Eastlake Times

On a chilly day in late December 2011, four business professionals gathered at an Eastlake restaurant to pass referrals and learn how to scale and improve their respective businesses. The first meeting was unscripted but alliances were formed and partnerships were molded.

As we turned the corner to 2012, the American economy slowly stumbled to recovery, but the Eastlake business owners reported immediate success from the information being shared at the weekly meetings. More introductions were made, alliances were formed and business flourished as the small, loosely-affiliated group began to grow.

Solely, by word of mouth, the small business group soared to over 25 active members; a website was launched and formal partnerships with the San Diego South Chamber of Commerce was realized.

With so much initial success, the group recently organized a Board of Directors and has partnered with local Eastlake non-profits to “give back” to the local Eastlake Community.

Recently, Eastlake Times sat with the Eastlake Business Association President, Jorge Balvaneda to discuss the group’s recent success.

ELT: Tell our readers a little about the Eastlake Business Association.
EBA: The Eastlake Business Association was founded with a primary focus of sharing knowledge with local business owners and business professionals, helping local businesses succeed while improving our city through community partnership programs.

Our regular meetings are held every Monday from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Tacos & Tarros in the Otay Ranch Mall. We start off with a 20-minute networking session followed with brief introductions. During the introductions, those in attendance are provided with the opportunity to address the group, state their name, state their businesses name, and make a specific referral request. Simultaneously, their websites are displayed on on a minimum of three screens.

Educational presentations are a core focus of all our meeting with topics ranging from economic development, social media marketing, search engine optimization, press release strategies, copywriting, business operations, and much more. Our meetings are then wrapped up with an open session for our members to strengthen relations. And that’s where the magic begins.

ELT: What magic?
EBA: This is when you will find our Board of Directors seeking out people they can assist immediately. It may be as simple as making a referral or as complex as assisting them with an unbearable problem. We have a great group of people leading this organization that are truly committed to our members and the community.

ELT: You mentioned the community again. Tell us a bit about your community involvement.
EBA: Eastlake Business Association is all about giving and that includes our community. Our vision is to not only make an impact on local business, but we are also passionate about community partnerships. Along those lines we ask that you join us as we support Eastlake Education Foundation at their upcoming Cycle Eastlake 2012. Make sure to stop by and say hi to our members. You can identify them by their Eastlake Businesses Association name badges.

We are also in discussions with other organizations and further developing our community outreach programs. Anyone interested in joining and helping out are encouraged to contact us.

ELT: What makes this group different?
EBA: Eastlake Business Association was formed by local business owners who wanted to fill a gap. There really isn’t a group in the Eastlake or the Chula Vista area for that matter to compare us too. Truly it wouldn’t be fair to make such a comparison.

ELT: What about local networking groups or chambers?
EBA: We believe these groups are doing a great job at what they do. Our focus is simply different. Where opportunity arises, we would love to work with them to create a synergistic business environment in the Eastlake and Chula Vista area. In fact, we recently forged a partnership with San Diego South Chamber of Commerce.

ELT: Are there any fees involved?
EBA: We like to say that membership with Eastlake Business Association is free, but it does come with a high and sincere commitment to fellow members and the community.

ELT: Is your group setup with social media?
EBA: Definitely. You can follow us on twitter under the alias of @BizEastlake. You can also join us on Facebook.com/EastlakeBusinessAssociation. Our website, EastlakeBusinessAssoc.com, was recently published and continues to evolve. We will soon have a blogging section where people can follow and interact with us.

ELT: What type of business are you personally in?
EBA: Celebrating successes! Much of my time is spent at Bravado Awards where we offer a comprehensive line of corporate awards, sports trophies, bronze plaques and donor walls. When I’m not spending time with Bravado Awards I can be found working on ChulaVistaSport.net, a free community website were we cover all sports and outdoor activities in and around the City of Chula Vista. And of course I enjoy working with the wonderful people at Eastlake Business Association.

ELT: How did you get started with that business?
EBA: That’s a whole different story that I would love to share with you over coffee some day. But as with most other entrepreneurs I enjoy the flexibility and time I get to share with my beautiful wife and kids.

ELT: If our readers wanted some additional information, where can they get more info. About you and your business?
EBA: I love meeting and talking with new people; I especially love helping people out. If you are a human resource manager at a business or corporation looking to celebrate your organization’s successes you can reach me at (619) 752-4151, visit our website at BravadoAwards.com, or e-mail us at [email protected]. Schools and sports leagues are also encouraged to contact us and inquire about our community discount rates. Local churches, schools and hospitals may inquire about our custom bronze plaques and donor walls.

Mark Archer

Since 2006, it’s been my pleasure to assist my neighbors, family and friends with their real estate transactions.

Whether its assisting folks sell their home for top dollar, purchasing their dream 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 have sat as a Board member of various local community and Business Associations.
BRE#01777656
Check out my website or follow me below.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

If you’re a small business owner, then you know in today’s digital age you need to have a presence on the internet. There is no getting around it; you need to have a website that lets people know who you are, where to find, you and most importantly what you can offer them.

A website is your new business card, another marketing tool to retain present customers and gather new ones.

The big question now is how you can get a great looking website without having to break your advertising budget. You want to try and do it yourself, but that funny looking internet code called HTML looks like more than you can handle. You have thought about hiring someone, getting a professional to help you, but you’re not sure where to start or what it’s going to cost.

In this business spotlight we sit down with local web designer Kurt Bunch. He gives us some professional insight into getting your business on the web. Kurt will also tell us about the new emerging mobile web market and how you can optimize your website for mobile devices.

This is a must read for any small business owner who is ready to bring their business into the digital age.

www.EastlakeTimes.com (ELT): How long have you been in the San Diego’s South Bay area?
Kurt Bunch (Kurt): I moved to the Chula Vista area in 1989 from Temecula. Chula Vista was a lot smaller then. I graduated from Hilltop High School in 1990 and went to Southwestern College for 4 years to get my AA degree. I love living here in Chula Vista, seeing the city grow into what it is today.

ELT: How did you get involved in web design?
Kurt: After Southwestern College I went to the Advertising Arts College, presently known now as the Art Institute of California, for 4 years. I have always been interested in design and art, so this was a perfect way for me to do what I loved as a career choice. The internet was so new when I was going to school so I tried to learn as much as I could on how to create these cool looking sites I was seeing on the web.

ELT: Tell our readers about what you do.
Kurt: Currently I’m a freelance Eastlake web designer and graphic designer. I help companies look good in whatever media they want to target. If they want a four color ad I can help them set it up so that it looks good when printed. If they want a website then I sit down with them and go over what they would like to have on the site about their business. I also do internet advertising and currently I have been getting into mobile web design.

ELT: What is mobile web design?
Kurt: More and more people are getting a smart phone and they are using that phone to find out information about businesses or to shop online and connect with friends. There is a whole new market of advertising now and what I do is show businesses how to create a mobile presence. For example a site that is designed for a desktop computer will look clunky or slow on a mobile phone. With a website designed for a mobile device their site can run faster and look a lot better. They can also use the technology to help their customers to find them when they are out and about. There are so many possibilities with mobile.

ELT: Do you help businesses with those funny looking barcodes that people can scan?
Kurt: QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, allows the user to use their smart phone and scan this code and be directed to any type of media. I can show them how they can add these QR codes to their print advertising and give people the ability to find out more about their business. You can send them to your mobile website or even get them to sign up for a newsletter or coupon. The QR code is great for generating leads and in business we all know new leads are the key to success.

ELT: What are some of the pitfalls businesses fall into when getting a website.
Kurt: The one thing I tell all business owners, no matter what purchase the domain name of your business. Even if you have no plans on getting a website right away, secure that domain name before someone else does. One of the biggest questions I get is, “Someone has my domain name, and how can I get it back?” Unless you have a copyright to the name, not just a business license, the only way you can get the domain name back is to pay the owners asking price. Spend the $10-$15 and secure the domain name right after you buy your business license. Another issue is, “My son knows that internet stuff, and I’ll just have him do the website.” So if your son knows how to do math, are you going to let him balance your books? I see so many sites that are built incorrectly or using outdated code. Hire a professional to do your site; you want to put your best foot forward when a potential customer comes to your website.

ELT: What makes your service different?
Kurt: I love to give that local touch to all of my customers. If you have a project that you want done, then let’s sit down and talk about what you want. If it’s a website, then let’s find out what we need to add to make your business grow. I also like to give advice on every aspect of the site. I can help you with going mobile or optimizing your site for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) traffic. Also, after the site is done, I don’t just hand it over to you and go away. If you need to update the site or maybe remove some content, then I will be glad to help you out. It’s rewarding to see a small business feel good about the work I have done for them.

ELT: What services do you offer?
Kurt: I’m like the jack of all trades when it comes to web or graphic design. I can build you a website using the latest technology, and I can also create the printed marketing tools to advertise. If you have anything that you want done give me a call and we can discuss all of the options.

ELT: Where can our readers get more information?
Kurt: If they want to check out my latest work they can always check out my online portfolio at WhiteGeckoMarketing.com. There they can see my work, my skills, and how to reach me. I’m based right here in Chula Vista so any time they want to sit down and get a quote on design work, I’m ready.

Thank you so much Kurt for sitting down with us and going over web design. We have been extremely satisfied with the work you have done for us and we would like to recommend you to all of the small business owners out there. So many businesses are thinking about how they can grow their business in 2012, and a great looking website is an essential key to success.

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

In this exclusive interview, www.Eastlaketimes.com interviews Eastlake’s Doctor Bruce Bell, D.C., Qualified Medical Evaluator, American Academy of Spine Physicians & Director of the South Coast Spine Center in Otay Ranch Village.

ET: How long have you been in the San Diego’s South Bay area?
5 Years. We started in Bonita and moved to Otay Ranch Village in June, 2010.

ET: What do you like most about San Diego’s South Bay?
Great Weather, Great People, Great Beaches, Great Food, Great Quality of Living.

ET: Tell our readers about what you do.
At the South Coast Spine Center, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic and severe low back pain and neck pain. Our goal is to detect the underlying root cause(s) of each patient’s pain by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete orthopedic/neurological examination. We will then order updated diagnostic studies which may include MRI’s, CT Scans, Ultrasound, EMG’s or NCV’s, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Based upon the examination findings, our spine specialists will design a comprehensive “evidence based” treatment program to completely correct the true root cause(s) of pain. We also include recommendations for lifestyle changes that usually include dietary and exercise adjustments to help our patients attain optimal, long lasting health and pain free living.

ET: What makes your service different?
Advanced Medical Technology Fused With Understanding, Knowledge, Skill and Compassion. We emphasize the absolute importance of making the correct diagnosis before recommending any form of treatment. Patients often arrive at our offices without any diagnostic imaging studies or any type of definitive diagnosis. Therefore, our first step is to establish the correct diagnosis through complete examination procedures that often include advanced diagnostic imaging, ie. MRI, and EMG (Surface Eletromyography). Once the correct diagnosis has been made, a custom designed treatment program is recommended to ensure a safe, comfortable and speedy recovery.

Our facility is equipped with a wide array of advanced physical medicine modalities enabling us to provide a comprehensive approach to the nonsurgical treatment of severe lower back and neck pain. We are also networked with some of the top orthopedic, neurological, and regenerative medicine doctors in San Diego, as well as nationally, and internationally. This enables us to recommend and incorporate additional medical procedures into our treatment program with confidence and assurance that they are delivered with the highest level of integrity and care.

The wide array of physical medicine procedures offered in a modern and aesthetically pleasing environment here at the South Coast Spine Center also distinguishes our facility as unique in all of San Diego. In addition to our 4 DRX9000 systems, we also provide nonsurgical “healing laser” therapy, advanced “target-core-focused” physical rehabilitation with our Power-Plate Pro 5 Acceleration Training, SciFit Pro2 Cardio Fitness, and LifeCircuit Core Trainers. We also offer computerized hydro-massage therapy with the AquaMed 2 Dry Hydrotherapy Bed for soothing, relaxing and therapeutic whole body hydro-massage, and evidence based nutriceutical recommendations for natural and healthy alternative medicine.

ET: What causes neck and low back pain?
Neck and low back pain can be caused by a number of factors ranging from traumatic injuries to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, bones, discs and nerves, to the natural degenerative effects of aging and gravity. The spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra are liquid filled discs with a durable, yet flexible outer layer of cartilage. These discs function as protective cushions or “shock absorbers” to protect the vertebra, spinal cord and spinal nerves. Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of herniation and degeneration of the intervertebral disc(s). Degeneration is due to the process of wear and tear through repetitive trauma or severe trauma that causes deterioration or degenerative changes of the disc. Herniations, protrusions, bulges and extrusions of the disc occur when the inner liquid substance known as the nucleus pulposis pushes outward. This creates a painful distortion and thinning of the disc, resulting in severe pain from the damaged disc itself, and often associated nerve pain or neurological deficit (numbness, weakness, loss of balance) from direct pressure against the spinal cord or adjacent spinal nerve. A thorough examination by a qualified and experienced health care professional is the only way to determine the precise cause of pain.

ET: Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Most patients do not experience any side effects. However, some patients on rare occasions may experience temporary soreness, or occasionally, mild muscle spasms following their decompression therapy session.

ET: Do your treatment methods work?
Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically, significant improvement is obtained during the second week of treatment. The rate of recovery is usually dependent upon the severity of the condition, and the age and health of the patient, and the patient’s compliance to the doctor’s recommendations and treatment protocol. Recent medical studies from prominent physicians at the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Standford University have demonstrated consistently high success rates with the DRX9000.

Log onto: www.southcoastspine.com to read about the successful recoveries experienced by patients at the South Coast Spine Center.

ET: Can our readers use their insurance for these treatment plans?
Most insurance providers cover most of the procedures offered at our center. However, insurance coverage varies with each insurance policy. A complimentary benefits check is provided upon request. We also offer our patients the option of various patient financing plans that range from “zero down, zero interest” with affordable monthly payments for up to 2 years, to conventional financing of up to 5 years with monthly payments to fit your budget. This option also makes our care extremely affordable and “one of the best health care decisions” that can be made.

Readers can contact us by phone at: 619-472-2225 (BACK) or through our website at: www.southcoastspine.com for more information.

Readers can also subscribe to our free weekly health newsletter by logging onto our website at: www.SouthCoastSpine.com and clicking on the “Subscribe To Our Newsletter” link.

Also text the word: “NEWBACK” to 90210 to receive special offers directly to your cell phone!

For a limited time, we are offering readers of www.EastlakeTimes.com a FREE diagnostic Nerve and Muscle Scan (sEMG, $275 Value) when they mention this website.

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

In this video, Eastlake’s Dr. Abraham Broudy discusses why he chose to practice pediatrics in Eastlake and what makes his practice in Eastlake special.

Children’s Physicians Medical Group, Dr. Broudy’s medical group is San Diego’s Largest Pediatric-Only Medical Group. There are over 10 locations throughout Chula Vista area.

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

In this exclusive interview, www.Eastlaketimes.com interviews Kami Hoss, DDS, MS, Founder, The Super Dentists of Eastlake, California.

ET: Tell us a little about The Super Dentists.
The Super Dentists is the legend behind the super heroes of pediatric dentistry & orthodontics who are saving the world one smile at a time. We provide a very unique experience in an environment as extraordinary as the patients we serve.

ET: We read that you were recently honored for your incognito braces. Congratulations. Can you share what are the incognito braces?
Thank you; it is an honor to be the only premier office providing Incognito braces in all of San Diego. These braces are placed on the backside of your teeth so that they are completely INVISIBLE. They are also comfortable, and appropriate for both teenagers and adults. So now you can have braces without anyone knowing. Some of the other benefits of Incognito braces include fewer appointments and faster treatment.

ET: How long have you been in the Eastlake area?
My wife, Nazli Keri (the other Super Dentist) and I have been living and working in Eastlake for over a decade.

ET: What do you like most about the Eastlake area?
I love everything about Eastlake. This community is vibrant, everyone here is friendly and we really consider Eastlake to be part of our family.

ET: What makes your service different?
We understand there are a lot of choices when it comes to people’s dental care, and we wanted to create a magical place where children, teenagers & adults alike enjoy visiting that is unlike any other dentist office. I’ll give you a few examples.

We always utilize the latest in pediatric dentistry & orthodontics such as self-adjusting super braces, Wand computer anesthesia & Laser dentistry

We have a long list of office amenities for the convenience of our patients such as TVs, video games, Café, Toy Store, online appointment reminders, office parties & so on.

ET: When should infants see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children by the age of 1 should see a dentist. It is also a good idea for children to stop all bad habits by age 4. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition. By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate your child’s front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile for your child.

ET: What are the ages of your patients?
In our pediatric dental practice we typically see patients ranging from age one to age 20. In the orthodontic practice the range is usually from age 7 to adulthood (my oldest patient is 82).

ET: Many of our readers are active and reserve military; do you accept TRICARE health insurance?
Absolutely. We not only accept military insurance, but we have special offers for the military patients.

ET: We recently read that you’re expanding your locations. Where are you expanding?
We are currently expanding into North County. We also have plans to expand into other parts of San Diego County - check back on our website for more details and sign up at [email protected] where you will be one of the first to receive the information and also a welcome package.

ET: Where can our readers get more information?
Your readers are more than welcome to call (619)DENTIST (336-8478) or visit www.TheSuperDentists.com. We also are on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and have a blog all containing tons of information about The Super Dentists, proper dental care, promotions and of course fun events!

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

A Look Inside Salt Creek Golf Club Junior Academy’s Director, Phillip Schmidt III.

In this exclusive interview, www.Eastlaketimes.com interviews Phillip Schmidt III, Salt Creek Golf Club’s newly appointed Director of Junior Academy.

ET: Tell us a little about how you got involved in golf.
My Father Introduced me to game when I was 7 years old at the Bonita Golf Center but my love for team sports kept me taking it serious at a young age. Golf was more of a hobby or Sunday range time banging a bucket of balls with Dad. But I’m so thankful he exposed to this great game of Golf it has taught me so many life lessons and core values.

ET: Did you play in high school or college or professionally?
Never played golf seriously until I was 19, I played baseball at Chula Vista High and at Southwestern Jr. College. By 22, I turned professional in 1991 as a Club Pro at Eastlake CC and also competed on the mini tour circuit in 1998-03 (Golden State Tour, King Stahlman Tour, Mexican PGA Tour, Pepsi Tour, State Opens, and US Open/PGATOUR Qualifiers)

ET: How long have you been with Salt Creek Golf Club?
Almost 2 weeks…I was a Tech Rep for Bridgestone Golf prior to moving back to Chula Vista.

ET: I read that Salt Creek Golf Club won some honors last year. What do you like most about playing at Salt Creek?
The challenge, it’s a placement course and a very strategic design where accuracy is at a premium. The weather/wind always plays a huge factor on scoring and how aggressive you can be off the tee and on approach shots. It’s one of those courses that I could play a million times and never get bored.

ET: Do you play at other courses in San Diego?
Absolutely! Here’s my Top 5 favorites:
1)San Diego CC
2)Torrey PinesGC(Both)
3)Coronado GC
4) Presidio Park GC
5)The Grand Del Mar

ET: What makes the courses in the South Bay different?
The people…growing up here we are a very competitive, driven bunch but love to banter, laugh and have fun! As far as the courses themselves they are all unique and provide their own challenge making the players that grow up very versatile and creative. It’s no accident why so many solid players come from the South Bay. I now work along side my idol when I started playing South Bays own Bryan Gorman ( ex-PGATOUR Member ) who is amazing instructor at Salt Creek GC.

ET: Tell us a little about the Junior Academy at Salt Creek?
My vision for the Jr. Golf Academy came from my Mother as she helped found and was president of the Bobby Sox Softball Program for my 4 sisters, President of Chula Vista National Little League/Chula Vista Pony(North) and founded Chula Vista Colt leagues for me.

She always gave us a positive safe place place to learn sports and excel at them and that’s what I want to do with Golf for the youth of the South Bay. Our Academy will instill all the technique fundamentals, core values (Integrity,Honesty, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Respect, Courtesy, Perseverance, and Responsibility), and etiquette that makes golf fun and lifelong passion.

ET: And we read that you’ll be hosting some junior camps in the future?
3-Day Camps: June 11th -13th and July 16th -18th.

ET: What is the price of the camps?
It is only $150 for a single camp (parent’s choice of mornings or afternoon) or $200 for both camps (morning and afternoon camps)

ET: Can you give any advice when sizing a child’s club?
Kids grow so fast the length is constantly going to be an issue but the weight of the club is crucial. Cutting down some old clubs can hurt your child more than help because those young golf muscles are not developed properly yet. So quality lightweight clubs are a fantastic investment in your child early development and technique. They come in several lengths so it’s better to miss on the long side so your child can choke up and grow into them. *If he or she looks hunched over with bad posture the clubs are too short.

ET: Where can our readers get more information?
Facebook at Salt Creek Jr. Golf Academy, www.saltcreekgc.com, or parents can call me direct at 619.889.3279 / e-mail to

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

A Look Inside Global Diabetic Awareness with Chief Information Officer and long-time Chula Vistan, Thomas Moore.

ET: Tell us a little about your background.
TM: I was born in Brooklyn NY lived on Long Island with my Parents until about 1964 when we relocated to Imperial Beach.

I Lived on Coronado Avenue for about one year and then we moved to Chula Vista where I grew up. After graduating CVHS and working various jobs I went into the US Air Force. After being discharged and coming back to CV, I met my Wife and worked for a local shoe retailer for about 6 years and decided to buy a Computer. I eventually started working for a ‘high tech’ company (SAI then, now SAIC) dong mostly admin type stuff, but it was all based on all the new tech stuff as it came out.

After a lot of on the job training and absorbing as much as I could, SAIC lost the U.S. Navy Contract, and the job market fell apart in the SoCal area. We literally sold everything, moved to New York and lived on the East Coast working various jobs on the East Coast for the next few years.

We then moved back and when our oldest Daughter was in high school (yes Chula Vista High School), my Wife was diagnosed with diabetes.

ET: Tell us a little about growing up in Southern California and Chula Vista, CA
TM: I have been blessed to not only grow up in SoCal/CV, but having the opportunity to have my children and grandchildren also do the same. Speaking from personal experiences, sometimes the resources that are so accessible, so beautiful, are taken for granted.

Can a kid ride a bike, surfboard in tow on a homemade ‘carrier’, from third and ‘H’ to the pier in IB, and on good days (surfing) ride back home? Is the Fiesta de la Luna anywhere? Those questions being rhetorical in nature, the point is that these things are still present.

ET: How many years have you lived here?
TM: Other than the time living on the East Coast, I have had the pleasure of living in this fine area for about thirty years. My parents relocated to So Cal because of my Fathers career, and we first lived in Imperial Beach for a year or so before moving into what is now referred to as ‘downtown’ Chula Vista. Living so very close to Saint Rose of Lima, I went to School at St. Rose until seventh grade, transferring to CV Junior High and graduating CVHS class of 1977.

After CVHS I worked odd jobs around CV prior to entering the USAF. I then met my Wife after the AF upon returning to CV. We were blessed with the birth of all three children right here in SD. We spent about 15 years in the NY/CT/PA area before returning to CV. We have watched our eldest Daughter graduate CVHS year of 2000, and be a part of the community that birth my Wife and I grew up in.

ET: How did you get involved with Global Diabetic Awareness?
TM: Some have, and will, find it somewhat odd in many ways, how I came upon Global Diabetic Awareness (GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS). Even though my professional background was as a Technologist, and my Wife Julie has been diabetic for about fifteen years, I only got involved on any online ‘Social’ diabetes related Website about a year ago. And up until that point, I rarely, if at all, viewed videos online about anything. The first website I became a ‘member’ of was DiabeticConnect.com. A video caught my eye about something called ‘Change the World…Global Diabetic Awareness’.

For some reason I chose to look at this video from Mark-John Clifford (CEO/Co-Founder). I watched Mark’s video explaining what he actually meant by GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS…for about one minute.

That’s all it took for me to contact Mark and become involved. And it certainly was not all peaches and cream to start. We (GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS) were trying to do something that has never done before. This vision Mark, and his Wife Patti had, sounded simple on the surface. This was, and always will be, a path to be more proactive at the ‘diabetic’ level of things.

And the diabetic level, is a global need. This global need began to take on a dual definition. One, of course, of a geographical nature, and one of an all inclusive nature of what having this disease really means. Behind every mention of the word ‘diabetes’ is a ‘diabetic’. And behind this human element of diabetes is a support network that too, is global in both definitions of the word.

ET: What makes Global Diabetic Awareness different or unique?
TM: There is a plethora of aspects that makes GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS both different and unique. Let me start at the beginning somewhat, of how GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS actually came to life. And as I briefly give a historical view, keep in mind that the goal of ANY online ‘Network’ and/or Website is traffic. How many ‘visitors’, what is the registered user count.

I will not get into all the Metrics and facts and figures that GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS tracks. Because many things became clear from the beginning. And some things transformed from what were initially conceived and designed. And the reason why these transformations took place was due to the fact that from the beginning, GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS was not going after ‘members’. Nor were we interested in ‘hits’ or ‘page views’ etc.

We sometimes actually joke a bit on how we have done things in a way most would consider ‘backwards’. We did not operate on the “Build it and they will Come” mentality. One of the original Websites launched by Mark and Patti, Diabetic L.I.F.E. WON was the birthplace of GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS. That Site, in conjunction with Diabetic KID’Z 4 L.I.F.E. began to shape the story that has become GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS, along with the World Diabetic KID’Z Foundation (WDKF) has grown into. The WDKF houses all the initiatives and projects underway that deal with Kid’z with diabetes, and the ones whom care for, and love them.

And if only to give statistics for comparison purposes, Diabetic L.I.F.E. WON, only one of many Domains owned and operated now by GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS, in the first nine months of existence, Diabetic KID’Z 4 L.I.F.E saw 1.5 million visitors that viewed 1.2 million Pages, from 60 Countries around the world. Through the message portrayed in that infamous video almost a year ago, I have been able to bring my background as a Technologist, coupled with living with my diabetic Wife, to the Mission that encompasses GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS.

ET: How has your group been involved in Eastlake, Chula Vista, CA?
TM: Specifically, with the announcement of the Global Diabetic Awareness Community’s, GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS is bringing it’s Mission and Message into Community’s, using a grassroots approach. We are doing this with our message of the “OuterNet”. Simply put, the “OuterNet” is the NON Internet. There are numerous groups that do NOT have Internet access, or own a computer. There are structures, and infrastructures of offline methods already in place, to accomplish this.

Here is great example of how the “OuterNet”, coupled with our newly announced

“Diabetic Synchronicity; Health, Fitness and You”, can work in the Community at the grassroots level, right here in our Town. A very dear friend, Anthony Raso, is one of the Owners of La Bella Pizza, and the brains behind the new La Bella Gaming Center. The La Bella Gaming Center fills a void left when the only other place in Chula Vista, the Silver Cue, disappeared.

In this example there are multiple components, specifically as it relates to GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS’s “Diabetic Synchronicity; Health, Fitness and You”. A popular local establishment that offers ambiance, a local tradition, good food, and a place to go work off the food, in a fun, engaging, SAFE & Family atmosphere, all in one place!

Using this model, Global Diabetic Awareness Community’s can virtually (but in the “OuterNet”) use any place within a persons comfort level, to utilize the grassroots approach in raising awareness. And only until we can encourage people to ‘Step out of the Internet, and into the OuterNet’ to raise awareness at a personal face to face level, there will remain somewhat of a bottleneck online with people that only remain in that small circle of the ‘Social Networks’ as we know them now.

ET: Are you a non-profit?
TM: Global Diabetic Awareness is part of a non-profit that is funded through private foundations.

ET: How do you create the relationships with your readers?
TM: As one would imagine, since our core beliefs are for, and about diabetes and diabetics, anytime you attempt to speak to anyone about a disease, there are roadblocks at almost every junction. It is not a fun, uplifting topic for most, diabetic or not. And anytime a health issue is brought up there is of course privacy concerns associated. And the ‘ spiral of silence’ is something difficult to overcome. At the same time we do not, nor imply that we are Medical professionals and the implication always has to be that getting professional treatment for any and all health concerns must first and foremost be addressed by those trained to do so. So GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS always tries to address our Friends at as much of a personal level possible.

ET: Is there a website where our readers can get more information?
TM: GLOBAL DIABETIC AWARENESS does have a diverse presence on the Internet covering many of the ‘Social platforms’ as well as other online resources such as Radio, Television, Websites, Forums, Blogs etc. As we have been evolving into both an Internet (online) and an OuterNet (offline) resource focusing on how old fashioned grassroots methodology can be utilized to carry out our Mission, we have not focused on any specific presence online in the traditional sense of a ‘Website’, or online ‘Community’ or even ‘Members’. That being said, anyone can reach me either through ET, or send an email to [email protected] and someone will respond just as quickly as possible.

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

In this exclusive interview, www.Eastlaketimes.com interviews coyote roller business President Bob Owens

ET: Tell us a little about how you got involved with Coyote Roll and Roll Guard, Inc.?

Roll Guard Inc. had just started and I got involved helping out in the development of the roller and parts and my involvement became an every day job instead of just helping. I am now the President of Roll Guard Inc.

ET: Will the Coyote Roller system keep dogs or cats from jumping over the fence?

Any animal that has to use the top of a fence to get the foot hold to pull them self over it will contain.

When first getting into Roll Guard I wanted to make sure it really worked so I put up a chain link pen six foot high by the San Diego River where there are a lot of coyotes. I put two chickens inside to see if they would survive over night. The next morning I was there and so were the chickens and they were there each time I went back for a week. I then took the pen down and knew for sure that it worked.

ET: Coyotes jump over my fence like it’s not even there. How can the Coyote Roller solve my problem?

If you have a six foot fence a coyote wants to go at the top rail of the fence to get the foot hold needed to get over and gets the roller and falls off.

The roller comes in four foot sections and the hard wear needed to install comes with it. They sell for $ 28.00 each

Roll Guard Inc., makers of the Coyote Roller system, is a team of dedicated animal lovers whose pledge is to keep your pets safe at home. Keeping your family pets in your yard, or keeping wild roaming predators out, the Coyote Roller does the job.

The Coyote Roller is a humane, non-lethal, animal protection and deterrent device that requires no power source. It’s the best product on the market, period.

Other companies claim to have the best product, we here at Roll Guard Inc. beg to differ.

In our opinion, a product that requires no power source is much better than one that needs a continuous electrical supply to operate.

We also feel that giving your family pet a jolt of electricity or risking injury from barbed wire is certainly not the answer.

No special fencing required it will attach to Block wall, Wrought iron Chain link wood fence and vinyl fencing

What we all have to understand is the coyote is an extremely intelligent animal and we are not going to get rid of him we all have to learn to coincide with wildlife. I am not sure if it is going to be worse but I do know that the coyote is no longer a afraid of people. Go to www.coyoteroller.com and watch the video in action.

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

In this exclusive interview, www.Eastlaketimes.com interviews Jeff Bettger, founder of Bettger Properties, Inc.

ET: Tell us a little about Bettger Properties, Inc. and how you and your family got involved with real estate.

Growing up, my parents owned a carpet and drapery store. My wife sold real estate in Baja. The combination of that experience and talent works great in real estate. After moving to Chula Vista in 2000, we formed The Bettger Team under Prudential Calif. Realty to help clients buy or sell real estate. By 2005, we were one of the top Prudential agents nationwide. In 2007, we added Property Management to our services.

ET: We read that you lived and worked up in the Bay Area. What brought you back to San Diego?

I was an Assistant Professor at SFSU and UC Berkeley for 4 years. When my wife became pregnant, we decided to move back to San Diego to be closer to family. I wanted to raise our children in Chula Vista. I love the schools, parks, weather, and people here.

ET: Is your firm specializing in any particular area of real estate these days?

Of course, we continue to help clients buy and sell real estate. However, over the years, we have received more and more requests from our clients to manage the properties that they have purchased. Over the past couple of years, we have been working hard to provide the best possible management services.

ET: So, if I own a property in Eastlake, and I decide to move because of job relocation, would it make sense to rent my property out to a tenant?

It is possible. But we help each owner determine what is best for them. We are thorough in helping the client evaluate their long-term goals and needs.

Hire the best property manager you can. Make sure they advertise extensively. Make sure they screen perspective tenants thoroughly. Make sure they are knowledgeable regarding home repairs. Make sure that they will respond quickly to any problems.

The tenant selection process is one of the most important parts of property management. We do all of the background checking and interviewing of perspective tenants. We have been extremely fortunate to find outstanding tenants for our properties.

Many of our clients live out of the country, so they count on us completely to take care of their property. This is a trust that we take very seriously. Our cell phones are never turned off. The tenants appreciate the fact that they can reach us during a time of emergency.

ET: Okay, on the flip side, what if I just moved to San Diego and am waiting to see a confirmed stabilization of prices before buying a home, is this a good time to rent?

Yes. We screen our landlords as well. By this I mean that we only work with landlords that are willing to fix problems properly and promptly. Nice properties attract nice tenants.

Our family approach. Always answering the phones right away. Expert knowledge of the area. Knowing the names of our tenants and landlords. Fixing needed repairs right away. Willingness to work 24/7. Speaking Spanish and Japanese.

Yes, we are very honored to have been recently selected by San Diego Magazine as a FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent(SM) for 2009.

Real estate is usually boring to children. So we created a character called “Mo, the Moving Truck” and developed a series of stories and video games around him. It gives children a fun way to understand the moving process and real estate in general

ET: With the recent decline in San Diego real estate prices, what advice do you have for our readers?

First, always work with quality people. Is this agent or lender looking out for my best long-term interests? Second, Chula Vista is a GREAT place to live. The future is bright. If you can afford to hold on, do so.

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube

In this exclusive interview, Eastlaketimes discusses the story behind Eastlake Tavern And Bowl with co-owner Dan Hurd.

ET: Tell us a little about the original East Village Tavern and Bowl in downtown San Diego and how the original idea was created.

-[East Village Town and Bowl] is a very popular, locals, Chicago style sports Tavern. We have a great number of regulars from the neighborhood. We see the same faces two and three times a week.

I worked as a bartender many years ago in Chicago at a very similar concept that was a mix between a pool hall and a bowling alley. When I moved to San Diego in 2001 I was surprised that the city only had the older, dilapidated bowling centers that seem to be a relic of the past. My business partner Rich Synnott and I both felt that San Diego was in need of a more modern version of an old favorite.

ET: What would you contribute are the main reasons for your success for your downtown establishment?

-The concept and feel of our downtown location gives people a relaxed atmosphere to socialize with friends. Not everyone wants a high-end lounge or club every night downtown and we provide an alternative. We invite people to come-as-they-are; we never have a dress code and we never charge a cover. A large part of our success during the present economic times has been our price points on both menu items and drinks at the bar. We have always been a cheaper alternative for good drinks and great food. We find that people are still going out to have a good time; they are just being more critical of where they choose to spend their money.

ET: What inspired you to move your hip and successful East Village Tavern and Bowl to a suburb like Eastlake?

-We have been watching the Eastlake area for over two years and we finally feel like its a great time to expand South. Eastlake has certainly been affected by the drop in the housing market but we think that the worst is behind us. The houses that sat vacant have now started to move as pricing has come down to a level that more people can afford.

ET: As far as selecting your site, was Eastlake on your short list all along or did something trigger it as you were launching your downtown venue?

-As I mentioned we have always been watching Eastlake for the right opportunity. Meeting Mike Vogt and the people at IRE Development was the catalyst for moving when we did. We have started a fantastic partnership with IRE Development and we hope to build on that relationship with not only the success of the Eastlake Tavern & Bowl but also with other future locations.

ET: As you probably already know, there are not many entertainment establishments within Eastlake, what can some of our readers expect in the Eastlake Tavern and Bowl.

-People can expect a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere to enjoy their favorite sporting event or socialize over a game of bowling. We expect to be the premier sports bar in the Eastlake and Chula Vista areas. We have always been a great sports bar that offers bowling as an additional form of entertainment. The best aspect of our concept is that it appeals to every age and every community. We are an ideal location for private parties and company events. I feel that company planners are frustrated with the limited options for planned social events. Bowling provides great team building opportunities and even better friendly competition within company employees.

-Yes, Eastlake Tavern & Bowl will be very kid friendly. Even though we have had great success in our downtown location where there are very few families we feel that the Eastlake community and the surrounding residential demographics are more suitable for our concept. Bowling now has automatic scoring, hydraulic powered bumpers and toddler ball ramps that make it all much more enjoyable for children. Now kids are actually knocking down pins and getting excited. Eastlake Tavern & Bowl even has a small game room for the kids to enjoy while the adults enjoy the big game.

-We describe our menu as upscale sports bar food with diverse favorites. We serve basic Tavern staples like pizza, burgers and chicken nachos but also offer grilled portobello panninis and a mahi tuna sandwich with crispy onions and wasabi mayo. My favorite……for this week………..is the Southwest salad with BBQ chicken

ET: With the potential of losing local TV coverage with the Chargers, will you be able to show blacked-out games via Direct TV or satellite?

- We will most-likely not be able to show a Chargers game during blacked-out coverage. Direct TV is very strict about what games they allow for certain regions and they adhere to all broadcasting contracts. We actually carry a Cox Cable package just to show the Padres for every game.

ET: You may not know, but legendary MMA champ and UFC Hall of Famer, Ken Shamrock is a long-time resident of Eastlake, do you plan on showing any MMA fights at the tavern?

Now that UFC Fighting has gone main stream we show all the fights. We have more guests interested in the big UFC nights than we do for boxing. To date the crowds have been great and we are actually drawing more women on Fight night than men.

Monday – Thursday 11:30-4:00 is $2 per game $25 per hour (6 or less people) 4:00-Close $4.75 per game $35 per hour
Friday – Saturday 11:30-4:00 is $3 per game $35 per hour (6 or less people) 4:00-7:00 $5.75 per game 7:00-Close $45 hourly only
Sunday 11:30-4:00 is $3 per game $35 per hour (6 or less people) 4:00-Close $4.75 per game $35 per hour

We will have rate cards available at the bowling counter for guests to take with them so they can plan the most suitable times to bowl.

- We have a Grand Opening party coming up on Wednesday, September 16th that is by invitation only. Then starting Thursday the 17th we will be open to the public and business as usual. We are implementing mock service and kitchen training for the next four nights to test our staff. The bowling will be free up until the opening party so we can get people excited about the lanes.

ET: Ok, final question, I’ve always wondered, why are bowling shoes in typical bowling places so uncomfortable and look so ugly? Are your shoes any different?

-I actually think our shoes are pretty comfortable. Its not easy to find durable, leather shoes that are also comfortable to each individual. The shoes are intentionally made to look ugly so people are not tempted to steal them! Unfortunately we still lose a few shoes each month to the general public.

881 Showroom Place
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Phone: 619.565.BOWL (2695)
http://www.bowlelt.com/

Eastlake Times

www.Eastlaketimes.com is an online guide to Eastlake, a master planned community of Chula Vista.

Eastlake News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Chula Vista Real Estate, and more.

More Posts – Website

Follow Me:
YouTube