I romanticize struggle; there, I said it.

Beneath every blessing, every privilege I enjoy and all the luck that has been on my side, I am unable to say I truly deserve it all. I blame the infallible feeling that tells me nothing is worth having without struggle. I live in a spacious Eastlake Greens home I know many would be glad to reside in. My parents provide me with more than I need (and deserve for that matter). And what do I have to show for it? Absolutely nothing.

I hear my parent’s stories frequently: my mother’s family of eight was evicted several times and my father’s family dealt with rough times where food was scarce, but enough to survive. I have none of those stories to share. I have never been forced to leave a residence because my parents were unable to pay. I have always had food on the table, and blankets to protect me from the cold at night. I should be kneeling every Sunday, thanking God for the things he has given me. I should be happy and enjoy every single moment I live without obstacles or struggles, but I find myself feeling incompetent instead.

The large city south of Chula Vista brings me back to reality. Tijuana is home to thousands of poverty-stricken humans that never chose to be born into that lifestyle, the lifestyle that keeps them guessing when/ where the next meal is coming or if selling packets of gum will be enough to pay for the bare minimum. A loud omnipotent voice defeats my thoughts and asks, “Why not me?” What made me, a naïve dreamer, have a comfortable life compared to these people? What have I done right in a past life? In turn, I find myself creating minimal struggles every day because I feel remorse for having a middle class semi-luxurious life. Instead of asking for a ride to do my errands, I walk or instead of acknowledging my father’s hard work to make me feel secure, I pretend my wallet is empty.

Intrapersonal philanthropy is what I like to call this sense of unease. Although my remorse does nothing for the beggars on the street, somehow I feel a sense equality knowing that I can make life a bit tougher for myself. But these “struggles” are never enough to protect me from a fear that lurks and whispers: if life has been this easy, naturally it is the time for things to go downhill from here.

Daniela Contreras

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Helmets: it seems simple enough to grasp their skull protecting significance. I did not wear one, I refused to wear one. I spent an entire day riding a beach cruiser around Coronado, wearing nothing but short shorts and a coral- striped t-shirt while the wind carried all my cares away. My excuse (and that of millions) has been immortalized by rapper Drake’s lines: my excuse is that I’m young.

I am the first person to admit that helmet-less bicycle riding hardly makes me a hardcore rebel. However, the risks were still present. I knew them well and my aunt secretly encouraged me to wear a helmet but gave me the liberty to choose. I chose to go helmet-less even though riding next to cars meant that any vehicle could easily lose control and hit me. I knew the risks and ignored them. I figured a person like me, with an entire life left to conquer, was immune to any possibility of danger.

Afterwards, it hit me (a rhetorical question, of course) Why did my age make me feel entitled  to say no to something whose purpose it was to protect me?

I still ask myself this question even today.  And the doubts I have about my life choices and my age make me wonder why the young are the first individuals forced to face society’s trigger when we make decisions. Why is it so easy for the rest of the population to label the young irresponsible and reckless? Underneath it all, we all make decisions along with mistakes, regardless of age. It is no secret that we the young feel untouchable, giving us a sense of security then prompting us to act. The untouchable feeling removes any sense of fear and lets us live without inhibitions. But I would bet anything in the world that most adults nowadays wish they could live without the fear that we love to challenge.

While I may have been foolish for not having worn a helmet, the consequences never stopped roaming in my mind. I suppose the bicycle riders in Coronado were just as foolish; I might have seen two people at most ensuring their safety with helmets throughout the entire day. I feel safe knowing I am not alone trekking a road replete with obstacles. But most importantly, I feel safe knowing that as naïve as I can be that same road will never die, unlike I will someday.

Daniela Contreras

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When Memorial Day began years ago, the war dead were placed front and center. The holiday’s original name, Decoration Day, came from the day’s main activity: leaving flowers at cemeteries.

More recently, the last Monday in May, and the weekend preceding it, has come to mark the unofficial beginning of summer for many. Along with parades doused in red, white and blue, cook-outs in the backyard and excursions to the local beach fill the long weekend.

Our writers at Eastlake Times helped compile a list of free things to do on Memorial Day around the San Diego and Eastlake area.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday weekend and I hope that you get to spend some time with your friends and your loved ones.  If you know of a great freebie for everyone…leave a comment below

Knott’s Soak City management will let veterans and current military personnel into the park for free.  The annual offer is good on the Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend (May 27-28) at Knott’s Berry Farm as well as the Knott’s Soak City locations in Buena Park, Palm Springs and Chula Vista.  Retired and current Armed Forces personnel must show military identification for the discount.  Vets and current military also can buy discounted admission for up to six members of their families for $32.99 for each adult ticket, $21.99 for a junior ticket (ages 3-11) and $27.99 for each Soak City ticket.
Full-price admission costs $57.99, $28.99 and $32.99 respectively.

SeaWorld’s ‘Here’s to the Heroes’
We are proud to salute the men and women of our armed forces and their families. Throughout 2012, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission.  For your service and sacrifice, we thank you.
Here’s To the Heroes

San Diego Zoo
Complimentary 1-Day Pass at the Zoo and Africa Tram Safari at Safari Park for U.S. active duty military, cadets of their respective academies, and reserves (with active orders) is offered if the individual shows valid, active military identification card at our gates. This program includes U.S. cadets that do not have “Active” on their IDs. Members of any foreign military services are excluded.

Sonic will serve $0.99 Sundae’s after 8pm on Memorial Day.

Free Breakfast at Ikea, limited to one small breakfast and one small cup of coffee.

Reserve a FREE Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Chic-fil-A

24 Hour Fitness: Free Workouts and Military personnel from May 28-May 31

Mark Archer

Since 2006, it’s been my pleasure to people realize their dreams in their homes and their communities. Whether its purchasing their dream home, moving up to a larger home, or investing in real estate my team can help.
I’ve assisted homeowners, including San Diego veterans and active and reserve military in San Diego since 2006. I am a frequent contributor to my community newsletter and sit as a Board member of our local Business Association.
DRE#01777656
Check out my website or follow me below.

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Oakland, Calif.-based Silverado Contractors Inc. has been hired to demolish the above-ground structures of the non-operating South Bay Power Plant in Chula Vista.

Dynegy South Bay Inc., which operates and owns the South Bay Power Plant, said it selected the demolition contractor based on its “qualifications, favorable pricing and the overall merits of its proposal.”

According to its website, Silverado Contractors has demolished the Humboldt Bay Nuclear Power Plant, removed six fuel storage tanks that supplied the Morro Bay Power Plant, and demolished a nuclear reactor test tower at a General Electric Nuclear Facility in San Jose.

Dynegy received 11 proposals for the project. The bidding process was open to local, state and national contractors.

The Port of San Diego has been working with the city of Chula Vista on the expedited removal of the power plant for several years.

In November 2011, Dynegy submitted a Coastal Development Permit application to the California Coastal Commission to demolish the above-ground structures of the South Bay Power Plant.

Asbestos is currently being removed from the plant. This work is estimated to be completed by June.

Jorge Balvaneda

Helping People Succeed and Celebrating Their Success.

Co-founded Bravado Awards, specializing in donor walls, bronze plaques, corporate awards and sports trophies.  Also Co-founded Chula Vista Sports, a free community website covering all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. Current member and Past-President of Eastlake Business Association loves spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

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There was plenty of food and wine at the 4^th Annual Bon Appétit event hosted by the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation. The event was well attended by the community in hopes of raising much needed money for Chula Vista libraries. Local restaurants and merchants were on hand to serve up some of their delicious food and spirits. It was truly a celebration of food and wine all for a good cause.

This year’s event was special one. It was hosted by the Otay Ranch Town Center which just became the first shopping center in the nation to open a public library on their property. Two weeks ago the city of Chula Vista opened the doors with much success on the brand new Otay Ranch library location. Thousands turned out to see the beautiful facility that will offer so much to the community.

“This is truly a reason to celebrate and rejoice for Chula Vista libraries,” said Betty Waznis, director of the Chula Vista Library and president of the foundation. “To see the community support like this is just amazing.” The library has gotten nothing but praise from everyone. It was amazing to see the public turn out for the grand opening of a library. It was equally as special to see so many take part in the wine & food celebration on Saturday.

The food was amazing and there was plenty to choose from. My pick of the night was Los Arcos restaurant and their Fish Alcolichi and Ceviche. I also loved the Peppadew Peppers filled with goat cheese by Macaroni Grill. Other restaurants on hand included: Villa Capri, Otay Ranch Chili’s, P.F. Chang’s, Miguel’s Cocina, King’s Fish House, Romesco, Golden Spoon and the soon to be opened El Vitral. All of these restaurants donated their time and food. The Chula Vista Public Library Foundation also did not charge them for being at the event.

What goes better with fine food then a glass of wine? There was plenty of wine to be sampled throughout the night. Members of the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation served up a variety of wine selections to each guest. Trader Joe’s was also pouring some of their best selections. Along with wine guest also got to sample some fabulous local beer by the Eastlake Brew House. Magners Irish Cider was also serving up two delicious selection of their hard cider. One table that was getting plenty of attention was Tequila Adan y Eva, who was giving free sample shots and a margarita mixed with their specialty tequilas.

The real winner of the night was the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation for putting together such a fabulous event. Everyone was having a good time throughout the night. Along with food and wine, they also had a silent auction and a few live auction items. Cricket Wireless Amphitheater donated tickets for two upcoming shows on their schedule. The silent auction had some great locally donated items which were bundled together as gift baskets. Tickets for the event were very reasonably priced at only $35. All of the money raised from this event is going right back to the libraries.

“All of the members of the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation are volunteers and every penny goes to the libraries to help them with items and services they need,” said board member Michael Monaco, who was also the MC for the night. “We don’t raise money for any staff positions or pay raises, only for the library so they can keep providing their services to the community.”

The Chula Vista Public Library Foundation was created in 2005 to help raise money for public libraries in Chula Vista. Many of the board members are library employees who know what is needed and how the money can be well spent. They recently made a $50,000 donation to the Otay Ranch Library branch to purchase books, DVDs and other vital items. Southbay Volkswagen has also donated two brand new vehicles to the library on a two year free lease. You can find out more about the foundation by logging on to their website here.

Photos from the Event: Photo Credit Kurt Bunch

Kurt Bunch

Kurt Bunch is the owner of Chula Vista Living. You will often find him at all of the city events taking video or photos to add to the website. Kurt loves to promote the city and let residents know about what is going on in their community. Chula Vista Living was started with just that goal. To follow Kurt Bunch for more coverage of Chula Vista events click here to follow him on Twitter.

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After 25 years, the Chula Vista Nature Center will now be known as the Living Coast Discovery Center, a brand aimed at attracting a wider audience and reflecting the organization’s independence from city funding.

“The time was right for us to select a name that better reflects our mission, which is to inspire care and exploration of the living earth by connecting people with coastal animals, plants and habitats,” said Dr. Brian Joseph, the executive director for the center. “There was some confusion that we’re still associated with the city of Chula Vista.”

New programming includes day camps for kids and teens and overnight stays for families, scouts and other groups.

The center’s new tagline will be “Where wonder comes naturally on San Diego Bay,” with an eye toward eco-tourism.

“The reason it resonates: It captures the life in the bay and the ocean,” Joseph said.

The center relies heavily on financial support from various community groups but hopes to increase visitor-based revenue. Donors include the Unified Port of San Diego, the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, Allied Waste, Marine Group Boat Works, the Wergeland family and Sempra Energy. The port gave about $125,000 to help fund the center through June, especially for the seasonal exhibit, “Washed Ashore,” which features massive sculptures of marine life made from plastic ocean trash.
In 2009, the facility almost closed because the city, faced with severe budget cuts, could no longer afford the $1 million annual cost to operate it.

The center has grown. While it was transitioning from being publicly funded in the 2009-2010 fiscal year, it brought in about $737,000 and had a spending plan of about $474,000.

Currently, the nonprofit has a general spending plan of about $1.4 million a year, and brings in about that much through programming such as the kid camps and boosting the membership fees.

“Although it was 24 years old, it was a brand new organization,” Joseph said of the first year without public funds.

The organization is also hoping to boost its profile by reserving a spot on the San Diego Convention and Visitor’s Bureau website. New signs, letterhead and the website are in the works.

Joseph said the center is reaching a larger regional audience with 25 percent of its clientele coming from outside San Diego County and 50 percent from areas in San Diego County besides Chula Vista. Only 25 percent of visitors are from Chula Vista, he said.

Jorge Balvaneda

Helping People Succeed and Celebrating Their Success.

Co-founded Bravado Awards, specializing in donor walls, bronze plaques, corporate awards and sports trophies.  Also Co-founded Chula Vista Sports, a free community website covering all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. Current member and Past-President of Eastlake Business Association loves spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

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Nine Girls Ask? is currently seeking sponsors for their upcoming Golf Tournament.

Nine Girls Ask?
Tee-Off For Ovarian Cancer
Golf Tournament

Date: Friday, May 4, 2012
Time: 11:30 am Registration ~ 1:00 pm Shot Gun
Steele Canyon Golf Club & Resort
3199 Stonefield Drive, Jamul, Ca 91935

~ Corporate Sponsor Levels ~

TOURNAMENT SPONSOR $5,000

• Named on Tournament Banner & Program including Logo
• Promoted on all Literature
• Named on Flyers & Promotions
• Named as Major Sponsor in September Fund Raiser Luncheon
• Signage at Steele Canyon Golf Resort Pro Shop
• Four FREE Golfers and Dinners

DINNER SPONSOR $2,000

• Named in Tournament Program
• Mentioned in all promotions
• Tournament will provide Company Signage
• Two FREE Golfers and Dinners

CART SPONSOR $1,500

• Your company name featured on all golf carts
• Named in Tournament Program
• Two FREE Golfers and Dinner

LUNCH SPONSOR $1,000

• Named in Tournament Program
• Mentioned in all promotions
• Tournament will provide Company Signage

REGISTRATION STAND SPONSOR $1,000

• Named in Tournament Program
• Signage at Registration Table
• Promoted on all Literature

HOLE-IN-ONE CONTEST $1,000

• Named in Tournament Program
• Signage on each of the Three Par 3 holes
• Signage at Pro Shop

HOLE SPONSOR $ 250

• Signage at Hole provided by Tournament
• Named in Tournament Program
• Please Provide your own table & chairs to hand out Promotional Items at hole

IN-KIND SPONSORSHIPS (Donations in lieu of $$$)

PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR

• Named in Tournament Program
• Name mentioned in pre-event promotions and event
• FREE Dinner

SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSORS

• Named in Tournament Program
• Company name announced during Silent Auction & Raffle Presentations

REGISTRATION BAG INSERT SPONSORS

• Minimum of 150 pieces
• Items may have company logo & promotional information

TABLE CENTERPIECE SPONSOR

• Named in Tournament Program
• Minimum of 20 pieces

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING SPONSORSHIPS, CONTACT:
Marie Isaaks 619-838-2643
P.O. Box 212901
Chula Vista, CA 91921
ninegirlsask@live.com
www.ninegirlsask.org
Tax ID#26-3637035
*Proceeds to benefit Ovarian Cancer Research*

Jorge Balvaneda

Helping People Succeed and Celebrating Their Success.

Co-founded Bravado Awards, specializing in donor walls, bronze plaques, corporate awards and sports trophies.  Also Co-founded Chula Vista Sports, a free community website covering all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. Current member and Past-President of Eastlake Business Association loves spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

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Nine Girls Ask? For A Cure For Ovarian Cancer is local non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for ovarian cancer. They do this by providing financial assistance towards the advancement of research, screening testing, a cure and offering resources for treatment options to women who are in recurrence.

The organization also educates women and physicians by raising awareness regarding signs and symptoms, thereby leading to earlier detection. NGA also offers patient outreach support for women newly diagnosed and in various stages of treatment.

Nine Girls Ask? For A Cure For Ovarian Cancer is now seeking you help. On Friday, May 4, 2012, they will host their 3rd Annual Golf Tournamentat the Steele Canyon Golf Club & Resort

Location:
Steele Canyon Golf Club & Resort
3199 Stonefield Drive
Jamul, CA 91935

Cost: $150 per person or $575 for foursome
Shotgun: 1:00 p.m.

Lunch: Fresh Turkey or Roast Beef Sandwich, Chips, Fruit, Candy Bar
Dinner: Tender Tri-Tip & BBQ Chicken, delicious complimentary sides, plus desert
18 Holes, Cart provided

Four Star Course designed by Gary Player

Live/Silent Auction, Opportunity Drawings, Awards, Live Entertainment
For additional information, please call: Marie Isaaks at ~ 619-838-2643 or register online by clicking here.

Jorge Balvaneda

Helping People Succeed and Celebrating Their Success.

Co-founded Bravado Awards, specializing in donor walls, bronze plaques, corporate awards and sports trophies.  Also Co-founded Chula Vista Sports, a free community website covering all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. Current member and Past-President of Eastlake Business Association loves spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

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“I have always been blessed with a very high level of energy. I had taken very good care of myself in regards to eating properly and exercising,” Joan Wyllie, Founder of Nine Girls Ask? For A Cure For Ovarian Cancer. During October of 2007, Wyllie began experiencing a series of unusual symptoms including:

• Bloating
• Exhaustion
• Pelvic and bladder pressure
• Thickening of waistline
• Feeling of fullness
• Severe Constipation
• Slight to severe abdomen pain

Wyllie was misdiagnosed and mistreated by nine physicians over a six month period. She then took the role of a health advocate and insisted on laparoscopic surgery. On February 29, 2008 Wyllie received the shocking diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Stage 4. She underwent seven hours of intensive surgery, six months of horrific chemotherapy and subsequent hospitalizations. Wyllie proudly states she is now dancing with NED (no evidence of disease).

Due to the lack of assistance for Ovarian Cancer patients, Wyllie decided there was an enormous need for an organization to raise funds for a cure for women. Wyllie formed Nine Girls Ask? For A Cure For Ovarian Cancer. This organization also offers “one-on-one” love and support, to include education and guidance through the journey of Ovarian Cancer to all women afflicted by this disease.

Approximately 350 women die each week from this cancer and one in every 70 women will be affected in their lifetime. This cancer affects woman of all ages and ethnicities and the sad thing is that most women do not even know they have it until it is too late.

Nine Girls Ask?

• That you contact them if you or a loved one have been affected by Ovarian Cancer
• That you support them by attending the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament “Tee off for Ovarian Cancer”
• That you learn more by contacting them at (619) 708-7891, emailing them at ninegirlsask@live.com or visiting their website at www.ninegirlsask.org

Nine Girls Ask? For A Cure For Ovarian Cancer is a nonprofit organization. There are no paid salaries. Funds raised are directed to research!

Jorge Balvaneda

Helping People Succeed and Celebrating Their Success.

Co-founded Bravado Awards, specializing in donor walls, bronze plaques, corporate awards and sports trophies.  Also Co-founded Chula Vista Sports, a free community website covering all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. Current member and Past-President of Eastlake Business Association loves spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

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On Saturday I witnessed 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from Liberty Elementary School Robotics Club transform into Robotic Surgeons. And what a sight it was! SHARP Chula Vista Medical Center invited twenty local students to a private tour of South Bay’s only hospital to integrate robotics to cutting edge surgery.

Dressed in full scrubs, each child simulated procedures and learned robotic applications beyond the classroom. Such opportunities included handling consoles, dissecting robotic arms and operating a robotic surgical table. The children were also given the opportunity to discuss robotic surgery with local experts and doctors.

“This experience teaches children real-life applications of robotics while giving them something to strive for,” Julian Anthony, M.D. I couldn’t agree with him more. While many children spend their Saturday morning’s playing graphic games such as Call of Duty, Halo, and Mortal Combat, SHARP Chula Vista Medical Center encouraged these kids to further develop their passion for robotics.

Kudos to the parents for investing their time and efforts to fostering such skills in their kids’ lives. “The Robotics Club runs mainly by efforts of our volunteers. One hour classes held every week for nine weeks and then a new group starts,” Baltazar Perez, Robotics Club Coordinator at Liberty Elementary School. The kids in the club learn to create robotic arms, small vehicles that move forward, backwards and turn right and left. They also learn to create robotic vehicles with sensors that identify colors, lights and distance.

The parents support this homegrown program by paying $30 to $50 per child for a 9 week session. Students may chose to join one session or up to four sessions each year. The annual cost of $200 per child can be discouraging to families with multiple children.

Perez, “We have great volunteers and parents who care. We are in need of is local businesses willing to sponsors and support the program.” Passionate about his role, Perez personally donates supplies and bears some of the costs to keep the club fees down. He hopes lower fees will encourage participation.

More kudos to Laura Fox, Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist at SHARP Chula Vista Medical Center for allowing our local children to learn about robotics and their role in medicine.

SHARP Chula Vista is dedicated to inspiring students to learn about health care, science and technology. A 343-bed hospital with the largest array of health care services in San Diego’s South Bay, Sharp Chula Vista is home to the region’s most comprehensive cardiac program, the area’s only certified Community Hospital Cancer Program, a radiation oncology center and a Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Center.

Jorge Balvaneda

Helping People Succeed and Celebrating Their Success.

Co-founded Bravado Awards, specializing in donor walls, bronze plaques, corporate awards and sports trophies.  Also Co-founded Chula Vista Sports, a free community website covering all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. Current member and Past-President of Eastlake Business Association loves spending time with his beautiful wife and kids.

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