Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 20 Years sdnorthparknews.com
Vol. 20 No. 6 June 2012
NORTH PARK SCENE
FINAL COUNTDOWN ON PLAZA DE PANAMA PLAN City Council to vote on controversial project in July
Taste of Adams Avenue Finger-lickin’ good should be the theme of the 12th annual Taste of Adams Avenue, the annual culinary offering served up by the Adams Avenue Business Association. It takes place on Sunday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Adams Avenue and will feature samples of food and drink prepared by more than 20 restaurants, coffee houses, pubs from Normal Heights to Kensington. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of. Purchase advanced tickets online at tasteofadamsavenue.com. Tasters can visit the shops either on foot or complimentary trolley service along Adams Avenue. Businesses offering their specialties include Bleu Boheme, Blind Lady Ale House, Burger Lounge, Café Cabaret, Cantina Mayahuel, Di Mille’s Italian Restaurant, El Zarape, Farmhouse Cafe, Hanna’s Gourmet, Incredible Cheesecake Company, Kensington Café, Kensington Grill, Lestat’s, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, Proprietors Wine Reserve Wine Bar, Rosie O’Grady’s, Sabuku Sushi, Senor Mangos, Star-
Holley Berkley has her hands full of chicks.
BACKYARD CHICKS The Berkley Household has a pecking order Quiet evenings around the dining room table, leisurely neighborhood strolls and . . . the cackle of backyard chickens? While the latter may not complete your picture of the ideal home setting, raising chickens is increasingly becoming a part of many residents’ lives, including that of the Berkleys. Holly Berkley, Internet marketing consultant, author and former San Diego State University lecturer, husband, Keith, and their two boys, Calvin and Charlie, have been raising chickens in the backyard of their South Park home for the past three years.
“It makes us slow down and appreciate things . . . appreciate where our food comes from,” Holly said. She thought it would be a fun experience “for the kids” to collect eggs in the morning, she said, before admitting that the chickens “get quite addicting.” “The kids and I love it. We’ll have them in our laps when we watch TV.” “Yeah, that’s weird,” Keith said. The little fancy ones (silkies) come in the house sometimes and have names like “Spiderman.” The kids name them. The growing
SEE SCENE, Page 11
SEE CHICKS, Page 5
Preservationists of the Year
PHOTOS BY SANDÉ LOLLIS
SOHO presents its 2012 People in Preservation Awards The North Park Historical Society has been presented the Neighborhood Preservation Award by Save Our Heritage Organisation for its efforts to establish the Dryden Historic District, named for David Owen Dryden, the master builder of 20 homes in the district. The Historical Society — led by Steve Hon, George Franck, Katherine Hon and Daniel Marks — was one of several groups, individuals and agencies honored by SOHO as part of the 2012 People in Preservation Awards program. The Dryden Historic District was approved by the city’s Historical Resources Board in 2011. The six-block neighborhood on Pershing Avenue and 28th Street from Upas to Landis streets encomSEE SOHO, Page 17
BYBY CECILIA BUCKNER
The controversial Plaza de Panama project, a proposal to rid cars from the center of Balboa Park in time for the park’s centennial in 2015, is nearing a crucial City Council vote in July amid a chorus of voices both praising and condemning the plan put forward by Qualcomm Inc. co-founder Irwin Jacobs and promoted by Mayor Jerry Sanders. The Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), a group that has rallied opposition to the multi-milliondollar proposal over the past few months, claiming it will ruin the historical character of the park, has noted that the city’s Park and Recreation Board, the Historical Resources Board and the House of Pacific Relations each has voted to oppose the Jacobs plan. Other objections have come from the National Park Service and the state’s historic preservation officer, M. Wayne Donaldson, claiming the plan would jeopardize the park’s status as a National Historic Landmark District. The central argument against the Jacob’s plan is its proposal to build a bypass bridge from the Cabrillo Bridge — the so-called Centennial Bridge — that would direct vehicle traffice to a three-level parking structure in the interior of the park. Supporters of the Plaza de Panama SEE PLAZA, Page 4
MUSIC IN THE PARK Bird Park Summer Concert Series will bring a variety of music to the stage Nikki Berdy, president of the North Park Community Association, is a big fan of the summer musical concerts that take place at Bird Park, the small, bowlshaped grass and tree-studded acreage that sits just west of 28th and Thorn streets. “What a great evening for families, friends, and neighbors to come together to enjoy the beautiful park setting while listening to local bands perform,” she says. “People of all ages are encouraged to get up and dance, which is BY MANNY CRUZ
North Park Historical Society leaders, from left, are George Franck, Gabriela Marks, Steve Hon, Katherine Hon and Daniel Marks.
SEE MUSIC, Page 18
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plan have told KPBS that opponents are relying on “scare tactics” to have the plan shelved. David Marshall, the city’s preservation consultant for the plan, said a letter sent by the National Park Service did not directly say the park could lose is historic landmark status, according to KPBS. He added that the city confirmed with the National Park Service that this scenario was not realistic, and claimed opponents are using the letter “and interpreting the letter for their benefit.” Almost all of the issues raised in the National Park Service letter have been analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report that has been released for the project. While the NPS did express the opinion that the project
Rendering of the Plaza de Panama without cars.
was “aggressive,” it did not indicate support for any of the 13 alternatives to the Plaza de Panama project that were evaluated in the EIR. However, the NPS suggested that cars be allowed to continue to drive through the core of Balboa Park, a view that is not shared by the Plaza de Panama Committee or the vast majority of park users and stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Balboa Park Committee and the Park & Recreation Design Review Committee have voted in support of the Plaza de Panama project. The city Planning Commission is to review the proposal this summer and the City Council is expected to vote on the plan on July 9.
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CHICKS CONTINUED FROM Page 1
popularity of raising backyard chickens in urban settings and Holly’s own experience has inspired her to write her first children’s book, “Mommy, Me & My Chickens.” The 36-page, full-color paperback looks at the process of raising chickens in the city — from purchasing eggs online, to caring for and feeding them, to using their waste as compost — all through the eyes of a child.
“I just saw this trend happening, where pretty much every time I go talk to somebody, it seemed like one out of every five had a chicken or wanted to get backyard chickens,” Holly said. “It just seemed like a topic that a lot of people were asking about and so it just seemed like the natural first children’s book to write.” There are Facebook pages and blogs dedicated to the trend. People are not just talking about the benefit of supplying their own eggs though; they are also talking about what fantastic pets chickens make. They are sociable, but can also be
left alone. And to top it off, they can make you breakfast! Holly’s chickens like human contact and make their way into the house whenever the opportunity arises, she said. Upon returning home from an errand one day, she found a chicken sitting on top of her computer monitor. “I must have walked by three times before I noticed!” she said. Raising chickens has become so popular that the San Diego City Council recently amended laws in an attempt to meet the needs of the residents.
“I am incredibly proud that the common-sense measures we passed will allow more San Diegans to keep small numbers of animals on their property and strengthen their connection to their food,” said Councilman Todd Gloria following approval of the amended ordinance in January. The amendment relaxed the distance requirement between properties, making it possible for more city residents to raisea minimum of five chickens in their backyard. Green living has been a mindset in the Berkley household for some time. Keith’s
construction business, Berkley Construction, was presented with a Small Business of the Year Award in 2008 for its commitment to green building design and its involvement in community development. “I think we have an obligation — we have to try to not adversely affect the environment,” Keith told the North Park News about receiving the award. “Mommy, Me & My Chickens” can be purchased on Amazon.com. For more information about the book, visit berkweb.com/chickens.
Calvin Berkley holding chicken he nicknamed ‘feather face.’ ‘His old name was Brownie,’ he said.
Berkley holds one of her favorites.
Enjoying a little backyard recreation.
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‘RENT’ coming to the North Park Theatre Gwen Stewart to reprise her Broadway role Gwen Stewart will reprise the role she created in the original Broadway company of “Rent” at the San Diego Musical Theatre’s production June 22-July 8 at the Birch North Park Theatre. Stewart will introduce the solo vocals for the musical’s central theme song, “Seasons of Love.” Versatile theater veteran Ron Kellum will direct the musical — only the fifth musical to ever win both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Musical. Kellum’s career has spanned 22 years and includes work as an actor, choreographer and director. he Kellum has appeared on Broadway in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Chicago” and toured nationally in “Fosse,” “Chicago,” “Aida,” “Dreamgirls,” “Beauty and The Beast” and “Smokey Joe’s Café.” He’s worked in film as a choreographer, most recently on the feature film “Iron Man 2.” Kellum has co-directed the NFL United Way half-time show and he is the co-executive director of the NFL Pro Bowl
Cheerleaders. He is the leading motivational /team building coach in the industry and has worked with several pro teams for the NFL, including the Chargers and L.A. Lakers. Inspired by Puccini’s “La Boheme,” “Rent” is described as a joyous, breathtaking and often heartbreaking musical that celebrates a community of young artists in downtown New York looking for love and success. Actor, singer and dancer Courtney Corey is choreographing the North Park Theatre production. She is best known for her role as Elphaba in the Chicago and Los Angeles productions of “Wicked.” She also played the part of Maureen in the Benny and Angel National Tours of “RENT.” Corey also spent four years with the touring cast of “RENT,” three years with the Chicago production of “Wicked” and two years with the Los Angeles production of “Wicked.” Don LeMaster, resident musical director/conductor for San Diego Musi-
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cal Theatre since its formation in 2006, is the musical director for “RENT.” His previous stints have been at Performance Riverside, Moonlight, Cygnet, Starlight, North Coast Rep, McCoy Rigby and the Old Globe Theatre. Lighting design is by Randall Hodges and sound design is by Larry Esau. Tarin Hurstell is stage manager. The cast will feature Dylan Hunter as Mark and Casey O’Farrell as Roger, along with Shaun Tuazon (Angel), Loren Smith (Collins), Desmond Newson (Benny), Katy Harvey (Maureen), Nicole Tillman (Joanne), Ann-Michele Schneider (Mimi), Marisha Castle (Alexi), J.D. Driskill (Gordon), Charles W. Patmon Jr. (Mr. J), Cordell Mosteller (Paul), Leslie Tammone (Mrs. Cohen) and Tom Vendafreddo (Steve). Single tickets are $26, $32, $42 and $52. Children 12 and under are half price. For individual tickets, contact the administrative office at (858) 560-5740 or visit sdmt.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
Gwen Stewart portrays Mrs. Jefferson
Charles W. Patmon Jr. Mr. Jefferson
Dylan Hunter as Mark
Casey O’Farrell as Roger
Shaun Tuazon as Angel
Photography Manny Cruz Mike Shess 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.
Loren Smith as Collins
Desmond Newson as Benny
Katy Harvey as Maureen
Nicole Tillman as Joanne
Ann-Michele Schneider as Mimi
Story ideas/Press Releases Do you have an idea for an article you would like to see covered in this newspaper? We welcome your ideas, calendar item listings and press releases. For breaking news, please call us at (619) 287-1865. For all other news items, please email Manny@sandiegometro.com.
ADDRESS PO Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 PHONE (858) 461-4484 Marish Castle as Alexi
J.D. Driskill as Gordon
Cordell Mosteller as Paul
Leslie Tammone as Mrs. Cohen
JOB OPENING Part Time: Wed, Thurs, Fri. Hours: 8:00 - 5:00. Requirements: Proficient in Quickbooks, Excel and Word. Duties Include but not limited to: A/R, A/P, Posting Deposits, Data Entry, Filing, Creating spreadsheets. Compensation: $15/hrs. Please email resume with salary history and work references to: richardlstallsr@yahoo.com. (No cover letters please.)
Tommy Vendafreddo as Steve 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.
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Marish Castle as Alexi
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OLD HOUSE FAIR HAS THE ANSWERS Experts give advice on building and repairs, decorative artwork BY MARSHA SMELKINSON
How do I know if I have a foundation We wonder if we can make a signifiproblem? cant addition and alterations to our lovely older home? Michelle Strand, Atlas Footing Repair: Your doors and windows might stick, Carl L. Strona, Architect: “My experience is that, yes, you can make significant additions and alterations to existing older homes. However, if the home is deemed historically significant or located in an historical zone, your design options will be increasingly limited. In these cases the additions should be compatible with, yet distinguishable from the original, and the original structure should be the dominant focus of the completed design.
San Diego’s Old House Fair bills itself as “where to go when your contractor’s been dead for 75 years.” In one day you can find local resources for the unique services needed to repair, restore or renovate your older home. At exhibit booths along 30th and Beech streets on June 16 will be builders, contractors, designers, artisans, repair services, and other resources — all specialists and experts in older houses and their unique needs. Also on display will be art, antiques, furniture, fixtures and home accessories that complement the classic architecture of older San Diego homes. Many exhibitors have participated in several Old House Fairs, and some provided these answers to frequently-asked A good example of an old house solution that questions: needs replacement.
My old house has been remodeled your floors may feel uneven or bouncy, many times and I am unsure of what or there may be unusually large cracks the original woodwork looked like. in the walls or ceiling. You can also peek your head inside the crawl space openWilliam Van Dusen Millworking: ing to observe the quality of the conLook around your neighborhood for crete. If the concrete is cracked, crumbly, similar sized homes of the same age. or missing, you may need replacement. Oftentimes they had the same builder. Or if your post and piers look like this Look inside closets for original mold- (see photo), they probably need replaceings. We can help you restore and repro- ment. Foundation repair can be expenduce the original look. sive, so breaking down the work into manageable pieces might work for you.”
Old House Fair
Owen Sutton, Home Restoration & Remodeling of San Diego: A paint inspection tells only if there is any lead in any of the paint. More valuable is a risk assessment by a trained professional who uses several methods to assess the hazard. If your walls have old leadbased paint under layers of repainting, it is not absolutely necessary to remove the walls. There are EPA-approved solutions available, and a certified contractor will know what will work in your case. We are now offering lead-based What is involved in qualifying for his- training to the home owner, and will torical designation in San Diego? discuss at the Old House Fair how to get certified and how to hire a qualified Ron May, Legacy 106 Inc.: They look contractor. for good examples of recognized architectural styles in houses that are at least Also on display at the Old House Fair 45 to 50 years old, and which retain June 16 will be artwork and antiques original building materials. The city’s crafted by artisans for decorative accents emphasis is on what can be seen from in older homes. Custom-designed tiles, the public view — does it look the way metal work, glass and pottery originals it did when originally built? A secret to will be available. A sampling of some convincing the Historical Resources pieces are pictured here. Board that an old house is worthy of historical designation is to include beau- Lizzy B collects beautiful chandelier tiful interior tile, wood, art glass, and crystals from the 1950s and repuroriginal interiors in your application. poses them into one of a kind necklaces and earrings. You can imagine the grand affairs that took place beneath
June 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Streets centered on 30th and Beech streets
• Exhibitors, vendors • Entertainers: Marcia Forman Band, Billy Joe & the Roosters, Todo Mundo. • Historic Home Tour, $20 (More details in this issue’s Craftsman section.) • Ask the Experts Booth
How do I find out how much lead- these gorgeous crystals. Also available based paint is left in my house, and is jewelry from old keys, door hardware what can I do about it? and printers’ type.
• Free kids’ activities (clay sculpture, face-painting, gardening) • Pets Corner • Urban Safaris Walking Tours (1 and 3 p.m., free • Produced by the South Park Business Group. • Info: theoldhousefair.com.
Vintage home accessories like this Dragon Lamp ($59) will be featured in Studio Maureen’s designer corner during the Old House Fair. Clay Artists of San Diego will be answering questions and offering hand made ceramics by local artists, one of a kind decorative pottery for your home. European Tile Art also features work by California artisans, including this example by a Fresno-based artist. The inspiration for her tiles comes from her love of nature and a nostalgia for vintage ceramic styles. This acrylic painting of a South Park neighborhood scene is by Jori Owens, available at Studio Maureen on Beech Street and during the Old House Fair. $275 framed.
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San Diego is a Top Destination for Business
BY COUNCILMAN TODD GLORIA San Diego has no shortage of impressive titles: We’re one of America’s best burger cities and one of America’s techiest cities; we’ve been honored for our fitness, and North Park’s 30th Street was nationally honored for its craft beer options. The city of San Diego has also been ranked as the least expensive big city in California to do business and one of America’s “low cost” cities for business, according to a study by the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College. The study evaluated business taxes and fees, economic incentives and other programs for 421 cities nationwide and assigns a cost rating for each city
using a proprietary formula. While Los Angeles and the Bay Area remain among the most expensive areas in the state to do business, San Diego is the most affordable big city for business, and San Diego continues to lead California and the nation with the highest penetration of rooftop photovoltaic installations and overall solar generation. This status, combined with the City Council’s focus on job creation and the efforts of Mayor Sanders’ Economic Growth Services Department, helped San Diego land two solar manufacturers since 2009, Kyocera and Soitec. While big businesses like those in the solar, defense, and bio-fuel industries generally create skilled manufacturing jobs and build our base of innovation, small and local businesses are of critical importance to our economy and our community character, as evidenced by the continued growth and success of North Park’s business corridor. San Diego has developed a good business climate by cutting red tape, streamlining the permit process, and initiating a wide array of programs to directly assist businesses large and small. From our popular Storefront Improvement Program to infrastructure investments, like the upcoming addition of a bike corral at 30th Street and North Park Way, we have made progress supporting neighborhood businesses. The direct support provided by business improvement districts like North Park Main Street cannot be overlooked, and I am glad that the city has strengthened our relationship with BIDs and
made it easier for the organizations to access their funds for service. Obviously, work remains to be done to ensure San Diego businesses, especially small ventures and those just getting started, are provided appropriate resources by the city, and are not bogged down by bureaucracy or unreasonable fees. I’m proud of the recognition the city has received
for our efforts to strengthen our business climate, and remain focused on improving the quality of life throughout our communities. Information about San Diego’s economic incentives is available on the city’s website at sandiego.gov/economicdevelopment or by contacting Russ Gibbon, business development manager, at (619) 236-6350.
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619-504-9431 • gloriasharkey@gmail.com • www.gloriasharkey.com
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buck’s Kensington, Subway, Tams Thai- and always spiritual, includes mixed land Food, Tao, and Twiggs Café. Call media assemblage, shrines, metal collage, sculpture, masks, and wearable art. God(619) 282-7329 for more. desses and other feminine archetypal images are key subjects as she uses a fasNorth Park Mini-Park Plans cinating mix of found objects, both natUnder Review ural and man-made, with textured surfaces enriched by patina, oxidation, and paint. Johanna Hansen is curator at the gallery. Novak received a master’s degree from San Diego State, where she studied with Arlene Fisch and Helen Shirk. She has shown nationally and internationally and has taught metalsmithing to both adults and children. The Next Door Gallery (as well as Studio Maureen) is The city’s Park and Recreation board in located at 2963 Beech St. July is scheduled to review and possibly give final approval to the general devel- New Medical Director opment plan for the proposed North Park Mini-Park in the area behind the Birch North Park Theatre. The design also includes the streetscapes surrounding the park as well as those connecting the mini-park to University Avenue and to Jefferson Elementary School. North Park special park fees will be used for the development. The mini-park would be a half-acre in size between Granada Avenue and 29th Street, along North Park Way. Von’s Center Opens in Mission Hills
Dr. John Serra of North Park has been chosen to oversee the medical direction for Rural/Metro’s Southern California operations. Serra will have oversight over all medical policies and procedures for Critical Care Transport services, Basic Life Support services, and 911 operations in the area encompassing Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe and 4S Ranch. Serra studied emergency medicine at YaleNew Haven Hospital where he served as chief resident. He also completed a fellowship in emergency medical services and disaster medicine at UC San Diego, and is currently studying for a master’s degree in public health at San Diego State University.
The new Von’s Center at Mission Hills has opened, fully leased and includes key tenants Von’s, Chase Bank, Floyd’s Barber Shop and Starbucks. The center contains more than 64,000 square feet of retail space and is located at 450 W. Washington St. Terry Bortnick, founder of Argent Retail Advisors, and Daniel Firtel, managing director, represented the property owner, Property Development Centers, in marketing and leasing the available retail space. A 12,000-square-foot Safeway (parent company of Von’s) was demolished for the project. The entire Best of Miniatures Award project was pre-leased prior to Von’s grand opening at the end of March. Other retailers expect to be open in the third quarter of 2012.
University Heights resident Susan Weinberg-Harter was awarded the Best of Miniatures Award in an exhibition at San Diego Watercolor Society. Her painting, “Still Life with Bottles,” was done on Yupo paper with a smooth slick finish. Weinberg-Harter studied calligraphy extensively for many years and Sharon Novak Metalsmith Works in began incorporating watercolor illusSouth Park Gallery trations in her work, gradually moving Sharon Novak, a San Diego metal- away from calligraphy and concentratsmith and jeweler, is exhibiting several ing just on painting in watercolor. . new pieces in “Soul Being,” a solo show at The Next Door Gallery in South Park. Beatles Vs. Stones Tribute Show The exhibition runs through June 9. Tribute bands Abbey Road and Novak’s work, often autobiographical Jumping Jack Flash will take part in a
MAD Refunds Available Golden Hill and South Park property owners can now file claims for maintenance assessments for which they were charged illegally from 2007 through 2011. The city has placed reimbursement forms on the website of its Economic Development Department. To access the forms, go to the city website, www.sandiego.gov, and then to the Economic Development page. Click on the form titled Special Assessment Refund Claim Forms. Refunds are available because both the Superior Court and Appellate Court found that the city had formed the Greater Golden Hill Maintenance Assessment District (MAD)
“Beatles Vs. Stones Tribute Show” June 22 at 7 p.m. in the Mississippi Ballroom of the Lafayette Hotel on El Cajon Boulevard. Abbey Road musicians are age appropriate for early Beatles (between 22 and 32 years of age) and perform a three-costume change show. The musicians tour in national, theatrical productions about the Beatles (www.inmylifetheplay.com). Jumping Jack Flash is considered to be the country’s premier Stones tribute. The lead singer was featured in Maroon Five’s hit, “Moves Like Jagger.” ( www.jjflash.biz.)
illegally. The courts ruled in favor of the Golden Hill Neighborhood Association, a group of residents, which filed a lawsuit in 2007, shortly after the city had declared that enough property owners had voted in favor of establishing a MAD. The courts found that the city weighted its share of the votes to ensure passage of the MAD and vacated the MAD, saying it should never have been formed. Property owners paid the assessment as part of their yearly property tax bill.
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Community Corner Vol. II — So Many Voices How to get involved
BY OMAR PASSONS I wrote my first article to focus on the need for more civility and understanding in our community. This one is meant to make it easier to understand how to get involved and where to turn when you have questions. San Diego’s communities are governed, led and cared for in a variety of ways. So many voices are in use on any given day that it can be hard to make sense of it all ... and harder to tell if anyone is listening. With that, let’s get a lay of the land for Greater North Park, shall we? First up,
Park neighbors are Pam Ison and Anthony Bernal. Pam knows the budget like I know restaurants on 30th Street — which is to say very, very well. Want to understand tree-trimming budgets or the mysterious “infrastructure backlog” or really anything related to the city’s budget? Pam is your go-to. But if you have a regular issue, like a broken streetlight, a block party to plan or heaven knows what else, Anthony is that guy. He’s kind of like the neighborhood “fixer.” He can’t resolve everything, but usually knows who can and how to make it happen. We are also represented by County Supervisor Ron Roberts, Assemblymember Toni Atkins and Congresswoman Susan Davis, but for the vast majority of things that require an elected official, knowing “the Todd Squad” is the best way to go.
The “advisories” operate under a law that makes them publish what they discuss and decide three days ahead what items they might take a vote on. If you’ve ever sat through one of those mind-numbingly long meetings waiting for that two minutes to say your peace, only to be turned away, you may have left with a bad taste in your mouth. Just know those folks weren’t being intentionally rude. The law makes them “stick to the script” so that people can know what is happening ahead of time. The advisories that are most active in North Park are the North Park Community Planning Committee, the North Park Maintenance Assessment Advisory Committee, and the North Park Recreation Center Council. Yes, that is confusing and a mouthful. Just to make it fun, the Planning Committee has a bunch of equally formal sub-committees relat-
of time — though attending is the best group that focuses on community drug way to be heard. and alcohol issues. They inform and help keep a clean line of communication to the police. Speaking of the The ‘Neighborlies’ Then there are the “neighborlies.” police, Officer Jenny Hall is our comThese are groups that exist for special munity relations officer, which means interest areas or residents but don’t that she is our best, most direct, most advise the city. These are like the fami- responsive resource for any crime-relatly therapist, they don’t have as much ed issues we have. She is passionate and required structure and how much you dedicated and — because of how great accept or discard what you’ve heard is she is — sometimes swamped. But she up to you. The North Park Communi- will get back to you in a timely fashion. ty Association (NPCA) is an example of a “neighborly” that focuses primariBusiness Improvement Districts ly on making life better for residents If you’re interested in supporting who live in our community. This hap- local businesses, Greater North Park has pens through advocacy, civic pride three business improvement districts events like Bird Park Summer Concerts, that provide support primarily to the information and generally trying to be various small businesses along Adams a good neighbor to everyone. Avenue, El Cajon Boulevard, University The members are in every corner of Avenue and 30th Street. They have volNorth Park. The North Park Historical unteer opportunities, but are generally focused on the business community. Information about all of these groups is available on the NPCA website and it’s very easy to get involved with any one of them. The “neighborlies,” like the “advisories,” are made up of volunteers who get involved because they want to help North Park be the best, most inviting version of itself. So the next time you need some help or think you want to get more involved, just know that although the community has many different voices, you can be part of the decision making process without much difficulty. And hopefully this quick lay-of-the-land will help you find the group that best matches your needs or interests. We have a great community and a big part of that is being able to easily connect to so many who care deeply about living and working in North Park.
ed to infrastructure, parking, urban design and so forth. These groups all give a recommendation to a city official about what “the community” thinks about a particular thing. You can always get the information on their websites and always submit your thoughts ahead
Society, as its name suggests, protects the historic treasures of the community and does amazing walking tours to help people know what those treasures are. There are large Neighborhood Watch and First Friday groups, who generally socialize their way to more eyes, ears and e-mails watching after each other on our residential streets. There’s the South of Upas group, which is a collection of neighbors near 30th who also look out for each other. The North Park Action Team is a volunteer
Network of Volunteers This brings us to the all-too-complicated network of volunteer groups who serve various interests within the community. An important thing most neighbors don’t know is some of the groups (“the advisories”) provide formal advice to the city and some (“the
“So many voices are in use on any given day that it can be hard to make sense of it all… and harder to tell if anyone is listening. ” we’ve got a mayor and a soon-to-be nine-member City Council who work kind of like the president and the Congress — only they don’t get paid nearly as well and are easier to find. Our councilmember In District 3 is Todd Gloria and the two most important people in his office for regular North
neighborlies”) are organized for business or charitable reasons but have no formal relation to the city. The “advisories” are kind of like your family lawyer — they have a formal job to give advice that has defined and regulated procedures.
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Omar Passons is a local attorney and volunteer who writes a periodic column about community issues. He advocates for greater civic attention and participation in all San Diego neighborhoods. Email him at opassons@gmail.com regarding issues in your neighborhood or follow him on Twitter @omarpassons.
June 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 13
Honoring the Japanese-American Community The San Diego Museum of Man’s Tower After Hours program on June 28 will be a tribute to San Diego’s Japanese-American community with traditional food tasting, Sapporo beer, drinks, music, dance, martial arts and presentations by local cultural artsw groups. Tower After Hours is an ongoing series of cultural events that highlight San Diego's unique ethnic communities. Support for Tower After Hours is provided by the Nissan Foundation and the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture . Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for students and military, and $20 for non-members. Each ticket includes entrance to the museum, food tastings, beverages and cultural entertainment. For additional information, call (619) 239-2001, Ext. 10, or visit www.museumofman.org.
A Summer Festival of Organ Music Spreckels Organ Pavilion to host internationally famous musicians Internationally celebrated organists will take to the stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion on Monday nights June 25 through Aug. 27 for the 25th anniversary Summer International Organ Festival — a summer tradition since 1987. All the concerts, which begin at 7:30 p.m., are free of charge. The Spreckels Organ is the largest outdoor pipe organ in America. Children and pets are welcome. Light snacks, beverages and unique gifts are available on the pavilion grounds with proceeds from donations benefiting the nonprofit Spreckels Organ Society, helping to preserve, program and promote the Spreckels Organ as a world treasure. Opening night is June 25 featuring a festive Bach’s Supper. A buffet meal begins at 5 p.m. under the colonnades of the pavilion. Tickets are required for this event. For more information, call Jack Lasher at (858) 483-1326. San Diego Civic Organist Emeritus Robert Plimpton along with a special guest orchestra directed by Shannon Kitelinger, director of bands at San Diego State University, are headliners on opening night. 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. Locally he has performed with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, the San Diego Master Chorale, the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra, and the San Diego Symphony. Monday, July 2, brings Simon Gledhill, a British organist who has performed at all the major theater organ venues in Britain as well as tours in Germany, Holland, Australia and the U.S. He was The American Theater Organ Society’s Organist of the Year in 1997. Tom Trenney returns to the Spreckels Organ on July 9. Known for his engaging improvisations on hymns, submitted themes, silent films, poetry, and artwork, Trenny was the first organist to be awarded First Prize and Audience Prize in the American Guild of Organists’ (AGO) National Competition in Organ ImproSEE ORGANS, Page 14
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The duet skills of Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault will be displayed on Aug. 6.
ORGANS CONTINUED FROM Page 13
visation in 2006. Ty Woodward, staff organist at Disney’s El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, will be featured on July 16. Woodward is the former dean of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has played both classical and theater organ concerts throughout the U.S. and Canada. His recording credits include a solo classical recording on the Aeolian-Skinner organ at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and a theater organ recording on the Wurlitzer organ at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, N.Y. along with accompaniments for numerous choral recordings.
The “First Lady of the Organ” Diane Bish, returns to the pavilion on July 23. Known as a concert and recording artist, composer, conductor and international television personality, Bish displays her virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to international acclaim. Her television series “The Joy of Music” is broadcast to over 300 million people around the world each week. Carlo Curley, one of the world’s foremost concert organists, comes to San Diego on July 30. Curley has performed concerts at the White House, in every state in the United States, and every province in Canada as well as Europe, Asia, Australia and Hong Kong. The duet skills of Elizabeth and Raymond Chenault will be “on hand” on Aug. 6. Known by their trademark “four hands, four feet,” the musical couple
have been organists and choirmasters of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta since 1975. The Spreckels Organ Society welcomes Gordon Turk, organ -builder, improvisational artist and globe-trotting concert soloist on Aug. 13. Turk has been awarded competition prizes for performances of the music of J.S. Bach and in the national improvisation competition of the American Guild of Organists. He is organist of Ocean Grove, N.J. Auditorium. Silent movie master Dennis James returns on Aug. 20 for the popular Spreckels Organ Silent Movie Night. For more than 30 years, James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films presented with live music. James tours worldwide with his Silent Film Concerts production company,
presenting professional silent film screenings with piano, theater organ, chamber ensemble and full symphony orchestra accompaniments. A performance by San Diego civic organist Carol Williams will close out the season on Aug. 27. Williams was appointed civic organist in 2001, making her the first woman in the United States to hold a civic organist’s title. She San Diego Civic Organist Emeritus is also artistic director of the Spreckels Robert Plimpton opens the festival on June 25. Organ Society and organist in residence at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Spreckels Organ and Pavilion were a gift from John D. and Adolf Spreckels of the Spreckels sugar family, and were dedicated and first played on Dec, 31, 1914. (Afternoon organ concerts by Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego civic organist, and guest artists are performed year-round, Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m., free of charge.)
Ty Woodward, staff organist at Disney’s El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, is featured on July 16.
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THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN Van Dusen’s goal is to bring back original woodwork details of San Diego’s old homes William Van Dusen is a self-taught craftsman, starting his woodworking career more than 35 years ago when he was captivated by the historical features of the town of Julian. During a period of rejuvenation of the town, he began to build his first business, Julian Millworking, which provided the historical millwork for many of the gold rush-era commercial buildings and homes. In the following years he worked with master craftsmen, architects and well-established companies in high-end residential and commercial woodworking. In recent years Van Dusen returned to the work that first inspired him. “It’s fantastic that many of our older San Diego neighborhoods are being rejuvenated by enthusiastic homeowners with an appreciation of how special homes and neighborhoods affect their lives,” said Van Dusen. “There is a newfound sense of community and home in these historical neighborhoods.” These homes and neighborhoods have been through a lot. In the 1960s through the 1990s, many of these homes were flipped, relegated to rentals or torn down with no regard to their history. Old homes were stripped of their original features, vinyl windows replaced wood sash, MDF moldings and particle board cabinets replaced original woodwork. The big box stores were helpful in promoting low cost replacements and “upgrades.” Often, the homeowner is faced with many layers of previous improvements and remodels that are like bad make-
A Waer mirror
Leland columns
William Van Dusen Millworking can be reached at (619) 443-7689. up hiding the true beauty of a home. Fortunately, homeowners today have found an interest in the past. Van Dusen’s email is: william@wvdmillwork.com. Taking on even a partial renovation can be stressful, costly and time consuming. Homeowners need help and advice to navigate their way through their projects. It is important for the homeowner to do their homework and work with people that are experienced with special needs that an older home presents. Van Dusen’s goal is to bring back the original woodwork details of San Diego’s old homes that may have been lost over the years. He does his research on the built-in bookcases, china cabinets, molding and other millwork features common in specific neighborhoods or by a specific builder. Using his collection of vintage American-made woodworking machinery, traditional craftsmanship and historically correct wood, such as White Oak, Gumwood and Douglas Fir, he re-discovers history one project at a time. William Van Dusen Millworking will be at South Park’s Old House Fair on June 23. He invites all of our readers to stop by and say hello, he’d love to hear about your old house.
French doors and transom
Woodwork on a 33rd Street house in North Park.
Door at the University of San Diego
William Van Dusen in his shop.
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Historic Old House Fair Tour June 16 Features Unexpected South Park Homes Art Deco, Spanish, Mediterranean Designs join Craftsman and California bungalows BY TRACEY RAZ, R+M DESIGNS PHOTOS BY ROBERT PIGOTT
(Editor’s Note: The author, an authority in historic design and furnishings, has participated in selection of Old House Fair Historic Home Tour features for the past six years.) Several of the homes on this year’s Old House Fair tour in South Park represent the less prolific styles in this neighborhood of mostly Arts and Crafts-style homes. Spanish, Mediterranean and Deco styles are included among the six houses open for tours on Saturday, June 16. Craftsman and California bungalows are especially prolific in the South Park area due in part to the Arts and Crafts’ movement’s popularity during the neighborhood’s original development from 1906 to 1915. Shortly after the California Exposition, the movement’s popularity began to wane and people turned to the romantic European revival
styles for inspiration. Especially visible in homes built here after 1915 is the Spanish Style, in vogue due to the architectural design of Balboa Park. This year’s Old House Fair tour features homes oriented to Balboa Park, including several with views of the park’s eastern edges, golf courses and canyons. They not only reflect the nostalgic and romantic influences of Balboa Park and the era in which they were built but also represent the uniqueness of the homes in this area. True gems, these homes are a testament to the importance of maintaining the diversity of this historic architectural landscape for generations to come; a sentiment well understood by the current custodians of these special homes. The Historic Home Tour, a highlight of the 14th annual Old House Fair, will be held on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in South Park. The tour features visits to six houses, a bonus garden, and to the historic Firehouse No. 9, built in 1912 on 30th St.
Tickets for the Tour are $20 and may be purchased in advance online (www.theoldhousefair.com) or at 30th and Beech streets on the day of the event.
A highlight feature of the 1928 Spanish-style bungalow (a wedding gift from Vincent Safranek to his daughter, Sylvia, and her husband, Milo Vanek) is the current owners’ labor of love, a wonderful rear garden that backs up onto Balboa Park’s eastern canyons.
Built in 1937 and recently renovated with the help of Architect Carl L. Strona, this Art Deco masterpiece features the streamlined, geometric architecture characteristic of the Deco style. Rooms are set back from each other, allowing corner windows which let in more light and take advantage of breathtaking views to Balboa Park and beyond.
This charming Spanish bungalow was sensitively restored and remodeled by Ed Landsberg, an Old House Fair sponsor, just two years ago. The remodel enhances the Spanish features of the home while accommodating the modern lifestyle of its new owners. Architectural features such as cove ceilings, arches and niches were maintained and added.
The first house built in the exclusive ‘Delano’ gated community overlooking Balboa Park was this 1926 Spanish bungalow. Spanish style is evident in the large arched picture window, low stucco wall, front courtyard and arched entry door.
‘The Castle’ is a Spanish-style home built by Beverly Hills architect I.E. Loveless in 1930 as his personal residence while living in San Diego managing the rebuild of the San Diego de Alcala Mission. Clear similarities exist between the home and the Mission.
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Members of the Vista Irrigation District board.
Vista Irrigation District and General Manager Roy Coox.
SOHO CONTINUED FROM Page 1
passes 136 homes, nearly 40 of them built by Master Builders. Dryden was responsible for 20 of the homes, including his most exuberant in the Craftsman oriental mode on the corner of 28th and Capps streets, his own family home in the 3500 block of 28th Street and 16 two-story houses, several of which are designated as individually significant. The other People in Preservation Award winners: • Vista Irrigation District and General manager Roy Coox —the Preservationist of the Year - Public Stewardship Award. For the past decade, the Vista Irrigation District has gone to exceptional lengths to preserve one of the region’s most historically significant sites along the Immigrant Trail, the 1857 National Historic Landmark: the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House. • San Diego Vintage Trolley Inc. (a nonprofit subsidiary of Metropolitan Transit Service), led by Harry Mathis, Paul Jablonski, E. Wayne Terry and Karen Landers; and the San Diego Electric Railway Association, led by Dave Slater and Chuck Bencik —the MTS Makes History Award. A streamlined, circa 1946 streetcar that represents design improvements by the President's Conference Committee (comprised of the heads of electric street railway companies) is back in service in Downtown San Diego after volunteers spent six years restoring it. In 1936, the San Diego Electric Railway was the first public transit system in the United States to adopt the PCC model. • Christian Chaffee and San Diego Historic Streetcars Inc., with Jim Mills, former state senator and past People In Preservation Lifetime Achievement Award winner — the On the Right Track Award. One of the last three remaining streetcars dating from San Diego’s opening of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition has been restored and makes appearances at community events to promote the restoration of the other two and future streetcar service to Balboa Park. • Heidi and Deb Callahan are winners of the Residential Resurrection Award. For many years, an experimental, lowcost house designed by Irving J. Gill was used as an architect's office. The new owner-occupants have restored it and
converted it back into a warmly inviting single-family home. • Robert and Ingrid Coffin received the Presidential Home Restoration Award. Pascual Ortiz Rubio, former president of Mexico, expanded and added murals, painted ceilings, faux finishes, and glazed tile to a grand, 1928 home on a steep canyon in Kensington. • Richard Crawford was recognised with the Preservation Achievement Award. A historian and archivist for 30 years, Crawford is also a gifted author and blogger. He recently published a book called “Stranger Than Fiction: Vignettes of San Diego History” and has spent countless hours digitizing local records and research materials to make them more accessible to the public. • Carol Rea earned the Outstanding Citizen Award. Rea, who is president of the Old Escondido Historic District and a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. With persistence, she prevented the city of Escondido from losing its esteemed Certified Local Government status in the state of California by convincing the City Council to reword a proposed code amendment that would have eliminated the city’s design review board. • Allen Hazard was presented with the Caped Crusader Award. When bronze plaques started disappearing at night from historic homes in the Mission Hills Historic District, Hazard went into action to defend his neighborhood against the thefts. He rallied neighbors and focused media, police and elected officials’ attention on the problem and watched over Sunset Boulevard through the night from his front window. The program will also paid tribute to the late Robert Miles Parker, SOHO’s founder who first rallied public support to save a Victorian house. The resulting rescue and restoration of the ShermanGilbert House, now in Heritage Park, Old Town, was the first of many SOHO preservation victories. Parker, an accomplished artist and SOHO’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement award winner, died at age 72 on April 17 in New York City. The annual Most Endangered List of Historic Resources also was presented. Among the 11 threatened sites and structures are Balboa Park, the La Jolla Post Office, the Villa Montezuma, and Rancho Guejito.
The Warner-Carillo Ranch.
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• July 28 — Folding Mr. Lincoln (country. foldingmisterlincoln.com). The band’s debut album, “Within My Reach,” received a 2009 San Diego Music Award nomination for Best Country/Americana Album. It’s second album, “Folding Mr. Lincoln-Live,” received a 2011 San Diego Music Award nomination for Best Americana Album. • Aug. 11 — Whitney Shay (jazz. whitneyshay.com). A San Diego native, Whitney Shay finds inspiration in a large range of music from Billie Holiday and Helen Humes
in the ’20s and ’30s, all the way to Etta James and Jackie Wilson in the ’50s and ’60s. Her musical performances reflect this variety. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater from San Diego State. Lynn Elliott, who has been coordinating the summer concert series for the past few years for the North Park Community Association but has been involved in the program since 2004, said she is always looking for volunteers — people who can help set up each evening’s production and clean up afterwards and people who can help with
Whitney Shay singing at the U.S. Grant Hotel. (Photo courtesy of Adriana Sapien).
Nathan James with go go dancer Felicia.
Nathan James. (Photo by Milton Pitts)
Kitten With a Whip.
Audrey Moesch, Kitten With a Whip. (Photo by Judy Richards Cappello).
MUSIC CONTINUED FROM Page 1
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The remaining four concerts are: • June 30 — TINKU (Latin jazz. tinkumusic.com). TINKU performs world and folk melodies and has assembled more than 100 song selections and more than 19 musical rhythms from more than 12 countries. It specializes in Andean rhythms, Latin favorites, among others, and incorporates a variety of native
TINKU founder Francisco Astudillo..
instruments. • July 14 — Kitten With a Whip (Indie rock. reverbnation.com/kittenwithawhip). The energetic alternative rock band is led by all-female band veteran Audrey Moesch. Moesch and then lead guitarist Mark Cover formed the band in San Diego in 1995. Moesch composes such rousing, relationship survival anthems as “I Believe in Me” and angst-filled rocker “Monster” to the happy dance tunes of world beat-inspired “JuJu” and Latininfluenced “To Be.”
The TINKU band, Isaac Astudillo, Josue Astudillo and Francisco Astudillo.
fundraising and other chores. “We’ve had neighborhoods get together to contribute money for the concerts,” said Elliott. “ If a group got together and wanted to do that, we’d welcome that.” Volunteers can reach her via email at: lhelliott@aol.com. Elliott said each year’s performers are chosen by a committee after volunteers listen to groups perform at different street events and other venues. Different bands also send information.“We want family-friendly music — danceable music. It’s a nice social event.”
Harry Mestyanek, Folding Mr. Lincoln.
Nancy Mestyanek, Folding Mr. Lincoln.
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By Bart Mendoza
Peaceful Easy Feeling With Jack Tempchin Possibly the area’s most successful songwriter, it’s likely that there are few people on the planet who have not heard at least a tune or two written by Jack Tempchin. Performing at Lestat’s on June 7, 9 p.m., his hits include such standards as the Eagles’ “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” Johnny Rivers’ “Slow Dancin’” and Glen Frey’s “You Belong to the City,” while his soundtrack work includes such favorites as “Thelma and Louise” and “The Lonely Guy.” He’s a wonderful storyteller and performer. If you’re a fan in the slightest of acoustic music, this intimate show will be hard to beat. . Jack Tempchin: Thursday, June 7, at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. www.Lestats.com.
The Stanleys’ Songs: High on … Melody and Energy Australian powerpop quartet The Stanleys will rock the house at Eleven on June 13 at 9 p.m. Songs like their current single, “Always,” show the group to have honed their songwriting skills listening to classic punk and new wave tunes, with an endless supply of songs that are high on melody and energy. As good as their current record is, live is where Australia’s bands excel and this combo is no exception. Anyone who likes their rock ‘n’ roll with plenty of hooks will enjoy The Stanleys. . The Stanleys: Wednesday, June 13, at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $4. elevensandiego.com.
Rendering of the USO building.
New Shoes Old Socks Wear Well
No Identity Theft With John Doe Next month John Doe will be touring Europe’s biggest venues, opening for Pearl Jam with his long-time group X, but lucky music fans have a chance to see him live on June 13, 8:30 p.m. at the relatively intimate Soda Bar. Currently touring behind his latest disc, “Keeper,” the biggest cheers at his performances are invariably for his renditions of classic X songs such as “Burning House of Love,” but every second of Doe’s 10-disc solo career to date is well worth hearing . John Doe: Wednesday, June 13, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $12. sodabarmusic.com.
Six-piece rock and reggae group New Shoes Old Socks performs at Rosie O’Grady’s on June 16, 9 p.m. Such musical hybrids are a dime a dozen in San Diego, but on the evidence of such recent recordings as “Under The Sea,” this combo is a cut above the rest. Their tunes are topped by arena rock production and anthemic songs that feature reggae and hip hop elements, highlighted by superb lead guitar work and trumpet playing. It all adds up to a sound somewhere between Oasis at their most bombastic crossed with Cake. New Shoes Old Socks are well worth checking out. . New Shoes Old Socks: Saturday, June 16 at Rosie O’Grady’s, 3402 Adams Ave. 9: 30 p.m. 21 and up. rosieogradyspub.com.
Delivering a Cool Blend of Blues and Folk Critically acclaimed singer, guitarist and songwriter Chris Smither performs at AMSD Concerts on June 28, 7:30 p.m. Though not yet a household name, Smither’s career goes back to the early 1960s, while his songs have been covered by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, with a 10-album deep solo career stretching back to 1970. His music is a mix of blues and folk with a rich, deep voice perfectly matched to his deft finger picking. . Chris Smither: Thursday, June 28 at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All Ages. $25-$52. amsdconcerts.com.
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