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Volume 2, Number 4 • July / August 2011 Bringing The Community Together Mira Mesa • Sorrento Valley • MCAS Miramar Students read Mira Mesa Living page 8 July 4th Program Inside! Photo by Ted Brengel Photo by Ron Morales

MML Jul/Aug 2011

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Mira Mesa Living July/August 2011 issue

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Page 1: MML Jul/Aug 2011

Volume 2, Number 4 • July / August 2011

Bringing The Community TogetherMira Mesa • Sorrento Valley • MCAS Miramar

Students read Mira Mesa Living page 8

July 4th Program Inside!

Photo by Ted Brengel

Photo by Ron Morales

Page 2: MML Jul/Aug 2011
Page 3: MML Jul/Aug 2011

What’s Inside...July 4thScheduleof events

Meet the Marshall

ElementaryPrincipal Published

28

22

15

6Mira Mesa Artists

Animation in the program is designed by Cydelyn Rodriguez. Cydelyn is in her second year at SDSU majoring in Psychology. She graduated fromMMHS in 2010. She enjoys drawing, listening to Asian music and having coffee or tea with friends in Mira Mesa.

Page 4: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 4 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Grand Marshall:H Sergeant Major Don W. Gallagher

Military Units:H Marine Corps LeagueH MCAS Color GuardH Montford Point MarinesH Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band

Community Units:H Aguinaldo FoundationH American Cancer Society

Relay for Life Mira Mesa/RanchoPenasquitos

H Andrea Lujan for Miss CA USA 2012H Authentic White Tiger Kung FuH Being Fit Fitness CenterH Black Mountain Masonic LodgeH Boy Scouts of America -

Scripps Mesa DistrictH Christ the Cornerstone

Church and AcademyH Cinderella’s Crown EntertainmentH Cool Cycles Ice Cream CompanyH Council of Philippine American

Organizations of San DIego County, Inc.(COPAO)

H Crown One Productions

H Cub Scout Pack 1203H Cub Scout Pack 1209 (Parade Banner)H Fil-Am Cultural Group of San DiegoH Filipino American Association San Diego

North CountyH Filipino American Retirees

of Southern CaliforniaH Filipino-American Senior Citizens

Association (FASCA)H Good Shepherd Knights

of Columbus, Council 9076H Key Club and KiwanisH Kristan Panuginog (Teen Princess)H Mesa View Baptist ChurchH Mira Mesa BowlH Mira Mesa Christian SchoolH Mira Mesa Girl ScoutsH Mira Mesa Girls SoftballH Mira Mesa HS AFJROTCH Mira Mesa HS BandH Mira Mesa Presbyterian ChurchH Mira Mesa Theatre GuildH Mira Mesa/Scripps Ranch RSVPH Mira Mesa Theatre GuildH Miramar Mighty FalconsH Montgomery Middle School BandH Pacific Coast Theatre CompanyH Philippine American Community

of San Diego, Inc

H Praise Fellowship/Kids ZoneH RC Realty of San DiegoH San Diego County Sheriff R.A.C.E.S. UnitH San Diego County International PageantH San Diego Executive Lions ClubH San Diego Fire Rescue Department -

Station 38H San Diego Ice ArenaH San Diego PoliceH Scripps-Mesa FireworksH StrangleholdH The Mormon Batalion -The Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsH VAYA (Vietnamese

American Youth Alliance)

Dignitaries:H Kevin Beiser, Trustee -

San Diego Unified School DistrictH Brian Bilbray , U.S. Representative -

50th Congressional DistrictH Carl DeMaio, City Councilmember -

Council District 5H Nathan Fletcher, State

Assemblyman - 75th DistrictH Shelia Jackson, Trustee -

San Diego Unified School DistrictH John Witt, Board Member -

San Diego County Board of Education, First District

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Page 5: MML Jul/Aug 2011

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By: Anton Quilala

Skateboarder: Willy SantosPhotographer: Kevin Metallier

The sound of skateboard wheels rolling down thesidewalk has become more and more prominent inMira Mesa lately, as the sport and culture ofskateboarding have transcended from their urban rootsto the popular phenomenon they are today. Anotherbuzz is happening as well: a movement to raise fundsto build a public skate plaza in the heart of Mira Mesa.

In its first year, The Willy Santos foundation, lead byprofessional skateboarder and Mira Mesa’s very ownWilly Santos, has been hard at work publicizing effortsto establish a wheel friendly plaza located at the MiraMesa Recreation Center. The goal of the plaza is toprovide skaters with a free and legal skate spot to honetheir skills and have fun alongside the general publicenjoying a beautiful day at the park. This is just thebeginning, as the Willy Santos Foundation’s ultimatemission is not only to build plazas throughout SanDiego, but to contribute to the advancement and socialawareness of skateboarding culture globally.

Maybe you’ve heard about it at a recent town councilmeeting, read a flier on the @miramesaskateparktwitter or Facebook, or spoke with Willy himself atWilly’s Workshop. Maybe this article is the first timeyou are finding out anything about it. No matter howthey’ve reached you the real question is, will you help?

The Willy Santos Foundation will have a fundraisingbooth at Mira Mesa’s Annual 4th of July Picnic at thePark, as well as an art show fundraiser on August 5thin Downtown San Diego to auction off skateboard deckart submitted by local artists supporting the foundation.

Page 6: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 6 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

10:00 AM - Adolescents11:30 AM - Nasty-O w/Kevin Ray

1:00 PM - Junkyard Dance Crew1:15 PM - Illatary1:30 PM - Infantry2:00 PM - She Wrote It2:15 PM - Prince Deekon2:30 PM - Torrion2:45 PM - Aon3:00 PM - Kanji3:30 PM - Circulators Square Dancers3:45 PM - C'Cruz & Castro4:00 PM - Nutty Buddies4:15 PM - B-Hop4:45 PM - Mr Dubie5:00 PM - Willie Psyco5:45 PM - Katriz Trinidad

6:00 PM - Ras Kass7:00 PM - Mira Mesa Theatre Guild

presents "Mira Mesa's Got Talent" featuring: SarahRose Gomez (belly danc-ing), Lorina Alfaro (singer), AJ (singer),Julianne Manalo (singer), and Rayne(singer)

8:15 PM - NoFace8:45 PM - Milk Bone8:30 PM - Adolescents

12 pm - Music2 pm - 2-on-2 Bboy/Bgirl Battles6 pm - Performances by Dannu of the

Visionaries, and Beehive. DJ Sets by Norm Rocwell,Pnutz, Eclektic, King Saso,Mane1, Son of Jarel, and VTECthe VINYLinist.A special performance by theBattle Star

July 4th Community Stage Schedule

Hip Hop Stage Schedule

7:00am Pancake Breakfast, presented byBlack Mountain Masonic Lodge

11:00am Family Fun Day at the Park, pre-sented by Mira Mesa TownCouncil and San Diego Park &Recreation Department

11:30am Mira Mesa 4th of July Parade, pre-sented by Mira Mesa TownCouncil

9:00pm 4th of July FireworksExtravaganza, presented by MiraMesa Town Council and Scripps-Mesa Fireworks

Program Schedule

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Page 7: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 7

New Look for Banner District

By: Jennifer Kvalvik

The previous banners that were put up in 2007 have been removeddue to deterioration, weathering and a need to give a fresh look tothe Mira Mesa Community. We are working very hard to accomplishthis as the Mira Mesa Town Council Banner District Committee.

There are 54 banners in the Mira Mesa Banner District, which spansMira Mesa Blvd from the 805 in the west to the 15 in the east, inboth zip codes 92126 and 92121. This is a heavily-trafficked road inSan Diego and it comprises both residential and commercial zones.The banners are being redesigned and should be hanging in time forthe annual 4th of July Community Celebration, parade and fire-

works display. The banner has been designedby 2011 Mira Mesa High School graduate,Daniel Custodio. He worked very hard to getthe design perfected to depict the attitude ofMira Mesa catching the eyes of people passingthough every day. Daniel said, “I've been doinggraphics since about 3rd grade. I've usedPhotoshop primarily as my medium for creat-ing graphics throughout that time, but usedAdobe Illustrator for the banner which I juststarted learning in computer graphics with Mr.Spurlock during the 2010-2011 school year.

I'm also really interested in art, arthistory, and fashion which con-tribute to shaping my aesthetic andstyle when creating any graphicwork. I'm going to go to San DiegoState University as a journalismmajor this fall.”

Banners foster community pride,awareness of local businesses andcreate visual boundaries for neigh-borhoods. On average, 84,000 carstravel along Mira Mesa Blvd. eachday. Banners are very successful inother parts of San Diego such asHillcrest and the Gaslamp District. . Also in the works is the opportunityfor businesses and organizations toparticipate as a sponsor of the ban-ners, which will be highly-visiblealong a main transportation artery inSan Diego. Sponsoring the bannerswill be wonderful exposure for localbusinesses and community organiza-tions who wish to have their adver-tisement, logo or information on anattached placard of the 30x94 ban-ner. For more information on thebanner district and upcoming spon-sorship opportunities please contactthe [email protected] or Jennifer Kvalvik at858-353-0634.

By: Leah R. Singer

Restaurants in Mira Mesa andScripps Ranch participated in thefirst-ever “Feast for the Fireworks”on June 8 and 9. On these specialdays, restaurants agreed to donate aportion of their evening purchasestoward the Scripps-Mesa FireworksFund. The event was coordinatedby the Mira Mesa Chamber ofCommerce.

The annual fireworks celebrationcosts $25,000 to put on this year. Assuch, residents of both communitiescame out in full-force to do their

part to keep the July 4th traditionalive. “Feast for the Fireworks” wasproceeded by an online auction forfireworks support. The Council ishoping to make this an annual tradi-tion to support the community.

Participating restaurants included:Ashoka the Great, Callahan’s,Capriccio’s, Chick-Fil-A, China Chef2, Daphne’s California Greek, ElPollo Loco, El Torito, Extreme Pita,Fuddruckers, Happy’s Sushi, PandaExpress (Mira Mesa and ScrippsRanch locations), Pat & Oscar’s,Pernicano’s, Pick Up Stix, Rubio’s,Stone Flats, and Yogurtland.

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Page 8: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 8

Mira Mesa Living Turns “1”

Leah R. Singer, Writer – Ms. Singer is a freelancewriter and blogs aboutfamily, motherhood,traditions, cooking andother such topics. Sheearned a master’s degreein communication andbachelor’s degree in journalism and politicalscience, both from San Diego State University.Ms. Singer enjoys living in Mira Mesa with herhusband, daughter, and animal family. Readmore about her at: leahsthoughts.com.

Steve Nicoles,Editor – Mr. Nicoles worked fornearly a decade as aprofessional televisionnews reporter. He bringsthat experience alongwith several journalismawards including a regional Emmy™ to Mira Mesa Living. As a graduate of SanDiego State University, Mr. Nicoles is excitedto be living and working in San Diego whilefocusing on one of the city’s most diverse andunique neighborhoods.

Michelle Tsai,Publisher – Ms. Tsai holds an MBA with an emphasis in finance and a BA inmarketing from University of San Diego.She has lived in the MiraMesa neighborhood for nearly a decade. Inthat time she has joined several committeesincluding serving as Vice President of theMira Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Tsaibelieves her strengths include connectingpeople and groups and building long-standing relationships in the community.

Michelle Tsai was approached by communityleaders to start a publication for Mira Mesabecause of her connections in the area. Shethought the commitment might overwhelm herbecause she already had a business in Mira Mesaand she did not have a team to work with her.

She never stopped thinking about the possibili-ty of a community-based magazine. One dayshe met Steve Nicoles at a coffee shop in MiraMesa. The two talked about Steve’s backgroundas a journalist; he spent nearly a decade as TVnews reporter winning multiple awards. Theyalso talked about Michelle’s desire to create amagazine promoting one of San Diego’s mostdiverse communities. Combined, their desirewas to create a publication that unite ourdiverse community by sharing positive storiesabout real people and spread good energy toignite and inspire others to make a difference inpeople’s lives..

It took a year from Michelle and Steve’s first dis-cussions before Michelle approached him in April2010 with the green light to move forward on thefirst issue, set for publishing before July 4th.

Leah Singer joined the team shortly after the firstpublication. She and her family moved to MiraMesa from Tierrasanta in 2005. One July after-

noon in 2010, Leah stumbled upon – and pro-ceeded to read cover to cover – the debut issueof Mira Mesa Living on their doorstep. A profes-sional writer by day and blogger by night, Leahimmediately contacted Michelle and asked howshe could get involved in this communityendeavor. Leah recalls leaving her initial meetingwith Michelle energized and excited to getinvolved with the publication as well as the com-munity. Leah has been writing articles for MiraMesa Living since the magazine’s second issue.

Publishing every other month has given the triotime to pursue their professional and personallives while having time to allow Mira MesaLiving to progress and advance with each issue.The biggest positive steps include moving to aglossy page format after the premiere issue andgetting kids from Mason Elementary School touse Mira Mesa Living for a school project. Theproject proved successful. Soon, childrenthroughout the San Diego Unified SchoolDistrict could have this magazine in their hands.

The staff has doubled from three to seven withphotographers Ted Brengel and Ron Morales andinterns Cecilia Areta and Cydelyn Rodriguez. Itgets larger each issue as Mira Mesa residents con-tribute news, information and pictures of every-thing Mira Mesa.

Photographer: Ron Morales

Ron grew up in Mira Mesa. He specializes in portraits, events, commercials and sports. Ron enjoys sharing his photography experience through his blog (www.zoomshots.net)

Ms. Debbie Campbell from Mason Elementary used Mira Mesa Living as a tool to teach her English Booster class this last spring!

Page 9: MML Jul/Aug 2011

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 9

Your vote will help us win a Small Business Grant!

You can vote for us in two ways:

1. LoveALocalBusiness.com – Enter Mira Mesa Living under business name and vote for us

2. Text2Vote – Text “6688” and Send it To “244326”

Please spread the word for us. Thank you for your support!

Mira Mesa Living’s vision is to unite our diversecommunity by sharing positive stories about real peopleand spread positive energy to ignite and inspire others

to make a difference in people’s lives.

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Mira Mesa Street Fair Program Deadline August 15thCall 858-335-2484 or

Email: [email protected] more info

Street Fair Photo Credits: Ted Brengel, BrengelPromotions.comPhoto by: Ted BrengelTed was born in Chicago and during his youth lived all over the country from Tustin,California to New Orleans Louisiana, and from Dallas, Texas to New York State. He devel-oped his love of photography at a tender age when his father gave him a camera for hisbirthday. As he grew older his father let Ted use his expensive German cameras on thecondition that he studied photography books his father brought home. After retiring fromactive duty in the U. S. Navy having served 21 years, Ted and his family moved to SanDiego permanently. Ted, now using completely digital technology, works at improving hisphotography business, Brengel Productions, and at keeping up with his grandchildren.

USMC Band and Silent Drill Platoon

Page 10: MML Jul/Aug 2011

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Message from the Marines andSailors of MCAS Miramar

The Marines and Sailors of Marine CorpsAir Station Miramar and the 3rd MarineAircraft Wing are excited to use thisopportunity to thank the Mira Mesacommunity for the unwavering supportand dedication in these challenging times.

Our Marines and Sailors are constantlydeploying to regions throughout theglobe, including the war in Afghanistan,and they do so with unwaveringdedication to support the United Statesof America. The support they receivefrom the local communities and theirfamilies helps them to focus on theirmissions. We are extremely grateful forthis vital support.

Independence Day is a specialday for every American. We takethis time to remember thesacrifices which gave us ourfreedom. We are honored to bepart of the Armed Forcesmaintaining that freedom today.

Here at home, we are committed members of the great communities. We live,

work and play with ouramazing neighbors. Our

enduring relationship withMira Mesa is most evident in

the myriad of activities ourmilitary men and women

participate in throughout theyear. From coaches and

mentors, to intramural sportsand school activities, your

Marines and Sailors arehonored to be part of the

devoted, patriotic and vibrantcommunity of Mira Mesa.

ThankYou!

I would like to offer my sincerecongratulations and gratitude to the MiraMesa Town Council and residents fortheir hard work and dedication inorganizing another successful Fourth of July celebration.

Each year Mira Mesa volunteers take the time out of their busyschedules to work tirelessly to raise funds and organize one of thelargest firework shows in the City, which is free of charge for all ofSan Diegans to enjoy.

I feel fortunate to represent such a diverse and unique communitylike Mira Mesa, filled with hard working and active residents.

Thank you again for your dedication and look forward tocontinuing to work with Mira Mesa residents in the future toimprove our community.

Sincerely,Carl DeMaio

page 10 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Page 11: MML Jul/Aug 2011

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This 4th of July, as we celebrate independence andfreedom with family and friends, please take amoment to remember those who have struggled andsacrificed to protect our country, especially those cur-

rently overseas in harm’s way.

As a veteran Marine, I know first-hand the sacrifices our service men andwomen abroad are making to defend the values that make the United Statesthe greatest country on earth. It is their sacrifice that allows the rest of us toenjoy family, friends, fireworks, and freedom. I am grateful for them and forthose who have served before.

Mira Mesa is a diverse San Diego community with strong cultural values,families and local businesses. It’s the steadfast commitment of communitygroup leaders that has made Mira Mesa such a wonderful place to live andsuch a great example of the American Dream. I wish the entire Mira Mesacommunity a happy and safe 4th of July!

The centennial of Marine aviation began in San Diegoearlier this year with a symposium of the MarineCorps Aviation Association. The Miramar Air Show,which will be themed "A Salute to San Diego:Birthplace of Naval Aviation 1911-2011," runs Sept. 30through Oct. 2. We hope to see you there.

This Independence Day, we join you in rememberingall who have made our freedom possible. This is ourtime to celebrate as Americans. We wish you andyour families a safe and memorable Fourth of July.

Semper Fidelis

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 11

Page 12: MML Jul/Aug 2011

Mira Mesa News & Announcements

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The Mira Mesa Town Council and the MiraMesa Chamber of Commerce present thefirst ever Miss Mira Mesa and Miss MiraMesa Teen Combined Pageant September10, 2011 at the Country Inn and Suites inMira Mesa.

This pageant, is open to girls 14 to 27years old who live in Mira Mesa or areemployed by a local business.

Miss Mira Mesa and Miss Mira MesaTeen will represent our community for oneyear at all community events, grand openings and happenings. Thewinners will also be presented with scholarships to be used tofurther their education and the entry fee to the next level pageant.

For more information please contact Maria Pankau, pageantcoordinator, at 858-271-1572 or [email protected].

Read About Mira Mesa’s HistoryAuthor Pam Stevensrecently held a booksigning for her newbook, detailing thegrowth of MiraMesa. She signedcopies at Barnes &Noble in Mira Mesaand copies of thebook are availablethere as well aswww.amazon.com.

Marauders 2nd Annual Youth Football CampThis summer the Mira Mesa Marauder football staff will be puttingon their 2nd Annual Youth Football Camp. This year the camp willbe on Saturday, July 9th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Mira MesaHigh School. The camp is for children ages 7 – 15. The cost for thecamp is $40 if you register by July 1st. After July 1st, the cost willbe $45. Walk-up registration is also welcome. Participants willreceive a free t-shirt and lunch will be provided. They will learnindividual and team techniques on both offense and defense. Formore information about the camp please contact Coach MikeGapasin at (858) 945-2163 or [email protected].

Summer Reading Program 2011Join the Summer Reading Program at the local Mira Mesa publiclibrary branch. Presented by the San Diego Public Library, thissummer tradition is a great way for the entire family to enjoy readingover the summer. The Program includes entertainment, story times,music and, of course, lots of great books! There are sign-up andcompletion prizes for children ages 0 – 11; teens ages 12 – 18; andeven adults. The Reading Program is underway now and ends August15. Families can sign up now at any public library location.

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page 12 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Page 13: MML Jul/Aug 2011

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Correction: In the previous issue of Mira Mesa Living, we wrote thata chair donated to the Taste of Mira Mesa was supplied by HageElementary. In fact, it was donated by Mason Elementary School.

Support Luke Barbarita and JDRF

The Juvenile DiabetesResearch Foundationis holding a contestcalled “Design YourOwn NASCAR.”Sandburg ElementarySchool student LukeBarbarita has achance to have hisartwork on NASCARdriver Trevor Baynes’car! Visitwww.jdrf.org/fordand select Luke’spicture. The winningchild and family get atrip to Dearborn, MIfor the unveiling of the car. Make a donation to keep Luke inthe top 5 and maybe get his design shown around the countryduring an upcoming race. All donations help JDRF researchtreatments and cures for Type 1 diabetes.

RSVP Needs VolunteersRSVP is an organization ofretired seniors who wish toserve our community. We assistthe San Diego PoliceDepartment (SDPD) in manyways. Duties include: the YANA(You Are Not Alone) program inwhich we check on shut-ins toinsure they are doing okay;check on homes for people whoare away on vacation; visit com-

munity parks, check and moni-tor schools and banks and writedisabled parking citations.

We need more volunteers.Qualifications are that you pos-sess a valid driver's license, be50 years or older and completea 40-hour SDPD Academy.Please contact the PoliceStorefront on Mira Mesa Blvd.or call 538-8156.

Senior Nutrition ProgramThe Verne Goodwin SeniorCenter provides a noon lunchMonday through Friday, exceptfor holidays. For seniors aged 60or older, the cost is just $4. Lunchis $6 for everyone else. Please signin and 10 - 15 minutes early onthe day of the meal.

Home delivered meals in MiraMesa/Scripps Ranch for sick, homebound and caregivers is availableon an individual or recurring status. Call the Senior NutritionProgram at (858) 578-8224 in advance for home delivery.

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 13

Page 14: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 14 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

The 4th ofJuly festivi-ties start inthe morn-ing, with thetraditionalp a n c a k ebreakfast host-ed by the BlackMountain Lodge#845 F&AM at theEpicentre at 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd.Since taking this event over for theMira Mesa Women’s Club in 2002the tradition has continued to be agreat way to start off the day. Themenu includes eggs, sausage, coffee,orange juice and of course, pancakes.Breakfast will be served from 7:00 to11:30 am.

The cost is$6.00 foradults or$3.00 forchildren

betweenthree and

eight. Thefunds raised

from this event helpsupport the fireworks dis-

play, the Epicentre programs, andscholarships for graduating students.Come on over and pick out a greatplace to watch the parade. The Lodgewill also have a picnic after the paradeand invites anyone to come over andmeet some of our members andwatch the fireworks.

Sweet Start for Independence Celebration

For more info call Bill Byous @ 858 337-7344. HAPPY JULY 4th!

4th of July VendorsH Barely Broke

Intellects

H Best Buy Mira MesaH Boy Scouts, Scripps-

Mesa District

H ChibuganH Coastal KonaH Egyptian DelightsH Gol Ice CreamH Harbor ChurchH Harmonium IncH Jamaican Jerk HutH Kettle MastersH Kona Ice

of San Diego

H Ledesma FoodsH Micken's Kettle

Corn

H Mira Mesa Theatre Guild

H Mira Mesa TownCouncil/Mira MesaChamber ofCommerce

H Newbreak ChurchH ScentsyH United Studios of

Self Defense

H WorldMark byWyndham

Thank You 4th of July Sponsors!

$1,000 - Roman Candles

H "Marvelous Marv, Realtor" at Property Gallery

H Praise Fellowship

$500 - Bottle Rockets

H Collins Family JewelersH Firestone Complete Auto Care,

Mira Mesa MallH Newbreak ChurchH Scripps Ranch Civic Association

$2,500 - Pyrotechnics

H Mira Mesa Recreation CouncilH Mira Mesa Town Council

Neighborhood Atmosphere • Attentive and Friendly StaffOver 11 Zumba® classes a week

This class fills up fast. Please call in advance to reserve your spot and redeem coupon when you

come in for a free class.

8292 Mira Mesa Blvd. (Near Vons)

858-549-3456www.beingfit.net

Page 15: MML Jul/Aug 2011

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 15

From all of us at

Hanson Aggregates,

We wish you

a safe and happy

4th of July.

Hanson Aggregates is proud to be a member of the Mira Mesa community

and a sponsor for the July 4th Fireworks.

Hanson

Dedicated Marine Named Parade Grand MarshallBy: Christopher Gunn

Don W. Gallagher graduated from Charles M. Russell HighSchool in Great Falls, Montana in 1979. Enlisting in theMarine Corps on March 3, 1980, he entered recruit train-ing at MCRD San Diego. Upon graduation of recruit train-ing he attended his MOS school at Infantry TrainingSchool Camp Pendleton, Calif. for training as a 0311Marine Rifleman.

Upon completion of school he received orders to MarineBarracks, Yokosuka, Japan, also serving at Atsugi Naval AirStation Japan. In January 1984, he returned to CONUS toFirst Tank Battalion, First Marine Division Camp Pendletonfor duty as a 0352 Antitank Assault Man. In 1986Gallagher completed a West Pac deployment withWeapons Company 1/1.

In August 1987, Sgt. Gallagher received orders to DrillInstructor School, MCRD San Diego. He was assigned toThird Recruit Training Battalion Kilo Company.

Upon completion of his successful tour in August 1990,Staff Sergeant Gallagher was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rdMarines, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. In September 1990, StaffSergeant Gallagher was deployed to Saudi Arabia for theGulf War, participating in Operations Desert Shield andDesert Storm into Kuwait. During this time Staff SergeantGallagher was assigned to Weapons Company 3/3, HeavyMachine Guns Platoon. In April 1991 he reported to KiloCompany 3/3 for MEU SOC operations with the Battalion,completing 2 UDP deployments to Camp HansenOkinawa Japan in 1992 and 1993.

In August 1993, Staff Sergeant Gallagher received orders

to Maine Maritime Academy Castine, Maine, for duty asan AMOI for the NROTC Program. During the summersof 1994 and 1995, Gunnery Sergeant Gallagher wasassigned to OCS Quantico, VA where he trained OfficerCandidates. In September 1996, Gunnery SergeantGallagher received orders to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines forduty. He served as the Company Gunnery Sergeant forAlpha Company, Bravo Company 1/5 and LimaCompany 3/5. He also served as the Company FirstSergeant for Weapons Company 1/5 and Headquartersand Service Company 1/5. During 1996 and 1999 hedeployed with 1/5 to the 31st MEU Okinawa Japan con-ducting operations in the Western Pacific.

In August 2000, First Sergeant Gallagher received ordersto Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion CampPendleton. In June 2001, First Sergeant Gallagher returnedto MCRD San Diego and was assigned to Second RecruitTraining Battalion, Golf Company as the Company FirstSergeant.

January 2003 he was selected to the rank of SergeantMajor. Sergeant Major Gallagher posted as Second RecruitTraining Battalion Sergeant Major May 2003, to September2004. Sergeant Major Gallagher then reported to 3rdMarine Air Wing, posting as MTACS-38 Sergeant MajorSeptember 2004 to December 2005.

In January 2006 he deployed to Al Asad Air base AlAnbar Province Iraq for OIF 05-07 as the MACG-38Sergeant Major FWD. Sergeant Major Gallagher posted asthe Sergeant Major, 1st Marine Regiment in December2006.

In January 2008 he deployed with Regiment Combat

Team-1 to Fallujah / RamadiAO East Al Anbar ProvinceIraq OIF 07-09 returning lateJanuary 2009. SergeantMajor Gallagher is posting asthe Third Marine Air WingSergeant Major August 2009.

Sergeant Major Gallagher’spersonal awards include:Bronze Star Medal,Meritorious Service Medalwith Gold Star, Navy andMarine Corps Commendation

Medal with Combat “V” andGold Star, Navy and MarineCorps Achievement Medalwith Gold Star, CombatAction Ribbon and GoodConduct Medal 9th Award.

Page 16: MML Jul/Aug 2011

13th Annual Mira Mesa Town Council Street Fair

September 17th 2011

Accepting Vendor Applications Now!Postmark Late Fee Deadline: August 6, 2011Last Day to Register: August 20, 2011

Copy of Seller’s Permit and/or Non Profit Status required. All vendors will be given a 10’x10’ space, and a Program listing. Tables, chairs and canopies are available for rent. Vendors can bring their own.

MMTC Members Non MMTC MembersBusiness Displays and Campaign Displays: $170.00 $220.00Crafter Displays: (Hand Crafted items) $80.00 $130.00Community Service/Non-profit Organizations: $60.00 $110.00Food Vendors 15’x10’ space $200.00 $250.00

Food Vendors must have Seller’s Permit and Health Permit. Please attach to the application. Follow guidelines from the Health Department

Rentals10’x10’ canopy............................................$90 each Electrical hookup (Generator Charge) .........$75.001Table and 2 chairs.....................................$20 (No personal generators allowed)

Security Deposit (Separate Check) $20.00Late Fee after August 6, 2011 $50.00

Please fill out Vendor Applications on line: http://www.miramesatowncouncil.org

10:00 am to 5:00 pmCamino Ruiz,

North of Mira Mesa Boulevard

Page 17: MML Jul/Aug 2011

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 17

Bringing the Community Together!

“Marvelous Marv” MilesReal Estate Broker

The “Real” Mr. Mira Mesa34 Years of Experience

Cell 619-993-8401

Marv MilesDRE# 00585385

Property GalleryArea’s Oldest Real Estate Office9396 Mira Mesa Boulevard

"Marvelous Marv" Miles has again been awarded the prestigious

Five Star Professional Award. This award is earned, not given. ........

By: Cecilia V. Areta

During the April 4 Town Council meeting, thecommunity of Mira Mesa was unofficially deemedthe model community for the smart phone applica-tion called CartSnap.

Throughout March the Mira Mesa Town Councilpartnered up with CartSnap to host a cart reportingcontest using the CartSnap iPhone application.iPhone owners downloaded the CartSnap app forfree and used it to report abandoned shoppingcarts in Mira Mesa. Town Council President TedBrengel said he was proud that Mira Mesa cametogether as a community to be deemed the modelcommunity of CartSnap.

During the meeting Coleen Murdock wasannounced the official winner from candidateswho submitted acceptable pictures. Murdock wasselected at random and received a gift basket of

various merchandise and gift certificates to MiraMesa businesses.

Everyday throughout Mira Mesa, dozens of shop-ping carts are ditched in the neighborhood anddumped in back alleys. Serving as a key element inour commerce driven society, carts act as modernday pack-mules carrying goods down the aisles ofstores and across large parking lots to waiting cars.For those shoppers without transportation, thesecarts often make the slow journey home only to becast aside after reaching their driver’s destination.

To combat what has been deemed a public nui-sance, the city has passed numerous laws making itillegal to be in possession of a shopping cart in pub-lic and will fine businesses for allowing customersto repeatedly make-off with them. Some carts havebeen equipped with wheel-locking devices andsome markets in Mira Mesa have attached tall polesso as to not let them out of the door, yet many stillescape. As a last resort, contractors are hired toscour the neighborhood in search of stolen push-carts, which are then sold back to their respectiveestablishments to wait for the next customer andpossibly the start of another strange odyssey.

With the help of CartSnap, MiraMesa residents are able to help storeowners and other community mem-bers report abandoned carts. Now itis noticed that carts are rarely seenaround the neighborhood. When anabandoned cart’s location is lockedunder global tracking, CartSnapautomatically sends a message tothe California Shopping CartRetrieval Corporation and the cartis picked up the next day.

CartSnap

For more information about CartSnap visit www.cartsnap.com or www.miramesatowncouncil.org

Page 18: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 18

By: Councilmember Carl DeMaio

How often have you driven downMira Mesa Blvd and seen a largepothole in the road? Or even worse,discovered it right after your car runs itover? You want to report the problemto the City when you get home, butby the time you get there you haveforgotten the location of the pothole.Unfortunately with no one reporting it,the pothole only gets larger and moredangerous.

This scenario has unfortunately become a Mira Mesa tradition and isa common story I hear when meeting with residents. They arefrustrated by the state of their road conditions and feel that thereshould be more simple and efficient way to report potholes in theCity of San Diego.

After hearing these concerns my office decided to partner with anoutside firm to develop “San Diego 311” a Smartphone app andonline widget that serves as a one stop shop of City services andstreamlines how those services are provided.

San Diego residents can report potholes, abandoned vehicles, graffiti,

illegal dumping, broken sidewalks andmuch more instantaneously fromtheir Android, Blackberry or I-Phones.The program can also be accessedonline through an online widget.

San Diego 311 uses the latest geo-tagging technology to automaticallyprovide the problem’s location whenresidents report problems from theirphones. This simplifies the reportingprocess for residents and speeds upthe time for City employees to respond to the report.

This program finally catches the City up to modern day technologyand creates a new platform that will cut costs and provide aninstrument that easily allows residents to report problems in theircommunity.

San Diego 311 literally puts City services at residents’ fingertips, andI hope you’ll join me in downloading this app to start improving ourcommunity today.

For instructions on how to download the App and Widget pleasevisit http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd5/ or contact our officeat 619-236-6655 or email [email protected]

Bringing City Services to your Fingertips

Speak Now for a Unified Mira MesaBy: Mitz Lee

Mira Mesa’s future is being considered by the city’sRedistricting Commission. Those of us that live here andraise a family in Mira Mesa know how important it is tokeep Mira Mesa together. Others, for political reasons,

There are few simple ways to support a “unified Mira Mesa”:

1. Email the Redistricting Commission:[email protected]

2. Sign the APAC online petition tosupport the APAC map (online petition found athttp://www.change.org/petitions/fair-representation-for-asian-and-pacific-americans-in-san-diego)

3. Call the Redistricting Commission:619-533-3060

4. Send a letter to: Members of theRedistricting Commission, 1010 Second Ave., Suite 1060, San Diego,CA 92101

5. Send a fax to the RedistrictingCommission: 619-533-3085

6. Attend the Redistricting Commissionmeetings: for meeting dates, times and locations, visitwww.sandiego.gov/redistricting.

If not you, who? If not now, when?

want to split Mira Mesa into twoparts. Now is the time to lend yourvoice and stand together for aunified Mira Mesa.

Every ten years, a RedistrictingCommission comprised of SanDiego citizen-residents convenesto draw new city council districtboundaries based on the latestcensus data. In addition, whenvoters approved the Strong Mayorform of government in 2010, theyalso approved the creation of anew Ninth City Council District tocoincide with the censusredistricting.

The Redistricting Commission has thesole authority to change theboundaries of the city council districtsand they will shape the direction ofSan Diego politics for years to come.To keep partisan politics fromdominating the process, theRedistricting Commission is chargedwith uniting “communities of

interest” into the same city councildistrict to help ensure fair andeffective representation.

Voices have emerged asking theRedistricting Commission to splitMira Mesa into two different citycouncil districts and deny fair andeffective representation to ourMira Mesa neighborhoods.

Mira Mesa and our neighboringcommunities of RanchoPeñasquitos, Miramar Key West andKearny Mesa function as a cohesiveunit with similar demographics,shared transportation andmunicipal infrastructure, and policeand fire-fighting resourcesconstitute a community of interestand need to be united whendrawing the new council districtboundaries. (See APAC ProposedMap.)

7

15

8

6

2

4

3Current City Council Boundary

APAC Proposed CityCouncil DistrictsDistrict (Total Population*)

1 (144,508)

2 (144,201)

3 (144,575)

4 (144,209)

5 (144,704)

6 (144,970)

7 (144,434)

8 (144,931)

9 (145,427)

9

* 2010 U.S. Census

Mitz Lee is a resident of Mira Mesa since 1983, former Vice President, Board of Education, San Diego UnifiedSchool District and the co-convener of the Asian & Pacific American Coalition (APAC).

Page 19: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 19

Dine in • Take Out • Catering

858-527-0072 • 10550 Camino Ruiz • Inside Vinh Hung Supermarket

$2OFF

Two CombosPlease present coupon.

Not valid with otheroffers. Expires 8-31-11

$10OFF

Catering of $50 or more

Please present coupon.Not valid with other

offers. Expires 8-31-11

Photo by Ron Moralez, www.ZoomShots.net

Lunch u Dinner u Take Out u Catering OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-10PM

9474 Black Mountain Rd.858-695-9749

www.ashokasd.com

FREELUNCH

or DINNERUP TO $12 VALUE.

Buy 1 Entree at Reg. Price and 2 BeveragesGet 2nd Entree of Equal or Lesser Value FREE.

One per table. Excluded Buffet and Thalis.Dine in only. Expires 8-31-11

CUISINE OF INDIA

By: Alexander Nguyen

Just FYI, bánh mì (sans diacritics) is now an Englishword according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Inthe latest update to its dictionary, OED, the arbiter ofproper language usage, added several culinary words.Banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, is now ubiquitousenough to be included.

“As the culinary appetites of the English-speaking worldgrow ever more diverse, loan words referring to newcuisines are a perennial source of new OED entries,”

One of the most well knownVietnamese appetizers out there isshrimp spring rolls, also known asGoi Cuon. It is a healthy dish that isrelatively easy to make. Tinh Nguyen,a resident of Mira Mesa, has gladlyprovided her rendition of the GoiCuon recipe. Mrs. Nguyen foundherself residing in Mira Mesa becausea number of her family members hadchosen to live in the neighborhoodand she decided to raise her family offour in the community as well. Mrs.Nguyen is currently a manicurist andan active member of Good SheppardChurches Vietnamese choir. Shefrequently cooks traditionalVietnamese dishes for her family andfriends. Goi Cuon is among herfavorite appetizers to make.

How to Cook:Dipping sauce:

1. Combine hoisin sauce, coconutmilk, rice vinegar and onion in ablender and puree.

2. Place mixture in a saucepan andbring to a boil, reduce heat andsimmer for a few minutes, addingwater to maintain creamyconsistency when necessary.

3. Place some dipping sauce in smallbowls and top it off with roastedpeanuts.

Bánh Mì OED editor Katherine Connor Martin said in a statement.

Bánh mì in Vietnamese refers to both thebread and the sandwich made from saidbread. Bánh means bread and mì meanswheat, the word literally means wheat bread.

Banh mi joins another culinary word, pho,

Vietnamese noodle soup, as the onlyVietnamese words to have entered theEnglish language.

Mira Mesa, of course, is home to a largeVietnamese population and has severalbanh mi shops and pho restaurants.

Prepare rolls: 1. Cut pork into thin strips.2. Peal shrimp, remove the heads.3. Boil vermicelli for about 2 to 3

minutes, then rinse in cold waterand drain.

4. Separate cilantro into sprigs thatare of the right size to go ontothe rolls.

5. Wet rice papers, one at a time.6. Place some noodles, pork,

shrimp, lettuce, bean sprouts,basil and cilantro on each roll.

7. Fold in the sides, and wrap thetop down and roll up, envelopestyle, keeping tension tightenough to stay wrapped.

8. Place it on a plate and coverwith a very damp paper towel,while you finish the others.

9. Repeat until all ingredients arecompiled in the wraps.

10. Eat and enjoy!

Vietnamese Shrimp Spring

Rolls - Goi CuonBy: Cecilia V. Areta

Ingredients:Shrimp Spring Rolls:

½ pound of cooked lean pork½ pound of cooked shrimp1 pkg of rice vermicelli1 pkg of rice paper sheets1 bunch of cilantro1 cup of basil1 head of lettuce, shredded 2 cups blanched bean sprouts

Sauce:½ cup of chopped peanuts2⁄3 coup of hoisin sauce2⁄3 cup of coconut milk1⁄3 cup of chopped onions¼ cup of rice vinegar

Photos by: Olivia Vu

Page 20: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 20 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

By: Grady Blumenthal

Part of being an American is havinga shared investment in a rich heritagethat dates back over 200 years; race,religion, and ethnicity are irrelevant.Without the Spanish, French, English,African slaves, American Indians andall the immigrants that came later,we would not be the nation we aretoday. Though many of us claim thisgreat heritage, the meaning of theword patriotism has really beenwatered down and convoluted overtime for most. And don’t botherlooking in a dictionary. Living the lifeof a true American Patriot is far morethan written words in a book; it's astate of mind, a love for your countryand above all else, the principles of

freedom and democracy that wereinstilled in us by those who pennedthe documents by which ourgovernment continues to be bound.As a nation, we have often forgottenthose ideals, pushed them aside forreasons of profit, religion or sheerbigotry. But in spite of it all, they havesomehow survived.

It’s easy for most Americans tobecome complacent in theirpatriotism. For most of us, raising afamily, keeping a roof over our headand putting food on the table ranksmuch higher on the priority list thansitting around pondering themeanings of such lofty words such as“patriotism.” And don’t get mewrong: it should rank higher. As aresult, we work hard and keep ourheads down. We get used to thefamiliar faces in our communities,the familiar ideas, the familiar waysof life. We forget that there is a muchlarger nation out there – that we arepart of something bigger. We assumethat our communities represent thegreater America when, simply put,they do not. In short, whether youlive in Beverly Hills, South CentralLA, or a small Iowa farmingcommunity, it’s easy to forget wherewe came from.

So in celebration of the upcomingFourth of July, I approach my readerswith an opportunity to better theirunderstanding of the wordpatriotism, and with it, empowertheir own lives with the ideals thatcreated this great country. It’s asimple enough idea, yet many of usneglect to take advantage of it.Travel! Sure, kicking back in yourhometown at a family BBQ withbeer and burgers is great – in fact I’llbe the first to crack a beer with you,but what’s patriotic about that? Hascelebrating the fourth really come tomean nothing but scoring a buzz andputting on a few extra pounds? Sothis fourth I challenge you. FromMaine to San Diego, Florida toAlaska, and everywhere in between,there’s a lot to see, and if you haven’tyet experienced other ways of life inthis great country, you’re reallymissing the beauty of it all.

If you’re serious about being apatriot and don’t want to break thebank in order to see a bit of theworld, check out AskAboutTravel’seBay store. Its chock-full ofdestinations around the worldpriced at 30%-70% off. Visithttp://stores.ebay.com/AskAboutTravel.

Your experts for Luxury Travel &

Honeymoons To Hawaii,Mexico, Caribbean and South Pacific!

from sea to shining sea...

Sponsored by: ASKABOUTTRAVEL.COM

858 768 2610

Page 21: MML Jul/Aug 2011

THIS YEAR THEMMHS FOUNDATION HAS...

DONATED NEARLY $20,000 TOVARIOUS PROGRAMS AROUND CAMPUS.

But most of all, we were overwhelmed by community support! Thank you to all who have celebrated with us!Membership $25 - Silver includes entrance to two free athletic events

$40 - Gold includes entrance to four free athletic events$60 - Platinum includes entrance to six free athletic events

For all the latest updates on what the Foundation is doing, visit us on Facebook! And be sure to "like" our Farmer's Market Facebook page as well!

For more information, please go to MiraMesaHighSchoolFoundation.org or call (858)692-7662

PMB 264 10606-8 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126

We also sponsored our 1st Annual GolfTournament to benefit the Athletic Department

We also indulged with the town at our 6th Annual Taste of Mira Mesa

Celebrated the news that we were one of only six schools awarded as both a

California Distinguished School AND Exemplary Career Technical Education Program School!

Photos byCindi Mitchell

Page 22: MML Jul/Aug 2011

page 22 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Mira Mesa Living

Parenting Is Too Important!We have the latest information you need to know.

Check out our new blog athttp://harmonium-sd.tumblr.com

Or visit us on Facebook or Twitter.

Call Us At 858-684-3080

Harmonium has been providing a wide variety ofCommunity-Based Services for families since 1975

Services that promote well-beinggniell-bewe tomorpthats cevireS

Sandburg Elementary SchoolPrincipal Leads With the Heart

By: Leah R. Singer

Laurie Hinzman’s love of children, teaching andlearning began at a very early age. When she wasjust 7-years-old, her parents bought her a chalk-board for her personal “classroom.” With thattool, she began “teaching” her neighborhoodpeers reading and other school skills from herfamily’s own home. Now – as the outgoing prin-cipal of Sandburg Elementary School –Hinzman’s love of teaching is still running strong.

Hinzman was principal of Sandburg Elementarysince 2004, overseeing approximately 720 stu-dents each year. Although she left the school atthe end of the 2010-11 school year, Hinzmanloves the work she accomplished in this MiraMesa school.

She firmly believes that education – of both chil-dren and adults – starts with life skills such asbeing kind and respectful to each other. “Oncethose are built, the expectations for academicsfollows,” said Hinzman.

“Since I’ve been [at Sandburg] we have estab-lished a mini community reform model,”

said Hinzman. “We have built a community oflearners who take pride around learning and theschool. The staff works very collaborativelytogether. We create a vision, our goals and corevalues. That’s what drives our work.”

Sandburg’s vision includes that all children willbe honored for their individual talents, and theteachers will do their best to ensure the studentsacquire the knowledge they need and studentswill always be groomed to grow to their poten-tial.

It’s critical to Hinzman that Sandburg creates alearning environment where all children want tocome to school. Sandburg has demonstrated thatcommitment by consistently being one of thetop Mira Mesa elementary schools for studentattendance.

An aspect of learning and education that

Hinzman has beenpassionate about formany years is whatshe calls leading fromthe heart. While aclassroom teacher fornearly 20 years,Hinzman was constantly taking notes on variousleadership styles and the ways in which ideasand suggestions were presented to teachers andschool district employees. She often found her-self noting phrases like, “If only you used thistone…” or “If only you had said the phrase thisway, a much different result would have hap-pened.”

It was thoughts such as these and her history ofnotes and ideas that prompted Hinzman toreturn to school and obtain her administrativecredential. She then became vice principal – andlater principal – at Lindbergh SchweitzerElementary School, and then SandburgElementary School.

Page 23: MML Jul/Aug 2011

Still, Hinzman’s ideas for leading better andfrom the heart persisted and eventuallybecame the components of her book,“Leadership, the Heart Matters”. In fact, theseven sections of the book representHinzman’s core values and beliefs of teach-ing. She stresses – above all - taking time toremember the heart and that the TLC mat-ters in everything we do. She believes leadingand facilitating with the heart will create ana-lytical and critical thinkers for life.

Hinzman is also a believer in telling storiesand finding the stories of the students. As ateacher, she would often wonder why shewas not reaching certain children. She quick-ly realized that in order to teach studentsusing different learning styles, she needed tolearn the stories of the children, that is, howeach child learns.

“Every child comes to us with their own sto-ries about their home life, relationships,upbringing, ability to interact with other chil-dren,” said Hinzman. “We need to assesstheir strengths and weaknesses. As we teachand model knowledge, we need to presentin different ways. It’s important for peopleand children to tell their stories. My missionin life is to coach educators to model andunderstand the children’s uniqueness, andweave that into our teaching.”

Listening to the school’s story is one wayHinzman urges the community to becomeinvolved in education. She encourages par-ents and community members to be wellinformed about the state of education, andto seek answers from expects.

“Come in and discover the heart of what wedo. Let us tell the story and give you theinside story.”

Hinzman’s work has not gone unrecognized.She was awarded the 2010 ElementaryPrincipal of the Year by the Association ofCalifornia School Administrators for the SanDiego and Imperial Counties. This was thefirst time in many years a principal from SanDiego Unified School District received thisaward.

She is proud of what has been accomplishedat Sandburg Elementary and feels fortunateto have been part of the Mira Mesa commu-nity for the past seven years.

“I absolutely have fallen in love with thecommunity,” said Hinzman. “I tell peopleMira Mesa is the jewel community in SanDiego. Residents love their children. Familyand schools are a priority here. This is anawesome community.”

Learn more about Laurie Hinzman and pur-chase her book, “Leadership, the Heart Matters”,at www.leadershiptheheartmatters.com.

In Times of NeedAREA YOUTH TURN TO

TEEN ADVISORY COUNCILBy: Charmaigne Justiniano

Many teenagers turn to theTeen Advisory Council (TAC) intime of need and help. There,teens are able to be heard,serve the community in avariety of ways, as well as learnlife skills such as speaking to anaudience, time management,etc. TAC is known for itspersevering attitude!

One of the many goals TACplans on pursuing is serving thecommunity as much as possible.Recently, the teens wereengaged in the AmericanCancer Society’s Relay for Life.There, the teens took their timeto walk laps at Hilltop Park for24 hours straight, just for cancervictims. Within the event, theywere also congratulated withtwo awards: Best All-AroundRookie Team and Most SpiritedTeam. In addition, theysuccessfully raised over $1,200to help cancer research andprovide for services to victimsand their families. This is justone of the many things that TACparticipated and succeeded in.

In addition to what the TAC hasachieved this year, the youth ofEpicentre’s Eco-Eventerprise

won the Regional Junior Achievement “Next BestThing” Entrepreneurial showcase, and are now on theirway to Washington DC to compete in a nationalcompetition. Stay tuned to hear the results of the DCexperience and competition.

With the school year ending, the TAC and Eco-Eventerprise are currently looking for new dedicatedmembers to join their teams and are currentlynominating new officers. A new year comes with awhole new door of opportunities.

If you or anyone you know would like to join the Teen Advisory Council, please contact

Sigrid Batara at (858) 217-5636, come by theEpicentre at 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd, 92126, or go to our link and download the application form at www.harmoniumsd.org/services/youth-epicentre.

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for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 25

For more information Call Alex Delgado 858-922-8205

Enter Your Home To Win A $200 Home Depot Gift Certificate!

Go to www.MiraMesaLiving.com and vote for the Mira Mesa home you think has the most Curb Appealand you can Win a Dinner for 2 just for participating!

Here’s how it works: Go to MiraMesaLiving.com to vote for the Mira Mesa home with the most Curb Appeal! You can also nominate

homes by sending photos and descriptions to [email protected] names of the nominated homes from top to bottom: #1 Embry Point Home, #2 Canright Way and #3 Northrup Dr.

Voters can view photos and vote for these homes on MiraMesaLiving.com. Each Mira Mesa Living issue will feature three nominated homes.

1

2

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DRE License #01379675

Temple Adat Shalom TeacherWins National Prize

By: Jan Liebman

Temple Adat Shalom’s, BeLinda Singer, teacher of middle school and highschool students at Temple Adat Shalom’s Mosad Shalom Religious School,and preschool teacher of 4 year-olds for the TAS Ganon Gil preschool isthe San Diego recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award forExcellence in Jewish Education for 2011. This award recognizes andhonors outstanding teachers across North America who have made acommitment in the field of Jewish education in formal Jewish educationalsettings. BeLinda is a graduate of Mira Mesa High School.

BeLinda was nominated by Mosad Shalom Director of Education SusanCohn for her love of children, her natural gift and talent for

teaching all ages, her intense curiosity and for her passion forJudaism and Israel. Temple Adat Shalom’s Rabbi DavidCastiglione said, “BeLinda is a beloved teacher within ourschools. She is a teacher, guide and resource for theyoungest of our students, our middle school students andour senior high school students.”

Ganon Gil Preschool Director Marilyn Milne said, “Eachday BeLinda approaches her work with positive energy and

unique ideas. BeLinda has exceptional qualities in her abilityto relate to children, parents, and families.”

The Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award will be presentedto BeLinda at the annual San Diego Back toSchool Teacher Workshop on Sunday, August28th. At that time she will receive nationalrecognition, a $1,000 cash prize and $1,000Award stipend for her own professionaldevelopment. In addition, Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award winners become part of a

newly formed Community of Practice togetherwith other outstanding educators.

By: Ann Marie Council

Who hasn’t known a teacher that wentabove and beyond for them or theirchild? Those of us raising children in MiraMesa are especially lucky because wehave so many outstanding teachers whogo above and beyond for our childrenevery day. The Community AdvisoryCommittee for Special Education in theSan Diego Unified School District (CAC)gives ”Above and Beyond” Awards eachyear to outstanding teachers who findcreative ways to educate special needschildren. This year five Mira Mesateachers were nominated for this award.Only 13 awards for all of the San DiegoUnified School District were given andover 140 teachers were nominated.Hickman Elementary teacher MelissaMartinez and Ericson Elementary teacherRhoda Stephens-Yoder received 2 of

these 13 coveted awards. Additionally,Ericson Elementary teacher DebbieChiles, Walker Elementary teacher EthanSalsitz and Wagenheim middle-schoolteacher Suzanne McCurley were selectedfor the 2011 CAC “Above and Beyond”Honor Roll.

Melissa Martinez was honored for herinnovative teaching methods that helpeda behaviorally challenged child adaptand thrive in a general educationclassroom. Rhoda Stephens-Yoderhelped a family whose house was lost tofire by advocating for their children’sscholastic consistency and coordinating acommunity effort to assist them.

For more information on the CAC,contact them via email [email protected] orat www.sandi.net.

Mira Mesa Teachers Honored

Page 26: MML Jul/Aug 2011

Class of 2010 Paysto Honor MMHS

By: Steve Nicoles

Mira Mesa High School studentscan look up and see the class of2010 towering dozens of feetabove them. Last year’s graduat-ing class donated more than$11,000 for a mural overlookingthe lunch quad area. AlexToporovsky, owner of ModernMasters Studio in La Mesa, andhis staff spent two months paint-ing a 23-feet high wall. “I thinkit’s great for all of them. I hopeit’s here for 30 to 40 years tocome so a lot of generations willsee it,” said Toporovsky.

According to MMHS PrincipalScott Giusti, most outgoing class-es have extra money, and thatcash is generally willed to anoth-er class. Last summer, after grad-uation, a group of the former stu-dents met with Giusti to tell himthey wanted to do something dif-

ferent and leave their mark onthe campus. Together, theylooked at several possible proj-ects, including sculptures, beforedeciding on the mural. It show-cases a marauder man andwoman, each more than 18 feettall. In the center of the mural isan enormous Mira Mesa HighSchool logo with the phrase “Lifeis blue & gold.”

Johanna Spencer was the class of2010’s advisor for four years. Sheis very proud of how the youngkids she mentored as freshmenturned into adults by graduation.“Over four years you build rela-tionships. It was very rewardingfor me. I am very lucky to workwith a great group of kids,” sadSpencer.

“A GREAT PLACE TO GROWSINCE 1978”

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K– 5TH GRADE OFFERING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

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9028 WESTMORE RD., MIRA MESA

858-566-1741

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For more than three and halfdecades, Mira Mesa Youth Footballand Cheer Association (MMYFC)has been an integral component ofyouth athletics in Mira Mesa.MMYFC provides boys and girls,between the ages of 5-14, theopportunity to learn and participatein football and cheer in an organ-ized, supervised, and safe environ-ment. In addition, school and edu-cation are a priority for MMYFCand, as such, the Association worksdiligently with parents and childrento promote and recognize thescholastic achievement of partici-pants. Through its affiliation with

The San Diego Youth Football andCheer Conference (SDYFCC), vol-unteers at MMYFC are providedwith a wealth of skill-building camps,thus assuring that the children of theorganization are taught the skill setsnecessary for success, either on thefield, on the mat or in the classroom.The organization is deeply commit-ted to the Mira Mesa communityand recognizes that participation inyouth athletics can be difficult.Thus, MMYFC tries to assist, asmuch as limited funds allow, withsponsorships to help families withchildren who want to participate infootball or cheer. Through the self-

less dedication of its volun-teers (including BoardMembers, Coaches,General Managers andTeam Parents) and the spir-it of its participants (andtheir parents) MMYFC willcontinue to create and pro-vide a positive atmospherefor the benefit and enjoy-ment of Mira Mesa and itssurrounding communities.

Mira Mesa YouthFootball and Cheer

For sign ups or for more

information call

858-824-5669or go to www.mmchargers.org

page 26 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Page 27: MML Jul/Aug 2011

By: Cecilia V. Areta

The Pacific Coast Theatre Company (PCTC)was formed in 2009 by a group of MiraMesa High School Alumni who had beenactive with the schools dramatic arts depart-ment, working on the set by touching basefrom everything from acting to set design,choreography and more.

Andrew McAtee, the founding President ofPCTC, has been involved in theatre since hisfreshman year in high school. He held posi-tions such as the Technical Director,Production Manager, Set Designer and MasterCarpenter. McAtee also gains his experiencefrom being a part of the American RoseTheatre where he worked on set constructionand as a member of the running crew. Heformed this company to help continue thelove of dramatic arts in Mira Mesa. He want-ed to contribute to his own community aswell as pay his dues to the place where hispassion for the stage began.

PCTC is currently the only non-school the-atre producing full length plays in the MiraMesa community. It has produced fourplays in Mira Mesa and is working on thefifth production which will be a musical. Afew of the productions include "Art" byYasmina Reeza and “Laughing Wild” byChristopher Durang, both performed atMira Mesa High School. PCTC held audi-tions for the new musical “Poof” in June.

On March 20, core members and support-ers got together to celebrate PCTC’s secondanniversary at their Annual AnniversaryBarbecue. Key members such as NickTonkin, the founding Treasurer, Sean Fahey,the founding Secretary and Gustavo Garcia,the founding Vice President, were there tocelebrate the progression of their companyand upcoming projects.

The founding members did not want theirexperience to end and they wanted toshare their love of theatre with the commu-nity and help local schools keep dramaticarts active. PCTC has been greatly involvedwith Mira Mesa High School. Members vol-unteer with the high school’s technical the-ater department and help the drama classesby conducting improvisational workshops.They plan on continuing their participationin Mira Mesa’s dramatic arts department byconducting plays and implementing theirknowledge to the students at the highschool. They stated that “as a communitytheatre we love finding people for whomlocal theatre is important.”

PCTC is continuously looking volunteersto help with productions. For more infor-mation visit www.pacificcoasttheatre.com

or follow them on Facebook.

Jeff Stevens:

By: Leah R. Singer

Most Mira Mesa residents know Jeff Stevens as a faith-ful community member involved in several aspects ofcommunity living. But what most people do not knowis that he is one of only a few hundred geophysicists inthe world that specialize in nuclear seismologyresearch.

While Stevens did not anticipate he would study geo-physics and seismology for a living, he knew from anearly age he always wanted to be a scientist. This loveof science is what prompted him to study physics as anundergraduate and later while earning his doctorate.

Stevens began his career 30 years ago as a geophysicistfor the San Diego-based company S-Cubed (Systems,Science and Software), which later became part ofSAIC (where Stevens works today). He and his wife,Pam, have been Mira Mesa residents since 1980.Stevens’ work uses seismology, analysis of groundmotion recorded on a global network of seismometers,to identify nuclear explosions and the seismic impactsuch explosions have throughout the world.

The recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan, and itssubsequent nuclear impact, is an example of the typeof simulation Stevens has studied in his work. “We esti-mate the amount of shaking expected at a nuclearpower plant from a large earthquake,” said Stevens.

His work also involves the monitoring of nuclear test-ing throughout the world based on theComprehensive Test Ban Treatysigned by then-PresidentClinton in 1999. Whilethat treaty wasnever officially rat-ified, it stillremains thenuclear guide-line by whichmost countriesabide. Stevens’work revolvesaround conductingthe research that allowshim and other geophysiciststo identify a nuclear explosionwhen it occurs in the world. According toStevens, this work can be difficult because natural-occurring phenomenon such as earthquakes and otherman-made events such as quarry blasts generate seis-mic signals similar to a nuclear explosion. Scientistssuch as Stevens must distinguish between somethingnuclear and natural.

Using the recent events in Japan as anexample, Stevens notes the release ofradioactivity from the Japanese nuclearpower plants (which resulted from theearthquake) tests very similar to that ofa nuclear explosion. However, Stevensis quick to point out the damage inflict-ed from the tsunami and earthquake isfar more devastating than the amountsof radiation that was released as a resultof those disasters.

One aspect of Stevens’ work he hasenjoyed is the traveling throughout theworld. He travels to Vienna, Austria sev-eral times a year, and has studied geot-hermal energy in Japan. His work hasalso taken him to Beijing and Moscow.

One of Stevens’ most memorable travelsis attending a conference in Germanythat later turned into a family vacation.Stevens’ daughter, Brenda, was studyingabroad at the University of Bristol in

England at the time. She joined herfather in Berlin following the

conference. And later,Pam and their

other daughter,Sharon, flew

to meetthem inParis for afull familyvacation.

WhenStevens is not

testing seismicearthquake and

nuclear activity, he isheavily involved in the Mira

Mesa community. He has served on theMira Mesa Town Council, PlanningGroup, and the Recreation Council forseveral years. Stevens has enjoyed beinga Mira Mesa resident for the past 30years and is proud to have raised twochildren in the proud community.

Mira Mesa Resident and Member of the Global GeophysicsCommunity

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 27

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page 28 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Mira Mesa Living

Comic-Con’s Hometown HeroBy: Steve Nicoles

Two decades of drawing and attending Comic-Conconventions led Otto Dieffenbach, IV to a career asa concept designer and illustrator for companieslike Lucasfilm, New Line Cinema and Microsoft. In2008, Otto reached a pinnacle moment in hiscareer. While attending a convention in Japan, afive-year-old girl approached his booth. Eventhrough a language barrier, Otto understood thegirl liked the character Yoda from Star Wars. Ottohanded the girl a drawing of Yoda hemade that day and her face lit upwith excitement and gratitude. Ottolater saw that the girl had hung upthe picture in her room, much likethe article from a newspaper describ-ing Comic-Con 1993, Otto’s first,hangs in the bedroom of his MiraMesa home to this day. Otto said,“That one moment made it reward-ing and solidified this is what I wantto do.”

As much as his art brightened that lit-tle girl’s day a few years ago, the artfrom Otto’s godfather’s sons havespawned a love for drawing that puthim on a path to work with some ofthe biggest companies in the indus-try. Otto says it is pretty cool thatsome of his drawings of charactersfrom popular movies like Star Warsand Lord of the Rings sell around theworld for more than $100. Laughing,he said, “They’re selling for a lotmore than I got paid for them.”

Otto can joke now, but he put inserious hours to reach the levelwhere a shopper can walk into Target, buy a pack-age of Lord of the Rings trading cards and find hedrew and signed. It started in the summer of 1993as his godfather’s sons were drawing and had abooth at that year’s Comic-Con. Back then theevent was much less a spectacle than today, Ottosaid. He could easily walk around. No one dressedup as their favorite characters. Today he calls theevent a madhouse. The 42nd annual Comic-Conruns at the Convention Center from July 21-24 andtickets sold out minutes after going on sale. Ottowill spend most of an hour to buy a pen to makemore drawings. Hundreds, if not thousands, of peo-ple dress up as everyone from Luke Skywalker toBilbo Baggins; you can see literal armies of StormTroopers led by Darth Vader.

Otto loves how the convention has transformed into a spectacle. Fans dress up for other fans.He calls it a community of people sharing what they love. The same love that Japanese girl foundin her original Yoda sketch. The same love Otto felt back in 1993 when he saw his friends cre-ate a life-size image of the Marvel Comic Superhero Silver Surfer and then sell it at a charity auc-tion. Otto said, “Art always helped me and now I got to see it help others.”

For years, Otto filled notebooks with drawings. If he finished a school test early, he would scrib-ble on the border of the test pages. Drawing consumed his early years and helped him throughthe difficult stretches of adolescence that plague all of us. He said, “For me, art was a crutch toget through the rough patches. To take a negative of my life and make a positive.”

Otto often vented his frustrations of the day onto apiece of paper, creating images some might considerdisturbing. “I probably scared my mom a bit, but itwas art, so she encouraged it,” Otto remembers.

Family support helped Otto stay focused on hisdrawings. He said he needed to hit milestones andovercome obstacles to maintain his motivation andgrow as an artist. His family and Comic-Con fueledhis enthusiasm. Once Otto started college at SanDiego State his drive to make drawing a professionkicked into a higher gear. Three days a week he trav-elled to Encinitas to study under famed local artistsRon Lemen and Jeff Watts. On weekends he wentfarther, driving to Los Angeles to work with MarshalBandroff. Otto wanted to take his knowledgebeyond drawing and get to the anatomy of it all. Hisunderstand of the human form, from a medicalpoint of view, meant he could accurately draw peo-ple and understand how a creature with four arms,for example, would actually look. Otto said, “It’salways good to keep honing skills.”

With all the work and travel Otto put into fine-tun-ing his craft, he never missed another Comic-Con.He made friends and colleagues. In 2002 he got abreak from his first idols. Those men, whose dad washis godfather, offered Otto a seat at their booth at

Comic-Con. He laid out some of his sketches. By the end of the day Otto inked another notchin his career path with a permanent marker. An art director for Topps Trading Cards saw his workand offered him a job drawing trading cards for Lord of the Rings. It proved Otto’s biggest breakso far.

From Lord of the Rings, he went on to draw for Indiana Jones. From there he made contacts atLucasfilm. The work meant he qualified to have his own booth at Comic-Con. In 2003 he satat his own booth.

Otto never looks back, unless it is to reminisce on the highlights, his first Comic-Con, his first pay-ing gig, meeting the young Japanese girl. Instead, he chooses to look forward to see how manymore rewarding experiences drawing can bring him. His current goal and focus is to jump intovideo game design. He says it offers more diversity and freedom to create. It also creates morecompetition. Otto knows, however, that if he stays true to himself by having fun with his workwhile staying focused at the same time, good things will happen. They already have for him, thepeople who idolize him and those he idolizes as well.

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Bringing the Community Together!

By Cecilia V. Areta

On May 21, Mira Mesa’s Theater Guild heldthe first competitive talent show at theEpiCentre. There were two rounds of tryouts,on May 5 and 12, before the finalist tried towin the official title of the mosttalented person in Mira Mesa.Steven Woods, “Woodsy”, andLauren O'Brien, “L.O.B.”, fromFM 94.9’s Mickey Show, whichairs from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily,hosted alongside with the presi-dent of the Mira Mesa TownCouncil, Ted Brengel. Woodsyand L.O.B. advertised the eventon air, calling all “singers,dancers, musicians, comedians,jugglers, anything [you] think isa talent”.

Fox 5 news reporter, Danielle Saar emceedthe event. Saar had the privilege to ask ques-tions to the contestants after their perform-ances and found out their personal journeytowards achieving such great talents. Thirdplace winner, A.J. Rockit, won a cash prize of$100 after performing “Johnny Be Good” byChuck Berry. This 10-year-old guitarist andsinger has been playing the guitar for twoyears. Saar’s first question to A.J. was “Can

Itake him home?”, jokingly. When asked howhe started playing the guitar he claimed hewas inspired to learn by playing the gameGuitar Hero. After getting tired of the gamehe thought “enough of this, I want to play realguitar”. Judge O'Brien claimed that he was

“already bet-ter than peo-ple five timeshis age” andWoods statedthat he has “alot of talentin those littletiny hands”.

Second placetitle went toJ u l i a n n eManalo. She

sang “Listen” from the Broadway and movieproduction, Dream Girls and won $200.Manalo was no stranger to the stage, a recentcompetitor in the last American Idol. Manalostated that she her time on American Idol was“amazing, really nerve racking. A really goodexperience and learned a lot”. Judges encour-aged her to try out for American Idol againbecause the judges “they never know what theheck they’re looking for and [she] obviouslyhas the talent”.

By: Steve Nicole

Andrew Alcasid draws paints and makes t-shirts. You can often find the 20-somethingon the sidewalk beautifying our electri-cal boxes. Andrew doesn’t point to onetime in his life when he started draw-ing. He says he’s always been doodlingaround and drawing. His artistic inter-est and skill really took off whenfriends took him out to graffiti parts ofMira Mesa. He learned a lot watchinghis pals vandalize property. Andrewsays the electrical boxes provide a goodoutlet for him to work with spray paintas a medium while notbreaking the law.Andrew loves allaspects of painting,from experimentingwith his technique toseeing reactions to hisfinal product. Ideally,Andrew would like tosell his work and makesome money as a pro-

fessional artist, but the going has been toughso far. If you would like to see some ofAndrew’s work, go to Facebook and searchhis name.

First place this year went to Rayne, a 16-year-old guitarplayer and songwriter. She won a cash prize of $500 andthe title of the most talented person in Mira Mesa. Rayneperformed a song that she made herself and someclaimed that she was the next “Taylor Swift”, writing herown lyrics and composing her own tunes on the guitar.Her performance gained the most audiences cheer andher song was catchy and relatable. The judges predictthat being in the competition is just the beginning of hersuccessful music future.

The winners will perform at the annual 4th of July Dayin the Park and the Mira Mesa Street Fair. Keep an eyeout if you would like to see them perform in Mira Mesaagain. The Mira Mesa’s Theater Guild will hold anotherMira Mesa’s Got Talent competition next year, the datesand times will be announced on later dates. If you wouldlike to become involved for more information log on tohttp://www.miramesatheatreguild.org/ or follow themon Facebook.

Mira Mesa’s Got Talent!

Drawing A Dream

By: Steve Nicoles

For 23-year-oldJamie Land, life hasbeen full of hardship.He spent years cir-cling through thecourt system fromjuvenile hall toprison. Perhaps it isno surprise thepainful art of tattoo-ing proved to beJamie’s escape backto Mira Mesa. He said, “Tattooing was ahobby I picked up to kill time.”

As more time passed, Jamie discovered his tal-ent for ink-work sticking. He said, “I’ve alwaysbeen sketching and drawing. A few years backI took it to a professional level.”

Jamie’s hobby turned into an apprenticeship.To get the chance to learn Jamie had topromise his mentor he would no longer getinto trouble. After a couple of years theapprenticeship turned into a job at Dang’sTattoo (www.facebook.com/DTStattoo,4226 El Cajon Blvd.) Jamie hopes the jobturns into a career.

INKINGHIS FUTURE

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 29

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July & August Calendar and Cultural HolidaysJuly 1 Canada Day

July 4 Independence DayMira Mesa Community Celebration, Parade & Fireworks

July 4 Filipino-American Friendship Day (Philippines)

July 5, 12, 19, 26Mira Mesa Farmer’s Market

July 9 Bon Festival / Feast of Lanterns (Japan)

July 14 Bastille Day

Aug 1-29 Ramadan

Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30Mira Mesa Farmer’s Market

Aug 14 Pakistan’s Independence Day

Aug 15 Acadian Day

Aug 15 India’s Independence Day

Aug 15 Liberation Day (Korea, South Korea)

Aug 26 Women’s Equality Day

Filipino-American Friendship Day

Designated by President DiosdadoMacapagal to commemorate the liberationof the country from Japanese occupationby joint Filipino and American forces atthe end of World War II.

Bon Festival / Feast of Lanterns

Japanese Buddhist custom to honor thedeparted (deceased) spirits and ancestors.This Buddhist custom evolved into a familyreunion holiday during which people returnto ancestral family places and visit theirancestors' graves. It has been celebrated inJapan for more than 500 years andtraditionally includes a dance, known asBon-Odori.

Bastille Day The French national holiday thatcommemorates the storming of the Bastilleon July 14, 1789. The storming of theBastille prison was seen as a symbol ofthe uprising of the modern nation, and ofthe reconciliation of all the French insidethe constitutional monarchy, which beganthe French Revolution.

Acadian Day remembered mostly by those of uswho are descendants of thosedriven out of Acadia during “LeGrand Dérangement” (the Britishdrove all of the occupants ofFrench-speaking Acadia onto shipsand set them adrift in the AtlanticOcean). "L'union fait la force"(Strength through Unity)

Women’s Equality Day Commemorates the 1920 passageof the 19th Amendment to theConstitution, granting women theright to vote. This was theculmination of a massive, peacefulcivil rights movement by womenthat had its formal beginnings in1848 at the world’s first women’srights convention, in Seneca Falls,New York.

page 30 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Family and Individual Portraits

Sports Action Photography

Portfolios • Albums • Fine Art

page 30 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected]

Photo credit: Wissinger Photography

Page 31: MML Jul/Aug 2011

CLASSIFIEDSMira Mesa LivingMira Mesa Living

Nutrilite Wellness & Artistry Beauty Products– For a Health / Beauty Assessment, samples

or to place an order.Call Tracee 858-220-5566 or go online:

DenbyWellness.comIndependent Business Owner – Amway

“I can fix that!” – Steve StutsmanMultimedia, Networking

Complete Custom built [email protected] (858) 566-0066

Primal Training Center9811 Mira Mesa Blvd.

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your home remodeling project. Check out www.SurfacesUSA.com.

Call 858-412-7969

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Slithering companions looking fora lovable home. Some for adoption

and some for sale. Call 619-933-1213 for more information.

Lewis Plumbing – 65 yrs experience“Quality work for a fair price”

(858) 752-9225See coupons inside Mira Mesa Living

Reading, Writing, Math, Algebra, Geometry,SAT Prep. Grades K-12.

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To place your classifed advertisement call (858) 335-2484 or email: [email protected]

If you are looking for an affordable way to advertise specifically to Mira Mesa, or ifyou just have a message you want to send (Happy Anniversary, Buy my bike, I needa date….) let us know…..Mira Mesa Living is sent directly to the people who workand live in Mira Mesa. It is a great way to get the message out to your neighbors!

CLASSIFIED ADS $20!

For more information, email us at [email protected]

To finish up the school year, 25 Fourth and Fifth graders from Christ theCornerstone Academy as well as some of their parents left on a threeday trip to Sacramento, Coloma and San Francisco. After two years offundraising, it was a wonderful opportunity to see California History inaction. The students got to tour the state capitol and see where our con-gress persons make our laws. They saw where gold was first discoveredin California and visited Sutter’s mill before panning for gold on theAmerican river. On the way toSan Francisco they visited a fishhatchery where they got to seehow baby salmon are raised andthen released back into theSacramento River. In SanFrancisco the students had handson experiences at the ScienceExploratorium and then traveledto Alcatraz Island where theytook the audio tour of theAlcatraz prison.

Christ the Cornerstone has a summer programfor students who have finished Kindergartenthrough having finished the Sixth grade. Themornings are made up of reading and mathreview as well as computer and music enrich-ment. Afternoons are a summer camp withtwo to three field trips per week.

Watch for our float in the 4th of JulyParade. Christ the CornerstoneAcademy is currently accepting enroll-ments for fall of 2011/2012 schoolyear. The school is known for its highacademic standards as well as its smallstudent to teacher ratio. In addition totheir regular teachers, students willhave music, computer, and PE classes.For more information on the schoolvisit: www.ctc-academy.org.

Christ The Cornerstone Academy

Page 32: MML Jul/Aug 2011

Businesses Serving the Mira Mesa CommunityBusinesses Serving the Mira Mesa CommunityCategory Businesses/Organizations Coupon/Offers Page

Activity Vulcan/Open House for Scouts 2Activity Curb Appeal Contest Yes 25Bank Pacific Marine Credit Union Yes 6Chiropractor Dr. Anderson Yes 7Day Care Christ the Cornerstone Academy 26Fitness Academy of Martial Arts Yes 13Fitness Being-Fit Fitness Centers Yes 14Food Robecks Yes 4Food Extreme Pita Yes 13Food Chibugan Yes 19Food Ashoka Yes 19Insurance Nationwide Insurance 10Liquor/Lottery Plaza Wine 12MML Vote for Mira Mesa Living 9MML Street Fair Advertising 9Organization Mira Mesa Town Council 16Organization Harmonium 22Pet Sitting Peggy's Animal House Pet Sitting 31Photographer Brengel Productions 30Plumbing Lewis Plumbing Yes 11Realtor Sandy Smith 5Realtor Marv Miles 17School Mira Mesa High School Foundation 21School Miramar College 24Traffic SANDAG 4Travel Ask About Travel Yes 20Tutoring American Center for Learning 31Yoga Four Seasons Yoga Yes 12Youth Sport Mira Mesa Youth Football & Cheer 26

Businesses! Advertise and Show Your Love to the Community for As Little As $50 a month!

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Ashoka the Great, Cuisine of India

9474 Black Mountain Rd.

Callahan’s Pub &Brewery

8111 Mira Mesa Blvd.

Champ’s Pub & Deli7040 Miramar Rd.

Christ the CornerStone

9028 Westmore Rd.

Endodontics, Dr. Gary Car DDS

6235 Lusk Blvd.

Happy Nails of Mira Mesa

10760 Westview Parkway

In2It Nutrition6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite 124

MCAS MiramarJoint Reception Center, Library,Lincoln Housing Office andFamily Practice Clinic.

Mira Mesa Chamber ofCommerce

Mira Mesa Farmer’sMarket

Mira Mesa High School Foundation Booth

Miramar CollegeLibrary

Mira Mesa Library8405 New Salem Street

Mira Mesa Senior Center

8460 Mira Mesa Blvd.

Mira Mesa TownCouncil

MJ’s Deli6450 Luck Blvd.

Plaza Wine and Spirits6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite 125

Postal Annex10606 Camino Ruiz, Suite 8

Property Gallery9396 Mira Mesa Blvd.

RC Realty8250 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste B

Robeks8250 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste. C

SD United SportsTraining Center

7698 Miramar Road

Salon Renaissance6440 Lusk Blvd. #D104

Sorrento Valley Dental Group

5915 Mira Mesa Blvd.

Starbucks6765 Mira Mesa Blvd.Suite 149

To Advertise –[email protected]

To submit articles, news and events –

[email protected]

To Contact the Publisher –[email protected]

or call 858-335-2484

To Join Mira Mesa Cultural Group –

[email protected]

Our Volunteers deliver Mira Mesa Living at the door steps in their neighborhood. We also have pickup locations throughout Mira Mesa community (Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa and MCAS Miramar):

Be seen in the largestcommunity event in Mira Mesa

Living Magazine!(As Low As $50 Per Month)

Mira MesaStreet FairProgramDeadline August 15th

Street Fair Photo Credits: Ted Brengel, BrengelPromotions.com