In recognition of the City of Imperial Beach’s 55th Birthday, and the 31st Annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, Imperial Beach Mayor Jim Janney hosted the Annual Mayor’s Breakfast on July 22, 2011

The Mayor’s Breakfast, a tradition since 1986, honors the city residents, while marking the beginning of events for the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition taking place at Pier Plaza in Imperial Beach on July 23rd and 24th.  Professional and amateur sand carving teams from throughout the U.S. complete for the title of Master’s Champion, and more than $21,000 in cash prizes are awarded to the winners.  More than 350,000 people were expected to attend the event which includes a street fair with more than one hundred vendors and a wide range of performers.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Imperial Beach.

Mayor Janney introduced dignitaries and honored guests at the beginning of the breakfast, and presented a plaque to the members of the Imperial Beach Kiwanis Club for their long-time contributions to the city.  Students from San Diego Job Corps’ Culinary Arts Career Technical Training Program helped prepare food, while Job Corps’ Hotel and Lodging students helped serve the guests.

Job Corps student Haydee Gomez Galaviz, who is nearing completion of her Culinary Arts training, helped in the food preparation.  “I love cooking, it’s my passion”, she stated.  “It was fun seeing people enjoying the pastries I helped prepare.”  After graduating from Job Corps, Haydee plans to continue her education at Job Corps’ Advanced Culinary Program in Treasure Island, CA.  “After advanced training, I plan on pursuing a college degree in the culinary field,” she continued. “Eventually I want to open my own bakery and specialize in artisan bread.”

Working alongside Haydee at the breakfast was Hotel and Lodging student Mercedes Mendoza, who enrolled in Job Corps at the beginning of the year.  “I’ve been involved in several community service projects while at Job Corps and enjoyed being here today,” Mercedes stated. “I am an outgoing person and enjoy interacting with people and helping them.  My goal when I graduate is to either work for Disney Cruise Line or the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.”