If you’re bored this Saturday you have no one to blame but yourself.

It may still be April but National City is celebrating Cinco de Mayo a week early April 27 at Pepper Park.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the National City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 11th Annual Mariachi Festival. Ten mariachi groups will compete for $4,000 in prize money.

Also on Saturday is the Go Green and Clean Family Day hosted by the Otay Ranch Town Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highlights from this include the Eastlake Educational Foundation’s Cycle Eastlake Half Marathon, 5K Family Roll & Stroll and Cycle poker ride. For more information about the event click here.

Saturday is also when the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation hosts its annual Bon Appétit fundraiser from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Otay Ranch Town Center. The event will feature a variety of wine, beer and food. There also will be live music and a silent auction. For ticket information click here.

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A documentary featuring San Diego's only all women car club makes its California debut.

Familiar with the Que Viva Cine Latino film series at Otay Ranch Town Center in September? Think of that as the appetizer to the annual San Diego Latino Film Festival which kicks-off March 7 and runs through March 17 in Mission Valley.

 This marks the 20^th anniversary of the festival, which features movies from Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, and the U.S. , to name a few participating countries. As part of the landmark celebration the festival is bringing back some of its groundbreaking works, including “Y Tu Mama Tambien”, “Desperado”, “Ciudade de Deus” and “Amores Perros”.

 Also of note, a documentary film about San Diego’s women only lowrider car club, “The Unique Ladies” will make its California debut March 13 at 6 p.m.   

 For a complete listing of films , go to sdlatinofilm.com.

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Meet business and community leaders in your neighborhood. The Eastlake Business Association holds meetings every Monday of the month beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Oggis Pizza & Brewing Company, 2130 Birch Road. For more information visit eastlakebusiness.org.

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Yes, Yogi, you were right. It is like “deja vu all over again” .

In the waning moments of 2011, Sweetwater Union High School District officials past and present had their homes raided by the District Attorney’s office. Perhaps the only people not stunned by news that investigators were rummaging through the personal belongings of board member Pearl Quiñones or knocking on the front door of Arlie Ricasa —to name but two people facing corruption charges against them—were those in the inner circles of law enforcement and the school district.

SUHSD isn’t Las Vegas. What happens in the district doesn’t stay in the district. If you want to know who is in line for a promotion, who is on their way out or who is going to have to lawyer up chances are most of that information can be heard at the district board meetings. You just need to know which people to sit next to.

But if you’re a district employee there is an unspoken penalty for speaking out of turn or even being seen with the wrong people. At least, that’s the message outsiders hear time and again when they drop in and start asking questions.

As one individual wrote in an email.

“Thank you again for covering this story.  Many teachers have not been able to speak out for years due to the culture of retribution in our district.  I would like to remain anonymous as a result of this.“

The sentiment was prompted by yet another legal blast in the ongoing Sweetwater corruption saga. The grand jury on Dec. 28 announced it was indicting its own set of suspects connected to the the school district.

Whether the timing of the announcement was intended to be symbolic or merely coincidental doesn’t make much difference to weary employees who are sick of learning about leadership’s alleged corruption at press conferences, or of parents who, really, just want their kids to get the best education minus the drama. Is that too much to ask? A reasonable person would say no. But if you watch what happens at the district on a daily basis and speak up in hope righting wrongs, speaking out could get you in trouble.

The corruption trial involving former Superintendent Jesus Gandara, Quiñones, Ricasa and others is supposed to begin in February. On Jan.7 the figures in the grand jury action will be in court for arraignment. High profile cases like these generally get tongues wagging. Of course, for those who choose to be mute for fear of losing their jobs or being retaliated against, there are other ways of getting a message across.

“I have been present at numerous SUHSD board meetings to listen to the antics and folly of these inept, corrupt figureheads.  I have created three visuals for your use.”

To see a related video, click here.

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Throughout the year law enforcement agencies in Chula Vista, National City and the rest of the county set up DUI checkpoints to catch motorists driving under the influence of a mind altering substance, be it drugs or alcohol.

Many of the police departments use their personnel to man these outposts with overtime pay funded by state and federal coffers, so the money isn’t being tapped from general funds.

But how effective are DUI checkpoints at catching drunk/drugged drivers? Consider that in September when Chula Vista police set up a checkpoint, 1,229 vehicles drove through the area which ultimately led to five people being arrested for driving under the influence. But the department did impound 15 vehicles that night for various offenses as well as issuing a number of citations.As anyone who has ever had their car impounded will tell you, reclaiming your vehicle ain’t cheap. Court fees, impound fees, fines…the penalty could get close to $1,000 before all is said and done. That’s good news for the agencies who rely on those sources of revenue for part of their budget. What’s unclear is how much safer DUI checkpoints make the streets.

So the question then, is what are you thoughts on DUI checkpoints? Click here to vote.

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The famed tall ship Lady Washington is harbored in Chula Vista for a short time. The ship, which has been used in movies and television, is moored at the California Yacht Marina, 640 Marina Parkway in Chula Vista through Dec. 18. Take the opportunity to tour this wooden ship or, better yet, join the crew when they set sail next weekend. Below is the ship’s schedule:

12/11-14: Walk-on tours, 4-5 p.m. No reservation required, but $3 donation requested.

12/15-16: Walk-on tours, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. No reservation required, but $3 donation requested.

12/15-16: Adventure Sail, 2-5 p.m. $39 all ages.

12/18: Walk-on tours, 4-5 p.m. No reservation required, but $3 donation requested

For more information log  onto www.historicalseaport.org or call 1-800-200-5239.

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The annual holiday tale, “La Pastorella” is set to begin its run  in just a couple of weeks at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza.

“La Pastorela de Creencia” is a contemporary twist on the traditional story of the shepherds’ journey to Bethlehem to witness the first Christmas.  Called to action by Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the shepherds face temptation and danger from evil Lucifer and his nasty minions.  The bilingual script is primarily in English with beautiful Christmas carols sung in Spanish.

The critically acclaimed play is written by Southwestern College professor Max Branscomb.

“La Pastorela de Creencia” runs Dec. 13-16 and 19-22 at 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23 .  Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, military and groups and $7 for children under 12 or groups of 10 or more.  For reservations call (619) 544-1000.

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It is Sunday. Outside the stadium those left behind linger, listening, the rhythm that had floated among them in the dirt lot having drifted into the stands.

Young boys weave through gaps between men and women, cup after cup of beer rising above their darting heads on the concourse. A father, surrounded by women in tight clothes emblazoned with the name of soft drink, hoists his daughter upon the shoulders of a plastic and heroic xolo. Nearby another woman entices a security guard into moving with her as she rocks her hips gently in time with the music. Boom, boom, boom, boom.

The players arrive on the field now. The opposition is introduced. And harassed. They are men in anatomy only.

No one is seated.

Quickly the boys of Tijuana press their advantage, imposing themselves on the striped shirts from Monterrey. Despite their initial miscues and confused runs, the Xoloitzcuntles overwhelm their opponents in the midfield. Challenges for the ball are sloppy. But won.

Ruiz streaks down the right unmarked, unabated. Unseen by Riascos and the attack must start over. But they are moving the ball. Possessing the field. The crowd roars its approval.

For 90 minutes members of La Masakr3 sing, willing their team to victory.

Again a hard challenge is won and the ball is sent up the field. La Masacre waits. Anticipates. Everyone behind the goal stands on their seats relentlessly singing and willing the ball toward them.

Riascos finds it. Makes contact with it. Strikes the ball with the force of a small blast and watches it move in a straight line at the top of the crossbar. And over. And into the stands.

But the people love it and their singing grows louder and their commitment deepens.

It is their evening. They and their team belong here tonight. Destiny has escorted them to this stage, two rounds removed from the championship match.

Outside the stadium they listen and linger.

To see a related video, click here.

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My sister-in-law grew up in Texas and by all accounts, deep fried turkey is the way to go.

My Californian native brother and I were not convinced, however. Last year we gave it a shot. It was quite the adventure!

Large devices with really hot boiling oil and children running rampant have all the makings of a call to 911. Luckily, amid the screams and cheers, came laughter when the only real calamity was a plastic ladle —used without forethought— melted .

Thanksgiving Day carries a true immediate thought of turkey and for many non-vegans is a must . But, do you really know anything about turkey’s? The tradition itself was self preservation and a bond between the America’s founding ancestors and an effort to live in a new nation harmoniously.

I had an experience of somewhat owning a turkey once, on my property in Ohio…it didn’t last long…they like to wander. It’s not to say they are one bulb shy, but turkey’s have no sense of their surroundings. They cling to the closest object and make their bond by literally latching onto your side.

I don’t know what we would have done if he, the turkey that remains nameless, hung around, but it is pretty clear he wanted no part of it. That short lived event didn’t change my mind. Personally, let me say for the record, a stuffed roasted turkey on Thanksgiving , begins the winter celebration of holidays.

However you enjoy yours and wherever you rest yourself on Thanksgiving, let us all remember the meaning of giving true “thanks “ on this day for the blessings we do have and look forward to a bountiful future.

Warmest Regards,
Margo G. Caffrey

Cast your vote by clicking here:

Have you ever deep fried a Turkey?

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Bob Castaneda couldn’t call Chula Vista home until last year.

Linda Wagner didn’t move to the city until November.

For some voters, that might be enough reason to dismiss the city council hopefuls. The notion of electing someone to City Hall who wasn’t born or bred in this city is as appealing as voting for somebody other than Jessica Sanchez on American Idol. After all, there’s no hero like a hometown hero.

It’s a parochial way of thinking.

The notion that someone is a better leader based on where they were born or what grade school they attended is as silly as believing Philip Rivers isn’t an effective Chargers quarterback because he was born in Alabama. Skills and talent matter more than birthplace and zip code.

Of course, having lived in a city or neighborhood for a significant period has its advantages. Stay somewhere long enough and you develop a feel for a place’s personality. You start to see what works, what doesn’t work and what needs improving.  That’s harder to do if you’ve only lived somewhere for a short while. Harder but not impossible. Just ask Mayor Cheryl Cox.

Cox has lived in this city for decades. She’s seen this city when it’s east side was just a collection of rolling hills covered with grass and the west side was where all the action was.

Opposed to district elections in Chula Vista, Cox says she is no less an effective leader simply because she has not lived in some of the city’s older, rundown neighborhoods. Ask her and she’ll probably tell you that not being from a particular barrio does not immediately disqualify her from being this city’s mayor.

While her effectiveness may be up for debate, Cox does have a point: You don’t necessarily have to be from Castle Park, for example, to do what’s best for that neighborhood (though again, being from there does have its advantages).

The same reasoning can be applied to Castaneda and Wagner, who are running for seats 3 and 4 respectively.  Just because they were not born or didn’t go to school in Chula Vista doesn’t mean they are not qualified to sit on the city council.

Not even the city’s charter stipulates that Chula Vista must be a representative’s birthplace or that a certain period of residency makes one qualified to serve on the council. Former mayor Steve Padilla lived a long time in Chula Vista before becoming mayor. So did former councilman and current Sweetwater Union High School Board member John McCann. How’d that work out for voters?

And while it’s fair to question the timing of their moves to the city, it shouldn’t be the sole reason for dismissing them as candidates. That’s what political campaigns and platforms are for. You hear candidates’ ideas, you listen to their pitches, and evaluate their skill. Combine that with your own ideas of what qualities a leader should have and maybe then you develop a fuller profile of the person you want representing you on the council. But to dismiss them solely because they are not born and bred on your block? That’s just dumb.

Wagner and Castaneda aren’t from Chula Vista. So what? They live here now.

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