La Mesa Courier - November 2012

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THE WINNERS

for THE BEST of your neighborhood!

November 2012

On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com

Volume 2 – Number 11

New 79th District INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Features Experienced Candidates By Dave Schwab

Preening La Mesa La Mesa Beautiful recognized community members for exterior efforts. Page 2

Democratic educator and San Diego State University professor Shirley Weber opposes Republican businesswoman and La Mesa Chamber of Commerce president-CEO Mary England for the 79th Assembly District seat Nov. 6. There is no incumbent in the freshly minted, redistricted 79th District, which represents La Mesa, Lemon Grove and parts of Spring Valley and National City as well as sections of San Diego and Chula Vista. Distinct in many ways, there are still decided similarities between the two candidates. Both come from modest economic backgrounds. The daughter of Arkansas sharecroppers who has lived in California since she was

3, Weber is a UCLA graduate who earned her doctorate by 26 years old. In 1988, Weber was elected to the San Diego Shirley Weber Mary England Unified School Board, where she served two consecutive four-year terms until she retired in 1996. “I never really considered myself a poliEngland, a Lemon Grove City Council- tician,” said Weber. “My vision as an educator member since 2000, is the former president had always been teaching and working with kids of Lemon Grove Chamber of Commerce. The and schools. It was really not on my agenda of daughter of a self-made painting contractor things to do.” who worked seven days a week, she said their Weber said she was “recruited” to run in family’s “brightest day” was when her father, the 79th Assembly District race by Toni Atkins who had a fourth-grade education, earned his of the 76th Assembly District and others who contracting license. convinced her she had the right credentials for Neither candidate intended to run for the job. State Assembly. England said she became a candidate See Election, Page 2

Walmart Market Appeals to La Mesa’s Pocketbook By Genevieve A. Suzuki

Marvelous at 110 La Mesa Woman's Club celebrated a big birthday Oct. 15. Page 9

The new Walmart Neighborhood Octmgv"kp"Nc"Oguc"ku"vjg"Ý"tuv" of its kind in San Diego.

Find Boone! Spotlight on Service The Optimist Club wants more people to look on the bright side. Page 16 NEWS TIPS (619) 697-2500 x124 Editor@LaMesaCourier.com

ADVERTISE WITH US (619) 697-2500 x140 Sales@LaMesaCourier.com

Our publisher has a rather shy English bulldog named Boone. He’s hiding somewhere in this very newspaper. If you find Boone, go to ScoopSanDiego.com, click on the I Found Boone! icon and enter to win a $25 Visa gift card. Contest rules and restrictions apply.

THANK YOU for voting Windermere as your Neighborhood Best! We appreciate your continued support.

Chalk it up to the cult of Walmart. Whether you’re a fan of the discount chain or a detractor who abhors its big business misgivings, there’s one thing that’s difficult to deny – Walmart knows how to rally its troops. At least 20 Walmart associates decked in green polo shirts fervently joined company executives and community leaders the morning of Oct. 17 to celebrate the new Walmart Neighborhood Market’s grand opening along Grossmont Boulevard. Each time a Walmart executive greeted the crowd with a “Good morning, associates,” the associates cheered back, “Good morning, Steve!” or “Good morning, Todd,” following their greetings with a rousing rhythm of claps, stomps and whoops. “The new Walmart Neighborhood Market will be another valued member of our business community, and many of our residents are looking forward to its grand opening and the employment opportunities it brings to La Mesa,” said Mayor Art Madrid. “Walmart has been a good corporate citizen to many of our

civic and nonprofit organizations, and I’m confident that this new store will continue to be a good community partner.” More than 3,000 people applied for the 65 available part- and full-time jobs at the Walmart Neighborhood Market, according to Jerry Spencer, the Walmart regional vice president for Southern California. The La Mesa market is managed by Todd Raley, a graduate of Granite Hills High School who attended San Diego State University. Raley began his career with Walmart 18 years ago as a temporary associate. “We are proud to be opening during the year that Walmart celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first store opening,” said Raley. “We look forward to serving the people of our community, helping save them money so they can live better.” The La Mesa Neighborhood Market, which now occupies a space left vacant for three years by Circuit City, is a stone’s throw from grocery store Ralphs and Toys “R” Us. Walmart is a welcome tenant, said Madrid. “A vacant See Walmart, Page 2

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La Mesa Beautiful Applauds 2012 Landscapes Each year La Mesa Beautiful, Inc., recognizes the efforts of local homeowners, businesses and public agencies that help make our community a more attractive place to live. At their 34th annual luncheon celebrating La Mesa’s Centennial Anniversary, the following 2012 awards were presented: Best Design, Single Family Residence of Ron Shelby and Debbie Davis; Single Family Residence – Best Use of Color, Tammee and Steven Dephilippis; Single Family Residence – Best Design with Low Water Use, Rose Marie Lofgren; Single Family Residence – Low-Water Use Attractive Landscape with Color, Jill Soto; Multi-Family

2012 La Mesa Beautiful award winners show off their plaques: (left to right) homeowner Jill Soto; Helen Patsiouras, executive director, Elmcroft of La Mesa; Maxine Lynch, LMPD volunteer; Tammee Dephilippis, homeowner; and Landscape architect George Mercer. (Other winners were not available.)

La Mesa Police Department volunteer Maxine Lynch is presented with a special commendation by La Mesa Beautiful board member Carol Lockwood.

This beautifully landscaped La Mesa home, owned by Ron Shelby and Debbie Davis, won the Best Design award for a single family residence.

Residential, Archstone La Mesa; Business, Commercial or Industrial, Elmcroft of La Mesa; Public Facility, La Mesa Police Department Project – University Avenue, Graffiti Eradication Project, Student Painted Utility Boxes. Scholarship Recipients were Hanna Murdock of Cuyamaca College and Sierra Sutties of El Capitan High School. The annual Citizen of the Year award was presented to La Mesa landscape architect George Mercer.

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SUSTAIN LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL – OCT. 27 The City of La Mesa will be showcasing a variety of environmental topics, technologies and activities at the fifth annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival Saturday, Oct. 27. This event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. For more information, visit cityoflamesa.com/SustainLaMesa.

RIDE FOR ALI! – Nov. 3 Various events are being held to raise funds for the sheriff’s child abuse detective Ali Perez, who was shot and wounded with Sgt. Craig Johnson while they were attempting to arrest a suspected child molester in Lakeside in September. Perez faces many months of recovery in the hospital. It is unknown if or when he will return to work. This incident has been a financial hardship for the Perez family, including his two daughters in college. Ride for Ali! starts at Sweetwater Harley-Davidson, 3201 Hoover Ave. in National City, and ends at the Deputy Sheriff’s Association, 13881 Danielson St., Poway. Register and pay online at www.rideforali. com, or register and pay the day of the ride. Make checks payable to: The Detective Ali Perez Support Fund. Contact Dave Schaller at (858) 486-9009 or dave.schaller@sdsheriff.org for more information.

MILITARY FAMILY NATURE FAIR – Nov. 3 Military families from the San Diego region are invited to bring their children and families to enjoy a day of outdoor skills, nature exploration, and fun at the Military Family Nature Fair, Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free fair will be held at Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego, Equestrian Staging Area, at the Mast Road exit of Highway 52. The Military Family Nature Fair will provide nature-based activities for military service members and their families to find adventure, camaraderie, a sense of mission, and relaxation through outdoor experiences. The fair is organized by Mission Trails Regional Park, the San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative, Family Adventures in Nature, the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. For event information, contact Janice Swaisgood at (619) 540-7246 or Janice@FamilyAdventuresinNature.org.

GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARD DISTRICT FALL SHOWCASE – Nov. 13 The Parent Music Advocacy Group proudly presents the Grossmont Union High School District Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. at Grossmont High School Stadium. Grossmont High and Helix High are among participating school bands. A variety of foods are available at the concession stands, which will be manned by the high school band booster groups. An $8 donation at the gate for ticket entrance; children up through 6th grade free. Junior high students are free with school ID or note from See Events, Page 4

See Noteworthy, Page 3

Walmart, from page 1 building’s never a good thing.” For its part, Ralphs is trying to stand strong amid the Walmart Neighborhood Market frenzy. For several days, the bright red and yellow Ralphs signs have marketed the deep discounts offered by the store. During the Walmart Grand Opening, it was easy to spot Ralphs’ storefront announcement that wine and spirits were on sale. At press time, it was unclear whether Ralphs had renewed its lease, which comes up this year. One thing’s for sure – the Kroger grocery chain has its work cut out for it. The Walmart Neighborhood Market featured most items cheaper than Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons, the three major grocery stores in La Mesa that will be most affected by the new guy in town. The La Mesa Walmart Neighborhood Market is the first of its kind in San Diego County. The 39,000-square-foot La Mesa store features a pharmacy, a self-serve deli, fresh produce, meats, cheeses and prepared foods. The store also carries frozen foods, dairy products and baked goods. To its credit, in addition to opening its market in La Mesa, Walmart is charging headfirst into the local community. As part of its grand opening, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation awarded $4,000 in grants to the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, Boys to Men Mentoring Network, Catholic Charities and College Preparatory Middle School. Additionally, a $15,000 grant was presented to SAY San Diego. Funds will be available throughout the year for local community service organizations. Interested groups can visit foundation.walmart.com for more information.

Election, from page 1 because she “did not see a Republican running” and, given it was a brand new legislative district, she thought it was a great opportunity to run. “It was the perfect political storm for me – new district, open primary.” Weber said her eight years’ experience on the San Diego Unified School Board during tough financial times will serve her well as a legislator in a financially strapped state. England said she’s primed to run after 12 years’ experience as an elected city councilwoman and as a businesswoman, having represented both Lemon Grove and La Mesa chambers of commerce, promoting small businesses on a daily basis. Both candidates feel creating jobs and nurturing a supportive environment in which business can flourish is a central focus of this – or any – Assembly District race. “Clearly, one of the key issues is how do we help develop more jobs and a job-friendly environment,” said Weber. “We need to train young people for the changing dynamic of the workplace that’s there. We have to figure out ways to develop strategic partnerships between businesses and our university system. To me, the hallmark of what California is is about having a strong educational system.” “I bring experience as an elected official and managing corporations, the Lemon Grove and La Mesa chambers of commerce,” said England. “I’ve been fiscally responsible, and I’m a consensus builder. Right now what we need is to forget about our differences and work together to turn this state around. Businesses need to quit leaving. We need to cut bureaucracy. I know how to energize change. I know how to make hard decisions.” See Election, Page 17

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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

LA MESA ENJOYS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL OKTOBERFEST Looks like there’s never a shortage of people who love beer, brats and bands. The 39th annual La Mesa Oktoberfest, held Oct. 5-7, entertained thousands of visitors up and down La Mesa Boulevard, particularly in its BIG beer garden, which is sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. “The BIG beer garden had great crowds throughout the evenings of Friday and Saturday night,” said Mary England, president-CEO of La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. “Throughout this weekend we had over 22,000 people walk through our beer garden between the hours of 4 p.m. on Friday night through Sunday at 5 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights we had our largest crowd – at one time – listening to our rock and roll band.” The Windermere Real Estate Food Court at the corner of 4th and La Mesa Boulevard also had brisk crowds, according to England. The chamber utilized the support of more than 171 volunteer shifts in its beer garden. It also hired local young people from the San Diego State ROTC to assist in traffic coordination as well as college students who helped Miss La Mesa 2012 Lindsey Palser facilitate the trash and clean-up. “The La Mesa strikes a pose with bergermeister Chamber is happy to support local youth and Jumpin' Jack at the BIG Beer Garden offer employment for them throughout this during the 39th annual Oktoberfest. three-day event,” said England. “Overall, it was another successful event and each year we make small changes and upgrade the event so that it runs smoother [and] is a great experience for our guests and visitors to our community,” she said. “We are happy that the weather was fantastic the entire weekend.” The 40th annual Oktoberfest will be held Oct. 4-6 in 2013.

Noteworthy, from page 2 Glenna Bloemen Named Lt. Governor of Kiwanis East County Clubs Glenna Bloemen, who joined the La Mesa Kiwanis Club in 2003, has been installed as lieutenant governor for Division 31 of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of Kiwanis International for 2012-2013. The division is comprised of 15 clubs in San Diego East County. She has served as treasurer and president of the La Mesa club. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bloemen grew up in San Diego, graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and master’s in leadership education. She also earned a law degree from Western Sierra Law School. Her love of people and writing inspires her to participate in volunteer services in the community she loves: La Mesa. Through Kiwanis and other volunteer efforts, Bloemen has given of her time and talents to such activities as the Miracle Mile of Quarters, La Mesa Library Readers and Writer’s Fest, the Drew Ford/Kiwanis Club of La Mesa All American Soap Box Derby, the Helix High School Key Club, and Grossmont Healthcare District’s Annual Kids Care Fest, among others. Over the past two years, Bloemen has served on the La Mesa Centennial Committee, working with the city council, the La Mesa Historical Society, and members of the community in celebrating La Mesa’s 100th birthday. Bloemen represents the true Renaissance woman, involved and enjoying all creative aspect of life and Glenna Bloemen managing many businesses at one time, including bookkeeper with Walter Weisman CPA in La Mesa and broker associate with Keller-Williams Realty in El Cajon. In her spare time, she enjoys helping others publish their books through her publishing company, Vanderblumen Publications. She is an avid quilter, and enjoys spending time with her two cats, whimsically named Sir Charles Brown and Prince Harry Brown.

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27 QUICK AND EASY FIX UPS TO SELL YOUR HOME FAST AND FOR TOP DOLLAR La Mesa - Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, and once you have made the decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible. To assist homesellers, a new industry report has just been released called “27 Valuable Tips That You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today’s tough, aggressive marketplace. Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the best profit possible. In this report you’ll discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, you will get straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home. You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money. 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 1023. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW. Paid Advertisement Courtesy of Dan Smith Re/Max 01346593

!"#$%&"'&()*'&+(",-+# La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club Meeting Location: Terra American Bistro, 7091 El Cajon Blvd. Website: lamesasunriserotary.com Email: info@lamesasunriserotary.org Phone: (619) 644-7146 Meeting dates and times: Friday 7:15 a.m. Special event: Oct. 26, HIV/AIDS Orphans in South Africa Jim O’Meara will speak on HIV/AIDS Orphans in South Africa.

La Mesa Rotary Club Meeting Location: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr. Website: Rotary Club of La Mesa Phone: (619) 465-2477 Meeting date and time: Wednesday noon

The Lake Murray Kiwanis Club Meeting location: Breakfast Meeting, Marie Calendar’s Restaurant and Bakery Website: lakemurraykiwanis.org/ Email: Cathy.Saur@uboc.com Meeting dates and times: First and third

Saturday of the month, 7:30 a.m. Special event: Community Service Day, Oct. 28

La Mesa Lions Club Meeting location: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr. Website: lamesalionsclub.com/ Email: LaMesaLions@gmail.com Phone: Manny Demetre, treasurer (619) 462-2742 Meeting dates and times: Tuesday noon to 1:30 p.m.

Optimist Club of La Mesa Meeting location: Marie Callendar’s Restaurant, Alvarado Road Meeting date and time: Wednesday, 7:15 a.m.

Soroptimist International of La Mesa Meeting location: Denny’s Restaurant, 2691 Navajo Road Website: www.silamesa.org Meeting dates and times: First and second Thursday of each month, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

!"#$%&'$%"('#)$%**'#+, By Pam Crooks Without a doubt, volunteers are the glue that holds any community together. Nowhere is this more in evidence than La Mesa. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I attend local events, drive around town and open my email this fall. We have a long, proud history of volunteerism. I was reminded of the La Mesa Women’s Club members, who over 100 years ago worked hard to get petitions signed promoting incorporation of the village of La Mesa as a city. Most volunteer effort takes place “under the radar� – like the quiet, dedicated work of La Mesa Beautiful. For 34 years, this group has annually nominated property owners for notable residential and commercial landscaping. The goal of the program is to beautify La Mesa by encouraging individuals to make their neighborhoods attractive for all to see. LMB also works throughout the year in our parks, schools and city to bring plants into the community. (If you’re interested in joining this group or nominating your own or a neighbor’s yard next year, call 619-466-4877.) In early October, I had the privilege of attending La Mesa Beautiful’s annual awards presentation, where winners were congratulated and presented with a plaque. One special award recognized a unique partnership between the volunteer-driven La Mesa Arts Alliance, See Pam Crooks, Page 18

Events, from page 2 school band director. High school students are able to purchase tickets for $5 each at the gate. Fifty percent of pre-sale proceeds go directly to local booster organizations. Make checks payable to your high school’s band booster group.

CHRISTMAS ON 3RD AVENUE CRAFT SHOW + LIVE MUSIC – Nov. 18 The San Diego Woman’s Club is hosting its annual Christmas on Third Avenue Craft Show + Live Music shopping event Sunday, Nov. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the San Diego Woman’s Club, 2557 Third Ave. The event features 30 local vendors and crafters, door prizes, food and live music. The San Diego Chorus and the Java Jazz Band are slated to perform at this free event.

FATHER JOE’S THANKSGIVING 5K – Nov. 22 Join Father Joe’s Villages Nov. 22 at 7:45 a.m. to wake, run and feast in the name of charity at its 11th annual Thanksgiving 5K. The event starts at the San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park. Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, complimentary continental breakfast, access to the beer garden and live entertainment, featuring the Blue Rockit Band and the Bill Magee Blue Band. Wheelchairs, pets and strollers are welcome. Online registration closes Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. Visit www.thanksgivingrun.org for more information.

THERE’S REALLY ONLY ONE WAY TO PRESERVE MEMORIES: LISTENING.

Letter from the Editor By Genevieve A. Suzuki November’s a big month for our country. On Nov. 6, we return to the polls to cast our votes for the President of the United States. And whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or a member of another political party, you should understand what a privilege you have in selecting the leader of our nation. We’re not a people ruled by a dictator nor are we a country forced to endure a sham election. Rather, we’re a democracy, and, as our Founding Fathers wanted, we are a nation governed for the people by the people. It’s easy to feel disenfranchised by the government and the state of affairs in our country. It sometimes seems we elect representatives who make decisions based on the needs of the few, rather than for the good of the many. But if you feel disenfranchised, with all due respect, it’s your fault. While we may not be able to walk into a legislator’s office to demand an immediate sitdown, we can at least speak loud enough to make our voices heard. We can write letters, make calls, and become civic activists for our community. It’s far too easy to sit on the couch, complaining our elected officials don’t know what they’re doing. It’s much more difficult to get involved and refuse to sit idly by. One of the traditions I’ve appreciated at every service club meeting I’ve attended – Optimist, Kiwanis, Rotary – is the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Until attending these meetings, the last time I said the Pledge of Allegiance was in grade school. Drummed into our heads by our teachers, the pledge was a matter of rote memorization. It never really struck a chord with me. These days when I say the Pledge of Allegiance, holding my right hand over my heart, I feel several emotions – mostly pride, but sometimes sadness and worry we’re losing that commitment to country. Written by Francis Bellamy in 1892, the Pledge was created in an effort to buoy sinking patriotism. If it sounds familiar, that’s probably because we continue to face that very same See Editor, Page 16

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Residents gulp at proposed DAL SMITH’S Spring Street 7-Eleven RECIPE FOR By Dave Schwab BUSINESS Some La Mesans aren’t thanking heaven I’m an older woman and I can’t sell my for 7-Eleven. home,” Kurtz said. “I don’t have a choice. I Neighbors petitioned La Mesa City have to stay. You guys [on the Council] are SUCCESS Council Oct. 9, requesting it oppose creation not helping us here. It’s just all about your of a new 7-Eleven on Spring Street and arguing the city is saturated with liquor licenses and that the new store would be a detriment to the community. “We’re stuck in this situation,” said Jesus Calleros of the proposed 4200 Spring St. 7-Eleven, which has applied for a liquor license and is presently under permit review. “We’d like to restate our opposition to the alcohol permit. Our neighborhood already has issues with crime, traffic and trash. There are safety issues with this proposed business – drunk driving, lack of traffic control, many streets around this location have no sidewalks.” Neighbor Janice Kurtz warned that a 7-Eleven in that area would negatively impact property values. “I’m very fearful and worried because

getting money from 7-Eleven.” Realtor Laura Lothian began her address to the Council by reciting a long list of existing liquor stores in the city. “La Mesa already has plenty of liquor stores,” Lothian said. “Our new motto is La Mesa, finest small town in San Diego County. To live up to that motto, we need to stop adding liquor stores that bring in robberies, loitering and littering. [7-Elevens] reduce property values. Help this neighborhood stay a neighborhood.” DeAnna Reed, noting residents are protesting the ABC Board to “try and stop the liquor license” for the proposed 7-Eleven, warned that its presence could blight the community. “I moved to La Mesa six years ago after living in City Heights, and there are parts of See 7-Eleven, Page 8

By Mike Stetz

Dal Smith is – well, pardon the pun – still cooking. He owns one of the most established culinary and bakery schools in the region, and on this particular day it’s bustling with students. Smith also drives a Corvette. It’s parked Dal Smith outside and it’s as sweet as one of his student’s pastries. Perhaps it’s not the kind of a car you’d expect a man who’s about to turn 79 to drive, but Smith doesn’t appear to be your typical near-octogenarian. He looks 10 years younger – at least. He’s from New Orleans and you can still catch a drawl in his voice. He used to be a CPA before he became a bar owner. Then he bought a nightclub and several restaurants. And then he bought a bartending school. Finally Smith founded the National Culinary & Bakery School, which is now based in La Mesa in a former fast-food restaurant. He’s run it for 24 years in three locations. “I’ll be in business until the day I die,” he said. “If you retire, your brains turn into pudding.” Running the culinary school is more than just a passion for business, revenue resource and the means to acquire a very cool ride. Smith wants to help people succeed as chefs. He personally screens each perspective student. He says he charges the lowest tuition of any area culinary school. That’s because he wants to give opportunity to those who might not have the financial means to learn this craft if they so wish, he said. Class sizes are kept low, to a maximum of 10 students. He also offers student loans personally and charges no interest in the first year. Hundreds upon hundreds of students have gone through his school. Name any restaurant or hotel in San Diego and chances are one of his students has worked there, he said. “My purpose is to be the best culinary school in California,” he said. See Dal Smith, Page 19

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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

!"#$% &"#'()## La Mesa’s sweet tooth just got sweeter. Royal Candy Castle, dedicated to nostalgic candy and gifts and novelty items, enjoyed its soft launch opening Oct. 5. The store, owned by husband-and-wife team Joe and Erika Struzzieri, is aptly nestled among antique shops at 8324 La Mesa Blvd. in the Village. The Struzzieris plan to hold their grand opening once Royal Candy Castle is fully stocked in mid-November or the first week of December. “We would love for our store to become a staple in the community, a place where people look forward to coming in to experience and relive special memories of nostalgia and just plain have fun in our candy shop,” said San Diego native Erika. Erika said Royal Candy Castle was meant for La Mesa Village. “We were antiquing and were a little lost looking for a specific store,” she said. “We parked our car and walked around the village. Then we walked in front of our current location and saw a ‘for rent’ sign. We peeked through the window and absolutely fell in love with the store. It had been about a year or so that we had looked for our perfect location and we both knew this was it. … We loved the charm of the village and we met and talked to locals walking by.”

More village news There are two more recent changes to La Mesa Village. A new greeting card/picture book company is opening at 8219 La Mesa Blvd. in Readers, Inc.’s old location. Also, Sparrow Bridal Shop moved to 8332 La Mesa Blvd. Meanwhile, the La Mesa Village Streetscape Improvement Project is moving forward. The project includes enlarged sidewalks, narrow streets, more trees, lights, and benches. The La Mesa City Council will discuss scope and funding at the next meeting. Work is still underway to find a public-private partnership to help maintain the new amenities.

How to really succeed in business A series of free “How-To” workshops designed to help East County small business owners improve their employee productivity and performance is being offered by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. Each workshop will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Chamber’s Community Room, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon. The workshops begin Oct. 30 with the class “Generational Diversity in the Workplace.” Victoria Hankins, a professional development instructor with the San Diego and Imperial County Workplace Learning Resource Center, will offer tips on how managers and staff can foster good working relationships between generations, including understanding sources of generational conflict and how to minimize it, how to identify each generation’s value

COMMENTARY

Thankful for weather, pilgrims, turkey and middle college By Emilie Trepanier I roll my car windows down and have instant paradise. Being a San Diego native is a gift millions of Americans envy. I can definitely say that, despite my fair skin and bright red hair, the sun is my friend and I don’t really mind that sand and I stick together. And although I can admit to being somewhat prideful when it comes to facing those snow-dwellers and their unfortunate fate of below zero weather, I have had more opportunities around me that don’t just have to do with “hanging loose.” It may be a bit of a stretch telling people I am from San Diego, but only because the hidden gem I truly live in is on the outskirts of America’s Finest City. La Mesa, also known as “The Table,” may as well be “Perfect City.” I have everything I need within a two-mile radius of my home: three parks, three high schools and two malls. One of my favorite malls, Grossmont Center, is where my weekends are spent people-watching after hitting my favorite stores. An added bonus: We live close enough to the beach to spend at least every weekend sunbathing, but far enough away so as not to deal with the marine layer and a cloudier sky. Because it’s Thanksgiving, I recently made a list of reasons why I am grateful to live in La Mesa. The weather, surprisingly, did not make the very top. I’m not going to lie – the weather here is glorious. In my sophomore year of high school, however, I discovered yet another gift La Mesa has to offer: a middle college program. I know I may have puzzled a few of you. No, not a middle school, not a middle high school (whatever that is..) and no, not a junior college. Instead, Grossmont Middle College High School is a chance to participate in college courses while attending high school on the same campus as the college. This is what I was lucky enough to do in my junior year. My experience in the middle college program has not only proven to be educational, but has also offered a supportive environment in which I could grow into the kind of person I want to be. With a class size of 40, I have a second family who knows me maybe a bit too well. My school counselor also worked with us each individually to discover what our future is destined to look like, providing me personally with confidence when I enter the university world. Another advantage I have is the opportunity to participate in an internship, a requirement at Middle College. I am now interning with the La Mesa Courier, which allows me to learn an abundance of useful information about journalism, my desired major when I do go off to college. I am blessed to experience all of this while soaking up the warm summer sun and thanking the turkey for being righteous – and those pilgrims for being righteous, too.

See Just Business, Page 18

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Page 7

La Mesa Reads TRADITIONAL VS. HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian

Fall is in full swing in La Mesa. We hope you’re enjoying the cooler weather and getting ready to snuggle up with some great new books this autumn. One of our most popular books last month was Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James. Noted mystery writer James takes on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with this continuation of the story of the Bennett sisters. Set six years after the end of Pride and Prejudice, the family is plunged into a frightening mystery when disgraced sister Lydia’s husband is murdered. Another mystery, Broken Harbor by Tana French, was a frequent request. The fourth book in French’s Murder Squad series focuses on cop Scorcher Kennedy and his struggle with a perplexing case. Don’t miss the first book in the series, In the Woods. On a lighter note, La Mesa readers also lined up for Arranged by Catherine McKenzie. When unlucky-in-love Anne stumbles upon a company that specializes in arranged marriages she decides to take a chance. Fans of Jennifer Weiner and Jennifer Crusie might give McKenzie a try. Non-fiction readers were lining up for How to Find Out Anything: From Extreme Google Searches to Scouring Government Documents, a Guide to Uncovering Anything About Everyone and Everything by Don MacLeod. Master researcher MacLeod offers tips on how to find anything you are looking for online. On Saturday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m., please join us for an Acoustic Showcase concert featuring singer-guitarist Dale Desmuke. Desmuke sings songs about cowboys, pirates, and other outlaws, and makes friends wherever he goes. Our autumn concert is sure to be a toe-tapping good time for the whole family. On Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m., we invite you to attend a presentation on World War II history. San Diego natives Yukio and Mitsuko Kawamoto will present “Memories of Japanese Internment,� and discuss their experiences in Arizona’s Poston Internment camp. Please come to our adult book club meeting that day at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and stay for the presentation. A variety of Japanese refreshments will be served. The La Mesa branch will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 23 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be open regular hours on both Wednesday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 24. 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.

Give the Gif t of Life

By Sari Reis As a professional pet sitter, I am frequently asked to recommend a good veterinarian. I am always happy to do so and habitually ask if the client’s preference is traditional or holistic medicine. Many people have asked what the difference is between the two and if one is better than the other. Both of these philosophical approaches exist in human healthcare as well as in veterinary medicine. One is known as traditional, conventional or Western medicine and the other is known as holistic, natural, Eastern, complimentary or alternative medicine. The rudimentary difference between the two is their theoretical approach. As explained by Dr. Sara Skiwski in an online article for Green Little Cat: “Traditional medicine generally works from the disease model with emphasis on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The body is viewed as a machine with disease being the result of a breakdown of the mechanism. The body is a passive recipient of treatments designed to fix it. In the holistic approach, disease prevention is the goal. The body is viewed as a living organism with disease as a result of being out of balance. Holistic medicine deems the body capable of self-repair and administers treatment to support the body in self-healing.� Both traditional and holistic veterinarians complete eight to ten years of schooling to become a DVM, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Holistic veterinarians continue their studies to learn about herbs, flower essences, acupuncture and acupressure, homeopathy, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, etc. These are considered alternative or complimentary therapies. Traditional veterinarians who want to become specialists continue their studies the same as our medical doctors do in areas such as dermatology, surgery, oncology etc. Again the basic difference between the two approaches is that traditional care focuses predominantly on the physical symptoms. A typical check-up for a dog or cat would include a comprehensive physical exam, perhaps some diagnostics such as a blood panel for older pets, maybe a stool and urine sample and perhaps some questions about diet, particularly if there are weight issues. In a holistic wellness assessment, there would be a comprehensive physical exam, perhaps some diagnostics, inquiry into the behavior of the pet, his medical history, the environment in which he exists including diet, emotional stressors, etc. The traditional veterinarian is your best bet in an acute emergency situation when surgery, hospitalization, and drugs for pain management are required. The holistic veterinarian can take over when the pet is stabilized and home, helping the pet to fully heal by feeding a nutritious diet, perhaps with natural supplements, and utilizing alternative techniques such as acupressure, Reiki, or whatever will help the pet to recover to complete wellness. !""#$%&'($)*+,-+.$/&$0+1&.$2)$$343!4$56437$!638"4"3 9:;$%+<+:$9=>+''.$9?0.$0@2?A There is definitely a time BC'D$E&1FG=,+D$H=(I&11G=,.$H-<<G,J$+DJ+$K,=>'+DJ+L and place for both traditional M-''$1+:*GH+$I+<$F=1IG<&'$G,H'-DG,JN$H&,H+:$H&:+.$K,++$1-:J+:G+1.$1KG,$DG1+&1+1;$ )'>&O1$:+&HF&P'+;$2=(I'+<+'O$,+>$G,$F=-1+$'&P$+Q-GI(+,<. and holistic care. My preferDGJG<&'$:&DG=J:&IF1$&,D$H=(I'+<+$1O1<+($G,<+J:&<G=,;

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Grossmont High School

Helix Highlights By Jennifer Osborn The results are in, and Helix Charter High School earned an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 805 for 2012! The API is a single number, ranging from a low of 200 to a high of 1000, which reflects a school’s performance level, based on the results of statewide testing. Its purpose is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. The state of California has set 800 as the goal for all schools. The API is based on an improvement model. The API from one year is compared to the API from the prior year to measure improvement. Helix’s API increased 19 points from last year, far exceeding the target growth of five points required by the state. We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students and staff and their efforts to excel academically and remain a leader in the county. We are thankful to the families who support Helix’s educational program and who help to ensure the success of their children. Besides the API score, Helix has seen a marked improvement in many other areas (per the California Department of Education Dataquest): The percent of students achieving advanced or proficient on California Standardized Testing (CST) increased in all core areas (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science). Helix’s graduation rate increased from 84.8 percent for the class of 2010 to 90.1 percent for the class of 2011. In turn, the dropout rate dropped from 14.0 in 2010 to 4.4 in 2011. The percent of Helix students graduating meeting the requirements for admission to the University of California/California State University systems increased from 79.8 percent in 2010 to 88.6 percent in 2011. This is just a snapshot of Helix’s performance and the results of the school’s educational program. As always, the Helix students and staff look forward to the opportunity to share our accomplishments with the members of our community. We invite you to attend one of our Excellence in Education Tours, a one-hour program that highlights our history, goals, accomplishments and needs, along with a tour of our campus. This month’s tour dates are Nov. 2 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and Nov. 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tours begin in the library. Space is limited, so please call Linda Sullivan at (619) 644-1940, ext. 152 to reserve a spot. If you ever have questions or comments regarding Helix Charter High School, please don’t hesitate to contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net. We welcome your feedback!

7-Eleven, from page 5 La Mesa I’m seeing now that are trash,” Reed said. “I thought this was a quaint town like Mayberry. The past five years we’ve just seen things going downhill on Spring Street. There are places for 7-Elevens. But not so close to neighborhoods.” Speakers addressing the council questioned why it didn’t send a representative to meet with residents and police to discuss the issues associated with locating a new 7-Eleven in their midst. City attorney Glenn Sabine said legal issues precluded the city from participating, noting the possibility that the new 7-Eleven and its liquor license could be appealed to the Council might force any members attending community meetings on the issue to recuse themselves. Sabine said the city’s hands are also tied in terms of its purview regarding the proposed 7-Eleven. “A commercial operation is a permitted use at the site,” he said. “It’s not a matter of Learn everyday Spanish with the council being able to deny our conversational approach. a commercial use at that site ̋ Private or Small Groups ̋ Children, Teens, Adults because the rules allow that. ̋ Day or Evening Classes The only thing the council can ̋ Unique Visual & Interactive Methods rule on is the design and operSPANISH LANGUAGE CENTER ation of the facility. Alcohol MISSION VALLEY (619) 284-8636 issues ultimately are regulated www.spansishlanguagecenter.com by the ABC.”

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Foothiller Footsteps By Connie Baer Recently, drivers on Interstate 8 have been startled by their view of the original school, which gives them a glimpse of the original building as it was in 1922. For those who have been concerned that the building was being demolished, rest assured that the building is safe. The trees blocking the view have been removed to enable this wonderful landmark to be once again seen as the “School on the Hill.”

During its renovation, the hand-carved granite exterior will be cleaned. As many of you know, in 1920 Colonel Ed Fletcher donated the land for the school for $10; the granite blocks from which the school is constructed came from his quarry on Mt. Helix. The architect of the building was T. C. Kistner; the contractor was N.H. Beer. During its two-year construction, GUHS students attended school at the old Riverview HS campus in Lakeside. In Sept. 25, 1922, students first attended classes at Grossmont in the “Castle.” In 1925, the P.T.A. raised $350 to fund the landscaping of the school to “to make Grossmont one of the garden spots of Southern California.” (El Cajon Valley News, June 12, 1925). The school board hired Kate Sessions, renowned horticulturalist, to landscape the school: “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.” (El Cajon Valley News, April 2, 1926). This original ivy (ficus repens) was removed due to its destructive nature, but cuttings from it have been replanted along the fence in the lower quad as well as cuttings from the 1930’s ivy believed to have been from Washington Irving’s home in New York and originally from Sir Walter Scott’s home in Scotland. The interior of the school will be modernized and renovated, but will still preserve the original character of the building. One exciting renovation is the reopening of the rotunda to allow visitors to walk directly into the back building, which was originally the auditorium. After the 1935 WPA funded Old Gym was completed, from 1936 to 1937, the auditorium was remodeled into a two-story classroom building. Replicas of the original style wood windows See Grossmont High, Page 18

Veterinarians, from page 7 ence is a veterinarian who can do both. As Dr. W. Jean Dodds has stated: ”Medicine is an art and a science and pet health is a dynamic process that changes.” That being said, it is imperative for responsible pet parents to educate themselves as to the alternatives available in the ongoing health and well-being of their “furry kids.” Sari Reis is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and the owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information you can reach her at (760) 644-0289 or www.missionvalleypetsitting.com.

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Historical Society, La Mesa Library & Friends of the Library, SharpGrossmont Hospital Thrift Korral, SharpGrossmont Hospital, San Diego Center for the Blind, Women’s Museum of California, St. Madeline Sophie’s Center, American Heart Association, Sevick School, Tijuana Debra House, La Mesa Lions Club, and San Diego Rescue Mission. The La Mesa Woman’s Club also opened and operates the La Mesa Thrift Shop. In addition to collecting and taking care of the inventory, the members man the store – strictly on a volunteer basis. The club has changed over the years as membership ages. “We are in a new time. We can no longer depend on our elders. We are our elders, “ said Jodi Van Tieghem. The California Federation of Women’s Clubs first vice president Chris Herzog congratulated the members on their work through the group of 11 female La Mesa resiyears. She complimented the vintage hats, but dents decided to get together to said women’s clubs have since traded in those work for the community. Their Club president Sandi hats, gloves and bags for hard hats, work gloves first meeting was in a house along Phoenix gets into the spirit and garbage bags – tools they need to do this El Cajon Boulevard, a far cry from with her turn-of-the-century generation’s community service. the banquet hall the organization frock and sun hat. Several local leaders were also on hand to now operates just off Grossmont commemorate the special occasion, including Mayor Art Boulevard. Madrid; La Mesa councilmembers Ruth Sterling, Mark What began as a grassroots effort has since become one Arapostathis and Ernie Ewin; La Mesa Chamber of Commerce of the most philanthropic groups of La Mesa. In 2012, the La CEO-president Mary England; and Assemblyman Brian Mesa Woman’s Club contributed to the following commuJones, who will no longer represent La Mesa after the general nity service programs: Grossmont Union High School District scholarships, YWCA’s Becky’s House Program, election now that the city has been redistricted to be within Bancroft Community School, Military Outreach Ministries, the newly created 79th District. Meals on Wheels of East County, Pennies for Pines, Ronald Entertainment was provided by the Helix Charter High McDonald House, La Mesa Welfare and Thrift Shop, La Mesa School orchestra under the direction of director Mitch Way.

LA MESA WOMAN’S CLUB CELEBRATES 110 YEARS By Genevieve A. Suzuki It was a sunny afternoon, perfect to celebrate the beaming group of women gathered together for a rather significant event – the 110th anniversary of the La Mesa Woman’s Club. Club members were dressed to the nines in lace and flowers. Several women, including club president Sandi Phoenix, wore elaborate hats. The banquet tables were elegantly appointed, with vintage hats and pearls serving as the centerpieces. Storyboards and photo albums were placed around the room so attendees could learn about the club’s past and purpose. La Mesa Woman’s Club officer Jodi Van Tieghem also went over the organization’s history during the program. Van Tieghem said it was the most prestigious and energetic history she’s ever written. The La Mesa Woman’s Club began in 1902, when a

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

Page 11

THE WINNERS

for THE BEST of your neighborhood! Welcome to the Inaugural Neighborhood Best Issue! Everyone plays favorites. It’s hard not to live in a city and find a regular rhythm of living. Some people prefer to shop at Trader Joe’s for something to eat at home, while others would rather have a juicy cheeseburger at Johnny B’s and homemade chocolate at Centifonti’s in La Mesa Village. This year we decided to introduce the La Mesa Courier Neighborhood Best issue, a newspaper that would include several pages of what our readers deem the best in La Mesa. Sure, sometimes readers ventured out of 91941 or 91942 for their picks, but for the most part everything we need and love is right here in town. And though we at the Courier hope you enjoy this issue, we have to cop to a little selfish enjoyment in creating it. Finding out our readers’ favorites felt a lot like reading a

friend’s diary – a guilty pleasure, to be sure. As with any request for feedback, we were sometimes surprised by your responses. For instance, our readers chose Panera over Centifonti’s for Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth. Although Panera’s sweet treats are mouthwatering, so are Centifonti’s homemade desserts. Centifonti sells chocolate-dipped Oreos, fresh pies and delicious gelato. There is also a nice supply of sugar free chocolate for those of us who can’t have too much sugar. Your choices also taught us a thing or three. For instance, I had never gone into Act II in the Village even though I had seen it every time I ate at Gingham or Centifonti’s, or grabbed coffee at Cosmos. Walking into Act II to speak with chic associate Amanda Stevens, I was shocked by the coolness

of it all. I had always assumed the store inside looked like the baubles it sold outside. But Act II is actually the real deal. It carries gently used designer handbags and shoes, selling them at a fraction of the original price. The day I walked in Stevens showed me a red Coach bag that looked as though it had never been used. Act II was selling the bag for less than forty bucks. And now, thanks to you, we’re in the know – at least for this year. If you think your favorite got short shrift, I invite you to write me at editor@lamesacourier.com so I can include your opinion in our Letters to the Editor section. I also want to remind you this is only the beginning. If your personal Neighborhood Best didn’t win, there really is always next year. Genevieve A. Suzuki

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www.grossmontcenter.com Pick a spot – any spot – at Grossmont Center and you will get an invaluable lesson in human interaction. See teens tease each other on a Friday night in the food court; watch parents barter with their kids outside Cold Stone Creamery; witness a lover’s quarrel outside the Starbucks adjacent to Barnes &

Helpful Staff It’s hard to find good people to work for any company, but getting those kinds of people to work for a civic organization? That’s downright amazing! Anyone with questions or issues gets immediate help from City of La Mesa staff – ensuring we’re definitely not like those other guys down the road.

Favorite Politician

Mayor Art Madrid Art Madrid has been the mayor of La Mesa for 22 years. At the grand opening of the Walmart Neighborhood Market, he joked that La Mesa was founded in 1912, but he’s only been mayor since 1914. His long tenure aside, Madrid is likely the most accessible politician you’ll ever meet, and always makes time to speak with the good people of La Mesa.

Best Place to Buy Your Ride

Drew Ford

See La Mesa's Best, Page 12

8970 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa (888) 373-9367 www.drewford.com You can’t drive a few blocks around town without seeing someone with a Drew Ford license plate frame. Founder Elmer Drew would be proud of his business today, especially since his family still owns and operates the dealership.

Best Place To Fix Your Ride

Don Henderson Auto Services

Best Do-Gooder Organization

2835 Lemon Grove Ave., Lemon Grove (619) 589-6166 www.donhendersonauto.com They’re located in Lemon Grove, but La Mesa Courier readers voted Don Henderson Auto Services a Neighborhood Best when it comes to auto mechanics. The company services both American and Foreign cars and light trucks, and offers a comprehensive list of auto mechanic services.

La Mesa Rotary

Best Park

www.lamesarotary.org Who knew businesspeople could be so fun? You’d be hard pressed to attend one La Mesa Rotary meeting that didn’t include at least three rounds of laughter. But don’t be fooled – beneath their jovial nature, the Rotarians’ hearts beat in service to the community. The Rotary Club has given thousands of dollars and manpower hours to worthy organizations, including Helix High School and Peter Pan Junior Theater.

Balboa Park

Best Realtor

Windermere 8131 Allison Ave., La Mesa (619) 741-8588 www.windermere.com Windermere is growing in size and reputation. Founded in Seattle in 1972, the company provides professional service with a personal touch. Its La Mesa office is continuing to expand, having just added several new staff members.

Best Place to Clean Your Ride

Soapy Joe’s Car Wash 5322 Jackson Dr., La Mesa (619) 462-7360

What began as 1,400 acres of scrub-filled mesa overlooking Downtown San Diego in 1868 has since become one of our city’s must-sees. On any given day, you can spot a street musician, a shave ice vendor, a Mexican artisan, young ballet dancers or San Diego City Guard band members. Families are especially fond of the park, which features a carousel, several fountains and first-class museums. Who needs Central Park when you’ve got Balboa Park in America’s Finest City?

Best Place Watch

to

People

R Great seafood R Private lake R Dog friendly Our La Mesa location offers dog friendly dining. Call ahead to secure your spot.

Grossmont Center 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa (619) 465-0630

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Thank you La Mesa! Voted “Best Place to get Burgers & Fries,� AND... “Best Eatery in The Village.�

t 8393 La Mesa Blvd. t www.johnnybsburgersandbrew.com

I-8 at Severin: 9530 Murray Dr. 619-463-0368 www.gofishanthonys.com

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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

La Mesa's Best, from page 11 Noble. Who needs reality TV when the live action is this good?

Best Place to Be Seen

Downtown La Mesa La Mesans know where the hipsters live – right there in Downtown La Mesa. Attractive antique stores, chill coffee shops and cool eateries make La Mesa Village the place to go when you want local cred.

Favorite Activity at Lake Murray

Walking Walking for at least 30 minutes a day may help you stave off frequent trips to the doctor’s office. Luckily for us, we live in a city with the best weather in the country, and there’s nothing better than going for a stroll around Lake Murray. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or a hard-core cardio addict, it’s easy to reach the lake’s 3.2 mile endpoint before having to turn around and walk back to your car.

Best Gym

24 Hour Fitness 5601 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa (619) 667-7607 www.24hourfitness.com While some of us wake in the middle of the night with a hankering for donuts, others blearily look at the clock at 4 a.m. and decide it’s time to get the endorphins going. And if you’re one of those early-morning/late-night workout lovers, you likely own a 24 Hour Fitness membership. 24 Hour Fitness allows members to take advantage of their free time any time of the day.

Best Place to Work Out For Free

Lake Murray 5540 Kiowa Dr., La Mesa Lake Murray has something for you, whether you’re a cyclist, runner, walker or healthy pregnant lady. While the calories expended are great for the waistline, our favorite reward is seeing turkey vultures perched in trees, waiting for one of us to drop on the path to good health.

Best Plumber

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical 5161 Waring Road, San Diego (619) 583-7963 www.idealsvc.com In summer Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical was awarded the 2012 Heilbron Award, which recognizes San Diego companies that exemplify the pay-it-forward spirit. Ideal’s stellar work in the community and A-1 professional service have contributed to its reputation, earning it La Mesa Courier’s Best Plumber award.

Best Home Repair

The Handyman 4546 60th Street #8, San Diego (619) 274-1976 Handyman John David is a good guy to know. He can help you hang sunshades, replace doors and perform general maintenance around your home. If he can’t get the work done, he’ll let you know, making this honest handyman a true Neighborhood Best.

Best Doctor

Sharp Doctors 5555 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa (619) 740-6000 www.sharp.com Sharp HealthCare has been named among the top 100 integrated health care networks in the nation in an annual survey conducted by IMS, a leading health care data analyst. Unsurprisingly, Sharp doctors have a variety of tools at their disposal, including the latest technology and preventative

care seminars for their patients.

premium prices. And this is our favorite time of the year at the store – pumpkin spice everything soon to be followed by gingerbread and peppermint! Yum!

Best Dentist

Ben Mandel, DDS

Best Place to Feed the Kids

3835 Avocado Blvd. #220, La Mesa (619) 660-0022 www.helixdental.com Healthy teeth are easy to take for granted until you have a cavity or chipped tooth. Dr. Ben Mandel has been in practice for more than 30 years and has served on the board of directors of the Western Society of Periodontology. His commitment to patient satisfaction will help you forget any ideas of Steve Martin’s dentist in Little Shop of Horrors. Best Chiropractor

La Mesa Village Chiropractic 4690 Nebo Dr., La Mesa (619) 460-2224 www.villagechiropractic.com Dr. Jason W. Graney has been correcting La Mesa’s chiropractic issues for seven years. The lifetime La Mesa resident has a no-wait policy for patients and enjoys regular referrals from doctors and attorneys – two groups of people who don’t take referrals lightly.

Best Hair Salon

Serendipity Salon & Boutique 4654 Palm Ave., La Mesa (619) 461-0237 www.serendipitydoo.com Serendipity’s stylists make the extra effort to provide a comfortable environment in addition to great hair care. Prices are reasonable and you can make an appointment for a simple cut or a more complicated color change. Serendipity Salon & Boutique also carries quality hair products and charming boutique items fashioned by local crafters.

Claim Jumper in Grossmont Center 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, (619) 469-3927 www.claimjumper.com Claim Jumper knows how to soothe a rattled parent’s nerves. Before seating a family with kids, hosts prepare the table with a kid’s tablemat, activity booklet and crayons, and remove sharp objects within little hands’ grasping distance. Parents in the know order the restaurant’s complimentary baby platter to avoid paying to watch a child refuse to eat several bucks worth of restaurant food.

Best Place to Take the Kids

Harry Griffen Regional Park 1745 Primrose Dr., La Mesa While you might assume the reason Harry Griffen Regional Park was voted Best Place to Take the Kids is its play and sandbox area, any parent with an active kid will tell you the nice wide open space doesn’t hurt. Children today need at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Harry Griffen Park makes accomplishing that goal seem like child’s play.

Best Preschool (Three-Way Tie!)

St. Andrews Day School 4816 Glen St., La Mesa (619) 460-7272 www.standrews-lamesa.org

Best Barber

Tony’s Barber Shop 7284 University Ave., La Mesa (619) 460-6081 There are some things you can’t put a price tag on, and a good old-fashioned barbershop is one of them. Tony’s been doing his thing for more than four decades. Salons are nice and all, but there’s a reason Barbershop the movie hit.

Best Day Spa

Coconuts Salon & Day Spa 9340 Fuerte Drive Suite 201, La Mesa (619) 697-6166 www.coconutssalon.com Going coconuts never felt so good. La Mesa’s best day spa offers a variety of services, including massages, facials and a nail lounge. Who knew a Hawaiian respite could be so close?

St. Martin of Tours Preschool 7710 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa (619) 465-7297 www.stmartinoftoursparish.org

Best Place to Spend Five Bucks

Charlie Brown Child Care

99 Cent Store

5921 Jackson Dr., La Mesa (619) 463-5126 Proud parents are one thing. Proud parents of preschoolers are a whole other animal. The three La Mesa nominees tied for first, showing equally strong support for all of the institutions. As St. Martin of Tours Preschool director Anne Gardipee said, “This is so exciting! We have a really great preschool!” Apparently three sets of preschool parents wholeheartedly agree.

7908 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa (323) 980-8145 www.99only.com Anyone who has ever had to decorate for a kids’ party has been to the 99 Cent Store. You can get everything you never thought you needed to deck out your house for the holiday season – most of it around 99 cents each. Too bad they don’t sell gas.

Best Veterinarian

Best Grocery Store

Helix Pet Hospital

Trader Joe’s 5495 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa (619) 466-0105 www.traderjoes.com Trader Joe’s near Grossmont Center has anything you need to feed a healthy family. Unlike Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s prices are affordable, allowing customers to eat well without paying

4223 Palm Ave., La Mesa, (619) 469-2129 www.helixpets.com Helix Pet Hospital owner Dr. Peter Dowell purchased the practice in 2005. Since then he has maintained and steadily grown the practice by showing compassion and care to his furry patients. Dowell, who was born in New York and raised

Voted “Best Breakfast” Neighborhood Best 2012

THANK YOU LA MESA! 8284 La Mesa Blvd. t 619.668.9030 Breakfast t Lunch t Dinner t Beer & Wine

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

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in Great Britain and San Diego, maintains memberships in the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Hidden Gem (non-eatery)

Best Bank

8321 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 460-2606 www.myactii.com

Wells Fargo Bank

Act II

www.wellsfargo.com With several branches in La Mesa, it’s a foregone conclusion Wells Fargo is here to stay. Personalized friendly service and bankers who know most of their regular customers by name make it easy to forget Wells Fargo is a big corporation and not just the friendly neighborhood bank down the street.

Best Coffee

Cosmos Coffee Café 8278 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 698-4217 www.cosmoscoffeecafe.com Cosmos Coffee Café gives La Mesa a great way to sit back, enjoy a good cup of coffee and groove to live jazz. Our favorite Cosmos coffees are their seasonal specials, particularly this time of the year. Free WiFi and lively conversation with the table next to you are added bonuses.

Best Pet Store

Petco

Best Senior Discount

8501 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa (619) 337-0701 www.petco.com Located on Fletcher Parkway, Petco has an impressive inventory. Need crickets for your Jackson Chameleon? Check. Chicken feed? Check. Want to only feed your cat organic food that has been selected by New York’s top chefs? OK, you got us there, but we bet if you look hard enough, you might find what you’re looking for at this popular chain store.

Souplantation

Best Place to Groom Fido

The Barking Lot 7991 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 697-2284 The Barking Lot offers full service pet grooming at affordable prices. Cat and dog owners alike agree this pet groomer is tops around La Mesa – an impressive feat for anyone who has to clip cat nails on a regular basis.

coming indie rockers to singer-songwriters gracing the stage. Free live music and an eclectic crowd of music-lovers make this spot the liveliest place for live music in La Mesa.

Best Casino

Fashion gets a second chance at Act II. For 30 years this staple of La Mesa’s village area has been finding new homes for gently worn apparel and offering new accessories. The store purchases clothing that is current and trendy giving patrons a way to keep on budget and in style. The family-owned business encompasses the neighborly spirit of La Mesa and makes it a clear choice for the Hidden Gem award.

Viejas Casino

Liveliest Place for Live Music

5000 Willows Road, Alpine (619) 445-5400 www.viejas.com With gas at what seems like an all-time high, it’s hard to imagine anyone taking their hard-earned dollars and gambling it away. But if you can control your spending, trying your luck at Viejas Casino may just pay off in dividends. Just don’t blame us if you’re eating instant ramen for the rest of the month.

Riviera Supper Club

9158 Fletcher Pkwy., La Mesa (619) 462-4232 www.souplantation.com The seasoned seniors of La Mesa know food tastes better when you get it with a discount. Souplantation’s well-stocked salad bar is just the beginning of their offerings featuring an assortment of veggies and toppings so guests can make mouth-watering salad creations exactly as they want it. The salad bar fresh fruit, house-made soups, hot pastas, and dessert items are all-you-can-eat. Seniors save money on the variety of items offered at La Mesa’s Souplantation every day of the week.

Best Place to Get a Burger and Fries

Johnny B’s 8393 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 464-2465 www.johnnybsburgersandbrew.com

7777 University Ave., La Mesa, (619) 713-6777 www.rivierasupperclub.com The Riv, as it’s known as to its neighbors, couples swanky ‘50s décor with contemporary entertainment. The unassuming stage is located in the supper club’s bar, The Turquoise Room. Diners and drinkers are treated to musical stylings most nights of the week with everything from jazz ensembles to up-and-

Johnny B’s has the basics of a neighborhood burger joint covered – focus on the food and leave out the frills. Their classic burgers are fresh, juicy and served with piping hot French fries. Located in the heart of La Mesa’s village, Johnny B’s is a great spot to grab a bite and catch a game on one of their HDTVs. The menu boasts other options including beer selections to complete your savory meal.

Best Seafood Restaurant

Anthony’s Fish Grotto 5575 Lake Park Way, La Mesa (619) 713-1950 www.gofishanthonys.com Anthony’s Fish Grotto has been in San Diego for more than 60 years. The La Mesa restaurant offers lake-view dining and simple – but reliably delicious – seafood. Anthony’s chowder easily contends with any other chowder on the California coast. For dog owners, Anthony’s is a reprieve from restaurants who close the door on your puppy’s cute little mug. Outdoor dining makes it totally possible to chow down with man’s best friend.

Best Neighborhood Haunt

Centifonti’s 8365 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 461-4434 www.centifontis.com Any craving a La Mesan may have can get satisfied at Centifonti’s. Home to handcrafted desserts, an eclectic menu, nightly drink specials and happy hour- this neighborhood See La Mesa's Best, Page 14

Page 14

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

La Mesa's Best, from page 13 haunt is known for its welcoming atmosphere and wide variety. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus offer classic diner items along with pastas, paninis, and more. Creamy gelato beckons from the freezer case. And if you get want to catch a game at the bar you can take on their signature 112 ounce beer boot. Centifonti’s truly offers a bit of something for everyone.

Best Breakfast

Swami’s 8284 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 668-9030 This quaint cafe is a great place to start your day, whether you’re treating yourself to a leisurely weekend wake-up or a quick bite on a workday. With a vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu there are plenty of health-conscious options at Swami’s. Classic breakfast items, such as omelets and waffles, along with acai bowls and fresh fruit smoothies, offer something for any morning craving. Best Spot to Get Your Drink On

Hooley’s Irish Pub & Grill 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277, La Mesa (619) 713-6900 www.hooleys.com If you want to pretend it’s St. Paddy’s Day or fake a visit to an Irish watering hole, Hooley’s Irish Pub at Grossmont Center is an excellent choice. Irish brews are well-represented at the taps here along with domestic favorites. The pub also specializes in carrying a variety of Irish and Scotch whiskies. A large, full-service bar, ample seating and several TVs make this a great game-day spot.

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Panera Bread 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa (619) 464-4400 www.panerabread.com Panera Bread is the spot for mid-mall snacking at Grossmont Center. The shop’s pastries and desserts are crafted using original recipes and baked fresh each day. Chocoholics should dive into the double fudge brownies. Cookies, cakes and other sweet treats are offered as well. And if your sweet tooth is an early riser, there is an assortment of muffins, scones and more to get you going along with their fresh roasted coffee.

Best Ethnic Restaurant

Casa de Pico 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa (619) 463-3267 www.casadepico.com

Once a staple of Old Town, Casa de Pico found new life in La Mesa several years ago and foodies in the area couldn’t be happier. Their authentic and flavorful dishes are just one reason the spot is popular with locals. The festive atmosphere and friendly staff make the restaurant extra inviting and it’s often a destination for special occasions. And Casa de Pico features all the telltale signs of a great Mexican food restaurant – freshly made tortillas, mariachi music, and potent margaritas.

Best Pizza

Sanfilippo’s Pizza 8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 464-2088 This has been a go-to spot for La Mesa families for generations. Just one of many reasons that keep Italian-lovers coming back is their pizzas. Fresh dough starts these pies with a solid foundation, topped with ample helpings of sauce, cheese and toppings Sanfilippo’s pizzas are tasty and filling. The veggies are fresh, meats are hearty and you can’t go wrong with a standby like pepperoni pizza.

Best Place to Get a Steak

Outback Steakhouse 5628 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa (619) 466-9795 www.outback.com Steak isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of meal and Outback caters to individuals with their variety of cuts and steak preparations. Meat-lovers can choose from filet, ribeye, porterhouse and more, plus pick classic cooking or wood-fired grilling. They also offer slow-roasted handcarved prime rib for hearty appetites. Another feature that keeps carnivores coming back are the “add-ons” – a horseradish crust can give your steak a kick or add a lobster tail for a surfand-turf creation.

Best Eatery in the Village

Gingham 8384 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa (619) 797-1922 www.ginghameats.com One of the newest additions to La Mesa Village, Gingham has quickly garnered rave reviews. Brian Malarkey’s menu at Gingham combines comfort cuisine with gourmet preparation. Many of the items, including baby back ribs, smoked pork loin, and local swordfish, are primed for meat lovers. This new take on American cuisine has added diversity to the Village’s offerings and the trendy spot is a favorite of the neighborhood.

Next Best Thing to Antiques Road Show

La Mesa Antique Mall 4710 Palm Ave., La Mesa (619) 462-2211 La Mesa Village has long been known for its small-town charm and antique shopping. The La Mesa Antique Mall embodies these qualities with its diverse collection of antiques. From chic, retro furniture pieces down to heirloom trinkets there is lots to look at whether you’re in the market for something in particular or just want to browse the vintage items.

Best Thrift Store

La Mesa Thrift Shop 8340 Lemon Ave., La Mesa (619) 466-6678 This quaint thrift shop always offers hidden treasures. Clothing and home goods are featured most prominently, but there are many other items to check out. Accessories, children’s toys, vinyl records, jewelry and much more are organized within the shop. With an ever-changing inventory it’s easy to spend hours here and go home with some affordable goodies.

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

Page 15

!"#$%&'())*+,with Julie

by Julie White

Roasted Vegetables and Baked Corn Pudding It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is at the end of this month. It’s a great holiday meal full of traditions that make people happy, and you don’t have to worry about gifts! Here are a couple of simple, but not too typical Thanksgiving dishes. We have so much to be thankful for! Enjoy!

Roasted Vegetables Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 1 large sweet potato peeled and cut. 1-small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and 1 lb. of parsnips peeled and cut. cut into 1inch cubes. 4 Tbsps. of Olive oil. (You can buy ready cut up squash in most 2 tsps. of Salt. grocery stores). A sprinkle of ground pepper. 1 lb. of carrots peeled and cut. (Try to have the vegetables cut into the same size, 1-inch cubes for even roasting. You can add halved brussel sprouts if you like them.)

5 TIPS FOR A TASTY

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Directions Place all veggies on two foil-lined baking sheets. Evenly sprinkle the oil, salt and pepper. Toss very well. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the veggies are tender and a little browned.

Baked Corn Pudding:

Thanksgiving is a holiday that draws most people into the kitchen. Here are five tips for a Thanksgiving dinner from Sohrab Zardkoohi, the executive chef instructor at the National Culinary & Baking School: 1. Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt and white pepper. Stuff the turkey with lemon wedges, fresh sage, and garlic cloves for the best flavor and aroma. 2. Roast your turkey in the oven with the breast side down for half of the time required to cook the turkey. The turkey can be finish cooking for the second half on the back. This rotation causes the turkey breast to be very moist and juicy. ( To keep the turkey breast from sticking to the bottom of the roasting pan, I strongly suggest placing a sheet of aluminum foil under the breast before the bird is placed breast-side down in the roasting pan.) 3. Cook your turkey stuffing in a separate pot with chicken broth to avoid cross-contaminating your stuffing with your turkey. 4. Cranberry sauce needs to be thinned down with cranberry juice. This way you get the exact thickness for the sauce as you want. You also can alter the sweetness and flavor of your sauce with adding some sugar and/or butter. 5. For your gravy, roast some small diced carrots, onion and celery in a pot until caramelized. Add the turkey neck and sear it until it turns brown. Add chicken broth to the pot and simmer for about 1-1/2 hours and slurry, or combine cold water and corn starch to thicken the gravy, before straining it and bringing it to a simmer for about two or three minutes.

Preheat oven at 350 degrees. 1 tsp. of salt. 2 cups of corn. (use fresh cut or frozen white A good pinch of pepper. or yellow corn kernels). 3 well-beaten eggs. 4 Tbsps. of flour. 2 Tbsps. of butter, melted. 2 tsps. of sugar. 2 cups of whole milk. Directions: Combine all ingredients. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until golden brown on top. Both of these recipes can be made a few hours !"#$%&%'()*+ ahead and warmed right !"#$#%"$&'()*"+,before serving. /0110'!-"$-+'2,$)'34"56'//7 Correction to last 3$#'8"69,:';('<=/=0 >/<?7/>?0/77 month’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe: Add one cup granulated sugar to the recipe. We regret any inconvenience www.edwardjones.com this error has caused you! .

HarvestHappenings: An Evening of Free Food, Giveaways and Health Info

Thursday, November 15

Alvarado Hospital Conference Center 5-6 p.m. food, cooking demo, chair massage, door prizes 6-7 p.m. educational lectures from physicians and other experts 7-8 p.m. free screenings, ask-a-physician

We are thankful to be your neighborhood healthcare provider for the last 40 years. To show our commitment to your health, we invite you to a FREE evening of learning, eating, turkey raffle, and health screenings.

Free Health Screenings: s Prostate (PSA blood test) s Skin Cancer s Blood Pressure s Body Mass Index

Fun and Food: s Chair Massages s Healthy Cooking Demo and Samples s Turkey raffle and Other Door Prizes

Learn: s Lectures and health panel discussion on issues of importance to San Diegans, including skin cancer, prostate health for men, sexual health presented by one of our “Sex in Our City” experts and much more! Followed by Q&A.

Goody Bags and Door Prizes This event is free, but reservations are strongly recommended. Call 800-ALVARADO (800-258-2723) or register online at AlvaradoHospital.com. For more information, visit our website!

6655 Alvarado Road, San Diego 92120

AlvaradoHospital.com

800-ALVARADO 0 ALVAR V ARA VAR AR A DO

Page 16

AIR CONDITIONING

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

COMPUTER SERVICES

HANDY MAN

Ideal Plumbing, Heating Air & Electrical Serving our community since 1960! Residential/commercial. Service, repair, installation, thermostats, registers, filters, indoor air quality, and more. BBB accredited business.(06-13)

PLUMBING Ideal Plumbing, Heating Air & Electrical

Honey Do Handyman Independent/Local Repair-Setup-Speed Up Your Computer

$35 to $40 or by the job. All paints/Full Paint, Termite and carpentry. Current 25 year contractor’s Lic. 762615. Decks and patio covers (01-12)

Water heaters, Garbage disposals, drain cleaning. Video pipe inspections, water softeners & filtration. Visit our Showroom! (06-12)

Serving our community since 1960! (619) 583-7963 Lic #348810

www.idealsvc.com (619) 583-7963 Lic #348810

PC Help for Families, Seniors, Home Offices. Trusted in Homes for over 25 years BBB CA Lic #81527 (08-12)

(619) 992-5882

Call John Irwin 619-277-2077

ELECTRICAL

GARAGE DOORS

PET CARE

PLUMBING

The Helix Pet Hospital

Native San Diego Plumbing

Ideal Plumbing, Heating Air & Electrical Serving our community since 1960! Panel upgrades, sub panels, outlets, ceiling fans, whole house fans, solar systems, recessed lighting, and more. BBB accredited business.(06-13)

www.idealsvc.com (619) 583-7963 Lic #348810

Dr. Peter Dowell, DVM, MRCVS

Up & Down Garage Doors Garage door service, new doors, new openers, spring replacement, BBB Member, La Mesa Based, CSLB #904512, “A Trusted Company”.(10-12)

(619) 464-0116 www.upanddown garagedoors.com

“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. 4223 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 easy freeway access from 8, 94 or 125 off the Spring St. exit. helixpethospital@sbcglobal.net

Editor, from page 4 problem today. The United States is struggling with its self-esteem. Thanks to an endless barrage of news and gossip about us around the world, and our willingness to descend into a world ruled by Hollywood and the likes of Honey Boo Boo, we’re losing much of the confidence that made America a superpower in the first place. Am I advocating we become Big Brother to the world, insisting upon and pushing our ideals on other countries? Absolutely not. But what we need to do is grow up a little and allow constant rhetoric thrown at us to roll off our backs. What we must do is practice civic engagement. No matter who is elected this year, we must keep them honest by letting them know we’re paying attention. And we need to do this on local, state and national levels. Otherwise, that hard won independence for which our forefathers and mothers fought becomes merely a part of history and not the present.

(619) 469-2129 helixpets.com

Plumbing Repairs and Remodels. Commercial/Residential ‘Family owned and operated in the community since 1967’. Over 50 years’ experience. Water Heaters, Disposals. We do it all! We beat competitors’ rates. 20% off First time customers. San Diego’s Best Plumbing Value. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. CSLB# 642924 (04-12)

(619) 778-0630

SENIOR CARE

Ideal Plumbing, Heating Air & Electrical

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Serving our community since 1960! Kitchens, bathrooms, closets, grab bars, wak-in tubs, and more!. BBB accredited business.(06-13)

www.idealsvc.com (619) 583-7963 Lic #348810

SENIOR CARE Senior Home Care Home Instead Senior Care is dedicated to providing non medical in home care. Our services: Meal Preparation, Medication Reminders, Light Housekeeping, Personal Care & Bathing Assistance, Incidental Transportation. (06-12)

Dependable Caregivers Assisted Living at Home Family owned since 2002 “Call today for help today”

619-421-1022 www. dependablecaregiver. com

BE SEEN in our Business & Services DI RECTORY Call Becky at 6 1 9 .6 9 7 -2 5 0 0

619-460-6222 www.homeinstead. com/190

!"#$%&'($) #*)!+,-&.+ The Optimist Club of La Mesa is in a rebuilding year. Chartered in 1956, the club recently lost several members to various circumstances. And while it is down a few members, those who remain are a cheery lot, eager to continue its work with the community, including reaching out to military families during Christmas while their fathers were stationed overseas. Optimists are exactly who you think they are. According to the Optimist International, the club was born when a group of businessmen decided to look on the bright side when things weren’t exactly so bright. The world needed optimism – a sentiment that still rings true today. Optimist International comprises more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Optimist members conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Each Optimist Club determines the needs of the young people in its community and conducts The La Mesa Optimist Club meets at Marie programs to meet those needs. Callender's every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects and serve more than 6 million young people a year. The Optimist >! "#!$%!&#!&'(#)*!'+,'!)#'+-)*!.,)!/-&'0($!1#0(!2%,.%!#3!4-)/5 Creed, which hangs >! "#!',67!+%,6'+8!+,22-)%&&!,)/!2(#&2%(-'1!'#!%9%(1!2%(&#)!1#0!4%%'5 behind the head table >! "#!4,7%!,66!1#0(!3(-%)/&!3%%6!'+,'!'+%(%!-&!&#4%'+-)*!-)!'+%45 during club meetings, >! "#!6##7!,'!'+%!&0))1!&-/%!#3!%9%(1'+-)*!,)/!4,7%!1#0(!#2'-4-&4!.#4%!'(0%5 is at left. >! "#!'+-)7!#)61!#3!'+%!$%&'8!'#!:#(7!#)61!3#(!'+%!$%&'8!,)/!'#!%;2%.'!#)61!'+%!$%&'5 Club president >! "#!$%!<0&'!,&!%)'+0&-,&'-.!,$#0'!'+%!&0..%&&!#3!#'+%(&!,&!1#0!,(%!,$#0'!1#0(!#:)5 Tom Leduc said the >! "#!3#(*%'!'+%!4-&',7%&!#3!'+%!2,&'!,)/!2(%&&!#)!'#!'+%!*(%,'%(!,.+-%9%4%)'&!#3! club welcomes new '+%!30'0(%5 members. The Opti>! "#!:%,(!,!.+%%(306!.#0)'%),).%!,'!,66!'-4%&!,)/!*-9%!%9%(1!6-9-)*!.(%,'0(%!1#0! mist Club of La Mesa 4%%'!,!&4-6%5 meets at Marie Callen>! "#!*-9%!&#!40.+!'-4%!'#!'+%!-42(#9%4%)'!#3!1#0(&%63!'+,'!1#0!+,9%!)#!'-4%!'#! der’s every Wednesday .(-'-.-=%!#'+%(&5 of each month at 7:15 >! "#!$%!'##!6,(*%!3#(!:#((18!'##!)#$6%!3#(!,)*%(8!'##!&'(#)*!3#(!3%,(8!,)/!'##!+,221! a.m. '#!2%(4-'!'+%!2(%&%).%!#3!'(#0$6%5

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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

Page 17

Local Author Offers Hope By Genevieve A. Suzuki

M

elanie Ross was meant to write a children’s novel. The mother of two has the kind of sweet personality and enthusiasm for life any parent would want in an author writing books for their children to read. And kids will read Ross’s book, The Hope Chest. Beautifully illustrated by Tess Heimbach, the story takes its reader on an adventure through a fantastical land that includes leprechauns and a secret army of earthworms. The book, which features a friendship between two girls – one an orthodox Jewish girl and the other a Catholic Filipino American girl – also demonstrates to young readers the importance of appreciating your fellow person for their differences.

Ross first came up with the idea for her novel while at a friend’s holiday party. “The house was filled with antiques and I’ve always loved antiques as a child. ... Their coffee table was this beautiful old hope chest, and I had always wanted a hope chest as a child.â€? It was then the idea for her book flew into her head. She sketched out an outline, wrote it up on her computer, and read it nightly to her children, Cameron and Madeline, now 22 and 19 respectively. Ross’s children Melanie Ross loved the story, which remained unpublished for years. In fact, when Cameron was a summer camp counselor he read a copy of it to his young wards. “They wouldn’t let him put it down,â€? said Ross. “That really made me feel good‌ That my son was reading my book.â€? Eventually, however, the story was stashed aside while Ross concentrated on her career and raising her children. “I was a busy single mom, working and taking care of my kids,â€? said Ross,

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who was widowed when her children were very young. Years later, after Ross had remarried, her husband Mark asked to read the story. Unsurprisingly, he loved it. “I said this has got to get out. This must get published, it’s wonderful,� Mark said. Before publishing the book, Ross had to find an illustrator who could imagine her tale. After a chance meeting at Office Depot, Ross found Heimbach. “She came from a military family and had the discipline to finish it,� Ross said. “Most importantly, she saw my vision. She visualized what I visualized.� Much of the book, save for the earthworm army and magical creatures, is drawn on Ross’s own experiences. Like Ross, The Hope Chest’s main character is a young fan of antiquing. “My mom and my Aunt Bessie and I would go antiquing,� she said. Ross also had a silverware set from her antiquing days. “My aunt Bessie gave me a silverware set when I was 4.� Her mom and aunt also gave her cookbooks and tablecloths. To this day Ross collects square cake plates, attractively displayed throughout her home. Antiquing clearly has a warm spot in Ross’s heart. “Professors of writing always say write what you know. This is a mix of what I know,� she said. Ross’s books are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. She will be reading and signing books at Barnes & Noble in Grossmont Center Nov. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Election, from page 2 Weber said her years of experience working with budget cuts in the San Diego Unified School District gives her insight on how to deal with a state in fiscal crisis. “The budget crisis in California is older than just the last few years,� said Weber. “This issue of financing schools and California is also much older than this current recession.� England said her extensive business experience means “my learning curve will not be as great as my opponent’s.� “I’ve been working with business practically my whole life,� England said. “I have a grasp of budgets. I know that you cannot spend more than you take in.� In looking at proposed legislative bills, England promised to examine all sides. “Why do we need it? Who’s it going to help, and who is it going to hurt?� she said. Growing up in a family of eight children, Weber said she learned early how to compromise. “What I bring to the table is an ability to work across the aisle and with people who are very different than me to try and find common ground,� she said. “I’ve done that all my life. And, at this point in my life, it’s a natural flow for me to do it at the next level.�

GEMS& JEWELS By Enhancery Jewelers, Kathleen White, Graduate Gemologist, GIA

GO GREEN - RECYCLE YOUR OLD GOLD AND EARN CASH FOR THE HOLIDAYS Gold is at an all time high market price and soared to over $1700.00 an ounce recently. There has never been a better time to cash in. Take a look in the bottom of your MHZHOU\ ER[ WR ÂżQG WKRVH VLQJOH HDUULQJV EURNHQ DQG GHQWHG FKDLQV RU WKH class ring you haven’t worn in years. Then visit us to see just how much your old gold is worth! We will give you an extra cash bonus if you trade it in for new jewelry for the holidays, or towards future services such as jewelry and watch repairs, pearl restringing or custom design. Visit our “Gold Buying Guideâ€? on the education page of our website at www.enhancery.com. NOVEMBER BIRTHSTONE – TOPAZ OR CITRINE Topaz occurs in a range of different colors from deep golden yellow to sherry pink and blue. Topaz has been known for at least 2000 years and is one of the gemstones which form the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of the New Jerusalem. Citrine is beautiful yellow quartz named after the French word “citronâ€? meaning lemon. It is hard and durable with bright color and lively sparkle. It varies from pale yellow to rich golden yellow to dark orange, called Madera citrine. Martin and Kathleen White have owned Enhancery Jewelers for over thirty four years. They specialize in diamond and gemstone jewelry, custom design, appraisals, and jewelry and watch repairs.

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Page 18

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

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Yearbooks Up to $15 paid for high school yearbooks 1900-2012. www. yearbookusa.com or 214-514-1040

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CA$H PAID- up to $26/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.

Pam Crooks, from page 4 the La Mesa Police Department and students at La Mesa Middle and Helix High to paint utility boxes on University Avenue, helping deter would-be graffiti artists. Other awards were given for Best Residential Design, Best Use of Color, Best Use of Color in a Low-Water-Use landscape, Best Commercial Landscape, etc. Two college scholarships were also awarded. Presented with a surprise award, Landscape Architect George Mercer was named “Citizen of the Yearâ€? by La Mesa Beautiful for his contributions to this City. [See page 2 for more 2012 LMB award-winners.] The presenter mentioned, among many other accomplishments, his efforts to develop a community garden somewhere within the city limits. Twice this past year, locations he and a team of other volunteers had worked hard to identify and promote were turned down. During his acceptance remarks, George mentioned the team has identified a possible third site. So he remains, “ever hopeful.â€? I’ve discovered that volunteers in La Mesa don’t give up easily. If they have an idea they think is worth championing, whether it be the creation of a PBID, designation of La Mesa as a Fair Trade City, developing Safe Routes to School or the dream of a community garden for those who live in apartBeverly Horton of La Mesa Beautiful ments or condos to be able to grow presents their Citizen of the Year Award fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers, to landscape architect George Mercer. they will continue to fight for it. If at first they don’t succeed, they will try again, maybe with a different approach. But try again they will, which is why I believe we will soon see George Mercer in front of the La Mesa City Council with a new idea for a community garden‌.

Futon Recliner/Chair, (2) Square Leather Seating Cubes, Rolling Cart, Home dÊcor, Toaster Oven, (New) Bike Seat, Suitcases, Women’s clothes, ($10-$50) 619-446-7121 (11/12) Sligh deluxe desk 5 drawer, 24K embossed leather top/beveled glass, hardwood W46�D23�H30� perfect $295 619-337-2722 (11/12)

NOTICES Landlords/Realtors. Please send your most humourous landlord/tenant stories for inclusion into a non-profit book to benefit homeless/senior center. 5173

Waring Rd. #350 San Diego, CA 92120 (11/12) Fair Trade Holiday Market. Vista La Mesa Christian Church, 4210 Massachusetts at University, Sat. 11/17, 9-2; Sun. 11/18, 12-2. 619-905-7566. (11/12)

SERVICES Locksmith-Discount Deadbolts & Rekeying-security door viewers, patio door locks, simulated alarms, magnetic door stops. Cliff Henderson, 619-840-3327. Lic#LCO4353-Bonded-Never a trip charge. (3/13) Carpet Cleaning by Tim the owner operator. I use the indutries most advanced cleaning solutions. I will improve your indoor air quality and make your home healthy. Your carpet will look, feel, and smell better. (619)772-4764 www.trulycleancarpets.com BBB, Yes. (2/13) BARGAIN BOYZ REPAIRS/CONSTRUCTIONSpecializing in all home repairs Interior and Exterior. Fixture upgrades and remodeling. Family owned and operated! No job too big or too small! Licensed/Bonded/ Insured. License #828251B. Call for a free estimate. Office 619-741-2012 or Toll free 877-412-BOYZ (2699) (11/12)

WANTED Wanted to Buy: Toyota Camry, Low Mileage, For Private Party. Please Call 619-286-3939. (11/12)

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 .JTTJPO (PSHF 3PBE r 4BO %JFHP $" 5)& -"45 %"5& 13& 1"*% "%4 8*-- 36/ *4 13*/5&% "'5&3 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 Roadâ€? is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publicationâ€? for classifieds.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER� PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.� .BJM UP .JTTJPO (PSHF 3PBE r 4BO %JFHP $" FOR SALE

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Just Business, from page 6 system, what motivates each generation, how each generation defines success and appreciating and gaining respect for what is important to each generation. On Nov. 13, Kathryn Rippy, the director of organization development with The Centre for Organization Effectiveness, presents “Critical conversations: Utilizing Feedback Opportunities to Enhance Employee Performance.� This workshop will discuss the importance of having critical conversations even when they are difficult, weighing the cost/benefit, navigating the difficult conversation to a win-win outcome and making this critical part of your organization or team. For more information about the series, contact the San Diego East County Chamber at (619) 440-6161, or visit www.eastcountychamber.org. Just Business highlights business around La Mesa. Send your business news to editor@lamesacourier.com.

Grossmont High, from page 8 will be installed as well as most of the existing hardwood floors, and whenever possible, exposed ceiling beams will be reminders of the building’s 90-year history. The museum will have in its collection many artifacts from the original school such as the front doors, a few windows, doorknobs, and an original school bell. Financed predominately by redevelopment funds and scheduled for completion in winter of 2013, the beautiful granite “Castle� will continue to be a symbol of Grossmont’s amazing past, present, and future. Connie Baer, GHS Class of 1965, and her sister, Lynn Baer, Class of 1969, are directors of the GHS Museum. Please contact them with any questions or comments at ghsmuseum@guhsd.net or phone the Museum at (619) 668-6140. We are open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month or by appointment on other Wednesdays.

LaMesaCourier.com — November 2012

Page 19

Dal Smith, from page 5 The irony is Smith fell into the business. It was all pretty much by accident. He once owned property in El Cajon and one of the tenants ran a meat-packing plant. It went belly-up. Smith had no idea what to do with the place. Then he noticed the big freezers and refrigerators and inspiration hit: He would start a culinary school. At this time, he was running a bartending school, so he had experience in the vocational education field. He also was a trained chef and had loads of restaurant experience. But it wasn’t the first time that he happened upon a new course in life because of unforeseen circumstances. As a young man in New Orleans, he ran his own CPA business. He and his father also owned a small strip shopping center and one of the tenants was a bar-owner. The owner died and the widow wanted nothing to do with it. She asked Smith to take the liquor license and the stock if he would let her out of the lease. He reluctantly agreed. At first, he had little to do with the business. He couldn’t mix a drink. He didn’t drink. He would come weekly and collect the earnings. But then the Super Bowl came to town and business was so good that there were cigar box after cigar box lined up full of money. “That’s when I started taking it more seriously.� Soon afterward, he took on bigger enterprises, such as restaurants and a nightclub. He learned to be a chef because he wanted an active role in the businesses. “To be successful, you need to be a financial person – and a chef.� He came to San Diego when his son was a student at San Diego State University. His parents had passed away and he didn’t have any family in New Orleans anymore. Soon after his arrival, he found out about a bartending school up for sale and he bought it. Then, he founded the culinary school. Today, he no longer teaches but he stills runs the business. It has two sections, splitting up the culinary and baking students. Students in white smocks carefully pull taffy-like sugar to use as decoration for tiny snowmen in the baking section. Sohrab Zardkoohi, one of two executive chef instructors, looks on. “I love it here,� he said. “I have a lot of passion for this.� One of the students, Norma Mariscal, said she checked out several culinary schools, but settled on this one after she sat in on a class. “It has a family atmosphere,� he said. “It’s been like that since day one.� That’s the goal, said Smith. “We’re a happy place.�

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!!!"#$%&'()*+,-*.//"#'+ The December issue of the La Mesa Courier will be published Friday, Nov. 30. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 20.

La Mesa Courier

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Soap Box Derby course modified Junior High Drive was the ideal venue for a Soap Box Derby – a long, sloping block with the La Mesa Middle School grounds on the south side and no homes facing the street on the north side. On weekends in November, March and May, the La Mesa Kiwanis Club could set up a tented starting ramp, electronically timed finish line, and rows of orange cones and hay bales on the bottom of the hill. And then the City of La Mesa reconfigured the sidewalks as part of its Safe Routes to School Project. “With the pedestrian pods on every corner, the course is about 25 percent narrower and 33 percent shorter now,� said Derby director Steve Blake. “At first we thought we’d have to find a new hill. But by making some adjustments with where we start and where we finish, we’ve decided to stay on Junior High Drive and see how the shorter course works out with the kids and their parents.� The next scheduled derby is a two-day rally race Nov. 3-4. Open to children 7 to 17, the event is a double-elimination tournament in three divisions. Rally races help drivers gain experience and earn points to qualify for the National All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Thanks to major sponsor Drew Ford, the La Mesa Kiwanis Club has run two rally races and one annual local race for more than 12 years. Winners of the May race are sent to compete in Akron. Opportunities for sponsorship of cars or program advertising are available to individuals and businesses. For more information, contact Blake at (619) 461-1608.

Editor: Genevieve A. Suzuki, ext. 121

Editorial Intern Emilie Trepanier

Contributors Dave Schwab Jen Van Tieghem

Advertising Consultants: Becky Suffridge, ext. 140 Garilee Gallegos, ext. 142

Graphic Artist: Aleta El Sheikh 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, t 4BO %JFHP $" 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. "MM DMBJNT GPS BEKVTUNFOU NVTU CF NBEF JO XSJUJOH XJUIJO EBZT PG UIF EBUF PG QVCMJDBUJPO *O OP DBTF TIBMM UIF 1VCMJTIFS 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.â€? 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 PG EJTDSJNJOBUJPO DBMM )6% BU PS 55: BU News and information printed in La Mesa Courier is obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy PO JOGPSNBUJPO TFOU UP UIF QBQFS DBOOPU CF HVBSBOUFFE "SUJDMFT BOE PQJOJPOT PG XSJUFST PS MFUUFST UP UIF FEJUPS UIBU BSF 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. Š 2012, all rights reserved.

Windermere Real Estate www.WindermereSoCal.com MISSION VALLEY

EL CAJON

EL CAJON

8275 Station Village Ln #3207 – 2BD/2BA. The Builder’s (Concordia) model unit for Lido. Private corner unit. River & city views. $450,000

748 Camelot Parkway – Gorgeous 4BD/2.5BA, 2-story home, located in the prestigious Shadow Mountain. $730,000-$760,000

1038 Vista Sierra Drive - 4BD/3BA home brings old world charm and modern conveniences together masterfully. $650,000

George Bandak 619-277-2122

Anita Pickens 619-709-1252

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LA MESA

MISSION HILLS

ALPINE

4560 4th Street - Adorable village home. Offers Windsor Hills view. 2BD, bonus room, wonderful backyard. $299,000-$319,000

919 W Lewis #1 - 3 Level home, 2 masters. Renovated kitchen, low HOAs. Only 9 unitsdevelopment. 2-car underground parking. $409,000

2609 Lobeila Rd - Crown Hills view home. 3BD/2BA & spacious. Wonderful architectural features & dual fireplace. $395,000

Shawn Fleming 619-857-3303

Adrian Alcantara 619-209-0709

Rosemary Joles 619-405-7673

EL CAJON

DOWNTOWN

CAMPO

1000 S Mollison #2 - Great buy for a 3BD/2BA condo in great complex. Tons of amenities. $158,999

2244 2nd #38 - View condo on Bankers Hill. 2BD/2BA, top floor Casiola unit. Beautiful west facing views. $299,000

31135 Hwy 94 - 3BD/2.5BA, approx 2495 SF, over 3.5 acres. Bonus room, RV hookups, horse stalls, tack room & fully fenced. $299,000

Jasmin Abdullah 858-568-5478

Kathleen Bailey 619-838-3358

Shirley Hays 619-659-0076

LAKESIDE

LEMON GROVE

CREST

12072 Sterling Hill Lane – Available November 15th. Short term lease. 2-Story, well maintained, cathedral ceilings. $2,600 per/mo.

7557 Mount Vernon – Single level, well maintained home. Bonus room, spa & fireplace. Detached garage. $250,000

Canyon Rim Al Bahr Rd – 360 Majestic panoramic vistas from Prime Crest rural exclusive estate parcel. Views! $250,000

Pamela Walsh 619-750-9138

Pamela Walsh 619-750-9138

Lynn Christopher 619-993-4943

SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO

ALLIED GARDENS

5051 Abuela Drive – Single family 3BD/2BA detached home located in Villa Portofino. $419,000

8413 Summerdale Rd #A – 2BD/3BA home with small backyard. Clay tiles in kitchen & dining room. $175,000

4826 1/2 Old Cliffs Rd – 2BD/2BA with optional room. This manufactured home is move-in ready. Just pack and move in. $120,000

Chris Miller & Susan Malotte 619-797-6673

Joss Carvalho 858-603-7256

Maxine Anderson 858-504-0222

Alpine (619) 659-0076

Carlsbad (760) 893-8040

Carmel Valley (858) 480-3603

Hillcrest/Mission Hills (619) 241-2122

La Mesa (619) 741-8588

La Mesa Village (619) 303-9500

San Diego Commercial (858) 350-6368

Solana Beach (858) 345-1377 Be sure to follow us!

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