Presidio Sentinel - December 2011 by LLD Studios

Volume 12, No. 12

Serving the Heart of San Diego | A Publication by Presidio Communications

december | 2011

There’s a new kid on the block By Patty Ducey-Brooks

In case you haven’t noticed, Toma Sol Café is open for business at 301 W. Washington Street in Mission Hills. I met the proprietor, Seekey Cacciatore, who’s not new to the neighborhood. Cacciatore, grew up in neighboring Hillcrest and currently lives in Point Loma with her husband. Cacciatore, I learned, did some research and knows the history of the property. She stated that she is the 4th owner. The other three focused primarily on operating a coffee house. Cacciatore’s primary objective is to run a bakery, coffee complements this theme. However, she also appreciates the sophistication of the neighborhood. So, she attended the highly acclaimed American Barrista and Coffee School, located in Portland, Oregon. According to Cacciatore, it is a “very intense” five-day course that introduces the science and art behind the specialty coffee industry. Seekey Cacciatore is excited to be in Mission Hills and is already a part of the community.

Continued on pg 1

Inside... Insi

F Fun things to do in San Diego this Holiday Season!

December Nights!

PG 11 Holiday Dining

PG 19

www.PresidioSentinel.com

web edition december 2011

Serving the Heart of San Diego The Presidio Sentinel is a commentary-driven newspaper that provides coverage on local, regional and national issues that impact the lives of its readers and the community it serves. The serious issues are politics, government, redevelopment, the environment, conservation and safety. The quality of life issues include health, community activities, fundraisers, social events, religious issues and activities, theatre, arts, science and educational programs and services. We have over 35,000 monthly readers! Highly-educated, community-and arts-oriented. Both young and mature members of society. Most enjoy entertainment and travel, fine dining, local coffee houses, book and garden clubs, and participate in church, school and neighborhood activities.

Our Mission: Making a difference, providing the facts, the truth, and a variety of opinions so that its readers are provided up-to-date researched information. The Presidio Sentinel strives to create dialogue, bringing topics to the forefront that need and deserve attention. Its writers, who share a variety of experiences and business backgrounds, write on topics that impact readers on a daily basis.

Contact: General Inquiry: info@presidiosentinel.com Advertising: ads@presidiosentinel.com

What’s Inside...

PG 5 Abandoned “$1,000 Dog” Adopted

PG 10 Silver Gate Elementary & YMCA’s Holiday Tree Sale and Boutique

Back to the subject of research, Cacciatore shared with me that she introduced herself to the neighboring businesses prior [continued from cover] to opening the new café. She asked what they would like her establishment to offer. To make sure that the quality of the coffee is consistent, all of the barrista staff has In addition to listening, she has reacted by received similar training. Based on what I providing food and refreshments that cater saw and savored, the coffee prepared on site to the community. Healthy food, including homemade soups and salads are on the is exceptional. In addition to sampling the coffee, I got a menu. Though not made on site, they are tour of the property, which has been slightly prepared by local businesses with a repuremodeled to provide more seating space tation for healthy and quality products. and room for entertainment. Cacciatore has Paninis and ciabatta bread sandwiches are already lined up musicians to perform Fri- prepared on site. However, the bread is day evenings through January 20. A couple provided by Sadie Rose Baking Company, of my friends are on the schedule, including an artisan bakery. Pastries are prepared by Baked in the Sun, based in San Marcos. Joe Rathburn and Sven-Erik Seaholm. Also available to the public are some new adultoriented sodas, including GUS (meaning grown up soda). I sampled one of the bottled drinks, Dry Meyer Lemon, and found it quite to my liking. Obviously, food and drinks are the primary emphasis of Toma Sol Café, however, ambience is also Local artists display their work on a seasonal basis. important. The café is deco-

December Notes By George Mitrovich

In November I wrote about Simone Weil (“Do You Know Simone Weil?”), a woman whose life and legacy has come to haunt my own. I could have written more, but must allow readers’ interest in Simone is limited. However, if you choose to know more about this extraordinary woman, Google offers many connections to Simone’s life, including her notebooks that can be read online at www.Routledge.com (the print edition is pricey, $190). But one thing I didn’t write about and should have is this: Simone Weil believed in obligations, not rights. At The Great Fenway Park Writers Series dinner November 10 in Boston a man who had read my Sentinel essay, and who is familiar with Simone (thanks to a college professor), told me he thought the defining creed of Simon’s thinking was the priority of obligations over rights; that she believed the besetting sin of Western Civilization was people believing they have rights without obligations. In “Gravity & Grace,” one of Simone’s most important works, she writes when God created man and gave him freedom God conceded control of his own creation. This may not make any sense to you, especially if you think “God” a silly idea or embrace the Big Bang theory of creation or Darwinian postulates, or that you believe something quite different, that this is God’s world and he’s in control (see John Calvin), then you would reject Simone’s thinking. Like many others, I have struggled with the idea of a loving God allowing a world of po-

PG 14 San Diego Women’s Chorus Dazzles at Winter Concert

new kid...

rated to be soothing and entertaining. That’s why artwork will be highlighted on site. Currently, photographs by local artists Robert Sanchez and Debra Tatz are on display. I’ve learned the artwork will change to reflect a “seasonal” emphasis. As an added benefit to being in the neighborhood, Toma Sol Café will also be a drop off point for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), which means seasonal produce grown by local, organic farmers. And, the café will also have arts and crafts events, including workshops in jewelry design, yarn creations and scrapbooks. As I have come to appreciate through this brief interview, Cacciatore impresses me as a savvy business owner, which is reflected in the mission of the establishment. On Facebook I found this statement. “Our mission is to provide exceptional fair trade and organic coffee/espresso drinks as well as baked goods and light food prepared from high quality ingredients served with fantastic service in a comfortable and cozy environment.” It was nice to meet Cacciatore and learn of her passion and desire to be an integral

George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader and may be reached at gmitro35@gmail.com

groms and genocide, of death and destruction, both man made and nature caused. How could a loving God permit, at the hand of man, the Spanish Inquisition or Auschwitz, or at the hand of nature, Katrina or the catastrophic earthquake off the coast of Japan? If God is a “loving God” how does he then allow such terrible things to happen? Not just at the macro level, the Turks massacring the Armenians or Serbs killing Bosnian Muslims, but at the micro level as well, a young woman dying from breast cancer or a young man from AIDS. The question is hardly new. It’s been asked since man became a conscious being. But the answer Simone Weil gives of God creating man in his own image and bestowing the priceless gift of freedom by God upon man, works for me. It’s been a constant belief in my life but no one prior to Simone synthesized it more lucidly. But she also believed that in Christ God provided the grace whereby he might reconciled man and man’s world to himself, restoring what God had lost through his own magnanimity; a freedom man proceeded to corrupt by pride and arrogance, and from which the attendant tribulations of our world resulted. I wrote last month that when Malcolm Muggeridge asked me, “George, do you know Simone Weil?” I was embarrassed to say I did not. I am no longer “embarrassed,” but I am challenged by Simone’s life and thought. I will never rise to, or approximate, her genius, but if in knowing Simone Weil I become a better person, then I shall be eternally grateful to Malcolm for having asked the question.

Preview

That’s a Great Question

Serving as moderator of three public forums in San Diego, Denver and Boston, I preside over Q & A, which follows a speaker’s remarks. I have therefore taken due note when questions are asked, invariably the speaker will preface his or her answer by saying, ”That’s a Great Question.” And, if you are C-SPAN obsessed, you will hear the same response at public forums they cover, “That’s a great question.” Really? “That’s a great question.” An inane question, even when asked in the most enlightened of circles, does not deserve an “inane” answer; neither does it deserve, “That’s a great question.” True, I’ve had questions I’ve asked answered with, “That’s a great question”; even if it wasn’t a “great question,” but few people find flattery off-putting (count me among them). It’s not that I am bothered by “That’s a great question,” given its commonplace usage in today’s lingua franca of Americana, but rather that its usage intrigues. Who first said, “That’s a great question?” I raise the question without being able to provide a definitive answer. However, a quick search on Google leads one to discover that at least one book has been written with the title, “That’s a Great Question,” written by Glenn Pearson (it’s a faith based book). I also ran across this from a Web blogger, FemaleScienceProfessor (http://science-professor.blogspot.com/2007/11/thatsgreat-question.html): “As I wandered the halls of two academic buildings today, I passed various classrooms

PG 15 Holiday Entertainment

A Grab n’ Go display offers healthy drink and food options. part of the community. Based on my first impression, I would state that she’s done her research and has implemented a business plan that understands the community. I encourage you to visit Toma Sol Café and get to know the new kid on the block.

Mine Eyes Have Seen George Mitrovich

with classes in session. No fewer than three times did I hear the phrase “That’s a great question” uttered. I wonder how many times each day this phrase is used, and I wonder whether anyone says, “That’s a good question” any more. Good is not as good as great, so perhaps it is damaging to a student’s selfesteem to label their question as merely good and not great. (?) ”Other variants include: That’s an excellent question. That’s a really great question. That’s an important question. ”Is there an alternative? I’d rather not replace it with a more modern expression, e.g.: That’s an awesome question. That question totally rocks. But is there anything as succinct yet effective?” I have no clue as to the identity of the FemaleScienceProfessor, but I think her Web site is terrific, and if nothing comes of this column than the discovery of it, I will be most pleased. “That’s a great question” reminds me some years back the great David Broder of the Washington Post used a line in his Sunday column about a certain politician by writing, “He waffled.” OMG, just like that everyone in Washington, on The Hill, at the White House, in all the agencies of government, in news bureaus across our capital city, even west of the Potomac, people were saying or writing, “He waffled.” Not about the pol Broder was writing about, but about everyone facing hard choices on issue. One could hardly read any

Continued on page 3 www.PresidioSentinel.com

holiday events

December 2011 | © A Publication of Presidio Communications

35th Annual Candlelight Musical and Meditation n

musical & Meditatio

The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala’ Choir presents The 35th Annual Candlelight Presentation of Lessons and Carols at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, and Sunday December 17 - 18, 2011. This years Candlelight presentation, with a theme of Lessons and Carols, will feature traditional and new music set around scripture readings of the season. The event features the Mission Basilica Choir, accompanied by Organist Howard McCullough, the Classic Brass, Percussion ensembles, soloists, and readers, all directed by Gene Regard. The musical will be performed

in the Old Mission Church Building, located at located at 10818 San Diego Mission Road San Diego. A free will offering will be taken, and a reception will follow. The annual Candlelight is held in the old Mission church facility, California’s first mission and oldest church. The Mission Choir has traveled Europe and has sung for Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI in 1987 and 2008. The concert is performed with only candlelight in the church and sanctuary. The candlelight meditation is meant to fill your hearts and minds y of Christmas. with the peace and joy

A Point Loma Tradition -

All Souls’ Saint Nicholas Home Tour

all souls’ home tour This Mediterranean beauty is included in the Home Tour.

www.PresidioSentinel.com

The longest running holiday home tour west of the Mississippi celebrates its 60th Diamond Jubilee with this year’s offering of six Point Loma homes. A Saint Nicholas Marketplace, Afternoon Tea, and featured musicians at All Souls’ Episcopal Church are also included in the day’s festivities. The Diamond Jubilee event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, December 3. In homage to the annual Home Tour, a grand traditional residence will again be open to the public. This home will be decorated with treasured family holiday items including a magnificent snow “village” and a collection of nativity sets. Advance tickets are $25.00 and

are available at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, online at www.allsoulshometour.net, at Southern Accents Antiques on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, at Walter Anderson Nursery on Enterprise Street in Point Loma, or at the Mission Hills Nursery on Fort Stockton Drive. Tickets are $30.00 on the day of the event and can be purchased at All Souls’ Episcopal Church. Funds raised support a variety of compassionate ministries locally and overseas. For tickets or information contact All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107, (619) 223-6394, www.allsouls.com.

Local News

Peace While Rocking the Boat Mark Christopher Lawrence By Patty Ducey-Brooks

Well, here we are nearing the end of 2011 getting ready for the start of a new year. This is the time when we try to be reflective, to acknowledge what we’ve learned and to ask, “Where and how do we start 2012”? Pondering that thought, we can’t help but realize that 2011 has been a wild ride. I don’t know about you, my gut instinct says that the ride has just begun. The reason I make this statement is that as the executive editor of this publication, I receive correspondence from all over the world, not just San Diego. And, what I learn from all of this information can be a little overwhelming. So what do I do with all that I learn? For the most part, I bring it back to a local perspective. What has become an obvious and consistent message, wherever you reside and do business, “change is inevitable, and it’s time for us to participate, rather than sit by and let it happen.” We’re seeing this by the “Occupy” groups that are on the streets. And, though I may not agree with the demeanor or lack of structure of this effort, I think it’s time for people to speak up.

From the Publisher Some of our elected officials are becoming leaders in this effort, including Councilman Carl DeMaio, who almost single handedly moved forward the budget reform initiative. Thanks to DeMaio, we will have the opportunity to vote with conviction in 2012. Ministers across the country, and our own Bishop McKinney, here in San Diego County, as taken a leadership position to challenge fluoride-treated water. He is encouraging others to join his effort. We will learn more on this in 2012. And, on this page there are other references to movement and change, because it’s time. With that thought, as we close 2011, which has been as rocky year, we should embrace the opportunity to make the world a better place to live. And, we need to accept the fact that peace is possibly even when we’re “rocking the boat.” Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and peace to all.

‘Brings The Funny’ to the House of Blues

The Laughs return on December 14, 2011, 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Last month Mark Christopher Lawrence hosted a night of comedy at House of Blues in San Diego to a packed house. Guests traveled from as far as San Francisco and Los Angeles to attend. On December 14th comedians Annie Wiebe, Marc Patrick and Gulden - who touts herself as “The only female comedian from the Middle East, still alive!” - will be picking up the mic to “Bring The Funny.” If you haven’t read the headlines lately (Cough “Ashton”) San Diego has always been a Hollywood favorite getaway. The LA crowd welcomes the drive down the coast to have a laugh and network. So it should be no surprise if you see a familiar face in the crowd or joining Mark on the Red Carpet. At the House of Blues Show in October some of Mark’s guests included… Aymen Ramlaoui, Barry Shabaka Henley, Brandon Murphy, Celebrity Chef Betsy G., Deborah Dimery, Michael Warren, Doug Cwiak, Gia Skova, Kenny Eng, Larry Stone, Alice Malone, Matt Toyer, Michael Leclerc,

December Notes [continued from pg 1]

opinion piece or listen to political commentary without “waffled” being invoked. It became the de jure comment. But as quickly as it obtained coin of the realm currency it was gone. Why? Sorry, again, no clue. Maybe “That’s a great question” will experience a similar sudden demise. So we may hope.

“You know” “You know” “You know”

The indiscriminate use of “absolutely” is one thing, but “you know” is quite another. It’s become the great filler phrase. Rather than practicing silence through conversational pauses, one hears, over and over again, “you know”, “you know”, ‘”you know.” I was listening recently to sports talk on Mighty 1090, the AM radio station whose broadcasts reaches from Baja to BC (they claim), when in one 60 second segment I must have heard “you know” 30-times. Seriously? Yes, seriously. Thirty times! Now, to be clear, the “you know” offender wasn’t Scott Kaplan or Billy Ray or Darren Smith or even Hacksaw, but someone of lesser skill and obviously a more limited understanding of the English language. However, while the stars of 1090 are largely “you know” free, the same can’t be said of many of their guests. I’m told the constant use of “you know” is a generational issue, more characteristic of those in their 20s and 30s than those of us who are older. But no matter the generational stigma it must be challenged, people must be held accountable. Our language is at risk by the insatiable use of this mindnumbing phrase. And, what about me? Do I ever use “you know?” You know, I don’t. On to 2012.

Mark Christopher Lawrence, Russian Supermodel Gia Skova & Master Comedian Chris Clobber on the Red Carpet @ House of Blues.

Mikey Beats, Jenny Beats, Rob Deez, Shon Brooks, Warren Newsom and Wayne Patton. Headlining Comedians Vicki Barbolak, Chris Clobber & Mike Pace set the comic bar high that night, but the team on tap is up for the challenge. Annie Wiebe is a young and aggressive comedian who, while only performing since 2006, has played in many of the top clubs in LA and New York. Her style blends a charming and sweet persona with edgy and sarcastic material. Turkish transplant Gulden bills herself as “The only female comic from the Middle East still alive.” Her humor has landed her at The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Ice House, as well as a finalist on Find Me a Comic on station KTLA, and on ABC’s Comics Unleashed. Marc Patrick is a gifted performer with keen powers of observation. With his clean mix of lifestyle relationship humor, Marc has made a place for himself in the stand-up comedy world. He has been featured at the Improv in Balitmore, Miami, and Washington, D.C., and has headlined at the Improv in Hollywood, Florida, and the Balitimore Comedy Factory. “House of Blues is the perfect venue for the show. We have been trying to find a home for a show that Rocks and this is perfect. You’ve got atmosphere, food, drink and the Downtown scene. Add some laughs and a few celebrities - what a great night out.” - Mark Christopher Lawrence Mark Christopher Lawrence presents...Comedy Night @ House of Blues December 14th 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. $10 Cover Charge 21+. Red Carpet festivities start at 6:30 p.m. Musical guest Shawn Rohlf will start the pre-show at 7:00 pm.

Business Owners and Community Leaders Call For Legal Reform California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), a nonpartisan grassroots movement for legal reform, today released a report summarizing a series of roundtable discussions with elected officials, community leaders and business owners about the negative effect of lawsuit abuse on job growth and California’s economy and what can be done to stop it. These roundtable discussions, held in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Orange County, and San Diego, offered small business owners, community leaders and elected officials the opportunity to discuss their experiences with abusive lawsuits and their impact on communities across the state. “Every month, we spend tons of time and thousands of dollars

defending ourselves from lawyers hoping to extort a windfall from us or our insurance carriers,” said Kyle Kirkland, owner and president of Club One Casino in Fresno, CA. “Until that changes, California will continue to have companies, like ours, wasting time and money that could otherwise be spent on growth and employment.”

While specific stories of lawsuit abuse varied from region to region, each roundtable discussion centered on a common theme: California’s legal climate is severely hindering economic growth and hurting job creation. California’s small business owners are fed up with the Legislature’s continued inability to pass meaningful reforms. Previously this year, CALA has released two reports and a survey illustrating that bad lawsuits cost good jobs. This report, which will be delivered to every member of the Legislature, will be used in conjunction with those to further demonstrate to elected officials and leaders throughout the state that people believe and understand that lawsuit abuse hurts our economy. www.PresidioSentinel.com

Local News

December 2011 | © A Publication of Presidio Communications

The Holiday Dilemma Between the Lines It’s All Greek to Me By Ilene Hubbs

My kids were raised with a Jewish mother and a Catholic father, and we were determined to give them the holiday experiences that each of us grew up with. For our family it wasn’t so much the sharing of religious teachings but instead a way to recognize and respect our family’s differences and see the similarity of it all when it came to being a together during a holiday. What that meant to us was sharing lots of eating experiences, telling stories of what the holiday is about, and of course, for the kids, a chance to get presents twice in December. Though my children are grown with kids of their own, and their father has passed away, those traditions continue. When they were young December was filled with what seemed like frantic activity. There were lights to be strung outside our house, a Christmas tree to be decorated, stockings hung on the fireplace mantle and a menorah that was lit each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. We were charged with the dilemma of figuring out presents for two holidays that were in the same month. For Hanukkah the tradition dictated that we give them one present each night. Then right around the corner came Christmas, even more presents. I was determined to keep the holidays from being in competition with each other, a daunting task. It’s just that Christmas has more tools to make it special. There’s that tree. It has ornaments and lights. It has tinsel… throwing tinsel on the tree in just the right

www.PresidioSentinel.com

way is very exciting to a little child. Then there are those lights. How festive to drive up to your own home and see it sparkling in the night with many colored bulbs. Not to mention Santa Claus. Once they got over the fear of sitting on the lap of a large bearded man dressed in red, they just loved him. How can you not love a man you don’t even know who brings you presents? Next to all of this the little menorah, with its candles lit one night at a time, seemed almost insignificant. Plus there are no decorations. The redeeming factor was that a special present came night after night for eight days. We hoped our kids would not be confused, although I wondered when I heard one of them reply to a question about their religion by saying, “I’m a Jewish Catholic”. Well my “Jewish Catholic” children are grown now and seem none the worse for wear. They liked having two cultures form their identity. They took away what they wanted from the experience and I think they took the best part of all. They value getting together as a family, sitting around the table with four generations from different backgrounds with different perspectives on religion, yet similar in the ways that count. The joy of the holidays transcends the differences in origin. They both highlight the meaning of family, of giving and of perpetuating the culture. Because when you think about it, aren’t all religions just different paths to the same ending? Now it is December and Hanukkah and Christmas loom ahead. We only give to the children now, but the dilemma is still there. This year the 6th night falls on Christmas day. Now that’s how many presents?

By Alice Lowe

I seem to be setting off on a tangent—Greek mythology—and it’s like I’m embarking on a crosscountry train trip—I’m not sure which country—with an onslaught of new and familiar sights whizzing by so fast I can hardly keep up with them. It started with a recent piece in The New Yorker about a new translation of Homer’s “Iliad.” It piqued my interest, but as so many of the references were vaguely familiar at best, I went to a very accessible reference work, “Mythology” by Edith Hamilton, to look up the Trojan War. Well, trying to just drop into it didn’t work either. I had to go to the beginning and read the introduction, which confused me further: I’ve encountered Agamemnon, Achilles, Apollo, Atlas, Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Andromache, and that’s just a handful of the A’s. I read the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” back in long-ago school days, but my memory of them is dim. I’ve read and seen various interpretations of classical sagas over the years, but I’m still at a loss when it comes to differentiating among the huge cast of characters, both earthly and immortal. As a reader, this is a bit of a stumbling block, as there are frequent references in both classical and contemporary literature to mythological stories and figures, and I miss their significance when I come across them. Myths are entertaining stories and

make up some of our earliest literature. And while much of Greek mythology is about their gods and goddesses, these weren’t written as religious texts; rather, they were efforts toward understanding and enlightenment. As Hamilton sees it, “Myths are early science, the result of men’s first trying to explain what they saw around them.” Myths endeavor to explain the universe—the sun, the moon, and the stars, storms and volcanic eruptions. Thus thunder and lightning were thought to be caused by Zeus hurling his thunderbolt. The next section of “Mythology” provides thumbnail sketches of the gods themselves, in both their Greek and Latin forms (as if the Greek alone isn’t confusing enough). When I finish these, I figure I’ll be ready to launch into the stories themselves. And what magical tales! From the love stories of celebrated couples like Cupid and Psyche, Orpheus and Eurydice, Daphne and Apollo, to the legendary chronicles of the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus. Then, if I’m still on board, perhaps my path will lead to rereading Homer himself and the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. I believe these tales are relevant, that there are lessons to be learned from these stories today. I concur with Daniel Mendelsohn, who says in The New Yorker article that they continue to raise the question of how we live our lives, how we give them meaning. In a world that often seems to be veering off course, perhaps we could do worse than heed the ancient Greeks.

Animal News

Abandoned “$1,000 Dog” Adopted Parker Home for the Holidays, Recovering from Broken Leg Parker, the puppy whose former owner paid $1,000 for her but abandoned her weeks later when she broke her leg, was adopted by a Santee couple Friday . The husband and wife were picked from a field of 35 applicants who learned about the fivemonth-old Beagle/Boston Terrier mix through media reports a few weeks ago. Parker, the product of a suspected out-ofstate puppy mill, was shipped to an LA pet store that marketed her as a designer “Boggle” and sold her for $1,000. Purchased by a young San Diego man, the dog broke her leg within a few weeks and her owner could not afford the expensive orthopedic surgery she needed. He abandoned her at a friend’s house, and the friend’s family member brought the dog to the Department of Animal Services. Fortunately, Animal Services’ “Spirit Fund,” paid for her surgery. The fund comes solely from public donations and is used to treat otherwise adoptable animals who need specialized veterinary care. Parker’s leg is healing well, and on Friday,

she no longer wore the blue cast she had a couple weeks ago. Animal Services staff chose the Santee couple to adopt Parker in part because they are eager to care for the dog for a lifetime and can afford to follow-up on her surgery. After interviewing applicants and sharing details about Parker’s personality and needs, staff felt the couple was the best match. Beside’s highlighting the Spirit Fund, Parker’s story crystallized some troubling trends. The County is seeing an influx of owners giving up their pets because they can’t afford their veterinary care. And people are paying top dollar for mixed-breed and purebred dogs at pet stores while local shelters are full of similar animals. For anyone ready to care for a pet and looking for a new furry family member, the County shelters are offering an adoption promotion. Right now, any cat, dog or rabbit with any black in their coats can be adopted for just $25. For information on the Spirit Fund or Animal Services, visit www.sddac.com or call 619-767-2675.

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for boarding, bathing, grooming, pet food and prescription and non-prescription drugs. Expires 12-30-2011

Microchips help reunite dogs with human companions Jamee Lynn Smith of North Park visited the Department of Animal Services in San Diego to show off Watson, her 2-year-old Maltese who had been missing for 10 months before a microchip helped bring him home this past month. When Jamee Lynn Smith’s dog went missing 10 months ago, she was distraught. She searched for the dog constantly and filed a police report. But in the early morning hours on Monday Nov. 15, a County animal control officer responded to a request for assistance from San Diego police officers who had taken a man with a dog into custody for psychiatric observation in Linda Vista. The animal control officer brought the dog to the County’s shelter, where all animals are scanned for a microchip upon arrival. “I got the call last Tuesday; it was breathtaking—I didn’t think I’d ever see him again,” Smith said Tuesday while hugging the 5-pound dog. “A microchip is really the best present you could ever get your pet.” The Department of Animal Services strongly encourages all pet owners to have their animals microchipped. Microchips can be obtained at all three of the County’s animal shelters every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Parker meets his new human companions.

Baboo, a 12-year old, domestic short hair, is a friendly and lovable guy

who can’t wait to find a family of his own. While he absolutely loves spending quality time with his companions, Baboo is also very comfortable spending time alone. He could be a bit shy at first, but he really comes out of his shell once he becomes more familiar with his environment. Even though Baboo doesn’t always like to be petted, he has a really big heart. He will do well in a variety of homes, but would prefer a home without young children. Baboo’s adoption fee is $55 and includes his neuter, permanent microchip identification, and a certificate for a free veterinary exam. His ID number is 77958. is a sweet Manchester terrier. She is in search of a new home. Mellow, sweet and affectionate, KC is easy to fall in love with and has recently turned 13 years old. She hopes to find a new family in which she can be embraced as a true member soon. This fun-loving, inquisitive little dog loves to play and hang out with her human companions. She is a true gem to have by your side. She will do well in a variety of homes, including a home with children and other animals. She is a little cuddle-bug who loves companionship If you have room in your heart and home for an adorable terrier, then KC might be the perfect companion for you. Her adoption fee is $55 and includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam and a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista. Her ID number is 45797.

Jamie Lee Watson of North Park is reunited with her missing Maltese.

For more information regarding microchips, visit the Department’s website at www.sddac.com.

Baboo and KC are available at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Gaines St. Campus, located at 5500 Gaines Street in San Diego, or call 619.299.7012 for more information.

Baboo

KC www.PresidioSentinel.com

Life Style

December 2011 | ÂŠ A Publication of Presidio Communications

Secret # 2: Why an Innocent Approach is a Smart Way to Go By Sabine Starr Certified Life Coach

The second secret in this series of 10 simple ways to experience relief in daily life is: Adopting a Stand for Innocence. My company motto, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reclaim the Ease of a Childhood Summer,â&#x20AC;? is inspired by that way of being. If you watch a child at play you can see how he/she is absorbed in the moment, unbiased, curious and full of joy. When was the last time you approached something like that? It is great to have moments like that in life, and it is better to approach life as such, out of a habitual attitude. That is the way we invite possibilities into our life that we ourselves donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know. The point is that we do not need to be already knowledgeable about any given possibility, we just need to be open for something new. Have you ever noticed that the older we get the more threatening situations and places seem to be even though we know nothing about them? We tend to think we need to be fully prepared before we even get started. Thus, we are keeping ourselves at the same level,

with no chance to learn anything new. We are also blind to many possibilities available to us at any given time. We continue to choose things we already know and go to places we have already been, rather than adventure to something new. Beliefs and assumptions also keep us from growing, as do comparing, judging and the general attitude of already knowing. Whereas, none of the above seems like anything we would choose voluntarily, it is what we fall into if we mistake our subjective experience of the world to be the all valid objective truth. Adopting a stand for innocence can be hugely beneficial in any kind of communication. If we think we know what the meaning behind someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words is, we interpret without seeking to truly understand the other. Many arguments start out that way; where an innocent follow-up question would have kept the conversation going smoothly and satisfyingly. We all have most likely experienced a stand of innocence in time of transition: going off to college, starting a new job, getting married. In times like these, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know yet what the outcome

WHY REFERRALS? Life is too busy, too complicated and too precious to waste. There are thousands of people reaching for your business, and some are very worth your attention. But how do you know which ones to choose? Referrals are the best path to your best results. Guarantees are nice, but you have to go through the agony to get to the reimbursement. Better to ask someone you trust whose standards are impeccable. It has always been true for me that reputation is a major stake in my career. Giving a recommendation is the same as putting my own reputation on the line. In that light, I am thrilled to be leaving my business in the hands of Maureen Tess and Antoinette Embry, who will unquestionably make a new trail of excellence. They are also part of my personal retirement plan, as the business they inherit from PH ZLOO EH VKDUHG ZLWK PH $1' DOVR DOORZV PH WR FRQVXOW DQG FRQÂżUP without violating the Code of Ethics rule against interfering with another agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transaction. If I or any agent refers you to another real estate professional, perhaps another geographic location or another specialty, it is customary for the referring agent to be compensated AND for the referring agent to be able to consult because they are part of the transaction. Kind of a two for the price of one, but also a smart hedge for you, since the referring agent has a stake and a voice. It makes personal sense for me to be very choosy about referrals! Although 12/31 means that I will no longer EH LQ WKH RIÂżFH KRXUV D GD\ LW GRHV QRW PHDQ , DP JRQH DQG \RX DUH absolutely invited to call me for MY referrals, real estate and other!

TRANSITIONAL PHONE: 619-517-4983 (My cell)

Ginny Ollis CRS, SRES, GRI

Previews Propertiesâ&#x201E;˘, Seniors + To-Beâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and Busy-People Specialist

California Real Estate Broker License #642373

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 1621 W. Lewis Street, San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 574-5138 | GinnyOllis.com www.PresidioSentinel.com

will be. There are many possibilities to shape this new chance. We can leave habits behind, and we can make conscious choices for the things we want in our life. It can be a good reminder for how free we can feel, with joy and excitement. It has been proven in learning situations that it is important to be open-minded, to listen and only then to incorporate what we heard into what we already know. Rather than listening while coming from a place of knowing. We base judgments on former experiences, but situations are complex and

hardly ever exactly the same. Consider the fact that we are not the same today as we were yesterday, based on an experience. This secret is easy to grasp in concept and is simple enough and fun to practice. For this month, I invite you to go play, have fun, be the absolute beginner, and be here to learn. You can listen to this principle in more detail at http://www. blogtalkradio.com/rollercoasterofli fe/2011/05/27/10-secrets-stand-forinnocence. Comments are welcome at office@starrcoaching.com.

Routine Maintenance By Blake Beckcom

stringing the lights, and where does the enUndoubtedly, all of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s routineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get ergy come from to cope with it allâ&#x20AC;ŚAND sorely tested in the coming weeks. Our not throw out your fitness â&#x20AC;&#x153;me timeâ&#x20AC;?? First â&#x20AC;&#x153;customary and regular course of life pro- and foremost is the positioning of your fitceduresâ&#x20AC;? goes out the window to make ness program as routine, unvarying in your room for the varying holiday activity that approach to the habitual pursuit of reguends the year. Do they have to? Well, no, larity. Fitness has to become WHO YOU they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. It comes down to how you view ARE. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a part of your being. This your routines, and what are THE most im- is how you roll; â&#x20AC;&#x153;regardless of what portant routines you stick to, balancing the lies ahead this week, I will get to the gym temptation to take on more than one can and keep my training schedule in tactâ&#x20AC;Ś successfully manage these next weeks. I regardless. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll move a work out day over say â&#x20AC;&#x153;successfullyâ&#x20AC;? due to what appears to here or over there, go three days in a row, be a trend; post holiday illness. Yes you have three days of rest in a row, regardget it all crammed in, saying yes to every- less of how the actual days of training line out, habitually, typically and conthing, pushing out your fitness stantly repeated, my formula is program to â&#x20AC;&#x153;make roomâ&#x20AC;?, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss my work outsâ&#x20AC;?. but the price often paid is a Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about your prioritizaNew Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illness. tions and keeping YOU and Routine is additionally fitness first. defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;an unvarying If you train three and constantly repeated times a week, as exformula.â&#x20AC;? Unvarying, ample, you have constantly repeated, seven days to find says it all. There is three time slots. little give in that When you break it definition. Fitness down to this, it is takes consistency far easier to cope. of effort, and of A step further is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I time, repeatedly, only need to find over time. Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three, 60 minute circumstances may windows of fitness vary, but the fitness Blake and Gwen Beckcom duty time for me this routine must have unvarying execution. Why is it that when the entire week.â&#x20AC;? Yes, it is your dutiful apover commitments and day timer cram fest proach to your fitness routine, which gets comes calling, that one of our first inclina- your fitness routine done repeatedly, and you to your goals of long life, limiting tions is to bail out on fitness? Routine is also defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;common- medical interventions and being a happier place tasks, chores or duties that must be more contented you. When the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;routine maintenanceâ&#x20AC;? done regularly or at specified intervals; typical or everyday activity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Must be comes to mind, it makes you think of doneâ&#x20AC;? being key words here. You have what? Just like your car, your body, mind, to have a mindset that my fitness routine and spirit needs the invigoration of fitness, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;commonplaceâ&#x20AC;? tasking in my life. It and what fitness maintenance does for you, â&#x20AC;&#x153;must be done regularlyâ&#x20AC;? to get me where over your lifetime. If you need help getI want to go. Does typical or everyday acting in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat to establish a fittivity describe your fitness approach? Do ness routine, or maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just stuck in you look at taking care of you as a duty to, a rut, or perhaps your engine needs higher octane fuel, call us at Fitness Together, and for you? Lastly, routine is defined as â&#x20AC;&#x153;regular, 619 794 0014. Our private suite, one on unvarying, habitual, unimaginative or rote one focus is the one body shop your car procedure.â&#x20AC;? There are those words regular will respond to in 2012. and unvarying again, now accompanied by habitual. These words must mean someFor help on â&#x20AC;&#x153;saboteur listâ&#x20AC;? management thing, since they are used in the definition contact us at Fitness Together, (619) 794-0014. Follow our blog at BetterBodySanDiego.com. of routine, multiple times. Hmmm. SO, how do you get it all done? The The next few months for most, are â&#x20AC;&#x153;pack on the vacation; the family in town; the gifts; the poundsâ&#x20AC;? months due to the holidays. Get ready food; the decorations; the events; the kids; for 2012 now.

Europe: Financial Crisis or Opportunity? By Rick Brooks

I’m taking a risk with this column, because the rapid pace of change ‘across the pond’ means that everything could be different by the time you read this. Having said that, Europe’s problems are deeply seated, and to put it mildly, far deeper than a ‘mere’ banking crisis. Today’s European Union, the Eurozone and the Euro common currency arrangement are all products of a concerted effort after World War II, led in part by the United States, to alleviate some of the competition on the continent and more closely join the economic fortunes of the European powers. The hope was that greater interdependence would reduce the likelihood of a repeat of the two devastating wars. By and large, the project was a success, though many deeply rooted imbalances were glossed over as too difficult to solve. Over time, Europe was rebuilt and their financial systems became more integrated. Trade relationships were rebuilt and blossomed. Having a common currency has facilitated easy trade by reducing transaction costs across borders and made travel much easier. But it also means that governments have fewer policy tools available in times of crisis. As so often happens in family life, the global financial crisis of 2008 exacerbated some of the deeper imbalances in the European system. For example, there are few economies more efficient than Germany, so it is nearly impossible for Greek or French workers to compete on a level playing field for the same kinds of projects. At the heart of the European crisis today is an existential dilemma. Do they prefer to be a united Europe, supported by the strength of the German economy and with the lower costs of a common currency, but losing significant decision making authority to the Germans as the price of their support? Or is it better to split off, rebuild and rebalance the economy but maintain a national identity and sovereignty? As Californians, where we send more capital to Washington, D. C. than we re-

Business News

This column is prepared by Rick Brooks, CFA, CFP®. Rick is Vice President for Investment Management with Blankinship & Foster, LLC, a wealth advisory firm specializing in comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Rick can be reached at

ceive back in Federal spending, we can (858) 755-5166, or by email at brooks@bfadvisers.com. Rick and his family live in Mission Hills. sympathize with the Germans’ perspective that ‘supporting those lazy Greeks’ is unattractive. But, like the Germans, we benefit immensely from the relationship, too. We receive tourism from the other states, and conduct an awful lot of trade with the other states in the country. Like Dr. Carl J. Rossi, Jr. has joined Germany, there are enormous benefits to Scripps Clinic Medical Group (SCMG) our political and economic union with the as medical director of the Scripps Proother United States that are both hard to ton Therapy Center, a $220 million forget and hard to quantify. cancer treatment and research facility Thus the European crisis will not be easbeing built in the Carroll Canyon area ily solved. It requires hard choices from of Mira Mesa that is expected to open politicians who have not adequately prein spring 2013. pared their respective electorates for the Before joining Scripps, Rossi spent decisions (or the costs) which lay ahead. the past 20 years as chief of genito-uriEurope’s problems will likely be worked nary and lymphoma radiation oncoloout given enough time, but there is a siggy services at Loma Linda University nificant risk that the challenges facing Medical Center (LLUMC) in Loma their banking system could infect our own. Linda, Calif. At LLUMC, Rossi treatA Lehman-like banking crisis in Europe ed more than 9,000 prostate cancer pacould result in a freeze in our banking tients with proton therapy – more than system, much as Lehman’s failure caused any other physician in the world for great stress for European banks. that tumor site. Yet there are also opportunities, though As medical director of Scripps Pronot for the faint of heart. Fund managton Therapy Center, Rossi will be reers are telling us that many European sponsible for the facility’s technical investments are as cheap as they have and clinical operations. This includes ever been. Also, as the Euro comes under recruiting the center’s clinical staff, pressure, travel to the Continent becomes establishing training guidelines, intemore attractive for U.S. residents. grating patient care quality initiatives Dr. Carl J. Rossi, Jr. joins Scripps Today’s investors need a global approach, and developing clinical trials to optiClinic Medical Group. because there are now far more investment mize therapies for various diagnoses. opportunities outside the U.S. than inside. Rossi also will help foster collabora- The 102,000-square-foot facility – which But the European crisis highlights some of tion with other cancer care providers will be just the second such center west the risks of international investing as well: and researchers in San Diego and with of the Rockies – will have the maximum there are additional factors that can dramatiother proton centers nationwide. capacity to treat approximately 2,400 cally shape your investment results. For this Construction on the Scripps Proton patients annually. It is being built on a reason, I still prefer to invest through manTherapy Center began in October 2010. 7-acre site at 9577 Summers Ridge Road. aged mutual funds with professional management and relatively low cost structures, rather than indexed funds or Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). By C. David Kulman For investors with a cast iron constitution, there may indeed be fantastic opportunities to buy sound investments at barHealth Chat Lily’s Coffee House in the gain prices. Cautious investors may wish My health continues to be so-so. I’m at the Adams Avenue district, and to wait for more clarity on the outcome same age as Queen Elizabeth, yet, she has a Thursday morning discusof the crisis. Those who can’t decide may more help than I. sion group in Banker’s Hill. wish to consult a Certified Financial PlanI now have one meal a day delivered to my From both of these events, ner® practitioner for assistance in these door. It’s one of those organizations where we usually go to lunch. interesting times.

National Proton Therapy Leader Selected as Medical Director

Senior Ramblings

you pay by the month. It’s not expensive and makes me more of a home body. The food is adequate. I haven’t had home cooking for many years, and I don’t really cook. However, I used to make meatloaf and chopped liver (liver pate to you non-ethnics). The meal that’s delivered can be eaten for lunch or dinner. It’s served in divided plastic trays, somewhat like TV dinners. With it comes a paper bag with a small container of one percent milk, seasonal fruit (apple, orange, etc.), a small container of cut-up fruit, a small container of margarine, some type of bread or roll, and an occasional muffin. Surprisingly, the one percent milk tastes like milk. To me, skim milk tastes like water. There is usually some type of meat, like chicken, turkey, beef or pork, an occasional Mexican meal, cooked vegetables, rice or potatoes. It’s quite adequate for a non-gourmand like me. Joyce, the young lady who delivers the food package, is always cheerful. As I’m still wobbly, I don’t take the bus and never go out alone. Luckily, as I’ve previously stated, I have a few loyal friends with cars who take me to do my occasional errands and also to see my doctor and dentist. My two regular social events are breakfast tea (I don’t drink coffee) with my social group, F.O.G., every Saturday morning at

Restaurant Chat The two groups I previously mentioned have several favorites. Among them: Bleu Boheme, a great and inexpensive French restaurant in Kensington. It’s at 4090 Adams Avenue. They have a nice outdoor patio. The food is excellent, as is the bread.

Entertainment Chat I usually see two movies weekly and one or two theatre presentations a week. Since my lack of energy, I can’t make the stairs in most of our theatres. Because of this lack of energy, my doctor suggested a series of testosterone injections. The other day I thought about sex. Didn’t do anything, but at least the thought entered my mind.

Wise Sayings Chat “I never know how much of what I say is true” …Bette Midler. “I don’t trust him. We’re friends” …Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956). And now, whatever your mood, go on out and hold someone’s hand! C. David Kulman can be reached at Presidio Sentinel, 325 Washington Street, Suite 2-181, San Diego, CA 92103.

www.PresidioSentinel.com

Business news

December 2011 | © A Publication of Presidio Communications

IHOP Express Opens in the Gaslamp District Fast Casual Format to Increase Top-of-Mind Awareness

IHOP is providing a new option for guests on the go.

To make the IHOP brand more accessible and increase top-of-mind awareness for new and current guests, IHOP announced the opening of the first IHOP Express in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. The fast casual concept, which was tested in areas such as university campuses and military bases, offers a selection of IHOP favorites but is focused on products uniquely suited to guests on the go. “After extensive testing, we are introducing IHOP Express to provide an exciting new option for guests on the go who want the IHOP experience,” said Jean Birch, IHOP president. Perfect for those on the go, IHOP Express items are available in easy, portable portions, including Cup O’ Pancakes™,

IHOP’s famous fluffy buttermilk pancakes cooked and served in a cup and topped with strawberry banana, double blueberry or caramel apple, and flavorful Corn Cake Tacos with savory meat, shredded cheese and fresh salsa. New under 600 calorie SIMPLE & FIT items are offered at IHOP Express, such as the Ham & Cheese Crepette. Selections are ordered at a counter to be taken out or enjoyed in a comfortable seating area. IHOP Express has a brand new look and feel, offering a contemporary, warm and inviting interior with fun elements such as an interactive syrup bar, an open grill “flip kitchen,” unique menu items, smaller portions and lower price points.

San Diegans Celebrate the Region’s Generosity 39th Annual National Philanthropy Day Event The Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego chapter is pleased to announce that the 39th annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon was a tremendous success. Nearly 1,000 community members celebrated some of the region’s most generous individuals and corporations. This year’s event was extra special for a few reasons. The date itself, 11/1/11, led to the year’s theme of One by One. The theme illustrated the power behind one person, one group, one gesture, and the impact of each of these on the community as whole. Another unique feature was the three powerful entities that came together to share the spotlight as Presenting Spon-

sors: the Jewish Community Foundation, The San Diego Foundation and the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation. The most impressive part of the event was the list of impressive honorees celebrated at the luncheon. An honorary committee, chaired by Deborah Szekely, selected the award recipients after reviewing formal nominations submitted by community members. The honorees included Mary Herron, Coronado, for Outstanding Organizational Volunteer; AJ Machado, San Diego, for Outstanding Celebrity Philanthropist; Carole Fish, CFRE, Point Loma for Outstanding Development Professional and Vons for Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation.

ASID Elects President Solana Beach resident Mary Kellejian, ASID, has been elected president of the San Diego chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for the 2011-12 term. Kellejian is an awardwinning interior designer who recently moved her design studio Polo Bay Interiors to the Cedros Avenue Design District after 25 years in Del Mar. Her firm offers comprehensive design services for commercial and residential clients, including new construction and remodeling. She is also a certified Real Estate Staging specialist. Other board members include Robin W. Carrier, ASID, president-elect; Marcel Perry, Industry Partner representative, director of financial oversight; Lynn Wyndham Morris, Allied Member ASID, director of communications; Bertha Hernandez, Allied Member ASID, director of professional development and programs; Anne Kellett, ASID, director of membership; Kathleen Kita-Palmer, ASID, director at large; and Megan Siason, student representative to the board. www.PresidioSentinel.com

Mayor Sanders with 2011 National Philanthropy Day honorees and chairs.

RESTAURANT OWNER? Expand Your Business with an SBA Guaranteed Loan • Buy the building you currently rent • Refinance your current location Over 2500 Loans Funded! • Expand to a new location

Call Craig G. Francis, SBA Loan Broker CraigGFrancis.com 888-666-9722

oreclosures F k c ra T d n a h • Searc Updates n o ti c u A y il a D t • Ge rties • Analyze Prope

FORECLOSURE AUCTION

BIDDING SERVICE

Call to get the HOT LIST 619-702-7266 Mary Kellejian is elected ASID president.

276 Foreclosure Properties Sold At Auction in San Diego County August 2011

Home Styles

Holiday Décor with René van Rems By Barb Strona In December, a year ago, several members of the MHGC went to the San Diego Horticulture Society’s monthly meeting because it featured René van Rems. If you have seen René, you know he is not only a world acclaimed floral designer, but he makes a pretty good stand-up comedian as well. This talk was a little unusual for René. In this one he focused mainly on his students’ designs. He said, “If you like it, I made it; if you don’t like it, they made it.” René reminded us that for Europeans, the “outdoors comes in.” This means bringing “stuff” in. According to René; “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This is why one man’s “garden trash” is another’s “garden treasure.” To illustrate his point, he held up a wreath he’d bought at Target. It had no spirit; it was artificial and expressed the commercial aspect of moving the merchandise. Even a fake wreath can be interesting in René’s hands. You can spray it gold, get an amaryllis or two which you hang upside down inside the wreath, and fill the amaryllis stems with water. Suddenly you have an interesting and unusual display. Because he is so creative using recycled greens, René receives a great deal of “dead stuff.” Spraying it gold,

silver, black, red or whatever strikes your fancy can extend the usefulness of the corpse. A conical thread bobbin becomes a Christmas tree with the addition of tiny date cups carefully glued to every inch of its surface. As an aside, René mentioned that Queen Victoria’s Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to England. It had been a German tradition since the 15th century. Torrey Pines, Nobel Fir, and Sugar Pines produce cones but of different sizes and scale. Keeping your ornamentation in proportion to the rest of the design is essential. René always focuses on the importance of scale, texture, color, as well as form. The variety of materials and the myriad ways they were used amazed his audience. Whether designed by René or a student, each design became a sculpture making one see the materials that composed it in a different way. After finishing his talk with a European hand-tied bouquet (which he makes so rapidly that one would need a high speed camera to capture it), many of the displays were auctioned off. Watch for René’s classes, demonstrations and lectures. It’s like going to the Comedy Store while you learn something new. His web site is www.renevanrems.com. There you will find upcoming classes, books he offers for sale, and examples of his work.

A Christmas display is designed with reference to scale, texture, color and form.

January 25, 2012 will feature John Beaudry, “Designing a Bungalow Garden.” Meetings are at Mission Hills United Church of Christ, 4070 Jackdaw, between Fort Stockton and West Lewis. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the meeting beginning shortly thereafter. Meetings end by 8:00 p.m. Guests pay $10.00 which may be applied to their $35.00 membership fee. Memberships are good through August, 2012. A note of apology: November’s meeting had not yet been scheduled when I wrote last month’s article (articles are written almost two months before publication), so my apologies for not giving you a “heads up!”

Celebrate the Holidays “Sticky Free”

Motsenbocker’s Lift Off® Tree Sap Remover

Also Removes Candle Wax, Stickers, & Holiday Messes

Have Yourself a Spotless Holiday! Available at ACE Stores & Mission Hills Nursery www.PresidioSentinel.com

School News

December 2011 | ÂŠ A Publication of Presidio Communications

Silver Gate Elementary & YMCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Holiday Tree Sale and Boutique From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, Silver Gate Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground, located at 1499 Venice Street, will hold a holiday boutique sale featuring items from local, home-based crafters. Christmas trees will also be on sale on the Catalina side of playground. You can pre-order your holiday tree to

Jimmy Johnson Foundation and Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Program

Contributes to School District Clairemont High, Pt. Loma High and SciTech at San Diego High are recipients of nearly $100,000 in total grants from the Jimmy Johnson Foundation/ Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Toolbox for Education Champions Grants programs. Clairemont received $30,680.41 to replace half-century old woodshop equipment. Pt. Lomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $25,342 will purchase a fuel-injected engine trainer and other equipment for their automotive technology lag. SciTech at San Diego High will use the $43,936 to further its Green Technology and En-

gineering Program. High Tech High Pt. Loma Village Schools, a San Diego Unified Charter School, also received $47,040 to acquire updated innovative classroom technology. Johnson is an El Cajon native and five-time NASCAR champion. His foundation has made several donations to San Diego Unified programs since it was founded in 2006. In a statement, Johnson, who cofounded the program with his wife, Chandra, said giving back to the community is extremely important.

790=(;, ;9(0505. .,;: 9,:<3;:

Â&#x2039; 7YP]H[L ;YHPUPUN :\P[LZ Â&#x2039; 6UL VU 6UL ;YHPULY -VJ\Z Â&#x2039; 5V 0U[LYY\W[PVUZ Â&#x2039; 5V 0U[PTPKH[PVU Â&#x2039; 5V -LHY Â&#x2039; 7LYZVUHSPaLK [V @V\Y 5LLKZ Â&#x2039; 7LYZVUHSPaLK [V @6< -P[ULZZ ;VNL[OLY 4PZZPVU /PSSZ *ROGĂ°QFK 6WUHHW 6DQ 'LHJR &$

-9,,

7,9:65(3 ;9(0505. :,::065 (5+ -0;5,:: ,=(3<(;065 5,> *30,5;: 653@ *(33 -69 +,;(03:

Ă&#x201E;[ULZZ[VNL[OLY JVT TPZZPVUOPSSZ S www.PresidioSentinel.com

support the Peninsula Family YMCA & Silver Gate Elementary. Order beautiful, fresh Nobel Firs, Grand Firs, wreaths and garlands today! You can order online, www.peninsula.ymca.org. Trees will also be available for purchase the day of pick-up. For prices and more information, visit the Silver Gate website.

You can create and spread holiday cheer by purchasing a live tree.

holiday events

december nights!

The Presidio Sentinel is committed to the success of Small Businesses in San Diego County!

The Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park sets the stage for choirs and Christmas carolers. Th

Balboa Park’s 34th Annual December Nights Balboa Park December Nights will B tak take place for the 34th consecutive year from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, and noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. The event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.” In an effort to enhance the educational, cultural, and philanthropic elements of San Diego’s favorite holiday kickoff, Balboa Park December Nights is excited to announce some additional highlights. One lucky San Diego couple will have the chance to win the “Perfect

Proposal” at this year’s December Nights, sponsored by Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers Contest. The grand prize winner will receive a $10,000 Hearts On Fire engagement ring and the opportunity to propose on stage at the December Nights Opening Ceremony! The two-day festival, Balboa Park’s holiday gift to San Diego, features free admission to museums and cultural attractions, international foods, multicultural music and dance performances, Christmas carolers, bell-ringers, choirs and bands, along with a variety of holiday-themed areas. For more information please visit, VisitDecemberNights.org.

Email us at ads@presidiosentinel.com

GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE OR SEPARATION? The Third Saturday workshop provides essential information to men and women who are considering or in the middle of divorce or separation. Experienced professionals will cover the following topics: Legal Issues Financial Issues Family/Personal Issues

Las Posadas procession culminates with a manger scene in front of the Casa de Estudillo.

Las Posadas Celebrates 61 Years in Old Town When:

Third Saturday of each month

Time:

9:00am - 1:00pm Registration 8:30 - 9:00am

Location: Command Center 2640 Historic Decatur Rd San Diego, CA 92106

Mediation as an Cost: Alternative to Litigation

$35.00 preregistration $45.00 at the door

To register or for more information contact Robin Duboe Seigle (619) 238-2400 ext. 220 or rseigle@ncrconline.com

Divorce Mediation Services

www.ncrconline.com

Dec. 11 will mark the 61st annual Las Posadas event in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The Las Posadas procession is a walking reenactment of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a birthplace for the Christ child. Everyone is invited to join the candlelit procession and sing traditional holiday songs in both Spanish and English as the players go from inn to inn, asking for symbolic lodging. The procession culminates with a live nativity scene in from of Casa de Estudillo as well as a piñata party. This event combines the Anglo custom of caroling with the Hispanic tradition of the procession and the breaking of the piñata. The Las Posadas procession will be lead by professional actors in period costume, including Willie, the acting donkey.

Before the procession that takes place at 5 p.m., this event will also feature a daytime celebration and preshow with live music, performances and activities for children from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A variety of local music and performing arts groups will perform from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For children’s entertainment, there will be free craft activities that include making pioneer-style cloth dolls, as well as corn-husk dolls and paper holiday flowers. At end of the festival, there will be a piñata-breaking party following the Las Posadas procession at 6 p.m. This is the third year that the Las Posadas procession is produced by the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park concessionaires. Admission to Las Posadas is free. For more information, phone (619) 297-3100. www.PresidioSentinel.com

holiday events

December 2011 | © A Publication of Presidio Communications

Sleep Train Secret Santa Toy Drive

for Foster Kids

Annual Drive A Asks for Donations of New Unwrapped Toys and Gifts For the nearly 60,000 foster children throughout California, the magic of the holiday season might not be so bright as they find themselves away from family and friends. To help fill the holidays with glee and make sure every foster child wakes up Christmas morning with a gift under the tree, Sleep Train, the West Coast’s number one mattress store and number four nationwide, is hosting its annual Secret Santa Toy Drive for foster kids. Running through December 11th, individuals and businesses are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Santa and bring donations of new, unwrapped gifts to any Sleep Train store throughout the state. Sleep Train’s foster organization partners have even provided a few ideas from their foster children ‘letters to Santa’ to share specific items these kids are wishing for this season. Topping the girls’ lists were Barbie dolls, dollhouses, perfume, hair styling accessories, and gift cards, while boys’ asked for Legos, action heroes, sports equipment, movies, and music players. “For many foster children, the holidays can be challenging as the reality of their situation becomes more profound,” said Alice Gentry, community affairs manager, River Oak Center for Children. “Receiving a gift like other children on Christmas morning can help to alleviate sad thoughts and feelings, and bring out the joy and magic of the season.” Donated gifts will be delivered to Sleep Train’s 15 non-profit foster organization partners who will distribute the toys to foster families in time for Santa’s arrival. Cash donations can also be made online for those too busy to shop this year, and the elves at Sleep Train will do the toy shopping for you. To find the Sleep Train store nearest to you or for more information about the toy drive, please visit www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

annual toy drive! Wishing you Joy and Well Being in 2012

Lo ve

He alt h

ss cce Su

d Times Goo

Hope Pe ace

iness Adventure Happ Gro wth

y erit osp r P

TRULY GREEN… BEFORE GREEN WAS COOL. YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER.

Mötsenböcker’s Lift Off® products are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Crown ACE and other retail outlets. For all our products, please visit our new website: www.liftoffinc.com, or give us a call at: 1.800.346.1633.

www.PresidioSentinel.com

local news

Change is in the works

for the Mission Hills’ Farmers’ Market

Mid-Week Shopping

Starting in December, there will be a new manager to the weekly Mission Hills’ Farmers’ Market. His name is Brian Beevers. He is excited about his role and building a relationship with Mission Hills’ residents and guests who shop at the Farmers’ Market. Beevers also announced that the Mission Hills’ Farmers’ Market will be moving to Wednesdays beginning with the first of the coming year, 2012. He said the move will allow additional vendors to participate and help shoppers who prefer mid-week purchases.

Vendors at Mission Hills Farmers’ Market enjoy repeat shoppers

www.PresidioSentinel.com

holiday Events

December 2011 | © A Publication of Presidio Communications

winter concert!

San Diego Women’s Chorus Dazzles at Winter Concert The San Diego Women’s Chorus, under the direction of Christopher Allen, presents its 24th Annual Winter concert, Heaven & Earth, 7 p.m., Friday, December 10 at and 3 p.m., Sunday, December 11 at the Mission Hills United Church of Christ, located at 4070 Jackdaw Street in Mission Hills. Heaven & Earth will treat the audience to entertaining and emotionally uplifting winter-themed music that will appeal to all ages. ASL

Interpretation will be provided at the Sunday December 11th concert. SDWC will showcase its vocal diversity in songs including “We Are . . . ” by Ysaye M. Barnwell, “Firework” by Katy Perry, and the Buddhist-inspired “A Prayer for Peace.” The audience can tap into childhood holiday memories with “Mr. Santa,” “When You Wish Upon a Star” and selections from “The Nutcracker

Santa Photos in Mission Hills Santa arrives for photos, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, December 4 at Coldwell Banker at 1621 West Lewis. One sitting and one free 4x6 print to each family.. Photography provided by Meredith French, reprints available. Participants are asked to bring donations for Toys for Tots. Refreshments are provided. No RSVP necessary. Come by to say farewell to Ginny!

santa photos!

Suite.” Both concerts will also feature songs by Melissa Etheridge, Annie Lennox, and Eric Clapton, as well as a Carole King medley. General admission tickets are $15 and children under 12 are admitted for free. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sdwc.org, contact info@sdwc.org or call 619-291-3366.

holiday art show!

Holiday Art Show and Sale The Point Loma Artists invite you to their annual Holiday Art Show and Sale Dec 3, 2011 from 10 AM to 3 PM at 3636 Curtis Street Street, between Chatsworth and Poinsettia. You will find original oil and watercolor paintings, photography,woodwork, glass, weavin weavings, mixed media and ceramics. For information on the free ev event, visit www.pointlomaartists.com or call 619-223-6326.

Resting Giants by Dave Ness will be available vailable at the show. show

JuMpstart your Holiday witH $150 fitness Bucks TRAINING GETS RESULTS. for usePRVIATE Before tHanksGivinG

Pairing the strength, cardio and nutritional guidance with our one-on-one personal training

terMs and conditions apply. new clients only.

PRIVATE TRAInIng

gETs REsulTs. Blake & Gwen Beckcom Owners & Trainers

CALL 619.794.0014 FOR A FREE SESSION AND FITNESS EVALUATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. LIMITED TIME OFFER. NEW CLIENTS ONLY.

(0-%'*/$) 453&&5 t 4"/ %*&(0 $" Mission Hills • 4019 GoldfincH street · san dieGo, ca

619.794.0014 l FITNESSTOGETHER.COM/MISSIONHILLS fitnesstoGetHer.coM/MissionHills or call 619.794.0014 www.PresidioSentinel.com

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet The oldest ballet school in San Diego, marks its annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker,” December 7 through December 18 in the Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park. Take an extraordinary journey with Clara, the prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy as nearly 200 young dancers bring the magic of “The Nutcracker” to

Cygnet Theatre

A beloved holiday tradition is coming to a close with a sixth and final run of the timeless classic “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” based on the Frank Capra film and adapted for the stage by Joe Landry. Artistic Director Sean Murray directs a cast of returning favorites and two exciting newcomers, runs through December 31st, 2011 at Cygnet Theatre in Old Town State Historic Park. Adoring subscribers and returning fans know the story well... It’s December 24, 1946, in Studio A at WCYG Radio, and a cast of actors is preparing to present “It’s a Wonderful Life” in a “live” 1940’s radio broadcast filled with music and the beloved characters

life. Set to the timeless music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and directed by artistic director, Danika Pramik-Holdaway, these talented stars of tomorrow carry on the family traditions today. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.sdcyb.org. The SDCYB office may be contacted by email at sdcyb@ sdcyb.org or phone 619-233-3060.

from the film. With the help of a pianist and a sound effects artist, the ensemble recreates the story of George Bailey, a young man whose dreams of traveling the world are thwarted by his sense of responsibility to the family business. Down on his luck, George contemplates throwing his life away when he is visited by Clarence, a guardian angel, who shows George what the world would be like had he never been born. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet’s website at www.cygnettheatre.com or calling the box office at 619-337-1525. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the box office at 4040 Twiggs St. in the Old Town Historic Park.

Diversionary Theatre Groundbreaking playwright Enrique Urueta’s “Learn To Be Latina” is an uproarious romantic comedy that uses humor to explore issues of gender, race and identity, popular culture and fame. “Learn To Be Latina” follows Hanan, a beautiful and promising pop star, whose Lebanese heritage is seen by record executives as a stumbling block. Rather than scrap

her career, the record label decides to exploit her slightly Latina looks and package her as the next J.Lo. Anxious for stardom, Hanán surrenders to “Latina Boot Camp.” Diversionary Theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd. San Diego. For tickets or information, call the box office at 619.220.0097 or visit www.diversionary.org.

Theatre News

L a n d m a r k T h e at r e s

THE ARTIST John Goodman as Al Zimmer in Michel Hazanavicius’s film THE ARTIST. Hollywood 1927. Silent movie matinee idol George Valentin (Jean Dujardin, the charismatic star of “OSS 117: Cairo,” “Nest of Spies”) is enjoying the good life, although he seems fonder of his faithful dog than of his trophy wife (Penelope Ann Miller). He meets funny, sexy young extra Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), a dancer set for a big break, and sparks fly. With the advent of the talkies George’s career nosedives, while Peppy’s takes off. “The Artist” is the charming and poignant story of their interlinked destinies—a delightful valentine to the love of cinema, with a tip of the hat to “Singin’ in the Rain” and “A Star Is Born.” Writer/director Michel Hazanavicius (who also directed

the “OSS 117” films) daringly shot the film completely in the style of a silent feature, in black and white and without sound (with a few striking exceptions), filmed on location in Hollywood, set to a wonderful original score by Ludovic Bource. Winner of the Best Actor Award (Dujardin) at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Co-starring John Goodman, Malcolm McDowell, and James Cromwell. “The Artist” is 100 minutes long, Rated PG-13, and tentatively opens December 23, 2011 at Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas and/or La Jolla Village. For information and times, call 619.819.0236, or visit www.landmarkTheatres.com. Film times and dates are subject to change.

Old Globe “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” runs through December 31 at the Old Globe Theatre. Book and lyrics by Timothy Mason,music by Mel Marvin, original production conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien, and original choreography by John DeLuca is directed by James Vasquez. Back for its 14th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze.” Cel-

ebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. Visit the Old Globe website for a complete list of performance times: http://theoldglobe.org/_pdf/GrinchCastCalendar2011.pdf. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

(from left) Actors Jason Danieley and Michelle Duffy, composer Burt Bacharach, playwright and lyricist Steven Sater and actors Jenni Barber and Andrew Mueller. Some Lovers, a new musical with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Burt Bacharach, directed by Will Frears, will run Nov. 26 - Dec. 31, 2011 at The Old Globe. Photo by Henry DiRocco.

The World Premiere of “Some Lovers,” a new musical with book and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award winner Steven Sater and music by Academy and Grammy Award-winning legend Burt Bacharach runs through Dec. 31 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Opening night is Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Bacharach has joined forces with Sater to re-imagine the classic O. Henry Christmas tale “The Gift of the Magi” for today’s audiences. On Christmas Eve, estranged

lovers Molly and Ben are haunted by the memory of happier times, and like the unforgettable melody of a favorite song, their memories conspire to bring them together again. A timeless love story that takes place over 20 years, “Some Lovers,” directed by Will Frears, features a new score by Bacharach. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

Steve Blanchard as The Grinch and Logan Lipton as Young Max in the 2011 production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe. The annual holiday musical runs Nov. 19 - Dec. 31, 2011. Photo by Henry DiRocco.

www.PresidioSentinel.com

life styles

December 2011 | © A Publication of Presidio Communications

The Herb of Grace By Charlotte Tenney, MA Integrative Health

Common Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a plant rich in folklore, culinary and medicinal use and metaphorical meanings that are found in literature. It appears in remedies, recipes and Shakespeare’s plays and even in the Harry Potter books. It is also, like so many other Mediterranean imports, happy in our Southern California weather and soil. Rue lends contrast in the garden with its blue-gray leaves and its distinctive aroma. And while its symbolic meaning is often about regret and repentance (the herb that confers grace …), you will not rue the day that you plant Rue in your landscape. I first became acquainted with Rue by watching my mother-in-law create her very effective home-remedy muscle liniment out of it. She had learned the recipe from a neighbor, who had shared the family tradition for dealing with sore, aching, over-worked limbs. As they both worked physically hard on farms, this was an important remedy. The recipe was a simple matter of filling a quart jar with a combination of fresh Rue leaves, Camphor gum and peppermint leaf, then pouring vodka over it all and letting it steep. The neighbor cautioned that it should be used

Opportunities For Advent

on sore joints overnight, and then washed off in the morning, before going out into the sun. The ritual was more than superstition, since the oils in the Rue leaf can make skin overly photo-sensitive and result in a blistering rash when exposed to the sun. Many gardeners have learned this the hard way when pruning the plant with bare hands. This small, evergreen shrub was cultivated in Northern Africa, Egypt and ancient Rome to satisfy their taste for a bitter and aromatic flavor in their foods. It is an acquired taste, and a little goes a long way. It was frequently included, in small amounts, in fatty dishes as it has the effect of improving the digestion of rich foods. It is still used in egg dishes, soft cheeses, salads and more. In Italy, sometimes Grappa wine gets a sprig of Rue added to the bottle, making “grappa al ruta,” to infuse it with a distinctive bitter undertone; it was sipped after a meal to prevent flatulence and cramping. Dogs, cats and witches are said to be repelled by the scent of Rue. You can take advantage of this by planting Rue around other plants that you wish to protect from neighborhood pets. Or use a twig of fresh Rue to fling holy water as a suspected sorcerer. In Medieval times it was hung around the house and barn to prevent magic spells or hexes from being cast. It is also an effective insect repellant, so perhaps the “evil spells” being prevented included bugs in the crops or stored grains. Rue-infused vin-

SERVICE OF HEALING AND HOPE Pr o vid in g com fort during the Holidays for pe r sons experiencing a loss • Sunday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m. Chapel. ADVENT LABYRINTH JOURNEY A labyrinth overview with a guided walk to Bethlehem. • Tuesday December 6, 13, and 20 at 7:00 p.m. Friendship Hall CHRISTMAS EVE Traditional and contemporary sounds of the Season with a children’s moment and the Holy family • Saturday, December 24 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary CHRISTMAS EVE EXPERIENCE A time for the sharing of fellowship and holiday treats • Saturday, December. 24 Friendship Hall following Christmas Eve service CHRISTMAS DAY One combined family worship service • Sunday, December 25 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary

Dogs, cats and witches are said to be repelled by the scent of Rue.

egar makes a good antiseptic cleaning solution and the lingering fragrance deters household pests such as fruit flies, moths and gnats. According to tradition, Rue stolen from your neighbor’s garden is the most effective. Consuming the leaves of Rue was reputed to improve eyesight, especially for artists; Leonardo da Vinci was known to use it regularly. In current times, you can purchase Homeopathic preparations of Rue that echo this use and are recommended not only for acute vision, but also eye pain and headaches, sore neck muscles and persistent coughs. As is the case with most intensely bitter herbs, consumption is not recommended for pregnant women, since the bitterness

can trigger muscle contractions in the abdomen. And, as is true for all bittertasting herbs, using it in small amounts on a consistent basis will improve digestion, stimulate the immune system, and keep you “regular.” Planting Rue in the garden offers the chance to foster a bit of folklore in your surroundings. It is a plant that can be pruned and shaped easily into an attractive hedge or mound, while it enhances the color and texture of your landscape. It suits our climate conditions and our need to conserve water. The leaf of the Rue was used as the model for the imagery in the Ace of Clubs in a deck of playing cards. It just might prove to be your “ace in the hole” for your garden.

82nd Annual Candlelight Ball A Celebration to Start the Holiday Season For the ninth consecutive year, philanthropist and newspaper heiress Betty Knight Scripps will serve as General Chairman of the 82nd Annual Candlelight Ball, to benefit Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Through Mrs. Scripps’ generosity and leadership, the annual fundraising event has raised approximately $22 million to support lifesaving care at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

The Candlelight Ball will usher in the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at The Grand Del Mar. This highly anticipated and prestigious black-tie affair features spectacular holiday décor, exquisite dining and festive music from The Bob Hardwick Sound. To learn more about the 82nd Annual Candlelight Ball, call 858-678-6349 or visit www. scrippshealthfoundation.org.

Mothers and daughters group participates in the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk.

Regular Sunday Schedule 8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 10:00 a.m. Church School Classes 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

6OJWFSTJUZ $ISJTUJBO $IVSDI

Disciples of Christ

3900 Cleveland Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 295-4146

For information, call or visit our web site. www.univchristianchurch.com Facebook - UCC San Diego

An Open and Affirming Congregation

www.PresidioSentinel.com

(L to R) Irimga McKay, Miranda McKay, Sara Wildman and Nancy Wildman participated in the Annual 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. They are also members of MADCAPS, which encourages its participants to be generous with their time and talents.

Betty Knight Scripps chairs 82nd Annual Candlelight Ball.

Life Styles

What Now: Humor? It can really get ya’ down By Laura Walcher

If you’ve missed your perfectly every-day sense of humor lately, well, it’s no wonder. But black humor may be your thing; if so, you’re in hog-humor-heaven with me. My personal favorite was Steven Colbert, who noted the headline, “Cain Hits Home Run with Kimmel.” “…impressive,” exuded Colbert, “because he was only trying to get to third base.” Or the anonymous tweet about Rick Perry’s memory lapse: “…I suspect from now on, he’ll be sewing his name tags on his underwear …” Now, c’mon. Our pols and celebs have provided us irresistible quips. And, by and large, have no one to blame but themselves, although a few have made defiant attempts to blame their troubles on the left-wing media, the right-wing media, the opposing party, or thrill-seekers looking for exposure (uh-oh. bad word). Across the pond, in the course of the ongoing interrogations into the News of the World’s phone hacking scandal, James Murdoch somehow didn’t know much about it. Imagine! Denier-blaster

and panelist Tom Watson, that frequent Murdoch critic, furiously – or facetiously? - accused the son-in-the-spotlight: “You must be the first Mafia boss in history who didn’t know he was running a criminal enterprise!” THAT wasn’t funny, though it did get an initial international chuckle. Mr. Watson might have gotten mixed up between Murdoch and Silvio Berlusconi. At least Berlusconi is Italian. On our shores, Mr. Perry’s humbling bumble at forgetting his third item for the chopping block earned a national squirm, followed by mass sympathy with the problem. Post-faux-pas, what else to do? Mr. Perry wisely opted for … funny. Desperately needed, anyway, in the course of this parade towards the presidency. For a minute there, Mr. Cain was the major-domo, but whether he fell to the rear over physical groping, mental groping, or cheerfully describing his mates as ice-creams: ‘Michelle is tutti-frutti! Milt Is vanilla! I’m Hagen-Daas black walnut – substantial!” – our foreheads sunk to our chests. Especially those of us who know our ice-cream: Hagen-Dass doesn’t make Black Walnut any more. Did Lawrence O’Donnell’s theory, accompanied by video, have gotten it right, when he somehow made the case that

the contendors only blow it when they’re wearing red ties? Of course, the “oops” factor isn’t relegated to the class of eight. When CBS’ political director, John Dickerson, sent an e-mail to staff reminding them that the campaign front-runners should get the majority of TV time in the “debates,” he accidentally included Mrs. Bachmann’s campaign. His argument against focusing on her, that she’s “nearly off the charts,” sent her camp into a fury. Mrs. B shouldn’t worry … just running for president shows she’s got plenty of “chootsbah.” (This Yiddish word is correctly pronounced “chutzpah,” with a gutteral “ch –.” It has clearly worked its

way into our common vernacular, and means “audacity.” If you don’t believe the danger of slippery fingers, off-thecuff insults, mis-representing the facts, or issuing your own black humor, go ahead, google “Michele, Chutspah.” That’s how I know you know what I’m talking about, even if I don’t absolutely reference the context!) Can we expect a continuation of candidates’ gaffes and goofiness to define the upcoming “debates” ? Anyway, according to them, the fault will lie, not in themselves, but in the aggressiveness of the news media, or their interviewers … who, however, are just doin’ their job, folks – and not for laughs!

www.PresidioSentinel.com

Music Scene

Paul Revere and the Raiders Ride Again at Sycuan By Richard Cone

Paul Revere and the Raiders, who Paul Schaffer from the David Letterman show called “the greatest show band on earth,” headed by Paul Revere himself, the man Reno Gazette writer Guy Richardson dubbed “the Madman of Rock and Roll” make a rare appearance at the Sycuan Casino’s Live and Up Close series for two back to back shows on December 10 at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Raiders will be opening the show for Chuck Negron, the “voice” of Three Dog Night, so the evening will be filled with hits you will remember from the 60s and 70s. In a thoroughly enjoyable phone interview, I spoke with Revere, who started the band in 1958 (originally called “The Downbeats”) with Mark Lindsay. The band scored their first hit in 1961, with “Like, Long Hair.” The song had enough national appeal that it peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard charts on April 17, 1961. When Revere was drafted for military service, he became a conscientious objector and worked as a cook at a mental institution for a year and a half of deferred service, while Lindsay pumped gas in a small Oregon town. Lindsay, on the strength of their Top 40 single, toured the U.S. in summer 1961 with a band that featured Leon Russell filling in for Revere on piano, a little known fact about the iconic Russell’s half century career. By 1962, Revere was back with the band, and they took off with what is arguably the very first recording of “Louie Louie,”, although that’s been in dispute for years with the “Kingsmen” also taking that credit. What is not at is-

sue is that both bands recorded the song in a Portland, Oregon studio within days of one another. The band appeared regularly on national television, most notably on Dick Clark’s ”Where the Action is,” “Happening ’68” and “It’s Happening,” the latter two of which were co-hosted by Revere and Lindsay. Here they were presented as an American response to the British Invasion. Playing on Revere’s name, the group wore American Revolutionary War soldier uniforms, and performed slapstick comedy and synchronized dance steps while the ponytailed Lindsay lip-synced to their music. This farcical, cartoonish image obscured the hard rock sound that their music often took. In mid-1967, with three gold albums to their credit, The Raiders were Columbia’s top-selling rock group; their “Greatest Hits” was one of two releases selected by Clive Davis to test a higher list price for albums expected to be particularly popular, along with “Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits.” The band has had more the 30 personnel over the years; but today’s lineup is not a bunch of ‘newbies!” Indeed, Revere notes that his lead guitarist and bass player have been with him 42 years, the keyboardist for over 30. The ‘new kid on the block’ is the drummer, who played with the Buckingham’s (“Kind of a Drag”) for 25 years

Paul Revere and the Raiders, courtesy of paulrevereraiders.com and has been with Paul Revere for about four years now. Revere today says the band’s longevity can be chalked up to the fact that “we put on an entertaining show; we’re the Marx Brothers of Rock and Roll -- we have great music, shtick, comedy and a slew of hits. We take them back in time to re-visit those songs and they never get tired of hearing them. We cover all the big hits and chart medleys and we don’t leave anything out. It’s always a good show, wild and crazy, and it’s never the same show twice!” Lest you forgot, those chart hits include “Kicks,” from 1966, ranked number 400 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of “The

500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” “Hungry,” (1966); and the Number 1 single from 1971 “Indian Reservatio” (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian ). The second act of the evening will be Chuck Negron, the iconic lead singer of “Three Dog Night,” backed by the Raider’s band members, minus Paul Revere. You’ll hear a lot of familiar sing along Three Dog Night hits like “Joy to the World,” “(Just) An Old Fashioned Love Song,” “and of course, the Hoyt Axton-penned “Mama Told Me Not Come.” Tickets for both show are $35 and $45 and can be reserved by heading to Sycuan’s website at www.sycuan/entertainment/paul_revere_and_the_raiders/.

Chula Vista-based The Beautiful View performs at the Casbah

San Diego-based The Beautiful View releases debut CD San Diego based band “The Beautiful View” announce the release of the debut CD on Requiemme Records, “life is beautiful.” Full of insanely tight, angular, catchy jams, “life is beautiful is an album ready for the masses Listening to the new songs from the quartet makes you think “this sounds like it should be on the radio,” – which isn’t a bad thing in this case. There’s a familiarity the band brings, an honest and politically incorrect one, and they are as unpretentious and “un-indie” as a band can be. Magnan, Cordero, Rich, and Allan all met in high school and the four have been friends ever since. Formed in May of 2007, The Beautiful View earned their stripes playing a ton of new shows while earning a notable following and developwww.PresidioSentinel.com

ing a stage presence with explosive live shows. The band decided to take a step off the stage in 2011 and dedicate all their efforts to creating a full length album, recorded at Black Box San Diego with Mario Quintero and mastered at D2 studios in Burbank. The ten song release on Requiemme Records is well written, well played and well recorded, the songs are indeed “alternative radio” friendly--- perhaps because the band is just that good. The Beautiful View will be playing at the North Park Chili Cook off on Dec 4, at 32nd and Thorn, at the Casbah on December 12 (with Boxer Rebellion) and again at the Casbah on January 12, 2012. For ticket information, sound samples and CD’s, see the band’s website at www.thebeautifulview.com.

Dining Scene

Shop Till You Drop by David Rottenberg

The holidays are upon us. The imperative has been given – SHOP TILL YOU DROP! Help our flagging economy by buying consumer goods, hopefully some actually made in our own country. It is time to gather our strength to meet the robust challenges of finding the right gift for the right person. But wait! Shopping can be tiring. How does one refresh the spirit to reinfuse needed energy? Obviously, by dining at a restaurant that is in or near the areas where one is shopping. Our fine city has many places where one can spend money and where many good deals can be found. But much shopping takes place in three major areas -downtown, La Jolla and Mission Valley. So this article will offer some sugges-

tion of places in each locale where one may relax, enjoy, and reinvigorate for the pursuit of the shopping goals. Most of these restaurant suggestions are a bit away from the main shopping stream, so one may relax more fully.

Downtown

Horton Plaza is a shopping mecca, a center with both boutiques and department stores. Built on multiple levels, with lots of easy parking, one can do some serious spending without having to walk too much. The Plaza and the Gaslamp, where it is located, have many good restaurants. But some deserve special mention.. Buca di Beppo (619-233-7272) is a fun, Italian restaurant where the food is good and there is lots of it. This is the place to bring the family when shopping together. Some of the dining rooms are “themed”, like the “Pope’s Room” and it is always fun to

Brockton Villa has amazing views and wonderful American food.

sit in the kitchen and watch meals being prepared. The food is Southern Italian, like “mom used to make.” Anthony’s Fish Grotto (619-232-5103) is another fun place for the family to enjoy. Dine on fresh seafood or interesting fusion recipes while enjoying fabulous views of the bay. Prices are moderate. On a warm, clear day, try to get a seat on the patio. When it takes a hearty steak to revitalize, Greystone The Steakhouse (619-232-0225) offers a broad choice of meats, including elk and buffalo, for a different kind of dining experience. This is really opulent dining featuring outstanding service, excellent wine selection and amazingly prepared cuisine.

Mission Valley

With its numerous shopping centers, Mission Valley is one of the busiest areas of our city, as we approach Christmas. Sometimes is takes longer to get off the freeway than it does to actually shop. The centers are large and spread out, so it takes lots of energy-sapping walking to get through the shopping choices. Old Town is only minutes away and one of the nicest places to relax is Casa Guadalajara (619-295-1111). It is located on the fringe of Old Town, so one avoids the traffic through the area. And, it offers lots of free parking as a bonus to perhaps the most delicious Mexican food available. Traditional Mexican food and wonderful drinks make it hard to leave to continue shopping. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (619-688-1120) is another comfortable place to relax over a beer. The selection of brews is huge and varied. The samplers are a great way to taste the new choices. Try a cold draft along with tasty, pungent garlic fries. When taking time out from shopping to watch a ballgame, no place is better than Seau’s (619-291-7328), owned by San

Diego’s own legendary Junior Seau. The dozens of TV sets, tuned to the sports channels and the amazing sports ambiance make this the select place to kick back and catch the score.

La Jolla

There are several shopping areas in La Jolla. The village of La Jolla, notably Prospect Avenue, has numerous boutique clothing, art and jewelry shops. Further north, the University Town Center and Costa Verde shopping center offer department stores and many unique shops. Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza (858404-9898 in Costa Verde – there are Sammy’s locations as well in La Jolla, Mission Valley and The Gaslamp) is a wonderful choice for light tapas menu or full scale pizza or entrees. The “messy sundae” makes a tasty dessert. The food is good, only moderately expensive, and service is excellent. This is a great family place. In the Village, Brockton Villa (858-454-7393) combines amazing views, wonderful American food, excellent service, moderate prices, and history. The building is over 100 years old and used to be a weekend retreat for a wealthy family. Breakfasts are outstanding. This is a delightful place to stoke up before heading off to the shopping wars. At the end of the day, when the work is done and relaxation is absolutely necessary, there is a wonderful romantic setting at Piatti Ristorante, (858-454-1589) down by La Jolla Shores. The outdoor patio is a fabulous place to relax over a glass of good wine, enjoying fantastic bread and exceptional Italian cuisine. Prices are moderate but the setting is beyond being bought. Help our city and our country. Shop till you drop. But shop responsibly and take a few moments out to relax and enjoy. Happy Holidays.

Enjoy Fall Dining!

Casa Guadalajara in Old Town offers delicious meals and flavorful margaritas.

www.PresidioSentinel.com

Calendar

Thru Dec.

Dec. 3 & 4

Dec. 9

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet presents: “The Nutcracker” - Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park. For tickets and information, visit www.sdcyb@sdcyb.org or call 619-233-3060.

The 4th annual San Diego Pottery Studio Tour - 9am to 4pm. This FREE self-guided tour has 11 stops at ceramics studios featuring over 20 of San Diego’s best ceramics artists, spread throughout the neighborhoods of the San Diego metropolitan area. To see the map of the tour and work by participating artists, visit www.sdpotterytour. com. For more information, call 619-820-6766 or email info@sdpotterytour.com.

MFA Musical Theatre - SDSU, Experimental Theatre. Featuring styling’s from contemporary Broadway, 7:30 pm.

Head Start - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego. This five-part introductory-level training class (for dogs and pups over four months old) will teach you the basics of positive reinforcement training techniques while your dogs learn good doggie behaviors. Pre-registration required. For class dates and times, call 619-299-7012 x2247 or visit www.sdhumane.org. LEGO Brick Donations Needed - The Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library will create a “LEGOS in the Library” program. In addition to playing with LEGO’s, kids will be able to check out LEGOrelated books to stimulate their creativity. Drop off at 925 W Washington Street or call 619-692-4910 and we will pick up your donation.

Dec. 1 Lecture: Artists Talks - Craig Carlson, Mary-Ann Luera, Gail Roberts and Mark Siprut. Downtown Art Gallery, 6:00 p.m. Free to the public. Toler School Community Literacy Night/Book Fair – 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., 3350 Baker Street, (92117). Celebration of learning and literature, featuring guest speaker Helen Foster James. Festivities also include student performances, PTA book fair, free raffle and Student Council pizza sale. For more information, contact Amy Murad at amurad@sandi.net or call 858-273-0294. Open to the public.

Dec. 1- 3 SDSU, Experimental Theatre - “Lydia”. A workingclass family hires a maid to help take care of sixteen-yearold Cecilia who suffered permanent brain injury in a car accident. Lydia turns out to be a remarkable girl who connects with Cecilia and sets out to heal the family of their strange distance from each other and revealing unexpected secrets. 7:30 pm.

Dec. 1 & 8 Shy Dog - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Learn how to manage your dog’s shyness and add to their self-confidence on a daily basis in a fun, positive way! Space is limited and registration is required – please call 619-299-7012 x2247, or visit www.sdhumane.org for more information.

Dec. 2 & 3

Dec. 3, 10 & 17 Advanced Training Class - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m. This five-part advanced-level class is designed to build and refine upon the good behaviors learned in the intermediate-level Moving on Up training class. This class is designed to hone skills to the level of perfection. Dogs must be 18 weeks or older to attend this class. Space is limited. Call 619-299-7012 x2247 for registration.

Dec. 4 SDSU, Experimental Theatre - “Lydia”. A workingclass family hires a maid to help take care of sixteen-yearold Cecilia who suffered permanent brain injury in a car accident. Lydia turns out to be a remarkable girl who connects with Cecilia and sets out to heal the family of their strange distance from each other and revealing unexpected secrets. 2:00 pm. Concert: SDSU Wind Symphony/Symphonic Band. Band literature at its finest, new works by John Mackey and Steven Bryant. SDSU, Smith Recital Hall, 4:00 pm. Free Photos with Santa! – Coldwell Banker, 1621 W. Lewis Street, 11am – 3pm. Children are invited to meet Santa, and have their photos taken with him by professional photographer, Meredith French. Each family will receive one FREE 4x6 print of their visit. Cards and Reprints available. Robin Henkel Band with Horns! Blues, funk, jazz and swing. Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave, San Diego. 8:00 – 10:00 pm, $8, all ages. For more information, call 619282-0437. European Christmas Décor Hands-on Workshop - Rene van Rems International, 3260 Corporate View Drive, Vista, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Learn how to create high-style custom wreaths, vegetative all natural centerpiece design and long-lasting, mantle décor. Limited Class Size - Reservation Required. To RSVP and for more information, call 760-734-4500 or Email: rene@renevanrems.com. The California State Parks and the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association proudly present Battle Day, which focuses on the interpretation and commemoration of the 1846 Battle of Pasqual from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido. For information, call (619) 220-5422 or visit www.parks.ca.gov.

December Nights at Balboa Park - The holiday season kicks off with lights, international food, multicultural music, dance performances, carolers, bell-ringers, choirs and bands, along with a variety of holiday-themed areas in the largest free community festival in San Diego. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Dec. 5

The San Diego Academy of Ballet presents: Nutcracker - A pirouetting Sugarplum Fairy, wondrous Mouse King with his prancing mice, swirling snowflakes and a magical nutcracker, along with a host of other beloved characters, come to life as the Nutcracker returns to the stage at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd., Poway. Three performances only. For tickets and information, visit www.powaycenter.com or call 858-748-0505.

Senior Monday “Afternoon Scholars Lecture” + IMAX Film - 12:30PM Lecture: The International Year of Chemistry 2011: “Exploring Nanotechnology, Clean Energy Production, Advances in Health Care and Environment”. 2:00 p.m. IMAX Film: FORCES OF NATURE (2004) – Witness the Earth at its most powerful.

Dec. 2 - 4 San Diego Holiday Art Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds - The festival will feature 200 of America’s best contemporary craft and fine art exhibitors, offering over 12,000 original works. In addition to the arts, crafts and holiday gifts, the festival will highlight musical and variety entertainment. Delicious local holiday food and drink will also be available by area restaurants and caterers. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www. holidayartfestival.com or call 805-461-6700.

Dec. 3 Concert: Electronic Music Marathon - SDSU, Smith Recital Hall, 5:00 pm. Original compositions by students in the electro-acoustic music program, featuring created instruments, video and digital imagery. Annual Holiday Art Show - The Point Loma Artists. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., 3636 Curtis Street, between Chatsworth and Poinsettia. Original oil and watercolor paintings, photography, woodwork, glass, weavings, mixed media and ceramics. For more information, call 619-223-6326 or visit www.pointlomaartists.com. The event is free. 82nd Annual Candlelight Ball, to benefit Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla – This Black-Tie affair features spectacular holiday décor, exquisite dining and festive music from The Bob Hardwick Sound. Held at The Grand Del Mar. For more information, visit www.scrippshealthfoundation.org or call 858-678-6349.

www.PresidioSentinel.com

Concert: SDSU Javanese Gamelan - Smith Recital Hall, world music series. 6:00 & 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 The Reuben H Fleet Science Center presents: The Military Goes Green on board the USS Midway - Hear how decreasing the use of fossil fuels and the military’s “carbon boot print” will save lives, lessen risks, and reduce our tactical vulnerability, in a win-win for all concerned. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Open to the public. For more information, visit www.rhfleet.org.

Dec. 6, 7, 14, 21 &28 Moving on Up - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. This five-part intermediate-level training class builds on the good skills learned in Head Start or Puppy Fun Class; hones behaviors to an appropriate level for the Advanced Education class. This class is for dogs 18 weeks old and up. Space is limited. Call 619-299-7012 x2247 for registration.

Dec. 7 Concert: SDSU Symphony Orchestra and Combined Choirs - SDSU, Don Powell Theatre. A showcase of student ensembles featuring the SDSU Symphony Orchestra and combined choirs with conductors Matthew Rowe and Patrick Walders, 7:00 p.m. Third Annual Santa Party and Health Fair - Jacobs Market Creek Plaza on Euclid and Market, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The event will feature educational programs to include dental screening, healthy nutrition, and health resources. Santa will be entertaining children and their families with toys for the children, crafts and refreshments. For more information, call 619-791-200 ext. 305 or email mreyes@ pciglobal.org.

Dec. 10 Holiday Family Day - San Diego Model Railroad Museum, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Get in the spirit of the holidays and join us in your pajamas and enter a magical world full of holiday treats. Come aboard our fantasy Polar Express theme event, have some hot coco, make a bell ornament for all those who believe and visit with Santa. Don’t miss this exciting and educational family day! Activities included in admission price. Saturday Science Club for Girls: Snow Science – For girls in grades 5-8. Investigate exciting science topics as we turn down the thermostat and transform our classroom into a place for icy investigations. Discover why no two snow crystals are alike, examine how frost forms and learn how to make ice cream using freeze-point depression! Must pre-register by calling 619-238-1233 x-806. 12 – 2PM. Jobs For Autism (JFA) presents a benefit concert with Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real, a phenomenal American rock n’ roll band. 8:30 p.m. at the Birch North Park Theater, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego. All proceeds will go to Jobs for Autism, which promotes autism employment support services to help assure a more fulfilling future for those within the spectrum. Tickets will be available at the door or online at www.jobsforautism.com. San Diego Archaeological Center’s 5th Annual Holiday Workshop, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. Participants both young and youngat-heart will enjoy hands-on experiences with clay and raffia, fabric, glue and glitter for constructing Victorian era items. Center volunteers will be on hand to guide the participants with their projects. Festive holiday wrapping will also be available for the participants to keep their gifts a surprise. No reservations are required.

Taste N’ Tinis: Classic cocktail parties will have a new sparkle this season when Hillcrest serves up a spirited approach to the holiday season. Guests will participate in a self-guided walking tour with mouthwatering appetizers and festive beverages from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of the event. Participants must be 21 years old and have a valid ID. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fabuloushillcrest.com or call (619) 233-5008.

Dec. 16 Bach Collegium San Diego presents “Gaudete! Motets and Carols: Old and New”. Performed entirely a cappella, the program represents music from 16th century chant all the way up to 21st century motets. 7:30 p.m., St. Jamesby-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla. For tickets and information, visit www.bachcollegiumsd.org.

Dec. 16 – 18 A Christmas Tabernacle – 3 Day Christmas Festival at Liberty Station! 2 Stages of entertainment, a living Nativity, Santa’s Village, live reindeer, International Christmas Village, themed Christmas Tree Forest, and so much more! 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.AChristmastabernacle.com.

Dec. 17 Bach Collegium San Diego presents “Gaudete! Motets and Carols: Old and New”. Performed entirely a cappella, the program represents music from 16th century chant all the way up to 21st century motets. 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific Beach. For tickets and information, visit www.bachcollegiumsd. org. Really Reliable Recall - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Learn what it takes for your dog to reliably come when called, all the time, any time! Space is limited. Call 619299-7012 x2247 for information and registration.

Leash Walking, Level 2 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Learn the secrets to having your dog walk nicely on-leash in any situation. Space is limited. Call 619-2997012 x2247 for information and registration.

Tim Flannery & Friends in concert on the Star of India - A colorful blend of folk, country and traditional music and storytelling. Gates open at 7:30 pm and the concert begins at 8pm. For tickets and information, visit www.sdmaritime.org/publicevents or call 619-234-9153 ext 101.

Dazzling New Works by Concetta K. Antico – Artist’s Reception: New Works Unveiled – Plein Air & Alla Prima. The Salon of Art, 1920 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www . AnticoFineArt.com.

Rock Church Presents: 15th annual Toys for Joy event - Impact the lives of area children and the San Diego community by providing toys, food and clothing. Abraham Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit www. toys-for-joy.org.

Dec. 11 San Diego Civic Youth Ballet presents our first annual Nutcracker Tea. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and others from the show, 12:30 – 2:00 pm. Tickets are limited, visit www.sdcyb@sdcyb.org or call 619-233-3060. First Aid for Dogs and Cats - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. 1-5 p.m., 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego. This American Red Cross class covers treatments for various pet emergencies, including choking, shock, poisoning and broken bones. Reservations required. Call 619-2433424 or visit www.sdhumane.org for more information.

Dec. 13 Tots and Tales - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. 10:30a.m., 5500 Gaines Street, SD. Bring your preschooler for an interactive story-time complete with animal stories, crafts, and of course, ANIMALS! Reservations required, call 619-243-3432 or visit www.sdhumane.org. Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver from The Marine Room team up with Registered Dietician Candy Cumming for a healthy cooking demonstration. Light appetizers will be served. Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Main Auditorium, 5555 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Free to the public. Seating is limited- registration required. Call 1-800-8274277 or visit www.sharp.com/grossmont.

Dec. 14 Lecture: Military Deployment and Your Pets - Serving your country does not mean you have to lose your pet. Join the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA for information about the different options that are available to our military families and pets. You’ll walk away with invaluable information about the options available for relocating with your pets, as well as tools to creating an emergency plan for your pet. 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., 572 Airport Road, Oceanside. Space is limited. For informationand registration, visit http://bit. ly/rwkBBC.

Dec. 15 Using Flower Essences with Pets Lecture - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. 6:30 - 8 p.m., 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego. With 35 years experience studying and using Flower Essences and 20 years as a Horse Trainer and Animal Behavior Consultant, Meg Harrison will discuss ways to balance, maintain, and repair emotional and mental health. Classes are for people only, please leave your pets at home. To register, call 619-243-3424 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Dec. 17 & 18 The Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala’ Choir will present: The 35th annual Candlelight Presentation of Lessons and Carols. 7:30 PM, 10818 San Diego Mission Road San Diego. This years’ presentation will feature Traditional and New Music set around scripture readings of the Season. For more information, call 619-283-7319.

Dec. 18 IMAX En Español - It’s a Holiday face-off in “Santa vs. The Snowman!” 6PM For more information, visit www.rhfleet.org. See the annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay from the historic ferryboat, Berkeley at the Maritime Museum of San Diego! The parade judges are stationed aboard and the brightly decorated boats pull out all the stops when they pass by. Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet and a nohost bar from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.sdmaritime.org.

Dec. 21 Tots and Tales - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. 10:30 a.m., 572 Airport Road, Oceanside. Bring your preschooler for an interactive story-time complete with animal stories, crafts, and of course, ANIMALS! Reservations required, call 619-243-3432 or visit www.sdhumane. org.

Week of Dec. 26 Advance test screenings of IMAX film Rocky Mountain Express. Retracing the original route on a live steam train, journey through the breathtaking vistas of the Canadian Rockies; relates the epic adventure of building the nation’s first transcontinental railway. Dates & times TBD, visit www.rhfleet.org for more information.

Dec. 26-31 Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater presents: Holiday Workshop with Gabe Masson. Learn modern technique intensive for 6 days. Gabe is an internationally recognized choreographer, performer and teacher. 10:00 - 11:45 am. For more information and to purchase workshop package, call 619-225-1803 or visit www.sandiegodancetheater.org.

Dec. 28 Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Winter Family Day - Kids 12 & under get to make and take home a nautical craft they make themselves. Two kids free with each paying adult, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information call 619-234-9153 ext. 101 or visit www.sdmartime.org.

Classified

Mission Hills Branch Library Mission Hills Book Group

12/1, 10:00-11:00 am The Mission Hills Book Group will discuss On Wings of Eagles by Ken Follett. New members are always welcome to attend and participate! Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.

Monthly Meeting of the Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library

12/1, 6:30-8:00 pm The Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library will hold a monthly meeting at the Mission Hills Community Resource Center at 902 Fort Stockton (northwest corner of Goldfinch and Fort Stockton). Everyone is welcome to attend.

Preschool Storytime

12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 (Every Friday) 10:30-11:00 am Children are invited to a fun storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets.

•AD SALES POSITION• Commissioned sales position for print, video and website ads.

Pajama Storytime

Join an exciting team and rapidly growing company. Sales experience preferred.

12/6, 12/13, 12/20 (Every Tuesday) 6:30-7:00 pm Children are invited to an evening storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets. Feel free to come dressed in your pajamas!

Call 619-481-9817

•CAREGIVER SERVICES•

LEGO Playtime

Need a helping hand?

Seniors, Children, Pets, House Sitting & More

12/7, 12/14, 12/21 (Every Wednesday) 5:00-6:00 pm Kids can have fun and get creative while building with LEGOs.

Great references and experience. Call Mr. Tom at 619-885-9605

Book Sale

12/17, 9:30 am-12:30 pm The Friends of the Mission Hills Branch Library will hold a book sale. Come by and stock up on books while supporting your Library!

Children’s Craft Time

12/17, 10:00 am-noon Kids can enjoy a fun holiday-themed craft time.

Voices for Children is determined to help each and every child in San Diego’s foster care system.

Mission Hills Branch Library 925 West Washington Street San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 692-4910

Meeting this ambitious goal means a CASA volunteer for every foster child who needs one. It means we must have the community’s help.

It means we need you. Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and make a difference in the life of a foster child. Our next Information Session will be held on Wednesday, December 14th at 5:30pm. Go to www.speakupnow.org or call 858-598-2235 for location.

www.PresidioSentinel.com