La Mesa Courier July 26th - August 22nd, 2019

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 7 July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

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INSIDE

NEWS BRIEFS

THIS ISSUE

COUNTY LOOKS TO REFUND UNCLAIMED MONEY

BBNEWS The show will go on

Lake Murray Fireworks and MusicFest hits funding goal. Page 5

BBFEATURE World-renowned La Mesan

(l to r) Cups For A Cause artists Celine Krimston, Linda Schubert, Michael Flanders, Michele Palmer, and Maria Flanders (Courtesy Dave Palmer)

Ceramic artists raise funds for refugees

By TONI SUTTON-DEANGELICO | La Mesa Courier

Opera singer Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink’s local history. Page 15

What started as an informational meeting amongst seven La Mesa ceramic artists looking to share studio space, quickly turned

into an outlet to raise money for a worthy cause. At that meeting, the artists learned they had much more in common than just artistry. They all shared the same passion — serving their community.

By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

Mediterranean and European flavors collide at Vine Cottage Restaurant. Page 17

BBALSO INSIDE

SEE CUPS FOR A CAUSE, Page 11

City Council vote saves market, jeopardizes Village Association

BBFOOD & DRINK Vine ripe

Opinion Politics Education Sports Books Art Village Voices Classifieds Puzzles

They decided they would collectively use their art to help refugee families, and that is when “Cups For A Cause” was born.

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LMVA chair Peter Soutowood addresses the City Council. (Photo by Jeff Clemetson)

La Mesa residents who attended the July 23 City Council meeting broke out in applause following the council’s 3-2 vote to keep the city’s farmers market in the Village and on Fridays.

Supporting a proposal by market manager Brian Beevers of Brian’s Farmers Markets to keep the market running where and when it is were Mayor Mark Arapostathis, Vice Mayor Colin Parent and Council member Dr. Akilah Weber. Council members Bill Baber and Kristine Alessio voted against the proposal and instead voiced support for

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SEE FARMERS MARKET, Page 2

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handing the market over to Grossmont Center, which also submitted a proposal to run the market.

La Mesa Village Association (LMVA) — the nonprofit entity that first brought the market to the Village — also resubmitted its proposal but was passed up in favor of Beevers’ alternate proposal.

LMVA chair Peter Soutowood said the vote would very likely end the business association because its funding, in a large part, comes from splitting the market’s proceeds with Beevers.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister: refund season! The TreasurerTax Collector’s Office (TTC) is trying to reunite $703,000 in county refunds with its rightful owners. See if your name is on the list at sdttc.com.

The TTC has 1,928 refunds broken into two lists - countywide unclaimed money and unclaimed property tax refunds.

If you are owed money, follow the instructions on our website to file a refund claim

by Sept. 6, before the money is rolled into the county’s general fund. You can email your claim to refunds@sdcounty. ca.gov.

“In the past, sadly, most refunds were never claimed,” said McAllister, “so we’re trying a new strategy to let people know about this money.

For the first time, we’re mailing 2,407 postcards to people who may be owed a refund, encouraging them to file a claim through our website.”

While at sdttc.com, anyone can sign up to receive emails when new unclaimed money lists are posted.

Every year, the TTC makes a strong effort to reunite San Diegans with money they have overpaid on taxes or fees. In the past five years, the TTC has refunded nearly $480,000.

Current state law says countywide money that is unclaimed for three years and property tax refunds that are unclaimed for four years must be turned over to the county’s general fund. This year, the TTC has unclaimed refunds

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NEWS

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

Farmers Market CONTINUED FROM Page 1

“I’m glad that City Council listened and did what was needed to be done in terms of keeping the [market], but disappointed, obviously, that it puts in jeopardy the survival of the Village Association and all the events that we put on,” Soutowood said. “Council has made clear they do not want a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization — a civic association — part of this process.”

Beevers also expressed regret that the LMVA was cut out of the market.

“In almost every market that I have run, I always want to partner with some kind of organization,” he said. “Generally speaking, my goal is to partner with the local area and invest back into that area because I know that we’re an impact. And because of that, we try and offset that by investing back into the community.

As long as the market is successful enough to donate money, we will do that. Now, unfortunately, that the LMVA is not involved, not completely connected to the market, there is some money to invest in different ways and we have to come up with an idea and I certainly hope to do that.”

After the meeting, LMVA members questioned Vice Mayor Parent — a longtime supporter of the market — on why their proposal was not chosen, even though it was almost entirely identical

to the one Beevers submitted and despite the fact that none of the businesses that were against the market ever mentioned the LMVA as the reason for being against it.

Parent said that the LMVA proposal would not have gotten three votes to keep the market going, but Beevers’ proposal would and he felt it was important enough to the residents of La Mesa, who showed overwhelming support for the market, for him to make that tough call when he motioned the Council to vote for Beevers’ proposal. He also expressed regret for the probable demise of the LMVA. “The way that you have neighborhoods succeed like this is doing the things you guys are doing,” Parent told the LMVA members.

“I’m sorry that this is what’s happening. It’s not fair.”

Soutowood said that he was planning on advocating to the LMVA members at their next meeting to unwind the organization and put any funds it has left toward Oktoberfest. He also said that the current unsigned agreement with event promoters to hold Holiday in the Village would more than likely be canceled.

THE MARKET CONTINUES

Although future LMVA events are unlikely, the farmers market that it brought to the Village will go on for at least another year. The permit approved for Beevers to run the market is good until Aug. 1, 2020. The Beevers proposal also includes some modifications to the existing market.

• Street closure of La Mesa Boulevard will now be delayed until 2 p.m. to allow for restaurants to serve lunch without interruptions from the market setup.

• Vendors will now be restricted to parking in the city lot.

• Vendors will need to remove the banners hung in the back of their booths to allow more line of sight to brick and mortar businesses.

Beevers also agreed to cut in half the market’s hot food vendors — a major sticking point with local restaurants opposed to the market. He also agreed to use resources to help promote the brickand-mortar businesses during the market — something he told the Council he had always put out there for businesses affected by the market to take advantage of.

“We’ve offered free marketing, free tents — a lot of free things for them to come in and utilize the traffic flow that’s happening in the market,” he said. “I plan on still doing that. I don’t have any hard feelings about any businesses that have spoken against the market, I still believe that we can work together.”

In his proposal, Beevers also wrote that he plans on exploring implementing some new programs that he wasn’t able to while the future of the market was uncertain.

“I was hesitant to make any large investments on amenities and equipment when it was very clear that adversaries of the market had major influence over

CITY EXPLORES VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT FUND

By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

Brian Beevers will now be the sponsor and market manager of the Friday farmers Markets. (Photo by Jeff Clemetson)

its fate,” Beevers wrote in his proposal.

Some of the amenities he might bring to the market now include: • Special theme days like Vi nt a ge/C ol le c t ible s D ay, Backyard Gardeners Day or a Taste of La Mesa Boulevard event to help promote local restaurants.

• Investing in umbrellas and extra seating to improve ambiance.

• Implementing EBT to encourage low-income residents to shop for fresh produce.

• Starting a shuttle service if the budget allows for it.

La Mesa Friday Farmers Market is held every Friday 3-7 p.m. on La Mesa Boulevard between Palm Avenue and Fourth Street. For more information about Brian’s Farmers Markets, visit sdmarketmanager.com.

It’s no secret that events in La Mesa’s downtown Village have become controversial.

At its July 9 meeting, La Mesa City Council began exploring a plan that would create a process for funding and holding events that, in theory, would be fair and equitable to residents and businesses alike.

“Maybe we can’t reach total consensus on some of the things that are happening in the Village. Maybe we all can’t get what we want. But maybe we can all be sure we’re all winning in some way,” said Vice Mayor Colin Parent, who along with Council member Bill Baber proposed the plan.

Baber described the plan as a “BID [business improvement district] with training wheels.”

Business improvement districts are where public monies are put into a fund run by businesses in a small area of a city.

“This isn’t exactly that because it is still managed by the city and there is basically an RFP [request for proposal]

—Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.■

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NEWS

—Reach Jeff Clemetson at jeff@ sdnews.com.■

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Grossmont Center kicked off its produce-only farmers market on Wednesday, July 24. The market is a collaboration with La Mesa Parks & Recreation Foundation — which will be receiving all of the vendor fees during the new weekly event.

“The last City Council meeting was overwhelming in support of the not-for-profit market we were thinking about, which is pretty cool, so we decided to turn this market into a not-forprofit market,” said Grossmont Center director of public relations Trevor Moore.

At the July 23 La Mesa City Council meeting, Grossmont Center proposed moving the Friday farmers market to its location and turn it into a market where all proceeds go to local charities. Council voted to keep the market in the Village [see story on page 1].

The Wednesday market had several produce stands as well as a few boutique food items like homemade teas and herbs, fresh cold press olive oil, local-sourced honey and hot sauces.

“I think it’s a great start to this event and I think it has great parking and access and we’re excited,” said La Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation president Laurie MacDonald. “This particular farmers market is about produce and fresh ingredients.

With its access, you can come in, get your stuff and go.”

“And all while you’re doing it, you’re supporting La Mesa

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Remodeling

Wednesday farmers market opens at Grossmont Center

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Repairs

process, but it is the same intent, which is to allow the money from the Village to stay in the Village to enhance the Village,” he said.

Under the proposal, the city would create a new Village Enhancement Fund out of parking revenues generated in the Village — about half of parking meter revenues after expenses. That fund would allow applicants on an annual basis to propose uses for those funds — events, advertising, etc. — as long as they benefit the Village or the city as a whole and not just an individual or business. The Parking Commission would be in charge of reviewing the proposals, and all proposals would need ratification by City Council. For the first year, the city would create a $40,000 fund from reserves.

Parent said the plan would be needed to replace the La Mesa Village Association if the council voted to move the farmers market from the Village. The association

“My only reticence is the fact that we are not done with streetscape and we did use these funds in the past to do that, to match funds with SANDAG and get grants.”

City Manager Yvonne Garrett said that although phase 1 work on the streetscape project is completed, there are additional phases that are yet to be done.

“We have and are planning on doing some additional work on lighting and the Allison Avenue parking lot where we are using these funds but there are some additional phases that are to be done at a later time,” she said, adding that currently, extra funds from parking meters are designated toward reserves.

City Attorney Glen Sabine also commented that the council will also have to amend an ordinance to allow new uses for the parking funds.

Despite the concerns, the council voted unanimously to direct staff to present a formal plan to the city for consideration.

Repairs

CONTINUED FROM Page 2

is the funding organization that holds events in the Village and its main source of revenue is the Friday markets.

“If [the] market moves, I want to make sure we have an alternative revenue source to continue to put on some events in the Village,” Parent said. “And, also, if the market remains where it is, create a way to acknowledge businesses that say they are hurt by [the] market and mitigate some losses.

“It may not solve all problems in the Village, but [it’d] make a good gesture for making sure that more people feel like they’re winning and succeeding, either as business owners or as residents,” he continued.

The rest of the City Council members, as well as Lori Kern, a resident on the Parking Commission who was in attendance at the meeting, agreed that it was a good plan, although there were some issues brought up about how taking parking meter funds might affect other planned projects.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Council member Kristine Alessio.

Renovations

New fund

La Mesa Courier

Remodeling

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July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

With dining this good your friends may show up at lunchtime and stay through dinner. (clockwise from top left) Juan and Carmello Martinez of Heritage Mt.

Farms; Lelia Benabdeljalil of Lillianna's Delices; Robin and Brees Kanzius of Fred's Farms; and Sandi Sabel of Terra Verde Foods (Photos by Jeff Clemetson)

Parks. All the proceeds go into the parks,” added Misty Thompson, La Mesa Parks & Recreation Foundation executive director.

Partnering on a farmers market goes “hand in hand” with a current goal for La Mesa’s parks — a community garden at MacArthur Park, MacDonald said. When the community garden is finished, La Mesa Parks and Rec Foundation is going to promote the garden during future farmers market.

While the community garden promotions are still a ways off, Grossmont Center is currently promoting its new market with

a chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree. People who sign up for the market’s email list will be put into a pool where each week, nine names are chosen and assigned an inning. At the following Saturday’s Padre game, if a Padre hits a grand slam in that inning the person with the corresponding inning wins the prize.

The Grossmont Center Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday, 2-6 p.m. in the parking lot by the CVS and Dollar Tree stores.

—Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.■

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NEWS Sustainability Commission stymied by CCA plan Miss La Mesa announces July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

By DOUG CURLEE | La Mesa Courier

its own system and operate it, at a setup cost of $4 million. This would give La Mesa the most local control.

A Partner CCA appears to be the front-runner so far. It would involve La Mesa, Santee and Chula Vista in a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to make decisions about buying and selling power. Startup

The city of La Mesa is moving, fairly quickly, to become one of the first cities in East County San Diego to adopt a Community Choice Aggregate (CCA) plan.

In simple English what that means is that once the CCA plan is implemented, La Mesa citizens will be buying electric power from the city rather than SDG&E as they do now and, hopefully, at a slightly cheaper rate than SDG&E offers.

That’s an oversimplified explanation (Courtesy City of La Mesa) for the CCA program brought into existence by state costs would be $4 million apiece. legislation to make sure that all A Regional CCA is a strong posCalifornia cities and entities reach sibility. That would involve several the goal of 100% renewable ener- cities, including the three already gy by 2045. mentioned above, in a CCA headIf La Mesa does adopt that goal, ed by the city of San Diego. The and it looks as though it will, the upside there is that San Diego city will take over the provision of would pick up all the startup power to all its residents, unless costs for everyone involved. The some people decide to formally opt possible downside is that the two out and retain their relationship largest cities — San Diego and with SDG&E. Even for residents Chula Vista — might feel they who stick with the CCA, SDG&E would want more votes on the will still handle billing and main- JPA board, thereby able to run taining power lines. things as San Diego and Chula There are five possible routes for Vista want. the eventual adoption of a CCA for There are other possibilities, but La Mesa. these three are receiving the most The city could opt to go it alone attention right now. in what’s called an Enterprise There is something of a rush on CCA, where the city would set up the Regional CCA with San Diego.

In order to get aboard that train, La Mesa would have to apply no later than October 2019.

This is all more than a little confusing, and it managed to confuse most of the city’s Sustainability Commission, which is supposed to advise the City Council what to do.

On July 16, the commission heard a pretty detailed presentation by the consulting company who made up the research report for them.

After batting it around for an hour or so, the commission admitted it was stymied.

“I don’t know about you all, but I’m just not clear enough on this to make specific recommendations to the council,” said Sustainability Commission Chairperson Jim Stone.

The commission agreed and sent it on to the council with only the recommendation that staff continue working on it.

The City Council will hear an update on the Draft Community Choice Aggregation Feasibility Study at its Aug. 13 meeting. To read more about the CCA program, visit bit.ly/2Y0mh7z.

—Doug Curlee is a local freelance writer who has been covering the news in the San Diego area for decades, both in print and on television.

Reach him at dougcurlee@cox.net.■

2019 ambassadors

Miss La Mesa has been a tradition in the city since the early 1950s. Over the years, the program has evolved into a mentoring and leadership opportunity for young ladies in three categories — Miss, Teen Miss and Junior Miss.

On Sunday, June 23, Mayor Mark A rapostathis announced the 2019 ambassadors at the Sundays at 6 Concert at Harry Griffen Park.

Ruth Almaraz was (l to r) Miss La Mesa 2019 Ruth Almaraz, Miss named Miss La Mesa Teen La Mesa 2019 Samantha Clary and Junior La Mesa Mary Aumack (Courtesy Miss La 2019. Almaraz re- Miss Mesa and Santee) cently graduated from San Diego State University with Each 2019 ambassador went a business finance degree and through an application process works for a property manage- this year that consisted of a ment company in La Mesa. speech, essay and interview and Miss Teen La Mesa 2019 the participants also received Samantha Clary is a student at points for academic achievement.

Helix High School where she is The program aims to give young involved in ASB and plays vol- women public speaking and inleyball and lacrosse. terview skills that will guide Junior Miss La Mesa 2019 them into their future years of Mary Aumack is an accom- education and the workforce. plished dancer recently gradAs the city’s ambassadors, the uated from the La Mesa Arts young participating ladies volAcademy. She will be attending unteer countless hours in the La Helix High School in the fall.

Mesa community each year.■

Cox adds Prime Video app to Contour TV “The Man in the High Castle.”

Wondering which TV show or movie to watch when you have some time to unwind? Cox Communications just made it even easier to find a new favorite show with its recent launch of Prime Video on Cox Contour TV. Prime Video joins Netflix, YouTube, NPR One and others in the Contour TV library of apps. Cox Contour video customers can use their voice remote control to easily and quickly access their Prime Video subscription to watch critically acclaimed shows such as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” directly on their televisions.

Other popular Originals include “Hanna,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,” “Guava Island,” “Homecoming,” and

“There’s no need for a secondary device or input switch,” said Suzanne Schlundt, vice president of field marketing. “Similar to Contour’s other integrated apps including Netflix, YouTube and iHeart Radio, all you have to do is speak into your voice remote control and say things like ‘Prime Video’ or ‘Mrs. Maisel,’ and Cox Contour will take you to your Prime Video programming.”

Prime Video can also be accessed in the “Apps” section of the Contour guide.

“Contour has become one of the most innovative platforms in cable,” said Schlundt. “By adding the Prime Video app to Contour, Cox continues to make it incredibly easy for customers to access all the programming they love in one place.”

Popular Prime Video TV shows include: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2 Seasons) This winner of eight Emmy Awards tells the story of Midge Maisel, a

perfect 1950s housewife with two kids whose life gets turned upside down when her husband leaves her.

Instead of falling to pieces, Midge surprises everyone she knows by taking the stage and becoming one of New York City’s most colorful stand-up comics.

“Hanna” (1 Season) Based on the 2011 film of the same name, “Hanna” is a brooding thriller about a young girl raised by her father in isolation in the woods and trained to be a lethal assassin.

Thrust into the real world with no sense of social normalcy, Hanna skillfully dodges an off-book CIA agent while searching for the truth about her identity.

“Jack Ryan” (1 Season) This political action thriller follows CIA analyst Jack Ryan, a character from Tom Clancy’s well-established “Ryanverse,” who is pulled from the safety of his desk job to work in the field.

News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 1

totaling $703,000. Unclaimed property tax refunds make up $290,000 of that amount, and $413,000 is from other county departments.

The smallest refund amount available is $10, and the largest refund amount is $14,333.79, owed to the heirs of Mary Stone.

NEW LA MESA RESTAURANT NOMINATED FOR AWARD Nominations for the 43rd annual San Diego Architectural Foundation’s Orchids & Onions awards wrapped up on July 6 and one of La Mesa Village’s new restaurants got a nod.

Surf Rider Pizza Co., located at 8381 La Mesa Blvd., received an Orchid nomination for architecture. Orchid awards for architecture are given to new building projects with pleasing and innovative architecture. Onion awards, on the other hand, are given to poor designs.

The façade of Surf Rider Pizza Co. on La Mesa Boulevard (Facebook)

Now that the new Surf Rider Pizza Co. restaurant has been nominated, a group of design professionals will determine the official Orchids & Onions based upon the submissions.

Between Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, interested people can get involved by voting online for the People’s Choice Award. The annual Orchids & Onions program gives the community an opportunity to have a say in the planning, growth and future development of San Diego.

The community-based program culminates with the 43rd annual Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony at the historic US Grant Hotel on Oct. 3.

For more information or to vote for People’s Choice awards, visit orchidsandonions.org.

AGENCIES AGREE ON WATER PURIFICATION FUNDING On July 11, the East County Advanced Water Purification Program progressed closer to completion with the program’s partner agencies — Padre Dam Municipal Water District, the city of El Cajon, Helix Water District and the County of San Diego — approving an interim funding agreement (IFA). The IFA will ensure that the program can move forward with funding for the next year. The IFA states each agency will commit $2.35 million ($9.4 million total) toward the program that aims to create a new, local, sustainable and drought-proof

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The community’s daylong celebration of Independence Day 2019 was packed with food, music, games, and family fun, as neighbors gathered at Lake Murray Community Park to enjoy the annual Lake Murray Fireworks and MusicFest event.

“Thank you to our donors, volunteers and to our community for getting behind the event and for doing their part to keep our neighborhood safe and clean this July Fourth,” said event chair Tracy Dahlkamp.

The Lake Murray Fireworks and MusicFest committee is officially committed to hosting the event again July 4, 2020. All donations made from this day forward will be applied to 2020, for expenses including fireworks, city permits, insurance, emergency personnel, portable toilets and sinks, entertainment,

and lighting and stage components.

While community donations looked to fall short of the $85,000 goal this year, the total raised by the day of the event was a cool $85,171, according to Dahlkamp.

The 2019 music festival drew a rotating crowd of an estimated 3,000 people, while the evening fireworks show could be seen by an estimated 100,000 people throughout La Mesa and San Diego’s La Murry Fireworks and MusicFest featured family-friendly activities like this bag race.

Navajo neighborhoods of Grantville, Allied Gardens, Del field games on the playground, surrounding neighborhood Cerro, and San Carlos. and danced to the sounds of decorated with American flags, Attendees feasted on pizza, Republic of Music, Frankie and hosted house parties and bacon-wrapped hot dogs, bar- T & The Triple Bee, Big Time bike parades. becue, and sweet treats, played Operator and Bam Bam. The The Sa n Diego Pol ice Department reported no major incidents at the park and surrounding areas. To keep things tidy, a community cleanup of the neighborhood was well attended July 5 by local residents, community service organizations, and sports teams.

Organizers are already getting ready for next year’s event and are urging residents to visit the event website at lakemurrayfireworks.org for details on Lake Murray Fireworks and MusicFest 2020, including how to become a sponsor.■ Republic of Music rocks the crowd. (Photos by Brett Alan Photography, brettalanphotography.com)

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July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019 NEWS La Mesa Courier Lake Murray festival succeeds in fundraising

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12/19/2018 3:53:21 PM

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OPINION

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

Guest Editorials 1621 Grand Ave., Suite C San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 270-3103 LaMesaCourier.com Twitter: @LaMesaCourier EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Clemetson x130 jeff@sdnews.com

Connie Baer Lynn Baer Jeff Benesch Pat Boerner Doug Curlee Rep. Susan Davis Jill Diamond Nathan Fletcher Dianne Jacob Linda Michael Tina Rynberg Frank Sabatini Jr. Jake Sexton Summer Stephan Toni Sutton-Deangelico Genevieve Suzuki Dave Thomas Julie White Borre Winckel

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kendra Sitton x136 Tom Melville x131 Emily Blackwood x133 Dave Schwab x132

COPY EDITOR Dustin Lothspeich

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Jeff Clemetson

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MARKETING DIRECTOR Francisco Tamayo, x116

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BUSINESS CONSULTANT David Mannis

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OPINIONS/LETTERS: La Mesa Courier encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email submissions to jeff@sdnews.com and include your phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or staff.

SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS: Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to jeff@sdnews.com.

For breaking news and investigative story ideas contact the editor by phone or email.

DISTRIBUTION: La Mesa Courier is distributed free the fourth Friday of every month.

COPYRIGHT 2019. All rights reserved.

LA JOLLA

A thriving democracy: the vote center approach

By NATHAN FLETCHER

Democracy thrives when all citizens are offered the opportunity to vote. Greater participation in democracy pushes us closer to a more perfect union.

And making it easy for citizens to vote holds up our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

That is why I am excited that the Board of Supervisors supported my proposal to explore the addition of one-stop ‘vote centers’ for the 2020 election. Vote centers have been shown to increase access, turnout, and improve ease of voting.

Similar to traditional polling locations, a voter can cast a ballot in person at a vote center. But one-stop vote centers also provide almost any service and resource a voter could hope for. All voters are mailed a ballot, which they can return in the mail or drop off at a vote center, or can cast a ballot in person, and register to vote.

Vote centers nearly eliminate the need for provisional voting, which can delay election

certification. Language, access, and translation services are offered at vote centers without the need to visit the Registrar of Voters. Vote centers are open for multiple days before the election as well as on Election Day, allowing voters additional time and flexibility to cast a ballot.

Many counties have already adopted the vote-center model and the initial results are very promising. Additionally, more than half of California’s population live in counties that have adopted vote centers, rather than traditional polling locations. According to research from UCSD, average voter turnout increased by 4% in the five counties that adopted the model in 2018 (as compared with 2014 turnout). Turnout increased the most (around 7%) for youth, and in low-income and minority communities. If these trends held true for San Diego County, average turnout using vote centers would increase by almost 71,000 voters.

Vote centers build upon other changes to state law that I

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher with representatives from League of Women Voters of San Diego, Alliance San Diego and Engage San Diego. (Photo courtesy Office of Nathan Fletcher)

have long advocated for. This includes pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds, paid postage on every absentee ballot, and automatic registration at the DMV. These policy changes break down barriers to voting, and bring us closer to the ultimate goals enshrined in the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The vote-center model increases

ease and accessibility for voting, particularly for communities that have been historically disenfranchised.

Most unfortunately, whenever discussions around expanding voting access is raised, there is always pushback from those who falsely believe SEE VOTE CENTER, Page 9

It’s time to take CEQA reform seriously

By BORRE WINCKEL

[Editor’s note: This opinion first appeared on the Voice of San Diego website on July 9. To view the original article, visit bit.ly/2LeJVGW.] Regulations in California have something of a dubious (and occasionally comical) reputation within the state and throughout the country.

California is a state notoriously draped in red tape, complicating just about everything imaginable. After all, it was just last year that we were debating whether your morning coffee needed to come with a cancer warning.

Unfortunately, some of the red tape in our state is misused to a much graver and more dangerous extent, putting low-income residents and entire sectors of the economy at risk.

Nowhere is this more plainly visible than in the weaponization of the California Environmental Quality Act, known more commonly as CEQA. Originally written with the noble intention of ensuring that new development projects around California were undertaken in an environmentally responsible manner, it has since become a blunt-force bit of regulation used to put permanent holds on important housing and

development projects throughout the state. Instead of protecting the environment, CEQA is now often misused to freeze a critical sector of our economy and keep our courts full.

California’s housing prices have been impossibly high for some time, and they continue to rise. State residents are having a tough time finding an affordable place to live, and in one study conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, 35 percent of respondents said they are considering moving out of state altogether because of how expensive it has become to live here. California has long been a place where people dream of living, and we should not let housing prices get in their way.

Further, continuously rising housing and rent prices naturally can inflict devastating harm on the lower-income residents of California. How are they expected to support their families if they are forced to devote greater resources to simply having a place to call home with each passing day?

Other costs of living are rising as well, and it is ridiculous to think that ever-increasing housing prices create a sustainable and welcoming environment for people who want to live and work here.

One very straightforward solution to this dilemma

would, of course, be to swiftly and efficiently approve the construction of a greater number of affordable housing options.

However, thanks to the layers of red tape put into place by CEQA and the threat of lawsuits that come with it, homebuilders are stuck. They are left unable to do their jobs, and housing and rent prices only continue to rise as they’re left on the sidelines.

Nowhere is this more problem clearer than in the rampant CEQA abuse employed by labor union representatives to strongarm developers into agreeing to project labor agreements. These representatives, proclaiming their concerns for the environment, will actually use CEQA complaints as an excuse to hold up important development projects to ensure a union-worker monopoly on the projects. This was seen just recently in San Diego, when Laborers Union Local 89 worked to block the building of 442 residential units just to force the developer into a project labor agreement. Their complaints are not and have never been about the environment; they are about forcing economic concessions out of developers.

Beyond the problem of making housing inaccessible to large swaths of the state population, the gridlock in housing development has an important

and harmful ripple effect on all the industries that contribute to housing development as well. From the design phases and construction to utilities, maintenance and so much more, countless hardworking Californians rely on a robust and booming housing market for work.

The solution now is clear. It is up to our legislators in San Diego to make significant and meaningful changes to CEQA in the name of everyone in the state. Without substantial reform, CEQA will continue to be weaponized as a bulwark against the housing development low-income individuals and others across California so desperately need. It is possible to both ensure we maintain a healthy environment without blocking new development projects altogether.

Past regulations and red tape in California have provided plenty to laugh about, but this is something our legislators in Sacramento need to take seriously. A lot of people are counting on this reform so they can continue to live in the state we all love, and so California can continue to be a place where people across the United States dream of living one day.

—Borre Winckel is president of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County.■

POLITICS sdnews.com Let’s put an end to summer hunger CA 53 BULLETIN

By REP. SUSAN DAVIS Summer vacation invokes images of going to the beach or trips with the family. However, for too many children in San Diego and across America, it can mean going without food.

During the academic year, millions of children from low-income families rely on free or reduced-price meals when they attend school so they can get the nutrition they need. We know that well-fed children engage and learn better in the classroom.

However, when school lets out in the summer months, many of these same students lose access to these meals.

In San Diego County, over 90,000 students who benefit from nutritious, affordable school meals during the academic year miss out on these school meals during the summer. Barbara and Silvia each have two children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at the elementary school they attend in San Diego. But when summer comes along, they struggle to fill this gap and use local food banks to put food on the table.

To address this crisis, I reintroduced the Stop Child Summer Hunger Act to provide families who have children eligible for

free and reduced-price school meals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This EBT card would provide $150, equal to about $60 per month, for each child eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. This will allow families to purchase groceries to replace the meals the children would otherwise have received at school.

The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act expands the successful Summer EBT for Children demonstration project, which has been piloted in 14 sites and 10 states (but not California) to all 50 states. This pilot program had positive results, decreasing hunger among children by 33%.

Despite the success of the program, low-income children could see this benefit taken away from them. The Department of Agriculture has recently announced that it will end the pilot program in Oregon. Which states could be next?

There is an existing federal program that provides low-income families across the nation with access to meals but its limitations mean not all children benefit.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) attempts to fill the summer meal gap by providing funding to nonprofit, government, and religious entities to serve food to low-income children during summer breaks. However, while some areas of the country

see great success with the SFSP, many barriers to participation in the program remain, including unfamiliarity with the program or sites, lack of transportation, and limited food distribution hours.

According to the Food Research and Action Center, in July 2017, 3 million children ate lunch on an average weekday at a summer meal site — only a fraction of the 20 million low-income children who participate in school lunch each day during the school year. Much of the low participation is due to limited public funding available to support summer programs for low-income children to attend, and as a result, children around the country are more likely to be hungry during the summer.

The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act, in conjunction with the SFSP, would ensure that children across the country don’t go hungry when school is out.

Providing families with an EBT card, which is how low-income families use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will help those families who are unable to reach the sites where food is being distributed.

Expanding the summer EBT program is not only good for our kids but our economy. Using SNAP as a model, according to SEE SUMMER HUNGER, Page 10

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

News from your County Supervisor Dianne’s Corner

By DIANNE JACOB Big step forward: The Board of Supervisors recently backed my call for beefed-up services and resources for those dealing with mental illness and addiction.

We voted to create a network of 24/7 crisis stabilization centers and pursue the establishment of non-law enforcement mobile crisis response teams.

Both will help us do a better job of connecting those with chronic mental health and addiction issues with the services and programs they need.

Families often struggle with how to help a loved one deal with mental health challenges. Many homeless face similar issues. I called for major improvements to the region’s behavioral health system in my State of the County address in February.

Our great outdoors: I continue to work closely with the community to expand public access to open space and to showcase our beautiful backcountry.

The county recently moved to expand the Ramona Grasslands

preserve by 123 acres. It is now bigger than Del Mar and Solana Beach combined.

And construction continues on the county’s first backcountry nature center. The attraction is due to open later this year on the Santa Ysabel Preserve.

Power to the people: My board colleagues and I continue to explore options for launching a community choice energy program.

Community choice would offer consumers — now saddled with some of highest electricity rates in the nation — an alternative to SDG&E. Our studies so far show that local ratepayers with community choice would see smaller utility bills. We’re aiming to make a decision on the issue in a few months. Ratepayers are sick of getting ripped off and need relief!

—Dianne Jacob is chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and represents District 2. For more District 2 news, visit diannejacob.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For assistance with a county issue, call 619-531-5522 or email dianne.jacob@sdcounty. ca.gov.■

FREE CARD FRIDAY Thank You La Mesa Courier Readers For Voting Best Of!

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Atkins, Emerald, D7 Forum to highlight August Dem meeting

POLITICS Get involved for 2020 election

By TINA RYNBERG and JEFF BENESCH

The Aug. 7 meeting of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club (LMFDC) will feature a critical forum for the candidates running to replace Scott Sherman as the San Diego District 7 City Council representative and the return of a pair of club favorites — one is perhaps the most powerful San Diego political voice in Sacramento, the other was the first Democrat to win a District 7 election in decades when she overcame long odds to capture the seat in 2008.

The first speaker of the evening will be Toni G. Atkins, president pro tempore of the California Senate. Atkins began her tenure as an elected official by serving eight years on the San Diego City Council, representing District 3. During her second term, she became acting mayor, receiving accolades for leading the city through

Toni G. Atkins, president pro tempore of the California Senate

tumultuous times. In 2010, she was elected to the state Assembly, and in 2014 she was selected as Speaker of the Assembly — becoming the SEE LMFDC, Page 10

By PAT BOERNER

Members of the Republican Women of California-Navajo Canyon (RWCNC) are beginning to get revved up for the 2020 election and it is going to be a wild ride — so why not get involved and help Republicans win at every level? There will be endless opportunities to volunteer and we have activities that will appeal to everyone.

We recently staffed the Republ ica n Women of California booth for a day during the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and were thrilled to register many new Republican voters and disperse lots of valuable information, especially regarding the attempt to overturn Prop 13 protections on the 2020 ballot.

The election in 2020 will have life-changing consequences. Do you want to keep the freedom and liberty for

which our forefathers fought or see our country go down the road of historically unsuccessful and dangerous socialism? It sounds dramatic, but it is true.

Single-payer health care is being openly promoted and we need to understand the reasons this would be very hazardous to our health.

Why would we want to follow in the footsteps of so many countries that have tried it and watched it fail?

Also being advocated is free health care for those in our country illegally. Shouldn’t we first be certain our budget can provide health care for our legal tax-paying citizens and veterans?

This is the time to be proactive and fight to protect your rights and for what you believe. So many issues to be thinking about!

The next regular Navajo Canyon luncheon meeting is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the La Mesa Brigantine.

Our featured speaker will be Sophia Fang from the Epoch Times. The ET is a widely

distributed, multi-language newspaper emphasizing unbiased and uncensored coverage of world and national news. It stresses truthful reporting of important news other media often choose to ignore. The topic of the presentation will include the history of the Epoch Times and how the media should “Appreciate and Preserve Values through Honest Journalism."

Check-in begins at 10:15 a.m. and reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

Cost is $25 for a full-course lunch. Cash and checks are accepted, but no credit cards.

Please make your reservation at RSVPrwcnc@gmail.com.

You will receive a confirmation. Any questions, please call or text Marjie at 619-9902791. To learn more, visit our website RWCNavajo-Canyon. org. and visit us on Facebook at Republican Women of California.

—Pat Boerner writes on behalf of Republican Women of California-Navajo Canyon.■

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POLITICS / OPINION sdnews.com No license? No job! Avoid contractor scams District Attorney News

By SUMMER STEPHAN As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and you, the community.

One way I have been doing that is through this monthly column, where I provide consumer tips on public safety matters.

Hiring a contractor to perform construction work or a kitchen-and-bathroom remodel already comes with built-in stressors: choosing a quality company, affordability, staying on schedule not to mention the disruption it has on the household. The last thing consumers worry about can sometimes be the most costly — getting scammed.

The majority of contractors are honest and reliable, but not always. Inevitably there are cheaters working the system and preying upon the unsuspecting. Sometimes they are rogue contractors, but mostly they are unlicensed fraudsters who cut corners or skip town with your money.

The most common way consumers get ripped off is

by someone representing himself as licensed in a trade and requiring the majority of or the entire contract amount to be paid up front.

Frequently the phony contractor asks to be paid in cash claiming that he or she can begin work more quickly that way. Unfortunately, we have prosecuted cases where the scammer pockets the money and never comes back.

Before you put off that remodel job for good, here are some tips to help you distinguish the good from the bad.

• Fraudulent contractors typically do not have a contracting license or workers compensation insurance.

• Check whether your contractor is licensed or has disciplinary actions on the Contractors State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov.

• If your potential contractor does not appear on the website or does not have a license number, do not hire him or her for your job.

• Be wary of anyone trying to convince you that since it may be a “small job,” they do not need a contractor’s license. Any home improvement project over $500 requires a licensed contractor.

• With extremely limited exceptions, contractors cannot ask for more than 10% of

the total cost of the project or $1,000 (whichever is smaller) as a down payment.

• Do not pay more than that amount before the project begins.

• Be wary of door-to-door salesmen offering free inspections. Many times they will claim that there is a “serious” problem such as bad plumbing or leaky roof which will put you in danger and that it needs to be fixed immediately.

• Remember that they have an incentive to indicate that a problem exists.

• Avoid paying in cash. If your contractor asks for cash only, it may be that they are operating outside of the law and do not want to be traced.

• It is much harder to prove that you paid certain amounts if it was a cash transaction.

• Paying with credit, debit, or check ensures you have a receipt that a payment was made.

• Ask for three references from prior customers and then check and verify that those references were satisfied with the contractor and his or her work.

In addition to these signs of fraudulent contractors, it is important to know how to select the best legitimate

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La Mesa Courier

Vote Center

—District Attorney Summer Stephan has dedicated more than 29 years to serving justice and victims of crime as prosecutor. She is a national leader in fighting sex crimes and human trafficking and in creating smart and fair criminal justice solutions and restorative justice practices that treat the underlying causes of addiction and mental illness and that keep young people from being incarcerated.■

voter fraud is rampant. This is simply not true. Ordinary voters are not conspiring to commit voter fraud. Ordinary voters are not the ones abusing the system, and claims of voter fraud are red herrings for those who wish to oppress and disenfranchise voters.

As part of vote center implementation, increased voter turnout should be a primary focus of the pilot program. A robust education and outreach campaign can help ensure a seamless transition with the various pilot locations. An advisory committee can help guide implementation of vote centers throughout the county.

We know that the vote center works.

Other counties started with a pilot program, similar to what I have proposed for 2020. All voters will be able to visit their regular polling location, or try out one of a handful of vote centers. The results of the pilot program, along with the feasibility study, can help us identify what we need to tweak for future election cycles.

We can scale up vote centers across the county for 2022, but we need to take these initial steps to figure out what works. Let’s build and implement a voting model that makes it easier to vote and enfranchises voters.

We should all agree that more people voting is a good thing, and voting makes our democracy stronger. San Diego is a better place when everyone has the right, ability, and ease of participating in the democratic process.

—Supervisor Nathan Fletcher was elected in 2018 to represent District 4 on the County Board of Supervisors.■

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contractor for your job. The Contractors State License Board created a video that guides you through the process of selecting, hiring and managing a contractor which can be found under the consumers tab on their website.

If you believe you have been scammed by a contractor, file a complaint with the Contractors State License Board.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit is made up of deputy district attorneys, investigators and paralegals dedicated to protecting consumers and law-abiding businesses from fraudulent or unfair business practices.

To report a consumer complaint, you can call 619-5313507 or email consumer@ sdcda.org.

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POLITICS

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

Summer hunger LMFDC CONTINUED FROM Page 7

CONTINUED FROM Page 8

economists, every SNAP dollar that households redeem expands the economy by about $1.70.

And many of the businesses who benefit from EBT use are small businesses.

No child should go hungry and no parent should have to worry about being able to feed their children. The Stop Child Summer Hunger Act builds on a proven and simple solution to fill the summer meal gap that millions of children face every summer. Expanding this program will be good for our kids, good for education, and good for the economy.

first Speaker from San Diego.

In 2016, she was elected to the state Senate, representing the 39th District, which includes much of central and northern San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Early last year, her colleagues selected her as their leader, making her the first woman ever to lead the Senate and the first person since the 19th century to have led both houses of the Legislature.

Senate Leader Atkins will be up for reelection in 2020.

The focus of Senate Leader Atk ins’ rema rks w ill be California’s 2019-20 budget and its impact on Californians. The $215 billion budget includes the highest level of K-12 funding in the state’s history, increases access to higher education, invests in affordable housing, expands wildfire prevention and emergency preparedness, increases health care coverage, expands the earned income tax credit to help struggling families, invests in programs to help people

—Congresswoman Davis represents central San Diego, including the communities of Grantville, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, San Carlos, Old Town, Kensington, Mission Hills, University Heights, Hillcrest Bankers Hill, North Park, South Park, Talmadge, Normal Heights, as well as La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and parts of El Cajon and Chula Vista.■

experiencing homelessness and provides tax cuts to small businesses — all while creating the most robust reserve in the state’s history. Atkins will also highlight some key bills currently being considered by the Legislature, including her own SB 1 — the California Environment, Public Health and Workers Defense Act of 2019 — which provides that any federal environmental or worker-safety standard in place and effective before Jan. 22, 2017, shall remain in effect and be enforceable under California law even if the federal government rolls it back.

Marti Emerald, who made her mark locally as the ever-popular consumer advocate “Troubleshooter” on KGTV for more than two decades, parlayed that advocacy to a historic run for City Council in 2008, winning the District 7 seat which had been dominated by Republicans for many years. She won a second term on the City Council in 2012, this time in the newly formed District 9. To have Marti serve as our moderator for a panel of aspiring District 7 candidates is a terrific pairing.

Our panel of candidates for District 7 represents a broad swath of backgrounds, advocacies, and community involvement.

Wendy Wheatcroft boasts a 15-year career as an elementary school teacher, community advocate as a leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and founder of our country’s biggest local gun violence prevention coalition, San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention.

Raul Campillo, a native San Diegan and USD grad, sandwiched a public school teaching career with a Harvard Law degree, an international law firm post, working for Hillary for America, and more recently, a job as deputy city attorney with the San Diego City Attorney’s office.

Sharon Larios is a human service specialist with the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Department. Her broad background includes the Linda Vista Town Council and she was elected to the Linda Vista Planning Group. She’s also been a substance abuse counselor, case manager at the Door of Hope Transitional Housing Program,

and intake specialist at Jewish Family Services.

Monty A. McIntyre, Esq. is a mediator, arbitrator and referee.

Monty has been a California lawyer since 1980, a trained mediator since 1993, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates since 1995. Monty served as the president of the San Diego County Bar Association in 2002.

David Greco, an honored law school graduate at USD, was also co-founder of Student Alliance for Equality (SAFE), his high school’s first LGBT organization.

His experience as a lawyer highlights his commitment to community, with a focus on helping employees and other vulnerable community members, such as people with disabilities.

The Aug. 7 meeting is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, just north of University Avenue in La Mesa.

—Tina Rynberg is president and Jeff Benesch is vice president of programming for the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club. lamesafoothillsdemcoraticclub.com.■

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Cups for a Cause CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Cups For A Cause is a showcase where original works of art are created to benefit San Diego nonprofit organizations. San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) is the first organization the collective artists chose to highlight.

Michelle Palmer, one of the artists, said that she and the rest of the team, who have been sharing a pottery studio space in the commercial district of La Mesa for a few years, wanted to come together and do some good. So, they began putting together a list of organizations that they cared about and knew that asylum-seekers and the immigration crisis are top priorities.

Rings and bracelets

From there, the artists started putting out the word to all of their friends who were affiliated with different organizations to see what they could do and what group they should get in touch with. At first, they thought about giving to one refugee family that was in need. As it turned out, they learned it was easier to support an organization that had their hands on many different facets in helping those families in need.

“A group of our friends suggested that we contact the San Diego Rapid Response Network, and when we found out that they were affiliated with Jewish Family Service, it just made sense,” Palmer said. “Once I spoke with them, I was hooked. I had no idea how hands-on they were, which I was quite impressed with. They were thrilled to talk to us and told us once the fundraiser is over, we could come to take a tour to see exactly where our money was going.

They were so receptive to us working with them, and that made this organization really stand out to all of us, and here we are.”

The group then reached out to Jewish Family Service (JFS), to develop a framework for the event.

Jewish Family Service is the founding organization of the SDRRN. It is a client-centered and impact-driven organization that works very hard to build a healthier, stronger, and more resilient San Diego. The nonprofit human service agency was founded in 1918 and since has become one of the most impactful nonprofits in the region.

Every year, JFS aids in making a difference in the lives of over 32,000 people. In late October 2018, JFS started a migrant shelter to provide meals and medical care as well as legal services and

Ceramic jewelry display

travel aide to approximately 200 individuals, including nearly 50-60 families a day. Funds are needed to maintain the daily operation of the shelter and to provide asylum-seekers everyday basic necessities such as food, blankets, portable showers, bedding baby/ children needs, and toiletries.

Funding also helps SDRRN offer free legal representation for the families and fund bond fees.

Palmer said they decided as a group to sell cups and mugs because they knew that they were something that people would use right away, and since they're small, the price point would be good. At first, they wanted to have a party at one of their houses to sell the cups. People would come and buy a cup or mug and then fill them up with their favorite beverages. However, they realized they did not have ample space to reach out to the community as they wanted. So, they

decided to contact Helix Brewery at 8101 Commercial St., located in the industrial section of La Mesa, which is coincidently right down the street from their art space.

Palmer, who is also a musician, has performed at and attended events at the brewery and found it fitting for their special event.

On July 7, the artists held their fundraiser Cups For A Cause from noon to 5 p.m. in the garden area of the brewery. Handcrafted cups and mugs were the focus amongst other beautiful creations that consisted of bowls, sculptures, and jewelry, to name a few.

Residents from La Mesa and the surrounding areas came out to support the group as well as the cause. Eager to shop, quite a few guests showed up even before the start time of the fundraiser. Mugs were being bought left and right.

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

There were many to choose from, and many patrons walked out with quite a few cups.

Lara Dickens and Irene Prudent, locals from La Mesa, said they wanted to support immigrants stuck at the border, but it’s hard when you don't know how to help.

“We thought it was great that the group had stepped up in taking the initiative to raise money and we knew we wanted to get involved so here we are,” Dickens said after finding out about the event.

Michelle Palmer and the other artists hope that people will find out more about both JFS and SDRRN. “There are a lot of things people can do, even if it’s giving money,” she said. “These families need our help, and we want the community to know that when they feel frustrated, there are helpers out there.”

Custon pottery was offered for people who made a $50 donation. (Photos by Toni Sutton-Deangelico)

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Mug Shot photo booth

The artists donated all the proceeds from their sales of original handcrafted cups and mugs to the nonprofit to assist migrants and asylum-seeking families. Ten percent of the pottery sales that were not mug sales went directly to SDRRN. The event raised a total of $2,502.

“The event far outpaced anything we'd expected. From the amount of people there to the amount of money raised, to the feedback we received — it was thrilling and humbling. And it was yet another reminder of how generous people can be and that there are always ways to serve others,” Palmer said.

Going forward, the Cups For A Cause artists hope to host similar events twice per year or more, and can't wait to do more outreach into the community and help other organizations that are in need.

—Toni Sutton-Deangelico is a freelance writer living in San Diego.■

12

EDUCATION Foothillers’ generous donations, endowments, scholarships July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

Foothiller Footsteps

By CONNIE BAER and LYNN BAER

This month, we’d like to acknowledge those who make a difference at Grossmont High School. GHS is definitely a campus where the old meets the new, enriching current Foothillers in countless ways.

Alumnus Gene Chubb, Class of 1948 and frequent donor to Grossmont High School, epitomizes this impact. His company, RCP Block & Brick, is involved in the construction of the new 2020 Event Center. For nearly four decades, Gene has generously donated materials, labor, and money to Grossmont, creating concrete landmarks of Foothiller pride throughout the campus.

THANK YOU TO JIM SPACKMAN In January 2019, the Grossmont H igh School E ducat iona l Foundation received a $100,000 donation to its endowment fund from GHS Hall of Honoree Jim Spackman, Class of 1958.

With his donation, Jim shared, “In the spring of 1956, GHS

admitted a 16-year-old Korean War orphan, who was almost illiterate. In two and a half years, Grossmont educated him sufficiently to graduate in June 1958 (as valedictorian and ASB president) and go on to college (Harvard).

“A countless number of people helped me along the way: Dr. John T. Warburton, principal; Mr. Walter R. Barnett, vice principal; Mrs. Eva Quicksall, counselor; Dr. George C. Gross, senior English teacher; Mr. John A. Burdick, ASB adviser; Mr. Ed Kintzele, tennis coach; and Mrs. ‘Mom’ Sherman, and even the students were kind and helpful to me. That is why I am deeply grateful and indebted to Grossmont."

With his donation, Jim increased the size of our endowment fund from $107,000 to $207,000, thus doubling the amount of yearly interest we will receive to support Foothiller students and staff.

Thank you, Jim! At this year’s senior award night, several students benefited from the generosity of Jim and other alumni, retirees, and community members through scholarships.

GHS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Because of generous Grossmont alumni such as Gene and Jim, retirees, teachers, and community members who have contributed to the GHS endowment fund since its

inception in 2012, this school year the GHS Educational Foundation awarded five $1,000 scholarships, thousands of dollars in teacher mini-grants, and has given yearlong financial support of programs and students on campus.

This year’s scholarship recipients are: Athletic Challenge: Zachary Zolina and Gabi Egan Alumni: Bailey Wilcox and James Bond Community Service: Kana Okura The Grossmont community thanks outgoing GHS Educational Foundation President Tony Lawrence for the hundreds of hours of service he has given to the Foothiller community for the past five years. However, Tony is not really retiring as he will continue to volunteer as “the voice of the Foothillers” at home football games.

RYAN WILCOX MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS This is the third year of the Ryan Wilcox Memorial Scholarships, funds which are managed by the Grossmont High School Educational Foundation.

Two $1,000 scholarships are given annually to students who have overcome their own personal obstacles — financially, emotionally, or physically — yet have still kept a positive outlook while facing these challenges. The students must also have a love for Grossmont High School community and have the Foothiller spirit that Ryan so treasured.

Ryan’s parents, Mike and Amy Wilcox, share, “We are so proud and honored that Ryan's memory and sweet spirit live on at Grossmont through these very special scholarships. Ryan loved his Grossmont family, and his positive attitude, perseverance, kindness, and compassion for others exemplified the true meaning of why ‘It's Great to Be Young and a Foothiller.’”

The two 2019 "Ryan Strong" Memorial $1,000 Scholarship recipients are Tiam Babadiyaghoubi and Jaymee Gonnello.

NEW FACULTY SCHOLARSHIPS Jerry Lewis Scholarship: This year, the Art Department awarded the first $1,000 Jerry L. Lewis

Upcoming reunions 99th Anniversary and Homecoming: Friday, Sept. 20.

GHS Museum open from 4-7 p.m.; campus tour at 5:30 p.m.

Class of 1956 Reunion: Grossmont-El Cajon Class of ‘56, Friday, Sept. 20, at the Admiral Baker Club, San Diego. Contact classof-56@cox.net.

GHS alumnus Gene Chubb has been a regular donor to Grossmont High through his company, RCP Block & Brick, which is currently building the new Event Center slated to open in 2020. (Courtesy Pam Martin)

Scholarship to a graduating senior. Jerry taught art at Grossmont High School for 30 years, from 1962-1992, 28 of which he served as the Art Department chairperson, retiring in 1992. He also coached the Foothiller baseball and golf teams. Jerry created this scholarship to promote the arts and to reward a senior who best exemplifies a commitment to continuing a path in the arts beyond his high school education. Thank you, Jerry, for endowing this yearly scholarship; this year’s recipient is Travis McCrae.

Gloria Jones Memorial Scholarships: Thanks to donations by alumni, retirees, and current staff at Grossmont and throughout the GUHS District, two students received $800 scholarships in memory of longtime history teacher and ASB advisor Gloria Jones. The scholarships were awarded to the Foothillers who best represent Gloria’s unique leadership qualities. Strong, determined, and compassionate, Miss Jones had the ability to get the best from her students, in both student government and the classroom.

Her impact on Foothiller traditions and values are reflected today throughout the campus.

The two inaugural scholarships in her memory were awarded to Rachel Gallegos and Kennedy Dirkes. To contribute to future Gloria Jones Memorial Scholarships, please write a check payable to GHS ASB-Gloria Jones Scholarship, and mail to Jeremy Hersch, P.O. Box 1043, La Mesa, CA 91944.

Class of 1959 60th Reunion: Saturday, Sept. 21. Contact Joyce Schwartz Camiel at joycecamiel@ gmail.com or 619-806-7914 or co-chair Carmen Colonghi Gaerin at cgaerin@gmail.com or 619-992-8823.

Class of 1964 55th Reunion: Saturday, Oct. 19. For information, email ghs64@cox.net.

Class of 1970 50th Reunion: Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020. Please register at Grossmont 1970 reunion link: bit.ly/2NUmvIZ Class of 1974 45th Reunion: Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., alongside the pond at Anthony’s Fish Grotto in La Mesa. Visit bit. ly/2JjkdAO. GHS Museum open 4-6 p.m. before the reunion; campus tour at 5 p.m.

Principal Dan Barnes believes, “Grossmont High School resides in an amazing community that truly supports our students and staff. The Grossmont High School Educational Foundation and the GHS Museum and alumni have done an outstanding job linking our alumni, our retired staff, our history of excellence, fundraising, and support of events back to our school and, most importantly, back to our students. Tony Lawrence and the board truly care about kids and making sure they know that Grossmont High School cares about their success. I look forward to our next steps with our new board president Amy Conrad, who has the same passion Tony does as a parent and who will be a great leader from our business and school community to take on this new role.”

—Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum. To discover more about Grossmont, visit foothillermuseum.com or visit the GHS Museum Wednesday, Aug. 7, noon-3:30 p.m. or by appointment. Call 619-668-6140 or email ghsmuseum@guhsd.net.■

Sudoku & Crossword puzzle answers from page 23

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019 EDUCATION / SPORTS La Mesa Courier 13 sdnews.com Fall open registration Helix High football looking for banner season at Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges

By DAVE THOMAS | La Mesa Courier

Open registration starts July 17 at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges for fall semester classes beginning Aug. 19 for some 30,000 students with goals of university transfer, workforce training or expanding their knowledge.

Aug. 18 is the deadline for online registration and Sept. 1 is the last day for late registration with instructor approval.

California community colleges have among the lowest enrollment fees in the country at $46 per unit. Financial aid, including scholarships, grants and loans, are available with information posted at Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College websites.

First-time college students attending full-time can qualify for two years of tuition-free classes through the GrossmontCuyamaca College Promise. To be eligible, students must complete orientation, assessments, devise an education plan and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. The deadline to apply for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise for fall 2019 is Sept. 10.

More details are available at mycollegepromise.net.

With more than 2,400 class offerings, students have an abundant selection to consider.

General education classes from SEE GCC REGISTRAITON, Page 23

With summer rolling by quickly as it usually does, it should not come as a surprise that many people are focusing their attention on the upcoming football season.

At the high school level, Helix High looks for a banner season under head coach Robbie Owens.

The Highlanders went 8-5 a season ago under Owens, who is in his fourth year at the helm and 24th overall year of coaching.

Helix lost in last season’s Division I CIFSD title game in overtime to St. Augustine 21-20.

La Mesa Courier recently caught up with Owens to get his take on the upcoming season.

Helix High School 2019 football schedule Aug. 15: Mira Mesa – Home Aug. 23: Cajon – Home Aug. 30: Herriman (Utah) – Home Sept. 13: Cathedral Catholic – Home Sept. 20: Saint Augustine – Away Sept. 27: Oaks Christian – Home Oct. 4: El Capitan – Home Oct. 11: Valhalla – Away Oct. 18: Grossmont – Away Oct. 25: Granite Hills – Home Nov. 1: Steele Canyon – Away

(Courtesy Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District)

(Facebook)

About how many kids are you expecting out for this year's team? Did you graduate a lot from the 2018 squad?

We will have 50 to 60 players on varsity and around 140 to 150 players in the program. We graduated 27 seniors (smallest class since I have been in program) including All-CIFSD Defensive Player of the Year and SDSU commit Michael Shawcroft.

Coming into this season, what do you see as the team's strengths and any areas that may be challenges?

Looking at the team's schedule, what do you see as some of the tougher games, rivalries, etc.?

Our schedule is always very top-heavy. We play the toughest schedule in San Diego to start.

Cajon, Herriman (UT), Cathedral, Saints and Oaks Christian (rated third-best Southern Section School to Bosco and Mater Dei).

Once we get to conference, obviously Grossmont is always going to give us their best and Steele Canyon beat us last year.

As for goals this season, what do you want to see this team accomplish when Strength is obviously we have all is said and done?

Elelyon Noa, the best football player in San Diego. Every year we are senior-dominated, so have to replace a lot of starters. Weakness is replacing all three starting linebackers, three offensive linemen and quarterback position.

Our goal is always to win a CIF Championship. We want to play in the Open Division.

—Dave Thomas is a freelance sports writer based in San Diego. Reach him at hoopsthomas@yahoo.com.■

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NEWS News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 5

drinking water supply using state-of-the-art technology to purify East San Diego County’s recycled water.

Once complete, the East County Advanced Water Purification Program will generate up to 11.5 million gallons per day of new drinking water, which is approximately 30% of current drinking water demands for residents in the Padre Dam and Helix service areas. Four advanced water purification steps will produce water that is near-distilled in quality. The purified water will then be blended with water in Lake

Jennings and treated at the R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant before being distributed as drinking water.

Next steps for the project include forming a Joint Powers Authority between Padre Dam Municipal Water District, the city of El Cajon and the County of San Diego to serve as the governing body for the program. An industry day is being planned for mid-August to provide notice to prospective designers and contractors on the initiation of a selection process for the progressive design-build packages that will begin posting in fall 2019. Partner agencies also continue to pursue grant and loan opportunities to help fund the estimated $528 million project.

The East County Advanced Water Purification Program is expected to begin producing water in 2025. In addition to providing a new local water supply, the program also will eliminate the need to send most of the wastewater generated from East County to the city of San Diego’s Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it is currently treated and then discharged into the ocean.

For more information on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program, visit eastcountyawp.com or padredam.org.

the first week of July than during a typical week as people across the country celebrated the holiday with activities and travel. This led to about 17,000 fewer blood donations than needed for patients in a single week.

“Medical emergencies and critical treatments don’t stop for holiday celebrations. Patients depend on lifesaving blood transfusions every day,” said Cliff Numark, senior vice president of Red Cross Blood Services, in a press release. “Right now, the Red Cross only has less than a three-day supply when we need a five-day supply to be prepared for all situations that require blood products. To help meet this need, we’ve added about 8,000 additional appointments at blood donation centers and community blood drives over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. But we need people to fill those appointments, please join us today.”

La Mesa blood drives include: • July 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive • July 27, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Souplantation, 9158 Fletcher Parkway • July 30, 2-7 p.m. at Grossmont Hospital, 5555 Grossmont Center Drive In June, the Red Cross launched the Missing Types RED CROSS ISSUES URGENT campaign to encourage donors — CALL FOR BLOOD DONORS especially new donors and those Following a difficult Fourth of who have not donated in the past July week for blood and platelet years — to give blood or platelets donations and ongoing challeng- during the challenging summer es finding new blood donors, the months. Through the campaign, American Red Cross now faces a the letters A, B and O — letters blood shortage and has issued an that make up the main blood emergency call for eligible indi- groups — disappeared from popviduals of all blood types to give ular brands to symbolize what now and prevent delays in med- happens when blood goes missical care. ing from hospital shelves during About 450 fewer blood drives blood shortages. were organized by businesses and other community groups during SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 20

2017

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July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

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FEATURE sdnews.com La Mesa’s world-famous opera star

By JILL DIAMOND | La Mesa Courier

Before Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, and Placido Domingo there was Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink, one of the most popular opera singers in the world 100 years ago and a La Mesa area resident.

Born in 1861 as Tini Rössler in Prague to Austrian parents, she was a renowned operatic mezzo-soprano, known for tonal richness, flexibility and a wide range of voice that left audiences mesmerized. Although she had an unsuccessful debut early in her career in Dresden in 1878, she would go on to become a Metropolitan Opera star for five years beginning in 1899 with a repertory of 150 roles.

According to the editors of Encyclopedia Britannica: “She often gave recitals and once toured the United States with the operetta ‘Love’s Lottery.’ Although known primarily as a Wagnerian singer — her most noted role was Erda in Wagner’s ‘Siegfried’ …

In the latter part of her life, she was known for her radio broadcasts in the United States, and she appeared in the film ‘Here’s to Romances’ in 1935.”

She later became an American citizen in 1908, performed on Broadway, toured and signed a recording contract with RCA Victor.

According to records, her last performance was in 1932 when she was 71 years old.

Schumann-Heink was married three times, had seven children and lived to be 75 years old; many of her years were spent in a mansion she built in the Grossmont Colony. One of her sons, Ferdinand SchumannHeink, was an actor who appeared in 65 films, including “Hell's Angels” and “Blonde Venus.” He is buried next to her in San Diego.

“The house she built was completed in 1912 and is a mix of Italianate and Prairie-style designed by architect Del Harris; it’s not over the top, but modern for its time” said La Mesa historian James Newland. “It sits on one of the most prominent lots in Grossmont looking east to the El Cajon Valley – people drive by and go, ‘Who’s house was that?’”

WHY LA MESA?

Newland said Schumann-Heink moved to Southern California after being recruited by former New

Shumann-Heink with her children (Library of Congress)

York entertainment agent, friend and co-developer of Grossmont — William Gross.

“She was one of the ‘high-class artists’ Gross and fellow developer Ed Fletcher hoped to become a Grossmont Colony resident,” Newland said. “The colony they dreamed of didn’t fully take off like they had hoped. Her great grandson lives in the home and takes good care of it. He even has a few original furnishings.”

Newland said Schumann-Heink was perhaps the most famous of the Grossmont residents since the only other potential resident with her status, Owen Wister [author of “The Virginian”], never ended up living there.

William Gross and Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink at her Grossmont home. (Courtesy La Mesa Historical

sing “Silent Night” in its original German, according to records.

Newland said her voice was so extraordinary and her reputation so great that she was hired in 1927 by the Vitaphone Co., a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Co., for an early sound-recording film to prove the legitimacy of its new sound technology.

“She was a multimedia star before her time really,” Newland said.

“I think her talent overshone all those superficial things those early agents told her; she did become an international legend in spite of their concerns with her appearance.”

Schumann-Heink was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

15

Fame for recording, which is located at 6640 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood.

She died in 1936 of Leukemia at age 75 in Hollywood and is buried at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego in the corridor of Sunshine in the Cathedral Mausoleum.

The La Mesa Historical Society is planning an exhibit on her life in La Mesa later this year at its McKinney House Museum. It will also be holding its annual Home Tour in the Grossmont area on Nov. 2. Find updates at lamesahistory.com.

—Jill Diamond is a freelance writer based in Southern California who enjoys writing interesting features about history.■

Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink (Wikipedia)

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Society)

The historian added SchumannHeink was beloved in La Mesa, San Diego, the U.S. and Europe, and performed all over the world during her career. However, she never performed in La Mesa.

“There really weren’t any appropriate venues for her in La Mesa, although I believe she did some small fundraiser appearances for the La Mesa Women’s Club,” he said.

Interestingly, her grandson Hubert Guy (son of daughter Marie) wrote a detailed Grossmont area history book in 1993 called “Grossmont Isn’t Just a Shopping Center,” and it provides details of her local activities, Newland said.

WHAT A LIFE

And while Schumann-Heink’s voice was legendary, so was her life story. Newland said he himself wrote about Schumann-Heink in his book and several articles because her story is amazing at so many different levels.

“She was an early international popular music and recording star,” he said. “She was known throughout the Western world as an amazing and generous person and was beloved by fans and friends. She fought for this success against those who discriminated against her in that she was not this gorgeous iconic beauty — but relentless in her determination and talent — and subsequently beloved for her dogged perseverance. She had a legendary range and powerful voice such that she could sing any kind of part.”

She was also acclaimed for her radio appearances and unreserved personality and each Christmas, millions of radio listeners would tune in to hear her

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Foods for all moods Restaurant Review

By FRANK SABATINI JR. I had no idea what type of cuisine to expect at Vine Cottage Restaurant when spontaneously ducking in with a ravenous appetite. It was one of those rare occasions when my spouse and I didn’t peek at the menu online before driving up. We instead rolled with the tide, just as many of us did before smartphones and sophisticated GPS systems existed.

Our daring gamble paid off.

The moderately priced restaurant greets with a quaint atmosphere that feels similar to an Irish pub. A “cottage” not so much, except for a faux stone wall in the small dining area that could briefly make you feel you’re in some French hamlet rather than a small strip plaza on Lake Murray Boulevard. Otherwise the interior is filled with wooden tables and partitions arranged within eyeshot of a handsome bar that serves wine and craft beer.

The ownership, we were told, has been held by various members of a Middle Eastern

FOOD & DRINK

family ever since the restaurant opened several years ago. Though if you come knocking for meals of such persuasion, you’ll have to make due with falafel sliders. After that, the menu hopscotches between Italy, Spain, France, England, Asia and the U.S. We fortuitously hit Sunday happy hour, which is held all day. Draft beers, wines by the glass and salads are $2 off, and flatbreads are half-price. For A quaint find within the Lake Murray Square strip us, that meant a savings of plaza (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.) about $14.

A couple of light and highly drinkable Staff Magician Vine Cottage Restaurant pale ales by San Diego’s Mikkeller 6062 Lake Murray Blvd. (La Mesa) Brewing led us into a roasted beet salad with wild arugula and goat 619-303-8118, vinecottagebistro.com cheese. The citrus vinaigrette Prices: Soups and salads, $9 to $12; gave it an unmistakable Southern cheese and meat boards, $16 and $21; California spin. small plates, $3 to $16; “pub plates,” Spanish-style grilled “giant” white $8 to $16; flatbread pizzas, $16; pastas shrimp were evenly coated in smokey and main plates, $15 to $36 paprika and served over tender white beans flecked with bacon and leeks.

Though enjoyable and well-executsteep for only three moderately large ed, we found the $16 shrimp. price tag a bit When learning that the flatbread pizzas use dough sourced from Sadie Rose Baking Co. (my favorite San Diego wholesaler of artisan breads), we chose the sausage and shiitake mushroom option. Other choices include prosciutto-Gorgonzola, bacon-Parmesan and chicken with artichokes.

We loved every bite. The crust had a buttery, pastry-like essence to it, and the tomato-red pepper sauce offered an appealing zing. So did the sausage,

Spanish-style giant white shrimp

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

17

CASEY’S SUMMER SALAD

By JULIE WHITE

I have a wonderful son, Casey, who happens to be a terrific cook. I'm always learning tips and recipes from him, which he learns from listening to cooking podcasts. This recipe is his summer salad.

INGREDIENTS: • 2 bulbs of fresh

fennel, ends trimmed and washed and sliced thinly with a knife or on a mandoline (a mandoline is a sharp slicing tool — please use the guard when using.)

• 1/2 box of fresh organic baby arugula • 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced • 2 ounces or about a 1/4 cup of fresh shaved Parmesan cheese (can be purchased at most grocery stores in a 4-ounce container) • 1/2 of a thinly sliced red onion (place sliced onion in a bowl

SEE VINE COTTAGE, Page 18

Dining in La Mesa

2019

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(Courtesy Julie White)

of ice water that has 2 teaspoons of salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar added. This step removes the acrid taste of raw onion.)

DRESSING: • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 teaspoons Dijon

mustard • 1 teaspoons of salt • 1 finely minced garlic clove (1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine all of the ingredients. Toss with the dressing. Serve chilled.

“Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen. The smell of fresh cut grass, diving into the deep end of a pool, biting into ripe fruit and warm evenings.”

—Caletti

18

FOOD & DRINK

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

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to the Roman Empire, is simple yet requires CONTINUED FROM Page 17 skill in tying together the which unexpectedly sauce, which wasn’t of the classic is constructItalian variety spiked ed quickly with fennel. This was with scads of more akin to spicy black pepper, kielbasa or perhaps Parmesan andouille. or Romano Although hitcheese, and ting the nail right pasta water. through the heel But if only of Italy was one there were of the best and oodles more most accurate noodles in versions of the oversized cacio e pepe bowl, which spaghetti I’ve further exThe sausage and mushroom flatbread had in ages. aggerated This peasant the small pasta dish, which dates back portion. Priced at $15, and given its luxurious flavor, the dish cried for a few more ounces of spaghetti. I didn’t want the dish to ever end.

The diverse menu extends to fish and chips; a burger using grass-fed beef that’s topped with “drunken” goat cheese and Anaheim chilies; sake-marinated chicken wings; duck leg confit; seafood stew; roasted chicken; and a Tuscan-style New York strip steak.

Service was friendly, and I give extra points to the way in which our meal was staggered.

The salad and shrimp came out first. Shortly after we polished them off, our main courses arrived.

What’s so special about that, you might ask?

About four out of five times I dine out, my meal courses land on the table simultaneously.

It’s a phenomenon plaguing basic meal service, which I find especially rampant in restaurants throughout San Diego County.

But our waiter at Vine Cottage intuitively knew better while the kitchen exhibited impressive flexibility constructing the multi-national dishes we ordered.

—Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of ‘Secret San Diego’ (ECW Press) and began his local writing career more than two decades ago as a staffer for the former San Diego Tribune. You can reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.■

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019 BOOKS / ART La Mesa Courier sdnews.com Great graphic novels in August featured artist: the spirit of Comic-Con Carl ‘Rusty’ Arnesen

By JAKE SEXTON

Here in San Diego, July means Comic-Con! And Comic-Con means another column from me about some of the best comics and graphic novels of the past year.

My favorite new series of the year was the bitingly satirical “Crowded” by Christopher Sebela, Ro Stein and Ted Brandt. In a near future where norms and institutions are increasingly eroded by internet “innovation,” a party girl named Charlie discovers that millions of strangers have put a bounty on her head via an anonymous assassination app called Reapr. Any random bystander could turn out to be an assailant, out to kill her to win the hefty prize. To protect herself, Charlie hires a mercenary through an Uber-like app for bodyguards called Dfender, and the two fight to hide and survive. So far, the series has been an exciting mix of intrigue (why does everyone want to kill Charlie?), humor, action, and social critique that hits far too close to home.

Another great science fiction series with something to say is “Skyward”

by Joe Henderson and Lee Garbett. On present day Earth, g ravit y abr uptly and radically shifts to almost nothing.

Twenty years pass, and there’s an entire generation of people who have only known a free and dangerous world where you can both fly with ease or get too close to the outer atmosphere and die.

And while the youth find their way living in the sky, many older people try to cling to their formerly grounded life, with technology and weighted clothing. Who benefits from the new ways, and what would happen if someone found a way to return to the old? Familiar dystopian themes of class warfare collide with the less common ones about generational conflict.

Imagine if every night your body transformed into that of a monster and a violent alternate

personality took control. Upon waking as your true self in the morning, you’d learn with horror about “your” nighttime activities and the carnage you had caused.

That’s the horrific life of Bruce Banner in the new series “The Immortal Hulk” by Al Ewing and Joe Bennett. No longer the gruff superhero we know from the movies, the Hulk is now a vicious killer and Bruce Banner is a haunted man on the run. Banner spends each day trying to position himself near criminals and abusers before nightfall, in desperate hope that his alter ego’s rampage hurts more villains t ha n i n nocents.

But a reporter has started to pick up Banner’s trail, and these changes made to Hulk seem to be the machinations of a mysterious entity, giving tension and mystery to this ongoing story.

Ed Brubaker and Sam Phillips excel at telling noir-style crime and spy stories, in which desperate and deeply f lawed characters make bad decisions that put them into even worse situations. Their latest is “My Heroes Have Always Been Ju n k i e s ,” a b out a young woman named Ellie who is enamored of the glamour of drugs, art and celebrity.

Ellie has been sentenced to time at a fancy, rural rehab faci l it y, but she has no interest in getting clean. She manipulates and seduces her way towards her own secretive goals, and doesn’t seem to care who she takes down with her.

Of course, you can try out all sorts of graphic novels for free at the library, and they’re usually a quick read. And you can also join our Summer Reading Challenge, where all ages can get prizes for reading books and participating in other fun educational activities. Info at sdcl. org/summer.

—Jake Sexton is librarian at the La Mesa branch of the San Diego County Library. Call the library at 619-469-2151, visit in person at 8074 Allison Ave., or visit online at sdcl.org.■

By LINDA MICHAEL

Carl “Rusty” Arnesen, whose artwork will be featured at the Foothills Gallery during the month of August, has been interested in art and drawing since he was very young. But during his early years in the Marine Corps, in school, and as a young attorney, he had little time for painting and drawing. Since his retirement, he has painted more than 30 pastel and acrylic pieces and has sold half a dozen. He has little artwork left from his early years, but one oil painting, done when he was a teen, will be on display along with his more recent paintings at the gallery.

Born in Brooklyn, Rusty was introduced to San Diego on his way to Vietnam while in the Marine Corps. After his last return from Vietnam, he settled in San Diego where he reentered college and attended law school.

In college, he took a few art courses, but due to his work and school schedule, he was unable to indulge his desire to paint and draw. After law school, Rusty went into private practice. Later, he became a felony attorney for

19

the San Diego County Public Defenders’ Office. His career as an attorney spanned 30 years. The last 20 years, he served as assistant public defender and chief deputy public defender.

Now able to pursue his interest in art, Rust y enjoys painting portraits, especially portraits on request as gifts Artist Rusty Arnesen specializes in painting realistic for friends. He portraits. (Courtesy Foothills Art Association) is an ongoing member of the Foothills Art The Foothills Gallery is free Association and displays regu- and open to the public Tuesday larly in the gallery. He has en- through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 tered a number of art competi- p.m. Rusty Arnesen’s artwork tions, winning four first-place will be featured at the gallery awards, placing second twice from Aug. 2 to Sept. 3. An artist’s and third once for acrylic and reception will be on Saturday, pastel paintings in veterans Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m. at the gallery, art competitions in La Jolla. 4910 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

He placed second in the Drew Everyone is welcome. Call 619Bandish Art Competition in El 464-7167 for more information.

Cajon and was an honorable mention from the Foothills Art —Linda Michael is editor of Association. He now lives in Footnotes, the newsletter of the Spring Valley, California.

Foothills Art Association.■

20

VILLAGE VOICES / NEWS Making fast work of prediabetes July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

Gen-X in La Mesa

By GENEVIEVE A. SUZUKI | La Mesa Courier

It should come as no surprise to any reader who has stayed with me for the past several years that I, as with many of my fellow Americans, have struggled mightily with my weight.

I’ve written about working out and trying to eat healthy.

I’ve waxed poetic about how this year would be the year and how I had finally discovered the secret to success.

And then, as with many of those fellow Americans, I fell

back into bad habits, whether it was coming up with random excuses on why I couldn’t work out, comforting myself after a bad day with Starbucks or rewarding myself for a good day with a trip to the donut shop.

When I found out I was still prediabetic, almost four years after I had gestational diabetes while pregnant with my son, I was crushed. My grandmother died with diabetes, suffering from complications associated with the disease. She lost a leg and was on regular dialysis. I also recently found out last summer that my father was also a Type-2 diabetic.

After reading an article in Women’s Health, which said weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise, I decided to make a serious dietary difference by calling Kaiser to sign up for its medically-supervised fasting program.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what makes you tick, go on a fast.

Plato and Aristotle were allegedly fast devotees; Benjamin Franklin believed fasting to be among the best medicines; and Mark Twain said, “A little starvation can really do more for the average sick man than can

the best medicines and the best doctors.”

Siddhartha fasted before becoming the Buddha and Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days and nights before beating temptation by Satan and beginning his ministry.

A fast will clear your mind better than a year’s worth of meditation.

The Kaiser fast is pretty simple: You drink a shake five times a day and consume a lot of water in between. There are two soups you can throw into the mix, but you can only have two soups max. There are no breaks and there is almost nothing to chew.

The first week I did it I was running on adrenaline. “I’m on a fast!” I confided to anyone who would listen. Of the seemingly thousands I told, 99% were reluctant listeners, trapped by circumstance, whether it was because they were at work, standing in a line at the grocery store, or stranded in an elevator with me.

The second week of the fast I felt borderline homicidal when I smelled cooking meat. I had to step away from the dinner table with my non-fasting family to take myself to Grossmont Center to walk around and get my mind off dinner.

But, as they say, it takes 21 days to build or break a habit.

I’ve broken through the hardest part and am now taking each lesson as they come. Figuring out food had become a crutch for dealing with life was likely the most valuable awareness.

Another discovery is how kind restaurant folk are when you’re the only one fasting at the table. A server at Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill on Fletcher Parkway brought me a bowl of hot water for my soup and a refreshing sparkling water on Father’s Day with the family.

Another server, this time at Claim Jumper, reassured me, “I got you!” and gave me a fancy glass for another sparkling water toast.

The most ironic thing about this “fast” is how un-fast this process has been. Eight weeks into the 20-week fast, I am at least committed too much to turn back.

What I’d like to do is use this column to learn more about how we in La Mesa can be healthy.

As the Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” so step up, kind reader, so we may journey together to a life free of insulin injections and regular A1C tests.

News briefs

During the last three years, the direct access program has saved the county an average of about $3 million a year.

County supervisors are looking into whether the county should provide community choice energy to residents in the unincorporated areas, including the unincorporated areas of La Mesa.

Community Choice Energy Forums: • 6 p.m., Monday, July 29 Bonita Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road, Bonita 91902.

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 30 Lakeside Community Center, 9841 Vine St., Lakeside 92040.

• 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 31 - Bonsall Community Center, 31505 Old River Road, Bonsall 92003.

• 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6 - 4S Ranch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive, San Diego 92127.

CONTINUED FROM Page 14

Despite an encouraging response to the campaign, blood donations still fell short of expectations in June, resulting in more than 24,000 fewer donations than needed; about 1,900 fewer here in the Southern California Blood Services Region; and causing a significant draw down of the Red Cross blood supply.

“Blood is only available when generous blood and platelet donors roll up a sleeve to give, and right now, all donors — especially those who have never given or haven’t given in a while — are urged to make an appointment to give today,” Numark added.

For a complete list of blood drives, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

COUNTY TO HOLD COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY FORUMS The public can give input on whether the county should buy and sell electricity during four informational forums set for coming weeks.

A program called community choice aggregation would allow the county to buy, and/or generate, and sell electricity to residents and business, providing another choice to consumers who currently must use San Diego Gas & Electric.

Using a similar program called Direct Access, the county buys electricity and natural gas for its own facilities on the open market instead of directly from SDG&E.

—Genevieve A. Suzuki is a local attorney who lives and works in La Mesa.■

COVERED CALIFORNIA HAS RECORD LOW RATE CHANGE Following up on the announcement that the average rate change for California’s individual market will be 0.8 percent in 2020, which is the lowest premium increase since 2014, Covered California released regional rate data on July 19. Many regions across the state will see little to no change in their underlying rates (such as West Los Angeles, San Diego County and the Inland Empire), others will see an average rate decrease (such as parts of northern counties and parts of the Central Valley), and some SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 23

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

sdnews.com

21

La Mesa Courier

Community and Arts & Entertainment Calendar ONGOING EVENTS available for sale, and a portion of the funds will support the park through the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.

‘California Tapestry’ Through Aug. 3 On view at the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Visitor and Interpretive Center from June 22 through Aug. 3, is an exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist and illustrator Lesley Goren, whose lively and colorful images of plants and flowers are a self-described “love note” to the native vegetation of Southern California. To commemorate her exhibition at the MTRP Visitor Center, Goren created two new custom greeting card designs for Mission Trails Regional Park that are now sold in the Visitor Center’s gift shop. The designs highlight the leaves and flowers of Mission Trails. The opening reception for Goren’s solo exhibition and first showing in San Diego County will take place at the MTRP Visitor Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, on June 23 from 2-4 p.m. Artwork featured in the exhibit will be

‘The Little Mermaid’ Through Aug. 3 The Grossmont College Theater Arts Department presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film. A hauntingly beautiful love story for all ages, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World." Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee, except for opening night July 25.

Additional Wednesday matinee on July 31. At The Summer Arts

FEATURED EVENTS Conservatory, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. Tickets are $15 general admission; $12 for seniors, military and faculty; $10 for students. For more details, call 619-644-7234.

‘The Sunshine Boys’ Through Aug. 4 The story of this play written by Neil Simon follows the attempt by a young theatrical agent to reunite his elderly uncle, a former vaudevillian great, with his long-time stage partner for a TV reunion. Despite their celebrated reputation, the old men have not spoken in 12 years. Besides remastering their sketch, the two men have numerous issues to work out before they are ready to return to the public eye. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. at Lamplighters Community Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. Tickets are $23 general admission; $20 seniors, students and active military; group rate of 10 or more for $18 each. Visit lamplighterslamesa.com.■

RECURRING EVENTS Mondays Note Catchers California Note Catchers, fourpart harmony chorus, invite ladies of all ages to their rehearsals 7-9 p.m. Performances throughout SD. Located in Social Hall of La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave. 619-464-3727.

Tuesdays La Mesa Walks!

Enjoy a fun walk with friends and neighbors. First and third Tuesdays, meet at various locations, second and fourth Tuesdays meet at 9 a.m. at La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Ave. Call 619-667-1300 for more information.

Admission is free and advance RSVP is not required. Light refreshments and informational handouts will be available. For more information, call the library at 619-825-5010 or visit herricklibrary.org.

Grossmont Center Farmers Market Grossmont Center hosts a produce-only farmers market, 2-6 p.m. in the back lot in front of the Dollar Tree.

Wednesdays Senior Women’s Support Group City of La Mesa offers senior women's support group, every Wednesday 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd.

Please contact 619-667-1322.

Thursdays Classic Car Show The La Mesa Village Association is proud to host this year’s La Mesa Classic Car Show featuring pre-1974 cars, trucks, and vans! The event will feature DJs and live bands located at Third Street and La Mesa Boulevard, and an award giveaway at each event honoring the night’s best cars. The 2019 La Mesa Classic Car Show will take place each Thursday from 5-8 p.m. starting on June 6 and running through Aug. 29.

Wellness Wednesday Wellness Wednesday is a health series normally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Herrick Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa.

Movie Matinee The La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center hosts a series of modern and classic film viewings every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the center’s main hall. Cost is $2 per

ticket. For movie listings, visit bit.ly/2FVrOSQ. Fridays La Mesa farmers market La Mesa’s farmers market offers fresh local produce, florals, pastries, live music, and arts and crafts each Friday. 3-7 p.m. along La Mesa Boulevard.

Free. Visit lamesavillageassociation.org.

Saturdays Shop Local Market Last Saturday of the month at Grossmont Center, participating shops set up tables outside and offer markdowns and new product showcases. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.

Sundays Traveling Stories Visit Grossmont Center each Sunday for an interactive story time for kids. Kids visit the StoryTent, pick out a book that interests them, and then read it out loud to a volunteer. The volunteer asks engaging questions that help the child build reading comprehension and critical thinking skills all while earning book bucks to trade for cool prizes. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.■

Saturday, July 27

Summer Concert Series: Bayou Brothers Grossmont Center’s Summer Concert Series presents the zydeco music of Bayou Brothers. 5 p.m. in the shopping center’s Center Court area, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Free.

Visit grossmontcenter.com.

Sunday, July 28

of the same guests year after year and is known as “The Party on the Hill” and a not-tobe-missed event! 5-10 p.m. at Mt. Helix Park, 4901 Mt. Helix Drive, La Mesa. Tickets range $65 to $2,200. For more information, ongoing updates or to purchase tickets, visit MtHelixPark.org or call 619-741-4363.

Thursday, Aug. 15

Incredibles 2” follows the Parr family as they try to restore the public's trust in superheroes while balancing their family life, only to combat a new foe who seeks to turn the populace against all superheroes. 8 p.m. at La Mesita Park, 8855 Dallas St. Free.

Saturday, Aug. 3

Mindy Dillard in concert The Valerie Victor Concert Series presents adventurer, musical alchemist and mythological scholar Mindy Dillard, who plays clawhammer banjo and rhythm guitar, often in alternate tunings to accompany her electric and raw, crystal-clear voice. A genre hopper, Mindy’s sound holds shades of old-time Appalachia, contemporary folk, gospel, musical theater and rhythm and blues.

2 p.m. at United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. Free-will offering will be taken. Visit tableucc.com or call 619-464-1519.

Sundays at Six: Sonic Epidemic The final performance of La Mesa’s summer concert series features Sonic Epidemic playing horn tunes of the 1970s.

6 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. Free.

Friday, Aug. 2 Movies in the Park: ‘The Incredibles 2’ A superhero movie for a super family-friendly event! “The

Olaf Wieghorst 20th Anniversary Celebration The studio of Western artist Olaf Wieghorst is hosting a 20th anniversary party with tours of his unique property, live music by Jonni Glaser and Son Pa Ti, food, drinks and more. 4-9 p.m. at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Heritage Center, 131 Rea Ave., El Cajon. $75 general admission. Call 619-457-7355 or visit weighorstmuseumevents.com.

Summer Bash Business Expo La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s annual business expo is the best place to network with local businesses. Take this opportunity to join fellow members and mix and mingle! Enjoy beverages and food provided by local businesses and the chamber. Attend and be prepared to have fun, taste great food and the opportunity to win from dozens of free door prizes from participating business vendors! 5-8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

Tickets before Aug. 1 are $15; tickets after are $20; at door tickets are $25. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/2uD62Pi.

Friday, Aug. 16

Saturday, Aug. 10

heART of Mt. Helix One of San Diego’s most spectacular outdoor venues is transformed by this one-of-akind festival of art, music, and samplings from some of San Diego's best restaurants and beverage companies, while benefiting one of the county’s most unique nonprofit nature parks and outdoor amphitheaters. Now in its 12th year, the heART continues to draw many

Movies in the Park: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ The magical nanny is back in this musical fantasy film based on the book series “Mary Poppins” by P.L. Travers. 8 p.m. at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive. Free.■

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CLASSIFIEDS / BUSINESS & SERVICES

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

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GCC registraiton CONTINUED FROM Page 13

anthropology to theater arts are available at both colleges. Both colleges are also offering a growing number of classes with free textbooks that are available on the public domain or released under an open license. Look for courses with the “ZTC” (zero textbook costs) designations in the class schedules for Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College.

For those seeking workforce training, both colleges offer renowned career education programs.

At Grossmont College, the Corrections Academy (AOJ-107) starts Sept. 3 and continues through Dec. 12 for students interested in jobs as corrections officers in local or county jails, community correctional facilities and privately contracted federal correctional facilities in California. Evening and Saturday classes are offered. An orientation meeting is set for Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5:30-10 p.m., in Room 100-102A. Students must download a Department of Justice background packet online by clicking on the Corrections Academy link at www.grossmont.edu/aoj. The last day to submit an application is Aug. 7.

The Public Safety Dispatcher class (AOJ-158) is also offered 6-10 p.m. Monday and Wednesday evenings with one required Saturday meeting. The dispatch course is POST-approved, meeting the

News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 20

will see modest increases (such as parts of the Bay Area and the Central Coast).

“Even before considering the positive impact of new state subsidies, many Californians will be seeing little change or even decreases in their underlying premiums,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. In addition, Covered California also released data on the statewide and regional average additional amounts that consumers would be able to save on their premiums if they shop around for the best deal. The average rate change for consumers who shop and switch to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier is -9.0 percent, which means that many Californians’ premiums will be even lower than their current premiums while maintaining the same level of benefits.

Consumers in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Santa Clara counties, as well as the Inland Empire, could see average rate reductions of over 10% if they shop and switch.

The average rate changes and savings from shopping and switching do not reflect the additional savings available from the new state subsidies that an estimated 922,000 consumers will be

EDUCATION / NEWS / PUZZLES basic dispatcher training for law enforcement agencies.

Other workforce training programs offered at Grossmont College include Culinary Arts, Child Development, Computer Science and Information Systems and Business Administration.

Allied health programs including nursing, cardiovascular technology, respiratory therapy, occupational therapy assistant, and telemetry are offered, leading to scores of students every year finding health care jobs.

Another offering exclusive to Grossmont College is its dance program with classes in modern dance, tap, ballroom dance, jazz, ballet, and hip hop, as well as courses in choreography and teaching dance. Most dance classes fulfill the fitness/wellness general education requirement.

Both colleges offer a Business Office Technology program, where self-paced, traditional and online classes are available in keyboarding, filing and records management, elementary accounting, Excel, PowerPoint, medical coding and more.

The engineering program exclusive to Cuyamaca College has classes ranging from Intro to Engineering and Design (ENGR-100) to Digital Design (ENGR-270).

Career education courses offered at Cuyamaca College include automotive technology, where one of the newest auto tech offerings is a short-term course in Automotive Service Advisor (AUTO-180), a one-unit class

meeting 6-9:15 p.m. Fridays from Aug. 19-Sept. 21.

Another short-term class at Cuyamaca College is an online class in entrepreneurship focusing on the gig economy (BUS 113) offered Oct.14-Nov. 23.

The C i s c o Ne t work i n g Academy allows students to take a series of self-paced classes online to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in one year and a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) in two. Students new to the Cisco Academy are required to attend an orientation at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, in Room E-205.

The Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College prepares students for working in the water industry at water treatment plants and public and private water utilities. An orientation for new and prospective students is set for 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, in Room L-104.

Computer and Information Science, Graph ic Desig n, CADD Technology, Paralegal Studies, Child Development, Environmental Health and Safety Management, Ornamental Horticulture, Real Estate, and Surveying round out Cuyamaca’s career education programs.

Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in Rancho San Diego.

Information on admissions and registering for classes is available online at gcccd.edu/now.■

eligible to receive, which will also lower the cost of coverage.

The consumers who are projected to benefit from the new state subsidies are: • An estimated 23,000 Covered California enrollees whose annual household income falls below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), which is less than $17,237 for an individual and $35,535 for a family of four. They will see their premiums for the benchmark plan lowered to $1 per member, per month.

• A n estimated 663,000 Covered California enrollees who currently receive federal financial help. They will be eligible to receive an average of an additional $15 per household, per month, which will help them save an average of 5% on their current premiums.

• A n estimated 235,000 middle-income Californians who previously did not qualify for financial help because they exceeded federal income requirements. They will be eligible to receive an average of $172 per household, per month, which will help them save an average of 23% off their current premiums.

Many of these consumers, particularly those who live in highcost regions, will see significant savings with annual reductions in their health care premiums in the hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

CITY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION Do you want to help plan the activities for the youth in La Mesa?

Applications are being accepted for several openings on the City’s Youth Advisory Commission.

Applicants must live within the city limits of La Mesa and be at least 13 years old, but not more than 20 years old, at the time of appointment.

Participating on the commission is a way for young people in middle and high school to work with their peers to explore and develop activities that promote positive youth relations in the city and gain volunteer experience that can be applied towards community service hours. Being a commission member also looks great on college and job applications. Commission meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

Applications must be returned to the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, to be considered in the Sept. 24 interview process. Applications may be obtained from the city’s website, cityoflamesa.us, or at La Mesa City Hall, 8130 Allison Ave., La Mesa, during normal business hours. Further information can be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk, 619-667-1120.■

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

23

WORSHIP DIRECTORY Wed. Night........6:30pm to 8:00pm Sat. Night..........6:30pm to 8:00pm Sunday.............10:00am to 11:30am Tuesday.............6:30pm to 8:00pm

619-697-7221

Pastor Dave Riley Calvary Chapel 7525 El Cajon Blvd.

La Mesa, CA 91942.

PUZZLES

WORSHIP DIRECTORY Advertise your Church in the Worship Directory & Reach 28,000 Readers Call Heather @ 951.296.7794 hfine@sdnews.com

ANSWERS ON PAGE 12

SUDOKU

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle.

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Partner to “oohed” 6 Frying dishes 10 Turncoats 14 Tropical fruit 15 Combinations of ideas 17 Sick 19 Consumed 20 Is in possession of 21 Zodiac sign

22 Hem and __ 23 Small country along the Arabian Peninsula 24 Petty quarrel 26 Scold 29 Volcanic crater 31 Present 32 TV network 34 “Rule Britannia” composer 35 Some hold lunches

37 Spring harvest in South Asia 38 Feline 39 Precipitation 40 In addition 41 Using as a foundation 43 Without 45 Ancient Roman garment 46 Political action committee

47 A way to excite 49 Swiss river 50 A place to relax 53 NE Ohio ballplayer 57 Rocky bodies orbiting the sun 58 Horse-drawn vehicle 59 Soaks 60 Cunning 61 The underworld

DOWN 1 Water (Spanish) 2 Your parent’s sister 3 Incline from vertical 4 The night before 5 Female descendants from American revolutionaries 6 Exclamation of disgust 7 Affirmative votes 8 Midway between north and northwest 9 Soft-shell clams

10 Layer at the back of the eyeball 11 Tennis great Arthur 12 Where golf games begin 13 Soviet Socialist Republic 16 Capital of Zimbabwe 18 This and __ 22 Laugh 23 Adhere to the rules 24 He comes each December 25 Before

27 Hindu cymbals 28 __ and flows 29 Personal computer 30 Semite 31 “Star Wars” hero Solo 33 Data executive 35 Hybrid fruits 36 Capital of Latvia 37 Moved swiftly 39 Troublemaker 42 Averts 43 Garment worn by S Asian women 44 It cools your house

46 Homes to bachelors 47 Besides 48 Cowboys great Leon 49 Griffith or Rooney 50 Province of Pakistan 51 Part of a book 52 Gasteyer and Ivanovic are two 53 Automobile 54 Afflict 55 To the __ degree 56 Arrived extinct

24

July 26 – Aug. 22, 2019

La Mesa Courier

sdnews.com

RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE 2O18 OFFICIAL AWARD WINNER

SOLDS

in 2019 So Far:

GOLD