Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market will soon open its doors in Mira Mesa at Camino Santa Fe & Mira Mesa.  Prior to the much anticipated opening, anyone from the neighborhood is invited to nominate a local, non-profit organization to receive a $1,000 donation.  Fresh & Easy will donate to the selected group as part of the opening day celebration.

To nominate a local organization, simply visit www.freshandeasy.com/goodneighbor and tell us why we should select the group in 150 words or less.  Store employees will vote on submissions and choose an organization.  Fresh & Easy will begin accepting submissions on September 2, 2008 with a submission deadline of October 4, 2008.

“Fresh & Easy is devoted to being a good neighbor while serving the needs of the neighborhood,” said CEO Tim Mason.  “We are here to create value for our customers.  Everyone wants affordable, fresh, wholesome food and everyone wants companies that care about their neighborhood.  It’s how we do business.”

The store will employ approximately 20 to 30 people, and hiring is already under way.  Aiming to hire from the local neighborhood, Fresh & Easy staff are currently manning on-site tents and interviewing potential new store employees.  The company provides the opportunity for all employees to work at least 20 hours, which entitles them to comprehensive healthcare and competitive benefits.  Entry-level positions will pay well over the minimum wage with a potential quarterly bonus of up to 10%.

Fresh & Easy has already committed to building LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, recycling or reusing all shipping and display materials and using environmentally friendly trailers to transport food.  The company also invested in California’s largest solar roof installation on its distribution center.

About Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

Fresh & Easy is a local, neighborhood store providing fresh, wholesome foods at affordable prices to everyone.  At roughly 10,000 square feet, the stores are smaller than the typical supermarket while carrying everything customers need to do their weekly shopping.  Fresh & Easy currently has stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada and has plans to open in Northern California in 2009.

Fresh & Easy’s own-brand products contain no added trans fats, artificial colors or flavors, and use preservatives only when absolutely necessary.  Stores receive daily deliveries – and all products are date coded – to ensure they are as fresh as possible.

More information regarding Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market can be found at www.freshandeasy.com

Popularity: 25% [?]

Tio Leo’s will close it’s doors this Saturday, August 30th. After 26 years, arguably the best Mexican Food in Mira Mesa will be closed for good to make way for a new Walgreens. This gives us only a few days left to enjoy the enchiladas, consume the carnitas, and taste the tacos that have been a Mira Mesa favorite for so long. Grab your friends for that last round of Karaoke and cocktails, and say goodbye to the friendly staff at Tio Leo’s. You will be greatly missed.

Popularity: 28% [?]

I got a speeding ticket the other day, and as I prepare to fight the ticket in court, I realized that there are always two sides to every story. Although I think that I am usually right, sometimes the other side has a very valid point. Here are my favorite 10 police comments that were actually taken from police car videos around the country.

1. “No, Sir, we don’t have quotas anymore. We used to have quotas, but now we’re allowed to write as many tickets as we want.”

2. “The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not: Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?”

3. “If you run, you’ll only go to jail tired.”

4. “Can you run faster than 1,200 feet per second? In the case you didn’t know, that is the average speed of a 9 mm bullet fired from my gun.”

5. “Take your hands off the car, or I’ll make your birth certificate a worthless document.”

6. “Just how big were those two beers?”

7. “I’m glad to hear the Chief of Police is a good personal friend of yours. At least you know someone who can post your bail.”

8. “Yes, Sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don’t think it will help. Oh, did I mention I am the shift supervisor?”

9. “Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they’re new. They’ll stretch out after you wear them a while.”

10. “You didn’t think we give pretty women tickets? You’re right, we don’t.”

Popularity: 16% [?]

The Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce next meeting will be Sept. 4th at 5:45 pm at Mimi’s Cafe. The address is 10788 Westview Pkwy, just off Mira Mesa Blvd. A select menu will be available, as well as a no host bar. Our guest speakers are City Councilman - Elect Carl DeMaio, and Mira Mesa Town Council President Jeff Stevens. Topics include city and chamber issues, shopping cart problem, Street Fair, Monster Manor, and more.

Due to popular demand, we moved up the sign in time to allow for more networking and ordering dinner. The meeting will start promptly at 6:15 and conclude by 7:30. Please continue to leave suggestions on what you would like YOUR chamber to do for your business, and visit your chamber website. It is improving with your helpful input. Also, extend this invitation to your fellow businesses and help us build the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce into a necessity for all businesses in Mira Mesa.

Popularity: 14% [?]

The Olympics have been the talk of the town this past week and Michael Phelps performances have been almost superhuman. Well if you thought his gold medals and world record times were impressive, you are going to love the following videos.

More videos…
Continue Reading

Popularity: 29% [?]

Electronics Recycling: Sea World San Diego will be hosting its last electronic recycling event of
the year on Sept. 13th from 8 am - 12 noon. If you missed the recycling event we had last month, don’t miss out on this one.

What: Bring in your computers, TVs, cell phones, monitors, laptops and more.

Where: Sea World’s east parking lot (H1), with convenient access to South Shores Road entrance via Sea World Drive.

This event will not only help protect the environment, but all proceeds will benefit the San Diego Flyway Cities Coalition. The San Diego Flyway Cities Coalition (FCC) is a collaborative effort consisting of organizations, education institutions, public agencies, and volunteers working together to enhance wildlife habitat within the San Diego metropolitan area. For more information, click here.

Popularity: 19% [?]

The Olympics are here, and I find myself thinking that if I lean forward off my chair, that I can influence the outcome of the race. The pride you get from your country taking the gold, silver, or bronze medal in any sporting event can be overwhelming. I know that just having the games on the TV while I am trying to fall asleep makes it impossible to drift off quickly. I just have to know if Michael Phelps and the boys are going to win the gold, so my head pops off the pillow every five minutes to catch a peek. Here are my favorite 10 Olympic events and the reasons why you have to watch.

1.Gymnastics. There is always some great story behind someone on the team. You expect the Chinese Powerhouse to win every time, and they usually do. They are just that good. I also deep down hope there is a spectacular fall, which will catapult the Team USA to the top of the standings.

2. Womens Volleyball. These are some of the toughest, and physically fit women in sports, with the smallest uniforms as well. A definite ratings boost.

3. Swimming. I like the fact that these athletes train their whole lives, putting countless hours in the pool, rain or shine, and in a few minutes I feel just as good as they do by winning the gold. I really feel like I also should get my medal in the mail.

4. Basketball. It doesn’t hurt to know that you have the greatest athletes in the world all playing together for your team. This brings up the debate on allowing Professionals into the Olympics, but as long as we win, I will just look the other way.

5. Water polo. I played water polo in high school and I can tell you that back then, just like today, not many people watch water polo. The running joke then was that the hardest part of playing water polo was getting the horse into the water. For those of you that have never seen water polo, there are no horses in the water. These athletes are sprinting non stop and they never touch the bottom of the pool. It is tougher than it looks.

6. Synchronized Swimming. I just find it amazing that they can not only hold their breath that long under water, but they seem to be flawlessly connected in their maneuvers. When they are on, it is a beauty to behold. Continue Reading

Popularity: 19% [?]

Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce is off and running! There was a great turn out by local businesses and community leaders at the first Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce meeting at Callahan’s last Thursday.

Representatives from County Supervisors Pam Slater-Price and Ron Roberts, Assemblyman George Plescia, and Senators Dennis Hollingsworth and Christine Kehoe were present, and showed their support of the Chamber. The main presentation was given by our own Volunteer of the Year, Mike Davis, on why you should join the Chamber. This was followed by an open forum and closing by Chairman Mark Smith.
The main focus of the Chamber is to unite the business community, develop an identity, create an infrastructure to allow members to network with each other, and help businesses grow within the community. The other plans of the chamber are to market Mira Mesa as a destination for not only those who live here, but the outside customers as well. Future plans are to agree on a logo, tag line, and a fully functioning website. A website is currently up and running at www.miramesachamber.com, with details of plans, meeting dates and information, and more added constantly.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 4, 2008 and the slated Guest Speakers are City Councilman-Elect Carl DeMaio and President Patricia Hsieh from Miramar Collage. They should provide insight on both the political and educational future for our fine community, and how as businesses we can improve our collective image and help our community directly.

Over half of those in attendance immediately joined the chamber, and applications to join are currently available on the website. As Mike stated in the meeting, “we have strength in numbers”, and I hope you pass this information on to your favorite businesses and urge them to get involved. Charter Membership is only $40 for the rest of the year, and with more members, the Chamber can accomplish more. All Board Members are non-paid volunteers. The Chamber Board looks forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

Popularity: 22% [?]

August 2008 Mira Mesa Town Council Meeting. This was my first time going to a Town Council meeting, and it definitely won’t be my last. I like the fact that if you live in the community, and want to get involved, there are many ways that you can participate. The President of the Town Council is Jeff Stevens, and he covered a lot of ground while letting several residents voice their opinions. Here are some of the topics discussed, with links if you want more detail or contact;

1. Adopt a Wall - Currently painting the walls on Mira Mesa Blvd and surrounding areas. Painting continues on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 17 from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Learn more at the “Adopt a Wall” section of the Town Council website.
2. Mira Mesa Street Fair - Spaces are still available if you want to host a booth. The date of the Street Fair is Saturday, Sept. 27th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Deadline to apply is August 18th, after that there is a $50 late fee. Sign up today! For more details or to get an application click here.
3. Soldier’s Angels, a non-profit group needs your help to fulfill their goal of sending over 100,000 care packages to our troops fighting overseas this holiday season. They are sending blankets, quilts, care packages, letters of support, and calling cards, but they need your help. Go to www.soldiersangels.org to find out how you can help.
4. Protect your home - Landscaping Tips - Greg Rubin, owner of California’s Own Native Landscape Design gave an eye opening presentation on the effective use of native plants in landscaping, and the different ways that you can improve the chances that your home will survive a wildfire. Don’t become a victim, like those who lost their homes to the Witch or Cedar fires. For more info and advise, visit their website.
5. Police Blotter - Police want us to be aware of a group of criminals that have been targeting people walking alone in the Mira Mesa area. They are brazen, sometimes driving up to individuals and surrounding their victims while taking items like cell phones, skateboards, and such. They strike at any hour of the day, so be aware. Walk with a friend. Suspects are typically male, age 16 - 25. Don’t take matters into your own hands, call the police with information. Our local contact is Officer Paul Lennon. (858) 538-8091 for non-emergencies.
6. Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce is forming! A group of Mira Mesa businesses have started the MMCoC and their inagural meeting is Thursday, August 7th at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at Callahan’s Pub & Brewery. A select menu is available during the meeting for $15 which includes dinner,beverage, tax & tip, so arrive a little early and place your order when you sign in. For more detail click here.

There was more , but I think that the Town Council website will provide a more detailed account of the events. I would encourage you to go to a future meeting, as they are open to the public and are held the first Monday of each month at the Mira Mesa Public Library from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The next meeting is Monday, September 8 and will feature candidates for City Attorney, Mike Aguirre and Jan Goldsmith. This should be good.

If you want to keep up with what is going on in Mira Mesa make sure to subscribe to our free newsletter. Not only will you get the latest news sent directly to your inbox, you will also get lots of chances to win some great prizes from local merchants.

Popularity: 26% [?]

Mira Mesa Business Mixer Gets An Upgrade.

First, I would like to thank everyone that attended the first business mixer at Callahan’s on June 5th. There were a lot of great ideas that came from that first meeting, and the initial support and desire of the group created an effort to establish the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Since then several of us have collaborated on drafting the required Chamber initiation documentation and have already filed the California Article of Incorporation (for a 501(c)6) and we have our EIN already too, so we’re well on our way to becoming YOUR Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce - with an identity and focus all your own.

We will soon post on your Chamber web site the draft bylaws for you review and we’ll develop a “business focus group” from our potential members to ensure we all work the same issues and collaborate and communicate effectively.

We are looking for members who want to help on a logo and motto / slogan (like “Mira Mesa, where diversity pays”). If you have any suggestions, please leave in the comments box below.

The past month was very busy for many of us, and we want to thank everyone that participated and volunteered for the Fourth of July Festivities that included: Black Mountain Masonic Lodge #845 Pancake Breakfast, Fun Day in the Park, Fourth of July Parade, and especially the fantastic Fireworks Show. Next year, with the support of our local businesses, we should be able to provide our community with a Fireworks Extravaganza!

The next Business Mixer is going to be held once again at Callahan’s on August 7th at 6:00. Please make plans to attend, and invite others within our business community. We have strength in numbers, and our goal is to make the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce a thriving success that benefits us all. We plan on having as a guest speaker our own City Councilman-Elect Carl DeMaio. We look forward to seeing you all there.

If you want to keep up with what is going on in Mira Mesa make sure to subscribe to our free newsletter. Not only will you get the latest news sent directly to your inbox, you will also get lots of chances to win some great prizes from local merchants.

Popularity: 37% [?]