Presidio Sentinel, February 2014, Vol. 15, No. 02 by Michal Tuzinkiewicz

Volume 15, No. 02

February January | 2014

Serving the Heart of San Diego

Husband & Wife

Doing What They Love See page 13 for article

Mormon Battalion Rededication Ceremony

Pugs N Kisses

A Publication by Presidio Communications

2nd Annual Historic Old Town Golf Classic

WEB EDITION

February 2014

Peacemaker Awards’ Honoree

PresidioSentinel.com

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. The serious issues are politics, government, redevelopment, the environment, conservation and safety. The quality of life issues include health, community activities, fundraisers, social events, religious issues and activities, theatre, arts, science and educational programs and services. We have over 35,000 monthly readers! Highly-educated, community-and arts-oriented. Both young and mature members of society. Most enjoy entertainment and travel, fine dining, local coffee houses, book and garden clubs, and participate in church, school and neighborhood activities. Our Mission: Making a difference, providing the facts, the truth, and a variety of opinions so that its readers are provided up-to-date researched information. The Presidio Sentinel strives to create dialogue, bringing topics to the forefront that need and deserve attention. Its writers, who share a variety of experiences and business backgrounds, write on topics that impact readers on a daily basis. Contact: General Inquiry: info@presidiosentinel.com Advertising: ads@presidiosentinel.com

Featured Stories

Featured Events

Small Business Owner Shares Her Thoughts

Mission Hills Monuments Dedicated

Art of Fashion 2014

Elementary School Hosts Concert Cruise

Winter of Hope Fundraiser

AMSD Concerts Saved by New Venue

The Many Loves of Don Juan

Music of the World Concert

THE MATTER OF ALEX RODRIQUEZ

by George Mitrovich

When Alex Rodriquez was playing for the Seattle Mariners, I was the guest preacher one summer at the First Presbyterian Church of Spokane, Washington. The title of my sermon that Sunday was “The Most Difficult Thing You Will Ever Do.” And the most difficult thing you will ever do in this life, if you’re a person of the Christian faith, is live your life consistent with the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ. Having read a long and admiring profile on Alex Rodriquez in Sports Illustrated, I used the young baseball star as an illustration of someone who took his Christian faith seriously and sought to follow his Lord. I was specifically impressed by Rodriquez’s devotion to his mother, a single mom, as Rodriquez’s dad had walked away from his family; but his son bore him no enmity, saying there was enough love in his heart for his dad to come back. He also said he was praying for the Holy Spirit to lead him to the woman he should marry. Several summers later I was invited back to First Presbyterian and preached on “The World’s Greatest Need,” the title taken from Mother Theresa, who said, “The world’s greatest need is for people to feel as though someone loves them.” By then Alex Rodriquez was gone from Seattle, the results of having signed a $250 million contract with the Texas Rangers, and his life

George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader. His email address, gmitro35@gmail.com

Mine Eyes Have Seen George Mitrovich

style was evolving (Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, and Madonna were in his future). A-Rod was not mentioned that Sunday. You’re reading this because a Washington friend asked why I had not written about A-Rod. The question was posed by a reader of my Baseball Notes, and wanted my take on Rodriquez’s suspension; a baseball arbitrator having ruled the Yankee star must sit for 162 games, or one entire season. I said to my friend you know me well enough to know that unless we’re talking Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Osama bin Laden, Karadžić, Mladić, and Milošević (the last three names, a Serbian “thing”), I’m inclined come down on the side of the accused, knowing prosecutors err. My friend said he understood, but said before writing a brief in A-Rod’s behalf, before I opined on baseball’s “persecution” of the Yankees’ star, I might want to consider the prosecution’s side, and rethink my position that A-Rod was nothing more than a “victim” of MLB’s zeal to bring down a high salaried, high profile player, who had become an embarrassment to the game. Really? Was I being asked to change my mind? The words of Oliver Cromwell, etched in stone above the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh,

came to mind, “I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible, you may be mistaken.” (Although he, the “Lord “Protector,” seldom did; ask the Irish.) But before that I wanted to know what Peter Gammons, one of the most respected of baseball writers, thought of A-Rod? This is the last paragraph Mr. Gammons wrote recently about the Yankees’ third baseman for his blog: “As for Alex, even after all the billable hours are paid off, he’s going to have lots of money. But he’s not going to have an acting career. Madison Avenue won’t touch him. The Players Association is not going to allow him to partner with Dan Lozano’s MVP agency. He can live the life of clubs and good Champagne, get a ghostwriter for a tell-all book and roll Collins Avenue as just another shell on South Beach.” My own view on ballplayers players using steroids and human growth hormones (HGH) was one mostly of disinterest. If millionaire athletes want to use performance enhancing drugs so they can hit 40 home runs instead of 25, throw 95 instead of 90, I was not getting my knickers in a knot. But then one hot, humid Saturday afternoon in late August, while having lunch at Fenway Park before a Yankees/Red Sox game, I was joined by someone with extensive knowledge of baseball.

Since Randy Johnson was pitching, the question came up, how Johnson went from throwing fastballs in the low 90s in June to throwing fastballs in the high 90s in the dog days of summer, if HGH wasn’t involved. The concern expressed over performance enhancing drugs was palpable, especially since there was no way of knowing who in who’s clubhouse, including the Red Sox’, might be HGH users – as there was neither a method of testing for it, nor evidence from medical science on its health effects. Surprised by the conversation that unfolded during lunch, I needed to weigh my own position; not because anyone in baseball would care what I thought, but I would. With A-Rod a major news story, and my friend’s challenge, I read Steve Eder’s front page story in The New York Times; a story based upon baseball arbitrator Frederic Horowitz’s 34 page indictment of A-Rod. To say Eder’s article was damning, would be an understatement, as it outlined in great detail A-Rod’s habitual use of banned substances – all in defiance of baseball’s rules. Outlined in a box accompany Eder’s story were code names for A-Rod’s drugs, which included, “Food,” for any banned performingenhancing substance; “Gummies,” Continued on page 9 PresidioSentinel.com

Local News

ÂŠ A Publication of Presidio Communications February 2014

Watch www.Fluoridegate.org online

PresidioSentinel.com

A Woman-Owned by Patty Ducey-Brooks

Local News

Small Business Owner Shares Her Thoughts

Most people don’t really understand my role with the Presidio Sentinel. They know me as a writer and editor. They don’t realize that I am also publisher, which means I also run the business. I am also the marketing manager for a San Diego-based manufacturing company. So, I wear lots of hats, and have long work days and weeks. Additionally, I am currently on the board of three non-profit organizations and am proud to be affiliated with all of them: the Old Town Chamber of Commerce, Mission Hills Foundation and Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company. Over the years, I have been on the board of upward of 25 nonprofit organizations and have been affiliated with 100s of other forprofit businesses and governmental agencies. As you can see, I’ve dealt with them all. Because of all of this experience, I understand small business and mid-size businesses, for profit and non-profit. And, every day, I am making minor and major decisions on behalf of my business

and the businesses I represent. And, I understand the impact that our local, state and national government has on these businesses. That’s why the upcoming mayoral election is very important to me and the organizations that I represent. I’ve been reviewing, observing and assessing the two individuals running for mayor, David Alvarez and Kevin Faulconer. Both are councilmembers with varying degrees of experience with government and the business community. What I have observed and assessed is that both are passionate about being mayor of San Diego, and that is good. So, now it’s my turn to think logically and professionally. I have to do my part to truly understand the role and impact that one or the other will have on our government, the local economy and the health and well being of the City of San Diego. As you can guess, I have done extensive research. And I have asked and listened to my fellow business associates who have shared their thoughts about who should be mayor. One of my close friends, a staunch Democrat, Chris Cramer, CEO and co-founder of Karl Strauss Brewing Company, recently sent me his firm endorsement of Kevin Faulconer. Cramer is one of numerous

Councilmember Kevin Faulconer and Father Joe Carroll (right) sharing some positive thoughts about San Diego’s future.

Democrats and business people who have shared their overwhelming support of Faulconer. Cramer is a fourth-generation San Diegan, who believes “Faulconer’s experience, leadership ability, and his unwavering commitment to San Diego’s core values and getting the most for our tax dollars make him the clear choice to lead our City into the future.” And, then there is Father Joe Carroll, who started and built Father Joe’s Villages, a massive undertaking that is serving the homeless, youth and people in need. He has endorsed Kevin Faulconer, based on his contributions and experience. Our previous mayor, Jerry Sanders, has also endorsed Kevin Faulconer. Sanders has worked closely with Faulconer and understands first hand, his commitment to San Diego, the business community and the future success of the City of San Diego. Do I know Kevin Faulconer? Yes. He was our councilmember before the redistricting occurred. So, I have

spent considerable time working with Faulconer and his staff over a period of eight years. And, I continue to work with him due to my role in the business community throughout the City of San Diego. That’s why I am endorsing Kevin Faulconer for Mayor of San Diego. He understands the challenges that small and big business owners face every day. These are the businesses that “feed” the economy for San Diego. He is not a career politician. He worked for a small business for most of his career before becoming a councilmember. For me, that’s extremely important. Kevin Faulconer understands the business community that brings money to our economy and that allows non-profits, unions and the government to succeed. Simply stated, we the people, all of us, must work together as a team. That’s what makes our economy and City successful.

The Rededication of the

Mormon Battalion Monuments This past January, a rededication of the Mormon Battalion Monuments that are in Presidio Park on Presidio Drive took place. Those who were present remembered the original dedication, especially, Iva Lou Neumann, who attended as a child.

During the ceremony those who spoke recognized the work of many who contributed to refurbishing the grounds, removing graffiti, installing new plaques, sprinklers and drought resistant plants.

Left to right are Iva Lou Neumann, Katherine Brimhall and Martha Gresham who attended the rededication ceremony.

PresidioSentinel.com

6 My

Local News

FOMO, SRSLY

by Ilene Hubbs

needed to learn the real meanings of current acronyms and buzz words. I realized this when I signed a message sent to someone who was going through a crisis with LOL. No one had told me yet that it stands for laugh out loud, which was not my intention. I thought I was signing off with lots of love, so my bad. As a lover of words, this way of communicating is foreign to me. My bad is not even a short cut. It is two words. Why not say I’m sorry? That’s two words. What’s with my bad? I can’t even blame it on my MIL, my mother in law, since she’s no longer around. Maybe I need a little more “me time” to learn the lingo. The Oxford Dictionary keeps me modern and alleviates my FOMO, or fear of missing out, by adding new words, phrases and acronyms every year, culminating with its word of the year. And this year the Wordie goes to selfie, that photo you take of yourself while holding the phone’s camera at arm’s length. Everyone’s doing the selfie, even our president.

Between the Lines: by Alice Lowe

and with

APOLS

I personally do not do selfies due to the fact I either look like I have four chins or a nose the size and shape of Florida. I looked up these new words on my smart phone, which is intermediate in size between a smart phone and tablet computer otherwise known as my phablet. I found that I can refer to my latest getaway to a hotel here in town as my staycay, where I can go to the bar and watch some men dad- dancing, an awkward and unfashionable dance form done by middle-aged men, causing optimum embarrassment in their offspring. These men are usually in doubledenim, an unfashionable mix of a denim top and denim pants while the women they are with might show up in jorts, a combination of jeans and shorts. At least they do not twerk, thankfully they leave that to Miley Cyrus. I wonder if dad dancing is buzzworthy, likely to arouse the interest and attention of the general public. Will the cyber generations to come talk in a language their elders just do not understand? Are we heading to a shortened and nicknamed version of all our words and phrases? I don’t

Patty Ducey-Brooks believe so. I think it’s just a more comprehensive list than ever. Didn’t my generation know that BYOB on a party invitation means we better have a bottle of our favorite libation with us. As a kid I always put SWAK right under the red lip marks on my envelopes telling the recipient the letter was sealed with a kiss. New words will always pop up due to current situations. I never used the word fracking before, but I do now. Digital detox is exactly what it sounds like and rather than call something a total mess we can says it is in omnishambles, a situation that has been mismanaged by a string of blunders and miscalculations causing, yes you guessed it, a total mess. Also when you see a woman with a large belly, do not assume she is pregnant, maybe it’s just a foodbaby, a protruding stomach caused by eating too much. I’m getting it, I realize I can be modern and even impress the grandkids, just by knowing their lingo. I might even sign my messages with an emoji to show them I am both delighted and excited by my new found vocabulary…Squee!!

Ilene Hubbs Associate Editor

Michal A. Tuzinkiewicz Creative Director

Phyllis E. Zawacki Graphic Designer

Contributing Writers Concetta Anitico 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

Local Authors on Display

Since establishing the “reading and writing” focus of this column three years ago, I’ve featured more than a dozen of San Diego’s local authors. It’s been a rewarding experience for me and I hope for readers as well. I’m constantly amazed at the wealth of talent we have in our community, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. During the month of February, we all have the opportunity to embrace this local treasure en masse as the Central Library features San Diego County writers in the 48th year of the Local Author Exhibit. This popular and long-running annual event calls attention to and provides exposure for the intellectual and creative accomplishments of writers in the region. This year’s exhibit was opened to San Diego County residents who published a book in 2013. It will include approximately 400 titles from almost as many authors and co-authors. The display will reflect the diversity of the publishing world, featuring a variety of genres: fiction and poetry, biography and memoir, business and history and

more; and representing small and independent presses as well as commercial publishers, academic and trade house publishing, work that is self-published, and e-books. A few of this year’s featured authors and titles are: “A Far Piece To Canaan” by Sam Halpern, the legendary father of Justin Halpern, author of the New York Times bestseller “Sh*t My Dad Says.” “My Bargain With God: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Lou Dunst.” Ten-year-old Amal Shah’s “What’s Your Future?” Shah has been submitting books since he was six. He created and wrote the Lama Bear stories with his mother, Yasmin Shah. “Off My Rocker: One Man’s Tasty, Twisted, Star-Studded Quest for Everlasting Music” by Kenny Weissberg, who helped establish the long-running outdoor pop concert series at Humphreys By the Bay. Zohreh Ghahremani’s second novel, “The Moon Daughter.” Her previous book, “Sky of Red Poppies” was exhibited in 2011 and was a One Book One San Diego selection in 2012. Ghahremani raves about the Central Library and its programs for writers: “To

showcase my first novel at the library’s local author exhibit has probably been the most positive step in my career. I think the support of our library, long before they even knew me, helped pave the road for my career.” The event has grown steadily over the years. Exhibit assistant Rachel Esguerra has seen an increase from about 250 titles just since 2007 when she first became involved. E-book entries have also grown from just a handful a few years ago to almost 60 this year. An online gallery, serving as a permanent reference, has augmented the exhibition since 2010. The exhibit is just one of the components of the library’s Local Author Program. Special events for authors include book discussions, writing workshops and author talks, where writers can interact directly with readers. This year’s featured books will be on display for the entire month in the lobby of the new downtown Central Library at 820 E Street, after which they will be reviewed for inclusion in the library’s collection. If you haven’t yet paid a visit to this fabulous new facility, now’s the time.

35,00 0 Perspective Clients Woul d Be Reading Your Name Right Now! Call 619.296.8731 PresidioSentinel.com

Publisher

George Mitrovich David Rottenberg Anne Sack Sabine Starr 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. All rights are reserved. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part without express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Subscription rate is $25 per year. Send checks, all letters, editorial, press releases and calendar of events to the following.

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

619.296.8731 fax: 619.295.1138

office:

email: info@presidiosentinel.com site: presidiosentinel.com A Publication of Presidio Communications

The

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for boarding, bathing, grooming, pet food and prescription and non-prescription drugs. Expires 02-28-2014

Animal News

Year of the Horse

Horses of Tir Na Nog is the oldest equine sanctuary in San Diego County and is currently caring for fortyseven equines. Horses of Tir Na Nog is an adoption partner with County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, and we work in compliance with American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Rescue and Retirement Guidelines. To learn more and contribute, visit. www.horsesoftirnanog.org.

This mare was picked up as a stray in late 2013. After two months of efforts by Animal Services to find her an adoptive home, she was placed with Horses of Tir Na Nog.

Fido & Co.

Host Valentine’s Fundraiser

for Pug Rescue

Buddy is a five-year old, Arabian gelding. With a curious and sweet disposition, this lovable gelding leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. Just like his name suggests, Buddy wants to be your friend and will be forever loyal and grateful. One of our trainers has been working with Buddy extensively and he has really come out of his shell - in fact, you wouldn’t recognize him from when he first came into our care. He was incredibly shy and slow to trust. But now, his sweet nature and lovable personality have finally been able to shine through. All he needed was a little love and patience. And now all he needs is a new home where he will be loved and cared for. In return, he promises to be a wonderful addition to your family and offer an abundance of unconditional love and sweet companionship.

Pug Rescue of San Diego County, an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing unwanted, neglected, abandoned and relinquished Pugs, is the beneficiary of Pugs N Kisses, a Valentine’s themed fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014 at Fido & Co. Canine Country Club, located at 1228 University Avenue in the San Diego neighborhood of Hillcrest. Pugs N Kisses begins at 2 p.m. and will feature a doggiecouture fashion show, shopping, basket auction, and generous tastings of wine, gourmet cheese, fruit and handmade desserts. Tickets are just $20 per person in advance and $25 at the door. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased on the organization’s website at www.pugbutts.com until Feb. 7. Each ticket covers admission and four glasses of wine (or nonalcoholic drinks of your choice), and unlimited gourmet sweets, fruit and cheeses.

Pugs and their parents can enter a fashion show for an additional fee. This year’s fashion show also includes a costume contest. Everyone who enters the contest will receive a free bottle of wine. There will also be a Pug Kissing Booth. All admission and event proceeds benefit the Pug Rescue of San Diego County. In 2013, volunteers from Pug Rescue of San Diego County took in more than 170 Pugs, a drastic 26 percent increase from last year. Over the years, the economic recession and home foreclosures have forced many owners to give up their dogs, turning to the all volunteer organization for help. Funds raised from the fundraiser will help the organization continue to provide medical intervention and comfort in foster care to the Pugs relinquished to Pug Rescue of San Diego County. Learn more about Pug Rescue of San Diego County, an all-volunteer organization, at www.pugbutts.com or call 619.685.3580.

Buddy is available for adoption, but because of his size he is being fostered on a nice ranch. To meet him, please contact customer service at 619.299.7012. His adoption fee of $250 includes a certificate for a free veterinary exam. Missy is a four-year old, domestic short hair mix. SShe has a relaxed and mellow personality, which ensures she’ll offer a pleasant hello in the mornings and a loving welcome back after a hard day’s work. Missy enjoys quiet times and is content to amuse herself while you’re away. Although she is low maintenance, if you give her a feather toy, be prepared for 15 fun-filled minutes for your viewing pleasure. Missy also enjoys naptime and gentle petting every so often. However, she is not a lap kitty. Missy prefers to be the only feline in a cat-savvy home with no young children, please. Missy’s adoption fee includes my spay/neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a gift from Hill’s Science Diet, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and limited veterinary medical coverage from VCA Hospitals up to $250. Missy is currently available for adoption at the Airport Road/North Campus of the San Diego Humane Society, located at 572 Airport Road in Oceanside. For information, call 760.757.4357 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Pugs and their parents are invited to enter a fashion show.

For more information on Buddy, call 619.299.7012 For more information on Missy, call 760.757.4357

SPCA PresidioSentinel.com

8 The

Lifestyle

Ultimate Recipe

by Blake Beckcom

If you’re coming off the holiday season high, feeling tired, lethargic, bloated and unfit, it’s time to pull out all the stops by using a tried and true recipe for curing the holiday hangover. The following four steps will help you cook up a healthy and fit lifestyle for 2014 that you’ll want to share with all of your friends, family and loved ones. Start with a Will Where there’s a will, there’s a way to shaking off the malaise that you’re commonly left with after indulging in your favorite foods, skipping your fitness routines and squeezing your energy levels during the holidays. Sometimes, you just have to dig through layers of guilt and apprehension to uncover your desire to re-engage healthier and fit lifestyle choices. “It comes down to the effort you put into it,” says Gwen Beckcom, personal trainer and studio owner at Fitness Together Mission Hills. “If you really want it, you’re going to really get results. If you kind of want it, then you’re going to kind of get results.” As you find yourself in full swing for the New Year, you might be kicking yourself for taking a hiatus from fitness during the holidays and you might be finding it hard to get started again with eating healthy and exercising regularly. If you overdid it during the holidays, try not to be too hard on yourself. Rather, focus your attention on getting your foot back in the door and taking one step at a time toward kicking the holiday hangover to the curb and welcoming healthy habits back into your lifestyle. Mix in a Pinch of Positive Attitude to Reset Your Mind and Body While negative feelings of regret and remorse are normal responses to

Home is

a holiday hangover, you will find great difficulty in achieving your health and fitness goals this year if you don’t turn your perspective and attitude into a more positive outlook. Make it a point to monitor your progress along the way so you not only feel the results of your hard work and dedication, but you see that you are moving forward in the right direction. People are usually really hard on themselves this time of year. We’re all human and everyone has their ups and downs. The most important thing to realize is it’s a new day and you can start over. Think positively again and just getting refocused. Make the most out of your time and just stay active so you aren’t exactly starting over, but just starting again. Blend Regular Exercise and Good Nutrition Until You Reach a Healthy Consistency Re-establishing healthy exercise and food habits is one of the most crucial steps to curing the holiday hangover. To get the best results, you really can’t do one and not the other. It takes a twopronged approach of eating clean every day and exercising regularly – twice-aweek strength training and doing at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise (walking, running, biking, swimming, etc.) four to five times per week. If you need help getting started toward living a healthier 2014, hiring a personal trainer can be the special ingredient you need to get on course with a customized nutrition and exercise program that meets your individual needs and goals. Trainers also can help keep you accountable to not only eating healthy and completing your workouts, but also to

keeping a positive attitude throughout your journey. “Nutrition can be the best medicine or the worst poison for your body so choose healthy foods to feed your body the nutrition it needs,” says Beckcom. “Good food is going to make you feel better so you will be more likely to go out and find time to exercise. You will feel better about yourself and more energized anytime you do something active in your day. Something is better than nothing so make the time for 30 minutes per day to exercise and do something for you. I’m sure some people spend more time than that on Facebook every day.” If you’re thinking about resetting your mind and body with a cleanse, like many do this time of year, Beckcom advises that you take a healthy approach. A healthy cleanse should include eating clean and organic foods, drinking plenty of water and staying away from sugar, alcohol and processed foods. A cleanse shouldn’t include starving yourself or stripping your digestive track of the healthy bacteria and digestive enzymes you need. She recommends doing a cleanse to kick start your mind and body over the weekend and on your day off from the gym, as cleansing while exercising isn’t always a healthy combo. “Sometimes you just need to reset your body. But you want to use a cleanse that will replenish good bacteria while you’re cleaning the toxins out of your body,” advises Beckcom. Top It Off with Sleeping Well and Drinking Enough Water After many late nights of holiday celebration and cheer, your mind and body may feel deprived of the basic needs of healthy rest and fluids. If

Blake & Gwen Beckcom.

you don’t have the proper sleep and hydration to support an active and fit lifestyle, then you aren’t going to have the energy you need to get over the holiday hangover hump and continue going strong throughout the New Year. Get yourself back on track by refueling your engines with healthy sleep habits of six to eight hours of shuteye each night and drinking enough water consistently throughout the day. “There is a prescription to get you where you want to be,” says Beckcom. “It includes a mix of eating clean and working out regularly, as well as sleeping well and drinking enough water. If you don’t have the sleep and hydration to support your exercise program, then you aren’t going to have the fuel to keep you going.” Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise & 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 & San Diego City Search.

Where the Heart Is

by Mrs. Freud

San Diego is a beautiful city with unbeatable weather. It is amazing to live here. Yet, if you are a transplant from cold weather country you might be familiar with the question from family and friends of your childhood, “Don´t you miss the seasons?!”, quickly followed by “I would miss the seasons!” The first few years of my time in Southern California I agreed with the above sentiments. I would miss the beauty of sunny days after snow fall, the radiant colors of the leaves in fall, the pure green of the new growth in spring, and the giddiness of drinking in the few perfect summer days. Focused on what I had no more because I left a country with distinct seasons, San Diego´s beauty was often lost on me. Forgotten were the long weeks of fog in late fall, the housebound weariness during icy winter days, the never ending rains in spring, the violent thunderstorms and hail on a hot summer day, which are all major parts of living with the four seasons. “You know what, I don´t really miss the winter anymore,” is my PresidioSentinel.com

answer today. I embrace what is in front of me today. What made the biggest difference is that I have discovered how I am at home inside myself. “Wherever I go, there I am,” is a clear motto that helps to embrace the immediate environment and the people at any given moment. Being stuck in comparisons is distracting and confining. Once we accept that we can bring our feeling of home with us wherever we go, so many things get easier, and emotionally we get more stable and happy. Making meaningful connections, finding favorite spots and places to go to for our various moods and needs as well as pleasures, is a good way to start feeling at home. Be curious about your neighbors, your neighborhood, the endless possibilities. It helps to feel connected, bonded and safe. Wherever we are, we don´t want to be isolated. We as humans are social creatures with the desire to be surrounded by others. It is the people around us and our connecting with them, as well as being comfortable with our own company that opens up our heart and generates a sense of being at home. We will always have only one place where we are from, but we can have many

different physical homes throughout the course of our lives. Wherever we are, it is important to feel at home. Even if we only spend a night at a hotel, it is worth investing a few moments to make ourselves feel at home. It could be as simple as bringing a favorite bandana and draping it over the TV when not in use. Engage all your senses for the best results. It can also be habits, traditions; like meditating for a few minutes after

arriving at a new place. With every move we learn more about what is important to us to feel at home. For some it is walls filled with family photos, for others it can be having a relaxing bath before bedtime. Whatever opens your heart and makes you feel safe and at home, make sure you have that in your life. And in terms of missing the winter, I am once again spending my January birthday in short sleeves. Now this is pure delight.

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

Business News

What Happens to

Your Digital Assets?

by Rick Brooks

As more and more of our life moves from filing cabinets and desk drawers into “the cloud,” it is becoming more important to plan for the management of your electronic assets at death or disability. Think about your iTunes library. Or (for the six people reading this column who don’t own an Apple product) think about movies you may have purchased and stored in digital, rather than physical, format. Have you thought about how your survivors might access these assets after you’re gone? The most basic digital asset is your email account. Can someone get into your email account to help wind up your affairs? (Speaking of affairs, have you thought about whom you might want to see your email account? But that’s a different article entirely…) Does this person (your executor or survivor) have your passwords to access your electronic life? Think about a week in your life. A 2007 Microsoft study suggested the average person had 6.5 passwords,

each of which was used on 3.9 websites. And that’s probably on the low side considering the digital migration to Facebook and Netflix since then. Personally; I have a spreadsheet that lists over 150 user IDs and Passwords for everything from Amazon to Yelp. Can your spouse access your bank account to take over electronic bill paying? Or to access directly deposited paychecks or pension payments? Can your survivors access your iTunes or airline miles to retrieve those assets? What about photo sharing websites like Facebook or Shutterfly? Some of these accounts will be deleted if they are inactive for too long, and it would be a tragedy to lose years worth of family pictures for lack of a user ID and password. Password sharing between family members is the simplest solution, although I might point out that it is against the rules under most website terms and conditions and illegal under the Stored Communications Act of 1986. Setting aside the legality issue, sharing passwords also presupposes

that you haven’t changed any of them and that your partner or spouse has a current list. And that your list is secure. And, thinking about the iPhone 5’s fingerprint password and developments in retina scanning technology, that old alphanumeric password may soon go the way of the buggy whip. After all, you can’t really voice-print someone in a coma. As with so much about estate planning, your best recourse is simply to have a plan. Start by taking inventory. If you haven’t done so already, make a list of every website you use where funds or other assets might reside, and every financial institution where you have an account. You should also include a reason as to why each site is important to you. Maybe you’ve done a lot of family history research on Ancestry.com that you don’t want lost. Maybe you want to pass on your 10,000 eBook Kindle collection. Decide what you want done with your electrons. You might want to try to preserve some digital

assets, such as blog posts or recipes you’ve stored on the web. Speaking of which, imagine if Julie Powell (Julie and Julia) had died just as she finished her blog. Would her husband have had rights to her story? Would he have known how to access the blog to memorialize it? You can instruct your executor on how you want your accounts handled. For example, you might want to delete your twitter account but memorialize your Facebook timeline for posterity. Pictures and digital music files can be backed up on a local computer or burned to a disk. Designate your digital executor. Just as you list other powers for your agents in legal documents (like paying bills or moving money), your will and powers of attorney should include language to allow an agent to manage your electronic media, too.

These steps may seem daunting, but as you can see, planning ahead can make it a lot easier to pick up the pieces when the time comes.

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. Rick can be reached at 858.755.5166, or by email at brooks@bfadvisers.com. Rick and his family live in Mission Hills.

ALEX RODRIQUEZ Continued from page 3

for testosterone lozenges; “Pink Food,” “Pink Cream,” “Blue Cream,” and “PM Cream,” for testosterone creams; “Liquid Soap” or “Red Liquid,” for testosterone lozenges in melted of liquefied form; and Cojete or Rocket, syringes containing substances like HGH and IGF-1 (insulin growth factor). CBS Sports headlined the story, “Entire A-Rod arbitration case released, shows crushing MLB win.” Matt Snyder, who writes about baseball for the network, began his article by quoting the Horowitz report’s opening paragraph: “A review of all the evidence and argument presented by all parties in this proceeding clearly and convincingly establishes Rodriguez committed multiple violations of the [Joint Drug Agreement] and [Basic Agreement] warranting a substantial disciplinary penalty...” And Snyder ended with the report’s conclusion: “Based up on the entire record from the arbitration, MLB has demonstrated with clear and convincing evidence there is just cause to suspend Rodriguez for the 2014 season and postseason for

having violated the JDA by the use and/or possession of testosterone, IGF-1 and HGH over the course of three years, and for the two attempts to obstruct MLB’s investigation..., which violated Article XII (B) of the Basic Agreement. While this length of suspension may be unprecedented for a MLB player, so is the misconduct he committed...” The report’s release and in-depth stories by cable television and print journalists make abundantly clear A-Rod is an A-1 “doper”, and he should feel fortunate that his season long exile from America’s Game was reduced from its original 215 game suspension. The Alex Rodriquez I used as an example of Christian piety at First Presbyterian in Spokane 17 summers past, is no more. The young baseball star with a compelling personal story, who wanted the Holy Spirit’s guidance on the woman he should marry, now seeks the guidance of drug suppliers and high price attorneys to keep him free of the baseball rules he morally bound himself to observe. But to my Washington friend, and to anyone else who might share an interest in my judgment

of A-Rod, let me reaffirm, what millionaire athletes do to enhance their performances through drugs, while a heightened concern, will not become a major preoccupation. I will not be compromised into thinking such issues pose measurable threats to America’s future, while millions of young men and women fall victim to hard drug usages – not least the heroine epidemic sweeping the land. The national media, while devoting so much air time and ink to the A-Rod story, have shamefully ignored the drug epidemic we face; an epidemic so vast that if left unchecked, poses a serious danger to America’s future. The one political leader who gets it is the governor of Vermont, Peter Shumlin, who devoted his entire state of the state address to the problem of drug addiction in his beautiful stat – which has witnessed a 770 percent rise in the use of heroine. And yet national media has written off this border to border, coast to coast, epidemic as a problem of “rural America,” as if that made it okay – for this problem transcends Vermont and “rural America.”

Mary Alice Williams, one of CNN’s founders and brilliant television anchor, who now teaches at State University New York (SUNY) Purchase, says the idea that only “rural America” is effected by our drug epidemic is “complete nonsense and the height of journalism folly. No place in America is safe from this plague.” She’s right, of course, and unless we as a nation own up to this threat and confront it openly, a problem that may already be beyond our control will take us further toward the abyss. I began this essay with a sermon preached in Spokane about a young baseball star who rose to great fame, permitted it to consume his ego and corrupt his judgment and Christian values, and while I find his fall from grace significant, I cannot place his performance enhancing drug usage on the same level as the USA’s had drug epidemic. We will survive A-Rod; whether we survive the other is an open question. George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader. He may be reached at, gmitro35@gmail.com.

Put Your Name In Front of 35,000 Potential Customers! For more information, call 619.296.8731

PresidioSentinel.com

Local News

Art of Fashion 2014:

A Design Competition

The Timken Museum of Art and the David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT) will join together to host Art of Fashion 2014: A Design Competition. Eight TFT graduate student costume designers have created half-scale costumes inspired by Thomas Gainsborough’s 1788 painting, “A Peasant Smoking at a Cottage Door,” which is on extended loan to the Timken from UCLA’s Hammer Museum. International fashion icon and designer Zandra Rhodes and an honorary “Pink List” committee of fashion-forward and civic-minded ladies will judge the designs. The name of the winning graduate designer

will then be announced and presented with a $5,000 scholarship at the Award Celebration held on Saturday, February 8. Timken board member and UCLA alumna Lori Walton and her husband, Basketball Hall of Famer and UCLA All-American Bill Walton are co-chairs. The student creations range from historically accurate 18th century fashion to theatrical fantasy, to the contemporary catwalk. The unique perspectives of the students, who come from as far away as central China to those from New York, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oregon and California, are reflected in their creations. For more information, visit timkenmuseum.org.

Student designers create fashion to earn a $5,000 scholarship.

Mission Hills

Monuments Dedicated

The center divide on Washington Street was packed with people this past January for the dedication of the Mission Hills monuments. On hand were dignitaries, including Supervisor Ron Roberts of Mission Hills and Interim Mayor Todd Gloria, who is also the councilmember for Mission Hills. Stuart White, Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID) design chair, who started the project over seven years ago, spoke of the process

and thanked those who helped to ensure its completion. Supervisor Ron Roberts helped to secure funding and Todd Gloria’s office assisted with final funding and the permit process. Trish Watlington, president of the Mission Hills BID thanked all who attended the dedication and Stuart White for his commitment to this effort.

Wh y a Neighborhood Specialist

G i ve s Yo u t h e B e s t Re s u l t s When you make the decision to sell your home, one of your first choices is to select the Realtor who will represent you in this very important process. While you have literally thousands of agents from which to choose, you are making a big and possibly costly mistake if you list your home with an agent who is not a specialist in your community. First, a neighborhood specialist will not underprice your home. A strong sale at a strong price is his very best advertisement to other potential listing prospects. In addition, an agent who knows the in’s and out’s of all recent sales and the community’s strengths, secrets, and habits will be at an advantage to negotiate for your best interests. Does your agent know the desirability of that fireplace tile? Does she know the significance of the architect who built your home and others on your block? Does he know about that private sale just down the street that adds value to your home but isn’t in the traditional real estate data base? If he/she is from out of the area, the answers to these questions are likely “no”.

Lots of people crammed the center divide on Washington Street to commemorate the dedication of the Mission Hills monument.

In order for you to attain the highest possible sale price for your home, the Realtor who you choose to represent you must have intimate knowledge of your area and weave the benefits of your neighborhood and surrounding community into their marketing and advertising strategy. They should have total familiarity with existing and recently sold inventory, and they should be dialed into (and personally involved with) community issues and events. Perhaps that out-of-area agent where you are buying said that they would be happy to list your home and give you a discount on the commission to do it all with him/her. It’s almost a given that you will need that discount to make up for what you lose by not partnering with a community expert!

Call Us Today to Discuss How We Can Make Your Real Estate Experience Rewarding & Lucrative Through Our Unique Blend of Professional & Personal • 619.800.1103

’t “ We D o n

J u s t S e ll H o m e s, We S e l l N e i g h b o r h o o d s

Maureen & Antoinette CA BRE License #01217712 & #01305747

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 1621 W. Lewis Street, San Diego, CA 92103

619.800.1103 | www.MissionHillsColdwellBanker.com PresidioSentinel.com

”

Lifestyle

Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy Another Step in Restoring the Environment by Barb Strona

In November, Mission Hills Garden Club learned a great deal about Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. Cindy Collins gave us a bit of its history and described their various projects and how they sustain them. Their mission is “to preserve and restore the biological integrity and beauty of the San Diego River while integrating recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for youth, seniors, families, and citizens of East San Diego County.” Their goals are to restore the land along the San Diego River between El Cap and Santee, to support the San Diego River Trail and its recreation facilities, and to support research and education as well as improve water quality through natural filtration systems. The conservancy is part of 50 community-based conservancies working to preserve and restore 52 miles of the San Diego River from Julian to the Pacific Ocean and 400 square miles of watershed. Collins showed us photographs from before the conservancy began its work. Prior to restoration efforts in 2005, the surrounding sand mines had rendered the river banks and nearby terrain barren One can see the difference the restoration has made by comparing it to an area still used for sand mining. Instead of the newly restored native

plants which include willow, mule fat, sage, monkey flower, California lilac, toyon, and laurel sumac, the sand mining area is home to nonnative invasive mustard. Part of the restoration came from removing over 14 tons of weeds, mostly invasive arundo, and gradually thinning the oily eucalyptus allowing native oaks and sycamores to mature. They also removed over 600 yards of fill from the sand pits. Cottonwoods and willows appeared as soon as the fill was removed. The open portion of the Trail welcomes hikers, runners, bicyclists, dogs on leashes, horses, and many of our threatened and endangered birds. The terrain is fairly flat making it accessible to the handicapped. Along the river flooding was common; a big flood took place in 1993 and another in December of 2010. Widening the river allows more water to flow which helps prevent floods. Another area being restored is Hansen El Monte Pond. This project is a cooperative effort with the land‘s owner, the Endangered Habitats Conservancy, the San Diego River Conservancy, San Diego County Department of Water Resources and Cal Trans. They are working to restore 145 acres on which a 60 acre left-over sand mining pond sits. This project will connect the pond to the San Diego River, creating a storage basin for floodwaters to expand thus

Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy Valentine’s Day! FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS, CALL

BARBARA STRONA

BRE#008272337

CRS, GRI, SRES, RMS

(619)203-1200 FOR ALL YOUR(619)295-2702 REAL ESTATE NEEDS, CALL barbstrona@aol.com

www.strona.com

BARBARA STRONA BRE#008272337

CRS, GRI, SRES, RMS

(619)203-1200 (619)295-2702 barbstrona@aol.com

www.strona.com

protecting the acreage downstream from flooding. It will also create 20 acres of wetland to attract birds. The necessary studies and permit processes will take a year; then the project will begin. Once the site is complete, the wild flora and fauna should return in two or three years. The restoration is also improving water quality. The old concrete channel increased the alkaline level of the water, thus reducing the numbers of birds and bugs. The conservancy’s efforts to rectify this were successful. Initially the water was too warm, too salty, and too muddy for fish to flourish. Now the water flows through bulrushes and cattails which filter it naturally. Robin Rierden, executive director, said that these plants are capable of removing up to ninety per cent of water impurities. A very important undertaking is the Arundo Control Project. Arundo was the fuel that fed the 2003 Cedar fire. By providing free arundo removal, the conservancy helps control wild fires while providing a more welcoming environment for native plants and birds. The conservancy hopes to lure birds with the nest boxes they have built and installed for the western bluebirds. An osprey platform was installed to encourage the fishing osprey to nest and rear young, and an owl box awaits barn owl tenants. So far the Conservancy has restored 100 acres of riverbed. The trail extension was completed in November of last year. The

conservancy, in its fourth year of an Education Program Series, is working with the East County schools; currently 2500 students serve in the River Keeper Program. The conservancy will soon have a San Diego River Field Station for Lakeside for research in the San Diego River watershed. The Community Education Program gives tours of bugs, insects and spiders; lectures on snake safety: on sustainable landscaping; on rainfall, erosion, water quality, and the hydrologic cycle. In addition, they the community can learn about bats (“Going Batty for Bats”) and about composting, The Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy has grown and continues to grow. Each conservancy works with a host of other organizations as members of the San Diego River Coalition. They all rely on donations for survival. For more information, call or email them: 619.297.7380 and info@ sandiegoriver.org. Find out what you can do to help. On February 26 Jim Bishop and Scott Borden will speak on aloes at the Mission Hills Church of Christ at 4070 Jackdaw between Fort Stockton and West Lewis from 6 until 8 p.m. They have traveled extensively and have photographs from all over the world. Bishop is a landscaper, and he and Borden have magnificent succulent gardens on their property. Come to learn about ways to have a dramatic hassle-free garden. Garden Club members are free; guests pay $10.00. PresidioSentinel.com

School News

Elementary School

St. Vincent de Paul Fo u r t h G r a d e r s

Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano Fourth graders at St. Vincent de Paul School recently visited the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Students, teachers, and parents took the train from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano to learn first-hand about the mission. Fourth grade students study California history, including the history of the California Missions, as part of their Social Studies curriculum. This field trip to the Mission San Juan Capistrano proved to be both exciting and enriching for the young learners. They especially enjoyed the knowledgeable docents dressed in historic attire who conducted their tour of the mission. The students were guided through the mission grounds and saw exhibits, museum rooms, gardens, fountains, and more.

Known as “The Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh of the twenty-one California missions established by Spain. Following the trip, students began working on their mission projects as a hand-on learning activity. Models of all 21 California missions created by the students are currently on display at the school. St. Vincent de Paul School is a Catholic, co-educational elementary school, founded in 1948 in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, St. Vincent’s services children from Preschool through Eighth Grade. For information about the school, visit www.svscatholic. org or call 619.296.2222

Students, teachers, and parents took the train from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano to visit The Jewel of the Missions

•

Hosts Concert Cruise

Silver Gate Elementary School is proud to announce its first concert cruise fundraiser with live local music on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014. The music cruise, benefitting the Friends of Silver Gate Foundation, will be held on Flagship Cruises’ yacht “California Spirit.” The funds raised will be used to support Silver Gate’s new literacy lab, providing extra language arts instruction with a focus on the new common core state standards to all grade levels. “The idea was inspired by the need to raise funds for a new literacy lab,” said Wendy Engel, the Silver Gate Elementary parent coordinating the event. “We hope to bring together more than just Silver Gate parents – we’re hoping to bring together lots of friends from all over San Diego to enjoy an elegant, relaxed yet fun night out.” The floating concert gives guests the chance to view the San Diego city skyline from the water while dancing to great local music and enjoying food and drinks. A limited number of tickets are available for

$60 per person, which includes one complimentary glass of champagne, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a commemorative photograph, during a three-hour tour of the bay on Flagship Cruises’ luxury yacht. Boarding starts at 5:30 p.m.; the ship departs at 6 p.m. and returns to the docks at 9 p.m. The evening opens with local musician Marcela Mendez, known for her role as lead singer of San Diego’s popular pop/rock cover band HoneyRock. Mendez’s acoustic music has been turning ears for several years with her soaring vocals (think Adele meets Stevie Nicks) and spicy personality. The local band Last Call, formerly The Weener Pigs, will get the dancing started with 70’s Rock and Roll. The band features Adam Harris, a Silver Gate Elementary dad on lead vocals; local Seaside Dentistry dentist Jim Jones on drums. Heather Jones and Silver Gate mom Erika Dale provide backup vocals. To purchase tickets, drop by or call the Silver Gate School Office at 619.222.1139 or email wendyengel@sbcglobal.net.

Flagship Cruises & Events, serving San Diego since 1915, is located downtown between the Broadway Pier and the Navy Pier at 990 N Harbor Drive. N

OPEN HOUSE ˜ 2013 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 TH • 6:00-8:00 P.M. St. Vincent’s School is a Catholic, co-educational elementary school founded in 1949 in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, St. Vincent’s serves children in preschool as well as kindergarten through eighth grade and is staffed by the Sisters of Mercy and a complement of experienced lay teachers.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

PRESCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN ~ EIGHTH GRADE LIMITED SPACES Available • Preschool through 7th grade

St Vincent’s School

4061 Ibis Street l San Diego California 92103 l 6 1 9 2 9 6 2 2 2 2 W W W

PresidioSentinel.com

S V S C A T H O L I C

C O M

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

Missionhillsacademics.com • missionhillsacademics@gmail.com

Local News

Husband & Wife

Doing What They Love

by Patty Ducey-Brooks For 30 years, Valerie Lee Ferrari has been operating her boutique clothing and accessory shop, Le Bel Age, at 1607 W. Lewis Street in Mission Hills. This past October she initiated a very soft opening of Chateau Le Bel Age, which is just across the street at 1578 W. Lewis Street. Having been a clientele for most of those years, it’s fascinating to observe her talent, eye for creativity and ability to make her business grow and flourish. She inspires others, including the businesses on Lewis Street. Her energy and artistic flair is truly contagious. Jimmy Ferrari, Valerie’s husband, came onto the scene about eight years ago. Jimmy is the proprietor of With Love, a card and gift shop that is also in the “hood” at 1620 W. Lewis Street. They have been a couple for upward of 14 years and can’t remember how long they’ve been married. It’s not important. What’s important is that they live their lives doing what they love. Both Valerie and Jimmy have amazing creativity. Their businesses are

reflective of their artistic energy. Their guests and clientele know they won’t disappoint. I got to tour the new boutique, Chateau Le Bel Age, and was truly impressed with the layout, design and aura of the store. It’s inviting, calming and enticing. The store has a similar personality to Le Bel Age. However, it’s spacious and offers some new lines of clothing and accessories. The new store, in addition to being more spacious, will offer clothing for sizes 14-18. Le Bel Age will continue to offer smaller sizes. However, I found a nice array of sizes at Chateau Le Bel Age, and at prices that were attractive to the wallet. Valerie encourages guests to visit Chateau Le Bel Age and “play dress up.” She says it is important to allow yourself to explore, find yourself and have fun. She has plenty of options and ideas to help ladies getting ready for every occasion: work, play and whatever.

An attractive environment creates the perfect shopping experience.

MADCAPS’ 54 TH

Annual Benefit Show MADCAPS World Tour 2014 performances will take place from Thursday, March 20 through Saturday, March 22 at Correia Middle School, located at 4302 Valeta Street, San Diego, CA. 92107. This show will also introduce the class of 2020. The Preview Show is 7 p.m., Thursday, March 20. Other shows take place at 8 p.m., Friday, March 21/14; 2 p.m., Saturday, March 22; and 7 p.m., Saturday, March 22. MADCAPS, which stands for Mothers and Daughters Club Assisting Philanthropies, has been busy volunteering and raising money for dozens of charities every year since 1960. This past year, MADCAPS’ members, who live in Point Loma or Mission Hills, and consist of girls in grades 7 through12, and their moms, volunteered more than 24,000 hours and raised a record breaking $50,000.00 for their charities.

The annual benefit show is a real team effort between the MADCAPS philanthropies, the girls, along with their families & friends, and the many community members who help by underwriting production costs of the show. Some of the philanthropies that will receive donations from this year’s benefit, include St. Vincent de Paul, Children’s Hospital, Bayside Community Center (Class of 2019) Head Start, Christie’s Place, UCSD Bannister House (Class of 2018) City of San Diego Park & Rec. Dept Therapeutic Recreational Services (Class of 2017) YWCA Shelter School (Becky’s House), SD Humane Society (Class of 2016) Senior Olympics, American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, P.A.C.E. (Class of 2015) Habitat for Humanity and the San Diego River Park Foundation (Class of 2014). Tickets are available for purchase on February 19, 2014 at a new website: www.sdmadcaps.org.

The senior class rehearses at Dance Place in Liberty Station. Photo is provided by Madchaps’ choreographer Ryan Beck.

PresidioSentinel.com

Local News

Historic Old Town Golf Classic Restores Funding

Local Fourth Grade Visits Continue

The second annual Historic Old Town Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2014, at the Salt Creek Golf Course in Chula Vista. The tournament raises muchneeded funds to help local fourth grade students participate in the Old Town Fourth Grade History Program, covering the cost of transportation to Historic Old Town San Diego. This year’s theme is “Green on the Green.” The Golf Classic begins with a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. The tournament features a four-person Best Ball Scramble, lunch on the golf

course and a helicopter ball drop. Billy Casper, a PGA Hall of Fame golfer and children’s advocate, is scheduled to attend as the celebrity guest and dinner speaker. For more than 40 years, the Old Town History Program had been an integrated learning environment for San Diego Unified School District fourth grade students. The program benefited more than 11,000 students each year and provided an opportunity for them to visit actual historic sites in Old Town San Diego as part of their curriculum. Students were able to experience

From left to right: Mike Mitzel, Esther Beish, Billy Casper, Cindy Furlong and Tommy Baker at the 2013 golf tournament.

PresidioSentinel.com

the cultural significance of San Diego’s historic eras and inhabitants. Unfortunately, the weeklong program was officially eliminated by the San Diego Unified School District in 2011 due to budget constraints. Enough funds were raised from the 2013 golf tournament to make it possible for more than 12,000 fourth grade students to return to Historic Old Town San Diego as part of their Southern California history curriculum. Tournament registration is now

open. Tickets are just $125 for individual golfers and $500 for a foursome, which includes tournament participation and dinner. A dinneronly option is also available at just $40 per person. Café Coyote returns as Title Sponsor, while Fiesta de Reyes is the 2014 Dinner Sponsor. Event sponsorships are still available. For complete information on sponsorship opportunities and other event details, visit www.OldTownGolfClassic.com, or call 619.291.4903.

Frida Kahlo

Look-Alike Contest

Global Entertainment Properties, producers of The Complete Frida Kahlo exhibition, is holding a Frida Kahlo LookAlike Contest from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21. Judging takes place at 7 p.m. at 2765 Truxtun Road at NTC at Liberty Station, Historic Barracks 3, San Diego, CA 92106. This contest is in conjunction with the exhibition, The Complete Frida Kahlo, featuring 123 replicas of her known paintings in original size and original materials, and handpainted in the same style as Kahlo painted them. Also on display are over 500 fascinating possessions and adornments identical to those surrounding Kahlo and her husband, Diego Riveria. All are handmade using traditional methods, materials, and tools. Admission is free for registered contestants, $10 for everyone else. Contestants must RSVP at w w w. c o m p l e t e f r i d a . c o m / lookalike to participate. Tickets are available online and at the door. For information, call 323.935.6000.

San Diego Ballet Presents

The Many Loves of Don Juan

The San Diego Ballet Company (SDB), under the leadership of codirectors Robin Sherertz-Morgan and Javier Velasco presents “The Many Loves of Don Juan” at 8 p.m., Friday, February 21 and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, February 23 at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego.

Frida Kahlo Self Portrait with Monkey is on display.

Local News

Choreographed by SDB’s awardwinning, artistic director, Javier Velasco, “The Many Loves of Don Juan” features Maxim Tchernychev, formerly of the Bolshoi Ballet. For information, call 619.294.7378. E-mail: sandiegoballet@aol.com. Or visit, www.sandiegoballet.org.

Stephanie Maiorano and Maxim Tchernychev in San Diego Ballet’s production of Don Juan. Photo by Manuel Rotenberg

PresidioSentinel.com

Theatre

Hello again from

San Diego Opera!

by Karen Keltner, resident conductor & music administrator Holidays have come and gone and our focus at SDO is now entirely on the season which officially began rehearsals of “Pagliacci” on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014. On Monday, Jan. 6 we had our first production meeting of the 2014 season. At 3 p.m. on the Monday preceding each of the Tuesday “rehearsal start dates” for each opera, the entire production staff for that production - in this case “Pagliacci” - meets to discuss each department’s particular details for that opera: costumes, props, music, lighting, sets, etc. Our director of production and the production stage manager are the moderators, and the guest stage director of the production is there, interacting with each of the department heads, asking questions and getting answers for important details which are crucial to anticipate as we head into production. Certain questions will only be answered as we rehearse and encounter the questions directly, but this way we know to be looking out for the solution to any particular question or problem which has been brought up during the course of the meeting. On the musical side, for example: “Pagliacci” calls for an offstage oboe, a trumpet, and chimes. Which side of the stage do the director and the conductor want those sounds to come from? The answer has to be what works logically with what’s happening on stage when those instruments play. So let’s say that the trumpet has to come from stage right (as an audience member stage right, SR to us, will be on the left side of the stage). Good answer, simple solution, right? But then then we hear from the head of the stage crew: there’s no room on SR; too much scenery and the large chorus, also offstage at that point, are there. Where do we put a trumpeter, his music stand and light and the offstage conductor who will cue that musician and take him through his music? And additionally…..the offstage conductor must be able to have a

clear view of a TV monitor which will be focused on the conductor, working from the pit and conducting the entire orchestral and vocal forces. This is a problem clearly to be solved in the course of rehearsals and once we’re literally on the stage with all the forces. I could get bogged down here, for that production meeting must cover an enormous amount of information. But you get the idea: in twenty days, from Jan. 6 to Jan. 25, we’ll have an opening night to deliver. Time and efficiency are of the essence. Singers, conductor, and the afore-mentioned stage director have arrived prior to Jan. 7, the beginning Tuesday. But let me add here that our plans were already being changed by powers greater than us: the huge storms that covered the United States played havoc with our artists’ arrivals, so we simply adjusted as we could. Our Tuesday “Meet and Greet”the first meeting of all the singers in general and Artistic Director Ian Campbell’s office - was more of a partial greet. For the two artists that had made it to San Diego, the traditional bagels, coffee, and OJ were there, as well as members of the administrative staff of San Diego Opera many of whom would not meet the performers otherwise since those performers interact primarily with the music and production staff. At this gathering Campbell greets and welcomes the new-comers and the returning artists who have sung with us previously. We are very loyal to our artists, as they are to us. We have a welldeserved reputation of being a wonderful company to work with: friendly, extremely well-organized, and very focused on the well-being of our artists. And let’s face it: San Diego in January or February is a not hard place to spend some time! From the “Meet & Greet” our singers and conductor walk across the Civic Center Concourse to the Copper Room of Golden Hall where the first music rehearsal takes place with singers and conductor and

pianist. The pianist plays from the piano reduction, a piano rendition of what the full orchestra will ultimately play in performance. In this first rehearsal the singers and conductor come to know what is the musical pace and interpretation of the music - the conductor’s vision of what she or he intends for the final product, and the singer’s individual interpretation of the role she or he is singing. And this is where we strive for a melding of the two Karen Keltner is the resident conductor and music visions: sometimes administrator for the San Diego Opera. those visions prove to be very close between conductor and soloist and do takes place. I have often sometimes there is more distance, thought that if it were possible to in which case both parties strive for snap my fingers and immediately a meeting of the minds. put each of you, individually, These music rehearsals are where into a rehearsal, most of you the collaborative and truly artistic would become opera converts, gifts of each artist come to the if you aren’t already. Watching fore, singer and conductor alike. any skilled craftsman dig into This is what they have trained for, what he does with passion and what they live for, and the end commitment is to witness the result is what will transport you in most fascinating aspect of what the theatre when you hear and see we are capable of as humans, them in performance. Conductor trumped only by being the one and singing artist confer and discuss who is doing the “digging”… and make adjustments and re-try Next time I’ll go on from here, what has been suggested. telling you about how an opera is For me, the rehearsal is where staged - the work of the director the most intensive and interesting - and how the production further and wondrous part of what we proceeds to the main stage.

“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.

PresidioSentinel.com

Lifestyle News

First Annual Winter of Hope by Aubree Lynn, stylist/writer/producer

Production Two77 Features OncoSec Medical

It doesn’t care who you are, it’s not prejudice, not judgmental, it doesn’t choose only the old, rich, or weak, it isn’t forgiving or justifiable, it doesn’t care where you live, what you do with your life, or how good of a person you are, I am talking about the disease that no one can escape from… cancer.

OncoSec Medical, based in San Diego, is making strides to attack solid tumors and cancer cells by using therapy ImmunoPulse and NeoPulse. It’s developed to destroy solid tumors and metastatic cancer and preserve quality of life. ImmunoPulse uses DNA IL-12 to stimulate the body’s immune system and enables it to recognize, target and destroy cancerous cells. NeoPulse is built to boost the effectiveness of cancer drug bleomycin by a factor of several thousand, enabling highly effective, less-debilitating treatment. The Gaslamp’s uprising company, Production Two77, recently held a winter event at the Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego to introduce OncoSec Medical. Winter of Hope, their first charity event, set the tone for the work of OncoSec Medical and its role in saving lives. It was informative and touching. String instruments set the mood as guest speaker Karina Smirnoff spoke of her grandfather and what cancer treatment means to her. A video presentation explained the scientific testing breakthroughs that OncoSec Medical is making. An impactful and touching activity of the night was

that all guests were given a piece of paper and were asked to identify someone in their lives who has been impacted by cancer. After completing this task, guests were invited to place their messages on a wall. As the clock struck midnight, January 1, 2014, the papers were thrown off the roof top of the Gaslamp building. It provided a release to the demise of cancer and hope for the New Year. The message and activity was an extremely creative and uplifting way to look to the New Year, 2014. OncoSec Medical and Production Two77 came together for a common goal, to create awareness and provide an uplifting message of hope. The successful outcome is that OncoSec stocks rose from .30 to .55 per share following the Winter of Hope Charity Event. My special thanks to Darren Dawnborough for inviting me to the event and to Marcus of Boutique DeMarcus for the beautiful vintage wardrobe I was able to wear that evening. And I salute Production Two77 for being a company that puts on events with such passion and commitment to a cause. To learn more, visit Productiontwo 77.com and OncoSec.com.

Left to right are hair stylist Brittany Moore, “Dancing with the Stars” Karina Smirnoff and Stylist Aubree Lynn wearing Marcus by Boutique DeMarcus. Photo provided by Robert Benson/Getty Images.

Landmark Theatres “One Chance,” from David Frankel, the director of “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Marley & Me,” comes the remarkable and inspirational true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night. Potts became an instant YouTube phenomenon after being chosen by Simon Cowell for “Britain’s Got Talent.” Wowing audiences worldwide with his phenomenal voice, Potts went on to win the competition and the hearts of millions. Fresh from celebrating his Tony Award-winning Broadway run in “One Man,” “Two Guvnors,” BAFTA winner James

Corden (“The History Boys”) stars as Paul Potts and is supported by an acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Julie Walters (“Mamma Mia!,” “Calendar Girls,” “Billy Elliot”), Mackenzie Crook, Colm Meaney, Jemima Rooper, Valeria Billelo and rising star Alexandra Roach (Young Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady”). “One Chance” tentatively opens on February 14, 2014 at Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas. It is 104 minutes long and Rated PG-13. For information and times, call 619.819.0236, or visit www. landmarkTheatres.com. Film times and dates are subject to change.

SellWithDon .com Dunn, REALTORS®

Don Schmidt

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

858.274.DUNN ext. 220 (3866)

IT’S A REVOLUTION..........NOT A RESOLUTION

This Year Should not END THE SAME OLD WAY • • • •

Focused Fitness Faster Results Lose Unwanted Weight and Inches.....NOW Love your Mirror............ PERMANENTLY

Get the “skinny” 619.794.0014

Mission Hills 4019 Goldfinch St, San Diego

fitnesstogether.com/missionhills

DAY CHALLENGE

James Corden stars as Paul Potts in “One Chance.”

PresidioSentinel.com

Lifestyle

Year 26 of

The Peacemaker Awards

by Laura Walcher

Mimi Brodsky-Chenfeld, a nationally noted early childhood educator, says on her phone answering message, that she’s “… out, sorry, still searching for peace in the world.” In San Diego, at least, she’s got good company, as the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) announces its 26th Peacemaker Awards, dedicated to a similar search. They’ll present their finds on March 1, 2014. Congressman John Lewis of Georgia will receive NCRC’s National Peacemaker Award. Long noted for his passionate activism in civil and voting rights, his life-long commitment to justice and non-violence, he reminds – no, implores - us, that today …”there is still more work to do!” A Reason To Survive (ARTS) – an organization that helps 2,500 youngsters annually cope with grief, anger and hopelessness through arts-based programs - will earn NCRC’s local Peacemaker Award. Immersion in the arts, contends founder/CEO Matt D’Arrigo, not only diverts kids from gangs, drugs and assorted violent activity, but provides them a safe haven as well, in ARTS’ new National City center. Matt D’Arrigo expanded on the organization and its unique way of seeking peace. LW: You created ARTS in the wake of your own family’s crises. Were arts your own source for ‘a reason to survive?’ MA: I was an artist from a young age and always went to my art to feel better, express myself, to find hope. Then, when a freshman in college, both my mother and sister were diagnosed with cancer – and our whole world turned upside down. I stayed home in Boston that year to help my family care for them. Every day, I went to my room, put on music, painted - and my whole outlook brightened. One day it just struck me how powerful it was. I knew it would work for other kids facing their own pain! I sat down and created a little plan for a non-profit organization that would provide a safe place for kids to escape and express themselves – an Arts Center. I even came up with the name – A Reason To Survive (ARTS) at that same sitting. It was all very powerful and clear – at 19 years old, I had found my purpose in life LW: Were you already an artist/musician? Have you had any other career? MA: I knew I was going to start ARTS, but wanted to wait until I felt ready to fully commit. I held a few odd jobs after college - then moved to San Diego in 1997 and worked for Pacific Event Productions for about three years as an artist, designer, and manager of their scene shop. In 2001 I took the leap, and launched ARTS. LW: Give us a short description of ARTS and its mission. MA: ARTS is dedicated to giving kids the ability, opportunity and resources to embrace the power of art. We provide arts programs that heal, inspire, and empower youth facing adversity. More: we use their creativity to prepare youth emotionally, socially, academically, and with the skills needed to succeed in life. We run a 20,000 square foot ARTS Center in National City, provide artistsin-residence to partner sites and schools, and transform communities through our community art initiatives. LW: The complexity of artistic expression ARTS offers kids is pretty amazing; seems a lot to coordinate! PresidioSentinel.com

MA: It’s a lot, but our amazing team makes sure all the trains are running on time! We feel it’s really important to offer a wide variety of creative opportunities for youth; provide choices when they really don’t have many choices in life. They may find their “voice” in visual arts, or music, or dance, photography, etc. each kid is different. Our program model and methodology is very thoughtful and purposeful with measured outcomes to ensure we are making a positive impact in these kids’ lives. We have 12 full and part time staff, about 30 paid teachers, and lots of volunteers to make sure we carry out our mission every day LW: How do kids come to you, find you? All ages?

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) Founder and CEO Matt D’Arrigo will be honored at the Peacemaker Awards.

MA: ARTS serves 5-23 year olds facing some sort of adversity – socio-economic, self-esteem/ image issues, abuse, homeless, foster care, juvenile court, etc. We work with social service agencies, schools, and families to identify kids. We have an application, interview, and placement process to ensure we are serving the right kids in the right way. LW: Are arts are your only “therapy,” versus, say, mental health, medical services? MA: We have a licensed clinical social worker on staff, and rely on partners and professionals here to refer students and provide them with help they may need: mental health, healthcare, food/shelter, etc. LW: H ow much time do children spend with you? MA: ARTS is designed as a sequential model that can follow kids as they grow and meet certain benchmarks and outcomes we track internally. The longer a student is in the program, the deeper the impact we can have. A student can be in our program from elementary school through college if they wish. LW: I’m guessing that virtually every kid has a dramatic story …? MA: All our kids carry some sort of story –most are very personal - ones they never fully share. Most have their own case-worker, therapist, counselor, etc. Our job is to use the arts as a vehicle to build trusting relationships, redirect

behaviors, and create pathways to success. We celebrate success everyday – from kids smiling after a tough day to kids getting accepted to college or appearing on “The Today Show.” LW: Last year, ARTS earned an Oscar for the film, “Inocente” (“Best Documentary, Short Subject”) dramatizing the experiences of one homeless 15-year old. How did the film come about? What impact has the Award had on ARTS – and, where & how is Inocente - and her family – now? MA: In 2009 I received a call out of the blue from film makers Sean and Andrea Nix Fine. They saw a statistic - that one out of 45 children in America is homeless. They wanted to tell that story through the eyes of a homeless teenager, one who dreamt of being an artist. When they read an article online about ARTS, the rest became history. It’s been an incredible year, putting ARTS in the national spotlight and given us a national voice. With it has come many opportunities and plenty of responsibility. It has definitely helped our fundraising, but not as much as people may think. What it has done has given validity to our program and opened doors that may have been harder to open before, We can also leverage the exposure for long-term sustainable growth by offering consulting, coaching, and trainings for others who want to do what we do. And, Inocente? She is doing well, on her own, pursuing her dreams and - no longer homeless. LW: How is your funding going? MA: We really took a hit during the recession. We learned a lot of lessons and have now built our earned revenue base so we are less reliant on donations and grants. Our earned revenue went from zero percent to now, about 30 percent of our budget. Donations and grants continue to do well. We are currently raising $4 million to ensure we meet the goals and objectives of our five-year strategic plan. San Diego has many generous families, companies, and foundation - we’re lucky to receive their support. For more information and tickets for the Peacemaker Awards, visit www.ncrconline.com, click on ‘Peacemaker.”

Lifestyle

Under My

Flakey Skin

by Charlotte Tenney, MA Integrative Health

Recently I was contacted by a friend for advice on dealing with Psoriasis. She, like many people requesting herbal treatment, was looking for a magic elixir that could be applied topically to solve her skin problems. After getting frustrated with the pharmaceutical approach, she was turning to natural remedies in hopes that she could simply trade out the drugs for a plant-based preparation to treat the symptoms. Since natural remedies work on causes, they don’t fill that expectation. Plant-based medicines are used to address an imbalance in the underlying function and system in the body. The plan to address Psoriasis was to make some lifestyle changes. These changes include some dietary changes, herbs and supplements. Skin quality is reflective of the body’s ability to digest, absorb and process nutrients and to process, bind and dispose of toxins. Skin problems alert us to problems with immune system, digestive tract and the endocrine system. Addressing Psoriasis is a personal journey of discovery: each person is different even when the symptom looks the same. A great place to start the journey is with the diet. Modern-day wheat is known to trigger to digestive problems. Refrain from all products made with wheat for at least a week and pay attention to how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally. If you improve, you may wish to adopt a gluten-free diet. This will support a healthy “gut biome” consisting of bacteria that help us digest and absorb our food. What we feed our “pet” bacteria matters. A diet of simple starches/ sugars will tip the balance in favor of negative bacteria, yeasts and virus that create toxins instead of nutrients. Add “cultured” foods that contain live beneficial bacteria, Pro-bioitcs, It may take twoto-three weeks of regular use” before you notice

ENJOY! A warm cup of coffee. Listening to good music. Laughing with friends.

a difference. Pro-biotics are available in yogurt, keifer, kombucha, kimchi or traditionally-made sauerkraut (the kind that must be refrigerated) and, of course, as supplements such as Glutathione, DIM and ALA. Gut problems and food allergies cause inflammation. This can manifest as swelling in joints, swollen red skin, pain and mood swings. Things that reduce inflammation include the mineral magnesium glycinate and turmeric spice or its extract, curcumin. A therapeutic dose of tumeric is a heaping tablespoon a day, so it might be easier to take this as capsules. Intake of essential fatty acids (EFA) is important. Every cell wall of every cell in the body is made up of fats. When the cell walls are made of Omega 3 oils, they allow proper transmission of nutrients into the cells and waste materials to go out. They also promote proper cell division and DNA replication. When the diet is full of saturated and trans-fatty acids, our cell walls are comprised of a fatty barrier that prevents the proper in/out flow and promotes cellular mutations. This can manifest as psoriasis, patches of skin with cells that rapidly grow out of control and produce excess skin cells on the surface. Your body needs good quality oils both inside

and outside. You are better off getting a pure oil than a “product.” Essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree oil can be applied to kill fungal, viral and bacterial infections that may co-occur with the rampant skin cell growth of Psoriasis. Mix the oils with aloe vera gel, Shea butter, Argan oil or coconut oil help moisten and reduce inflammation. Mud packs with Dead Sea salts have also been shown to be effective, topically. Consider the Psoriasis as an ‘early warning system” that alerts you to a growing imbalance in your system that needs to be addressed. Like the “trouble light” on your dashboard, you don’t solve the problem by unplugging the light bulb.

Human TuneUp Column by Cath

Welcome to the Big Now

by Cath DeStefano

These are some things that make our lives rich, full and rewarding. Church can be that same kind of experience! At our church you will find warm relationships, good music, insightful messages and a great cup of coffee! You are invited you to stop by this Sunday and experience it for yourself. We’re in the neighborhood. Regular Sunday Schedule 8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 10:00 a.m. Church School Classes 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

University Christian Church

Disciples of Christ

3900 Cleveland Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 295-4146 For information, call or visit our web site. www.univchristianchurch.com Visit us on Facebook An Open and Afﬁrming Congregation

Frankly, I was hoping this was something one could master and then never have to revisit; the ability to stay permanently aware of this “now moment.” But I find myself hopping around, into the future one moment, recalling some memory the next. I imagine that if I could master the now moment, life would be more peaceful. As one of my semi-guru friends said: “Now isn’t anxious.” I have found this to be true. Here’s my solution to this future-pastanything-but present dilemma. Perhaps it will help you too? The past and the future are in this moment with me. It is a big place this now moment and all can fit into it. So even though my

mind might have turned its attention past or future, I am still here in this moment. And really, where else could we be but right here now. Relax. Ah. But just in case this all gets a bit too intellectual, when I really need to feel present, I have taught myself to focus in on my breathing, body and looking around to notice what is going on precisely where I am. Welcome to the Big Now.

Cath DeStefano

Human TuneUp Specialist, Speaker, Author, Artist It’s Not Nice to Choke Your Customer at Amazon.com Come visit:

HumanTuneUp.com PresidioSentinel.com

JUNE 2013 Display Ad for Presidio Sentinal

Music Scene

AMSDConcerts Saved By Move to New Venue by Richard Cone

Carey Driscoll certainly didn’t conceive the idea of acoustic concerts in a church, but with his string of about 530 concerts at the Normal Heights United Methodist Church on Mansfield over the last ten years, Driscoll has set the bar so high in San Diego that no one else will ever clear it. Driscoll’s concerts define what a great series should be; stellar artists in a quiet and respectful venue with no alcohol (and therefore, no “wooooo-wooooooooo” screams from the audience, and no cell phones!). San Diego simply doesn’t have another venue anywhere near as nice as Driscoll’s, and no other venue presents the artists he does. Driscoll has a knack for booking name acts, many of them from the 60s and 70s who just cannot fill a venue like Humphreys or the Sycuan Arena, but are a bit too popular to play a small venue like LeStat’s or the House of Blues. You might see one of Driscoll’s act now and then at the Belly Up, but you’re going to have to pay twice as much to stand during the show and fight with the drunks and the cell phone cacophony. San Diego music lovers have been treated to shows at AMSDConcerts by the likes of Richie Havens, Janis Ian, the Turtles, Steve Forbert, Al Kooper, Chris Hillman and Loudon Wainwright III. These are up-close and personal shows, with a break between sets for the concert-goer to meet and chat with the artist, get a CD signed or just express their appreciation for the music. All of Driscoll’s work, and the decade he spent building the concert series to its current state were in real jeopardy late last year when he was informed by the new pastor of United Methodist Church that the pastor intended to change the footprint inside the church. The plan was to rearrange the pews in a semi-circular fashion so he could preach from the center, a sort of “church in the round” arrangement which would cut the number of seats significantly, and, worse for the concerts, would have half of the audience with their backs to the performer. Over several months there were discussions about how to make the concerts work in the new arrangement but when it became apparent that wasn’t going to be

feasible, Driscoll started casting around for a new venue, announcing in an email to his mailing list that if a new venue didn’t come along, he’d have to end the series. That’s when two of his regular concert-goers stepped in and suggested that Driscoll talk to the folks at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Southeast San Diego. Those talks ended up bearing fruit, and as of December 23, AMSDConcerts had a new home. “We were not only referred to it; the ball was carried on our behalf by a Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is the new home of AMSDConcerts. couple who’s been coming to AMSD through the duration of the whole concert would have to leave his venue in Normal Heights, and maybe even close AMSD. There are many places series,” Driscoll says. Located at 1370 Euclid Avenue, just off Highway around the county to hear live music, but since I first 94, Our Redeemer Lutheran will be an even better discovered AMSD it has always been my favorite. venue than the Normal Heights Church for several Carey brings in such diverse musical genres, from reasons. The first is the two large parking lots. Regular fabulous bands we’ve loved since our teens, to concert-goers in Normal Heights often had parking musicians from all over the world. I was thrilled that problems once the streets in front and on the side of he found a new home not far from the old one, and the church filled up. Some had to park four or five with its own parking! My 90th concert will be at the blocks way. That’s a problem that will be non-existent new home on Euclid Avenue, and I can hardly wait!” The first show at the new venue will be a Guy at Our Redeemer. The church will hold a few more than 250 people, so it’s a venue of about the same Davis performance on Feb. 7. Davis is the son of size but with parking for everyone. The second feature actor Ossie Davis. Davis’s influences are as broad that will truly make the concert experience nicer is and varied as his travels, from Blind Willie McTell that the rows of pews in Our Redeemer elevate from and Fats Waller, to Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal, from the front to the back of the church, much like in a Zora Neale Hurston to Garrison Keillor. He’s a movie theatre, so your field of vision isn’t obscured musician, composer, actor, director, and writer and he blends all of his experiences to convey his love by two bobbing and weaving heads in front of you. AMSDConcerts regulars couldn’t be more thrilled of the music. Tickets for the Guy Davis show are by the turn of events leading to the move to the new $20 for reserved seating, $28 for preferred upfront venue. Janet England has attended nearly ninety seating, and $47 for the dinner package with first shows at AMSDConcerts, (that’s about $2,000 at an five rows seating. You will need to build in about average of $25 a show, and that’s real dedication.) ten minutes driving time to get from DeMille’s on England certainly speaks for the whole audience: “I Adams Avenue over to the new venue on Euclid, saw my first concert at AMSD in April 2006 and my but that’s a short drive for a great dinner followed 89th in October 2013. I was sad to learn that Carey by a great concert.

Classics 4 Kids Presents

Music of the World

Classics 4 Kids presents the Classics Philharmonic, a professional orchestra under the direction of Dana Zimbric, in a program of “music of the world” at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 23 in the Balboa Theater, located in downtown San Diego. “Journey Down the Silk Road” features music and artists representing areas of Europe, Persia, Africa, China and Japan. Special guests include the White Dragon Martial Arts Lion Dance, a Japanese dance by Annelle Dazumi Gregory and Reiko Obata, Tim McNally and J Charno performing on authentic instruments from Students perform music with an international flair. Japan and India. The Confucius Institute of San Diego State University will demonstrate Chinese artifacts and traditional silk clothing. This world music event provides entertainment for the entire family. An opportunity to meet select artists and musicians follows the performance. Ticket may be purchased by calling 619.231.2311 or by ordering on the classics web site www. classics4kids.com. Tickets are also available at Ticketmaster Outlets and Civic Theatre Box Offices. PresidioSentinel.com

Where Our City Began by David Rottenberg

Dining Scene

Casa de Reyes in Old Town San Diego

On walking out of the saloon, one encounters shops selling everything from special pastries to wooden toys to nuts. But, if going from “nuts to soup,” head over to Casa de Reyes, the “house of kings,” referring to the great kings who ruled Spain. There is some indoor seating but the choice place to enjoy dining is in the courtyard, wonderful on warm days or evenings and made comfortable at cooler times by an army of space heaters. Fiesta de Reyes, the complex, is now owned by Chuck Ross, a local entrepreneur who owned the Boat House on Harbor Island and the South Bay Fish & Grill in Chula Vista. He and Chef Pulido have worked together for many years. Ross took the complex over and is doing a good job restoring it to its former great popularity. Chef Pulido is a local. He grew up in Oceanside and learned the business from the ground up in his father’s Mexican restaurants. He worked as a sous chef in a number of locations and even served at Petco Park, where fans enjoyed his skills. Then he returned to work with his old friend, Chuck Ross. Chef Pulido’s culinary roots lie in Michoacan flavors. This region of Mexico has had strong influence on the national cuisine and many of the dishes hale back to it. For example, wheat tortillas are offered, rather than the usual flour or corn varieties. This makes them lighter, tastier and perhaps healthier. Pork is popular, especially as chunks served as carnitas. Since the region abounds in lakes and rivers, there is even a tradition of fish and seafood. “We experiment every day with moles and other dishes to improve what we make and to please our guests. We are even working now on barbeque sauces to use in some of our new dishes,” Chef Pulido assured me. A margarita is great for relaxing before dinner. The classic carriage comes in a large tumbler, made with 1800 reposada tequila and a range of juices to add flavor, including agave nectar. It is served with or without salt. For serious drinking, try the El Jefe margarita—58 ounces for two or more to share. Mexican and domestic beers are also available. Guacamole dip is a tasty and healthy appetizer, the vegetable fat nature loves. Made Colorful and talented dancers perform at the stage on property. with cilantro and lime, the subtle flavor of the avocado springs out atop the accompanying corn chips. Other lighter fare includes a hearty fire roasted chicken

“When the weather is good, the people come out,” Jose Pulido said proudly, as he surveyed a sea of tables where customers were obviously enjoying his cuisine. Pulido is the executive chef of Fiesta de Reyes (the party of kings), a complex of restaurants, bar, shops and hotel in Old Town San Diego. The history of the area goes back a long way, all the way back to the time of the founding of our state. California began in Old Town San Diego in the early 18th century, when Father Serra landed here to establish the first of the 21 missions he would build across the state. Years later, in the 1820s, a community was formed. In 1846, an American flag was raised in the plaza. The city grew as people came, attracted by the weather, the land and the opportunities. Old Town San Diego retained its historical significance. In 1968, the area was designated “Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.” It was leased out and developed into one of the most popular tourist attractions in the nation, full of shops and restaurants, loaded with color, beautiful trees and foliage, and full of music and gaiety. “It is a party! There is always lots going on, lots of people and tons of fun,” Maria Orozco told me. She is in charge of making sure that her customers are happy. Her enthusiasm bubbles over. The complex consists of three sections. The first, Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant, is a bed-andbreakfast in a gorgeous renovated home that was first built in 1827, almost 200 years ago. One can almost hear the hoofbeats of the horses from when the building served as a stagecoach stop. The second – Barra Barra Saloon --- is a saloon, a great place to enjoy margaritas and snack on Mexican food in the historic setting.

Share St. Valentine’s Day With Us!

Jose Pulido is the executive chef of Fiesta de Reyes.

tortilla soup with cheese and cilantro. Or try the Mexican Caesar salad, with pico de gallo to give it the “south of the border” taste. Tacos, tamales, enchiladas and fajitas are all on the menu, made in the Michoacan way. Pork, chicken and beef are all available. Tilapia, sea bass and shrimp are among the seafood ingredients used by Chef Pulido. But I wanted a dish I had not experienced before. Relleno de chile con carne attracted my eyes. This is a pasilla chile, with thicker and softer skin. Stuffed with seasoned ground beef, several types of cheese, roasted and topped with a red enchilada sauce. I love the customary chile relleno, usually just topped with cheese. But this dish gave me cheese flavor from the inside of a fluffy delicious chile “shell” – a dish that was unique, large and wonderful. For dessert, try the flan. Or, better yet, order the sweet churros with a chocolate dipping sauce. It’s marvelous! Breakfast is served until noon daily. There is a limited menu brunch on Sundays, when a folklorico dance troupe performs to add to the festive gaiety. During the week, strolling mariachis perform at dinner. Prices are inexpensive, making this a great family dining treat. The restaurant is located in the Old Town State Historic Park on Juan Street between Wallace and Mason. It is just a block from the Old Town Trolley Station. Call 619.297.3100 for information. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted.

An outdoor setting provides the perfect ambience for an enjoyable dining experience.

PresidioSentinel.com

Calendar

February 2014 Ongoing Every Friday & Saturday

n National Comedy Theatre (NCT) Mainstage at 3717 India Street, San Diego, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. is the longest continuously running show in San Diego history; NCT provides high-octane, highly-interactive and hysterical shows that are clean, and appropriate for all audiences. Guests pick the games, suggest scenarios, help call the fouls, and then ultimately decide which team is the evening’s winner. General admission is $15: $12 for students/seniors/ military. For information, visit www.nationalcomedy.com.

Thru February 13th

n Casa Familiar Arts & Culture Division presents 7th Annual Dia de la Mujer Art Exhibition at the Front, “Sanctuary,” exhibition dates: March 7 thru April 24. Entry deadline: 2/13/2014, all applications, required attachments and artwork need to be submitted on this date. No late submissions will be accepted. Submit application to: Casa Familiar – The Front – 119 West Hall Avenue, San Ysidro, CA 92173 e-mail to: leticiag@casafamiliar.org, or call 619.428.1115 for all of the requirements and eligibility.

Thru February 26th

n The Gotthelf Art Gallery is pleased to present SmArt: The Art of Jewish Educators. Free and open to the public! Jewish artistic expression has taken on many creative forms throughout history and these Jewish educators will each display their own uniquely inspired vision. For more information call 858.362.1344 or visit gallery@lfjcc.com.

Thru February 28

n Reuben H Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park at1875 El Prado, San Diego, is celebrating its 40th year Anniversary. Forty years ago, a spark ignited our imagination! Join in celebrating the success in bringing hands-on science to our San Diego community. n San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) Film – Titans of the Ice Age 3D transports viewers to the beautiful and otherworldly frozen landscapes of North America, Europe and Asia ten thousand years before modern civilization. For more information visit www.sdnhm.org n San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) wants you experience 3D Dinosaurs Alive. Is a global adventure of science and discovery featuring the entire age of dinosaurs – from the earliest creatures of the Triassic period to the monsters of the Jurassic and Cretaceous – as they are reawakened on the giant screen the eye-popping 3D format. For more information visit www.sdnhm.org

February 6th – March 2nd

n Reuben H Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, San Diego, is proud to again announce their Young Scientist Session 5: Making Music will be inspired by our new exhibit GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World and rock The Science of Sound, Percussion, String and Wind Instruments and of course, Guitars. Preschoolers age 3-5 (and a parent) explore the scientific wonders of the world through experimentation, investigation and scientific questioning. Four 4-week sessions run monthly. Limited to eight students per class: Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. 9 – 10:30 a.m. Members $75, non-members $85. See more at: www.rhfleet.org/events/young-scientist

February 28 – March 16 th

n David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, located at 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, presents the Wizard of OZ. For ticket information visit http://tickets.lfjcc.org/default. asp?SearchText=j*company&Go=Go) or call 858.362.1348.

Thru March 1st

n The Search is on for California’s Outstanding Senior Volunteer, age 65 and older. The winner in each state will receive $500 and one national winner will receive $5,000 to donate to each winner’s charity of choice. To learn about the 2013 outstanding senior volunteer from California and to view the contest’s official rules visit www.SalutetoSeniorService.com.

Thru April 30th

n While the Cabrillo Bridge is being retrofitted, the museums and The Old Globe at the west end of the park will remain open and active, offering – as always – must-see exhibits and shows. “Our Balboa Park West End has something for everyone”, said Michael Murphy, managing director of The Old Globe. “From folk art to mummies, paintings to sculptures, theatre to workshops – we’ve got it all”.

February 1st

n Jill Courtemanche Millinery at 410 South Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach will have a Cocktail Hat & Fascinator making class, no sewing experience necessary from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jill has made hats for celebrities and now she is sharing the tips and tricks of the trade in this fun, hand-on workshop. Cost is $85, seating limited and reservations are required. For information and to register, visit www.JillCourtemanche.com or call 858.876.6353. n Pt. Loma High Junior Cheer Camp will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pt. Loma High School, 2335 Chatsworth Blvd. A half-day camp similar to summer football camps where participants will learn a performance, do arts and crafts, have snack and get a camp t-shirt. Participants will then perform at the Friday, Feb 7 basketball game with the Pt. Loma High Varsity Cheerleaders. Cost: $40; is a fundraiser for the Pt. Loma High cheerleaders. For information, call Principal Hans Becker 619.223.3121. Open to Future Pointers ages 4 and up.

February 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd

(Every Saturday) n Mission Hills Branch Library, located at 925 West Washington Street, San Diego will have a Children’s Craft Time at 10:30 a.m. Kids can develop their artistic skills while enjoying a fun craft time.

February 2

n The San Diego Blood Bank is partnering with KPRI 102.1 FM, Drew Ford, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain for the annual Super Bowl Sunday Blood Drive, at Drew Ford, 8970 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. All donors will be awarded a lift ticket for Snow Summit or Bear Mountain, redeemable Sunday through Friday, non-holidays. For information, call 1-800-4MY-SDBB 800.469.7322) or visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org. n Hungry Dog Dash, 8 a.m., Roosevelt Road and Cushing Road, Liberty Station. The fourth-annual event raises funds for Point Loma area schools. Contact: PLHSHungryDogs@gmail.com. Open to the public.

February 3rd

n Reuben H Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, San Diego, has a Senior Monday lecture at 10:30 PresidioSentinel.com

a.m. on Spy in the Sky: The KH-9 Hexagon with Philip Pressel and IMAX® film Alaska. The first Monday of the month, seniors 65+ enjoy the Science Center exhibits, a lecture and a Giant Dome Theater show at a discount. For information, visit www.rhfleet.org.

Feb. 4th, 6th & 11th

n The Airport Authority is hosting three town hall meeting in the coming weeks to inform neighbors about development on the north side of the airport. Uptown Planners Meeting is 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Joyce Beers Community Center, 3900 Vermont Street, in Hillcrest. Mission Hills Business Improvement District Town Hall Meeting is from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 6 at Cinema Under the Stars on Goldfinch Street and the Point Loma Town Hall Meeting is from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 11 at McMillin Companies Event Center at NTC in Point Loma. For information, email northside@san.org or call 619.400.2288.

February 4th, 11th, 19th & 26th

n The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego is very fortunate to have partnered with the Museum of Photographic Art’s SEPIA (Seniors Exploring Photography Identity and Appreciation) initiative to provide free digital photography lessons to the Parkinson’s community. Each in-residency photography class will meet once weekly (for 3 weeks) and the final 4th week will include the concluding docent tour. Classes will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes are free, registration is required. Please call 858.273.6763 or email cking@parkinsonsassociation.org.

February 5

n Center for Jewish Culture is having a free lecture on Lifting the Lamp: The Hidden Jewish Women Behind American Identity by Professor June Cummins, SDSU at Coronado Library in the Winn Room at 10:30 a.m. at 640 Orange Ave., in Coronado. Many people know that the woman who wrote the poem on the Statue of Liberty, Emma Lazarus, was Jewish. But not everyone knows how much of being Jewish she put in that famous poem. To learn more, call 858.362.1154. n Reuben H Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, located at 1875 El Prado, will explore The Sky Tonight: Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and is easily visible in the sky this winter at 7 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. For information, visit www.rhfleet.org.

February 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th

(Every Wednesday) 5 – 6 p.m. n Mission Hills Branch Library at 925 West Washington Street, San Diego wants to have children of all ages to join them in LEGO Playtime. Kids can have fun and get creative while building with LEGOs.

February 5th & 19th

n Robin Henkel Band with Horns! and guest Whitney Shay at ArtLab Studios from 8 to 10 p.m. at 3536 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. All ages invited. Call 619.283.1151 for information.

February 6

n Silver Gate Elementary School is proud to announce its first concert cruise fundraiser with live local music. The music cruise, benefitting the friends of Silver Gate Foundation, will be held on Flagship Cruises’ yacht California Spirit, located downtown between the Broadway Pier and the Navy Pier at 990 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA. The funds raised will be used to support Silver Gate’s new literacy lab, providing extra language arts instruction with a focus on the new common core state standards to all grade levels. For information, visit www. silvergateschool.com or call 619.222.1139. n The Mission Hills Book Group, from 10 – 11 a.m. will discuss “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo. 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 St.

February 6th –16th

n The 24th annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival will display the diversity of filmmakers from around the world, reflecting Jewish life, identity, and experiences from multiple perspectives, ranging from serious to comedic. For locations and times visit www.sdcjc.org/sdjiff/. n Reuben H Fleet Science Center is located in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, San Diego: will host Paul Cannon with special guest Michael Tiernan. Paul is homegrown, and he’s the real deal. He brings a cool, peaceful vibe that will have you grooving along with your friends like you’re at a bonfire on a San Diego beach. He hung with monks deep in desert monasteries and lived in the Vatican, but he left the seminary for the higher calling of music, and has since racked up several national and international awards for his songwriting. Doors open at 7 p.m., Michael performs at 7:30 p.m. headliners perform at approximately 8:20 p.m. For information, call 619.238.1233 x 806 or visit www.rhfleet.org. n Dizzy’s at 8 p.m. will host The Fishtank Ensemble featuring violin virtuoso Fabrice Martinez, Douglas Smolen guitar, slap bassist Djordje Stjiepovic, & Ursula Knudson voice, violin & bowed saw. $15 cover at the showroom of San Diego Jet Ski Rentals, located at 4275 Mission Bay Drive at Rosewood Street, San Diego, on the Southern edge of Pacific Beach. n Dana Middle School Sweetheart “Father/Daughter” Dance, 6:30 p.m., Dana Middle School, 1775 Chatsworth Blvd. Fathers, mail guardians, male relatives/friends are invited to participate with students from grades 4-6. Contact Scott Irwin, principal, for information: 619.225.3897. Open to Dana students/families and other local schools only.

February 8th

n Reuben H Fleet Science Center, located in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, presents The Science Club for Girls: Icy Explorations. Explore ice properties; examine how frost forms ands learn how to make ice cream by lowering the freezing point of water! Girls in grades 5-8 can join the Fleet on the second Saturday of each month to investigate exciting science topics from noon to 2 p.m. Must preregister by calling 619.238.1233 x806. n Reuben H Fleet Science Center, located in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, will host DNA Day with the Salk Institute from noon to 3 p.m. Join scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and experience the excitement of scientific discovery. Reservations recommended, contact Mary French 619.238.1233 x850 or visit www.mfrench@rhfleet.org. n Dizzy’s at 8 p.m. will present renown alto saxophonist Charles McPherson. $20 cover at the showroom of San Diego Jet Ski

Rentals, located at 4275 Mission Bay Drive at Rosewood Street, San Diego, on the Southern edge of Pacific Beach. n The Osher Lifetime Learning Institute at San Diego State University, offered through SDSU’s College of Extended Studies, will host its spring semester kickoff event beginning at 9 a.m. at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center on campus. Refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m. as new and returning students receive an opportunity to mingle. Faculty members will be presenting short previews of their courses from 10 – 11:45 a.m. and students will have a chance to register for classes during the event starting at 11:45 a.m. For more information please call 619.594.2863, e-mail osher@ mail.sdsu.edu or visit www.neverstoplearning.net/osher. n San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) is proud to have the World’s first exhibition of authentic pirate treasure. Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship. This exhibition tells the true story of the Whydah, a real pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod nearly 300 years age. Board a replica of the actual ship and view more than 200 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor, including treasure chests of coins and gold, jewelry, and weaponry such as cannons, pistols, and knives. Visit www.sdnat.org for information. n Timken Museum of Art and the UCLA David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design Host Art of Fashion 2014: A Design Competition located in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park. Eight Theater, Film and Television graduate student costume designers have created halfscale costumes inspired by Thomas Gainsborough’s 1788 painting, “A Peasant Smoking at a Cottage Door.” During the Award Celebration dinner reception, the name of the winning designer will then be announced and presented with a $5,000 scholarship. For information, visit ccottraill@ timnkenmuseum.org or call 619.962.7997.

February 9th

n The Maritime Museum of San Diego, located on the embarcadero at 1492 North Harbor Dr., wants all Sweethearts to Sail on the Bay. Bring your Mom, Grandpa, kids, etc and share this day of love with those you care about. Guests will board the official tall ship of California, the Californian, for a four hour scenic tour of the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Ticket prices include keepsake photos, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and other delicacies. Event runs from noon to 4 p.m. can be purchased at www.sdmaritime.org. n Friends of SCPA Annual Golf Tournament takes place at 2 p.m. at Sail Ho Golf Club, Point Loma. Proceeds benefit the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. A 9-hole course, including buffet from 2-6 p.m. for $60 per person. Don’t golf, then come for just the buffet at 4 p.m. for $20 per person. For information, call Richard Trujillo at 619.470.0555 ext. 2211. Open to the public.

February 10th

n Robin Henkel Band with Horns and guest Whitney Shay at Humphrey’s Backstage from 7 to 11 p.m. The performance is free; 21 and up at 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego. For information, call 619.224.3411.

February 11th

n San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory at 7 p.m. at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park invites you to have the pleasure of listening to Eight Finalist Perform Challenging Concertos in the Last Round of Youth Symphony Competition. SDYS students performing at the recital have been selected as finalist following a preliminary competition among 23 applicants. Admission to the recital is free and open to the public. For information or to make a donation, call 619.233.3232 or visit www.sdys.org.

February 12th

n The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego conducts a workshop for the Newly Diagnosed from 1 to 3 p.m. at Vista. This free, two-hour workshop is for people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their family members, caregivers, and friends. Topics include: Motor & non-motor symptoms, potential causes, Medication management, exercise, nutrition, physical, speech, and music therapy, fall prevention and current research. PASD workshops are free but registration is required. To register, call Charlotte King-Mills at 858.273.6763 or email CKing@ParkinsonsAssociation.org

February 14th

n National Comedy Theatre, located at 3717 India Street, San Diego, hosts Unique Night Out for Local Lovebirds: House of CardsTwo showings at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Admission: $15 for adults; $12 for students. For information, visit www.nationalcomedy.com or call 619.295.4999.

February 15th

season of college football and two Southern coaches intersected with the civil rights movement in 1967 and changed the sport forever. This presentation will be at the Salomon Theatre Cost: $10 general. Tickets are available at www.pointloma.edu/writers or call 866.745.0575.

February 21st

n Reuben H Fleet Science Center is located in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, San Diego, Rock in the Park, our live Fleet concert series will feature a great band still to be announced, with special guest Michael Tiernan. Each show features two performances: an awesome opening act and a rockin’ headliner; food by the French Gourmet for purchase; beer, wine and cocktails available at the no-host bar; and the Fleet’s 100+ hands-on exhibits open exploration, including GUITAR: Michael opens each show. Doors open at 7 p.m., Michael performs at 7:30 p.m. headliners perform at approximately 8:20 p.m, For ticket information call 619.238.1233 x 806 or visit www.rhfleet.org n Global Entertainment Properties, producers of the Complete Fridea Kahio exhibition, is holding a FRIDA KAHLO look-alike contest. 6 – 8 p.m. at the NTC at Liberty Station, Historic Barracks 3, 2765 Truxtun Rd. San Diego. Dress up like Frida or come to watch, judging at 7 p.m., win great prizes. Contestants must RSVP at www.completefrida.com/ lookalike to participate. Tickets are available online and at the door. For information, call 323.935.6000.

February 21st & 23nd

n The San Diego Ballet Company (SDB), under the leadership of co-directors Robin Sherertz-Morgan and Javier Velasco, will present The Many Loves of Don Juan at the Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza, at 8 p.m., Friday, February 21 and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, February 23. Call 619.544.1000 for tickets.

February 22nd

n In honor of George Harrison’s birthday – a tribute to his music lovingly performed by guitar virtuoso Fred Benedetti & his vocalist daughters Regina & Julia, with special guest multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pekarek at dizzy’s at 8 p.m.. $10 cover at the showroom of San Diego Jet Ski Rentals, located at 4275 Mission Bay Drive at Rosewood Street, San Diego, on the Southern edge of Pacific Beach. n The Ink Spot at Liberty Station, Barracks 16, #202, Point Loma (across from Ace Hardware). is having a lively workshop for anyone who is interested in books and writing from 2 – 5 p.m. This program is designed to inspire and empower writers of all levels and genres. Presenter: Laurie Gibson, who’s edited the work of more than 150 first-time authors, will be hand for imagination workouts, writing prompts, self-assessments and Q&A throughout. Cost is $54. To register, visit www.sandiegowriters.org or call 858.635.1233. n Jill Courtemanche Millinery, located at 410 South Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, is holding a mask making class from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Learn how to make masks that have been a tradition at Mardi Gras and Carnivale. Create one of a kind creations perfect for your next masked ball or fancy dress party. Cost is $85, seating is limited and reservations are required. For information or to register, visit www.JillCourtemanche.com or call 858.876.6353.

February 23rd

n Dizzy’s at 7 p.m. will have a guest the stunningly creative young violinist Nora Germain with Marshall Hawkins bass & Bob Boss guitar. $15 cover ($10 students) at the showroom of San Diego Jet Ski Rentals, located at 4275 Mission Bay Drive at Rosewood Street, San Diego, on the Southern edge of Pacific Beach. n The NCT College Team is improv by young, smart people for young, smart people. And everyone else. Performances are the last Sunday of each month at 9 p.m. which is located at 3717 India Street, San Diego, following NCT’s The Sunday Company. The team is made entirely of college students, so expect college intelligence and college humor! Admission is $8 online or at the door. For tickets, directions and more info, visit www.nationalcomedy.com. n Robin Henkel Band with Horns & Whitney Shay perform at 8 p.m. at Lestat’s, located at 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Cost is $8 for all ages. Call 619.282.0437 for information. n Classics 4 Kids presents the Classics Philharmonic, a professional orchestra under the direction of Dana Zimbric, in a program of “music of the world” at 2 p.m. in the Balboa Theater, downtown San Diego. To purchase tickets, call 619.231.2311 or visit www.classics4kids.com.

February 24nd

n Astor Judaica Library, LFJCC at 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla, at 7 p.m. will have a library program. The “Tin Horse,” a novel by Janice Steinberg, is set during the 1920’s and ‘30’s, in the Los Angeles Jewish neighborhood of Boyle Heights. “The Tin Horse” is a rich multigenerational story about the intense, often fraught bond sister’s share and the dreams and sorrows that lay at the heart of the immigrant experience. Book purchase and signing follow the program. Price: $10; JCC Member Price: $8. For information, call Susan Hagler at 858.362.1150.

n 57th Annual Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. The San Diego Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars organizes this annual event with JROTC color guards, civic organizations, veteran’s groups, US Marine Corps Band, military units and community leaders. Open to public. n San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory presents two inspiring concerts from their talented young musicians at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Copley Symphony Hall, Jacobs Music Center. These Winter Concerts feature SDYS’ advanced and intermediate orchestras. Buy 2 or more adult tickets & get 2 free. Tickets on sale now at www.sdys.org or 619.233.3232 x 115.

February 26th

n San Diego Floral Assoc. will have a lecture, free to the public, on Learning About Historic Roses Casa del Prado in Balboa Park, room 101 at 1:30 p.m. February Meeting features Anita, Clevenger, and manager of Sacramento’s Historic Cemetery’s Rose Garden. Clevenger has a vast knowledge of Historic Roses collected from cemeteries, homes and other sites. For information, call 619.232.5762.

March 1st

February 19th

February 20th

n Professor Susannah Heschel will discuss the Moral Grandeur & Spiritual Audacity: Reflections on the Life and Thought of Abraham Joshua Heschel at 7 p.m. at Temple Solel, 3575 Manchester Ave., Cardiff by the Sea. For information, call 858.457.3030 or visit www.tickets. lfjcc.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=174. n Join us for The 19th Annual Writer’s Symposium by the Sea hosted by Point Loma Nazarene University, located at 3900 Lomaland, San Diego, at 7 p.m. One of this year’s guest is Samuel Freedman a journalist and the author of Breaking the Line, a book that explores how a single

n The 19th Annual Writer’s Symposium by the Sea, hosted by Point Loma Nazarene University, located at 3900 Lomaland, takes place at 7 p.m. One of this year’s guest is Jeannette Walls who drew from her nomadic childhood with negligent but interesting parents for her memoir, “The Glass Castle” and her colorful grandmother for “Half-Broke Horses: A true Life Novel.” Her latest, The “Silver Star,” continues to explore dysfunctional family love and loyalty. This presentation will be at the Brown Chapel Cost: $15 general, $5 students. Purchase tickets at www.pointloma.edu/writers or call 866.745.0575. n Art in the Garden, an exhibition of artwork by Ray Street Artists, will take place at the home of Lisa and Rich Tear, 6112 Waverly Ave, in La Jolla, from 1 – 6 p.m. Ray Street Artists are a group of painter that meet at The Art Department, an artist’s studio and gallery in the San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. For more information on this Spring Exhibition visit www.RayStreetArtist.com. n Save the Date for Spanish Nights with the Romeros with a live performance in the Eugene and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Reuben H Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El Prado, In Balboa Park. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with a post-concert reception. For information, visit www.rhfleet.org/events/ spanish-nights-romeros.com.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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

PRIVATE PARTY AD 25 Word Maximum

$ 00

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Video production services from conception to final product. Call 619.296.8731

25-35 Word Maximum

• STUDIO SPACE •

3500

All Classified Ads must be Pre-Paid

Looking for a studio space to paint, draw or sculpt?

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

•AD SALES POSITION• Commissioned sales position for print, video and website ads. Join an exciting team and rapidly growing company. Sales experience preferred.

Call 619-481-9817

Market Street Group Members include students, amateur, professional artists Located in Little Italy, wooden floors, sky-lights, access to studio 24/7, working materials can be stored at studio, easels provided. Market Street Studio Group Studio founded 26 years ago. PROFESSIONAL LIFE MODELS 3 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDED! Monthly fee: $145 More information please contact: Kirby Kendrick kirby4004@aol.com phone: 505.660.4448

100% Support

For your goals and transitions. Certified life coach, psychology background. Strong decisions to a centered and fulfilled life are available to everyone. Coaching via Phone or at the Office

Call 619.296.8731 to place a classified ad

February 2014 Events Children’s Craft Time

Feb. 03, 10, 24 (Every Monday) from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited to a fun storytime with sign language, singing, and bubbles.

includes real estate, help wanted & services

Mission Hills Branch Library

Signing Storytime

BUSINESS LISTING AD

BUSINESS DISPLAY AD 2.25”w x 2.0”h

Feb. 01, 08, 15, 22 (Every Saturday) at 10:30 a.m. Kids can develop their artistic skills while enjoying a fun craft time.

includes personals, items for sale, garage sales & roomates

Classified

619.295.0878 1807 Robinson Ave., 204 details at

Star rC oaching .com

“Famous Book” Group

Put Your Name In Front of 35,000 Potential Customers! For more information, call 619.296.8731

Feb. 04 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Mystery Book Group will discuss “Extreme Measures” by Vince Flynn. New members are always welcome to attend and participate! Please read the book beforehand. Books are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.

Pajama Storytime

Feb. 04, 11, 18, 25 (Every Tuesday) from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Children are invited to an evening storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets. Feel free to come dressed in your pajamas!

LEGO Playtime

Feb. 05, 12, 19, 26 (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

Feb. 06 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Mission Hills Book Group will discuss “Behind the Beautiful Forevers” by Katherine Boo. 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 St.

Preschool Storytime

Feb. 07, 14, 21, 29 (Every Friday) from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Children are invited to a fun storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets.

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

Wednesday Night Gathering at 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday

Book Sale

Feb. 15 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. Children are invited to a fun storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets.

Mystery Book Group

Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. The Mystery Book Group will discuss a mystery novel. New members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please ask the library staff for this month’s title and 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

Put Your Name In Front of 35,000 Potential Customers! For more information, call 619.296.8731 PresidioSentinel.com