July 2012
On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com
Volume 2 – Number 7
Dave Allan INSIDE THIS ISSUE Drives It Home By Genevieve Suzuki
L Haritna Happy Reviewing the Palestinian palate Page 3
Shining on Pam Introducing our newest columnist Page 4
a Mesa City Councilman Dave Allan isn’t your everyday politician, eager to see his name in the newspaper. Although he’s been with the council for 12 years, he never quite got the hang of schmoozing with the media. “I’m not the kind of person who likes to get in front of a camera,” said Allan, who plans this year to hang up his council hat – at least temporarily. “I’m not saying I’m not ever going to be involved in politics. But for now it’s time for me to step down for a while.” “I was thinking about it... I was in the army at 19 years old, got out of the army and became a firefighter… I’ve been in public service all my life,” he said. Allan said he will miss several things about being a city councilman, including being actively engaged. “When you’re an elected official, if there are issues important to you, being in that position, it’s easy to move in one direction,” he said. Allan said he will also miss the people. “I can’t say enough good things about our employees,” he said. “It’s a team effort to get things done around here. It’s not about certain individuals.” Allan’s affection is returned. Assistant city manager and director of community services La Mesa City Councilman Dave Allan rode Yvonne Garrett said she will miss his motorcycle across country to Washington working with Allan. “We’ve done D.C. and back to La Mesa in spring. a lot of projects together,” said Garrett, who patiently answers every question volleyed her by the councilman, whose love of history easily occupies his time as he recalls how much La Mesa has grown since moving here. “This city is a great city – it’s great because of its people,” said Allan, who cites the volunteer
State Assembly Race Set for November After the June 5 primary election, the State Assembly 79th District race has been set for the top two candidates: Democrat Shirley Weber and Republican Mary England. The Nov. 6 general election may be a close race. Former San Diego school board member Weber narrowly came up on top with 30.54 percent of the vote while England received 29.06 percent of the vote. England is president and CEO of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and a Lemon Grove city councilmember.
Democrat Shirley Weber and Republican Mary England will face off in the Nov. 6 general election.
See Dave Allan, Page 5
Staying Local Tips to plan your staycation Page 6
Alan’s Music Center: A La Mesa Landmark for 58 years By Pam Crooks
Taste of La Mesa Local businesses dish it out Page 11
As an ambitious young bachelor fresh out of college and the army, Alan Urich was a talented musician with an eye on the future. Lucky for La Mesa, our town was “strategically located” with good freeway access to points east, west, north and south. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, later in Bellflower and Long Beach in California, Alan was the youngest of five Bill, Alan and Bob Urich children who were all musical. of Alan’s Music Center But while the others gravi-
tated more toward vocal music, he began playing instruments at a very young age, first the trombone and later the drums. He was inspired by Big Band musicians like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, whom he heard playing live at the Paramount Theater in Toledo. By the time Alan was in high school he was serving as band director. He moved to San Diego in 1948 to attend SDSU, and was living in Ocean Beach before joining the Army during the Korean War. He was instantly recruited to play music for the troops, and traveled all over doing so. After the war, he returned to O.B., and in 1954 turned his thoughts to opening a music store—but not in that beach community, rather in La Mesa. “I wanted to be surrounded by community, and all the major freeways converge here,” he explains. Smart move. Fifty-eight years later, Alan’s Music is not only a fixture in the Village of La Mesa, but draws customers from as far away as Temecula and Lake Morena, who travel See Alan’s Music, Page 4
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
July
Events Calendar
denotes Centennial event
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES IN BREASTFEEDING
“SUNDAYS AT SIX” FREE CONCERTS AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK—JULY 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
San Diego consultant provides support for frustrated new moms
The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Foundation presents the 2012 “Sundays at Six” summer concerts each Sunday evening in the amphitheatre at Harry Griffen Park through Aug. 12. Concerts start at 6 p.m. Because the City of La Mesa is celebrating its Centennial this year, each concert will celebrate the music of one decade between 1912 and 2012. For further information, call (619) 667-1300.
When it comes right down to it, Robin Kaplan is all about boobs. “When I leave the house, my boys sometimes ask if I’m going to look at boobs,” said Kaplan of sons Benjamin, 7, and Ryan, 5. “They know that I help moms breastfeed their babies.” La Mesa resident Kaplan is a certified Lactation Consultant and founder of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, which she opened nearly three years ago. Formerly a museum educator, Kaplan found it difficult to return to work after her children — only 15 months apart in age — were born. She also found it challenging to be a stay-at-home mom. On the recommendation of her Doula stepmother, she looked into the lactation educator programs offered at UCSD. Having decided early on not to become a registered nurse — a hiring requirement for most San Diego County hospitals — Kaplan began preparing to open her own company. “Being in business on your own you’re very isolated,” Kaplan said of the experience thus far. “Spending time with family is defiRobin Kaplan, founder of the nitely a challenge, but it’s getting a lot easier.” San Diego Breastfeeding Center And more than needing an adaptable career, Kaplan was inspired and determined to help women who were undergoing the same problems she had as a new mother. Having read a breastfeeding book and attend a class prior to Benjamin’s birth, Kaplan had expected everything to go pretty smoothly. “I just figured that when he was born he would just kind of climb on and we would do our thing,” Kaplan said. “It just really was not going how I’d planned. It wasn’t a supply issue; it was just painful.”
EDCO 4th OF JULY SCHEDULE CHANGES—JULY 4–6 In observance of the holiday on Wednesday, July 4, EDCO will not be performing residential waste collection services and customer service offices will be closed. As a result, there will be a one-day delay the remainder of the week for residential customers serviced on Wednesday, July 4, Thursday, July 5 and Friday, July 6. Commercial businesses will be unaffected by the holiday and will be provided on the regularly scheduled service day. For more information regarding EDCO, visit their website at www.edcodisposal.com.
“BACK TO THE 50s” CAR SHOWS—JULY 5, 12, 19 & 26 One of the most popular events in La Mesa Village is the summer Thursday night car show. Presented by the La Mesa Village Merchants Association, this is the 20th year of the car show, which continues to grow in popularity. Thursdays, 5 to 8 p.m., along La Mesa Blvd., in the Village.
GEOCACHING INFO SESSION—JULY 21 As of June 2, the La Mesa Centennial-themed Amazing Geocache Challenge is officially on and won’t conclude until 5 p.m. Oct. 7, at the start of the La Mesa Octoberfest. Go to CityofLaMesa100.com to download the Amazing Geocache Challenge Packet, which includes Challenge Form and coordinates and Historic Downtown Walking Tour. For more information about geocaching, visit Geocaching.com/guide or attend the next information session at the La Mesa Library, located at 8074 Allison Ave., on Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m.
L.M.A.A. CENTENNIAL RADIO DAZE—JULY 26 A theatrical production remembering the glory days of radio, presented by the La Mesa Arts Alliance, will be held at the La Mesa Community Center Arbor View Room July 26 at 6 p.m. Admission $10; no host food and beverages, 6 p.m.; curtain, 7 p.m. This is a repeat of an earlier performance held in February. For more information, call (619) 667-1300.
GIANT RUMMAGE SALE BENEFITS LOCAL HOMELESS—JULY 28 “Homeless Treasures,” a gigantic City-wide rummage sale benefitting the Third Avenue Charitable Organization (www.tacosd.org), will be held on Saturday, July 28, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 8350 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego (on the border of La Mesa). TACO serves San Diego’s homeless population.
By Annie Lane
See Boob Group, Page 12
Noteworthy
Sharp HospiceCare Toni Bingham, RN, received the April 2012 KYXY Cares Award. Bingham was one of nine nurses in San Diego honored for their work. The award recognizes nurses for making a difference for patients, the nursing profession and the local community. Bingham was nominated by her colleague, Suzanne Degner, MSW, medical social worker, Sharp HospiceCare. In a written nomination, Degner acknowledged Bingham as an “exceptional nurse and colleague” who delivers comfort care to terminal Toni Bingham patients with six months or less to live. “Toni does this by combining compassion, integrity and skill to honor a patient’s wishes at the end of life. She ensures that patients and families are heard, valued and nurtured,” Degner wrote.
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La Mesa college congratulations The following students graduated with honors from the University of San Diego May 27: Grant Simpson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and graduated cum laude and Amy Zebrowski of earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and graduated cum laude. The following students also graduated from the University of San Diego: Dominique Aljabi earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sociology; Deana Hourani earned a bachelor’s degree in political science; Kyle Martinez earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary humanities; Lauren Salem earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration; Jessica Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in marine science; Kenslow Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies; and Richaél Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Katherine H. Mercer was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2012 semester at the University of Vermont. Mercer is a sophomore sociology major in the College of Arts & Sciences. To be named to the dean’s lists, students must have a gradepoint average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school. Nellie Aurora Rivera was named to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Deans’ List/Honor Roll for the spring semester of the 2011-12 academic year. Rivera is a senior music major in the College of Fine and Performing Arts with a 4.0 grade-point average. Madeline Lisa Rehm was named to the Dean’s List at Clemson University for the spring 2012 semester. Rehm is majoring in psychology. Joseph Vance earned placement on the Gonzaga University President’s List for spring semester 2012. Students must earn a 3.7 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed. Jason Lakis earned placement on the Gonzaga University Dean’s List for spring semester 2012. Students must earn a 3.5 to 3.69 gradepoint average to be listed.
LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Page 3
The Adobes
of
eAsTridge
By Hu Stone Adobe structures have a long and interesting history in the San Diego area. These structures are sometimes referred to in the vernacular as “mud” houses. Adobe is a natural building material made from clay, sand, water, and some kind of organic material, such as straw. The wet mud and straw mixture is usually shaped into bricks using frames and left to dry in the sun. Properly constructed, they are quite durable and can last for centuries with appropriate care. Adobe buildings are some of the oldest structures in the world and over three billion people live in them quite comfortably.
HOW TO SELL YOUR LA MESA HOME WITHOUT AN AGENT
La Mesa - If you’ve tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the “For Sale by Owner” sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren’t from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing. Like other “For Sale by Owners”, you’ll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can’t possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without the proper information, selling a home isn’t easy. Perhaps you’ve had your home on the market for several months with no offers from qualified buyers. This can be a very frustrating time, and many homeowners have given up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don’t give up until you’ve read a new report entitled “Sell Your Own Home” which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You’ll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process. Inside this report, you’ll find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which will help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. You’ll find out what real estate agents don’t want you to know. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1- 800-270-1494 and enter 1017. You can call any time, 24 hours a day,7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how you really can sell your home yourself.
Photo by Hu Stone
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One of the adobe homes in the Eastridge neighborhood of La Mesa One of the earliest adobe structures in the San Diego area is the Mission San Diego de Alcala. The centerpiece of the present Mission complex was first completed in 1813. That early building was allowed to deteriorate over time, but the adobe façade is still standing after restoration in 1931. Another example of a San Diego adobe structure is the University of California, San Diego president’s house. Built in the 1950s, it is an adobe masterpiece overlooking the Pacific Ocean from high above the sea on the La Jolla bluffs. It is currently being restored. An historic adobe structure closer to La Mesa is the Bancroft Ranch House in Spring Valley. Built around 1863, it is still standing and is well preserved as a museum open to the public. A number of adobe homes have been built in La Mesa over the history of our city. One of the more famous builders of adobe homes was the Weir Brothers. Following World War II, Weir brothers Jack and Larry wanted to build homes for a living but were finding it difficult to get building materials. They built their first adobe home right after the war and sold it for a handsome profit that was used to build more homes. They built their first La Mesa adobe home in 1947 in the Mt. Helix area. In the early 1960s, the Weir Brothers teamed with Homer J. Morehouse to build three houses in a subdivision of La Mesa called Eastridge. The three houses are situated on view lots with panoramic views both to the Pacific Ocean and to the See Adobes, Page 15
Restaurant Review By Ted Crooks
HARITNA RESTAURANT 7303 EL CAJON BLVD • www.haritnarestaurant.com
Pride from Palestine Some people love to show off their down-home cooking skills. They invite you over for exotic delights or dazzle at a church pot luck – not Yousef Abudayyeh. He started his own restaurant to show off the cuisine of his home country. Yousef came to the United States years ago to attend college in Los Angeles. He’s lived in Lemon Grove and El Cajon for more than 25 years. Although comfortable with American ways, he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Born in a village near Bethlehem, he learned Palestinian recipes from his mother (although he says she constantly shooed him out of the kitchen since this was considered “taboo” for men). Haritna is in a corner building on the south side of El Cajon Boulevard, just three blocks east of 70th Street. A look at the exterior won’t tell you much, but step inside and you’ll find the lean, casual air of the modern Middle East. No ornate rugs here; the setting is hard surfaces, deep colors and basic tables and chairs. Outside are two eating areas with heaters and a place for hookah smoking. The building features the arched passages of a prior incarnation as a Mexican restaurant. Much more impressive than the décor is the food, which captures the varied flavors of Mediterranean cuisine that have made it a worldwide favorite. The Palestinian version favors lots of lemon and mint. Even the standards like hummus, stuffed grape leaves and Arabic cucumbers with yogurt are unusual — lighter than you’re probably used to. Palestine’s lot as a crossroads of cultures, conflicting interests and changing times is nothing new. Having been under the control of ancient Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Assyr-
ians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, a Sunni Caliphate, a Shiite Caliphate, Crusaders, Malemutes, Turks, the British and modern Israelis and Palestinians, it’s no wonder there is such great variety in the region’s cuisine. But at its core, it has evolved to suit a climate nearly identical to La Mesa’s warm, dry “Mediterranean” weather. My guess is Haritna is at its best on a warm summer night, inside or out. No need to dress up nor will you pay a premium. You can enjoy your passage to the center of the ancient world for little more than you’d pay for a meal at a local coffee shop. The best buy is three vegetarian appetizers for $11 (and that’s the regular price — no gimmicks). For entrees, there are chicken, kifta, lamb (mine was very good) and salmon kabobs, gyros, shawerma and a number of vegetarian options — most under $10. Corresponding sandwiches, all come in under $6. Yousef takes special pride in the desserts — especially the knafeh, which he says is a big draw for homesick Palestinians. But my personal favorites were the homemade bread and the Arabic salad — don’t miss them. Get all the details from Haritna’s stylish website: www. haritnarestaurant.com, including information on themed evenings featuring alternately live jazz, stand-up comedians and of course Arabic singing and belly dancing. Next time you hear yourself say, “Let’s go someplace different,” Haritna is a good bet. By the way, “Haritna” means “our neighborhood.” It’s great to see La Mesa cultivating a variety of neighbors, especially ones who cook like Yousef. Yousef Abudayyeh
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
The Sun Shines Sooner… By Pam Crooks “The sun shines sooner in La Mesa…” That is the way I ended my first column in the inaugural issue of the La Mesa Courier 13 months ago. It reflects one of the things I love best about living here, and explains the title of my new column going forward. For personal reasons, I’m stepping down as editor of the La Mesa Courier. But I’m doing so with a sense of “accomplishment” because, after 15 years without one, we now have a print newspaper that is here to stay in La Mesa. I am proud to have played a role in launching the paper, and wouldn’t trade anything for the experience of editing it for the last 13 months, or the wonderful people I met along the way. The best part is local reporting and features about La Mesa are continuing under the professional leadership of the Courier’s new editor, Genevieve Suzuki. And she has asked me to continue as a regular columnist, writing about the things that make La Mesa a great place to live… The La Mesa Historical Society has been extraordinarily busy this year with the Centennial, and their archive/library behind the McKinney House on University Avenue is a bee-hive of activity every Saturday afternoon between 1 and 4 p.m., assisting those who stop by wanting more information on the history of their house or neighborhood. This all-volunteer operation is the keeper of the flame with regards to life here 100 years ago and beyond. A Centennial celebration of the scope we’re enjoying would not have been possible without the materials this organization has carefully researched and preserved. I asked past president Donna Niermeier if the Centennial has helped boost membership in the organization. They started out with 300 members, setting a goal of adding 100 new ones during the Centennial. So far they’ve added 50. It’s very inexpensive to join. If you love history, or just want to be sure people who are living here in 2112 know what we were like, think about supporting the LMHS. For more info go to lamesahistory.com or better yet, stop by the library any Saturday afternoon (except during holiday weekends), and talk to one of the volunteers… Stopping by one morning recently to interview Alan Urich, founder of the La Mesa landmark Alan’s Music Center, a host of memories came flooding back. Bringing my youngest son at age 8 for his first piano lesson, returning week after week for his lesson and new music books as he advanced; later for saxophone lessons with a different instructor, reeds, sheet music and to purchase his own sax; the knowledgeable, friendly staff; sitting in the parents’ waiting area listening to many lessons taking place and afterwards talking with my son’s instructor. These are some of my happiest memories of parenthood. And the sounds, sights and smells of worn wooden floors, bin after bin of sheet music and new and used instruments of all kinds found in Alan’s Music speak not only of my son’s childhood but feel so familiar – like something I may have experienced in my own hometown a continent away as I was growing up. It’s another one of the things I love most about La Mesa – that feeling of hometown.
Centennial Style Now you can wear your love for La Mesa on your sleeve – literally. The City of La Mesa is selling Centennial Commemorative items, such as wine glasses, baseball hats and t-shirts, at City Hall. “These shirts are a great way to show your centennial civic pride and they look good too,” said Eric Roark, the City of La Mesa customer service and finance assistant who is almost always at the front to greet visitors. Wine glasses are $7.50 each or $25 for a set of four; baseball hats are $15; short-sleeved t-shirts are $11-$13; and longsleeved t-shirts are $16-$18.
La Mesa Soroptomists Honored The San Diego Diplomacy Council honored the members of Soroptomist International of La Mesa and Soroptomist International of Valley de Oro June 23 as Global Citizens of the Year at Diplomacy Day in America’s Finest City. The clubs are working with five other Soroptomist clubs to help end human trafficking. Each year, nearly 500 delegates from more than 100 countries visit San Diego through the International Visitor Leadership program. The San Diego Diplomacy Council arranges meetings between the visitors and local experts on the topic they’re here to study. According to Cath DeStefano, executive director of the San Diego
Diplomacy Council, in the past year, nearly half of the delegations have come to examine U.S. anti-trafficking efforts including prevention, prosecution, protection and legislation. “Our international visitors are grateful for the generous sharing of best practices that will help their countries,” she said. Founded in 1979, the San Diego Diplomacy Council is a non-profit, membership organization. The mission, “Promoting Global Understanding Through Dialogue,” is achieved through person-to-person professional, cultural and educational exchanges between distinguished international visitors and our local resources and members.
Alan’s Music, from page 1 to stock up on music essentials. His has the largest selection of books and sheet music in the County, sells and repairs instruments of all types and with 18 studios and 32 teachers serves as a center for music education as well. “We are a full-line store,” he adds. The familiar building on La Mesa Boulevard was actually his third in La Mesa. To help finance his budding business, Alan played drums for a number of years with a popular dance band at the Hotel del Coronado and the Kona Kai Club. The first store, which opened in 1954, was situated east of his current store on the same street; the second one was located downtown, adjacent to La Mesa Drug Store. He sold records in that store and one of his regular customers was Frank Zappa. But in 1972, his landlord in the Village was proposing a large rent increase to help pay for a required earthquake retrofit of downtown businesses (which, according to Urich, never actually happened). Around the same time, the former Jericho Road Baptist Church building came up for sale, and he and his wife decided to buy it. By that time the music store had become a family business. In 1958, he married his La Mesa sweetheart, Janice, a Helix High School graduate who has been involved in the business as a “real strong partner right from the start,” according to Alan. The Urichs gradually remodeled the old church building, adding practice studios upstairs and downstairs, with prominent signage and a window showcasing musical instruments facing La Mesa Blvd. Today Alan’s Music Center has almost 6,000 square feet of space, plus 15 free parking spaces for their customers. Their family was expanding as well – with three sons and a daughter. The children all went to elementary school at St. Luke’s Lutheran Day School, just down the street, later attending and graduating from Valhalla High School (the family was living on Mt. Helix by that time). Today, Alan and Janice have eight grandchildren: four boys and four girls. Two of their sons, Bill and Bob, have been working in the business with their parents for almost 30 years. The Urich family has met many wonderful people and enjoyed great support from the La Mesa community over the years. Today they are serving the children and even the grandchildren of some of their first customers. Walking into the store, you leave the Village of La Mesa behind and enter the universal world and culture of music. With jazz vocals playing softly in the background on the main floor, you’re looking at many aisles of sheet music and shelves of books, reeds, harmonicas, guitars, drum sets, keyboards, pianos and brass instruments from all over the world. In fact, just about anything needed to make music – all organized as neatly as the notes of a Sousa march. As many as 1,200 students of all ages take lessons here annually. Out of the practice rooms, upstairs and down, strains of music from many different instruments and skill levels fill the hallways and spill into the parking lot. A cacophony of sound that is “music in the making,” says Alan, smiling. The Urich family is very proud of their 58 years in La Mesa. How very fortunate for us Alan made that strategic decision to come here. And that he stayed.
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS The City of La Mesa began its Annual Street Maintenance Project, which is expected to extend through August. In preparation for the project, the City completed other related work, such as tree and sidewalk maintenance, and ADA upgrades. The project primarily includes crack sealing, slurry coating and restriping of selected streets. This year’s project focuses on streets in the northeast area of La Mesa. Emergency service providers have been notified of the project. If you have any questions, contact the City of La Mesa Engineering Division at (619) 667-1166.
LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
La Mesa Reads By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian Summer reading is in full swing at the San Diego County Library’s La Mesa Branch. We have programs and prizes for all ages. Sign up online at www.sdcl.org or stop in and ask the staff to get your reading log started. Summer reading continues until Aug. 5, so you have plenty of time to reach your reading goals. Adults who complete the reading goal of four books will be entered to win La Mesa Library’s grand prize – a Nook eBook reader provided by the Friends of the La Mesa Library. Last month’s most popular fiction title at the La Mesa branch was The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. Hoffman’s latest book, set in 70 C.E., is based on the tragic massacre of hundreds of Jewish people in Masada. The story follows the lives of four women during the months-long siege. Another sought-after novel was Jaguar by T. Jefferson Parker. The latest book in the Charlie Hood series finds Hood working with a crooked Los Angeles county deputy when the deputy’s wife (and Hood’s former flame) is kidnapped by a drug cartel. Save Me by Lisa Scottoline was also a popular title at the La Mesa branch. When an explosion occurs at her daughter’s school, Rose McKenna is quickly branded a villain for her actions during the emergency. She decides to seek the truth behind the incident in this suspenseful thriller. Finally, a cookbook was another of our top items. The Splendid Table’s How to Eat Supper by Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift offers easy to prepare recipes for a variety of dinners inspired by international specialties. On Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m. please attend “Geocaching 101” to learn about the Amazing Geocache Challenge happening in La Mesa this summer. Geocaching, a high-tech outdoor treasure hunt using GPS devices, is fun for the whole family. As part of the City of La Mesa’s Centennial celebration you will have the opportunity to enter to win prizes while you learn interesting historical facts about the city. On Sunday, July 29 learn how to access San Diego County Library’s eBook collection with an eBook workshop at 11 a.m. Space is limited and advance sign-up is required. Please call the La Mesa Branch at (619) 469-2151 to find out more about this class. 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.
Dave Allan, from page 1 spirit of 400 people who work to make La Mesa better. “The people make this city.” Among people Allan credits with getting things done is La Mesa city manager David Witt, Police Chief Ed Aceves and Fire Chief Mike Scott. “It’s run this way because we have good management here,” Allan said. Included on Allan’s list of people he will miss is Mayor Art Madrid, who Allan ran against for mayor in 2002. “Art’s a very smart guy,” said Allan. “Since the election, he and I have had a very good relationship. Do I like Art? Yes, I like Art. It doesn’t mean we don’t sometimes have our differences, but that’s how it is in a family.” Born in 1955 in Glasgow, Scotland, Allan and his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just a toddler. “I was an incorrigible kid,” Allan admits. “I think the Army squared this young soldier away.” After his Army stint, Allan became a federal firefighter at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. He later transferred to the Naval Station in Long Beach. Eventually fate took him to the Spring Valley Fire Department, now the San Miguel Fire Department, as a firefighter and then as the San Miguel Firefighters Local 1434 Union president. Fire is in Allan’s blood. Even now he chairs the Heartland Fire Training Facility and is vice president of the newly organized fire foundation. He is also a member of the San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. “We play a lot of memorials,” Allan said of the organization, which was established after Sept. 11. Allan is equally devoted to the cause of military veterans. He chaired the Veterans Recognition Committee that helped install the Veterans Memorial Parkway along Fletcher Parkway. He is particularly proud of that accomplishCity Councilman Dave Allan sits behind a replica of the plaque he delivered to Washington D.C. in honor ment. “When people drive by of La Mesa’s veterans for the city’s 100th anniversary. it, they have a thought about the veterans, and that’s the key,” he said. The same call to service that took Allan to the Army, the fire department and the city council roused him to take his Harley Davidson motorcycle from La Mesa to Washington D.C. to deliver a plaque in honor of La Mesa Veterans for the city’s 100th anniversary. Allan placed the plaque near the California area of the World War II memorial. “I saw a lot of country, saw some wind, saw some rain,” said Allan, who left May 19 and returned June 10 in time for his 17th wedding anniversary to his wife, Carie. Allan intends to submit his return trip to the Iron Butt Association for recognition of riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours and 1,500 miles in 36 hours. “My wife thought I was nuts,” he said with a laugh.
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Letter from the Editor By Genevieve A. Suzuki When my publisher Jim Madaffer first asked me whether I’d like to become editor of La Mesa Courier, my first reaction was “Yahoo! I get to edit my hometown newspaper!” And then I remembered whose shoes I’d be filling. Outgoing editor Pam Crooks has the kind of quiet passion you want on your side. An amazingly positive person, Pam is the captain of the La Mesa cheerleading squad. You can probably tell that easily by looking through this newspaper, which she helped bring to life 13 months ago. Under Pam’s leadership, La Mesa Courier brought its community news of current events, such as the Taste of La Mesa – the most recent to spring to this always-hungry editor’s mind – and a sincere connection to our town’s residents. I credit Pam with introducing columns that update us on our local high schools and library. And thanks to Pam, we have great recipes from Julie White to whet our appetites for new dishes. We’ve also recently joined forces with La Mesa Patch, a fellow news publication that offers quality hyper-local news. (I admit I’m biased – upon my return to journalism, after earning my law degree at California Western School of Law, former La Mesa Patch editor Ken Stone was among the first to hire me for freelance pieces. I know the Patch, and they’re good people.) Yes, taking over La Mesa Courier is quite a feat, particularly since its parent did such a wonderful job getting it started. And while there may be times where I’ll be more like the seemingly wayward aunt who gets to take care of her sister’s most precious child, you can trust that I will always have La Mesa’s best interests at heart. Like Pam, I love our town and know there is a lot of news simmering beneath its sometimes sleepy exterior. One change in this issue is we’ve introduced “Just Business,” a column that covers business news throughout La Mesa. In addition to La Mesa Chamber of Commerce events, we will also be covering the La Mesa Village Merchants Association and other happenings in and around our city. It’s easy to forget that La Mesa isn’t restricted to anything within five minutes of the village. And that would be a shame – there are far too many great businesses here. Fortunately, we’ve managed to keep Pam around as a columnist with “The Sun Shines Sooner.” It offers us a way of staying in touch with one of the things Pam does best – remind us of the many good things about La Mesa. Genevieve A. Suzuki earned her journalism degree at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, where she served as editor of her school’s newspaper. An alumna of the Dow Jones Newspaper Copy Editing Internship program, Suzuki has been a city reporter for the former Honolulu Star-Bulletin, arts and entertainment editor at Honolulu Weekly and currently serves as the editor of Mission Times Courier. Questions, comments and ideas may be sent to Gen@LaMesaCourier.com.
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
STAYCATIONS San Diego Staycations The term “staycation” refers to enjoying time away from work and school at home. While the purest use of the term would mean actually residing at home while venturing out to local attractions during the day, a staycation can also encompass staying just a couple of hours from home at a nearby town. Fortunately, San Diego has much to offer in the way of parks, beaches, museums and theme parks to keep us around – it’s easy to forget how lucky we are when we’re in an office working for that almighty dollar. If you want to skip on hotel costs, stay in San Diego and check out the following local bounty:
Balboa Park
and adult beverages, as well as pirate gear and other souvenirs. For $24.50 a kid and $29.50 an adult, it’s well worth the price to witness the ship’s captain force your favorite family member to swab the deck.
www.balboapark.org San Diego is home to one of the most beautiful parks in the nation. Balboa Park offers shady grassy spots, a host of wonderful museums, snow cones and carousel rides. The park also features a number of fairs, cultural events and music concerts.
San Diego Zoo www.sandiegozoo.org If you haven’t taken advantage of the new exhibits around the San Diego Zoo, summer is a great time to do it. Extended hours allow you to stay late for the Nighttime Zoo China Celebration through Sept. 3. Dr. Zoolittle will take your family around Asia to learn fascinating facts about the giant panda – a zoo favorite – while Monkey King stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats and dragon dancers provide rousing entertainment throughout the night.
La Jolla Beaches Pack a picnic lunch and head up the coast to see some of the best beaches in the United States. Save a couple of bucks to buy a refreshing frozen fruit pop from an ice cream truck – do us a favor, though, and stay away from those rather aggressive seagulls. We’ve actually seen one abscond with a friend’s pina colada popsicle, wrapper and all. Guess even the gulls in La Jolla have expensive taste!
SeaWorld San Diego seaworldparks.com/en/ seaworld-sandiego
Coronado Island www.coronadovisitorcenter.com
SeaWorld recently opened its new Manta ride, giving park visitors a place to go when the Journey to Atlantis is stranded. Our personal favorite is the Wild Arctic exhibit. In addition to a beautiful view of the beluga whales, a silly walrus and two cool polar bears, the Wild Arctic offers shade and a cool reprieve from Mission Bay’s hot summer sun. The good news is if you like the park enough and want to become a member, you don’t have to fork over the cash all at once – SeaWorld offers payment plans that take a few bucks off the credit card on a monthly basis.
Pop by for a nice stroll around one of San Diego’s prettiest cities. Whether you’re soaking in information at the Coronado Historical Association and Museum of History and Art or sipping a cool creation at the Hotel Del Coronado’s Sheerwater Restaurant while the sun goes down, Coronado is the kind of town that makes you feel like your staycation is an actual vacation from all things hectic.
Pirate Ship Adventures www.pirateshipadventures.com The cheapest cruise around, Pirate Ship Adventures is more than just “yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!” Families are able to join this bawdy bunch as they sail around San Diego Harbor on the 83-foot black galleon pirate ship, the Treasure Seeker. There’s a below-deck saloon with snacks, refreshments
LEGOLAND California www.legoland.com
Although the LEGOLAND resort isn’t finished, the park is large enough for you to forget there’s construction next door. Anyone who’s ever played with the colorful blocks will be fascinated with the park’s creations, particuIt feels more like a larly Star Wars Miniland GIRL’S NIGHT OUT USA, which will satiate any than a WORKOUT! Comic-Con geek’s appetite for all things George Lucas. If you have young children, Registration. Pirate Reef is a surefire win with the kids as are the SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Jazzercise College Area LEGOLAND Water Park. 6360 El Cajon Blvd
SEVEN SMART PACKING TIPS Travel with less and $ave As a small business owner who found herself on the road for three weeks, home for one, travel consultant Susan Foster quickly learned how to pack smart. She’s gotten so good she can pack for a three-week trip to Europe using just a 22-inch rolling bag. Foster, who lives in Portland, Ore., released the DVD, “It’s a Suitcase, Not Your Closet,” for those who want to get it directly from the packing guru’s mouth. Here are Foster’s “Seven Smart Tips” to scale down to one bag: 1. Start with a small bag. It is human nature to fill the available space so start small (the largest legal carry-on is 22-inch-by-14-inch-by-9-inch). Make use of every inch of real estate in the bag – fill shoes with rolled up socks or underwear, roll casual clothes and tuck into the “valleys” created inside the bag by the handle assembly. 2. Mix and match. Let go of the idea of wearing a different outfit each day. Pack interchangeable pieces based on one basic color, and plan to wear each piece more than once. Two pairs of dark slacks plus one jacket plus four shirts/blouses will last for one week. For two or more weeks, launder/clean and repeat. Pack clothes that you love so you feel good wearing the same things many times in different combinations. 3. Choose items that pack small. A thin wool or cashmere sweater packs smaller than a sweatshirt; micro-fiber slacks pack smaller than jeans; loafers pack smaller than boots. Several lighter weight layers are as warm but pack smaller than a bulky coat. 4. Take only three pair of shoes – wear one and pack no more than two. Shoes are bulky and heavy; if you can cut back more here it makes a huge difference. 5. Minimize cosmetics and toiletries by taking only the amount needed for the trip. One See Packing, Page 9
Surfing for a Break If you’re not the type to walk into a travel agency to book the trip or staycation of your dreams, the 21st century suits you. Thanks to the Internet, you can passive-aggressively pick and choose hotels, transportation and cities to explore. The following sites are helpful when planning your escape:
Regency Travel regencytravel.qa.ensembletravel.com A local travel agency that will readily help you plan the perfect break. Even if you’re adverse to face-to-face interaction, a simple call or email will get you the information you need. Regency Travel’s Sondra Glazer recommends three hotels around San Diego, if you want to stay local: Paradise Point on Mission Bay, Hotel Del Coronado and La Costa Resort and Spa. “Easy to get to and wonderful relaxing trips,” Glazer said. “I have stayed at all three for four-to-five days and enjoyed the food, activities and beauty of the resorts. Each different and so convenient.”
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau www.sandiego.org Just because you’re a local doesn’t mean you know everything about your city. The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau offers a wealth of information, including an eclectic event calendar featuring pages of things to do around town. You can also use the site to find restaurants and read up on local venues. Our favorite feature is the site’s “50 Fun and Free Activities in San Diego.” Check out No. 20 on the list – Mission Trails Regional Park is definitely one of our picks.
Priceline www.priceline.com Spokesperson William Shatner wants to know if you’re feeling lucky. Why does fortune play a role in using Priceline, which can also be used like similar sites, such as Hotels.com? Well, luck helps when you’re bidding just $65 a night for a swanky Santa Monica hotel with Priceline’s popular Name Your Own Price function. Although you have to be willing to trust Priceline’s star rating system, you could easily find yourself in a Marriott or Hyatt in the area See Surfing, Page 13
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Page 7
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BOARDING YOUR DOG By Sari Reis Many people are choosing to have their canine kids accompany them on their summer travels. For others, however, having Fido on the trip is not a viable option. If your “furry kid” is not joining you this year, you may be considering boarding. But not all boarding facilities are created equal. There are several things to consider when choosing which facility would be the best fit. Assuming your dog is healthy, well-socialized, and adaptable to new situations, the first thing to consider is whether you prefer a kennels or cage –free facility. Some places offer your dog the opportunity to be free to interact with other dogs the entire time he is there. Others offer rooms, kennels, and runs of various sizes where the dog spends most of his day, but comes out for potty breaks, exercise, and play a few times each day. Several facilities offer a combination of both. Your dog’s sociability, age, energy level and personality will help you determine what is best for him. Regardless which option you choose, consider the following criteria: cleanliness, ratio of staff to dogs, qualifications of staff, level of overnight supervision, veterinary coverage, separate play areas for large and small dogs, adequate space to prevent overcrowding, enriched environment, safety record, amount of one-on-one time with staff, quality of food provided, (unless you can provide your own), ability to administer medications (if necessary), and dog handling techniques, (look for positive reinforcement). Ask for references and check them out. The best boarding facilities will want to see a vaccination record which includes up to date rabies, Bordatella and DHLPP shots. They will also want to perform a behavior assessment and many will require your dog spend a few hours with them to see if he fits into their environment. This is a good thing. You should always do a trial stay before you leave your dog for any length of time. See Boarding, Page 14
PARKING YOUR PETS By Kathy Crawford
Summer’s here, bringing with it family vacations. But what to do with the cat, dog or bird? There are many options for pet owners, ranging from in-home care to a wide range of boarding options. Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. Check the Internet for local listings of pet hotels, pet sitters, boarding kennels, doggie day care, or veterinary hospitals. Before booking the reservation, check out the facility before leaving your precious pet. Go online and read reviews by other people who have used the services of the particular location. And visit the location ahead of time, asking to see the areas where your pet would stay while you’re gone. Consider what type of services will best suit your family and pet. Many local vets offer boarding services for pets that need medical support while you’re gone. There are many safe, clean and wellrun places, where your pet will be happy and well cared for, but do your homework first. The list below offers a few options, but does not imply endorsement by the La Mesa Courier.
Camp Bow Wow 1677 N. Marshall, El Cajon (619-448-9663) www.campbowwow.com/us/ca/elcajon The camp offers day care and overnight boarding with “camper cams” in a climate controlled facility. The dogs have indoor and outdoor play areas for daily play.
Fon-Jon Pet Care Center 5050 Santa Fe St., San Diego (858-273-2266) www.fonjonpetcare.com The center has been in business for 50 years and offers dog and cat boarding, daycare and dog training services. The animals have separate “condos” and daily activities keep them healthy and happy.
La Mesa Pet Hotel
Serious Outdoor Gear for Fun Lovin’ Humans
8126 Center Drive, La Mesa (888-370-0547) www.lamesapethotel.com The La Mesa Pet Hotel has been in business for 50 years serving the La Mesa community. They offer dog and cat daycare or longer stays in heated/air conditioned quarters.
Paws Pet Sitting 6977 Navajo Road, San Diego (619-825-9339) pawspetsitting@cox.net Pet sitting in your home, daily walks for dogs, and additional services available for traveling families. The company is a member of several professional pet sitting associations. See Park the Pet, Page 13
The Helix Pet Hospital
4223 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 (619) 469-2129 Dr. Peter Dowell, DVM, MRCVS
“Old fashioned compassion, cutting edge knowledge” Full service pet hospital including: cancer care, knee surgeries, skin diseases. Always reachable. Completely new in house lab equipment, digital radiographs and complete system integration.
helixpets.com • helixpethospital@sbcglobal.net
GEMS& JEWELS Visit one of our five Southern California outdoor specialty shops for expert ADVICE, BOOTFITTING, PACK FITTING, and GEAR RENTALS. San Diego (I-8 at Mission Gorge)
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adventure16.com (tips, gear and events)
JEWELRY IDEAS FOR SPECIAL DAYS – MOMS, DADS, AND GRADS
Shopping at Enhancery Jewelers can also benefit your favorite community organization. A percentage of all of you purchases and jewelry repairs will be donated to your designated non-profit organization. We are currently contributing to these local community groups Globe Guilders, San Diego Zoo RITZ, CCT/CYT, San Diego Madres Youth Baseball, Mt. Helix Park Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research, Soroptimist International of La Mesa, San Diego and La Jolla, Rady’s Children’s Hospital Del Cerro Unit and many more regional and national organizations. Please let us know when you shop which organization you belong to, or would like to support and all your future transactions will be credited to their donations.
JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY
Adventure 16 was started in 1962 in La Mesa, CA by Explorer Post 360 who invented the 1st backpack d designed to carry the loa ll on the hips. Read the fu his tor y of Ad ven tu re 16, r including how we got ou . name, at adventure16.com
Ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and is also designated for the 40th wedding anniversary. In ancient legends it was believed that the wearer of ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. Many women like to combine rubies with diamonds in their wedding or anniversary bands. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum family, which is also the same family as sapphire. With a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale ruby is the next hardest stone to diamond.
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Call Enhancery Jewelers 619-282-3900 for answers to any gem and jewelry questions you may have. Enhancery Jewelers is located in the Chili’s Shopping Center at 4242 Camino del Rio N.#17 (at I-8 & Mission Gorge). Open Tues.–Fri., 10–6 pm; Sat. 10–4 pm. Martin and Kathleen White have owned Enhancery Jewelers for over thirty two years. They specialize in diamond and gemstone jewelry, custom design, appraisals, jewelry and watch repairs. Visit us online at www.enhancery. com and become a fan on Facebook Advertisement
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Grossmont High School
Foothiller Footsteps Helix Highlights By Jennifer Osborn June was a month of celebration for Helix Charter High School. On June 6, Helix celebrated its 60th graduating class. The class of 2012 was more than 500 students strong and the stands of Benton Hart stadium overflowed with friends and families present to honor the graduates. Valedictorians Kevin Chen, Courtney Haibach Morris, Shayla Gavin Futas, Marc Loschen, and Trevyn Langsford each addressed their classmates, offering their congratulations and insight. Each student had to meet rigorous requirements in order to graduate. In order to receive a Helix diploma, students must pass all the courses required for admission to the University of California/California State University systems. As a result, approximately 85 percent of the graduates stated plans to attend college next year. The staff at Helix is proud of each and every member of the class of 2012. The Helix staff celebrated their colleagues with their annual end-of-the-year awards. • Academic Advisor for the class of 2015, Renee Milburn, was honored with the “Above and Beyond” award for her commitment to the Helix community year in and year out. • Social Sciences teacher Lloyd Sabin was selected for the Benton Hart award, awarded by the PTSA for service to the school. • Math teacher Jennifer Underwood was named Teacher of the Year, voted on by her colleagues. • Social Sciences teacher Ben Stone was selected by Helix students to receive the Golden Apple award. • Football and Track coach Troy Starr was named Coach of the Year due to the success of the football team and their win in the State Championships, as well as for the accomplishments of the Track team. • Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director Sharon Church was selected as the Classifed Staff Member of the Year, and she was recognized as she retired after 17 years of service. • Kristi Higdon was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. After celebrating our new graduates and our staff, the administrative team moved right into summer registration and welcoming our incoming class of 2016. Through the month of June, each incoming and returning Helix student and their families met with their Grade Level Principal and counselors to evaluate the students’ progress, determine their educational goals, and set their schedules for the 2012-13 school year. Helix will be closed for the month of July, with staff returning on Wednesday, Aug. 1 in anticipation of the start of school on Wednesday, Aug. 8. For any questions or comments regarding Helix Charter High School, please don’t hesitate to contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net.
By Connie Baer Five-hundred-fifty-five Grossmont High School seniors will remember June 20, 2012 has the color of the boys’ tuxedos, the honor the rest of their lives as the day of their high of being selected is still the highest honor school graduation. Over the past 92 years, awarded juniors. the location of graduation has varied from on campus to the top of Mt. Helix to San Diego Grossmont High School’s Student State’s Greek Bowl. Since the 1980s, graduInvestment Club was recently featured ation has been held on campus in the Jack on a front-page story on The Wall Street Mashin Stadium. One tradition that hasn’t Journal. “Every Monday and Wednesday at changed in more than 80 years, however, is lunchtime, Mr. Benrud converts his techthat the graduates are led into the ceremony nology classroom into the trading floor of by the Daisy Chain. the Charity Student Investment Project, Math and PE teacher Josephine a nonprofit student-run investment club. Kollmyer first introduced the tradition in A live feed of a financial TV show fills the the 1930s. The 1936 Student Handbook projection screen. Students each take a states, “The Daisy Chain tradition has been computer to research investments for their with us ‘always.’ … Students who form this real-money pool of $2,900.” What a unique ‘chain’ are chosen real-life experience on the basis of for our students. If their activity and you would like more citizenship,” while information about the 1958 Student the club, please visit Handbook adds the the club’s website at chain is “symbolic charitystudentinvest of the transference mentproject.com. of duties form the Forty students share the honor of To experience graduating seniors to forming the traditional “Daisy Chain” firsthand the many the juniors.” Today at the commencement ceremony. wonders of Grossthe staff selects 20 mont’s past and young men and 20 present, explore the museum during our young women on the basis of their school summer hours, noon to 4 p.m. July 11, Aug. activities, scholarship and citizenship. Also 1 and Sept. 5. chosen are 10 ushers to assist at graduation. Connie Baer is a Grossmont graduate Each year the honored students create Class of 1965, retired GHS English teacher, the chain using the ivy taken from the origand Director of the GHS Museum with her inal granite “Castle.” Daisies are interwoven sister, Lynn Baer, Class of 1969. Please email into the ivy chain, which is carried by the Connie with any questions or comments at members of the chain. While the color of the girls’ dresses has changed over the years, as ghsmuseum@guhsd.net.
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
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Packing, from page 6 ounce of shampoo lasts for two weeks with daily use; any more is excess weight. Buy travel/ sample sizes (www.minimus.biz is a great resource) or transfer to small containers. 6. Do laundry. Go high tech and purchase quick-drying underwear, socks and tee-shirts made of wicking fabrics. Wicking fabrics absorb perspiration so are comfortable to wear plus they wash easily in the bathroom sink and dry overnight (or less). 7. Just take less. Avoid the “what-if ’s” that lead to multiple suitcases. Pack for what is known and for logical possibilities. Logical: rain, so pack the raincoat and umbrella. Not logical: an impromptu formal dinner, so leave the evening clothes at home. Check out more of Susan Foster’s tips at www.smartpacking.com.
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
JUST BUSINESS The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce more than satisfied the public’s appetite for good food with its Taste of La Mesa – Taste of the Century June 11. Chamber CEO and president Mary England kept the party going with energetic announcements and acknowledgments of the night’s various sponsors, including title sponsor Unique Travel Concepts, Inc. La Mesa Courier is glad to have been involved as the media sponsor of this rather delicious community event. Check out photos from the night on page 11. (And yes, we did indeed try every vendor’s offerings – among our sweet favorites were Auntie M’s Cupn’Cake frosting shots, the Riviera Supper Club’s bacon chocolate cake and Cali Comfort Restaurant’s warm peach cobbler.) In other news, Penny Warner and her team are hosting a summer evening mixer July 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Pacific Western Bank at 7966 La Mesa Blvd. There will be refreshments, raffles and drawings. The event is free for La Mesa Chamber of Commerce members, $10 for non-members and $15 at the door. RSVP by July 20 to rsvp@lamesachamber.com or call (619) 465-7700, ext. 1. Reminder for anyone who wants to put their business on the map – the 100th Anniversary Map of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce – that Map Fliers must be submitted immediately to the chamber. Call Michael Arce at (858) 486-7700 for more information.
Lake Murray Breast Cancer Walk Update Business and Individual Sponsors Sought Planning is underway to make the 2012 fifth annual Debbie Berton Walk to end breast cancer the most successful yet. The Oct. 28 community event at Lake Murray will raise funds to fight breast cancer and will also offer free food, entertainment, education and kids’ activities to participants. Last year, 100 percent of walkers’ donations were given to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the goal is the same for this year’s event. Monetary and in-kind sponsors are needed to help defray event-driven expenses to achieve such a high donation percentage to charity.
La Mesa Village Merchants Association La Mesa has a rich history, and no one knows that better than classic car aficionados. The La Mesa Village Merchants Association sponsors the “Back to the ‘50s Car Show” every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. through August. The show is sponsored by local business Sycuan, Drew Ford, Bob Stall Chevrolet, Sanfilippo’s Pizza, Hoffer’s Cigar Bar, PorFavor, Pete’s Place, Johnny B’s and Gingham. If you’re wondering whether you can bring what you believe is a classic 1976 Cadillac, the answer is no. Qualifying car show vehicles are pre-1973 unless you are a sponsor dealership with the OK to display newer models. If you can call a 1976 Caddy a “newer model.” Six trophies are awarded each night – four to cars, one to a motorcycle, and the La Mesa Police Department’s Police Officer’s Choice Award. Wonder if you can use the latter to get out of a ticket. If you have any questions or comments about the car show, email deena55@cox. net or call (619) 992-6240.
Movin’ on up Himalayan Cuisine & Market at the La Mesa Crossroads Center behind El Torito recently hosted its grand opening and ribbon cutting June 21 to celebrate its remodel and expansion. The restaurant has expanded to fit more diners and host a specialty market. Owner Khmer Kharel said the expansion may have been one of the largest to occur in La Mesa in recent years. Sounds good to us – anyone for chicken tikka masala? Know of a La Mesa business that’s “movin’ on up”? Drop us a line at Editor@LaMesaCourier.com.
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“As a small non-profit, we rely on our community and local business owners,” said Jennifer Berton Handler, Founder of the Debbie Berton Walk. “We are so grateful for their financial sponsorship and in-kind donations of goods and services to make this event possible.” Last year, Geppetto’s Toys was one of the walk’s financial sponsors, donating at the most elite level. Geppetto’s Inc. president Brian Miller said, “Underwriting this event is Geppetto’s way to help make a local difference in the fight to end breast cancer. On a personal note, my family and I were honored to be a part of the walk – it was a fun and inspiring event that gave us a true sense of community.” Up to 75 percent of the money raised and donated to Komen stays in San Diego to provide free diagnostic mammograms, treatments and services to San Diegans in need. The remaining monies go toward important national breast cancer research. All donations are tax deductible and underwriters are rewarded with advertising placement on event materials. To be a Debbie Berton Walk underwriter or sponsor or for more information, email judi@thedebbiebertonwalk.com or visit www.TheDeb bieBertonWalk.com. Senior Citizen Special Facial or Arm & Neck Massage $35
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Page 11
TASTE OF LA MESA BRINGS ON THE YUM More than 500 people came to this year’s June 11 event, enjoying food and drink from 30 restaurants and food providers, four wineries and a featured beer sponsor. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce organized the event, using both buildings of the Community Center, and for the first time this year an early-entry 5 p.m. VIP ticket offering, which contributed to better crowd flow.
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AIR CONDITIONING
LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
COMPUTER SERVICES
Ideal Plumbing, Heating Air & Electrical
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Boob Group, from page 2 Because of the general lack of support available to her at the time, Kaplan ended up falling short of her personal breastfeeding goals with both of her children. “I’ve experienced a lot of what my moms are going through,” she said. “I didn’t know [the support] was out there.” She added that societal stigmas can also play a major part in a woman’s decision not to breastfeed, or at least not as long as they’d like to. Where mothers should feel confident and fully informed about their breastfeeding choices, Kaplan said they instead feel ashamed and disconnected—often having to breastfeed in a bathroom, hot car or secluded corner when in public. “In other societies, it’s not something shameful or sexual,” said Kaplan, who wasn’t the least disturbed by TIME Magazine’s recent controversial cover depicting a mother breastfeeding her 3-year-old son. “Unfortunately, what happens is moms quit breastfeeding sooner than they would have if they felt comfortable.” Given the physical and emotional benefits to be gained from breastfeeding, Kaplan offered several reasons for a mother to breastfeed past the first year — such as the bonding it fostered and the proven immunological factors. And for those moms eager to return to their pre-pregnancy weight, there’s the fact that 500 calories are burned per day by breastfeeding. In the future, Kaplan hopes to have a freestanding center, though she currently operates classes and programs at several locations throughout San Diego, from the Baby Garten Studio in South Park, the UCSD facilities in La Jolla and Hillcrest and even the occasional class at Whole Foods. She recently opened a Breastfeeding Support Clinic, which is held Mondays at the Whole Family Wellness Center in Bankers Hill. She said the intimate setting allows moms to openly discuss pertinent issues while in an environment where breastfeeding is natural. Starting July 2, Kaplan will begin The Boob Group, an online radio show that interviews experts in the field of breastfeeding. Out of all her activities, her personal favorite are the prenatal classes she teaches. “I love it because the parents are excited,” Kaplan said. “They’re just begging for knowledge, soaking it up however they can.” Kaplan stressed the importance in having both partners attend classes, and said it all comes back to helping provide essential support to the breastfeeding mother. After all, the partners are “the ones who are going to be there at night as the cheerleaders for the moms.” As a result, she tries to make each class as entertaining as possible for all involved. “Boobs are funny,” Kaplan said. “We’re going to talk about boobs. We’re going to look at pictures. It’s funny to my kids, and it’s funny to me. I get that.”
LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Page 13
Wickedly Worth It By Genevieve Suzuki If you’re into Broadway musicals, you’ve seen Wicked at least once, maybe even twice. You may think, “Eh, already have the soundtrack. It’s the same thing I listen to all the time.” But to dismiss Wicked this time around would be to do yourself and the immensely popular musical a wickedly huge disservice. After all, not only is the cast top notch – the two leads have actually performed the roles on Broadway – but seeing this story in person really drives home its message of friendship and goodness. Emily Ferranti, the actor who plays Wicked Witch of the West Elphaba’s wheelchair-bound sister, Nessarose, still remembers when she first saw Wicked onstage. “I cried,” she said. “I was immediately obsessed, like most of us.” Ferranti’s Nessarose isn’t as sympathetic as you would think she would be. “When I was learning the role, I was intrigued by the emotional intensity she had,” said Ferranti. “I was excited to play a girl who was driven by such anger.” Ferranti successfully conveys that passion in her portrayal. Despite her inability to walk, Nessarose’s fiercely stubborn streak allows her to control many around her, whether for good or bad. A wicked witch who may not be so wicked, a good witch who may not be so good, and a physically challenged future Wicked Witch of the East who is certainly not challenged – all just part of the lesson you take home from Wicked, according to Ferranti. “People may not be what they appear to be at first glance,” said Ferranti. “Most of the time they’re misunderstood.” Wicked is at the San Diego Emily Ferranti as Nessarose Civic Theatre through July 15. A day-of-performance lottery ticket drawing is being offered for each performance. Two and one-half hours prior to each performance, people who present themselves at the Civic Theatre box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum; thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. Lottery participants must have a valid photo ID when submitting their entry form, if chosen, when purchasing tickets.
Park the Pet, from page 7 9279 Campo Road, Spring Valley (619-463-1722) www.springcreekkennel.com Dog and cat boarding and day care services are available with “Special Time” recreation activities, special diets if necessary and door-to-door pickup and delivery service. The company has been in operation since 1983.
Our Feathered Friends 4420 Rainier Ave., San Diego (619-280-5134) www.ourfeatheredfriends.com Our Feathered Friends offers a perch for your own feathered friend while you fly off on vacation. They offer cages for all birds, from finches to macaws. The boarding facility is separate from the retail store, and Friends provides seed, fruits and veggies twice daily for their guests. They also make allowances for birds on special diets. Daily rates vary from $4 for small birds to $10 for extra large birds, such as cockatoos.
Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital 2317 Hotel Circle South, Suite C, San Diego (619-260-1412) www.drexotic.com If you’re more comfortable flying away while your pet is under the care of a veterinary professional, Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital may be the way to go. Led by Jeffrey R. Jenkins, an internationally recognized veterinarian for his work in avian medicine and surgery, exotic and laboratory animal medicine and surgery, the hospital offers boarding for birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets.
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This White Corn Salad recipe is from my youngest sister Lori who shared it with me many years ago. Sweet, crisp white corn and juicy tomatoes will make this a favorite summer or Fourth of July side dish. This is a very easy, yummy salad you will enjoy serving to your family and friends.
White Corn Salad 4 1 1 1 pint 4 2 Tbs 2 Tbs ½ tsp 8 oz. 15 oz.
ears of white corn cooked (1-pound bag of frozen thawed white corn can be substituted). red onion finely chopped. red bell pepper chopped. cherry tomatoes, halved. green onions, chopped. chopped parsley. chopped fresh basil. thyme. carton of small fresh mozzarella balls, halved. can of black beans, drained and rinsed (optional).
Dressing: 1 tsp salt or salt to taste. ½ tsp black pepper. 2 cloves minced garlic. 1 lemon The zest and juice from one lemon. ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil. ¼ cup White or red wine vinegar. 1 Tbs Dijon mustard. 1 pinch sugar.
Directions Whisk dressing ingredients and toss in with vegetables. Chill well prior to serving.
Surfing, from page 6
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Trip Advisor www.tripadvisor.com Trip Advisor is a one-stop site when it comes to planning a trip, even when the trip is just half an hour from your home. Scope out local entertainment, restaurants, parks and more, with everyday reviews provided by those who’ve been there, done that. A particularly helpful site when it comes to hotel reviews because many reviewers alert others to construction, loud noises and other concerns you wouldn’t find on a hotel-sponsored site.
Open Table www.opentable.com Earn points toward a free meal at your favorite restaurant by using this free and easy online booking service. The site offers menus, short descriptions of restaurants, prices and ratings. You can search for restaurants in any area you’re planning to visit and make reservations without picking up a phone.
Yelp www.yelp.com A good place for fairly honest reviews from fellow consumers. Yelp does a decent job of rooting out reviews that sound planted by owners. Use Yelp to find favorite local restaurants so you can avoid the chain restaurant down the street.
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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Class of '42 Grads Revisit Grossmont High On June 6, six members of the Grossmont High Class of 1942 gathered on the school campus to celebrate their 70th reunion. In recent issues of the La Mesa Courier (March & April), Jean Haslam Murrell and Jean Busch Casteel, members of that class, shared memories of growing up in La Mesa and their high school years during World War II. Jean Murrell was a cheerleader and Jean Casteel a member of a popular singing trio on campus during their years at Grossmont. Both continue to sing the praises of the school and enjoyed sharing their stories along with their classmates as they toured the campus with current young members of the ASB. Connie Baer, Museum co-director with her sister, Lynn, organized their campus visit, including a tour of the Museum before the group adjourned for lunch to Anthony’s Restaurant nearby.
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WANTED TO BUY CA$H PAID- up to $26/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Hablamos Espanol. 1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 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.
Boarding, from page 7 Cost is another consideration. Overnight visits can range from $34 up to $100 per day. Be sure to find out what is included in the price. Many places include food, playtime, exercise, bathing, training and more in their basic price. Others require an additional payment for each of these things. Prices often are higher for holidays and for administering medications, so be sure to ask. Also, find out if they give a price reduction for a second dog (if you have one), or, if you supply your own food. Amenities vary at each facility with some offering web cams, one-on-one training, flat screen TVs, organized play sessions, grooming, swimming pools, treats, private suites with windows, etc. All places will supply beds and toys and bowls for your pooch but many will permit you to bring your own, which increases your dog’s comfort level. Most importantly, remember, this is your “furry kid” and he deserves the best you can provide. Perform your due diligence to ensure his vacation will be as good as yours. Sari Reis is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and the Owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information please contact her at (760) 644-0289 or www.missionvalleypetsitting.com.
LaMesaCourier.com — July 2012
Page 15
Adobes, from page 3 mountains. All three homes are still privately owned and in good repair. The Southern California romance with red tile Spanish influenced architecture is alive and well in these Eastridge houses.
in steel that is covered for the most part by adobe. One of the most beautiful features of the homes is their open-beamed ceilings. In addition to their beauty, the beams play
1912-2012 u
La Mesa Centennial: Celebrating the American Hometown
July Centennial Events Join us for these Centennial events: Back to the 50’s Car Show 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Every Thursday in July Sundays at Six At Harry Griffen Park Amphitheatre Centennial Summer Concert Series Every Sunday at 6:00 PM No Centennial Committee Meeting or Centennial Committee Volunteers Meeting this month! Geocaching 101 July 21, 11:00 AM at La Mesa Library An informational session about Geocaching to be held at the La Mesa Library
Photo by Hu Stone
- Photos courtesy of La Mesa Historical Society
LMAA Centennial Radio Daze July 26, 6:00 PM at La Mesa Community Center For more information about these events and the Centennial, visit www.cityoflamesa100.com
The original roof tiles were flat as opposed an integral part of the structure. They are to the more common rounded tiles. The securely attached to the walls and prevent original tiles are still in place on two of the the walls from moving in or out, essential three houses. These roofs have an expected in earthquake-prone areas. The main beams life of at least 75 years, so the owners can throughout the houses are 16 inches by 8 look forward to another 25 years or more inches in size and are made from Douglas fir. of roof life in these 50 year To complement the beams, old homes. The constructhe face of the ceilings is The walls consist tion of these adobe homes made of 100 percent openis most fascinating. The faced Douglas fir wood. of two rows of exterior walls are slightly The beams are all hand eight inch adobe over 16 inches thick. The hewn, and the hewn marks blocks with a small walls consist of two rows enhance their architectural interior space of eight inch adobe blocks appearance. between the rows with a small interior space With adobe homes so between the rows filled with prevalent throughout the filled with re-bar. re-bar. Re-bar is used both Southwest, there are many vertically and horizontally clubs and groups organized for support and strength. The re-bars are around the adobe theme. If you would like surrounded by mortar throughout all of the to know more about them, or if you would inner space. The base of the walls is securely like to ask questions of the author or make attached to the foundation. The foundation comments, send them to Editor@LaMeis larger than the foundation of a typical saCourier.com. frame house because of the need to support Kathy Crawford contributed historical the weight of the adobes. In addition to the background for this article. re-bar, the windows and doors are framed
FREE CLASSIFIEDS Free classified ads are available to private parties and to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services. Only one
The mission of the La Mesa Centennial is to promote La Mesa’s 100th birthday through a community-driven celebration of its heritage – past, present, and future.
www.cityoflamesa100.com The August issue of the La Mesa Courier will be published Friday, July 27th. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, July 17th.
La Mesa Courier
8030 University Ave. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505 email: info@LaMesaCourier.com Visit our website at: www.LaMesaCourier.com
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 6549 Mission Gorge Road, #199 • San Diego, CA 92120. 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.
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 6549 Mission Gorge Road, #199 • San Diego, CA 92120. 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 #
Editor: Genevieve A. Suzuki, ext. 121
Graphic Artist: Aleta El Sheikh
Assistant Editor: Pam Crooks, ext. 124
Advertising Consultants: Becky Suffridge, ext. 140 Lionel Talaro, ext. 128 Maria Simencic, ext. 133 Garilee Gallegos, ext. 142
Contributors Patti Anderson Annie Lane Michael Stetz
Publisher: Jim 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, 6549 Mission Gorge Road, #199 • San Diego, CA 92120. 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.
La Mesa
Alpine
8131 Allison Avenue La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 741-8588
1620 Alpine Blvd, Suite 114 Alpine, CA 91901 (619) 659-0076
La Mesa Village
8295 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 303-9500
ALPINE
CHULA VISTA
EL CAJON
2616 Alpine #11 – Complex upgraded a few years ago.Great downstairs 2BD/1BA unit. $83,000
755 1st Ave – 4BD/3BA Main home plus 2 Helper Units. This home was built in 1974. $420,000
3393 Dehesa Road – Sequestered behind wrought iron gates, this 3BD/4BA Spanish hacienda sits on 2.2 acres. $1,799,000
Shirley Hays 619-659-0076
Collette Jimenez 619-838-1696
Porter|Veuger Group 619-316-6174
EL CAJON
LA MESA
LA MESA
1038 Vista Sierra Drive – This beautiful 4BD/3BA home brings old world charm & modern conveniences together masterfully. $675,000
10383 Bonnie Lane – Imagine living in this architect’s dream home on a secluded private drive in mt. Helix. $1,950,000
8065 Cinnabar Drive – New listing. Ocean & Downtown Views! Beautifully remodeled custom home. $534,900-$574,900
Roxanne Baer 619-249-2769
Porter|Veuger Group 619-316-6174
Marcia Tolin 619-804-1820
LA MESA
PACIFIC BEACH
RANCHITA
3738 King Street – Contractor’s Special. I’’m all ready to be fixed up! I’’ve got everything you need to get started. $299,900
2447 Aster – Welcome to paradise! Gorgeous panoramic view of the bay and city lights. Completely remodeled. $1,239,000
28678 Skyway Drive – Rural remote backcountry ranch with tons of potential on gorgeous 40 ac w/ 360 views. $145,000
Carol Mason 619-855-2630
Maxine Anderson 858-504-0222
Lynn Christopher 619-993-4943
SPRING VALLEY
SANTEE
ESCONDIDO
8703 Spring Vista Way – Charming 3BD/2BA, with large living/great room, oversized lot, large newer kitchen. $280,000
8995 Silver Court – 5BD/4BA with panoramic views. 3308 SF, high ceilings, plantation shutters, dual master. $599,000-$610,000
14900 Oakvale Rd #C12 – Remodeled mobile home with views. All new kitchen appliances & wood floors. $35,000
Bob Tepedino 619-708-3009
Victoria Hyatt 619-405-1988
Michele Murphy 619-368-4753
SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO
LA JOLLA
5051 Abuela Drive – Single family 3BD/2BA detached home located in Villa Portofino. $534,900-$574,900
8413 Summerdale Rd #A – 2BD/3BA home with small backyard. Clay tiles in kitchen & dining room. $175,000
8606 Ruette Monte Carlo St – Newly constructed 5BD/8BA in exclusive gated community of Montoro. Ocean views.$7,999,999
Chris Miller & Susan Malotte 619-797-6673
Joss Carvalho 858-603-7256
Maxine Anderson 858-504-0222
Carlsbad
300 Carlsbad Village Dr, #217 (760) 893-8040
Carmel Valley
12925 El Camino Real, Suite J27 (858) 480-3603
San Diego Commercial
11772 Sorrento Valley Rd, Suite 120 (858) 350-6368
Solana Beach
124 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite 206 (858) 345-1377
A Division of
Fine Homes SoCal, Inc.
www.WindermereSoCal.com
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