92124.news

A newsletter for the Tierrasanta community

December 6th, 2022

Welcome to Tierrasanta’s new community newsletter!

The mission of the Tierrasanta Foundation is to enhance our community through events and infrastructure initiatives. From bandstands to 5k fun runs, we exist to encourage community connection through various projects and events.

Like so many in our community, we were saddened to hear that, after 43 years of community connection, the TierraTimes published its last edition in September. The TierraTimes provided our community an excellent tool that kept us informed of the happenings in Tierrasanta. The sad news of Deanna Spehn passing away was a shock to us all. Deanna was founder and editor of the TierraTimes, and we’ve lost a voice with the Times last issue.

After so many members in our community wondered what we could do to fill the void, we created a newsletter initiative to keep us connected like the TierraTimes did.

Do you have a story to tell? If you’re a non-profit organization and would like to let others know about upcoming events, you can submit articles with images and we’ll promote your organization. Schools, churches, service groups, clubs, businesses, and individuals are all encouraged to send us submissions about what’s happening in T-Town. 

Or maybe you’ve got a story about Tierrasanta? After 51 years, there are lot of stories to tell! Don’t be shy, send it in. And don’t forget about our business community! If there’s a new business popping up, we’d love to tell the story!

To submit an article for consideration, visit our newsletter page and send us your ideas. If you’re not already signed up for the newsletter or know of others that would like to receive our newsletter, you can also sign up at the link above.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity approved by the IRS. If you’d like to support our efforts, we sure would appreciate it. Your donations are tax deductible and provide the financial support we need to build community. Whether you’re interested in supporting us with a financial contribution to this Newsletter, or a number of initiatives, like our Fire Station Rescue Initiative, our FixTheRec Initiative, or to support our general administrative costs, we’d love to hear from you.

Look for the next issue in 2023. Until then, happy holidays and happy connecting Tierrasanta!

Tom Keli’inoi – TK

President - Tierrasanta Foundation


Join us this month at the Tierrasanta Branch Library for some special Holiday events! From a visit with Santa, to live Holiday Music, there is fun for all ages! Please visit our Facebook page, our SDPL Library Events Calendar, or just come on in to The Tierrasanta Branch Library at 4985 La Cuenta Drive SD, 92124. Please note events requiring registration. We hope to see you there and Happy Holidays!

Holiday Programs for December 2022!

The Tierrasanta Branch Library

Santa Claus at the Tierrasanta Library - December 10

Santa comes to the Tierrasanta Library Saturday, Dec. 10. He will be there from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Stop by. Each family will receive a new children's book. Candy canes will be given to the kids.


Sponsored by the Tierrasanta Friends of the Library.

Tierrasanta Friends of the Library Used Book Sales - Upcoming Dates

  • January 6 - 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • January 7 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • January 9 - 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • February 3 - 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm.

  • February 4 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • February 6 - 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Tierrsanta Little League

Spring Baseball Registration Now Open.

Early bird discount offered until December 15th. Ensure your player's spot on a team by registering early! Register @TierrasantaLittleLeague.org

Fall Ball Wrap-Up

Our Fall baseball season concluded on November 20th and was a huge success. With over 150 participants, teams competed in interleague play with the goal of learning new skills and staying sharp in the off-season. Thanks to all of those that participated and we hope to see you in the Spring!

Townhall Meeting

The inaugural TLL Townhall meeting was held on November 10th, 2022.

We had a great turnout and want to thank those of you that were able to attend.

Key items discussed:

  • New Board Introductions

  • How to work with limited field space this coming Spring.

  • Spring Field Prep Days

  • Volunteers Needed

  • Ways to ensure a great TLL program.


The Tierrasanta community Partners (TCP) met on Wednesday, Nov. 9th on the patio at Fifty9Fifty.  The TCP is an informal group of representatives from Tierrasanta organizations.  After the 50th Anniversary celebration, Tierrasanta Foundation realized that there was very little inter-communication among T-Town’s organizations.  Each group organized and managed their own activities and events with little interaction with others in the community.   The 50th anniversary celebration would never have been as good as it was without the successful collaboration of several key organizations.  TF invited local civic organizations, churches, and school foundations to a meeting in February 2022 and the TCP was formed!

Tierrasanta Community Partners Meet to Discuss Community Newsletter

TCP representatives, left to right:
Sheila Weiner (TVSD), Jodi Masumoto and TerrI Stowe (TJWC), Jan Whitacre (Kiwanis), Chris Shamoon (TCC), Joyce Muinos (TF), Hani Shatila (Kiwanis), Eric Germain, TK Keliinoi and Chris Schulte (TF) Ellen Scott (Tierrasanta Library), Bob Lang (TCC).

The first meeting was an eye-opener!  Many key members of the community were not familiar with the other reps or the groups they represented!   There existed a lot of confusion about who did what & what the organizations’ charters were.   After a few months of gatherings, we now have a better understanding of each other, we have a Community Calendar and we’re on our way to building an even better, cohesive community!

The main purpose of the November meeting was to introduce the future on-line community newsletter. With the sad demise of the TierraTimes and the passing of the beloved publisher and editor, Ms.  Deanna Spehn, the community was begging for a replacement.  As an organization dedicated to the betterment of the community and to serving the residents, Tierrasanta Foundation decided to try to fill the void.  

TF’s Mr.  Chris Schulte is working to assemble the newsletter and TF plans to issue the first edition on December 6th, 2022 and follow with bi-monthly issues.  Chris explained that this project will only be successful with the input of our residents and organizations. He detailed the process for submitting articles and photos and stressed the importance of patience and understanding as we develop and introduce the newsletter.

If you have an organization that would like to join the TCP, please contact Joyce Muinos via email at: jmuinos@sbcglobal.net.  If you want further information about the Tierrasanta newsletter, please go to: https://www.tierrasantafoundation.org/newsletter.


Tierrasanta Community Pool News

The Tierrasanta Community Pool has recently re-opened!

The pool is open Monday through Friday for limited hours:

Lap Swim Hours:

  • Mon/Wed/Fri- 12:00-4:00 pm

  • Tue/Thu- 6:00-8:00 pm

Recreational Swim Hours:

  • Mon/Wed/Fri- 12:00-3:30

Water Fitness Classes are offered for a $4 fee per visit on M/W/F at 11:00 am

Closed on weekends.


Tierrasanta Village is a group of Tierrasanta residents who have come together to make and grow post-retirement friendships. Members are friends and neighbors who support each other as they age in Tierrasanta.

The organization is run by members for members. As an all-volunteer organization, members create activities that support them mentally and physically. Exercise classes, golf groups, field trips, potlucks and healthy living seminars keep them strong and engaged.

Tierrasanta residents age 50+ are invited to join Village members for Happy Hour and camaraderie on January 24th, 4:00 - 5:30. RSVP to 858-569-9119 or tierrasantavlg@gmail.com.

To learn about future Tierrasanta Village events follow the group on Facebook @TierrasantaVillage or visit www.tierrasantavillage.org.

Grow With The Village In Retirement

The Tierrasanta Village Cornhole Tournament is held each Fall.


The Tierrasanta Junior Women’s Club (TJWC) held their annual transition meeting on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at the home of President Amy Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to bring both the current Board and the incoming Board together to share information. Outstanding issues, upcoming events, lessons learned and potential issues/ problems are discussed and shared as well as helpful instructions on performing the duties of the position.

The TJWC Board is responsible for reviewing all requests for donations, proposed fundraisers and social events and presenting their findings and recommendations to the general membership for final approval. They are also responsible for the administration on the organization.

The Board is comprised of seven positions, each elected for a one -year term with a two- year limit in the same position. Officers for 2023 are: Terri Stowe, President, Angela Martin, 1st Vice-President, Barby Gengelbach and Joyce Muinos, sharing the 2nd Vice President slot, Jodi Masumoto, Treasurer, Kathy Ober, Recording Secretary, Lynn Hoppe, Parliamentarian, and Dijana Ristic, Social Media. The 2023 board will be officially installed at the annual Installation/Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, November 30th, at the Butcher Shop Restaurant in Kearny Mesa.

All Tierrasanta women are invited to visit a meeting to see if the TJWC is the organization for them!  Please contact:  tjwcmembership@gmail.com  for more information.

Tierrasanta Junior Women’s Club Elects 2023 Board

left to right:
  front row: Lynn Hoppe, Kathy Ober, Terri Stowe
  back row: Dijana Ristic, Barby Gengelbach, Joyce Muinos, Jodi Masumoto


On Friday evening, November 18, a sell-out crowd of current and former congregation members attended Tierrasanta Lutheran Church’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. The evening began with a wonderful cocktail hour on the festive social patio. Shortly after 7:00 p.m., the emcees for the evening, Joni Incrocci and Darla Lopez, welcomed everyone and introduced former Senior Pastor Kenneth Licht for a meal blessing. A special 50-year Historical Timeline and commemorative champagne glass was presented to each attendee.

Following a fabulous meal catered by Artquest Catering, the program began with Pastor Bohdan Vadis introducing the founding members of TLC in attendance (Sandra Schroeder, Ruth Cleveland, Jim St. Martin, Ruth Loucks and Tamara Restaino) and their children. Pastor Licht then introduced the members of the original Building Committee in attendance (Jim St. Martin and Sheryl Durkin). Special video messages were shared from TLC’s first Senior Pastor, Jerome Groth, and former Associate Pastor Margrethe Kleiber. A letter from former Associate Pastor Kathleen Richter and her family was read by Mark Keiper.

Tierrasanta Lutheran Church (TLC) Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

Next were a series of special video photo montages highlighting each decade TLC has been in existence. These videos were created by TLC member Dave Schweizer and were introduced by either a TLC Council member or Council President from each of the respective decades. The final video of the evening, created by Craig Rian, contained the personal reflections of current TLC members. Following a champagne toast to TLC’s 50 years, ELCA Pacifica Synod Bishop Dave Nagler closed the program with a special blessing. The evening was capped off with dancing and fellowship in celebration of this historic milestone.


Want to give Nature a present this holiday season? Join the Friends on Saturday December 10, from 8 to 11 am in East Shepherd Canyon. We will remove non-native plants by the creek. This will allow the native plants to grow and provide food and shelter for local critters.

Meet at the kiosk located southeast of the intersection of Santo Road and Antigua Blvd. Street parking available in the residential area west of the intersection.

Volunteers are requested to wear long pants, long sleeves, hats, and closed toe footwear. We also recommend bringing work gloves and a refillable water bottle. The Friends will provide tools and water for refilling your water bottle. Masks are optional. If you are not feeling well, please come another time. If you are less than 18 years of age, an adult will need to sign the waiver form upon arrival. Community service documentation is available. If you are bringing a group of 5 or more people, email us at friendsoftscanyons@gmail.com in order to ensure enough tools.

Next clean-ups will be on January 14 and February 11.

Give Nature a Present

By Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons


Holiday Ceramic Show

Bruce Haggerty, Tierrasanta resident and renown ceramicist, annual Holiday Show is on December 17. 9am to 3pm . His works are colorful, unique and functional. His works are enjoyed by buyers internationally and nationwide. For more information and local address visit his Facebook Business page at: @BSHceramics


Are you afraid of speaking? Do you want to become a better leader? Interested in meeting new people?

Take your first step to change fear to fun at Tierrasanta's own Vapor Trails Toastmasters Club. Vapor Trails meets every Monday (except holidays) from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Tierrasanta Recreation Center 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124. The meeting is in Room 2 inside the gymnasium building at the western end of the center. Come a few minutes early and meet the members. Please note that we will not be meeting on December 19.

Are you not yet comfortable attending meetings in person? That’s OK. Vapor Trails Toastmasters is a hybrid club which means you can also attend from the comfort of your own home via Zoom.

At Vapor Trails, our club is dedicated to helping all members become confident speakers and effective leaders, regardless of age or occupation. Each member is given the opportunity to develop their skills and style in a friendly, interactive atmosphere.

Please visit vaportrailstm.com to learn more. Reach out to us via the Contact Us link on the main menu if you wish to attend via Zoom; we’ll send you the link.

Parking is available in front of the gym as well as near the pool building and overflow parking is available at DePortola Middle school just west of the gym.

Change Fear to Fun at Vapor Trails Toastmasters


Needing therapy services for your child in your home and on your time? Sunny Blossom Therapy can do that! We come to you and provide in-home occupational therapy services. We work with children who struggle to cope with feelings, have frequent meltdowns, display sensory processing challenges, have a hard time focusing, transitioning from one task to another, following directions, and adapting to changes in routine. Our Occupational Therapy specialist works on improving children’s emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health so that they can participate in all aspects of their life. Each of our therapy sessions are enriched with a holistic sensory play-based approach in order to help every child meet their milestones, build confidence, and gain social-emotional awareness.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services in Your Home

By Katherine Solimine, MSOT, OTR/L

How does Occupational Therapy Support?

Some challenging behaviors are linked to having sensory processing delays. Sensory processing delays means a child may feel irritable by certain lighting, sounds, or is constantly seeking to push, pull, or bang objects together. These children greatly benefit from completing a set of sensory based activities throughout the day. By completing these activities, the child becomes more calm, focused, and self-regulated. Sensory based activities are uniquely individualized to meet each child’s needs and what their body craves. These activities may include receiving deep pressure to the muscles, compression on their joints, completing heavy work activities, or eating chewy snacks. Children may complete animal pose movements such as hopping like a kangaroo, crab walking on the floor with all fours, army crawling, blowing bubbles through various thickened straws, bouncing on a therapy ball, or coloring on sandpaper to learn how much pressure and force to use on crayons!  Our Occupational Therapy specialist can come up with a sensory based schedule that is appropriate for your child’s sensory needs.

Who Do I Contact?

You can contact us by phone (619) 858-4138 or by going to our website at www.SunnyBlossomTherapy.com and filling out a 15-minutes free consultation form. We would love to connect with you and be of service.


On a cool Wednesday morning, a group of dancers listen to feedback from instructor Jason Rivers at Champion Ballroom Academy. “Remember your posture,” he advises them. The dancers listen intently, then take their places.

Soon, the dancers and their partners are twirling, turning, and dipping as “Hit Me with a Hot Note” blares over the sound system.

What sets this group apart from the other students at Champion Ballroom Academy is half the class is comprised of wheelchair users, and the other half their standing partners. The mission of WDO Inclusive Dance is to provide dance experience for everyone of any mobility level.

Get to know WDO

Community members are invited to the group’s kickoff party on Saturday, January 7 2023 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Champion Ballroom Academy, 4255 Ruffin Road. Both seated and standing participants of all ages and mobility levels will be treated to a series of mini-workshops, each with a different dance form and instructor. No dance experience is required; just a willingness to challenge yourself and to have fun.

Further information will be available soon on the organization’s website. All classes are free of charge, but donations are always welcome.

Born in Tierrasanta

WDO Inclusive Dance was founded in 2008 by longtime Tierrasanta resident Beverly Weurding. After a diagnosis of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy put an end to her active lifestyle, she looked for a way to remain active and to share her love of dance with everyone. Beverly is still active with the organization, serving as its treasurer. She is easily recognizable in class with her bedazzled wheelchair and welcoming smile.

Starting with only one Ballroom class and one instructor, WDO Inclusive Dance has since grown to include a Saturday series of classes with rotating dance formats: Hiphop, Bollywood, Dance It Out Adaptive Fitness, and Samba Reggae. Each class is taught by professional instructors and steps are created to be accessible by both seated dancers and their standing counterparts.

Something for Everyone

The Saturday classes will be held at two locations in 2023: Belmont Senior Living in Poway, and at Champion Ballroom Academy at 4255 Ruffin Road. Classes are suited to both seated and standing dancers of all ages and mobility levels, and will meet weekly beginning January 14, 2023

The group’s popular Ballroom/Latin class is designed for adult students and will be held Tuesdays from 11:00-12:00 at Park de La Cruz Gym at 3911 Landis Street. No partners are necessary, and while previous dance experience is helpful, it is not required. Steps and routines are created to be accessible to both seated and standing dancers. Students are invited to arrive at 10:30 for some dancing and socializing before instruction begins at 11:00.

Keep up with the latest WDO Inclusive Dance news by following their Facebook page or on Instagram at @wheelchairdancers.org

Inquiries:

Office: 858-573-1571

Email: Elaine Nadalin, Marketing Director <marketing.wdoinclusivedance@gmail.com>

San Diego Union Tribune video feature on Youtube

Registration link: http://tinyurl.com/wdo-welcome

Tierrasanta Resident Demonstrates Dance Is for Everyone

By Elaine Nadalin