Presidio Sentinel, Dec. 2019, Vol. 20, No. 12w by Michal Tuzinkiewicz

Volume 20, No. 12w

San Diego is active with

Christmas & Holiday Activities.

Enjoy this issue and join in on the fun. Digital Copy

San Diego’s Parade of Lights

Grooming Pets for the Holidays

For the Sender Holiday Show

U.S. Premiere of Chinese Opera

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December 2019 Web Edition

Serving the Heart of San Diego

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Trillion Jewels for Holiday Purchases

Gardens Revitalized

DixiePops is Serving Ice Cream Pies

In Front of the Lens

Featured Stories Thanking God for the

Giving Tuesday Inspires People

69th Annual Las Posadas

Anna Danes and Friends

“Ebenezer Scrooge” at The Old Globe

14 Featured Events

Purpose of The Season

By Patty Ducey-Brooks Now that Christmas and the holiday season are upon us, I know that people in our world are having different reactions and experiences with what they should feel and believe. Though I am Catholic and have been since birth, I would be naïve to think that others understand how this season feels to me. Fortunately, I was raised by two very kind and caring parents who believed that religion should be a very important part of my life. Because of them, it has been, but not without challenges. All of us who are Catholics know that the church has had a history not reflective of what the religion represents, not what God intended. Unfortunately, this is a flaw of humankind. We are imperfect and make mistakes, some more damaging than others. However, it doesn’t negate the benefits and purpose of religion, to help influence us with acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness and respect for each other and life. Without these influences, I can only guess how different my existance might have been. Every day I am reminded of how I should live my life. Bishop Dolan will be the celebrant at both Christmas Eve Masses at the Immaculate Conception Even at times when I find others to be totally intolerable, Church in Old Town San Diego, located at 2540 San Diego Avenue. I am reminded to stop and think before reacting. I am Christmas Eve Masses: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Christmas Day Masses: 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. reminded that there are many ways to respond, and with As I speak about my religion, I want to be clear that I am not discouraging varying results. Sometimes, not reacting, just listening, is the best action. other religions. My friends who are Jewish, Baptist, Episcopal, Mormon, Would I have known this without my religion? I truly doubt it. Because even with positive influences in my life, there are times when I and other faiths, have similar feelings about their religions. And, for that, we are fortunate. have to ask for guidance to make sense of my existance and people in my For me, my parents were the initial reason and influence that introduced life. My religion has provided me with this knowledge and this resource. At a recent mass at the Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town, me to Catholicism. Others I know have sought out a religion that they could Bishop Dolan spoke about people who have given up on the world because connect with. Whatever the course of action, be assured that once you’ve made the they have no religion. What he said immediately “spoke to me.” I worry about those who have given up on themselves and taken their own decision to join a religious community, your life is changed forever. And, and other people’s lives. My impression is, they truly don’t feel the purpose the purpose of the season is deeply meaningful. To all of you during this very special season of the year, Merry Christmas, of life and their role in the universe. My impression is that they are only Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays.• existing in this world. All I can think is, what a horrible place that must be.

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Local News

San Diego’s

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Parade of Lights

The 48th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during the evenings of December 8 and 15, 2019. On both days, the procession will start at 5 p.m. and follow the predetermined parade route. This year, for the fourth time, the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade. The parade starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and ends at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The parade takes about an hour to pass any given point and there are many comfortable waterfront viewpoints along the route. For added insight into the participating boats, viewers can watch the parade from near the announcers’ areas. Announcers will be located at the Maritime Museum on the Embarcadero and at Coronado Landing. As each boat passes these viewing points, the announcers offer a brief history and description of the participating vessels. Presented by the Port of San Diego, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region. Due to increased traffic and parking demand, observers are encouraged to plan ahead or take the trolley.•

Each boat is decorated to reflect the theme of the parade and personality of the designers.

The Perfect Place To Purchase Your Holiday Gifts– By Patty Ducey-Brooks

Trillion Jewels

With more than three years as a favorite shopping experience for many residents in Mission Hills and surrounding communities, Trillion Jewels on Juan Street in Old Town San Diego, continues to offer an attractive array of exceptionally unique jewelry. Neil Ward, the proprietor, says that Trillion Jewels has lots of repeat clients who appreciate the selections he is able to provide. Ward reminds me that Trillion Jewels carries high quality jewelry, much of which is so unique that you won’t find it anywhere else. He added that the price of the jewelry is phenomenally attractive. The three important factors: quality, uniqueness and value, and selection are what customers say when they see the inventory. Trillion Jewels now has over 800 items to choose from. The collection now includes not only a great selection of diamond jewelry, but also a wide array of colored gemstones, many of them rare and not available in other jewelry stores. Currently, Trillion Jewels has a great choice of all the well-known and much loved gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds, aquamarines, opals, amethysts, citrine, blue topaz, tanzanite, pearls and garnets. Trillion Jewels also has an awesome selection of hard to find gemstones such as alexandrite, Paraiba tourmaline, rutilated quartz, jade (green and lavender), coral, Mexican fire opal, imperial topaz, cobalt blue spinal, tsavorite and demantoid garnet, sleeping beauty turquoise, watermelon and rubellite tourmaline and the list goes on. As the store is small and the focus is on quality, all Trillion Jewels jewelry is set in 14k gold, 18k gold and platinum (occasionally 22k and palladium), but no silver and very rarely 10K gold. Ward reminded me that they also offer high quality repairs at a very fair price and there is a “no quibble” 30-day return policy on sales. Ward offered, “Whether it is sales, repairs, appraisals or custom work, my goal is to always give customer such a great experience that they will want to come back and refer Trillion Jewels to their friends and family.”•

When Ordinary Jewelry is Simply Not Good Enough

Over 1000 Pieces in Stock

Tri l l i o n Je w e l s Sa n D i e g o . c om Top quality and unique jewelry designs are the norm (not the exception) at Trillion Jewels.

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760.828.8683

2802 Ju an St. # 19, Old Tow n San Diego, CA

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

DixiePops is

Local News

Now Serving Ice Cream Pies

Holiday ice cream pies are perfect for the holidays

DixiePops’ owner, Dixie Hall, has announced that she is now making ice cream pies to the delight of her many customers. The idea for ice cream pies came about after several regular customers started asking for them. And, as Hall found out, it was not easy finding a quality ice cream pie in San Diego. A Mission Hills resident, Hall opened her homemade ice cream and craft popsicle business in Mission Hills, located at 915 West Washington Street, San Diego, in January of this year at the corner of Goldfinch and Washington Street, specializing in homemade ice creams, craft popsicles, milk shakes and other fantastic deserts, and has vegan options as well. Here are some examples of what DixiePops is serving up for the holidays by the slice and as full pies: Pumpkin with vanilla wafer crust, pumpkin pie ice cream, layer of burnt marshmallow and whipped cream. Apple pie with vanilla wafer crust, layer caramel sauce, apple pie ice cream, whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Peppermint with dark chocolate cookie crust, layer chocolate sauce, peppermint ice cream, peppermint flavored whipped Cream, chocolate drizzle with peppermint chips German chocolate with dark chocolate cookie crust, layer of chocolate sauce, German chocolate ice cream, layer of coconut caramel topping and chocolate drizzle. DixiePops also offers mint chip, sugar cookie crunch, triple chocolate, sundae pie, campfire pie and custom pies, all to your liking. In addition to ice cream pies, DixiePops has gained an extended reputation for its amazing homemade ice cream, variety of craft popsicle flavors and other tasty desserts. In addition to its retail location, DixiePops also offers catering for private events (weddings, bridal showers, birthdays, parties, bar mitzvahs), company events (grand openings, employee appreciation days), fundraisers (to help raise monies for the charity), and private label opportunities for businesses (where they can put their own name or logo on the pop), all deliciously effective ways to extend positive reputations and business brands. DixiePops is and is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily. For further information, visit www.dixiepops.com, or call 619.255.5473.•

Winter Wonder to

DixiePops’ delicious creation is apple pie with vanilla wafer crust, layer caramel sauce, apple pie ice cream, whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Spread Holiday Cheer

Belmont Park, San Diego’s iconic beachfront amusement park, brings families and friends together for the holiday season with its first annual Winter Wonder holiday spectacular on weekends from December 1 through January 5, 2020. The 94-year-old beachside park will offer a day-and-night experience, featuring a holiday toy drive, 10 to 15-foot-tall holiday-themed sculptures, a free Santa photo op, other winter-themed activities and entertainment; plus, Illuminated Winter Nights when the sun goes down. In spirit of the giving season, Belmont Park will host a toy drive in partnership with the Marine’s Toys for Tots Program during all open park hours throughout Winter Wonder. For every toy collected, Belmont Park will donate one single ride ticket to Big Brother, Big Sisters, a non-profit organization that seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity by providing one-on-one mentoring from a network of volunteers, donors and supporters. In its first annual celebration, Winter Wonder brings the season’s spirit to life as guests will be dazzled by a variety of oversized holiday sculptures, featuring ‘Surfing Santa’, a ‘Merry Kiss Me’ romance candy cane archway, beach-style ‘Starfish Santas’ and other festive sculptures by the beach. The holiday sculptures, as well as other winter-themed photo op walls, holiday string lights and décor, will be on display during all open park hours and will be illuminated at night for guest to enjoy until January 5. On weekends in December, families can also capture lasting holiday memories with free photos with Santa every weekend starting Sunday, December 1 through Sunday, December 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other winter-themed happenings include live music with carolers Friday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., plus Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., December 1 through December 29. On the boardwalk, guests can taste holiday flavors at Draft and Cannonball with their new seasonal menu items and specialty drinks. In addition, guests will be able to feast, drink and dance from beach to rooftop at the second annual New Years Eve Beachfront Bash on December 31 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Early bird discounted tickets will be available for purchase in late November. Tickets available at www.nyebeachfrontbash.com. For information on Winter Wonder, visit www.belmontpark.com/winterwonder2019 or call 858.228.9283.•

Little Italy

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

From 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 7, the Little Italy Association will host its 21st Annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village. This year, Little Italy will make exciting enhancements to the event with the reveal of a new custom-designed Christmas tree by California-artist, Joshua Hubert. The 25-foot tall Christmas tree, located in the center of Piazza Basilone, will dazzle with two-inch plexiglass fringe, generating colored rays shining bright throughout the entire evening and shimmer during the day. All of India Street will be decked out in sparkling white lights—making Little Italy a true winter wonderland. Throughout the evening, guests will experience a magical night filled with festive decor, seasonal vendors selling the perfect holiday goodies and stocking stuffers, a tree lighting ceremony, live music and entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, a surprise visit from Santa.•

Guests of Little Italy will experience a winter wonderland.

PresidioSentinel.com •

Local News

Airbnb Questioned on

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Misleading Hosts & Listings

This past month, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), along with Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO), and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) today demanded Airbnb explain its plans to deal with deceptive limited liability corporations disguising themselves as “hosts” on the platform to market short-term rentals out of compliance with local laws and the company’s own policies. The letter, addressed to CEO Brian Chesky, also requests information about misleading listings that have left customers in poor housing conditions and seeks a meeting with Airbnb executives in the next two weeks. “Despite Airbnb’s stated ‘One Host, One Home’ policy, media reports have raised concerns about the proliferation of limited liability corporations on your platform… deceptive and misleading listings have also led to customers being scammed by ‘hosts’ who abuse Airbnb’s cancellation policies to trick guests into unsuitable housing conditions for monetary gain. While we appreciate that you have frequently stated that Airbnb has a “zero tolerance” policy, it also seems clear that you have failed to authenticate host identities in a way that would prevent bad actors from continuing to rent through your platform under false identities after being banned,” the Congressmembers wrote.

Patty Ducey-Brooks Publisher

Ilene Hubbs Associate Editor

Michal A. Tuzinkiewicz Creative/Art Director

Phyllis E. Zawacki Graphic Designer

Contributing Writers

The letter includes 20 questions intended to clarify Airbnb’s policies and practices, including:

Blake Beckcom

• How the company intends to define a “host,” and how the company vets its hosts; • How the company will enforce policy violations from hosts who mislead customers and the public about their identities or listings; • How the company will verify that units meet so-called “basic safety protocols;” • And whether the company’s efforts to categorize “high-risk reservations,” will consider age, race, gender, or other personal traits.

Mission Bill BID Rick Brooks Melody Brown Ian Campbell

This increased scrutiny of Airbnb comes after ongoing news coverage of major safety incidents and consumer scams involving Airbnb rentals. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, 42 people have been shot and/or killed in Airbnb “party houses” in the past six months alone. It is clear that Airbnb is unable to police its own properties and that’s why cities across the country are trying to protect their neighborhoods and reduce Airbnb’s impact to housing.•

Richard Cone Cath DeStefano Violet Green Barry Hager

Giving Tuesday

Ilene Hubbs

Inspires People to do Good

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one of the nation’s largest veteran nonprofit organizations received a commitment from a private donor to match donations starting on Giving Tuesday through December 31, dollar for dollar up to one million dollars. All funds from this campaign will go toward TMF programs that support and empower families of fallen military members across the country. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of The Travis Manion Foundation is dedicated to programs people to give, collaborate, in support of families of fallen military members. and celebrate generosity. According to givingtuesday.org, last year $380 million was raised in the United States alone, and this year over $500 million is expected to be donated worldwide. The matching donor campaign through Travis Manion Foundation will be dedicated to programs in support of families of fallen military members. The staple program funds Service and Leadership Expeditions, which provides veterans and family members of fallen heroes the opportunity to connect, build relationships and work together on service-based trips. TMF Expeditions are more than a support group–they are an opportunity to serve with the selflessness of those we have lost. TMF Expeditions take participants across the US and around the world. Local communities receive the benefit of physical service as well as the impact of seeing participants’ acts of courage, strength, and selflessness. “From our inception, Travis Manion Foundation has given families of the fallen a platform to not only continue the life of service but to carry on the legacy of their loved one by helping others,” said Amy Looney Heffernan, vice president of Travis Manion Foundation. “The opportunity for us to receive such substantial support towards our programs will truly change lives for these families who have sacrificed so much.” In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who…” Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships Don Schmidt with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives Broker Associate, SFR • CalDRE #01347868 on in the next generation. Historic and Architectural Specialist Those interested in supporting the 858.405.5448 cause can visit: www.travismanion. SellWithDon .com org/2019GivingTuesday.•

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David Kamatoy Philip C. Lee Alice Lowe Aubree Lynn George Mitrovich Fausto Palafox David Rottenberg Anne Sack 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.

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A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Grooming Pets for the

Animal News

Holidays and Year-Round

By Patty Ducey-Brooks

It’s around the holidays that we sometimes focus on making sure our pets look their best. And, to make this possible, I spoke to two animal groomers who are passionate about their work and truly enjoy their customers, cats and dogs. Salvador Gomez is the head groomer at VCA Hillcrest Animal Hospital, located at 246 West Washington Street in the Mission Hills/Hillcrest area. Gomez got introduced to the canine grooming industry when he was 18 years old. He worked with an afghan breeder and quickly learned the rules and tools of the trade. He observed how dogs of different breeds were to be groomed and also learned how to show dogs. Now, some years later, Gomez has clients who refer to him as their only groomer. They wouldn’t go to anyone else. You can tell why this is the case. He is calm and communicates with each of his clients, whatever the breed, with extreme patience. “I create a relationship with my canine clients by moving slowly,” said Gomez. “I want to make them feel comfortable with me and the surroundings.” Gomez said that his canine clients sense the energy and feelings of the groomer. They know if this person is comfortable with them and in control. However, you don’t over power a dog. When asked how the industry has changed, since he’s been a groomer for over 35 years, Gomez said that techniques haven’t changed. However the tools of the trade have improved, including shampoos for different animal needs, such as dogs with allergies. We talked about when dogs or puppies should be introduced to grooming. Gomez said this should happen when they are around threemonths old. This way, they get accustomed to the groomer, ears cleaned, nails clipped and being bathed. Then he laughed, recalling the many puppies he’s groomed and the fact that he gets wet from all of their energy and excitement. It’s never a dull moment as a groomer. There are also many different options and reasons for getting a cat groomed, according to Meadow Beidler, who specializes in cat grooming at VCA Hillcrest Animal Hospital. She says some people bring their shorthaired cats in just for a nail trim and deshedding. However, she will suggest a full groom with bath about once a year in those cases. As cats age they can become arthritic and stop grooming themselves; so it’s good to have them accustomed to a bath before it gets to that point. Other

Salvador Gomez, head groomer at VCA Hillcrest Animal Hospital, is shown with one of his canine clients.

clients with long-haired cats do well bringing them in for a bath and brush out maintenance, and maybe a sanitary clipping as needed throughout the year. Depending on the coat and structure of the cat, some need a lot of help staying tangle free and clean. With Persians, if they are to be kept in full coat every four-to-six weeks is the maximum time between grooms to remain tangle free and clean, especially if the owner is not doing their own maintenance and brushing at home. Sometimes cats get hair knots. Depending on the location and the tightness, it may be best to shave the matting. However, in some cases, the best option to do a shave down and start anew. Some people have found their cats seem a lot happier without a huge coat and keep it that way throughout the year. Meadows shared with me that when she was six-years old she began befriending the feral alley cats in her neighborhood. Many became her house cats. This passion for cats and her desire to help them is what she believes they “sense about her,” which results in a stress free situation during grooming. In unique cases, when a cat is just too stressed, there are different sedation options available. The outcome is a happy and groomed cat.•

help us find a home Squeaker is a sweet, nine-year old, domestic short hair that positively loves having her cheeks and chin scratched. She’s looking for a family with a reliable routine so that she can get her medicine on time every day. Look no further, If you seeking a special feline who will light up your life. Squeaker’s adoption fee includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, waived enrollment fee for medical insurance from PetFirst, and a license for residence in the city limits of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista. Squeaker is currently residing at the San Diego Campus of the San Diego Humane Society, located at 5500 Gaines Street in San Diego. For information, call 619.299.7012, or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for boarding, bathing, grooming, pet food and prescription and non—prescription drugs. Expires 12.31.2019

Lilly is an eight-year old love bug that adores people, dogs, attention and being pet all over. This adorable lap dog can’t wait to find a loving home. Lilly’s adoption fee includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, waived enrollment fee for medical insurance from PetFirst, and a license for residence in the city limits of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista. She is currently residing at the Oceanside Campus of the San Diego Humane Society, located at 2905 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside. For information, call 619.299.7012 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

SPCA

• PresidioSentinel.com •

8 How to

Lifestyle

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Avoid Overeating During the Holidays

By Blake Beckcom

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, you are probably inundated with dinner parties and cocktail hours to celebrate the holidays. These events are a great time to be joyful with the people you love—but they can be a dangerous trap if you are trying to watch your weight. So how do you stick with your diet when you are surrounded with holiday food for over a month? It can certainly be tough. Especially if you work in an office and coworkers are constantly bringing extra holiday goodies into the office to get them out of their own kitchens. Holiday food can certainly be tempting— especially when it is just a small bite of this brownie and a little scoop of this cheese dip here and there. One good thing to do during the holidays to decrease your chances of overeating is to stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water during the day and especially before going to a holiday event. This will keep your stomach full and make you feel less hungry and therefore less likely to reach for that holiday cookie. Also, limit your alcohol intake. When you drink alcohol, your inhibitions are lowered and you may decide to toss your diet aside for the night. Additionally, alcoholic beverages are often high in calories themselves, so you can easily consume 500 calories by drinking just two drinks. Choose to drink water instead of alcohol or limit yourself to one drink. When you’re in front of a buffet table, choose the raw vegetable tray instead of the cheese tray. This way, your hands are still busy with eating and you are filling up your stomach, but you are eating healthy food that is low in fat and calories. Before you know it, you will be filled up on healthy vegetables and won’t even have an appetite for that crab dip anymore. Eat a big salad before you go to an event. If you can show up to events with a full stomach, you are less likely to be running to the food table and stuffing your face with anything you can find. Don’t show up ravenous, assuming you will be able to piece together a balanced meal. Make the food an afterthought for the party and the company the primary reason you are there. Keep up with your exercise plan so you are reminding yourself on a daily basis that you are still living a healthy lifestyle. If you know you spent so much energy in this gym this morning and have to get up and go again tomorrow, you will be less likely to reach for that piece of pecan pie at the end of the night.

Charitable

When you sit down to a holiday meal, take your time. Eat slowly so you can enjoy every bite of the festive food. There is no need to rush through dinner— it will only make you eat more than your body needs before you even realize you have done so. Take a few breaths between every bite of food. Recognize your hunger cues. Make sure you aren’t mindlessly eating when you are at a holiday event just because the food is in front of you. Determine whether or not you are actually hungry before reaching for some food. Only sample the special things. If there is a dish that truly only comes around once a year, go ahead and treat yourself in moderation to a few tastes. But make sure to enjoy Blake & Gwen Beckcom it and savor it so it is worth the extra calories. Whether this is your grandmother’s special pie or maybe a gingerbread cookie that you wouldn’t otherwise eat during the year, treat yourself to some holiday goodness without going overboard. The key is to enjoy the holidays while still living a healthy lifestyle. This can be accomplished if you are mindful about the things you’re eating and take the time to think and plan a bit before you go out celebrating. If you show up prepared, you can go to social gatherings to enjoy the company, not the excess of food that is available.• Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise and nutritional programs are custom designed to fit your needs and abilities. Call 619.794.0014 for more information or to schedule a free fitness diagnostic and private training session. See what others are saying about us on Yelp.

Gifting Today

By Rick Brooks

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated or capped a lot of itemized deductions for most taxpayers. While deductions for charitable gifts were preserved, raising the standard deduction meant that many taxpayers lost the benefit of all but the largest donations. Here are some strategies that you can use to squeeze out the maximum tax benefit, given the current tax rules and market conditions. Keeping it Simple These first two options can generally be done without much professional help. Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD). For IRA owners who are over 70.5 and taking required minimum distributions (RMDs), you can simply have donations sent directly from the IRA to the charity. These charitable distributions count towards your RMD and because you never receive the distribution, it’s not considered income to you. Effectively, the deduction comes from lowering your income before it goes onto your tax return, instead of showing up later as an itemized deduction that you may not even get to take under current rules. Donor Advised Fund (DAF). This requires a bit more work to set up, but once you do it can be a very simple and effective way to get the most tax benefit from your donations. It works by bundling several years worth of donations into a single year. Suppose your annual charity donations are $ 5,000 per year, which might not be deductible in any single year (because your total deductions would be less than the $24,400 standard deduction for a couple). But what if you could fund the DAF with $20,000 in a single year. When combined with your other eligible deductions like state taxes, that entire amount would then be eligible for a tax deduction in the year it’s made, so that your interest payments, tax payments and other charitable contributions might all become deductible again in that year. Donating appreciated stock gives the added benefit of avoiding the capital gains tax (since the DAF wouldn’t pay tax on the sale of the stock). A Donor Advised Fund functions a bit like your own mini foundation. You could fund the DAF in a single year, then make your normal charitable gifts out of the Donor Advised Fund. More Complex In today’s low interest rate environment, there are two additional options that can be attractive. The catch is that you need to work with an attorney who specializes in trusts and estates.

• PresidioSentinel.com

Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (CLAT). With a CLAT, a donor places assets into the trust, which then pays income to a charity at a set rate. At the end of a defined period, the assets then pass to the donor’s beneficiaries outside of the donor’s estate. Given today’s low interest rates, the rates required to be paid to the charity are quite low, and if the assets can appreciate more than that required payout rate over time, a donor can pass more to his or her heirs without incurring estate or gift taxes. Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT). Here, a donor places the assets into the trust and receives income over the life of the trust. The assets can be sold or held, and any income (including capital gains) are passed on to the owner over the term of the trust. When the trust term ends, the assets pass to a charity of the donor’s choosing. The advantage here is that the donor receives a current tax deduction for the expected remainder value of the gift to charity. Today’s low interest rates increase the expected future value of that gift, resulting in a larger donation today. Clearly, these are complex gifting tools that should be discussed in depth with your attorney, tax advisor and financial advisor. It’s also important to remember that gifts to charity are not really about the tax deduction; they’re about supporting your community and the causes you care about. The tax deduction is merely a sweetener that makes such generosity a little easier.• This column is prepared by Rick Brooks, CFA®, CFP®. Brooks is director/investment management with Blankinship & Foster, LLC, a wealth advisory firm specializing in financial planning and investment management for people preparing for retirement. Brooks can be reached at 858.755.5166, or by email at rbrooks@bfadvisors.com. Brooks and his family live in Mission Hills.

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Gardens

Lifestyle

Revitalized

By Barb Strona In September the Garden Club Steven Harbour treated us to some terrific ideas for coping with our water situation. Harbour has spent the past 35 years plus in one form or another of the nursery business. A friend bequeathed his “yard boy” customers to Harbour when he was only a kid. This was before electric mowers or cell phones. Equipment had to be dragged, and the customers’ homes covered the entire town. Now he designs landscapes which will thrive in our arid climate since we no longer have access to all the water we consumed via concrete rivers and dams from the Colorado River and the runoff from the Sierra Nevada. The era of cottage gardens and tropical landscapes is dying. Harbour explains that when this portion of Southern California was first settled, people dug for water or saved it from the few occasions it rained. Nevertheless, the landscape was not ugly. However, when we suddenly had access to water from wetter areas, our gardens changed. People wanted gardens that reminded them of former homes in New England, the South, or the Midwest. Once water was abundant, lawns stretched over hillsides, roses thrived, tropical gardens sprang up as well as charming Japanese gardens. Swimming pools, water features, fountains and even waterfalls decorated homes of the wealthy as well as five-star hotels. With water bills mounting, many of us Southern Californians are taking stock of our yards. Harbour showed us various ways to “revamp the tired landscape.” For him, the “gardens are alive and dynamic” and are a “labor of love. “

Harbour pointed out that now, autumn, gardens look tired; spring is when they look their best having received (if we are lucky) some rainfall over the winter. However, in order to deal with the cost of water, we need to, as Harbour puts it, “Change, tune-up, or overhaul.” Which should it be? To determine what you need, Harbour uses these analogies: an oil change is “sprucing up the place with a few plants and top-dress.” A Tune-up means “renovating areas with good bones.” If there are no redeeming qualities to the area, you will need an overhaul, “complete renovation.” Harbour showed us a series of slides of homes that either were so crowded with overgrown plants that it was impossible to see what was there or gardens were “a menagerie of suffering plants.” Harbour mentioned that large trees tend to monopolize large areas of terrain (like the eucalyptus invading our property). If you are planning to revamp your landscape and you cannot move the tree, put climbing or trailing plants at the outskirts of the tree’s roots and train the branches toward the tree. This way the new plant doesn’t need to fight for water, but as it grows, it will begin to cover the root-covered compacted soil surrounding the tree. Maintenance is another consideration when you are planning to redo your yard. Topiaries and hedges require frequent maintenance. The topiaries I’ve seen often have a full-time gardener to keep the in shape.

This is an example of a dry Japanese Zen garden.

When you are planning your garden revision, you must decide what you want to keep and what to toss. You also need to decide if you need a professional to help you. Harbour believes that an overhaul definitely needs a professional— landscape architect, designer, contractor, nursery person—the choice is yours. A professional should be able to help you lay “the bones. This means removing some plants, structures or hardscape and possibly re grading. It may also be time to renovate your actual home. The professional also will consider drainage needs to keep your site properly irrigated. Harbour considers irrigation as “the potential source of your problems.” (You don’t want to flood your neighbor’s yard because you haven’t planned for where the water will go.) You may want to find ways to capture whatever rainwater falls. You can plan ways of diverting water to specific areas.

Hardscape consists of the hard surfaces of your landscape: paths, driveways, patios, play areas. Softscape refers to the plants: trees, bushes, flowers, groundcover, vines. The structures will be walls, covers, outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas, fire features. In addition, Harbour considers “adding personality” with water elements such as pools, spas, fountains, and birdbaths as well as furniture and personal touches: sculpture, pots, whatever strikes your fancy. Not only did Harbour show us “landscapes that look as if they belong,” he also showed us a host of landscapes using native plants that created the kind of ambience found in specific types of gardens. Harbour believes drought tolerant gardens should be designed around a theme. All should be “dry” gardens, but you have a plethora of choices from various Mediterranean styles including Spanish, Moorish, Italian, or even a combination. He showed us “south of the border – hacienda style” gardens and southwest desert themed gardens. Harbour even showed us a dry Japanese Zen garden. He followed the Zen garden with a modern midcentury garden. Harbour even had examples of cottage gardens. Plants that are most likely to thrive in your yard are natives. Natives have another advantage: they are home to a host of creatures. Birds and butterflies that have disappeared may return with their habitat restored. As usual, every good speaker inspires me to try something, and Harbour has made my husband very happy. Our water bill is still sky high. Therefore, Harbor has inspired me to trade my water hog cottage look for an early California succulent look. The next Mission Hills Garden Club meeting will be on January 23, 2020.•

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For The Sender

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Holiday Show Returns with Acclaimed Artists

For The Sender is returning home to the historic La Paloma Theater, located at 471 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, California, for its annual Holiday Show at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 14. Proceeds from the Holiday Show will directly benefit Team RWB’s Surf Camp for Veterans. As a special holiday offering, For The Sender will be accepting personal letters from attendees, turning those stories into songs, and performing them live at the show. The For The Sender event, album, and book series features Grammy-winning, platinum-selling artists presenting powerful songs and stories of love, loss, redemption and hope, all inspired by real-life letters. Singer-songwriter and author of the popular “For The Sender” book and album series, Alex Woodard will be the host for the evening. The holiday concert will include the original For The Sender family, as well as the voices of Nickel Creek, Switchfoot, legendary songwriter Jack Tempchin (“Peaceful Easy Feeling” and other Eagles hits), Molly Jenson, and local stalwarts Nena Anderson and Graham Nancarrow. Special guests will be announced Molly Jensen is a crowd favorite as the show approaches. and is scheduled to perform. “We’re excited to bring the Holiday Show back home to La Paloma,” said Alex Woodard, For the Sender’s founder. “The first For The Sender show sold out two performances at La Paloma eight winters ago, signaling the first steps of a storybook journey that has seen the project evolve and change lives from California to Haiti.” Proceeds from the project are donated to causes chosen by the letter-senders, including Team RWB, North County’s Shelter to Soldier, and StandUp for Kids. Concert attendees interested in having their stories turned into songs can send their letters to forthesender@gmail.com. To learn more or purchase tickets for For The Sender, please visit www.forthesender.com.•

Anna Danes & Friends in Home for the Holidays Top-charting Billboard Jazz recording artist Anna Danes returns to Martinis Above Fourth at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 14 for an evening of holiday merriment, song and a whole lot of style and class. The Polish born, San Diego based multi-faceted artist, has been identified as a passion-pursuing and dream chasing artist. Upon its release, “Find Your Wings” debuted at #1 on the iTunes jazz chart. Soon thereafter, it placed on two Billboard charts, reaching #13 on the Traditional Jazz chart and in the Top 25 on the Jazz Albums chart. The collection, a follow-up to her well received 2013 debut “Longing,” was produced by Dave Darling (Brian Setzer, Tom Waits, Jack Johnson, Motley Crue) and recorded with top L.A. session musicians in Capitol’s Studios A, where greats like Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole once held court. She is a former lawyer and stay-at-home mom who at the age of 43 reinvented herself when she turned to singing as a way to find her voice and to change her life when the love is her life was no more. She is now a successful singer, author, speaker and producer. She produces private and public events as well as produces Jazz on Cedros a sophisticated musical happy hour that is celebrating sold-out shows since its inception last year. Her music is based on the classics, the jazz standards, including the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. But she’s also taken modern songs and arranged them for jazz. And recently, Anna started writing her own standards. Her latest album contains half original songs, which are Dane’s stories.•

Jon Foreman from Switchfoot is scheduled to perform.

Every Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

•Paintings •Jewelry •Photography •Hand Blown Glass •Clothing •Pottery

On Harney Street in the Heart of Old Town Anna Danes will perform Christmas music and other holiday songs at Martinis Above Fourth.

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A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

San Diego’s Christmas & Holiday Events Chula Vista Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire returns from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 7, to jumpstart your holiday season. 100+ parade participants will be on site, including festive floats, marching bands, carolers, classic cars and Santa Claus. The City of Chula Vista welcomes all to attend the festive Starlight Parade as it lights up the heart downtown Third Avenue Village. The magic begins at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7 with the Children’s Faire at Memorial Park, followed by the parade, which kicks off at 5 p.m. The parade is on Third Avenue, starting at H Street and ending up at E Street. The Children’s Faire is in Memorial Park. Some of the on-site, free activities include an “elf yourself” station, snow hill, holiday bounce house, photos with Santa, holiday craft tent, and holiday story time. For more information, visit StarlightParade.com.

• The Starlight Parade will have hundreds of participants, including floats and bands, for all to enjoy.

The Toast of Gaslamp in downtown San Diego is a time to toast to the creative craft cocktail culture, thriving dining scene, and unique retailers emerging in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Toast, taste and shop your way through the Gaslamp Quarter from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, December 14 with 20 holiday-inspired bites, 20 seasonal sips and 10 exclusive shopping deals. With the holidays just around the corner, the Toast of Gaslamp will bring festive feelings and a holly jolly good time to the Gaslamp with a seasonal self-guided tasting tour. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day-of the event. For more information, visit toastofgaslamp.com.

•

Have a jolly good time in the Gaslamp District.

La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village Returns to Ring in the Holiday Season. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, December 13; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, December 14, the 4th Annual La Mesa Village Association’s Holiday in the Village, presented by Viejas Casino, will once again ring in holiday cheer for everyone far and near. La Mesa Village invites friends and family to take part in the free festivities with live music, cozy fires, dancing, craft vendors, live entertainment food, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop. Friends and family can relax by the fire pits spread around the village while enjoying caroling from local singing groups, cheerful holiday classic music, and fun, live entertainment. There will be a full lineup of entertainment across multiple stages, including traditional holiday songs and music, local bands, and community performances throughout the weekend. Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree and dance the night away to your holiday favorites, as well as some local tunes. The little ones can have their own never-ending fun as the kids’ area returns. Tiny tots can run around and enjoy inflatable Enjoy traditional Christmas and holiday songs from carolers. slides, a holiday train ride, festive balloon art and more in the expanded children’s section. Come by and enjoy these fun and festive pastimes that only come once a year. Old Saint Nick will be in town for the kiddos to take Pictures with Santa for the perfect holiday card for friends and family. For more information, visit www.lamesavillageassociation.org.

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Old Town San Diego State

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Historic Park Hosts 69th Annual Las Posadas

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park will be decked out in historic holiday finery this year and will be the scene of the 69th Annual Las Posadas celebration on Saturday, December 14. The annual Las Posadas procession is a walking reenactment of what is traditionally a 9-day event in Mexico depicting the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a birthplace for Jesus. Everyone is invited to join the candlelit procession, starting at 4:45 p.m., and sing traditional holiday songs in both Spanish and English as the players go from inn to inn, symbolically asking for The reenactment of the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search lodging. The procession will for a birthplace for Jesus will take place in Old Town San Diego State Park. include local actors playing the parts of Joseph and the innkeepers. The park will be decorated to represent the historical setting of Pueblo de San Diego. Christmas trees will be decorated with pinecones and bows, with shop windows lighted by candles as visitors stroll through the park. Visitors should gather at 4:45 p.m. inside the park near the Twigg Street on San Diego Avenue for the candle-lit procession which will begin at 5:00 p.m. and culminate in front of Casa de Estudillo with a live nativity scene and musical performance. Following the procession there will be a bonfire with complimentary hot chocolate and S’Mores and caroling. The bonfire will be held every Saturday in December. The event is sponsored by Fiesta de Reyes and The Old Town State Park Merchants Association. There is free parking available in the Caltrans parking lot on Taylor Street in Old Town after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends. For more information about Las Posadas, the bonfires and other events, visit Fiestadereyes.com or call 619.297.3100.•

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A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

10 th Annual

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ROMP Gala Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego

Contributions from the 10th annual ROMP gala and Hoehn Motors Luxury Car Raffle raised $ 600,000 in net proceeds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, which provides supportive services for families with a critically ill or injured child in a local hospital. ROMP Enchanted: The Magic of Hope, held recenetly at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, invited more than 400 guests to “follow the path” to a magical garden-inspired evening. Funds from ROMP will help strengthen families with a hospitalized child and bolster their psychological wellbeing by keeping families close and providing the care they need. The event featured cocktail hour with theme inspired signature cocktails and a silent auction, musical entertainment by NRG Music & Productions, gourmet food by The Fairmont Grand Del Mar, multiple enchanted acrobat performances, a live auction and paddle raise. The 10th Annual ROMP also celebrated the successful conclusion of the House’s “More Than a Meal” campaign, which was launched at ROMP 2018. The JMS Fund along with the Joseph A.W. Clayes III Charitable Trust were recognized for their leadership matching gifts to the campaign that funded the complete renovation of the Joseph ROMP Honorary Chairs are Mary and Hudson Drake. Clayes III Great Room at the House. In addition, Paul Cianci of Cypress, CA was announced as the grand prize winner of the ninth annual Hoehn Motors Luxury Car Raffle, which offered the choice of one of three luxury car packages or $75,000 cash. The grand prize was graciously donated by Bill and Susan Hoehn and Hoehn Motors Carlsbad. Mary and Hudson Drake served as honorary chairs of this year’s ROMP gala. The Drakes founded the inaugural ROMP Gala in 2009 to raise funds to support families with critically ill or injured children receiving treatment at San Diego area hospitals. “It was a great honor for Hudson and me to serve as honorary chairs and help raise funds to ensure that the House continues to be an emotional and physical sanctuary for families,” said Mary Drake. “After witnessing close friends rely on the House’s services, we saw the many challenges involved with caring for a hospitalized child and quickly understood why the House and its services are an essential resource to families.” The success of the event can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of ROMP executive committee members Jessie Green, Leslie Mannes, Candice Silva, and Michelle and Josh Rathweg, past guests of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.•

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14 Theatre News Old Globe Theatre

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

The West Coast premiere of “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show,” a hilarious familyfriendly Scrooge parody set in San Diego, extends through December 29 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, it is written by Gordon Greenberg (Globe’s “The Heart of Rock & Roll” and “Working,” “London’s Guys and Dolls” and “Barnum”) and Steve Rosen (“The Other Josh Cohen,” “The Curious Jacque Wilke as Ghost of Christmas Past Case of the Curse of and Robert Joy as Ebenezer Scrooge. Count Dracula!”), and Photo by Jim Cox. directed by Greenberg. The cast includes Broadway veteran Robert Joy as Ebenezer Scrooge, Orville Mendoza as Bob Cratchit, and Dan Rosales as Fred. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at 619.23.GLOBE [234-5623], or at the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.•

Landmark Theatres Based on real events, from visionary writer-director Terrence Malick, “A Hidden Life” is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer and devout Catholic is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife Fani and children that keeps his spirit alive. The historical drama film is written and directed by Terrence Malick. Franz Jägerstätter, from the small village of Ragegund, was present when Nazi Germany annexed Austria in 1938. Jägerstätter reported for military duty but refused to swear the required oath to Adolf Hitler or to fight in what he considered an unjust war. He was imprisoned, sentenced to death and executed

in the summer of 1943. His sentence was nullified by a Berlin court in 1997, and he was declared a martyr and beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 2007. This movie is part love story, part tragedy and part meditation on faith and conscience. The cast includes August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Maria Simon, Tobias Moretti, Bruno Ganz, Matthias Schoenaerts, Karin Neuhäuser and Ulrich Matthes. “A Hidden Life” opens Friday, December 20 at the Hillcrest Cinemas, located at 3965 5th Avenue. The film is 180 minutes long and Rated PG13. For information and times, call 619.819.0236, or visit www.landmarkTheatres.com. Film times and dates are subject to change.•

Historic San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Presents

“The Nutcracker”

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet (SDCYB), the resident classical ballet school in Balboa Park, presents “The Nutcracker” from Wednesday, December 11 through Sunday, December 22 at the Casa Del Prado Theater, located at 1800 Village Place. Directed by Artistic Director Danika Pramik-Holdaway and set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, this classic holiday production is a beloved San Diego family tradition presented at the iconic Casa del Prado Theater. Experiencing San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is not only is a chance to celebrate the holidays and a love for dance, but also an opportunity to be a part of the San Diego legacy and support arts education Tickets, which range from $15–$20 with reserved seating, are available at www.sdcyb.org. Tickets may be purchased over the phone at 619.233.3060 and in person at the Casa del Prado, Suite 209.•

“A Hidden Life” is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, and his wife, Fani, who sacrificed much for faith and conscience.

Clara is enchanting as she dances in the “The Nutcracker.”

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A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

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Front of The Lens

By Stylishly Aubree Lynn, Writer/Stylist/Producer

It’s rare that I spend my day in front of the lens, but this day was kind of special. I started out this particular morning selecting clothes and jewelry for a photo shoot to take place later in the afternoon. Then I had to get ready and head over to 656 Photography Studio. There some of the team members were getting professional headshots by an amazing photographer, Louie Gonzalez. This had been scheduled due to an editorial photo shoot for Keel Magazine. It was perfect scenario for me because Joanna Camargo and Brianna Murphy did my make up and hair. Then I was ready for a day of posing in front of the camera. The headshots went very smoothly, which I owe to Louie Gonzalez, as he knows how to position your face to get the right angles and images. In preparation, I had chosen three jackets for this particular photo shoot: a black version with military style detailing; a white blazer; and a purple vintage blazer with a black collar, buttons and pocket flaps. The purple popped and really showed my style and personality. This is the blazer that we selected for the photo shoot. After the shoot I rushed to grab some food; then ran over to House of Daughtry designer’s home for the next photo shoot. There I met up with influencer Crystal Reed of Salty Studio; Debbie Corley, model; wearable art designer, Althea Belcher; model and image consultant and designer of the shoot, Heather. We choice the outfits we were going to wear and then drove to Presidio Park, where we met with Carly, plus size model and coach. I was honored to have a dress made especially for me by Heather of House of Daughtry, an emerald green, almost tie dye outfit that was very “rockeresque” looking. All the models were very sweet and accommodating. Two of the models’ husbands came to help with lighting, video and moral support. Being on the other side of the lens, while also styling, was a lot of fun and rewarding. I had organized a variety of styles and accessories for all the girls. It worked out perfectly. We also got to model some of Debbie’s adorable feather handbags. Though I was fighting a cold, all in all it was a very successful day. By the end of the photo shoot I was ready for a nightcap. However, I still had work to do. I completed writing bios for the morning’s headshots and emailed them to Keel Magazine. This was for an article in Keel Magazine to hit stands on Thanksgiving Day. Now that all of this is done, be on the lookout for Territa Torres Design’s editorial in Keel Magazine @keelmagazine. My special thanks to all who made the day possible, including photographer @656photography, MUA @joannacamargobeauty, Hair @bri_murph25, designer@houseofdaughtry, Crystal Reed @_studiosalty, model @embracingturning60, model @paradisefitnesswithcarly, and model @affordably_styled.•

Stylishly Aubree Lynn (left) is photographed with model Debbie Corley. Clothing is by House of Daughtry, purses by Shop Embrace, and photo by Crystal Reed of Studio Salty. Aubree Lynn’s make up is by Joanna Camargo, and hair by Brianna Murphy.

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Philanthropists to

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Celebrate Brotherhood, Community, & Collective Impact

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County presents The Men’s Event 2019 will be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, December 8, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. The Men’s Event is the largest annual gathering of Jewish men in San Diego, known for bringing in dynamic and exciting speakers for a wonderful evening of great food, global change, and powerful company. This year’s featured entertainer is Modi Rosenfeld, born in Tel Aviv, is a renowned stand-up comedian and actor. Voted one of the Top 10 Comedians in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter and BackStage, Modi is one of the circuit’s hottest comedians. In addition to being a regular at the iconic Comedy Cellar in New York City, MODI also headlines both at home and abroad, performing at a variety of comedy festivals and events. MODI has been featured on HBO, Comedy Central, Netflix, and has appeared on multiple late night TV shows as well as The Howard Stern Show. The Men’s Event is an opportunity for Federation to demonstrate to the public how its mission is changing lives in San Diego, in Israel, and around the world. Whether sending children to Jewish summer camps or providing services and support to Jews in need, Federation, its partners, and its amazing team of volunteers, are working every day to mobilize our Jewish community. Purchase tickets online at jewishinsandiego.org/ mens-event.•

Holiday by the Bay Offers

Modi Rosenfeld, born in Tel Aviv, is a renowned stand-up comedian and actor.

Lots to Enjoy During December

Hilton San Diego Bayfront is excited to begin a new tradition in 2019 with an oversized Christmas tree displayed on its Bayfront Pier throughout the holiday season. Other Bayfront holiday traditions such as the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby, breakfast with Santa in Vela on Sundays, and the naughty or nice drink menu in Odysea will return. The public is invited to come and celebrate the season at Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Memorable family activities and holiday movies will be available for hotel guests on the weekends starting on Thanksgiving and going through Christmas. Experience our oversized Christmas tree on the pier next to the San Diego Bay this holiday season through December 31, 2019. Cuddle up and watch your favorite holiday movie Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. throughout the holiday season. Start your day off with the jolly Saint Nicolas himself. Enjoy the most important meal of the day and interact with Santa from 9 a.m. to noon, December 1, 8, 15, 22 and 24. Celebrate the season and be jolly by the bay with Santa who will be available for family photo ops from 5 to 7 p.m., December 7, 14, 21 and 23. Dine by the Bay in Vela Restaurant for a delectable Christmas dinner, or stop by Odysea and decide which list you will make it on this year with the naughty or nice drink menu. Through December 9, donate an unwrapped toy for the USO San Diego’s Giving Tree and receive a 50-minute Swedish massage for only $89. Appointments required by calling 619.321.4290.•

Enjoy a life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of the hotel.

En joy Yo u r H ol i d ays with U s !

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A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Local News

WHAT NOW:

Don’t Call “Amy”

By Laura Walcher

Well, I did. I called Amy. Sweetly, I thanked her for her consideration. She’d called to tell me that she could probably get me an appointment to have my car serviced; very appreciated, I’m a busy woman. In fact, I’d been so busy that I wound up..well, I couldn’t wait for her call. I was passing Mossy Toyota anyway, so I stopped by to see her. Get a date on the spot! If, over at the car place, they’re still laughing at me, well, humpf. All I did was ask whether Amy was in. Thank me for not identifying the otherwise even-tempered service guy who bent over in hysterics. “You’re kidding, right?” he gasped. I was not kidding. Nor did I know that Amy is “Amy,” a robotic machine, her warmth and cordiality a technical setup. If you are now way ahead of me, I don’t want to hear about it. I was anticipating a nice cup of coffee with a new friend when my car would actually be serviced. If I could, I’d consult with… Steve Jobs? Elon Musk? Jeff Bezos? Thomas Edison? At least, every day, I know a lot about Thomas Edison, whose

U.S. Premiere of

light bulb, or phonograph or moving picture is in–by now, our wholly understandable daily dose of activity. Could the turn of last century’s manon-the-street be as boggled by Edison as I am by “Amy”? Okay: I have to take this “Amy” experience seriously! Before long, the New York Times weekend magazine arrived, with a ferocious white kitten on the cover against a lovely blue background. Well, c’mon! The issue turned out to be–not a review of our pets, animals, their nature, whatever, from which I could have learned something–like gaining an understanding of Mr. Entitlement’s insistent and self-absorbent nature (“Fen” is our black bratty poodle/bichon’s real name, but you knew that). No, comin’ up, a new year, with its challenges to embrace what will continue to be a deluge of techno-development. The New York Times issue is nearly 100 pages of what we must understand and learn, as more and more of our work and play, communication, research, home/office/world management will be in conjunction with and overseen–yeow–by numerous forms of new technology. I swear, someday I’m going to read it.•

Chinese Opera & Dance Production Stars Multi-Award Singer

China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd. (CAEG) presents the U.S. premiere of an opera and dance musical production “Lady Zhaojun” starring Chinese multi-award singer Li Yugang. The performances will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. and Monday, December 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the San Diego Civic Theatre, located at 1100 Third Avenue in downtown San Diego. Direct from China, this theatrical musical performance features over 50 dancers and singers from the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater, and Hohhot National Performing Arts Group. Produced by the Oriental Jade (Beijing) Culture Media Co., Ltd., the performance is directed by Max Lee from Taiwan, whose works span theater, Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. The creative team also includes songwriter Vincent Fang and designer Tim Yip, the winner of the Oscar for best art direction and costume design in 2000. The winner of several international awards along with “Outstanding Asian Artist Award,” Li Yugang is a legendary figure in China. His following in China and across the world is in the millions and he has performed in Europe, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Canada, United States. Li has connected the enigmatic orient of the past and its traditional “fan chuan” or “nan dan” performance (which is male who plays female role in Peking opera) to the 21st century. He draws deeply on the traditions of Chinese opera, folk music and drama while energizing it with newer innovations. “Lady Zhaojun” is based on the legend of Wang Zhaojun, an ancient Chinese beauty from the Han Dynasty around 2,000 years ago. Li portrays the classic image of Zhaojun, who volunteered to marry the ruler of a powerful nomadic group on the then-border of northern China, to maintain peace between the two sides. A contemporary interpretation of a classic story of one of China’s legendary ancient beauties, the performance is a grand musical that incorporates the music and dance styles of Inner Mongolia and the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-AD 220), as well as gorgeous costumes and stage effects, all highlighted by Li’s magically sweet and melodious voice and graceful acting. “Lady Zhaojun” is a part of CAEG’s Image China cultural exchange initiative, which seeks to introduce traditional and contemporary Chinese performing arts to audiences around the world. Since its inception in 2009, Image China has presented works at performance venues across the globe, including Lincoln Center in New York, The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and stages throughout Europe and Australia. To purchase tickets purchases, call 619.571.1100, 858.571.1100 or 760.571.1100.•

Enjoy a life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of the hotel.

Prohibition Party at Oculto 477 On Thursday, December 5 between 5 p.m. and 12 a.m. the newly opened Oculto 477, a Prohibition-style speakeasy hidden inside Tahona, honors the anniversary of the United States’ historic repeal of Prohibition by encouraging guests to dress up circa 1920’s fashions and sip from a menu of historic cocktails within San Diego’s newest secret space. Guests can choose from a selection of historically significant drinks created by bartenders of yesteryear, from Shims and Sours to Old Fashioneds and Fizzes. During this evening, Tahona will also offer a special drink menu throughout its bar and dining area, to include two of Oculto 477’s concoctions for those who don’t wander their way into the secret speakeasy. Walk-ins are welcome; dinner reservations at Tahona can be made at www.tahonabar.com. Available now, Executive Chef Adrian Villareal has released several new “antojitos” (snacks), shareable entrees and desserts to enjoy well into winter at Tahona’s, which include:

• Beet Salad with blackberry, yogurt, dill, walnuts, and watercress • Tamal: squash blossom, huitlacoche with acorn squash • Confit Chicken with barley mushroom risotto, huitlacoche, winter greens and sunchoke chips • Pulpo Pipian: grilled octopus, roasted Brussels sprouts, kale chicharron and pipian mole • Sweet Tamal: caramelized apples, whipped cream and flower crumble • Flan: Mexican custard, cornmeal and candied acorn squash

•

Tahona will also offer a special drink menu throughout its bar and dining area.

PresidioSentinel.com •

Calendar

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

December 2019

Thru December 29

December 7

n C ygnet Theatre in Old Town San Diego, located

n B lind

at 4040 Twiggs Street, welcomes back “A Christmas Carol” for the sixth season of cheer. It has become a true holiday favorite, with San Diegans making Scrooge, the Spirits, and the Cratchit family part of their holiday tradition. Visit www.cygnetheatre.com for performances schedules and events, and to purchase tickets, or call 619.337.1525. December 1

n T he San Diego Center for Children will hold

n N ate’s

Garden Grill, located at 3120 Euclid Avenue in San Diego, hosts Robin Henkel solo blues from 10 a.m. to noon. For information call 619.546.7700. December 1 & 2

n S an

Diego Civic Theater, located at 1100 Third Avenue in San Diego, presents the U.S. premiere of an opera and dance musical production “Lady Zhaojun” at 7:30 p.m. Starring Chinese multi-award singer Li Yugang, this theatrical musical performance features over 50 dancers and singers from the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater, and Hohhot National Performing Arts Group. “Lady Zhaojun” is based on the legend of the Wang Zhaojun, an ancient Chinese Beauty from the Han Dynasty around 2,000 years ago who volunteers to marry to maintain peace between the two sides. For information and to purchase tickets, call 619.571.1100. December 2

n R euben H Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, offers the first Monday of every month to seniors 65-plus to enjoy the Science Center exhibits, a show in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater and a lecture on the quietest day of the month for only $8. The doors open at 9:30 a.m. Sharp Minds lectures begin at 10:30 a.m. The lecture topic for this month is The History of Chocolate and New Science on its Health Benefits. Cacao held great prominence in the life of Mesoamerican Indians for thousands of years. It was used as money and was recognized for its health promoting capacities, including its ability to increase muscle strength and endurance. Join Dr. Francisco Villarreal as he shares how recent science appears to support these historical claims. n M ission Hills–Hillcrest/Knox Library Community Room is the place to be this month for a holiday party. The party and meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring a dozen holiday treats (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) and you will receive hot cider and (live) holiday music by Mike Nelson on acoustic guitar. The group will also discuss the survey results that API Surveys took in October 2019. December 3

n t heNAT San Diego National History Museum, located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, offers residents free days on the first Tuesday of each month. Tickets are available for $5 per person at the Admission Desk. For information, visit www.sdnhm.org. December 5

n Z el’s

Del Mar, located at 1247 Camino Del Mar in Del Mar, hosts Robin Henkel solo blues from 7 to 10 p.m. For information, call 858.755.0076. n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents Daryl Sherman at 8 p.m. For her debut, Sherman is joined by stellar bassist Rob Thorsen, and they will serve up a potpourri from master wordsmiths Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Ira Gershwin, Larry Hart, Oscar Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jimmy Webb and songs from Daryl’s new CD “Lost In A Crowded Place.” For ticket information, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com. December 6

n A rts District at the Liberty Station, located at 2848 Dewey Road in San Diego, invites you to experience First Friday with the biggest monthly art walk. The craft beer garden is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests can also enjoy dance performances, make art, see new art exhibitions, including the “street smart” by C Fodoreanu, and a concert featuring Whitney Shay with opening act, Lauren Leigh in building 177 at 6:30 p.m.

• PresidioSentinel.com

Lady Ale House, located at 3416 Adams Avenue in San Diego, hosts Robin Henkel Band with Horns from 9 to 11 p.m. For information, call 619.255.2491. December 8

its annual Wacky Wonderland, a community holiday festival and donation drive. The event will take place at the Center’s main campus in Linda Vista located at 3002 Armstrong Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect much needed holiday gifts and donations for children, teens and families being served through its program services. Visit www.centerforchildren.org for information and to RSVP. n C oastal Communities Concert Band presents its 25th Annual Holiday Concert benefiting Meals on Wheels San Diego County at 2 p.m. It will be held at Carlsbad Community Church at 3175 Harding Street in Carlsbad. Ring in the holiday season with the glorious sounds of brass, wind and percussion instruments at a special concert benefiting San Diego seniors. The award-winning Coastal Communities Concert Band, performing under the auspices of Mira Costa College, will donate all concert proceeds to Meals on Wheels San Diego County. Tickets can be purchased at www.meals-on-wheels.org/events or calling 760.736.9900. n T he San Diego Convention Center, located at 111 W Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego, presents a community party on its bayside terraces called Season’s Showcase: A Parade of Lights Watch Party from 4 to 8 p.m. The Convention Center’s big screen will broadcast the parade of more than 80 boats decorated with holiday lights showing off their favorite Comic-Con superheroes. Along with watching the parade, families can sip on beverages while enjoying live performances from community entertainers from across San Diego County. n T he Jewish Federation of San Diego County presents the Men’s Event 2019 to be held at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines at 10950 N Torre Pines Road in La Jolla at 6 p.m. New York Comic Modi Rosenfeld will headline the Annual Jewish community gathering with 600-plus philanthropists to celebrate brotherhood, community, and collective impact. Tickets can be purchased at www.jewishinsandiego.org/mens-event. n T he Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), located in Balboa Park at 1649 El Prado, presents the Women’s Museum of California and an evening with Author Eve Ensler– Vagina Monologues and The Apology. The event is from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. with book signing from 8:30 to 9 p.m. For information, visit www.womensmuseumca.org. December 8 & 15

n M aritime

Museum, located on the North Embarcadero in downtown San Diego at 1492 North Harbor Drive, presents the Annual Parade of Lights dinner. The Maritime Museum has been known for years as the best place on the waterfront to view the Annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay from the museum’s historic 1898 steam ferry boat Berkeley located along Star of India wharf. Parade judges are stationed aboard the steam yacht Medea and the brightly decorated boats will this year dawn a new theme, Comic-Con on the Bay as they pass by the Museum. The buffet and no-host bar will be open 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available on the museum’s website at www.sdmaritime.org or by calling 619.234.9153 ext. 106. December 9

n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, Aubrey Logan in A Sassy Christmas at 8 p.m. An evening with Aubrey will offer a night full of jazzy versions of well-known (and obscure) songs that will leave you celebrating well into the New Year. Visit www. martinisabovefourth.com for ticket information. December 10

n P resents

n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents San Diego’s own Lake Davis at 8 p.m., the versatile, multi-talented

singer/songwriter. He returns with his new band, Lake and The Existence, featuring Jerrin Foote on drums and Daniel Castro on the guitar. Together, they’ve created the perfect date night to ring in the holidays–an evening of soulful rock and pop inspired by the modern holiday classic. For information, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com. December 11

n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second

Fearless, Bold, Unapologetic, and Freaking Hilarious. She’s made a career out of telling the truth. And, the trust is, life is funny and no one is off limits. From her mom’s last will and Testament to her dog’s embarrassing discovery. Visit www.martinisabovefourth.com for ticket information. December 19

n P anama

66, located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, hosts Robin Henkel Band with Horns from 6 to 8 p.m. For information, call 619.696.1966. December 20

floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents Frenchie Davis in Soulful for the Holiday at 8 p.m. This performance will include fan favorites and holiday classics, all infused with Frenchie unique soulful vocal interpretations. Visit www.martinisabovefourth.com for ticket information. December 12

n B lind Lady Ale House, located at 3416 Adams

n T heNAT, San Diego National History Museum,

n R euben

located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park presents Nature & Me Storytime at 10:15 a.m. Open to all ages with a parent or guardian (recommended for ages 1-5), it is free with museum admission. This month’s theme is Winter Animals. Visit www.sdnat.org for ticket information. December 13

n t heNAT, San Diego National History Museum, located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, presents Nat Talk at 9 a.m. The topic is National History 101: Herpetology–Take a deep dive into San Diego’s natural history with conversations led by local scientists and experts. The Curator of Herpetology Dr. Brad Hollingsworth will be talking about reptiles and amphibians in San Diego. Tickets are available online at www.sdnhmsd.org, at the museum, or by calling 877.946.7797. December 14

n B irdrock

Coffee Roasters, located at 5627 La Jolla Boulevard in La Jolla, hosts Robin Henkel solo blues from 10 a.m. to noon. For information call 858.551.1707. n A Christmas Concert will take place at the School of Creative Performing Media Arts (CMA), located at 5050 Conrad Avenue in San Diego, at 7 p.m. The concert will take pla e at a beautiful indoor concert auditorium with wonderful acoustics, comfortable seats and plenty of free parking. A donation of $5 per person for tickets is appreciated for this festive event. For information, visit www.kearnymesaconcertband.com. n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents the Polish born, San Diego based multi-faceted artist and performer Anna Danes and Friends in Home for the Holidays at 7 p.m. She returns tonight with an evening of holiday merriment, song and a whole lot of style and class. Visit www.martinisabovefourth.com for ticket information. December 14 & 15

n R euben H Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, presents a Saturday and Sunday Science Club for girls in grades fifth through eighth. This month the topic is Icy Explorations. Join us as we turn down the thermostat and transform our classroom into a place for icy investigations. Explore ice properties, examine how frost forms and how other substances can be used to mimic the properties of ice. To participate, parents most pre-register by calling 619.238.1233 x806. December 15

n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest 5:30– 10 pm. presents An Evening of Holiday Magic Fundraising Gala from 5:30 to 10 p.m. This is a CD release party to celebrate the gifted singers, songwriters and storytellers who have made this years CD compilation possible. Enjoy dinner, drinks, a silent auction, wine pull, photos with Santa and more. All proceeds will be used to create smiles by distributing the recording and activity/coloring books to children spending their holidays in a hospital around the country. We truly hope you will join us. For information, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com. December 18

n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents Suzanne Westenhoefer at 8 p.m. in

Avenue in San Diego, hosts Robin Henkel Band with Horns from 9 to 11 p.m. For information, call 619.255.2491. December 21 H Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park, offers a Junior Science Club which meets from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for students in grades first through fourth each third Saturday to investigate exciting science topics. Sessions will be filled with new challenges, hand-on activities and interaction with local scientists. Throughout the year, participants will explore an array of fields including biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, physics, robotics and much more. This month the topic is gingerbread structures. Build a gingerbread inspired structure that can hold up weight, withstand moving earth and weather the elements. Examine the forces at work to make these structures strong. To participate, parents must pre-register by calling 619.238.1233x 806 or online at www.rhfleet.org/events/junior-science-club. n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents Danielle Forsgren and Joe Savant at 7 p.m. in A Quiet Kind of Christmas. Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer as accomplished performers take the stage with their show, accompanied by music director Rayme Sciaroni. For ticket information, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com. n P roud Mary’s, located at 5550 Kearny Mesa Road in San Diego, hosts Robin Henkel & Nathan James from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. For information, call 858.278.0800. December 22

n M artinis Above Fourth, located on the second floor at 3940 Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest, presents Babette’s Christmas Bingo Brunch at 1 p.m. Win or lose… B-I-N-G-O is a blast with the wacky and witty Babette, and nobody calls those little numbered balls one bit better. Join us for Babette featuring more giggles than a gaggle of queens in a roomful of whoopie cushions. Doors open at 11 a.m. for brunch with a great selection of a la carte options and the balls start dropping at 1p.m. Visit wwww.martinisabovefourth.com for ticket information. n L a Mesa Wine Works, located at 8167 Center Street in La Mesa, hosts Robin Henkel & Dave Castel de Oro from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For information, call 619.741.0700. December 28

n M aritime

Museum, located on the North Embarcadero in downtown San Diego at 1492 North Harbor Drive, presents the second return performance of Boarded. This hilarious interactive show puts visitors right in the middle of the pirate action. Participants will be sworn in as part of the ship crew, trained how to navigate, sword fight, bail water from a sinking ship escape from the Kings Jail, swab the desk and other pirate skills. Performances are 90 minutes and check in times at 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sdmaritime.org or at the Maritime Museum ticket booth.

•

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PRIVATE PARTY AD

includes personals, items for sale, garage sales & roomates

25 Word Maximum

$ 00

BUSINESS LISTING AD

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

•AD SALES POSITION•

• OPPORTUNITIES •

• VOLUNTEERS •

Commissioned sales position for print, video and website ads.

• DONATIONS •

•POSTAL SERVICES•

includes real estate,help wanted & services

• SERVICES •

25-35 Word Maximum $

3500

BUSINESS DISPLAY AD 2.25"w x 2.0"h $

House Pet Sitting

• ENTERTAINMENT •

Call 619.296.8731

to place a classified ad

10 years experience, References,Call Sabrina 619.316.5292

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Video production services from conception to final product. Call 619.296.8731

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

• FITNESS • The Feldenkrais Method Make any activity more pleasant and effective. You can learn to move with more comfort, strength and skill. Group classes and individual lessons. ®

Rich Manuccia 619.295.6988

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

• WANTED • Wanted to Rent Wanted to rent/share Mission Hills or vicinity studio–guest house–Apt.–granny flat–room. Retired nurse: take care of you, plants, dogs, housesit and other. Call Sandra at 619.297.6480

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 MODELS3 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDED!

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•

Civic Calendar Hillcrest

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Classified

RELIGIOUS CALENDAR •

1st Tuesday Uptown Planners Joyce Beers Hall in Uptown Mall. 6:30 p.m. 1st Thursday Uptown Partnership 3101 Fifth Ave. Call 619.298.2541. 4:30 p.m. Thursdays 7–8:30 pm San Diego Uptown Rotary Club The Uptown Rotary Club has moved to their new home at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe, 3172 Spruce at the corner of 5th. Breakfast meetings are held every Thursday 7 to 8:30 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend a meeting to learn how to become part of this dynamic organization and see why their motto is “Service Above Self.” For information, visit www.sdurotary.org or call 619.894.0140.

Kensington—Talmadge

2nd Wednesday Kensington—Talmadge Planning Committee Kensington Community Church. 6:30 p.m. For information, call 619.284.0551

Linda Vista

2nd Monday LVCPC Agenda– Linda Vista Community Planning Committee Agenda Linda Vista Library meeting room. Contact Jeff Perwin at 619.806.9559 for details 6 pm. 3rd Tuesday Tech Committee–Technology Committee Bayside Community Center. Contact Xiogh Thao for detail at 858.278.0771 or email xthao@baysidecc.org or Info@lindavistaSD.org or visit our websitewww.lindavistaSD.org. 3rd Wednesday LV Historical–Linda Vista Historical Committee Bayside Community Center. This committee is collecting historical photos, documents and memories of Linda Vista’s past. For more information, contact Eleanor Frances Sennet at 858.277.3817. 4 p.m. LVCollab– Linda Vista Collaborative Bayside Community Center at 3pm. Contact Monica Fernandez at 858.278.0771 or mfernandez@baysidecc.org. For details visit www.facebook.com/LVCollaborative 3rd Wednesday (Odd Months) TCCAC– Tecolote Canyon Citizen’s Advisory Committee Tecolote Nature Center. Contact Eloise Battle for details. 7 p.m. 3rd Thursday Linda Vista Town Council Baha’i Faith Center Alcala Knoll Drive Contact Thomas Kaye 858.277.6793 at 6:30 p.m. 4th Monday LVCPC– Linda Vista Community Planning Committee Linda Vista Library Meeting Room. Contact Ed Cramer at 619.222.2047 for details. 7:00 p.m. 4th Wednesday LVPC– Linda Vista Planning Committee Monthly Meeting Linda Vista Library Meeting Room at 6 pm. Contact Jeff Perwin 619.806.9559 for details, minutes and agenda at www.LindaVistaSD.com. Linda Vista View Linda Vista Town Council Community Newsletter Contact Thomas Kaye at 858.278.6973 Various Wednesdays LVNewsletter– Linda Vista View Civic Association Community Newsletter. Bayside Community Center. Contact Sarah Granby at 858.405.7135 or email sgranby@lvca—sd.org. 2:00 p.m.

Mission Hills Kadampa Meditation Center 3125 Rosecrans Street, Bldg. B 619.230.5852

Meditation Classes most Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. & Saturday at 4 p.m. Kids & Families Sundays at 9 a.m. Prayers for World Peace Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Simply Meditate MWF 12 to 12:45;TT 12:15 to 12:45 p.m

More classes and events listed on our website: www.meditateinsandiego.com

December, 2019 Mission Hills Garden Club The Mission Hills Garden Club’s next meeting is in January 2020. It will be held on the third at the United Church of Christ at 4070 Jackdaw from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.missionhillsgardenclub.org.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach Planning Board Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave. Call 619.523.1700. 7–9:30 p.m. 4th Wednesday Ocean Beach Town Council Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Avenue. Call Jere Battan at 619.515.4400 for information. 7 p.m.

Point Loma

December 11th, 2019 The Annual Holiday Tea and Bazaar is open to the public and takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Portuguese Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, San Diego, CA 92106. More information is available at www.plgc.org.

• PresidioSentinel.com •

Real Estate

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Imperial Beach

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S O

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Pacific Beach 3 bedroom 2 bath adorable Cape Cod style home block to the beach and bay in Crown Point. See more details at www.SDHomePro.com

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2,250,000

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Real Estate Service Section

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers hereby informedthat all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-Free at 1.800.669.9777. The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1.800.927.9275

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PresidioSentinel.com •

A Publication of Presidio Communications • December 2019

Real Estate

PresidioSentinel.com •

Levittown and the Car California’s political leaders are actively working the money they earn and not on raw numbers, have to fix the state’s housing shortage. The Governor, for dim prospects over the next decade. Those people, example, wants 3.5 million new housing units built by who represent more than 60% of the population, are 2025. To meet this goal the building industry would saddled with disportionate debt in relation to their need to produce six times the number of units than wages. Student debt, credit card debt, and medically were built last year. Not only has he pushed legislation generated debt sit on top of these groups. Even at to override local building and zoning restrictions, he current rents, tenants in this group could easily slip into has been willing to sue cities who are not moving fast homelessness. In Los Angeles County, for example, one enough to meet these targets. Some local governments, out of three renter-households spend more than half of including San Diego’s, have joined the party and enacted their income on rent. Higher wages would help but the a plethora of land use bills and policies intended to structural income divide will not help matters. To spur encourage additional construction. meaningful amounts of new construction would probably There are many obstacles require massive taxpayerto solving California housing funded housing subsidies and crisis. True, the pasture is that is not likely. chock full of sacred cows but Affordable housing is an imthere is a collective sense of portant part of maintaining the urgency that the old order social contract and has played has to pass. The current an outsized role in shaping development model is not the prosperity of this city. San going to work in the future. Diego’s postwar suburban and Anti-growth policies, beexurban building boom proginning about four decades vided an easy path into the ago, created today’s housing middle class with all of its atRare opportunity in North Mission Hills! View corner scarcity, fueling the rise of our tendant benefits for nearly all lot priced at only $895,000. Flat lot with easy access median house value to over employed residents. Governto build a large underground garage. Call Jim Scott two times the national averments subsidized homeownDRE# 830226 • 619.920.9511 for more details. age. New construction has not ers (and continue to do so even matched population growth after the 2017 tax bill) with tax over this time period. It still is a mismatch. For example, deductions and caps on property taxes. In the past, home the region added 27,000 jobs last year but built only 6 to ownership acted as a counterweight to income inequality. 7,000 new units. To compound the problem, San Diego’s Owning real estate allowed the working class and young location and climate mean there are over 40,000 second people a ticket into a comfortable middle class lifestyle. homes and short-term rentals which effectively reduce Without a social and political sea change, long term supply in already expensive coastal markets. rentership with vested occupancy rights will be the norm. Scarcity, however, is only half of the story. Meeting the Tenant advocacy groups are growing in numbers and Governor’s lofty goals would not address the additional influence. Political power is slowly shifting from landlords problem—potential demand for real estate has to become to tenants. Renters will have more political clout going effective demand for real estate. To put it another way, forward and will use legislative means to reduce the housing may be built, but will they come? Future housing traditional rights of rentiers. Fortunately there are other would be relatively expensive even if land use regulations courses of action that can tamp down the pitched battle disappeared. The expense of wood, land, skilled and between free market and social justice forces. unskilled labor, capital, and nails will most likely increase In the future we are going to live more like Europeans in the future. Loosening zoning regulations is not in itself and less like the residents of El Camino Del Mar Mar Vista a game changer; incomes probably will not keep pace Estates. Growth is unstoppable and given climate change, with rising construction costs. income stagnation, and land scarcity, the old development Millennials, Gen Z, and the working poor are most models are not going to work in the future. Land will have impacted by our housing scarcity. Those in lower income to be apportioned in new ways; some developers are rungs have to be able to generate enough additional figuring this out. Ground was recently broken in Tempe income to buy or rent future construction. If renters and for a 1,000 unit apartment community where cars will be buyers cannot afford these high prices, builders will not banned, even parked in the immediate neighborhood. As step up to produce housing no matter what Sacramento for the car, more on that next month. says. The lower three quintiles of consumers, based on You can reach Jim at the Scott & Quinn Real Estate office located in the heart of Mission Hills at 1111 Fort Stockton Drive. He has been a Broker since 1982 and a homeowner in Mission Hills since 1976. Jim is experienced in residential and commercial real estate.

www.JimScottHomes.com • 619.920.9511

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