Mission Valley News - August 2013 by Mission Publishing Group LLC

August 16, 2013

On the Internet at www.MissionValleyNews.com

Volume VII – Number 8

What about Bob?

By Jeremy Ogul

With most of San Diego calling for his resignation, Mayor Bob Filner faces complete isolation from the political scene.

By Dave Schwab

oth votes came at MVPG’s Aug. 7 meeting, which makes land-use recommendations to the city in its planning area bounded by Friars Road on the north, the San Diego River on the east, the southern slopes of the valley on the south and Interstate 5 on the west. A year ago, hotel developer and U-T publisher Douglas F. Manchester announced plans for an estimated $200 million

redevelopment of the daily newspaper’s headquarters complex at 350 Camino de la Reina. The redevelopment intends to create a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use project offering residential, office and retail in twin towers. At that time, Perry Dealy, president of Dealy Development and team leader for U-T’s redevelopment, said the effort “could set the tone for future develop-

Mission Valley

ready to go Wild

ment in Mission Valley and elsewhere.” On Aug. 7, U-T redevelopment team members, including Dealy, gave a slideshow presentation detailing plans for the proposed urban pocket park. “Connectivity ” was the key word used to describe preliminary plans for the new pocket park, which is the culmination of See PLANNING page 15

ore than a year after Seau’s Restaurant closed at the Westfield Mission Valley mall, a new sports bar and grill has agreed to move into the space. Buffalo Wild Wings was in the final stages of signing a lease with Westfield for the former Seau’s space at the end of July, said Westfield leasing manager Jim Bess. Bess estimated that the restaurant should be finished with tenant improvements and open for business by the end of No-

vember. A Buffalo Wild Wings spokesperson said it was too early to comment on the restaurant chain’s plans for its Mission Valley location. The restaurant chain claims it is “the ultimate place to get together with your friends, watch sports, drink beer and eat wings.” The new space will be the first in the city of San Diego for Buffalo Wild Wings. In San Diego See WINGS page 14

See FILNER page 2

RVs banned from overnight street parking By Jeremy Ogul

By Jeremy Ogul

hat little support San Diego Mayor Bob Filner had left has all but evaporated over the past week or two, leaving the mayor isolated and bombarded with legal troubles. At press time, the mayor had not yet resigned, but more public figures, including several who have stood by the mayor, had joined the chorus calling for Filner’s resignation. Public opinion polls and anecdotal evidence show Filner has little sympathy left among local citizens. Kevin Beiser, who represents the Mission Valley area as vice

an Diego is one of the last coastal cities in Southern California where you can freely park an RV or a boat on the street overnight, but that privilege will soon vanish as a result of a new city ordinance. The City Council voted in July to crack down on oversized vehicles parking on city streets. The ordinance affects any vehicle that exceeds 27 feet in length and 7 feet in height. It also affects RVs, boats, dune buggies, ATVs, trailers and trailer buses. Without a permit from the city, these vehicles are banned from parking on public streets from 2 to

6 a.m. They are also banned from parking within 50 feet of any intersection at any time. Violators will be given a ticket with a $100 fine. Under the new system, San Diego residents may purchase up to three consecutive 24-

hour parking permits for their oversized vehicles. Each 24See BANNED, page 5

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Filner, from page 1

Dear Ask the Cop: I’m having a problem with enforcing my child custody order. When it’s my time to see my son, my wife tells me he doesn’t want to go with me. I don’t know what to do. Can I call the police to help me get my son? -Sad Dad in San Diego

Dear San Diego Dad, This is a tough and heartbreaking situation. There are too many questions I would have about your particular situation to give you the information you would need. I would first advise you to get a lawyer. A lawyer can give you better advice then I can. This type of court order is civil and not criminal. Custodial court orders are enforced by the Sheriff’s Department. In cases of civil matters, you should keep a record of the visitations and or violations. The custody order should also be detailed with dates of visitations, where the exchange of custody takes place, holidays, birthdays, and vacations. Any changes should be written in the court order. Enforcing the court order can be very complicated. You

should talk to an attorney about enforcing the court order. If you go to the Superior Court of California County of San Diego Family and Children website (www.sdcourt.ca.gov), there is a lot of information for you. This website also provides a program list that will educate you on your rights with visitation. On another note, let’s say your wife is telling the truth and your son doesn’t want to see you. On the Family Court website there is also information about counseling for you and your son, and possibly for your wife as well. You can always call police and say you want to officers to come out and maintain the peace between the exchange of custody. Make sure you have a copy of the court order with you to show the officers the reason you are there. If the mom does not give you visitation with your son, ask

the police for the incident history number. Take that number down and keep it. Then contact our records division and ask for the print out of the incident. Our records division will be able to know the incident you are referring to by the incident history number. Once you have that print out keep it for your records. The next time you go to court to address this problem you can show the judge that your wife is not exchanging custody.

Officer Holland Tafoya

SDPD Eastern Division Community Liaison Officer

Have a question for Ask the Cop? Email AsktheCop@missionvalleynews.com.

Leader and served six months as acting mayor after Dick Murphy resigned in 2005. Atkins dodged the question when Voice of San Diego CEO Scott Lewis asked her if she wanted to run for mayor at Politifest on Aug. 3, but her name has been floated by many others as a potential new mayor. Another San Diego school board member, Scott Barnett, posted a comment on Twitter recently that read “Mayor harassing rape victim!? I’m done with due process and have joined the lynch mob.” Unlike Beiser, Barnett did not endorse Filner’s campaign for mayor. Cindy Moore, chair of the Serra Mesa Planning Group, said she could not comment on behalf of the group and was not yet sure if or how the situation in the mayor’s office was affecting projects in that group’s planning area. The mayor was nowhere to be found at the CicloSDias open streets bicycling event on Aug. 11. Though Filner has been a persistent advocate for the event and allocated money to make it a reality, none of the several participants we interviewed knew that Filner’s efforts contributed to the event. Joan Bradley, a resident of Golden Hill, took a break from bicycling at CicloSDias to talk about Filner’s woes. “We finally got a Democratic mayor, and then it all goes to hell,” Bradley said. “I think a lot of people are saddened by the whole thing.” Bradley, a Democrat, said she once supported Filner for his progressive agenda. Now, however, she will vote for a recall if it gets to that point, she said. City Heights resident Fred Woods watched the passersby from his driveway on 35th Street on the afternoon of CicloSDias. Woods, who works in the shipyards, said policy always trumps personality. The main concern for citizens should be how the mayor’s policies are affecting San Diego, but the allegations

against Filner have begun to affect his ability to lead the city, Woods said. “It’s very unfortunate,” Woods said. Woods, who has seen Filner speak at organized labor events, said he is skeptical of some of the public figures who have called for Filner’s head. “Sometimes people are on things like they don’t have skeletons themselves,” Woods said. If the allegations against the mayor turn out to be true, however, the mayor needs to go, he said. In late July, Filner said he would attend an intensive inpatient therapy program from Aug. 5 through Aug. 16. On Aug. 9, however, local news media outlets reported that Filner was back from therapy a week early. Filner’s lawyers then announced that Filner would take a week of personal leave, according to news reports. The campaign to recall Filner has picked up significant momentum in the past several weeks, especially after the announcement that five influential political insiders would manage the recall effort: April Boling, Jean Freelove, John Hoy and Rachel Laing. Attorney Gloria Allred delivered another damning press conference on Aug. 6, in which she introduced a nurse who said Filner asked her out in his office while she was there advocating on behalf of a veteran who was struggling to get help from the Department of Veterans Affairs. A CNN report around the same time carried accusations from members of the National Women Veterans Association of America who said Filner tried to ask them out, told them he loved them and made them feel physically uncomfortable. The group advocates on behalf of women who have been sexually assaulted in the military. A rally to call for the mayor’s ouster was planned to take place in front of the Civic Theatre near the mayor’s office downtown on Aug. 12.

Kebabs for a Good Cause No, you’re not reading this wrong: The Kebab Shop is hosting its 2nd Annual Doner Day Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before you write Mission Valley News to express concern about our spelling, you should know “doner kebab” is a Turkish dish comprising meat cooked on a vertical spit. The dish may also be recognized by its other names, shawarma and gyro. The Kebab Shop, which opened a location in Mission Valley six months ago, is encouraging the public to “Get a Doner, Be a Do-

ner.” For every doner kebab purchase during the specified time, The Kebab Shop will donate $1 to The San Diego Food Bank. The first 20 people in the door at all six locations will receive a free doner kebab. Customers can also enter a raffle to win a free doner kebab every week until 2014. There will also be prizes, giveaways and samples to try of all The Kebab Shop’s menu items. The Kebab Shop is also in Little Italy, Encinitas, East Village, Rancho Bernardo and Mira Mesa.

PETS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Don’t Put Your Pet’s Well-being on Automatic

By Sari Reis

Automatic sprinklers, light systems and burglar alarms – we are constantly searching to save time and streamline our lives. Unfortunately, this search often also includes the care of our pets. We have automatic feeders, automatic drinking fountains and automatic litter boxes. Although these devices can save time, they are generally not a good idea.

Free Children’s Bike Helmet Giveaway Aug. 17

Kaiser Permanente and the Cox Cares Foundation are partnering for a series of Bicycle Helmet Safety events at Fashion Valley Mall on Saturday, Aug. 17, starting at noon. Parents and grandparents can bring children to be personally fit by San Diego Paramedics, for a properly fitted bicycle helmet. Free bicycle helmets will be given to the first 250 children aged 12 and under, just for showing up. Children must be present to be fitted.

As a professional pet sitter, my most important responsibility is to keep the animals in my care healthy. One of the best ways for me to do this is to monitor the animal’s intake and output. If a dog or cat is eating from an automatic feeder that drops food into a bowl in an undetermined amount, it is impossible for me to know how much food the pet has actually consumed. The automatic feeders that are set

on timers to open a door at a set time with a set amount of food, frequently fail to operate properly, leaving the animal standing by the devise hungry and waiting for something to happen. Most of the water fountains I have come across are electrical. If for some reason the power goes out, the water stops running, leaving only what is currently in the bowl for the pet to drink. The water bowls

are often not completely cleaned on a regular basis, just refilled, and I see all sorts of things floating around in them. It is also impossible to monitor the dog or cat’s intake of water, an essential part of monitoring their wellbeing. Due to our distaste for handling the contents of cats’ litter boxes, we even invented automatic litter boxes. As soon as the cat steps out of the box, a motor kicks in and sweeps all of the “yucky” stuff away. An animal’s state of health can be scrutinized by observing its urine and feces. I need to see if a cat, which has a history of urinary tract infection, is producing a normal amount of urine. I need to see if there is blood in the urine or feces. I can’t do that if the stuff automatically disappears, and neither can you. As a responsible pet parent, you need to be monitoring these things as well. Another downside of going automatic is that many people think if they have all of these devices in place, their cats do not need to be visited by someone every day while they are away. Even people with dogs who have doggie doors believe that one visit a day will do. Wrong. Our pets are social sentient beings used to having

the companionship of humans. Even kitties that hide like to hear a human voice and know a presence is there. Don’t get me wrong, I think today’s automatic conveniences are wonderful. They save us time so we can do more of the things we enjoy. However, the care and monitoring of your pet’s health is not the place to be economizing on time and effort. Sari Reis is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and the Owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information you can contact her at (760) 644-0289 or www.missionvalleypetsitting. com.

LOCAL NEWS

Broken Yolk makes breakfast a Mission By Jeremy Ogul

Broken Yolk Cafe’s opening in Mission Valley marks the latest achievement in owner John Gelastopoulos’s rise from a lowly dishwasher to local restaurateur. The popular home-style breakfast joint opened first in Pacific Beach in 1979. Having just emigrated from Greece, a twenty-something Gelastopoulos got a job there as a dishwasher. He worked his way up and out of the restaurant business over the next several years, eventually getting into the business of buying and selling businesses. By 1994, Gelastopoulos and his wife purchased the very Broken Yolk Cafe where his career began. Broken Yolk began to expand in 2006 with the opening of its first licensed restaurant in Chula Vista. More franchise locations soon opened in Carlsbad, the Gaslamp Quarter, San Marcos, Oceanside, Point Loma, Carmel Mountain and Temecula. The Mission Valley franchise, located where Bennigan’s once stood, is

the tenth location to open, with 19 more in the franchise pipeline, said Valerie McCartney, Broken Yolk’s Vice President of Franchise Development. The company plans to open future locations in Orange County, Palm Desert, Sacramento and Los Angeles. Another branch of the restaurant opened in the city of Orange this month. Broken Yolk Cafe gained national fame when it was

featured on the third season of the popular Travel Channel

show, Man vs. Food, in 2010. Host Adam Richman came to the Pacific Beach location to try his hand at the Iron Man Challenge, a beastly sixpound platter containing a 12-egg omelet covered in chili and cheese, a pound and a half of hash browns and two large biscuits. Richman succeeded in gobbling down the entire platter in just 32 minutes, earning him a T-shirt and a plaque on the restaurant’s Hall of Fame. Richman’s challenge also earned the restaurant national name recognition that has been drawing outof-town customers ever since. Despite the notoriety of the Iron Man Challenge, customers are usually drawn by more traditional breakfast dishes, such as French toast, waffles and over 20 varieties of omelet. Broken Yolk boasts that its salsa is made fresh daily and its hash browns are made from real potatoes. The restaurant also serves lunch.

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

BJ’s adds a sixth San Diego area location

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is slated to be ready around Thanksgiving.

By Andy Cohen BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse will add a Sixth San Diego location this fall, adding to their lineup of area restaurants in La Jolla, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, and Escondido. The latest site will take the place of the former Maria Maria restaurant in Hazard Center. Maria Maria closed down their Hazard Center location sometime in the spring of 2012 due to “corporate failure,” according to John Jennings, the real estate broker who delivered the lease agreement between BJ’s and Hazard Center. The California based chain has two remaining restaurants,

both in Northern California. Early Yelp reviews of the Mexican cuisine restaurant were relatively positive, falling flat shortly after an overhaul of the menu in 2011. “Wow! I’m not sure what higher up decided it was a good idea to change the menu,” wrote reviewer Danielle T., “but COMPLETE DISAPPOINTMENT! I used to rave about this place but now I will not be returning.” The first BJ’s restaurant opened in 1978 in Santa Ana, California, featuring Chicago style deep dish pizza. It has since expanded to include 138 locations See restaurant page 13

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Banned, from page 1

hour permit will cost $1, and each residence is limited to 72 24-hour permits per year. The permit only allows parking on the same block as the residence of the permit holder. Under the current system, a parking enforcement officer must mark the vehicle after someone complains, then return after another 72 hours to inspect the tag and issue a citation, according to a presentation by city staff. In other words, it takes a minimum of three days to cite someone who is violating the current ordinance. This issue was personal for Councilmember Scott Sherman, who owns an RV and said he was torn on the issue. “Why should I have to pay a fee to park my vehicle on a street that my tax dollars already pay for?” Sherman asked. Sherman said law-abiding RV owners need up to four days to park their RV on the street in order to make repairs and stock up before a big trip.

“Too many times good intentions in government end up running amok, and it punishes the wrong people, and I want to make sure that that doesn’t happen,” Sherman said. Sherman ended up supporting the measure along with six other councilmembers. Councilmembers Sherri Lightner and David Alvarez opposed. Councilmember Marti Emerald was absent. Wil Rule, a Bay Park resident, said he is not bothered by his neighbors parking their RVs in the street. Instead, he is angry that the city is trying to skim more money off average citizens. “It’s ridiculous what they’re trying to do,” Rule said. “We are struggling so much just to stay alive, and we gotta fight the city too?” Many people living in RVs are just one step away from homelessness, Rule said. An RV parking space at a local storage facility can cost $130 or more per month. Once a struggling indi-

vidual’s RV gets towed with all their possessions inside, they’re the next homeless person living under the bridge, Rule said. Indeed, homeless advocates counted an estimated 663 people living in their vehicles this year, out of an estimated 3,115 who were considered unsheltered homeless in the city. The San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless estimates do not distinguish between people living in RVs, cars, trucks or vans, but they are out there, said executive director Dolores Diaz. “When people don’t have affordable housing they will use their vehicles if they have one to sleep at night,” Diaz said. “They will look for shelter. They will do whatever they can to prevent themselves from being on the street, and that

includes sleeping in a vehicle, whether it’s an RV or not.” City Council President Todd Gloria acknowledged the impact the new rules could have on struggling residents. “I’m concerned about those who frankly don’t have any other options,” Gloria said. Considering Mayor Bob Filner’s focus on the homeless, Gloria suggested that the Mayor’s Office should identify a low-cost accommodation, possibly on city land, for those who have nowhere else to go with their RVs. No one is certain when the notoriously slow California Coastal Commission will finalize its approval. City staff at the meeting said they hope the approval could be granted within six months. At the same time, the city will have to establish an online permitting system to allow residents to purchase their parking permits online. The city estimates it would take six months to amend the city’s contract with the vendor who provides the city’s online parking citation management system.

The ordinance will expire two years after it is approved by the California Coastal Commission. City leaders have been working since December 2004 to develop new regulations for oversized vehicle parking. San Diego is one of the last cities in the region to enact some kind of regulation limiting oversized vehicle parking. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado, El Cajon, Los Angeles, Oxnard and Torrance all

already have similar regulations on the books. Now that San Diego has passed its ordinance, Imperial Beach is the only coastal city in the county without an oversized vehicle ordinance, according to research by city staff.

BUSINESS NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Neil Dymott Names Two New Shareholders

Matthew R. Souther Shareholder

BENJAMIN J. HOWARD Shareholder

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SAN DIEGO

Neil Dymott recently named Matthew R. Souther and Benjamin J. Howard as shareholders of the firm. Souther joined Neil Dymott as an associate in 2004. The emphasis of his practice is on the defense of medical malpractice claims, professional liability, personal injury, healthcare claims and general civil litigation. Souther is an adjunct professor at California Western School of Law, where he teaches a course on medical malpractice litigation. He is a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, San Diego County Bar Association, American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, San Diego Association for Healthcare Risk Management, Southern California Association of Health Risk Management, and San Diego Defense Lawyers (SDDL), where he served on the Board of Directors in 2010 and 2011. Howard joined Neil Dymott as an associate in 2005. Howard’s practice focuses on general and professional liability matters, personal injury and the defense of medical malpractice claims. He was awarded the “Distinguished Young Attorney Award” by the San Diego Defense Lawyers Association for his professionalism and dedication to excellence in 2008. He has served on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Defense Lawyers (SDDL) from 20102012 and is the current President for 2013 and has been recognized by the San Diego Daily Transcript as one San Diego’s “Young Attorneys” in 2007 and 2010. He is a member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, Defense Research Institute, San Diego Association for Healthcare Risk Management and the San Diego County Bar Association.

Rotarian joins Fogg and Associates

RADIA BENCHEIKH Associate Financial Advisor

Radia Bencheikh joined Fogg and Associates as an associate financial advisor. The newest addition to the firm’s talent pool was announced by Richard H. Fogg, CFP, a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial and president of Fogg and Associates. “For the past seven years Radia has been handling both financial and investment matters at several international financial houses. This alone makes her a very valuable asset to Fogg and Associates clients,” said Fogg. An active member of Rotary International, Bencheikh prides herself on her willingness to give back to the community around her. Her efforts in this regard have helped a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including the Junior League, initiating microcredit loans, and Rotary’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. She was also named Rotarian of the Year for the year 2012-13 by the Del Mar-Solana Beach Sunrise Club. Looking forward, Bencheikh is anticipating her participation in the fourth annual Ameriprise Financial National Day of Service – a day set aside when thousands of Ameriprise financial advisors, clients and employees will be volunteering across the country at Feeding America member food banks and other hunger-relief organizations. “To me there’s no greater feeling than knowing you positively impacted someone’s life” she said. “Outside of work I enjoy finding ways to help those in need and improving their lives, not only within the community but internationally as well. At Fogg & Associates, I’m now in a position to assist families seeking to improve their financial situations through planning advice and making their money work harder for them.” “Being able to help people both at work and at home. It doesn’t get any better than this!”

Junior Achievement of San Diego Wins International Award

Mission Publishing Group wins SPJ awards

Junior Achievement of San Diego County won a 2013 MetLife Foundation Entrepreneurial Award, including a grant of $25,000, for outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship. Junior Achievement (JA) will use the grant to scale the “Pitch Fest” initiative—a part of Junior Achievement’s Entrepreneurial Convention, which brings together young entrepreneurs participating in JA Company Program each year. The “Pitch Fest” lets students present to the potential investors for a chance to receive a startup capital toward their companies. Junior Achievement and MetLife Foundation have partnered for 13 years to recognize exemplary entrepreneurial innovations developed by JA operations around the world. “MetLife Foundation recognizes the important role that Junior Achievement plays worldwide in inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy,” said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “We are pleased to honor Junior Achievement of San Diego whose exemplary innovation and entrepreneurship helps to reach more young people with effective, high-quality programs.” “We are so very grateful to MetLife Foundation for their support of our new ‘Pitch Fest’ initiative,” said Joanne Pastula, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of San Diego. “This is the first year we implemented this innovative and exciting opportunity for students to have yet another ‘real world’ experience. MetLife’s generous contribution will help us bring this valuable experience to all of our JA Company Program students.” MetLife has been a Junior Achievement partner since 1972 and also supports JA at the local level through volunteer engagement and board leadership. Building on its 93-year legacy, Junior Achievement continues to deliver innovation to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

Mission Times Courier columnist David Ogul was given the First Amendment Award July 11 at the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists’ annual awards contest. Mission Times Courier is published by Mission Publishing Group. Ogul received the award for his commentary on the shrinking world of journalism. The First Amendment Award honors a story, series or commentary that best spotlights First Amendment issues. It was one of six special SPJ awards. Mission Publishing Group executive editor Genevieve Suzuki took first place for News Headline among online publications for “U-T San Diego Jumps Right Into The Political Arena,” which was published on ScoopSanDiego.com June 5, 2012. Among other winners, TV anchor and blogger Loren Nancarrow was honored as 2013 San Diego Journalist of the Year, at the awards banquet at Bali Hai at Shelter Island. Mission Publishing Group also publishes Mission Valley News and La Mesa Courier. Mission Publishing Group’s newspapers focus on providing hyper-local journalism to their communities. Reaching more than 160,000 readers through print and online publications, Mission Publishing Group prides itself in being written for the community by the community. Last year, the company garnered 14 “Excellence in Journalism” awards from the San Diego Press Club.

DAVID OGUL Columnist

GENEVIEVE SUZUKI Executive Editor

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Supervisor Dave Roberts appointed to national panel

DAVE ROBERTS Health Steering Committee

The National Association of Counties has appointed Supervisor Dave Roberts to serve on its Health Steering Committee. The panel, which includes county leaders and public health executives from across the country, considers all matters pertaining to public health and healthy communities. The county’s Health and Human Services Agency Director, Nick Macchione, serves on the board. “This appointment means a lot to me,” Roberts said. “With my background as a healthcare executive and healthcare advisor to two presidential administrations, I look forward to participating in the Health Steering Committee’s important business of creating healthy communities.” The committee evaluates and makes recommendations upon issues such as disease and injury prevention, health promotion, health disparities reduction and financing the delivery of health care. Roberts is a former senior manager for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, an international nonprofit organization. In that role, he drew upon his background as an appointed health policy advisor to President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush. Roberts earned national recognition for reducing costs and improving the delivery of Medicare, Medicaid and children’s health insurance coverage. He worked for the U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon and in Europe and played a key role in developing Tricare, the military’s health insurance system.

San Diego Prudential agents nationally ranked

DEBBIE NEUMAN Realtor

GREGG NEUMAN Realtor

Agents and teams of Prudential California Realty, one of the nation’s largest residential brokerages and soon to be Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, claimed 17 spots in the REAL Trends and The Wall Street Journal Top Thousand, a national award ranking measured by REAL Trends and featured in The Wall Street Journal. “The fact that 17 spots have been claimed by Prudential California Realty in The Wall Street Journal Top 1000 is not a surprise,” said David Cabot, CEO of Prudential California Realty. “Our agents handle everything with grace and extreme attention to detail, which is required at this level. They set the standard.” San Diego agents Gregg and Debbie Neuman were recognized as No. 82 among the Top 250 Team Real Estate Professionals by Transaction Volume. “I am immensely proud of these agents and teams who set such great standards for other agents and teams nationwide,” said Leeann Noll-Iacino, COO of Prudential California Realty. “They are an inspiration for everyone at Prudential California Realty. We are privileged to have them represent us.” Prudential has several Mission Valley locations, including Prudential California Realty at 2365 Northside Dr. and Roy Reese and Blu Rice’s offices at 7676 Hazard Center Dr. In 2012, Prudential California Realty agents closed nearly $11 billion in sales volume and well over 14,000 transactions.

Do you have business news about new hires, promotions or awards? Send it to editor@missionvalleynews.com.

Bringing good Karma to San Diego By Kari Plog

Michelle Klein’s Karma Boutique offers customers a chance to create their own succulent plant arrangements.

It’s in the same mall as Tuesday Morning, Chili’s and a very busy drive-thru Starbucks, but Karma Boutique is anything but a chain store. Locally owned Karma strives to bring tranquility into shoppers’ lives, giving a whole new meaning to retail therapy. “Sometimes we get so busy and live such a hectic life that I wanted to create a space where people could come to a tranquil environment and just breathe while browsing,” said owner and founder Michelle Klein. “Instead of going to the mall, I wanted a unique place [for people] to go.” Karma celebrates its first anniversary Sept. 1, a milestone of which Klein is particularly proud. By the time she opened Karma Aug. 31, 2012, she had spent months transitioning careers, crafting a business model and locating unique items you can’t find at any other shop in the San Diego area. “I made a 360 change in careers from being a real estate analyst to owner of the boutique,” Klein said. “I did it to be more fulfilled, creative and to enjoy helping

others choose a unique gift for their loved ones or friends.” As a wife and mother to a 9-year old daughter, Chloe, Klein wanted to take a new direction in life and show her family and friends that you can take a risk and be successful doing what you love to do. “I have been told by strangers and friends that I’ve inspired them to make a change and I want to show Chloe she can do anything if she just believes,” said Klein, who is often kept company at the store by her friendly rescued bulldog, LottieLu. Klein also practices what she preaches. On April 26, she hosted a Sip & Shop fundraiser and raised $1,000 for Allen Parkes, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage IV brain cancer called a Glioblastoma. Karma Boutique is a unique shopping experience, and Klein’s goal is to use her business to inspire creativity and encourage the community to shop local. Karma features specialty items and gifts, some of which include jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, picture frames, house

wares, totes, vases and other unique artisan items. Some of the items allow the consumer creative license to make the gift their own, by crafting signature succulent plant arrangements in hanging glass orbs or using specialty gift wrap and greeting cards to top off a one-of-a-kind purchase. Paintings, photography and hand-crafted jewelry by local and regional artists are available for viewing and purchase, and Karma also plans to offer a variety of classes and events featuring local artists. The classes will serve to teach the community a variety of skills while also giving artists a platform to expose the community to their works and talents. One recent customer said Karma Boutique is “a treasure trove of unique gifts, pampering delights, art and inspiration.” Another said it is the “cutest shop around for great unique gifts. Definitely check it out – you won’t regret it.” Karma Boutique is located at 4242 Camino Del Rio N. #19, San Diego. For more information, visit karma-boutique.com.

DINING

Wohrite Red

By Karen Irizarry, Certified Sommelier

Nothing says summer quite like rosé. When you want a wine that offers the crisp refreshment of a white with the fruitiness of a red then rosé is the perfect drink of choice. Up there with beer, it’s the best summer quencher, served chilled to enjoy on a hot summer day. It is the ideal wine to go in your picnic basket or to serve at your backyard summer barbecue. Unfortunately, rosé has a bad rap. Most mistake it for the cheap, overly sweet and all too present “White Zin” that comes in a box. You all know what I’m talking about, so let me warn you not all “pink” wines are created equal. The many shades of rosé can range from a subtle salmon hue to hot pink depending on the grape used and how long the grape skins were in contact with the juice. In the case of rosé, however, the juice from the

grapes has shorter contact with the skin of red varietal grapes. Rosés can be made a sweet, slightly sweet (off dry) or bone-dry style with most European rosés being predominantly dry. The flavor of the rosé is typically more subtle versions of the red wine varietal counterparts leaning towards strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Rosé has been a part of European culture for centuries. In Provence, France, well known for its rosé, residents have long known the brilliance of pairing rosé with warm weather and coastal cuisine. While the Old World remains the source of many fantastic rosés, more and more domestic producers are taking rosé seriously. One of my favorites comes from Ponzi Vineyards. Typically known for their delicious Pinot Noir, this Oregon producer utilizes its Pinot Noir to make

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013 some incredibly bright and brilliant rosé wines. With more than 40 years of winemaking experience in the Willamette Valley, Ponzi consistently produces top-notch rosé and this year is no different. The 2012 Pinot Noir Rosé has an intensely fruity nose of strawberry and hints of watermelon. The palate doesn’t disappoint with juicy acidity of pink grapefruit with a bright finish. Savvy wine drinkers have discovered that many rosés are dry, not sugary sweet, and a good majority of rosé wines offer a very good value for the money. At a mere $20 a bottle, 2012 Ponzi Pinot Noir Rosé can be found at San Diego Wine Company on Miramar Road. You can also enjoy a glass or bottle at Roy’s Restaurant and Morton’s Steakhouse. Rosé is great for the budget and extremely versatile at the table. It pairs well with a wide range of foods from potato salad to sea bass to Thai dishes to sushi and even surf ‘n turf. Rest assured a rosé can handle both the seafood and steak with just one sip. So remember next time you’re selecting a wine, think pink! Karen Irizarry is a certified sommelier who has worked vintages in Australia and Germany and is currently working vintage in New Zealand. Her passion for food and wine is reflected in her blog, whiteorred.blogspot. com.

Old Town mariachis add flavor to authentic fun By Jen Van Tieghem

Originating in the 18th century, mariachi music is a genre rooted in tradition. Originally performed with only stringed instruments, the folk style has evolved throughout the years and is now most recognized as music played in Mexican restaurants and at celebrations. Mariachi groups of all sizes frequently perform in Old Town San Diego and pay homage to the area’s early settlement days. Some groups play in traditional charro outfits, complete with large sombreros; others play in more casual clothing. Whether it’s formal or laidback, however, the music joyfully fills the air, adding a fun upbeat flavor to an already vibrant historical neighborhood. Cafe Coyote in the heart of Old Town is one eatery that regularly features mariachi groups. The members rotate throughout the day

to treat patrons to sounds to match their meal. They play guitars and serenade guests in the dining and bar areas. “Cafe Coyote is known for its caring, friendly and efficient service,” said Cafe Coyote owner Lehn Goetz. “Traditional [mariachi] music adds authenticity and a fun, festive atmosphere.” The musicians circulate the restaurant taking requests from diners or playing traditional selections of their own. One of the most popular days at the restaurant is Taco Tuesday where the mariachis are in high demand. Groups of locals take advantage of the drink and food specials and happily wave down the band to get their song suggestions played. An equal number of tourists find their way to the authentic feast for the senses at Cafe Coyote. “Can we take a picture?” asked an enthusiastic out-of-town guest on a recent visit. The mariachis happily obliged as her beaming young daughter posed in front of them and their guitars. The ambiance of fun-loving merriment that permeates Old Town is embodied in the experience offered by Cafe Coyote and other nearby restaurants. Guests are happy to tip the mariachis who play for hours on end to add to this experience. “We serve great traditional Mexican food,” Goetz said. “[Mariachi music] sets a great mood for guests!

LOCAL NEWS

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Volunteers wanted for Coastal Cleanup Day 2013

Jazz

CLASSICAL

Wednesdays - Gilbert Castellanos Jazz Jam at Seven Grand. Free. 9 p.m. SevenGrandBars.com.

Aug. 16-17 – Summer Pops: Cirque Musica at Embarcadero Marina Park South. $20 - $79. 7:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoSymphony. org.

Fridays - Sam Johnson Jazz Group at Cosmos Coffee Cafe. Free. 3 to 5p.m. CosmosCoffeeCafe.com. 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 Aug. 29 – Black Watch Trio at Riviera Supper Club. Free. 9 p.m. www. RivieraSupperClub.com

ALTERNATIVE Mondays – Stevie Harris at The Go Lounge. Free. 8 p.m. www.TheGoLoungeSD.com. Aug. 17 – Boy King CD Release Show with The Burning of Rome, Gloomsday, and Hills Like Elephants at The Casbah. $8. 9 p.m. www.CasbahMusic. com. Aug. 23 – Neighbors to the North, The Nformals, Schitzophonics, and Mittens at The Griffin. $5. 9 p.m. www.TheGriffinSD.com Aug. 31 – Leanna May and the Matadors at The Griffin. $6. 9 p.m. www. TheGriffinSD.com Sept. 13-14 – San Diego Music Thing. Showcases with local and national bands throughout the county at various venues. Price & times vary. www. SanDiegoMusicThing.com

Aug. 18 – Pixar in Concert at Embarcadero Marina Park South. $20 - $79. 7:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoSymphony. org Aug. 30 – Sept.1 – Summer Pops: 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular at Embarcadero Marina Park South. $20 - $79. 7:30 p.m. www. SanDiegoSymphony.org.

Pop Tuesdays - Suzanne Shea at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. www. SanDiegoDesserts.net 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

Online volunteer registration is now open for Coastal Cleanup Day 2013, the largest single-day volunteer event in San Diego dedicated to protecting and preserving our local environment. The event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, is truly a partnership that involves everyone in the San Diego community. Volunteers of all ages are needed from 9 a.m. to noon at more than 90 coastal and inland sites to help preserve the local environment by cleaning up these outdoor areas. Interested volunteers can sign up for the cleanup online at www. CleanupDay.org. Coordinated locally by environmental nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD),

Coastal Cleanup Day is part of the statewide California Coastal Cleanup Day and International Coastal Cleanup, which has included over 150 countries and 9 million volunteers since its inception more than 25 years ago. Locally, CCD successfully brings together roughly 8,000 volunteers, local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies, all working towards the same goal: a cleaner and healthier San Diego. Each year, hundreds of tons of garbage end up on the beaches and in our waterways after travelling through San Diego’s vast watershed system. Best known for its beach cleanup sites, Coastal Cleanup Day reaches far beyond the beach with 63 percent of sites located along the rivers, creeks, canyons and urban areas throughout San Diego County. Cleaning up these inland sites prevents trash from ever reaching the coast, stopping pollution at the source.

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

In 2012, more than 9,000 volunteers (7,200 in San Diego County and 2,000 in Tijuana) removed nearly 167,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from San Diego County’s 11 watersheds. The removal of trash is not the only focus of this annual event; other activities include storm drain stenciling, invasive plant removal, native planting and graffiti removal. On Sept. 21, I Love A Clean San Diego encourages all San Diegans to come together for this important event to improve the health of our environment and preserve the San Diego way of life for future generations. Register today at www.CleanupDay.org.

SHARE THE LOVE Local cleanup areas include: San Diego River at Fenton Mission Valley Preserve San Diego River Fashion Valley – San Diego River Linda Vista – Kelly Park at Tecolote Canyon Old Town – Neighborhood Cleanup

Old Town gets “Kustom Kulture” Sept. 7

Aug. 21 – Green Flash Concert: Matt Coast and Delta Rae at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. www. kprifm.com/pages/green_ flash Aug. 31 – People of Earth at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www. SanPasqualWinery.com

The wheels are in high-speed motion as Fiesta de Kustom Kulture returns to the streets of historic Old Town San Diego on Saturday, Sep. 7. San Diego Avenue, Harney Street and Twiggs Street will be lined with hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles while the public strolls through this free event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event goers can enjoy live entertainment, browse the kitschy vendors along San Diego Ave., see live painting and pinstriping by some of the world’s most reknowned lowbrow artists in Artist Alley, try their hand at pinstriping, all the while enjoying the flavorful cuisine, history and flair that Old Town has to offer. A raffle featuring collectibles from participating vendors and

certificates from local restaurants, boutiques and businesses will take place, followed by a trophy presentation for judged classes

along with the always favorite audience picks for People’s Choice, Ladie’s Choice and Kid’s Choice. The annual charity art auction theme for 2013 is “Horsepower for Horses” and features original art donated by invited artists with proceeds to benefit San Diego’s own Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue. The Old Town Chamber of Commerce and MotorCult, event producers of Fiesta de Kustom Kulture, look forward to another successful event experience in the birthplace of California. “We are so excited with the growth of this event and grateful for the outstanding support we continue to receive from the community,” said Kim Ulrich of MotorCult. For more information, visitwww. fiestadekustomkulture.com.

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Civita celebrates Altana’s grand opening Civita, the sustainable, transit-oriented village in Mission Valley, celebrated the grand opening of its first single-family detached neighborhood Altana by TRI Pointe Homes Aug. 10. Altana is a neighborhood of 45 two- and three-story homes offering sweeping views of Mission Valley and Civita’s proposed central park. To take advantage of this prominent location, TRI Pointe Homes has incorporated expansive roof decks, private courtyards, and open plans that epitomize the Southern California lifestyle. Even its name plays homage to outdoor living: Altana is an Italian word meaning loggia or roof terrace, an architectural element originally found in the city of Venice during the Renaissance. Featuring mid-century modernist architecture designed by JZMK Partners of Costa Mesa, Altana will range from approximately 1,668 to 2,180 square feet

and offer three bedrooms and 2.5 to 3.5 baths with a loft, bonus room or optional fourth bedroom in select plans. Prices start in the mid $600,000s. Kitchen conveniences include Kitchen Aid stainless steel appliances, Kohler fixtures, granite countertops with six-inch backsplash, and contemporary white Thermofoil cabinetry. In keeping with Civita’s strict standards for technological innovation and green living, Altana will incorporate solar systems, dual-pane windows, water-efficient fixtures, a tankless water heater and a host of other sustainable amenities. For owners with electric cars, there are optional electric vehicle charging stations. The homes will also have advanced cable with RG6 and CAT5e cables for highspeed computer, cable TV and telephone connections. In addition to Altana, Civita features a variety of other residential options for purchase or rent. Shea Homes is currently offering eight different floorplans at Origen, a neighborhood honored last month with a Gold Nugget

Grand Award, as the nation’s top project in the attached home category. Prices start in the low to mid $500,000s. Circa 37 is a 306-unit, non-smoking apartment neighborhood with extensive recreational facility and luxurious surroundings. Sudberry Properties, the developer of Circa 37 and the master developer of Civita, is transforming a 70-yearold sand and gravel quarry into a sustainable, urban village in a garden setting that features nearly 60 acres of parks and open space.

The proposed park has been designed with urbanstyle gathering places, open picnic areas, children’s play areas, urban gardens, nature gardens, jogging and walking trails and meditative nooks. Civita Creek, a naturalistic streambed that functions as a bioswale, will traverse the site and treat rainwater runoff. Highlights include: trails that mimic San Diego’s natural canyon topography, old mining relics that merges art, mechanics and play, and climbing walls. Long-range plans for the

230-acre property call for 4,780 residential homes and apartments, approximately 480,000 square feet for a lifestyle retail center and 420,000 square feet for an office/business campus over the next 10-15 years. Civita has earned national recognition for its sustainability, smart growth, and environmental leadership. It has also developed innovative partnerships with San Diego Gas & Electric, AT&T and Car2Go. For more information, visit www. civitalife.com.

Altana developer TRI Pointe continues western expansion

TRI Pointe Homes, Inc. has recently opened several new neighborhoods in California and Colorado, as the company continues to expand its homebuilding operations in the Western United States. In aggregate these new communities represent over 400 new potential homesites for TRI Pointe. Its newly unveiled California neighborhoods include TRI Pointe Homes at Rancho Mission Viejo, Arcadia at Stonegate in Irvine, Altana at Civita in Mission Valley, and Amelia at Bay Meadows in San Mateo. TRI Pointe Homes also celebrated a recent grand opening in Colorado, where it unveiled its Debut Collection at Terrain in Castle Rock. Rancho Mission Viejo is a working 23,000-acre ranch in South Orange County, which could become one of the largest planned communities in America. TRI Pointe’s neighborhood is located in Sendero, one of multiple villages within Rancho Mission Viejo. The Ranch contains approximately 17,000 acres of protected open space as well as hiking and biking trails carefully integrated with some of the Ranch’s agrarian spaces and

natural habitat. TRI Pointe at Rancho Mission Viejo will consist of 105 single-family homes situated amid the network of paths, parks, and gardens that make up Sendero. Ranging from approximately 2,050 to 2,394 square feet, TRI Pointe’s homes are priced in the mid $600,000s. Located within the master planned community of Villages of Irvine by the Irvine Company, Arcadia comprises 61 single-family detached luxury homes priced from the $1.1 millions. The neighborhood, located within Stonegate, one of the five villages making up Villages of Irvine, will offer single-family homes ranging from 2,909 to 3,202 square feet. Opening Aug. 10, Altana is the first single-family detached neighborhood in Civita, a sustainable, transit oriented village in Mission Valley. Altana includes 45 two- and three-story homes offering sweeping views of Mission Valley and Civita’s proposed central park. The homes incorporate expansive roof decks, private courtyards and open floor plans and range in size from approximately 1,668 to 2,180

square feet. Prices start in the high $600,000s. Amelia at Bay Meadows in San Mateo offers 63 townhomes with 1,259 to 2,536 square feet priced from the $800,000s. Bay Meadows is a comprehensively sustainable, transportationcentered pedestrian village located midway between San Francisco and Silicon Valley designed with stateof-the-art buildings set in a new walkable urbanist environment. Featuring two-story and ranch style homes that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, the Debut Collection in Colorado will be comprised of 149 single-family homes located within Flat Rock Village, one of the various villages within the master planned community of Terrain by Starwood Land Ventures in Castle Rock. Priced from the low $300,000s, the homes range from 1,871 to more than 2,860 square feet, with the option for a finished basement that would add approximately 900 square feet to the total size. Terrain has more than 600 acres of protected land that includes numerous trails and parks.

DINING

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar:

Not just for the dogs Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar 1202 Camino Del Rio N San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 481-6191 www.lazydogrestaurants.com The one thing that immediately struck me when I saw the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Café building, built in the former area held by Chevy’s Fresh Mexican Restaurant, was the name. What’s with the name? And really, how good was the food going to be? My fears have been alleviated. Lazy Dog has become one of my favorite places to bring my pup – and more importantly, they have a delicious menu, too. Everything on the menu at Lazy Dog is made from scratch, created fresh daily in

their massive kitchen. And it shows in the food. Their wok-fired calamari ($10.25) is flavorful and served with your choice of white or brown rice. And the beer battered fish ‘n’ chips ($15.95) are tender and flaky. Both are dishes that many restaurants tend to overcook or under-season, but they pass with flying colors at Lazy Dog. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar also serves the de rigueur burgers (starting at $8.50 for something basic), pizzas ($9.95 for a three cheese) and salads (not to miss is Maggie’s Snake River salad with cranberries and goat cheese for $8.55). But those who need more convincing need only to check them out during happy hour. Food specials are divided into

$3, $4, $5 and $6 and there’s a gem at each price point. A sure-to-win starter is loaded potato hushpuppies ($3). Crisp bacon are mixed in with fluffy potatoes and deep-fried. It’s served topped with Tapatio crema — a tasty balance of creamy and spicy. Order the pungent and savory grilled garlic flatbread (also $3) with a beer or cocktail and you’ll be set as your peruse the rest of an extensive menu. Happy Hour specials are from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the bar and patio. A second happy hour

starts at 9 p.m. until they close at midnight, Sunday through Thursday. Feeding your favorite pooch isn’t forgotten at this establishment. Dogs – and their owners – are immediately escorted into the expansive 1,296 square food patio. A bowl of water is offered as well as a separate dog-centric menu. An unseasoned, grilled beef patty or chicken breast with white or brown rice ($4.95) or just rice ($1.95)

looked so good that I almost took a forkful for myself before offering it to my pet. If there’s still room, I highly recommend ending your meal with their butter cake ($4.95). Rich, buttery cake is topped with fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream and is garnished with sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar. The serving is enough for two but after one taste, you’ll want it for yourself. This restaurant is the new-

est one – and only one in San Diego County – among their growing chain of 12 locations in Southern California. Darlene Horn is a San Diegobased food blogger and has penning her opinions on food for eight 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.

Full Servi

e Bar! Award Win ning Micr obrews with Brew er y on Pre mises!

! t u o t i k c e h C • Pasta • Wings

• Wraps Pizza • Burgers Salads • Sandwiches Quesadillas •

We Deliver!

2245 Fenton Pkwy Ste 101 Mission Valley

619.640.1072

www.oggis.com

HEALTH & LIVING

Increase Your Chances of Living Longer

Science shows that physical activity can reduce your risk of dying early from the leading causes of death, like heart disease and some cancers. This is remarkable in two ways:

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Keeping Fit to Combat Disease

• Improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult • Increase your chances of living longer If you’re not sure about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity because you’re afraid of getting hurt, the good news is

such as a heart attack, are rare during physical activity. But the risk does go up when you suddenly become much more active than usual. For example, you can put yourself at risk if you don’t usually get much physical activity and then all of a sudden do vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, like shoveling snow. That’s why it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your level of activity. If you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor to find out if your condition limits, in any way, your ability to be active. Then, work with your doctor to come up with a physical activity plan that matches your abilities. If your condition stops you from meeting the minimum Guidelines, try to do as much as you can.

that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people. Start slowly. Cardiac events,

What’s important is that you avoid being inactive. Even 60 minutes a week of moderateintensity aerobic activity is good for you.

1. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity. People who are physically active for about 7 hours a week have a 40 percent lower risk of dying early than those who are active for less than 30 minutes a week. 2. You don’t have to do high amounts of activity or vigorous-intensity activity to reduce your risk of premature death. You can put yourself at lower risk of dying early by doing at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. Everyone can gain the health benefits of physical activity - age, ethnicity, shape or size do not matter.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report more than one-third of U.S. adults as obese. While excess weight may be a pain in the pocketbook when it comes to buying pants that don’t fit, it could significantly cost you more in medical care – obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancer. In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight, according to the CDC. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can help: • Control your weight • Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease • Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome • Reduce your risk of some cancers • Strengthen your bones and muscles • Improve your mental health and mood

SUDOKU RULES OF PLAY

MISSION MATH PUZZLE

MISSION MAZE ESCAPE!

Solving a sudoku puzzle can be rather tricky, but the rules of the game are quite simple.

RULES OF PLAY

A sudoku puzzle is a grid of nine by nine squares or cells,

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

that has been subdivided into nine subgrids or “regions” of three by three cells.

Use the numbers 1 through 16 to complete the equations.

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 BOTTOM OF PAGE 14

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

ANSWERS ON BOTTOM OF PAGE 14

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 BOTTOM OF PAGE 14

COMMUNITY

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Restaurant, from page 4 nationwide, with 62 currently in California. The company, headquartered in Huntington Beach, opened their first restaurant with a micro-brewery in 1996 in Brea, California, becoming a staple of the brand from then on. The new restaurant is already under construction and will consist of a brand new building to resemble the comCAREER FAIR Friday, Aug. 9, 1 to 4 p.m. Open to all job-seekers. Professional attire is strongly recommended. Please bring copies of you resume. Mobile Learning Class: Turn Your Phone or Tablet into A Portable Brain Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m. The talk is designed to teach beginners the basics of using their mobile devices to read, take notes, study and incorporate technology courteously into their everyday lives. Movie Night: Hitchcock (2012) Wed, Aug. 28, 6 p.m. Anthony Hopkins steps in the shade of the iconic director for a cheeky backstage peek at the master’s creative fury, turbulent marriage, power relations and sexual obsessions. Co-stars Helen Mirren. Discussion to follow. Yoga Tuesdays, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. For adults and teens. Learn yoga, an easy to learn workout program that requires little or no equipment and soothes your soul while toning your body. 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

pany’s Carlsbad location off of Interstate 5 and Palomar Airport Rd, said Jennings of the real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. Contracts were finalized in July 2012 for a 15 year triple-net lease on the location, with BJ’s responsible for all construction and maintenance costs for the duration of the agreement. The old building, the former home to Prego, an Italian restaurant, and Maria Maria in

the northeast corner of the Hazard Center property, has been torn down to make way for the new BJ’s location. Representatives from BJ’s did not respond to multiple requests for additional information. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Hazard Center is scheduled to open around Thanksgiving in 2013.

Celebrating a decade of The Spirits of Mexico The Spirits of Mexico Festival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this fall when it returns to San Diego Sept. 17 to 21. The annual festival, a five-day celebration of all things agave, has several new events this year in honor of the anniversary. The 2013 Spirits of Mexico Festival schedule includes:

Sept. 17 – Contemporary Cocktails/Ancient Cuisine: The 2013 festival opener boasts an evening of Aztec cuisine and the hottest new cocktail sensations. Guests will experience firsthand how the Spanish influenced Mexico’s ancient culinary landscape at the Blind Burro in downtown San Diego. Sept. 18 to 21 – The Art of Tequila Exhibition: Free and open to the public, a four-day art exhibition on Juan Street in Old Town features a selection of rare collectable Tequila bottles on loan from El Agave Restaurant owner Juan Carlos’s extensive private collection. The exhibition will also feature emerging Latin artists from Centro Cultural de la Raza and take place from noon to 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 – Tequila Trail: Agave enthusiasts will sample selections of tequila, mezcal, bacanora and other Mexican spirits as well as signature dishes at more than a dozen Old Town eateries from 6 to 9 p.m. The event continues at Cafe Coyote with an Olmeca Altos Tequila-sponsored after party starting at 9 p.m.

p.m. From 9 p.m., join Olmeca Altos Tequila at the After Party at Fiesta de Reyes. For more information about the Spirits of Mexico Festival visit www.thespiritsofmexico.com.

Sept. 20 – Awards Dinner and Live Auction: Milagro Tequila welcomes our guests with a cocktail uniquely created for this evening, and a spirits-infused tasting reception and dinner with specialty cuisine prepared by Barra Barra Saloon Chef Jose Pulido from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 21 – Main Tasting Event: Guests will join master distillers, industry experts, authors, and ambassadors at the festival’s grand finale in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park from 6 to 9

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. Preschool Storytime & Craft Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. (Aug. 15, 22, 29) Preschoolers are invited to a storytime, followed by a fun craftmaking activity. Baby Signing Storytime: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 3:30 p.m. Expert baby sign language instructor Joann Woolley will delight little ones with signing through storytime. Learn how to sign through favorite stories and nursery rhymes.

Mission VALLEY NEWS

Yoga for Kids Monday, Aug. 19, 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! The Mission Valley Planning Group meets at the Mission Valley Library on the first Wednesday of every month at noon. This is a public forum and your chance to voice your opinion. No decisions get to the city council without going through the Mission Valley Planning Group first. The meeting is held in the community room and is accessed from the outside patio on the North side of the building.

publishers of

Mission Times Courier La Mesa Courier

MissionValleyNews.com 6549 Mission Gorge Road #199 San Diego, CA 92120 • 619.291.0200

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 Dave Schwab • Andy Cohen

Jeremy Ogul, ext. 127 Jeremy@MissionPublishingGroup.com

OUR NEXT ISSUE The next issue of the Mission Valley News comes out Friday, Sept. 13. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 27. 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 & Views 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 & Views 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

GINA’S VALLEY VIEWS

By Gina Cord, founder of Mission Valley News

Changing the U-T property in Mission Valley

Seen here is an artist’s rendition of the Pocket Park to be constructed on the riverfront of the renovation of the U-T development by KTUA Planning & Landscaping Architecture. The photo indicates the proposed entrance to the Pocket Park. It will be interesting to see whether the newspaper will grow along with its space.

KNSJ 89.1 FM radio inaugurated Although it has been six years in preparation, the public nonprofit radio station, KNSJ 89.1 FM radio station held its launching party on August 3rd at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor’s Center. The event was celebrated by a crowd of over three hundred who enjoyed excellent food and commentary by many people who have already advocated their cause on the radio. The keynote speaker was Assemblywoman Lori Saldano. If you would like your voice to be heard in the community, check out the website at www.knsj.org. Pictured below is part of the huge crowd that attended the launching party. We welcome Who’s News and What’s News for this column. Contact Gina Cord at (619) 683-2434 or email cordgina@gmail.com.

Grand Opening — Altana by TRI Pointe Homes. 3 to 4 bedrooms up to 2,180 square feet.

Cool. Modern. Smart.

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Wings, from page 1 County, the restaurant has existing locations in Santee and Chula Vista. Like Seau’s, Buffalo Wild Wings makes sports viewing a priority in its restaurants. “It is our goal to make sure our guests are able to enjoy the game of their choice and to create the ultimate sports-viewing experience in the restaurant,” said Kathy Benning, executive vice president at Buffalo Wild Wings, in a written statement. The restaurant will carry live broadcasts of every college and professional sports channel via DIRECTV. Buffalo Wild Wings has more than 900 locations across 49

states in the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico. The company also has plans to expand its franchises into Puerto Rico and

the Middle East. Founded in 1982, the company has its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn. Buffalo Wild Wings is a publicly held company whose share price at press time was $106.91, up more than 44 percent from the share price of $73.94 one year ago. Average weekly sales in the second quarter of 2013 for franchised Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants were $58,186, according to financial information the company provides to shareholders. Seau’s first opened in 1996 in 14,500 square feet of space in the mall. Trustees of Seau’s estate closed the restaurant in May

WHAT IF CHURCH

Altana at Civita. Now open.

Modern award-winning architecture. Urban details with 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. For directions visit our website at civitalife.com.

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.

2012, two weeks after Seau died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest in his Oceanside home. After a period of mourning, during which fans erected a memorial in the front of Seau’s, the space was temporarily occupied by Eastlake Church. The decision to open a Buffalo Wild Wings, a restaurant that offers live sports and savory snacks, would likely be something of which Seau himself would have approved. “The trustees made their decision to honor Seau’s legacy and preserve the memories of the excitement, fun and warmth that were the hallmarks of the restaurant during the famed linebacker’s lifetime,” said a statement released by Bette Hoffman, former director of the Junior Seau Foundation. “Without Seau’s charismatic leadership, it was felt that the future profitability of the restaurant could be in question.”

SUDOKU ANSWERS FROM P. 12

MATH ANSWERS FROM P. 12

ASKED YOU TO THINK FOR YOURSELF?

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

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

MAZE ANSWER FROM P. 12

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

Presidio Golf Course begs for green from City By Jeremy Ogul

Is San Diego taking good enough care of the Presidio Hills Golf Course in Old Town? That is the question being raised by Larry Stirling, a former San Diego City councilmember, former member of the California Assembly and retired Superior Court judge. In the past couple months Stirling has complained to city leaders and local media that the golf course is an eyesore and an embarrassment, pointing out the large swaths of dead, brown grass and debris on the property. Presidio Hills is one of several golf courses owned by the city but managed by private contractors. Justin Lee, who holds the lease to operate the course, said he is holding up his end of the bargain with the city by keeping the course open and clean of trash. In fact, Lee said, the brown patches are by design. “This is a good example of conserving water,” Lee said, noting the drought and the fact that key playing surfaces are still green. Stirling believes Lee should be obligated by the terms of his lease to keep the course in pristine condition. Although Mission Valley News requested a copy of the city’s lease agreement with Lee, which is a public record, the city

had not provided the documents by press time. Lee took over the lease nearly three years ago. It expires at the end of 2013, according to a U-T San Diego report. Green fees are $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Juniors and seniors get a $2 discount. Lee pays a small percentage of his income from the course to the city. “It is an historic site being milked by contractors,” Stirling said. Lee said he was offended that Stirling bypassed him by going straight to the city and the media without giving Lee the chance to address his complaints first.

Stirling’s filming of a news segment on the property with a local TV station was especially upsetting, Lee said. “His behavior is trespassing,” Lee said. “His behavior is totally unacceptable.” But Lee agreed that there are maintenance challenges at Presidio Hills. Part of the problem, Lee said, is that there is no fence to stop people from getting onto the golf course property after hours. People walk all over the course, which sits in the heart of Old Town, leaving trash and putting extra wear and tear on the grounds. Another problem is that the

park to tie it into the adjoining San Diego River Park. The river park’s master plan envisions creating pedestrian and bicycle trails along San Diego River. Alan Grant of the San Diego River Park Foundation applauded efforts to create a new urban park. “Isn’t it nice to see something activated near the river in a way that would be useful to the community,” said Grant, adding, “There’s not a lot of space for this to happen in Mission Valley. Hopefully, this is the start of a new trend.” “Even though it’s small, it’s sized for its site,” said MVPG planner Marla Bell about the park proposal. The pocket park, however, presently does not have plans for a restroom. MVPG planners are concerned that could be a problem. On a more positive note, one MVPG planner suggested that the urban park might be set up with WiFi to attract more people to the recreational area. It was also noted that classical music will be piped into the park for the benefit of guests. Robin Shifflet of San Diego Parks said the U-T pocket park plan is to be considered by the city’s Park and Recreation Board in September. MVPG overwhelming voted in favor of approving pocket park plans as presented. Opposition to Post Office Closure Planner Josh Weiselberg addressed the group imploring it to

take a position opposing the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to close Mission Valley’s existing postal facility at 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 180, and consolidate those services, including transferring all P.O. Boxes, to the Linda Vista Post Office at 2150 Comstock St. “Mission Valley’s post office is operating in the black,” argued Weiselberg who pointed out it’s been estimated that rebuilding the Linda Vista Post Office to incorporate Mission Valley customers, including all of its P.O. boxes, has been estimated to cost $56,000. “We need a post office, not only for today, but for the future,” added Weiselberg, stating the post office hasn’t considered the future impact of closing Mission Valley’s postal facility. He pointed out several residential housing projects are now under development in the area which will add to the demand – and need – for postal facilities. “Linda Vista’s Post Office is overcrowded already, with lines sometimes at least half an hour to even mail a letter,” said MVPG planner Gina Cord. The group voted overwhelmingly in favor of drafting a letter to Congresswoman Susan Davis and the U.S. Postmaster, opposing plans to close the Mission Valley facility and transfer all of its services to Linda Vista. MVPG meets the first Wednesday of the month at noon at Mission Valley Public Library’s Community Room, 2123 Fenton Parkway.

Planning, from page 1 months of community input and professional design work. Project presenters representing the U-T noted the goal of designing the pocket park is to connect it with the San Diego River Park and local transit centers in order to make it a hub for pedestrians and bicyclists. Developers noted the pocket park is constrained by its small area, 50-feet wide by 250-feet long, just over a quarter acre. They added the project is a population-based park required for future residents of the U-T redevelopment project. Project architects said the design choice for the new pocket park was between a more passive turfed area, and a more urban option featuring concrete benches and seating. The urban option was ultimately chosen with a design concept playing off the “dominant vertical elements” of nearby parking towers and office structures. Designers said the new park is intended to have an outdoor “cafe look and feel.” Pocket park preliminary plans call for creation of a linear park promenade with concrete benches and steps for “bar-stool height seating. The park is to be developed utilizing both “river” and “newspaper” themes. It is likely that the history of the U-T, and newspapers in general, will be incorporated thematically into the pocket park as an identifying and educational element. Architectural plans also call for an ample numbers of trees to be planted in the urban pocket

irrigation system is old and inefficient. Lee said his lease is not long enough to guarantee that he would recoup the cost of a new irrigation system, which could require an investment of over $150,000. Of course, the special historical preservation rules governing Presidio Hills make the process to change the place much more cumbersome. A recent project to build a new shed for the golf carts took years to get approval. Stirling said there have been some improvements since local media started covering the story in July, but he said the fact remains that the golf course is incapable of supporting itself, at least without the expertise of the Golf Division staff in the Park and Recreation Department. Stirling does not, however, place all the blame on Lee. “The real neglect is the property department of the City of San Diego, the city attorney who approves lousy contracts and the mayor and city council that could not care in the least about incompetence among their unionized staff,” Stirling said. Stirling says it is up to City Council President Todd Gloria to intervene. Stirling believes until the city takes full responsibility for operating the course, the city should pay the water bill and should provide labor to clean up the

course. He also believes that once the course is rehabilitated, the Park and Recreation Department should market the course as a venue for golf tournaments and then use the revenue from those tournaments to fund further improvements at the course. “City staff is aware of the maintenance issues with both properties and evaluating proper remedies,” wrote Gloria’s council representative Adrian Granda in an email reply to Stirling’s comments. Presidio Hills is famous for hosting golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Lorena Ochoa and Ernie Els and others who honed their skills as youth players in the Junior World Championships. Today, the pitch and putt course with nine holes still attracts young golfers. Three of the city’s golf courses are managed by the city Park and Recreation Department’s Golf Division: Torrey Pines Golf Course, Balboa Golf Course and Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center. There are seven additional golf courses that are owned by the city but managed by private companies, including Presidio Hills, Fairbanks Ranch, Mission Trails, Pro Kids Golf Academy, Tecolote Canyon, Carlton Oaks in Santee and Vineyard in Escondido.

LOCAL News

MISSIONVALLEYNEWS.COM — AUGUST 16, 2013

San Diego welcomes first Hebrew immersion public school By Jeremy Ogul

Hebrew language instruction has traditionally been the domain of synagogues and yeshivas, but when Kavod Elementary Charter School opens its doors Aug. 26, students will have the opportunity to learn Hebrew in a free public school for the first time in San Diego history. Kavod Elementary Charter School will share facilities with Cubberley Elementary School at its campus on 3201 Marathon Dr. in Serra Mesa. Kavod will offer kindergarten through second grade in its first year, adding another grade level each year. Under a “partial immersion” model, students at Kavod will spend part of the day learning in Hebrew and part of the day learning in English. Despite the Hebrew language’s close association with Judaism, Kavod is not a religious school and does not teach religion. Students will, however, learn about the culture of Israel, the Middle Eastern state of 7.7 million people where Hebrew is the official language. “When you teach language, you also get to teach about the culture,” said school director Alexa Greenland, who is not Jewish. “It’s really a valuable country to focus on because it’s such a diverse country.” Greenland said the school curriculum uses Israel’s immigrant communities – Russians, Ethio-

pians, Europeans, etc. – to raise students’ “global awareness” and understanding of different cultures. Kavod originally planned to open last year with 210 students on a different, private site in the Clairemont area. The school site plans fell through just weeks before the fall term started, leaving many parents to scramble for new school arrangements for their children. “A lot of parents who were 100 percent gung-ho are like, ‘Are you sure you’re going to open?’” Greenland said. Kavod is certain it will open this year, because a Proposition 39 petition has guaranteed the use of public SDUSD facilities rather than relying on a private site. Enrollment is much lower this time around. As of early July, 50 students were enrolled, with the majority in kindergarten, but Greenland expects that number to rise to 75 by the first day of school. Enrollment is currently open on a first-come, first-served basis. “I do anticipate that as soon as our doors open, we’re going to have a quick influx of enrollment,” Greenland said. While Kavod is not allowed to question families about their religious affiliation, Greenland said the school is enrolling a diverse mix of students. Some are Christian. Some are native Rus-

sian speakers. Some are Orthodox Jews. Svetlana Sowers said her Jewish background was just one of many reasons to send her children to Kavod. More important was the fact that Kavod is a charter school with an alternative educational approach, she said. Compared to other schools, “I feel there’s more eyes on them to do well,” Sowers said. “People are really invested in it and passion-

“They already had a model that worked.” Kavod’s target area for students includes most of Linda Vista and Kearny Mesa, but many of its students will come from outside that area. North Park resident Daniel Meltzer, for example, will drive his son seven miles to school each way. Meltzer said that while he is Jewish, the opportunity to send

ate about having it be the best charter school in the region.” As a member of the Hebrew Charter School Center network, Kavod has access to a network of established teachers and administrators. That made Sowers feel more confident in Kavod, she said. “It wasn’t as if they were starting from scratch,” Sowers said.

his son to a charter school was more important than other considerations. Meltzer said he was not impressed by what he saw in the public schools in his neighborhood. “It’s fairly disheartening,” Meltzer said. “What we found were kind of burned-out teachers that were overwhelmed with too many students, not enough re-

sources.” Foreign language immersion at a young age was important to Meltzer as well. “Language seems to be the in vogue educational paradigm of the moment,” Meltzer said. Meltzer also seriously considered the Albert Einstein Academy Charter School in South Park, which teaches students German from a young age. The SDUSD Board of Education unanimously approved Kavod’s charter on March 27, 2012. The charter expires June 30, 2015. The Hebrew Charter School Center is a relatively new nonprofit organization, created in 2009 with the financial backing of Wall Street baron Michael Steinhardt and Detroit auto glass and sports team magnate William Davidson. HCSC’s network of Hebrew language charter schools is growing. Similar charters will open this fall in the Van Nuys district of Los Angeles, the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Washington, D.C. Other schools are already operating in Brooklyn and East Brunswick, N.J. Kavod, pronounced “kuhVODE,” is the Hebrew word for honor and respect, which are values school organizers say they want to instill in students in various ways throughout the educational program.