New Matador Grill Returns to LV
Plus: Clairemont Author's Latest Novel, New District 7 Community Rep, LV News Briefs, Timbertoy Bilingual Montessori Opens in LV, and Padre Goose
Some of you may remember the old Matador Mexican Grill on Linda Vista Road, located next to Rose Donuts. Well, it had been closed for some time, and we have been eagerly watching for the reopening. Fortunately, the opening finally occured less than a week ago! It is now open under new management. We were anxious to try it, and were lucky enough to get the Carnivore Sidekick to join us there for lunch.
The new restaurant has a very nice interior. The staff was friendly and helpful. The menu is above the back counter and extensive. You can check out the photos of the menu here. I asked our server how business was and she said people are slowly discovering they are there and things are looking good. We are glad to hear that.
We decided to try some tacos, and Steve ordered a Potato Hard Shell Taco, while I went with a couple of street fish tacos. Of course, the Carnivore always goes big and so he ordered a Surf and Turf burrito consisting of carne asada and shrimp—it was defintely humongous.
There are tables inside which are nicely spaced so we decided to eat inside. The food came in a reasonable amount of time although the restaurant was very busy with lunch time take-out as well as eat-in orders. The food was steaming hot.
My Fish Tacos were on sale for Taco Tuesday and I ordered two. They were tasty and had nicely fried fish with the normal veggies. Steve said his Potato Hard Shell Taco reminded of the kind he ate growing up and he enjoyed it a lot.
You can probably guess what the Carnivore thought of his burrito. “I would have to say it is awesome,” he was heard to remark. He said in addition to the meat and shrimp, it had guacamole and rice. He did ask to “hold the cheese.” He succeeded in finishing the whole thing! The burrito’s humongosity was not an obstacle for him.
We think this restaurant is a nice addition to the Linda Vista Foodie scene. It offers the community one more place to celebrate Taco Tuesday.
We hope you will try the Matador. And tell them you read about it in the Linda Vista Update.
Matador Mexican Grill
5201 Linda Vista Road Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 619-543-1220
Local Author Publishes Latest Novel
Novelist Tammy Greenwood lives across Tecolote Canyon and a long stone’s throw away from Linda Vista—in Clairemont—and that’s close enough to merit the attention of our readers. The author of several novels that have sold more than a quarter million copies, the prolific writer has just released her latest publication, a book titled Such a Pretty Girl. The story takes place in 1970’s New York City. The novel has been described as “Part family drama, part literary mystery,” and possessed of a “poetic-prose style.” You can purchase her book on Amazon by clicking here.
The recipient of numerous grants and writing honors, the Vermont native is also a popular writing instructor for San Diego Writers Ink, which is based at Liberty Station.
Knowing that we have quite a few enthusiastic readers of novels in our Linda Vista Update newsletter community, we asked Ms Greenwood to spend some time answering questions about herself and her writing career. Here is what she had to say:
—What do you like most about writing?
Dorothy Parker allegedly said, "I hate writing; I love having written." And there is something wonderful about being at the end of a project. But, my greatest pleasure is actually near the beginning when all things are still possible, when the vision of a story exists only in my imagination. Of course, translating that pristine vision to the page is the challenge, but there is something so exciting about the early days of working on a novel.
—Do you have a daily writing routine that accounts for your productivity as a novelist?
I do - it's the only way to get things done. After thinking/dreaming about a book for a long time, there comes a point where you have to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). And once I start writing, I have found that the only way to gather momentum and get to the end of a first draft is by setting word count quotas. Usually, for me, this is somewhere between 1000 and 1500 words per day. I write every day first thing in the morning, until that quota is met. Deadlines help as well.
![Such a Pretty Girl: A Captivating Historical Novel by [T. Greenwood]](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc80fe33b-9c99-41e7-aec0-2889e6d7cf5b_333x500.jpeg "Such a Pretty Girl: A Captivating Historical Novel by [T. Greenwood]")
—What do you find is the most difficult aspect about writing a novel?
I always run out of steam at around page 100. I have no idea why. I think it's because that's when you can so easily start second guessing your whole concept. A few wrong turns, and you can find yourself lost. I actually don't outline much until I get to the middle part - it helps me navigate toward the end.
—What inspired you to write your latest novel?
Such a Pretty Girl is about a young actress and her ambitious stage mother during the blackout summer of 1977 in New York City. It is a book I have wanted to write for a long time. First, I have always wanted to set a story in 1970s New York City. There's a sort of intrigue and allure to that time period for me. I grew up in Vermont in the 1970s, and went to NYC several times with my dance teacher to take master classes. I have very vivid memories of those visits. I was such a country mouse, but the city really drew me in. As a child of the 70s, I have also always been intrigued by the lives of the child actresses I watched growing up on screen (Brooke Shields, Jodie Foster, Drew Barrymore). After diving into both the setting and the subject matter, I found that I also really wanted to examine the exploitation of these girls through a contemporary lens. And so the story was born.
—When did you first realize you had the talent to become a novelist?
I started writing stories when I was a little kid, and I had many teachers encouraging me along the way. However, I always thought it was just a hobby until my senior year in high school when my favorite English teacher told me I should rethink my plan to be a pre-med major and write books instead.
—Considering all your novels, do you have a favorite character that you have created? If so, why that character, and from which novel?
I don't have a favorite character per se. But they all live inside my head, as though they are relatives or something. As a mom, I think I am drawn to the children in my books: Trevor (Grace), Sally (Rust & Stardust), Lucy (Keeping Lucy), and now Ryan from Such a Pretty Girl.
—Which contemporary authors do you enjoy reading? Do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
That's a great question. Living authors I love include Jesmyn Ward, John Irving, Stewart O'Nan, Maggie O'Farrell, Dan Chaon, Celeste Ng. I also have so many brilliant writer friends, reading their books always takes precedence over other books. The two books I find myself recommending the most (to the widest audience of people) are Salvage the Bones and Hamnet.
—You are originally from Vermont. What do you enjoy the most about living in Southern California, and in the Clairemont area, in particular?
My husband and I have lived in San Diego for 21 of the last 26 years (with a brief stint in DC). We got married after moving here, and our children were born here - we really sort of became grown-ups here. I love being on the west coast for so many reasons, primarily lifestyle ones: the weather, the beach culture, and the Mexican food! Clairemont was also such a wonderful place to raise our kids. They both went to Holmes Elementary, Marston Middle, and eventually Mt. Everest Academy.
—Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
Maritza's in Clairemont has the very best Mexican food there is, I would argue, in the world. I highly recommend the beef chimichanga, though my husband swears by the enchiladas. They also make an apple pie burrito??!!
—What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
I also do photography and knit. But my secret passion is home decorating. I am constantly redecorating all of the rooms in our house. I like to paint and frame art and move the furniture around all the time. We have a recently empty nest, and it's taking everything I have not to touch those two "empty" bedrooms.
***
The Linda Vista Update wishes to thank Tammy Greenwood for taking the time to answer our questions, and we congratulate her on the publication of her latest book!
New District 7 Community Representative
The office of Councilmember Raul Campillo (District 7) has a new community representative serving the community of Linda Vista. Miles Noel recently came aboard to work for the Councilmember. A graduate of San Diego State University (majored in political science), he previously worked for Congresswoman Sara Jacob’s office.
If you have an issue you'd like to report about Linda Vista, please reach out to him at MNoel@sandiego.gov
Miles wants to let Linda Vista Update readers know that Councilmember Campillo has community office hours once a month at different locations within District 7. If you wish to talk to Councilmember Campillo during that time, you can schedule an appointment at CherylW@sandiego.gov
LV News Briefs
—Farmers Market: The Love, Linda Farmers Market will be held today at the Linda Vista Plaza Shopping Center from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Come join the fun and visit this Farmers Market. You can purchase healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as tasty treats like cookies, pastries, ice cream and kettle corn from various vendors. You can also buy delicious ethnic food items to take home for dinner or to eat right there.
—Kearny High Football: The Komets football team plays the Hoover High Cardinals at home in a rare Thursday night game tonight Thursday October 27 at 7:00 pm.
—Community Clean-up: The SD Police Department will lead a community clean-up this Saturday October 29 at Kelly Street Park (6626 Kelly Street) from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The clean-up will include graffiti removal and trash pick-up. Everyone is invited to participate. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Come out and meet your police officers and your neighbors. You can see a flyer on the event here.
—DEA Prescription Drug Take Back: This Saturday October 29th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, SDPD Western Division, located at 5215 Gaines Street, will be hosting the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back event. Please take a moment to clear out your medicine cabinets of old prescription drugs and swing by to drop them off for disposal by the DEA. You do not even have to get out of your vehicle, simply drive into the parking lot and pull up to the law enforcement personnel who will take the items, and bag and box them for disposal.
Timbertoy Bilingual Montessori Opens in LV
You may have noticed the big sign while driving through town. A new educational institution recently opened in Linda Vista. Timbertoy Bilingual Montessori, located at 6736 Linda Vista Road, offers classes for pre-school students (2-5 years of age) and toddlers (18 months to 36 months). As stated on the school’s web site, the mission of Timbertoy "is to provide children with a high quality education in a safe, respectful, loving, and nurturing environment.”
For those unfamiliar with the Montessori Method, “it is a Child Centered educational approach that focuses on respect for the child, and his/her natural ability to learn and develop.” The school offers Spanish immersion, which is designed for young children to learn and develop a second language through daily exposure.
The Director of Timbertoy is Sayra Godinez
Knowing that members of the community might be curious about this new addition to the Linda Vista landscape, Sayra was kind enough to answer the questions we asked her regarding Timbertoy and her own professional background. Here is what she had to say:
—What inspired you to open your pre-school here in Linda Vista?
We chose Linda Vista because it is a great location and has diversity within the community.
—Can you give us a little background about yourself?
My name is Sayra Godinez and I am 32 years old. I have always had a passion for working with children since I was younger. I earned my Montessori Guide Certification from The Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2008 when I graduated high school. I then attended San Diego Christian College where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. I always dreamed of opening up a school and giving back to my community. I started at my home child care in Chula Vista and was open for just shy of 6 years. As soon as the opportunity presented itself to expand into a school, we made the decision to expand.
—What would you say is the major reason why parents should send their children to a Montessori school?
The main reason parents choose a Montessori School is because we value every child as an individual, cherish diversity, and foster independence. Each child learns at their own pace rather than being forced to learn specific content or limited by a standard. The Montessori environment invites the child to become an active participant of their learning journey building upon their interest.
—Why is it important that children learn a second language?
When children learn a second language, they are setting themselves up as adults to explore and expand their environments with the power to communicate. Spanish is the 4th most spoken language in the world. That opens a lot of doors for our little ones when they are ready.
—In regard to your Spanish immersion instruction, can you explain what “immersion” means?
Spanish immersion means children in our program are given the opportunity to be in a classroom where they can hear, speak, and learn in a second language on a daily basis. Our teachers provide instruction in Spanish throughout the day only using English as support for non-Spanish speakers to comprehend slowly but surely.
—What do you enjoy most about teaching and/or operating a pre-school?
The thing that I enjoy the most about operating a preschool is being able to build a school community that is safe for students, parents, and teachers. We foster kindness, community and independence.
—What do you think kids enjoy most about attending your school?
What children enjoy the most about our program is the multiple activities we have set up throughout the day. Children enjoy learning by working with the Montessori material, singing, dancing, gardening, free play, dramatic play, story time, arts & crafts, and more.
***
The Linda Vista Update thanks Sayra Godinez for taking the time to answer our questions, and we wish her good luck in this new venture. For further details regarding Timbertoy and the Montessori Method, please visit the school’s web site here.
Commentary
Let’s Hear it for Padre Goose
The 2022 Padres baseball season came to a sad ending this past week. But we shouldn’t feel too sad about the overall season. After all, the Padres did make it into the playoffs, and they did beat the Mets in the first round, and best of all, they beat the Dodgers! Overall, I would consider the season a success. And they accomplished all this without star player Fernando Tatis.
Now we have a few months to reflect on the 2022 season, and best of all, we can now speculate on how good the Padres will be in 2023. I always enjoy this aspect of the off-season. Anything is possible during the off-season, for this is the time our minds are free to imagine the Padres winning the World Series next October. The reality of 2023 is way off in the distance, and it has no power to discourage us from thinking otherwise.
I believe one of the best stories of the 2022 baseball season happened to be the Goose that landed in Dodger Stadium. The Goose’s magical appearance seemed to dramatically change the tide of momentum. Once it appeared, the Padres began dominating the Dodgers. I only wish that Goose would have made a similar appearance in Philadelphia.
Nevertheless, I still think this Goose episode should be commemorated in some way. I know there is already a mural of the Goose down in Chula Vista. But I think there is a way that we in Linda Vista can out-do Chula Vista, while at the same time honoring the Padres, beautifying the neighborhood, and making the Goose our own.
I say it’s time the community does whatever necessary to replace the aging, faded and worn “Mother Goose nursery rhymes” mural located in the parking lot of the Linda Vista Library. When we do so, I suggest we keep the overall literary theme with all the Mother Goose character references, but we should also add a “Padre Goose” character centered in the middle of the mural, right next to Mother Goose, but much larger in size. This Padres Goose can be portrayed wearing a Padres jersey, and I suggest he be seen carrying a nursery rhyme book titled “Humpty Dumpty Fell Off the Wall, and So Did the Dodgers.”
I think if we in the community work furiously on this project during the off-season months, the new “Padres Goose (and Mother Goose Rhymes)” mural should be ready for its unveiling by Padres’ Opening Day, which is March 30.
Now, Linda Vista, break out your paint brushes and let’s get busy on this artwork!
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