Presidio Sentinel, January 2015, Vol. 16, No. 01w

Volume 16, No. 1w

January | 2015

Serving the Heart of San Diego

Little Acts of Kindness

Reap Big Rewards

See article on page 5

The Pope of Hope & Our Democracy

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Prairie Style from Midwest to Mission Hills

A Publication by Presidio Communications

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Premier Chamber Orchestras Performance

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Violinist Nora Germain to Perform

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January 2015 Web Edition

Serving the Heart of San Diego

Presidio Sentinel is a commentary-driven newspaper that provides coverage on local,regional and national issues that impact the lives of its readers and the community it serves.

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2015 Featured Stories

Happy Birthday Spreckel’s Organ & Pavilion

Mo`olelo Performing Arts Co. Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary

Featured Events

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Cheetah Cub at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Shows Off Speed

Literacy Campaign Aims at Public Engagement

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The Pope of

Hope & Our Democracy

Celebrating Five Years of Music, Dance and Theatre

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Mission Hills United Methodist Church Celebrates 100 Years

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“La bohème” opens San Diego Opera’s 50th Anniversary

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A Tribute to Jazz Fusion Violinist Jean-Luc Ponty

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George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader. He may be reached at, gmitro35@gmail.com.

by George Mitrovich In my first column of the New Year, I address two themes—the Pope and the state of our democracy. They are not inherently related, beyond the fact that some of what His Holiness has said applies to issues in America.

I don’t think it’s a small thing when a Methodist, as I am, decides that Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, deserves so lofty a title as “The Pope of Hope.” But the gentle Argentinian is worthy, because, even in his short reign, that is who he has become and what he represents to the world.

During the dark days of the military junta in Argentina, was he, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and later Cardinal Bergoglio, by his silence, complicit in the evil the junta carried out?

I do not know the answer to that.

Neither do you. What we know is what we’ve been told and what we’ve been told depends upon who is doing the telling.

Therefore, I accept him as he is, a Pope different than many of his predecessors, not least the fact he comes from a continent other than Europe; a Pontiff, who, by his humility and openness, inspires millions of Catholics the world over—and not just Catholics, but men and women of all faiths, even those who find Christianity nonsensical

Mine Eyes Have Seen George Mitrovich

As Francis has said, “Since many of you do not belong to the Catholic Church and others are non-believers, from the bottom of my heart I give this silent blessing to each and every one of you, respecting the conscience of each one of you but knowing that each one of you is a child of God.” Pope Francis has also said on the obligations of those who govern, “Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: ‘Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?’ If you don’t ask those questions, your governance will not be good.”

Is it conceivable he will change the Church’s position on married priests, women clergy, and gays? Clearly archconservatives within the church’s hierarchy fear those possibilities, but I expect it to happen.

But only in due course, as the Pope has said, “I am always wary of decisions made hastily. I am always wary of the first decision, that is, the first thing that comes to my mind if I have to make a decision. This is usually the wrong thing. I have to wait and assess, looking deep into myself, taking the necessary time.”

Pope Francis is the first Jesuit pope, and the first from the Americas.

On war and its consequences, Francis has said, “Even today we raise our hand against our brother...

We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves as if it were normal we continue to sow destruction, pain, death. Violence and war lead only to death.”

His Holiness is fully aware that the ever widening abyss between rich and poor threatens us all, as he has warned, “Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities.”

Continued on page 9 PresidioSentinel.com

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January 2015

Prairie Style From Midwest To Mission Hills “Prairie Style from Midwest to Mission Hills,” is the topic of the Mission Hills Heritage (MHH) Annual Tenth Lecture Series Saturday, January 17 at the Francis Parker Lower School. Here, a panel of local architectural historians will explore the migration of the Prairie Style from the middle west to the west coast from 1908 to 1916.

The Prairie Style was created by Master Architect Frank Lloyd Wright and soon became popular with west coast developers and well-doSan Diego families.

“Prairie emerged as the one truly American design creation and the style became all the rage in the early years of Mission Hills,” said Ron May, event chair and president and principal investigator for Legacy 106 Inc. Many of these local Prairie Style homes are currently recognized for their specific architectural elements both inside and out. Exterior features include an emphasis on the horizontal with low pitched roofs, rows of windows, massive square porch supports and the use of stone and wood materials.

Home interiors offer an open floor plan centered around a large fireplace with built-in More than one hundred years old, this Prairie Style home still graces seating and shelves. the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego.

The program will include outdoor table displays on Prairie Style and the Arts and Crafts styles of the 1908 and 1916 time period. Prairie Style houses and those who built them in Mission Hills are discussed Table displays illustrating techniques for restoring fireplaces and how to get at another.

Presented from noon to 4 p.m. at the Francis Parker School, 4201 old houses designed under the City of San Diego Municipal Code will also Randolph Street in Mission Hills, the meeting is $10 for individuals and be featured.

During the lectures, a speaker will introduce the Prairie Style’s roots in $15 for two. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, Chicago and its connection to San Diego. Power point slides of various visit www.MissionHillsHeritage.org.

SOHO Salutes

1915 & 1935 San Diego Expositions

Exhibits, Special Events, Lectures and Tours at the Marston House Museum & Gardens

Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO), San Diego’s regional historic preservation group, will explore the lasting impact and tangible legacy of the 1915 and 1935 San Diego international expositions throughout 2015 at the Marston House Museum & Gardens in Balboa Park, the scene of the two seminal events that transformed the San Diego region and advanced it on the world stage.

SOHO’s plans call for entertaining and educational exhibits and events inspired by the 1915 and 1935 Expositions. Most will be presented throughout the historic Marston House Museum & Gardens, the former estate of George W. Marston, a visionary civic leader, philanthropist, preservationist, and major proponent of both expositions. Marston held decision-making meetings for the expos in this Arts & Crafts-style mansion, which is now a National Historic Landmark, located at 3525 Seventh Avenue in Balboa Park’s northwest corner.

A host of related events throughout the entire year, including architectural tours, lively talks by leading experts, and a special Day at the 1915 Expo for children will mark and illuminate the centennial of the 1915 Exposition.

“We are including both the 1915 and 1935 Expositions in our programming so as not to interrupt the sweep of San Diego’s social, artistic, architectural, and commercial history set in motion by these huge international events.” said Alana Coons, SOHO’s director of education and communications. “With the opening of the Panama Canal, the1915 Exposition promoted San Diego as the first port of call on the Pacific coast. It was so successful that it ultimately led to the second expo and expansion of the expo grounds. Balboa Park as we know it today is a product of both expositions.”

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Happy Birthday

Spreckels Organ & Pavilion

by David Kamatoy A day of 42 degree weather in San Diego felt like home, not because of the weather but because of the people. On New Year’s Eve, young and old showed up outside during unusually cold weather for the 100th Birthday of the Balboa Park Spreckel’s Organ Pavilion.

This concert, led by Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams, launched the start of the Balboa Park Centennial Celebrations. The event felt like it was a wonderful private show for the true San Diego fans of the Park and Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams the organ. performs on a cold winter evening.

At some point most San Diegans have been to Balboa Park and the Organ Pavilion; it is something we almost take for granted. We have the second-largest outdoor organ in the world, and for the longest time it was the largest—something the Spreckel’s Organ Society is working on again in its drive for 5,000 pipes.

On this particular evening, the massive organ once again took center stage as hundreds gathered to listen to legendary Civic Organists Emeriti Jared Jacobsen (civic organist 1978—1984) and Robert Plimpton (civic organist 1985—2000), along with a special world-premiere composition by Dr. Williams, composed for the occasion.

As a child, going to the park on Sunday and hearing the free organ concert was the centerpiece of a great, easy, fun day in Balboa Park. That tradition continues 100 years later. Happy birthday Spreckels Organ Pavilion. For more information visit SpreckelsOrgan.org and watch our video coverage at PresidioSentinel.com.

THE TENTH ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES

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January 2015

Little Acts of Kindness

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Reap Big Rewards

Sara—My Goodwill Ambassador

by Patty Ducey-Brooks Most of you who know me on a personal and professional basis know that I have a goodwill ambassador who travels with me extensively. She’s a dog, an eight-pound Yorkie.

I hadn’t planned on that before she entered my life…before she entered our lives.

My partner, Dr. Craig Kinshella, a veterinarian, had informed me almost 10 years ago that he had clients (an elderly husband and wife) who had asked to will their dog to him. I thought nothing of this conversation until five years ago when he calls me to say that the husband had passed away and the wife was going in to an assisted living facility. She needed to relinquish Sara. I quickly realized that this was going to be life changing. We had four mature cats that were strong willed and thought they owned the house. How would a Yorkie fit in to the household and our busy work and personal life schedules?

I can’t deny the fact that the first three months were anything but chaos. Sara wanted to befriend the cats. The cats wanted nothing to do with her. There were days and nights when I doubted that our household would be peaceful without screaming cats and a barking Yorkie.

Then, without a lot of explanation our household seemed to be changing. The cats and Sara seemed

to develop a truce. They all realized, they needed to get along.

At the same time, I was taking Sara with me to work and on various road trips. She loved to go to work and was a real social butterfly. She was a greeter and made a conscience effort to act kindly to everyone she met; cats, dogs, babies, little kids, nice adults and cranky adults. It didn’t matter. Sara felt that everyone was her friend.

We became the ambassadors of Old Town. Sara would greet the tourists, be photographed and get treats. She thought her role was to make everyone happy. Her energy, attitude and contagious personality could melt even the most cantankerous person’s heart.

She had that look and personality.

Sara also had this unbelievable ability to be a strong and active little Yorkie. Dr. Kinshella, who has been her veterinarian for her entire life, knew that Sara had lots of health issues. Together, we did our utmost to keep her health issues under control. Unfortunately, over Christmas weekend we learned that Sara had an untreatable heart tumor.

She left us on December 28, 2014.

We are still in disbelief that Sara isn’t here. She was an awesome little dog. Sara taught us that little acts of kindness can reap big rewards. I am so glad that Dr. Kinshella brought her home five years ago. I will miss my little goodwill ambassador and will never forget all that she did to touch people’s lives.

Love you Sara.

The Prairie Style:

From the Midwest to Mission Hills

Come enjoy the lectures and panel discussion of three local architectural historians as we explore the migration of the Prairie Style from the Midwest to the west coast from 1908 to 1916. Program will include outdoor table displays and Powerpoint presentations.

Sara had the personality to make friends with everyone.

SellWithDon .com Dunn, REALTORS®

Don Schmidt

Broker Associate, SFR • CA BRE# 01347868 Historic and Architectural Specialist

858.274.DUNN ext. 220 (3866)

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January 2015

Around The Table Patty Ducey-Brooks

by Ilene Hubb Having a December birthday means I do not have to speak out loud my newest age until the last two weeks of the year.

Well now it’s January and the birthday has come and gone.

It’s not a milestone birthday, but I am at an age where all birthdays are significant. To mark another year passing without any illness or other catastrophes I decided to give myself a birthday party. I invited the most important people in my life, my family.

My two grown kids were there with their kids and my sister as well.

There were ten of us around the dinner table, but to me it looked like a small group. I harkened back to when I was a younger woman and what the table looked like, before deaths, before divorces, before moves. The family seemed so much bigger then. My parents were both alive, as was my husband, and my siblings were still married with kids of their own. There were a total of thirteen of us, only three more than the ten we are now, but it seemed so much bigger to me. I wondered why.

Back then I was the middle generation, with parents much older

than I and children much younger.

It must have given me a different perspective. I was old enough to have kids of my own and young enough to have parents who were still healthy and vital. This got me thinking about shifts in attitudes about family. As I looked at my two teenage grandchildren I couldn’t help but think about how I felt being with my grandparents when I was a teen. I loved it then or at least my memory tells me that. But memory plays tricks on us.

I think we hold on to memories that are positive and push the bad ones back. I mean really, were my grandparents that much fun to be with or is it a way of embellishing the past? If I am really truthful with myself, I must admit what I liked best about being with them is how much they loved being with me.

This holds true for me now but roles have reversed.

I love being with the grandkids and think they can do no wrong, exactly how my grandparents felt about all their grandkids. When my sons are annoyed by something I say, I realize how I felt as a grownup when my mom tried to give me her take on something I was doing, and how much that annoyed me. My perspective on family relationships

has shifted from being a grandchild to being a parent to now being the “gramma” myself.

A few years ago I purchased a round dining table large enough to seat ten and it has been a wonderful way to interact. There is no head of the table, no sides where people can really only chat with who’s seated next to them. No, at this table there is an equal opportunity to see and hear everyone else. I watched this group closely at my birthday dinner.

It was a lovely sight to behold.

The little kids were talking to the teens, one son got up with a platter of food and went around the table serving everyone, and my sister seated next to her caregiver felt a part of it all because her wheelchair could fit right up to the table where she could feel as much a part of the dinner as anyone.

That night it hit me that I was the head of the family, the oldest one, the mother, sister and grandmother.

I was it. That night the combination of turning another year older and celebrating with my family drove home the value of living in the moment, especially when I know that as the years go on and things change, as they do, my perspective will have to change too.

Publisher

Ilene Hubbs Associate Editor

Michal A. Tuzinkiewicz Creative Director

Phyllis E. Zawacki Graphic Designer

Contributing Writers Concetta Antico Blake Beckcom Rick Brooks Melody Brown Ian Campbell Richard Cone Cath DeStefano Barry Hager Ilene Hubbs David Kamatoy Philip C. Lee Alice Lowe Aubree Lynn George Mitrovich David Rottenberg Anne Sack Sabine Starr

Rediscovering Youthful Pleasurable Movement What ever happened to pleasurable movement? Remember the days when we could roll, climb, twist and bend and there was nothing to it! We could bounce out of bed, reach to the floor and fly up the steps without a second thought. Now we have aches that never go away. Just imagine how moving with greater ease and comfort could impact our lives. The good news is we can regain our youthful way of moving when there was no fight, struggle or competition with gravity. Let’s look how we can awaken new options for greater pleasure in moving.

These concepts are a few of the principles behind the Feldenkrais Method®. What is Feldenkrais? It is the name of the movement scientist who innovated the method, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais D.Sc. (19041984), a pioneer in the field of Somatic (body) Education who taught himself to walk without pain after a disabling knee injury. He was a physicist, engineer, author, Judo expert, and educator. (There is short biography at feldenkrais.com.) He explored the idea that our brains can change and learn throughout our lifetime. This is the new science of brain plasticity and today we have MRI machines that actually show us how the brain changes. We old dogs can learn new tricks when we are in the right learning environment.

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Barbara Strona Charlotte Tenney Laura Walcher The Presidio Sentinel is a monthly publication that is distributed by the first of each month to households in Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and Point Loma, with additional drop off points in Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Point Loma, Old Town, Little Italy, Downtown, Hillcrest, Kensington, University Heights, Mission Valley and Linda Vista.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for any unsolicited materials. All manuscripts, photographs and artwork become the possession of The Presidio Sentinel.

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Subscription rate is $25 per year. Send checks, all letters, editorial, press releases and calendar of events to the following.

Presidio Sentinel Rich Manuccia provides the Feldenkrais Method® of Somatic Education to regain strength and flexibility

The Feldenkrais Method® of Somatic Education creates this ideal environment. Moshe Feldenkrais wrote that we can “make the impossible, possible; the possible, easy; and the easy, elegant.” Whether we are a fine-tuned athlete or just want to walk with greater ease, we can all improve. There is a lifetime of learning that is possible no matter where we begin.

Rich Manuccia, a certified personal trainer is also a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher®. He has been offering this service to clients of varying needs and restrictions. He is available to share his years of training and ability to change people’s lives in a very positive way. He can be reached at 619.295.6988 and by email at sdfitness4u@earthlink.net.

325 W. Washington Steet, Suite 2-181, San Diego, California 92103 For more information or space reservation, call

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Sandy, a 7-year-old Golden Retriever/German Shepherd mix, is a sweet girl in need of a quiet, loving home. Since Sandy first entered our care, she has been very shy and fearful. Her trainers and specialized staff has been working very hard by giving her extra TLC, and we are so happy that she has started to opened up, become less timid and is now ready to find her perfect home.

Sandy’s ideal home would be with a calm, quiet family of adults and older, respectful children only. She also will need to be an only dog. If you’re looking for a lovely girl to add to your family, Sandy will make the best companion.

Her adoption fee includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, 30 days of complimentary medical insurance from Trupanion Insurance, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a license if residing in Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos or Poway.

Sandy is available for adoption at the San Diego Humane Society’s San Diego Campus at 5500 Gaines Street, but is not currently in public view. To learn more about making her part of your family, please call 619.299.7012.

Elsa, a 2-year-old domestic short hair will dazzle you with her good looks and sparkling personality. Elsa loves to impress with her kitten-like antics. She is carefree, adaptive and cheerful. While she doesn’t particularly care for others cats, she loves to be around people she is familiar with and receive cheek scratches.

Elsa is an independent girl and prefers to keep all four paws on the floor. If you can provide a respectful, loving home, you and Elsa will become best friends.

Her adoption fee includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, 30 days of complimentary medical insurance from Trupanion Insurance, and a certificate for a free veterinary exam.

Elsa is available for adoption at the San Diego Humane Society’s Oceanside Campus at 572 Airport Road. To learn more about making her part of your family, please call 760.757.4357

For more information on Sandy, call 619.299.7012 For more information on Elisa, call 760.757.4357

SPCA

January 2015

Animal News

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Cheetah Cub at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Shows Off Speed A seven-month-old cheetah cub, Ruuxa, was full of energy as he sprinted and chased his puppy companion, Raina, during a training session at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park earlier this week. Safari Park trainers observed the male cheetah playfully instigate a wrestling match and tackle Raina, a female Rhodesian ridgeback.

The cheetah and dog are often brought to an area at Ruuxa and Raina have a strong bond the Safari Park where they can and both can run like the wind. play off-leash and reach full running speeds chasing each other around. These exercise sessions provide Ruxxa with the opportunity to thrive by expressing natural behaviors like sprinting and chasing. This is also an opportunity to help build his muscles and stamina, which will allow him to reach his running potential.

“The behavior you see is the instinct of a maturing cheetah to chase and rehearse predatory behavior. Due to Ruuxa’s unique relationship with Raina, he doesn’t actually treat her like prey by swiping her legs out from under her. Instead, he is learning how to tackle and wrestle a bit,” said Janet RoseHinostroza, an animal training supervisor at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

“Raina encourages this behavior and enjoys playing with Ruuxa immensely.”

Visitors to the Safari Park may see Ruuxa and Raina on a Behind-the-Scenes: Cheetah & Friends tour or during one of the training sessions around the Park.

San Diego Zoo Global, which has been breeding cheetahs for more than 40 years, yielding more than 130 cubs, is a leading partner in the cheetah Breeding Center Coalition. The coalition’s goal is to achieve a sustainable zoo population of cheetahs. It is estimated that the worldwide population of cheetahs has been reduced from 100,000, in 1900, to just 10,000 left today, with about 10 percent of those living in zoos or wildlife parks.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes onsite wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The important conservation and science work of these entities is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.

Sum atran Tigers

Help Save Endangered Species

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Sumatran tigers Majel and Conrad received special enrichment items at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, including replicas of the U.S. Postal Service’s Save Vanishing Species semi-postal tiger stamps that were smeared with bone marrow for the tigers to enjoy.

The tigers, as well as representatives from the Safari Park, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) helped kick off a two-day special pictorial stamp cancellation opportunity taking place at the Safari Park’s Tull Family Tiger Trail, promoting the sale of the USPS Save Vanishing Species semi-postal stamp. The cancellation opportunity offers collectors and wildlife enthusiasts the chance to have stamps purchased at the Safari Park marked with a postal cancellation that says “San Diego Zoo Safari Park.”

The Vanishing Species tiger stamp was initially made available for purchase from September 2011 through December 2013. A bill was signed in October 2014, making the stamp available for an additional four years, through 2018.

To date, over 22.5 million Save Vanishing Species semi-postal tiger stamps have been sold, raising over $2.57 million dollars for wildlife conservation.

Sumatran tigers at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park attract interest from guests throughout the world.

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Lifestyle 8 “I Walk”

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January 2015

by Blake Beckcom Often times when conversing with someone the small talk generally leads to “what do you do for a living?” I always find that to be an interesting topic due to myriad and variety of occupations and careers that abound in our society and I am generally all ears. When it comes time for me to end questioning and begin clarifying what we do as fitness professionals, invariably one of the questions that comes up is “are you exercising?” Nine out of ten times the answer is…“Well, I walk.”

Now let’s think this through. As a form of exercise walking is better than doing nothing, but how long have you known how to walk?

That’s right. You learned that skill back when you were a wee lad or lassie at the ripe old age of about two. Walking feels effortless and is thoughtless in that you look to where you want to walk and off you walk with ease. Perhaps not at two years of age, but as you perfected the movement you mastered it and no longer have to have conscious thought to execute steps. So when folks say to fitness pros: “I walk”; we have to then dig in to the “how.”

Good Habits

If you are on a leisurely pace talk able filling in a walking partner or getting filled in on the latest gossip, your walk pace is too slow to give you any real aerobic benefit. But, it is still better than sitting on the couch. If you can talk, you are not moving fast enough.

If you are walking solo with your dog(s) and they tend to smell everything and cannot stay on task.

Chances are you are walking too slowly to have an aerobic impact, but still this is better than doing nothing.

We have four little Chihuahua’s, that are a handful, but amazingly their little legs; courageous spirits, bossy and demanding personalities have them out front towing the line as to whom will lead our pack and whom will follow. Hence at the end of our dog walks, we are sweaty and a tad out of breath; a much higher benefit to the “I walk” scenario. I feel the need…for speed.

Look at it like this. Let’s say you are heading to a meeting at work, and let’s say 300 people will be there.

Let’s also say if you are late to the meeting, you have to stand up at the podium and sing for the group, as

penitence for being late. How fast would you walk to avoid that? Some of you may be able to sing and that’s no big deal, but for the rest of us, we would flat out run to avoid this.

The key is your walk pace. Walk as if you are late to a meeting and when you open the door to the meeting all eyes will divert to your entranced to that meeting late!

Now, you are walking with pace, purpose, intentionality, and you will have far better results health wise, than just “walking.”

It has been said that those that work out to their own tune, that is, ear buds and personal music choice, have greater workout intensity and greater focus. I can say that from my personal experience, this is hands down truth. Pop in your ear buds and jam to your favorites, picking up your walk pace to make the time invested meaningful. Chose different routes; up hill, downhill, walk a piece of it backwards, skip, bring the dog, leave the dog, be “late to a meeting” in thought.

Make your walking varietal so it won’t get boring and your body inadaptable to it. You have to keep

Blake & Gwen Beckcom.

your body guessing to make it adapt to improve it. “I walk” generally won’t get it, but again, “I walk” is better than doing nothing.

Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise and nutritional programs are custom designed to fit your needs and abilities.

Call 619.794.0014 for more information or to schedule a free fitness diagnostic and private training session. See what others are saying about us on Yelp and San Diego City Search.

Need to be Beckoned

by Mrs. Freud Welcome to a brand new year! As always in the first issue of the year, I write about a means to help you with your New Year´s resolutions. Hope is in the air, and rightfully so.

Years ago, I made it my profession to help people create amazing and successful lives. Habits are the unsung heroes in making or breaking it. Anything you place on your New Year´s resolutions list is a habit. Habits are my favorite topic, and I could talk about it for extended periods of time (I actually give an hour long presentation about it on request, in case you need a fun topic for your club meeting). Here is why habits matter: They are unconscious, automatic and emotionless.

All these parts are great, because once we have adopted a healthy habit that initially was unlikable, complex and over powering, it steps into the background, and brings us all the benefits, which is why we chose to do it in the first place. Habits help us to streamline tasks and they make up the sum of our lives. That is why this is my favorite topic; anyone can change one habit (as opposed to changing everything). Add one habit to another good habit and continue with it; the natural result is an awesome life.

All it takes is some attention to habits. I recommend you focus on one habit at a time (no more long New Year´s resolution lists, rather, pursue a year of one at a time). Habits can support or sabotage any area of our lives: our health, career, finances, social life and happiness. There is even such a thing as habitual thoughts, which again, influence our lives with big impact.

These are common myths about habits: Habit change requires will power.

Some people have lots of will power, others don´t. Healthy habits are no fun. If you want to change your life you need to change your whole life.

Change needs to happen quickly. Change happens as planned. If I can´t feel or see the effect now, it is not working.

Many of these false beliefs come from an approach to life with a certain way of thinking, kind of like a child that wants to get away with things and hopes that his/her parents won´t notice. Also, we rarely get taught much about how to go about developing successful habit changes or a life design.

The following tactics are important for habit formation: connect a habit to a new situation (e.g. instead of trying to eat less, decide not to eat in front of the TV). It takes an average of 21 days to form a new habit (less complex habits can be changed quicker than complex habits). Before changing a habit, get real with yourself and rate from one (not at all) to 10 (very much), how committed you are to this habit change. A number quickly comes to mind. Anything below seven is not worth the effort. It will most likely not succeed. Anything from seven to 10 has very good chances of success. This step is extremely important. Because we don´t waste time with things that we are not strongly standing behind. After all, we are the ones who need to do the work. Not wanting to change a habit

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is okay, too. It is your life!

Check in again sometime later, maybe the number has changed. You could also hire a life coach to help figure out why there is this contradiction in wanting to change a habit, but not backing it up, or to get help with the habit change itself. Finally, I find being honest with ourselves and our commitments are the two most important ingredients for successful habit change. Everything else will follow along with considerable ease.

For more on habit change, go to my blog. I would love it if you chose to become a follower.

I hope your start into the New Year is fun, strong and honest. Happy 2015!

Author Sabine Starr is a psychologist licensed in Vienna, Austria, currently living and working in Mission Hills. She has written numerous articles for professional psychology journals. For further information, visit www.starrcoaching.com and follow her blog at www.HealthwithTaste.blogspot.com; and a new social media offering is www.facebook.com/StarrCoaching.

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Retirement Accounts:

January 2015

Business News

9

Trusts as Beneficiaries

by Rick Brooks I hope you’ve enjoyed the holidays.

As we ring in the New Year and start our client review cycle, one of the things that we do for our clients is to review the beneficiary designations of their retirement accounts (pensions, IRAs, etc.). This is important because the beneficiary designations that you elect control who gets the account when you pass away. Many people mistakenly believe that their Will or Trust determines who gets their retirement accounts. This can be a very costly mistake for your heirs.

The beneficiaries of retirement accounts are set when you open the accounts, and can be updated or changed as your circumstances change. One of the most common beneficiary strategies is for the IRA owner to name a spouse as the primary beneficiary and then to name the children as contingent beneficiaries.

This is fairly straightforward and, since spouses

receive very beneficial treatment when they inherit an IRA, it is often the recommended strategy.

Another strategy I see frequently is the use of a Trust as a contingent beneficiary. This is attractive if there are minor children who might receive the IRA proceeds on the death of the owner, or if there might be problems with creditors. It can also allow the IRA owner some additional control in deciding how and when the assets are ultimately distributed. However, this is not something to do casually, as there are very specific rules that need to be followed. Trusts needs to be carefully written in order to work well with IRA assets. Simply naming your Family Living Trust as an IRA beneficiary can cause significant pain for your beneficiaries.

Let’s start with a couple of very important concepts. The first is stretching out your distributions.

Few people will want to distribute all of their IRA money at once; the tax bill would be horrendous. The people who inherit your IRA will probably have the same concern. If you plan correctly, money inherited

from an IRA can be left to grow in the retirement account for the rest of your heir’s life, pulling out only a small required minimum distribution each year. This is called “stretching out” the IRA distributions.

In order to “stretch out” the distributions from an inherited IRA, there must be an actual person who is called a “designated beneficiary.” An entity like your estate, a company, or a charity cannot be a designated beneficiary.

Any IRA beneficiary that is not a person, such as a company, can’t stretch out their distributions; they will have to withdraw the funds within five years, resulting in much higher taxes (and no tax-deferred growth) than necessary.

The challenge with naming a Trust as the beneficiary of an IRA is that it is considered an entity subject to the five year rule above.

The IRS will allow a trust to pass through IRA funds if the only ultimate recipients are humans.

However, most living trusts fail this test because there are provisions allowing for gifts to charity from the Trust assets or even a provision

allowing the trust to pay final estate expenses. To use a Trust as an IRA beneficiary, it really should be a specially designed trust called a “Designated Beneficiary Trust.”

I’m not trying to talk you out of using a Trust as your retirement account beneficiary; I just want to make sure that you’ve discussed this strategy with an estate planning expert. It seems so simple on the surface, but this is really advanced planning that even the pros can get wrong sometimes.

rose petal down the Grand Canyon and expecting an echo.

I’m okay with this, as obviously I must be, given that this column is a charitable act, which I do less for readers (sorry) than for the discipline of my mind and thinking, and, no less obvious, the need to be heard (that’s probably self-evident).

But I promised those who wrote in response to November and asked what might we do going forward to save the state of sorry ass democracy, to revisit the issue.

To do that I went back and reread my 3,294 word magnum opus on declaring for president (Presidio Sentinel, April 1, 2006).

Among other things I proposed the following: A national health plan for all Americans (requiring no new plan, as in Obamacare, but an extension of Medicare); a cap on drug prices and drug company profits; a doubling of the minimum wage (I

was slightly ahead of the national debate on this); a Social Security and Medicare means test; an end to the War on Drugs, the most colossal and expensive “policy” failure in U.S. history (taking that money and investing it in drug rehabilitation); an executive pay cap, not performance but bonus based (no more multimillion dollar payouts to failed corporate CEOs; sorry, Carly Fiorina); a new, simplified, and equitable tax code (for instance, renters receiving the same tax break as home owners); free day-care for the children of single working moms and dads; an end to government subsidies for corporate farm holdings; no Federal taxes for anyone earning less than $30,000 a year; funding mass transit equal to 25 percent of the Defense Department’s budget; four weeks of mandated vacation time for all public workers, and no retirement before 70, including police and fire (and no public employee paid more in retirement than while working).

In addition, the public funding of all Federal elections (implementing the plan I outlined in November); changing the election cycle for the House of Representatives from two to four years (seriously, members of the House running every two years is idiocy); an election period for both House and Senate not to exceed 90 days (primary and general election,

ending two-years campaigns); free radio and television time for political commercials (television, especially, will hate this, since campaigns are their biggest profit makers); a law requiring all citizens to vote or pay a stiff fine (as required in Australia and Switzerland); Federal elections as a national holiday, with the closing of all commercial enterprises, save for emergency services).

And, finally, two-year national conscription for all 18-year old Americans, whether military or by public works through the reenactment of the WPA (see Franklin Roosevelt’s administration).

I will end with the same quote I used at the outset of my presidential campaign:

Note: For ease I write about IRAs only, but the article really applies to all retirement plans.

This column is prepared by Rick Brooks, CFA, CFP®. Brooks is vice president for Investment Management with Blankinship & Foster, LLC, a wealth advisory firm specializing in comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Brooks can be reached at 858.755.5166, or by email at brooks@bfadvisers. com. Brooks and his family live in Mission Hills

The Pope of Hope Continued from page 3 In choosing the words of Pope Francis for my first column of the New Year, I could not have made a better choice—for his words are uplifting and ennobling.

Suffice it to say, I find Jorge Mario Bergoglio an extraordinary person, whose elevation to the Papacy may have saved the Church of Rome from irrelevancy and decay; but whose coming to the seat of St. Peter benefits greatly the Catholic Church—and thereby the world beyond.

The Perilous State American Democracy of

I wrote here in November on the corruption of our politics by Wall Street and money and what we must do to redeem our democracy.

That column resulted in numerous responses, which caught my attention, given that normally these monthly contributions—this is the 110th column—occasion no response; it’s rather like dropping a

When life itself sees lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Too much sanity may be madness, and maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it should be.

—Miguel Cervantes Saavedra

George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader. He may be reached at, gmitro35@gmail.com.

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Local News

Moving Forward

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January 2015

in the New Year

by Trish Watlington, President, Mission Hills BID Happy 2015! I’m grateful and honored to have been re-elected president of the Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID) and am looking forward to the year ahead. Joining me on this year’s board of directors are: Vice President Tom Curl of Ascent Realty; Secretary Krista Lombardi of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Treasurer Patti Yap of Chase Bank; Terry Parks of Washington West Hair Design; Stuart White of Stuart White Design; Anthony Nyikos of Perfect Space; and Troy Curnett of One Mission Realty.

Our charming and historic neighborhood has undergone some real growth and development in the last year and I am excited to see that continue in 2015. Whether new shops, new spas or new restaurants, businesses are popping up all over Mission Hills. We are also growing and developing with new services

Celebrating Five Years of

like the newly installed deco bikes, thriving events like the Taste of Mission Hills and new amenities like the Town Council’s Combat Arts Veterans Mural.

One part of our mission is to create partnerships between business and property owners that promote economic revitalization and combat deterioration within the BID boundaries. To that end I will be encouraging the BID, in direct collaboration with the businesses, the Mission Hills Town Council and other neighborhood organizations, to develop a more integrated approach to promoting and developing our community.

Possible projects might include expanded sponsorship opportunities for Concerts in the Park, a more strategic focus on Small Business Saturday, a holiday shopping event that could dovetail with Holiday in the Hills, a coordinated approach magnifying the Mission Hills Garden Walk or even a “progressive restaurant dinner” that brings together many of the neighborhoods’

Music, Dance & Theatre

This winter Visionary Dance Theatre (VDT) shares its Fifth Anniversary with the concert Perseverance at the Performing Arts Center at Point Loma High School, located at 2335 Chatsworth Blvd, San Diego, CA 92106, at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24.

Perseverance is a celebration of Visionary’s five years providing dance, music, and theatre to the San Diego community. The work, choreographed by Artistic Director Spencer John Powell, is a chronicle of Visionary’s growth, setbacks, and struggles to exist.

It will tell of the beginnings of the opening of a performing arts center in the middle of a deep recession, the heights of its performing artists, its joys and its sadness. It will celebrate the sheer willpower of its members.

January will be 5 years since VDT premiered our first concert “And so we begin...” Visionary for the five years since has seen its students, professional artists, staff, and supporters grow to new heights with grace and love. Joining the dancers of VDT will be Visionary’s own children’s modern dance company Kidz Danz Kompany, the first of its kind in San Diego. These two companies will dance together for the first time in concert. The concert also includes work co-choreographed by VDT’s own Trixi Agiao and Arthur Huang.

Guest choreographers include Diana Valero (artistic director of DVO Dance Project), Caryn Glass (coartistic director of [the] movement initiative), and Elyssa Dru Rosenberg (artistic director of isadoraNow).

Advance tickets are $13; general admission is $18.

new and established dining spots.

Does any of this sound exciting?

Are there any projects that you’d like to work on, concerns you have or inspirations you want to share? The Mission Hills BID committees meet the first Wednesday of every month.

These meetings include Promotions, Economic Development, Design, and Mission Hills Parking Advisory committees. They’re open to residents and business owners and are the place to bring your energy and willingness to pitch in on a project that would enhance the business district and improve the neighborhood.

The third Wednesday is the meeting of the full board of directors where information is distributed and decisions are reached that impact the BID membership. All meetings start at 3:30 p.m., take place within the boundaries of the BID and are open to the public. Locations are posted on the BID’s website.

Our membership includes those persons (including corporations and other associations) holding business tax certificates, paying business

improvement district assessments within the boundaries of the Mission Hills Business Improvement District.

All such Members have the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the membership. And any may seek to be on the Mission Hills BID board of directors.

A wise woman once told me that people volunteer because “they can, they care and they were asked.” As BID president, I’m asking. With your help we can make 2015 an exciting and productive year in Mission Hills.

Please visit the Mission Hills Business Improvement District’s website at www.missionhillsbid.com and consider how you might become more involved in 2015.

Trish Watlington Owner The Red Door Restaurant The Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge

Aspirat ion Realization—

What’s Your Plan?

The New Year is an excellent time to set short term goals or resolutions—subtle changes or small “tweaks” to your daily routine (decrease chocolate intake, increase exercise, read more books, watch less TV, etc). But why not take this opportunity to set your sights on a greater horizon—This January, ask yourself—What is my Ten Year Plan?

Many 10 Year Plans focus on important subjects such as health, travel, retirement planning, and investments. Defining your financial resolutions, making an action plan, and setting that action plan into motion is at the core of most long term planning strategies.

If you are a homeowner, you may have built up quite a bit of equity in your property over the years. A valid question to ask yourself is “How can I safely maximize the potential of my equity?” Have you consulted with a seasoned local Realtor about the current value of your property in today’s market? The value may be higher than you think. If your 10 Year Plan includes moving to a larger home, a different neighborhood, or possibly downsizing in the next 10 years, meet with an experienced Realtor to discuss the best way to assure that your real estate investments work for you in the coming years.

Whether it is via a personal residence or investment property, you may be able to take advantage of a changing real estate market by repositioning your equity this year. Contact us today to see how we can help you reach your short and long-term financial goals.

The real estate you own is likely your greatest asset. We can help you maximize it!

Wishing you Peace & Prosperity in 2015!

“ We D

619.800.1103 m e s, We S e l l N e i g h b o r h o n ’ t J u s t S e ll H o o

Maureen & Antoinette

ods”

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Visionary Dance Theatre is a San Diego-based dance theatre company.

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January 2015

Lifestyle

11

Centerpieces Easily Assembled with Minimal Talent & Money

by Barb Stron Since the Mission Hills Garden Club had a pot-luck work shop in lieu of the November meeting, the creations of the members are definitely worth a mention, especially since the way they were created is easy and fun.

Members were instructed to bring something to decorate as well as a dish to share. The food was offerings varied and delicious. However, the items members brought to be decorated showed true creativity.

Items that made their way to the craft table varied from a single super high styled stiletto to an old handbag.

The Garden Club Board and Mission Hills Nursery provided succulents, glue, scissors and other tools. They also had containers and driftwood for sale. Most important was moss. Some members chose not to use moss at all, and they affixed their plant matter with glue.

Others used dried moss to provide stability for the plants. Those who wanted a living creation used live moss which was kept moist as the item took shape.

Joann Dossett’s frog began as a metal armature she had purchased

years ago. It was more-or-less frog shaped. First Joann filled the armature with green moss which she kept misting with water. Once she had had stuffed the armature, she was able to poke holes in the moss and insert the stems of her plants.

Eventually the entire form would be covered. To keep it alive, it will need to be misted often.

Another favorite item of the night was Pat Harrington’s stiletto, complete with toes! I don’t know if she plans to keep her succulents alive, but it certainly is creative.

Behind Pat’s stiletto, was a leaded opaque glass lamp shade in its finished glory. The lamp shade had an interesting metamorphosis. I don’t remember who created it, but began as a lamp shade and turned into a container.

Both Maureen Tess and her daughter made really creative items. In a shallow baking dish, Maureen created a winter scene with Christmas carolers and tree and even a pond for skating. Her daughter chose a piece of driftwood.

With an artist’s eye, her creation was very simple but very effective.

The handbag was another of my favorites. It was a dark green moss covered bag over-flowing with succulents. Someone else covered

Mission Hills United Methodist Church

A frog was created with a metal armature, moss and plant elements.

a basket in moss; and one member built a driftwood container to hold succulents vertically.

The evening ended all too soon, but the variety of creations was marvelous. Simple glass bowls abloom with succulents, gourds and pumpkins holding other plants, no two creations were alike.

This month’s meeting will be at TO BE DETERMINED in Old Town. We will learn about special seeds and have a chance to buy them as well.

Parking may be difficult, so plan to arrive early and car pool if possible.

The meeting is scheduled from 6 until 8 p.m.

Celebrates 100 Years of Worship & Ministry

Mission Hills United Methodist Church marks its centennial in the New Year. The church, located at 4044 Lark Street, was dedicated on Jan. 17, 1915. The celebration will include a rededication of the church building and sanctuary at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, with Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

A community centennial celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, with tours of the building, musical entertainment, fun activities for children and families and an old-fashioned barbeque, complete with hamburgers, hot dogs and throwbacks like molded Jello® salad.

A celebratory worship service will be held at 10 a.m., Sunday Jan. 18, 2015, with birthday cake immediately after.

In the past few years, the community has taken note as the church has undertaken extensive renovation projects in preparation for the centennial. Both the interior of the Craftsman-style sanctuary and the exterior of the building were preserved, including the precious Judson Studios stained glass windows and the wood surrounding them. Mission Hills Heritage presented the Hauck Award to the congregation for excellence in preservation for the efforts.

Rev. Karen Clark Ristine, who has served as the church’s minister for the past six years, said, “Our hope and prayer is to be a continuing connection to the community for the next 100 years.”

THANK YOU, Family, Friends and Clients For making 2014 so great and

A VERY HAPPY 2015 to ALL B������ S����� (619) 203‐1200

1111 B Fort Stockton Drive San Diego. California 92103 Barbstrona@aol.com www.strona.com BRE # 00872337

Mission Hills United Methodist Church is continuing to be an active organization for San Diegans.

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School News

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Warren-Walker School

Students Gave Generously The Middle School students made birthday bags last month for the Meals on Wheels program.

Meals on Wheels provides meals to members of the San Diego Community in need. The Middle School students decorated bags, made cards and donated items to fill 140 birthday bags. These bags

will be distributed to the Meals on Wheels members on their birthday throughout the year - a gift that truly keeps on giving all year long.

School administrators thank everyone who donated items to this very special community service project.

January 2015

Prem ier Chamber Orchestras Perform at

SDYS’ Artist Series Concert

San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory’s (SDYS) premier chamber groups promise to enchant audiences at the Artist Series Concert, at 4 p.m., Saturday, January 18 at the Center Theater, California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

SDYS’ Ovation Program orchestras and wind ensembles will showcase the level of skill reached by the youth symphony’s top students, many of whom will go on to major in music and strive to perform at a professional level. This concert will include performances of a movement from Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 with Sofia Hashemi-Asasi, the 2014 SDYS

Artist Concerto Competiton Soloist Award Winner, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” Last Movement with Daniel Zhu, the 2014 MTAC Piano Concerto Competition Winner.

This concert is a perfect opportunity for any young musicians interested in enrolling in SDYS to be inspired by their top level ensembles. SDYS’ 2014-15 Auditions registration for new students begins April 1, 2014.

To find out more about the Balboa Park Programs prospective students can join the SDYS Interest List at www.sdys.org.

Tickets on sale now at www.sdys. org or at 619.233.3232 x115.

Students are preparing birthday gift bags

Young musicians will show their talent and skills during this performance.

PRIVATE TUTORING • GRADES 1 – 12

Provided in the Security and Convenience of Your Own Home

• MATH • SCIENCE • STUDY SKILLS • READING SKILLS • TEST PREP Experienced Tutors • Recent College Grads

619-988-0774 Joan Hiser, Manager

Students stand before their efforts, 140 gift bags

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2015 S an Diego

Festival of Science & Engineering

Illumina Announced as Sponsor BIOCOM Institute announces Illumina has returned as the presenting sponsor of the 2015 San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. Illumina’s investment demonstrates their commitment to STEM educational programs for K-12 students, career development, and industry innovation in San Diego County.

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is March 14-21, 2015, and consists of a Festival Week (March 14-20)—six days of learning, interaction and behind-the-scenes opportunities grades kindergarten through 12th grade and their families to ignite the love for science, technology, engineering and math—leading up to a daylong celebration at PETCO Park on Saturday, March 21, 2015. EXPO DAY is the Festival’s signature event, with more than 130 local businesses, corporations, and organizations providing interactive, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math exhibits and activities to budding K-12 science lovers, but everyone is welcome. Events are free and open to the public.

The mission of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering is to engage kids in science and engineering. By doing this, the organization expands the general public’s understanding of the relevancy of science and engineering in everyday lives, illuminates why the United States must maintain its leadership role in science and technology, and work with parents and teachers to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) innovators. For more information, visit www.lovestemsd.org or call 858.455.0300 ext. 104.

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“Making Life’s Little Problems Disappear”

Use QR Reader App to View Product Video For more information, visit www.liftoffinc.com or Call 1-800-346-1633.

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January 2015

Local News

13

Local Students Exhibit Art at Lyceum Theatre Platt College San Diego School of Media Arts recently introduced a new art show at the Lyceum space downtown, continuing its 15-year partnership with the theatre and gallery space.

The show features more than 70 original pieces including paintings, photographs, graphic design, and sketches.

“Platt College offers a rigorous academic and artistic curriculum in the classroom, but we believe that learning and inspiration happens as much

Wonder-Dead Women by Rocky Beck

Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company

outside of the campus as in the classroom.

One of the opportunities for the students is to create excellent pieces that may have a chance to be shared publicly with San Diego,” says Marketa Hancova, Dean of Education at the college. “We encourage our students to participate in exhibitions and competitions as it pushes them toward creativity and diligence to get the best out of them. Consequently, they experience either a celebration or rejection— situations that they will face as professionals. The sooner they learn how to handle it, the better professionals they will become.”

Among the student artists in the exhibition is Roquelle “Rocky” Holiday Beck, who created Wonder-Dead Woman (pictured). The Kensington woman says that the painting is a reflection of her former self, “a skeleton of a woman, barely alive.” She says while her husband was deployed, she found the strength to begin coping with her food and alcohol addiction. “I found my inner Wonder Woman, shedding almost 60 pounds…my time at the gym became my new happy hour.” She says her “art is a

RuPaul by Joe Mulgado

form of meditation, much like journal writing, but on a canvas with acrylic.”

Platt College opened its doors in San Diego more than 30 years ago, providing the first computer graphic department in the county. Today, the purposefully small art school offers 300 students bachelor of science, associate of applied science and diploma programs in such fields as graphic design, 3D-animation, digital video production and web design and development.

Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary

Co-founder, Seema Sueko took the stage recently to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company.

She joined Mo`olelo’s board members, staff and supporters who were present to share their thoughts on the first ten years and the future for the theatre company.

Guests included David Henry Hwang, a Tony Award winning playwright and member of the American Theatre Wing board. Hwang referred to Mo`olelo as the “ideal in American regional theatre” and remarked that he is “excited to see what the future holds for this inspiring company.”

Dea Hurston joined in the evening’s celebrations, and was honored with the Garry Prather “Kokua” Award, to honor all of her incredible years of dedication and passion for Mo`olelo.

Also present was Jack Reuler, artistic director of Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, who has called Mo`olelo “a national treasure.” A fellow member theatre of the National New Play Network, Mixed Blood just took part in the rolling world premiere of “Colossal.”

Co-Chairs for the celebration were Joani Nelson and Jerry Buckley.

Event sponsors included An Anonoymous Fund at The San Diego Foundation, Piatti, Brooklyn Girl, Grant’s Marketplace, Event Beverage Soutions, Spice & Soul Catering, St. Petersburg Vodka, Organic Flora, SDG&E, Northern Trust, Brian Byun, Helen Chang, Garet Clark, Millie McAuley, and Mits Tomita.

Left to right are Greg Watanabe, Mo`olelo’s Executive Artistic Director Lydia Fort, and special guest David Henry Hwang. Photo by Samantha Howell.

Left to right are Mo`olelo’s Board President Alison Whitelaw, Garry Prather, Dea Hurston, Lydia Fort and Seema Sueko. Photo by Samantha Howell.

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Local News

Presidio Park

Client Property Address PRESIDIO PARK City SAN DIEGO Client

County SAN DIEGO

A Publication of Presidio Communications

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Maintenance Priorities

State CA

Zip Code 92103

January 2015

Graffiti on retaining wall on north side access road

Peeling stucco on Par

Residents of the Presidio Hills area of Mission Hills have been investing time to walk and photograph Presidio Park with concerns that it is being neglected.

Bob O’Connor of Mission Hills and the Neighborhood Watch captain for the area has been assisting with this effort to bring attention to the needs of the Park and concerns of the neighborhood. Recently, O’Connor communicated with Jaime Diez, grounds Graffiti on maintenance retaining wall on north side Peeling stucco on Park office manager for Balboa Park and Presidio Park for the city access road of San Diego, regarding the communities’ observations and concerns.

According to O’Connor, Diez appears to be listening because of the increased involvement of the community. O’Connor sent Diez many photos of Presidio Park that were taken by another Mission Hills’ resident who was able to capture the repairs needed.

With respect to the plant growth in the park and neglect, several people from Presidio Hills have Dead foliage next to inquired about forming a community group that would Presidio Dead Park. foliage next to Park office Debris on west side o include nursery owners, horticulturalists amateur and professional and other volunteers to take care of a specific area of Presidio Park. According to O’Connor, the goal of the neighborhood is to be a positive influence and participant in the condition of the park and future improvements.

Debris on west side of the Park.

Dead foliage next to Park office

Debris on west side of park

Debris on west side of park

Damaged sprinkler

Form PICSIX2 — "WinTOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. — 1-800-ALAMODE

Debris on west side of park

Damaged sprinkler lines

Form PICSIX2 — "WinTOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. — 1-800-ALAMODE

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Local Artist

January 2015

Local News

15

Travels Afar to Perfect Her Artwork

Charlotte Bird is a Mission Hills textile artist with a national following. In August, she was artistin-residence in Denali National Park, Alaska. She chaired the Quilt Visions 2014 international juried quilt show, now displayed at the Visions Art Museum in Liberty Station.

Charlotte realized her dream to become an executive in public service but found it less rewarding than she expected. In 1987, she and her husband used his law firm’s sabbatical program to live for almost seven months in Alaska backcountry. With the help of a treadle sewing machine, she envisioned textile art as a profession. On return, she started Birdworks Artwear, making oneof-a-kind coats and jackets. That Charlotte Bird uses a treadle sewing machine to create quilts. evolved into Birdworks Fiber Art, cubs, migrating cranes, pikas, foxes, and caribou. dedicated to art for its own sake.

Charlotte called the lack of distractions very centering and The Denali residency allowed Charlotte and husband Charlie to live for 10 late-August days in a ranger cabin near peaceful. She is working on synthesizing her observations and the park road but without any “grid” connection. Hiking experiences into an artwork for the Denali Park collection.

Charlotte and Charlie live in a canyon pole house. Her daily, she studied the colors, including New England-like fall on the tundra. She took 1,000 pictures of rocks, leaves, working studio is at the bottom of Reynard Way. Work can trees, and riffle patterns on riverbeds, all to document lines, be viewed on her website, www.birdworks-fiberarts.com shapes, and colors. On the hikes, there were bears with

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Theatre News

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Opera

Puccini’s Timeless “La bohème” opens San Diego Opera’s 50th Anniversary Mainstage Season on Saturday, January 24, 2015 for four performances (January, 24, 27, 29 and February 1, 2015). “La bohème” was the first opera the Company produced in 1965, 50 years ago. “La bohème” tells the story of young friends in Paris and the poet Rodolfo’s love affair the sick and ailing seamstress Mimì. Considered by many to be the “perfect” first time opera, it is one of the most popular operas produced and served as the basis of the musical “Rent.”

Making an important Company debut in the role of Mimì is American soprano Alyson Cambridge. She is joined by American tenor Harold Meers as the poet Rodolfo and American soprano Sara Gartland as Musetta, both also in Company debuts. Baritone Malcolm MacKenzie, will sing Schaunard.

He is joined by baritone Morgan Smith to sing Marcello. Bass-baritone Christian Van Horne makes a house debut to sing Colline and bass-baritone Scott Sikon will sing double duty as Alcindro and Benoit.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 619.533.7000 or online at www.sdopera.com.

San Diego Opera presents Puccini’s “La bohème.”

Photo courtesy of Philip Groshong/Cincinnati Opera.

January 2015

Old Globe Tony and Emmy Award winner Hal Linden (“Barney Miller”) will star in the West Coast Premiere of “The Twenty-seventh Man” by award-winning novelist Nathan Englander, directed

by Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. The cast also features Ron Orbach, Robert Dorfman, Eli Gelb, James Shanklin, and Lowell Byers.

In a Soviet prison in 1952, Stalin’s secret police have rounded up 26 writers, the giants of Yiddish literature in Russia. As judgment looms, a 27th suddenly appears: a Hal Linden will play teenager, unpublished and Yiddish writer Yevgeny Zunser. unknown. Baffled by his arrest, he and his cellmates wonder at what has brought them together and wrestle with what it means to write in troubled times. Time Out New York called “The Twenty-seventh Man” “exquisite—as chilling and haunted as a ghost story.” With “The Twenty-seventh Man,” Edelstein returns to the Englander play he premiered in New York and reimagines it for the Globe’s intimate in-the-round space, bringing us larger-than-life personalities and an unforgettable reminder of the transcendent power of storytelling.

“The Twenty-seventh Man” will run February 14 through March 15 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run February 14-18. Opening night is Thursday, February 19 at 8 p.m. Single tickets go on sale Friday, January 16. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at 619.23.GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

Landmark Theatres Toni Servillo, star of “The Great Beauty” and “Il Divo,” is brilliant in a double role as identical twin brothers. When Enrico (Servillo), the leader of Italy’s opposition party doing poorly in the polls abruptly decides to drop out of his high profile life and disappears, his panicked political handler (Valerio Mastandrea) enlists Giovanni, his philosophy professor twin who has just been released from a mental hospital, to pretend to be his brother in public.

Giovanni agrees, enjoying the attention, and proceeds to re-invigorate the party with his unexpected candor and philosophy, a la “Being There.”

Meanwhile Enrico has taken shelter with his long-lost love Danielle (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi)

in Paris, who is married to a famous film director. Prey to melancholy, Enrico lays low in their apartment, but eventually joins the film crew and enjoys helping out as an assistant prop man. Which brother will be the better political leader?

Do you really have to be crazy to succeed in politics? At times hilarious and satirical, at times wistful and thought-provoking, “Viva la Libertà” (“Long Live Freedom”) is a delight.

Written and directed by Robert Ando, based on his novel, “Viva La Liberta” is 120 minutes, Not Rated and opens January 2 at Landmark’s Ken Cinema. For information and times, call 619.819.0236, or visit www.landmarkTheatres.com.

Film times and dates are subject to change.

When in Rome...

Tuesday, January 13th A Five-Course Italian Dinner with Italian Wines to Complement $85 plus tax & tip Welcome Spritzer at 5:30pm Dinner at 6:00pm

PRIMO

tonno e spada affumicata smoked tuna & swordfish, fennel, olives, sun-dried tomato tapenade, smashed potatoes, EVOO 2013 gavi, principessa gavia, banfi, piemonte, italy absolutely volcanically delicious with a racy acidity that would make mario andretti swoon.

SECONDO

arancini saffron rice, bufala mozzerella, shredded pork shoulder, rustic romato sauce, pecorino 2011 super tuscan, castello banfi, ‘belnero’, toscana, italy kind of a silky chocolatiness with a smooth & elegant palate.

TERZO

vermicelli alla siracusana anchovies, garlic, pepperoncini, cherry tomato, parsley, EVOO, crunchy bread crumbs 2013 pinot grigio, san angelo, castello banfi, toscana, italy mediterannean minerality that clashes beautifully with the fruitiness.

QUARTO

VEAL INVOLTINI ricotta, bufala mozzarella, golden raisin, black kale, basil, marsala brown butter 2010 amarone, sartori, valpolicella, veneto, italy a pretty wine beautifully silky smooth with a kicked back amarone style.

DESSERT cannoli tuaca sauce

Toni Servillo has the lead role in “Viva la Libertà” (“Long Live Freedom”).

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The Patio on Goldfinch 4020 Goldfinch St. San Diego, CA 92103 (619) 501-5090 www.ThePatioRestaurants.com Purchase tickets at the restaurant or on www.BrownPaperTickets.com

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January 2015

Theatre News

17

Old Globe

San Diego

REPertory Theatre

The Old Globe presents “Murder for Two,” with book and music by Joe Kinosian and book and lyrics by Kellen Blair. Globe veteran Scott Schwartz (“A Room with a View” at the Globe) returns to direct Blair and Kinosian’s Off Broadway hit, a vaudevillian mystery musical with an energetic twoman cast. The acting company includes Joe Kinosian as The Suspects, and Ian Lowe reprises the role of Marcus. Kyle Branzel and Brandon Lambert serve as the understudies for The Suspects and Marcus, respectively.

Great American novelist Arthur Whitney has been murdered at his own birthday party, and his killer could be any one of the guests. But this is no ordinary murder mystery. The entire world of this hilarious musical is brought to life by two incredible performers: one plays the detective, the other plays all 10 suspects, and both play the piano! “Murder for Two” is an irrepressibly wacky tour-de-force musical that NewYork1 dubbed “a mustsee 90-minute jolt of caffeinated creativity!”

“Murder for Two” will run January 24—March 1 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Preview performances run January 24 through 28.

Opening night is Thursday, January 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at 619.23.GLOBE, or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.

San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) presents “Steal Heaven,” a world premiere production by Herbert Siguenza and directed by Todd Salovey and Siguenza. Opening night is Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 in the Lyceum Space.

Hoffman was the political and social activist who co-founded the Youth International Party (“Yippies”) in 1968. In this comedy written by Siguenza, the icon of youthful rebellion now serves as the patron saint of radicals.

In his little corner of heaven, Hoffman conducts a boot camp for activists who have the chutzpah required to go back to Earth to become new agents of change.

Trish, played by Summer Spiro, is a young veteran-turned activist, who finds herself at the pearly gates. Hoffman senses he may have finally found the right combination of anger, courage, and cunning wit, to make change and take on the challenges of the 21st century. He calls in his comrades John Lennon and Albert Einstein, performed by the versatile Mark Pinter, to see if Trish has what it takes.

Salovey, who celebrates his 25th year as San Diego REP’s associate artistic director, directs this world premiere comedy with Siguenza.

The Lyceum Space is located at the San Diego REPertory Theatre at 79 Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego. For tickets and information, call 619.544.1000 or visit www.sdrep.org.

(from left) Joe Kinosian as The Suspects and Ian Lowe as Marcus in “Murder for Two.” Photo by Joan Marcus.

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Lifestyle

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Money & Its Ability to Change Lives:

January 2015

Good & Bad

By Laura Walcher Never fails: When the mail delivers the Fed’s official envelope, I know, I recognize… something about taxes, and then, I get that little shiver… maybe, hooray, a refund!

There’s no way to begin a new year without thinking about money. We spent too much on the “holidaze”; we bought too much food, too many presents, left nobody out, never mind the December birthdays.

Well, that’s us. Then, along come news reports, one after another, that assures us we’re just… y’know, pikers, small-timers in the financial scheme of things. I can’t quite decide whether the millionaire-billionaires amongst us think about money more than we do, or, because they have so much, they don’t think about it at all.

On the other hand, they must think about it way more than we do, or they wouldn’t have that much.

Sue Ann Hamm, for instance, got nearly $1 billion from Harold Hamm, in their recent ugly divorce settlement. Harold Hamm doesn’t care whether you’ve ever heard of him of not; he’s in the oil game for money, not for fame. (OK,

Literacy Campaign Aims at

since you asked, he owns the “...largest piece of the greatest oil discovery of our age…in North Dakota.” And, he was named chief energy advisor by Mitt Romney in the recent presidential run.) One billion is a “gulpful,” but don’t get too excited. Ms. Hamm only gets it in monthly installments of $7 million.

If one has that much money, what, we wonder, is there to argue about? Silly us.

In Britain, hedge fund founder Chris Hohn paid his divorcing wife Jamie Cooper-Hohn $531 million; $493.3 million in cash. Money’s not important to him, though, he said. Jamie actually didn’t do as well as Mr. Hohn’s philanthropic recipients, who received $1. 2 billion just last year. She’s reported to be eternally resentful.

Could she do better if she declared herself a nonprofit? Never mind; she hasn’t answered any of my questions.

Steven A. Cohen (SAC Capital Advisors) has gotten out of various business difficulties, but he has not yet escaped his ex-wife’s demand for her “share” - half of $5.5 million - semi-promised in the wake of their divorce. Okay, that divorce was decades ago, but Patricia Cohen’s probably built up some impressive shopping expenses that need paying.

To my knowledge, baseball’s Pablo Sandoval is not divorcing.

Although now he might, since “The Panda” recently signed with the Boston Red Socks, for a contract for $100 million per year and an option for year five. Is that like an open invitation to boost the family disagreements? OK, that wasn’t nice of me.

Never mind. I’m determined to get some.

C’mon: it worked for Bruno Mars, who sang, who swooned, “... I wanna be a billionaire…so freakin’ bad!”

Hey, it worked: He’s sold over 12 million albums and 68 million singles worldwide. Five of his singles are among the best-selling singles of all time. Mars is regarded as one of the most successful solo artists in the world, having achieved this faster than any male singer since Elvis Presley.

Maybe if I change my name… punchier, sexier.

Bruno was born Peter Gene Hernandez. I was Laura Kaplan. Boring—or what? Got to think of something, or I’m fated to be forever excluded from the millionaire/billionaire clubs. For now, the Feds are just not going to help. They did send me a refund check - for $1.10.

Public Engagement

Literacy Campaign Aims at Public Engagement San Diego Council on Literacy, the County’s leading provider of literacy services, unveiled plans for LITERACY 20/20, a new and broad-based fiveyear campaign to combat low literacy at its 22nd annual Chairman’s Circle event held December 10th at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.

Drew Schlosberg received the Council’s Literacy Luminary Award, presented by community leader and philanthropist, William D. Lynch. For 20 years, Drew Schlosberg has been a resourceful and inspirational friend to the San Diego Council on Literacy.

He has served on the Council’s Board of Directors and was central to the U-T Race for Literacy, of which the San Diego Council on Literacy was the beneficiary.

Guest speakers, Phil Blair, president and CEO of Manpower San Diego, and Cindy Marten, superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District, Prominent San Diegans gathered to hear the San Diego Council on Literacy’s new Literacy 20/20 campaign and honor talked about the need for LITERACY Drew Schlosberg with the Literacy Luminary Award. L-to-R: Manpower San Diego President and CEO Phil Blair, San 20/20’s new and dedicated effort to Diego Council on Literacy Board Chair Michael Leake, Literacy Luminary Awardee Drew Schlosberg, philanthropist Bill improve literacy in San Diego and Lynch, and San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten realize the civic and economic benefits John Collins (Poway Unified School District), Tom Diego Council on Literacy will act as the County’s of a literate society.

Over 120 guests included literacy benefactors, Karlo (KPBS), Neville Billmoria (Mission Federal leading advocate for literacy.

As a coalition of literacy organizations, the Jeanne Jones & Don Breitenberg, Judith Harris Credit Union), David Gilmore (LPA, Inc.), Ken & Dr. Robert Singer, Mel & Linda Katz, Joyce Druck (Jenna Druck Foundation), Rocky Ewell (US San Diego Council on Literacy helps provide Grosvenor, and Eric & Jenni Busboom; and Bank) & Rob Ewell (San Diego City College), Jay after-school tutors, reading programs, reading business, education and community leaders: Judy Hill and Megan Blair (San Diego Public Library materials, bookmobiles, health literacy trainings, and dozens of other programs to support literacy McDonald (The Parker Foundation), Kathyln Mead Foundation), and Trevor Blair (Manpower).

As part of its assertive new LITERACY 20/20 in San Diego County. The Council’s Affiliated (The San Diego Foundation), Susan Taylor (Scripps Health), Kevin Crawford (United Way), Janine campaign, the Council will directly engage Programs now serve more than 170,000 children Mason (The Fieldstone Foundation), Lindsay elected officials, foundations, labor unions, and adults each year at no cost.

To learn more and to get involved, visit www.

Langford (The Johnson Family Foundation), Peter and the general public in understanding the Callstrom (San Diego Workforce Partnership), significance of literacy. For the first time, the San literacysandiego.org.

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Middle Eastern

Lifestyle

January 2015

19

Medicinal Lifetime Spice & Garden Annual

By Charlotte Tenney, MA Integrative Health There was a time when spices were all valued for both their culinary flavors and their health promoting properties. They were the “state of the art” medicine used by doctors as well as for home remedies.

One very important spice from the Middle East has been in successful use for over 5000 years of recorded history. We are fortunate that it can easily be grown in our gardens since it feels at home with our San Diego weather conditions, not to mention that is a pretty cousin to “Love in a Mist.” The common name of this herb is Black Seed/Black Cumin. Don’t let the name fool you; this is not related to cumin, fennel, dill, anise or any of the other umbrella-flower type spices. The botanical name for this plant is Nigella Sativa. The “sativa” means cultivated and informs you that this plant has a long history of human use. The flower is a pale blue, five-petal bloom with abundant dark stamens in the center. Its surprise comes after the petals have fallen, when it forms an intriguing balloon seed pod reminiscent of a poppy pod.

The seeds of the “Black Seed” are collected and used to flavor stews, breads, pastries, and teas and they lend a mildly spicy, aromatic note to the food. The seeds are also cold-pressed for their oil which is also used in cooking, but is most favored as a medicine. This Omega-3 rich oil has been successfully used to treat respiratory, allergic, inflammatory, fever and pain conditions.

It has captured much recent scientific attention for understanding its ability to stop cancer and improve immune respond. If you go to www.

pubmed.gov (a data base of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health/ NIH) you will find more than 600 current reports and evidence-based testing that confirm that has the ability to stop tumor growth and increase the Natural Killer Cell (NKC) production in the white blood cell.

Black Seed mentioned in the Bible in the book of Isaiah, in chapter 28, verses 25 and 27. These seeds were found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt from 1333 BC to 1324 BC. Pilgrims passing through Turkey during the ancient Hittite empire, during 650 BC were found to be carrying flasks full of Black Seed with them on the long journey. Mohammed the prophet is reported to have said that black cumin seeds are “the remedy for all diseases but death.” With our large influx of immigrants and refugees from Africa, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and the Mediterranean, this product is becoming readily available in Middle Eastern grocery stores and online. I have a number of co-workers from these areas who all automatically recommend Black Seed Oil for any illness that comes along. They have current experience in using this plant seed for food and medicine. In fact, they tell me that they include it in their foods regularly as way to stay healthy.

At the Trees for Health Arboretum in Balboa Park, we will be planting the seeds as a re-seeding annual to grace the place with blooms and offer a first-hand look of the plant to visitors of the garden. We are about to find out whether the rabbits, squirrels and gophers have an appetite for Nigella sativa or if our native insects find it tasty.

I hope that they will leave us enough to enjoy for this year and welcome back the next.

Hear GOOD NEWS Every Sunday

The seeds of the Black Seed are used to flavor stews, and are also high in Omega-3 rich oil.

If you enjoy this kind of information about proven plant medicines, you might consider attending some or all of the Scripps Natural Supplement Evidence-Based Update conference January 16-18 at Paradise Point in Mission Bay. Visit www.Scripps.org/NaturalSupplements for more information. If you are a healthcare profession in need of CEU/CME they are available to attendees.

Human TuneUp Column by Cath

If Not Now When?

by Cath DeStefano An Open and Affirming Congregation where Everyone is Welcome Anyone else have a master’s degree in procrastination? I think Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. there is some part of nearly every Church School - 11:30 a.m. human who likes to think we are not alone in our less-than3900 Cleveland Avenue • San Diego, CA 92103 • Phone: (619) 295-4146 desirable traits. Procrastinators unite I say! Take comfort. All For information, call or visit our web site -- www.univchristianchurch.com of us are walking around with You may also visit us on Facebook unrealized dreams that never seem to make our to do lists.

The question is, which ones should remain unrealized and which ones deserve the question “If not now, when?”

Minutes become days; days become months that turn JANUARY 2015 Display Ad for Presidio Sentinal into years and all of a sudden decades have passed. This is not Please send Invoice to University Christian Church something that most in their teens 3900 Cleveland Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 or twenties think about. After all, Pnone: 619-295-44146most of life is yet to come.

But eventually, for those of us further along, there are reckonings. Those yet-to-berealized dreams either need to be officially placed on the scrap pile of life or, for heaven’s sake, done something about.

And I am not talking about the “make-money-lose-weight-quit

smoking” goals. That’s unless these perennial new-year foci are truly something you need to manage.

I’m talking about the ones that really add something to life; yours and the lives of fellow humans. Only you know what that would be.

For some, it is starting a savings account for your children’s education. For others, it is to finish writing a book and getting it published. Taking the initiative to go back to school and further your life journey. Following your dream and starting a non-profit organization. The list goes on…

If not now, when?

Cath DeStefano CEO Speaker Author Artist HumanTuneUp@Live.com www.HumanTuneUp.com

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Music Scene

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January 2015

Colin Hay to Perform at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Recently added to the 2014-15 Professional Performance Series, Colin Hay will perform on Friday, March 13 at 8 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, located at 154998 Espola Road.

While Colin Hay’s voice and visage are familiar to millions as front-man, songwriter, and vocalist of pop sensation Men at Work (“Down Under,” “Overkill,” “Who Can it Be Now?”), the past ten years have found him re-introducing himself to a new generation of fans. The frequent use of his music in TV and film, including hit shows such as “Scrubs” (on which he has made several cameo appearances) and “Army Wives,” the hit sound track to the film Garden State and the recently released “Morning Glory” has proven the timeless appeal of his songs: quizzical, curious, cynical yet open-hearted. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1989, he’s made 11 solo albums, tours year-round and has amassed a following of devout fans.

You can purchase tickets by calling 858.748.0505.

For more information, visit PowayArts.org.

Colin Hay was the lead vocalist for Men at Work

Violinist Nora Germain to Perform at Dizzy’s 23-year-old jazz violinist and singer, Nora Germain will perform from her latest album “Little Dipper” at 8 p.m., Friday, January 30 at Dizzy’s in San Diego, located at 4275 Mission Ban Drive in San Diego. Joining her are Ed Kornhauser on piano, Will Pierce on bass and Ryan Shaw on drums.

Nora Francesca Germain is the first ever violinist to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the renowned USC Thornton School of Music. During her studies, she participated in the jazz, pop, classical and guitar programs simultaneously. An alumna of Idyllwild Arts Academy, the exemplary boarding arts high school in southern California, Germain was given the “Inspirational Jazz Student” Award at the age of 17 by her mentor and fellow collaborator Marshall Hawkins, former bassist for Miles Davis and Shirley Horn. She was also the first jazz violin graduate of Idyllwild Arts Academy.

Germain was introduced to the violin in a rare, fortunate context at age 2 by her parents and grandmother who were all strings players (two were violinists, one a cellist) in the Madison Symphony.

Her mother later became a violin teacher and cofounded the Suzuki Strings of Madison classical violin school in the early 1990s, Nora being among the first class of students. Her father later became a violin luthier and restorer. At age 10, she was already performing and improvising with bands and venturing outside of her classical

A Tribute to

training. During the 1990s and early 2000s, she performed a yearround schedule of children’s violin showcases and concerts with Suzuki Strings of Madison and attended masterclasses by such artists as Mark O’Connor and Hilary Hahn.

She has appeared live at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards with Sam Smith performing “Stay With Me” with a string quartet as first violinist.

She also has performed several times as a featured soloist with the Seahawk Modern Jazz Orchestra (led

by Marshall Hawkins) and has also collaborated with The Manhattan Transfer and American Idol Season Nora Germain has released three of her own albums.

10 finalist Casey Abrams. She Photo by M.K.Sadler. has performed with virtuoso jazz artists Gilbert Castellanos, Evan Christopher, 2014, the latest featuring Germain singing as Mundell Lowe, and Llew Matthews, as well as well as playing her own compositions. While internationally acclaimed composer, arranger studying at USC, she also performed with The USC Thornton Gala Orchestra and accompanied and saxophonist John Altman.

In addition to her live performances, Germain Kristin Chenoweth, Glenn Frey of The Eagles and has worked on numerous independent films, Barry Manilow.

To learn more about Nora Germain, visit student films, and Hallmark and Pixel Channel movies both on camera or in the recording noragermain.com. studio. By age 22, she produced and released three of her own albums, “Let It Rip!” in 2013, and “Generation Gap” and “Little Dipper” in

Jazz Fusion Violinist Jean-Luc Ponty

Chris Vitas & friends perform a tribute to the great Jazz Fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, said to be “The first jazz violinist to be as exciting as a saxophonist.” Ponty has performed widely since the early sixties with such notable artists as Frank Zappa, Stephane Grappelli, Al Di Meola, and many more. Along with Chris Vitas on electric violin, there’s Fred Benedetti on guitar, Sky Ladd on keyboards, Jeff Pekarek on bass, and Duncan Moore on drums—presenting some of Ponty’s most notable tunes.

The performance takes place at 8 p.m. at 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Boulevard inSan Diego. Admission is $15.00, $10.00 minimum food & drink per person. For information, call 619.255.7885 or visit www.98bottlessd.com.

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Chris Vitas during his performance at the Del Mar Fair.

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Terra Restaurant—

January 2015

Dining Scene

21

A Star on El Cajon Boulevard

By David Rottenberg Time sure flies by quickly. I felt as if I hadn’t seen Jeff Rossman for about a year. It turns out to have been almost four years. Of course, I ran into him occasionally at events that he catered. But I had not dined at his restaurant for such a long time, too long.

Don’t recognize the name “Jeff Rossman”?

If you’re a foodie, you should. He deserves recognition as a self-made man, a self-taught chef who has mastered his art so well that he is one of our city’s “star” chefs. Several years ago, his restaurant Terra was voted Best Kept Secret by The San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine.

Now you’re in on the secret.

Rossman started his career at the very bottom, as a dishwasher, humble beginnings from which he worked his way up through perseverance, experimentation and study. It was a long learning process. Seventeen years later, he opened Terra Restaurant & Bar. Terra is a family affair. One can often find Rossman’s mother and father in the restaurant, a personable couple who often greet diners by name.

“Terra” means “land” in Latin. The restaurant is well named because the menu emphasizes farm to table dining. The vegetables in one’s salad may have rested in the ground that morning.

The first restaurant location was in Hillcrest.

Then Rossman moved his restaurant to El Cajon Boulevard, close to SDSU and the 70th Street exit off Highway 8. The décor is comfortable, good not gaudy. On-site parking is available. The restaurant is perhaps the best in the area.

The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday and Sunday brunch. It is closed for dinner on Mondays.

Terra Restaurant & Bar has an expansive bar for entertaining and socializing.

The dinner menu starts with “Stuff to Share.”

If you’ve ever passed on Brussel sprouts, wait until you try Rossman’s roasted Brussel sprouts with garlic and shallots. They are delectable.

Ginger chicken potstickers and salty peppery calamari are two other choices that are sure to set up diners for amazing dining experiences.

Portions are large so sharing appetizers won’t leave anyone feeling deprived.

The wedge salad, among the salad choices, comes with a creamy buttermilk dressing rather than the traditional blue cheese dressing.

The taste is different, mellow, not as sharp as that of the cheese. But, with the bacon and gorgonzola, it is very enjoyable.

Flatbreads have become very popular, a pizza variation on a different dough but also with a broad variety of toppings. They are large enough to be filling for a meal but small enough not to cause guilt at finishing the whole thing. Rossman offers three flatbreads.

I sampled the salami flatbread, with gorgonzola and mushrooms. It was delicious.

Entrees are labeled “large plates.” The This mouthwatering flatbread is almost a meal in itself. turkey osso buco needed a large plate.

The dish included a turkey leg so large I believed Rossman shopped for it in Jurassic Park. It must have weighed three pounds of delicious, perfectly prepared meat. I actually took much of it home, something I do rarely. It came with a squash puree that brought flavors of the fall season.

Miso glazed fish and lobster mac & cheese are offered to seafood lovers. Skirt steak and amber lager braised pot roast are

offered to diners who are looking for more of a comfort food.

As a “farm to table” restaurant, menus change seasonally to reflect what is then available out of the ground. But the more popular meat and fish dishes are always listed.

Terra features an extensive wine list that is sufficient impressive to have garnered a Wine Spectator award. Among the pinot noir listing, the “Morgan 12 Clones” is an excellent full bodied wine that can enhance any menu choice.

For diners who prefer to bring their own wines, corkage is free on Wednesdays.

Desserts arrived on a lovely clay tablet and included delightful crème brulee and a decadent flavorful chocolate cake.

As a true entrepreneur, Rossman has broadened into catering and has even established a kosher catering service to bring quality dining to kosher adherents.

Terra Restaurant has a kids menu, even one for Sunday brunch. The price points are moderate and the food is delicious. Rossman is one good chef!

The restaurant is located at 7091 El Cajon Boulevard. Call 619.293.7088 for reservations, information and directions.

Enjoy the New Year with Us!

Jeff Rossman has worked in the restaurant business for over seventeen years.

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Calendar

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January 2015

January 2015 Thru January 7, 2015

n The application deadline for the 2015-2016 Kennedy-

Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad scholarship program is January 7, 2015. A full scholarship allows high school students to experience overseas communities and cultures, preparing students to collaborate on today’s global challenges such as human rights, community development, workforce development, climate change and global health. Interested students should visit www.yesabroad.org, or call 800.237.4636 x2151.

January 26 Thru March

n theNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, is offering Spring Camp registration for the Spring Break which runs March 30 through April 3. Dig into dinosaurs, examine amazing animals, or uncover the mystery of ancient Egypt. Single day experiences are available for budding scientist in grades 1-5. Visit www.sdnat.org for more information.

Thru January 2015

n San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (SDCDM),

located at 320 North Broadway in Escondido, is offering free admission for all active-duty military, veterans, police officers, and fire department families this holiday season. You will need to provide proper ID. The Museum’s hands-on educational exhibits focus on science, arts, and worlds cultures. For information. visit www.sdcdm.org.

Thru January 2015

n theNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, is calling all nature nuts. The 2014 Best of Nature Photography Show will be in the Ordover Gallery on Level 4 of the Museum. For information, visit www.sdnat.org.

Thru February 1

n Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park, located

at 1649 El Prado, San Diego, invites students in grades K-12 across San Diego County to enter photographic artwork in its Annual Juried Youth Exhibition. View more than 80 students’ works alongside a selection of complementary standout works from MOPA’s permanent collection. For information, visit www. mopa.org or call 619.238.7559.

Thru February 8

n Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park,

located at 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park, has on display New Visions: Art and Invention in the 19th Century. Photography captures people, places and architecture of the 19th century. For information, visit www.mopa.org or call 619.238.7559.

Thru February 25

n San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the Gotthelf

Art Gallery located at 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla, is pleased to present Hanan Harchol’s Jewish Food for Thought at 7:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. A film presentation and discussion with Hanan Harchol will take place in the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre.

February 28

n Grant School in Mission Hills is celebrating its 100th

Anniversary. Alumni from all classes are invited to a luncheon to reunite with old friends and foster new ties. Attendees will meet at 10 a.m. for a one-hour tour of Grant School and continue with a delicious twocourse lunch at Brooklyn Girl on Goldfinch Street at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the luncheon is $50 per person.

Seating is limited to the first 125 guest. Please email 1grantalumni@gmail.com with questions.

Thru April 26

n theNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, presents Egypt and the “Discovery of King Tut”. You will feel a rush of excitement as you step into King Tutankhamun’s tomb exactly as it was discovered

by Howard Carter in 1922. This is a breathtaking recreation of the boy king’s burial chamber, featuring more than 1,000 scientifically-produced replicas crafted by Egyptian artisans. Call 877.946.7797 to purchase advance tickets and for more information.

Thru April

n theNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, in conjunction with Hornblower Cruises is offering through mid-April an opportunity to experience whale-watching off the San Diego coast. Tickets are available daily at the Museum’s Admissions Desk and by phone at 877.946.7797.

Thru June

n theNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, continues Canyoneer Hikes with volunteers trained by theNAT to teach appreciation of plans and animals in southern California. These programs occur every weekend and are interpretive nature walks, not endurance hikes. For information, visit www.sdnat.org.

Thru August

n “What Music Means To Me” brings multi-media

exploration of music’s significance to the Museum of Making Music located at 5790 Armada Drive in Carlsbad. Combining moving testimonials, original photographs and audience participation, music makers (amateur, accomplished or aspiring) can communicate the power of music in their lives. For museum hours and prices, visit www. museumofmakingmusic.org or call 760.438.5996.

January 7

n Java Joe’s, located at 3536 Adams Avenue in San

Diego, 8—10 p.m. will host the Robin Henkel Band: blues and jazz concert from 8 to 10 p.m. All ages are welcome; $5 donation proposed. For more information, call 619.882.0902.

January 7, 14, 21, & 28

n From 5 to 6:30 p.m., the San Diego Public Library,

located at 330 Park Blvd in downtown San Diego, is providing weekly walk-in tech assistance on your eReader Device. Speak to volunteer technology coaches for useful tips on accessing downloadable services such as Overdrive, Axis 360m, and OneClickDigital Recorded Books. For information, visit www.sandiegolibrary.org.

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January 8

n theNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, is holding a Nature & Me Storytime at 10:15 a.m. It’s open to all ages with a parent or guardian (recommended for ages 1-5) and is free with Museum admission.

Visit www.sdnat.org for ticket information. n The Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition (BSCC) cordially invites you to participate in the 5th Annual Freedom Breakfast at Swiss Park 2001 Main St., Chula Vista. The event will present Human Trafficking Awareness Month & Angels of Trafficking Awards. Share BSCC’s accomplishments and vision for 2015. A donation of $15 for this well deserved project is requested. Seating is limited, please RSVP to info@bsccinfo.org.

January 8, 15, 22, & 29

n Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El

Prado in Balboa Park, is providing informal learning experiences that support and enhance exploration, create excitement and facilitate scientific discovers.

The presentation is on the human body. Learn about digestion, the circulatory system, heart, skeleton, brain and senses. This program is designed for children ages three to five years with an accompanying adult. One caregiver must attend with each child. Siblings are not permitted.

Classes meet from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call 619.238.1233, ext. 806 or go on-line at wwwrhfleet.org/events/young-scientists. Prices are $75 per session for members and $85 per session for non-members.

January 10

n Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El

Prado in Balboa Park, is holding a Saturday Science Club for girls in grades 5 through 8 from noon to 2 p.m. Forensic Detectives: Who did it? Become an assistant detective and explore various types of physical evidence in a mock crime scene. Collect and analyze fingerprints, hair samples and use chromatography to solve a mystery. Prices are $12 for members and $14 per person for non-members.

To participate, parents must pre-register by calling 619.238.1233 x806.

January 10, 17, 21, & 31

n Reuben H Fleet Science Center, located at 1875

El Prado in Balboa Park, is having Family Science Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. On the 10th explore wind energy and mobility, using straws, pins, paper and more to design their very own rocket or paper pinwheel. On the 17th design and create your very own stamp! Using recycled materials and a bit of imagination, create three-dimensional stamps for two-dimensional printing. On the 21st explore the chemical reactions and what happens when stars explode, using vinegar, baking soda and paint. On the 31st, learn why paint can light using motors, LEDs and ingenuity to create a device that paints with light. Call 619.238.1233 ext. 806 or visit www.rhfleet.org for information.

January 11

n St. James by-the-Sea, located at 743 Prospect Street in

La Jolla, will have the Tapestry: Song of Songs: Return to the Garden” at 7:30 p.m. Tapestry is a Bostonbased ensemble of women’s voices that delights in combining the medieval repertoire with modern compositions that resonate with ancient inspirations.

For ticket information, visit www.stjamesbythesea.org. n Lestat’s, located at 3343 Adams Avenue in San Diego, will have Robin Henkel Band with Horns perform from 8 to 10 p.m. All ages are welcome with an $8 cover charge. For information, call 619.282.0437.

January 11, 18, & 25

n From noon to 2 p.m., the San Diego Public Library,

located at 330 Park Blvd in downtown San Diego, is providing weekly walk-in tech assistance for your smartphone and tablets. Technology coaches will provide assistance with Android and iOS devices including: apps, social networking, general settings, and other features. Bring your own tablet or smart phone for hand-on learning. For information, visit www.sandiegolibrary.org.

January 11, 18, & 25

n Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle™ and The

Magic School Bus© take place at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. at theNAT, located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park. Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science. Free with Museum admission. Upcoming theme is Geology.

Visit www.sdnat.org for ticket information.

January 12

n RH Fleet invites you to Suds & Science at Callahan’s

Pub and Brewery, located at 8111 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dr. Lisa T. Eyler, associate professor of the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD, will discuss the components of happiness.

Our Suds and Science program is a great place to learn something interesting while enjoying a beer and meeting new people. Sign up soon as seats fill up fast. Call 619.238.1233 to RSVP.

January 14

n At 10:30 a.m., Coronado Public Library, located at

640 Orange Avenue, will have a free lecture given

by Joellyn Zollman, USCD on It’s Deli-cious! Enjoy an historical exploration of American Jews and Delicatessen. For information, visit www.sdcjc.org or call 858.362.1327.

January 15

n Scripps Natural Supplements School will show

consumers the latest insights in the safety and effectiveness of vitamins, herbs and minerals from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Paradise Point Resort on Mission Bay, located at 1404 Vacation Road in San Diego. The event is open to the public with an advance registration fee of $99 through Jan. 9.

On-site registration after the January 9 is $125. For information or to register, call 858.652.5400, or www.scripps.org/naturalsupplements.

n Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park,

located at 1649 El Prado, presents “The Mafia Only Kills in Summer” film at 7:30 p.m. A young boy whose obsession with the Mafia’s casual presence in his city surpasses even his passion for Flora, the beautiful schoolmate who remains his mail love interest until adulthood. For information, visit www.mopa.org or call 619.238.7559.

January 16

n At 7:30 p.m. the Laura R. Charles Theater at

Sweetwater High School, located at 2900 Highland Avenue in National City, will host the AMSDconcerts with the headlining performance of Hot Club of Cowtown. This Austin trio sounds like it’s spent the last 40 years in tiny rural clubs. The group’s old-fashioned mixture of Western swing and hot jazz leave all the iron at home, and what’s left is a refreshingly sweet-natured, accomplished, old-school treat. They have been nominated for the 2015 Ameripolitan Music Awards for Western Swing Group, which will be held in Austin, TX on February 17. You won’t want to miss this program.

Ticket information and purchases can be found at www.AMSDconcerts.com. n Reuben H. Fleet Science Center wants you to Rock in the Park at 7 p.m. with its second annual live concert series as it kicks off with Tim Flannery and the Lunatic Fringe. See the former San Francisco Giants third base coach as he showcases the other side of his personality, as an emotional songwriter and seasoned fingerstyle legend of Americana music. Tickets are now on sale visit www.rhfleet.org.

January 16 thru 25

n San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at the

David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, located at 4126 Executive Drive in La Jolla, presents the J*Company’s new take on “The Pirates of Penzance.”

This production spins a hilarious farce with one part Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean and two parts Gilbert & Sullivan. It’s non-stop entertainment! For information, visit www.sdcjc.org.

January 17

n The New Americans’ museum returns to

its home at NTC at Liberty Station Arts and Culture District with a renewed commitment to Celebrating America’s Cultural Diversity. Since its inception in 2001, founded by Deborah Szekely, the Museum has established a track record of celebrating the contributions of America’s immigrant communities through educational programming, including an oral histories project, immigrant essays competition, forums, visual arts exhibitions and civic events. Learn more at www.newamericansmuseum.org. n theNAT/San Diego National History Museum, located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, will have a new permanent exhibition: Coast to Cactus in Southern California tells the story of this amazing region we call home. San Diego is known for its incredibly diverse terrain, ranging from the beaches and chaparral near the coast, to the mountains and the desert farther afield. This terrain is what makes the region one of only 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world, meaning Southern California has the highest concentration of different species of any geographic area of similar size. For information, visit www.sdnat.org.

January 17 & 18

n Mission Hills United Methodist Church, located at

4044 Lark Street in San Diego, is turning a young 100 years old in January 2015 and will hold a community centennial celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tours of the building, musical entertainment, fun activities for children and families, and an old-fashioned barbecue. n Cabrillo National Monument wants you to join them for the Whale Watch Weekend and Intertidal Life Festival from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A free tidepool shuttle will run both days to pick up at the bus stop and drop visitors off at the first parking lot at the tidepools. Whale watch all day at the overlook (pending weather) with a special station for kids to make binoculars each day from 2 to 3:30 p.m. For information, visit www.CNMF.org.

January 18

n San Diego Youth Symphony & Conservatory (SDYS)

premier chamber groups promise to enchant audiences at the Artist Series Concert at 4 p.m. at the Center Theater, California Center for the Arts, at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. SDYS’s Ovation Program orchestras and wind ensembles will showcase the level of skill reached by the youth symphony’s top students, many of whom will go on to major in music and strive to perform at professional level. Tickets are available at www.sdys.org.

January 19

n theNAT/San Diego National History Museum,

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, will host Family Days, which are free with Museum admission and always run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the new exhibition Coast to Cactus in Southern California with activities and crafts that will take you on a journey from the beaches and chaparral near the coat to the mountains and the desert father afield. For information,visit www.sdnat.org.

January 21

n Java Joe’s, located at 3536 Adams Avenue in San

Diego, will host the Robin Henkel Band performing blues and jazz from 8 to 10 p.m. All ages are welcome; $5 donation proposed. For information, call 619.882.0902. n Cabrillo National Monument invites you to meet the author of “Lagoon Time” by Steven Swartz from 2 to 4 p.m. This book is a guide to the gray whales, history and natural History of Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California, Sur and Mexico. Swartz will provide a presentation in the auditorium, facilitate a Q & A session and sign books. For information, visit www.CNMF.org.

January 22 Thru 25

n Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park,

located at 1649 El Prado, presents the Human Rights Watch Film Festival for its 5th year. The film festival creates a forum for courageous individuals on both sides of the lens to empower audiences with the knowledge that personal commitment can make a difference. Festival passes and singlescreening tickets are available at www.MOPA.ort/ hrwff or 619.238.7559

January 22, 23, 24 & 25

n San Diego Sunroad Boat Show is back by popular

demand from noon to 6 p.m. on January 22 and 23; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 24 and 25. Hosted by the Sunroad Resort Marina, located downtown at 955 Harbor Island, the annual San Diego tradition will be featuring exciting land and in-water exhibits for boaters of every age. The show will include tremendous boats, ranging in massive size from 30 to 110 feet, a tour of over 100 new and pre-cruised sailboats and motor yachts, kayaks, inflatables, and other fun on the water products, interactive seminars and, delicious food and steel drum music and free boat rides on the San Diego Bay for all ages. Visit www.bigbayboatshow.com or call 619.497.5254 for information and entrance fees.

January 24

n Cabrillo National Monument wants you to join

them to welcome the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s traveling exhibition Yankee Baleeiros!

CNMF Members are invited to attend an opening reception from 4 to 7 p.m. free at the visitors center.

The exhibition will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be on display through April 2015. For information, visit www.CNMF.org.

January 25

n San Diego Public Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacob

Common in the Central Library Auditorium, located at 330 Park Blvd in downtown San Diego, will present the first of the 2015 Winter/Spring Concert Series at 2:30 p.m., which will be Songs and stories from Eastern Europe. The Hot Pstromi: With a Dash of Horseradish on the Side will feature Yale Strom (violin), Jeff Pekarek (contrabass), Fred Benedetti (guitar), Tripp Sprague (tenor sax), and Elizabeth Schwartz (vocals). All programs are free and open to the public. For information, call 619.236.5800 or visit www.sandiegolibrary.org.

January 25 thru 31

n National School Choice Week will break records as

the largest celebration of educational opportunity in US history. Independently planned and funded, the week will include information sessions, roundtable discussions, movie screenings, rallies and other special events. For information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com.

January 27

n The House of Spain in San Diego in partnership with

the Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park, located at 1649 El Prado, is presenting the fourth edition of Films from Spain at 7 p.m. Celebrate the Spanish Cinema and Culture in San Diego. The Film for January is “25 Karat,” which is about a young girl, who is a thief, and her crooked dad, who is in trouble, get attached to a debt collector whose life is also in turmoil. Together they hatch a plan to solve their problems. For information, call 858.405.3629 or visit www.facebook.com/filmsfromspainsd.

January 29

n Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park,

located at 1649 El Prado, will present photographer and filmmaker Alex Prager at 6:30 p.m. A curated screening of Prager’s short films, including “Despair,” and her most recent piece, “Face in the Crowd,” will be shown. Guests will also enjoy a unique quartet performance led by award-winning composer Ali Heinwein, who has worked with Prager to score her films. Mix and mingle in the museum’s galleries and enjoy craft cocktails from the bar. For information, visit www.mopa.org or call 619.238.7559.

January 30

n 98 Bottles, located at 2400 Kettner Boulevard in

San Diego, will present Chris Vitas & friends at 8 p.m. Vitas will perform a tribute to the great Jazz Fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, said to be “The first jazz violinist to be as exciting as a saxophonist.”

Ponty has performed widely since the early sixties with such notable artists as Frank Zappa, Stephane Grappelli, Al Di Meola, and many more. Along with Chris Vitas on electric violin, there’s Fred Benedetti on guitar, Sky Ladd on keyboards, Jeff Pekarek on bass, and Duncan Moore on drums— presenting some of Ponty’s most notable tunes.

Admission is $15.00 with food and drink service, which begins at 7 p.m. $10 minimum per person.

For information, visit www.98bottlessd.com. n At 7:30 p.m. the Laura R. Charles Theater at Sweetwater High School, located at 2900 Highland Avenue in National City, will host the AMSDconcerts with the headlining performance of Daniel Champagne. His on-stage presence radiates a musical maturity well beyond his years and a phenomenal method of playing the guitar leaves audiences thrilled. The opening act will be the House of Guitars. Ticket information and purchases can be found at www.AMSDconcerts.com. n Dizzy’s, located at 4275 Mission Ban Drive in San Diego, will host Nora Germain at 8 p.m. 23-yearold jazz violinist and singer, Nora Germain will perform from her latest album “Little Dipper.”

Joining her are Ed Kornhauser on piano, Will Pierce on bass and Ryan Shaw on drums.

January 31

n Museum of Photographic Arts of Balboa Park,

located at 1649 El Prado, invites you to a tour in the galleries conducted in American Sign Language (ASL) Only. There will be two tours led by a deaf docent at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission costs are $4 per tour. For information, visit www.mopa.org or call 619.238.7559.

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Mission Hills Branch Library

January 2015 Events Preschool Storytime

Children’s Craft Time Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Every Saturday) at 10:30 a.m.

Kids can develop their artistic skills while enjoying a fun craft time.

2,000 sq. /ft. artists’-op studio – one of SD best kept secrets.

Signing Storytime

Market Street Group Members include students, amateur, professional artists.

Jan. 5, 12, 26 (Every Monday) from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.

Find out what’s going on in your baby’s mind, strengthen your bond with your baby, and lessen frustration brought on by miscommunication.

Interactive presentation led by Jennifer Duncan also includes sing-alongs and bubble time ending with Q&A period. Age: Birth to four years.

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Jan. 2, 16, 23, 30 (Every Friday) from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Children are invited to a fun storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets. The first storytime of the month is usually bilingual (Spanish/English).

10 years experience, References, Call Sabrina 619 316 5292

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Mission Hills Newcomer Welcome Committee - to help with assembling, delivering Welcome Packages, collecting items from businesses to include, and arranging Newcomer Welcome Events. Call Ginny at 619.295.3904

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“Famous Book” Club

Jan. 6 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The “Famous Book” Club will discuss “Austerlitz”

by W. G. Sebald. New members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please read the book beforehand. Books are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.

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RELIGIOUS CALENDAR • UNIVERSAL SPIRIT CENTER A Center for Spiritual Living

Rev. Kevin Bucy, Senior Minister 858 Front Street (at University and Front Streets) San Diego, CA 92103 Extra parking across the street at Florence School

www.universalspiritcenter.org.

(619) 291-4728 SUNDAY MORNING GATHERINGS 8:00 a.m. Meditative with full message 10:00 a.m. Music-filled gathering (with Youth Ministry available)

11:30 a.m. Music-filled gathering

Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 (EveryTuesday) from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Children are invited to an evening storytime.

Come dressed in your pajamas.

LEGO Playtime Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 (Every Wednesday) from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Kids can have fun and get creative while building with LEGOs.

Mission Hills Book Group Jan. 8 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The Mission Hills Book Group will discuss “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger.

New members are always welcome to attend and participate! Please read the book beforehand. Books are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last. This month’s meeting will be at Mission Hills Books & Collectibles at 4054 Goldfinch Street.

Family Concert Jan. 9 from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

The duo Little Catbird offers an interactive music show that both children and adults can enjoy!

Walk-In Tablet & Smart Phone Help Jan. 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Need help using and understanding your tablet or smart phone? Drop in for assistance with Android and iOS devices, including eBooks, apps, general settings, and other features of your device. Bring your own tablet or smart phone for hands-on learning.

Book Sale Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Mission Hills Branch Library will hold a book sale. Come by and stock up on books while supporting your Library!

Mystery Book Group Jan. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Mission Hills Book Group will discuss “A Taste for Death” by P. D. James. New members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please read the book beforehand. Books are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.

Mission Hills Branch Library 925 West Washington Street San Diego, CA 92103 • 619.692.4910 www.facebook.com/mhlibrary

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24 Directory Civic Calendar

A Publication of Presidio Communications

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Hillcrest

1st Tuesday

UPTOWN PLANNERS Joyce Beers Hall in Uptown Mall. 6:30 p.m.

1st Thursday

UPTOWN PARTNERSHIP 3101 Fifth Ave. Call 619.298.2541. 4:30 p.m.

Thursdays 7 - 8:30 pm

SAN DIEGO UPTOWN ROTARYCLUB The Uptown Rotary Club has moved to their new home at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe, 3172 Spruce at the corner of 5th. Breakfast meetings are held every Thursday 7 to 8:30 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend a meeting to learn how to become part of this dynamic organization and see why their motto is “Service Above Self.” For information, visit www.sdurotary.org or call 619.894.0140.

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Kensignton-Talmadge 2nd Wednesday

KENSINGTONTALMADGE PLANNING COMMITTEE Kensington Community Church. 6:30 p.m.

For information, call 619.284.0551

Linda Vista

2nd Monday

LVCPC Agenda– LINDAVISTACOMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE AGENDA Linda Vista Library meeting room.

Contact Jeff Perwin at 619.806.9559 for details 6 pm.

3rd Tuesday

Tech Committee - Technology Committee Bayside Community Center. Contact Xiogh Thao for detail at 858.278.0771 or email xthao@baysidecc.org or Info@lindavistaSD.org or visit our website www. lindavistaSD.org.

3rd Wednesday

LV Historical– LINDAVISTAHISTORICALCOMMITTEE Bayside Community Center. This committee is collecting historical photos, documents and memories of Linda Vista’s past. For more information, contact Eleanor Frances Sennet at 858.277.3817. 4 p.m.

LVCollab– LINDAVISTACOLLABORATIVE Bayside Community Center at 3pm. Contact Monica Fernandez at 858.278.0771 or mfernandez@baysidecc. org. For details visit www.facebook.com/LVCollaborative

Salon Services

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3rd Wednesday (Odd Months)

TCCAC– TECOLOTE CANYON CITIZEN’S ADVISORYCOMMITTEE Tecolote Nature Center. Contact Eloise Battle for details. 7 p.m.

3rd Thursday

Linda Vista Town Council Baha’i Faith Center Alcala Knoll Drive Contact Thomas Kaye 858.277.6793 at 6:30 p.m.

4th Monday

LVCPC– LINDAVISTACOMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE Linda Vista Library Meeting Room. Contact Ed Cramer at 619.222.2047 for details. 7:00 p.m.

4th Wednesday

LVPC– Linda Vista Planning Committee monthly meeting.

Linda Vista Library Meeting Room at 6 pm.

Contact Jeff Perwin 619.806.9559 for details, minutes and agenda at www.LindaVistaSD.com.

Linda Vista View Linda Vista Town Council Community Newsletter Contact Thomas Kaye at 858.278.6973

Various Wednesdays

LVNewsletter– LINDAVISTAVIEW Civic Association Community Newsletter. Bayside Community Center. Contact Sarah Granby at 858.405.7135 or e-mail sgranby@lvca-sd.org. 2:00 p.m.

Mission Hills

January 28th, 2015

Mission Hills Garden Club. The Urban Seed, located at 2754 Calhoun Street in Old Town at Fiesta de Reyes, is the site of the next meeting of the Mission Hills Garden Club. The topic is seasonal planting with seeds and other elements of nature. The meeting is from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., the last Wednesday of the month. Members are free; guests pay $10 which becomes part of the membership fee if they join that evening. For more information, visit www.missionhillsgardenclub.org.

Ocean Beach

OCEAN BEACH PLANNING BOARD Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave. Call 619.523.1700. 7 - 9:30 p.m.

4th Wednesday

OCEAN BEACH TOWN COUNCIL Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Avenue. Call Jere Battan at 619.515.4400 for information. 7 p.m.

Point Loma

January 14th, 2015

Point Loma Garden Club. Lucy Warren will present “Gardens of Balboa Park” at 10 a.m. Through the past century, a variety of different gardens were planted in Balboa Park. The gardens’ history will be revealed through photographs taken over the past century.

Warren will also share the “Secret” garden spots in the park as well as the new gardens. The enhanced horticulture for 2015 Centennial will also be presented.

Lucy Warren has written for many local and national publications including a regular gardening column in SD Union-Tribune. She has been editor for CA Garden Magazine. Is Chair and board member of Friends of Balboa Park. The meetings begin at 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Portuguese Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal. More information is available at www.plgc.org.

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$1,100,000

$1,035,000

2166-2170 Thomas Street

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All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act 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 preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers hereby informedthat all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-Free at 1-800-669-9777. The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

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Pacific Beach

Real Estate

January 2015

$489,990

1773 Sunset

Premium North MH Street

1145 22nd Street

Great owner-occupant or investor Triplex in Pacific Beach. Well maintained, good location, well priced. Make some money with your money!

3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1819 esf. Charming diamond in the rough on a canyon.

Lots of light, lots of potential here!

3 bedroom, 3½ bath, 3035 esf. Ideal entertaining home with generous interior and exterior spaces. Flexible floor plan offers options for extended family living.

Golden Hill Opportunity for the buyer that wants to do their own work! This wonderful home offers a great location close to Downtown, Hillcrest, North Park and Balboa Park. Spacious lot provides room for expansion or just a relaxing outdoor area! Much of the original wood work is in place.

Maureen and Antoinette

Maureen and Antoinette

Maureen and Antoinette

Maureen and Antoinette

619.800.1103

619.800.1103

619.800.1103

619.800.1103

Mission Hills

Carmel Valley

Marina District

Talmadge

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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$1,099,000

$459,900

3414 Jackdaw

100 Harbor Drive #805

The Harbor Club—one of San Diego’s most sought after addresses! Welcome to your multimillion dollar view in this rare 2 bed/2 bath 1474 esf. “bubble” unit in the west tower. Enjoy the concierge that greets you at the front door, the newly renovated amenity floor, the resort style pool, Jacuzzi, lounge area, and bbq center—they rival any 5 Star hotel. Providing a relaxing spa environment right out your door.

Prime single story location in Carmel Pointe.

Maureen and Antoinette

Maureen and Antoinette

Maureen and Antoinette

619.800.1103

619.800.1103

619.800.1103

University Heights

Happy Jack Arizona

South Mission Hills

Enjoy all the Del Mar Heights shops restaurants, parks and sought after schools! This 2/2 condo feels like a single family home!

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Craftsman Bungalow with 1/1 second unit ($1,350/month) Both legal units and 1 garage each!

See more details at www.SDHomePro.com

SCHNEEWEISS PROPERTIES JONATHAN SCHNEEWEISS J.D., LL.M. Broker Voted in San Diego Magazine’s,

“Best in Client Satisfaction,” 2008—2014

“2013, Finalist for San Diego Broker of the Year.”

BRE# 01378508 • 619.279.3333

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$1,995,000

$835,000

Luxury Cabin

Huge lodge like cabin 4 bedrooms/2.5 baths and a 1bed/1bath guest house on over 8 acres of secluded land surrounded by 2M acres of Forest Service Land.

See more details at www.SDHomePro.com

SCHNEEWEISS PROPERTIES

SCHNEEWEISS PROPERTIES

JONATHAN SCHNEEWEISS J.D., LL.M. Broker Voted in San Diego Magazine’s,

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4565-4567 Florida Street

4520 Estrella Avenue

Gorgeous 3/2 w/over 2,000 square feet and updates galore! Australian Outback room and landscaping!!

See more details at www.SDHomePro.com

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

1M !

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

$690,000

$1,039,000

3845 Elijah #618

Mission Hills Mediterranean inspired residence. Built in 2004, this stately home is an opportunity to have the space and conveniences you want right here in the center of San Diego.

Homes are rarely available in this tucked away enclave. Large open entry and living space create a open concept floor plan with 24’ ceilings and tumbled travertine flooring.

$649k—$749k

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

3831 Goldfinch St

Craftsman home with an income producing 2 BR unit on a corner lot in Mission Hills. Front home has hardwood floors, large living room with built-in seating, fireplace, spacious dining room with built-in cabinetry, bright & airy sunroom, generous MBR, office/den with built-in bookcases, 2 full baths, & optional bedroom located on the converted front porch. Rear attached unit (currently rented for $1725 monthly) has 2 BR, 1 BA, comfortable living room, yard space, & a laundry closeted in the kitchen.

2843 Eagle Street

Sleek, airy Contemporary home in South Mission Hills with an abundant view. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Large chef’s kitchen with copious cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a Viking range.

The backyard is perfect for relaxing or entertaining with a superbly custom-designed outdoor “living room” includes a kitchen, BBQ, fireplace, and Cabana with a half bath. The deck off the front of the house offers views to the cruise ships by day and downtown skyline and Embarcadero fireworks at night.

Call James Hardy, Agent CalBRE #01076819 at 619.204.9511

JONATHAN SCHNEEWEISS J.D., LL.M. Broker Voted in San Diego Magazine’s,

“Best in Client Satisfaction,” 2008—2014

$1,150,000

Call James Hardy, Agent CalBRE #01076819 at 619.204.9511

“Best in Client Satisfaction,” 2008—2014

“2013, Finalist for San Diego Broker of the Year.”

“2013, Finalist for San Diego Broker of the Year.”

BRE# 01378508 • 619.279.3333

BRE# 01378508 • 619.279.3333

La Jolla

North Mission Hills

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Point Loma

$9.5m—10.5m

3402 Gage Place

San Diego’s Point Loma peninsula is home to a few, truly significant residential properties. This magnificent private gated estate features 10,000 square feet of custom craftsmanship constructed of the highest quality materials (koa, teak, cedar, redwood, and fir) designed to maximize the 180 degree awe-inspiring ocean, bay, and San Diego downtown skyline views.

Call Rocky Rockhill, Agent CalBRE #01197738 at 619.972.3033

$1,595,000

2489 Darlington Row

This 2,939 square foot home is truly different from any other in Ridgegate. Located at the end in a private cul-de-sac, this home has a sweeping, circular flat backyard with unobstructed views to the east, private entertainment/seating areas, and a covered outdoor kitchen. The 4-bedroom home has 19-foot ceilings in the living room and a spacious master bedroom with spectacular views. Ridgegate amenities include 24 hour security, a community pool, and sport court.

Call Jim Scott, Broker CalBRE #830226 at 619.920.9511

$1,595,000

4239 Palmetto Way

$1,395,000

4477 Ampudia Street

Stately Mission Hills classic. Virtually untouched since Amazing development opportunity. Wonderful 1958 with period architectural details and beautiful gumwood. Mostly flat yard backs onto a lush canyon. location on a great 11,300 square foot log. Two The land was previously briefly owned by Kate bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Sessions. Only three owners since 1920.

Call Jim Scott, Broker CalBRE #830226 at 619.920.9511

Call Jim Scott, Broker CalBRE #830226 at 619.920.9511

PresidioSentinel.com

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The Reluctant Buyer

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Beginning in the spring, residential real estate sales volume There are several economists who support this economic idea. Robert sagged and appreciation rates followed suit. An adjustment was Schilling, the co-founder of the widely respected Case-Schiller Index, is probably inevitable given the market’s blistering and unsustainable just one of many economists whose research supports this position. He 2013 performance. There are many plausible theories as to why this contends that capital invested in a primary residence, the down payment occurred including a lack of listings; my view is the market changed plus the ordinary operating expenses, could earn a far greater return because the buyer class, for a variety of reasons, was not very if placed in alternative investments. His research shows the annual enthusiastic about the offerings and their prices. inflation-adjusted long-term historical return for stocks is about 6.5% The business press dutifully noted the market’s change, but offered and 3.5% for bonds. National home prices, according to his research, little in the way of an explanation for the marked reduction in the rate have increased less than half of one percent over the rate of inflation of price appreciation and in the number of sales. This seemed to be an since 1890. Using this metric, owning stocks and bonds appear to be the anomaly, considering the major local preferable investment option given and national economic markers no other external factors.

4311 Goldfinch Str eet were reflecting nothing but good The problem with this research is results. The Dow Jones burst through that real estate is local and dynamic.

North Mission Hills • $815,000 the 18,000 mark, a long way from For example, since 1970 the average below 7,000 seen during the Great price of a home in Mission Hills has Recession’s worst days. The national grown at a rate of about 3% per year economy grew at a healthy 5% rate adjusted for inflation (slightly more for the third quarter and consumer than the cIty rate). While lower than confidence improved. San Diego’s stocks, this comparison ignores the job creation is outperforming the significant additional investment state and national economies, return that is derived from leverage, and the sun is still shining. All of inflation, and government subsidies this begs the question, why is the (the mortgage interest deduction and housing market shambling along in Proposition 13). These three factors the midst of what seems to be a local give ownership a huge comparative economic boomlet? advantage over stocks and bonds.

Many argue that rising prices have Take inflation as an example. The depressed the foreclosure-investor monthly cost of homeownership, industry and encouraged owners plus the opportunity costs of the to keep their homes. Others think capital invested, is a ‘rent’ that harming mid-century home located on a 2014 was the flipside of the 2013 becomes cheaper in real dollars over bubblette. My own view is that many time. Renters, on the other hand, are very quiet and secluded North Mission Hills buyers virtually ‘withdrew’ from victims rather than beneficiaries of $ 815,000, cul-de-sac.

Very affordable at the market by offering far less than inflation. Today renters spend nearly this sunny 2 bedroom home is perfect for outdoor sellers were expecting, tempering half of their disposable income for sales, prices, and the number of housing. Homeowners, on the other living. You will love the large enclosed yard and listings. Additionally, there remains hand, service their debt with inflated period brick fireplace. There is also a guest studio an economic and psychological dollars, earning huge returns on with a full bathroom. hangover from the past recession their capital in the long term. which discouraged many newer Rent increases higher than the Call Jim Scott • 619.920.9511 entrants into the market. The desire rate of inflation, is inevitable in Broker • CalBRE #830226 to own your residence may now be San Diego. It remains very difficult less of an important core principle to build apartments and homes of our economic belief system. This ideological change has resulted in in San Diego. Add to this the local births-over-death ratio and ina new group of discretionary and very patient buyers--they alone have migration and you end up with a lack of housing supply. Renting, dampened the animal spirits of 2013. Or to quote The Who, they “Won’t as an economic option, will be relatively more expensive over time.

Get Fooled Again”.

Appreciation rates of residential real estate in San Diego may This new caution is best illustrated, for example, by how Millennials pale in relation to the Dow, but the alternative to owning a personal view homeownership. Last year several outlets ran stories about how residence will get less attractive over the next decade. Patient buyers and younger consumers are not following in their parent’s path when it comes millennials probably slowed down the market last year and restrained to homeownership. The Great Recession, so it is argued, is responsible price increases. Eventually there is no question the comparative for what appears to be a sea change in how this important group views advantage of ownership will even greater in the future. Renting will this traditional rite of passage. This cohort observed firsthand the social become less attractive, forcing these reformed buyers off of the fence. and economic havoc created by the home equity line of credit and more There could be another small bubble, perhaps as early as the fall. importantly, many believe renting is the smarter economic choice.

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Scott & Quinn has three offices, in Mission Hills at 1111 Fort Stockton Drive, in Normal Heights at 30th and Adams Avenue, and in South Park at 2973 Beech Street. The company also features Scott & Quinn Property Management. Founded in 1982, Scott & Quinn is the oldest full service real estate firm in Mission Hills and is still locally owned and operated. Jim has been a homeowner in Mission Hills since 1976.

Jim Scott, Broker, CalBRE #830226, 619.920.9511 www.JimScottHomes.com

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