My Hometown Otay - January 2009

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www.myhometownotayranch.com

a MoM’s PledGe to the new year

keePinG Fitness resolutions

Post holiday Clean-uP

business hiGhliGht: SOuTH COAST SPInE CEnTER | resident sPotliGht: OLMEDO FAMILY

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business hiGhliGht: SOuTH COAST SPInE CEnTER |

CoMMunity news

sChool news

events Calendar

January 2009

PRE-SORT STDU.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE POST

PAID PAID PPERMIT #95

92056

www.myhometownotayranch.com January 2009

RESOLUTIONRESOLUTIONA COMMUNITY

contents

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a new message

series in january

Jan Hometown Ad.indd 1 12/15/08 2:52:20 PM

january 2009 my hometown 3

January 2009

WHAT’S InSIDEIncredibly, the start of a new year is here.

We once again have a need for a new calen-dar, are faced with remembering to write a new date on our checks and begin the chal-lenge of fulfilling our personally meaningful resolutions. Yes, the start of a new year often brings change and great opportunity.

At the Fountain Media Group, we embrace the opportunity to bring you this latest issue of My Hometown magazine. Beginning with our first issue in April last year, we have tried to capture a touch of the wonderful com-munity that permeates east Chula Vista and share it with you. Feature stories focused on family and community, personal spotlights on community members, messages from local businesses and listings of community events, activities and accomplishments have filled the pages of our publication each and every month. It has been our goal to help build community by showcasing the best this com-munity has to offer. With the start of 2009, we remain committed to that aim.

So, what’s in store this month? In this issue, one feature story focuses on the con-nection our family publication has to this growing community. We also take a minute to thank you for welcoming My Hometown into your homes with such a warm reception. We encourage you to continue to support our efforts to enhance the community’s social capital and to be involved. As a team, each month we provide the shell and ask you to actively contribute the filling. That call will continue throughout the year.

This month readers will also receive tips on sticking to a popular new year’s goal of being well and getting in shape from some of the top local fitness experts in our neighborhood. As always, we have information on important community events and our popular spotlight sections.

As we embark on another year, our hope is that you will resolve to continue to utilize My Hometown as a valued community resource. If you have thoughts on how we can best do that, please send us a line or give us a call. We’d welcome the chance to hear from you. Together we can make this a wonderful year.

Michael Minjares,Editor of My Hometown Otay Ranch

LOCAL GETAWAYS

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on your doorstepBRAVO - Community Accolades 4

Calendar of Events 24

lifestyleGood Intentions in the new Year 14

Top Ten new Year’s Resolutions 16

A Mom’s Pledge to the new Year 17

Tortilla Soup for the Soul 21

school newsLocal Students’ Robots in Action 22

resident spotlightThe Olmedo Family 25

business highlightSouth Coast Spine Center 26

feature

homePost Holiday Clean up 18

Keeping Those Fitness Resolutions 12

now is a great time to recommit to

being a great neighbor 8

nEW SECTIOn

MY HOMETOWn

MERCADOnEW SECTIOn

MY HOMETOWn

MERCADOPage 27

Jan Hometown Ad.indd 1 12/15/08 2:52:20 PM

A COMMUNITY RESOLUTION

homePost Holiday Clean up

Those Fitness

12

now is a great time to recommit to

8

A COMMUNITY RESOLUTION

4 my hometown january 2009

feedback

Published byFountain Media Group, Inc PO Box 2122, San Marcos, CA 92079 (800) 497-1309 x710 www.fountain-inc.com

PublishersKaren Smith [email protected]

Tim Minjares [email protected]

editorial/salesMike Minjares [email protected]

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohibited. Fountain Media Group, Inc. is not responsible for the views of contribut-ing 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 the olympian saints youth Football and Cheer pro-gram. The local non-profit organization enjoyed a very successful second season. On the field, the Jr. Midget football team made it to the third round of the playoffs. Off the field, the program’s two cheer squads won numer-ous awards. Both the Mitey Mites and Pee Wee teams placed first at the San Diego Youth Cheer Conference Cheer Championships. At the Pacific-Desert Mountain Regional Cheer Championships at Southwestern College, the Mitey Mite team placed second, while the Pee Wees walked away with the first place trophy.

To the timothy Murphy Foundation, target, the u.s. olympic training Center athletes, Pat and oscar’s and sudberry Properties for their work in putting on the recent “Angels and Athletes” Christmas shopping event. The program enabled 70 local foster children in the care system through the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Department to enjoy a day of shopping and treats. The kids were paired with athletes from the training center and area high schools to shop and play. Each child received a $120 Target gift card, through a generous donation from the Foundation, to spend on new clothes and shoes with the assistance of their athlete buddy. In addition, the children were treated to lunch from Pat and Oscar’s and snacks from developer Sudberry Properties. Tim Murphy is the original founder of Elite Racing and the creator of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series of events.

To tina Medina, otay ranch town Center, for her outstanding community spirit.

LOOK WHAT GREAT THInGS YOuR COMMunITY IS uP TO...

To the eastlake high Football team for winning a third-straight Mesa League title and advancing to the semi-finals of the CIF playoffs. The Titans lost a close game to Helix in the playoffs, but can take pride in another suc-cessful campaign.

To two new City leaders – Jim sandoval and bart Miesfeld. Sandoval has been appointed to the position of City Manager while Miesfeld has been named City Attorney. Miesfeld had been serving as the interim City Attorney. He will be Chula Vista’s top litigator and will provide guidance on many legal issues facing the city. Sandoval returns to city government having previously served as Chula Vista’s Planning Director from July 2003 to June 2008. As City Manager, Sandoval will administer a $274 million budget and oversee 11 departments with a workforce of 1,109 employees. “This is a challenging time for Chula Vista, and I am passionate about helping the people of this City through the economic downturn that has taken a toll on municipal governments everywhere,” Sandoval said in a release. “This city has so much poten-tial, and I’m excited about the future.”

To the eastlake high band and Color Guard for each taking first place at the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association 2A Championships. Congratulations go out to Director Charlie Wolf and Color Guard Instructors Jim and Melissa Barton, and, of course, all the students for this tremendous achievement.

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

youth track Club begins PracticeThe Chula Vista San Diego

Flyers Youth Track Club begins another season with practice on January 5. Practices for the largest track club in San Diego County take place at Chula Vista High School, located at Fourth Avenue and K Street, from 5:30 to 7 p.m Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For 14 years, head coach James Sanders has worked with youth from 5-18 years of age to reach their potential on and off the track. Walk-in sign ups are always welcome. The Club also offers community service opportunities for students looking to assist with coaching. For more information, contact Coach Sanders at (619) 420-7316 or visit the club’s website at www.eteamz.com/cvsdflyers.

angels for animalsChula Vista’s Animal Care

Facility has launched “Angels for Animals,” a donation drive to support the needs of home-less pets at South County’s only shelter. The public is being asked to support the work of the shelter by donat-ing basic supplies including: pet beds, kennel dog beds, new or used towels and blankets, newspaper, and pet toys. Bins for donations have been set up at 17 different locations throughout the city. To learn more about this effort, bin locations, and how you can help, visit www.chulavistaca.gov/pets. The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility is located at 130 Beyer Way and can be reached at (619) 691-5124.

san diego restaurant week returnsA New Year’s resolution to eat at home more often in order

to save important and limited family dollars is certainly a worthwhile activity in this tough economy. But if you still have a craving for some quality dining, San Diego Restaurant Week may be the perfect compromise. From January 11-16, over 150 restaurants will participate in the fifth year of this popular event. Depending on the restaurant, diners will enjoy a three-course meal for $20, $30 or $40 per person. No coupon is required, but advance reservations are recommended. Visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com for a list of participating res-taurants and to review their set menus. Locally, the Brigantine Eastlake is one of the many fine establishments on the list.

Registration for the City’s wide range of winter rec-reation classes continues until January 9 with 10-week classes beginning the week of Jan 16. Registration for these winter recreation classes, from preschool and performing arts to fitness and the creative, is on a first-received, first-processed, space-available basis. At this point, only walk-in registration is available. The following locations will accept registrations: Heritage Community Center, 1381 E. Palomar; Loma Verde Center, 1420 Loma Lane; Otay Recreation Center, 3554 Main St.; Parkway Recreation Center, 373 Park Way; Veterans Park Recreation Center, 785 E. Palomar; Montevalle Recreation Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road; and Salt Creek Recreation Center, 2710 Otay Lakes Road. For more information, visit the department’s website at www.chulavistaca.gov/rec.

Winter rec classes registrationFROM PRESCHOOL AnD PERFORMInG ARTS TO FITnESS AnD THE CREATIVE

Pride Martial Arts is proud to host a Child Safety Seminar on Saturday, January 24. Called “Kidz ‘n Power,” the seminar will run from 1-2 p.m. and is open to the entire community. These seminars are part of ATA Martial Arts’ worldwide initiative to help minimize the risk of child abduction through education. Activities will include simple breakaway self-defense instruction, role-playing with possible stranger dangers, methods to deal with bullies, internet safety precautions and more. All child participants will also walk away with an ATA safety kit. Spaces are limited. Pride Martial Arts is located in The Shops at San Miguel Ranch, 2334 Proctor Valley Road, Suite A 101, Chula Vista, 91914. For more infor-mation call (619) 421-1282 or go online to www.prideata.com.

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Gold Award Project to Build School Library

Senior Girl Scout Tenika Garteiz has wrapped presents for donations and will soon hold a barbeque for family and friends in an effort to meet her goal. Now she needs the community’s help to complete her project and earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. The High

Tech High School - Chula Vista sopho-more’s chosen project is to build a library for her school. From January 12-23, Garteiz, who has been in Girls Scouts since kindergarten, will hold a book drive at the new school site. Her goal is to collect between 500 to 1,000 books for the charter school, which opened last fall, along with donations of money, gift cards to bookstores and furniture stores – anything that will help build a library and a small sitting area. Donations can be brought to the school located at 1945 Discovery Falls Drive, Chula Vista, 91915.

My Hometown is always look-

ing for contributors, articles and

stories. 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 x710 with your

idea or send us an email at

[email protected].

Get involved!

Get Published!

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a special event that will help you get off on the right foot as a dog owner. At “New Puppy Day” on January 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., PETCO will be offering lots of free samples, dog training consultations, free brush downs and advice on how to properly take care of your dog. PETCO is located at 878 Eastlake Parkway and more information can be obtained at (619) 397-6809 or by emailing [email protected].

expert insights small business seminarThe new year brings new challenges to each of us, so

the next “Expert Insights” small business development seminar presentation will focus on new ways to do business with less money, the advantages of being a “green” business and more!! So please mark your calendars now and Save the Date - January 21, 2009 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, 233 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910.



RESOLUTIONA COMMUNITY

EVERY YEAR WE START OFF WITH LOFTY GOALS FOR

OuRSELVES. WE RESOLVE TO LOSE WEIGHT, START

EXERCISInG, READ MORE, CuT BACK On SWEETS OR

CAFFEInE, OR A MYRIAD OF OTHER VICES. WHY DO

WE COME uP WITH THESE GOALS AT THE START OF A

nEW YEAR? PERHAPS, IT IS TO TRY AnD IMPROVE THE

QuALITY OF OuR LIVES AnD MAKES uS FEEL BETTER

ABOuT OuRSELVES.

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A year ago, those of us with the Fountain Media Group resolved to expand the reach of our publications by starting My Hometown Eastlake and My Hometown Otay Ranch in these two wonderful east Chula Vista communi-ties. With successful publications in San Elijo Hills, 4S Ranch and Estrella (in Arizona), we knew this model would work in the place several of us had grown up and still call our hometown. In February, I left my job and 17-year career in education to work from home, writing, editing and selling ads for this magazine. Our first issue went out in

connect with those people in the community who you might

not otherwise meet. We also hope to use this publication to help support the professions and businesses of peo-ple within the community so that we can use each other’s services to further strengthen our connection to neigh-bors and as resources to each other.

Renee Solares, the new executive director of the EastLake Educational Foundation, has a similar goal in mind. As a new member of the community, she has resolved to make time in the coming year to meet the members of this community.

“My NewYear’s resolution for 2009 is to get to know the principals, teach-ers and parents of the EastLake area,” she said. “We are all connected by a common goal of wanting to continue to provide our students with the best possible educational opportunities. My belief is that we, as a community, can work together this year to provide our students with greater technologi-cal enhancements, despite the difficult economic conditions.”

Our first issue of My Hometownhad an article about raising social capital. The premise of social capital is that social networks have value and that there are very specific benefits that result from the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other. Have you helped or received help from a neighbor that would have cost you money other-wise? Have you landed a new client as a result of someone you know in the neighborhood? These connections are a kind of unmeasured (and untaxed)

April and we have been working hard to bring this community-based and family-focused publication to your mailbox each month.

The mission remains the same as we head into a new year. We want to connect neighbors both to each other and to resources here in this community in order to build a sense of community. We’re not sponsored by the developers or the community associations. We’re just people with a connection to and history with this area who want to see the community thrive. We really wanted to raise the profes-sionalism of the typical community publication and to create something special. Some residents in the com-munity have thoroughly embraced the magazines and participate by sending us information, stories and story ideas, lifestyle articles and news about posi-tive accomplishments throughout the year. Others have been tempted and will perhaps resolve in 2009 to send in an idea for an article, share tips on home improvement projects, recognize the achievement of another or simply share their thoughts about the magazine with us by sending an email or making a phone call.

The entire purpose of this publica-tion is to keep us all connected to this community as it grows. In the new year, we hope to continue to enhance this publication by getting more residents involved by contributing their exper-tise, thoughts and opinions. Living in EastLake and Otay Ranch offers so many amazing neighborhood resources that it is practically impossible to know about them all. We want to help you

connect with those people in the community who you might

not otherwise meet. We also hope to

the little things we do in our own neighborhoods, on our own

streets, are what truly protect our sense of community here

and give us hope for the future of all Chula vista.



capital that exists within any commu-nity and of particular interest to us here in EastLake and Otay Ranch.

Why does this type of stuff matter? Well, because when you really think about it, community is truly one of our greatest assets. It’s what protects the value of the investment in our homes. It’s what helps us feel safe at night. It’s what makes us happy to come home. It’s also one of the most vital things to have in the case of an emergency. When life is sailing along, we tend to take it for granted. It’s not until something breaks down that we start to notice it. The larger our community becomes, the more evident it is that the small things are what make a difference. The little things we do in our own neigh-borhoods, on our own streets, are what truly protect our sense of community here and give us hope for the future of all Chula Vista.

As principal of Olympian High School, John Devore and his staff work

with the people who will benefit most from our good work now – our stu-dents. In the coming year, he would like to see his school’s students continu-ing to grow as individuals and in their awareness of the needs of others.

“My hope for 2009 is that Olympian High School’s first senior class finishes strong, academically and with their Common Senior Experience Project, and will be able to celebrate the fact that they are the first-ever graduating senior class,” Devore said. “I hope we continue to develop as a school and a community in order to help all students prepare for their future and develop into productive citizens.”

The little things we do in our own neighborhoods, on our own streets, are what truly protect our sense of commu-nity here and give us hope for the future of all Chula Vista. We hope you will join us in resolving to make more of the little things happen. If each one of us would make a commitment to embrace

those opportunities to make a differ-ence in our community, we would have an even more amazing place in which to live, work and play.

This month spend some time think-ing about your community resolution for the year. If you need help getting the word out about your event or activity, recognizing a good deed, sharing a great neighborhood tradition, or informing people about an important issue, don’t hesitate to use the resource of this pub-lication for exactly that. Remember, we are here to help you build community.

You can also help us grow by visiting those businesses that advertise in this magazine and telling them you appre-ciate their support of the hometown publication. If you are a business owner, why not support your community by becoming a presence in its magazine?

Now is a great time to recommit to being a great neighbor and being an involved citizen. Together, we can make 2009 a wonderful year. my.

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Each year and right about now, many of us resolve to work harder this year at getting in shape and living a more healthy life. And, usually about a month from now, we have already endured our first setback in our efforts to achieve this goal. Why can’t keeping fit be easier? With a new approach, some sound advice from several local experts and the support of family and friends, 2009 might just be the year you and I keep to our fitness resolution. At least it’s worth a try.

My wife Marietta has enlisted the help of a relatively new product to help her reach her goal of toning up. She has plugged in the family’s nintendo Wii game console and turned on “Wii Fit.” With an ani-mated personal trainer, over 40 activities and exercises, including yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games, and a personal training log tracking her progress, my wife has used the latest video game technology to her advantage.

“What initially drew me to wanting the ‘Wii Fit’ was the idea of having a way to stay in shape at home,” she said. “The personal trainer is encour-aging but honest about your perfor-mance. The system allows you to compete against yourself in improv-ing your results each time. Your per-formance is ranked and it makes you want to do better.”

For Marietta, the balance games, like hula hooping, slalom skiing, snow-boarding and soccer, are fun activi-ties that make the time she’s working out go by fast. Her biggest challenge might just be keeping our nine-year-old daughter from interrupting her workout wanting to play the games.

According to Alex Robinson, owner of the Jazzercise-Chula Vista fran-chise, keeping fitness resolutions is definitely possible. The EastLake resi-dent says the trick is to find ways to include some fun in your routine.

“Working out with a bunch of machines and no music makes it difficult for us to keep interest,” she said. “So, make sure whatever you choose to keep your body on track this season includes a percentage of fun! Try and set attainable goals and reward yourself for those early achievements.”

Robinson says it isn’t likely that someone can lose 50 pounds by February, but we can set a goal of

losing one or two pounds a week. She recommends rewarding your-

self each week for small gains and using this as motivation to

push forward.


TIPS FOR KEEPING THAT FITNESS RESOLUTION

and balance games, and a personal training log tracking her progress,

game technology to her advantage.

“What initially drew me to wanting the ‘Wii Fit’ was the idea of having a way to stay in shape at home,” she said. “The personal trainer is encour-aging but honest about your perfor-

compete against yourself in improv-ing your results each time. Your per-formance is ranked and it makes you

For Marietta, the balance games, like hula hooping, slalom skiing, snow-boarding and soccer, are fun activi-ties that make the time she’s working out go by fast. Her biggest challenge might just be keeping our nine-year-old daughter from interrupting her workout wanting to play the games.

February, but we can set a goal of losing one or two pounds a week.

She recommends rewarding your-self each week for small gains

and using this as motivation to push forward.

By Michael Minjares, Editor


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Also advocating small changes that then lead to larger results is Lariesa Bernick. The certified personal trainer and owner of Pilates of Eastlake encourages her clients to set realistic goals about improving their health and losing weight. She says we don’t have to give up totally the food items we enjoy while trying to meet our fitness resolution.

“Eating right may seem difficult, but you don’t have to give up the foods you love,” Bernick said. “If you can’t get through your day without a partic-ular treat, then go ahead and have it. If you plan on eating right the rest of the day by choosing low calorie, nutri-ent-dense foods, that daily splurge won’t stop you from losing weight.”

Of course, Bernick also suggests sev-eral more conventional methods for improving our health. She emphasizes that drinking water needs to be a part of the daily routine with three 16 ounce bottles of water the minimum per day. The Otay Ranch resident points out that sleep also factors into a healthy lifestyle and recommends shooting for eight hours each night.

“I can’t leave out the importance of exercise when you want to lose weight and look lean,” she added. “Some of the most basic activities can be extremely effective. Exercises that work several muscle groups at one time, such as squats and push ups, will pay off with minimal effort.”

For those looking to amp up their fit-ness results this year, Russell Deane of Xceed Performance has several ideas. The EastLake business owner has worked with world-class athletes for years and knows what it takes for someone to reach his or her potential.

“It is important to understand that your body adapts very quickly to your workouts,” Deane said. “So changing your routine on a monthly basis will help you avoid any pla-teaus in the progress of your work-outs, and give your workouts a fresh face. The positive changes in your overall health will give you the moti-vation to continue on in your new lifestyle. Above all, remember that it is still called a workout and some

days it is going to feel like a lot of work. But getting through tough days will make the days to come a lot easier.”

Whatever your fitness goals this year, make sure you recognize the positive life changes they can bring, too. Staying focused on a few small changes and rewarding yourself for goals met can help make that fitness resolution a success. my.

14 my hometown janaury 2009

family

steps. He worked those leg muscles, practiced pulling up on furniture, and took a few anxious footfalls, stumbled quite a bit and, finally, starting walk-ing. Eventually that walk turned into a full-speed run. It didn’t happen overnight for your child, and reach-ing your goal isn’t going to happen overnight for you either. Rather than working toward immediate perfection, strive for repeated progress. A few quick success strategies for reaching your dreams include:

• Having a strong commitment towards this resolution.

• Breaking each goal into a series of small, painless challenges.

• Creating a personal support group to keep you motivated and accountable.

• Creating a roadmap for success. Answer the how’s, whys, what’s, where’s and who’s.

• Expecting interruptions and hav-ing a plan for coping with them.

• Keeping track and rewarding your progress.

• Counting your blessings every day.

• Embracing those who love and care for you exactly how you are.

By Julie Watson Smith

Many people look

forward to the new

year for a new start

on old habits.

– Author Unkown

Good intentions in the

a new beginning is here – a new year, a fresh start. A year filled with exciting dreams, wishes and

resolutions. And, my resolution this year is not to use the word resolution. Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of resolutions; I just don’t like the word. It’s too absolute. I prefer fanciful ambi-tion and good intentions. Ahh, yes, I feel better already. Still filled with the yearly standards I intend to do – spend more time with family and friends, lose weight, exercise more...my good intention list no longer has unrealistic pressure (losing 20 lbs in a week), and has now added more room for life’s pre-dictable - and usually welcome - inter-ruptions (cloud gazing with my kids, field trips, surprise date nights, and, events no parent can ignore, sick chil-dren) Whatever your word preference is, though, the end result is the same. You want to make a positive change in your life.

Setting and planning for your New Year’s resolutions takes preparation. Unfortunately, many of us set unre-alistic targets when it comes to these resolutions. We enjoy the fantasy of what it will be like when we achieve it, but come mid-February we are hard-pressed to remember exactly why, and sometimes what, we are trying to achieve. We may still see the big pic-ture, but forget the baby steps that can get us there. For example, think back to when your child first ran around the block. He didn’t start out running, right? Your baby started with, well, baby

new year

16 my hometown janaury 2009

nEW YEAR’S InTEnTIOnS nEW YEAR’S InTEnTIOnS

And, just to be fair to the flip side, surefire strategies for disappointment include:

• Setting a goal or resolution without any planning.

• Making a reactionary resolution, like “Oh my gosh, I resolve never to travel with my kids again – ever!”

• Being completely absolute about your resolution. The only absolute you can ever make comes from the super-sly James Bond - “Never say never again.”

Over this next year, some of your resolutions (or fanciful ambition and good intentions) will be met. Others may fade away quietly and some will go out with a big boom. And, that’s okay. Goals change. In fact, they should

change to reflect the events and stages in your life. Whatever happens, how-ever, be sure to take pride in your courage to make positive changes that will benefit not only you, but your family as well. Enjoy these ambitious steps towards reaching your goals and dreams. It will be a thrilling, tanta-lizing, and even tiring trot, but you will be moving toward creating the changes and life you desire. Enjoy the journey……I know I intend to. my.

Spend more time with family/friends.

Lose weight.

Exercise more.

Save money.

Quit smoking.

Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions

Create and stick to a budget.

Get organized.

Help others more.

Learn something new.

Enjoy life to the fullest.

The start of a new year always provides an opportunity to reflect on the past as well as move forward to the future. In no particular order, here’s a peek at the most popular New Year’s resolutions.

What changes do you want to make this year? Are your goals on this top ten list? Whatever they are, we wish you continued success in reaching all of your dreams now and always. Happy New Year!

1 6

27

38

49

510

Over this next year, some of

your resolutions (or fanciful

ambition and good intentions)

will be met. Others may fade

away quietly and some will

go out with a big boom. And,

that’s okay. Goals change.


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Allowing our children the opportunity to

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It seems like just yesterday, we were toasting your predecessor in with our sparkling beverages and honk-ing party toys. We gallantly made our resolutions to look like Jennifer Aniston, domesticate like Martha Stewart and earn like Donald Trump. We diligently worked towards

those goals for about…hmmmm….two days. (We lasted much longer than previous years.) now, here we are, twelve months later relishing the gift of another 365 days of fresh perspective that you are bestowing upon us.

this year i pledge to forgo unreal-istic resolutions and focus more on my own parental and personal well-being. This year, I am committed to giving my family the best by first taking care of me.

i vow to focus more on my own health. I will schedule and keep all those annual appointments that I need.

i vow to eat less krispy kreme doughnuts (notice I said less rather than eliminate) and more salads.

i vow to exercise more. Dancing around the family room with my kids is considered exercise, right?

i vow to set aside time just for me to rediscover my dreams, renew my passions and rejuvenate my spirit. Whether it is five minutes staring idly out the window or an evening tripping the lights fandan-go with the girls, me time is a daily priority.

i vow to stimulate my intellectu-alism and creativity by reading more, taking classes and turning off the television.

i vow to stop trying to be the unat-tainable June Cleaver mom and relish the fact I am unique and I’m just what my kids need.

i vow to open my ears and really listen when someone – especially my child – is talking.

i vow to respect my family for their individualism. If my daughter wants to wear a snow suit with flip-flops and a cowboy hat to church, then so be it.

i pledge to spend more quality time with my family. Whether play-ing cards, Candy Land or kick ball, encouraging more togetherness strengthens our family.

Yes, new Year 2009, over the next twelve months i will strive to make myself a priority because I accept that taking care of myself first is the best way to care for my family.

Best wishes for a prosperous new year! my.

a Mom’s Pledge to the new year dear 2009,


homeBy Karen Smith

in your home and some extra tips to help cut your cleaning time down so you can get off to a great start in 2009.

Children’s bedrooMs: TOO MAnY nEW TOYS?

If you simply don’t have room to place all of your children’s new toys, it may be time to clear out a few things. Go through bookshelves and remove books that your children have out-grown. Clear closets of clothing that is too small. Collect toys that are no longer age-appropriate and think of someone you know who could use them. After collecting everything, consider people you know who might benefit from these items…or make a visit to a charitable organization such as Goodwill for drop-off.

kitChen: DID YOu RECEIVE nEW KITCHEn uTEnSILS? APPLIAnCES? LInEnS?

Store cookware near the range or cooktop for easy access. Place utensils in a drawer next to the range or cook-top or in an attractive container on the counter; store all wooden spoons in one container and all stainless steel and plastic in another. Keep a spray bottle with a solution of 1 part bleach

okay, Santa showed up at your house at least once this sea-son…he probably also left a

few presents for your children at the homes of relatives and other friends and family. You had a blast! You rel-ished every moment of watching your family members tear open their gift boxes and witnessing the sheer delight on their faces as they realized the magic of receiving just exactly what they wanted. If you’re like our family, you do a lot of moving from one house to the next with celebration after cel-ebration. Eventually however, it’s inevi-table….the last gift is opened and it becomes time to pack it up and move on. After the celebrations are over, you find yourself facing a garbage can full of discarded boxes and gift wrap and a mountain of gifts that need to find a new home in your home. It can be a bit overwhelming and maybe even depressing.

One of the biggest challenges to keeping your house clean is sim-ply having a place for everything. Hopefully by now, you’ve been able to get most everything put away so you can start your new year off with a fresh start. If not, here are a few quick tips to help you create a place for everything

Post holidayClean uPone of the biggest challenges to keeping your house clean

is simply having a place for everything. here are a few quick

tips to help you create a place for everything in your home

and some extra tips to help cut your cleaning time down

RESOuRCES+

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Center

2220 Otay Lakes Rd. #501Chula Vista, CA 91915(619) 216-1900www.sdgoodwill.org

tarGet

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website resourCe

Get Organized nowwww.getorganizednow.com


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HOME

to 4 parts water, or an all-purpose spray cleaner, in the kitchen for quick clean ups after meals.

laundry rooM: DID YOu GET nEW SHIRTS/SWEATERS WITH EXTRA BuTTOnS ATTACHED?

Hang a corkboard and staple those little envelopes of extra buttons and thread that come with clothing pur-chases. Note where the buttons belong under each envelope. Hang the iron and ironing board on a wall caddy. Keep all laundry supplies together in a basket. Store sewing supplies in a container with multiple compartments.

hall Closet: nEW GAMES? nEW LInEnS? nEW COAT?

Find a place in your hall or linen clos-et and get it organized. Install storage bins in your closets with separate draw-ers for gloves, hats, and scarves. Stock up on stackable see-through plastic containers to store light bulbs, batteries, and emergency candles.

bathrooM: nEW MAGAzInE RACK OR CAnDLES?

How about a new home in your guest bathroom? Once you’ve got it orga-nized, consider stashing a spray bottle with all-in-one window and surface cleaner and an extra roll of paper tow-els under each sink for quick cleanups between cleanings. This will save you a lot of time and will ensure your bath-room is presentable for unannounced guests.

cloths can go directly into the washing machine. Wherever you store cleaning supplies, keep them out of the reach of small children, even if you have only an occasional young visitor. Post daily, weekly, and monthly chores on a small bulletin board in the cleaning center.

To make your cleaning center effi-cient, buy a wall rack to hang brooms, mops and dustpans in one place. Use baskets, bins and caddies to store prod-ucts and supplies. Make sure all supplies are stored out of children’s reach. Create a customized, computer-generated supply checklist. Make photocopies on colored paper to post in the cleaning center. When a product is running low, note it on the list before the next shop-ping trip.

Don’t let 2008 linger by letting things pile up. Out with the old and in with the new! With a little elbow grease, you can get things organized and ready before Santa makes his next stop! my.

CleaninG Central: DEPRESSED AT THE THOuGHT OF HAuLInG OuT THE CLEAn-InG SuPPLIES?

Store all cleaning implements and products in one place for easy retrieval. A closet works fine, but if you have a laundry room or laundry corner, the space is ideal, because soiled or used


HOME

How did it become 2009 already? I don’t understand how that happens. Some days seem to drag on endlessly, but then you look back and a year has flown by. Here we are in January of 2009 and I know before I blink my eyes, it will be Christmas again. So this year, I promise I am going to be more calm and peaceful. Actually, I think I shall strive to be zen-like. Maybe if I strive to be zen-like, I’ll end up with just “calm,” which is a far cry from what I am now.

Why is it that we’re always running around? Why is it that we can’t take a few minutes to ourselves without feel-ing guilty? Why is it that I feel that I have to be “doing something” all the time to feel worthwhile at the end of the day? Why can’t I just forget about the laundry for a few hours, leave the dishes in the sink, sit down with a cup of soup and a really good book, and not feel guilty?

One of my happier memories from last year was that

my friend Mara and I ran away together. We were both burned out from our crazy lives and so we took our chil-dren, left our amazing, wonderful husbands to work so we could play, and we ran away to Santa Barbara. And for

two glorious days, we ate, drank, read, played on the beach, and just lazed. We did no laundry. We let the dishes sit in the sink, let the toys lie on the floor, and we had the best two days ever. We cooked on an ancient stove and we had cups of steaming hot chocolate. We also ate giant bowls of tortilla soup with crunchy tortilla chips, creamy gua-camole and spicy salsa. It’s all about the food for us, isn’t it?

That’s my resolution for this year – bowls of soup with good friends with

time to sit and enjoy what we take for granted all year long. now, when you see me running around like a chicken with my head cut off, please remind me that I need to stop and eat some soup.

tortilla souP For the soul

ingredients

15 vine ripened tomatoes

2 bunches green onions

2 Anaheim chillies

2-4 cloves garlic

2 tsp cumin

Salt and Pepper to taste

Olive Oil

1 onion, sliced

1-2 cups chicken stock

¼- - ½ c. Salsa (I use fire roasted salsa)

1 small can Tomato Sauce

½ c. heavy cream

1 can Black Beans

1 c. frozen corn kernels

Fresh Cilantro

1 Rotisserie Chicken, shredded

Gadgets required

Blender/Food Processor

accompaniments

Guacamole

Salsa

Sour Cream

Tortilla Chips

Shredded Cheese

Preheat oven to 450F.

Slice tomatoes in half, lay on a half sheet pan or cookie sheet, along with green onions, chillies and garlic.

Sprinkle on salt, pepper, olive oil and cumin.

Bake in oven for 30 minutes. Make sure that you don’t burn the chillies and garlic – they cook faster than the tomatoes.

In a large dutch oven, saute one onion in some olive oil.

Add in all the roasted tomatoes, chillies, garlic and green onions.

Add in the tomato sauce, salsa and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Start by adding in one cup of chicken stock. You may have to add another if you like your soup less thick.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

Blend the tomato mixture in a food processor or blender. When you have the blended tomato soup, put it back on the stove top and bring to a boil.

Check for seasonings. At this point, you will probably need salt, and maybe some fresh cilantro.

Add in the can of drained black beans and corn and shredded Rotisserie Chicken.

Add cream. Turn off the heat.

Serve in a large bowl, with salsa, guacamole, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese.

by Karishma Sinnott

SCHOOL nEWSJAnuARY 2009

school news


Last spring, Eastlake High School Engineering teach-

er Leo Ulloa had an idea to expand the budding robotics program at his school. While his high school students had enjoyed success with their ini-tial robotics entries, he want-ed to expand the program to the elementary and middle schools to introduce more and even younger students to the world of engineering and robotics. In just a few short months, that idea has taken root and bloomed in a big way.

In November, two teams of students, one made up of 10 students from Arroyo Vista, Coyote-Bots, and another team, COWBOTICS, comprised of 10 students from Arroyo Vista, Olympic View and Rosebank elementary schools and spon-sored by Chick-fil-A, competed at the FIRST LEGO League tournament held at UCSD. Matched against 36 teams, the local elementary students had quite the tournament. The COWBOTICS squad earned a second place “Robot Design” award and a fifth-place finish overall. Coyote-Bots took home a second-place “Teamwork” award and fourth place overall. Both qualified for the Regional Championship Tournament held at LEGOLAND. There, both teams had a successful tour-nament with Coyote-Bots turning in their highest scoring per-formance and COWBOTICS receiving the “Judges Award.”

At Arroyo Vista, sixth-grade teacher Linda Stentiford leads the team of students with co-coach Amy Slike. She volunteered after accompanying the Eastlake team last year to a tourna-ment in Atlanta. Her son was a member of that team and see-ing what he took away from the experience motivated her to bring this activity to her campus.

“I thought it was an incredible experience for all the stu-dents,” Stentiford said. “When the talk started about how it

would be nice to start a pro-gram at the local elementary schools, I thought it would be really interesting. Even though I have no engineering knowledge at all, I just jumped in.”

The COWBOTICS team came together under the guidance of Wanda Parise. As someone who uses science and technology in her job at SPAWAR, Parise also wanted her son to experience the program. With support from the local restaurant chain, coworkers, the schools and par-ents, the team of students from Arroyo Vista, Olympic View and

Rosebank elementary schools was born. Parise also received help from EastLake residents and fellow SPAWAR employees Fernando DeJesus and Tina Mangles. Assisting both teams as mentors were students from Ulloa’s Eastlake High squad.

“We had a wonderful first season,” Parise said. “It’s great to be able to say we did it all together as a community in EastLake.”

For the two teams, the competition at LEGOLAND marked the end of months of learning and discovery that took place as much out of the classroom as in it. On the way to the national tournament, these fourth, fifth and sixth graders learned how to construct and program a robot, work as a team and overcome numerous challenges. Learning that science and technology can be fun and interesting, these students have enjoyed working together to succeed.

“I wanted to be part of this team because I like building things,” said Armand Vasquez, a fifth-grade student at Arroyo Vista and member of Coyote-Bots. “I learned that when you are working on the missions, you will have a lot of trial and error. It’s not going to be perfect on the first time. It also helped me learn how to build and program things which will help as I go on to the middle school and high school teams in the future.” my.

local students’ robots in action

local students’ robots in action

otay ranch

hometown

otay ranch

.

san elijo hills

hometown .

e a s t l a k e

hometown .


A MOM’S PLEDGE TO

THE NEW YEAR

KEEPING FITNESS

RESOLUTIONS

POST HOLIDAY

CLEAN-UP

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: SOUTH COAST SPINE CENTER | RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: OLMEDO FAMILY

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BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT: SOUTH COAST SPINE CENTER |

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY 2009

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www.myhometownotayranch.com JANUARY 2009

hello neiGhbor

now that you’ve read it

be in it!story idea?Jump in and get involved! If you’d like to

submit an article or story, just email or call

with your idea. We can’t wait to help you share

your favorite neighborhood resource, brag on

your child’s accomplishment, applaud a

community member, or announce a

neighborhood event. Whether it’s just for

your neighborhood or for the entire

community, these pages are for you.

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on your doorstep

san dieGo restaurant week;

over 150 restaurants participating; www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com for restaurants and menus

Jan 7, 14, 21 & 28wii wednesdays at the Civic Center Library 365 F Street; ages 5-12; (619) 691-5069

Jan 5Chula vista san dieGo

youth Flyers First traCk

Club PraCtiCe; 5:30-7pm; at Chula Vista High School; (619) 420-7316 or www.eteamz.com/cvs-dflyers; walk-in registra-tions welcome

January 2009

Jan 9 Parent’s niGht out; 6-10pm at Montevalle Recreation Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road; ages 6-12; $10 residents, $15 non-residents; (619) 691-5269

Jan 12-23 book drive For hiGh teCh

hiGh library; Gold Award project book drive dona-tions can be delivered to the school at 1945 Discovery Falls Drive, Chula Vista, 91915

Jan 14 ForeClosure workshoP For

sPanish-sPeakinG hoMe-

owners; 6:30pm at Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street, Attorney Ruben Arizmendi will lead presen-tation in Spanish; (619) 691-5069 or www.chulav-istalibrary.com

ForeClosure workshoP with J. Alan Enochs; 6:30pm at EastLake Branch Library; 120 EastLake Parkway; (619) 397-3980

Jan 14-17 ada workshoP presented by Lawyers Against Lawsuit Abuse; for more information call (619) 422-1982; www.thirdav-enuevillage.com

Jan 24 kidz ‘n Power Child saFety

seMinar; 1-2pm; at Pride Martial Arts, 2334 Proctor Valley Road, Ste A 101; Space is limited; (619) 421-1282 or www.prideata.com

OuT AnD ABOuT

CoMMunity Clubs? events? MeetinGs?

If you have something you’d like us to add to the Community Calendar, contact [email protected] or (800) 497-1309 x710

Please note events and tiMes are subJeCt to ChanGe.

Jan 10 & 14CaliFornia soaP Free

sat & aCt workshoP; 10th at Olympian High from 9-10am; 14th at Southwest High School from 6:30-7:30pm; offered for students in the Sweetwater School District class of 2010; learn what to expect on SAT/ACT exams; register at www.sandiegocalsoap.com or (619) 691-5824

Jan 11 “new PuPPy day” FroM

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., PETCO will be offering lots of free samples, dog training consultations, free brush downs and advice on how to properly take care of your dog. (619) 397-6809. [email protected].

Jan 11-16


while touring through prospective new neighbor-hoods, Rafael and Mireida Olmedo took note of how new and clean the communities in Otay Ranch

appeared. They appreciated the peaceful environment and pictured their family growing up in this type of community. But one thing especially clinched the deal on their new Otay Ranch home for Rafael – the fact he could look out the win-dow and see the soccer field at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

“The community is very clean and tranquil,” he said. “We looked at other areas, but this is definitely where we thought would be best for our family. When I saw the U.S. Olympic Training Center and then the soccer fields, I was sold.”

Rafael grew up in the South Bay with a passion for the popular international game. He played on soccer teams at Southwest High and then Southwestern College, where he met Mireida. An injury stopped his career, but even now you can often find him playing with friends. The drywall and painting contractor has made trips to the training center to catch the Mexican national team practice and attends the team’s games both here and out of town. The family’s passion for soccer is evident in Eric, the couple’s youngest child. At just over a year old, Eric has a powerful right leg. In the fam-ily’s living room, visitors can catch the younger Olmedo set-

ting a ball down and taking a step back. Quickly, he’ll strike the ball sending it on a line while yelling out, “Goal!”

Though not as enamored with soccer as her brother, Sophia remains an active young girl. The kindergartner at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School takes tap and ballet classes at the Salt Creek Recreation Center and enjoys drawing pictures of animals and her family. She says she wants to be a teacher when she grows up so she can help kids with reading and spelling. The Olmedo’s enrolled Sophia in the school’s dual immersion program and have been very impressed with the impact it has had on their daughter.

“I was born in Tijuana and raised in Los Angeles, but my Spanish is not the best,” Mireida explained. “I wanted Sophia to learn more proper Spanish. As a kindergartner, she is read-ing and writing in Spanish as well as English. Everyone at the school is very helpful.”

Mireida, who works as a health services case manger for the San Diego Unified School District, and Rafael have been married for 12 years now. The Olmedo’s like to explore the walking trails around the neighborhood and make special trips to the fountain at Mt. Hawk Park.

“When I came down to San Diego, I didn’t expect to meet my soul mate,” Mireida said. “But when I did, I knew I would be staying in San Diego. This area is perfect for us.” my.

the olMedo FaMilyTHIS IS DEFInITELY WHERE WE THOuGHT WOuLD BE BEST FOR OuR FAMILY

resident spotlight

Photo Courtesy of:

Jessica Fraser (619) 339-1847

www.momentsbyjessica.com


business highlight

From weekend warrior to professional athlete, all share one common experience – pain. It is safe to say that if you play

a sport long enough you are likely to experience an injury that causes pain. After years of playing competitive tennis in high school and college, Dr. Bruce Bell suffered with neck and lower back pain. Unable to get relief from his team trainers or pri-mary doctor, he ended up seeing a chiropractic physician who resolved his pain quickly, without medication. This experience is one of many that cemented his desire and interest in becom-ing a health care professional.

At the age of 19, Dr. Bell took an intensive career-planning course. One of the occupations recommended was that of “Chiropractic Physician.” With his positive personal experience with chiropractic medicine, he decided to pursue this medical specialty. He graduated from chiropractic school and success-fully passed state and national board exams. Now, nearly 25 years later, Dr. Bell says using the most advanced forms of non-surgical regenerative medicine options he is seeing the highest success rates of his career and truly enjoying his practice.

Dr. Bell, a spinal disc decompression specialist, opened the South Coast Spine Center in Bonita in February 2006. Working side-by-side with medical doctors throughout his career, he has seen the array of medical options available, with varying degrees of success.

“I witnessed first-hand the dangers and limitations of spine surgeries after working within an orthopedic surgical group for 14 years,” he said. “Research has since shown that non-surgical medical technology and regenerative physical medicine approaches that I now offer my patients are safer, less invasive

and highly effective for relieving chronic and severe disc-related back and neck pain.”

Initial consultations are provided at no cost or obligation. Dr. Bell starts his work with new patients by obtaining an accurate diagnosis through advanced medical imaging studies, a thor-ough medical history and orthopedic/neurological exams. For every patient, this is an important first step.

“Patients must be diagnosed accurately in order to be treated correctly,” said Dr Bell.

Once the problem is correctly diagnosed, Dr. Bell says he will then make his recommendations for care or refer the patient to another specialist. If the non-surgical option is a good fit, Dr. Bell creates a custom-designed treatment program based on his clinical expertise, experience and research. In addition to the DRX Spinal Decompression machine, Dr. Bell utilizes non-surgical laser therapy, computerized dry-hydrotherapy, manual medicine and physiotherapeutics, and advanced physi-cal rehabilitation protocols with the Power Plate, SciFit Pro 2 and LifeFitness Computerized Core Trainers.

“Everything we provide for our patients is evidence based,” Dr. Bell said.

Patients who come to Dr. Bell’s office find a professional doc-tor and staff who are sincerely interested in finding the solution to the cause of their pain. More information can be obtained through calling the office or visiting the website. my.

South Coast Spine Center,

180 Otay Lakes Rd, Ste 200, Bonita 91902;

(619) 472-2225; www.SouthCoastSpine.com

south Coast sPine CenterPhoto Courtesy of:

Susanne Pedro (619) 952-3678

www.moments-treasured.com

Photo Courtesy of:

Susanne Pedro (619) 952-3678

www.moments-treasured.com

SPIRITUAL

EastLake Church-relevant messages, great kids’ programs, 1 hour

services, rockin’ music. Just some of the great things you can expect each

weekend at EastLake Church. 2355 Otay Lakes Road

(619) 421-4100 www.eastlakechurch.com

SPEECH THERAPY/SOCIAL SKILLS

SCS offers services for children, teens and adults. Our highly quali-fied Speech Pathologists specialize

in social skills groups, organization/job skills and transition planning for clients with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS and Non-Verbal Language Disorder and early intervention services for

children with a variety of diagnoses.

(619) 591-9552 www.socialcommunicationspecialists.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

WELL BEING

We are Eastlake’s first ATA Extreme Martial Arts program! We are a

family-oriented facility dedicated to the principles of care, honor, integrity

and discipline-all in a fun, exciting atmosphere! Whatever your goals may

be, our World Champion, certified instructors and next-generation devel-

opment programs will exceed your expectations!

(619) 421-1282 www.prideata.com

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

WELL BEING

Are you suffering from severe, chronic, disc related back or neck

pain? Looking for a medically proven, non-surgical, non-invasive, drugless

solution? The South Coast Spine Center may have the treatment you are

looking for! Find out if you qualify for our revolutionary treatment.

Call For Your FREE Consultation Today!

(619) 472-2225www.southcoastspine.com

Get Lasting Pain Relief Now!

LEGAL

Eastlake Lawyers offers quality, experienced legal services right here in EastLake. The three law

offices of Eric W. Johnson, Jeffrey D. Poindexter, and J. Alan Enochs pro-vide advice in the areas of wills and trusts, business disputes, real estate matters, foreclosure, bankruptcy and most other legal issues you may find

yourself confronting. Contact us today for a free consultation.

(619) 651-7600www.eastlakelawyers.com

FLEXIBLE LOVING CHILDCARE-12 months of live-in childcare by an experienced, carefully screened and trained au pair. Select from a diverse

group of profiles. Approximately $316 per week per family. U.S. Government approved cultural

exchange program. CHI has been a trusted name in bringing people

together for nearly thirty years!

(619) 934-6234 www.chiaupairusa.org

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

CULTURAL HOMESTAYINTERNATIONAL

-a non-profit educational exchange program

WELL BEING

Poses Yoga is a boutique studio locat-ed in the heart of EastLake offering traditional yoga instruction for all

levels in an intimate setting. We carry the latest in yoga clothing and acces-sories to support your practice, and

our studio is staffed by highly trained, certified, and nurturing instructors

committed to guide you in your jour-ney of transformation and wellness.

(619) 591-YOGA www.poses-yoga.com

MY HOMETOWn MERCADO

Join the Chamber TODAY!

Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce

Join the Chamber TODAY!

Member Bene�ts

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My Hometown Otay - January 2009

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