


The Chula Vista Entertainment Complex (CVEC) is a first-ofits-kind creative campus in Southern California designed to support the future of storytelling, virtual production, digital content creation, and entertainment innovation. CVEC will blend traditional film & television media with community driven, digital content creation spaces to empower creators, attract top-tier talent, and reinvigorate independent storytelling. chulavistaec.com | V chulavistaec
SCAN AND SIGN TODAY! Advance the Future of CVEC by Supporting the San Diego County Film Initiative.
It’s an honor and a joy to welcome you to the very first issue of Chula Vista City Lifestyle. This launch is so much more than a magazine—it’s a celebration of our community, and a dream brought to life through the incredible support of people like you.
As publisher, I’ve spent the past few months meeting some of the most inspiring people—small business owners, artists, leaders, and everyday heroes who make this city feel like home. If we hav en’t yet met, I’d love to connect. I believe in the power of relationships, and this magazine is designed to build just that: real, meaningful connection across Chula Vista.
A little about me, I’ve called Chula Vista home for the last 13 years, and have had the joy of experiencing all that makes this city special alongside my family. It was truly faith that led me to this role, and through that, a realization: our city is rich with beauty, strength, and heart, yet it lacked a platform to truly highlight and celebrate those stories. That became my “why.” Chula Vista City Lifestyle was born from a desire to reflect our community back to itself—vibrant, diverse, and deeply inspiring. It’s a privilege to help shine a light on the people and places that make this city feel like home.
To our Founding Partners, thank you for taking this leap with me. Your trust and vision made this inaugural issue possible. And to every reader holding this magazine in their hands for the first time—welcome. I hope you feel seen, celebrated, and inspired.
Let’s build something beautiful together. My door (and inbox) is always open— whether you have a story to tell, a business to spotlight, or just want to say hello.
Warmly,
ANDREA MALAVE, PUBLISHER @CHULAVISTACITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Andrea Malave | andrea.malave@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Krueger | sarah.krueger@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Calvary- Calvary Photography, Voilà Social Media & Content Creation Agency
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
QUALITY
Light House Electrical, proudly serving San Diego County, CA, offers unparalleled electrical services for both residential and commercial customers. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient electrical solutions. As a service-connected, disabled veteran-owned business, we bring a unique blend of expertise, commitment, and integrity to every project.
1-2: Baja Home Build | Darryll T. Coleman participating in a home build for Homes of Hope Baja-YWAM.ORG 3-7: Eastlake Football Boosters | Eastlake Football Boosters host their Annual Golf Tournament on May 31, 2025. @gohstitansfootball
Chula Vista’s HOTWORX Named 2024–2025 Rookie Franchise of the Year
HOTWORX Chula Vista is thrilled to be recognized as the 2024–2025 Franchise of the Year, standing out among more than 800 locations across the globe.
In just eight months, this locally owned studio has achieved remarkable milestones, proudly showcasing its innovative 24/7 infrared sauna workouts and the vibrant energy of the Chula Vista community.
This prestigious recognition not only celebrates the studio’s dedication and success, but also puts Chula Vista on the global wellness map
Chula Vista’s culinary scene just welcomed a vibrant new addition—Ming’s Revolving Sushi & Bar, bringing conveyor belt Japanese dining to South Bay. Located on Otay Lakes Road, this casual, visually engaging spot offers fresh sushi, nigiri, and creative Japanese-inspired plates, all at wallet-friendly prices (around $4 per selection). The innovative concept delivers dishes via rotating conveyor belt, making dining fun and interactive for both sushi enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Casa Sur Hacienda Redefines Sophisticated Celebrations in Chula Vista
Casa Sur Hacienda is a stunning quarter-acre venue in Chula Vista available for retreats, events, and celebrations. It hosts up to 200 guests, sleeps 14–20, and features a 4-bedroom home, wine garden, and spacious indoor/outdoor areas. Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations, and corporate mixers, it offers a peaceful, joyful atmosphere just minutes from San Diego. https://casasur.club | 729 2nd Ave, Chula Vista
At Ability Plumbing, we’re more than just plumbers — we’re your neighbors. As a proud family-owned business, we’ve been serving our community with honest, high-quality plumbing services for over 25 years. From emergency repairs to smart upgrades, we treat every home like it’s our own.
Reliable. Professional. Rooted in trust.
ARTICLE BY ANDREA MALAVE
Born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, I moved to California after college. I met my husband here, and we’ve called Chula Vista home since 2012.
Running is my daily reset. I cherish early mornings, the rhythm of my feet, and podcasts. I’m grateful for my local running community that inspires and challenges me as we hit the pavement together.
I’m a coffee fanatic often found at Caffe Tazza or Casa de Otay, catching up with local business owners. My husband and I love date nights at Novo Brazil or Bento & Noodles—our favorite local spots.
After a decade in fashion, education, retail, and e-commerce, I launched Chula Vista City Lifestyle to tell stories of the community and support local businesses I love.
When not editing or running, I bake cakes, cake pops, and treats. Baking is my creative outlet and sharing desserts is my way of spreading joy.
NFL player and Chula Vista Native Tony Jefferson hosts free youth football camp in Eastlake
It isn’t every day that someone gets to live out their childhood dream. That’s the case, though, for Chula Vista native, Tony Jefferson. After a persistent career in the NFL, he had the opportunity to suit up as a Los Angeles Charger in 2024–the same team he grew up idolizing. Jefferson graduated from Eastlake High School in 2010. Today, he wears a Bolts helmet and hosts a free youth football camp right back in the neighborhood where his football career started. “San Diego has always been good to me,” he says. That’s why he gives back to the community that helped him grow.
JEFFERSON'S
Tony spent his childhood living in Spring Valley, but moved to East Chula Vista for high school. Growing up, he would watch the San Diego Charger games, unaware that he was rooting for a team he would eventually be a part of.
He says that moving to Chula Vista for high school set him on the path to where he is today. “It really helped me focus on football because there were less distractions there. Back then, Eastlake was a newer neighborhood. It was still growing and I feel like I was part of the growth from the earlier days.”
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CALVARYCALVARY PHOTOGRAPHY
As a sophomore, Jefferson started getting noticed nationally, earning All-State and impressing his coaches. He had tried out other sports, but it was apparent to both him and his coaches that football was where he was going to thrive, so he stuck with it. By the time he graduated, he was being recruited by more colleges than he could have ever imagined.
Despite the attention, it was difficult for Jefferson to make a decision about college. “When you’re 16 and 17, these decisions are hard because you don’t really know where you want to go. I committed three times to three different schools, I just couldn’t make up my mind because I had so many options.”
Inundated with offers from national scouts, Jefferson landed at the University of Oklahoma.
The culture shock at the University of Oklahoma was intense. “I had never been to the midwest, I was shocked at how different everything was.”
The change was so radical that during the early days, he considered transferring schools. He stayed committed, though, earning Freshman AllAmerican and playing two more years on the team. Jefferson left school as a junior, a choice he now says he might have done differently. After leaving school, he went undrafted in his first go around, but he didn’t let that stop him. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, and his NFL journey officially began.
Fast forward to 2024, when Jefferson signed as a Los Angeles Charger (formerly the San Diego Chargers). For him,
it’s special to put on a Bolts helmet each day. When he recalls the first ever NFL game he attended as a fan, he says that he sat up in the nosebleed seats of the San Diego Chargers with his high school girlfriend, now wife. “What if I play for the Chargers someday?” he asked her. Today, he is living his full circle fairy tale come true.
This past June, Jefferson hosted his annual Youth Football Camp at his alma mater, Eastlake High School. He ran his first camp in 2017 with just a few of his teammates, but now he partners with Hard Count Athletics to help the event run smoothly for such a large group of kids. On June 22nd, 2025, the sun shone bright as more than 300 kids passed, tackled, and scored touchdowns alongside Jefferson and a handful of other NFL players and college athletes–a childhood dream come true.
The camp is a one day workshop designed to get kids interested in the sport and explore what it’s like to be on a football team. The students run drills, receive coaching, and hear from the players and coaches about decision making, character
development, and what it means to stay consistent in whatever they choose to do in their lives–not just in sports. It’s also free.
“I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that I’m charging kids to come to camp. So I make sure that there is equal opportunity. I just want them to come out, learn, and be around some of the guys who made it. Out of 300 or 400 kids, all it takes is for us to inspire just one. That’s my goal,” says Jefferson.
Prior to the camp, Jefferson also made his way down to the Chula Vista golf course to support the 2025 Golf Tournament hosted by the Eastlake Football Booster Club. He’s been a sponsor for years, but it wasn’t until he
moved to LA to play with the Chargers that he was close enough to participate the actual event.
During the tournament, he connected with some of his favorite high school teachers and played alongside one of his old coaches and his old Athletic Director. “It was a good time,” he says, “I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to having many more with them.”
We asked Jefferson who inspired him most along his journey. His answer? His brother Andre. “He’s four years older than me, and I just felt like I was following everything he was doing.” he shared that when his brother started playing tackle football, Jefferson would rush home from school to put his brother's shoulder pads and
helmet on, pretending to play football by himself in his bedroom. “I just wanted to be like him,” he reminisces.
When he thinks about the advice he’d like to leave behind for young kids who hope to follow in his footsteps, Jefferson shares: “It’s all about decision making. Whether you want to be a professional athlete or do anything else in life, always think about the decisions you’re making and whether or not you're willing to handle the consequences of those decisions.”
Finally, he weighs in on the most important question of all. As a San Diego native, now living in LA–the
dispute needed to be settled. Which of the two cities has the best Mexican food?
“I was just talking about this with the guys in the locker room the other day,” answers Jefferson. “I don’t even know why there is an argument. San Diego is just the best. The Carne Asada in San Diego can’t be beat.” There you have it, folks.
What’s next for Tony Jefferson? Well, If you ask his old coach and Athletic Director, they’d love to see him return to Eastlake as a coach once he retires from the NFL. Perhaps he will. Perhaps he’ll write a book some day about his full circle journey from fan to player.
What we know for sure is that San Diego will always have a special place in his heart, and that the kids of Chula Vista can surely look forward to seeing him at next year’s Summer Football Camp.
“Offering this camp once a year is really nothing compared to how San Diego has been good to me,” says Jefferson, “I will always do as much as I can to give back to this community.”
ARTICLE BY ANDREA MALAVE
One of the driving reasons I launched Chula Vista City Lifestyle was to create more than just a magazine. I wanted to build a platform that connects, uplifts, and celebrates the people and organizations making a real impact in our city.
From that vision, the Giving Partner Program was born—a unique, local initiative designed to bridge the gap between small businesses and nonprofits through the power of storytelling.
1. A local business becomes a Giving Partner by sponsoring a nonprofit they believe in.
2. The nonprofit receives a full year of editorial and advertising support - at no cost to them
3. Their mission and stories are shared across thousands of households in Chula Vista
WHAT THE NONPROFIT RECEIVES
• A monthly full-page ad for one year.
• One featured editorial article
• Inclusion in City Scene, Business Monthly, and the Events Calendar
This is storytelling with heart—and a way to harness the power of local business to make lasting change. We’re proud to spotlight the people doing good and the partners who support them.
BECOME A GIVING PARTNER
You can support a cause you care about and amplify its mission across Chula Vista, one story at a time.
Contact: andrea.malave@citylifestyle.com
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR 2025-2026 GIVING PARTNER - LOCALHUB ACCELERATOR! We are thankful for LocalHub Accelerator’s passion to give back to our Chula Vista and South Bay community, and for sponsoring South Bay Community Services
Congratulations and thank you LocalHub Accelerator, on being the first ever Giving Partner for Chula Vista City Lifestyle!
The life-changing support that SBCS provides for under-resourced families strengthens the entire region, creating a safer, healthier, and more economically vibrant community for all. From crisis to stability to opportunity — SBCS delivers the urgent help families need today while equipping them with tools to build a foundation for long-term success. With your support, we can build a community where every child, family, and neighborhood thrives.
Support Chula Vista families today!
ELEVATE YOUR NEXT PARTY WITH FOOTBALL-READY GRAZING BOARDS THAT SCORE BIG WITH GUESTS
ARTICLE BY SARAH KRUEGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY VOILÀ MARKETING & @JOYE’SGONEGRAZEY
Football season is upon us! Whether you’re hosting weekly Sunday football parties or Fall get-togethers, making sure your guests have wow-worthy snacks is essential.
Tired of putting out the same old chips and dip? We sat down with Chula Vista’s very own grazing board and charcuterie expert, Joye West, to highlight fun and festive ways to elevate your next gathering.
There are a handful of things you can do to make sure your next grazing board is the talk of the party. Joye’s favorite? Pick a theme. If it’s a spooky Halloween party you’re planning, throw in some dark purples like figs, grapes, and even some toy spiders to bring out the ultimate spook. If you’re celebrating a college acceptance, lean into school colors.
For football Sunday, try choosing a soft cheese, like Boursin, and shape it into a football. Next, roll it in chopped almonds and cut strips of cheese for the laces. Voila! If you’re putting together a larger
grazing table, throw in some gameday staples like pigs in a blanket, pretzel bites, spinach dip and veggies, or even chicken wings to round it all out.
To really up your grazing board game on a regular basis, keep some non-perishables stocked up in your pantry so you can throw together a spectacular board on the go. Things like crackers, olives and nuts make for great staples, and keeping cheese bags and vacuum seal bags on hand means you can keep charcuterie and cheese fresh for longer.
“MY FAVORITE BITE IS BRIE PAIRED WITH FRUIT AND A DRIZZLE OF HONEY.”
READY TO GIVE IT A TRY? HERE ARE JOYE’S 4 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR CRAFTING THE ULTIMATE GAME DAY GRAZING BOARD:
1. Know Your Guests. Think about what your guests would order at a restaurant and include that on your table. Do they like dips? Appetizers? Do they eat fruits and veggies, or do they gravitate more to salty snacks? Knowing who’s coming and what their preferences are will help you choose items that make their eyes light up. When planning for specific numbers, Joye recommends starting bigger rather
than smaller. You can always fill in the spaces with extras later.
2. Offer Variety. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 1-2 charcuterie options and around 3 cheeses. For the meats, try a hard salami alongside something a little softer like prosciutto. For the cheese, pick a few types you like. Stay away from stinky cheeses, like blue cheese, unless specifically requested. The strong smell and flavor can overtake other flavors on the board.
3. Find Balance. It’s always good to have something salty, something sweet, and
something savory on your board. Fruit is a good palate cleanser and does well with a mild soft cheese. You can offer honeys, jams, or sauces to spice up the pairings. “I always like Brie on my boards,” says Joye. “One of my favorite bites is brie paired with a piece of fruit and a drizzle of honey. For savory, I go for goat cheese with pepper bacon jam and almonds.”
4. Use Quality Ingredients. Finally, and most importantly, it’s essential to use high quality ingredients on your board for it to really go the distance. This doesn’t have to mean spending a pretty penny, though. While grazing board elements can get a little pricey, stores like Trader Joes and Aldi often have wide selections of cheese and charcuterie at more affordable prices. Check expiration dates if you plan to hold on to ingredients for a while, and always make sure perishable items are crisp and fresh.
There you have it! Use these tips to wow and impress at your next gathering. No matter who takes home the trophy, your charcuterie is sure to be voted the MVP.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-to-make sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)
• 6 oz roast beef
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
INSTRUCTIONS
• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Arugula
• Cherry tomato
• Caramelized onions
Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 grilled chicken breast
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)
INSTRUCTIONS
• A handful of fresh arugula
• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tbsp garlic aioli
• 1 brioche bun (toasted)
Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz goat cheese
• Fresh arugula
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• Honey, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
• Butter for toasting the bread
• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced
• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)
Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.
Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities
• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)
• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• fresh nutmeg
Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur
• graham crackers
• marshmallows
Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!
Put the carving tools down and check out how you can add some pizzazz to your pumpkins with just a paint brush.
For this design, you’ll need several pumpkins or gourds in various shapes and sizes, some white and metallic acrylic paint, hot glue and some fake creepy crawlers.
Paint your “background” pumpkins in metallic colors. For your centerpiece, use white paint to cover the body, metallic paint for the stem and hot glue your creepy crawlers all around.
SUNDAYS
Chula Vista Farmers' Market
Park Way between Third & Fourth Avenues | 10:00 AM
Every Sunday, rain or shine, head down to the Chula Vista Farmers' Market from 10am - 2pm to check out fresh produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, and handmade items from local vendors. visit www.downtownchulavista.com to learn more!
TUESDAYS
Otay Ranch Town Center | 4:00 PM
Looking for a weekday adventure? Check out the Otay Ranch Farmers' Market every Tuesday from 4pm - 8pm at the Otay Ranch Mall. Shop food, produce, and other items from local sellers, and enjoy a night out and about with the family.
OCTOBER 18TH
648 3rd Ave Chula Vista | 11:00 AM
Join the Salvation Army for a Treasure Island themed fundraiser with lunch included for $20! All proceeds will benefit the Chula Vista Salvation Army Auxiliary holiday gift giving.
OCTOBER 18TH
Otay Community Center - 3554 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 91911 | 8:00 AM
The City of Chula Vista is looking for volunteers to participate in a community cleanup event in partnership with the South Bay Sustainable Communities Network. Join your neighbors in making a meaningful impact by picking up trash, covering graffiti, and restoring local neighborhoods, creeks, and canyons. Register at www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/clean/beautify-chula-vista
OCTOBER 18TH & 19TH
San Diego Fall Home/Garden Show
Del Mar Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM
Come see Chula Vista businesses and other vendors on October 18th & 19th | Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Shop deals on bath and kitchen remodeling, home decor, and more with vendors like the Chula Vista Ability Plumbing Team! Learn more at https://fall. sandiegohomegardenshows.com/
OCTOBER 24TH
Movies in the Moonlight
Escaya Park - 1075 Camino Prado | 6:00 PM
Grab your blanket, snacks, and snuggle up to watch Hotel Transylvania under the stars. Enjoy a free night of family fun hosted by Chula Vista Parks and Recreation. Movie starts at dusk. Learn more at https://www.chulavistaca.gov/departments/movies-in-the-moonlight
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Andrea Malave
CHULA VISTA CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Ability Plumbing Service Repair and Pipelining
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Annel Verdugo De Vargas
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Chula Vista Entertainment Complex
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Cruise Planners
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First United Methodist Church Chula Vista
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Floor Coverings International
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HOTWORX | Chula Vista, CA | Millenia
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JM CLEANING
Jorge Alvarez | Compass Realty
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Joye’s Gone Grazey
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Leather and Blush Homestyling
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Light House Electrical
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LocalHub
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Ming’s Revolving Sushi & Bar
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Montgomery Paint Contracting
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New York Life | Darryll T Coleman
Pacific View Electric Inc
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RevBody
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The Camp Transformation Center | Chula Vista
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The Giving Partner Program | SBCS
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Urban Sage Acupuncture + Wellness
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Wholistic Wellness Services
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