Poway celebrates 45 years of city incorporation

by Amy Stark Shireman

Poway’s 45th birthday “dessert before dinner” themed celebration drew an impressive turnout before the City Council’s Dec. 2 meeting.

The festivities began at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, featuring the Poway Fire Department that was showcasing its state-of-the-art ladder truck adorned with holiday lights.

Added to the department’s fleet of trucks this summer, this vehicle was custom-built to the city’s specifications by a major fire truck manufacturer based in Appleton, Wisconsin, said Fire Chief Brian Mitchell. Attendees interacted with the firefighters and took an up-close look at the truck, tools and rescue equipment.

Rene Carmichael, the city’s community outreach coordinator, said the evening’s goal was to host a fun event celebrating the amazing community in Poway. Carmichael said she hoped people would come by to see what the city had on display and help celebrate the occasion.

Poway City Councilmember Peter de Hoff, Mayor Steve Vaus and City Councilmember Christopher Pikus right before Vaus cut the celebration's cake. (Criselda Yee) — Poway City Councilmember Peter de Hoff, Mayor Steve Vaus and City Councilmember Christopher Pikus right before Vaus cut the celebration’s cake. (Criselda Yee)

Activities and displays lined the path from the front of City Hall back to the patio behind the Council Chambers.

Several of the city’s departments were present, with staff ready to interact with residents.

Employees with Development Services set up several tables with hands-on building activities for kids to enjoy. There were bins full of Legos, clay sticks to mold into unique designs, puzzles and holiday coloring pages.

Juliet Ante, an administrative assistant in Development Services, was at the tables encouraging kids to play.

“We want the kids to be able to utilize STEM activities like Legos to build and create anything they would like,” Ante said. “Our display allows people to see a different side of engineering and explore their curiosity with fun, creative, tactile activities.”

Development Services supports residents and businesses by guiding their construction, renovation and permitting projects, according to the city’s website.

Jennifer Barefield attended with her two young kids, who were busy building with Legos.

“I am new to Poway, and we enjoy exploring the city and getting to know people in the community,” Barefield said.

Poway High junior Nanami Huth walked the event with her dad and proudly showed off her multi-colored, detailed clay figurine she created at the Development Services table.

“I made my favorite Pokémon character called Eevee using clay,” Huth said.

The Public Works staff brought out their large excavator so kids could climb into it for photo opportunities.

Siblings Leif, Finn and Niels Sathrum explored the cab of the wheeled excavator while dad Aaron Sathrum and James Barsanti from Poway Stormwater Maintenance stood close by. (Criselda Yee)

Also in attendance were Sheriff’s deputies and other staff from the Poway Sheriff’s Station. They answered questions, provided information on e-bike safety and distributed educational materials.

Personnel from the Finance Department handed out celebratory multi-colored light sticks.

Stephanie Baker and Brad Rosen, both with Poway's Finance Department, gave colorful birthday light sticks to kids. (Criselda Yee) — Stephanie Baker and Brad Rosen, both with Poway’s Finance Department, gave colorful birthday light sticks to kids. (Criselda Yee)

High school student volunteers with Community Services set up large lawn games in front of City Hall for younger kids to enjoy as they walked around the event with their parents. The activities included large Jenga blocks that stood over two feet tall. The teen volunteers helped kids get involved in the games and played with them.

Poway Teen Volunteer Program members Julian Giovando, Maddox Thongprachanh, and Eva Korolskaya. (Criselda Yee)

“I enjoy helping with the games and making people feel comfortable,” said Mt. Carmel High junior Eva Korolskaya. “It’s great to volunteer with the city and help out in my hometown.”

It was the second event where Poway High freshman Julian Giovando volunteered.

“I volunteer 12 hours every trimester as part of my AVID class requirements. It helps me to stay active and be responsible.”

Mt. Carmel High junior Maddox Thongprachanh attended to learn more about volunteering opportunities for students.

“I am here with a friend who is volunteering because I am looking to get involved myself,” Thongprachanh said. “My AP US History teacher inspired me to give back and volunteer.”

Kate Weihe with Human Resources and Risk Management and Patty Fletcher with the City Manager's office served cake and cookies at the celebration. (Criselda Yee) — Kate Weihe with Human Resources and Risk Management and Patty Fletcher with the City Manager’s office served cake and cookies at the celebration. (Criselda Yee)

Poway residents perused the activities and sampled desserts from local establishments, including a birthday cake with an edible city logo from Poway Stater Bros. and an assortment of cookies. Señorita bread from Starbread Bakery was also served. The bakery opened its second San Diego County location on Poway Road earlier this year.

Maryanne Grace and Mark Thompson, Powegians since 1986, said they enjoy attending city events and wanted to come out and wish their city a “happy birthday.”

Thompson said, “It’s the cookies,” when asked about the biggest draw to attend.

Dayna Snyder browsed the many activities with her children, Grace, 4, and Tyler, 10.

“We learned of the event on Facebook, and we always enjoy coming out to the fun community events,” Snyder said.

For information on future Poway community events, visit poway.org.