The Peninsula Beacon, December 15th, 2011

OCEAN BEACH HOLIDAY SECTION starts on page 7

San Diego Community Newspaper Group

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

www.SDNEWS.com Volume 26, Number 27

USPS again eyes Midway Post Office for closure

KEEPING A LOOKOUT FOR CRIME

26-acre site drew few viable bids in round 1

BY PATRICIA WALSH | THE BEACON

HOW MUCH THEY HANDLE

Location. Location. Location.

Mail processed in San Diego in the As it turns out, the U.S. Postal Service post office’s 2011 fiscal year: Originating from San Diego: planned well when it built the Midway Letters: 2,409,050,641 Processing and Distribution Center in Flats: 215,219,480 1979 on Midway Drive.

Packages: 77,922,817 The facility is on a generous-size lot in Arriving to San Diego: a good neighborhood — 26 acres in Letters: 4,891,102,817 Loma Portal; its nearby neighbor is pracFlats: 399,693,321 tically royalty — the Marine Corps Packages: 95,238,999 Recruit Depot is on the list of national — Source: U.S. Postal Service historic landmarks; and it’s just minutes from two major freeways and San Diego International Airport. be up for grabs again as part of the The Midway Post Office was put up postal service’s plan to get back in the for sale in 2010 then taken off the mar- black. ket when no viable buyers came forSEE MIDWAY, Page 5 ward. Now, the facility and its land may

The 26-acre Midway Processing and Distribution Center on Midway Drive was put on the sales block in 2010, then taken off when no viable buyer or buyers stepped forward. With the U.S. Postal Service entering dire straits in 2011 and beyond, the facility is once again Photo by Patricia Walsh I The Beacon on the market.

The new $200,000 Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower (MUST) vehicle purchased by the San Diego Police Department was tested in Ocean Beach in late November for its off-road capabilities and wind stability. The unit is expected to be used in multiple crowdPhoto by Jim Grant I The Beacon control and surveillance circumstances.

SDPD buys, tests a ‘must-have’ surveillance tool for officers

BY MARIKO LAMB | THE BEACON The San Diego Police Department has enlisted the help of a new device intended to increase visibility and response time in busy, crowded areas — including the tourist-filled beach communities — to make policing more efficient.

The cutting-edge contraption — officially called a Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower, (MUST) — is a fourwheel-drive van with an observation tower that rises 25 feet above the van’s roof, providing the officer in command with an bird’s-eye perch and a 360degree line of vision.

The observation capsule atop the tower can be fully deployed in two min-

utes, can withstand winds of up to 40 mph and can accommodate recordable digital or thermal-imaging camera systems, communication and radio equipment, and a computing workstation. The capsule can even accommodate two people, said police officials.

The $200,000 regional-purpose vehicle is built by Dallas-based TerraHawk LLC. “The MUST can be used in a variety of situations where mobility is key, as this is a self-propelled mobile observation platform to perform commandand-control functions at events,” said San Diego police Lt. Andra Brown.

She said MUST could be used to observe and take control of situations at the beach on a crowded holiday

weekend, in the Qualcomm parking lot during football season, local malls for shopper security during the holidays, downtown parades and galas, or assisting in the backcountry during wildfires.

After the vehicle was spotted in Ocean Beach in late November, Brown said she received inquiries regarding its potential use to detect undocumented persons entering the U.S. by way of the beach.

She said the vehicle was being tested in November for its off-road capabilities and wind stability, not for immigration interdiction.

“The vehicle has four-wheel drive SEE UNIT Page 13

OB planners put feet down over variances for out-of-place projects

BY TONY DE GARATE | THE BEACON The 5100 block of West Point Loma Avenue is threatening to become the “epicenter” of bulky, out-of-scale development in Ocean Beach, according to the chairman of the Ocean Beach Planning Board (OBPB).

For the third time in recent years, a property owner wants to tear down one of the concrete, low-rise duplexes on the block and replace it with a stylish, threestory, single-family home. And also for the third time, the planners are pushing back, said OBPB Chairman Giovanni Ingolia.

The board, sanctioned by the San Diego City Council to gather citizen input on land use and quality of life issues, voted 9-0 to deny the project at its monthly meeting on Dec. 7. The reason, Ingolia said, is that the proposal, like the two that preceded it, requests a variance that would allow the square footage of the living quarters to be substantially greater than allowed by current zoning.

“I’m not against rebuilding within the rules and regulations of the zoning base laws,” Ingolia said, contacted after the meeting. “[But] everyone needs to play by SEE VARIANCES, Page 13

2

NEWS

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

Poring over solutions to stormwater runoff dilemma

BY TONY DE GARATE | THE BEACON Ocean Beach is addicted to the pipe and in need of intervention.

Want proof ? Look what happens when it rains hard, as it did early this week. In a conventional stormwater system like the one in place in Ocean Beach, a series of drains and pipes is designed to collect the water and get rid of it as quickly as possible.

But in areas like Newport Avenue, rain gushes down roof tops and out of rain gutters that lead to nowhere in particular, bouncing off sidewalks and into streets, overwhelming storm drains and leaving business owners scrambling to lay down sand bags as water spills over and covers the sidewalks.

This out-of-control surplus water becomes a toxic soup as it rushes to a storm drain, picking up dog feces, car oil, pesticides, trash, brake linings and anything else it absorbs on its way to the ocean.

But a new vision is being developed that could change this scene.

Imagine this: street asphalt replaced at strategic intersections with a paving material that actually allows rainwater to soak into the ground before it reaches a storm drain.

Or this: take an area in front of a red curb where no cars can park anyway — like the north side of Newport Avenue just west of the Arco gas station. Turn it into a “street garden” with native vegetation that holds water and

Ocean Beach makes for an ideal location for a [stormwater runoff control] project because it sits at the western edge of the San Diego River watershed, and Newport Avenue itself is a “micro-watershed” that runs all the way east to the top of the hill at Venice Street and feeds directly into the ocean and the river. filters out pollutants.

These small projects — the students who came up with them call them “interventions” — reflect a new way of thinking about stormwater collection and means of repellent.

The concept is known as low-impact design (LID), and a forum sponsored

by San Diego Coastkeeper themed “Signs of the Tide – Put a LID on Pollution” attracted more than 50 people last week at the Electric Ladyland Art and Music Center.

It’s an idea that began to take hold in the late 1990s as the link between declining ocean water quality and untreated stormwater became increasingly apparent, said Gabriel Solmer, advocacy director of San Diego Coastkeeper.

“Along came a new, old idea: mimicking Mother Nature so we can retain that stormwater and not let it run off,” Solmer said.

It was Coastkeeper that sought out

the NewSchool of Architecture and Design to work with the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association and develop a real-world project, said Leslie Ryan, the founding chair of the school’s landscape architecture program.

Ocean Beach makes for an ideal location for a project because it sits at the western edge of the San Diego River watershed, and Newport Avenue itself is a “micro-watershed” that runs all the way east to the top of the hill at Venice Street and feeds directly into the ocean and the river, Ryan said.

San Diego is by no means lagging in LID, but neither is it a leader, said Bill Harris of the city’s Transportation and Storm Water Department. Many other cities make much greater use of rain barrels, planted roofs, cisterns and reused stormwater. But a handful of pilot projects here have shown promise, Harris said.

In La Jolla’s Kellogg Park, for instance, stormwater entering the beach from the parking lot has been reduced because of the installation of permeable pavement and bioswales, which can be thought of a “great big ditch” lined with grass and surrounded by native plants, said 10News weatherman Robert Santos, who moderated the forum.

Next year, the city will begin offering rebates for rain barrel purchases, Harris said.

For more information, call (619) 758-7743, or visit www.sdcoastkeeper.org.

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Girl Scouts and other local youngsters were intrigued by this animated “Electric Giraffe” during the 32nd annual Ocean Beach Christmas Parade winding its way down Newport Avenue on Dec. 3. Russell the Giraffe wiggles its ears, speaks and is the product of a six-year, $40,000 art project by its creator, Lindsay Lawlor. Lawlor said Russell became “a project that got completely out of hand” — much to the amusement of children and adults alike as the computerized, self-propelled robot navigated the parade route. Thousands of onlookers got a big thrill when the 10-foot-long, 17-foot-high robot lit up the cold winter night in Ocean Beach.

When the children rushed out to pet the robot’s nose, Russell would giggle and say, “Oh, that tickles!” Russell will soon be transformed, once again, with a fully segmented neck that can move in all directions. The robot’s head and teeth are the exact dimensions of a real Photo by Mike McCarthy I The Beacon giraffe. Lawlor can be contacted at electricgiraffe@gmail.com.

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NEWS

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

3

Fire erupts in RV, homeless owner injured parked in front of The James Gang printgraphics store on Bacon Street at the Flames erupted around this recreation- intersection with Santa Monica Avenue. al vehicle during the early morning hours The RV’s owner, described by fire offiof Dec. 8 in Ocean Beach, gutting the cials as a middle-age homeless man, was vehicle and sending its homeless owner to rushed to UCSD Medical Center with the hospital with severe burns, accord- severe burns across his entire body. The ing to investigators. victim, whose identity was not immediWhen firefighters arrived, the flames ately released, was said to be alive, but — apparently triggered by the explosion not coherent. of a propane tank or bottle — had fully Fire crews extinguished the blaze in engulfed the front of the RV as it was less than a half-hour, and arson has not

BY BIANCA KOCH | THE BEACON

been ruled out. said investigators.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the SDPD’s Western Division at (619) 692-4800.

Damage to the recreational vehicle is estimated at $8,000, according to fire department spokesman Maurice Luque.

Damage was also estimated at $5,000 to a nearby AT&T pole and wires, along with an additional $2,000 in damage to the storefront window of The James Gang store.

SDUSD regains traction after state cuts downgraded

BY PATRICIA WALSH | THE BEACON Doomsday will have to wait for the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) — at least until 2012, if it comes at all.

As it prepared for the final school board meeting of the year on Dec. 13, SDUSD trustees learned that mid-year cuts from the state of California had been scaled back to $7 million, not $30 million as originally projected. However, the district is still in a holding pattern as it waits for more news in January on the state budget from Gov. Jerry Brown.

At its meeting Tuesday, the school board adopted a preliminary budget for the 2012-13 school year. The budget includes using proceeds from real-estate sales, reaching into reserves and eliminating 15 vacant nonteaching positions.

However, that still leaves a $73 million shortfall for the 2012-13 school year, another budget gap that will have to be resolved in the new year. The board has until June 30 to approve a final budget.

SDUSD Superintendent Bill Kowba said the school board is committed to maintaining financial solvency and will do all it can to safeguard K-12 education.

In other business, the board closed the book on a school realignment and clo-

sure plan that was set in motion in October by the state’s projected revenue cuts.

What started as a plan to close 14 schools citywide ended as a five-point plan with one school OK’d for closure in Point Loma.

The school board gave the go-ahead to close the Barnard Elementary School site once the Mandarin Chinese language program that uses the school finds another facility in the district where it can grow into a Pacific Rim language academy. The Mandarin language program will likely remain at Barnard for the 2012-13 school year, district officials said.

The board also approved a proclamation for the Mandarin program that will help it continue to secure grants and independent funding.

The district hopes to generate about $21 million in revenue by the combined sale of the Barnard site; the Mission Beach administrative site near Belmont Park; and Bay Terraces 11, an empty lot in Southeast San Diego.

The district also expects to save $2.3 million in Proposition S money that it would have spent to renovate Barnard.

Other actions the board took that affect Point Loma cluster schools: Swimming facilities: The trustees

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approved an agreement with the Peninsula Family YMCA for Point Loma High School (PLHS) students to use the swimming facility for practices and games. Fire erupted around this recreational vehicle in Ocean Beach in the wee hours of Dec. 8, Photo by Bianca Koch I The Beacon Because the school does not have an on- sending the homeless owner to the hospital with severe burns. campus pool and there is a lack of city pools available, PLHS students have used various pools over the years for the swimming program. The YMCA swimming facilities at 4390 Valeta St. will be SAN DIEGO, A new report has about the factors involved before used for PLHS practices and games from just been released which identifies you buy.

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4

NEWS

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

Point Loma Assembly puts out call for new members to carry on 100-year tradition The holiday season began for the historic Point Loma Assembly on Dec. 1 when its members held a grand tea event at their Assembly Hall, located at 3035 Talbot St. The sterling silver tea-and-coffee sets sparkled, and trays of tea sandwiches and cookies were displayed in the festive room.

The members of the assembly welcomed prospective new members to the clubhouse to encourage more Point Loma residents to get to know the assembly.

The Point Loma Assembly is marking its 100-year anniversary. The organization was originally formed as a local “improvement society” for the benefit and development of the community. Land was donated for a facility by Frank S. Jennings, and fundraising begun shortly after the assembly’s first meeting on Nov. 6, 1911.

The building was completed in September 1914 and has provided a meeting place in the community ever since. The clubhouse has been used for youth groups, as a polling place, for PTA meetings for Cabrillo School just across Talbot Street from the hall, for Mr. Benjamins cotillion, civic meetings, parties and other activities.

During World War I, the Point Loma Assembly clubhouse was turned into Red Cross workrooms for sewing and knitting.

During World War II, the building was

Members of the Point Loma Assembly.

Courtesy photo

made into a Red Cross distribution center for all of Point Loma for sewing, knitting hospital slippers and for surgical dressings. Classes were held in first-aid and nutrition.

The building was also used for civilian defense meetings, Coast Guard volunteer port security classes and other war activities. During the years following 1946, the Point Loma Assembly continued its civic, social and educational projects and remains an active part of the community today.

Time and use, however, have taken a toll on the building and there is a need for restoration and repairs. Residents interested in learning more about this Point Loma icon and about participating in the Point Loma Assembly are urged to call (619) 226-1333.

— Contribution

PUBLIC MURALS BRIGHTEN OLD TOWN GATEWAY TO POINT LOMA City officials unveiled a grand, multi-panel set of public murals on Rosecrans Street on Dec. 7, taking stock of the beautiful gateway between Old Town and Point Loma directly under the Interstate 5 overpass. Above, District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer and Janice Weinrick, deputy executive director of the San Diego Redevelopment Agency, admire a newly-painted mural. Right, Faulconer walks a panel with Mayor Jerry Sanders. Below, Sal Barajas Jr. assisted his father, Sal, in painting the murals.

Photos by Don Balch I The Beacon

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NEWS MIDWAY CONTINUED FROM Page 1

On Dec. 5, the USPS announced it must reduce its operating costs by $20 billion by 2015 to return to profitability.

To achieve that goal, the postal service may reduce mail standards, meaning it would take longer for mail to be delivered, and close 252 of its 487 processing centers nationwide — among them the Midway Post Office.

“The Midway processing facility is very underutilized. There are few operations there,” said Eva Jackson, USPS spokeswoman. “There’s also a misconception that the facility is a distribution center.”

It’s not, Jackson said.

Today, all mail dropped off at the Midway Post Office is sent 20 miles north to the Margaret L. Sellers Processing Center on Rancho Carmel Drive, which was opened in 1993 to replace the Midway facility. Mail destined for the 15 ZIP codes served by the Midway Post Office is then returned pre-sorted for carriers to pick up and deliver.

Some mail arriving to San Diego is processed at Midway. According to Jackson, priority and express mail and some machine-sorted mail is handled at Midway. There are 347 employees at the facility.

The Midway Post Office is mostly a retail operation, with post office boxes available for rent, passport services, package mailing and stamp sales.

“If we sell the property, we’ll probably negotiate to maintain the retail,” Jackson said. “If not, we’ll move it to a storefront in the area. The community is not going to lose postal service.”

What will undoubtedly change if the site is sold is the use of the property.

At this point, what that will be is anybody’s guess.

In 2010, USPS teamed up with CB Ellis to sell the site. At that time, a USPS consultant estimated the potential property value of the Midway Post Office site to be $62.5 million if it was used for private industrial use. The value was presented at the Sept. 8, 2010 meeting of the North Bay Community Planning Group.

A local nonprofit group called Amikas came forward with a bid to use the land as a homeless center. The concept was quickly jettisoned. There was also a rumor the site was being considered for a Costco store. The sale quickly fizzled and the property was taken off the market.

If the Peninsula Woman’s Club has its way, the site would serve the senior citizen population.

Club members have petitioned local planning boards and City Hall with their concept. But like everyone else, they are long on ideas and short on cash.

“We need an angel or a partner to come forward to help us out,” said Ruth Sewell of the Peninsula Woman’s Club.

“We would like to have a recreation area and senior housing with assisted and independent living. The land is convenient to everything and everybody, and it could be developed very nicely.”

After all, it is in the perfect location.

MIDWAY POST OFFICE EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS 2535 Midway Drive San Diego CA 92110 • Thursday, Dec. 15: 7 a.m. to 11p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 17: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 19: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Vintage city trolley line rides again for history romantics

BY JOHNNY MCDONALD | THJE BEACON On weekends and some holidays, San Diegans can enjoy the clangs of historical transportation with nostalgic rides on rails again.

Street cars reminiscent of those that once traveled over 163 miles of tracks here will run on a downtown loop formed by portions of the current Orange and Blue trolley lines. They are among a group of former San Francisco cars located in a Lake Tahoe storage area.

Although the local officials in 1981 may have felt they had reinvented the wheel with the swifter, bright-red trolley system now in use, the vintage electric lines did a serviceable job, too. They were rendered obsolete by a more maneuverable bus system. The big rail cars just got in the way, particularly on Broadway.

In April 1949, three streetcars made predawn runs — their last. And in those early hours, railway fans viewed the system’s end with sadness.

A month later, workmen removed the trolley overhead on the loop at Union Station. Operations involved covering the tracks with black top where rails and steel ties were embedded in concrete.

A fleet of new shiny buses was prepared to take over the runs to El Cajon, Mission Hills, Coronado and Mission Beach.

San Diego’s early rail system had been a merry ride since 1888, when only 16,150 citizens remained in town after the Great Depression busted the boom.

Commercial buildings, well-designed sewerage systems, and horse-car and steam-motor lines had been installed during a financial upswing, but much of the quick construction was shoddy.

An open-horse car on D Street (now Broadway) at Fifth Avenue bore the sign: “This car for Park Belt Motor Road.” At

18th and A Street, the horses were taken off and a steam motor took over, hauling the horse car around the portion of the loop to Fifth and Fir. Then, the motor cut off and horses finished the run. Length of the line was a little over 10 miles.

The Electric Rapid Transit operated — more or less successfully — an experimental line on Arctic Street to Old Town.

There was even a cable car service up and down Fifth Avenue. The trolley consisted of a frame with a pair of grooved wheels placed horizontally on each side.

Breakdowns and interferences were common, disrupting traffic while mischievous youngsters threw stones at the trolley wires. A direct hit brought a resounding zing, scaring horses and disturbing the tranquility of nearby residents.

J.D. Spreckels, who emerged as San Diego’s chief benefactor, was named director, and his brother A.B. was president of the railway system. The purpose of this corporation was to construct, purchase, maintain and operate the line.

Provisions were made for the acquisition of the San Diego Street Car Company. The name San Diego Electric Railway Company would continue unchanged until the sale of the properties in 1948.

J.D. Spreckels stepped in to give San Diego one of the finest electric streetcar systems for any American town its size.

The railroad’s original network consisted of five routes: • Fifth Avenue and Logan Heights lines • First Avenue and D Street lines • Depot line • Ferry Line • K Street shuttle In Richard V. Dodges’ 1960 book, “Rails of the Silver Gate,” Spreckels was quoted, saying, “It was just plain business sense. The city would not grow without an abundant water supply and adequate streetcar facilities.”

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

5

A LOOK AT SAN DIEGO’S POSTAL HISTORY San Diego’s main post office and mail processing facility wasn’t always located on Midway Drive and has had many homes throughout the city’s history.

• 1850: The first post office is established in San Diego on the northeast corner of the Old Town Plaza at Mason and Calhoun streets. San Diego has a population of 650 at this time.

• April 9, 1850: Richard Rust is appointed the first postmaster of San Diego. All citizens pick up their mail at the post office.

• April 6, 1869: Dr. Jacob Allen becomes postmaster of the “New Town” Post Office, located in a drug store on the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and F Street.

• Dec. 23, 1869: Freeman Gates became postmaster of San Diego and opens the post office in the Dunham Building on F Street between F and G streets. San Diego has a population of 2,300 at this time.

• 1876: Space in the San Diego Union

Building at Sixth Avenue and F Street is used as the main post office.

• 1885: The first transcontinental train arrives in San Diego, bringing mail from the East Coast. San Diego’s population is now 35,000.

• Oct. 3, 1887: The letter carrier system of free delivery is inaugurated in San Diego. Four of the first carriers were Joseph E. Coulthrust, Charles E. Lamb, B.E. Hinman, and Jerome V. Scofield.

• Oct. 18, 1887: San Diego letter carriers receive uniforms.

• 1888: The Brewster Hotel, located on the southeast corner of Fourth Avenue and C Street, rents space to the post office.

• 1890: San Diego post office moves to a new five-story St. James Hotel on the northwest corner of Seventh Avenue and F Street.

• 1913: The first facility built for the sole purpose of being a post office in San Diego is finished and located at 325 West F St.

• 1938: The main post office moves to Sixth Avenue and E Street in downtown San Diego.

• Aug. 19, 1972: Midway Processing and Distribution Center opens at 2535 Midway Drive as San Diego’s main post office.

• 1993: Carmel Mountain Ranch processing facility opens at 1251 Rancho Carmel Drive.

• 2006: USPS experiences a significant drop in mail volume. The change is attributed to a faltering economy and increased use of technology for bill paying and communication.

• 2010: USPS lists the Midway Post Office for sale and then takes it off the market when no viable buyer comes forward.

• Dec. 5, 2011: USPS announces it needs to consolidate operations by 2015 to save $20 billion. Midway Post Office is among 252 facilities nationwide eyed for closure.

• 2011: San Diego’s population is 1.3 million.

— Source: U.S. Postal Service

6

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

OPINION

GUEST VIEW

Red Cross offers tips for 12 days of holiday safety

By TERI KLEMCHUCK, American Red Cross Having a busy time getting ready for the holidays? While everyone is shopping, baking, gift-wrapping, decorating and going to parties, the American Red Cross, San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter has several ideas to think about.

• Prepare the vehicle for traveling to grandmother’s house.

Build an emergency kit and include items like blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares and a tow rope.

• D rive the sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm. If travel is a must, let someone know the destination, the route being taken to get there and how long it should take to arrive. If the car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined route.

• Help prevent the spread of the f lu. Stay home if you are sick.

Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible, or use an alcoholbased hand rub. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, someone should cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hands.

• Follow Santa’s fashion lead – dress in layers. When it’s cold outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep a person warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.

• Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when needed and monitor safe play. Some may be certified in infant and child CPR. • Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If leaving the kitchen

— even for a short period of time — turn off the stove. This is important because unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires.

• Be a lifesaver during the holidays. The Red Cross recommends at least one person in every household should take first-aid and CPR/AED training. Visit www.redcross.org/training for details and to register.

• D esignate a driver or sk ip the holiday cheer. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired. If someone plans to drink alcoholic beverages, designate a driver who won’t drink.

• When the weather outside is frightful, heat the home safely.

Never use a stove or oven to heat the home. Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms.

• Cut down on heating bills without being a Grinch. Get the furnace cleaned and change the filters. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking the heat vents. Close off any rooms not in use and turn off the heat in those rooms. Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater.

• Home for the holidays? Travel safely. Check the tire air pressure and make sure the windshield fluid is full. Be well-rested and alert. Give full attention to the road and avoid distractions like cell phones. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

• Resolve to be Red Crossready in the New Year. Get ready now in case someone in the household faces an emergency in 2012.

— Teri Klemchuk is the communications coordinator for the American Red Cross, San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter. For more information about the American Red Cross, its programs or to support the chapter, call (858) 309-1200, or visit www.sdarc.org.

You can also connect with them on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

“ I can help market your business” Marketing your business can be challenging, especially during these slower economic times.

I have been in print advertising for over 30 years and worked extensively helping small to medium size businesses create effective advertising within their budgets.

There are many considerations you should take when creating an advertising campaign. First and foremost, make sure you understand how the advertising vehicle can work for you.

Community newspapers provide strong, viable marketing vehicles because they deliver what dailies and other sources do not– local news.

With more than 90 percent receivership and readership – you know those are very good odds to combine with an effective marketing campaign.

Here’s where I can help. I will gladly meet with you and discuss your marketing challenges answer your questions and help you develop a strategy that will help you reach your short-term and long-term goals for increasing business.

Please give me a call, any time. My door is always open, or I’ll come see you! And I can assure you that there will be no pressure to buy.

Hopefully, I can help you market your business in a more effective manner and provide tips from my 30 years of advertising and marketing experience, whether you utilize our community newspapers or not.

Sometimes the good things in life are free.

Julie Hoisington Publisher, owner

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Public beach bathroom plans frustrate reader Re: “Getting a handle on wintertime public restroom options in OB,” Dec. 8 Peninsula Beacon, Page 2: Your article [by Beacon writer Bianca Koch] answers a question. For more than three years, I have been contacting District 2 City Councilman Kevin Falconer's office to find out when the demolished permanent restrooms [on Brighton Street] would be rebuilt.

The first estimate was it would take 18 months. After that, I received answers of, “We're working on it,” “Design had to be redone” and “Looking for funding.”

Supposedly they were demolished because they were unsafe. The bathrooms at the main lifeguard tower look like something from a third-world country.

This city says it is trying to attract tourism [by doing things] like placing Embarcadero. America's Cup Harbor has been refurbished and it looks nice!

Why is OB so neglected? I even wrote to the [Ocean Beach] Planning Board, but no one responded. I guess the answer is: “We won't rebuild the restrooms because they attract transients.”

The old building only had four or five stalls — plenty to fill the need at the beach — and there was an area with a shower and cement benches where a person could change clothes and go home dry.

The area was open to the sky and did not attract homeless sleeping in bad weather. So what’s the plan? Make OB so unattractive that only transients will visit?

I've lived here for more than 40 years and have enjoyed the beach up until recently as Ocean Beach deteriorates. All the planning board is interested in is stopping nice buildings from being built. Isn’t anyone interested in improving things?

Betsy Smith Frustrated Ocean Beach resident

shore with its people playing in the surf.

A three-story condo project will create a huge obstruction to the open view, as well as increase traffic problems, and create inaccessibility to that portion of the beach from Abbott Street.

When I was on the OBPB in the mid1990s, we received several requests to develop that particular section of the beach. We followed the Ocean Beach Master Plan, which prohibits commercial and other development on that section of the beach. In fact, the existing structures west of Abbott were grandfathered in, and any future development on that site was expressly prohibited by the Ocean Beach Master Plan.

Ocean Beach will lose one of its only open areas along the beach when this condo project develops. A huge barrier to our view of the beach will be erected right in the heart of what is symbolically and, in reality, Ocean Beach’s greatest assets: its beachfront, surfing, swimming and sunset-enjoying community.

Shame on the OBPB for selling out to individual and commercial interests and stealing from its community our most cherished beachfront!

It’s time to wake up, Ocean Beach

Bonnie Bade von Westphalen Ocean Beach

As a longtime resident of Ocean Beach, I am dismayed by the Ocean Beach Planning Board’s (OBPB) failure to honor the integrity of our beachfront on Abbott Street. By approving a 10-unit, three-story condo project on the west side of Abbott Street and just north of the parking lot at the lifeguard tower, the OBPB has wiped out decades of local struggle to keep an open view and free feeling along our precious shores.

Though the space is currently occupied by a few single-story beach rentals and an abandoned restaurant, local residents and visiting admirers of our lovely Ocean Beach can walk or ride along Abbott Street and see the ocean, pier and

One giant leap for childhood obesity According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 12.5 million children and adolescents are obese in the United States, with the prevalence almost tripling since 1980. These numbers are horrifying, yet food companies are celebrating a recent win in the weakening of regulations for junk-food advertising aimed at children. But they aren’t stopping there, with hopes of dissolving the regulations entirely.

To what rate does obesity have to rise in order for food lobbyists to acknowl-

L A J OLLA V ILLAGE N EWS B EACH & B AY P RESS P ENINSULA B EACON D OWNTOWN N EWS

edge their role in the childhood obesity epidemic and back off?

Advertisers hold a high hand in their influence over consumers. They have incredible potential for promoting healthy diet and lifestyles, yet they chose to use their power for evil. Sure, we all fall victim to food marketing and shiny labels, but the difference between us as adults is that we have the knowledge and understanding to make decisions knowing the health effects.

Children, however, though aware of advertising and choices, lack the understanding and self-efficacy to know that what they put in their bodies affects their ability to grow strong and healthy. Having “Cars” character fruit snacks in their lunchboxes far outweighs whether or not those snacks are going to lead to obesity.

It’s argued that food lobbyists aren’t supporting and promoting childhood obesity, but rather looking out for the livelihood of their companies and product sustainability. The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University states that $10 million is spend by food marketers each year to reach children — yes, this number is just advertising to children — through television, radio ads and newspapers. Why not do something good with your power for once, and use even a portion of this money to improve the health content of your products, still leaving plenty left over for advertising ploys.

Childhood obesity is not going to go away overnight. This win for food marketers is a heavy blow to the public health of our nation.

What will it take for food companies to think with their heads and not with their wallets, and do something respectable with their influence over children?

Krysta Peterson Ocean Beach

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PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR

JULIE HOISINGTON

PHOTOGRAPHERS

KEVIN MCKAY (x131)

OPINIONS

BEACH & BAY PRESS PENINSULA BEACON

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DON BALCH, JIM GRANT, PAUL HANSEN, MIKE MCCARTHY

The opinions expressed on the Opinion Page do not necessarily reflect those of this paper or the San Diego Community Newspaper Group. To submit a signed letter or guest column, please e-mail the respective publication’s editor (at right) or send to 4645 Cass Street, San Diego, CA, 92109.

We reserve the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, brevity and liability.

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COPYRIGHT© 2011 All rights are reserved. This newspaper is printed in the United States of America with soy inks and recycled paper.

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THE PENINSULA BEACON | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 | PAGE 7

PAGE 8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 | THE PENINSULA BEACON

Everything You Want for Christmas right here in Ocean Beach Holiday Cheer • Friendly People • Great Food Unique Shopping • Festive Atmosphere www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

Silver Medal Auto Repair

! s y a d i l o H y p p Ha

Wishing you & your family the Best this Holiday Season & In The New Year ahead.

From your local community hardware store.

619-224-2929

Ocean Beach Paint & Hardware Problem Solvers Since 1919 4871 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach (619) 223-3083

1946 Bacon St. Ocean Beach Visit us at www.sunsetgarageob.com

SHOP LOCAL AND IMPROVE THE ECONOMY! How much of your shopping dollar is retained in your community?

6 cents of every dollar spent with a Big Box retailer is retained/recirculated in a community.

Source: Rocky Mountain Institute 20 cents of every dollar spent with a chain store is retained/recirculated in a community.

Source: Small Business Administration 60 cents of every dollar spent with a sole proprietorship is retained/recirculated in a community.

Source: Small Business Administration.

Reprinted from Barbara Wold, Professional Speaker’s email.

HELP SUPPORT OCEAN BEACH – SHOP LOCAL!

Do-it-yourself washing, drying & grooming with top quality products Jingle-bell collars, and holiday bandanas for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa

DOG BEACH DOG WASH 4933 Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach 619-523-1700 www.dogwash.com HOURS: 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week Open Christmas: 8 am to 1 pm

Wide selection of canine floating toys, holiday squeakers, soft cuddly toys, and plenty of ropes and chews Unique gifts for dog lovers such as games, puzzles and Pet Blinkers

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ONE AND ALL!

CHRISTMAS IN OB

9

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

Ocean Beach celebrates holiday season with storefront light pizzazz

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs.

Photo by Liz Greene

Members of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA) are lighting up the neighborhood this year, participating in a new kind of holiday decorating contest.

The inaugural program, called “Celebrate with Lights,” was conceived as a way to group business owners together to participate in a light-based holiday decorating contest.

Residents are encouraged to take a drive through Ocean Beach at night to see the lights and check out the hard work of the merchants.

Carol Ladiges, owner of Lighthouse Ice Cream, originally came to the OBMA’s Promotion Committee with the idea.

“What better way for people to enjoy our community and shops during the holidays?,” she asked.

“It’s always so fun to turn a corner and find yourself on a street filled with lights. Why couldn’t our businesses do that too?”

The businesses were approached by members of the Promotion Committee and, in each of the

nine business sections, a business owner stepped up to volunteer to rally their neighbors.

“It’s been a very successful contest for [being] the first year, with half of the sections getting 50 percent or more of their neighbors to participate,” said Tevia Schriebman, chairwoman of the Promotion Committee and owner of Wizard of Paws.

Congratulations to the businesses in the winning section — No. 9 — for all of their participation and hard work, and a special thanks to Matt Kalla and Reka Katona (Matt Kalla Insurance Agency) and the Section 9 Leaders for motivating your neighbors.

Section 9 includes businesses in the Catalina Boulevard/Voltaire Street/Chatsworth Boulevard business district.

This section ncludes the following businesses: • The Reunion • Zed Electric • To the Point • CJ’s Bakery • Whyte’s Antique Furniture

• Matt Kalla Insurance • Cabrillo Pet Hospital • Coastal Sage Botany • Hostelling International Point Loma • Embassy Dry Cleaners • Coconut Peet’s Surfboard Repair • Sunshine Liquor • VCA Peninsula Animal Hospital • Preferred by Pets • Stump’s • The Venetian • European Cake Gallery • Paper Moon Music • Karen’s Consignments • Alexander’s Upholstery • Pelletier Co. • B Wood Insurance • Flowers of Pt. Loma • Pacific View Realty

Details SalonSpa

Photo by Joe Ewing

Stumps

Photo by Joe Ewing

VCA Animal Hospital

Photo by Joe Ewing

A special nod from OBMA goes to the following businesses that went above and beyond: The Inn at Sunset Cliffs and Details SalonSpa.

— Special to The Beacon from OBMA

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PAGE 10 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 | THE PENINSULA BEACON

Everything You Want for Christmas right here in Ocean Beach Santa Comes to O.B. Dec 17,24 11AM-1PM • Newport & Abbot OB Craft Fair Dec 17, 24 • 9AM-3PM • Farmer’s Market Every Wednesday, 4-7PM Food & Toy Drive 5PM Dec 15, 16 PL Methodist Church

www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

NEWPORT PIZZA & ALE HOUSE

A Consistent Award Winning German Restaurant

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Open at 2pm Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Large menu selection, including such favorites as Roasted Duck, Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten and Rouladen of Beef.

Plus Steaks & Seafood. Daily Special. Full bar and Biergarten. Extensive selection of German beer on tap.

We invite you to join us during the holidays.

Open for lunch & dinner Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve.

We make shopping easy with a wide range of plant-powered gift sets for everyone on your list - all within your budget.

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or purchase a Gift Certificate good for any of our Salon Services or Aveda products.

PIZZA BY THE SLICE • FREE DELIVERY IN OB PIZZA/BEER

Open Fri, Sat, & Sun for lunch.

Dinner served Tues-Sun.

www.detailssalonspa.com 4993 Niagara Ave., Suite #205 • Ocean Beach 619.222.6777

5050 NEWPORT AVE. OCEAN BEACH • 619.224.4540

2253 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego 619-224-0606 • Kaiserhoffrestaurant.com

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Gift Certificates Available

mas! with costumes, sexy lingerie, fashion and accessories, t is r h C y r r e M dresses, shoes, fun gifts and more!

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Season’s Greetings!

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elaine dill studio for hair 3657 voltaire street san diego, ca. 92106 619.222.3455 tues-fri 10-6 sat 9-3 evenings by appointment We offer the latest trends - Feather Extentions!

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Over 30 Years in OB! Formerly at 1955 Bacon St. Randy Green

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CHRISTMAS IN OB

11

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

MIXING IT UP WITH ONE OF OB’S NEW BUSINESSES The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA) held a social mixer event for merchants and guests on Dec. 8 to welcome a new business in town — Therapie Day Spa on 4985 Voltaire St. Among the hostesses and participants were Therapie Day Spa esthetician (photo left) Jess Sullivan and owner Kelly Robinson. Above are businesswoman Jan Mink, OBMA Executive Director Denny Knox, OBMA 2nd Vice Photos by Joe Ewing President Mike Akey and OBMA President Barb Iacometti.

Happy Holidays from

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Nati’s Mexican Restaurant

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4926 Newport Ave. Ocean Beach

1852 Bacon Street • 619-224-3369

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Happy Holiday Gift from SUPER MAX! OB Resident Maggie says “Come in to check out our Saturday Specials!”

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99¢ Margarita with purchase of any combo With coupon. House margarita only.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 1/01/12

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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Bring this ad with you to receive a FREE GIFT! (while supplies last)

Unique Handwork by Local Artisans Christmas Wreaths, Jewelry, Art, Crochet 619.761.1399

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PAGE 12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 | THE PENINSULA BEACON

A Local Favorite!

Where everybody knows your name.

Merry Christmas!

Get out of the cold and come in where it’s warm and toasty!

HAPPY HOUR - EVERYDAY 4-7PM WELL DRINKS: MARGARITAS ALL PITCHERS SHOTS

$2.50 VOTED BEST $3.75 BAR $1.50 OFF $1.00 OFF (bartender’s choice)

7 TVS • 5 PLASMA TVS

OPEN FOR LUNCH

3 POOL TABLES • FOOSBALL • SHUFFLEBOARD 4906 Voltaire St. (corner of Voltaire & Cable) Ocean Beach

11am - 2pm Mon. - Fri. Featuring our full menu

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Ocean Beach Merchants!

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Promote your last minute shopping and New Year’s Celebrations!

Enjoy the Venetian’s award- winning menu delivered to your door!

Special Holiday / New Years Section in the December 22nd issue of the Beacon

(619) 223-8197 FULL BAR • HAPPY HOUR 4-6 P.M. DAILY WINE CELLAR • LARGE COVERED PATIO 3663 VOLTAIRE STREET • SAN DIEGO

OBMA SPECIAL HOLIDAY SECTION*

For additional information or questions regarding advertising contact Mike Fahey at 858-270-3103 ext.117, or email mikefahey@sdnews.com

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Every Day: Happy Hour 4:30-6:30pm $6 for 1/4 burger, fries & domestic pint!

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

$4 wings $8 Domestic Pitchers

Late Night Munchies 11pm-1am $3 Appetizers

$4 Smirnoff shot anytime Try our new stuffed burgers!

5028 Newport Ave. O.B. 619-222-0722

Open 9am for Breakfast and Drink Specials Watch all the NFL & College games here!

Happy Hour 5-6pm 1/2 Price Pitchers

Happy Hour 5 – 6pm Everyday 1/2 Price Pitchers $3 off Micros Pitchers after 6pm

SUNDAY

$3 food, wine, well drinks, 1/2 price pitchers. Mon- Thurs 8 sliders and a pitcher of domestic beer for $19.00

$3 Turkey Tacos & House Margs all night!

1925 Bacon St. O.B. 619-223-7381

$2 off All Pichers all night

SATURDAY

$3 Sunshine Lemonade all night!

Super Pint Night

Aloha Fridays $10 pitchers of Kona Longboard Lager all day!

$3 off pitchers after 7pm

$2.00 Miller High Life bottles Shot of the Week $3

Like us on Facebook! New 110” projection TV!

Watch all the NFL games here!

Bloody mary specials.

Try our new locally crafted beers on tap

Happy Hour 3 – 7pm Everyday! $1 off U-call it 8pm-1am

Super Pint Night

$2 off anything on our menu all night!

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Miller High Life bottles $2 Shot of the Week $3

$3 bloody mary’s all day Food & Drink Specials!

Watch the NFL & College Football!

Every Day: Happy Hour 4-7pm

Well Drinks $2.50 Margaritas $3.75 $1.50 OFF all pitchers, $1 OFF Premium Shots U-Call-Its

Free Pool all day

Watch the chargers and all the NFL games here!

4906 Voltaire St. 619-224-0834 Nightly Specials: Happy Hour Food 4 to Close & Drinks 4 to 7

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Nightly Specials:

Nightly Specials:

$2.00 Tacos and $5.00 Select Tequilas

$3.00 Wing Basket & $5.00 Selected Whiskeys

Nightly Specials:

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Every Saturday

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$2.50 Mimosas & College Gamday!

$2.50 Mimosas, $9.00 Bud Light Pitchers, And All The NFL Games!

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Happy Hour 4 to 7 Every Night in the Bar Areas! Coming Soon DJʼs and Bands Thurs – Sat!

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EVERYDAY HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM $1 OFF all pints. $3 OFF pitchers. $2 OFF Bottles $2 OFF Dine-in Pizza

Call today and ask how to get listed!

PIZZA BY THE SLICE Watch all the NFL games here!

21 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP 100 BOTTLED BEERS

For Advertising Information call (858) 270-3103 4645 Cass St., 2nd Floor, San Diego, CA 92109 www.sdnews.com

NEWS

13

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

UNIT

county may use it.”

2009 with grant funds,” she said. “We The vehicle is in the “familiarization are still in the process of transferring the CONTINUED FROM Page 1 and training” phase, but the department paperwork so that we may take delivery of hopes to have the MUST ready for use by it. capability and, as a city with a good por- the beginning of the new year. tion of beach area, we need to test its “We began the purchase process in capabilities — thus, the test at the beach,” she said. “As for border patrol duties, those duties are handled very capably by U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel. We do not get into that sort of enforcement.”

The vehicle was purchased with grant DINNER ENTR E funding made available throughout the Buy 1 dinner entrée & 2 drinks & county, said officials. The police departget the 2nd entrée of equal or lesser value for free. ment has so far purchased only one, and there are no immediate plans to purchase expires 1-19-12. another at this time, Brown said.

“The San Diego Police Department is only the trustee of the vehicle,” said 2556 Laning Road Brown. “All agencies throughout the

BUY 1 Get 1

FREEé

san diego ca, 92106 619-224-3900

www.harborgreekcafe.com

Correction Notice Police hope officers will be trained to use the Mobile Utility Surveillance Tower by the beginning of the new year.Photo by Jim Grant I The Beacon

VARIANCES CONTINUED FROM Page 1

the rules. If we allow one to go through, you’re going to see this throughout Ocean Beach.”

How big one can build is determined by what local planners call the FAR requirement, or floor-area ratio formula.

Throughout much of Ocean Beach, the square footage of a structure is limited to 70 percent of the lot size. What’s more, 25 percent of that 70 percent must be set aside for enclosed parking, unless underground parking is provided.

The block in question, which is located immediately south of the entrance to the Dog Beach parking lot, is dominated by a string of nearly identical duplexes on narrow, 2,500-square-foot lots that were constructed in the 1950s. Under existing regulations, this means a maximum of 1,312.5 square feet for living space and a 437.5-square-foot garage. The variance requests virtually the entire 70 percent of lot size — or 1,748 square feet — be allocated for housing, with an open carport for parking instead of a garage.

“We’re trying to enforce a standard everyone cherishes,” Ingolia said. “[Otherwise], you’re going to see what I would describe as an area like Mission Beach. I don’t see why anyone couldn’t come up with a very creative design and still have ... a liveable area.”

So far, the variances have been upheld by every entity that has reviewed them, including the city’s hearing officer, San Diego Planning Commission and the California Coastal Commission. But the OBPB has not wavered in its opposition, and its efforts to fight the variances have kicked into high gear this year.

The board in June authorized a letter protesting the variances to Mayor Jerry Sanders and OBPB members copied the letter to several members of the City Council, Development Services Director Kelly Broughton and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. The letter charged the variances amounted to a de facto rezone and they asked for the issue to be reviewed.

In September, District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer sent a memo to Goldsmith requesting his legal opinion.

In a response dated Dec. 7, Goldsmith said granting the variances did not constitute a rezone.

Ingolia said the board has not yet discussed Goldsmith’s opinion and how to proceed next.

For information, visit www.oceanbeachpb.com.

In the Bone Appetit ad that appeared in the December 8th issue of the Peninsula Beacon had a publishing error.

The date for the Holiday Open House was incorrect.

The ad should have read: “Holiday Open House Saturday December 10th” We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused Bone Appetit’s valued customers.

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14

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

OB HOLIDAYS The holiday spirit just keeps on coming in Ocean Beach Not to be outdone by other communities in San Diego, Ocean Beach residents continue to brim with holiday spirit and the joy of giving to those less fortunate — a long-held trait embodied by Obecians and their merchants. The selflessness continues this week with the annual community Food and Toy Drive. Goods will be delivered to the underprivileged on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Smiling faces were everywhere on Dec. 3 during the 32nd annual Ocean Beach Christmas Parade.

Photo by Paul Hansen I The Beacon

Local schoolchildren were treated to the annual tradition of decorating the Ocean Beach community Christmas tree earlier this month, adding their own special ideas to brighten the neighborhood near Veterans Park at the sea wall. As an added bonus, the young students got to Photo by Mike McCarthy I The Beacon share their holiday wish lists with none other than Santa himself.

DISCOUNT FABRICS is OPEN for BUSINESS! The LOWEST PRICES on a huge selection of upholstery, drapery, dress fabrics and much, much MORE! 1205 W. Morena Blvd.

San Diego (Across from Petco,Toys-R-Us & Jerome’s )

(619) 275-2445

A bagpipe player puts his lungs into it during the 32nd installment of the Ocean Beach Christmas Parade down Newport Avenue on Photo by Paul Hansen I The Beacon Dec. 3.

3325 Adams Ave., San Diego (619) 280-1791

Dress Up Your Home for The Holidays Point Loma Village Florist Centerpieces, gifts and more…

619-222-7646 pointlomaflorist.com 3 021 C a n o n S t .

Ocean Beach volunteer Mike Colpo lends his expertise in decorating the community ChristPhoto by Mike McCarthy I The Beacon mas tree with a little lift from a bucket truck.

THE PENINSULA BEACON - CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

15

classified

SAN DIEGO

COASTAL

marketplace

The #1 Local Place to go for Autos, Homes, Services and More!

HELP WANTED 250

BARBER/STYLIST WANTED PARADISE BARBER SALON is now hiring licensed barber/ stylist..comission/ boothrent available... if you are interes please contact Saida@ 619)756-7778 or (619) 929-7310 OCEAN CORP Houston, TX. Train for NEW Career. *Underwater Welder. Commercial Diver. *NDT/ Weld Inspector. Job placement and financial aid for those who qualify. 800-3210298.

ITEMS FOR SALE 300

“ I can help market your business” Marketing your business can be challenging, especially during these slower economic times.

I have been in print advertising for over 30 years and worked extensively helping small to medium size businesses create effective advertising within their budgets.

There are many considerations you should take when creating an advertising campaign. First and foremost, make sure you understand how the advertising vehicle can work for you.

Community newspapers provide strong, viable marketing vehicles because they deliver what dailies and other sources do not– local news.

With more than 90 percent receivership and readership – you know those are very good odds to combine with an effective marketing campaign.

Here’s where I can help. I will gladly meet with you and discuss your marketing challenges answer your questions and help you develop a strategy that will help you reach your short-term and long-term goals for increasing business.

Please give me a call, any time. My door is always open, or I’ll come see you! And I can assure you that there will be no pressure to buy.

Hopefully, I can help you market your business in a more effective manner and provide tips from my 30 years of advertising and marketing experience, whether you utilize our community newspapers or not.

Sometimes the good things in life are free.

Julie Hoisington Publisher, owner

Call me today. 858.270-3103 x106

misc. for sale AVON/MARK IND SLS REP, EUROPA www.youravon.com/ europa (928) 759-0467 FAST FOOD DISCOUNT CARDS Fast Food Discount Cards that never expires. 24 Restaurants including Arbys, Wendys, Pizza Hut, Krispy Kreme and more. Cost $20. R. T. 3115 WhiteHorse Road PMB 177, Greenville, SC 29611. (864) 295-5551 MANGOSTEEN THE QUEEN OF FRUITS Feel better now and try risk free today: www. MyMangosteen.net MAKAYLA-ANNDESIGNS.COM Handmade & handcrafted jewelry. Unique and at low prices! www. Makayla-AnnDesigns.com OUTLET CENTER DOORS WINDOWS We have warehouse full of Doors, Windows, Flooring reduced Prices (858) 268-0679 RECENT UCLA GRADUATE helps students of all ages with studies! ~$15/ hr. tutorLindsey@gmail.com

Listing published in all three papers Plus listed on-line for FREE Discount rates for multiple listings

ZIGGY

Call SNAP Foster: 760-815-0945 Or Email: volunteer@snap-sandiego.org

An All Volunteer Non Profit Corporation

Lucky was rescued off the streets of SE San Diego abandoned by a roadside. Lucky and many other Rescued Cats and Kittens are looking for loving permanent homes. Come visit them at the La Jolla Petsmart located in La Jolla Village Square.

For more information please visit our website at

www.catadoptionservice.org

pet services

Call Kim today to set up your on-line account!

858-270-3103 ext. 140 www.sdnews.com

BUSINESS OPTS. 550

MISC. SVCS. OFFERED 450

CAT ADOPTION SERVICE An all volunteer non profit corporation. Lucky was rescued off the

BUSY HOUSEWIFE OR CAREER WOMAN I can help you with: **Grocery shopping **Running errands **Household management $20 per hour + mileage Call Kirsty 619 379 8750

EXPERIENCED In-Home Day Care and Preschool. Ocean Beach/ Pt. Loma. Call 619-2262072 license #376611545

RESALE & NEW women’s clothes, acces- K9 PHYSICAL THERAPY/REHAB CUTTING sories, shoes, jewelry, $5 - 35, Designer BAR- EDGE K9 REHAB www.cuttingedgek9.com We GAINS, Tierrasanta. (619) 985-6700 have Been Featured On Local And National News, Radio And A Number Of Local Papers SOLAR POWER INVERTER 1.2KW Power And Magazine Articles. Swimming is one of our Jack PSWGT-1200 28-52vdc/110vac Plug-Nstrongest recommendations for most K9’s. It Play Only $314.95! www.solarvoltpower.ne is an ideal form of exercise for a number of (405) 563-5732 reasons. We offer assisted swimming in a warm water environment. The benefits are: • misc. for trade Non-weight-bearing (reducing stress on joints) ATT READERS! FREE BOOKS! Trade your • Facilitates full use of the front and hind legs books for free at www. PaperBackSwap.com! vs. partial use as seen with underwater treadmills • Dogs are often able to actively swim ITEMS WANTED 325 although unable to move their legs on land (due to stroke/ spinal injury) • Allows manual GOT OLD COMIC BOOKS? Local collector techniques by therapist/ manual resistance to seeks vintage comic books and paperbacks an affected limb • Swimming in a controlled from 1950s and older. Let’s make a deal! Con- environment is the safest way for clients to extact me at sandiegocomics@yahoo.com. ercise. • Speeds recovery following injury/ surgery • Improves function and quality of life PETS & PET SERVICES 400 • Works reciprocal muscle groups throughout the session (helps correct muscle imbalances) • Reduces pain and inflammation • Reduces pet adoption/sale canine obesity thus decreasing the risk of other health-related problems • Increases strength, range of motion and cardiovascular conditioning • Prevents overheating through proper water temp • Increases tolerance for extended cardiovascular training • Decreases recovery time • Reduces post-exercise soreness • Provides good cross training for the competitive, athletic dog (619) 227-7802

ENGLISH BULLDOG Male,11 Weeks old, AKC registered, Shots, Vet Checked, Champion Line, house broken Asking for $600, Email:lisadavid144@hotmail.com (619) 5758510 x ID 3118830

Now you can place your listings on-line as you like!

childcare

He is a 7 year neutered male greyhound mix A real gentleman! A good looking great dog!

You would be one lucky family to have such a good boy hanging out with you! He is fixed, chipped and vaccinated.

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AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program.

Financial aid if qualified- Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-242-3214 toll free.

streets of SE San Diego abandoned by a roadside. Lucky and many other Rescued Cats and Kittens are looking for loving permanent homes. Come visit them at the La Jolla Petsmart located in La Jolla Village Square. For more information please visit www.catadoptionservice.org

www.sdnews.com • Call 858-270-3103

income opportunities NEED FAST CASH? Short term loans up to $1500 deposited into your bank account OVERNIGHT! Call for quick approval. 888-3389651 WWW.SPORTSGIRLJEWELRY.COM FUND RAISERS FOR YOUTH SPORTS- VERY PROFITABLE DIRECTV IS CURRENTLY recruiting for the following position: Warehouse Manager (San Diego, CA) - 1102060. If you are not able to access our Web site, DIRECTV.com, mail your resume and salary requirements to: DIRECTV, Attn: Talent Acquisition,161 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112. Include the reference number for the position in which you are interested. EOE 50

RENTALS 750 housing for rent LA JOLLA, LOWER HERMOSA 3BR, 2 BA house for rent. Unfurnished. $8,000/ mo. 858220-2825

vacation rentals DEL MAR FURNISHED 4BR, 3 BA SFR, Great lagoon view, walking distance to RaceTrack and Ocean. Rent, short or long term lease w/ option to buy. 619 454 - 4151

REAL ESTATE 800 investment properties SERVING S.D. SINCE 1967

INVESTMENT PROPERTY SPECIALISTS, SALES & EXCHANGES APARTMENTS • OFFICE BUILDINGS COMMERCIAL•LEASING•FEE COUNSELING • RESORT PROPERTIES ANYWHERE • REAL ESTATE PROBLEM SOLVING

GEORGE JONILONIS “The Estate Builder” 858-278-4040

3536 Ashford St., San Diego, CA 92111 in Clairemont. gjonilonis@att.net Fax 760-431-4744

for sale or exchange

DEL MAR LAGOON VIEW HOME buy, lease or lease option, $1.65mil. Kearney Mesa 21,800 sq ft office building just reduced $300K, now services offered $3.35mil. Buy 200 ft Baja beach lots or 9 miles LJ ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS Construction (or less) Pacific Ocean front land. Need a partpermits, blueprints, Residential Designs. LOW ner to develop all or part. Local resale shop biz RATES!!! SE HABLA ESPANOL LIC.#069268 for sale. Many more RE opportunities. Geo Jonilonis Rltr 619 454 4151 (619) 817-7787

Prop 65 Newspaper Warning L-3 Communications; Linkabit, Advanced Products & Design and Engineering Services divisions operate a facility located at 3033 Science Park Rd. San Diego, CA 92121 which uses and emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. We do not believe that any person is exposed to these chemicals at levels constituting a health or safety risk.

However we have not made a formal determination that actual exposure levels are below the Proposition 65 "no significant risk" levels for carcinogens or "no observable effect" level for chemicals known to cause reproductive harm, and we have not performed a risk analysis to determine the precise amount of exposure that any individual would receive over a 70 year period.

Proposition 65 therefore obligates us to provide this warning to potentially effected individuals.

Further information may be obtained by contacting:

L-3 Communications Linkabit Division Human Resources Dept.

858.552.9500

A LOVING TRIBUTE You can now publish obituaries easily through our online classified site.

Simply type in your announcement online, upload a photo if desired, and pay by credit card.

That’s it. Simple. The tribute will publish in the upcoming edition for only $40.

For more information, call Kim at

(858) 270-3103 x140 www.sdnews.com

Wall Beds

by Sandmar

Want to make the most out of your space?

Bring in this ad for a free set of lights with

the purchase of your custom made wall bed.

Call today!

1991 Friendship Dr. Ste C El Cajon, CA 92020 619-368-7715 www.sandmarwallbeds.com

16

SERVICE DIRECTORY - THE PENINSULA BEACON

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

ASSISTANT

CONSTRUCTION

MOVING

I want a house and life free of clutter.

I am looking to simplify my life.

If this is what you are looking for,

Trinity Pacific

MOVING SYSTEMS INC.

Your Own Girl Friday

Construction

is the answer to your wish.

Summer is almost over!

Stacey Blanchet (619) 997-7601

10% Discount!*

www.yourowngirlfriday.com

Call today to get your home ready for the winter!

BATHTUB REFINISHING

Cory Tatz Bathtubs & Sinks Refinishing Specializing in • Kitchen Sink Refinishing • Tile Refinishing • Bathtub Refinishing - Porcelain and Fiberglass • Fiberglass Tub Crack Support & Repairs

Call #619.674.8967 GARDENING·LANDSCAPING

Low Prices Free Estimates

(858) 503-5976 (858) 220-6184

j_teco@yahoo.com

619.269.1745

Cleaning Service

by Cecilia Sanchez Family owned & operated 15 years experience.

Office, residential & vacancy cleanings

• REFINISHING • REPAIR • INSTALLATION SPECIALIZING IN HARDWOOD FLOORS Over 20 years experience in San Diego

JOHN WEIGHTMAN

FREE ESTIMATES REFERENCES

R&V Ruperto Vazques

Competitive Pricing.

Weekend and same day service.

APerfectShine.com

Traditional Hardwood Flooring

(619) 218-8828

(858) 229-0016

Tree Trimming · Hauling Sod Lawn · Clean Up Trash Concrete · Gardening Fertilized · Landscaping · Drain Water Sprinkler Installation · Wood Fencing

HANDYMAN

PAINTING

DRYWALL

619-847-1535

Concrete Work Wood Decks Interior Remodeling Patio Cover Painting - Interior/Exterior Landscaping Hardscaping Custom Showers

RENT-A-HUSBAND Handyman with 30 years experience All Trades • Hourly or Bid Prompt, Affordable, Professional Insured

• Mirrors Pressure Washing

Experienced Call

(619) 248-2778

ROOFING

Ask for Bob 858-454-5922

Ocean Home Services

High Quality Home Improvement Master Carpenter w/ 25 years experience.

Interior /exterior woodworking (ex-termite inspector) Quality design fence work wood /vinyl Professionally Installed windows & doors Drywall Install/Repair and finish work.

Detail Quality Painting Light Electrial & Plumbing Call Scott

PAINTING

P.O. Box 710398 San Diego, CA 92171

Hedges hauling • Reasonable Rates Free Estimates • References

• Mini Blinds • Screens

Scott Smith, has been serving the beach communities since 1979.

858-272-ROOF (7663) 619-224-ROOF (7663)

SURFBOARD REPAIR

COCONUT PEETS SURFBOARD REPAIR

Free estimates & excellent references (619) 248-5238

Maribel’s

COASTAL LANDSCAPING

PLUMBING

858-876-9455 Serving all San Diego County www.asapsandiego.com

TILE

haberwashpaints@aol.com

619-823-2249 Jason Habering Owner

• Commercial / Residential • Foreclosures • Vacation Rental Expert • Move In / Outs • Same-Day Service Once - Weekly - Bi-Weekly - Monthly • Cleaning Supplies Provided • Best Prices • Great References • Free Estimate •

(619) 715-2888

maribel.cleaningservice@gmail.com License # 068798 Insured

CONSTRUCTION

Re-Stucco Specialists Interior Plaster/Drywall Repairs All Work Guaranteed 30+ Years Experience Lic. # 694956

Repairs • Lath & Plaster Re-Stucco • Custom Work Clean • Reliable • Reasonable

D’arlex 619-846-2734 Cell 619-265-9294 Email: darlex0907@hotmail.com

LET

US KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU.

858-692-6160

As low as

$45/ week!

Call Sonya

(619) 384-7615

Instant Quotes Online 24/7

BLUEOCEANWINDOWCLEANING.COM

Repairs, re-grouts & installations of all ceramic tile & stone.

All work done by owner.

Free Estimates Lic # 428658 858.566.7454 858.382.2472

TREE SERVICES

A VETERAN HAULING Insured · Reliable Call A Veteran

619-225-8362

CROWN POINT CLIPPERS, INC.

Chuckie’s

Painting Company

(619) 795-9429 www.chuckiespainting.com

chuckgjr@cox.net CA Lic. #925325

Painting & Handyman Services You Call-We Haul!

No Job Too Small!

Evictions, cleanouts, construction debris, tree trimming, etc.

619.450.6553

Your Ad Here!

As low as

$45/week!

HAULING

10% Discount - Senior & Veteran

Cleaning Services

Get your FREE estimate today!

Summer Specials

$15 off for new customers

D.K. TILE

ELECTRICAL

Best Prices & Free Estimates • C OMPLETE W EEKLY M AINTENANCE • F ENCES • T REE T RIMMING • S PRINKLER S YSTEMS & R EPAIRS • D ESIGN & C ONSTRUCTION • C LEANUP & H AULING • L OWEST P RICES G UARANTEED

Inside/Outside Screens & Track Cleaning Residential Specialist Commercial Licensed & Insured.

REPAIRS • RESTORATIONS • SALES OPEN 10AM – 6PM • 12PM – 6PM TUES. 619.224.2010 PLA – OBMA – A+ RATING

Call Sonya

TREE SERVICE #1 vacation rental experts

A Glass Act Window Cleaning

not licensed

CARPENTRY

Gardening Clean-up

Cleaning & Service

HOME IMPROVEMENT

(619) 241-1231

Ph: (858) 573-6950 Cell: (858) 518-0981

Jose’s

WINDOW CLEANING

JB’s Window

ORTIZ

Non-licensed

We Also Do: Fencing, Floors, Stucco Repairs Concrete, Demolition, Brick & Block Walls Drywall, Painting, Roofing Plumbing, Drains Installed/Repaired General Hauling

Call Valentina

A Perfect Shine

HARDWOOD FLOORING

Teco’s Gardening Tree Trimming Lawn Renovation New Plants & Design Whole Tree Removal Sprinkler Installation/Repair General Clean-Ups Stump Grinder Service Clean Palms & Trees

SENIOR SERVICES

858.349.9698

Ca. G.C.Lic#: 945528

MOVE OUT SPECIALS FREE ESTIMATES!

Cleaning Service

BBB MEMBER | INSURED LIC #CAL T-189466

See our work at:

Weekly • Monthly • Special Occasions

San Diego’s Premier House Cleaning and Carpet Cleaning Service

619.223.2255

www.trinitypacific.net

Lic #560438

Top to Bottom detailed cleaning

7 DAYS A WEEK | FREE ESTIMATES FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1979

*New customers • Labor only

619.464.5141

Maid Service

Office/Residential | Free Wardrobes

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

“Over 25 Years Experience”

CLEANING

COLEMAN

HOME IMPROVEMENT

• Power Washing • Lighting • • Electrical • Plumbing • • Carpentry • Dry Wall •

FREE ESTIMATES! • FINE PRUNING & THINNING • ARTISTIC TREE LACING • TREE & STUMP REMOVAL WWW.CROWNPOINTCLIPPERS.COM

(858) 270-1742 Fully licensed and insured. Lic# 723867

858.270.3103 x136

Call Kim 858.270.3103 x140

Religious Directory

Call Don 858-273-4239 POOL CARE

619-933-4346 www.iluvjunk.com

10% Senior Discount

NON-DENOMINATIONAL SAN DIEGO BAHA’I COMMUNITY 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr. (off Linda Vista Rd.) SUNDAY 9:00 - 10:00 Interfaith Devotions; 10:30 - 12:30 Introductory Talk & Discussion Please Call 858-274-0178 for Directions or for more information General Baha’i Info - www.bahai.org www.sandiegobahai.org

HEALTH & WELLNESS

858.270.3103 x136

HYPNOSIS WORKS!

Call Kim

Pain • Fear • Sports Addictions • Sleep • IBS Relationships • Stress Weight • Smoking

858.270.3103 x140

619.303.8511 successhypnotherapy.com Judy Callihan Warfield Certified Hypnotherapist, NLP, Imagery

VIDEO to DVD Film 8mm & 16mm to DVD | Slides & Photos to DVD

PLUMBING –Bill HARPER PLUMBING & HEATING–

Bill Harper Plumbing.com

10 % OFF Clip This Ad

All Customer Discounts Plumbing & Drain Services Self Employed w/ 25 years Experience Lic #504044

Video Tapes Deteriorate Don’t Lose Your Memories Record to DVD • Play on Computer or TV

CALL BILL 619-224-0586

NEW ADDRESS! 5390 Napa St. • 619.220.8500 • videotoodvd.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

17

Dental hygiene done at home!

DETAIL IN PROGRESS

Do you or a loved one have a problem getting to a dental office?

(Service limited to nursing facility or homebound patients)

Don’t risk their dental health.

Have a dental hygienist come to them! Call today

619.997.3895 Rose M. Hall, RDHAP rosemhallrdhap@gmail.com

CA Lic. # Rdajp357

$15 Flu Shot with this Ad (Reg. $25, Expires 12/31/11)

Dr. Kenneth Anderson,

formerly of PB Urgent Care, announces the opening of

Anderson Medical Center at 1945 Garnet Ave.

Hours of operation are 8 to 8 on weekdays and 8 to 4 on weekends

858.224.7977 • Andersonmedicalcenter.com

619-701-1100

www.detailinprogress.com

Anderson Medical Center Opens in Pacific Beach Dr. Kenneth Anderson has been practicing family and sports medicine in Pacific Beach for 22 years. Now he has opened his own clinic.

The Anderson Medical Center is located at 1945 Garnet Avenue. The clinic will feature the latest in technology including digital x-rays and electronic health records.

Patients will be seen on a walk-in basis. This allows easy access with the extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

The Anderson Medical Center is equipped to handle minor emergencies such as suturing and casting. It is designed to take care of patients of all ages as their primary care physicians. Physical therapy will also be available on a scheduled basis.

Most insurance will be accepted.

For more information you can call 858-224-7877 or visit our website at Andersonmedicalcenter.com.

after

15% off gift certificates or service performed for detailing or bumper repair through 12/31/11

before

Gift Certificates? Yes! We Do That!

CONGRATULATIONS 2011 winners of the

20th Annual Thanksgiving COLORING CONTEST

Pictured Winners: Caden and Ella

Not pictured Paige and Angelina

With Assistant Manager Laura Colloca Coldwell Banker and Brent Butler Manger of West Coast Escrow

Point Loma Office Ocean Beach Office

2727 Shelter Island Dr. 1851 Cable Street

619.224.5111 619.225.0800

ENJOY THE COLORS & BEAUTY OF OLD TOWN This page is made possible by these fine businesses.To find our how you can participate, call Mike at (858) 270-3103 x 112

Las Posadas Holiday Event Draws Hundred to Park Hundreds attended the Las Posadas procession in Old Town San Diego Historic State Park on Sunday, Dec. 11.

The annual Las Posadas event is a candlelit procession that re-enacts the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a birthplace for the Christ child. This year was the 61st annual procession in Old Town but the tradition has been happening since 1546 in Mexico and is practiced around the world.

Everyone was invited to join the candlelit procession as the players went from inn to inn, asking for symbolic lodging. The procession was led by professional actors in period costume. Pictured from left to right, Aminah alJaber as Innkeeper, Ramona al-Jaber as Innkeeper, Victor co as Wise Man, David Cohen as Wise Man, Austyn Myers Contreras as Joseph, Reyna Morales as Mary, April Fish- as Shepherd Son, Steve Jensen as Father Shepherd and er as Angel, Eric George as Wise Man, Federico Moramar- Willie, the acting donkey.

LUNCH BUFFET $8.00 per person

ALL YOU CAN EAT 12:00 TO 2:00 TUES-FRI NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER OR DISCOUNT

2540 CONGRESS STREET SAN DIEGO CA 92110 619-294-2540 WWW.25FORTYBISTRO.COM

Old Town - New Business CALL US TODAY WE CAN FIND A PLAN THAT FITS ANY BUDGET Call Heather (858) 270-3103 x115 Heather@sdnews.com or Mike Long (858) 270-3103 x112 MikeL@sdnews.com to reserve your ad space today!

18

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Local author co-curates Balboa Park exhibit Melanie Dellas, an Ocean Beach/Point Loma children’s book author, is now co-curating an exhibit at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.

The exhibit began Dec. 12 and will be open to the public for six months.

The exhibit is called “Our City, Our Neighborhoods,” and chronicles San Diego’s diverse neighborhoods rich in history and culture.

The exhibit covers the lengthy inhabitation by the Kumeyaay Indians, the discovery of what is now San Diego

by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, colonization efforts that began in 1774 and the city’s incorporation in 1850.

Today, the city has more than 30 neighborhoods and an estimated population of nearly 1.4 million people.

Featured in the exhibit is an

overview of eight of these historic neighborhoods: Southeast San Diego, Barrio Logan, Little Italy, Mission Valley, downtown, Old Town, Point Loma and Hillcrest.

Along the halls of the history center is documentation of the rich history, from the city’s origins in Old Town to the fishermen of Little Italy to downtown’s brothels, opium dens and Wyatt Earp’s gambling halls and saloons.

The San Diego History Center is located at 1649 El Prado, Suite 3. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, students and active-duty military and $2 for children ages 6-17. Children under 6 are admitted free.

For more information, visit www.sandiegohistory.org.

— Staff and contribution

Annual Parade of Lights bathes San Diego Bay The 40th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is spread over two weekends this year, beginning Dec. 11. This year’s theme is “Back to the Future.”

The spectacular light event, which continues this Sunday from roughly 5:30 until about 9 p.m., is considered a Christmas present to San Diego residents from the local boating community.

Photo by Mike McCarthy I The Beacon

3-day ‘Christmas Tabernacle’ to light up Liberty Station

BY BART MENDOZA | THE BEACON The NTC Promenade at Liberty Station in Point Loma will come alive for three days this weekend during the inaugural edition of San Diego’s newest Christmas spectacular, dubbed “Christmas Tabernacle.”

Between Dec. 16 and Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, visitors will be treated to a multitude of Christmasthemed happenings. Offering up something for just about everybody, options will range from a full, onstage production of “The Nutcracker” by the San Diego Ballet to reindeer petting and from horse-and-carriage rides to a shopping village.

Organized by Jamie Sutton and Linda Lopez of Pacific Event Productions, the full-scale event is solely about the holiday tradition.

“We want to bring Christmas back to San Diego,” said Sutton. “So many events — in the world in general — have taken the Christmas out of Christmas.

We wanted to bring it back and start a new ‘old tradition’ for the area.”

There will be two stages set up during the holiday gala, featuring performers from several local churches and schools.

The main stage will feature the event’s headliners, like ventriloquist Kevin Johnson, crooner David Patrone, the Master Chorale Singers with the Westwind Brass and the Mariachi Real with folklorico dancers.

Notably, many of San Diego’s per-

forming arts groups will be heavily involved, including the San Diego Ballet, The Cygnet Theatre and the FBOC Irish School of Dance, along with the House of Blues Gospel Brunch Choir.

“There’s so much going on it’s almost like a theme park that we put up for four days (including a VIP preview night on Dec. 15),” Sutton said. “One thing we’re doing that is pretty unique is that we’ll have a full, outdoor living nativity scene.

We’re going to have about 20 actors from Cornerstone Church, which is helping us to put that on. So we’ll have live actors and live animals, sheep, donkeys and camels and so on.”

Meanwhile, the Santa’s Village area will be complete with a snow hill for kids to go sledding.

“Next to that, we have live reindeer,” said Sutton. “So there are a lot of really unique things here that you’re not going to see every day.”

Sutton said he hopes this event will find a place in San Diego’s heart like other family-friendly holiday events around town. He said he hopes for up to 35,000 visitors throughout the weekend.

“We want it to be kind of like ‘December Nights’ is for Balboa Park, where you know it’s an annual thing and you kind of attach it to the venue,” he said.

“That’s the sort of thing we want to see happen with this, where it’ll just be known as the annual thing happening down there at Liberty Station.”

Sutton said he is thrilled with the

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opportunity to bring an event like this to area residents.

“I’m a San Diego native,” he said.

“Before this, I had a tourism company, where we did magazines for tourists and I just loved being able to share the city that I grew up in, the city that I love.”

He said he sees the event as a way to continue that San Diego feel-good feeling.

“Of course, No. 1, the point of this is to create a Christmas event, but second to that is to be able to see this community come together in a new tradition,” Sutton said. “Just having friends and family there together, enjoying themselves, sipping hot chocolate, sitting on Santa’s lap. Just that whole experience, to me, is what makes it worth it.”

He admits there is hard work involved in putting “Christmas Tabernacle” together, but he said he is happy with the results.

“It’s been a full-time project since last November,” he said. “Even people that are close to us, we kind of tell them what’s going on, but I still don’t think they get it. They will when they show up though. When they get out there, they’ll be amazed.”

Christmas Tabernacle takes place beginning at 11 a.m. daily, Friday, Dec. 16 through Sunday, Dec. 18, at the NTC Promenade of Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road. All ages.

For more information, visit www.AChristmasTabernacle.com.

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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD People in the news

Point Loman Michele Miller was a the recipient of several honors recently at the Venturing/Sea Scouts annual dinner and was inducted into the National Youth Leadership Society’s class of 2011. Courtesy photo

Local named to National Youth Leadership Society Point Loma resident Michele Miller, 20, received national and local recognition during the Venturing/Sea Scouts annual dinner Nov. 18 at Torrey Pines Christian Church in La Jolla.

The local council, on behalf of the National Court of Honor, inducted Miller into the National Youth Leadership Society’s class of 2011. She also received the San Diego-Imperial Council (SDIC) Venturing Leadership Award in recognition of her unit and council work. Additionally, Miller was presented the Silver Award, the highest achievement award in Venturing, which is the co-ed outdoor leadership program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

“The National Youth Leadership Society recognizes the elite of BSA programs who have learned and practiced outstanding leadership skills,” said Sean Roy, San Diego Imperial Council BSA’s director of field services. “The heart and soul of what BSA has done for over 100 years is produce leaders for tomorrow. Only

those youth who have successfully completed qualifying leadership development courses and held eligible leadership positions may be nominated for induction to the National Youth Leadership Society. Michele Miller represents one of the strengths of our program, which is shaping leaders who have a strong foundation of values and who know how to serve others.”

Miller, a sophomore at the University of San Diego, began her Venturing career five years ago at the age of 14 as a member of Point Lomabased Venturing Crew 500. She is also a member of Sea Scout Ship 1886. She served as secretary, vice president and president of her crew.

In 2010, she served as SDIC Venturing Officers Association vice president. She has been a training instructor at University of Scouting and as an “Ethics in Action” facilitator. During the summer of 2010, she served on staff at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for the National Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE).

She has also earned the Venturing Outdoor Bronze Award and the Gold Award. As part of her Gold Award requirement, she was Conservation Project Leader at Mission Trails Regional Park, where she planned a community service project and recruited 30 volunteers to build fences to protect endangered plants and animals. Recipients of these awards have mastered many skills including wilderness survival, orienteering, backcountry cooking, search and rescue, backpacking, first aid and, above all, leadership through taking leadership courses and holding leadership positions.

For more information about the programs, email autumn.parker@scouting.org.

Artist takes top award at SDWS’s December show Point Loma resident Julie Anderson took the Best of Show Award at the December juried exhibition “All Over It,” hosted by the San Diego Watercolor Society.

Julie’s painting, entitled “Gentle Persuasion,” depicts a mother gently urging her child to climb

THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

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Makua, the Voices for Children auxiliary group, to release CD

Point Loma artist Julie Anderson captured the Best of Show Award in the San Diego Watercolor Society’s December juried exhibition with this work, entitled Courtesy photo “Gentle Persuasion.”

up a small hill. It is done using opaque watercolors. There is an underpainting in bright orange and all shapes were then outlined in bright purple. Paint was applied to the shapes in a flat manner and then a pattern of lines, circles and squares was painted over each shape piece to create a flat, patterned, somewhat-abstract design.

The first-place award went to Gordon Bashant of Scripps Ranch for “Regata” and La Jolla resident Marion Mettler took second place with “Deconstructed Figure Series #10.”

The show will continue at the San Diego Watercolor Society’s gallery, located in Point Loma’s Liberty Station at 2825 Dewey Road.

The gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.sdws.org.

Makua, the fundraising auxiliary group of Voices for Children, has taken its outreach efforts to a new level with the creation of a recording of original music by San Diego-based musicians. The proceeds of all CD sales will benefit Voices for Children (VFC), the only nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to be court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) working on behalf of children in San Diego’s foster-care system.

Titled “Voices from the Heart,” the compilation CDrelease party is set for Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at San Diego Harley-Davidson, located at 5600 Kearny Mesa Road in Kearny Mesa.

The event features a free barbeque, a performance by the Lacy Younger Band and other artists on the CD; and marks the official call for submissions for the second CD in the series. Local artists will be able to submit their original recordings through the Makua website, www.makua.org.

This project was the brainchild of singer-songwriter Lacy Younger, whose 2007 hit “Something You Do,” remained on the Top 40 chart for 12 weeks. Younger became a supporter of Makua after she performed at the group’s 2008 fundraiser. Inspired by the passion and spirit of the Makua members, Lacy decided to join the group’s endeavor to raise funds for and increase awareness of Voices for Children.

The artists on “Voices from the Heart,” volume one of a planned series of compilation CDs, were selected from a call for submissions, gathered from November 2010 through May 2011. The professionally-mastered CD features 11 artists, whose musical genres range from alternative to pop, rock, country and reggae.

The 12-track CD is $13, and available for purchase through the Voices for Children and Makua websites.

For more information about the CD and CD-release event, or to purchase a CD through the Makua web site, visit www.makua.org/categories/ordercd/order_cd.html.

For more information regarding Voices for Children and Makua, call (858) 598-2213, or email jenniferm@speakupnow.org.

— Staff and contribution

Christmas Worship Guide 2011 Enjoy Christmas services at these churches

SEASON OF JOY Linda Lloyd, right, Kathy Pratt and Armando Escobedo get together to deck the historic lamp posts in Loma Portal for the holidays. Every year, residents show their community spirit by Photo by Patricia Walsh I The Beacon giving the neighborhood’s iconic symbols a festive flare.

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THURSDAY · DECEMBER 15, 2011 THE PENINSULA BEACON

Looking

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Upcoming events in the Peninsula area, Dec. 15-Jan. 22 Dec. 15 and 16 The Ocean Beach Town Council brings it home for the holidays with its annual community Food and Toy Drive for local disadvantaged families. Volunteers are needed to help with wrapping and sorting of donated items (be on the lookout for the Christmas donation cans around Ocean Beach) during this three-day period from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Point Loma United Methodist Church, located at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. For more information, call (619) 515-4400, (619) 846-6269, or visit www.obtowncouncil.org.

SATURDAYS, Dec. 17 and 24 The Ocean Beach Town Council hosts weekly OB Craft Fairs at Veterans Plaza for all your holiday shopping. For more information, call (619) 515-4400, (619) 846-6269, or visit www.obtowncouncil.org.

December 16, 17, 18 “Christmas Tabernacle” lights up Liberty Station in Point Loma with two stages of entertainment, featuring “The Nutcracker,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and local bands. The event also includes horse-and-carriage rides, photos with Santa, live reindeer, caroling, inflatable jumphouses, a model-train display, a shopping village and more.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Tickets: $18 for general admission; $15 for seniors and active-duty military; and $12 for children ages 4-12. For tickets and information, visit www.christmastabernacle.com SATURDAY, Dec. 17 Volunteers will deliver goods from the Ocean Beach Town Council’s annual community Food and Toy Drive to seniors and families from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (619) 515-4400, (619) 846-6269, or visit www.obtowncouncil.org.

THROUGH Dec. 17 Dog Beach Dog Wash will host a food and toy drive for pets in need. The dog wash is accepting new, unopened toys and food for San Diego’s shelter pets.

The dropoff runs daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the dog wash, located at 4933 Voltaire St. For more information, call (619) 523-1700.

SUNDAY, Dec. 18 The Musica Vitale chorus, directed by Elena Vizuet, will present a 4 p.m. program of music of the season, assisted by organists Hollace Jones and Geoffrey Graham. A donation of $5 is requested at the door and no reservations necessary. A complimentary reception follows the performance at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Blvd. For more information, call (619) 223-6394, ext. 13, or email musiconthe.concerts@gmail.com SATURDAY, Dec. 24 Second Chances Bread of Life ministry, in conjunction with churches of Ocean Beach and San Diego Food Bank/Feeding America San Diego, will host a free Christmas Eve pancake and chili breakfast 8 a.m. at the Episcopal Church at 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Second Chances is in need of volunteers to prepare pancakes and cut fruit. For information or to help, call (619) 8864275, or email secondchancesob@yahoo.com.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11 The Point Loma Garden Club hosts its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. and features floral designer Diane Citrowske, who has 26 years of expertise and is a former senior designer at Adelaide’s in

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

La Jolla. She has participated in Art Alive and is an instructor with both Cuyamaca College and UCSD Extension. The event is $5 for guests. The meeting takes place at the United Portuguese S.E.S. Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal. For more information, visit www.plgc.org.

THURSDAY, Jan. 12 Point Loma High School will host an informational meeting for prospective students and their parents at 6 p.m.

The event will offer an opportunity for new students and parents to meet the school’s administrators, coaches, counselors, current students and parents, and teachers at Point Loma High.

The event takes place in the school’s gymnasium, located at 2335 Chatsworth Blvd. The event includes an overview of the various programs, clubs and music opportunities at the school and the course-selection process and enrollment process for ninthgrade courses. For more information,

call the PLHS counseling office at (619) 223-3121, ext. 1129.

SUNDAY, Jan. 22 Annual meeting of the United Portuguese S.E.S., Inc. The meeting will be held at the United Portuguese S.E.S. Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal at 7 p.m. All members and prospective members are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, call (619) 223-5880, or visit www.upses.com.

SUNDAYS The Oasis Christian Fellowship of Ocean Beach will begin services at the new location in the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. every Sunday at 9 a.m. with Pastor Terry.

The traditional Christmas Eve service will be held Saturday, Dec. 24 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the church. For more information, visit www.edsd.org/ecc.