Good News South County: TRAFFIC RELIEF IS COMING!

Great news was just released by the California Transporation Commission giving us, South County residents a reason to SMILE!!! This past Tuesday June 28th, SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) awarded $100million to the construction of 2 carpools on interstate 805 from East Palomar all the way to State Route 15! As we can only imagine- this a great thing!!!

The $100 million will be applied to the construction of "high occupancy vehicle" (HOV) lanes, one in each direction on the South County section of the freeway.

The first phase of the project -- between SR 54 and SR 15 -- is expected to be awarded to contractors in March 2012. The second phase, between East Palomar Street and SR 54 -- is scheduled to go to contractors a month later, according to a SANDAG spokesman.

The other great benefit will be extended to the following commuters: express buses and FasTrak account holders.

We are really excited about this at the South County Buzz! Keepin' ya informed....

4th of July: Plan NOW!

In only 7 days the skies over San Diego will be bright with brilliant colored fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July! Although the Chula Vista Bayfront has cancelled this year's firework display- here's some great options for you and your family to enjoy the display: For those of you celebrating in Eastlake here is a private way to enjoy the 4th of July. The Eastlake Education Foundation will be having the fireworks at the Olympic Training Center!
Click on the link below for more information on how to get in on the event and support local schools:

Click on This link for More Info!

HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT IDEAS:

SAN DIEGO

Port of San Diego: Big Bay Boom at 9 p.m. - San Diego Bay is the place to be on Sunday, July 4, 2010 for the 10th Annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom. Four barges will be placed strategically in San Diego Bay off the shorelines of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero area and between Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing. The fireworks will be visible from all of the Port's parks around the northern and central San Diego Bay area. These include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park, Coronado Tidelands Park and the Imperial Beach Pier.

San Diego Symphony's Star Spangled Pops: July 3, 4 & 5 -Spend the Fourth of July weekend at the Summer Pops featuring principal pops conductor Marvin Hamlisch. It'll be a patriotic performance packed with Broadway hits, rousing marches, a salute to our military and a spectacular fireworks display over the bay! Special guests include Petty Officer 1st Class Jarrod Fowler, former Miss California Melissa Chaty, bluegrass star Alison Brown, and choristers from San Diego s St Pauls Cathedral. To purchase your Summer Pops 2010 series, use the Online Subscription Order Form or call the Ticket Office at 619.235.0804.

SeaWorld San Diego's "Fireworks: Into the Blue" - SeaWorld will present a special fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd, 4th & 5th. Set to lively, patriotic music, Shamu's SkySplash USA will light up the night starting at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Glorietta Bay: Coronado Independence Day Celebrations & Coronado's Fourth of July Celebration has festivities going on all weekend. On July 3rd, the annual Coronado parade, with over 150 bands floats and groups, as well as the Adrian Empire Demo in Spreckels Park. On July 4, a fun run/walk, and rough water swim, with a spectacular fireworks finale over the bay, set to music.

Eastlake's Very Own Kid Ventures- Offers Parents a Night OUT!

If you have yet to hear; the latest kid craze is right here in our very own Eastlake Design District- let us introduce it to this awesome place with a SWEET TREAT for parents (oohhh yea and kids too!) who are looking for a night out or just a break!!! On Friday, June 24th Kid Ventures, an "indoor play center and Parent Cafe", will be celebrating "National Backyard Campout Day" with lots of fun things to do! The excitement begins at 5:00pm when the whole family joins together to enjoy some BBQ, dancing, campfire songs and more... But incase you miss the beginning festivities, the REAL fun starts at 8:00pm when the "Kid's Only Sleepover" begins- Mom and Dad are officially relieved from duties until the next day, Saturday June 25th at 8:00am! The sleepover will include roasting marshmallows, watching movies, even a little sleep! With all this fun- your probably wondering HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST? Brace yourself for this deal: the sleepover fee is $35 dollars per child! If your planning on joining the festivities before with the family, children with memberships are FREE (child without $10) and Adults are $8! So here is to giving the babysitter a break, saving that last minute favor with Grandma and Grandpa and good times for everyone in the family!!!

See what other parents have to say about Kid Ventures:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kid-ventures-eastlake-chula-vista
or for More Information or how to become a member:
http://www.indoorplaysandiego.com/

Chula Vista Schools: Stay Informed & Plan Ahead!

Only 38 Days away- The reality that school will begin for students attending any Chula Vista Public Elementary, Middle or High School in a little over 4 weeks! July 20th sets the day that will be a relief for many as they send their children back to school! Planning ahead is key- take a few minutes and browse through the Chula Vista Elementary School District website or the Sweetwater Union High School website. Great resources are available on either site with information on district and school requirements, Observed Holidays, programs available to you and your student, and much more! Also specific information on any school in the district is provided such as it's academic performance, teacher credentials, school budget etc. Time seems to be flying by quicker then ever and a key way to stay ahead is preparing for what is to come. Browse the links below and add to your internet browsers "FAVORITES"
http://www.suhsd.k12.ca.us and http://www.cvesd.org

RELAX & ENJOY THIS SUMMER LOCALLY!

Kids out of school, weather warming up (it better!), a few days of vacation time scheduled, has many of us asking ourselves..."What can I plan for my family that is easy on my pocket but still FUN!?" Thankfully for San Diego County and most importantly South County (that's us!) has lots to plan for, attend and ENJOY!

Memorial Park (3rd Ave) The Village Vibes Concert Series is held every summer on Wednesday's at the Memorial Park Bowls starting July 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m! Memorial Park Bowl is a perfect place for you and your family to relax, listen to local musicians, grab a bite to eat at (Downtown Third Avenue's restaurants are yummy)! 2011 Concert Schedule is below.

July 13 Blue Rock-It (Classic 60s, 70s and 80s rock)

July 20 Bayou Brothers (Blues)

July 27 Califarians (Latin Reggae)

August 3 Swamp Critters (Rock and Roll)

August 10 Jalapeno Express (Latin Rock)

August 17 The Corvettes (Do Wop and Motown)

August 24 Mark Jackson (Jazz)

Village Walk in Eastlake Come out & Rock to Sunday's Concerts at Village Walk! June & 2 days in July offer Awesome bands, sleek cars, activities for kids, tasty food & much more! Experience a new band every week!

Catch a different beat and cruise a different car club every week.

Date: Music

June 5: Chris Klich Jazz Quartet with
Laura Preble on vocals

June 12 The Stilettos

June 19 Graceland. “An Elvis Presley Tribute.”

June 26 AM Forever

July 10 Joe Rathburn’s Island

July 17 Uncle Bob & The Earthmovers
Featuring Lady J

Looking for other things to do in and around the county? Click here and browse:

http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com/san-diego-ca/events/san+diego+summer+events

McMillin Racing Looking for Another Victory at the 43rd Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500!

You may have noticed some extra traffic lately on the freeways... not just any ordinary traffic- fleets of trucks, trailers, toy haulers, etc. all South bound! This traffic is heading down to the much anticipated BAJA 500 in Ensenada Baja California, Mx. These fleets are loaded with ultra supped-up off-road vehicles- ready to claim victory of their "class". This is SCORE (Southern California off road enthusiasts,http://www.score-international.com/)international off-road racing's 43rd Baja 500, which is 1 of 2 other races in Mexico (Baja 250 and the Baja 1,000). Over the past 38 years SCORE race's have attracted the likes of celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Ted Nugent, to more recent stars Patrick Dempsey, Travis Pastrana, Jesse James and South County's very own McMillin Family! The late Corky McMillin (Founder of The Corky McMillin Companies) passed on his passion for racing to his son's Mark and Scott, as well as his grandchildren; 1 of which brought home the #1 trophy at last year's Baja 500 for Trophy Truck's, Andy McMillin. The McMillin family is infamous for their wins and consistent involvement in the off-road racing scene as well as their love for Baja. If you are an off-road race enthusiast, as many of us South County residents are and are not "chasing" the can get updates here: http://www.race-dezert.com/home/2011-score-baja-500-live-coverage. And as always we send lots of luck to the McMillin Family!!!

COME ONE, COME ALL: SOUTH COUNTY FARMERS MARKET'S!

Can you smell it? Graduations, last days of school, kids on vacation are just a few reminders that SUMMER is almost here! Time to clean off the BBQ and enjoy the wonderful weather we are so fortunate for! With all this relaxation and extra time- ever thought about heading to your local Farmers Market? As South County residents we are especially spoiled with 4 local and Certified Farmers Market's(Certified by the County Agricultural Commissioner)just about everyday of the week! Whether you live by the 5 freeway or the 125 freeway you are sure to be near 1! Not only is shopping at Farmers Market's HEALTHY but it helps promote our Local Family Farmers so that they may continue to provide the freshest produce at the best price! While your there enjoy other great buys- Spruce up your home with beautiful fresh flowers, pick up a hot meal for dinner, one of a kind jewelery or grab some information on local businesses!
Here is where you can go MON. - THURS.:
Monday: Swiss Park 2001 Main St. - 91911 3pm-7pm
Tuesday: Otay Ranch Centre 2015 Birch Rd. -91915 4pm-8pm
Wednesday: Bonita Valley 4744 Bonita Rd-91902 3pm-7pm
Thursday: Downtown Chula Vista at Center St & 3rd Ave-91910 3pm-7pm
So, instead of standing in long lines at the grocery store take a walk or a quick drive to your neighborhood Farmer's Market... Need more information, interested in selling or want to know where and when you can visit other Farmers Market's?
Visit:

http://www.sdfarmbureau.org/BuyLocal/Farmers-Markets.php