Go Green Mira Mesa! Coastal Cleanup Day 9/19/2009

Live healthy, go green! There are many ways to live a healthier lifestyle, and to help save our planet in the process. Recycle, keep our parks and beaches litter free, and purchase organically grown produce at our Mira Mesa Farmers Market each Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. Now more than ever we all need to do our part to learn how green living is the way to go. Please do your part and attend these great events.

CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY!
Saturday, September 19th from 9AM – 12noon
80 cleanup sites countywide
This year, California Coastal Cleanup Day is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. That’s 25 years of volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and community beautification across the state of California. Help us build on these successes and make an impact of your own by volunteering this year at one of San Diego County’s 80 coastal and inland cleanup sites. Visit the event website at www.cleanupday.org for details about the event, site info, to register, and to download a waiver.

The Green Expo
Sunday, October 18th from 10AM – 7:30PM
San Diego Embarcadero Park
500 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 92101, on the North side
The Green Expo is dedicated to providing help across a broad range of needs by connecting people to resources and information for a Greener Planet and healthier life, at no cost to attendees. Join in for fun and education, including green speakers, exhibitors, workshops, leaders, live entertainment and complimentary food.

CMU Offers $2,500 Scholarship Towards MBA Degree

$2,500 MBA SCHOLARSHIP FOR SAN DIEGO RESIDENTS

San Diego, CA, July 2, 2009 – California Miramar University is proud to extend a $2,500 scholarship for San Diego residents to be used for CMU’s Hybrid MBA program. Considering the challenging economy and high rate of unemployment facing San Diego, CMU is pleased to help make education more affordable to San Diego area residents. CMU is an Accredited Member of DETC www.detc.org.

The cost of most MBA programs leaves students in major debt. CMU’s president Dr. Dominic Mwenja, wants San Diegans to know that “you do not have to go into debt to fund your education. At CMU we believe that a university education should be accessible to everyone.” CMU’s tuition is just $235 per credit hour – a fraction of the cost of other MBA programs. The $2,500 scholarship makes the cost of earning your MBA even more affordable.

CalMU is experienced in running successful MBA programs that are tailored to today’s successful entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. Our faculty members are experienced in both the classroom and in the business world. They bring real life business experience to the classroom thus making it easier to connect the theoretical underpinnings of today’s business literature with practical business experience.  Most of our faculty members are also professors in other universities in the San Diego region which ensures the transfer of knowledge and experience.

Hybrid MBA students attend class just one night per week on CMU’s conveniently located campus. The rest is all on-line and is accessible 24/7. The next Hybrid MBA begins in August. Class sizes are limited in order to maximize student interaction and personal attention.

All San Diego residents who apply for the Hybrid MBA are eligible for this scholarship. There are a limited number of scholarships available. Call the Office of Admissions at 858-653-3000 x120 or visit www.calmu.edu for an application to the MBA program. California Miramar University is an Accredited Member of Distance Education and Training Council (www.detc.org). CMU offers Associate, Bachelors, and Masters programs via 100% On-line and Hybrid delivery. CMU is located at 9750 Miramar Rd. San Diego, CA 92126.
CONTACT: Jean Foster, California Miramar University 858-653-3000 x120 phone or 858-653-6786 fax or email: admissions@calmu.edu. You can find out more by visiting the website at www.calmu.edu.

Volunteers Needed for 4th of July Events

Mira Mesa 4th of July Fireworks Committee Needs Your Help! We are very close to the Fourth of July festivities that take place at the heart of Mira Mesa, in the area surrounding the Mira Mesa Community Park at the corner of Mira Mesa Blvd and New Salem Rd. We all love the Parade, the Fun Day at the Park, and the Fireworks Extravaganza, but there is a lot of volunteer work that goes on before, during, and after the Fourth to bring these events to our community. It is crunch time, and we need your help!

1. We need convertibles preferably with drivers to drive VIP’s in the parade.

2. Adult person or persons to spend the night of the 3rd at the high school to watch over the fireworks ….good father / son project for school (counts for student volunteer hours credit!).

3. Responsible people to help Maria with parade check in.

4. Dunk Tank….Someone or group to oversee the running of the Dunk Tank event with proceeds to go to the 4th of July fireworks, or can be split with other non profit group.

5. Person or people to deliver impact letters to businesses and residents that the parade will affect.

Thank you for your continued support…..we would not be able to put on this event if it wasn’t for the help of our community volunteers. Please respond to Sandy Smith at (858) 361-5229 or by email at sandysmt@san.rr.com by Wednesday, June 24.

Mira Mesa Blvd Southbound Off-Ramp Temporary Closure

Please be advised that the southbound Interstate 15 (I-15) off-ramp to Mira Mesa Boulevard will be temporarily closed starting June 19 at 9 p.m. and ending June 22 at 5 a.m.

As part of the on-going I-15 Express Lanes project, the southbound off-ramp to Mira Mesa Boulevard is being reconstructed in order to widen the freeway and create the necessary space for two additional express lanes in the median. This closure is necessary in order to complete construction and pave the new off-ramp.

Construction workers will make every effort to minimize disruptions during construction. Should you have any question about this closure or construction of the I-15, please contact the I-15 Public Information Office at 858-668-3368. Click here to view full PDF.

USPS To Raise Postage Fees on May 11

The U.S. Postal Service is facing a $6 Billion budget deficit this year, and the new postage increase is needed to cover their operating expenses. Next Monday, the new postage prices go into effect for U.S. and International delivery. The cost to mail a U.S. First Class one ounce letter will increase from 42 to 44 cents, while post card postage will increase from 27 to 28 cents. International rates also increase, so mailing a letter to someone in Canada will be 75 cents, 79 cents to Mexico, and 98 cents to all other countries.

You can visit the USPS website for a more detailed listing of the prices and increases. Not all postage prices are going up, as Priority Mail, Express Mail, and package shipping will remain the same. First Class Mail additional ounce prices will stay the same at 17 cents per ounce. If you want to save on all future postage, purchase the Forever Stamps available at the Post Office. Forever Stamps are always good for mailing a one ounce letter at the price you pay for it. The prices may rise in time, so stock up today at the lowest rate.

Christ the Cornerstone Academy Back Open

UPDATE: Christ the Cornerstone has been given the OK to open back up. The staff members who have been tested have all shown negative results; therefore they have received verbal approval that the school can be open on Wednesday 29th. For complete details, please visit their website.

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The Swine Flu Virus detected in Mira Mesa is a cause for concern, but we all must proceed with caution. I heard on the news that one student from Christ the Cornerstone Academy tested positive for swine flu, then six teachers became ill causing San Diego County Health Officials to close the school for up to 7 days. Many parents from the school have been responding with outrage that they were not informed right away, while others understand the steps necessary to inform without spreading panic needs to proceed with caution and gathering all the facts before rushing to judgment.

You can go to the Channel 8 News website and read some of the blog comments to see how varied the comments are. Some are pointing the finger at Mexico as the source of the outbreak here in California. These people would lead you to believe that by blaming the whole country, we will somehow eliminate future risks for this type of disease. They don’t focus on a solution to the problem, just pointing a finger and issuing blame.

Imagine what would happen if your child comes home with a cold. Would you just assume that it is the swine flu? Colds pass from child to child on a daily basis without any type of panic. Let’s not overreact to this. The school reacted once they found out the confirmation of the virus, and contacted the proper authorities. They sent out pamphlets to the parents, and residents surrounding the school. They are cooperating with the Health Officials to ensure the safety and well being of their students, faculty, and neighbors.

Temporarily closing the school is a precautionary measure while tests are conducted on the sick teachers to see if any of them actually contracted the disease. At this moment, there are only a total of 5 confirmed cases of swine flu in San Diego County. All 5 of those cases have recovered while none of them required hospitalization. It is recommended that if you feel sick, you should stay home from work or school. Just in case there is an outbreak of swine flu, there are enough doses of anti-viral medication for 50,000 people ordered for the San Diego region alone.

The best advice is to proceed with caution, not panic. This disease is passed from person to person, and most of the swine flu cases in California are mild. If you are showing symptoms, stay home from work or school. Parents don’t send your sick kids to school, this only increases the risk of others becoming infected. Keep informed, talk to other parents and school authorities, and watch the news for up to date information. Don’t look for someone to blame, look for a solution to the problem and pray for a cure. We will get through this as a community, and we will grow stronger together.

(For the more up-to-date information, you should visit the school’s website here.)

DeMaio Proposes Tax and Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses

DeMaio Proposes Tax and Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses
Unveils a Four-Point Initiative to Support Local Job Creation and Retention

Monday, January 12, 2009

SAN DIEGO –City Councilmember Carl DeMaio today unveiled a four-point proposal to support San Diego’s small businesses and self-employed in the midst of a difficult economy. DeMaio’s “Small Business Tax and Regulatory Relief Proposal” includes 1) Tax Relief, 2) Compliance Education and Outreach, 3) Public-Private Partnerships, and 4) Regulatory Relief.

“While politicians in Washington DC are focused on federal bailout packages for Wall Street and big business, no one is focused on Main Street and small businesses. That’s why I’m proposing the City of San Diego enact a small business tax and regulatory relief package by April 15,” commented DeMaio.

DeMaio outlined his plan at a press conference where he drew attention to complaints his office has received regarding the city’s Business Tax Certificate and Rental Unit Business Tax programs. Approximately 75,000 business tax certificate holders are small businesses, comprising 92% of all certificate holders in San Diego. As some San Diegans are laid off from larger corporations, many are turning to self-employment to make ends meet—requiring them to pay this tax.

Most San Diegans are not aware of these two tax programs—and many small businesses and property owners are just now learning they are non-compliant. Due to new data sharing program being used by the City Treasurer, thousands of San Diegans are being sent delinquency notices—complete with late fees, penalties, and surcharges. Over 90,000 rental unit business tax unit notices were mailed January 9, with many hitting San Diegans’ mailboxes today.

“Imposing fees and penalties is not the way to support the economy here in San Diego. The city should foster a more jobs-friendly and service-oriented environment,” commented DeMaio.

DeMaio’s proposal calls for the review of a hybrid tax amnesty/tax holiday program modeled after successful programs utilized by Los Angeles and Anaheim. Los Angeles expects to actually collect more revenue as a result of the program to cover its looming budget deficit.  Anaheim incorporated innovative partnerships with its local Chamber of Commerce and utility company to support the success of its small businesses.

DeMaio, who has set balancing the city’s budget as his top priority, is confident a tax relief package can be implemented that would be budget neutral—while supporting job creation.

For more information, visit www.CleanUpCityHall.com.  To schedule an interview, contact Erica Mendelson at 619-236-7150.

Mira Mesa Calendar for Events, Meetings, & Holidays

Use MiraMesa.com’s newly updated Calendar to keep you current on Meetings for Mira Mesa Groups. We have put together a calendar with all the major groups that meet in Mira Mesa on a regular basis. Rather than rely on several different websites to locate your next meeting, we will post the critical information on one easy to read monthly calendar. Mira Mesa’s Chamber of Commerce, Community Planning Group, Recreation Council, and Town Council meetings can all be found there, with direct links to each website for more information. Make MiraMesa.Com your front page and utilize the monthly Community Calendar to keep you up to date and connected! We have also included most Religious Holidays, Federal Holidays, and other dates to remember.

If you have an organization that meets on a monthly basis, send us your information and we can list it on our monthly calendar. Help us to keep Mira Mesa Residents and Businesses informed, and build your group in the process. Contact Mark Smith with your group name and information.

San Diego 3 Day Raises Over $12.6 Million To Find a Cure

The Breast Cancer 3 Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation was another huge success. The weather was perfect and the smiles were plentiful. There were over 4,000 participants that walked 60 miles over three days to raise both awareness and necessary funds to try to find a cure for breast cancer. There were breast cancer survivors walking with their families, fathers walking with their daughters, and large groups walking in packs. We set up a sound system to play music for the walkers on Friday, and handed out candy and positive thoughts to all who passed by.

Scores of volunteers were ready at the pit stops along the way with cold water, sandwiches, snacks, candy, and motivation to keep the walkers going on their journey. The event is very emotional and uplifting. It amazed me how thankful the walkers were that we were out there to cheer them on, while we were thankful that they gave so much of themselves for this worthy cause. Breast Cancer touches one in eight women, and although early detection and treatment can greatly reduce the fatality rate, there is still a long way to go. To find out more about how you can get involved in the  3 Day for 2009, go to the 3Day website.

The 3 Day started at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and continued along the coast to Crown Point, where camp was set up for the first two nights. The walkers finished their miraculous trip at Petco Park, where they were greeted by friends and family with hugs, signs, flowers, and tears. This year, more than 200,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will lose their lives to the disease. A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes. Every 13 minutes, the disease claims another life. For more information about Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1.877 GO KOMEN.

Sarah Palin Rap

One FUNNY Saturday Night Live Sketch!

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