92124.news
A newsletter for the Tierrasanta community
February 2nd, 2024
Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow today, Friday February 2nd, Groundhog Day?
As the legend goes, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, the weather-forecasting groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, it’s a forecast of an early spring.
It's official: spring is right around the corner. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow!
Slow Down, Tierrasanta: Protecting Our Community on Santo Road
Nestled in the hills, Tierrasanta has earned its reputation as a close-knit community that thrives on its neighborhood feel and a strong sense of neighborly support. However, recent tragedies have shaken the hearts of Tierrasanta residents. Three lives have been lost on Santo Road, a thoroughfare that winds its way through our beloved community. It is time for us to recognize the importance of slowing down, embracing caution, and ensuring the safety of all residents who call Tierrasanta home. For when we prioritize safety, we reinforce the spirit of togetherness that makes this community so special.
A Reflection on Tierrasanta's Identity: Tierrasanta has always been known as an "island in the hills," providing its residents with a sense of tranquility and security. Our community is an oasis, where residents feel safe and protected. Let us preserve this identity by fostering a culture of responsible and mindful driving.
The Human Toll: The loss of three lives due to accidents on Santo Road should prompt us all to reflect on our own driving habits. Each life lost represents a void in our community, a loved one gone too soon. Whether we personally knew these individuals or not, their passing impacts every Tierrasanta resident, serving as a sorrowful reminder of the consequences of reckless driving.
The Power of Collective Responsibility: Part of what makes Tierrasanta so special is the feeling that we are one large family, all looking out for each other. It is time for us to extend that care to the road, actively working towards minimizing speeding and embracing caution on Santo Road. Collectively, we can foster a safer environment for all residents, pedestrians, and drivers alike.
Encouraging Behavioral Change: Educating drivers about the importance of responsible behavior on Santo Road will be key to curbing speeding. Local law enforcement can partner with community organizations and schools to launch awareness campaigns, hold workshops, and distribute informational materials to emphasize the need to prioritize safety over haste.
Traffic Calming Measures: It is crucial to implement immediate measures to alleviate the speeding issue. Engaging with city authorities to assess the viability of enhanced police presence could help deter reckless driving and prompt drivers to exercise caution.
Tierrasanta is an extraordinary community, known for its strong sense of belonging and care for one another. We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and future generations to address the speeding issue on Santo Road with urgency and determination. Let's come together and create a safe haven within our island in the hills, where every resident feels protected and cherished. By slowing down, we are not only ensuring our own safe arrival at home but also sending a powerful message of solidarity and compassion. Together, we can make a difference – a difference that will resonate with the essence of Tierrasanta for years to come.
Tierrasanta Friends of the Library
Tierrasanta Branch Library - Community Room
The Tierrasanta Friends of the Library would like to extend a warm welcome to all and invite you to our monthly used book sale. Come on in and see what we have and get bargains on some great books, DVDs/CDs, puzzles and more! We now have extended hours and our Friends bookstore will be open the first Friday, Saturday and Monday of every month at the Tierrasanta Branch Library, 4985 La Cuenta Drive San Diego, CA 92124.
Support Our Local Sponsors!
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With our life insurance policies, you can help your family:
Keep paying the home mortgage.
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Pay off debts, estate taxes, and final expenses.
Create a fund for college education.
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Protect their dreams for the future.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers needed: Adult readers who would like to help 1st+2nd graders improve their reading. 1-1.5 hours one morning a week. Everyone-A-Reader program at Vista Grande Elementary. Contact Martha at m3moffett@gmail.com.
Kiwanis Conducting Needs Assessment
The Kiwanis Club of Tierrasanta is currently conducting an assessment of unmet social service need within the Murphy Canyon - Tierrasanta Community. If you or your organization has identified a gap in the service fabric (e.g., not enough after school activities for elementary school age kids), please contact Kiwanis President Jan Whitacre at JanWhitacre@gmail.com. Striving to make Tierrasanta an even better place for kids.
Hancock Elementary Stands Up K-Kids Club
Community Assists with Food Distribution to Military Families
Hancock Elementary School is a Community School located in the heart of the military family neighborhood south of Tierrasanta Boulevard. Kiwanis International chartered the Hancock K Kids Club in November 2023. After electing its officers, the Club’s first project is drawing posters publicizing Hancock Harvest. Hancock Harvest provides free nutritional supplements to members of the neighborhood. Tierrasanta Lutheran Church Military Outreach Committee volunteers and Kiwanians assist in the once-a-week distribution of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a once-a-month dry goods supplement.
Cheers for Charity Event
Benefits The Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital
Rady Children’s Hospital is the region’s designated Pediatric Trauma Center and the only regional hospital dedicated solely to caring for kids. Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary is committed to supporting Rady Children’s programs and services that depend heavily on philanthropic support. On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Tierrasanta Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary (RCHAT) will host the 4th Annual “CHEERS FOR CHARITY” event at:
Duchateau Design Showroom
8480 Miralani Drive, San Diego
We will have some of San Diego County’s Best Wineries, Breweries, and Restaurants serving our approximately 300 guests. All those in attendance will enjoy an evening of Music, Silent Auction, Opportunity Drawings, Wine Wall Opportunity and along with tastings of wine, beer, and food.
This year, all net proceeds from our event will benefit The Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital. For tickets and more information please go to our website. A big thank you to all the families who attended our sold-out Breakfast with Santa in December! We look forward to seeing you next year.
Tierrafest on May 18th
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 18th. It is the 36th Annual Tierrafest, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Tierrasanta, and the Tierrasanta Junior Women’s Club. The event is supported by the Tierrasanta Community Council, Tierrasanta Lutheran Church and Newbreak Church. The day will include a Parade, an Arts and Crafts Fair, an American BBQ Dinner, live music and dancing and fireworks. All net proceeds from the Tierrafest will be used to fund youth projects in the Tierrasanta and Murphy Canyon Community. Plan to be part of the festivities by watching, or being in the Parade, especially if you are a local merchant. You can also support financially by being a sponsor or placing an add on the BBQ dinner placemats.
For further information, contact Hani Shatila at (858) 268-0044.
Convertible cars and Drivers needed for the Tierrafast Parade!
Clean up your treasured convertible and join the Parade on Saturday, May 18, 2024. We have some dignitaries and community members that would like to wave to the crowds from your car.
To help out and enter your car, please contact Hani Shatila at (858) 268-4184
The Year Ahead at Tierrasanta Village of San Diego (TVSD)
Members receive a factory tour from owner Jim Lantry.
Village members have been working hard to finalize their social events for the new year. Some of the fun events in the works include:
Groundhog Day Gala
St. Patty’s Potluck
Taco Tuesday
Summer Luau
Cornhole and Pizza Night
Lunch & Farmers Market in Little Italy
Happy Hour Bingo
Deer Park Winery and Automobile Museum Tour
Murder on the Orient Express at The Old Globe
Tony Gwynn Museum and Beer Garden
This month, members enjoyed a trip to Seabreeze Chocolates in Carmel Valley. Seabreeze is the only chocolate factory and retail store in San Diego County where customers can witness the chocolate creation process, from roasting and grinding the beans to the making of bars, truffles, bonbons, and other treats.
In addition to the special events listed above, the Tierrasanta Village Event Calendar is always full of various exercise, educational, and social activities. Eligible members, those aged 50+ living in Tierrasanta, are invited to attend village events and learn more about the Village Movement, which now includes 43 villages throughout the state and more than 300 across the country.
To register for any of the above events, contact TVSD at 858-569-9119 or
Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons
Join us Feb 10, from 9 am to 11:30 am
The Friends of Tierrasanta Canyons invite you to our event on Saturday, February 10, from 9 am to 11:30 am. Activities include search and removal of palm tree seedlings, and removal of debris from native plants. Please RSVP by Feb 8 at friendsoftscanyons@gmail.com so we can ensure enough supplies or notify you of any cancellation.
Meet at the East Shepherd Canyon kiosk located in the southeast area of the Santo Road and Antigua Blvd intersection. Street parking is available on Antigua Blvd, west of the intersection. Volunteers are requested to wear long pants, long sleeves, hats, closed toe footwear, and bring work gloves and a filled water bottle. The Friends will provide tools and water for refilling your water bottle. Masks are optional.
If you are less than 18 years of age, an adult will need to sign a waiver upon arrival. All waiver forms will be available on site. Community service documentation is available. The next cleanup is March 9, from 9 am to 11:30 am. Email the Friends for the meeting location.
If you are concerned about the brush near your home, the City of San Diego offers expedited Right of Entry Permits at no charge. This is for homeowners wishing to hire a contractor or to perform brush clearing work themselves on City property adjacent to their home. For more information, visit the City of San Diego at https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/brush. For an online application, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/brushform.
Enjoy our canyons!
Tierrasanta Lutheran Church - Children’s Clothing for Military Families
Children’s clothing donated by the community will be offered to military families with growing children on March 20th.
The Military Outreach Committee of Tierrasanta Lutheran Church has been holding a Children’s Clothing Fair (CCF) providing donated gently used clothing to military families for the last 10 years. During that time over 1000 families have received “new” clothes for their growing children. The Tierrasanta community has been a continued support of this ministry, and we encourage you to continue that effort.
The next CCF: Wednesday, March 20th.
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 pm
Place: Murphy Canyon Chapel, 3200 Santo Rd.
This event provides a venue where the Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon/Serra Mesa communities can donate clothing that their children have outgrown and make those items available to local military families for their growing children. So, please check your children’s and grandchildren’s closets for items in clean and good condition. We are unable to accept toys, books, or bedding.
Donation boxes will be at Tierrasanta Lutheran Church and Murphy Canyon Chapel on March 3/3 and 3/4 respectively. Please start collecting clean, gently used children’s clothing now for donating to this needed resource in support of our military families.
Contact Jessie Wallace 619-446-9146 or Beckie Ryan 619-204-4596 for any questions or concerns. Thank you for your generous support.
"Matilda the Musical Jr." presented by De Portola Middle Schoolers on March 15, 16, and 17!
De Portola invites our Tierrasanta community to come out to support our talented students! They will be performing the award-winning “Matilda the Musical Jr.” in Weiner Hall on the De Portola Middle School campus on Fri. Mar. 15 at 6 pm; Sat. Mar. 16 at 1 pm and 5 pm; & Sun. Mar. 17 at 2 pm. Tickets start at $5 per person at the door or online. Concessions will be available. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
In March, De Portola students will bring the wickedly smart and wildly fun "Matilda the Musical Jr." to Tierrasanta (Weiner Hall on the De Portola Middle School campus). A devoted cast and crew of talented middle schoolers have worked hard for months with the guidance of their experienced stage directors, Courtney Caballero and Geneva McElwaine-Leto, to learn the skills and experience the joy of performing arts.
"Matilda the Musical Jr." tells the story of a precocious girl, her classmates, and her dedicated teacher who overcome abuse using their passion for education and conviction in what is right -- along with a little help from some psychokinetic abilities. You will be rooting for this pack of kids from the start! Emily Robbins, one of the students taking on the role of Matilda, said that getting cast “was unexpected” and “it’s really fun!” Sarah Yohannes said she was “honor[ed] to be able to play [the role of the teacher, Miss Honey] in this year’s play,” adding that “Miss Honey is such a sweet and caring character despite her upbringing.”
Part comedy, part drama, and all musical, this play has something for everyone. The students can't wait to show you their stuff! Ethan Wolfskill, who plays Nigel, says that his favorite song is "The School Song." He describes it as having a “good rhythm, interesting lyrics, and is really catchy.” Join us and be part of the fun! Mark your calendars: Performances are on Fri. Mar. 15 at 6 pm; Sat. Mar. 16 at 1 pm and 5 pm; & Sun. Mar. 17 at 2 pm in Weiner Hall at De Portola Middle School (11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.) (1.5 hour running time). Tickets start at $5 per person at the door or in advance at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/80750 (general seating). Concessions will be available. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Canyon Hills Students Work to Prevent Underage Drinking
Club Elevated at Canyon Hills High School works through the year to help their classmates live healthier lives.
One recent project was a partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the new Keg N Bottle store on Santo Road. The Sticker Shock campaign involves putting signs on wine and liquor bottles, reminding adults not to allow underage drinking at parties.
Despite what you see in the media, most high school students don’t drink. Only about one out of every nine high school juniors in the San Diego Unified District currently drinks, according to a statewide survey. The survey also shows that parties are the most common source of alcohol for teenagers. That’s why Club Elevated’s Sticker Shock focused on the holiday season.
Keg N Bottle customers weren’t the only people to get the Sticker Shock message. Fox5, Univision, 10News and CBS8 carried stories in English and Spanish. Coverage featured interviews with students and Vanessa Melchionne from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
“Every year, impaired driving kills 4,300 people under the age of 21,” Melchionne told reporters. “Look at these students. In their age group, car crashes are the leading cause of death.”
Drinking creates other problems for young people.
Someone who starts drinking earlier is more likely to have substance use disorders later in life. Also, teenage brains are still developing, and alcohol can affect how someone’s brain functions. It can impair learning.
When teenagers drink, they tend to drink more than older people. And people who drink – regardless of their age – are more likely to have accidents, get into fights, and engage in other risky behaviors.
“It’s really about making healthy decisions for yourself,” according to Kyle Estep, a senior at Canyon Hills. He told 10News. “Personally, I get mad when I see underage drinking and people think that it’s cool. I want to show people that it’s not very cool.”
“On behalf of MADD, I want to thank this store and Club Elevated,” Melchionne said. “They’re helping prevent drunk driving during the next couple of weeks. And they are also preventing injuries, accidents, and alcohol dependence in the future.”
For more information about Club Elevated, please contact Stacy Chiles at schiles@saysandiego.org.
Resources and services are available to assist with screening, treatment, and recovery for individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD). The Access & Crisis line is available year-round, 24/7 at (888) 724-7240.
Maintenance Assessment District or MAD
As residents of Tierrasanta, we benefit from a small special tax assessment that is used to enhance our school fields, parks, medians, library gardens, tree trimming and open space trails. It’s called a Maintenance Assessment District or MAD for short, and was set into place when the neighborhood developer Christiani, turned management of the property over to the City of San Diego about 50 years ago.
This MAD has an advisory group which has been functioning in one way, shape or form for about the same length of time. We continue to meet most months, currently at the Tierrasanta Public Library. Following is the calendar for 2024. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to all.
Feb 12
March 11
April 15th
May 13
June 10
July (skip)
August (skip)
September 16th
October 14
November 18th
December (skip)
We have a busy year ahead of us. Our landscape contract expires later this year. Members of the advisory group are reviewing the old contract now, looking for any changes we might like to make. You are welcome to join this process. Median work has already been reviewed, but another set of eyes never hurts. Portions remaining include the joint use fields, pocket parks, open space/residential interfaces, gutters and brow ditches, and of course the open space itself—which includes our trail system. Residents interested in this work may contact the chair, Jennifer Schultz, at jen.schultz702@gmail.com
Other areas of interest for this year include maintenance of the Barbados Wall. We would like to install an electronic message board to announce meetings, local news, etc. Tree-trimming work will resume shortly with a focus on trail-side and fence-line trees.
We continue to partner with the Open Space Division and CanyonLands to provide volunteer services along our trails and in the open space. Residents interested in this work may reach out to James and Maria Sanders at friendsoftscanyoms@gmail.com
Residents with requests for services may contact our grounds maintenance manager Jaime Diez at JDiez@sandiego.gov.
Tierrasanta Community Council 2024 Elections
Announcing the 2024 Tierrasanta Community Council (TCC) Board Member Elections
The TCC is inviting residents of Tierrasanta (92124 zip code) who are over the age of 18 and have attended at least one meeting in the last calendar year (February 21, 2024 counts) to run for a seat on the board.
Interested parties should submit their name, a candidate statement, and their home address (for fulfilling the residency requirement) to the TCC by 5 pm on Feb. 21, 2024 to qualify. Please email your submissions to: shamoon.tcc@gmail.com
Why join the TCC?
The TCC is responsible for community planning and advising the City of San Diego and others on local issues, takes positions on issues affecting Tierrasanta and the City of San Diego, and supports numerous events in the community including concerts in the Park, Patriot's Day, and Oktoberfest.
Time commitment: The TCC meets from 6:30-8:30 pm on the third Wednesday each month, except in May, August, November, and December at the Tierrasanta Recreation Center. Each member serves a two year term.
Come serve your community and be the change you want to see!
Councilmember Campillo's Year-End Newsletter
Flip through Councilmember Campillo's digital Year-End Newsletter to learn about 2023 accomplishments, statistics, and stories.
Dear Neighbor,
I am incredibly pleased to invite you to read my 2023 Year-End Newsletter. This Newsletter highlights the work that I did to serve the community in 2023, including prioritizing infrastructure improvements, implementing policy changes, attending community events, awarding CPPS and ACCF funds to community organizations, and much more. Additionally, the newsletter looks ahead to some of the important projects that will be happening in 2024 in each community in District 7. Please click here to read the full document.
Visions and Goals
What does the future have in store for Tierrasanta? Your Community Council (TCC) has some ideas. The TCC has a catalogue of ongoing and possible items. It's now time to update the catalogue. The Visions and Goals Committee will meet later this spring to consider additions. Everyone is invited to review the catalogue and submit ideas to enhance Tierrasanta. Please send them to Bob Lang: langteam@aol.com. Here is a link to the catalogue.
Announcing the 2024 Kiwanis Foundation of Tierrasanta Scholarships
The Kiwanis Foundation of Tierrasanta is pleased to announce that it will again be awarding the Vernon D. Bowman, Thomas G. Cherniss, George V. Paluso, and Lonnie and Elaine Folsom Scholarships at the end of the 2024 school year to graduating seniors of Canyon Hills High School. These scholarships are awarded annually to students who best exemplify Kiwanis ideals that were fostered by these revered Kiwanis Club members and residents of Tierrasanta. Scholarships are based on a student’s demonstration of academic success, a strong record of community service, leadership, and altruistic devotion to the welfare of fellow students. In addition to the general criteria, athletic participation and leadership are prerequisites for the Paluso scholarship.
Applicants must be 2024 graduating seniors from Canyon Hills High School who will be pursuing an associate or bachelor level degree, or higher education that will qualify the applicant for entry into a business, profession, or trade. Scholarship applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee of the Kiwanis Foundation of Tierrasanta, where the selections will be made.
Selections for scholarship awards will be based upon the depth of community service, participation in Canyon Hills High School activities, participation in athletics (required for the Paluso scholarship), and scholastic achievement. Applicants will be required to:
document their school, community, and athletic activities and leadership
submit an official transcript
draft a reflective essay regarding their activities, and
submit a letter of recommendation.
Students need only submit one application to be considered for all four scholarships listed below:
Vernon D. Bowman scholarship: payable in annual installments over four years
Thomas G. Cherniss scholarship: a one-time scholarship payment
George V. Paluso scholarship: a one-time scholarship payment
Lonnie and Elaine Folsom scholarship: a one-time scholarship payment
Applications will be available at the Canyon Hills High School Guidance office commencing Friday, March 29, 2024; alternatively, applicants may request them by contacting Sheila Weiner at sheilaweiner@att.net. Please return all application materials to Sheila Weiner at sheilaweiner@att.net by email or by mailing them to her at 4765 Seda Drive, San Diego, California 92124-2456. All applications must be received (received, not postmarked) by midnight on Friday, April 26, 2024.