HILLCREST NEWS APRIL 2016

HILLCREST NEWS

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A Positive Community Newspaper Created by Locals, for Locals, Supporting Local Businesses Vol. 25 No. 4 April 2016

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Hillcrest Farmers Market

WHAT’S INSIDE?

SAN DIEGO’S MULTICULTURAL EPICENTER TRUST Puts Good Faith into Food Bringing a chef-driven food infusion to Hillcrest is TRUST Restaurant, which debuted Feb. 10 at the corner of Park and Robinson as the anchor tenant in Jonathan Segal’s recently completed “Mr. Robinson” building (another ground floor space will be filled by a coffee and crepe cafe). PAGE 2

Library Explores LGBT History Love Library at SDSU has been awarded a $10,000 grant from California Humanities for its project — “OUT on the Left Coast: San Diego LGBT History.” Community Stories is a competitive grant program of California Humanities, a nonprofit that promotes the humanities in California. PAGE 24

Luchia Lokonyen helps customers at her produce stand.

Anyone in doubt or unaware of the rich multicultural makeup of San Diego would certainly delight in the omnipresent variety of the Hillcrest Farmers Market. Since its 1997 inception, the market has grown to include 175 vendors, many of them specializing in the cultivation and sales of organic produce while others provide an array of arts and crafts, flowers, baked goods, and even international clothing.

Read Alex Cohen’s story on on PAGE 22

Gay Men’s Chorus Stages “California Dreamin’’ The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus premieres its highly anticipated new show, “California Dreamin’,” at the historic Balboa Theatre on April 23 and 24. PG. 24

CONTACT US EDITORIAL/LETTERS

Manny Cruz manny@sandiegometro.com Heather Allen, owner of Oh Lavache (with her mother, Christine Gee), is shown with Jed Stevens, a customer.

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SEE PAGE 12 FOR MY ASK THE EXPERT ADVICE! Dave Dennis Ascent Real Estate CA BRE #01343870 • Dave@DaveDennisRealEstate.com • (619) 987-9484

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BUSINESS

| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Taking Care of Business Hillcrest Business Association keeps the pink flame burning bright Hillcrest. Most San Diegan know it as the hot burning center of fabulousness with its neon pink sign, quirky shops, and gay bars. Who doesn’t love Taste of Hillcrest in April, the Pride Festival in July, and CityFest in August?

Okay, maybe some crazy parishioners from Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas and angry Trump voters in Fallbrook, but the sane world totally digs Hillcrest.

Behind the scenes, it takes a great deal to keep that pink flame burning bright. Much of this work is supported by the Hillcrest Business Association, which represents the 1,300 businesses in the area, including boutique dining, vintage shops, health services, and community centers. “Hillcrest is one of the most diverse communities, culturally and in terms of opinion and discussion,” says Ben Nicholls, who has served as executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association for the past seven years.

“Both our residents and businesses are always on the cutting edge of trends and constantly reinventing themselves in creative ways.” He says the area is a great blend of old and new, like long-standing dining spots Urban Mo’s and Crest Café, and newer eateries like Snooze and Lemonade.

Nicholls says Hillcrest businesses support the community like no other. “When Hillcrest needed funds

for the Pride flag and monument at The Center, businesses came together to raise money on their own. He says the area is also expanding its Clean & Safe program, which is modeled after the Downtown effort to beautify the area and provide services to residents.

Benjamin Nicholls has been executive director of the Hillcrest Business Association for the past seven years.

“We have a cleaning route that happens every day, plus a hotline where people can call to report issues,” he says. Also Safety Ambassadors patrol the streets to deter crime and engage with the homeless.

The officers aren’t simply trying to shuffle off the homeless, but hoping to connect them with services like shelters, job training programs, and showers.

Hillcrest has its challenges as well.

COMING&GOING

Nicholls laments the fact that there’s no new development in the area while surrounding neighborhoods like Bankers Hill and Mission Hills are creating new residential and retail space. What’s worse, Nicholls says, is the city of San Diego is considering designating the center of Hillcrest an historic district, which he says would “lock up development.”

Nicholls says the lack of new development and capital improvement is the result of older buildings with dated wiring and structural issues being unable to attract new, longterm, quality businesses. If the city plan is successful, Nicholls fears University Avenue would start to look more like Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach with “junky stores and taco stands because that’s who can operate a business in these buildings.”

In addition to new commercial development, Nicholls says he would also like to see more new housing in the area to attract young families.

Even with its unique set of challenges, there’s no better place to work and play than Hillcrest. “This is an area of creativity and diversity, and when you’re here, you just feel the genuine community energy,” says Nicholls. “We were the first community to create a farmer’s market and the first with mixed-use space. People should look to Hillcrest for new ideas.”

BY JENNIFER COBURN

Urban Mo’s Bar and Grill is a favorite watering-hole for the LGBT community, providing a good time any time of day.

Snooze is one of the newer Hillcrest eateries.

Hillcrest Poutine Shop Mess Royale TRUST Restaurant Puts Good Faith into Food & Hillcrest Closes; New Locations Studied

Interior of the restaurant. (Photo by Lyudmila Zotova) Bringing a chef-driven food infusion to Hillcrest is TRUST Restaurant, which debuted Feb. 10 at the corner of Park and Robinson as the anchor tenant in Jonathan Segal’s recently completed “Mr. Robinson” building (another ground floor space will be filled by a coffee and crepe cafe).

The 2,687-square-foot restaurant is the first solo project for executive chef Brad Wise and general manager Steven Schwob, who both spent close to a decade with local hospi-

tality group Eat.Drink.Sleep.

(Tower23, Belmont Park).

Wise and Schwob worked with Segal to develop the space from the bottom up, making sure the mid century-inspired design included their ideal restaurant components; for Wise, it was an open kitchen that features a wood grill and for Schwob, having a spacious outdoor patio (1,300-square-feet) was key.

The restaurateurs, who tell Eater that they plan on opening multiple concepts in San Diego, say that they

BY CANDICE WOO | SAN DIEGO EATER

chose to locate TRUST in Mr. Robinson to provide Hillcrest with a fresh food option and because the location’s proximity to other neighborhoods, including North Park and University Heights, should make it a good launch pad for an evening out or an attractive place to cap off a night.

Wise shared that his “urban rustic food” menu is built the way he likes to cook and eat, offering a variety of affordable, shareable plates centered around seasonal ingredients. He plans on swapping out dishes on the regular, and doing major menu refreshes quarterly.

The beverage program from bar manager Juan Sanchez (Kettner Exchange) includes a global wine list, eight craft beer taps and a cocktail menu that mixes modern takes on the classics with a few original concoctions.

Open nightly at 5 p.m. for dinner and serving weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, TRUST will also offer a 5 to 6 p.m. weekday happy hour with $5 cocktails, wine and draft beer.

Mess Royale, the Montreal-inspired eatery that opened in Hillcrest last April and specialized in iconic Canadian eats, from wood oven baked bagels to variations on gravy and cheese curdtopped poutine, closed down on March 6.

Owner Hugo Tassone told Eater that he is currently considering several new locations, and hopes to reopen Mess Royale by summer 2016 in a different neighborhood that’s more densely packed with bars, where the eatery can develop a late-night business. Until then, Mess Royale will continue to be

a vendor at the Valley View Casino Center (Sports Arena).

Location Matters’ Mike Spilky, who facilitated the sale of the University Avenue space to a yet-undisclosed new restaurant tenant said, “It’s a shame that Mess Royale did not garner enough of a customer base in this location to see it through as a long-term business model. There were plenty of very loyal customers, just not enough; the eatery will be looking for another spot in more of a bar-crawl area like Pacific Beach or North Park.”

Mess Royale shut down on March 6.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Join us on a Culinary Adventure at Taste of Hillcrest San Diego’s original neighborhood food experience

Save the date for Saturday, April 16 as San Diego’s most fabulous neighborhood dishes up its most delectable event of the season with an international twist, the Annual Taste of Hillcrest. From noon to 4:00 p.m., high-esteemed chefs will show off their mouthwatering specialties as food lovers and connoisseurs sample each bite and travel the streets on a self-guided culinary world tour.

With a wide selection of establishments to choose from, Taste of Hillcrest will feature over 35 restaurants specializing in different types of international cuisines. Treat yourself to comfort foods and delicacies from countries around the world such as Thailand, Korea, India, Mexico, Middle East, and much more.

Activate all of the senses by taking in the sounds and capturing moments at iconic Hillcrest art installations, while salivating over fresh seafood, sushi, spicy Thai, delicious pastas and feel-good classics.

“We are very excited about the 2016 Taste of Hillcrest,” said Hillcrest Business Association Executive Director Benjamin Nicholls. “It’s the perfect place to experience a unique culinary adventure and enjoy an afternoon here in San Diego’s finest neighborhood.”

While partaking of the savory sampling, be sure to save room for a glass of Stella Artois and refined desserts from a wide range of Hillcrest eateries.

Bring your appetite to what promises to be, once-again, a sellout event. Tickets for this fabulous food festival are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. All proceeds will benefit the Hillcrest Business Association.

For more information, to purchase tickets and a complete list of participating restaurants, please visit www.fabuloushillcrest.com, or call 619-299-3330.

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MUSIC

| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MUSIC HOPPIN’ Adams Avenue Unplugged puts music on your plate Adams Avenue Unplugged is like a 2-milelong walkabout, but with music as the principal commodity.

The annual music fest takes place this year on the weekend of April 30 and May 1 along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue, from University Heights on the west through Normal Heights and into parts of Kensington to the east.

There will be 150 live musical performances.

Unlike many other festivals, where performers play on outside stages, these performers will do their musical numbers inside restaurants, bars, coffee houses and galleries.

“Being able to pair the Avenue’s unique dining and drinking establishments, each with their own special ambiances and selections, with free musical performances, makes Adams Avenue the place to be on the last weekend of April,” says the sponsoring Adams Avenue Business Association on its website. “The AABA hopes to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture.”

Performances will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The business association says some artists will be playing multiple sets, allowing attendees more opportunity to see and hear their favorite performers.

Here’s biographical information on some of the performers, courtesy of the Adams Avenue Business Association:

Sam Outlaw

“The music I play, I call ‘SoCal country,’” says Outlaw. “It’s country music but with a Southern California spirit to it. What is it about Southern California that gives it that spirit, I don’t exactly know. But there’s an idea that I like that says — every song, even happy songs, are written from a place of sadness. If there’s a special sadness to Southern California it’s that there’s an abiding shadow of loss of what used to be. But then, like with any place, you have a resilient optimism as well.”

and “Love and Theft”) and John Hammond (“Wicked Grin”). Echoes of the Meyers’ style and sound can be heard in the music of the Doors, the Kinks, the Animals as well as the Beatles, just to name a few.

Rolling out of San Antonio, Texas in the early ’60s, the Sir Douglas Quintet, a musical partnership formed with Doug Sahm, brought such hit tunes as “Mendocino” and “She’s About a Mover.” Fusing Tex-Mex, Conjunto and soulful rock along with the power of Meyers’ distinctive Vox organ, is an impact still being felt in rock ‘n’ roll today.

There will be a cover charge at the Kensington Club for Augie Meyers’ performance

Augie Meyers’ style and his Vox Continental has become one of music’s most distinctive keyboard sounds around. Augie can be heard with the Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornados, Meyers’ solo efforts as well as on landmark albums by Bob Dylan (”Time Out of Mind”

of metaphors from math, physics, biology, the supernatural, comic books, Tibetan Buddhism, and role-playing games, at coffeehouses and science fiction conventions.”

Enter the Blue Sky

Birdy and the Bow Tie

The Cactus Blossoms

“When my brother (Page Burkum) and I started making music as The Cactus Blossoms, there wasn’t a big plan,” says Jack Torrey. “We cut our teeth performing some well known and obscure country songs that were popular or unpopular pre-1960, partly out of curiosity and deep appreciation, but mostly because it was fun. Early on we were given a residency at the Turf Club in St. Paul, Minn. We got a band together and it became our weekly practice-in-public where we would pull out every song we could think of, no matter how well we knew it. It was our first chance to play all night and do whatever we wanted. Over the course of our year and a half at the Turf Club our repertoire had snowballed into an amalgam of original songs and a bunch of gut wrenching, tongue-in-cheek heartbreakers, that were 30 years older than us. Not everyone could tell what was new and what was old, and it didn’t really matter. People just seemed to enjoy it. That’s when the wheel got going and gave the illusion of spinning backwards.

We weren’t born in the wrong era. We just got into some music from a different era and found a way to make it our own.”

Allison Lonsdale Augie Meyers

ALSO PERFORMING

“I am a singer-songwriter guitarist,” says Lonsdale. “I’ve been doing this since I was 12, and doing it competently since I was 16. I performed with San Diego Celtic folk band The Wild Oats (not to be confused with the Wild Oats band from the UK) during the 1990s and started performing solo in 1999. I play my original songs about sex, science and God, full

Birdy and the Bow Tie are inspired by early 20th century music, particularly vintage jazz from the 1920s through the 1940s. The duo’s appealing sound is a mix of Alison Marae’s contralto vocals and cheery ukulele with Wil Forbis’ tasty lead guitar and jazzy scat. Thrown into live shows are dreamy harmonies, soft shoe percussion and scat solos. The duo plays vintage acoustic jazz, swing, blues and originals inspired by generations past.

The duo hosts community ukulele events and workshops, where people gather to strum and sing along to different ukulele songbooks that they’ve arranged. They also teach ukulele, guitar, voice and piano out of their home studio in San Diego.

Fanny of Fanny and the Atta Boys

Juju Satori

Nathan and Jessie

Britt Doehring

“My name is Brittney Marie Doehring but most just call me Britt. I am 23 years old. I’m caught in between wanting time to slow down and being excited to enter into a new phase of my life. My life… blessed is the most appropriate adjective I can think of to describe it.

Whenever I couldn’t fall asleep when I was younger, my mom always used to tell me to try to count my blessings. Of course, I could never possibly do that which always ended up putting me right to sleep. Safe to say, my mom’s a smart woman. Music is where my heart’s been all my life and I doubt that anything will ever change that. My parents have home videos of me at around age three singing my little heart out to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”.I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. I learned to play the guitar when I was fourteen. It started as a jealousy thing when my mom got a guitar for her birthday. I ended up stealing it and haven’t been able to put it down since. . . I love to perform for people. It’s my absolute favorite feeling in the whole world to bring a smile to a face that was once frowning or bring a tear to someone’s eye.”

Robin Henkel

Christie Huff

Sara Petite Band

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

BUSINESS

Survey Shows Small Banks Providing Better Rates They’re also gaining young customers

BY JEFF MILCHEN

Celebrate Independent Bookstores April 30, 2016 marks celebrations of independent bookstores in both the U.S. (Independent Bookstore Day) and Canada (Authors for Indies).

You might think economies of scale and ongoing federal subsidies to the megabanks would mean they’d price services lower than community banks. Yet MoneyRate.com’s latest semiannual survey found small banks (holding $5 billion or less in deposits) were far more likely to offer totally free personal checking accounts than big banks (more than $10 billion in deposits).

Thirty-one percent of small banks surveyed provide this benefit, compared to 17.5 percent of big banks. Mid-sized banks ($5 – $10 billion) fell in-between at 28 percent.

And among banks charging monthly checking fees, small and medium-sized banks charged far less — $11.50 compared to $15.15 at big banks.

Ten banks and thrifts in each of 25 large U.S. metropolitan markets were included in the survey, conducted during July-August of 2015.

Using your bank card at a non-network ATM always comes with a fee these days, but the charge again varies with bank size. The big banks capture nearly 6 percent more in ATM fees than small banks from non-customers, and they charge account holders using out-of-network ATMs about 17 percent more for the service.

Mid-sized banks again fell between. You may find community banks offer unexpected value in this realm, too. Needham Bank (MA), one of just two we contacted for this story, not only offers free checking with no minimum balance, but also automatically reimburses customers for ATM fees charged by other banks! Vice President

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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Eric Morse notes this is possible only because Needham is a mutual bank whose shareholders also are customers.

Despite the largest banks controlling more assets than ever before, the value and service smaller banks provide may be starting to pay off.

According to Accenture Plc, community banks saw a 5-percent increase in account holders aged 18 to 34, while credit unions gained 3 percent.

At the same time, large national and regional banking chains lost 16 percent of their millennial-age clients.

“Customers appreciate the personal attention they find at community banks, even if younger customers choose to do most day-to-day transactions online,” said one bank president. “The personal attention can’t be replaced.”

Of course, there are many other reasons to seek out community financial institutions rather than a megabank. You’ll likely receive more personal service, enable more loans to help local entrepreneurs and keep decision-making power rooted in your community.

Bob Marino of BankLocal, an online tool that measures the local economic impact of U.S. banks, noted, “our data demonstrate that smaller banks and credit unions lend substantially more to small businesses. And when you bank locally, a much larger portion of your deposit is reinvested back into your community.”

Jeff Milchen is co-director of the American Independent Business Alliance.

How SCORE Helps San Diego’s Small Businesses Succeed

BY SALLY BROFF

When one thinks about what drives the economy of San Diego County, the highly visible contributions of defense, biotech, medical, communications technology and tourism quickly come to mind. Small business is often overlooked, possibly because the products and services provided by these entrepreneurs are such an integral element in the fabric of the region.

Starting and operating a small business carries the same risks, rewards, challenges and dynamics as major corporations or industries, but without the benefit of the size, scale, and resources enjoyed by the big players. That’s why SCORE was established here 50 years ago.

SCORE is a national nonprofit volunteer organization with a clear mission: Use the hands-on business experience of our members to help small business owners succeed. SCORE is a resource partner of the Small Business Administration with 320 chapters and 11,000 volunteers across the country. The national organization started in 1964.

What does SCORE’s mission look like in practical term in San Diego?

Let’s imagine that you are thinking about starting an apparel business or are looking for advice on how to market to premium customers. Would it be valuable for you to get advice from someone who was one of the original six employees of Tommy Bahama?

Interested in doing business with the government? One of our mentors sits on the board of the major supplier council and can guide you through DUNS numbers, NAICS, CCR, ORCA, and the other acronyms used in that world to develop plans and make contacts.

Are you more comfortable discussing your business needs in Spanish, or want advice from someone who has experience in Mexico? SCORE has bilingual mentors who have operated businesses on both sides of the border.

Financial questions? Applying for a SBA loan?

How about meeting with a former Big Eight accounting firm partner, or an officer of a bank that served the needs of small businesses every day?

That’s a snapshot of who SCORE is in San Diego County—90 volunteers, a mix of women and men,

current and retired business owners and corporate executives, and a selection of ages spanning six decades. Collectively, the members have worked in virtually every industry and can share experience in all business functions.

SCORE volunteers are busy. During 2015 SCORE San Diego worked with 9,091 in mentoring sessions and workshops, and played a role in starting 751 new businesses and creating 1,044 jobs, according to research conducted for the SCORE Foundation by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Counseling is free, confidential, and customized to the needs of the client.

“Having SCORE as an on-call resource has been incredibly important as my business successfully evolved over several years from an idea, through prototypes and manufacturing to active sales,” says Yana Mohanty, founder of Geometiles, an innovative tool for math education. “I use SCORE mentors for reality checks and regular advice and specialized topics including manufacturing, finance, packaging, and sales and marketing. They are consistently accessible and helpful.”

SCORE also presents workshops on about 40 topics, ranging from exploring the basic question “Do you really want to start a business?” to topics including how to write a business plan, tax considerations for small businesses, intellectual property, and tools like QuickBooks. There are five workshops on different aspects of the wild world of e-commerce and social media.

SCORE San Diego is celebrating its 50th anniversary by telling the success stories of its clients who have contributed so much to San Diego County’s vibrant small business community and the region’s economy. If you can benefit from SCORE’s unique and valuable approach to business success, or think SCORE would be a great volunteer opportunity, please visit www.sandiego.score.org or call us at (619) 557-7272.

Sally Broff is president of SCORE San Diego. She has 35 years of experience in the electronics industry.

This opinion piece originally appeared in Times of San Diego.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Automotive Museum Opens ‘British Invasion’ Auto Exhibit

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

PHOTOS BY PAUL BRANDES

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

The San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park has opened its new exhibit -- The British Invasion.

The exhibit, which runs until May 31, highlights British automotive manufacturing since the 1930s. The exhibit is enhanced with the cultural impact the British have also had on our fashion, music, and literature (the Beatles, Harry Potter, Twiggy, Downton Abbey, and such.)

Featured in the exhibit: a 1933 Austin Seven, 1937 MG VA Tourer, 1939 Lagonda V12, 1948 Bentley (prototype), 1950 Jaguar Mark V Saloon, 1951 Jowett Jupiter, 1953 Jaguar XK 120, 1955 Triumph TR2, 1958 Austin A35, 1967 Austin Mini Cooper S, 1967 Austin London Cab FX4, 1967 Rolls Royce Phantom V,

1969 Jaguar E Type OTS, 1970 Morgan 4/4 1600, 1971 Jenson Interceptor, 1972 TVR Vixen, and a 2005 Aston Martin.

The London taxi was owned and driven by Frank Sinatra. The Rolls Royce Phantom was used by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Grace of Monaco, and several American astronauts.

The museum’s annual fundraiser is centered on this exhibit. That event will be Saturday, March 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. Call (619) 398-0301 for information or tickets.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices are: $9.00 for adults, $6 for seniors (65 and over), $5 students with ID, $4 children ages 6 –15. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free of charge.

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

Natural History Museum Chooses Smithsonian Veteran as New CEO The San Diego Natural History Museum has selected a 30-year veteran of the Smithsonian Institution and a native Californian to become its new president and CEO. Judith Gradwohl, the MacMillan asssociate director for education and public engagement at the National Museum of American History — the Smithsonian’s third largest museum — will assume the job on July 1, the start of the museum’s fiscal year.

Gradwohl will replace Michael “Mick” Hager, who will retire June 30 after 25 years at the helm of the museum.

“TheNAT is a gem -- it has superb staff and collections and is the best possible visitor center for the natural world in San Diego County and Baja,” said Gradwohl.

“This role is a perfect fit, as it brings together my work in field biology, environmental conservation, digital outreach, education, and museum

management at the Smithsonian.”

Gradwohl has held various leadership positions within the Smithsonian Institution. In 1985, she started at the National Zoo focusing on animal behavioral research, education, and exhibits, and then went on to establish the Smithsonian’s Office of Environmental Awareness where she curated large traveling exhibitions and raised major funding toward operations and projects.

Gradwohl developed the Smithsonian’s first exhibition website, after which she joined the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian’s third largest museum. There, she supervised the development of the museum’s web presence and, in 2004, became part of the senior leadership team, assuming her most recent role.

Judy Gradwohl will assume the post of president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum on July 1.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MUSIC

Local Musicians Mourn Loss of Jazz Legend Joe Marillo

BY BART MENDOZA

Joe Marillo performing at the 2003 San Diego Music Awards.

San Diego has many wonderful musicians living in its midst, but few have had the impact on our local community as saxophonist Joe Marillo, who passed away on March 26 at age 83. He had been battling cancer.

Marillo, who lived in Normal Heights, was far more than a musician; he was a catalyst, a promoter, bringing together musicians and music fans and in the process helping to create this city’s jazz scene. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor to hundreds of local musicians. It’s safe to say his legacy will live on in his recordings and filmed appearances but even more so in his students playing.

Marillo moved to San Diego from his native New York in 1974, complete with an already impressive resume. Although known today for his love of jazz, early on Marillo played R&B, first in the Buffalo area with his own band, and then beginning in 1955 with Jimmy Cavallo & The Houserockers. It would be Marillo’s first taste of national fame as he and his band caught the initial wave of rock ’n’ roll and performed for legendary DJ Alan Freed, appearing in his 1956 movie, “Rock, Rock, Rock!” and scoring a recording contract with Coral Records — the same label as Buddy Holly — in the process.

It didn’t take long after his arrival in San Diego for Marillo to become an integral part of the music community, booking national talent at the Catamaran and bringing jazz to venues such as La Jolla’s Elario’s and Chuck’s Steakhouse, helping establish music as a draw locally. He also released several albums on his own and with pianist Mike Wofford, as well as guesting with numerous locals, including playing on several abums by guitarist Buddy Blue, who even recorded a track, “The Joe Marillo Story,” on his 1999 album, “Dipsomania.”

“I met Joe two years ago,” said Joe Flammini, owner of famed coffeehouse Java Joe’s, where Marillo held a residency. “He walked into Java Joe’s one day and said, ‘I want to play here.’ I

Joe Marillo 1932-2016 agreed without even knowing who he was. He had that vibe.” He played a weekly afternoon gig. “I don’t remember which day it was, because he showed up five times a week to practice,” Flammini with a smile. “So every day was a gig for Joe. What did I enjoy about his music? It was his enjoyment when he nailed a song. Which he would often do.”

Marillo was also a mainstay at local jazz venue Dizzy’s. “Joe loved everything about jazz,

the history, the process, the practice and the presentation,” said owner Chuck Perrin. “It’s hard not to like someone as passionate about the music as he was.”

“I got a chance to record Joe Marillo for Buddy Blue’s album, Dipsomania,” said producer Sven Erik Seaholm. “Buddy had gotten quite inspired by the idea that Joe was an amazing jazz musician whose genius had somehow not been given its due. So Buddy wrote a whole

spoken word piece that pretty much hit the bullet points on Joe’s resume, including his appearance in the Alan Freed film and his tenure in Buddy’s own band some years later.”

Blue called up Marillo and very respectfully asked if he would play his saxophone behind his words on the recording. “Not only was Joe totally on board with the concept, but his reply was so cool that Buddy added it into the piece word for word and had Joe speak it on the recording,” Seaholm recalled.

Violinist Jamie Shadowlight worked with Marillo in various projects for many years. “I loved his tone,” she said. “Strong and breathy and very much like Stan Getz. I most admired the fact that he was a totally unique human being, in every way. He was Joe Marillo and there is only one Joe Marillo, He lived outside of the system. He was a challenge and pleasure to work with, a lot of laughs, a lot of personality and a lot of helping others get their start. He was a true character. I met so many musicians through playing with Joe, most notably, Mikan Zlatkovich and Gilbert Castellanos. Joe was always giving people a chance to play.”

“He was history on the hoof,” noted Rebecca Zearing, owner of Rebecca’s Coffeehouse, where Marillo was a regular. “He spoke of Stan Kenton and Miles Davis as friends. He was like Jack Webb on the old ‘Dragnet’ TV show. No bull, just fact. He was a treat for me to talk to and if it was about music and history he was easy. I always loved him the most when he played his saxophone. It was rich, and the instrument looked heavy as heck,” she said.

“When he played sax, he let go and went somewhere else, maybe to his younger days?”

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in sdnews.com, San Diego Community Newspaper Group. Reprinted with permission.

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By Bart Mendoza April 23 Shadowlight: Accompanist of Choice There’s prolific and then there is violinist Jamie Shadowlight, who appears at Java Joe’s On April 23. The sheer number of artists she has performed with is staggering. Gifted at everything from classical to hard rock, in addition to her own groups, Shadowlight has been the accompanist of choice for dozens of performers ranging from jazz heroes Joe Marillo and Gilbert Castellanos to country combo, The Palominos and rocker Joey Harris. A beloved lynchpin of the local music community, this intimate performance at Java Joe’s will confirm that Shadowlight is truly one of San Diego’s musical treasures. www.javajoessd.com Subways

Jamie Shadowlight

May 2 April 24 Celebrate David Bowie’s Music with Holy Holy

Spiders from Mars

The music world is still in mourning over the recent passing of iconic musician David Bowie, so the appearance of tribute group, Holy Holy, at the Music Box on April 24, offers a wonderful opportunity for fans to get together and celebrate his life and music. But this is no mere gathering of players. A true all-star band, on hand will be Woody Woodmansey, original drummer for Bowie’s famed backing band, The Spiders from Mars, as well as famed bassist/producer,Tony Visconti, frontman Glenn Gregory, best known for his work with synthpop combo, Heaven 17, and Terry Edwards, who is a founding member of the UK group, the Higsons. Holy Holy, plays a changing set list that includes hits, but also deep catalog cuts, making this show a Bowie fanatics dream come true. musicboxsd.com

Solid Blend of Punk, Glam Stomp and Powerpop Hooks British rock trio The Subways returns to San Diego for a show at the Casbah on May 2. Touring behind their new, self-titled album, the key to the band’s sound is down to their manic energy and the vocal interplay between guitarist Billy Lunn and bassist Charlotte Cooper resulting in a solid blend of punk, glam stomp and powerpop hooks. The Subways rock hard enough to have been asked to open for AC/DC, but still pack enough hooks into their songs, such as “Good Times,” to appeal to crossover pop listeners. www.casbahmusic.com

April 28 ’60s Rock with a Touch of Punk Energy Rock ‘n’ roll fans will want to check out Gone Baby Gone, appearing at Bar Pink on April 28 on a bill with Bad Kids and Big Bloom. The event celebrates the release of their latest album, “Love Stories,” but it’s live where the band excels, turning in their own cool garage rockers such as “Miss Bossy” alongside occasional covers by the likes of The Animals or Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. Led by Dynamic frontwoman Dizzy Collins, the group is perfect for anyone who likes their ’60s-influenced rock infused with a touch of punk energy. www.barpink.com Modern English Gone Baby Gone

May 17 April 28 Warm Vocals and Cryin’-in-Your-Beer Weepers San Francisco Indie Pop/Americana duo Sugar Ponies performs at Lestat’s on April 28. Touring behind their second album, “Its A Sign,” the pair’s music is built around the warm vocals of Suzanne Kramer, with a broad palette of influences, including a pop edge that matches rock elements to country flourishes, infusing songs such as “Happy Is For Humans,” with melody to spare. Particularly striking is their sparse, crying-in-your-beer weeper, “Give A Girl A Break,” but anywhere you drop the needle on the Sugar Ponies latest will bring up a winner. www.lestatscoffeehouse.com

Sugarponies

Chance to See and Hear Modern English Tunes Live Although relegated to one-hit-wonder status, ’80s new wave favorites Modern English, who appear at the Hideout on May 17 were in truth more of an album band, their dense, guitar-led indie rock sound leading them through four now classic albums in their initial run. Testimony to the power of a great song, their signature tune, “I Melt With You,” actually never charted higher then No. 76 in the U.S., but the ensuing years have seen it become a standard, covered by bands worldwide and heard on soundtracks galore.

Only drummer Richard Brown is missing from the original lineup, which continues to release new music so longtime fans will be thrilled for a chance to see and hear Modern English’s classic tunes live. www.thehideoutsd.wordpress.com

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Hillcrest Physician Earns Fellowship Designation Adams Avenue News Bay Park Connection Clairemont Community News Hillcrest News • IB Local News Ken-TAL News • The Boulevard News North Park News • South Park News

northparknews.biz/digital MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Serving San Diego’s Premier Mid City Communities Chairman/CEO Bob Page BobPage@sandiegometro.com Publisher Rebeca Page RebecaPage@sandiegometro.com Associate Publisher Brad Weber ReachLocals@ MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Editor Manny Cruz Manny@sandiegometro.com Art Director Chris Baker cbaker@sandiegometro.com Marketing/Advertising Brad Weber ReachLocals@ MidCityNewspaperGroup.com -----------------------------Writers/Columnists Bart Mendoza Delle Willett Anna Lee Fleming Sara Wacker

From American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Hillcrest-based physician Dr. Sonya Christianson, the director of inpatient palliative care at Scripps Health, has earned fellow designation from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Christianson received the honor at the academy’s annual meeting in Chicago.

Advancement to fellowship status within the academy recognizes dedication and scholarship in the field of hospice and palliative medicine. It is given to members who have made a significant contribution to advancing the field. The distinction represents a minimum of five years of academy membership and participation in its activities, letters of recommendation and board certification in hospice and palliative medicine.

Palliative care leader

Christianson leads the inpatient palliative care program at Scripps’ five hospital campuses. The program seeks to improve quality of life and relieve suffering for hospitalized patients with serious illnesses. Scripps’ palliative care teams work closely with hospital staff to ensure patients have excellent symptom management and their families are well supported. Outside of the hospital, Scripps also provides palliative care to patients in the outpatient clinic and home settings.

After earning her medical degree from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Christianson completed her family medicine residency training at Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista. She also completed her fellowship training at San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine. She is board certified in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine.

Her medical practice is based in Hillcrest.

Advancing the field

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine includes more than 4,900 members, comprising physicians and other health care professionals committed to improving the care of patients with serious or life-threatening conditions. Since 1988, the academy has supported hospice and palliative medicine through the advancement of clinical practice standards, fostering research, providing education and through public policy advocacy.

Scripps treats more than 600,000 patients annually through 2,600 affiliated physicians and more than 15,000 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, hospice and home health care services, 28 outpatient centers and clinics, and hundreds of physician offices throughout the region.

Dr. Sonja Christianson

Hillcrest’s Park East Apartments Sells for $16.5 Million to Local Buyer

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

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

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

ADDRESS PO Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 PHONE (858) 461-4484 North Park News distributes copies monthly to residents and businesses of North Park, South Park, Golden Hill and Normal Heights.

The entire contents of North Park News is copyrighted, 2015, by REP Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent.

All rights reserved.

Park East Apartments at 111 West Pennsylvania Ave.

The 56-unit Park East Apartments in Hillcrest has sold for $16.5 million to buyer E&B Ranch Properties LLC, a San Diego-based company.

The three-story complex, located at 111 West Pennsylvania Ave., has 36,350 square feet. It was built in 1969 and underwent a major renovation

in 2008.

The unit mix consists of a studio, one- and twobedroom floor plans. There have been interior renovations to 47 of the 56 units -- dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, floating wood laminate floors, floor to ceiling windows and black

granite counter tops. The community amenities feature a pool, barbecue, laundry facility, an outdoor entertaining area, fitness center, outdoor veranda and a clubhouse.

CBRE Arranged the sale. The seller was Klingbeil Capital Management.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

ASK THE EXP PERT

REAL EESTTATE T

Q: My y parents are getting older and they ’re ng their house is too big. Plus, stairs are thinkin ming an issue. A retirement home is out becom of the question so that means buying a smallerr, single i l level place. They ’re really overwhelmed by the whole idea. Any tips to mak ke this process easierr?

Dave Dennis Ascent Real Estate Dave@DaveDennisRealEstate

(619) 987-9484 CA BRE #01343870 Dave Dennis is a Realtor with Ascent Real Estate.

Having helped his parents and many clients with moving, downsizing and all that comes with it; he is uniquely qualified to help people with this often difficult process.

A.

More and more people are aging in place and there are loads of services out there that can help. But for starters, let’s look at three major topics: location, safet e y, and downsizing their

possessions.

Location - Lots of seniors would preffeer not to drive as much so consid der a home close to the market, doctors, and the grandkiids. Is there a small, easy to access shopping center nearby? A cond do complex or over 55 community can also be a great waay to find friends and activities.

Safety - Stairs are one of the biggest reasons seniors start thinking of moving. I’ve seen countless situations where the entire upstairs of a home is unused because it’s too hard to get up there! Choose a single level home with a wide open floor plan. Trransitions from one room to anotherr, and the outdoors, should be flat and smooth. h Rooms that are used the most should be close together. Looking forward, can the home be easily modified to acco ommodate a wheelchair or other accessories?

Moving and Downsizing - Most people don’t like change and upheava v l, especially as we get older. Howeverr, there are things

you can do to greatly ease the pain for your parents. Senior Move Managers are fantastic resources. They handle every last detail from packing and unpacking to selling or donating unwanted items, and working with other family members.

They pack everything careffully, move it and completely unpack down to making the bed, hooking up electronics, hanging photos and making the home look as familiar as possible. This service takes a huge burden off the siblings as well.

I used a Senior Move Manager for my mom. When she moved in, there was music playing, flowers on the table and every single thing was unpacked and put aw waay and neatly organized…even the reffrigeraator. If your parents are selling their home, the fees can come straight from the proceeds of the sale. In some cases, they may be covered or greatly reduced.

Lastly, don’t underestimate how overwhelming this is for your folks. ks I’ve moved a do ozen times since I turned 20 but my parents only had one home for the last 45 years. I can’t emphasize how important it is to work with people you trust… someone who is compassionate and understanding to what seniors are going through.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Expires 4/30/16

Expires 4/30/16

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Living Reef Memorial The green alternative to traditional burials Cremation services and death rates are both experiencing large spikes.

Baby Boomers are going to be the next generation to pass and what will their survivors do with the ashes?

Fewer than 30 percent plan for after-life care and less than that ever plan for the final disposition of the cremation remains. One in six homes has cremation remains that are in storage with no final disposition.

Someone inherited a relatives urn or box of ashes and they sit in storage or on the mantle forever. At what point do these ashes reach a final resting place that meets the needs of the families and gives them closure at a time of mourning? While cremation is on the increase; so is the awareness of the impact we have on our environment.

Industry trends tell us that families are steering away from traditional burial and funerals, mostly due to cost. Another significant factor is that most folks are informed and want to leave this world a better place. Families want to have something that is special and fits the expectations of a meaningful and ecologically sound memorial.

In most situations, families must make a choice of what is best for their loved one in a very short period of

time and during a time of grieving.

There is one company that has found a way to make the decision maker in the family a complete hero with the rest of the family and loved ones. Living Reef Memorial manufactures artificial reefs from those cremation remains. They market their artificial marine habitats as a green alternative to traditional burials. By doing so, they are able to fund a very important coastal habitat restoration project. Any proceeds left over after expenses goes to save endangered sea turtles and they have been doing this since 2002.

The reefs are made using broken sea shells, sand, cremains, and a little bit of concrete to construct. The company has obtained permits to deploy up to 100,000 of these artificial reefs off the Los Coronado Islands which lie in Mexican waters just off the coast and visible from San Diego. Within just a short time after installation onto the sea floor, the reefs absolutely bloom with an abundance of life. This product is not only green but, it is completely permanent and there is no economic motivation to remove, vandalize, or otherwise disturb them.

The cremation remains are molded into an object that resembles habi-

tat of specific endangered species.

After curing for 30 days they are taken on a wind-powered boat and deployed by scuba divers to the ocean floor. The reef is immediately inhabited by small fish and other marine life and within a week, kelp and other marine plant life take hold. In a very short period of time it blooms with abundant marine life.

In a video on youtube and the company’s website you can watch a deployment of one of these reefs and you will notice that there is lots of activity going on around it. A seal playfully does acrobatics while the divers deploy the reef. Native fish peer into the camera and eye the new habitat while large schools of fish swim by. Grandpa is not going to be lonely! He has given back to the earth and the sea at the base of the food chain and will be surrounded by all the marine life that the reef now supports.

Profits from Living Reef Memorials go to The Coastal Preservation Project and fund their Sea Turtle Rescue. So far they have saved over 40,000 endangered sea turtles.

For more information visit www.livingreefmemorial.com or call (800) 569-7333

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MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Panama 66 at Balboa Park is a treat for all the senses

Mixing art, craft beer, culture, and cuisine in a gorgeous outdoor setting, Panama 66 at Balboa Park is a treat for all the senses. Gaze upon the worldly Plaza de Panama or the Sculpture Garden from your courtyard table.

Sip one of 25 locally crafted beers. Listen to quality, live music. Savor their fresh sandwiches and salads made from locally sourced ingredients.

Owned by the dynamic team behind Tiger!Tiger! and Blind Lady Alehouse, Panama 66 is tucked between the Museum of Man and the Sculpture Garden and features all outdoor seating. Tables near the entrance look upon the Plaza de Panama - now a vibrant courtyard full of colorful umbrellas, tables and benches giving it a distinct European flair. At the opposite end of the eclectic space, tables open onto the Sculpture Garden where guests can walk the large grassy area with their beverages and contemplate the works of local artists. The art rich history of Balboa Park is represented well

by Panama 66 with its custom bar designed from sections of the gate surrounding the sculpture garden.

Following in the footsteps of its parent eateries, Panama 66 offers a carefully curated menu of fresh sandwiches and salads featuring locally sourced ingredients. For the craft brew-centric visitor, the beer menu is a diverse blend of excellent local offerings. San Diego's trademark IPA's are well represented but one should

branch out to the world of stately stouts, supple saisons, potent pilsners and other styles.

Don't worry, any of the friendly, beer-knowledgeable staff will help you select your new favorite beer. And if beer is not your thing, custom cocktails and wine are also available.

All in all, Panama 66 blends seamlessly into Balboa Park's cultural fabric. After roaming the grounds or touring museums, I find this is a wonderful place to just sit and watch the world go by.

Panama 66 Adjacent to the Museum of Man panama66.blogspot.com Mondays till 4pm Tuesday - Sunday till 10pm Check online for music schedules and early closures for special events.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Electriquettes Coming to Balboa Park A small fleet of the Electriquettes is coming to Balboa Park in the spring.

The dapper gentleman in the photo is riding an Electriquette, a replica of the same motorized wicker carts widely used during San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The fleet of electric carts was supposed to be introduced to the park for the 2015 Balboa Park centennial celebration, but it, and many other ideas and proposals, fell through when the big civic party infamously imploded.

“The city did take a while to

get the agreement going,” said Kim Keeline, who’s doing the marketing for the Electriquettes. “But we’re thrilled that we’re able to get them to the park now.”

Keeline said the carts, the brainchild of San Diego developer Sandy Shapery, will be available for the public to rent out possibly as soon as March.

She said folks will only be allowed to cruise up and down El Prado pedestrian walkway and on the sidewalks in front of the Botanical Building. For now, a ride on one of the carts will cost you $10 for 15 min-

utes or $25 for an hour.

Part of the delayed roll-out of the carts was because the city had to put out a public request for proposals for “battery-powered wicker cart concessions.” It released the request last March and — big surprise — Shapery was the only one to respond.

Keeline said the carts, designed by architect and historian David Marshall to be historically accurate, were quite popular during the PanamaCalifornia Exposition.

“So, we hope they’ll be as popular today,” she said.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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unnels, u i ted the Cu Chi T igon. Visi Sa al riv ar t gh Fli / s. A private Sa S igon tore their supplie Jan 24 ~ Jan 27 / am hide and sto rly to s Ea E ce ~ r bserve ob f fo rt sta my e lta ne ent from th Mekong De to used by former en idence h beautiful lush k k VIP treatm e id res along s ’ g 20 rin 19 de er an rm fo me a while Jan b mmodation, setting, w com r ac gle fo r jun us ou to ed e iti apers ay oin cr jo , aw r ys d owne hi k city with sk arriva quaint villages in 2009 David, the tel in 2 day, vibrant, sprawling ho a ee l fr f is g the tifu is n th ein igo b Se On .

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EDUCATION

Changing the Future

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

19

BY ANTHONY KING

Helen Griffith leads the ‘most innovative’ high school in San Diego’s Central Library

The e3 classrooms promote discussion. This room shows small-group tables, while others can be arranged in more traditional classroom style.

Helen Griffith had little interest in a career in education when she came to the UC San Diego campus as a transfer student. There was no way, she said, she would work around the clock like her mother did as a teacher and principal.

But one thing stuck: a passion for reading and, hand-in-hand, libraries. She grew up loving the iconic Geisel library at UC San Diego.

Even as an adult, there is something about the learning possibilities offered by a library that excite Griffith. Today, the 1981 Department of Communication graduate is the founding and current executive director of e3 Civic High School — located, ironically, in the unique and beautiful Dr. Helen Griffith, UC San Diego Department of Communication alumna 1981, now heads e3 San Diego Central Library Downtown.

Also the founding principal of Millennial Tech Civic High School.

Middle School, Griffith reflected on how she made it to where she is now, balanced on a foundation she built at UC San Diego: “The experience that I had as an undergraduate student gave me the strongest base, especially in communication, to go anywhere. It also provided me with a strong, strong base that I was able to later go to graduate school and be successful.”

Elizabeth Norby, left, shows Helen Griffith artwork Norby created to represent an element on the periodic table.

Students Monica Randolph, left, and Tracy Ray study in the high school’s common area, called ‘the park.’

Finding Passion

Innovation at its Core

In 2015, the charter high school Griffith directs was named to the first “Most Innovative K-12 Schools in America” list by Noodle, a website that provides educational resources to families. Noodle examined 140,000 schools to come up with its list, honoring those with “visionary methodologies” who challenge “well-established notions” of education, the site says.

“Innovation means doing whatever’s necessary to meet the end result and not being tied to the old way of doing business, but also being free to incorporate the old way if it meets the goal,” Griffith said. “Innovation to me really is thinking about, by any means necessary, achieving the goals for the students.”

The school was recognized, in part, because it is located within the Downtown library. It sits on the sixth and seventh floors, with a separate, private entrance, and Griffith calls the library the school’s “chief partner.” Not only does the location give these students fingertip access to a worldclass system, but it also serves as a partner for cutting-edge technology initiatives: for example, students are helping to test an augmented reality program, for example, as well as training and working in computer program internships.

What’s more, Griffith and the e3 Civic High faculty are teaching these kids to change the world.

“Within everything that we do, we try to weave in an element of civic engagement, giving back and leadership,” Griffith said, who was named

e3 Civic High School is located in the Downtown San Dieo Central Library, helping to earn it a ‘Most Innovative School’ honor.

one of San Diego’s 50 people to watch in 2013

by San Diego Magazine. Among her other honors are the 2010 – 2011 Educator of the Year award from the California League of Middle Schools and the 2007 Outstanding African-American Educator of the Year from Pi Delta Kappa.

“In our project-based learning, there’s always an element of giving back,” Griffith said. “There’s this relevance — this authenticity — that we like to build in. It’s not a college requirement for service; it’s a way of life.”

Representing STEAM

With a goal of providing an education alternative for the downtown San Diego core, e3 Civic High School enrolls students primarily from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Almost 90 percent of the students are of color and 77 percent are below the poverty level, Griffith said. With a curriculum focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — STEAM, not just STEM— the school has grand plans.

“We want to create the next generation of underrepresented students and female students in the STEAM professions,” she said matter-of-

assessment.

“We were attracted to the school because it was a bit different from other high schools,” Yu said.

The medical students also recognized that Griffith was a strong advocate for her students Now a fourth-year medical student having completed the clinical foundations course, Yu returns to e3 on her own time to tutor students in math. She said she hopes to work with underserved populations in the future, including at-risk youth.

“The administration wants to ensure that these [high school] students have the tools to succeed after graduation, and this includes planning, leadership and critical problem solving skills,” Yu said.

“Above all else, they support each and every individual student in achieving their dreams.”

Griffith has the option to take the community assessment findings and apply them directly to her school, similar to what she did with the curriculum from the first interaction with Yu and Egnatios that addressed nutrition and health, bullying, gender inequality and the communication that divides teens, among others. The high school students participated in a School of Medicineled “Doc for a Day” program, and even came to campus for a behind-the-scenes look at the school. Griffith said she hopes to have an e3 Civic High graduate as a UC San Diego med student one day.

“Our vision is really to put [students] in their place of passion. Not everybody’s going to be a teacher, or an executive director, or a principal, or an author, but if that’s what gives you pleasure and drive and passion, then you need to be there,” Griffith said. “We need to create the fertile ground by which they can grow and thrive.”

So far, the results have been phenomenal, she said. Now in their third year, the first graduating class will get their high school diplomas this year: more than 70 students who took a gigantic leap of faith in 10th grade to come to a charter school with no history. Griffith said that at the time, she and the team were “selling a promise” to the children and their families.

When that first group of students arrived at e3 they were, for the most part, doing poorly in their classes, with some outright failing. But Griffith said her school provided a place for students looking for a second, or better, chance.

“To see how they are thriving, speaking, performing, communicating, creating and owning their selves,” she said of those original students.

“They are taking ownership for their future.”

factly.

It’s not just talk. Griffith can discuss any number of ways they are innovating the way these students interact with the arts and sciences. They have a robotics program, a Central Libraryfocused partnership in computer programming, a mentoring program with engineers in the community and a multiple-year project with the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

UC San Diego medical school students Denise Yu and Jeremy Egnatios initially developed and helped secure the partnership with Griffith three years ago. The pair worked closely with Griffith and her students, ultimately providing a “Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Living” curriculum to implement. Based on the success with Yu and Egnatios, the relationship was then incorporated into the School of Medicine’s clinical foundations course.

One of the concepts for the course itself is for the School of Medicine Academic Communities to engage with outside, non-UC San Diego communities to look at social determinants of health, environmental and occupational health, cultural humility, and disparities. In this instance, groups From UC San Diego News Center — Photos of medical students engage with several high schools in the region to perform a community by Erika Johnson/University Communications)

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

FUN & GAMES

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by April 25th.

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21

Farm to Table – Local Organic Farm Fresh Produce

Bulk Foods Section

Everything in the market was family designed.

For 50 years and three generations, the Stehly family has farmed with hard work and love. For the past 15 years, their passion for growing organic food is seen in the smiles and faces of brothers Jerome and Noel Stehly.

Recently I met with Jerome Stehly, to talk about the history and the goals of the family farm in Valley Center. He invited me to join him in the restaurant section of their beautiful new grocery store on Adams Avenue in Kensington.

The corner building which houses the Stehly Farms Market, is newly built and has never before been occupied . . . rather like a blank canvas upon which the artist can paint and create.

The “artists” in this case are Jerome and Noel. The specific tone of paint for the ceiling, different shade for the walls, the type of lighting, the construction of shelving and aisle units, are all family designed and built. As Jerome says, “farmers today have to know how to do everything!” The result is a store with a warm, friendly ambiance, much like shops I have seen in Paris. The artistic way the vegetables and fruit are stacked on the shelves ,

the beautifully prepared food to take out or eat on the premises, visually draws the customer in . . . like a beautiful painting.

I asked him what his favorite part of the entire store was: “The kitchen,” he laughed. “I taste everything first! Food is a fun thing to play with . . . it can be beautiful and it appeals to four senses. I love to cook!” He did admit, however, that he cooks very little now, because his wife rules the kitchen at home.

Stehly’s other market at 1231 Morena Blvd, San Diego, has the same excellent organic produce and products, but you have visit Kensington to enjoy their restaurant.

Since graduating from culinary school, Stehly’s Executive Chef, Craig Madden, has worked at four restaurants in Kensington and as a sous chef at a fine dining restaurant in Rancho Bernardo. This is where Jerome discovered him, and brought him back to Kensington, much to everyone’s delight. “We have a ‘from scratch’ kitchen, everything is prepared by hand,” Craig informed me, and also added that the food selections are his personal creations.

Chef Madden is planning to have demonstrations and cooking classes. The first demon-

Executive Chef Craig Madden

Entrees, Sandwiches, Salads

BY HEATHER R. FRIEDMAN

Fresh Organic Produce

stration will be with their family-made Meyer Lemon Preserves and a class for pickling cucumbers at home. More recipes? Ask the chef. He will be delighted to talk with you.

Inside Stehly Farm’s organic, gourmet market, you will find not only fresh foods but also aisles of canned, boxed, frozen, and packaged items. They have everything and anything that you could want, from specialty chocolate bars to bulk seeds and grains, from pasta and cheeses to beverages and breads. It is all here.

Stehly Farms has been very planet conscious for some time, not only on the farm but also energy efficient in the store. I asked Jerome about the changes in the history of Stehly Farms.

“Originally we were egg farmers, but 30 years ago we got out of the chicken business and 15 years ago we became organic; clean products — no nitrates, no preservatives and hormone free meats. We also diversified our products on the farm to need less water. Water is our biggest problem.”

Whatever products Stehly Farms doesn’t grow, such as apples, they buy from other local farms who farm as organically and efficiently as they do.

I wondered how they were able to keep their prices down, and Jerome told me that they only buy at good deals, passing it on to the consumer, so that their products are better priced than many other organic stores.

Jerome enjoys meeting his customers, so next time you come in, say hello.

Parking on Adams Avenue can be a challenge, but I am happy to say that there is plenty of parking in back of the market.

Stehly Farms Market 4142 Adams Ave. No. 101. (619) 280-7400 NOTE: There are three very special events held each year at the Stehly Farm in Valley Center. Strawberry Picking in March, Blackberry Picking in June, and Pumpkin Patch Day in October.

Each event is family friendly with a playground, petting corral, tractor driven tours of the farm, and good food.

If your school or organization wants your own special event at the Stehly Farm, please email: Jenn@stehlyfarmsorganics.com.

Fresh Organic Produce

Brothers Jerome, left, and Noel Stehly.

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COVER STORY

| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Hillcrest Farmers Market

A feast of food, produce, clothing, crafts and culture

Luchia Lokonyen helps customers at her produce stand.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALEX COHEN

Spanning from Normal Avenue to Lincoln Street, the Hillcrest Farmers Market happens every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. A walk through provides a colorful display of collard greens, potatoes, carrots, oranges, apples and most imaginable legume, vegetable or fruit in between.

The food variety extends to cooked beef, chicken, fish and more, readily available from vendors preparing it along the market walk — a feature that sends smoke billowing into the air, and reminds one of the jovial atmosphere at lively camp sites.

Along the market stroll families, lovers, friends, occasional canines with their gleeful masters, and others in myriad relationship combinations.

Anyone in doubt or unaware of the rich multicultural makeup of San Diego would certainly delight in the omnipresent variety of the Hillcrest

Farmers Market.

Since its 1997 inception, the market has grown to include 175 vendors based in California, many of them specializing in the cultivation and sales of organic produce to the local population, while others provide an array of arts and crafts, flowers, baked goods, and even international clothing.

Luchia Lokonyen, for example, a Ugandan who made her home in San Diego many years ago, nourishes a small garden at a New Roots Community Farm, a project of the International Rescue Committee, which encourages self-reliance and entrepreneurship among small local farmers.

Lokonyen, a clear favorite among vendors, interacts easily with the crowds, as she sells her fresh, leafy green vegetables. “I sell, but I need more garden,” she says in the eager tone of seasoned farmers who exude a sacred connection to the land.

Laurel Hufnagle and Leslie Kent, frequent farmers market visitors.

Nearby, Gigi Gurung runs a vibrant clothing booth offering garments made of traditional Nepali fabrics. Gurung, a San Diegan of

Nepali origin, says his mother and sister knit some of the items he sells, such as the red, purple and green mittens on display, but the larger

products he gets from countryside areas in Nepal, where there’s “cool handcrafted stuff,” he exclaims enthusiastically.

Although business at the Hillcrest Farmers Market “was better before than in the last three years,” Gurung — who works seasonally as a trekking guide in Nepal — says he has met many of his clients at the market.

For Heather Allen and her mother, Christine Gee, the business of baking continues to show promise. The proud owners of Oh Lavache, which specializes in natural breads and pastries, these ladies tend to a continuous stream of customers whose diversity matches their abundant display of breads — which include jalapeno, olive, green onion, roasted garlic, and ciabatta flavors.

Jed Stevens, a young man sporting a wide smile and tattoos along his arms, says he came to Lavache because his brother Zach “wanted to

COVER STORY

Nicholas Morales offers musical entertainment to farmers market shoppers.

make French toast.” Like many of her fellow vendors, Allen is genuinely friendly toward her customers, but her warm personality has a sparkle that keeps them curious and engaged with her products.

The positive interaction between vendors and customers at the Hillcrest Farmers Market creates a unique subculture that generates a strong sense of community for visitors. Lesleigh

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Heather Allen, owner of Oh Lavache (with her mother, Christine Gee), is shown with Jed Stevens, a customer.

Kent says that she experienced this positive phenomenon when she moved to the area and began to visit the market. Her only complaint is the parking arrangement — “I don’t like that people park in the street,” she says calmly, referring to the market vicinity.

To alleviate parking congestion, which remains a challenge throughout San Diego and other cities, market organizers have instituted the Park & Ride

program, which allows visitors to park their vehicles off Campus Avenue and ride the free Hillcrest Farmers Market Sunday Trolley.

In addition to its wide selection of food, produce, clothing, crafts, culture and community ambience, the market is also rich in entertainment; musicians at various junctions sing and play instruments, such as the cello, of which Nicholas Morales is a virtuoso.

Gigi Gurung runs a vibrant clothing booth offering garments made of traditional Nepali fabrics.

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Michael Mack and Shoko Brantley, say they enjoy the market’s friendly people and diverse nature. ‘It’s very international,’ says Mack.

“I like when people come and talk to me,” the youngster says smiling, as his proud mother, Maria Morales, mirrors his expression.

Others, like Shoko Brantley and Michael Mack, echo the sentiment, confirming that they especially enjoy the market’s friendly people and diverse nature. “It’s very international,” says Mack, a marine originally from Brooklyn, New York.

Hillcrest Farmers Market is no utopia, but it certainly has character, and one frequently noted for its community tone and ample humanity — essentials seemingly absent from the fast pace of modern society. Its characteristically benign culture makes it an ideal place for visitors to combine healthy shopping with a happy time outdoors.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Library Explores LGBT History

BY SDSU NEWS TEAM

Love Library at San Diego State University has been awarded a $10,000 grant from California Humanities for its project — “OUT on the Left Coast: San Diego LGBT History.”

Community Stories is a competitive grant program of California Humanities, a nonprofit that promotes the humanities in California.

Grants are awarded to projects that give expression to the extraordinary variety of histories and experiences of California’s places and people to ensure that the stories can be shared widely.

“OUT on the Left Coast: San Diego LGBT History” will be an online interactive image and sound resource documenting the emergence of LGBT social movements in the San Diego and Northern Baja California regions.

Project directors Anna Culbertson and Lisa Lamont plan to use the San Diego Pride Parade as the initial focus for the website. The SDSU Library will digitize the moving and provocative graphics this phenomenon has generated over the years, including T-shirts, posters, buttons and banners, and combine these striking images with photographs and oral histories of early community activists.

The original materials for the pro-

ject date from the late 1960s to the present and are housed at the Lambda Archives of San Diego, the regions most comprehensive archive of LGBT history.

“The resulting collaboration will be a website and discovery tool to provide unprecedented public access to ‘living history,’” said Maureen Steiner, director of the Lambda Archives.

“SDSU library and Lambda Archives have sought for several years now to partner in a way that will impact both campus and community,” said Culbertson, who is also assistant head of Special Collections and University Archives at SDSU. “This resource will allow us to connect and engage students, community members and scholars through a history told directly by its participants.”

Collaborative Efforts The project team will include staff from Lambda Archives and humanities advisers from SDSU’s LGBT major, Mathew Keufler and Walter Penrose. The major, which launched in 2011, was among the first of its kind in the country and will benefit from the resources made available to the public by “OUT on the Left Coast.”

The website will be launched with a public lecture series beginning in October 2016 and will be cross-promoted through San Diego Pride

This historical image from the San Diego Pride Parade is just one of the documents that will be included in ‘Out on the Left Coast.’

events.

“We envision using this website as a foundation upon which to add more content, creating a growing and evolving resource to foster greater community understanding and engagement with this important part of Southern California history,” said Gale Etschmaier, dean of the SDSU Library.

“California’s population has such a rich and varied story to tell — and we can all benefit from knowing more about each other,” noted Mar-

garet Shelleda, chair of the board of California Humanities. “We are proud to award grants to those who find creative and effective ways of sharing our stories with new audiences and help connect Californians whose histories and experiences deserve greater and deeper appreciation.”

About California Humanities Since 2003, California Humanities has supported approximately 477 story projects and granted nearly $3.8 million to enable communi-

Gay Men’s Chorus Stages ‘California Dreamin’’ Show set for April 23-24 at the Balboa Theatre The award-winning San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus premieres its highly anticipated new show, “California Dreamin’,” at the historic Balboa Theatre on April 23 and 24.

Created by Artistic Director RC Haus, this fun-in-the-sun show features songs with a decidedly Californian flair. There will be Disneyland princesses gloriously proclaiming love, a medley of earthquake proportions featuring Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and a battle of the California girls/gurls between Katy Perry and the Beach Boys.

“This isn’t just a concert — it’s a

show!” proclaimed Haus. “So hold onto your surfboards and put sunscreen on the kids because we’re getting ready to have a lot of fun with some really fantastic music.”

SDGMC’s 160 singing Californians will serve as musical tour guides from the north with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” down to Los Angeles for a stay at the “Hotel California.”

The show even travels south of the border to explore some Latin rhythms including a special guest appearance by the San Diego Women’s Chorus.

The popular Mood Swings ensem-

ble returns with their hilarious take on California’s favorite TV families from the Clampetts in Beverly Hills to the Bradys of the LA burbs to the cozy three-some Jack, Chrissy and Janet in Santa Monica. There may even be some Baywatch hunks.

“You never know what to expect at one of our shows — except that you’ll always have a wonderful time,” said Bob Lehman, SDGMC executive director. “And that’s because our singers will be having a wonderful time as well.”

“California Dreamin’” tickets are available at www.sdgmc.org or by calling the Balboa Theatre at (619) 570-1100. Tickets start at $28 and

range to $70 for preferred seating.

For an additional $35, ticket buyers may enjoy early entry to attend the one-hour earlier Director’s Prelude and hear first-hand from Artistic Director Haus about the upcoming show. Guests will also receive complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a beverage.

A $4 discount is available for seniors, students, active-duty military and groups of 10 or more. Customers may save ticket fees by purchasing in person at San Diego Theatres Ticketing Services at Third Avenue and B Street across the plaza from the Civic Theatre weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Balboa Theatre is located The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus

ties to voice, record, and share histories — many previously untold or little known. Through video, photography, murals, zines, documentary theater, audio projects, and more, these collected stories have been shared with broad audiences, both live and virtual.

California Humanities is an independent nonprofit state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information on California Humanities, please visit www.calhum.org.

at 868 Fourth Ave. adjacent to the Horton Plaza shopping center in Downtown San Diego. Prepaid parking for $10 is available when purchasing tickets or in the theatre lobby.

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus under the artistic direction of RC Haus recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. With more than 200 members, it is one of the largest gay choruses in the world and has sung at locations including the White House and the Super Bowl. The group’s official mission is to create a positive musical experience through exciting performances that engage audiences, build community support and provide a dynamic force for social change.