NORTH PARK NEWS, JANUARY 2017 by SD METRO

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DARE YOU EAT THESE TACOS!

Vol. 26 No. 1 January 2017

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Customers hunger for City Tacos’ unique combinations

Barons Market Comes to North Park

The family-owned Barons Market held its grand opening on a beautiful warm day, a store singularly impressive with its colorful murals, high ceilings and, of course, its special foods and drinks. Customers love it. PG. 2

Three Brewers Under One Roof

CRAFT Brewery Igniter recently opened its doors on El Cajon Boulevard, a place where you can go to sample beer from three different brewers in one location. It’s a concept developed by H.G. Fenton Company.. PG. 7

‘I love food, I love food from everywhere. I love to eat and I love to put those flavors together,’ says City Tacos owner Gerry Torres.

Not many chefs can make a taco like the ones made at City Tacos. Owner Gerry Torres and chef Eduardo Baeza, his partner, crank out a taco with a decidedly Mexican base, but with some international flare. There are influences from Italian and French cuisine as well as the freshest fruits and vegetables that give City Tacos an upscale taste compared to the average taco shop. All that has customers coming back over and over again. Read Mikaela Duhs’ story on the unique shop on PAGE 10

Actor David Duchovny Comes to The Music Box You thought actor David Duchovny only tracked aliens in the “X-Files”? Think again. The versatile star just released a debut album, “Hell or Highwater,” and will sing with his backup group Weather Feb. 12 at The Music Box. PG. 9

CORRECTION: A headline on the front page of last month’s North Park News erroneously stated that North Park resident Michael Abrams suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Abrams, whose mountain climbing exploits were described in the story, actually has Parkinson’s disease. The mistake was the editor’s, not the writer’s. The North Park News regrets the error.

Owner Gerry Torres has created an exhilarating experience for customers at his North Park taco shop that is filled with daring combinations that leave locals and tourists alike wanting more of this tasty stray from traditional Mexican food.

Manny Cruz manny@sandiegometro.com ADVERTISING

Brad Weber

Brad@LocalUmbrella.com

* OFFER EXPIRES FEB. 28TH

| JANUARY 2017

OPENING DAY AT BARONS MARKET First customers give the family-owned market a big welcome Barons Market had its Grand Opening at its location, at 3231 University Ave., on Dec. 29, a beautiful, warm day to walk over and see the newest grocery store in North Park. Beautiful, too, is the interior with its colorful murals, high ceilings, neat shelves, and mounds of fresh fruit. City Councilman Chris Ward officiated at the ribbon cutting, and people soon started coming through the doors. Store hours are 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., seven days a week. Customers were treated to fresh orange juice, locally roasted coffee, cheese, soup, and bread samples, fish tacos, marinated steak, and even vanilla ice cream drizzled with raspberry balsamic vinegar. There were no complaints to be heard. Barons employees obviously love their jobs. On-site managers were assisted by staff from other Baron Markets in the San Diego area, and each was friendly and knowledgeable.

Samples of the ten soups were ladled out at the soup bar which is complemented by baskets of bread and rolls from premier bakery, Bread and Cie. At the demo/sampling station, chefs were grilling fish and meat, providing recipes, and directing shoppers to where in the store they could find the ingredients. The demo/sampling station will serve up Barons’ specialities every day until about 6 p.m. In addition to tasting food, people in the store were encouraged to fill a pint bottle with orange juice, freshly pressed from a large juicer to the side of the produce and coffee aisles. Delicious and under $3. The salad bar looked appetizing and plentiful, and again, the price was right at $5.99 per pound for the many lettuces , cheeses, vegetables, and other salad toppings. The array of great looking items goes on….an enormous olive bar, a

vinegar and olive oil station, many local craft beers, wines, and true to its mission, the best picks of pasta sauces, condiments, and grains, limited by brand name, so the customer doesn’t have to decide from a dozen labels of the same product. Shoppers know what they want, Barons acknowledges, and they can get in, select, pay for, and be on their way in ten minutes. Looking for gluten free, organic, or specialty items? Just ask one of the Barons staff to direct you to the right section. The company has tailored the North Park store to fit with the community, and as stated in the convenient underground parking garage, it’s about “simply good food, simply good prices.” Shoppers left with t-shirts for the kids and free Barons shopping bags, and were heard to say, it “was the best

BY SUSAN TAYLOR PHOTOS BY JIM CHILDERS

Barons Market’s grand opening.

SEE BARONS, Page 15

Store Manager Ina McDonald.

Customers fill the store aisles

JANUARY 2017 |

FROM DEXTER’S

CORNER

Join us

in Our New Year’s Resolution

TED! S I L JUST

to Be More Green

At Dexter’s, we’re shoppers too, and we understand the challenge of having a truly re-usable and durable shopping bag. Over 8 years ago Dexter’s stopped oﬀering plastic shopping bags and only provides paper bags and now we have a great re-usable canvas shopping bag available for sale. We thought about many shopping scenarios and designed our bag to be generous in size to accommodate all your various daily needs ~ Farmer’s Market to running errands or needing to stow treats for your dog. We think you will ﬁnd this bag stylish, functional and washable!

4708 Gabriel Way, Mount Helix, La Mesa 5 BR/ 3.5 BA $1,100,000 !

ROW

SC IN E

830 21st Street, Golden Hill Beautifully remodeled 3 BR/2 BA Craftsman $749,0000 ! SOLD

Find our ad in this issue for our special tote bag oﬀer!

3 Beautifully renovated units South Park, San Diego 92102 VR Price $995,000 to $1,195,000

Dexter’s Deli has been leading in the health movement of natural, wholesome foods and holistic approach for the caring of your pet for the last 20 years. Dexter’s Deli is a community pet store with locations in North Park, Del Mar and Carlsbad. www.dextersdeli.com

Announcing a Special Event! We’re excited to feature Dr. Jon Enyart of Healing Hands Veterinary Care oﬀering integrative veterinary consultations at our North Park store.

Scheduled Dates: Monday, January 23rd & Monday, February 20th. Sessions are available from Noon - 6:00pm. Call Dexter’s Deli North Park to book your pet’s Wellness Consultation appointment at 619.738.8677. More details can be found at dextersdeli.com in our Resources section under Events.

3659 Florida Street, North Park, San Diego 92104 Detached Home All new construction 2 BR/ 2 BA Sold above list price at $570,000 ROW

! SOLD

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2 unit property overlooking Balboa Park 1339-1345 28th St, San Diego 92102 Sold at $772,000

4570 54th Street Unit 114 El Cerrito, San Diego 92115 2 BR/ 2 BA $295,000 Under contract above list price in 7 days

Sally Schoeffel

Elizabeth Callaway

CalBRE #00523223 619.884.0701 Direct

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Sally and Elizabeth work with Buyers and Sellers throughout the County....Interest rates are at historic lows, inventory is tight. NOW is a great time to consider selling. Please call for a complimentary market evaluation.

Happy New Year to all our friends Decades of Experience • Neighborhood Experts • How may we assist you? 3188 C St. San Diego, California 92102619/624-2052 telephone 619/624-2055 facsimile ©MMVIII Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office is Independently Owned And Operated. CalBRE #01767484

| JANUARY 2017

2016 In Beer-Review Living the

HOPPY

LIFE

with Beau Schmitt We are truly blessed to live in the Craft Beer Capital of the World. Our little sunny corner dubbed “San Diego County” will confidently strut into 2017 with 131 licensed and operational breweries. In 2016, our San Diego brewing family experienced a 20% growth, adding 23 breweries. By state, California is currently ranked 1st with 518 breweries. For a fun, yet not largely relevant fact, this means San Diego County contains over 25% of California’s breweries while only taking up 2.7% of its land. Still, not too shabby. By state, craft beer in California is also ranked 1st in economic impact by bringing in over $6.8 Billion, and 2nd in production by making over 7.6 Million kegs (each is 15.5gal). In 2016, San Diego awards were aplenty, especially at Earth’s two largest beer competitions: World Beer Cup & Great American Beer Festival. There are honestly too many name, so I’ll showcase the GOLD Medal Winners (and there were even more Silvers & Bronzes).

Wheat Ales, Breakwater (O-side) Rye Dawn took GOLD for Rye Beers, Fall (NP) Bourbon Barrel Aged Jinx Remover took GOLD for Barrel-Aged Beers, Monkey Paw (EV) Ashes from the Grave took GOLD for Smoked Beers and Mike Hess’s (NP) Claritas took GOLD for German-Style Kolschs. On a personal note, Amplified Ale Works is one of my favorite places to drink & eat. If you haven’t had their Donor Fries paired with an Electrocution IPA while overlooking the ocean, you’re missing you. Go now. 2016 Gabf Golds

2016 World Beer Cup Golds

BNS Brewing (Santee) Ole Prospector took GOLD for American-style Red Ales, Culture (Solana Beach) Brown Ale took GOLD for American-style Brown Ales, Karl Strauss (Everywhere) Queen of Tarts took GOLD for Americanstyle Sour Ales, AleSmith (Beeramar) Old Numbskull took GOLD for Barley Wines, Rip Current (San Marcos) Breakline took GOLD for Bocks, Bagby (O-side) Sweet Ride took GOLD for Bohemian-style Pilsners, Second Chance (Poway) Tabula Rasa took GOLD for Robust Porters and Karl Strauss (yes, again) Windansea took GOLD for German-style Hefeweizens. And to top it off: Karl Strauss Brewing Company, which is San Diego’s oldest operational brewery (1989) took the highest accolade of “Mid-Size Brewing Company and Mid-Size Brewing Company Brewer of the Year.”

Angostura Amaro starts as a neutrAmplified Ale Works (PB) Whammy Bar took GOLD for American

SPECIAL SHOUT-OUTS

In 2014, Coronado Brewing Company took the highest accolade of “World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster for a MidSized Brewing Company.” And in 2015, Rip Current (San Marcos) won “Very Small Brewing Company and Very Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year” at the GABF. [golf clap] New Kids On The Block

There were 23 new breweries that opened in 2016, and we couldn’t be more excited (& thirsty). Before naming them, Mike & Ryan, founders of West Coaster Magazine deserve a special thanks. So, thank you. Their magazine’s information and literature has been a necessity for San Diego’s craft beer growth. The 23 New Brewing Companies & Facilities:

Amplified Ale Works (Miramar), Barn Brewery (North Park), Belching Beaver’s new HQ & Brewery (Oceanside), Belching Beaver’s Tavern & Pub (Vista), Bitter Brothers (Clairemont), Burgeon Beer (Carlsbad), Burning Beard (El Cajon), Culver Beer (Carlsbad), Eppig Brewing (North Park), Finest Made Ales (rebrand – Santee), KnB (Del Cerro), Knotty Brewing (Downtown), Little Miss Brewing (Miramar), Longship Brewery (Mira Mesa), Midnight Jack Brewing (Oceanside), Mikkeller (Miramar), North Park Beer (um…. duh…), OB Brewery (OB), Oceanside Brewing (um… duh… again), Prodigy Brewing (San Marcos), Pure Project (Miramar), Resident Brewing

(Downtown) & Thunderhawk Alements (Miramar). Hell yeah, Thunderhawk is finally open! The most important aspect of listing these breweries is that it helps you, the reader, discover them. Support local & drink local. Breweries are a reflection of sacrifice, creativity and passion. And they’re creating beers for you, so go visit them and enjoy them. My 7 New Beer Recommendations for 2017: :

1. Resident Brewing Co. (Downtown): Vacation Coconut IPA, 7% 2. Burning Beard (El Cajon): Holy the Voyd Coffee Stout on Nitro, 6% 3. Eppig Brewing Co. (North Park): Festbier German Lager, 6% 4. Knotty Brewing (Downtown): Turrets Irish Red Ale, 5.4% 5. Pure Project (Miramar): Evangeline Gose w/ Grapefruit, 5% 6. North Park (NP): Hop Fu! IPA, 7.5% 7. Mikkeller (Miramar): Berliner Weisse, 3.2% Unfortunately, there were four San Diego breweries that ceased brewing operations in 2016. Valley Center, Pacific, Twisted Manzanita

& Urbn Street closed their doors. The Brew Project | 2017 Mission Statement

The Brew Project is dedicated to creating more exposure and awareness for San Diego’s independently owned and operated breweries. Every ounce of beer that has ever poured from our taps has been brewed within San Diego County lines. No exceptions. We strive to be invoice #1 for the newest breweries because, as a small business, we understand how important exposure and cash flow is to sustainability. A rising tide does lift all boats. Looking forward into 2017, we’re excited to see San Diego’s other emerging markets take form. It’s going to be a big year for San Diego’s distilleries, coffee roasters, kombucha breweries, local farms and cannabis companies. We can’t wait to see how the emerging markets will complement and collaborate with our craft beer culture. Big things ahead. Cheers to a great 2017, Beau Beau@TheBrewProject.com

URBAN GARDENING JANUARY 2017 BY: NINA RUUD, ART & GARDEN ENTHUSIAST

If you did any shopping this holiday season, you certainly noticed the abundance of home décor items lining the shelves. High-end retailers and big-box-discounters offer aisles saturated with endless varieties of kitsch. We buy it for ourselves and for others, and each year it collects in the home. If you look around your home or office, how much of it is purely decorative? How we decorate our space can have a big impact on our life. Not enough décor can leave a space feeling empty, or unfinished. Too much of it can present challenges as well, making it hard to focus or relax. Some people spend lots of time and money creating an ambiance that expresses them. Others don’t think twice about what’s on the walls. Somewhere in the middle is where most of us are, wanting to have a nicely decorated space without spending too much time, or money. Minimalism is not a new concept, though it’s popularity is rising in the face of over consumption. Studies show people with “too much stuff” have behavior patterns that can lead to unhappiness. If your personal

space was crowded with knickknacks and kitsch, where will you find space for new treasures? How does any of this relate to urban gardening? To me, quite a bit. Urban life usually means smaller living spaces. There are more people per square mile in San Diego then in my entire hometown in Wisconsin! With smaller spaces come bigger decisions on what goes into them. We want an environment that expresses ourselves without being too cluttered. What better way to express your true nature, then to use nature as your expression? Replacing commercial décor with plants actually purifies the air you breathe. Indoor plants do not need much time or water and can fit with any schedule for basic care. You can use traditional ceramic pots, or get creative with baskets, jars, driftwood and vases. You don’t have to discard everything to make room for plants. Some plants, like air plants, don’t even require soil to thrive, and can be added to other arrangements and decorative items. The beautification that takes place when you do make room for plants will be noticed by all who enjoy your space!

A low maintenance air plant

For the next housewarming event thrown by someone you know, consider bringing them a plant! Their versatile style will be appreciated by the receiver. Include basic care instructions to ensure clarity, as most issues occur with over or under watering. Sunlight can also be an issue depending on the home or apartment. All plants need sunlight and with most, the more the merrier! With adequate sunlight and appropriate levels of water (not too much, or too little) your gift will last for years to come! An interesting attribute plants offer is the art of listening. They can actually hear sound and grow stronger when music and voices are present! A popular television show, Mythbusters, did a study using 3

greenhouses. The first greenhouse played happy, up-beat music on repeat, the second greenhouse played aggressive music. The third greenhouse played nothing, and left the seedlings in silence. After 60 days of uniform watering and exposure to the same amount of sunlight, they noticed something. The plants that were in silence grew much less in the same time then the plants exposed to music! Both happy and angry music equally inspired the plants to grow faster. Another benefit of having houseplants is they are known for lengthening your attention span and improving focus. In a world full of screens, televisions and tablets, our eyes often strain to collect data and process all the information. Having a plant on your desk is like giving your brain a walk in the park. By incorporating plants into both your home and office, you are intelligently designing your personal space and providing an optimal environment to operate. Let go of the unnecessary clutter in your personal space. Keep only what you need and what brings you joy. I still have my little collection of kitsch, I love maps and little

things that sparkle. Minimizing this doesn’t mean eliminating it entirely! But think twice before your next shopping spree. Everything that you purchase has an impact, not only on you but the environment. If we slowed down on our consumption of “things”, we would have more space, more money, and time to do what brings us joy.

Cali Life Co. is a San Diego-based company, employing local artists to create unique designs for sunglasses, hats, and accessories. Sourcing high-quality lenses with polarized, UV-400 protection, our sunglasses not only look good, they also provide stellar eye protection from the gleaming SoCal sun! Check us out at, CaliLifeCo.com Or, come and see us in person!

JANUARY 2017 |

WINNIE’S

PICKS!

GLEASON – Athlete, husband, father and hero.

An emotional film everyone needs to see. The former New Orleans Saints defensive back who at the age of 34 was diagnosed with ALS. He was given two to five years to live. He also found out his wife was expecting their first child. Please take the time to see this film. Sad, yes, but please see and know what went on in this family. We, who are healthy, have so much to be thankful for.

War II. This is about Japanese women who worked on balloon bombs, the families of those killed in Oregon and the man whose actions brought them altogether 40 years after WWII. ANTHROPOID - If you like to learn more

son. Inspired by a true friendship, this is a little gem of a simple movie to see.

about the second world war, be sure to put this on your list. Two Czechoslovakian soldiers are sent to Prague to kill Reinhard Heydrich, second in command of the Nazis. Those people were so brave. So many gave their lives for their country. A film to add to your list to learn about history.

CAFE SOCIETY - Written and directed by

JASON BOURNE - Matt Damon. This 5th

Woody Allen. A story of falling in love and all the complications that come with it. Another interesting film by Woody.

Bourne movie is exciting and is as good as its predecessors. If you liked the others, this will be right up your alley.

ABDUCTION - Taylor Lautner, Sigourney

AUSCHWITZ - Inside the Nazi state. History

Weaver. Another action film which starts off with surprise scenes. This story is very interesting and keeps you watching. Just one of those little goodies we find along the way. Check it out!

of World War II. This video is the result of 3 years of research. Recently discovered documents and nearly 100 interviews with camp survivors. Many of these people are speaking for the first time. This documentary is one of the best to know what went on. Also, the horrible things that were done. I feel everyone should take time to view this video (please).

MR. CHURCH - Eddie Murphy, Britt Robert-

THE FIELD OF BLOOD Set 1 – Another

Acorn production 2 discs. Crime and newsroom politics. Acorn never lets us down when we want to see a good crime story. ON PAPER WINGS FILM BY ILANA SOL

- Someone loaned this film to me, so I do not have it to rent. If you can find it, try to see this to add to things that happened during World

Call Guy if you are looking for a particular film to buy. See you next month.

Restaurant Kitchen Scraps Can Help the Environment South Park’s Kevin Templeton makes the case for composting

Kevin Templeton BY KEVIN TEMPLETON, OWNER OF BARLEYMASH

As a chef, cooking is my passion. In pursuing that passion, I’ve learned that the waste our restaurant industry produces is both a major problem — and a significant opportunity. Without oxygen, unused food decomposing in landfills will release methane gas, which is harmful to the environment and exacerbates global warming. Its impact is 21 times that of carbon dioxide, ranking it as one of the worst greenhouse gases. But those scraps from our restaurant kitchens can become an important component of sustainable, local agriculture in San Diego and throughout the country, by helping to make compost. “Compost is an essential ingredient in sustainable gardening and farming,” says Claire Groebner of Olivewood Gardens, a historic center for environmental learning in National City. “Replete with nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth, compost is an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, it improves the porosity and structure of the soil, helps to retain moisture, and attracts beneficial soil life that supports plant health.” Working with Olivewood Gardens, my restaurant barleymash is part of a movement in San Diego. We’ve created a way to collect food scraps, minimize waste and give back to the environment. Walking through the back of barleymash’s kitchen, buckets for scraps are visible throughout. At the end of each week, unused food is collected and packaged for delivery to the gardens. We move over 700 pounds a week. Aside from composting, we also try to reuse 100 percent of our proteins to reduce food waste. For instance, the main dish might be a beautiful pork belly but we aren’t able to use the ends. We’ll top our Iron Fries with the best pieces of pork and send out an awesome appetizer. We believe everything you take should be given back tenfold.

The team at barleymash purchases sustainable agricultural products and practices waste prevention. All of the seafood served at the establishment is fished properly to protect the ocean. The meat and chicken are ethically sourced from natural and cruelty-free producers. We might not be able to use all of the bones or parts of fish, but we work with our seafood company to freeze the wouldbe-waste and turn it into a nutrient-rich cat food. How cool is that? In addition to dropping off the composted scraps, my team and I lead classes for children from time-to-time regarding waste management, recycling and cooking. “At Olivewood Gardens, we teach children and adults about the importance of recycling and reusing our resources, and we love when Chef Kevin is leading the discussion,” says Groebner. “Composting allows us to take waste and turn it into a usable, sustainable product. Food scraps become compost, which grows more food. It is the ultimate closed loop system.” Composting is an easy way to grow beautiful produce without using a ton of fertilizer — and it is completely natural. There are other chefs out there who are as passionate as I am — if not more so. One of the pioneers in my book is my good friend and executive chef of Urban Solace Matt Gordon. He lives, eats and breaths for this. I’m hoping that San Diego will soon make it mandatory for restaurants to compost food scraps. One of my favorite days of the week is going out and visiting the farm to drop off our scraps. Walking around, breathing in the clean air and casting my eyes over the beautiful vegetation —appreciating where your food comes from is a big part of being a chef. Kevin Templeton, a South Park resident, is executive chef of barleymash restaurant in Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp District.

| JANUARY 2017

FOOD PULSE pardon my FRENCH chef perfects his French Fusion dishes

Executive Chef Dariusz Szelag BY LEO CHRISTOPHER

In a lifetime quest to experience the best flavors this planet has to offer, I have eaten well. It is clear this spinning rock has no shortage of culinary genius. Our ability to manipulate ingredients, to shape them into a story, it is mind-blowing to consider the cuisines that have existed and evolved. Think back to your favorite meals. Think back to the tastes, the smells, the love all present in your experience and memory. Consider how it shaped you and the expectations you maintain when you arrive at a table. If it were up to me, I would spend my afternoons eating lunch while discussing what to have for dinner. These bites can level us, a complete engagement of all our five senses, and it is wonderful to welcome these moments.

Initially, living in San Diego proved to be an adjustment when compared to the culinary scenes of other cities. My experiences often failed to mirror the very reviews that had driven me to a restaurant in the first place. But eventually a pulse, previously hidden to me, began to expose itself. The revelation of what is actually going on in the San Diego food scene is, in truth, pretty awesome! This is a stage on which the yet to be discovered are drafting their own dialogue, uninterrupted and free to endeavor. The more I interweave myself into this fabric, the more I am blown away by the symphonic creations these young chefs are turning out. Most noticeably on this list is Executive Chef Dariusz Szelag. This 28-year- old gem has seized the kitchen and is perfecting his French

Fusion dishes with a savvy difficult to understand for his age. One look at his resume, however, and the source of his talent is quickly revealed. Dariusz has worked alongside some of the best, earning his stripes in what is the heart of modern gastronomy, London. Five-star restaurants and Michelin Star Chefs were the landscape in which he put his head down and gutted it out, mastering techniques and establishing the solidarity of skill capable of launching expansive feats under his own charge. Currently at pardon my FRENCH in Hillcrest, he carries an unassuming and almost zen-like composure. His ability to connect with his staff has elevated the restaurant’s cuisine to a level comparable with some of the finest kitchens in

the world. Unconcerned with recognition, he has used his talent to travel the world and worries himself only with the finished product that reaches your plate. Owners Eric and Lindsey Fillion have given him the room to make his mark, and he is doing just that. Long before I had the pleasure of meeting him, his dishes began to haunt me. I found myself rejoicing in the discovery of his menu and returning time and time again to sample more. Partner this with the boutique wine selection being offered and this restaurant might truly be the best reservation in San Diego. From the bar menu the Tarte Flambée or Beef Sliders with Bacon Jam will have you singing. The Salade Maison with Steak, as simple as it may sound, is phenomenal. For entrees try the Grilled Duroc Pork

Chop. It ranks among my lifetime top ten bites, and is certainly the best pork chop I have ever eaten. Chef also created an incredible brunch menu, on which the Chicken & Bacon Waffles might be the best in town. His Foie Gras made my knees buckle. Partner this with a bottle of Vivier Pinot Noir and you can convince any woman she loves you. When it comes to the delivery of taste, the accomplishment of flavor, Dariusz Szelag and pardon my FRENCH will quickly become the cover to get. His experience in some of the world’s toughest kitchens coupled with supportive and vibrant ownership is a sum others simply do not possess. There are no PR firms, no reality TV shows, no celebrity status. This is simply the transparent collision of technique, creativity, and freedom.

pardon my FRENCH owners Eric Fillion (left) and Lindsey Fillion (far right) at the restaurant with Executive Chef Dariusz Szelag, and state Sen. Toni Atkins, a guest at the restaurant. Eric Fillion is holding the 2016 Nicky Award for Best New Business.

JANUARY 2017 |

Craft Brewery Igniter Getting Cheers for its Beers BY JENNIFER COBURN

H.G. Fenton Co. offers 3 brewers under one roof Imagine going on a pub crawl to sample San Diego’s best beers and never having to call for an Uber. You and your beer buddies wouldn’t even have to stumble down the block to hit the next tap. You could sample suds from three San Diego brewers all under the same roof. This beer-lover’s dream became a reality in North Park when CRAFT by Brewery Igniter recently opened its doors on El Cajon Boulevard. Developed by H.G. Fenton Company, the concept is simple: support local brewers in their work by providing a turnkey operation where they can reduce business costs and focus on creating innovative craft beers for their customers. J&L Eppig Brewing, Pariah Brewing Company, and San Diego Brewing Company opened their doors at North Park’s new CRAFT Brewery Igniter late last year with each brewer having approximately 2,000 square feet of space, a tap room, and a 10-barrel brew. What few people outside the beer industry know is that launching a new microbrewery is expensive, often prohibitively so. The equipment alone can dampen the spirits of even the most ambitious entrepreneurs. The long waits for a liquor license and equipment installations can make it impossible for some to take the leap. “H.G. Fenton Company saw the intense financial pressure that small and new brewers were facing and developed Brewery Igniter as the solution,” said Jacqueline Olivier, the business manager for Brewery Igniter at H.G. Fenton Company. “A series of turnkey brewing facilities, each Brewery Igniter space features state of the art, fully functional brewing systems and tasting rooms that entrepreneur brewers can use to reduce their upfront capital investment and get their beers on the market and into glasses sooner. Through Brewery Igniter’s lower risk model, passionate brewers

are better positioned to turn their dreams into reality.” This is not H.G. Fenton Company’s first foray into the brewery business. It already has a similar site in Miramar where Pure Project Brewing and Amplified Ale Works are located. The company has plans to open a third site in North County late this year. Beer Connoisseur ranked San Diego the fifth best beer city in the world while CNN pegged us as No. 3 in the United States, behind Portland and San Francisco. So what are we hoping for? Even more craft brewers with the freedom to focus on the creative development of their beer instead of borrowing money and pushing paper? The growing popularity of a space like H.G. Fenton Company provides suggests that’s the case. Pariah’s brewmaster, Brian Mitchell, formerly of Stone Brewing, says he intends to break new ground by specializing in beers made with a variety of unique ingredients. He’s starting already with a recent batch he created using flowers from a tree in his own backyard. But Brewery Igniter is about more than making craft breweries more creative and efficient. Sometimes it’s about making them possible. Of the five Brewery Igniter tenants in both Miramar and and North Park, three of the breweries were launched through Brewery Igniter — Pure Project, J & L Eppig Brewing, and Pariah Brewing Company. The two breweries set to open in Carlsbad will also be new to the craft beer community. “It’s gratifying to see beer artisans succeed in creating their vision and we look forward to seeing their continued growth, whether they are a new brewer or an established brewer expanding their facilities,” says Oliver. The concept is getting cheers from both brewers and beer-lovers alike. The only ones who may have cause for complaint is Uber drivers.

Exterior of Eppig Brewing.

Pariah Brewing’s Brian Mitchell. (Photo courtesy of Stone Brewing Co.)

San Diego Restaurant Week Celebrates A century of Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Cookies The 13th annual San Diego Restaurant Week returns Sunday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 22 for an edible extravaganza to ring in the New Year. With over 180 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving. San Diego Restaurant Week is proud to announce a very delicious partnership for January as many of the San Diego Restaurant Week restaurants team up with local Girl Scouts to celebrate the arrival of Girl Scouting in San Diego 100 years ago, as well as the 100th anniversary of delectable, scrumptious, delicious Girl Scout Cookies. To celebrate, chefs are getting creative with America’s favorite cookies to dish out special offerings for diners. Over 180 participating restaurants will offer threecourse prix-fixe dinner menus for $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person and/or two-course prix-fixe lunch menus for $10, $15 or $20 per person. The participating restaurants span across the county from the South Bay to East County and to the borders of Oceanside and Fallbrook to the north.

Participating restaurants include Bleu Boheme and Cucina Sorella in Kensington; Farmers Bottega in Mission Hills; Cucina Urbana, Great Maple, Hash House a GoGo in Hillcrest; and The Prado in Balboa Park. Satisfy your cookie cravings early by dining out at participating restaurants offering sweet and savory menu items before Girl Scout Cookie Season begins. Enjoy dishes featuring Thin Mints, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Samoas, Tagalongs, and Savannah Smiles used in recipes that are sure to surprise you. Naturally, you can expect decadent desserts featuring these beloved cookies — but our restaurants are taking Girl Scout cookies to the next level with dishes like Samoas Crusted Fried Shrimp, Do-si-dos Peanut Thai Chicken, salads featuring toasted Trefoil croutons, and more. Tickets are not necessary for the week of discounted dining, but reservations are recommended. Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com for more information, including a list of participating restaurants or to make reservations in advance.

Bleu Boheme’s menu for San Diego Restaurant Week will feature a pâté created by Chef de Cuisine Darren Debergh. Amelia Morris of Talmadge (left) and North Park resident Liesl Holford of Junior Troop 4152 recently visited Bleu Boheme for a taste-test of the dish, created with Girl Scout Trefoil shortbread cookies. (Photo: Paul Nestor)

| JANUARY 2017

Craft Beer on Demand Crafthounds puts suds on your doorstep Craft beer enthusiasts in San Diego can now select from thousands of brews, and have them delivered to their doorstep with just the click of an icon. Crafthounds, a new and unique on-demand delivery business, has partnered with local alcohol vendors, bottle shops and breweries to create what a company representative described as the largest craft beer marketplace in the craft beer capital of the world. “There are other delivery services that do beer, wine and liquor, but we really wanted to focus and specialize,” said Adam Gendler, director of marketing services for Crafthounds. “There are so many different nuances to the craft beer culture that we can really customize our platform, and help users explore and discover new beers.” Gendler said that unlike other delivery services, Crafthounds customers aren’t limited to just their local grocery store. Users can input their address and see all the craft beer available within a five-mile radius. He added that the company currently works with 26 local retailers including Best Damn Beer Shop, Keg N Bottle, Best Quality Liquor Store, Craft City, The Craft Gurus and 32 North Brewing. CraftHounds is also offering its customers growlers on demand from a number of breweries and tasting rooms. The company is currently pursuing a number of options to expand its list of choices. Another advantage Gendler pointed out is that consumers can compare prices to find the best deals available, and purchase from the store of their choice within the network. “CraftHounds is hands-down the best way to shop for craft beer now,” said Normal Heights resident Mason Dufresne. “It’s like combining the best stores and breweries around me into a craft beer superstore and getting it all delivered in minutes.” Founded by a closeknit group of family and friends that wanted to start a microbrewery, Crafthounds was begun as a way to promote the idea of discovery. “At our root, we’re really not a delivery service,” Gendler said. “We’re in business to empower people to be adventurous, explore and try new things. There is nothing better than finding a new craft beer that you just love.” Every beer has a detailed summary, which includes a description, tasting notes and food pairings. The site also provides personalized recommendations based on customer taste preferences. According to Gendler, delivery fees run between $2 and $6. Delivery times vary between an hour or less and can be scheduled. Gendler said that with over 115 breweries, and 1,300 craft beer stores, San Diego was a fitting place to start their unique business. “We started here because the city is the craft beer capital,” he said. “San Diego was always at the top of our list because of the number of breweries, but the biggest thing for us was always the craft beer culture.” Restaurant entrepreneur Alex Carballo, owner of Moto Deli and Fresco Pizzeria & Grill said that having a unique delivery service such as Crafthounds in the craft Mecca of the United States is like having the gaps filled in with convenience and diversity. “Overall, delivery services have been lax and confined to a specific geographic area,” he said. “If a company can target the more festive selections and deliver a premium quality beer, that’s excellent.” Thomas Michalsky of Pacific Beach recalled having to call Uber for a ride to the liquor store when the beer ran out during his wife’s birthday party recently. “It would have been easier and cheaper had I known about this service before,” he said. “I could have ordered premium beer and not missed out on time with my guests.”

Delivery fees run between $2 and $6. Delivery times vary between an hour or less and can be scheduled.

Mason Dufresne of Normal Heights ordered this beer package from Crafthounds.

Doorstop delivery.

BY MANNY LOPEZ

JANUARY 2017 |

By Bart Mendoza January 22 A Joyous Explosion of Sound and Motion

The Toasters

Though the first Ska revival is more than three decades behind us, there is no doubt that the music is just as popular today, with new bands emerging regularly and packing halls around the country. One of the longest running combos in the genre, The Toasters, appear at the Casbah on Jan. 22. Formed in 1981, the band was crucial in keeping ska alive over the years, through shows, tours and even a record label. The Toasters haven’t released a new album since 2007, but this is a group that has built its reputation on its live performances, which are a joyous explosion of sound and motion from the first note. www.musicboxsd.com

January 26 and January 20 Patric Petrie Fires Up the Proceedings Dublin Square will host a residency by Celtic fiddler Patric Petrie and guitarist Tim Foley, starting this month. The duo will perform the first and fourth Thursday (January 26), as well as third Friday (January 20) of each month. Foley is a virtuoso musician adept at uilleann pipes, fife and many other instruments, but it’s Petrie who really fires up the proceedings with manic performances that are second to none. Still part of the award-winning world music group, Skelpin, in recent months Petrie has been performing with her new group, Brogue Wave, but it’s in intimate performances like this where she is truly in the spotlight that her playing truly shines. www.dublinsquareirishpub.com Patric Petrie

David Duchovny

February 12 Duchovny: From ‘X-Files’ to ‘Hell or Highwater’ Actor David Duchovny performs at The Music Box on Feb. 12. Best known for his work on iconic TV series, “The X-Files,” Duchovny has appeared in dozens of movies and TV programs, from “Frasier” to “The Simpsons,” and now turns his talents towards music. Currently on tour promoting his debut album, “Hell or Highwater,” Duchovny is backed by the group Weather for a dozen original songs that range from Americana-tinged ballads to indie rock, influenced by the likes of Dylan and R.E.M. While Duchovny’s film star power may be the initial draw, songs such as “Let It Rain,” show a promising artist well worth hearing. www.musicboxsd.com

January 28 ‘Art Meets Jazz’ by Gilbert Castellanos

Gilbert Castellanos

Jazz continues to be one of the fastest growing music communities in San Diego, thanks in large part to the efforts of trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, who works with hitmakers, such as Diana Krall, and also mentors numerous young musicians. His latest project, in conjunction with promoter Arlene Damasco, is a new three-part music series, “Art Meets Jazz,” with the first event taking place at Bread & Salt on Jan. 28. The night will pair the works of photographer Robert Sanchez with Castellanos, who will be joined by legendary drummer Roy McCurdy for this gig. If you like jazz, this series offers a promising start to the new year. http://m.bpt.me/event/2724508

Peter Asher

February 3

February 18

Dreamy Garage Rock from Birdy Bardot

A Multi-Media Mix of Songs and Storytelling

For those from outside of San Diego, the debut album from Birdy Bardot may seem to have emerged from nowhere, but the singer and guitarist has paid her dues, performing with two acclaimed acts, The New Kinetics and The Rosalyns. Performing at the Soda Bar on Feb. 3, Bardot is part of the influential local music label, the Redwoods Collective. Bardot is backed by an all-star band that includes guitarist Matthew Molarius (formerly of Transfer) and percussionist Al Howard. It all adds up to dreamy garage rock that updates the best of the late 1960’s—early 1970’s indie rock sounds. www.sodabarmusic.com Birdy Bardot

Fans of ’60s and ’70s rock won’t want to miss an appearance on Feb. 18 by Peter Asher at AMSD Concerts in National City. The show is a multi-media mix of songs and storytelling, opening with Asher’s days during the 1960s British Invasion as part of the duo, Peter & Gordon, when he scored hits with songs such as “Woman,” “Lady Godiva” and “World Without Love,” as well as spotlighting later exploits as head of A&R for Apple Records and as manager or producer for numerous artists including James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and 10,000 Maniacs. It all adds up to a fun, fascinating look at the career one of the lynchpins of the glory days of the music biz, sure to please fans of classic rock, Beatlemaniacs or anyone who enjoys great pop songs. www.amsdconcerts.com

COVER STORY

| JANUARY 2017

Adams Ave News Bay Park Connection College Area Connection Hillcrest News IB Connection Ken-Tal News Mission Hills News North Park News Serra Mesa Connection South Park News Local Umbrella Media - your neighborhood source -

Group Publisher Brad Weber Brad@LocalUmbrella.com Associate Publisher Kat Haney Kat@LocalUmbrella.com Editor Manny Cruz Manny@sandiegometro.com Art Director Chris Baker cbaker@sandiegometro.com Writers/Columnists Bart Mendoza Delle Willett Jen Coburn Sara Wacker Nina Ruud Beau Schmidt Leo Christopher Shelby, Shelby's Gardens Lisa Howe Photography Manny Cruz Sande Lollis Jim Childers Media Consultant Tom Shess Marketing/Advertising Brad Weber Brad@LocalUmbrella.com Kat Haney Kat@LocalUmbrella.com Sales Associate Tina Canavan Tina@LocalUmbrella.com Social Media & Web Design Tina Canavan Tina@LocalUmbrella.com

CITY TACOS A Very Special Mexican Treat

EVERY BITE IS SPECIAL

BY MIKAELA DUHS PHOTOS BY JIM CHILDERS

The unique flavors of City Tacos didn’t just happen. They take careful consideration and a strong background and passion for food. Owner Gerry Torres has created an exhilarating experience for customers at his North Park- based taco shop that is filled with daring combinations that leave locals and tourists alike wanting more of this tasty stray from traditional Mexican food. Torres has masterfully incorporated many aspects of his life through City Tacos. He has worked in almost all areas of the food industry from being a busser, bartender, waiter, manager and finally an owner. Taking care of people comes naturally to him; therefore his mind is focused on the customer and how he can perfect his craft to fit their wants and needs. Because of this, City Tacos is constantly adding, subtracting and improving their tacos. “I don’t let myself think we are good, or we are great. I don’t think we are. I go in thinking every day is a new challenge, every guest is a new challenge.” This doesn’t stop Torres and his partner, Chef Eduardo Baeza crank out unique tacos all day and all night. Torres’ passion for food is what fuels his concoctions and perfectly paired combinations. Living

half of his life in Mexico City, Torres decided on tacos as his shop speciality because they are protein packed, no fuss, in-your-face, fresh, fast and when prepared well, they are beautiful. “I love food, I love food from everywhere. I love to eat and I love to put those flavors together. When I try something that is beautiful, I think what can I do with that? I look at the way something tastes and I try to improve upon it,” he said. His tacos take a quick turn from the norm, as he offers a Mexicanstyle food base, but with an international flare. There are influences from Italian and French cuisine as well as the freshest fruits and vegetables that give City Tacos an up scale taste compared to the average hole-in-the-wall taco stand. Not only do the tacos, fresh ingredients, and unique combinations bring people to the door, but the ambiance of the restaurant itself. When you walk in the door, you know that this is different. The entire menu is in Spanish, and purposely too, so that customers are forced to order while speaking the language of this food’s culture. Torres also encourages his Spanish-speaking employees to converse in their native tongue to provide an authentic atmosphere as well as providing customers with a blend-

Portobello Taco

Mahi Adobe

SEE TACOS, Page 11

Chorizo Taco

Chairman/CEO Bob Page BobPage@sandiegometro.com Associate Publisher Rebecca Page RebeccaPage@sandiegometro.com Letters/Opinion Pieces Local Umbrella Media 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 breaking news, please call us at (619) 2871865. For all other news items, please email manny@sandiegometro.com. PO Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 (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, 2016, by REP Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent. All rights reserved.

Cauliflower micro-greens taco lite menu

COVER STORY

TACOS

CONTINUED FROM Page 10

ing of the cultures. Because of these different fusions of food, City Tacos makes some very different styles of tacos. Every bite is special, and therefore important. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to have acidity, I want to have sweetness, I want to have saltiness, I want to have bitterness, I want to have crunch, I want to have temperatures because that is what excites your taste buds. If you have all of that in one bite, you are going to be in heaven,â&#x20AC;? said Torres. Although their tacos have always been complex, City Tacos has a surprisingly humble beginning. The taco shop opened with only four taco meals originally, causing customers to question how this old-fashioned and developing taco shop would fit into North Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a fight within the customer as they were trying to understand the idea through the point of view of traditional tacos. Once we got recognition, people were willing to try something different. The concept itself was a little risky, because there was nothing like it out there,â&#x20AC;? Torres explains. Adding new tacos about every two months since their opening, City Tacos has 15 taco meals, each one exceedingly and vibrantly different from the next, making the stand a popular North Park hub for good grub. Torresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proven tactic for creating splendid new sequences of ingredients depends, like all the things at his shop, on the consumer. When he creates a new taco, his first instinct is to give it away to a guest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;try it, let me know what you thinkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and if everybody likes it, it goes on the menu, if not it goes back to the drawing board. I actually have the people that will be eating the tacos decide whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the menu,â&#x20AC;? said Torres. This kitchen-to-customer technique is not the only quality that sets City Tacos apart. The homemade salsa bar sits awaiting customers to scoop up their ideal dip and take to their table, but the chips are bizarre, healthy and different from any other taco shop around. Instead of offering the typical tortilla chips with their mixture of mild, medium, hot sauces, the taqueria substitutes jicama, carrots and cucumbers as chips, a memorable alternative for owner, Gerry Torres. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All these vegetables are cool snacks. When we were growing up we would lunch on those and munch on those. Instead of potato chips, that is what we got,â&#x20AC;? Torres said, laughing. Jicama, unknown to Americans as a Mexican food, has actually been utilized in Mexico for almost a decade. Torres suspects that jicama has not been employed in the United States

because of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception of Mexican food, but believes that this perception is evolving at an extremely rapid pace. A jicama tortilla, which is a City Tacos alternative for regular tortilla, is also a way to cater to people with gluten allergies or those who are trying to avoid corn. With new combinations to try, customers are becoming more adventurous and trying new flavors, even when they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t from the standard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mexicanâ&#x20AC;? food that San Diegans have come to know and love, due to immediate influence from across the border. Because of this closeness with Mexico and popularity of food from this heritage, it is difficult to really do something one hundred percent original. Torresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; philosophy is defined as not wanting to steal flavors from somewhere else, but sometimes you have to as it is the evolution of food. But even when taste, techniques, and timeliness of the service can differ, the binding factor for all â&#x20AC;&#x153;realâ&#x20AC;? Mexican restaurants is authenticity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Authenticity is the common ground between what I do, and what those have done in the past. Everything in City Tacos is made in house and that way you can guarantee quality. You know what you are putting in and your recipe is a proven recipe. What sets you apart is when you do things a bit better or with a twist,â&#x20AC;? Torres said. With superior quality ingredients compared to other taco stands, City Tacos can make better combinations of zesty food. The most popular taco, the Camaron taco, has sautĂŠed shrimp in a Serrano Chile egg batter topped with grilled calabacitas and corn in a delicate green tomatillo salsa with cilantro and red onions, while itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more hearty sister taco, the Puerto Agridulce taco, is stuffed full with tender pork loin in a spicy sweet and sour demi glaze, avocado pulp, diced Serrano peppers, red onions, cilantro and fried rice noodles. No taco is alike, but all are equally daring and bold. While all tacos are delicately placed on a handmade flour or corn tortilla, there are also fresh made salsas, batters and aguas frescas. Therefore, the taco shop is almost a 20-hour operation, opening just a few hours after they close. But no hard work is wasted; as people from all over San Diego County have relished every minute the shop has been open, with their exclusive, savory selection of tacos. Definitely not the only one, Tanya Feldman, Encinitas resident, makes quite the trek for her devotion to these terrific tacos. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is something uniquely special about City Tacos. Special enough I make a drive from North County all the way to North Park. I love Mexican food, but this is different. From a variety of interesting meats and a plethora of seafood, and affordable prices, this place will

JANUARY 2017 |

City Tacos, a popular North Park hub for good grub. not disappoint!â&#x20AC;? City Tacos opened on May 5, 2014, and has boomed in the hip, young atmosphere of North Park. Torresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fondest memory of his enterprise is its two-year anniversary celebration, which was this year, as most restaurants that are unsuccessful close down within a year of opening. They hosted a fiesta with DJs, performers and a live band. Torres got to throw a party for those who made his taco shop successful, and that was North Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was practically giving food away, to show my appreciation. North Park is fantastic. Everybody is very genuine, they are adventurous when it comes to food, and people are very respectful of property and the place itself. People that are from North Park or in North Park are there to have a good time.â&#x20AC;? Throughout the incredible delectable delights produced at City Tacos, even more special is the passion and infatuation that Torres has with

food. It is his calling, his love and most importantly his purpose. His North Park taco shop has been a great hit with locals, sightseers and businessmen alike, all in search of the most daring, delicious dunk into Mexican heritage, but with a slight twist. Overall, Torres is happy with his victory in this area, but continues to reach for higher grounds. Every day he wakes up with one goal on his mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to give myself the opportunity to make the best tacos, not only in San Diego, but in all the U.S. hopefully one day.â&#x20AC;? Torres has recently opened up another restaurant in North Park specializing in fresh, sustainable and nutritious foods: Tostadas. Located just down the street from his taco shop City Tacos, Tostadas is a healthy lunch spot for those looking for fish and meat tostadas, freshmade juices with local fruits and vegetables and Hispanic style soups. Torres loves the area and saw fit to furthering his footprint in North Park.

We are now in North Park!

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The smiling cooking staff at City Tacos: from left, Josefina Pena, Chris Torres, Javier Cruz and Raul Varela.

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| JANUARY 2017

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| JANUARY 2017

Future of North Park is in Property Owners’ Hands Vote for crucial North Park PBID initiative North Park has established itself as one of America’s “best neighborhoods” with a vibrancy unique to its own. The area has drawn trendsetting retailers, chefs and small businesses to call the community home. Known as a launching pad for San Diego’s culinary revolution, when Chef Matt Gordon opened Urban Solace nine years ago, people questioned the viability of his exceptional restaurant in a once-blighted area of San Diego. Dozens of new establishments have followed suit, bringing their creative, fresh style to the neighborhood. Weaving into the North Park legacy story, there is much positive momentum to pave the way into the next decade in North Park. Yet, with that enthusiasm, the community is faced with significant infrastructure limitations, unmet maintenance needs and a lack of funding for beautification projects that would boost the community’s appeal. These challenges stand in the way of North Park’s ability to meet the growing demands of the consumers, residents and tourists who visit the unique and diverse district every day. North Park Main Street, the Business Improvement District responsible for assisting in the revitalization efforts, continues to create a destination for shoppers, diners and visitors looking to enjoy the pedestrian friendly environment. However, with no budget to address the wear and

tear of the bustling business district, many people complain of dirty sidewalks, over-full trash cans, graffiti and alleys filled with items left behind from the growing transient population living on the streets of the city.

Park will be able to properly support the current and future needs of the community. We wanted to get clear on what this initiative is and why it is important for the future of North Park. Five Questions with Angela Landsberg: 1) What will the North Park PBID bring to North Park?

It will allow us to provide the critical infrastructure needed to support our neighborhood. As shown in the North Park PBID Management District Plan, there are specific budget allocations with funding going toward the categories of sanitation, landscaping, and improvements and economic development.

Angela Landsberg, executive director of North Park Main Street.

Angela Landsberg, executive director of North Park Main Street, was asked by a stakeholder group of property owners in 2014 to lead an effort to create a “North Park PBID,” a property based business improvement district that will manage and improve the environment of the business district with services financed by a self-imposed assessment. With the North Park PBID put in place, the foundation of North

2) What encouraged the Board of Directors of North Park Main Street to recommend North Park create its own PBID?

A group of property owners approached North Park Main Street in 2014 and requested information on how our organization could assist in boosting property values by providing enhancements above and beyond those offered by the City. We are incredibly proud of our work under the scope of the main street business improvement district but unfortunately, the limited budget does not provide for additional maintenance or improvements that are desired by many property own-

Landscaped median on University Avenue with approval of the North Park PBID.

ers. The City’s bandwidth has gotten more and more limited and the formation of a PBID is a proven method for transforming older communities into cleaner, brighter and more desirable neighborhoods. We’re taking a nod from the best practices of cities across the nation who are stepping up to make their communities safe, clean and vibrant. The North Park PBID will allow property owners to take the initiative in making North Park everything the neighborhood should be — one key example is the mile and a half median that will soon run down the length of University Avenue from Boundary to Alabama as part of the University Avenue Mobility Plan (UAMP). As of today, if this PBID does not get approved, the UAMP will be a mile and half concrete median, creating a stage for panhandlers to detract from the community experience. With the PBID, we will be able to create a landscaped median that

will provide an aesthetic enhancement to serve the community for decades to come. That’s just one example that will literally create the foundation for a positive neighborhood experience for the next five years. The North Park PBID will then be up for a new vote to continue in 2023. 3) Who will be in charge of running the new North Park PBID?

The PBID will be run by North Park Main Street and a board of directors, to be made up of elected property owners within the PBID boundaries. Together, they will be responsible for implementing the PBID programs. The city of San Diego will monitor the program that is set according to a State law that regulates how PBIDs offer special benefits to the property owners. The funds will be collected from property taxes and they must be used on the North Park PBID programs. 4) Why is now the time to launch this North Park P-BID?

After two years of research and planning, we are now ready to set the North Park PBID into motion. Once we receive 51 percent of property owners’ signatures in support of the initiative, we will be able to proceed with a vote of the entire district. When this vote passes, we will begin the work of implementing the maintenance, landscaping and economic development needed to move North Park to the next level. 5) How can property owners vote?

Property owners must sign their intent in good old-fashioned pen and paper. We are meeting one-onone with each property owner to answer questions and get their input. A map of the boundaries can be found at www.northparkmainstreet.com/npbid. Anyone interested in learning more can contact me at (619)-294-2501 or angela@northparkmainstreet.com. “Simply put, North Park deserves this program,” noted Lynn Susholtz, owner of Art Produce. “This is the kind of initiative that delivers immediate benefits as well as building long-term property value. We’ve all worked hard to get where we are and a coordinated effort to better maintain our neighborhood can make a real impact to each of our bottom lines as property owners.”

JANUARY 2017 |

BARONS CONTINUED FROM Page 2

day ever,â&#x20AC;? as Tricia Skykes, who had been â&#x20AC;&#x153;waiting forever,â&#x20AC;? exclaimed. Kelly McGrath lives two blocks away and sees herself walking over to make a salad to bring home for lunch. Other shoppers were picking up something to bring to work. Renie Geesey says she â&#x20AC;&#x153;plans to spend a lot of timeâ&#x20AC;? at Barons. Asked about how the market got its name, Vice President of Marketing and founding family member Rachel Shemirani said it was an interesting story. Her father is a big fan of old movies and remembered a film that featured a hotel chain called Barons. He suggested Barons as the name for their stores, and although other family members were not as enthusiastic, no one else came up with a better name, and so it stuck. Now North Park has a market called Barons, a somewhat aristocratic-sounding moniker, but fitting for its â&#x20AC;&#x153;top shelfâ&#x20AC;? appearance and groceries, and first-class customer service.

Clerk Aneisha Daughetry rings up a customer.

Front clerk Aneisha Daughetry worked the opening.

A shopper surveys one of Barons food stations.

Councilman Chris Ward cuts the ribbon with Rachel Shemirani, Barons Marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vice president of marketing and a founding family member.

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Solution Solution

| JANUARY 2017

KIDS KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; KORNER 4BYKIDS

Water Bottle Piggy Bank Materials you have: Empty plastic beverage bottle (the wider the better) Craft knife Scissors Colored paper (1 sheet orange, 1 sheet blue) Pencil Craft glue Transparent tape Hole punch Paintbrush Materials you need: Ear templates (download at allyou.com/piggybank) 4 wood beads (3/4" diameter) from factorydirectcrafts.com Orange acrylic paint from Staples

Instructions: Peel label off clean, empty bottle. Use craft knife to cut a 1 1/2" x 1/8" wide slot (for inserting coins) in bottle, about midway between top and bottom. Use scissors to cut a strip of orange paper long enough to wrap around bottle and same width as bottle label. Wrap paper around bottle and use a pencil to trace over slot in bottle. Unwrap paper and cut slot with craft knife. Use scissors to cut out ear and inner-ear templates. Place ear template on orange paper and trace around. Repeat for other ear. Cut out. Place inner-ear template on blue paper and trace around. Repeat. Cut out. Fold ears at tab. Position ears along edge of paper band, about 1" to each side of slot. Tape tabs to back of paper band. Wrap band with ears around bottle, aligning slots on bottle and paper. Overlap ends of band and tape seam. Compliments of AllYou.com/

Cali Life Co. Kids is an art project inspiring local youth to develop their creative skills, building confidence and experience within and beyond their communities. Have FUN coloring! Share your work with us on facebook, twitter or instagram and be entered to WIN prizes for the new school year!

JANUARY 2017 |

Select Porter Elementary students get new bikes thanks to San Diego Unified School Police Department program

Nearly 30 students at Porter Elementary gathered on the school’s blacktop waiting for members of the San Diego Unified School Police Department to finish “shining their shoes.” What these officers were really doing was grabbing a new bicycle that each of these students was receiving – and delivering it to them, helmet and all. The bicycle giveaway is part of True Blue Buddies, a year-long mentorship program involving members of the San Diego Unified School Police Department and select elementary students.

“Remember this day – you’re going to have a blast with your True Blue Buddy,” said Chief Rueben Littlejohn to the students before the big surprise. “Our officers stopped what they were doing today because they wanted to spend time with their buddies…but they wouldn’t tell me what they wanted to do. It’s a surprise, they told me.” Each of the students received a new bicycle and helmet, then participated in a bike rodeo put on by the San Diego Bike Coalition and enjoyed lunch with their buddy, courtesy of San Diego Unified’s Food and Nutrition Services.

“Our students were so excited to see their buddies bringing out bicycles. Many have never had their own bike before,” said Porter Elementary Principal Lillie McMillan. “But this program is about much more than bicycles. It’s an opportunity for our students to develop relationships with the officers and have someone they can look up to and receive mentoring from. It’s a special program with great possibilities.” The bikes and helmets were provided by members of San Diego Unified School Police, the San Diego Bike Coalition and a personal

donation on behalf of fallen San Diego Police Department officer Jonathan DeGuzman. The primary goal of the True Blue Buddies mentorship program is to provide support through small group mentoring, as well as to help facilitate and build positive relationships between police officers and students at an early age. In addition to mentoring, they hold 3-4 events throughout the year, including a shopping trip, Thanksgiving feast and an end-ofyear lunch. This is the second year of the program. Last year, select students from Walker Elementary in Mira Mesa participated.

SOCAL FUN WITH RHOADS Hey its Rhoads, thirteen year old So-Cal kid here. I love fun activities like skateboarding, hanging out with friends, and sometimes cooking and baking with my family. I've been cooking since I was four years old. Helping out in the kitchen has always been a fun activity for me. My family and I love cooking and baking and trying out new recipes. Trying new recipes helps to expand my kitchen skills, as well as, my taste. My favorite part about cooking and baking is when I see the smiles on everyones faces after I've made a great meal or treat. Someday I would love to incorporate my love of cooking and skateboarding into a profession. One of my favorite recipes is Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies. Its a great recipe for winter time. It is a fun treat to sit around the fire with, we like to get Vegan marshmallows and make Chocolate Chip Cookie Smores with them. I really enjoy this recipe and I hope you enjoy it too.

Rhoads' Favorite Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 2 '/4 cup of flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 Cup Earth Balance Vegan Butter ¾ Cup Cane Sugar ¾ Cup Brown Sugar 1 tsp. Vanilla 2 Ener G Egg Replacers ½ Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Directions: Pre heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat butter, sugars and vanilla in a large bowl. Add egg replacer. Making a mound on top of wet ingredients add all dry ingredients. Fold in dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips last, spoon cookies on to cookie sheet pressing down if necessary bake for 10 min or until lightly browned allow to cool and eat!

Youth Hero of the Month At Local Umbrella Media we are dedicated to serving the communities, kids, and causes that make our unique neighborhoods great. Every day local kids go out and do incredible things. Tell us about a Youth Hero you know. Share your story, info@LocalUmbrella.com, and help us find the next Youth Hero of the Month.

| JANUARY 2017

Storm Chaser Stalks Extreme Weather

BY MANNY LOPEZ

Professional storm chaser Sean Casey delivers an introductory talk about the IMAX documentary film ‘Extreme Weather’ at a media and VIP opening. (Photo courtesy of the Fleet Science Center)

Director Sean Casey gives weather a starring role in film The new IMAX documentary film “Extreme Weather,” produced by National Geographic, is now playing in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Fleet Science Center. Directed and filmed by professional storm chaser Sean Casey, star of Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers,” director of “Tornado Alley” and cinematographer for “Forces of Nature,” Extreme Weather makes the case that weather is an interconnected system, where changes in one place create changes elsewhere. “No one weather event is isolated from another, and when you have melting snow packs, you get rising and warmer oceans, which means hurricanes have the potential to do more harm,” Casey said. “Drought has killed over 65 million trees in California alone, and all of that dead wood is fuel for fires. In turn, soot from those fires travels and covers ice, which leads to faster melting of snow packs.” More than two years in the making, the film helps audiences better understand the forces of nature, by taking them on a rare and up-close visual journey, tracking melting glaciers in Alaska, tornadoes in the Midwest and wildfires in

California. Casey and his crew followed Glaciologist Erin Pettit, and a brave team of researchers studying calving glaciers from a custom-designed armored boat originally built to film storm surges of hurricanes. The repurposed vessel was used to capture up-close images of falling blocks of ice that cause huge and treacherous waves when they crash into the water. Oklahoma meteorologist and tornado researcher Justin Walker is filmed traversing country roads in an armored tank like vehicle, specially designed by Casey to come face-to-face with twisters. Walker is seen confronting devastating winds to get in the direct path of an oncoming tornado to plant wind-sensing pods, which collect data to better understand the effects of tornados at ground level. To illustrate the consequence of severe draught, Casey focused his lens on the destruction and negative greenhouse effects caused by large-scale wildfires. The crew embedded themselves with teams of firefighters from Cal Fire to capture footage of roaring flames, and the heroic effort waged on the front lines to extinguish them.

“I was star-struck by the firefighters, because they are the real heroes,” Casey said, as he added that his next film project may be about fighting fires. “There were times when we were overrun by flames and the radiant heat and smoke was just incredible. I hadn’t been in that situation before, and I felt some real panic.” While he admitting that he loves the excitement of confronting dangerous situations, Casey added that he strives to reach new heights in cinematography by getting as near to the action as he can without going too far. “I don’t like shooting from long distances with telephoto lenses,” Casey said. “I want to get as close to the edge as I possibly can. I hope viewers will be able to really feel the power of nature and enjoy the visual intensity of this movie.” Casey said that he did not set out to make a political statement about manmade global warming with his film, but instead wanted to show the interconnectivity of weather-related occurrences, and let individuals make up their own minds about the subject.

Sean Casey with Fleet Science Center CEO Steve Snyder. (Photo courtesy of the Fleet Science Center)

JANUARY 2017 |

Ask The Travel Expert: Is it possible to acquire a Exploring the San Diego Coast by RV visa upon arrival when traveling to a foreign country? Tips for a camping adventure Not only is it possible, it comes with great savings. When considering doing so, the first question to ask is whether the country even requires a visa for travelers holding a valid U.S. passport. Many countries throughout the world allow a person planning a holiday in the country to stay without the need of a visa for a designated period of time. Should one intend to do business in the country, it changes the dynamic and a business visa will be required. Once it is determined that a visa is required, a traveler has a number of options ~ use a visa service, contact the consulate or embassy within the U.S.A. if the country has representation or simply acquire the visa upon arrival when allowed. Using Southeast Asia as an example, obtaining a visa for Cambodia through a reputable visa service would average $239 per person. This fee includes postage both to and from the agency with passports returned in about 10 days. Additional fees are added for rush service or using

express mail. Contacting the Royal Embassy of Cambodia online allows one to download the visa application and submit it to the embassy or its consulate directly. The cost would average $65 per person. This fee includes postage both to and from the agency with passports returned in about 10 days. Additional fees are added for rush service or using express mail. Acquiring a visa upon arrival in Cambodia will cost $30 per person. A traveler should have a passport photo to submit with the application. If convenience is a priority, the visa service, albeit higher priced is the best choice. There can be potential delays when acquiring a visa upon arrival. Should an aircraft or two arrive shortly beforehand laden with travelers seeking a visa or should the immigration counter be under-staffed the process will take longer, certainly more than one-hour. If, however, there is no rush to complete immigration, then visa upon arrival, when allowed, can be a great savings, particularly when traveling as family. Robert Kenyon, a Marine Corps veteran who first visited Southeast Asia in 1963, thereafter returned to San Diego to serve 7 years as a Deputy District Attorney. His passion for travel overcame his love of the law, which led to the start of First Cabin Travel in 1989, offering luxury-styled travel to destinations worldwide. For special offers on custom tours for San Diego residents contact Robert at www.firstcabin.com / CA Reg: 2016168-40

NewYear, Fresh Start Stop, drop your agenda, and breathe’ As 2016 was drawing to a close, I heard people all around me saying the same thing: “I am ready for this year to be over.” My friends and family, people out in the community, and even strangers in the grocery store have remarked to me that this has been a tough year. The election took a toll on all of us no matter our political views, there has been so much loss, and the world seems overwhelmed by tragedy in every corner of the globe. It has been an awful lot to take in. I do not blame anyone’s desire to just move on. I share in that sentiment. With a new year comes a fresh start and a chance to begin anew. We begin to consider our resolutions, and often hear variations of the usual: “I am going to start going to the gym and lose weight” or “I will quit smoking/drinking.” But when was the last time you heard a friend or family member say that their new year’s resolution is to improve their relationship with their child or focus more on their family? I have one resolution for 2017 and it is this: Connect more. Like many around me, it is easy for me to get caught up in the busyness of life. I love to learn and read so I want to take every parenting course I find and read all the parenting books on the shelf. I want to work with each family who contacts me and I want to teach a workshop every weekend so I can continue to help parents in San Diego become more peaceful. But to do all of this, I must continue to take a step back and repeat one of my favorite mantras: Stop, drop your agenda, and breathe. What kind of Peaceful Parenting Coach would I be if I did not walk the walk? So here is what I will do: I will remember that life is long and that all the books I want to read can wait. I will remember that the most important part of parenting is connection. I will do less and connect more. Connection is essential to all relationships and something we need to work on daily. If we are not present and available for our children because we are caught up in the day’s chaos, it is impossible to stay connected.

BY MANNY LOPEZ

A journey to explore the San Diego coast by RV begins with one question: “What would I like to do?” Besides the joys of RV camping, do you enjoy basking in the sun, hiking a trail, snorkeling, paddling or surfing? Are you hoping for full-hookup RV comfort, or does casual beach camping hold a certain appeal? Do you plan to find the best spots close to the beach to shop, dine and soak up local culture? The answers to these questions are the launching point for your RV journey along San Diego’s glorious coastline. Your adventure can be as unique and interesting as you are. Here are just a few of the coastal camping possibilities to help you plan your own version of a San Diego RV camping adventure.

BY LISA HOWE

In my workshop, Peaceful Parenting 101, I encourage parents to have daily special time with their children — 15 minutes of uninterrupted oneon-one time with each child, without distractions, and doing exactly what that child wants to do (except for screens or books). What would your child choose? And what if it is something you cannot stand to play? Well, that is when you fake it until you make it. Practice those acting skills; you can do anything for 15 minutes. Special time is a magical tool for building connection. What if making time for it was your resolution? In my workshop, Becoming Playful: Rough and Tumble Play, I invite parents to bring their children along to practice roughhousing games. Roughhousing is one of the very best ways to connect with your children. It is also supported by science as a way to increase emotional intelligence, develop social and problem-solving skills, and increase joy. In the workshop, I teach 13 roughhousing games that have a beginning, middle, and end to give roughhousing structure and boundaries that helps parents and children feel secure. What if your resolution was to roughhouse with your children? What if you went into 2017 with the resolution to improve your connection with your children? How would that change your family’s lives? Would you feel happier, more joyful, and less stressed? I suspect so. Would your children be grateful and feel more loved than before? Almost certainly. I can give you one guarantee: connection creates cooperation — and I have yet to meet a parent who does not want more cooperation from their child. Start the year off by attending one or more of my workshops this January and together we can resolve to improve our connections with our children. Check out Lisa's upcoming events at, becomingpeaceful.com/event_ calendar www.BecomingPeaceful.com Email, Lisa@BecomingPeaceful.com Phone, 619-665-0637

San Diego Coastal Camping Options

Start your journey 40 miles north of San Diego by setting up camp at San Elijo State Beach campground. The views of the ocean can’t be beat, and the campground offers standard water/electric sites as well as a few with full hookups. Hot water showers and a seasonal camp store round out the campground amenities. What to do on this leg of your San Diego coastal tour is wide open—this thin strip of sand is popular with surfers, snorkelers, beach joggers and folks who simply want to soak up the Southern California sun. If you’ve never experienced the wonder of the ocean in front of you with scenic cliffs rising behind, this is the perfect place to start. It’s also close enough for day trips into

sonal camp store add to the camping experience. Special note: maximum trailer/RV length is 35 feet. Take the stairway down to the beach and then go skin diving or windsurfing, fish the surf for croaker and corbina or comb the beach for treasures left by the tide. It’s a wondrous spot, and one RV travelers shouldn’t miss when they come to San Diego. If you want to fall in love with the rocky bluffs and endless sand beaches of Southern California, you owe yourself a trip 30 miles up the coastline from South Carlsbad SB to San Onofre State Beach. As you approach the campground by RV, you’ll probably be thinking, “How can a place so close to civilization be so beloved by beachgoers?” Once you’ve parked the RV atop the bluff that shields the beach from the highway, you’ll begin to understand. You won’t find hookups here, but once you’ve made your way down one of the trails to the beach, you will find a perfect place to go sea kayaking, bicycling, beach combing or birdwatching. Even if you don’t surf, you’ll also want to hike down the beach to the Trestles to watch surfers match their skills against the legendary breaks. One more idea for your San Diego coastal RV odyssey: a stop at Silver Strand State Beach on San Diego Bay near Coronado. Stretching across the Bay on a narrow spit of land, it’s the quintessential beach camping paradise. At the campground (for self-contained RVs only), you’ll find more than 100 electric and water campsites. Special note: The campground gates are locked each evening and the closure time varies by season. If you’re planning special outings beyond the campground, keep that in mind. As for the beach, both the Bay and the Pacific offer plenty of ways to play. Whether your passion is surf fishing, swimming, picnicking on the beach or following a trail on foot or bicycle, you’ve come to the right place. With convenient tunnels to hike or bike to the ocean side, this is

Storm clouds and sunset at Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado. (Source: Shutterstock.com)

Invitation sign on the road to Cardiff-by-the-Sea (Credit: Anton Dotsenko/Shutterstock.com)

Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Wind your way north up Coast Hwy 101 for 6 scenic miles to reach your next San Diego coastal RV destination: South Carlsbad State Beach. Famous for its bluff-top campground, this place defines ‘ocean views.’ Here’s what you need to know about the campground: There are more than 200 standard campsites, but make your reservations early, because it’s a popular place! The campsites are on the snug side, but token showers and a sea-

also a popular gathering place for surfers. Planning your unique San Diego coastal RV camping trip starts with a question and ends with incomparable vacation memories. Keep in mind that these four suggested stops are only the state beaches—there are plenty of first-class private camping venues to welcome San Diego visitors. Whether you choose a no-frills, beachside campground or a luxury RV resort, one thing’s for sure: Your coastal San Diego RV journey will be unforgettable. Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV,a nationwide RV rental company. Joe has been on the road working within the travel industry for over 20 years and greatly enjoys exploring the outdoors.

| JANUARY 2017

Gearing Up for Festival of Science & Engineering Set your calendars for EXPO DAY March 4 and Festival Week March 5-12

STEM experiment.

Cheeky experiment.

The ninth annual Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering, San Diego returns to San Diego this spring. As one of the largest STEM festivals in the U.S., EXPO DAY at Petco Park on March 4, and Festival Week March 5-12 will feature interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and dynamic speakers to engage kids, adults and families in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. More than 70,000 are expected to participate. Presented by the Illumina Foundation, many events are free and open to the public. Visit www.lovestemsd.org for festival week details. A program of the Biocom Institute and pre-

sented by Illumina Foundation, the festival aims to encourage and engage kids in STEM, and to increase our region’s reputation of being a leader in the science industry. This festival also helps continue to increase our region’s reputation of being a leader in the science industry. By hosting events and activities throughout the region, the festival demonstrates how science and engineering opportunities are in our own “backyard,” and are for science lovers of all ages. In fact, the STEM in Your Backyard series will now expand to East County, including the communities of Alpine and Lakeside. The series will also return to Barrio Logan, Chula Vista, and Vista.

Additionally, festival organizers plan to expand the 21 and up series for adult science enthusiasts to continue and share their passion for STEM with others. STEM education never stops and adults have the same fascination with science, technology, engineering, and math as kids do. Festival organizers are putting the final touches on the series and more information will be announced in the New Year. “As STEM education continues to soar in San Diego, we feel it is important to continue our reach into the neighborhoods by providing family-friendly activities that not only excite the young learners, but also open their eyes to the possibilities right in their own backyards for schooling and career pathways in sci-

ence, technology, engineering, and math,” said Sara Pagano, festival managing director. “Additionally, we are excited to bring back the 21 and up series in partnership with Fleet Science Center as it was a huge success last year for our young professional crowd all the way through retired STEM enthusiasts, proving that the sparks of science fly at all ages.” Sponsorships are available for the 2017 EXPO DAY and Festival Week. For more details, visit https://www.lovestemsd.org/content/become-sponsor or contact Sara Pagano, managing director, at spagano@lovestemsd. org.

Demonstration.

Group study.

Chemistry lab.

Cheeky experiment.

Puzzler.

Qualcomm hosts children.

Rappin’ for Science.

Hands-on fun.

JANUARY 2017 |

ARTISTS’ SHOWCASE

The Studio Door places the creative visions of four local artists in The Studio Door the “4•UP” art show opens after the new year at The Studio Door at 3750 30th St. in North Park — in two distinct exhibitions. They run back-to-back for two weeks each. First, Sherry Krulle-Beaton and Jackson Thilenius will be featured from Jan. 6-15. Then, Nancy Plank and Patrick Brown are featured on Jan. 20-29 with a reception scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21 from 6-8 p.m. The exhibits are open to the public for free during gallery hours and the artwork is for sale. Most often The Studio Door’s visual arts exhibitions explore a wide variety of views on a specific subject matter or themes. Yet at its core, the art gallery and studios builds its foundation on the adjacent possibilities of diverse creative expression. The gallery’s exhibitions are known to showcase emerging artists alongside established professionals; locally created art that is seen alongside of national and international art; and sellable works that speak as strongly as conceptional work within the gallery. The juxtaposition is never more apparent than within the January exhibition titled “4•UP.” “Last year, the “4•UP” exhibit explored established, traditional artists along of emerg-

ing artists using contemporary techniques to convey their creative messages,” said gallery owner and artist Patric Stillman. “This year, we are exploring how artists approach both the inner and outer environments. I think these the combination of these artists offer an exceptional mastery in thought and vision.” The participating artists are:

mal rights. Figurative narratives, not always easy to view, is at the heart of his art. Their visual stories provide a subversive edge, which one assumes balances his other meticulous profession as an architect. After receiving a degree in Atlanta, Jackson has settled in San Diego and his work has been exhibited extensively throughout Southern California. (jacksonthilenius.wordpress.com)

Sherry Krulle-Beaton:

As a creative extension of her degree in environmental design, Sherry Krulle Beaton’s abstract paintings reflect the beauty of the natural world. She finds inspiration in San Diego’s backcountry of rolling hills, grasslands, mountains and desert. Her Jamul home, designed by San Diego artist James Hubbell, contains an impressive art studio that further encourages her to define the essence of the natural world. Krulle-Beaton is well established in San Diego’s art community. (beatonpaths.com) Jackson Thilenius:

Following whereever his creative muse takes him, Jackson Thilenius has no fear to explore diverse subject matter in his body of work that embraces local counterculture portraits to ani-

Nancy Plank:

Realist oil painter, Nancy Plank shares her sublime visions on canvas that imply a spiritual connection to the floral world, most often her passion for the rose. Whether she is working in her Little Italy studio or volunteering in the rose garden at Balboa Park, Plank is drawn into this delicate world. She has an uncanny ability to reveal a visual truth within her that immediately connect the viewer with what she sees, feels and experiences. Nancy Plank has exhibited extensively in San Diego. (nancyplank.com) Patrick Brown:

Oil paintings of visceral emotions and complex rawness expose the inner world of artist

‘As Clouds and Earth Caress,’ by Sherry Krulle-Beaton.

‘Sleep Children’ by Patrick Brown.

Untitled Floral by Nancy Plank.

‘Half Life’ by Jackson Thilenius.

Patrick Brown. In doing so, they also reflect the confusion and reality of living in a time where our culture finds itself uncertain of the future and fear is exposed as hate crimes. Brown’s artwork has a universal appeal that has allowed it to be seen on several ABC Television Network programs, in B.B. King’s Blues Clubs, and at The Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery. He currently resides in Escondido. (patricknbrown.net) The Studio Door is an arts incubator dedicated to the creative marketplace and the promotion of contemporary artists. The core of the activities is to assist artists with the business side of selling art as well as creating opportunities to bring greater attention to San Diego’s visual artists. The Studio Door showcases an art gallery, working artists studios, art instruction, and art-to-market services. Exhibitions include regional and national exhibitions, selfguided art tours and the biennial 50 To Watch national publication highlighting the best of San Diego’s visual artists. January will also see the return of professional development and creative classes for artists. For more details, visit the website at thestudiodoor.com or call (619) 255-4920.

| JANUARY 2017

HISTORY LESSONS BY SUSAN TAYLOR, PHOTOS BY JIM CHILDERS

Move over picnickers, shade-seekers, soccer tots, and dog walkers—on most weekends, Morley Field becomes the home of knights and knaves practicing hand-to-hand combat and emulating Renaissance crafts and culture. Two groups, calling themselves Belegarth of the Realm of Andor, and the Kingdom of Terre Neuve, part of the Adrian Empire, take their places on the hilly turf just north and east of Jacaranda Drive in Morley Field. Wearing tunics, long dresses, and when battling, shields and armor, the participants strive to recreate the tournaments and lifestyle that existed from approximately 11001600 B.C. in Western Europe.. Steel weaponry flashes in the sun, warriors bat at one another, fencers parry, and archers let zing their arrows, surprising the average passer-by out for a day in the park. The folks who belong to the Kingdom of Terre Neuve hold monthly tournaments which include “live steel, renaissance fencing and shinai,” according to their literature. They go out to school classrooms to inform students about the combat, sciences, and arts of the time period after the Battle of Hastings and before the English exploration of the New World. Aspects of chivalry are revered, with respect toward monarchs, the hierarchy associated with

kings and queens, dukes, knights, and the honorable pursuit of defending the kingdom, its women, and children. They seek to dress and speak in keeping with Medieval times, using greetings such as “Your excellency,” “My Lord,” and “My lady.” A subdivision of The Adrian Empire, The Kingdom of Terre Neuve claims territory in southern San Diego County and Imperial County, and they congregate right in North Park in Morley Field on frequent Saturdays. The website for Belegarth, part of the Realm of Andor, describes its participants as a “scrappy collection of fighters”—students, florists, military members, artists. Many of its members have lived in or near North Park in the past, and currently around five people are locals. Faithfulness to the

type of battle, costume, and other everyday skills is evident in the practice of leatherworking, carpentry, blacksmithing, and crafting of weapons. It should be explained that safety on the field is tantamount, and while the swords, javelins, maces, and armor may look realistic, they are actually foam padded; even a full force jab will not inflict more than a welt or minor sensation. Fighters must be at least 14 years of age, and all are encouraged to assume as much or little of a persona as desired. Some warriors take on a fantasy role, borrowing from sources such as The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. A personal testimony as to the appeal of belonging to Belegarth comes from Alan Wittenberg, who has been part of the organization for more than a year. He says that he gets “great exercise, lots of fun, and

that the people are awesome. He has made many good friends. Alan engages in another pursuit from long ago, that of brining pickles and other vegetables (as was done in the Middle Ages) which he sells at the North Park Farmer’s Market. Community service is also part of Belegarth. The group participates in park clean ups and the North Park Holiday Parade.

Free to the public, these nods to past history are on view in Morley Field, specifically Sunday afternoons by about 3pm when the action is on. Once in a while there may be a heckler in the crowd, but in general the response of people in the park has been positive; Stop by for the entertainment and form your own opinion.

JANUARY 2017 |

South Bark Dog Wash

Your Neighborhood Pet Wash and Market

Specializing in pet nutrition, education and removing the “stink” from your pet. 9am-7pm Last Wash: Pet must be in the tub by 6:20pm

Happy New Year

$5 OFF ANY SPA PACKAGE Tuesday-Thursday Only Must present coupon. Limit 1 per family. Expires December 31, 2017.

2037 30th Street • San Diego • 619.232.7387 www.southbark.com