September/October 2012 Mira Mesa Living containing the complete

Get involved in your community.
Join the Mira Mesa Town Council
The Mira Mesa Town Council (MMTC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization
promoting community pride and the betterment of Mira Mesa.
WHAT DOES MMTC DO?
• Mira Mesa Street Fair on the third Saturday of
September.
• Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks, a 37year tradition, is one of the largest community celebrations in San Diego.
• Verne Goodwin Scholarships recognize graduating high school seniors for their volunteer service.
• Mira Mesa Banners along Mira Mesa Blvd promote our community as well as local events and
businesses.
• Mira Mesa Maintenance Assessment District
maintains landscaping along Mira Mesa Blvd and
other major streets.
• Volunteer of the Year Dinner honors exceptional
volunteers who enrich our community.
• Miss Mira Mesa & Miss Teen Mira Mesa Pageants serve to instill poise and pride in our young
women.
WHEN & WHERE DOES MMTC MEET?
First Monday of every month at 7 p.m.
Verne Goodwin Senior Center
8460 Mira Mesa Blvd
(across from Mira Mesa High)
Meetings are open to EVERYONE.
Community info is shared in a forum for identifying and
solving problems.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Online at MiraMesaTownCouncil.org or pay with cash or check at a meeting. Membership is open to all Mira
Mesa residents age 16 and older. Annual membership rates:
• $20 for residents, $10 for additional residents in the same household
• $10 for students or seniors (age 60+)
• $50 for business members or $150 for a joint MMTC & Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce membership.
page 2
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Street Fair Fun For EVERYONE!
By: Pam Stevens
Over 130 booths to visit… crafters, community resources, non-profit & business
information and international food vendors to delight every palate will all
welcome you to the 14th Annual Mira Mesa Street Fair, hosted by the Mira
Mesa Town Council on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, 10am to 5pm. Find us on
Camino Ruiz between Mira Mesa Blvd. and New Salem St. Enjoy entertainment
on two stages, a carnival, children’s crafts and games, free rock painting for
children sponsored by Vulcan Materials, and the latest Street Fair attraction,
Scout Village, presented by Scripps Mesa District Boy Scouts on the dirt lot
behind the Mira Mesa Library. Come and experience camping skills, living in
teepees, a real rope bridge and other Scouting activities. More information at:
www.miramesatowncouncil.org.
Find out about Mira Mesa’s past and present at the “big top” information booth
with displays and volunteers from the Mira Mesa Town Council, Recreation
Council, Community Planning Group, and Chamber of Commerce. Copies of
Mira Mesa, by Pam Stevens, a photo history of the community in the Images of
America series published by Arcadia Press, will be available for sale at the Mira
Mesa Town Council booth. Discover literary treasures at bargain prices with the
Mira Mesa Library’s largest used book sale of the year (10am to 2:30pm in the
library meeting room). Enjoy military displays, learn about emergency
preparedness, or climb to the top of a giant earth mover for a bird’s eye view
of the Street Fair below you!
Café, Quality Coast, Inc., Hawaiian Shave Ice, Woody Wagon Icy Treats,
Yogurtland, Coastal Kona Ice, Egyptian Delights, Las Carretas Taco Shop,
Finest City Kettlecorn, Ledesma Foods, InTents BBQ, and Pupusas Express.
The MMTC Street Fair Committee meets at 6:45pm at the Verne Goodwin
Mira Mesa Senior Center on the 4th Thursday of each month from April
through August, and all Thursdays (prior to Street Fair) in September. The
Street Fair Committee is chaired by Jeff Stevens. Other committee members
include Jerry Ollinger, Alex Nguyen, Ernie Schnepf, Jon Labaw, Brandy
Ludwick, Donna Carter, Pam Stevens and Ted Brengel. Jennifer Kvalvik
coordinates the MMHS AFJROTC with instructor Msgt. Randy Crouch. The
AFJROTC students are essential volunteers assisting with set-up,
maintenance, and take-down during the Street Fair. Everyone interested in
Street Fair is welcome and encouraged to come to meetings and help support
this
great
community
event.
For
more
information,
streetfair@miramesatowncouncil.org
Along with all the community resources, non-profit and business booths and
crafters, visit the Friends of Los Penaquitos Canyon Preserve and discover Mira
Mesa’s wild side! Meet live snakes at Tom Derr’s Ecovivarium hands-on
educational museum exhibit. Send someone to “jail” at the Mira Mesa Theatre
Guild booth. There will be a dunk tank and face painting, to help preserve the
MMHS Aquatic and Water Polo programs. Safety is a concern for all; learn how
the Mira Mesa/Scripps Ranch RSVP helps our community. Get your political
questions prepared when you meet elected officials and candidates for office at
their booths.
Have your taste buds ready to sample roasted corn on the cob,
gyros, hummus wraps, funnel cakes, smoothies, nachos,
tacos, carne asada, pollo asado, hot dogs, sliders,
grilled sausages, hot dogs, lemonade, burgers,
frozen yogurt, shaved ice, root beer floats,
shakes, kettle corn, BBQ tri-tips, pulled
pork, chicken, and kebabs, and
Salvadoran pupusas (stuffed corn
tortillas.). The Street Fair food
court will feature fabulous
new and returning
vendors such as
Muscle Beach
Hanson Aggregates
is a proud sponsor of the
14th Annual Mira Mesa Street Fair.
Visit us at the Street Fair!
Hanson
Front Cover: Khanh Nguyen is a multimedia artist born and raised in Mira Mesa.
You can find the collection of his comics at: kn-comics.tumblr.com
Contact at: sir.commissions.prints@hotmail.com
Michelle Tsai,
Publisher
Ms. Tsai holds an MBA
with an emphasis in
finance and a BA in
marketing from University
of San Diego. She has
lived in the Mira Mesa
neighborhood for nearly a
decade. In that time she has joined several
committees including serving as Vice President
of the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Ms.
Tsai believes her strengths include connecting
people and groups and building long-standing
relationships in the community.
Steve Nicoles,
Editor
Leah R. Singer,
Writer
Mr. Nicoles worked
for nearly a decade
as a professional
television news
reporter. He brings
that experience
along with several
journalism awards including a regional
Emmy ™ to Mira Mesa Living. As a graduate
of San Diego State University, Mr. Nicoles is
excited to be living and working in San
Diego while focusing on one of the city’s
most diverse and unique neighborhoods.
To Advertise:
sponsor@miramesaliving.com
Ms. Singer is a
freelance writer and
blogs about family,
motherhood,
traditions, cooking
and other such
topics. She earned a
master’s degree in
communication and bachelor’s degree in
journalism and political science, both from
San Diego State University. Ms. Singer
enjoys living in Mira Mesa with her
husband, daughter, and animal family. Read
more about her at: leahsthoughts.com.
To Submit Articles, News and Events:
news@miramesaliving.com
Pam
Stevens,
Writer
Alexander
Nguyen,
Writer
Ms. Stevens is
a freelance
writer, librarian,
and active
community
volunteer in
Mira Mesa, where she and her
husband, Jeff, have lived since 1980.
She is the author of Mira Mesa, a
photo history in Arcadia Publishing's
Images of America series.
Mr. Nguyen is
an actor and
awardwinning
freelance
writer in San
Diego. He has won a Society of
Professional Journalists award and
was nominated for the Asian
Heritage Awards for his work. He is
a member of the Asian American
Journalists Association.
To Contact the Publisher:
publisher@miramesaliving.com
©2012 Mira Mesa Living. All Rights Reserved. Neither this publication nor any part thereof may be reproduced in any form, for any use without the written permission of the copyright owner. Contents of Mira Mesa Living are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the staff at Mira Mesa Living. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by Mira Mesa Living. The information in this publication is gathered in a way to ensure maximum accuracy. Mira Mesa Living cannot, and does not, guarantee the correctness of information, or the absence of errors or omissions, or against the presence of unintentional inclusions. Mira Mesa Living accepts no responsibility for ad contents or representations. Each advertiser is solely responsible for ad content.
Representations made regarding the products, services or conditions are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.
Photo by Ted Brengel • Brengel Productions
page 3
Your Local
Loan Experts!
Michael Francisco
Bo Aragon
Mortgage Loan Consultant II
Mortgage Loan Consultant II
Cell: 858.603.6911
Cell: 619.508.9754
NMLS# 159895
mfrancisco@kinecta.org
NMLS-947152
Michael Francisco is no
stranger to Mira Mesa. In
1989, Michael’s father,
Sunny Francisco Jr. moved his family from Houston , TX. to
San Diego, CA and selected Mira Mesa to be home for his
family. Michael attended Challenger Middle School and Mira
Mesa High School. From his junior to senior year in Mira
Mesa high school, Michael was the “flight commander” in the
Air Force Junior ROTC program and also the “color guard”.
The reason he joined the ROTC program was to honor his
father who is a retired Navy Chief.
Michael has worked for two Local Credit Unions in Mira Mesa,
USA Federal Credit Union and North Island Federal Credit
Union. To add to his wealth of knowledge, Michael then went
on to pursue a Certification in Mortgage Processing and
Underwriting and currently holds a National Mortgage License
(NMLS 159895) and CA Notary License.
Bo grew up in Mira Mesa and attended
baragon@kinecta.org
schools in Mason, Challenger, Wagenheim
and Mira Mesa High School and later
attended the Art Institute of California. In 7th grade, he played in the
basketball team called the “Bulls” at the Mira Mesa Recreation Center and
the team placed 2nd in the league that year. During the 8th & 9th grade,
he was an altar boy at Good Shepherd Cathloic Church. In his senior year
at Mira Mesa High School, he played Varsity football and also worked in the
Commissary at MCAS Miramar.
As a member of the National Mortgage Licensing System & Registry
(NMLS#947152), Bo is a Mortgage Consultant at Kinecta Federal Credit
Union. He has years of experience in both Retail Mortgage and the
Wholesale Lending industry. He worked at Ameriquest Home Mortgage,
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Equity One Wholesale Lending, Sapphire
Realty & Emerald Mortgage, New World Mortgage & Waylett Realty. Bo’s
wealth of knowledge in both real estate and mortgages as well as his
network of financial planners and real estate professionals has positioned
him for success in this market.
As lending professionals, both Michael Francisco and Bo Aragon can provide a wide range of real estate lending needs,
whether for a first time purchase, a second home purchase, or a refinance (FHA, Conventional, Hompath, 2nd Mortgages) to
people in San Diego and Riverside counties. They will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan
program that you choose and to also meet your unique financial situation.
Historic Low Rates
Refinance and Purchase Loans up to 97% Finance.
3.50% 30 Year Fixed Rate-3.55% APR.
Conventional financing up to 97% available
Low down payment alternative to FHA loan
Great for condos!
2375 Northside Dr. #125 San Diego, CA 92108
About Kinecta Federal Credit Union
Not-for-profit $3.2 billion in assets
Over 235,000 members nationwide Est. 1940
Over 22 Years of Combined Knowledge & Experience
page 4
Volunteers Behind the Scenes
By: Zabrina Reyes
Photo by Ted Brengel
Brengel Productions
Performing Live On The Vulcan Stage
10:00-10:50
11:00-11:50
12:00-12:50
1:00-1:50
2:00-2:50
3:00-3:50
4:00-5:00
Jeremiah and The Bullfrogs
Jazz/Dixieland/Blues
Terry Matsuoka ~ Acoustic
Carl Durant ~ Acoustic Rock
Devin McGuire ~ Acoustic/Alt. Rock
Spirit Soul & Friends
Ambient/Fusion/Fock
Ivan Cheong ~ Acoustic
Darling You're Stunning
Alternative Rock/Punk
Every year, JROTC students from Mira
Mesa High School donate their time to
help make the Street Fair run more
smoothly. This event is actually one of
the favorites of the whole year because
it is held at the beginning of the school
year and provides many opportunities
for meeting new friends. Community
service is an important aspect of our
corps, and it’s one of the reasons why
we’ve
recently
received
the
Distinguished Unit with Merit award
from AFJROTC Headquarters.
At the Street Fair our work begins
before sunrise as we shut off traffic and
assist vendors during set-up. We
continue throughout the day in
maintaining control of trash bins,
assisting the Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) booth, and
manning the blockades. We’re eager to
do any miscellaneous work that any
11:45-12:00
12:00-12:30
12:30-1:00
1:00-1:15
1:15-1:30
1:30-2:00
2:00-2:30
2:30-5:00
SDSDA Square Dancing
Mira Mesa Theatre Guild
Mira Mesa's Got Talent Winners
zFitness ~ Zumba & Hot Hula Demo
Community Ceremony
with ROTC Color Guard
Kealo Hilani Dance Troupe
Hawaiian Dance
Being Fit Fitness Centers
Zumba Demo
Mira Mesa Theatre Guild
JING Institute of Chinese Martial Arts
& Culture ~ Martial Arts Demo
Authentic White Tiger Kung Fu
Martial Arts Demo
DJ Undaground Block
Performances subject to change.
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
For more information about
us, other community events
we’ve participated in, and
to see how you could help
continue our program, visit
mmhsafjrotc.org
or come find us
at our booth!
FREE
Singing or
Piano Lesson!
Community Stage Performances
10:00-11:00
11:00-11:45
vendors or Town Council members
may have for us. Our award-winning
Color Guard also participates in the
presentation of the Colors at the
opening
ceremony.
Other
distinguished teams such as our
Unarmed, Armed, and Sabre Teams
are scheduled to perform as usual. This
year we have more than 180 cadets
that will help out.! This year we are
celebrating our 20th Anniversary and
plan to continue volunteering for the
community with both our minds, and
our hearts--as shown on our emblem.
ALL AGES! BEGINNERS WELCOME!
VALID THRU 10-31-12
Music with
Aura Deva Bardy!
Aura Deva Bardy is a leading actress & singer from
London's West End. She has performed internationally
to excellent reviews, starring in award-winning
musicals such as Miss Saigon and The King & I.
Piano Lessons
Practical and Music Theory
Beginner to Intermediate Levels
Singing Lessons
Learn simple & effective techniques
Learn stamina based breathing techniques
auradeva.com
818.268.0840
page 5
2012 Mira Mesa
Street Fair
Committee Members
• Jeff Stevens
• Jon Labaw
• Ted Brengel
• Donna Carter
• Jennifer
Kvalvik
• Brandy
Ludwick
• Alex Nguyen
• Jerry Ollinger
• Ray Pinnock
• Ernie Schnepf
• Pam Stevens
• Robin
Stutsman
• MMHS
AFJROTC
Along with help from:
Mira Mesa Living Magazine
Publisher: Michelle Tsai
The Mira Mesa Street Fair committee wishes to thank all the volunteers and local business community
for donating their time and
resources to help make this annual
event a success!
“The only way to get ahead, is to get started.”
....so start your
Nursing Assistant Career
in just 23 Class days!
10225 Barnes Canyon Rd,
Suite A208, San Diego, CA 92121
858-658-0362 or 858-658-0896.
page 6
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
2012 Mira Mesa Street Fair Participants
AREAS A & E
Carnival / Amusement Area
by NCA Entertainment
AREA B
The Learning Choice Academy
Dance to Evolve
EF International Language School
Built Green California
SDSU Research Foundation WIC
Planned Parenthood
McWire Electric
Islamic Charity Foundation
Solana Center for Environmental
Innovation
Relay for Life/ Mira Mesa –
Rancho Penasquitos
State Farm Insurance
RC Realty of San Diego
Newbreak Church
Sharp Rees-Stealy
Miramar Chiropractic & Wellness
Black Mountain Democratic Club
Mt. Moriah Christian Church
Rancho Family YMCA
Brian Maienschein for State
Assembly
Christ Community Church
El Camino Memorial Park
San Diego Square Dance Assn.
Harbor Church - Mira Mesa
Ohana Chiropractic
Fancy Girl Designs
United Studios of Self Defense
Mira Mesa Bible Baptist Church
Culligan Water
Callin Shots
SAY San Diego
Operation Samahan, Inc.
Miramar Chiropractic & Health
Center
Scott Peters for Congress
Easy Turf, Inc.
AREA C
First Aid Station
Sorrento Valley Pain Relief
Center
Pacific Marine Credit Union
Christ the Cornerstone Church
and Academy
Alpha International
Walgreens
TOPS
Renaissance Village Academy
Mira Mesa Presbyterian
Church
Raneri and Long Roofing
Company
5-for-10 T-Shirts
Mira Mesa Lanes
TR Construction
Share Network San Diego
California Coast Builders
Renewal by Andersen
Ten Hands Gift House
Grondin Construction, Inc.
Marty Block for State Senate
City of San Diego Public
Utilities Dept.
Cub Scout Pack 1209
Sandcritters
Girl Scouts
Christine Kircher
AREA D
Vulcan Music Stage
C.E.R.T. San Diego Community Emergency Response Team
San Diego Fire-Rescue
USMC Explosive Ordinance Disposal
San Diego Police Department SWAT
Hanson Aggregates Loader
Vulcan Materials Cement Truck
AREA F
Garden Communities
Community Stage
Mira Mesa High School Foundation
MMHS Water Polo Dunk Booth & Face
Painting
The Puppet Shack
Fun Stuff
Community Bible Church
Mira Mesa West Little League
San Diego Executive Lions Club
Biophysics Chiropractic
Pelican Scarves
Mira Mesa Women's Club
Mira Mesa Town Council
Councilmember Carl DeMaio
Councilmember Lorie Zapf
Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon
Preserve
Mira Mesa First Assembly of God
Mira Mesa High School AFJROTC
Mira Mesa Christian School
RSVP
Mira Mesa Theatre Guild
Gymboree
San Diego Miramar College
Calvary Chapel Mira Mesa
Mira Mesa Girls Softball
Scripps Pediatric Dentistry
Mira Mesa Youth Baseball
San Diego Bible Church
Horizon Hospice
Miramar Federal Credit Union
Natural Body and Bath
Congressman Brian P. Bilbray
Lars Remodeling and Design
Rhino Shield
AREA G / FOOD VENDORS
Coastal Kona Ice
Egyptian Delights
Finest City Kettlecorn
Good Eatz Gourmet
InTentsBBQ
Isabella’s Cookie Company
Las Carretas Taco Shop
Ledesma Foods
Muscle Beach Café
Pupusas Express
Quality Coast, Inc.
Woody Wagon Icy Treats
YogurtLand Mira Mesa
AREA H
Vulcan Materials
Being Fit Fitness Centers
Dailys Workshop
Z Fitness Classes and Apparel
River of Faith Ministries, Inc.
Absolute Health and Wellness
Soleil Communications
Photo by Ted Brengel • Brengel Productions
Do You Know Us?
Meet Pacific Marine Credit Union.
For 60 years, Pacific Marine Credit
Union has been quietly making a
difference: helping people with their
financial needs and giving back to the
local community. While the Credit
Union's loan products and deposit
accounts are similar to those offered by
big banks, Pacific Marine's business principles and philosophy are worlds apart.
Pacific Marine is owned and governed
by its members, operating not-for-profit, but for service. The revenues generated by its services are shared by the
membership. Pacific Marine Credit
Union measures its success in terms of
its ability to provide low interest rates
on loans, reduced fees, attractive earnings on savings and investments, and
around-the-clock access to the latest
electronic services.
Since its inception in 1952, Pacific
Marine has experienced considerable
growth and technological innovations.
Today, the credit union operates eleven
full-service locations spanning San Diego,
San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Pacific Marine Credit Union is federally-insured and financially sound, adher-
ing to conservative lending and investment practices. It currently serves more
than 74,000 members worldwide regardless of where they live or work.
It's all made possible via online banking
and bill payer services, automated telephone transactions and more than
28,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs
across the United States. As a participating credit union in the CU Service
Centers' "shared branch" network,
Pacific Marine's members can do business at over 6,700 shared branch
offices allowing members to conduct
financial transactions where they live,
work or travel.
Another thing you probably didn't
know about Pacific Marine Credit
Union is the fact that they are open to
everyone. You don't have to belong to
a specific trade group or industry. The
Credit Union's services and benefits are
available to anyone living or working in
San Diego, Riverside, or San
Bernardino Counties. To learn more
about Pacific Marine Credit Union, to
compare their current rates for home
loans, auto loans, credit cards, and personal loans, or to check out their completely free checking accounts, log-on
to their website: www.pmcu.com or
call 800-736-4500.
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
page 7
Thank You 2012
Street Fair Sponsors!
Garden
• Gen-Probe
COMMUNITIES
Ruby Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
• Homeland
Petroleum
Ruby Sponsor
• Sandwich
Emporium
Ruby Sponsor
Diamond Sponsor
• Vons
Ruby Sponsor
• Mira Mesa Office
and Medical Mall
Emerald Sponsor
Ruby Sponsor
Look for the Newbreak booth at the Mira Mesa Street Fair
for face painting and balloon art.
SCRIPPS MESA CAMPUS
NEWBREAK CHURCH
Sundays @ 9:00a & 10:45a
Hanson
Aggregates
• Callahan's
Sapphire Sponsor
Emerald Sponsor
Buying? Selling? Let’s Chat Today!
DAY!
1
N
I
SOLD
11030 Rock Canyon Ct
$368,600
10530 Greenford Dr • $318,000
858-361-5229
page 8
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
CUISINE OF INDIA
9474 Black Mountain Rd.
858-695-9749
Attention Moms: SD Mom’s Night
Out invites you to be yourself!
By Angela Quisumbing
Photo by: Cyrstella Photography
As a mom we wear a lot of
costumes; teacher, nurse, chef, maid
– you name it! We spend most of
our days dressing up in so many
different costumes except for the
one that matters most, ourselves!
Now, summer has ended, the kids
are back in school and the holidays
are just around the corner. When
does mom get a break? Hardly ever,
am I right!? Well, I’ve got the perfect
solution for you!
On Friday, October 26 from 710pm, in celebration of the SD
Mom’s Night Out 1 Year
Anniversary, and Halloween, you
are invited to enjoy a night out at
Kin Spa at Manchester Grand Hyatt
as your fabulous self. Save the date,
book a sitter and grab your friends
for a fun-filled evening of
pampering! Experience a variety of
spa services and connect with other
moms while sipping on a glass of
wine (not whine)! Not to mention,
all guests will receive a gift from the
spa, plus the first 50 guests will get a
special swag bag filled with tons of
goodies.
In addition, this event is supporting
the Foundation for Women, a non-
www.ashokasd.com
50% OFF
profit organization located in San
Diego dedicated to eliminating
global poverty through microcredit
loans. Where else can you enjoy a
night out you deserve, and do a little
good while you’re at it?
LUNCH
or DINNER
UP TO $12 VALUE.
Buy 1 Entree at Reg. Price and 2 Beverages
Get 2nd Entree of Equal or Lesser Value
50% OFF. One per table. Excluded Buffet and
Thalis. Dine in only. Expires 10-31-12
Although, we can use more than
one night, we’ll take whatever we
can get. I could list a hundred good
reasons why moms need a break,
but here are my top three...
Moms, give yourself a break because
you deserve it! Think of it this way:
you won’t just be doing yourself a
favor, you’ll be doing it for the
whole family!
Lunch u Dinner u Take Out u Catering
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-10PM
This interactive event will be covered
by The Pulse, the E-news of San
Diego, so be sure to get glam in case
you’re on cam! Tickets are on sale
now at www.sdmomsnightout.com.
What are you waiting for? Get yours
today!
Event Details
Where: Kin Spa at Manchester
Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Place San Diego
Friday, October 26 from 7-10pm
Cost: $40 Presale, $50 at the door
*$35 for the first
35 people who register!
www.sdmomsnightout.com.
Gift Certificate Specials
Available Call for details!
Join
Us!
9696 Candida Street
San Diego, CA 92126
SUNDAYS 10AM
Off Kearny Villa Rd,
1 Block north of Miramar Rd
858-566-0641 • MiraMesaChurch.com
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
Shiatsu • Swedish • Deep Tissue
Acupressure • Zen Hot Stone • Sports
Pre-Natal Motherhood • Reflexology
Cranial Sacral
Special Offer
for Mira Mesa Living
Readers!
TAKE AN ADDITIONAL
$ OFF
5
ALL
DISCOUNTS
VALID WITH ALL OTHER OFFERS!
COMBINE WITH ANY
COUPON OR SPECIAL!
Must present coupon. Expires 10/31/12
8230-A1 Mira Mesa Blvd • San Diego
Inside Mira Mesa Mall between Marshalls and CVS Pharmacy
858-621-9000 • www.zenspamiramesa.com
page 9
page 10
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Tips For Finding
A Scholarship:
• Start looking right
away. That way,
you'll have
more time to
work on your
application and also
apply to other
scholarships.
Paying For College...
By: Amanda Guerrero
With increasing economic hardship, families
are struggling more and more to pay for college. However, Mira Mesa parents have felt
some alleviation as their college-bound children have collected more financial aid over
the past few years. During the 2011-2012
school year, Mira Mesa students were offered
$7.3 million in total financial aid.
The money comes from grants and scholarships
the students report to the school. This year's
total came from a total of 78 grants and scholarships awarded and offered to MMHS students for the 2011-2012 school year.
This year's total, up from the $6.5 million
from the previous school year, far surpassed
the $3 million goal MMHS counselors set for
seniors.
"We definitely see an upward trend,"
Counselor Amy Burger said.
MMHS counselors try to make access to
scholarships readily available to students by
posting information on the MMHS website.
Blanchard also features a scholarship each
week on the school's video bulletin.
She encourages all students to seek some
form of financial aid before heading to any
form of post-secondary education. She said
even families without extreme financial need
can still be entitled to some aid.
"There are many ways to finance their education," Blanchard said. "There's something out
there for them, and it's not just for lowincome families."
She said scholarships are available for a variety of interests, ranging from leadership and
community service to academics and athletics. Additionally, many forms of aid are available to help families with financial need.
Blanchard says even with so many scholarships available, receiving aid is ultimately up
to the students. She encourages them to
apply to as many scholarships as they can,
and not to be deterred by the application
process.
"It is not easy to apply for scholarships
because it's time consuming," Blanchard says.
• Search often. You never know
when a new or "limited time" scholarship may
appear.
• Personalize your scholarships plan. Ask your
college prospects if they offer aid. Check your
parents' work for exclusive scholarships.
• Get involved. No matter what your interests,
dedicate your time to a cause. Give scholarship
committees a reason to reward you.
• Polish your essays. Have essays on a variety of
topics and ask your teachers, counselors and
parents to give you feedback.
• Be prepared. Keep a log of volunteer hours and
your essays ready at all times. You never know
when you'll get a chance to apply.
• Consult your counselor. If you're unsure whether
or not a scholarship is worth applying to, don't be
She recommends students to save any essays
afraid to ask.
they use to apply for scholarships because
often, same or similar topics are used in applications for many scholarships.
Additionally, Blanchard says
students should keep a record
of their volunteer hours, and
students involved in the comHickman / Challenger: Welcome back to school Students, Teachers,
munity better their chances
Staff & Parents. Please welcome our new FOH Board Members: Heather
for receiving scholarships.
Bartnek (President), Pragati Misto, Lauren Allen, Nicole Walker. New
Despite the work necessary to
Hickman PTA: Kathy Lydiard & Kim Thomas. Challenger Parents, we
apply
for
scholarships,
are looking for a parent volunteer to help in Snack Shack & to join PTSA.
Blanchard said scholarships of
Ask your FOH, PTA or PTSA Board Members how you can help the
any denomination can be
school this year.
worth applying to.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR FUTURE: Seek Truth & Vote for
"Every little bit helps,"
Leaders this November who will give you a hand UP, not a hand OUT.
Blanchard said.
Ask anyone who is working in the Health Care Industry or a Small
Business Owner about the impact they already see from Government
Health Care. Job layoffs & asked to do more work with less employees
& the quality of care is already suffering. Small Business has always been
the back bone of America. Vote to keep America Strong & Thriving!
Our Community Update
SANDAG Seeks Public Input
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking input to update
its Public Participation Plan as it gears up in the coming months to tackle significant regional issues related to transportation, growth, housing, public health, energy, sustainability, habitat conservation, interregional planning, and other important
topics. SANDAG is inviting San Diego County residents to take an online survey
anytime between now and Sept. 28. Survey questions focus on how participants
would prefer to receive information and provide input. Residents are also welcome to e-mail comments to Paula Zamudio at pza@sandag.org.
MMTG Presents “The Importance of
Being Earnest” Oct. 12 – 27
Enjoy the Mira Mesa Theatre Guild production of Oscar Wilde’s classic satire of
Victorian society, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” directed by Tim Arends,
at the Wangenheim Middle School Theater Oct. 12 – 27, Fridays and Saturdays
at 7:30pm. For details see www.miramesatheatreguild.org.
Market Update: The Market has really heated up
the last couple months. Homes listed on the
market in the last 30 days, are averaging about 10
days on the market. In Canyon Country most of
the homes are getting a full to over listing price
offers. Homes & Condos inventory are still very
low. Interest rates are at an all-time low for Buyers.
It is a great time to be a Seller or Buyer.
Tracee Denby
858-220-5566
DRE01848551
HomesByTracee.com
page 11
Restoring Our
Confidence
in San Diego
Unified
School District
By Mark Powell, MA. Ed.
Primary election winner
Mark Powell is running for
San Diego Unified School
District.
The San Diego Unified
School Board has placed
themselves in a financial
and educational crisis
through misguided leadership and poor decisions. I
brought this to the attention to San Diego Educators Association President Bill
Freeman in June 2012 when I delivered two position
papers to him outlining my plan to restore the district.
My plan is based on a three tiered common-sense platform. (1) Repair the district budget, (2) Restore parent,
teacher and community confidence in the education of
our children, and (3) Promote teacher effectiveness.
I will repair the budget by responsibly negotiating all district contracts, including labor contracts with classified
and certificated employees, and vendors. I will open up
“the books” and audit the district’s expenditures and
reserves to establish the actual amount in reserves and
evaluate the true amounts needed for specified contingencies. Any excesses not needed in reserve will serve
to close deficits. I will establish a community-based advisory board whose objectives would be to review all substantive fiscal and policy matters and make appropriate
recommendations to the school board prior to adoptions of such matters.
I will restore parent, teacher and community confidence
by organizing and spearhead a statewide campaign
along with other school districts, legislators, parent
groups, teachers, business leaders and other education
advocates to put and keep pressure on the state
Legislature and the governor to fund education and
stop playing politics with our children’s education.
I will Promote Teacher Effectiveness by working with
the teachers and their union to implement uniform
systems that are fair and equitable. We need to keep
our best teachers. The San Diego Unified School
District is entering its third year of Program
Improvement - the status given to districts and schools
where students fail to meet achievement goals set by
the No Child Left Behind law. We cannot afford to
hope for change in some future ballot measures, which
may not come to pass.
“I will always advocate for parents and teachers, but
I will base all of my decisions on what is best for
students.”
Mark Powell, MA.Ed.
page 12
Keeping Teachers
in the Classroom
For Our Kids
By: John Lee Evans, Ph.D.
I was very proud this summer to announce an
historic deal that cancelled the layoff of nearly
1,500 teachers. We owe a debt of gratitude to
our teachers for agreeing to concessions to
keep our teachers in the classroom for our
kids.
Our schools in Mira Mesa will begin the
school year with the same class sizes and a full
curriculum, including music and art. We will
also have the counselors and nurses we need
to support our students.
In the previous budget cuts we had made
deep cuts into administration and transportation and other non-classroom expenses. We
wanted to protect the steady academic
progress that San Diego Unified has been
making for the past few years. But now we
had to start looking at the classroom.
This year it became clear that Sacramento was
not going to give us the basic funds we needed to operate our schools. The ballot measures
in November would
be too late to help
for 2012-2013. We
had to find a local
solution and our employees agreed. The lesson of this summer is that we can find practical solutions at a local level when we work
together.
Now teachers, parents, and district staff will
unite to fight for our public schools being
properly funded by the state. California currently ranks #47 in funding for our schools, a
major shift from previous generations. I am
committed to forming a coalition with other
Board Presidents of the largest districts to
advocate for our fair share of tax dollars from
Sacramento. Education must be the top priority of our state.
In the meantime we are set for a successful
start of the school year with all of our teachers
in place and ready to greet our students. When
school starts take a moment to thank a teacher
for his/her service and sacrifice.
Christ the Cornerstone
The new school year has arrived and Christ the
Cornerstone Academy is a busy place. Our
three- and four-year-old preschoolers will begin
their Abeka curriculum. They will learn to play
together and will spend at least 30 minutes
each week with our music teachers where they
will be introduced to percussion instruments
and a wide array of musical experiences.
students, an aide helps.
Often people want to know what makes our
school special and unique. I would say that in
addition to the above reasons we have a very
loving and dedicated staff that really cares about
each child. We make each family feel like they
are part of our school family. And finally, the
best reason of all is that each day we have the
wonderful opportunity to have God in the classroom with us. Our students have the opportunity on a daily basis to grow in their relationship
with Jesus. Should our school be your school?
We have free tours available. For more information find us at www.ctc-academy.org.
Our Day School students, kindergarten through
fifth grade, will each have their own classroom
teachers in addition to having teachers for PE,
Music and Computers. They will have each of
these classes twice a week for 30 minutes in
addition to their regular classroom instruction.
Our school firmly
believes that our
students need to
have a well-rounded opportunity to
PRESCHOOL 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS
grow in all areas.
“A
K– 5TH GRADE OFFERING ACADEMIC
We have purEXCELLENCE
GREAT
chased a very
ABEKA CURRICULUM
extensive computPLACE
er curriculum and
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS & DAYCARE
TO
are preparing our
students to be
GROW
successful in the
SINCE
world in which
9028 WESTMORE RD., MIRA MESA
we now live. We
1978”
believe in a small
858-566-1741
teacher-to-student
ratio and when a
class reaches 18
WWW.CTC-ACADEMY.ORG
WWW.CTC-CHURCH.ORG
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Vote Mark Powell
Get involved in your community.
Join the Mira Mesa Town Council
For School Board
The Mira Mesa Town Council (MMTC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization
promoting community pride and the betterment of Mira Mesa.
“It’s Time for Efficient Change and Effective, Competent Leadership!”
WHAT DOES MMTC DO?
“No
Hollow Promises... Just Common-Sense Results!”
• Mira Mesa Street Fair on the third Saturday of
September.
1st PLACE PRIMARY ELECTION WINNER!
• Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks, a 37year tradition, is one of the largest community celebrations in San Diego.
“I will base all my decisions on what is best for our students.”
• Verne Goodwin Scholarships recognize graduating high school seniors for their volunteer service.
• Mira
Mesa
Banners
along Mira
Mesa Blvd proVOTE
FOR
MARK
POWELL
TO:
mote our community as well as local events and
• Restore Parent Confidence
• businesses.
Get the School Board
Back on Track Keeping doors open to
• Mira
Mesa Maintenance
Assessment District
parents and teachers –
Restoring
trust by demanding
maintains
landscaping along
Mira Mesa Blvd
and
encouraging
their input in
fiscal accountability
and ending
other
major
streets.
decision making.
irresponsible budget decisions
and
political
game-playing.
• Volunteer of the Year Dinner honors exceptional
•
Promote Teacher
Effectiveness
Direct resources to the
classroom. More teaching
time and less testing…
keeping good teachers!
volunteers who enrich our community.
• Miss Mira
Mesa & Miss TeenLEADERSHIP:
Mira Mesa PagPROVEN
EDUCATIONAL
eants serve to instill poise and pride in our young
• 20 years experience: Teacher,
women.
•
•
Vice-Principal, Dean-of-Students
13 years University Professor
in teacher education
PTA Honorary Service Award Recipient
DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE:
•
•
•
President, Clairemont Town Council improving our community
San Diego Reserve Police Officer keeping schools safe & free from bullying
School Governance Team Member –
overseeing academics
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE:
•
•
•
15 years managing large budgets
Skilled negotiator –
negotiated hundreds of contracts
Inventor – issued two United States Patents
WHEN & WHERE DOES MMTC MEET?
EDUCATION
& CERTIFICATIONS:
First Monday of every month at 7 p.m.
•
Master
of Goodwin
Science, Educational
Verne
Senior Center
Counseling
- Credentialed
Counselor
8460
Mira Mesa Blvd
(across
fromEducational
Mira Mesa Administration
High)
• Master
of Arts,
- Credentialed Administrator
Meetingsofare
open to
EVERYONE.
• Bachelor
Science,
Criminal
Justice - Community
info
is
shared
in
a
forum
for
identifying and
Credentialed Teacher/GATE Certification
solving problems.
HOW
DO I JOIN?
Mark has two daughters
attending
San Diego Unified School District
Online at MiraMesaTownCouncil.org or pay with cash or check at a meeting. Membership is open to all Mira
Mesa residents age 16 and older. Annual membership rates:
• $20 for residents, $10 for additional residents in the same household
• $10 for students or seniors (age 60+)
• $50 for business members or $150 for a joint MMTC & Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce membership.
www.MarkPowellForSchoolBoard.com
Paid for by Mark Powell For School Board 2012, 4079 Governor Drive, #271 San Diego, CA 92122.
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
page 13
Check out what's going on
at Walker Elementary School!
Walker Elementary School is the smallest elementary school in Mira Mesa located
across the street from Miramar College, adjacent to Wangenheim Middle School and
between the CA Child Development Center and Head Start on the corner of Black
Mountain Road and Hillery Drive. With a well balanced culturally diverse population
of slightly less than 600 K-5 students, we are the "Little School that could, can and will
do the best for our students!" We are anxiously awaiting our CA STAR testing results
& hoping to maintain our 800 and above average for Academic Performance Index
with the successful launch of our after school Computer Lab, Homework and Reading
Club, RAZ Kids Reading for K-2 & Learning Upgrade for grades 3-5 in math and reading software programs which will continue throughout the new 2012-2013 school year.
June & July end of the year
highlights include our annual
Culture Fair with Tahitian &
Hawaiian Dances performed by
Motu Dance Company, a
didgeridoo musician from
Australia who performed and
displayed his own hand-carved
didgeridoos, Samahan Phillipine
Dance
Company,
the
Kapolioka'ehukai
Outrigger
Hage Fall Fesitval
Hage Elementary is having its Annual Fall Festival on Friday October
26th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. It is open to the public and has much
to offer. We will have Music, Food, Shows, Attractions, and booths
for local individuals to sell their wares.
LEWIS PLUMBING
“Quality Work For A Fair Price”
COUPON
COUPON
COUPON
25
OFF
15
OFF
10%
OFF
$
$
Service
Call
Service
Call
1st time client only. Limit 1 per
Customer. Cannot be combined with
other offers. Exp. 10-31-12
Limit One per Customer.
Cannot be combined
with other offers. Exp.10-31-12
For Active
or Retired
Military
With ID. Cannot be combined
with other offers. Exp. 10-31-12
License: 864716
858-752-9225
page 14
Canoe Club, student
multicultural performances & booths, a silent
auction & students and
families showing off costumes displaying their
cultural pride and sharing food samples from
their native countries of
origin.
Our MCAS
Miramar Partners in
Education kicked off the summer
with our annual Marine Fitness
Challenge and Walker students
displayed their individual and
collective talents in our first ever
talent show and assemblies.
We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning
Walker Eagles when school
resumes on Tuesday, September
4, 2012. Back to School Night is
scheduled
for
Thursday,
September 20, 2012 from 6-7
pm and our annual Harvest
Festival is scheduled for Saturday
October 27 from 12-3 pm. We
will have lots of activity booths,
vendors, food, a costume contest,
prizes, and fun! Students of the
Week will be nominated by their
teachers/students every week
and 1 student from every grade
level will be selected every
month as Students of the Month
to have lunch with Principal
Dawes at participating local Mira
Mesa
Great things are happening at
Walker Elementary. Come by
and see what's going on!
Rochelle Dawes, Principal
Walker Elementary School
Family Science Night
at Wangenheim
By: Dr. Matt Fallon, Principal
What’s new at Wangenheim
Middle School? Well, this school
year Wangenheim will hold their
first Family Science Night. This
event will be held on January 31,
2013 from 6-8 pm. In fact,
Wangenheim will be working with
Scripps Oceanography Institute to
put forth an array of hands-on science labs and presentations. Not
only will there be Wangenheim
science teachers working with students, there will also be graduate
students putting on demonstrations based on their current
research as well as other cool
activities.
Over
the
summer,
Dan
Grendziak, a Science teacher and
the Department Chair at
Wangenheim, participated in a
joint program with Scripps professors and graduate students. The
program, GK-12, was started and
funded by the NSF, National
Science Foundation, about 5 years
ago.
Scripps
Classroom
Connections (SCC) is a component of the program that gives
graduate students a chance to
plan/teach/reflect on what it is
like to teach students in grades 612. This experience will help the
graduate students decide what
path they might take once they
finish their PhD’s. Did you know
that it takes on average, 5.75 years
for a grad student in the geo-science field to complete his/her
PhD, after they receive their
Bachelor of Science degree?
San Diego Unified School District
teachers share their teaching
expertise with the graduate students who, in turn, share their
deep background knowledge with
the SDUSD teachers. Through
collaboration, and following the
current state of California standards, each pair (teacher/graduate
student) uses backward design to
create a unit. Units include assessments, use of technology (Smart
boards, laptops, streaming video,
multimedia presentations, etc – all
standard
practice
at
Wangenheim), and hands on
activities (labs) , which together
lead to an enriched learning experience.
Not
only
will
Wangenheim have the expertise
of the Scripps graduate students,
they will also be supported by
other agencies that are part of the
San Diego science community.
We look forward to seeing you all
on the 31st of January. There will
be food available for purchase, so
bring the family to enjoy an amazing night at Wangenheim.
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com
Halloween to be a Little Less Scary
By: Alexander Nguyen
The Mira Mesa Theatre Guild Board
of Directors announced that Monster
Manor, the annual Halloween
attraction in the Target parking lot will
not be happening this year.
At its last monthly meeting in July,
the board voted to keep Monster
Manor in the crypt for this year, to
conserve funds and focus its efforts
on the fall play, tentatively scheduled
for October. The group cites lack of
funding and volunteer support as the
reasons for the planned hiatus.
“It is our hope to bring Monster
Manor back next year,” said Trey
Barkley, Theatre Guild president and
Monster Manor director. “We have
been doing this Mira Mesa
fundraiser for 10-plus years. We can
only put it on with the support of the
community.”
Monster Manor started in 2001 when
community leader Tim Allen, along
with a friend, John Hart, wanted to
bring their love of Halloween
together and start a charity haunted
attraction. It was originally a
fundraiser for the Mira Mesa Fourth
of July fireworks. Between 2001 and
2006, Monster Manor was the sole
fundraiser of the fireworks, raising
nearly $100,000 total for the show.
After 2006, Monster Manor and the
Fourth of July Committee parted
ways because of artistic differences
between the boards of the two
groups.
“The divorce between Monster
Manor and Fourth of July Committee
was one of the most painful things
for the community,” said Ted
Brengel, Mira Mesa Town Council
president, at a meeting in 2009.
The haunted attraction, however,
remained a fundraiser for the
community, having raised funds for
Mira Mesa HEROES, Boy Scout
Troop 648, Friends of Ericson
Elementary School, Mira Mesa
Scripps Youth Football, Mira Mesa
Youth Baseball, Poway High Ag
Partners, Sandburg Elementary
School and more.
For the past 11 years, Monster
Manor has garnered several
impressive accolades from the
community. In 2009, the readers of
the San Diego Union-Tribune /
SignonSanDiego.com nominated
Monster Manor for Best of San
Diego: Family Attraction.
It was the only haunted attraction in
the region to receive recognition.
And in 2010, Monster Manor was,
again, the only haunted attraction to
be nominated for 10News A-List’s
Best Family Attraction.
This was all the more impressive
considering
Monster
Manor’s
operating budget of around $20,000.
While it was getting recognition,
financial problems began for
Monster Manor when Pardee Homes
withdrew its corporate sponsorship
in 2009, citing the housing bubble
collapse.
The Guild was able to make up for
some of the financial shortage
through
grants
and
smaller
donations from local businesses, but
the prolonged recession coupled
with new fire regulations that forced
the Guild to lose the tent top that had
been a landmark for the haunted
attraction proved too much to
overcome.
“Losing our tent top was a major
blow to us,” Barkley said. “Many
people thought that we were closed
because it looked incomplete.”
Funding woes and manpower
shortages, however, aren’t unique to
Monster Manor. Several high-profile
community events have been
canceled or scaled back in the past
few years because of funding
issues.
offer slightly spooky dramatic fun for
children. The event takes place Friday, Oct.
26 inside the Mira Mesa Rec Center, 8575
New Salem St., from 4:30pm- 6:30pm.
To keep up-to-date on Monster Manor
news and development, follow Monster
Manor on Facebook
(facebook.com/MonsterManor), sign up for
the newsletter at the Theatre Guild website
(miramesatheatre guild.org) or email
info@monstermanor.org.
Monster Manor, however, isn’t
planning to hang up its haunted
hat for good. The Theatre Guild
is looking to plan a fundraiser for
Monster Manor sometime this
year and a monthly Monster
Manor meeting will begin in
January 2013.
Also this October, the Guild will
be partnering with the Mira
Mesa Halloween Carnival to
Family and Individual Portraits
Sports Action Photography
Portfolios • Albums • Fine Art
for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or sponsor@miramesaliving.com
page 15
Mira Mesa Living
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Nutrilite Wellness & Artistry Beauty
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Slithering reptile companions looking
for a lovable home. Some for
adoption and some for sale.
Call 619-933-1213
for more information.
Computer Repair
We’ll Fix Your Computer!
Learn to use your computer
Home or Buiness
Call Robert at 858-449-1749
“I can fix that!” – Steve Stutsman
Multimedia, Networking
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See coupons inside Mira Mesa Living
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858-693-5888
If you are looking for an affordable way to advertise specifically to Mira Mesa, or if you just have a message you want
to send (Happy Anniversary, Buy my bike, I need a date….)
let us know…..Mira Mesa Living is sent directly to the people who work and live in Mira Mesa. It is a great way to get
the message out to your neighbors!
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page 16
to submit an article or events for publication e-mail news@miramesaliving.com