November 4, 2011
On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE e th
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MESA LA Je wel o ls f th e Hil
By Donna Jones wn to
100 YEARS
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ENN IA NT E
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Americ a
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RE-DISCOVERING ANTIQUES IN LA MESA’S DOWNTOWN
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Updated calendar of Centennial events, Page 13 PMS 2765: C=100 M= 98 Y=0 K=45
PMS 147: C=19 M= 40 Y=85 K=65
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PMS 600 : C=1 M= 0 Y=34 K=0
Anthony's Restaurant
Still creating memories 50 years later
Meet La Mesa's new Police Chief, Page 3
Consider shopping locally for the holidays… Page 6
Autumn returns. Find two great fall recipes, Pages 12 & 13 NEWS TIPS (619) 697-2500 x124 Editor@LaMesaCourier.com
ADVERTISE WITH US (619) 697-2500 x133 Sales@LaMesaCourier.com
Volume I – Number 6
Want a relaxing experience this holiday season? You can spend a day in downtown La Mesa hunting for treasures in more than half a dozen antique shops? La Mesa’s quaint downtown has a Leave it to Beaver look that puts you in the mood for vintage merchandise. It’s a walkable, friendly neighborhood where you can park your car in one spot and then spend a couple of hours perusing the merchandise. And who knows? You could find that Tiffany vase or wind-up Mickey Mouse that will land you a spot on Antiques Roadshow. You might be asking yourself why
For many La Mesa residents, lunch or dinner at Anthony’s Fish Grotto brings back happy memories. A family birthday celebration…a pre-prom dinner…a waitress who remembered your name…taking a restless toddler out to feed the ducks… even the menu itself, which has changed very little in 50 years (except of course the prices). It’s the kind of place your mom expected you to dress up for. You might not have been happy about that as a teenager, but once your platter of fried shrimp arrived, you forgave all. It all comes flooding back as you settle into one of their comfy booths and gaze out towards the peaceful lake. Anthony’s is a San Diego institution. Long before the Cohns came to town, the Ghios and their business partners were perfecting their winning formula for special event dining. The La Mesa restaurant was their third venture when it opened in 1961, on the shores of a small natural reservoir in the Grossmont foothills. Two members of the second generation of that original team are still owners. Two Ghio brothers, Anthony and Tod, and their friend Roy Weber helped their mother Catherine, “Mama” Ghio start the first Anthony’s restaurant on the waterfront in San Diego in 1946, after serving in World War II. The La Mesa restaurant opened 15 years later. Mama Ghio used Old World recipes and developed new ones. Her original recipes, batters, sauces and dressings are still on the menu. According to their marketing staff, they now serve more than one million customers and five million pounds of seafood each year at their three restaurants (including two on
you should be looking at antiques when you could be spending your money on a new smart phone or the newest app for your iPad. Aside from the fact that antiques rarely have the “Made in
See Anthony's, page 13
See Antiques, page 4
The Country Loft: One of many antique shops in the Village area
Proposed High School Boundary Changes Mt. Helix and Fletcher Hills among Affected Areas By Ted Crooks
plan to the District Board of Governors and presented it to the community at three forums. The next regularly schedAttendance boundaries between schools in the Grossuled board meeting is November 10 at 6 pm; the plan will mont Union High School District, last set in 2000, are likely be considered at that time. If you wish to be heard, check on to change. District population has shifted (El Cajon Valley Board policies and agendas at guhsd.net and arrive early. If High has grown 26% while Santana High has 24% fewer history is any guide, the plan may change, but major changes students and Granite Hills High has long been over-capacity); are unlikely unless there is substantial community pushSteele Canyon Charter High School (formed in 2007) and back, which at the time of this writing has been only modest. Helix Charter High School (chartered in 1998) have removed The plan allows current high school students to remain students from District control; overall district enrollment is at their assigned school but requires incoming students declining (non-charter enrollment is expected to decline from to follow the new boundaries. 18,711 in the 2010-11 school Limited intradistrict transfers year to 18,059 in 2013-14); and would be allowed, but option utilization of district-controlled areas now including about schools now averages 85% of 900 students would disaprated capacity but varies greatly pear. Overall, about 24% more from school to school. On top of students would be eligible for bus these internal shifts, the District transportation. is facing severe cuts in funding Grossmont High would from the State. lose about 400 students and its Responding to these changes, boundaries shrink in the north/ the District created a committee of community members and staff south direction by shifting most chaired by local business leader Fletcher Hills students northDoug Deane (CEO and founder of ward to West Hills (west Santee) long-established DSD Business and many Mt. Helix-area students Systems) and served by wizard southward to Monte Vista while First of three community forums about demographic consultant Vince including students further east boundary changes was sparsely attended. O’Hara. The committee first met to relieve overcrowded El Cajon in March. It has recommended a Valley. Helix High, now a charter See Boundary, page 7
News
Page 2
LA MESA HIT BY SERIES OF ROBBERIES No Injuries Reported By Charles Iyoho The La Mesa Police Department is seeking public assistance in apprehending criminals wanted for a rash of robberies that have swept the La Mesa area and may be connected to other robberies elsewhere. Recent robberies include… October 24, 12:10 am: the Alibertos Taco Shop at 7819 El Cajon Blvd.; grabbed cash from register and used Halloween mask and stun gun. First robber: black male, mid 20’s; 5ft 8in to 6 ft; 160-180 pounds; maroon SDSU hooded sweatshirt and khaki pants. Second robber: black male, mid 20’s; 5ft 10in to 6ft 1in; 185-205 pounds; grey and blue hooded sweatshirt and dark blue jeans. October 19, 8:45 pm: 7-11 at 4253 Palm Ave.; grabbed cash from register, displayed a pistol. First robber: black male 25-30 years old; about 5ft 5in; heavy set; black hooded sweatshirt; unshaven; medium-length afro. Second robber: black male about 5ft 5in, heavy set; dark sweatshirt, blue jeans and short hair. October 17, 2:40 pm: a home in the 9800 block of Lakeview Dr.; criminal broke through front door and ran when discovered. Burglar: Hispanic male, late 30’s to 40’s, plain grey t-shirt and faded jeans. October 14, 9:50 pm: the
Rodeway Inn at 4210 Spring St.; attempted robbery with a handgun was unsuccessful when clerk refused to believe the gun was not a BB gun. First robber: black male, mid 20’s; 6ft 1in; about 175 pounds and thin; black hooded sweatshirt, black jeans and black shoes. Second robber: black male, mid 20’s; about 6 feet; about 185 pounds and stocky; red t-shirt, red shorts, white socks and black shoes and hiding identity with a purple towel. October 14, 56-year old man reported being robbed at gunpoint while sitting in his parked car in the Park ‘n Ride lot near Bancroft and Fuerte Dr. Robbers described as Hispanic males with medium builds wearing light bandanas over their faces. October 12, 11:40 pm: the Arco station at 3775 Massachusetts Ave. was robbed of cash and cigarettes. A handgun may have been simulated by a hand under clothing. First robber: black male, mid 20’s; about 6ft 3in; about 185 pounds and thin; wearing dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and nylon mask. Second robber: black male, mid 20’s; about 6ft; about 170 pounds and thin; dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants and nylon mask. October 12, 10:12 pm: the Motel 6 at 7621 Alvarado Road was robbed of cash from a clerk at gunpoint. First robber: black male, 20-25 years old; about 6ft 2in; 215 pounds;
CRIME WATCH
See Crime Watch, Page 10
Noteworthy Personnel Changes in the High School District Theresa Kemper has been named Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, GUHSD. She most recently served as principal of Grossmont High from 2002 to 2011. In that role, she spearheaded improvement efforts that led to Grossmont High being recognized as a California Distinguished School and attaining status Theresa Kemper as a California Exemplary Career Technical Education School. Dan Barnes is the new principal of Grossmont High School. Mr. Barnes is a graduate of Granite Hills High School and San Diego State University. He began working in GUHSD as a campus supervisor at Granite Hills and Valhalla High Schools. His teaching career began at Granite Hills as a U.S. history and geography teacher, where he also coached football and girls’ basketball. Mr. Barnes also served as a Dean and then an Assistant Principal at Granite Hills. Eight years ago, he moved to Grossmont High School in the role of an assisDan Barnes tant principal.
Health Building Demolition Signals Start of 11-Acre Waterfront Park Chairman Bill Horn and the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday kicked off demolition of the County’s vacant downtown health building by pulling down the Health and Human Services Agency sign above the door. It fell with a clatter as pyrotechnics boomed, signaling an excavator to start ripping down the building. The demolition of the 1958 J.B. Askew Building at the County Administration Center (CAC) makes way for an expansive waterfront park. The 11-acre waterfront park will surround the historic CAC, which was built with Works Progress Administration funding and dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938. Construction will start in Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn at the spring; the park should the podium and (left to right) Supervisor Greg be open by late 2013. An Cox, Vice-Chairman Ron Roberts, Supervisor underground parking garage Dianne Jacob, Supervisor Pam Slater-Price will be built off Ash Street to replace above-ground lots. “The County’s fiscal prudence and consistent AAA credit rating put us in an excellent position to provide this treasure for County residents to enjoy far into the future,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob at the demolition ceremony.
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Two La Mesa Students Tapped for ‘Grinch’ production at the Old Globe Luke Babbitt (Boo Who) is an 11-year-old fifth grader at Murray Manor Elementary School. This is his fist time performing at The Old Globe. He has been a part of several productions with Kroc Kids at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center. Annie Buckley (Annie Who) is a 12-year-old sixth grade student at Murdock Elementary. She recently appeared as Duffy in Annie (Moonlight Stage Productions). She has also performed in The Music Man and Peter Pan under the direction of Dr. A. (Peter Pan Junior Theater). The 14th annual production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! will be performed at the Old Globe from November 19 through December 31. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office.
La Mesa Optimists are celebrating 55th anniversary, November 13. Past President and scholarship chairman Tom LeDuc says the Optimist Club’s mission is “to develop optimism as a philosophy of life; promote an active interest in good government, promote respect for law, patriotism and friendship and encourage the development of youth….” Thirty-two Clubs in the local District conduct oratorical and essay contests, support youth sports, scholarships, and programs for battered mothers and children with cancer. The La Mesa group meets every Wednesday at 7 am, at Marie Callender’s. Anyone interested is invited to attend; Tom promises a great program and breakfast.
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Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports presented Northmont Elementary PTA with a $10,000 award in honor of the PTA, Gold Medal winner in the Parent Association of the Year category of the Council’s 2011 Spotlight Awards, presented by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation. Northmont Elementary PTA was selected as the statewide Parent Association of the Year for its strong commitment to students’ health and wellness. Every day at Northmont begins with a PTA sponsored Run-ForSee Noteworthy, Page 6
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Page 3
LA MESA SELECTS A NEW POLICE CHIEF
‘LA MESA BEAUTIFUL’ HONORS AWARD-WINNERS La Mesa Beautiful is a volunteer organization which strives to make La Mesa a more attractive place in which to live. And they’ve been going about this quietly and proudly for 33 years. LMB’s primary focus is recognizing the extra efforts of property owners with two separate award programs every year. But they also work with La Mesa public officials on improving the landscape of our parks and City streets, and introduce the importance of trees to our school children by supporting Arbor Week activities and donating trees. They are especially proud of the fact that La Mesa has been designated a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for over 25 years in a row. In mid-October, La Mesa Beautiful presented its coveted Annual Awards to the owners of four single-family homes, a multi-family residence, one commercial business and to those people involved in landscaping a well-traveled public space in La Mesa. La Mesa’s “2011 Citizen of the Year” was the last award announced, revealed as a surprise. This year’s recipient, Dawn Rucker, was chosen for her extensive work over the last six years on the garden at Dawn Rucker receives ‘Citizen Rolando Elementary School. of the Year’ award from Board The recipients and sponsors of the four member Paul Palacios; landscaping awards for single family residences were: “Best Design,” David & Carole Lasky, award sponsored by EDCO; “Best Use of Color” (shown above), Joe A. Holle, sponsored by Harloff Automotive; “Low-Water Use—Best Design,” Bud & Darlene Vogt, sponsored by Helix Water District; “Low Water Use—Attractive Landscape with Color,” Charlie & Patty Peterson, sponsored by Helix Water District. The Reserve on Baltimore received the 2011 “MultiFamily Residential Award,”, sponsored by the Bob Howard Family; the new landscaping along Allison Avenue in downtown La Mesa received the 2011 award for a “Public Facility,” an award sponsored by Kniffing Discount Nursery. Bud & Darlene Vogt proudly Scholarships were awarded to two display the award for ‘Best promising horticulture students, CheyLow Water Design.’
La Mesa City Manager Dave Witt has announced the selection of 25-year La Mesa Police Department veteran Edward (Ed) Aceves, as the City’s new Chief of Police. Mr. Witt said that Mr. Aceves competed against candidates from outside the organization and proved that he has exceptional qualities that will help him succeed in his new position. Mr. Aceves has served as Police Captain, overseeing each of the Police Department’s three divisions during his tenure. Last month he was appointed acting Chief of Police upon the retirement of Chief Alan Lanning. Mr. Aceves began his career with the La Mesa Police Department as a reserve police officer in 1985. In 1986, he was hired as a full-time police officer, where his assignments included patrol officer, detective, DARE officer, field training officer, and department instructor for defensive tactics and emergency vehicle operations. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1997, Lieutenant in 2002, and Captain in 2005. During this time, Mr. Aceves has supervised the patrol, traffic, and investigative units, along with performing duties as the Master Officer Coordinator and Special Response Team (SRT) Commander. In 2009, Mr. Aceves attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, a 3-month leadership program established by the FBI to provide training and networking opportunities to local and state law enforcement agencies. Mr. Aceves is currently pursuing a postgraduate master of criminal justice, after receiving a scholarship from the FBI NAA. While working at the La Mesa Police Department, some of his notable assignments and accomplishments include being selected to participate on the International Security Team for the Olympic Games, where he traveled to Atlanta to work with 5,000 other police officers from all over the world, See Chief, Page 4
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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
November Events Calendar
Antiques, from page 1
LA MESA HISTORIC HOME TOUR—NOVEMBER 5 Five historic homes in the Grossmont/Mt. Helix area will be open for viewing on Saturday, November 5, from 10 am-3 pm. Tickets are $18 for members, $20 for non-members. Special 2012 Centennial Calendars with historic La Mesa photos will also be available for sale ($10). Tour and calendar proceeds benefit the La Mesa Historical Association. Purchase tickets at the La Mesa Women’s Club, 5520 Wilson St. (intersection with Grossmont Blvd.). Shuttle bus transportation to the homes is included with ticket purchase. Call 619-465-1883 for further information.
TWO DAYS OF SOAP BOX DERBY RALLY RACES—NOVEMBER 5 & 6 Two days of Soap Box Derby Rally Races will be held in La Mesa on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6, 9 am to 5 pm both days. The course is on Junior High Dr. adjacent to La Mesa Middle School. Nearby Highwood Park will be the staging area and picnic grounds. Rally races are designed to provide drivers with experience to compete in the annual derbys such as the La Mesa Derby in June, the winners of which are sent to the national finals in Akron, Ohio. For more information, contact La Mesa Kiwanis Derby Chairman Dennis Wilkes at 619-469-7353 or online at dwilkes1@cox.net.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR & BAKE SALE AT OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH—NOVEMBER 5 & 6 Saturday, November 5, 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday, November 6, 7 am to 2 pm. Over 70 crafters will be participating in this annual event, offering a wide range of homemade items. Baked goods will also be available and breakfast and lunch will be offered for purchase both days. Our Lady of Grace Church, Moloney Center, is located at 2766 Navajo Road, El Cajon (across from the Vons Shopping Center). Enter by Medford off Navajo Road. For more information call (619) 461-2460.
FREE FAMILY TENNIS ‘PLAY DAY’—NOVEMBER 5 Saturday, November 5, featuring an introduction to the new 10 and Under Tennis program through the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The whole family is invited to bring their racquets and participate in fun tennis games and receive information on upcoming instructional sessions for the 10 and Under Tennis program in La Mesa. “Play Day” is Saturday, November 5, from 1 to 3 pm, at the La Mesita Park tennis courts, 8855 Dallas Street, La Mesa. The City of La Mesa recently unveiled newly refurbished tennis courts at La Mesita Park made possible through USTA’s “Fresh Courts” program, funded by American Express.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS FAIR, FOOTHILLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH—NOVEMBER 6 4031 Avocado Blvd., Sunday, November 6, 9 am to noon. Each year, Foothills hosts an Alternative Christmas Fair where members and friends of the church community can come and purchase Christmas gifts that help make a difference in the lives of those in need. When you purchase a gift from Alternative Christmas, the proceeds of that gift go toward the charitable organization of your choice. You can help change lives this Christmas! For more details, go to Foothillsumc.org, and click on Events. Or call (619) 670-4009.
LA MESA SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR AND RESOURCE EXPO— NOVEMBER 7 La Mesa Community Center Complex, Arbor View Room, 4975 Memorial Drive. Monday, November 7, 9 am to 2 pm (check-in at 8:30 a.m.) Special guest See Events, Page 12
Chief, from page 3 providing security for the 1996 Summer Games. More recently, Mr. Aceves was assigned as the police project coordinator for the construction of the new La Mesa Police facility, which opened September 20, 2010. Mr. Aceves grew up in La Mesa, and graduated from Helix High School. He and his wife reside in La Mesa where they raised their two daughters, who also graduated from Helix Charter High School and are currently attending college full-time. “Ed participated in a very thorough application process that attracted a wide range of candidates from both inside and out of the region. I have every confidence that Ed is the most qualified candidate for La Mesa’s new Chief and will continue to provide that energy and professional commitment needed in his new role with the Department,” Witt said.
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China” label, when you shop for vintage items, you’re getting something that’s a rarity, maybe even one of a kind, and something that has survived a generation or more. If that’s not enough reasons, here’s a few more: a) Antiques bring up all kinds of nostalgic emotions, b) you can decorate your house with antiques and your friends will think you’ve hired a professional decorator, and c) antiquing is the perfect way to add to your collection. You might be amazed at what qualifies as “antique.” Technically, an item must be 100 years old to be eligible. These days, most shops have merchandise that is more vintage or retro than antique. But vintage is what triggers the nostalgic “Granny had one” response. Antiques exude nostalgia. Who can resist recapturing their youth with an item from your childAntique Alley hood? My dad had a collection of 8320 La Mesa Boulevard battery-operated toys back in the 619-469-1000 day. My favorite was the Charlie Weaver bartender. Charlie pours a Antiques @ The Village drink, takes a sip, and then smoke 8366 La Mesa Boulevard comes out of his ears. When my dad 619-469-3800 passed away, somebody tossed his Charlie Weaver into the trash, so I Collectiquity missed out on my inheritance. But 8600 La Mesa Blvd. lucky for me, I discovered one at a 619-589-7773 La Mesa antique shop. Country Loft I also purchased a mixing bowl set just like my mom’s. Mixing up a 4685 Date Avenue chocolate cake with Mom’s recipe in 619-466-5411 that bowl just seems right. Interior Galleria Antiques and designers like Nate Berkus and Collectibles Candace Olson recommend adding a personal touch to a room with 8329 La Mesa Boulevard thrift store finds or antique shop 619-337-8711 goodies. Shopping for antiques, you La Mesa Antique Mall can outfit an entire retro kitchen 4710 Palm Avenue with vintage Jadeite, Hull Pottery or Fiestaware. You’ll be right 619-462-2211 on trend with the “Mid-century Lisa’s Cottage Modern” 1950s and 60s look that’s 8395 La Mesa Boulevard very popular these days. As long as 619-466-2600 you’re being trendy, check out the great classic rhinestone jewelry Park Estate Company that’s made a big comeback. 8371 La Mesa Boulevard Vintage jewelry is just one 619-644-2002 collectible in an ocean of options. You know the saying, “If you’ve got Time and Treasures three of something, it’s a collec8326 La Mesa Boulevard tion.” My niece had an antique 619-460-8004 shop in Los Gatos, CA. When she was interviewed for a story in her local newspaper, the photographer took a close-up photo of a Howdy Doody pencil topper in her shop. The next day, there were rabid Howdy Doody collectors lined up around the block. And it’s not like she had a case of them in the back. However, La Mesa’s “antique boutiques” are small enough to develop a personal relationship with the owner. If you’ve got a collection of cat saltshakers, for example, many owners will let you know when something for your collection comes in. Whether it’s McCoy Red Riding Hood pottery (my personal addiction), 1950s Tonka trucks or 19th century Royal Doulton figurines, you’re sure to find it with the assistance of a local shop owner. Developing a relationship with an antique dealer isn’t going to happen on eBay. Online shopping has its place, but antiquing is a pursuit that’s much more satisfying in person. Leisurely browsing the antique shops gives you the chance to get out for a stroll, have a chat with your neighbors, and get away from the computer for a day. Whether you’re looking for Victorian furniture or kitschy Kit Kat clocks, one of La Mesa’s antique shops is bound to have that future heirloom—and it might be something you didn’t even know you were looking for. Donna Jones is a writer living in El Cajon, who aspires to be a La Mesa resident in the near future. Her husband is a native La Mesan who can tell you what used to be in nearly every building along La Mesa Blvd. Donna was formerly an assistant editor and writer at Antique & Collectables and Antique Journal newsmagazines, and has been antiquing since 1969, when her niece opened an antique shop during San Diego's Bicentennial.
LA MESA VILLAGE ANTIQUE SHOPS
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Page 5
High School Sports
The Helix Foundation and Jim Arnaiz: A winning team By Rick White
“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.” —Goethe The Helix Foundation was founded in 1994, and is doing just what Goethe suggested with this quote. Through scholarships and support, this foundation is helping all kinds of Helix High School students achieve “what they are capable of becoming.” Jim Arnaiz was an outstanding teacher and coach and was one the most successful football coaches in the history of San Diego. He has the best win record in the Grossmont Conference, achieving ten league championships and four CIF championships over his long career. In 2000, Coach Arnaiz was inducted Send your inspirational into the San Diego Hall of Champions. And stories about high school for an even greater honor to show how much athletes to Rick via email. he was valued at Helix High, the Helix footHe wants stories of students ball field is named after him. who will inspire other In 2006, Jim Arnaiz was asked to students and community become the head fundraiser for the foundamembers. He wants our tion. Jim, who retired in 1999, was a teacher readers to know there are and coach at Helix High School for 27 years. scores of great high school Like many retirees, he was playing golf students at Helix and Grossand traveling and just doing whatever he mont who have a super wanted. But a higher calling—something outlook on how to tackle many people respond to—intervened, and life’s lessons. Email Info@ he decided he could still continue to serve by LaMesaCourier.com. helping students through this foundation. And since 2006, a total of 172 Helix students have received financial support through the foundation. Here are just a couple of examples from former Helix Foundation scholarship recipients, thanking the foundation for supporting them: “This scholarship meant so much more after meeting Mr. Svalstad because it was coming from a tangible source… “Wow, this man gave me $1,000 per year of his own money while I was in college, and he barely even knew me,” wrote See Rick White, Page 7
La Mesa Historical Society volunteer at Oktoberfest
East County Youth Symphony violin ensemble at Oktoberfest
VIEW FROM THE ROAD… By Donna Alm It’s so good to wake up each morning with a new view of the world—and people. Getting past where we begin each trip is a challenge, obviously due to our starting point being at the southwestern corner of the United States. After 54 years, my Quiet Guy and I longed for an alternate route for the 1,200-mile trip to his home town of Casper, Wyoming, one that didn’t involve I-15. We wanted different scenery and reduced traffic congestion. We found it on old Hwy 395, along the eastern slopes of the Sierras, a nice drive if you want to visit both our country’s highest and lowest points, or to find a really good beef jerky stand (just south of Lone Pine) and delicious sandwiches (Schatt’s Bakery in Bishop hand carves the turkey with each order). Hwy 6 into Ely gave us a different view of Nevada, one with mountains and forests. West Wendover, a little gambling spot on I-80, had been a family reunion spot for us and the Casperites several times due to its annual golf tournament. We did hook up with I-15 north of Salt Lake City, by then an un-crowded four-lane divided highway into Idaho where we watched cattle leisurely grazing their way across farm lands. Also discovered Lava Hot Springs, a small town along the Portneuf River offering river rafting and soaking in mineral springs. Idaho Falls has a working dairy farm like the one I grew up on in San Diego. It’s famous for its ice cream and root beer floats! From there, several options faced See Donna Alm, Page 12
Hidden Treasure – The La Mesa Thrift Store Check out one of La Mesa’s hidden treasures that is in plain sight! Maybe you can find a unique holiday gift and help out a good cause at the same time. No ordinary thrift store, the La Mesa Thrift Store, located at 8340 Lemon Avenue, is operated by the La Mesa Community Welfare Association, Inc. (LMCWA). The LMCWA was founded in 1928 on the front porch of Gertrude Bailey’s home to help local La Mesa residents in need. The store moved from the front porch to Orange Avenue, and then to Lemon Avenue where it has been since 1980. The LMCWA funds are derived entirely from the Thrift Shop sales and donations. All funds are used strictly for La Mesa residents only and the all volunteer staff takes no salary. Some of the volunteers have been serving La Mesa for over forty years. The LMCWA organization provides financial aid to the Senior Center, the Recreation, Fire, and Police Departments, La Mesa Historical Society, La Mesa Public Library, and various schools within La Mesa. Emergency family assistance for residents of La Mesa is available, as is financial support of community projects. The group provides grocery store gift cards, emergency rations and clothes for low-income families and, at Christmas, lots of toys are given to the children of La Mesa. The store has given over a million dollars to the community since 1980. The organization recently donated $3,000 to a planned community garden in La Mesa. The city is planning to add the name “Veteran’s Memorial Parkway” to Fletcher Parkway and the LMCWA gave $1500 to the fund to honor La Mesa’s military veterans. The Thrift Shop is stocked by donations of items from the local community. If you would like to donate or purchase any type of clothing, jewelry, household items, furniture of all kinds, books, toys, and other useful, gently used articles, just stop by the Thrift Shop. The volunteer staff will welcome your generous donation and put it to good use to help people in La Mesa. Your contributions stay in the community and help your fellow residents, an important consideration in these hard times. The Shop is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 3:00 pm. New volunteers are always welcome so if you would like to join a local group, call the LMCWA office at 619-466-6678. Stop by and say hello, the volunteers would love to see you! K.C.
LA MESA RESIDENT NAMED HONORED HERO FOR ‘LIGHT THE NIGHT’ WALK La Mesa resident Arnie Levine will be named an Honored Hero for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night® Walk on Friday, November 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Arnie, diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999, will be honored at the 13th Annual two-mile walk that brings together thousands of individuals to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient services. “There was a point where I had just a few weeks left to live due to a misdiagnosis, but luckily I got second opinions from Dr. John Taylor, MD, and Dr. Charles Kossman, MD, who discovered I had the disease. I was diagnosed with Arnie & Lisa high-grade stage 4 and low-grad non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Levine It was without a doubt the most challenging point in my life. I went through treatment and chemotherapy, but relapsed in 2004, and again in 2010,” said Levine. “While I’m hoping to be in remission for good this time around, I’m fighting what is considered an incurable cancer so my goal is to spread awareness and get others involved.” Learn more about Arnie’s fight for cancer and follow his personal blog at www.countyproperties.net/category/cancer-survivor. For more information on this year’s event, visit www.lightthenight.org/sd/.
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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Life in La Mesa By Pam Crooks, Editor This past month I’ve been learning more about local civic organizations and churches. I was invited to speak to one of the local Rotary Clubs, and the La Mesa Kiwanis Club, and attended an awards luncheon for La Mesa Beautiful. A member of the local Optimist Club told us they will be celebrating 55 years of philanthropic efforts and volunteer activities in November. Soroptimist International of La Mesa invited me to an introductory event to learn more about their efforts. Rick White wrote about the Helix Foundation in his high school sports column, and Kathy Crawford interviewed several members of the La Mesa Community Welfare Association, and described the many good things they’ve been doing since 1928, in her piece about the La Mesa Thrift Shop. A small city like La Mesa is more than a unit of civil administration. It’s a community, and that’s a magical, but complex thing. Community doesn’t just happen; it’s built in thousands of small ways every day. If institutions like city government, school systems, police and fire services are the bones of a community, organizations like the garden club, the Legion hall, the Chamber of Commerce, the church congregations, the Women’s Club, these are the sinew that holds our parts together. In the news from the other side of the globe where old regimes have been See Pam Crooks, Page 10
Holiday Shopping, La Mesa-Style! Looking for a unique gift for someone special? How about shopping in La Mesa this year? You don’t even have to get on the freeway to do it, plus you’ll be helping out the City’s many businesses during these difficult economic times and contributing to our local tax base. Of course we’re lucky to have Grossmont Center, Target, ToysRus, Walmart, Costco, Best Buy and Radio Shack handy for those must-have electronics and brand-named toys. Grossmont Center offers Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, See’s Candy, Macy’s, Sports Authority, Pier One, Charlotte Russe, etc., but also local retailers like Grossmont Nutrition, Highlander, and Ceramicafe. But you could also spend a productive afternoon in La Mesa Village. Besides the many antique Shoppers check out scale model stores (see article on page 1) and the trains at Reed’s Hobby Shop. weekly Farmer’s Market, this area presents many other opportunities to find one-of-a-kind gifts. All Things Bright and British, Handful of Wildflowers, Mostly Mission and Time and Treasure come to mind. Reeds Hobby Shop, which has been a fixture in La Mesa for years, has model train layouts and miniatures. Nearby is Reader’s Inc., a children’s book store. Stop in and they’ll make a recommendation for that hard-to-shop-for niece or nephew. A budding musician on your list? Stop in to McCrea’s, Moze Guitars or Alan’s Music in the downtown area. The larger chain store, Guitar Center, is not far away. The resale stores and La Mesa Thrift (supporting La Mesa Community Welfare Assn.), Thrift Miniature train layout. Corral (supporting Sharp Grossmont Hospital) have gently used hats, jewelry, scarves, sweaters, etc. Maxwell’s Books is a book-lover’s paradise with new and used titles presented in a soothing atmosphere. Consider the See Shopping, Page 11
Noteworthy, from page 2
Everybody Reads the Courier… Editor Pam Crooks recently spoke to the La Mesa Kiwanis Club about the birth of the La Mesa Courier. Member and long-time public relations professional Bob Battenfield arranged this photo. In the foreground is Club President-Elect Bob Schulz. La Mesa Kiwanis meets every Friday at noon at Nan Couts Cottage in the La Mesa Community Center complex. Guests are always welcome.
GEMS& JEWELS By Enhancery Jewelers, Kathleen White, Graduate Gemologist, GIA
Go Green - Recycle Your Jewelry Into New Pieces for Yourself or For Gifts Today more than ever people are looking for value. You may be sitting on a wealth of possibilities in your own jewelry box just waiting to be rediscovered. Something that you received as a gift or bought years ago that doesn’t seem to fit your tastes today, is just waiting to be revitalized. We can reset your gemstones into new mountings, and give you credit for your old setting towards the new one. If you now wear white gold and your old jewelry is yellow gold we can rhodium it white to match your new tastes. Many jewelry pieces can be refurbished and given as a cherished family heirloom gift for the holidays. You may have your own “Antiques Roadshow”. Stop by soon for a free design consultation. November birthstone – Topaz or Citrine Bright yellow is the particular color for November, and these two brilliant gemstones offer a bright, sunny tonic for darker November days. Both topaz and citrine are hard, sparkling gems that symbolize a long and happy life for the November born. Citrine is beautiful yellow quartz named after the French word “citron” m e a n i n g lemon. It is hard and durable with bright color and lively sparkle. It varies from pale yellow to rich golden yellow to dark orange. Topaz occurs in a range of different colors from deep golden yellow to sherry pink and blue. Imperial Topaz with its distinct peach, pink, or mauve hues is perhaps the rarest topaz variety, and the primary source is found at the Capão Imperial Topaz, in the town of Ouro Prêto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Marty and Kathy visited the Capão mine recently on their gem buying trip to Brazil. You can view it at www.enhancery. com “Our Videos”, Brazil trip. Visit us on the web at www.enhancery.com or follow us on Facebook... Advertisement
Fun where every child has the opportunity to participate and get active. The PTA also sponsored a ballroom dance class, a Family Fitness Fair and led the school’s 3rd Annual Fit Camp in which participants not only got active, but also learned all about fats, carbohydrates, proteins and calories.
Local Author Wins National Book Award Author David Curry Kahn worked early in his career as a freelance writer and magazine editor but made a career change to the business world of sales and sales management after a few years. But Kahn never lost sight of his goal of writing a novel that would inspire young people to have a continuing positive outlook, to always believe in themselves and to see failures as only stepping-stones to success. Now semi-retired with time to write again, he has produced the book he dreamed of doing—Her Mother’s Diary. The book, which won first place in the category of Young Adult Fiction in the National Indie Excellence Awards, is the story of a spirited young woman who stops at nothing to preserve her dying mother’s last wish, by unraveling her diary’s secrets. The book may be ordered online from Amazon.com or from The Reader’s Inc. children’s bookstore in La Mesa.
And, Congrats to… Kenneth Andrew Brandon, a resident of La Mesa, has earned an Associate in Applied Science, Administrative/Management Studies from Excelsior College. Excelsior College is an accredited, private, nonprofit institution that focuses on the needs of working adults. Its primary mission is to increase access to a college degree for adult learners by removing obstacles to their educational goals. It does so by providing working adults multiple avenues to degree completion that include its own online courses and college-level proficiency examinations, and the acceptance of credit in transfer from other colleges and universities. Founded in 1971, and located in Albany, N.Y., it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. La Mesa resident Rick Griffin won four writing awards, including a first-place award, at this year’s San Diego Press Club’s 38th annual Excellence in Journalism awards program. His awards were in the following categories: “Non-daily Newspaper, Community Service/Public Affairs,” “Trade Publications, Newsletters” and “Trade Publications, One-Time Publications.” His winning stories were written on behalf of Grossmont College, Grossmont Healthcare District and the San Diego Better Business Bureau. It is Griffin’s seventh consecutive year and 10th year out of the last 11 for winning a Press Club writing award. See Noteworthy, Page 14
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
News and Views By Mary England, CEO La Mesa Chamber of Commerce Thanks to the community & our sponsors La Mesa Oktoberfest was a success! The annual Oktoberfest in La Mesa has always drawn crowds, but this year people enjoyed themselves with added attractions and additional food to help them savor the weekend. The 38th Annual Oktoberfest could have not asked for better weather. The sun was shining the entire weekend increasing the crowds and visitors strolling the 10 blocks in La Mesa, visiting the family friendly Large beer garden on Allison Street and enjoying the shopping at all the local businesses who were poised and ready for the action! This annual event brings over 200,000 people to La Mesa and without the support of the following sponsors that assist in the Chamber’s efforts and area of responsibility of this huge event much would not happen: Presenting Sponsor -Sycuan Casino, Title Stage Sponsor -Hitzke Development Corporation, Entertainment Sponsor -Viejas Casino, Stage Sponsor - DCH Honda of Lemon Grove, exclusive beer sponsor -Karl Strauss Brewing Company, the NEW Food Court Sponsor, Windermere Real Estate and the following Friends of The Pavilion Sponsors -American Medical Response, Auto Club of Southern California, Borrego Springs Bank, Grossmont Escrow Co., Jejjoni Sign Mfg., Springleaf Financial Services, Travelodge of La Mesa and USE Credit Union. Morgan’s Monograms added our new logo on our t-shirts We added a couple of business leaders to the mix this year that helped out immensely as we continued to redesign the Beer Garden and make the appropriate changes. The following put in countless time and energy to help with the modifications to the beer garden and without them - we would not have opened: Kappa Surveying Our own Rick Turner who is the owner and Kirk Paving -Jon Kirk owner. You two made a HUGE difference to our event and we can’t thank you enough! Having our own local newspaper was a HUGE plus this year, and I can’t thank the La Mesa Courier enough for the “special” Oktoberfest edition for all to read and take home. A local newspaper is still such a great tool for our local community and even in this day of electronic media it is always helpful to have a local paper to publicize local events and support local businesses. Each year the Chamber continues to make changes to the configuration of the BIG beer garden and the extended area that they govern at the corner of 4th and La Mesa Boulevard and next year will be no different. The increased capacity this year proved to be great for the customers and posed no problems in the management of the area. Plans are currently underway to make the BIG beer garden more user friendly, and increase the use of the current space. The Windermere Food Court was successful this year and plans are already underway to make some configuration changes to that area that will better serve the visitors and all who wish to purchase great food in that area.
SYCUAN GOLF & TENNIS RESORT ANNOUNCES GOLF TOURNAMENT GIVEAWAY VALUED AT $2,500 Sycuan Golf & Tennis Resort, an award-winning golf resort just 24 miles inland from downtown San Diego (formerly Singing Hills Country Club), announced in late October that it will give away a 16-player golf tournament, valued at $2,500. Entries will be accepted through mid-December, after which the winner will be announced. The tournament will include golf with cart and driving range access, for a total of 16-players, or four groups of four. Each player will receive a gourmet boxed-lunch, and awards will be given for the groups’ first, second and third place winner, longest drive, and even last place player. The awards include prizes such as a free twosome of golf, dinner for two, two complimentary hours of lessons, and certificates for Sycuan’s pro shop. To sign up for a chance to win the tournament, visitors can click on: www. facebook.com/sycuanresort . While the tournament contest is open to the public and members alike, it is part of Sycuan’s Gold Club Membership drive. Annual memberships can be purchased for $169, online, at www.sycuanresortgold club.com, by calling the membership line at 888-548-8640, or in person at the resort’s Pro Shop.
Rick White, from page 5 Joel Aftreth while attending UCLA. “In December of 2010, I walked down the center of the gymnasium at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to receive my degree in Electrical Engineering. An event my father, Larry Holliman, was unable to attend after a brief battle with cancer in 2007. I can only imagine what his reaction would have been the evening of my graduation, but I think it would have been similar to the night he heard my name read as a recipient of the Helix Foundation grant. Upon hearing my name, he popped up with one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen on his face and held out his hand for a high-five as I walked toward the stage… ‘Extremely thankful’ does not even begin to describe my feelings towards the opportunities the Helix Foundation opened for me.” –Jeremy Holliman. Folks, I would like to encourage you to become part of the Helix Foundation family. By logging on to helixcharter.net, clicking on the alumni link and then clicking on the membership application, you can become part of a movement that is helping students “become what they are capable of becoming.”
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SUGARY DRINKS ARE A BIG PROBLEM FOR LITTLE KIDS By Lori Abbott California News Service Sugary drinks are a big problem for little kids, according to a new report that confirms their connection with obesity in children. The “First 5 L-A” report found that these drinks now represent the biggest source of added sugar in children’s diets. For each additional sugary drink a child consumes each day, says Francisco Oaxaca, First 5 LA public-affairs director, his or her risk of obesity increases by an astonishing 60 percent. “The younger the child is, the more important it is to help them acquire those healthy consumption habits that will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older.” Oaxaca says their report found that nearly 30 percent of children ages 5 and younger consume one or more sugary drinks each day. “When you look specifically at children of families of color, African-American, Latino children, the rate almost doubled, up to 50 percent. So, it’s a significant issue that has ramped up especially over the past few years. The First 5 L-A report also addresses the dental decay young children experience as a result of sugary drinks. Oaxaca says tooth decay is the nation’s most common childhood chronic illness. “Not only that - it also is actually responsible for almost 900,000 missed days of school by children throughout the state of California, just because of issues related to tooth decay.” The report offers several recommendations, including a sugary beverage tax of one penny per ounce, with the revenue used for obesity-prevention programs. Also, First 5 LA is suggesting an end to the sale of sugary drinks at local, state and federal government facilities, including parks or playgrounds used by families with young children.
Boundary, from page 1 school is not a part of the plan, but, by direction of the Helix Charter Board, it retains an overlapping attendance area giving students in western La Mesa (west of Jackson Dr., Highway 125 and Main St. in Lemon Grove) priority for entrance to Helix. (But, Helix entrance policies could adjust as District boundaries change.) The new District plan calls for dividing the former Helix attendance area between Grossmont High and Mt. Miguel for those students who remain in the District rather than attending Helix Charter. Boundary proposals are posted at www.guhsd.net. Determining assignments near borderlines will require a telephone call as fully detailed maps, though developed, have not been posted. In 2011, Grossmont High had California Academic Performance Index (API) test results of 769. Its 2010 scores rank it ahead of about 65% of California high schools and 15% of the 100 state schools with most similar populations. Monte Vista’s 2011 API is 744 (up an unusual 31 points from 2010) and its 2010 rank in California was 35%, bettering 55% of the schools with most similar population. The corresponding values for Helix Charter are 2011 API: 787; 2010 rankings: 75% overall; ahead of 95% (!) of similar schools. West Hills: 2011 API: 807; 2010 rankings 65% overall; beating 15% of similars. El Cajon Valley: 2011 API: 644; 2010 rankings: 15% overall; besting 25% of similars. Steele Canyon Charter: 2011 API: 786; 2010 rankings: 65% overall; above 15% of similars. Mt. Miguel: 2011 API: 659; 2010 rankings: 15% overall; leading 35% of similar populations. Among the eleven District and charter schools, only Monte Vista (at 55%), Valhalla (at 65%) and Helix Charter (at 95%) had 2010 rankings above schools with similar populations and Monte Vista will advance well in upcoming 2011 rankings. A substantial portion of the Mt. Helix area would shift from Grossmont High to Monte Vista High. Three areas are to be transferred: First, the area bounded on the west by highway 125; on the north by Mariposa St. to Bancroft to Edgewood to Grandview; on the east by Conrad and to highway 94 which bounds the south of the first transfer region. The second Mt. Helix transfer region is bounded on the west by Conrad, on the north by Grandview eastward to Fuerte on to Fuerte’s intersection with Avocado, Avocado on southward to just north of Anaheim where the new region meets the existing Monte Vista attendance area. The third transfer area, bordering the Mt. Helix area, is east of Avocado and south of Anaheim extending across nearly all of Rancho San Diego and including Steele Canyon Charter High School which no longer has a district attendance area and, like Helix, competes with the Grossmont District for students. This third region is also part of Steele Canyon Charter high school’s attendance area so students in this third area may opt to attend Steele Canyon —but check to be sure as policies are likely to change with boundaries and charters set their own entrance requirements. Future students living north of the line roughly passing from Dallas St. through Manor Dr. to Garfield, then Charles Way angling up to Hillsmont Dr. and Wagner Dr. and west of Cuyamaca St. would be assigned to attend West Hills High on Mast Blvd. in western Santee. (West Hills is about three times farther away than Grossmont High for these students, but has excess capacity due to less development in Santee than once expected.) The former Helix High attendance area of the Grossmont Union District would be re-assigned by the District to either Grossmont High or Mt. Miguel. New students living in the former Helix area north of El Cajon Blvd. or Interstate 8 east of its junction with El Cajon Blvd. would be assigned to Grossmont High while those southward would be assigned to Mt. Miguel High. Students in these areas should check with both the Grossmont District and with Helix Charter to understand their options.
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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
SMALL FRIENDS HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
BLEED 8.75”a week in a preschool program 5.25” Children ages 3-5 participate four mornings sponsored by the City of La Mesa. (Left) Paij Collins helps daughter Morgan, TRIM TRIM8.5” 5”windsock; (right) Program Director 3, and Jaycee, 7 mos., create a Halloween Kerry Minch, prepares awards for decorated cakes donated for a Cake Walk.
Intergenerational Games Held in La Mesa Adult athletes age 50 and older from East County teamed up with elementary and middle school students for the annual East County Intergenerational Games in La Mesa. This year’s event was held on October 13, at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Ave. in La Mesa. This marked the sixth year that the City of La Mesa has hosted an Intergenerational Games event. Area students from grades second through sixth are paired with active adults, age 50+, to compete in a circuit of non-competitive fun and simple activities. Games included a football punt and kick, basketball toss, softball hit, street hockey shot, Frisbee toss, soccer kick, bocce roll, horseshoe pitch, obstacle course and nutrition/sports trivia questions. These were non-competitive activities, with an emphasis on confidence building, camaraderie and breaking down stereotypes between the generations. Teams were made up of one student age 7 to 12, and one adult age 50 or older. Closing Ceremonies followed the events with each participant receiving a medal and certificate. The La Mesa Intergenerational Games are organized through the City Of La Mesa in partnership with the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, the County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services and Health & Human Services Agency East Region, the East County Action Network, AARP, Elks USA, 24 Hr. Fitness, SPRITES and many other community partners. Funding for the event is made possible through sponsorships and private donations.
THANKSGIVING
WEEKEND FREE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
FRIDAY 8AM-10AM
L
TH I N T HE N I R OA Y B K A UNIQUE IN EVERY WAY!
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IN THE FOOD COURT OUTDOOR SEATING AREA
WITH A NEW TEDDY BEAR DONATION
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY FRIDAY 6PM-7PM IT’S NEW, RETRO AND BRIGHT!
FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY FREE GIFT CARD
WHEN YOU GIFT WRAP YOUR PURCHASE
DONATIONS TO BENEFIT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS’ COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAP PROGRAM
GIFT WITH PURCHASE
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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Page 9
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Page 10
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
La Mesa Reads
Business & Services Directory
By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian
AIR CONDITIONING Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical Serving our community since 1960! Residential/ commercial. Service, repair, installation, thermostats, registers, filters, indoor air quality, and more. (06/12)
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ELECTRICAL Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical Serving our community since 1960! Panel upgrades, sub panels, outlets, ceiling fans, whole house fans, solar systems, recessed lighting, and more. (06/12)
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GARAGE DOORS Up & Down Garage Doors Garage door service, new doors, new openers, spring replacement, BBB Member, La Mesa Based, CLSB #904512, 619-464-0116 (06/12)
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PLUMBING Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical Serving our community since 1960! Toilets, water heaters/tankless, drains, disposals, faucets, slab leaks, repipes, camera inspections, and more. Visit our showroom! (06/12)
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(06/12)
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In the last month at the La Mesa library we’ve seen a variety of fiction titles on our “most popular” list. A Game of Thrones: Book One of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin and Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson were top choices for La Mesa readers. Martin’s long-running fantasy series was recently adapted for television and actor Peter Dinklage won an Emmy award for his portrayal of clever main character Tyrion Lannister. If you’re hooked on the HBO series, you can read the books to go even deeper into Martin’s world. Before I Go to Sleep, a breakout first novel, follows Christine, who wakes up every day with no memory of the day before. Each day her husband, Ben, explains their life together. One morning she sees that she has written “Don’t trust Ben” in her secret journal. Without her own memories to guide her, who can she trust? Mystery, the 26th novel in the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman,
Beautiful, from page 3 enne Shy of El Capitan HS and Gail Ballard of Cuyamaca College. Two schools were recognized for their Arbor Day programs this year: La Mesa Middle and Murray Manor. La Mesa Beautiful promotes Park appreciation and work parties and provides lights for the Christmas in the Village celebration. Their main fundraiser is a plant sale every year on the first Saturday in May. It’s a monumental effort with plants donated by members and 18 different nurseries. They do all this with a membership of around 100 and a board of 10 very dedicated individuals. LMB meets monthly at St. Andrew’s Church at Glen St. and Lemon Avenue. For further information, call (619) 466-4877 or email lamesabeau tifulbeautiful@yahoo.com.
Pam Crooks, from page 6 toppled and new governments are being formed, we hear lots of talk about creating a civil society and nation-building. Once the foundation of government is in place, a functioning society requires more informal organizations, like those we have in La Mesa. It is accomplished through those thousands of friendships, memberships, affiliations, acquaintances, even rivalries and occasional grudges that engage us in our community. As young adults, we tend to go our separate ways until we have children. Then, with our own children engaged, as our stakes in a successful community increase, we start to take our place in communal life. By the time the children leave the nest, many of us have come to recognize how civic organizations enrich La Mesa and our own lives. That’s why, as you look around, you see so many of the positive forces for this community led by older people. Not because they have nothing better to do, but because they have learned both the social and personal benefits of involvement and community. Indeed, as our own bulging baby-boomer generation ages, I expect we will see even more positive things happening in La Mesa.
was also a popular choice at the La Mesa Library. In this thriller, Delaware is surprised to discover that a murder victim is familiar to him—someone he had seen just a few hours before her death. And finally, The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith was a top pick. The latest installment in the beloved “No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency” series again finds Botswanan sleuth Precious Ramotswe solving crimes. Please stop into the library or give us a call to find out more about any of these titles. This November we will continue our “Coffee and Books” program. On Wednesday, November 9th at 5:00 pm please stop by to hear book reviews, have some coffee, and chat with other book lovers. Then on Saturday, November 19th we’ll start off the holiday season with a harp concert. This free event for all ages will begin at 2:00 pm. Did you know that we offer a storytime just for babies? Every Tuesday at 11:30 our lapsit program for children ages birth through 18 months takes place in the children’s area. Learn songs, stories, rhymes, read books and have fun with your baby. Please remember that all San Diego County Library branches will be closed for Veteran’s Day on Friday, November 11th and for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th. La Mesa branch library staff members are here to help you seven days a week, even on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Stop in and check out what’s new.
Crime Watch, from page 2 wearing dark grey sweatshirt, grey pants and dark nylon mask – armed with a black revolver. Second robber: black or Hispanic male, 25-30 years old; about 5ft 10in; 160 to 180 pounds; wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black baseball cap with red design. Armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. Descriptions of perpetrators in these crimes vary but have some commonalities. No one has been seriously injured in any of these La Mesa incidents. A series of commercial robberies have also been reported in San Diego and other jurisdictions from Oceanside to Chula Vista. It is not clear how many of these incidents are interrelated, but police are investigating with that aspect in mind. La Mesa Police planned a community forum for November 1, in the Police Department Community Room to inform La Mesa business owners and employees of the robberies and suggest appropriate ways of working with police. Anyone with information pertaining to any of these robberies is urged to call the La Mesa Police Department at 619-667-1400. Residents may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line at 888-580-TIPS or go to www. sdcrimestoppers.com. Tips can earn up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. For additional information on home security or to start a Neighborhood Watch Group, call the La Mesa Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 619-667-7545 or access www.cityoflamesa.com.
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Page 11
La Mesa Senior Volunteer receives recognition for donating 10,000 hours to the Police Department On October 17, 2011 Councilwoman Ruth Sterling and members of City staff and the Police Department attended a dedication ceremony for Police volunteer Clifford T. Raines. Cliff began volunteering with the Police Department in November 1994. Since that time, Cliff has volunteered a minimum of 2 days per week and to date has volunteered over 10,600 hours. Cliff continues to serve in the RSVP patrol. In addition, Cliff spent many years volunteering in the Investigations Unit and with the Property Clerk. His job duties have been diverse and in some cases Cliff has been a pioneer, showing how valuable volunteers can be in many divisions within the Department. Councilwoman Sterling praised Cliff for the many job functions he has performed over the 17 L-R: City Manager Dave Witt, years as a volunteer. Chief Aceves Councilwoman Sterling, new Police thanked Cliff Raines for his dediChief Ed Aceves, Cliff Raines and Kay cation and years of service to the Raines stand behind Cliff’s Star. Police Department and the community. Cliff’s wife Kay and family were in attendance to support him in this recognition. Cliff Raines is the 4th City volunteer to achieve 10,000 hours and have a stone star placed on La Mesa Boulevard in the “Walkway of the Stars”. The volunteer recognition program began several years ago at the suggestion of Councilwoman Sterling. The other volunteers with over 10,000 hours are, long time volunteer Alice Larsen, fellow RSVP member Tony Guggenheimer, and 31 year Police Reserve Officer Tim Tarbuk. The City has a very active volunteer program, matching interested people with job functions. If you would like more information on volunteering with the City contact Kathy Tinsley at the Adult Enrichment Center 619-667-1491. If you are interested in more infor10% Off With This AD mation on volunteering 8332 La Mesa Blvd in the Police Department La Mesa, CA 91941 contact Maxine Lynch (619) 460-5668 619-667-7547.
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Shopping, from page 6 many salons and spas such as Prêt-à-Porter, Hot Rodz, Radiance and Millicent, where you can pick up a gift certificate for a personalized service or spa day. A membership at the Village Gym or a series of yoga classes from the Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa are also available in the downtown area. Fashion Kiss and the Scarlet Label feature more intimate possibilities, while Blumenthal Jewelers and Michael Collins offer very special gifts to be treasured for a lifetime. But also take a look at FusionGlass on La Mesa Blvd. for handmade dichroic glass jewelry. While you’re there, stop in to Two Sisters & Ewe and the Bouncing Bead for the crafter (or wanna-be crafter) in your life. Certificates for classes are available at all three places. Two-locally owned bicycle stores and the Warm Hearth can also be found in this area. Readers, Inc. You never have to leave La Mesa to go to Burlington Coat Factory, Ross, Big Lots, Aaron Bros., Michael’s, Starbucks, Trek Bicycle or Tuesday Morning, Verizon, Rite Aid, CVS, Staples or Office Depot. Several gift-filled Hallmark stores and shipping stores in town are locally owned. The possibilities are almost endless, too many to list here. Log onto the La Village Merchant’s Association website, lmvma.com, or Grossmont Center’s site, grossmontcenter.com, for a more complete list of retail outlets in these areas. But also consider the thoroughfares and smaller centers near your home for other ideas. P.C.
Page 12
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
SAVOR THE SEASON WITH SPRING HILL CHEESE By Jessica Roach Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. –Mary Ann Evans Ah autumn. It arrives with promises of changing leaves, crisp weather, and cozy nights sipping cider and enjoying a hearty meal beside the crackling fire. Wandering around the La Mesa Farmers’ Market (Fridays 2–6 pm, at the intersection of University Ave. and Spring St.), you are sure to come across many autumnal treasures: locally harvested squash, onions, and peppers; fresh-baked Rosemary-Olive Oil bread from Bread and Cie; decadent pumpkin cupcakes topped with mascarpone frosting from Ciao Cupcake; and rich artisan cheeses made by Spring Hill Organic Cheese. October marked the American Cheese Society’s first annual “American Cheese Month,” encouraging dairy enthusiasts across the country to celebrate locally made cheeses. What better way than to continue the celebration than to venture down to Spring Hill’s booth at the market, where you can find anything from creamy Jersey cheddars and jacks to rich goat cheeses; fresh cheese curds to slow-churned, European style butter. Each week, you can sample from Spring Hill’s inventory of over twenty dairy products. Favorites include the full-flavored Goat White Cheddar, creamy Pesto Jack, rich Garlic Quark, and robust Smoked Firehouse Cheddar. Founded in 1987, by Larry Peter, Spring Hill is located in beautiful Sonoma County. The farm spans over 300 acres, allowing its herd of cows and goats to roam freely and graze on lush, green pastures. Spring Hill uses Jersey cow milk for their cheeses: higher in butterfat than the Holstein, which is typically used for dairy production, Jersey milk has an incomparable rich, creamy flavor. Spring Hill products are all certified organic, made without additives, hormones, or preservatives. The farm is also certified humane and the creamery has just been dubbed eco-certified. Demonstrating a deep respect for the environment, its animals, and its customer-base, Spring Hill embodies and preserves Sonoma’s rich agricultural heritage. San Diego was introduced to Spring Hill in 2006, when Larry’s niece, Rachel Peter, began selling her uncle’s cheese at the Hillcrest Farmers’ Market. With a background in exercise and sports sciences and a passion for healthy living, Rachel saw the markets as a great way to connect with the San Diego community on matters of food and health. Aware of the stigma associated with the higher butterfat content of Jersey cow milk, Rachel emphasizes, “Fat is not something to be afraid of, to avoid. Our bodies need fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, and E, all of which can be obtained from the butterfat in our products. The key to healthy dairy enjoyment, of course, is moderation.” Spring Hill can now be found at twelve San Diego farmers’ markets per week (including La Mesa’s Farmers Market every Friday afternoon); served on cheese plates and entrees at many local restaurants like the Linkery and Ritual Tavern; and on store shelves at Jimbo’s Natural Foods Stores and Venissimo Cheese. To enhance your next autumnal feast, try grating Dry Jack or Old World Portuguese on your homemade soups; saute vegetables in the salted butter to evoke rich natural flavor; or melt Sage Cheddar atop your roasted butternut squash. The mouth-watering suggestions don’t stop there - visit Spring Hill’s website for more! (www.sandiegocheese.com) Try this delicious dessert on a crisp fall evening:
Apple Cheddar Strudel Serves 10 ¾ cup pecans, chopped ¾ cup dry bread crumbs, divided ¾ cup Spring Hill White Cheddar, grated ½ cup light brown sugar, divided
8 Tbsp Spring Hill Organic Butter, divided 3 apples, ½” wedges, cored and peeled ½ tsp cinnamon 8 sheets frozen phyllo dough
1) Preheat oven to 350˚. Toast pecans on baking sheet until lightly browned, 4-6 min. Finely chop ½ cup, set aside remaining pecans. In small bowl, combine ¼ cup bread crumbs with finely chopped pecans for sprinkling between phyllo sheets. 2) In another bowl, combine cheese, ¼ cup sugar, remaining bread crumbs and remaining ¼ cup chopped pecans. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in medium saucepan, add cheese mixture and stir to combine. Set aside. 3) In medium skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter over medium-heat. Add apples and remaining sugar. Cook about 5 mins, until golden but still slightly crisp. Add cinnamon, remove from heat and cool slightly. Combine with cheese mixture. 4) Turn oven to 400˚. On a clean, dry work surface, lay down parchment paper. Place one sheet phyllo atop parchment. Lightly brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. bread crumb-nut mixture. Repeat layering of phyllo and mixture with remaining sheets. 5) Spoon apple-cheese mixture onto layered phyllo, covering the length and half the width of sheet and leaving 1½” border. Fold ends in, then fold length to roll up strudel. 6) Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, seamside down. Brush with butter; sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top. Bake 15 min or until golden brown. Enjoy a la mode or with a dollop of Spring Hill’s Vanilla Bean Quark! Jessica Roach grew up in La Mesa, is a graduate of Grossmont High School, the U of SF and can be found selling cheeses at the Farmers’ Mkt.
Donna Alm, from page 5 our entry into Wyoming. It’s always good to spend time with the people we love. This time was no exception, and we return home with our hearts full again. The Alms introduced us to Casper’s farmer’s market, where we joined hundreds of locals purchasing produce and enjoying a lovely evening in a unique park designed to honor our country’s historical documents; even found a long-lost friend in the crowd! It isn’t just food that highlights traveling for us. Any time of the year and in any state we visit there are events to draw people together, a great variety of festivals that highlight food & beverages, culture, arts & crafts, history and nature. These opportunities teach, delight and entertain, and provide food for the body, mind and soul. All good forums for people watching—even better for getting to know people. Closer to home, check out cityoflamesa.com for a calendar of some special gatherings. There are always options for getting from here to there—and for experiences along the way. Embrace the journey…
Events, from page 4 Duncan Hunter, Congressman, 52nd District. The theme of the seminar will be Strategies for Success in Today’s Economy. and will cover topics including “Avoiding Sales and Use Tax Problems”; “Recordkeeping and Basic IRS Examination Procedures”; “Employment Taxes”; “Loan Programs and Services”; “Social Media Marketing”’ and “Procurement and Contracting Opportunities with San Diego County.” Register online: www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/sbf.htm, or by phone: 888-847-9652. Free Parking.
GROSSMONT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION GALA—NOVEMBER 12 At 6 o’clock on Saturday, November 12, physicians and community leaders will gather at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina for an evening of dinner, dancing, live/silent auctions and live entertainment. This is the community’s largest celebration in support of Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Event will feature a dance competition theme. Individual tickets are $275. Proceeds will benefit the new Heart and Vascular Center. For further information, call the GHF at (619) 740-4200, or email bill.navrides@sharp.com.
FREE PAPER SHREDDING EVENT IN LA MESA—November 12 Don’t discard—shred your household documents in a quick and easy way. The City of La Mesa is sponsoring another free paper shredding event for La Mesa residents on Saturday, November 12, from 9 am to Noon at La Mesa’s EDCO Station, located at 8184 Commercial Street. There will be a limit of two boxes per household and the shredding will be done on site. No appointment is necessary. This City event is made possible through the generous support of the EDCO Disposal Corporation. Questions can be directed to 619.667.1167.
EAST COUNTY YOUTH SYMPHONY CONCERT—NOVEMBER 16 Wednesday, November 16, 7 p.m., Joan B. Kroc Theater, 6611 University Avenue, San Diego. Performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Symphony No. 1. Conductor is Ms. Olga Reztsova. Ticket sales support this talented group of 140 young students from 40 different schools, ages 8-25, most of whom are from La Mesa. No fees or tuition are required of the students to participate in the program. For more information, go to www.ecysymphony.com.
OPEN HOUSE AT CHARLEY BROWN CHILDREN’S CENTER— NOVEMBER 18 It's Open House time at Charley Brown Children’s Center and you’re invited! Visit our classrooms, share a variety of parent-child activities and meet our caring teachers. Punch and cookies will be served. It’s happening between 6 and 7 pm on Friday November 18. You’ll find us at 5921 Jackson Drive, La Mesa, CA (619-463-5126, www.ucclm.org/CBCC.htm). The Center, which is licensed for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, is a community service of the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Avenue.
FREE STARGAZING EVENT—NOVEMBER 18 Unleash your inner astronomer at a free “Stargazing” event from 7 to 9 pm in the parking lot of the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive. Members of the San Diego Astronomy Association will have their telescopes trained on celestial points of interest in the November skies over La Mesa and can answer your astronomy questions. The Community Center will also offer a warm and cozy indoor spot with astronomy-related displays for those interested in more information about “Stargazing.” In the event of inclement weather this event may need to be postponed. To find additional information about these and other events call 619.667.1300 or visit www.cityoflamesa.com/familyfun.
FAIR TRADE HOLIDAY SALE AT UCCLM— NOVEMBER 19 The youth of the United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM) are once again hosting a Fair Trade Holiday Sale in the church’s Friendship Hall. Handmade gifts - jewelry, kitchen and decorative items, accessories, food, etc., from around the world, along with crafts and food items offered by church members. The sale will be held Saturday, November 19 from 10am to 4pm and Sunday the 20th between church services (visitors are welcome to attend the 9 am contemporary service and/or the 11am traditional one). UCCLM is located at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa (619-464-1519, www.ucclm.org).
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Page 13
Fall recipe from Jeff Rossman of Terra American Bistro
Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Kabocha Squash
La Mesa
Centennial 1912–2012
Serves 6 • Total time: 1½ hours /Active: 40 minutes I developed this dish fairly recently as a new element on the fall menu. Cinnamon and squash are nice fall accents, and the Kabocha (or Japanese pumpkin) has a wonderfully thin skin that roasts nicely and is edible. I add the balsamic caramel and macadamia picada just to give the dish a boost over the top. –Chef/Owner Rossman
Ingredients:
Roasted Squash 2 kabocha squash (or any other squash that is available) ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cinnamon spice mixture 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon chili powder 1½ teaspoons coriander seed, toasted
and ground in a spice grinder Balsamic Caramel 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup water 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter Chicken 6 8-oz. bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts Macadamia Picada 1½ cups macadamia nuts, roasted 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1 bunch fresh parsley Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 425° F.
Events Calendar JANUARY
Kumeyaay Historical Review – Jan. 14 Multicultural Festival – Jan. 22 La Mesa Centennial Breakfast with the Mayor – TBD
FEBRUARY
Centennial Kick Off Special City Council Meeting & Reception – Feb. 14 La Mesa Chamber’s Casino Royale – Feb. 23
MARCH
Miss La Mesa and Miss Teen pageants – March 2 Local Authors Book Review – March 2 La Mesa Kiwanis Soap Box Derby – March 3–4 La Mesa Garden Tour – March 24
2. Cut the squash into ½-inch cubes and place them in a medium bowl. Toss with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread onto a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
APRIL
3. While the squash is roasting, assemble the spice mixture. In a bowl, combine all the cinnamon spice ingredients thoroughly.
LMAA/East County Youth Symphony – May 6 La Mesa Kiwanis Soap Box Derby – May 19
4. Make the balsamic caramel. In a small sauce pot on medium-high heat, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, until you begin to see a light brown color. At this point, keep a close watch, because the sugar can burn quickly. Allow the mixture to turn brown and just begin to smoke (a matter of seconds) and then slowly add the balsamic. Be careful: you’re adding cool liquid to boiling sugar, so it will boil up. Let the mixture melt together, then add the cream. Bring back to a boil and take off the heat. Whisk in the butter and let cool down to warm. 5. Lower oven to 375° F. Coat the chicken liberally with the cinnamon spice mixture on both sides. In a hot sauté pan, sear chicken on each side for about 1 minute. Transfer to a baking dish, place in the oven, and bake for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature is 150oF to be cooked through. 6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the macadamia picada. Combine the nuts and parsley in a food processor and chop to a fine consistency. Turn the mixture out into a bowl, add the bread crumbs, and season with salt and pepper. 7. To plate: Put 1/6 of the squash mixture in the center of each plate, and top with a chicken breast. Drizzle balsamic caramel over both the plate and the chicken, and sprinkle the picada on top. Ooh la la! For more recipes, go to TerraSD.com.
MAY
JUNE
Centennial Flag Day Parade, Community Picnic and Photo Shoot – June 2 La Mesa Chamber’s Taste of the Century – June 11 Sundays at Six Centennial Series – June 10, 17, 24 LMVMA Summer Car Show (every Thurs. evening)
July 26 Free Family Movies – TBD
AUGUST
Sundays at Six Centennial Series – Aug. 5, 12, 19 LMVMA Summer Car Show (every Thurs. evening)
SEPTEMBER
Kids Care Fest – Sept. 22
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest – Oct. 5–7 Intergenerational Games – TBD Environmental Festival – TBD La Mesa Park Appreciation Day – Oct. 20 Historic Highway 80's "Passport Through Time" road rally – Oct. 20
NOVEMBER
La Mesa Kiwanis Soap Box Derby – Nov. 3–4 Historical Society Centennial Home Tour – Nov. 3
DECEMBER
Christmas In the Village – Dec. 14 & 15
JANUARY 2013
Party of the Century – Jan. 12
Dates are subject to change and new events will be added as they are confirmed. Information: 619-667-1300 Email: Lamesa100@ci.la-mesa. ca.us www.CityofLaMesa.com
JULY
Sundays at Six Centennial Series – July 8, 15, 22, 29 Free Family Movies – TBD LMVMA Summer Car Show (every Thurs. evening) LMAA Centennial Radio Daze –
Anthony's, from page 1 San Diego Bay). The third generation, Mama Ghio’s grandchildren, Beverly Mascari (Roy Weber’s daughter), Rick Ghio and Craig Ghio now run the family’s restaurant enterprise. Craig Ghio (Tod’s son) lives in the Mount Helix area, just a stone’s throw from the La Mesa restaurant. There’s something comforting about that continuity. And Anthony’s style of dining—a quiet elegance that’s not very trendy in restaurants today, which are all about hard surfaces and small bites. They are offering a special anniversary menu until November 23—three courses, including many of their classic seafood choices for $19.61. If you haven’t L-R: Founder Cather ine “Mama” Ghio, so been in a while, now would n and co-founder Tod Ghio, son-in-law an d be an excellent time to co-founder Roy Webe r, son and co-founde make a reservation for the r Anthony Ghio, and un identified person. family. And create some new memories….
Craig’s Custom Landscaping “Serving all of San Diego’s East County”
619-841-6572 Craig Buteau
Owner/Landscaper
Page 14
LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Noteworthy, from page 6 MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL TEAM WALKS FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH. This is the 6th year that a team of students, staff, friends, and alumni have formed a team for the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Balboa Park for the American Cancer Society (Oct. 16). It got started 6 years ago when one of their beloved teachers passed away suddenly, and her family wanted memorial money to go towards this walk. The Pink Ribbon Club decorated the campus with “pink” for our annual “Pink Day” where the staff and students wore pink to bring awareness to the cause. Many of the staff and students have experienced losing a loved one who has battled this cancer. Many of the staff, Pink Ribbon Club, AVID, Key Club, ASB, cheerleaders, Si Se Puede and even alumni, all participated in the walk. The Monte Vista staff raised over $1,500 that was donated to the American Cancer Society for their team, “Monarchs for Carol Pyle & Friends.”
LA MESA CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE HARD AT WORK The La Mesa Centennial Committee (along with many subcommittees) has been meeting monthly for 1 ½ years, planning special events throughout 2012 (see list of Centennial Events planned to date on Page 13) Dozens of volunteers and City staff are involved in the effort. Mayor Art Madrid chaired the October meeting.
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St. Martin of Tours Academy La Mesa Quality Catholic Education Celebrating 60 Years
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GRADES K-8: (Established in 1951) Offering a comprehensive system of instruction, (Workshop Way®), designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of all students. CA State Curriculum is taught in a way that also nourishes the human growth of each child in the learning process. Challenge, motivation to learn, and differentiated instructional methods are built into the system so as to meet the needs of both high and low academic achieving students. There is a clearly defined purpose and structure in all classroom instruction. PRESCHOOL: (Established in 1993) Providing an environment in which a child’s innate curiosity and excitement for learning is fostered. A well qualified and experienced staff in Early Childhood Education provide for each child the experience of the joy of learning. The curriculum includes experiences with math, science, music, cooking, creative play and physical activities. ◊ Focus on Christian values and lifelong learning ◊ Community Outreach ◊ Technology in all classrooms ◊ Computer Lab ◊ Emphasis on Life Skills & Physical Fitness ◊ SMA Sports Teams: track, flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball ◊ Extensive playground facilities and equipment (including a track and field) ◊ Enclosed and secure campus We welcome your inquiries! Call or E-mail us to schedule a tour:
Preschool: Grades K-8:
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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
Page 15
Letters to the Editor
St. Martin’s expresses thanks
What does it mean to be a ‘Fair Trade’ town?
Rudy Torres, Grand Knight and Joseph Birney, Knights of Columbus in La Mesa, welcomed Public Relations Officer Lt. Dan Willis, as guest speaker, “Remembering 9/11,” at St. Martin of Tours Church on 9/11/11. His talk was well received at all three Masses. We wish to thank him for his great presentation. Rudy Torres, Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus St. Martin of Tours Church
By Anne Pacheco & Nancy Ryan, Co-Chairs, La Mesa Fair Trade Steering Committee
L-R: Rudy Torres, Lt. Dan Willis, Joseph Birney
Fair Trade Coverage Thank you so much for your articles on Fair Trade and sustainability in your paper. Although I live outside your delivery area, my family and friends keep saving me their copies of your paper as they know my interest in this topic. It is very important to educate the community regularly about fair trade so that we all can contribute in a small way (through our purchases) to the betterment of those who have no real choices as we do here in the U.S. Please continue to follow the progress of La Mesa Merchants as they participate in fair trade, as I will be seeking out the retailers who support, purchase, and sell fair trade items. Thank you again for more information on this important topic. Susan Glevanik El Cajon
Our "Letters" Policy The Courier welcomes letters under 150 words in length, but may not print them all. The Editor will select letters for publication which represent a diversity of opinions and topics. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Name, address and a phone number are required. (Only the name will be shown.)
Classified Ads SERVICES William (Bill) Setterlund, CPA (Ret.) THE ACCOUNTING ACADEMY Accounting and Bookkeeping Training Centers Kearny Mesa West Business Park 7370 Opportunity Road Suite G, San Diego, California 92111 Tel: 858-836-1420 Fax: 858-836-1438 Web: theaccountingacademy.com Email: accountingacademy@sbcglobal.net (11/11) CUSTOM-FINISH CARPENTRY Doors, entry doors, replacement windows, interior moldings (base crown, etc.) Cabinetry, closet organizers, patios. Lic.#657086. Call John (619) 208-6131. (10/12) THE BIG DEAL 7 rooms or areas of carpet cleaned, plus a sofa and loveseat just $349. You’re saving $150. For details, call (619) 772-4764. BBB Member www. trulycleancarpets.com (1/12) Flute Lessons, SDSU Flute Professor, Emeritus. 35 years experience. BM, MM, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Partial scholarships available. musicwest@ septemberflute.com (2/12) Quality exterior carpentry. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers and Termite Repair. License #365241 www.aactionbuilders ofsandiego.com Bob 619-275-1493 (04/12) Pet/Housesitting Services. Est. 1983, Bonded. Pet-tenders offers feeding, walking, plant care, housesitting-and above all…spoiling…in your own home! www.pet-tenders.com 619-298-3033. (03/12) Flute/Piano Instruction. 30 years experience. Beginner to advanced. Music Education. B.A. Degree. Reasonable rates. Available for teaching in your home or mine. Rick, 619-286-8012. (03/12) Professional Power Washing. We specialize in cleaning driveways, patios, tile roofs, stucco,
Guest Essay
wood decks, rain gutters. Call 619-460-8177 www. sandiegopowerclean.com. (03/12) Contractor/handyman, small jobs ok. Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, doors, roll up garage door repair, laminate floors. Licensed and insured, Bill #701783. 619-698-0375. (01/12)
Even though the October 11 vote before the La Mesa City Council did not result in the passage of a Fair Trade Town resolution, La Mesa Fair Trade and Fair Trade San Diego will continue their efforts to have La Mesa become the first city in Southern CA to be designated, on a national level, as a Fair Trade Town. La Mesa would join the ranks of other cities all across the nation such as San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Milwaukee. The official proclamation is made by Fair Trade Towns USA which is based in Philadelphia. It is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, among consumers and merchants, the purchase and use of products that carry the FT certification label. A key component is education regarding what Fair Trade signifies and how it is making a difference both locally and globally. Every purchase matters. There are six requirements before a city can apply for Fair Trade Town status. The passing of a resolution of support from City Council is one of the six steps. The 12 member La Mesa Fair Trade Town Steering Committee, co-chaired by Anne Pacheco and Nancy Ryan, have been working since February 2011 to spread the word about Fair Trade to merchants, service organizations and faith-based communities. The support for Fair Trade in La Mesa continues to grow. Already there are 15 stores in La Mesa that carry some Fair Trade items. There are also service organizations and faith based communities that serve Fair Trade coffee and tea at their events. The names and locations are listed on the La Mesa Fair Trade blog: The demand for FT certified products is increasing worldwide. It is a benefit to local merchants to make them available to consumers. A wide variety of quality items are certified. They provide an alternative to imports from China which are prevalent in many gift stores. In becoming a Fair Trade Town there are no restrictions and/or obligations on the part of merchants or consumers. Carrying, purchasing and/or using Fair Trade certified products is entirely voluntary. Therefore, education regarding the value of FT certification is a key component. The goal is to increase both the awareness and use of Fair Trade within the city. We welcome the expression of many different points of view on a variety of issues affecting our City. Essays under 500 words will be considered and published as space allows, at the sole discretion of the Courier.
Linda’s Puppy Love. Bonded, licensed, insured pet & house sitting service offers daily dog walks, cat care, vacation visits, overnight care, love, care & attention. www.lindaspuppylove.com 619-857-3674. (01/12) Keith Everett Construction and Handyman Service: All phases of home remodeling and repair. Window and door replacement specialist. Repair or build any style of fence, deck, or patio cover. Kitchen and bath remodels. Senior discount, references. No job too small. Lic #878703. Call 619-255-3499. (01/12) Roofing, licensed, bonded, second generation Allied Gardens roofer. Over 100 homes in Allied Gardens roofed. Repairs, all types of roofing. Free estimates. Call 619-287-7149. (12/11)
2011 LA MESA COURIER SCHEDULE
Publication date: 1st Friday of each month Note: Deadlines are firm. No extensions. Display ads & Business/Service Directory listings are paid in advance. PUBLICATION DATE December 2
FREE CLASSIFIEDS Free classified ads are available to private parties and to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services. Only one ad per party or organization will be accepted per issue as a free classified - additional ads must be paid for with submission of the ads. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less. Ads of more than 25 words cost 50¢ per additional word; payment must accompany the ad. All free classifieds will run for only one issue even if you indicate on the ad that you want it to run more than one time. All classified ads - free or paid - must be submitted by mail only or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD - IF NO DATE IS GIVEN, THE AD RUNS ONLY ONE ISSUE. The following ad classifications are eligible for free classified ads: FOR SALE, GARAGE SALES, LOST & FOUND, WANTED, FOR RENT, NOTICES and YOUTH SERVICES. However, this does not include WANTED ads for multi-level sales or FOR RENT ads for vacation/rental condos or NOTICES for any profit-making organization.
PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $8/25 words or less BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS including SERVICES, CHILD CARE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, NOTICES, HELP WANTED, & FOR SALE ads for any profit-making enterprise costs $8 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. NOTICES ads may NOT be ads normally classified under SERVICES (i.e., business ads) the Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads sent in under the NOTICES category that should more appropriately be placed elsewhere. PAID ADS may run for any consecutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD. IF NO DATE IS INCLUDED AFTER THE AD, IT RUNS ONLY ONCE. When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000 San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER” PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.” Mail to 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145 La Mesa, CA 91942. FOR SALE
CHILD CARE
BUS. OPP.
NOTICES
FOR RENT
SERVICES
WANTED
LOST & FOUND
HELP WANTED
GARAGE SALES
(see restrictions above)
AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCLUDED WITH AD:__________ CHECK #
ARTICLES CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE 5 pm DEADLINE Noon November 22 November 26
*Deadline to reserve space for advertisers not currently on a contract. Mail or drop off your ad or article at our mailing address at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942 Articles may be sent via E-Mail to: Info@LaMesaCourier.com
Just Ask Crystal — specializing in odd jobs for seniors but all ages welcome. Organizing home & yard. Grocery shopping, errands/meal preparation. Caretaker assistance & reprieve. Moving? Downsizing? Help before, during & after. Holiday help for parties & decorating. Too many jobs to list, just ask! Gift certificates available. San Carlos resident with local references. Call Crystal (619) 887-1211. (12/11) Piano Lessons. All ages. Experienced teacher. Masters Degree. Music Teachers Association member. Theory. Two Piano Ensemble. Free lesson plan. Call 619-461-8289. (12/11)
DISPLAY AD SPACE AD ARTWORK DEADLINE 5 pm* DEADLINE 5 pm November 15 November 22
La Mesa Courier
8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505 email: info@LaMesaCourier.com Visit our website at: www.LaMesaCourier.com
Editor: Pam Crooks, ext. 124
Graphic Artist: Aleta El Sheikh
Assistant Editor: Kathleen Crawford, ext. 136
Advertising Consultants: Lionel Talaro, ext. 128 Maria Simencic, ext. 133
Publisher: Mission Publishing Group, LLC
Writers and Advertising Sales Experts Wanted Please call 619-697-2500, Ext 122 Circulation: 20,000. Published 7 times in 2011 and delivered to all single family homes in 91941 and 91942 and at over 150 bulk locations throughout our circulation area of La Mesa, California by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: La Mesa Courier assumes no financial liability for errors nor for omission of copy and upon request will furnish a letter of correction to the advertiser. The Publisher, Mission Publishing Group, LLC., shall not be liable for any error in published advertising unless an advertiser proof is requested in writing 12 days prior to publication date and clearly marked for corrections. If the error is not corrected by the Publisher, the liability, if any, shall not exceed the space occupied for the error. Further, the Publisher shall not be liable for any omission of an advertisement ordered to be published. On written request, Publisher shall reschedule and run the omitted advertisement at the advertiser’s cost. All claims for adjustment must be made in writing within 30 days of the date of publication. In no case shall the Publisher be liable for any general, special or consequential damages. Equal Housing Opportunity: Real estate advertising in La Mesa Courier is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” La Mesa Courier will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify La Mesa Courier readers that all dwellings advertised in La Mesa Courier are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275. News and information printed in La Mesa Courier is obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy on information sent to the paper cannot be guaranteed. Articles and opinions of writers or letters to the editor that are submitted for publication to the La Mesa Courier are the views of the writers and should not be considered the views of the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2011, all rights reserved.
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LaMesaCourier.com — November 2011
WHO WILL BE LA MESA’S CENTENNIAL QUEEN? The search is on for Miss La Mesa 2012. Pageant organizers have confirmed the details for the pageant set for March 2, 2012, when the “Queen of the Century” will be crowned. Next year, Miss La Mesa and Miss Teen La Mesa will receive two sashes, says pageant director Alex Kuty. The traditional charcoal grey and white pageant sash like those worn by other queens around the County, and a special blue and white sash with the City’s Centennial logo that they can wear to all La Mesa community events to honor the City’s Centennial in 2012. Miss La Mesa 2012 will receive a $1,000 scholarship; Miss La Mesa Teen will be given a $500 scholarship. The scholarship money was raised in August during a successful fashion show held at the La Mesa Community Center. Another $500 will be split between two winners in an essay writing contest. The essay money has been donated by La Mesa Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary England in memory of her son Bobby. The pageant also has a participation program for girls ages 6-12. The La Mesa Princess and Junior Miss La Mesa programs are an exciting way for young girls to learn about their community, make new friends and look to the older girls as role models, says Kuty. “This is not Toddlers and Tiaras. There is no competition or winner. All participants will learn etiquette, public speaking and have a positive experience. They will also be featured on stage during the 2012 coronation show.” Miss La Mesa and Miss Teen La Mesa contestants will be scored on personal interview, speech, poise and personality, beauty, evening gown and an on stage
question. Pageant photographers will present the Miss Photogenic award, contestants will vote for the Miss Congeniality award. Winners will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as their City’s official hostess and spend the year attending grand openings, parades, summer concerts, La Mesa Village events and Chamber functions. For more information, including how to become a contestant, please contact pageant director Alex Kuty, at 619-518-2777, or via email at Alex@4PointsEvents.com.