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www.myhometownchulavista.com

Business highlight: b2be SportS & WellneSS resident spotlight: the Morin FaMily

hometown

september 2011

.

Food & diningISSUE

ChUla VISTa

september 2011 my hometown 3

septemBer 2011

What’S inSidelocal getaWayS

contentsFroM the editor...

community newsnew police Storefront in otay ranch 8

cV harbor days to celebrate transportation 9

community calendarlocal events and activities 24

business highlightb2be Sports and Wellness 25

on topicearly Math education & abstract thinking 26

r.i.p. harry potter 28

new app game targets Female audience 29

school newsSUhSd Students conquer les Misérables 30

resident spotlightthe Morin Family 33

feature

hometown

september 2011

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if the overflowing crowds at the recent food truck events at the eastlake design district are any indication, folks in east chula Vista remain open to, even hungry for, new and creative local dining options. in this issue of My Hometown magazine, we re-visit our focus on all things dining and entertaining. the first few times we’ve explored this topic in the pages of our community publication, we used our november issue. this year, we decided to move our annual feature to September to coincide with several relevant events taking place in the city and throughout the county.

if you enjoy a night on the town, this month has plenty of good options to consider. taste of third avenue offers local diners an opportunity to sample some of the best eats in downtown chula Vista. For those looking to venture a little further out, the year’s second San diego restaurant Week may be just the ticket to try out a new restaurant at a very fair, and fixed, rate. there are no coupons to clip or secret codes to remember, just an invitation to dine on some amazing food at a price right for most budgets.

our editorial features this month include stories about two of my personal favorite eater-ies, places i frequented a ton while growing up in chula Vista in the 1980s – la bella pizza garden and lolita’s taco Shop. back in the early ‘80s, la bella’s was one of the few places that offered delivery and i regularly ordered a personal pepperoni pizza to be sent to my house. those delicious pies are still available at the third avenue fixture along with pastas, sandwiches, salads and more. in addition, we are honored to be able to share the story behind another true chula Vista success story in this month’s publication. i recently learned a lot about my favorite hole-in-the-wall taco shop from the owner and president of lolita’s, dolores Farfan. i hope you enjoy reading the article as much as i enjoyed writing it. Several outstanding contributed stories help to round out our theme.

as always, we thank you for your support and encourage you to get out and take advantage of all the great events and activities taking place in and around our hometown.Michael Minjares, editor of My Hometown

page 14

Food & diningISSUE

ChUla VISTa

4 my hometown september 2011

feedback

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

puBlishertim Minjares [email protected]

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salesMelissa granados [email protected]

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Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or part, without written permission is prohib-ited. Fountain Media Group, Inc. is not responsible for the views of contributing writers and assumes no responsibility for errors appearing within. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Publisher or advertisers.

braVoto sabor! los arcos on its third anniversary at the chula Vista location. Members of the local business community and elected officials attended the July event along with friends and family of the owners. the highlight of the night was the unveiling of the restaurant’s new signature dish the bonita Fillet, which features fish, shrimp, bacon and a tasty chipotle sauce. according to paulina gonzalez, there are 19 los arcos restaurants with 18 throughout Mexico and one in chula Vista. each one features a dish distinct to the area and now chula Vista’s also has a menu item to call its own.

to rancho del rey Middle School student carlos Flores on winning first place in the worldwide United Fighting arts Federation, chun Kuk do system, 2011 tournament held in las Vegas, nevada in July. he is a World champion under the 11-12 youth black belt division. Flores also won third place in traditional Kata forms under his division.

to the sweetwater district’s Bounce Back independent study high school (ishs) system on receiving an ini-tial accreditation from the Schools commission of the Western association of Schools and colleges. bounce back provides 11th and 12th grade students who have fallen behind in school an opportunity to catch up and complete missing credits in a flexible learning environ-ment right on their own high school campus. in 2010-2011, more than 2,400 students were enrolled in bounce back.

looK What great thingS yoUr coMMUnity iS Up to...

to local dance group indecisive dance Krew, commonly known as idK, on earning a bronze medal at the World hip hop dance championship in las Vegas on July 31. idK earned the right to compete in the international com-petition by placing first in the Varsity division (ages 13-17) of the USa hip hop competition. With hard work and dedica-tion, the team – which includes kids from eastlake, otay ranch and olympian high schools – battled against 51 teams, finishing only behind teams from new Zealand and Japan.

to the opening of Jump and rock in eastlake. the new business brings a fresh twist on the traditional bouncy house birthday party. Set in a night-club style environ-ment, kids and adults are motivated to jump and dance to the music. Jump and rock is located at 861 harold place, Ste 201.

to eastlake’s Kid Ventures on honoring chula Vista heroes – Mayor cheryl cox, officer leo banales and several firefight-ers from Station 8 as part of their heroes themed camp Week. young campers had the opportunity to dress up as their favorite heroes, make crafts and interact with chula Vista’s community mentors.

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

the pto at heritage elementary School invites the community to enjoy an evening of fun at its annual carnival on Friday, September 9 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at

the school located at 1450 Santa lucia road in chula Vista. the festivities will include games, crafts, rock wall climbing, a petting zoo, dunk tank, face painting, food, live entertainment, and more. the carnival serves as one of the school’s major fundraisers and helps provide resources for a variety of educational programs and school activities. come join the fun! More information can be found by emailing [email protected] or calling (619) 421-7080.

this year’s eastlake educational Fund (eeF) golf tournament is scheduled for Monday, September 26 at the eastlake country club, 2735 clubhouse drive. For

the 16th annual event, eeF has lowered the registration fees. golfers can now participate in this outstanding com-munity activity that raises much-needed funds for local schools for $120 per ticket or $400 per foursome. the cost includes green fees, cart, lunch, prizes and a great day of golf. For more information or to register, contact eeF’s renee Solares at (619) 997-6470 or email her at [email protected].

eVent details:

September 9

1:00 to 7:00 p.m. heritage elementary School (619) 421-7080

eVent details:

September 26

eastlake country club (619) 997-6470

Heritage Elementary School Funhouse Carnival

EEF Golf Tournamentchula Vista Families group aVailaBle on yahoo!

a new chula Vista Families yahoo! group is available to any South bay family who would like to hear and share information on local family events, freebies, and deals. the online group’s calendar is packed with free or inex-pensive local family events, including summer programs, story-times, crafts, concerts, movies, etc. Members of the group also like to share information on freebies (such as free donut, slurpee, ice-cream and movie rental days) and other local deals that would be of interest to families. the site even offers free raffles and giveaways. the chula Vista Families yahoo! group is free to join and can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chulaVistaFamilies/

sharp chula Vista medical center unVeils expanded emergency department

in July, Sharp chula Vista Medical center held a cel-ebration to unveil the expanded portion of its emergency department (ed), the busiest per bed in all of San diego county. initiated in november 2010, the $12 million expansion project will more than double the ed’s size from 8,000 square feet to 14,500 square feet, increasing the number of patient beds from 20 to 48 by the project’s completion in early 2012. additional renovations will pro-vide patients and loved ones with increased privacy and

comfort. the project also includes an expansion of rapid Medical evaluation, an innovative area utilized to treat patients with minor, acute medical complaints.

the local ed serves approximately 50,000 patients every year. the recent unveiling of its expansion, which included tours of the new admitting, lobby and triage areas, marked the completion of the first and most impactful of the project’s three phases; the remaining two phases will include finishing the ed’s interiors and obtain-ing permits and licensing.


on your doorstep

local dance group participates in national dance day

on July 30th, students from dance Society surprised shoppers in the Village Walk at eastlake Shopping center with an upbeat and energetic hip hop routine to “party rock” by famed choreographers tabitha and napoleon. Students learned the routine from the “So you think you can dance” website, then added some flair of their own and performed on the bridge near the Koi pond. their purpose was to celebrate national dance day and to promote the many benefits of dance, including physical exercise, creative expression, performing arts and fun. dancers from all over the nation performed the same rou-tine on the same day to celebrate national dance day, which falls on the last Saturday in July each year. dance Society is owned and oper-ated by Ken and Melissa treziok and has been training dancers in the eastlake area for the last 12 years. the studio is located at 925 hale place, Suite b5, in the eastlake business area.

1741 Eastlake Parkway, #107Chula Vista, CA 91915

(619) 482-1700

www.PediatricsOtayRanch.com

Hullaballoo Band Concert &Kids Ventures Kid Zone @ Town Square Park

Friday, September 9 @ 10:00AM

Mindful Parent Happy Childa workshop by Pilar Placone, Ph.D.Friday, September 16 @ 10:00AM

Open House &Anniversary Celebration

Friday, September 23 @ 5:00PM

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

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Must be at least 18 years of age or 13 with guardian. Monthly Dues on

EFT plus an enrollment fee on a contract membership. Check club

for details.

on your doorstep

Residents, shoppers and businesses in eastern Chula Vista have a new community service at their fingertips – the first Chula Vista Police Storefront in eastern Chula Vista at Otay Ranch Town Center. The Chula Vista Police Department had been planning for some time to open a regional office to serve eastern Chula Vista’s growing population and creating a community storefront at the popular regional shopping desti-nation was a perfect fit.

“Placing our new police storefront at Otay Ranch Town Center was a natural choice for community service,” said Chula Vista Chief of Police David Bejarano. “People can come and meet with members of our Senior Volunteer Patrol, talk with officers while they are in the storefront and get access to information on services and programs available through the Chula Vista Police Department. Due to the high volume of people using the Otay Ranch Town Center for their shopping needs, dining out, entertainment and the Farmer’s Market, we felt the location was ideal.”

The new Chula Vista Police Department storefront is located near the center of the mall, just off Main Street and immediately across from Macy’s. The storefront will be open

New Police Storefront Opens in Otay Ranch Town Center


police chief david bejarano is cutting the ribbon with vari-ous Vips, including deputy mayor rudy ramirez, immediately behind, and otay ranch town center general manager tim colby, just to the left.

Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The public attended a Grand Opening Celebration for the new police storefront on Tuesday, July 12. Officers provided guided tours of the storefront and visitors came and learned about local programs and viewed various Chula Vista Police Department historic

memorabilia items on display. Live music filled the patio out-side the storefront; children’s crafts were provided; and the department’s unique “Hot Rod” vehicle was also on display.

“We are thrilled to host this new community storefront and Grand Opening Celebration for our shoppers and local resi-dents,” said Tina Medina, marketing director at Otay Ranch Town Center. “The addition of the storefront enhances our continually expanding list of community programs for the area, including the Certified Farmer’s Market, our family-friendly dog park and hosted events such as Mall Vault and the Latino Film Festival. We hope to soon be announcing even more amenities to enhance the experience for all visitors.” my.

local kids gather around a cVpd officer demonstrating the K-9 team

people can come and meet with members of

our Senior Volunteer patrol, talk with officers

while they are in the storefront and get access to

information on services and programs available

through the chula Vista police department.


on your doorstep

everyone is invited to the chula Vista centennial harbor days extravaganza for a free two-day fun-filled event taking place September 24 and 25 along the chula Vista bayfront. Join neighbors and friends in celebrating chula Vista’s 100-year anniversary at the harbor days extravaganza. this year participants will have the oppor-tunity to explore the history and future of transporta-tion, tour the tall ship californian and historic steamboat Medea, see wonders of yesterday’s transportation on display and delight in exhibitions featuring trains, planes and automobiles and experience eco-tourism by visiting the unique wildlife preserve and nature center exhibits on the chula Vista waterfront. art and Music will be featured in exciting and unconventional ways, and for the young, a very special place will be designated the Kid’s Zone.

the chula Vista yacht club will once again showcase a juried art exhibition – but that’s not all. a waterfront arts & craft fair will display works for sale by local artists and artisans. during the event, an interactive art Mural will be created live before your eyes – by all who seize the moment to express themselves. Saturday’s Special event is the 1st annual Susan g. Koman “race for the cure” regatta with a special “art bra” exhibition to help raise funds for breast cancer research. on Sunday, chula Vista high School robotics teams challenge other county robot-ics teams to an afternoon challenge Match. in addition, the free art exhibition at the yacht club features a “Meet-the artists” reception from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, where the “best in Show” will be revealed. the juried show will include paintings, original photography, sculpture, video and more. the juried exhibition is open to all.

the San diego Maritime Museum’s tall Ship californian and historic steamboat Medea will be on local docks for free tours, and pirates have threatened to stow aboard and mingle with the crowd. the classic car show will highlight the automobile’s progress from the first Model-t to the new electric vehicles. displays and events

celebrating horses, trains, bikes, planes, trolleys and boats are planned.

random acts of culture will materialize on the board-walk with music, storytelling, dancing, clowns, pirates, drama and more. throughout the day, visitors will be enchanted by performances. gourmet food will be pro-vided through the chef de cuisine association, benefitting its education fund.

bayside park, overlooking the South bay Wildlife pre-serve and providing the southernmost maritime access to the bay, will be the beautiful setting for a celebration of chula Vista’s unique ecology. did you know that the South bay is home to sea turtles and sea horses? birdwatchers come from all over the world to catch a sight of the clap-per rail and least turn among many other rare species.

this year’s harbor days activities will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. access is easy, with plenty of free parking and transportation. For more information visit www.cvharbordays.com or call (619) 333-0825. my.

cV harBor days to celeBrate transportation

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on your doorstep

My daughter has been a fan of comics, particularly anime, since she was three. Last year she decided that she wanted to learn Japanese. Search as I did, I could not find an inexpensive class any where close to Otay Ranch. That is, until I learned of Mr. Adachi (or “Adachi Sensei” as my daughter now calls him) and his weekly Japanese classes at the EastLake Library.

I love the library, but had not used it much due to the limited hours. Also, the location on the high school campus didn’t seem to be very convenient. Well, I contacted Mr. Adachi right away, enrolled my daughter in his class and rediscovered the magic of the library.

While my daughter learned Japanese, I escaped for an hour into literary adventures. I listened to young children singing nursery rhymes during pajama story time. And I made friends with other moms, sharing stories about school, home and what else – Japanese practice.

In January of this year, library hours were reduced to a mere six hours a week due to the city’s financial situation. In July, the EastLake Library closed. But that is not the end of this story ...

I recently spoke with Betty Waznis, Library Director for the City, and learned that the end of 2011 will bring the opening of Otay Ranch Library! This library will be located in the Otay Ranch Town

Otay Ranch Town Center to Host New Libraryby Zaneta encarnacion

Center with services provided five days and 35 hours a week - 11 hours more than has ever been available to east side residents!

Waznis shared that resident surveys at ORTC revealed the most requested library service was after-school tutoring. So a tutor-ing program is being developed. Plans also include patio space with free Wi-Fi, fireplace story times, and much more. Library volunteer opportunities will be available to high school students in need of community service hours, or adults interested in estab-lishing a Friends of the Otay Ranch Library. Waznis ended our conversation stating she was “thrilled to bring library service to a new generation in this wonderful setting.”

According to a release from the City, the new storefront library will house a rapid-turnover, appealing collection of high interest items. Since the limited facility size keeps it from having a full collection on site, users can request items from either South or Civic locations and expect to have them delivered in a day or two. The new Otay Ranch Library is now the talk of my neighbor-hood, as we eagerly await its grand opening! my.

Zaneta is a resident of otay ranch and co-founder of the site

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on your doorstep

team celeBrate prepares For 3-day walK

three high schools friends – heidi Ulle roesli, Kathy hornbeck Kendrick and christina cartmill glick – have reunited to join forces to raise money in the fight against cancer. team celebrate, as the Susan g. Komen 3-day For the cure team is named, formed when roesli, an eastlake resident, responded to a post from former classmate at

christina glick (in white), heidi roesli (middle) and Kathy Kendrick (in hot pink)

bonita Vista high Kendrick on Facebook. Kendrick wanted to walk in the 3-day and was looking for walkers. although the ladies had not talked face-to-face in over 30 years, they re-connected to start a 3-day team. Mutual high school friend christina cartmill glick, who is assisting them with fundrais-ing, soon joined them.

like many of the walk’s participants, all three women have personal motivation for taking part. both roesli and Kendrick are cancer survivors while glick will be walking in honor of her mother who died from cancer in 2002. each of them have made a commitment to raise $2,300 for Susan g. Komen For the cure and want to celebrate the lives of many individuals who have fought cancer with a hope for a cure in the near future.

team celebrate will host a celebration tea on Saturday, September 10 to help raise money for their team. the event will take place at the pacific Southwest association of realters building at 880 canarios court in chula Vista. the tea will include a silent auction and raffle along with an Ugly dress contest and a hat contest for chil-dren. For more information or to purchase tickets, email [email protected]. in the meantime, you might see roesli, a 3-day training Walk leader, dressed in pink and leading other walkers through the streets of eastlake.


on your doorstep on your doorstep

pediatrics in paradise turns one, to host seVeral community eVents

in celebration of its one-year anniversary, pediatrics in paradise will be hosting several community events, all of them free, in addition to its regular classes. the spe-cial events for September include a hullaballoo band concert and Kid Ventures Kid Zone at town Square park in Windingwalk. the fun begins at 10:00 a.m. on September 9 with music, games and facepainting. light refresh-ments will be provided after the show. the following week, on September 16, the local medical office will host the “Mindful parent, happy child” workshop with pilar placone, ph.d. the two-hour workshop starts at 10:00 a.m. with dr. placone offering techniques to focus par-ents’ minds and to center their emotions. pre-registration is required as space is limited.

For more information or to register, contact pediatrics in paradise at (619) 482-1700 or visit the website: www.pediatricsinparadise.com

cVesd and police department team up For Fundraiser

you might notice some of chula Vista’s finest rounding up little “hamburglars” at local Mcdonald’s restaurants in the months ahead. no cause for alarm. the chula Vista police Foundation, Mcdonald’s executives, and district schools are again teaming up to fundraise and support the addition of a new canine team for the police department’s patrol canine pro-gram through Jog for a dog and “Mcteacher night” events, like the one anne and William hedenkamp elementary held recently at the Sunbow Mcdonald’s on east palomar avenue. a portion of the event proceeds went to both the school and the police foundation. the chula Vista police Foundation is a non-profit organization that awards grants to the chula Vista police department for specialized equipment, training and programs that are not included in the city budget.


on your doorstep

9/11 – a decade oF rememBrance memorial ceremony & Family run/walK

chula Vista’s otay ranch town center will be the site for a very special September 11 event. “9/11 – a decade of remembrance” will feature a memorial ceremony and a one-mile tribute run/walk on Sunday, September 11. the free event begins at 8:00 a.m. as reg-istration for the run/walk opens in front of rei. the run/walk, which is free and open to everyone, will commence at 8:30 with the memorial ceremony follow-ing at 9:00 that morning. While supplies last, youth partici-pants will receive free t-shirts and adults will take home a lapel pin. in addition, the chula Vista Firefighters Foundation will be serving up a hot pancake breakfast beginning at 9:30 at the north event of the local shopping center. Kids’ activities, including a bounce house and face painting, are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, while military, police and fire demonstrations will cap this special day. all members of the community are invited to participate in this cer-emony designed to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

this true community event is hosted by the chula Vista Fire department, chula Vista police department, U.S. border patrol, U.S. army, otay ranch town center, olympic training center and the South bay Family yMca. For more details go online to www.southbay.ymca.org/september-11th-event.html.

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Food & diningISSUE

ChUla VISTa


Chula Vista Food & diningWith events like Chula Vista’s Taste of Third

avenue & art Walk and San Diego Restaurant Week

on the calendar in September, dining and entertaining

are sure to be on the minds of many in our local

community this month. My hometown magazine is

pleased to be able to share with our readers several

stories about two very successful and long-standing

local restaurants, offer tips for wine pairings and

share the CV Chamber’s extensive restaurant list.

We hope you’ll take a moment to indulge with us. Enjoy!


scenes of a true Chula Vista success story – one that has many similarities to how the city and many of its residents have grown up over time.

Joaquin and Dolores Farfan opened the original Lolita’s in January of 1984 at the Telegraph Canyon location. Although this was the first time they had owned a busi-ness, it was not their first entry into the Mexican food industry. In fact, the Farfans have ties to another of the popular taco shops in the South Bay.

“Way back when, my dad rented the location at K and Broadway,” Dolores Farfan shared. “It used to be a Frostee’s. We started out with hamburgers and eventually started putting in tacos. From this, Roberto’s was born. After a while my husband and I decided it was time for us to open our own business. So, when we opened Lolita’s we were actually following in the family’s footsteps.”

The Farfans looked for a year for the right location for their taco shop. Dolores Farfan says the couple was not that familiar with the area, but had kids playing baseball at the local little league and thought the Telegraph Canyon location could be a good spot. She remembers that the first thing the family did was put in a kitchen, as the previous tenant had been a beauty shop. From there, Lolita’s opened

“Ten minutes, Mike.” Growing up in west Chula Vista, these were words I heard on a regular basis. At least once or twice a week starting in my senior year of high school in the mid-1980s, I’d place a call to my favorite local taco shop – Lolita’s – for a carne asada burrito with no salsa. What always amazed me was that once I had completed placing my order, the cashier’s personal confirmation would come before I could even give my name or phone number. And this was before the advent of caller-ID.

That attention to detail, personal customer service and, of course, the delicious, fresh Mexican food has kept me, and many others who grew up in the Hilltop area, coming back to the little hole-in-the-wall taco shop on Telegraph Canyon for years. When I finally moved out of Chula Vista in 1992, a return trip to my hometown has always meant a stop at Lolita’s. More than 27 years later, it is still the case as I stopped by Lolita’s today on my way home to start writing this feature. There is just something about a favor-ite, local eatery offering an unforgettable taste that sticks with you.

As part of our Dining & Entertaining theme for this month’s My Hometown Chula Vista magazine, we decided it would be interesting to talk with the folks behind the

lolita’s - a Chula Vista success story

chula vista food & dining

by Mike Minjares, editor

From a romantic dinner to a quick bite; choose from an array of dining options in Chula Vista!

Bayfront AreaGalley at the Marina 550 Marina PkwyEl Torito 271 Bay BlvdSouth Bay Fish & Grill 570 Marina Pkwy

BroadwayRoberto DePhillippi’s Steak House 556 BroadwayJoe & Ernie’s Pizzeria 730 BroadwayEl Patio Restaurant 410 BroadwayMariscos Hector’s Restaurant 1177 BroadwayFamily House of Pancakes 562 BroadwayZorba’s Greek Restaurant 100 BroadwayCentercut Steak & Mexican Grill 534 Broadway

Canyon PlazaItaly Express Mandarin CantonPho Hiep & Grill

Chula Vista CenterBJ’s Restaurant & BrewhousePanera BreadShakey’s Pizza ParlorOlive Garden

Chula Vista CrossingsSouplantationPanda Express

E StreetAunt Emma’s 700 E StreetLa Quinta Grill & Cantina 625 E StreetBlack Angus 707 E StreetLos Arcos 89 Bonita Road

EastLake Design DistrictBrew House at EastLakeVega CafeEastLake Tavern + Bowl

EastLake TerracesPick Up Stix

EastLake Village CenterAlejandro’s D’Lish

EastLake Village MarketplaceBento & NoodlesDaphne’s California Greek Miguel’s CocinaIslands RestaurantPanda Express

Otay Ranch Town CenterCalifornia Pizza KitchenPanda ExpressCheesecake Factory Panera BreadChili’s P.F. Chang’s China BistroRomano’s Macaroni GrillKing’s Fish HouseSushiyaNico’s Steak & Chop HouseLa Parroquia Cafe & Music Lounge

� e Plaza at SunbowLolita’s Taco Shop

Shops at San Miguel RanchFigaro’s Pizza Los Primos Mexican FoodGreat Steak & Potato Co.Villa CapriKyoto Sushi

Terra Nova PlazaBento & NoodlesDaphne’s Greek CafeCafe TazzaD’LishChina China

� ird AvenueCalifornia Sushi Bar 337 Th ird AvenueLa Bella’s Pizza Garden 373 Th ird AvenueMangia Italiano On Th ird 248 Th ird AvenueChina Little Cafe Express 492 Th ird AvenueMarie Callender’s 330 F StreetCountry Waffl es 303 H Street, #15Mea Kwan Th ai Cuisine 230 Th ird AvenueDon Pedro Taco Shop 247 Th ird Avenue, #8Downtown Plaza Deli 290 Th ird AvenueQuizno’s Classic Subs 303 H Street #109Red Lobster 342 F StreetEl Comal Mexican Restaurant 262 Th ird Avenue

Th e Soup Stone 310 Th ird Avenue #B-4Fuddruckers 340 Th ird AvenueJimmy’s by the Park 333 Th ird AvenueTacos El Poblano 217 Th ird AvenueTalavera Azul by La Espanada 365 Th ird AvenueL&L Hawaiian Barbecue 333 H Street, #1025La Bella Cafe & Games 289 G StreetTeriyaki Grill 380 Th ird AvenueItalianissimo Trattoria 323 Th ird AvenueIndulge Restaurant 277 Th ird Avenue

Village WalkBrigantinePat & Oscar’sSushimanVia Lago TrattoriaLos Primos

WindingwalkAchiote Mexican RestaurantOggi’s Pizza & Brewery

Other Areas Around TownCiao Italian Restaurant 4360 Main Street, Suite 212Hometown Buff et 651 Palomar StreetChili’s Bar & Grill 800 Paseo Del ReyLolita’s Taco Shop 409 Telegraph Canyon Road

Dine in Chula Vista: Th ere’s something for everyone!T h e C h u l a V i s t a C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e I N V I T E S YO U


with Joaquin cooking Mexican food with recipes he had created and learned over time. Dolores staffed the cash register and handled the front of the shop.

“We started very simply,” Dolores said. “The little league parents were our first clients and it was through their word of mouth that we grew and our name got out there. We felt right away that we were going to make it work.”

According to Dolores, who only worked as a cashier for two months before she had another child and became a stay-at-home mom, the name “Lolita’s” also has a strong, personal connection for the Farfan family.

“In Spanish, ‘Lolita’ is a nickname for Dolores,” she said. “All of my siblings have always called me Lolita. That’s where the name for the business came from. I am Lolita. My mother’s name was Dolores too, so with my daughter being named Dolores we have three generations of Dolores in our family.”

Dolores Farfan’s daughter – Dolores Jackson – runs much of the administrative side for the Chula Vista-based business. In fact, all six Farfan children are involved in the daily operation of the family business. Part of the operation includes being involved in the local community

through sponsorship of youth athletics and supporting nearby schools. It goes back to the sense of family and community that was at the heart of the taco shop when it first began.

“We have a family member at each location,” Jackson said. “We want to keep it in the family as a way to help with maintaining the quality people have come to expect from Lolita’s. My parents had six children with the oldest ones working with them since the beginning. I started 10 years ago and the youngest ones have also now come in as we have expanded.”

Lolita’s Taco Shop now operates five locations through-out San Diego. From the original Chula Vista location in the Hilltop area, the family’s unique take on simple Mexican food expanded to Bonita in 1989 and then to Clairemont Mesa in 1999. In late 2001, Lolita’s Taco Shop incorporated under the name Lolita’s Restaurants, Inc. Under the new corporation a fourth location, and a second Chula Vista shop, was added in the Sunbow area. The fifth Lolita’s opened a few years ago in downtown San Diego right across from Petco Park – known as “Lolita’s at the Park.”




Although all of the Lolita’s around town have the same basic menu and design, the Petco Park location has been a totally different experience for the Chula Vista family. Jackson said they have had to adjust a little bit with this location as it is downtown and not in a residential area. As such, it attracts people who are coming from all over the county.

“Lolita’s is very well known here in Chula Vista, but not so well known downtown,” she said. “We wanted to keep it close to what we have been doing, but we also had to urbanize it to fit with the area. We look forward to the growth that is still there. Right now, with five locations, we are fine-tuning the business before we expand any more.”

But that doesn’t mean that requests for Lolita’s to grow have stopped. Dolores Farfan, who stills serves as presi-dent of Lolita’s Restaurants, Inc., said she regularly hears requests from people who want her to open a Lolita’s

Taco Shop in places all over the country. “No matter there they go, our loyal customers who grew

up here ask us to open up near where they live now,” she said. “We have people buy 10 burritos at one time and freeze them so they can travel with them. We have even had people ask us to mail them food. Locally, Eastlake high students regularly ask us to open a Lolita’s here in EastLake.”

So, what is it about Lolita’s that inspires such loyalty and interest among locals? Jackson believes it comes down to something that has been a part of Lolita’s success from the beginning.

“What we hear all the time is that it’s the taste that keeps bringing people back,” she shared. “There is a difference.

My kids ask for Lolita’s food all the time.“I’m extremely proud of my parents and what they’ve

accomplished,” she continued. “It’s been a lot of hard work. They pursued their dream and can now sit back and be proud of what that has grown into.” my.



In 1955, New York transplant and decorated war veteran Tony Raso borrowed money from his boss and, together with wife Kitty (pictured above), opened La Bella Pizza Garden on Chula Vista’s Third Avenue. More than five decades later, the local Italian restaurant is still using “Papa Tony” and Kitty’s recipes in serving delicious pizza, signa-ture sandwiches and lots more.

State Senator Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) recently hon-ored that long-term commitment to the Chula Vista com-munity by presenting La Bella Pizza Garden with the 40th Senate District’s Small Business of the Year Award dur-ing the 2011 California Small Business Day luncheon in Sacramento earlier this summer.

“It is my pleasure to recognize La Bella Pizza Garden as the 40th District Small Business of the Year,” said Senator Vargas in a release. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community and La Bella’s has been a perfect example for more than 50 years! Their dedication to supporting community organizations while providing hearty meals and a family-friendly environment is truly exemplary.”

The annual luncheon is sponsored by volunteer small business organizations and chambers of commerce and is an opportunity for the organizations and the State

Legislature to join together to “Salute Small Business”. The occasion for the numerous small businesses being recog-nized was a result of a 2000 California Assembly resolution passed to honor small business when Senator Vargas was then Assemblyman for the 79th District.

While La Bella Pizza Garden’s original owners have passed on, their legacy continues in the great food and community service emphasized by their sons Tony Jr. and Joe Raso. The two sons, along with Stanley Dale, currently own the local establishment and have maintained La Bella’s as a place known for its delicious Italian dishes and dedication to the surrounding community, as evidenced by their annual fundraiser for South Bay organizations. Photos of founders Anthony “Papa Tony”, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, and Catalda “Kitty” Raso – known by many as the honorary Mayor of Chula Vista – adorn the walls of the restaurant.

On its 50th anniversary, La Bella Café & Games opened right behind the original restaurant, and includes an arcade, darts and billiards room. Chula Vistans, and even many San Diegans, continue to frequent La Bella to celebrate events, meet friends and enjoy Papa Tony and Kitty’s original recipes. La Bella Pizza Garden is still “where people meet to eat.” my.

la Bella Pizza Providing hearty Meals for 50 years!



For local residents looking to sample tasty cuisine without breaking the family budget, September offers several great opportunities to find a new favorite dining spot or delicious new menu item. This might be the month you discover something to tickle the taste buds here in Chula Vista and throughout San Diego County.

The San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association offers the second San Diego Restaurant Week of the year. Through this countywide event, taking place the week of September 18-23, diners can enjoy extraordi-nary three-course menus from San Diego’s best restaurants. Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in San Diego. Choose from over 180 partici-pating restaurants and enjoy a three-course meal for $20, $30 or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant. A new addition to San Diego Restaurant Week this September is Restaurant Week menus offered for lunch. Lunch menus for San Diego Restaurant Week will offer two-course prix-fixe menus for only $10, $15 or $20 per person.

Several South Bay restaurants are sched-uled to participate in this twice-yearly event for all the foodies out there. For more infor-mation, to view sample menus or to make reservations go to www.sandiegorestau-rantweek.com.

Here in Chula Vista, the 2011 Taste of Third Avenue & Art Walk will take place on Thursday, September 22 featuring the restaurants of Third Avenue Village. A pur-chased ticket to the 16th Annual Taste of Third event gives diners the chance to receive tasters from over 20 participat-ing Village restaurants. Held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., participants can take their time tasting their way through Third Avenue Village. While sampling worldly cuisine, din-ers will also peruse art along the sidewalks of Third Avenue and listen to local musicians both in and around the res-taurants. To order tickets or to find more information, visit www.thirdavenuevillage.com. my.

september offers great time to Eat out

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“May I offer you a glass of wine with your meal?” Red? White? Sparkling? Confused? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. You finally have time to enjoy a relaxing evening out, or have guests to impress at home, but the big question remains – which wine goes best with your meal?

There are no rules, just simple guide-lines and taste buds to adhere to. First and foremost, tune into your surround-ings and your cravings. On a warm sunny day, a chilled salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette accom-panied by a cold, crisp glass of Pinot Grigio will help you keep your cool in more ways than one. On a brisk evening, the taste of a charbroiled filet mignon complemented with an earthy mushroom cream sauce can only be enhanced with a velvety and elegant glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sounds about right, but how do you know which foods to pair with which wines? Let’s explore…

The easiest way to start is to under-stand that bold dishes and flavors match up nicely with bold wines. The same applies for subtle flavors and subtle wines. With that being said, our dining experience commences.

First course: appetizers. White wines are a great start to any meal because

they’re light, crisp and stimulate the appe-tite. Starting with the most delicate, Champagne or sparkling wine is a star attribute to most cheeses and shellfish, but also fruit and desserts. Moving on, try a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with perhaps a Mozzarella Caprese salad, Steamed Mussels or an Antipasto assortment to whet the appetite and prepare for the next course.

a glass of Wine, Perhaps?by laura paredes, Villa capri italian restaurant

Registration is available weekdays at EastLake Church (990 Lane Avenue) or online at eastlakechurch.com (click on Xtreme Camp in the drop down menu).

Questions? Call 619-339-8703 or email us at [email protected]

Hey y’all! This here September is gonna feature some

mighty fine fun and those little critters of yours aren’t

going to wanna miss out on makin’ “Crawfish Crafts,”

play some “Gator Games,” and have the tastiest of

treats. Plus, put on your play gear for a field trip to a

local bowling alley and a park.

Sept Half Page Ad.indd 1 8/10/11 4:05 PM



a Pineapple chutney triumphs with a Sauvignon Blanc. Then again, Roasted Pork stuffed with Figs and Bleu Cheese can stand up to a Pinot Noir.

The possibilities are abundant when it comes to food and wine, but at the end of the day, wine pairing is as simple as you make it. Just remember to savor every bite and every drop. As Michael Broadbent describes it, “Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures.” And in case you need more assistance, here are three helpful hints from Villa Capri Italian Restaurant: Attend a wine tasting/pair-ing at one of Villa Capri’s bi-monthly wine tastings, try their weekly specials which are already paired with wine, or ask for recommendations from the helpful and edu-cated staff. my.

laura paredes is the manager at Villa capri italian restaurant

and a 2007 graduate of the San diego culinary institute

Second course: entrees. This is where complexity arises, because entrees range from rich creamy pastas to let’s say, blackened ahi with cumin-scented vegetables. Most fish, seafood, light proteins and pastas unite harmoniously with white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. When the parity of beef, meat and prominent flavors or spices marry with reds like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel; it certainly enriches the overall enjoyment. However, this doesn’t mean you’re forbidden to try reds with heartier fish like salmon, tuna or swordfish. If your palate favors any of the aforementioned, go for the Pinot Noir or Merlot!

Furthermore, one more component to consider is the dominant flavors of the dish. Chicken with white wine, presumably yes, but Chicken Cacciatore or a Cajun Chicken Pasta may gain victory with a Zinfandel or Syrah. In the same manner, Herbed Pork Tenderloin with


on your doorstep

September 7, 14, 21, 285th annual ¡Que ViVa! cine

latino Film series – 7:30pm at the Food pavilion at otay ranch town center; Free, family-friendly screenings which also include latino art and live music; www.sdlatinofilm.com

September 16“mindFul parent, happy

child” worKshop with dr. pilar placone – 10am at pediatrics in paradise, 1741 eastlake parkway, Ste 107; dr. placone presents a 2-hour workshop on mindful parenting; Space is limited, pre-registration suggested; www.pediatricsinparadise.com

September 24 & 25chula Vista centennial

harBor days extraVaganza; chula Vista yacht harbor; Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 11am-4pm; Ships, art exhibition, booths and music; www.cvharbordays.com

September 2616th annual eastlaKe

educational Foundation

golF tournament at eastlake country club; $120 per per-son; (619) 997-6470

October 1chula Vista Fire department

open house – 10am-2pm at chula Vista Fire Station #4, 850 paseo ranchero; Spend time with the Fire dept. expe-riencing demos, taking a tour and receiving fire prevention info; (619) 691-5029

septemBer 2011

September 18-23san diego restaurant weeK; enjoy three-course meals at restaurants throughout the county for a fixed price of $20, $30 or $40; www.sandi-egorestaurantweek.com

September 22taste oF third aVenue &

art walK – 4-8pm at third avenue Village; Sample world-ly cuisine, peruse art and listen to musicians along the sidewalks of third avenue; www.thirdavenuevillage.com

September 8chula Vista chamBer oF

commerce mixer –5:30-7:30pm; hosted by First bank, 2314 proctor Valley rd; (619) 420-6603 or www.chulavistachamber.org

Fashion’s night out – 6-10pm at otay ranch town center; Shoppers will enjoy special offers, retailer fashion shows, entertainment and an exclusive gift with pur-chase while supplies last; www.otayranchtowncenter.com

September 10“celeBration tea” at pacific Southwest assn of realtors, 880 canarios ct; Fundraising event for local 3-day cancer walk team; Silent auction, raffle, Ugly dress contest and hat contest for kids; For tickets or info email [email protected]

nine girls asK? For a

cure For oVarian cancer

luncheon – 11am at la Jolla Marriott, 4240 la Jolla Village dr.; Mc’d by nbc San diego’s Susan taylor; $85 per person includes lunch and live auction; barbara todd (619) 948-7280 or email [email protected]

“diVa Fashion show” – 5-9pm – neisha’s dance & Music academy; Kids ages 3-12; $25 per student; $35 day of event; try on the latest diva fashions and show your individual style on our fashion runway!; (619) 585-1133, www.neishas.com

September 119/11 a decade oF

rememBrance memorial

ceremony and triBute run/

walK – 8am at otay ranch town center; Free event includes ceremony, run/walk, pancake breakfast, demos and kids’ activities; www.southbay.ymca.org

oUt and aboUt

please note eVents and times are suBJect to change.

otay ranch town center Farmer’s marKet – eVery

tuesday 4-8pm


walk into the b2be Sports & Wellness facility at the EastLake Design District and there is so much that catches the eye.

The hanging lights in the lobby make the entrance bright and welcoming, while the latest state-of-the-art equipment stands immediately to the left ready for use. The upstairs area looks just as active as the downstairs with members in various stages of their workouts. Off to the right, behind a glass wall, a pristine four-lane pool hints of the extra amenities to be found at the nearly year-and-a-half-old fitness club.

But not all of the work in helping many community members live a healthy lifestyle takes place within the walls and spacious fitness studio area. Not only does b2be Sports & Wellness partici-pate in community events around town such as Cycle EastLake!, the staff also makes use of the outdoor space in the local business park to provide clients with new surroundings in which to work out. This morning, a b2be personal trainer has her group run along the second floor, down the stairs of the facility, through the lobby and out the front door. According to general manager Julio Pineda, it’s all part of b2be’s approach to providing a memorable experience each and every time a member visits the club.

“We’ve really worked hard to create an environment where peo-ple feel good just being here,” Pineda said. “During our planning period from January 2009 to our opening in April of 2010, money and effort went into designing a facility that would remind you of a nice restaurant or club. We want people to come in and to stay

for two to three hours using all the amenities available. So far that is what’s happening.”

The extensive variety of products and services provided speak to the thoughtful planning that went into this 33,000 square-foot facility. Members of b2be find top-of-the-line workout equipment, private lockers, shoe shine and laundry services, massage room, racquetball, highly trained and knowledgeable staff, dedicated kids area and a variety of sports programs and classes for adults and youth. Members not only receive assistance in planning their exercise routines from personal trainers, but through the club’s Wellness System Key. The system provides each user with an indi-vidual fitness assessment with those results serving as a starting point for the creation of a personalized fitness program. Members simply insert the Key into each piece of equipment and follow the instructions displayed. The belief is that with a clearly defined routine and constant feedback on their efforts, members feel more motivated to continue to strive to reach their goals.

“The goal for us is to become the Lexus of health clubs,” Pineda said. “However, our new price structure will help us better meet the needs of the local community in light of the current economy. We have lots of activities for kids and are removing the typical obstacles to working out.” my.

b2be Sports & Wellness, 851 Showroom place, #104

chula Vista 91914, (619) 754-6812; www.b2bewellness.com

B2Be sports & wellness photo courtesy of:

elsa Flores

www.photobyelsa.com


Recently, there has a news report on a large scale psychologi-cal study posted on sciencedaily.com (www.sciencedaily.

com/releases/2011/07/110711131605.htm). The main finding of the University of Missouri-Columbia study on key early skills for later math learning is that the ability of first graders in under-standing numbers and manipulating them in their minds has an impact on their success in the fifth grade, which in turn, has a long term effect on their lifetime math skills.

To mathematicians, teachers and many parents, this should not be a surprising result. The most important ability in learning math is abstract thinking. Abstract thinking can originate from numbers that are abstract forms of the quantities we count in daily life. For young students, future math requires abstract think-ing at higher levels such as elementary algebra or abstract algebra.

At this time it might be helpful to illustrate what is meant by abstract thinking in math. Let’s take the number three as an example. The number 3 can represent three oranges, three toys or three pizzas. It does not matter what the real object is. From

real life to numbers, this is the first quantum leap in children’s abstract thinking. Once a kid learns how to count with numbers and realizes the power of the same numbers in representing quantities of different objects, they have developed a beginning level of abstract thinking. This continues in middle school when students learn that x can represent any number, and not just a specific number.

The take home message of the published University of Missouri study to parents is “Start to teach your children math early.” Parents can do this fairly easily at home. One exercise parents can do with their child or children is to use several sets of objects (books, building blocks, pencils, stickers, etc.) with the same total number. Tell the child to count the items and ask them what the total number is. By repeating this activity, we lead the child to realize the actual form of the object is not important and the number can represent the total quantity.

Memorizing addition and multiplication tables is another good way to help children develop the ability to manipulate numbers (abstract objects) in their minds. Parents can memorize the tables together with their children and then quiz them from time to time (while playing or traveling in the car). Another way is to play learning games such as “Zoodles” together with your child. Parents will find more information on educational and fun games at www.zoodles.com.

In the end, when there are sufficient exposures to how we can manipulate numbers it will click inside the child’s mind and they will complete the transition from real objects to numbers. In this way, we help them to develop math skills early in life, a skill that will certainly enhance their prospects for future success in many different fields. my.

Ming Ji, phd, is a professor and member of the goldbridge

learning academy here in chula Vista

Early Math Education and Tips on Developing Abstract Thinking in Children

on topic: edUcation

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on topic: entertainMent

I write this as a fan, a movie lover, and more

than anything, as some-one who is dealing with the concept of “the end.” This is my last “summer” as I am now a senior at High Tech High Chula Vista and will be head-ing into the last chapter of my story as a teenager and soon into the big, bad world.

With the “end” being the buzzword of the moment in my life, I was not surprised by the reaction I had to “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2.” The final cinematic chapter in a movie phenomenon that has lasted a decade and has enchanted a world of devoted fans has now left them in a potent coma of “bittersweet.” Yes, I will admit I was one of those fans who got tears in their eyes as the final credits rolled, but in a movie full of sublime and moving moments it was the simplest scene that

R.I.P...The End...Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 ...(2001-2011)

by Seb Martinez, intern, My Hometown

caused me to erupt with emotion. When the final battle is won, Harry,

Ron, and Hermione go out onto a bridge and get the chance to take in that it’s all finally over. In the background one sees the famed Hogwarts – messy, burnt, but not broken! You look at the three of them and realize how much they have grown up. You can’t help but remember them as cute kids who were guides to this magical world and now they are leaving it, leaving us and, for a second, I was honestly shaken

until I looked around. I was in the movie theater with my mother, sister and best friend.

I then had a flashback...I remember being a little kid, my sister even younger and our mother taking us to see “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone” at this great theater that had the best nachos. The movie was an escape into this big, magical world and for a kid that did not seem to fit in, that had

always dreamed about being meant for something more, I knew what it was like to fight for your life. I had found a hero in Harry Potter, “the boy who lived.”

So, as I looked around at the whole audience viewing the final chapter I kept seeing myself in the kids that had started off needing a little magic to escape and had grown up with Ron, Hermione and Harry and had learned to stand up and fight for themselves and a world they want to be a part of. Is that not what growing up means? They got through it together and I was sitting with the people that had gotten me to this point in my life. And for the first time I felt at peace with beginning my senior year of high school because I, like Harry Potter, realized senior year is just a chapter in a book. It is what happens after graduation that stands as a testament to exactly what your journey taught you.

For other Harry Potter fans feeling bittersweet, and for people who don’t really see what the fuss is about, the magic of “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2” is that as the final chap-ter comes to a close it turns its loyal fans into the next book, the next saga. I think I will call mine “Harry Potter and The Journeys of The Kids That Made It.” my.

WWW.CVHARBORDAYS.COM


Walk through the incredibly large exhibit hall at the annual Comic-Con International in San Diego and your senses

are immediately overwhelmed. Huge displays and exhibits stretch to the ceiling promoting and spotlighting the newest features of the most popular video games, movies, television, toys, art, and, of course, comic books. Larger than life displays pop up seem-ingly around every corner; some even present the opportunity to test out the newest game.

For the most part, much of what is being featured in the gam-ing world caters to the large male population at the annual gath-ering for nearly all things pop-culture related. Sitting in on one of Comic-Con’s Saturday morning panel presentations focused on the successful fighting video game “Marvel vs. Capcom,” it’s not surprising to find the audience made up almost entirely of men. The crowd, many of whom have played the game for years, applauds as the game’s producers reveal new characters, new costumes and new features that will be part of the forthcoming updated version of the game. But the most enthusiastic cheers are reserved for a live demonstration of the gaming skills of several audience members who are invited to come up and showcase their abilities in a live gaming battle that is shown on the screen at the front of the room. It is all part of the Comic-Con experi-ence.

This year, one independent video game studio is looking to appeal to a different game-playing audience. Silicon Sisters Interactive launched their debut title “School 26” earlier this summer. Designed for girls ages 12–16, School 26 is a unique casual game with a focus on the types of social activities and interactions that teen and tween girls take seriously and excel at. The game is available for iPad, iPhone / iPod Touch and Android.

According to a release, in School 26, players join “Kate” on a quest to make friends at her new school. To do so, she must navigate the often-treacherous social hierarchy of high school by getting to know her classmates, helping to diffuse their conflicts and strengthening her personal connections. Gameplay directly supports these goals with activities such as selecting appropriate emotional responses during conversations, matching cards in a mini-game with rules that reflect the students’ current mindsets and situations and taking quizzes that give valuable insight into friends’ personalities.

Silicon Sisters created School 26 not only to provide a fun gaming experience, but also to validate skills that girls may not realize give them a competitive advantage.

“Most games provide challenges that help you develop mastery in the skill of playing that particular game,” said Silicon Sisters’ COO Kirsten Forbes. “In School 26, players develop social mas-tery. For example, the player uses empathy to ‘level up’ the other

New App Game Targets Female Audience

by Mike Minjares, My Hometown

on topic: entertainMent

characters in the game, not herself. It’s a twist on con-ventional game design that fits with the way girls structure their social hierarchies.”

I recently downloaded the game and asked my 12-year-old daughter to give it a try. After working through the opening nar-rative, she said she found it to be fairly realistic of life for tween and teenage girls. She said she liked the different situations “Kate” encounters and the challenge of choosing what she should do. Mariana also appreciated that the game is targeted for females, something she said she rarely sees when she looks at a video game rack in the stores.

School 26 is available in Apple’s App Store and from the Android Market. The 2012 Comic-Con International is scheduled for July 12-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. For details and ticket availability visit www.comic-con.org my.

school news

School neWSSepteMber 2011

From the dropping of the first drum-beat, it was obvious this was not

going to be an ordinary high school drama group production. The familiar sounds of a wonderful and incred-ibly popular musical emanated from the orchestra pit and filled the Ruth Chapman Performing Arts Center at Eastlake High on August 7 while audi-ence members consisting of fellow stu-dents, parents, friends, school officials and even some special guest visitors from a local senior residential community settled into their seats.

The curtain soon rose and the Sweetwater Summer Theatre Institute’s final performance of Les Misérables (School Edition) began with a scene set in

SUHSD Students Conquer Les Misérables

a Paris prison yard. For the next two and half hours, local students played, sang and acted their way through one memo-rable performance after another.

This year’s production of Les Misérables showcased the diverse theater talents of the districts’ students with every high school in the district repre-sented among the cast, orchestra or tech-nical crew. For several years, the districts Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA) has held a summer institute focused on enhancing the skills of stu-dents interested in drama and the theater. Last year, students from throughout the Sweetwater District brought the songs and energy of Grease to life. According to VAPA Director Russ Sperling, this year the goal was to do something that asked students to ascend to new heights in their development as actors, singers, musicians and stagehands.

30 my hometown september 2011Photos courtesy of SUHSD’s VAPA


school news

“After doing Grease last year, several of the district’s drama teachers met with me and said they wanted to see the district pull off something that they could not do at the school level,” Sperling explained. “Charlene Dibelka, who teaches drama at Montgomery High, had the idea for Les Misérables. We decided to go for it, as we want the Summer Theatre Institute to be an experience that builds confidence in our students through doing something huge. This was huge – they’ve conquered Les Miz.”

Sperling said auditions for the 40-mem-ber musical cast were held in late May before school let out at three different locations in the district. For the orchestra, Sperling went to the district Honor Band and plucked the best musicians available to fill what was needed. To guide these students through this challenging pro-duction even for seasoned professionals, Sperling selected Cynthia Stokes, a profes-sional director with a strong commitment to encouraging the next generation of theater and music artists, and drama and English teacher Mary Moss of Hilltop High to serve as director and assistant

director. Tony Atienza, the choral music director at the School for Creative and Performing Arts at Chula Vista High, filled the role as music director, while Spencer Smith from Southwest High served as choreographer. Sperling, a self-proclaimed “band guy” formally of Helix High, directed the orchestra.

With all the roles filled, rehearsal for the cast began on July 5 and ran from nine in the morning to five at night every day until school began. Practices then moved to the evenings, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., with an extra hour or two added the week of the performances. When the cast and musicians came together for the first time on the Saturday before opening night, Sperling said everyone was happily surprised how smoothly the performances fit together.

“Opening night was spectacular,” Sperling said. “To conduct a musical like this, you have to be hyper-aware at all times. I never had the chance to let down and see the whole thing unfolding. But I did catch a few seconds here and there where I looked up and caught how won-derful it was.”

Highlighting the great work at the fina-le, were outstanding performances of “I Dreamed a Dream” by Ciarlene Coleman (Fantine), a senior at Otay Ranch High; “Bring Him Home” by Lougie Oliver (Jean Valjean), a 2011 Otay Ranch High graduate; and “Master of the House” performed by the ensemble. Sperling says plans are already underway for next year’s production – one that is surely not to be missed. my.

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having vacationed in San Diego while dating, Kyle and Alejandra Morin had it in the back of their minds that this

would be a nice place to live, eventually. The couple, married in 2008, was comfortable working and starting their life together in Las Vegas where Kyle had been born and raised and Alejandra had recently graduated from UNLV. But when their professional careers took an unexpected turn, they jumped at the chance to venture out of the desert and into the cooler climate and family-friendly community of EastLake.

The year was 2009 and over the course of the last two years, the Morins have quickly established family roots in the local com-munity. Their son Aiden, who was five weeks old when the couple moved to Chula Vista, now has a younger brother to grow up with in six-month-old Keiran. The Morins have found lots of support for their growing family from their neighbors and new found friends.

“Growing up where I grew up, no one knows their neighbors,” Kyle shared. “The day we moved in, our neighbors brought us a basket with sandwiches. It was like something out of a movie. I knew then this was going to be a great change for us. From the start we hit it off with our neighbors and are friends with them now.”

For “Momprenuer” Alejandra, the local area has everything she was looking for in a new community. It is clean, neat, with good

schools, great shopping and green landscaping. It also has been very supportive of her entrepreneurial spirit. In order to stay at home and raise her two boys, the Mexico native started a custom design marshmallow business that has taken off. Alejandra learned the art of marshmallow designing from her mother and opened The Marshmallow Studio in April 2010. Her home-based business spe-cializes in custom designed, deliciously adorable and unique marsh-mallows. Her website (themarshmallowstudio.com) boasts over 300 designs with new ones added regularly. All of the studio’s products are handmade by Alejandra, with some help from family members on occasion.

“The Marshmallow Studio came about because I really wanted to stay at home with my kids,” she said. “I spoke with my mom one day and we talked about custom marshmallows which are very popular in Mexico. She came over one weekend and taught me the basics of marshmallow designing. We started to get orders very quickly and we’ve been going ever since.”

Alejandra says her most popular items are babies – either holding a teddy bear or a ball. And it is that focus on families that makes her appreciate her new home community even more.

“It makes us feel so comfortable to see how supportive people in EastLake are of families,” she said. “There are lots of family-oriented events. When we leave the area, it feels safe coming home. I couldn’t be happier about our move and where we’ve chosen to live.” my.

the morin Familyphoto courtesy of:

Schafer photography

(619) 261-0471

www.schaferphotography.net

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Need homework help, academic tutoring, or test-taking support

for the NEW private high school entrance test (ACT Explore) or the SAT/ACT? Providing enrichment,

study skills, and test prepara-tion since 1986. Thousands of

students.K-12.Experienced, caring teachers. Individualized instruction. Results!!! No contracts. Save time,

energy, and frustration! Let us help.

(619) 656-6026 www.americancenterforlearning.com

1415 Ridgeback Road, Suite 1 Chula Vista, CA 91910

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

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

WELL BEING

Providing Highly Successful High-Tech Non-Surgical Treatments For

Severe Lower Back Pain, Neck Pain, & Sciatica With DRX9000 Spinal Decompression, Laser Therapy, Aquamed Hydromassage, Power

Plate, And Much More.

New Location At Villagio, Otay Ranch

(619) 472-2225www.southcoastspine.com

Get Lasting Pain Relief Now!

SHOPPING

Dollar Oasis is your new neighbor-hood dollar store! With new products every week, you never know what you

might find! We have the highest quality products and friendliest

owners. We are the only dollar store in the Bonita, San Miguel Ranch,

EastLake, Rolling Hills Ranch and Otay Ranch communities.

You will love our store!

(619) 434-8095www.DollarOasis.com

Dollar Oasis Opening Soon!!! MaryAnn Treziok Owner 5034 Bonita Road, Suite ‘E’ Bonita, CA 91902

Cell - (619) 719-8494 E-mail: [email protected] Website: DollarOasis.com

Your Neighborhood

Dollar Store Dollar Oasis

5034 Bonita Road, Suite EBonita, CA 91902

VISION

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

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

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

Celebrating 20 years of Vision

(619) 216-3937 www.packandbianesvision.com

VISION

Providing comprehensive eyecare, unparalled service and quality for

the entire family. Services provided include: Comprehensive Eye Exams,

Pediatric Eye Exams, Emergency Eyecare, Fashion-Forward Eyeglass

Frames, Contact Lenses. We Accept most insurances including

VSP, Tricare, and Eyemed!

(619) 397-7070 www.choicevision.com

In the Shops @ San Miguel Ranch

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Mathnasium of Eastlake is a locally owned math learning center where students come to boost their math skills. We specialize in explaining math in a way that makes sense

to kids yet is affordable to parents. We provide instruction in

foundational topics, homework and test prep. Come see what we can

do for your child!

(619) 600-3993 www.mathnasium.com

In The Village Walk Shopping Center

My hoMetoWn Mercado

MY HOMETOWN MERCADO

Olympic Pkwy.

EastLake Pkwy.

Miller Dr.

To SpringValley

S. Bay Expy.

Otay Lakes Rd.

Otay Lakes Rd.

East H St.

Telegraph Cyn Rd.

125805

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Need homework help, academic tutoring, or test-taking support

for the NEW private high school entrance test (ACT Explore) or the SAT/ACT? Providing enrichment,

study skills, and test prepara-tion since 1986. Thousands of

students.K-12.Experienced, caring teachers. Individualized instruction. Results!!! No contracts. Save time,

energy, and frustration! Let us help.

(619) 656-6026 www.americancenterforlearning.com

1415 Ridgeback Road, Suite 1 Chula Vista, CA 91910

VISION

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

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

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

Celebrating 20 years of Vision

(619) 216-3937 www.packandbianesvision.com

WELL BEING

Still Suffering From Severe, Chronic, Low Back or Neck Pain? Worried that nothing seems to provide lasting pain relief? The South Coast Spine Center

may have the solutions you are looking for! To Find Out If You Qualify For Our

Medical Breakthrough Treatment, Call Us Today!

(619) 472-2225www.southcoastspine.com

HAIRCUT

At Sport Clips, we get it. We offer a fun, exciting and unique experience

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

www.myhometownchulavista.com

Olympic Pkwy.

EastLake Pkwy.

Miller Dr.

To SpringValley

S. Bay Expy.

Otay Lakes Rd.

Otay Lakes Rd.

East H St.

Telegraph Cyn Rd.

125805

SEPT. 82011

mhtcv_0911_web

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