tony award winner by Wendy Kesselman has won rave reviews as the most realistic portrayal of life in hiding during World War ii. Performances run thursdays through saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and sundays at 2:00 p.m., begin-ning on november 4 and ending on december 4. there are no performances on november 24 or december 3. tickets cost $14-16, with group rates available. due to certain con-tent and issues discussed in the play, the show is recom-mended for ages 10 and older. reservations can be made by calling (619) 422-7787 or through the website, www.onstageplayhouse.org.

event details:

november 13 Eastlake country club foundryotayranch.org

calvary christian academy looKing For votes

chula Vista’s calvary christian academy is in the running to win a $50,000 grant through clorex’s “Power a bright future” program. if selected, the local school has indicated the funds would be used to purchase a bus that would enable the school to provide safe transportation for stu-dents to attend field trips or athletic events. Voting began on october 24 and continues until december 9. Winners will be announced in January 2012. anyone 13 years and older can vote, with voting available through text, scan-ning of a Qr code with a smartphone or via the website at www.powerabrightfuture.com.


on your doorstep

new chase BanKs location opening soon

chase bank is proud to be grow-ing in chula Vista. according to lisa simpson, branch manager of a new branch at otay lakes and Eastlake Parkway, “We are excited to be open-ing two new branches in east chula Vista in 2011. the new branches will both open in december – otay lakes and Eastlake Parkway in the Eastlake Village market Place, and the other at East Palomar street and medical center drive.”

the branch at otay lakes and Eastlake Parkway will open on december 14, while the chase bank at East Palomar and medical center drive will open about a week earlier on december 6. more information about chase and the new local locations is available at www.chase.com.

My Hometown is always looking for contributors, articles and stories. it’s a great way to get more involved in your commu-nity. We welcome stories about neighborhood events, human

interest and community building for all of our sections.

you can contact us by calling (800) 497-1309 x712 with your idea or send us an email at [email protected].

get involved! get published!hometown

september 2010

.hometown

august 2011

.Discovery Charter Preschool Is Taking Off

Discovery Charter Preschool is located on the campus of the Discovery Charter School’s campus off East H Street. It was founded in 2000 and has been accredited by the National Association of Young Children since 2003. It is an innovative program that prepares children, three through five years of age, for not only kindergarten, but also for life in the 21st Century.

In accordance with the philosophy of the main campus of Discovery Charter School, the preschoolers are taught in a way that makes learning meaningful and applicable to the real world. Credentialed teachers, who have college degrees in the field of child development, teach hands-on and project-based learning in a devel-opmentally appropriate fashion.

Discovery Charter Preschool was designed to assist families that do not qualify for state funded programs. Open enrollment and spaces are still available. If you are interested in enrolling your pre-schooler, or would like more information, you can call (619) 656-0797 ext. 2780.

on your doorstep


wright Family photo correction

in last month’s resident spotlight feature, an older photo of the Wright fam-ily appeared. the photo that should have run is below and was provided by local photographer Jessica fraser, jessicafraserphotog-raphy.com. My Hometown Chula Vista regrets the error.

tops ca 523, chula vista provides weight-loss support toPs club, inc. (take off Pounds sensibly) is

an affordable and effective weight-loss solution that yields real results. With the average waistline of north americans growing at the same time prices continue to rise, people are looking for cost effective weight-loss support that works. the annu-al toPs membership fee is only $26.00, making toPs one of the most affordable options available.

during weekly chapter meetings at chapter 523 chula Vista, members – men, women, and teens – learn about nutrition, how to incorporate exer-cise into their day and receive ongoing support as they work to reach their weight-loss goals. “toPs has been the most affordable weight-loss solution for 60 years,” said toPs leader, Pat schmidt. “the numbers prove that losing weight doesn’t have to cost a lot to be successful.”

Visitors are welcome to attend their first toPs meeting free of charge. chapter 523 chula Vista, which has been in existence since 1966, meets from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. for weigh-in and 10:00 a.m. for the informational meeting on fridays at fredericka manor community room. toPs chapter 523 will be holding an open house January 20, 2012. for more information visit www.tops.org.

something to give

Casey Family Programs is looking for foster parents who can help teenagers �nd their way home to a safe and stable family.

Learn more at www.casey.org/SanDiego or call 619.543.0774

change a life foreverA year of your life can change a life forever.

If you have something to give,then don’t give up on me.


on your doorstep

chula Vista’s celebration of its 100th birthday continues with the return of the otay ranch town center band review and community festival on saturday, november 12. building on the success of last year’s inaugu-ral event, the 2011 version will see an expansion of the number of bands participating, more community organi-zations taking part in the parade down the center’s “main street,” a bigger community festival and even something for pets and their owners. this wonder-ful community event, which receives support from many local groups like the chula Vista chamber of commerce and the otay ranch town center, begins with a parade at 10:00 a.m., runs until 4:00 p.m. and is free to the public.

“We would like to see the communi-ty step up and get involved in this great event,” said charlie Wolf, the band director at Eastlake high and execu-tive board member of the Parade band foundation. “We want to lure people from the community to participate in the parade, the community festival and the pet contest. this event is a commu-nity celebration.”

nearly 20 marching bands from the sweetwater Union high school district and throughout san diego county are expected to participate, including top local bands from olympian, bonita Vista and Eastlake high schools. in addition to the parade, the bands will also compete in the event’s band review along Eastlake Parkway near the main entrance to the center. divided into three divisions – small, medium and large – the bands will showcase their talent in front of experienced judges with the winners receiving scholarships, awards and trophies. tom cole, former band director at ranch bernardo high school, which has been recognized as one of the top bands anywhere, will provide each participating unit with a live analysis of its performance. the public is welcome to come out and

watch the bands compete in the band review prior to, and simultaneously with the parade down “main street.”

the event’s community festival will include car clubs, laser tag, moto-cross jumpers, three live stages, a dJ and a kids’ zone with face painting and other fun activities. the festival aspect of the event will be held in the parking area near macy’s. new this year is the addition of a “dog Parade and costume contest.” categories are set to include “cute,” “homemade” and “marching band representative.” the community festival will also include several local vendors and orga-nizations for community members to enjoy.

for Wolf, who has been involved with music education for more than 30 years, the highlight of the day will be the opportunity to parade his band through the center’s “main street.”

“over the years, marching bands have shifted away from parades and focused more on field tourna-

chula vista Band review returns nov 12

ments,” he said. “our Parade band foundation’s goal is based on re-establishing the value of participat-ing in community parades. it’d be great to see thousands of people lining the streets to see these bands perform along with the different aspects of the community that are also taking part.”

for more information on this year’s otay ranch town center band review and community festival, visit the event website at www.paradeband.org or the center’s website at www.otayranchtowncen-ter.com. my.


Giving ThanksWhether it’s in giving thanks or giving back, the holidays seem

to take on even more significance when the focus turns to giving

back to others in the community or being thankful for what we

have. Look around Chula Vista this November and December and

you’re bound to see many examples of local residents, organizations

and businesses finding numerous ways to brighten the holidays, and

everyday, for others. My Hometown Chula Vista is happy to spot-

light the efforts of people doing just that with our feature stories

this issue.

Giving Thanks

In our first year of publishing My Hometown Chula Vista in 2008, we

asked members of the Chula Vista com-munity to share with us what they were thankful for. We thought now might be the perfect time to revisit that idea. We are pleased to be able to share many of the responses we received from local resi-dents, business owners, and city and edu-cational leaders to the question: “What are you thankful for this year?” We wish all of our readers a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

“I’m thankful to have been called to come back to the Sweetwater District. This is like a second home to me and I really appreciate working among so many old friends and colleagues. I’m thankful to have a second chance to make a posi-tive difference in the lives of Sweetwater students. I’m thankful for the growth in student achievement; that more students are becoming college-ready through the Compact for Success; that we’ve modern-ized our older schools with new build-ings that reflect the great teaching taking place inside; and that the talents of our outstanding teachers have resulted in two Sweetwater teachers being named among the top 10 San Diego County Teachers of the Year.”

– Sweetwater Superintendent Edward M. Brand

“This year we are thankful for so many things – the birth of our precious twin sons, family and friends near and far, living in a great community.”

– Robyn and Kristen Adams, east Chula Vista residents and new parents

The Chula Vista Community Gives Thanks“As with many people, Eric and I

are truly thankful for our beautiful chil-dren, our family, our freedom and our health; none of which do we ever take for granted. Beyond that, and especially this holiday season, we are thankful to be a part of a community that is so supportive of its residents. Many, many people are facing many challenges now and we are glad there are places we can go within our community to offer help to others.”

–Lisa and Eric Johnson, east Chula Vista residents

“My husband Bernard is a gift from God and I am blessed beyond measure to share my life with him and our children Riley, Sydney, Luke, and baby #4 on the way! Our whole family is thankful for Vanessa McEvoy, who is carrying baby #4 for us. Thank you for giving us the gift of life. We love you and are incredibly THANKFUL for you!”

– Neisha Hernandez, Chula Vista resident and owner

of Neisha’s Dance & Music Academy

“Brenda and I have been blessed many-fold this year, celebrating with family, especially our grand children Brandon, Bella, Matthew, and Lexie, friends and neighbors at a variety of events. We spent three months in our RV touring this beautiful country (and into Canada, too) enjoying the bustling cities but especially the bucolic fields and farms, mountains and meadows as we traveled down those little blue roads on the map. We’re very grateful to God for each and every day!”

– Stan and Brenda Canaris, east Chula Vista residents

“This year, I am thankful for a God who is also my best friend. I am also thankful for a perfectly, imperfect fam-ily; A job that allows me to make a differ-ence in the lives of children and families; The strong women in my life that I’m honored to call friends; and, a phenom-enal church that is so much more than something to do one day a week. And lastly, I am thankful for the Chula Vista community; where in a city of almost 250,000 people, we can run into child-hood friends of my husband, and their kids can now play with our kid! Oh, and of course, My Hometown, Mike and all the staff. I am thankful for the commu-nity that is built through this amazing publication!”

– Zaneta Encarnacion, east Chula Vista resident and

co-founder of the blog PoliticallyActive PoliticsFree

“When we were recently asked what our family was thankful for, I turned to our kids, Mitchell and Milani, for their input. They provided the following responses: family, friends, school, our home, being able to go places. My wife, Mayra and I added to the list: our great neighborhood, our jobs, our health and being able to volunteer our time to com-munity and school events. Then Mitchell, added, “I’m thankful for everything that we have.” Those seven simple, yet power-ful words put everything in perspective. We are so grateful for everything we have now, not wishing or hoping for more. We are thankful for the lives we live, the love we share, the words we speak, the music we listen to, the ability to choose, seeing the sun rise and set, days that we can sleep in, memories…and the list goes on. Yes, we are definitely thankful for every-thing we have!”

– Mayra, Dennis, Mitchell and Milani Llavore, east Chula Vista resi-

dents


“I am thankful always for my par-ents who constantly support me and never lose their trust in my ability to succeed. I am thankful to have a sister who can make me smile even on hard days. I am thankful for friends to keep me company and confide in. I am also thankful because I feel that I am on the right path and getting closer every day to achieving what I want.”

– Valeria Genel, east Chula Vista resident and intern at My Hometown

Chula Vista magazine

“I am thankful for understanding that ‘everyday’ should be Thanksgiving! I’m thankful that many people are opening their minds to the idea that we are all the same, really. I’m thankful for every single person who comes into my life and know that they must be there to teach me something, right? I’m thankful and grateful for every minute I get with my children because even the argu-ments lead us to a better understanding of how important family is and that nothing can break apart the love I have for them. I am truly thankful for the most enlightening year of my adult life and am humbled by the kindness that was shown to be over the past year. You see, Thanksgiving should be everyday…one day is not enough to truly count all your blessings.”

– Rosa Vasquez, Chula Vista resident and contributor to My

Hometown

At My Hometown Chula Vista, we are thankful to each and every one of you who supports what we do through this publication. We thank you for pro-viding us with the opportunity to show-case the best our hometown of Chula Vista has to offer. Whether it’s people, businesses, organizations, schools, or a sense of community, we all have much to be thankful for this time of year. From all of us, Happy Holidays! my.


Giving Thanks

What originally started with one strand of lights along the back window of a condo, has now grown to more than

20,000 lights hung on trees, bushes, hand-made towers and roof-tops. The huge Christmas lights display on Porch Swing Street also includes music, an animated light show and, beginning in 2010, a fun light-counting contest with prizes for the winners.

The Bryant family – James, Anne and daughters Megan and Danielle – have put together a dazzling holiday treat that quickly has become a featured attraction among local, and even not-so-local, residents. This year marks the seventh season the Bryants have taken the time to give something extra special back to their neighbors, friends and community members wanting to celebrate the wonderful spirit of Christmas.

“It’s really nice to see the little kids’ faces as they stand there in amazement watching the lights and listening to the music,” James said. “We have people sitting in parked cars with the lights off, just watching the display. Christmas Eve is the busiest night in terms of people coming by to take a look. We have cars out on the street just waiting for us turn on the lights.”

To get everything set up and ready for the holidays, the Bryants begin putting up their display on November 1. But with a display of this size, the work actually begins much earlier in the year. According to James, a former military kid who has found a home in Chula Vista, he looks for light sales in April and during the summer. Throughout the year, he’s continu-ously looking for tips to improve his display and has even begun building his own structures like light towers. He also spends hours programming the lights, synchronizing them to music. The process, using a program call “Light-O-Rama,” takes about

Porch Swing Street Lights Shine Brighteight hours or more to synch the lights to one song. James said he listens to the song in four-second increments in order to get the beats just right as he adds in interesting light effects and makes sure it all runs smoothly.

While James focuses on the outside of the house, Anne, who has been a Chula Vista resident since she was three and fondly remembers visiting Candy Cane Lane and Christmas Circle dur-ing the holidays as a kid, works quickly to get the interior of the Bryant home festive and welcoming adorning it with numerous holiday decorations. She is fully supportive of her husband’s efforts to put together a Christmas lights display that people in their Windingwalk neighborhood (and beyond) enjoy coming to see each year.

“I race to get the inside of the house decorated for Christmas because I know once we move closer to the Christmas season James needs me out there,” she said. “I’ve helped build arches and wrapped trees. The kids have helped as well. It’s something we all are a part of.”

As Christians, the Bryants view Christmas as the celebration of Jesus’ birth so their display includes a nativity scene and reli-gious music. However, James is quick to point out that there is a broad mix and variety of Christmas music – secular, religious and traditional – for people coming to the display to enjoy through outside speakers or via a dedicated FM radio station. Both Anne and James say the lights display has turned into a community-builder and has brought them closer to their neighbors.

“I think the Christmas lights have helped unite us as a neigh-borhood,” Anne shared. “We are all out there together watching it. It has helped us get to know our neighbors more. Our neigh-bors look forward to it now. We even have families from outside the neighborhood that tell us they come by every year and that it has become a family tradition to come see our display. It’s neat to be part of other people’s Christmas traditions.”

Last year the Bryant family added a new element to their display – a Guess-The-Number-Of-Lights contest. Starting with the first night the display is turned on – Thanksgiving evening – everyone is allowed one guess of the number of Christmas lights in the display. Closest guess to the actual number wins a prize. There are different age categories to help make the contest more fun, though participants are not permitted to walk through or on the display to count lights. Christmas Eve marks the last day to submit a guess. The Bryants post the winner and the total number of lights on their website – www.porchswinglights.com.

The Bryant’s Porch Swing Street lights display runs from 5:30 to 11:00 each evening from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. The outside speakers get turned off around 8:00 p.m., but the music plays through the dedicated FM station – 106.9 – until the lights are turned off. If you plan to see this special holiday event, the Bryants ask that you please be respectful of the community and their neighbors. my.


Charitable Foundation Works to Enhance Chula Vista

The Chula Vista Charitable Foundation, created in 2008, has a very focused mission – to improve the quality of life

within Chula Vista by promoting and increasing responsible and effective philanthropy by and for the benefit of all who live, work and play in Chula Vista. Earlier this year, the local affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, awarded its first grants totaling $22,500 to two outstanding programs dedicated to the health and well being of community members.

The Foundation provided $12,500 to Arc of San Diego’s Hope and Health for Individuals with Disabilities and $10,000 to the South Bay YMCA’s Youth Fitness Program. The grants were presented at the Foundation’s First Grants Award Ceremony held at the City of Chula Vista’s City Hall.

“This was a particularly special grant ceremony for us,” said Dency Souval in a release, the foundation’s outgoing chair. “I’m proud of the generosity and dedication of all members of the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation for the united vision that led to these grants, the first we have awarded.”

Each grant will have a strong local impact. Hope and Health for Individuals with Disabilities will be conducted at The Arc of San Diego’s Starlight Center in Chula Vista and will serve 180 individuals with disabilities over a one-year period. The program helps eliminate barriers to good health for individuals with disabilities. Participants at the Starlight Center will inte-grate healthy behaviors into their daily lives by including men-tors, family members, caregivers and Arc staff as co-participants in the program. These individuals may also expect to become less vulnerable to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other life-threatening conditions and illnesses as measured by weight loss, increased fitness and stamina over a period of 12 months.

In the case of the South Bay YMCA’s Youth Fitness Program, grant funds aid in the prevention of childhood obesity by increasing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutritional education in a fun environ-ment. The Y’s program will expose children to various forms of exercise activity, teach basic nutritional guidelines and healthy eating habits, involve the entire family to increase the success of healthy living in the home through newsletters and “take home” activities, and perform exercises that are aimed at improving school district fitness testing scores.

In addition to providing annual funding to Chula Vista orga-nizations and causes, the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation also plans to build a Chula Vista community endowment as well as provide local community members an avenue for legacy planning and gifts that benefit Chula Vista now and into the future. Chula Vista is one of several Community Foundations that are affili-ated with The San Diego Foundation. For additional information, please visit www.sdfoundation.org/CommunityFoundations. my.

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Giving Thanks

I love the holidays. Being surrounded by friends and family, eat-ing delicious treats, the music and lights all lend themselves to

making cherished memories. In our home, we celebrate Hanukkah. With no family and very few Jewish friends in San Diego, we are honored to share our holiday traditions with our non-Jewish friends, who all seem to enjoy Hanukkah as much as we do!

This year, Hanukkah starts on December 20 and lasts for eight nights. Hanukkah has been celebrated since 165 BCE and has its own set of traditions and customs that are personalized by each Jewish family. Our Hanukkah celebration has morphed into a mixture of old customs, passed down through the generations, and new ones adopted along the way.

We gather around the menorah at sundown, lighting one can-dle each night, to represent the sacred oil that miraculously burned for eight days. Every year, my daughters Gillian and Lauren choose a new menorah to light. Our collection now consists of 17 meno-rahs, in various shapes and sizes. We have a very traditional brass menorah, the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, a shoe menorah and the girls’ favorite, a cat menorah, just to name a few.

All dieting goes out the window during Hanukkah. The tra-ditional foods are fried, symbolizing the oil that kept the menorah ablaze for those eight nights. On the first night of Hanukkah, friends and family, when in town, gather in our home for a feast of brisket and kugel (sweet noodle dish) in addition to the deliciously

A Family’s Hanukkah Traditionsfried potato latkes (pancakes) and cheese blintzes (pastries). No one ever leaves this house hungry!

A must during Hanukkah is playing the dreidel game. A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top. The goal is to win all the gelt (money) in the pot. Gifts are also exchanged. In my parent’s gen-eration, children received a gold coin called gelt. Today children receive presents. In our home, Gillian and Lauren open one pres-ent each night for the eight nights. They also receive chocolate gelt, which they can use when playing the dreidel game. We make it a point to participate in community service, like volunteering at the food pantry.

Probably my personal favorite Hanukkah tradition is being invited to my children’s school to give a Hanukkah presentation. I love teaching the children about the history of the brave Macabees fighting to reclaim their temple and of the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days instead of one. It fills my heart with joy when a student tells me they remember hearing the presentation five or six years ago, when they were in first grade, and that they still remember the details and how to play the dreidel game.

I hope when my children are grown, they look back on Hanukkah with great fondness. I am anxious to see how they take our family traditions and put their own spin on it. Hanukkah or Chanukah, however you choose to spell it, is a wonderful holiday. my.

by lisa Keroes, east chula Vista resident


On one of my many scurried trips to the market, organized shopping list in hand, I am prepared to hurriedly race

through the store; but just as I rev my engine, I am immediately taken aback at the sight of barrels overflowing with plump, familiar squash we recognize as pumpkins. Oh my, it’s that time again. It starts with Thanksgiving and ends with the clinking of champagne glasses on New Years. Let’s brace ourselves for the holidays…the different beliefs, cultures and traditions that influence and determine persons or events we commemorate. Now that we have digested this realization, it’s time to dust off our cookbooks, tear through food magazines and scour the internet for the “perfect holiday recipes.” Some of us either have several meals to plan for, one contributing potluck dish, reserva-tions to make or orders to place.

With several diverse families here in Chula Vista, holidays and traditions vary tremendously. From the elaborate enter-tainers who favor extensive table settings, the use of their best dishes, and place cards. To the good old fashioned boxed stuff-ings, canned condiments and heirloom recipes “because that’s how grandmother did it.” Of course, there are those families who prefer to skip all the laborious duties and call in a reserva-tion to their favorite restaurant. The beauty in all of the above is there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate holidays. Any path we choose is confirmation that it’s not just the food that makes the cherished memories, it’s the people.

After 20-plus years of the same family traditions, my own family has modified our ways in pursuit of intimacy and sim-plicity. We have achieved it, and now share these meaningful and indelible celebrations with the younger generations. So now that we’re all together, what are we eating? Food is what con-nects families, at one table (or several), at this time of year. If you’re an enticed cook, the wheels in your head may be devising some sophisticated Food Network menu. But not all of us have that kind of time. Keep it simple. When someone asks, “What can I bring?” take advantage. A bottle of wine, an easy appetizer, an effortless dessert or a side dish that person is famous for.

All of our local stores offer gourmet goodies to help ease the stress of holiday meals. Keep in mind, appliances and electron-ics can be our best friends during these months. (i.e. freezers, microwaves, crock pots) Purchase some pre-made appetizers to warm and serve. Pre-sliced cheeses paired with fresh or dried fruit and crackers are always popular. Par or pre-cook anything that can be easily re-heated before dinner. Lastly, try desserts

Holiday Dinner, Your Way

from a specialty bakery for a sensational finish to your meal.If your interpretation of a no-fuss, relaxing holiday season

doesn’t correlate with any of the aforementioned, then pick up the phone and make your reservations now; because a hungry group waiting for a table is not the kind of picture anyone would want to add to their photo albums. (Just be sure your restaurant of choice is open during the holidays.)

So in the next few weeks, pull out those treasured recipes and start planning. Better yet, sharpen your cooking skills at Villa Capri’s next cooking class or book their newly decorated patio for spectacular gatherings. Whether you desire intimate or elaborate holidays, they only come once a year, so embrace them with peace, love and happiness. my.

by laura Paredes, Villa capri italian restaurant


on your doorstep

Sweetwater Union High School District’s VAPA Department Offers Great Holiday Entertainment

throughout the year, the sweetwater Union high school district’s Visual and Performing arts department presents a number of district and school events. but the showcasing of student talent ramps up as the year winds down. in november and december, several musical events are available for the community to enjoy.

the festivities begin on tuesday, november 15 at 6:00 p.m. with the 44th annual band Pageant. held at southwestern college deVore stadium, the band pageant features performances from 20 middle and high schools. in total, approximately 1,500 student musicians take part in this event where the bands and color guards are the stars. general admission tickets are $5.00, while children under the age of six are free. be a part of the nearly 10,000 people that are expected to attend.

holiday singing is one of those things everyone does, or at least should. holiday music is part of the world’s great “common ground,” a spirit that can unite huge groups of otherwise separate interests. at the holiday sing events on november 30 and december 1, come enjoy performances by excellent student choirs from throughout the district, and maybe even sing along. the event begins at 6:30 p.m. both nights at the chula Vista high school Performing arts center with 10-12 groups of middle and high school groups performing. Perhaps you’ll feel inspired to join in on the “hallelujah chorus” at the end of the evening. general admission tickets are $5.00 with children six and younger getting in free.

finally, cultural celebrations take center stage with mariachi holiday night on december 2. the sweetwater Union high school district has one of the most extensive programs of student mariachis in the entire country and seven student mariachi bands from throughout the district will share their musical skills in observance of the holiday season. the musical celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the chula Vista high school Performing arts center. general admission tickets for this event are also $5.00 and chil-dren under six years of age are free once again.

Giving Thanks

Holiday Events

50th Year for Chula Vista Starlight Paradethe starlight Parade is back for its 50th year on saturday, december 3! the chula

Vista holiday staple begins at 6:00 p.m. with floats, marching bands, classic cars, com-munity groups and so much more. this year’s parade has a centennial-theme helping to wrap up a year filled with wonderful community celebrations in honor of our city’s 100th anniversary. come early to grab a seat along the parade route from h to E street and stay for the children’s holiday time in memorial Park. here, you and our youngest resi-

dents can get faces painted, take pictures with santa claus and listen to festive carol-ers. adding to the festive evening is the mayor’s tree lighting ceremony at 5:00

p.m. just before the kick off of the parade. more information can be found online at www.thirdavenuevillage.com.

December Nights Returns to Balboa Park

balboa Park’s december nights, one of the nation’s premier holiday festivals, will take place for the 34th consecutive year on friday, december 2, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and saturday, december 3, from noon to 10:00 p.m. as always, the event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.” Participating balboa Park museums open their doors free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. both evenings and more than 300,000 visitors are expected to experience the joy of san diego’s larg-est free community festi-val. attendees enjoy food, music and entertainment from around the world. for details, check out

www.balboapark.org/decembernights


on your doorstep

Applications Accepted for Santa Parade & Tree Lighting

applications are now being accepted for the 5th annual santa Parade & tree lighting at otay ranch town center. all local community organizations, schools, holiday entertainers and more are invited to take part in this community event that helps to usher in the holiday season. the parade is set for november 19 and will begin with the tree light-ing at 6:00 p.m. applications are due back to the office no later than november 11, and can be found online at www.otayranchtowncenter.com. applications can be faxed to otay ranch town center “attn: holiday Parade” to (619) 421-8586 or mailed to otay ranch town center “attn: holiday Parade,” 2015 birch road, suite 500, chula Vista, ca 91915. applicants will be con-tacted by the parade coordina-tor regarding the confirmation of participation. for more information, send an email to [email protected].

Nightly Snow Fall Returns to Village Walk at EastLake

the award winning Eastlake high school show choir will perform at 5:30 p.m. on thursday, december 1, before the first snow-fall of the season at Village Walk at Eastlake, located at the intersection of Eastlake Parkway and miller drive in chula Vista. the choir will perform again at 6:15 p.m., between the first and second musical snowfall.

bring cameras to the annual holiday season launch with snow falling at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the courtyard near the Koi Pond. the snow will continue to fall every night through december 24 at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. during the free nightly snowfalls choreographed with holiday music. children will receive free deer antler headbands and “magic” glasses to watch the snowfall in rainbow colors.

in addition to the snowfalls, Village Walk will also play host to a special holiday event. on december 10 the annual family celebration presents a great opportunity to take photos with santa and mrs. claus from noon to 3 p.m. community mem-bers will enjoy free train rides, meet the roving magician and take part in holiday craft activities for children ages 12 and younger. frolic in the special daytime snow-falls at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for more information, visit shopvillage-walk.com or call (858) 695-2700.

Whose birthday is it anyway?RETHINKCHRISTMAS

www.foundryotayranch.org

Celebrating - Serving - Christ - Community


on your doorstep

November 4 mcmillin elementary

school Fall Festival – 4:30-8pm at 1201 santa cora ave; games, silent auction, opportunity drawings and food.

November 5 & 6“Bonita holidays” –44th annual art/craft show & home tour at sweetwater Woman’s club, 3855 sweetwater road, bonita; 10am-3pm; home tour (saturday) $10, art/craft show free; home decora-tions, gifts, artwork, crafts, garden shop, country store, and farmer’s market; (619) 479-7888.

November 6daylight saving time ends

November 13Birdies, Boogies and BooKs

golF tournament – at Eastlake country club; to support the chula Vista Public library foundation and foundry Umc; [email protected]

novemBer/decemBer 2011

November 12“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; (619)585-

1133, www.neishas.com

otay ranch town center

Band review & community

Festival Parade 10am-12pm, festival 11am-4pm at otay ranch town center; www.paradeband.org

November 30 & December 1 holiday sing – 6:30pm both nights at chula Vista Performing arts center; general admission tickets $5, children 6 and under free; www.suhsd.k112.ca.us/vapa

December 10 “ho ho ho holiday party” – 5-9pm – neisha’s dance & music academy; Kids ages 3-12; $25 per student, $35 day of the event; a secret visit from santa brings in the holiday season; (619) 585-1133; www.neishas.com

November10chula vista chamBer oF

commerce mixer -5:30-7:30pm; hosted by sharp chula Vista medical center, 751 medical center court; (619) 420-6603 or www.chu-lavistachamber.org

November 15 suhsd 44th annual

Band pageant – 6pm at southwestern college; general admission tickets $5, children 6 and under free; approximately 1,500 musi-cians

oUt and aboUt

please note events and times are suBJect to change.

otay ranch town center Farmer’s marKet – every

tuesday 4-8pm

November 19 5th annual santa parade &

tree lighting – 6pm at otay ranch town center; www.otayranchtowncenter.com

December 3 BalBoa parK’s decemBer

nights – noon-10pm; www.balboapark.org/december-nights

50th annual starlight

parade – 6pm along third avenue between h and E; www.thirdavenuevillage.com

December 2 mariachi holiday night – 6:30pm at chula Vista Performing arts center; general admission tickets $5, children 6 and under free; www.suhsd.k112.ca.us/vapa

BalBoa parK’s decemBer

nights – 5-10pm; www.bal-boapark.org/decembernightsNovember 24

thanKsgiving

Nov. 24-26 turKey tennis camp – 10am-1pm; offered by the chula Vista recreation dept.; $81 resident, $100 non-resident;

(619) 691-5140

December 14 chase eastlaKe Branch

opening; at otay lakes and Eastlake Parkway in the Eastlake Village market Place

December 21 First day oF hanuKKah

December 25 christmas

December 26 First day oF Kwanzaa; www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

December 4 concordia preschool’s living

nativity - 11am-1:30pm at 1695 discovery falls dr., free petting zoo; www.concordia-church.com

november/december 2011 my hometown 21Photos courtesy of: Elsa flores www.photobyelsa.com

tina Turner and Annie Liebovitz. That’s whom Elsa Flores points to for her start as a photographer. Oh, there have been

lots of formal teachers and mentors, professional colleagues and countless friends and family who have supported, encouraged and enabled the development of this talented local commercial photographer. But according to Flores, her motivation for wanting to pick up a camera and express her creative and artistic point of view through photos came from an image of the female rocker captured by one of the best in the business.

“Being very dyslexic as a kid, photogra-phy was one of the only ways that I could express myself,” Flores explained. “When I was 16 or 17, I went to my high school teacher and said I wanted to take photos like this pointing to a Rolling Stones cover shot of Tina Turner taken by Annie Liebovitz. He told me that the reason the photo worked was because it was Tina Turner, but he showed me how to look at a photo and to see all of the work that goes into great pho-tography. I have been working at it ever since.”

From Southwest High in the South Bay, Flores has taken coursework at Southwestern Community College and sat in on classes offered by some terrific local photographers, but much of what she has learned about the business of commercial photog-raphy she has gained from being behind the camera or in the lab. Yes, in between being an architectural photographer – where she learned to shoot buildings, lighting and studio management – and becoming a popular commercial photographer, Flores actually

worked in a photo lab printing negatives, photos and enlarge-ments. She made a name for herself in the field, but when she read a magazine article about the emergence of digital photogra-phy, Flores quit her lab work and once again set out to take great photos.

She began by taking photos of a dear friend who had recently become a real estate agent and quickly earned

a reputation for taking amazing headshots. Within six months, Flores’ business was booming with a long list of clients eager to have their image captured

by the long-time Chula Vista resident. In the aftermath of the wildfires of 2007, business took a nosedive, but Flores has come back with even more determination to be success-

ful. “At first I really didn’t know what I was doing, but people

liked my style and my design work,” Flores said. “The learning curve on digital photography was huge, but I talked to well-known commercial photographers from all over the country and we learned together. Now, I focus on taking away the anxiety of being photographed. In a business where your image is so important, getting your picture taken is scary. I tell my clients that our goal is to make this the best time they’ll ever have in front of a camera.” my.

Photo by Elsa

880 canarios court, ste. 108 chula Vista 91910

(619) 651-8033; www.photobyelsa.com

photo By elsa

school news

school nEWsnoVEmbEr/ dEcEmbEr 2011

San Diego Chargers players Donald Butler, Larry English and Bront Bird

are hardened when it comes to the brutal play on the gridiron. They are large men, with sculpted features, and the “you can’t run on me” demeanor necessary to play defense in the National Football League. But even the toughest player can’t help but melt when seeing the impact that giving a new pair of shoes can have on a youngster in need.

And that’s what happened when 50 students each from Myrtle S. Finney, Juarez-Lincoln, Los Altos and Silver Wing schools received new shoes as part of the Chargers’ Back-to-School Shoe Distribution. Large men were moved

The Spirit of Giving

by small children. Those who give will be affected often as much as those who receive. Maybe that’s why so many in our school community reach out and help so many others. The recent distribution of shoes at the Payless ShoeSource store on Dennery Road in Otay Mesa came cour-tesy of Chargers President Dean Spanos and Payless.

But the corporate generosity did not end there. STAR/PAL’s weekly JR. Chargers Training Camp was held at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School on the same date as the shoe give-away on Otay Mesa. CVLCC hosted a motivational assembly, where a $2,500 Chargers/NFL Play60 grant was officially presented by players Eric Weddle and Corey Liuget.

As we enter the holiday period, we know as a school district that we, too, have a social responsibility. This December, District employees are hop-ing to raise even more funds than the amazing $5,300 generated for the Chula Vista Welfare Council last year through the annual Holiday Luncheon. The giving doesn’t start and end there, though. All across CVESD, students, staff and par-ents take the holiday spirit to heart. The Welfare Council’s Annual Food Drive, for


example, means that hundreds of children will enjoy the holidays thanks to CVESD’s generosity. Volunteers will have packed more than 500 boxes of food donated by the CVESD community. It will have taken many evenings and 100-plus volunteers to complete the task.

CVESD is also annually a key contribu-tor to the Police Activity League (PAL) toy drive, demonstrating overwhelming gener-osity. Many boxes of toys will be delivered to the Chula Vista Police Department via a CVESD school bus. These gifts, along with food baskets, will go to families nominated by school staff.

Consider also the sight of a volunteer army assembling new bicycle after new bicycle from parts in a box. Hundreds of bicycles will be assembled in a single after-noon by district employees. That’s how we ‘roll’ in CVESD. The activity is part of the “Bikes for Kids Foundation” annual bike giveaway to needy third-grade students. For some children, the bicycle may be the only gift they receive, according to Nancy Kerwin, the District’s Executive Director for Student, Family, and Community Services. Think about that for a moment – a child’s only new toy for the holidays. Will you be the one to make a difference in that child’s life? Yes. And so will we in CVESD. my.

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The Spirit of Giving


on topic: gardEn

Fall brings with it cool weather and a chance to freshen your outdoor gar-

den and yard. But where to begin? Here are some ideas to get you started after my walking tour of our local neighborhoods.

Fall lawn care includes fertilizing now, preferably with an organic fertilizer derived from natural sources, instead of a chemical option that can kill the soil microorgan-isms and worms that help grass grow. The stately Palm trees that sit beside our homes need an application of a slow-release organic palm tree fertilizer now and again in three months. With any fertilizer, make sure that you follow the directions provided for proper application.

Fall is the perfect time to do a sprinkler check, to adjust sprays and replace heads that use too much water. Read up on the water requirements for plants in your yard. The goal is to balance water use to keep the soil active and to not let areas dry out.

Rose care this season continues with trimming off dead blooms and researching what type of roses you have so that in January

Fall Gardening Tipsby Jill landry

you will know how much pruning to do and into what shape. If your roses are “dec-orated” with aphids then ants are probably close by; ants actually “milk” the aphids for their secreted honeydew. Start by hosing off the aphids and then sprinkling plain cornmeal on ant trails. When ingested it expands and kills them, and when carried into the nest it grows a fungus that emits a gas toxic to ants.

Citrus trees such as lemon, orange, lime, and pineapple guava need simple pruning now to trim off any branches that are touching the ground. Look for yellowing leaves (deficiency) and leaves with trails carved into them by leaf min-ers. Both issues will decrease fruit production but can be easily treated with organic topical products. Fertilize organically in January.

Peach trees are susceptible to leaf curl, and they require a sea-sonal spraying routine of organic lime sulfur spray in November after the leaves fall. Peaches and other fruit trees such as apple, fig and pomegranate need to be pruned to ensure tree health and next year’s fruit set. Each requires a different pruning cut; there-fore, contacting a certified arborist instead of a landscaper is your best plan for an effective pruning.

If you put in a cool season vegetable garden, consider floating row covers to protect your plants from pests, including snails. Snails and slugs in the garden are fun to watch as they leisure about their way, but they are insatiable herbivores. A pet-safe organic sprinkle for their control is Sluggo. Worm castings can be applied liberally at the base of roses, vegetables and other plants to repel many pests. For unused veggie or flower garden beds that will be empty until spring, a layer of organic bagged compost or chicken manure is a nice blanket. Avoid using bagged steer manure due to high salts.

And, have you got gophers? While I have yet to experience gophers myself, I know others that have successfully used the Black Hole Gopher trap.

If you are interested in learning more, sharing your own organ-ic gardening practices, or want to know where to find organic products, contact the newly formed Eastlake Organic Garden Group. Send email to Jill at [email protected] for more information. my.

Jill landry is an Eastlake resident and has started the

Eastlake organic garden group to share tips with neighbors

interested in organic gardening.

Photo by Kathy dewar Photography,

[email protected]

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on your doorstep

like many kids her age, Sarah Leach enjoys playing sports and skateboarding. Like her younger sister Grace, a talented dancer

and soccer player, she has lots of great friends to hang out with in her Rolling Hills Ranch neighborhood. At 13, she’s just now enter-ing the world of babysitting younger kids. In school, she’s a good student with interests in reading and writing. So, it came as a bit of a surprise to hear what the EastLake Middle School eighth grader would like to be when she grows up – an oncologist.

On many levels, the Leach family is like many others in east Chula Vista. Tori and husband Drew grew up in the South Bay area of San Diego with Tori attending nearby Hilltop High and Drew graduating from Mt. Miguel in Spring Valley. They met in an aerobics class at the old Jack LaLanne’s fitness center. When the two married, their first house was on the west side of the city. With Sarah’s arrival, the Leachs made a move east, settling into their current home in the summer of 1999. From the beginning, they’ve been active members of the local community, eager to create a bond with the people they see regularly that was missing from the area they originally called home as a young family. But in one sig-nificant, and recent, respect the Leachs have had a different experi-ence and that situation has affected them in a very personal way. It is what motivates oldest daughter Sarah to want to be not just a doctor, but a doctor dedicated to assisting people battling cancer.

“Ever since I saw my mom’s oncologist working with her, I knew I wanted to be an oncologist,” Sarah explained. “I want to help people, help them get better and make their lives better. I want to go to Harvard and then work as an oncologist.”

Tori is now two years out of treatment for stage three breast cancer. When she was diagnosed, her girls were in fifth and second grade. Grace, now 10 and a fifth grader at Thurgood Marshall Elementary, recalls crying sitting at the dining room table when her mom came home to tell her family the news. The outpouring of support following Tori’s diagnosis served to remind the Leachs how close they’ve grown to their community.

“Once the community heard the news, I received tons of flow-ers and cards,” Tori said. “People came by to drop off dinners. It was all very humbling and meant more to me than anything. Right now I feel great. I had to battle this to set an example for my two daughters.”

It’s the sense of community that Tori and Drew were hoping to find when they were looking for a new home.

“When we decided to move, I liked the idea of parks and play-grounds for the kids,” Drew said. “Now, the number one thing about this community is the people we’ve met. Friends are like family here.” my.

the leach FamilyPhoto courtesy of:

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www.schaferphotography.net

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designed to be “my kind of place” for men and boys. At Sport Clips Village Walk our goal is to make each Client

feel like a champion! And, no appoint-ment is necessary. Stop in today.

Village Walk(619) 656-8231

haircutmenchulavistaca.com

COMMUNITY SERVICE

South Bay Community Services helps our community. With a wide-range of programs and services, including free vision, hearing, growth, speech and language, and behavior services for all children ages 0 to 5, and a new

resale boutique in Otay Ranch, SBCS is there when the community

needs it the most.

(619) 420-3620 www.SouthBayCommunityServices.org

FREE FOR CHILDREN AGES 0 TO 5Vision and Hearing • Speech and Language• Baby Basic Classes•

Behavior• Nurse home visits for first • time parents and newborns

I AM READYTO LEARNTO THRIVETO SUCCEED

For more information call 1-888-622-2978www.SouthBayCommunityServices.org

myhometown110.com.indd 1 1/18/2010 4:18:26 PM

EDUCATION

Bonita Country Day School is a highly acclaimed private school teachingstudents how to think, not what to

think. Small classes allow individualattention in Montessori Preschool &Kindergarten – Grade 5. BilingualProgram, Art & Music are included

with a superior academic curriculum.

(619) 656-0141 www.bonitacountryday.org

BONITA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Massage therapy is also available.

WELL BEING

We at Salt Family Chiropractic are hon-ored to serve the EastLake Community. Drs. Mark and Celeste Salt along with

Dr. Greg Kaye bring 30 years com-bined experience. We specialize in

being a wellness clinic addressing your chiropractic needs, along with offering

nutritional programs and products. Massage is also available Wednesdays,

Fridays and Saturdays

(619) 426-2225 www.saltchiro.com

WELL BEING

We at Salt Family Chiropractic are hon-ored to serve the EastLake Community. Drs. Mark and Celeste Salt along with

Dr. Greg Kaye bring 30 years com-bined experience. We specialize in

being a wellness clinic addressing your chiropractic needs, along with offering

nutritional programs and products. Massage is also available Wednesdays,

Fridays and Saturdays

(619) 426-2225 www.saltchiro.com

My Hometown Mercado is your

community resource. Each month,

this section features businesses

who are a part of your community

and dedicated to the communities

of East Chula Vista – bringing the

services you need to your doorstep!

For Advertising information contact

us at (800) 497-1309 x701


FAMILY SERVICES

Personalized, one-on-one speech therapy services in the comfort of your own home. Research-based bilingual therapy for children and

adults. Private pay only.

Letitia A. Stanton-Aicher MS, CCC-SLP

(855) 619-6191 www.LSABT.com

my homEtoWn mErcado

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:

my hometown mercado is your community

resource. Each month, this section features

businesses who are a part of your communi-

ty and dedicated to the communities of East

chula Vista – bringing the services you need to your doorstep!

for advertising information contact us at (800) 497-1309 x701


www.facebook.com/myhometownchulavista

Follow My Hometown on Facebook

Make Way for Santa’s Sleigh

Join us for the 5th Annual Tree Lighting and Santa Parade Saturday, November 19 at 6 pm

Otay Ranch Town Center features magic snowfalls daily and live entertainment every weekend from November 25 - December 24.

www.otayranchtowncenter.com

Located at the corner of Eastlake and Olympic Parkway in Chula VistaLike us on Facebook!

my hometown magazine - nov/dec 2011

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