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LaMesaCourier.com — February 2013
The Sun Shines Sooner… By Pam Crooks This is not just a La Mesa story. It is the story of all of us. As I write this, I am winging my way from San Diego to Washington for the second Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama. I’ve never gone to an inauguration before and I’m very excited. I’m wondering whether we’ll actually be able to see the President and his family in person instead of just on TV (and whether I brought warm enough clothes for several hours of waiting on the Mall for the festivities to begin). But mostly I’m thinking about how remarkable it is to be witnessing this occasion. While there were many wonderful things about the small Southern community I grew up in, I vividly remember racially segregated sections at the one and only movie theater; the “colored” waiting room and drinking fountain at the train station; and the community swimming pool where black children were not allowed to swim during the sweltering Southern summers. There were people living there who were born into slavery, but they went to a church “on the other side of town.” Our schools were integrated when I was in the 9th grade, and I attended what had previously been an all-black high school. To the community’s credit, I do not recall any turmoil over this transition – or at least my friends and I were not aware of it. But what I saw as I walked to school were houses nothing like those in my middle-class neighborhood. I also saw children who racially segregated themselves on the playground and in the lunchroom. Most Baby Boomer parents were kind, tolerant and loving people, who, along with our teachers and religious leaders, taught us the importance of caring for our neighbors and respecting the dignity of every human being. But we were being taught one thing while seeing another, and we knew it was wrong. So I do not think it’s a coincidence that many in my generation marched in the Civil Rights Movement, helped start the Peace Corps and Head Start and led protests against the Vietnam War. Racism wasn’t just happening in the South; it was everywhere. And it has not been eradicated. But in just 50 years, we have made great progress in the United States. I wish you could see what I see as I wait at the airport in Washington D.C. for my ride. It’s a happy chaotic scene, filled with people from all over the country who have flown in for this inauguration. Many are African American families or members of other racially diverse groups. My plane was filled with people on their way to the big celebration, white and black Americans sitting side by side, sharing stories and plans for the coming weekend. There is an air of excitement that I can only describe as infectious as well as an indisputable sense that this is an historic moment that could hardly be imagined 50 years ago. And yet, here I am. I feel like I should pinch myself. Dr. King had a dream; I’m lucky enough to see it being fulfilled in my lifetime.
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Letter from the Editor By Genevieve A. Suzuki
Valentine’s Day, like many of our holidays, has become over-commercialized. As with the other holidays, the stores busted out the decorations and sweetheart-themed merchandise as soon as you could kiss someone “Happy New Year!” There are hearts everywhere now, reminding those of us who have significant others that we need to pen the best poem, deliver the sweetest chocolates and book the most romantic of nights. Rather than give in to the mass-marketed idea of love, however, we should probably step back and take a better look at what we already have at home. Sincerely appreciating our loved ones is better than any Valentine manufactured by Hallmark. After all, time well spent is a gift you can never get back, making it the most valuable and selfless of contributions. Our cooking columnist, Julie White, recently lost her husband of 39 years. Rick White was a familiar face around La Mesa. A retired Grossmont District high school teacher and coach, Rick devoted much of his time to his family and the youth of our community. In addi-
Julie was born and raised in La Mesa and that he and Julie resided in La Mesa on the hill overlooking the Helix campus. Rick was a loyal La Mesan through and through,
and sought to inspire readers with stories of our local athletes. “Maybe you’ve noticed that really good coaches know how to inspire and motivate their athletes beyond what they think they are capable of doing,” wrote Rick. “That’s what I want these articles to focus on – ‘inspiration.’ This is not going to be a column on box scores. Athletes at Helix and Grossmont who have overcome extraordinary odds to achieve success in their sport and their lives – that’s who I want to focus on.” Rick was a coach’s coach. For a parent, the best coach a kid could have is a person who knows it’s not the outcome that matters, but the journey. And while I may not have known Rick personally, I am confident that he lived his life with Julie the way he coached his teams – completely, lovingly and with all of his heart and soul. Rest in peace, Rick. May your spirit and inspiration live on forever.
double within three years, according to Mike. “We’ll probably be at 3,000 cases,” he said with a smile. The new winery will also host events, according to the McWilliams. San Pasqual Winery event coordinator Brenda Nason said she can’t wait to use the new location. La Mesa couldn’t ask for a nicer pair of vintners than the McWilliams. Originally from Chicago, Mike and Linda met
during summer jobs while attending the University of the Pacific. And although the McWilliams are completely devoted to their winery, they haven’t quit their day jobs – Linda is a speech pathologist for Emerald and Hillsdale middle schools and Mike is a research psychologist with the U.S. Navy. The McWilliams formally entered the world of wine in February 2006 when they
Rick White, 1949-2012
Winery, from page 2 breweries and micro wineries. It also allowed for a conditional use permit for commercial areas. In November 2012, the council unanimously passed the ordinance, making way for the up-and-coming La Mesa-based San Pasqual winery, which is slated to open in June or July. The McWilliams are excited to move the winery to La Mesa. The larger venue will allow for production to
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tion to having coached football at Christian High in El Cajon, Valhalla and Granite Hills, Rick was also involved in track, basketball and baseball. “During my career, I certainly had my shares of ups and downs, wins and losses, but my constant desire was to inspire students and athletes to become the best that they could be,” wrote Rick in his inaugural sports column for La Mesa Courier. Rick proudly added that
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