May 2012
On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com
Volume 2 – Number 5
Springtime in La Mesa GEOCACHING CRAZE COMES TO LA MESA!
ADVENTURE 16 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Business began in a La Mesa garage By Pam Crooks In 1962, two Explorer Scouts developed an innovative backpack in their La Mesa garage to try and raise money for a 16mm camera to film their outdoor adventures. Those backpacks were so well-designed that the young entrepreneurs were soon overwhelmed with orders, forgetting all about that 16mm camera. That’s where John Mead’s dad and uncle come into the picture. As outdoor enthusiasts, they decided to buy one of the specialized packs and were impressed by the quality of the work and interest it was generating. So they bought the company. That was in 1970. We know it today as Adventure 16 Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. With five stores in San Diego and Los Angeles, 85 employees and annual sales of $13 million, the company’s corporate headquarters is on Alvarado Road in Mission Valley/Grantville, in an easily recognizable building adjacent to Interstate 8. Sitting down recently with John Mead, company president and a La Mesa resident, he See A16, page 5
For those who consider themselves up Challenge forms at the La Mesa Library, worthy sleuths or simply want to join in on or download the form from the Centennial the fun, the La Mesa Centennial Committee website (www.cityoflamesa100.com). Chalannounces the La Mesa Centennial Amazing lenge questions will be located inside the Geocache Challenge. Slated to begin with geocaches. Completed Challenge forms are to the Flag Day Parade on June 2, the event be returned to a collection box located in the promises to be family-friendly. The Amazing La Mesa Library by October 7, 2012. Geocache Challenge concludes on October 7 To be eligible for prizes, entrants must with the 2012 La Mesa Oktoberfest. Anyone turn in Challenge forms with all the quescan participate—residents and non-residents, tions answered correctly by the October 7 youngsters and oldsters, novices and experts deadline. All eligible entries will be automatialike. cally entered to win one of Geocaching events, 100 gift certificates to local enjoyed by millions around businesses and a grand the world on any given prize of an iPad. day, are outdoor treasure Geocaching 101 hunts using handheld GPS information sessions will devices or GPS-enabled be held at the La Mesa smart phones. During Library located at 8074 the La Mesa Centennial Allison Ave, La Mesa CA Amazing Geocache Chal91942 on Saturday May 19 lenge, cleverly hidden at 2 pm and Saturday July Sleuth inspects container she geocaches (containers) will found using GPS coordinates. 21 at 11 am for anyone be placed throughout the who wants to participate. city, each revealing interesting historical facts Information will also be provided on June 2 about the area. Participants will navigate to at the Flag Day Parade. a set of coordinates provided and try to find The La Mesa Centennial Amazing the geocache at that location. In the process, Geocache Challenge is sponsored by Flood geocache hunters will be introduced to many Masters in collaboration with the La Mesa local parks, activities and historical places. Historical Society and the La Mesa Park and A twist will be added to the Amazing Recreation Foundation’s Expand the Parks. Geocache Challenge with a competition Watch for more information online at the for prizes. Participants who want to partici- City of La Mesa Centennial website, www. pate in the Challenge competition can pick cityoflamesa100.com.
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
Noteworthy
May
International Trade Advocate Honored in LA La Mesa resident, Bella Heule, President/CEO of the World Trade Center San Diego, will be honored in early May with the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce’s oldest and most prestigious award for promotion of international trade. In receiving the award, she joins the ranks of Southern California business luminaries including Walt Disney, Jack Warner (Warner Brothers) and former LA mayor Tom Bradley. The award is part of the 86th Annual World Trade Week in Los Angeles. At home around the world, Bella is fluent in four languages, and began her international career in Switzerland, where she studied and worked for 10 years. Since arriving in California in 1992, she started as the international sales representative and export manager for SNUGTOP in Long Beach, then took on her first not-for-profit management position as Executive Vice President for the World Trade Center Association, Los Angeles– Long Beach. She’s now the president and CEO of the World Trade Center, San Diego, a nonprofit trade association with a staff of seven full-time professionals and 52 business associates. Together, they provide comprehensive international trade services and key global contacts to facilitate and expand trade for San Diego businesses. Learn more at www.wtcsd.org
Murdock Elementary Student Develops an App for the iPhone Neil Mashruwala, 10, has a lofty list of accomplishments already, including software developer and entrepreneur. The word “prodigy” often gets loosely thrown around in trying to describe accomplishments by young people. But in the case of one 10-year-old at Murdock Elementary in unincorporated La Mesa, the term fits like a glove. Neil is a fourth-grader from Spring Valley, and he holds a distinction that no one else on the planet can claim. Neil is credited with being the youngest person to have created and developed an app for the iPhone. The app, a game called “Soccer Pachinko,” was launched about three months ago, when Neil was nine at the time. The app sells in the iTunes App Store for $0.99. So far, the app has more than 120 downloads in about three months, but one in particular was extra special to Neil – that of his principal John Ashley, who bought the app the first day it was available. (Photo & story excerpt by Eric Yates, La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch, lamesa.patch.com)
LMN Little League Receives Donation La Mesa National Little League received a check for $1,709.81 at its board meeting in April as a result of its “Dining for Dollars” partnership with Cali Comfort Restaurant and Sports Bar. During the fundraising campaign, the restaurant donated 50 percent of its food sales to the local youth organization. Pictured (from left): Joe Lutz, president of the La Mesa National Little League, Cali Comfort co-owner Corey Robinson, head bartender Eric Olafsen, and co-owner Shawn Walchef. (Eric Yates, LM-MH Patch, lamesa.patch.com; photo credit, Shawn Walchef )
Events Calendar
THE DOCTOR IS IN – WOMEN’S HEALTH QUESTIONS – MAY 2 Women’s health is complex and keeping up with the ever-changing guidelines to understand women’s unique health issues is difficult. Attend a free seminar at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Main Auditorium where Dr. Lloyd Kuritsky, a Primary Care physician, and Nurse Practioner Amy Chambers will answer the top questions about women’s health. Attendees will have the opportunity to have their own health questions answered. The free seminar takes place on Wednesday, May 2 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served. Please register at 1-800-827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com/grossmont.
FREE EAST COUNTY YOUTH SYMPHONY CONCERT – May 6 The La Mesa Arts Alliance and East County Youth Symphony will present their annual spring concert on the first Sunday in May. East County Youth Symphony, led by Music Director and Conductor Olga Reztsova, is the most advanced music program in East San Diego County. These young musicians (average age 14) meet the challenges of professional discipline: preparing for rehearsals, thoughtful and productive practicing, and an original (not adapted for kids) repertoire. Membership in East County Youth Symphony is absolutely free, there are no fees or tuition required. It’s open to all musicians, ages 8 to 25, who wish to audition. This free public event will be held on May 6 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4075 Memorial Drive. For more information, call 619-667-1300.
GROSSMONT COLLEGE STUDENT ART EXHIBITION – MAY 7-17 Exhibition in the Hyde Art Gallery on campus will feature most exciting and innovative art and design that students have produced during the year. On display will be fine examples of ceramics, digital media, painting, drawing, jewelry, photography and sculpture. Award presentation honoring the artists will be on May 15, 7 – 9 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Tues. and Wed., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gallery is closed on weekends and legal holidays. Admission is free. Parking is available during the exhibition with purchase of a permit from the vending machine in lot # 1F. Gallery is located in Building #25. Grossmont College/Hyde Art Gallery, 8800 Grossmont College Dr., El Cajon, (619) 644-7299.
TIME TO THINK ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN! Memories are made at Summer Camps. Do you have a budding artist or child that loves to act? What about your sports enthusiast or do they love to work with wood and tools? La Mesa Community Services is offering these twelve “memories to be made” camps that will put a smile on any child’s age four years and up. These camps include: Art Smarts, Arts and Crafts, Creative Theater, Day Camp, Engineering, Fencing, Flag Football, Filmmaking, Jump Rope, Mad Science, Tennis and Woodworking camps. For more information, call 619-667-1300. View the online brochure or register online at www.cityoflamesa.com/classes. Look for the orange “Register Now” button on the top left.
SUNRISE ROTARY BOWLING TOURNAMENT – MAY 11 The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring its annual Bowling Tournament on May 11, 6 pm at Parkway Bowl, 1280 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon. Each team receives: two games with ball and shoes, pizza, two pitchers of beer or soda and dessert. All funds raised benefit the programs of the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Foundation, including the Lexington Avenue Peace Patrol, support for local foster families, local and international literacy and nutrition programs, promoting leadership skills for youth, bringing clean water to a village in Kenya, meals for the homeless and more. See LaMesaSunriseRotary.com for more information.
Photo courtesy Stephen Harvey/Grossmont College
See Events, Page 4
Dave Steinmetz (right), Instructional Media Services Coordinator at Grossmont College, was recently presented an employee recognition award by Classified Senate President Wendy Corbin (left) and GCCCD Chancellor Cindy Miles (center).
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Grossmont College A-V Tech Receives Award Grossmont College’s go-to person for installing and servicing the audio-visual equipment in some 150 classrooms says his work is “no big deal,” but when the gremlins are up to no good, that’s when Dave Steinmetz is at his best. His dependability and reassuring ways were applauded at this week’s Governing Board meeting, where he was honored as the latest recipient of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Chancellor/Classified Senate Award, a commendation presented quarterly to outstanding staff. With a keen understanding of technology needs campus-wide, Steinmetz has been the point man for input on the placement and installation of instructional media equipment in the college’s newest buildings. “His work behind the scenes has helped save the district precious resources by reaching See Noteworthy, Page 11 All San Diego • All Eastlake • All East County • All Southbay
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A. All-players harmonica jam, the finale at Spring Harp Fest, Harry Griffin Park, April 7. B. Colorful backyard potting shed seen on La Mesa Garden Tour, sponsored by LM Beautiful & SD Horticultural Society, March 31 C. East County Earth Day Celebration, April 1, atop Mt. Helix, took place on a glorious day and was well-attended. D. Beautiful swallowtail butterfly — a sure sign of spring--photographed at Mt. Helix Nature Park in April. (Photo by Charles Crooks)
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
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The Dalai Lama Urges Compassion Without Borders
CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL—May 20
Photo courtesy Eric Yates
On Sunday, May 20, 10 am - 4 pm, families from around San Diego County will gather for the first annual Children’s Book Festival - La Mesa. Held in the La Mesa Plaza at the west end of the village, the fair boasts an impressive lineup of well-known young adult and children’s book authors. Headlining the young adult listings is Ned Vizzini, whose It’s Kind of a Funny Story was adapted into a 2010 film starring Emma Roberts. Other big names include James Burks, author of the children’s picture book Gabby and Gator, PJ Haarsma, DJ MacHale, Kelly Bennett and Jerry Cesak from San Diego’s “Jeff and Jer” radio program. Kids get their turn in the spotlight with Readers Theater workshops, illustration workshops, “Reading to Rover” sessions with certified therapy dogs and a high school poetry contest. Winners will be announced at the fair. Professional storytellers will captivate listeners, and booths will feature local authors, bilingual story times, and family friendly products. Organizing the big event is Deena While, owner of Readers Inc., children’s book store on La Mesa Blvd., which just closed its doors for business, due to the economic downtown. She is committed to bringing children’s literature to the East County region; the Children’s Book Festival is just one example. She has plans to continue her business on a mobile basis through after-school reading programs, school book fairs, at major community events and through her website, ReadersIncOnLine.com. Parking is free in the village on Sundays and the trolley drops off right at the festival. Nearby restaurants offer a variety of dining options.
GROSSMONT HIGH ALUM TOM KARLO TAKES OVER AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
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By Genevieve A. Suzuki “The world belongs to humanity,” announced the Dalai Lama during the morning press conference at the University of California, San Diego RIMAC Arena on April 18. “And each country belongs to its own people. … America belongs to 300 million people, not Republicans or Democrats.” The Dalai Lama’s first visit to San Diego was well received. Tickets to the Dalai Lama’s UCSD talk, “The Global Impact of Climate Change,” sold out in just one hour. His talks at the San Diego State University Viejas Arena and the University of San Diego Jenny Craig Pavilion sold out within hours as well. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, understands what it means to lose one’s country. In 1959, he was forced to escape in exile after the Chinese seized Tibet. Since then, he has made it his mission to spread the word of his country’s oppression and encourage peace and compassion around the world. The self-described “simple Buddhist monk” was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet in 1989 and has received more than 84 awards, honorary, doctorates, and prizes in recognition of his message. Whether it’s because of the mysticism surrounding his role as Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader or because he genuinely embodies the spirit of compassion and good humor, everyone in attendance at the press conference and at the USD talk seemed almost enraptured to be there in his presence. His talk at the University of San Diego centered on “Cultivating Peace and Justice.” Spanish classical guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas played a piece relating a humble man’s journey through life as audience members leaned forward in their seats in anticipation of the Dalai Lama’s entrance. When the Dalai Lama stepped onto the stage toward the end of Villegas’ second piece, everyone in the Jenny Craig Pavilion rose to give him a standing ovation. As he sat down onstage, the Dalai Lama pulled out a red visor from his red cloth sack, presumably to protect his eyes from the bright stage lights. During Villegas’ third song, which was performed in honor of the Dalai Lama, the 75-year-old spiritual leader smilingly switched out his red visor for a navy blue USD visor. The Dalai Lama’s messages were simple and similar to the adages taught to most of us by our parents: Anger, fear and hatred are bad for you. Practice inner peace. You are your own See Dalai Lama, Page 9
By Eric Yates, La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch
eing able to work and coach at your alma mater is a dream for a lot of people. For one Grossmont High School alum that dream has become a reality. As head coach of the Mount Miguel High School football team, Tom Karlo garnered much acclaim and accolades for his Matadors squad, including consecutive Grossmont Valley League championships in 2010 and 2011. Karlo, who was recently hired in the same position at Grossmont, hopes to bring that same record of success to La Mesa, his hometown. The position became open when longtime Grossmont coach Ron Murphy died of cancer in February. “With the unfortunate passing of Coach Murphy, it’s a situation that really made me think hard,” said Karlo. He admitted that what was initially a tough decision, became easier when he began to think about “going home,” in a manner of speaking. “I think first off, I live in La Mesa. Both of my sons are gonna go [to Grossmont]. It’s where I went – my sister, my brother. So there’s a strong family connection to Grossmont. Ultimately it came down to my kids. My 11-year-old son wants to go to school where his dad coaches, and this is an opportunity for me to do that.” He also said his relationship with athletic director Frank Foggiano played a role. “I played basketball for him,” Karlo said. “His daughter and I were good friends in high school. I’ve known him a long time.” See Karlo, Page 4
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
News and Views
What’s Happening in the
La Mesa Chamber By Mary England, CEO La Mesa Chamber of Commerce A “packed house” was on hand to hear Police Chief Ed Aceves on Wednesday, April 11th at the La Mesa Chamber breakfast meeting. Chief Aceves shared his views and philosophy on the direction of the La Mesa Police Department. This direction includes plans to have his staff be part of more local activities. He is a strong believer that his staff should be out attending community events like breakfast meetings, ribbon cuttings and other social and business events that promote community bonding and a presence for the Police Department in various activities. Chief Aceves encouraged anyone that has questions or concerns to contact him directly and/or his staff to get the answers they need on any subject having to do with law enforcement. He introduced his team, and the attendees were encouraged to stay after the breakfast and talk directly to any member of his organization. Attendance Drawing Total Goes Unclaimed Again! An Attendance Drawing of $1,250, available to be given away to a lucky Chamber member, was sponsored by: Borrego Springs Bank, B2B Business Connection, Pacific Western Bank and the La Mesa Courier. Unfortunately those business names that were drawn were not at the breakfast meeting. Therefore the total dollar amount for our Attendance Drawing now increases, and the new amount will be offered at future Chamber events. A special thank you to the sponsors of the breakfast: Carl Burger Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep, the Rotary Club of La Mesa and Lantern Crest Senior Living. Taste of La Mesa - Taste of the Century Is Just Around The Corner! On June 11th the Chamber is proud to host the 4th Annual “Taste of La Mesa - Taste of the Century.” The clock ticks, and restaurants are lining up to be a part of this year’s event and give you a taste treat to enjoy. We have expanded the venue and added an early ticket option to begin your “feast” early. This expansion creates space for additional people to enjoy the event, as well as a VIP ticket option allowing those ticket holders to begin grazing at 5 p.m., prior to the General Admission people entering at 6 p.m. The VIP ticket also includes “preferred” parking--a great added benefit. See La Mesa Chamber, Page 8
Events, from page 2 HELP POSTAL WORKERS STAMP OUT HUNGER – MAY 12 Help postal workers across America collect food donations for the 20th Annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Letter carriers in San Diego County, including La Mesa, are asking residents to place a bag of nonperishable food items by their mailboxes before their mail is delivered on Saturday, May 12. Residents can also drop off food donations at their local post offices. Most-needed food items: canned tuna, canned meats, canned stews, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, pasta, rice and cereal. Letter carriers will collect the bags of food and deliver them back to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank to be distributed to the community to help those at risk of hunger. Last year, the food drive collected 659,459 pounds of food in San Diego County, and 70.2 million nationally.
GEOCACHE 101 – May 19 Want to have some fun and meet your fellow La Mesa residents? Come learn about Geocaching and join the La Mesa Centennial’s Amazing Geocache Challenge event. Don’t know how to do geocaching? No problem, just attend a free class held on May 19 at 2 p.m. at the La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Avenue, La Mesa. You’ll learn all about the event and how to participate in all the fun. (See story on page 1.)
KIWANIS CLUB SOAP BOX DERBY – May 19 Come watch the races! The 10th annual Drew Ford/Kiwanis Club Soap Box Derby will be held on Saturday, May 19, at the Junior High Drive at Highwood, 4200 Park Avenue, La Mesa. The races will be held all day and the public is invited to join the fun.
SCRIPTEASERS ONE-ACT SHOWCASE – MAY 25 San Diego Scripteasers, a local playwriting group including several members from La Mesa, is sponsoring a Showcase of One-Act Plays on Friday, May 25, at Swedenborg Hall. The Showcase is a staged reading of six one-act plays written by playwrights from the San Diego area. From thought-provoking to humorous, the evening promises to be entertaining and enjoyable. Swedenborg Hall is located at 4144 Campus Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. The Showcase begins at 7:30 pm with doors open at 7 pm. A $5.00 donation is requested.
La Mesa Reads By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian In March, the La Mesa Library saw record high circulation numbers and we were once again the highest circulating branch in the San Diego County Library system. Thank you, La Mesa! Last month our most popular fiction titles were by some of America’s bestselling crime and suspense authors. Patricia Cornwell’s Port Mortuary, the latest in the long-running Kay Scarpetta series, was one of La Mesa’s most sought-after books. Scarpetta confronts a case unlike any she’s seen, with the potential to ruin her career and personal life. Another popular fiction title among La Mesa readers was Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp. This suspenseful story follows a poor art student whose discovery of a duffel bag full of diamonds puts him in the crosshairs of an assassin. The Reversal by Michael Connelly was also a top choice. Detective Harry Bosch joins forces with Mickey Haller to put a sadistic killer behind bars once and for all. One of our most popular non-fiction books, The Power of Less by Leo Babauta, aims to teach readers to move from chaos to productivity by focusing on a single goal at a time and eliminating clutter. Another popular non-fiction title was Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work by Tim Gunn. Gunn, best known for his work as “mentor” on Project Runway, outlines his strategies to achieve happiness and success. Please speak with the library staff if you are interested in requesting these, or any other titles. Some of you already know that branch librarian Liz Hildreth retired from the La Mesa Library back in March. We are happy to welcome our new branch librarian, Ruth Ketchum, who previously supervised ten North county branches in the San Diego County Library system. Please say hello to Ruth next time you are in the library. On Saturday, May 12th at 11 a.m., please join us for an informative and interesting presentation on the Road Scholar program. Previously known as Elderhostel, Road Scholar offers educational learning adventures for adults. Learn about this exciting program from Jill Swaim, who has been traveling with Road Scholar since 2003. On Saturday, May 19th at 2 p.m., you can attend “Geocaching 101” to learn about the “Amazing Geocache Challenge” happening in La Mesa this summer. Geocaching, a high-tech outdoor treasure hunt using GPS devices, is fun for the whole family. As part of the City of La Mesa’s Centennial celebration you will have the opportunity to enter to win prizes while you learn interesting historical facts about the city. 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.
Karlo, from page 3 During his tenure at Mount Miguel, Karlo compiled an overall record of 44-31-2. The Matadors were ranked in the Top 10 in the county each of the last two years. But beyond football, Karlo is thankful to once again be a part of the La Mesa community. “I’m really looking forward to getting back into community of Grossmont, and doing my work where I am, where I live. I’ve lived here my whole life outside of the four years I went to college. My parents are from here. My wife’s parents are from here. Whenever you add it up, it was a no-brainer.” Karlo is holding advanced weight training classes for his team now. There will be a spring camp in June, and the annual “Blue and Gold” summer football camp will be in July, featuring practices three days a week. “I can’t wait for the next five months,” he said. “Can’t wait till August 30 hits, and we’re on a bus up to Ramona.” (Excerpted from article posted on La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch, lamesa.patch.com)
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LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE – JUNE 2 The City of La Mesa will hold its annual Flag Day Parade with a Centennial focus, on June 2 at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is a “Salute to Old Glory,” and the parade will begin at Memorial Drive and La Mesa Boulevard, proceed along La Mesa Boulevard through the downtown Village, and end at City Hall. A free community picnic will be held after the parade. Mark your calendars for this important La Mesa Centennial event! For more information about Centennial events, go to the City of La Mesa website: www.cityoflamesa.com.
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
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Veterans Join Forces in La Mesa
History of Business Improvement Districts Because there has been a great deal of discussion, both “pro” and “con,” around a proposed PBID (Property-based Business Improvement District) for the downtown district—or Village—of La Mesa, we invited one of our regular contributors to research and write about the history of BIDs in the City of San Diego and elsewhere. By Patti Anderson On any given weekend, walking the boulevards of many of San Diego’s established neighborhoods used to be a lonely experience. Now, festivals, street fairs, art walks and farmer’s markets abound, and have become so popular that finding parking is sometimes harder than at a sold out football game. But, behind many of these popular festivals, markets and a host of other popular urban amenities, are associations that have come together to attract new customers and new businesses. And, in the process, achieve the goal of revitalizing their community areas. Funding these efforts is a growing tool that many business communities are embracing - the Business Improvement District or BID. These BIDs come in a number of variations and can be confoundingly complex. In simple terms, BIDs are established by majority approval of business owners who self-assess a fee that establishes a revenue stream and funding framework to sustain and promote a specific geographic area. Funds are used to support the business infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. Through an administrative arm, like San Diego’s North Park Main Street See BID, Page 12
The American Legion, La Mesa Post 282, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) O.K. Ingram Ship Post 1774 have created a new Veterans Center in the American Legion building located at 8118 University Avenue. The VFW lost their headquarters due to flooding problems last year and the American Legion graciously offered the use of their building, one of many examples of their combined community spirit. Both groups decided to form the Veterans Center to share the facility, offering support and friendship to military personnel from a variety of local veterans’ organizations. The American Legion, the world’s largest veteran organization, organized the San Diego Post 1 in 1919. As the only one in the county at that time, all local veterans joined but soon it became apparent that so many veterans were returning to the East County area that La Mesa Post No. 282 was formed in June 1923. Meetings were held all over La Mesa and by 1925, the Post had purchased lots but no construction had begun. By 1927, they traded the lots with the Baptist Church for a site and built their first home. The difficult years of World War II saw intense participation by all branches of the service in local war efforts, and after the war was over, the Post building was too small to handle the returning men and women. A decision was made to purchase the current site on University Avenue, and a new facility was constructed in 1947, now home to both important veterans groups. The American Legion Post 282 has been very involved in the local community through its civic and education programs, since it was formed. Numerous awards to local students have been made, young men from our La Mesa schools have been sent to Boys’ State in Sacramento with all expenses paid, and other programs for traffic safety, junior baseball and boat races have helped support (?) La Mesa’s children for decades. The organization provides weekly dinners and social events for veterans and all are welcome to join the group. The VFW traces its roots back to the 1898 Spanish-American War when returning veterans found that there was no help for the injured or pensions to help them. In 1899, the VFW was organized to help secure rights and benefits for these war heroes. The La Mesa branch was originally chartered in January 1930 in San Diego by service members who were in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, one of 8,400 posts worldwide. The branch was named See Veterans, Page 9
A16, from page 1 elaborated on the company’s origins. Adventure 16 began as a goal of some young Explorer Scouts whose leaders were involved in river-running in the early 60s. Together, they set out to make 16mm adventure films for a lecture series. In the process, their passion turned to making backpacks. A garage in La Mesa became a workshop to develop a revolutionary pack design that allowed much of the pack’s weight to be carried comfortably on the hips. By the late 60s, the hobby had become a business. These young entrepreneurs were busy inventing and selling innovative, topof-the-line products, including the first two-layer dome tent specifically engineered for backpackers’ needs. In 1970, Mic Mead, an avid customer and active outdoorsman, bought and incorporated the company. Throughout the 70s, growth and innovation was steady. Mic focused on designing and improving production efficiency. Among other things, he designed the first baffled down parka and pioneered the use of aluminum alloy tent poles for an optimal strength-toweight combination. After opening retail outlets and distributing products nationwide, Adventure 16 led the industry in introducing the Lifetime Guarantee on all products John Mead poses at the bearing its name. Grand Teton summit. To differentiate themselves from other sporting goods stores, Adventure 16 has narrowed their focus to backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing and adventure travel--for all levels of expertise. And they only carry the highest quality products for these pursuits. “When you’re out there six to 10 miles from a trail head, you need equipment you can depend on,” explains Mead. He’s a regular user of the equipment himself, strives to hire people with an interest or experience in these areas and encourages all of his employees to go out there and do these things. Another aspect of the business is a wholesale division, representing 1/3 of all sales, specializing in accessories for backpacking, camping, climbing and adventure travel to outdoor specialty companies all over the world. Meade feels they are successful in this area because they’re also retailers; they understand problems retailers face. Adventure 16 has been headquartered in Mission Valley since 1977. The top floor serves as one of their stores, middle floor their corporate offices, while the bottom floor is their warehouse/distribution center. The Mission Valley store is the second largest store in the system sales-wise, although their L.A. store is three times larger. Other stores are located in Solana Beach, Oceanside, West Los Angeles and Tarzana. So what about the economic climate the last few years? “We’ve definitely had our challenges and we’ve learned a lot,” answers Mead. “We took some risks in the early part of the decade by expanding and taking on debt. The recession hit us hard, starting in 2005. “At times it’s been really difficult to see the forest for the trees,” he adds. We’re not out See Rick White, Page 14
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
Beyond La Mesa 10th ANNUAL EXPLORE MISSION TRAILS DAY—May 19 “Connecting Children to Nature” Looking for ways to get your children excited about going outdoors and connecting with nature? Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP), one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offers great opportunities for free yearround outdoor fun. On Saturday, May 19, families are invited to learn more about those opportunities through an annual celebration entitled: Explore Mission Trails Day. Young children will discover the joys of nature during themed trail walks and handson activities at different “Explore Stations,” free pony rides and up-close encounters with raptors, reptiles and other live animals. Times vary but most events will take place between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Older kids and adults will have a chance to try out high-tech hiking poles or rock climbing and experience a twilight hike. Activities will take place in several different areas of the diverse park, but will be focused mainly around the Visitor and Interpretive Center and the Equestrian Staging Area at SR52 and Mast Blvd. Shuttle service from Project Wildlife volunteer various parking locations will be available from introduces a red-tailed hawk at the 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mission Trails Visitor Center. Explore Mission Trails Day 2012 (EMTD) has a special focus on introducing children to nature—without having to drive to the back country. Scholastic Publishing’s Ms. Frizzle™ will help educate little ones about one of San Diego’s most common wild critters, courtesy of the San Diego Natural History Museum. The wacky, red-haired character from the book series, The Magic School Bus©, will present a special program about coyotes in the Visitor Center’s outdoor amphitheater at 10 and 11:30 a.m. for children ages three to eight years, teaching them basic conservation concepts, and how to observe elusive neighbors. For older children and adults, Adventure 16 Outdoor Outfitters will operate a booth until 11 a.m. at the base of Cowles Mountain, loaning hightech hiking poles to those interested in trying them out on their way up the mountain and back. Small children can ride ponies for free (only until 1:30 p.m.) in one of the arenas in the EquesKids enjoy safely looking trian Staging Area near the Mast Blvd. entrance to at sunspots through a the Park. In the same area, there will be a climbing special telescope. See Explore Mission Trails, Page 9
Visit Little Italy for all things Sicilian— including ‘grape stomping’—May 20 San Diego’s Sicilian American community invites everyone to “Eat, Drink & Be Sicilian” for a day during the 19th Annual Sicilian Festival celebration in Little Italy on Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The highly popular FREE family event features authentic Sicilian food and entertainment, surrounded by the colorful ambiance of the Little Italy neighborhood, located within walking distance of San Diego harbor, within minutes of San Diego’s downtown district. People will be literally dancing in the streets throughout the day. At 11:30 a.m., a procession of dozens of costumed dancers, musicians, and representatives of the City and County of San Diego, and the many local San Diego Italian organizations, will parade through the streets carrying flags from different regions of Sicily and Italy. Food booths representing the many restaurants in Little Italy will line the streets to satisfy the hungry crowds by serving up Sicilian specialties of all varieties. Sicilian wine will be served in the wine garden, and visitors can even try their hand at grape stomping in a barrel as part of the Festival fun. Four stages will feature non-stop Italian and Sicilian entertainment. All children’s activities are FREE, and include a large inflatable slide, puppet theatre shows, face painting and many other activities to keep the bambini entertained. Free street parking is available throughout the Little Italy neighborhood, as well as in the north lot of the County Administration Building, with a free shuttle to and from the Festival. Take the MTS Trolley’s Blue Line to the County Center/Little Italy Station. There’s free parking at many of the Trolley’s park-and- ride lots (especially Qualcomm Stadium). Also, on weekends, two children (12 and under) ride free with a paid adult (18 and over). Little Italy is the first stop on the Blue Line (north). For more information, log onto www.sicilianfestival.org.
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A Dentist with Aloha for the Whole Family By Genevieve A. Suzuki When my family moved to La Mesa, we decided it was time to get ourselves together and finally find a dentist. Unlike my mom, who found her dentist through a newspaper ad, my husband and I decided to go the unconventional route by making an appointment with a guy who shared our last name: Dr. Brian Suzuki of El Cajon. Suzuki, who just purchased a home in La Mesa, with his wife, Michelle Ritter, actually had more in common with us than we realized. He’s the same age Dr. Suzuki looks on as as my husband, grew up in Hawaii and has a brother the author’s daughter named Darren. inspects her teeth. It was kismet. Suzuki moved from the Aloha State to San Diego 20 years ago to earn his bachelor’s degree in bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego. He decided to pursue dentistry after working a summer at his uncle’s dental office in Oceanside. Not one to sit back on his laurels, Suzuki applied to and was accepted at the University of Pennsylvania’s highly respected dental school. We were in good hands. And despite forming what became a good friendship with Suzuki and Ritter, there was always one small nagging issue in the back of my mind: the inevitable first dental visit for our 3-year-old daughter, Quinn. It feels more like a As far as I can recall, my GIRL’S NIGHT OUT own pediatric dental experience than a WORKOUT! was a good one. “It wasn’t in the beginning,” my mom said helpfully. “You actually saw another Registration. dentist when you were 4. He almost choked you. You cried and cried.” Cheryl Burke Jazzercise Two-time Although I knew Suzuki College Area Champion Dancing with 6360 El Cajon Blvd wouldn’t provide a similar expethe Stars San Diego 92115 rience, I worried about Quinn 619-244-9290 as a patient. She’s the kid who rears back and cries when you’re carrying her after a long day at the zoo. She yells at me outside Ralph’s off Jackson Drive and refuses to get into the shopping cart. And she still says she doesn’t have to use the potty five minutes before having an accident. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS VISIT: Quinn is an independent soul, at the very least. OR CALL (619) 297-7380 “It’s time for her to see a dentist,” confirmed her pediatrician, a woman with the patience of Job. I felt my insides churning. Quinn didn’t even like climbing onto
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La Mesa Farmers’ Market Thrives in New Location By Jessica Roach Greetings from the La Mesa Farmers’ Market! Spring has arrived with the promise of delicious fresh produce, fragrant floral bouquets, and a renewed sense of community at the market. Come by every Friday, 2-6 pm, to the intersection of University and Date Aves, for live music, delicious prepared foods, and the opportunity to peruse the weekly offering of fresh produce and locally made goods. A visit to any produce vendor at the market is a celebration of spring’s emergence: beautiful blueberries, strawberries, avocados, asparagus, and apples greet the senses with apricots and cherries soon to follow. Greens are abound - lettuce, spinach, kale, mustard greens, and more. You’ll also find carrots, beets, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and citrus galore. Sample one of Baba Foods’ hummus creations, pick up a fresh-baked baguette from Bread and Cie, taste a few of Spring Hill’s delightful organic cheeses, and get to know the folks farming and producing your food along the way. Currently in its 19th year, La Mesa market runs smoothly under the supervision of Mark and Suzanne Bendixen. Genuine, friendly people who are always available during market hours to chat or answer questions, Mark and Suzanne work with the City of La Mesa to provide a diverse, customer-friendly, community-based atmosphere. On a recent Friday afternoon, Mark reflected on his and Suzanne’s experience as managers: “We appreEven a rainy day finds ciate the vendors and the ease in working with shoppers looking for fresh, the city to bring the market to the people.” The locally grown produce. Bendixens and the City are pleased with the market’s success in its newer location near City Hall. “We’ve been here about a year now and everything has been great. The best part is the increased amount of free parking,” says Mark. Customers appreciate the accessibility of the market in its new location as well as the greater variety of products. Peggy Graham, La Mesa resident and avid market shopper, says she enjoys the new location: “It seems better for everyone with more visibility and a larger See Farmers’ Market, Page 11
See Dr. Suzuki, Page 14
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Happy 50th, Grossmont College!
On Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14, thousands of students, alumnae, faculty and community well-wishers gathered on the Grossmont campus to mark its birthday milestone with tons of fun, free activities for all ages. One of the most widely anticipated was the opportunity to help the college win a Guinness World Record by signing a gigantic birthday card in the Main Quad. Almost 1,800 people signed the 4’ x 4’ card on Saturday, beating the prior record of 1,468 signatures in one day!! Seen above, Grossmont College President Sunny Cooke and the record-breaking birthday card. (Photo credit Grossmont College)
La Mesa Chamber, from page 4 To date we are proud to announce the following sponsors: Title Sponsor - Unique Travel Concepts, Century Sponsor - Sycuan Casino, Media Sponsor - La Mesa Courier, Gourmet Sponsors - Borrego Springs Bank, Carl Burger Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep, Citi Bank, Kirk Paving, North Island Credit Union, and SDG&E. Bon A Petite Sponsors are: Auto Club of Southern California, Pacific Western Bank and Tarantino Gourmet Sausages. The restaurants, food providers and beverage participants so far are: Anthony’s Fish Grotto, Antique Row Cafe of Lemon Grove, Auntie M’s Cupn’Cake Bakery, Cali Comfort, Casa De Pico, Continental Catering, Edible Arrangements, El Torito - La Mesa, Himalayan Cuisine, Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill, Karl Strauss Brewery, La Torta Cafe, Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, Riviera Supper Club, Round Table Pizza, Rubio’s, San Diego Desserts, San Pasqul Winery, Sycuan Casino, Tara American Bistro, Tarantino Gourmet Sausages, The Brigantine - La Mesa, the Lunch Box Cafe & Deli, The Village House Kalina, Trattoria Tiramisu. The banners are being produced, our flyers and posters are in production and we are getting ready to entertain a crowd and assist you in having a GREAT time! You may go to our web site now to order tickets: www.lamesachamber.com, or call us, (619) 465-7700. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available, so give us a call at 619-465-7700. Welcome New Members The Chamber wishes to welcome the following new members and encourage you to visit them. Welcome to: Vine Ripe Market, C & D Autocare, Grossmont Dermatology Medical Clinic, Robert Ross Agency, Farmer’s Insurance and J. Richard Cook, CLM. For more information about these members visit our web site: www.lamesachamber.com. We encourage you to consider joining this great group of business owners and businesses as members of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. We are making plans for several great events this summer for members and guests, so visit our web site, www.lamesachamber.com, and click on our events calendar for information on these and many more events that are planned throughout 2012.
LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
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Explore Mission Trails, from page 6 wall, and Project Wildlife will bring rescued wild animals for the public to view At the Visitor Center, other wildlife groups will present live raptors and reptiles. In addition to Ms. Frizzle’s programs, there will be crafts for children in the classroom (ages 3 and up). If weather permits, a special scope will be set up on the terrace for sunspot viewing with local astronomer/naturalist George Varga. Mission Trails Regional Park is a 6,150-acre “open space” urban park, located between Highway 52 and Highway 8 at the eastern end of Mission Valley. Bordered by the communities of Tierrasanta, Santee, San Carlos and La Mesa, the park is managed by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department. EMTD is an annual joint venture of the Park and Recreation Department, Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, a non-profit fund-raising and advocacy organization for the park, and San Diego City Councilmember Marti Emerald. Title sponsors for the 10th annual celebration include the City of San Diego Special Promotional Programs, County of San Diego and Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, and Republic Services, Inc. Community Sponsors include Olive Garden Italian Restaurants, SDG&E—A Sempre Energy Utility, Superior Ready Mix and Quail Brush Genco, LLC. Five Star Tows & Charter Company is a Neighborhood Sponsor, and Kaiser Permanente is sponsoring the free pony rides. A detailed map of the park and schedule of other Explore Mission Trails Day events, including family nature walks and children’s “explore stations” are available online at www. mtrp.org or at the Visitor and Interpretive Center information desk. Volunteers can also answer questions at (619) 668-3281.
Friendly members of the La Mesa Lions Club greeted visitors at the East County Earth Day event on April 1.
Springtime in La Mesa
in honor of World War I Medal of Honor recipient, Osmond Kelly Ingram who lost his life saving his fellow crew members. The national VFW organization was the first to demand pensions for widows and dependants of World War Veterans, jobs or pensions for veterans, the first to launch a nationwide educational campaign for Defense of Democracy, the first group to establish a home for orphans of veterans, and the first to demand Congressional recognition of “The Star Spangled Banner” as the National Anthem. La Mesa VFW programs focus on education and honoring the young people of our community. The organization sponsors the Patriot’s Pen Program which features an essay contest for middle school students. Savings bonds are the prize for the local winners and a trip to Washington for the national winner. Each year, three exceptional teachers in our area are recognized for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. One of the ways the VFW pays for all the scholarships and prizes to local students is by selling VFW “Buddy Poppies,” a program started back in 1923. Veterans selling Buddy Poppies in front of grocery stores are a common site around Memorial Day every year. The red poppies evoke the memories and emotions of war, and became popular after the publication of “In Flanders Field,” a poem written by Colonel John McCrae of Canada. For more than 80 years, the VFW has raised millions of dollars through their sale in support of veterans’ welfare and the well-being of their dependents. So the next time you see a veteran selling these poppies, consider buying one. And say thank you to these brave men and women for their national service. They are our true heroes….
Dalai Lama, from page 3 worst enemy. His campaign, Compassion Without Borders, focuses on first practicing compassion on a personal level. Compassion is a secular concept, he said. The Dalai Lama explained that compassion comes from being human. Because we all come from mothers, we all have something in common, he said. In addition to being mindful of our humanity, common sense is important when it comes to compassion, said the Dalai Lama. “Look upon neighbors,” he said, adding that human affection is important to relations. The message wasn’t unlike the Christian concept of “Love thy neighbor as yourself.” Compassionate people are healthier people, the Dalai Lama said. “More compas-
sionate mind is much happier,” he said. The Dalai Lama praised various American universities’ commitment to peace. The University of San Diego Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice were among examples he cited. To attain inner peace, said the Dalai Lama, you must act with the sincere sense of concern for others’ wellbeing. When a person acts with genuine concern for another, justice naturally follows, he said. Fittingly, before leaving the stage, the Dalai Lama, who recently released the book, “Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World,” reached out to shake the hand of a priest sitting in the front row. “Special brother,” he said with his trademark smile, warmly grasping the man’s hand. “Special brother.”
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
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Helix Highlights By Jennifer Osborn It is my pleasure to use this column to share with La Mesa Courier readers the happenings at Helix Charter High School. Since becoming a charter school in 1997, Helix has continued its proud tradition of excellence that began 60 years ago. It’s our goal to make community members proud to have Helix as the community high school. Helix’s mission is to provide all students with the educational foundation necessary to attend college, should they choose. We invite the public to come visit our campus and find out how Helix’s approach to education is truly changing the lives of its students and benefitting the community. On Tuesday, May 15, at 8:30 am, please join us for the Excellence in Education Tour, a one-hour tour and program that highlights how traditional education has been transformed at Helix. Space is limited – please RSVP to josborn@helixcharter.net. We are approaching the end of the school year, which means graduation for our seniors. Members of the class of 2012 completed an important step toward graduation by participating in Senior Defenses in April. Each student sat before a panel consisting of staff members and community members to present all of their hard work performed to complete their Senior Project. The final step of this process is Senior Boards, where students will give an 8-10 minute presentation about their experiences at Helix. Community members are needed to serve as judges for Boards, which will take place May 29 and 30 from noon – 4 pm. Please contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net, if you are interested in volunteering for one or both days of this inspiring event. Helix juniors are beginning the formal process of college selection, and 132 members of the class of 2013 spent their Spring Break touring college campuses around California. Each year, Helix’s College for Me program provides a six-day college tour for students. This year’s trip was funded primarily through generous donations from individuals who support Helix’s mission, and featured visits to 13 colleges and universities, including University of California campuses (Riverside, Merced, Davis, Berkeley, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles), California State University campuses (Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Cal Poly SLO, Northridge) and Stanford. There is so much to celebrate at Helix, and I look forward to sharing our news with you each month. For questions or comments regarding Helix Charter High School, please don’t hesitate to contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net. Jennifer Osborn is a Helix alum, class of 1985. She grew up in La Mesa (since the age of 5). As an adult she moved a whopping two miles away from her childhood home (to San Carlos), but her parents still live in the same place. Jennifer is looking forward to her own children becoming Highlanders – in the classes of 2019 and 2021! Senior Citizen Special Facial or Arm & Neck Massage $35
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Farmers’ Market, from page 7
Noteworthy, from page 2
volume of goods offered.” Peggy describes the growers and producers as “always pleasant,” which greatly enhances her shopping experience. Newer additions include booths offering lobster tails, homemade granola, specialty teas, and hand-crafted pasta. Prepared food vendors include Thai favorites, sausage sandwiches, British pasties, tamales, fish tacos, and more. Seasoned veterans include the myriad produce and flower booths, Spring Hill Cheese, Hopkins Almonds, Petrou Greek foods, Salsa Chilena, Bread and Cie, “Bitchin Sauce,” Baba Foods, and more. Be sure to stroll down the new aisle of crafts and clothiers to find fragrant soaps, soothing lavender products, unique copper jewelry, handmade garden ornaments, womens’ clothing, and more. Shopping at the La Mesa Farmers’ Market has many benefits. Greatly enrich your sense of connectivity by getting to know producers and fellow customers while strengthening and empowering small businesses. Develop a rich communion with nature through the consumption of natural, seasonal foods whose production methods reflect a low carbon footprint. Raeanne Brent, long-time vendor for Rivas Family Farm in San Marcos, says “I am very fond of the sense of community at the market between the other vendors and the customers who frequent it. It’s a healthy, conscientious, and friendly atmosphere that I really enjoy being a part of.” So grab your shopping list, gather up those reusable bags, and bring your appetites down to the market this Friday for a communal gathering of friends and neighbors. Can’t get enough delicious local food? When you’re done shopping, head a few blocks southwest for “Food Fest Fridays,” a gathering of local food trucks with tasty offerings for any palate. Friday evenings from 5:30-8:30, the trucks gather at 7871 University Avenue. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page: “Food Fest Fridays La Mesa.”
out to all involved with construction to address concerns in advance, thus avoiding future costly repairs and support issues,” District Chancellor Cindy L. Miles said.
Luciano Costello raises his second Unknown Players Jam trophy while proud mom looks on.
Northmont 4th Grader ‘Steals the Show’ at Spring Harp Fest Colorful garden scene on the La Mesa Garden Tour on March 31 (sponsored by LM Beautiful & SD Horticultural Society).
Springtime in La Mesa
Luciano Costello, a nine-year-old harmonica prodigy who attends Northmont Elementary School as a fourth-grader, won the Unknown Players Jam contest for the second year in a row at the Harry Griffen Park amphitheater April 7. Two dozen amateur players ponied up $10 each to play 20-30 seconds with a professional band, attempting to wow the crowd and win a trophy. The MC implored the audience to cheer and applaud for the best player, and not just the cutest. But the crowd decided Luciano was the complete package and he brought his silverand-blue trophy back to parents Paul and Teresa Costello of Fletcher Hills. Luciano says he’s played harmonica since age six, and is self-taught. He also plays the bass guitar. His hero is Willie “Sonny Boy” Williamson, the legendary King of the Harmonica. (Photo and story by Ken Stone, excerpted from La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch, lamesa.patch.com)
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The pharmacy at La Mesa’s Costco Wholesale store, 8125 Fletcher Parkway, is now offering pet medications, reports Deborah McElravy, pharmacy manager. Costco may offer a cheaper price for your pet’s medications compared to purchasing directly from a veterinarian because some vets mark-up the cost of prescriptions, McElravy said. The Costco pharmacy in La Mesa offers a variety of pet medications. Among the most popular pet meds are chewable tablets that can help pets with arthritis with their hip and joint flexibility. To reach the pharmacy at the Costco Wholesale store in La Mesa, call (619) 667-8520. McElravy, a pharmacist since 1974, and an East County resident for more than 30 years, serves on the Grossmont Healthcare District board of directors.
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
COORDINATED CARE SHOULD BENEFIT SAN DIEGANS County Chosen as Pilot Project Site for Medi-Cal/Medicare Integration The details have yet to be worked out, but about 75,000 San Diego County seniors and people with disabilities who are enrolled in both Medi-Cal and Medicare should see more streamlined access to health care and social services through a newly-approved pilot project. “San Diego was only one of four California counties selected to be a pilot site by the California Department of Health Care Services,” said San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ron Roberts. “This project should provide a new seamless system of care for our seniors and people with disabilities, especially those with multiple chronic conditions.” The three-year pilot program will serve people who are eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare beginning in 2013. California has approximately 1.1 million people enrolled in both Medicare and Medi-Cal. They are among the state’s highest-need and highestcost users of health care services, accounting for nearly 25 percent of Medi-Cal spending. “This new system should achieve substantial savings by moving people out of costly facilities and into homes within the community,” said County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “The community, health care providers, the state and county are coming together to streamline services for the benefit of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.” Los Angeles, Orange and San Mateo were the other three counties selected as pilot sites. “This new pilot program seeks to integrate health and social services benefits and programs, such as In Home Supportive Services and skilled nursing care, into a single system easier for the consumer to navigate,” said Nick Macchione, Health and Human Services Agency director. For more information on the pilot program visit www.calduals.org.
1912-2012 u
La Mesa Centennial: Celebrating the American Hometown
May Centennial Events Join us for these Centennial events: LMAA/Youth Symphony Concert May 6, 3- 4:30 pm @ La Mesa Community Center La Mesa Arts Alliance/East County Youth Symphony present annual spring concert La Mesa Kiwanis Soap Box Derby May 19, All Day @ Junior High Drive at Highwood Park
- Photos courtesy of La Mesa Historical Society
Geocaching 101 May 19, 2 p.m. @ La Mesa Library An informational session about Geocaching to be held at the La Mesa Library La Mesa Flag Day Parade & Community Picnic June 2, 10 a.m. @ La Mesa Blvd. For more information about these events and the Centennial, visit www.cityoflamesa100.com
The mission of the La Mesa Centennial is to promote La Mesa’s 100th birthday through a community-driven celebration of its heritage – past, present, and future.
www.cityoflamesa100.com
View from the Road By Donna Alm
Beginning a new road adventure is for me like taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out. My mind clears and I can sense the body relaxing as the RV makes that first turn onto the highway. Being home for several months was great; time with our large and loving family is always rewarding, but getting an early spring start to our 2012 travels just sounded like fun. We stopped for a few days in AZ to enjoy two Padres spring training games at the Peoria Sports Center before heading north. Quite a place, and if the hot dogs are not enough, there are many good choices across the street for places to eat. It was fun getting an up-close view of the returning players and the new guys. Best wishes to the team for a successful season. We will be following your progress as we wind our way through Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. I’m writing this from Casper WY in the middle of April. It’s quite cold, and we’ve had a few days and nights of rain/almost snow. The wind, though, is something else! It has at times almost bowled us over and made for a couple anxious nights as it bounced the RV around. People in Wyoming aren’t just putting up with the wind, though; they’ve created a wind race! The Rawlins Celebration of Wind is “…an event for something so common in Wyoming, it might as well be a cowboy atop a bucking bronco,” so says the Casper Star Tribune. “Last year’s winner, Jarred James, raced aboard a small-wheeled skateboard pulled by a rigged-up wind-grabbing shower curtain.” Every racer needs a brake, an important rule I think, but it was okay that one racer sported a cement block. The “rules” include: “The crew will consist of at least two people; all human, or as close as possible. “Vehicles must have 3 wheels or up to 84.” “No chewing tobacco if the wind is over 15 knots. “In the event of a still day, the crew can push or pull by hand.” “Points will be deducted for destroying spectators.” It’s said that the celebration isn’t just a competition, as it includes learning opportunities about the state’s winds. Jarred won the race its first two years, but the April 28 field will include some University of Wyoming engineering students with a new and improved entry. If the race results are of interest, go to tmueske@cchec.org. Maybe driving the highways early in the spring wasn’t the best idea. Regular checks of weather conditions ahead is a must, causing one course change already to avoid a snow storm. The good part is watching spring unfold in different temperate zones. SIMPLY AWESOME! Happy Mother’s Day all you moms! May your special day put a spring in your life.
BID, from page 5 or the Little Italy Association, BID revenues promote and market their designated area with events, street-side improvements such as signage and landscaping, and business development. In these neighborhood districts, most businesses are small, independent and many have been family-owned and family-operated for generations. This collaboration allows these small businesses to compete with suburban malls and chain stores on a scale that would not be possible individually. The hyper-local focus of the districts makes for nimble, direct governance. No layers of government procedures hamper implementation of programs. They exist by and for local businesses. In Claremont, California, the BID district contributes substantially to marketing efforts for the city by primarily funneling Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds. According to Bridget Healey, President of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce and Claremont’s past Assistant City Manager, “…having a funding source and separate legal entity to promote tourism and marketing is a good thing. The funds are used for what the city can no longer afford.” BIDs are not new as a form of business stimulus. They have evolved and morphed since their inception. Toronto conceived and established the first BID district in 1970. Urban business neighborhoods, struggling to revitalize, jumped at the opportunity to finance new economic growth. The concept quickly migrated south to the United States with New Orleans establishing the first U.S. BID in 1974. BIDs spread rapidly from coast to coast and then went global, reaching into Ireland, the United Kingdom and Germany. Today, there are more than 1,700 districts worldwide in far flung areas, from Albania to South Africa to Jamaica. London’s famed Piccadilly Circus anchors its Heart of London BID district. Dublin boasts the largest BID geographically. New York City has a thriving BID community (the most in the country) with 64 separate districts, and the Times Square district is considered a hallmark for success, transforming a blighted crime-ridden area of Manhattan into an iconic destination. Learning early there is strength in numbers, San Diego has become one of the models for a kind of multi-district collaboration that other cities are looking to follow. The San Diego BID Council, established in 1989, is the Learn everyday Spanish with only municipal-wide coaliour conversational approach. tion of individual business or • Private or Small Groups • Children, Teens, Adults • Day or Evening Classes property-based special district • Unique Visual & Interactive Methods programs in the nation. The Council provides a unified SPANISH LANGUAGE CENTER voice and clearinghouse for the MISSION VALLEY (619) 284-8636 efforts of districts throughout www.spansishlanguagecenter.com the city. San Diego’s BID landscape includes 17 separate districts, 16 with administrative arms, and a history dating back more than 20 years. BIDs are not one-sizefits-all and can be complicated to administrate. They work best if the demographics of the designated area are similar. Sustainability becomes a key factor. Is the revenue gener-
Spanish
See BID, Page 13
LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
Page 13
Community Essay
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE HIGHWAY 94 SAFER? By Bob Battenfield “Pray for me, I drive Highway 94!” That’s a bumper sticker spotted now and again on cars, SUVs and trucks traversing State Route 94 as it departs suburban San Diego, heading out past Rancho San Diego and Jamul and entering quite a different world. The people who live along SR 94 “out east” toward Dulzura and Barrett Junction, Potrero and Campo are a different breed — a blend of distinctly Midwestern American values with a spirit of entrepreneurship from raising horses and sheep, planting vineyards and bottling and branding their own wines. These modern-day pioneers join together to focus on “94,” as they call the winding, two-lane road that links them back to a faster-paced life in El Cajon, La Mesa and San Diego. The Highway 94 Club is their community planning group, their chamber of commerce, their extended family. Highway 94 Club members have problems with the powers that be that make decisions about maintaining and improving their 94. SANDAG — the San Diego Association of Governments -- sets the priorities. The State Legislature generates the transportation bonds and votes the money. CalTrans subs out the work. Environmental groups raise issues -- plants and birds and rodents are important too. But many times they take precedence over human life and other safety concerns. The club has struggled for 35 long years for attention and commitment. Some improvements have been made. But for members of the Highway 94 Club, it is a litany of studies and reviews, followed by more studies and reviews. Especially frustrating are the environmentalists that stymie correction of a road hazard out of concern for a lizard or a bush. While little is done, motorcyclists compete with semi-trucks hauling fresh vegetables and flowers, electronics and sand. “Bike lanes” are painted on sections of the highway that are so narrow the white line slips over into dirt. According to Ed and Marilyn Boryla, current club president and secretary, what are needed are wider roadways, more passing lanes and more turnouts with signage. Accident rates are high. Injuries and fatalities are ever present, with an average of one fatality per month—five so far this year. Marilyn, herself, was seriously injured in a fatality collision with a drunk driver on SR94 about eight and a half years ago. There are many interrelated issues. In addition to lack of transportation funds from Sacramento, and local decisions made by SANDAG and CalTrans, there have been recent actions by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, which also affect the problem. The County changed the zoning, reducing density of housing in much of the undeveloped land in East County, opting for more open space; but this implied to SANDAG and CalTrans that fewer vehicles use the feeder roads, leading to a lower projection for future traffic volume on the highway. This, in turn, led to lower priorities for adding passing lanes and turnouts. “The problem is, these various agencies don’t accurately assess the number of vehicles coming north from Tecate, Baja California,” points out Ed Boryla. “NAFTA is on again, off again and on again. “But we SEE it. The truth is that huge trucks, weighing more than 80,000 pounds, rumble over a roadway built for a maximum of 60,000 pounds. The curves are too tight. Big trucks are forced to cross the yellow lines, and on-coming motorists brake and dodge and scatter.” Consider this, Boryla emphasizes: “When you look at the statistics of ridership per mile, and compare how much is spent on SR94 with how much is spent on the Coaster, you see the Coaster is getting a far greater share of San Diego County’s transportation dollars than is Highway 94. But how many people are injured or killed on the train?” Members hoped some answers would be forthcoming when the club met on Thursday, April 19th with several spokespeople from SANDAG and CalTrans at the Barrett Junction Café. Two representatives were also there from Tecate, Mexico. It was a spirited meeting to say the least, but the group did come away with a glimmer of hope from the Cal Trans person, who said they might be able to use some existing maintenance funds to do some work in a few sections. For more information, call Ed and Marilyn Boryla at 619-478-2622, or go to www. hwy94club.org. Bob Battenfield is a semi-retired public relations professional and concerned citizen of East County.
What’s Cooking with Julie By Julie White If you haven’t been to the Friday Farmers Market in downtown La Mesa recently, you are in for a nice surprise. A visit will inspire you to cook and enjoy all of their fresh produce and products. My friend Jessica works for Spring Hill Cheese. I will be using her goat cheese in my recipe this month. She is at the Farmers Market each and every Friday starting at 3 p.m. and will be glad to give you samples (see story on page 7).
Herb and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Thighs 10 boneless and skinless chicken thighs 8 oz Spring Hill Goat Cheese (or any brand) 1 - 8oz. Package of frozen, chopped and defrosted spinach (drain in a colander and press out all water) 1 lemon juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 egg beaten 2-tb chopped parsley 2-tb chopped rosemary 2-tb oregano (fresh or dried) 2 cloves of chopped garlic Pinch Salt and pepper 4-tb butter 4-tb olive oil Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine spinach, egg, goat cheese, herbs, garlic, pinch of salt and pepper, lemon juice and zest of lemon (I use my hands to mix). Set aside mix. Open up the chicken thighs and lightly salt and pepper all sides. Place a large spoonful of cheese mixture in the center of each thigh. Gather the sides and Enclose the mixture inside and fasten with two toothpicks. In a large skillet that is oven-safe, melt the butter and add olive oil. When hot, add the Chicken. Brown on all sides until golden. Leave in an ovenproof pan or transfer to a baking sheet. Place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until done and the juices run clear. Remove the toothpicks before serving. This recipe will serve 4 people. Note: Ricotta cheese may be substituted for the goat cheese.
BID, from page 13 ated from the levied fees sufficient to successfully achieve the economic goals? And, what is a reasonable level of assessment. Fewer than half the BIDs that have been launched are now dormant. However, property values have seen a definitive increase in established BIDs and the changing make up of the business mix has been a spark that has renewed interest in residential development adjacent to the areas. W. Patrick Edwards is president of the executive committee for San Diego’s BID Council and a tireless advocate for the BID concept. He passionately states, “I see assessment districts saving our cities. BIDs become magnets for rebirth.” There is opposition to the BID concept as demonstrated in La Mesa. There are business owners who resist mandatory participation. Also, legal issues have been raised with California Proposition 218 (a stepchild of Prop 13) and Proposition 26, centering on questions of taxation without direct voter approval and equity of assessments. Concerns also have been voiced on whether all funds that go into city coffers return to directly support the programs. And, can small businesses struggling in the current economy afford additional fees that BIDs require? These are among the issues raised by those opposed to the current PBID proposal for the the Village of La Mesa. At press time, the Courier learned the LM City Council has placed consideration of the effects of a La Mesa PBID on City-owned property on its agenda for the April 24th meeting. To follow the latest developments in this story, log onto lamesacourier. com.
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
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A16, from page 5 of the woods yet… but we’re in a clearing. We can now see the mountaintop!” This said while sitting in an office in Mission Valley that looks like the inside of a cabin in Wyoming. One can tell he lives and breathes this stuff. But that has proven to be an advantage. With the recent challenges, Mead has discovered some unique opportunities for his business. “When the stress of daily life looms large, people look to daily recreation for strength and solitude. Backpacking had been on the decline, but that’s starting to turn. More and more people are looking for opportunities for outings they can do in a day, like hiking or mountain-biking.” Adventure 16 is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this change. “We sell things to get people off the beaten path.” “People are also looking to support their local businesses. It’s hard for people to get their arms around national or world events. But people want to be a part of something they can believe in, and have a way to relate to other people. They want to take care of their home community. So that works for us, too. This is our headquarters, this is our home. We’re a San Diego original!” One way Adventure 16 creates a sense of community is with special events. Every month they have something going on in their stores telling people how to get out there, where to go and who to go with, whether it’s a free movie night, wine and cheese event or an introduction to a wilderness basics course. Their philanthropy is in keeping with their core philosophy. Mead created the “Donate-A-Pack Foundation,” which provides gear to organizations who take at-risk kids into the wilderness. Most of the equipment is donated by their customers, so See A16, Page 16
Dr. Suzuki, from page 7 and eagerly climbed into the dental chair. To the scale to get weighed. What was it going to be like for her in a dentist’s chair with all my utter amazement, she actually sat very of those sharp silver instruments looming in still with her mouth wide open as Suzuki the background? counted and checked her teeth. It helped Nevertheless, Suzuki’s front desk recepthat he talked to her through the checkup. tionist, Angie, assured “Wow! You have more me it would be OK as I than 20 teeth! Very made her appointment good, Quinn!” and “Are you sure you with our family dentist. “Look, Mom! No cavi“Are you sure you want want to do this?” ties! Good job, Quinn!” to do this?” I asked I asked Suzuki, His enthusiasm Suzuki, who shooed was contagious. Quinn away my doubt. who shooed responded by obedi“She’ll be fine,” he away my doubt. ently sitting through the replied calmly. visit and then whooping “She’ll be fine,” he The fateful day loudly when he told her arrived all too soon. She replied calmly. that her teeth looked seemed excited as we walked into his office great. “Yay!” along Fletcher Parkway. After Suzuki I quickly introduced her finished his portion of the visit, his dental to Angie, who smiled kindly at my somewhat hygienist applied fluoride to her teeth. hyperactive child. As we sat in the waiting Quinn seemed to enjoy it. When it was all area, Quinn picked up a “Sports Illustrated” over, she was led to the treasure chest of kid and flopped into the giant beanbag near the toys so she could select one. “I want this! magazine stand. She got up a million times This is my toy!” she said, wielding her Dora to ask me “What’s this?” and “Who’s this?” the Explorer toothbrush and bubblegum and “What’s that say?” A fellow patient flavored toothpaste. smiled at her curiosity, but I feared we would Suzuki smiled proudly at Quinn. As we be ejected before she even got into a dental left the office, I congratulated Quinn on a chair. job well done. Internally I also congratulated Finally it was our turn. “Hey, Quinn!” Suzuki at working a miracle with a squirmy said Suzuki with a big smile. “Are you ready?” three-year-old. He surely deserves his title as My daughter, who never ceases to a family dentist. shock me, answered with a resounding “Yes!”
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REAL ESTATE GEORGIA LAND Beautiful 1acre-20acres. Amazing weather, Augusta Area. Financing w/Low down, from $149/month. Owner 706-364-4200
WANTED TO BUY Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 WANTED UNEXPIRED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS UP TO $26/BOX. PAID SHIPPING LABELS. HABLAMOS ESPANOL! 1-800-267-9895 www.selldiabeticstrips.com YEARBOOKS “Up to $15 paid for high school yearbooks1900-1988. yearbookusa@yahoo.com or 972-768-1338.” CA$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.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor, The La Mesa Historical Society has accomplished a great deal since July 2011, and we’d like to share that with the community. The McKinney House and the outhouse have been painted. The roof on the outhouse and the roof over the porch of the house have been redone. The 100-year-old Monterey pine tree has been cleaned out and trimmed. Events include a booth at Oktoberfest, Christmas in the Village, and the Antique Street Faire, and a Christmas open house. Extensive involvement with La Mesa’s Centennial 2012 includes: creation and sale of centennial-themed calendar, rotating historic photo exhibits, La Mesa Authors Day at the library, La Mesa schools 3rd grade photo story contest, an 11th grade essay
contest with Grossmont High School, and two public lecture/presentations on La Mesa history. Upcoming events: May Members Meeting, entry in the Flag Day Parade, Vintage Yard Sale on June 9th, geocaching project, and a silent movie night. Check out our website at lamesahistory.com Aaron Landau, President La Mesa Historical Society
Our “Letters” Policy The Courier welcomes letters under 150 words in length, but may not print them all. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Name, address and a phone number are required. (Only the name will be shown.)
Events, from page 4 provider, good communication skills during office visits and the importance of pre-planning. Free Vials of Life, Advance Directives and more are available. Wednesday, May 2, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Grossmont HealthCare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Reservation required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at www.sharp.com.
SENIOR HEALTH FAIR – May 18 East County Senior Service Providers will hold their 13th Annual Senior Health Fair at Santee Trolley Square, 9850 Mission Gorge Rd in Santee (near the amphitheater and food court). Free heath screenings for stroke, blood pressure, diabetes and breast self-exam instruction. How to safely dispose of prescription medications with the Sheriff’s Office and more. Call 619 667-1322 for more information. (Interested vendors, call 619 447-8782.)
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING No appointment necessary. Open to the public. For information, call 619-740-4214. Sharp Grossmont Senior Resource Center, 9000 Wakarusa St., La Mesa, Tuesday, April 3, 9:30-11 a.m. or La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd., Friday, April 20, 9:30-11 a.m.
PROJECT C.A.R.E. COMMUNITY ACTION TO REACH THE ELDERLY This free program helps people who live alone by offering a phone call each day. It there’s no answer, someone is called to check on you. Other Project C.A.R.E. services include Vial of Life, a friendly visitor from the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol and more. East county residents may call the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center at 619-740-4214. Others call 1-800-510-2020. The June issue of the La Mesa Courier will be published Friday, May 25th. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, May 15th.
La Mesa Courier
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 6549 Mission Gorge Road, #199 • San Diego, CA 92120. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD - IF NO DATE IS GIVEN, THE AD RUNS ONLY ONE ISSUE. The following ad classifications are eligible for free classified ads: FOR SALE, GARAGE SALES, LOST & FOUND, WANTED, FOR RENT, NOTICES and YOUTH SERVICES. However, this does not include WANTED ads for multi-level sales or FOR RENT ads for vacation/rental condos or NOTICES for any profit-making organization.
PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $8/25 words or less BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS including SERVICES, CHILD CARE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, NOTICES, HELP WANTED, & FOR SALE ads for any profit-making enterprise costs $8 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. NOTICES ads may NOT be ads normally classified under SERVICES (i.e., business ads) the Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads sent in under the NOTICES category that should more appropriately be placed elsewhere. PAID ADS may run for any consecutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD. IF NO DATE IS INCLUDED AFTER THE AD, IT RUNS ONLY ONCE. When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000 San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS Now available: Online classified ads! See www.ScoopSanDiego.com/classifieds for details.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER” PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.” Mail to 6549 Mission Gorge Road, #199 • San Diego, CA 92120. FOR SALE
CHILD CARE
BUS. OPP.
NOTICES
FOR RENT
SERVICES
WANTED
LOST & FOUND
HELP WANTED
GARAGE SALES
(see restrictions above)
AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCLUDED WITH AD: _________ CHECK #
8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505 email: info@LaMesaCourier.com Visit our website at: www.LaMesaCourier.com
Editor: Pam Crooks, ext. 124
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Assistant Editor: Kathleen Crawford, ext. 136
Advertising Consultants: Lionel Talaro, ext. 128 Maria Simencic, ext. 133 Garilee Gallegos, ext. 142 Michelle Goldstein, ext. 143
Contributors Patti Anderson Jessica Roach
Mission Publishing Group, LLC Publisher: Jim Madaffer, ext. 122 Associate Publisher: A.J. Wheeler, ext. 152 Writers and Advertising Sales Experts Wanted Please call 619-697-2500, Ext. 122 Circulation: 20,000. Published 12 times in 2012 and delivered to all single family homes in 91941 and 91942 and at over 150 bulk locations throughout our circulation area of La Mesa, California by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: La Mesa Courier assumes no financial liability for errors nor for omission of copy and upon request will furnish a letter of correction to the advertiser. The Publisher, Mission Publishing Group, LLC., shall not be liable for any error in published advertising unless an advertiser proof is requested in writing 12 days prior to publication date and clearly marked for corrections. If the error is not corrected by the Publisher, the liability, if any, shall not exceed the space occupied for the error. Further, the Publisher shall not be liable for any omission of an advertisement ordered to be published. On written request, Publisher shall reschedule and run the omitted advertisement at the advertiser’s cost. All claims for adjustment must be made in writing within 30 days of the date of publication. In no case shall the Publisher be liable for any general, special or consequential damages. Equal Housing Opportunity: Real estate advertising in La Mesa Courier is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” La Mesa Courier will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify La Mesa Courier readers that all dwellings advertised in La Mesa Courier are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275. News and information printed in La Mesa Courier is obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy on information sent to the paper cannot be guaranteed. Articles and opinions of writers or letters to the editor that are submitted for publication to the La Mesa Courier are the views of the writers and should not be considered the views of the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2012, all rights reserved.
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LaMesaCourier.com — May 2012
LA MESA VETERAN AND HIS DOG CONTINUE BIKE RIDE ACROSS US Cycling for PTSD Awareness By Kathy Crawford Tom Skinner and his service dog, Scrubs, have set off on a challenging journey across the United States. Skinner is a U.S. Army veteran with a mission to bring national awareness to the issue of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a 3,800-mile bike ride. He is biking from La Mesa to the White River Junction in Vermont, the National PTSD headquarters. Skinner has planned the 117-day ride to educate people along the way to the situation faced by returning veterans and the need for continuing support as they struggle to readjust to civilian life. Tom posted the following statement on his website: “My mission is to use my experiences to help other veterans understand and recognize the signs, symptoms, and effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, and then to help them find the resources they need to cope with its effects and live a happy productive life.” He is living his mission with each mile he covers. He will be giving his presentation “What Comes after Welcome Home” at churches, schools and other organizations along the way. Tom’s journey has brought him into a community with a wondrous variety of people. Folks who hear his story, learn from him, are inspired and take the next step – helping, providing an encouraging word, a few bucks, a hot meal, a bed for the night, introductions and other chances to tell his story. The last is so important. It is hoped that thousands of people will hear it during that 117 day ride, becoming advocates for PTSD sufferers. Members of his church, United Church of Christ La Mesa, and other members of the community, donated funds to allow Tom and his son, Parry, to purchase bicycles for the trip. (Parry accompanied him on part of his journey.) Different congregations of the United Church of Christ will provide accommodations for Skinner and Scrubs at various points along the way, although many nights will be spent outside in tents. Performance Bicycle on La Mesa Boulevard helped outfit the two riders with clothing, outdoor gear, nutrition, parts and spare tires and, as they pass through cities with branches of Performance Bicycles, they will be able to get their bikes serviced as necessary. Performance Bicycle manager Sean Hogue said, “We want to make sure they have the right equipment and services to successfully complete their journey.” Skinner began his ride on March 10, 2012, at the United Church of Christ La Mesa, with a first stop at a celebration with City of La Mesa leaders. Surrounded by well-wishers, Mayor Art Madrid presented Skinner with items from La Mesa’s Centennial and conveyed everyone’s good wishes for a successful journey. If you would like to know more about Tom Skinner and his challenging journey go on his website – www.UnderstandingPTSD.org, read his blogs and view his videos. He plans on riding about 50 miles a day, and will make appearances across the country to speak about the need to care for returning veterans.
A16, from page 14 it’s also a way of recycling. But the main thing they’re trying to do is to get kids outdoors and engaged in recreational opportunities that will enrich their lives. Mead is a big proponent of scouting, not just because this is how his company began, but because he believes they have the best outdoor programs in the country for youth. “When we help get kids into the mountains, we know they gain an up-close and personal appreciation for nature. We hope that they, in turn, will motivate the next generation to conserve and protect the wilderness.” You know he’s not just thinking about the future of his business, when he hands you his favorite quote by John Muir. Like I said, he really lives and breathes this stuff. “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir, 1898.
YOU HEAR E V D A ? H • In January, our health system was recognized as one of the Top 15 Health Systems in the nation by Thomson Reuters • In February, we were certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission • In March, The Joint Commission recognized us as an Acute Rehabilitation Stroke Program • In April, the American College of Surgeons named us a Commission on Cancer-accredited Community Cancer Center …and that’s only the first four months of 2012!
We are proud to carry on our 40-year tradition of providing advanced medicine combined with personalized care to our neighbors.
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