Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 21 Years sdnorthparknews.com
Vol. 21 No. 6 June 2013
Hot Diggity for Wiggity Bang Games!
2013 People in Preservation Awards
South Park couple make whimsical board games for fun and profit
Dalia and Gordon Hunt (foreground) with researchers Kiley and Alexandra Wallace (top left) and contractor Jim Stafford.
SOHO pays tribute to individuals and groups who have helped preserve important aspects of the region’s heritage P S L
HOTOS BY ANDÉ OLLIS
Entrepreneurs Matthew and Jean Rivaldi run Wiggity Bang Games in South Park.
Can you recall the last time you played a board game? Sitting Indian style on the bare carpet behind a colorful stack of money — dice in hand, contemplating your next move — the strategy — “Monopolizing” the board. While Companies and Markets reported a 6 percent increase in sales of board games in 2011, there are indications that last year did not fare as well. In January, Gerrick Johnson, toy analyst for BMO Capital Markets, was FURT is a party game.
SEE GAMES, Page 10
Dalia and Gordon Hunt purchased the 1913 three-story Henry and Lavina Nelson house in Mission Hills that they said had been “masquerading” as an updated Arts & Craftsstyle home. It’s bad features: vinyl siding, fake rock veneer and Tex-Cote paint that smothered all the texture and details in the brick chimney and wood trim. “Without flinching, (the Hunts) asked me to remove all of the aforementioned improvements and to bring the house back to its original condition,” said contractor Jim Stafford. Stafford and his crew removed the vinyl siding and were taken aback by what they found. Decades ago, the siding crew had knocked off many three-dimensional elements, such as corbels, knee braces and trim, to create a flat surface to install their product. Fortunately, old paint outlines of these elements and extant originals guided the restoration process, as did historic photographs of the house.
Restoration brought the home back to being a handsome, English-influenced Arts & Crafts-style abode with half-timbering, wood shingle siding, exposed brick porch columns and 50 working windows, all freed from unattractive coverings or neglect, and carefully restored or replicated. For this painstaking work, the Hunts and Stafford were awarded a 2013 People in Preservation Award by the Save Our Heritage Organisation. Stafford, who wrote an account of the work, called it “From Muddled to Magnificent.” Also honored at the May 23 awards ceremony at Point Loma Assembly: Daniel Ramirez Another startling transformation of a mistreated house and city of San Diego landmark — this one flirting with
NORTH PARK SCENE Rockin’ and Dancin’ Pottery Guild Holds Spring Sale Thousands of pieces of hand-made ceramics by many of San Diego’s best potters will be featured at the San Diego Pottery Guild’s spring sale June 8-9 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village patio area. All of the items at the sale are one-of-a-kind. Works range from functional ware such as plates, bowls and coffee cups to more decorative and sculptural forms such as ceramic shoes, garden lanterns and conch shells. Prices range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. In addition to buying hand-made ceramics, you can also meet the artists. Most of the Guild members will be available to answer questions SEE SCENE, Page 5 about ceramics in general or
in Bird Park
11th annual concert series opens June 15 The 2013 Bird Park Summer Concert Series opens June 15 with a performance by Lenny “Fuzzy” Rankins, a Grammy Award-winning jazz and blues musician who should be most familiar to San Diego radio listeners. The concert series — now in its 11th year, is produced by the North Park Community Association SEE CONCERT, Page 6
Okapi Sun performs on June 29.
SEE PRESERVATION, Page 13
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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 - $600,000
SOLD - $675,000
SOLD! - $605,000
SOLD - $692,000
SOLD - $769,000
SOLD - $682,500
3674-72 Texas | 2 units
3161 1st St #2N | 2br 2ba *
4632 Marlborough | 2br 1.5ba
2914 Redwood St | 3br 3ba
2428 33rd St | 3br 2.5ba
4806 Sussex | 3br 1.5ba
SOLD - $545,000
SOLD - $746,000
SOLD - $649,000
SOLD - $845,000
SOLD - $650,000
SOLD - $750,000
3687 4th #408 | 2br 2ba *
2735 33rd St | 4br 4.5ba
4869 Marlborough | 3br 2ba*
3415 Villa Terrace | 3br 2ba
4558 Delaware St | 2br 2ba
3795 Alabama | 4 units
SOLD - $665,000
SOLD - $441,000
SOLD - $799,000
SOLD - $640,000
SOLD - $565,000
SOLD - $510,000
4654 Natalie | 3br 2ba
4615 Altadena | 2br+den 2ba
2503 Bancroft St | 4br 2ba
3210-12 Felton St | 2br units
4365 Alder Dr | 3br 2ba
3788 Park #4 | work/live
SOLD - $632,000
SOLD - $153,000
SOLD - $387,000
SOLD - $530,000
SOLD - $460,000
SOLD - $559,000
4624 Lucille Dr | 3br 2ba
4545 Collwood #57 | 1br 1ba
4502 Euclid Ave | 2br 1ba
4720 51st | 3br 2ba
2515 30th St. | 2br 1ba
4812 50th | 4br 2ba *
SOLD - $746,000
SOLD - $469,000
SOLD - $800,500
4604 Edgeware | 3 units
4677 Winona | 3br 2ba
4165 Middlesex | 3br 2ba
SOLD - $550,000
SOLD - $452,000
IN ESCROW - $462,500
4912 Lorraine Drive | 2 br 1.5ba
2320 Landis | 2br 2ba
3412 32nd D, 2br+loft
IN ESCROW - $348,000
IN ESCROW - $429,000
IN ESCROW - $629,000
IN ESCROW $665,000 | 4215 Alder Drive, Kensington
Beautifully upgraded Mid-Century 3br home on corner lot has been upgraded throughout with a remodeled kitchen with granite counters. Refinished HW floors, new custom paint, remodeled bath, all new windows, private rear yard, gorgeous!
AVAILABLE! $725,000 | 2736 Teresita St. 2504 54th | 3br 1ba
5621 Adelaide | 2br 2ba
3256 N Mtn View | 3br 2ba
IN ESCROW - $589,000
COMING SOON!
AVAILABLE - $695,000
4780 49th | 3br 2ba
3585 Redwood St. | 2br 1ba
4488 41st | 3br 2ba
AVAILABLE - $439,000
NEW - $545,000
NEW - $469,000
Charming 3br 2ba St. Augustine area Spanish home. Remodeled kitchen, pristine baths, new landscaping and windows plus covered back patio. 3521 Nile | 2br 1ba
4535 49th | 3br 2ba
1044 Edgemont | 2br 2ba
*BUYER
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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. Why does my nose run when I cry? What comes out of your nose when you cry is not snot, it is your tears! Your tears drain from your eyes into your nose through the lacrimal duct at the inner corner of your eyes. When you cry, they are coming too fast for your nose to reabsorb them, so they drain right out, requiring that tissue! Q. How can I prevent my child from developing a food allergy? Quite frankly, I’m not sure anyone really knows. There are theories about the changing genetics of our food and the use of pesticides on the food confusing our immune systems into attacking the food as foreign. There are theories about the world being too clean and our children not getting exposed to enough viruses and dirt. And there are theories about there being an increase in immune diseases in general. But the newest research has shown that it helps to do what grandma did — start solid foods at 4-6 months of age and go ahead and give them the “danger foods” early. This is a complete turnaround from the 2000 American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to delay foods. They reversed their position in 2008, and just recently the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology confirmed with new research that the later you give a danger food, the MORE likely they are to have a reaction. So, start giving yogurt/eggs/soy/wheat/shellfish/and nuts shortly after starting solid foods. Obviously they need to be in a form that they cannot choke on — including nut butters, because they stick at the back of the throat. Try using peanut oil to cook some noodles or flavor some rice cereal. Give that cream of wheat or some Greek yogurt for breakfast. Be adventurous, and know that you are developing a gourmet palette as well as doing your best to prevent an allergy. Q. What is the difference between arthritis and rheumatism? There are two main types of arthritis – the first is the common type that we call “arthritis” and is from age and use and general degeneration of the joints. It is also called “degenerative joint disease.” It causes pain that worsens when it is raining or there is high humidity. It often occurs in the joints that have sustained an injury, or are used frequently. The joints hurt worse after using them a lot. They can cause enlargement of the joints that is hard and knobby. It is not dangerous and is limited to the joints. Medicines are for pain only, and some treatments such as glucosamine sulfate can be helpful in some cases. The classically called “rheumatism” is generally considered to be Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is actually a whole body inflammation and has those systemic symptoms of fevers, fatigue, rashes, etc., along with the arthritis. The joints are swollen with a soft swelling of the lining of the joint, and the inflammation actually destroys the joints and causes severe deformities over time. It is an attack of the immune system on the joint linings. The pain is worse in the morning, and stiffness is a main symptom. It can take over two hours every morning for the fingers to start working properly. The pain improves with movement. The medicines used for this are directed at the immune system and reducing the inflammation. There is a version that affects children as well. Dr. Tara Zandvliet welcomes your questions. Send them to questions@southparkdoctor.com. She practices at 2991 Kalmia St. Phone: (619) 929-0032.
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their own work in particular. There will also be demonstrations of throwing pots on the wheel. The Guild operates a studio and gallery year-round in Spanish Village, where members sell their work as well as throw, glaze and fire pottery. Hours for the sale are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For information, call the Guild at (619) 239-0507 or visit the web site at www.sandiegopottersguild.org. 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. 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 Park-based 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
Heroes program recognizes and pays tribute to exemplary leaders who are making a difference and enriching the lives of others by improving their workplace, community, region and the world. Bisarra is dedicated to serving the HIV and AIDS community in San Diego. After retiring, he continues to volunteer for Being Alive, San Diego’s provider of comprehensive support for people living with HIV and AIDS. For the past year, he has worked with associates to open a hepatitis clinic. Bisarra, a certified drug and alcohol counselor, began his Jill Secard volunteer career with the Asian Pacific officer, Secard brings more than 10 years Islander Community AIDS Project. of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and development, $1 Million Sale 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. Secard has an MBA degree in international business from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in business finance The two-story, 6,300-square-foot from California State University, Chico. office and retail building at 3919 30th St. She speaks French, Spanish and some has been sold to WP Sierra LP for $1 Arabic. million. The seller was the Dick Young Trust. The buyer plans to occupy the Union Bank Honors North Park Man second floor later this year following as a Local Hero renovations and lease out the first floor as additional office or retail use. Buyer and seller were represented in the transaction by Marc Frederik of Colliers International.
Elmer Bisarra
Elmer Bisarra of North Park has been named a Local Hero by Union Bank, in partnership with KPBS, as part of Asian Pacific Heritage Month. The Local
Alchemy Becomes Whole Foods Supplier South Park’s Alchemy restaurant has become a supplier for Whole Foods markets, which has agreed to use some of the business’s specialty preparations for their restaurants and within the stores. As Alchemy has broadened its business plan beyond just a full-service
restaurant, the notion of showcasing its Diplomacy Council to Hold Diplomacy food in a chain dedicated to healthy, Day Luncheon locally sourced food made sense, coowner Ron Troyano told U-T San Diego. “It definitely will bring in more revenue, but it’s more about improving the local food system and doing so at a reasonable pricing structure,” he said. “A photo and info about us will be at the point of purchase, and the foot traffic in a Whole Foods is a couple thousand a day and times that by four, and we’re really the only restaurant company with this type of relationship.” Marisa Ugarte Zoo’s Garden Festival Senior Horticulturist Paul Jarand took guests on a tour of the Orchid House at the San Diego Zoo during May’s Garden Festival. The festival showcased the zoo’s foliage with plant displays, walking tours, and talks with zoo horticulturists. Balboa Park Cultural Partnership Honored
The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership has been honored by SDG&E as an Energy Champion for its outstanding results in energy efficiency and conservation. The group has achieved energy savings through a variety of methods including building audits, energy efficiency upgrades and education. In addition to saving over 1 million kilowatts in 2012 (or the environmental equivalent of removing 168 cars from our roads), the award recognizes the following highlights: lighting retrofits and control systems; HVAC retrofits; energy management systems; and LEED-certified buildings.
The North Park-based San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC) will honor Marisa Ugarte, executive director of the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, and the Downtown San Diego Breakfast Rotary as global “Citizen Diplomats of the Year” at the annual Diplomacy Day Luncheon June 8 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town & Country Resort’s Tiki Pavilion, in Mission Valley. Congressman Scott Peters will deliver the opening remarks and Congresswoman Susan Davis will deliver the keynote address. Ugarte founded the BSCC nonprofit organization in 1997, after experiencing the horrors of human trafficking firsthand as a case manager at a program for runaway teens. The BSCC is an alliance of over 60 government and nonprofit agencies in the United States and Latin America committed to combating slavery and human trafficking. In addition to Rotary International’s successful Polio Plus campaign and the work of its International Foundation, the Downtown San Diego Breakfast Rotary supports a variety of international programs, including several that support education, provide shelter, and access to better health care in Costa Rica, Uganda, Zambia, India and Baja California. Tickets for the June 8 luncheon celebration, which is open to the public and includes live entertainment, cost $50 and are available at diplomacyday2013.eventbrite.com. SEE SCENE, Page 7
The Caregivers’ Journey Sibling harmony imperative For my 65th birthday – when did I get so old? — my sister gave me a plane ticket to visit her in New York. She pointed out that we have lost Mom and Dad and Uncle Seymour and we’re pretty much all that is left of our family. It made me think about some other siblings that once asked me to settle a squabble about how they were going to bury their dad. One insisted on an allout military sendoff, while the other held firm for a small civilian ceremony. I never heard what they decided, but I sure hope they took my advice. I pointed out that the type of funeral they had for their father wasn’t nearly as important as the two of them remaining close — after all, he was already gone. Too many siblings argue their way through the caregiving years only to come to blows when the estate is divided up. Then, all they’re left with is bad memories and maybe some material things. Fortunately, for my sister, Bobbe, and me, we were able to plod through our caregiving responsibilities with respect and love for each other. Although I was the primary caregiver because I brought
BY MARSHA KAY SEFF
my parents to San Diego and my sister lives in New York, she was always there to lend moral support and perspective. She didn’t try to backseat drive or overrule my daily decisions. When I got stuck, she was a phone call or email away. Caring for aging parents should be a time of family unity and mutual support. Bobbe and I were fortunate: Looking out for our parents brought us closer than we had been since childhood. We commiserated and laughed at the complications of our new role as we once giggled about the adults from the children’s table at our family parties. Sure, we’re not immune to sibling rivalries. What sisters aren’t? I hate that she’s much slimmer than I am, that her hair grows faster and that she absolutely refuses to understand my political beliefs. But so what? We’re old enough, too old, to slip into our old games, such as who made the best grades (I did), who got more boyfriends (she did) and who Mom and Dad loved more (I bet it was equal). And so we pushed the petty rivalries aside in order to lift and support each other while looking out for our parents and after. Bobbe and I are each other’s confidants and biggest supporters. Some siblings get bogged down in resentment, especially the primary caregiver who believes the others are doing less work. An easy way around this, I’ve
discovered, is to make a list of things that need to be done and divvy them up. Even out-of-town siblings can help with some tasks. Some families draw up contracts, stating who does what and what they might get paid out of the estate for their work if that becomes relevant. It helps sometimes to plan family meetings and invite a third party, such as a psychologist or trusted friend, to mediate any disputes. To avoid potential conflicts, it’s important to keep siblings informed about your parents’ ever-changing circumstances and care plan, listen to your siblings’ opinions about caregiving decisions and be willing to bend. When the primary caregiver needs a vacation, it’s up to the others to step in. The most important inheritance our parents left was bringing my sister and me together. Sure, family photos — that neither of us has room to hang — and the little cash that remained after years in retirement homes are nice. But our parents’ most precious gift was the love of sisters, reconnected by adult responsibilities that offered us the chance to appreciate the unique gifts both of us bring to the family circle. Sponsored by Right at Home, In-Home Care & Assistance, www.rahlajolla.com, (858) 277-5900, info@rahlajolla.com.
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Girl Scouts view new mural at the National City Cinco de Mayo Mariachi Festival.
www.sdnorthparknews.com 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
Girl Scouts Unveil 100th Anniversary Mural Girl Scouts San Diego launched the next century of Girl Scouting … at a mariachi festival! To mark the occasion, local Girl Scouts and artist Berenice Badillo unveiled their newly created “Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Mural” – a portable piece of art depicting the past, present and future of Girl Scouting. They were joined on stage by Congressman Juan Vargas – a Girl Scout dad – who presented a proclamation to Pam Gray Payton, representing Balboa Park-based Girl Scouts San Diego. The mural celebration took place at the National City Cinco de Mayo Mariachi Festival and Competition, which showcased the talents of student musicians. Sponsored by the National City Chamber of Commerce, Univision Radio and HMC Advertising, the event also featured ballet folklorico and Aztec dancing, Mexican foods, arts and crafts and a children’s
BY JANINE ROJAS
Girl Scouts with artist Berenice Badillo.
area. Girl Scouts from Chula Vista Troops 5260 and 5965 designed and painted the mural under the tutelage of Badillo, a renowned San Diego artist dedicated to empowering youth through art. She is also a marriage and family art therapist. “The mural was girl-powered, developed by 12 inspiring 10- and 11-year old girls,” said Badillo. “As someone with limited experience with Girl Scouting, I was floored by the girls’ amazing ideas, knowledge and enthusiasm. It was evident to me that this organization not only nourishes these girls’ self-esteem, but also fuels their commitment to serving the community.” Badillo and the girls collaborated for four months to create the striking, richly colored mural. Although some of the girls had never even picked up a paint brush before, they quickly learned to gesso a canvas, sketch, conceptualize, project
images, paint — and work as a team for a common goal. “I am so proud of them!” declared Badillo. A central theme was Girl Scouts “bridging” or graduating from one level to the next, with girls of all ages from one mural panel giving guidance and support to the future generations. For the first panel, which represents “the past” of Girl Scouting, the girls unanimously voted to depict how camping has traditionally transported girls from urban settings to the great outdoors. For the middle panel piece (“the present”), they decided on a message of inclusion, and how everyone deserves love and kindness — as portrayed through a painting of girls of all ages, cultures and backgrounds encircling the globe. The final panel — “the future” — illustrates the expanded opportunities that await girls through Girl Scouts San Diego’s five program themes: STEM,
Girl Scouts from Troops 5260 and 5965 create 100th anniversary mural with artist Berenice Badillo.
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arts/culture, financial literacy, health/wellness and outdoor/environment. The centerpiece of those images is a Girl Scout peering into both a microscope … and her own future. Badillo and the girls also incorporated historic news clippings and other artifacts, such as 1950s-era badges into the mural, applying resin to preserve them. “The girls thought of this as an archeological dig and were excited to create a part of history,” noted Badillo. She added that the girls also signed their names on polymer clay rocks mounted on a painted road to “pave the way” for other Girl Scouts. Funded by the city of Chula Vista and the Chula Vista Performing & Visual Arts Grant program, the mural project was part of Girl Scouts San Diego’s 100th Anniversary Arts Initiative, directed by Bankers Hill resident Kathleen Stoughton.
Girl Scout Nicole Kellis is shown with one of the panels of the 100th Anniversary murals.
Art Director Chris Baker cbaker@sandiegometro.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.
From the North Park Community Association:
The NPCA’s main message for these concerts is to encourage the entire community to come together, bring along a pic(NPCA), which is soliciting contributions from the public to nic, enjoy the music, dance, and mingle with friends ... and finance the series. (For information on how to contribute, visit that’s just what happens! Folks arrive by car, bicycle, and on the website at northparksd.org.) foot pulling their kids in wagons. A true neighborhood atmoEach of the five concerts will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at sphere can be felt at every concert, enhancing that special Bird Park, located at 28th and Thorn Streets. North Park spirit. The criteria for music selection is based on The Concert Schedule: many factors — it has to be family friendly, good for dancing, • June 15 — Lenny Rankins, jazz a variety of music genres, while trying to feature local talent • June 29 — Okapi Sun, Indie rock who play original music. There is an NPCA booth set up at • July 13 — Todo Mundo, Latin jazz each concert to provide information on all of its activities. If • July 27 — Kanan Road, country rock you’d like to have a voice within your own community, stop • Aug. 10 — Big Papa and the TCB, blues by and become an NPCA member.
ADDRESS PO Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 PHONE (858) 461-4484
North Park News distributes copies monthly to residents and businesses of North Park, South Park, Golden Hill and Normal Heights. The entire contents of North Park News is copyrighted, 2012, by REP Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
Todo Mundo: July 13.
Big Papa and the TCB: Aug. 10.
Kanan Road: July 27.
June 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 7
Jared Aaker
Jose Cruz
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3 South Park Residents Nominated for Leadership Award Three South Park residents are among the seven members of the LEAD San Diego IMPACT San Diego Class of 2013 who have been nominated for the 2013 Herbert G. Klein Award. The award is presented annually to an individual who has not only made significant leadership contributions to the community, but has also demonstrated potential to effect further change upon graduation from the IMPACT San Diego program. The award is named for the late Herbert G. Klein, longtime newspaper executive, in recognition of his numerous contributions of leadership and service. The three South Park residents nominated for the award are: Jared Aaker, director of business development, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.; Jose Cruz, executive director, Barrio Logan College Institute; and James Lepanto, senior vice president, clinical services, Mental Health Systems. The winner will be announced at the IMPACT San Diego Class of 2013 graduation and showcase to be held on Friday, June 7, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road, San Diego.
James Lepanto
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Vintage Row Brings New Vibe to Old House Fair Although actress Christina Hendricks of TV’s “Mad Men” won’t be attending, you might find the type of ’60s-inspired jewelry she wears on the award-winning AMC show at a unique collection of booths at South Park’s Old House Fair on June 15. Vintage Row is a new concept for the 15th annual festival, with six vendors selling vintage items and art pieces including vintage styles, from their own corner of the event. Vintage fits in perfectly with the theme of celebrating and restoring old things, according to Tanya McAnear, owner of the vintage store Bad Madge & Company at 2205 Fern St. Along with Bad Madge & Company, the Vintage Row vendors will include the R+M Designers Corner, which also sells out of South Park’s Studio Maureen on Beech Street. “This neighborhood is very much into vintage because the homes are older,” said McAnear. In South Park, residents take pride in their Craftsman and Spanish-style houses, and they want to decorate their living spaces with objects that fit the era of their homes. “Vintage” describes an item that is 20 to 99 years old, and mid-century items — from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s — are hot right now, McAnear said. The ’50s aesthetic has always had a good allure, but she credits the interest in ’60s style to “Mad Men,” the hit TV show about advertising executives on Madison Avenue. While you might think it’s folks who grew up in the mid-century as the only fan base of vintage, you’d be wrong. “Young people have nostalgia for that era,” she said. But it’s not just an aesthetic that turns browsers into buyers. A
connection with one’s personal past will also spur a purchase. As customers look at merchandise in her shop, they’ll comment, “My grandmother had that” or “My favorite aunt used that same telephone.” Vintage has another appeal too. “People are looking for that story behind that item,” McAnear said. “That story is what sells the item.” For example, awhile ago, McAnear went to Phoenix to go through the house of a friend’s parents who were moving to San Diego. She filled up a UHaul with objects she knew she could sell, including a Native American kachina doll. One day, she brought the doll into her shop, the same day an older hippie couple ventured in. The woman was looking for a kachina doll, because her dad liked them, and just then, a match was made. “I love selling an item that I picked and that I thought it was cool and they thought it was cool,” McAnear said. When you’re considering buying vintage, McAnear advises leaving a quest for perfection at the door. “When you get vintage furniture, people want it to be perfect,” she said. But they have to accept that “it’s going to have a patina, it’s going to have imperfections, it’s going to be aged.” Another tip: you’re buying vintage, not antiques or retro. An antique is 100 years old or older, while retro is something new that appears old, such as a white halter dress manufactured in 21st century China that looks like a frock worn by Marilyn Monroe in “The Seven Year Itch.” McAnear’s third and most important tip, however, is this: When buying vin-
tage, go with your gut and buy the item that speaks to you. Shop Vintage Row at the Old House Fair at 30th & Beech St. on Saturday June 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fern and Beech streets in South Park. For more information, go the Old House Fair website, www.theoldhousefair.com, or call (619) 233-6679. Bad Madge & Company is located on Fern St. between Ivy and Juniper, and may be reached at (619) 285-1668
ABOVE Tanya McAnear is owner of the vintage store Bad Madge & Company at 2205 Fern St. TOP Vintage lamps and other home decor items are featured in the R+M Designers Corner at Studio Maureen on Beech Street. (Photo by Johanna Hansen.) MIDDLE Vintage teapots at Bad Madge. BOTTOM Rotary phone from Bad Madge & Company.
Paesano's Neighborhood Specials (Mon thru Fri. 11am-2pm) Lunch Special: Your Choice of Entree: Lasagna,Ravioli,Manicotti,or Spaghetti w/ meatballs. Served with salad and garlic bread. Only $4.99 SINCE1967
+10% of ALL TO GO ORDERS Dine in or Take Out Open 11-12/4:30-8:30 Sat 4:30 - 9:00 Sun 5:00 - 9:00
3647 30th St. 291-4090
will be donated to our neighborhood schools at St. Patricks (just tell us the school you would like to help when you pick up your order!)
Don't forget Tuesday Nights for live Italian music. Wine Wednesday 20% off all our wines!
Visit our website: PaesanoOfNorthpark.com
BY BONNIE NICHOLLS
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Old House Fair Offers History, Exploration, and Free Family Fun in South Park The 15th annual Old House Fair this month will bring thousands of visitors to 30th & Beech Street to enjoy the wide range of festivities and tours offered throughout the day. “Our signature event is the Historic Home Tour,” explains co-director Maureen Ceccarelli, “but that’s really only half the story of what’s happening that day. In fact, probably two-thirds of the visitors to the Old House Fair will be doing something other than touring the historic homes.” Also offered are hourly narrated Trolley Tours that guide visitors through South Park and neighboring Golden Hill and Burlingame neighborhoods. “We can’t see everything in an hour, but people always discover streets and stories that they never knew before.” Tickets to the Trolley Tour cost $5 per person. Patty Fares of Urban Safaris conducts guided walking tours in the afternoon of the Old House Fair, free to join in. Exhibit booths and vendors will line 30th and Beech streets throughout the day. Exhibitors include SOHO San Diego (the popular “Ask The Experts” booth), builders and services that specialize in older homes, artisans and craftspersons whose work complements the design aesthetics of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods. The French Garden Shoppe will give container gardening demonstrations throughout the day. Free kids’ activities include a planting workshop by Home Depot, clay work with Sylvia’s Ceramics, face-painting, juggling demos, and balloon twisting. Throughout the day, food vendors will offer refreshments, and entertainers will fill the air with music. The schedule features The Marcia Forman Band at 10am, The School of Rock at Noon, and
Rian & The Roosters at 2 p.m. Nearby restaurants Buona Forchetta, Alchemy, Hamilton’s, and The Station will also serve specials throughout the Old House Fair day. Tickets for the Historic Home Tour ($25, including free shuttle) are available for advance purchase online at www.theoldhousefair.com, or on the day of the event at the Ticket Booth at the intersection of 30th and Beech. For more information on all the activities, visit the website or phone (619) 233-6679. 15th Annual Old House Fair Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 30th and Beech streets in South Park Schedule of Events Exhibitors, Vendors, Experts, Services — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids Corner, Goldline Stage — Free activities on Beech Street Bike Corral (free) — Sponsored by Thomas Bike Shop Second Chance Pets — 30th near Ash St. sponsored by Rebecca’s Historic Home Tour 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. ($25) Tickets at the Ticket Booth. Free shuttle. With ticket you will receive a Program and Resource Guide, which includes a detailed map, plus historical descriptions of each of the 5 addresses on the Tour. Trolley Tour 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 p.m. ($5) Tickets at Ticket Booth. Board at 30th and Cedar.
Urban Safaris Walking Tours (Free) 1p.m., 3 p.m. Meet at Info Booth, 30th and Beech. Ask The Experts SOHO San Diego Meet with experts. Answers about restoration and preservation. 30th Stret booth near Info. Musical Entertainment Whistle Stop Stage (Beech & Dale) 10 a.m. - Marcia Forman Band Noon - The School of Rock 2 p.m. - Rian & The Roosters Kids’ Corner, Goldline Stage (Beech St. east to Fern Street) Flamenco Dancing, Clay for Kids
South Park is home to several bungalow courts — individual cottages arranged around a communal garden space, a Southern California architectural phenomenon of the early 20th centure. The Old House Fair Historic Home Tour includes a guided visit to two residences in Elm Court in South Park, plus four other single-family historic houses in the neighborhood. Photo by Bonnie Nicholls.
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GAMES CONTINUED FROM Page 1
JUST LISTED - MULTIPLE OFFERS OVER LIST PRICE!
quoted as saying board game sales have been slow — affected by the popularity of smartphones and tablets. “The best time for board games is when you go into a recession, not when you pull out of it,” Johnson said. The board game industry consistently lags far behind the digital gaming industry, but it still has its place in the market, said South Park board game entrepreneurs Matthew and Jean Rivaldi. “When people get together to enjoy time with their family and friends, how are they doing that?” asked Matthew. “I still think there’s a market for that. I don’t think that’s ever going to die. The Rivaldi’s games will be featured in a daily game show at the San Diego County Fair June There’s still the physical tactile experi8-July 4. ence of it. That’s really what a board games is — it creates a way for people to socialize.” The Rivaldis have been in the board game business since 2004, when they started Wiggity Bang Games LLC. Although their games will be featured in a daily game show at the San Diego County Fair (June 8-July 4) this year as part of the fair’s “Game On” theme, Matthew admits the board game business is not the most lucrative, but it is something they are not going to give up any time soon. “Very few people in the board game industry do successfully,” he said. “There’s a lot of people like me who do it just because they like games.” While Matthew and Jean like developing board games it is not all fun and games, they say. Matthew and Jean do most of the game board development right out of their South Park “You would think it would be fun, home.
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Magic Feather is a nutty rumpus game for kids and families.
because it’s a fun thing, being an artist, doing board games,” said Matthew. “Well, that part I enjoy, but a lot of it is just hard work — invoicing and sales, shipping products. The thing I like most is taking an idea and making the finished product and developing that. Once I get to the finished product, it’s kind of — I’ve got to have something else to do.” “He doesn’t want to have anything else to do with it once it’s done,” Jean said. Wiggity Bang Games got its start during Matthew’s undergrad days at UC San Diego, when he got together with a couple of college buddies who enjoyed board games. They came up with the idea of developing games that would appeal to all ages. Soon after graduating, Matthew and his friends came up with the money. “We just had to break even in the games we sold — that’s how we started. None of us were working full time.” Since that time, Matthew and Jean bought out one of the partners and do most of the game board development right out of their South Park home. They have developed more than a half dozen games. Two of their games, Quelf and FlapDoodle, did so good, they ended up selling them to a large company that could better handle the voluminous production. Quelf sold more than 800,000 units prior to changing hands. That’s their intent, Matthew said — develop the games, build up the sales and if and when they get too big for them to handle, sell them off. When they are not developing board games, Matthew teaches business classes at Miramar and Southwestern Colleges or helps Jean run their business promotions company, Promo Deli, while Jean works on getting her real estate license. “It’s hard to gamble on,” said Matthew. “Most of our sales, 75 percent of our sales are in the fourth quarter. It’s difficult. I don’t know if the industry is big enough to support us right now. So, we kind of cover our bases.” One of the Rivaldis’ games, Magic Feather, recently received a lot of attention as a result of the San Diego County Fair’s promotional efforts
If you can spell the name of this game, you’re ahead of the game.
related to the game’s inclusion in this season’s activities. Magic Feather is a game based on personified animals that live in the Rivaldis’ South Park neighborhood. What is unique about the game is the places the animals visit are all local, such as Grant’s Market, Fire Station 9 and Balboa Park. Following the fair’s promotional activities, the Rivaldis have received more calls from people looking for the game. One call came from a parent whose child requested the game in lieu of money from the tooth fairy. This August, Wiggity Bang Games will test run a new adult game called “Open Up.” The game promises to elicit revealing, possibly embarrassing conversations. Wiggity Bang Games can be purchased through Amazon.com, select Geppetto’s Toys and Barnes & Noble stores and online at wiggitybang.com. Game prices range from about $10 to about $30. For more information visit wiggitybang.com.
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North Park Water Tower Given Historical Designation The state Historical Resources Commission has unanimously approved listing the North Park Water Tower on the California Register of Historical Resources, and recommended that they be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Water Tower, sometimes known as the University Heights Water Storage and Pumping Station, is located in the northwestern section of North Park and occupies 7.67 acres of city-owned land. While its 127-foot-tall, 1.2 million gallon capacity, elevated steel water storage tank dominates the designated parcels, the site also contains a 4.9 million gallon water storage reservoir, operating pump house, three concrete water valve vaults, and a caretaker’s house. The State Historical Resources Commission determined the “sites possess sufficient historic value for their contributions to what is still a vital link in the city of San Diego’s current water storage, treatment, and distribution system.” Located at 4326 Idaho St., the water tower and surrounding areas are officially called the University Heights Water Storage and
Pumping Station Historic District. From 1898 to 1967, the University Heights Water Storage and Pumping Station evolved from a small privately owned water reservoir into one of the city of San Diego’s major municipal water storage, filtration and distribution facilities. The North Park Community Association noted that it continues to provide safe, potable water to the residents of Downtown and Mid-city San Diego. “In addition to being a highly visible local landmark, the 127-foot tall, 1.2million-gallon capacity ‘Tin Man’ is also the only known example of a 12-legged full hemispherical bottom elevated metal water storage tank in Southern California, according to the association’s website. The association thanked Alex Bevil for donating his time and energy to research and prepare the nomination. “Today, residents of North Park and University Heights orient themselves by looking up and seeing where they are in relation to the water tower, but I doubt many of them know the history and significance of the tower,” said Assembly Majority Leader Atkins,
The North Park Water Tower is located at 4326 Idaho St.
who participated in the announcement. “The historic designation by the state of California and the expected inclusion of the water tower in the National Historic Register will help current residents know the rich history of this area and will ensure it will not be lost to future generations.” The state designation provides certain protections so the site can be preserved. The National Register of Historic Places is now reviewing the Water Tower for potential designation, which should be completed by the end of this summer. Steve Hon, president of the North Park Historical Society, state Sen. Marty Block and San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria also took part in the announcement. “Historic resources like the Water Tower are worthy of recognition and preservation,” said Gloria, who provided a letter of support for the designation. “I am grateful that the North Park Historical Society pursued this effort so the Water Tower will remain a landmark in San Diego’s Mid-City communities.”
Staying Safe This Summer
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT TODD GLORIA Summertime has many great characteristics: sun, warmer weather, neighborhood festivals, kids off from school, barbecues, and vacations. It’s also a time to be vigilant to avoid accidents that could spoil the season’s fun. Please keep reading for tips about how to stay safe this summer. Wildland fires: While our biggest local wildland fires have occurred in suburban areas, District 3’s urban canyons have burned, and it’s critical to know how best to keep your home safe. Have an evacuation checklist of the most important and non-replaceable items to take with you including insurance certificates and other important documents, photos, and pets. If a fire approaches, put those items in the car immediately. Sweep gutters, roofs, and eaves regularly, and remove dead branches around chimneys. If a fire is approaching, remove combustible materials from around your home, including wood piles, lawn furniture, doormats, barbecue grills and tarps.
Evacuate before a fire gets dangerously close to your home. Do not wait for officials to announce mandatory evacuations if you feel in danger. Close and protect your home’s openings, including attic doors and vents, windows, doors, and pet doors. Remove flammable drapes and curtains and close all shutters, blinds, or heavy non-combustible drapes. Do not lock the doors and windows in case firefighters have to make a quick entry to fight the flames. Close all the interior doors in your home and the fireplace screen. Open the fireplace damper. Shut off any natural gas, propane, or fuel oil supplies at the source. Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water. Disconnect garage door openers so the doors will open if there is no power. If available, place a ladder against the house in clear view. Turn on the outside lights and at least one light in each room to make your house more visible in heavy smoke. Safety inside your home: Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Two thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke detector. Replace your batteries at least once per year, and if you can’t remember the last time you changed them, do it today. Develop a home escape plan to be used in case of emergency. Everyone in your home should know two ways to get out of your house from every single room, making sure every door and window is accessible. Choose an outside meeting place like a neighbor’s house or a streetlight that is a safe distance from
your home, so everyone knows where between the propane tank and the grill. sionally, give them keys ahead of time so to meet if you get separated in an emer- Use soapy water to check for leaks; never they aren’t available for potential burgency. use a match. glars under your doormat or in the mailbox. Safety outside your home: Before you leave for vacation: For more information and helpful If you’re an avid griller, designate the While I generally advocate for people tips, please visit the San Diego Fire-Resgrilling area as a No Play Zone and keep to save energy, when you’re on vacation, cue Department’s website, all children and pets several feet away use lighting liberally on the interior and www.sandiego.gov/fire"www.sandiego.g while the grill is hot, keeping in mind exterior of your home. Purchase several ov/fire. that it will remain hot after you’ve light timers, and program lights for difremoved your food. ferent rooms at varying times. Councilman Gloria can be reached at Before grilling, be sure your grill is at Ensure that all door and window ToddGloria@sandiego.gov; (619) 236least three feet away from the house, locks are operable. 6633; 202 C Street, MS 10A, San Diego, shrubs, or bushes. Do not leave house keys in any notice- CA 92101; and on Facebook and Twitter. Before using a gas grill, check to make able or obvious place. If you have Visit his website at sandiego.gov/cd3. sure there is a secure connection arranged for someone to drop by occa-
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Filner’s Motto: May the Task Force Be With You Mayor Bob Filner (Photo by Annie Lane)
It seems Mayor Bob Filner never met a task force he didn’t like. Washington D.C. has its debt commissions and supercommittees, and San Diego is quickly racking up its own cadre of group initiatives. Filner’s go-to solution for making headway on his many campaign promises has often been to convene a panel to study a particular issue and etch out goals and solutions. He's created a Medical Marijuana Task Force, the Livable Streets Coalition and the Solar Summit. He’s also shared plans to host a summit of the region’s major employers to discuss job opportunities for veterans create a craft beer task force to cut red tape for beer lovers and to lead a coalition of border politicians to push for border infrastructure funding. The efforts already under way have come without an immediate price tag but the latest requires an upfront investment. Filner penciled in about $950,000 in his proposed budget for the Civic and Urban Initiatives program, a formal push to facilitate discussions about the city’s future.
years talking about their ideas. This is the way to implement them, Filner told council members. Filner and Chief of Staff Vince Hall cited pedestrian-friendly and technology-savvy innovations in Portland and as far away as Colombia and Brazil as inspirations for San Diego. Hall also mentioned a Michigan foundation’s $150 million pledge to Detroit as part of a large-scale effort to reshape that shrinking city. “We see (the nearly $1 million in the city budget) as seed money with which we can draw grant dollars to do more good work,” Hall said. But some council members were skeptical of whether another panel to mull over the future was the best solution to any problem. Councilman Scott Sherman questioned whether “more government” would really facilitate any progress. Councilman Mark Kersey said San Diego already has a group that does what Filner’s suggesting, and it would be foolish for the city to duplicate efforts already under way at the San Diego Foundation’s
Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement. He read an excerpt from a foundation news release to make his point: The Malin Burnham Center for Civic Engagement mobilizes the San Diego region in the quest for solutions to community issues. It serves as the hub of civic leadership for San Diego – a place that generates information and ideas, spurs vigorous conversations about San Diego’s future, helps launch ambition initiatives and contributes to the development of action plans. "I will want to be looking for how what the mayor is proposing is different and/or better than that and why we should do a “The mission for this new budget item separate program rather than supporting is to produce a platform where innovawhat is in all likelihood a much better tion occurs within the city,” Filner told funded initiative that they have already the City Council at a recent meeting. started,” Kersey said. To do that, Filner said, the city will Kersey and fellow council members need to hire six staffers to hear out planwill decide in coming weeks whether to ners, educators, border advocates and support Filner’s latest initiative. artists, among others, and then help The mayor has already convened sevbypass city bureaucracy to implement eral similar efforts on a smaller scale. the best ideas. His Medical Marijuana Task Force City leaders and residents have spent provided input on an ordinance the City Council ultimately snubbed. Other efforts have only just gotten off the ground and haven’t produced concrete results yet. Samantha Ollinger, director of Bike SD, has attended a handful of meetings the mayor convened to spark collaboration and goal-setting among bicycle, pedestrian and planning advocates. Ollinger said the group meets once every six weeks to compare notes and discuss key goals they can work on together. Right now, the task force is focused on promoting an upcoming bicycling event in the city and helping to identify key Samantha Ollinger, director of Bike SD, has attended a handful of meetings the mayor convened infrastructure projects among the thousands the city has in the pipeline. The to spark collaboration and goal-setting among bicycle, pedestrian and planning advocates.
BY LISA HALVERSTADT | VOICE OF SAN DIEGO
San Diego Councilman Mark Kersey questioned whether the mayor’s proposed Civic and Urban Initiatives program was necessary.
latter effort, and larger discussions about policies and funding, will take more time. “I think in a year we'll be able to show some very good results,” Ollinger said. Whether the mayor can deliver remains to be seen. Implementing task force recommendations requires budget dollars, which have been in short supply in recent years. Steve Erie, a political science professor at UC San Diego, has seen many mayoral initiatives come and go over the years. He said Filner has promoted more than any mayor since Pete Wilson, who served in the city’s top post from 1971 to 1983. A lack of results to show for all the group efforts could dash Filner’s credibility. “There's great opportunity here but there’s also risk,” Erie said. Lisa Halverstadt is a reporter at Voice of San Diego. (lisa@voiceofsandiego.org).
Former North Park Main Street Executive to Return to San Diego to Advocate for Business Elizabeth “Liz” Studebaker, former executive director of North Park Main Street, a business improvement district, is returning to San Diego to serve as an advocate for all of the city’s 18 business improvement districts and 20 micro-districts. Studebaker, who left San Diego 18 months ago to take the executive director position with the Midtown Business Association in Sacramento, will be employed by the city of San Diego in the Economic Development Department. She will begin her new job this summer. While in North Park, Studebaker was credited with making several significant improvements to advance the neighborhood’s business sector, including expanding the improvement district, reopening the farmers market and growing the annual Festival of the Arts, among others accomplishments. In Sacramento, she launched the Midtown Business Association’s first farmers market. According to Beth Hassett, president of the board of the Midtown Business Association, Studebaker accomplished
Elizabeth “Liz” Studebaker
similar success in Sacramento. “Liz has played an integral role in elevating the MBA to a well-known, respected, and effective organization,” said Hassett in a release announcing her departure. “Her ability to work with regional, city and community partners has made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Midtown. Without a doubt, Liz will be missed in Sacramento, but the positive impacts of her work will be felt for years to come. Speaking on behalf of the entire board of directors, we wish
her much success in her next professional endeavor.” Councilman Steve Hansen, whose council district includes Midtown, noted, “In a short period of time, Liz has strengthened and transformed MBA with her characteristic energy and sense of purpose. She has forged a stronger community between the business and residents through a shared vision of Midtown an eclectic, vibrant, walkable, and bike friendly neighborhood and business district.”
June 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 13
Dalia and Gordon Hunt’s restored Mission Hills house.
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demolition as a safety hazard — brings a People In Preservation Award to its owner, Daniel Ramirez. He brought the abandoned, ravaged Log Cabin House, as it is known in University Heights, back from the very brink. But saving this 1908 structure, officially the James A. Creelman House, took a village, starting with the University Heights Historical Society in 2004. It is now a great source of pride for the whole community. The Wilson Family The Wilson family is being honored for their sensitive and loving restoration of a cottage in Ocean Beach. Built in 1922, the cottage is one of four, originally identical homes built in a row. The Wilsons repeatedly turned to these sister cottages for dimensions, materials and features, inside and out, as well as historic photographs during the restoration process. They researched the original exterior paint colors (yellow and green), wooden porch seat, trellis and garden plantings, all of which are back in place. Because they knew the next resident of the house uses a wheelchair, the Wilsons carefully considered how to make the house ADA-compliant without disturbing its historic appearance. Their solution was to build a long ramp that can’t be seen from the street. The ramp leads to a deck and the back door, which they widened. Now the cottage is a shining, authentic example of the city’s diminishing stock of historic beach cottages. Alterations made for today’s occupant have extended the life of the cottage without compromising its historic integrity. Rick Gentry and Carmen Pauli, San Diego Housing Commission The San Diego Housing Commission spotted a four-story building ripe for restoration and renovation in Downtown San Diego. The historic Hotel Sandford, which was designed by Henry
Lord Gay and built in 1914, had been converted to affordable senior housing units in 1989. Remodeling done at that time was not kind to the structure and original features were lost. In 2010, the housing commission hired preservation architects to restore and rehabilitate the building inside and out, for a new generation of low-income residents and street-level shoppers. The Hotel Sandford now sports its original exterior colors, a continuous row of festoon lights
under the cornice, restored arched windows and a rebuilt wood storefront at the main entrance on Fifth Avenue. Inside the main lobby, historic furnishings have been restored and the original decorative painting and stenciling replicated. The work brought the building up to 21st-century needs with energy efficiencies and earthquake retrofitting. Jacqelyn Littlefield A grand dame of Broadway that’s SEE PRESERVATION, Page 14
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COMING IN JULY You might say that North Park’s Bethel Nathan is wedded to her job. Very true. Bethel owns Ceremonies by Bethel, a business that conducts wedding ceremonies. “I’m not your typical clergy, by any stretch,” she says. Read about her next month.
Porch view of the Dalia and Gordon Hunt house.
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attracted generations of San Diegans has been restored in stages by its owner, Jacquelyn Littlefield, and the nonprofit group she founded, American Regional Theatre at the Spreckels (ARTS). The grand Spreckels Theatre was designed by Harrison Albright and built in 1912 for John D. Spreckels. It has hosted live theater and then movies, and more recently concerts and comedians, changing with the times. For the building’s centennial last year, ARTS completed three major restoration projects, for which the People in Preservation award is given. The grand lobby has been rehabilitated and polished to a fine glow that provides evening patrons with a glamorous entrance. The mezzanine-level seating is all new and the neon marquee and blade sign visible up and down Broadway were restored by Blake Sign Co. of Stanton, Calif. Craig Evanco, Property Manager, Loma Theatre The restoration of another flashy theater blade sign in brilliant neon colors is cause for an award to owners, SOCO LLC. This sign lights up the night sky around the old Loma Theatre, now a Bookstar store on Rosecrans in Point Loma. The meticulous restoration delights SOHO member Waska Whelan, who tried unsuccessfully to find funding to put the shine back in the sign several years ago and who nominated it for this award. “I’ve waited years for this sign to be restored to its former glory and now it’s here,” Whelan said. “They did a first-class job and made it perfect.” Diane Welch of Solana Beach Journalist and historian Diane Welch is being recognized for her book on Lilian J. Rice, a National City native born in 1889 who knew she wanted to be an architect at an early age. For a time, she worked for architect Richard Requa and is primarily responsible for the town planning that makes
Rancho Santa Fe so charming to this day. Rice also designed a number of rustic Spanish-style or Pueblo-style homes and commercial buildings at the center of this village. Welch has pursued her goal of raising Rice’s profile through original research, which is ongoing, public appearances and lectures, and a blog. The jurors commended Welch for advancing public knowledge of architecture and regional history through Rice. Chicano Park Steering Committee Chicano Park Steering Committee will receive the highest honor that SOHO bestows, the Lifetime Achievement Award, for its 50 years of dedication to the legendary park that is central to life in Barrio Logan and its colorful murals by artists active in the Chicano civil rights movement from San Diego and around the state. Chicano Park was born of struggle in 1970, when neighborhood sit-ins made clear the community’s opposition to plans to insert a Highway Patrol substation under the city-side end of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. The bridge’s massive concrete supports had already ripped Barrio Logan apart. After officials backed down and agreed instead to the 7.4-acre park the residents envisioned, spirited artists began painting large murals celebrating the park’s existence, Chicano heroes, the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexican pre-Columbian gods and other subjects on the bridge’s towering concrete pillars. The park that became a vibrant outdoor gallery and recreational area open to all was declared a city of San Diego historic landmark only 10 years after its creation. Several years ago, Caltrans, which maintains the bridge, began a mural restoration project, hiring the original artists, when possible, to do the work. The last mural to be restored was finished last summer. On the heels of this achievement, the Chicano Park Steering Committee, which helped facilitate the restoration, learned in January that the group’s nomination for the park to be designated a National Historic SEE PRESERVATION, Page 15
The Wilson Family house in Ocean Beach.
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District had been approved. “We are pleased to honor this diverse group of eight winners, who persevered in their preservation projects despite unfavorable economic conditions, unexpected discoveries, and the necessity for highly skilled craftspeople,” said Bruce Coons, SOHO’s executive director. “These people breathed new life into historic structures as large as a four-story, 1914 Downtown hotel built for tourists coming to the 191516 Panama-California Exposition and as small as a charming, meticulously renovated Ocean Beach cottage a block or so from the beach. San Diego benefits from their hard work.” This year’s People In Preservation Awards jury included John Eisenhart, preservation architect and SOHO officer; Erik Hanson, a rare books seller and expert on San Diego architect Irving Gill and SOHO board member; Anthony Mendiola, a SOHO board member with international preservation experience and a master’s degree in urban planning; and Janet O’Dea, a driving force behind the Mission Hills Historic District and founding of Mission Hills Heritage, as well as an active SOHO member. Another view of the Wilson Family house.
Murals decorate Chicano Park in Barrio Logan.
The Chicano Park Steering Committee helped facilitate a mural restoration project.
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MUSIC UNDER THE STARS The Legends Band appears on Aug. 29.
The Cat-illacs perform on June 19.
Bayou Brothers perform on Aug. 8
The Corvelles will appear on July 30.
TWILIGHT IN THE PARK DEBUTS ON JUNE 18 Summertime music and dance returns to Balboa Park on June 18 featuring the Bi-National Mambo Orchestra. Twilight in the Park’s live music under the stars has been delighting visitors to the Park for 33 years, and programs range
from military bands and Dixieland jazz to big band swing and Latin salsa. Concerts run through Aug. 29, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. on the stage of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Floral Association Spotlights ‘Faux bois’ Artist
Marine Life Images by Raúl Gonzalez
San Diego Floral Association will introduce artist and craftsman Terence Eagan at its annual dinner and lecture June 18 at 6 p.m. in Casa del Prado Building 101. Eagan has fine tuned a technique called faux bois, a unique and useful procedure that both creates garden art and preserves it in settings with concrete and sculpture. He has found an important niche at the Huntington Gardens. Here he is making possible the restoration and preservation of deteriorating garden settings that have been cherished for 100 years. He will share the history of the development of the unique skill and how he found a place with the Huntington’s team that was engaged in the restoration of the Japanese Gardens that turned 100 in 2012. The restoration project with the use of Eagan’s faux bois is expected to live on for perhaps another century. Admission is $20. For information, call (619) 232-5762.
At the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena in March 2010, Terrance Egan began restoring the tree-like concrete structures that support the Wisteria and Roses forming arbors over the walkways.
Photo from Raúl Gonzalez exhibition.
The San Diego Natural History Museum presents a new photography exhibition featuring nature photographer Raúl Gonzalez’s latest works in the museum’s fourth floor Ordover Gallery. “The Log from the Sea of Cortez: Marine Life Images by Raúl Gonzalez” will focus on the marine life in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, which is a major research and conservation area of the Natural History Museum. The exhibition, which opens May 7 and will be on view at the museum until Sept. 10, is included with general museum admission. The exhibition is produced in collaboration with National Geographic and sponsored by Sony Electronics Inc. Sixty plates will illustrate the magnificent marine life that John Steinbeck and naturalist Edward Ricketts chronicled during their historic journey there in 1940. Steinbeck’s book of the excursion, “The Log from the Sea of Cortez,” remains a tribute to Baja California and an important scientific study of marine biodiversity that is used by travelers and biologists alike. Gonzalez’s works have also appeared in National Geographic, Nature and other publications. The exhibition is produced in collaboration with National Geographic and sponsored by Sony Electronics Inc. Gonzalez exclusively uses Sony equipment for his photography. More about Gonzalez’s project, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, can be found at raulgonzalez.com.mx/ logblog2.
All of the San Diego-based performance groups showcase their talents to the community free-of-charge. These entertainers convey the unique and vibrant mix of San Diego’s musical diversity and include the Navy Show Band on
June 26, highlighting inspiring military music, and the popular Bayou Brothers exploring Cajun and Zydeco rhythms on Aug. 8. The Legends Band closes Twilight in the Park on Aug. 29.
Exploring the Language of Shakespeare Thinking Shakespeare Live!, a 90-minute presentation exploring the language of Shakespeare, will be presented June 15 at 11 a.m. at The Old Globe and will be led by Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and assisted by three professional classical actors. The special program is based on Edelstein’s book, “Thinking Shakespeare: A How-To Guide for Student Actors, Directors and Anyone Else Who Wants to Feel More Comfortable With the Bard.” The presentation will reveal a performer’s approach to Shakespearean language so audiences may easily understand the poetry of the Bard. Thinking Shakespeare Live! will take place on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Tickets are $10 for subscribers and full-time students and $15 for general audiences and can be purchased online at www.theoldglobe.org by phone at (619) 23GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way. “I’ve devoted a great deal of my career to the notion that Shakespeare’s plays entertain, move and edify us more wonderfully than any other works of theater, and yet I know that for some the Bard can be a heavy lift,” says Edelstein. “I’ve put together this program to show that with just a few hints and tricks that are easy to learn and apply, Shakespeare’s language can be as immediate and alive as anything in today’s paper. Thinking Shakespeare Live! is a fun way to start a new relationship with my man William, or to learn new ways to spend time with him.” Edelstein is a stage director, producer, author and educator. Widely recognized as one of the leading authorities on the works of Shakespeare in the United States, he has directed nearly half of the Bard’s works. As Director of the Shakespeare Initiative at The Public Theater (20082012), he oversaw all of the company’s Shakespearean productions, as well as its extensive educational, community outreach and artist-training programs. At The Public, Edelstein staged “Julius Caesar” starring Jeffrey Wright for Shakespeare in the Park and “The Merchant of Venice” featuring Ron Leibman’s Obie Award-winning portrayal of Shylock.
Handcrafted Journeys: Japanese American Woodworkers In San Diego Collections from the Japanese American Historical Society form the centerpiece for woodworking exhibition on display through July 28 at the Japanese Friendship Garden. The exhibition chronicles the evolution of Japanese American woodworking from the functional objects made in the pre WWII era, through their refinement during the internment camp experience, to post-war artistic woodworks that reflect the aesthetically motivated use of traditional skills. This exhibition pays homage to San Diego’s Japanese American woodworkers and the stories they left behind through their craft. Pieces from local collections including handmade tools made by the woodworkers to create the objects are included in the exhibition.
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Old Globe 2013 Shakespeare Festival Under Way
Barry Edelstein
Ian Talbot
Adrian Noble
The Old Globe’s 2013 Shakespeare Festival opened June 2 and will run through Sept. 29, performing in repertory in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Single tickets start at $29 and subscription tickets run from $66 to $270. Festival Artistic Director Adrian Noble returns to San Diego for his fourth and final year of festival programming. He will helm productions of “The Merchant of Venice” and Tom Stoddard’s classic farce, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” Director Ian Talbot will make his Old Globe debut with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” “Seeing Shakespeare outdoors on a balmy summer night is one of the most magical experiences it’s possible to have in the theater, and the Globe’s annual Shakespeare Festival is as good as that experience gets,” said Old Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. Noble has served as the Artistic Director of The Old Globe Shakespeare Festival since 2010. In addition to “The Merchant of Venice” and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” he has directed the festival pro-
ductions of “King Lear,” “The Madness of George III,” “The Tempest,” “Amadeus,” “As You Like It” and “Inherit the Wind.” Ian Talbot was Artistic and Managing Director of the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, London from 1987 to 2007. In addition to his numerous Laurence Olivier Award-nominated productions, he has many acting credits in television and theater including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the West End. In 2007 Talbot was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to the Open Air Theatre. Performance Schedule: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Ian Talbot, opens June 23 and runs through Sept. 29. “The Merchant of Venice,” directed by Adrian Noble, opens June 28 and runs through Sept. 28. “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” by Tom Stoddard and directed by Adrian Noble, Opens July 2 and runs through Sept. 26.
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By Bart Mendoza
The Best Dance Band in Town If you like cool sounds from the ’50s and ’60s, then you won’t want to miss the best dance band in town, the Amandas. Looking as cool as the tunes they cover, the band has a residency at the Whistlestop, appearing the first Friday of each month, in this case June 7. Led by flame haired singer Amanda Suter, the band includes local heroes Tom Ward on bass and David Fleminger on keyboards for music that’s sure to keep the dance floor packed. With a slew of tunes like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Have Love Will Travel,” any performance from the Amandas is an instant party. The Amandas: Friday, June 7, at The Whistlestop, 2236 Fern St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.whistlestopbar.com
The Donkeys Won’t Let You Down Currently promoting their new single, “Won’t Let You Down,” rock ‘n roll combo, The Donkey’s appear at the Soda Bar on June 8, 8:30 p.m. The Donkeys are a group with diverse influences, as song titles such as “West Coast Raga” and “Bullfrog Blues” attest. Their most recent album, “Born with Stripes,” shows the band’s music to be an eclectic mix that takes in Americana, psychedelia, pop, garage rock and more, making for an album that’s a refreshing break from the indie rock template. The show is the kickoff to a six-date West Coast tour, but catch them whenever you can — this is one of San Diego’s best band’s today. The Donkeys: Saturday, June 8, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. www.sodabarmusic.com
Rendering of the USO building.
An Arsenal of Great Songs by Peter Case Perhaps best known for his work with ’80s hitmakers the Plimsouls, Peter Case continues to be one of California’s premiere songwriter’s, with an arsenal of great songs. Appearing at Bar Pink on June 14, Case will perform material from throughout his career, including work with the Nerves and classic solo tunes, backed by the group Deep Ellum, who will also play an opening set alongside Gasoline Silver. If you’re a longtime Case fan, than you know this show is a must. If you haven’t heard him yet, make it a point to catch a set from one of the best tunesmiths to emerge over the past 30 years. Peter Case: Friday, June 14 at Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. http://www.barpink.com.
Dave Alvin: Legend of Americana Dave Alvin may be 15 albums and 26 years into his solo career, but it’s the five albums that he cut with his group the Blasters between 1980 and 1985 that have cemented his status as a legend of Americana. Appearing at AMSD Concerts on June 21, 7:30 p.m. Alvin’s most recent album, “Eleven Eleven” shows him to be at the top of his game as both a songwriter and musician. Ironically, while Alvin remains a cult hero for the moment, and radio play is virtually nonexistent, his music is still reaching millions, now heard via the soundtrack to hit FX show, “Justified.” Dave Alvin: Friday, June 2, at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All ages. $25 - $52. www.amsdconcerts.com
Fractal Pterodactyl’s Infectious Vibes A small combo that makes a big noise, Fractal Pterodactyl will appeal to anyone who enjoys music with jam band sensibilities, pop melodies and more than a touch of blues and reggae. Appearing on June 29, 9:30 p.m. at Rosie O’Grady’s, the band’s songs are built around guitarist Mark Schneider, who unleashes virtuoso licks like it’s as natural as breathing. Meanwhile, tunes like “Gravity” have an infectious vibe to them, as well as rhythms that are sure to keep the dance floor packed. Fans of groups as diverse as Buck o’Nine and the Allman Brothers will find common ground in Fractal Pterodactyl’s sound. Fractal Pterodactyl: Saturday, June 29, at Rosie O’Grady’s, 3402 Adams Ave. 9: 30 p.m. Cover TBD. www.rosieogradyspub.com
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