Rolando News - December 2016

ADAMS AVENUE NEWS A Positive Community Newspaper Created by Locals, for Locals, Supporting Local Businesses northparknews.biz/digital

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Vol. 23 No. 5 May 2015

ART AROUND ADAMS 2015 IT’S BEGINNING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE . . .

WHAT’S INSIDE?

www.LocalUmbrella.com | www.rolandoCC.org

Vol. 9 No. 8 - December 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE?

BRINGING OUT THE ARTSY SIDE OF ADAMS AVENUE

BY AIMEE LEE CHEEK, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

Heights Optometry

I’M MAD? YOU’RE MAD? WHAT’S BEHIND A MAD?

Welcome another local independent business to the neighborhood - Choose Local First!. PAGE 8

Page 2

CIT CORNER

Visitors to Art Around Adams are likely to see jumbo pieces of art, like these.

Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon on Adams Avenue May 31

Page 3

Satanic Peppeteer Orchestra is a major attraction.

Hocus, Rhythm & The Method, The roughly two-plus miles Skelpin, Daniel Schraer, Country between Oregon Street in Normal Normal Heights Community Rockin Rebels, Avilo & The Dwells, Heights and Vista Street in KensThe Shifty Eyed Dogs, Bloodflowington will become a thoroughfare Association seeks volunteers. ers, Jackie Austin Singer, Marie of art, music and entertainers on PAGE 9 Dine local for the Haddad, Rosewood & Rye, Sierra Saturday, June 6, when the 12th holidays and share West, Lightning, Triton Eye, League annual Art Around Adams is staged. your love for your of Liars, Sue Del Guidice, Too Fast The event, which will run from For Love, The Cherry noon to 8 p.m., is produced by neighborhood Bluestorms, True Stories, Rock ‘n’ Adam Rosen of Exodus Studios, an Page 10 Roll San Diego All Stars, Rich events production company.

McGee, and more.

A free and family attraction, Art Art Around Adams began with Around Adams will showcase Normal Heights’ artists and businumerous visual and performance The crooner. ness owners getting together at a Marie Haddad is one of many performers artists along the street. More than appearing at the festival. local coffee house to create an event 75 businesses will “morph” into that would focus on the exhibition impromptu art galleries or perforof local art in business mance arenas for the day.

Dining with Lola storefronts. They realized that there There will be more than nine perPainter Kathy Rush releases her RCC DIRECTOR BOB were a number of art studios (comformance areas, including the Kensnew monthly cartoon series to SCOTT REVELS IN prised of very talented and internaington Kids Zone, featuring music, Rolando’s holiday party. Santa leads the crowd in song (Jolyne L. Harris Photography) promote local Food establishments. tionally known artists), a framing performance art, community NEW CHALLENGES: PAGE 9HOLIDAY & 16 shop, the coffee houses, antique stores, murals, circus performers, OMMUNITY PARTY TIME IN ROLANDO! The dance, Remember goodness of sharing your favorite holiday dish or snack?

AN INTERVIEW WITH and giftyear shops dis-name begins A-L to bring a sweet projection art, intergalactic Rolando Community Council invites everytheater, resident of Rolando to Organizers this askwithin those walking whose last BOB SCOTT tance that would make great venue superhero wrestling and comedians join in its annual holiday celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 6-7:45 dish or dessert, while those whose last name begins M-Z are asked to for displaying art. on the event’s own “Comedy TrolPage 11 p.m., at the United Domestic Workers' Hall, 4855 ley.”

Seminole Drive. Aisha supply a savory dish. was launched on April The event Salleh, leader of the RCC Community Events team, reports that Avenue plans are 2004 with budget in from “The Adams district conIf you 3,would like atolimited be involved pre-party planning or if you could and artists.

The tinues to evolve,” said Rosen. help “Newwithbusinesses well underway. set-up, staffing, or clean-upfirst after the party, please volunteer at event was considered a major suc- A variety of bands will play in more than nine performance areas during the festival. restaurants, eclectic shops, friendly Remember last year's potluck (and those of all the years before)? www.rolandocc.org or contact Aishaat Salleh cess, with audience estimates over aishasalleh@yahoo.com. even with a brewery.

Remember the decorations and the long tablespubs, groaning festive Adams 300. festivities don't stop there. Sign up for the Annual Rolando Avenue has always seemed to putThe a holiday fare, each dish a gift from neighbors? Rememberunique the faces of children Over time a trolley addedresidents to spin on the businessesHoliday that Light Contest, whichwas rewards for the ingenuity and taste concentrating on decorating cookies, working at arts and crafts, carefully provide free transportation along populate its oasis.

Art Around of their outdoor home decoration.

This year we want you to be the judge! the avenue, an event staple to this Adams stays on the threshold of making ornaments?

CITY COUNCIL To act as a judge or enter your home into the competition, email name day. Since its incarnation, it evolved bringing Remember the controlled pandemonium whenthat ourevolution, remarkable Santa new cutAPPROVES into to the Jackie much loved Trolting-edge artists the avenueand yearaddress Flohr‘Comedy buddysmiles465@gmail.com.

Deadline for Winnie’s Picks magically appeared and with the help of his elves gently handed out to goodies CRACKDOWN ley,”isshuttling up and down after year.”

Winnie Hanford of Kensington submissions Dec. 11.guests Judging of homes will occur Dec. 18-24. lst to all the kids, no matter whether they'd been naughtyMusical or nice?

ON SUPER-SIZED the avenue.

Performers video talks about movie’s we should , 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive gift cards of $100, $50 or $25 Remember the music? Remember our violinist Among neighbor Joe Felton In 2008, Rosen came on as the the musical performers MINIDORMS see this month. PAGE 16 respectively. event organizer. will be:playing Lyrical Goove, The Bassics, and fellow musicians in the Rolando Holiday Quartet favorites Lyrical Groove will make an appearance.

Page 14 Watch out! Happy holidays ahead! throughout the party? Remember the singing?

C

www.RolandoVillageHomes.com

CA BRE # 01411191 Sapphire Realty 3110 Camino Del Rio South, Ste. 311 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 261-5895 Doug@DougSellsSanDiego.com

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| DECEMBER 2016

SPECIAL MOMENTS FROM ROLANDO’S HOLIDAY PARTIES

I’M MAD? YOU'RE MAD? WHAT’S BEHIND A MAD?

M Rolando’s Holiday Party. Some moments truly are priceless.

Girls share secrets to pass on to the big guy in the red suit.

(Jolyne L. Harris Photography

George Pether and the Rolando Holiday Quartet will add a touch of class. (Jolyne L. Harris Photography)

BY JAN HINTZMAN, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

aintenance Assessment Districts (MADs) are a City-established program. Why do MADs exist? Do we have one? Where are some MAD's in San Diego?

To learn more about MAD and what the program might mean for street lighting in Rolando, come to the Jan. 17 RCC meeting where Paul Sirois, the City’s Assistant Deputy Director who administers MADs will explain San Diego’s MAD program and how it potentially benefits neighborhoods.

Maintenance Assessment Districts exist under the provisions of California State law and enable cities to establish a mechanism to provide for citizen-requested enhancements that exceed those normally provided by the city. In Kensington, Talmadge, Mission Hills and other neighborhoods, MADs have been established to install and maintain historic lighting.

Property owners in each community have banded together to form a MAD to pay for the desired lighting. A MAD is similar to a homeowners’ association where residents jointly agree to pay for something that benefits the whole. Enhancing a neighborhood is seen by some as a shared investment to improve individual property values and quality of life.

Residents of Rolando who live along streets with historic lampposts are already in a special Lighting District. Their properties are assessed about $10 each year for maintenance of the street lights. As we know, the funding collected under this “old” City assessment program is insufficient to cover the ongoing costs of maintaining the aging lamppost installations across the city. In 2012, Rolandans joined together as “Restore Our Lamp Posts” to take the matter into their own hands. The objective was to fund and execute the basic painting upkeep of the poles to improve the appearance of the neighborhood. That effort became ever more challenging as regulations relating to lead paint abatement and other complications arose.

But in true Rolando fashion, neighbors persisted and prevailed and, with the assistance of Councilwoman Marti Emerald, the job was completed by the City. The refurbished poles stand tall as a symbol of our neighborhood.

Why are MADs and lamp posts of interest in Rolando now? Residents in the Rolando neighborhoods surrounding Seminole Drive (where there are no historic lamp poles and there are no special assessments of any kind) have learned that the City and SDG&E will be undergrounding electrical lines in this area in the next few years. The undergrounding project, now in the planning stage, offers a possibility of upgrading to historic lamp posts at less cost than replacement of an already-installed pole. However, there is a substantial up-front cost.

And if homeowners are interested in historic lighting, this is the time to attempt to form a MAD. Undergrounding in other areas of Rolando is not imminent, but it appears that neighborhoods are wise to anticipate and understand the opportunities, timelines and costs of acquiring and/or preserving historic lighting.

CIT is encouraging all to come to the January 17 RCC meeting to learn more about the City’s MAD program and how it could impact home owners in Rolando. Mark your calendars now, as there will not be another newsletter delivered before the January meeting. Socialize with your neighbors at 6 p.m. at the United Domestic Workers Community Hall 4855 Seminole Drive. The meeting begins at 6:30.

Holiday bounty. Don’t forget to bring your dish to share!

Santa has his hands full here. Joy comes in all sizes. (Jolyne L. Harris Photography)

Historic lamp post in Rolando restored by Rolando neighbors.

Undergrounding would remove the electric poles, and place the cobra style light seen above on its own tall pole.

DECEMBER 2016 |

3

CIT

CORNER

By Bob Scott, Community Improvement Team Leader

Alamo Drive. Rolando says, this street needs repair, “Get it Done”

Catwalk Signage: Now that the community has named the catwalks that connect our community, the CIT is working on developing some signage so that we begin to remember the new names. Temporary signage, painted with a Spanish tile motif, will be placed at the entrance to each walkway. It is intended that each painted marker will be replaced in the future with custom designed tiles. The tiles should be very durable and stand up well to the test of time.

Maintenance Assessment Districts (MAD): The CIT has met with the City several times over the last few months related to street lighting specific to the area along Seminole Drive. This is the first area in Rolando where electric services will be undergrounded and is now in the planning stages. The City has indicated that lighting in these areas does not meet its current standards and additional poles will augment this deficiency when undergrounding occurs. The city-standard street lighting installations consist of tall cobra-style lights.

CIT has learned that a MAD could be formed under the City code to upgrade the street lights to be consistent with the acorn-style lamp posts present in the older portion of Rolando Village. While acorn-style lamp posts could improve home values and quality of life, they come at a cost. And the process is far from simple. More details on MADs will be presented at the January 17 RCC meeting and are provided in another article appearing in this edition of the newsletter.

Get It Done! How many of you have used this City app to report a problem? In June, Mayor Faulconer introduced an innovative pilot project and mobile app called “Get It Done San

Malcolm Drive. Rolando “Got it Done” Hooray!

Diego” that allows San Diegans to easily report problems and request improvements for their neighborhoods.

“Our city government should be just as innovative as the people we serve and it has always been our goal to improve customer service," Mayor Faulconer said. "If we have mobile apps that can check email, check the weather and check in our flights, we should have a mobile app that helps residents check on street repairs.”

To report a problem, residents can take and upload photos related to over 20 nonemergency problems with roads, street lights, traffic signals and more. The Get It Done app uses GPS information within photos to automatically update the address and location of problems. After uploading the photo, the app user simply has to identify a few details about the problem and click submit. You can download the app at https://www.sandiego.gov/get-it-done. The app also allows residents to track progress and it increases efficiency for both residents and City crews.

I used this app to report the poor condition of the sidewalk in the 6600 block of Malcolm. I’m sure many other residents may also have asked the City to repair this sidewalk. Guess what? It has finally been replaced where it had been heaved by a parkway tree. Now let’s Get It Done to resurface the street in the 4200 block of Alamo. CIT urges you to use this app to keep the City informed about needed repairs and improvements.

Save the Dates: Fourth Annual Catwalk Cleanups. There will be two catwalk cleanups in the Spring of 2017. Tentative dates are Saturday, April 16 and May 14. Information to follow.

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| DECEMBER 2016

THE VIESCAS FAMILY FOR A HEALTHY SAN DIEGO: THE AZURE FOOD COOPERATIVE AND YOU!

BY EMILY MEDINA, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

T

DINE LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Suggestions from the College Area Business District

BY JIM SCHNEIDER COLLEGE AREA BUSINESS DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Patricia Viescas

he community movement for locally harvested, affordable foods at high quality is alive and kicking on Aragon Drive once a month. Rolando residents have joined with the rest of San Diego in demanding organic and healthy foods on which to raise their families. While many lamented the loss of the farmer’s market at College and El Cajon Boulevard, Patricia Viescas has more than adequately supplied an alternative for neighbors, and the rest of San Diego to boot.

Patricia has been a resident of Rolando since 1998, when she and her husband Mario purchased their very first home four years after being wed. Joined by two children, Zane and Lana, the Viescas family is a staple on Aragon Drive. Patricia has, over the years, organized and coordinated numerous neighborhood activities, including the annual Rolando yard sale.

Her full-time position as x-ray technologist at UCSD Medical Center and Mario’s broadcast engineer position at KUSI more than eat up their daylight hours, but the Viescas family is always ready to serve others.

In this vein, Patricia volunteered as “Kobi Girl” drop coordinator for Azure Standard almost two years ago, when the company’s truck driver was no longer able to make the scheduled deliveries on hard-to-navigate roads between Normal Heights and Kensington.

Since then, her drop site has grown to almost twice its size; Azure truck driver, Larry, can be seen delivering sacks of beans, ice cream, organic bath products, and fresh meat and vegetables to Aragon Drive one Tuesday per month. San Diego locals drive from as far as Ocean Beach and Chula Vista to collect their sundries here in Rolando, yet there’s still room for more Rolando residents to join in the delivery.

Azure Standard is a full service, farm-direct, and organic option for your monthly groceries. There is no membership fee, and orders over $50 charge nothing for shipping fees (minimal charge of $5 for smaller orders). Azure’s inventory is as astounding as it is extensive: shoppers can order bulk spices, flour, beans, or even everyday items like protein powders, snacks, and all manner of organic fruits and vegetables (even pet foods, including chicken feed!). Visit Azure at www.azurestandard.com, or call 971-200-8350 to order a free catalog. Their website makes creating your online grocery list a snap, and can be finalized and submitted the Wednesday before each monthly drop date.

Interested in showcasing your friendly neighborhood favorite? Rolando News is looking for you to submit your features. Help us highlight those in Rolando who make our community not just a zip code, but a home. Contact Emily Medina at ewmedinarcc@gmail.com to send your ideas and interviews.

WORK. LEARN. PLAY. SHOP on the Boulevard.

S

o it’s the holidays and you have friends and family stopping by, staying with you, or wanting to meet up with you. This is your chance to show off your neighborhood hangouts no matter what the occasion! Invite people to meet with you in your neighborhood to take some time off of being the host or hostess. Let your local businesses take on some of that effort for you.

For suggestions to switch up this holiday season you will find many of your local businesses at collegeareabid.com Hit up one of our local coffee shops. We have established coffee and tea experts who have served the community for many years with excellent ambiance and fare. Head out for a moment while the turkey is roasting. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with friends or family over your favorite hot or cold beverage.

If you prefer an adult brewed or mixed beverage, the variety is wide with the neighborhood sports bars. You can cheer on your favorite team with amazing service and friendly patrons at our local watering holes. It also offers you the opportunity to enjoy multiple games simultaneously!

If you need a break from the kitchen and prep before or after the holiday meal we have both casual and fine dining restaurants to choose from. Whether you are craving a quick burger, Mediterranean, or pizza, or even an elegant multi-course meal near your home, your neighborhood is full of great restaurants. Share your favorite or explore a new place with holiday visitors. Either way, you will let your friends and family know that you love your community and all that it has to offer. Show and share your love of the neighborhood by shopping local!

DECEMBER 2016 |

11

RCC DIRECTOR BOB SCOTT REVELS IN NEW CHALLENGES:

AN INTERVIEW WITH BOB SCOTT

BY PASCHA GERLINGER, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

H

ow long have you lived in Rolando? What is the best part about living here?

Bob Scott: We have lived in our home in Rolando since March 1990. We certainly like what is part of our neighborhood slogan—peaceful and friendly. I think we were attracted to the pride of ownership, the gas lamps and the tree-lined streets.

Rolando is also a very convenient location.

Close to freeways, downtown, the airport and shopping, yet not entirely urban. It wasn’t until after we lived in the neighborhood that we discovered the catwalks that connect the canyons with the mesas that are unique to Rolando.

How long have you been on the Rolando Community Council? What do you like about being a board member?

Bob Scott: What I like most about being a board member is meeting the enthusiastic people in the community and using that energy to make a difference. Initially I served a partial term (1 year) as First Vice President.

I’m now in my second year serving as a Director. For about 3 years now, I have served as the lead for our Community Improvement Team (CIT). Our goal as a group of volunteers

working on? What are you planning?

Bob Scott:

As team leader of CIT, I

would like to see us move from catwalk cleanups to other projects that enhance our neighborhood. Last year the CIT planted native plants along a retaining wall of one walkway. I’d like us to do more projects like this. We just completed our catwalk naming contest in celebration of Rolando’s 90th anniversary. Our next project will involve signage so we can all remember the new names! I also enjoy writing CIT-related articles for the newsletter.

What do you do for fun?

Bob Scott: There’s always something to learn or try. Serving on the board is part of that fun, but I enjoy traveling and exploring new places (some that include wine), yard work (yes, I enjoy yard work), gardening, home improvement, bicycling, skiing, tennis, Bob Scott, Rolando Community Council, Director and Community Improvement Team Leader

is to complete neighborhood projects that

community stewardship with delivering

bring the residents together while striving

newsletters. Then in 2011, I served on the

to make Rolando the most desirable

core team for the lamppost painting project.

neighborhood in which to live in San Diego.

As a Director of the Rolando Community

Before serving on the board, I started my

Council, what projects have you been

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cooking, hiking, ceramics, languages (Spanish, French, German and Italian), traveling and using those languages, antiquing, spending time in the desert (geology), and spending time with friends and family. I will admit that I won’t be jumping out of an airplane anytime soon.

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| DECEMBER 2016

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If you have questions concerning your family needs, please call us. We will do everything we can to help you.

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NEIGHBORS AT WORK

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any neighbors have small business operations based in Rolando and they provide a variety of services. The skilled neighbors below offer services you might need. Consider them when you are looking for expert help. RCC

members are welcome to submit their information free of charge by emailing copy to hintzman@cox.net.

Aleah Cohen – Teen Babysitter. Energetic, responsible and fun. CPR and First Aid certified. Is available to babysit for your children. (619) 246-7993.

Aron Oakes – Acorn Garage Doors. Installation, repair and service of garage doors and garage door openers. License #897261. Neighborhood references. (619) 218-1581.

Brenda King-Kapella – RN, RYT, CPI, Fitness Nurse: Corporate and Community Yoga instruction, Personal Training, B12 shots, get fit! www.IntegrativeFitnessNursing.com for

SERVING THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR 8 YEARS

schedules (619) 200-1911.

David Clarke, APLD – David Clarke Design. Custom residential landscape and garden

Happy Holidays!

4834 Rolando Boulevard • San Diego, CA 92115

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Full & Self-Serve Grooming WE SELL ALL THINGS DOGS Natural Balance, Taste of the Wild, Zignature and Solid Gold Foods Shampoos and Grooming Supplies Treats, Toys, Leashes. Collars, Bowls and much, much more!

Special Ordered Dog Food Available

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

design (specializing in drought-tolerant and native CA plants). Certified Professional Member of Association of Professional Landscape Designers. david@davidclarkedesign. com. (619) 787-0686. www.davidclarkedesign.com Denise Gibson – Bookkeeper. With more than 14 years of experience working with all types of clients, we are ready to put our skills and experience to work for you. (510) 7616424 info@quikbooksandiego.com or www.quikbooksandiego.com.

Jeff Wilson – Wilson Woodscape. We are a full service landscape construction company specializing in decks, fences and patio covers. “We believe in building your dreams” License #945974. (619) 838-1398, jw@wilsonwoodscape.com. Check us out on Google+.

Jolyne Harris – Jolyne L. Harris Photography - PhotOptions. At your location within San Diego and portable studio available. www.facebook.com/PhotOptions. PhotOptions@live.

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4834 Rolando Boulevard • San Diego, CA 92115

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com or call (619) 204-2323.

M. Meador – Credentialed Art Teacher. Classes now: adult – Alcohol Ink; child &adult – Mask-Making. No drawing ability or experience necessary. Other classes by arrangement.

(619) 286-0198.

Russ Allen – Ad-Spec Development Services. Marketing, branding and promotional product source for pens, cups, calendars, golf shirts, etc. References available. adsr4u@ yahoo.com www.adsr4u.com (858) 571-7877.

Tim Heasman – Interior/Exterior Painting. 23 years in Rolando. Lic #718508 Many references (619) 886-9369. timheasmanpainting@gmail.com or www.createcolornow.com.

COMINGS & GOINGS Center for the Blind. Shopping for a friend, relative struggling with declining vision? Inside the Center for the Blind at 59th and El Cajon Blvd. is a great little shop with a wonderful selection of vision enhancing items.

The College Area News. The College Area Community Council is planning its first issue of a newspaper to be produced and delivered, as ours is, by the Mid City Newspapers Group. You can see their December issue (and ours) online at www.localumbrella.com.

Car Prowls. At the November RCC meeting, residents became aware that carl prowls are happening in the Rolando area (as well as in other surrounding communities). The protection against being victimized is in your hands. Keep your car locked at all times and do not leave any items visible in the car. If we all cooperate in this, Rolando won’t become an “easy mark” and we will all be safer.

YOUR All sports headquarters Dirty Birds • college area • 6499 El Cajon Blvd SD CA 92115 • www.dirtybirdsbarandgrill.com

RCC update. Don’t forget to bring your “dish to share” to the Holiday Party. Final date to enter our Holiday Lights contest is December 11. Check the “Events” box in this issue for details. A reminder, the next issue of The Rolando News will next reach you in February.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

DECEMBER 2016 |

13

FROM THE ROLANDO NEWS DESK

BY JAN HINTZMAN, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

H

ere we are again, the third issue in our new format and the end of the year! We who plan, write and edit The Rolando News are having a good time. We hope you are enjoying our publication as well. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Your volunteer staff is taking a break in December to enjoy the holidays with our families. This means we will not be publishing in January. February will be our next issue. Happy New Year!

We are pleased to welcome occasional articles from Jim Schneider, executive director of the College Area Business District. It’s his job to promote the health and welfare of businesses in the area surrounding SDSU. That area extends along Montezuma Road to El Cajon Blvd and travels down College Ave from I-8 to El Cajon Blvd. It includes El Cajon Blvd from 54th to 73rd Streets. The success of the business district and the businesses along these corridors is essential to the vitality of our residential neighborhoods.

In this issue, Jim encourages us to “eat and drink local.” Take a look at the variety and bounty nearby. Looks great, doesn't it? Let's munch, sip, and be glad to help preserve the environment of Rolando and the planet. See you in the hood.

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HEARD ANY TALL TALES LATELY?

BY AIMEE LEE CHEEK, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

Must present coupon. Expires 12/31/16

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Performers rehearse “Tall Tales at the Harmony Corral”.

fter the last peppermint stick is gone, after the decorated stockings and elf hats are stored away, after ring tones no longer emit corny carols, let's face it, January can be a letdown.

Fret not, kids, families and all who are young at heart. On Jan. 26 the Kroc Center will offer a free production of "Tall Tales at the Harmony Corral," featuring the high-spirited San Diego State University Performing Arts Troupe and skilled theatre artist Jerry Hager, at 6:30 p.m.

The presentation is one of a series of events supporting art and literacy offered by the Kroc Center in collaboration with Arts for Learning, San Diego.

Beat the blahs! See folk tales come alive through a literacy-based program that features original songs, live music, audience participation and stories of larger than life characters.

Mosey on down to the Kroc Center on Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. for “Tall Tales at the Harmony Corral.” Who needs sleigh bells, anyway?

14

| DECEMBER 2016

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uper-sized minidorm conversions on single family lots were blocked in the College Area by City Council action at its November 15 meeting. This ban does not extend to Rolando.

Some Rolando residents are concerned that investors who purchase properties and convert them to super-sized minidorms will turn their eyes to nearby Rolando. Laura Riebau, chair of the Eastern Areas Communities Planning Group (which includes Rolando) lobbied our Councilwoman Marti Emerald and other members of the Council to consider expanding the reach of the action to include Rolando and other communities south of El Cajon Blvd.

Marti Emerald affirmed this need and the council supported studying an expansion of the boundaries to include adjacent areas.

A determined effort by the College Area community and by Ms. Emerald was needed to secure passage of this ordinance which protects single-family zoning. The effort included waiting in council chambers until after midnight for the item to be heard. It included being organized and present enmass at multiple committee hearings throughout the year prior to the council vote. Residents in the College Area (and some from Rolando) who stood up to protect single-family zoning requirements are to be applauded. Councilmember Emerald and her staff Tim Taylor worked tirelessly to address this problem.

What does the new zoning law do? It limits the number of bedrooms permitted on single family lots and restricts parking in front yards. Bedrooms allowed on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet are reduced from six to five, with lots over 10,000 square feet being limited to six bedrooms.

The many houses already converted to super-sized minidorms will be grandfathered in and can continue to operate. All plans for new construction/reconstruction will fall under the new zoning rules. The legislation previously passed to control behavior related to minidorm operation (primarily noise and trash) remains in place.

SDSU students at the Council meeting related the difficulties they face in finding affordable housing and described that sharing space in homes near the college was the best solution for many of them. Councilmembers and area residents acknowledged that much more needs to be done to create affordable housing for students. All parties there indicated a willingness to work for creative solutions to provide affordable housing near the university.

They also urged SDSU to step up to the plate and participate in finding solutions. This story obviously is not over.

DID YOU KNOW? Each January 1, people all over the world make resolutions for the new year. Many of the same resolutions pop up on popularity lists each year. According to a study by GoBankingRates, which in December of 2015 asked 5,000 people what their New Year's Resolutions would be for 2016, the top resolutions included: • Enjoy life to the fullest.

• Live a healthier lifestyle.

• Lose weight.

• Spend more time with family and friends.

• Save more, spend less.

A study by Thomas Cook UK, a United Kingdom-based travel company, indicated many people in Britain planned to cut back on social media as a top resolution as well. It should be interesting to see which resolutions play out upon the arrival of 2017.

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Re-Grand Opening!

Your neighborhood Smart & Final grocery store has been remodeled!

Here’s what’s new…

• Expanded Produce Section

• Oven Roasted Chicken

• Bulk Items

• Expanded Fresh Meat

• Expanded Grocery

• Expanded Deli Freezer

• All Organic and Natural “Good & Well” Products Re-Grand Opening is happening Wednesday, December 14, 2016

6235 El Cajon Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92115 619-286-0688

DECEMBER 2016 |

15

HELPFUL APPS

EAT. DRINK. BE SOCIAL.

SOCIAL TAP OPENS ON EL CAJON BOULEVARD

BY VALERIE ATTISHA, ROLANDO NEWS STAFF

Get Your Get it Done App From the City of San Diego

A

s part of his effort to make our city government more efficient and accessible for

all San Diego residents, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer today introduced an innovative pilot project and mobile app called Get It Done San Diego that allows San Diegans to easily report problems and request improvements for their neighborhoods.

Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer said, “Our city government should be just as innovative as people we serve and it has always been our goal to

improve customer service. If we have mobile apps that can check email, check the weather and check in our flights, we should have a mobile app that helps residents check on street repairs.”

With Get It Done, which is available for iPhone and Android users, people can report nonemergency problems to the City through the new mobile app and web portal at www. sandiego.gov. The Get It Done app also allows San Diego residents to track the progress of a complaint and increase efficiency for both residents and City crews.

To report a problem, people can now take and upload photos related to over 20 nonemergency problems with roads, street lights, traffic signals and more. The Get It Done app uses GPS information embedded within photos to automatically update the address and location of problems. After uploading the photo, the app user simply has to identify a few details about the problem and click submit.

ICE Black Box

Social Tap restaurants are found near the ballpark in San Diego, at the beach in Ventura, and in Old Town in Scottsdale AZ. Now Social Tap has come to Rolando. Welcome to the ‘hood, Social Tap! (Jolyne L. Harris Photography)

I

I

n Case of Emergency app turns your smartphone into a personal surveillance camera wherever you

f you’re looking for a great local place to watch the big game, have a drink with friends or grab a bite to eat, look no further than one of the neighborhood’s newest restaurants, Social Tap. The eatery’s fourth location opened last month on El Cajon Boulevard (formerly

are.

Bridges) in an airy and welcoming space. This is a place where you can bring your family, hang

If you spot a crime in progress or

out with your friends or take someone on a date.

suspicious activity, you can take out

It’s Monday –and we don’t feel like cooking–so my husband and I head over for dinner

your smartphone, open the free iOS/

after work. We don’t have any trouble finding a parking space as the restaurant has its own lot.

Android app and hit the emergency

Or a place to sit, as we arrive long after the dinner rush and are offered a table inside, a seat

button to record photos, video, audio

at the bar or a bench outside on the patio. We choose to sit inside so that we can take in the

and the precise GPS location of your

atmosphere and Monday Night Football.

phone.

One look at the menu and there are too many choices – Burritos. Tacos. Salads. Burgers.

The

Sandwiches. Decisions, decisions. I finally order the Filet Mignon Truffle Tacos (filet mignon tacos with mushrooms, poblanos, shallots, and black truffle sea salt) and my husband orders

draft (Modern Times, Ballast Point, Green Flash).

Not long after we ordered, our meals arrived. The tacos were delicious, different from any other taco I have had. The crispy shallots and creamy poblanos provide balance for the flavors of the dish. My husband loved the fish and chips with a house-made batter and crispy panko.

The service was excellent – our server checked in with us regularly and refilled my water glass at least ten times. (Thank goodness because I was really really thirsty!) I usually order dessert but was so full that I passed on the Holy Sundae. Next time.

Dinner was delicious. We cannot wait to stop by on the weekend for brunch where popular favorites include chicken and waffles, the breakfast burger, baked French toast, and DIY Bloody Mary (Sundays only).

Social Tap is located at 4800 Art Street on El Cajon Blvd and can be reached via phone (619) 501-1541 or web www.socialtapeatery.com

is

automatically

cloud server, where it cannot be deleted.

the Halibut Fish and Chips (one of their bestsellers). The restaurant features creative cocktails (Brown Butter Whiskey Sour, anyone?) as well as a fantastic selection of local craft beer on

information

uploaded every few seconds to a secure The mapped alert with the video can be sent directly to the local police, other neighbors in the group and even a custom list of personal emergency contacts. With one click, the app will also dial 911.

The app uploads your video in short segments to ensure that your contacts can observe your situation quickly. In most cases, your video will appear on our server in less than 30 seconds.

You get to select from your contacts who gets an emergency alert and video of what you are seeing, virtually immediately. Imagine having your phone in hand when you need to take that walk in the parking garage after a movie, or a few blocks to your parked car after a late dinner. Awakened at night by an out of control situation in front of your house? Use this to notify 911, police and neighbors immediately, complete with a video.

Read the information on the web page at http://www.iceblackbox.com/portaloverview/ and decide for yourself.

22

| DECEMBER 2016

Get to the truth about dieting and weight loss

W

eight loss is a popular resolution come the new year. But in spite of that popularity, the resolution to lose weight is no small task. When resolving to lose weight, men and women will encounter an abundance of information about dieting and weight loss. It's

difficult to know who to believe and to determine which plans will be effective.

Research published by Shape magazine says nearly one in three young people embark on a new diet each month, but 45 percent give up after one week, and about half abandon their goals within a month. Data released in the Daily Mail in 2013 said that although one in seven (13 percent) women in the United Kingdom stick to a diet for 13 weeks or more, nearly one in five (19 percent) succumb to their favorite food cravings after a month.

What's the magic formula for weight loss? Experts advise that there isn't any. Weight-loss strategies that require fad dieting or restrict certain foods may not produce long-term success.

Rather, a lifestyle overhaul is often the most effective weight loss strategy. · Recognize that quick fixes do not work. Drastic weight loss approaches may produce immediate results, but such plans are not sustainable. Drastic plans include certain detoxes and cleanses; diets that eliminate all but a few foods; some prepackaged foods; and food-replacement strategies.

Feelings of deprivation or boredom may make people following these diets unsuccessful in the long run. Losing weight means changing one's food and exercise plans over the long haul. · Eat in regular intervals. Researchers at the National Weight Control Registry offer that spacing food evenly throughout the day is the key to successful, long-term weight loss. People who eat healthy food at regular intervals are better nourished, think more clearly and report fewer mood swings than those who eat erratically. · Recognize that not all carbs are bad. People trying to lose weight often hear that they should increase protein consumption and drastically reduce their intake of carbohydrates. While it's smart to reduce consumption of processed carbs and those that are made largely of white flour, there are some healthy carbohydrates, including beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. · Be flexible. As a person's body ages, his or her metabolism will change. Men and women should revisit their recommended caloric intake every few years. In addition, men and women can routinely revisit their exercise routines to determine the efficacy of those routines and alter their workouts to reflect the physical changes their bodies are going through as they age.

A person's first step before dieting or attempting to lose weight should be to consult their

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DECEMBER 2016 |

23

Adopt-a-Family This Holiday Season Healthy Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

W

ith the Holiday season fast approaching, many people will be giving gifts and sharing joy. Consider spreading that joy to others by adopting a refugee family! There are dozens of newly-arrived refugee families who have very little money as they start their new life in the U.S. Many have also been separated from other family members and may be feeling the effects of this difficult journey. Every year we partner with generous people willing to purchase gifts for a family for the Holidays. We would provide names and ages of the family members and what country they came from. This is a great experience for everyone involved as you would be able to witness the joy you bring to a family in need. Their gratitude

will surely fill your heart!

If you would like to adopt-a-family, donate items, or volunteer at Alliance please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sandee Olea sandee@alliance-for-africa.org 619-286-9052

W

hen a trip to the Mediterranean is very necessary but not exactly in the budget, simply hit the chopping block for this quick and tasty culinary adventure. Made from fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, and tossed in a zesty marinade, this is one healthy side that's an absolute breeze.

Ingredients 2 large cucumbers, sliced 1 small red onion, sliced 1 large tomato, diced Mrs. Dash Lemon Herb Peppercorn Marinade Dash salt Directions Place vegetables in a large salad bowl and dress with marinade and salt to taste.

(No Mrs. Dash? Add 1 squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle some pepper on top.) Mix until evenly distributed.

24

| DECEMBER 2016

Buying or Selling Your Home? Stay LOCAL!

The Best Service Comes From Your

I Set the Price Right!

Trusted Neighbor

I am your local agent, familiar with the neighborhood and I combine that knowledge with up-to-date data to determine a home’s potential value - and ultimately what a buyer will likely pay. You want a Realtor who is very familiar with your area and not just what can be pulled from the internet.

I Find the Right Buyers!

My knowledge of Rolando allows me to share the ‘secrets’ of our community: The amazing principal at our Elementary school, the competitive soccer leagues and the ‘go-to’ date-night restaurant. I keep in touch with every potential buyer I meet, so I may have THE buyer for your home right now!

Choose the REALTOR® Who KNOWS Rolando Not Just What Can Be Pulled Up Online.

I’m right here in our neighborhood - sharing my knowledge of the area, and providing personalized service!

d l

Doug Lister :: (619) 261-5895 Doug@DougSellsSanDiego.com CalBRE #01411191 NMLS #336074

No One Represents ROLANDO As Passionately As I Do! 4636 Mataro, 92115

4789 Rolando, 92115

4 Bedrooms

2 Bedrooms

2 Baths

1,686 Sq. Ft

2 Baths

1,071 Sq. Ft

Offered at $650,000

Sold for $485,000

ZEN LIKE GARDEN, UPGRADES GALORE

R0LANDO VILLAGE MASTERPIECE

4860 Rolando Ct 36, 92115

6242 Malcolm, 92115

1 Bedrooms

2 Bedrooms

1 Baths

587 Sq. Ft

Offered at $174,900*

1 Baths

930 Sq. Ft

Sold for $465,000

LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT

ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE

4025 Apore, 91941

6800 Harvala, 92115

4 Bedrooms

3 Baths

2,016 Sq. Ft

Sold for $584,000

3 Bedrooms

2 Baths

1,531 Sq. Ft

Sold for $495,000*

MID-CENTURY MODERN

WONDERFUL ROLANDO PARK

2589 Escala Circle, 92108

4739 Soria, 92115

2 Bedrooms

2.5 Baths

1,453 Sq. Ft

Sold for $490,000* MISSION VALLEY GATED COMMUNITY

3 Bedrooms

2 Baths

1,425 Sq. Ft

Sold for $556,000 EL CERRITO CHARMER

Information provided by SANDICOR, Inc and is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. *Represented buyer