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Volume Volume 33 –– Number Number 95
Pickleball Play in INSIDE THIS ISSUE THIS Collier Park
By Jeremy Ogul
By Gina McGalliard
Senior moments A brain condition may keep old dogs from new tricks. Santee Surprise East County Page 5 destination provides an ideal getaway for lake lovers. Page 6
Everyone’s heard of tennis, paddleball, ping-pong and squash – but have you heard of pickleball? Pickleball, which has been steadily gaining in popularity for several decades, is a game played indoors or outdoors on onethird the size of a tennis court with perforated balls and lightweight paddles. Invented in 1965 in Washington by Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell, the game was named after Pritchard’s cocker spaniel, Pickles, who had a habit of chasing stray balls. The first pickleball tournament was held in 1976, and in
LaDiscouraging Mesa Named the wily coyote Tree City USA for 33rd Year
ings in Collier Park. La Mesa residents Justine and Tim Frazee even serve as San Diego’s East County ambassadors for the USA Pickleball Association. The couple learned about pickleball from Tim’s mother, a former professional tennis player. Knowing the game was popular among seniors, however, and wary it was simply a watered-down version of other racquet sports, it took them almost a year before they tried it out themselves. But that changed on a trip to Tucson, Ariz. “We were there for five days,
Helix Water District Approves Rate Hikes
Cindy Patterson at first thought the mutilated feline carcass she saw on a neighbor’s lawn was the result of “some kind of barbaric torture.” She quickly realized that the cat was actually the victim of one of the many coyotes that prowl the residential streets of La Mesa after dark. Coyotes, wild members of the dog family, are native to western North America and have adapted well to suburban development over the past century. In fact, some of the highest coyote population densities in the world have been recorded in suburban Southern California, according to University of California researchers.
By Andy Cohen
Cohn returns Local restaurateurs take over Gingham’s old spot in the Village. Page 6 Mind for Music Local music teacher Evans Kontopols inspires and challenges students to reach their Bests Neighborhood potential. You voted; now see Page 7 who won our top awards. Page 11
The Helix Water District in a fall fell from 10.6 inches in 2010 and 3-to-2 vote Aug. 21 approved proposed 12.7 inches in 2011 to just 7.9 inches rate hikes for fiscal years 2013-14 and in 2012. Thus far in 2013, the San 2014-15, with plans to revisit addi- Diego area has received just over six tional rate hikes in subsequent years. inches of rain. The district cites drought condiDrought conditions affect the tions and the necessity to increase the water supply in two ways: With less amount of water purchased from the natural rainfall, property owners San Diego County Water Authority. It must use more water from the system to water is anticipated demand for purchased Players interested in joining La Mesa's East Countytheir groupproperty, can meet atincreasing By Genevieve A. Suzuki demand. But with less11rainfall, the water will increase by at least 16 Collier Park on Palm Avenue Wednesday and Friday mornings until a.m. percent over 2012-13, which was 21 supply in reservoirs is down, neces- For the 33rd year in a row, La Mesa earned the Having noticed a glut of “missing signs of being a Tree City USA, an honorpet” bestowed sitating the out purchase of additional percent higher than the previous year,and played four of the five days distinction 1984 the USA Pickleball Associathroughout her neighborhood, Patterson is upon the city by the Arbor Day Foundation for its to meet the higher demand translating to a projected increase ofwewater were there. We were hooked tion was formed. By the '90s, pickafraid coyotes are nabbing the family pets of commitment to effective urban forest management. $6.3 million to $36.6 million for theright from sources such as the Colorado away,” said Justine. “Because leball was being played all around uninformed residents. Mesa achieved Tree City USA recognition by fiscal year just begun. or the Sacramento it’sRiver a lot easier [when] River you’reDelta. La the country. “It just breaks my heart because I see all According to the San DiegoplayingAdditionally, the San Diego meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board on one-third size of a TheWater game has earned a County Authority, annual raindepartment, a tree-care ordinance, an annual commutennis court, and it’s a Helix muchWater, morePage 8 See See Coyotes, Page 4 devoted following in La Mesa, easier game to play than tennis.” nity forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, an Arbor where players meet to battle it out See Tree City USA, Page 5 See Pickleball, Page 2 on Wednesday and Friday morn-
‘Dr. A’ makes the grade By Jeremy Ogul
La Mesa Journal When a young Mark Arapostathis
San Diego State University and began first started acting in productions of the teaching in La Mesa-Spring Valley Peter Pan Junior Theater in 1976, few schools in 1992. Known as “Dr. A” to his could have predicted that he would be students, he currently teaches second By Genevieve A. Suzuki leading the city as an educator and city grade at Rolando Elementary but has councilmember morelike thanthe 35 years taught however, at Murdock and hardalso to believe, thisElementary organized HOA Lillian Palmer seems sweetlater. First elected to the La Mesa City Lemon Avenue Elementary. president is a crooning, sensual diva in her neighbor next door as she walks her dog, Council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, In the early 1990s, Arapostathis took Sparky, a scruffy adopted pound pooch she other incarnation. Arapostathis’s political career hasabeen And over yet as director of the aPeter Junior it only takes few Pan minutes in affectionately calls “Sparkalicious.” Palmer, buoyed by the widespread connections Theater, a position he has held the svelte redhead, waves happily to her fellow Palmer’s presence to realize what a forceever and respect he has earned The nonprofit theater group lady since. is. A true entertainer, Palmer canbrings vamp residentsheinhas hermade Baltimore Drive townhome together 90 La Mesa children, ranging as an educator and public servant in the one complex, politely inquiring about events in like Vivian Leigh in Gone with the Wind city over his career. fromperform fourth-graders eighth-graders, minute, a scene tofrom Hitchcock’s their lives only a friend would know. La Mesa to put a blowout stage production Rebecca theon next, before suddenly droppingata BecauseArapostathis, she serves unlike as the many president the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community natives, stuck around after graduating Councilman Mark Arapostathis of her homeowners association, it’s not funny line from an old Cheech & Chong film. Center in San from Helix earned bach- Palmer said it Diego. all started at the family was voted Favorite Politician in surprising that she High wouldSchool. be on aHe first-name Lillian Palmer elor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at this year’s Neighborhood Best. basis with at least half the neighborhood. It’s See Page209 SeeJournal, Dr. A, Page
HOA President Hits the High Note
Jewel of a Lady Music well done Historical View “The Riv” hires introduces the bands to give diners author who coined more value for their La Mesa’s motto. tabs. Page 12 Page 17 NEWS TIPS (619) 697-2500 x121 x124 Editor@LaMesaCourier.com
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Noteworthy La Mesa resident Kelley O’Leary recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, for her outstanding commitment to community service. O’Leary became a Girl Scout 13 years ago when she joined the organization as a Daisy. Girl Scouts is a tradition in her family; her mother, Michele Hottel, was a First Class Girl
Kelley O’Leary Scout, which represents the equivalent highest honor that the Gold Award now exemplifies. O’Leary graduated with honors from Grossmont High School in 2012 and will begin her sophomore year at CSU Chico in the fall. As part of the Gold Award process, O’Leary created a project called “The Art of Knowledge” that gave children
La Mesans in the News diagnosed with epilepsy an artistic and cathartic outlet. The children she worked with at The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County drew pictures and wrote responses about how epilepsy affects their life. These were incorporated into a booklet and distributed to The Epilepsy Foundation, Girl Scouts and San Diego schools. Her goal was twofold: to give children with epilepsy a way to express themselves, then share their thoughts and feelings with other children who may not understand seizures and typical behaviors of those diagnosed with epilepsy. “I am a sibling of a child with epilepsy, so this topic affects me and my family. I wanted to make a difference for my brother,” O’Leary said. “Earning the highest award granted to Girl Scouts makes me feel more confident in my actions and decisions. I made the right choice staying in Girl Scouts to make a difference and learn leadership skills through this Gold Award process,” she explained.
dent of the Academic Senate who filled in last college year as acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, was honored as Grossmont College’s Distinguished Faculty Member of the year at an academic convocation held on the campus Aug. 12.
September
Events Calendar
“Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 7
The Sixth Annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival, scheduled for Sept. 7, offers hands-on activities, such as hydroponics, solar cooking, composting, electric vehicles, kids’ crafts and face painting. The free event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, located at 9550 Milden St. For more information, visit cityoflamesa.com/ SustainLaMesa.
Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons – starts Sept. 8
Learn Cha-Cha, Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, and Two Step on Sundays 3 to 4:30 p.m. No previous experience necessary. People with two left feet or two right feet are welcome. Introductory classes held Sept. 8, 15, and 22. Introductory classes are free at La Mesa Senior Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. Call (619) 448-8088 for more information. Chris Hill
In announcing the award, Sue Gonda, current president of the Academic Senate, said Hill created a course studying natural disasters, and had re-instituted courses on California geology and California natural parks. Hill also wrote numerous articles, papers and abstracts in the field of geology, including those studying landslide movements in California and geologic processes in the Sierra Nevada. Dr. Chris Hill receives The choice of Hill was Distinguished Faculty clearly a popular one as faculty Award collectively leaped to their Dr. Chris Hill, geology feet to give her a standing professor and former presiSee Noteworthy, Page 9
Modern Square Dance Lessons – starts Sept. 8
Learn modern square dance to music from the ‘70s to today in a fun, friendly atmosphere on Sundays 5 to 6:45 p.m. Dancing is a wonderful alternative to the gym. No partner necessary. No special attire required. Great family activity as kids 10 and up are welcome. Introductory lessons held Sept. 8, 15, and 22. Introductory classes are free at La Mesa Senior Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. Call (619) 448-8088 for more information.
Celebrate Scandinavia! – Sept. 14
Ascension Lutheran Church celebrates Scandinavia Sept. 14 with a festival offering handmade arts and crafts, artwork, goods and services from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Scandinavian Festival tickets costs $25 each adult and $10 per child. The authentic Scandinavian Smorgasbord starts with a bake sale at 5 p.m. and dinner to follow at 6 p.m. The menu includes herring, salmon, Danish meatballs, Swedish potato sausage, red cabbage, brown new potatoes, salads, assorted cheeses and breads, and desserts, such as krumkake and assorted Scandinavian cookies. For more information, call Tracy Provins at (619) 934-6934 or Ascension Lutheran Church at (619) 582-2636. The kickoff party celebrates the 30th Annual La Mesa Oktoberfest with brats, beer and more. The meeting includes the election of the board of directors. The Sept. 18 meeting is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Continental Catering, 8238 Parkway Dr., La Mesa. Free for La Mesa Chamber of Commerce members, Oktoberfest volunteers and sponsors. Guests pay $10 each. RSVP by Sept. 13 at rsvp@lamesachamber.com or call (619) 465-7700, ext. 2.
2013 Kids Care Fest – Sept. 21
The 2013 Kids Care Fest is a free, family-oriented event that features free health care screenings and fingerprinting Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Briercrest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Organizers expect more than 1,000 children under age 12 will receive free, potentially life-saving, health care screenings, including hearing, vision and dental screenings, from healthcare professionals. Free parking is available at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Brier Patch campus at 9000 Wakarusa St. and Grossmont Medical Arts Building at 8851 Center Dr. For more information, call (619) 825 5050 or visit www.KidsCareFest.org.
La Mesa City Council – Second and fourth Tuesdays of every month
The La Mesa City Council meets at Council Chambers in City Hall, 8130 Allison Ave., at 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month and 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month.
La Mesa Village Farmers’ Market – Fridays
The La Mesa Village Farmers’ Market is located at La Mesa Civic Center, off Allison Avenue at the foot of Date Avenue, across from the new Police Headquarters, just a stone’s throw away from the previous site. Every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
La Mesa City Council Update By Dave Schwab
Page 3
Panhandling bill dies in Assembly By Jeremy Ogul
La Mesa City Council heard a new legislative bill to curb panhandling in medians is dead for this year and approved a special event application for the 2013 Oktoberfest requiring full cost recovery for the city from the event. With Mayor Art Madrid absent, the Council Aug. 13 also voted in favor of an item brought by Vice-Mayor Mark Arapostathis to move public comments up before consent calendar on council agendas as a courtesy to speakers so they wouldn’t have to wait so long to address the Council. La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves delivered some bad news before his quarterly crime report. “S.B. 604, the Safe Streets Act introduced by State Sen. [Joel] Anderson that deals with solicitors in center medians, did not receive enough votes to pass in an Assembly committee and is dead for this year,” he said, adding Anderson immediately put in a request to have the bill reconsidered in the next legislative session in April 2014. The bill would authorize a city or county to enact an ordinance to prohibit a person from soliciting, displaying, selling, offering for sale, or otherwise vending or attempting to vend any merchandise or service while being wholly or partly within any center median that is within 300 feet of an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal. “Unfortunately, the vote was less about the issues and more about politics,” said Aceves, who thanked Anderson for his tireless efforts in pushing this legislation.
A proposal to ban panhandling in roadway medians came to a screeching halt in a vote of the state Assembly Committee on Transportation last month. Introduced by Sen. Joel Anderson (R – El Cajon) as S.B. 604, the bill would allow cities to enact bans on selling or soliciting money on any center median near an intersection with a traffic signal. It passed the state Senate on a 38-to-1 vote on May 29. In its first major test in the California State Assembly, however, the bill was stymied by concerns about whether it would violate constitutional protections over freedom of speech. The bill “essentially died in the committee,” said La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves, a sponsor and vocal supporter of the bill. Aceves went to Sacramento on Aug. 12 to testify on behalf of the bill at the committee hearing. It takes nine votes to pass the 16-member committee, but the record shows only seven members voted to pass S.B. 604. Two members voted against the bill; seven members did not vote. “To say that I am disappointed in the process is probably an understatement,” Aceves said. Anderson has requested the committee reconsider the bill, but that will not happen until next April after the next session of the Assembly begins, said Michele Kane, Anderson’s communications director. Aceves speculated that the bill failed for partisan reasons. “Unfortunately, yesterday was less about
See City Council, Page 21
See Panhandling, Page 19
7 Deadly Mistakes That Will Cost You Thousands When You Sell Your Home La Mesa - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market. As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-270-1494 and enter 1000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW. Courtesy of Dan Smith Re/Max Lic. 01346593
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Coyotes, from page 1 these signs and I know that these pets aren’t coming back,” she said. There is no official count of the coyotes in the area, but their population may swell when food and water is abundant. Coyotes are naturally inclined to avoid interacting with humans, but human habitats provide an excellent food source in the form of cats, dogs, pet food and water. This supplements the coyote diet of rodents, rabbits, fruits and insects, depending on what’s available. Many area residents are
not aware that coyotes will jump over fences or dig under them to prey on cats and smaller dogs, said Chris Jones, a licensed trapper who lives in La Mesa. The best solution is to never leave a pet unattended in the backyard between dusk and dawn, said Jones, who owns San Diego Wildlife Removal Services. Jones also recommends against leaving pet food and water outside. Another approach is to design a backyard fence that precludes coyotes from entering the yard – a service
Jones provides to customers who want something done about coyotes. One method that works particularly well is placing a horizontal metal pole, known as a roller, across the top of a wooden fence, which prevents the coyote from gaining a foothold at the top of a fence. Experts recommend closing off crawl spaces under homes and under patio decks as well as securing backyard sheds and other structures to prevent coyotes from establishing a den in these areas. Killing coyotes is not illegal under California law,
but killing is not a viable option, Jones said. “You can’t just open a firearm up and start shooting coyotes in the middle of a neighborhood,” he said. “It’s not legal to fire a firearm in city limits.” Furthermore, leghold traps and most poisons are illegal under California law. Even if you do manage to kill some coyotes, “Brother Joe or Uncle Rex – the coyote down the way – is gonna move up and take that little area” that once was the territory of the exterminated coyotes, Jones said. Killing a few coyotes will only have a marginal impact on the total population of coyotes in the area. Coyotes from Cowles Mountain, Mt. Helix and Rancho San Diego naturally move into unoccupied canyons and open spaces tucked with neighborhoods around La Mesa, Jones said. Elizabeth Castillo, a friend of Patterson’s who lives on Nagel Street, said she has begun to see coyotes in the middle of the day, an uncommon behavior that suggests the coyotes may be getting more aggressive, according to UC research. The coyotes have also been chewing through drip irrigation pipes in search of water
on her property, Castillo said. She does not want to see the coyotes removed, however. “They’re pretty, and people like to see wildlife in their neighborhood,” she said. “They’re there, and they’re part of our community.” While coyote attacks on humans are rare, one of those unusual cases happened in La Mesa 13 years ago when a coyote bit and injured a 3-year-old boy. Animal Control, a unit of the La Mesa Police Department, only gets involved with coyotes if they are actively menacing the public or if they are sick or injured, said Animal Control officer Kathy Gremillion. The USDA has a program called Wildlife Services that kills a large number of coyotes and other predators, but it is very secretive about its work, according to a Sacramento Bee investigation last year. A Wildlife Services contact for La Mesa did not respond to repeated requests for comment. For a link to an in-depth report on managing coyotes prepared by the Integrated Pest Management program at the University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, go to www. LaMesaCourier.com.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
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Rent Sense: Smart Owners Avoid Mistakes By Neil Fjellestad and Chris De Marco, FBS Property Management
Some investors become independent rental owners by design as a result of well-planned financial strategy and/or the advice of a trusted CPA or CFP. These “strategic investors” usually employ recommended professional property management as well. Others are “situational investors” due to inheritance, a market condition or a personal requirement that results in the non-occupied ownership of a property. Regardless of how or why you have become a landlord you are now in the “rental business.” So what are the mistakes that when avoided separate the smart owners from the typical landlord? Here is a short list: Requiring an arbitrary rent rate. Setting the rent without strict adherence to the current market will hamper See Rent Sense, Page 20
PET CORNER
Senior dogs and their aging brains By Sari Reis
The chances our canine companions will have physical and mental health problems increase as our furry friends live longer. Along with physical illnesses, such as arthritis, cancer, and kidney problems, which affect many humans as we age, our dogs may also experience some of the mental decline humans suffer in our later years. One example of this is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also known as Old Dog Syndrome or Doggie Alzheimer’s Syndrome. Similar to the Alzheimer’s Syndrome that affects humans, the disorder is defined as “the geriatric onset of gradual and progressive behavioral changes not entirely attributable to other medical conditions.” It displays most notably as disorientation, confusion, memory loss and personality changes. The statistics on the number of older dogs affected vary but, generally, 25 percent to 62 percent of dogs age 10 to 15 years of age display at least one major symptom. Like human Alzheimer’s Syndrome, CDS is difficult to diagnose. All potential medical problems should be ruled out before a diagnosis of CDS is made. Symptoms of CDS may include one or more of the following: Forgetting how to navigate stairs Sleeping more hours per day than usual Wandering and pacing at night – with whining, vocalizing and scratching the ground Getting into corners of the room and staring not knowing how to get out Becoming more aggressive or developing separation anxiety Disorientation and confusion Housetraining declines – urinating and defecating in the house Seeking less attention Failure to recognize human companions Activity and sleep patterns disturbed
Causes of CDS are not fully known, but research on aging canine brains has revealed a few potential processes that
may be responsible. One is a protein called B-Amyloid that, when deposited in the brain, forms plaques that can cause cell death as well as brain shrinkage. Changes in the neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are also potential triggers. It has also been noted that oxygen levels are decreased in the brains of dogs affected by CDS. In the past, the only humane solution for dogs suffering from CDS was euthanasia. In many cases, it may still be the best solution depending on the severity of the symptoms and the general physical health of the dog. But today, there is an alternative. A drug called Anipryl, used to treat human Parkinson’s disease, has proven to be quite effective. This once-a-day pill does have potential side-effects; but in one study, after just one month of treatment, there was a 77 percent improvement in the dogs’ symptoms and quality of life. There are also some holistic treatments available including acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Needless to say, seeing symptoms of CDS can be disturbing to pet parents. If your “furry senior” is displaying any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care. Tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms should be done first. If it is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Disorder, consider the options. Sari Reis is a certified humane education specialist and the owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information you can contact her at (760) 644-0289 or www. missionvalleypetsitting.com.
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Letter The Sun Shines Sooner… The Cohns Come (Back) to East County from the By Pam Crooks
I knew the rumors of a Cohn restaurant opening in the Village were true because I confirmed the facts with Lesley Cohn. But finally this week the official news broke: The new Cohn restaurant, to be called “Bo-Beau Kitchen + Garden,” will be opening in the former Gingham/Gio’s location at the intersection of Allison and La Mesa Boulevard sometime in September. Lesley qualified that by saying they “hope to have it open by Oktoberfest.” I met David and Lesley Cohn when they were chosen to operate a new restaurant in Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality in the late 1990s. They had been in the restaurant business for less than 15 years at that point. The couple moved to San Diego from the Midwest with David’s siblings and parents, after researching a number of possible other locations for a family business. None of them lived here. His dad had been in the grocery business in Iowa, and there was a potential niche market in San Diego for corn-fed beef. Thus Iowa Meat Farms was born in a small business center on
Mission Gorge Road in 1980. It’s still a thriving family business. Five years later in 1985, David and Lesley decided to open a little restaurant right next door, called Rory’s, featuring corn-fed beef hamburgers from the IMF, Vienna beef sausages from Chicago and “the first selfserve frozen yogurt bar with toppings in the city.” Lesley
Clockwise, from top left): Jeremy, David, Lesley and Jessica Cohn (Photo courtesy Lesley Cohn) remembers it well, because she was the one cooking the hamburgers. More than once when she was picking up her two young children from school, they told her she smelled like a hamburger! Rory’s proved to be a successful concept, they were having fun and were even
considering opening 10 more like it, when they discovered and fell in love with a Hillcrest building they remodeled into the wildly popular 1950s-themed restaurant known as Corvette Diner. The restaurant operated in that location from 1987 to 2009, when the Cohns moved it to Liberty Station. After their success with Corvette, the rest, as they say, is history. Lesley has actually lost count of all the restaurants they have opened since (a few have closed along the way). “Let’s just say it’s been a lot of restaurants!” In fact, along with a new one opening in Imperial Beach in November, their La Mesa restaurant will be one of 15 in operation in California and Hawaii by the year’s end. I asked Lesley to what she attributes their success. “Hiring the right people and choosing good locations is the key. We look for pocket areas with a lot of potential,” she replied. It’s not unusual for the advent of a Cohn restaurant to precede the transformation of a moribund business area into one See Pam Crooks, Page 16
Editor
By Genevieve A. Suzuki (Gen@LaMesaCourier.com) It’s always difficult to do a “Bests” issue. I find myself constantly wondering, “But what about this place…,” or “Why did they vote for that one?” And then I take our readers’ advice and think, “Ohhhh, that’s why.” Recently I’ve realized my own personal Bests are in odd nooks and crannies around La Mesa. Take the food court at Grossmont Center – who knew they served some of the best pizza and blended the most delicious bubble tea smoothies? I also like to go to Rico’s Café on Baltimore Drive to get some of the most delicious flan you’ve ever tried. Alas, there’s no category for “Best Flan.” Another spot I just discovered in town – and it’s been in the neighborhood for quite a while – is Chopsticks Inn, which serves Chinese food the way I remember it in Honolulu. Thanks to venturing out of my box, we no longer have to get on the 15 to travel to Convoy – I can get authentic chow mein five minutes from home. The funny thing is I often find myself getting into a rut of same old, same old. Once I like something, I return again and again, until my family begs me to give it a rest. And that’s why lists like our Neighborhood Bests are so useful. Thanks to readers’ votes and recommendations, I have a list of things to try. Another reason I love our Bests list is it reminds me of how lucky we are to live in La Mesa. We have a lot for which to be grateful in La Mesa: Harry Griffen Park, Mt. Helix, La Mesa Village, Oktoberfest, warm citizens and an eclectic group of businesses. I take these things for granted until I see a list like this and realize, “Wow, I haven’t been there in a while!” For me, however, the Best thing about La Mesa is La Mesa itself. We’re close to the freeway, the airport and downtown for business. We have a mayor who isn’t a national disgrace and a city council comprising folks who really know our town. And our inhabitants – I love that I can offer a smile and get one in return without a raised eyebrow. La Mesa is big-town San Diego and small-town America all wrapped up in one handy Jewel of the Hills package. If you see our Bests and disagree with the winners, we’d like to invite you to write us via email (editor@lamesacourier. com), Facebook or via U.S. mail. After all, my Best is likely not your Best, which means we could benefit from your educated opinion.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Page 7
Grossmont High School
Helix Highlights
By Jennifer Osborn The Helix Highlanders are ready for another great year. More than 2,400 students were welcomed back for their first day of school Aug. 7. We are excited for so many things already in the works for the 2013-14 school year. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Helix High School Foundation will take over the Off Broadway Live Theater in Santee for their production of “Decades – The ‘70s: A Musical Review”. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Not only will this be a great night of entertainment, but the theater management has offered to make a generous donation to the Foundation’s scholarship fund. Tickets are on sale now – mention Helix when you call (619) 988-5483. Tickets are $24 for adults. This year’s Homecoming will be on Friday, Oct. 18. Highlanders from all graduating classes are invited to attend the football game and celebrate the “Once a Scottie, Always a Scottie” way. Mark your calendars and more details will come as the date approaches. The 4th Annual Helix Supporters’ Breakfast will be held on Friday, Dec. 6 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. It’s a free event at which breakfast is served, some student groups perform, and accomplishments of the school and its students are shared. The event is free, but it is a fundraiser. There is no minimum or maximum gift required. More importantly, we welcome you to come hear the Helix story. If you would like to attend, please contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net. In other news, as budgetary issues are stabilizing, there is now an opportunity for Helix to reinstate some of the practices that had to be adjusted to reduce financial strain. One major piece that Helix’s administration will focus on in the near future is ensuring class sizes are returned to their “pre-budget crisis” See Helix, Page 20
Foothiller Footsteps By Connie and Lynn Baer
Since 1920, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in their commitment to their school and their education. Beginning in 1925, each year at graduation, the most outstanding seniors have been recognized for their achievement. In 2013, nine seniors out of the 585 graduates were honored with these decades-old honors. In 1925, outstanding seniors were first recognized with a Circle G, a pin “made of hammered gold” shaped like a G, which was the highest award then given to graduating seniors. In 1925 the seven recipients were Dinon Busch, Lawrence Carr, La Rue Fry, Karl Kalstrom, Charles Levy, Josephine Price and Braxton Small. In 2013, the six graduating seniors honored were Erik Bergstrom, Erin Kownacki, Stephen Sena, Brett Stone and Rachel Recksiedler. The 2013 seniors received
Save these dates: Friday, Oct. 18: Homecoming Friday, Nov. 1: 2nd Annual Retro Helix Football Game, with players from the 1951, 1952, 1953 teams present
a “new” retro version of the Circle G, which returns to the simplicity of a G enclosed in a circle, a reminder of the legacy binding GHS graduating seniors for nine decades. The most dramatic testaments to the wonders of Grossmont’s past are the three perpetual graduation trophies. Since 1927, two identical silver loving cup trophies have acknowledged one graduating senior girl and boy. Engraved on the girls’ trophy are these words: “Grossmont High PTA Perpetual Trophy, Outstanding Senior Girl”; the 1927 recipient was Carmelita Harkleroad and the 2013 recipient was Sarah Sprague. The Outstanding Senior Boy trophy states “Grossmont High La Mesa Rotary Club, Outstanding Senior Boy”; the 1927 recipient was Donald Cole; the 2013 recipient was Paul Hazlebeck. The 86 recipients’ names are engraved on the trophies. The most prestigious award given at graduation is the Norman Freeman Award, first given in 1953 as a memorial to Norman Freeman, Class of 1947, who was killed in an air accident in Japan in March 1953. According to the 1947 yearbook, during his years as a Foothiller, Norman distinguished himself as the “ASB President who is everybody’s friend,” who “considers the problems of the student body as his own personal problems….” The trophy is engraved “For the Grossmont See Foothillers, Page 10
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‘Art in the Park’ at Mission Trails Our publisher, Jim Madaffer, and CBS8 TV meteorologist and lifestyle reporter Shawn Styles are the honorary chairs of the second annual “Art in the Park” fundraiser for the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation on Saturday evening Oct. 5. More than 75 pieces of art, from paintings to ceramics to photography to sculptures, will be on display and for sale. Tickets are $25 and include fine wine, fine art, fine cheese and fine chocolate – don’t forget the fine company as well. The event starts at 6 p.m.
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Helix Water, from page 1 County Water Authority, citing increased costs passed along from the Metropolitan Water District that serves all of Southern California, recently announced a rate increase of their own by 2.6 percent following a 9.6 percent increase for 2013. HWD said domestic customers using 25 units of water on a bi-monthly basis will see their water bills rise by 6 percent, or $7.58 in FY 201314. Commercial users will see their bills increase by 3 to 6 percent. Rates will rise again in FY 2014-15, 6.2 percent for domestic users ($8.23) and 5 to 8 percent for commercial users. One unit of water equals 748 gallons. While the figures presented by HWD were compelling, not
owners. “The proposed move from 79 percent of cost to 80 percent, with no further move towards true cost in 2014-15, is tokenism,” she said in a prepared statement. Instead, she said, the district should further raise rates on tier one users, bringing them to within 90 to 95 percent of what she said is the actual cost of delivery. The tier system is designed, in part, to encourage conservation. “There is a legitimate increase” in costs, said Larry Nichols, the treasurer of the GMIA. “We’re just saying that it isn’t 6 percent.” “[HWD] acknowledged in a meeting that we had with them that part of what they’re doing is leveraging now against the
everyone was convinced of the necessity of a rate increase. Susan Nichols, president of the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association, insisted the district’s current tier system is unfair, requiring consumers in tier three who use larger quantities to subsidize tier one users, putting an undue burden on larger property
concern that they may have bigger jumps the year that the desalination plant comes online,” he said. The Carlsbad desalination plant is expected to begin delivering water to San Diego County in 2016, providing up to 7 percent of the county’s water supply, but initially at nearly double the cost.
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Noteworthy, from page 2
The recently completed Congregational Church (3rd Avenue) is seen behind the La Mesa city band prior to the 1911 Fourth of July Parade. Image courtesy La Mesa Historical Society.
Historical View
A Bit of ‘Our’ Architectural Heritage By James D. Newland
Most can readily admit there are no structures comparable to the Taj Mahal, Sears Tower, Robey House, or other internationally-renown architectural landmarks in La Mesa. That of course does not mean La Mesa is in any way devoid of its own architectural gems – and heritage. Noted San Diego architect Richard Requa’s Mt. Helix Theater (1925) is one structure of notable regional significance. Requa was a pioneering leader in San Diego’s architectural profession and a key promoter of the Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival styles for the region in the early 20th century. He also was a designer of other significant La Mesa buildings including the Mission-Revival style La Mesa Grammar School (1914) and Spanish-Mediterranean style La Mesa Country Club (1923). Although warmly remembered, neither See Historical View, Page 23
ovation in salute of not only her academic work but also her seemingly inexhaustible willingness to volunteer for some of the tougher, drier, but necessary jobs required to make a college campus run smoothly. For example, Hill helped lead a group of over 80 staff, faculty and administrators, who, over a two-year period, developed a comprehensive self-evaluation of Grossmont College. This nine-part document will be utilized by an accreditation visiting team drawn from administrators and faculty from throughout the California Community College system. The accreditation team will make an extensive fact-finding visit to Grossmont College Oct. 14-17 to determine who well the college lives up to its educational mission. Now having volunteered to serve as acting senior dean for college planning and institutional effectiveness, Hill is currently leading the effort to implement new software for outcomes assessment and implementation of the college’s planning goals. Although by now Hill should be used to the accolades of her faculty colleagues, it was clear as she gave her
acceptance speech that she was touched by the honor. She said that as a little girl she enjoyed learning and always had her nose in a book or was watching ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ and to this day can recite the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Along life’s path, she figured out that she liked to help other people learn as well, and not just in the classroom, but also as a coach (basketball) and in other settings as well. Teaching is “who I am, what I do,” she said, and it is “just humbling” that her colleagues recognize it. She said it was amazing that with the schedule she keeps, her partner, Jeanine, has been willing to hang with her for 21 years, and she introduced her to general applause.
East County realtors honored with `PSAR Day’
The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a San Diego-area trade group for realtors who serve in East County neighborhoods, was recently honored by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The realtors were recognized for completing a home makeover beautification project for a disabled and unemployed La Mesa homeowner down on his luck.
Dianne Jacob (center) presents proclamation to Jeff Campbell and Carey Guthrie. The Supervisors declared July 30 “PSAR Day” in the county. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob presented a proclamation to Jeff Campbell, 2013 PSAR president, and Carey Guthrie, chair of Helping Hands 4 Homes, a committee of PSAR members who assist less-fortunate homeowners facing hardships and in need of new hope. Earlier this year, over several weekends, a small army of more than 100 PSAR members and supporters, including contractors and other building trade specialists, volunteered their labor over at a home previously cited by La Mesa city officials for housing code violations, said Campbell. The improvements included a new roof, landscape renovation and general clean-up. Donated construction mateSee Noteworthy, Page 10
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Foothillers, from page 7 student who has most strengthened democracy through participation and leadership in student government.” The first recipient of the Norman Freeman award in 1953, Patty Carone Bender, recalls, “I had a wonderful high school education and experience at Grossmont and the recognition for my contributions was a special honor.” The 1958 recipient, Jim Spackman, remembers, “When the award was announced during the graduation ceremony in the Greek Bowl, my adoptive father (a 6-foot-3, 220-pound Marine) cried! I’m most grateful to all the principals, counselors, teachers and classmates who
Noteworthy, from page 9 made it possible for the then-unschooled kid from Korea to go to college.” Gail Griffin, the 1966 recipient, reminisces, “I was so grateful that I had so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow…my first thought was, ‘You’re kidding!’ The 2013 recipient of the award is senior Jaidin Holder, the 60th student honored as the outstanding senior. To see the trophies and the complete list of recipients in person and to learn more about Grossmont’s unique heritage, visit the Museum on the first Wednesday of the month (Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6) from noon to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.
rials included plywood, roofing, paint and plants, according to Guthrie.
La Mesa attorneys make Best list
Four La Mesa attorneys across La Mesa were honored for their legal expertise and success Aug. 15 by being named to the 20th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America: S. Michael Love of McDougal, Love, Eckis, Boehmer & Foley; Nicholas A. Leto, Jr.; George de la Flor; and Sandra L. Mayberry. The attorneys named to Best Lawyers are recognized by their peers in the legal industry for their professional excellence in 134 different practice areas. Individuals awarded a “Lawyer of the Year” recognition received the highest scores in their practice area and city this year. In this past year, Best Lawyers evaluated more than 131,000 lawyers around the world, and collected more than 6 million voting results. Lawyers nominated for Best Lawyers are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are evaluated by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication review to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.
Silvergate Bank appoints vice president/branch manager
Bryan Shull
Silvergate Bank, a San Diego-based community bank specializing in small business, appointed Bryan Shull vice president and manager of its La Mesa branch, which serves East County from offices at 8530 La Mesa Blvd. Shull, a Rancho San Diego resident, brings 10 years of banking experience to his See Noteworthy, Page 17
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Best Place to Clean Your Ride
Soapy Joe’s Car Wash 5322 Jackson Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 462-7360 Just around the corner from Costco, Soapy Joe’s is best known for its $5 wash, which includes free interior vacuuming and a hand dry in about five minutes, but they also offer more luxurious wash treatments for vehicles, including hot wax, paint sealant. This family-owned and operated business gets great reviews on Yelp for the friendliness of its employees. Don’t forget to tip the hand dry guys!
Best Place to Buy Your Ride
Drew Ford 8970 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (888) 373-9367
tise of the staff. Many profitseeking mechanics are keen to “upsell” their customers on unneeded services, but Bond’s has earned the respect of many customers by selling them only what they truly need. Note you will need an appointment on Saturdays, and the shop is closed on Sundays.
Best Hair Salon
Haircut Store 6195 Lake Murray Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 92942 (619) 589-7999 The sleek interior design of the Haircut Store should bode well for the design of your new haircut. Just like in any salon, each stylist at the Haircut Store has their own strengths and weaknesses, but fans of the Haircut Store agree that this little shop offers great coloring and cuts at the best price. Stylists pamper their customers with a shampoo wash before every haircut, ensuring you will leave both looking and smelling good.
Best Barber
Pat’s Barber Shop The Drew family has been in the auto business in La Mesa since Drew’s Garage opened almost 85 years ago. The iconic “Roundhouse of Value” near the Interstate 8 and State Route 125 interchange has been home to Drew Ford since 1967. Drew Ford is consistently ranked one of the top dealerships in the U.S. in terms of both sales volume and customer satisfaction. The Drew family attributes their adherence to the Golden Rule as the key to their perennial success.
Best Place to Fix Your Ride
Bond’s Automotive 7066 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, Calif. 92115 (619) 461-7623
Mike Bond and his staff have served more than 12,000 customers since he started out as a mobile mechanic in 1994. Most of those customers happily testify to Bond’s Automotive testifies to the patience, honesty, fairness and exper-
7309 University Ave., Ste. B La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 466-2421 Pat himself is long gone, but hair stylist Pauline Do and owner Lu Nguyen have kept alive the barber shop bearing his name. With men’s haircuts offered for $8 and senior citizens’ haircuts offered for $6, Pat’s Barber Shop is just about the best deal you can find anywhere. Pauline has been cutting hair in San Diego and Ventura County for 12 years. Appointments are not necessary and there is rarely a wait.
Best Gym
John A. Davis Family YMCA 8881 Dallas St. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 464-9622 The John A. Davis Family YMCA offers modern exercise equipment, a swimming pool and group exercises classes including Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, water aerobics, circuit training, resistance training and more. Local residents say they like the family-friendly community atmosphere and high level of cleanliness here. Kids have a place to hang out while their parents are working out. Also, the cost of membership here is cheaper than some of the other
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brand-name gyms in the area.
Best Place to Work Out for Free
Lake Murray 5440 Kiowa Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 668-2050 If you’re on a tight budget, a gym membership can easily break the bank. For some basic aerobic exercise, Lake Murray’s 3.2 miles of shoreline are a great free alternative to the local gym. The most popular form of exercise here is simply walking, but bicycling, rollerblading and jogging are also welcome. You can even rent a kayak if you’re looking for a more intense workout for the upper body, or incorporate your own pushup, jump rope or other workout regimen as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Best Day Spa
Millicent and Company 4695 Palm Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 590-1177
This independent, full-service salon is named after its owner, Millicent “Millie” Hultenius, who opened the place in San Diego in 1985. Millicent does hair, makeup, massage, pedicure, nails and facials. Millie says her salons have been so successful because their focus on “fostering a culture of excellence” earns loyalty “one client, one technician at a time.” Millicent makes an effort to ensure that its technicians are trained and monitored to stay on top of emerging trends and products.
Best Seafood Restaurant
Anthony’s Fish Grotto 9530 Murray Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 463-0368 gofishanthonys.com
Setting the standard for seafood for over 60 years, Anthony’s Fish Grotto was a shoo-in for this category. Their charming La Mesa location features a patio overlooking a serene lake and a cozy dining room with under-the-sea décor. Their menu presents a variety seafood dishes to suit any appetite. Their freshly caught selections and regularly rotating specials are always good options. Plus, you can’t go wrong with classic dishes like clam chowder, fish tacos, and lobster tail.
Best Plumber
Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical 5161 Waring Rd. San Diego, Calif. 92120 (619) 583-7963 Though it is based in San Diego’s Allied Gardens, Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is the most popular plumber in La Mesa. Ideal’s expert plumbers get the job done “as promised, within budget and on time,” the owners say. Ideal ensures
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customer satisfaction by treating each customer like a member of the family. In addition to repairing drain stoppages and backflows, Ideal can also install and repair water filters, tankless water heaters, icemaker lines and more.
Best Home Repair
Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical 5161 Waring Rd. San Diego, Calif. 92120 (619) 583-7963 “Plumbing” may come first in their business name, but Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical does it all. The company gets high marks among reviewers for its professionalism, transparency and honesty. As one reviewer recently put it on Yelp, “… Ideal represents that sweet spot of a true family business, with the best that implies, that has grown enough to offer a full range of services.”
Best Do-Gooder Organization
La Mesa Rotary La Mesa Community Center 4975 Memorial Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 La Mesa Rotary is one of the best known and most loved civic institutions in La Mesa. The Rotarians organize fundraisers and service projects to benefit both international and
local organizations, including InterFACE, La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, Volunteers in Medicine, the East County Family YMCA, Peter Pan Jr. Theater, La Mesa Spring Valley School District and many more. The group meets Wednesdays at noon and welcomes new members.
Best Park
Mission Trails Regional Park One Fr. Junipero Serra Trail San Diego, Calif. 92119 (619) 668-3281 With more than 5,900 acres of both natural and developed recreational land, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The park includes a campground, several picnic areas and trails of varying difficulties for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the history of the park, the plant and animal communities, how to stay safe on the trails and more. The Visitor Center also includes a 94-seat theater that screens educational films daily.
Favorite Activity at Lake Murray
Walking
Best Doctor
Alvarado Hospital 6655 Alvarado Road San Diego, Calif. 92120 (619) 287-3270 www.alvaradohospital.com We’re not surprised our readers selected Alvarado Hospital as the Best Doctor. The 306-bed acute care hospital was recently recognized as part of the only hospital system in California – Prime Healthcare – named one of the nation’s Top 15 by Thomson Reuters. The award was based on clinical outcomes, patient safety and satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Best Spot To Get Your Drink On
Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 713-6900 www.Hooleys.com
With about 3.2 miles of paved waterfront pathway, Lake Murray is a great place to take
Thank you, La Mesa, for voting us best preschool! New in 2013...
Kindergarten 9 am - 3 pm full day class 7 am - 6 pm option
10:1 student to teacher ratio tablets and smartboards Led by a credentialed teacher 4031 Avocado Blvd La Mesa, CA 91941
a walk. Health researchers have discovered that just 30 minutes of walking a day leads to enormous improvements in health outcomes, and what better place to get that exercise than among the wildlife of Lake Murray? Dogs are welcome too, as long as they are kept on a leash and kept at least 50 feet from the water.
Call: 619-670-4024 foothillsumc.org
practiced in Alpine, opened her new Purrfect Smile! Orthodontics office in La Mesa this year. Her unforgettable stuffed Cheshire cat symbolizes her ability to connect with her young patients. Dr. Robert Low completed his DDS degree at USC in 1984 and has been practicing dentistry at La Mesa Dental Group since 1998. Dr. Low’s decades of experience contribute to his glowing reputation among patients as an honest expert. Dr. Low is also known for his upbeat personality and great sense of humor.
Best Chiropractor
La Mesa Village Chiropractic 4690 Nebo Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 460-2224 villagechiropractic.com Dr. Jason W. Graney’s office has a “no wait” policy, which makes sense since many of his patients can’t sit without significant discomfort. The lifetime La Mesa resident offers patients large private rooms and the support of friendly staff. Graney is trained in the latest rehabilitation techniques and specializes in auto and work injuries.
Best Casino
Barona 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road Lakeside, Calif. 92040 (619) 443-2300 Barona.com
What would an Irish Pub be without its whiskies and brews from the Emerald Isle? Hooleys at Grossmont Center has a thorough variety of these and other refreshments. Several screens for game days and live music on weekends complement the drink menu whether you’re in the mood for a Guinness or a Jameson. We recommend a unique drink option by way of the UK – a Snakebite –made with half Guinness and half cider. Cheers!
Best Dentist - Tie!
Purrfect Smile! Orthodontics 6080 Lake Murray Blvd, Ste. A La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 466-8888
Dr. Rob Low, DDS 7872 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa Calif. 91941 (619) 464-1211 Dr. Cynthia Jackson is an orthodontist who graduated seventh in her class of 150 students at Ohio State Dental School in 1986 and continues to lead her field in professional associations and publications. Dr. Jackson, who has long
Barona claims there are more chances to win at their Casino, which touts itself as featuring “the loosest slots.” Sounds like a line except Barona was actually certified loosest video poker in San Diego by expert Bob Dancer. The casino was also honored as having the Best Blackjack in the country by Casino Player magazine and in the state by the Blackjack Hall of Fame. We’d write more, but we’ve got some blackjack to play.
Best Place to People Watch
La Mesa Village There are several spots to sit and watch people go by in La Mesa Village. You can grab a seat at Cosmos Coffee Café, a table at Por Favor or just sit on one of several available benches. Depending on where you park yourself, you can see a number of different individuals, including the frustrated parents trying to hold their daughter back from Royal Candy Castle, college students looking frazzled after pulling all-nighters down the street at San Diego State, and elderly couples who still hold hands as they stroll down La Mesa Boulevard.
Best Place To Be Seen
Cowles Mountain Hiking yields many benefits. Obviously it’s good for your health and stamina, and it affords you a beautiful reward when you reach your destination. But who knew hiking up Cowles Mountain was the thing to do at the place to be seen. It’s a logical choice, though – everyone wants to project fitness and health. What better way to do it than while hiking with friends at Cowles, an attractive backdrop no matter what you look like by the time you get to the top.
Hidden Gem (non eatery)
Top of Mt. Helix 4905 Mt. Helix Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 741-4363 It’s not exactly hidden, but it’s definitely a gem only locals know. The top of Mt. Helix is perhaps prettiest early Easter morning, when attendees of the popular Easter service greet the sun. Seeing the large white cross set against the rising sun is enough to turn anyone religious.
Liveliest Place for Live Music
Cosmos Coffee Café 8278 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 698-4217 cosmoscoffeecafe.com
There’s something about jazz that makes it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee. As the guest musicians jam on their instruments, it’s easy to sit back and enjoy the music while downing one, two, three servings of the smoky brew. By the time the set is over, you might feel enlightened by the music’s complex notes, but we’re willing to bet it’s more due to the caffeine kick.
Best Billiards
Jolt’n Joes 8076 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 466-2591 www.joltnjoes.com Jolt’n Joe’s has a lot of TVs for sports, yummy wings and happy staff to help you, but what it’s really got in spades are a number of billiards tables. There’s no school like the old school when it comes to billiards spots like Joe’s. As you line up your shot – eight ball in the corner pocket – it’s hard not to feel like you’ve been transported to a time
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before video games dominated teens’ attention.
Best Golf Course
Sun Valley
5080 Memorial Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 466-6102 sunvalleygolfclub.com Fees are pretty low at this nine-hole golf course, which could use a little TLC. Still, it’s a solid spot to work on your short game, such as chips shots and putting. Even better, there’s little pressure to look like Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie so you can revel in your mediocrity without being judged by golf snobs. Sun Valley definitely earns its selfacclaimed title of “Friendliest Golf Course Around.” Guess friendly goes a long way – it’s the best golf course to our readers.
to-teacher ratio and aims to provide “rich learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of preschool children.” Foothills also strives to meet the needs of busy, working parents – it provides childcare from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The preschool focuses on the following areas: independence and self-esteem; reading readiness; math and science; motor coordination; creative experiences; social skills; and spiritual awareness.
Best Place to Get a Burger and Fries
Johnny B’s Burgers, Brews & Spirits 8393 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 464-2465 www.johnnybsburgersand brew.com
Best Place to Take the Kids 1549 El Prado San Diego, Calif. 92101 (619) 239-0512 www.balboapark.org
Best Place to Feed The Kids
Fuddruckers 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 (619) 589-6144 www.fuddruckers.com Fuddruckers’ kids menu has everything your munchkin could want in a restaurant. There are cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken bites and mac n’ cheese. Entrees come with a drink, cookie and choice of fries, apple wedges, fruit cup, BBQ beans or coleslaw so parents don’t have to pack juice boxes to keep Junior happy.
Best Preschool
Foothills United Methodist Church 4031 Avocado Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 670-4024 www.foothillsumc.org/ what-we-do/faithacademy/ the-preschool/ Foothills Preschool has been serving the community for more than four decades. The school boasts a low student-
Best Coffee
Cosmos Coffee Cafe 8278 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 698-4217 www.cosmoscoffeecafe.com Finding a perfect home in the quaint La Mesa village area, Cosmos is buzzing any time of day. The cafe prides itself on serving only organic and Fair Trade items purchased locally. A popular spot on La Mesa Boulevard, it is frequented by locals of all ages looking for a caffeine fix, plus they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We recommend perusing the pastry case filled with an array of treats to go with a coffee craving.
Sanfillipo’s serves a wide range of Italian food but it’s the pleasure of their pizza that earned them this award. The combinations they’ve crafted are popular picks. Anna’s Pizza is a unique savory and sweet blend of pineapple, onions, garlic, and artichoke. Lots of guests take a creative approach building their own pizza masterpiece from Sanfillipo’s fresh choice of toppings. Either way, we recommend getting a large pie because who doesn’t love leftover pizza?
Best Place to Get a Steak
The Brigantine 9350 Fuerte Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 465-1935 www.brigantine.com They made a name for themselves with seafood, but The Brigantine also serves up serious steak options. Their La Mesa location is a hidden gem tucked in to the side of Mt. Helix with impeccable views and a relaxing ambiance. In addition to the setting, carnivores will appreciate their filet mignon wrapped in bacon and broiled served with a decadent whiskey-peppercorn sauce.
Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
See’s Candy 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 463-3355 ca.lamesa.sees.com
Balboa Park
If there’s one thing most kids love to do, it’s run around like crazy. Balboa Park has more than enough space for a family picnic that begins and ends with a lot of running. If your children are old enough to appreciate a little culture, Balboa Park offers several world-class museums, including the fascinating Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the wonderful San Diego Model Railroad Museum. And if you like animals, there’s always that cozy spot also known as the San Diego Zoo.
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It’s hard to say whether Johnny B’s is a burger spot with a bar or a sports bar that serves juicy burgers. Whatever the case, you can’t exactly bring the kids in for a burger and fries – patrons must be 21 and older, which suits many of its regulars just fine. Sports, good beef in a bun and beer without kids screaming over who took the yellow crayon? Sounds like the recipe for a great guys’ night out.
Best Breakfast
See’s Candy in Grossmont Center offers all the sweet goodness this company has served for over 90 years. Honoring tradition, they still serve quality old-fashioned chocolates, fudge and more, plus everyone gets a free sample. The familiar black and white shop is a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of mall shopping whether you need a bite or a whole box.
Best Ethnic Restaurant
Por Favor 8302 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 698-5950 www.porfavorrestaurants.com
From all of us at Ideal, THANK YOU for voting us “Best Plumber”!
Swami’s Cafe 8284 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 668-9030 www.swamiscafesd.com
Swami’s Café serves up breakfast with a smile. Walk into this joint and try – we dare you – try not to smile back at the friendly guy at the counter. It’s gotta be all that healthy living. Swami’s prides itself on healthful fare and offers a variety of good-for-you grubs and fresh juices. While the regular breakfasts are pretty good, we especially love their refreshing Acai bowl. If you decide to surf Swami’s in La Mesa, however, be ready to wait for a bit – there’s a reason our readers rated it No. 1.
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS
It’s no secret that we locals love our Mexican food. Por Favor’s variety of authentic dishes earned it La Mesa Courier readers’ high praise this year. Their fresh and flavorful menu items range from Desayunos (breakfasts) to Postres (desserts) with all kinds of favorites in between. Tender Carnitas served with all the fixings are a big hit and perfectly portioned for a big appetite or sharing, if you feel generous. Keep in mind, we recommend saving room for deep fried ice cream.
Best Pizza
Sanfilippo’s Pizza 8141 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 464-2088 Sanfilippospizza.com A La Mesa staple since 1975,
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
The New York strip is another favorite with caramelized shallot butter. Is your mouth watering yet?
Best Eatery in the Village
their Wednesday Wing night. Five tasty sauces to choose from for less than $6 a pound plus discounted drinks to cool your palate.
Best Pet Store
Swami’s Cafe
Petco
8284 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 668-9030 La Mesa Village has lots to choose from and lucky locals have found Swami’s Cafe to be their favorite this year. The menu offers a wide variety with lots of health-conscious and vegetarian options. This is a great spot for a quick bite or leisurely meal any time of day seven days a week. We recommend starting your morning with a smoothie or breakfast burrito. And their flavorful burgers are tasty choices for lunch or dinner.
Best Sports Bar
8501 Fletcher Pkwy. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 337-0701 Petco.com From food to toys to pet necessities this large store carries it all. Of course, they also sell pets themselves in case you’re ready to bring home a new family member, be it fourlegged or water-dwelling. And the staff is highly knowledgeable about animals and enjoys educating pet owners. Check their weekly ads for extra savings.
Helix Pet Hospital has been serving La Mesa’s four-legged residents for over 50 years. The full service pet care facility offers expanded hours on weekdays open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., accommodating busy schedules. They’re also open on Saturday and have availability by phone and email 24 hours a day. This pet hospital also shows their commitment to the community with free pet exams for animals adopted from official animal adoption agencies.
Best Place to Groom Fido
The Barking Lot 7991 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 697-2284
Best Veterinarian
Helix Pet Hospital
McCarter’s Grill
4223 Palm Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 469-2129 Helixpets.com
8622 Lake Murray Blvd. San Diego, Calif. 92119 (619) 337-3807 Mccartersbarandgrill.com A ton of TVs, nightly food and drink specials, and happy hour are just some of the reasons McCarter’s is the quintessential sports bar of La Mesa. Their full bar features 14 beers on tap and they’ll whip up any cocktail you like. One midweek special we’re wild about is
off your pooch and run some errands. “I feel blessed that we have so many people think so highly of us,” said owner Vickie Frei.
Best Bank
San Diego County Credit Union 8555 Fletcher Pkwy., Ste. 101 La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (877) 732-2848 As one of the most respected institutions in the region, it is no wonder La Mesa loves San Diego County Credit Union. As a not-for-profit financial institution, SDCCU’s earnings are returned to its more than 245,000 members in the form of lower fees, cheaper loans and better returns on deposits. With over $6.2 billion in assets, SDCCU is among the 10 largest credit unions in the United States. SDCCU’s members enjoy access to over 30,000 ATMs as part of the credit union CO-OP network.
Best Place to Spend Five Bucks For the second year in a row The Barking Lot is claiming this prize. Their stellar reputation in La Mesa keeps them busy making our four-legged friends look their best. The Barking Lot has been located just outside the village area on La Mesa Boulevard since 1996- a prime spot to drop
99 Cents Only Store 7908 El Cajon Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 697-7599 99only.com The large 99 Cents Only Store in La Mesa offers lots of options for spending a little cash. They carry food items, including
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fresh produce, toys and games for little ones and all types of household necessities. Their knick knacks and art supplies are perfect for crafters and teachers working on a budget. And they always have seasonal items for simple holiday decorating and gift-giving.
Next Best Thing to Antique Road Show
La Mesa Antique Mall 4710 Palm Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 462-2211
Whatever you’re in search of, the Antique Mall on Palm Avenue probably has it. The space is filled top to bottom with trinkets big and small, from unique collectibles to classic furniture pieces. Toys from yesteryear, vintage comic books, and vinyl records all find a home within the large shop just off of La Mesa Boulevard. This is a great spot to find functional household items with special charm.
Best Thrift Store
La Mesa Thrift Shop 8340 Lemon Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91941 (619) 466-6678 La Mesa Thrift Shop is a bargain-hunter’s paradise especially for clothing and accessories. Everything is wellorganized and easy to explore. Check the window for which colored tag is featured at halfoff for an extra deep discount. Tons of name brand items can be found here and are priced very inexpensively. They also carry some vintage treasures for those with a discerning eye. This is a must-stop when in the Village – just make sure you bring cash with you!
Best Grocery Store
Trader Joe’s 5495 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 466-0105 Traderjoes.com The uber-friendly staff at Trader Joe’s is knowledgeable about all their products from an extensive wine and beer selection to ready-made food items and more. Their produce is always extremely fresh and offers a wide variety. The store caters to healthconscious shoppers and those with dietary concerns while still offering tasty groceries.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Page 15
La Mesa Reads
GUEST COMMENTARY
By Jessie Goodwin, Librarian
Greetings from the staff of San Diego County Library’s La Mesa branch. Now that fall is in full swing, we hope you’ll stop in to pick up some of the latest books, movies and music appearing on our shelves. Last month at the La Mesa branch, Six Years by Harlan Coben was our most popular fiction title. In Coben’s latest stand-alone thriller, a man’s life is thrown into turmoil after he discovers that his lost love might not be who he thought she was. Starting Now by Debbie Macomber was also flying off of our shelves. The newest entry in Macomber’s popular “Blossom Street” series, this novel again centers on the customers who frequent the cozy A Good Yarn knitting store. Non-fiction readers were requesting Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison by Piper Kerman. This true story has been adapted into a Netflix series, and details Kerman’s experiences in a minimum security prison after she is convicted of a crime she’d committed years before.
Are you seeking more information about the upcoming changes to health insurance starting in 2014? Find out more about how to obtain coverage at a free program on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. A representative from the Neighborhood Healthcare organization will be here to answer your questions about getting health insurance and the Affordable Care Act. If you haven’t had a chance yet to read this year’s One Book San Diego selection, there’s still time. Readers countywide will discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks beginning Sept. 30. Check with your local branch to learn more about programs and to reserve your copy of the mesmerizing novel based on the true story of the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College in 1665. The La Mesa Branch library is open seven days a week. We invite you to stop in to one of our many programs, browse our collection, and let our staff know how we can assist you. As always, please come in and check out what’s new.
A number of years ago before the Council was the formality of hiring a consultant adhering to the and going public with a process, with approved PBID the memory of the defeat of the BID process, Mr. Madrid was taking an referendum in mind, various commit- advocacy position on his own. None tees had been meeting regarding of us know what tone or demeanor what to do with downtown La Mesa was used by Mr. Madrid when he may as its age began to show. A subcom- have visited Village property owners mittee was established to keep the soliciting for property owner PBID issue before the Council and staff support. We also did not know if he sought approaches to provide a stra- did it under the color of office. Some tegic approach. Mr. Madrid and I may have thought the entire Council were the first members. Later, Dave must be supporting this advocacy Allan requested to be involved to try unless the Mayor made an upfront to bring new businesses to La Mesa disclosure. The Council has not taken final decision as to its position. Not at Village. I stepped aside. When the PBID process and that point or at the current point in formation committee was established, time. Earlier this year the Council the Council affirmed the Council formally took action to reserve the Downtown Subcommittee would interaction and involvement with the observe and periodically report back For committee some reason InDesign is PBID formation (and the to the full Council. Mr. Allan was not as cmyk to itself and elimable to fulfill his assignment and Mr. Streetscape project) (I added parking to the one.) inated the Council Subcommittees on Madrid did not free initiate reporting to top See Commentary, Page 23 the Council. In fact, while the rest of
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Pam Crooks, from page 6
Up Close Breaking for brunch at La Mesa Bistro and Bakery Before you walk into La Mesa Bistro and Bakery, you are hit with a load of options for brunch. There are the specials on the sidewalk chalkboard, more on the white board, a few written on the framed board by the door and even more await you once you step inside. On weekends, the line of people waiting to place their orders at the cash register extends half way into the main dining area. It may dissuade you, but actually it gives you enough time to decide on what to order — and change your mind several times — before you reach the front. Everything on the menu is available from 6 a.m. until they close at 3 p.m. Traditional breakfast items and sandwiches make up the menu. But for those with a breakfast mindset, and with more than one person in the party, the best decision is to go with something both savory and sweet. Breakfast for me is not complete without eggs. There are the usual standbys: omelettes (incorporating breakfast meats or vegetables) and scrambles. Their lobster Benedict is one of many specialties highlighted in the menu and is nicely priced at $9.95. Two poached eggs are topped with hollandaise sauce that hides a generous helping of shredded lobster, chopped asparagus and toasted English muffins. Country potatoes and side of not-too-spicy salsa completes this plate. It’s a delicious and extremely rich dish that’s almost too much for one person. See La Mesa Bistro, Page 20
with Sycuan’s entertainment venue By Jen Van Tieghem The lights go down, Less than 500 seats offer any curtains part and enter- guest a clear view of the stage tainers takes the stage. It plus two large projection all looks effortless from your screens broadcast the show comfortable vantage point in from three cameras operan intimate setting. And it’s ated under the supervision supposed to look that way. of a video engineer. The “Up Sycuan Casino’s entertain- Close” part of their moniker ment venue, Live and Up makes perfect sense. Close, wants to ensure the In addition to the intiexperience appears as flaw- mate nature of the venue, it less and magical every time sets itself apart in a variety of they put on a show. ways. As one select area of the Though it seems to come casino allowed to serve alcotogether with ease, a recent holic drinks, the theater opens behind-the-scenes tour gave its doors an hour before show La Mesa Courier the chance time, offering a full bar of to see all the adult beverages Sycuan Live hard work it truly at reasonable and Up Close prices. Another takes. With great attention to detail item to note for 5469 Casino Way and obvious pride frugal show-goers El Cajon, CA 92019 in what Live and is ticket prices. Up Close has to Without inflated (619) 445-6002 offer, security fees, the chance Sycuan.com director Juan to see high caliber Baca walked us through all acts in a small venue is well the steps that lead to a big worth what they charge. show. (Insider tip: With a player’s One striking note upon club card you can get a 20 entering the theater is its size. See Sycuan, Page 22
thriving with trendy shops and restaurants. Corvette did this in Hillcrest. “Why did you decide to open a restaurant in La Mesa?” I asked. “La Mesa is really ‘underserved’ when it comes to restaurants,” she explained. “La Mesans are sophisticated people. And the Village has good freeway access and available parking.” Although the Cohns no longer live here, they spent many years living in East County. Their children, Jessica and Jeremy, both graduated from Valhalla High School. So they know the area. “It’s a great place to raise kids!” Lesley added. In case you’re wondering, Bo-Beau Kitchen + Garden will be family friendly with an area on the patio with a pretend bus where kids can play. The restaurant will also cater to couples looking for a special night out. Sounds like a winner to me. Knowing the Cohns and their track record, I wouldn’t be surprised if the advent of their new restaurant on La Mesa Boulevard sparks the transformation many have been longing to see in the Village – PBID or no PBID.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Page 17
Sept. 28 – Rock the Boat for the MARSOC Foundation aboard a ship cruising Mission Bay: featuring Dead Feather Moon, TarrBaby, Oliver Trolley, and more. $29. 7 p.m. SanDiegoConcertCruise.com
Jazz Wednesdays – Gilbert Castellanos Jazz Jam at Seven Grand. Free. 9 p.m. Seven GrandBars.com. Wednesdays - Jazz with Kice Simko and Friends at Riviera Supper Club. Free. 9 p.m. RivieraSupperClub.com. Fridays – Sam Johnson Jazz Group at Cosmos Coffee Cafe. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. CosmosCoffeeCafe.com. Saturdays – Jazz with George and Alan at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. www. SanDiegoDesserts.net. Saturdays – Douglas Kvandal with the LiveJazz! Quartet at the Amigo Spot a the Kings Inn. Free. 7 p.m. www.king sinnsandiego.com. Aug. 31 – Teagan Taylor Band at 98 Bottles. $12 adv. / $15 day of show. 8 p.m. 98bottlessd.com Sept. 21 – Normandie Wilson at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www.sanpasqualwinery.com Sept. 26 – Cool Soul Trio at Riviera Supper Club. Free. www.RivieraSupperClub.com 9 p.m.
Classical Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 – Summer Pops: 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular at Embarcadero Marina Park South. $20-$79. 7:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoSym phony.org. Sept 5 - 13th Annual Toy Piano Festival in the Seuss Room of Geisel Library at UC San Diego. Noon. Libraries. ucsd.edu/events_new/ toy-piano-festival.html Sept. 29 – Hungarian Folk Ensemble. $20-$85. 2 p.m. www.SanDiegoSymphony.org Oct. 4 – 6 – A Carnegie Hall Preview at Copley Symphony Hall. $20-$96. Friday & Saturday 8 p.m./Sun. 2 p.m. www.SanDiegoSymphony.org
Alternative Mondays – Stevie Harris at The Go Lounge. Free. 8 p.m. www.TheGoLoungeSD.com. Aug. 31 – Leanna May and the Matadors at The Griffin. $6. 9 p.m. www.TheGriffinSD.com Sept. 1 – The Tilt, The Filthy Violets, and Gone Baby Gone at The Casbah. $6. 8:30 p.m. www.CasbahMusic.com Sept. 13-14 – San Diego Music Thing. Showcases with local and national bands throughout the county at various venues. Price and times vary. www.SanDiegoMu sicThing.com
Pop Tuesdays - Suzanne Shea at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoDes serts.net Thursdays – Greg Shibley at The Westgate Hotel. Free. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. www.westgatehotel.com Fridays – Nathan Welden at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoDesserts.net Aug. 31 & Sept. 28 – People of Earth at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www.SanPasqualWinery.com Sept 7 – The PushPins at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www. SanPasqualWinery.com Bands, venues, music-lovers: Please email listings to Jen@ ScoopSanDiego.com.
Noteworthy, from page 10 new position with Silvergate Bank. “Bryan’s years of experience in bank management along with his knowledge of the East County community will be invaluable as he leads our efforts to provide superior banking services to our growing customer base,” said Alan Lane, Silvergate Bank’s president and CEO. “We are very pleased to welcome Bryan to the Silvergate Bank team.” “I am very pleased to be part of a growing community bank where the focus is on building strong customer relationships and providing businesses and individuals with a rewarding banking experience,” said Shull. “Silvergate Bank’s strong capital ratios, highly experienced banking professionals and competitive products give it a distinct edge in serving the East County area. I look forward to being part of that effort.”
Supping with soul at The Riv By Jen Van Tieghem The idea of dinner and a show might seem old-fashioned, but Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room in La Mesa keeps the spirit of this night out alive with modern-day flair. Known for do-it-yourself steak dinners, the restaurant and bar possess a mid-century charm. And as one of the few venues for live music in the neighborhood, it presents shows several nights a week without a cover charge. For nearly a year, talent buyer Jason Rammelsberg has been in charge of booking shows and entertainment at Riviera, or, as locals affectionately call it, “The Riv.” Music has always been a draw and as part of the new ownership team, Rammelsberg has worked to improve upon that while keeping well-loved parts of it intact. The Riv’s eclectic lineup includes rockabilly, blues, jazz-fusion and rock bands, according to Rammelsberg. But something somewhat surprising to The Riv’s regulars is the recently added
karaoke night every Tuesday. “Karaoke has been fabulous, actually,” Rammelsberg said. “When I brought it in here, I was just like, ‘Let’s give it a try.’ There isn’t a lot of karaoke around here.” The idea is a spillover from its success at Rosie O’Grady’s in Normal Heights, also owned by Rammelsberg and his family. Another important part of bookings at Riviera are bands that will come back regularly once it’s established they’re a good fit. Some bands have residencies and appear once a month, and many of the bands performing now are new additions since Rammelsberg’s arrival. Rammelsberg and company are happy to keep the diverse line-up coming and offer La Mesans and their neighbors the opportunity to enjoy a full night out. “You can pay for one cab here, spend five hours, have dinner, go the bar and do that whole thing,” he said. “You don’t have to go anywhere else and there’s no cover!” Contact us Now for a FREE quote
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
What’s Cooking with Julie
by Julie White
French Mushroom Salad This salad is a little odd , but delicious and earthy tasting. The mushrooms are like little sponges so brush off any dirt with a paper towel instead of washing them. Its lemony taste makes it great with chicken.
French Mushroom Salad Ingredients: 8 oz. of baby Bella Crimini mushrooms or white button mushrooms can be used. Wipe clean and slice. 3/4 cup of flat leaf parsley leaves (no stems) 2 oz. of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (Parmesan cheese) Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1/2 tsp. of black pepper 1/4 tsp. of salt 1 Tbs. of White Wine or Rice Vinegar 2 Tbs. of extra virgin Olive Oil In a salad bowl, place the cheese, parsley and mushrooms. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix remaining ingredients and emulsify into a salad dressing. Pour over the mushroom mixture. Toss and serve. To bulk up this salad you can add 1 cup of chopped lettuce.
Toasting the Masters of Mount Helix By Dave Schwab
Once a Mount Helixian, always a Mount Helixian. That’s the unspoken oath of “The World Famous” Mount Helix Toastmasters Club of La Mesa, which marked its 75th anniversary this year with a reunion celebration Aug. 17 at Carlton Oaks Country Club in Santee. Founded in 1938, Mount Helix Toastmasters has been devoted for three-quarters of a century to developing public speaking and leadership skills. It was the 126th club formed in Toastmasters International founded by Ralph Smedley in 1924. An educational director of the YMCA, Smedley perceived the deep and abiding need for speech training. He developed the comprehensive learn-by-doing-and-analysis approach that has persisted in Toastmasters to the present day. Toastmasters International has since swelled in 2013 to include 13,500 clubs in 116 countries with approximately 280,000 members. Longtime Mount Helixian Dr. Larry Pawl said what’s remarkable about the club is how its members have shared their knowledge and experience over the years to help newcomers overcome their fear of public speaking. “Watching people grow,” said Pawl, when asked for his fondest memories of the
club. “To see someone go from awkward and reserved, and watch them blossom into someone that has confidence and is comfortable and really becoming outgoing.” Current Mount Helix president Bob “BVD” Decker joined originally just for something to do on Wednesdays, and found he couldn’t stay away because of the quality of the people involved and the depth of the experience. “The camaraderie is a big thing,” said Decker about the club’s appeal. “There is a mosaic, a diversity of people here with different politics, religions and backgrounds, yet we learn from each other.” John Stark, who has been a Mount Helixian more than 40 years, agreed that the sum of the club is greater than its parts. “Our members care about each other and the progress everyone is making,” he said. “We run good meetings so we bring in higher-quality new members than most other clubs. We sincerely adhere to the program. We provide quality evaluations, saying what we mean and meaning what we say. We enjoy extracurricular activities that other clubs mostly do not. We are serious about the whole program – and it shows.”
Sustaining La Mesa for the future The Sixth Annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival, scheduled for Sept. 7, is heating up to be quite the dish. Attendees can enjoy hands-on activities, such as hydroponics, solar cooking, composting, electric vehicles, kids’ crafts and face painting. Visitors can also learn about Styrofoam recycling, energy efficiency and see butterflies. The free event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, located at 9550 Milden St.
“This is another example of La Mesa addressing citizens’ needs on environmental issues,” said Mayor Art Madrid. “We invite everybody to join us and to appreciate all the hard work done by our commission members, employees and volunteers.” This year’s theme is “Bringing Green to the Table.” The theme highlights that the words “La Mesa” translates into “The Table” in Spanish. During the festival, participants can listen to live music and expert speakers throughout the day. The festival finale butterfly
release will give everyone a chance to experience the grace and beauty of these delicate creatures. Plan to spend the day and enjoy the beauty of the park, its trees, and amphitheater. The winners of the “Our Planet, Our Home” K-12 Environmental Literacy & Art Contest will be announced and their entries will be displayed at the festival and the La Mesa Library. For more information on the festival and contest, please visit cityoflamesa. com/SustainLaMesa.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Page 19
Panhandling, from page 3 the bill and more about the politics,” Aceves said. All members who voted against or abstained were Democrats. Those supporting the bill included all Republicans on the committee and one Democrat, Assembly Member Tom Daly (D – Anaheim). Assembly Member Shirley Weber (D – San Diego) is a coauthor of the bill. While S.B. 604 had widespread support from law enforcement leaders across the state, the California Professional Firefighters labor organization opposed the bill because it would have
interfered with charitable collections such as “Fill the Boot” campaigns, which have raised millions of dollars for muscular dystrophy research and victims of severe burns. When it passed the Senate, S.B. 604 included language that would allow charitable collections by law enforcement and firefighter groups, but that exemption was removed before the first vote on the bill in the Assembly. One of the biggest opponents of SB 604 has been MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund. In a letter of opposition, MALDEF
HIGH HOLY DAYS 5774 / 2013
Schedule Of Services Community Selichot Service Saturday, August 31 • 8:30 pm at Congregation Beth Israel h
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, September 4 • 7:30 pm h
Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, September 5 9:30 am • Morning Service 12:30 pm • Early Childhood Service 1:30 pm • Family Service* 5:00 pm • Tashlich at Lake Murray h
Community Memorial Service Sunday, September 8 • 12:30 pm at El Camino Memorial Park Chapel h
attorney Jeannette Zanipatin argued that the bill would violate the free speech rights of day laborers and street vendors in California. “This bill by its very terms singles out vendors and individuals who are attempting to sell services for differential treatment,” Zanipatin wrote. “This bill would discriminate content on its face which would violate the First Amendment.” MALDEF has successfully defeated city ordinances intended to suppress the speech and conduct of day See Panhandling, Page 21
SUKKOT • ATZERET/ SIMCHAT TORAH Sukkot Under the Stars
Wednesday, September 18 Dinner begins at 5 pm • Service starts at 6 pm
A Great Evening For All Ages!
Join us for an outdoor celebration in our courtyard. Reserve by September 13 to purchase a dinner at a cost of $10 per person. Or bring your own picnic – no reservation required.
Sukkot Festival Service
Thursday, September 19 • 10:30 am
Sukkot Open House
Sunday, September 22 • 2 - 4 pm
Everyone Welcome!
Erev Atzeret/Simchat Torah Wednesday, September 25 • 6 pm
The service will include consecration of all new Torah/Hebrew School students in all grades. Be a part of this joyous celebration!
Atzeret/Simchat Torah Festival Service
Thursday, September 26 • 10:30 am • Yizkor Memorial Prayers Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, September 13 • 7:30 pm Kol Nidre Service h
Yom Kippur
Saturday, September 14 9:30 am • Yom Kippur Service 12:30 pm • Discussion Forum 2:00 pm • Family Service* 3:00 pm • Afternoon Service 4:30 pm • Yizkor Memorial Service 5:30 pm • Neilah
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Devorah Marcus, Rabbi • Martin S. Lawson, Rabbi Emeritus • Myrna Cohen, Cantorial Soloist Jim Lewis & Ron Marx, Co-Presidents • Susanne Geshekter, Executive Director
Unique golf tournament changes lives One of the most unique golf tournaments in San Diego is being held Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Cottonwood Golf Club in El Cajon. The SoCal Rehab Golf Glass is a one-ofa-kind tournament that pairs physically challenged golfers with able-bodied players to increase awareness about golf as a therapeutic tool— especially for those who have survived a stroke, traumatic brain injury or amputation. Because of the large military population in San Diego, many of the participants are wounded warriors. The tournament is sponsored by the San Diego Rehabilitation Institute at Alvarado Hospital. “This is a high-caliber tournament orchestrated for adaptive golfers and their supporters in Southern California,” said PGA Professional John Klein, who helps facilitate the annual event and teaches adaptive golf clinics to physically challenged golfers throughout the year. “I encourage business leaders and others from the community to come out and play in this life-changing tournament.” “The SoCal Rehab Golf
Classic is the only one of its kind in San Diego area,” added Mary Williams, therapeutic recreation coordinator at Alvarado Hospital. “We promote restorative golf programs for golfers of all physical abilities and provide a great opportunity for the physically challenged to play in a tournament format.” The tournament is a four-player scramble format. Teams will be comprised of at least two individuals with a physical challenge. Participants will play 9 holes on a regulation course. Physically challenged golfers will have the option to play from designated forward tees. Last year, Charles Fazzino, one of the most popular and highly collected pop artists of all time, donated a piece of artwork specifically designed for the Rehab Golf Classic and the San Diego community. A putting contest is held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and the tee-off is at 2 p.m. An awards dinner follows the event. For more information, cost, brochure and registration, visit AlvaradoHospital. com or email MWilliams3@ PrimeHealthcare.com.
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Helix, from page 7 numbers. Helix prides itself on providing a quality education, and small class sizes are an integral part of that experience. And finally, we invite you to the Excellence in Education Tour, a onehour tour and program during which we will share our vision of excellence in education. Do you know that Helix’s educational program focuses on college preparation for all students? Do you know how Helix’s test scores and other data compare to some of the top schools in the county? Have you heard from Helix students about how Helix changed their lives? Are you interested in becoming involved to help Helix meet the objectives of its mission and vision? Join us for a program that highlights the history, goals, accomplishments, and needs of Helix Charter High School. Tours are offered throughout the school year. The next Tour will take place on Friday, Sept. 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., starting in the Helix library. As always, we welcome your questions and comments. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at josborn@helixcharter.net.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
La Mesa Bistro, from page 16 If lobster isn’t your thing, alternatives include a version with chorizo or avocado. A regular half order of eggs Benedict is $5.45. On the sweeter end of the spectrum, La Mesa Bistro and Bakery has an equally daunting selection with twelve varieties of pancakes (including gluten-free), waffles and French toast. Their blue corn pancakes ($6.95) caught my eye, touting organic blue corn meal folded into the batter La Mesa Bistro with shredded coconut, pineapple chunks and brown 8697 La Mesa Blvd. sugar. Despite all the ingre- La Mesa, CA 91942 dients it’s still fluffy with a (619) 589-0806 slightly noticeable cornmeal crunch. The coconut and lamesabistro.com brown sugar are tasty additions, but the pineapple is slightly overkill for this already loaded pancake. It might do better on its own if it the whole thing was topped with pineapple instead of parsley. The pancake is sweet enough that it doesn’t require syrup but no one will look down on you if you still decide to pour some on. Two strips of bacon or ham and eggs cooked your way is $2.50 more. La Mesa Bistro and Bakery also serves the smoothie-for-breakfast-set with fruit-based, yogurtbased or ice cream-based 20 oz. smoothies (all $4.99) primed for those who choose their sustenance in liquid form. A second restaurant opened up in El Cajon at the beginning of this year which is only a testament to their good food and fast service despite the long lines. (Phone-in orders are also accepted.) La Mesa Bistro is open seven days a week. Darlene Horn is a San Diego-based food blogger and has penning her opinions on food for eight years at MyBurningKitchen.com. She’s also the author of the semi-autobiographical, food-centric comic, The Girl with the Donut Tattoo, drawn by her husband and artist, Paul Horn.
Rent Sense, from page 5 your ability to get the best return on your investment. The home priced “right” generates the most collected rental income over the length of ownership. Not enforcing the lease. There are times every owner wants to be “nice.” Playing the “nice guy” is usually counter-productive. Residents who get away with paying late once may continue to do so every month. An unauthorized pet can do considerable damage that won’t be covered by a pet deposit. The new roommate/love interest/spouse not on the lease is not liable if the rent is unpaid or the premises are damaged and may be difficult to evict. Often owners let things slide to the point that their protections intended in the terms of the lease may not be enforceable. Letting little things get big. Minor repairs have a way of becoming big problems when let go for too long. Leaking pipes can eventually result in major water damage. That little electrical problem can cause a fire. Responding quickly to a repair request both heads off bigger problems later and increases resident satisfaction. In addition, making a repair that’s not necessary but relatively inexpensive can increase resident satisfaction and a factor when it’s time to renew or increase the rent. Mistaking cheapness for frugality. While it’s important to be frugal when operating the property, remember that the least expensive option is not always the best. A higher quality product or procedure can pay for itself with a longer “useful life” or decreased maintenance costs. It’s often more
cost efficient to replace an appliance when the repair bills are mounting. Buying an energy-efficient appliance may have incentives or rebates that make it more cost effective. In addition, spending a bit more on quality work or products sends a customerfriendly message to residents that might help explain a rent increase. Letting insurance or other payments slide. It’s imperative to stay on top of all property expenses; particularly the reoccurring ones. Even an unintentional lapse can be expensive if unnoticed or unpaid. Owners have found out that their homeowner’s policy was expired after their property suffered from fire or other damage. Unpaid property taxes can result in substantial penalties or worse, the forced sale of the property. An unpaid contractor or water bill can result in a lien on the property that can make it difficult to sell or transfer later on. Responding to filing requirements by local, state and federal tax authorities can cost time and money. These behaviors can also affect the owners’ credit. Overleveraging your property. Leverage is a powerful investment advantage and the primary reason why the financial return for independent rental ownership continues to outperform other alternatives. It is also the primary pitfall for inexperienced investors. If the investor does not have sufficient equity the rental property will always produce a negative cash flow. This underlying condition clouds every operational discussion and decision. The negative cash flow owner needs unrealistic rent, stalls to make smart repairs, allows bad tenant behavior as long as rent is paid and is likely to push back on annual premiums, etc.
Dr. A, from page 1
Viejas Casino & Resort reserves all rights. Please play responsibly. Persons under the age of 18 are allowed only in The Buffet and must be accompanied by an adult. For help with problem gambling, call 1-800-426-2537. © 2013 Viejas Casino, Alpine CA.
“He’s not like some politicians who go out and do the work to seek glory for themselves,” said Kelley McGue, a production manager at Peter Pan Junior Theater who has known Arapostathis for more than 18 years. “He does it because he believes in the community.” Scott Archer, pastor at La Mesa Central Congregational Church, said Arapostathis is a paragon of integrity. Archer said Arapostathis earns the respect and love of his students because he demands a high level of achievement from them. “He sets the bar so high, and it’s always amazing to see how well they achieve the goals that he sets for them,” Archer said. “His leadership is about respecting the people that he’s working with and expecting a lot out of them.” Arapostathis served in several other leadership roles in La Mesa before joining the City Council. He served on the La Mesa Community Services Commission and led the La Mesa Arts Alliance. In 2002 Arapostathis helped organize the first annual “Sundays at Six” summer concert series in Harry Griffen Park. He has been the emcee for the series every year since. Within city government, Arapostathis has prioritized public safety initiatives, including the Neighborhood Watch and Safe Routes to School programs. Neighborhood Watch encourages neighbors to organize and communicate with each other to prevent petty crime. Safe Routes to School is a federally funded program designed to encourage children to walk and ride bicycles to school. Arapostathis is also now working to open a new magnet school, La Mesa Arts Academy. Expected to open in 2014, the school’s mission is to provide fourth through eighth grade students with a “comprehensive, interdisciplinary standardsbased arts curriculum” as part of a rigorous academic program. La Mesa Arts Academy will share a campus with La Mesa Middle School.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Page 21
Panhandling, from page 19
City Council, from page 3 “The goal of this bill was really a safety initiative,” Aceves said. “It’s unsafe for pedestrians to be in center medians, which were really not designed for pedestrians to walk up and down, and this bill would limit that exposure as much as possible.” The Council received a staff report and public testimony on a joint application by the La Mesa Village Merchants Association and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce to host this year’s Oktoberfest. This year’s fest is not to include carnival rides, a major draw for teens which has proven problematic in the past with threats of violence and other disruptive behavior. Previously, Arlene Moore of the merchants association had noted that removing the carnival would be a great way of “moving away from the teenage element” while eliminating much of the negative impact of Oktoberfest crowds on nearby businesses and residents. La Mesa police said Oktoberfest security will be tightened this year with the addition of two command posts on the east and west sides of La Mesa Boulevard. Police said the Oktoberfest event, proceeds from which fund other merchant activities including the Antique Street Fair, 12-week car show and Christmas in the Village, is now completely self-supporting. “I appreciate always the police department taking the point and working, as best they can, to herd everybody to a conclusion at a reasonable amount of time, though I still have no idea why we’re always dealing with this at the last minute as we now have less than two months,”
said Councilman Ernie Ewin about the event application process. Councilwoman Ruth Sterling said discontinuing the carnival while adding two more security officers was “a pretty good plan.” She said she thought negotiations between police and groups staging the Oktoberfest were “on the ball this year more so than last year.” “I think any problems have been ironed out,” added Sterling, stating the event is “valuable not only for the chamber but for the city.” She noted, “Oktoberfest is synonymous with the city of La Mesa.” “I commend the chamber, police and the merchants association for sitting down and getting this done because it is a wonderful event that brings people to La Mesa,” said Councilwoman Kristine Alessio. Mary England of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce promised security would be tight during the event, and cleanup thorough afterward at the Oktoberfest because “we don’t want to have a black eye.” One longtime La Mesan testified he’d never seen the community so trashy as after last year’s Oktoberfest. David Smiley, who was responsible for event cleanup, took responsibility, promising it wouldn’t happen again. In other action: At the behest of Arapostathis, the Council voted unanimously to allow naming rights for the La Mesa Teen Center as part of The Boys and Girls Club Foundation’s funding plan. Arapostathis said taking action to make it easier to fund the teen center supports a good cause. “As
a place for kids to go after school, it’s going to have an immediate effect on that area,” he said. The Council supported a resolution authorizing the city manager to reduce the interest rate, from 7 to 3 percent, to allow debt relief for loans to home buyers under the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCCA) program. City staffer Greg Humora updated the Council on the status of the Downtown Streetscape Project noting construction wouldn’t begin before next year. Councilwoman Alessio read a proclamation declaring August as “Sustain La Mesa Month – Bringing Green to the Table,” which she presented to city staffer Greg Humora citing the city’s achievements promoting recycling and energy sustainability. Humora thanked the city noting the sixth annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental Festival will be Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park.
laborers seeking work. La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves said the bill was supposed to be addressing a public safety issue, not a speech issue. “We have determined this is an unsafe area for pedestrians,” he said. “It’s really not designed for pedestrians to walk up and down.” But the staff analysis prepared by Assembly Committee on Transportation cast doubt on that reasoning. “Despite the author’s claims about the safety risk presented by persons in roadway medians, there appears to be no data available on the frequency with which vendors or solicitors are involved in accidents at intersections,” said Victoria Alvarez in the written analysis of S.B. 604 for the Committee on Transportation. “As a result, it is unknown how much of a public safety risk currently exists.”
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
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FREE CLASSIFIEDS Free classified ads are available to nonprofit organizations that do not charge for their services and private party items for sale. Only one ad per 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. No calls will be answered for free classifieds. Free classifieds MAY NOT be submitted online. Free classifieds must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at: 6549 Mission Gorge Rd #199 San Diego, CA 92120
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Wanted to Buy CASH PAID- up to $28/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAY PAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136 Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201 Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
Sycuan, from page 16 percent discount when you buy tickets at the box office.) “Our goal is to show people we’re not only a casino,” Baca explained. While many casinos present music and comedy acts, they are often forced to perform in low-budget all-purpose rooms without proper lighting or sound. Live and Up Close has those features covered and then some. Two skilled sound engineers work each show and sound checks are done with special attention to ensure quality is heard from any seat in the house. The venue also has custom lighting so performers have the option of light show effects to accompany their performances. Booking three to five shows a month, the venue brings in a variety of talents and caters to a wide demographic. Music acts from Bret Michaels to Chubby Checkers to Everlast have performed, representing diverse musical genres. Comedy show are also a large draw – George Lopez performed two sold out shows earlier this year and D.L. Hughley performed to an enthusiastic audience of both young and old fans. Another vital aspect, from Baca’s point of view, is how the talent is treated. He wants all performers to be treated like royalty from start to finish so their focus can be on their performance. His production director, Andrew “Pinch” Pinching, is a musician himself, playing with British punk band The Damned and bringing that personal experience to handling entertainers. Pinch keeps the day on schedule to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. The backstage areas for musicians and comedians are equipped with everything from full showers to multiple setups for makeup and dressing. The entertainers can order dinner from the casino staff and have it served before
they go on stage. Between intercom access and in-house TVs showing them the action in the theater all are well-equipped to take the stage.
drew carey
Baca and his staff take the utmost care to make sure the shows run smoothly. From the ticket sellers to the theater staff, they ask guests for feedback about their experience in order to keep improving. Seeing patrons return time and again and seeing audiences light up when the show starts makes all the hard work worthwhile, according to Baca. With big-name talents coming through year-round and prices that rival any large venue in town, it’s easy to see Sycuan Live and Up Close will continue to grow in popularity. Upcoming Shows at Sycuan Live and Up Close Sept. 19 – Soul Asylum. 8 p.m. $40-$50. Sept. 21 – Drew Carey. 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. $35-$45. Oct. 11 – Modern English & The Romantics. 8 p.m. $40-$50. Oct. 13 – Billy Ocean. 8 p.m. $40-$50. Oct. 19 – Paul Rodriguez. 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. $35-$45. For more shows visit www.sycuan.com/entertainment.
LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013
Commentary, from page 15 both the PBID and Streetscape. Periodic updates were and still are expected from the PBID formation committee. Public transparency has been a publicly stated goal of this Council. Despite this, Mr. Madrid continues to openly participate on the PBID formation committee. He neither holds property in the Village nor has he a business in the Village. Nor does he adhere to the formal Council adopted PBID process; nor can the Council entrust this selective rule follower with anything. Why do law abiding citizens stop at stop signs? The Council is not staff. Each member is elected by those citizens who vote. Except for the position of mayor, which only has additional ceremonial duties, all five elected officials have equal authority on Council matters. We all have the same ethical responsibilities and should act appropriately as to the oversight of public funds. We should speak as one or respect the majority vote as fundamental to our democracy in public service. In the matter of the PBID and Streetscape matters, at least four councilmembers avoid the nonpublic meetings. As a council we have only one employee who reports to us and none of us individually can direct the City Manager to do anything. Policy/law requires at least three votes to adopt or change something. Respecting the Brown Act and “sunshine law” as being the best disinfectant for public policy, the super majority of this council follows the law…and respects the proper process for publicly changing what governs what happens in La Mesa. Would you expect any less?
Page 23
Historical View, from page 9 of these buildings unfortunately is extant. During the community and city’s early history individuals and contractors constructed most of La Mesa’s buildings, including 19th century farmhouses and early 20th century buildings, with little or no input from architects – these buildings are generally referred to as “vernacular” architecture. This did not mean noted architects did not do residential or commercial work in La Mesa and its surrounding area. Perhaps San Diego’s most influential locally based architect, Irving Gill, designed two buildings in La Mesa. These were the original Bank of La Mesa building (1909) that sat at the northeast corner of Spring Street and Lookout Avenue (today’s La Mesa Boulevard) and the second La Mesa Heights School (1911), the current location of today’s Harriet Tubman charter school in the College Neighborhoods. (Again, neither building is still with us). Much of La Mesa’s built environment comprises residential buildings – a large percentage of these La Mesa buildings being Pre-World War II “minimal traditional” style small homes and a large number of Post-War “tract” homes. Many of these were also constructed with minimal or no architect input. Research, however, has documented buildings previously or still standing from many notable local architects. These buildings date from the late 19th century to the late 20th century. The City currently recognizes approximately 38 properties on its Historic Landmarks register. Master San Diego architects, such as Lillian Rice, Alberto Treganza, Lloyd Ruocco and Cliff May, to name but a few, are contributors to that list of local historic La Mesa properties. In addition, as seen with Ruocco and May, La Mesa has only recently come to recognize its connection to the mid-century modern styles that, combined with our neighboring communities of Grossmont and Mt. Helix, can boast of buildings from recognized modernist architects such as C.J. Paderewski, Homer Delawie, Welton Beckett, Ronald Davis and La Mesa’s own Sam Hamill and Robert Des Lauriers. Of course this is just a small taste of the architectural heritage of La Mesa.
Historical Society Roundtable Features Architecture For those interested in learning more about “our” fascinating architectural heritage, the La Mesa Historical Society has invited local historian Alex Bevil to present a lecture on architect Emmor Brooke Weaver, an Irving Gill and Richard Requa contemporary, at its next History Roundtable Lecture series event, Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Auditorium (9001 Wakarusa Dr.). There is no charge for this event. Bevil will provide an overview of Weaver’s prolific San Diego architectural career including discussions of his over half-dozen buildings designed in La Mesa, including the original La Mesa Congregational Church (1911) and Ed Fletcher’s Grossmont Inn (1913) and the nearby John Vance Cheney House (1913).
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La Mesa Courier 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 697-2500 Fax: (619) 697-2505 info@LaMesaCourier.com www.LaMesaCourier.com Executive Editor Genevieve A. Suzuki, Ext. 121 Gen@LaMesaCourier.com Contributors Andy Cohen Jeremy Ogul Dave Schwab Graphic Artist Aleta El Sheikh Aleta@LaMesaCourier.com Advertising Manager Becky Suffridge, Ext. 140 Becky@ScoopSanDiego.com Publisher Mission Publishing Group, LLC Jim Madaffer Jim@MissionPublishingGroup.com Circulation: 23,000. Published 12 times in 2013 and mailed to all addresses in 91941 and delivered to all single family homes in 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: 6549 Mission Gorge Rd #199 San Diego, CA 92120. 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. © 2013, all rights reserved. MEMBER
California Newspaper Publishers Association
The October issue of the La Mesa Courier will be published Friday, Sept. 27. The advertising deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 10.
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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013