HillQuest Volume 10

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2 36 The creation of Sixth Avenue 40 The Marston sisters 41 Mary Wendorf, UH activist

4 Leaving Hillcrest

How many field rangers are in Balboa Park?

7 9 11 13 14 15 17 19 21 23

25 27 28 31 32 35

community K-rails removed Uptown’s update A westbound exit from 163N Democrat Abert Bell A new District 3 Will Jacobs ruin the park?

Where is the parking?

Sharrow the road DMV development

history The sign, old & new Maple Canyon roadway SD’s first woman doctor The fight for women’s rights Samuel Parsons, Jr.

43 44 45 47 49 51

53 55 57 59 61 63

pioneers i Remembering Miles Parker Thank you, Edwin Capps All Saints’ centenary Deborah Szekely Jeri Dilno

dining di i Pita Jungle HillQuest Polls Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar Hillcrest Brewing Company HHG holiday potluck

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65 67 Ranger Kim Duclo 69 Urban chickens

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89 91 A coffee table book of 92103 93 Lawrance Furniture 95 Believe Walls Do Talk

97 99 101 103 104 105 107 109

services San Diego Pros Health care south of Upas Trivia answers Big Sisters celebrate 70 years Hillcrest Bargain Box Hillcrest loves Tailor Love Time to invest in Uptown?

Reproduction of any material in this issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. All contents copyright 2012. HillQuest does not warrant or make representations as to the quality, content, accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links and other items contained in this issue.

Material in this publication has been compiled from a variety of sources and is subject to change without notice. Printed in Korea. All photos are property of HillQuest unless otherwise noted.

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Bankers Hill bridge walk Spruce St. Suspension Bridge Gill Hill Drivers, please slow down!

Quince St. Bridge repair Front-Juniper Community Garden Bankers Hill Organizations

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75 77 79 80 81 82 85 87

3065 Third Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 260-1929 HillQuest.com Publishers Ann Garwood Nancy Moors Layout/Design Timothy W. Brittain Contributors Lee Abrams Tony Azar Ben Baltic Ernie Bonn Bruce & Alana Coons Stephen Cox Olivier Dalle Tim Gahagan Todd Gloria Thomas Graff Barry Hager Sarai Johnson Sande Lollis Monte Marshall Colin McColl Peg Marston Bob Martynec Kelly Metz-Matthews Betty Peabody Luke Terpstra SOHO Doug Scott Dan Soderberg Trent St. Louis Jan Stewart Judy Swink Women’s Museum of Calif.

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Volume X July 2012 – June 2013

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hen moving here in 1981, Ann never thought she would ever want to live anywhere but Hillcrest. This solidified

three years later after purchasing a townhouse on Seventh Avenue between Robinson & Pennsylvania. How wonderful to be able to walk out the back gate, through the “Hillcrest tunnel” and onto Sixth Avenue. To have a home in the heart of the community was a dream come true. (And Whole Foods Market wasn’t even built yet!)

Which HQ9 pioneer lives in Dr. Charlotte Baker’s (see page 31) former home?

She’d worked on the San Diego Gayzette and been a board member on the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) for a couple of years and wanted to help make her new neighborhood even better. Joyce Beers was the executive director of the HBA, and money was being raised to get the long-dark Hillcrest sign fixed.

Gene Coster, Tony Kopas, Donna & Patrick McLoughlin, Lou & Carol Arko, Steve Zolezzi, Bob Walker, Lucille Greene, Wayne Hammond, Lucy Killea, the volunteer list was long, and spirits were high. The efforts culminated on Sunday evening, August 26, 1984, with the “relighting” of the Hillcrest sign. These were the ingredients for CityFest (HQ5). For years, Ann was a pre-dawn volunteer, chalking the streets prior to booth setup with the Arkos and all the good-natured friends we could muster.

While Ann, the former teacher, was becoming a community activist and running Ad Ink Advertising Agency, Nancy was a corporate sales director and general manager for a daily newspaper. When the San Diego native returned home, both gals had completed long careers in advertising and wanted to create something unique — a high-quality publication with a year’s shelf life that would direct readers to a website that could be updated daily. In 2003 neighborhood information online was spotty, at best. So we created HillQuest.com and the first HillQuest Urban Guide, a handy hip pocket booklet, both supported by local advertising. We thank everyone who helped us produce a total of 300,000 books, which were warehoused and distributed throughout the years. Our tenth edition may be the last Urban Guide, but the website lives on. Please visit HillQuest.com for daily updates!

A few years after first publishing HillQuest, we founded the Hillcrest History Guild, which in turn founded the Hillcrest Clean T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More). A couple years later the impetus for the Hillcrest Town Council occurred in our living room, and we couldn’t be prouder that this neighborhood group continues to thrive. [Check out HillcrestTownCouncil. com] The nonprofit Save Hillcrest soon followed in response to the

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inappropriate development of a 180-foot condo tower adjacent to the low profile, established neighborhood. The 301 University project would have also closed a community alley (HQ9).

We happily dedicated many years to the HBA. Ann served on the board for over three decades with each of the four executive directors. Nancy led the board as president during the transition to its newest staff. The business association has changed, and we have moved on. Disappointed, yes… wishing them well, absolutely.

We’re transitioning into our next chapter in Bankers Hill, where for years we’ve been working on an old apartment house while also volunteering in the neighborhood. As in Hillcrest, we value building consensus from different voices to mutually support community enhancements, and we wholeheartedly promote all open meetings, including the new residents and business associations (see page 87).

After this final HillQuest went to the printer, we packed up the townhome and relocated a mile southwest. Thank you, readers, for your appreciation of our books. Without the need to write them, we wouldn’t have discovered so many wonderful tales from San Diego’s history. We hope to have interested some of you in learning more about our community, its pioneers, architecture and businesses. We encourage you to support our advertisers and to volunteer a few hours to make a difference in your community.

A little bit from everyone will achieve much. Work together to make it better. Tell the truth and shame the devil.

The time has come for us to pass on the baton in Hillcrest and move to the Meadows.

Hello, Bankers Hill!

SteveCovault.com

image by thephotograff.com

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t’s amazing how many problems are solved and projects completed by volunteers who have enough passion to make a difference.

Hillcrest embraces the philosophy that every corner of our neighborhood has an influence on the community at large. Our residents, neighborhood organizations, business and property owners all work toward solutions to make Hillcrest a better place to live, work and play. We rise up to address issues like saving a heritage tree (HQ9), removing problematic k-rails (see page 9) or requesting a long-overdue off-ramp (see page 13).

We’re also fortunate to have strong neighborhood organizations like (1) the Hillcrest Business Association that generates money from the Farmers Market and festivals to fund improvements like trash containers, tree trimming and security patrols. (2) Parking Committee (see page 19), (3) the Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) that brings residents and friends out to pick up litter and meets monthly to share ideas to improve the neighborhood and address area concerns. Organizations including the Hillcrest History Guild, Save Hillcrest and the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition also fight to defend our special sense of place (voted most-valued Hillcrest characteristic in a 2012 HillQuest poll, see page 57).

Get involved in your community to make it better…together everyone achieves more.

Who engineered the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge?

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dining fun neighbors shopping

n 2012 the Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) brought about a successful resolution to a local traffic problem following years of volunteer effort working with government agencies.

The cement barriers, or k-rails, installed on Robinson Avenue at Tenth in 1996 closed one lane — merging drivers exiting from Highway 163 north with eastbound traffic. The vehicles coming off 163 were forced to merge into the one lane used by local drivers. This caused a bottleneck that commonly led to cars backed up over the bridge and occasionally much farther. The ugly cement rails were also magnets for graffiti and trash.

The residents group created a committee, which asked neighbors to suggest solutions, and then in early 2010 they started the process to make a difference. The committee met with traffic engineers on site to discuss viable options. The city wanted to install a curb pop-out, but that would have only made the bottleneck permanent. Caltrans considered closing the ramp. However, because the change could severely compromise emergency response time, that proposal was shelved. Options such as reconfiguring the exit ramp or putting up a traffic light were deemed too costly, which is when the committee felt that the problem was sliding onto the back burner.

So the heat was turned up to a boil. The HTC outreached to the Uptown Planners with a proposal to remove the k-rails and return the intersection to its 1946 configuration, and they received unanimous support.

As summer turned to fall, promises that the k-rails would be removed “in two weeks” continued. At last, with the assistance of Gibran Maciel from Assemblywoman Toni Atkins’ office and Anthony Bernal, staff member for Councilmember Todd Gloria, the process to get rid of the k-rails began to move forward. Finally on Thursday, February 23 the barriers, decorated early that morning with balloons, were hauled away to the cheers of the committee, as several Hillcrest Town Council members, the Hillcrest Clean T.E.A.M. and interested neighbors watched the several-hour process and celebrated the instant improvement.

Immediately the problem was gone, along with the ugly barriers that had marred this intersection for years, proving the power of a community!

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How many emails and letters did Congresswoman Susan Davis receive from 92103 constituents in 2011?

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ommunity plans serve as a blueprint for neighborhood development.

Each document is a unique reflection of the area’s issues and trends

with strategies to implement goals. In 2009 the city commenced the longawaited process of updating plans for Uptown, North Park and Golden Hill.

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However, the timeline to capture information through many meetings with planning board members in a novel “committee of the whole” procedure suddenly came to a halt early in 2011. Individual Uptown neighborhoods, in a feat of self-determination, drew up their own maps illustrating where density, parks, historic and conservation districts were feasible to protect the character of the neighborhood. In the meantime the city’s planning and development services departments merged, further muddying the waters.

One of the most critical issues is building height. Uptown Planners voted in 2006 to recommend the city adopt an Interim Height Ordinance (IHO) to limit building heights in certain areas of Hillcrest, Bankers Hill and Mission Hills while the plan was being updated. The idea was to place height limits in areas where the current community plan allowed up to 200 feet, so that taller projects would not circumvent the update process.

With over 1,200 signatures on a petition and many businesses and community organizations in support, the city council voted to enact the IHO in June 2008. However, the plan update process moved slower than anyone anticipated. Even after two extensions, the IHO terminated in 2012, with completion of the plan update still 18–24 months away. Opponents of the IHO — including the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA), developers from outside the area, and the Building Industry Association — lobbied to weaken the IHO by including discretion to build higher instead of firm limits. The city council denied them, but enacted a second (two-year) IHO instead of having it end with the new plan’s approval. It now appears likely that the new IHO will expire before the new plan is finished.

While much uncertainty remains, one thing is for sure: Uptown residents care about their neighborhoods and the quality of their lives. Future development should respect the lower scale of our built-out communities, which is much less than the 65-feet height allowed by the IHO.

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It was believed that combining the effort would save time and money.

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Neighbors making a difference!

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shopping services

A ramp to the west would also offer an easier, faster route from the Gaslamp District to anywhere in Uptown north of Balboa Park and west of the highway, easing street traffic throughout the community — and keeping cars away from bicycles (see page 21). As a bonus, no private property needs to be purchased to create such a benefit. The idea has been suggested for years during the community plan process (see page 11), and thanks to a rendering designed by Bankers Hill resident Jim Frost, the visual aid has made it easier for Ann Garwood to promote the ramp.

A groundswell of support now includes UCSD Medical Center, a 34–1 vote from the Hillcrest Town Council and unanimous backing from the Hillcrest Business Association.

It seems odd that Washington Street wasn’t initially engineered with a westbound option in the 1940s when this interchange was designed since both hospitals were well established. This off-ramp could help ease residents’ reluctance to accept more density. Two blocks away, the state is developing the DMV site (see page 23), which will add hundreds of new homes (and cars) to the area. Perhaps DIF (Developer Impact Fees) could be used to help create Hillcrest’s first neighborhood park at the same time as well as the much-needed off-ramp. With well-placed tunnels or bridges, the dreamed-of “Mystic Park” could still be developed in the area that today’s transients have nicknamed Camelot Canyon.

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hink about it: if you’re driving north on Highway 163, there are NO westbound exits toward the heart of Hillcrest. (Richmond, Robinson & Washington all exit to the east.) So, how do you quickly get there? Answer: drive east before making a u-turn back west toward the sign. Crazy, huh?

This means that the best route for emergency vehicles to get to Scripps Mercy Hospital or UCSD Medical Center is to exit on Robinson and cross several intersections with stop signs, stop lights and pedestrians. This affects not only businesses in the heart of Hillcrest, but, more importantly, patients in need of timely care. A westbound exit onto Washington Street from the 163 north would allow quicker access to emergency rooms while dramatically decreasing siren noise resounding through our neighborhood.

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Westbound exit from 163 N needed?

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Why I vote Democratic, too

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hen I moved to San Diego in 1990, Albert Bell was one of the first people I met. The remarkable gay activist with a bit of a following

(Radical Faeries, Act UP!) was a gentle soul, seething with grief and fury, a saint in a black leather motorcycle jacket. Many were dead and dying

What year were barricades installed on the Cabrillo Bridge to prevent suicides?

around us. Albert cheered everyone on. “Keep living.”

One night in 1992 he was giving a speech and someone mentioned the upcoming election. Albert was slated for a seat as a delegate to the Democratic Party convention, and there was criticism. The Democrats had done nothing. They were no better than Reagan and Bush.

Albert looked around the room at each of us and asked if we were all Progressives. There were a few mumbles. “Is everyone here to the left of the Democratic Party?” Still there wasn’t much response. “Look at the Republicans. They’re moving farther and farther to the right.” Then he walked to center stage. “This is the common ground. This is the middle of the road. This is where Democrats and Republicans meet and deal with each other. Right down the center. “ Then he took two giant steps sideways to the right. “This is where the Republican Party used to be.” He took two more long steps to the right.

“This is where the Republican Party is now.” Then Albert ran to the left side of the platform. “This is where the Democratic Party is. See how far this is from where the Republicans are now? So what do the Democrats do?”

He took a giant step to the right. “They move their position closer to the GOPs. This is the Republican strategy. They keep moving farther and farther to the right. It’s our job as Progressives to pull the Democrats back this way…to be an anchor to hold the Democrats and stop them from following the Republicans.”

I remember that night as the best civics lesson I ever had. His demonstration helped me understand why I vote Democratic. I do it for (and because) of Albert.

About the Author: Leftreborn is a Daily Kos member who posts regularly.

This is an edited version of a January 2012 blog entry.

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About the Author: Councilmember Todd Gloria can be reached (619) 2366633 or by visiting his website at sandiego.gov/cd3.

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decade ago, the first edition of HillQuest was published. At the same time Council District 3 as we know it was drawn. Now, reflecting newer census results and shifting communities of interest, the boundaries of District 3 are changing.

In December 2012 my district will no longer include City Heights, Kensington or Talmadge, which are all shifting to the newly created District 9. District 3 will instead include Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Old Town and all of downtown. I’m excited about what’s ahead in the new district, and while it was hard to move from City Heights, I am now a proud resident of Hillcrest.

Since moving last summer, I’ve adopted a walking lifestyle.

Obviously, the less I’m driving, the better for the environment and my health, but the benefits extend beyond those. Neighbors now approach me with questions or just to say hi. I thrive on this direct interaction, and it helps shape the decisions I make.

Walking, I also notice things that I may have missed. From broken sidewalks to trash, I try to ensure these issues are addressed.

In addition to being a one-man walking campaign for the perfect neighborhood, I’ve been getting to know the people in the new areas of the district. As is the case in other areas, their priorities are feeling safe in their neighborhoods and having an infrastructure they can trust. From the need for core city services to challenges and opportunities, the new and old communities share similarities. Like North Park, downtown is dealing with the aftermath of redevelopment’s elimination by the state. Like South Park, Bankers Hill and Mission Hills boast historic residences and unique business districts.

From caring about safe communities to continuing our infrastructure investments, the neighborhoods of District 3 are more alike than they are different. I look forward to working with my neighbors to create solutions and continue the progress we’ve made together over the past four years.

If you see me out and about, please say hi.

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pposition to the controversial Plaza de Panama plan for Balboa Park (see HQ9) is building into a groundswell. In the spring of 2012, cost estimates ballooned from $40 to $45 million in a matter of days as doubts arose over its possible completion by 2015, the centennial of the Panama-California Exposition. These serious drawbacks bolstered the public’s long-standing concerns.

City boards and commissions that oversee Balboa Park and its historic resources have now rejected this deeply flawed vision that would forever damage the park by adding a massive bypass and other irreversible intrusions.

In May the powerful Park & Recreation Board said “no,” and the following day the HRB (Historical Resources Board) unanimously rejected the project. The Jacobs-Sanders plan has also alarmed national and state preservation officials who have written to the city with grave concerns, maintaining that the renowned park’s unique buildings, gardens and landscapes would be so altered that their National Historic Landmark District status would be in jeopardy.

The original idea grew out of decades-old dissatisfaction with vehicles parking in the Plaza de Panama, at the center of the park (see HQ8). No one disagrees with this goal, but most everyone believes the bypass is wrong.

During events when the Cabrillo Bridge is closed, it would be worthless.

In addition, over 30 organizations and the vast majority of San Diegans strongly argue that other plans are better, including one advanced by the League of Women Voters to move the proposed parking lot to Inspiration Point (along I-5 and Park Boulevard) instead of behind the Organ Pavilion.

A comprehensive SOHO-supported option by local architect Bill Lewis would achieve all the goals of the project without endangering the park’s national status. His pro bono design was created out of love for Balboa Park and great respect for the Expo’s original architect Bertram Goodhue.

Many maintain that the public process for vetting this complex project was hijacked, raising widespread concern that future wealthy donors could dictate changes to Balboa Park, which is in dire need of private funding.

The City Council is expected to vote on the plan July 9.

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What Hillcrest condo development was allowed seven additional units because of a City typographical error?

It’s our differences that make us great.

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Marilyn Billingsley Insurance Lic. #: 0656407 1527 W Lewis Street San Diego, CA 92103 Bus: 619-296-6505

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About the Author: Tim Gahagan is the president of the Uptown Community Parking District Board and leads the Hillcrest Clean T.E.A.M.

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ars are great for zipping around from point to point, but what do you do with them once you’ve arrived? When you’re finished using most things, like eyeglasses or lipstick, you just slip them back into your pocket or purse. The problem with cars is that they need to be parked. Sometimes this can be a challenge in a busy urban area, and you usually have to pay for that privilege — either at home, in one of Uptown’s 1,480 parking meters or in a parking lot.

Fortunately, nearly half the money that goes into these parking meters is returned to the neighborhoods for projects to make it easier to stash cars and bikes, or to devise better ways to get around. The Uptown Community Parking District was reorganized this year (see HQ9) and residents, commercial property owners and businesses in Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills and Five Points (see page 87) are optimistic about the future of parking. The Hillcrest Parking Committee is looking to make the most from existing parking spaces by being smarter on how we use them. All sorts of technological innovations are available now and on the horizon. Imagine paying for parking with your cell phone instead of dirty quarters; plugging more time on your meter while finishing your cocktail; or asking the phone where to park and what the cost will be. Better yet, imagine getting credit from a local merchant to cover the parking cost. We hope to make all these dreams a reality in the near future.

We’re also hoping to have a trolley along University Avenue and install bike corrals throughout the business community. Hillcrest’s new Parking Committee has the vision and funding to make it happen. Before long, traveling around our neighborhood may be as easy as parking like a local.

(Of course, that ain’t saying much — we walk whenever possible!)

If you are an Uptown denizen and would like to be a part of this exciting world, just come to the next public meeting held monthly on the second Monday at 5pm in the Balboa Park Club.

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Parking, parking, where is the parking?

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The sharrow is installed 11 feet from the curb or approximately four feet from parked cars, indicating where bicyclists should ride to avoid traveling within the door zone of parked cars. It also serves as a notice to alert motorists to share the road with those on two wheels while conveying that the street is a preferred bike route.

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Painted white in the middle of traffic lanes, these markers are popping up in San Diego including our Uptown neighborhoods, which unfortunately have no dedicated bike lanes, but many bicyclists. “The idea is to designate a path of travel for cyclists so they’re not in danger of being hit by a door,” said Stephan Vance, a planner for SANDAG. They’re meant to remind both drivers and bikers that cyclists may use the center of a traffic lane. These icons are also used in situations where it may not be obvious that bicyclists can legally be riding, such as in intersections with multiple turn lanes.

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For much of the twentieth century, roadways were designed to ensure traffic flow, but it has become apparent that streets have many social and recreational functions, which are severely impaired by fastmoving vehicles. The living street is an attempt to design use for all of its functions. In 2004 San Francisco began experimenting with the shared lane marking and developed a revised symbol consisting of a bicycle with two chevron markings above it.

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That’s a shared roadway marker or “sharrow,” and it’s meant to make bicyclists safer on streets where there isn’t room for a bike lane.

They are also meant to direct cyclists away from potentially dangerous routes and/or parked cars to avoid being struck by suddenly opened car doors. Perhaps more importantly, the sharrows alert other road users to expect bicyclists in the travel lanes.

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ave you noticed the new icons on local streets resembling a bicycle topped with sergeant stripes?

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What urban canyon was in jeopardy of a 1960s four-lane road?

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About the Author: Bob Martynec lives near the DMV and sits on the Hillcrest Town Council development committee.

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here’s been some chatter about the DMV project, and I thought I’d add my very valuable and esteemed opinion. Here are the players and my take on them.

The State of California — They’re happy to get a new DMV building for free, and better yet, a bunch of rent from the land where a new apartment building will sit.

DMV — They get to be rude in a new building.

The Developer — He’s got some risk since he’s putting up the $ for the two buildings, although he should expect to get even more $ by renting out the apartments.

Hillcrest — It will get congestion and density. But that’s OK because we’re getting infrastructure improvements. Oh wait, no we’re not. Currently the DMV parking lot is available after hours, a boon for local businesses, and important for the new shuttle the Parking District has in mind. That parking will disappear.

Farmers Market — The developer says he’s “mindful of the market.” I don’t know what that means, but the farmers will lose part of the lot where they market their wares. The rest of the parking lot, now used by cars, will be gone, too, and I’m guessing some of the customers with it. I understand the HBA is doing what it can to advocate for the market, but I can’t envision a scenario where it isn’t severely damaged.

The Neighborhood — The adjacent area is mostly single-story homes with a scattering of two-floor buildings, and one that is three stories. The builder says he’ll put in the minimum amount of parking required by the city, and some of that will be tandem. At a public meeting, the developer acknowledged that there was not enough parking for residents, and that street parking would be needed. In addition, there will be more congestion. Neighbors will get the worst of it. Hillcresters will be losing some quality of life, so that the state can get a free building.

There you have it.

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A new development for the DMV

Image courtesy of Lankford & Associates as originally printed in San Diego Uptown News, 9/16/2011

What bridge celebrated its centennial in 2012?

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s the Panama–California Exposition Centennial fast approaches, San Diego must do something extraordinary to celebrate this monumental occasion. The Class 1 streetcars (see HQ9) were built to move large crowds quickly and safely during the 1915 event, and they can do it again!

These unique streetcars are historically significant to our city, our people and Balboa Park, and the ride will be enchanting, memorable and a destination in itself. A temporary historic Class 1 streetcar demonstration ride can be created inside Balboa Park, providing millions of visitors with a fun ride from parking lots to museums and attractions. The restored Class 1 streetcars will be ADA accessible and operate on batteries, eliminating the need for overhead wires. Millions of visitors will ride the streetcars, so the cost of construction and operation per visitor is miniscule. After 2015, the ride will be removed, and the area returned to what it looks like now and the Class 1 streetcars will be ready to serve anywhere in our city as a legacy project. Visit SanDiegoHistoricStreetcars.org for details.

To honor San Diego’s past and provide guidelines for our future, the time is now for the Class 1 streetcars! Get aboard.

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In 1994 Christopher Lee won a public art contest to beautify the supporting poles, which transformed them into red pencil-like structures topped with glass finials and aluminum cones. The sign was repainted in 2003 and 2009, with neon and transformer replacements throughout the years.

As guardian for the sign, in 2011 the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) decided it was time to replace the beacon after many months of neon malfunctions. The historic sign was lowered the night of August 10, and a new $47,000 version with LED lights was installed, but kept covered four days until its unveiling at the end of CityFest’s 27th annual streetfair. The new sign was not embraced by all, including the San Diego Architectural Foundation, which presented the replacement an Onion Award because of the departure from its traditional style and lack of historical preservation.

The old sign was stored by the city until late 2011 when the HBA sold it for $5,200 in an online auction. The winning bidder was Brett Serwalt, who plans to display the sign in his Obelisk Shoppe at 1029 University Avenue.

(He is currently rebuilding after a devastating fire to the block last July.)

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Over the years the sign fell into disrepair. According to the San Diego Union (January 28, 1975) a newly formed Hillcrest Merchants Guild planned to relight it. Again in 1984, after years of darkness, volunteers raised over $4,000 for its restoration, and on June 7 the sign was taken down for “refurbishing.” Instead it was rebuilt as an exact replica. When it was relit two months later on August 26, 1984 revelers filled the street and the celebration became the genesis for CityFest.

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ay back in 1940 a small group of business women, made up of an accountant, a doctor, a piano teacher, a realtor and several shopkeepers, pitched in to gift Hillcrest a big red sign with white letters outlined in neon that would glow pink at night. The identifiable beacon was widely embraced as a symbol of the spirit, energy and diversity, although the large wooden poles that held it were soon replaced after a councilman began calling the area at Fifth & University a “big-tree district.”

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TTrivia Tr riv ivia ia

What Bankers Hill resident founded Rancho La Puerta and the Golden Door?

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n 1957 the city began to study a new four-lane east-west road to eliminate use of Laurel Street through Balboa Park and relieve traffic congestion in Hillcrest. Years of studies were financed, resulting in nothing.

By late 1962 the Quince-Morley Group, a neighborhood organization, hired engineer Glenn Rick to explain three proposals, cleverly identified as the Northern, Center and Southern routes. Each would begin near the foot of Laurel Street at State and run northeast through Maple Canyon.

At a point past Second Avenue the northern and center routes would swing north and cross Highway 163 (then US 395) near Upas. The southern route would cross 163 at Quince and join the center route just east of Park Boulevard, ending at Upas or Thorn. The Quince-Morley Group favored this plan. The northern route would cross Robinson at Park Boulevard then continue east on Landis Street through the Morley Field area. All three highways required utilization of some Balboa Park land; the Upas Street route would pass adjacent to the George Marston House.

Much to their dismay, residents learned that their most favored southern route would require a tunnel and cost nearly $4,000,000 more than originally proposed. The engineer suggested that the center route might also require a tunnel. The city didn’t want to spend the money and preferred the northern route, exiting the canyon at Quince northbound on Third.

State highway engineer Jacob Dekema reported that, after the Maple Canyon route was built, two roads would be constructed along both sides of El Prado between the Cabrillo Bridge and Park Boulevard to clear the main road of autos. Two other Balboa Park highway projects were also planned (but fortunately not completed) — (1) widening Highway 163 to six or eight lanes and (2) a freeway through Switzer Canyon.

In 1963 the Park & Recreation Committee unanimously recommended the northern option, but the city manager recommended a new alternative.

The “Fletcher Plan” combined the south and north routes, which he thought would get the least amount of public objections. Thomas Fletcher wanted a pair of one-way roads on Quince and Palm streets across Sixth Avenue into Balboa Park, which would join Richmond Street near the 163 off-ramp, then cross Upas Street and connect to the northern route near the northeast end of Marston Canyon.

Emerging from Park Boulevard the route would push due east along Landis Street. This latter section would require the most expensive

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acquisition of right-of-way in the residential area, and remove 4.6 acres of Balboa Park compared to as much as 12 acres in other proposals.

Additionally, Fletcher’s plan would require hearings by the Planning Commission and the City Council because it meant a change to the Balboa Park master plan. The council rescinded its initial approval of Fletcher’s plan after residents complained that they were not advised of the hearing where approval was given.

By mid-1964 the assistant city manager recommended a three-phase program in lieu of the Maple Canyon Road including increased street capacity in Hillcrest and ending curb parking along University at rush hours. Additionally, it called for a redesign of Washington Street and Highway 163 off-ramps; develop Sixth and Seventh avenues as one-way pairs and coordinate plans with the Hillcrest Business Association.

In September 1964 at the urging of Park West businessmen and the Balboa Park Protective Association (now The Committee of One Hundred) the City Council revisited the Maple Canyon Road project. The Fletcher Route was resurrected and unanimously rejected by the Park & Recreation Board; however, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended it. In November the City Council listened to two hours of testimony and ultimately deferred their decision.

Opponents didn’t want encroachment into the park. Speaking on behalf of the West Balboa Park Property Owners W.E. Wessels said, “People were here before cars. We have inherited this park and should be guardians of it.”

Dorothea Edmiston, president of Citizens Coordinate (later C-3, see HQ9) said, “We want this council to go down in history as the one that saved Balboa Park.”

In December 1964 the City Council ended two years of controversy and finally approved the Maple Canyon Road setting aside $2,000,000 to begin work in the fiscal year, but the project was never started, and sometime after 1969, the plans were abandoned. By 1981 the city had dedicated Maple Canyon Cany Ca Cany nyoon n as as open open op space and began efforts foortts to to acquire acq cqui u re ui r the the he remaining privatelyy owned oow wneed parcels p rc pa rcel elss in el n this beautiful canyon. on. n

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Individual Membership $10 Business Membership $25 Corporate Membership $100

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assachusetts born in 1855, Charlotte Johnson was a happy tomboy raised in privilege to attend Vassar College, then medical school at

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the University of Michigan becoming an obstetrician. Her residency at a of women and girls. Following graduation, Charlotte married classmate Fred Baker and the newlyweds livedd briefly in

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women’s penitentiary set a lifelong interest in improving the situations

Dr. Charlotte also shared a common interest in education, women and science with Ellen Browning Scripps and Dr. Mary Ritter. Mary and Charlotte gladly supplied the wealthy Miss Scripps with information and provided plenty of suggestions for projects in need of her contributions.

This relationship strengthened all three. Miss Scripps had eyes into the community; Drs. Baker and Ritter gained the prestige of being known as friends of a generous philanthropist; while their physician husbands (and Ellen’s brother E.W. Scripps) often received the credit for their good efforts, at the same time deflecting criticism from the ladies’ progressive charities.

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Politically active, she became the first woman president of the San Diego County Medical Society, headed the San Diego Civil Service Commission and the temperance union. With Anna (George) Marston and Rose (Aubrey) Davidson, Doctor Charlotte founded the YWCA and served as president of the local Equal Suffrage Association (see page 32). By paying taxes on property, food and clothes, women contributed to government revenues, but they were denied voting rights (taxation without representation). The activist led San Diego’s 1911 successful suffrage campaign and educated the county’s rural areas from the back of a decorated automobile with Mrs. Ella Allen (whose daughter, Eleanor, drove) and Miss Lydia Harris. Their efforts distributing literature and sharing views made the difference in San Diego County passing the amendment.

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in The pioneer doctors settled in wn wn New Mexico (building their own ng structures by hand) prior to moving re re here in 1888 to provide a more en n.. civilized life for their young children. the th The Bakers immediately joined the cie iety ty, San Diego County Medical Society, and she established the Woman’s Home Home Ho me Association. They were the first husband uussbbaand an ndd and wife physician team in town, working woorrki king ingg at St. Joseph’s Hospital (see HQ5) Q5) 5) where wh heere re “Dr. Charlotte” practiced obstetrics ettri riics cs and cs and nd gynecology, delivering 1,000 babies es while while wh ilile never losing a mother.

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Akron before malaria drove them west.

Women’s suffrage: the fight for right

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What year was the Hillcrest sign gifted to the community?

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hen writing the United States Constitution our founding fathers forgot about their mothers, aunts and daughters. It took 144 years (from 1776 to 1920) before these women were allowed the same right as their brothers. “Failure is impossible,” stated Susan B. Anthony. But she forgot to mention how slow success could be. This tireless activist worked every waking hour for 50 years so women could vote. Sadly, she died 14 years before her goal was realized.

The demand for extending the ballot to women began in earnest after the Civil War. Black men could vote, why not women? The Wyoming territory was first to allow women the right to vote (1869) followed by Colorado (1893), Utah & Idaho (1896) and Washington (1910).

Early California success came in 1893 when a women’s suffrage bill won approval at the state level, but the governor thought it was unconstitutional and vetoed it. In 1896, women took the issue directly to the voters for a statewide referendum and were soundly defeated. Suffragists blamed opposition from the liquor industry (which feared women would support prohibition), corporations and the Republican Party.

Another campaign was triggered in January 1911 when the new Progressive legislature placed the amendment on the October ballot.

Women throughout the state organized, conducting a tactical and spirited campaign to enfranchise female residents. Guided by national suffrage organizations and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Dr. Charlotte Baker led the local charge. The San Diego Sun reported, “50 years ago there was not one woman’s club in existence. Today there are more than 8,000 of them.” Women saw that suffrage (the right to vote) would help effect needed changes. Dr. Charlotte (see page 31) was acutely aware of women’s struggles, and the well-respected civic leader directed an intense nine-month effort.

Dr. Charlotte had been participating in the San Diego Equal Suffrage Association since 1906, attending monthly meetings and making speeches. After her election to president, the group went full throttle to educate the public by using billboards, electric signs, high-school essay contests, pageants, plays, parades, street meetings, picnics, parlor talks and rainbow-colored fliers. Dr. Charlotte and Ella Allen worked closely writing speeches and plotting strategies. What may have turned the tide

Labor Day 1910, Women’s Union Label League

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were their auto tours campaigning along the county’s back roads with stops in Escondido, Ramona, Palomar, Temecula and Santa Ysabel. This was the first time women had spoken up in public parks or from the roadside.

On Election Day women and their supporters throughout the state continued to campaign mostly in the outlying districts. (Many city men didn’t want their quality of life changed by voting women.) Throughout the night, Dr. Charlotte tallied results on an immense blackboard listing the state’s cities and towns. With one-third of the vote counted, the results were bleak — 44,659 against and 37,170 in favor. (It even failed in her precinct.) But the leader didn’t give up hope, always feeling that the greatest support would come from the rural areas where the results would take longer to report. Her instinct was correct. Ultimately, the amendment passed by a 17% margin in the city and by 41% in San Diego County.

But there was little time for victory celebrations as Dr. Charlotte’s team immediately hit the streets to attend meetings and sign up women voters. Within a week 2,528 were registered, and weekly gatherings were organized to hear arguments for and against a harbor improvement bond measure put forward by city engineer Edwin Capps (see page 45) who believed that the opening of the Panama Canal would provide opportunities for new trade. Capps, fearful that the women’s vote might be nullified, put forth a contingency that ballots cast by women be marked for later identification if needed. On November 15 San Diego voters (both men and women) approved the initiative with a tally 7,196 to 183.

It took nearly another decade for all American women to vote.

Every year, on August 26, we honor those who fought in the struggle for a woman’s right to vote. (If you haven’t seen the movie Iron-jawed Angels, rent it!) Please don’t take their struggle for granted. Vote! Even though a century later research shows that females make better leaders, women’s equality still is not guaranteed by our Constitution.

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It was hard work

What Uptown organization is housed in an Emmor Brooke Weaver home?

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To find an HIV testing location near you or to talk to a health advisor You can also visit: KnowAndDisclosse.com A program from

Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) through the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency.

This material has been reviewed by an authorized local review panel.

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n 1902 San Diego formed a Park Improvement Committee to enhance existing parks and develop new ones. Kate Sessions

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Samuel Parsons’

(who first suggested the idea three years earlier) landscape architect should draw up the plans for the new City Park, known today as Balboa Park. George Marston (HQ3) would pay for

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convinced fellow members that a top national

the services, and Mary Coulston urged the arranged a meeting. The designer inherited his father’s love of horticulture and partnered with Calvert Vaux and

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appointment of Samuel Parsons, Jr. and

Frederick Olmsted to create New On his next business trip East, Marston met and immediately

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York City’s renowned Central Park.

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With San Diego’s natural beauty, the landscape architect knew he had been given an opportunity to create a world-class park and, at the height of his career, planned a masterpiece. His first visit to San Diego occurred on the heels of winter rains, which produced blooming wildflowers. This allowed Parsons to record which types of native flora grew and where.

Through consultations with Kate Sessions, he developed a horticultural vision of great reflection and solace speaking to the late Victorian sensibilities. Parsons also embraced the wide vistas that the parkland offered. His ultimate goal was to capture the outside world instead of blocking it as he did with previous parks in New York City. The designer wanted to preserve the big views to the mesas, oceans and mountains, which were not obscured by smog and construction.

Parsons provoked objections from some that an outsider had been chosen to design the city’s largest park and were convinced only locals knew the soil, climate and plant conditions. When the grumbling became too loud Kate, George and Mary spoke up to defend Parsons’ plans. To accentuate native flowers and dramatize vistas, he proposed keeping trees low on mesas, and cautioned against cuts and fills that would mar the contrast in the park. Parsons completed most of his work in New York City and visited the site only four times. His assistant George Cooke completed much of Parsons’ vision and was ultimately hired by the city, adding roads along the west boundary (see page 36) and through Cabrillo Canyon.

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hired Parsons.

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The Gay (left) and Arnold mansions overlooking Mulvey Canyon circa 1900

The creation of Sixth Avenue San Diego History Center

What is the oldest San Diego city park (developed in 1850)?

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ntil two years before the opening of the Panama–California Exposition, northbound Sixth Street through downtown ended at A Street. The one-way corridors of Fourth and Fifth were the only two connecting roads west of the city’s undeveloped parkland (what would eventually be transformed into the world-class Balboa Park). There was no Sixth Avenue along its edge. Homes on the perimeter, many of them grand mansions, were built on Fifth or the east/west streets having alphabetical tree names. All enjoyed using the future park as their big backyard.

In 1902 Samuel Parsons (see page 35) was hired to design the city park, and two years later initiated “the rounding out of Mulvey Canyon” along its southwestern corner. With his assistant, George Cooke, they also oversaw the planting of several hundred Check out the trees. The area was envisioned to be a verdant oasis, a retreat with vines, flowers, trees and circa 1926 photo wooden bridges. Parsons was a proponent of the inside the back curvilinear roads, which were originally drawn cover of the book

by John McLaren, superintendent of Golden you’re holding.

Gate Park.

The following year, with Cooke overseeing the landscape, city engineer George d’Hemecourt (creator of the Quince Street pedestrian bridge) was tasked by the street committee to design a street 80 feet wide along the park’s entire west boundary by filling in the steep, rough embankments near Kalmia, Quince and Upas streets. Kate Sessions spoke out to defend Parsons’ vision for an inviting entrance to the park featuring a road following the land’s natural contour. Cooke parted ways with Parsons in 1907 and took over the park’s development; he appeared to have been

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and the loss of our city’s first mansions

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more of an engineer than a landscape architect. The county hired Cooke to plot roads that would be economical and efficient, so they needed to be straight, quite opposite of Parsons’ design.

A 1913 proposal to construct a road along the park (initially “Park Avenue” now Sixth Avenue) was met with controversy.

Proponents of the park and homeowners along its border argued that it would be inappropriate and cause a loss of parkland. The project also required that 38,000 cubic yards of dirt would fill Mulvey Canyon. The area near Juniper, named for neighbor James Mulvey, had been planted a decade earlier as a green oasis. Canyon lovers, property owners adjoining it and (of course) Kate Sessions objected to the destruction.

Ultimately, the superior court dissolved a restraining order against the canyon’s ruin, and architect Frank Allen, who was working on the PanamaCalifornia Exposition (and later responsible for the Park Manor Hotel), supervised the construction of the new boulevard.

On an 1887 city map only the grand Florence Hotel (at Fourth & Fir) and a nearby reservoir were noted. The fabulous views made this an ideal location for San Diego’s nouveau riche to reside, e andd the e, t e area th arrea gained the moniker Florence Heights. The impressive (1890) e essive (189 8900) mansion at Fifth & Juniper was built for bank founder f founde er David Dare and designed by famed architect William W liaam Willi Hebbard. The blue granite structure had four towers o owers ow and as much stained glass as the Villa Montezuma! u uma!

Dare swapped his “castle” (San Diego’s only cut-stone toone mansion) for John Gay’s ranch the following year.

The Gay estate even had a tennis court and golf range. The wealthy owner opposed the Sixth Avenue extension, but lost the argument. By B 1937 37 the th Gay G Mansion M i was demolished, replaced with bland medical offices.

Millionaire George Keating, whose company sold farm equipment, built a grand (1891) mansion that filled the block along the west side of Fifth between Olive and Palm. It had a third floor ballroom overlooking the undeveloped City Park and was the highlight of the San Diego’s social scene. It later became a Mexican restaurant, followed by a boarding

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V LVLW

How old was Mary Marston when she passed away?

one of California’s finest examples of the Arts & Crafts movement, the 1905 Marston House, home of visionary civic leader George Marston, whose interest and work in historic preservation, conservation and history is legendary.

Designed and built by acclaimed architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill, it is surrounded by five acres of rolling lawns, formal gardens, and rustic canyon gardens.

Learn about one of San Diego’s most prominent families; the renowned architects and landscape designers who worked with the family to create one of the region’s most important estates.

Contact us for your Group Tours! (619) 297-9327 House, Garden & Seventh Avenue historic architecture tours available

$8 Adults $6 Seniors (65 & older) $4 Children (6-12) Join SOHO and receive unlimited free admission Open year round Seasonal Hours

Visit SOHOsandiego.org

for Parking & Balboa Park Tram information

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The wife of President Grant and his son Jesse commissioned William Hebbard to design their 545 Quince Street home in 1894. As the site of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, it had profound national significance and may well be the only local house with a rendering and construction announcement published in the New York Times. City staff strongly recommended its designation, but the Historic Site Board was hoodwinked by bogus guarantees to save its important elements and incorporate them into an ice cream parlor, where they promised to serve the frozen treat and crumpets to neighborhood children while sharing the virtues of Julia Grant. So the site was not designated; the demolition was allowed; and the developer dropped out of the project. A vacant dirt lot remains today.

The Arnold Mansion, constructed in 1895 (with the town’s first wire nails) featured 22 rooms and 18 marble fireplaces. Arnold’s fortune was made on the East Coast in the ivory trade. His company was one of two that supplied the tusks for toothpicks, combs, piano keys and billiard balls.

Harriet and Benjamin Arnold moved to SD in 1889 with hopes the weather would ease his asthma. He acquired several lots in the Horton Addition (see page 43) during the great land boom of 1887–1888 and had their mansion built on the corner of Fifth & Juniper. Gone.

So many grand homes gone, from the Klauber House at Thorn to the Kew House, San Diego’s only Greene & Greene, at Spruce. Sadly, just a few original Sixth Avenue structures remain including the (1914) Palomar Apartments designed by Mead & Requa at Maple; the (1930) Le Moderne Apartments (Historical Landmark #811) at Nutmeg; the (1900) Jenks House at Upas; the (1910) Percy Benbough residence; the (1926) Park Manor Hotel (Historic Landmark #253) at Spruce; the (1920) Park View bungalows and Balboa Apartments at Olive; and the (1911) George & Alice Hazzard residence (Historic Landmark #939) at Redwood, which is planned to be relocated making room for another high-rise.

[Thanks to Dan Soderberg (HQ9) who inspired this article with his a SOHO presentation “Lost Sixth Avenue.” Enjoy his videos on YouTube.]

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Grant House

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house, then sat vacant, and finally vandalized, before its ultimate demolition in 1955.

Another lost historic resource along the park was the (1889) Sefton Mansion, built by the founder of San Diego Savings Bank. Joseph Sefton’s gardens, which included an aviary, were the setting for many social events.

His extensive volery of birds, given to the zoo upon his death, became the foundation for their collection. In 1959 the bank Sefton founded opened its first branch on the site of his former mansion. Today it’s home to Park Laurel condominium towers.

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Stepping back into history I

Who will be the new Councilmember for Bankers Hill beginning in December?

n th tthe he movie movi mo vie vi ie Somewhere Some SSo mewh me wher wh her eree in in Time Tiim imee a character ch hara ha ract cter ter is is so enamored ena namo more redd with wiith h an an aactress ctre tress ss that tha hatt he returns ret etur urns ns to to her her era. Working Worki king on old ld homes, homes, I often oft ften feel feel reliving early as iiff I’ I’m re reli livi ving ng our own earl ly San Diego history. history Such was the case when h I initially entered the home of Mary Marston (above right). Her father George (see HQ5) was a civic leader and founder of the town’s first major department store. (Mary was his and Anna Gunn Marston’s first child, born in 1879, followed by Arthur in 1881, Elizabeth in 1884, Harriet in 1889 and Helen three years later.) The family moved into their Seventh Avenue home in 1905, and Mary lived there the rest of her life. She died at 107.

In the late 1970s my brother Brian (now a contractor) and I were doing repairs on the Marston House when Mary asked if we could take the arms off an old outside bench. The nonagenarian and her widowed sisters, Mrs. Harriet Headley and Mrs. Helen Beardsley, came out to “supervise.” As the ladies sat nearby cooled by their parasols, Mary told us she would soon be hosting her final party for the Wednesday Club (see HQ5) and wanted the garden to be perfect.

Harriet shared that her sisters joined their parents on travels to the family cabin just outside of Julian. The Marstons would take the train to Lakeside then board a buggy for the ride up the old Viejas Grade to Pine Hills. Back in the late 1920s my mother loved going downtown to Marston’s store in the springtime when it was filled with large baskets of fresh aromatic lilacs. The fragrant flowers were picked in Julian and purchased from Mrs. Franklin (Alice) Barnes. Harriet also recalled planting trees with other grammar school students under what we used to call the “suicide” bridge (aka the Laurel Street Bridge). There was no road underneath then, just a small stream. Most of the trees planted by the children were cut down when the highway was built in 1946 after George Marston’s death.

I loved hearing these and other stories about San Diego’s early history, and will always hold the memories in my heart!

About the Author: Colin McColl and his brother continue to bring historic homes back to life.

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ary Wendorf was born in Milwaukee on April 29, 1957, and as the middle child grew up on the family farm in the region’s first “all

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electric” home, built by her father. After earning a degree in occupational Diego where she worked for two decades specializing in the treatment of adolescents with behavioral disorders. Mary was devoted to four-legged creatures, and her constant canine companion at that time, Hannibal,

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therapy from University of Wisconsin, the loyal Badger relocated to San

Suffice it to say, Mary was a proactive neighbor, helping to preserve and protect the historical character of Uptown neighborhoods and maintain the quality of life for one and all. Mary Wendorf-Warner was a passionate, loving and caring woman, graced with determination and a wonderful sense of humor. She treasured her family, especially her dog Maddie (shown), her friends, her church, her community and all of Uptown.

Mary had a marvelous memory and would much rather have a personal conversation rather than sending an email. On November 2, 2011 she left us far too early after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Although greatly missed, if you close your eyes, you may still be able see Mary with a petition in hand advocating for a critical historic preservation cause.

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In addition to her work and volunteerism with SOHO, Mary served on the boards of the Uptown Planners, the University Heights Community Development Corporation and the UH Historical Society while sharing her energy with the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition and the University Heights Community Planning Group. She was instrumental in arranging for the 120th birthday celebration of University Heights (HQ6) during 2008 and the centennial of the Teachers Training Building two years later.

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In 2000 she received her real estate license, but before starting a new career, Mary became a docent for Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) at the Whaley House. She first became involved with the organization in 1993 after moving into a University Heights Craftsman Bungalow.

Her interest in preserving San Diego’s history led to an appointment on the SOHO Board of Directors.

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calmed the troubled children.

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Brian & Colin McColl

What is the stencil in the roadway with a bicycle and sergeant stripes?

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cross from waiting cabs at Horton Plaza stands a bronze statue of the mall’s namesake, the Father of San Diego. Alonzo Horton first sailed into this harbor in 1867 and was immediately intrigued with an opportunity for a new town. After all, a railroad was proposed, and there was ample space for stores, homes and factories.

The 54-year-old pioneer purchased land in what is now downtown (for 33¢ an acre) followed by a more pricey parcel up the hill — Horton’s Addition, now Bankers Hill (see page 75). In all, Alonzo secured almost 960 acres with his two purchases of $265 and $4,000 — averaging the developer $4.26 an acre for his vision.

He vigorously sold lots and gave away property to promote development of the area, fueling the first of San Diego’s many real estate speculation booms. The following year, the harbor was bustling with activity, and buildings were being completed each day in Horton’s Addition. By the 1880s New Town had totally eclipsed Old Town (see HQ9) as the heart of the growing city.

Note: several years ago, the bronze map of San Diego that our city father once held vanished. Perhaps we can all pitch in to replace it?

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Where Wh W heerre can can you ca you pick yo ppiicckk up up a copy ccoopy py of of the the last th llaastt four fou our issues iissssuues es of of HillQuest?

HillllQ Hi Quues est ?

Who is the dedicated chair of The Committee of One Hundred?

obert Miles Parker (1939–2012) was a colorful, charismatic and outspoken man. A renowned artist, his drawings have been published

in magazines, newspapers and collected in books. His work garnered him national attention, including two appearances on the Today Show.

In a 2009 interview for SOHO’s 40th anniversary, Miles recalled the roots of Save Our Heritage Organisation with Ann Jarmusch and Dan Soderberg (see HQ9). It all began with his posting a hand-drawn sign to save the Sherman-Gilbert House (HQ9) after he heard of the plans to demolish it.

The response was “about 50 people showed up at my house on a rainy afternoon in 1969.” He told the gathering, “I don’t know what to do,” but after Carol Lindemulder joined forces with the bohemian artist, their lives were forever different. And so was San Diego.

Miles credited his caring for the neighborhood and city to his Southern roots. “I grew up believing that we have an obligation to take care of our place. We have to make it better.” He spoke about his love for San Diego, and an interpretation of history that shaped his views as an historic preservationist. “San Diego is a holy place. Madame Blavatsky (through Madame Tingley’s Theosophical Society) was here. The Rosicrucians were here. The Indians considered this holy land. The first settlers, I think appreciated that. I think the monied families, like the Klaubers, appreciated that too, and built wonderful things.…

But the next generation didn’t care and began to tear them down. And I don’t think anyone has cared since.”

“In the old days it was the ‘geranium growers’ vs. the developers. I came here in the 1940s as a little boy when the ‘geranium growers’ were in power, and it was such a neat place. It was just so comfy.

It is interesting the city went from being a holy place to a place of destruction. So it is our battle to pull it back…. It became more than saving the Sherman-Gilbert House, it became about saving the city.”

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In 1912 Edwin designed the footbridge connecting Spruce Street (see page 79) and harbor improvements needed to handle increased traffic anticipated by the completion of the Panama Canal. Following a brawl with councilmen in 1914, the engineer told them to “go to hell” and was fired. Edwin then ran for mayor and won in a landslide. Always outspoken, he welcomed progress, but cringed against the scarred landscape often left behind. The visionary believed the future in San Diego was tourism, rather than factories, and made every effort throughout his career to preserve our unique environment. In 1923 he retired and moved to Los Angeles with his wife Elfa.

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Riled by his audacity to question their decision, city councilmen summoned the irreverent engineer for a tongue-lashing. Furious with the unqualified bureaucrats’ meddling, Edwin threatened to resign immediately. The councilmen, sobered by this response, wilted into submission and embraced his substantial talents. That same year the designer planned the new city police station and jail, which received rave reviews from the state.

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With decades of experience, the confident man seized his duties with a no-nonsense dedication.

As a result, Edwin often sparred with superiors when they meddled in his official affairs. One drawn-out battle during 1911 was over the use of concrete vs. clay sewer pipes. The city engineer argued that clay vitrification would outlast traditional concrete and be much cheaper.

Since new sewer lines were continually added to keep pace with urban expansion, a new plant could use local minerals and lessen taxpayer expense.

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dwin wiin n Capps Cap apps pss was was a talented tal alen en nte tedd city cciity engineer eng ngin i ee in eerr and and tireless tireeleess ti s mayor maayyor o who w overcame adversity to leave San Diego a legacy including an improved harbor, a sturdy municipal jail and a much-loved bridge in Bankers Hill.

Tennessee born to a civil engineer/math professor father, a well-educated Edwin came to our dusty town in 1886. He gained recognition serving in several capacities throughout the county before taking a position with the city in 1893. The city engineer with a colorful personality was an opinionated civil servant who stood up for his visions and was twice elected mayor, in 1899–1901 and 1915–1917, during the first exposition.

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What female real estate developer started a movement to build All Saints’ in 1911?

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utting eccentrically into Sixth Avenue just north of Balboa Park, All Saints’ Episcopal is Hillcrest’s first church, and probably San Diego’s oldest non-Roman Catholic church, operating continuously in the same location. 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of its sanctuary at 625 Pennsylvania Avenue. It is a unique church in a unique community.

All Saints’ began in 1896. Its first tiny chapel was built the following year. In 1911, Mary Cossitt, who loved All Saints’ and loved building things in San Diego, started a movement to erect a great new church. As a result of her efforts, All Saints’ commissioned William Sterling Hebbard, San Diego’s most prominent architect, and an associate, Carleton Monroe Winslow (see HQ9), who designed some of Balboa Park’s important buildings, to create the church that stands today.

Its cornerstone was laid on June 10, 1912, and by November the building was completed. In 1924, another well-known architect, William Henry Wheeler, added the large parish hall on the south side of the church patio.

Both the church and the hall are distinguished examples of San Diego’s mission-style architecture. The church’s 32 stained glass windows, created by the Judson Studios of Los Angeles, are especially remarkable features.

An impressive music program enhances the beauty of the church.

Like the rest of the Hillcrest community, All Saints’ has always been working-class and middle-class. Many times, especially during World War I and the Great Depression, it had to fight for existence. Yet it survives and flourishes. The traditional role of this neighborhood church has been to preach the word and administer the sacraments, without regard to politics or other divisive issues. As a result, its congregation is strikingly diverse in every respect — as varied and individual as Hillcrest itself — yet unified in its religious mission and committed to preservation of its historic culture.

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erhaps it’s the daily smoothie that provides such amazing energy to this 90-year-old grandmother — or it could be the regular visits to Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door Spa, the world-class resorts she created. A resident of Bankers Hill since the early 1950s, Deborah Szekely (pronounced “Saykay”) is as gracious and giving as she is wise. Books fill her shelves and life.

In business and community service work, Deborah enjoys identifying herself as a “professional networker” and when asked, “How did you do it?” replies, “I just recognize a need, sell the dream, help everyone else join in and make it happen.”

In 1940 Deborah and her husband settled just across the border near Tecate at Rancho La Puerta. Edmond was a progressive thinker with hundreds of followers. His philosophy of the simple healthy life was a magnet for their new ranch camp. $17.50 a week, bring your own tent.

Organic vegetable gardens, fresh air, exercise. These modest roots grew into the first destination fitness resort.

By 1958 Deborah had taken the helm of the spa and elevated it to the next level while at the same time founding the luxurious Golden Door north of Escondido. This masterpiece became the first elegant fitness resort and her artful spa menus promoted the acceptance of vegetarianism, through tasty, creative cuisine.

“Children to Children” was the activist’s tour de force — a cooperative effort to collect, clean, mend and distribute used clothing to Baja California youth. “Volunteerism was my alma mater. I learned that you use the skills you gain as a volunteer not only to further change in your community, but also in business.” Deborah was also a longtime volunteer at the Old Globe (cleaning, set teardown, ushering) and in 1978 led the theatre’s successful capital campaign to rebuild after a fire.

While running for Congress in 1982, the candidate realized that no manual existed to help new members get organized. Her election loss was a catalyst for Setting Course, a guideline for Capital Hill office management, now in its 13th edition.

Deborah excels in transforming her ideas into projects, and those projects into successes. Another tip: “The more things you try, the more chances you have for success. Experience is how you use it.” Next up: wellnesspring.org — a nationwide coalition and on-line community that is passionate about wellness.

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eri Dilno’s record of LGBT activism is unsurpassed. The native San Diegan and Point Loma High School graduate joined the Air Force

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in 1958, then just three days prior to leaving the service was given an

Politically, in 1976 she held a seat on the statewide committee against Prop 6 (the Briggs Initiative); was one of six openly lesbian delegates from California at the 1977 International Women’s Conference in Houston; and worked on the 1987 March on Washington. Jeri served as president of the San Diego Democratic Club for four terms; has been a delegate to three National Democratic Conventions; and in 1994 served as co-chair of the LGBT Caucus of the California Democratic Party. In addition, this activist has served on: Mayor O’Connor’s Commission on the Status of Women; the Police Dept’s Gay & Lesbian Advisory Committee; the Citizen’s Advisory Board on Police-Community Relations; and on a subcommittee dealing with high-speed chases. (Whew!)

The list continues, from being the first woman executive director of The Center to the first female editor of the Gay & Lesbian Times. Jeri Dilno has been at the forefront for political and social justice and presently sits on the boards of the Balboa Park Committee and the SD Democratic Club while working for TRS Consultants as an editor, writer and visual analyst.

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Returning to San Diego, the motivated activist helped organize the city’s first permitted gay Pride parade and rally in 1975. The San Diego Union estimated 400 people marched. In 1986, when Lambda Pride canceled the festival due to a lack of funds, within two weeks Jeri and other volunteers put together SD’s first two-day festival. She helped plan festivities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Stonewall in 1989 and worked to ensure that San Diego Pride would be financially able to give back to the community. Jeri served on the Pride Board from 1989–1994, returned from 2000–2006 and continues to serve presently.

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She moved to Philadelphia in 1970 for five years, where the young lesbian was inspired to begin her activism. Jeri helped organize the first gay Pride demonstration and was active in the Gay Media Alliance, where she protested homophobic TV episodes and arranged sit-ins.

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changed to honorable.)

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undesirable discharge because of her sexual orientation. (Years later it was

Who wrote the original plan for Balboa Park?

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razen BBQ Smokehouse & Bar, the realization of a shared vision of two young entrepreneurial chefs, began in 2009 when John Bracamonte and Brad Thomas took on the national barbecue circuit. In their first year, the Brazen BBQ team won the California BBQ Association’s coveted Rookie of the Year award, finished in California’s top ten and the nation’s top 100 in barbeque competitions.

Two years later the BBQ masters brought their tasty “Q” to Hillcrest.

“If there was one style that we say we most resemble, it would be Texas barbeque, because we serve our meats with dry rub,” John explained.

“Longhorns love their brisket, and have found a home away from home on this busy corner at Fifth & Washington.”

Miss Regina Ann is the heart and soul of their success. It’s a Southern tradition to name your smoker; the boys honored their wives. Regina is John’s wife, and Ann is married to Brad. The ribs smoke five or six hours using hickory and apple wood, while chickens needs only two hours after a rub-down with their unique blend of spices.

“What we try to do is not mask the flavor of our meats with a bunch of extra sauce or stuff. It’s just about the meat, the rub and the smoke,” Brad shared. This time-honored, road-tested, award-winning barbeque has earned these young smokers the right to be brazen.

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avid DeLorenzo and Andreane Esclapez are part of a team that couldn’t be happier with their new restaurant, Pita Jungle, which opened last May in the historic Jurman Building at 1045 University Avenue. Andreane has been with Pita Jungle for eight years, starting out as a server. The native of France has grown along with the company and will be “the face” of the new Hillcrest eatery. You’ll enjoy her friendly smile and love for the neighborhood. And don’t be surprised to see David around the community, too. While continuing to make his home in Arizona, the restaurateur loves the southern California lifestyle, which is a great match for his affinity for running and physical fitness.

The first Pita Jungle opened in 1994 in Phoenix near Arizona State, where three young owners got their start in a small storefront with a handful of tables. Pita Jungle has now expanded to 17 mostly franchise restaurants where the food is fresh and healthful, and the people fun and creative.

Hillcrest’s Pita Jungle, a 150-seat full-service restaurant, brought 80 new jobs to the Edwardian warehouse-style building that occupies 1041-47 University Avenue. Throughout its first several decades the upstairs housed apartments, while the two storefronts were home to several furniture stores and, in the 1940s, even housed a “snooker parlor.” Some may recall the space used as two popular coffeehouses, first SOHO then Euphoria. The building was historically designated as one of the few great examples of Edwardian-style architecture in San Diego. In November 2009 the City’s Historic Resources Board (HRB) agreed that it is a neighborhood landmark and the loss of this building would have torn the heart out of Hillcrest’s historic business district.

Pita Jungle has been a dream come true for all involved (including Rick, Keith, Dan, Sandy & Drew)! Stop by to enjoy their value-oriented menu featuring health-oriented, Mediterranean-style sandwiches, salads and pizzas. Plus it’s a great place to watch our Hillcrest characters parade by!

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illcresters have never been bashful about sharing their opinions, and while HillQuest receives suggestions via the phone and through

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Share your 2¢ at HillQuest.com emails, most visitors to HillQuest.com (which is updated daily) participate

Before each Thanksgiving holiday we ask about what HillQuest.com visitors are most appreciative. In 2008, 37% were thankful for the November election results! When asked what “you love most about Hillcrest” in 2012, 27% selected “sense of place” followed closely by “great dining options” and “the people.”

Visit HillQuest.com to share your 2¢ on our front-page survey or simply weigh in on a community happening.

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When visitors were asked what would most help Hillcrest’s problematic parking situation (see page 19), they were split. 33% wanted to take out the meters all together and allow for two-hour free parking.

Another third of those taking the poll preferred that residential parking be zoned for a maximum of two hours at a time (except for residents with On a similar the question ith permits). it ) O i il ttopic, i th ti was “should parking meter rates in Hillcrest be lowered to 25¢ per hour?” Respondents overwhelmingly replied yes! 66% wanted the reduced rate, as long as twohour parking is enforced. (FYI: only Downtown & Uptown business areas have meters.)

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A 2006 survey asked readers what they thought about having a 12-story condo tower in the neighborhood. 56% of the respondents to the survey registered opposition to the project, however the city council followed Councilwoman Toni Atkins’ lead to vote 7-1 in favor of the developer.

(Councilwoman Donna Frye cast the lone vote against 301 University).

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in our regular online polls.

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Featuring organic soups, salads, sandwiches and an all-day breakfast, Lotus Cafe offers an array of delicious options such as a robust vegetarian lasagna, tasty fish tacos, scrumptious chicken enchiladas and an assortment of fresh juices, smoothies, shakes and desserts. Take time to study the menu; place an order at the counter; and the meal will be delivered to your table. Be sure to check out the handy condiment counter where you may grab items to enhance your food or top off your cup of organic coffee. As a bonus with any meal, Lotus Cafe validates for two hours of free parking in the garage right below them. They have free wi-fi, too!

Johanna and Carl Wright owned natural food restaurants in Santa Barbara and Ashland, Oregon before bringing their expertise to Encinitas where they opened their first San Diego restaurant in 2009.

Two years later the couple remodeled the former Pizza Nova with an East-Indian décor “encouraging guests to seek balance in their inner and outer lives through the influence of a peaceful, soothing and joy-filled environment.” The intricately designed elephant statues (or Ganeshas) at the front and back entrances were custom-carved in India for Lotus Cafe (take note when you walk by, even if your body doesn’t need nourishment).

“Hillcrest was a perfect place for our second location,” said Carl. “The cafe reflects our personal commitment to a healthy diet and balanced way of life, and in many ways it feels like an art project that we have created together as an offering to the community. As long-time followers of meditation and yoga, Hillcrest felt intuitively the right place to be.”

Make sure to say hello to Johanna, Carl and his sister Priscilla who may be taking your order at the front counter.

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dish is prepared with love, simplicity and a joyful heart.

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Hillcrest is dedicated to serving fresh, natural and healthful food at

affordable prices. When it’s time to eat right, eat right here, where every

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lassic southern cuisine, real wood-smoked meats, and unique Pitmaster creations. Check out our Lost & Found Saloon for daily happy hour specials and all-day Sunday. Stop in for lunch or dinner for a bold and original experience, or let us cater your next event.

619.816.1990 • www.brazenbbq.com

His style is called “steam punk,” which refers to the homemade brewing equipment he’s built. “Many of my beers are a little outside conventional styles. I started brewing to create beers that I liked, rather than win competitions.” His most unusual is Lucy Ale named after an orphaned raccoon. The home brew master gathered specialty grains, and offered them to Lucy, then formulated the recipe using only her favorite grains.

“The result is one of the most distinctive beers I’ve ever tasted.”

Look up inside the open beam ceiling to the chandelier David created from 97 twenty-two-ounce recycled beer bottles. Additional lighting in similar but smaller clusters hangs above the tables. The brewery also has a brick-lined pizza oven to complement your beer. Stop by for a slice, a new neighborhood experience, and raise a glass to Hillcrest’s first brewery!

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The Hillcrest Brewing Company is located at 1458 University Avenue near their sister restaurant Gossip Grill. Joey Arruda, from Baja Betty’s, is the general manager while head brew master David White is responsible for the brewery’s initial micro brews. His life has been a circus — literally. After the teen “ran away” from Escondido with Circus Vargas, his first career was as a professional animal trainer for films and television, working primarily with big cats. “This took me all over the country with various jobs. I’d always been a fan of beer, and my travels allowed me to try many different styles from various locations.” He took up home brewing in Las Vegas, and after several years moved back to San Diego County and interned at Aztec Brewing, while hoping to land a job at Stone Brewery. As luck would have it, David is now working for himself.

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ust as Chris Shaw’s team was thinking of what to do with the empty space left by a mediocre Mandarin eatery, David White met the longtime LGBT businessman with a six-pack of his home brew and a dream. As a result, Hillcrest’s first brewery is the latest addition to the Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill, Baja Betty’s and Gossip Grill family of restaurants.

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After (or during) the feast, the community is treated to historic presentations including the Marston House, the 40th anniversary of Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) and a slideshow tour of Hillcrest history.

This year’s holiday potluck will be held on Tuesday, December 11. So create your favorite recipe, loosen your belt and join the party.

Community building activities have always been paramount to the HHG. Beginning in 2007 with the Hillcrest centennial, the preservation group has coordinated fun events including the Toast to Hillcrest (see HQ9), movies, a sock hop, game nights and neighborhood walks. The August “Movie on the Roof” of Whole Foods Market has become a summertime tradition. This year’s free film will be The Big Night on Wednesday, August 1 at dusk atop the popular local market located at Seventh & University. Bring folding chairs (with a blanket and thermos) to enjoy a film under the stars!

To become a member of the History Guild, or to volulnteer, visit HillcrestHistory.org or call (619) 260-1929.

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The HHG provides the basics, then reaches out to area restaurants and grocery stores to donate tasty treats. 2011’s buffet included crème brule French Toast from Snooze, Baja Betty tacos, Bread & Cie artisan rolls, a yummy cake from City Deli and turkeys from Albertson’s and Ralph’s that were roasted by Babbo’s Bar & Grill. Owner Carmen Lucci also brought mashed potatoes, dressing and vegetarian gravy. Realtor Ken Tablang’s char su pork was excellent!

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ach year as jingle bells fill the air, neighbors and friends gather at the Uptown District’s community center for a delectable dinner to celebrate camaraderie and the season (Santa even popped in one year). Each year in December the Hillcrest Town Council takes a break from their monthly meetings (held the second Tuesday at 6:30 in the Joyce Beers Community Center), so the Hillcrest History Guild (HHG) coordinates a neighborhood potluck dinner in what would be an empty room. 50 friends and neighbors attended the first holiday potluck dinner in 2007, and over the years it has grown. Now hundreds celebrate the season by sharing their favorite recipes. Everyone is invited. Volunteers are welcomed.

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rawn to the sound of bell medleys, Balboa Park visitors look toward the California Tower each day at noon. But few are familiar with the instrument behind the music. It’s a carillon — a set of stationary bells where each bell produces one tone on the chromatic scale played through an electronic keyboard.

The original 32-note carillon was a 1946 gift from Councilman Frank Lowe to remember his mother (Ona May) and celebrate peace at the end of WWII. In 1967, Lowe upgraded it to a 100-bell system. A $20,000 grant from the San Diego Foundation in the ’90s modernized the carillon to include new amplifiers and the ability to store pre-recorded songs. There have been four carillonneurs in Balboa Park’s history: Paul Peery, Connie Venti (1980– 2002), Tracey Marino (2002–2009) and Gina Seashore (2009–present).

The carillon was once played live during recitals and special events, but today’s tunes are all pre-recorded. There are about 300 songs in its library including light classical, patriotic, holiday, Broadway and American standards. Each month the carillonist programs 20–25 songs to play at three per day. They usually have a monthly theme, such as in February when the list includes love songs.

The current carillonneur is updating and adding songs for people of all ages to enjoy. Email her at g.seashore@earthlink.net if you have a suggested melody.

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or years this good-looking man in the Smokey the Bear hat has been

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number 17, Kim Duclo, 53, has led thousands of free tours for the general

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the spokesperson for numerous events held in Balboa Park — including

Arbor Day, December Nights and the annual flower displays. As park ranger

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Kim studied art and communication at UCSD, then worked for nearly 12 years at many of the park’s museums. One afternoon, after once again sharing information with a tourist, he realized being a ranger would be a perfect fit. He started as a volunteer, then worked for the state park system before landing his ideal career in 1996. “I feel so lucky to have this job, because so many things happen in Balboa Park. With San Diego’s wonderful climate, it’s sort of our City Hall. Everything comes through here: visual and performing arts, political figures and festivals. It’s just a perfect hub of activity.” Try pointing your smart phone at the QR codes (see HQ9) found around the park you’ll be able to experience your own walking tour guided by Ranger Kim. He may refer to himself as a “librarian in a truck,” but this guy is truly one of the most likeable and helpful people you’ll ever meet. As a bonus, he’s always happy to share an abundance of absolutely delightful and informative stories. His wife Sandy and young son Morgan are paramount in his life, and he treasures each day as an adventure. By working in the park he loves, his life could not be better. The ranger’s best kept secret in the park? The underused courtyard behind the administration building (the old Naval hospital).

Ranger Kim has built and continues to maintain Balboa Park’s historical archive, which includes over 10,000 newspaper clippings and memorabilia including George Marston’s copy of Samuel Parsons’ (see page 35) original 1905 plans for the park. Eighteen pages, typed in blue with pencil edits and bound in leather with embossed gold-leaf lettering. Amazing.

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public, as well as many dignitaries. The job has been his dream come true.

68

What women’s group established SD’s first hospital at Seventh & University?

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hickens can now roam free in the backyards of San Diegans, thanks to a change to the San Diego Municipal Code in early 2012. The

chickens can even be accompanied by beehives and up to two miniature

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goats. The number of chickens is based on the distance of the coop provided the coop is located in the backyard, five feet from side property lines and 13 feet from the rear boundary. Five hens produce no more

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from the neighbors. Most homes would be allowed up to five chickens

Chickens have personalities, just like dogs and cats, and they can live for well over a decade. The fact that a noisy rooster isn’t needed to produce eggs makes them even more attractive to urban dwellers. So, is it “cheeper” to produce your own eggs rather than buying them at the grocery? Keep in mind that the costs associated with urban chicken farming fluctuate; however, basic “eggonomics” will tell you that it takes approximately 2.5 years to “recoop” your investment of feed, chickens and a basic chicken house.

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As the cost of food rises, and the movement toward ecological and sustainable living grows, many people want to raise chickens. Major fears — disease, odor, manure, a magnet for flies and rodents — haven’t materialized in cities that allow the practice. Just remember to wash your hands after being around the hens and don’t eat or drink in the area that the birds occupy.

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Councilman Todd Gloria, who shepherded the amendment through council, was happy with the unanimous support of his colleagues.

“There are so many District 3 residents who have wanted this for years.” Egg production from two hens should produce a dozen eggs a week. Some of the benefits of homegrown eggs are that they contain 25% more vitamin E, 33% more vitamin A and 75% more beta-carotene, on average. Many chicken farmers see a benefit in knowing that the hens are raised in humane conditions, plus, their manure may be added to compost piles or used directly as a fertilizer when tilled into the soil.

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waste than a dog, and chicken poop is a great nitrogen-rich fertilizer!

70 Advertiser Page Advertiser Page All Saints’ Episcopal Pre-School 8 AllChurch Saints & Episcopal Church 46 Hillcrest Town Council 12

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Advertiser Page Amarin Thai 58 Advertiser Page Babbo Grande 6 Babycakes 56 Baja Betty’s 32 Baja Bettys 62 Bite 56 Bo’s Seafood Market & Grill 62 Bread & Cie 48 Brazen BBQ 60 Cafe Eleven 54 Bread and Cie 56 City Deli 50 City Deli 60 Crest Cafe 54 Fiesta Cantina 60 Kous Kous 52 Golden Spoon 62 L&L Hawaiian BBQ 65 Gossip Grill 62 Lalo’s Mexican Grill 30

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Advertiser Page Advertiser Balboa Park Inn 20 Ann Callahan’s Bed & Breakfast Studio 819 16

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Advertiser Page Advertiser Page Ad Ink Advertising Agency Cover Eaton Electric 106 Tony Azar & Trent St. Louis 38 Fortunate Fields 50 Eaton Electric, Inc Cover Hillcrest Upholstery 106 Jeff Keeny, DDS 1 Jeff Keeny, DDS 1 One Dot Salon 20 Park Blvd. Dental 96 Services & Beyond 32 Scripps Mercy Hospital 10

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Advertiser Page Buffalo Exchange 82 Advertiser Page Cathedral 82 Assist. League Thift Shop 12 Column Exchange One 8 Buffalo 92 Fifth AvenueMusic Books 84 Circulation & Movies 90 Flashbacks 84 Divine Madman Coffee 62 Grah Safe & Lock 28 Lawrance Furniture 94

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73 Advertiser HillQuest.com Marston House

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ree summer concerts in neighborhood parks are a fun tradition. Pack a picnic, throw a blanket on the lawn and kick back with friends for some great local entertainment — and dancing!

University Heights (HQ6) hosts Uptown’s favorite outdoor concerts in Trolley Barn Park on Adams Avenue just east of Park Boulevard. Fabulous bands are showcased on six Friday evenings beginning June 29. Don’t miss Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra on Friday, August 3!

Since 1987 Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Society (SOS) has presented the Summer International Organ Festival, featuring internationally celebrated organists playing an assortment of musical styles under the stars every Monday evening from June 25 through August 27, 2012 at the Organ Pavilion in the heart of the park. (SOS also presents Civic Organist Carol Williams at the giant instrument every Sunday afternoon at 2pm year round.)

North Park, La Jolla and other neighborhoods throughout SD present their own series of concerts. Visit the HillQuest.com calendar of events to discover the best in free or incredibly inexpensive entertainment!

And don’t forget Hillcrest’s annual free events like CityFest (always the second Sunday in August) along Fifth Avenue and under the sign (see page 27) or the Movie on the Roof of Whole Foods Market at dusk. (This year’s film is The Big Night on Wednesday, August 1).

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What gay man ran against Bob Filner & Mike Aguirre for city council in 1987?

— Paul, Owner Garden of Eden Organics

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Allow us to help you get well and stay well naturally.

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K, how are we supposed to spell it? The city’s gateway signs proclaim “Bankers Hill” (without an apostrophe), but driving around the neighborhood it’s easy to find signage with both Bankers’ and Banker’s Hill. Confusing, yes, but we do know that many founders of financial institutions in our growing city built grand homes (see page 36), in this lovely area that is still laced with historic properties.

This neighborhood was subdivided and sold by Alonzo Horton (see page 43) who initially owned the entire area from the foot of downtown’s harbor north to Upas, at the far end of the park, and everything to the west until what is now I-5. From its earliest days the lots higher on the hill with better views (and closer to the park) were the most desirable, and architects (see page 80) were drawn to design their masterpieces.

So back to the spelling: Until recently The SD Reader used an apostrophe s, and Yelp still misspells it, but the Merrill Gardens building (on Second Avenue north of Laurel) recently had second thoughts, see above. They have filled in the void where the apostrophe was first etched to leave Banker s Hill.

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Bankers Hill Residents 3rd Mondays @ 6:30pm (no-host socializing at 6)

Inn at the Park Fifth & Spruce Everyone is welcome — No dues

BankersHillResidents.org

77 his older San Diego neighborhood is laced by many great urban canyons with a handful of unique bridges spanning them. This easy

walk (note the red dotted trail on the page 72 fold-out map) begins at the north edge of Balboa Park. The Upas Street footbridge is down the hill

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Stroll south along Sixth Avenue (see page 36), but don’t miss a chance to admire the Inn at the Park on Spruce. Frank Allen who supervised buildings for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition designed this sevenstory Park Manor Hotel, which was renamed in 2011. The top floor offers fabulous panoramic views of the park, harbor and beyond! (Bankers Hill residents meet here monthly on the third Monday at 6:30.)

Follow Sixth (once called Park Avenue) another two blocks to Quince and turn to right, or west, until you reach Fourth. Be careful crossing this one-way street. The Quince Street footbridge (see page 82), designed

by George A. d’Hemecourt, takes pedestrians several feet below Maple Canyon’s rim making the experience more tranquil. Stop midway on the wooden planks and enjoy the view to the harbor, Point Loma and your next bridge!

Follow Quince to First Avenue then turn left (south) to the First Avenue Bridge. Built in 1931, the bridge was completely assembled on the floor of its Ohio fabrication plant, dismantled and shipped to San Diego. See if you can locate the bronze plaques that remain and discover its nickname.

Don’t leave before enjoying the green oasis in the canyon below.

Reverse directions and walk north by the Self Realization Fellowship (a great place to take a tranquil break). In the spring, this beautiful boulevard is adorned by blooming jacarandas (see HQ9). Turn left when you reach Spruce, and you’ll discover a marvelous suspension bridge (see page 79). Designed by Edwin Capps (see page 45), this unique swaying span is a favorite of one and all. Follow the map back to the park or enjoy exploring this fabulous neighborhood filled with history.

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to the east. That’s a more difficult hike shown at the bottom of page 71.

Where can you pick up a copy of the last four issues of HillQuest?

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erhaps the best-known “secret” in the neighborhood is the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, which was engineered by Edwin Capps

and built in 1912. The “wiggly bridge,” as local kids call it, was designed to provide pedestrian passage across a deep canyon, which isolated developing neighborhoods from the newly built trolley lines on Fourth

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This Bankers Hill treasure, located just west of First Avenue, is an inconspicuous but truly special footbridge, the only of its type in the county. It crosses 70 feet above Kate Sessions Canyon, which honors the famous horticulturist responsible for many of the plantings found throughout the city. The unique walkway floats among treetops, stretching gracefully for 375 feet by steel suspension cables anchored to massive concrete piers hidden beneath the soil at both ends. The lightness of the bridge allows it to sway and dance in response to wind and walkers. Initially to some it may be a little scary, but well worth the experience. From the center span the downtown skyline can be seen.

The old bridge is loved by a large cross-section of San Diegans as well as tourists from around the world.

Please preserve the peacefulness and serenity of the setting. FYI: the footbridge is monitored 24-hours and closed from 10pm–6am. In 1976, city officials reported the bridge “is inspected every three months and most repairs are for broken flanges that connect hand rail cables to the bridge deck. People rock the bridge and the flanges break. This is not critical to the bridge and should not be interpreted as anything other than people having fun.”

Surprisingly, the city engineer who planned this fabulous bridge was elected San Diego mayor — twice! The amazing Edwin Capps (see page 45) engineered it to support 164 tons (2,186 people @ 150 pounds). On April 21, 2012 Edwin’s great-great granddaughter, Diane Capps Melhorn, joined city councilmembers and neighbors to celebrate its 100th birthday and enjoy a cake decorated with an historic image of the bridge.

Visit hillquest.com/history/photos3 to see a 1912 photo of the bridge overlaid on one taken in 2004.

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and Fifth avenues.

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he work of many talented architects can be found throughout Bankers Hill — William Hebbard, Frank Mead, Richard Requa (HQ8), Emmor Brooke Weaver, Hazel Wood Waterman (HQ5) and Irving Gill, a pioneer of the modern movement and widely regarded as San Diego’s most prominent and innovative architect.

With no formal education, Irving studied architecture and worked alongside Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago for two years before moving here in 1893. The young architect began experimenting with many styles, winning loyal clients including leading citizens like Alice Lee & Katherine Teats (see HQ9) and George Marston (HQ3)

How many feet from the curb are sharrows painted?

In 1896, he partnered with William Hebbard to influence the Arts & Crafts elements important in his later buildings.

Enjoy the self-guided tour of Gill-inspired homes on the fold-out maps.

1- White Seifert House (1898) ...................... 36 Redwood 2- Waterman Residence (1900) ..................... 237 W. Hawthorn 3- Grove Residence (1901) ........................... 2243 Front 5- Sunnyslope Lodge (1902) ........................ 3733 Robinson Mews 6- Johnson Puterbaugh Cottage (1902) ........ 2970 Second 8- George Marston Residence (1904) ............ 3525 Seventh 9- Cossitt Residence (1905) ......................... 3526 Seventh 10- Katherine Teats Residence #1 (1905) ......... 3560 Seventh 11- Alice Lee Residence #1 (1905).................. 3574 Seventh 13- Burnham Residence (1906) ...................... 3565 Seventh 14- Arthur Marston Residence (1906) ............. 3575 Seventh 15- Alice Lee Residence #2 (1906) ................. 3578 Seventh 16- Cottage (1906) ...................................... 3776 Front 17- E.F. Chase Residence (1907) ..................... 205 Laurel 22- Bishop’s Day School (1908)...................... 3066 First 23- Cottages (1908) .................................... 3703-3709 Albatross 24- Anna Darst Flats (1909)........................... 2266 Fifth 26- First Church of Christ Scientist (1910) ........ 2444 Second 27- Mary Cossitt Rental Cottages (1910) .......... 3729-57 Eighth 32- Administration Building (1912) ................ Balboa Park 33- Alice Lee House #3 (1912)....................... 3367 Albatross 34- Katherine Teats House #2 (1912) ............. 3415 Albatross 35- Cottage (1912) ...................................... 3506 Albatross 39- Alice Lee House #4 (1913)....................... 3353 Albatross 40- Katherine Teats House #3 (1913) ............. 3407 Albatross

One Bankers Hill bicycling resident offers, “how many times have we seen the police set up along Fourth, Fifth and Sixth avenues pulling over speeders and those running stop signs? The fact that the city does this repeatedly shows that they know there is a safety problem here.” It seems that anyone injured because of speeding traffic along these corridors could sue the city for negligence, much like someone who trips and is injured because of a poorly maintained sidewalk. Perhaps after a few lawsuits, the city will get serious about creating safe streets.

A few years back Kevin Faulconer pushed the city to install stop signs along Fifth and Fourth at Nutmeg and Quince and another at Fifth & Spruce. The neighborhood rejoiced and asked for more (like those recently added in Little Italy). What do you think? Please share your thoughts at the Bankers Hill residents and business meetings (see page 87).

In 2012 the Bankers Hill Neighborhood Parking Committee was formed.

This group represents community concerns about traffic calming and parking issues. Those with suggestions or who would like to be involved are encouraged to attend meetings the first Monday of each month at Merrill Gardens, 2567 Second Avenue.

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Caltrans also promotes greater speeds with new designs. The many interchanges redone in Mission Valley over the past few years (at a cost of more than $100 million) encourages reckless drivers who whip through the now more gradual curves like Nascar drivers. This has led to more serious accidents.

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ecently a local commuter died after being hit in a bike lane near SDSU. This was the third San Diego bicyclist killed this year. It occurred in the same location where KPBS anchor Tom Fudge was struck five years earlier.

Tom survived, but his daily physical pain serves as a constant reminder that San Diego is a city that supports high-speed roads and discourages any mode of transportation but the automobile. Roads surrounding SDSU are designed to encourage speed. According to a blogger at BikeSD.org 11% of all speeding tickets issued by the San Diego Police Department last year were on College Avenue.

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Restoration of a beloved

Where will you ďŹ nd Candi Samples in her male persona?

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he 1905 wooden footbridge that extends Quince Street across Maple Canyon connecting Third and Fourth avenues is one of the most-used and most-loved of all the pedestrian spans in San Diego. On the windy night of March 20, 2011 a tall eucalyptus fell across it and destroyed a 20-foot section of the walkway at the west end of the bridge. Given the bad rep that this kind of tree has for losing branches in windstorms, everyone assumed that the tree was blown over by the wind. In fact, upon examining its base, I found that it had suffered from severe root rot. Most of the roots extending from the base were only slime-covered bumps; the only thing that had kept the tree standing that long was the other eucalyptus surrounding it!

The next day both sides of the bridge were fenced off, and for the next four months I watched groups of people stand at either end and wonder,

About the Author: Former SDSU geology professor, Monte Marshall, who was raised in Bankers Hill, lives next to the Quince Street pedestrian bridge.

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given the state of our city’s economy, how long it would be before we could again cross Maple Canyon.

Then one day in late July, repair crews drove up to the west end and began erecting scaffolding from the sloping walls of the canyon up to the deck level — one scaffold on each side of the bridge and one under the 20-foot-long gaping hole in the deck. Fortunately, the tree had not damaged the cross-planks/substructure of the bridge, and over the next few weeks we watched the workers install the longitudinal and vertical supports, then the horizontal walkway planks before finally a new section of handrails!

As the bridge repairs neared completion in midAugust, a crew of tree trimmers descended on the eucalyptus grove that grew just to the north of the bridge. They trimmed and cut down several other trees near the bridge. Then neighbors for blocks around waited for the opening. On Thursday morning, September 1, City Councilman Kevin Faulconer joined city engineers and the press at the west end of the bridge. After speeches were made, Kevin cut the red ribbon and for the first time in five months a throng of happy people streamed across the bridge. The pedestrian span again gave us a shortcut to Balboa Park. We’re hoping that our bridge will stand another 107 years!

For me it was especially joyful. I grew up in this area and can remember as a kid biking down the stairs at the ends of the bridge—that was almost 60 years ago! By the time I moved back to Bankers Hill, my parents had died.

But when I showed my aunt the view of the bridge from my condo, she told me that my grandmother used to make sandwiches that she and my mother would take across the bridge to my great-grandfather’s upholstery shop on Fifth Avenue so they could have a picnic lunch together! Born in Hamburg, Germany, he immigrated to Denver as a teenager, and after being a cowboy for a few years, served as an apprentice upholsterer at the Brown Palace in Denver. At the turn of the century my great-grandfather moved his family to San Diego, set up the Fifth Avenue shop and became the upholsterer for many local families, like the Marstons, and hotels including the Del Coronado.

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More gardens are needed.

For years, advocates have pushed for the creation of more gardens in neighborhoods to promote local food production and healthful eating in our urban communities. Those efforts were largely hamstrung by city restrictions that banned gardens on all land zoned for commercial use and required a $5,000 deposit and lengthy permitting process for those in residential neighborhoods.

Creating one on vacant land just got easier thanks to the city council when Todd Gloria championed the ordinance to remove pricey permits and zoning restrictions for community gardens. San Diegans may now start a community garden on any piece of vacant commercial, city-owned or residential land (except along the coastline).

With a permit now not necessary to start a community garden, residents or non-proďŹ ts need only to follow rules like posting a sign and having storage areas. Community gardens will have to pay for their water use, but will no longer have to get a city meter, which can cost $14,000. In the past, gardens were also required to have a locked fence, which is no longer necessary.

Many resources are available to assist San Diegans and community groups in starting and maintaining a healthy, vibrant neighborhood garden. Free advice on successful and sustainable gardening techniques is available at SanDiegoCommunityGardenNetwork.org, which can provide umbrella insurance, networking opportunities to learn good gardening techniques and leverage nuts-and-bolts knowledge on maintaining highquality gardens.

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wned by the San Diego Port Authority and overseen by a dedicated band of urban farmers, the Juniper/Front Street Community Garden has been a productive resource for over three decades. Bankers Hill is fortunate to have this neighborhood treasure perched on the hill at 2260 Front Street. Its 44 plots range in size from 8x10 to 11x20 for a cost of $120 a year to its members. Happy gardeners raise produce and ďŹ&#x201A;owers inside the fenced lot. Only growers are allowed to enter, unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky enough to stop by when a friendly farmer is tending a crop. The waiting list for this garden is long (measured in years) but if you have an interest or would like more details, please email: Front.Juniper.Garden@gmail.com.

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Who is the father of Mary, Arthur, Harriet and Helen?

2121 Fifth Avenue • (619) 233-3665

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amed for the civic pioneers who made this their home (see page 36), today’s growing neighborhood of Bankers Hill has an influx of young professionals and emerging businesses all melding into an established older community. The energy ignited through websites and social media allows more individuals to be a part of newly formed groups for businesses and residents.

For many years Bankers Hill had no business association or active residents group. Happily, the void has been filled, and the community is making up for lost time with well-attended public meetings and block parties. A dynamic band of Bankers Hill business owners are in their second year of organization after receiving a grant from the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) Council. Working in conjunction with other BIDs allows many benefits from networking to financial support. Members of the new group meet on the third Tuesday of each month and are open to all Bankers Hill businesses. For details, including the location of the next meeting, visit BankersHillBusinessGroup.com.

At the same time, a volunteer group (with no funding or dues) established monthly meetings to share community information and give residents a voice in neighborhood decisions. The Bankers Hill Residents Group first held meetings at St. Paul’s Cathedral, but have recently changed locations to the top of the Inn at the Park (Spruce & Fifth). A no-host bar opens at 6pm with meetings beginning at 6:30. Everyone is encouraged to attend and attain access to government reps before hearing interesting presentations. In its first year the residents organization created a Facebook page, a website (BankersHillResidents.org) and worked together with the new Bankers Hill Parking Committee to outreach for pedestrian, bicycling and parking improvement solutions.

The parking committee holds public meetings on the first Mondays of the month at 5pm in the community room at Merrill Gardens, 2567 Second Avenue. This group represents the neighborhood on the board of the newly reformed Uptown Partnership (HQ9), now the Uptown Community Parking District (see page 19). It is made up of business owners and residents who plan how to invest parking meter revenue back into the neighborhood.

Wherever you live, please get involved in groups to make your community better!

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n 2001 Justin Davis and his buddy Erik were just back from Europe, brimming with ideas and inspiration, but frustrated with San Diego’s good shoe options. The duo loved Hillcrest’s open-minded neighborhood and after discovering Midas Travel (at 525 University) was moving out, the boys knew this was their opportunity. Thus was the beginning of Mint Shoes.

How many shoes have you sold in ten years, Justin?

About 70,000 pairs. Crazy, right? I love seeing shoes that came from Mint on people’s feet when I’m out grocery shopping or getting dinner. I can usually call them out by name — the shoes, that is!

What makes Mint unlike other shoe stores?

Of course I try to stock the best shoes (which doesn’t mean most expensive). Be it crazy to lazy. You will find things for all kinds of lifestyles — shadow dancers, firecrackers, blog hounds and subtle soles. Moreover, our staff is what sets us apart from the rest of the pack. Talented, passionate employees will always be in fashion.

And what do you like most about our neighborhood?

It’s the fabric of Hillcrest, the bold spirit and the sense of community. I like feeling that we can color outside the lines a bit.

In what year was Hillcrest named one of America’s top ten great neighborhoods?

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hen Olivier hen he Olliv Oli ivie ivi ier Dalle ier Dalle Dall Da llle moved move mo vedd to ve to San San Diego Die iego go from froom France, Fran Fr ance ce he he had hadd already alr lrea eaddy dy traveled extensively and written books about the cities where he had

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California. However, Olivier quickly realized that Californians were prouder of and more attached to their neighborhoods. Thus a book collection began that focused on the zip codes of some of these distinguished San

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lived, mostly in the Middle East. His goal was to write about the cities of

Diego communities. The first book, La Jolla/92037, was launched in 2010

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Soon Olivier met Thomas Graff, whose photography (as well as his aptly named website: thephotograff.com) amazed him. Thomas, an energetic and multi-talented artist, had just arrived from Chicago and was eager to apply his creative energy to the project. Kelly Metz-Matthews, was a brilliant French student and creative writer whose expertise spanned both English and German genres. When she overheard that a writer was needed for a book about Hillcrest, she immediately wanted to be a part of it. A oneof-a-kind adventure began as the duo spent a full year exploring 92103 and interviewing local celebrities, intriguing characters, shopkeepers and many of Hillcrest’s ordinary residents. Kelly labored through her pregnancy and gave birth to Madison while continuing to work on the book with undiminished passion. Thomas, meanwhile, took hundreds of carefully prepared, beautifully composed pictures while simultaneously building a music career and launching his first CD. For over a year, Thomas and Kelly relentlessly explored Bankers Hill and Hillcrest in search of the most original stories, and amazing images to accompany them. Hillcrest/92103 is the result of this long, fascinating journey through these fabulous neighborhoods. The result is a collection of 37 stories within the zip code, which is available at quality, independent bookstores throughout San Diego and many local stores. Check out their free iPhone app!

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book in the series had to be based on 92103.

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with a team of four people, and there was never any question that the next

How many pairs of shoes has Mint sold in their ten years in Hillcrest?

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awrance Furniture began as a small family business, and 75 years later continues to be a cornerstone of Hillcrest retailers. Founder Herman

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Family-owned contemporary furniture Haimsohn started in business with a modest grocery store in Coronado,

On his first day of work Howard was sent to the warehouse where he worked in receiving and delivering. “I didn’t last very long there,” he remembers. “But I did get an opportunity to learn about a the company from the ground up.” Howard developed the forward thinking that both Herman and Ed had used. Together Ed and Howard decided it was time to expand the business and opened a second store in Encinitas. It was at the same time, in the early 1980s, that the name of the company was changed to Lawrance Furniture.

In 1986 Howard was promoted to president, thus initiating a third generation gene ge nera ne rati ra tion ti on to to head head the the company. com ompa pany pa ny.. Like ny Like his his father fat athe herr and he and his his grandfather gran gr andf an dfat df athe at herr he before befo be fore fo re him, him im,, Howard Howa Ho ward wa rd and and his his wife, wif ife, e, Julie Jul ulie ie (the (th thee company’s comp co mpan mp any’ an y’ss y’ vice-president vice vi ce-p ce -pre -p resi re side si dent de nt and and controller), con ontr trol tr olle ol ler) le r),, maintain r) main ma inta in tain ta in the the close clo lose se bonds bon onds ds at at this this well-known wel elll-kn lknow kn own ow n Hillcrest Hillllllcr Hi cres cr estt furniture es furn fu rnit rn itur it uree store. ur stor st ore. or e.

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“With my father gone and my brother involved in other things, I had to run the store with no real support,” Ed recalls. “But I loved the business.”

His first landmark decision was to offer only high-quality modern and contemporary furnishings. Then in 1976, while still in college, his son Howard joined the family enterprise.

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A few years later he purchased a building at Seventh & University avenues and in 1941 moved his business to Hillcrest, settling into one of the neighborhood’s oldest buildings, next to the telephone company.

At the turn of the century this block was the vegetable garden for St. Joseph’s Hospital, which was located across the street. As the store grew, Herman turned Modern Furniture Company into a family business by bringing in his son, but Herbert had other interests. By 1950 Herman passed away, and a younger son Ed took over the business.

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Company in downtown San Diego.

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his own business. Within a year, in 1937, he opened Modern Furniture

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and it was only after he sold it to retire that he realized he missed having

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now available â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Believe Walls Do Talkâ&#x20AC;?

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y passion for drawing homes began 48 years ago in 1964 as I was on my way to work in Sacramento. Just a few blocks from the

state capitol I witnessed a row of lovely old homes being demolished.

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Eighty-three years ago when I was a little girl, our home and family were my world, and I have never lost the love for the walls that surround me. Whether they are many or few, tall or small, the walls of our dwellings shelter and protect us.

The next time you walk or drive down your street, slow down and take a look at the buildings you pass. Take note of new details. Then look ahead to your home. Always there, always waiting. Creating history.

Your history. Believe me, walls do talk.

About the Author: When she’s not creating intricate drawings of historical homes, Jan Stewart is a guest service representative for cruise ships.

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In 2008 the owner/builder of “The Pole House” asked me to draw it for him. I delivered the completed rendering during a party celebrating its 35th birthday and included a short story of thanks written by the house. When this was read to the guests, friends and family, their applause and emotion were amazing. I then realized that the stories had to be told by the structures themselves with a little historic research from me to document dates and details.

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My initial houses were sketched using a fountain pen while sitting in my car. There is something special about those first drawings, and you will find seven of them within the pages of my new book Believe Walls Do Talk, which features 29 of my favorite drawings. Each depicts a different architectural style, from a century-old Victorian to a 15-year-old modern beach home.

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motivated me to start preserving their memories on paper.

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pieces and dust. The lack of appreciation for these fine old structures

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Sadly, by my evening commute nothing remained but a pile of broken

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any crown, bridge or denture Never a charge to patients for a second opinion or consultation

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very neighborhood wants safe, clean, well-maintained streets. Hillcrest may be an award-winning neighborhood, but it’s at the bottom when it comes to city services. For instance, this community has no residential street-cleaning signs. So on the third Tuesday of each odd month, the sweeper drives down the middle of Seventh Avenue, because the cars aren’t required to move. The resultant runoff creates a “toxic soup” that eventually pollutes the ocean.

Wouldn’t it be great to have the city install “no park” signs, so on those six trips a year the truck could clean the gutters, too? In parts of North Park streets are swept twice a week. With all the traffic driving through Hillcrest, it makes sense that it’s needed here, too. We don’t want more than our share, just equal city services.

Now that the city’s budget is getting under control, the council has been adding back quality-of-life services to neighborhoods. Councilwoman Zapf wants more hours at her community pool. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if Hillcrest had a pool? Or a neighborhood park, library, community garden, recreation, senior or community center? Or just some “no park” signs.

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Where did George and Anna Marston meet?

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lower level conference room of the Mister A’s building in Bankers Hill is home to a unique entrepreneurial networking group called San

history

A new breed of networking Diego Pros. What makes this networking group unique? The focus isn’t only Pros primarily focuses on business development to help members advance their professional objectives. Weekly meetings include presentations on a wide range of topics pertinent to running a successful business. Thereby

pioneers

networking; at least not in the traditional sense of the word. San Diego

members share something they know or have learned with others in the

An additional unique element of the group is the collegial manner in which they run meetings. Gone are formal requirements and penalties.

Business referrals are gratefully acknowledged by the benefiting entrepreneur, and meeting facilitation is rotated to provide growth for all and a sense of shared accountability for group success. A meeting highlight is the awarding of that week’s MVP, or Most Valuable Pro, award.

Visit SanDiegoPros.org or contact Jake Sutton at (619) 992-7292 for more details about San Diego Pros or to apply for their “Nourishment for the Entrepreneur” program.

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Another opportunity offered to San Diego Pros members is the “Biz-Dev Scholarship Program,” which reimburses members for costs of attending outside business development opportunities. One contingency for receiving the scholarship is that, after attending the event, the recipient then shares with the group what they learned and how it helped their business. This encourages continued business growth for that entrepreneur as well as benefiting the entire membership.

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One such development opportunity is the “Nourishment for the Entrepreneur” program. In keeping with their vision of giving back to the surrounding business community, San Diego Pros offers a unique mentoring opportunity to one emerging entrepreneur each year. The successful candidate will leverage group member expertise in areas such as business action plans, legal structure, financial management, marketing and relationship building to refine their business acumen and their product or service delivery. They also receive a complimentary one-year membership to strengthen their skills.

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educational forums and professional development opportunities.

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group. San Diego Pros also facilitates special networking events, innovative

What are the dues for the Hillcrest and Bankers Hill residents groups?

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Eastern Body Therapy & Nola SD Bring You

Wellness Starts on 6th Massage Personal Training Acupuncture i Ì Ê +ÕiÃÌÊv ÀÊ> fÎxÊHÊ£ÃÌÊÜii Ê vÊ*iÀà > Ê/À> } f{äÊHÊ£ÃÌÊÌ iÊ >ÃÃ>}i fnxÊHÊ£ÃÌÊ ÃÕ Ì>Ì ÊEÊ VÕ«Õ VÌÕÀi

2310 6th Ave 619.239.7745 www.WellnessStartson6th.com

Sixth Avenue Pharmacy — This locally owned drug store is located at 2121 Fifth Avenue (just east on Hawthorn). The pharmacy’s staff is committed to community support and providing one-on-one personal care with each and every prescription. 619.233.3665 Shui Chiropractic & Wellness — This dynamic husband and wife team of Brian Shui and Thy Dinh help individuals, children and families reach their full health potential. The doctors help you get well and stay well naturally. They’re across from St. Paul’s Cathedral at 2722 Fifth Avenue.

619.688.3089 Hillcrest Optical (in Bankers Hill at 420 Thorn Street) was initially established as San Diego Optical in 1948. Sheryl Thompson and Lisa Steinhoff carry on the tradition of individual attention and customized service to their clients. Just bring your prescription for a great ocular experience. 619.298.3586 Acupuncturist Colleen Timmons shares 23 years of needling experience for fast, effective relief of pain, allergies, asthma, stress, insomnia, digestive disorders, women’s issues and more. Conveniently located in a cute blue Victorian at 3320 Second Avenue. 619.294.8985 Upas Pharmacy — Brian McKillip opened this drug store at Third & Upas in 1989 with the promise of offering high-quality, personalized service. Free delivery, too! 619.297.1677 Doctor Evelyn Ascough specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry for all ages at tranquil offices located just south of Upas at 3333 Fifth Avenue.

A passion for dentistry drives her to improve both patients’ smiles and wellbeing. Cheers to “Dr. Ybee” for completing the Susan G. Koman 3-Day Walk in 2011. 619.298.0821

community history pioneers dining

Wellness on Sixth — This trio of highly ighly trained practitioners (Lisa Nicholson, L.Ac., Veronica caa Densy, LMT, LM MT, and Carlos Mayes, CFT) are dedicated to helping in ng you you return to doing the things you love. Just across from from Balboa Park at 2310 Sixth Avenue, they offer a unique blend of services including massage, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, Chinese herbal supplements, nutrition counseling, functional nutrition testing and personal fitness training. 619.239.7745

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Here are a few of the fine professionals alss between downtown and Hillcrest:

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hanks to a large number of medical andd dental den ental nta tal offices primarily located throughout Bankers Hill, the neighborhood long dubbed “Pill Hill” continues to offer an abundance of options to improve your health from Western to Eastern medicinee with several holistic practices in between.

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Support your local health professional

How many copies of HillQuest have been printed in our ten-year history?

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54. Assistance League 56. Quince Street bridge 58. SD History Center 60. Lawrance Furniture 62. Krails 66. 67 feet 68. Sisters of Mercy 74. Neil Good 76. Tim Gahagan 78. Marston House 80. 11 82. Revivals 86. George Marston 88. Bankers Hill 90. 2007 92. 70,000 94. Dozen 96. 52 98. In a community play 100. Zero 102. 300,000 104. Park Avenue 106. Tuesday 108. Sue Palmer

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2. Seven 4. Betty Peabody 8. Edwin Capps 10. 3,564 12. Miss Regina Ann 14. 1950 16. Hamburger Mary’s 18. Deca 20. Ellen Browning Scripps 22. Maple Canyon 24. Spruce St. Suspension Bridge 26. $1.1million 28. Deborah Szekely 30. 40% 32. 1940 34. Big Sisters 36. Pantejo Park 38. 107 40. Todd Gloria 42. Sharrow 44. Michael Kelly 46. Mary Cossitt 48. Mary Wendorf 50. Mike Tidmus 52. Samuel Parsons

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Most left-hand pages have a trivia question. Here are the answers.

Amuse yourself and baffle your friends with these surprising facts.

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District 3 council staff surrounds their boss and the new Harvey Milk Street sign. San Diego is the first city in the nation to honor the slain San Francisco supervisor by renaming a street. All costs were paid by private contributions. Local gay activists made it happen.

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Big Sisters celebrate 70 years

T

he Big Sister League of San Diego was established in 1942 to serve the needs of women and children unable to find suitable housing. It was a time of war when many traveled here to join husbands and boyfriends only to find that their men had already been sent to fight in the Pacific.

Pursuant to local law, any woman without housing and on the street after 10pm (without a male escort) was taken to jail and their children were sent to the Hillcrest Receiving Home.

Because the jail bunks had no mattresses, women had to sleep on the bare springs. (They were referred to as “waffle

Big Sister executive director Nakosha Embry holding Frances Woods photo at the Redwood & First house.

ladies” because of the pattern imprinted on their backs.)

What was the original name for Sixth Avenue?

Frances Woods, a suffragette and woman of high financial and social standing, made a deal with the sheriff. If she provided beds, he would release the women with no charges. Frances joined forces with the League of Women Voters and the San Diego Women’s Club to rent a hotel and bail out the women! Once reunited with their children, the ladies were helped to get employment and housing.

The League has continued to grow from their early roots, presently operating two homes, serving up to 34 women with shelter, counseling and social services. Through the years this program has become a primary housing resource for many San Diego County women with mental illness and/or abuse histories. Residents may stay for up to three years at the Mary McAfee Home, 3360 Fourth Avenue and up to 18 months at the Frances Woods Home at 115 Redwood Street. (Renowned architect Emmor Brooke Weaver designed this house for Rebecca Schiller in 1913.)

To honor the Big Sisters League’s 70th anniversary, the San Diego Roofing Contractors Association recently donated a new roof for the McAfee Home. Councilmember Marti Emerald knows first-hand how beneficial the organization is, noting the Big Sister League helped her daughter — who was diagnosed bi-polar — through “the most difficult time of her life.” Thank you, Frances, for making a difference in the lives of countless women!

T

he Assistance League (AL) was the first nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization founded in the West to recognize the

potential of volunteers in helping those less fortunate to a better, more

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Through the gift of service to their communities, AL chapters continue to fulfill founder Anne Banning’s philosophy of volunteer service — “To act as a friend at any and all times to men, women and children in need of care, guidance and assistance, spiritually, materially and physically.”

Thanks to the ladies of the Assistance League for caring and making a difference by addressing the emotional and physical needs of children and adults of all ages regardless of race or creed. Stop by the Bargain Box at 108 University Avenue to check out the great deals. For your convenience, they even have a parking lot on the north side of the building.

fun neighbors shopping

Always based in Hillcrest, in 1975 the first chapter house was located at 2738 Upas Street before moving to their current building on the northeast corner of University Avenue & Front (across from Florence Elementary School) in 1997. Their thrift store, the Bargain Box, is AL’s primary source of income, although they happily accept donations and hold fund raisers like their spring Treasure Bazaar. The ladies’ philanthropic programs are wide-ranging, including: serving as aides in the Douglas Young Outpatient Clinic (1963–74); volunteering as greeters for the Villa Montezuma (and helping to restore its 1887 kitchen in 1974–78); and presenting the Pinhead Solar System at the Fleet Space Theater (1984–87). From 1969–1996 an auxiliary group of high school girls, called the Assisteens, developed their own programs and helped with the popular Operation School Bell, which continues to provide school clothing, shoes, hygiene kits and supplies. The team of 96 volunteers has served eight school districts, 70 schools and 2,352 children in need.

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Three years later the Assistance League of San Diego County was chartered and became the 34th chapter of the National Assistance League. In May 2001 the name was changed to Assistance League of Greater San Diego.

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meaningful life. The San Diego Guild was organized in 1962.

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t an early age her passion for fashion was evident. Carla and Marcio

met while working during a summer break. The couple wed several years

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Pereira grew up in the middle of the North Atlantic on an isle in the

enchanted Azores, also known as “Islands of Love,” where they accidentally later, but their biggest step was still ahead — moving to America. Carla

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She filed paperwork in Portugal and had several interviews with the consulate before signing a contract to create a better life. Carla pledged to work, follow the dream, not ask for government aid and obey the laws. It was then she earned her treasured green card.

In 2009 Carla and Marcio arrived in San Diego and quickly applied for every job available, from supermarkets to fashion magazines. A few weeks passed with no luck. They then began to knock on the door of each tailor shop in the city. Exactly one month following their arrival, Carla got a job with a well-known tailor and seized the opportunity to learn even more from the vast experience of her new boss.

A year later Carla and Marcio decided to realize the American dream, and created Tailor Love at 3523 Fifth Avenue. It was scary, but after much dedicated effort the business launched and soon an assistant was hired (with plans to employ more in the future).

San Diegans began bringing items needing alterations, and Carla created fabulous fashions for new clients. The reputation of Tailor Love grew quickly in the community while they built relationships with companies such as Banana Republic and Astor & Black. She explains, “It is a pleasure to help everyone who needs a bit of tailoring in their life, with a pinch of love!”

Tailor Love was created to make happy stories and fulfill the dreams of Carla and Marcio. As a result they are also satisfying clients and helping other brides’ dreams come true, too.

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had never been here, but didn’t hesitate, and their adventure began.

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Time to invest

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an Diego County is made up of many cities and communities where

About the Authors: Local residents Trent St. Louis and Tony Azar are licensed real estate agents and members of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors.

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interest rates at historic lows, now is a fantastic time to buy property.

Frozen Raw Foods: Bravo • Nature’s Variety/Instinct/Prairie • Primal • Mission Hills (HQ5) and University Heights (HQ6) have an abundance of older, single-family homes. Bankers Hill and Hillcrest have more condo and apartment towers added into their diverse housing mix. Each neighborhood has a different village feel with unique restaurants, bars, coffee shops and specialty stores — and every community is a short bike ride to neighborhood parks and the world famous 1,200-acre Balboa Park filled with museums, theaters and recreation opportunities. Uptown offers great ease of walking, which is what most people are looking for today when buying or renting a home.

Bankers Hill (see page 75) is the oldest of the Uptown neighborhoods.

All of Hillcrest, and much of North Park, were first called University Heights before riders on the trolley cars rounding the Fifth & University corner nicknamed the area “Hillcrest” (beginning in 1907). One hundred years later the American Planning Association selected it as one of the top ten neighborhoods in the nation. Hillcrest continues to be one of the most sought-after real estate locations in San Diego, with entrepreneurs drawn like bees to flowers.

On a personal note, Hillcrest is simply a fabulous place to live, work and play. It is a very special neighborhood that we are proud to call our home.

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pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that are always a hot commodity. With

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interesting and historic communities that San Diego has to offer in several

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country or from waves to snow. In the city, Uptown offers some of the most

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one can find a home in almost any kind of environment, from urban to

Bankers Hill circa 1927

San Diego History Center

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