Eastlake Titans Do It AGAIN!

It must have been the turkey, or the cranberry... but the Eastlake Titan's easily took this one away from El Camino to advance to the Semi Finals by a score of 42-7. Eastlake will play Escondido at home at 7:00 pm this Friday, 12/4 in the Semi-Finals. The winner of this game advances to the Finals at Qualcomm Stadium on December 11th at 8:00pm. Come out and support your team, your Titans!!!! GO EASTLAKE!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just want to wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving, and hope your turkey turns out better than mine did last year :)

Sincerely,
Your blogging guru and neighbor

(Yes... this is really my turkey! DON'T ever deep fry a marinated turkey!)

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Eastlake Titans in the CIF Quarter Finals

What more can we say about our Eastlake Titan's football team that we haven't already said? They are awesome on every front. They earned themselves a bye in the first round of playoffs last weekend and will start against El Camino at home this Friday night, 11/25, in the Quarter Finals. Game time is at 7:00 pm and is sure to be a great game.

El Camino beat Eastlake rival Chula Vista 31-7 to get to this game, so it is sure to be a nail bitter. No doubt our Titans can handle the challenge.

The winner of Fridays game advances to the Semi Finals next week and plays the winner of the Escondido vs. Mira Mesa game.

Eastlake has not played any of these teams yet this year. These should be interesting games. Bring the kids, the honey, the folks... Come on out and support your Titans!!! GO EASTLAKE!!!

Prep Game Of The Week: Eastlake’s 2nd Half Surge Leads To Mesa League Crown Post image for Prep Game Of The Week: Eastlake’s 2nd Half Surge Leads To M

by Kyle Englehart on November 14, 2009

Unbeaten Eastlake faced a near monumental upset from the Spartans of Chula Vista Friday night at Stan Canaris Stadium. In front of a boisterous home crowd and playing on senior night, the Titans trailed Chula Vista 14-0 heading into halftime.

Led by stand-out running back Tony Jefferson, the Titans of Eastlake High (8-0-2; 5-0) scored 28 unanswered second-half points to defeat the Chula Vista Spartans (6-4: 4-1) 28-14. With the victory, Eastlake secured the Mesa League Championship and a trip to the CIF playoffs.

Entering the match-up, the Eastlake Titans sat firmly atop the Mesa League standings. The team seemed poised to cruise to an easy victory against Chula Vista in the final game of the regular season, but the Spartans had different plans.

The Chula Vista defense dominated Eastlake in the first half, holding Jefferson to 33 yards on ten carries. Without an effective run-game, something Eastlake has used successfully early and often, quarterback D’angelo Barksdale was forced to try to make plays downfield.

On consecutive drives early in the half, Barksdale threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Chula Vista DB Tyrone Richardson zigged and zagged his way 100 yards for the score while corner Aaron Taylor took his 80 yards to the house. The Eastlake offense would continue to sputter and entered halftime trailing 14-0.
Tony Jefferson scored 3 second-half TDs to lead the comeback/(619 Sports photo)

Tony Jefferson scored 3 second-half TDs to lead the comeback/(619 Sports photo)

Something happened in that locker room, because a different Eastlake team reemerged. Fueled by passionate speeches from some of the seniors, the team awoke from its scoring slumber. On their first offensive possession, the Titans pounded the ball downfield and Jefferson capped off the drive with a 19 yard touchdown scamper. This would prove to be the turning point in the game.

Hungry to get their seniors a final regular season victory, the Eastlake defense immediately got the ball back for their offense. An interception by safety Zach Bannon resulted in a 10 play, 93-yard scoring-drive that ended with Jefferson scoring his second TD of the night.

“In the locker room, it was basically just getting our offensive line pumped up,” said Jefferson referring to the halftime break. “We basically just had to get a pump up speech, not even by the coach but by the players, and we came out here and executed.”

Jefferson wasn’t about to let his team lose on senior night

“Losing this game would have just crushed me,” he said post-game. “I knew we were going to come out here and win. It’s a great way to end my senior year regular season.”

Jefferson finished the game with 28 carries for 176 yards and three TDs. Even with only 33 yards in the first half, head coach John McFadden never lost faith in his stellar senior running back.
Eastlake head coach John McFadden/(619 Sports photo)

Eastlake head coach John McFadden/(619 Sports photo)

“He’s an incredible kid,” said the head coach of Jefferson. “Every time I think he drives me crazy with the spinning and stuff, he hurdles over three guys and I just say ‘wow.’ He’s just an incredible kid.”

Besides Jefferson, several seniors made the most of their final regular season game. RB Daniel Diaz was a constant outside running threat; used in combination with Jefferson, Diaz totaled 76 yards on 11 carries.

After throwing two early interceptions, QB D’angelo Barksdale rebounded with a second-half TD pass that put the Titans in the lead. And the offensive line led by senior Gabe Gomez handled the Spartans defensive line in the second half, helping Jefferson and Diaz total 189 yards after halftime.

Jefferson knows that his team faces challenges in the CIF playoffs, but is confident that his team will overcome them.

“We have a lot of work to do; we have to fix a lot of things,” he said. “We can’t tell what the future holds, but I can see us in a stadium.”

Eastlake will most likely have earned a first-round bye in the CIF championships. They will rest up and prepare for which ever team they draw in two weeks time. Behind the dangerous running attack of Tony Jefferson, the Titans of Eastlake will be a formidable CIF opponent.

Top San Diego Holiday Activities

Spending the Christmas holiday season in San Diego has its benefits: the weather is usually mild - in fact December is one of the sunniest months of the year. Which means unlike other parts of the country, we miss out on rituals like shoveling snow - although the nights can get pretty darn chilly this time of year. But that doesn't mean San Diegans lose out on traditional holiday activities...San Diego has plenty of traditional things to do. Here are my top holiday season picks.

1. December Nights in Balboa Park

Traditionally, the holiday season kicks off with a grand celebration in Balboa Park. Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day gift to the community that brings out the holiday spirit in all, this year taking place December 4 and 5, 2009. The beloved San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and exotic Food/Spirits throughout the Park.

2. See Christmas Lights

Who doesn't love to see Christmas lights? Several neighborhoods around town put on annual displays (competitions?), but none more venerable than Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition for over 46 years. People come from all over San Diego to see the wonderful displays. You'll find Christmas Circle between First and Second Avenues, just south of H. Street and I Street.

3. Ice Skate Outdoors

It's our own version of the Rockefeller Center ice rink - the downtown ice rink at Horton Square is a perfect holiday setting, nestled between Horton Plaza and the NBC 7/39 TV studios (can you see the Rockefeller Center parallels?). Beginning Nov. 19 through Jan. 10, 2010, bring the family downtown, in the evening, so you can bundle up in stocking caps and mittens, pretend you're Manhattanites and skate away. It's only $12/$10 and proceeds benefit Children's Hospital. In addition, the Hotel del Coronado offers ice skating by-the-sea with an outdoor ice rink overlooking the ocean. And Viejas Outlet Center boasts San Diego's largest outdoor ice skating rink.

4. See Boats On Parade - At Night

Now this is quintessential San Diego: the 38th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. On Dec. 13 and 20, 5:30 - 9 p.m., see over 100 boats, all decked out in lighted glory, cruise a 7.5 mile route on San Diego Bay. This year's theme is a "Christmas At The Zoo" and it promises to be better than ever. Best vantage points from the shore are along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Coronado.

5. The Holiday Bowl Parade

Speaking of parades...the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Parade at 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 is known for one thing: balloons. Dubbed "America's Largest Baloon Parade," more than 30 giant ballons will float down the one-mile route along the Embarcadero, along with bands, drill teams and more. It's the precursor to the evening's main event: the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, one of college footballs most exciting and successful bowl games. After the parade, hit the Family Festival at the Broadway Pier.

6. Take in the Grinch

The Old Globe Theater production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" has quickly become an annual holiday classic in a mere 5 years. The musical, directed by acclaimed director Jack O'Brien, brings to life the classic Dr. Seuss book with incredible sets and memorable performances. The 2009 production runs through Dec. 28.

7. See Sugar Plum Fairies

Of course, what's Christmas without the Nutcracker? This year, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is proud to present the premiere of a totally revised Nutcracker. Performances will be held at the Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park on December 6-20, 2009.

8. Go Shopping

It kind of goes without saying during Christmas, right? But shopping over the holidays is often more than just buying gifts. For many it's a way to hook up with friends and family, making the shopping trip more of a social outing. Plus, doing it this way makes the crush of humanity just a little more tolerable, and we have the most beautiful mall in San Diego County, Otay Ranch Town Center. Come shop, stay for a bite to eat, or just take in a movie and relax!

9. Give A Gift

Lest we get all wrapped up in the material aspect of Christmas, how about buying one extra gift and donating it to someone needy? Whether it's through the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots or one of the many gift drives conducted by local TV stations, giving to those less fortunate helps remind us all what the holiday season is really about.

10. Ring in the New Year

Celebrate at any of the many parties at hotels and nightclubs to revel in the New Year (the Gaslamp Quarter is a natural setting for this).

New video from the 2009 SCORE Baja 1000!-Andy McMillin wins!

McMillin does it again!!! 1st in class, 1st overall!!! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU ANDY!

Little League champs, new attractions featured in Mother Goose Parade

The world champion Park View Little League team helped attract a huge crowd to Sunday's 63rd annual Mother Goose Parade.

The parade, which also included six marching bands, drew about 250,000 spectators, said city spokeswoman Monica Zech.

"I think everybody turned out to see them," Zech said about the young baseball players, who rode on the back of a flatbed truck with their coaches, to the delight of the crowd.

The team, which became known as the "Blue Bombers" because of their home run hitting prowess, defeated a team from Taiwan in the championship game this summer in South Williamsport, Penn.

The players enjoyed celebrity status on their return, and were honored at numerous well-attended celebrations.

New to the parade was a "Mother Goose Village" with an area sponsored by Legoland California so children could play with the toys, Zech said. Musical entertainment was scheduled to perform in the village, at the Prescott Promenade, until 6 p.m., she said.

Parade organizers have struggled the past couple of years to stage the event because of the poor economy, but Zech said the community stepped up with enough contributions this year.

Major donors and vendors appeared pleased enough with the turnout to all but guarantee that a 64th edition of the parade will be held, she said.

Otay Ranch Town Center's 3rd Annual Tree Lighting & Parade

3rd Annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21st

We may live in San Diego County's 2nd largest city, but when it comes to community, we are a tight knit bunch out here! Since Otay Ranch started our parade three years ago it has become a fast holiday tradition for us in East Chula Vista. We have a beautiful outdoor mall and to see it all lit up at night for the holidays puts you right in the spirit of things. After the parade head on over to Starbucks for a nice cup of hot chocolate to warm you up! What a great way to welcome the holidays and say hi to your neighbors. Plus the kids love it!

The 3rd Annual Santa Parade will feature live entertainment and a tree lighting. Bring your family, friends and neighbors to this wonderful holiday celebration!

LOCATION: Otay Ranch Town Center

TIME: 6pm

Otay Ranch Town Center Has Something For Everyone, Even Fido

St. Nick's Pet Pics

11/30/2009 - 12/21/2009

Your pets are part of the family, why shouldn't they have a photo taken with Santa?

It's Pet Photo Night with Santa, when Santa will hear all the holiday wishes of your favorite tailwagger.

St. Nick's Pet Pics will be held from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on the following Monday nights:

• November 30
• December 7
• December 14
• December 21

Santa welcomes dogs and cats only, please.

St. Nick's Pet Pics is sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society. Please click here and find out how you can make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

LOCATION: Santa Set

TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

SAN DIEGO YOUTH FOOTBALL PRESENTS THE 2009 SUPER "Q" BOWL

It's that time of year again. The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing color and football champions are being made! San Diego Youth Football and Cheer Conference is having its Q-Bowl Championship games in our own backyard, and five of the 14 teams playing are from right here in Chula Vista!!! So get out to Southwestern College this Saturday and support your local youth football players. These kids are AMAZING, and it took a lot to get to this game!

When: Saturday November 21, 2009
Where: Southwestern College, Chula Vista

Game Times:

• 8:30, Flag = Olympian Saints –vs- Eastlake Panthers
• 10:00, Mitey Mite = Los Toros Bulls –vs- Balboa Raiders
• 12:00, Jr Pee Wee = Eastlake Panthers –vs- Otay Ranch Broncos
• 2:00, Pee Wee = Skyline Tigers –vs- Steele Canyon Cougars
• 4:00, Jr Midget = Balboa Raiders –vs- Chula Vista Aztecs
• 6:00, Midget = Los Toros Bulls –vs- Balboa Raiders
• 8:00, Unlimited = Mira Mesa Chargers –vs- Clairemont Hawks

Adults: 16 and up, $8.00
Children: 5-15, $5.00

SECURITY CHECK AT GATES. NO ALCOHOL/DRUGS ALLOWED. THIS IS A CHILDRENS EVENT! NO ICE CHEST, NO FOOD, NO DRINKS ALLOWED. SEVERAL ASSOCIATIONS WILL HAVE FOOD BOOTHS, SNACK BAR WILL SELL WATER, SOFT DRINKS, HAWIIAN SHAVE ICE.

San Diego Youth Football and Cheer is PROUD to be a part of the largest football community in the world! American Youth Football (AYF) is OFFICIALLY the largest youth football organization in the world! A National Youth Partner of the NFL, AYF provides support services, scholarships, grants, “Giving Back” programs and tournaments to over 500,000 members. AYF is only youth football program with members in all 50 states and several countries worldwide. AYF is committed to Giving Back and has donated over $13 million dollars in grants and product to communities that support youth football. AYF offers all-inclusive football and cheer divisions to every team and league, enabling every child a place to play and Age / Weight and Grade Based Age Protected Divisions make AYF the most competitive youth football organization in the World.

Short Sale Help is Here!

The Chula Vista community has been especially hard hit by short sales and foreclosures during this particularly difficult market. San Diego as a whole has felt the impact of the market change, but not as drastically as we have here in South County.

I know from experience how hard losing a home in a short sale can be. I lost my home during a divorce in 2008. At that time we had just purchased a large home in Otay Ranch in 2005, so as you can imagine, I lost my... well, you know. Needless to say, if it wasn't for the amazing efforts of certain agents at McMillin Realty, and I'll name her because she was my agent, Patti McKelvey and her team, I would have definitely lost my home to foreclosure. Instead, Patti and her group negotiated with my bank, listed my home and sold and closed escrow in four months! My situation is not unique, my story may be different, but the situation is the same for many.

McMillin Realty has put together a short sale department dedicated to sellers, like me, like many of us, out there that are in need of counseling, information, negotiation, marketing, basically - a good agent that knows this community and this market. There is help out there. Don't leave your home to your bank, sell it first, let McMillin help you.

The Starlight Parade : A Chula Vista Holiday Tradition

The 47th annual Starlight Parade officially kicks off the Christmas season in Chula Vista, Dec.5 at 6pm. This happens to be the largest night time parade in the south county and the “Festival of Lights”, which the event is also called, will be sure to dazzle against the cool, evening sky.

There will be Christmas carolers and marching bands. Also, lighted floats and drill teams will be getting cheers and applause from the little folk and big folk alike.

The Chula Vista Post Office will be collecting letters for Santa along the parade route. Each letter will be answered if it has a return address.

The Chula Vista Police Department will be collecting teddy bears along the parade route as well and donating them to the Rady Children’s Hospital.

Before the Parade begins, there will be live entertainment, pictures with Santa Claus and the lighting of one of the largest standing Christmas trees in the county beginning at 5:30 pm.

There is a host of fine dining choices along the Third Avenue Village to sample.

Be sure to get there early to find parking, bring a camera and dress warm.

Ho, ho, ho Santa is waiting!

Admission is free to the event.

When:
Saturday, December 6, 2008, 5:30 PM

Where :
Chula Vista Starlight Parade
Third Avenue from E to H Streets
Chula Vista, CA

Eastlake - Mesa League Champions!

Titans switch gears in second half to win Mesa League championship

By Kirk Kenney

Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 12:22 a.m.

Earnie Grafton / Union-Tribune

Eastlake tacklers move in on Tyrone Richardson of Chula Vista. Richardson returned an interception for a TD in the first half for the Spartans, but the Titans rallied after halftime to win the game and capture the Mesa League title.

Final score: Eastlake 28, Chula Vista 14.

The big plays: Two HUGE plays at the time. Chula Vista's Tyrone Richardson intercepted a D'Angelo Barksdale pass one step into the end zone and weaved his way the other direction for a 101-yard interception return with 3:31 remaining in the first quarter. Two minutes later, Chula Vista's Aaron Taylor intercepted another Barksdale pass. This one came at the Chula Vista 11-yard line and was returned 89 yards for a touchdown and a 14-0 Spartans lead.

Eastlake had a big interception of its own in the third quarter when Zach Bannon picked off a pass by Chula Vista's Victor Perez at the Titans' 7-yard line. It was the starting point for an Eastlake scoring drive that tied the game 14-14.

Quotable: “It's tough because our quarterback is so good. He just had a couple missteps,” Eastlake coach John McFadden said of the interceptions. “It was a true test that he came back and did a great job in the second half. I told our QB a couple of things I can't repeat. And then I told him it's going to get better. Don't worry.”

Quotable II: “We came out lazy at first,” said Eastlake running back Tony Jefferson, “but I knew the third quarter, the fourth quarter, that's our time. We came out and executed and a championship is where we are.”

Title time: The victory gave Eastlake its fourth straight Mesa League championship. It is the seventh league title for the Titans (8-0-2, 5-0) during the past decade. Eastlake needed to get past Chula Vista (6-4, 4-1) for the second straight year to get there.

Tracking Tony: Jefferson is among the county's leading running backs, but Chula Vista had his number in the first half. Jefferson was limited to 25 yards on 10 carries. Only four of his rushes were for positive yards. He did bust off a 45-yard TD run, but it was called back on a holding penalty.

Jefferson broke loose in the second half, rushing for three of the Titans' four TDs. He finished the game with 27 carries for 160 yards.

Singing their praises: The skill guys for both teams get most of the attention, but here are a couple unsung heroes from both sides:

McFadden said Eastlake's Marcus Mendillo and Matt Cellery are “two of the best inside linebackers in the league and in the county. They have played great all year long.”

Chula Vista coach Judd Rachow mentioned offensive linemen Roman Molina and Gabe LaMountain for their efforts, saying “we struggled early in the year on the weak side of the line. They really stepped up and helped us improve.”

The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Here is more information about how the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream. If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
  
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

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Eastlake QB Staying Local

San Diego QB Staying Local

Brandon Huffman SuperPrep.com
Chula Vista (Calif.) Eastlake quarterback D'Angelo Barksdale commits to hometown program... Chula Vista (Calif.) Eastlake quarterback D'Angelo Barksdale won't have to go far to play his college football. Visiting University of San Diego, a I-AA program over the weekend, Barksdale decided he wanted to be a Torero. "I visited University of San Diego (Saturday) and committed to them (Sunday)," said Barksdale. Barksdale, who's led Eastlake to seven straight wins, was impressed with all he saw. "After meeting with the coaches yesterday, seeing their offensive system, driving around the campus, and weighing my options on the East Coast, I'm committing my future to San Diego," said Barksdale. "I'm really excited and believe USD has everything academically and athletically I've been looking for." San Diego, traditionally has been strong, and Barksdale is excited about the future there. "They're having a losing season due to a lot of injuries, but have a winning tradition and have put players in the NFL. I can't wait to get on campus and be a Torero," said Barksdale.

Eagle or Duck?

Every day I sit at my desk and think about what I could blog about this week. What valuable information would my community be interested in today? Yes, I am a Chula Vista resident as well. I live and work in Otay Ranch and my children go to school in our fine public schools. They play youth sports and attend the rec center activities. So I do know first hand what our community has to offer. So when I sit down to write my blogs I do consider my neighbors, my friends, my associates, and all of you.

So here I am today, wondering what piece of mind blowing information I could give you. Hahaha... I know, Eastlake High School Football is AMAZING! Otay Ranch Youth Football Jr Midget team is ranked #1 in the county right now and is headed to game 2 of the divisional playoffs against rival Eastlake Panthers this weekend. By the way, the game is at 4:00 pm at Otay Ranch High School (should be a GREAT game!) Our Middle School kids just received their 2nd progress reports. Did all you parents get them?... But, no, there has got to be more. And then it came to me, in an email this morning from a colleague.

Regardless our our social or economic situation, we are all facing the same challenges today. These have been some difficult times. So I would like to share this story with you. It is a little long, but worth it. Think about it, embrace it, and try to incorporate it into your daily life. I may not be a cab driver, but I will go home everyday now, and first before yelling at my kids, "why aren't your rooms clean?" or "is your homework done?", it will be "Mom's home, who wants a hug? I love you!" That is how I've let this story change my life. How will it change yours?


“No one can make you serve customers well. That’s because great service is a choice.”

Years ago, my friend, Harvey Mackay, told me a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point. He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey. He handed my friend a laminated card and said: “I’m Wally, your driver. While I’m loading your bags in the trunk I’d like you to read my mission statement.” Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally’s Mission Statement:

“To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.”

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean! As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, “Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.” My friend said jokingly, “No, I’d prefer a soft drink.” Wally smiled and said, “No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.” Almost stuttering, Harvey said, “I’ll take a Diet Coke.” Handing him his drink, Wally said, “If you’d like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.” As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card. “These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you’d like to listen to the radio.” And as if that weren’t enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he’d be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts. “Tell me, Wally,” my amazed friend asked the driver, “have you always served customers like this?”

Wally smiled into the rearview mirror. “No, not always. In fact, it’s only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day. He had just written a book called “You’ll See It When You Believe It”. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you’ll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, “Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.” “That hit me right between the eyes,” said Wally. “Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.” “I take it that has paid off for you,” Harvey said. “It sure has,” Wally replied. “My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I’ll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don’t sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can’t pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.”
Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I’ve probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn’t do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles. The above is based on a true story. This cabbie is based out of NY City. And I personally and truly love such customer service. Give it a thought, how true it is. How many times we just start our day by complaining; – “Oh No! It’s a Monday.” And then go feeling miserable the entire day. How many times, have we got up in the morning, felt the excitement within and exclaimed “This is going to be the BEST day of my life”. Now even if after saying that you seem to not have a good day then turn around and do say and feel “This too shall pass”. At the end of the day, go to bed content that you know and feel right from the bottom of your heart that you have done the best you could. At the end of it, you will be the one who would have changed your own life forever.

Eastlake Dazzles Once Again!

CHULA VISTA — An Eastlake High student walking to his seat before last night's game against Otay Ranch wore a T-shirt that read: “Eastlake — Top of the Food Chain.”

It wasn't an exaggeration.

The Titans began a feeding frenzy moments after kickoff, scoring early and often in a 42-7 Mesa League victory at Otay Ranch High.

While Eastlake senior Tony Jefferson has received accolades as one of the county's elite running backs, it was teammate Chris Fletcher who took the biggest bite out of the Mustangs.

Fletcher scored four first-half touchdowns. The junior rushed for three TDs and got behind the Mustangs defense for a 70-yard touchdown reception from quarterback D'angelo Barksdale.

“Coach called the plays for me, and I did my best to execute them,” said Fletcher, who had little trouble navigating his way through the Otay Ranch defense. “The eyes were seeing it, but the feet were doing it.”

Said Eastlake head coach John McFadden: “He's so good in small spaces at making people miss.”

And turning it into a big play.

But so was Jefferson, who scored on a 46-yard run in the second quarter, and senior running back Daniel Diaz, who opened the second half with a 13-yard TD run.

“That's the nice thing we have, is three very good backs,” McFadden said. “Tony is going to go anywhere he wants (to college). Chris is going to step right in next year. Diaz is kind of the unsung guy. He's not as flashy as Jefferson and Fletcher, but he can play.”

Eastlake (6-0-2, 3-0 Mesa) stretched its winning streak to six games with the win over Otay Ranch (2-5-1, 1-2).

Jefferson reached the 1,000-yard mark on the season with a 40-yard carry that ended the first quarter. He finished with 130 yards — all in the first half — against the Mustangs.

Listings Are The Name of The Game.

Real Estate Trends for 91913!

The median sales price for homes in ZIP code 91913 for Jul 09 to Sep 09 was $320,000. This represents a decline of 2.2%, or $7,250, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 7.5% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 35.4% over the last 5 years in 91913, Chula Vista.

The median sales price of $320,000 for 91913 is 11.89% higher than the median sales price for Chula Vista CA. Average listing price for homes on Trulia in ZIP code 91913 was $336,480 for the week ending Oct 21, which represents an increase of 4.2%, or $13,518 compared to the prior week and an increase of 5.3%, or $16,919, compared to the week ending Sep 30. Average price per square foot for homes in 91913 was $167 in the most recent quarter, which is 1.18% lower than the average price per square foot for homes in Chula Vista.

What does that mean to you as a homeowner thinking about selling your home? Now is the time! Inventory is down, prices are going up, buyers are plentiful, and it's a seller's market.

Need a Realtor experienced in your local market? Call McMillin Realty today. McMillin Realty has been Chula Vista's neighborhood expert since they built their first home here and have been dedicated to this community ever since.

www.mcmillinrealty.com

They also specialize in short sale assistance with an entire department dedicated to helping you. www.callscottforhelp.com will get you started in the right direction NOW.