Mission Valley News - January 2014 by Mission Publishing Group LLC

January 17, 2014

On the Internet at www.MissionValleyNews.com

Volume VIII – Number 1

County leaders release new and improved emergency preparedness app By Jeremy Ogul Mission Valley News

ounty officials hope a major upgrade to the official mobile app for emergency preparedness in San Diego will encourage more local residents to download the app and take a few minutes

to plan for an emergency. The new version of the SD Emergency app, developed by the County of San Diego, makes it easier to share emergency preparedness plans with family members and neighbors and to back up those plans to the cloud. The county has also added push notifications and improved the

app’s reliability on numerous Android mobile device models. To encourage people to download the app and prepare for an emergency, the county will hand out free two-person camping tents to the first 3,000 people who download the app and regSee EMERGENCY page 3

Mayoral candidates discuss Mission Valley issues ahead of Feb. 11 election By Jeremy Ogul Mission Valley News

he next mayor of San Diego will have the power to make important decisions on some of the most pressing issues in Mission Valley, including homelessness, the future of Qualcomm Stadium and the availability of high-paying jobs and affordable housing. Candidates David Alvarez and Kevin Faulconer, both members of the San Diego City Council, discussed their positions on these issues in interviews with David Alvarez Mission Valley News earlier this month. In some cases, their posi- that they need, such as mental health counseling, medical and tions dental care, career guidance and Homelessness job skill development. “It’s important to have a bed, The candidates seem to have roughly the same position on but it’s also important to say, homelessness. Both support a ‘How do you get back on your “housing first” approach, which feet?’” Faulconer said. In downtown San Diego last they agree has been successful in other cities around the coun- year, homeless service providers try. The idea is to get homeless opened the Connections Houspeople into stable housing and ing facility, a building with a colthen make it easy for them to ac- lection of homeless outreach sercess the “wraparound services” vices in a “depot” on the ground

New trolley route set to connect Mission Valley and University City By Jeremy Ogul Mission Valley News Kevin Faulconer floor, and 223 housing units on the floors above. This facility could be a model for similar facilities on a smaller scale in other parts of the city, including Mission Valley, Faulconer said. The real challenge will be to find the funding for this approach, which is far more expensive than simply putting up tents in the winter. The city could hardly afford the winter See CANDIDATES page 4

The legacy of Mission Valley’s first nursery By Jeremy Ogul Mission Valley News

ew today remember Mission Valley’s rural history as an agricultural center. The farms that once fed this sleepy startup town are long gone; in their place stand auto dealerships, hotels, office towers, shopping malls and apartment complexes. One of the nearly-forgotten institutions of the old Mission Valley was the Mission Valley Nursery, the first commercial nursery in San Diego, established by a French immigrant in 1888 on a plot of land in the western end of the valley, near the base of MisSee HISTORY page 4

Ernest Benard, founder of the Mission Valley Nursery

oday, you can hop on a trolley in Mission Valley and take it straight to Santee for some Phil’s BBQ, or to the Gaslamp Quarter for a night out, or to the San Ysidro border crossing for an afternoon of tacos and beer. In about four years, a newly approved trolley route will connect Mission Valley to points north, including the VA Medical Center, UC San Diego and University City along what is being called mid-coast corridor. The San Diego Association of Governments, better known as SANDAG, recently finalized its planned route for the mid-coast trolley extension project (the formal name for the plan is the Locally Preferred Alternative). The new trolley will have stops at Tecolote Road, Clairemont Drive, Balboa Avenue, Nobel Drive, the VA Medical Center, the UCSD campus east of Interstate 5, the UCSD campus west of Interstate 5, Executive Drive and the Westfield UTC shopping mall. The changes adopted in November will be incorporated into the final environmental impact document, which should be released in mid-2014. SANDAG expects construction to begin in 2015. If all goes according to plan, service on the new route will begin in 2018. SANDAG’s vision for the MidCoast trolley line is less about See TROLLEY page 13

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Study: gang members say friends, family are biggest influence By David Ogul

San Diego County is home to an estimated 158 different gangs and roughly 7,500 documented gang members who, on average, began associating with the criminal organizations when they were 13 years old, according to a new SANDAG study based on a survey of gang members. Almost half of those questioned for the study said they had been involved in an auto theft, 56 percent said they had been involved in a robbery or other theft, and 58 percent said they had engaged in graffiti or tagging. Some 91 percent said they get high or drunk and 77 percent said they got into fights. Seventy-one percent said their criminal activity increased after joining a gang. The most common reason given for joining a gang (65 percent) was that friends were involved. Almost two-thirds said that other family members also were in a gang. The results were published in a San Diego Association of Governments study entitled, Gang Involvement Among San Diego County Arrestees in 2012, that was released in December. The study began by questionings 567 men, 282 women, 95

male juveniles and 25 female juveniles who were arrested in 2012. Some 25 percent of the men, 19 percent of the women, 36 percent of the juvenile males and 40 percent of the juvenile females said they had been or were involved with a gang. Nearly every juvenile with gang ties agreed to be further interviewed for the study, while roughly half of the adults did. About twothirds of the adults and about 80 percent of the juveniles said they were still involved with gangs as either an associate or member. Of those who are no longer involved with gangs, 56 percent said they had grown out of it or had tired of the activity, 31 percent said they wanted to get out

of the justice system, 11 percent cited family intervention, 8 percent said it had become too dangerous, and 6 percent said they left for financial reasons. The study says most are able to leave without violence. Nearly 30 percent of gang members who were questioned are Hispanic and 28 percent are white. More than 60 percent said they had been homeless at one time or another. The study is part of SANDAG’s Substance Abuse Monitoring program in which arrestees are approached within 48 hours of being booked and asked to participate in an interview regarding their drug use and other recent behaviors.

True Food Kitchen won’t bust the calorie budget True Food Kitchen

7007 Friars Rd., Suite 394 (Fashion Valley Mall) San Diego, CA 92108 619-810-2929

The most popular resolution for everyone is to lose weight. Oft-times that means tasteless food which ultimately leaves you sliding back into that bag of chips and your bad habits. True Food Kitchen (located on the northeast side of Fashion Valley Mall) helps you keep your goal to watch what you eat — and with tasty results. The Fashion Valley restaurant is part of a Southern California chain by Dr. Andrew Weil (other locations include Newport Beach, Santa Monica, Denver and Phoenix). Dr. Weil also has his own line of skin creams and promotes a healthy way of living. With this venture, he extends his philosophy into food. Everything at True Food is designed to nourish your body with high-quality nutrients while satisfying hunger. A quick glance at the menu reveals familiar dishes: pizza, sandwiches, and salads. But a further look shows the items have a different twist: a burger uses grass-fed bison for the patty (and there are no French fries in sight) and extensive vegetarian and gluten-free menu options. Even the salads, a mainstay at most health conscious eateries,

are thoughtfully created. Those who aren’t sold on the restaurant idea should try the pizzas. Margherita, chicken sausage, wild mushroom and butternut squash are $12-$13 with additional $2 for a gluten-free crust. The wild mushroom will have neighbors ordering their own pizza after taking a whiff of garlic emanating from your plate. You’ll be thinking about salad differently after tasting the chicken chopped salad ($14). Cranberries, dates, jimaca, machego cheese, faro and marcona almonds — mixed with a champagne vinaigrette — will keep your taste buds interested until the last bite. It’s a hearty salad with both sweet and salty components.

Even the drinks are inspiring, with names like Kale-Aid, Hangover Rx, and Medicine Man. They can be ordered at the table or at the juice bar. There seems to be something for whatever may ail your body. True Food has a full lunch and dinner menu. *** Darlene Horn is a San Diegobased food blogger and has penning her opinions on food for nine years at MyBurningKitchen.com. She’s also the author of the semi-autobiographical, foodcentric comic, The Girl with the Donut Tattoo, drawn by her husband and artist, Paul Horn.

COMMUNITY NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Emergency, from page 1 ister their mobile devices with the county’s emergency alert system. Target Corp. donated the tents. The SD Emergency app is available for download for free on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store for Android. “It is so easy even an adult can use it,” said County Supervisor Ron Roberts, who initiated the effort to develop the app two years ago. With major wildfires and blackouts in the last decade along with the potential for earthquakes, “I think all San Diegans know we have good reason to be prepared for emergencies,” Roberts said. Unlike East Coast residents, who can see a hurricane coming several days in advance, people in San Diego County have a greater need to be able to respond nearly instantaneously to regional emergencies, said Holly Crawford, director of the county Office of Emergency Services. “With the types of disasters that we might face here in San Diego, you might have a matter of minutes to gather what you need and to get out of your house to safety,” she said. Approximately 32,200 people have downloaded the app since it was first released in October 2012, Crawford said. The county has spent about $500,000 to develop the app, including about $134,000 for the latest upgrade, Crawford said. Most of the funding for the app’s

development came from federal grants, she said. Maintaining the app will only cost about $400 a month. The new version of the SD Emergency app makes it easy to export emergency plans from the app to friends and neighbors. “This is important because a plan that’s only in one place with one person being able to access it is not as good as being able to share it with the whole family,” Roberts said. The app allows users to back up their emergency plan and emergency kit information so they won’t have to start from

scratch if they lose the data on their device. One section of the app provides a checklist of things that residents should keep on hand in an emergency kit, such as water, flashlight, cash, matches, a dust mask, trash bags, extra pet food, a pet carrier, etc. “You can see there’s a whole list of things that many of us would think about afterwards,” Roberts said. The app will notify users when an item in the emergency kit, such as medicine or food, has hit its expiration date. No regional disasters have

struck since the app was first launched, but Crawford said a disaster is a matter of “when, not if,” considering the extremely dry conditions created by a lack of rain. Another new feature of the app is a map that will show a real-time fire perimeter, evacuation perimeters, evacuation shelters and assistance centers so residents do not have to call a hotline for this information. “The emergency map you will notice now incorporates universally recognized response and recovery icons that really help to overcome language and cultural

barriers,” Crawford said. The app also adds a recovery section to guide residents to the resources and information they may need to get back to normal after an emergency. “Let’s hope we don’t have to use it, but let’s be prepared if we do have to,” Roberts said. People who do not want to use mobile device can still go to readysandiego.org and download a paper version of the emergency plan. For the full details on how to qualify for one of the free camping tents, visit www.readysandiego.org/resolve-to-be-ready-campaign/.

COMMUNITY NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Candidates, from page 1 tent approach this year; funding will run out in March. City Council President Todd Gloria has said that Mission Valley will likely see an influx of homeless people after those shelters close at winter’s end. Alvarez said the city does not necessarily need to spend more money to do a better job of addressing homelessness; it just needs to spend the money it has in more effective ways. Project 25, a United Way effort to focus special attention and extra resources on the handful of chronically homeless people who rack up huge hospital bills, is an example of the kind of program that may yield a better return on investment than simply putting up tents, Alvarez said.

A new stadium for the Chargers More similarities arise when you compare the two candidates’ positions on how to respond to the Chargers’ need for a better venue than Qualcomm Stadium. Both Faulconer and Alvarez agree that the Chargers are an integral part of the community, and both have committed to work with the team’s owners to find a way to accommodate the team’s need for a new stadium in San Diego. Both Faulconer and Alvarez agree that public involvement in the decision-making process on a new stadium is crucial. Both said they would require a vote of the public to be part of the plan, no matter what

Affordable housing

the plan is. Neither Faulconer nor Alvarez would endorse the use of taxpayer subsidies to support a new stadium, but Faulconer did not explicitly rule it out. He said he would only accept the use of taxpayer dollars if it could be demonstrated that it would be a good deal for the city. “I’m interested in using tax dollars to generate more tax dollars,” Faulconer said. At the same time, however, Faulconer said he was not convinced public funds would even be necessary to finance a new stadium. “My priority is to use public funds for our neighborhoods before we use them for a stadium,” he said. Alvarez was more resolute on the question of public funding. “I do not support the use of our

general fund dollars that pay for police and fire protection,” Alvarez said. Alvarez also said he is confident that San Diego can keep the Chargers without relying on taxpayer funding. He pointed to the recently-approved plan to redevelop Brown Field, the municipal airport in Otay Mesa, which is part of Alvarez’s district. The airport will be redeveloped into a private commercial center. The project cost of nearly $1 billion will be financed entirely through private sources. “I think it can be done,” Alvarez said. Mission Valley is the preferred site for a new stadium, primarily because of the excellent transit and freeway access that already exists there, Alvarez said.

Other issues A broad range of other issues — including pension reform, police retention, managed competition, infrastructure spending, community planning and more — distinguish and define each candidate. More information about each candidate can be found at their respective websites, www. davidalvarezformayor.com and www.kevinfaulconer.com. The candidates will also participate in a series of public debates that will be broadcast on television and radio. The debates will be held on Jan. 15, Jan. 17, Jan. 23, Jan. 26, Jan. 30 and Jan. 31. The county Registrar of Voters will begin processing mail ballots on Jan. 21. The last day to register to vote is Jan. 27. The last day to apply for a mail ballot is Feb. 4. For more information on the election, including how to register to vote, visit www.sdvote.org.

History, from page 1

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The distinction between the two candidates becomes more clear with the affordable housing issue. The city recently passed an increase to the linkage fee, which requires expanding business to contribute to a fund to make more affordable housing available in the city. Faulconer and other Republicans on the City Council adamantly opposed the fee increase; Alvarez and other Democrats supported it. The fee will harm job creation in the city, Faulconer said. “We should be making it easier for businesses to expand,” Faulconer said. There are other things the city could be doing to facilitate affordable housing, Faulconer said. A top priority for Faulconer would be to make the development process more predictable and easier to understand for people who want to build something, whether it’s a garage addition or a large multi-family housing project. He noted that it took the city two years to build a new restroom building on the beach in Ocean Beach. “You won’t build that affordable housing project if you know it might take you a year and a half to get through the city’s process,” he said. “If the amount of time it takes to get through the city’s process is a big question mark, they might not go through with it.” Alvarez said he agrees that

the city’s development bureaucracy needs to be reorganized and streamlined, but he questioned whether those who opposed the linkage fee increase were really committed to affordable housing. “I am very open and looking forward to having the dialogue with those who oppose this fee and say there are other ideas,” Alvarez said. “I’m looking forward to hearing what they are, but for the last 17 years there have been no ideas coming forward.”

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sion Hills. The Mission Valley Nursery was at its prime in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing many of the olive trees and ornamental plants that can be found in Balboa Park, Point Loma and other places throughout the older parts of San Diego. The nursery’s retail sales were made from a lot on 6th and D streets in downtown, back before D Street was renamed Broadway. Today, the former Mission Valley Nursery property, on what is now called Hotel Circle South, is home to the VCA Emergency Animal Hospital, A-1 Self Storage and the Comfort Inn & Suites. Fortunately for those yearning for a connection to generations past, the San Diego History Center has a trove of records from Mission Valley Nursery that reveal the crucial role the nursery played in the turn-of-the-century development of San Diego. Kate Sessions, the horticulturalist widely considered the mother of Balboa Park, stopped by the Mission Valley Nursery’s retail yard downtown every few days to pick up fresh cut flowers, according to a diary kept by Benard. Ellen Browning Scripps, whose family wealth helped finance numerous educational and civic institutions in San Diego and La Jolla, was also a regular customer of the Mission Valley Nursery, according to Benard’s diaries. Benard worked closely with Katherine Tingley, the leader of the Point Loma Universal Broth-

erhood and Theosophical Society Homestead, a somewhat radical social experiment on what is now the land occupied by Point Loma Nazarene University. One of the most fascinating documents in the history center’s collection is a 1930 census form that includes handwritten information about the nursery business. The Mission Valley Nursery used three of its 13 acres to cultivate nursery stock in 1929, at a total operating expense of $5,349, according to the census form. Among the total expenses in 1929 were $500 for plants, $42 for fuel, $992 for equipment and repairs. By 1930, the farm house at the nursery had a telephone, running water and electricity. The electricity bill in 1929 was $42. As of April 1, 1930, the nursery had 300 deciduous shrubs, 500 vines other than grapes, 5000 ornamental evergreens other than broadleaf, 300 broadleaf evergreens other than palms, 1500 palms. The nursery property was also home to 50 chickens over three months old as of April 1, 1930. In 1929, the nursery sold 15 chickens for a total of $22. Other documents in the history center’s collection include letters exchanged between Benard and George W. Marston, a storekeeper who, as part of the Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in the founding of Balboa Park. In one letter from April 1905, See HISTORY page 13

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

A reading list for pet lovers By Sari Reis Owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services

Besides my passion for animals, I am an ardent reader and when I can combine the two, I am truly in heaven. As anyone who loves to read will tell you, when they come across a book they truly enjoy, they want to share it. So this month’s column is to share some of my favorite reads with you. Some will inspire; others will entertain; and all will hopefully educate and strengthen the bond you have with your “furry kids”. First, I suggest you subscribe to one or more of the following journals. They are chock full of information on dog and/or cat behavior, health, nutrition, training etc. by the country’s leading experts. Coincidentally, they all have a

subscription price of $39.00 per year. The first is “The Whole Dog Journal”, published by Belvoir Media Group. Call 800-829-9165 to subscribe. Also published by Belvoir is “Dog Watch”: created by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Call 800829-5574. The other two monthly journals are published by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and are called “Your Dog” and “Catnip”. Their subscription numbers are 800-829-5116 and 800-829-0926 respectively. Two of my all-time favorite

reads are “Bones Would Rain from the Sky” by Suzanne Clothier, a renowned dog trainer and “Pukka”s Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs” by Ted Kerasote, the author of “Merle’s Door”, another wonderful book.

Not only were both of these books inspiring but the information conveyed is priceless. Pukka’s Promise was so well researched, that simply following Kerasote’s advice would be one of the most intelligent things you could do when looking for your next dog. Another wealth of information is presented in, “Speaking for Spot” by Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM. It is all about advocating for your dog’s health. A couple of wonderful reads by another famous trainer, Patricia McConnell, are “The Other End of the Leash”, which I recom-

mend to my clients all the time, and “For the Love of Dogs”. A book I read earlier in my pet sitting career, was “A Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson. This book was way ahead of its time in addressing the human/animal bond. For cat lovers, I suggest, “Cat Daddy”, written by Jackson Galaxy, the host of the TV hit series “My Cat from Hell”; also, “A Street Cat Named Bob” by James Bowen; and “Dewey”, the beloved library cat, by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter. W. Bruce Cameron wrote a couple of novels I loved, “A dog’s Purpose” and “A Dog’s Journey”. One of my favorite dog novels is by Garth Stein, “The Art of Racing in the Rain”. Other notables are Jon Katz, who has authored some great reads for dog lovers and Marshall Saunders’, “Beautiful Joe”, is truly unforgettable. Currently, I am reading, “How Dogs Love Us,” by Gregrory Berns, on the decoding of a dog’s brain. Fascinating! There are literally hundreds of wonderful books available for animal lovers. Visit your local library or favorite bookstore and do some browsing. Happy Reading! Sari Reis is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and the Owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information, please contact her at 760644-0289 or www.missionvalleypetsitting.com.

MUSIC NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Guitar exhibit shows off the science of America’s favorite instrument By Jen Van Tieghem

Jazz

CLASSICAL

Fridays – Sam Johnson Jazz Group at Cosmos Coffee Cafe. Free. 3 to 5p.m. CosmosCoffeeCafe.com.

Jan. 17 – 18 – Ballroom with a Twist at Copley Symphony Hall. $20 - $85. 8 p.m. www. SanDiegoSymphony.org

Saturdays – Jazz with George and Alan at Bistro Sixty (formerly San Diego Desserts). Free. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. www. SanDiegoDesserts.net Saturdays – Douglas Kvandal with the LiveJazz! Quartet at the Amigo Spot a the Kings Inn. Free. 7 p.m. www. kingsinnsandiego.com Jan. 18 – Stage IV Jazz at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www. SanPasqualWinery.com Feb 14 – Sure Fire Soul Ensemble at Riviera Supper Club. Free. 9 p.m. www.RivieraSupperClub. com

ALTERNATIVE Jan 21 – The Lonely Wild, Nena Anderson and The Mules, and Soda Pants at Soda Bar. $5. 8 p.m. www.sodabarmusic. com Jan 23 – SoundDiego Live Presents Sprung Monkey and The Gods of Science at Casbah. Free with RSVP. 7 p.m. www. CasbahMusic.com Jan 24 – Gloomsday, Pheasants, Chess Wars, and Shovel at Tower Bar. $5. 9 p.m.

Jan. 19 – “Zene Strings” with Evelyn Kooperman at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center. Donations welcome. 3 p.m. www. mtrp.org Jan. 24 – Royal Philharmonic at Copley Symphony Hall. $30 - $100. 8 p.m. www. SanDiegoSymphony.org Feb 7 – 9 – Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise at Copley Symphony Hall. $20 - $96. Fri & Sat 8 p.m. Sun 2 p.m. www. SanDiegoSymphony.org Feb 16 – Yale Strom and Lou Fanucchi “Klezmer Music” at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center. Donations welcome. 3 p.m. www. mtrp.org

Pop Thursdays – Greg Shibley at The Westgate Hotel. Free. www. westgatehotel.com Fridays – Nathan Welden at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoDesserts. net

Jan. 25 – People of Earth at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www.SanPasqualWinery. com

Jan 25 – Islands and Haunted Summer at The Griffin. $12. 8:30 p.m. www.TheGriffinSD.com

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Feb. 1 – Guttermouth, Pinata Protest, Pinata Protest, O.S.S, and D.P.I. $17 in advance/ $20 day of. 8 p.m. www.brickbybrick.com

Bands, venues, and musiclovers: Please submit listings for this calendar by emailing Jen@ScoopSanDiego.com.

Jan. 31 – Baja Bugs at Pal Joey’s. Free. 9 p.m. www.

Mission Valley News Music Writer The newest exhibit at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is inviting music fans of all ages to learn about, listen to and in some cases play one of the most celebrated instruments of all time. GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World is open now and runs through April 6. The traveling exhibition displays 60 instruments, 15 interactive exhibits, and nearly 100 artifacts in all. Wandering through the displays of GUITAR is like traveling through time. From the stringed instruments of the Middle Ages through modern day electric guitars: each piece is showcased with information about its origin and where it falls in the timeline. The displays also feature information on the mechanisms of the guitar. The interactive areas teach how various parts of the guitar work and a see-through electric guitar gives guests the chance to see the inner workings. “The guitar is the most enduring icon in American history,” says The National Guitar Museum Executive Director and founder HP Newquist. “It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been affected by the guitar, whether as players or as fans of music ranging from country and folk to jazz and rock.” Mission Valley News had the pleasure of exploring the exhibit and were not alone in our wonderment at the vast history of the instrument. Many families were enjoying the hands-on area, which includes the world’s largest playable guitar. Certified by Guinness World Records, this Gibson Flying V guitar is measured at 43.5 feet long and

16 feet wide. Kids climbed atop the incredible centerpiece of the exhibit, plucked at the giant strings, and turned the enormous knobs. If you’re looking for a photo op for your young budding musicians, look no further. The cases of instruments seemed to draw an older crowd — those who came to appreciate the nostalgia of the exhibit. Slightly removed from the interactive action, one could spend all day amongst these displays with much to read and behold. Several guitar aficionados observed the cases one by one, taking it all in. Intermittently placed video moni-

tors designed to look like guitar amps show footage of famous guitarists for yet another fun aspect of GUITAR. “I’ve got to get out of here soon!” exclaimed one observer. “Being here just makes me want to play.” To coincide with this unique exhibit the Reuben H. Fleet is also hosting a concert series for the first time in its 40-year history. On select Friday nights in January, February, and March two musical performances will take place to celebrate the guitar in another way. (See side bar for the Rock in the Park lineups.) It’s easy to see that this exhibit is attracting a wide range of folks- from youngsters get-

ting their first taste of music to veteran players learning more about their favorite instrument. GUITAR offers something for everyone- so we suggest getting to The Fleet and rocking out! Visit www.rhfleet.org for tickets and hours.

Rock in the Park Line Ups All shows are Friday nights with opener Michael Tiernan starting at 7:30 p.m. and the headlining act playing at approximately 8:20 p.m. January 17: Common Sense with Michael Tiernan Starting off the series are rock-reggae ensemble Common Sense. The Orange County band brings their So Cal grooves and fun-loving ways to the stage. The heartfelt songs are filled with messages of peace and love and, of course, plenty of great guitar riffs. Michael Tiernan will open each of the Rock in the Park shows with his acoustic stylings. The local singer-songwriter offers soft melodies and gentle strumming to start off each evening of great tunes. February 7: Paul Cannon with Michael Tiernan Paul Cannon is a native singer-songwriter who blends elements of folk, pop, and rock into his performances. Cannon is perhaps best known for his song “Homegrown” which is featured as the theme song for our San Diego Padres. His songs are sometimes mellow, sometimes upbeat, but always catchy. February 21: A Special Tribute to Loren Nancarrow featuring Eve Selis, Berkley-Hart, Steph Johnson, Cathryn Beeks, Michael Tiernan, Nancarrow, and more to be announced. In honor of the recent passing of legendary local broadcaster Loren Nancarrow the Fleet has assembled a line up of some of San Diego’s finest musicians with backgrounds in rock, blues, jazz, folk and more. This will be a truly special night as the band Nancarrow features Loren’s son Graham. March 7: Venice with Michael Tiernan This Southern California group explores various genres with their blending of vocal harmonies. Touches of jazz, pop, rock, and soul can be heard in the band’s live performances. A testament to their vocal prowess- the guys just finished touring with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd as the backing vocalists for The Wall Live tour. March 21: A Very Special Performer to be announced. Keep up with the fleet online at www.rhfleet.org for this upcoming announcement. The final Rock in the Park show promises to be a rocktastic finish to the concert series.

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

GINA’S

Police offer $10,000 reward in double-homicide case

VALLEY VIEWS

Mission Valley News

Police are searching for the fiancé of a woman who was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Mission Valley shopping center in the middle of the night on Dec. 24. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads police to Gianni Belvedere, 24, who has been missing since 10 p.m. on Dec. 23. He was last seen near Friars Road in Mission Valley. Police found Belvedere’s 22-year-old fiancé, Ilona Flint, in a vehicle with Belvedere’s 22-year-old brother, Salvatore Belvedere, in the parking lot of the Westfield Mission Valley shopping mall around 1:15 a.m. on Dec. 24.

Gianni Belvedere, 24 Both individuals were suffering from gunshot wounds when police arrived. Flint, who dialed 911 after the shooting, died at the scene. Salvatore Belvedere died after being transported to a local hospital. The pair were riding in a black 2004 Toyota Camry with Utah license plates. Witnesses at the time told police that the suspect may have

By Gina Cord, founder of Mission Valley News

The story of the USS Pueblo resurfaces

Gianni Belvedere, 24 been a man around 5 feet 11 inches, wearing tan pants and driving a dark gray late-model Honda. Police describe Gianni Belvedere, the missing person, as a white male, approximately 160 lbs. with a height of 6 feet 1 inch. He has blue eyes and fast-growing brown hair and may possibly change his appearance, police said. Gianni Belvedere may be driving a green 2004 Toyota Camry with Utah license plate B154V2. “We need you right now,” said Antoinette Belvedere, the sister of Salvatore and Gianni, at a press conference, according to 10News. “Please call us.” Police in Provo, Utah told news station KSL that they are looking for Gianni Belvedere because he has ties to friends and family in the Provo area. Police have asked anyone with information on Gianni Belvedere’s whereabouts to call the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000, Det. Mo Parga at (619) 531-2277 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via www. Sdcrimestoppers.com.

It’s amazing how some stories or events keep recurring. They just don’t die, and that is very important in order that history is properly recorded. I was delighted to read the indepth story of the USS Pueblo by John Wilkens in the in the Dec. 22, 2013 issue of U-T San Diego. It brought back a flood of memories for me and my personal involvement with this fascinating little US Navy ship and its crew. In the early part of the l980s I was the editor of The Military News, a tabloid publisher here in San Diego and distributed to all the military bases in the Greater San Diego area. With a little research, I discovered that the paper was under consideration to be banned from the bases since it did not contain enough military stories, so I needed a story that was outstanding to save the paper. I decided to ask the Public Relations Director of the US Navy Pacific Fleet in downtown San Diego for help. He gave me the contact information for Commander Lloyd ‘Pete’ Bucher, the Commander of the USS Pueblo which had surrender to the North Koreans on January 23, 1968 after being fired on, killing one crewman and wounding ten others. My interview with Commander Bucher in Poway, where he lived, lasted for two hours as he described the grueling adventure that he and his crew had endured for almost a year. They returned finally to San Diego on Christmas Eve at the Miramar Air Base to a hero’s welcome in all of San Diego, but

the Navy didn’t think they were heroes for giving up the ship without a fight. The Navy was prepared to court-martial Commander Bucher and admonish the crewmen, and so they finally spent the next five weeks in the Navy Court of Inquiry. All were cleared of any wrongdoing. I walked away from the interview with tears in my eyes. Mr. Bucher was a kind, gentle man and seemed to hold no grudge against anyone for what he and his men had been through. But remember, this interview was almost 12 years after their return. I published the story and the paper continued to be delivered to the military bases. But this story, like so many others, just doesn’t die. One of the crewmembers, Jack Cheevers, a former Los Angeles Times reporter has just written a book, “Act of War” describing how the men survived under such duress. I am looking forward to reading it. And so, the story lives on after 46 years, to make sure we don’t forget how so many suffered for our safety here in the United States. Two other stories of the Ko-

Sudoku

Maze Escape 1. Start in the center of the maze. 2. Get to the exit on the left as fast as possible. 3. If you make it to the exit on your first try, congratulations!

ANSWERS ON PAGE 16

rean War have impressed me just as much as this story. My good friend Floyd Morrow, former member of the San Diego City Council, was a 19-year-old Marine when he was sent to Korea, and to this day cannot speak of it without welling up in tears remembering the loss of so many of his staff. Bob Baker, the San Diego car magnate, was also in Korea. He has paid for the making of a documentary called “At All Costs,” which is the story of holding Harry’s Hill, a tragic story of holding the hill to the last man which would have happened if the Greek Army had not arrived in time. This documentary has been shown on KPBS twice that I know of and if you would like to view it, I would suggest you call the station and ask them to run it again. And so the stories live on in our hearts and our minds for the recording of history. We welcome Who’s News, What’s News and What’s history for this column. For information call Gina Cord at 619.683.2434 or email cordgine@gmail.com

Math Squares

A sudoku puzzle is a grid of nine by nine squares or cells, that has been subdivided into nine subgrids or “regions” of three by three cells.

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

The objective of sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9

1. Each number is only used once.

in each cell, in such a way that:

2. Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation.

1. 2. 3.

Each horizontal row contains each digit exactly once Each vertical column contains each digit exactly once Each subgrid or region contains each digit exactly once

ANSWERS ON PAGE 16

Use the numbers 1 through 16 to complete the equations.

3. Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 16

DINING & DRINK

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

WHAT IF CHURCH Stolpman Estate Syrah represents Santa Barbara well By Karen Irizarry Certified Sommelier

N HELPED MORE HUNGRY PEOPLE GET FOOD STAMPS?

F i rs t C h u r C h First united Methodist ChurCh

2111 Camino del Rio South, Mission Valley · 619-297-4366 · www.fumcsd.org

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM

ot only is Santa Barbara County a breathtaking place, it’s an exceptional winegrowing region. The east-west orientation of the coastal mountains forms valleys opening directly to the Pacific Ocean. This unique topography allows ocean breezes and fog cover to shape many distinct microclimates, perfect for many different grape varietals and world class wines. Many varietals grow well; Pinot Noir along with several Rhone and Italian varietals have gained acclaim. The terrain and climate of Santa Barbara allows for an unusually long hang time on the vine, allowing grapes to ripen fully with developed acids, flavors and tannins needed to produce wines of distinctive character. A great example from the region is Stolpman Vineyards. What started as a retirement plan has now become a passion. Owner, Tom Stolpman, originally devised to be a grape grower and planted vines in the prime limestone hills of the cool, maritime climate of Santa Barbara. However, his fruit became so sought after that Tom decided to start producing his own wine. In 2001, he recruited Sashi Moorman to become the head winemaker at Stolpman Vineyards, where he began building a reputation for himself as an upand-coming name to watch. Since then, Sashi has become one of the most celebrated winemakers of Santa Barbara County and

Head winemaker at Stolpman Vineyards, Sashi Moorman is the winemaker for four different wine labels in the region. Sashi’s thoughtful winemaking techniques reflect the unique terroir of Stolpman Vineyards. Limestone soils create structure and acidity while the microclimate of hot days, wind, and cold nights create intense wines with natural balance. Stolpman Vineyards crafts highly respected Rhone-style wines, and for Sashi, great wine equates to a full portfolio of Syrah. Of the 152 acres under vine, Syrah is the largest planting with 92 acres. Under the guidance of Sashi Moorman, Stolpman has slowly moved toward earlypicked, savory, low-alcohol wines. Stolpman produces a wide range of wines, but among the best is their warm, enveloping Syrah. Stolpman Estate Syrah serves as the introduction to Stolpman Vineyards. It’s their flagship

wine and is considered to be the truest representation of the terroir and vintage. The 2011 Estate Syrah is a great representation of the cooler 2011 vintage with the peppery and herbal notes of a cool climate Syrah. It has lots of flavor with keenly layered dark fruits, plum sauce and smoked meat, plus a hint of violets. This juicy yet herbal Syrah is full of vibrancy but proves soft and delicate on the palate. Syrah strikes a balance between power and finesse, which makes it an incredibly food-friendly wine, and Stolpman, in particular, makes pristinely balanced wines to pair with food. Syrah can match beautifully with herb-roasted vegetables as well as robust meats. It can pair well with the deep earthy flavors of bratwurst and even stand up to a ribeye steak. This great value Syrah can be found at San Diego Wine Company for only $23. Or if you’re planning a trip up to Santa Barbara soon, you can taste at the Stolpman tasting room daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Whether you’re planning a meal or simply would like to enjoy a glass, Stolpman 2011 Estate Syrah is a beautifully balanced wine for both!

DINING & DRINK Grantville’s Hidden Brewery Corner

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

By Doug Curlee Editor

Discovery of new and delicious beer and food just off Friars Road

wo enterprising groups of friends and family are quietly turning what’s been called an industrial zone just off Friars Road into a mini- hotbed of custom-brewed beer. Groundswell Brewing Company and Benchmark Brewery are up and operating in locations that might be a little hard to find, but are well worth the search. The family-owned Benchmark and the group-offriends-owned Groundswell share a lot of things that much of San Diego’s booming craft beer scene don’t. Groundswell’s operation at 6304 Riverdale Street is run by several friends (and a pair of brothers) who are all firmly grounded in the food and restaurant business, and their beers are created with food compatibility in mind. Groundswell president Kevin Rhodes is a graduate of the Culinary school at the Art Institute, as are some of the others. “We try to make beers that go well with food”, says Rhodes. “We’re not in this to compete with some of the other, more out-there breweries around.

Benchmark co-founder Jim Akin working on a new recipe We’re not looking to turn out beers with super-high alcohol content. We don’t want people to have a pint of our beer, and find themselves unable to walk to the door. If you’re looking for jalapeno-flavored beer, or something that tastes like grain alcohol, you’re probably better off going somewhere else.” The small but comfortable bar area features wide, soft stools, and there are couches and stuffed chairs around low tables to encourage comfortable stays and close conversations. There isn’t a jukebox, and there isn’t a pool table or a shuffleboard- not even a dartboard. There is, of course, ESPN on the overhead screens. You have to have SOME nod to the world. What is most prized are people who want to sample the product, then stay and enjoy

Groundswell Brewing Company their choices. Benchmark Brewery is much the same as Groundswell, but very different at the same time. It’s even harder to find, because it’s right in an office building suite, at 6190 Fairmount Avenue, Suite “G”-or so you’d think when you walk up. Once inside, you quickly realize this is a much bigger operation, both in floor space and brewing capacity.

It’s a family operation all the So far, both places seem to way, with Matt Akin as the be building a good clientele just brewmaster, working with his from walk-in business. One of the father Jim, and Matt’s wife Ra- reasons both operations thought chael as the business and advertising chief, not to mention interior decorator. They share with neighboring Groundswell the desire to create and market beers that go well with food. They also share the dislike of beers that taste like something else altogether, Benchmark Brewing and Groundswell Brewing are all about delicious beer, beer that you want to take and that contain home and drink with food. way too much alcohol. they’d do well here is that there Benchmark has been doing are a whole lot of people who live this for a little more than a year within easy walking distance of now, and rachael thinks they’re the area. People can and do walk turning the corner into being a from one to the other on evenings profitable business. and weekends, as they’re only two Benchmark encourages blocks apart. people to come in and try the Of course, people who drink 12 dollar sampler of the seven beer often want something to beers they’re offering at that eat with it, and you’d think that time, much like wine tasting would present a problem for esrooms offer. tablishments with no food service Rachael hopes the sampler will capability of their own. find one he or she likes, and will Not at all. stay and enjoy it. Both Groundswell and Bench“We hope to eventually market mark have good relations with our product to stores and restau- several food trucks that will park rants around the area, but we and serve foods of all types. won’t eve give up the facility for Food, they hope, that’ll go well people to walk, sit down, and en- with craft beers, since that’s what joy. If we’re lucky enough to have both breweries are working to creto move to a bigger space, we’ll do ate; food-friendly beers. so, but the bar will remain open.”

LOCAL NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

OPINION: FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE IN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS By Ruth Kenzelmann for the Mission Valley News As the new year approaches many of us must acknowledge that we didn’t achieve the goals we set last year for making positive changes in our lives. Each January, we promise ourselves that this is the year we will really follow through on those resolutions to improve areas of our life, from our health to our career to our personal relationships. But without clear goals, and steps in place to attain those goals, it can be difficult to successfully achieve meaningful, lasting changes in our busy and demanding lives. One approach that can help us break out of the annual rut of broken resolutions is positive psychology, which focuses on using and cultivating the strengths, talents and virtues

that enable individuals, families and communities to thrive. Incorporating positive psychology techniques in your daily routine can be an effective and valuable way to address feelings of stress or anxiety and stay committed to your goals of making healthy improvements in your life. These techniques can help us focus on things we can actively do every day to produce authentic happiness and cultivate wellbeing, leading to a better quality of life. Stress, anxiety and other mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic level. Positive psychology offers tools anyone can use to start improving their mental health and wellbeing today. It can help us expand our focus from clinical problems to cultivate feelings of wellbeing for a life filled with meaning, positive relationships and accomplishment.

Positive psychology offers strategies to help people manage life’s challenges, maintain a healthy outlook and recognize opportunities for enjoyment. These techniques are valuable tools that can promote mental health, increase resiliency and add balance to your life. Anyone can use positive psychology to help stay on track toward personal goals by following these simple tips: Unplug in 2014. Stay present, calm, and positive by building some “down time” into your day during which you switch off your mobile device, computer and television. Not only will this help you relax and recharge, but you will be able to better focus on the people and things around you. Set realistic goals that fit your schedule and budget. This is a great time of year to take stock of your goals and ac-

complishments and create a step-by-step plan to help you achieve greater control and fulfillment in the year ahead. Keep the momentum going. Stay inspired by keeping a daily account of your hard work and progress. Cross goals – large and small – off your list as you accomplish them. Develop a motto that inspires you and keeps you focused even after the glow of the holidays has faded to avoid backsliding into unhealthy habits. Something like, “I can do it” or “All great journeys start with one step”. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember there are people out there who are ready and available to help. People in San Diego County can call the 24-hour Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 to get free, confidential support and referrals related to a variety of needs,

including suicide prevention, crisis intervention, community resources, mental health referrals, and alcohol and drug support services. Anyone in San Diego County who needs help or is experiencing a crisis can call the Access and Crisis Line to immediately get assistance from a master’s level clinician, available in 150 languages through an interpreter service. There is also a chat function available Monday-Friday between 4 and 10 p.m. at www.optumhealthsandiego.com. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the San Diego County Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. Ruth Kenzelmann, Ph.D., is the executive director of OptumHealth San Diego, an organization that works with San Diego County to help people find the mental health and substance abuse services they need.

TRAVEL: Windmills and tulips along the waterways of the Netherlands By Tom Leech Leslie Johnson-Leech The usual question when people hear about our cruise down from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Belgium is, “What river was that on?” We passengers often asked the same questions, as the journey took us along several rivers with unfamiliar names, plus a few canals. Or maybe you already know about the Waal. The Windmills-Tulips cruise title captures the essence of springtime in this region, as the Netherlands is linked to flowers, especially tulips, plus windmills, the Zuider Zee, dikes and the young lad who stuck his finger in one to keep the place from flooding over, which it often did. Our ten days aboard the Uniworld River Duchess took in all of those, plus some memorable history, culture, and architecture. Did I mention scenic views, relaxation and the camaraderie that a small boat provides? With slightly over 100 passengers aboard the 361 feet long boat, you can readily meet and mingle with other people as well as key cruise staff, in our case Skipper Menno from Germany, Hotel Manager Doris from Austria and Cruise Manager Tony from Wales. Our cruise began in Amsterdam, a place first-time shore visitors quickly learn means looking both ways. Similar to Copenhagen, Amsterdam is bicycle town, with bikers galore peddling their way along the many bike paths. Once you learn how to not get run over, you appreciate the value this brings to an urban area in terms of reduced vehicle congestion, pollution and fuel waste.

We were introduced to Amsterdam via both a canal and city tour, including a visit to the prime Rijksmuseum, featuring especially paintings of Netherlands native Rembrandt. We had arrived early, a practice we recommend, and were able to explore many highlights of this extremely walkable city. These include the main city park, Vondelpark, the many houseboats lining the canals, the blockslong flower market (with many walk-in shops to sample cheese and chocolate, maybe even hemp), the evening hot-action section of Leidse Plein and the memorable and disturbing Ann Frank house, with its long line of visitors. Oh yes — and a stroll by the legendary and legal red light district, with other features vividly displayed. The cruise provides local small group tours of places visited, with guides explaining the highlights which we heard via wireless ear phones for each person. Before each visit, we were enlightened with lectures by Tony, who included occasional Welsh terms, one about clappers

an example. A short ways out from Amsterdam, our first visit was to the colorful Keukenhof Gardens, with many acres of flower fields, ponds, swans and special exhibits in gardens. Ninety percent of the world’s flowers come from this area. A series of wallmounted quotes from famous figures, such as Goethe, added to the contemplative nature of the place. One of the fun aspects of river cruising is the stops at picturesque small towns along the way. Volendam has its main street along the ocean. Its many shops and cafe-bars, include Len-

non’s Bar, with Beatles memorabilia, pictures and the ceiling covered with their records. Hoorn was intriguing as, due to filled-in ground and floods over the centuries, many buildings were leaning (Amsterdam has plenty of those as well). It got its name from Cape Horn, by a local explorer who sailed around South Africa in 1616. A stop at Enkhuizen, nearly seven centuries old, took us to the Zuider Zee Museum, a town recreated with over 150 buildings — houses, churches, stores, workshops, and a windmill — moved here to recreate an 1800s-vintage town. Cameras were busy here, as they were at every stop. In Groesbeck, the National Liberation Museum was a reminder of major World War 2 action here. On Sept. 17, 1944 the skies filled with thousands of paratroopers – U.S., British, Canadians and Poles. This was Operation Market Garden, an Allied assault on Germany, with the objective to capture key bridges so Allied tanks could cross over here and attack Nazi forces. One aspect of these efforts was shown in the movie “A Bridge too Far,” in which British forces, including gliders, landed in the midst of strong German troops. That mission was unsuccessful. In the museum were many displays and guides explained the various events, successes and difficulties. We docked at Kinderkijk (kids’ dike), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and headed out along a pathway to windmill country with 19 spaced along the canal. All but two have current residents, and we could go up into one to see how windmill housing works. Along the path were many fishermen, with long

poles extending out into the water and small nets on the ends. To attract the fish one fellow took a slingshot and slung some bait out near the net on the end of his pole. Next was a leisurely sail into Rotterdam, with the second largest harbor in world. As might be expected the Maritime Museum made for an informative visit. Another visit was to the Delta Project Visitor Center. In this impressive museum is told the history of how the Dutch built many dikes over the years. After a major dike burst in 1953, killing many people and with lots of flood damage, the dikes went high tech with a ten years upgrade project. Purpose – achieved — was to prevent such flooding from future high tides, while letting water flow in and out with normal tides. We visited the actual operational dike system, walking right inside and above the dikes to see how this worked. Later we visited the nearby picturesque and peaceful small town of Veere. Now we’re in Belgium, with our boat docked at Terneuzen. Buses took us over to Bruges, one of most visited cities in Europe, for good reason. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also called the “Venice of the North” with its many canals and open squares. (A recent film noir was “In Bruges.) We did a walking tour, followed by canal cruises. Swans, footbridges over canals, homes and picturesque scenes at every turn. The most crowds we’d seen, with many student groups. Glad we were there early in season as crowds increase in summer. The main See NETHERLANDS page 12

PLANNING GROUPS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM â&#x20AC;&#x201D; JANUARY 17, 2014

LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MARCH Community volunteers are needed for the Linda Vista Planning Group. There are several vacancies and open seats to fill during the annual elections in March. To qualify you must live, work, volunteer or own property within one of seven census tracts that comprise the boundaries of the planning group and ideally attend three meetings before (and including) the elections. Linda Vista Planning Group is officially recognized by the City of San Diego to advise and make recommendations to the City Council, the Planning Commission, city staff and other governmental agencies on

land use matters relating to the greater Linda Vista community. Monthly meetings are usually held on the fourth Monday of each month (except holidays) at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Linda Vista Branch Library at 2160 Ulric St. Elections will be held on Monday,

March 24. Please visit http://lindavista. org/LVPG for more details and to see copies of the bylaws, census tract, past meeting agendas and minutes, as well as other useful community information and resources.

NOTICE OF MISSION VALLEY PLANNING GROUP GENERAL ELECTION On Wednesday, March 5 the Mission Valley Planning Group (MVPG) will hold a general election of members to serve on its board. The general meeting and election will be at noon in the Community Room of the Mission Valley Library at 2123 Fenton Pkwy. The MVPG Board represents the general members of the Mission Valley Planning Group and is an all-volunteer group. Its primary purpose is to advise the City Council, Planning Commission and other governmental agencies as may be appropriate in the initial preparation, adoption of, implementation of, or amendment to the general or community plan as it pertains to the area or areas of influence of Mission Valley. Only general members who have attended a minimum of two meetings of the MVPG in the twelve months prior to the February 2014 regular meeting qualify to fill any board position. Attendance at the required meetings must be documented in the minutes of the meetings. Each term is four years, so all terms beginning in March 2014 will expire in March 2018. Three positions will be filled in the general election in each of the

following classifications: Class I: Property owner, who is an individual identified as the sole or partial owner of record, or their designee, of real property (either developed or undeveloped) within the community planning area. Class II: Person (including residents or persons representing business entities) paying property taxes on any parcel of real property in the community planning area. Class III: Resident, who is an individual, whose primary ad-

dress is an address in the community planning area (either an owner or renter). Class IV: Local business person (including persons representing business entities), who is a local business owner, operator or designee, with a business address in the community at which employees or operators of the business are located. A candidate forum will be held at the regularly scheduled monthly board meeting in the same location as set forth above at noon on Feb. 5. For further information, please contact John Nugent at jnugent50@aol.com

LOCAL NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Rental housing communities in Mission Valley win top awards at industry event

Being active in the new year

The Mission Valley YMCA’s Girls on the Run group participated in the Sparkle Shine 5K event last December.

By Kelly Ostrem ACSM-HFS, CHES Fitness Expert The new year brings on a sense of refreshment. Most of the focus is usually on diet and exercise, but did you know that volunteering is good for your health, too? Volunteering, some studies have shown, is associated with a boost in levels of well-being and lowering of depression. So, finding an outlet to volunteer your time and talents can benefit not only you, but your community, as well. If you have a passion for being active and fit, why not share it with others? Imagine spending one afternoon on the turf, showing a child how to kick a soccer ball. That small investment in time can share a love of being active that could change that child’s life forever. There are many ways and organizations that can help you incorporate being active with giving back and sharing healthy living with others. Girls on the Run is an afterschool program that builds confidence and self-esteem among girls in grades three through eight. Volunteer coaches lead groups of 8-20 girls through a 10-week curriculum designed to teach life skills and promote healthy choices. These lessons are combined with training to run a 5k. Volunteers can be more involved as coaches or assistant coaches, or becoming a running buddy. These running buddies partner up with a girl, mentor them, and help them reach their goals. “It was really cool to show my running buddy that she really could do it,” Claire Hiller, who volunteered through the Mission Valley YMCA, said. “It reminded me of why I started running.” The Mission Valley YMCA, as a partner organization, runs several Girls on the Run pro-

grams at local school sites. If you’re interested in becoming involved in this program, go to www.gotrsd.org. More information can be found on their site, as well as an application to volunteer. Mission Valley YMCA will host a volunteer training on January 27 for Girls on the Run volunteers who have started the volunteer process. This training will be at 5505 Friars Rd. in San Diego. Some people prefer playing sports to hitting the pavement. If running isn’t your favorite mode of activity, there are other ways to be active and give back. Many organizations, including the YMCA, offer sports leagues that need active volunteers. Youth leagues especially need volunteer coaches and assistants to teach kids athletic skills and how to play different games. These coaches are invaluable teachers and role models who help kids learn sportsmanship, build character through sport, and develop a love for activity from a young age. Having dedicated volunteers makes these programs possible. These are just a couple of ideas of ways to volunteer and be active, but there are many other organizations in San Diego and across the country that could benefit from having people passionate about health and exercise share their talents and time. Whether you just have an afternoon to give or more, you could make a lasting impact on your community.

By Jeremy Ogul Mission Valley News Multi-family housing can be found just about anywhere in San Diego County, but Mission Valley has some of the best apartment complexes in the region, according to a local industry poll. Four apartment communities in Mission Valley took home top honors at the Mark of Excellence awards ceremony held by the San Diego County Apartment Association in November 2013. Portofino, Club River Run, Aquatera and River Front won various honors in the areas of leasing practices, property management, resident retention and maintenance. All four of the communities are managed by H.G. Fenton Co. They were selected from a nominee pool of 245, the largest pool in the 20-year history of the awards. Portofino Apartment Homes and Club River Run Apartment Homes shared in the honor of Rental Community of the Year for communities with 101 to 300 units. The two communities came out ahead of 16 other nominees. Portofino is located near Friars Road and Northside Drive. Club River Run is at Rio San Diego Drive, just east of Interstate 805. At Aquatera Apartment Homes, maintenance supervisor Silvestre Saucedo won the award for maintenance supervisor of the year for supervisors responsible for 251 units or more. Saucedo came out ahead of 13 other nominees. Aquatera is on Mission Center Road north of Friars Road, adjacent to the new Civita neighborhood. At River Front Condominium Rentals, Vincent Silva won the award for assistant manager of the year for communities with 250 units or fewer. Silva came out ahead of nine other nominees. The River Front condos are on Camino de la Reina, just east of Highway 163. All nominees were adjudicated by impartial judges based on their performance between July 2012 and May 2013. The judges relied on extensive questionnaires as well

Netherlands, from page 1 square is very busy, with many cafes around the large open square. Among the many structures from 1300-1500 is the cathedral, Belfour Tower. I joined a few trekkers as we climbed 366 steps up 88 meters (288 feet). Good plan to walk off some of that ample ship food. Antwerp was our final cruise stop, with the boat next to its old fort. Our stroll took us past many historic statues, with a special eye-catcher showing a man holding a cut-off hand, a reference to the tale of a giant who

as “secret shopper” visits to the rental communities. “This recognition is so important to us since it reflects our ability to respond to the needs of our residents and provide them with a rewarding experience and communities that they love to come home to every day,” said Carol Whaler, H.G. Fenton’s executive vice president of residential asset management, in a written statement provided to Mission Valley News. “Listening to our customers and understanding what is important to them drives our innovative practices and focus on providing responsive, attentive and proactive service.” Whaler said a strong focus on the company’s guiding values helps the apartment communities achieve excellence. The values focus on fairness, honesty, providing a high-quality experience to employees and residents and maintaining good business practices. H.G. Fenton also monitors its own performance through third-party surveys of its residents, Whaler said. “In addition to our on-site management teams engaging our residents to understand what matters to them, we participate in a third party resident opinion survey by SatisFacts,” Whaler said. “This gives our

residents the opportunity to provide anonymous feedback, which we review carefully and take very seriously. This focus on our customer is reflected by ‘outstanding’ SatisFacts survey ratings as well as by the highly respected Mark of Excellence honors.” While Mission Valley may have some of the best apartment complexes, top quality does not come cheaply. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at Club River Run will run you $1800 to $1900 per month. At Portofino, the one-bedroom apartments range from about $1700 to $1800 per month. At Aquatera, a one-bedroom one-bath apartment costs just shy of $2000 a month, and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment costs $2325 to $2350 a month. As of fall 2013, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment across the county is $1,161, according to figures estimated by the San Diego County Apartment Association. For two-bedroom apartments the average rent $1,397. Still, apartment vacancies in San Diego County are dropping, according to figures estimated by the apartment association. The vacancy rate in the city of San Diego was 3.4 percent in the fall of 2013.

was known to chop off hands of passers-by who didn’t pay the tariff. Except another tough cookie said no way and chopped off the giant’s hands and tossed them into the river, thus giving Antwerp its name, in local language, “hand thrown.” Each night, after our day’s adventures and a good supper, we were entertained by performers with mostly local ties. A particularly memorable group was the Shanty y Singers, all past members of the Dutch marine corps and dressed in folkish attire. Accompanied by three accordion-

ists and other instrumentalists, they sang and hammed it up with many lively songs. Lots of fun. All in all, a mighty pleasant way to spend a few days floating down the rivers and canals. Tom Leech is former Outdoors Editor for San Diego Magazine Online, and the lead author of Outdoors San Diego: Hiking, Biking & Camping. Also author of On the Road in ‘68: a year of turmoil, a journey of friendship. Leslie Johnson-Leech teaches fitness for seniors, Tai Chi and history of musical theater at community college.

LOCAL NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Trolley, from page 1 Mission Valley and more about the lack of regional transit options in the University City area, which has emerged in the past couple decades as San Diego’s “second downtown” due to the high density of jobs and housing in the area. Congestion and density will continue to rise along the midcoast corridor over the next 15 to 20. SANDAG estimates that by 2030, the population along the corridor will increase 19 percent, and the number of jobs will increase by 12 percent. Transportation planners hope that the mid-coast trolley extension will encourage a greater number of people to leave their cars in the garage and take the trolley to work, taking pressure off the already crowded Interstates 5 and 805. The plan so far has received mixed reviews from the public. Connecting the University City area with the rest of the trolley system is a long overdue step in the right direction, said Elyse Lowe, executive director of Move San Diego, an alternative transportation advocacy organization. However, a trolley route that runs parallel to Interstate 5 will limit the potential impact the trolley can have on transit demand in San Diego, Lowe said. That’s because there are not many opportunities for dense growth in the areas around the planned trolley stops. The Clairemont neighborhood, for example, is nearly full with single-family homes already. The same is true for the area around Balboa Avenue, although that is closer to some of the dense housing in Pacific Beach. “You want to have stops that a huge number of people can walk to,” Lowe said. “Instead we have three stops where the majority of people will be driving, or hopefully biking.” The new trolley line will also fall short of serving the extremely dense employment center of Sorrento Valley. Some of the most densely

populated neighborhoods in San Diego, including Pacific Beach, Hillcrest and North Park, are not directly served by the trolley. That’s because transit planners put the trolley roughly where railroad tracks already existed. The strategy SANDAG has used here is similar to the strategy they used for the trolley’s older routes. They put the trolley where it is cheap and easy to secure the land needed for the

tracks, not where a trolley would effectively serve the greatest number of potential riders. Lowe said she is hopeful that the new leader of the city’s Planning Department, Bill Fulton, will prioritize the development of high-density development near existing and planned transit stops. On the bright side, the new trolley line will coincide with the development of Civita, Mission Valley’s big new neighborhood north of Friars Road. Marco Sessa, vice president of Civita developer Sudberry Properties, said the trolley will be a great asset for Civita residents who work in University City. “The more access we can get throughout the city, the better,” Sessa said. “It’s connecting the next large employment area to Mission Valley.” The trolley will also serve lower-income people in San Diego’s southern neighborhoods who commute to jobs in the University City area, said Elizabeth Leventhal, a member of the Mission Valley Planning Group. For more information on the Trolley route extension, visit www.sandag.gov.

History, from page 4 Marston writes to Benard with a request to come pick up some plants from the old Kate Sessions nursery grounds. “There are not many,” Marston wrote. “An ordinary light wagon will carry them all in one load.” Benard himself had a particularly interesting story. He came from a family of horticulturalists in Orleans, France, and many of his plants were imported from the family stock. Born in 1859, Benard immigrated to the U.S. in 1884 and spent time working in nurseries in Philadelphia, Boston and New York, according to William Ellsworth Smythe, the other of the 1913 book San Diego and Imperial Counties, California: A record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement. In 1886, Benard came to California and spent some time working in what is now the city of Fremont before coming to San Diego in 1887 to plant trees at the

An olive grove stands near the former site of the Mission Valley Nursery. Hotel del Coronado, according to Smythe. He was naturalized in 1892, according to an 1894 voter registration card in the history center’s collection. Benard first capitalized on the booming market for olive trees,

and he is credited in various historical sources as being the first to introduce the Ascolano olive to the area. Ascolano trees are known for producing exceptionally large olive fruit with delicate skin and a more fruity flavor than most oth-

er olive varieties, according to the Robbins Family Farm blog. After a few years he turned away from olives and began to focus more on ornamental plants, including roses, many imported from France and other parts of Europe. One rose variety, the Souvenir de Pierre Notting, was bred in Luxembourg by Soupert and Notting in 1895 and first sold in 1902, according to an article by the San Diego Floral Association. Local floral experts believe the Souvenir de Pierre Notting, which can be found near the Julian Hotel in Julian, probably came from Benard’s stock. Surprisingly, determining the former location of the Mission Valley Nursery was a challenge for the staff at the San Diego History Center, because there were no detailed maps of Mission Valley until the mid-20th century, after the nursery closed. With several hours of research using

old property tax documents and fire insurance maps, assistant archivist Lauren Rasmussen and archivist Jane Kenealy were able to establish with confidence the nursery’s location. Ernest Benard died in 1928. His wife, Margaretha, managed the nursery until her health declined in 1945. Upon her death in 1947, the nursery was purchased by Evelyn Cavenee, the niece and heiress of Victor Lawson, the former editor and publisher of the Chicago Daily News and president of the Associated Press. Sometime after Cavenee’s death in 1956, the nursery closed and the land was sold. Today, however, if you look closely enough, you can see a grove of olive trees on the hill behind the hotel, overlooking the valley. Benard and his nursery may be long gone, but the things he planted still carry on his legacy.

BUSINESS NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Movers & Shakers

Jim Madaffer named transportation panel

Movement in San Diego’s Business Community Fashion Valley marketing director

Christopher Lane Fashion Valley’s Marketing Director

“I want to ensure Fashion Valley continues to be regarded as one of the top destinations to visit in San Diego.” -Christopher Lane

announces

new

Fashion Valley’s new Director of Marketing and Business Development, Christopher Lane, has a clear goal for the center: to further enhance the credibility of San Diego as an epicenter of fashion, with Fashion Valley as the vehicle to make that happen. “San Diegans have the courage to express themselves through fashion in a very unique way, and I’m excited to help celebrate the great mix of retailers and lifestyle experiences we have available at Fashion Valley,” said Lane. Lane, who began his work with Simon Property Group’s (NYSE: SPG) Fashion Valley on Monday, January 6, 2014, will be responsible for marketing, events, local media relations and business development efforts. Additionally, he will act as a key liaison for various community organizations. “Chris is a valued member of the Simon team and has shown extraordinary dedication to business growth and development. We are thrilled to have him at Fashion Valley and look forward to him continuing the wonderful partnership with our community and shoppers,” said Lynn Castle, Simon Property Group Vice President of Marketing – West. Throughout his career with Simon Property Group, Lane has worked to enhance the overall shopping experience in his market while consistently improving marketing ventures. Additionally, he’s created and developed strong business relationships internally, as well as with tenants and community figures. Lane has been with Simon Property Group for four and a half years, beginning as a Marketing Assistant at Santa Rosa Plaza in the Bay Area, then moving into the Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development role at Stanford Shopping Center, also in the Bay Area, where he focused on large-scale event planning and worked closely with the community. Most recently, he held the Director of Marketing and Business Development position at Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, in Anchorage, Alaska, where he managed marketing, customer relations and media efforts. As Director of Marketing and Business Development at Fashion Valley, Lane hopes to even further raise the center’s reputation as San Diego’s premier retail destination. “I want to ensure Fashion Valley continues to be regarded as one of the top destinations to visit in San Diego,” said Lane, who aims to expand tourism efforts at the center. “I’m eager to get started and take it up a notch.” Lane, 28, graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and is currently finishing up his Master of Business Administration from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

Jim Madaffer California Transportation Commission

“I am honored by this appointment and look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and state officials to advance sound transportation policies.” -Jim Madaffer

Kimberly Bond President and CEO

CARES works with individuals with autism diagnoses ages one to adult.

Novata Behavioral Health, a subsidiary of Mental Health Systems (MHS), has acquired the San Diego-based autism organization Center for Autism Research, Evaluation and Service (CARES). CARES works with individuals with autism diagnoses ages one to adult. Services offered include functional behavior analysis, discrete trial training, social skill builders, counseling, parent education workshops, assessments, therapy and psychiatric support. With options such as home and school-based programs, the center accepts private pay and insurance-based services throughout California’s San Diego, Orange, Imperial and Riverside Counties. “This is history-making news for us,” said MHS President and CEO Kimberly Bond. “The Novata-CARES partnership opens new doors to improving the quality of life for children and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families.” CARES will now operate under the umbrella of privately operated Novata Behavioral Health. The center has offices in Scripps Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Temecula and El Centro, California. The addition of CARES will add 140 employees to Novata’s current staff. “There continues to be an increasing need for autism spectrum services, resulting from an elevated prevalence and increased public awareness,” said Bond. “As we learned about the CARES’ philosophy, mission and expertise, it became clear that this opportunity is ideal for us to expand our capacity to serve this population.” CARES co-founder Dr. Kathie Sweeten will serve as vice president of Novata CARES and all autism services. The other CARES co-founder, Dr. Alan Lincoln, is now vice president of Clinical Services with a focus on the Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) intern program, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), outpatient services and research. The BCBA program teaches clinical psychology to graduate students at all year levels. Students carry out ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions based on published research and designs, while delivering instruction in behavior analysis. Under Novata’s guidance, CARES will continue its support for workforce development in the field of behavioral health both locally and throughout the state. Individual and family therapy will continue to be available to all CARES patients as well as a variety of social skills groups.

key

Former San Diego City Councilmember Jim Madaffer was appointed to the California Transportation Commission on Monday by Gov. Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown The 11-member commission allocates money for highway construction and rail and transit improvement projects throughout California. It also works with the State Transportation Agency and the state Legislature in formulating and evaluating policies and plans for California’s transportation programs. “I am honored by this appointment and look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and state officials to advance sound transportation policies,” said Madaffer, 53. “As a former San Diego City Councilmember, SANDAG Board member and past president of the League of California Cities, I understand the importance of planning and funding highway, rail and transit projects which will ensure the best resources for job growth, sustainability and progress for future generations of Californians.” Madaffer served on the San Diego City Council from 2000 to 2008 and was chief of staff to City Councilwoman Judy McCarty from 1993 to 2000. He was on the San Diego Association of Governments’ (SANDAG) board of directors for six years while on the City Council and chaired the agency’s transportation committee during much of that time. As transportation committee chair, he was responsible for allocating millions of dollars to highway and road improvements in the area. A past president of the League of California Cities, Madaffer also played a key role in nearly doubling the size of Mission Trails Regional Park, one of the largest municipally owned parks in the country. Madaffer has been president of Madaffer Enterprises – a public policy consulting firm specializing in government and corporate relations – since 2009 and publisher of Mission Publishing Group LLC – which owns the Mission Valley News, Mission Times Courier, La Mesa Courier and Seaside Courier – since 1995. He is a member of Lambda Alpha International San Diego Chapter and the San Diego Press Club. He currently serves on the San Diego County Water Authority’s board of directors, the San Diego-Imperial Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the board of directors for CleanTech San Diego. Madaffer and his wife, Robin, live in Tierrasanta.

Southern California Soil & Testing, Inc. acquired by local professional engineer, Neal Clements

Neal Clements

Novata Behavioral Health Acquires Local Autism Organization

Engineer

“I look forward to seeing the two firms work together and am excited about the future success of both companies.” -Neal Clements

Southern California Soil & Testing, Inc. (SCS&T), a San Diego based engineering firm, announced January 7th that the company has been sold. Mr. Neal Clements, who was previously the Principal Engineer at G-Force, another local engineering firm, has acquired the firm for an undisclosed amount. Mr. Clements, a California licensed professional and service disabled Navy veteran, says that SCS&T and G-Force will enter into a long term partnership. SCS&T and G-Force offer a similar suite of geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and construction inspection services to a variety of clients and industries throughout California. “The combined resources will allow for a great upside for growth”, states Mr. Clements. “I look forward to seeing the two firms work together and am excited about the future success of both companies.” Since 1959, Southern California Soil & Testing, Inc. (SCS&T) has been a provider of professional engineering support services to a broad range of markets in both the public and private sector. The firm employs 74 staff members comprised of skilled geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, multi-credentialed inspectors, and support personnel. SCS&T is a California certified SB, DVBE and SDVOSB firm headquartered in San Diego with branch offices in Indio and Riverside, CA.

Who will be the next Entrepreneur of the Year in San Diego?

Ernst & Young has begun accepting nominations for the Entrepreneur of the Year awards, an annual program that showcases successful entrepreneurs from more than 150 cities in 60 countries. Last year, nearly 60 business leaders from San Diego were nominated for the program and seven were selected as winners: Kim Reed Perell of Adconion Direct, Tom Tullie of ecoATM, Gerald Proehl of Santarus, Inc., Mary Fisher of SkinMedica, Kelly and Chad Grismer of The Entrepreneur Wheat Group, Inc. and Gary Rayner of LifeProof. “The entrepreneurs we have honored are creating disruptive Unknown companies and causing a positive ripple effect in our communities, our capital markets and our economy,” said Tim Holl, director of the Entrepreneur of the Year program, in a press release. Regional winners will have a chance to compete for the national Entrepreneur of the Year award at an event hosted by Jay Leno in November. Eligible nominees must be the founder or an executive who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of a business early in its life cycle or during its growth. The deadline is March 14. Self-nominations are encouraged. There is no fee to nominate. Complete nomination information is available at www.ey.com/us/eoy/sandiego.

LIBRARY EVENTS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

Mission Valley Planning Group discusses homeless issues and community opinion Homelessness and a community survey were the top discussion topics at the Jan. 8 meeting of the Mission Valley Planning Group, but the group took no significant action.

Homelessness

Three Stages of Excellence Workshop January 18, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join human performance and self-hypnosis coach Juan Acosta for an experiential workshop that will teach you how to take action when you feel stuck, build awareness of your own motivations and push yourself to commit to the life changes you want. This workshop is free and open to the public. ElderHelp San Diego January 18, 1-2 p.m. ElderHelp is a local non-for-profit organization that is celebrating 40 years of helping older adults age in place in San Diego. Learn about their programs and services, as well as volunteer opportunities. This seminar is ideal for those who want assistance with aging in place at home safely and independently, for families or friends looking for a way to help their loved one to do so, or for those looking for fulfilling volunteer work. Health and Wellness through Tai Chi Thursdays, 2 to 4 p.m. This class is designed for adults 55+ and will teach students strategies for implementing physical exercise and relaxation techniques in addition to Tai Chi. Yoga Tuesdays , 6 to 7 p.m. Are you looking for a workout program that’s easy to learn, requires little or no equipment, and soothes your soul while toning your body? If strengthening your cardiovascular system, toning and stretching your muscles, and improving your mental fitness are on your to-do list, than yoga is for you! Zumba Basic Mondays, 4 to 5 p.m. Join the Zumba craze! Find out what makes this fun workout such a hit. A towel and bottled water are recommended for our Zumba sessions. Zumba Gold Fridays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Zumba Gold is a lower impact version of our Zumba Basic class on Mondays, but just as fun! The moves have been carefully designed to be easy to follow by participants of any size or age. Baby Signs Storytime: First and third Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. Parents often wonder, “What is my baby thinking?” There is a way to find out: teaching your baby some basic signs using American Sign Language will fill the gap. Communication is said to be the foundation of a solid relationship; learning to sign with your baby will build that bond early and provide you a bridge from infancy to childhood. Preschool Storytime & Craft Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers are invited to a storytime, then a fun craft right afterwards! Toddler Storytime Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Storytime designed for toddlers, featuring songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. Yoga for Kids First and third Mondays, 1:30 p.m. Kids will learn how to calm and quiet themselves , develop strong & healthy bodies, and set a foundation for life-long wellbeing in a relaxed and fun environment.

GET INVOLVED!

A speaker during the public comment portion of the meeting asked why the benches had been removed from the trail along the San Diego River. Marla Bell, a member of the

Crafts for Kids Fridays & Mondays 4 to 5 p.m. Kids: use and enhance your creativity by making a craft! And you get to keep the finished product! The Manga Club Wednesdays 5 to 6 p.m. Discuss fantastic manga new and old: its history, storylines, possible storyline revisions, and the latest news. Club members will eventually collaborate to create their own manga! For teens only.

planning group board, said her homeowner’s association had paid for the benches to be removed because they were “homeless magnets.” “They sit back on the picnic benches behind us, they drink, they do their drugs, they urinate,” Bell said. Board member Perry Dealy said the group would add a discussion of homelessness to the agenda for the February meeting.

Morning Storytime with Kathie January 27 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their families are invited to join us for stories, rhymes, and songs. Linda Vista Planning Group General Meeting January 27 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is an open meeting of the Linda Vista Planning Group. The public is encouraged to attend. Hopscotch Tiny Tots February 4 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Join Miss Kim for a great time with music, stories and crafts for babies and toddlers.

Mission VALLEY NEWS publishers of

Mission Times Courier La Mesa Courier

Community survey Board member John Carson delivered the results of a test survey completed by board members. The board will eventually advertise the survey publicly to ensure the board is fully representing the views of members of the public, especially those who may not be able to attend mid-day meetings. Further action on a community survey will be taken at a later meeting.

Toddler Yoga Storytime with Aryn Rannazzisi February 6 10 a.m. Toddlers will enjoy the calming, meditative effects of yoga while interacting with their parents and the other children participating.

Linda Vista Branch Library is located at 2160 Ulric St., San Diego. Visit lindavistalibrary.org or facebook.com/lvlibrary. The library is open Monday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 12:30 to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; closed Sunday.

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EDITOR

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Becky Suffridge, ext. 140 Becky@ScoopSanDiego.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Genevieve A. Suzuki, ext. 121 Gen@MissionValleyNews.com

PUBLISHER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

STAFF WRITER

Mission Publishing Group, LLC Jim Madaffer Jim@MissionValleyNews.com

Todd Kammer, ext. 144 Graphics@MissionPublishingGroup.com

Jen Van Tieghem • Gina Cord Kelly Ostrem

Jeremy Ogul, ext. 127 Jeremy@MissionPublishingGroup.com

OUR NEXT ISSUE The next issue of the Mission Valley News comes out Friday, Dec.13. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 3. Circulation: 15,000. Published 12 times in 2013 and delivered throughout our circulation area of Mission Valley, San Diego, California by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, 6549 Mission Gorge Road #199, San Diego 92120. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: Mission Valley News 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 Mission Valley News 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.” Mission Valley News will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify Mission Valley News readers that all dwellings advertised in Mission Valley News are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275. News and information printed in Mission Valley News 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 Valley News 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. © 2007–2013, all rights reserved.

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — JANUARY 17, 2014

News from the San Diego River Park Foundation

SUDOKU ANSWERS FROM P. 7

Donations needed for Discovery Center on the river As of Jan. 3, the San Diego River Park Foundation was still $17,980 short of the full funding needed to complete the interpretive design plan for the San Diego River Discovery Center at Grant Park, a 17-acre riverfront site near the corner of Qualcomm Way and Camino del Rio North. The foundation’s vision is to build a nature park to provide recreational and reflective space as well as a venue to educate visitors with exhibits about the role of the ecological resources associated with the river. Donations can be made at sandiegoriver. org/discovery_center.html

garden projects. All tools are provided by the River Foundation. RSVPs requested.

Pond cleanup along San Diego River in Santee Saturday, Jan. 18 9 a.m. to noon 9792 Chubb Ln., Santee

Native plant restoration in Santee Saturday, Jan. 25 10 a.m. to noon Mast Park, Santee

120 volunteers are needed to

The foundation needs help

42,000 lbs. of trash identified along the river by the Healthy River, Healthy Communities program.

Refreshments and an educational program will be offered at 9 a.m. Planting will begin at 10. RSVP requested. Tools and supplies will be provided.

Upcoming volunteer help remove the last batch of getting beneficial native plants opportunities litter identified as part of the in the ground along the river. Notes: No RSVP necessary unless otherwise noted below or unless you are coming with a group of 10 or more volunteers. RSVP at (619) 297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org. Volunteers do not need to have experience to participate. The organization will provide tools and water. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoe and bring sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Volunteers under the age of 16 must accompanied by an adult. All volunteers must sign a liability waiver.

Point Loma Native Plant Garden Sunday, Jan. 19 and Feb. 1 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mendocino Boulevard and Greene Street, San Diego The Friends of the Point Loma Native Plant garden needs help tending to the native plant garden. Volunteers will be invited to a guided plant walk. The group requests RSVPs.

Style has a home. And now you do too. Modern award-winning architecture. Urban details with rooftop decks and multi-story window walls. The latest trends in sustainability. Electric cars on hand. Civita is the perfect blend of urban chic and village charm, right in the heart of Mission Valley. With its eclectic mix of neighborhoods—and more coming this year—Civita is the cure for bland. Visit us on Civita Blvd.—two blocks north of Friars Rd., off Mission Center Rd.

ORIGEN by Shea Homes • From the low $500s • 866.696.7432 ALTANA by TRI Pointe Homes • From the mid $600s • 888.619.3500 FRAME & FOCUS by Shea Homes • From the mid $400s • 866.696.7432 LUCENT by Shea Homes • Opening Spring 2014 • 866.696.7432 CIRCA 37 by Sudberry Properties • Luxury apartment rentals • 619.378.3037

civitalife.com Civita is a master plan development of Quarry Falls, LLC. All information is accurate as of date of publication, but information and pricing is subject to change at any time.

San Diego River Garden volunteer work party Sunday, Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 3334 Camino Del Rio N Every second and fourth Sunday, families come together to take care of the San Diego River Garden. Activities include weeding, watering, pruning, trail maintenance and other light

River Rescue Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Feb. 12 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

MATH ANSWERS FROM P. 7

River Rescuers attack smaller trash and dumping sites at various locations along the river to help create a healthier habitat and community along the river. For details on the location of the next mission, call (619) 2977380. Kayak Cleanup Saturday, Feb. 1 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. At the most popular cleanup event of the year, the Clean and Green team takes kayaks and canoes out into the estuary at high tide to clear trash and debris before nesting season begins for the Light Footed Clapper Rail. A shoreline team will clean up trash and debris on the banks of the estuary. Altogether, about 150 volunteers are expected. RSVPs required.

MAZE ANSWER FROM P. 7