Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 20 Years sdnorthparknews.com
Vol. 20 No. 12 December 2012
South Park: A Breeding Ground For Women In Business
South Bark Dog Wash co-owner Donna Walker (right) and assistant Stephanie Pusker give a black labrador loving attention.
Monta Briant of Baby Garten Studio with toddler Holland.
Maureen Ceccarelli, owner of Studio Maureen and The Next Door Gallery, has been a fixture in South Park for 25 years.
Female Entrepreneurs Dominate Neighborhood Shops There’s something about South Park. Something that causes women-owned stores to dominate South Park’s commercial area. Maybe it’s just that women attract other women, especially successful ones. Or maybe it’s the feel of the neighborhood — the tree-shaded sidewalks, the small shops that dot the streets, or the friendly smalltown atmosphere that attracts the businessminded woman who has some unique products to sell. Maybe it’s the ability to live close to where they work. To be part of an emerging neighborhood. To be among good old fashioned businesses with forward-thinking minds. Whatever that “something” is, of the 75 members in the South Park Business Group, 45 are owned or co-owned by women. Most have opened in the last five to seven years — a few longer, like Big Kitchen and Studio Maureen —and most are small retail businesses. Rebecca Zearing, one of the successful business owners, thinks it’s because women are brave … and strong.
Here are a few of the women who have carved successful careers in the neighborhood: South Bark Dog Wash Over the years South Park went to the dogs — dog as pets and as protectors. This was a perfect opportunity for South Park residents Donna Walker and Lisa Vella, who shared a dream of helping animals, especially the dogs and cats of South Park. Twelve years ago, when a laundromat went up for sale, Vella jumped on it. And the building transformed from a place that washes clothes to a place that washes dogs — South Bark Dog Wash. Conveniently located three blocks from Grape Street Dog Park, South Bark Dog Wash is South Park’s premier, locally owned companion-loving hot spot. A place where pet lovers can congregate and focus on quality bonding time with their pets. The shop’s self-serve wash tubs, organic shampoo and conditioners, drying and grooming stations promote fun and turn a chore into an enjoyable experience. Cus-
BY DELLE WILLETT
tomers can expect to find a polite and wellinformed staff; healthy products; a clean facility; and everything they need for their pets. “We only sell products that both we and our pets love,” said Walker. South Bark Dog Wash also offers training for puppies to teenage dogs “…who act out much as their human counterparts,” explained Vella. Dog owners can also take CPR and first aid classes for their dogs and cats. In this friendly and affordable spa-like atmosphere, over 1,200 dogs get a facial every month. “Our facials are so good, we’re recognized across the country,” said Walker. From their facial product, South Bark Blueberry Facial, came a full line of products now sold in almost every state in the U.S. and nine foreign countries. These products include the blueberry facial, shampoo, conditioner, cologne and nibbles. Walker and Vella were the first to create dog facial products. Seventeen brands are now on the market.
‘I love feeding people,’ says Rebecca Zearing, owner of Rebecca’s Coffeehouse.
Newcomer Melanie Michaud of Graffiti Beach helps artists launch their careers.
SEE WOMEN, Page 5
NORTH PARK SCENE Hillcrest Wind Ensemble Performs Holiday Concert Young and old are welcome at the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble’s Holiday Concert on Friday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. at the Joan Kroc Theater, 6845 University Ave.The concert will feature music from “The Nutcracker.” Guests will include The San Diego Dance Company with The Wheel Chair Dancers doing modern and interpretive dance to this Tchaikovsky SEE SCENE, Page 12
Jerry Sanders’ Big Hurrah The mayor leaves office with an impressive portfolio At age 62, Jerry Sanders is not the same man who took office as mayor of San Diego in 2005, a job he vacated this month as newly elected mayor Bob Filner takes the reins at City Hall. But who would be the same? The city that has alternately been praised as “America’s Finest City” and then damned as “Enron-by-the-sea” can take its toll on any political leader ambitious enough to take on the job. Throughout his two terms in office, Sanders has presided over some of the city’s major accomplishments and disappointments, been humbled and excoriated at times, and has been reduced to tears over matters deeply personal to himself and his family. Yet he also has been widely admired for his political courage as when he — a moderate Republican — publicly voice support for marriage equality in 2007. Sanders will take that legacy with him when he joins the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce as its new
president and CEO, replacing Ruben Barrales. Physically, too, Sanders is a changed man. During his second term, his weight shot up to 276, perhaps from attending too many rubber chicken circuit dinners. But after indulging in a vigorous walking and diet regimen, he’s down to 186 — 90 pounds lighter and a whole lot healthier. His walks, incidentally, have been from his home in Kensington. Sanders’ career path has been quite amazing. After attending San Diego State, he joined the San Diego Police Department at age 22, following his dad, who was a cop in Los Angeles. He rose through the ranks to become police chief and retired in 1999, ending a 20-year law enforcement career that was considered progressive and innovative. After that, Sanders took on, in succession, a couple of restoration jobs — first as head of United Way San Diego SEE SANDERS, Page 6
Jerry Sanders relinquished his job and office this month to newly elected Mayor Bob Filner.