La Mesa Courier - October 2012 by Mission Publishing Group LLC

October 2012

On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Jekyll & Hyde Constantine Maroulis and Deborah Cox perform in the Tonynominated musical. Page 3

The Marriage Dance Mac Vitties Dance Studio helps a couple stay close. Page 7

Volume 2 – Number 10

Beer, brats and fun at Oktoberfest

La Mesa is home to the biggest Oktoberfest in the country west of the Mississippi. This year the megacelebration returns Oct. 5-7 with more good food, beer and entertainment in the Village. Whether you’re in the mood for hot dogs, brats, funnel cake, pizza, Mexican, popcorn or candy, Oktoberfest has it all. Sponsored by both the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the La Mesa Village Merchants, the 10-block festival attracts more than 186,000 attendees and features hundreds of vendors Eha! Some German up and down La Mesa Boulevard for Oktoberfest and across Spring Street. Bergermesiter Jumpin Aufstöin (v.): to donate a beer. Jack Flash, a.k.a. Jack Leary, is Bieseln (v.): term for “to take a leak” the master of ceremonies. Leary Dampf (n.): occurs after some will be on stage all weekend and Maß beer, the intoxication. facilitate the games and prizes for children and adults. Eha! (in.): exclamation in The Chamber BIG Beer astonishment, a versatile expression. Garden/Pavilion, with its live Moosbummerl (n.): hillbilly, redneck. entertainment, in the Allison Wampn (n.): patronising expression for Street parking lot is one of Oktoberfest’s highlights. At the time a oversized oft hanging belly. Caused of printing, the BIG Beer Garden either through a large consumption of had the following acts scheduled: foods with a high fat content or beer. The Car Tune Dogs, a classic - Taken from www.oktoberfest.de rock band, plays Oct. 5 from 6 to

PBID CONCERNS FORM A VILLAGE UNITED By Dave Schwab A small ad hoc committee has formed with the mission of seeking less expensive alternatives to paying for a streetscape project envisioned by the city of La Mesa under a proposed Property Based Improvement District (PBID). Telling the La Mesa City Council at its Sept. 11 meeting that the PBID streetscape process has “been fought to a standstill,” Bill Jaynes, representing a recently formed group called “A Village United,” told the council funding alternatives other than the PBID ought to be explored. “What we’re doing is holding meetings, listening sessions, with people to discuss the scope of streetscape, what people would like to see done,” said Jaynes, noting an upcoming report on streetscape being prepared by the city of La Mesa is scheduled to be discussed at the Council’s meeting on Oct. 23. “We’re interested in knowing what’s going on with the parking meter money. We want to know what exactly is going into the streetscape, its scope, timing and benefits.” See PBID, Page 13

See Oktoberfest, Page 5

BOO! PARADE & B is for Burgers Johnny B's serves up comfort food in the Village. Page 10

Bella Media Design

Halloween Special Halloween traditions throughout history, plus pumpkin cookies! Page 11 NEWS TIPS (619) 697-2500 x124 Editor@LaMesaCourier.com

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

CARNIVAL TO MARCH ON COLLEGE AREA By Jeremy Ogul Witches, ghosts, princesses, superheroes, pirates, vampires and more will swarm El Cajon Boulevard on Saturday, Oct. 27 for the annual Boulevard BOO! Parade & Carnival. The biggest Halloween parade in San Diego begins 10 a.m. on 59th Street and continues down El Cajon Boulevard to Rolando Boulevard. The parade will feature decorated floats, costumed characters, marching musicians, vintage cars, police and firefighters, student groups. Grand Marshal Kimberly King, a local television news anchor, will lead the parade. Find Boone! A free carnival follows the parade at Clay Park, 4759 Seminole Dr. The carnival will feature rides and a haunted pumpkin patch for the kids, a beer garden for the adults, food from local eateries, Our publisher has a rather shy English bulldog named Boone. He’s hiding art booths, merchandise and live entertainment. somewhere in this very newspaper. “It’s primarily a family event,” said Paul Russo, president of the College Area Economic DevelIf you find Boone, go to opment Corporation, which organizes the Boulevard BOO! Parade & Carnival. Russo and his family ScoopSanDiego.com, click have been volunteering at the event for the past five years. on the I Found Boone! icon “What we really enjoy about it is all the kids, the moms and dads that line the boulevard,” he and enter to win a $25 Visa said. “It’s a homespun parade.” gift card. Contest rules and Th e Boulevard BOO! Parade & Carnival is one of the only events in the College Area that is restrictions apply.

See BOO! Parade, Page 9

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Noteworthy

October

Chef Charity Pykles-George of the d’Zrt Cake Studio in La Mesa graciously donated her confectionary talents Sept. 22 to Icing Smiles, a nonprofit organization that specializes in bring joy to families with children who have critical illnesses and chronic medical needs. As a fullfledged Sugar Angel and a member of the organization’s board of directors, Pykles-George presented little Greyson with a “sock monkey” cake for his first birthday in the Fletcher Hills area of El Cajon. Greyson was born with a hypoplastic left heart, which means he only has half a heart. He’s already had two open heart surgeries and will face more in the future. Chef Charity Pykles-George For Pykles-George, her time and creations are meant for more than a sweat treat. She knows firsthand the struggles of parents and kids trying to keep their heads above the water during troubling times. Her own daughter has been a patient at the Rady Children’s Hospital’s hematology and oncology wards. Pykles-George specializes in chocolate and sugar art with a focus on designs for weddings, specialty items, and extreme cakes. Her love affair with baking began with the destruction of two Easy Bake Ovens and grew with her attendance to Le Cordon Bleu in London and Paris and Le Ritz Escoffier in Paris. After a hiatus from the pastry world, Charity Pykles-George finished her culinary degree and has gone on to be featured on Ultimate Cake Off, Fabulous Cakes and Niecy Nash’s Wedding Bash. She will be featured on the upcoming Cupcake Wars special, Food Network’s Cake Wars Sept. 30 and Halloween Wars every Sunday this month on Food Network.

More sweet news La Mesa Rotary Club enjoyed a successful first annual “Sweet Retreat” Sept. 14 at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center. The event was held to raise money and awareness for each of its partner beneficiaries: InterFACE, DS Action, Boys and Girls Clubs of East County Foundation, La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, and Volunteers in Medicine. “It was a great event,” said Rotary member Scott Elam, who estimates the event raised around $20,000. “We had almost 200 people.” Elam said Dr. Jay Thompson chaired the event and was responsible for much of its success. “We were really excited,” Elam said. “It was our first attempt. We’ve had other partner beneficiaries contact us, saying, ‘We like this event. We want to be involved next year.’ We expect it to just grow and grow… Literally, the day after, we had four more [beneficiaries] inquire about next year.” Event sponsors included Clarice and Gary Utt of Volunteers in Medicine, Dr. Merton Suzuki, Mass Marketing Services, and Elam’s Hallmark. In-kind donors were Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, Edible Arrangements, Culinary Concepts, Grove Pastry Shop, Mary Mildew, Coldwater Creek Spa, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Events Calendar SENIOR EXPO – Oct. 3

OKTOBERFEST – Oct. 5-7 La Mesa’s annual Oktoberfest attracts visitors and vendors from all over the region. The street fair is a three-day festival, with 400 vendors offering goods and services to more than 186,000 attendees. Oktoberfest begins Friday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for all food and street vendors along La Mesa Boulevard and the big beer garden on Allison Street opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Everything is open Saturday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 7, from noon to 5 p.m.

EAST COUNTY INTERGENERATIONAL GAMES – Oct. 11 The East County Intergenerational Games is a community event for active adults age 50 plus and youth 8 to 12. Activities are non-competitive, fun and simple. The circuit includes street hockey shot, bocce roll, Frisbee toss, soccer kick, “skeeball” pitch, basketball, trivia games, snacks, lunch and more. Pre-registration required. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Ave. The actual games run from 9:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center at (619) 667-1322.

LA MESA FAIR TRADE GIFT FAIRE – Oct. 14 La Mesa Fair Trade Gift Faire will be held Sunday, Oct. 14, at St. Martin of Tours Parish from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lots of gifts items for the holidays. Enjoy Fair Trade coffee while perusing the vendors. For more information check out: www.fairtradetownsusa.org/towns/ca/ la-mesa/.

LA MESA WOMAN’S CLUB CELEBRATES 110 YEARS – Oct. 15 La Mesa Woman’s Club celebrates its 110th birthday Monday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the La Mesa Woman’s Club House at 5220 Wilson St. There will be a program and light refreshments. RSVP by Oct. 5 to Sandi Phoenix at (619) 588-1923 or email at sphoenix@cox. net, or call the clubhouse at (619) 466-4362.

LA MESA PARK APPRECIATION DAY – Oct. 20 La Mesa’s parks are our City’s jewels. Help make them shine by showing up at your neighborhood La Mesa park on Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. to noon. Please bring your own gloves and rakes or trowels to La Mesa Park Appreciation Day. You do not have to be a La Mesa resident – just love La Mesa! All ages are welcome to participate. See Events, Page 14

See Noteworthy, Page 6

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Page 3

Singing the Duality of

Jekyll & Hyde By Genevieve A. Suzuki

HOW TO SELL YOUR LA MESA HOME WITHOUT AN AGENT La Mesa - If you’ve tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the “For Sale by Owner” sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren’t from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing. Like other “For Sale by Owners”, you’ll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can’t possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without the proper information, selling a home isn’t easy. Perhaps you’ve had your home on the market for several months with no offers from qualified buyers. This can be a very frustrating time, and many homeowners have given up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don’t give up until you’ve read a new report entitled “Sell Your Own Home” which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You’ll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process. Inside this report, you’ll find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which will help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. You’ll find out what real estate agents don’t want you to know. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-270-1494 and enter 1017. You can call any time, 24 hours a day,7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW. Paid Advertisement Courtesy of Dan Smith Re/Max 01346593

SERVICE CLUB CALENDAR La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club

obert Louis Stevenson’s novella, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, contains a theme that has been recreated in various films and TV shows: How a person deals with his or her own dual personality. While we may not be diagnosed with multiple personalities, we all wear different hats in distinct situations, and rarely do we bare our true natures to the outside world. Jekyll & Hyde, based on Stevenson’s book, offers a look into that very dilemma. The fourtime Tony Award-nominated musical comes to San Diego Civic Theatre Oct.2, bringing with See Jekyll & Hyde, Page 9

Meeting Location: Terra American Bistro, 7091 El Cajon Blvd. Website: lamesasunriserotary.com Email: info@lamesasunriserotary.org Phone: (619) 644-7146 Meeting dates and times: Friday 7:15 a.m. Special event: Oct. 26, HIV/AIDS Orphans in South Africa Jim O’Meara will speak on HIV/AIDS Orphans in South Africa.

La Mesa Rotary Club Meeting Location: La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr. Website: www.lamesarotary.org Phone: (619) 465-2477 Meeting dates and times: Wednesday noon Special event: Oct. 19-21, Interact Symposium (TBD)

The Lake Murray Kiwanis Club Meeting location: Breakfast Meeting, Marie Calendar’s Restaurant and Bakery

Website: lakemurraykiwanis.org Email: Cathy.Saur@uboc.com Meeting dates and times: First and third Saturday of the month, 7:30 a.m. Special event: Community Service Day, Oct. 28

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

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

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

The Sun Shines Sooner… By Pam Crooks Every weekday morning these days, I hear the joyous sound of children on the playground at my neighborhood school. School is definitely in full swing. Two months ago, I wrote about the urgent need for volunteers in our La Mesa classrooms and mentioned that the fees required for fingerprinting and a background check-costing upwards of $100 in some cases--are a stumbling block for some who would really like to volunteer. I wondered whether there might be a way for those of us who don’t have time available during the school day but would like to help, could donate funds to “sponsor” a willing volunteer. Good news!! The La Mesa-Spring Valley Educational Foundation, a non-profit affiliated with our district, has offered to receive and distribute the necessary funds for this program. Kent Coston, the Foundation’s current board president, explained this organization was founded in 1983, for the express purpose of formally raising funds to directly support public education in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District. They have done a great many things for our kids and teachers over the years, such as creating and maintaining a Children’s Fund for school counselors to provide a rapid response to help get children through times of need with food, clothing and other basic items. That’s just one example of their charitable work. Learn more at LMSVEF.org. So if you wish to donate to help place a willing volunteer in one of our local schools, there is the perfect mechanism to do so. Donations in any amount can be made on the website or by sending a check, payable to La Mesa Spring Valley Educational Foundation, with “Support a Classroom Volunteer” in the memo line, to PO Box 686, La Mesa, CA 91942. As long as these designated funds are available, the Foundation will work directly with our schools to provide a subsidy when needed. I hope you will join me in supporting this new iniative…. Here’s another idea. If you have the time to volunteer before or after school, or would rather just be outside than in a classroom, consider giving your time to a local Safe Routes to School program known as “La Mesa Walk & Roll.” Donating just a few hours a week, you can help neighborhood children walk and bike safely to and from their school, which is better for their health, eases traffic congestion around the school and builds school spirit. To volunteer, call (619) 667-1319, or email SRTS@ci.la-mesa.ca.us..... Recently, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Todd Keegan, Executive Director of the East County Youth Symphony. The La Mesa Courier shared a booth with the ECYS last year at the Oktoberfest, and I very much enjoyed my extended conversations with Todd, as well as the beautiful music performed by the students. I learned that this organization, which he co-founded only five years ago with conductor Olga Retsova (who recently became his wife), provides musical training and performance opportunities to 140 talented young people, ages 8-25, from 40 different schools. And that more of the students come from La Mesa than anywhere else. The best part? No fees or tuition are required to participate. Funds are raised from donations and concerts. (For more details log onto ECYSymphony.com.) Todd, who in the 1990s served as an El Cajon Parks and Recreation Commissioner and then City Councilman, was involved in many East County civic organizations. He was passionate about the importance of public/ Ed Blando community service. I’m glad Insurance Agent (619) 567-8031 I had a chance to meet him. 5575 Baltimore #107 His passion for making a La Mesa EdwardBlando@allstate.com difference has left a wonderful CA Lic: 0802246 legacy in this community….

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Letter from the Editor By Genevieve A. Suzuki Dr. Seuss wasn’t among authors whose books I owned when I was growing up. I always thought the kids who were lucky enough to have his stories within their collections were rich – the books were colorful and new, something I wasn’t privy to as the youngest child of three. Of course, these days books cost less than the latest toys and are a great deal better on a parent’s conscience. When I had my daughter, I decided I would definitely buy up Dr. Seuss’s collection – and I did. I bought everything except one book – The Lorax. I hadn’t really heard of it growing up and I associated it with a recent film I never saw. The little orange guy with a big yellow mustache looked like a curmudgeon, not a beloved character in a children’s book. Was I ever wrong. On a recent trip into Los Angeles, we took my daughter to a bookstore so she could pick out a treat. She chose The Lorax, much to my surprise. She had never really shown much interest in the other Dr. Seuss books on her shelves so I was more than a little skeptical that The Lorax would keep her attention. Instead, she has asked night after night for me to read the story to her just before bed. And night after night I lie there, wondering whether we are all Once-lers waiting for our “UNLESS.” You see, the Lorax isn’t a curmudgeon at all. He’s a protective creature who speaks for the trees and animals being affected by the greedy Once-ler’s decision to take, take, take from the environment without giving back. Eventually the Lorax and his wards leave town to find a place that would be better hospitable to their needs, leaving the Once-ler and his barren land. The only thing the Lorax left behind was one word: “Unless.” Fortunately, a little boy turns up and the Once-ler tosses him the last seedling to help revive the environment. “But now,” says the Once-ler, “Now that you’re here, the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear. UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Sadly enough, I’d have to say I’m more Once-ler than Lorax. Sure, I recycle, but I don’t do anything else to ensure our natural habitats stay safe from pollution. It’s easy to get caught up in what we need and want versus what we need to do to make sure the burden to save the environment doesn’t fall on our children’s shoulders. If you’ve never read The Lorax, you need to get out of the house right now and rush down to Barnes & Noble to pick you up a copy. And after you’ve done that, hurry up and mark the following dates in your calendar: Oct. 20 for Park Appreciation Day and Oct. 27 for “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival [see our calendar on Page 2 for more information]. Cleaning up our parks and learning about how to sustain La Mesa is a good way we can all avoid becoming the Once-ler and forcing our own natural wildlife to leave our areas forever.

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Page 5

Expo Offers Seniors Options

WALKING YOUR DOG By Sari Reis I recently had a consultation appointment with a potential client for a vacation pet sit. In trying to establish what the dog’s needs would be while she was away, I asked her how often she walks the dog. She answered, “Well, he has a doggie door leading to the backyard, so we don’t walk him regularly.” “How often do you walk him,” I asked. “Once or twice a week he gets a good 30-minute walk,” she replied. The dog is a 2-year-old Lab mix. On another consultation appointment with a client who owned two Yorkshire terriers, one 8 and the other 9 years old, I asked the same question about the dogs’ regular walking habits. She answered, “Oh they have been trained to go on potty pads, so they don’t get walked.” In a third similar scenario, a client told me, “He is outdoors all day in the backyard so he doesn’t need to be walked. He can go potty when he needs to and the yard is big so he can get plenty of exercise.” Unfortunately, these situations are not unique. Many dog owners believe that if their dog has access to go potty through a doggie door, or uses potty pads to do his business, or is outdoors all day, that they do not need to be walked. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dogs need to be walked regularly for a variety of reasons. Relieving themselves is only one of them. Exercise is an obvious second reason and pretty much every dog needs exercise. Thirdly, dogs need to socialize and interact with others of their own species as well as with other humans. These exchanges help keep them confident and happy. Fourthly, walking the dog is a wonderful bonding opportunity for the owner to connect with his dog and share experiences. Another important reason to walk the furry kid regularly is that dogs need stimulation and challenges. They have highly sensitive noses and being out and about sniffing grass and shrubs and hydrants gives them an opportunity to put their incredible noses to work. I call it checking their “pee-mail.” When dogs are sniffing they aren’t just looking for a place to relieve themselves or to mark their territory, they are analyzing information about who has been there before them. What kind of dog, male or female, neutered or not, etc. This “analysis” is very stimulating for their minds. Unless the dog has been diagnosed with a medical problem that restricts exercise, including walking, a dog should be walked minimally once a day and more often depending on the age and breed of the dog. You have probably heard the expression that a tired dog is a good dog. This is so true and one of the best ways to fatigue your dog is a good brisk walk. It not only tires him physically but mentally as well which ultimately keeps him happy and out of trouble. Plus the exercise is good for you too. Sari Reis is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and the owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information you can reach her at (760) 644-0289 or www.missionvalleypetsitting.com.

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The City of La Mesa will host its third annual Senior Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 3. With a wide variety of speakers and exhibitors, the expo will offer free “one-stop shopping” for adults facing life changes that may affect their independence, or those who would like great tips on safety and security. Supported by funding from SANDAG, Expo will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guest speakers are: • Dr. Linda Hill, UCSD School of Medicine, “How Aging Impacts Driving” • U.S. Postal Inspector, “Current Mail Fraud Schemes,” including foreign lotteries, bogus investment opportunities, and work at home scams • Mona Freels, Heartland Fire and Rescue, “Disaster Risks in Your Area and Preparing for an Emergency” • Monica Zech, City of El Cajon Public Information Officer, “Driving Safely – Avoid the Dangers of Drunk or Drug Impaired Drivers, Road Rage, and more” • Richard L. Kohr, DMV, Senior Ombudsman Services, “When is it Time to Stop Driving?” • San Diego County Volunteer Driver Coalition, “Now You Need a Ride – What do You Do?” Exhibitors include Aging & Independence Services; 211; The Burn Institute Smoke Detector Program for Seniors; La Mesa Police Department Crime Prevention; California Highway Patrol; Red Cross; Alert San Diego; SDG&E; AARP; Meals on Wheels; SANDAG; California Telephone Access Program, and many more. In addition, Sharp Grossmont Hospital will provide flu shots for seniors and high risk adults for a $2 donation. Refreshments will be served, and free shuttles will be available from certain trolley stops and parking lots. Call (619) 667-1322 to RSVP or for more information on Senior Expo.

Oktoberfest, from page 1 10 p.m.; German band Raving-Polka performs from 1 to 5 p.m. and The Car Tune Dogs play from 6 to 10 p.m.; and the El Cajon German Band plays Oct. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. For the second year, the La Mesa Chamber has added the Windermere Real Estate Food Court at the corner of 4th and La Mesa Boulevard for anyone who wants to sit and really enjoy their brats. Additionally, parking is hard to come by so the Chamber encourages 4223 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941 (619) 469-2129 attendees to use public transDr. Peter Dowell, DVM, MRCVS portation. The trolleys will run “Old fashioned compassion, cutting edge knowledge” Full service pet hospital including: cancer care, knee surgeries, skin diseases. every 15 minutes to help bring Always reachable. Completely new in house lab equipment, digital radiographs and complete system integration. people to and from the site.

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See Oktoberfest, Page 9

Page 6

LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

JUST BUSINESS

Windermere Real Estate SoCal recently welcomed Kathleen Bailey to its La Mesa Village office at 8295 La Mesa Blvd. Bailey, an accomplished realtor, has an extensive knowledge of the San Diego market and has achieved her SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource) and e-Pro (online & social media) credentials. “My passion is for real estate,” Bailey said. “I love every aspect from marketing a listing, to finding the right home for a buyer, to negotiating the best deal for my clients. I have experience in all types of transactions from short sales to probate sales to land buys. I love helping both buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals.” “We are thrilled to be attracting agents of Kathleen’s caliber and we look forward to supporting her,” said Carey Guthrie, Windermere’s La Mesa Village office manager. “Kathleen is wonderful with her clients and takes pride in the great efforts that she takes on their behalf.” In the meantime, Windermere Real Estate SoCal continues to grow. The company also added Patrick Cleary and Gerald Pippen to its La Mesa Village office. Cleary and Pippen were two of four agents added to Windermere’s San Diego County offices – Rebecca Alfaro joined the team at the Solana Beach office and Carly Ford is now part of the family of agents at the Carlsbad office. “Rebecca, Carly, Patrick and Gerald are all skilled, enthusiastic agents who bring a wealth of talent and experience with them. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome them to the Windermere family and are excited about the growth in our coastal offices” said Bob Deville, co-owner of Windermere Real Estate SoCal.

New to the neighborhood Modern Tile Studio has been supplying exquisite glass, metal and porcelain tile to homeowners, designers and contractors for the past seven years and is now located at 4674 Nebo Dr. here in La Mesa. Current showroom hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and evenings/weekends by appointment. Visit Modern Tile online at www.moderntilestudio. com/ or call (619) 463-4142.

Wishing upon a star The owners of Starcrafts on Lake Murray Boulevard reported the store’s lease to be in jeopardy unless they were able to raise a significant amount of money by Sept. 18. The last posting on the metaphysical store’s website thanked the community for its loving support: “Your efforts were truly generous and greatly appreciated by all of us! We will never forget! Whatever happens next – and it is looking like some big changes may come to Starcrafts in days ahead – please know that we will always remember (with full hearts and genuine smiles) the love and light of those who have truly loved Starcrafts all these years.” See Just Business, Page 9

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EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO DECLARE LA MESA A FAIR TRADE TOWN USA By Nancy Ryan and Anne Pacheco, co-chairs La Mesa Fair Trade A steering committee is at work to bring awareness to La Mesa residents and merchants of how the sale and use of Fair Trade certified products can bring about self-sufficiency for those who live in poverty. Fair Trade creates trading relationships with growers and artisans in developing countries that guarantee equity, fair wages, healthy and safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable practices. For a product to be fair trade certified, growers and artisans must meet certain standards in the production process. These include protecting the environment, building economic sustainability, and providing opportunities for education and health care for families. The fair trade movement seeks to make a difference simply through consumer choices. When purchasing a fair trade certified item a consumer is supporting worker-owned coops that allow workers and their families to live with dignity and justice. It is sometimes referred to as “commerce with a conscience.”

A Fair Trade certification guarantees high quality, reasonably priced items. Products include coffee, tea, wine, chocolate, sugar, ice cream, olive oil, fruit, spices, home décor, jewelry, clothing, clothing accessories, flowers, baskets and many hand-made craft and novelty items. To qualify for an official designation as a “Fair Trade Town” a certain number of merchants in the city must carry the certified products and consumers need to be made aware of the benefits that result when those products are purchased. Fair trade is growing in San Diego County and well as in La Mesa. Many merchants already carry the products. The steering committee has as its goal to have La Mesa officially declared a “Fair Trade Town USA” in 2012. SAVE THE DATE! La Mesa Fair Trade Gift Faire will be held Sunday, Oct. 14 at St. Martin of Tours Parish from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information check out: www. fairtradetownsusa.org/towns/ca/la-mesa.

Noteworthy, from page 2 Gute zeiten Miss La Mesa 2012 Lindsey Palser and Miss Teen La Mesa Jaclyn Combs will be leading the chicken dance at this year’s Oktoberfest in La Mesa Village. The event is a tradition for the Miss La Mesa program, which has featured its pageant queens in the same outfits Only since the mid-‘80s. The Miss for the rest of 2012. Teen La Mesa program was established years later in 2004 Jazzercise College Area so her dress, created by Gypsy 6360 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego 92115 Treasure Costumes, is much 619-244-9290 newer than Miss La Mesa’s.

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian Last month at the La Mesa Community Library, customers checked out both fiction and non-fiction from recent and past bestseller lists. In the Plex: How Google Thinks, Works and Shapes our Lives by Steven Levy was a popular choice among non-fiction readers. In this behind-the-scenes look at Google, Levy discusses the keys to the company’s success. Another bestseller that La Mesans lined up for was Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. The host of The O’Reilly Factor recounts the dramatic story of Lincoln’s assassination and its aftermath. The Dog Stars by Peter Heller was one of the library’s most popular fiction titles. In this post-apocalyptic tale, a pilot who survived a pandemic flu that killed off everyone he knew attempts to search for the voice he’s heard in a random radio transmission. Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen was another hot title. The latest in the Rizzoli and Isles series finds the duo protecting a boy whose family and foster family have all been murdered. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn was another of our most sought-after fiction titles. Flynn’s critically acclaimed thriller about a woman who goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary is full of chilling twists and surprising turns. On Sunday, Oct. 21 we will be offering an eBook workshop. Learn to access the library’s eBook collection using Overdrive and get hands-on help with your eReader. This class does require advance registration and space is limited – please call the library or stop by for more details and to sign up. Every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., the library now offers Pajama storytime. This storytime, designed for the whole family to enjoy, features gentle stories and songs perfect for little ones to hear before bed. We also offer a baby lapsit storytime for children aged 0 to 18 months and their caregivers each Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Baby lapsit includes songs, rhymes and simple stories with a playtime following the storytime. The La Mesa Branch Alex M Zubak library is open seven days Financial Advisor a week. We invite you 10330 Friars Road Suite 115 to stop in to one of our San Diego, CA 92120 619-516-0155 many programs, browse our collection, and let our staff know how we can assist you. As always, please come in and check www.edwardjones.com out what’s new. .

Dancing into a Decade of Marriage By Cynthia Robertson

Ballroom dancing has to be one of the most fun ways for a couple to work on their marriage. It’s relationship therapy at its best. My husband and I have been taking lessons at Mac Vitties Dance Studio in La Mesa for four years and we just celebrated our tenth anniversary. Those lessons have become great times to practice – in my case, at least – patience, kindness and the ability to listen. For Rich, the lessons in dance are a challenge enough. It’s not easy for the guy to always take the lead, even though he may not know for certain each step of cha-cha or waltz or salsa. I actually have the simpler role of following, although it is easier said than done. Every Tuesday evening, we show up for a lesson at Mac Vitties from Ken Stevens, owner of the studio. The first time I heard his voice over the phone, I just about fell off the chair. Stevens’ voice is booming and strong, albeit warm and welcoming. I’d called to see if the studio offered private lessons. Rich and I had just taken a ballroom dance at Grossmont College. We’d enjoyed it, but we were the oldest ones in the class. The twentysomething students put up with us as best as they could. I couldn’t face their resigned disappointment once again. But Rich and I did not want group instruction, swapping partners every five minutes during a lesson. “Oh, sure, I can understand that,” came Stevens’ voice booming over the phone. At first, I was afraid he was being sarcastic. Not at all. “Most of my students are married couples, they’re professionals, they want to learn to dance, but they don’t want to spend the time dancing a lot with other people,” he said over the phone. Rich and I were surprised to discover the dance studio so close to us, at the corner of 70th and El Cajon Boulevard. When we showed up for our very first dance lesson, the irony was that our instructor, Spencer Krauss, was twentysomething. A true gentleman, Krauss led us into our first lessons of fox trot, waltz and rumba. So the delight in the irony of Rich and me addressing our young instructor as Mr. Krauss was doubled as he addressed us as Mr. and Mrs. Robertson. Michele Brannon, who used to teach alongside Stevens when he was an instructor before he bought the studio, explained about the tradition. “Mr. Mac Vittie was adamant about our addressing each other that way. It helps in the teacher giving the lesson. When an instructor See Dancing, Page 12

City of La Mesa 3rd Annual Senior Expo Highlighting Transportation Options, Safety Resources, & More! Open to All Adults - Free! Flu Shots Provided Throughout the Day by Sharp Grossmont Hospital, $2 donation

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Grossmont High School

Helix Highlights By Jennifer Osborn With the school year back in full swing, we are excited to share the “goings-on” at Helix! In September, Helix students and staff participated in a texting simulator. In conjunction with AT&T and the La Mesa Police Department, students and staff were able to virtually “text and drive.” Through the simulator, drivers were able to see how texting impairs their ability to drive. The event was coordinated by the Helix Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) club. In October, there will be many celebrations. Up first is Homecoming on Friday, Oct. 5. Helix welcomes alumni from all classes and members of our community to celebrate. Game time is 7 p.m. On Oct. 18, Helix will participate in “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide event that celebrates after school programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families. As part of this year’s “Lights On” event, the San Diego County Office of Education will recognize Helix’s after school program, ASPIRE, for being the outstanding after school program in the County. The ASPIRE program provides a variety of after school activities, ranging from tutoring, health and fitness activities, robotics, film club, and more. The “Lights On” celebration will start with a school tour, then attendees will have the opportunity to see some of the ASPIRE activities in action and take part in an assembly that will showcase the students and clubs offered. (Final time schedule is pending at the time of this writing. For more information, please contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net.) The entire community is invited to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the “Musket Game.” On Friday, Oct. 26, the Helix and Grossmont football teams will meet in the traditional crosstown rivalry game to vie for the Musket trophy, which the winner will keep until the game next year. The first Helix vs. Grossmont game was played on Oct. 24, 1952 with the Foothillers taking a hard-fought 14-7 victory before 5,000 fans at San Diego State’s Aztec Bowl. The Helix See Helix Highlights, Page 12

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Foothiller Footsteps By Connie Baer At Grossmont High School, there is a special program for special people: the Transition class. This class is designed to teach developmentally disabled young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 skills to function more successfully after high school. In 2003, one teacher and 12 students were part of the Transition class, which has since grown to three teachers and over 40 students. All three teachers have been an integral part of developing a program that stimulates its students. Sherrie Dixon, one of the teachers, has worked to develop school wide activities to involve her students in the culture of the school. One service the Transition students offer on campus is the Grossmont Grind, the delivery of coffee to teachers’ classrooms and to the offices of the District personnel. The Grind, which began two years ago, on some days delivers as many as 16 orders. Math teacher Yvonne Vellone shared that when her coffee is delivered during an Algebra II class by a barista wearing a white shirt and black apron, her students remark enviously, “Oh, why can’t we have it?” The Transition class is also in charge of the campus-wide recycling program. Every day after lunch, carrying trash bags, the students empty the large blue recycling containers donated by California Metals, which are strategically placed around campus and at the district office. These two programs are completely selfsustaining; the students purchase all their supplies and equipment from the proceeds Grossmont High School's Transition of their efforts. class delivers coffee to teachers through its service, Grossmont Grind.

See Grossmont High, Page 11

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BOO! Parade, from page 1 both free and family friendly, Russo said. Attendance at the annual parade has grown from 3,000 in 2005 to over 12,000 last year, according to event organizers. The carnival drew about 8,000 revelers last year. The carnival’s Haunted Pumpkin Patch, created by local costume designer Clark Mires, is back for its third year after surging in popularity in 2011. “We set up a kid-friendly trick-or-treat attraction complete with costumed characters and treats to share,” said Jennifer Finnegan, executive director of the College Area Economic Development Corporation. The featured costumed characters include the skeletal Mr. BOO!, the ethereal Gilda Ghoul, the mummified Bob Damask and the highly intelligent Frankie Steinberg. Adults who need a break from the antics of sugar-crazed children can step into the beer garden, where organizers will offer tastings from San Diego breweries. “The intent of the Boulevard BOO! Parade is to bring The Boo! Parade continues to grow in size together the very different every year. The event depends on volunteer socioeconomic groups of our support and community involvement. neighborhood by involving the permanent residents via neighborhood groups in the planning of the event, the student population at SDSU via volunteer opportunities and Homecoming/Sports recognition, and the business community via sponsorship, exposure, and vending opportunities,” Finnegan said. Major funding for the event is provided by local business sponsors, including Blessed Sacrament Parish School and Campus Plaza Shopping Center. “Without them there would not be a parade each year,” Finnegan said. Blessed Sacrament Parish School Dean of Students Mike Trunzo said the sponsorship is one way of staying involved and giving back to the local community. “We like to think of ourselves as a neighborhood school and we like to reach out to the community we serve to give kids a fun event they wouldn’t get otherwise,” Trunzo said. “The students here love the parade.” The parade and carnival depend heavily on volunteer support from the local community. It takes 200 people to close down and patrol the parade route along El Cajon Boulevard, Finnegan said, and that’s not to mention all the volunteers needed to set up and tear down the carnival. Anyone interested in volunteering should visit www.booparade.com for the volunteer applications. Finnegan said volunteers should sign up at least a week in advance of the parade so they can attend a pre-event volunteer information meeting.

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Serving La Mesa Village since 1998 Oktoberfest, from page 5 A word of caution: Although the Spring Street Trolley Station, which is under construction, will remain open during Oktoberfest, construction detours are planned to passengers to follow when accessing the trolley. Oktoberfest kicks off Friday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for all food and street vendors along La Mesa Boulevard; the big beer garden on Allison Street opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Everything is open Saturday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 7, from noon to 5 p.m.

Just Business, from page 6 Readers, Inc. permanently parked Owner Deena While has decided to discontinue her Readers, Inc. mobile bookstore. After taking the hot month of August off, she discovered she wanted to be a stayat-home mom for her sons before they grow up and move out. “I’ve always been here for them and the store stole a lot of my time from them,” While said. Although La Mesa Courier is sad to see Readers, Inc. retired, we are happy to report While will still be around as a member of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association.

Jekyll & Hyde, from page 3 it Tony Award nominee and American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis as Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde and Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox as Lucy. In the musical, Dr. Henry Jekyll attempts to solve mankind’s most challenging medical issues through experimental treatments. After deciding to use himself as a test subject, he accidentally unleashes his inner demons through the man the world would know as Mr. Hyde. Teal Wicks stars as Emma Carew, Dr. Jekyll’s fiancée. “She’s an independent, strongminded woman who also grew up privileged in London society,” said Wicks. “She basically falls in love with Dr. Henry Jekyll, a very passionate scientist. A lot of people think his ideas are too extreme and dangerous. She admires that in him. … She sticks by her man.” Wicks, who has starred as Elphaba in the Los Angeles production of Wicked, grew up in Sacramento and earned her drama degree at UC Irvine. Because her boyfriend grew up in San Diego, the city is among her favorites. “I go to San Diego often,” she said. She cites Pacific Beach and Point Loma as her favorite spots. “I also like going over to Coronado, because my boyfriend went to high school there, and he likes to show me around.” Wicks believes the San Diego audience will be more than satisfied with the latest incarnation of Jekyll & Hyde, and its star, Maroulis, who received a Tony nod for his work on Broadway in Rock of Ages. “He’s really focused and dedicated to the show,” Wicks said. “He’s basically playing two huge roles in one show. He has this rock voice – I’ve always loved rock voices – and what he does with his voice… Every night I’m like, ‘How do you even do that?’ “He’s got the chops.” The show is also a treat for the eyes, according to Wicks. “It’s really cool. Visually there are some amazing effects. It’s kind of a guilty pleasure,” she said. “The show is kind of edgy.” Wicks said Jekyll & Hyde should speak to everyone. “You think you know someone, and then you see a sign. That’s what’s cool about the show. We all have our own inner demons. How do you choose to deal with that side of yourself? Do you let it out? Or do you conquer it?” she said.

Page 10

LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Benefit Regatta raises $240,000 for La Mesa, San Carlos hospice homes

Cynthia Robertson

By Cynthia Robertson My husband and I were guests on the Patriot, a private yacht owned by Randy Odiorne, on Aug. 24 for the 10th Annual Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Regatta. Starting from the Coronado Yacht Club, Odiorne navigated the Patriot through the sparkling bay towards the colorful parade of race boats. The event netted over $240,000 for the Homes for Hospice campaign. The money goes to maintain Sharp’s two hospice homes – Lakeview in La Mesa and Parkview in San Carlos. The largest fleet of vessels – nearly 40 sailboats – in the event’s history took to San Diego Bay for the all-day regatta. Aboard 25 different luxury yachts, 360 spectators were treated to close-up views of the race. Anarchy, the overall regatta winner, skippered by Scot Tempesta, qualified to compete in the 2013 National Hospice Regatta Championship in St. Petersburg, Florida. “This is always one of the most popular and biggest events at the Coronado Yacht Club,” said Rick Odiorne, owner of the Patriot, one of the spectator yachts. “We at Sharp HospiceCare are truly grateful for the support and generosity we’ve received from the San Diego community, and are thrilled with the success of this event,” said Suzi K. Johnson, vice president of Sharp HospiceCare. “It’s our goal to continue to build awareness about hospice care and help people understand that dying is a process and a natural progression of living.” Sharp HospiceCare provides comprehensive care and compassionate support to patients and their families struggling with a life-limiting illness. Sharp’s two hospice homes are unique living environments – custom-designed and built in established, residential neighborhoods. They are the only places of their kind in San Diego County which combine around-theclock hospice care with an intimate, comfortable, home-like setting. “The hospice home in La Mesa was the Passenger yachts got close-up first one of its kind in California,” said Stacy views of the Benefit Regatta Kadrich, senior marketing and communicafor Sharp HospiceCare . tions specialist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. See Regatta, Page 13

Restaurant Review BURGERS, BEER AND COMFORT AT JOHNNY B’S By Jen Van Tieghem Every neighborhood should have a good burger joint. Johnny B’s Burgers and Brew on La Mesa Boulevard fits that requirement for quaint La Mesa Village. The bar and restaurant boasts few frills with its menu and décor, but sticks to friendly service and traditional options. Classic burgers and sides make up most of the menu with a few specialties along the way. As a gal with simple tastes I went for the weekday lunch special: a 1/3-pound cheeseburger served with fries and your choice of soda or a domestic draft. The burger was juicy and the bun had a slight crunch to it. Topped with standard fixings and washed down with a cold brew – the ideal combination and flagship of any decent burger place. Curious about some of the other options I also picked Mac & Cheese wedges as a starter. The crispy triangles arrived piping hot with golden brown exteriors. Inside was the creamy combo of noodles and cheese. The textures and tastes go great together and provides a little variety to Johnny B’s menu. Johnny B’s is inviting in the comforts of its menu and the easy going nature of its regular patrons and staff. Several flat screens line the walls, making it a good spot for sports fans – I’m sure they garner attention on Chargers game day. Beers are reasonably priced and range from domestic standards like Bud and Coors to imports and even a few microbrews from Ballast Point and Lagunitas. Along with burgers and sandwiches, a Sunday breakfast menu seems a good stop for early game days. Breakfast sandwiches and plates look like hearty ways to make the most of your morning meal. Or you could land somewhere between breakfast and lunch with the JB’s Breakfast Burger – a 1/3-pound burger patty topped with an egg and American cheese and served on toast. Overall this neighborhood haunt offers the usual suspects of burgers and beers in a comfortable spot. Juicy burgers, a good beer selection and ample HDTVs make Johnny B’s the prime pick for La Mesa’s sport fans as well.

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HAUNTING HISTORY Samhain

The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated on Oct. 31, was the night the Celts believed ghosts of the dead returned to earth. Because Nov. 1 was the Celtic New Year – a day that marked the end of summer and harvest, and beginning of winter – it was important to the Celts to take whatever precautions they could to protect themselves as well as their crops from mischievous spirits. The Druids, or Celtic priests, build sacred bonfires, where people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic gods. The Celts wore costumes and told each other’s fortunes during Samhain, and carried fire from the sacred bonfires to light their hearth fires in an effort to protect them from winter. After the Roman Empire had conquered much of the Celtic territory, Samhain took a backseat to All Souls’ Day, a church-sanctioned holiday that honored the dead, and All Saints’ Day, which was celebrated Nov. 1 and called All-Hallows. Samhain’s Oct. 31 celebratory date eventually became known as All-Hallows Eve, which then became Halloween.

Halloween

The United States is responsible for making Halloween the huge commercial holiday it is today. Americans spend around $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it second only to Christmas when it comes to commercial holidays. And to think it all began with a sense of community spirit and neighborhood pride. In an effort to turn Oct. 31 into a community-boosting event during the late 1800s, Halloween parties became the popular way to celebrate around the United States. The day eventually lost its superstitious and religious overtones, and by the early 1900s, Halloween was more than anything a day for entertainment. Children donned costumes and attended happy parades, much like the Boo Parade down El Cajon Boulevard, and trick-or-treating was soon added to the festivities, allowing kids to go door-to-door for treats from neighbors.

Dia de los Muertos

Halloween isn’t the only holiday celebrated in San Diego around this time of year. Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, focuses on honoring friends and family members who have died. Celebrated Nov. 1, the holiday’s traditions include constructing private altars for the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and favorite foods and beverages of those who have passed on. Celebrants also visit the deceased person’s graves with these gifts in an effort to encourage their departed loved one’s attendance of the celebration at which the living say prayers and tell anecdotes about that person’s life.

Grossmont High, from page 8

What’s Cooking with Julie

by Julie White

My favorite time of the year is just around the corner. With the cooler weather on the way, why not make a batch of these yummy, spicy, pumpkin cookies? This cookie is filled with the tastes of fall. It is a version of my friend Susie Schmit’s “Monster” cookies. She always made these for our kids when they were growing up. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter or margarine, softened. 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. 1 cup of dark brown sugar. 2 eggs, slightly beaten. 1 Tbsp. of vanilla extract. 3 cups of All Purpose flour. 2 tsps. of baking soda. ½ tsp. of salt. 2 tsps. of ground cinnamon. 1 tsp. of ground ginger. ¼ tsp. of nutmeg. 1 12-oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and mix together until light and creamy. Add pumpkin and vanilla. Mix the remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Add the chocolate chips. Drop the dough by tablespoons onto a parchment lined or greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool a few minutes before enjoying. For “Monster” cookies, drop ¼ cup of dough onto the baking sheets. This recipe will make about 3 dozen regular cookies.

Annual Halloween Happening – Oct. 26 The annual Halloween Happening will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at San Carlos United Methodist Preschool, 6554 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego. The event is for children 3 to 7 years old and their parents. The carnival will feature games, food, silent auction and a cakewalk. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free. Tickets for games and refreshments will be sold at the event. Proceeds will benefit the school, which is a non-profit organization. For more information call (619) 464-4335 or fax to (619) 464-5103.

BOO! Parade & Carnival – Oct. 27 Looking for some wicked fun? Check out the BOO! Parade & Carnival Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. A celebration of community spirit and cultural diversity, the free event features a spellbinding parade with ghoulish floats, vintage cars, equestrian entries, unique costumed characters, bands and more! The carnival follows the parade beginning at 11 a.m. and includes bonechilling rides, games, food, bands, costume contests, pumpkin bowling, a pie-eating contest, a Haunted Pumpkin Patch with Trick-or-Treating, and more fun than a barrel of spiders! See www.collegeareabid.com/boo/ for more information.

Haunted Tales of the Ship – Oct. 20, 26 & 27

Not content with the success of these programs, the Transition students are currently beginning a jewelry business called The Grossmont Gems. They will be making and selling bracelets, necklaces, and belts made from the tops of cans. As an added incentive for the students, the profits from these businesses have enabled the students to go to Disneyland, Parkway Bowl, and Dave and Busters. However, without the foresight and support of Grossmont’s administrators, past principal Theresa Kemper, current principal Dan Barnes and plant manager Bob Papciak, one teacher’s vision would not have become reality and the students would not have had the opportunity to experience the commitment, joy, pride, and reward of programs that will enrich their lives long after they have graduated from Grossmont. For questions about these programs, you may email Sherrie Dixon at sdixon@guhsd.net. Connie Baer is a Grossmont graduate (Class of 1965), retired GHS English teacher, and director of the GHS Museum with her sister Lynn Baer (Class of 1969). Please contact them with any questions or comments at ghsmuseum@guhsd.net or phone the Museum at (619) 668-6140. We are open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month or by appointment on other Wednesdays.

It is time again for all aspiring ghosts, goblins, pirates and princesses to gather on the Star of India for some ghostly tales of enormous proportions. Creepy treats will be given to all who dare attend and kids are encouraged to wear costumes. Tours of 45-to-60 minutes will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 20, 26 and 27. All activities will take place on the ship Star of India, where many real life encounters with ghosts have occurred. Tickets are $8 to $15 for admission to the museum. Advance tickets are available on the museum’s website at www. sdmaritime.org. Call (619) 234-9153, ext. 101 for more information. Tickets include sameday admission to the Maritime Museum so arrive early as the museum closes at 8 p.m.

The 15th Annual Scream Zone – Now through Oct. 31 The 15th annual Scream Zone, San Diego County’s largest haunted experience at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, is filled with “Creepy Carnivorous Dilapidated Diversions” and more terrifying and bloodcurdling than ever before! Every “body” is sure to be thrilled to the bone in three “spooktacular” attractions: The House of Horror, The Chamber and The Haunted Hayride. New to the event is The House of Horror, which offers several new terrifying dens, such as 13 Ghosts, Hellraiser and the Underworld. The Scream Zone is open through Oct. 31; See Halloween Events, Page 13

Looking for a recession-proof career? (Everyone has to eat!) For those who are unemployed, we may be able to assist you with subsidized schooling.

Come see what makes National Schools the BEST Culinary, Bakery & Pastry School in San Diego. • Convenient La Mesa location with plenty of parking

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Page 12

AIR CONDITIONING

LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

COMPUTER SERVICES

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

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PET CARE

PLUMBING

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Dr. Peter Dowell, DVM, MRCVS

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

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Helix Highlights, from page 8 Alumni Association is seeking members of the 1952 team to participate in pregame festivities. Any team members should contact Candy Greene at candygreene@cox.net. As always, the Helix students and staff look forward to the opportunity to share our accomplishments with the members of our community. We invite you to attend one of our Excellence in Education Tours, a one-hour program that highlights our history, goals, accomplishments and needs, along with a tour of our campus. This month’s tour dates are Oct. 5 from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, and Oct. 18 (time pending). Tours begin in the library. Space is limited, so please call Linda Sullivan at (619) 644-1940, ext. 152 to reserve a spot. If you ever have questions or comments regarding Helix Charter High School, please don’t hesitate to contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net. We welcome your feedback!

Dancing, from page 7 criticizes a person using his first name, the criticism is taken much more personally,” she said. There is something comforting about knowing that Rich and I are in this together as a team. We try to be as patient as possible with each other in order for the footwork and the dance steps to work well. “If she looks good, then you’ll look good,” Stevens is always telling Rich. It goes the other way, too. I have caught myself saying many times, “We just don’t seem to get this one pattern very well,” instead of saying, “Rich can’t ever get this right.” We’re in ballroom dancing for the long haul, just like marriage. People are always telling us that we look like pros when we are dancing. That’s not because we know so many more steps than other people, but what we do know, we do very well. A great boon to taking lessons in a more mature dance environment is Rich and I have made some wonderful friends. When Stevens holds the monthly dances at Mac Vitties, which always include a potluck dinner, we get to catch up with our friends. One couple we know takes regular vacation dance cruises. We just might do that this year, too. In the meantime, you’ll find us at all the wonderful outdoor concerts around San Diego while the weather is still warm.

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LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Page 13

After the council meeting Jaynes said A Village United formed in response to the city’s decision on Aug. 14 to approve moving forward with the streetscape improvement project without any disclosing any details regarding when the project would begin, or what amenities would be included in it. One of the founding members of A Village United, Deena While, who previously was on the committee tasked with designing the PBID, said she decided to bail out of the process after she became convinced it wasn’t headed in the right direction. “I saw it was just getting bigger and bigger,” said While, adding that the $65,000 in costs the PBID committee had originally budgeted for maintenance quickly escalated to more than $378,000 when other services such as marketing and security were added. “Nobody wanted to cut it down.” While said she became a “rogue” member of the PBID committee when it came time to launch a public petition drive to try and garner community support for the plan. “I couldn’t go out and try to get signatures in good conscience when I didn’t believe in the PBID,” she said. While said she feels the PBID, a financing mechanism the city asked for to be in place to maintain new and as-yet-undefined streetscape amenities, above and beyond what the city currently provides, has failed to move forward “due, in part, to the excessive assessments.” “We invite all village community members to a series of meetings where we can openly discuss viable alternatives to the PBID,” While said. Characterizing the PBID as a “hybrid between a maintenance district and a Business Improvement District,” Jaynes said, given the varied nature of business in the village, it “just won’t work well” in La Mesa. “The question now is, what do we do, in a positive way, to make sure the streetscape still happens?” said Jaynes. “If the fully envisioned streetscape is what people want, then what kind of reasonable mechanism do we come up with for funding maintenance of it?” One of the many problems with property-based funding like the PBID for streetscape maintenance, contends Jaynes, is that it is inequitable. “Churches, as nonprofits, would have been assessed by the PBID,” he noted. “Our goal is to come up with something that leaves the residents and churches and nonprofits alone, deals with the maintenance question and lets merchants participate in making decisions as to whether there should be a Business Improvement District, or whatever other funding mechanism which might serve all of the perceived needs.” While said it is hoped more details about the city’s streetscape improvement plans will emerge at the city’s Oct. 23 Council meeting. “When that meeting gets done, hopefully we’ll get more details on what kind of amenities are going to be added, extra park benches, lights, etc.,” she said. “We want to know how many park benches, lights? What’s the grand scope? How much is that really going to cost?” While said A Village United will likely meet in October after Oktoberfest to discuss the city’s flushed-out streetscape plans. A Village United hosts informal meetings at 6:30 p.m. at Sanfilippo’s Pizza at 8141 La Mesa Blvd. For more information, contact bill_jaynes@cox.net.

Regatta, from page 10

Cynthia Robertson

PBID, from page 1

Once the regatta was over, race crew joined yacht owners and spectators at the Coronado Yacht Club for a barbecue of pulled pork and chicken, baked beans, salad and bread and ice cream – blue vanilla bean! – from Moo Time Creamery. Misty and the Moby’s sang '60s and '70s classic rock, inspiring the party-goers to belt out the tunes with them and frolic in front of the million-dollar view of Glorietta Bay. Everyone ate up all the ice cream and danced their seasickness away. As the music wound down, the sun melted the sky into an orange popsicle. It was time for sober reflection on the purpose of the regatta: to raise money for homes for the terminally ill. Facing the last days of their lives, patients of Sharp HospiceCare get the comfort and care they need at the hospice homes. Family and friends can breathe easier knowing that their loved ones are receiving end-of-life care with the greatest dignity and respect Nearly 40 sailboats competed possible. in the 10th Annual Sharp For more information about Sharp HospiHospiceCare Benefit Regatta. ceCare, visit www.sharp.com/hospice.

Halloween Events, from page 11 Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. other days. For more information, visit www.thescreamzone.com.

Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch – Now through Oct. 31 Bates Nut Farm will host its annual Pumpkin Patch through Halloween Day. The pumpkin fields are beautiful and surrounded by tall, gorgeous cornstalks and bright sunflowers. Visitors can purchase a variety of pumpkins, take tractor and pony rides, get lost in a straw maze, and visit the interactive petting corral. On the weekends, Bates offers facepainting, kids’n paint, rock climbing, BBQ, ice cream, kettle corn and live entertainment. Bates Nut Farm is located at 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, Calif. 92082. Call (760) 749-3333 for more information.

Oma’s Pumpkin Patch – Now through Nov. 3 The 13th Annual Oma’s Pumpkin Patch is open Tuesday to Saturday through Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $8 per child 1 year and older. Each child receives a water bottle, Jack Patch Pumpkin and participation in all activities, such as the Cottonseed Mountain, the Hay Bale Maze and covered hayrides around the farm. For general admission, one adult per paying child plays free. Additional adults are $4. Adults are 16 years and older. Call Brenda at (619) 390-2929 to make reservations.

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

At Elmcroft, our memory care residents benefit from a unique “person-centered” approach to care. It involves active listening and the telling and retelling of life stories to continuously build mental connections and keep treasured memories alive.

Look for November’s

Call to schedule a visit!

619.644.1100

Neighborhood Bests Issue

You voted, they won. Next month we announce the winners of our Neighborhood Bests awards. Don’t miss this issue – it’s one you’ll want to keep until the next go-‘round!

4960 Mills Street | La Mesa, CA 91942 elmcroft.com

Lic# 374602546

Page 14

LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Local Classified Ads

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AUTOS WANTED TOP CASH FOR CARS, Any Car/Truck, Running or Not. Call for INSTANT offer: 1-800-454-6951

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REAL ESTATE

SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR. Located at: Heartland Masonic Lodge, 695 Ballantyne St., El Cajon, CA 92021. 9am til 2pm on Oct. 7th. Over 30 Vendors. (10/12)

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.

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Tis the season! Dia de los Muertos, art, collectibles, t-shirts, and more available at Arte y Loqueras, a family business based in La Mesa. Www.arteyloqueras.com (10/12)

Yearbooks “Up to $20 paid for high school yearbooks 1900 - 1988. www.yearbookusa.com or 214-514-1040.

HELP WANTED

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NOTICES

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SENIOR LIVING (62+) IN SAN CARLOS. Quiet, non-smoking community with pool & spa. 1BR’s $860915. 619-461-4111. 7717 Tommy Street (10/12)

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Carpet Cleaning by Tim the owner operator. I use the industries most advanced cleaning solutions. I will improve your indoor air quality and make your home healthy. Your carpet will look, feel, and smell better. (619)772-4764 www.trulycleancarpets.com BBB, Yes. (2/13)

FOR RENT

Auto for Sale. 2002 Cadillac SLS. 93,000 miles. Grey with black top. 4 door. Great Condition. Runs Great. 619-464-4083 - $5,000 - Nick (10/12)

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

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Live like a popstar. Now hiring 10 spontaneous individuals. Travel full time. Must be 18+. Transportation and hotel provided. Call Loraine 877-777-2091.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

JENSEN MAINTENANCE Yard Service. Local and dependable. Weekly or monthly service. Lawn, shrubs, sprinkler repair. Fire prevention. Canyon clean-ups. Roto-tilling and hauling. (619) 583-1354. (10/12) CUSTOM-FINISH CARPENTRY Doors, entry doors, replacement windows, interior moldings (base crown, etc.) Cabinetry, closet organizers, patios. Lic.#657086. Call John (619) 208-6131. (10/12) CREATURE CARE PET SITTING SERVICES*Local Resident *Reasonable Rates*Experienced *References. Lisa Luque. (619)825-9572 or (619)300-5306. foxhill01@ hotmail.com. Let me take the worry out of being away. (10/12)

SERVICES

CA Certified bilingual tutor K-6, over 30 years experience. Diagnostic testing and remediation of learning problems. Lessons would be geared to the child’s needs based on oral and written evaluation. 619-697-0319 (10/12)

Locksmith-Discount Deadbolts & Rekeying-security door viewers, patio door locks, simulated alarms, magnetic door stops. Cliff Henderson, 619-840-3327.

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

Volunteer Drivers Join Our Team Today! Rides4Neighbors

1912-2012 u

La Mesa Centennial: Celebrating the American Hometown

October Centennial Events Join us for these Centennial events: Oktoberfest October 5 - 7 At the La Mesa Village.

“I love being a Rides4Neighbors Driver My riders are the absolute greatest!” -Susan Meet interesting new friends • Drive as often as you like Receive mileage reimbursement • Help others keep their independence Join an amazing team of people who care

Signing up to be a volunteer driver is easy! Call 619.667.1321 for more information or log on to our website at www.cityoflamesa.com/R4N

Centennial Committee Volunteers Monthly Meeting October 15, 4-5 pm at Fire Administration Building EOC Geocaching Challenge Ends October 7, 5 pm at The La Mesa Library

- Photos courtesy of La Mesa Historical Society

Silent Movie Night October 19, All Day Flying A Committee/ Theatre Organ Society La Mesa Park Appreciation Day October 20, 8 am - 12 pm “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival October 27, 10 am - 2 pm at Harry Griffen Park 5th Annual Festival to Celebrate Environmental Sustainability in La Mesa! For more information about these events and the Centennial, visit www.cityoflamesa100.com

Your Transportation Partners 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.

140

www.cityoflamesa100.com

LaMesaCourier.com — October 2012

Page 15



Letter to the Editor

Highway trashers on notice For a year now, my family and I have watched the trash pile up on the side of Interstate 8 as we commuted back and forth taking our two girls to school; our 8-year-old at Northmont Elementary, [ I-8 at Severin exit] and our 13-year-old at Parkway Middle, [125N at Fletcher Pkwy]. This week we had enough! For three days – there lying in the middle of the right lane at the Spring Street Exit and I-8 was one of those abhorred (and seriously dangerous) semi-truck tire retreads. After another auto hit the damn thing and it ricocheted under my car – destroying my muﬄer assembly from front to back – I was pissed! The following day, after having my exhaust repaired for $265, I went out, picked it up, and threw it away. After telling my girls that I stopped and picked up the tire, they vehemently urged that we pick up all the trash along our daily commute from Fletcher Parkway to Severin – there and back. After two four-hour days all this trash is gone, including off-ramps & on-ramps! HIGHWAY TRASHERS…YOU’RE ON NOTICE ! Cigarette butt dumpers, at the island of Fletcher Pkwy. & on ramp to 8! All you morning coffee drinkers tossing your f***in’ cups out your windows! You…who broke all those china plates at the 125S on ramp, I picked up your s*** as well – that STOPS NOW! And to Branden & Genevieve Gerbracht – who lost their bible that was leather bound with a Templar Sword inlay… Yeah, I picked up your bible in all dozen pieces flying around the El Cajon Street off-ramp – you can pick it up from me anytime! And while I’m hot on the subject… To all of you a*******, who live on this side of the border or the other, who think that they can drop off their f***in’ furniture of the side of our freeways just because you’re too lazy to take it to the dump: Don’t ever let me see it. Last, but not the final word… PLASTIC BAGS. I never gave it much thought before this week, but after having picked up a ton of ‘em spread across the hillsides, but these grocery plastic bags have GOT TO GO! I picked up plastic tops, straws, and hard plastics, but these bags are truly an environmental nightmare! They sit out in that sun for years, breaking down, and when you go to try to pick them up, they just break apart and flake into a bunch of pieces. Without a vacuum, that plastic will stay on the side of our freeway and in our waterways forever! IT IS SERIOUSLY TIME TO BAN THESE BAGS FROM OUR GROCERY STORES. Community Groups and churches: Get your hearts wrapped around this issue. Start handing out cloth bags to your groups and members! Now a message to Caltrans: It is seriously time to get off your asses and get our freeway clean! It unacceptable and simply disgusting. Your highway maintenance department is lazy and inefficient! My two girls and I cleaned up that 2-mile stretch – including on/rams & off/ramps – in both directions in two four-hour stretches. Your crews, supervising three times the number of traffic court trashers, couldn’t have cleaned half of that stretch in twice the time. If you don’t think I know what I’m talking about, I’ve worked with FEMA. I’ve seen streets, turned into garbage dumps after a declared emergency/disaster, get cleaned faster!

La Mesa Fair Trade Gift Faire le sib pon nce! s e r ie ally exper oci A s pping sho

Sunday, October 14, 2012 8am - 12:30pm

St. Martin of Tours Parish Hall 7710 El Cajon Boulevard

Buy Loc • Fe al, B atur uy F ing air! 12 l oca • Be l ve ndo ice n & Jer rs crea r m @ y’s FT 10a m

• jewelry • household/garden decor • purses • handbags • jackets • wallets • scarves • toy • pottery • Christmas ornaments • gift baskets • kitchen accessories • coffee • tea • chocolate and lots more!

Enjoy samples of Fair Trade coffee from Cafe Virtuoso, a local roaster, while you shop!



If you need me to show up and kick some ass and get the job done right, just call me! FYI, CALTRANS… The bill for my family services our fee (eight hours) $800.00. We also picked up an additional nine tire retreads ($25 each = $225.00) plus the cost of auto repair. That’s $1290.00 – pay up! In closing: A grateful “thank you” to both the California Highway Patrol and La Mesa Police motorcycle officers, who saw myself and my two young girls along the side of these roads and, even though we wore appropriate safety gear and deployed traffic safety devices, chose not to stop and question our intent nor forbid our presence on these roadsides. Instead they both chose to wave during their passing. No doubt saying to themselves, “It’s about time someone cleaned up this garbage, even though it’s a father and his girls.” To any passing La Mesan who saw us out there those two days, please feel free to write in to voice your opinion on the subject of trash on our freeways. Respectfully Submitted, Lee Poet OUR “LETTERS” POLICY The Courier welcomes letters under 150 words in length, but may not print them all. The Editor will select letters for publication which represent a diversity of opinions and topics. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Name, address and a phone number are required. (Only the name will be shown.)

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