SOUTH PARK NEWS APRIL 2016

SOUTH PARK NEWS A Positive Community Newspaper Created by Locals, for Locals, Supporting Local Businesses Vol. 25 No. 4 April 2016

MidCityNewspaperGroup.com

SHOPPING FOR JOY

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Gold Leaf offers products meant to inspire, not clog our homes Local Musicians Mourn Loss of Joe Marillo Few have had the impact on our local music community as saxophonist Joe Marillo. He was a catalyst, a promoter, bringing together musicians and music fans and in the process helping to create this city’s jazz scene. Page 8

Free Fido Library Dedication South Park dog lovers simply call it the Free Fido Library. The redand-blue colored library was officially dedicated at a March 16 ceremony attended by members of the volunteer neighborhood group D.O.G.S. (Dog Owners of Grape Street). PAGE 10

The new Gold Leaf store attracts a crowd on 30th Street.

Sonya Kemp, who opened the Gold Leaf home décor and

should bring us joy rather than consuming for the sake

Albert Einstein’s Role in Grooming Students Founded in 2002, the Albert Einstein Academies is the first authorized public charter elementary and middle school with an International Baccalaureate curriculum in San Diego.

of consuming.” Judging from the response South Park

CONTACT US

has taken to the new shop, that point has been well taken.

EDITORIAL/LETTERS

Read Jennifer Coburn’s story on PAGE 12

Manny Cruz manny@sandiegometro.com

gift shop on 30th St. with her husband Kevin, offers patrons a simple message: “I love the idea that things we buy

PAGE 11

ADVERTISING

The joyful shop owners Sonya and Kevin Kemp.

Homeownership = Easy* *When you’ve got the right lender on your side.

Brad Weber ReachLocal@MidCityNewspaperGroup.com

Jim Sakrison, Loan Offfficer 3919 30th St, Ste 7 P 619-344-8671 E Jim.Sakrison@vipmtginc.com NMLS# 244905 | CalBRE# 01379257

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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Ask the Real Estate Expert

Get What You Want: Why you don’t have to be a jerk to be a good negotiator

BY JEAN RIVALDI

Let’s just say I overheard this at a coffee shop the other day, or maybe it was said by a friend describing their home buying experience, “My Realtor is an as%h*l*. He was out for blood when we bought our house.”

This was stated with some measure of awe and a little bit of glee, describing the negotiation that had occurred during their home buying process.

Quite honestly this statement at first made me doubt my capabilities. I am not a jerk, or a liar or an as%h*le, in fact far from it. I’m calm, authoritative and strategic — but by all accounts not an as%h*le. So am I a good negotiator?

I pondered this as I thought about how people go about getting what they want in life — day to day with a spouse, a sibling, a business partner, an adversary or a home sale transaction.

If you think about the classic bargaining example you can get a picture of what most of us think of when we imagine a negotiation where each side takes a position and defends it.

You’re at a yard sale and there’s a beautiful mid-century modern chair for sale. The upholstery is tattered but the framework is in great mint condition.

You: How much do you want for this chair?

Owner: That’s an original Eames chair. It’s in near perfect condition, I can’t part with it for less than $100.

You: Well the upholstery is pretty tattered, it’s not in great shape. Would you consider $45?

Owner: Did you notice the original furniture stamp underneath? This is a treasure. I can’t let it go for less than $90.

You: I’d give you $50 for it, but more would be ridiculous.

Owner: Let’s be realistic, this is a valuable piece. $80 is my bottom line.

You: $60 and that’s it, take it or leave it.

And so on… Each side chooses their position and becomes committed to it, having to save face by continuing to defend it. Both sides want to win.

Imagine this negotiation in a home purchase — positional negotiators very often hurt their clients by having to win, even sometimes making a bad deal to get there.

So how can you and your agent negotiate the best deal without being jerks?

Look at the BIG PICTURE

In a home purchase it’s important to outline your goals and consider how they fit into the big picture — which can be difficult when you’re in the heat of the moment and getting emotional about a home. Your agent should help you clarify your goals AND understand the other side’s motivations. Why? Because when you understand the big picture you see the interests behind people’s positions — we are all motivated to our decisions by our interests.

Have a BATNA

A BATNA is your Best Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement, or simply, your alternative to whatever is being negotiated. In a negotiation having alternatives gives you the power.

For example, you might be negotiating to buy a home and know that, based on the comps for that home, you have established a ‘walk-away’ price of $500,000. That is the point at which you will no longer feel comfortable with this purchase and your best alternative is to continue the search for another home that fits your needs and wants. Your agent can help you determine your BATNA with a combination of listening to your wants and needs and providing you accurate and timely information about the market, including up-todate comps for the homes you’re looking at.

Stop talking and listen

In negotiation, listening is key. Why? Because as humans we seek to be understood.

When you listen to someone you show respect for their position. This sets a positive tone for negotiation which is important to keeping

both sides on track. When you ask questions and listen to the answers you build rapport with the other side and turn them from adversary into a partner in solving the problem.

Most people in a heated debate or negotiation will want to keep talking and belaboring their point. But what if shut your mouth? You almost always learn something important about the other side when you’re quiet. Sometimes the best thing in a negotiation is to talk less and listen more.

Be Fair, Be Flexible

How do you get what you want? Be flexible — even your bottom line can change during the course of a negotiation when you learn more about the issues. As you move through the process, possible solutions to shared problems can change. Be open to alternative solutions to get what you want.

Be fair. Use objective criteria to get to an agreement. Facts, standards, codes, trends, generally accepted practices — they’re everywhere and there is something that can work for both sides in every negotiation. This type of principled negotiation protects the relationship of and keeps both sides from going off track.

The best negotiation reaches an agreement that both sides can fulfill, and most importantly there’s no need to be a jerk.

Jean Rivaldi is a Realtor at Community Realty Co. She is a good listener, even-keeled, an expert negotiater, and definitely not a jerk.

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MUSIC

| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MUSIC HOPPIN’ Adams Avenue Unplugged puts music on your plate Adams Avenue Unplugged is like a 2-milelong walkabout, but with music as the principal commodity.

The annual music fest takes place this year on the weekend of April 30 and May 1 along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue, from University Heights on the west through Normal Heights and into parts of Kensington to the east.

There will be 150 live musical performances.

Unlike many other festivals, where performers play on outside stages, these performers will do their musical numbers inside restaurants, bars, coffee houses and galleries.

“Being able to pair the Avenue’s unique dining and drinking establishments, each with their own special ambiances and selections, with free musical performances, makes Adams Avenue the place to be on the last weekend of April,” says the sponsoring Adams Avenue Business Association on its website. “The AABA hopes to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture.”

Performances will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The business association says some artists will be playing multiple sets, allowing attendees more opportunity to see and hear their favorite performers.

Here’s biographical information on some of the performers, courtesy of the Adams Avenue Business Association:

Sam Outlaw

“The music I play, I call ‘SoCal country,’” says Outlaw. “It’s country music but with a Southern California spirit to it. What is it about Southern California that gives it that spirit, I don’t exactly know. But there’s an idea that I like that says — every song, even happy songs, are written from a place of sadness. If there’s a special sadness to Southern California it’s that there’s an abiding shadow of loss of what used to be. But then, like with any place, you have a resilient optimism as well.”

and “Love and Theft”) and John Hammond (“Wicked Grin”). Echoes of the Meyers’ style and sound can be heard in the music of the Doors, the Kinks, the Animals as well as the Beatles, just to name a few.

Rolling out of San Antonio, Texas in the early ’60s, the Sir Douglas Quintet, a musical partnership formed with Doug Sahm, brought such hit tunes as “Mendocino” and “She’s About a Mover.” Fusing Tex-Mex, Conjunto and soulful rock along with the power of Meyers’ distinctive Vox organ, is an impact still being felt in rock ‘n’ roll today.

There will be a cover charge at the Kensington Club for Augie Meyers’ performance

Augie Meyers’ style and his Vox Continental has become one of music’s most distinctive keyboard sounds around. Augie can be heard with the Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornados, Meyers’ solo efforts as well as on landmark albums by Bob Dylan (”Time Out of Mind”

of metaphors from math, physics, biology, the supernatural, comic books, Tibetan Buddhism, and role-playing games, at coffeehouses and science fiction conventions.”

Enter the Blue Sky

Birdy and the Bow Tie

The Cactus Blossoms

“When my brother (Page Burkum) and I started making music as The Cactus Blossoms, there wasn’t a big plan,” says Jack Torrey. “We cut our teeth performing some well known and obscure country songs that were popular or unpopular pre-1960, partly out of curiosity and deep appreciation, but mostly because it was fun. Early on we were given a residency at the Turf Club in St. Paul, Minn. We got a band together and it became our weekly practice-in-public where we would pull out every song we could think of, no matter how well we knew it. It was our first chance to play all night and do whatever we wanted. Over the course of our year and a half at the Turf Club our repertoire had snowballed into an amalgam of original songs and a bunch of gut wrenching, tongue-in-cheek heartbreakers, that were 30 years older than us. Not everyone could tell what was new and what was old, and it didn’t really matter. People just seemed to enjoy it. That’s when the wheel got going and gave the illusion of spinning backwards.

We weren’t born in the wrong era. We just got into some music from a different era and found a way to make it our own.”

Allison Lonsdale Augie Meyers

ALSO PERFORMING

“I am a singer-songwriter guitarist,” says Lonsdale. “I’ve been doing this since I was 12, and doing it competently since I was 16. I performed with San Diego Celtic folk band The Wild Oats (not to be confused with the Wild Oats band from the UK) during the 1990s and started performing solo in 1999. I play my original songs about sex, science and God, full

Birdy and the Bow Tie are inspired by early 20th century music, particularly vintage jazz from the 1920s through the 1940s. The duo’s appealing sound is a mix of Alison Marae’s contralto vocals and cheery ukulele with Wil Forbis’ tasty lead guitar and jazzy scat. Thrown into live shows are dreamy harmonies, soft shoe percussion and scat solos. The duo plays vintage acoustic jazz, swing, blues and originals inspired by generations past.

The duo hosts community ukulele events and workshops, where people gather to strum and sing along to different ukulele songbooks that they’ve arranged. They also teach ukulele, guitar, voice and piano out of their home studio in San Diego.

Fanny of Fanny and the Atta Boys

Juju Satori

Nathan and Jessie

Britt Doehring

“My name is Brittney Marie Doehring but most just call me Britt. I am 23 years old. I’m caught in between wanting time to slow down and being excited to enter into a new phase of my life. My life… blessed is the most appropriate adjective I can think of to describe it.

Whenever I couldn’t fall asleep when I was younger, my mom always used to tell me to try to count my blessings. Of course, I could never possibly do that which always ended up putting me right to sleep. Safe to say, my mom’s a smart woman. Music is where my heart’s been all my life and I doubt that anything will ever change that. My parents have home videos of me at around age three singing my little heart out to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”.I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. I learned to play the guitar when I was fourteen. It started as a jealousy thing when my mom got a guitar for her birthday. I ended up stealing it and haven’t been able to put it down since. . . I love to perform for people. It’s my absolute favorite feeling in the whole world to bring a smile to a face that was once frowning or bring a tear to someone’s eye.”

Robin Henkel

Christie Huff

Sara Petite Band

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

BUSINESS

Survey Shows Small Banks Providing Better Rates They’re also gaining young customers

BY JEFF MILCHEN

Celebrate Independent Bookstores April 30, 2016 marks celebrations of independent bookstores in both the U.S. (Independent Bookstore Day) and Canada (Authors for Indies).

You might think economies of scale and ongoing federal subsidies to the megabanks would mean they’d price services lower than community banks. Yet MoneyRate.com’s latest semiannual survey found small banks (holding $5 billion or less in deposits) were far more likely to offer totally free personal checking accounts than big banks (more than $10 billion in deposits).

Thirty-one percent of small banks surveyed provide this benefit, compared to 17.5 percent of big banks. Mid-sized banks ($5 – $10 billion) fell in-between at 28 percent.

And among banks charging monthly checking fees, small and medium-sized banks charged far less — $11.50 compared to $15.15 at big banks.

Ten banks and thrifts in each of 25 large U.S. metropolitan markets were included in the survey, conducted during July-August of 2015.

Using your bank card at a non-network ATM always comes with a fee these days, but the charge again varies with bank size. The big banks capture nearly 6 percent more in ATM fees than small banks from non-customers, and they charge account holders using out-of-network ATMs about 17 percent more for the service.

Mid-sized banks again fell between. You may find community banks offer unexpected value in this realm, too. Needham Bank (MA), one of just two we contacted for this story, not only offers free checking with no minimum balance, but also automatically reimburses customers for ATM fees charged by other banks! Vice President

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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Eric Morse notes this is possible only because Needham is a mutual bank whose shareholders also are customers.

Despite the largest banks controlling more assets than ever before, the value and service smaller banks provide may be starting to pay off.

According to Accenture Plc, community banks saw a 5-percent increase in account holders aged 18 to 34, while credit unions gained 3 percent.

At the same time, large national and regional banking chains lost 16 percent of their millennial-age clients.

“Customers appreciate the personal attention they find at community banks, even if younger customers choose to do most day-to-day transactions online,” said one bank president. “The personal attention can’t be replaced.”

Of course, there are many other reasons to seek out community financial institutions rather than a megabank. You’ll likely receive more personal service, enable more loans to help local entrepreneurs and keep decision-making power rooted in your community.

Bob Marino of BankLocal, an online tool that measures the local economic impact of U.S. banks, noted, “our data demonstrate that smaller banks and credit unions lend substantially more to small businesses. And when you bank locally, a much larger portion of your deposit is reinvested back into your community.”

Jeff Milchen is co-director of the American Independent Business Alliance.

How SCORE Helps San Diego’s Small Businesses Succeed

BY SALLY BROFF

When one thinks about what drives the economy of San Diego County, the highly visible contributions of defense, biotech, medical, communications technology and tourism quickly come to mind. Small business is often overlooked, possibly because the products and services provided by these entrepreneurs are such an integral element in the fabric of the region.

Starting and operating a small business carries the same risks, rewards, challenges and dynamics as major corporations or industries, but without the benefit of the size, scale, and resources enjoyed by the big players. That’s why SCORE was established here 50 years ago.

SCORE is a national nonprofit volunteer organization with a clear mission: Use the hands-on business experience of our members to help small business owners succeed. SCORE is a resource partner of the Small Business Administration with 320 chapters and 11,000 volunteers across the country. The national organization started in 1964.

What does SCORE’s mission look like in practical term in San Diego?

Let’s imagine that you are thinking about starting an apparel business or are looking for advice on how to market to premium customers. Would it be valuable for you to get advice from someone who was one of the original six employees of Tommy Bahama?

Interested in doing business with the government? One of our mentors sits on the board of the major supplier council and can guide you through DUNS numbers, NAICS, CCR, ORCA, and the other acronyms used in that world to develop plans and make contacts.

Are you more comfortable discussing your business needs in Spanish, or want advice from someone who has experience in Mexico? SCORE has bilingual mentors who have operated businesses on both sides of the border.

Financial questions? Applying for a SBA loan?

How about meeting with a former Big Eight accounting firm partner, or an officer of a bank that served the needs of small businesses every day?

That’s a snapshot of who SCORE is in San Diego County—90 volunteers, a mix of women and men,

current and retired business owners and corporate executives, and a selection of ages spanning six decades. Collectively, the members have worked in virtually every industry and can share experience in all business functions.

SCORE volunteers are busy. During 2015 SCORE San Diego worked with 9,091 in mentoring sessions and workshops, and played a role in starting 751 new businesses and creating 1,044 jobs, according to research conducted for the SCORE Foundation by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Counseling is free, confidential, and customized to the needs of the client.

“Having SCORE as an on-call resource has been incredibly important as my business successfully evolved over several years from an idea, through prototypes and manufacturing to active sales,” says Yana Mohanty, founder of Geometiles, an innovative tool for math education. “I use SCORE mentors for reality checks and regular advice and specialized topics including manufacturing, finance, packaging, and sales and marketing. They are consistently accessible and helpful.”

SCORE also presents workshops on about 40 topics, ranging from exploring the basic question “Do you really want to start a business?” to topics including how to write a business plan, tax considerations for small businesses, intellectual property, and tools like QuickBooks. There are five workshops on different aspects of the wild world of e-commerce and social media.

SCORE San Diego is celebrating its 50th anniversary by telling the success stories of its clients who have contributed so much to San Diego County’s vibrant small business community and the region’s economy. If you can benefit from SCORE’s unique and valuable approach to business success, or think SCORE would be a great volunteer opportunity, please visit www.sandiego.score.org or call us at (619) 557-7272.

Sally Broff is president of SCORE San Diego. She has 35 years of experience in the electronics industry.

This opinion piece originally appeared in Times of San Diego.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Automotive Museum Opens ‘British Invasion’ Auto Exhibit

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

PHOTOS BY PAUL BRANDES

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

The San Diego Automotive Museum in Balboa Park has opened its new exhibit -- The British Invasion.

The exhibit, which runs until May 31, highlights British automotive manufacturing since the 1930s. The exhibit is enhanced with the cultural impact the British have also had on our fashion, music, and literature (the Beatles, Harry Potter, Twiggy, Downton Abbey, and such.)

Featured in the exhibit: a 1933 Austin Seven, 1937 MG VA Tourer, 1939 Lagonda V12, 1948 Bentley (prototype), 1950 Jaguar Mark V Saloon, 1951 Jowett Jupiter, 1953 Jaguar XK 120, 1955 Triumph TR2, 1958 Austin A35, 1967 Austin Mini Cooper S, 1967 Austin London Cab FX4, 1967 Rolls Royce Phantom V,

1969 Jaguar E Type OTS, 1970 Morgan 4/4 1600, 1971 Jenson Interceptor, 1972 TVR Vixen, and a 2005 Aston Martin.

The London taxi was owned and driven by Frank Sinatra. The Rolls Royce Phantom was used by Queen Elizabeth, Princess Grace of Monaco, and several American astronauts.

The museum’s annual fundraiser is centered on this exhibit. That event will be Saturday, March 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. Call (619) 398-0301 for information or tickets.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices are: $9.00 for adults, $6 for seniors (65 and over), $5 students with ID, $4 children ages 6 –15. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free of charge.

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

Natural History Museum Chooses Smithsonian Veteran as New CEO The San Diego Natural History Museum has selected a 30-year veteran of the Smithsonian Institution and a native Californian to become its new president and CEO. Judith Gradwohl, the MacMillan asssociate director for education and public engagement at the National Museum of American History — the Smithsonian’s third largest museum — will assume the job on July 1, the start of the museum’s fiscal year.

Gradwohl will replace Michael “Mick” Hager, who will retire June 30 after 25 years at the helm of the museum.

“TheNAT is a gem -- it has superb staff and collections and is the best possible visitor center for the natural world in San Diego County and Baja,” said Gradwohl.

“This role is a perfect fit, as it brings together my work in field biology, environmental conservation, digital outreach, education, and museum

management at the Smithsonian.”

Gradwohl has held various leadership positions within the Smithsonian Institution. In 1985, she started at the National Zoo focusing on animal behavioral research, education, and exhibits, and then went on to establish the Smithsonian’s Office of Environmental Awareness where she curated large traveling exhibitions and raised major funding toward operations and projects.

Gradwohl developed the Smithsonian’s first exhibition website, after which she joined the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian’s third largest museum. There, she supervised the development of the museum’s web presence and, in 2004, became part of the senior leadership team, assuming her most recent role.

Judy Gradwohl will assume the post of president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum on July 1.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MUSIC

Local Musicians Mourn Loss of Jazz Legend Joe Marillo

BY BART MENDOZA

Joe Marillo performing at the 2003 San Diego Music Awards.

San Diego has many wonderful musicians living in its midst, but few have had the impact on our local community as saxophonist Joe Marillo, who passed away on March 26 at age 83. He had been battling cancer.

Marillo, who lived in Normal Heights, was far more than a musician; he was a catalyst, a promoter, bringing together musicians and music fans and in the process helping to create this city’s jazz scene. He was also a beloved teacher and mentor to hundreds of local musicians. It’s safe to say his legacy will live on in his recordings and filmed appearances but even more so in his students playing.

Marillo moved to San Diego from his native New York in 1974, complete with an already impressive resume. Although known today for his love of jazz, early on Marillo played R&B, first in the Buffalo area with his own band, and then beginning in 1955 with Jimmy Cavallo & The Houserockers. It would be Marillo’s first taste of national fame as he and his band caught the initial wave of rock ’n’ roll and performed for legendary DJ Alan Freed, appearing in his 1956 movie, “Rock, Rock, Rock!” and scoring a recording contract with Coral Records — the same label as Buddy Holly — in the process.

It didn’t take long after his arrival in San Diego for Marillo to become an integral part of the music community, booking national talent at the Catamaran and bringing jazz to venues such as La Jolla’s Elario’s and Chuck’s Steakhouse, helping establish music as a draw locally. He also released several albums on his own and with pianist Mike Wofford, as well as guesting with numerous locals, including playing on several abums by guitarist Buddy Blue, who even recorded a track, “The Joe Marillo Story,” on his 1999 album, “Dipsomania.”

“I met Joe two years ago,” said Joe Flammini, owner of famed coffeehouse Java Joe’s, where Marillo held a residency. “He walked into Java Joe’s one day and said, ‘I want to play here.’ I

Joe Marillo 1932-2016 agreed without even knowing who he was. He had that vibe.” He played a weekly afternoon gig. “I don’t remember which day it was, because he showed up five times a week to practice,” Flammini with a smile. “So every day was a gig for Joe. What did I enjoy about his music? It was his enjoyment when he nailed a song. Which he would often do.”

Marillo was also a mainstay at local jazz venue Dizzy’s. “Joe loved everything about jazz,

the history, the process, the practice and the presentation,” said owner Chuck Perrin. “It’s hard not to like someone as passionate about the music as he was.”

“I got a chance to record Joe Marillo for Buddy Blue’s album, Dipsomania,” said producer Sven Erik Seaholm. “Buddy had gotten quite inspired by the idea that Joe was an amazing jazz musician whose genius had somehow not been given its due. So Buddy wrote a whole

spoken word piece that pretty much hit the bullet points on Joe’s resume, including his appearance in the Alan Freed film and his tenure in Buddy’s own band some years later.”

Blue called up Marillo and very respectfully asked if he would play his saxophone behind his words on the recording. “Not only was Joe totally on board with the concept, but his reply was so cool that Buddy added it into the piece word for word and had Joe speak it on the recording,” Seaholm recalled.

Violinist Jamie Shadowlight worked with Marillo in various projects for many years. “I loved his tone,” she said. “Strong and breathy and very much like Stan Getz. I most admired the fact that he was a totally unique human being, in every way. He was Joe Marillo and there is only one Joe Marillo, He lived outside of the system. He was a challenge and pleasure to work with, a lot of laughs, a lot of personality and a lot of helping others get their start. He was a true character. I met so many musicians through playing with Joe, most notably, Mikan Zlatkovich and Gilbert Castellanos. Joe was always giving people a chance to play.”

“He was history on the hoof,” noted Rebecca Zearing, owner of Rebecca’s Coffeehouse, where Marillo was a regular. “He spoke of Stan Kenton and Miles Davis as friends. He was like Jack Webb on the old ‘Dragnet’ TV show. No bull, just fact. He was a treat for me to talk to and if it was about music and history he was easy. I always loved him the most when he played his saxophone. It was rich, and the instrument looked heavy as heck,” she said.

“When he played sax, he let go and went somewhere else, maybe to his younger days?”

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in sdnews.com, San Diego Community Newspaper Group. Reprinted with permission.

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COMMUNITY

| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Free Fido Library Dedication

Grape Street Park goes to the D.O.G.S.

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northparknews.biz/digital MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Serving San Diego’s Premier Mid City Communities Chairman/CEO Bob Page BobPage@sandiegometro.com Publisher Rebeca Page RebecaPage@sandiegometro.com Associate Publisher Brad Weber ReachLocals@ MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Editor Manny Cruz Manny@sandiegometro.com Art Director Chris Baker cbaker@sandiegometro.com Marketing/Advertising Brad Weber ReachLocals@ MidCityNewspaperGroup.com -----------------------------Writers/Columnists Bart Mendoza Delle Willett Anna Lee Fleming Sara Wacker

Nick Serrano watches as Ken Olson cuts the ribbon on the Free Fido Library. Olson built and installed the library.

Traditionalists call it a canine resource lending library, but South Park dog lovers simply call it the Free Fido Library.

The red-and-blue colored library, which stands on a post in Grape Street Park, was officially dedicated at a March 16 ceremony attended by members of the volunteer neighborhood group D.O.G.S. (Dog Owners of Grape Street).

It was volunteer carpenter Ken Olson who built and installed the library. Paint and hardware were

donated by Home Depot.

Grape Street Park also is home to a dog obstacle course, where dog owners and others can put their dogs through their paces.

At the library dedication, Nick Serrano, a representative of Councilman Todd Gloria, relayed the councilman’s gratitude to D.O.G.S. and the city for their cooperative and collaborative efforts to establish the obstacle course and the library.

A free raffle followed, with prizes sponsored by local shops South

Bark Dog Wash and Ento Bento, as well as,veterinary practice Woof and Purr. CBS News 8 publicized the two new additions to the park with a short segment on their evening news.

Barbara Fuscsick, who joined D.O.G.S. last year, and spearheaded the design, planning and coodination of decision-makers, resources and efforts to bring these two benefits to the park, was thrilled with the patrons’ and dogs’ enjoyment of the park enhancements and the

dedication celebration.

“My passion for Grape Street Park that I’ve been coming to every day for 10 years, and the dogs’ enjoyment of these leash-free acres, compels me to give back with gusto,” said Fuscsick. “ I relish the chance, as a board member, to contribute my Fido-fervor to continue to effect imaginative improvements that provide a first-class recreational experience of Grape Street Park for our dog-loving community. ”

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Nick Serrano, aide to Councilman Todd Gloria, presided at the dedication.

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.

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South Bark Dog Wash owners Donna Walker and Lisa Vella sponsored prizes that were given away at a raffle during the dedication event.

Running the course.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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By Bart Mendoza April 23 Shadowlight: Accompanist of Choice There’s prolific and then there is violinist Jamie Shadowlight, who appears at Java Joe’s On April 23. The sheer number of artists she has performed with is staggering. Gifted at everything from classical to hard rock, in addition to her own groups, Shadowlight has been the accompanist of choice for dozens of performers ranging from jazz heroes Joe Marillo and Gilbert Castellanos to country combo, The Palominos and rocker Joey Harris. A beloved lynchpin of the local music community, this intimate performance at Java Joe’s will confirm that Shadowlight is truly one of San Diego’s musical treasures. www.javajoessd.com Subways

Jamie Shadowlight

May 2 April 24 Celebrate David Bowie’s Music with Holy Holy

Spiders from Mars

The music world is still in mourning over the recent passing of iconic musician David Bowie, so the appearance of tribute group, Holy Holy, at the Music Box on April 24, offers a wonderful opportunity for fans to get together and celebrate his life and music. But this is no mere gathering of players. A true all-star band, on hand will be Woody Woodmansey, original drummer for Bowie’s famed backing band, The Spiders from Mars, as well as famed bassist/producer,Tony Visconti, frontman Glenn Gregory, best known for his work with synthpop combo, Heaven 17, and Terry Edwards, who is a founding member of the UK group, the Higsons. Holy Holy, plays a changing set list that includes hits, but also deep catalog cuts, making this show a Bowie fanatics dream come true. musicboxsd.com

Solid Blend of Punk, Glam Stomp and Powerpop Hooks British rock trio The Subways returns to San Diego for a show at the Casbah on May 2. Touring behind their new, self-titled album, the key to the band’s sound is down to their manic energy and the vocal interplay between guitarist Billy Lunn and bassist Charlotte Cooper resulting in a solid blend of punk, glam stomp and powerpop hooks. The Subways rock hard enough to have been asked to open for AC/DC, but still pack enough hooks into their songs, such as “Good Times,” to appeal to crossover pop listeners. www.casbahmusic.com

April 28 ’60s Rock with a Touch of Punk Energy Rock ‘n’ roll fans will want to check out Gone Baby Gone, appearing at Bar Pink on April 28 on a bill with Bad Kids and Big Bloom. The event celebrates the release of their latest album, “Love Stories,” but it’s live where the band excels, turning in their own cool garage rockers such as “Miss Bossy” alongside occasional covers by the likes of The Animals or Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. Led by Dynamic frontwoman Dizzy Collins, the group is perfect for anyone who likes their ’60s-influenced rock infused with a touch of punk energy. www.barpink.com Modern English Gone Baby Gone

May 17 April 28 Warm Vocals and Cryin’-in-Your-Beer Weepers San Francisco Indie Pop/Americana duo Sugar Ponies performs at Lestat’s on April 28. Touring behind their second album, “Its A Sign,” the pair’s music is built around the warm vocals of Suzanne Kramer, with a broad palette of influences, including a pop edge that matches rock elements to country flourishes, infusing songs such as “Happy Is For Humans,” with melody to spare. Particularly striking is their sparse, crying-in-your-beer weeper, “Give A Girl A Break,” but anywhere you drop the needle on the Sugar Ponies latest will bring up a winner. www.lestatscoffeehouse.com

Sugarponies

Chance to See and Hear Modern English Tunes Live Although relegated to one-hit-wonder status, ’80s new wave favorites Modern English, who appear at the Hideout on May 17 were in truth more of an album band, their dense, guitar-led indie rock sound leading them through four now classic albums in their initial run. Testimony to the power of a great song, their signature tune, “I Melt With You,” actually never charted higher then No. 76 in the U.S., but the ensuing years have seen it become a standard, covered by bands worldwide and heard on soundtracks galore.

Only drummer Richard Brown is missing from the original lineup, which continues to release new music so longtime fans will be thrilled for a chance to see and hear Modern English’s classic tunes live. www.thehideoutsd.wordpress.com

EDUCATION

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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Focus on Education Albert Einstein Academies grooms students to become global citizens

Grand opening of Albert Einstein Academies Charter Middle School Sept. 4, 2014. (Photo: Hughes Marino)

The world is a lot larger at Albert Einstein Academy Charter School.

Founded in 2002, the Albert Einstein Academies (AEA) is the first authorized public charter elementary and middle school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum in San Diego. Serving over 1,200 students, the impetus for the charter was to create an environment rooted in global perspective — from the bilingual and biliterate curriculum to local and global activism — ultimately fostering critical thinking and cultural empathy, while preparing students to thrive, lead and create positive change in the world.

What makes AEA unique is it’s the first IB-authorized school in Southern California with an emphasis in German language immersion in the elementary school. Alternating weeks of German and English language instruction in K-5 empowers students to take ownership of their education through language.

The program offers flexibility and allows for those who haven’t been immersed in the language.

“A bilingual education has been proven to not only cultivate global awareness and cultural perspective, but also improve executive functions of the brain, flexibility, and social skills and we at AEA see how it encourages our students to make a global impact,” said Greta Bouterse, principal of AEA Elemen-

tary School.

The idea for an international curriculum began in 1998 when a group of parents and families wanted their children to have a public education that was also grounded in global and bilingual instruction.

When the school started in 2002, it served 27 students in grades K-2, and rapidly expanded to an elementary program serving 692 K-5 students. In 2007, the Academies launched a middle school, which now serves 600 students. Today, the composition of the student body is the epitome of diversity with 27 percent English Language Learners (German/Spanish), and 50 percent of the students identify themselves as non-white, with 35 percent being Hispanic or Latino.

A Collaborative Community Drives Student Success

Michelle Guarino, International Baccalaureate coordinator, believes that recruiting global thinkers and collaborators is tantamount to the school’s success and it’s pervasive.

“Everyone from our custodial crew to teachers and administration strive to live and breathe the Learner Profile,” said Guarino.

The “Learner Profile” is a composite of 10 attributes established by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which aims to create internationally-minded students. The attributes include:

inquirer, risk taker, balanced, principled, thinker, caring, knowledgeable, communicator, reflective, and open-minded. The idea is that if a student’s work consistently demonstrates all 10 attributes, they can be successful anywhere in the world.

The staff believes that this pedagogical approach breeds students that are open-minded, globally centric leaders in their community. “No one is an island and we work together on a lot of platforms … we’re committed to what’s best for (the) kids,” said Libby Dominguez, a fellow International Baccalaureate coordinator.

Parents and volunteers also take an active role at AEA, embracing the unique IB and German immersion model. The school has a nonprofit fundraising arm that aims to complement the curriculum with field trips, art, music and gardening classes. Volunteers also help out in the classroom, particularly with German-speaking families.

Lissa Metzger, a parent who has a daughter in fifth grade and a son in second grade, has taken an active role in her children’s’ education at AEA. “I’m involved in the Friends of AE, a nonprofit group that raises money for enrichment programs,” said Metzger. “For example, we raised funds to support a resident art teacher.”

For example, music instructors

student and teacher turnover. Parents, teachers, and the community are deeply vested in student success and growth. This positive, cohesive atmosphere directly impacts students to translate what they’ve learned into meaningful action.

Students Use Their Learning to Take Action

Albert Einstein Academies. (Photo by Mike Torrey Photography)

have been brought on board to supplement German in traditional songs, which drive better accents and pronunciation, but also draw a deeper connection to the language the students are learning.

Metzger speaks with pride when she says, “(AEA) has really been a family we’ve been with for six years.”

A model that was first met with skepticism in 2002 is now succeeding. Before the API score was eliminated, students scored at 900+. Students achieve 90 percent passing grades in German language in 5th grade, graduating to middle school.

More importantly, AEA creates an environment of stability with few

One of the hallmarks of AEA’s curriculum is a commitment to service and a greater understanding as part of the learning process. For example, student studying social studies may learn about the Kumeyaay Indian culture as part of California history. Yet instead of stopping there, AEA students take the concept further and look at indigenous cultures in the global environmental.

Students also demonstrate mastery with respect to concepts, and then participate in a global solution.

For example, students are petitioning to use less energy in schools by ceasing the use of blowers during the day. They partner with the San Diego Book Project to drive book donations to participating in Walk for Water (as part of World Water Day, a United Nations movement).

Whether it’s mastering a math concept or learning about a period in history, the global education at AEA cultivates a community of activists who are becoming global citizens locally and internationally.

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COVER STORY

| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Fill Your Home With Things That Bring You Joy

BY JENNIFER COBURN

That’s Gold Leaf’s mantra for shopper A few years ago, the book — “The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” — introduced the concept of taking inventory of one’s home and shedding items that do not bring joy. Quickly soaring to the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list, the book inspired millions to dump their joyless candle holders and tea sets and donate them to Goodwill.

“I love the idea that things we buy should bring us joy rather than consuming for the sake of consuming.”

A truly life-changing moment for many, though, was realizing their homes were now bare, that nothing they had previously owned really brought them any joy. For San Diegans who face that problem, there’s a new home décor and gift shop in South Park that allows them to refill their homes, subscribing to a similar Japanese concept, Zakka. “The Japanese and Scandinavian movement of Zakka says everything we surround ourselves with, even mundane items like salt and pepper shakers, should bring us joy,” says Sonya Kemp, who owns Gold Leaf with her husband Kevin. “I love the idea that things we buy should bring us joy rather than consuming for the sake of consuming.” The movement is also largely defined by a mid-century Danish, Nordic, and Scandinavian look and feel.

At Gold Leaf, shoppers can find unique items like handmade furniture, jewelry, ceramics, blown glass lamps, weavings, cards, and sweets. “We have a gentleman who does bowl turning,” which is creating items like

platters and salad bowls “working with the integrity of the wood,” Kemp explains. She is also talking with a local artist who creates cord by tightly twisting paper and weaving it to make items like baskets and chairs. “We take our cues from nature and love paper, wood, cotton, linen, and ceramics,” says Kemp.

Kemp discovered the term Zakka a few years ago while on Pinterest. She was drawn to boards that featured design elements of Zakka. “I really like to mix vintage with the new, and when I saw this, I thought this is exactly my design aesthetic!” says Kemp, who has worked in home décor and retail design for more than 10 years. She spent the last decade at the Solo home décor center in Solana Beach, and prior to that designed vignettes (creative sets and displays) at Anthropologie in Seattle. Among her favorites was a scarf unraveling and yarn being pulled across the room by birds.

Kemp’s love of vintage and natural elements has found a perfect home in the retail space that was the Burlingame Garage in 1911. She is particularly excited about the exposed wood beams, high ceilings, and natural brick, which gives the 1,100-square-foot space a warm and inviting feel. “Warmth is really big for me. I want people to come in and feel welcome, and inspired, and enjoy their experience here,” she says, adding that Gold Leaf is more than a store, but a part of the community.

Gold Leaf hosted a children’s book reading recently and gave away gold eggs. As far as other events, “I’m open to new ideas” that serve the needs and desires of this unique community, according to Kemp.

“If you asked me a year ago where I most wanted to be and shop, I would have said South Park because of its rich history and culture,” she says.

A pleasant surprise was just how welcoming the community has been. “I’ve been overwhelmed. The acceptance we’ve gotten has been amazing.”

Gold Leaf is located at 2225 30th St. Phone: (619) 738-8120.

Kemp’s love of vintage and natural elements has a perfect home in the retail space that was the Burlingame Garage in 1911.

A corner display.

Jewelry

‘I love the idea that things we buy should bring us joy rather than consuming for the sake of consuming.’ says Sonya Kemp.

Wall display.

There’s not a wasted space in Gold Leaf.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Smart & Final (and Barons) to Fill A Void The new store opened in North Park and Barons will follow this winter

BY SUSAN TAYLOR | PHOTOS BY JIM CHILDERS

Shoppers line up to pay for their groceries.

The wait is over. North Park residents are pleased to have a new grocery store in the neighborhood four months after the closing of Haggen at 2235 University Ave. What had once been the familiar, if wellworn Albertsons was but a dim memory. In and out breezed the flashy and unpopular Haggen (since 1932!), getting a bad rap even though many locals never even stepped inside, put off by rumors of high prices.

Meanwhile, Fresh & Easy closed, and food shoppers were pretty much limited to the Vons on 30th, a long walk for some people, and a frustrating parking lot experience for drivers.

(See sidebar for information on Barons’ coming move into North Park) Never mind that many older and low-income people depended on having a supermarket on the southwest edge of North Park, the corporate decisions had to run their course, with proposals that this or that company would take over the location at Louisiana Street and University Avenue, about 15 blocks west of where Fresh & Easy once did business.

A fully stocked beer section.

It wasn’t long before loiterers, graffiti, and trash were the only signs of life outside the locked doors and covered windows.

Then, word came that Smart & Final was moving in and nextdoor.com and other social media sites started up with new worries and complaints; merchandise would only come in super-sized packaging, produce would be cellowrapped, aisles would be narrow and merchandise would be stacked too high.

So, with much anticipation and a good amount of skepticism, customers came out to see on March 8 when the doors opened, and in even greater numbers on March 9, the day of the Grand Opening.

On Wednesday and Thursday, in keeping with the untrendy red and white color scheme, two-tone complimentary reusable shopping bags were given out while supplies lasted. The store manager, Mike Nelson, a personable, gregarious guy, was at the door handing out the bags and greeting shoppers.

He was kind enough to sit down a week after the store opening to talk about the concept that

is behind Smart & Final. Mike, who lives in Eastlake, but started his grocery career at Ralph’s in Hillcrest, recently managed a smaller Smart & Final Express store in Spring Valley and a larger store in Chula Vista. Asked about the difference between his store and other supermarket chains, he said that Smart & Final stores pride themselves on being “built on community.”

Although typical household shoppers can find items in sizes appropriate for most families, merchandising caters about 40 percent to business and restaurant owners right here in North Park. Although shoppers do not pay membership fees nor have “club” cards, having a resale identification number allows businesses to get a tax break. The non-business owner will find prices on everyday products to be in line or lower than in many competing grocery stores, and can realize savings up to 60 percent per unit on larger, club-size packaging.

Like peanut butter? A club-size 64 oz. jar rings in at three cents per ounce cheaper than a 16 oz. market size container. Available are

Mike Nelson, manager of the new Smart & Final store.

familiar 24 oz. size bottles of pancake syrup, as well as gallon bottles. More items, such as cleaning products, come in gallon sizes, and paper goods can be bought by the hundreds.

Of course, the store stocks some handy normal-sized necessities like shampoo, chips, meat, dairy and produce items. While there is a limited selection of health and beauty items, consumers can find stationery, greeting cards, flowers, pet food, and well-stocked beer and wine aisles.

The bakery sells fresh-baked rolls, breads, and decorated cakes. Gluten-free baking ingredients, spices, nuts, and even chocolate-covered gummy bears can be bought from the bins in the bulk foods section.

Circle around from the bakery section to pick up party supplies, natural and organic eggs, fruit, and vegetables. Smart & Final brands include Ambiance tea and coffee, Montecito Hispanic foods, Cattleman’s Finest meats, First Street top quality groceries, and Simply Value products which promise SEE STORE, Page 3 more savings. Popular

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STORE

CONTINUED FROM Page 2

labels such as Ocean Spray, Del Monte, Folgers, Tide and Kellogs round out the choices, but don’t expect to find any coupons. Management encourages customer requests for items not in the store Neighbors have come forth to report one incident of trash dumping in the parking lot behind the store, and Smart & Final is aware of past problems on the site due to shoplifting and transients. The store is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. with a security guard and 128 surveillance cameras on the premises.

Serving Western states since 1871, the network of Smart and Final operations was founded by Jim Smart and Hildane Final who envisioned a shopping experience that would save time and money. North Park’s Smart & and Final-extra! store aims to be a “ warehouse and market, friend and neigh-

bor.”

Now that people have actually been inside they have been posting their opinions, positive and negative.

Instead of 50 kinds of toothpaste, you only have a few to decide among, a plus to some shoppers, as are largquantity sauces and condiments.

Unflattering comments about poor bagging and unresponsive checkers are countered by the fact that employees hired from a local job fair are new, as is the store, still learning the needs and demands of the job.

Best to keep in mind that North Park was down one grocery market for several months and that future success depends on how many people come through the doors and how much is sold. As the banners along the main retail stretch of University Avenue read: “Shop Local.” In other words, if neighbors want the convenience of a nearby supermarket, support the new kid on the block and buy food in the ‘hood.

Barons Market Coming to North Park

Family-owned market will open seventh location in winter 2016

supermarkets. No gimmicks, no sales, and no club cards. Just everyday low prices.

Barons Market, a locally owned all-natural grocery store, announced that it will open a seventh location on the site formerly occupied by Fresh & Easy at 3231 University Ave. “Barons Market and North Park are a match made in food heaven,” says Vice President of Marketing Rachel Shemirani.

“We stock our shelves with good food, craft beer and locally grown produce — all things that the North Park community values. As a family-owned business founded in San Diego, this location feels like coming home.”

The newest location will feature iconic Barons Market qualities, such as:

• More than 400 microbrews, making Barons the go-to craft beer store in Southern California.

• Olive oil and vinegar bar — the only grocery store chain in California with this feature.

• Hot soup bar, fresh salad bar and antipasto bar.

• Collaboration with local farms to bring customers the best quality and freshest produce.

• Products that cost 25 to 30 percent less than traditional

In North Park, Barons will collaborate with Architect John Ziebarth and Interior Designer Julie Dugas of Studio H2G to transform the 15,000-squarefoot space into a modern-day grocery store with style to complement the neighborhood’s character. Dugas has designed each of the six existing Barons Markets and promises that no two stores look the same.

“Dugas and Studio H2G create shopping experiences reflective of the communities we call home,” says Shemirani. “For our premiere market in an urban Southern California location, we envision the North Park store to reflect the energetic and artistic character of the community — something that you wouldn’t normally see when you go grocery shopping.”

With the new location, Barons plans to bring approximately 30 jobs to the community, for which it will prioritize hiring locally from North Park.

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Renovations Completed at City College Center for Media & Performing Arts

City College Center for Media and Performing Arts. (Photo by Pablo Mason)

Sundt Construction Inc. has completed $20 million in upgrades to San Diego City College’s Center for Media and Performing Arts building, housing the school’s language, speech and visual arts departments.

Sundt was selected by the San Diego Community College District to complete the 31,000-square-foot project, which provided state-of-the-art upgrades for the school’s programs in dramatic arts, dance, music, digital journalism, digital media, radio, TV and film, along with common areas and associated support space. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art video editing suites, a newly-designed television studio and newsroom, makeup studio, film screening lab, new dance studios, new music technology lab, electronic piano lab, new scene and set design shop, costume design workshop, and other classroom and lab spaces.

Designed by Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects, the project also included upgrades to an existing suite within the campus’s “L” building to accommodate the college radio station.

In addition to the facility renovations, Sundt provided improvements to the surrounding campus plaza, including new landscaping, hardscaping and lighting. The project, which is part of the district’s $1.555 billion proposition construction bond program to transform campuses and create jobs, is expected to obtain LEED Silver certification.

The $1.555 billion Propositions S and N construction bond program is providing new state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, major renovations, and campus wide infrastructure projects at City, Mesa and Miramar colleges and six Continuing Education campuses throughout San Diego.

The dance room. (Photo by Pablo Mason)

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

Electriquettes Coming to Balboa Park A small fleet of the Electriquettes is coming to Balboa Park in the spring.

The dapper gentleman in the photo is riding an Electriquette, a replica of the same motorized wicker carts widely used during San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition. The fleet of electric carts was supposed to be introduced to the park for the 2015 Balboa Park centennial celebration, but it, and many other ideas and proposals, fell through when the big civic party infamously imploded.

“The city did take a while to

get the agreement going,” said Kim Keeline, who’s doing the marketing for the Electriquettes. “But we’re thrilled that we’re able to get them to the park now.”

Keeline said the carts, the brainchild of San Diego developer Sandy Shapery, will be available for the public to rent out possibly as soon as March.

She said folks will only be allowed to cruise up and down El Prado pedestrian walkway and on the sidewalks in front of the Botanical Building. For now, a ride on one of the carts will cost you $10 for 15 min-

utes or $25 for an hour.

Part of the delayed roll-out of the carts was because the city had to put out a public request for proposals for “battery-powered wicker cart concessions.” It released the request last March and — big surprise — Shapery was the only one to respond.

Keeline said the carts, designed by architect and historian David Marshall to be historically accurate, were quite popular during the PanamaCalifornia Exposition.

“So, we hope they’ll be as popular today,” she said.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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016168 40 r mostt ffavvo ou g: t meal follow by Re ou e CA on ain wiilll long rem massage. Hoi An

EDUCATION

Changing the Future

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

19

BY ANTHONY KING

Helen Griffith leads the ‘most innovative’ high school in San Diego’s Central Library

The e3 classrooms promote discussion. This room shows small-group tables, while others can be arranged in more traditional classroom style.

Helen Griffith had little interest in a career in education when she came to the UC San Diego campus as a transfer student. There was no way, she said, she would work around the clock like her mother did as a teacher and principal.

But one thing stuck: a passion for reading and, hand-in-hand, libraries. She grew up loving the iconic Geisel library at UC San Diego.

Even as an adult, there is something about the learning possibilities offered by a library that excite Griffith. Today, the 1981 Department of Communication graduate is the founding and current executive director of e3 Civic High School — located, ironically, in the unique and beautiful Dr. Helen Griffith, UC San Diego Department of Communication alumna 1981, now heads e3 San Diego Central Library Downtown.

Also the founding principal of Millennial Tech Civic High School.

Middle School, Griffith reflected on how she made it to where she is now, balanced on a foundation she built at UC San Diego: “The experience that I had as an undergraduate student gave me the strongest base, especially in communication, to go anywhere. It also provided me with a strong, strong base that I was able to later go to graduate school and be successful.”

Elizabeth Norby, left, shows Helen Griffith artwork Norby created to represent an element on the periodic table.

Students Monica Randolph, left, and Tracy Ray study in the high school’s common area, called ‘the park.’

Finding Passion

Innovation at its Core

In 2015, the charter high school Griffith directs was named to the first “Most Innovative K-12 Schools in America” list by Noodle, a website that provides educational resources to families. Noodle examined 140,000 schools to come up with its list, honoring those with “visionary methodologies” who challenge “well-established notions” of education, the site says.

“Innovation means doing whatever’s necessary to meet the end result and not being tied to the old way of doing business, but also being free to incorporate the old way if it meets the goal,” Griffith said. “Innovation to me really is thinking about, by any means necessary, achieving the goals for the students.”

The school was recognized, in part, because it is located within the Downtown library. It sits on the sixth and seventh floors, with a separate, private entrance, and Griffith calls the library the school’s “chief partner.” Not only does the location give these students fingertip access to a worldclass system, but it also serves as a partner for cutting-edge technology initiatives: for example, students are helping to test an augmented reality program, for example, as well as training and working in computer program internships.

What’s more, Griffith and the e3 Civic High faculty are teaching these kids to change the world.

“Within everything that we do, we try to weave in an element of civic engagement, giving back and leadership,” Griffith said, who was named

e3 Civic High School is located in the Downtown San Dieo Central Library, helping to earn it a ‘Most Innovative School’ honor.

one of San Diego’s 50 people to watch in 2013

by San Diego Magazine. Among her other honors are the 2010 – 2011 Educator of the Year award from the California League of Middle Schools and the 2007 Outstanding African-American Educator of the Year from Pi Delta Kappa.

“In our project-based learning, there’s always an element of giving back,” Griffith said. “There’s this relevance — this authenticity — that we like to build in. It’s not a college requirement for service; it’s a way of life.”

Representing STEAM

With a goal of providing an education alternative for the downtown San Diego core, e3 Civic High School enrolls students primarily from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Almost 90 percent of the students are of color and 77 percent are below the poverty level, Griffith said. With a curriculum focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — STEAM, not just STEM— the school has grand plans.

“We want to create the next generation of underrepresented students and female students in the STEAM professions,” she said matter-of-

assessment.

“We were attracted to the school because it was a bit different from other high schools,” Yu said.

The medical students also recognized that Griffith was a strong advocate for her students Now a fourth-year medical student having completed the clinical foundations course, Yu returns to e3 on her own time to tutor students in math. She said she hopes to work with underserved populations in the future, including at-risk youth.

“The administration wants to ensure that these [high school] students have the tools to succeed after graduation, and this includes planning, leadership and critical problem solving skills,” Yu said.

“Above all else, they support each and every individual student in achieving their dreams.”

Griffith has the option to take the community assessment findings and apply them directly to her school, similar to what she did with the curriculum from the first interaction with Yu and Egnatios that addressed nutrition and health, bullying, gender inequality and the communication that divides teens, among others. The high school students participated in a School of Medicineled “Doc for a Day” program, and even came to campus for a behind-the-scenes look at the school. Griffith said she hopes to have an e3 Civic High graduate as a UC San Diego med student one day.

“Our vision is really to put [students] in their place of passion. Not everybody’s going to be a teacher, or an executive director, or a principal, or an author, but if that’s what gives you pleasure and drive and passion, then you need to be there,” Griffith said. “We need to create the fertile ground by which they can grow and thrive.”

So far, the results have been phenomenal, she said. Now in their third year, the first graduating class will get their high school diplomas this year: more than 70 students who took a gigantic leap of faith in 10th grade to come to a charter school with no history. Griffith said that at the time, she and the team were “selling a promise” to the children and their families.

When that first group of students arrived at e3 they were, for the most part, doing poorly in their classes, with some outright failing. But Griffith said her school provided a place for students looking for a second, or better, chance.

“To see how they are thriving, speaking, performing, communicating, creating and owning their selves,” she said of those original students.

“They are taking ownership for their future.”

factly.

It’s not just talk. Griffith can discuss any number of ways they are innovating the way these students interact with the arts and sciences. They have a robotics program, a Central Libraryfocused partnership in computer programming, a mentoring program with engineers in the community and a multiple-year project with the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

UC San Diego medical school students Denise Yu and Jeremy Egnatios initially developed and helped secure the partnership with Griffith three years ago. The pair worked closely with Griffith and her students, ultimately providing a “Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Living” curriculum to implement. Based on the success with Yu and Egnatios, the relationship was then incorporated into the School of Medicine’s clinical foundations course.

One of the concepts for the course itself is for the School of Medicine Academic Communities to engage with outside, non-UC San Diego communities to look at social determinants of health, environmental and occupational health, cultural humility, and disparities. In this instance, groups From UC San Diego News Center — Photos of medical students engage with several high schools in the region to perform a community by Erika Johnson/University Communications)

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

FUN & GAMES

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COMMUNITY

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 |

21

Farm to Table – Local Organic Farm Fresh Produce

Bulk Foods Section

Everything in the market was family designed.

For 50 years and three generations, the Stehly family has farmed with hard work and love. For the past 15 years, their passion for growing organic food is seen in the smiles and faces of brothers Jerome and Noel Stehly.

Recently I met with Jerome Stehly, to talk about the history and the goals of the family farm in Valley Center. He invited me to join him in the restaurant section of their beautiful new grocery store on Adams Avenue in Kensington.

The corner building which houses the Stehly Farms Market, is newly built and has never before been occupied . . . rather like a blank canvas upon which the artist can paint and create.

The “artists” in this case are Jerome and Noel. The specific tone of paint for the ceiling, different shade for the walls, the type of lighting, the construction of shelving and aisle units, are all family designed and built. As Jerome says, “farmers today have to know how to do everything!” The result is a store with a warm, friendly ambiance, much like shops I have seen in Paris. The artistic way the vegetables and fruit are stacked on the shelves ,

the beautifully prepared food to take out or eat on the premises, visually draws the customer in . . . like a beautiful painting.

I asked him what his favorite part of the entire store was: “The kitchen,” he laughed. “I taste everything first! Food is a fun thing to play with . . . it can be beautiful and it appeals to four senses. I love to cook!” He did admit, however, that he cooks very little now, because his wife rules the kitchen at home.

Stehly’s other market at 1231 Morena Blvd, San Diego, has the same excellent organic produce and products, but you have visit Kensington to enjoy their restaurant.

Since graduating from culinary school, Stehly’s Executive Chef, Craig Madden, has worked at four restaurants in Kensington and as a sous chef at a fine dining restaurant in Rancho Bernardo. This is where Jerome discovered him, and brought him back to Kensington, much to everyone’s delight. “We have a ‘from scratch’ kitchen, everything is prepared by hand,” Craig informed me, and also added that the food selections are his personal creations.

Chef Madden is planning to have demonstrations and cooking classes. The first demon-

Executive Chef Craig Madden

Entrees, Sandwiches, Salads

BY HEATHER R. FRIEDMAN

Fresh Organic Produce

stration will be with their family-made Meyer Lemon Preserves and a class for pickling cucumbers at home. More recipes? Ask the chef. He will be delighted to talk with you.

Inside Stehly Farm’s organic, gourmet market, you will find not only fresh foods but also aisles of canned, boxed, frozen, and packaged items. They have everything and anything that you could want, from specialty chocolate bars to bulk seeds and grains, from pasta and cheeses to beverages and breads. It is all here.

Stehly Farms has been very planet conscious for some time, not only on the farm but also energy efficient in the store. I asked Jerome about the changes in the history of Stehly Farms.

“Originally we were egg farmers, but 30 years ago we got out of the chicken business and 15 years ago we became organic; clean products — no nitrates, no preservatives and hormone free meats. We also diversified our products on the farm to need less water. Water is our biggest problem.”

Whatever products Stehly Farms doesn’t grow, such as apples, they buy from other local farms who farm as organically and efficiently as they do.

I wondered how they were able to keep their prices down, and Jerome told me that they only buy at good deals, passing it on to the consumer, so that their products are better priced than many other organic stores.

Jerome enjoys meeting his customers, so next time you come in, say hello.

Parking on Adams Avenue can be a challenge, but I am happy to say that there is plenty of parking in back of the market.

Stehly Farms Market 4142 Adams Ave. No. 101. (619) 280-7400 NOTE: There are three very special events held each year at the Stehly Farm in Valley Center. Strawberry Picking in March, Blackberry Picking in June, and Pumpkin Patch Day in October.

Each event is family friendly with a playground, petting corral, tractor driven tours of the farm, and good food.

If your school or organization wants your own special event at the Stehly Farm, please email: Jenn@stehlyfarmsorganics.com.

Fresh Organic Produce

Brothers Jerome, left, and Noel Stehly.

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| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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