North Park News, April 2013

Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 21 Years sdnorthparknews.com

Vol. 21 No. 4 April 2013

Haunted Windchimes

French-born artist Patrice Lejeune creates unique wall paintings from wood carvings and sawdust

BY PRUDENCE HORNE

A MUSICAL WALKABOUT Adams Avenue Unplugged brings music and hoopla to Normal Heights

Take a stroll down Ray Street in North Park and stop in Cirello Gallery.

Patrice Lejeune’s paintings made from wood carvings are not to be missed.

Patrice, a French-born artist, began his studies in Paris at the renowned École Boulle School of Arts and Crafts.

He graduated with a DMA (Arts Crafts Diploma) in traditional and contemWillie Watson

Tomcat Courtney

Sara Petite

John C. Reilly

porary furniture and object of art design creation, with a minor in marquetry.

He then spent two years at the Parisian University Pantheon Sorbonne Paris IV in History of Art. Patrice then worked for four years as a SEE WOOD, Page 7

BY DELLE WILLETT

Adams Avenue Unplugged returns for a second year along Adams Avenue. A free, 2.5-mile acoustic music walkabout, the festival is planned for April 27, noon to 10 p.m., and April 28, noon to 7 p.m.

With 17 performance areas inside local restaurants, bars and cafes, and three large outdoor stages along Adams, it is expected to draw 40,000 music connoisseurs.

Adams Avenue Unplugged was designed to replace and extend the geographical footprint of the 18-year-old Adams Avenue Roots SEE UNPLUGGED, Page 8

NORTH PARK SCENE

New Executive Chefs Announced for West Coast Tavern and Uptown Tavern New chefs have taken over at the West Coast Tavern in North Park and the Uptown Tavern in Hillcrest. Matt Kiser was named executive chef at West Coast Tavern. He launched his career at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club and later helped open Quarter Kitchen in Down-

town San Diego. Kiser was with Urban Solace in North Park for four years.

Dana Francisco is the new executive chef at Uptown Tavern. For the last seven years Francisco held the executive chef position at Satellite Bistro in Austin, Texas. He was born in Germany while both his parents served in the U.S. military. “My inspiration for food comes from the places I’ve seen, the people I’ve met along the way, and most importantly my family,” says Francisco. David Cohen, co-owner of the West Coast Tavern, opened Uptown Tavern with partners Mark Cirillo, Joe Vaught and Eric Lingenfelder.

SDSU Alumni to Give April 19 Lecture On Putting a Car on Mars In early August, the Mars Rover “Curiosity” successfully landed in an effort to discover more about earth’s next-door-neighbor. Eight San Diego State alumni who work with the Mars SEE SCENE, Page 5

Dana Francisco

Matt Kiser

Patrice Lejeune creates wall art out of wood carvings and sawdust.

Three’s a Crowd for San Diego’s Urban Core Processing North Park, Uptown and Golden Hill’s community plans together rankle some plan group members B A K | V S D Y NDREW EATTS

The city is hoping to get a threefor-one deal as the neighborhoods that make up its urban core update their land-use policies.

North Park, Uptown and Golden Hill are each in the process of rewriting their community plans, the documents that serve as a blueprint for future growth in

OICE OF AN IEGO

each of the city’s 50-some designated areas.

And since the three communities are adjacent to one another, the city’s development services department has begun ushering them through the process together. Ideally, treating the three comSEE PLAN, Page 6

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(619) 889-5420 | www.aftonmiller.com | amiller786@aol.com

A F TO N S E L L S S A N D I E G O Specializing in North Park and Metro Area since 1986 SOLD - $546,000

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3027 Granada | 3br 1ba

3681 Grim | 3br 2.5ba

4632 Marlborough | 2br 1.5ba

2914 Redwood St | 3br 3ba

2428 33rd St | 3br 2.5ba

4806 Sussex | 3br 1.5ba

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3311 Juniper St | 2br 1ba

3161 1st St #2N | 2br 2ba *

4869 Marlborough | 3br 2ba*

3415 Villa Terrace | 3br 2ba

4558 Delaware St | 2br 2ba

3795 Alabama | 4 units

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3674-72 Texas | 2 units

4607 Janet Pl | 4br 3.5ba

2503 Bancroft St | 4br 2ba

3210-12 Felton St | 2br units

4365 Alder Dr | 3br 2ba

3788 Park #4 | work/live

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4751 Jean | 3br 2ba

2735 33rd St | 4br 4.5ba

4502 Euclid Ave | 2br 1ba

4720 51st | 3br 2ba

2515 30th St. | 2br 1ba

4812 50th | 4br 2ba *

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3687 4th #408 | 2br 2ba *

4615 Altadena | 2br+den 2ba

4165 Middlesex | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $665,000

SOLD SHORT SALE - $595,000

IN ESCROW - $575,000

4654 Natalie | 3br 2ba

4142 Lymer Dr | 3br 2ba

4912 Lorraine Drive | 2 br 1.5ba

IN ESCROW - $147,000

IN ESCROW - $229,000

IN ESCROW - $619,000

COMING SOON! $475,000 | 3412 32nd St. #D North Park

Spacious Finberg-style 2br + loft 2.5ba 1,519 ESF townhouse offers fireplace, 2 master suites, newer appliances and Ceasarstone counters, attached garage and patio, great for entertaining!

NEW TALMADGE LISTING! $447,000 | 4738 Winona Ave. 4545 Collwood #57 | 1br 1ba

3774 33rd St #5 | 2br 2ba

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4604 Edgeware | 3 units

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Charming Urban Gardener's delight! Numerous upgrades, this 2br home shows beautifully! HW floors, vintage kitchen with newer appliances, remodeled bath, large backyard with patio is wonderful!

2320 Landis | 2br 2ba

4677 Winona | 3br 2ba

4488 41st | 3br 2ba

*BUYER

April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 3

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Ask Dr. Z (Editor’s Note: South Park’s Dr. Tara Zandvliet -Dr. Z — answers common — and not so common — health questions for our readers.)

Q. Are home-prepared baby foods better than store bought?

It all depends on the raw ingredients. If you pick organic foods, there will likely be less pesticide residue and fewer chances of chemical contamination. That is good! If your starter food has added sugar, honey or salt, that can be bad. Always make sure to strain the blended food to get rid of lumps or long vegetable fibers.

Home-prepared spinach, beets, green beans, squash, and carrots should not be given to infants younger than four months of age because they may contain enough of a chemical (nitrates) to cause a condition that reduces the amount of oxygen carried by the blood (methemoglobinemia).

Q. I am 65 years old. Do I really need a shingles shot?

A shingles shot just reminds your immune system to keep up a good defense against the virus that continues to dwell in your spinal column. When you got chicken pox as a child, the virus never left you. It was fought off by your immune system, which suppressed it and made it go dormant in your spinal column. It lives in your nerves. So when your immune system is weakened by illness, stress, chemotherapy or age, the virus comes out along a nerve. Since nerves carry the impulses for pain, it can often be very painful, and you get those little chicken pox blisters only over one small area of your body. It is called shingles. Any time your body is exposed again to the chicken pox virus (varicella), whether by a child with the disease or a friend with shingles or by the shingles vaccine, your immune system doubles its efforts to keep the virus hidden. So being exposed is a good thing to prevent Shingles. We are seeing more shingles lately because we are doing a good job at preventing chicken pox — so Grandma never gets a little boost by caring for her grandkids with the disease. If you are over 65, have had chicken pox as a child, and are not routinely exposed to little kids with the disease, I recommend the vaccine. And next time you see a child with the chicken pox or a friend with shingles — go give them a big hug!

Q. What are “Shark Teeth”?

“Shark teeth” is a term used for extra teeth. Usually it is when one set of teeth grows behind the others. So it frequently happens when the permanent teeth grow in behind, instead of under, the baby teeth, as they come in. Another way the term is used is when people actually have three whole sets of teeth. It is rare, but some children will have two sets of baby teeth — either one grows right behind the other and they erupt at the same time, or they lose one set, grow what everyone thinks is their permanent set, but it loosens and falls out in the preteen years when their real permanent teeth come in.

Dr. Tara Zandvliet welcomes your questions. Send them to questions@southparkdoctor.com. She practices at 2991 Kalmia St. Phone: (619) 929-0032.

April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 5

SCENE CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Science Laboratory played a variety of roles in the mission, from systems engineer to spacecraft navigator. And though Mars is more than 60 million miles away, they credit much of their success with the start they got at SDSU. That’s why they will be coming back, as part of the Montys weekend celebration, to give a free public lecture about the experience of putting a car on Mars. The event will take place Friday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at Arts and Letters 201.

Reserve seats at sdsualumni.org/curiosity.

Aztecs inside the Mars testbed are, from left, Doug Clark, Joey Brown, Jordan Evans, Brandon Florow, Amanda Thomas, Bonnie Theberge.

Mayor and Vibrant San Diego Rally to Promote A More Bikeable, Walkable Community Mayor Bob Filner joined Vibrant San Diego activists on March 16 at a rally in front of the Walgreen’s on 32nd Street and University Avenue to promote a more bikeable, walkable San Diego.

Nearly 100 San Diego residents — many of them on bicycles — gathered to promote a cleaner, healthier environment and to encourage more people to use public transportation options. The group marched down University to the Albertson’s on Mississippi St. to end the rally. The event was led by SanDiego350.org, the local chapter of the larger 350.org that is dedicated to combating climate change and the dependence on fossil fuels.

This is the latest in a series of events supported by Filner. The rally is part of an overall emphasis on promoting transit options in San Diego and to create more bike friendly streets in addition to an overall effort to ensure San Diego does its part in fighting climate change.

Earlier, the mayor and members of the county Board of Supervisors announced an initiative to improve the energy efficiency of city buildings, and to increase the use of solar energy. During the campaign for mayor, one of Filner’s stated goal was to install solar panels on all city-owned buildings. The hope is to set an example for private consumers, and to provide incentives and lower the cost in order to encourage more widespread use of solar energy. (Reported by San Diego Free Press)

Uptown Parking District Launches Parking Website The Uptown Parking District has created a website specifically designed to provide users with parking information for the neighborhood.

ParkHillcrest.com contains search features that allow users the ability to search parking locations, be it stalls, garages or lots, by price point, location, time, etc. To assist drivers on the move, a corresponding Android and iPhone app will be launched giving users access to information on nearby parking spots, garages and special tips while they are out and about.

In addition, a community-wide validation program has been installed to alleviate the costs of parking. Over 35 restaurant and retailers in the Hillcrest community have signed on to the program offering drivers the ability to receive parking credits for visiting their business. To easily access this information, drivers can visit the ParkHillcrest.com or download the Park Hillcrest app where they can search lots and structures that accept validation and search businesses that offer them.

Park Hillcrest is also introducing a new shuttle program that will easily transport visitors from one end of Hillcrest to the other. The website and Park Hillcrest app will provide an interactive map with upto-date information on the shuttle route and the shuttles current location. The shuttle will run from 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday.

For more information on Park Hillcrest, call (619) 233-5008.

Saints coach Michael Haupt huddles with his players.

The Caregivers’ Journey You need to give it a rest Caring for your parents is tough enough under any circumstances.

Without a good night’s sleep, caregiving is an almost impossible task.

Being sleepdeprived not only drains energy but can drastically affect your health, mood and daily functioning. Adequate rest is vital to being able to handle your life, your family’s and your parents’.

Doctors say there are several things you can do to improve your sleep. Tell that to my “sleep center,” which never worked very well and went on permanent disability while I was caring for my parents.

But some of these tips from healthcare professionals might help and certainly can’t hurt: The first step is discussing the issue with your physician. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, breathing difficulties, frequent urination, reflux disease and an overactive thyroid, can lead to insomnia. Sleep testing and sleep aids might help alleviate underlying causes of insomnia.

Try to reduce stress. I know, easier said than done. But stress is one of the biggest obstacles to sleep. Exercise, even a 10-minute daily walk, will help. Exercise promotes better sleep, reduces ten-

title game, while Lemar scored 10.

Saints Capture State Basketball Championship It took every trick photographer Ernie Torgeson knew to get the 2012-13 varsity basketball team to sit still for a team photo. They had every reason to be pumped as they had just won the State Boys Basketball Championship for Division III in Sacramento, defeating Sacred Heart Cathedral, 59-52, in overtime. The state title was the first in basketball for the 91-year history of North Park’s all-boys Catholic high school. “Our season’s success was definitely a team effort,” said Coach Michael Haupt (top row, second from right), “but Trey Kell (#3) and Brynton Lemar may be the two best players in the school’s history.” Kell scored 30 points in the

BY MARSHA KAY SEFF

sion and depression and increases energy and alertness.

If you’re still having trouble managing stress, talk with a therapist. Once when I felt overwhelmed with my parents’ care, I sought out a therapist. She pointed out all the choices that I didn’t even realize I had as a caregiver, and this was enough to relieve my mind – a little.

Limit naps, unless that’s the only time you can steal for yourself. If you choose to nap, it’s best to limit it to 10 to 30 minutes.

Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends, holidays and days off.

Avoid eating too much late in the evening. A heavy meal or snack before bedtime can cause heartburn and keep you up.

Also avoid drinking too much before bed, as this can increase trips to the bathroom.

Don’t count on a glass of wine, a cigarette or hot chocolate to do the trick.

Caffeine and nicotine are the last things you need late in the day. Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m.

Some people believe a glass of warm milk aids relaxation; others say a small bowl of oatmeal might help. Then, there’s the banana-believers that point out potassium and magnesium relax muscles and produce serotonin and melatonin. I won’t swear to any of this but, hey, if it works…

Check side effects of medications, especially those for allergies, colds and high blood pressure, as some can disrupt sleep.

Unwind tight muscles before sleep with a warm bath or shower and gentle upper-body stretches.

Don’t watch TV, study or use your computer in bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and comfortable and climb into bed when you’re ready for sleep.

Make a to-do list before turning in if you find yourself waking in the middle of the night worrying about all you have to accomplish the next day.

Realize you can’t do everything yourself. Ask family and friends for respite, to help with meals, chores and healthcare needs. I wish I’d hired a care manager or in-home care company for at least a few hours of help a week.

With little to no sleep, family caregivers can get stuck in a wearisome cycle of exhaustion, mental fog, irritability and depression, which ends up affecting the quality of care they give their loved ones.Without adequate rest, you risk your own health and face caregiver burnout. So take your sleep seriously.

Sponsored by Right at Home, In-Home Care & Assistance, www.rahlajolla.com, (858) 277-5900, info@rahlajolla.com.

Contact Marsha Kay Seff at mkseff@gmail.com.

Saints bench cheers.

6 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2013

100 DAYS OF PROGRESS

www.sdnorthparknews.com

report on the efficacy of the city’s legislative process, accompanied by suggestions to improve it.

The Water Policy Implementation Task Force, created by Lightner, is developing strategies to put our comprehensive water policy into effect and meet San Diego’s long-term water needs.

I also look forward to working with the Natural Resources and Culture Committee chair, Councilmember David Alvarez, to implement indirect potable reuse as part of the city’s overall water supply strategy. Later this year, I look forward to bringing forward the San Diego River Park Master Plan with the help of Councilmember Scott Sherman, to ensure that waterway and the surrounding land are appropriately overseen.

Councilmembers Lorie Zapf and Kevin Faulconer have plans to reform the rules restaurants face when trying to expand sidewalk cafes. As the representative of almost one third of all restaurants in the city, I look forward to adding more curb cafes next to our sexy streets and sidewalks.

The condition and maintenance of those streets and sidewalks, along with other assets like our water and sewer systems and public buildings, are now being closely examined by the Infrastructure Committee I created and asked

Councilmember Mark Kersey to chair.

Its ambitious goal of creating a five-year infrastructure plan in time for fiscal year 2015 budget, which begins July 1, 2014, is achievable with purposeful, fiscally responsible action.

One specific aspect of our roadway and transportation network that has gained tremendous traction in the last 100 days is bicycle infrastructure. On Feb. 25, Mayor Bob Filner and I cut the ribbon on the city’s newest bike corral, located on Richmond Street just south of University Avenue. As part of a longer term, sustainable active transportation vision, I am working with the San Diego Association of Governments, neighbors, and the bicycle community to add safe bikeways along the two regional bike corridors in Council District 3, in Uptown and North Park-Mid-City.

Progress has also been demonstrated addressing homelessness in the last 100 days. Celebrating the grand opening of Connections Housing, the city’s new year-round homeless services center, was my proudest day as a public servant. We are attacking this challenge by adding new affordable housing options and raising funds for move-in kits for people transitioning off the streets.

I also continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that our nonprofit partner, Balboa Park Celebration Inc.,

has the support and seed-funding necessary to plan a world class event that will inspire San Diegans and invite the world back to Balboa Park for the 2015 centennial.

As I lead the council through the annual budget process in the coming months as the Budget and Finance Committee Chair, financial responsibility will remain my focus. This month, San Diego will welcome new firefighters when the first fire academy we’ve held since 2009 concludes. I am proud of Councilmember Marti Emerald’s tireless advocacy for more public safety resources, and am glad we’re spending wisely to that end.

I look back at the last 100 days as a tremendous growth and learning experience, and also as a sense of pride. I believe the city’s sustained success will require us to look at both our past and future realistically; we must track and celebrate milestones while remaining dedicated to the long-term vision of moving San Diego forward.

“When they did a workshop on historic preservation, it wasn’t a joint meeting, but a city staff in CONTINUED FROM Page 1 one room with different communimunities as a cluster will eliminate ty groups taking turns going in and out,” she said. “I don’t know redundant spending on consultants or public meetings (updating what it did, but it certainly didn’t help move any of our community each community plan costs plan updates.” between $1 million and $4 milGranowitz, who also used to chair lion).

But the elected community groups the Balboa Park Committee, said largely responsible for the updates her group got tired of waiting on the city when it seemed the process are hesitant, fearing that it could had slowed to a halt. It began hinder their autonomy.

“This effort was an attempt to clus- doing things backward, writing its ter the plan update work program own drafts of pieces needed in community plans and handing for three communities with overthem to the city for expert review. lapping issues and common Her group has completed early boundaries,” Kelly Broughton, stage drafts of mobility and susdirector of the city’s development tainability plans. services department, wrote in a December report to the city’s plan- “It really might have worked, but there was so much chaos and ning commission. “The end result change in the city, and issues with will be the updating of the three the economy and Mayor (Jerry) separate community plans.”

Sanders focusing on other things,” Broughton’s presentation, meant she said. “To make that work, you to brief the planning commission on the progress of each communi- have to have staff that know what they’re doing, and support from ty update, specified a few areas the administration behind them. In where the communities’ priorities overlap: public facilities and infras- theory it has merit.”

Beth Jaworski, chairwoman of the tructure, mobility options, preserUptown Planners, said she keeps in vation and sustainability.

“The city is walking a delicate bal- close communication with her counterparts in North Park. ance that there are issues where, for information-gathering, it’s best “We have communication with the boards and chairs, but I don’t see to bundle them together, but they as much in the way of communialso want to recognize that each cations between the city staff community is different,” said Joe Lacava, chairman of the Commu- assigned to each of the planning groups.” nity Planners Committee, which Leo Wilson chaired the Uptown coordinates dialogue and support among the city’s planning groups. Planners for seven and a half years before he was termed out. He’s Vicki Granowitz, chairwoman of the North Park Planning Commit- considering returning to the board when he’s eligible again in a few tee, said she isn’t convinced the months. He’s not persuaded the city’s really attempted to update city can effectively give each comthe plans as a cluster in the first munity the autonomy it needs. place.

“The destiny of my community of Bankers Hill is very different than North Park. I’m not sure what the unifying characteristic would be.”

But the city’s approach shouldn’t create a sense that the communities will end up with homogenized plans, Lacava said.

“Clustering community groups applies more to technical analysis, rather than the community meetings,” he said.

At the onset of a community plan update, long before the city produces a new map outlining future land use distinctions or updates public facility needs, the planning group holds meetings with residents, businesses and others to establish priorities.

City planners conduct technical studies at the same time to inform the process.

Every community needs to conduct a traffic study. The information helps coordinate where to target commercial growth or residential density.

But traffic patterns don’t dramatically change the moment one passes from North Park to Hillcrest along University Avenue, or when North Park becomes Golden Hill on 30th Street.

So the city is looking to save money by having one contracted traffic

engineer conduct a single analysis that would apply to all three areas.

And because the consolidated effort was largely done by experts behind closed doors, community groups wouldn’t necessarily be aware it was taking place.

It’s a safe bet that bundling those technical studies saves the city money, Lacava said, though he wasn’t certain whether that meant a few thousand dollars or hundred thousand.

The mayor’s office didn’t respond to interview requests.

Regardless, Broughton’s development services department will soon surrender its authority over the community plan process.

Mayor Bob Filner intends to reestablish the development and planning departments as separate entities.

The plan hasn’t taken shape yet.

But whoever leads the reconfigured planning department must eventually decide whether clustering adjacent communities during the update process is worth the potential savings.

BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT TODD GLORIA I am pleased to present to you this update of my first 100 days in my second term and as council president, which have demonstrated that collaboration and public participation generate results.

Council President Pro Tem Sherri Lightner is closely examining the City Council committee structure. This effort will provide an unprecedented

PLAN

Councilman Gloria can be reached at ToddGloria@sandiego.gov; (619) 2366633; 202 C Street, MS 10A, San Diego, CA 92101; and on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit his website at sandiego.gov/cd3.

Andrew Keatts id a reporter for Voice of San Diego. andrew.keatts@voiceofsandiego.org

Serving San Diego’s Premier Bungalow Communities Chairman/CEO Bob Page BobPage@sandiegometro.com Publisher Rebeca Page RebecaPage@sandiegometro.com Editor Manny Cruz Manny@sandiegometro.com Art Director Chris Baker kurisub@gmail.com Advertising Sales Ada Laura Duff (858) 442-7766 adaduff@gmail.com -----------------------------Writers/Columnists Todd Gloria Ann Jarmusch Jennifer Kester Donna Marganella Bart Mendoza Katelyn O’Riordan Sandy Pasqua David Raines Delle Willett

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

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

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

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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, 2012, by REP Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent.

All rights reserved.

April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 7

WOOD CONTINUED FROM Page 1

furniture restorer in Nicolas Jeanblanc’s workshop where he learned restoration and finishing.

Lejeune and Patrick Edwards, who owns Antique Refinishers, had previously met in Paris and had decided to work together in San Diego. In 2006, the paperwork cleared, Lejeune began working at Antique Finishers and teaching with Patrick at the American School of French Marquetry.

Lejeune is an accomplished furniture restorer and furniture maker. He uses over 850 antique tools to make every surface, even joinery, by hand.

He has transferred those talents and created marquetry panels as Wall Art and termed them

“Painting in Wood.” He states, “I use the shavings and the sawdust from the veneers when I’m sanding and scraping, and I use those remains to try to create new kinds of pictures. It’s hard to believe it’s wood because I use them more like pigments.”

Cirello Gallery is presenting a series of Lejeune’s abstract works. These paintings pay homage and reflect the early cubist works of Georges Braque but they are more structured in composition and lean towards a painterly Piet Mondrian.

“City Plan #1” is a tightly designed piece inspired by “American” cities. In an abstract overlay of colored wood, Lejeune creates the lined streets and city blocks. This painting is unique in that he presents the energy and chaos of city life, yet there is beauty and depth in each area and therefore making the crazy

mass of the city quite calm and lovely.

Lejeune is daring with colors, deep blue wood shavings are placed on top of splashy cadmium yellow, a bright turquois is layered onto a deep brown — the color combinations enhance the vitality of the painting.

“Neurasthenia Sweetness” is about the ambivalence of a psychological state. The fatigue, anxiety, depression defined as neurasthenia can have a silver lining. “It can be okay and safe to be where you are, it can be okay not to want to go out,” he says.

He has taken what might normally be referred to as a negative mental and physical state and produced a piece of beauty. “Neurasthenia Sweetness” is densely layered with thin wood shavings that have textures and grains which come across as

painterly. “It may be a prison but it is protected,” Lejeune says. He acknowledges that feelings don’t last forever and he finds the beauty in difficult places.

“Rain on City” has the fresh feeling of sleek city following a spring rain. The painting draws the eye in and the movement within the grains of wood is seductive. Lejeune has an intimacy with the wood and has transferred his sensitive insights onto the wall paintings.

Whether he is creating furniture or paintings, Patrice Lejeune is a unique artist to keep an eye on.

Patrice Lejeune’s work will be on display at Cirello Gallery through April.

Cirello Gallery, 3803 Ray St. (619) 795-4850.

Wall art: Lejeune’s ‘City Plan#1.’

At the Antique Refinishers shop, artist Patrice Lejeune works with a marquetry chevalet, a device used for cutting marquetry. It is based on a 19th century design of an 18th cenCity Plan #2 tury tool that originated in France.

‘Entangled Perspective.’

A finished letterbox with the lid closed.

8 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2013

Spirit Family Reunion

Tom Brosseau

Cindy Lee Berryhill

Robin Adler and Dave Blackburn

The Lovebirds, Lindsay White and Veronica May

Podunk Nowhere

Los Alacranes

UNPLUGGED CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Festival — a block-party style event — which in turn was an outgrowth of the San Diego Folk Festival.

By eliminating several of the large outdoor stages used at the Roots Festival, and by adding performance areas in existing eating establishments along Adams Avenue, the festival’s producers were able to expand its geographic reach.

And, by changing the name of the event, using the word “unplugged,” the organizers were able to include a greater variety of music. One of the festival’s main talent buyers and co-publisher of the monthly San Diego Troubadour, Kent Johnson, says, “Musical diversity is

Dan Bern

important, so we cover a lot of styles.”

Steve Kader, who is the current talent buyer of The Adams Avenue Street Fair and headliners for Adams Avenue Unplugged, said, “This is a very special event in that it is getting together iconic artists like Jim Kweskin and Geoff Muldaur, who rose to prominence in the 1960s in the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, and up-and-coming artists like Spirit Family Reunion and Haunted Wind Chimes.”

Since parking can be a challenge, trolley-style shuttle buses will again provide free transportation up and down Adams Avenue. Two-wheeled festival attendees can park in the parking garage at University and 30th Street and ride their bikes to the festival’s bike valet service. Attendees can also use the No. 2 and No. 11 city busses to get to the festival.

Adams Avenue Unplugged is presented

under the auspices of the Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA), a nonprofit corporation that formed in the early 1980s for the purpose of building community and revitalizing and marketing the Adams Avenue business corridor that runs through the Craftsman communities of Normal Heights, Kensington, Antique Row and University Heights.

The AABA has worked to improve the neighborhood’s economic conditions through its own activities and in partnership with local businesses and property owners, private companies and public or government agencies. The AABA is overseen by a board of directors comprised exclusively of member business owners located within the Adams Avenue Business Improvement District boundaries (BID).

The BID is a neighborhood-based zone initiated by the city of San Diego in conjunction with local business boosters. As part of its economic development and neighborhood revitalization strategy the city established BIDs in San Diego’s historic commercial areas.

Each registered business license holder within the 2.5-mile-long Adams Avenue BID is assessed an annual fee that helps underwrite activities designed to promote the area. The AABA is under contract with the city to administer the BID program and other contracts and the

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approximate $40,000 in yearly BID assessments contributed by the association’s 600 members. The AABA leverages these base BID fees into additional dollars and service through a varied and integrated work plan.

Adams Avenue Business Association also puts on the annual Adams Avenue Street Fair, Holiday on the Avenue and Taste of Adams Avenue. Sixty-seven percent of the association’s revenue is generated through these events. Because the Street Fair is so successful the association is able to have a full-time staff and to do Unplugged, which is more of a breakeven event. And because of the success of the Street Fair and other entrepreneurial efforts, the AABA is also able to keep assessment fees to a minimum.

The events clearly have positive effects on businesses: Some experience substantial sales-volume increases during the events. The business district is packed with customers who will more than likely return at other times. The AABA website logged 8,500 visits the week of the Street Fair and 6,500 during Unplugged.

Publicity generated by the events helps market the business district to a regionwide audience of non-attendees as well.

The association’s executive director is Scott Kessler. Kessler served as executive director of AABA from 1989 to 2001, and is now back with them. He is a professional community organizer with 35 years experience, specializing in community and economic development and the management of membership-controlled organizations.

ENTERTAINERS Headliners: Los Alacranes, Jim Kweskin & Geoff Muldaur, Reilly & Friends, Haunted Windchimes, Spirit Family Reunion.

Also featuring: Alan Land, Alaina Blair, Alice Wallace, Arron Bowen, Bayou Bros, Ben Powell, Beston Barnett, Bill Dempsey, Billy Watson, Bosen & Suede, Chad Taggart, Charlie Imes, Chris Avetta, Christopher Dale, Cindy Lee Berryhill, Coco & Lafe, Colin Clyne, Craig Ingram Band, Curt Bouterse, Dave Humphries, David Blackburn & Sara Adler, Doug Walker, Folding Mr. Lincoln, Gregg Page, Idyllwild, Issac Cheong, Jeff Berkly, Jeffery Joe Morin, Jessica Bel, Jesus Gonzalez, Jim Hinton, Joe Marillo, Joe Rathburn, Joey Harris, John Bosley, Josh Damigo, Kelsea Little, Kenny Eng, Kev Rones, Lisa Sanders, Lizzy Ficco, The Lovebirds, Lover and Circles, Marie Haddad, Mark Jackson Trio, Mayfield Affair, Murrain the Mystic, Nathan Welden, Nena Anderson, Patty Hall, Phil Boroff, The Plastic Arts, PLOW, Podunk Nowhere, Raelee Nikole, Redellos Machine, Robin Henkel, Ross Altman, SABA, Sara Petite, Seaholm Mackintosh, Shawn Rohlf, Simeon Flick, Suzanne Reed, Tomcat Courtney, Trails & Rails, Wendy Bailey, Whitney Shay Duo, Will Edwards

April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 9

Buona Forchetta: A Little Slice of Italy Now Served in South Park

BY BONNIE NICHOLLS

A once neglected corner of South Park has sprung to life as Buona Forchetta, thanks to the tenacity of owner Matteo Cattaneo, who hails from the town of Bergamo in Northern Italy.

The new Italian restaurant, located at 3001 Beech St. on the corner of 30th Street, is filled to capacity almost every night as soon as it opens at 5 p.m. Buona Forchetta means “One who loves to eat,” and it serves authentic Italian pizza and pasta as well as wine and beer.

Cattaneo, who lives one block away with his wife and two daughters, knew he wanted to open a restaurant in his community. “There are a lot of young families moving in here. They needed a restaurant here,” said Cattaneo, who was an attorney in Italy. He also noticed a trend: “People who live in South Park stay in South Park.”

The transformation of the empty corner to a bustling eatery didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it took two years — one year to negotiate a contract with the owner, and another year to renovate the

space that previously housed Santos coffeehouse. The state of the property before he started working on it wasn’t pretty. “When I opened the doors, I realized, uh oh,” he said.

He had to redo the foundation. There was no plumbing or electricity. Seemingly changing requirements based on inspections from different agencies meant delays. The building was considered historic, adding more hoops to jump through.

Each setback caused Cattaneo to lament, “It’s not gonna happen, it’s not gonna happen.”

During the long renovation, however, he was encouraged by the community and their continued interest. “People would come by when we were working on the place and ask, ‘What’s it going to be? When are you going to open? I can’t wait.’ ” “In June, we started telling people, ‘Two weeks, two weeks,’ ”he said. After more delays, it became “next Walkabout, next Walkabout.”

Finally, in January, Buona Forchetta

Tours of this California bungalow courtyard, built in South Park in the early decades of the last century, will be included at the Old House Fair on June 15. Photo by Bonnie Nicholls.

opened its doors, and the welcome reception by the community has kept Cattaneo and his staff on the go. They make the pasta fresh every day, so he and his staff arrive at the restaurant at 9 a.m.

Often Cattaneo doesn’t leave until 1 a.m.

, after closing. At home, “whenever I sit somewhere, I fall asleep.”

Cattaneo’s desire to serve authentic cuisine from Northern Italy can be found starting with the giant, gold-colored pizza oven, with the name “Sofia” on the front,

that dominates the open kitchen.

The Stefano Ferrara oven came all the way from Italy and was so large, it wouldn’t even fit through the door to the restaurant. Stefano Ferrara requires those SEE FORCHETTA, Page 11

Buona Forchetta and Beech Street were filled with diners, visitors and browsers during the ‘Wild West Walkabout’ in March.

Photo by Adam Greenfield.

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April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 11

FORCHETTA CONTINUED FROM Page 9

who purchase their ovens to name them, so Cattaneo christened his after his oldest daughter. It’s one of only three types of ovens approved by Verace Pizza Napoletana, an organization that certifies real pizza napoletana (Neopolitan pizza), according to Cattaneo.

“This oven, you have to get to learn it,” Cattaneo said. Neopolitan pizza is made with an airy, fluffy dough and must be baked at 900 degrees, while classic pizzas are cooked at a lower temperature.

Buona Forchetta makes both types, so the pizza chef (called a pizzaiolo) has to know where each type of pizza cooks best in the oven.

The other learning curve was the fuel.

In Italy, makers of Neopolitan pizza use olive wood, because “it burns really hot for a long time,” Here in California, Cattaneo had to find a substitute and uses white oak.

Buona Forchetta is the first restaurant Cattaneo has opened, but he is no neophyte. He has managed Italian restaurants in San Diego, he has an MBA (the reason he came to the United States in 2006), his mother’s cousins make Farchioni olive oil back in Bergamo, and his

mother came over to help him with all of Buona Forchetta’s recipes. Everything is made from scratch.

He wanted to keep his dishes simple, like the ones he grew up with, to emphasize the flavor of the ingredients. “I’m really traditional,” Cattaneo said. “I worked in Italian restaurants, but they were not ‘Italian.’ They add so much sauce, you can’t find your pasta in all that sauce.” Where he grew up, he never saw

Old House Fair Coming in June; Historic Tour Tickets On Sale

Once again — for the 15th year — South Park will welcome thousands of locals and visitors to the Old House Fair on Saturday June 15. Admission to the day-long festival (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at 30th and Beech streets is free.

The public fair includes exhibits, experts, arts and crafts, and family fun activities in South Park. In

‘Sofia,’ the Stefano Ferrara wood-fired pizza oven at Buona Forchetta, traveled all the way to South Park from Italy and is named for the owner’s oldest daughter. Photo by Bonnie Nicholls.

The Edward Quayle House, built in 1912-13, will be one of the historic homes highlighted at the 2013 Old House Fair. Photo by Bonnie Nicholls.

fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs.

The menu isn’t the only aspect to Buona Forchetta that’s authentic Italian — so are the waiters. They’re all Italian, they’re Cattaneo’s friends, and most of them live in South Park. “They would come visit, and then they all moved here,” he said. “Even the pizzaiolo moved to South Park. I just got a new guy from Florence. He lives in Mission Hills, but he

wants to move here.”

Upcoming plans for his restaurant include serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. That will be Americanized, he said, because brunch is American, not Italian. He’s bringing in another chef and another pizziolo, both from Italy, and he plans to expand use of his patio, once he has the staff to manage more customers.

Despite all that, he wants to keep prices

low. “It’s a family place,” he said. “You can’t sell a pizza for $20.”

For information about Buona Forchetta, go to their web site at http://www.buonaforchettasd.com/.

addition to resources for owners and fans of older homes, the exhibitors this year will include free container gardening demonstrations, a Vintage Row of antiques and vintage goods, and pet adoptions by Second Chance Animal Rescue.

Fairgoers may buy tickets to the signature Old House Fair Historic Home Tour, which will include docent-led visits to five houses, all built in the first half of the 20th century. South Park is widely noted for its interesting array of

Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, and Spanish-style homes, as well as some Art Deco and Art Moderne designs built mid-century.

Tickets for the Historic Home Tour are $25 per person, and are available on the Old House Fair website, www.TheOldHouseFair.com.

At the event on June 15, fairgoers may choose one of the hourly guided trolley tours ($5) or an Urban Safaris walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood.

For more information on the even,t visit www.TheOldHouse-

Fair.com. The website also includes a copy of last year’s Program and Resource Guide, available for free download. The booklet features articles and photographs of homes on the earlier tour. Exhibit space for the event also remains available.

Download the pricing and application form from the website, or phone (619) 200-4269

Bonnie Nicholls is a free-lance writer who lives in South Park. Her popular blog, www.southparkscribe.com, features stories, photos and video of the neighborhood.

12 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2013

The 14th Annual Lawnmower Exchange Moves To Qualcomm Stadium Residents can exchange gasoline mowers for $400 models from Black & Decker

BY COUNTY SUPERVISOR RON ROBERTS

JUST LISTED - OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY 4/7, 12-4PM

For the 14th consecutive spring, North Parks’ backyard gardeners are invited to join me on May 11 in helping clean the air we breathe by exchanging old gaspowered lawnmowers for brand new electric rechargeable models.

For the cost of an old mower and $99.99 in cash or on a credit card, residents can take home a quality Black & Decker rechargeable mower that retails for $420.

This year, the event has moved from the parking lots surrounding the County Administration Center to Qualcomm Stadium.

Throughout my career I have been a staunch and relentless advocate for clean air. Sometimes it has made me friends; sometimes not. I serve on the county’s Air Pollution Control District and for the last 18 years as a member of the California Air Resources Board.

As a county, and as a state, we are leading the world in cleaning up our air.

And we are doing it in a way that is sensitive to the needs of business and the pocketbooks of our residents.

Which brings me back to the lawnmowers.

It was 14 years ago that I got the idea to sponsor what has become our annual “Mowing Down Pollution” program.

Since 2000, 6,457 zero-emission mowers have been distributed in San Diego County, removing more than 64,550

pounds of pollutants from our air. In one year, most conventional lawn mowers spew more pollution into our air than a car driven more than 20,000 miles.

San Diego’s air is now the cleanest it has been in decades. Programs like this are improving the quality of life for our residents.

We will have 650 mowers available at this year’s exchange.

The machine is a Black & Decker CM1936 with 19-inch blades and a 36 volt battery-rechargeable power system, normally priced at $420. Very quiet, it also cuts down on noise pollution.

In a new “cleaner-air twist” for this year’s mower exchange, San Diego Gas & Electric will provide a collection of all-electric automobiles for the public to review while the California Plug-in Vehicle Collaborative will offer information on the many and affordable charging options for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Our 14th annual Lawnmower Trade-In Event takes place Saturday, May 11, at the Qualcomm Stadium, 9449 Friars Road in San Diego. The location offers ample space for people to line up with old mowers and later, with a receipt in hand, cue-up in their cars to have a new mower loaded.

Folks always arrive early for this event, which begins at 8 a.m. Lineups can begin at 4 a.m.

This offer is only available to residents of

1928 CRENSHAW ST FAIRMOUNT PARK

San Diego County. Please bring a valid ID, such as a driver’s license. Also, the mower must be in working condition with all of its parts; i.e. no missing wheels, broken blades or other obvious problems.

Finally, I always make it a point to try and visit with as many people in line as possible each year. Please make sure to say “hello.” Thank you for helping clean up our air.

Supervisor Ron Roberts’s Fourth District includes Mission Valley and its surrounding communities. You can reach him at ronroberts@sdcounty.ca.gov, follow him on Twitter @RonRobertsSD or find him on Facebook by searching Ron Roberts.

County Supervisor Ron Roberts (far left), chats with a constituent at last year’s lawnmower exchange program.

A sea of turned-in lawnmowers from last year.

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April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 13

Celebrating the Historic Homes of Mission Hills Save Our Heritage Organisation and Mission Hills Heritage offer up a weekend of tours in the elegant neighborhood Mission Hills is one of San Diego’s oldest and best preserved neighborhoods — a community filled with a variety of historic homes ranging from Craftsman bungalows to Prairie homes to Spanish and Mission Revival. Which is why the Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) and Mission Hills Heritage make it a point each year to offer up tours of those beautiful dwellings to the public. April is that time. Here’s what’s happening:

anchoring techniques. Stitches and techniques will be taught and practiced during the class time. Materials will be provided.

es in Mission Hills. The self-driven tour features homes with an abundant diversity of architectural styles dating from a 1914 English Tudor to a 1949 early Modern. Sites by Morris B. Irvin, Richard Requa and John Lloyd Wright, The Home Tour, Sunday, April the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, are just 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. three that visitors will get to tour.

Tour the interiors of five historic hous-

Historic Home Tour Weekend SOHO is sponsoring its annual Historic Home Tour Weekend on April 13 and 14 that will feature early 20th century homes in Mission Hills. Participants can select from a choice of walking or bicycle tours and a textile workshop on April 13 and spend a day at the Historic Home Tour the next day.

The 90-minute walking tour on April 13 ( 1 to 4 p.m.) will focus on the Arnold and Choates and North Florence Heights subdivisions. Participants Home on the SOHO Home Tour April 14. Photo by Sandé Lollis. will see the works of many early architects of these areas, including Joel L. Brown, William Templeton Johnson, Frank Mead & Richard Requa, and Alexander Schreiber. The tour will include the commercial district, an early Mission Revival church, a progressive school, a former cemetery as well as the surrounding architecturally significant homes and stories of the people who lived and worked in the areas.

The 90-minute bicycle tour, also on April 13, will take cyclists along the quieter streets of the neighborhood.

Explore numerous works of master architects and builders with a local resident and fitness enthusiast to guide the sometimes hilly route.

Arts & Crafts Embroidery Workshop Artist Natalie Richards will lead a sixhour hands-on instructional workshop on Arts & Crafts textiles on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Marston House Museum & Gardens, 3525 Sevenue Ave. Cost is $95 for SOHO members, $105 for nonmembers.

A Roycroft Renaissance artisan, Richards will provide the beginner and the most experienced of embroiderers classic techniques to master and use to create heirloom linens. Basic embroidery stitches presented in antique Arts & Crafts textiles will be taught. Students will create either a water lily pillow or table runner and will learn proper

Home Tour tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $50 for all, nonmenbers and members alike. Tickets can be purchased at the Whaley House Museum Shop, 2476 San Diego Ave. in Old Town and the Marston House Museum Shop. For more information, call SOHO at (619) 297-9327.

list’s Spanish Revival domicile and postWorld War II ranch homes are part of the potpourri of architectural styles to be explored on the first-ever walking tour focusing on South Mission Hills and hosted by Mission Hills Heritage.

“We’ll be showing homes built by such important San Diego architects as William Templeton Johnson and Richard Requa and get to see many Mission Hills Heritage Walking wonderfully preserved Craftsman and Tour April 13, 1 to 4 p.m.

SEE TOUR, Page 14 Historic mansions, a legendary evange-

14 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2013

TOUR CONTINUED FROM Page 13

Spanish Eclectic homes of yesteryear,” said Barry Hager, MHH board chairman. “And there’s an extra dividend.

Some of the best views in Mission Hills

are in South Mission Hills.”

Tickets are $10 for MHH members and $15 for nonmembers, and may be purchased at the starting location on Hawk Street between University and Bush Streets. A new tour leaves every 15 minutes. Each tour lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and docents stop fre-

quently to talk about the homes along the way and the colorful people who lived there. Refresments are served at the end of the tour.

For more information visit www.MissionHillsHeritage.org or phone (619) 497-1193.

Historic home on the SOHO tour. Photo by Sandé Lollis.

A Craftsman home with Colonial Revival influence is one of the handsome and unique homes pointed out along the first docent-led tour of the South Mission Hills neighborhood on April 13 sponsored by Mission Hills Heritage.

Jill Secard Appointed Executive Director of the San Diego Diplomacy Council Jill M. Secard has been appointed executive director of the San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC), a North Parkbased nonprofit that works with the public and private sector to bring emerging world leaders to San Diego each year for professional and cultural exchanges.

A former Foreign Service officer, Secard brings more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and development, public relations, and special events production. She has been associated with Project Concern International, Just Like My Child Foundation, and A Reason to Survive, Inc. (ARTS). For 12 years she served in a variety of management positions for Hewlett-Packard Co. in the United States and France.

“I had been searching for an organization that would be the right match for my passion of international business and public diplomacy and when my family hosted an Egyptian youth leader last summer, I learned of the amazing global impact this organization has,” said Secard, speaking about the Diplomacy Council. “Over the last year, our group of citizen diplomats has brought more than 500 visitors and interpreters from over 125 countries to San Diego.

We are building global networks one handshake at a time.”

Secard has an MBA degree in International Business from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in business finance from California State University, Chico. She speaks French, Spanish and some Arabic.

The San Diego Diplomacy Council collaborates with the U.S. State Department and other federal agencies and sponsors to bring international leaders to the United States for person-to-person exchanges. SDDC membership is open to anyone who would like to contribute to international understanding and cooperation, make constructive economic connections and support peaceful interactions. Members have opportunities to get to know emerging world leaders in numerous ways: attending events and receptions, hosting visitor dinners, providing transportation to professional appointments, or even providing overnight accommodations in their homes. Visit www.SanDiegoDiplomacy.org for more information.

April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 15

World Class Performers Here for the International Organ Festival at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion

The Spreckels Organ Society’s International Organ Festival has been a summer tradition since 1987, a free musical treat that features the largest outdoor pipe organ in America. World class organists will perform at the 26th annual festival happening June 24 through Aug. 26. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

“Everyone is welcome at the Summer International Organ Festival,” asserts new Spreckels Organ Society President George Hardy. “These free concerts are a gift to San Diego first envisioned by John D. Spreckels and continued today through the commitment of the city of San Diego, the Park and Recreation Department and the many dedicated volunteers of the Spreckels Organ Society.”

Children are invited as well as musicloving pets on leash. Light snacks, beverages and unique gifts are available on the pavilion grounds with proceeds from donations benefiting the nonprofit Spreckels Organ Society.

Celebrate the festival’s opening night on Monday, June 24, with a festive Bach’s Supper. Share a catered dinner with family and friends and other fans of the Spreckels Organ before the first concert of the season. The event is open to the public and tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jack Lasher at john.lasher5@gmail.com.

Ringing in the organ concert season on Monday, June 24, is America’s foremost Baroque interpreter Anthony New-

man. Newman has maintained a 40-year career as a leading American organist, harpsichordist and Bach specialist. His prodigious recording output includes more than 170 CDs on such labels as CBS, SONY, Deutsche Grammaphon and Vox Masterworks.

Monday, July 1: The high-energy team of Cheryl and Wayne Seppala perform an All-American Musical Tribute in honor of Independence Day. Both Cheryl and Wayne were organists at the former Organ Power Pizza Restaurants established in San Diego in the early 80s. Married since 1977, they have owned Organ Stop Music Centers in San Diego since 1978.

Monday, July 8: Richard Hills comes SEE ORGAN, Page 16

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ORGAN CONTINUED FROM Page 15

from England to take the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage. Hills is one of the UK’s finest examples of an organist who is equally happy at the classical or theatre organ console. He won the ATOS Young Organist Competition in 1995 at the age of 14 and became organ scholar at Exeter College at Oxford University before being appointed to the Organ Scholarship of London’s Westminster Abbey where he remained until 2004.

Monday, July 15: “Rising Stars Night.”

The Spreckels Organ Society presents two young musicians, organist Daryl Robinson and violinist Annelle K. Gregory. Robinson is already a seasoned performer having performed in venues throughout the United States as well as in Austria, Czech Republic, France, Hungary and Wales. Gregory is a gold medalist of the 2012 National NAACP ACT-SO competition and a laureate of the 2013 National Sphinx Competition. She has performed at Carnegie Hall as a member of the Sphinx Virtuosi, a 20-piece string ensemble.

Monday, July 22: Jane Watts, from England, is regarded as one of Britain’s leading concert organists. She made her

Royal Festival Hall recital debut in 1986, a season during which she also became the Royal College of Organists’ first Performer of the Year. Her debut in the world-famous BBC Promenade Concerts in London’s Royal Albert Hall took place in 1988..

Monday, July 29: German jazz and crossover organist Barbara Dennerlein takes the console. Dennerlein belongs to the small circle of German artists of international reputation. As the most important and most successful German jazz export, her concerts make her a stand out in a new generation of jazz musicians.

Monday, August 3: August kicks off with the always-popular San Diego Civic Organist Emeritus Robert Plimpton.

Plimpton is resident organist of the First United Methodist Church of San Diego and an internationally lauded pipe organist who has performed in major venues throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Jordan Europe and Taiwan.

Monday, Aug. 12: English International Concert Organist Keith Hearnshaw performs. Originally from West Bromwich in the West Midlands, Hearnshaw has performed at venues across the UK including the Liverpool, Hereford and Westminster cathedrals, Westmin-

ster Abbey, London’s Alexandra Palace, Rochdale Town Hall, Hanley’s Victoria Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Monday, Aug. 19: Silent movie master Dennis James returns for the popular Spreckels Organ Silent Movie Night. This season’s movie selection is “The Eagle” (1925) starring Rudolph Valentino at the top of his game, blending romance, action and suspense. For more than thirty years, Dennis James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films presented with live music.

Monday, Aug. 26: Closing night will feature San Diego Civic Organist Carol Williams. British-born Williams was appointed civic organist in 2001, making her the first woman in the United States to hold a civic organists’ title. She is also artistic director of the Spreckels Organ Society and organist in residence at St. Paul’s Cathedral. She is known for giving a new spin to classical organ concerts with her charismatic humor and has been received by international audiences with “rock star” enthusiasm.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s Executive Director to Retire in June Jeffrey Kirsch’s replacement is from The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia Jeffrey Kirsch, longtime executive director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center who saw the center quintuple its membership and double its physical size during his three-decade tenure, will retire in June. Kirsch’s replacement will be Steven Snyder, currently the vice president of exhibit and program development at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Kirsch, who is set to retire on June 30, has guided the Fleet since 1983.

He is a pioneer and major contributor to the production and exhibition of IMAX films in science museums.

Associates say he has changed the face of science education in San Diego.

In announcing Kirsch’s retirement, the center said the Fleet gained international prominence under his guidance with the recent installation of a

new giant dome screen and digital GSM system in the theater, making it the first in the U.S. to share a digital planetarium with an IMAX dome theater. Kirsch’s next project will be as a consulting producer on a film about the Panama Canal, now in the planning stages and due to debut as part of the Balboa Park 2015 centennial.

New Welcome Sign for North Park and University Heights Unveiled A new monument, proclaiming “Welcome to the historic communities of North Park and University Heights,” and a variety of pedestrian improvements were unveiled on Texas Street at the intersection of Camino del Rio South. At the ceremony, attended by members of the North Park Planning Group and interested neighbors, San Diego City Council

President Todd Gloria, said, “The monument sign, sidewalk, and decorative streetlights are great additions to Texas Street. The neighborhoods of North Park and University Heights will be well-served by these improvements, and personally appreciate the addition of a safe active transportation element between these communities and Mission Valley.”

The improvements include the widening of Texas Street to make room for a sidewalk, a new half-mile pedestrian walkway along Texas Street that stretches from Camino del Rio South to Madison Avenue, several retaining walls, and upgraded street lights that resemble the historic “acorn” street lamps found in the area.

The improvements were financed

by Sudberry Properties, as part of the company’s traffic mitigation responsibilities for the development of Civita.

Sudberry Properties is committed to invest $47.5 million in off-site traffic improvements in Mission Valley and Serra Mesa.

Vicki Granowitz, chair of the North Park Planning Committee, said that the level of cooperation between the

developer, the city, and the planning group was a first for the city. “Sudberry/Civita went above and beyond the call of duty in navigating complex city restrictions and in assisting the community to achieve our goal of making Texas Street an attractive walkable route, “ said Granowitz.

Taking part in the monument sign unveiling are, from left, Mark Radelow, vice president and senior project manager for Sudberry Properties; Pat Grant, member of Grant family, which owns the Civita property and contributed to the improvements; Rob Steppke, former chair of the North Park Planning Committee; Alan Grant; Rene Vidales, vice chair of the NPPC; Mary Grant; Vicki Granowitz, chair of the NPPC; Dionné Carlson, chair of the Public Facilities, Transportation and Public Art subcommittee for the NPPC, San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria; and Marco Sessa, senior vice president of Sudberry Properties.

April 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 17

Overwater bungalows

The Essence of French Polynesia Natural Beauty and Cultural Pride Abound in the Heart of the South Pacific

By Michelle Lyn and Brett Martin When we first told people we were spending the holidays in French Polynesia, we were met with some blank stares. t sounds exotic, but few people knew exactly where it was and what images they should conjure up.

More commonly referred to as Tahiti, French Polynesia is the country comprised of five main island groups or archipelagos. An easy eight-hour flight from Los Angeles, it is just south of Hawaii in the South Pacific.

Made famous in the ’60s by the classic film “Mutiny on the Bounty,” Tahiti and “Her Islands” are the stuff dreams are made of. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water in every shade of turquoise imaginable and a relaxed pace of life that would make anyone think twice before stressing about the little things.

It has been said that “boredom is the feeling that everything is a waste of time; serenity, that nothing is.” After visiting Tahiti and her islands, we wonder if the word boredom even exists in the Tahitian lexicon.

That being said, time doesn’t even seem to exist, so it isn’t likely that you’ll be able to waste it when you’re there.

Serenity, however, is definitely in abundance. It is simply the Tahitian way of life and whether you go to relax or to seek adventure, serenity is one thing you will be immersed in.

Our journey began in L.A. on a nonstop flight via Air Tahiti Nui, the 15-yearold airline that recently announced plans for new cabin upgrades in Spring 2013.

Tahiti Arriving in Papeete, (Tahiti’s capital) close to midnight is much more lively than you would imagine. It appears to be the busiest time of day for the airport.

Throngs of tour operators flank the arrival doors as you search the sea of name placards, only to be greeted with a fragrant frangipani lei and a warm Tahitian smile welcoming you to French Polynesia. Heat and humidity combine with the hour to offer assurance that you are

far from the drizzly winter weather at home.

Whether you’re just stopping by on your way to another island, or beginning your vacation on Tahiti, the InterContinental Hotel is the perfect place to recharge your travel-weary bodies. Minutes from the airport, the InterContinental is lush, tropical and has the perfect combination of Polynesian authenticity and modernity.

Upon checking in, you’re immediately welcomed with a refreshingly chilled glass of mango pineapple juice, complete with fresh pineapple and frangipani flowers. Exotic fruit and flowers are also thoughtfully placed throughout your room, creating an intoxicatingly tropical scent.

Overlooking an idyllic lagoon, the hotel directly faces the nearby island of Moorea, offering postcard perfect views to feast your eyes on while sipping rum and coconut cocktails poolside.

Arrange any transportation needs ahead of time through South Pacific Transport. Their team is professional, efficient and incredibly warm and genuine. Downtown, Papeete’s Le Marche market is a must-see for anyone visiting Tahiti. The colorful market features a wide range of local fish and produce, as well as a rich selection of handicrafts that make perfect gifts and souvenirs.

You’ll find an abundance of Tahitian vanilla beans and paste (the best in the world), as well as monoi and tiare oil (coconut oil infused with the fragrance of local flowers). The oils boast moisturizing properties good for skin, hair and nails ... not to mention the beautiful fragrance that will instantly transport you right back to the islands.

The neighborhood surrounding the market is heavy on black pearl shops.

Stunning byproducts from the sea, the iridescent gems range in hues from silver to green and come in various shapes and sizesThese precious jewels can be pricey, although slightly “irregular” pearls can be found at any budget.

Moorea The Aremiti ferry runs several daily trips to Moorea in 30 minutes. Known as the “Magical Island,” Moorea is reminiscent of Hawaii, with its lush green landscape and laid back vibe. Hit hard by tourism in recent years, Moorea warrants a two- or three-day visit to indulge in some thrill seeking adventures, although even a day trip from Tahiti is worthwhile.

The Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is situated on Temae beach (the nicest on the island), minutes from the ferry landing. If you want to be pampered, check in there and spend your days relaxing by the infinity pool or snorkeling in the lagoon on their beach.

Or, do what we did and rent a private villa from Tahiti in Style. For a more personal experience, you can choose from a handful of their stunning properties and make yourself at home during your stay on the island.

Billed as a vacation rental agency that offers concierge services, Tahiti in Style can purchase and delivery groceries upon your arrival, make reservations for your activities and excursions, as well as offer in-home spa treatments.

Moorea itself is a small island that is easily explored. We rented a car and took a day to circumnavigate the island. It can be done in a couple hours, but you’ll likely want to take your time and make several stops along the way to take it all in.

Grab your camera and head towards the Belvedere lookout. Moorea’s most spectacular sites (such as Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay) are seen from this easily reached overlook. Located in the center of the island, this is a popular stop on any “circle-island” or 4x4 tour.

If you don’t have the kids with you, rent your own 4x4 buggies and explore the mountains, plantations (pineapple, coffee or sugarcane) and waterfalls.

Albert Transport operates some of the most popular land and/or sea excursions on the island.

An abundance of marine life in clear shallow waters await you beneath the sea.

The lack of strong currents combined with the many coral reefs within the turquoise waters of the lagoon surrounding Moorea provide enjoyable and accessible snorkeling year-round.

The waves in Tahiti, although beautiful, are not always as friendly as the people. With world-class waves like Teahupoo on Tahiti and Haapiti on Moorea, experience is needed to surf most of the waves. You’ll also likely need a boat ride to avoid the long paddle across the lagoon, to arrive at the waves that break along the barrier reef.

Unless you specifically go to surf, you

might want to reconsider taking your own boards. Depending on your itinerary, it may be best to rent a board while traveling as you may not be able to stow your board on the smaller interisland flights.

On our trip, we were fortunate to befriend a young local named Jean Luc (also our driver from South Pacific Transport) who was kind enough to proffer up one of his own surfboards to use while we visited Moorea for a couple days.

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POLYNESIA CONTINUED FROM Page 17

A 10-minute conversation (in broken French and English) revealed a shared passion for riding waves and landed us at his house to pick up a board on the way to catch our ferry ... all before he even knew our names. We were surprised to find such unbelievable hospitality and generosity to be the norm on our trip.

When a local woman recommended a casual restaurant for lunch, the name “Snack Mahana” led us on the hunt for a little stand selling sandwiches. What we didn’t expect to find was a home converted into a restaurant, run by all the women in the family. Walking up to what looked like a counter out of the kitchen window, we were quickly waved on to the backyard to find a seat at one of their picnic tables.

Their backyard can’t possibly compare to any you’ve ever seen before. The small grassy plot extended straight into the cerulean lagoon.

For miles, in every direction, you look out onto the sea and before you know it, you’ve lost yourself in a pleasant three-hour lunch experience, complete with the family’s dog and children hanging out at your table.

There is no rush at Snack Mahana. What there is, however, is freshly caught lagoon fish that is generously served in traditional preparations with coconut milk, and Tahitian poisson cru (raw seafood salad) heaped on your plate. With modest prices, the value of the meal and the experience is beyond compare.

Sting Ray visit with Maohi Nui

Bora Bora Flying into Bora Bora on Air Tahiti is an enjoyable experience that lasts just under an hour (from Papeete). Make sure you settle in with a prime seat on the left side of the medium sized plane, as you stretch out and sip fresh pineapple juice.

The main island of Bora Bora is surrounded by several motus (small islands) that host many of the five-star resorts. If you’d like to go onto the main island to shop or dine, shuttle boats run back and forth, free of charge.

Situated on its own private island (Motu Tevairoa), the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a mere 10 minutes from the airport and directly faces the main island and the looming Mount Otemanu.

One of the nicer resorts in Bora Bora, the Pearl Beach Resort & Spa has done an excellent job of staying true to its Polynesian roots with traditional decor, architecture, materials and a near complete staff of locals.

“Ia Orana,” the Tahitian way to greet one another is heard everywhere you go and the well-appointed rooms are enveloped by considerately placed aromatic tiare flowers.

According to the general manager, the owners of the property were the first to build a resort on any of the motus in Bora Bora, so they had first choice. Motu Tevairoa was selected as it had the best beach of all the islands. The smooth stretch of white sand feels like powder and extends onto the floor of the translucent lagoon.

Snorkeling gear, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and stand up paddle boards line the beach for your complimentary use, while a coral nursery beckons your inspection.

To further explore under the surface, (whether you are PADI certfied or not), TopDive is the local expert dive operator on several of the islands. The crew at TopDive Bora Bora does a fabulous job coordinating and guiding dives for dive aficionados and first

time divers alike. During our experience, we were greeted by curious black tip reef sharks, 15-foot long lemon sharks, moray eels and teams of fish.

While staying at the resort, we experienced the garden bungalow with a private pool, enclosed garden and outdoor shower, as well as the overwater bungalow. While the garden suite was quite comfortable, spacious and private, the overwater bungalow is an experience you simply must enjoy once in your life ... if possible.

The paradisal “huts” are the definition of romance and exclusivity all in one. Shuttered windows crank open to reveal the crystalline lagoon beneath you, as does the glass enclosed “coffee table.” In the best of the bungalows, the beds and private balconies have an unobstructed view of Mount Otemanu.

Each balcony has its own stepladder that eases you into the lukewarm, waist deep lagoon that gently laps against the stilts supporting it.

For a special treat, order room service for breakfast and have it delivered via floral laden canoe.

While the dining options at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort are quite lovely, it is well worth the 15-minute shuttle to the main island to explore beyond.

Bloody Mary’s is an institution on Bora Bora, as evidenced by their wall of “fame” of celebrities who have visited since its inception in 1979. The restaurant itself is a more polished version of a big Fare Tiurai (the carnival type hut built for the Heiva Dance Festival each July). The thatched roof, open sides, white sand floor, wooden slab tables and stools made of coconut stumps represent old Tahiti.

A unique experience, you are led to a large iced display of fresh fish and meats upon entering. The fresh catch of the day is described to each guest, as they point to their selection before moving on to their tables.

Amiable owner Dexter Hewitt takes great pride in the fact that he employs a large contingency of locals and openly boasts that he doesn’t take any profit from the restaurant — he puts it all back into the local community.

For another authentic experience, book a lagoon excursion with Maohi Nui. It is a locally owned and operated company with some of the most personable and knowledgable guides on the island. They pick you up in a traditional outrigger canoe and provide a memorable day exploring their “home.”

Our guide, Rapa, greeted us with a warm smile while strumming on his ukelele. Offering group or private tours, their approach is gentle and respectful, keeping in mind the preservation of nature.

Rapa first took us out to the edge of the lagoon where we could feed the fish and sharks.

He then told us to throw on our snorkel gear so we could see the sharks up close and personal-no cage in sight. Daunting at first, the sharks proved to be docile enough and kept their interest on the chum that was tossed their way.

A stop in a shallow area of the lagoon found us standing in the water, surrounded by giant sting rays gently tickling us with their undulating bodies. Part slippery, part scratchy, they were good-natured, albeit a bit brazen.

To finish the day long tour, we pulled up to a secluded island where Rapa prepared a Polynesian feast on a private beach. He himself had caught some fresh lobster, tuna, and lagoon fish that he grilled over palm fronds.

He also brought taro, pineapple and bananas that he had grown on his property.

After pulling a picnic table into the water for our incredible meal, we really got to know this humble man with seven children, who had lived all over the world and didn’t think twice about inviting us to his home for dinner the next night.

One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been, French Polynesia captivated us with its natural beauty, disarmed us with the warmth and generosity of its people, and left us with a new appreciation for Mother Earth, which one wise Tahitian woman reminded us, is simply on loan from our children.

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By Bart Mendoza

Raising the Bar for the Troubador Set Built around the duo of guitarist Omar Musisko and bassist Andrew Thams, acoustic pop combo The Peripherals raise the bar for the local troubadour set. Appearing at Lestat’s on April 18, their songs generally revolve around the usual relationship trials and tribulations, with the use of bass as a second lead instrument on some songs, even when they play sans percussion, as well as the intricate interplay between Musisko and Thams, propels the tunes. Topped by sweet harmonies, the Peripherals have a slew of good songs, possibly the best of which is, “Spin, Spinning, Spun,” a tune with a simple melody and nursery rhyme-type backing vocals that won’t leave your head for days once you’ve heard it.

The Peripherals: Thursday, April 18 at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m.

All ages. Cover TBD. www.Lestats.com

Core Delivers a Big Tribute One of the biggest bands in the world over the last two decades, it’s only natural that Stone Temple Pilots would have a tribute band in their honor, especially in their hometown of San Diego. Fans of STP will want to head to Rosie O’Grady’s on April 5, when the quartet Core will perform stadium rock in an intimate setting. Though the band plays songs from throughout STP’s career, the emphasis is firmly on the first album. Core does a good job of recreating their honorees’ sound, with frontman Eric Von Metzke ably channeling singer Scott Weiland’s vocal quirks. While you won’t hear any surprises at this gig, If it’s the hits you want, from “Big Bang Baby” to “Wicked Garden,” Core delivers.

Core: Friday, May 25 at Rosie O’Grady’s, 3402 Adams Ave. 9: 30 p.m.

21 andup. Cover TBD. www.rosieogradyspub.com

Rendering of the USO building.

Wild Older Women Making Wild, Good Time Music It’s right there in the name: Wild Older Women is indeed that, two (older) women making wild good time music. The duo, appearing at Rebecca’s Coffeehouse on April 21, consists of fiddler Annie Rettic, who also plays five-string viola, Appalachian Mountain dulcimer, and ukulele, as well as 12string guitarist Sweet Joyce Ann Martin, with the pair’s music somewhere between Americana and folk. Their debut album, “Unleashed,” captures the duo’s humor and passion well, with a nice mix of ballads and topical tunes, but live is where they really let loose. Between Rettic’s understated virtuoso playing and Martin’s boisterous performances, a Wild Older Women show is rarely less than fun.

Wild Older Women: Sunday, April 21, at Rebecca’s Coffeehouse, 3015 Juniper St. 10 a.m.-noon.

All ages. No cover. www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com

McGuire and York: Pioneers in the Field

Swirling With Mrs. Magician

On April 20, AMSD Concert will be the site of “Tripping in the Sixties,” a two-man musical look back at one of the most important decades in music, the 1960s. Taking the listener on a musical time trip will be troubadour Barry McGuire, best known for his 1965 No.1 hit, “Eve of Destruction,” and perhaps to a lesser extent for his 1963 No. 25 classic, “Green, Green” as singer with the new Christy Minstrels. He will be accompanied by guitarist John York, a former member of the Byrds, playing on such evergreens as “Lay, Lady Lay,” as well as performing in the studio with the likes of Johnny Rivers and the Mama’s and the Papa’s. The pair will perform their own hits, as well as material by other artists of the era, such as Bob Dylan and the Lovin’ Spoonful. If you’re a fan at all of the singer-songwriter genre this chance to hear pioneers in the field should not be missed.

Appearing at the Irenic on April 20, 7 p.m., Mrs. Magician sound is a swirl of punk, ’60s garage, surf and rock, heavy on the reverb, with each of their songs well worth a listen. The band may have only released one album in their existence, 2012’s “Strange Heaven,” but then again, this is a singles group. Not only because they’ve released four actual singles, including a picture disc, but because they craft their tunes with an excess of hooks and melody, for songs that instantly catch your ear. In a perfect world songs like “Nightlife” would be radio staples.

Barry McGuire & John York: Saturday April 20 at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m.

All ages. $20 -$47. www.amsdconcerts.com.

Mrs. Magician: Saturday, April 20 at The Irenic 3090 Polk Ave. 7 p.m.

All ages. $12.

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