BAY PARK CONNECTION JUNE 2016 by SD METRO

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Anorthparknews.biz/digital Positive Community Newspaper Created by Locals, for Locals, Supporting Vol. Local 23 No. 5 Businesse May 2015 www.BayParkConnection.com northparknews.biz/digital

Vol.1 No. 4 23 June, 2016 Vol. No. 5 May 2015

ART AROUND ADAMS 2015 ART AROUND ADAMS 2015 Meet Your Neighbor:

.biz/digital

WHAT’S INSIDE?

S INSIDE?

ART AROUND ADAMS 2 BRINGING OUT THE ARTSY SIDE OF ADAMS AVENUE

BRINGING OUT THE ARTSY SIDE OF ADAMS AVENUE Seth Robinson by Janet Poutre

Heights Optometry

Stehly ADAMS Farms BRINGING OUT THE ARTSY SIDE OF A Market

another local indepenHeightsWelcome dent business to the neighborhood Optometry - Choose Local First!. PAGE 8

June Specials

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

Pages 11-12-13-14

try

her local indepeno the neighborhood First!. PAGE 8 Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon on Adams Avenue May 31

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

Satanic Peppeteer Orchestra is a major attraction.

Letters to the Editor

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

Hocus, Rhythm & The Method, The roughly two-plus miles Page 2 Skelpin, Daniel Schraer, Country between Oregon Street in Normal Normal Heights Community Rockin Rebels, Avilo & The Dwells, Heights and Vista Street in Kensis aamajor attraction. The Shifty Eyed Dogs, Bloodflowington Orchestra will become thoroughfare Association seeks volunteers. Satanic Peppeteer ers, Jackie Austin Singer, Marie of art, music and entertainers on PAGE 9 Rhythm & The& Method, The roughly miles Haddad, Rosewood Rye, Sierra Saturday, two-plus June 6, when the 12thHocus, Schraer, between annual OregonArtStreet inAdams Normal West,Daniel Lightning, TritonCountry Eye, League Around is staged.Skelpin, Normal Heights Community Avilo The Dwells, Heights and Vista Street Kensof Rebels, Liars, Sue Del & Guidice, Too Fast The event, whichinwill run fromRockin Bloodflowington will become thoroughfare For Eyed Love,Dogs,The Cherry Association seeks volunteers. noon to 8 ap.m., is produced byThe Shifty Bluestorms, TrueSinger, Stories,Marie Rock ‘n’ Adamand Rosen of Exodus Studios, Austin of art, music entertainers on aners, Jackie PAGE 9 Roll Rosewood San Diego &AllRye, Stars, Rich company. Haddad, Sierra Saturday,events Juneproduction 6, when the 12th and more. A free and familyisattraction, Visitors to Art Around Adams are likely to see jumbo piece Lightning, Triton Eye, League annual Art Around Adams staged. ArtWest,McGee, Adams Too beganFast with Around Adams willfrom showcaseof Liars,Art SueAround Del Guidice, The event, which will run and busiand performance For Normal Love,Heights’ Theartists Cherry noon to numerous 8and p.m., isvisual produced by certainly his family. right afterward some t’s not every day you meet Clairemont Marie Haddad is onebe of many performers The crooner. ness him ownersdevelop getting together atlife a would artists along the street. Morehas thanhelped appearing at theteaches festival. at Santa Bluestorms, True Stories, Rock ‘n’His wife of Exodus Studios, Jamie someone in Bay Park who he Adam startedRosen hisbusinesses first business. “I an great skills. “I’m local coffee house to create an event 75 will “morph” into communication Roll that San Diego All RichFe Christian School in Solana BBB’s Tips for eventsI production company. a people person and the aspect can speak the trade language figured could spend would focus onStars, the exhibition impromptu art$200,000 galleries or perforMcGee, more. free and family of and local art enjoy in business mance arenasattraction, forIthe day.Art of the business I really is Beach which their son Carter and Hiring a Moving on a A college education or could of Papua New Guineawith (PNG).Lola Dining Art Around Adams began Around Adams will showcase Satanic Peppeteer Orchestra is a major attraction. storefronts. They realized that there There will be more than nine perto know people, buildingwith daughter Emily attend. Carter is all Company In fact, it's probably notRush every Painter Kathy releasesspend her that to start my own thing. getting Normal Heights’ artists and businumerous visual and performance were a number of art studios (comformance areas, including the KensSeth’s Facebook is full of Page day you meet new someone evenseriesIt’s monthlywho cartoon to kind of what I’ve always done. relationships, and networking,” boy;Marie Haddad is onepage of many performers The 10 crooner. prised of getting very talented and internaington Zone, featuring owners together at a artists along theKids street. More thanmusic,ness pictures of Carter riding an ATV, said. “I also believe that it is Method, knows where that is. local Food I’ve educated myself alongmiles the way Seth Hocus, Rhythm & The Theestablishments. roughly two-plus promote appearing at the festival. tionally known artists), a framing performance art, community local coffee house to create an event 75 businesses will “morph” into PAGE & 16in San when I needed hitting a baseball and crushing it for Daniel acoffee business Schraer, like ours stores, Although he was 9born to in andNormal been very important shop, murals, circus performers, Skelpin, between Oregon Street that would focushouses, on theantique exhibitionCountry impromptu art galleries or perfor-dance, to be involved and give back to the at skee ball. Emily is a little blonde said, “And I have Diego, Bay Park Realtor Seth successful,” Seth gift shops within distheater, art, intergalacticof and local art Avilo in walking business mance forprojection the ts Community Rockin Rebels, &doThe Dwells, Heights Vistaarenas Street inday. Kenscommunity, and that’s why we no student debt!” Robinson was just an infant when and tance that would make great venue superhero wrestling and comedians storefronts. They realized that theresprite who just had her first dance There will be more than nine perreleases forthe displaying art. the event’s “Comedy TrolThe Shifty Eyed Dogs, recital and adores her big brother. In 2012 on sold own histhe pool like Friday play dates (comatBloodflowhePainter movedKathy with Rush his family toher PNG,will become ington aSeth thoroughfare ks volunteers. were a number ofwas art studios formance areas, including Kens- things Thebring event donuts, launched on April When he’s not helping someone ley.” and began a new the park. We new monthly cartoon toaway service business coffee which is almost 7,000 series miles ers, Jackie Austin Singer, Marie of art, musicington andKids entertainers on prised verywith talented andbudget internaZone, featuring music, 3,of 2004 a limited Adams Avenue districtand conpromote Food establishments. find their dream home in Bay Park drinks for all to artists), enjoy. We also from across thelocal Pacific. His parents venture: real “The estate. He community took the tionally known a framing performance art, businesses and artists.&The first Sierra tinues to evolve,” said Rosen. “New Haddad, Rosewood Rye, Saturday, June 6, when the 12th PAGE 9 doing & 16 missionary or organizing a community event, sandcoffee toys and some other were there work classes andcircus testsperformers, necessary to bring houses, antique stores, murals, dance, was considered a major suc- A variety of bands will play in more than nine performance areas during the festival. restaurants, eclectic shops, friendlyshop,event West, Lightning, Triton Eye, League Around Adams is staged. stuff for the kids to play with.” Seth sometimes plays the drums a Realtor and completed and Seth spent the nextannual 17 yearsArtbecome within estimates walking at distheater, projection art,aintergalactic cess,shops with audience over pubs, even brewery. Adamsand gift them in the minimum amount Tree ismake alsoGuidice, helping living deep in the jungle The amongevent, tance thatRealty wouldDel great venuewith superhero wrestling and from comedians 300. Avenue has always seemed to put a Liars, ofRed Sue TooScratch Fast Acoustic Soul Trio at which will run sponsor thetime new Bay was Park the people of the tribe they were of on time. He and Justin Over a trolley addedOld to Venice in Pt. Loma. He’s also a unique spin on theHoech businesses for displaying art. the event’s own “Comedy Trol- tothat ForTheprovide Love, The Cherry coffee aficionado and noon to 8founded p.m., ispopulate produced free launched transportation along its oasis. Art Around well-known Connection newspaper. “One working with. According to Seth company Red by Tree event was onofApril ley.” their thewith avenue, an event stapleisfrom to this Adams stays thean threshold of3, True Stories, ‘n’ of observations on Adam Rosen of“The Exodus Studios, reasons we aare doing this aRock witty writer Realty and created the on Facebook it was a wonderful place to grow 2004 limited budget Adams Avenue district con- theBluestorms, day. Since its incarnation, it evolved that evolution, bringing new cutof a dad for Facebook. page Bay Park Connection. help promote local businesses, up, literally swinging onevents vines and businesses artists. The Stars, firstthe life tinues tocompany. evolve,” said Rosen. “New to Roll Santheand Diego production into much loved All ‘Comedy Trol- ARich ting-edge artists to the avenue year variety bands willisplay in more than nine performance areas during the festival. restaurants, friendly the event mom was andconsidered pop shopsa major in oursuc- Most of ofall, Seth dedicated exploring withWinnie’s other missionPicks kids The job of aeclectic Realtorshops, is a natural ley,” and shuttling guests up and down after year.” McGee, more. A free and family attraction, Art Winnie Hanford of Kensington cess, with estimates at overto his community of Bay Park. In evenMusical apersonality brewery. Iaudience really believe they and kids from the tribe. fit pubs, with Seth’s and community. the avenue. PerformersAdams video talks about movie’s weAdams should 300. Avenue always seemed to put a Art Around Adams withasked “What’s missing will showcase are the heart and soul of the fact when goals. No has doubt the experience He came back here toAround complete In 2008, Rosen came onbegan as the Among the musical performers see this month. PAGE 16 Over time a trolley was added to unique spin on the businesses that in Bay Park?” he had only one Page 22 of learning to play with kids who community,” Seth explained. his high school education at event organizer. will be: Lyrical Goove, The Bassics, Normal Heights’ artists and businumerous visual and performance Lyrical Groove will make an appearance. provide transportation alonganswer: populate Around The “A goodMarie breakfast place!”is one of many performers Horizon Christian School in didn’t speak its theoasis. same Art language heartfree and soul of Seth’s Haddad The croone

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

Roll 1/2 on on Avenue

Dining with Lola

Are School Ratings Overrated?

owners getting at a artists alongAdams the street. than of ness the avenue, an event stapletogether to this stays onMore the threshold appearing at the festival. day. Since its incarnation, it evolved that evolution, bringing new cutlocal coffee house to create an event 75 businesses will “morph” into into the much loved ‘Comedy Trolartists to the avenue year Winnie’s Picks that would focus on the exhibition impromptu ting-edge art galleries or perforTired being a Landlord? ley,” shuttling guests up andof down after year.” Winnie Hanford of Kensington of local art in business mance arenas for the day. the avenue. Musical Performers video talks about movie’s we should Red Tree Real Estate Offers Professional Property Management! with Lola In 2008, Rosen came on as the Among the musical performers storefronts. They realized that there see this month. PAGE 16 There will be more than nine perRush releases her event organizer. will be: Lyrical Goove, The Bassics, learn visit Lyricalmore Groove will make an appearance. were a number of artTo studios (comformance areas, including the Kensartoon series to prised of very talented and interna- or call (844) 733-8733. ington Kids Zone, featuring music, www.RentTheHome.com Food establishments. tionally known artists), a framing performance art, community 6 shop, coffee houses, antique stores, murals, circus performers, dance, and gift shops within walking distheater, projection art, intergalactic

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Senior Resource Center 7901 Frost St., CA 92123 | 858-939-4790

Taste of Morena We saw the article about Taste of Morena in the March issue so we checked it out. It was really a great event. I didn’t realize there were so many restaurants right here in Bay park. Going back again next year for more food and fun! Richard Balise - Hillcrest Stehly Farms Thanks for including the monthly specials from Stehly Farms. I didn’t even know they were there before I got the newspaper. I love the fact that we have a healthy, fresh from the farm market right down the street. I shop there often now. Jenny - Bay Park via our website Bay Park Elementary Fiesta Thanks for the shout out about the Fiesta. A lot of work goes into this event by hardworking volunteers and it’s nice to see them get some exposure to help them raise money. Joan – via our website Balboa Park I recently visited both exhibits that were featured in the March paper (Automotive Museum “British Invasion” and “Cannibals: Myth & Reality” at Balboa Park and I thought both well worth the visit! There is so much interesting information at the museums and Balboa park it is so beautiful. Thanks for the reminder as I hadn’t been up there in years. – I’ll be going back to spend another wonderful day very soon – looking forward to learning about more upcoming exhibits! Jack V. – via our website It’s in the Mail! Many thanks for sending the Bay Park Connection in the mail. There used to be another Clairemont paper I read from time to time but it was hard to find. I don’t have to look for this one as it comes right to our mailbox. It’s nice to catch up on local events – well done. I look forward to reading next month’s issue. D. Johnson - via our website Labyrinth at St. David’s Church No, I didn’t know there was a labyrinth at St. David’s Church until I saw the little article. I went to see it and have been back more the once. J.D. – via our Website Linda Vista 75th Anniversary Lots of good people working to help celebrate our neighbors in Linda Vista as they celebrate the milestone. I saw the notice about the kickoff event and heard a very cute speech by “Eleanor Roosevelt” explain some historical information about how Linda Vista was established. Robin V – Bay Park via our website Have a letter you’d like to share? Send to ReachLocals@MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Please add ‘LETTER TO EDITOR’ in subject line

JUNE 2016 PROGRAMS

he Senior Resource Center at Sharp Memorial Hospital offers free health education and screening programs for seniors and their families each month. The Senior Resource Center also provides free information and assistance for health information and community resources, call 858-939-4790. For information on additional programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit our web site at www.sharp.com. REVERSE MORTGAGE VS LIFE ESTATE GIFT ANNUITY Receive updated information on the new requirements governing Reverse Mortgages and learn how a Retained Life Estate with a Gift Annuity establishes a lifetime income stream that is fixed and not subject to market fluctuations. A free consultation is available. A free consultation is available. Presented by Norm Timmins, J.D., Gift & Estate Planning Director of the Sharp HealthCare Foundation on Monday, June 6, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Sharp Health Plan, 8520 Tech Way, San Diego. Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www. sharp.com CAREGIVING ESSENTIALS: SKILLS FOR COMMUNICATION, BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT, AND SELF-CARE Caring for a person with dementia is a journey with constant twists and turns, and it helps to know what to expect during the progression of the disease. This class provides caregivers with practical techniques for communication, managing difficult behaviors and personality changes, and practices for self-care. Presented by Amy Abrams, Education Manager, Alzheimer’s San Diego on Tuesday, June 14, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Family YMCA, 4390 Valeta St., San Diego. Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp. com HEARING SCREENING Do you have a problem hearing over the telephone or hearing conversations when there are background noises? Attend this free screening provided by a Doctor of Audiology. Free specialized phone equipment available. Wednesday, June 22, 12 to 2 p.m. at the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego. Appointment required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS Sharp Senior Resource Center’s Registered Nurse offers free blood pressure checks. No appointments necessary. Public is welcome. Peninsula Family YMCA, 4390 Valeta, San Diego, Tuesday, June 7 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. War Memorial Building, 3325 Zoo Dr., San Diego, Monday, June 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego, Tuesday, June 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. HICAP INSURANCE COUNSELING Receive free information about Medicare, HMO’s supplement insurance or long-term care insurance from trained volunteer counselors of HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program). Tuesday, June 1; Wednesday, June 8; or Wednesday, June 22, 9 a.m. to 12 at the Sharp Senior Health Center, 4320 Genesee Ave. #104, San Diego. Appointment required. Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 or 858-565-8772. SENIOR RESOURCE CENTER INFORMATION & REFERRAL The Sharp Memorial Senior Resource Center staff is trained to help seniors and their families connect with other services. Do you need a Vial of Life? Do you need an Advance Directive for Health Care form? Do you need information on caregiving, exercise or health? Call the Senior Resource Center at 858-939-4790.

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MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

ASK THE EXPERT CONSTRUCTION

Hiring the Right Contractor by Chad Gardner, President

Chad Gardner President and Owner Chad Gardner is a lifelong Clairemont/Bay Park resident. A graduate of Madison High School, he has a BA in Business Management from San Diego State, and has completed a certificate program at SDSU in green building. He is also certified by the California Home Energy Efficiency Rating System. Mr. Gardner has been with K-Co for over 20 years and has been managing the company for the last 8. Under his leadership, the company has been recognized for outstanding ethics by the Better Business Bureau, and top-notch customer service by both Angie’s List and Houzz. com. Mr. Gardner is an active volunteer in the community. He serves as a volunteer on the Clairemont Community Planning Group and is a former Vice President of the Clairemont Town Council. He and his wife Christy own a home in Bay Park where they enjoy gardening and cooking with their toddler, Charlee. If you have questions regarding construction or remodeling, please contact him at chad@ kcoconstruction.com or visit www.KCoConstruction.com.

858-274-0005 License #706173 3670 Clairemont Dr #9 San Diego, CA 92117

inding a contractor to do a remodeling project is easier than ever. Using today’s technology, you can search by name, zip code or specialty, you can ask for recommendations on social media or use sites like Houzz.com to find names of contractors. Yes, finding a contractor is easy; finding the right one for your job, well that requires a little more work. Start by gathering those names from friends, neighbors, and websites. The first criteria you want to be sure they meet is that they are properly licensed and insured. In California, the law requires anyone performing contracting work that totals $500 or more (materials and labor) be licensed. You can verify this information on the Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov). Next you will want to set up interviews with several of the companies on your list. Call three to five contractors on your list and see how promptly they respond. Set up appointments and see which contractors show up and who’s on time. Try not to have more than one appointment a day; you’ll be taking in a lot of information and need to keep things straight as to who said what. You may want to make a list of questions or concerns you have, so you can be sure to

ask each one the same things. If someone else will be making the decision with you, make sure they can be at the appointment too so all their questions can be answered as well. Try to define the scope of your project in the same way for each contractor to make sure they are bidding the same job. During the interview as you ask your questions, use your own intuition about the person. Let your judgment of character work for you and trust your instincts. Remember, you will have this person, their employees, and sub-contractors in your house for some time. Ask for references! These should include a variety of jobs, both in progress and completed. You can ask for vendor references as well. And don’t just ask for the references, call and check them out. Call the Better Business Bureau (858-496-2131) to check for complaints. Again, trust your own judgment, but always check everything you can. Once you choose a contractor, there are some things you can do to protect yourself during the job. Make sure the contract is detailed. It should describe all phases of the job and include all the information on the products being used. Before signing, allowances should be set on items such as sinks, toilets, faucets, and floor coverings. The

more detailed the contract the less there is to disagree about once the work is under way. The contract should spell out the payment terms in detail. State law says a contractor cannot take more than 10% (up to a maximum of $1,000) on the first visit. For example, a job with a total contract price of $8,000 requires a down payment of no more than $800. The remaining payments should be tied to progress on the project. As an example, for a $50,000 room addition, payments could be $1000 down, $10% at foundation, 10% at framing, 10% at roofing, 10% at drywall and so on. The idea is to always have enough money left to finish the project if the contractor disappears. If a contractor tells you he needs money up front to pay for material, that can be a red flag. If his suppliers want cash, that could be an indication of a financial problem. Be sure to get lien releases from all the subcontractors and suppliers on your project. There are many reputable, reliable, honest contractors out there. Don’t let the horror stories discourage you. That is only a small percentage of this industry. If you do your homework, you will probably have a good experience. And if you call K-Co Construction, you will have a great experience!

NEWS

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Community Mourns Loss of ‘The Ice Cream Man’ BY MISHA DIBONO | FOX 5

Dick Van Ransom-Magana was larger-than-life Normal Heights has lost a legend. Dick Van Ransom-Magana, better known as the “Ice Cream Man,” was an Adams Avenue icon and his famous Mariposa Homemade Ice Cream was legendary. The Ice Cream Man passed away June 3, according to the ice cream shop’s Facebook post. The loss was still too raw to express by his nephew, Tim Rose, who worked at the Mariposa Parlor since he was a teenager. “It’s hard. Everybody loved him so much. He was just this larger-than-life personality,” said Rose, holding back the tears. “My uncle grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, so he's making ice cream his whole life.” At 74, Van Ransom-Magana didn’t discover his life’s passion for making ice cream until he was in his 50s — starting out by selling at local street fairs which is how he discovered Adams Avenue. “He’s just a great guy,” said longtime associate Scott Kessler. “One of those guys that everybody loved.” Kessler is the executive director of the Adams Avenue business association where Van Ransom-Magana was very active, the two met when “The Ice Cream Man” was still a vendor at the Adams Avenue Street Fair.

“Dick did not have a mean bone in his body,” Kessler said. “If he appeared to come off gruff it was just his grizzly bear size!” As news of his passing spread through the community. Hundreds took to social media to post their condolences and share memories. Hundreds more showed up at the parlor leaving flowers and signing a giant card for his wife Anna, his partner in making people smile for more than 25 years. “He loved making the best ice cream he could make,” Rose said. “And he love sharing it with people.” It was not just the locals who came back for the “self-described” best ice cream in the world; the walls of The Mariposa are covered with celebrity endorsements. For no reason other than Anna’s love for The Beatles, the walls are covered with memorabilia given to the family over the years by their customers. “He just loved what he did,” said his nephew. “He loved being here, he loved serving ice cream and seeing all the happy faces that came in to get ice cream.” Funeral services and memorial are planned for later in the month. Dick Van Ransom-Magana

Hillcrest Wind Ensemble Celebrates ‘Blast from the Past’ Concert gives tribute to three decades of pop music

Hillcrest Wind Ensemble

The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble takes a “Blast to the Past,” celebrating pop music from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s on Friday, June 24, at the Mississippi Room in the historic Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Bld. There will be a complementary fruit

and cheese table at 7:30 p.m. and concert at 8 p.m. A no host bar will also be available as well as a 50/50 raffle. The band welcomes special guests,Kevin Cavanaugh and Blue Velvet, a dynamic retro act which has performed in numerous night clubs in

San Diego. These three decades had some of the best pop music ever produced. The ensemble will perform a symphonic tribute to the Beatles as well as music ranging from Queen to The Carpenters. A highlight of the night

will be a special tribute to the late Prince. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Windsmith, 3875 Granada Ave. in North Park, at sdartstix.com, or at the door. The 45-piece Hillcrest Wind Ensemble is in its 30th year of per-

forming and is a program of the LGBT Center acting as a musical ambassador to the community as a whole. For information, (619) 6922077, Ext. 814. www.hillcrestwindensemble.com

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Financial Tips for Women

Making smart money decisions

In recent decades, women have made incredible strides, both professionally and personally. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, more women are attending college and taking on greater responsibilities and leadership roles in the workplace. A 2013 Pew Research study said women are the leading or solo breadwinners in 40 percent of households. With increasing numbers of women taking the reins on the family finances, it is important that women stay aware of changing needs so we are able to make smart financial choices. Single

Single women should develop smart financial habits as soon as they begin working and supporting themselves. Start by establishing an emergency fund that will provide protection in case of a job loss, a costly medical issue, or other unforeseen circumstance. Learn how to create a budget and live within your means. Establish a record-keeping system and get in the habit of paying bills on time. Pay off credit cards and student loans as quickly as possible and avoid getting further into debt. Open a savings account and make regular deposits. Learn about investing to grow your savings, and if your employer offers a 401k or other retirement plan, be sure to take full advantage of this and other benefits. Marriage Couples should have a serious discussion about finances before marriage. Talk about your financial goals and habits to get a sense of how compatible you are in this area. Consider getting financial counseling. With about 40 percent of all marriages end-

Robbin Narike Preciado is a regional president for Union Bank for Southern California.

ing in divorce and with women typically living longer than men, it is critical that women take an active role in the household finances. Develop a household budget together and get into the habit of communicating regularly about goal setting, budget and cash flow, insurance and investing. Create a will and purchase adequate insurance coverage to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident, death or disaster. Meet as a couple with your banker, accountant and financial planner, and know where all of your accounts and investments are held and where all of your important documents are kept. Establishing a will and/or living trust becomes increasingly important once you start a family. Review your insurance policies and make changes to reflect your new beneficiaries.

Family According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it will cost the average family about $235,000 to raise a child to the age of 17, and that figure doesn’t include the cost of a college education. If you plan to pay for some or all of your child’s college education, begin exploring 529 College Savings Plans and other options that may offer tax advantages. If you are faced with the choice of paying for college or saving for retirement, most financial advisors warn against delaying funding your retirement savings to pay for college. College-aged children can get summer jobs and part-time employment to help foot the bill, or consider a student loan or other financial aid. Some women find themselves caring for their children and aging parents, and in many cases this support involves not only time and emotional capital, but financial support. Talk to your parents early about their estate planning and long-term care plans. If you have siblings, discuss ways to help each other share the responsibility. Divorce If you are facing a divorce, pay close attention to any accounts or assets that you hold jointly with your spouse. Cancel any joint credit cards and begin establishing accounts in your name only. Amend your will and insurance policies to change your beneficiaries if necessary. Ask trusted friends and advisors for referrals for a qualified family law attorney. If your ex-husband was the primary bread winner, seek alimony, especially if you left the workforce to care for children. While alimony has historically been a benefit provided to women after a divorce, if you are a high earner, you may be

Small Business Refinance Program to Launch June 24 Opportunity to lighten debt burden for thousands of companies Small business owners feeling the pressure of commercial mortgage debt and facing the specter of rising interest rates can get relief starting June 24 when a new refinance program is launched by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and provided by CDC Small Business Finance. “This is a game changer for small businesses that need financial breathing room to grow and create new jobs,” said Kurt Chilcott, president of CDC Small Business Finance, a leading non-for-profit SBA lender offering the new refinance loans. Under the new refinance program, small businesses can take advantage of lower rates, fixed for 20 years, to lighten their monthly debt payments, improve cash flow and stabilize operations. The program allows for refinancing commercial real estate debt as well as other business debt and expenses. The current SBA-504 loan rate is 4.31 percent. Between $100 billion and $200 billion in commercial real estate debt is projected to mature nationwide in 2016 and 2017. Much of this debt is owed by small businesses still struggling in a lukewarm economy. The new SBA-504 Refinance program reprises a successful pilot initiative that in 2011-2012 helped more than 2,700 small businesses refinance nearly $7 billion in high-interest debt.

“The SBA Refinance program provided a way to refinance my buildings and use the equity to completely pay off my commercial bank debt,” said Kirk Butler, owner of Cactus Stone and Tile in Phoeniz and 2012 refinance loan recipient. If interest rates begin to rise, many small businesses will be challenged to qualify for a conventional refinance loan versus an SBA loan. With the new SBA-504 Refinance loan, a bank and SBA-certified lending partner will provide 90 percent financing, leaving a 10 percent down-payment by the small business owner. Small business owners can find out more by visiting SBA-504 Refinance. They can also discuss prequalification with a CDC Small Business Finance loan expert in California or Arizona. CDC Small Business Finance is a not-forprofit lender that provides capital to small businesses so they can expand, grow and create jobs in California, Arizona and Nevada. The company specializes in SBA lending, but also offers the Community Advantage loan for working capital, equipment, inventory, tenant improvements and business acquisition. In 38 years, CDC has helped create over 170,000 jobs by leveraging more than $12 billion in loans to over 10,000 small businesses. Visit www.cdcloans.com or call (800) 611-5170.

BY ROBBIN NARIKE PRECIADO

required to pay alimony. Meet with a financial advisor who can help you transition. Meet with a financial adviser to make adjustments to your investment portfolio, and begin planning for changes in cash flow and budgeting so you are able to live on your retirement income. Housing needs may change and downsizing your home may be a consideration. Seek information about Social Security income you may have coming and when you should start claiming benefits. If you have outstanding debt, work to pay it down or off. Evaluate your medical insurance, and consider purchasing long-term care insurance to cover healthcare expenses should you require personal assistance later. Widowed Avoid making any major decisions while still grieving and turn to your trusted financial advisers for guidance. Your attorney can also guide you and make modifications to your will and powers of attorney to reflect your new circumstances. Contact your insurance agent to discuss life insurance coverage you may have, and apply for any other benefits that you may be entitled to, such as Social Security, employer or veterans’ benefits. Contact your bank and other financial institutions to make changes to your jointly held accounts, and meet with your financial planner to assess your current needs and assets. This article reflects the thoughts and opinions of the author and is being provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial or tax advice. Please consult your financial or tax advisor about your situation.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

Sperm whale, courtesy of Brandon Cole.

WHALES: GIANTS OF THE DEEP NEW INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS WHALE BIOLOGY AND DIVERSITY Visitors to the San Diego Natural History Museum can explore “Whales: Giants of the Deep,” an interactive exhibition featuring the latest in international cetacean research. Whales, which will be on view at the Museum through Sept. 5 and is included with the price of general admission, has a unique blend of science, storytelling, and innovative exhibits giving visitors the opportunity to discover more about the world of whales. “Our fascination with and affinity for whales was one of the many reasons we decided to bring ‘Whales: Giants of the Deep’ to San Diego,” said Dr. Michael Hager, president and CEO at the San Diego Natural History Museum. “The exhibition allows guests to explore these magnificent creatures with a series of informative and hands-on exhibits that allow you to take a deeper dive into our vast oceanic ecosystems. It also gives us the opportunity to highlight the whale research we’re doing here at the Museum.” At 7,000 square feet, Whales showcases amazing and rare specimens from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa’s whale collection, one of the largest in the world. Visitors will see life-size and scale

Wahaika (short-handled weapon), maker unknown, made of whale bone and paua shell. Collection of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2007.

models of whales common to the South Pacific as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments. They’ll also learn about whale biology, the evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, and the history of whaling in New Zealand. Through this exhibition, adults and children alike will gain new perspectives of these majestic underwater giants. Additional Exhibition Highlights: • See a beaked whale skull and two fullyarticulated sperm whale skeletons, including a massive 58-foot male. • Children can crawl through a life-size

replica of the heart of a blue whale — the Earth’s largest living creature. • Encounter whales through video portholes, be transported into their underwater world via two immersive projections, and enjoy a moving film experience that tells the stories of three whale-riding traditions in New Zealand, including the famous story of Paikea featured in “Whale Rider.” • Tune in to a range of whale sounds and discover how scientists and amateur trackers identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean. • See ancient and contemporary works

of art and hear stories from people of the South Pacific illustrating the powerful influence these creatures have had on human culture. • Gain a true appreciation of the physical and behavioral traits that enable whales to make a living in the challenging and dynamic marine environment. • Walk among the giant — and not-sogiant —articulated skeletons of an astoundingly diverse collection of whale specimens, and then explore the evolutionary paths that gave rise to this unique group of mammals. “As a scientist, I am thrilled the museum is bringing this exhibition to San Diego for our guests to enjoy,” said Tom Deméré, curator of paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum and a leading expert on whales and whale fossils. “There is so much to be learned from these amazing creatures. Hosting an exhibition like ‘Whales: Giants of the Deep’ only further enhances our ability to raise awareness about the importance and distribution of these mammals. We hope the exhibition helps pique visitors’ interest in whales and helps them realize their extensive diversity and the innate wonder they possess.”

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

BALBOA PARK

Artist’s impression of Kutchicetus minimus. Carl Buell 2007.

Pätaka taonga. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008.

Blue Whale Heart. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008.

Whale riders theatre experience. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008.

Stylised model of the maihi (barge boards) from Whitireia meeting house, Whangara, East Coast, New Zealand. The central tekoteko (carved figure) is Paikea, the famous whale-riding ancestor of the local tribe. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008. Reproduced with the generous support of Ngäti Konohi, 2007

A visitor learning about whale anatomy at the ‘Build a Dolphin’ interactive in the Whale Lab of the Whales | Tohorä exhibition. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008.

Two articulated sperm whale skeletons are a highlight of the Whales | Tohorä exhibition. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

By Bart Mendoza June 22 Commanding Vocals and Soul-Inflected Guitar Work

Ariel Levine

One of the most visible musicians in San Diego, Ariel Levine is known for his soul-inflected guitar work and commanding vocals. To date he is best known for playing as a sideman and in tribute groups to Elvis Costello, Prince and Marvin Gaye, as well as taking part in celebrations of the Ramones and the recent David Bowie tributes at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. On June 22 at the Office, Levine finally shifts the focus on to his own music, with his solo debut show, featuring songs from the upcoming album, “Let The Machine Get It.” Levine shares much with the acts he’s paid tribute to, penning concise, classic sounding songs in the tradition of latter-day Bowie.. www.theofficebarsd.com

June 25 One of the Hottest Bands in the U.S. The biggest band based out of San Diego right now? It’s post-hardcore rockers, Pierce the Veil, who perform at the Observatory on June 25. Formed in 2006, the band’s new album, “Misadventures,” entered the Billboard Top 200 Charts on May 23 at No. 4, with over 60,000 copies sold in less than a month, effectively making them one of the hottest bands in the U.S. today. This San Diego homecoming date is part of a world tour that will see the band playing in 14 countries through Dec. 6 and promises to be more of a party than a concert. Indeed, this is a band with plenty to celebrate. www.observatorysd.com Pierce The Veil

Peter-Sprague

July 2 Virtuoso Fretwork by Sprague and Benedetti On July 2, two of San Diego’s best guitarists, Peter Sprague and Fred Benedetti, come together to perform the music of the three of the world’s best songwriters — aka The Beatles — at Dizzy’s. Sprague, the 2015 San Diego Music Award Lifetime Achievement Award winner, is a jazz legend, touring with the likes of Dianne Reeves as well as producing hundreds of recordings over the course of his career. Meanwhile Benedetti is a lynchpin of the local music community, performing with numerous combos while teaching several generations of local musicians. Whether you are a fan of the Fab Four or simply like virtuoso fretwork, you’ll love every note from these two fantastic performers. www.dizzysjazz.com

June 25 Baby I Love Your Reggae Reggae favorites Big Mountain perform at the Music Box on June 25. Currently touring behind their latest album, “Perfect Summer,” only frontman Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney and keyboardist Michael Hyde remain from their early ’90s beginnings, but under McWhinney’s musical direction the sound has kept it’s spirit and uplifting, rhythmic songs. Most remembered for their No. 6 hit, “Baby, I Love Your Way,” the band’s new disc will please both novices to Big Mountain’s island sounds or longtime fans, with songs like the title track custom-made for summer time and driving with the top down. www.musicboxsd.com Quino of Big Mountain The Dickies

July 1 and July 22

July 17

Unplugged and Full Electric Sets by Country Rockin’ Rebels

The Dickies, Bringing the Fun Back

There is no better description of the Country Rockin’ Rebels music than the band’s name itself. In honor of the release o f their new album, “Ride Rebel Ride,” the group will host two distinct CD release shows in July. Lead by singer Tristan Luhrs and guitarist Michael Head, on July 1 the six-piece band will perform an acoustic unplugged set at Rosie O’Grady’s in Normal Heights, while on July 22 they will play a full electric set at Mother’s Saloon in Ocean Beach. Either show will please any fan of roots rock Americana, but the nod goes to the rare acoustic set where you’ll be able to hear their fun tunes such as “Too Rock For Country,” in a different light. www.rosieogradyspub.com Country Rockin Rebels flag photo 2016

Cartoon punks, the Dickies perform at the Casbah on July 17. Formed in 1977, the band made a far bigger chart impact in the UK then they did in the U.S., but it’s a testimony to their take-noprisoners performing style that four decades after their beginnings, the Dickies are still a headline club and festival act. With props including hand puppets, sped up hard rock favorites and tonguein-cheek songs such as “You Drive me Ape, You Big Gorilla,” the Dickies bring the fun back to live music. It’s been 15 years since they’ve released new tunes, but with their early works now considered classics of the punk era, fans will be thrilled with what is essentially a greatest hits set. www.casbahmusic.com

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

BBB’s Tips for Hiring a Moving Company Information provided by BBB serving San Diego, Orange and Imperial Counties

intage and contemporary quilts and quilted items and handmade crafts will be featured in the St. Mark’s Quilt Show and Craft Faire on Saturday, June 25, 9:30am-3:30pm. The show, sponsored by the United Methodist Women at St. Mark’s, will display quilts in both the sanctuary and social hall at 3502 Clairemont Drive. Vendors of handcrafted items will sell their wares on the church patio. Vendors may reserve a space for $40. The church’s Ties of Love quilt group will provide a snack bar to raise funds for more quilting supplies. They make lap quilts for persons with serious illnesses. In the past they also created twin-sized quilts for Storefront, a shelter for homeless teens; New Entra Casa, a home for women ex-offenders; and Just In Time, which supports youth aging out of foster care. Admission to the show is $5. No fee is required to enter quilts in the show. Quilt sales are optional, but a 10% commission is expected from any quilt sold during the show. Proceeds will support UMW projects serving women, children, and youth worldwide. For further information, quilt entry forms, or vendor registration call Dorothy at 858-277-2917 or Phyllis at 858-278-3563.

Behind the Scenes Stories and Secrets of The Food Network

he Food and Beverage Association of San Diego presents “The Least Likely to Succeed” with featured guest speaker Jack Clifford, Thursday, June 30th at 11:30 a.m. at Mission Valley Resort, 875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108. Clifford “cooked up” The Food Network in 1993, and grew this groundbreaking channel from 200,000 homes to more than 100 million households today. He is known as a television pioneer for work he has done throughout his career. Now retired, Clifford resides in Chula Vista with his wife Beverly, and is still as sharp as a chef ’s knife. Clifford will be selling and autographing his book, “Least Likely to Succeed,” which his high school classmates voted him. The book details how one of the most successful TV channels came to fruition thanks to Clifford’s creativity, perseverance and genius. He will share hilarious and wonderful behind the scenes stories of famous friends like Walter Cronkite, Ted Turner, Robin Leach and Food Network favorites. The event, which includes a buffet lunch, costs $25 and parking is free. Advance reservations are required. To reserve call: (619) 228-2291 or email fbasd@ foodnbeverage.org. The Food and Beverage Association of San Diego has been serving restaurants, bars and taverns, and clubs in San Diego County since 1945! F&B embraces the philosophy of the “power of many.” While each member’s business is unique, collectively they create a powerful, unified voice for causes and concerns. Proceeds benefit Food and Beverage Association.

May marks the beginning of a four-month stretch where millions of Americans will hire a moving service to transport their belongings. More than half of all annual moves occur during “moving season,” mostly due to the end of the school year and summer break. However, in 2015, there were over 8,000 complaints filed with BBB against moving & storage companies across the U.S. Many complaints reported additional fees on top of original estimates, damaged items, and valuables held hostage until an additional payment was made. Moving scams are still ever present and are a problem for thousands of consumers every year. If you are one of the millions of Americans looking to move this month and want to avoid an unpleasant moving experience, your BBB serving San Diego, Orange and Imperial Counties offers these helpful tips: • Word of mouth. Sometimes the best way to find a trusted mover is to talk to friends, family, neighbors and previous clients who can give you a recommendation. •R esearch the company thoroughly. Once you have a list of recommendations, go online and check the company’s reputation. Read reviews and complaints about the business. You may also want to visit a company’s office to make sure they are who they say they are. •G et at least three written estimates. It is important to get multiple in-home estimates, so you can compare your options and decide which one is best for you before committing. Be sure you have an on-site visit for the most accurate estimate. •B e wary of low estimates. If a company offers a surprisingly low quote, be wary. A business offering a drastically lower estimate may demand additional payment upon delivery. •C heck for a license. This verification should confirm that you are dealing with a certified and insured company that is allowed to operate within the US. This also means that the company’s insurance should cover any damages. onsider accepting the full value protection. Although it may cost extra, consider the full •C value protection plan. This plan ensures that the mover is responsible for all your valuables while in their custody, and they will be required to pay or replace anything that gets lost or damaged. on’t be afraid to ask questions. Estimates and protection plans vary between companies. •D Don’t be afraid to ask questions about any details you may be unsure of. • S tick to Credit Cards. Never pay with cash and avoid a mover that demands a deposit up front. It’s important to choose the safest payment method, and BBB suggests paying with a credit card. now your rights. Every moving company is required by law to provide you with a “Your •K Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” brochure. If they don’t, take extra precaution before committing. Your BBB wants to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Visit a company’s Business Review on bbb.org, where you can see their time in business, physical location, if there are any complaints against the business and you can read customer reviews. For additional questions or concerns, call BBB’s 24-hour Customer Helpline at (858) 496-2131.

.29 .49 .79

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

June is Dad’s Month Sale Prices Effective: June 1 through June 28, 2016

KENSINGTON: OPEN: 7am - 9pm 4142 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Organic Produce STEHLY FARMS ORGANIC

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Organic Valencia Oranges Reg: $4.99 4 lb.

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Bone broth is typically rich in protein, collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin and key minerals often missing in diet. These vital nutrients support a wide range of health benefits and body systems including: • Healthy detoxification, gut and immune system • Healthy joints and lean muscle mass • Healthy and vibrant skin, hair and nails • Metabolism and a healthy weight

Sales effective while supplies last. Not all items are available at both stores. Non-packaged item images are for illustration purposes only. Not responsible for typographical errors.

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Bulk Organic Hulled Sunflower Seeds Reg: $3.69/lb.

$269/lb.

Organic Mejool Dates Reg: $8.09/lb.

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Local Produce BE WISE RANCH

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Ribeye Steaks Reg: $12.19 Avg. Wt. 10 oz.

Select tender baby lettuces and greens, picked when the tiny leaves are perfect!

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Da Ri SILK

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Soy Cr

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Average Sale Price Per Unit

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Grocery

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Locally Grown Spring Mix

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ANNIE’S HOMEGROWN

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Soy Cr

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CLIF

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Sales effective while supplies last. Not all items are available at both stores. Non-packaged item images are for illustration purposes only. Not responsible for typographical errors.

FIELD

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MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

Frozen NATURE’S PATH

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or Buns

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SRP: $3.69 2.35 oz. . .

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| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Wellbeing

DESERT ESSENCE

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DR. BRONNER’S

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Assorted Variety SRP: $8.99 8 oz.. . . . . .

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Father’s Day Recipe

GAR

Zesty Chicken Kabobs

INGREDIENTS: 24 oz raw, boneless, skinless chicken breast (should yield three 6-oz cooked servings) 2 cups (2 small) summer squash* 2 cups (18 medium) mushrooms, quartered 1-1/2 cups (1 small-medium) zucchini* 1 cup (8 medium) cherry tomatoes *Half lengthwise, then cut into 1-inch chunks

LEMON SCALLION SAUCE: 3/4 cup (4-6) scallions, chopped 1 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp salt or salt substitute 6 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp hot red pepper sauce 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION: If using wooden skewers, soak in water 30 minutes. In small bowl, combine scallion sauce; set aside. (You may wish to reserve part of this sauce for finished kabobs.) Preheat grill to medium heat. Thread kabobs with chicken, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, and tomatoes.

Brush kabobs before and during cooking with sauce. Grill kabobs 10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through. Nutrition: Cal 380; Total Fat 11g; Sat Fat 2.5g; Chol 145mg; Sod 520mg; Total Carb 13g; Fiber 4g; Pro 56g

MyKin Project difficu of Life Formu to supp

Probio suppor to in ou Dr. Per unders the he

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| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Meet the Plant Detective

BY COLEEN L. GERAGHTY | SDSU NEWSCENTER

Michael Simpson is a master sleuth in the field of evolutionary plant biology Move over Sherlock Holmes. In mysteries involving the discovery and classification of the flora around us, the legendary fictional detective would be no match for evolutionary biologist Michael Simpson. Simpson and his students and colleagues at San Diego State University are credited in the field for unearthing six new plant species and two new varieties and for “rediscovering” another species thought to be extinct. Moreover, his formidable sleuthing talents aren’t limited to botanical analysis. Simpson has served as an expert witness in two local murder trials, a distinction that may be unique among SDSU faculty. Most days, though, his work doesn’t make the tabloids. Simpson and his gumshoe students use DNA sequencing and high resolution scans to find missing links in the centuries-old stories of plant species migrations. Evolutionary history

They can reconstruct what are called “phylogenetic trees”of plant groups, which depict the pattern of an evolutionary history that spanned millions of years. From these trees, they can estimate the timing of divergence--that is the splitting of one ancient population into two. Simpson and one of his former students discovered evidence that species of a plant genus called Cryptantha, more commonly known as popcorn flowers, may have been dispersed thousands of miles in the past, likely carried by birds that migrated long distances in a single flight. They also found indications that after Cryptantha dispersed from North to South America, some species became perennials and developed a rare type of reproductive biology called cleistogamy. These flowers do not open up as most cross-fertilized flowers do, but always self-fertilize, perhaps an adaptive response to the initial absence of pollinators in their new South American home. Back from Extinction

“At the heart of our work is the investigation of evolutionary history,” Simpson said. “We ask why species diversified only at certain times. For example, species of the plant genus Pogogyne or mesa

mints, three of which are endangered, live only in vernal pools, and so we can infer that its group, known as a clade, didn't diverge until vernal pools were formed.” Simpson continues to have a special affection for Cryptantha, the popcorn flowers and is currently working on naming and classifiying the North and South American members. This group of more than 100 species is mostly ignored by botanists because identifying them requires meticulous scrutiny of their tiny fruits, called nutlets. One North American species, Cryptantha wigginsii, was assumed to be extinct for more than 80 years until Simpson and his students discovered specimens close to home — in San Diego and Riverside counties and on Catalina Island. News of their find was published in the journal Madroño. In the Courtroom

Simpson’s extensive knowledge of taxonomy, so valuable in the classroom, occasionally finds an audience in the courtroom as well. Called as an expert witness in a murder case, he was asked to analyze a one-inch sliver of wood found on the victim’s skull. By studying the wood cell structure under a microscope, he identified it as ash and later learned that the murder weapon was a baseball bat — manufactured from ash. In a second case, police asked Simpson to identify samples of three desert plants found on the molding and inside the trunk of a car owned by a missing San Diego woman. He told police where the plants grew, they peppered that area with flyers, and hikers found the woman’s body a few days later.

nets where they’re housed. “Keep away moisture and insects, and these plant specimens can remain in good shape for hundreds of years, and the DNA inside them can persist for decades,” said Simpson. For each new sample, students create a high-resolution scan, georeference it and add it to online databases. Simpson and his crew are also taking high resolution photographic images of the tiny popcorn flower nutlets and posting them online with detailed information. All of these images aid in the identification of species and constitute an important resource for professional botanists as well resource managers. Given that San Diego County has the greatest diversity of plant species in the country, Simpson and his intrepid students still have a lot of detective work to do. “We have at least three new species waiting to be described,” he said, “and many more to properly classify.”

Cryptantha, more commonly known as popcorn flowers. (Photo: Tom Chester, Plants of Southern California)

The SDSU Herbarium

Simpson came to San Diego 30 years ago after earning a Ph.D. from Duke University. He has taught Economic Botany, Plant Systematics, and Taxonomy of California Plants in addition to curating the SDSU Herbarium, a treasure trove of nearly 22,000 plant specimens. The collection, classification, and preservation of plants is a neverending task for evolutionary biologists. Simpson and his students have searched the length of California and beyond for new and unusual species, and Simpson recently received a grant from the National Geographic Society to extend his search to Chile and Argentina. The specimens are pressed, mounted, and finally stored in the herbarium, a climate-controlled room containing plants collected over more than a century. The oldest specimen dates from 1874. Twice annually, the specimens are frozen to kill any insects that may have breached the giant metal cabi-

Michael Simpson and his students on a plant hunt. (Image: SDSU)

Evolutionary biologist Michael Simpson. (Image: SDSU)

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

FESTIVAL OF ART ROCKS! North Park’s annual celebration attracts thousands PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM CHILDERS

Art, music, craft beer and a whole lot more set the tone for the 20th anniversary of North Park’s Festival of Arts on Saturday, May 21. The all-day festival featured local art, a popular array of live music and dance performances, interactive experiences, artisan items for sale, delicious locally-driven dining options and no admission fee. “We’ve created a unique experience that is

beyond any typical arts festival,” said Angela Landsberg, executive director of North Park Main Street, which produces the festival. “We have created daytime and evening experiences for every local and visitor to North Park to enjoy. Sponsors of the event are San Diego County Credit Union, AT&T, West Coast Tavern and The Observatory North Park, Ron Oster Realty and the Lafayette Hotel. Amanda Gardner of Ceramic Heights and customer Molly Downs making pottery.

Bands played throughout the day.

The San Diego County Credit Union Building on University Avenue appears to tower over the Festival of Arts. The credit union was the principal sponsor of the event.

Brad Weber, associate publisher of Mid City Newspaper Group, publisher of the North Park News, hawks one of the issues during the festival.

8-year-old Seven James brought his own transportation to the festival.

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

Vendors along the street attract attention from festival visitors.

Strapped in tightly, 5-year-old Keira Lavelle enjoys a giant swing at the Festival of Arts childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area.

Michelle Currier was the winner of the Festival of Arts poster contest.

Peter Noll and Myra Pelowski attended the festival to get signatures on a petition asking for the creation of a permanent memorial to 144 victims of PSA Flight 182, which crashed in North Park on Sept. 25, 1978, after colliding with a small plane.

Sharon Turner manages the North Park Historical Society booth.

Street vendors offered everything from jewelry to paintings to hats and just about everything in-between.

Kenny Shelton doing his juggling act on the street.

A festival worker adjusts lights that will be turned on during the evening festival hours.

EDUCATION

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

The Reality Changers Program rescues youths from gangs and poverty

BY JENNIFER COBURN

Reality Changers by the Book

(Barbara Davenport. University of California Press, June 2016)

Graduates of Reality Changers proudly announce their final college decisions. This year the program will see 300 graduates throughout San Diego County.

Christopher Yanov is a gang leader in City Heights. Over the last 16 years, he’s initiated 1,000 young people into his ranks, teaching the older members how to recruit younger ones and making sure they stay involved. His gang is like a second family to many, giving them a place where someone’s always got their back. But Yanov’s gang is different than most. Instead of drugs and crime, this one deals in education and achievement with intense focus on college admission. Eyes on the Prize

Yanov’s nonprofit Reality Changers has two programs: College Town and College Apps Academy. The first identifies eighth graders with grade point averages between 0.0 and 2.0, and offers them academic support and community service opportunities. The goal is to help students get the most out of their middle and high school experience, and develop a competitive resume which they can use when they start College Apps Academy in 12th grade. This component of Reality Changers, which students can participate in even if they have not been through the College Town program, provides SAT and ACT tutoring, essay writing support, interview preparation, and guidance through financial aid and scholarships for students who will be the first in their families to attend college. Ninety-seven percent of Reality Changers’ graduates attend college,

with students having attended most Ivy League schools and all nine of the University of California campuses. They’ve sent students to all but one of California State University’s 23 campuses. One expects these type of stats coming from affluent San Diego communities, but the organization is headquartered in a community where 26 percent of households are at the poverty line and the median family income is just over half of what it is for San Diego County. In City Heights, the probation capital of San Diego, gang activity is high and only 3 percent of adults have a college degree. Students are twice as likely to drop out of high school than their peers across the county. Yanov, Reality Changers founder and president, spent the early years of his career in gang prevention, which gave him experience working with young people, but also served as a catalyst for his shift in methodology. He says the traditional approach to gang prevention spends too much time talking about negative behavior, and not enough highlighting positive alternatives. Yanov and his staff of more than two dozen want to change the conversation among young people in City Heights. Instead of kids asking each other what gang they’re in, Reality Changers hopes they’ll discuss colleges they’d like to attend. “If someone’s walking a tightrope and I tell them not to look down, that’s probably where they’re going to look, and they’re going to fall,” he

said. “But if I tell that person to keep their eyes on reaching their goal on the other side, they’ve got a much better chance of making it.” Walking the Tightrope Eduardo Corona was on that tightrope in the fall of 2006. He had just started ninth grade and was in a gang with his friends when they decided to break into a school and steal equipment, including computers and laptops. “We had been drinking and we were bored,” he explained of the break-in. Soon, the police surrounded the school and arrested Corona and his friends. “It was like a movie scene with police cars and dogs,” said Corona. He was facing a six-year sentence that would begin in Juvenile Hall, where both his brother and sister had also spent time. Corona called Yanov to tell him that he wouldn’t be able to continue in Reality Changers because he “wouldn’t be around,” he said, having resigned to doing time in jail. “The really difficult part was disappointing him,” Corona said. To the young man’s surprise, Yanov showed up at his court hearing and told the judge about Reality Changers. The judge gave Corona a second chance with the condition that he continue in the program, then asked Yanov for several brochures. Throughout high school, Corona was determined to stay out of juvenile hall, but equally motivated to do right by Yanov. He said he doubled his GPA in a month, and enrolled in a mechanical engineer-

ing program at UCSD the following summer, an opportunity Reality Changers offers high school students who want to spend three weeks living on campus experiencing life as a student. “I disappointed (Yanov) once and wasn’t going to let it happen again,” said Corona, who now works as a Reality Changers achievement coach while he finishes his degree in sociology and psychology at San Diego State University. Focusing on First-Generation College Hopefuls

Reality Changers serves students throughout the county, but focuses on first-gens, a population that typically faces greater economic hardship than most. Take Michael Gaulden, a San Diego teen who spent 10 years homeless. He slept in shelters, on the streets, and in cars, begging for spare change from strangers downtown. Both his great grandfather and grandfather were murdered; his father was convicted of murder. “I was up next,” he told an audience of Reality Changers students. “According to statistics, I should be selling drugs, I should be incarcerated, I should be dead.” Instead, he graduated from UCLA and is now working with homeless youth at San Diego’s Monarch School. Addressing an audience of San Diego educators, Reality Changers SEE REALITY, Page 21

“Grit and Hope” tells the story of five inner-city Hispanic students who start their college applications in the midst of the country’s worst recession and of Reality Changers, the program that aims to help them become the first in their families to go college. This year they must keep up their grades in AP courses, write compelling essays for their applications, and find scholarships to fund their dreams. One lives in a garage and struggles to get enough to eat. Two are academic standouts, but are undocumented, ineligible for state and federal financial assistance. One tries to keep his balance as his mother gets a life-threatening diagnosis; another bonds with her sister when their parents are sidelined by substance abuse. The book also follows Christopher Yanov, the program’s youthful, charismatic founder in a year that’s as critical for Reality Changers’ future as it is for the seniors. Yanov wants to grow Reality Changers into national visibility. He’s doubled the program’s size, and hired new employees, but he hasn’t anticipated that growing means he’ll have to surrender some control, and trust his new staff. It’s the story of a highly successful, yet flawed organization that must change in order to grow. Told with deep affection and without sentimentality, the students stories show that although poverty and cultural deprivation seriously complicate youths’ efforts to launch into young adulthood, the support of a strong program makes a critical difference.

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

FUN & GAMES

CARTOON CAPTION CONTEST

Cantin

Presid

Pre tina sid io n

GOT A CAPTION FOR THIS CARTOON? Welcome to our monthly neighborhood cartoon caption contest! See what you can come up with and let us know Solution

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MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

REALITY CONTINUED FROM Page 19

teen Lucerito Gutierrez recalled her earliest memories scavenging for recyclable bottles and cans in dumpsters with her mother when she was 5-years-old. Today she is a Gates Millennium Scholar studying computer science at UCSD. She hopes to design systems to deliver clean water to one billion people across the world. Paying for College

Former gang member Corona says when he was a teen he never thought about attending college because “that was for rich people.” Today, part of his work as a Reality Changers achievement coach is sharing information about the many scholarships and financial aid opportunities available, especially for first-gens and students of color. Reality Changers recently reached the $100million mark in scholarships earned by students, including the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship, which offers a blank check for minority students for their college and graduate studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This was a banner year with students earning $25 million through

various scholarship awards. “With the support of our no-cost, comprehensive college prep program, traditionally under-served students are excelling in high school, performing well on entrance exams, writing compelling personal essays, and successfully interviewing with college admissions representatives. But an equally important component is being able to afford college tuition,” said Yanov. “We are proud to help these hardworking students make higher education a reality.” Social and Economic Impact Attending college can transform the lives of students and their families, but it may also offer a significant social and economic impact on the community at large. According to The Economics of Education, a joint report by the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Education, a college graduate can expect to earn 64 percent more than a high school graduate. The College Board reports far-reaching community benefits like increased tax revenues, and better public health and safety. In the study, “It’s Not Just the Money,” Philip Trostel and Margaret Chase Smith of the Policy Center & School of Economics at University of Maine list numerous social and economic benefits of college attendance, from dramatically reduced risk of being

incarcerated to significantly higher rates of overall happiness. “There is no better return on investment than what you get out of these kids,” said Chad Nelley, Reality Changers board member and executive at ESET, a San Diego cybersecurity firm. He says his business supports Reality Changers as a way to give back to the community, but the economic impact is hard to ignore. “The economic lift of a college education is tremendous. And imagine the impact on the other side,” he said. The “other side” that Nelley refers to is what might happen to students who do not have access to a program like Reality Changers. Of course, not all young people would end up in a gang or drop out of high school without Reality Changers. But many would. Reality Changers and its supporters like Nelley believe these young people deserve a chance at the upward social and economic mobility a college education offers. And so does the community. According to the San Diego Police Department, there are currently 4,100 gang members and 88 local gangs who perpetrate crime ranging from vandalism to murder. Reality Changers cites the California state budget, which reports that taxpayers spend $252,000 a year to incarcerate one youth. “Reality Changers invests

$4,000 in each high school student per year until senior year when it’s $1,500,” said Yanov. “You don’t need a degree from Stanford to know what the better deal is.” One Generation to Change Reality

The Reality Changers motto is: “College changes everything.” And it only takes one generation to make that change. Back when Yanov worked in gang prevention, a term he considers a misnomer, he was stabbed by a 20-year-old gang member he knew from the streets. The young man has been in and out of prison, but his son is now enrolled in Reality Changers, and is working hard to further his education. When juvenile arrestees are asked why they join gangs, nearly half say it offers a support network that is not available to them anywhere else. Yanov is looking to change that. His challenge is broadening access to the program through increased funding. “We have hundreds of young people on our waitlist right now,” said Yanov. “Gangs don’t have waitlists,” he lamented, but says he and his staff are committed to creating new opportunities for student who wants to change their reality.

Chris Yanov, founder and president of Reality Changers.

Once facing time in Juvenile Hall, Eduardo Corona has gone from gang member to college student and Reality Changers achievement coach.

Reality Changers graduate Jessie Sanchez excelled at Harvard College.

Reality Changers graduate Lucerito Gutierrez shares memories of dumpster diving as a young child. Today she is a Gates Millennium Scholar attending UCSD.

Michael Gaulden went from homelessness to UCLA with the support of Reality Changers.

Jessie Hernandez and family. UCSD.

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Are School Ratings Overrated? By Caroline Abkar, REALTOR®

chool ratings have ubiquitous online visibility these days and millions of families and home buyers across the United States are looking at the numbers to judge the quality of the schools and neighborhoods they are considering moving into. In fact, one of the first things home buyers wish to find out before choosing a home is the neighborhood school rating. In California, the official state API ranking has been suspended since 2014. So what are people looking at? A magic number between 1 and 10 calculated by GreatSchools.org and exposed through numerous real estate listing websites such as Zillow, Trulia, realtor.com, etc. Do people understand what is and is not taken into account in that rating? When speaking to families and home buyers, it became apparent to me that these school rankings are often used as the sole evaluation parameter for deciding on the fit between a school and a child, and that they are given an extraordinary amount of importance when choosing the

home and neighborhood, by families and investors. As a REALTOR® I felt compelled to research this and share my findings on how ratings are calculated, how they should be interpreted, and more importantly to provide food for thought on how best to decide on the fit between a school and your child(ren) and also on the decision of buying a property in a given neighborhood. The in-depth article, which can be downloaded on my blog page at www.yoursandiegorealty.com shows that: ▶ School ratings are based on averages ▶ S chool ratings neglect to take into account important aspects such as student growth, subject area strengths, college readiness and academic programs. ▶ S chool ratings don’t distinguish between various student subgroups such as English language fluency, economic status and parent education. The article includes a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask and things to consider, ready to be printed to take with you on your school meetings and

visits! Ultimately, it is important to realize that school ratings do not guarantee success and happiness for children. School choice is too important a decision and investment to be based on a single number. It is important to visit the schools, go through your checklist, think about the intangible qualities such as diversity, broad life experience, respect, tolerance, academic programs, support system, and ultimately weigh your findings against your child’s personality traits, strengths, and likes to determine which type of environment will help him or her thrive at their highest potential. Stay tuned for Part 2, which will revolve around my conversations on this topic with Principal Gollias at Marston Middle School and Elizabeth Rush, Academy Coordinator at Clairemont High School. If you would like a print copy of the in-depth article, please send me your request at caroline@redtreerealty. com or call me at 619.808.4804

Caroline is a REALTOR® with Red Tree Realty in Bay Park, and is absolutely passionate about helping people find and sell their homes!

Choose Local First Because Community Matters! TM

www.ChooseLocalFirst.org

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | JUNE 2016 |

I Found a Baby Animal... Now What?

MOVEMENT DANCE FEATURED INSTRUCTOR

V I

n The Midst of Baby Season, San Diego Humane Society Educates On What To Do If You Find Orphaned Kittens Or Wildlife You’ve found a litter of helpless kittens, a baby bird fallen from its nest, or an orphaned opossum in your yard now what? Summer months mean its baby season in San Diego, when breeding among cats and wildlife is at its highest. When coming across these helpless infants, your first instinct might be to snatch them up with the intent to save them. However, San Diego Humane Society is informing the community that there are better ways to be advocates for the animals. “If you find a litter of kittens, more likely than not, mom is nearby watching you and her babies. Kittens and all baby animals have the best chance of survival if they are kept with their mother until weaned,” said Austin Gates, Vice President & Senior Director of the Oceanside Campus for San Diego Humane Society. “Unless they’re in immediate danger, it’s best to watch to see if mom comes back before taking action.” Watch: Assess whether or not the kittens are injured or exposed to harsh elements like direct sunlight or rain. Wait: Kittens are fine to be left alone for a few hours, so wait to see if mom comes back. If mom doesn’t return within six hours, then it’s time to intervene. “We receive more than 3,000 orphaned kittens to our nursery each year. Most of the time, really well-intentioned people bring in a litter for care, but the mama cat may have returned to find her kittens gone,” says Gates. Evaluate: Did mom return? There are things you can do to make life a little easier for her like provide food and water so she doesn’t have to leave her babies. However, leaving food out for too long can attract predators, so place it a safe distance away from the kittens and don’t leave it out for more than two hours. If mom did not return, you can: · Become a foster parent! San Diego Humane Society provides the training, supplies and medical support necessary to care for the orphaned kittens until they are old enough to be adopted into a permanent home. · Make an appointment at your local shelter to relinquish the litter of kittens. San Diego Humane Society has a kitten nursery and team of foster volunteers specially trained to care for orphaned kittens. “We rely on the community to be advocates for wildlife too,” says Jessica Des Lauriers, Senior Director of the San Diego Campus and Project Wildlife. “We’re currently taking in an average of 50 baby wildlife each day, which all need immediate medical intervention and care. Sometimes that baby bird on the ground is simply learning how to fly, so unless the animal is injured or orphaned, wildlife should be left alone. Knowing what to look for is the best thing we can do to protect San Diego’s diverse wildlife population.” For guidelines on what to do if you find baby wildlife, visit Project Wildlife’s resource page at www. projectwildlife.org/wildlife.php#coexist. For more details on caring for an orphaned kitten, see San Diego Humane Society’s Orphaned Kitten Care Guidelines at www.sdhumane.org/what-we-do/resources/found-a-kitten

iviana Alcazar-Haynes is one of The Movement's most sought after instructors. Originally from El Centro, CA she began dancing at an early age of 7. Trained mainly in Hip Hop and Modern; she danced for hip hop companies Funkanometry and Mavyn in Los Angeles area . Her technical training began while she was attending the California State University Long Beach. It was there that she received a B.A in Dance while training in Ballet and Modern with Keith Johnson, Susan McClain, Sophie Monet and Lorin Johnson. During her time at Csulb she began choreographing various works that were showcased at the 07’ American College Dance Festival Association in Missoula, Montana. Since moving back to San Diego Viviana has been an active part of the Dance Community creating original pieces shown at Sushi 4×4, 2009 Celebrate Dance Festival, 2010 Brand Library Series in Los Angeles, 2012 Vine Summer Dance Series, and for the local performance series of “San Diego Dances.” Viviana has danced locally with the PGK dance project for the last 4 years. While dancing with the PGK Project she performed in local San Diego venues, a 5 city tour in Florida, Boston Center for the Arts, Belize international festival of Dance, and in New York city’s APAP showcase at the Alvin Ailey CitiCorp theater. Other performances include Malashock Raw 2, Jean Issacs’ Trolley Dances, guest work with Maria Gillespie of Oni Dance, original works by Gabe Mason, Somebodies Dance, Blythe Barton, AMRD, Youturn , Outreach Dance for Make a Wish, 2013 TEDx conference and the 2014 AIGA Design Conference. Viviana is currently a Dance Teaching Artist for Young Audiences, San Diego Unified School District, The Movement Dance Center and is the owner of Heart2art offering educational dance training in Coronado. Viviana was awarded 2012 Teaching Artist of the Year with Young Audiences. At The Movement, Viviana teaches modern and creative movement and is also an award winning choreographer for The Movment's Ensemble Team.

www.themovementdancecenter.com

(619) 276-MOVE (6683)

| JUNE 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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