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©2012 Mira Mesa Living. All Rights Reserved. Neither this publication nor any part thereof may be reproduced in any form, for any use without the written permission of the copyright owner. Contents ofMira Mesa Living are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the staff at Mira Mesa Living. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by Mira Mesa Living. The information in this publication is gathered in a way to ensure maximum accuracy. Mira Mesa Living cannot, and does not, guarantee the correctness of infor-mation, or the absence of errors or omissions, or against the presence of unintentional inclusions. Mira Mesa Living accepts no responsibility for ad contents or representations. Each advertiser is solelyresponsible for ad content. Representations made regarding the products, services or conditions are the sole responsibility of the advertiser.

Michelle Tsai, Publisher Ms. Tsai holds an MBA with an emphasis in finance and aBA in marketing from University of San Diego. She haslived in the Mira Mesa neighborhood for nearly 12 years.In that time she has joined several committees includingserving as Vice President of the Mira Mesa Chamber ofCommerce. Ms. Tsai believes her strengths includeconnecting people and groups and building long-standingrelationships in the community.

Steve Nicoles, EditorMr. Nicoles worked for nearly a decade as aprofessional television news reporter. He brings thatexperience along with several journalism awardsincluding a regional Emmy™ to Mira Mesa Living. As agraduate of San Diego State University, Mr. Nicoles isexcited to be living and working in San Diego whilefocusing on one of the city’s most diverse and uniqueneighborhoods.

Angela Quisumbing, Writer Mrs. Quisumbing is a Mira Mesa Mom, wife andentrepreneur. She received her Master's Degree inStrategic Communications and her bachelor's degree inbusiness administration from National University. Mrs.Quisumbing enjoys celebrating motherhood andsupporting local businesses. She is co-founder of SanDiego Mom's Night Out and founder ofMiraMesaMom.com

Alexander Nguyen, WriterMr. Nguyen is an actor and award-winning freelancewriter in San Diego. He has won a Society ofProfessional Journalists award and was nominated forthe Asian Heritage Awards for his work. He is a memberof the Asian American Journalists Association.

Pam Stevens, WriterMs. Stevens is a freelance writer, librarian, and activecommunity volunteer in Mira Mesa, where she and herhusband, Jeff, have lived since 1980. She is the authorof Mira Mesa, a photo history in Arcadia Publishing'sImages of America series.

Front Cover Photo Credit & Design -Albertine Feurer-Young, the Art of Albertine

ArtofAlbertine.com

To Advertise: [email protected] To Submit Articles, News and Events:

[email protected] To Contact the Publisher: [email protected]

Special Note: The author for “Valentine’s Day Craft” on page 14 in Jan/Febissue is Tonya Staab. Please find her new article on page 11 in this issue.

Aleksandra Wojtalewicz RichardsOriginally from Poland, Aleksandra grew up in Long Beach,California. She graduated from California State University,Fullerton with a B.A. in Communications. She moved to SanDiego to attend the University of San Diego where sheobtained a M.A. in International Relations.Prior to moving to San Diego, Aleksandra worked as areporter at a newspaper in Long Beach. She is currently atechnical editor at an environmental consulting firm.

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

Miss Mira Mesa & Miss Teen

Mira Mesa PageantsBy: Aleksandra Wojtalewicz RichardsPhotos by: Albertine Feurer-Young, theArt of Albertine (ArtOfAlbertine.com)

With their smiles sparkling as brightly asthe crowns, two Mira Mesa residentswere crowned the community’s royaltyearlier this month.

This year’s Miss Mira Mesa title went to22-year-old Keshia Llarenas, and 15-year-old Madison Dodd was crownedMiss Teen Mira Mesa.

The second annual Miss Mira Mesa andMiss Teen Mira Mesa Pageants tookplace on February 2 at the Country Innand Suites. The entire event was “aclass act,” said Ted Brengel, pageantjudge and president of the Mira MesaTown Council.

For the next year, Llarenas and Doddwill represent the Mira Mesacommunity at numerous public eventsin Mira Mesa and the greater San Diegoarea. “There is a lot they will be doingthrough the year,” said Steve Rivette,pageant judge, vice president of theMira Mesa Theater Guild, and MiraMesa business owner. And he expectsthem to fulfill their obligations “with asmile on their faces and an upliftingattitude no matter what comes theirway.”

The pageants, sponsored by the MiraMesa Town Council, consist of fivecomponents: opening number, bathingsuit (Miss Mira Mesa only)/athletic wear(Miss Teen Mira Mesa only)competition, evening gowncompetition, speech, and a 20-minuteinterview with each of the judges.

“The competition was a greatopportunity to meet new people,” saidDodd. “My favorite part was theinterview” because it was anopportunity “to show the judges mypersonality.”

When it comes to judging thecompetition, majority of the judgesagree that “it is about so much morethan a pretty exterior,” said Rivette. “Itis about the total individual, [and]honesty, integrity, kindness, and awillingness to do for others.”

The contestants need to have“confidence and a secureunderstanding” of the role that needs tobe fulfilled as a crown holder, saidJennifer Lewis, pageant judge anddirector of talent at John Robert PowersSan Diego. “The girls need tounderstand what it means to be a rolemodel and reach out to the community,and how to set an example.”

The judges consisted of five communitymembers: Brengel, as the currentpresident of the Mira Mesa TownCouncil; Cynthia Collins, owner ofCollins Family Jewelers (sponsors of thecrown for the event); Lewis; Rivette;and Marlon Austria, long-time MiraMesa resident.

Maria Pankau, the pageant coordinator,“has done a fabulous job of gettingjudges,” said Brengel. “The right peoplewere doing the judging.”

The new pageant queens grew up andcurrently live in Mira Mesa. “I love MiraMesa. I consider this place my home,”said Llarenas.

continues on page 6



Llarenas is a full-time private securitydispatcher at U.S. Security Associates,Inc. and a part-time waitress at HappySushi. She graduated from CaliforniaState University San Marcos with abachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“She is a ball of energy. She really lightsup a room,” said Lewis. She has “thetype of image and personality that weneed for the crown holder—she's smartand charismatic.”

Aside from being a good representativeof Mira Mesa, Llarenas also hopes to bea good role model to others, especiallyDodd. “I can be a good big sister [toDodd],” said Llarenas

The Mira Mesa High School alumna isno stranger to pageants. Llarenas haspreviously competed in the Miss AsiaSan Diego and Miss Asia USA pageants.A self-proclaimed tomboy, Llarenasdecided to compete in pageants to getout of her comfort zone. “I thought itwould be a good challenge for me,”said Llarenas. “You have to be open-minded and allow yourself to grow.”

This was Dodd’s first pageant and “Iwas thrilled to be a part of it,” saidDodd.

The Mira Mesa High School sophomoreis part of the school’s theater program,performing in musicals and plays. She isalso the vice president of the FashionClub and treasurer of the Drama Club.

Miss Mira Mesa Pageants (cont.)

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Although she still has two years until herhigh school graduation, Dodd alreadyhas post-graduation plans. She hopes toattend the Fashion Institute of Designand Merchandising and eventually moveto New York City to pursue a career infashion as a merchandise buyer.

Dodd looks forward to her new role asa representative of Mira Mesa. “Mygoals are to fully embrace my reign andmake the most of all the opportunitiesgiven, and to have a positive impact inMira Mesa,” said Dodd.

Which given Dodd’s “always happy andpositive” attitude, should not be difficultfor her to accomplish, said Llarenas.

Throughout their reign, both queenswill work together to be goodrepresentatives of Mira Mesa. “We’re ateam,” said Llarenas.

They also hope to showcase all thatMira Mesa has to offer, especially thecommunity’s diversity and variousevents, such as the Fourth of Julyparade, street fair, and farmer’s market,which happen to be their favoriteaspects of Mira Mesa.

Aside from being crowned Miss/MissTeen Mira Mesa, each winner receives asash, membership in the Mira MesaTown Council, a gift basket filled withgift cards for services and restaurants inthe community (valued atapproximately $500), and a scholarship

($350 for Miss Mira Mesa, $200 forMiss Teen Mira Mesa). The Mira MesaTown Council will also sponsor eachwinner to compete in the Miss GreaterSan Diego/Miss Teen Greater SanDiego pageants.

Three girls competed for Miss MiraMesa, and only one, Dodd, competedfor Miss Teen Mira Mesa. Pankau is notsurprised at the low turnout—“it is new.”However, she remains hopeful—“we aretrying to get the word out to more girls.”

According to Pankau, the pageant is nota beauty pageant, but more of a“community service pageant” whereyou get to interview “for the job of anambassador for Mira Mesa for the nextyear.”

Rivette agrees. “This contest can helpyoung women of today be moremature, responsible, [and] caringpeople,” he said.

The Miss Mira Mesa pageant is open tofemales ages 18 to 26 who havegraduated from a Mira Mesa highschool and/or lived or worked in MiraMesa for the past year. The Miss TeenMira Mesa pageant is open to femalesages 13 to 17 who are current studentsof a Mira Mesa middle school or highschool. “I would love to watch thispageant grow,” said Lewis. “This is greatfor anyone in the area, and really is anamazing tradition to have in the MiraMesa community.”

The 8th annual “Taste of Mira Mesa” will be held on Wednesday,

March 27th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Gen-Probe (10210 Genetic Center Dr.)

Watch for event details at the Mira Mesa High School Foundation website:

miramesahighschoolfoundation.org

Plan to attend this wonderful community event.Sample the delicious food from several of thearea restaurants. A silent auction will be held forgift baskets that contain a large variety of donateditems. Proceeds raised at this event support allMira Mesa schools, both public and private.

Mark your calendar! We hope to see you at thisupcoming community event!

Also, please help supportMira Mesa High School Athletics by

sponsoring or playing in ourGolf Tournament on May 5th -please check online for details!

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By: Mike Gapasin

Last year Mira Mesa High School hirednew varsity baseball head coach, JaredSuwyn. After one season at MiraMesa, Suwyn decided to leave theMarauders to be the pitching coach atPalomar College. Once again MMHShad to look for a new head coach. Instepped Ben Rosenthal.

In October of 2012, Mira Mesa hiredCoach Rosenthal to be the new skipperof the Marauder Baseball Program. Hebrings a wealth of knowledge andexperience to the Marauders.Rosenthal has been coaching for about10 years. He has primarily worked atthe high school level, but has also hadinvolvement with college and youthplayers. When asked why he wanted tocoach at MMHS, Rosenthal stated, “Ifelt like the baseball program had goodtradition and a solid foundation to buildon. There would definitely be work

By: Pam StevensPhoto source: Wangenheim Middle School

Wangenheim Middle School’s first Family Science Night held Thursday, Jan. 31,2013 drew a large crowd of parents and students of all ages for an evening offamily fun involving all kinds of science.

“I see stripes!” said a Mason Elementary School kindergartener when she lookedat the planet Jupiter through the telescope of San Diego Astronomy Associationmember Jeff Stevens. SDAA volunteers aimed their telescopes to the heavens forclose-up views of Jupiter and its moons, with three of them clearly visible and afourth that cast its shadow on the planet. Also on view was the Great Nebula inthe constellation Orion.

“Parents and students participated in somevery cool science events. You could feel thebuzz of excitement in the air. Once youpeered into the heavens, you could see aRuben tube (a tube filled with propane whereyou could see sound waves dancing to musicvia fire), build and race a balloon rocket car,test buoyancy by building an aluminum foilboat, tear apart mussel clumps to see whatlurks inside them, learn about local animalsfrom Project Wildlife, dissect sheep eyeballs,measure how much your heart pumps, findthe mass of various objects, and learn aboutenergy conservation,” said Wangenheimscience department chair Dan Grendziak.

Dr. Matt Fallon, Wangenheim principal,extended the invitation at the January MiraMesa Schools Cluster Council meeting toparents and students from other Mira Mesaschools and to the community at large tocome to Science Night.

In the Activity Room an assembly line ofparents and students put together balloonrocket cars at a long table, then raced themacross the floor. Inside the Ruben’s tuberoom, glowing flames rose and fell along withthe sound of the cool jazz or mellow rocktunes coming from a speaker at one end of ametal tube, which looked like what onewould see in a gas-fired fireplace. Host

Robert Paterson, a UCSDgraduate student, built theapparatus.

Wangenheim science departmentchair Dan Grendziak and otherscience teachers worked togetherto organize the event.

“I’m very happy with the turn-outand I’m very proud of ourdepartment. We put a lot of workinto this event and look forwardto improving it for next year,”Grendziak said.

involved, but the pieces are in place tosee immediate results.”

Some of the pieces that are in place forCoach Rosenthal are seniors TreyLomax (CF), Joey Portugal (P, 1B),Neiko Yribe (SS, P), Zak Ollila (OF, 2B)and Rusty Huber (P, INF). All arereturning starters from last year’sEastern League Championship team(25-5). Rosenthal adds, “MMHS iscentered in a strong community, whichgives me a chance to build somethingthat future student -athletes will wantto be a part of. There is also a great dealof support from the Administrativestaff, parents, alumni and everyone inthe Mira Mesa area.”

Rosenthal comes to MMHS afterspending the last two seasons as theHead Assistant Coach at BishopGorman High School in Las Vegas, NV.During Rosenthal’s tenure on theBishop Gorman coaching staff, theGaels won a National Championship in2012 and was a nationally top rankedteam in both 2011 and 2012. BishopGorman set a record with its seventhconsecutive Nevada state title in 2012.Prior to Bishop Gorman, Rosenthalcoached for one season at FaithLutheran High School (also in Las

Vegas). His coaching career began inSan Diego, working as an assistant atUniversity City High School under JeffDufek.

Coach Rosenthal grew up in Las Vegaswhere he played at Green Valley HighSchool. He was a member of the 1996and 1997 State Championship teamsat GVHS. Following High School,Rosenthal went on to play at RiversideCity College. As a sophomore, he wasnamed to the All-Orange EmpireConference First Team. That year,Rosenthal hit .321 in 44 games with a.503 slugging percentage and .431 on-base percentage with 12 doubles, sixhome runs, 28 runs scored and 53 runsbatted in. After playing for RiversideCity College, he earned a baseballscholarship to play at San Diego StateUniversity. Unfortunately due to aninjury, Rosenthal did not see muchplaying time during his two years atSDSU. After a full recovery andcompleting his degree, Rosenthal wasfortunate enough to get theopportunity to play professionally. Hespent four years playing in the St. LouisCardinal’s organization and for severalIndependent League baseball teams.Rosenthal’s best year came in 2005,when he hit .281 in 83 games with a

.449 slugging percentage, .344 on-basepercentage, 14 doubles, 11 home runs,41 runs scored and 47 runs batted in.Rosenthal’s baseball career was spentprimarily as a catcher, but he alsoplayed outfield and first base.

Coach Rosenthal earned his Bachelorof Science in Kinesiology with asupplement in Introductory Sciencesfrom San Diego State University in2002, and a Masters Degree in PhysicalEducation from Azusa PacificUniversity in 2008. Rosenthal said,“There were several factors why Imoved back to San Diego. The mainreason was family. With my wife’sfamily being here, it was an easychoice, especially knowing we wouldhave help with the addition of oursecond daughter.

“As a graduate of SDSU and spendingabout 10 years here previously, it was aplace that I was hoping to return to,”Rosenthal said.

Returning to assist Coach Rosenthal isJason Molina who is in his third year asan assistant coach on the Maraudervarsity team. New to the coaching staffthis year is Mike Gapasin and pitchingcoach, Royce Ring, who has pitched forthe Mets, Padres, Braves and Yankees.

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Chalk the Walk, the popular art festivaland fundraiser for Mira Mesa schoolvisual arts programs, is returning in2013. The event is scheduled forSaturday, April 27, 2013, from 9 am to2 pm at the Mira Mesa RecreationCenter.

Chalk the Walk – Mira Mesa ArtFestival began as a project of the MiraMesa Women’s Club to raise funds forthe Mira Mesa schools’ visual artsprograms by involving the whole MiraMesa community in a sidewalk chalkart festival. After taking a hiatus, theMira Mesa Women’s Club haspartnered with the Mira MesaChamber of Commerce to promotearts in our schools.

Funds are raised from the eventthrough sponsorships and donations.Sponsors may purchase various sizedsidewalk squares, and either provide

their own artists or arrange for a guestartist through the event organizers.For those who are unable toparticipate but want to support art inour schools, donations may be madeto the Mira Mesa Women’s Club forthe benefit of Chalk the Walk. Fundsraised through Chalk the Walk areused for grants to Mira Mesa school artprojects.

Additional information regarding Chalkthe Walk, along with Sponsor Formsand Artist Forms, may be found on theMira Mesa Women’s Club website –www.mmwomensclub.com – or theMira Mesa Chamber of Commerce site– www.MiraMesaChamber.com. Foradditional information, contact MarthaPritchard, Chair, Mira Mesa Women’sClub at 858-566-8847, or Bari Vaz,Chair, Mira Mesa Chamber ofCommerce, at 858-342-2033.

Chalk the Walk – MiraMesa Art Festival”Returns in 2013By: Bari Vaz

Make spring cleaning a snap by getting organizedfirst. It’s easier to dust or mop a surface whenthey’re cleared of stagnant clutter. Read on forbasic organizing tips and tricks to ensurehousehold spring cleaning goes quickly.

Get started: Organizing can be a challenge,especially if you’ve accumulated numerousbelongings over the years. Start with smallconsistent steps in the room that will make thebiggest impact for you. Try beginning with thebedroom because this is the first place we wakeup each day, and the last place we see beforedozing off. Avoid tackling paperwork andmemorabilia first, as these tend to be the mostdifficult to address. Warm up by sorting items youhave less fear about or attachments to.

Pace yourself: Avoid attempting to organize yourentire home and focus on one side of the room, ashelf or drawer at a time. Enjoy music, snacks,water and rest breaks as needed.

Have a “go-to” and “grab-and-go” place foreverything essential. Assign homes for items andbe sure to put things back where they belong soyou don’t leave them sitting out. Create a specificplace for your wallet/purse, sunglasses, and keyson hooks or in baskets near the door. No morewasted time searching for important items,because you’ll know where they are when youneed them.

Let go of the unnecessary and unused: Askyourself, “When was the last time I used thisitem?” or “How does this item fit into my life rightnow?” Give yourself permission to let go of thingsthat keep you stuck in the past, bring up guilt, oryou don’t love and use anymore. Doing so willmake you feel lighter and refreshed!

Focus on functionality: Spring is the perfect timeto organize and clean out those areas you’ve beenavoiding but want to use such as the garage, guest,craft or storage rooms. Decide what functions theroom will serve and activities will be enjoyedthere. Stock belongings according to where in theroom you will complete certain tasks. Any itemsthat don’t match your vision for the room’spurpose should be removed and placedelsewhere.

Make it fun! Get the family involved byscheduling a “Clear the Clutter Day”. Assign eachfamily member a bin orbag and set a timer for10-20 minutes. Instructeveryone to collect asmany items around thehouse that belong tothem. Round two: Set thetimer again for 10-20minutes. Whoever canput all the items away firstreceives the prize!

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By: Angela Quisumbing

Spring is in the air, and that can meanmany things: egg hunts, flowersblooming, and spring cleaning! Yes, Isaid it, spring cleaning. It’s somethingthat has to be done. Here are threegreat tips for moms to get motivatedabout getting the house in order.

Make a schedule. Don’t overwhelmyourself by trying to clean the entirehouse all at once. Schedule 20-30minutes a day and clean or decluttersmall areas of your home at a time.Think small victories! Then you canreward yourself with your favoritetreat! Also, instead of waiting forspring cleaning, make sure everyonein the family does their part to keepthe house tidy on a regular basis.

Make it fun. Cleaning doesn’t haveto be a daunting task. Turn the radioon and turn it up! Let the musicmotivate you. Or let your cleaningtime double as your workout time.Burn some calories while you’resweeping the floor or moving boxes.

Get the whole family involved bymaking a game out of it, whoever getsdone first gets to pick what’s fordinner.

Toss it. There is somethingrevolutionary about getting rid ofthings you no longer need. Whileyou’re cleaning keep a bin out forthings you want to donate. If youdonate, as opposed to sell items,you’re more likely to get things out ofthe house faster.

I hope these tips will help get youmotivated to clean house during thespring. But, don’t just take it from me,local mom Danielle Simmons whowrites simmworksfamily.com, says,“Keep it natural... go for naturalingredient cleaners for a cheaper,better smelling clean. And as far asactually cleaning... start small. Likewith the sink. Then slowly add moreto your cleaning.”

For more tips for moms visitmiramesamom.com.

Materials

• Wood pegs• Card stock (in a variety

of colors or patterns)• Flower Cookie Cutter (or

stencil)• Pencil• Scissors• Glue

Directions

1. Trace around the cookie cutter(or stencil) with a pencil onthe reverse side of the cardstock, and then cut it out.

2. Freehand leaves onto green card stock, and then cut them out too.

3. Glue the leaves to the wood peg.

4. Clip the peg onto the flower.

A Spring CraftBy; Tonya Staab

3 Spring Cleaning Tips for Moms

Tonya Staab is a Marine spouse, and mother to twins and ateen. She is also a freelance writer and the creative mind

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party tips, and fun things to do in San Diego with kids.


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Seafood has played a big part in SanDiego's history; from the fabled tunafleets of the past to the countlessrestaurants and waterfront businessesof today. Until this year, however,San Diego has had no celebration ofthis most important resource andway of life. That changes beginningApril 14, 2013 with the inaugural SanDiego Seafood and Fairy ShrimpFestival to be held at Walker-Wangenheim School Park at 10500Black Mountain Road, across fromMiramar Community College.

The festival will celebrate our city'sseafood industry and the myriadways in which to prepare it. SanDiego is home to people of manycultures and each has its signatureseafood dishes. The festival hopes tobring together as many diverseculinary flavors as possible, includingseveral tons of imported freshLouisiana crawfish boiled on site!There will be multiple bands

performing all day with music anddancing for everyone.

The festival is sponsored by NOLAH,Inc., a non-profit neighborhoodrebuilding corporation. NOLAH wasfounded in response to the hardshipsfaced by many families attempting torebuild their lives after disasters suchas Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy andother disasters. NOLAH is based inSan Diego and New Orleans and hasthe express goal of rebuilding homesand communities and bringingfamilies home again.

More information about the festival,including ticket packages and vendorbooth information can be found atwww.sandiegoseafoodfestival.org.For more about NOLAH, Inc., whothey are and their mission, pleasevisit their site at www.nolah.net.

By: Pam Stevens

The Mira Mesa Town Council willhonor Bari Vaz, whose activecommunity volunteering includesbeing the current MMTC First Vice-president/program chair, Chair of theMira Mesa Community PlanningGroup, and Mira Mesa Chamber ofCommerce President, as 2012 MiraMesa Volunteer of the Year at theMMTC’s annual Volunteer of theYear Dinner on Saturday, April 20,2013, at the Verne Goodwin MiraMesa Senior Center, 8460 MiraMesa Blvd.

Active planning is now underway forthe gala event, which will start with areception at 6 p.m., followed bydinner and presentations to Bari byelected officials and her appreciativefellow volunteers and friends. Inaddition, her enthusiasticcommitment to the community ofMira Mesa, Bari, a New Orleansnative, also volunteers in organizingannual charitable events with a groupof Louisiana expatriates in SanDiego. This year’s MMTC Volunteerof the Year Dinner will have a “New

Orleans Night” theme, with a cateredmeal featuring a Cajun/Creolemenu, provided by Tress Balch (ofHappy Sushi) and his catering team.At the conclusion of the formalprogram, enjoy music and dancinginto the evening.

The annual MMTC Volunteer of theYear Dinner also offers anopportunity for people to makedonations to the MMTC/VerneGoodwin Scholarship Fund, namedafter Mira Mesa's first Volunteer ofthe Year, Verne Goodwin, in 1984.MMTC uses the fund to awardcollege scholarships to graduatinghigh school seniors from Mira Mesabased on their community service.

MMTC members will receive mailedinvitations to the Dinner, and onlinereservation and payment will againbe available via the MMMTCwebsite.

For further information, contactMMTC Volunteer of the Year DinnerCommittee co-chairs Pam Stevens,[email protected], or ChristinaKeene, [email protected].

The San Diego Seafoodand Fairy ShrimpFestivalBy: David Vaz

MMTC “New Orleans Night” April 20to Honor Volunteer of the Year

Proceeds to benefit NOLAH, Inc.www.nolah.net

A non-profit neighborhood rebuilding corporation

A Multi-cultural Culinary Celebration Of Our Abundant Aquatic Resources

Sunday April 14 • 10AM - 5PMWalker-Wangenheim School Park

10500 Black Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92126

Seafood, lots of Louisiana crawfish boiled on site,live music, dancing, beer & wine

This is a 21 and over event. Tickets available atwww.SanDiegoSeafoodFestival.org

Mira Mesa News & AnnouncementsLes Misérables Mira Mesa High School proudly presents themusical, Les Miserables, based on Victor Hugo’sclassic novel set in 19th century France, March 15 –23. The long-running Broadway show has music byClaude-Michel Schoner, original French lyrics byAlain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, and an English-language libretto by Herbert Kretzmer. Directed byDaniel Kriley,Les Miserables performances will beMarch 15-16 at 7pm; March 21 at 6pm; March 22at 7pm; and March 23 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are$15 for Friday and Saturday nights; $ 10 forThursday, March 21; and $12 for the 2pm Saturdaymatinee March 23. Tickets sold in advance onlineor (if available) at the door. For a full cast list andother information, or to buy tickets online, seemiramesatheatre.org.

Fundraising for Mira Mesa’sMonster ManorThe popular haunted attraction, built and operated byMira Mesa Theatre Guild volunteers, adults and highschool students alike, is set to rise again this fall just offMira Mesa Boulevard in the Target Center. Set-up andconstruction of the tent and rooms in this year’sversion of the Ghastley Family’s Manor will start inSeptember. The “haunt” opens in October to thrilladults and teens weekend evenings, with Lite Frite onSaturday and Sunday afternoons offering fun forchildren and anyone who prefers less scary themedentertainment. The Mira Mesa Theatre Guild is nowlaunching an active campaign to raise the fundsneeded for the production. For more information, seemiramesatheatreguild.org and monstermanor.org.

Les Miserables. A “Page to Stage”Discussion at Mira Mesa LibraryMarch 26The Mira Mesa Banned Book Club invites everyoneto experience this classic story in one or more ways- read Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, in either itsunabridged, abridged, or adapted “youth” version(there is a good 100 page adaptation by MonicaKulling), and/or watch the current movie musicalLes Miserables (or any movie version of the book),and/or see Mira Mesa High School’s production ofthe stage musical, “Les Miserables,” March 15-23,2013, then join in a “compare and contrast”discussion of the story with others at the meeting onTuesday, March 26, 6:30pm at the Mira MesaBranch Library. For more information, call thelibrary, 858-538-8165, or email book groupfacilitator Pam Stevens, [email protected].

Wanted: Marketing, SponsorshipPerson for Haunted House Mira Mesa Theatre Guild is currently looking fortwo individuals who can donate their time to helpwith marketing and sponsorship for the 2013season of Monster Manor.

The marketing director position would help in thead-creation for print media and write press releasesas well as booking TV and radio spots while thesponsorship coordinator would help obtainsponsorships from companies and individuals. Ifinterested, please contact [email protected].

Mira Mesa Theatre Guild Presents “Love, Sex, and the I.R.S.”March 1 – 16 Just in time for tax season, Mira Mesa Theatre Guildis proud to present a contemporary farce, Love,Sex and the I.R.S., by William Van Zandt and JaneMilmore. Directed by Tim Arends, the “PG-13” stylecomedy runs Friday and Saturday evenings March 1– 16, 2013, 7:30pm at Wangenheim Middle School,9230 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego 92126. (Schoolentrance from Westbury, theatre at south end ofparking lot.) Tickets are $15 general admission, $12seniors/students/military, available at the door or inadvance online.

THE STORY: Two young unemployed musicians,Jon and Leslie, try to save money by filling out theirtax returns as a married couple. A visit from a lonelyI.R.S. auditor, one young man's girlfriend, the otheryoung man's mother and a suspicious landlord, allat once, throw the two guys into a cross-dressingfrenzy of cover-ups, half lies, outright lies, and evensome home truths. Imagine a cross between I LoveLucy and Some Like It Hot!

For more information, call 858-222-4815, or visitthe MMTG website, where tickets can be orderedonline, www.miramesatheatre.guild.org

Mira Mesa News & Announcements courtesy of Pam Stevens


All Programs are free.

Display: Mar. and Apr.: TheBig Read asks: Tell us whatone book you would pull fromthe flames of Fahrenheit 451!

Zumba with Azi: Saturday,Mar. 2, 9, 16 &23, Apr. 6, 13& 20, 1pm

Kid’s Crafts: Monday, Mar. 4,11, 18 & 25, Apr. 8, 15, 22 &29, 4pm (Mar. 25 is a specialBig Read tie-in)

Line Dance: Wednesday, Mar.6, 13, 20, & 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17& 24, 4:30pm

Mira Mesa HomeworkHelpers: Wednesday, Mar. 6,13, 20, & 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17 &24, 6pm

English Speaking Club (ESL):Wednesday, Mar. 6, 13, 20, &27, Apr. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 6pm

Pajama Story Time:Wednesday, Mar. 6, 13, 20, &27, Apr. 3, 10, 17 & 24,6:30pm

Free Tax Preparation by VITA:Thursday, Mar. 7, 14, 21 &28, Apr. 4 & 11, 9:30am-1:30pm (Must make appt.with VITA)

Teen Writing Club: Thursday,Mar. 7 & 21, Apr. 4 & 18,4pm

Pastel Drawing with JosephNyiri: Friday, Mar. 8 & Apr.12, 4pm

Adopt a Planter OrganizationalMeeting: Sunday, Mar. 10,2pm

Gentle Yoga: Thursday, Mar.14 & 28, Apr. 11 & 25,9:30am, Tuesday, Mar. 26 &Apr. 23, 6pm

Sign4Baby with JoannWoolley: Thursday, Mar. 14 &28, Apr. 11 & 25, 3:30pm

Family Movie Friday: Friday,Mar. 15 (Odd Life of TimothyGreen) & Apr. 19 (TBA), 3pm

Russell Rowe PresentsMultiple Intelligences:Tuesday, Mar. 19, 6pm

Banned Book Club: Tuesday,Mar. 26 (Le Miserables byVictor Hugo) & Apr. 16 (TheRoad Not Taken: A Selectionof Robert Frost’s Poetry byRobert Frost), 6:30pm

Teen Advisory Group (TAG):Friday, Mar. 29 & Apr. 26,4pm (Teens gain leadershipexperience and earn commu-nity service credit!)

Big Read/Fahrenheit 451Student Showcase: Tuesday,Apr. 2, 6pm (Confirm dateand time with library.)

Big Read Presents the FilmFahrenheit 451: Saturday, Apr.13, 11am

Banned Book Club Big ReadSpecial Event: Share orBecome the Book You WouldPull from the Flames:Tuesday, Apr. 30, 6:30pm

Mira Branch Library • 858-538-8165 March & April Program Schedule

2013 Making A Difference In Our Community!Challenger Middle School:

We would like to wish Sheelagh Moran CMS Principal the best of luck at her new position as Principal-In-Residence at the San Diego County Office of Education. We will miss you.

Students can make a difference:

Students can play a critical role in school safety. Many times, students know more aboutwhat is happening on campus than teachers, administrators, or parents. Students SpeakingOut provides students with a way to anonymously report crime and dangerous activitiestaking place in San Diego County schools http://www.studentsspeakingout.org / Call (888) 580-8477. You might receive a reward of up to $1,000. (This information was provided by theStudents Speak Out Website listed above.)

REAL ESTATE UPDATE:

Did you know that RC Realty of San Diego was formerly known as Red Carpet Realty?We have been in the same location since 1975, Family owned and operated. We are asmaller office compared to the big Franchise offices. But, we have a hard working teamwho has been the top producing office in Mira Mesa formany years and we continue to out perform the others in adeclining market.

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act has beenextended through 2013. The measure will continue toexempt from taxation mortgage debt that is forgiven whenhomeowners and their mortgage lenders negotiate a shortsale, loan modification (including any principal reduction) orforeclosure. (See complete article on HomesByTracee.com)

Give us a call & let’s chat to see how we can help youachieve your Real Estate Goals

Tracee Denby858-220-5566HomesByTracee.com

DRE 01848551


(858) 433-1486 (Office)(619) 985-4094 (Mobile)

www.BrengelProductions.com

Salk Elementary BuildingPlans Moving Forward

By: Jeff Stevens

More than 30 years after initial sitepreparation for the future SalkElementary School, an agreement tobuild the school is finally close tocompletion. The property, atthe corner of FlandersDrive and Parkdale Ave.,was created for theschool and theneighboring MaddoxPark by grading aridgetop and filling thetwo adjacent fingercanyons. For financialreasons the School District didnot continue with construction at thattime, and by the time the project wasfunded through Proposition MM,vernal pools had formed on the site.

In order to build the school a complexagreement was worked out thatincluded the school district, the City

of San Diego and the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service (USFWS). Under thatagreement the school district willpreserve and enhance vernal pools onCity-owned property adjacent to

Challenger Middle School. Amemorandum of

understanding between theCity and School Districtwas approved in 2009,but the USFWS wantedadditional propertyincluded, so the revised

MOU now also includes asmall site at the south end

of Parkdale. The revised MOUis expected to go to the School

Board within the next few weeks, andthen to the City Council. If allapprovals stay on schedule, schoolconstruction will begin this summer,there will be a ribbon cuttingceremony on Jonas Salk’s 100thbirthday in October 2014 and theschool will open in September 2015.

Dear Resident:It’s an honor to serve as yourrepresentative in the State Assembly.Thank you for electing me to representyou and your family. I am committed toworking hard every day to ensure thatyour voice is heard in Sacramento andthat your concerns are addressed in a timely manner. I would like totake a moment to let you know about some of the resourcesavailable to you through my office.

My staff and I are able to help you navigate the bureaucracy of state government which can be confusing and frustrating. If you have aproblem with a state agency we can help get you answers. Whetherit is a problem with the Employment Development Department,DMV, or Franchise Tax Board, my staff and I are here to serve asyour liaison.

We assist local governments and community organizations withregulatory issues and grant programs involving state agencies. Wecan seek answers to your questions, make the appropriate officialsaware of your concerns and help cut through any "red tape" youmight be experiencing.

Please also consider us a resource for information on stateprograms, past and present legislation and regulations. We wouldlove to provide educational materials, certificates of recognition, orother helpful publications to you, your school, or community group.

Feel free to contact me at my District Office at (858) 689-6290 forany assistance we can provide. My staff and I look forward toserving you.

Brian MaienscheinCalifornia State Assembly Member, District 77

Dear Community Members,

On behalf of Scripps Mesa Fireworks, I would like to thank you for your contin-ued support of our neighborhood celebration, the annual 4th of July Fireworks.

As you may know the fireworks show almost didn’t happen last summer. Again,we ask for your donation to make this year’s fireworks celebration possible.

Our goal is to raise $30,000 to cover the 20 minute show, all of the safetyrequirements, and other associated expenses. The fireworks deposit of $15,000 isdue April 3rd, less than a couple months away.

Offer your support by participating in one of the sponsorship levels below:

• Silver Sponsor $1,000 (provides 5 willow shells and 2 bot-tle rockets)

• Brocade $500 (large sphericalbreak of stars that produce very long lasting trails drippingdown, usually silver or gold)

• Beehive $250 (color stars thatactively swarm around illuminatinginto a visual beehive appearance)

• Chrysanthemum $100 (a densespherical burst of stars, where thestars leave a burning trail of particlesas they expand outward)

• Crossette $50 (a shell that whenbreaking, splits across from eachother, usually in the shape of a plussign moving outward)

• $25 or $10 • Other amount ________

To donate online, please visit www.scrippsmesafireworks.org. Mail your checkpayable to Scripps Mesa Fireworks to PO Box 261264, San Diego, CA 92196.Scripps Mesa Fireworks is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Tax ID# 31-1695456. We hope we can count on your generous donation to ensure ourneighborhood celebration and Independence Day traditions continue.

We hope we can count on your generous donation to ensure our neighborhoodcelebration and Independence Day traditions continue.

Sincerely, Mitz Lee, Fundraising Committee [email protected]

4th of July Fireworks 2013

Get involved in your community.

Join the Mira Mesa Town Council

The Mira Mesa Town Council (MMTC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organizationpromoting community pride and the betterment of Mira Mesa.

WHAT DOES MMTC DO?

• Mira Mesa Street Fair on the third Saturday ofSeptember.

• Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks, a 37-year tradition, is one of the largest community cele-brations in San Diego.

• Verne Goodwin Scholarships recognize graduat-ing high school seniors for their volunteer service.

• Mira Mesa Banners along Mira Mesa Blvd pro-mote our community as well as local events andbusinesses.

• Mira Mesa Maintenance Assessment Districtmaintains landscaping along Mira Mesa Blvd andother major streets.

• Volunteer of the Year Dinner honors exceptionalvolunteers who enrich our community.

• Miss Mira Mesa & Miss Teen Mira Mesa Pag-eants serve to instill poise and pride in our youngwomen.

WHEN & WHERE DOES MMTC MEET?WHEN & WHERE DOES MMTC MEET?

First Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

Verne Goodwin Senior Center8460 Mira Mesa Blvd

(across from Mira Mesa High)

Meetings are open to EVERYONE.Community info is shared in a forum for identifying and

solving problems.

HOW DO I JOIN?HOW DO I JOIN?

Online at MiraMesaTownCouncil.org or pay with cash or check at a meeting. Membership is open to all MiraMesa residents age 16 and older. Annual membership rates:

• $20 for residents, $10 for additional residents in the same household• $10 for students or seniors (age 60+)• $50 for business members or $150 for a joint MMTC & Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce membership.

From left to right, Miss Keshia Lee Llarenas and Miss Madison Dodd

(Miss Mira Mesa and Miss Teen Mira Mesa 2013)Photo by: Albertine Feurer-Young, The Art of Albertine

(ArtofAlbertine.com)

VOY Dinner“New Orleans Night”

Date: April 20thLocation: Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center

Bari Vaz - Volunteer of the Year 2012

Please go to www.miramesatowncouncil.orgfor more updated information


Mira Mesa LivingMira Mesa Living

WellnessChallenge4u.comHave more Energy & look Younger

Eat better & Supplement10 Minute Workouts increases MBR

Call Tracee 858-220-5566Nutrilite Wellness & Artistry Beauty

Distributor

We’ll Fix Your Computer!Learn to use your computer

Home or BuinessCall Robert at 858-449-1749

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

Complete Custom built [email protected] 858-222-2905

Dance Hula Tahitian Dance Fitnessages 3 to adult 7698 Miramar Rd.

[email protected]

The Merry Go Around is high quality,play-based center serving children6 weeks-6 years. Now enrolling.

Call 858-536-1008 orthemerrygoaround.org

MGA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,

national origin, age, disability, and religion.

Mobile Notary 858-353-2313www.92126notary.com

Commissioned and BondedLow rates! Multiple sig discount

Beauty & Wellness

Computer Repair

Daycare

Dance

Mobile Notary

Slithering reptile companions lookingfor a 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) 752-9225

Airport, personal or business travelFriendly, comfortable and affordable price

Anytime 24/7, located in Mira Mesa Please call Jade at 858-837-1992

permit number #17545

1-on-1 In-Home Tutoring: 1st Session Free!

Pre-Screened & Highly-Qualified Tutors,All Ages & Subjects, SAT/ACT Prep

Call 858-764-4335 or visit www.clubZ.com now!

www.CambridgeLearningCenter.netWe provide compassionate care and

effective learning strategies to all gradesHOMEWORK - MATH - ENGLISH -

AP/SATFREE ASSESSMENT TEST

10717 Camino Ruiz, 858-999-2288

Tutoring

Plumbing Service

Transportation Service

PETS

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED ADS $20! If you are looking for an affordable way to advertise specifically toMira Mesa, or if you just have a message you want to send (HappyAnniversary, Buy my bike, I need a date….) let us know…..MiraMesa Living is sent directly to the people who work and live in MiraMesa. It is a great way to get the message out to your neighbors!

For more [email protected]

or 858-335-2484The First Hawaiian BarbecueThe #1 Hawaiian Barbecue

858-693-58888280-A Mira Mesa Blvd • San Diego

hawaiianbarbecue.com

Come By For BREAKFAST!8am to 11am

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AND GET ONE

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COUPONBUY ONE

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Not valid with other offers.Expires 4-30-13

Let Us Cater Your Next Event!From Pan Orders to Full Service Luaus

Call Now To PlaceYour Order or Ask For A Free Quote!


COUPON

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Happy Hour 2pm-4pm dailyMini Katsu Plate or Mini Chix BBQ $4.95


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