A creative genius arrives on the scene

By Lisa Shadburn

How does someone channel the drive, focus and creativity it takes to produce their own theatre production just a year after finishing high school? According to 2025 Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) graduate Jaden Richardson, “You don’t wait around for greatness to happen. You make greatness happen.”

Being in a room with Richardson, one can’t help but feel the overflowing enthusiasm, talent, determination and positive energy that has helped him tap into his own greatness, becoming an accomplished playwright at only 19 years old.

In August, Richardson’s production titled “Oops We’re Live” went onstage in Julian to sold out crowds, only eight months after Jaden began writing the script. In fact, he was so determined to make the show happen that he booked the theatre in January before he even had a script written. Richardson took that deadline as motivation to make his dream happen and worked around the clock to make his project come to life.

Richardson not only served as writer, director and producer, but he also did the set design, props and lighting design as well.

How can one person do so many things? Richardson realized that he had a village of supportive people around him who offered to help. From his grandmother, who provided him with rehearsal space in her barn in Ramona; to his friends Nathaniel Fería and Noah Valdez, who helped to edit and co-write the show. Richardson was grateful for the amount of people who stepped in to make the production come to fruition. 

He also realized that a benefit of directing actors in an original play is that it provided a lot of creative leeway during rehearsals, and he welcomed input from the actors – most of whom were fellow SRHS graduates – to help make the roles their own.

When asked what inspired him to pursue theatre and become a writer and director, Richardson credited his positive experience at the SRHS Falcon Playhouse and the support of SRHS theatre teacher Patrick Garcia, who Richardson said allowed him and other students to have opportunities to not only act, but also to get experience in set design, props, tech, leadership positions and even directing.

In remembering his time with Garcia, Richardson reflected, “I applaud him for how he has set up the playhouse,” and for how he inspires kids to ask, “how can I make this better? … That is the mindset I’ve adopted for everything in life.”

Since “Oops We’re Live” closed, Richardson hasn’t wasted any time. As a student at San Diego City College, he recently started a Drama Club at the college, has continued to act in local theatre, and is back in the creative seat, writing plays with the goal of opening his own production company.

“Oops We’re Live” is available to watch for free on YouTube. You can bet that it will be the first of many theatrical successes for this talented young playwright.  

Club hosts annual Oktoberfest

The Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club will hold its annual Family Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct 3, 4-9 p.m. at the 9875 Aviary Drive location. 

This event is for club members only, but guests of members are welcome with appropriate guest passes.

The Zeitgeist Oktoberfest Band will perform live for the event attendees. The group plays fun German, polka, Oktoberfest tunes and all kinds of party music.

An Oktoberfest costume contest will be held at the event. Young and old are encouraged to dress up.

A craft beer and wine garden will also be open for attendees 21 years of age and older. Drink tickets will be available for purchase. The Biergarten will serve Spaten Oktoberfest, Goose Island IPA, Mission Brewery Blonde Ale, Mission Brewery Old Style Lager, Chardonnay and Cabernet.

Food vendors will be available onsite for hungry attendees. Scheduled food trucks include Hunters Steakhouse, Pazzos, Surf Dogs, German Pretzels and Mahalo Shave Ice.

A variety of games and entertainment mostly for children are traditionally provided at this event each year. This year’s activities include carnival games, a climbing wall and giant inflatables.

Oktoberfest is an annual Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club membership benefit. Guests are welcome when accompanied by a club member and with a guest pass. Guest passes are available at the Aviary Drive location front desk. Visit srsrc.com.

Lemonade Stand Photo Contest

These photos of wonderful Scripps Ranch children were submitted for the 2026 Scripps Ranch News Lemonade Stand Contest. This year’s winners are Luke Bidermann and Xander Romero, earning a delivery of delicious cookies from Sweet Treats by Jess Bakery. A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated!  

Activities offer fun, friendship and new adventures

By Mary Rea
Publicity Chair

There is always something happening in the Women’s Club! Members can begin the week with Mahjong every Monday and head to the pickleball courts each Friday for lively games and friendly competition. With 20 interest groups – including Book Discussions, Scrabble, Canasta, Bridge, Bunco, Fun and Games, Adventure Walks, Arts and Culture outings, Happy Hours, social events, Theater, a Craft Circle, Mahjong, pickleball, and a new golf group – there are countless ways to explore new interests and enjoy time with friends. Every activity offers another opportunity for fun, friendship and new adventures!

The Women’s Club’s three book discussion groups – Ranch Readers I, II, and III – spent the summer exploring some of today’s most acclaimed and engaging novels. Their selections included “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans, “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick, “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi, and “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley – stories that inspired thoughtful conversations about friendship, resilience and the unexpected ways people transform one another’s lives.

One of our loveliest social events occurred this month with a sunset picnic at Cuvier Park perched above the Pacific Ocean. This end-of-summer event attracted family and friends as we enjoyed a beautiful evening together in this scenic coastal setting. Many thanks to our dedicated Social Committee – Barbara Hanson, Marian Marum and Paula Marrone – for planning this special event.

Also in September, we enjoyed a docent-led tour of photographer Cecil Beaton’s iconic work from the 1920s through the 1960s at the Museum of Photographic Arts. Organized by London’s National Portrait Gallery, “Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World” showcased his glamorous Vogue photographs and portraits of royalty, Hollywood stars and fashion icons that made Beaton one of the 20th century’s most celebrated photographers.

Regular happy hours are now part of the fun in the Women’s Club. In September, Bev Macho hosted a happy hour for members at Seasons 52.  What a fun way to gather and enjoy great conversation and camaraderie! Also this month, our Adventure Walking group members hit their stride to enjoy the great outdoors at Bayside Park in Chula Vista.

October promises Halloween fun across many of our activities. First and foremost is a tour of the Whaley House – long renowned as one of America’s most haunted homes – and the Old Town Cemetery, led by member Paula Marrone, who portrayed Mrs. Whaley for 17 years. With Paula as our guide, we may even encounter a ghost or two along the way!

Discover all that the Women’s Club has to offer! Contact Membership Chair Lynn Parke at lparke@san.rr.com or visit srwomensclub.org to learn more.

Smaller group activities make for friendly experiences 

By Denise Stewart
Welcome Club President 

When you are looking to expand your circle of friends and eager to enhance your social life, it can be intimidating to walk into an event that has dozens of people with whom you are unfamiliar. Most people agree that a smaller gathering makes it a more comfortable experience to begin the process of introducing yourself to new acquaintances and expanding your interests.

That is one of the benefits of the Welcome Club of Scripps Ranch. You can begin with a smaller group of local women who meet regularly to share interests and enjoy each other’s company. In these interest groups, longtime community members are likely to see a familiar face, while newcomers have an easy way to make connections.

As new relationships grow, you can comfortably join the club’s larger, more festive gatherings and expand your circle of friends. At Welcome Club, you set your own pace and choose the activities that best fit your lifestyle. 

Welcome Club offers a variety of smaller groups that meet regularly. Craft Club, Bunco, Bridge, Games, and four Book Clubs bring members together each month to share common interests. The Off the Ranch Walking Group is planning its third scenic tour for October. As a member, you can choose the activities that best fit your interests and schedule.

Welcome Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Scripps Ranch Community Center. Each general meeting begins with dessert and social time, giving members a chance to reconnect and welcome new acquaintances. A brief update on activities and club news follows, then a guest speaker presents a program of interest to members. 

At the September meeting, Scripps Ranch Theatre staff described the plays members can attend this season. Later that week, club members who enjoy theater gathered for a potluck before attending the season’s first play.

One of Welcome Club’s favorite larger gatherings took place this month at Sonya Bolton’s home. Coffee and brunch treats filled the kitchen table and encouraged relaxed conversation among members. 

Another larger Welcome Club gathering, known as a TGI, was held this month in Lynnell Hallock’s backyard. The outdoor potluck brought members, husbands and friends together for a summer celebration.

At the end of the month, the Gadabouts group will travel to Coronado’s Lamb’s Players Theatre for a musical journey through American history. The group may also enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the island’s restaurants before or after the performance.

To learn more about Welcome Club, including its history, activities and membership opportunities, visit Scrippsranchwelcomeclub.com. Contact information is available on the website for anyone who would like to connect with a member and learn more. 

Garden Club resumes fall meetings

By Denise Stewart 

With the longer days of summer winding down, the Scripps-Mesa Garden Club will return this month to its regular evening meetings at the Scripps Ranch Community Center. The club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., and each fall meeting will feature a gardening expert with practical advice for local gardeners.

At the Sept. 22 meeting, Michael Ludwig, an expert on shade plants, was the featured speaker. Ludwig has been involved with more than 25 plant societies since 1977, including groups focused on begonias, camellias, fuchsias, gesneriads, ferns, plumerias, houseplants, exotic plants, landscapes, gardens and vegetable gardening. He is a begonia, fern and gesneriad judge and has judged at the Del Mar Fair, federated garden club shows and other events. Ludwig also served as landscaper at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace for 45 years and has provided garden consultations for many years. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with local gardeners. 

On Oct. 27, Master Gardener Kathryn Blankenship will be featured at the monthly meeting. Her presentation will focus on the timing of planting and fertilizing, offering seasonal guidance for gardeners preparing for cooler months.

Club members wrapped up their busy summer season in August with a potluck celebration. In addition to enjoying good food, members gathered for a relaxed evening in a member’s backyard, where they shared their successes and challenges from an especially hot growing season. 

The Scripps-Mesa Garden Club has been part of the local community since 1993 and continues to grow both plants and membership each year. To learn more about programs or membership, contact the club at scrippsmesagardenclub1992@gmail.com. 

BOOK COLLECTION PROJECT

Scripps Ranch High School student Violet Holland is collecting book donations for a community service event she is doing as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Holland, an avid reader, wants to use her project to help the community by giving low-income families access to free books as well as useful services like information about getting a library card. Anyone with books to donate can find out more about her project on Instagram: @the_openbookproject.

Three local schools earn Healthiest Schools designation

Scripps Ranch High School, Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School and Miramar Ranch Elementary School are Scripps Ranch schools among 42 schools across the San Diego Unified School District that have been recognized as America’s Healthiest Schools, a national distinction sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and presented by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The recognition honors schools that are leading the way in supporting the physical, mental and social-emotional well-being of students, staff and families.

The 2026 recognition builds on San Diego Unified’s ongoing efforts to take a whole-child approach to education. Through its Student Achievement Goals, the district has identified improving student wellness as its top priority, recognizing that academic achievement and student well-being are deeply connected.

“Student wellness is the foundation for everything we want our students to achieve,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, superintendent of San Diego Unified School District. “When students feel physically and emotionally well, when they know they belong and have caring adults supporting them, they are better prepared to learn and reach their full potential. Having 42 schools recognized nationally as America’s Healthiest Schools is a testament to the educators, staff, students, families and community partners who make wellness part of how we support children every day.”

America’s Healthiest Schools is one of the nation’s longest-running recognition programs honoring schools for creating healthier learning environments. Schools are evaluated across nine categories, including nutrition and food access, physical activity, staff well-being, social-emotional climate and family engagement.

—San Diego Unified School District

Popular restaurant brings affordable option for seafood

By Ashley Shah

When walking into Surfside Fish House, customers are welcomed by the friendly staff that has been there since the beginning, beachy decor to complement the fresh food served, and members of the community spending time together. 

Kristen and Jimmy Jang, residents of Scripps Ranch, are the owners of Seasurf in Del Mar that opened in 2017, and Surfside Fish House, here in Scripps Ranch that opened in 2024.

“There are a lot of great dining options in Scripps Ranch, but we felt like there was a void we could fill. A fast, casual seafood restaurant for families after practice or for parents’ night out. As community members ourselves, in deciding where we wanted to eat, we thought this concept would translate well in Scripps Ranch,” owner Kristen Jang said. 

The menu at Surfside Fish House primarily consists of seafood, but includes a wide variety of options. 

“Our two most popular menu items include the Ginger Garlic Shrimp and the Seafood Cioppino. But, we have a lot of other fan favorites like clam chowder and beer battered fish and chips. We have chicken options for those who do not want seafood. We have an option for everyone,” Jimmy Jang said.

“We also have poke bowls. I didn’t even like poke bowls, but that was before I tried ours,” Kristen said. 

A highlight of the restaurant is the happy hour, which takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. every day, including weekends. 

“The happy hour is one of the best kept secrets of our restaurant. Those that know about it, know about it. I am always surprised when I come into the restaurant and see a full spread of food that is filling, but so reasonably priced,” Kristen said. “Our happy hour menu has oysters for only $2, wings, poke nachos, and so much more,” Jimmy added. 

Surfside Fish House and Seasurf have similar menu items; however, there are some differences. 

“We added some food items here that are not available at Seasurf, like the linguine and gumbo,” Jimmy said. 

After two years of being open, they shared the most common feedback they have heard from community members. 

“I have heard ‘thank you’ the most since opening, ‘thank you for giving us this easy, accessible place to come and feed ourselves and family.’ There is a genuine sense of gratitude. We have lots of regulars, and those that come for our welcoming atmosphere,” Kristen said.

“What I love about Scripps Ranch is that residents are always willing to support each other in whatever endeavors they do. The community has really shown up for us,” Jimmy said. 

As a way to thank the community for their support, Surfside Fish House contributes to the local schools and club sports teams. 

“We are sponsors for some Little League teams. If we cannot sponsor the teams, then we at least try to do a fundraiser night for them. We are also part of the discount cards for the high school football team,” Kristen said. 

Surfside Fish House food is available for delivery through Grubhub, Uber Eats and similar delivery services. The restaurant provides catering to organizations all over San Diego. 

As of now, they have no plans to open other locations. 

“We never say never though,” Kristen said.

Outside of their two restaurants, the Jangs have two daughters who are enrolled in the local schools in Scripps Ranch. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the community, and we could not be more thrilled to be here,” Kristen said. 

For more information about the restaurant, visit www.surfsidefishhouse.com.

SIR Scripps Ranch continues to thrive!

What started as a new organization for retired and semi-retired men in Scripps Ranch is quickly becoming a thriving community. SIR Branch 174 has grown to nearly 80 members – and this month we reached an exciting milestone when the state organization recognized our membership achievement and granted us our permanent charter.

SIR (Sons in Retirement) is part of a statewide organization with more than 100 branches, and our Scripps Ranch group is proud to be the first SIR branch in Southern California.

But membership numbers are only part of the story. At the heart of SIR is the opportunity to make new friends, stay active and enjoy a variety of interests with other men in the community. Activities are driven by member suggestions, so there is always something new to try – and members are free to participate in the activities that appeal to them.

And it isn’t just about the guys. Many of our activities are also open to wives and partners, making SIR a great way for couples to enjoy new experiences together.

Something for everyone: Our activities range from the leisurely to the adventurous. This past month, members enjoyed a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Taylor Guitar Factory in El Cajon, where we got an eye-opening look at the craftsmanship and intricate process that goes into creating some of the world’s finest guitars.

There was plenty more happening, too, with members getting together for golf, pickleball, Breakfast Club, Happy Hour, poker, backgammon and more.

Our monthly luncheon is another popular gathering. Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Mainstream Bar and Grill in Poway, the luncheon is a chance to catch up with friends, meet new members and enjoy an interesting guest speaker.

Last month, one of our own members, Marty Brown, entertained us with a fascinating presentation about Operation Easter Bunny, a U.S. military operation that took place following the Vietnam War.

And we’re not slowing down. This month brings even more opportunities to get together, including a tour of General Atomics and a new activity – geocaching.

Come join the fun: With so many activities and new ones being added based on member interests, SIR Scripps Ranch is a great place for semi-retired and retired men looking for friendship, fun, new experiences and an active social life.

If you’re looking to meet some great people, try something new or simply get out and have a good time, we’d love to have you join us at our next luncheon.

For more information, contact Larry Maibaum at larpegmai@gmail.com or visit branch174.sirinc2.org.