Mission Times Courier - January 2012

Allied Gardens January 6, 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Del Cerro

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Grantville

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College

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Northern La Mesa

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Rolando

On the Internet at www.MissionTimesCourier.com

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San Carlos

Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama: Cars or no cars??

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Fletcher Hills Volume XIX – Number 1

Major changes could take place by 2015

Mi Casa Su Casa Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis help New Entra Casa, a residential facility for women ex-offenders.

Page 4

Community Police Officer Edward Zwibel urges residents to really live in their areas this year.

Page 2

CATS meow The National Tour invites San Diego to a Jellicle Ball at the Civic Theatre.

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Balboa Park has been in the local news a lot lately. Perhaps you’ve seen the stories about the new Balboa Park Conservancy, the plans for a celebration marking the Centennial of the 1915 Panama California Exposition or heard something about a controversy surrounding a “Plaza de Panama Project.” Because Balboa Park is a regional treasure used, loved and supported by citizens from throughout the County, we believe our readers should be informed about any major changes that might affect it. Therefore, we are presenting the first of an occasional series of articles on that subject. We have invited two experts, who care passionately about the Park but disagree on redevelopment plans currently under consideration—the Plaza de Panama Project--to present their differing points of view on the project.

Background: Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama Project – which began to see life in January 13, 2010, when San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders brought the subject forward during his State of the City speech – was introduced to address parking and traffic congestion concerns within Balboa Park.

Dr. Irwin Jacobs, a local philanthropist and founder of Qualcomm, later created and formed a committee to develop a plan to “remove traffic from the heart of the park and reclaim these spaces for pedestrian use.” Officials say funds for the project will come from “private donations and a self-supporting bond.” No taxpayer funds will be used to “implement the project,” according to Plaza de Panama Committee representatives. The project is slated to be completed by January 2015, just in time for the 1915 Exposition’s centennial celebration.

But the Jacobs plan, which involves adding a by-pass bridge that would route cars traveling into the Park from the west side to a road behind the California Building annex and Alcazar Gardens and into a new parking garage built atop the Organ Pavilion lot, has met opposition from community groups, most notably SOHO (Save Our Heritage Organization). SOHO sent a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation protesting the plan and filed a lawsuit contesting naming the Jacobs team to lead the project. Despite this, on July 19, City Council members voted 7-1 to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Plaza de Panama Committee (the Jacobs-led team).

Since then, the Plaza de Panama Committee has conducted an environmental review and study, including alternative plans brought forth by local residents during public workshop sessions. A draft of the EIR evaluating the plans proposed by the Committee is due out in mid-January 2012.

For opposing views on the Plaza de Panama Project, please go to page 3

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Former Mayor Dick Murphy has 2020 Vision

By Genevieve Suzuki Don’t let Dick Murphy’s retirement fool you.

While the former mayor may no longer be active in politics, he still has his finger firmly on the pulse of his community.

Murphy remains active as the vice chair of the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens Advisory Committee and on the board of directors of San Carlos Methodist Church.

He’s helped develop a five-year plan for the church, build a youth building and chairs the contemporary worship committee.

Murphy, a Stanford Law Schooleducated attorney who also served as a superior court judge, said his proudest achievement for San Diego was the establishment of Mission Trails Park. “It certainly was my greatest contribution,” he said.

See MURPHY, page 16

School Board Approval Advances PHAME

Take Five Mission Trails Regional Park hosts local artists with vibrant color and style.

Former mayor Dick Murphy

By Charles Iyoho It took 43 years, but it looks like Patrick Henry High School may finally get its Performing Arts and Media Center. In a move that’s sure to bolster the school’s status as a critical component of the community – and perhaps even the state – San Diego Unified School District board

members during their regular meeting Dec. 13 voted unanimously to approve funding of the new Patrick Henry High Arts, Media and Entertainment Academy – also more simply referred to as “PHAME.” The historical meeting highlights the urgency and enormity of an issue that has drawn a significant amount of support from parents, school officials, city officials and local performance groups such as Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra, the Christian Youth Theatre, the San Diego Shakespeare Society, Step In Step Dance Studio and the San Diego Musical Theatre.

San Diego Unified School District Area 2 superintendent David Lorden said Patrick Henry’s current multipurpose center has been an issue of concern for more than 42 years – with several principals in the past failing to get a new facility, despite repeated attempts. He described the current facility as “inadequate to accommodate its music See PHAME page 16

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

The Dream Lives On

Friends of Lake Murray

By Barbara Cleves Anderson You may not believe it but many of us who were born and raised in San Diego still live here. Some people presume that most San Diegans migrated from somewhere else. When our friends find out that we were born in San Diego, they tell us that it is unusual to be a native San Diegan and we are lucky. They talk about our weather; and the opportunities to exercise outside year round.

I think “You must be kidding.”

I would think that shoveling snow would give one more than enough exercise. What do I know about snow? Not much.

It’s cold. It is wet and slushy in our mountains. I have run in the snow in Colorado but it’s a dry cold. Their snow doesn’t stick to our bodies and soak our clothing to a wet clinging mass.

Colorado’s snow is kind of like Arizona’s heat…it is dry.

Some of us don’t want to move from the city where we were born. Who knows why?

Maybe it’s the “San Diego Syndrome” that laid back persona that our athletes are accused of having. Like a baby sucking its thumb while holding its blankie. It gives comfort because this is where we have family, friends and familiarity…or perhaps because we can’t find “real” Mexican food anywhere else. People from Texas, Arizona or New Mexico, don’t know how to make “real” burritos, tacos and beans. Poor things. Perhaps that is the reason they come here…also so they can call us wimps when we whine about the cold. We are not whining. We are observing.

Sixty degrees is not tolerable.

Lake walker Manny Demetre gave us magazines that contain quotes that I love.

The following is by Philosopher Dagobert D. Runes: “People See BARBARA, page 8

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Jan. 16. The holiday, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, honors King, a great orator and key figure in the civil rights movement.

The following excerpt is taken from King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. The meaning behind the speech continues to resonate today, 49 years after it was delivered.

“Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of ‘interposition’ and ‘nullification’ – one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.’

See KING, page 8

Ruth Weiss of the Election Integrity Project Kicks Off New Year for Navajo Canyon Republican Women

By Judy McCarty

The Navajo Canyon Republican Women are off to a strong start in the New Year with a presentation at their Jan. 10 meeting by Ruth Weiss of the Election Integrity Project. Steps to prevent fraud at the ballot box will be her focus and enlisting citizens as election integrity watchdogs is her goal. Check-in time for the 11 a.m. meeting is 10:45 a.m. Luncheon will be served at noon, with the speaker following at 12:30 p.m. The price for the full-course luncheon at The Brigantine in La Mesa is $20. Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please RSVP to NCRWF99@gmail.com or call (619) 222-5268.

Awards were given by the San Diego County Republican Women organization for county clubs’ activities in the past year. NCRWF is quite proud to have once again been designated a Diamond Award Club (a national award) in addition to awards for the highest number of membership renewals and community service hours, and secondhighest political hours. Our participation in the community will continue. Installation of 2012 officers took place at the December holiday celebration. They are: Phyllis Hinshaw, President; Gloria Harpenau, 1st VP, Programs; Lois Gubitosi, 2nd VP, Membership; Kat Culkin, 3rd VP, Ways and Means; Natalie Rymut, Recording Secretary; Susie Cates, Treasurer; and Carol Sebastian, Corresponding Secretary. Joining NCRWF is a good way for all Republican women to be actively involved in the 2012 election year activities, and we look forward to meeting you.

Crime Increase Dear “Ask the Cop”: I’ve lived in this community for years, even before it was completely developed. I’ve raised children here, sent them to SDSU and now I’m home more. I’ve seen this neighborhood go downhill a lot lately. What is the San Diego Police Department doing about the crime, and the blight?

A concerned resident Dear Concerned Resident, Seated at the desk of the community relations position, I have a unique perspective of being the point of contact for a community’s concerns. Hopefully it’s no secret police offi-

cers do not live in an insulated world apart from the rest of the community. Nothing can be farther from the truth. We officers have seen the same decline in many areas. More houses are for sale, fewer yards are being maintained, strip malls are filled with vacancies, cars are parked on the lawns and personal responsibility seems to be slipping as fast as the stock market. Naturally, we could fill a bookshelf with social theories of substance abuse, delinquency and economic tie-ins. The fact remains, your neighborhood as you perceive it has slipped.

The first inclination is to call in the closer. Get word out to the police and find out what they can do to fix it.

After all, that’s what police do right? We swoop in with the flashing lights, badges and guns, and roll out a la’ Wild West with a wagon full of future inmates. And life can be restored to “the way it was.” Only, the way things were means a time that is, quite simply…behind us. The way things were done, the way things are perceived to be, aren’t necessarily the way things should be. I’d like to issue a challenge this New Year. “Be part of the solution!”

Not to be a downer, but if you haven’t noticed, the fat of the hog (pun intended) has been rendered and used.

We are a lean, mean and smarter enforcement machine. I recently was on a rant about my neighborhood, the streets where my kids play. And the thought occurred to me, “What am I doing to make it better?” I thought it better to reserve judgment and contempt until I learned more by active participation in my area.

And so I ask of you a resolution. Not to lose weight, or save money, or practice random acts of cutesy kindness for a couple weeks, but rather to stand up and LIVE in this community. Do not just reside. The world will continue to shape itself outside your door without your help, but if you decide to be part of the shaping, you just might like what you create. We owe our success in large part to your help as active citizens. The Community Councils, the NeighSee COP, page 9

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama:

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Cars or no cars??

Plaza de Panama: Cars or People?

Save Balboa Park

The choice is quite simple: Cars or people? Should Balboa Park be a drive-thru or walk-thru experience?

Since 1918, other than during the 1935-36 exposition, cars, trucks and busses have dominated the heart of Balboa Park. The historic uses and beauty of the Plaza de Panama, Plaza de California, West El Prado, Esplanade and Pan American Road have all been sacrificed for the automobile. For more than 60 years park supporters and city planners have tried to chase cars out of the core of Balboa Park. But there is no magic bullet to achieve this goal and the lack of financial resources has allowed this problem to persist and worsen.

When Mayor Jerry Sanders approached philanthropist Irwin Jacobs to help rid the Plaza de Panama of cars Dr. Jacobs quickly realized that the issue extended beyond just the central plaza, which had become a parking lot, traffic circle and throughway. Dr. Jacobs saw the stark contrast between the people-friendly East El Prado and the car crazy West El Prado. The East El Prado was reclaimed for pedestrians back in 1973 – why couldn’t we do the same thing for the entire El Prado in time for the Exposition Centennial in 2015?

The solution developed by Dr. Jacobs will completely remove cars from El Prado and its related plazas, freeing up 6.3 acres of new parkland. When was the last time you heard a plan proposed for the park that increased parkland? Dr. Jacobs formed the Plaza de Panama Committee to not only oversee this ambitious plan, but to fund it with private donations.

Traffic studies show that at least 80% of park visitors arrive by car. So when you remove 7,000 daily autos from the core of the park you must give cars somewhere else to go. The Plaza de Panama Committee is proposing a new bridge from the east end of the Cabrillo Bridge to re-route vehicles around the rear of the buildings to a long-planned underground paid parking structure, topped with a landscaped park, behind the Organ Pavilion. This new circulation route, along with an improved tram system and disabled access, is the key to removing cars from El Prado and the plazas.

The proposed remodel and redesign of Balboa Park is simply a bad plan. It is the epitome of reverse urban planning. Inflexible, permanent, with no smart or innovative transportation solutions, no restoration of historic features or spaces, and no plan for maintenance or future park needs. Instead, a brutal and destructive approach was taken for what was originally a goal of removing 54 parking spaces from the Plaza de Panama with an excessive re-construction and transformation of the landscape and hardscapes. The plan as it stands now is a means for bringing paid parking and thousands of cars directly into the core of the park. SOHO’s plan, found on our website shows how the original goal can be accomplished quickly, easily, with little impact, and for a fraction of the cost.

Who would have thought when the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Exposition was announced, that this National Historic Landmark with its spectacular Spanish Colonial architecture and graceful landscape would be transformed into what can only be described as an unmemorable suburban office park appearance with a freeway-like road running through it. No thought has been given to what would allow the park to move graciously, naturally, and elegantly toward the future. Instead it is being rushed to completion for 2015, in part because of that hard timeline it is an immature design with no feeling for the qualities that make Balboa Park special and beautiful.

The name the Plaza de Panama Circulation and Parking Project says it all. No mention of restoration, beautification, or becoming pedestrian-friendly. San Diegans are being told to not worry, be happy about a two-lane highway and bridge attached to the Cabrillo Bridge, cutting into, through and around the park’s iconic entrance; the removal of fully grown specimens of graceful canopied trees between the plaza and the palisades to be replaced with soldier rows of palm trees, a three-story paid parking structure funded by a city bond and general fund, and the construction of concrete retaining walls as high as 24-feet and massive landfills in Palm and Cabrillo canyons. This new road will bisect the central mesa with a massive ditch and destroy the tranquility of Alcazar Garden forever, in one of the most majestic urban parks in America. If this project were to be constructed, the Balboa Park

By David Marshall, AIA

“San Diego Opera Live” on KPBS Radio San Diego Opera announced a partnership with KPBS Radio that enables the Company to air all opening night San Diego Opera performances for the 2012 season live, beginning with Strauss’s Salome Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

By Bruce Coons, Executive Director, Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) www.sohosandiego.org

Give the Gift of Life

Help Create a Family... Become a Surrogate Near immediate match. We have families waiting.

San Diego Opera’s Geisel Director of Education and Outreach, Dr. Nicolas Reveles, will host “San Diego Opera Live” supplementing the performance intermissions with historical facts, anecdotes and artist interviews. San Diego Opera will also live tweet anecdotes about the opera in real time at San Diego Opera’s twitter feed @_SanDiegoOpera using the hashtag #sdolive, so opera lovers can listen in and share their thoughts with other opera fans.

“San Diego Opera Live” on KPBS Radio can be heard on 89.5 FM, 89.1 FM in La Jolla and 97.7 FM in the Imperial Valley or online at www.kpbs.org.

“We are very pleased to continue our relationship with KPBS which is such an important part of the San Diego airwaves,” said San Diego Opera general and artistic director Ian Campbell. “This new development enables us to share San Diego Opera performances immediately with the San Diego region, so they can experience first-hand the world-class talent our performances bring to San Diego. There is nothing quite like live opera and we believe this new development brings this great art form closer to the community.”

“There’s nothing like live music performance on the radio, and no one does it better than the San Diego Opera,” said KPBS program director John Decker.

“The fine arts are alive in our community and KPBS is excited to continue our partnership with the San Diego Opera again this season.”

The full schedule is as follows: Salome – Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

Moby-Dick – Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.

Don Pasquale – March 10 at 7 p.m.

The Barber of Seville – April 21 at 7 p.m.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

WeALLCount:

Volunteers Needed Jan. 27-Feb. 3

By Charles Iyoho

We All Count – that’s the message from the Regional Task Force on the Homeless in San Diego County. The Regional Task Force on the Homeless is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting data and working to implement solutions to end homelessness in the region. There are more than 9,000 homeless individuals and families in San Diego County.

GAG Kiwanis Supports New Entra Casa

By John Peterson

Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis has embarked on a campaign to sponsor a bed at New Entra Casa, a residential facility for women ex-offenders.

After hearing the compelling stories of some of the women who are currently living at NEC we felt compelled to help them in their hour of need.

They depend largely on donations and any client fees from the women who have family members able to afford to pay some the cost of their stay. Currently that charge is $375 per month.

At this time New Entra Casa receives no government funding. Because of the difficult economic times donations to NEC have been down considerably for the past two years. They have had to dip into their savings account to keep afloat. There are beds for six women at the Pershing Avenue house and there are five small units at nearby “Neva’s Cove” where those women who have graduated from the Pershing Avenue program and have turned their lives around can re-unite with their children in a safe environment.

The campaign to raise funds within the club has already resulted in donations and pledges of over $2700. Our goal is to raise $4500 to sponsor a bed for the next year. Some generous members have donated $375 to fund a bed for one month; others have donated or pledged funding for one half the cost of a bed for a month. Another member has pledged to make a donation of $38 a month to sponsor a bed. There have been other donations of various amounts. Donations are tax deductible and donors will receive a letter of thanks and acknowledgement of their donations from New Entra Casa.

We realize that not everyone can afford to donate and that there are a lot of other charities looking for help. We applaud those members who have helped make our campaign a success and encourage others in our community to consider joining us in this most worthwhile effort. All contributions will be greatly appreciated.

The women at New Entra Casa operate a Thrift Store in North Park that can use your used clothing, appliances and furniture. The store is operated by the women, and offers them an opportunity to learn job skills while bringing in much needed funds. Often this is their first real job and they have to learn how to function in a world that is completely new to them. A group of women who have successfully completed the program who call themselves the 3G’S (Grateful, Graduates, Giving Back) also raise money by holding car washes, garage sales, and recycling electronic devices, all in an effort to help keep the program alive.

GAG Kiwanis can well be proud of their efforts in helping an organization that provides “A safe harbor in a restless sea” to women who desperately want to turn their lives around. Thank you, GAG Kiwanians!! I am proud to say that I am a member of this fine organization.

On Friday Jan. 27 through Feb. 3 from 5 to 8 a.m., the Task Force will be counting folks living on the streets and in shelters.

“The goal of the campaign is to provide an accurate count of the county’s homeless population, to raise awareness of homelessness issues, provide information on the needs and demographics of the county’s homeless population, and provide critical data and solutions for local agencies and the community to help end homelessness in the San Diego region,” Task Force projects and development manager for the Task Force Jennifer Litwak said.

The process is a well-organized, comprehensive effort, which includes in-depth personal interviews with people living on the streets.

According to Litwak, the data collected is used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine San Diego’s share of federal funds to implement solutions and prevent homelessness.

“The need is great. We have a huge county here in San Diego,” she said.

“We’re looking for volunteers to help.”

Previous counts have led to millions of dollars in federal funding which has been distributed and utilized by local service providers and government agencies.

The Task Force hopes the efforts will result in more than $16 million in federal funds to help San Diego’s homeless programs.

For more information on the WeALLCount Campaign, and how to volunteer, contact Jennifer Litwak at 858-292-7627 ext.16, e-mail Jennifer.Litwak@rtfhsd.org or go to www.CountSD.org.

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 5

BENJAMIN BRANCH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

By Anne Lee The January calendar for the Benjamin Branch Friends of the Library Chapter is already crammed full of exciting events and activities.

An OASIS presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18. This class, entitled “Mark Twain,” will be given by Charles Harrington Elster, a noted public radio host. Elster will offer a “loving look at Mark Twain’s life and humor.” His class is the first of four FREE presentations fully funded by the FOL. It will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the library.

Seating is limited so please call the library at (619) 533-3970 to reserve your seat for this riveting presentation. Future dates and topics will be announced in this publication or in the OASIS catalogue.

Annual meeting The annual meeting of the Benjamin Branch FOL will be on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in the Community Room. Officers will be elected and future events calendared. All interested neighborhood residents are invited to attend.

For more information, call Karen Carter at (619) 229-0739.

Winter book sale A gently used book sale is set for Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The organizers say there will be a large selection of all kinds of books and more.

Essay winners to be announced this month Judges for the 15th annual FSDPL Essay Contest are busy on the students’ entries. Teachers will be notified of the winners in late January. A winners’ celebration will be scheduled for March at Benjamin Branch.

A note of gratitude Thank you to entertainers D.J.Brennan, Renee Brower and Margaret Dilloway, as well as all who helped make our collaborative Bookfair with Barnes & Noble a whopping success. This event, along with book sales at our library, allows us to continue to further support library activities.

Lake Murray Fun Run Set to Help Family Friends and family are trying to raise money for a local family experiencing extremely trying times. Shawn and Heather Russell have two children, Ethan, 5 years old, and Talia, 14 months old. Ethan was born with congenital birth defects, and his special needs require constant care.

Six months ago, Shawn was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Cancer. He has undergone multiple phases of chemotherapy and is now entering the radiation phase; his struggle is far from over. The Russells are members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Carlos and Ethan attends kindergarten now in Allied Gardens.

The Silverman Preschool, through Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Del Cerro, is partnering with the Dwell Life Church and other members of the community to organize the “Russell Family 5K Fun Run.” The event takes place on Sunday, Jan. 15 at Lake Murray Reservoir. Organizers have been seeking local sponsorship for food, beverages and supplies to keep our expenses to a minimum – Costco and Sprouts stores have already donated gift cards to purchase supplies.

Read more about the Russell family at http://tiferethisrael.com/russell/.

All proceeds will be donated to the family to help offset their ever-increasing medical bills.

The San Diego Clarinet Quintet performs at Mission Trails Regional Park Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK Always Spectacular

By Jay Wilson, Executive Director Mission Trails has lost its leaves, and winter has settled in throughout the park. Following a heavy rain, you can see the surging water of the San Diego River flowing down the gorge from the Visitor Center Terrace. This is a magnificent time for a walk or hike on any of our 42 miles of trails.

In November, the MTRP Foundation was awarded two grants from SDG&E. In cooperation with our grant partner the San Diego YMCAs, we received a $25,000 Environmental Champions Award. These funds will support the MTRP Foundation’s educational outreach program. Alicia Berg, our Educational Program Instructor will conduct four-part programs for children involved with the YMCA’s in San Diego County. The program emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of our environment, energy and water conservation, and animal adaptation. Live animals and native plants are part of every program.

Ms. Berg will make two visits to each Y, and host the same group of children for two visits to Mission Trails. On their second visit to the park, the parents will be invited to join their children in a service learning project.

On November, SDG&E announced the MTRP Foundation was selected one of their eight 2011 SDG&E Eco Ambassadors. That meant an online voting campaign through Dec. 1. We came in second with 15,877 votes – just eight votes behind Project Wildlife. This gave us an additional $10,000 to expand our educational outreach program even more.

“Nature Adventures” for Children Linda Hawley’s Nature Adventure classes for children 3 and up will be held Jan. 16-19 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The topic for January is “2 Dogs & 2 Cats: Coyote, Cougar, Bobcat & Fox.” For more information, go to www.mtrp. org. Click on Nature Studies, and then Children’s Classes on the drop down menu.

Become a Friend of Mission Trails Contribute $25 or more to the MTRP Foundation and we will send you a beautiful four-color “Friend of Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation” card. This is the first time the MTRP Foundation has issued a card. It is our opportunity to show our appreciation to everyone who financially supports the MTRP Foundation throughout the year. To become a Friend of the Mission Trails Foundation, go to www.mtrp.org, and click on the “donate” button in the top left hand corner of the page.

Allied Gardens $424,900-$449,900

Mt. Helix $549,000-$579,000

El Cajon $379,000-$399,000

Music and Art The San Diego Clarinet Quintet returns to the Visitor Center Theater Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. Their appealing programs are diverse, ranging in styles from the classical chamber music of Mozart and Debussy, to jazz arrangements of music

by Duke Ellington. Their interpretations of music by Scott Joplin and George Gershwin are stylistically accurate, and absolutely charming. Free concerts are held the third Sunday of the month, and sponsored by the MTRP Foundation. The second Sunday of every month, the San Diego Native American Flute See MTRP, page 6

Allied Gardens $430,000

Del Cerro $609,000

Mission Valley $290,000

Direct Line: (619) 857-4663

Kevin Churchill DRE # 01218785

3914 Murphy Canyon Rd, #A223, San Diego, CA 92123 Feel free to visit our website: www.thechurchillgroupinc.com

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Rent Sense: 2012 R.E. Outlook

By Neil Fjellestad and Chris De Marco

According to a recent Fannie Mae National Housing Survey there is consensus that rents will rise. Consumer expectations measured in this survey seem to be in line with forecasts by the National Associations of Realtors; the range of rental increase is expected to be 3.25 to 3.5%.

Apartmentratings.com reports that rent in San Diego for a two-bedroom floor plan averaged $1421 this year. So, a renter can probably expect a $50 rental increase per month unless you are protected by a lease that doesn’t expire in 2012. Now this might be understated if you have been getting a deal (below market rent). Rental owners are going to be more confident to raise rents up to market as the economy improves.

Rising rents might impact the homeownership market in several ways.

Some might believe this to be a sign that home prices will start to increase (22 percent of respondents believed in price increases during 2012) and take this as a signal to buy a home. Adding to this urgency to act is the belief that mortgage rates will go up over the next year; 33 percent of American’s believe this to be the case. Certainly consumers still want to buy – 63 percent say they will buy their next home versus 32 percent indicating they will rent. As their household employment improves more people are encouraged to fulfill their intentions.

Another impact might be that investment purchases (not speculators) of residential properties will become more popular. Potential investors sense that even in a slow recovery everyone needs to live somewhere. In some ways buying a local house or condo to rent out while holding it for an extended period seems like a safer alternative to a stock market that seems to be manipulated by national politics, the financial future of Europe and who knows what? On the other hand, normal investors need to get their cash working again because 70 percent of boomers over the age of 55 are not financially prepared to retire and they keep having birthdays. These individuals are saving but can’t be content with their status quo and need a long-term, tax favored investment return to change their future. With these concerns some might return to the one traditional method to build retirement wealth: Own rental property.

MTRP, from page 5 Circle performs in the Visitor Center Outdoor Amphitheater from 1 to 3 p.m.

Mary Lu Brandwein will perform Feb. 19 with her Sakuhashi Japanese flute at 3 p.m. In addition, the San Diego Friends of Taka Sumi-e plein air painters, along with their master teacher Takashi Ijichi, will have an exhibition and demonstration in the Visitor Center from 1 to 5 p.m. Sumi-e art is the traditional Japanese brush painting art form depicting nature primarily using black ink on rice paper.

Six artists are exhibiting their art through Jan. 20 in the Visitor Center Gallery. Five different mediums displayed: acrylic, pastel, photography, fabric and oil. The artists will host a public reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 11.

Mission Trails is close by, and with 6,150 acres, it will transport you a million miles away.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 7

USD Welcomes Patrick Henry High School Students Patrick Henry High School students and teachers visited the University of San Diego campus to participate in the College Fair on Dec. 5.

SDSU Surfs Into a World First

Take a walk on one of the beautiful beaches in Indonesia, Fiji, or Papua New Guinea, and chances are you will see a number of surfers from different countries riding the waves, laying on the beach or getting a bite at a local water front restaurant. How these and other countries adapt to an influx of surfing tourists is the focus of the world’s first Center for Surf Research (CSR), which launched in September at San Diego State University.

Surf tourism is a rapidly expanding trend throughout the world’s surfable coasts. According to the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association the American surf industry is worth approximately $7 billion annually and surfing and surf tourism impacts coastal environments in nearly 120 countries. Yet impoverished coastal communities in the less developed world have become unprepared and sometimes unwilling hosts to travelling surfers with different cultural norms and values.

According to Dr. Jess Ponting, professor in SDSU’s Sustainable Tourism program and director of the CSR, too often surf destination communities shoulder major social, cultural and environmental costs while seeing relatively little economic benefit.

“Surfing is such an environmentally aware activity. Surfers take great care of the oceans,” Ponting said. “But they don’t always think about the rest of their surroundings. We want to teach students about sustainable surf travel, to conduct research into sustainable surf tourism management, to provide support for surf tourism operators looking to go green, and to support surf tourism destination communities.”

The Center for Surf Research will be a non-profit research and teaching center housed in SDSU’s L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The CSR will lead surf tourism to a more sustainable path by: Engaging with the surf industry and surf tourism industry to create a cutting edge research agenda; Disseminating specialist knowledge to governments, the surf industry, tourism developers, destination communities, non-profits, and tourists; Shaping responsible global citizens through life-changing experiential learning opportunities; and, Inspiring active stakeholder engagement with the social and economic development of destination communities, sustainable use of their resources, and conservation of their critical environments.

Ponting said the Center will disseminate research to government, communities, non-profits and tourists that analyzes and assesses various models of surf tourism management and explores new ways to affect positive change in the practice of surf tourism.

He expects the Center to develop best practice codes of conduct for all stakeholders in sustainable surf tourism and establish an in-house accreditation/sustainable best practice surf tourism labeling system.

Speakers at symposium include: • Fernando Aguerre, Philanthropist • Rusty Miller (’64), Surf legend • Jon Roseman, Co-owner, Tavarua • Dr. Dave Jenkins, Founder of SurAid • Steve Barilotti, Surfer Magazine • Dr. Serge Dedina, Wild Coast • Surf industry representatives • A panel of surfer non-profit CEOs For more information, visit the Center at: http://csr.sdsu.edu.

St. Dunstan’s Rings in 2012 with New Classes and Events St. Dunstan’s is proud to offer the Marriage Course – a program for couples who are married, cohabitating or planning to marry. The seven-week course is enriching to everyone – not just struggling couples but also those looking to strengthen their bond. Classes began Jan. 4, but please call the church office if you would like to join this course.

Our Retiree Lunch (formerly the Senior Lunch) will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26 at noon. The menu is still being planned but we promise it will be delicious. Entertainment provided by Dixie 4+2 will be sure to keep your toes tapping to their happy New Orleans sound. Everyone is welcome but reservations are requested so we can plan enough food.

After taking a brief break for the holiday busyness, Crossroads, Sunday School and Adult Education will begin meeting again on Jan. 8. We are offering a new Adult Ed opportunity from 9:05 to 9:50 a.m. on Sundays with a book study led by Fr. Ken on the book “Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad?” by Timothy George. Please join us and take part in this interesting study. (Please note that the book study will begin on Sunday, Jan. 15.) If you are looking for a different Sunday educational experience, we also have a Sunday morning bible study from 9:05 to 9:50 a.m. that you can drop in on any week you are able.

Another opportunity available to you is the A Life Worth Living course, which will begin on Sunday, Jan. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is provided at 5 p.m. This seven-week course is a follow up to the Alpha course but everyone is welcome to come and take part. A Life Worth Living is about living a Christian lifestyle and covers portions of Phillipians.

St. Dunstan’s just finished an overhaul of our website. Please stop by and visit our beautiful new site which will be updated daily. We intend for it to be a resource for everyone to learn more about us. www.stdunstans.org St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church is located at 6556 Park Ridge Blvd. in San Diego (Del Cerro area off Navajo near Patrick Henry HS). For more information, please visit our website at www.stdunstans.org or call the church office at (619) 460-6442.

San Carlos Friends of the Library

By Sue Hotz We hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

January is renewal month for Friends of the Library Memberships, and of course, new members are encouraged to join today! Consider giving a gift to the library in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. Our library’s parking lot is full every day, so we know our community uses its resources. By joining the Friends of the Library today, you will be adding credence to the SDFPL in their lobbying efforts to maintain and enhance our public library system.

Memberships start at $5 for seniors and students, and family memberships are reasonably priced at $20. Membership envelopes may be found in the library and forms are on our website.

We thank the 55 students who entered our annual essay contest. Our local awards presentation will be held Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

All programs listed here are free, underwritten by SCFOL, take place in the Library’s Community Room, and are open to the public. For additional information, check our website www.sancarlosfriendsofthelibrary.org, or call the library at (619) 527-3430.

First Saturdays: The next SCFOL Used Book Sales will be Jan. 7 and Feb. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 10 a.m., Cowboy Bob will perform in the Children’s area of the library. Thank you for your book donations and purchases.

Sale proceeds are our main revenue source and buy library books, equipment and programs.

January’s artists will be first year Cuyamaca College photography students. Their photos will be on display from Jan. 10 to Feb. 2. Come see an amazing group of photos covering a wide range of subjects. The photographers include Erin Wishek, Lillian Barnes, Larry Gasner, Ruth Ingram, Margie Padelford, Blonadine Taylor, Angela Castillo, Andre Poleszak, Anahi Miranda, and Jen Bottoms. Their artist reception is Jan. 21, from noon to 2 p.m.

NEW: Every Tuesday, 4 to 4:45 pm: Yoga for kids, age 3 and up.

NEW: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Zumba class.

NEW: Third Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.: Open MIC Night. All ages, all talents welcome: sing, dance, comedy, storytelling.

Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m.: Big theater screen Wii gaming.

Third Wednesday, 4 to 5:30 p.m.: SCFOL Board meets.

See SCFOL, page 9

Page 8

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Barbara, from page 2 travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.”

In the early morning of December 10th when I went out for a run the moon was full and of course, it was very light. As I navigated the lake road it began to get darker and darker as the earth’s shadow grew across the moon’s surface. When I got home the moon was just a sliver…a smiley face. Seeing the darkening moon I thought of Jerry Schad who would have been out with his camera. Jerry traveled all over the world to photograph the sun and moon’s eclipses. One wonders how many more beautiful photos he would have shared and how many more trails he would have discovered for us. He is missed.

Last month I wrote about Dominic Maniscalco, the scout who worked on and oversaw the fence project on Baltimore Drive. He was working towards his Eagle Scout badge. I didn’t give proper credit to his mom and dad. Mike and Heidi own the “Tuscan Framing” shop on Lake Murray Blvd near Big Lots.

Mike worked two full weekend days to help Dom, leaving mom to mind the store by herself. So thanks for Heidi’s help too.

In late November, a pipe broke at the golf course above the lake road. One could hear the rushing water before you could see it. The water sped across the road, along with rocks and debris. And, the water was deep. Periodically the ancient pipes let loose but this outburst caused the water to flow ankle deep. When Lake Aide Karen Ibach opened the car gates at the Kiowa Street entrance I told her about the problem. She called over to the golf course (at 5 a.m.!) and the manager turned off the water. Karen said that the new golf course Superintendent Mike Estrada, came down to the road in slacks and helped her shovel the numerous rocks out of our path. How nice is that?

We are going to have beautiful blooms this spring at the lake. Already the winter rains are making things green and I noticed the purple flowers that sprout in or near water each year. It is a bush called marsh fleabane. There are several different species of “fleabanes.” Our fleabane is next to the diversion ditch on the Del Cerro side of the lake. The blooms are in little clusters and they won’t last long.

At our Jan. 19 Friends of Lake Murray meeting David Velasco will present a photo journal of the Amazon River along with data from several locations in South America’s Inland Sea. David was born in Brazil and works for a San Diego firm that does river surveys: The depth of water, velocity and discharge measurements of the river. David says that the Amazon is the most voluminous river in the world. Having grown up in Brazil he can tell us about the country. Bring your questions. He will be happy to answer them.

Our meeting is held at San Carlos’ St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church on the corner of Park Ridge Blvd and Wandermere Dr. We meet at 5 p.m. For more information call Barbara at (619) 463-9706.

• • • • • • • • • •

King, from page 2 This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day – this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 9

Coons, from page 3

Marshall, from page 3

we all know and love would be unrecognizable.

The Jacobs plan is a 1960s solution rather than a vision for 2060. It does not remove cars and traffic. It only moves cars from one area to another, while bringing in much more traffic making the park a literal thoroughfare and less accessible to people, especially lower income families and the disabled.

The people who live, work, and raise their families here, and use Balboa Park should be the ones with the most influence for community revitalization, transit issues, and preservation development. One individual should not be allowed to redesign, destructively alter and scar permanently the “People’s Park” just because they have the means to.

When you destroy your history you destroy the ability to tell the story of a place. For a solid future a city must retain vestiges of its history; a site such as Balboa Park, a National Historic Landmark should be held in the highest regard as it is a monument of a productive past and should be used as a stage for an exciting future, instead of being obliterated along with one hundred years of progress.

The needs and desires of the many must outweigh the shortsightedness of the one.

The new Centennial Bridge is the most debated aspect of the proposed project because it introduces a new structure in Balboa Park’s historic district and would be visible from some vantage points. As a member of the design team I can say that we all would prefer that the Centennial Bridge wasn’t necessary – but it is. It is the cornerstone of the plan to rid Balboa Park of cars while maintaining the convenient access that helps support the park’s many institutions. The minimalist design of the bridge and the screening provided by existing and new trees would reduce the bridge’s visibility to a level that most people will find acceptable.

Without the Centennial Bridge the only way to rid El Prado and the plazas of cars is to close Cabrillo Bridge to cars. Closing the bridge – the only access to the park from the west -- has not received support from any of the park’s institutions. The vast majority of those same institutions are supporting the Plaza de Panama project because they understand that the benefits far outweigh any impacts.

It’s important for everyone to visualize what this plan would achieve. The next time you’re in Balboa Park go stand in the Plaza de Panama (avoiding traffic of course) and imagine no circling cars, no exhaust fumes, no asphalt, and no engine noise. Now picture children splashing in reflecting pools, people sipping coffee and relaxing under shade trees and street musicians playing.

Cars or people? For most San Diegans that’s an easy choice to make.

Bruce Coons Executive Director, Save Our Heritage Organization, SOHO www.sohosandiego.org

SCFOL, from page 7 Third Wednesday, 6 p.m.: area CERT meeting.

Fourth Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 to 8 p.m.: Kathy Quinn, Directory of the Wm. Kerrick Community Health Care Library, located in Grossmont Center, will tell us about the library and how to find reliable, accurate and authoritative information on the Internet about your health. She will offer a list of reliable sites to search.

NEW: First four Thursdays of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: YOGA with Dr. Carolyn Meeks, MD. Thursdays, 3 to 5:10 p.m.: Family-PG-Films shown on our theater size screen. Second Thursday, 1 p.m.: Librarian’s Book Club: Jan. 12 selection is A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear. Feb. 9 selection is The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma. Copies are available at the library.

Fridays, 10 to 10:40 a.m.: Preschool Story Time & Songs. Friday, Jan. 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m.: FREE OASIS PROGRAM: Standing room only speaker, Gabe Selak, from the San Diego History Center, will tell us about “Lost San Diego: The Places and Spaces We Remember.” He will bring us down memory lane with Oscar’s Drive-ins, Fox Egyptian Theatre, and Hotel San Diego. Please register at the library or with OASIS. NEW DAY & TIME: Fridays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Children’s Board Games: Ages 6-12 years. NEW DAY & TIME: Second and fourth Saturdays, 1 p.m.: Meditation & Stress Reduction Yoga led by Dr. Funshine.

Second Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon: the adult “Story Swap Group” teaches oral storytelling. Homebound SC Library patrons can call (619) 527-3430 to have books delivered to their homes.

David Marshall is an architect, preservationist, and author of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Detailed information about the Plaza de Panama project, including a video that simulates the finished product, can be found at www.

PlazadePanama.org

Cop, from page 2 borhood Watches, the Citizen Patrols, the Volunteers. These are the forces of change. Morphing a street into a neighborhood, that’s where life gets better.

With down financial times, overcrowded correctional facilities, we see things like Assembly Bill 109 rolling out, where former inmates are returning to our streets. The “For Sale” signs aren’t switching to SOLD signs the same day and life is complex web of cause and effect. Things aren’t going to be solved by simply having the police stopping cars, making arrests and writing tickets.

It’s going to be solved by Communities working together with the Police to make a permanent improvement in quality of life for your streets.

In Eastern Division, we have the benefit of a wise and mature population. We have a Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol we’re proud to call family in this police division. The men and women have led wonderfully successful lives and now choose to donate their time in service of this division. They are involved; they’ve stepped up and become family. They know the challenges of policing and community and through their donation of hours, their streets are much safer. Our RSVP’s patrol the streets in a marked car, they search for lost children and Alzheimer patients, and they perform security checks, vacation checks and visit homebound seniors. They assist with crime prevention training for the public and help remove abandoned vehicles from streets. They do witness checks for crime scenes, fingerprint evidence and a host of other law enforcement tasks. They need your help. We want you to join us, have an active voice! If you’re 50 years of age or older, and can commit a minimum of threeand-a-half days per month of your time, come join us. Make this New Year a year for you to be involved, and you’ll be greatly rewarded. I invite you to join us as an RSVP. Please call (858) 495-7990.

We, as your Police Department, will work as hard and courageously as ever to keep you safe and render aid in your time of need. We look forward to another year in America’s Finest City. It is a privilege to provide this service, and your Eastern Division Officer take it seriously. This year, 2012, make the decision to come out from behind that window. Put down the phone and pick up a badge. At minimum, attend your area community council or community group. Be part of the team standing between the criminals and the way you want it to be. Meet the Officers who patrol your streets. We attend these meetings. Together, let’s make a resolution to join forces and make 2012 the year of the neighborhood.

Sincerely, Officer Edward Zwibel SDPD Community Relations Officer

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Do you have a neighbor or neighborhood group who deserves being noted? We would love to hear about community members who make a difference! Send stories or tips to: Gen@MissionTimesCourier.com Cocina Mexicana

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Standing: From left, Troop leader Julie Quinn, Aliya Bacal-Peterson, Sydney Johnson, Katie O’Nell, Katherine Prevo, Fairleigh Quinn, ad co-leader Marti Brower. Sitting: From left, Mindy Poltorak, Gabrielle Blizard, Emily Mittleman, Kayleigh Brower, Emily Bennett.

Del Cerro Girl Scouts Earn Top Honors Congratulations to Del Cerro Girl Scout Troop 3041 for earning the prestigious Silver Award, the organization’s highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette can receive. Participating in the Silver Award gives girls the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills – and make a difference in the community.

“My co-leader, Marti Brower, and I are so proud of the girls for achieving this great honor,” said troop leader Julie Quinn. “The girls organized an ambitious sports programs aimed at promoting physical fitness and healthy selfesteem for elementary school girls.”

The troop has been together since they were Daisy Girl Scouts in kindergarten at Hearst Elementary School. They now attend Patrick Henry High School and Our Lady of Peace Academy.

Way to go, girls!

Magnolia Flag Football Blooms Bright Magnolia Science Academy’s 14U Flag Football team – sponsored by Allied Gardens Recreation Center ¬– capped off an undefeated season Dec. 3 by winning its first City Wide Championship.

The Comets, who were the No. 1 seed entering the playoffs, defeated Encanto 21-7 in the semi-finals and Paradise Hills 28-0 in the championship game.

Congratulations to the 14U Flag Football team. We are proud of you!

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GEMS& JEWELS

By Enhancery Jewelers, Kathleen White, Graduate Gemologist, GIA Our customers ask: Q. I have a watch I really like and keeps time well, but it is starting to look old. What can I do to refurbish it?

A. One of the first things to do is to replace the band.

Many times we can get the exact band directly from the watch manufacturer. This will give most of your watch a fresh new look. Next take a look at your crystal. If it is scratched we can also replace that for you. Some watches have cases that can be buffed and polished. Of course while you are here we will check your battery to make sure it is fully charged.

BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH- JANUARY -GARNET Garnets are a group of gemstones that are available in a rainbow of colors, including a color change variety. The dark red variety, Mozambique garnet is beautiful especially in the checkerboard cut. Tsavorites from Kenya, are bright intense green rivaling emeralds. Spessartite garnets range from yellowish orange to reddish orange and are primarily mined in Brazil and Sri Lanka. The Rhodolite garnet is named for the rhododendron flower and is a beautiful cranberry color. Garnets have a hardness of 7-7.5 which means they are a gemstone that can be worn easily everyday to enhance your business and casual wardrobes.

Call Enhancery Jewelers at (619)282-3900 for answers to any gem and jewelry questions you may have. Enhancery Jewelers is located in the Chili’s Shopping Center at 4242 Camino del Rio N.#17 (at I-8 & Mission Gorge). Open Tues.-Fri., 10-6pm; Sat. 10-4pm. Martin and Kathleen White have owned Enhancery Jewelers for over thirty years. They specialize in diamond and gemstone jewelry, custom design, appraisals, jewelry and watch repairs.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 11

Foster Pet Parenting Giving Animals a Second Chance

By Sari Reis

DID YOU KNOW? “Socks” the cat was President Clinton’s pet cat while living in the white house.

Socks was a diplomat, making good will visits to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Online, an animated version of Socks welcomed children to the White House website.

Never heard of foster pet parenting? Neither had I until I attended a volunteer orientation meeting for the San Diego Humane Society where I met some foster pet parents.

Out of curiosity I inquired as to what foster pet parenting was all about. They told me that foster pet parents provide a temporary home for animals while they prepare for adoption into their forever home.

For many dogs and cats slated for death row, foster care provides a halfway house, a second chance at a new life. Other foster care scenarios include: kittens and puppies too young to be spayed and neutered and not yet ready for adoption; mother cats and dogs nursing litters and needing a safe environment while they raise their babies; animals being treated for illnesses or injuries and requiring recovery time; and animals with behavior issues needing to learn socialization and basic behavior skills in a home setting.

Also, some animals respond poorly in a shelter environment. It’s called kennel neurosis and over a period of time their behavior can deteriorate rendering them unadoptable often leading to euthanasia. Sharing the home of a foster parent can relieve kennel neurosis and subsequently turn their lives around.

You don’t need any special skills to become a foster pet parent; generally just a loving and compassionate heart, some available time and maybe some extra space in your home.

Taking care of sick or injured pets would be most appropriate in a calm home without young children or frisky other pets. Foster care for dogs or cats that need socialization skills generally require an experienced pet owner who either has no other pets or whose pets are well-trained.

If you would like to consider fostering nursing puppies or kittens that are motherless, you should know it is very demanding. They need to be fed every couple of hours and that means interrupted sleep for a few weeks. I am told it is challenging but richly rewarding and can be lots of fun.

Retired folks make wonderful foster pet parents. They usually have more time available to care for pets and their homes are generally quiet and relaxing. Since many of the dogs and cats requiring care are seniors themselves, this makes a great match. If you have been considering getting a pet for some time but are not quite ready for the lifetime commitment, fostering can be an ideal situation for you.

Most foster pet programs offer orientation and training to new foster parents and many, like S.P.O.T’s foster program, will pay for the resources required to care for the animal including food, supplies, and veterinary care.

Right now, the need for foster care is urgent. Why not make fostering a pet a New Year’s resolution? Contact the local shelters, rescue groups, or me. As a foster pet parent you will save lives and give animals the second chance they need.

Sari Reis is a certified humane education specialist and the owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information you can contact her at 760-644-0289 or go to her website at www.missionvalleypetsitting.com.

New Year, New You… For Your Pets Too! Remember the age-old superstition that how you ring in the New Year will be how you spend the rest of the year? What better way to spend 2012 than with a commitment to your pets?

New Year’s resolutions for your pet will have you both feeling great! The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA offers the following resolutions to benefit you and your furry friend. In 2012, My Pet and I Resolve To… Have a Healthier Lifestyle: Dogs make wonderful personal trainers and usually have the stamina to push you further. Resolve to walk them longer or more often. Your dog’s behavior — and your waistline — will benefit. Increased exercise is especially important for older animals to keep them healthy and active. Swimming is a great option for older pets that is less stressful on arthritic joints.

Shed Those Extra Pounds Once and For All: Just like us, our animal companions may have developed a “spare Kong” around their waistline during

the holidays. Cut back portion sizes, if necessary, and look into healthier food options for you and your pet. Talk to your vet about healthy diet options that will best meet your pet’s individual needs.

Start a Training Program and Stick To It: January 2012 is the second annual “National Train Your Dog” month, so it’s the perfect time to develop a training program. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) initiated this national recognition to help raise awareness to the importance of training because “patience, consistency and a deeper understanding of a dog’s behavior can lead to happier, healthier and harmonious households.” And that is not just the case for dogs, all animals can benefit from consistent training!

Volunteer Together!: If volunteering your time is a part of your New Year’s resolution, consider volunteering with your pet. Have your pet certified as a Pet-Assisted Therapy Animal and you both can volunteer your time to bringing the joy of an animal to those who aren’t able to experience the joys of pet ownership.

Spend More Quality Time Together: Set time aside each day to bond with your pet. Take the time to focus on your pets and create/nourish that humananimal bond! You both will benefit from that extra time together.

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Page 12

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Sumi-E and Japanese Classical Art Class Learn the Japanese style of ink and brush painting.

Sumi-E and Japanese Classical Art is being taught at the Mission Valley Library Wednesdays at 3 to 5p.m. Expand your appreciation of classical Japanese art. The instruction is geared for 55+, but all ages and beginners are welcome.

This class is being conducted by the San Diego Community College Continuing Education Center. For more information please call the Mid-City campus at (619) 388-4500.

CATS

Claws Its Way Back to San Diego

By Genevieve Suzuki

CATS may no longer be playing on Broadway, but its national tour continues to prowl from city to city, making it the longest continuously touring Broadway musical in history.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” arrives at the San Diego Civic Theatre Jan. 10 to play through Jan. 15. The show, which features choreography by Gillian Lynne, won seven 1983 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes.

And although “Memory,” as sung by the character Grizabella, may be the most recognized of the musical’s songs, there are several other memorable numbers performed by the charismatic cast of felines.

One such particularly rowdy tune is “The Rum Tum Tugger,” performed with growls and gyrations not unlike a young Tom Jones in a cat costume.

“Tugger is the sexy, adventurous cat that all the other female cats love,” said Chris Stevens, who plays the Rum Tum Tugger with the North American Tour of CATS. “He never does what he says he will do and certainly never does what others expect of him. He is a rebel who loves showing off for attention and having fun.”

Stevens said it’s also exhilarating to perform the Jellicle Ball, a 12-minute dance number at the end of the first act. “It feels so rewarding to look out at the audience’s faces and watch how amazed they are by the physicality of the show,” he said. “For me, it’s ‘that moment’ in the show where I feel like I am on top of the world and I realize all of my dreams are coming true.”

And while portraying the Tugger is great fun for Stevens, he admits to loving that old favorite, “Memory.”

“I know that might be cliché because it is one of the most popular songs in all of musical theatre, but it is such a special moment of the show,” Stevens said. “I think it stands out to me personally, because it is so heartbreaking to watch our Grizabella, Melissa Grohowski, yearning to be accepted back into the tribe.” Stevens said there’s a lot to take home from the show. “There is something to connect with in each cat’s character and I think that as an audience member, that is really magical,” he said.

“CATS is also the ‘purrrfect’ show to introduce your family to musical theatre. It’s a family-friendly show that will have you on your feet dancing and singing the songs as you exit the theatre. This show has changed many people’s lives.”

Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.

BroadwaySD.com for more information. (above) Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer tease the audience with their knockabout antics. (right) The Jellicle Ball is a 12-minute dance number starring the entire cast.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 13

Gingham Chef Aims to Put La Mesa on the Map

By Genevieve Suzuki

Get your appetites ready La Mesa, executive chef Brian Malarkey is ready to make his new restaurant, Gingham, the place to go for anyone who wants really good barbecue.

Er, correction – according to Malarkey, it’s called “slowed smoked meats with ample sauce.”

“I call it smoked meats because when you say ‘barbecue,’ everyone has a preconceived notion,” said Malarkey, who helped open San Diego’s Oceanaire and was a finalist on season 3 of Top Chef. “This is going to be different – better.”

Malarkey envisions providing a very cool picnic feel for Gingham patrons. The restaurant, which opened this month, sits in the space that once belonged to Gio’s Bistro and Wine Bar on La Mesa Boulevard. Gingham is the latest addition to Malarkey’s restaurants, all named for different fabrics. His Gaslamp restaurant, Searsucker, serves up new American classic cuisine and Del Mar’s Burlap marries seafood and Asian fare. Malarkey will also be opening two more restaurants in 2012: Herringbone in La Jolla and Gabardine in Point Loma.

For now, Gingham has captured much of Malarkey’s attention. Last month he reported

traveling east on the I-8 at least ten times a week in an effort to get things set for the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve kickoff party.

The drive isn’t too much of an issue for Malarkey, who said he really likes La Mesa.

The Village reminds Malarkey of his hometown, Redmond, Ore. “It’s got a little homecoming feel for me,” he said. “It’s a little bit more quaint. A small town group of people.”

Malarkey promises smoked meats, slow roasted hams, house brown sausages, homemade jam and ketchup, and lots of fried chicken.

Nightly offerings come from categories, such as ‘Not From a Can,’ ‘Baked,’ ‘Oil Boil,’ ‘Low and Slow,’ ‘Smoked’ and ‘Charbroil.” Gingham in the daytime will resemble its sister spot Searsucker, with open seating, chalkboard style menu and walk-up ordering.

“It’s dirty good,” he said. “We got the best meat cooks in Southern California.”

Malarkey’s old mentor from The Oceanaire, Mike Mitchell, will be heading Gingham’s operations. “He’s a great leader,” said Malarkey.

Malarkey said he and his business partner, James Brennan, came up with the idea to open See CHEF, page 22

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Page 14

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Mission Trails Regional Park Art Takes Five

(large left) John Sabin’s rendition of Sunset Cliffs (above) Kathleen McCabe uses fabric as her medium of choice. (left bottom) Marlene Corey extensive use of color is her trademark. (below) Kalju Kotka has been into photography for 30 years.

The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation (MTRP) is pleased to present an exhibition featuring five awardwinning artists: Karen Howard, Marlene Korey, Kalju Kotka, Kathleen McCabe, and John Sabin.

This exhibit will be on display in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center Art Gallery through Jan. 20.

The public is cordially invited to a reception in honor of the artists on Jan. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m.

About the Artists: Karen Howard, Pastel: Karen has been a pastel artist for more than 20 years. She has been creating a series of still life paintings, which employs much of what she learned as a seascape painter. The still life paintings demonstrate her mastery of light and shadow. Her vibrantly colored artwork often elicits the question, “Is that really pastel?” The answer is an unequivocal “yes!”

Karen said: “I hope that my art invites the viewer to take a step closer to examine the fine details in the shadows, reflected light and reflections.”

Please visit her website at www.zhibit.org/karenhoward.

Marlene Korey, Acrylic: Marlene’s paintings display a wide range of color and mood through various modes of artistic expression. In some works, the juxtaposition of color captures motion in a display of inner excitement. In other works, soft and subtle colors combine in an outpouring of romantic expressionism. In all pieces, her goal is to give the viewer a pleasing mix of color, form and emotion. Her primary medium is acrylic on canvas, but she recently expanded to include soft pastels on paper.

Marlene studied fine arts at San Diego State University and Mesa College.

Her work has won numerous awards and is included in several corporate and private collections.

Marlene lives in San Diego with her husband, Arnold. They enjoy spending time with their blended family that includes several grandchildren.

Kalju Kotka, Photography: Kalju has been experimenting with various photographic techniques for about 30 years. Some of his work is digital photography but others are silver prints. He does his own developing, and most of his work is in black and white. Kalju also does some old alternative photo printing, like platinum, van dyke brown, cyanotype, albumen and kallitype. He uses both digital and large format film cameras. A perennial student, Kalju has studied with Jim Noel and Suda House at Grossmont College and taken photography workshops at the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego and with Al Weber.

His subject matter is varied, but is drawn to people; where and how they live.

He works in construction full time but also inspects fire door ratings for the

Guardian Fire testing service. Kalju enjoys wine making, dancing, buying, collecting and selling art, and traveling.

Kathleen McCabe, Fabric: Kathleen was born and raised in Coronado. She has been drawn to art and fabric since she was a child, so her mother arranged sewing lessons for her when she was nine years old. Since that time she has always had something creative in progress; clothing, embroidery, decorative arts, embellishments, anything that involved fabric and thread.

Art became her creative outlet when her children were very young. Using fabric as her artistic medium, she created textile art, both realistic and abstract.

She painted with cloth and thread.

Kathleen eventually began to take her artwork seriously. She read everything she could find; and visited art galleries and museums. She returned to San Diego State University and completed an art degree in Applied Design with an Emphasis in Textiles. She became an active member of several arts organizations and was involved in the development and opening of the Visions Art Museum at Liberty Station, formerly the Naval Training Center in San Diego. Kathleen has been involved with professional artists, both locally and internationally.

As she grew as an artist, Kathleen began to stretch her own limits. In addition to creating art herself, Kathleen curates and juries exhibits of other artists work as well.

Kathleen is now focused on her art, which evolve as she strives to express herself. Her work has been exhibited in national and international juried exhibitions and is included in private and public collections.

John Sabin, Oil: “Throughout my life the beauty of nature has deeply impressed me.” Deep calls to deep, and what is your response? John wanted to get closer to the source, so he hiked and camped in unspoiled nature for weeks and months at a time. He studied and worked in neuroscience, captivated by the exquisite design of the brain. Then John wrote software for computer graphics, and taught, being especially interested in combining visual art and music.

But the beauty of creation was still calling for a response. So in 2010 John started painting, face to face with nature, learning from the Master. He is grateful to have finally found what he has always wanted to do.

He hopes you find beauty that speaks to you, and will join him on this great adventure. Visit www.JohnSabinPaintings.com.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 15

ER Wait Times on Free App Smart phones have revolutionized the ease of instant access to information. Now, smart phone applications can help save lives. Alvarado Hospital in San Diego was the first hospital in San Diego to first to partner with iTriage, an free app that leads you to the nearest emergency room using GPS technology.

Alvarado Hospital not only posts its ER wait times on the iTriage smart phone app, but also on its website at www.alvaradohospital.com.

“Generally people don’t anticipate visiting an ER,” said Dr. Kevin Kelly, emergency department medical director. “Having access to an app that will guide you to the nearest hospital is a life-saving resource and for less emergent care, the posted wait times are an added convenience for local residents.” The application is free and available for all Web-enabled smart phones. The application isn’t just for emergencies; users can access the library of symptoms, diseases, procedures— also available on Alvarado’s website.

Weight Loss in the New Year

By Danielle Schwaderer, ND As weight-loss is once again a very popular New Year’s resolution, many individuals will be turning to calorie restriction as a solution. While many people have had great success shedding weight with restricting calories, rebound weight gain is inevitable in those who do not adopt longterm healthy habits and a calorie conscious lifestyle.

Lower Calorie Foods Being calorie conscious means much more than choosing half a Big Mac instead of the whole thing. Understanding which foods are low in calories and high in nutrient density is the first step to maintaining an ideal weight and healthy lifestyle. Do not waist calories on foods that offer little to no nutritional value to your body. Instead, choose home cooked meals of steamed veggies and lean protein, which offer 75 to 90 percent fewer calories than restaurant and fast food items. On average, one serving of steamed or raw vegetables provides 20 to 40 calories and fiber to enhance weight loss and feeling full.

Dietary Rules of Thumb for Weight Management • Half of the plate should be vegetables to ensure optimal vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and fiber intake. All non-starchy vegetables are low calories.

• Drink plenty of water and herbal teas daily • Start your dinner with miso soup or other broths to enhance digestion and fill the stomach, allowing one to feel full faster and eat less.

• Consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily for proper elimination of toxins and to promote the feeling of fullness.

• Limit carbohydrate intake to 50 to 100 grams daily. The majority of carbohydrates eaten should come from vegetables and fruit.

• Protein with each meal to enhance lean muscle mass and avoid blood sugar imbalance and hunger cravings.

• Don’t waist calories on food with little nutritional value: breads, pasta, soda, pastries, ice cream, dairy, cookies, white rice, etc. These foods are notorious for spiking the blood sugar.

Individual Calorie Requirement Each person has a different number of calories they can consume daily that does not negatively affect weight. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) varies from person to person and is essentially the amount of calories the body burns while at rest, independent of exercise and activity level. BMR’s vary greatly depending on the amount of lean muscle mass each individual has. High percentages of muscle mass increase metabolism and allows one to burn more calories daily. Determining the BMR can tell each individual how many calories they can consume daily to enhance weight loss efforts. One can go about finding out their BMR and lean muscle mass percentage by visiting a practitioner who performs bioimpedance analysis (BIA) or finding an online calculator, which are often less accurate.

Resources for Personal Weight-loss Plans and Nutritional Planning There are a number of resources available to help one achieve their ideal weight and tracking nutritional and calorie intake. Online and smart phone applications are very easy to use and can help personalize weight loss plans, track nutritional data and calorie intake and can serve as a learning platform for understanding the nutritional composition of all the foods consumed in a day. Both MyNetDiary.com and SparkPeople.com are valuable online resources and smart phone applications that are useful for health conscious individuals and those looking to change their lifestyle.

Dr. Danielle’s Favorite Nutritious Substitutions • For dessert: Try substituting sweets for an apple, banana, or berries dipped in almond butter and a little dark chocolate.

• Replace mayonnaise and cheese with avocado or olive oil.

• Snacks: Nuts and fruit. Veggie slices.

• Soda: Replace with sparkling water and lemon or fresh vegetable juice.

Dr. Danielle Schwaderer is a California licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing at Symmetry Health in San Diego. Visit www.SymmetryHealthChiro.com for more information about Dr. Schwaderer or follow her on facebook www.facebook.com/ Dr.Schwaderer.

Protect Your Sight with Prevention January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about the sight-stealing disease.

Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it’s permanent. As much as 40 percent of vision can be lost without a person noticing.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness, and it is more prevalent. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Vision loss through glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.

There is no cure for glaucoma – yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.

Over 4 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.

– Taken from the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s website, www.glaucoma.org.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Murphy, from page 1

Phame, from page 1 and theatre programs.”

School officials hope that the facility will become a vital component of the performing arts community.

“Patrick Henry High School was built without an auditorium and we have asked for a proper facility for decades, said Patricia Crowder, Patrick Henry principal. “We have asked for this academic facility at every opportunity, using every policy, procedure and process available to us.”

Funding for the new facility will come from Proposition S, a $2.1 billion San Diego Unified facilities bond measure that was passed with 68 percent of the vote in 2008, and from California’s Proposition 1D, a $10.4 billion facilities bond for Kindergarten-University that passed with 56.4 percent of the vote in 2006.

The bond money being used to build PHAME cannot be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries, according to officials of the PHAME Academy.

Lorden said officials recently developed a proposal to build a professional theatre by allocating $2.9 million from other Proposition S projects within the Patrick Henry High School cluster to increase the current Propostion S funds designated for the theatre project budget.

As a result, other schools in the cluster have been challenged to reduce their Proposition S budgets by approximately 4 percent, said Lorden.

The new proposed Patrick Henry High theatre would be a shared cluster resource, he added.

The new center will cost an estimated $10 to $13 million, according to PHAME Academy officials.

The school is still seeking donations from community supporters.

“I cannot express strongly enough how important PHAME is to the community as a whole,” said District 7 Councilmember Marti Emerald. “We have virtually no performing arts spaces available to the public on the eastern side of the City, creating a critical regional deficit in the performing arts.

Matthew Kalal, director of Visual and Performing Arts at Patrick Henry High, said a groundbreaking has been scheduled for June 2012.

Kalal said the new performing arts center “will put the school on par with other college-competitive high schools in the region and across the state, and is expected to be an asset for the community, as well as a significant driver for improved student achievement.”

The facility will feature a theater and orchestra pit, a new production studio with career technical educational facilities for vocational training and dressing rooms, he said.

“Henry’s current student assembly and performing arts space is merely a stage tacked on the back end of the cafeteria, an elementary school-style ‘cafetorium,’ that students and teachers have uniformly found inadequate since the school was built in 1968,” Kalal said. “The new facility has been on the school’s request list since Patrick Henry High was built, but only recently has funding become available.”

John Sivak, parent president of Academic Boosters at Patrick Henry, agreed that the new center could play an integral role.

“This facility is not only about the performing arts,” he said. “It’s going to change the vision for the entire school and community, open up academic opportunities and improve student achievement.”

The Patrick Henry High School Alumni Association will be hosting a golf tournament and barbeque May 21 at the Admiral Baker Golf Course in support of PHAME and other programs at Patrick Henry. For more information on the event, PHAME or to donate, visit phame.us.

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Murphy has become quite reflective now that he’s been out of the public’s eye for several years. And although he is not interested in ever holding office again – “I don’t think about going back,” he said during an interview in his Del Cerro home – he hopes his past experience will benefit future generations.

Murphy’s book, “San Diego’s Judge Mayor: How Murphy’s Law Blindsided Leadership with 2020 Vision,” released last fall, offers a thorough look into his life, from his hometown of Oak Park, Ill. to his judicial appointment and subsequent rise to public office.

The book is a straightforward read that incorporates Murphy’s favorite quotes, such as Louis Pasteur’s “Chance favors the prepared mind,” and photos illustrating various phases of his life. It deals honestly with Murphy’s term as mayor and with his resignation in 2005.

“San Diego’s Judge Mayor” also features the epilogue, “Creating a City Worthy of Our Affection,” which lists 10 proposals to improve San Diego.

Murphy’s suggestions include completing the San Diego River Park, extending the San Diego Trolley on I-15; building a new City Hall; and environmentalminded ideas, such as promoting solar energy carports and pursuing more ocean water desalination facilities.

Despite sharing the same name with Murphy’s Law, Dick Murphy is optimistic for San Diego’s future. It helps that he has good memories of its immediate past.

One of Murphy’s fondest recollections is the establishment of Mission Trails Regional Park.

When Murphy moved to San Carlos in 1976, he and his wife, Jan, lived on Deerfield Street. He used to go to the Mission Dam, a city-owned site that was historically designated. “I got interested in how we could preserve that area so it’s an open space instead of a thousand other houses,” he said.

Murphy said he became a political activist when he began trying to save the space for the environment. “It was just a group of citizens, trying to create this park,” Murphy said. The process took several years.

In the end, the resulting park was named Mission Trails Regional Park.

“It was tied to the Mission, and the park had a lot of trails – that’s all they had back then,” Murphy said.

Fortunately for him, Murphy’s former employer, Luce Forward, encouraged him to continue his community involvement and explore interests outside of the law. Murphy chaired the Mission Trails Regional Park task force before returning in 1986 to sit on the citizen advisory committee.

“My whole life has been intertwined with Mission Trails Park,” said Murphy, who said there was one other person who was more involved than he was – Dorothy Leonard, the chair of the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizens Advisory Committee.

Murphy, who resided in San Carlos for 10 years before moving to Del Cerro, where he’s been for 25 years, is still very much enamored with San Diego and its residents. He remembers campaigning by walking through Allied Gardens, San Carlos and Del Cerro areas. “It wasn’t a negative experience.

About 90 percent of the people were nice,” he said with a smile. “I’d say, ‘Hi, I’m your City Council member. Is there anything I can do?’”

Sometimes residents would tell him about potholes in the road. If there was a pothole he could fix, he’d do it, said Murphy, who enjoyed direct interactions with his constituents.

Nevertheless, Murphy’s days in office are destined to stay in the past.

Happily retired, he is also content to stay away from the practice of law, at least as an attorney. “Being a lawyer is hard – it’s a difficult job to do well,” he said.

In the meantime, Murphy now enjoys spending time with his family, particularly his granddaughter, Daryn, who he babysits regularly. He cites trolley rides from Grantville to Santee among their favorite activities.

“Have you taken the trolley to Santee? You should,” he said. “It’s a great ride.” As Murphy goes on to describe trolley trips with Daryn, it’s easy to see his enthusiasm for his city hasn’t been diminished by bad experiences wrought by the ironically named Murphy’s Law. He may no longer be mayor of San Diego, but he’s still in the running for its most devoted fan.

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

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BANKRUPTCY Chapter 7,11,& 13, Debt Negotiation

Page 17

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Mission Publishing

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Mission Times Courier

ScoopSanDiego.com 6549 Mission Gorge Road #199 San Diego, CA 92120 • 619.283.9747

Group, LLC publishers of

Mission Valley News La Mesa Courier

EDITOR

Genevieve Suzuki extension 121 gen@MissionTimesCourier.com

PUBLISHER

Mission Publishing Group, LLC Jim Madaffer extension 122 jim@MissionTimesCourier.com

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ART DIRECTOR

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COLUMNIST

Barbara Cleves Anderson barbara@MissionTimesCourier.com

Established 1995, Circulation: 30,000. Published 1 time in 2012 and delivered to more than 24,500 homes and businesses in the communities of Allied Gardens, Del Cerro, Fletcher Hills, Grantville, San Carlos, Northern La Mesa, Rolando & the College Area by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. An additional 5,500 copies are distributed to more than 130 businesses and community centers in the communities. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, Postal Annex at 6549 Mission Gorge Road, PMB #199, San Diego, CA 92120. (Vons Center) Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: The Mission Times 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 the Mission Times 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.” The Mission Times Courier will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify Mission Times Courier readers that all dwellings advertised in the Mission Times Courier are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275.

News and information printed in the Mission Times 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 Mission Times 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. © 1995-2011, all rights reserved.

Page 18

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

San Carlos Area Council

By John F. Pilch, President On behalf of the Officers and Directors of the San Carlos Area Council, we hope you had a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and we wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year in 2012. It seems like only yesterday when we were concerned about Y2K, when all computers would crash on January 1, 2000.

More recently, the end of the world was predicted twice this year and here we still are. Hope your Holiday Season was enjoyable.

By the time you read this article, the San Carlos Area Council (SCAC) will have held its first meeting of the year on Jan. 4. In addition to safety information from the San Diego Police Department and San Diego Fire-Rescue, we discussed the newly proposed expansion of telecom sites at two locations in San Carlos. One is at the San Carlos United Methodist Church on Navajo Road and Cowles Mountain Boulevard, where Sprint proposes to replace four antennas with 12 in the existing steeple. The other is at St. Dunstan’s Church on Park Ridge Boulevard and Wandermere Drive, where Sprint proposes to add three antennas to the nine in the existing obelisk on the south end of the parking lot. Neither proposal will result in changes to the exterior of the structures.

The next San Carlos Area Council (SCAC) meeting will be held on March 7 at 7 p.m. at the San Carlos Branch Library. Our guest speaker is scheduled to be County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. Since San Carlos has been moved back in County District 2, we’re anxious to hear from our new County Supervisor about her plans for the district and our area in particular. Please plan to attend for an informative evening. We will also have reports from representatives of our elected officials.

As we reported in the previous edition of the Mission Times Courier, on Nov. 2, the SCAC considered an application by AT&T to add more antennas to their existing telecom site at the Masonic Lodge on Tommy Drive and Cowles Mountain Boulevard. The outcome of the straw poll taken at the meeting was 9-to-4 in favor of the new antennas on the site. At the NCPI meeting on Nov. 21, the vote was 9-to-6 in favor of recommending that the site be allowed to move forward. Following the vote, AT&T made a commitment to the residents who attended to meet with them to enhance the look of the 30-foot tower at the entrance to the building. The SCAC agreed to work with all parties to make sure this See SCAC, page 23

Dave Yetz demonstrates tree pruning in the Tubman School Orchard. (Photo by SBB Photo)

Saranac-Mohawk Community Group News

By Gale Susan Barlow, Group Member

Beautification Day in the Saranac-Mohawk community dawned with the total lunar eclipse on Dec. 10. Neighbors had every reason to rise and shine early to partake of the rare events of the day.

The quarterly cleanup of the Harriet Tubman Village Charter School perimeter featured an educational program presented by Robin Rivet, Certified Arborist, of the Center for Sustainable Energy. Volunteers set up tables near the 33 trees of the Tubman School orchard, at the edge of the designated yet undeveloped joint-use park, at 68th and Mohawk streets. Star of the program was Dave Yetz, Former Chair of the California Rare Fruit Growers. Mr. Yetz demonstrated dormant season fruit tree pruning for the neighborhood crowd of hopeful harvesters (see photo). The Tubman School donated refreshments for Beautification Day volunteers.

Another way to contribute to neighborhood beautification is to become a graffiti spotter. Arlene Concepcion and her graffiti removal crew in the Urban Corps remain at the ready to respond to tagging sightings. Please report the location description, including the address and the actual item tagged, such as curb, City sign, etc., when you contact Arlene at: aconcepcion@urbancorps.org, 1-800-829-6884 or (619) 525-8522.

At the end of 2011, Tim Taylor of Councilmember Marti Emerald’s District 7 office invited SaranacMohawk neighbors to prioritize community projects for the New Year.

As a result, Tim will be helping our community with requests for street repaving, the inauguration of a new B-permit parking zone on Reservoir Drive, and traffic calming measures in the form of new speed zone signs on Reservoir.

The College Area, except for the corridor along El Cajon Boulevard served by the Mid-City Division, has belonged to the San Diego Police Department Eastern Division since September 2011. Captain Andrew Mills of the Eastern Division will attend the Jan. 11 meeting of the College Area Community Council (CACC) to respond to the concerns some citizens raised regarding possible changes in policing policy for the College Area. In particular, Captain Mills will discuss the enforcement of party related disturbances in the College Area. The CACC meets at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the College Rolando Library.

Saranac-Mohawk neighbors have the opportunity to discuss safety issues with our community relations officer at every monthly meeting. In addition, neighbors now have access to the new Eastern Division Blog: http://sdpdeastern.blogspot.com/.

With wishes for a peaceful, healthy, and happy 2012, we invite you to the next meeting of the Saranac Mohawk Community Group, on Jan. 18.

The Saranac-Mohawk Community Group is a neighborhood of the College East District, comprising residential and business neighbors from the north side of El Cajon Boulevard to Alvarado Road and from Reservoir Drive to 70th Street.

Monthly meetings are open to the public on the third Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the College-Rolando Library, 6600 Montezuma Rd. The Group hosts speakers and advocates for public safety, beautification, traffic calming, and park development projects. For more information, please contact chair Terry Shirley at tshirley@cox.net.

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Del Cerro Action Council

By Jay Wilson, President

This is very good news from Anne Brunkow regarding an update of the appeal of the San Diego State University (Adobe Falls) Lawsuit. According to Anne, “In a nutshell, the appellate court found SDSU’s latest EIR did not comply with CEQA. The court found a number of problems in the EIR relating to significant impacts of SDSU’s proposed expansion as well as proposed mitigation measures in the EIR or lack thereof. SDSU must now go back to the drawing board and draw up a new EIR that complies with CEQA as per the court opinion, circulate it for public comment, etc.” Here is the website if you want to read all, or some of the 83-page document: http://www.courtinfo. ca.gov/opinions/documents/D057446.PDF. If you don’t want to type in this lengthy website, email me at jwilson2@ cox.net and I will email you the link. I will ask Anne to give a brief summary for us at the Jan. 26 Del Cerro Action Council meeting. This has been a very long process. I was in the meeting when then SDSU President Weber came into then-Councilmember Jim Madaffer’s office and announced that SDSU was going to build a number of housing units at two locations on their 30-plus-acre site at Adobe Falls in Del Cerro. This was news to the Councilmember Madaffer.

President Weber then confirmed SDSU had not met with the Del Cerro Action Council nor the Navajo Community Planning Group, Councilmember Madaffer demanded public input and review. It has been a battle ever since. Please hold a positive thought for Del Cerro.

The District 7 Steering Committee continues meeting to share the concerns and opportunities we have by working together. The committee is made up of the presidents of all the community councils and planning groups for Linda Vista, Mission Valley, Navajo, Serra Mesa, and Tierrasanta. On April 11, in partnership with the Navajo Community Councils, the Mission Times Courier, and our host Lewis Middle School, we will hold a District 7 candidate forum. Please mark your calendar for 7 p.m. on April 11. Currently there are three candidates.

The January DCAC meeting will be on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at Temple EmanuEl. In addition to an update on the status of the SDSU lawsuit, the main program will deal with home fire prevention and safety, and home security. The captain and crew from Fire Station 31 will be present along with Ed Zwibel, our Police Community Relations Officer. As much as we all think we know what to do in case of a fire in our home and we are confident our home is secure, too often we are complacent. From having fully charged fire extinguishers, to knowing what to do in case of an emergency, a refresher from the professionals we depend on and who put their lives on the line for us every day is worth your time and effort. They will have handouts and will be available for questions and answers.

I have received several emails regarding the condition of the on/off ramps on our side of the Interstate 8 and College Avenue interchange. I have good news from CalTrans, who is responsible for maintaining freeway on/off ramps.

I have been assured that they have placed the cleanup of the on/off ramps on of our side of the College Avenue on/off ramps back on their list. The first cleanup may have already occurred by the time this article appears in the Mission Times Courier.

On behalf of the DCAC Board, Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you on Jan. 27 at Temple Emanu-El.

Page 19

Allied Gardens Community Council

By Marilyn Reed, President of Allied Gardens Community Council

The first half of the AGCC Town Hall Meeting Schedule for 2012 has already been set and features speakers, which could have a very significant impact on our community in numerous ways.

The upcoming Jan. 24 meeting will give Allied Gardens /Grantville residents and business owners a unique opportunity to listen to and ask questions of two candidates for the City of San Diego District 7 Council seat: Mr. Mat Kostrinsky and Mr. Rikart Haupfelt. Mr. Kostrinsky is a resident of Del Cerro and Mr. Haupfelt resides in Tierrasanta. Both will be speaking for a portion of the meeting on issues affecting our area and afterwards answering questions from the audience. The third candidate for the position of District 7 Council member is Mr. Scott Sherman. Mr. Sherman lives in Allied Gardens and will be the main speaker at the March 27 Town Hall Meeting. Additionally, AGCC will present another candidate for the office of Mayor on May 29: Councilmember Carl DeMaio. The Board of AGCC is very grateful to each of these candidates for arranging their schedules to accommodate our meeting dates. Please do not miss this opportunity to hear from individuals who could have a very important impact on the future, not only for San Diego, but for Allied Gardens and Grantville as well.

As a result of this upcoming election year and our efforts to bring you as many candidates as possible, little time was left in our Town Hall Meeting Schedule for land use issues. Therefore, AGCC will be holding a special Town Hall Meeting Feb. 6. This meeting will be dedicated to the discussion of projects (in various planning stages) for the Allied Gardens and Grantville areas.

Currently on the agenda for Feb. 6 will be a presentation on a project proposed for the vacant lot at the corner of Glenroy Street and Zion Avenue. This lot is very familiar to the community and is often referred to as the A.G. Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot. The project’s developer has requested an opportunity to address the community and to present his tentative plans for the property.

Previously at the Oct. 17 NCPI (Navajo Community Planners Inc.) meeting, the developer and his representative suggested the project’s purpose would be to provide senior housing with approximately 50 to 55 multifamily residential units. The project may also need to be three stories in height to accommodate parking. This meeting (as well as all of AGCC’s Town Hall Meetings) will at the Ascension Lutheran Church (located at 5106 Zion Ave.) and will begin at 7 p.m.

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Page 20

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Rebuttal to “Shovel Ready Means Never Ready” I don’t know why you printed a quarter-page diatribe by Jerome Stocks of Encinitas, but I’d like to rebut his editorial that was published Nov. 4, 2011.

Anyone who uses divisive hot-button terms such as “job creators” and “job preventers” is more interested in pushing their extremist agenda than in solving real problems. (Other examples are “death tax” and “death panels”.)

Stating that the President of the United States is responsible for stealing jobs and wealth is clearly radical polemic rather than statement of fact. Mr. Stocks: Name one job or dollar that he’s stolen.

Someone who proposes that the President saying “we’re going to drill in the U.S. and drill now” would cause the price of oil to plummet certainly does not understand the basic economic law of supply and demand.

President Obama has proposed a very modest “job creation” bill, which is not proceeding towards passage because of the threat of filibustering by the Republicans in the Senate and because of obstruction by the Republicans in the House of Representatives. This has nothing to do with “shovel readiness” and everything to do with wanting the President to fail so that the economy is in poor shape at the time of the November 2012 elections.

Exaggerations and lies about the Environmental Protection Agency do not serve the public’s well being. Mr. Stocks, if you think that the days when corporations could dump toxic substances with impunity, when the smog caused by automobile emissions literally burned your eyes (I vividly remember those), when Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River caught on fire, … If you think those days were the good old days and resent the EPA’s intrusion into your life… Well, if you think that way, then I don’t think you should be representing the good people of Encinitas.

David Morrison Del Cerro

What are your thoughts on happenings in the community? The Mission Times Courier welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters can be e-mailed to Editor@MissionTimesCourier.com or mailed to Letters To The Editor, 6549 Mission Gorge Road #199, San Diego, CA 92120. We look forward to hearing from you!

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GUEST COMMENTARY

Loophole in New Business License Puts Allied Gardens at Risk

By Anthony Wagner Allied Gardens took a step backwards earlier this month when another of its beer and wine shops turned into a full-fledged liquor store.

Some might welcome the addition, but taxpayers should be reserving their elation. As a community, we had a chance to limit our liabilities. Unfortunately, antiquated liquor licensing procedures prevailed and we fell short.

Anyone who has patronized Fast Break Food Store, at the corner of Zion Avenue and Waring Road, knows beer and wine have long been available. And when the owners of Fast Break applied for a full-service liquor license, some community members saw it as rare opportunity to slow alcohol-related crime – including me.

Before Fast Break’s upgrade application there were few conditions on the store’s license and it was free to sell single-serve beer of varying sizes. In most cases, these containers are sold cold and are ready for immediate consumption.

Here’s where community risk comes into play. Research shows the sales of single-serve beer disproportionately affect alcohol-related crime like fights, loitering, gang-related activity, serial inebriates, public intoxication, driving under the influence, public urination, litter and other disruptive behavior.

Many police departments across California back up this claim, including our own.

In Allied Gardens alone, alcohol-related crime jumped 53 percent from 2005 to 2010. While single-serve beer may not be the culprit in every crime – experts do say it contributes to crime nonetheless.

A groundbreaking study in San Bernardino recently linked the sales of single-serve beer to violent crime. The study revealed that neighborhoods with a disproportionate number of alcohol outlets had a higher rate of violent crime.

More important, those areas with higher rates of single-serve cooler space also had higher rates of violence.

Unfortunately, Fast Break meets the threshold of that study – it allots more than 10 percent of its cooler space to single-serve beer.

Knowing this, our community’s city-sanctioned planning and zoning authority ­­– the Navajo Community Planners – recommended that Fast Break be allowed to sell hard liquor but that future sales of single-serve beer be prohibited.

Seems fair. Give up the right to sell the more problematic beer products and get the right to sell hard liquor, which is not proven to disproportionally affect alcohol-related crime.

I attended Fast Break’s Business License hearing at City Hall to ensure that the community’s sentiment that single-serve beer sales be prohibited.

I was excited to perform my civic duty and testify before the hearing officer during public comment. It worked.

Kind of.

The City threw Allied Gardens a curve ball. They gave Fast Break a new business license, recommending that the state allow them to operate as a full-scale liquor store. The city also instructed Fast Break to no stop selling single-serves.

According to the new City business license, while Fast Break can no longer sell single-serves, but the store is now perfectly within its right to sell beer, malt beverages or wine cooler products, regardless of container size, as long as it was sold in multi-unit quantities of not less than three.

That’s right. Just sell ‘em three at a time.

When it comes to beer, nothing’s really changed. As for hard liquor, you can now buy that off the shelves at Fast Break too.

Frankly, I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around this one. The community wanted single-serve beer off store shelves. Not only is it still there, but who is going to monitor Fast Break to ensure that the store doesn’t sell a single-serve beer?

My bet is no one.

San Diego Police resources have been cut thin. There’s only one Alcohol Licensing Officer in the San Diego Vice Unit. She’s responsible for overseeing more than 2,000 alcohol licenses. I’d say she’s pretty busy.

How about the state? There are only four Alcohol Beverage Control Officers in San Diego County for more than 4,000 alcohol licensees.

The point – the upgraded license can’t be adequately enforced. That means our alcohol-related crime because of single-serve beer may continue.

I can’t tell if the city’s compromise – which put this business’ interest above the community’s – is a sign of things to come. But I urge other San Diego neighborhoods to keep an eye out. Alcohol-related crime isn’t limited to Allied Gardens and it won’t disappear on its own. The next license application could affect the health, safety and quality of life of your neighborhood.

Anthony Wagner, a Grantville native, serves on the Allied Gardens Community Council and recently was elected to the Navajo Community Planners. He is a San Diego mayoral appointee to the Citizens’ Review Board on Police Practices. He and his family live on Greenbrier Avenue in Allied Gardens.

1/31/12

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 21

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Roy L. Schwarz Tree Service. I.S.A. Certified Arborist. Dependable service since 1977. 60-foot aerial truck. WE-6180A. Lic #775662. 619-2823562. ARoyLTreeSVC.com. (10/12)

Estate planning services. Quality personal service. Compassionate, competent legal representation for wills and trusts. Call Suzuki Wuori, LLP for a consultation. 619-462-0995. (2/12)

Roofing, licensed, bonded, second generation Allied Gardens roofer.

Over 100 homes in Allied Gardens roofed. Repairs, all types of roofing. Free estimates. Call 619-287-7149. (1/13)

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Just ask Crystal - specializing in odd jobs for seniors, but ALL ages welcome. Organizing home & yard. Grocery shopping, errands/meal preparation. Caretaker assistance & reprieve. Moving? Downsizing? Help before, during, and after. Holiday help for parties & decorating. Too many jobs to list, just ask! Gift certificates available. San Carlos resident with local references. Call Crystal 619-887-1211 (1/13) Wallcovering Contractor-Enhance the beauty and value of your home!

Removal, prep and installation. Precise, superior workmanship by Mr. Elisha Blatt, Lic.# 644396. Discounts on wallcoverings available. Free estimates.

619-582-4449 (07/12) Gardening Service: Lawns, hedges, weeding, trimming, we do it all! 25 years experience, Allied Gardens resident since 1983. Weekly/bi-weekly service. Licensed/insured. Free estimates. 619-287-6947 (07/12) Quality exterior carpentry. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers and Termite Repair. Lic 365241 www.aactionbuildersofsandiego.com Bob 619-275-1493 (04/12) Pet/Housesitting Services. Est. 1983, Bonded. Pet-tenders offers feeding, walking, plant care, housesitting-and above all...spoiling...in your own home! www.pet-tenders.com 619-298-3033. (03/12) Flute/Piano Instruction. 30 years experience. Beginner to advanced.

Music Education. B.A. Degree. Reasonable rates. Available for teaching in your home or mine. Rick, 619-286-8012. (03/12) Professional Power Washing. We specialize in cleaning driveways, patios, tile roofs, stucco, wood decks, rain gutters. Call 619-460-8177 www. sandiegopowerclean.com. (03/12) Save water, save money. Take the hassle out of irrigation scheduling, and upgrade your irrigation system with a ‘smart’ controller or timer. Your watering schedule will be adjusted as the weather changes. Rebates available. Call 619-251-3775. (02/12) Contractor/handyman, small jobs ok. Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, doors, roll up garage door repair, laminate floors. Licensed and insured, Bill #701783. 619-698-0375. (01/12) Linda’s Puppy Love. Bonded, licensed, insured pet & housesitting service offers daily dog walks, cat care, vacation visits, overnight care, love, care & attention. www.lindaspuppylove.com 619-857-3674. (01/12) Keith Everett Construction and Handyman Service: All phases of home remodeling and repair. Window and door replacement specialist. Repair or build any style of fence, deck, or patio cover. Kitchen and bath remodels.

Senior discount, references. No job too small. Lic #878703. Call 619-2553499. (01/12) The big deal: 7 rooms or areas of carpet cleaned plus a sofa and loveseat just $349 – you’re saving $150 for details. Call 619-772-4764. BBB Member www.trulycleancarpets.com. (1/12)

Roofer, Lic #863660, honest & reliable. Repair termite damage, install skylights, seamless gutters, custom sheet metal. No job, too small, FREE ESTIMATES. Call Tim Walford 619-992-7508. (2/12) 10% off – Builders Express – Full Service Building contractor. 29 years experience. Honest, reliable. Room, bath, kitchen remodels, plumbing, electrical, stucco. Free estimates. Lic 490616 www.BuildersExpressUSA. com 619-297-2280. (8/12) Turn your breezeway, entryway, patio into a cost-effective room edition.

Easy, quick, will add valuable space to your home. Builders Express Lic 490616 www.BuildersExpressUSA.com 619-297-2280. (8/12) Guitar Lessons. All ages and levels. 24 years experience playing and teaching. Lessons at recording studio in Del Cerro. www. recordingstudiosandiego.net. SDSU graduate. Call Wayne 619-540-5827.

(4/12) Lori’s House Cleaning – Reliable quality work – Reasonable prices.

References available. 619-582-9586. (2/12) Let me help you spruce up your yard. Coast Guard veteran recently returned to native Allied Gardens, restarting landscape business, trailer, tools...handyman, solid, responsible Todd Miller 541-261-6422. 619-2863679. (1/12) Jenna’s Barber Shoppe. Styling for men, women & children. Wheelchair friendly. Old time expert haircuts at affordable prices. Colors & perms. 7424 Jackson Dr.#1A (across from Keil’s in Bank of America lot) Tues-Fri., 8:303:30pm; Sat. 8:30-noon. By appt., 619-644-3669. (1/13) Honor Guard Roofing since 1993. Allied Gardens, family owned, repairs and all types of roofing. Free estimates. Call 619-229-9112. (10/12) German Setter Tile and Marble. Professional marble/tilesetter with 26 years experience. European craftsmanship. Punctual & dependable. License #872804. Contact Jens Sedemund: 619-415-6789 or jens@germansetter. com. (10/12) Hardy’s Tree Service. 858-278-2963. Since 1965. Complete tree care large or small jobs. Fully insured. State lic 665064. Brush management. Fire safety. (01/12) Computer Repair – Set Up – Tune Up. PC HELP for Families, Seniors, Home Offices. Trusted in homes for over 25 years. BBB & CA Lic #81527. Call 619-992-5882. (8/12) Babysitting services available by young energetic Patrick Henry High School graduate, dependable and trustworthy, local San Carlos/ Del Cerro resident reasonable rates. Call 619-286-3939. (2/12)

Tire chains, pair, never used, in case, for sedan $25.00; Jaguar hub cap - 8” $25.00. 619-286-5464. (2/12) Men’s jeans, size 42. $5.00 ea or 6 for $25.00. Very good condition. Call 619-286-5991. (2/12) Bookshelf – wood, 5 levels, great condition, 70 inches high x 24 wide. $55. Call 619-668-0436. (2/12/)

HELP WANTED Ad rep needed for this newspaper! Great pay and casual atmosphere.

Call Lionel at 619-283-9747 ex-128

FOR RENT San Carlos Senior Apts. 62+, studio, 1BR + 2BR $695-$1235, no smoking or dogs. Call for appt. 619-461-4111 (4/12) House. $2,250. “Fabulous Mission Valley Views” 6412 Clara Lee. 3BR, 2BA. Huge family room + FP. Big garage + RV parking pads. Chuck 528-9773.

(2/12)

CLUBS Lake Murray Laughter Yoga Club. Fridays 10-11 a.m. Meet to the right of the boat dock. Free. All are welcome. Diane Shalom 619.462-7233; 619-9727234 cell (2/12)

Next Publication Date - Feb. 3 Display Ad Space Deadline - Jan. 17 Display Ad Art Deadline - Jan. 24 Article Deadline - Jan. 24 Classified Ad Deadline - Jan. 28

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, Box 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.

We do not guarantee that we will run all free classifieds submitted. If you include payment for an ad that normally is considered a free classified, we guarantee that it will be printed in the next available issue, unless it is inappropriate for a family oriented newspaper. We will not call or write to inform you if your classified ad does not qualify as a free classified; we simply receive too many ads to provide that level of service. We do not mail copies of the newspaper for proof of publication.

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 PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE such as “10000 San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.

CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “Mission Times Courier.”

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SPECIAL NOTICE The Mission Times Courier reserves the right to edit or refuse classified ads due to inappropriate content, space considerations, etc. The Mission Times Courier assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for omission of copy for classified ads. By submission of ad, advertisers agree to indemnify and hold the Mission Times Courier harmless from any claims and expenses arising from the publication of any ad. No personals are accepted. No refunds given or cancellations accepted unless such notice is received by mail 10 days prior to the publication date. MAKE SURE YOU REMIT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THE AD - WE ARE UNABLE TO CONTACT YOU - NOR RUN THE AD - IF THE INCORRECT AMOUNT OF MONEY IS SENT WITH THE AD. We do not mail copies for “proof of publication” - and your cancelled check is your receipt.

EXTRA COPIES If you need extra copies of the Mission Times Courier, they are available at the Benjamin Branch Library, San Carlos Branch Library, College Rolando Library and over 120 business locations throughout our distribution area on the day of publication - while supplies last.

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)

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Page 22

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO RID HOLIDAY DEBT

San Vicente Dam Raise Captured Online

By Charles Iyoho

Gifts, food and parties… you’re full of the holidays and so is your credit card. This is the perfect time to resolve to end credit card debt right away. Chris Kieffer, Vice President of Product Management at First Bank, says resolving debt is an important resolution and offers these tips: Put all of your credit cards on “ice.” Take every credit card out of your wallet until you have retired the total dollar amount of the debt. This may mean keeping your cards “cooling” through the spring and beyond.

Begin now to set a 2012 holiday budget. Add up your holiday expenses from 2011 and divide the total by the number of pay periods you have each year. Set up a payroll deduction for this amount and put the funds into a special savings account.

Don’t carry holiday debt from one year to the next. Resolve to spend only what you can afford and don’t go overboard.

Always pay the monthly minimums. If possible, pay extra on the card that has the highest interest rate.

Consider consolidating debt to one credit card with a low interest rate and pay as much as possible each month.

Banks often offer special balance transfer rates to encourage consolidation.

If you’re slipping behind, seek assistance from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). This not-for-profit service operates offices in every city and phone numbers can be found in local white pages.

If you don’t feel comfortable contacting the CCCS, contact your creditors. Talk with them to negotiate an acceptable payment schedule. Most creditors are willing to work with you and appreciate your honesty and integrity.

Thanks to technology, San Diego County residents will be able to watch a historical event unfold online. San Diego County Water Authority officials have announced the implementation of a new web-based camera system at the San Vicente Dam Raise site – enabling residents to view the step-by-step process of the expansion of “the world’s largest roller-compacted concrete dam raise.”

The San Vicente Dam Raise – a component of the Emergency Storage Project – consists of a system of reservoirs, interconnected pipelines and pumping stations designed to make water available to the San Diego region in case there is an interruption in imported water deliveries, according to SDCWA officials.

Authorities say there are two cameras that “offer broad views” of the construction activities on the sdcwa.org/san-vicente-dam-raise website -- where residents can see the dam rise up from its foundation.

Officials say the expansion efforts are captured and compressed into brief time-lapse videos. The camera system posts two new high-resolution photographs every 30 minutes.

“The value of this camera technology is that it helps the Water Authority document the historic record of this major construction project, while at the same time allowing members of the public to view its progress online,” said Water Authority Board Chair Michael T. Hogan.

“This dam raise will help protect the region’s economy, job base and quality of life by increasing the amount of water available for use within the county.”

The San Vicente Dam, owned and operated by the city of San Diego, is currently closed “to all recreation.” Once the dam raise is completed and the reservoir is refilled, it will reopen sometime between 2014 and 2017 – depending on rainfall and the supply and demand for water. The design and construction of the dam raise is being monitored by the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams.

Officials say the San Vicente Dam will expand by 117 feet, more than doubling the storage capacity of San Vicente Reservoir.

The new dam is expected to reach 337 feet.

For more information or to tour the facility, contact Donna Nenow at 858-522-6707 or Jason Foster at 858-522-6701 or go to http://www.sdcwa.org/san-vicente-dam-raise.

Chef, from page 13 Gingham after being approached by Gio’s owner Gabe Giordano to take over the lease of the 7,000-foot space. “He said he wanted to hand it over to us,” he said. “The building was so appealing. It is absolutely adorable.” Don’t expect to see Gio’s when you visit. Malarkey and his team gutted the place to create a space for Gingham to call its very own. “Gio had done a $2-1/2 million facelift,” said Malarkey with a chuckle. “[Gio’s owner] said, ‘Malarkey! What did you do to my restaurant?’”

Restaurant guests are greeted by a lounge featuring unique furniture and a bullet and gun embellished chandelier. The space, which was once a Ford showroom, also sports colossal garage doors for walls and faux animal heads and vintage paintings.

Malarkey said he understands it may take some time to whet La Mesa’s appetite for Gingham, but is confident it will be the kind of place diners can visit several times a week.

“It’s going to take a little work. [Mayor Art Madrid] says it’s going to be busy from day one. … I really see this as being La Mesa’s restaurant,” said Malarkey, who said everything costs less than $20.

“This menu is going to be so bad-ass that people are going to come from all over to see what’s going on,” he said. Malarkey said Gingham will likely appeal to a younger set than the usual La Mesa eatery. He also wants to do trolley tours and offer discounts to patrons who show their trolley tickets.

Because of Gio’s past struggles with La Mesans over live music, Malarkey said the City Council “politely” took away the restaurant’s live music permit. There aren’t any hard feelings, though. Malarkey said the group opposing the live music approached him to tell him the rescission doesn’t have to be forever.

“They said, ‘Brian, once we trust you, we’ll help you get it back,’” he said.

Even without live music, Malarkey is convinced Gingham’s patio, decked out with a large fire pit, hanging lights and lush landscaping, will attract a nice crowd. “The patio will be the coolest place to hang out in La Mesa,” he vows. Gingham is open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to close, and 5 p.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday.

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MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

Page 23

SCAC, from page 18 occurs, and it did on Dec. 13. We attended the meeting in the HOA clubhouse and viewed the possible changes in the design of the exterior of the tower and some additional landscaping to shield the Spring Hill condo residents from the tower. We now await the new proposals, which are to be reviewed at a future meeting, which we plan to attend.

At the Dec. 19 meeting of the Navajo Community Planners, Inc. (NCPI), the Board approved an appeal of the decision of the hearing officer to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Grow Smart Child’s Academy on Jackson Drive. This occurred in spite of unanimous opposition by NCPI (13-0) and opposition by the neighbors.

With the appeal now on file, the project moves on to the Planning Commission, where we plan to attend to testify in opposition to the application. More details will follow, when we receive them from the Planning Department and the Planning Commission.

Also on the local front, the SCAC sent a letter of support to the San Diego Unified School District Board for the Patrick Henry Arts Media and Entertainment Center (PHAME) to be built on the campus and spoke at a School Board meeting on Nov. 29. We also attended a meeting of the Henry Cluster on Dec. 12, when all ten schools in the cluster agreed to loan 4 percent of their Prop S funds for this project. The end result was a 5-to-0 vote by the SDUSD Board on Dec. 13 to approve the project. Hopefully, groundbreaking will occur in 2012, after the plans are reviewed in Sacramento. We are pleased to have been a part of this project and look forward to the new Auditorium on the campus. Former school board member Katherine Nakamura was the driving force behind the PHAME Committee and she deserves a great deal of thanks for her efforts.

There is nothing new to report on the water trucks operated by an SDG&E contractor. The trucks no longer use the Lake Murray Frontage Road and the meters have been removed from the two hydrants on that roadway. That said, we plan to continue our efforts to have SDG&E mitigate the nuisance and inconvenience from truck traffic in San Carlos and have the roadway damage on Jackson Drive at Twin Lake repaired.

In addition, SDG&E appears to be in violation of their Environmental Impact Report, which was approved and allowed them to move forward with the construction. The company alleges that it is working with the City of San Diego to obtain reclaimed water from the Otay Plant, but that won’t happen until sometime next year, by which time the project is expected to be 75 percent completed. We continue to work with County Supervisor Jacob’s staff on these issues.

Plans for a District 7 Candidates Forum are moving forward, with a tentative date of April 11 at 7 p.m. at Lewis Middle School in Allied Gardens for the event. The site was selected due to its central location in the Navajo Area and is hosted by the D-7 Steering Committee, composed of community leaders from each of the areas and planning groups in District Seven. More details will be provided, as they become available.

If you would like to receive information about speakers, meeting reminders and agendas and other local news, please send an e-mail message to jfpilch@ hotmail.com and request that your name be added to the SCAC Interested Party e-mail list. Rest assured that your privacy will be respected and neither your name nor your e-mail address will be shared with anyone. Messages are sent “Bcc” to prevent you from being spammed.

Finally, if you have an issue you wish us to consider or just have a question about the community, please contact me at (619) 462-1408 or by e-mail at jfpilch@hotmail.com. Thank you.

Two of Boyer’s works

Allied Gardens Artist chosen for “Visions of Coronado” Exhibit

Local artist Joan Boyer has been chosen as a featured artist in the “Visions of Coronado” exhibit at the Coronado Museum of History and Art. Joan Boyer’s paintings are two of only 24 works of art that were chosen from dozens of submissions from around the County.

For some people, the name “Coronado” conjures up images of an historic hotel in a seaside setting; for others the name represents an island community closely bound to the US Navy, while still others are reminded of an old-fashioned American small town. These perspectives of the Crown Isle have been inspiring artists ever since the town was founded in the late 1800s.

From Jan. 12 to Feb. 20, Visions of Coronado, an exhibit of 24 recent works of art depicting some aspect of Coronado life will be on display at the Coronado Museum of History and Art. The juried show was selected from 60 original pieces submitted by artists from all over San Diego County and created in a wide variety of media, materials and styles. The jurors were: Cornelia Feye, Director, School of the Arts and Art Education, La Jolla Athenaeum; Bill Mosley, Artist and Professor, Grossmont College; and Leah Ollman, Art Critic, Los Angeles Times.

The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of Sara Rowe, a beloved Coronado resident artist, who passed away in October 2011. Sara was renown in the San Diego area for her watercolor paintings of local landmarks. She won numerous honors for her paintings, many of which were made into prints and note cards.

The Museum of History and Art is located at 1100 Orange Avenue, adjacent to the Coronado Visitor Center. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission is by donation. For more information, log onto coronadohistory.org or call (619) 435-7242.

Page 24

MissionTimesCourier.com — January 6, 2012

THE IDEALFromCONNECTION Don & Melissa Teemsma Happy New Year!

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Call Ideal today to get moving on those New Year’s goals. Our caring, competent staff is here to help, whatever your needs may be. Each year we welcome new customers and retain existing customers whose happy service experience is our goal.

Again, we wish you good health, prosperity, and good fortune in the upcoming year.

Sincerely, Don & Melissa Teemsma, & your Ideal Service Team

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