• where to shop & eat • pioneers & volunteers • neighborhood history • self-guided tours • community events • local trivia
20 09
• fold-out maps
services
shopping
dining
neighbors
fun
pioneers
history
community
1
2
What’s Inside
What non-profit organization helped “Save Hillcrest” prevail in 301 lawsuit?
5 Welcome to HQ6 7 Calendar of Events
9 11 15 17 19 20 23 25 26 29 31 32 34 35 36
39 41 42 45 47 49 51 53
community it Year In Review Hip Hip Hooray for Hillcrest Chris Kehoe’s First Election Hillcrest Continues to Shine Fighting for Our Community I Left My Heart in Hillcrest Grassroots Activism Going…Going…Gone Can Hillcrest be Saved? Our Village Has a Voice Stop Destructive Growth My Hillcrest Childhood 3766 Fifth Avenue Condo Update
55 57 59 60 61 63
pioneers Who Was Joyce Beers? Thank You, Miss Gilbert Ernie the Great Uncle Joe Brennan A Man Named Nicole
ffun
69 71 Neighborhood Walk 75 Bentley’s Ostrich Farm 77 Music in the City
volunteers
79 80 81 82 83
Planning for the Future Uptown Sunrise Rotary Balboa Park’s Alcazar Garden Committee of One Hundred
85 87 89 91 92 93
Mission Cliff Gardener University Heights Sign UH Community Association University Heights Map Vermont Street Bridge
history Hardesty House Centennial Year in Review Casa Grande Apartments My Grandparents’ Home Save the Mills Act Women’s History Museum History of the Peace Sign
neighbors
3
Publishers
113 115 117 119 121 123 125 127 129
services Decades of Dental Service Hillcrest Mobility Mercy Hospital Timeline Trolley Barn Park From Our In-Box Trivia Answers The Big Green Tower Time for Paid Park Parking?
Reproduction of any material in this issue is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. All contents copyright 2008. 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. All photos are property of HillQuest unless otherwise noted.
fun volunteers
Toni Atkins Ernestine Bonn Jimmy Carter Bob Grinchuk Barry Hager Erik D. Hanson Peggy Jenkinson Paul Johnson Sarai Johnson Christine Kehoe Michael Kelly Ron May Robert Nagell Janet O’Dea Reuel Olin David Rea Lori Saldaña Abby Schwartz Harry Sillen Andrew Towne Craig Warner Leo Wilson Rick Wilson Women’s History Museum Richard Wyckoff
neighbors
Contributors
dining
shopping h i
105 107 Neighborhood Treasure Hunt 109 The Uptown District 111 Hillcrest Farmers Market
Graphic Design Timothy W. Brittain
shopping
dining Mo’s Main Man May I Take Your Order Cafe Eleven Turns 23 A “Bite” of Hillcrest
services
95 97 99 101 103
Ann Garwood Nancy Moors
pioneers
3742 Seventh Avenue, Suite B San Diego, CA 92103-4348 (619) 260-1929 HillQuest.com
history
community
Volume VI July 2008 – June 2009
What is the number of Uptown Planners?
4
The Fabric of Our Community for Over 115 Years
As San Diego County’s largest and only Catholic hospital, we offer a minimally invasive robotic surgery program, 24-hour emergency care and a level I trauma center, a nationally designated Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery and other acute medical/surgical services, as well as a certified STEMI receiving center (for heart attacks) and one of the county’s only chest pain centers. These are just a few reasons why Scripps Mercy Hospital has repeatedly been named among the top hospitals in the nation.
To find a family doctor or specialist at Scripps Mercy Hospital, call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777), or visit www.scripps.org. San Diego campus: 4077 Fifth Ave. ß San Diego, CA 92103 ß (619) 294-8111 Chula Vista campus: 435 H St. ß Chula Vista, CA 91910 ß (619) 691-7000
community history pioneers fun volunteers
But we continue to be saddened by developers tearing down historic structures to build monster buildings in the heart of our village. Hillcrest enjoyed a satisfying victory in August 2007 as Superior Court Judge Linda Quinn decided in favor of the neighborhood and against the city on a 12-story development planned for the south side of University Avenue between Third and Fourth — but high-rise buildings keep coming. This November Hillcrest joins the rest of District 3 in choosing a new council member, and for the first time in 16 years it won’t be a lesbian. The monthly residents’ group, the Hillcrest Town Council, hosted the first candidate forum for these contenders. The HTC has moved many to become stronger activists — from sweeping sidewalks to fighting for our historicity. The mayor, our council member and the head city planner also addressed the HTC where the community sent a clear message that we cherish our neighborhood’s character and called for their support of the Interim Height Ordinance (see page 20). Much gratitude also goes to the business association and a maintenance assessment district they helped form in the core, which supplements reduced city services. They have paid for new trash containers, additional tree trimming, increased security patrol and sidewalk steam cleaning. Thank you!! HQ6 has a new self-guided walk (see page 71) that follows the orangelined route on the fold-out map. Find two more new walks at HillQuest.com on the recreation page. Strolling the neighborhood is the best way to learn the community’s past while continuing to support our local economy’s future (see pages 99, 105 & 107).
neighbors
he past year has been a whirlwind of fun and excitement! While celebrating our first 100 years, Hillcrest was thrilled to be designated by the American Planning Association as one of the top ten great neighborhoods in the nation. It was even more of an honor knowing this was the first year that the group had chosen such a prestigious list. Of course Hillcrest residents have known this for over a century…why else would we live here?
dining
T
shopping
TO HQ6
5
services
Welcome
6
GIL KAHELE
SINGTON HILLCREST NORTH PARK DOWNTOWN MISSION HILLS KEN
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
619 316-8805
www.MisterAloha.com
What businesses did Reuben H. Fleet create?
Aloha Spirit San Diego Style!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 MOVIE ON THE ROOF Enjoy an outdoor movie on top of Whole Foods Market parking structure. Free! SUNDAY, AUGUST 10 CITYFEST The streets fill with Hillcrest’s diversity for their silver anniversary. Bring your dancing shoes, sunhat and shades for a fabulous Sunday along Fifth Avenue.
Swing with Sue at the Top of the Park
$25
HillcrestHistory.org TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 HISTORY GUILD FUNDRAISER Dance to Sue Palmer while overlooking Balboa Park atop Park Manor Hotel. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 HILLCREST MARDI GRAS Celebrate Fat Tuesday’s on University Avenue west of the Hillcrest sign.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 TOAST TO HILLCREST Second annual fundraiser for the Hillcrest History Guild, which gives those over 21 an opportunity to celebrate one of the nation’s best
SUNDAY, JUNE 7 ROCK ’N’ ROLL MARATHON This great race moves through the neighborhood early with bands every mile. A few runners don unique costumes for the nation’s most danceable foot race.
community history pioneers
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 ELECTION DAY Absentee or in person, make every vote count. Locally, statewide and nationally. Help change the world.
fun
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 NIGHTMARE ON NORMAL Halloween costumes under the stars on Normal Street between University Avenue and Blaine Street.
volunteers
JULY 14, 19 AND 20 LGBT PRIDE Live…Love…Be at the 34th annual events highlighted by San Diego’s largest parade followed by a two-day festival in Balboa Park.
neighborhoods with wine, spirits and nibbles. Jump on the red doubledecker bus with Benny.
neighbors
SUNDAY, JULY 13 HOP IN THE ’HOOD Celebrate the arrival of the sixth edition of HillQuest with live music on Seventh between Robinson and Pennsylvania. The Flower Power parade begins at noon.
dining
Here are a few highlights. Visit the HillQuest.com calendar for daily events.
shopping
2008–2009
services
Calendar
7
9
Dove Street looking east on Washington
community T
his community boundary sign was one of seven installed by the city in the summer of 2007 as Hillcrest celebrated its ďŹ rst centennial. After it was knocked down and slightly damaged a few days before the gala dinner, it seemed an omen to event planners that the Hillcrest sign wanted to be at the party, too. Indeed, in a corner of The Prado’s courtyard, leaning against a sturdy palm, the bright blue and white city sign greeted each arriving guest. Residents are fortunate to share Hillcrest’s small-town ambiance where neighbors care about each other and strive to enhance the community for one and all. We sweep sidewalks, protect community character, encourage involvement, wave to friends and welcome strangers. Want to share something with the community? Send a calendar event to HillQuest.com or visit the forum section for a variety of interesting topics. The popular site now gets over 1,000 different computers visiting at least once a day. Suggestions to make it better are always welcome. Want to keep in touch with the neighborhood? Consider making us your home page.
10
No. 1 Medical Group in San Diego Since 2002 San Diegans have chosen Scripps Mercy Medical Group (SMMG) as the #1 medical group in San Diego* and #3 in California for 2007. With offices in Hillcrest, Bonita and Encinitas, SMMG comprises a team of board-certified physicians specializing in family practice, internal medicine and pediatrics. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare. *Determined by a patient survey of more than 50,000 patients by the California Cooperative Healthcare Reporting Initiative.
For a Scripps Mercy Medical Group physician, call the Hillcrest Office at 619-278-3300, the Bonita Office at 619-472-1000 or the Encinitas Office at 760-633-6720. Visit online at www.scripps.org/smmg.
How many acres did the old Sears site comprise?
For 25 Years, We’ve Been Improving Your Health Medical expertise. Outstanding customer service. Compassionate care. Affiliated with Scripps Mercy Hospital, Mercy Physicians Medical Group (MPMG) is an independent physician association (IPA) with more than 75 primary care physicians and 175 specialists – all available in San Diego’s central and south county areas. We accept most health insurance plans, including Medicare. To find a family doctor or specialist at Mercy Physicians Medical Group who is in your area, please call (619) 543-8800, option 3 or visit www.mpmgdocs.com.
JUNE 23, 2007
SEPTEMBER 14, 2007
Proponents of the Hillcrest Corridor Mobility Plan hold their first workshop for community input.
Volunteers remove 857 pounds of trash from Buchanan Canyon during the Creek to Bayy Cleanup. p
11 community
YEAR IN REVIEW
JULY 17, 2007
OCTOBER 4, 2007
Orange Fridays begin as activists encourage drivers to “honk for peace” at the corner of Sixth and University. Their promise to return weekly until the end of the Iraq war didn’t last.
A big, red, double-decker bus circles the neighborhood picking up revelers and delivering them to the Centennial Gala Dinner at The Prado ballroom in Balboa Park.
AUGUST 23, 2007
OCTOBER 9, 2007
AUGUST 24, 2007 Lots of smiles brighten the corner of Fifth & Robinson as Hillcrest’s WaMu is the site of a smile-off, beginning at 8:30am with 37 happy contestants.
Hillcrest Town Council hosts the first City Council District Three candidates’ forum. Todd Gloria, John Hartley, James Hartline, Robert Lee and Stephen Whitburn answer questions from residents.
OCTOBER 11, 2007 301 University returns as La Jolla Pacific Development re-submits plans for this controversial high-rise.
dining
Hillcrest wins a major victory against 301 University with a judge’s ruling in favor of Friends of San Diego. Residents celebrate with champagne.
fun
JULY 27, 2007
volunteers
The American Planning Association (APA) honors Hillcrest as one of Ten Great Neighborhoods in the nation.
neighbors
OCTOBER 1, 2007
pioneers
history
Vermont Street Pedestrian Bridge is rededicated by UHCA (see page 91).
DECEMBER 21, 2007 SEPTEMBER 4, 2007 The Uptown Planners meet to hear an update on the proposed 65-foot interim height ordinance (IHO) for the Hillcrest core.
The historic Casa Grande apartment building (see page 45) is purchased by StarPoint Properties.
JANUARY 15, 2008 Steve Francis announces another run for mayor, then comes to Hillcrest to meet the neighbors.
services
Superior court awards “Save Hillcrest” and Friends of San Diego 80% of legal costs from the August lawsuit win against the city re: 301 University.
shopping
DECEMBER 7, 2007
Who was the founder of the Women’s History Museum?
12
FEBRUARY 12, 2008 Councilwoman Atkins, Mayor Sanders and City Planning Director Anderson address Hillcrest residents’ concerns over high-rise development.
FEBRUARY 16, 2008
Hillcrest Business Association honors City Deli as “2008 Small Business of the Year.”
APRIL 19, 2008 Over 35 Hillcrest merchants participate in the first community-wide sidewalk sale in decades.
neighbors
Dodi Olsen (above) celebrates her 92nd birthday at The Loft surrounded by dozens of friends who help Dodi blow out her candles.
APRIL 11, 2008
pioneers
Bargain hunters jump on broker Carla Coshow’s Repo Express bus.
volunteers
JANUARY 25, 2008
City Planning Commissioners again delay the IHO vote, postponing it until April 17, then May 8 as high-rise projects continue to move through the pipeline.
fun
APRIL 3, 2008
history
community
13
MARCH 8, 2008 Authors of the study “Soul of Balboa Park” share findings with the community and seek input for its future.
MARCH 12, 2008 Councilwoman Toni Atkins champions the IHO to the Land Use & Housing subcommittee who unanimously supports it along with relocating the boundary south to Upas Street.
Openings: Better Half, Yogart, Café Bleu, Babycakes, Babbo Grande, Dolce Freddo, Tutti Fruiti Yogurt, Golden Spoon Yogurt, Capri Yogurt, Radiant Health & Chiropractic, Pizza Fusion, Laseraway, Hula’s. Closings: The Great Frame Up, Crepes de Paris, Bankers Hill Properties, Ben & Jerry’s, Fresh, Crush, Brazil on the Hill, Metropolis, Diedrich’s Coffee, The Lily Pad Store, Park Place Realty Group, Splash, Jewel Vision, Russo’s Italian Restaurant, Starbucks (Fifth & Washington), Cold Stone Creamery, Longevity, InteriorScapes.
dining
OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS
shopping
The San Diego Planning Commission listens to public testimony regarding the Interim Height Ordinance (IHO), but postpones a vote until their April 3 meeting.
services
MARCH 6 6, 2008
14
ii«Ê/ ÃÃÕi ÌÊ L â>Ì / iÀ>«iÕÌ VÊ-ÌÀiÌV }
À> > Ê->VÀ> VÕ«ÀiÃÃÕÀi ,iyiÝ }Þ
/]Ê *]Ê Ê Ê VÊnnÓ{Èx ,i
-- ÊEÊ " 97", *À v Õ ` `ÞÜ À °V
È£ °xÈx° ÈÈx
Who is the chairperson for the Uptown Planners?
iÜ°°° Ý«> `i` ,iÃÌ>ÕÀ> Ì EÊ i Õ
/
>V i >Û> >L i
"«i Ê 7i`ÊÇ> £> ÊUÊ/ ÕÀÃÊÇ> Ó> ÊUÊ À É->ÌÊÇ> Î>
7iÊÕÃiÊL i iÃÃ]Ê Ã iÃÃÊV V i ÊLÀi>ÃÌÃt
"ÕÀÊ i> ÃÊ>ÀiÊ £ää¯Ê >ÌÊ Àiit
iÜÊEÊ/>ÃÌÞ
/ÀÞÊ- ½ÃÊ iÃÌÊ
, Ì ÃÃiÀ i ÃÌÞ iÊ iÝ V> Ê V i
- Ê/ "-tt À i`Ê Ê,iµÕiÃÌt
£ÓÈÈÊ1 ÛiÀà ÌÞÊ ÛiÊ ÊÌ iÊ VÀiÃÌÊ >`i®ÊÓ { Èn£ä
1/ / Ê 8 Ê ""
15
volunteers neighbors dining shopping
ust in time for our centennial gala celebration, the American Planning Association (APA) announced that Hillcrest had been designated as one of Ten Great Neighborhoods in America for 2007. APA selected Hillcrest because of its legacy of activism and trendsetting. Considered one of San Diego’s most urbane neighborhoods, it has been and continues to be a source of social, cultural and political influence, particularly for gays and lesbians. From its start in 1907, experimental ideas and practices have taken hold here. Hillcrest was one of the places where the progressive designs of Arts & Craft-influenced architect Irving Gill were built during the early 20th century. Our neighborhood’s legacy lies in works by Hazel Waterman and Lillian Rice, who were among the first women to practice architecture in the nation. Residents were sited as highly engaged — by establishing San Diego’s first business association, organizing neighborhood clean-ups and getting involved with local planning issues. “We are honored that one of our most historic and dynamic neighborhoods is being recognized on a national level,” said Mayor Jerry Sanders. “Through a truly strong collaboration of residents, businesses and government, our efforts in community planning and neighborhood revitalization continue to enhance the quality of life in San Diego.” Upon hearing the news of our award, Councilmember Toni Atkins commented, “On behalf of the Hillcrest neighborhood, I am thrilled to receive this honor recognizing Hillcrest as one of America’s ‘Great Places.’ This community is a diverse and vibrant urban village and is a unique and special place to live and do business. The award is well-deserved.” APA Executive Director Paul Farmer explained, “Hillcrest is exceptional for many reasons, including its early architecture, smart growth-oriented redevelopment and what it’s done to accommodate pedestrians. Most important are its residents and leaders, the people who’ve worked together to make Hillcrest the wonderful and memorable neighborhood that it is.” Walk around Hillcrest, visit with the residents and support the merchants. (There’s a new self-guided walking tour beginning on page 71). We truly are lucky duckies to live, work and play here. Enjoy!
services
Hip Hip HOORAY for Hillcrest J
fun
pioneers
history
community
Truly Great Neighborhood
Who was the owner of University Heights’ ostrich farm?
16
first City Council My election
fun
pioneers
history
community
17
About the Author: Senator Christine Kehoe is the former executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association (’88-’89), Hillcrest’s council representative (1993-2000) and currently our State Senator.
neighbors dining shopping services
f you lived in Hillcrest in 1992–93, you may remember the excitement surrounding the San Diego City Council campaign in District 3 that year. It was an open seat, following the announcement that the incumbent would not run for re-election. It was a crowded race with ten candidates, several with strong political ties; and crime topped the list of voter concerns. The race also provided an opportunity for the LGBT community to leverage its growing political clout. Five years earlier, voters passed a ballot measure replacing citywide with district-only council elections. With the concentration of LGBT residents in Hillcrest, North Park and Normal Heights, the opportunity for electing an “out” member to District 3 looked better than ever. Following the path of Al Best and Neil Good, two openly gay candidates who ran for the City Council in 1979 and 1987, respectively, I announced my campaign for the District 3 seat in April 1993 and sought to become the first “out” elected official in San Diego County. As an aide to the former Councilmember and as a former executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association, I had a hands-on knowledge of the district and how city government worked. I also had to confront the possibility of my sexual orientation being used against me in the campaign. For the most part, my identity as a lesbian received little criticism during the election. In the end, I won 55 percent of the vote — far more than LGBT voters alone could muster. The margin of victory illustrated the contributions of hundreds of dedicated volunteers and voters’ desire for bringing new voices to City Hall. 15 years later, the LGBT community may reflect on its tremendous political progress. No longer is sexual orientation viewed as a deterrent to running for office, nor is it an impediment to winning. Today we have a handful of “out” LGBT candidates, who may focus on voter concerns like improved transportation, affordable housing and better city services. San Diego is a stronger city for its acceptance of LGBT candidates, and its politics are richer for our involvement.
volunteers
I
What is the weekly event created by the Hillcrest Business Association?
18
P. O. Box 33050, San Diego CA 92163 858.496.3312 info@sddemoclub.org www.sddemoclub.org
We put the PRIDE in San Diego politics!
Meetings held the fourth Thursday of every month (except November and December) in the Uptown District’s Joyce Beers Center (across from Quizno’s) in Hillcrest
A Chapter of National Stonewall Democrats
Paid for by the San Diego Democratic Club (FPPC #86-1405)
About the Author: Toni Atkins has served as our community’s City Council representative for the past eight years. Termed out, she will return to the private sector in 2009.
fun fu vvol olun unte t er te erss neigh ighbo bors rs dining
ast year we commemorated the 100th birthday of Hillcrest. This celebration gave us an opportunity to honor the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future. Hillcrest has grown into a unique and popular community, and I attribute that largely in part to the community leaders, residents and businesses. Over the past seven years I have had the pleasure to work with so many dedicated community members. I have partnered with individuals and community organizations in efforts to invigorate and enhance the rich neighborhoods collectively referred to as Uptown; it is no wonder that Hillcrest was chosen one of the American Planning Association’s top ten great neighborhoods in America. Together we have facilitated community clean-ups, instituted community identification signs, formed a maintenance assessment district, provided public safety resources, rallied in opposition to LGBT hate crimes and collaborated on a myriad of neighborhood beautification projects. It is with deepest gratitude that I thank you for your countless efforts on behalf of the entire community. Your continued support, vision and dedication have contributed to the uniqueness and success of this special community. This upcoming year, Uptown will begin a long awaited community plan update. We are currently operating under a plan developed in the 1980s, however it is clear that the current community plan no longer reflects the vision for the neighborhood. Thus far, my primary role has been to ensure that adequate funding is available to complete the update in a timely manner. I will continue to work toward this goal throughout the fiscal year 2009 budget process and have made it one of my funding priorities. As the development of the plan gets underway, I look forward to working with you, the community, to develop a collective vision for the future of Uptown.
shoppin ping g
L
serv se rvices
Hillcrest H illcrest Continues Continues to to SShine hinee
pioneers
his hi tory
community
19
20
Residents Fight for Hillcrest
What two holidays does the Hillcrest Farmers Market observe?
A
t a City Council subcommittee hearing in March 2007, an architect affiliated with the development industry commented that Uptown Planners had changed from being merely an “advisory” community planning group and had instead transformed into an “activist” organization. Odd, since one of the purposes of a community planning group is to advocate effective land use regulations that are supported by the community they represent. Over the past year, the members of Uptown Planners have strongly spoken out on behalf of the community on many important issues including the preservation of historic structures and the adoption of an interim ordinance to limit building height. A paramount issue of Hillcrest concern is preserving the unique character of this nationally recognized community and preventing it from being swallowed by an expanding downtown. As envisioned by many outside special interests, Hillcrest would become a high-rise jungle of glass and steel — a concept referred to by the City Planning Director as the “Vancouver approach” to urban development. Hillcrest residents have emphatically rejected this model and, instead, seek to preserve their historic neighborhood character, as residents of similar urban communities have done in San Francisco, Seattle and Boston.
During the last year, Hillcrest community leaders have been effective in several venues: 1. On August 23, 2007, a group named “Save Hillcrest” won a lawsuit aimed at preventing the construction of the 301 University project. A Superior Court judge found that the City Council violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by not requiring the preparation of an Environment Impact Report (EIR) prior to approving 301. The project approvals were invalidated, and it must now prepare the EIR before returning to City Council. 2. Over 1,200 individuals signed petitions in support of the proposed Interim Height Ordinance (IHO), which would limit the height of new construction 20-year-old until the 20 year old Uptown Community Plan is updated. The IHO has been
About the Author: Leo Wilson is a third-generation San Diegan and chair of the Uptown Planners.
fun volunteers neighbors dining shopping services
endorsed by organizations including Uptown Planners, Hillcrest Town Council and Hillcrest Business Association. In the face of mounting community pressure, the Mayor’s office officially endorsed the proposed IHO in late 2007. Initially, his office limited the application of the strict 65-foot height limit zone to north of Brookes Street in Hillcrest. However, at the February 12, 2008 meeting of the Hillcrest Town Council, Mayor Sanders said he thought it was a good compromise and also supported the community’s request to use Upas Street as the southern boundary. A month later, on March 12, 2008, the Land Use & Housing Committee (LUHC) of the City Council unanimously supported the IHO with the Upas Street boundary and requested it be moved to the City Council for immediate adoption. However, on April 3, 2008 the Planning Commission, for the second time, refused to make a recommendation, essentially stonewalling the ordinance from moving forward to Council. The delays enabled several pending large projects go through the pipeline and become exempt from the IHO. 301 University wasn’t the only high-rise development planned for Hillcrest. In June 2007, the community learned of a huge project on Fifth Avenue extending from Walnut to Brookes streets. The project was not subject to community review and was stopped only when the Uptown Planners Historic Resources subcommittee uncovered a demolition permit for an historic bungalow court that had been improperly granted. 3. Often, older historic buildings are demolished in order to make room for new high-rise development. Every month, Uptown is losing more of the buildings that complement and define our community character. Unlike other cities, demolition permits are not subject to discretionary review. The review by the City Planning staff is often flawed at the expense of our community’s character. Unbelievably, in some cases demolition permits have been retroactively granted. Both Uptown Planners and the Hillcrest Town Council have now set up watchdog committees to review permit applications for demolitions, but that is not enough. Citizen vigilance is needed to preserve what we all love about Hillcrest. Thankfully, hundreds of concerned residents have stepped forward to help. Please attend Uptown Planners and Hillcrest Town Council meetings to become involved in the fight to perserve the neighborhood character and our quality of life.
pione eers
his istto orry y
c mmunity co
21 21
Who was SOHO’s Preservationist of the Year in 1999?
22
ÜÜÜ°À> Ã °V
About the Author: Hillcrest-wanna-be Craig Warner lives in Pittsburgh.
pioneers fun volunteers neighbors
ne of the more clever things I did as a teenager was to be flanked by smart buddies on test day in chemistry. As an adult, one of the more clever things I’ve accomplished is to have two good friends who live in Hillcrest. One of them travels often and has two extremely high maintenance dogs that like me. Because I like them, too, I’m the perfect house sitter. Having another longtime pal in the neighborhood, I have someone to share walks and who will drive me around as I try to discern the subtle, but telling, differences between Art Deco and Art Moderne houses or wonder at the birds of paradise growing wild for which we pay $8 per stem. With my buddy at the wheel I can sit back to look and admire, without having to pay attention to street changes or traffic. Canyons are not something that we have back East. We have alleys at best, so the joy of exploring your urban canyons, checking The bonus of dining al fresco out the unique plants or walking the bridges over them all year long, especially when is fascinating. it’s below zero at home, gives And even though we have Hillcrest eateries an extra appeal. some very good restaurants back home — the number, varieties, menus and decors of those in Hillcrest are indeed a treat. The bonus of dining al fresco all year long, especially when it’s below zero at home, gives Hillcrest eateries an extra appeal. Even in the morning, a multitude of doughnut shops call to me with an abundance of kinds, flavors, glazes, jellies and shapes, all far tastier than the Steel City offers. It is enough to make a chunky guy wonder just how embarrassing it would be to ask for the seat belt extender for the flight home…or if that guy were really all that clever, wouldn’t he have ended up living in Hillcrest, too?
dining
O
shopping
I Left My Heart in Hillcrest
services
reflections
history
community
23
Who is the developer of 301 University?
24
About the Author: Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña helped organize SD’s first Earth Fair, is an enthusiastic camper and even authored a how-to book on backpacking.
community history pioneers fun volunteers
n Sacramento, policymakers of both parties are now engaged in a spirited dialogue about how best to deal with the man-made changes in the environment. While there are some nay-sayers on the fringes, there is now a broader-base acknowledgement of man-made climate change. This is partially because of the nearly universal scientific consensus on the facts regarding this phenomenon. But I also believe that this is mostly attributable to pressure from concerned constituents demanding solutions from their lawmakers. Ordinary Californians across party lines are telling us to do more to protect the environment and more to address the growing problem of global warming. Coming from a grassroots background myself, I have absolute faith that informed and energetic citizens can have a positive influence on public policy. Since elected to the Assembly I have seen some spectacularly effective campaigns conducted in part by ordinary citizens right here in San Diego. Citizen action defeated the toll-road at San Onofre State Beach and the proposal to move the airport to environmentally sensitive Miramar Naval Air Station. Citizens groups have cast serious doubt about the public benefit of proposals for a transmission line through Anza Borrego State Park and a clumsy, over-sized development on San Diego’s waterfront. In Hillcrest, an energetically public-minded neighborhood, residents successfully stopped an out-of-character development on University Avenue and got a commitment from the city for an interim height ordinance for new development in the community. These successes demonstrate that ordinary citizens can prevail despite going against well-funded, well-lawyered and well-connected interests. Whether it’s in City Hall, the County Administration Building, Sacramento or Washington D.C., policy makers should never become insulated from the day-to-day needs of constituents. Direct involvement in local projects invigorates communities to take action, hold elected officials accountable and encourages more citizens to become directly engaged in the policy-making process. I say keep it up!
neighbors
I
dining
You don’t have to wear tie-dye to be an activist any more.
shopping
ACTIVISM
services
Citizen
25
26
Going . . . Going . . . Gone
M
istakes happen, but this one cost our community a 1904 Irving Gill/ William Hebbard collaboration that once stood on the northwest
corner of First & Robinson. U-T columnist Welton Jones called it “the city’s most shameful debacle in years.” Nine years later the lot remains empty
What greets runners throughout the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon?
and forlorn. Many still shake their heads and ask why. On Friday morning, March 25, 1999 Sarai Marlow noticed that a wrecking ball had set it sights on the E. Milton Barber house. Her boss, historical architect Paul Johnson, had an office around the corner, and she regularly walked by this great, old house. Sarai, a fiery 28-year-old with an equal love of history, tried in vain to save it. Preservationists Ben Baltic, Doug Scott and SOHO’s vice president Erik Hanson rushed to the site. Corey Braun, head of the city’s Historical Site Board (HSB) who knew a proper review had not been made, also arrived. A city screwup allowed the demo permit, and the owners were anxious to execute it. Braun tried to have the police halt the demolition to no avail. Finally, a city inspector arrived with a “stop work” order.
“The bulldozers of greed continue to gnaw at the corners of our city’s heritage.” — U-T columnist Welton Jones, August 3, 1999 After a “This is not a Gill house” banner went up on the Castagnola family property, activists countered with their own signs alerting the community to the situation and Sarai helped prove the structure’s historicity by locating Gill’s autographed architectural designs archived at UC Santa Barbara. Baltic, owner of Sunnyslope Lodge (another Gill structure in the neighborhood), reported in an April 2 letter to Councilmember Christine Kehoe that the order remained posted throughout the night, but at 8am it was gone, and a building permit had replaced it. The contractor, served with the stop work order the previous day, parked his truck to block the view.
“It started with a city blunder, and ended with groans of near-century-
27
hi history pioneers fun volunteers neighbors din di niing ng sho hopp ppin ing serv se rvic ice ess
This time the crew immediately began punching holes in the roof. Johnson was aghast. Many rushed to the site, pleading for the work to be stopped. Neighbor Rick Wilson told the Union-Tribune “they came in like a SWAT team and hit the roof.” Again an inspector was called, and the demo was stopped, but the old house was now exposed to the elements, in essence killing it. With demolition again halted, the Castagnolas would now have to go through the necessary HSB reviews. Braun thought this would save the house, but on May 7 (even with the stop work order in place) a crew returned to remove windows and doors. On August 26 Johnson made the HSB presentation to seek an historical designation based on research done by Kathy Flanigan. The board voted 7-2 in favor of designating the house, but was one vote shy of the eight needed. A majority of the 15-member board must approve, unfortunately five members were not present, and the board had one vacancy. The Barber House received thumbs up from 88% of those present, but the designation was denied. The HSB is currently named the Historic Resources Board (HRB), and the same rules are in effect. A demolition permit for the E. Milton Barber house was granted the next day, and the house fell victim to the wrecking crew soon after. To add insult to injury, someone inside the fenced property stuck an American flag into the pile of rubble. Development Impact Fees (DIF) are collected by the city to enhance communities with new projects. Perhaps some of this money might be used to create a community garden on this still vacant lot where Hillcrest lost a sad battle. batt ba ttle le. Visit Visi Vi sitt HillQuest.com HillllQu Hi Q es Qu estt.co com m for for the the full full (and (an andd still-expanding) stilillst l ex expa p nd pa ndin ing) g) story. ssto tory ryy.
community
old beams splintering.” — Union-Tribune, September 2, 1999
28
ÕÃiÊ i> }Ê-iÀÛ Vià " ViÊ>ÊÜii /Ü ViÊ>Ê Ì Ûi ÕÌÊ-«iV > à iÊ ÀÊ"vwÊVi
{ÈÎ £Î{ä
È£ ®Ê
NOEMAN Landscape
iÀV > Ê EÊ,ià `i Ì >
When was the Vermont Street Bridge demolished?
IÊ « iÌiÊ9>À`Ê > Ìi > Vi IÊ « iÌiÊ/ÀiiÊ-iÀÛ Vi IÊ-«À iÀÊ-ÞÃÌi ÃÊ ÃÌ> i`ÊEÊ,i«> Ài` IÊ i iÀ> Ê9>À`Ê i> Õ«ÊEÊ >Õ } IÊ- `Ê ÃÌ> >Ì Ê ÀÊ-ii` } IÊ ÃÌÀÕVÌ Ê7 À Driveways • Sidewalks • Patios Stucco • Painting • Wood Fence Retaining Walls • Decks • Tile
+Õ> ÌÞÊÜ À ÊvÀ Ê>Ê Ìi> Ê vÊ«À viÃà > à -iÀÛ }Ê1«Ì Ü Êà ViÊ£ nn
{È{ {ÎxxÊv ÀÊ>ÊvÀiiÊiÃÌ >Ìi
> ÊÈ£ ®Ê
About the Author: South Park resident Cindy Funkhouser hopes to see San Diego continue to grow sanely and happily, with consensus and participation by — and genuine benefits to — all with the aid of scrupulously honest leadership.
community history pio oneers fun vol olun nteers
The root problem is the failure of San Diego elected officials to have a policy on (or discuss openly) the issue of growth. It is time for San Diego to make this topic an urgent priority. Economists have long equated growth with productivity, arguing that growth is intrinsic to “progress” which is manifested in consumption of goods. Most 20th and 21st century Libertarian economists have now adapted 19th century agriculture-based economic theory — “there never comes a time when additional capital introduced into agriculture cannot secure for itself some return” — to the industrialized modern world. Build larger buildings, pack more people in, create more need, increase consumption, make profit, reinvest: this is the cycle that drives San Diego’s investor class, and city officials find that the easy and personally beneficial route is to facilitate the investors. Virtually all of San Diego’s Planning Department exists solely to promote business growth and investment. Even programs purporting to oversee neighborhoods in fact depend on having select, compliant local groups to grant approval to any projects that businesses/ investors present to the city. There is a new trend in economic thinking (Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy and Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Solow) that unmitigated, unrelenting growth cannot continue to equate to progress, and that growth at the expense of the “environment,” used here as a catch-all for the broad roaad repercussions of uncontrolled lll d expansion, will eventually grind down to a stationary state in which further growth cannot be accommodated. Perhaps when the homes of (prodevelopment allies) William Anderson, Mitch Berner, Bob Kittle, Richard Vann, Scott Peters and Allard Jansen are cast into shadow by hulking, multistory buildings, they will start discussing the concept of growth at a much slower and more sustainable rate, which is really all that residents of our older neighborhoods also want.
neighbo hbo ors
residents who would desire to retain our village character.
dining
arge condo buildings are popping up all over Uptown to the chagrin of
sho opping
L
serv se rvic ices es
Can Hillcrest be Saved?
29
30
a tasty treat since 1984 Located in the heart of Hillcrest, City Deli is celebrating their 24th year of serving the community. The bright and colorful building with its checkerboard trim and distinctive fruit decoration make this restaurant a neighborhood landmark. The popular restaurant has been a meeting place for business people, friends and families since 1984. City Deli’s menu offers page after page of yummy selections with breakfast served all day. Enjoy a martini, margarita or mojito at the full service bar or dine al fresco in the comfortable sidewalk dining area. Their homemade desserts are the best! Check out the pastry case full of cakes, cookies and pies just inside the front door. City Deli’s baker will create the perfect taste treat for your wedding, bachelorette party, bar mitzvah or birthday. Come by, say hello and enjoy the hospitality of owners, Alan and Michael.
How many peace signs are on page 52?
When you dine at City Deli you’ll be dining with friends!
community history pioneers fun volunteers neighbors dining
he Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) was founded in January 2007 and hit the ground running. The group formed committees to address the concerns of the neighborhood — Development, Litter/Graffiti, Centennial, Crime and a Steering Committee. HTC meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Joyce Beers Community Center in the Uptown Shopping District. Guest speakers educate neighbors on issues that affect us and there is also an opportunity for area residents to voice concerns to each other, as well as to our government representatives. During the first year, the HTC held a forum for Council District 3 candidates, brought Mayor Jerry Sanders, Councilmember Toni Atkins and City Planning Director Bill Anderson to speak and listen to concerns about high-rise developments in our neighborhood and invited mayoral candidate Steve Francis to speak. Other topics have included the future of light rail in Hillcrest, mobility studies and police department updates on area crime and homelessness. The HTC Litter Committee has supported several neighborhood cleanups, worked with the Hillcrest Business Association to remove abandoned or unpermitted news racks that clutter the sidewalks and acted as a liaison to the city in an effort to control graffiti and optimize trash pickHTC Mission Statement: To provide up. Current projects are underway a voice and enhance the quality to acknowledge residents and of life for Hillcrest residents, businesses for beautifying their renters and homeowners, while properties and enhancing our supporting actions that benefit our community. neighborhood. If you live within or The Development Committee near Hillcrest, you are encouraged has been an advocate for the to participate. Interim Height Ordinance and the preservation of our community’s character. This watchdog group hass added a Hillcrest Development Watch page to the HTC website (HillcrestTownCouncil.com) that alerts members to street addresses for demolitions, new construction and remodels. The Crime Committee is working to expand the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance into our area as well as interacting with the neighborhood SDPD Community Relations Officer to target specific concerns addressed by residents. Hillcrest has been given a voice. Please join us at the next monthly meeting to make that voice even stronger.
shopping
T
services
Our Village Has a Voice
31
32
Destructive Growth
W
ith developers effectively writing the California Civil Code in Sacramento through their influence on
state legislators; with a State Department of Finance that envisions 60 million California residents by the year 2050; with a system of state mandates that allocates this “growth burden” to cities and counties, and tries to punish them if they refuse to accommodate that growth; and with regional transportation planning agencies, such as SANDAG, that effectively decide where new population growth will be concentrated — the residents and taxpayers of San Diego face the prospect of a dramatic reduction in their quality of life, along with the permanent loss of historic
Who gave Hillcrest a Great Neighborhood award?
and natural resources. Hillcrest, in particular, has been targeted for inappropriate growth. Why “inappropriate?” First, because our native-born population has not been growing, but shrinking. All of our population growth is coming from immigration. Whatever your attitude about immigration might be, it is simply not true that population growth is inevitable and something that we “must” accommodate. Second, there is the small but significant matter of a lack of local water supplies to support more population growth. San Diego imports 85% of its water from sources (like the Colorado River and Northern California) that are becoming increasingly unreliable. Third, we already see the results of irresponsible growth in San Diego County. Huge, sprawling housing developments have been built in the fire-prone back country over the last 40 years. Tragedy is often the result of such mindless development. Hillcrest is an inappropriate place for concentrating a large urban population. It is at the top of a hill, surrounded by dead-end streets and canyons. There is no place to put new roads that would be needed to accommodate increased traffic. The current infrastructure is in poor shape and cannot even support the existing population. Planners say that they will “force” people out of their cars onto public transit. How considerate of them. Never mind the fact that San Diego County covers
community history pioneers fun volunteers neighbors dining shopping
About the Author: Andrew Towne is a board member of Uptown Planners and a member of the Hillcrest Town Council.
33
services
4,200 square miles, and that a comprehensive 24-hour public transit system that would quickly take one to the beach, the mountains or to other cities in the county is not feasible. In spite of SANDAG’s allocation of a third of its money to transit, only 4% of San Diegans regularly use public transportation. In the meantime, our inadequate freeways are linear parking lots. Ours is one of the few historic neighborhoods in San Diego, but Hillcrest is built out with little to no land available for new development. So any significant increase in population requires tearing down large sections of our history and replacing small structures with large ones that take up more of the lot and reduce space for landscaping. These overbearing structures block people’s light and views, bring more noise to the neighborhood and eliminate our residents’ backyard privacy. If government is supposed to serve the people who pay for it, destroying those taxpayers’ quality of life hardly counts as good government. Why did planners allow low density development and wait until 96% of San Diego’s available land was built out before deciding that sprawl was bad and that it was time to do high-density, high-rise “infill” development in neighborhoods like ours? Believe it or not, they call this “smart growth.” Smart growth is supposed to prevent sprawl development. San Diego’s version of smart growth has done the opposite. “Green”-minded people who support smart growth need to explain how replacing a lushly landscaped neighborhood with steel and concrete is environmentally smart. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and create oxygen. So let’s get rid of them. Great idea! Another “great idea” touted by opponents of historic preservation: Just put a handful of homes in Old Town’s Heritage Park then tear down the rest of our historic communities. Never mind the fact that it is the entire collection of older homes – together with the mature landscaping that surrounds them – that constitutes the true history of an older neighborhood. My generation of the 1960s pledged to save the environment, give up materialism, value nature and the arts and leave a better world for future generations. It’s time to fulfill that pledge.
34
reflections PEGGY JENKINSON’S Hillcrest Childhood
M
y grandmother lived in a darling English Tudor cottage near Third and Lewis and was a nurse at Mercy and County (now
UCSD) hospitals in the ’50s and ’60s. I loved to visit, and while the grownups talked, the kids would wander the neighborhood streets. A favorite stop was to watch the pinsetters at the Hillcrest Bowl. With their flexing muscles and packs of cigarettes rolled up in their t-shirt
What is the proposed height limit for Hillcrest?
sleeves, they looked like James Dean. Hillcrest also had a dress shop that specialized in huge half-slips hanging from the ceiling. I loved to look up and see all those layers of petticoat lace. When it came to the Vermont Street bridge, we were only allowed to cross with an adult — usually to shop for school clothes at the biggest store in my world…Sears! One aunt was a waitress at The Flame — the place for special occasions. I would sit in her kitchen, as she got ready. This was a big deal since most women didn’t work back then. She wore black nylons, silvery slippers, a black satin skirt and a freshly ironed fancy, white blouse with a Kleenex tucked into the cleavage, leaving one skirt pocket open for her order book and the other for tips. The Flame was a top-notch supper club, dark and elegant with leather booths and tables set around a small dance floor where a trio played music on weekends. My grandmother’s neighbors had a chameleon tree! I would beg to go over when we saw they were home. It was like a magic show. First, I would have to concentrate to find the camouflaged reptiles, but the reward was that the neighbor would catch one and put it on my blouse so I could watch the chameleon change to the color I was wearing. It was so much fun to take this tiny creature to “show and tell” and share it with my fellow classmates. Life was simple and oh-so good. About the Author: San Diego native Peggy Jenkinson is an honored garden restoration designer in Hillcrest and beyond.
HISTORY
J
ust south of Robinson Avenue sits an inviting craftsman, which has seen
fun
3766 Fifth Avenue
pion nee ers rs
hiisstto orry y
community
35
neighbors dining
That April, Rick Osborne created Davids’ Place, a safe haven for HIV+ people, naming it to honor two friends suffering from AIDS. Three weeks later, New York transplant David Rea took over managing duties. After five years Osborne decided to close the coffeehouse about the same time Grandma Perricone passed away. Her children decide to sell the property, and David, with his partner Harry Sillen, made the purchase. City records showed buried gas tanks next door, where Mike’s Waterfront is today. In the early 1900s, wealthy homeowners stored gas for their autos, and concerns of this hazard forced David and Harry to have the alley excavated and prove the tanks no longer existed. After three months of renovations, and a slight name change (moving the apostrophe) David’s Coffeehouse opened once more in March of 1999. Rea, a recovering alcoholic, created an upscale space for people in all types of recovery to socialize and receive support. Free meeting space for dozens of organizations was also provided. After working daily for eight years, the boys decided to sell the business and house in September of 2006. Within two weeks, Alicia Letayf purchased the old craftsman and changed the name to David’s Coffee Place. A year and a half later, she leased the space to local businessmen and life partners, Christopher Stavros and Rafael Del Rio. Both with 12 years of experience — Rafael as a pastry chef (David had even purchased wholesale sweets from him) and Christopher in the hospitality industry— the warm and welcoming home has now been transformed into Babycakes. Featuring Rafael’s signature desserts, this continues to be the spot where neighbors socialize over a cup of coffee. Stop in and enjoy the history, too.
shopping
into San Diego Awning Company until it closed in 1993.
services
as more canvas products were needed, the wrought iron business evolved
volunteers
well over a hundred years of neighborhood changes. Joseph Perricone
built the house in 1889 for his family and ironworks company. After WWII,
36
O
ne would think that developers would be a little hesitant to undertake a new project with the climate of today’s real estate marketplace. Lack
of sales have driven developers to convert townhomes into apartments and in several cases banks have stepped into the real estate market as foreclosures continue to rise. How many empty condos are there? ATLAS AT HILLCREST — PHASE I 3687 Fourth Avenue Five stories, 63 units priced from $344,000 to $679,000. Atlas I at Hillcrest is located on Fourth at Pennsylvania. 42 of the 63 units have been sold.
Who originally financed the 1916 Vermont Street Bridge?
ATLAS AT HILLCREST — PHASE II 3650 Fifth Avenue Six stories (with street-level commercial), 77 units; pricing was not available at time of printing. The developer, DR Horton expects completion in January 2009 with sales beginning in early summer 2008. BIARRITZ Sixth and Redwood Once planned for 11 stories, 37 units priced from $1.4–$5 million, has stopped construction, and the rusting rebar protrudes from the ground level concrete. The bank took over this property once owned by Mayfair Homes.
THE CAIRO 3788 Park Boulevard Only two units are left from the original 16. Original prices ranged from $500-800K; however, today’s asking prices begin at $365K.
MI ARBOLITO Sixth and Upas 14 stories, one unit per floor, prices start at $1,100,000. This project, developed by Delaware-based 1700 Investors, LLC was originally dubbed “The Hole” when construction was delayed after excavation for the subterranean parking had begun. The lawsuit filed by neighbors at 666 Upas caused a year delay. Now the developer has run out of money, and the high-rise at the northwest corner of Balboa Park stands empty and incomplete. Three of the 14 units have been sold.
DECA Robinson at Park Boulevard The UP Inc. Art-Deco-style building houses 37 flats and townhomes. Prices started at $400,000; however, slow sales have forced the builder to convert to apartments.
fun volunteers neighbors dining
301 UNIVERSITY The efforts of Friends of San Diego on behalf of the grassroots community group, Save Hillcrest, put this project on hold until an Environmental Impact Report is filed with the city. On August 23, 2007, Superior Court Judge Linda Quinn ruled in favor of local residents and against the 301 University project (a 148-ft building that had been planned for the south side of University Avenue between Third & Fourth) dubbed the “Monster Building.” The 12-floor proposed building would have towered 10-11 stories over nearby businesses.
The judge’s ruling overturned the September 12, 2006 decision by the City Council and reversed their 7–1 approval. Donna Frye and Mike Aguirre were right. The court agreed that the city did not follow legal requirements in the preparation of the environmental study for the project, that 301 University would have a severe negative effect on the neighborhood, that a proper traffic analysis was not done, that 301 ignored serious community parking shortages, they did not analyze construction complications or the cumulative effects on the neighborhood, and that the public alley could not be given away to a developer. Any of these items would have been sufficient for the project to be disapproved. Judge Quinn’s ruling saved Hillcrest from this development — at least for now.
shopping
MONDE 3970 Ninth Avenue Built as 17 townhomes with commercial space on the street. Prices began at $500,000 for one bedroom. Only three of these units sold; the remaining are now apartments.
services
TRILOGY ON 5TH — 3265–3285 Fifth Avenue Five stories, 25 units priced from $615,000 to $1,350,000. Mayfair Homes completed this project in April. It sits unoccupied. The sales office has been vacated. Rumors abound that the bank has foreclosed on the builder. Stay tuned.
pioneers
history
community
37
38
39
Looking west on University Avenue August 2, 1927
history 20
years after the 1907 opening of William Wesley Whitson’s “Hillcrest” tract office, the University Avenue Bank had replaced the little shack where lots were sold for his 40-acre subdivision. Riders on the streetcars (note the tracks) immediately began to identify this part of University Heights with a new name. We had no big red Hillcrest sign — that was erected 13 years later when a group of women shopkeepers donated it to the community in 1940. A list of their names may be found at HillQuest.com along with more interesting history about our popular beacon. Most buildings in the community remain one, two and three stories, but recently developers have focused on the heart of Hillcrest for multi-story projects. Unfortunately, our outdated community plan says they can build even higher. A poll on HillQuest.com overwhelming showed a rejection of this folly. To the question: “Is a 148-foot building suited for ANYwhere along University Avenue?” Results were: No way, José! (52.6%); Yes, the 20-yearold community plan says it could be up to 200 feet (27.4%); Not in Hillcrest, but maybe in the College area (6.8%); Not sure (5.4%); maybe in North Park (4.3%); and perhaps City Heights (3.1%).
40
Lighting that will make your art pop!
residential and commercial
tel:
619.291.2388
fax: 619.260.1374 3436 Sixth Ave San Diego CA 92103 Lic#C10-861219
w w w. e at o n e l e c t r i c i n c . c o m
What Hillcrest birthday was celebrated in 2007?
tom@eatonelectricinc.com
The first owners were James Hardesty, a local grocer, and his wife Emma who moved here from K Street downtown. The couple soon fell upon hard times, and John Enno of Los Angeles purchased the property in 1906. The following year it sold again to City Councilman George Mahler. In 1926 the house sold to Dr. Oliver Kurlander who used it for medical offices for one year. After his death in 1929, the estate was left to his grandchildren, the doctor’s two sons received $1 each, and the house became the subject of litigation. It eventually sold in 1934 to Robson, Beatrice and Margaret Dieckmann and was used as a residence until 1961. In 1963 Dr. Leroy Kurlander purchased the house for his medical practice and while preserving many of the original fixtures, substantially altered the interior. In 1987 the Rev. Michael French bought the property, which he operated as the Christian Institute for Psychotherapy & Training. The Hardesty House now serves as law offices for Brandon & Associates, its current owners, who are completing the restoration work on this Hillcrest gem. About the Author: North Park veterinarian, Dr. Robert Nagell, owned the property from 1996–2005.
community history pioneers fun volunteers
The first floor exterior consists of cast stone veneer, which appears to support the wood frame upper floor. There is a full attic under the steeply pitched rooflines featuring five rooms. Of note are the decorative hexagonal buttons on the roof gable boards and the curved brackets supporting the eaves. Most striking are the steeply pitched rooflines with unequal legged gables. The original building had horizontal siding, and the original roof was covered with wooden shingles.
neighbors
he stately structure on the southeast corner of Third and Pennsylvania was built in 1905 as a transition from the highly embellished Victorian style to the less ornate reactive designs of the Prairie and Craftsman homes being developed. It exhibits elements from several Victorian categories, but most closely fits with the Queen Anne style. The house exhibits several interesting architectural elements with a corner turret, box window and lattice pattern in the upper panes of the major windows.
dining
T
shopping
HARDESTY HOUSE
services
Hillcrest’s
41
42
Centennial i l Year in Review JANUARY 9
JULY 7
Hillcrest’s Centennial gets underway. The HBIA forms a committee then decides to donate $10,000 to the Hillcrest History Guild (HHG) who moves forward with planning events for the yearlong celebration.
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Hillcrest’s oldest sanctuary, hosts a pancake breakfast and tour of their historic site.
FEBRUARY 15 Red, blue, and pine-green Hillcrest Centennial t-shirts go on sale.
MARCH 31 Neighbors rock ’n’ roll to the oldies with a neighborhood sock hop at the Joyce Beers Community Center.
JULY 11 A series of four Wednesday evening historic neighborhood walks begin.
JULY 14 Volunteers wearing orange t-shirts sweep across the neighborhood for a Centennial Clean-up.
Brandon & Associates occupies what historic Hillcrest home?
JULY 26 Councilmember Atkins unveils the first of seven city signs with the others installed before August 2, date of Hillcrest’s 100th birthday.
JUNE 16 The HHG buries a centennial time capsule at the Hillcrest entry to the Vermont Street Bridge.
JUNE 23 HillQuest hosts the first of four centennial fundraisers with a picnic in the park and an evening at the Starlight Theatre.
AUGUST 2
SEPTEMBER SEPT SE PTEM PT EMBE EM BER BE R 18 Neighborhood representatives accept a proclamation celebrating “Hillcrest Centennial Day in San Diego” from Councilmember Toni Atkins.
community
43
history
The community celebrates our first 100 years as descendants of William Wesley Whitson gather to serve cake at the site of WWW’s “Hillcrest” Company sales tract office. The party continues into the evening with a neighborhood social at the Joyce Beers Community Center. Local resident Carol Kerr’s team wins the Scavenger Quest.
fun
33 local restaurants and bars participate in Toast to Hillcrest, a Wine, Spirits & Nibbles Tour, as a W big red bus shuttles folks around.
pioneers
SEPTEMBER 20
neighbors
OCTOBER 19
Neighbors play poker, euchre and their favorite board games at Centennial Game Night.
Centennial cruisers embark for Baja Mexico as friends and neighbors celebrate on the high seas.
SEPTEMBER 4–9
A special thanks to the many businesses and individuals who volunteered their services and energy to a year of celebrations designed to bring the community together and create awareness of the local economy. Check out Hillcrest Centennial.com to revisit the fun.
Crest Cafe owner Cecelia Moreno and Baja Betty’s Courtney Ray promote Hillcrest Restaurant Week on Fox6. Dozens of area eateries celebrate by pricing meals for $9.07, $19.07 or $29.07.
dining
Hillcrest History Guild celebrates our community’s centennial in the grand ballroom at The Prado. A ddouble-decker bus circulates tthrough the neighborhood bbringing guests to Balboa PPark. National officials honor Hillcrest as one of the greatest H neighborhoods in the nation. n FFabulous food, friends and uunsurpassed entertainment fill a magical evening.
shopping
AUGUST 31
OCTOBER OC O 4
services
Whole Foods shows March of the Penguins on their roof, and the market honors the Hillcrest History Guild with their Community Support Day, donating $4,515.90 (5% of net sales for the day).
volunteers
AUGUST 8
44
GRAPHIC DESIGN • WEB DESIGN • PRINTING
Brad Koch (619) 818-7032
What historic state act does Mayor Sanders want to kill?
VISIT
OUP.NET R G N G I ES PRIMOD
About the Authors: Former owners, Reuel Olin and Bob Grinchuk are proprietors of The Wine Lover.
fun volunteers neighbors d ning di shopping o g
nce the tallest building in Hillcrest, the Casa Grande now nestles among its upstart neighbors: the Egyptian Condominiums and the HUD Senior towers. This venerable old dame has seen many changes in the neighborhood since construction began in 1912 (and was completed three years later) by Calvin Winchell, president of the Star Builders Supply Company, who named the structure after himself. Possibly his residential hotel was a shrewd investment to house visitors to the Exposition in Balboa Park. And presumably he recognized that the new trolley lines would provide easy transportation to downtown. Winchell also owned a lumberyard across the street, now the site of Cathedral Tower. When Elenor Corson bought the building in 1920, she renamed it the Casa Grande Apartments. When we purchased the building in 1992, it stood unloved in the less than genteel eastern part of Hillcrest. That was to change. We upgraded the building and learned of its colorful history from anecdotes of long-time residents, photos and printed materials, some of which we discovered in the cavernous basement — perhaps once a garage for horseless carriages. We discovered contemporary postcards of the building in its early days with elaborate roof trim, balconies overhanging University and terra cotta medallions set into the pilasters. According to architectural historians, the Casa Grande is an example of Mission Revival style, the California counterpart of the Georgian Revival style then popular on the East Coast. Though the exterior has been altered, decreasing its visual attractiveness, the apartments retain their early 20th Century charm with the look and feel of craftsman cottages, which in 1915 may have given them their cachet. The two lavishly ornamented penthouses, one of which we occupied until selling the building in 2008 to developers (who vowed to upgrade the building but maintain its integrity), may once have been public spaces available to the residents. Evidence, including a top oor room where maids may have changed into their uniforms, does suggest that the Casa Grande could have been a stylish residential hotel. Adding to the evidence, in a San Diego Union from the early 1920s we found ads for the Casa Grande and the Hotel Del Coronado side by side. Who can predict its future incarnations? As we personally bid adieu to the grand house, we know that it will continue to change along with its neighborhood — we hope for the better.
services v
O
pioneers
history
co om mmu mun niitty y
45
46 PARK PLACE Screen & Glass • Screens • Glass • Mirrors • Shower Doors • Security Doors & Bars Window • Vinyl • Aluminum • Free Estimates (619) 283-6105
3349 Adams Avenue
What is the name of Hillcrest’s residents group?
ParkPlaceScreenAndGlass.com
history pioneers fun volunteers
n the late 1880s my great grandparents, Mathias and Augusta Karrels, homesteaded 1,000 acres in South Dakota, but in 1914 they decided to move as far away as possible from the cold winters and bought a farmhouse with ten acres of citrus trees in South County. Two years later after record rainfall, the Otay Dam broke and washed their house, barns, trees and even the topsoil away. When the uninsured couple lost everything to the flood, they were forced back to the plains to make more money. Again with pockets full, they returned to San Diego in the ’20s and built two houses on Normal Street — one for themselves and another next door as a wedding gift for my grandmother, Leona Keane. Each home cost $4,500 to construct plus an extra $500 for gumwood. (Luckily, no one ever painted over that original wood.) My mother grew up in the two homes with her brother and sister. Hillcrest was still considered out in the boonies, with University Avenue unpaved past the Georgia Street Bridge. Their playhouse still My mother grew up in the two homes remains next to the avocado tree with her brother and sister. Hillcrest planted over 70 years ago, and the was still considered out in the boonies, wood shed now holds garden tools with University Avenue unpaved past instead of chickens and firewood. the Georgia Street Bridge. They watched the Normal Street Soap Box Derby from the front porch, walked to Balboa Park’s second Expo in the 1930s and the Park Boulevard streetcar got them to their first jobs. When my parents retired they lived in my great grandparents’ home, then I moved into my grandmother’s place after she died in 1988. My family has been good to these homes, and in return, they have been good to us. The historic structures retain their charm complete with built-ins, a breakfast nook and an anteroom where the iceman would have left his delivery for the California Cooler. I enjoy living here, not only because Hillcrest is a wonderful place to call home, but also because I’m surrounded by my family history.
neighbors
I
dining
reflections
community
47
services
shopping
About the Author: Richard Wyckoff still lives in one of the houses that his great grandparents built on Normal Street.
How many streetcars did the “trolley barn� hold?
48
Save the Mills Act to Preserve Our Neighborhoods he March 2008 San Diego Grand Jury report and Mayor Jerry Sanders have launched a campaign to do away with (or dramatically alter) the
process of designating residential and commercial structures as historic,
fun
T
pioneers
h history
community
49
About the Author: Ron May is President and Principal Investigator of Legacy 106, Inc., archaeology and historic preservation consultants.
neighbors dining shopping services
But the mayor doesn’t have legal authority to discriminate against people who own historical homes, no matter what the Grand Jury reported. The Mills Act is a California law that cannot be reformed by any mayor anywhere in the state. It clearly states that once a city council passes a resolution to adopt it, which San Diego did in 1995, any owner of a house that is historically designated automatically qualifies for a Mills Act contract. Mayor Sanders is blowing smoke when he proposes to deny the contracts to the people of San Diego. The city has avoided involuntary imposition of historic districts over neighborhoods to avoid angering land developers. Failure to protect neighborhoods has resulted in illegal demolitions, and we have lost much of what made this a charming city for families to walk in comfort and safety. For 12 years, the Mills Act has been an encouragement to property owners to voluntarily preserve their own homes and invest private money into restoration work. Thousands of homeowners’ dollars have restored cherished old homes and enhanced neighborhoods because of the Mills Act. The Grand Jury interviewed only the Tax Assessor and the Historical Resources Board staff, but not one homeowner who has a Mills Act contract, not one historian who prepares the designation reports and not one member of the highly-skilled building industry who restores hardwood floors, built-in gumwood buffets or sculpted plaster-vaulted ceilings. This Grand Jury should be ashamed of the poor quality investigation that wasted our tax money. Mayor Sanders cannot deny a Mills Act contract to anyone, and if the City Council kills the Mills Act program, what equivalent protection will we have for the historical neighborhoods and commercial buildings that created our unique identity?
volunteers
thus qualifying them for a contract with the state called the Mills Act.
Who was Alice Birney?
50
pioneers
history
community
51
T
ucked inside the purple Art Union building at 2323 Broadway in Golden
facility in the nation that also encompasses a library, research archives,
fun
Hill, this museum focuses on women’s history and education — the only
to the history and accomplishments of women. Their mission is to educate and inspire while teaching women’s history with values and strategies that lead to positive social change in gender, racial and ethnic stereotyping
volunteers
oral history project and a full spectrum of educational programs devoted
dining shopping services
In 1983 Mary B. Maschal created a living museum in her home filling virtually every room with memorabilia. Working as the Women’s History Reclamation Project, Mary and others reached out to the community. In 1996 they moved to their current location, and in 2003 changed the name to the Women’s History Museum & Educational Center (WHMEC), which has continued to grow into a community-based organization of volunteers and partnerships that provide a multiplicity of programs and services. Their permanent and rotating exhibits range from a tattoo exhibit, a “Grrl ’Zines” workshop and Día de los Muertos display to “All Our Grandmothers,” an exhibit featuring women who lived here 100 years ago. The museum also houses the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame, established to acknowledge and honor women who have significantly contributed to our quality of life. The library and historical research archives include over 5,000 books and reference materials including the papers of national suffragist and international activist Alice Park, an antique clothing collection of over 300 articles, publications documenting the “Second Wave of Feminism” and first editions of rare feminist texts. More than 50% of their historical collection is stored off-site because of space limitations at the Golden Hill location. A move to a larger facility — ideally in Balboa Park — is underway, spearheaded by a campaign to raise a million dollars, one dollar at a time from every woman in the county. Volunteers and supporters are most welcome at this unique spot in San Diego. Stop by or visit online at whmec.org to experience a walk through women’s history.
neighbors
while enhancing self-esteem and increasing respect for all women.
52
history
community
53
The symbol was first used on “lollipop” signs in the 1958 Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) march from London to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment as a protest against the production of nuclear weapons. The symbol then came to this country via Bayard Austin, a friend of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the peace sign became popular after being used in civil rights marches. Eric Austin another CND member created badges using white clay with the symbol painted black. They were distributed with a note explaining that in the event of a nuclear war, the baked pottery badges would be among the few human artifacts to survive a nuclear inferno. The peace sign was intentionally never copyrighted. No one needs to pay or get permission before using this symbol of freedom — it’s free for all who wish to promote peace.
fun volunteers neighbors dining
Holtom’s daughter, Anna Scott remembers her father’s anguish. “He used the Goya painting of the despairing image of a man being shot — I don’t know whether the despair was to do with his personal situation or whether it was to do with the world situation, but sometimes these can be muddled up, can’t they?”
shopping
Original sketches created in 1958 by Gerald Holtom, an artist and WWII conscientious objector, showed a symbol that stood for “the death of man and the unborn child” and was designed from the naval code of semaphore using the letters for N and D (nuclear disarmament). N is two flags, arms down-stretched at a 45-degree angle, and D is two flags, one arm straight up and one straight down.
services
ne of the most widely known symbols in the world is the peace sign. It was originated in Britain, where it had long been known for nuclear disarmament before the rest of the world claimed the circular logo with three straight lines as an easily recognized symbol for peace.
pioneers
History of the Peace Sign
What Uptown service group meets at 7am on Thursdays?
54
55
Kate Sessions — “The Mother of Balboa Park“
pioneers S
an Diego’s first city gardener, Katherine Olivia Sessions (1857–1940), was an ardent advocate for the development and beautification of Balboa Park, turning the barren mesas into the lush fields of trees, bushes and flowers we enjoy today. Beginning in 1892, she set up a nursery at the north end of City Park (what Balboa Park was called until 1910), Kate kept her promise to enhance the parkland’s scrub brush acreage with 100 trees, plus an additional 300 trees throughout the dusty town as “rent” for each of the ten years she used the land. In 1907 Kate was a founder of the SD Floral Association, which was greatly responsible for transforming the park into a luscious background for the wildly successful 1915 Panama-California Exposition (HQ4). One of her favorite suggestions was to “plant a 50¢ tree into a $5 hole.” That sage advice continues to prove true — as numerous trees planted with her own hands still grow throughout the neighborhood as a monument to her memory.
What architectural style is the Casa Grande apartment building?
56
Who Was Joyce Beers?
T
pioneers
history
community
57
he name on Hillcrest’s community meeting room honors an active and
organizational effort and elements that continue to lead the business
fun
forward-thinking resident who was instrumental in shaping the early
And involvement extended outside Hillcrest, daughter Robin Beers remembers, “mom was instrumental in founding the first homeless shelter at the YWCA downtown specifically for women and children providing a secure refuge from domestic violence. She was very proud of that. This was at a time when the crime was rarely even talked about.” The 92103 resident and activist was also the co-founder of the Uptown Community Planning Committee, serving as its chair from 1971 to 1973 then again from 1975 to 1976. Her many accomplishments include being president of the League of Women Voters from 1973 to 1975 and the first executive director of the Hillcrest Association in 1984. Joyce Beers died of brain cancer in 1989 at the age of 60. It’s a proper fit to have our central neighborhood meeting hall named in her honor.
neighbors
One of Joyce’s main talents was her interpersonal diplomacy. In the early ’80s she was able to bring together straight and gay businessowners and allowed them to share their common goals. There were some “old-school” folks who thought the increasing number of gay and lesbian businesses meant the neighborhood was going straight to hell in a handbag, but Joyce created an inclusive and cohesive group that benefited them all.
dining ing
like North Park and Normal Heights following the lead.
shopping
the city’s first Business Improvement District (BID) with other communities
services
changed the face of our neighborhood. Under her leadership Hillcrest was
volunteers
association today. Joyce Beers was a proponent of many projects that
58
75 Charming Suites with 2 Renowned Restaurants and the HOTTEST FRIDAY NIGHT ROOFTOP HAPPY HOUR in San Diego. l Visit Us Onli ne to make a Hote h& Lunc ious delic our see Rese rvat ion, to l Specials. Hote kly Wee and us Men er Dinn PARK MANOR SUITES
ParkManorSuites.com
525 Spruce Street, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 291-0999
Who was our city’s first port director?
0EGGY *ENKINSON Ü>À` Ü } >À`i ,iÃÌ À>Ì
ià } ÊE , ÃiÊ >Ài -«iV > ÃÌ
È£ ®ÊÇ { È È
community history pioneers fun volunteers neighbors dining
n June 5, 1942 the San Diego Union reported that native daughter, Gertrude Gilbert, known for her many contributions to promote the arts, was to be honored by 200 of the city’s elite. The paper stated it clearly, “no other citizen has done more to further the artistic development of San Diego than Miss Gilbert.” Gertrude Gilbert was a charter member of the exclusive Amphion Club, founded in 1893. Limited to 25 members, these amateur musicians met in each other’s homes to study the lives of composers. In 1908 she became the club’s first president, then after a short break, returned to lead the group from 1911 through the early 1940s. During this time she created the Amphion Artist Series, which attracted world famous performers to our fair city. Maestros Paderewski and Kreisler, violinist Yehudi Menuhin and operatic sensations such as Helena Modjeska and Ernestine Schumann-Heink were all guests in her home. Famed ballerina Anna Pavlova also performed there, and world-renowned pianist, Arthur Rubinstein practiced under her roof. During the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition she served as chairwoman of music, and together with Alice Lee, they worked to save and rehabilitate the “temporary” park buildings after the Exposition closed by helping raise $83,000 for the restoration. Those funds were supplemented by $300,000 from a federal agency. After the California Pacific Exposition in 1935–36, the structures along the Prado again began to deteriorate. 40 years later, Bea Evenson founded the Committee of One Hundred (see page 83) and began the process to save the remaining buildings. After Miss Gilbert’s death in 1947, the family home on Fir Street fell into disrepair. In 1969 local artist and activist Robert Miles Parker (see HQ4) posted a sign on the crumbling house that read: “Save Me” with a phone number. In response to the many calls — everyone from society ladies to hippies, the Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), one of America’s oldest preservationist groups, was founded. Through their efforts, Gertrude’s historic home was the first structure relocated to Old Town’s Heritage Park.
shopping
Photo: San Diego County Parks and Recreation
O
services
ThankMISS You GILBERT
59
60
Ernie the Great
N
ew York born and raised by a radical mother and conservative father, Ernestine Bonn followed an insurance career from Bermuda to San
Diego in 1958. Her downtown office was in the Orpheum Theatre Building (also home to the Brass Rail, see HQ5). That same year, the City Council authorized the first shopping center in Mission Valley. Ernie was a little ala al alar armed arm ar meed th m the een n aand, nd, “I’ve I ve been a little litttle alarmed alaarrme medd ever eevve since.” alarmed then Erniee shared shar sh ared ed a Panorama PPan anor oram ama Drive Drriv ivee bungalow bun bu with the handsome love lo e of of her her life life John JJoh ohn n Gierhart, Gier Gi erha hart rt, a Civil Ci War reenactor. An early ccommunity co mmunity activist she was part paart of the ’84 overthrow of the North Planning Board, which had No orth Park Pla controlled by developers and been co ont Realtors, Realtors l rsss, tthen for eight years was a working member. She has served even longer with the Uptown Planners aand was elected to another four-year term in 2008. fo ou
Who is honored with a plaque in Alcazar Gardens?
But it’s in University Heights Bu where Ms. Bonn bloomed w into one of the city’s in most dedicated community mo m advocates, playing a major role advo adv in virtually everything including Trolley Barn Park (see page 121), the Vermont Street Bridge (page 93) and the sign over Park Boulevard (page 89). Ernie walked streets for ten years distributing the University Heights News and still strolls the neighborhood with contractors to ensure repaved sidewalks retain their historic record. Marking their 20th anniversary, the University Heights Community Association (UHCA, page 91) in 2004 honored her with the Plume Award for outstanding service to the community, but Ernie’s not resting on her laurels, as she continues a hectic schedule with committees, area coalitions and grant writing for future projects. Whether the topic is parking, zoo expansion, code enforcement or historic preservation, Ernie is at the table working for community interests. In 2001 she was officially recognized by the City Council as a “Bureaucratic Navigator” in recognition of her ability to persevere and accomplish community needs by coming up with a concept, articulating that vision and seeing it through to reality. With awards out the wazoo, a favorite includes a 1999 Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) Preservationist of the Year honor that called her “the fairy godmother of University Heights.” We wholeheartedly agree.
he loved. The palms that line Harbor “Don’t let the politicians Drive were his idea, too, and in the ’30s get control of the harbor.” his staff planted 381 donated trees. This — Joe Brennan at his 1948 “horse trader of the water” could turn retirement party a keg of nails or a coil of rope into three hours of work. Originally criticized for this philosophy, Brennan turned a budget that was $40,000 in the hole into $2,284,708 when he retired. Aviation pioneer Ruben H. Fleet recalled, “I’ve seen all the ports in America, and none is run as well as San Diego’s.” Joe retired amid controversy and complaints that FBI agents were “demoralizing” his employees. The feds said Joe was “belligerent.” At his 1948 retirement party he urged guests to retain control of the harbor adding, “otherwise we’ll be hung up in red tape from here to Acapulco, and we’ll never get a thing done.” About the Author: Local restaurateur and 92103 native Jimmy Carter is Joe’s great nephew.
communiity history pioneers fun volunteers neighbors
suggestion, Joe Brennan At John D. Spreckels’ Spprec rst became our firs st pport director in 1918 and over the next threee ddecades molded the harbor we Lindbergh Field, Shelter Island, know today. Lin Pier and North Island were the B Street Stre t under his watch, but all de ddeveloped eve greatest achievement came in his gre convincing the city to lease land to con nvi the early aircraft industry. In 1923 T. Claude Ryan needed a field for his aviation business, and the port director worked out a deal for a dirt landing strip on Dutch Flats (now Midway post office). Five years later, his company built the Spirit of St. Louis for Charles Lindbergh. In 1927 he and wife Dorothy built a home just north of the First Avenue Bridge overlooking the harbor
dining
obody knew San Diego Bay like my uncle Joe who first moved to the “new” Point Loma lighthouse in 1892 with his family. After his father’s death, 12-year-old Joe became the keeper of the light and later said that he “knew every abalone by name.” As a salty tug skipper, he was known for dressing down naval officers for scarring city piers with off-target landings, leading one frazzled skipper to ground his torpedo boat onto a mud flat.
shopping
N
services
Uncle Joe Brennan
61
What feat is honored by a plaque on a boulder at Maple & Albatross?
62
W
hether it’s Ramirez, Murray, Ramirez-Murray or Murray-Ramirez throughout his decades of activism, Nicole has been the LGBT
community’s best orator. But his choice of “Nicole” confuses many (like
63 community
The man named Nicole
but never have I done anything alone.”
Nicole led the Imperial Court as Empress de San Diego for six reigns, and when José Sarria, founder of the Court System stepped down in early 2007, he transferred his title and all responsibilities to Murray-Ramirez. Rising from the streets to the suites of political power, Nicole is the first openly gay San Diegan to receive the Key to the City and has opened doors for the LGBT community locally, statewide and nationally. His numerous accomplishments include being elected to three terms as chair of the SD Human Relations Commission, creator of The Nicky Awards, social columnist and political insider. Continuing his involvement with community fundraisers and social movement, Nicole has definitely created a legacy for himself in San Diego’s queer history.
pioneers fun volunteers neighbors
Times changed dramatically, and Nicole worked closely with the next five mayors. In the early ‘80s, he found it unacceptable that our city was not helping people living with HIV and became one of the founders of the AIDS Assistance Fund along with Tom Homann, “I come up with ideas, John Ciaccio and Clint Johnson.
dining
His activism began in the late ’60s when mayors Frank Curran, then Pete Wilson, believing they had no gay constituency, wouldn’t meet with community members regarding police harassment. In 1974 Nicole fought with Jess Jessop and attorney Tom Homann for the first Pride parade permit. That scary march up Broadway was dotted with hate, few spectators and even less participants. Most gays were afraid to join in.
shopping
Relocating from LA in the early ’60s, Nicole rented a small apartment above Clowntown (now Corvette Diner). “I was on female hormones for four or five years, living as a female every day and seriously considering the full operation.” Nicole changed his mind, but kept the name.
services
Human Relations Commission).
history
the Union-Tribune who recently identified him as the “chairwoman” of the
community
Advertiser Page Hillcrest Business Assn 44 Saint John the Beloved Cathedral 88 San Diego Pride 16
# Map 3 D-4
Advertiser Kemo Sabe Kous Kous Lalo’s Mexican Grill The Loft Lucky Bucks Martinis Above Fourth Number One Fifth Avenue Pizza Fusion Rannoosh Universal Hillcrest Urban Mo’s Whole Foods Market
Page 102 46 14 73 98 94 70 102 22 68 96 110
# Map 17 D-2 18 C-2 19 H-3 20 D-5 21 I-3 22 C-2 23 D-3 24 D-3 25 D-3 26 G-3 27 C-3 28 E-3
Page # Map 18 29 B-3
Advertiser Sommerset Hotel
Page # Map 24 30 D-2
Page 122 50 114 40 Map 1 116 10 24 114
# Map 31 D-5 32 D-2 33 J-2 34 D-7 35 G-3 36 J-4 37 C-7 38 D-2 39 C-2 40 C-5
Advertiser Radiant Health, DC Scripps Medical Group Scripps Mercy Hospital The Service Center State Farm Insurance Rod Strober, DDS Synergy Chiropractic UPS Store Urban Optiks Washington Mutual
Page 48 10 4 122 12 Cover 122 120 130 118
# Map 41 C-5 42 D-2 43 D-1 44 D-3 45 G-3 46 C-7 47 D-2 48 C-2 49 J-3 50 D-4
# Map 51 D3 52 D-3 53 C-3 54 D-2 55 I-3 56 D-3
Advertiser Flashbacks Grah Safe and Lock House of Heirlooms John’s Fifth Avenue Twirl Wear It Again Sam
Page 108 118 110 106 106 106
# Map 57 D-3 58 G-3 59 F-3 60 C-3 61 D-3 62 D-3
Advertiser Page # Map All Saints’ Episcopal Church 118 1 E-5 GSDBA 118 2 D-4
eats / drinks Advertiser Babbo Grande Babycakes Baja Betty’s Bite The Brass Rail Bread and Cie Cafe Eleven City Deli Crest Cafe Dish Flicks
Page 102 96 96 22 70 72 98 30 102 68 70
# Map 6 J-3 7 D-4 8 H-3 9 H-3 10 D-4 11 C-3 12 I-3 13 D-3 14 D-4 15 H-3 16 G-3
4 5
H-2 J-4
lodging Advertiser Hillcrest House B & B
services Advertiser About Face Dancing Hands Massage Dancing Heart Spa Eaton Electric First Future Credit Union Jeff Keeny, DDS Leonard Flagg, HHP Mercy Physicians Group Mom’s Pharmacy Pacific Properties
shopping Advertiser Buffalo Exchange Cathedral Column One Community Magazine Al Davis Furniture Fifth Avenue Books
Page 110 108 108 108 6 106
Advertiser Page # Map St. Paul’s Senior Services 120 2 CC-4
eats/drinks
Advertiser Jimmy Carter’s Cafe
Page # Map 100 3 EE-2
lodging
Advertiser Park Manor Suites
Page # Map 58 4 EE-2
history
Advertiser Page # Map Natural History Museum 56 1 II-5
community
67
community
B
egin your visit to Balboa Park at the Visitors Center located in the House of Hospitality. Maps, schedules, museum hours and other info are available. The staff is friendly and helpful. Admissions: There is no entry fee to the park itself, but admission to the museums and attractions vary. Visitors may buy a Passport to Balboa Park and visit all museums for one price. Free Tuesdays: Every week rotating museums offer free admission on Tuesdays. Visit the HillQuest.com calendar for info. Parking: Small lots throughout the park fill up early. Two centrally located lots are behind Spreckels Organ Pavilion and near the Starlight Bowl. Even larger lots offer more asphalt along Park Boulevard. Tram service: There is a free tram in the park (note red-dotted path) that stops at Upas Street and Sixth Avenue. The tram operates seven days a week; 8:30am-6:00pm with extended hours during summer months. The drivers even act as quasi tour guides. Enjoy! Questions? Call the Visitors Center at (619) 239-0512.
fun
Balboa Park 411
volunteers
Advertiser Page # Map Leonard Flagg, HHP 116 37 DD-1 Sarai Johnson Research 88 8 DD-2 Rose Pang Regas, CPA 14 9 CC-3 Rod Strober, DDS Cover 46 DD-1
neighbors
Map EE-1 EE-7 EE-1 EE-1
dining
# 5 6 34 7
shopping
Page 124 108 40 18
services
Advertiser Evelyn Ascough, DDS The Cartridge Company Eaton Electric Michael Eller Salon
pioneers
services
How many chicken eggs equal one ostrich egg?
68
69
Sandy Adams & Alex Sachs at the Hillcrest Centennial Sock Hop
fun
H
illcrest and its surrounding neighborhoods provide many fun things to do that are free to enjoy.
Lawn Bowling — This sport is enjoyable to watch and play at the NE corner of Balboa Drive and Laurel Street. Club members give you free lessons, too. Visit sandiegolawnbowling.com for more info. Old Town — The birthplace of California features over 150 restaurants, galleries and free historical sites. Just a short walk from the trolley stop (and its big free parking lot), Old Town has something fun for everyone! Seaport Village — Perfect for a picnic on the bay or a stroll along the four miles of tree-lined paths to locate daily outdoor entertainers (listed at SeaportVillage.com). Get your parking stub validated at one of the 50+ diverse shops or 17 unique eateries. Bike — A great way to enjoy America’s finest weather. Wear your helmet. Walk — Several self-guided maps may be found at HillQuest.com. Soak up a little history as you wander through the neighborhood, discovering canyons and unique footbridges. Hike — SD Natural History Museum’s Canyoneers offer free hikes throughout the county. Find them at sdnhm.org/canyoneers or the HillQuest.com calendar.
What community group was responsible for replacing the Vermont Street Bridge?
70
CWk_9edZe*k$Yec ]` PSR`]][ =QSO\dWSe 1]\R]a OQ`]aa T`][ eVWbS aO\Rg PSOQVSa
9WQY POQY W\ 9WVSW ;cW_b0 cWk_YedZe*k@Yen$d[j
\hec
#
f[h ZWo
F^ed[0 ,'/ (/.#&--/
T
SELF-GUIDED WALK
his tour of Hillcrest begins at the green fountains on the southeast corner of Fourth and Pennsylvania. Follow the orange line on the fold-
community
Neighborhood
71
It’s an easy walk with the option to climb a unique set of zigzag steps while circling Scripps Mercy Hospital. While you’re enjoying the neighborhood,
history r
out map to discover historic landmarks and places of interest (yellow spots).
2. Design Center. This early-California Modernism design of Lloyd Ruocco was built primarily with redwood and glass to reflect a harmonious relationship with the outdoors (Read more in HQ4).
fun shopping
3. The Wednesday Club. This organization founded in 1893 by a small group of women interested in literature and art. Architect (and member) Hazel Waterman designed the building (see HQ5). The gals still meet.
volunteers
6. Fifth Avenue. Stop for a moment to enjoy the essence of this tree-lined street. Wander through Bluestocking Books or Wear it Again Sam. The old Guild Theatre building shares space with a tattoo parlor and the new Pizza Fusion, offering Earth-friendly slices. There are so many great small businesses. Please support them, and help Hillcrest continue its diverse, funky and laid-back character.
neighbors
5. Wall Murals. Near the corner of Evans Place and Fifth Avenue we find a set of murals showcasing the services provided inside before turning north into the heart of Hillcrest.
dining
4. All Saints’ Episcopal Church. William Hebbard and Carleton Winslow designed this stately building for Hillcrest’s oldest church, established in 1897. It’s now home to the “Aussie priest” (see HQ4).
7. Hillcrest Sign. This iconic sign is at the core of our award-winning neighborhood (see page 15). The pink neon landmark, donated by local businesswomen in 1940, originally hung from wooden poles. The sign has seen several alterations over
services
1. Atlas Hillcrest. Working with the community, this project added setbacks, greenery and open space to their original plans. The taller phase II is underway along Fifth. The water fountains are a great amenity for people and pets.
pioneers
please support HQ6 advertisers who paid for the book you’re holding.
72
Experience HILLCRUST
Hop on & off our BIG RED double decker bus
at
>_bbYh[ijĂŠi 7hj_iWd 8Wa[ho 9W\ƒ !# C\WdS`aWbg /dS\cS ž PSbeSS\ BVW`R 4]c`bV ž
$&! '!
$ '
Book bus tours online or at (619) 296-2400
citysightseeing-sd.com
Life has Style!
Let us help you create your personal style.
Decor with Distinction specializes in Seasonal DĂŠcor, Planning, Flowers, Overall Decor, Rentals, Props, Catering, Transportation, Entertainment for both Brides & Grooms, Social and Corporate Clients.
How many square feet is the Joyce Beers Community Center?
Personal Service is custom to your needs and requests. Call for a free consultation. 760-802-6693 • www.DecorwithDistinction.com
-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ"ÕÀÊ ÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ -ˆ˜ViÊ£™Çn
Pool, Darts Friends & Fun
->Â˜ĂŠ ˆi}ÂœÂ˝ĂƒĂŠ Ă€Âˆi˜`Â?ˆiĂƒĂŒĂŠ >Ă€
ĂŠ >ÞÊ ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒĂŠ >ˆÂ?ÞÊ££‡Ç
ĂŽĂˆÂŁĂ¤ĂŠ ˆvĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠUĂŠÂĂˆÂŁÂ™ÂŽĂŠĂ“Â™ĂˆÂ‡Ăˆ{äÇ
13. SDG&E Sub-Station. This William Templeton Johnson design looks like a house and blends well into the neighborhood.
16. Hardesty House. Built in 1905 as a transition from embellished Victorians to less ornate designs, this historically designated property (see page 41) most closely resembles the Queen Anne style. 10. Mary Lou’s Beauty Salon. Gone, but not forgotten. The stylist passed away this year, but her sign remains across the street in front of the first of two remaining 1920s apartment
Visit the HillQuest.com recreation page for more self-guided walks (including this year’s mapped blue and green lines).
community history shopping
dining
15. Hall-Sherman House. This great golden home is one of Hillcrest’s oldest survivors. Built in 1891, it’s now several apartments.
services
9. Scripps Mercy Hospital. The fountain near the Scripps entrance provides a great place to rest, and if you’re lucky, there may be ducks. The tranquil chapel inside the front door also provides a peaceful interlude. If you don’t mind climbing steps, circle around the back of the hospital past the historic Mercy Gardens building, formerly the Sisters of Mercy convent. Follow the road past the MRI facility to the lower parking area and follow the arrows to the stairs up to the ER and complete the circle.
14. Site of E. Milton Barber House. Built in 1905, the Hebbard and Gill design (see page 26) was torn down virtually overnight a few years back. Wouldn’t this be a great spot for a community garden with public art?
pioneers
12. Spreckels Masonic Lodge. While honoring a true pioneer, the facility also provides meeting space for other community groups. On the way to #13 view the charming Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast at 3845 Front Street.
fun
8. Corvette Diner Building. This historic building and mural may not be around much longer. Developers are moving forward with plans for a high-rise “boutique” hotel.
11. Florence Elementary School. 100 years of education were celebrated on April 26, 2008. The original building was demolished in 1961. Enjoy the 2003 public art coordinated by Lynn Susholtz (see HQ5).
73
volunteers
buildings that still offer affordable rents in the heart of Hillcrest.
neighbors
the decades including a rebuilding/ relighting in 1984. The finials (post decorations) designed by Christopher Lee in 1994 were proclaiming this the “Hillcrest Gateway.” Just west another vintage neon sign marks Jimmy Wong’s Golden Dragon, the neighborhood’s oldest ongoing restaurant.
74
Kathy Griffin – May 9
Indigo Girls – June 19
Wanda Sykes – June 14
Ani DiFranco – June 25
Who lost the lawsuit over 301 University?
COMING THIS SUMMER Kathy Griffin – May 9 Craig Ferguson – May 30 Erykah Badu / The Roots – June 10 Wanda Sykes – June 14 Indigo Girls – June 19 Idina Menzel – June 20 Ani DiFranco – June 25 Chris Isaak – July 16 Feist – July 22 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – July 25 Emmylou Harris – July 31 Dolly Parton – August 1 Lyle Lovett – August 5 UB40 – August 10 Gipsy Kings - August 18 Lucinda Williams – August 26 Air Supply / Christopher Cross Sept. 13 Russell Peters – October 10–11 Gordon Lightfoot – October 19
Russell Peters – Oct 10–11
Lexus Dinner Show and Premium Packages Available Premium Packages include dinner for 2 in Humphreys restaurant and overnight accommodations at Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn & Suites. Packages include up front seating.
AND MANY MORE… For the entire lineup, visit
humphreysconcerts.com Humphreys Box Office Hours: 11:30am–6:30pm Tues–Sat
SPONSORED IN PART BY
2 2 4 1 S H E LT E R I S L A N D D R I V E , S A N D I E G O
fun volunteers neighbors dining
n the 1890s the land north of Adams Avenue at the end the cable car line was known as The Bluffs. It was renamed Mission Cliff Gardens after the Spreckels brothers took over the railway, and in 1904, they relocated the Coronado ostrich farm built by Harvey Bentley to University Heights, then leased the land back to him. The new farm, located just east of the entrance to the gardens, was enclosed by a tall wooden fence with knotholes large enough for youngsters to catch a glimpse of the funny looking birds without paying admission. John D. aand Adolph Spreckels originally pplanned to build an amphitheatre here for a giant outdoor pipe organ, but later donated the fabulous instrument to the city for Balboa Park’s first Expo. B Harvey advertised that his ostriches “featured the finest feathers made into “f fea plumes, plu ume stoles, boas and muffs.” For a small sm mal admission visitors learned about thee bulbous birds and were allowed to pet peet them, ride them or feed them an orange watch the bulge travel down g so they th could c their neck, but the greatest thrill seemed to come in a two-wheeled cart ride pulled at top speed by a galloping ostrich. In the gift shop, visitors could purchase feathers and the large ostrich eggs, which were equal in size to 24 laid by a chicken. Bentley’s ostriches had a loyal following of customers who bought the bird’s beautiful feathers, including the Gaslamp’s finest harlots and fan dancer Sally Rand, who used the plumes as part of her famous striptease. Bentley owned the farm until 1915 when new owners, Henry James Pitts and Charles Mack, took over this operation. After the death of the Spreckels brothers, the gardens were closed in 1929 and with it, the farm. The ostriches were transferred to the zoo and the garden aviary was dismantled and moved to Sixth and Ivy in Balboa Park. In 1942 the property was sold to developers and it was subdivided for private housing. Gone but not forgotten, the mighty ostrich is still part of the community, representing University Heights as its mascot.
shopping
I
services
Bentley’s Ostrich Farm
pioneers
history
community
75
76
•
THE TIGHTEN UPS • Live blues, soul, rock & roll
What retailer occupied the site of today’s Uptown District?
myspace.com/TheTightenUps
LAURA JANE “Vintage Vegas” Songbird Karaoke Emcee DJ (619)
729-0925
myspace.com/LauraJaneRocks
The Beauty Bar (4746 El Cajon Blvd.): This retro beauty-parlor-inspired bar in City Heights comes complete with glitter walls, hair-dryer chairs and a manicure station, but don’t let the kitsch fool you — Beauty Bar still brings in some of the best touring acts and DJs … and the small dancefloor can get pretty packed. Twiggs (4590 Park Blvd.): The Celtic Ensemble performs in the Green Room every Sunday 4–6 PM, no charge. About the Author: Uptown resident MC Flow (aka Abby Schwartz) was recently honored as San Diego Music Awards #1 best hip-hop artist.
pioneers fun volunteers
Lestat’s (3343 Adams Avenue): If you like to grab a latte before listening to live music, check out this Normal Heights coffee shop for the best in touring acoustic acts, as well great local bands. They also host a popular weekly open mic.
neighbors
The Rubber Rose (3812 Ray Street): With their hands on the pulse of all that is hot (and sexy!), co-owners Carly Delso-Saavedra and Lea Caughlan, assemble a monthly event calendar that is both educational and titillating. Part sexuality boutique,
U31 Cocktail Lounge (3112 University Avenue): Open since November 2007, North Park’s U31 is one of San Diego’s leading hotspots for live music, DJs, fashion shows and more. Hipsters love the swanky lounge vibe, great music and even the (gulp!) mechanical bull.
dining
The Brass Rail (3796 Fifth Avenue): SD’s oldest gay bar has reinvented itself, offering live music and DJs spinning cutting-edge house, pop, hip-hop, Latin, ’80s and dance music.
part art gallery and performance space, Rubber Rose hosts live music, the popular open-mic series Siren, as well as numerous spoken-word tours. A great time to check out the space is during Ray at Night, a gallery walk held the second Saturday of each month in North Park.
shopping
lthough Humphrey’s, House Of Blues and 4th & B are known for bringing big-name acts to town, Uptown San Diego is really where the local music scene truly thrives. As our neighborhoods continuously evolve, new businesses and venues are popping up monthly, making it even easier to support your favorite local artists. If you are looking to check out the best in local bands, DJs and spoken-word artists, try the following hotspots:
services
A
history
comm co mmun u ity t
77
78 i «ÊÌ iÊ VÀiÃÌÊ ÃÌ ÀÞÊ Õ `Ê «ÀiÃiÀÛiÊ ÕÀÊV Õ ÌÞ½ÃÊÀ V ÊEÊ` ÛiÀÃiÊ ÃÌ ÀÞÊv ÀÊvÕÌÕÀiÊ }i iÀ>Ì Ã°
Individual Membership $10 Business Membership $25 Corporate Membership $100
What Park Boulevard bar used to be a supper club?
VÀiÃÌ ÃÌ ÀÞ° À} VÀiÃÌ ÃÌ ÀÞ° À}
"ECOME A MEMBER ONLINE OR SEND A CHECK WITH YOUR NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER TO VÀiÃÌÊ ÃÌ ÀÞÊ Õ ` ÎÇ{ÓÊ-iÛi Ì Ê Ûi]Ê-ÌiÊ -> Ê i} ]Ê Ê Ó£äÎ {Î{n
HHG is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, and all dues, bequests & contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by federal & state law.
79
Grace Gamalong, Susan Fosselman & Melodie Ziadeh
volunteers “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
D
onating time to get things done is not new in this town. In the past year Volunteer San Diego has connected 36,000 volunteers to jobs helping 800 nonprofit groups with 108,000 donated hours worth $2 million. During that time volunteers with the Hillcrest Town Council have worked together to better our neighborhood in numerous ways including awarding merchants and residents with certificates for enhancing the community, graffiti control and litter clean-up. HTC residents have also worked with the business association to determine placement for new trash containers, eliminate un-permitted news racks and reported abandoned shopping carts. Volunteers with the Neighborhood Historic Preservation Coalition are galvanizing various groups interested in preserving community historicity, while Uptown Planners donate their time to oversee new developments planned for the area. Thank you, one and all, for your dedication.
80
Planning
FOR THE FUTURE
E
stablished in the late 1970s, Uptown Planners is unique among the city’s community planning groups since it combines not one, but five
distinct neighborhoods (Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill/Park West, Middletown and western University Heights) into one planning area. After formation, the first major issue the group addressed was the redevelopment
What was the first structure relocated to Old Town’s Heritage Park?
of the Sears site into the Uptown District (see page 109). There are 44 recognized community-planning committees in San Diego, each made up of a board of a dozen or more volunteer members. Currently, approximately 600 people are serving on community planning boards throughout the city. The board of Uptown Planners has 17 members who represent each of the five communities encompassed within the district. Each March the community elects a portion of the board to four-year terms in sometimes fiery contests with more candidates running than seats available. While they may differ on philosophies, each planner is dedicated to attaining development that enhances the community. Uptown Planners, like the other community-planning volunteer groups, is only an advisory body. It makes recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission and other city agencies. The members review each discretionary project that is proposed in Uptown — such as the large 301 University development which never gained community support. The planners can also make recommendations for changes to land-use regulations within the Uptown Planning Area — for example, its recommendation that the interim height ordinance (page 20) be adopted until the 21-year-old Uptown community plan is updated. Join the process. Members of the Uptown Planners gather at Hillcrest’s Joyce Beers Community Center on the first Tuesday of the month (except for January and July). Often with more than 100 people in attendance, their 6pm meetings begin with reports from representatives of our elected officials and public comment from anyone in the community. All are welcome. Contact Chair Leo Wilson at (619) 231-4495 or visit their website at UptownPlanners.org for more information and meeting agendas.
Rise & Shine with the Rotary organization, Rotary International that has 32,000+ clubs in over
200 countries. Members of each group volunteer their time and talent to
fun
T
he Uptown Rotary Club is part of the world’s first service club
pioneers
hist hi stor or y
comm co mmun unit nitity y
81
Definitely not your father’s club, the San Diego Sunrise Uptown Rotary reflects the vibrant and diverse nature of our community. Though small in number, the club is extremely active and very hands-on. Members range in age from 30 to 60 with an equal mix of men and women, gay and straight — all united in a commitment to serve the local community and the world at large. The club gathers each Thursday at Terra Restaurant in the Uptown District. The weekly breakfast meetings start at 7am and end promptly at 8:30. Guests are welcome to attend free of charge and can be invited to join the organization after attending three meetings. With over 60 Rotary Clubs in our county, networking opportunities abound. Visit their website, sdurotary.org for more information.
neighbo b rs d ning di g shopping
Overseas the club helped establish a dialysis center in a remote part of India that is providing an essential service to those who would otherwise go without. Partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Rotary funded a microcredit program to help start small-scale businesses in Ghana. Furthering the microlending effort, the Uptown Rotary Club is working with kiva.org and providing loans to budding entrepeneurs throughout the world.
services
Celebrating its seventh birthday, the Uptown Rotary Club is active both locally and globaly. The organization provides drivers for Special Delivery meal service, supplies readers for Birney Elementary and Scrabble teachers for Adams Elementary School. The club installed planting beds at Florence Elementary School so students could learn firsthand how flowers and vegetables grow. Members recently worked with the Alpha Project to provide support for homeless individuals in our community, and through Operation Donation, makes regular contributions to a variety of local non-profit organizations.
volunteers l t
further the club motto “Service Above Self.”
82
New Tile for Alcazar Garden
W
e are fortunate to have many lovely gardens in our big backyard of Balboa Park. Alcazar Garden, a favorite located behind the Mingei
Museum, was first named Montezuma Garden when it was created for the 1915 Exposition. 20 years later famed architect Richard Requa renamed it for the Spanish gardens of Alcazar Castle when adding eight benches and two ornate fountains decorated with exquisite turquoise blue, yellow and
Who created the Amphion Artists Series?
green Moorish tiles. By 2005 the tile was badly damaged and in need of major repairs. Originally skateboarders were blamed for the destruction, and the city installed ugly posts around each fountain to discourage the free wheelers. In the fall of 2006, the Committee of One Hundred commissioned the reproduction of new ceramic tiles for the repair. When restoration workers removed the old tile, they found that moisture seeping through the porous tiles and grout had actually been the culprit. The Los Angeles Tile Guild was tasked with matching the original design, color and appearance. Many of the chemicals used in the ’30s are not used today, necessitating the creation of 28 different designs to replicate the originals. The Committee of 100 installed a plaque at the eastern fountain to honor its longtime leader, Pat DeMarce who championed the project until her death in late 2005. The group also established a fund to allow for future repairs to the garden’s fountains and benches. You may play a role in the preservation of the Alcazar Garden tiles and the Spanish Colonial architecture throughout Balboa Park by becoming a member of the Committee of One Hundred. Visit C100.org for details. Photos: Hillcrest residents Crissi Ferguson and her mom Shirley at the March 7, 2008 celebration of the new tile; and in the same spot 58 years earlier.
T
fun
The Committee of One Hundred
pioneers
history
community
83
Park’s Plaza de Panama as a stark reminder of failed preservation
efforts. We were losing the Dream City bestowed upon San Diego for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The Committee of One Hundred (C100.
volunteers l t
he year was 1967. Two newly built modern structures stood in Balboa
org) was formed that year by a dedicated group of San Diegans concerned
About the Author: Michael Kelly is a retired physician and president of the Committee of One Hundred.
dining shopping services
Four “temporary” Exposition buildings along the Prado had already been destroyed by 1967. Since the formation of the Committee of One Hundred, all four of the remaining temporary buildings have been reconstructed. The Committee of One Hundred championed the reconstruction of the Food and Beverage Building (now the Casa del Prado). San Diego citizens passed Proposition M in 1968, providing $3.5 million for the new building, which was completed in 1971. The Electric Building was destroyed by fire in 1978, rebuilt in 1981 for $8 million, funded in part by a $5 million federal grant and renamed Casa de Balboa. The House of Charm was rebuilt in 1996 for $11.5 million and the House of Hospitality in 1997 for $15.5 million, each financed with 1996 lease-revenue bonds backed by the Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel and motel rooms. Most recently, the Committee completed the restoration of two tile fountains and eight tile benches in Alcazar Garden (see page 82). The committee raised the funds necessary to complete the project, which required over 1,800 tiles hand-crafted to match the originals. Now celebrating 40 years as an entirely volunteer organization, the Committee of One Hundred welcomes everyone interested in our mission of preserving Balboa Park’s Spanish Colonial Architecture.
neighbors
about the destruction of Spanish Colonial Buildings in Balboa Park.
85
Looking south on North Avenue (circa 1920)
neighbors E
ncompassing most of Hillcrest and some of North Park, University Heights was established in 1888 as San Diego’s first suburb. Their “University” (later located at the end of North Avenue, see photo) was the State Normal School, designed by Hebbard and Gill in 1899, and completed 11 years later. The fine example of Beaux-Arts classicism is now a parking lot. These days the shining community star is Trolley Barn Park (see page 121) imagined by community activists who wanted to make a change. The passive park features a fabulous playground with sidewalks laid out to replicate the local street plan. Grab a Friday night picnic and head to the park for the best summer concerts in town beginning July 11. The first weekend in September the UH Arts Open will feature the neighborhood’s signature building element — river rocks. Visit artist studios and enjoy John Chandler’s peace bricks displayed on Monroe.
On the afternoon of Sunday, October 12 University Heights will celebrate their 120th birthday at Trolley Barn Park from 2–5pm featuring the historic music of Los Californios. Join in the party and help this grand old community blow out candles on their cake!
Who designed the peace sign?
86
Davidson found that the soil beneath the park was hard adobe clay with scores of cobblestones, which he incorporated into the park’s landscape and garden wall. After crisscrossing the grounds with trails, John began to plant a wide variety of foliage including palms, pines, eucalyptus, pepper, cedar, cypress, acacia and hibiscus. Over the arbors and pergolas, he planted bougainvillea, grapevines and climbing roses. Each season, Davidson devoted a large area to a single variety of flower and became famous for displays of Easter lilies, which brought hundreds of tourists and horticulturists to the park. The arrival of the automobile gave people the freedom to roam, and fewer visited the gardens, which closed in 1929. The gardener’s family stayed, and John continued to maintain the gardens by himself until his death six years later at the age of 80. When Spreckels died, his heirs were not interested in keeping the gorgeous gardens, and in 1942 the land was subdivided and sold as residential lots. The wall, palms, fountain and gates of Mission Cliff Gardens were historically designated on August 27, 1997.
community history pioneers fun volunteers
Babcock eventually sold to John D. Spreckels whoo also owned city streetcars.. Spreckels wanted to trans-form University Heights’ s’ amusement park (The Bluffss located at the end of thee streetcar run) into Mission n Cliff Gardens. Davidson was as chosen to design, buildd and maintain 40-acres of undeveloped land north of Park Boulevard at Adams ms Avenue. In 1904 John and nd his family moved into one ne end of the existing pavilion, n, which had been built in 1890 by the San Diego Cable ble Railway. It had a Japanese ese design created by noted architect William Hebbard. Located on the cliff’s edge, the building held a large room for dancing and an elegant soda fountain with a sloping roof and a veranda running completely around it.
neighbors
ohn Davidson moved to Southern California with his wife and four children in 1891 because of harsh winds in his Scottish homeland. With the combination of his experience and our great climate, he created a successful orchard in Chula Vista that caught the eye of Hotel Del Coronado owner Elisha Babcock and was offered a job to help design and supervise their gardens.
dining
J
shopping
gardener
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
87
services
Whose name is on our community center?
88
Height of the ostriches — 4 feet, 1 inch Height of the eggs — 1 foot, 10 inches Height of the cable car — 8 feet Length of the cable car — 19 feet, 8 inches
O
fun
Length — 59 feet, 6 inches Height — 35 feet, 5 inches Cost — $150,000 Paint colors — Cable Car Red Cobalt Blue Gilt Gold Ostrich Egg White Victorian Green
volunteers
Erected — April 1997 601 feet of linear neon tubing
neighbors
University Heights Sign Trivia
pioneers
hiissto torry y
co om mmu muni nitty y
89
ne-hundred-six years, five months and 28 days from the date of the
Community Development Corporation and funded by a federal Community
dining
first cable car ride, the community celebrated the completion of
the University Heights street sign. Sponsored by the University Heights
The original vision came from business owner and activist David Heinen. Local graphic artist Kevin Whaley’s creation features a red and green neon-lit trolley car, gold leaf ostriches and support pillars made of large river rocks that characterize the entry to the nearby Mission Cliff Gardens. Young Electric Sign Company in Ontario, California produced the sign. (They are also responsible for the two million-bulb, four-city-block Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas and the famous “Biggest Little City in the World” street-spanning sign in Reno, Nevada.) The University Heights sign was awarded an “Orchid” by the San Diego Architectural Foundation for outstanding graphic design and signage in 1998.
services
little over two years from concept to lighting.
shopping
Block grant written by Ernestine Bonn and Christopher Milnes, it took a
Who is preserving the Spanish Colonial architecture in the park?
90
OF UHCA
E
ric and Janice Duvall founded the University Heights Community
com community
The History
91
stop the development of a proposed high-density apartment complex for 1924 Adams Avenue. The couple felt the site was better suited for a community park. Their first meeting in January 1984 was packed with
history
Association (UHCA) in the winter of 1983 with an initial concern to
fun volunteers neighbors d dining sh ho op pp piin ng
With hard work by many and the support of area political representatives, the Duvalls’ vision was realized with the dedication of Trolley Barn Park (see page 121) on April 6, 1991. With that seven-year-long process behind them, UHCA provided a forum for the discussion of a variety of other important issues. Monthly meetings and their University Heights News, which is handdelivered for free to area homes, often discuss time-worthy topics such as crime prevention, recycling, street improvements, development updates and the increased awareness of local resources and businesses. Covering the area east of Highway 163, north of Lincoln Avenue, south of Highway 8 and west of Texas Street, UHCA also sponsors neighborhood cleanups, youth activities, holiday decorating awards and recognition of volunteers. Hillcrest owes a neighborly thanks to the UHCA for much-needed repairs to the Vermont Street Bridge in 2007, as well as the ongoing maintenance for the popular span and its art. In a more general sense, the purpose of UHCA is to provide University Heights with a collective voice, which can advocate on behalf of the neighborhood with political representatives and governmental bodies. This ensures that community needs and desires are taken into consideration when the city is dealing with issues that affect the quality of life in University Heights. UHCA continues to fulfill its original mission — to foster pride in the area, give residents a political voice and to serve as a catalyst for positive change. Unlike their ostrich mascot, this community group sure doesn’t have its head in the sand.
serv se rvic ices es
movement that proved effective.
pioneers eers
nearly 200 area residents who became the backbone of a local grassroots
What day is the Hillcrest Farmers Market?
92
Historic Park Boulevard thru the Heart of University Heights 1. DUDLEY A’NEAL, EA Income Tax Preparation 4427 Park Boulevard (619) 297-1073 2. THE GROOMING CENTER Professional Pet Grooming 4433 Park Boulevard (619) 260-1892 3. SUSIE’S PET CLIPET Affectionate Pet Grooming 4433 Park Boulevard (619) 260-1030 4. UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 4452 Park Boulevard (619) 297-3166 5. SD BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION (Fo Guang Shan Hsi Fang Temple) and Buddha’s Light Bookstore 4536 Park Boulevard (619) 298-2800 6. LAMBDA ARCHIVES 4545 Park Boulevard (619) 260-1522 7. DIVERSIONARY THEATRE Nation’s third-oldest LGBT theatre 4545 Park Boulevard (619) 220-0097 8. SOLTAN BANOO Middle Eastern Cuisine 4645 Park Boulevard (619) 298-2801
5SPMMFZ #BSO 1BSL
"%".4 "7&/6&
."%*40/ "7&/6&
.0/30& "7&/6&
/
*0
*44
.
.&"%& "7&/6&
93
Vermont Street Bridge
M
illionaire John D. Spreckels built the original wood trestle bridge in 1916 to connect his properties. The span was condemned in 1978 on grounds that deterioration had made it unsafe. Even though residents surrounding the Vermont Street entryway requested the city repair rather than tear it down, it was demolished in May 1979. The city first attempted to assess the residents $400 per property owner for its replacement. Sears (now the Uptown District) refused to be in the assessment district. Even though the City Council authorized spending $565,025 to replace the 400-foot span with a modern steel bridge, this never came about because property owners did not want to bear the remaining cost of a replacement bridge. This was enough to convince the City Council to abandon the project and not to assess the older University Heights neighborhood a total of $251,390. When the development of the Sears site was undertaken in 1988, the University Heights Community Association (UHCA), which actively participated in the planning for the 12-acre site, requested that the rebuilding of the bridge be incorporated as part of the development. Mayor O’Connor contended that the council “had a moral commitment to put it in the ’92 budget” because of implied promises made when the Odmark/Oliver McMillan bid was accepted. In June, 1988 the City Council approved the capital improvements budget that included the reconstruction of the bridge. The plans first drafted in 1980 were resurrected again; however, the UHCA wanted the Vermont Street neighborhood concerns to be addressed and included in the final design and construction of the bridge. The total cost of $1.2 million for its construction was taken from a state sales tax fund set aside for street improvements. The UHCA also stipulated that a community meeting room be incorporated into the project — and the 3,000-square-foot public meeting room, the Joyce Beers Community Center, became a reality. On December 10, 1994, the span connecting Hillcrest and University Heights was dedicated. The UHCA remains responsible for ongoing bridge maintenance. Thank you!
In what year was Trolley Barn Park dedicated?
94
95
dining #1’s Michael Quinn at the Toast to Hillcrest
E
ating events abound in our little neighborhood, including the Taste of Uptown, Dining Out For Life, Hillcrest Restaurant Week and the Toast to Hillcrest. This is San Diego’s center for epicurean delight, with a diverse assortment of ethnic menus and prices for every wallet. Offerings include French, burgers, Mexican lobster, vegan, Greek, organic pizza, Moroccan, fresh bakeries and more. We love our restaurants! Last year, the Hillcrest Centennial committee celebrated our first 100 years with a Toast to Hillcrest. The fun evening was such a success that the Hillcrest History Guild is hosting another on Thursday, August 14 from 5:30 until 8pm. Jump on the big red double-decker bus running along University Avenue from Third to Park Boulevard or leisurely stroll from local wine bars to restaurants and cocktail lounges as you and friends (21+ only) sample your way from one side of Hillcrest to the other. Visit HillcrestHistory.org for more information or to purchase $25 tickets (they’re only $19 until July 31). Volunteers are also needed if you’d like to help out.
What former Republican is running for mayor as an Independent?
96
Main Man O
ne of Hillcrest’s most successful
community
97
most folks are more familiar with his popular restaurant/bars, Urban Mo’s (formerly Hamburger Mary’s) and
history
entrepreneurs is Chris Shaw, but
in the LGBT business community since 1979 when West Coast Production Company (WCPC) opened on Hancock Street west of the I-5. The large warehouse with three jammed bars was “the” place for the gay community
pioneers
Baja Betty’s, than the gentle man himself. The SD native has been involved
volunteers neighbors dining shopping services
WCPC’s parking lot was the site for community Pride festivals from 1982 through 1984. The event moved downtown to the County Administration Building’s lot the following year, but when the ’86 festival was cancelled two weeks before the event, Chris again hosted the celebration as volunteers produced the first two-day festival in Pride’s history. The organization honored him as 1988’s Man of the Year and a Champion of Pride in 2006. The man behind the man is Doug Snyder. Partners for 26 years, the pair has worked quietly to further community organizations for decades. Charitable giving is part of their annual budget. “The community gives so much to us and our businesses. Doug and I feel it’s important to give back as much as we can,” Shaw said. Along with Tom Abbas, Chris was instrumental in founding the GSDBA Charitable Foundation, the group that produces Hillcrest’s annual Mardi Gras street party with the local business association. A portion of their proceeds provides scholarships for local LGBT youth. Chris is quick to credit his supportive staff when asked about his success. Always an optimist, the attitude is also reflected in his team of employees. The 92103 resident continues to make the neighborhood even better by serving on the board of directors of the Hillcrest Business Association and leading their marketing committee. In their spare time, Doug and Chris are avid boaters and world travelers. We have Chris to thank for bringing WCPC’s “party central” atmosphere to the neighborhood, then adding to it year after year. And the fun ain’t over — the lease for Mo’s and Kickers was just renewed for another 20 years.
fun
to dance the night away.
What is the mascot of University Heights?
98
COMFORT FOOD Crest Cafe (425 Robinson) serves up everything from meatloaf to spicy jalapeños mac ’n’ cheese, and City Deli’s eight-page menu has a tasty homemade treat for everyone at their colorful Sixth & University niversity corner.
MEXICAN Tucked into the Hillcrest H Colonnade, Lalo’s (1266 (1266 University) features u ures al pastor. Jimmyy Carter’s Mexican Cafe relocated too his original location o at on Fifth & Spruce. Try Trry Dulce’s tasty soups and fresh e juices! esh
EXOTIC Try an authentic Moroccan meal at Kous Kous (3940 Fourth) or Lebanese cuisine with a hookah and belly dancers in the harem lounge at Rannoosh (3890 Fifth Avenue).
PIZZA Fresh, organic and Earth-friendly Pizza Fusion (3827 Fifth Avenue) in the old Guild Theatre location.
DEALS Try Babbo Grande (1731 University) for an unbelievable breakfast frittata, Alexis’ Greek Cafe (3863 Fifth) lunch specials or choose an entree from Cafe Eleven’s (see page 101) midweek super saver dinner menu.
DATE NIGHTS Impress your sweetie with wild (and oh-so-tasty) dishes at Kemo Sabe BITE (3958 Fifth Avenue), and a (1417 University University Avenue) sharing where shari ing Chris Walsh’s unique, andd believably believa tasty encouraged; or tapas is encoura take ta ke the elevator to the swanky supper club supp Martinis Above Martin Fourth (3940 Fourth Avenue). F A LLounges andd bbars are within walking distance, and everyone is welcome. Among them are Urban Mo’s (308 University), the Brass Rail (Fifth & Robinson), #1 Fifth Avenue (3845 Fifth), Flicks (1017 University) and The Loft (3610 Fifth). At the corner of Vermont & University, the ultra Universal & Dish is Hillcrest’s new IT place for a night on the town. The perfect topper is an extraordinary dessert by Rafael at Babycakes (3766 Fifth, formerly David’s Coffeehouse).
com mmu unity i history pioneers
Baja Betty’s at 1421 University Avenue is a daily fiesta with great Mexican food and margaritas. Just east try the yummy burgers and drink specials at Lucky Buck’s (1459 University Avenue).
fun
FUN & FOOD
Want it fresh and fast? Whole Foods is faboo, and they serve brown rice, too. 711 University Avenue.
volunteers
CHINESE
neighbors
and enjoy the diversity. Here are a few tasty favorites.
dining
restaurants. Stroll around one of the America’s top ten neighborhoods
Eat, drink and celebrate life every day in Hillcrest!
services
F
or decades Hillcrest has been known for its quantity and quality of
99
shopping
MAY I TAKE YOUR ORDER?
100
?^bbn 8VgiZgÉh
BZm^XVc 8V[Z iĂƒĂŒĂŠ}ÀÕLĂŠĂŒÂ…ÂˆĂƒĂŠĂƒÂˆ`iĂŠÂœvĂŠ/ ΣÇÓÊ ˆvĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠÂ>ĂŒĂŠ-ÀÕViÂŽ
>Â?Â?ĂŠĂˆÂŁÂ™Â°Ă“Â™x°ÓäÇäÊvÂœĂ€ĂŠÂœĂ€`iĂ€ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ}Âœ
What restaurant is now at the location of the former Clowntown?
/Ă€>`ÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠEĂŠ1Â˜ÂˆÂľĂ•iĂŠ ÂˆĂƒÂ…iĂƒ /Ă€ÂœÂŤÂˆV>Â?ĂŠ Ă•ÂˆViĂƒĂŠEĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠ >Ă€
Cafe Eleven Turns 23
W
fun
pionee neers
hiissto torry y
ccom ommu muni nity
101
sweetbreads, stuffed pork chops or beef Brittingham, a filet mignon
rubbed with fresh garlic and thyme, then grilled to perfection and topped with a brandied mushroom demi glace? If your mouth is watering, head to
volunteers
hen was the last time you feasted on chicken Wellington, veal
dining shopping services
Tucked away in a Hillcrest strip mall, across from Lucky Buck’s and Baja Betty’s, this cozy and affordable French bistro has flown under the radar for years. Their midweek value menu offers five dinner entrees for only $13.95, including half a roast duckling or a petite rack of lamb served with an array of vegetables plus soup or salad. Cafe Eleven’s full menu offers a selection of fresh fish and tasty daily specials, with new choices now available for patio or bar dining. The walls of the restaurant feature a rotating showcase for area artists, and an elegant bar with a warm neighborhood feel was added last year. Owners Bob Weycker and David Owen, partners in life and business, were part of the team that created the restaurant in 1985. The boys bought out their partner’s interest a couple years later, and the duo has been at the helm since. David and Bob enjoy sharing their restaurant with longtime customers who now consider the comfortable cafe a second home. David, who looks like Jack from Will & Grace, works the front of the house while Bob oversees the bar and the kitchen. The couple relocated here from Flint, Michigan in 1981 and has been together over three decades. Bob and David also oversee an interior design business. That career plays a part in their elaborate award-winning holiday decorations. Be sure to stop by for a look this season — and while you’re there, kick back an egg nog, mojito or a glass of fine wine. With a central location and free parking just steps from the door, Cafe Eleven continues to offer something for every palate at an affordable price.
neighbors
1440 University Avenue — home of Cafe Eleven.
102
Crepes ~ Pizza ~ Pasta ~ Salad Bar Two dining rooms & exterior deck seating , -/ĂŠUĂŠ 1
ĂŠUĂŠ
,
, ĂŠ*>Ă€ÂŽÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ,i>Ă€
1731 University Avenue ~ (619) 269-8038
us you Letcomfort
What was the year of San Diego’s ďŹ rst Pride parade?
Breakfast Lunch Dinner 619.295.2510 425 Robinson Ave
7am to midnight 7 days a week
)N (ILLCREST s TH !VENUE
Organic & all-natural foods!
www.pizzafusion.com
OF HILLCREST youngster. He learned everything he
could about any topic that interested him — whether it was gardening, astronomy, lapidary
history
C
hef Chris K. Walsh was a very precocious
community
A “Bite”
103
Ultimately, he opened his own restaurant, Cafe W, a hip, urban restaurant in an Irving Gill cottage (see HQ5) on Sixth Avenue south of Pennsylvania. The restaurant was sadly closed by fire in 2003, but Chris continued to pioneer small-plate menu offerings, a style that has created an exciting social foodsharing atmosphere and won critical acclaim. Hillcrest is lucky to welcome Chef Walsh back to the neighborhood with his newest project, Bite: Modern California Bistro & Wine Bar, which opened last year at 1417 University Avenue, formerly home to the Living Room Coffeehouse. Bite melds Walsh’s love for small plates with his culinary roots in French and Italian cuisines. Bite offerings are a bit more rustic in approach, allowing the quality and freshness of the ingredients to shine through. “I want people to feel that they can afford to dine here often. My favorite business is repeat business,” smiled Chris.
fun volunteers neighbors
At age 13 he was preparing sophisticated multiple-course meals for his family and friends. Shortly thereafter he honed his culinary skills as a 16-year-old sous chef at Ristorante Galileo, a Northern Italian style restaurant. Chris spent time at the La Jolla Village Inn, The Abbey and Gustav Anders on his path to becoming Executive Chef of California Cuisine.
dining
Chris’s passionate appreciation for cuisine began when he arrived late to his fourth grade book day, and the only selection left by his classmates was a Peanuts Lunch Bag Cookbook. The youngster first became amazed with mayonnaise, and how everyday kitchen ingredients such as eggs, mustard, oil, vinegar and spices could be combined to create this common household condiment. Realizing the joy and the importance of food experimentations, Walsh set out to add his personal touches to the culinary world.
shopping
soon took over.
services
a veterinarian, but his love for cooking
pioneers
or cooking. As a youth he dreamed of being
1 105
Owners of Twirl Natalie Cochran & Kelly Carney
shopping Dollars locally spent make cents. Spend your money wisely. Pennies from each purchase made with area merchants help this community maintain its diverse character, which, in turn draws more shoppers who enjoy our uniqueness. Seems like a win-win especially when you consider: Shopping local creates jobs. Independent stores give back by supporting neighborhood organizations and events. Area shops sell an array of affordable, unique products, many recycled treasures (see page 107). Shopping in Hillcrest saves gas money. Neighborhood retailers stock items that you won’t find at the mall. Easy shopping — walk or bike to community stores. As a bonus, surveys show that folks receive better customer service from independently owed-businesses that survive by their reputation and repeat customers. Local stores are also great places to see your friends for a little neighborhood networking. Keep in mind, that these smaller stores don’t get bailouts like corporations. Unable to run at a loss, those without enough revenue, just disappear. Help keep that from happening, please shop locally…it makes sense.
106 fo
na girl i e h rt
ll of us!
619 291 0933 3840 fifth ave san diego ca 92103
BOOKS BOUGHT & SOLD — No appointment necessary — Validation at Sunset Parking Lot on Fourth Avenue behind our store
Open 7 days a week 11am-9:30pm
Avenue 5thBOOKS
Who is the executive chef of Kemo Sabe?
3838 Fifth Avenue • (619) 291-4660
www.JohnsFifthAvenue.com
John’s Fifth Avenue WINNER of Multiple National “Retailer of the Year” AWARDS
TRAVELWARE, BUSINESS & PERSONAL ACCESSORIES
Everything For Your Travel & Business Needs
COMMERCIAL VOLUME DISCOUNTS Tumi • Briggs & Riley • Hartmann • Travelpro • Jansport Victorinox • Eagle Creek • Kipling • Brics • MontBlanc Rimowa • Cartier • Delsey • Dupont • Roxy • & more
REPAIRS
ON PREMISES AT HILLCREST STORE
One of the Best Selections of Pens in the Country at Fashion Valley
FASHION VALLEY: (619) 574-0086 One Second Level next to Tiffany’s
HILLCREST: (619) 298-0993 3833 Fourth Ave. Free Parking Steps Away
WESTFIELD UTC: (858) 458-0770
NORTH COUNTY: (760) 740-8531
Next to Victoria’s Secret
200 E. Via Rancho Pkwy #195 Escondido
D
iversity is Hillcrest’s middle name. That’s equally true when it comes
fun
pioneers
history
community
107
home! Boutiques, featuring everything from comic books to prom dresses, are willing to buy, sell and trade many high-quality items. Located throughout the neighborhood, a concentration of shopping opportunities
volunteers
to finding a one-of-a-kind item just waiting for a second (or third)
dining shopping services
For clothes, the dazzling Flashbacks (3849 Fifth) is filled with racks of goodies including sequined dresses, cashmere sweaters, spiky heels and boas. Discover more unique racks and accessories across the street at Buffalo Exchange (also popular with the college crowd) or check out Rags, around the corner at 534 University Avenue for their selection of gently worn or overruns. Have a former favorite? Trade for cash on the barrelhead. Wear It Again Sam features classic clothes from 1900s through the 1950s and also offers new “vintage inspired” apparel. Their window displays at 3823 Fifth Avenue are the best in town. Second-hand shopping doesn’t stop there. Step next door into Bluestocking Books or across the tree-lined street at Fifth Avenue Books and spend some time browsing their wonderful aisles filled with used, rare and out of print books. Hillcrest has an abundance of recycled record and CD stores, too. Visit Taang (3830 Fifth), Record City on (3757 Sixth) or Thirsty Moon tucked around the corner on Evans Place. Each has loyal customers who trade, collect and sell. The bottom line is — these shopkeepers protect our environment by helping us recycle…and it’s good to support the local economy. Leave the car a few blocks away and walk into the village to avoid core congestion and a hungry parking meter. Another option would be one of the 390 spaces under Union Bank and Village Hillcrest where many local businesses validate your parking ticket. Step in, browse, enjoy and help the local economy — buy!
neighbors
can be found on both sides of the street just south of the Hillcrest sign.
108
" 1 Ê"
Õ ÃÊEÊ-Ì>ÌÕ>ÀÞ ÀV ÌiVÌÕÀ> Ê iÌ> Ã
>ÃÃ VÊ,i«À `ÕVÌ Ã Õ Ì> ÃÊEÊ >À`i Ü>Ài
15% OFF Coupon Code HQ08
1833 5th Ave
619.702.4646 M-F 8.30-5pm Sat 9-1pm
{ä£Ê1 ÛiÀà ÌÞÊ Ûi Õi È£ ®ÊÓ äÇ{
"«i Ê > Þ Cash For Clothes!
fashion reinvented We specialize in vintage and designer labels and purchase a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories.
What was the cost of the Universal project?
hillcrest • 3849 fifth avenue • 619-291-4200 encinitas • 628 pacific coast hyw 101 • 760-632-2658
Named the Project of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders in 1991 and awarded the Urban Design Award by the California Council of the American Institute of Architects in 1991.
history pioneers fun volunteers e
In the past, retail grocers have whined that stores need to be visible from a major community street to be successful. Trader Joe’s and Ralph’s are a considerable distance from University Avenue and have minimal signage, however they continue to enjoy success.
ne eighbors
The district comprises a 3,000-square-foot community center named for Hillcrest activist Joyce Beers (see page 57) and 145,000 square feet of commerical space, including Ralphs grocery store, Trade Joe’s, several smaller boutique shops and restaurants. An area with eight live-work lofts and 313 living spaces complete the site. The residential units are a mix of townhouses and apartments in two, three and four-story buildings featuring grassy, parklike areas, a gym and pool. Underground parking complements the project.
din iniin ng
After Sears was razed in 1988, various uses for the 14-acre site were proposed including the location for a new city library. Construction of the $70 million mixed-use project followed a multifaceted planning process with extensive community involvement (see page 93). This award winning and pedestrian friendly development was completed in 1990.
shopping
elocating from downtown in 1953, the now fondly remembered Sears store was a shopping hub until commercial strip development and Mission Valley mega centers dealt its death knell, but their closed door opened another for today’s Uptown District.
sse erv rvic ices es
R
community
109
110
CLASSIC ANTIQUES
Victorian thru Deco — OPEN DAILY —
What festival was the predecessor to Film Out?
(619) 298-0502 801 University Avenue
from 9am to 1pm
The HBA contracts with a market manager each Sunday to run the day-to-day operations that include interacting with vendors, adhering to city regulations and collecting monies from sellers. The market revenues average $5,000 a week. After expenses, the money is split between the manager and the HBA who uses the income to make improvements to the business district. This year, the association is purchasing decorative trash containers (then will also pay to empty and maintain them…don’t get me going on the city). Rain or shine from 9am to 1pm each Sunday (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) the market bustles along Normal Street south of Lincoln. If you are driving there from the core of Hillcrest, take a shortcut by using the 163-north ramp on Tenth Avenue then quickly exiting on Washington Street (note the white dotted line with arrows on the page 65 map). With acoustic roots music in the air, the picturesque booths are a wonderful adventure to share with your camera. The fresh colorful flowers and produce provide a cornucopia for your shutter. Can’t wait until Sunday? Watch a video set to a 7th Day Buskers tune at hillquest.com/media/movies/FarmersMarketHQ. mov and enjoy!
fun volunteers neighbors
The market has expanded from the north side of the DMV parking lot into the southbound lane of Normal Street, and attendance continues to grow. Colorful booths boasting eco-friendly products, bakery goods, artisans, prepared foods, international cuisine and massage round out the Sunday social. You can even pick up a HillQuest at the HBA booth near the coffee wagon. The small town neighborhood ambiance blends perfectly with the offering of free samples, toe-tapping tunes Rain or shine from the 7th Day Buskers and good values.
dining
onsistently voted the best of San Diego’s many fabulous farmers markets, this weekly community gathering was created by the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA) in 1997. The market originally opened with 35 vendors, but now maxes out capacity with 110 booths. Many of the farmers grow their produce organically or with no pesticides, and their locally grown seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers continue to lead sales.
shopping
C
services
Hillcrest Farmers Market
pioneers
history
community
111
Who founded the University Heights Community Association?
112
113
Easter Sunday 2008 at All Saints’ Episcopal Church
services U
ntil the 1915 exposition, Mission Cliff Gardens was the most beautiful park in town thanks to John Davidson (see page 87). It was easily accessible, and on Sundays the whole family could climb aboard a streetcar for a trip to the Gardens. When the Fifth Street line stopped at Pennsylvania to drop off parishioners for the local church (above), a jolly conductor would yell out “All the saints off here. The sinners go on with me to Mission Cliff Gardens.” Of course, neighborhood services are not limited to those inside a sanctuary. Like restaurants and shopping, the community is filled with every service imaginable — from locksmiths to tattoo artists; clairvoyants to shoe repair. Salons have been a staple in Hillcrest for decades, and now day spas and laser clinics are sprouting up, too. But the backbone of “Pill Hill” is the medical community, who followed the Sisters of Mercy and their opening of St. Joseph’s Sanitarium in 1891. Today we enjoy two hospital facilities and 100s of talented doctors, dentists and other medical professionals who call Hillcrest home.
Where do people park at Whole Foods Market?
114
T
he day after he graduated from dental school in 1979, Jeff Keeny hopped into his beat-up Monte Carlo, said goodbye to Ohio and hello
to San Diego! Number one in his class, he had landed a sought-after
115 community
Decades of Dental Service
residency program at La Jolla’s VA Hospital, and upon completion would
pioneers fun volunteers neighbors dining
Athletic endeavors led him to co-chair Front Runners, and he was one of the early founders of AIM, the local group for the Gay Games. Dr. K has completed ten Ironman triathlons, and although he has the knees to prove it, continues to be a “jock” — which he considers important for a healthy, happy life. He’s also a fan of the arts. Patients have created all the artwork in his office, and he consistently supports the Old Globe, the band, and choruses, even though he has no talent whatsoever in these areas! This Hillcrest resident is on staff at UCSD and volunteered for several years with the dental branch of Owen Clinic. Dr. Keeny is extremely blessed with a supportive family, a great partner, two adorable children — thanks to Lynn and Lori (the moms) — and the best staff imaginable. The doctor has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry, including implants, crowns, root canals and preventative care. His mission statement is to provide the highest quality dental care in an atmosphere that is comfortable and enriching to the patients and the staff, to provide choices and to keep dentistry affordable and to always aspire to a happy, healthy smile. Be sure to say “Hi” when you see him on his many walks with his office mascot and dog, Woody.
shopping
Dr. Keeny, circa 1987
services
Ha! He learned the hard way that building a solid practice takes time and patience. So he did it the old fashioned way, one good patient at a time with attention to customer service and a high level of quality care! In 1982 he opened an office with fellow dentist Carl Jepson and physician Keith Vrhel at the Park Center for Health. Times were different then. Donna Summer was big, AIDS was new, and Dr. Keeny had hair on his head.
history
be armed with all the skills and experience needed to conquer the world.
116
*iÀÃ > âi`Ê*iÌÊ >Ài Serving Our Community with Experience, Compassion & Integrity for over 20 years
*>V wÊVÊ6iÌiÀ >ÀÞÊ V in North Park
How do we celebrate another issue of HillQuest?
ROBERT NAGELL, DVM
Full Medical & Surgical Services Courteous, Knowledgeable Staff • On-site Lab Affordable Vaccinations & Deworming Dermatology • Early Morning Drop-off Spay/Neuter • Orthopedics • Dentistry • Radiology
Ó x äÓx
È£ ®Ê
i ÌÀ> ÞÊ V>Ìi`Ê ÓÈ{ÈÊ1 6 ,- /9Ê 6 (at Oregon Street)
"* Ê ÈÊ 9-
(OR LACK THEREOF)
M
uch talk has circulated at community meetings and Hillcrest
community
Hillcrest Mobility
117
Mobility Study workshops regarding the flow of traffic though our
backward diagonal parking and dedicated bus lanes. The Hillcrest Town Council, Hillcrest Business Association and an overwhelming number of
history
neighborhood. Proposals remain on the table for sidewalk pop-outs,
fun volunteers neighbors dining
• Based on the current fare structure, it seems as if the system is set up for three groups: 1) seniors and disabled folks who qualify for dramatic discounts; 2) people who use it as their primary means of transportation; or 3) those who go to ball games. Currently roundtrip tickets are $4.50 unless you need a transfer…then it’s more. Will this encourage residents to use public transportation? A day pass is five bucks. So, if you have to switch buses, invest the extra 50¢. • Taking the bus for errands is just not rational. For instance, my three-mile trip to-and-from Ralph’s costs $4.50 on MTS. With the Uptown District’s free parking, even driving a Hummer would be cheaper, and I wouldn’t need to lug the groceries as far. • Development needs to be guided into areas served by an already expanded transit system. Given Hillcrest’s topography, we’d do better to subsidize taxi rides to the same degree that we subsidize buses, and get rid of some MTS service that will never justify itself. • Perhaps the SANDAG money would be better spent asking people who don’t use public transportation how to change their habits. • Wouldn’t it be great to have an open-air electric trolley reliably running back and forth from Hillcrest to downtown?
sho hopping
In the spring of 2008, representatives of the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) received input from residents for the first time since 1995 at a Hillcrest Town Council meeting. Thoughts from residents included:
services
in traffic can appreciate the value of a good public transportation system.
pioneers
residents oppose giving up a traffic lane to buses. However, anyone stuck
118
All Saints’ Episcopal Church — Established 1897 —
SUNDAY MASS 8am & 10am
What is the name of the Bankers Hill swinging bridge?
Daily Mass & Other Services
All Saints’ Pre-School 3674 Seventh Avenue • (619) 298-1671
You know you’ve been to church!
1891 For a total cost of $5,000 the Sisters of Mercy open St. Joseph’s Sanitarium along University Avenue north of Seventh. The three-story hospital on a ten-acre site has 19 beds. 1903 St. Joseph’s Training School for Nurses opens, graduating their first ten students on May 31, 1906. 1904 Hospital grounds expand, and the total number of beds grows to 220.
fun
1890 Mother Michael Cummings (see HQ5) and Sister Alphonsus Cox arrive in San Diego and establish the community’s first hospital on the corner of Sixth Avenue and H (now Market) Street.
volunteers
Mercy Hospital Timeline
pioneers
hiisstto orry y
co om mmu mun niity ty
119
1924 The sisters sell their old surgery annex to Dan Dixon. Three years later he relocates the structure across the street (see HQ4).
neighbors
1924 St. Joseph’s moves to a six-story building at its present location. The new facilities are named Mercy Hospital and Mercy School of Nursing.
1966 The eleven-story hospital building opens north of Washington Street. The original hospital is almost razed. One tall elevator shaft is retained connecting the east entrance and the new hospital.
dining
1925 John D. Spreckels bequeaths $300,000 to the hospital increasing capacity to 325 beds and making it the city’s largest public hospital.
1995 Mercy Hospital joins with Scripps Health, but retains a connection with Sisters of Mercy.
shopping
1970 Mercy Hospital becomes San Diego’s first paramedic base station.
2006 SD developer Conrad Prebys gifts the hospital their largest donation ($10 million) for to enhance their ER and trauma services. 2007 The City Historic Resource Board unanimously designates the oldest building remaining from the 1919 St. Joseph’s Hospital complex. The building, House of Heirlooms, is located at Eighth and University avenues.
services
2005 The hospital celebrates 115 years of service to San Diego. The date also marks the 10-year anniversary of the Scripps Health partnership.
120
St. Paul’s
Senior Homes & Services 328 Maple Street San Diego, CA 92103
Who won the Centennial Scavenger Hunt?
619-239-6900 stpaulseniors.org
Quality Living. Quality Care. Since 1960.
" " " " " ! " " " "
" " " " " " " "
" "
" " "
" " " " " ! " " " "
aGinG services of california SM
Advocating Quality Senior Living and Care
com mm mu un niity ty history pioneers fun volunteers neighbors dining
treetcar history in University Heights began in the late 1880s when the Cable Railway Company formed to connect the neighborhood with downtown, but the company lasted only 13 months. In 1895, assets were sold to George Kerper and the system was renamed the Citizen Traction Company. Kerper converted the cable line into an electric rail system and enlarged the park at the end of the line turning it into an amusement park. But again, after three years his company failed. SD Electric Railway owners John D. and Adolph Spreckels purchased the remains. Their company built a second barn in 1913 on Adams Avenue next to Mission Cliff Gardens (see page 87). It held 100 streetcars and over a mile of track. Ultimately, the trolleys succumbed to a more flexible bus system — and the automobile. In 1949, the obsolete trolleys were sold for scrap, and the SD Paper Box Company bought the barn. After use as a manufacturing warehouse for 30 years, it was sold to a developer with plans for a 96-unit condo complex. The Historical Site Board (HSB) rejected the notion that the old barn had any historic significance, and the project moved ahead until the HSB decided to hear the case again after claims of a flawed report. But once more, designation failed, and the structure was demolished in 1980. A soft real estate market led developers to abandon their plans, but an attempt followed to build 150 apartments. The University Heights Community Association (see page 91) was created to thwart this high density and to promote the community’s desire for a park. Funding was eventually approved, and groundbreaking for the 8.6-acre open space occurred on May 10, 1990. Nine years later the University Heights CDC celebrated the Trolley Barn Site as a City Historic Landmark on almost the same date that the last trolley made its final trip into the barn on April 24, 1949. San Diegans from throughout the county now join residents for free summer concerts on the expansive lawn at the end of the line.
shopping
S
services
Trolley Barn Park
121
122
619-234-6161
At Extraordinary Conceptions, we believe in helping as many people achieve the dream of having a family. Live the dream. Call or email us now. We have caring Surrogates and Over 600 Egg Donors
What was the ďŹ rst name of Alcazar Gardens?
www.extraconceptions.com (760) 798-2265
123
We think your website is a great resource for people who want to know what to do in the area. Web and graphic designer Brad Koch Thank you so much for HillQuest. They look fantastic! Mikel Wilson, Scripps Mercy Hospital Marketing Manager You two do a fantastic job, and the tribute to your fathers touched my heart. Kathleen Chapman, Maui HillQuest was a great resource when I moved here from Chicago. Monica, teller at WaMu Your architectural articles are enjoyable and educational, but it’s your website that’s a real thrill. Jeffery John August, artist
history pioneers fun volunteers
HillQuest provides a living history of our community. Something that will be of interest to future historians, as well as today’s residents. Uptown Planner and Hillcrest resident Andrew Towne
neighbors
I love HillQuest.com…. I found my dentist there when I moved. New Uptown transplant
dining
The product you put out is outstanding, you should be very proud! Catherine Black, Community Magazine publisher
shopping
HillQuest.com is the best community website I’ve ever seen. I visit it every day. Kensington artist Julia Webb
services
Thanks so much for all of your help and for always being such a great point of contact when it comes to EVERYTHING Hillcrest! Randy Hope, San Diego journalist
communitty
from our in-box
124
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Advanced dentistry. Caring heart.
What pedestrian bridge is built of wooden trestles?
Beautiful smiles.
ĂŽĂŽĂŽĂŽĂŠxĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Ă›i°]ĂŠ-Ă•ÂˆĂŒiÊ£ää ->Â˜ĂŠ ˆi}Âœ]ĂŠ ʙӣäÎ #ALL 4ODAY
WWW $R9BEE COM
fun volunteers neighbors
68. 24 70. University Heights Community Association 72. 3,000 74. City of San Diego 76. Sears 78. The Flame 80. Sherman Gilbert House 82. Gertrude Gilbert 86. Gerald Holtom 88. Joyce Beers 90. Committee of One Hundred 92. Sunday 94. 1991 96. Steve Frances 98. Ostrich 100. Corvette Diner 102. 1974 106. Deborah Scott 108. $5 million 110. OutFest 112. Eric and Janice Duvall 114. On the roof 116. Hop in the ’Hood 118. Spruce Street Bridge 120. Graphic designer Carol Kerr 122. Montezuma Gardens 124. Quince Street Bridge 126. Chris Walsh 128. Eight 130. Two
dining
2. Friends of San Diego 4. 17 6. Consolidated Aircraft, Convair, General Dynamics 10. 14 acres 12. Mary B. Maschal 14. Leo Wilson 16. Harvey Bentley 18. Farmers Market 20. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 22. Ernestine Bonn 24. La Jolla Pacific Development 26. Rock ’n’ Roll bands 28. May of 1979 30. 22 32. American Planning Assoc. 34. 65 feet 36. John D. Spreckels 40. 100th 42. Hardesty House 44. Mills Act 46. Hillcrest Town Council 48. 100 50. Founder of PTA 54. Uptown Sunrise Rotary 56. Mission Revival 58. Joe Brennan 60. Patricia DeMarce 62. Waldo Waterman flight
shopping ng
ost left-hand pages have a trivia question. Here are the answers. Amuse yourself and baffle your friends with these amazing facts.
services
M
pioneers
hi history t
community it
125
What chef loved his Charlie Brown Cookbook?
126
H
ailed as the largest city water tower in the nation when it was completed in 1924, the
University Heights Water Tower is a community
127 community
The Big Green Tower
augment the older 1910 reservoir To augme additional 18,000,000-gallon a an ad receiving reservoir was built south of receivi Howard Avenue in 1923. Water from Howa the vvalley was then pumped here andd filtered through large sandlled rredwood tubs to remove iron filled fi sediments before it was pumped up sedime m into the th h 1,202,000-gallon capacity for distribution below. tank fo In 11948 the Alvarado Filtration was completed at Lake Murray, making co omp m the University Heights filtration plan obsolete. The redwood tubs pla were removed and tennis courts we were constructed atop the 1910 we collection reservoir’s roof. The co reservoir south of Howard St. res was demolished and covered wa with grass. wi The tower still stands, but the giant green landmark is th now a relic of San Diego’s n complex water history.
pioneers fun volunteers neighbors
However, because of further development in the 1920s, a greater water demand was placed on the facility and a newer, larger tank was needed. Work on the new all-steel tower and tank began in 1923 by the Pittsburg-Des Moines Steel Company. The 52'3" tank is supported by 12 steel piers, each resting upon a concrete foundation set nine feet into the hardpan.
dining
As University Heights began developing early in the past century, water had to be pumped up to the area from wells in Mission Valley. At this time the area called “University Heights” was much larger, encompassing communities today known as Hillcrest, North Park and Normal Heights. By the time it reached the top of the mesa the water pressure was extremely low, so in 1910 an elevated steel water tank was built at the corner of Howard Avenue and Idaho Street, along with a collecting reservoir below it. Water was pumped from the reservoir into the tank, where it was then allowed to drop down through a pipe, thus increasing the pressure by gravity.
shopping
below it.
services
development of the surrounding neighborhood
history
landmark that was instrumental in the early
128
How many work/lofts are there in the Uptown District?
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • Check out our new books – • • • ‘Living Life With Chocolate on Top!’ • • • • • ‘The GirliePlate Guide to... • • Your Money Honey!’ • • • • • • www.girlieplate.com • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
FOR PAID PARKING
A
s a resident of Bankers Hill and an artist at Spanish Village, I walk
community
It’s Time
129
I understand that the new meters and enforcement agents will cost the city, but the cost of setting up this plan will be offset soon after implementation. I see firsthand the collapse of the park’s infrastructure. Spanish Village is in dire need of remodeling. Other areas of the park are also in ill repair. Balboa Park is a public jewel that needs to be maintained and grown. We need to get on with the idea of paid parking and make it happen soon! About the Author: Fourth-generation Californian Sali Weiss is a member of the San Diego Sculptors Guild and passionate about the park.
pioneers fun volunteers neighbors
I propose that parking meters be placed at all spaces inside Balboa Park s as a well as along Park Boulevard between Upas Street and Presidents Way. S All A the parking at the Zoo would also become paid. w I propose that residents “local” ((say within ithi tten miles) il ) could ld bbuy a “l l” sticker ti k ffor $20 per year, and then be exempt from paying the meter price. Those who work in the park would buy an “employee” sticker $50/year. Everyone else would have to walk, ride a bike, take public transportation or pay for parking.
dining
Then it hit me: Paid parking is everywhere at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Balboa Park has none. Guests visit our park from many areas. I see license plates from different states, Mexico and, of course, California. All these people are enjoying the park, but are not paying for maintenance in any way. There are an inordinate number of cars in and around the park, and the influx will not be alleviated unless a smart plan is put into place.
sho hopping p
were shared. I learned that the lack of funding is a real challenge.
services
that I attended a recent meeting where plans for the future of the park
history
through Balboa Park at least three days a week, so it was with interest
How many ostriches are on the University Heights street sign?
130