Today we were caught by surprise because a co-worker told us, right when we got here, that we had to be at a meeting we weren't told we were supposed to go to. We went to Olivewood Garden, where Ms. Jacqueline was going to give a presentation to a group of women who are considered "kitchenistas." This term means that they cook on the more healthy side of things, they receive the title by attending to some classes they offer at the garden. Ms. Jacqueline suggested for them to start a business, in order to have healthy food in National City, because this is the city that has the highest diabetes level in the San Diego County. She presented them information on what they need in order to start and run a successful business, and how the chamber could help them achieve their goal. After the presentation, we got to try their food; it was delicious! We then toured the house at the Olivewood gardens, and learned that the whole garden itself was started because the boy from the family who lived there had cancer, so he had to become healthier. He is all grown up now and cancer-free, and the owner of Wal Mart. When we left the garden, Ms. Jacqueline gave us a small tour of National City where we got to see historic buildings and an arts center at Kimball Park. The arts center was so cool, almost everything in it was made from recycled material. Afterwards, we came back to the garden, because there would be a meeting that Ms. Jacqueline had to attend, since she as a board member of the organization. We met the "godfather" of CVLCC, Dennis Doyle, there at the meeting. We then came back to the office, and finished working on some things, with the few time we had left for our shift to end.
(See more pictures in the "Gallery" tab.)