January 6, 2012
On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Volume 2 – Number 1
La Mesa Neighbors: Tom and Julie Karlo KPBS General Manager and his wife are long-time residents By Patti Anderson
Balboa Park Proposal sparks controversy Page 3
New Mt. Helix Park ‘Yawkey Trail’ Perfect for Contemplation
Getting Crafty in La Mesa Page 6
La Mesa History Matters! Page 7
La Mesa has long been known as the perfect community to raise children and establish roots that will last for generations. You need look no further than longtime residents Tom and Julie Karlo for proof. Their story is a saga of dedication and family-irst priorities that has led to great professional successes, a loving 38-year marriage, three children and four grandchildren who have stayed in or near the neighborhood to make their own lives.
Most of us take some time each New Year to review the past and contemplate the future. Quieting the mind from everyday worries is not easy, but removing yourself to a natural environment helps. And La Mesa residents have an especially beautiful spot close at hand to do just that. Mt. Helix Park recently unveiled a new quarter-mile nature trail, the irst formal trail in the Park. The trail was inspired by two people, Mary Carpenter Yawkey, the mother to whom the Park is dedicated, and Miles Stepich, a longtime advocate for a formal trail. Nearly 100 years ago, Mrs. Yawkey would walk to the summit of an uninhabited mountain (now the top of Mt. Helix) to sit and enjoy the view and contemplate life. Later, Mr. Stepich, a long time resident of Mt. Helix and supporter of the Park Foundation, envisioned a trail where people could leave the beaten path to enjoy nature. After his death in 2009, Miles’ family established a fund to help with the building of a The trail offers three proper trail. rock wall viewpoints, Last November, his vision became a reality complete with benches. as more than 50 volunteers began carving a modest trail from the southern, western and northern hillside. Under the direction of John Mead and Jeff Safford, six work parties labored to create this new nature experience. Thanks to regular work day volunteers and crews from the
Tom has contributed most of his professional career to KPBS Public Broadcasting and is now its top executive and general manager, and Julie, has spent many years in the nonproit ield. After 37 years in La Mesa, the Karlos see the community as an ideal home base. When asked what has been the catalyst for their lifelong commitment to the La Mesa area, the answer is simple. According to Tom…“La Mesa has always provided the structure a family needs to grow and thrive. Stability and support is the key to any accomplishment.”
See Mt. Helix, page 4
See Neighbors, page 5
State Champions! Helix Knocks Off NorCal’s Best in CIF Division II Bowl Scotties speed by Del Oro High School 35-24 to complete near perfect season, win first state title
Invisible Children organization brings hope to Ugandan youth. Page 10
Darrien Oliver leaped high into the stands, joining his fans. No small feat, since the senior lineman is listed as 5 feet 10, 250 pounds. But Helix Charter
NEWS TIPS (619) 697-2500 x124 Editor@LaMesaCourier.com
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Ken Stone
ADVERTISE WITH US (619) 697-2500 x133 Scotties Coach Troy Starr and family
High School wore Eagle’s wings on December 17, after beating the best Division II high school team in Northern California 35-24 in the state Helix Scotties pose after winning CIF Division II Bowl. championships. Another high-lier was star quarterback Brandon Lewis, Del Oro High School of Loomis, quoted in The San Diego Unionnortheast of Sacramento, discovered Tribune as saying: “I’m on Cloud 9. I what all but one Helix foe found this don’t remember the plays right now. I magical season—the Scotties ind a feel that I’m loating on air.” way to win big. See Helix Scotties, page 4
Ken Stone
By Ken Stone La Mesa Patch
News
Page 2
Noteworthy City of La Mesa Staff Logs Thousands of Healthy Miles Since September, sixteen people from the City of La Mesa’s Community Services division have been participating in a friendly East County Healthy Miles competition sponsored by the County of San Diego. Each member keeps track of the number of miles they walk, run or swim each week, which Mike Pacheco, Community Services Manager, then calculates into a monthly total to be submitted to the County ofice. “Healthier Me 4 La Mesa” (team name) traveled 1581.75 miles from September – November 2011, and 500+ for December, raising the total to over 2,000 miles! Congratulations to all the East County Healthy Miles competition teams!!
LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
January
Events Calendar GMIA NEIGHBORHOOD WALK ON MT. HELIX—JANUARY 7 The Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) is hosting a walk up to the Mt. Helix Nature Park to welcome the New Year on Saturday, January 7. Neighbors will be gathering at the San Miguel Fire Station at the base of the mountain at 10 a.m. to begin the walk. The hosts promise hot coffee will be waiting at the top!
SPRING YOUTH RECREATION CLASSES – CITY OF LA MESA – REGISTER NOW! La Mesa Community Services is now accepting registrations for the Spring session that begins the week of February 8th. New youth classes offered are: Baby Signs, Chess Challenge, 10andunder Tennis and Woodshop Wizards. Other programs include: Art, Dance, Gymnastics, Fencing, Ice Skating, Small Friends Enrichment Programs, Stroller Strides La Mesa, Theater, Tiny Sports, Toddlers Tango, and World of Rhythm. Adult classes include: Aquatic classes, Ballet, Belly Dancing, Boot Camp, Dog Obedience, Fencing, Irish Folk Music, Tennis, Walk and Talk, Yoga, Zumba and many more. Call 619-557-1300 for more information or view the online brochure & register at www.cityolamesa. com/classes.
“INDOCTRINATED: THE GROOMING OF OUR CHILDREN INTO PROSTITUTION” – JANUARY 11
Top row (l. to r.): Heidi Thomas, Marisa Garcia; middle row: Mike Pacheco; Daniel Cancino; Becky Jackman; Kaaren S. McElroy; Kathy Tinsley; Linda Schicker; front row: Michele D. Greenberg-McClung; Catherine Hollarn; Dawn M. Olson; Judi Bonilla; Angela DiBartola; Misty Thompson; not pictured: Yvonne Garrett; Joan B. O’Steen. Another round of competition will be starting soon. Any circle of friends, business or civic group can organize a team and participate. For more information, contact Amy.Menolez@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Fancy Food Trucks Visit La Mesa on Fridays Food trucks have grown greatly in popularity over the past few months, with food truck gatherings nearly every day of the week in places like Mira Mesa, Normal Heights, Chula Vista, San Marcos, La Mesa, Point Loma, Hillcrest, and Paciic Beach. These gatherings usually feature a rotating selection of several trucks parked together in a parking lot, creating a makeshift social eating extravaganza. Such a gathering can be seen from 5-8 pm. on “Food Truck Fridays,” at the corner of Palm and Allison in La Mesa, the former location of the Friday Farmer’s Market. Note: Because these are recurring events, details can change frequently. Details can be conirmed by visiting http://wp.me/p1toAU-s7 or @sdfoodtrucks on Twitter. San Diego Food Trucks (or SDFT) is a fan community about mobile food vendors in San Diego. SDFT does not organize any food truck events or own any food trucks, but simply aims to promote the food truck scene in San Diego, and is the irst and only online resource solely dedicated to it. We believe that food trucks are fun, exciting, and have the potential to expand our culinary scene. The “San Diego Food Trucks” Facebook page was founded in June 2010, and now has over 6,000 likes. Learn more at sdfoodtrucks.com.
Emergency Website Gets a Major Upgrade, Goes Mobile Get critical emergency information on your computer, mobile phone or tablet using the County’s new website at www.sdcountyemergency.com, featuring technology developed in partnership with Microsoft. “The new state-of-the-art site allows us to get important updates to residents quickly on their computers and on their mobile devices. And, it was See Noteworthy, Page 7
The La Mesa Soroptimists Club as part of their STAT! (Soroptimists Together Against Traficking) program is presenting “Indoctrinated: The Grooming of Our Children into Prostitution” on January 11. As part of National Human Traficking Awareness Day, the documentary ilm about child sex traficking in San Diego County will be shown at several locations. The ilm exposes the scope and destructive nature of child sex traficking and uncovers tactics used by the people involved in this horriic crime. For your convenience, the ilm will be shown at ive locations and the 30-minute ilm will be followed by a Q&A session with local experts in the ield of commercial sex traficking. There is no charge for the ilm. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the ilm starts at 6:30 p.m. The locations are: La Mesa First United Methodist Church, Alvarado Hospital, UCSD, The Church of Rancho Bernardo, and Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
LA MESA HISTORICAL SOCIETY – THE CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE KUMEYAAY/ DIEGUENO – JANUARY 14 The La Mesa Historical Society will open its popular History Roundtable Series for the City’s Centennial year with a presentation on the cultural origins of our region. Cheryl Hinton, M.A., Museum Director/Chief Curator of the Barona Cultural Center & Museum will present an engaging overview of the history, ethnography, and current activities of the Kumeyaay/Diegueno peoples to discover, preserve, and continue their cultural legacy from prehistoric times through to today. The lecture will be held on Saturday, January 14, at 10 a.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District Auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa Drive. For more information, contact Jim Newland, La Mesa Historical Society, 619-204-0051.
LA MESA CHAMBER – E-WASTE EVENT – JANUARY 14 & 15 The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s irst activity of the new year is a community-wide E-WASTE event on January 14th and January 15th at Grossmont Center. The event is FREE to the public. Residents are encouraged to bring obsolete computers, televisions, microwaves (a $5 charge) and other electrical items to the two-day event so they can be disposed of properly. The location for the drop-off is between b2bit and Fuddruckers Restaurant on the west side of the mall between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take this opportunity to help the environment while cleaning out unused items; then stay to shop and eat at Grossmont Center.
SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT WEEK 2012 – JANUARY 15 – 20 San Diego Restaurant Week brings the City’s vibrant food scene to life for one week of delicious dining showcasing the freshest ingredients, most lavorful dishes and tastiest culinary gems that San Diego has to offer! You can choose from over 180 of San Diego’s most delightful and delicious eateries for a three-course dinner prix-ixe menus for $20, $30, or $40 per person, depending on the restaurant. Or try the lunch option – a two-course lunch prix-ixe menus for just $10, $15, or $20 per person. No coupons to buy, no cards to punch, just a phone call to your favorite restaurant will set up your reservation (it’s very popular so be sure to make reservations). La Mesa restaurants participating include Terra, Banbu Shushi, Casa de Pico, and Anthony’s Fish Grotto. To ind a complete list of participating restaurants or more information, visit SanDi egoRestaurantWeek.com or call 619-233-5008.
15TH ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL – JANUARY 22 Come join the fun on Sunday, January 22, and participate in the 15th Annual Multicultural Festival Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. As part of the Centennial events celebrating La Mesa’s 100th Anniversary, the program will be held from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive. See Events, Page 3
LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Page 3
Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama: Two points of view
Events, from page 2 HEARTLAND FIRE AND RESCUE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CERT TRAINING PROGRAMS – JANUARY 28
Major changes could take place by 2015 Balboa Park has been in the local news a lot lately. Perhaps you’ve seen the stories about the new Balboa Park Conservancy, the plans for a celebration marking the Centennial of the 1915 Panama California Exposition or heard something about a controversy surrounding a “Plaza de Panama Project.” Because Balboa Park is a regional treasure used, loved and supported by citizens throughout the County, we believe our readers should be informed about any major changes that might affect it. Therefore, we have invited two experts, who care passionately about the Park but disagree on redevelopment plans currently under consideration—the Plaza de Panama Project—to present their differing points of view on the project. Background: Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama Project – which began to see life in January 13, 2010, when San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders brought the subject forward during his State of the City speech – was introduced to address parking and trafic congestion concerns within Balboa Park. Dr. Irwin Jacobs, a local philanthropist and founder of Qualcomm, later created and formed a committee to develop a plan to “remove trafic from the heart of the park and reclaim these spaces for pedestrian use.” Oficials say funds for the project will come from “private donations and a selfsupporting bond.” The project is slated to be completed by January 2015, just in time for the 1915 Exposition’s centennial celebration. But the Jacobs plan, which involves adding a by-pass bridge that would route cars traveling into the Park from the west side to a road behind the California Building annex and Alcazar Gardens and into a new parking garage built atop the Organ Pavilion lot, has met opposition from community groups, most notably SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization). SOHO sent a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation protesting the plan and iled a lawsuit contesting naming the Jacobs team to lead the project. Despite this, on July 19, City Council members voted 7-1 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Plaza de Panama Committee (the Jacobs-led team). Since then, the Plaza de Panama Committee has conducted an environmental review and study, including alternative plans brought forth by local residents during public workshop sessions. A draft of the EIR evaluating the plans proposed by the Committee is due out in mid-January 2012.
PLAZA DE PANAMA: CARS OR PEOPLE? By David Marshall, AIA The choice is quite simple: Cars or people? Should Balboa Park be a drive-thru or walk-thru experience? Since 1918, other than during the 1935-36 exposition, cars, trucks and buses have dominated the heart of Balboa Park. The historic uses and beauty of the Plaza de Panama, Plaza de California, West El Prado, Esplanade and Pan American Road have all been sacriiced for the automobile. For more than 60 years park supporters and city planners have tried to chase cars out of the core of Balboa Park. But there is no magic bullet to achieve this goal and the lack of inancial resources has allowed this problem to persist and worsen. When Mayor Jerry Sanders approached philanthropist Irwin Jacobs to help rid the Plaza de Panama of cars Dr. Jacobs quickly realized that the issue extended beyond just the central plaza, which had become a parking lot, trafic circle and throughway. Dr. Jacobs saw the stark contrast between the people-friendly East El Prado and the car crazy West El Prado. The East El Prado was reclaimed for pedestrians back in 1973 – why couldn’t we do the same thing for the entire El Prado in time for the Exposition Centennial in 2015? The solution developed by Dr. Jacobs will completely remove cars from El Prado and its related plazas, freeing up 6.3 acres of new parkland. When was the last time you heard a plan proposed for the park that increased parkland? Dr. Jacobs formed the Plaza de Panama Committee to not only oversee this ambitious plan, but to fund it with private donations. Trafic studies show that at least 80% of park visitors arrive by car. So when you remove 7,000 daily autos from the core of the park you must give cars somewhere else to go. The Plaza de Panama Committee is proposing a new bridge from the east end of the Cabrillo Bridge to re-route vehicles around the rear of the buildings to a long-planned underground paid parking See Cars or People?, Page 8
Make a New Year’s resolution to be better prepared and take some classes that will help you respond to an emergency. The 2012 East County Community Response Team (CERT) academy schedule has been posted on the Heartland Fire and Rescue website at www.heartlandire.org. Training in basic disaster response skills, such as ire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members will become better prepared to assist others at home, in the workplace, or neighborhood following a disaster. The classes are ideal for Neighborhood Watch programs. The classes begin January 28, and will be offered on Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the La Mesa Fire Station 11, 8054 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, or the HTF location at 1301 N. Marshall Avenue, El Cajon. To register, call 619-441-1737 and leave your name and best contact number. Classes will be offered through December.
COLLEGE DISTRICT, EAST COUNTY CHAMBER LAUNCHES ‘BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ACADEMY’ The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the GrossmontCuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD), has launched a “Business Solutions Academy,” featuring a series of professional development educational classes, designed to assist business owners in the East County. Two classes are scheduled for January, both of them from 1:30 to 4:30 See Events, Page 4
SAVE BALBOA PARK By Bruce Coons, Executive Director, Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) The proposed remodel and redesign of Balboa Park is simply a bad plan. It is the epitome of reverse urban planning. Inlexible, permanent, with no smart or innovative transportation solutions, no restoration of historic features or spaces, and no plan for maintenance or future park needs. Instead, a brutal and destructive approach was taken for what was originally a goal of removing 54 parking spaces from the Plaza de Panama with an excessive re-construction and transformation of the landscape and hardscapes. The plan as it stands now is a means for bringing paid parking and thousands of cars directly into the core of the park. SOHO’s plan, found on our website shows how the original goal can be accomplished quickly, easily, with little impact, and for a fraction of the cost. Who would have thought when the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Exposition was announced, that this National Historic Landmark with its spectacular Spanish Colonial architecture and graceful landscape would be transformed into what can only be described as an unmemorable suburban ofice park appearance with a freeway-like road running through it. No thought has been given to what would allow the park to move graciously, naturally, and elegantly toward the future. Instead it is being rushed to completion for 2015, in part because of that hard timeline it is an immature design with no feeling for the qualities that make Balboa Park special and beautiful. The name the Plaza de Panama Circulation and Parking Project says it all. No mention of restoration, beautiication, or becoming pedestrian-friendly. San Diegans are being told to not worry, be happy about a two-lane highway and bridge attached to the Cabrillo Bridge, cutting into, through and around the park’s iconic entrance; the removal of fully grown specimens of graceful canopied trees between the plaza and the palisades to be replaced with soldier rows of palm trees, a three-story paid parking strucSee Save Balboa Park, Page 8
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Helix Scotties, from page 1 Helix executive director Rani Goyal stood with coach Troy Starr as the school accepted its irst-ever state championship trophy in football. Grossmont district schools Superintendent Ralf Swenson, a former prep football coach in North Dakota, savored the moment as well. Starr had trouble describing his
Events, from page 3 Starr didn’t see it, though. He was being showered with Gatorade. Coming out of the tunnel at halftime, Del Oro players were cheered by former foes Westlake High School— the only other team this season to beat the Golden Eagles. But Westlake’s luck was no better at Carson. They lost the open
p.m. at the Chamber ofices, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon. “New Year, New Attitudes,” a class on how to improve attitudes in the workforce and how attitudes can affect customer service, company image, productivity and employee retention, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18. “Customer Care Essentials,” a class on exceeding customer expectations, dealing with challenging customers and managing customer feedback, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Cost to attend each class is $45 per person for Chamber members, $60 per person for non-Chamber members. For registration information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at www.eastcountychamber.org or (619) 440-6161, or GCCCD Workplace Learning Resource Center at Cuyamaca College, (619) 660-4508.
Especially For Seniors…
Ken Stone/lamesa.patch.com
SENIOR RESOURCE PROGRAMS AT GROSSMONT HOSPITAL
Kacy Smith (left) and Cameron Lee hold the irstever State football trophy in Helix history. victorious return to Carson and the Home Depot Center (after coaching in the Los Angeles CIF section, where he won a City title in 1998 with Woodland Hills Taft). “I’m at a loss for words,” he said. “It’s just spectacular.” But Starr told MaxPreps.com: “It’s the best offensive and defensive lines I’ve ever coached. It’s the guys up front. That’s where it starts.” Del Oro coach Casey Taylor expressed admiration for his players, telling the Sacramento Bee: “Our guys were so resilient. They’d play another quarter if it was allowed. We were a little shellshocked there in the second quarter, but we came back.” In fact, the Golden Eagles scored their inal points on a blocked Helix punt and runback for a touchdown— with 35 seconds left in the game.
division title to ever-powerful De La Salle High School of Concord 35-0. Del Oro, whose team and hundreds of fans traveled more than 400 miles for their irst visit to Carson, drew irst blood with a ield goal on its irst possession—after opening the game with an onside kick that the special teams recovered. But a Darrion Hancock TD run put Helix up 7-3 with 4:24 left in the irst quarter. The Golden Eagles—wearing yellow and black—came back with 10:11 left in the second quarter to take the lead 10-7. After a penalty negated a Highlander touchdown pass to Jimmy Pruitt, Helix scored on the very next play when Lewis connected with Gary Thompson on a long score with 7:25 to go in the irst half. See Helix Scotties, Page 12
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The Senior Resource Center at Sharp Grossmont Hospital offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Senior Resource Center also provides information and assistance for health information and community resources. For more information, call 619-740-4214. For other programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit our web site at www.sharp.com.
MANAGING DIFFICULT BEHAVIORS – JANUARY 13 Are you caring for someone with memory loss? Learn from Diane DarbyBeach of the Alzheimer’s Association how to improve your communication skills with memory-impaired adults and identify techniques to cope with challenging behaviors. Friday, January 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa. Reservations required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING – JANUARY 20 AND JANUARY 31 No appointment necessary. Open to the public. For information, call 619-740-4214. Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center, 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, Tuesday, January 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Or visit the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Boulevard, Friday, January 20, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
SHAPE UP IN THE NEW YEAR – JANUARY 26 Want to lose weight? Think you need more iber? Want to have more energy and just feel better overall? Think you should exercise, yet don’t have “the get up and go” to do it? Learn simple tricks to make your diet healthier. Find out why being healthy is challenging and develop a plan to make it easier! Presented by Candy Cumming, Registered Dietician, Sharp Center for Weight Management on Thursday, January 26, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa Street. Reservations required.Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.
FEELING BEAUTIFUL? APPLY FOR MS. SENIOR SAN DIEGO PAGEANT – JANUARY 30 The Ms. Senior California beauty pageant is conducting a search to ind contestants in the San Diego area for the irst preliminary pageant to take place in February 2012. The pageant is open to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance,” age 60 and up. The pageant seeks to allow women to step into the spotlight of grace and dignity and accept the recognition they so richly deserve. Pageant competition is based on an interview, an evening gown presentation, sharing of a philosophy of life and a talent. The pageant will be held on February 18, at the Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Plaza in San Diego. All interested contestants can contact San Diego Pageant Director, Peggy Padilla at 760-431-9275 or email at peggy.100@att.net. The deadline for submittal and approval of applications is January 30. For more information, visit the pageant website at www.MsSrCalifornia.com.
PROJECT C.A.R.E. COMMUNITY ACTION TO REACH THE ELDERLY This free program helps people who live alone by offering a phone call each day. It there’s no answer, someone is called to check on you. Other Project C.A.R.E. services include Vial of Life, a friendly visitor from the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol and more. East county residents may call the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center at 619-740-4214. Others call 1-800-510-2020.
Mt. Helix, from page 1 East County Transitional Living Center and the Armed Services YMCA, the project has gone smoothly. In addition, four Boy Scout Eagle projects, completed by Bruce Gordon, Nick Jones, Daniel Jacobs and Ladd Carnessale, resulted in three rock wall viewpoints complete with benches that allow one to comfortably sit in a slice of wilderness, take in the spectacular views and contemplate life, much like Mary Carpenter Yawkey did so long ago. Additional Eagle projects and the development of better steps are underway. “Our goal is to eventually have a master list of all the Eagle projects completed in the Park,” said Executive Director Tracey Stotz. “The scouts have been instrumental is so many projects. We can’t thank them enough,” she added. The “Yawkey Trail,” named by an anonymous donor for Mrs. Yawkey, will be an ongoing project. Interpretive signs, pointing out the vista highlights and the Park’s lora and fauna, will be installed at each viewpoint in the Spring, thanks to a donation by Corrugados de Baja. Follow in the footsteps of Mrs. Yawkey: go up and enjoy the glorious view.
LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
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Kroc Center Offers Fun with Fitness VIEW FROM THE It’s the New Year and time for joining in any of the new memberthose resolutions to get it and feel ship categories, you are investing in ROAD… better. Check out The Salvation Army your community.
Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Director of the Center, Major Center, conveniently located on the Rick Peacock, detailed all the exciting boundary of La Mesa at 6845 Univerchanges coming to the Kroc Center sity Avenue, San Diego (www.KROCwith the expansion of their itness CENTER.ORG), and see what they programs. Come try out the Latin have to offer. Stop by and pick up the rhythms of the Zumba dance classes Winter 2012 catalog of classes and on the newly expanded dance loor, itness activities. Or better yet – visit or hit the energy-illed Step Aerobics the free open house on January 14. classes. Strength and toning classes The Center is opening its doors include Absolute Abs!, Core, Floor to the community from 10 a.m. to 2 and More, On the Ball with the Swiss p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring Exercise Ball, or get some extra kick the whole family and come dressed to with Burn Out! Want to try Yoga or work out or swim. The trained Day Pilates? Look into the Gentle Yoga, Camp counselors will host a fun and Mat Pilates and Power Yoga classes exciting day care area for children so or start the day with Sunrise Yoga or parents can take guided tours, and Tai Chi. drop in on free exercise classes both swimming instead? The @ 0D @63 1<A;@D <4 ?/; 2735< Prefer 63/9@6 in the gym and the pool. There will Kroc Center has three pools – a lap 2 6A:/; /53;1D also be ?3>B713? itness assessments, great pool, recreation pool and a therapy deals on membership, and personal pool. Whatever type of swimming training packworks best for ages. This is a you is availgreat opportuable. Classes nity to stick to of all kinds your New Year’s are presented Resolutions by throughout the starting your day or free swim exercise and itness routines at the time to work on your own exercise Kroc Center. program is always available. The Have an interest in a speciic therapy pool has just undergone activity? Try out the new Introduction resurfacing and the addition of hand programs to see if you like a particrails at the sides for greater ease ular class. Members get irst priority of exercise. Arthritis Foundation to sign up for the new classes. New classes are offered in both swimming membership rules apply to the new and group itness classes. programs so make sure you check But that’s not all that’s offered. the speciics before you join any of Try the Ice Skating classes, join the the activities. Become a member of Cycling programs, or climb a wall. the Kroc Center during the month of Open Rock Climbing is available at January and registration is FREE. the Center. If you want a personalized That’s a $99 savings. Sign up at the experience, connect with the Certiied Open House and get a free Kroc gift. Personal Trainers for a program that There is no annual commitment and focuses on speciic needs in a specialadult memberships start as low as ized itness program that is designed $26 a month – one of the best deals especially for you. Whatever type of in town! Your membership fees go program you need – you can ind it directly to cover the hard costs of the at the Kroc Center in 2012. So give wide range of community services them a call (287-5762) and get going. offered by the Kroc Center. So by Get it and have fun too! K.C.
By Donna Alm
Aunt Grace had been trying for months to hold a reunion in Pismo Beach with the large number of my Italian cousins. Finally a weekend in the fall of 2009 was found that most could be there. We convoyed up the coast with Bill (my brother) and Sally, Patsy (my sister) and Bernie, each couple in their own RV. The drive up the coast made for a leisurely travel day, with arrival that evening at the Pismo Coast RV Park. A beach is a great place anytime, and this place provides direct access to one of California’s inest. Walking the beach as the rising sun cast changing colors on the waves remains one of those special photos in my mind. On Saturday, we enjoyed Pismo Beach’s Annual Band Competition. It featured our niece Gracie, who performed splendidly in her dashing uniform as she led the Visalia Jr. High School band down the street. The famous Pismo Cinnamon Roll Café provided space for a long “catch-up” conversation with our brother, Jim, while he waited for the band to pack up for the return drive to Visalia. A good representation of the Calzia family became reacquainted that 4A;232 7; =/>@ 0D @63 1<A;@D <4 ?/; 2735< 63/9@ evening over a yummy pot-luck dinner. We shared stories – about growing /;2 6A:/; ?3>B713? /53;1D up within each of our families, stories about our parents and about our lives. Uncle George shared stories about his parents, grandparents and siblings, the Italian center we cousins share. We laughed, smiled and shed a tear or two. It was one of those times that memories are made of. I think we all sensed the specialness of the evening; the goodbyes were hard to say. As the oldest of my family, I have the most recollection as a youngster of visiting our grandfather’s farm in San Fernando Valley during the summers and the aunts and uncles and cousins nearby. Being around them was always a joyful experience, and we always returned home with wonderful fresh produce, along with sweets from the bakery in Burbank owned by one of Mom’s cousins. As RV trips go, this one was very nice indeed! Families come together in different ways and for different reasons. This one was just right. The time with my siblings was fun and continued as we spent time together in a chilly Yosemite before returning home. The time with cousins in that circle with Uncle George and Aunt Grace was too short, yet we all learned so much about family history, ourselves, and each other. Closing one year and opening the next for new opportunities is again upon us. In retrospect, all that has given me the most pleasure has been connected to others. May 2012 bring you time with loved ones, near or far. Happy New Year!
Neighbors, from page 1 The Karlos and their young family began their long relationship with La Mesa when they bought their irst house off Lake Murray Drive in 1973. At the time, Tom was a telecommunications and ilm student at San Diego State University, having moved with Julie from the San Francisco Bay area. With three growing children – Tom, Greg and Kim - Julie juggled school schedules, swimming, baton, music lessons, and even more. La Mesa provided the perfect locale with its proximity to the university and access to the highly accredited La Mesa/Spring Valley school district. There also was access to community activities in abundance, with a nearby state-of-the-art community center for after-school and weekend programs. Now living on the Mt. Helix side of La Mesa, the Karlos have witnessed the changing landscape where coyotes, rabbits, egrets, and hawks now vie for space with hybrid cars and mini vans. Once an equestrian stronghold, the horse culture has given way to urban-centered residents who appreciate the country-like quiet, but are freeway close to San Diego’s revitalized downtown. As the driving force behind today’s KPBS Public Broadcasting, Tom gives credit to the La Mesa community for providing him the important base that he needs for his nonstop schedule. Being out in the community is key to his hand-on approach to guiding the organization. “I want people to have a chance to meet me and know who I am, so I can listen to their input. At the end of the day, it’s what they want from the station.” Karlo relects. His vision for the station has refashioned it into one of the most successful PBS afiliates in the country. In his tenure as general manager, he has instituted a whole new direction for the stations, bringing television and radio under one management. “KPBS has always been a well-respected San Diego institution, but now the goals are more speciic – to be the premier source of local news analysis on all distribution platforms – TV, radio, web and social media.” Recently, KPBS launched a comprehensive evening news program that taps into new technology. Within an hour of the show’s airing, it can be viewed on the web anywhere in the world and a special downloadable app also has been created for mobile viewing. Tom’s frequent trips to Washington have placed him in the national spotSee Neighbors, Page 11
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
News and Views
Happy New Year! By Mary England, CEO La Mesa Chamber of Commerce The Oficers and Board of Directors of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce wish each of you a very happy New Year. We recently held our annual elections and the new Board members are: Mike McCorkle of Excel Security, returning for another term; Bob Hollie from the La Mesa Lions Club; Mark Daemon, owner of With Esteem; Marcia Tolin from the new La Mesa ofice of Windermere Real Estate; and Jim Wieboldt from Unique Travel Concepts, also returning for another term. Plans are in store for great events and activities in 2012, including several that will promote the 100th anniversary of the City of La Mesa, a wonderful milestone in the city’s history. The irst activity of the New Year is a community-wide E-WASTE event on January 14th and January 15th at Grossmont Center. The event is FREE to the public and you are encouraged to bring obsolete computers and other electrical items to the two-day event so they can be disposed of properly. The location for the drop-off is between b2bit and Fuddruckers Restaurant on the west side of the mall between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Take this opportunity to help the environment while cleaning out unused items and then stay to shop and eat at Grossmont Center. Join us for a welcome ceremony and ribbon-cutting to celebrate the addition of the California Coast Credit Union as a new member of the Chamber of Commerce. This open house reception will take place on January 25th between 5:30 – 7 p.m. Stop by California Coast Credit Union at 8002 La Mesa Boulevard (in the Vons Shopping Center) and say hello to the California Coast team, led by Al Garcia, Branch Manager. We roll into February with a breakfast event with County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. The breakfast will be held on February 15th from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the La Mesa Masonic Lodge, 4731 Date Street, La Mesa. This annual State of the County meeting always gives us a perspective on county government, upcoming programs and services that are available to businesses, and information for county citizens. Join us for one of our signature events, our 4th annual Casino Royale, to be held on February 23rd, for an evening of fun and recognition. The Chamber celebrates eight local heroes who make La Mesa a better place to live, work, and play. Members from the La Mesa Police Department and Fire Department, paramedics, and volunteers from the retired volunteer groups who serve our community will be honored for their contributions. The event will be held in the Golden Ballroom at the Town and Country Resort Hotel in Mission Valley from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 for this worthy event and your ticket gives you $250 worth of gambling chips to start your evening of fun. Sponsorship opportunities are available; contact Mary England at maryengland@lamesa chamber.com for more information. The year 2012 is an exciting time for the City of La Mesa, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the businesses and store owners in our community. The Chamber has many important events on the drawing board for the coming year and we encourage you to become a part of them. We believe our members and businesses are our most precious resource and remind you to shop locally. Our businesses open their doors daily to offer you goods and services at competitive prices – so please continue to support those merchants and community services. Please visit our website for information on all our events and see what we have planned for the coming year: www.lamesachamber.com.
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Discover a New Hobby in La Mesa By Donna Jones January is the month of resolutions. Lose weight, exercise more, quit smoking, or inally clean out the garage. But most resolutions have a negative connotation. But why not start the New Year on a positive note by taking up a new hobby? In the Village of La Mesa there are several businesses that offer all kinds craft classes. Small class sizes guarantee the personal attention that new students need. And it’s the one to one interaction that’s needed to learn any art form—you can’t get that from a book or a video. La Mesa’s early founders hoped to establish an artist’s colony here. That’s probably why there is such an artistic vibe in the neighborhood. Come to a class and make new friends. Get away from your computer and be creative. There are lots of choices. Here are just a few: Knitting Two Sisters and Ewe 8874 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 619-460-8103 www.twosistersandewe.com Gorgeous yarns of every variety. Classes from beginner to advanced. Private lessons are available. Classes are limited to 6 students. Full service iber arts center: knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving. Yarn and Thread Expressions 7882 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619-460-9276 Recently relocated from Lemon Grove to La Mesa. Offering all types of yarn and knitting supplies. Classes
from beginner to advanced from one person up to eight students. Call for a schedule or pick one up in person. No website, but a Facebook page is coming soon. Quilting Country Loft 4685 Date Avenue, La Mesa 619-466-5411 www.cloft.com On January 14th, Country Loft will host an Open House with samples from the classes, plus Blocks of the Month, demonstrations and the release of the new printed class schedule. Besides quilts, learn to make dolls, stitchery, rug hooking, and applique. One of the few local sources of wool applique supplies. Country Loft leans toward a homespun look and carries many reproduction Civil War fabrics. Classes for beginners to advanced, on-going or single classes. Rosie’s Quilt Shop 7151 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego 619-697-5758 www.rosiescalicocupboard.com On the western end of La Mesa, just far enough into 92115 to be a San Diego address. According to their website, 18,000 bolts of 100% cotton fabrics. Quilting classes from beginner to advanced, plus basic sewing machine classes. Also, “Mini Retreats” that last from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Jewelry Bouncing Bead 8876 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa 619-460-2323 See Crafty, Page 14
GEMS& JEWELS By Enhancery Jewelers, Kathleen White, Graduate Gemologist, GIA Our customers ask: Q. I have a watch I really like and keeps time well, but it is starting to look old. What can I do to refurbish it? A. One of the irst things to do is to replace the band. Many times we can get the exact band directly from the watch manufacturer. This will give most of your watch a fresh new look. Next take a look at your crystal. If it is scratched we can also replace that for you. Some watches have cases that can be buffed and polished. Of course while you are here we will check your battery to make sure it is fully charged. BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH- JANUARY -GARNET Garnets are a group of gemstones that are available in a rainbow of colors, including a color change variety. The dark red variety, Mozambique garnet is beautiful especially in the checkerboard cut. Tsavorites from Kenya, are bright intense green rivaling emeralds. Spessartite garnets range from yellowish orange to reddish orange and are primarily mined in Brazil and Sri Lanka. The Rhodolite garnet is named for the rhododendron lower and is a beautiful cranberry color. Garnets have a hardness of 7-7.5 which means they are a gemstone that can be worn easily everyday to enhance your business and casual wardrobes. Call Enhancery Jewelers at (619)282-3900 for answers to any gem and jewelry questions you may have. Enhancery Jewelers is located in the Chili’s Shopping Center at 4242 Camino del Rio N.#17 (at I-8 & Mission Gorge). Open Tues.-Fri., 10-6pm; Sat. 10-4pm. Martin and Kathleen White have owned Enhancery Jewelers for over thirty years. They specialize in diamond and gemstone jewelry, custom design, appraisals, jewelry and watch repairs.
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Page 7
Life in La Mesa
La Mesa History Matters
By Pam Crooks, Editor New Year’s is always a good time for relecting on the past year. Launching the La Mesa Courier in June of last year was certainly a high point for me. I’d had the idea for a few years but couldn’t do it on my own. I am grateful to Publisher Jim Madaffer for seeing the possibilities, sharing his expertise and investing in a printed La Mesa newspaper as well as a website. People I meet want to know why I think a print newspaper is important, and how it is faring so far. You might be interested to know this as well. First a little about me and newspapers. I’ve loved them ever since my brother and I collected, and painstakingly wrote out and re-copied neighborhood news by hand, delivering it door to door. I wrote for a small daily paper during, and right after college, and reading one or two papers with my morning coffee is an important part of my daily life. If you’re holding a newspaper in your hands, your eyes are scanning two printed pages that may put 12 articles in your line of sight at once. I love glancing over and discovering a new story after I inish reading a totally different article on the same page. An arresting photo or headline will catch my eye, and I’ll learn something I knew nothing about before. I’ll see an opinion piece and read a thoughtful argument from a different perspective than my own. I sincerely hope people are experiencing that kind of serendipity when reading the La Mesa Courier. I know I am learning a whole lot I didn’t know about our community by editing it! How’s it going after seven months? Well, judging by the increasing number of phone calls, comments on line, and article submissions, I’d say the people of La Mesa know we’re here and now look forward to the paper every month (letting us know if they didn’t get it). Our readers tell me they like the positive tone, the variety of topics covered and the print quality of the publication itself. Of course I also hear from folks who disagree with a story or point out errors. This says to me that people are reading it carefully. What will our readers learn about their community in this issue that they didn’t know before? I hope as much as I did putting it together…. As the months go by, more and more people are discovering the paper and sending us material or story ideas. Is there a topic you’d like to see covered, an organization we should know about, a person who should be recognized? Write or call. I’d love to hear from you. If you prefer to read the Courier online, go to LaMesaCourier.com and click on current issue. To write to Pam, send an email to pam@lamesacourier.com or a letter to 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145, La Mesa, 91941. Pam can also be reached by phone at (619) 697-2500 x 124.
Noteworthy, from page 2 developed at no cost to the taxpayers,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman, Bill Horn. The site is the result of collaboration between the County and Microsoft to ind a way to increase capacity on the site, while improving the features and functions. Microsoft offered to develop it for free, giving the company a product it can show to other jurisdictions. The site uses cloud technology, enabling it to expand the number of users it can handle as web trafic increases. “During the 2007 wildires, national news outlets linked to our emergency site, which resulted in a lood of visitors and required us to purchase enough server capacity to handle increased trafic. The new site can be adjusted as needed, handling a high volume of visits without paying for storage space during non-emergency times,” said Holly Crawford, Director of the Ofice of Emergency Services. See Noteworthy, Page 14
THE REVEREND HENRY A. MCKINNEY HOUSE By Kathleen Crawford The Reverend Henry A. McKinney House is one of La Mesa’s oldest landmarks. The c. 1908 home is located at 8369 University Avenue at the corner of Pine Street, and has served as the headquarters for the La Mesa Historical Society since 1977. The house museum was the irst house designated as a historic landmark in the City of La Mesa. The landmark designation states that the “McKinney House serves as a good example of semi-rural, middleclass life in La Mesa at the turn of the twentieth century.” Reverend Henry A. McKinney, his wife Florence, and their two sons, Henry Cromwell and Wilfred Joyce, moved from Perry, Illinois to the San Diego area in 1899. The family irst moved to National City and then by 1901, relocated to La Mesa. The City of La Mesa had not been incorporated yet and the area was known as Allison Springs. Reverend McKinney purchased two and onehalf acres of land, which included a lemon grove, and built the two-story, wood frame home for his family in 1908. An additional son, Donald, was born after the family moved to La Mesa. The McKinney family was active in the religious, cultural and educational life of early La Mesa and Reverend McKinney served as interim pastor at the La Mesa Methodist Church from 1898-1905. He also raised lemons on the family property, opened La Mesa’s irst furniture store, and served as the librarian for the county library established in his store. He also held the position of trustee on La Mesa’s school board for eight years. Florence McKinney was noted for her work in the Methodist Church. The McKinney House has served as a museum and the headquarters of the La Mesa Historic Society since 1977. The organization was founded in 1976 to preserve the history of La Mesa through historic home tours, lectures, exhibits, promotion of local historic preservation activities and the creation of historical archives documenting La Mesa’s history. A search was made for a suitable home for the all volunteer organization and in 1977, the Society purchased the historic McKinney house from Donald McKinney who still resided in the family home. In the 1980s, the house was restored to its original 1908 appearance and opened to the public as a Rooms in the McKinney House, museum and research library. The house is illed with antiques from the including the kitchen, are turn of the century and some of the furnished to give a glimpse original McKinney family furnishings. into early 20th-century life. The house gives a wonderful glimpse into life in La Mesa in the early twentieth century. So plan a visit some time during this historic year in La Mesa and see what early La Mesa was like. Or look into the historic archives and research your own home or school report. The archives are open on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 1–4 p.m.
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
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Cars or People?, from page 3 structure, topped with a landscaped park, behind the Organ Pavilion. This new circulation route, along with an improved tram system and disabled access, is the key to removing cars from El Prado and the plazas. The new Centennial Bridge is the most debated aspect of the proposed project because it introduces a new structure in Balboa Park’s historic district and would be visible from some vantage points. As a member of the design team I can say that we all would prefer that the Centennial Bridge wasn’t necessary – but it is. It is the cornerstone of the plan to rid Balboa Park of cars while maintaining the convenient access that helps support the park’s many institutions. The minimalist design of the bridge and the screening provided by existing and new trees would reduce the bridge’s visibility to a level that most people will ind acceptable. Without the Centennial Bridge the only way to rid El Prado and the plazas of cars is to close Cabrillo Bridge to cars. Closing the bridge – the only access to the park from the west -- has not received support from any of the park’s institutions. The vast majority of those same institutions are supporting the Plaza de Panama project because they understand that the beneits far outweigh any impacts. It’s important for everyone to visualize what this plan would achieve. The next time you’re in Balboa Park go stand in the Plaza de Panama (avoiding trafic of course) and imagine no circling cars, no exhaust fumes, no asphalt, and no engine noise. Now picture children splashing in relecting pools, people sipping coffee and relaxing under shade trees and street musicians playing. Cars or people? For most San Diegans that’s an easy choice to make. David Marshall is an architect, preservationist, and author of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Detailed information about the Plaza de Panama project, including a video that simulates the inished product, can be found at www.PlazaDeP anama.org
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Save Balboa Park, from page 3 ture funded by a city bond and general fund, and the construction of concrete retaining walls as high as 24-feet and massive landills in Palm and Cabrillo canyons. This new road will bisect the central mesa with a massive ditch and destroy the tranquility of Alcazar Garden forever, in one of the most majestic urban parks in America. If this project were to be constructed, the Balboa Park we all know and love would be unrecognizable. The Jacobs plan is a 1960s solution rather than a vision for 2060. It does not remove cars and trafic. It only moves cars from one area to another, while bringing in much more trafic making the park a literal thoroughfare and less accessible to people, especially lower income families and the disabled. The people who live, work, and raise their families here, and use Balboa Park should be the ones with the most inluence for community revitalization, transit issues, and preservation development. One individual should not be allowed to redesign, destructively alter and scar permanently the “People’s Park” just because they have the means to. When you destroy your history you destroy the ability to tell the story of a place. For a solid future a city must retain vestiges of its history; a site such as Balboa Park, a National Historic Landmark should be held in the highest regard as it is a monument of a productive past and should be used as a stage for an exciting future, instead of being obliterated along with one hundred years of progress. The needs and desires of the many must outweigh the shortsightedness of the one. Bruce Coons is Executive Director of Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO). www.sohosandiego.org
LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Page 9
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Volunteers Needed for Homeless Count This Month By Charles Iyoho
Goodwill Industries
We All Count! That is the message from The Regional Task Force on the Homeless in San Diego County. There are more than 9,000 homeless individuals and families in San Diego County. The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is a nonproit organization dedicated to collecting data and working to implement solutions to end homelessness in the region. On Friday January 27 through February 3 from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., the Task Force will be counting folks living on the streets and in shelters. Jennifer Litwak, projects and development manager for the Task Force, says ”the goal of the campaign is to provide an accurate count of the county’s homeless population, to raise awareness of homelessness issues, provide information on the needs and demographics of the county’s homeless population, and provide critical data and solutions for local agencies and the community to help end homelessness in the San Diego region. The process is a well-organized, comprehensive effort, which includes in-depth personal interviews with people living on the streets. According to Litwak the data collected is used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine San Diego’s share of federal funds to implement solutions and prevent homelessness. The need is great. We have a huge county here in San Diego,” she said. “We’re looking for volunteers to help” says Litwak. Previous counts have led to millions of dollars in federal funding which has been distributed and utilized by local service providers and government agencies. The Task Force hopes the efforts will result in more than $16 million in federal funds to help San Diego’s homeless programs. For more information on the WeAllCount Campaign, and how to volunteer, contact Jennifer Litwak at 858-292-7627 ext.16, e-mail Jennifer.Litwak@ rtfhsd.org or go to www.CountSD.org.
1,000 Shoppers Visit Goodwill Store on Opening Weekend The nonprofit’s 17th retail outlet in San Diego County. By Ken Stone La Mesa Patch opened November 1, and “has been averaging just under 10 donors a day, and that number did not signiicantly change over the store opening weekend.” She said donation centers are usually slow starters, building after time as more and more people notice their presence. “We should have a better idea of how this one center is doing vs. the other two in La Mesa in six months or so,” she said. The newly branded Goodwill Plaza building occupies the iconic Clocktower Building at the northeast corner of Spring Street and La Mesa Boulevard. Corrigan said Goodwill staff is very happy to be in the
neighborhood, and to “have all the wonderful shops and restaurants nearby, and looks forward to developing strong relationships with the community in the years to come.”
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Gingham Chef Brings New Flavors to La Mesa By Genevieve Suzuki
Goodwill Industries
About 1,000 customers explored the new Goodwill store in The Village when it opened the irst weekend in December—with 750 on Saturday alone, the nonproit said. “Several individual customers purchased over $600 of merchandise each,” said Sharon Corrigan, the local Goodwill spokeswoman, citing igures from sales director Jacky Brown. “There was a line outside at the 10 a.m. opening, but after noon we had a pretty steady low of shoppers with no real issues with the crowd, or the checkout process.” She said irst weekend sales could evoke traditional ThursdaySunday openings, and “are in the neighborhood of $20,000 for that time frame. It appears that the new La Mesa store, for its location and size, is right on track.” Customer feedback for the county’s 17th Goodwill retail outlet is positive, Corrigan said. “They seemed to be very excited that we are open. There were some students also that told us they cut a few classes, but thought it was worth it to shop at Goodwill.” The closest donation center—at the Spring Street trolley station—
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Get your appetites ready La Mesa, executive chef Brian Malarkey is ready to make his new restaurant, Gingham, the place to go for anyone who wants really good barbecue. Er, correction – according to Malarkey, it’s called “slowed smoked meats with ample sauce.” “I call it smoked meats because when you say ‘barbecue,’ everyone has a preconceived notion,” said Malarkey, who helped open San Diego’s Oceanaire and was a inalist on season 3 of Top Chef. “This is going to be different – better.” Malarkey envisions providing a very cool picnic feel for Gingham patrons. The restaurant, which opened this month, sits in the space that once belonged to Gio’s Bistro and Wine Bar on La Mesa Boulevard. Gingham is the latest addition to Malarkey’s restaurants, all named for different fabrics. His Gaslamp restaurant, Searsucker, serves up new American classic cuisine and Del Mar’s Burlap marries seafood and Asian fare. Malarkey will also be opening two more restaurants in 2012: Herringbone in La Jolla and Gabardine in Point Loma. For now, Gingham has captured much of Malarkey’s attention. Last month he reported traveling east on the I-8 at least ten times a week in an effort to get things set for the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve kickoff party. The drive isn’t too much of an issue for Malarkey, who said he really likes La Mesa. The Village reminds Malarkey of his hometown, Redmond, Ore. “It’s got a little homecoming feel for me,” he said. “It’s a little bit more quaint. A small town group of people.”
Malarkey promises smoked meats, slow roasted hams, house brown sausages, homemade jam and ketchup, and lots of fried chicken. Nightly offerings come from categories, such as ‘Not From a Can,’ ‘Baked,’ ‘Oil Boil,’ ‘Low and Slow,’ ‘Smoked’ and ‘Charbroil.’ Gingham in the daytime will resemble its sister spot Searsucker, with open seating, chalkboard style menu and walk-up ordering. “It’s dirty good,” he said. “We got the best meat cooks in Southern California.” Malarkey’s old mentor from The Oceanaire, Mike Mitchell, will be heading Gingham’s operations. “He’s a great leader,” said Malarkey. Malarkey said he and his business partner, James Brennan, came up with the idea to open Gingham after being approached by Gio’s owner Gabe Giordano to take over the lease of the 7,000-square-foot space. “He said he wanted to hand it over to us,” he said. “The building was so appealing. It is absolutely adorable.” Don’t expect to see Gio’s when you visit. Malarkey and his team gutted the place to create a space for Gingham to call its very own. “Gio had done a $2-1/2 million facelift,” said Malarkey with a chuckle. “[Gio’s owner] said, ‘Malarkey! What did you do to my restaurant?’” Restaurant guests are greeted by a lounge featuring unique furniture and a bullet and gun embellished chandelier. The space, which was once a Ford showroom, also sports colossal garage doors for walls and faux animal heads and vintage paintings. Malarkey said he understands it may take some time to whet La See Gingham, Page 12
LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Page 11
LOCAL BRANCH OF INTERFAITH SHELTER NETWORK OPENS
La Mesa Reads
Two La Mesa churches will host homeless families
Happy New Year from everyone at the San Diego County Library’s La Mesa Branch! Thank you La Mesa, for making our library the highest circulating branch in the San Diego County system in November. Last month, La Mesans read a wide variety of iction titles. Once again, a graphic novel topped our “most read” charts at the La Mesa Branch. Fables by Bill Willingham, which follows the lives of fairy tale and folklore characters living side by side with humans in New York, was a hot title. The Confession by John Grisham was another popular choice. Grisham continues his examination of the laws in our legal system with this tale of a man who resolves to confess to a nine-yearold crime—but another man is already convicted and awaiting execution for the murder. Another suspenseful title, I’ll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark was a favorite selection. The 30th book by Clark is a fast paced thriller about an interior designer who is wrongly accused of identity theft and implicated in murder. She’s never met the victim before. Or has she? Our Winter Reading Challenge for all ages continues until January 15. Come into the library and check out at least ive items for a chance to enter our rafle. We are giving away great prizes like board games, audio books, re-useable lunch bags, and ear buds. Please join us at the library for a performance by an award-winning singer songwriter. Barbara Nesbitt will perform an acoustic concert on Sunday, January 21, at 2 pm. This free concert is part of the San Diego County Library’s Acoustic Showcase series, which brings incredibly talented performers to library branches throughout the year. La Mesa library staff members are here to assist you seven days a week. Please stop in and check out what’s new.
A shelter program for homeless men, women and children that has operated in East County since 1986, opened January 2, and will operate through May 12 this year. The Interfaith Shelter Network provides emergency shelter on a rotating basis among nine church congregations in the East County (110 faith communities county-wide), each hosting for two weeks. Participating churches will include the First United Methodist Church of La Mesa and Foothills United Methodist Church, also in La Mesa. First United Methodist was one of the churches that helped start the ISN in this part of the county and it continues to be a role model for the program. In fact, the volunteer orientation for the 2012 East County ISN was held in the Fireside Room at FUMC in October. The City of La Mesa provides Community Development Block Grant funding to help support the East County ISN. Shelter guests are referred by two local agencies, Volunteers of America in El Cajon, 619-447-2428 x 30 or 31; and Crisis House, 619-444-1194 x 312.
Neighbors, from page 5 light. He has contributed to several high proile committees that set policy for future funding and operational issues for the industry, including federal support and bandwidth policies. And, if running a major media outlet were not enough, Tom spends his fall weekends working for NFL Films, where he is an award-winning cinematographer. He is now in his 34th season, having participated in the ilming of 13 Super Bowls. This is also a family affair with Julie and their sons acting as camera assistants. Tom is credited with capturing on ilm the famous “holy roller play”, one of the most viewed football moments in the history of the game. The sequence of events Tom captured changed the rules of the game in relation to fumbled plays. Giving back to La Mesa is a priority. Tom is on the board of Sharp Grossmont Hospital Foundation and will be its chairman next year. He also has been active on the Mt. Helix Park Foundation board. With children grown, Julie Karlo transitioned from the frenetic duties of super mom – PTA, Girl Scouts, soccer, little league, gymnastics – to supporting a multitude of San Diego causes. She has spent the last 18 years as marketing coordinator at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and now heads Balboa Park’s Museum Council. She was a key staff member for two of San Diego’s high proile centennial celebrations – The Hotel del Coronado and Mercy Hospital. Today, she also splits her time between board obligations at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and recently sat on the organizing committee for the March of Dimes inaugural fundraising gala. And, as Tom’s “irst lady”, Julie is always at his side for the many community events they attend representing KPBS. Always health and itness conscious, Julie confronted major health challenges in 1990 with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and, few years later, a diagnosis of breast cancer. She beat both these potentially devastating diseases and when doctors suggested a more relaxing day-to-day schedule, she responded by power-walking the Rock N Roll Marathon in 2002. And while the Karlos, along with many La Mesans, appreciate the community for its many assets, six-year-old grandson Chase Karlo sums up what many of our younger residents feel is their favorite part of living in La Mesa: “I like the sunshine.”
Charlie Orestano Owner
Commercial & Residential orestano@gmail.com
By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian
Happy New Year East County’s first farm to table restaurant. Catering available Our menu Created by CHEF JEFF Join us for Sunday Brunch 9: am – 2: pm Here are a few menu items to tempt your taste buds... full menu online SHORT RIB HASH Caramelized onions, two poached eggs, rosemary hollandaise and breakfast potatoes HOUSE SMOKED SALMON BENNY ancho chile hollandaise and breakfast potatoes BREAKFAST SKILLET Local farm fresh market vegetables, caramelized onions, house made chicken & fennel sausage, two over easy Eben-Haezer Ranch eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, baked in a cast iron skillet TERRA’S STUFFED FRENCH TOAST Cinnamon and corn lake crust, stuffed with caramelized apples & cream cheese, topped with Maker’s Mark Butterscotch BISTRO BURGER ½ lb. Meyer Angus Beef, Focaccia bun, gorgonzola cheese, trufle aioli, caramelized onions, bistro fries
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Page 12
LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Helix Scotties, from page 4
Gingham, from page 10
Helix led 14-7 and never looked back, going into halftime ahead 28-10 after a Michael Adkins run and a Kendal Keys catch. Lewis was 11-for-16 passing and accounted for 254 yards and three touchdowns. The slightest of sprinkles started at 6:10 p.m.—more than 2 hours after the game began. Few cared, and only some sideline oficials and cheerleaders brought out umbrellas or raincoats. The Highlanders inished the season 13-1, and the Golden Eagles 13-2. “It was a once in a lifetime experience to be here with my friends,” Del Oro senior Nick O’Sullivan told his local newspaper. “Helix is a good team. They’re very physical. They displayed good sportsmanship.” And at the home of Major League Soccer champion L.A. Galaxy, the Scotties starred on a night of nights. Article and photos courtesy La Mesa Patch. The Courier is pleased to announce a new partnership with this local on-line media organization. We look forward to sharing several stories from their site with our readers each month. LMC Editor’s note: At the end of the season, Helix High linebacker Kacy Smith and quarterback Brandon Lewis were named CIF-San Diego Section “Players of the Year” by the media. An inspiring story about Kacy was featured in Rick White’s column in the December issue of the La Mesa Courier. If you missed it, go to lamesacourier.com and type “Kacy Smith” into the search box.
Mesa’s appetite for Gingham, but is conident it will be the kind of place diners can visit several times a week. “It’s going to take a little work. [Mayor Art Madrid] says it’s going to be busy from day one…I really see this as being La Mesa’s restaurant,” said Malarkey, who said everything costs less than $20. “This menu is going to be so bad-ass that people are going to come from all over to see what’s going on,” he said. Malarkey said Gingham will likely appeal to a younger set than the usual La Mesa eatery. He also wants to do trolley tours and offer discounts to patrons who show their trolley tickets. Because of Gio’s past struggles with La Mesans over live music, Malarkey said the City Council “politely” took away the restaurant’s live music permit. There aren’t any hard feelings, though. Malarkey said the group opposing the live music approached him to tell him the rescission doesn’t have to be forever. “They said, ‘Brian, once we trust you, we’ll help you get it back,’” he said. Even without live music, Malarkey is convinced Gingham’s patio, decked out with a large ire pit, hanging lights and lush landscaping, will attract a nice crowd. “The patio will be the coolest place to hang out in La Mesa,” he vows. Gingham is open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to close, and 5 p.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday.
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Page 13
PBID or No PBID??
Invisible Children staff outside their Gulu, Uganda ofice in 2007.
Petitions mailed in late December Over 200 property owners in the La Mesa Village business area have received petitions with an appeal to sign and return them to support creating a PBID in La Mesa. A PBID (spoken as: ‘P’ Bid), or a Property-Based Business Improvement District, is a California special governmental district intended to promote businesses in a neighborhood-sized area. It’s analogous to a ire district or a school district. You’ve probably experienced a PBID in San Diego’s Little Italy, Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, or the National City Mile of Cars. The idea of a PBID is to make and maintain civic improvements over and above usual city amenities thereby enhancing business opportunities in the district, and to charge the beneitting businesses for these enhancements. The property owners in the district are required to pay an annual assessment based on the size and use of their property and its street frontage. Residential properties typically pay only a token amount while retail properties carry most of the load. Government facilities pay as well. A 1994 State law governs the creation and operation of PBIDs. The idea of a La Mesa PBID has long simmered while interested locals watched the drawn-out, sometimes tumultuous, creation of the El Cajon PBID completed in 2006. The City of La Mesa irst cooked up the present recipe while planning for a revitalized business district. An active group of business supporters followed. Now detailed maps, rules, processes and petitions are getting the approval process underway. The proposed district would include over 200 properties along the La Mesa Blvd corridor starting at University Avenue with the La Mesa Springs (Von’s) Center and running through The Village to just past Grant (before the Senior Center) – not quite to the point of rejoining University. It includes the properties that face Allison, the commercial properties along Lemon Ave on either side of Spring Street, and extends to include the large block with the Sprouts market. (The Civic Center is included so the City is among the larger assessment-payers.) The district is broken into zones based roughly on proximity to its center at La Mesa Blvd and Palm. If petitions are received representing more than 50% of the subject property value, the City Council will initiate a mail ballot and hold a public hearing. When voting ends, if the ‘yes’ vote represents greater relevant property value than the ‘no’ vote, the City Council will direct creation of the district, initiate its board as deined in the adopted district plan and launch the new district. This process usually takes from a few months to two or three years, and as taxes and regulations are involved, controversy is to be expected.
INVISIBLE CHILDREN: Local Organization with an International Impact By Jessica Roach By now most San Diegans are familiar with the organization Invisible Children, founded by East County natives Jason Russell, Laren Poole (a 2001 graduate of Helix High), and Bobby Bailey. These three set out on a trip to Africa in the spring of 2003, equipped with a video camera and in search of a story to tell. In their travels to the East African nation of Uganda, they learned of the thousands who, by force or fear, had been exiled from their homes by the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel movement active in the area. Upon meeting locals and discovering the impact of Africa’s longest-running war, Jason, Bobby, and Laren were moved to create a documentary about the Ugandan people’s plight. The ilm, entitled Invisible Children: Rough Cut, was originally shown only to the creators’ family and friends. As support grew, they realized the message could be shared with a larger audience. Since 2003, the organization has seen great success: millions of dollars have been raised for education and rebuilding projects in Uganda, thouIn May of 2010, President sands of people worldwide have become Obama signed the LRA aware of the 25-year conlict in Northern Disarmament and Northern Uganda and surrounding regions, and Uganda Recovery Act, the global community has enacted laws, with IC’s Jason Russel, security measures, and humanitarian aid toward the rebuilding of the war-torn Laren Poole, and CEO nation. Ben Keesey present at Named for the Ugandan children the White House while who were abducted from their homes and he signed the bill. forced to become rebel soldiers, Invisible Children strives to end the use of child soldiers and bring peace to central Africa. The conlict in Northern Uganda stems from an uprising by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), whose aim was to overthrow the Ugandan government for unjust treatment of Northern Uganda’s Acholi people. Support for the LRA dwindled over time, so leader Joseph Kony turned to abducting local children and forcing them to serve in his army. An estimated 90% of LRA troops were abducted as children. The international community has brought East African issues to the forefront in recent years, thanks in large part to Invisible Children’s efforts. Successes include the Northern Uganda Crisis Response Act of 2004 and the International Criminal Court’s 2006 issue of arrest warrants for Joseph Kony and his four top commanders. In 2006, the LRA left Uganda and became active in its neighboring countries, including Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Invisible Children has responded by setting up an ofice in the Congo and expanding its scope to Uganda’s neighboring countries. Global pressure has led the Government of Uganda and the LRA to negotiation talks, though a peaceful resolution has yet to be reached. One of Invisible Children’s biggest achievements is youth involvement and empowerment. Over the years, numerous teams of “IC Roadies” have set out across the U.S., and later across the globe, to air the documentary and spread the word to schools, colleges, church groups and beyond, about the conlict in Northern Uganda. Events such as the “Global Night Commute” of 2006, and “Displace Me” of 2007, called people in major cities to leave their homes for one See Invisible Children, Page 15
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Crafty, from page 6
Noteworthy, from page 7
www.thebouncingbead.com All types of products for jewelry making from Swarovski Crystals to soldering supplies. Classes from beginner to advanced, private or semi-private lessons available. “One Hour Wonders” are classes where you can learn a new technique and go home with a inished project in under an hour. Fusion Glass Company Gallery and Studio 8872 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa 619-461-4440 www.fusionglassco.com A unique gallery of handcrafted glass jewelry: pendants, earrings, bracelets and more. Classes in wire wrapping, and stained glass. Ladies Night is the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Learn glass fusion using a kiln and make a medium sized pendant. Photo gallery on Facebook. Private classes and parties are available. Connie’s Luminous Glass Originals From her home studio 619-249-1511 or connie@clgoriginals. com clgoriginals.com Connie L. Govier’s fused glass art creations range from jewelry to sun catchers. She sells her pieces through home parties and art shows. Each month she has what she calls “Weekend Playshops” where you can design your own glass creation at her home studio. No experience needed, classes are limited to 5 students. Upcoming class is on January 14th. See the website for more details.
Visitors can also get information about preparedness and recovery on the site, using the tabs across the top of the page, as well as up-to-date maps, a searchable list of shelter locations and social media messages.
studio space, Art and Light offers Ceramics Get Centered Clay Studio classes for ages 5 to adult in drawing, 8186 Center Street, Suite D, La Mesa watercolor, ceramics and sculpture. 619-667-7077 The studio specializes in college prep www.getcenteredclay.com programs and will help aspiring art Come play with clay! Get students put together a portfolio. Centered offers classes and workAdult students will enjoy the atmoshops, from beginning to advanced as sphere of learning in a gallery of well as studio memberworking artists. ships for those who There are many do not need instrucmore places to ind tion. Classes include your creative passion. wheel throwing and Don’t overlook the hand building, as well City of La Mesa’s adult as glazing and iring classes and programs techniques. They at the La Mesa Recresell kinds of pottery ational Center. Check Two Sisters and Ewe supplies, plus one of a the website www. kind ceramic gifts. cityolamesa.com. CeramiCafe Art Lounge Also, Michael’s, Aaron Brothers and 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La JoAnn Fabrics offer classes in all Mesa kinds of crafts. 619-466-4800 Creativity is its own reward. www.ceramicafe.com Whether your project turns out great CeramiCafe offers over 500 or not, the satisfaction of saying “I blank ceramics to paint, a mosaic made that” more than makes up for station, and clay to capture precious a crooked seam or a lopsided vase. prints from your baby or furry friend. I read a quote from Michael Jordan Drop ins are welcome, but you can also that said, “How did I get this good? make a reservation for your birthday I failed. I failed a lot.” I think a lot of party, scout program or corporate people are afraid to try because they event. There is even a Friday Night might fail. But if you give creativity Wine and Cheese Painting Gatha try, you might just ind out you’re ering. Bring your own wine; the shop good at something. And how cool is offers cheese and crackers. that? Getting compliments on a scarf you knitted or snuggling down into Painting and Sculpture a quilt you made. Giving the gift of Art & Light Gallery and Studio something one of a kind or hanging 8277 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa up a picture you painted (even if 619-395-4452 it’s on the refrigerator), you created www.artandlight.com something. A contemporary gallery and
Three Volunteer Positions Now Open on City Boards and Commissions Applications are now being accepted from La Mesa residents for unscheduled vacancies on the City’s Building Codes Review Board, Environmental Sustainability Commission and Human Relations Advisory Commission. Applicants for the Building Codes Review Board must have an architectural, construction, and ire and life safety background. The Environmental Sustainability Commission’s vacancy represents the senior adult population of La Mesa and the Human Relations Advisory Commission’s position represents the disabled members of the community. Interested residents may obtain an application at the City Clerk’s Counter in La Mesa City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue, Monday through Thursday, and on alternate Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on the City’s website at www.cityolamesa. com, or in the Board, Commission and Committee notebook at the La Mesa Library reference desk, 8074 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. Applications will be accepted until the positions are illed. Further information can be obtained from the Ofice of the City Clerk, 619.667.1120.
Give the Gift of Life Help Create a Family... Become a Surrogate Near immediate match. We have families waiting.
1912-2012 u
La Mesa Centennial: Celebrating the American Hometown
Share your Story, La Mesa!
Did you grow up in La Mesa? Raise your family here? Hear stories from your grandparents? Tell us why you care about our community! Help us celebrate the American Hometown. Go to www.cityolamesa100.com. Selected stories will be featured as part of the Centennial campaign!
- Photos courtesy of La Mesa Historical Society
The mission of the La Mesa Centennial is to promote La Mesa’s 100th birthday through a community-driven celebration of its heritage – past, present, and future.
Apply at www.conceptualoptions.com
Earn up to $35,000+
Join us for these Centennial events: Jan. 14 – Kumeyaay Historical Review sponsored by La Mesa Historical Society Jan. 22 – Multicultural Festival sponsored by the Human Relations Advisory Commission Go to www.cityolamesa100.com for details.
www.cityoflamesa100.com
Seeking compassionate moms who are: Between the ages of 21-39 Healthy body weight Non-smokers / Drug free No criminal history No prior complications during pregnancy CA resident Financially stable - No cash aid Reliable transportation
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
Page 15
Classiied Ads SERVICES CUSTOM-FINISH CARPENTRY Doors, entry doors, replacement windows, interior moldings (base crown, etc.) Cabinetry, closet organizers, patios. Lic.#657086. Call John (619) 208-6131. (10/12) THE BIG DEAL 7 rooms or areas of carpet cleaned, plus a sofa and loveseat just $349. You’re saving $150. For details, call (619) 772-4764. BBB Member www. trulycleancarpets.com (1/12) Flute Lessons, SDSU Flute Professor, Emeritus. 35 years experience. BM, MM, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Partial scholarships available. musicwest@ septemberflute.com (2/12) Quality exterior carpentry. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers and Termite Repair. License #365241 www.aactionbuilders ofsandiego.com Bob 619-275-1493 (04/12) Pet/Housesitting Services. Est. 1983, Bonded. Pet-tenders offers feeding, walking, plant care, housesitting-and above all…spoiling…in your own home! www.pet-tenders.com 619-298-3033. (03/12) Flute/Piano Instruction. 30 years experience. Beginner to advanced. Music Education. B.A. Degree. Reasonable rates. Available for teaching in your home or mine. Rick, 619-286-8012. (03/12) Professional Power Washing. We specialize in cleaning driveways, patios, tile roofs, stucco, wood decks, rain gutters. Call 619-460-8177 www. sandiegopowerclean.com. (03/12) Contractor/handyman, small jobs ok. Plumbing,
carpentry, electrical, doors, roll up garage door repair, laminate floors. Licensed and insured, Bill #701783. 619-698-0375. (01/12) Linda’s Puppy Love. Bonded, licensed, insured pet & house sitting service offers daily dog walks, cat care, vacation visits, overnight care, love, care & attention. www.lindaspuppylove.com 619-857-3674. (01/12) Keith Everett Construction and Handyman Service: All phases of home remodeling and repair. Window and door replacement specialist. Repair or build any style of fence, deck, or patio cover. Kitchen and bath remodels. Senior discount, references. No job too small. Lic #878703. Call 619-255-3499. (01/12)
Room Additions, Patios, Patio Covers, Decks, Window Retrofit, Kitchen & Bath Remodel, Handicap access remodeling. www.johngeneralcontractor.com CSLB#535667, John 619-559-5567. (3/12) 4LITTLECOOKS
Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 cup diced tomato ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen corn ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ cup diced green bell pepper ½ bag (7 ounces) baked corn tortilla ½ cup chopped broccoli lorets chips 2 tablespoons sliced green onions 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons white vinegar ½ cup chopped parsley Tools: Measuring cups Large mixing spoon Baking sheet
Large mixing bowl Small knife Measuring spoons
FOR SALE
Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix tomato, corn, green pepper, broccoli, onions, chilies, vinegar, garlic powder and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Save $30,000 in Brokerage fees. Retired R.E. Broker selling home--3 BR, 2 BA—all updated amenities. Virtually maintenance free. Orig. $500,000, now $459,000, with no extra fees. Tel.: (619) 464-4083. (3/12)
Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Place in oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Baby Grand Piano, 5’5” long. Good condition. Self pick-up. Price $700. La Mesa, call 619/697-9916.
This healthy recipe for the New Year was submitted by longtime cooking teacher Janet Burgess. If you have a special family favorite you’d like us to consider, please send it to info@lamesacourier.com, or mail it to La Mesa Courier, 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145, La Mesa, 91941.
Hands on cooking classes for kids ages 6-13. 4littlecooks@gmail.com 619-463-7576 (5/12)
night to sleep outside in solidarity with the invisible children of Uganda. A main thread in all of Invisible Children’s events, media, and campaigns is a sense of zest and the ability to produce a unique spin on activism and community involvement. “Events are fun, fresh, and exciting,” recalls Jamie Roach, former Invisible Children employee, “yet the dedication to the organization’s mission remains the central focus throughout.” The power of the Invisible Children community has been demonstrated in many ways over the years. The organization was awarded $1 million from Chase Community Giving’s contest in 2010, where it was named number one non-proit by Facebook users’ votes. The ilmmakers appeared as guests on Oprah in April of 2011, for their continued efforts in Central and East Africa. A recent campaign entitled “The Frontline” called on teams to raise funds that will be used to directly protect local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; total fundraising from this campaign at its close in December was $1,743,670. A visit to its website (invisiblechildren.com) gives an idea of the vivacity of this organization. Founded and staffed by devoted, compassionate, and fun individuals, Invisible Children shines as an organization with big dreams that remains humbly rooted in its beliefs and intent. On the website, one can learn more about the history of the war in Central and East Africa, check out the “LRA Conlict Tracker” for up-to-date developments on the LRA’s movement, and ind themselves swept up in IC’s whirlwind of media and quirky updates. There are many ways to donate and get involved with the organization: the Legacy scholarship programs introduce Ugandan students in need of sponsorships; colorful bags and bracelets made by and beneiting Ugandans are for sale; and opportunities to participate in the latest contest or campaign. While the atrocities committed by the LRA in Northern Uganda, and now the Congo, are no laughing matter, Invisible Children inds a way to evoke warmth, a strong sense of community, and even joy amidst these dificult situations. The staff shares stories of those who have experienced severe hardship yet remain hopeful. Just like the Ugandan people, the organization moves steadily forward with tenacity and strength. With many goals already achieved, Invisible Children remains conident and inspired, expanding its scope and ability to spread peace, hope, and goodwill in this world.
FREE CLASSIFIEDS Free classified ads are available to private parties and to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services. Only one ad per party or organization will be accepted per issue as a free classified - additional ads must be paid for with submission of the ads. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less. Ads of more than 25 words cost 50¢ per additional word; payment must accompany the ad. All free classifieds will run for only one issue even if you indicate on the ad that you want it to run more than one time. All classified ads - free or paid - must be submitted by mail only or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD - IF NO DATE IS GIVEN, THE AD RUNS ONLY ONE ISSUE. The following ad classifications are eligible for free classified ads: FOR SALE, GARAGE SALES, LOST & FOUND, WANTED, FOR RENT, NOTICES and YOUTH SERVICES. However, this does not include WANTED ads for multi-level sales or FOR RENT ads for vacation/rental condos or NOTICES for any profit-making organization.
PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $8/25 words or less BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS including SERVICES, CHILD CARE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, NOTICES, HELP WANTED, & FOR SALE ads for any profit-making enterprise costs $8 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. NOTICES ads may NOT be ads normally classified under SERVICES (i.e., business ads) the Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads sent in under the NOTICES category that should more appropriately be placed elsewhere. PAID ADS may run for any consecutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD. IF NO DATE IS INCLUDED AFTER THE AD, IT RUNS ONLY ONCE. When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000 San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER” PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.” Mail to 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145 La Mesa, CA 91942. CHILD CARE
Healthy Vegetable Nachos
RESIDENTIAL REMODELING
Invisible Children, from page 13
FOR SALE
La Mesa Cooks!
BUS. OPP.
NOTICES (see restrictions above)
FOR RENT
SERVICES
WANTED
LOST & FOUND
HELP WANTED
GARAGE SALES
AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCLUDED WITH AD: _________ CHECK #
2012 LA MESA COURIER SCHEDULE Note: Deadlines are firm. No extensions. Display ads & Business/Service Directory listings are paid in advance. PUBLICATION MONTH January February March April May June July August September October November December
DISPLAY AD SPACE DEADLINE 5 pm* December 20 January 18 February 13 March 13 April 10 May 8 June 12 July 10 August 14 September 11 October 9 November 13
AD ARTWORK DEADLINE 5 pm December 27 January 24 February 21 March 20 April 17 May 15 June 19 July 17 August 21 September 18 October 16 November 20
ARTICLES DEADLINE 5 pm December 27 January 24 February 21 March 20 April 17 May 15 June 19 July 17 August 21 September 18 October 16 November 20
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE Noon December 31 January 28 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 23 July 21 August 25 September 22 October 20 November 24
*Deadline to reserve space for advertisers not currently on a contract. Mail or drop off your ad or article at our mailing address at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942 Articles may be sent via E-Mail to: Info@LaMesaCourier.com
La Mesa Courier 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505 email: info@LaMesaCourier.com Visit our website at: www.LaMesaCourier.com
Editor: Pam Crooks, ext. 124
Graphic Artist: Aleta El Sheikh
Assistant Editor: Kathleen Crawford, ext. 136
Advertising Consultants: Lionel Talaro, ext. 128 Maria Simencic, ext. 133 Garilee Gallegos, ext. 142 Michelle Goldstein, ext. 143
Staff Writer Charles Iyoho
Publisher: Mission Publishing Group, LLC Writers and Advertising Sales Experts Wanted Please call 619-697-2500, Ext. 122 Circulation: 20,000. Published 12 times in 2012 and delivered to all single family homes in 91941 and 91942 and at over 150 bulk locations throughout our circulation area of La Mesa, California by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: La Mesa Courier assumes no financial liability for errors nor for omission of copy and upon request will furnish a letter of correction to the advertiser. The Publisher, Mission Publishing Group, LLC., shall not be liable for any error in published advertising unless an advertiser proof is requested in writing 12 days prior to publication date and clearly marked for corrections. If the error is not corrected by the Publisher, the liability, if any, shall not exceed the space occupied for the error. Further, the Publisher shall not be liable for any omission of an advertisement ordered to be published. On written request, Publisher shall reschedule and run the omitted advertisement at the advertiser’s cost. All claims for adjustment must be made in writing within 30 days of the date of publication. In no case shall the Publisher be liable for any general, special or consequential damages. Equal Housing Opportunity: Real estate advertising in La Mesa Courier is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” La Mesa Courier will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify La Mesa Courier readers that all dwellings advertised in La Mesa Courier are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275. News and information printed in La Mesa Courier is obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy on information sent to the paper cannot be guaranteed. Articles and opinions of writers or letters to the editor that are submitted for publication to the La Mesa Courier are the views of the writers and should not be considered the views of the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2012, all rights reserved.
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LaMesaCourier.com — January 2012
‘Visions of Coronado,’ January 12–February 20 Juried Art Exhibit in Coronado Features Three La Mesa Artists For some people, the name “Coronado” conjures up images of an historic hotel in a seaside setting; for others the name represents an island community closely bound to the US Navy, while still others are reminded of an old-fashioned American small town. These perspectives of the Crown Isle have been inspiring artists ever since the town was founded in the late 1800s. From January 12 to February 20, Visions of Coronado, an exhibit of 24 recent works of art depicting some aspect of Coronado life will be on display at the Coronado Museum of History and Art. The juried show was selected from 60 original pieces submitted by artists from all over San Diego County and created in a wide variety of media, materials and styles. The jurors were: Cornelia Feye, Director, School of the Arts and Art Education, La Jolla Athenaeum; Bill Mosley, Artist and Professor, Grossmont College; and Leah Ollman, Art Critic, Los Angeles Times. Five paintings by three different La Mesa artists were chosen for this exhibit. Jami Wright’s impressionistic watercolor painting, “Twilight at NAS North Island”; an acrylic painting and another in oil by Christine Schwimmer, entitled “Contemplation by the Shore” and “Reaching the Sandbar”; and two abstract oil/acrylic/pencil works by Theresa Vandenberg Donche, “Masts and Sails—Coronado” and “Sea Breeze—Silver Strand.” Ms. Donche maintains a gallery in Old Town, but lives in the Mt. Helix area of La Mesa. The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of Sara Rowe, a beloved Coronado resident artist, who passed away in October 2011. Sara was renown in the San Diego area for her watercolor paintings of local landmarks. She won numerous
‘Twilight at NAS North Island,’ a watercolor painting, by La Mesa artist Jami Wright, was one of only two dozen chosen for a juried show at the Coronado Museum of History & Art. Four other paintings by La Mesa artists are also included.
honors for her paintings, many of which were made into prints and note cards. The Coronado Museum of History and Art is located at 1100 Orange Avenue, adjacent to the Coronado Visitor Center. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission is by donation. For more information, log onto coronadohistory.org or call (619) 435-7242.