Urban SC Buzz

The Corky McMillin Companies Unveils Millenia at the Eastern Urban Center

2010-03-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Frida's Mexican Cocina, Otay Ranch Town Center, Chula Vista

Despite depressed housing conditions, closed retail spaces and a lagging job market, McMillin Cos. stepped up its drive Wednesday to get started on a massive, $4 billion, mixed-use project in Otay Ranch, which it is dubbing “Millenia.”

Company executives unveiled a marketing campaign at a VIP reception aimed at interesting investors and piquing the interest of potential buyers, office users and retail tenants three years down the road.

Todd Galarneau, vice president of project management, said the project will not break ground until McMillin secures equity partners and construction financing, but he said that could happen within the next six months, leading to the first home sales in early 2012.

“We’re waiting for values to support the development costs and the lending environment to normalize, as well,” Galarneau said. “The test is to balance costs with revenues. That’s what we’re trying to look at — how to phase the project, what portion we can get at early, keep the costs down and then accelerate for coming out of the ground.”

As part of what is called the Eastern Urban Center, Millenia — purposely spelled without a second “n” — gained Chula Vista’s approval in September. The 20-year plan calls for 2,983 condominiums and townhouses; 3.5 million square feet of commercial space, including a hotel; and six parks, a library, school, fire station and transit station. The high-density development on 210 acres lies east of state Route 125 and south of Birch Road and the Otay Ranch Town Center mall.

Galarneau declined to specify how much funding is needed to start construction but said McMillin probably would provide equity in addition to what investors offer. In such a scenario, developers typically then go to commercial or institutional lenders for construction loans to cover initial grading, sewer and water lines, roads and other infrastructure. Building sites are then sold off to developers to construct homes and commercial improvements. McMillin’s commercial and residential divisions probably would be part of the builder pool.

Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox welcomed McMillin’s announcement, saying her city was the first to face the housing downturn and is now ready to lead the region on the way up. She compared Millenia with Liberty Station, McMillin’s conversion of the Naval Training Center in Point Loma into a residential, commercial and arts complex, a symbol of San Diego’s conversion from defense industry dominance to a broader-based economic mix in the wake of the 1990s recession.

“To put that kind of mixed-use product in is what made Liberty Station so successful, and McMillin has a proven track record of doing things right,” Cox said.

Galarneau said that since fall, the company has submitted documents to certify the project under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program for environmentally sustainable and energy-saving features, applied for grants and developed a presentation for the Western builders show in San Francisco this spring.

Meanwhile, there are signs that South Bay might be ready for new construction after five years of declining prices, thousands of foreclosures and a slowdown in commercial activity during the recession. MDA DataQuick reports that median single-family home prices bottomed out last year and appear to be on the rise. Foreclosures and defaults have fallen, though they are still higher than historic norms.

“We’ve seen a stabilization of values in Otay Ranch,” Galarneau said. “That was probably in the first or second quarter of last year.”

He suggested that by 2012-13, home prices and the economy will have recovered enough for first-time buyers and empty-nesters — the target audience for Millenia — to try out living in a new suburban community with an urban flair. Millenia’s master plan calls for densities of up to 40 dwelling units per acre, roughly six times that of typical single-family tracts.

His strategy was endorsed by two market watchers, Gary London and Jeff Meyers, who said McMillin’s timing may be perfect, if not a little too conservative.

“The market will more than likely be ripe for new product in about three years,” said London, who heads London Group Real Estate Advisors. “Certainly, they shouldn’t be in a hurry, but we’re going to reach a crisis milestone in approximately three years when the recession is a thing of the past, the local economy is resurging and there’s no new housing. Otay Ranch is uniquely positioned to accommodate reasonably priced homes in a high-quality community — almost without parallel and probably without competition.”

Meyers, who heads Meyers Builder Advisors, said McMillin actually could speed up its schedule by about a year and hit the mark even more accurately. Buyers of new homes now pay 10 percent to 20 percent over the price of foreclosures and other distressed properties because they receive warranties from builders and do not have to worry about a home that has been trashed by its previous owners and tenants.

“The consumer is getting impatient,” Meyers said. “Short sales (homes sold for less than their mortgage balance) and foreclosures, while they might be priced attractively, are not always what they’re cracked up to be.”

Although McMillin originally intended to build Millenia’s residential and nonresidential components concurrently, Galarneau said it is more likely that the homes will have to go first. London and Meyers said buyers will accept that phased approach as long as it is clear that the community amenities, shopping and workplaces come online within two or three years of moving in.

“I think housing can stand on its own,” Meyers said. “Obviously, though, with good, strong, mixed-use projects, that can influence the price of those units if they are truly well-executed in a lifestyle center.”

South County Market Trends

2010-03-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

You will be able to find "Live" stats on our South County market on this blog. I have created a page that is dedicated to our market. Just click the link above and it will take you right there. Like I mentioned, it is a "Live" link, so it is updated weekly.

I've also added, at the bottom, a comparison of our Eastlake market to Poway, 4SRanch (the new RB), and Carlsbad. I would say they are competing communities as far as schools, facilities, homes, etc., are considered. The big difference, the price point, well and the proximity to Downtown and beaches! South County really is the jewel of San Diego!!!

AVERAGE LIST PRICE for Chula Vista (zip codes 91910, 91913, 91914 and 91915)

THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS IT IS TAKING TO SELL IN THIS AREA

NUMBER OF HOMES FOR SALE

THE BUYER ACTIVITY IN THIS AREA

AVERAGE LIST PRICE for Bonita, Paradise Hills, National City, Ocean View Hills

THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS IT IS TAKING TO SELL IN THIS AREA

NUMBER OF HOMES FOR SALE

THE BUYER ACTIVITY IN THIS AREA

PRICE POINT OF SOUTH COUNTY VS. NORTH COUNTY

South County has everything North County has to offer, but we have one thing they don't - a better cost of living!

YOUTH FOOTBALL SIGN UPS NOW!

2010-03-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

I know baseball just started and no one wants to think about football, but if you want to get your son on a youth team this summer you really need to do just that.

For most associations in South County, returning player registration will begin in the next few weeks. New player registration usually begins in April. Since there are only 35 players per tackle team, and most associations only field one or two teams per division, they do fill up quickly.

San Diego Youth Football and Cheer is the largest conference in San Diego County and operates 6 associations in the South County from Imperial Beach to Bonita. You can find their links on our side blog. Check your individual association's website for registration dates.

For all associations there are standard requirements, the county contract with player photo (3 copies), the physical (turned in prior to practice), the final report card. You will also be required to turn in proof of residency (some associations require more than one source, you will need to check with your local association), also, each association has their own forms for refund policy, weight requirements, player and parent code of conduct, etc.

My son played for Otay Ranch Broncos and then moved to the Eastlake Panthers last year. The caliber of coaches he has had the fortune of being coached by all his years has been amazing. I believe much of who my son has become is a direct result of the lessons he has learned from his football experiences and the people that surround him while he is there. Last year was a very trying year and the coaches were incredible, they made all the difference to a boy that could have lost football forever. That is community and I respect those individuals that give their time and energy to our youth.
The mission statement of San Diego Youth Football and Cheer (just wanted to share, because I think it is important to know, they teach more than just football)

Our organization will make every effort to make sure that every child with the desire to participate gets the opportunity to play or cheer, without regard to prior experience or athletic ability.

We are committed to instilling Honesty, Loyalty, Integrity, Teamwork, Discipline, Sportsmanship, Respect, Leadership, Trust and Commitment in our young participants. We believe these values and virtues are important to their growth and to them becoming active members of our community and society.

We will instill in our youth the challenge of competition, the joy of victory, the reality of defeat, the importance of commitment and the spirit of community. Our Scholar Athlete Recognition program is to directly underscore the importance of academic achievement among athletes, and by doing so, it will prepare them for the challenges of high school and collegiate environments.

These goals will be achieved through organizing our dedicated volunteers, caring parents, and business associates who wish to partner with our great youth sport program.

Opening Day at Parkview Little League

2010-03-03T08:23:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it is almost here, but little league baseball is right around the corner.

For most of us parents and players, we had our first practices this week. Met our new teammates and coaches, hooked-up with old friends, and just slid back into the sport that starts our Spring, Baseball.

For my son our first practice was actually on the minor B field this week. I got to walk my giant dog, Zeus, and watch my son play baseball with a new enthusiasm he didn't have last year. Kids grow and mature so much year to year, so every year sports is different, for them to play and for us to watch.

I saw many familiar All Star World Series Champions on the Juniors field practicing, and Coach Ric Ramirez was there with his youngest son and nephew practicing with their Majors team.

From what I understand, Parkview has more kids this year than ever, so that means more games, more uniforms, more coaches needed, more umpires needed, more everything. We will be playing games this year from Sunday - Saturday, basically every day of the week! WOW! That's commitment from their Board and the volunteers that run the place.

Opening Day Ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, March 13th. They usually start early with the T-Ball parade and team intros. Come on out and meet your Parkview Little Leaguers.

EXTRA EXTRA Read All About It!!!

2010-02-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

The McMillin Realty South County edition of DREAM HOMES Magazine March issue will be hitting newsstands soon.

Our feature home is a gorgeous, upgraded gem in Eastlake, but that's for you to check out yourself. It won't disappoint.

Our Chula Vista "highlights" this month are, the South Bay YMCA - Celebrating 50 Years this year; the Chula Vista Elementary School District; the Chula Vista Marina; and our gorgeous Otay Ranch Town Center.

It is McMillin Realty's mission to help educate all of San Diego County the tremendous benefits and amenities our city has to offer. We are no longer the sleepy little border town we once had the reputation of being. We have shopping, dining, schools, parks, golf, hospitals, marinas, country clubs, and it is all new and state of the art.

We are passionate about our community, it's people, and it's future.

At McMillin Realty, we don't just sell homes, we sell lifestlyes. South County Lifestyles - The very best San Diego has to offer!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

McMillin Realty's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

2010-02-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

Get those Easter Baskets out of the garage and dusted off, start shopping for your prettiest Easter Bonnet, because the Easter Bunny is coming to Discovery Park!

The sun is blinding us in the morning on the way to work, the days are getting warmer and a little longer... Yep, Spring is coming! For the Chula Vista community and McMillin Realty there has been a long standing tradition at Discovery Park in Rancho del Rey the weekend before Easter. The McMillin Realty Annual Easter Egg Hunt.
If you have ever been to one you can confirm, it starts at 9:00 am SHARP, and is over in about 5 minutes (at least the egg hunting part). Those kids are pros! They mow down the park, in sections by age, and clean out about 6,000 colored eggs in minutes - some with prize tickets in them. The Easter Bunny is there, of course, to make sure all the kids get their share, to take photos, and to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

So be ready, Saturday, March 27th, Discovery Park - Rancho del Rey - at 9:00 am sharp! Remember, those kids know how to hunt eggs FAST!

Discovery Park is also home to our beautiful and talented Bonita Valley Girls Fast Pitch Softball Association. So after the egg hunt, stop on over and check out a game or two. It is really exciting to watch!

I mean... how cute is she?....

Chula Vista Days

2010-02-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

Today as I was driving my kids to school I noticed a huge crowd at Heritage Park at 7:00 in the morning. News trucks, classic cars, the Castle Park High School Band. What was going on? I had to stop and find out.

It was Fox 5 in the morning. They were filming their entire Morning Show right here from our gorgeous Heritage Park! It was "Chula Vista Days". How Cool is that! We are finally getting our day in the spot light. Over due?... Maybe, but at least they are taking notice of our fine city.

I parked immediately, and walked over to see what was going on. Shot some pictures with my iPhone of the band and the cars and, didn't know it was him, but had a conversation about our dogs and cars with Loren Nancarrow. I thought is was sweet seeing him walk his beautiful german shepherd around our pond, checking out the ducks before heading back over to the crowd.

What a day for Chula Vista. Then I got into the office, missed their show unfortunately, but did check out their website. I found all sorts of video clips of the morning, and a good one from the Mayor, Cheryl Cox. I am going to share it on my blog.

Hopefully, more news stations follow suit and come to Chula Vista to feature our City. We have so much to offer we couldn't possibly feature it all in 3 hours!

The Blue Bombers Trade a Weekend of Sand for Snow

2010-02-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Our local Little League World Series Champions headed off to the Nations Capitol and met President Obama on Friday, February 5, 2010, but when they arrived they got more than a presidential handshake, they got a whole lot of SNOW!!!

Since we are not so accustom to the beautiful white stuff, the boys enjoyed the afternoon playing in the hip-high snow with their parents looking on. With all the history around them, they seemed more interested in who could make a bigger hole in the snow when falling from a park bench.

They all agreed though, that meeting the President was the thrill of the trip. It was an experience they will never forget.

They did get an extra two days off of school due to being stuck in Washington because of the biggest blizzard the area has seen in years, figures on the weekend Californians go out there! But hey, we have the beach to come back to.

The boys are already back in baseball practice, this time for the Chula Vista Pony League. Parkview has a whole new set of kids moving in their place. It's a new year. Are you ready for some baseball?

Help Make A Difference

2010-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

The South Bay Family YMCA serves over 35,000 youth, teens, families and seniors throughout the communities of Bonita, Chula Vista and National City. Since 1960, the South Bay Family YMCA has been dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential.

Through a variety of programs like aquatics, camp, childcare, fitness, gymnastics, sports and teen activities, the YMCA provides a safe place where kids can learn about the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
Your contribution helps us provide program support and financial assistance to those who need it in our community. Thanks to generous donors like you, no one is turned away due to a lack of funds, ensuring the Y is for Everybody.

Chula Vista Elementary School District Makes the Grade

2010-02-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

The Chula Vista Elementary School District’s Academic Performance Index score is 833—placing the District among the highest performing school systems in San Diego County. The results from California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program indicated our students made achievement gains at all grade levels in both English Language Arts and mathematics.

According to the 2008-09 school year results released in Fall 2009, an amazing 31 out of 44 District schools achieved API scores above the state target of 800. The District’s overall index score of 833—a 24 point year-over-year gain! CVESD and Coronado are the only school districts in the South County with API scores above 800.

Other District highlights include:

Thurgood Marshall Elementary posted the highest API score in CVESD at 891, followed by Olympic View at 886, and Heritage and Salt Creek each at 883.
Closely on their heels was Chula Vista Learning Community Charter at 876. CVLCC’s growth over the last several years caught the attention of state leaders, education officials and charter school proponents. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger toured classrooms and held a press conference at CVLCC on August 27, 2009, noting that the school served as a model for education reforms he has proposed.

CVESD’s English learners recorded the fifth highest API score among school districts in San Diego County.

California Business for Education Excellence has named 14 District schools to its 2009 Honor Roll. Schools that receive this distinction from California’s business community have demonstrated consistent high student academic achievement and have made significant progress toward closing achievement gaps among all their students.

Moving and the Impact on Children

Children are going to be a major consideration for anyone considering a move to a different area. Buying a home in a district with a good school system and family-friendly neighborhood will dramatically affect the child's way of life. So bottom line, when searching for a home, good schools are a major consideration for families. Chula Vista fits that bill.

ANDY McMILLIN DIRTSPORTS DRIVER of the YEAR 2009

2010-02-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

TAKE A JOURNEY WITH ANDY McMILLIN THROUGH HIS 2009 OFF-ROAD RACING WINNING STREAK, TO BECOME THE DIRTSPORTS MAGAZINE DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2009.

Andy McMillin is the son of Scott McMillin, President of McMillin Realty and the grandson of Corky McMillin, founder of The Corky McMillin Companies. Like grandfather. Like father. Like son. So go the racing bloodlines of the McMillin family - and go they certainly do. When Corky McMillin introduced his family to off-road racing in the 1970's, he probably never imagined what would follow. Three generations of highly esteemed McMillin Racing drivers and Baja winners. A proud heritage of team unity and sportsmanship. A secure place in history as one of the sport's most accomplished racing teams. Not to mention a truckload of victories on the desert racing circuit - including numerous wins by the team and the latest Baja 1000 four-wheel win by Andy and father Scott McMillin in 2009. Now to add to this Andy has been named Driver of the Year 2009 by DirtSports Magazine.

Congratulations Andy, we are so proud of you!!!

ANDY McMILLIN DIRTSPORTS DRIVER of the YEAR 2009 from Jimmy Cook on Vimeo.

Just a fun recipe for Valentine's Day

2010-02-09T15:25:00.000-08:00

Red Velvet Cupcakes

What You Need!

1 pkg. (2-layer size) red velvet cake mix

1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened

1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar (about 4 cups)

1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping

1 square BAKER'S White Chocolate, shaved into curls

Make It!

PREPARE cake batter and bake as directed on package for 24 cupcakes, blending dry pudding mix into batter before spooning into prepared muffin cups. Cool.

MEANWHILE, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Gradually beat in sugar. Whisk in COOL WHIP. Spoon 1-1/2 cups into small freezer-weight resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Cut small corner off bottom of bag. Insert tip of bag into top of each cupcake to pipe about 1 Tbsp. frosting into center of cupcake.

FROST cupcakes with remaining frosting. Top with chocolate curls. Keep refrigerated.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Variation

Prepare using PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese and COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping.

How to Easily Fill Cupcakes with Frosting

Poke hole in top of each cupcake with handle of wooden spoon before filling with frosting.

How to Make Chocolate Curls

Warm a square of BAKER'S Baking Chocolate by microwaving it, unwrapped, on HIGH for a few seconds or just until you can smudge the chocolate with your thumb. Hold the square steadily and draw a peeler slowly over flat bottom of square, allowing a thin layer of chocolate to curl as it is peeled off the bottom of the square to make long, delicate curls. Use the same technique along the narrow side of the square to make short curls.

President Obama Meets our Blue Bombers!

2010-02-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

White House is a hit for Little League World Series winners

By Don Norcross, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Originally published February 5, 2010 at 1:02 p.m., updated February 6, 2010 at 3:12 a.m.

/ Chuck Kennedy / White House

President Barack Obama shook hands yesterday with Bulla Graft and his teammates on Chula Vista’s Park View All-Stars, winners of the Little League World Series.

On a blustery, wintry day in the nation’s capital, San Diego’s boys of summer stepped out of the cold and into the limelight.

The Little League World Series champions from Chula Vista shook hands with President Barack Obama.

“This is going to be a treasure,” catcher Daniel Porras Jr. said by phone. “I’ll never wash my hand again.”

The 13-year-old Park View All-Stars and their coaches and family members toured the White House yesterday, then met the president in the East Wing. Obama walked down a line, shaking each player’s hand.

“It was pretty cool,” said outfielder Bradley Roberto. “We met the leader of our country.”

Previously, the players appeared on Conan O’Brien’s show, rode in the Rose Parade and were honored by the Padres and the Chargers.

Yesterday, each player — dressed in matching khakis and light-blue polo shirts — introduced himself to Obama by saying his name, the position he played and that it was an honor to meet the president.

Asked what the president said in return, shortstop Andy Rios said, “It’s very good to meet you, too.”

Porras added, “He said that he was proud of us for representing the United States.”

Obama then came to league President Rod Roberto and asked, “Are you one of the coaches?”

“No Mr. President,” Roberto said, “I’m the president.”

After some laughter, Obama replied, “Maybe I should ask this guy for some advice.”

The Park View contingent consisted of about 60 people. The trip was paid for by Southwest Airlines and AT&T.

The team came bearing gifts, including a green-and-white Park View jersey for the president with “Obama” written across the back.

According to Rod Roberto, the president said upon receiving the jersey, “I better save this. It’ll probably be worth some money in the future.”

The team also brought jerseys for Obama’s daughters — Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8 — a signed baseball glove and a baseball cap made of Legos given to the team by Legoland California.

While walking down a White House hallway, the players were asked to step aside for a moment. Along came Malia and Sasha.

“They were dressed like you’d think young girls would be on a cold, winter day,” Rod Roberto said. “In sweatpants.”

After meeting the president, the contingent trudged through snowy, wind-swept conditions to the Capitol building.

“We are walking through huge snow right now,” Porras said.

At the Capitol, the team was given a tour of the House floor by Rep. Bob Filner, D-San Diego.

The team is scheduled to attend the Atlanta Hawks-Washington Wizards basketball game tonight before returning home tomorrow.

Of yesterday’s experience, Rod Roberto said, “There’s nothing like the capital in snow. The trees, the snow falling. It was like sitting there watching a movie.”

Regarding the White House, he added, “It’s very patriotic. When you walk in there, see all the presidents on the wall, I don’t care what political side you’re on, you feel like, ‘Wow, all the decisions are made right here.’ ”

However, due to a blizzard in the area, the team is stuck in the Capitol for a few extra days. Enjoy kids, this is the time of your lives!

Valentinos Grill Lounge and Sushi Bar • Otay Ranch • 619-591-9201

2010-02-03T19:54:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for somewhere trendy with good food, excellent sushi, and a great happy hour, right here in Otay Ranch, look no further.

Valentinos Grill Lounge and Sushi Bar on East Palomar and Santa Cora is the place to be these days. Their sushi bar is outstanding, and you must remember to ask for the different dipping sauces! Valentino's does have other items on their menu besides sushi, try the Kobe Sliders with fries, or the Ribeye Tapanyaki, a 10oz ribeye, grilled, sliced and served over roasted potatoes, sauteed onions and mushrooms served on a sizzling skillet. The food plus the top-shelf, full bar makes this the perfect Friday night spot.

But one word of advice... get there early! The place is usually packed - and with good reason.

Valentinos Grill Lounge and Sushi Bar • Otay Ranch • 619-591-9201

HELP! Need Children's Books

2010-02-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

Patti McKelvey, Realtor with McMillin Realty, is helping The King Chavez Academy in San Diego Barrio Logan collect "slightly used" children's books and elementary school supplies.

The school is in need of books, art supplies, school supplies, paper, etc. If you have anything laying around the house, or if you are a company interest in donating something larger, please contact someone at the Patti McKelvey Team at 619-409-8505 for more information. The drop off location is Patti's office.

The Patti McKelvey Team is located at the Chula Vista office of McMillin Realty on 320 East "H" Street in the Terra Nova Plaza. You can't miss the big blue "M"!!!

Parkview Little League Expects A Big Season

2010-02-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a beautiful day, the sun was out, the weather was perfect. It was the perfect day for baseball tryouts in Chula Vista. I took my son out for his first tryouts ever. He is 8 this year, and 8 year olds and up have to tryout in little league. It's actually more of an assessment of skills than tryouts since they all get to play, but you could still feel the competition to be the best in the air.

With all the rain we've had lately it was nice to get out and see all the kids suited up, with their gloves, bats, warming up, playing catch with dads, getting ready to show the coaches their stuff.

I spoke with a couple of board members at Parkview while I waited for my son to get his chance at bat and was amazed to hear how many kids Parkview was fielding this year. We have so many kids in the association that we will be having games Monday - Sunday this year. I'm not sure if this is in response to our 2009 Little League World Series All Star Winners, or if this is a sign that our economy is rebounding, but it was exciting to hear non the less. More kids getting the opportunity to play!

I can't wait for the season to officially start. Baseball fever is already struck Chula Vista! We are ready!!!

Chula Vista Real Estate Trends

2010-01-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Otay Ranch High Baseball Golf Tournament

2010-01-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

The Otay Ranch High School Mustang Baseball Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, January 29th at the Salt Creek Golf Club. The tournament gets underway at 10:00 am with registration, followed by a shotgun start at 11:30. The fee is $95 per player and includes 18 holes of golf, free range balls, drink tickets and dinner at the awards ceremony. The scramble format event offers prizes, raffles and a silent auction. At the conclusion of the day's events, a helicopter ball drop for cash will also be held. All proceeds benefit the Mustang Baseball Organization and its players.

Calling All Princesses - It's a Valentine's Tea Party at Heritage

2010-01-20T13:43:00.001-08:00

The staff at Heritage Community Center would like to invite all Princesses from around the land to their Valentine's Princess Tea Party. This community event is for ages 2-6 and will be held on Saturday, February 6th. Choose to attend from either 1:00-2:30 pm or 3:30-4:30 pm. All Princesses in attendance will make Valentine's Day crafts, play games, share fairy tails and enjoy their very own tea party. Remember to dress up in your favorite Princess costume. Parent participation is required. Maximum of 25 participants per party. Both parties will sell-out so register early to guarantee your spot! Fee is $15 per child and $20 per non-resident child and reservations can be made at (619) 421-7032.

Andy McMillin Dominates Field With Overall Victory and Trophy Truck Win at Laughlin

2010-01-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

Andy McMillin Dominates Star-Studded Field to Grab Overall Victory and SCORE Trophy-Truck Win at 16th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge.

Kory Halopoff wins Class 1.

Other class winners include: MacCachren, Villagomez, Lawrence, Caspino, Carr, Bacal and Lopez .

LAUGHLIN, Nev.—San Diego’s third-generation desert racer Andy McMillin completed a perfect run Sunday, easily dominated a field of star-studded racers to capture the Overall and SCORE Trophy-Truck victory at the season-opening 16th SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge. With the race split into two days of 8 laps each of an intensely rugged 6.25-mile course, Andy McMillin ran a combined total time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 03 seconds, averaging 49.16 miles per hour in his No. 31 McMillin Racing Ford F-150.

The fastest qualifier for his class, Andy McMillin had a one minute, 20-second lead after the opening 8 laps on Saturday extending his lead permanently on the first lap Sunday as all of his challengers fell by the wayside. As the checkered flag fell and the dust settled, his final victory margin was by 7 minutes, 36 seconds over Las Vegas’ Kory Scheeler, who finished the two-day event in 2:09:39 in his No. 51 Real Tech Motorsports Chevy Silverado SCORE Trophy-Truck.

The event featured 126 starters from 11 States, Mexico, Denmark and Germany, who competed in 17 Pro and two Sportsman classes for cars and trucks for over $300,000 in prize money and contingency postings. The classes were split into five groups in Laughlin, the Southern Nevada resort destination along the banks of the Colorado River, each running as part of one of five races each day of five to eight laps over the rugged and challenging 6.25-mile race course. The event was Round 1 of the 2010 SCORE Desert Series.

“It was a great day for us out there today,” said Andy McMillin, who was a prep basketball star at Poway HS near San Diego. “Once we got out in front of Pete (Sohren, No. 2) about the first corner, I just wanted to make sure that we didn’t let him or B.J. (Baldwin, No. 97) get around me. And then B.J. wasn’t there after the first lap so it was cruise control all the way. It was awesome. Compared to Saturday, (I backed off) a lot. Laughlin is a race of survival so I knew I had to get to the finish line first in order to win. The last four laps, I was just cruising. The bumps were getting so big out there but it was a real fun course.”

“Thanks to Sal (Fish) for putting on the race,” Andy McMillin added. “I just really enjoyed myself. I’ve never won here at Laughlin so it really feels good. It was an awesome way to end last year (with a win in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000) and a great way to start this year off. I think it just counts for the team and just feeling confident. Every time I go to the start line, I know I have a chance of winning in this truck as long as I don’t make a mistake. That says a lot about our team and the way they put this truck together and I couldn’t be happier.”

Another third generation desert racer, Kory Halopoff, Orange, Calif., survived tremendous attrition caused by the difficulty of the course, defeating a talented group of 23 racers in the unlimited Class 1 to win his class and finish fifth overall in 2:13:53, averaging 44.82 mph for his eight laps. Driving solo in his Letner Racing Chevy-powered Tatum open-wheel desert race car, he earned his first class win in this race and his second-career SCORE Class 1 race win, and first as driver of record. He was the second driver for his cousin Harley Letner as together they were the overall and Class 1 winners of last year’s Tecate SCORE Baja 500.

Halopoff led by just one-second after Saturday’s 8 laps, but quickly pulled farther and farther ahead on Sunday as his top challengers fell back because of mechanical issues. Second in Class 1 to Halopoff was Mexico’s Robert Ross who was the fastest on the course for Sunday’s eight laps in his class and finished second in Class 1 and sixth overall in his Jeffries Racing Racer-Chevy.

Racing in comfortable weather with slight breezes, mild temperatures, under mostly sunny skies, Andy McMillin started from the pole on Saturday and Sunday and physically led all but one of the 16 laps over the weekend.

Andy McMillin, 22, whose McMillin Racing family team had six entries in the race, dominated the 28-truck field for his third career race win in the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck division for high-tech, 800-horsepower unlimited production trucks and second straight after winning last year’s 42nd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 with his father Scott McMillin. After running the fast lap of the day to start Sunday’s half of the race at 7:10, Andy McMillin earned the first SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge race win for his famous family, ran consistently patient victory laps of 7:33, 7:37, 7:44, 7:53, 7:56, 8:17 and 8:25.

Third overall and in SCORE Trophy-Truck was Nick Vanderway, Litchfield Park, Ariz., with a time of 2:10:41 in the No. 84 Chevy Silverado.

Fourth overall and in SCORE Trophy-Truck was Andy McMillin’s uncle Mark McMillin, whose combined total time for the race was 2:12:20 in the No. 23 McMillin Racing Ford F-150.

Finishing a SCORE career-best fifth in the marquee SCORE Trophy-Truck division and seventh overall was key executive of Las Vegas’ City Center resort Bill McBeath, whose final time was 2:16:52 in his No. 91 Chevy Silverado.

In addition to Andy McMillin and his uncle Mark McMillin, McMillin Racing had six entries in the race. Making his first start in Class 1, Daniel McMillin (Mark’s son) finished third in Class 1 and an impressive eighth overall in a McMillin Racing Jimco-Chevy.

Also making her first SCORE race start, Andy McMillin’s older sister Jessica McMillin, finished 12th in SCORE Lite in a McMillin Racing Jimco-VW. Luke McMillin, Mark McMillin’s youngest son, finished fifth in Class 1-2/1600 in a McMillin Racing Jimco-VW while Daniel McMillin had the team’s only DNF in another Class 1-2/16000 McMillin Racing Jimco-VW, finishing just two laps on Saturday and all six on Sunday, which was ninth among those that went all six laps.

Although he was officially a did not finish for the race because he completed only five laps on Saturday, the fastest SCORE Trophy-Truck in Sunday’s 8 laps was the No. 30 MasterCraft Racing Chevy Silverado driven by MasterCraft Safety CEO Robbie Pierce, Santee, Calif.

In Class 1-2/1600, seven-time SCORE season class point champion Rob MacCachren of Las Vegas extended his four-second lead from Saturday to a final victory margin in his AlumiCraft-VW to 14 seconds over Cory Boyer, Bakersfield, Calif., who drove a Lothringer-VW.

In defeating a field of 21 starters in Class 1-2/1600, MacCachren earned his seventh career class win in this race and his 44th career SCORE class win. His seven Laughlin wins moves into a tie with Donald Moss (Class 3) and George Seeley (Class 5) for the most all-time class wins in this race.

MacCachren also raced in SCORE Trophy-Truck where he finished seventh in class in the No. 20 MasterCraft Racing Ford F-150.

In SCORE Lite, Mexico’s Francisco Villagomez scored his first SCORE race win, moving from fourth place Saturday to defeat a sturdy group of 20 racers in his Pabloff-VW.

Among the other class winners crowned Sunday were: Dave Caspino, Woodland Hills, Calif. (Class 6, Ford Ranger), Mike Lawrence, Sunset Beach, Calif. (Class 10, Jimco-Honda), Elias Hanna, Ensenada, Mexico, Ford Ranger (Class 7SX, Ford Ranger), Juan C. Lopez, Tecate, Mexico. (Class 8, Ford F-150), Kevin Carr, San Diego (Class 5, unlimited VW Baja Bug), Joe Bacal, Anthem, Ariz. (Stock Full, Lexus LX570, William Eriksen, Elizabethtown, Ky. (Class 2, PredatorX18-Chevy), Robert Morton, Aliso Viejo, Calif. (Class 9, DesertDynamics-VW), Reid Rutherford, Montrose, Colo., (Class 7-2, Ford Ranger) and Troy Vest, Molalla, Ore. (Protruck, Chevy Silverado).

It was the third straight Class 5 win in this race for Carr and first for Lawrence, Hanna, Lopez, Bacal, Eriksen, Morton, Rutherford and Vest.

Sportsman Car race winner was Rory Ward, Mohave Valley, Ariz. (Chenowth-Chevy) and Sportsman Truck winner was Nick Tonelli, Huntington Beach, Calif. (Ford Ranger).

Also of note, the four-vehicle Wilson Motorsports team of Long Beach, Calif., saw brothers Randy and Ronny finish third and fourth in Class 1 and seventh and eighth overall while second generation Wilson desert racers Brian and Brad finished fourth and 15th respectively in Class 1-2/1600.

A total of 61 of the 126 official starters finished the challenge, for a 48.4 percent finishing rate.

Round 2 of the 2010 SCORE Desert Series will be the 24th MasterCraft Safety Tecate SCORE San Felipe 250, March 12-14, in Baja California, Mexico.

Have You Ever Wondered Why the Median on East Palomar is So Wide?

2010-01-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

It's to accommodate the South Bay Bus Rapid Transit. What is that?... Good question! And I did a little research and I have the answer.

This new 21-mile Bus Rapid Transit service will connect the Otay Mesa international border crossing with downtown San Diego via eastern Chula Vista. New transit access will be afforded to regional employment centers in downtown San Diego, the Otay Mesa Business Park, and the future Eastern Urban Center, as well as to residential communities in Chula Vista and National City.

In the long term, the BRT will operate on high-occupancy vehicle lanes on SR 94 and along the I-805 managed lanes with in-line stations in National City and Chula Vista that connect to park-and-ride lots. The route exits southbound I-805 at Palomar Street in Chula Vista via a new direct access ramp. From there it will travel on a dedicated right-of-way with stations in the Otay Ranch transit-oriented villages of Heritage, Lomas Verdes, and Santa Venetia. From there, the BRT will continue southbound with stations at the new Otay Ranch Town Center, the Eastern Urban Center, and a future university station. The BRT will use SR 125 to directly serve the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.

Between 2002 and 2005, planning and engineering studies on the alignment, station locations, and transit priority treatments, as well as development of preliminary capital and operating cost estimates were completed. In early 2006, work focused on integration of the BRT project (stations and direct access ramps) into the I-805 managed lanes environmental document. The current phase of work includes environmental analyses and preliminary engineering.

The South Bay BRT project, which will be designed and built by the San Diego Association of Governments and operated by the Metropolitan Transit System, is expected to go into service in late 2012 or 2013. It will benefit the community in numerous ways, including:

Providing a rapid and reliable transportation alternative connecting Downtown San Diego and the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
Extending service to areas that do not currently have access to rapid transit.
Relieving traffic congestion in a major transportation corridor.

WOW! What next?

DREAM Homes & McMillin Realty Bring South County to the World

2010-01-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the first edition of McMillin Realty's San Diego South County Edition of Dream Homes Magazine was published in the San Diego Edition of Dream Homes and in it's International Magazine, giving Chula Vista and it's surrounding communities worldwide exposure.

McMillin is proud of the city it has helped develop and support, and when the opportunity came to showcase our fine city in one of our industries top magazines, well, we jumped at the chance. We want the world to know what we already know. Chula Vista is the best place on earth to live!

Here is a copy of our first edition. We hope you enjoy it!

Little League Sign-Ups NOW

2010-01-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Last chance to sign up your son for little league with Parkview, home of the Little League World Champions.

The last registration date is Saturday, January 16th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Parkview Little League next to Greg Rodgers Park on Oleander Ave.

You MUST bring with you: original birth certificate and 3 proofs of residency (driver's license, utility bill, cable bill, car payment, etc.)

Boundaries are strictly enforced. Go to www.parkviewlittleleague.com for more information

Back to School for our Chula Vista Kiddos

2010-01-11T08:16:00.001-08:00

Are your kids ready?... It's that time, back to school for our kids in Chula Vista. The little ones don't start until this Wednesday the 13th, but the Jr High and High Schools start Tuesday the 12th.

I've enjoyed getting up every morning and not worrying about the kids getting ready for school myself. But alas, back to the routine of school life. "Where's my shoes mom?", "Brush your teeth!", "Leave the dog alone and get ready for school!!!", "No, the hamster can't go with you to school.", "Out of bed for the 5th time already"! Yes... I can't wait. The joys of motherhood, work and school.

By the way... I'm off to go backpack shopping. I just found a banana my son tried to hide from me in the bottom of his old backpack from last semester! NICE!

For a quick link to any of your kid's schools, look to the right side of this blog.

Local Lomes Verde Home to Air on TLC

2010-01-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

You're finally ready to make the plunge and buy your first home. However, it won't be easy. First, you have to find it. Then you have to make a bid and hope the competition doesn't beat you out. After that you have to get an inspector, who may end up telling you that your future home has faulty wiring or rusty pipes, turning this dream venture into a money-squandering nightmare! If you make it past this point (and that's assuming escrow doesn't fall through), one load of paperwork and half a bottle of aspirin later, you finally get the set of keys to your first new home. And it was all worth it … right?

In each half-hour episode of My First Home, we'll meet a prospective buyer as they seek out a place to call their own. From touring the real estate and picking out the perfect house, to waiting through escrow, to the final exchange of keys, we'll follow these real estate novices through the highs and lows of buying a first home.

Whether they're looking for a two-bedroom condo in Los Angeles or a two-story colonial in Tennessee, every buyer wants something that appeals to their personality as well as their wallet.

But where do they start? For the first-time home purchaser, there's a whole language to learn — terms like inspectors, escrow and contingencies. And that's not all. They also must wrestle with the idea of putting so much time, energy and money into one single investment — as well as the possibility that such a purchase could turn out to be a money pit! Indeed, the process of buying a home consumes your whole being, even after the deal is done.

Tune in as TLC steps into the lives of these wanna-be buyers as they deal with the disappointments, anxieties and hopes of finding and buying their first home.

Airing sometime at the end of February, early March, one of our very own McMillin build Indigo homes in Lomas Verde will be featured as first-time home buyers make the plunge into homeownership in Otay Ranch. Dan O'Hanlon, Realtor with McMillin Realty's Bonita Office is proud to feature his listing on TLC. Dan has played a major roll in real estate in the Lomas Verde neighborhood and is also a resident himself. For Dan and his team this is more than just an honor to have their listing featured, it is an opportunity for them to expose South County, San Diego to the entire country.

My First Home airs on Saturday at 9:00 am on Cox Cable channel 36.