IB CONNECTION APRIL 2016

IB CONNECTION

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A Positive Community Newspaper Created by Locals, for Locals, Supporting Local Businesses Vol. 1 No. 2 April 2016

MidCityNewspaperGroup.com

Family Reunites with Imperial Beach Firefighters Who Saved His Life It’s not every day our local Imperial Beach Firefighters get to meet someone who’s life they saved. PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Story Behind the Stairs If you have been out to the beach lately, you will have noticed the newly exposed steps PG. 3

Pet of the Month Dahlia is an active playful spayed 3 year old Pit Bull Terrier. PG. 3

Stephen and Lori Mahoney reuniting with their heroes in front of the fire truck that saved Stephen's life.

JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

HONU BJJ Jiu Jitsu holds ribbon cutting Children, teens, women and men from beginner to advanced levels are welcome PG. 11

Imperial Beach’s Pocket Park Receives Large Check from IB Beautiful

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

IB Beautiful presented a check to the city of Imperial Beach on April 5, 2016 in support of the Pocket Park on Seacoast Dr. and Date Ave. This is to coincide with their mission statement: IB Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the beautification of public and private lands for Imperial Beach residents. In our commitment to community development, we also host the Imperial Beach Farmer's Market to support public nutrition programs and offer fresh and organic healthy foods. The organization was approached by Mayor Serge Dedina and City Manager Andy Hall to support the Pocket Park and other projects in the city. The organization was able to give a check for $10,000 for the park and additional $8,000 for additional projects. The City of Imperial Beach

held a community open house in March to get input and ideas from the community to better utilize the space on the corner of Date and Seacoast Dr. There were many creative ideas written on the boards as community members and business owners stopped by.

These funds donated by IB Beautiful were raised from the managing of the weekly Imperial Beach Farmer’s Market held Fridays at Portwood Pier Plaza. IB Beautiful is also holding their annual “Meet and Greet” which is open to the public, on April 25. The Farmer’s Market is also looking for additional farmers and vendors.

If interested, visit IB Beautiful’s website at http://www.ibbeautiful.org/. IB Beautiful the local community group that does more than just the Imperial Beach’s Farmer’s Market.

Candy Unger Named Woman of the Year Candy has been instrumental in building a more diverse and engaged community service sector PG. 14

CONTACT US EDITORIAL/LETTERS Letters@MidCityNewspaperGroup.com

City officials with residents and business owners attend the open house at the pocket park JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS

COMMUNITY

Publishers Notes: Hello Imperial Beach!

AMERICAN LEGION POST 820 1268 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 423-7662

As an organization, we are here for Veterans and their families. The Post consists of those members who have served honorably in the Armed forces and are serving today on active duty. It is serving during conflicts that make this organization so worthy to belong to. The Auxiliary are those women and girls that are Wifes, daughters, mothers, grandmothers and step daughters eligible to be members. The Sons of the American Legion or SAL’s are those sons, grandsons and stepsons who have had a parent who is in the American Legion. Come on down to the Post home if you fall into any one of these categories. We will let you know how to become a member.

FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION (FRA) BRANCH 289 659 Silver Strand Blvd.,Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 429-3485

We are a non-profit organization comprised of active duty, veterans and retirees of the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Besides gathering for camaraderie, the Branch supports, among other things, the Warrior Foundation, Wounded Warriors, Boys Club of Imperial Beach, Imperial Beach Little League Baseball and softball, and bestows scholarship donations to patriotic young men and women. Regularly, Branch members visit warriors at Balboa Naval Hospital providing toiletry articles and cookies. The branch also makes its presence during National Holidays supporting functions in Imperial Beach. Come on by for membership information. We would welcome your visit any time.

VFW POST 5477 SILVER STRAND 123 Palm Ave.,Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 424-6666

Proudly supports US veterans of all past and present wars. We are committed to supporting the needs of our veterans, currently deployed troops, their families and our community. Post 5477 welcomes all members and active duty. For information on membership, stop on by or give us a call.

IB Connection is your brand new community based newspaper created by local IB residents for you, our neighbors, for the purpose of celebrating our wonderful community as well as supporting our local businesses. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local residents who have responded to our initial edition which was mailed last month. It’s been truly remarkable to see all of the community support. We hosted a booth at the recent Taste of IB event and it was so much of fun to meet face to face with community members while sharing our first issue. We appreciate all of your kind words, compliments and feedback and we would like to say THANK YOU to everyone. We encourage you to continue to send in your thoughts and share with us any news, events, information, or just tell us why you love Imperial Beach as much as we do!

We would also like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and our staff! My name is Jeannette Shambaugh, and I am the Regional Publishing Manager. I am a writer,

photographer, and long time resident of Imperial Beach. Our Editor Stacey Long is also a longstanding local resident and newspaper contributor for many years here in Imperial Beach. Another local resident, Jordan Jacobo, will be an ongoing contributing writer, and will be helping us with various video projects featuring local residents, businesses, and events that we’ll be sharing with you in the coming months.

We are also excited to announce that we will be sharing updates and information with Paul Spear at www.digimperialbeach.com, so be sure to check out the site for complete albums, videos and photos of various events, as well as updates on events and news that may not be covered in the paper. IB Connection is a truly grass roots organization. We are off to an amazing start and we’re growing, so if you would like to join our staff to assist as an advertising sales rep, writer, distributor, or other service, please submit your resume to ibconnectionnewsdesk@gmail.com.

If there is an event which you

would like us to cover, or something you would like to see in our paper, please send your ideas and information to ibconnectionnewsdesk@gmail.com. You may also contribute to our monthly calendar by submitting your events to be added by the last Wednesday of the month.

Our newspaper is mailed free of charge each month to many community residents, and if you don’t get one in the mail, they are available at dozens of local businesses.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about where to pick up the latest copy. Since we don’t charge for subscriptions, our papers are available only through the support of our local businesses. We suggest you thank them by visiting and purchasing goods and services from them – and remember to make sure and tell them you saw them in the local IB Connection!

Thank you IB for welcoming us to the community. We look forward to being the very best positive community news source Imperial Beach has ever seen.

- Jeannette Shambaugh, RPM

COMMUNITY

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Family Reunites with IB Firefighters Who Saved His Life

Firefighters showing Stephen and Lori the tools they used to save Stephen's life.

JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

It’s not every day our local Imperial Beach Firefighters get to meet someone whose life they saved. In early March this year, we were lucky enough to be a part of this incredible reunion! On March 7, Stephen and Lori Mahoney came down to the firehouse to reunite with the local heroes who saved Stephen’s life just one year ago. It was a beautiful reunion full of tears and joy. The entire team was there and they were able to walk Stephen and Lori through the entire lifesaving process they endured together.

In the early morning at 3:52 am on February 18, 2015, Laurie was awakened by Stephen flailing in bed next to her. She woke up and grabbed him as he fell limp in her arms. She immediately jumped into action and reverted to her CPR training from work, she checked for a pulse or a heartbeat but Stephen was not responding. She ran to her phone and called 911. The 911 dispatch operator Karen, began instructing her to begin “By-Stander” CPR. She calmly counted with her as she began to do chest compressions that would save her husband’s life. Within 7 minutes Imperial Beach Firefighters arrived and took over compressions. Stephen’s heart had stopped and they had to take immediate action. They quickly inserted a bone marrow IV and gave him the proper medications.

Do You Know the Story Behind the Stairs?

If you have been out to the beach lately, you will have noticed the newly exposed steps at the end of Imperial Beach Blvd. and Seacoast, directly under the ART sign. With these years, El Niño in full effect, our beaches have undergone some serious changes and erosion like never before. You can walk up and down the beaches in IB and see the effects of it everywhere. There is one place that stands out more then all of the rest. The newly exposed stairs under the ART sign. Depending on the day or time you go, you can see that there are more than 22 newly exposed steps to the beach.

Historically, there have always been 3 or 4 steps exposed. I have lived in IB for more than 9 years and have never seen these steps. Where did they come from? How many are there? When were they made? Who put them there? That’s why we need your help IB. Please send in your letters to the editor at ibconnectionnewsdesk@ gmail.com with your information and let’s find out together the story behind the stairs.

PET OF THE MONTH Dahlia is an active, playful spayed 3 year old Pit Bull Terrier. She currently weighs 75 lbs. She was originally found as a stray in January when she was brought in to the shelter. She would thoroughly enjoy the activity of long walks and maybe a game of fetch. Dahlia would do best in a home with children 10 years of age or above due to her play style. She gets along with many dogs and an introduction can be done at the shelter before you adopt.

She is not recommended for a home with cats.

The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility is observing an adoption special, "Pardon a Pit" for the month of April for all Pit Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier Mix adoptions, so Dahlia's adoption fee is $25 and includes her being spayed, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated. For more information call the adoption counselor at 619-6915174 or email lsepton@chulavistaca.gov.

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

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BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Firefighters stabilized him enough for transport and took him to the hospital. It was a miracle that within a year, Stephen would make a full recovery. The quick thinking of his wife Lori, the dispatcher and IB Firefighters, Stephen was able to enter and complete the Tour of San Diego Bike Race earlier this year. It was a proud moment for the entire family as he crossed the finish line.

There are many of us who are not trained in the basics of lifesaving CPR. It’s one class that could save you or your loved ones lives.

The Imperial Beach Fire Department is now offering these lifesaving CPR Classes with open enrollment to the public. Signing up is easy, stop by the Fire department to sign up at 865 Imperial Beach Blvd. Classes are only $60.00 per person and will be held in the community room located behind 825 Imperial Beach Blvd. All classes start at 9 am and will be held once per month through December. The first class will be held on April 23, 2016.

Stephen and Lori Mahoney would like to give a special thank you to the entire team who saved Stephen’s life. Without them this reunion would not be possible. From the bottom of their hearts THANK YOU IB FIRE HOUSE!! Saving one life at a time!

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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.

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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.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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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

THE BOSS Tests the Amount of Laughter One Person Can Take

IB CONNECTION IB Connection is published by Mid City Newspaper Group 228 Evergreen Imperial Beach, CA 91932 MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Associate Publisher: Brad Weber Regional Associate Publisher: Jeannette Shambaugh Editor / Office Manager: Stacey R. Long Graphics: Chris Baker • Stacey R. Long Sales: Stacey R. Long • Jeannette Shambaugh Distribution: Jeannette Shambaugh Writers/Contributors: Jeannette Shambaugh • Jordan Jacobo • Paul Spear Photographers: Jeannette Shambaugh • Jordan Jacobo Please call our newsdesk at (619) 779-7846, or e-mail ibconnectionnewsdesk@gmail.com Re: Advertising, Story Coverage/Calendar items/Letters to the Editor

Send all Ad copies to: ibconnectionnewsdesk@gmail.com

MOVIE MAVENS

BY JERI JACQUIN

Coming to theatres this Friday from director/writer Ben Falcone, Melissa McCarthy and Steve Mallory along with Universal Pictures are the rules of knowing who is THE BOSS. Life hasn't always been easy for Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy). Being turned away from families, she made it clear early on that she was going to become something all on her own. Becoming the 7th richest person in the world, she has no problem telling people what she thinks or feels.

Especially to her assistant Claire (Kristen Bell) treating her roughly and not really caring about her life. What Michelle doesn't realize is that watching her from afar is Renault (Peter Dinklage), a former lover and co-worker who is still holding a 25-year old grudge. In an act of revenge, Renault calls the authorities to report Michelle for insider trading.

Sentenced to time in prison, Michelle bides her time. Claire finds a new job working with Mike (Tyler Labine) who has a tad bit of a crush on Claire. Keeping herself busy raising daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson), she is surprised to come home from work to find Michelle on her doorstep. Knowing there is no place for her to go since her assets had been seized; Claire agrees to let her stay until for a while.

Asking Michelle to take Rachel to her Dandelion meeting, Michelle comes up with a wild idea and a way to make money again. Using Claire's brownie recipe she creates her own troop of girls and sells the brownies!

The problem is Michelle still has to deal with Renault who wants to steal what's hers, dealing with feelings of family and keeping crazy Dandelion Mom Helen (Annie Mumolo) - what's a bossy ginger to do?

McCarthy as Michelle is a sharply dressed rich lady with a bad attitude about life and family. Thinking only of herself it is inevitable that looking down (sorry Peter) on someone will catch up. McCarthy is just brilliant in this role giving straight forward comedy that truly did have everyone in the theatre laughing hysterically and shooting an asner or two. Never eat or drink during a McCarthy movie is what I'm beginning to think. That being said there isn't anything about this film and her role that I didn't like.

Bell as Claire is a little less flamboyant but instead doing the 'television-sweater-loose-bra-

wearing' single Mom who doesn't really put out an effort to better her situation - financially or romantically. It takes a crazy lady like Michelle to point out her flaws. Bell gets a chance to be a little more dowdy and down to earth as a brownie baking Mom. Dinklage as Renault is a man on a mission of revenge. Feeling he is owed more than a silly apology, the Samurai wanna-be is in destruct mode. I love when Dinklage gets a chance to put in a little comedic time and I have seen him do it well (check out KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM if you don't believe me!). Spending the last few years in serious Tyrion Lannister mode - this had to have been fun for him.

Anderson as young Rachel is so adorable I can't stand it. She takes to Michelle when most people would run the other way. She is accepting of the craziness and wants the best for not only her Mom but the lady who is making things difficult. Mumolo as Dandelion Mom Helen is completely insane and the showdown with Michelle is nothing short of Matrix action.

Labine as Mike is what most would consider the average nice guy who really does have a crush on Claire. His "hitting" skills could use a little work but then again the fact that he doesn't have those skills would make me take notice.

There is a scene that Labine had me falling out of my chair and I want to thank him for being such a good sport about it. Yes, you'll know it when you see it.

Other cast include: Cecily Strong as Dana Dandridge, Mary Sohn as Jan Keller, Eva Peterson as Chrystal, Timothy Simons as Stephan, Aleandra Newcomb as Mariana, Presley Coley as Hannah, Kathy Bates as Ida Marquette and Ben Falcone as Marty.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give THE BOSS four and a half tubs of popcorn out of five.

This must be the year of jaw dropping and thoroughly hilarious inappropriate comedy because I came home with my sides hurting. I love that McCarthy delivers her lines with distain, snap, straight faced and a stare than can kill.

The audience couldn't contain themselves and the laughter got very, very loud! Okay, I was part of that which makes it even more fun.

From the start of the film to the very end I almost wanted the theatre to turn up the volume of the film because there were very few moments where people weren't laughing and I didn't want to miss anything!

I also loved that Falcone, McCarthy and Mallory had no problem bringing the male jokes in for the ladies to enjoy. Of course it made jaws completely drop (pun intended) and I knew that that alone was cause for me to tell everyone to see it. Hey, it's time the guys got in on the jokes.

As much as I enjoy Bell as well, it is McCarthy who steals the entire show and I personally don't have a problem with that in the slightest.

She looks great too! I want to throw a shoutout to Kathy Bates who has a small role in the film. Yes Ms. Bates I think everything you have done and continue to do is just frakken fantastic so thanks and it is great to see you outside of a horror story.

So if you’re looking for a whammy of a good laugh then head out this weekend for THE BOSS...take lots of friends.

In the end - watch your assets!

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

HONU BJJ Jiu Jitsu holds ribbon cutting ceremony

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SBUSD Visual and Perfuming Arts Program (VPA) Accepting Applications B J S Y EANNETTE HAMBAUGH

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

HONU BJJ Jiu Jitsu held their ribbon cutting ceremony and joined the Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, March 13th. Honu BJJ Jiu Jitsu specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for kids ages 3 and up. Children, teens, women and men from beginner to advanced levels are welcome and in a safe, clean, professional and family fun environment.

HONU BJJ was created in December of 2012, when two longtime friends and training partners tossed a series of ideas around ultimately forming HONU BJJ. Coming from two differ-

ent BJJ lineage umbrellas, they fused together a brand that would not only incorporate where they live, their commitment to family, their lifestyle, but also the vision they want others to see. HONU BJJ is located at 631 9th Street and they are open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Stop by and try a free class. If you are interested or would like more information, you can visit their website at www.honubjj.com or call at 619-365HONU (4668).

Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce welcoming HONU BJJ to our community.

JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

The SBUSD has many wonderful programs to offer and one of them is the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program housed at Mendoza Elementary School. It is made up of approximately 96students and consists of one 4th grade, one 5th grade and one 6th grade class composed of students from all over the South Bay Union School District. These classes are selectively assembled with a specific rubric and all students enrolled must submit an application, essay of intent and a letter of recommendation from their current teacher. Students receive rigorous Common Core Academic instruction as well as concentrated lessons in Choral Music, Basic Musicianship, Dance Combinations, Fine Art, Set Design and Dramatic Performance and artistic disciplines are integrated within each and every school day. At the beginning of the year the VPA teachers Mrs. Wahamaki, Mrs. Cappadona and Ms. King, select a production and they begin the laborious process of creating a professional quality set, full of drama, music, creativity and art. All of the stages, props and the sets are created from

the students, teachers, parentvolunteers and VPA Assistant Mrs. McCoy.Each year the students put on a variety of performances leading up to their feature show. This year’s VPA feature “Once Upon a Mattress” was breathtaking, funny and full of talent and surprises! Students created a magical world and put on a show where they invitedthe audience to join them in a magical kingdom fit for a queen. The VPA students performed the play for each and every student in our entire district.One by one each and every school in the South Bay came and watched students as they performed. By the final show students performed the play over 28 times in just 2 weeks. They do all of this during the school day while stillkeeping up with the district’srigorouscurriculum. It is truly is a remarkable program that inspires the Arts into the school day. If you are interested in enrolling your student or would like more information you can visit their website at www.mendoza.sbusd.org or call 424-0100 and ask for Mrs. McCoy in the VPA Department.

Families in IB celebrate Easter at the Beach

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Families from all over Imperial Beach joined together for the yearly Easter Egg Hunt at the Portwood Pier Plaza on March 26th. The IB Egg Hunt committee spent countless hours filling up hundreds of eggs for kids to collect. Before the hunt began, the Easter Bunny arrived on the fire truck with Imperial Beach Firefighters escorting him safely to the beach. Families also enjoyed afree arts and crafts booth sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club. Every child also received a free raffle ticket for the big raffle at the end. Exactly at 10:30am Mayor Dedina and the Easter Bunny said GO! Children ran with excitement and filled their baskets full of eggs. It was truly a magical and exciting time for the kids of IB. When all of the eggs were collected the big raffle contest began

and the big prizes were given out. This year there were two new additions to the event, the Tot-Lot and the adult raffle prizes. IB Posse came out and built a beautiful Easter egg sand sculpture for families to enjoy. It was truly a beautiful way to kick off Easter. I caught up with Sha-Ron Cobb, chair of the IB Egg Hunt Committee and she said We owe a very big thank you to our wonderful and very giving community.

She would like to give a very special thank you to all of the hard working committee members Aaron Ruiz, James de la Cerna, Shawna Rauch, Josie Hamada, Evie Ramisier and Elizabeth McKay. Also IB Possee, all of the countless volunteers and all of the sponsors. Thank You IB without you events like this are not possible. -Jeannette Shambaugh Hundred of children enjoying the IB Egg Hunt at Portwood Pier Plaza.

WE INVITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR PUBLICATION We want to hear from you.

Contact us at: (619)779-7846 or Letters@MidCityNewspaperGroup.com

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JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

April 18th is Tax Day! Don’t Delay in getting Your Taxes Done by your Liberty Tax Specialist The perks of filing with your Liberty Tax Specialist.

When you visit a Liberty Tax office, you can rely on real help from real people. Liberty Tax provides products and tax services with real benefits. With Tax Day (April 18th) quickly approaching you will find your friendly Liberty Tax specialist ready to assist with any of your tax needs. Liberty Tax offers Free Estimates, Free Extensions, help applying for an ITIN and even a $50.00 refer a friend referral program. When you file with Liberty Tax you can rest assure that your taxes are done right. They stand behind their work with their 100% accuracy guarantee. Liberty Tax offices will give you the most accurate

return and the largest possible refund. They guarantee to help you year round at no extra charge. Liberty Tax offices guarantee their services 100%. If you are not satisfied with the tax preparation service for any reason, the office will refund your tax preparation fees.

You can rest assure that your taxes are done right when you file with Liberty Tax. Call to schedule an appointment today with your neighborhood Liberty Tax Specialist at 619271-1811 or stop by the 1555 Palm Ave location.

Liberty Tax, Fast Accurate and Friendly.

Mr. Liberty getting his taxes done.

JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Imperial Beach’s Candy Unger Named Woman of the Year by Toni Atkins office

Candy Unger, Tim O'Neal, Speaker Emeritus Toni Atkins and Mayor Serge Dedina.

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

AD SALES REP WANTED Adams Avenue News • Bay Park Connection The Boulevard News • Hillcrest News IB Connection • KEN-TAL News North Park News • South Park News We are growing and expanding so if you are not in any of these areas – apply anyway as we will be there soon!

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Candy Unger was named 2016 “Woman of the Year” by Toni Atkins Office in March. She received her award with other dignitaries at a luncheon put on by Speaker Emeritus Toni Atkins office. When Candy Unger was younger her compassion for children was created when she was caught in the middle of family conflict. This sparked the idea to start her own company where she isprofessionally involved in providing monitoring services for Family Court in San Diego County. Candy has long been a champion of increasing infrastructure and services for parks and recreation in Imperial Beach. Through her organization I Heart IB, she has helped to lead efforts to identify recreational opportunities for dog owners in Imperial Beach, played a major role in advocating for a free skate park, and was a

JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

leader in the successful effort to preserve community access to the Sports Park Recreational Complex. Additionally, she initiated a successful grassroots campaign to bring back a community-centered July 4th Celebration for Imperial Beach that has become a big success.

A founding member of the Imperial Beach Collaborative, Candy has been instrumental in building a more diverse and engaged community service sector in Imperial Beach. As a coordinator and administrator at the Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce, Candy has helped to increase membership among minority-owned businesses and has helped to promote successful and inclusive community events for Imperial Beach residents. Imperial Beach is lucky to have a woman in our corner fighting for us like Candy Unger. Congratulations Candy!

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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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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EDUCATION

Changing the Future

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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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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MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

South Bay Union School District PTA Council 2016 Unity Games Athletic Field Day Event for District Students

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Families from all over Imperial Beach joined together for the yearly Easter Egg Hunt at the Portwood Pier Plaza on March 26th. The IB Egg Hunt committee spent countless hours filling up hundreds of eggs for kids to collect. Before the hunt began, the Easter Bunny arrived on the fire truck with Imperial Beach Firefighters escorting him safely to the beach. Families also enjoyed afree arts and crafts booth sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club. Every child also received a free raffle ticket for the big raffle at the end. Exactly at 10:30am Mayor Dedina and the Easter Bunny said GO! Children ran with excitement and filled their baskets full of eggs. It was truly a magical and exciting time for the kids of IB. When all of the eggs were collected the big raffle contest began and the

big prizes were given out. This year there were two new additions to the event, the Tot-Lot and the adult raffle prizes. IB Posse came out and built a beautiful Easter Eggs and sculpture for families to enjoy. It was truly a beautiful way to kick off Easter. I caught up with Sha-Ron Cobb, chair of the IB Egg Hunt Committee and she said We owe a very big thank you to our wonderful and very giving community.

She would like to give a very special thank you to all of the hard working committee members Aaron Ruiz, James de la Cerna, Shawna Rauch, Josie Hamada, Evie Ramisier and Elizabeth McKay. Also IB Possee, all of the countless volunteers and all of the sponsors.

Thank You IB without you events like this are not possible. -Jeannette Shambaugh

SD SMALL BUSINESS FORUM INTRODUCES BUSINESS OF THE MONTH B J S Y EANNETTE HAMBAUGH

Local Artist Designs Sun & Sea Festival Image For Second Year Sun & Sea Festival will take place July 15 & 16 Back by popular demand, local student artist Ily Alfred has designed this year’s Sun & Sea Festival Image. The 14-year-old ninth grader impressed festival organizers so much with eye-catching and vibrant design in 2015 that they selected her new artwork to be replicated on posters and t-shirts for the festival, July 15 & 16.

“A lot of people told me that they liked last year’s image because it was colorful and featured a female surfer,” said Alfred. “Imperial Beach is celebrating its 60th birthday, so I kept the bright colors and circular design because it catches your eye.” The pencil and ink 60sinspired art prominently features psychedelic sandcastles, a flower-power VW bus and Surfhenge in front of a kaleidoscope sun.

According to event co-chair Shirley

Nakawatase, “The committee is delighted that a six-generation, Imperial Beach artist is once more representing the festival.” When asked about her future as an artist, Alfred replies, “I draw and paint every day but I also use my skills as a face painter for birthday parties and local events.”

This year’s official t-shirts, banners and posters will be supplied by Boca Rio, a local printing company who specializes in nonprofit clients, such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Taste of I.B. and the Fishing Derby. Boca Rio, which means where the river meets the sea, has been in business since 1998, according to owner, Rick Alvarez, “We figure out a way to help community causes because it is an opportunity for me to educate the customer as well as participate in their event.”

EVENT SNAPSHOT Saturday, July 16, 2015: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Edie Viramontez with Avon is nominated Business of the Month by SDSBF

SD Small Business Forum is a company based in Imperial Beach that concentrates to help small business owners to grow their business and build their brand. They offer special services from web design, logo, business development, social media marketing, print media marketing, vendor events, event planner and much more. Because SD Small Business Forum always support small home based business this month of April they choose their special business of the Month.

SD Small Business Forum would like to introduce Edie Viramontez from Avon as the business of the month. Edie is a wife and a mother ofa 14 years old boy. Edie was introduced to Avon while helping her aunt five years ago. Her aunt invited her to the big 125th year celebration where her aunt

JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

was receiving special award for her 70 years as Avon representative. Edie look at her aunt as a big mentor and example. In her five years of being in the company she has grown so much and she love to have the relationship with her customer as a friend before they become her clients.

Edie have big passion for helping others, she doesn’t look at Avon as a regular job.

Avon has giving her the flexibility to make her own hours and spend more time with her family. If you would like to shop Avon or get to know Edie Viramontez, please visit her website www.youravon.com/eviramontez Edel Vernazza Owner and Co-Founder SD Small Business Forum.

• Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Pier Plaza • Annual Parade: Starts at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Seacoast Drive.

• Kidz Zone – Children’s Activities and fun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Dunes Park • Kids ‘n Kastles: Sand castle competition for kids - noon to 1:30 p.m. - Dunes Park • Master & Family/Business Sand Sculptures: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. sand castle competition -- IB Pier.

Friday, July 15, 2015 • Mayor’s 2nd Annual Imperial Beach Pier Swim & Paddle 9 a.m. Dempsey Holder Safety Center • The Mayor’s Community Breakfast 10 a.m. - Pier Plaza.

• Sandcastle Ball: 6:00 p.m. to midnight - Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

23

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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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP