April 2012
On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com
Volume 2 – Number 4
LA MESA REDISTRICTING By David Ogul
Existing 53rd District
New Boundary
San Diego, CA
Few cities in the region may be affected by redistricting in the coming elections as much as La Mesa. No more will the city be in Republican Brian Jones’ 77th Assembly District. Instead, most La Mesans will find themselves residing within a redrawn 79th, a district many people believe is vulnerable to being captured by a Democrat. And no more will the city be in conservative U.S. Rep. Duncan D. Hunter’s 52nd Congressional District. Instead, La Mesa will sit on the eastern rim of the revised 53rd, a district represented by Democrat Susan Davis. “I think for the most part, East County was kept together during the redistricting process. The exception is with La Mesa,” said Barry Jantz, a former La Mesa City Councilman, the current CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District and someone who has long been involved in California Republican politics. “It affects you if you are a La Mesa resident to the extent that if you’re used to dealing with your representative, if you’re used to dealing with someone in that office, you’re going to have to get used to dealing with someone else,” Jantz said. Jess Durfee is the chairman of the San Diego County Democratic Party and chaired the state Democratic Party’s redistricting subcommittee. He said the changes make sense. “What I observed was community groups going before the (state redistricting) commission and making the statement that folks in La Mesa more closely associated with San Diego, that is to say really more so with the neighborhoods of San Carlos and Del Cerro.” He added that La Mesa will probably fare better in securing state services, as Democrats are firmly in control of the Sacramento power structure. “When you’re represented by Democrats, you’re going to have better access to the Democratic leadership in Sacramento. It’s going to help to be connected with legislators who actually are in a position of affecting legislation.” Durfee also noted that registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans in La Mesa. Thus, it makes sense for them to be represented by Democrats at the state and national levels. But Jantz saw a downside to the switch. Republicans control the House of Representatives. Unless the Democratic Party takes control of the House after the November elections, having a Democrat – Susan Davis – represent La Mesa isn’t going to help the city. So how did we get here? The once-a-decade redistricting process has long been used by the majority party to strengthen its grip on political power. The result, critics said, were gerrymandered districts that split some neighborhoods and made little sense to many. See Redistricting, page 6
BUDD WILLIS AND THE Spring Harp Fest
“I wanted to know what the notes mean and why it’s done this way. When we sing (in the choir), the music we produce is larger than the sum of its parts. It’s the same thing with the blues. It involves “heart and soul.” The following April the first Spring Harp Fest was held in La Mesa at Harry Griffen Park. Thirteen years later it’s still going strong, with a devoted following. The next one will be held on April 7th. It’s a free event with an educational mission. Etta was on the board of the Girl’s Club on 33rd St. in San Diego in a bad neighborhood, so the proceeds from the first few festivals paid for music classes there. Then they began providing music programs for the La Mesa Boys & Girls Club; today the event Free Event April 7th Celebrates funds a special arts program for school children throughout the Blues Harmonica County through Blues Lovers United San Diego (blusd.org). “The festival is about the music, the people who come and Budd Willis is a high-energy person who was an ultrathe kids who receive the benefit. I really believe that music saves marathon runner for many years. One of his greatest accomkids. It’s that discipline, that template for doing other things th plishments was finishing 78 out of 500 in the Western States in life. So the net proceeds after the event go to Blues in the 100-mile Run in 1987. When he retired almost 15 years ago Schools (BITS),” explains Budd. “It now costs about $3,000 to after teaching elementary school for 36 years (never having put on the festival, but none of that goes to the musicians. They Left to right: John Frazer, Robb Bower missed a single day), he issued himself a new challenge, “What all donate their time and Budd Willis at the 2011 event can I do that I thought I could never do?” And he found the and talent to this event. answer in music. Antica Trattoria Funding comes from sponsors, including the City of La Although, he had no music background, he decided to join the church choir at Trinity Mesa, which has been supportive from the start.” Presbyterian, along with his wife, Vicki. “I wanted to build my spiritual side, to get away from John, Chet and Budd were the sole organizers the the frenetic pace of running. And I was really affected by the lyrics of these songs; they touched first few years; then Chet (who is a very experienced my life in a very positive way.” singer/songwriter) had to move on to other things. At Then one night, a year and a half after he retired, Budd happened to visit a club called that point Robb Bower came in and took the event to st Etta’s Place at 61 and University Ave., where he saw these guys playing blues harmonica. He a whole new level, according to Budd. “He brought a was blown away by that music and became friends with two members of the group that was ton of experience putting on festivals like the very large performing, John Frazer and Chet Cannon, and learned to play the harmonica. See Harp Fest, page 8
Restaurant Review See Page 5
Page 2
LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
Noteworthy
April
New Queens Crowned in La Mesa and Santee On Friday, March 2, the City of La Mesa and the City of Santee held one of their grandest traditions, the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee Pageants. Honorable Mayor Art Madrid and Vice Mayor Rob McNelis were in attendance to formally present Miss La Mesa 2012 Lindsey Palser, Miss La Mesa Teen 2012 Jaclyn Combs, Miss Santee 2012 Victoria Heyne and Miss Santee Teen 2012 Casey Maynard.
Events Calendar
THIRD ANNUAL EAST COUNTY EARTH DAY – APRIL 1 Join us for the Third Annual East County Earth Day. Co-hosted by The Jarrett Meeker Foundation and Mt. Helix Park, East County Earth Day will feature vendors such as I Love a Clean San Diego, The California Wolf Center and Fair Trade San Diego with interactive environmental and wildlife presentations. Live music performances are to include Tim Egan’s Band, David Rouillard and George Comes. Educational speakers such as Karen Contreras of Urban Plantations and Marion Stacey of The Hummingbird Rescue, food, children’s activities and a Zoo Animal Art contest will make the day complete. Parking and shuttles will run from the fire station on Mt. Helix Drive as well as from Grossmont High School. The event will be held on Sunday, April 1, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mt. Helix Park Amphitheater, 4905 Mr. Helix Drive, La Mesa. Contact Peggy Junker at 619-741-4363 or pjunker@mthelixpark.org.
LA MESA-FOOTHILLS DEMOCRATIC CLUB HOSTS STACY TAYLOR—APRIL 4 Stacy Taylor will be the featured speaker at the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club April meeting. Stacy is no stranger to the Club. He first appeared when he was the popular and controversial host of the Stacy Taylor Show on KLSD, then again as part of the Club’s Radio Daze panels. He likes dialogue, and his exchanges with his audiences make him a crowd pleaser according to member Stuart Strenger. Stacy is now a regular host at San Francisco’s KGO talk radio on Sunday afternoons. His broadcast can be heard live in many parts of San Diego County. Group meets on Wednesday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr.
SPRING HARP FEST XIII – APRIL 7 Free blues music event from noon to 6 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, perfect for the whole family. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket, umbrella and camera. Benefits educational music program in the schools. See www.springharpfest.com (For more details see our newspaper story, “Budd Willis and the Spring Harp Fest” on page 1.)
(l. - r.) Miss Santee Teen 2012 Casey Maynard, Miss Santee 2012 Victoria Heyne, Miss La Mesa 2012 Lindsy Palser, Miss La Mesa Teen 2012 Jaclyn Combs. A total of 31 young women from the East County entered the pageants in hopes of becoming their City’s ambassadors. The contestants were scored on personal interview, speech, poise and personality, sportswear, evening gown and an on stage question. The young women will spend their year attending grand openings, parades and city events. The Miss winners each received a $1,000 scholarship and the Teen winners each received a $500 scholarship. The La Mesa essay winners each received a $250 scholarship from La Mesa Chamber President Mary England in memory of her son Bobby, and the Santee essay winners each received a $250 scholarship, thanks to Sportsplex USA.
Two Brothers Winners of Soap Box Derby Rally
MT. HELIX EASTER SUNRISE SERVICES—APRIL 8 Annual Sunrise Services begin at 6:30 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa will be hosting this glorious Mt. Helix tradition this year. Shuttles will run from the fire station beginning at 6 a.m. Dress warmly and bring a blanket!
WHODUNIT BOOK CLUB – NEW CLASSES START APRIL 10
Declan and Aiden Bardin of La Mesa dominated the results of the two-day Drew Ford/Kiwanis Club of La Mesa Soap Box Derby Rally Races on March 3 and 4 in La Mesa. Between them the Bardin brothers won four first place trophies, two second place and two third place awards. The boys are students at Literacy First Charter School in El Cajon. The Kiwanis Club conducts two Declan and Aiden Bardin: Soap rally races each year, in March and Box Derby is serious business. November, and one annual local race, winners of which qualify for the national derby. This year’s local race will be on Saturday, May 19. The club and its sponsors provide financial support to the winners and their families for airfare and shipment of their derby cars to Akron. Derby cars are built from kits that cost about $650. For more information and to register to enter an upcoming race contact Dennis Wilkes at 619-709-5777.
College Prep Middle School Students Earn Their Robotics Stripes! Eight students from College Preparatory Middle School (CPMS) in La Mesa competed in the Greater San Diego Botball Tournament on March 10, at the University of San Diego. The CPMS Robotics Team was one of 18 regional Members of the Cyber Stripes Botball teams from San show off their awards. Diego, Arizona and Mexico competing at the tournament. The competition was tough and comprised of mostly high school teams but the newly formed middle school team called the Cyber Stripes, took 5th place in the seeding rounds and received the Rookie Award. Students competing in the tournament were: Nathan Cummins, Leif Erickson, Aaron Hom, James Iannessa, Kenneth Lopez, Chance Lux, Anthony Thomas and Ben Vukelich.
Mystery fans, read and discuss mysteries at the Whodunit Book Club, a free Grossmont Adult School class that starts Tuesday, April 10 at the El Cajon Library, 201 E. Douglas Avenue, El Cajon. The weekly class is scheduled from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. in the library Seminar Room. To access the reading list, go to http://adultschool.guhsd.net. The reading list is posted under the “Students” tab in the Textbook/Supply List. To register, go to the website and click on “online registration button.” For more information, call the Foothills Adult Education Center, (619) 588-3500.
BOOK PUBLISHING 1-2-3 – APRIL 12 Book Publishing 1-2-3: From the Writer’s Fingers to the Reader’s Hands, a lecture-workshop is designed to empower and inspire writers. Sprinkled with stories and tips about the business by Laurie Gibson, an editor/proofreader who’s worked with more than 100 firsttime authors during her 15-year career. The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 12, 6:30–7:30 p.m. at Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, 8513 La Mesa Boulevard for a fee of $10. No pre-registration required. Questions? Call 858-635-1233 or wordworker1@earthlink.net.
GROSSMONT COLLEGE CERAMICS ART EXHIBIT – THROUGH APRIL 12 Grossmont College’s Hyde Art Gallery is currently presenting “Beyond the Limit,” a ceramics exhibit with works by Kelly Berning, Yoonchung Kim, and Sasha Koozel Reibstein. This exhibition, through April 12, features 42 pieces and Tyler Henry Torquato is free to the public. The Gallery is open from 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Gallery is located in Building #25 on the Grossmont College campus at 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. Visit www.grossmont.edu.
GROSSMONT COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY – APRIL 13, 14 Grossmont College will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a weekend of free events for the community with the “50-Year Spectacular” celebration. A complete schedule of events can be viewed at www.grossmont.edu/50years. (For more details, see our story in this newspaper on page 11.)
See Noteworthy, Page 12
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Celebrating a century The Story of La Mesa of art in La Mesa Life at Grossmont by Cynthia Robertson The City of La Mesa has grown in every way in the past 100 years, including the arts. While it used to be that art was accessible only to the privileged, today art touches everyone. Two organizations within La Mesa predominate in bringing art to the private and public lives of people. First is the Foothills Art Association which started in October 1949, as an offshoot of the Art Department of the La Mesa Women’s Club. In 1957, after the construction of the Ben Polak Memorial Fine Arts Center at 8053 University Avenue, the Association held its meetings and displayed art in the Lamplighters’ Theater. After several relocations over the decades, Foothills has found a fine home at the Porter Hall at 4910 Memorial Drive. Meetings, demos, classes, and the regular monthly art shows are held at the historic building. The arts scene under Foothills is thriving. “Foothills aims to make the viewing of original, local Fine Art easily accessible at no cost to the La Bob Franc displays his artwork Mesa population,” said Presidepicting a La Mesa scene dent Hazel Ross. The monthly demonstrations by top local artists are open and free to the public. Low cost or free classes--from drawing, painting and even color pencil--are also held in the Gallery on a regular basis. Members also can attend life drawing classes and critique sessions. Accomplished local artists such as Hazel Ross and Jack Jordan teach the classes to both new artists and top professionals. Roz Oserin started taking oil painting lessons nearly five years ago from Jordan. “Jack encouraged me to join the local art groups in order to expand my knowledge and get to know other artists. I joined Foothills about 4 years ago, and really enjoy my membership,” said Oserin, who has many of her Foothills-created artworks on the walls of her La Mesa salon. For the Centennial celebration, Foothills members have been requested to paint some of the city’s historic sites. Opening day reception for those original artworks will be on the weekend after the Flag Day Parade in June. While Foothills Art Association caters to the creation of art for one’s own private enjoyment, with the exception of the Centennial Project, La Mesa ARTS Alliance serves the arts needs of the general public. Under the umbrella of the La Mesa Parks and Recreation Foundation, the volunteerdriven Alliance was created to proffer a toolbox of arts experiences to the community. The acronym of ARTS spells out its goals: Access, React, Teach and Share. One of the Alliance’s most important public art ventures is the painting of 30 utility boxes that line the ARTS Alliance sponsored the painting of corridor of University Avenue public utility boxes by local school children from 70th Street to Allison Avenue. Students from Helix Charter High School, La Mesa Middle School and various elementary schools have been assigned to paint the boxes. The project meets one of the Alliance’s goals to expand the arts into public education. The La Mesa Community Center has a
High in 1942 By Pam Crooks and Kathy Crawford
Top: Jean Jean Busch and Jean Haslam entered GrossBusch mont High in the fall of 1938, as La Mesa was experiencing dramatic growth and war clouds Bottom: Jean were piling up on the horizon. Their high school Haslam years loom large in their memories as a time of close friendship and innocent fun, jarred by the realities of Pearl Harbor in the middle of their senior year. In 1930, the population of La Mesa was round 2,500; by 1949 that number had more than quadrupled to 11,000 residents. Building slowed greatly during the Great Depression, but by the late 1930s new housing developments were springing up in just about every quadrant of the City, and several growing neighborhoods were annexed during this period. But there was still only one high school by the time the two Jeans graduated from La Mesa Grammar School, so they enrolled with other kids they grew up with. Going to Grossmont High was something they had looked forward to for a long time….
Visit to the GHS Museum Brings Back Memories One day recently these two friends re-visited the high school campus and met Connie Baer, retired GHS teacher and member of the Class of 1965, who, with her sister Lynn, founded and directs a museum dedicated to the history of the school as a volunteer. Surrounded by meticulously organized and lovingly displayed school photos, trophies, uniforms and yearbooks dating back to the early 1920s, memories came Jean M. looks at 1942 yearbook flooding back to the two older women as with Connie Baer, Director they looked around. of the GHS Museum Jean Busch Casteel was very actively involved in the school’s music program and sang in the Red Robed Choir. The group sang at school assemblies, special events, in the Christmas pageant, for Spring concerts and at the sunrise Easter service at the Mt. Helix amphitheater. But she also remembers dancing at lunchtime to the popular music of the day—Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, etc.—thanks to a history teacher, Mr. Crippen, who would place a record player in the doorway of his classroom so the music The Blue Notes could be heard in the courtyard. By their senior year, Jean had also formed a popular singing trio called the Blue Notes with two girlfriends, Millie Foster and Harriet Sherwood. She proudly shows their photo on page 39 of their 1942 yearbook, El Recuerdo. See Two Friends, Page 8
See Art in La Mesa, Page 12
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LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
Life in La Mesa By Pam Crooks, Editor
First, I want to let you know about a few changes you may notice with this issue of the Courier. Donna Alm wrote to tell me she’s back on the road with her husband in their RV, but will be sending us occasional stories as she travels. Meanwhile, I’m pleased to introduce a new column this month, “What’s Cooking with Julie,” and to welcome a seasoned journalist to our roster of writers—David Ogul. I found David’s piece about the effects of redistricting on La Mesa very interesting reading and can’t wait to try Julie’s recipe for white bean chili. Each season has its special pleasures in La Mesa, but this time of year may be my favorite. I love the soft green color on every hillside, the mounds of purple statice that have appeared in my yard and the fragrance of citrus blossoms and sage in the air right now. I’ve even been enjoying the recent bouts of stormy weather, which have been wreaking havoc with my landscaping. I had planned to take a vacation in April, but besides these once-a-year pleasures, I don’t want to miss out on any of the great local events taking place this month--most of them free. For starters, there’s the East County Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 1st, when many local vendors and non-profit organizations will be promoting green causes at the top of Mt. Helix. On Saturday afternoon, April 7th, the Spring Harp Fest offers some great blues performers on an outdoor stage at Harry Griffen Park while the next day, Easter Sunrise Services will be held in the Mt. Helix Amphitheater, hosted by Christ Lutheran Church. I have Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th blocked off for the two-day 50th anniversary spectacular at Grossmont College—an event which probably won’t be matched for another 50 years! Hmmm. And there’s all the gardening that really needs to be done after the March rains. I’ll bet I could find some great tips at the Water Conservation Garden’s Spring Fest, coming up on April 28th. No, I don’t think I want to leave town in April. Perhaps May or June would be better? But then there’s Explore Mission Trails Day on May 19, and the Chamber’s Taste of La Mesa event on June 11, and… Be sure to check out our April Events column starting on page 2, for more specific details about all the ones I mentioned above and more. I hope to meet you at some of them!
La Mesa Reads By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian Last month at the San Diego County Library’s La Mesa Branch our most popular fiction books were both by bestselling authors. The Dog Who Came in from the Cold by Alexander McCall Smith was one of your top selections. Fans of McCall Smith’s popular No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books won’t be disappointed by his new Corduroy Mansions series. The Dog Who Came in from the Cold is the second installment, and follows the misadventures of a London wine merchant surrounded by a hilarious cast of characters. The first book, Corduroy Mansions, is also available in the San Diego County Library system. New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb was another popular choice for La Mesa readers. The latest in this series finds main character Eve Dallas fighting a vicious escaped killer that she previously brought to justice. Our top non-fiction books were an entertaining duo of health information and celebrity tell-all. Veganist by Kathy Freston details the popular fitness expert’s move to a vegan lifestyle as she outlines how to lose weight and improve health. Freston takes a gentle approach as she See La Mesa Reads, Page 6
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Page 5
BUON APPETITO! By Jim Madaffer
For the last 11 years, Chef Franoil and balsamic. We were offered sparcesco Basile has been treating locals at his kling while we perused the extensive wine Italian hideaway, Antica Tratorria. From list. the moment I walked in, I felt like I was The menu is simple and the prices are in southern Italy at a quaint bistro. This reasonable. No entrée is priced more than may be the best Italian restaurant in San $22 and most pasta dishes ranged between Diego. Antica is a treasure nestled in La $11 and $16. We asked what the popular Mesa. The food exceeds expectations and items were and they smartly told us “everysurpasses similar restaurants in Little Italy thing.” Standouts on the menu include and Gaslamp downtown. Chef Franco’s delicious bone-in pork chop Located at 5654 Lake Murray Blvd. (Maiale Alla Piemontese, which I have in La Mesa in the same shopping center as since had for lunch on a return visit), pistaVons and Outback Steakhouse, Antica has chio crusted salmon (Salmone Al Pistacbeen a local favorite for years with many chio) and “Bosatina” (Little Purse) ravioli of the same customers since the day Franstuffed with wild porcini mushrooms. cesco opened the doors. We ordered the “Risotto Ai Funghi” The chefs at Antica Tratorria know made with arborio rice cooked in a vegehow to cook really good Italian food. table stock, porcini and wild mushrooms, Owner and Chef, Franco, as his friends parmesan cheese with truffle oil ($16) call him, was born near Palermo, Sicily and “Farfalle Al Portobello” made with and grew up cooking Bowtie pasta with at some of the finest grilled portobello QUICK FACTS resorts and chic mushrooms, sun5654 Lake Murray towns in Italy. Chef dried tomatoes and Blvd., La Mesa. (619) Franco immigrated asparagus in a vodka 463-9919, reservations to the United States cream sauce ($13). strongly suggested. 20 years ago. He While we waited moved to Huntington for our entrees we www.AnticaTrattoria.com Beach and worked enjoyed a delectable Lunch Tuesday through for a friend from Mozzarella Caprese Friday, dinner nightly. his home town at made with fresh a restaurant called burrata cheese, fresh Rating: 5 out of 5 Mangia, Mangia. sliced tomatoes, fire He held a few more roasted red peppers, cooking jobs in Orange County before and crisp basil ($10). For wine we selected landing in San Diego where he was chef a bottle of Super Sicilian, Rapitala ’07 at Osteria Panevino. In 2001 he opened for $34. The service, food and wine were Antica Tratorria and hasn’t looked back splendid. The timing between courses was since. precise and unrushed. I am also Italian and have been to Chef Franco has a 10 year old Italy a couple of times. When it comes to daughter and his wife Marta helps in the good Italian food, my favorite by far is back office. He is passionate about his the cooking style of Southern Italy. Chef family and the food he prepares. Chef Franco rivals the fine dining I’ve experiFranco treats his customers like guests in enced in Sorrento, Sicily or Rome. his home. The menu at Antica changes Shortly after settling into a charming every 30-40 days so it is always fresh and corner table, our waiter Andy Gomez seasonal. He welcomes special requests for brought us fresh warm bread which is anything not on the menu. baked fresh throughout the evening. Antica Tratorria is a real Italian treaComplementing the bread was a tasty olive sure and I can’t wait to go back again.
Antica Tratorria Sous Chef Eric Ruiz; owner and Chef Francesco Basile; and Host Extraordinaire Andy Gomez.
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LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
News and Views
Redistricting, from page 1
What’s Happening in the La Mesa Chamber By Mary England, CEO La Mesa Chamber of Commerce On Wednesday, April 11, join us for breakfast with La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves at the Masonic Lodge. Come and meet our new Chief and his leadership team and get to know them. They will share their thoughts, vision and plans for our community. Visit our web site www.lamesachamber.com, and click on our events calendar for information on this and many more events planned throughout 2012. Get ready to taste some of the best food in the region! If you are going on a diet, start it now because you will want to “eat your heart out” on June 11, as the Chamber holds its 4th Annual “Taste of La Mesa - Taste of the Century.” To capture the excitement of the 100th Anniversary of the City of La Mesa, we have added the tag line, “Taste of The Century.” This event is expanding to entertain a larger crowd by renting both areas of the La Mesa Community Center. This expansion will allow more people to enjoy the food and interact with our beverage providers for an extra special evening. We’re currently beginning our marketing of this popular event, and to date are proud to announce the following sponsors: Title Sponsor - Unique Travel Concepts; Marketing Sponsor - Sycuan Casino; Advertising Sponsor - La Mesa Courier; Gourmet Sponsors - Borrego Springs Bank, Kirk Paving and SDG&E. We will be featuring beer from Karl Strauss Brewery; San Pasqual Winery has been secured as one of our wine providers and we’d like to add more. If you own a winery or know of one you think would enjoy participating in this event, call Mary England 619-465-7700. This year because of the increased space, we are adding a new level of pricing for a VIP (early entry) ticket, with the added benefit of Preferred Parking. Those guests will enjoy an “up close and personal” experience with our restaurants and beverage providers from 5 - 6 p.m., prior to the general admission ticket holders arriving at 6 p.m. The crowd last year had an opportunity to sample fare from over 28 local restaurants. This year our goal is to increase the number of restaurants and beverage providers to make this truly the “Event of the Century.” For the past three years this event has sold out. We are currently contacting our wait list people from last year to give them the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2012 event. We recommend you log onto our website today to order tickets: www. lamesachamber.com. Sponsorship opportunities are still available so call us right away if you’re interested, 619-465-7700. This month the Chamber www.LakeMurrayFitness.com wishes to welcome the following new members and encourages No initiation fees! you to visit them. Welcome to: Through March 31st Copylink, El Camino MemoA $120 VALUE! rial - La Mesa, Lantern Crest In 2 Personal and 1 Pilates Training Sessions Senior Living, Walmart #5140, Publishing and Foot Lake Murray Fitness • Full Gym Memberships Century 5611 Lake Murray Blvd. Solutions. For more informa• Personal Trainers La Mesa CA 91942 Pilates tion about these members, • • Strength & Conditioning visit our web site: www.lamesa 619.674.6898 chamber.com.
In 2008, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the League of Women Voters were among those who successfully challenged the system. Proposition 11 on the November 2008 ballot set up a 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission responsible for drawing the district lines for the State Senate, Assembly, and State Board of Equalization. Two years later reformists went after congressional redistricting, too. Proposition 20 was passed with more than 61 percent of the vote, putting congressional districts in the hands of the commission, too. The most contested election for La Mesa promises to be in the 79th Assembly District. Democrat Shirley Weber, a former San Diego school board member; Republican Mary England, a Lemon Grove City Councilwoman who has been president and CEO of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce for the past four years; Democrat and Chula Vista City Councilman Rudy Ramirez; and longtime community activist and Democratic Sid Voorakkara will face each other in the June primary. Under new rules that go into effect this year, the top two vote-getters, no matter what party they belong to, will face off in the November election. The district includes La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Bonita, much of eastern Chula Vista, Mission Valley and portions of eastern San Diego. Redistricting will mean little change for La Mesans when it comes to the state Senate. The city lies entirely within Joel Anderson’s 36th Senate District. Although the new maps show Anderson’s realigned district being renamed the 38th, it still includes all of La Mesa. David Ogul is a freelance writer based in San Diego.
La Mesa Reads, from page 4 shares how to “lean” into a vegan diet. Me by Ricky Martin was another popular non-fiction book. International superstar Martin opens up about his early childhood, the beginning of his career, and fatherhood. Please contact the staff at the library if you are interested in any of these titles. On Saturday, April 21st at 1 p.m., learn how to automate your finances. A financial planner will teach you how to save time and reduce frustration by managing your finances from home. Use automation to improve your credit score and reach your financial goals. The La Mesa Branch library is open seven days a week. We invite you to stop in to one of our many programs, browse our collection, and let our staff know how we can assist you. As always, please come in and check out what’s new.
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The Auto Club Celebrates 112 years of Member and Community Service At the turn of the 20th century, San Diego car owners coped with impassable roads, unreliable automobiles and inconsistent traffic rules. In spite of the driving challenges, 10 men recognized that the automobile would play a key role in the future and founded the Automobile Club of Southern California in December 1900. Starting in Los Angeles, they wanted to promote the construction of good roads, protect the rights and privileges of motorists and provide travel services and social events for members. Today, this organization’s more than six million Southern California members have made it the largest member of the AAA federation in the United States. And community service has been at the heart of the Club’s activities. Among the Auto Club’s social gatherings prior to 1910 were auto races. There were races near Point Loma that featured famed driver Auto Club patrol car and pilot Eddie Rickenbacker. Other road races assisting motorists were run near Imperial. The races also were used to demonstrate the safety and reliability of cars which helped further the causes of more liberal speed laws and road construction. One of the more popular services in the early years was “sign posting.” As road touring became popular, good maps and direction signs were needed, so the Auto Club started posting See Auto Club, Page 10
What’s Cooking with Julie
My name is Julie Heacock White. I feel so honored to be able to share my passion for cooking with you. I grew up in La Mesa, and my husband and I raised our two children here. We both love the people and the town of La Mesa. I have been a decorative painter and muralist in San Diego for over 25 years. I love coming home from work and cooking up a meal for a husband who really is appreciative. I hope I can inspire you with some recipes and tips!
White Bean Chili Ingredients: 6 Tbls. olive oil 2 lbs. ground turkey 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4 cloves of garlic chopped 4 medium zucchini cut into cubes 1 bag (5 oz.) fresh baby spinach, chopped ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 2 cans (15-oz.) white cannellini beans, drained 1 can (14-oz.) chicken broth 1 can (10-oz.) green mild enchilada sauce 2 Tbls. dried oregano 2 Tbls. ground cumin, salt and pepper to taste Freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping (or any other white cheese) Instructions: Brown the ground turkey in 2 Tbls. of olive oil in a large pot, and remove. In same pot add 4 Tbls. of olive oil, and sauté the onion, garlic and zucchini until just starting to brown. Add chopped spinach, parsley, spices and salt and pepper to taste. Add enchilada sauce, broth and beans. Return browned ground turkey to the same pot and cover and simmer over medium heat for 20 to 30 min. Add more broth if needed. Serve hot with either grated parmesan or crumbled goat cheese on top. NOTE: if you like it spicier, then add a diced fresh jalapeño. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips. This recipe will serve 6.
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7627 Normal Ave, La Mesa CA 91941 $299,000 In the heart of La Mesa, this fixer has had some of the work already done. The kitchen has been remodeled. Hardwood floors and even an optional bedroom not listed. This has a very large yard my many possibilities. There is only one photo as fix up is currently in progress. Purchase now and fix to your heart’s imagination.
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Harp Fest, from page 1 Julian Blues Festival…and now the ‘best of the best’ perform at our La Mesa event.” This year for example, Jon Gindick from Northern California, who teaches harmonica and “has written at least 20 books on the topic,” is one of the headliners as is Jason Ricci from L.A., “the best harmonica player alive today,” says Willis. “He smells it, tastes it--sees it in color!” Billy Watson, a “local phenom” from San Diego is in the line-up as is Rob Paparozzi from New York, and Bernard Purdie, “one of the most recorded drummers on the planet.” This, all according to Willis, who has become the event’s biggest promoter. “It’s the biggest harmonica party in California at this time of year!” he enthuses. “There are a lot of blues festivals, but I don’t know of any event focused on the harp (harmonica).” He recommends bringing the kids, low lawn chairs, blankets, an umbrella and definitely a camera. One of the most popular events is the “unknown player’s jam.” For a small donation, anyone can stand up and play 12 bars of the blues for one minute. The audience, by their applause, then decides who wins the annual trophy and ribbon. Willis assures that is all family-oriented and very photogenic. When he’s not promoting the harp festival or singing in the church choir, Budd also volunteers for the BITS program, working with third graders in Santee at Rio Seco School. For someone who had never done music in his life until he was nearly 60 years old, Budd is also now a performer. He wrote the opening song for the Harp Festival—“Blues is our Business”--and he loves the great jam at the end when “everybody gets up there and plays.” Besides the enjoyment of his new calling, he claims there is a side benefit. After tackling and becoming successful at something so foreign to him, he says, “I’m not afraid of anything anymore. The center is calm.” In fact, just three years ago he tackled running the 240-mile John Muir Trail by himself -- from the bottom of Yosemite Valley to the top of Mt. Whitney—which required sleeping in the open each night along the way. The 13th annual Spring Harp Festival will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa. It is free and open to the public. www.springharpfest.com
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Two Friends, from page 3 Jean Haslam Murrell appears in the cheerleader photo on page 75. She wanted to be one from the time she was in elementary school and attended football games at the high school with her mom and a friend. “I decided then and there I would be one when I got to high school, “she said. Cheerleaders were members of the senior class and only five were chosen each year. “About 20 kids tried out, so when I found out I was one of the five, I ran home to tell my mother!” Her mother made the blue corduroy circle skirts for the girls on the squad. And Jean noted these had to come down to the knees. “We couldn’t wear the short skirts of later generations and absolutely not the shorts sometimes worn today!” She reminisced about cheering at all the games, including some as far away as Escondido and Oceanside. She loved every minute of it, clearly a highlight of her school Jean Haslam (2nd right) years. loved cheerleading But these two women share other memories not so typical of the high school experience. Jean C. described what she remembers of December 7, 1941, and the days following.
Effects of Attack on Pearl Harbor “It was Sunday, and my boyfriend and I went to my grandfather’s little store in Lemon Grove, where he sold candy and sandwiches. When we walked in we heard all this ‘boom, boom, boom’ racket coming from the radio, and I asked my grandfather what in the world was going on. He told me it was the bombing of Pearl Harbor. “Well my whole family panicked because my father was in Mexico lobster fishing and couldn’t be reached, and we didn’t know if there was an attack coming here or not.” Somehow her father got back quickly and decided to go and get her grandmother in Mission Beach See Two Friends, Page 14
LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
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KATE SESSIONS AND THE GREENING OF GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL When Grossmont High School was built in 1922, plans were made to landscape the school grounds. Connie and Lynn Baer, Directors of the Grossmont High School Museum, have done extensive research on the early landscape plans. They discovered in their research that famed San Diego horticulturist, Kate Sessions, was responsible for the beautiful landscape that surrounds the venerable grey stone building. Kate Sessions, the gardener for the City of San Diego in 1892, planted hundreds of trees in Balboa Park, creating the foundation of one of the most beautiful spots in San Diego. She transformed the Park from a barren wasteland into an oasis in the city. Her talents with plants were known all over San Diego County and she was the perfect choice to design the landscape plan for the school grounds. Her mission was to beautify all of San Diego and she worked tirelessly for decades to accomplish that goal. She spent her years educating the public at her Mission Hills Nursery and was involved in most of the major landscape developments in the city. The Baer sisters found stories in the old El Cajon Valley News about Kate Sessions and her plans to landscape the school property. The January 22, 1926 edition included the comment that the “Grossmont P.T.A. has completed plans for the planning of shrubbery and otherwise beautifying the school grounds and the work is already underway. This is the work for which the P.T.A. labored so zealously last year and it will prove to be an appropriate monument to their efforts.” The next issue, published on February 5, 1926, stated that “Miss Kate Sessions of San Diego who has charge of the campus work in the interest of the P.T.A. will talk of her plans and hopes for developing Grossmont as a beauty spot. She has lately returned from Europe, where she made a special study of the beautiful villas of France and Italy and we shall have the benefits of her study.” Other information from the P.T.A. history detailed the money spent on landscaping. Kate Sessions was paid $335.69 in 1925-1926 for her work on the school grounds. The P.T.A. notes commented that the “PTA donated money to purchase and plant ‘ficus repens,’ 50 plants of climbing fig. The Girls Horticulture class will plant along the walls of the building.”
The plant list for the grounds included: English and Boston ivy, Summer Vines, several types of palms, eucalyptus trees, Canary Island pine trees, Torrey Pines, Monkey Puzzle trees, Silk Oak trees, and Coco Plumosa trees. An article from the El Cajon Valley News of April 2, 1926, included the information that “The P.T.A. has just recently completed its tree and shrubbery planting campaign for the school. Last year the organization raised a fund of some $350 through various entertainments and the money has been most wisely spent on a comprehensive plan of landscape gardening under the supervision of Kate Sessions of San Diego. About 500 trees and shrubs have been planted around and in close proximity to the building; a long row of creeping ivy has been planted in front, and both courts have been improved Late 1920s yearbook photo with ornamental shrubbery and plants of various kinds.” Today the Old Main building is undergoing restoration and the original ivy planted on the walls has been carefully removed and preserved. A number of faculty members have taken cuttings of the ivy home and are lovingly tending to these plants. Plans are to replant these segments of the original ivy when the building’s restoration is finally completed. K.C.
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LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
Auto Club, from page 7
Saturday, April 28th in Rancho San Diego
signs in 1907. Over the years, about 400,000 Auto Club direction and safety signs were posted on hundreds of Southern California roads and as far as east as New York City. The Club also produced maps and tourbooks that were noted for their accuracy. Later it joined the American Automobile Association (AAA), so members could receive service throughout the nation. In 1909, the first Auto Club TourBook® appeared. It featured 388 pages of maps, historical sites, hotels and tourist camps and brief notes on state and local traffic laws. Later that year, the Club began publishing “Touring Topics” magazine which was looked upon as the “traveler’s bible.” A major article about San Diego was published nearly 100 years ago in September 1912. It pointed to this region as full of opportunities with “splendid roads, delightful scenery and superb climate.” One excerpt from the article describes San Diego’s back country as “colonies of musicians and of painters and of writers and at Grossmont, a high mount which over looks the beautiful El Cajon Valley and the rich and fertile citrus lands of La Mesa and Lemon Grove, are already quartered famous authors and artists who have built picturesque bungalows on the towering heights and work and play in an atmosphere and amid surroundings that are to be found in no other land.” By 1933, the magazine’s subject matter ranged beyond the Club to many facets of western living, and to reflect that widened scope, a search began for a new name. Hundreds were suggested before the winner was selected: “Westways.” Today, “Westways” is an awardwinning travel and entertainment magazine, and one of California’s oldest continually circu-
Residents in La Mesa have an advantage when it comes to farming in the city, or “Urban Farming.” In La Mesa, the lots surrounding most homes are big enough to house a vegetable garden and unique landscape designs that are sustainable and eco-friendly. You can’t find that in most cities in San Diego County. Who knows? Soon, with the city updating its general plan, including updating policies and revising codes, opportunities to farm in the urban setting might grow. So where do La Mesa residents go to learn more about urban farming and gardening, sustainable landscape design, alternative methods to build a more environmentallyfriendly home and more? A festival which includes presentations on these very same topics being held at the Water ConserFuture urban gardeners dig vation Garden right next to La Mesa in for worms in compost bin. Rancho San Diego, is your chance. See below for more information. Join the Water Conservation Garden, the Heritage of the Americas Museum and the Ornamental Horticulture Department at Cuyamaca College on Saturday, April 28th from 9 am to 4 pm as they present the 19th Annual Spring Garden Festival. This year’s theme is “Urban Farming” and will include experts on raising urban chickens, beekeeping and vegetable gardening. Garden professionals will be on hand to answer the most puzzling gardening and See Garden Festival, Page 12
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Photo courtesy Auto Club of Southern California
Experts on raising urban chickens, beekeeping and vegetable gardening scheduled
Auto Club-sponsored race on Point Loma in 1915. lated periodicals, having celebrated its centennial in 2009. As the number of members increased, the Auto Club added branches throughout Southern California starting in 1913. The first branch outside of headquarters was in San Diego. Today there are 11 San Diego area branches, including Grossmont and Rancho San Diego in La Mesa. To help reduce auto accidents during the 1920s, the Auto Club began providing communities with no-cost crossing guard, alcohol education, pedestrian and bicycle safety programs through its local offices. The organization’s legacy of community involvement continues today. The Auto Club works with cities and the state to improve driver and vehicle safety, improve air quality and ensure adequate means of financing roads and mass transit projects. From car racing, signposting and mapmaking in the early days, Auto Club member services today include its legendary roadside assistance, the largest leisure travel agency in the western U.S.; competitive auto, home, life and boat insurance; vehicle pricing and purchasing and an array of financial products including an Auto Club credit card and annuities. The Auto Club also returned to its car racing roots in recent years as a sponsor of NHRA and NASCAR drivers and a number of race tracks in Southern California. Members can access service through the Auto Club’s network of local branches, a toll-free number or its Web site at www.AAA.com. Since 1900, the Auto Club has been an active, visible part of Southern California culture. As it celebrates 112 years of service, the Automobile Club of Southern California plans future growth by building on its rich history of community involvement and member service.
LA MESA COURIER SPECIAL
Expires 4/30/12
LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
Page 11
‘50-Year Spectacular’ Grossmont College Open House, April 13 & 14 A 50-year anniversary doesn’t happen every day, so Grossmont College will celebrate its golden moment in history with a blowout weekend of free events for the community to enjoy April 13 and 14 at the El Cajon campus. Music lovers, foodies, dancers, amateur scientists, artists, CSI fans, poets, fitness and health devotees, theater lovers, techies, gamers, math whizzes – there’s something for everyone. So much so that visitors will want to come both days for the hands-on activities and demonstrations showcasing Grossmont’s incredible offerings and extensive learning opportunities. “Our faculty and staff are opening our doors and inviting local residents to take advantage of the incredible resources that are available in their backyard,” said Grossmont College President Sunny Cooke. “We’re hosting a fun-filled, family-oriented festival that will appeal to the community like never before.” Featuring an old-fashioned Sock Hop dance, a dozen gourmet food trucks, cooking classes, a dedication ceremony for the college’s two newest high-tech buildings, and even the opportunity to join in an attempt to set a new world record, the two days will be jam-packed with events celebrating the college’s half-century of academic excellence in the East County. Dubbed “A 50-year Spectacular,” the celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the college’s Main Quad with student musical performances until 7:30 p.m. of the gospel choir, jazz ensemble and Afro-Cuban ensemble. A Sock Hop dance at 7:30 p.m. will cap Friday’s celebration with Footloose, a live classic oldies band in the Main Gym for all ages. Free dance lessons in a classroom near the Main Gym will have you doing the twist, the swim and the mashed potato in no time to show off at the Sock Hop. Among Saturday’s events: a 9:30 a.m. dedication ceremony for Grossmont’s remodeled
student center, along with the Student Services and Administration building; a Department Fair from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; classic vintage cars on display: a Guinness World’s Record attempt at noon in the Main Quad with free T-shirts for joining in. After working up an appetite, enjoy the savory fare of a dozen gourmet food trucks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The college’s celebration is scheduled to end at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Department Fair will feature the latest educational innovations and technologies of Grossmont’s departments and disciplines, including theater arts, music, health professions, culinary arts, math and English, administration of justice, and exercise science. What’s on tap: -- Create your own video game, dissect a sheep brain, and make your own lip balm, lipstick, super bouncy balls and ceramics artwork; Drawing and painting either digitally or with paints and pencils; Compete in a mathematics “Wheel of Fortune” game; Tour a mock indoor crime scene, blood-spatter room and bullet trajectory demonstration; Tour the college’s TV studios, digital audio recording studio and college radio station; Take a compass traverse and GPS scavenger hunt; -- Watch student drama performances and tour the college’s performing arts theater; Preview a dance concert staring students; Watch Arabic dancing; See a demonstration of a rooftop telescope; Learn job-hunting techniques at the Career Center; Information on enrolling in college, financial aid and transferring to a four-year campus and making college affordable; Perform CPR on a mannequin, get an arm or finger cast, and view one’s oral bacteria under a microscope; Use collage and cut-ups to create a “Zine,” or homemade magazine and learn new techniques using popular software; Get tips on baking with chocolate and vegetables and fruit carving from award-winning chefs with the Culinary Arts department; -- Youth sports clinics led by college coaches on football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis and softball; A free body mass index reading at the Student Health Services office and a demonstration of an ultrasound echo machine; Learn about stroke risk, heart attacks, breast and skin cancer prevention, poison prevention, cholesterol and blood pressure control, and get fallprevention tips at a health promotion fair; Souvenir snapshots from the Photography Department of yourself in accessories from the college’s Theatre Arts Costume Shop; Combine a golf-cart ride across the campus with a math quiz from the Math Department (an incorrect answer means the ride is over); Enjoy children’s books and games from the 1960s; Compete in Grossmont’s first-ever Poetry Slam hosted by the English Department; Be part of a “Tell Us Your Grossmont Story” history department video; See student displays of jewelry (copper, brass) and three-dimensional design art pieces in cardboard, wire, clay, plaster and masking tape. Other presentation topics include popular software programs, computers that read to you and how your brain’s memory works, as well as presentations about art history, classical philosophy, Buddhism and Islam, the pre-Inca people of Bolivia, student readings of classical philosophy and a professional storyteller in the library. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.grossmont.edu/50years. No child care will be available. Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon. For driving directions and a campus map, visit www.grossmont.edu.
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LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
Noteworthy, from page 2
Art in La Mesa, from page 3
The Cyber Stripes team was launched by CPMS this past fall. Botball is a specialized league for schools and groups to create and complete robots and then compete in an organized tournament setting. For more information about what Botball is, and how one can get involved, visit www.botball.org.
Valhall Lodge Sons of Norway 100th Anniversary Gala The Valhall Lodge of the Sons of Norway celebrated the centennial of its founding last month. According to member Patricia Becker, the Lodge had its beginnings with a group of fisherman, who were extremely proud of their heritage. Thus, the Lodge was officially founded on March 24, 1912. More than 200 guests attended the Gala, including many members from La Mesa. The event was held on March 17, at the Koni Kai Spa and Resort in San Diego. Important guests that attended were the International Presiden Dan Rude, and Sten Arne Rosnes Norwegian Counsel General of Norway. The Lodge is located at the Masonic Temple, 7849 Tommy Dr, San Diego, CA. 92119. To learn more about meetings and activities www.lodgeofvalhall.com.
La Mesa-Mt. Helix Patch Staff Changes Eric Yates has been promoted to editor of the newly combined AOL’s online news site, the La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch. Eric has been a working San Diego journalist for the past nine years, for media outlets like the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego News Network, San Diego Magazine, and the San Diego Community Newspaper Group. He began work as editor of Mount Helix Patch in August 2010. He succeeds Ken Stone as editor of La Mesa Patch. Ken became associate regional editor for south San Diego County, overseeing six Patch sites.
Centennial Legacy Project Finalists Chosen The Centennial Legacy Project is well underway. The small triangle of land formed by the intersection of Allison Avenue, La Mesa Boulevard and Cypress Street has been approved as the site of the public art project celebrating La Mesa’s Centennial. The three finalists have been chosen and will submit their projects to the city for consideration and the winner will be announced in July. The three finalists are: Jennifer Bonner and Christian Strayner, Los Angeles based artists and designers who create public art projects in a wide range of media; La Mesa residents Jesus Dominguez, a sculptor and Professor of Art at San Diego State University, and Mary Lynn Dominguez, creator of public art; and Paul Hobson of San Diego who specializes in public art projects in a variety of media. Plans are to have the final installation in place by December 2013. See Noteworthy, Page 14
Walking Tour brochure available so that pedestrians can find and enjoy the students’ artwork. As a classical music gift to the city, the spring performance of the East County Youth Symphony will be held on Sunday, May 6. The event will feature all four units of the ECYS and will include a silent auction and refreshments. The performance is an example of their supporting cultural activities that raise respect for the arts.Another treasure of music presented by the Alliance is the Sundays at 6 Summer Concert Season which take place at Harry Griffen Park every summer. In honor of the Centennial, there will be ten free concerts at the Amphitheater in the park, beginning June 10 and ending on August 19. In July, the City of La Mesa will choose from among three Centennial Legacy Project proposals for a public art piece to be placed on the triangle property at the intersections of La Mesa Boulevard, Allison Avenue, and Cypress Street. The Centennial Legacy Project will feature a donor element and a time capsule. Foothills Art Association and the La Mesa ARTS Alliance are two jewels in the arts scene of La Mesa. Their existence ensures the legacy of art for the next 100 years.
Garden Festival, from page 10 landscape design questions, the college will offer horticulture demonstrations along with its biggest plant sale of the year and the museum will offer free tours throughout the day. Plus, live music and dance, an international food court and animal encounters for the kids make this a fun, family-friendly event. Visit www.cuyamaca.edu/springfest for more information. For a complete list of presentations at The Garden, go to www.thegarden.org/. “With cities like San Diego and Santee changing their rules about raising chickens and urban farming, I can’t think of a more appropriate or timely theme for this year’s festival,” said Elizabeth Ramos, director of development and communications at The Water Conservation Garden. “Urban farming offers people an opportunity to get back in touch with the basics of food production and to have a measure of control over the quality of food they eat.” Besides urban farming, there will be presentations on how to install a washing machine grey water system, sustainable straw bale buildings and permeable pavement and watershed protection. Ms. Smarty Plants will lead an owl education program about The Garden’s barn owls Hoot and Holla, who have taken up residence in The Garden for the second in year in a row to hatch and raise their owlets. Through The Garden’s owlcam, guests can even take a peek at the owls in action. Also, The Garden will offer its popular “Ask the Experts” program that features an arborist, master composters, vegetable gardeners and water experts. And, for just $20 visitors can get a private 20-minute landscape design consultation with a professional designer. Reservations can be made by calling (619) 660-0614 x 10. “The Spring Garden Festival has something for everyone – great food, entertainment, a huge plant sale, museum tours and activities for the kids,” added Ramos. “Come join us for a fun, educational, family-friendly day.”
About the Water Conservation Garden Opened in 1999, The Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water conservation and related natural resources through excellent exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the public. The Garden is supported in part by member water agencies, garden partnerships and private donations. For more information, please visit www.thegarden.org or call 619-660-0614 x10.
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LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
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Events, from page 2 MARCH FOR BABIES – APRIL 14 & APRIL 28 A La Mesa family is helping to raise awareness of premature births as the 2012 March for Babies ambassadors. Krista Torquato of La Mesa delivered her son, Tyler Henry, at 34 weeks and the Torquato family will participate as “Team Tyler Henry” in the upcoming March of Dimes for Babies event. The family will walk in celebration of Tyler’s healthy life and the thousands of premature babies born each year. The funds raised by the March of Dimes help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies right here in the San Diego area. The March for Babies will take place on April 14 at the Pier Amphitheater in Oceanside, and April 28 at Balboa Park. There will be live entertainment, food, and vendors. To register, visit www.marchforbabies.org or call 858-576-1211.
ART SHOW ‘PERSPECTIVES’ – APRIL 20 El Cajon Boulevard is changing quickly with great new restaurants such as Terra and the little coffee shop, Treehouse Coffee. Now there’s a great new gallery space at Biz Center, 7317 El Cajon Boulevard. The St. Clair Gallery space is an expansive place to display art, and the curated show, “Perspectives,” is an open forum for artists to interpret as they like. On April 20, from 6:30–9 p.m., the gallery will be showcasing the work of local artists as part of ongoing gallery showings every two months. For more information, contact Midge Hyde at 619-466-3711.
19th ANNUAL SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL – APRIL 28 The Annual Spring Garden Festival is a joint cooperative festival created by the Water Conservation Garden, the Heritage of the Americas Museum and the Ornamental Horticulture Department at Cuyamaca College. This year’s theme is “Urban Farming” and will include experts on raising urban chickens, beekeeping and vegetable gardening. Experts will be there to answer your questions, horticulture demonstrations will take place, a plant sale will be held, and there will be music and dancing, an international food court and animal encounters for children. More events, demonstrations and activities will be part of the festivities. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, view www.cuyamaca.edu.springfest or go to www. thegarden.org.
SPRING & SUMMER YOUTH RECREATION CLASSES – CITY OF LA MESA – REGISTER NOW! La Mesa Community Services is now accepting registrations for the Spring session that begins April 9th. New youth classes offered are: Baby Signs, Chess Challenge, 10andunder Tennis, and Woodshop Wizards. Other programs include: Art, Dance, Gymnastics, Fencing, Ice Skating, Small Friends Enrichment Programs, Stroller Strides La Mesa, Theater, Tiny Sports, Toddlers Tango, and World of Rhythm. Adult classes include: Aquatic classes, Ballet, Belly Dancing, Boot Camp, Dog Obedience, Fencing, Irish Folk Music, Tennis, Walk and Talk, Yoga, Zumba and many more. The City is also offering twelve “memories-to-be-made” summer day camps that will put a smile on any child, ages four years and up. These camps include: Art Smarts, Arts and Crafts, Creative Theater, Day Camp, Engineering, Fencing, Flag Football, Filmmaking, Jump Rope, Mad Science, Tennis and Woodworking. Call 619-6671300 for more information about any of these programs or view an online brochure and register at www.cityoflamesa.com/classes.
Especially For Seniors…
THE POWER OF TOUCH: HEALING FOR THE FAMILY CAREGIVER – APRIL 5 Family caregivers learn essential tools for self care and relaxation, techniques to enhance
the care you provide your loved one and simple healing touch techniques. The program includes a lecture, hands on demonstration and audience participation. Presented by Lisa Goodman, Integrative Care Coordinator, Sharp HospiceCare on Thursday, April 5 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Herrick Library, 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa. Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.
AGING: PLANNING AND COMMUNICATING – APRIL 18 A free conference for seniors and families will focus on advance care planning, health care decision making, conversations with your family, financial concerns, community resources, and much more. Topics will include the ABC’s of Healthcare, Making Your Wishes Known: the Importance of Health Care Planning, Estate Planning in a Time of Uncertainty, and Community Resources for Seniors. The conference will be held on Wednesday, April 18 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Free continental breakfast and lunch. Reservations required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN – APRIL 21 Some 24,000 grandparents in San Diego County have primary responsibility for their grandchildren. Fortunately, San Diego County has many resources for these special families. Come to learn more, meet others who share your same needs and find support. Attend a workshop at the Meridian Baptist Church, 660 S. 3rd St., El Cajon. Free lunch provided, and childcare available upon request. The event will be held on April 21 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For registration call (toll free) 855-238-5978 or visit www.211sandiego.org/grandparents.
LUNG FUNCTION SCREENING – APRIL 25 Do you have trouble catching your breath after a short walk? If you haven’t seen a doctor about breathing problems, come to this free basic lung function test offered by Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Pulmonary Department on Wednesday, April 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Senior Resource Center, Room 16, 9000 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Appointment required. Call 1-800-827-4277.
SENIORS DISCUSS CHRONIC PAIN SOLUTIONS--APRIL 25 The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St., will host a free seniors’ discussion group on “Chronic Pain, Natural Solutions to a Common Problem” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 25. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required. The speaker will be Dr. David Barold, founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine & Pain Center of La Mesa. Barold will discuss limitations of many traditional approaches to treating pain, factors than can interfere with the healing process and alternative, holistic therapies to address the pain and support the body’s natural healing abilities. Handouts will be provided and light refreshments will be served. For more information, phone the library at (619) 825 5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org.
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING No appointment necessary. Open to the public. For information, call 619-740-4214. Sharp Grossmont Senior Resource Center, 9000 Wakarusa St., Tuesday, April 3, 9:30-11 a.m. or La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., Friday, April 20, 9:30-11 a.m.
PROJECT C.A.R.E. COMMUNITY ACTION TO REACH THE ELDERLY This free program helps people who live alone by offering a phone call each day. It there’s no answer, someone is called to check on you. Other Project C.A.R.E. services include Vial of Life, a friendly visitor from the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol and more. East County residents may call the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center at 619-740-4214.
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Two Friends, from page 8 because they were worried the coast would be attacked. So the family took the “long route,” probably along El Cajon Blvd., and somehow came out at the Santa Fe train station downtown, which was full of Army men in uniforms. She had to ask her father who they were because all she had ever seen was sailors and Marines. They managed to get her grandmother and brought her back to La Mesa, and San Diego was never attacked. But Jean has never forgotten the experience and that sense of panic. Or what happened the next day at school. “There was a mandatory assembly in the auditorium; the school somehow hooked up a radio to the P.A. system. The administrators wanted us to hear President Roosevelt speak to the nation. We all heard the whole speech and that the President had asked Congress to declare war. Everyone was very serious and understood how the world had changed overnight. The Japanese students couldn’t look at anyone. They just sat there with their heads in their hands during the whole thing and in the rest of their classes that day. They were all mortified.” Fifteen fellow students who were Japanese Americans were all pulled from the school within a few months and sent to internment camps at Manzanar in the Owens Valley or Poston in Arizona, and were never allowed to graduate from Grossmont High. La Mesa formed a civil defense unit with local men. Jean C.’s father joined up. The men would station themselves on top of places like Mt. Nebo but were not issued guns. Most of the men in the group were hunters so they brought their own guns or neighbors gave them guns. So all these local men were up on Mt. Nebo patrolling for the Japanese, according to Jean. “When there was a perceived threat, an alarm would sound and my father would have to jump into his uniform and go immediately. Eventually the all clear would sound and everyone would return home.”
USO Dances, Love and Marriage But Jean C. also remembers some good times during that era. Her Blue Note trio performed at local functions, on the radio and at military bases around the County. Many women in La Mesa went to work at the USO serving as hostesses, serving coffee, making the servicemen feel welcome away from home. Their teenage daughters would accompany them and dance with the men. There was a USO in La Mesa on the west side of the railroad tracks on La Mesa Blvd. Dances were held there every week. Jean’s mother would sing, while Jean would play the piano. Servicemen from all over the country would go to the downtown USO or come out to the La Mesa “even though they thought we were in the sticks!” she grins. She loved dancing the jitterbug and other numbers with guys from different places because they would teach her steps popular in their part of the country. There was always live music, usually played by some kind of band composed of service men. On the wall of the GHS Museum is a photo taken in 1941 of the entire school, grouped by classes. Their class was mostly girls because many of the boys had been drafted or volunteered for the war. Many of them had to finish their credits when they got back from the war. And they lost several who never came home. Jean C. married her high school sweetheart before he shipped out, but like so many other young couples in wartime, the marriage didn’t work out. After a second marriage and the birth of her daughter, she returned to La Mesa many years later to care for her mother. But
1912-2012 u
La Mesa Centennial: Celebrating the American Hometown
Share your Story, La Mesa!
Did you grow up in La Mesa? Raise your family here? Hear stories from your grandparents? Tell us why you care about our community! Help us celebrate the American - Photos courtesy of La Mesa Historical Society
Hometown. Go to www.cityoflamesa100.com. Selected stories will be featured as part of the Centennial campaign!
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throughout those years she and Jean M. stayed in touch, and she has enjoyed reconnecting with many other high school friends. In fact, she has lunch with a group of them almost every Thursday. After graduation, Jean M. worked in downtown San Diego and met her future husband at a USO dance there. He sent her an engagement ring from Midway Island. They married after the war in 1946, built a house and moved in next door to her parents, had two children and celebrated their 53rd anniversary before he died. Jean worked for a number of years at the Bank of America in La Mesa before her second daughter was born, and was very active in the local American Legion Auxiliary, helping organize a popular annual fundraiser called, “The Hag Show,” for 50 years from 1951 to 2001. There were 212 members in their 1942 graduating class at Grossmont High. Maybe because of their shared experiences during that tumultuous period, they were an especially close-knit group. Several of them started an RV club called the ’42 Wheelers after retirement and traveled around the country together. Many of them (and/or their spouses) still get together regularly for lunch. Jean M., (or “Red” as many classmates addressed her in the class yearbook, because of her haircolor), organized the first class reunion in 1972. Right now she’s busy tracking down the other surviving members for their 70th, tentatively scheduled on the campus at 11 a.m. on June 6. She and Jean are already looking forward to sharing more memories with their classmates in the wonderful museum organized by Connie and Lyn Baer. And maybe dancing a jitterbug or two in the quad if one of the teachers will oblige… The Museum is open to the public the first Wednesday of each month from 12-4 p.m. Stop by and enjoy 92 years of Grossmont’s amazing history. They welcome donations of memorabilia for their displays; to arrange a donation, please contact Connie and Lynn Baer at ghsmuseum@guhsd. net or 619-668-6140. To make a tax deductible financial donation to help us fund our displays and the preservation of GHS memorabilia, write a check payable to the Grossmont HS Educational Foundation and specify in the memo that it is for the GHS Museum, and mail to Grossmont High School Museum, P.O. Box 1043, La Mesa, CA 91944-104. For more information, please browse the Museum website. To access it, go to the Grossmont HS Home Page, http://grossmont.guhsd.net. Then, pull down under School Information to the GHS Museum listing.
Events, from page 8 Deadline for San Diego County Fair Fine Art Exhibition is April 27th Art is a passionate pastime for many talented La Mesans. Hazel Ross, president of the Foothills Art Association, wants to remind members (and other artists in the community) about the upcoming art exhibit at the 2012 San Diego County Fair. One of the oldest exhibits at the Fair is the Exhibition of Fine Art. This competition judges two- and three-dimensional artwork in all media. This is a juried competition. The deadline for art entries this year is Friday, April 27th. For more information, go to: www.sdfair.com/index.php?fuseaction=exhibits.art.
LaMesaCourier.com — April 2012
Page 15
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Serving our community since 1960! Residential/ commercial. Service, repair, installation, thermostats, registers, filters, indoor air quality, and more. (06/12)
Serving our community since 1960! Toilets, water heaters/tankless, drains, disposals, faucets, slab leaks, repipes, camera inspections, and more. Visit our showroom! (06/12)
BBB Accredited business. www.idealsvc.com (619) 583-7963 Lic#348810
BBB Accredited business.
COMPUTER SERVICES Repair–Setup–Tune-up
PC Help for Families, Seniors, Home Offices. Trusted in homes for over 25 years. BBB & CA Lic. #81527. Call (619) 992-5882
RemodelING Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical Serving our community since 1960! Kitchens, bathrooms, closets, grab bars, walk-in tubs, and more! BBB Accredited business. (06/12)
www.idealsvc.com
Electrical
(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810
Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical
Senior Care Services
Serving our community since 1960! Panel upgrades, sub panels, outlets, ceiling fans, whole house fans, solar systems, recessed lighting, and more. (06/12)
Dedicated to providing non-medical in-home care.
BBB Accredited business. www.idealsvc.com (619) 583-7963 Lic#348810
Meal Preparation, Medication Reminders, Light Housekeeping, Personal Care & Bathing Assistance, Incidental Transportation.
Garage Doors Up & Down Garage Doors
Home Instead Senior Care Services Include:
619-460-6222 www.homeinstead.com/190
ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 800-494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. WIN or Pay Nothing! Start Your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 888-606-4790
Real Estate Available Now!!! 2-4 Bedroom homes • Take Over Payments • No Money Down/No Credit Check • Call 1-888-269-9192 Stop Renting. Lease option buy. Rent to own. No money down. No credit check. 1-877-395-0321
Unemployed Parents receive Income Tax Return, $1500 for one child, $3000 for two, and $4000 for three. Call Now 1-800-583-8840 www.x-presstaxes.com
WANTED: Your UNEXPIRED Diabetic Test Strips Up to $25/Box! SHIPPING PAID! HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-267-9895 www.selldiabeticstrips.com
Health & Fitness
Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201
Are you paying TOO much for your PRESCRIPTION? SAVE 90% by ordering through our Canadian Pharmacy. $25 off and FREE SHIPPING CALL (888) 437-0414. TAKE VIAGRA? SAVE $500! 100mg, / Cialis 20mg. 40+4 FREE, PILLS. Only $99.00 Discreet. 1-888-797-9024
Miscellaneous
www.idealsvc.com (619) 583-7963 Lic#348810
AT&T U-Verse for just $29.99/mo! SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (select plans). Limited Time CALL NOW! 800-307-5308
Wanted to Buy
Financial
Business & Services Directory
WORK ON JET ENGINES - Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. Call AIM (866)453-6204
Dish Network lowest nationwide price $19.99 a month. FREE HBO / Cinemax / Starz FREE Blockbuster FREE HD-DVR and install. Next day install 1-800-413-3897 CASH FOR CARS, Any Make or Model! Free Towing. Sell it TODAY. Instant offer: 1-800-864-5784 Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90% on all your medication needs. Call Today 888-7341530 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. Get the BEST DEAL &SAVE on TRIPLE PLAYS, Cable, Internet + Phone! High Speed Internet under $20/ mo. CALL NOW! 800-375-1270
YEARBOOKS “Up to $15 paid for high school yearbooks 1900-1988. yearbookusa@yahoo.com or 972-768-1338.” CA$H PAID- up to $25/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Hablamos Espanol. 1-800-371-1136 Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
The May issue of the La Mesa Courier will be published Friday, April 27th. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, April 17th.
(06/12)
La Mesa Courier
Garage door service, new doors, new openers, spring replacement, BBB Member, La Mesa Based, CSLB #904512, “A Trusted Company”. (10/12)
(619) 464-0116
8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505 email: info@LaMesaCourier.com
www.upanddowngaragedoors.com
Visit our website at: www.LaMesaCourier.com
FREE CLASSIFIEDS
Free classified ads are available to private parties and to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services. Only one ad per party or organization will be accepted per issue as a free classified - additional ads must be paid for with submission of the ads. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less. Ads of more than 25 words cost 50¢ per additional word; payment must accompany the ad. All free classifieds will run for only one issue even if you indicate on the ad that you want it to run more than one time. All classified ads - free or paid - must be submitted by mail only or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD - IF NO DATE IS GIVEN, THE AD RUNS ONLY ONE ISSUE. The following ad classifications are eligible for free classified ads: FOR SALE, GARAGE SALES, LOST & FOUND, WANTED, FOR RENT, NOTICES and YOUTH SERVICES. However, this does not include WANTED ads for multi-level sales or FOR RENT ads for vacation/rental condos or NOTICES for any profit-making organization.
Editor: Pam Crooks, ext. 124
Graphic Artist: Aleta El Sheikh
Assistant Editor: Kathleen Crawford, ext. 136
Advertising Consultants: Lionel Talaro, ext. 128 Maria Simencic, ext. 133 Garilee Gallegos, ext. 142 Michelle Goldstein, ext. 143 Tamar Wilson, ext. 139
PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $8/25 words or less BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS including SERVICES, CHILD CARE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, NOTICES, HELP WANTED, & FOR SALE ads for any profit-making enterprise costs $8 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. NOTICES ads may NOT be ads normally classified under SERVICES (i.e., business ads) the Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads sent in under the NOTICES category that should more appropriately be placed elsewhere. PAID ADS may run for any consecutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD. IF NO DATE IS INCLUDED AFTER THE AD, IT RUNS ONLY ONCE. When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000 San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER” PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.” Mail to 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145 La Mesa, CA 91942. FOR SALE
CHILD CARE
BUS. OPP.
NOTICES
FOR RENT
SERVICES
WANTED
LOST & FOUND
HELP WANTED
GARAGE SALES
(see restrictions above)
AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCLUDED WITH AD:__________ CHECK #
Contributors David Ogul Cynthia Robertson
Publishers: Jim and Robin Madaffer, Mission Publishing Group, LLC Writers and Advertising Sales Experts Wanted Please call 619-697-2500, Ext. 122 Circulation: 20,000. Published 12 times in 2012 and delivered to all single family homes in 91941 and 91942 and at over 150 bulk locations throughout our circulation area of La Mesa, California by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: La Mesa Courier assumes no financial liability for errors nor for omission of copy and upon request will furnish a letter of correction to the advertiser. The Publisher, Mission Publishing Group, LLC., shall not be liable for any error in published advertising unless an advertiser proof is requested in writing 12 days prior to publication date and clearly marked for corrections. If the error is not corrected by the Publisher, the liability, if any, shall not exceed the space occupied for the error. Further, the Publisher shall not be liable for any omission of an advertisement ordered to be published. On written request, Publisher shall reschedule and run the omitted advertisement at the advertiser’s cost. All claims for adjustment must be made in writing within 30 days of the date of publication. In no case shall the Publisher be liable for any general, special or consequential damages. Equal Housing Opportunity: Real estate advertising in La Mesa Courier is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” La Mesa Courier will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify La Mesa Courier readers that all dwellings advertised in La Mesa Courier are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275. News and information printed in La Mesa Courier is obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy on information sent to the paper cannot be guaranteed. Articles and opinions of writers or letters to the editor that are submitted for publication to the La Mesa Courier are the views of the writers and should not be considered the views of the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2012, all rights reserved.
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