North Park News April 2012

Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 20 Years sdnorthparknews.com

Vol. 20 No. 4 April 2012

Sitting Pretty!

Councilman Todd Gloria has a free ride to a second term

BY MANNY CRUZ

‘The whole vibe of North Park is being reimagined into a vibrant, booming area. We want to be part of that scene,’ says Mike Hess.

Hess Brewing to Open in North Park Canned beer will be a specialty A home brewer since 1995, Mike Hess will bring his wealth of knowledge of craft beer to North Park in late August — opening the second location of his award-winning nanobrewery, Hess Brewing. Situated at 3812 Grim Ave., this forthcoming Hess Brewing location will add to North Park’s growing repertoire of social establishments, following the recent

BY COLETTE MAUZERALLE

Illustration by Jason Luper.

SEE HESS, Page 11

NORTH PARK SCENE To Hell In A Handbag As a celebrity stylist, Ashley Carattini has styled Chelsea Handler and Chuy Bravo on the set of “Chelsea Lately,” dressed Will Ferrell for the cover of Wired Magazine and worked again as a stylist for Handler for a Forbes magazine piece. Last month she branched off from being a fashion stylist to open a new accessories boutique at 32nd and Thorn streets that offers one-of-a-kind jewelry and a host of other designer products — scarves, hats, dog collars, handbags and the like — all American made.

ou don’t have to go to a lot of trouble to find Todd Gloria. The man who has occupied the District 3 seat on the San Diego City Council for nearly four years seems to be everywhere. In coffee shops, holding informal talks with consituents. Attending meetings of local community groups. Chatting it up with folks attending festivals and open houses. Or attending to city business at City Council meetings and meetings of City Council committees.

He is, as one admirer puts it, forever on the go. “He’s been there whenever we’ve needed him,” says Judy Elliot, executive director of the Adams Avenue Business Association. “I

Y

don’t know when he finds a moment to himself.”

Indeed, the councilman’s ubiquitous behavior around the district and his achievements in office are primary reasons why he has encountered no opposition in his pursuit of a second term at this year’s city elections. (Dempsey McGibbony, an Arkansas native newly arrived to North Park took out nominating papers to run, but failed to qualify for the ballot.) Gloria will be sworn into his second term on Dec. 3 of this year.

You would think that a past foe of Gloria’s would have some criticisms to make of the councilman’s behavior over

SEE SCENE, Page 4

SEE GLORIA, Page 6

Reinventing Lindbergh Field Airport Authority puts a new spin on Lindbergh’s future

Thella Bowens, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Five years have elapsed since county voters rejected an advisory ballot measure for the relocation of Lindbergh Field, a long-festering issue that has been fiercely debated for the past four decades. A year after that vote, Alan Bersin, then the chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority — the agency overseeing the airport — sought to put the issue to rest once and for all. “Our job,” he said, “is to end the San Diego airport con-

troversy, this 40-year endless debate.

“We’re building a new airport — at Lindbergh Field.”

In fact, the Airport Authority is reinventing Lindbergh Field, casting off the controversies of the past and moving ahead to expand and streamline airport operations, attract new air carriers, create new concession opportunities for local companies and ease the airport experience for the thousands of passengers who utilize the airport

each year — currently at 17 million.

The push to improve airport operations stems from studies indicating that Lindbergh Field (San Diego International Airport) — the busiest single runway airport in the nation — will reach its maximum capacity some time after 2015 which, if not addressed quickly, could result in automobile traffic congestion surrounding the airport, long lines for tickets and security checks, higher ticket prices, difficulties

BY MANNY CRUZ

in obtaining flights in and out of San Diego and airline defections. Studies also have shown that San Diego’s tourism industry would suffer and businesses that rely on air transportation services would relocate elsewhere.

The ambitious airport expansion and improvement program is being handled under the tutelage of Thella Bowens, president and CEO of the AirSEE AIRPORT, Page 18

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SCENE CONTINUED FROM Page 1

The boutique’s name — To Hell in a Handbag — speaks volumes about Carattini’s marketing sense. She hopes that, plus the quality of her products, will bring customers into her shop.

Carattini isn’t out of the fashion business, though. She has organized the “Fighting with Fashion” runway show on April 28 at the Encinitas Library ballroom, a benefit for the YWCA. The 2 p.m. runway show will highlight summer fashion trends in swimwear, accessories, modern sports wear and high fashion. .

Ashley Carattini

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 5

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i LOOK FOR THE

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS A Scandalous Affair The San Diego Woman’s Club is hosting a musical fundraiser on May 12 that is inspired by the best-seller “Sweethearts” that includes sexual betrayals, suicide attempts, blackmail and, of course, death threats. The production, laced with humor and shocking Hollywood secrets, is the true love story between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy and boasts the music of Victor Herbert, Sigmund Romberg, Cole Porter and Verdi. Metropolitan Opera baritone Theodore Lambrinos appears as Nelson and international soprano Hallie Neill appears as Jeanette. The fundraiser will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, 2557 3rd Ave. in Bankers Hill. Following the performance there will be a lecture and book signing by Sharon Rich, author of “Sweethearts.” Cost is $45 and $40 for students. To reserve seating, call (619) 464-3923.

Museum of Man Budget Woes The San Diego Museum of Man has become one of the latest museums in Balboa Park to suffer layoffs and other cutbacks because of lagging revenues. The museum has laid off seven of its employees and has closed its gift store. The yearly American Indian Art Market also has been shelved for this year. The board of the museum has approved a long-range plan to produce a balanced budget by 2016. One of the museum’s current special exhibits is “Adventures in Photography: A Century of Images in Archeology and Anthropology,” that extends through Jan. 13, 2013.

Energy All-Star Award Winner Soheil Nakhshab, who designed and built a 5,600-square-foot, canyon-side home for his family in Mission Hills, has won an Energy All-Star Award from the California Center for Sustainable Energy for its high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. The two-story home incorporates natural ventilation, high-efficiency building materials, xeriscape landscaping and a solar energy system. The home is certified as LEED for Home Gold.

Pita Jungle Coming to Hillcrest Another eating healthy restaurant will come to Hillcrest this month in the form of Pita Jungle, a 150seat eatery in the Charles Jurman Building at 1045 University Ave. Pita Jungle’s menu features a variety of salads, hummus and taboule, healthy burgers, wood-fired pizzas, pitas and fresh seafood. The concept is based on offering a healthful and natural cuisine abounding with vegetarian and vegan options, crafted within the principles of the Mediterranean diet. The menu has items that seek to balance greens, grains, legumes, meats and fruits. For more information, visit pitajungle.com.

Media Company to Help Plan Centennial The nonprofit organization charged with planning the 2015 Balboa Park centennial celebration has selected a prominent San Diego communications and marketing agency to help shape the celebration. Balboa Park Celebration Inc., the official event organizer, chose Loma Media for the work, a firm that has worked for a number of San Diego companies and organizations, among them General Atomics, Qualcomm Inc., SRI International, Callaway Golf, San Diego State UC San Diego and Junior Achievement. Loma Media’s first task will be the creation of a “Community Outreach Plan.” John DeBello, Loma Media principal and creative director, said the goal of his firm’s relationship with the event organizer is to refine and communicate a strategic vision that will define a world-class event. “The 1915 Panama-California Exposition put an ambitious San Diego on the map and transformed Balboa Park into what we see today,” said DeBello. “A century later, all of us in ‘America’s Finest City’ have a wonderful opportunity to shape our future as we celebrate our past.”

Union Bank Honors Local Heroes Michelle Elise Houle of Golden Hill, who began her career in education as a substitute teacher at the Lindsay Community School for pregnant and parenting mothers, and Dr. Doris A. Howell, who helped establish the San Diego Hospice, have been honored by Union Bank as part of its Local Heroes program.

Under Houle’s direction, the Lindsay school gained a positive reputation for motivating and educating young mothers. Houle has published numerous books and is credited with creating an Early Childhood Program. Howell has practiced medicine for more than 50 years. In 1977, she helped establish San Diego Hospice, the first hospice program in the country, and the first and only academic hospice program of its kind in the region.

SECTION IN OUR MAY ISSUE

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Hallie Neill and Theodore Lambrinos in San Diego Woman's Club event.

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www.sdnorthparknews.com Serving San Diego’s Premier Bungalow Communities Chairman/CEO Bob Page BobPage@sandiegometro.com Publisher Rebeca Page RebecaPage@sandiegometro.com Editor Manny Cruz Manny@sandiegometro.com Art Director Chris Baker kurisub@gmail.com Advertising Sales Ada Laura Duff (858) 442-7766 adaduff@gmail.com ------------------------------

Gloria meets with Katherin Hon, secretary of the North Park Historical Society, and fifth graders from McKinley Elementary School at a ‘North Park Now and Then’ presentation. ‘He and his staff are always friendly and accessible. We feel very fortunate to have him as our councilmember,’ says Hon.

GLORIA CONTINUED FROM Page 1

the past few years. Not so for Stephen Whitburn, who lost to Gloria in the 2008 election. “I think Todd has been a tremendously hard-working councilmember,” says Whitburn. “He makes himself accessible at events and coffees, he’s responsive to problems that crop up, and he keeps people informed about things going on in the district. He’s had visible success improving many of the streets, he’s advocated for our neighborhoods in some key areas, and he clearly does his homework on matters that come before the council.”

Because of redistricting, District 3 will have a whole new look when Gloria enters his second term. Downtown, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Old Town and Park West will be added, while the district will lose Kensington, Talmadge and City Heights. North Park and surrounding neighborhoods will remain.

Gloria addresses this and other issues in response to questions posed by the North park News: How does it make you feel now that you are guaranteed a second term, after the only person to take out nominating papers failed to qualify for the ballot?

I am humbled. When I knocked on 25,000 doors in 2008, the people of District 3 set a very clear agenda for me: strengthen public safety, improve infrastructure, and stabilize city finances.

With continued input from community members, progress has been made on all of these fronts, and it’s heartening to know that people want to see additional accomplishments for the next four years.

Why do you think that, in all of the presently constituted District 3, only one person had taken out nominating papers for the June election?

I don’t know why but I’d hope that it’s an indication of satisfaction with the results my staff and I have delivered for the district. I hope that we’ve worked collaboratively with my constituents so that they see themselves as partners in our efforts to improve our neighborhoods and the city.

rebuilding streets and public infrastructure. We must find a new way to stimulate economic growth in light of the end of redevelopment. These efforts should result in job creation and I intend to lead on both issues.

Finally, I’m also looking forward to continuing work in Balboa Park. The three major initiatives going on — the reclamation of the Plaza de Panama, the 2015 Centennial, and the Balboa Park Conservancy — are long-term projects that will positively impact the San Diego’s crown jewel for future generations.

Please explain what your most significant accomplishments have been during your tenure as councilman for In your second term you will be District 3. adding a whole new constituency — Downtown San Diego — as a result of I focused on the issues neighbors redistricting. How is that going to cared most about. I helped bring Com- affect the way you run your office? munity Relations Police Officers back to the neighborhoods and added police When I gained Downtown, Mission bike teams to Hillcrest and North Park. Hills, Bankers Hill, Old Town and Park We have dedicated significantly more West, I lost Kensington, Talmadge, and funds to fixing streets, yielding 60 miles City Heights. My focus will shift with of repaved roads in District 3 alone. And those boundaries but I will represent when I was sworn into office, almost the new areas with the same dedication. $200 million of budget cuts had just been made; through a variety of tough reforms and fiscal discipline, we now have a $16 million surplus.

In going into your second term in office, what will be your most important priorities?

It is critical that San Diego remain focused on fiscal reform. Moving from years of deficits and service cuts to our current surplus and limited service restorations took a lot of work and sacrifice. I want to continue the work of reforming city finances to ensure that they become a part of the municipal culture and that we never return to the mistakes of the past.

I hope to continue the critical work of

With major civic projects like Connections Housing and the new Central Library opening soon and the potential for a Convention Center expansion, certainly Downtown attracts a fair amount of attention. However, Downtown is like so many other neighborhoods: residents want to be safe and they want wellmaintained streets. The area is slated to receive many more residents in the coming years, and we need to make sure we have the infrastructure in place to handle the density.

Will you be able to balance the needs of your Downtown constituents with the needs of your constituents in North Park and other neighborhoods that have long been a part of District 3?

Absolutely. Through my many years of involvement in North Park, I have built relationships and a knowledge base that will allow me to continue to give the existing neighborhoods of District 3

Writers/Columnists Todd Gloria Ann Jarmusch Jennifer Kester Donna Marganella Bart Mendoza Katelyn O’Riordan Sandy Pasqua David Raines

Photography Manny Cruz Mike Shess Sande Lollis Letters/Opinion Pieces North Park News encourage letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please address correspondence to Manny@sandiegometro.com or mail to Manny Cruz. Please include a phone number, address and name for verification purposes; no anonymous letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit letters and editorials for brevity and accuracy.

Story ideas/Press Releases Do you have an idea for an article you would like to see covered in this newspaper? We welcome your ideas, calendar item listings and press releases. For breaking news, please call us at (619) 287-1865.

For all other news items, please email Manny@sandiegometro.com.

SEE GLORIA, Page 8

ADDRESS PO Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 PHONE (858) 461-4484

North Park News distributes copies monthly to residents and businesses of North Park, South Park, Golden Hill and Normal Heights.

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District 3 Map

GLORIA

Gloria is passionate about having District 3 streets improved and cleared of potholes.

were collected but have not been spent?

We raised over $100,000 in anticipation of the June election. I still expect to CONTINUED FROM Page 6 do some voter communication to introthe high level of service they deserve duce myself to the new parts of the disand have come to expect from my office. trict to ensure they know that I am at I am confident that I can balance the their service. demands of the new district and ensure that all of my constituents’ voices are As a member of the City Council, what heard at City Hall. is your position on the pension reform initiative on the ballot?

The Downtown business establishment is strong and politically savvy.

I am opposed to the ballot initiative.

Do you think its interests will domiAccording to an independent financial nate the business interests of the analysis, the money it purports to save is other parts of your district? all from a legally dubious long-term salary freeze. Moving to a 401k plan The differences between Downtown’s actually increases the city’s pension bill business community and the areas I in the short term by $54 million. Mayor already represent are more geographic Sanders and most councilmembers have than anything else. Everyone will benebeen vigilant in working on REAL penfit from a stronger economy and more sion reforms that are saving taxpayers jobs; every business wants to operate in REAL money now. This initiative will a safe neighborhood with excellent pubnot continue this progress and sets the lic safety resources. All corners of the city up for costly and lengthy litigation. district are grappling with urban issues During your first term, you have like parking and homelessness. There taken very strong steps to improve the are large civic projects and the eliminacondition of district streets, fixing pottion of redevelopment we will continue holes, and such. Are you going to carry to address, but those have implications through with that in your second term? beyond the Downtown boundaries, too.

I am passionate about this issue and will not let up until all of our city’s The addition of Downtown to the disstreets are in a good state of repair. Anytrict obviously means a larger responone who has driven on San Diego’s sibility for yourself. Although your roads knows they are getting better, but term hasn’t yet begun, can you specmany more still need attention. Our ulate on whether you will need to add repaving efforts will continue, and we staff? will focus our next infrastructure bond funds on street maintenance, so the While we are adding Downtown, roads will not worsen to a state of deteMission Hills, Bankers Hill and Old rioration again.

Town, we are losing Kensington, Talmadge, and City Heights. We will shufBecause of term limits, your second fle some staff assignments accordingly, term on the City Council will be your and I am confident my current staff and last. Can you talk a little bit about I will continue our strong partnership what your future political ambitions with all of District 3’s areas. In keeping might be after you leave the council? with my desire to hold the line on spending, I do not anticipate adding I don’t know exactly what lies ahead new staff positions. for me. What I do know is that I love my You have been having fundraisers to job and it will be tough to leave when finance your re-election campaign. the time comes. The good news is that How much funds have you collected District 3 has plenty of work to keep to date? What will happen to funds that me busy the next four years.

North Park Lions Club Serving the community since 1926 Meet Every Wednesday at Noon Come join us and make reservations for lunch Email: northparklionsclub@gmail.com For more information: northparklionsclub.com 3927 Utah St., San Diego, CA 92104-2906

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Creative Designers and Custom Craftsmen in South Park Shops

BY MARSHA SMELKINSON

In a neighborhood known for Craftsman homes designed almost a century ago, South Park today is home to many modern-day craftsmen (or should we say craftspersons?), including more than a few who operate popular local businesses.

Among them are Jeffrey Parish, the eclectic fashion designer (clothes, furnishings, décor, graphics) who owns Junc Life & Style, a boutique on Fern Street, and Ray Lawson & Melissa Hendrix-Lawson, co-owners of Crow Thief, whose flagship men’s wear store is on Grape Street.

Like other South Park businesses, Junc and Crow Thief are locally-owned and operated, giving the entrepreneurs and their customers more opportunities for creative expression. “You won’t find goods like ours in malls and strip centers,” says one South Park merchant. “And much of our merchandise is by artisans who live in San Diego or produced with locallysourced materials.”

Marcus featured his collection last fall in their Fashion’s Night Out event), as well as home accessories and furniture, antiques, jewelry and apparel, paintings, prints and graphics. Parish frequently hosts group art shows showcasing work by over a dozen local designers, and celebrates show openings at South Park’s quarterly Walkabouts.

“Someone I know once said that ‘Fashion is the ability to create aspirations, and tell a story.’ I agree,” he says. “Whether it’s in regards to living spaces, my own designs, or the merchandise I sell in my store, the story is most important.”

Jeffrey Parish, owner of Junc Life & Style in South Park.

Fashion designer Jeffrey Parish designed this dress, modeled by Jasmine Worth. His dress collection was featured last year by Neiman Marcus. Current designs at Junc Life & Style.

Photo by iconicshot.

Jeffrey Parish — Junc Life & Style Jeffrey Parish explains, “As a designer, I look to the world around me for inspiration — music, history, movies, and art,” says Parish. “As a store owner I have to look at San Diego, and the people who are in my store spending their money, as my inspiration. I was lucky to have these incentives when I was putting together Junc.”

In Junc Life & Style. customers will find fashions designed by Parish (Neiman-

Ray Lawson & Melissa HendrixLawson — Crow Thief In business since 2008, Ray and Melissa Lawson opened Crow Thief on Grape Street in 2011. “When we decided to open our first flagship store we wanted to embrace the sophistication and craftsmanship of custom men’s wear. We have always featured limited edition and quality items made locally here in San Diego,” says Melissa.

When you enter Crow Thief, its ambiance is warm, rustic and welcom-

denim, dress it up with slacks or even take it a bit more formal by adding a tailored vest underneath. Fashion is a blending of fit, craftsmanship, manner and versatility.”

Crow Thief offers a selection of materials, thread, buttons etc. for those who want to design their own garments. “Since we opened our doors the community has been extremely supportive,” Melissa says.

“Gentlemen walk in, sigh and say ‘finally’, and women often ask if we will get into women’s wear. We are very thankful to receive such great local encouragement.”

Fashionable South Park Find more local fashion ideas, inspiration and apparel in several South Park shops, including these listed below. A full Cierra Salzano modeled a printed fitted dress This red pattern shirt is available in Crow directory of South Park businesses, as well from the ’50s at Bad Madge & Co.’s one-year as a map and calendar of events, is avail- anniversary. Photo by Tanya McAnear.

Thief’s ready-to-wear line. able at www.SouthParkScene.com. ing. On one side of the shop, customers can custom-design their own garments Bad Madge & Company Mythology by Richard Fredrick with expert “interactive” assistance, and 2205 Fern St. 2365 & 2367 30th St. on the other side browse through a rack www.badmadge.com www.mythologyecoboutique.com and shelves of Crow Thief’s ready-to wear designs, including shirts, slacks, Crow Thief Handcrafted Men’s Wear (Other South Park shops which carry vests, scarves and accessories.

3309 Grape St. apparel items include The Grove at Crow Thief’s custom craftsmanship www.crowthief.com Juniper & 30th, Make Good on Fern St., division exudes their passion for creativand Studio Maureen on Beech St.) ity. “We specifically created our concept so Graffiti Beach clients can experience the process and 2220 Fern St. walk away with a unique story and a cuswww.shopgraffitibeach.com tom piece of clothing,” Melissa says. She takes actual body measurements and creJunc Life & Style ates a pattern specifically for the client.

2209 Fern St. She then creates a mock-up of the garwww.junclifeandstyle.com ment to make sure everything fits perfectly. Once the sample fit is approved, she proceeds with the final garment into production. Each custom pattern is kept on file so clients can continue to design new shirts with the same individualized fit.

“We don’t follow trends, we follow instinct,” Melissa says. “Fit is first and foremost our No. 1 priority. Versatility, detail and craftsmanship are also very important. If you offer a gentleman a great fitting blazer that has a great style, he has the opportunity to wear the blazer with

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HESS CONTINUED FROM Page 1

which will share a back parking lot with the future brewery.

Hess’ choice of opening his second brewery in North Park is no rocket science: “The whole vibe of North Park is being reimagined into a vibrant, booming area. We want to be part of that scene,” says Hess. He claims North Park’s large amount of foot traffic, often lacking at Hess Brewing’s Miramar location, as a compelling reason for the choice. “To have the opportunity to put a brewery in a neighborhood where we can be so close to its people; we want that, too.”

The brewery will take over what was once a book store, and Hess has quite a few changes in mind for the space’s 12,500-square-foot interior. Upon entering the building, visitors will walk across a 50-foot long indoor sky bridge to reach the nearly 3,000-square-foot tasting room, and Hess intends to removing nearly half of the main level’s flooring to allow guests to look down into the brewhouse’s basement-level production area.

Meanwhile, portions of the ceiling will be pulled out to expose the building’s wooden beams and create an industrial feel.

Hess Brewing is also primed to become the first San Diego brewery to can its beers, which will begin in May, beating out close competitor, Pizza Port, by mere months. This decision comes from Hess’ realization that canned beer is more recyclable, lighter weight, more transportable and protects the integrity of the beer better than bottles, as no light or air can enter a can.

Hess opened his first Hess Brewing location to the public in July 2010, after reading an article about regular people

with full-time jobs who found the time to open small breweries of their own.

Alas, Hess Brewing — intended to be a part-time gig for Hess —would not remain so. Instead, it has become the founder’s full-time passion. “It can be a part-time job or a full-time job, depending on the way you want to do it,” he says.

The brewery boasts the strongest IPA in San Diego, the Amplus Acerba (translated from Latin as “ample bitterness”), averaging in at 11.3 percent. However, Hess Brewing’s best seller is by far the Grazias, a Vienna Cream Ale and the only beer of its kind in San Diego. Guests typically describe Hess’ Latin-named beers (easier to drink than to say) as “well-balanced,” and have been querying for more than the nanobrewery can create.

“Our first quarter, we brewed 14 barrels. Last quarter, we brewed 70 barrels.

We can’t keep up with the demand,” says Hess, though he’s certainly not lamenting over the favor his brewery has been shown, including a worthy second place in Taphunter’s first annual San Diego Brewery Awards.

In the meantime, Hess, a native of San Francisco who served in the Navy and relocated to San Diego in 1997, continues to hold the title of CBO, or as he’s so perfectly coined it, Chief Brewing Officer.

There could be no better title for the founder of this growing company, as Hess finds educating others about beer and introducing them to the world of craft-brewing a most rewarding experience.

“We’re about bringing the most high quality experience to beer lovers — or people who will soon be beer lovers.”

Mike Hess plans to open Hess Brewery in North Park in August.

A New Home for the North Park Toyland Parade There’s a new host in town. Victoria House Corp. is the new keeper of the North Park Toyland Parade. North Park Main Street District, which has managed the parade since 2008, officially passed the baton to VHC on Feb. 15.

Many local organizations have operated the parade in the past, which is traditionally held on the first Saturday in December. It’s VHC’s turn and the local North Park nonprofit is extremely excitBY DEBRA FUENTES VICTORIA HOUSE CORP.

ed to take on the parade.

We are adding an after-parade holiday festival. Our goal: involve the families and community of North Park by offering them entertainment before, during and after the parade, engaging paradegoers to enjoy local businesses, and family and social life here in North Park.

As for the parade itself, VHC intends to maintain the integrity of the original parade while making it our own. Our theme for 2012 is: “Back to the Past,” with titled division names reflecting various

categories, eras and/or times.

We are extending the route, increasing the number of entries, hosting band competitions, honoring our heroes from the military, involving local schools, and inviting local celebrities as a part of this annual event.

The festival, immediately following the parade, will offer a variety of entertainment for families, children and teens.

Live entertainment, competitions, Christmas caroling, Santa’s Workshop, puppet shows, holiday movies, and per-

formances by local high school drama teams are a part of the festival.

It is our plan to increase patronage for North Park businesses who will offer special parade discounts extending far beyond the day of the parade. Participating businesses and sponsors will receive perks to bring San Diegans to North Park in the months prior to the parade. While having so much fun, Victoria House Corp. is committed to increasing community awareness. We invite you to come visit us and partici-

pate. Join us to live, work, and play in North Park.

Victoria House Corp. extends its hands to North Park residents and business owners to become involved in this year’s parade by offering their support and volunteer efforts. This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a band competition starting at 9 a.m. and the festival immediately following the parade until 4:30 p.m. To contact VHC, visit our Website at: vhcorp.org.

12 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

Celebrating Music & the Arts Festival of the Arts to liven North Park streets While most kids her age were outside playing, 5-year-old Billy Anne Crews was in her room listening to records and studying the lyrics. Decades of piano lessons and a music degree later, Crews just wants to plug in her guitar, write songs and sing.

That’s what she will do when she takes the Beats & Eats Stage during the 16th annual Festival of the Arts on May 20 in North Park. She’s one of several musical artists signed to perform at the festival — a rollicking celebration that will treat adults and children alike to a daylong feast of music, arts and crafts booths, a plein air competition, a free beer garden — for adults only, of course — and much more. The Beats & Eats Stage, to be located at Illinois Street and University Avenue, also will feature nine other acts besides Crews’ performance.

Stage performances will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the same hours as the Festival of the Arts.

“I don’t remember a time where I didn’t read music,” Crews once told an interviewer. “My uncle taught me piano and I used to play the clarinet. Now I just play guitar.”

Known as the Southern Grunge Chick, Crews was born in Waukegan, Ill. and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn. She’s a San Diego resident now and has played clubs in the U.S. and England as well as in local beach coffeehouses and clubs.

Her vocals seem reminiscent of the rich notes of Fiona Apple with the country stylings of Lucinda Williams. Some of her major recordings are “Hard Life to

Live,” “Gasoline,” Don’t Want to Settle” and “Taking My Promises.”

Lisa Vincent has been the Beats & Eats Stage manager for the festival for the past six years. “The exposure here really helps the musicians,” she said. “They get spots on morning TV shows, performing live.

It’s great publicity.”

The staging area for the Festival of the Arts is on University Avenue, from 32nd Street on the East and 30th Street on the west, and from Lincoln Street on the north to North Park Way on the south.

Five musical stages will offer a variety of musical acts. Other attractions will be a Kids Art Block on Herman Avenue, a free beer garden on 31st street and the Craft Beer Block on Ohio Street (tickets can be purchased online at $30, or $35 on the day of the event). The first 300 per- Jinx King Larry Teves. sons to purchase tickets from the Website (northparkfestivalofarts.com) will receive a free t-shirt.

Also featured will be a plein air competition organized by Lesley Anderson of The Art Department on Ray Street.

More than 75 vendors will display their wares during the festival. A multicultural craft bazaar arranged by Alma Rodriguez of Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center, will be the attraction on Ray Street.

North Park Main Street, a nonprofit organization funded in part by assessments of business owners, is the sponsor of the Festival of the Arts. Funds generated from the festival also support the organization’s programs.

Chris Vannoy.

Accessories Galore!

The vendors who are members of the North Park Independent Bazar will occupy a big space at the Festival of the Arts, offering a wide assortment of jewelry, fashions and handcrafted products.

The vendors include Maggi’s (custom straps, clothing, accessories); Scarves by Momma; Bella Rouge Designs (jewelry);Uneeke2 Clothing; and Wyng’d Lyon Creations (Teddy Bears, other stuffed animals and handcarved and painted boxes).

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Don't forget Tuesday Nights for live Italian music.

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Billy Anne Crews will perform at the Beats & Eats Stage at the Festival of the Arts.

Mercedes Moore with band mate.

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 13

Art Glass Guild’s Spring Show Sparkles in Spanish Village The Art Glass Guild Spring Patio Show and Sale — the largest art glass show in Southern California — will be held in the Spanish Village Art Center on May 12-13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

All forms of art glass, including blown,

fused, torch worked, stained glass, cast, etched, and mosaic will be featured. Over 30 juried glass artists of the Art Glass Association of Southern California will be exhibiting their art.

Children and adults are invited to take part in the guild’s hands-on mosaic projects. Completed projects can be picked up the following weekend. The show and sale also will include a variety of demonstrations such as torchworking and glass

‘Harmony’ — Michael Herman and Gina Lunn LEFT ‘Hunters’ — Rick Knight.

‘Tarantula’ — John Long Orange Burst — Jennifer O’Conner

cutting. Musical entertainment will be stage from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Some of the featured glass artists are Rick Knight, Michael Hermann and Gina Lunn, John Long and Jennifer O’Conner.

“I am fascinated by all the possibilities in using glass as a medium,” said Knight. “ I continue my exploration of kilnformed glass fusion by applying many learned unique techniques and imagina-

tion to create design, color, texture and shape.”

Hermann and Lunn studied under Italian masters, absorbing age-old techniques and learning the importance of structure and design. “Combining these traditional techniques with a more contemporary style, we create glass that is both beautiful and timeless,” they said.

O’Conner primarily works with borosilicate crystal and manipulates her glass

utilizing the ancient Italian method of lampworking. Long is well-versed in two very different styles of Italian glassblowing. He does lampworking, which is also known as torchworking. Long and O’Conner are featured artists on the HGTV series “Crafters Coast to Coast” and “That’s Clever.”

For more information visit artglassguild.org or the Art Glass Guild, Studio 25, or call (619) 702-8006.

14 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

Old Globe Stages West Coast Premiere of ‘The Scottsboro Boys’ The West Coast premiere of “The Scottsboro Boys,” a musical based on the 1930 case of nine unjustly accused African-American men whose lives would eventually spark the civil rights movement, will be staged May 5 through June 10 at the Old Globe Theatre.

The musical, based on a book by David Thompson, is directed

by Susan Stroman, with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Tickets start at $39.

An Insights Seminar, featuring a panel of artists from the show, including director/choreographer Stroman and playwright David Thompson, will be held at 7 p.m. on April 30.

Post-show forums — informal question-and-answer sessions with cast members, will be held May 8, 15 and 23.

A Diversity in the Arts seminar on May 7 will feature conversations by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg of the MOXIE Thetre and Seema Sueko of the Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company on how theater artists, present and past, explore stories about race on stage. The seminar is at 7 p.m.

On June 4, Dr. Carrol Waymon and Dr. John Warren will lead a discussion of the civil rights movement in San Diego. A reception is at 6:30 p.m. and the seminar is at 7 p.m.

Digital Planetarium Show A new digital planetarium show — “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” — is featured every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s Heikoff Dome Theater. The show introduces kids to the solar system, lets them learn what a planet is, how the planets are different from each other, and why our earth is such a special place.

The show is great for young children ages 3-10 and their families. Tickets are $15.75 for adults and $12.75 for kids and seniors. 40 minutes

‘Flying Monsters 3D’ The San Diego Natural History Museum will explore the age-old question of whether flying monsters once inhabited the earth in a new adventure film opening June 1. “Flying Monsters 3D,” a film by Atlantic Productions in association with Sky 3D and distributed by National Geographic Entertainment, uses 3D and CGI technology to immerse audiences in a prehistoric world inhabited by pterosaurs, flying vertebrates with a wingspan of up to 45 feet that lived alongside dinosaurs.

Filmmaker Anthony Geffen produced the movie, which is narrated by naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

Flying Monsters will employ pioneering scientific techniques that reveal new details about pterosaurs. “It’s almost as if this animated 3D technology was created to tell our story,” said Geffen.

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 15

The Young Curiosity Shop Quaint store serves Craftsman and Spanish Revival bungalows

BY THOMAS SHESS

Peter and Catherine Chester operate a retail shop in Little Italy that a lot of North Parkers wish was located in our ‘hood. Called The Bungalow Store (2317 India St., 619-234-7383), the business specializes in furnishings, art, lighting and pottery mainly in three genres: Arts & Crafts, Monterey and Mexicana.

“We feel that we have a good business product and service aimed at bungalow homeowners in San Diego and all over California,” says Peter. The shop’s Website (www.thebungalowstore) opens up yet another arena with clients across the United States.

Whatever the style of bungalow enjoyed by the homeowner, the Little Italy shop provides furniture, lighting and art specific to the period from the‘teens, ’20s, ’30s and ’40s when these homes were built.

The couple has been in antiques sales and restoration since our graduation from college in 1973, even made a dollar or two from it during college. Their focus has varied over the years from American Oak, 18th and 19th century Americana and mid-century modern.

Over the past several years the Chesters say they’ve grown in their appreciation for the bungalow home in San Diego and California in general.

“Not only did our passion grow for these great furnishings, but we saw a business opportunity — a mission if you will — to educate homeowners as well as offer up period specific items relating to the bungalow home,” says Peter.

Peter is quick to add, the “bungalow home” is actually comprised of many different styles and influences, some reflecting revival styles that began in San Diego.

“The 1915 San Diego Exposition was the cauldron for the revival of the Spanish and Moorish (North African) styles that spread all across California by architects Bertram Goodhue and William Templeton Johnson,” Peter says. “So, along with Spanish, you have the Moorish and other Mediterranean styles. With the Craftsman home come the Prairie influence, Japanese and the Swiss.”

As the Spanish Revival style became popular, a void for furnishings was filled by the Mason Furniture Co. of Los Angeles, he says. Approached by Barker Bros., a very large furniture retailer, Mason designed a line of furniture that was uniquely California. It was called “Mon-

Set of four vintage Mexican painted chairs.

Spanish Revival Honduran mahogany console table with trestle base was sold by the store.

terey.” This line of furniture was to harken back to the 19th century days of the California Rancho. Solid, well-made, comfortable and casual are the hallmarks of Monterey furniture. There are several other makers of the California Rancho style, notably Imperial and Del Rey as well as Coronado. Coronado furniture was part of the original furnishings of Casa de Pico Motor Court designed by Richard Requa in Old Town.

If you want to gab about Craftsman or Small Arts & Crafts oak footstool, 1915.

Spanish bungalows, you’ll find kindred spirits at The Bungalow Shop.

“Owning an older bungalow home is both a challenge and an adventure,” says Peter, “Furnishing it with appropriate items from the period can be the same challenge and adventure. One can simply choose to furnish with the new quickly, or experience the fun and adventure of looking for just the right piece to fit that spot. Not everyone has the patience, but for those that do, the ‘hunt’ and the find can be a very rewarding pasttime. It’s for those people we have our shop.”

Vintage California redwood Arts & Crafts

The Bungalow Store sold this 19th century

Tom Shess is founding editor of the West desk. Pigeonhole interior. Vertical slats at Spanish carved armchair. Old needlepoint seat is appropriate to the style.

Coast Craftsman and creative director of base.

San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine.

16 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

Vintage photo of Grant Elementary School.

‘Cradle to Grave’ Walking Tour Mission Hills Heritage hosts visit to core area of the neighborhood “Cradle to Grave,” a docent-led walking tour hosted by Mission Hills Heritage on April 21, will explore a core area of Mission Hills in its infancy 100 years ago.

Anchored by four long-established community fixtures — Grant Elementary School, Pioneer Park, the Mission Hills Methodist Church and Mission Hills Nursery — the provocative theme promises amazing stories and a visit to hidden gems of the past. Tour hours are from 1 to 4 p.m.

The “cradle” element of the tour centers on the 102-year-old Mission Hills Nursery. Established in 1910, it was the second San Diego nursery location for Kate Sessions when she moved out of Balboa Park. Pivotal in promoting Mission Hills, Sessions’ nursery constitutes both the cradle of the development in the area as well as a source of new growth.

Grant Elementary School, built in 1914 and educating Mission Hills children since that time, provides another anchor to the tour. Docents will discuss the evolution of this 98-year-old institution, and Grant graduates are invited to share tales, too. One might recall the days when an unused portion of the Cal-

vary Cemetery, adjacent to Grant, served as a playground for the crowded institution.

On the stroll through this neighborhood, docents will also point out wonderful century-old homes looking much the same as when built by master builders and famous architects.

Walking tour members will also visit the Mission Hills Methodist Church on Fort Stockton and Lark Street. A spiritual home for generations of Mission Hills residents, it was built in 1913 and retains its original design and detailing. Construction on the church was overseen by church trustee Nathan Rigdon, builder of many homes in Mission Hills.

Established in 1875, Calvary Cemetery is the tour’s fourth anchor. Docents have many fascinating stories about the graveyard and those who found their final resting place there.

Refreshments will be served at the Methodist Church following each walking tour. Tickets are $10 for Mission Hills Heritage members and $15 for nonmembers and may be purchased the day of the tour from 12:30 p.m. at the parking lot in Pioneer Park off Washington Place. For more information, phone (619) 497-1193.

Mission Hills Nursery.

Headstones at Calvary Cemetery in Pioneer Park.

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 17

Soccer Champion Saints St. Augustine wins CIF Southern California Regional Division II Championship The St. Augustine High soccer team won the 2012 CIF Southern California Regional Division II Championship by besting the Lindsay High School Cardinals, 2-1, in overtime, during the championship match in Downey in March.

The Saints’ winning goal was made by Kostas Kotselas, a junior and son of Donna and John Kotselas, owners of Olympic Café. He scored the winner with about nine minutes left in the 15-minute overtime on a towering header from a throw-in by Michael “Ike” Arinze.

The Fresno Bee quoted Cardinals senior Jonathan Colunga saying this about the Saints’ team: “They were tall, and they were tough. That’s what killed us.”

Lindsey High (24-2-3) was the top seed. St. Augustine (20-5-4) was the No. 3 seed.

The Saints finished the league season with a 13-5-4 record, sixth ranked in the county. They defeated El Capitan High 1-

0 in the first round of the CIF San Diego Section playoffs, then defeated fourthranked University City High School 4-0.

In the semifinals, the Saints went against second-ranked Southwest High School, beating them 1-0 to earn a finals match with arch-rival Cathedral Catholic High School.

The Sports Nation prep blog reported the Saints-Cathedral tilt this way: “As expected, the match was an exciting contest. Cathedral scored in the 22nd minute of the game off a free kick, and held that lead well into the second half.

As time was ticking down and it looked as if the Saints’ run would end, sophomore Cheyne Davis converted a throw in from teammate Ike Arinze for the tying goal with six minutes left. The two teams then moved through scoreless overtime to the penalty kick phase. There, junior Flavio Borquez scored the deciding goal as the Saints finished on top 5-4 in PKs.” In the CIF Regionals, the Saints defeat-

Parks and public safety continue to improve in North Park

BY COUNCILMAN TODD GLORIA Two of the greatest challenges of living in older urban neighborhoods are ensuring adequate park space and preserving public safety. I’m happy to report progress on both fronts for in the community of North Park.

Last month, my colleagues on the City Council unanimously approved moving forward with a joint-use field at North Park’s Jefferson Elementary School.

The agreement between the city and San Diego Unified School District will result in a synthetic turf multi-purpose sports field of almost an acre as well as 0.50 acres of hard courts, which will include a children’s play area and a drinking fountain. It should be complete and open this spring.

The total project cost is estimated to be approximately $1,892,912, including land value, and design and construction costs, all of which will be borne by the school district’s Prop S funds. The city will be responsible for maintenance of the jointuse area.

When I stopped by Jefferson for Read Across America Day in March to read to Mrs. Hubbard’s fifth grade class, the students could not have been more excited about their new play field. Me either!

My commitment to adding park space to District 3 continues, and I hope neighbors will participate in the upcoming fourth community workshop for the North Park Mini-Park and Associated Streetscape Improvements project, scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on April 23 at the North Park Recreation Center, 4044

Idaho S. In case you are unfamiliar with it, the site of the Mini-Park is on North Park Way between Granada and 29th Street, directly behind the North Park Theatre.

If you would like more information about the North Park Mini Park and Associated Streetscape Improvements Project, you may contact the city’s project manager, Todd Schmit at (619) 5334620, TSchmit@sandiego.gov. And you can always access up to date information on the project at: sandiego.gov/engineering-cip/projectsprograms/northparkminipark.shtml.

Lastly, I want to offer my thanks to the North Park Community Association and Stonewall Citizens Patrol for facilitating the first community policing meeting in March. With this initiative, volunteers would monitor activity around in the residential areas and the business district during the evening and early morning hours on weekends. This model of community policing has long been practiced by the Stonewall Citizens Patrol and has been effective in other areas, including Talmadge and Hillcrest. I’m grateful to all those who have signed up to be part of the solution.

The ongoing dedication of North Park neighbors is inspiring, and I am proud to be your partner in improving the community.

Councilman Todd Gloria can be reached at ToddGloria@sandiego.gov; (619)-2366633; 202 C Street, MS 10A, San Diego, CA 92101; and on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit his website at www .sandiego.gov/cd3.

ed Desert Mirage High School 5-1 in the opening round, then earned a trip to the championships by taking a 5-4 victory over Santa Ana Valley High School in overtime.

Members of the Saints championship soccer team: Nick Allen, Aaron Martinez, Traeger Jarrad, Daniel Johnston, Johnny Costa, Joe Saad, Flavio Borquez, Jaime Charles, Anthony Tangredi, Chad Fitzgerald, Connor Keefe Garrett Blodgett, Spencer Calvert, Dominic Chavez, Kostas Kotselas, Hector Castellanos, Matt Palpallatoc, Alex Galan, Ryan Stamper, Andre Garcia, Cheyne Davis, Michael “Ike” Arinze, Carlos Lopez, Esteban Quesada, Timothy Shen, Robert DeCort.

Michael Stephenson is St. Augustine’s athletic director. Brendan Johnston is soccer varsity head coach. Bill Polan is varsity assistant coach. Cathy Fitzgerald is Team Mom. The Saints’ Kostas Kotselas (center, leaping) scores the winning goal against Lindsay High School.

18 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

AIRPORT

San Diego International Airport Quick Facts

CONTINUED FROM Page 1

port Authority. She was appointed to the post in 2003 after state legislation removed the airport from the control of the San Diego Unified Port District and placed it in the hands of the newly created Airport Authority. Bowens had been the Port’s senior director of aviation for seven years before the switch, and when the changeover occurred she was given the responsibility of planning and implementing the transfer of the airport to its role as an independent entity.

Bowens, who works under a contract that gives her an annual salary of $258,323, says running the airport is no different than running a business. “We are a business,” she says, emphasizing the word. “We are a business that operates in the public arena and we are subject to all of the public laws that govern public organizations… Our stakeholder is the general public. Our emphasis is on being a really good, publicly operated entity.”

Green Build In Progress The most visible part of the airport’s “reinvention” is the $1.2 billion Green Build at Terminal 2, the largest improvement project in airport history. When completed in 2013, the terminal will have 10 new gates, a dual-level roadway where arriving and departing passengers can conduct their business on separate curbs, more overnight parking spaces and more dining and shopping options, among other improvements.

“It includes the waiting room for those new gates, it includes the new concession core where you will see just a lot of the new concessions that are coming in through the process than we had

Rendering of the Sunset Cove.

just a few months ago,” says Bowens. “It includes over a million square feet of additional aircraft parking apron which is really going to help our efficiency because we will no longer have to park our overnight aircraft over on the north side and then in the morning have them come through the traffic to get over here…

“All real airports have dual level roadways, and that’s very important to us because if you have used Terminal 2, you know that the curb front here is very, very congested and that is because we have totally outgrown in terms of numbers, the number of passengers and the number of cars that we have the ability to handle on one level. If we can separate the departures and arrivals on separate levels, you really cut down the congestion. When you cut down on the congestion, you cut down on emissions

and other issues that go on as a result of that. So we’re looking to not only ease the passenger’s experience, but to contribute to a better level of quality by having that traffic continue to move.”

Food and Retail Concessions The airport’s new food and retail concession program will be implemented throughout the facility — Terminals 1 and 2 and the Commuter Terminal. It is a major departure from the past, where one company ran all airport concessions. San Diegans will see some familiar local dining choices in the new system, such as Jack in the Box (but not McDonalds), and a lot of other eating spots operated by local businesses that will be operating at the airport for the first time, such as Pannikin Coffee & Tea, Saffron Thai, Phil’s BBQ, and Stone Brewing Company, to name a few. On the retail side, a new feature at the airport will be Spa Didacus’ Be Relax Spa in two locations. In all, the Airport Authority board approved 16 food and retail packages. Travelers will begin seeing the new shops, restaurants and services beginning in December 2012.

“One of the things that we wanted to do was to provide what in this industry is called a local flavor,” says Bowens. “It means that you want your airport to reflect your local community, your local culture, things that are indigenous to your culture, things that people in this market, who come to this market would expect to see and for people who live in this market are comfortable with.

(Although) you cannot under federal guidelines give any preference to a local company, you can create a program that reflects the local culture and when you do that, you really open the avenue for more local companies to be participants.”

Bowens says the “local flavor” feature is new to San Diego, but not elsewhere.

“That’s something that’s happening in

airports across the country,” she says.

“If you go to St. Louis for instance, you are going to see things that really reflect St. Louis. If you go to DFW ( Dallas/Fort Worth) you’re going to see Bar-B-Q, and the Texas wine country and so that’s what we’re trying in San Diego. If you noticed the concessions in the past, they have been mostly national brands and that was the trend 15-20 years ago. And now the trend is really to create a sense of place. To a person just walking off the plane, he might say, ‘wow, I know I’m in San Diego because I see something that’s very San Diego related.’”

Financing According to the Port Authority, the Green Build project will top out at $1.2 billion, which includes $865 million in direct construction costs and financing costs of about $145 million. Money from airport user fees, concessions, revenue bonds and grants from the Federal Aviation Administration are being used to finance the project.

Aside from the physical improvements at the airport, the Airport Authority works aggressively to bring more air carriers into Lindbergh Field.

It currently has 18 passenger carriers, the largest being Southwest Airlines, (which carried 37 percent of the airport passenger volume in 2010), and four cargo carriers. “We work in collaboration with ConVis, the chamber, the Economic Development Corporation, the World Trade Center,” says Bowens. “We work very, very closely with the business community to develop those relationships with the airlines, to develop those relationships with the business traveler so that we can go to a particular airline and make a presentation that helps them to see the value of San Diego to their business. The actual decision by the airlines to come here is really a testament to this community because this

Thella Bowens runs airport operations out of her office in the Commuter Terminal.

Established: 1928 Acres: 661; Total employees: 6,377 Passengers per day: 40,000-50,000; 53 percent leisure, 43 percent business Daily arrivals and departures: 550 Nonstop destinations: 48 Passenger totals: 16.9 million in 2010 Gates: 41 gates for jet aircraft in Terminals 1 and 2; 4 gates for regional planes in Commuter Terminal Airlines: 18 passenger carriers and 4 cargo carriers Largest carrier: Southwest; 37 percent of passenger volume in 2010 2010 operations-air carrier: 79 percent; general aviation: 17.5 percent; cargo 3 percent; military: .5 percent Economic impact: SDIA contributes some $10 billion annually to the region Job creation: Approximately 115,000 jobs, or one of every 16 jobs in the region, are directly or indirectly related to operations at the airport Airport Authority: 340 Authority employees; $151 million operating budget for FY2012

Green Build New gates: 10 at Terminal 2 West Dual-level roadway at Terminal 2: arrivals and departures on separate curbs Smart curb technology: travelers can check in for their flight even before entering the terminal Aircraft parking: additional remainover-night parking New, expanded dining and shopping options More and improved security checkpoints Funded by user fees, airport revenue bonds, airport cash and FAA grants, not by local tax dollars Cost: $1.2 billion—$865 million for the project; remainder in financing costs Sustainability: Pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification. Sustainable design elements include: Decreased water usage; reduced energy consumption; use of alternative energy sources

Japan Airlines to Offer Nonstop Flights from San Diego to Asia The first-ever nonstop flights between San Diego and Tokyo Narita International Airport will be offered in December by Japan Airlines using the 787 Dreamliner aircraft. San Diego has been the largest U.S. market without nonstop service to Asia. The new service is made possible by the advent of the 787 Dreamliner, the first aircraft with the size, airfield performance and range to make the nonstop oceanic flight viable. The San Diego-Tokyo route is the first announced scheduled Dreamliner service in Southern California. “San Diego has the largest unserved U.S. passenger market to Asia, and thanks to Japan Airlines, these passengers are now linked nonstop to Asia,” said Thella F. Bowens, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 19

community, despite how bad the economy is to us, it has not taken the same hit as a lot of other communities, so we’re seeing airlines come in here because the travelers are here.

“They know they can come in here, put their equipment here, and make a profit and that’s the only way they will continue to do that. And I always say if we get nonstop service to a market, it’s very important that people use it because it is a ‘use it or lose it’ proposition. If they can’t make money, they will pull out. They have no community loyalty. The loyalty is to the stockholder and to the bottom line.”

Terminal 1 A plan for the replacement of Terminal 1 will be a focus of the upcoming Airport Development Plan, which is the next phase of airport master planning.

The planning process is slated to begin in early 2012, allowing two years for planning and two years for environmental documentation. Upon adoption of the state and federal environmental documents, work can begin.

No cost estimates are yet available. “It is way too early to have a sense of cost for something that has not been planned and designed,” said Steven Shultz, deputy director of public relations for the Airport Authority.

The Capacity Issue Although Lindbergh Field is constrained by its location, its single runway and no viable relocation options (she calls it a dead issue), Bowens doesn’t dwell much on the issue of the airport running out of capacity. “I’m sure I’ll be retired (by then),” she says. “And I will sit back and watch the next group go through what we went through in 2003-2006 to look at all the solutions.

And with technology and changes in

technology and changes in the demographics of the traveler, the advent of things like high-speed rail, it will change some of the decisions-making assumptions that you use when you do those kinds of studies. Right now, our job is really to make this work. Because the voters spoke about what they wanted: they didn’t want us to move the airport at that point. And so, I don’t know what’s down the road.”

Economic Asset “One of the things that I always like to talk about and I don’t think people really realize it is that the airport is a tremendous economic asset to the community,” Bowens says. “It is a major engine in terms of helping businesses to develop and having people come here. We’re a great tourist and convention market. But we also have great businesses here that depend on air travel and having the right air service and the right facilities to support that air service is just really, really critical in a city like San Diego. People who don’t regularly study this business don’t realize that the companies like Qualcomm and the universities and all the biotech and all those industries depend very heavily on not just air service, but great air service to the extent that we make it efficient. We save them time and therefore, we save them money. This airport is a critical asset; we don’t really dip into the tax funds of this community. We generate a lot of revenue for this community and the green build itself is generating at its peak about 1,000 jobs and the new concession program will generate lots of new jobs, lots of new opportunities.

So everything that we do here is really a great support economically to the community.”

North Concourse rendering.

Rendering of the USO building.

20 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

Lindbergh Field’s Airline Makeup A conversation with Hampton Brown,director of air service development for the San Diego Regional Airport Authority » Number of daily non stops from Lindbergh?

Approximately 236 flights in summer months; approximately 218 flights in winter months (Southwest Airlines has 94 flights in summer months; 86 in winter months)

» Domestic non-stop destinations and the airlines providing the service: Albuquerque Atlanta Austin Baltimore Boston Charlotte Chicago O’Hare Chicago Midway Cincinnati Cleveland Dallas-Ft. Worth Denver Detroit El Paso Honolulu Houston Inter Houston Hobby Maui Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles

Mammouth Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New York JFK Newark Oakland Philadelphia Portland, Oregon Reno Sacramento San Antonio San Francisco

San Jose Salt Lake City St. Louis Seattle Washington Dulles

Southwest Delta Southwest Souhwest Jet Blue USAirways American, United Southwest Delta Continental (holiday seasonal) American Frontier, Southwest, United Delta Southwest Alaska, Hawaiian Continental Southwest Alaska Southwest, Spirit Southwest, Spirit American Eagle, Delta Connection, UnitedExpress United Express (winter months) Frontier (summer seasonal Delta, Sun Country Southwest American, Delta, Jet Blue Continental Southwest USAirways Alaska Southwest Southwest Southwest Southwest, United, Virgin America Southwest Delta Southwest Alaska United

» International non-stop destinations and the airlines providing the service: Calgary Guadalajara London Heathrow Mexico City Puerto Vallarta San Jose Del Cabo Toronto Vancouver

West Jet Volaris British Airways Volaris Alaska (winter seasonal) Alaska Air Canada Air Canada

Diego to Asia, we have a lot of people flying to Asia but who have to connect two or three times to get to their final destination.

That makes us uncompetitive.

» What airports are Lindbergh’s major competitors?

Denver, Phoenix and Las Vegas. This is where our incentive marketing programs for the airlines come into play. However, in the end the airlines will fly where they will have the most business.

» Why additional flights to Hawaii?

San Diego has long been underserved to Hawaii.

The Hawaiian government’s annual statistics for 2010 on arrivals indicate that San Diego is the fifth largest inbound mainland market to the Hawaiian Islands. This represents over 125,000 San Diego visitors to Hawaii annually. Until recently, over half of San Diego passengers traveling to Hawaii had to connect to the islands either through Los Angeles or San Francisco.

» Lindbergh’s runway is 9,400 feet. How does that impact 777 and 787 aircraft?

The required runway length of a fully loaded 777200ER on a typical day is 11,000 feet. However, flights to Europe do not need to leave fully loaded. The runway length on a fully-loaded 787-B on a typical day is 10,100 feet. The runway length on a fully-loaded 787-8 (high thrust option) is 8,500 feet.

» Do you believe a 787 could fly non-stop from San Diego to Tokyo or Seoul?

Yes, we are optimistic that it can perform from San Diego to both Tokyo and Seoul non-stop. We are in the early stages of sensitive conversations with Japanese and Korean air carriers. It can sometimes take a decade to secure service.

Denver has been seeking service to Asia for over 10 years and it is a Star Alliance hub, which means we have a lot of competition.

» How do you overcome the perception that Lindbergh is sometimes called “Tom Bradley Terminal South”? (Tom Bradley is the name of the international terminal at Los Angeles International Airport).

We explain to the airlines that we have a rather large base of international passengers that live in San Diego County who would prefer to connect less to their final destinations. Our sales presentations include data such as origin-destination data (where people are flying to), fare data (how much people are paying to fly) and the connection profiles (how many stops people have to make to get to their final destination). For San

787 Dreamliner Aircraft

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 21

King of the Air(port) We sit down with Robert Gleason, chairman of the Airport Authority, to see what’s up with all that construction and when we'll start hearing about relocation again.

BY RANDY DOTINGA

When Robert Gleason gets a text message on his phone, it might be a complaint from a friend about inadequate customer service. But it’s not likely to have anything to do with his job as chief financial officer of Evans Hotels, a chain of three local luxury resorts.

Instead, Gleason often hears from his pals who are annoyed by problems at the airport, like broken lights or trash cans that need to be emptied.

Such is life for the chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which oversees Lindbergh Field, aka San Diego International Airport.

Tough gig? Gleason says he’s actually willing to hear the gripes of just about everyone who has an opinion about the region’s major airport, which happens to be just about everyone.

(Not least of all that peeved guy who became a national hero when he told a Lindbergh security agent to not touch his “junk.”)

Not that Gleason will necessarily join in any negativity. His sunny personality and optimism may leave you brimming with a sense of the airport’s promise instead of griping about its long lines, cramped terminals and messy traffic.

In an interview, Gleason talked up the massive “Green Build” project at Robert Gleason is chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which oversees San Diego International Airport.

Terminal 2, explained why things soon won’t cost so much and promised a The pedestrian bridges will still be at ment will look like at this airport for better experience for hungry and line- water and other jacked-up prices?

Terminal 2 and Terminal 1. the next 20 years. It will talk about Teraverse travelers. He also put up with The new concessions are restricted minal 1, the Teledyne Ryan site (on questions about a few of my personal to street pricing plus 10 percent.

That What about security lines?

Will North Harbor Drive), which is now in peeves. means a cup of coffee here from Peet’s any of this affect their size? the late stages of demolition and enviwill be no more than it is at an off-airronmental remediation, and the airAmong other things, the airport is port location plus 10 percent.

You will port’s capacity.

What we can do is provide better, busy expanding and renovating Termore efficient facilities to allow screenminal 2 to allow the airport to han- see significant changes. ing to take place faster. In the new porPassengers are often quite critical dle more flights and planes. What on What about Terminal 1, where tion of Terminal 2, the security area of Lindbergh Field, although they the horizon will change how we Southwest is based? It can be will be twice as big and greatly expand- appreciate its convenient location, experience the airport? aggravating since many of the ed in terms of the lanes available. It and it recently got an average rating from the J.D. Powers people. There Our mandate is to improve the expe- restaurants are outside the secured will be for all of the terminal. area.

That means you — and by you, must be plenty of passengers like rience throughout the airport.

I mean me — risk getting stuck in a What about how I sometimes get me whose favorite part of the airFor example, the Green Build, which includes 10 new gates. They’ll come long security line, potentially miss- confused in Terminal 1 if my South- port is the exit. Is it difficult for you with expanded seating areas and a ing your flight if you take time for a west flight is at gate 1 or 2 and I end personally when people like me say up going in the wrong security line? stuff like that and complain endlessmuch bigger security screening area bite to eat.

Could you put up some signs just for ly about travel hassles? along with more types of concessions Right now, 70 percent of concessions me? for food, beverage and retail. And there are pre-security, which is a remnant of How about if we provide an escort?

I love listening to the stories. I’ve will be a double-level roadway in front pre-9/11 construction.

With both the (Laughs.) experienced them too, and part of my of Terminal 2 where you will arrive opening of the new Green Build probelow and depart above, like at other That would be awesome! airports. There will also be a signifi- ject and a reconfiguration of all of the rest of the concessions, 80 percent of So the airport is working on crecant curbside check-in area.

In Terminal 2 East, which is mostly those options will be post-security as of ating a consolidated car rental facility, like some other airports have, by American Airlines, we’ll be increasing next year.

Terminal 1 is cramped, compared 2015. And there are other constructhe seating areas and the concessions to the much more roomy Terminal 2, tion projects in progress. Does this options. And the parking will be back and has the food-before-security mean talk of moving the airport is in front of Terminal 2. problem.

Why renovate Terminal 2 dead?

At the same time, we’re doing other improvements overall. At the end of first?

In 2006, voters very decisively said this year, we’ll be expanding the numWhat we’re doing is building 10 they did not want the airport moved to ber and variety of offerings on the Miramar, which was the only viable food, beverage and retail side. We’ll entirely new gates, adding capacity. option. Since then, the focus has been have a lot more local flavor. You’ll see Will we ever return to the good old on making this airport work to the Phil’s BBQ, Warwick’s books, a KPBS days when incoming passengers could maximum extent possible. store, Pannikin coffee, Ryan Brothers walk across the street in front of bagThis summer, we’ll start on the Aircoffee. gage claim to shuttle buses and their port Development Plan, a process Will the airport ever give passen- cars without having to deal with any which will last probably about four years. It will address what the developgers a break in terms of $5 bottles of annoying pedestrian bridge?

job is to respond to the concerns, explain who might be responsible and see if we can work to improve things.

I am proud of this organization, its staff and its ability to work in a constrained environment, in terms of the physical and financial constraints. We are excited about where things are going.

The interview was first published in Voice of San Diego on March 2, 2012.

Reprinted with permission. Interview conducted and edited by Randy Dotinga.

Please contact Dotinga directly at randydotinga@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter: twitter.com/rdotinga.

22 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

SWEET HOME

SAN DIEGO

Popular resorts entice locals to stay in town for spring break

BY MICHELLE LYN

Spring has sprung and you’re probably ready for a little getaway. With fuel prices painfully high, you might want to consider a spring break staycation in sunny San Diego this year. Consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S., our beautiful home town has quite a bit to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some family fun, quality time with your special someone, or fun with friends, pack your bags for a few days and enjoy a relaxing stay at one of these homes away from home.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a good travel deal.

Here’s one for you: what if I told you that minutes away from Downtown San Diego you can journey straight to the heart of Fiji, Bali, Hawaii or Thailand and immerse yourself in the island from head to toe with opulent global rituals? Without the price of a plane ticket. Sounds pretty good, right? If so, check yourself into Paradise Point Resort in Mission Bay for a tropical experience starting with one of their Global Spa Rituals. The Fiji Island Bliss Ritual begins with a full body exfoliation with Fijian cane sugar infused with aromatic oils. Then, they drench your body with exotic oils and wrap you in warmed beach stones.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines For an active getaway with a dose of luxury, look no further than The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Check into this stunning Craftsman-style hotel that was constructed with respect for the natural landscape and integration of indoor and outdoor living space. Recently ranked one of the top golf resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the lodge boasts views from the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.

If golf isn’t your thing, head outside to hike through the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Roughly 2,000 acres of rugged canyons and cliffs overlook the gorgeous La Jolla coast. Wind your way through the

The Grand Del Mar Complete decadence. That pretty much describes The Grand Del Mar. Allow yourself to indulge and enjoy their Spring Escape 3-for-2 special, where you reserve three consecutive nights and your third night is complimentary.

If ever there was a dining experience that you were willing to spend all your pennies on, it would have to be at Addison, the fine dining restaurant in The Grand Del Mar hotel. This spring, Chef William Bradley and his team have created 3, 4, 6 and 10 course tasting menus to elicit “pure gustatory satisfaction from the first bite

This year is the resort’s 50th anniversary, so it’s celebrating by offering a package that includes accommodations, a $50 resort credit to use towards poolside cocktails, The Spa at Paradise Point, waterfront dining at Baleen or the Barefoot Bar & Grill, or jet ski rental at their full-service marina You also go home with a commemorative lambs wool sherpa blanket, perfect for keeping warm while roasting s’mores on one of their 15 beach bonfire pits. Minimum two nights required, so put on your bathing suits and stay awhile. Visit paradisepoint.com.

wooded hill tops to the edge of the cliffs for a breathtaking view of the Pacific below. If it’s your first time there, The Lodge also offers guided walking tours at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. After dinner, retreat to your room for a nightcap. Take advantage of their Extended Stay Special and save 20 percent off your room when you stay three nights or more. Visit lodgeattorreypines.com.

to the last sip.” Starting at $90 per person and going up to $225 per person for the 10 course Gourmand Menu, I promise it will be one of the most impressive dining experiences you will ever have.

I say experience, because that is exactly what you will be getting.

Service is unparalleled, polished and almost choreographed to perfection. And the food, of course, is incredible. Consider such delicacies as Foie Gras with grilled apples, verjus and thyme or Butter Baked Brittany Turbot with vegetables a la grecque. Visit thegranddelmar.com.

Hotel del Coronado For a family friendly staycation, cross the bridge to Coronado, where the beach offers something for everyone. Start the morning with a walk, jog or swim along the Pacific.

Coronado’s generally small waves are perfect for learning to surf or boogie board. Bicycles, surfboard rentals and lessons are available. The Coronado bike trail, which runs along Glorietta Bay and the beachfront walk, is safe, easy to navigate and beautiful year-round.

Just in time for spring break and summer, the Hotel del Coronado presents the V.I.K. (Very Important Kid) program. The program is designed to make younger guests (ages 4 to 12) feel extra special starting at check-in, where they will receive their V.I.K. pass. The lanyard pass can be worn around the neck and entitles kids to great offers at their favorite spots including MooTime Creamery, Spreckels Sweets & Treats, Blue Octopus and Kidtopia.

After they visit these locations and get a sticker from each one (no purchase required), they will receive a special toy prize at Kidtopia.

For the ultimate beach experience on one of America's best beaches, Hotel Del’s Beach Retreat Package includes accommodations, private s’mores on the beach, a two-hour surrey bike rental and beach umbrella set-up. Rates start at $349 per night. Visit hoteldel.com.

April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 23

By Bart Mendoza

Vanja James New Band Sound Vanja James music is taking a harder-edged turn. A mainstay of the local club circuit as a solo singersongwriter, James has put together a new band sound, debuting her blues-rock-punk hybrid though a Wednesday evening (5 p.m.) residency at Eleven, beginning in April. The shows are intended to help her work out the kinks in new material before heading into the studio to record an album. With no cover, an early start time and a band lineup that includes explosive drummer Brian “Nucci” Cantrell, if you like your music rockin’ on this Wednesday night, happy hour set, is just what the doctor ordered. .

Vanja James: Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 5 p.m.

21 and up. No cover. elevensandiego.com.

Jazz is Premier for the Tough Times Trio While rock music, hip hop and singer-songwriters are easily found in North Park, it’s a different story with jazz, so aficionados won’t want to miss the Tough Times Trio performing at Claire De Lune on April 13, 8 p.m. Led by pianist Chase Pado, with drummer Ryan Shaw and virtuoso bassist Ben Levinson, perhaps best known as frontman for ska band The Demeanors. There are touches of Funk and Latin music to The Tough Times Trio sound, but jazz is the focus. Mixing originals with classic tunes such as “Pure Imagination,” the band offer up music thats an excellent soundtrack to an evening out. .

Tough Times Trio: Friday, April 13 at Claire de Lune, 2906 University Ave. 8 p.m.

All ages. Free. clairedelune.com.

Jurado’s Great Songs Ripe for Rediscovery

Local Debut for Please, Please Me and Jessie Torrisi The band’s name might imply Beatles-inspired music, but The Please, Please Me, featuring Jessie Torrisi, are actually closer to country and rock bands such as Cake. Making their San Diego debut on April 25, 9 p.m., at Lestat’s, The Please, Please Me have an excellent front woman in Torrisi, with solid pop hooks in her tunes, but the key to the Austin band’s sound lies in the instrumentation, which includes cello as a lead instrument, as well as trumpet. It all adds up to music that wears it’s influences, from Herb Alpert to Victoria Williams, on its sleeve, but is still a fresh and fun listen. .

Jessie Torrisi & The Please Please Me: Wednesday, April 25 at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All Ages. Cover TBD. lestats.com.

Though Damian Jurado has not yet crossed over to mainstream music fans’ attention, there is no doubt he has a song catalog of great songs ripe for rediscovery. Appearing at the Soda Bar on April 15, he is currently touring behind his new album, “Maraqopa.” Longtime listeners will find Jurado’s plaintive voice and tunesmithing as strong as ever, no mean feat in a career that’s now 11 albums deep.

Eventually, music fans in droves will come to acknowledge Jurado’s music as some of the best that’s emerged over the past two decades.

In the meantime, you can be slightly ahead of the pack at this intimate gig. .

Damian Jurado: Sunday, April 15, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. sodabarmusic.com.

Jimmy Dale Gilmore’s Alternative Country Sound Best known as a country music singer, with Jimmy Dale Gilmore that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A songwriter, producer and actor, Austin-based Gilmore has released 15 albums since he first began performing, though his most visible role was likely that of “Smokey” in cult film, “The Big Lebowski.” Appearing at AMSD Concerts on April 19, 7:30 p.m., Gilmore is currently touring behind his latest of 15 album’s to date, “Heirloom Music.” Gilmore is one of the pioneers of alternative country, but anyone who enjoys heartfelt songs in the tradition of Willie Nelson won’t want to miss this show. .

Jimmie Dale Gilmore: Thursday, April 19 at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All Ages. $25-$52. amsdconcerts.com.

24 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012