La Mesa Courier, February 28th, 2020 by San Diego Community Newspaper Group

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

Vote for your favorite local businesses! Page 16

INSIDE

NEWS BRIEFS

THIS ISSUE

LA MESA VILLAGE TO HOST ‘UNPLUGGED’ EVENTS

B NEWS Nostalgic knick knacks

(l to r) County Board of Supervisors candidates Joel Anderson Kenya Taylor, Steve Vaus and Brian Sesko (Photos by Jeff Clemetson)

San Diego Vintage Flea Market moves to La Mesa. Page 3

B FOOD & DRINK Foodie food court

Dist. 2 Supervisor candidates make their cases at forum By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

Oleri Cultura brings vegan delicacies to Grossmont Center. Page 11

B A&E Romance and murder

On Jan. 29, the GrossmontMount Helix Improvement Association (GMIA) held a forum for candidates running for the District 2 County Board of Supervisors seat. The forum, held at Murdock Elementary School in La Mesa, was moderated by the League of Women Voters. “The role of county supervisor is critical to our unincorporated

region,” GMIA President Kathleen Hedberg said, adding that with no city council, unincorporated areas like parts of La Mesa and Spring Valley are governed by the Board of Supervisors, “which may have a very tremendous impact on our area.” In his introduction, District 2 candidate and current Poway Mayor Steve Vaus touted that his city is consistently the safest in the county and his “conservative

fiscal approach to everything we do.” “I think it’s a great blueprint for the rest of District 2,” he said and added that he is endorsed by current District 2 Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who is leaving the seat after 28 years due to new term limit rules. Kenya Taylor is a licensed marriage and family therapist running SEE DISTRICT 2 FORUM, Page 2

A church divided?

Pastor explains news of denomination split By CYNTHIA ROBERTSON | La Mesa Courier

Lamplighters Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s “The Hollow.” Page 13

B ALSO INSIDE

Politics Education Books Calendar Classifieds Sports Puzzles

6 8 16 17 18 19 19

The headlines in the news about the big Methodist church split has made quite a few heads spin. “Where do we go? What do we do?” church members ask among themselves. Elbert Kim, pastor of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church, says the news is really not as grim as what people suppose. “Unfortunately, many of the news [sources] have been misinformed. The United Methodist Church, as you and I know it, is not splitting,” he stated.

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Pastor Elbert Kim (Courtesy photo)

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 5

Center For Family Health & Dermatology Exp. Date 3-26-20

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So what is going on? What’s the deal? “Many of the news media are reacting to two events that recently occurred. One is that the decisions from last year’s General Conference officially went into effect on the first of January,” Pastor Kim clarified. That decision was a proposal made last year by a diverse, 16-member group of United Methodist bishops and other leaders. The proposal would preserve the United Methodist

National Day of Unplugging (NDU) has announced its 11th year series of Unplugged Events, beginning, March 6 and 7. Over the past decade, NDU has been at the forefront of the movement to educate people about the dangers involved with over-reliance on technology — especially as it pertains to handheld devices. To kick off NDU, on March 6, starting at 3 p.m., La Mesa Village will be hosting a fun, free event at the Friday Farmers Market where kids can hunt for a stuffed rooster named Rodney, shop with Rodney Bucks, try cooking, do garden crafts, try healthy foods, type on a typewriter and play games. Kids come to hunt for Rodney Rooster and are rewarded for unplugging and trying healthy foods. The weekly kid count (Rodney Finders) has grown from 15 to over 70 in three months. “The idea took off immediately” said Claudia Erickson, founder of the Unplugged Village who runs the weekly events. “It’s a simple idea. This is a safe place where kids can be unplugged and have a little adventure each week.” The entire town of La Mesa is getting onboard. Mayor Mark Arapostathis is presenting a proclamation for NDU. “As the mayor and a school teacher, I applaud and support the efforts of programs like ‘Unplugged Village’ designed to create designated times and places when students, parents and families can unplug and spend time with each other”. In addition to the market event, people can unplug at Public Square Coffee House, La Mesa Wine Works or catch the

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Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

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District 2 Forum CONTINUED FROM Page 1

for the seat. She said her profession gives her the experience to monitor the county’s health and human services issues, which are the bulk of the county budget. Lakeside rancher Brian Sesko said his experience as a home builder in the area for 30 years qualifies him for the seat. “I know something about the housing problem out here,” he said. Sesko also has served as chair of the Lakeside Planning Group. He vowed to only serve one term in office and to reform the county bureaucracy. Former state Senator Joel Anderson also expressed disappointment with the county – specifically its homeless problem, roads. “All these problems have grown and grown, yet 51 years ago, we sent a man to the moon with a slide ruler. Today, we have highspeed computers and we can’t find any political courage to get things done correctly,” he said. Anderson touted his record of working with Democrats in the state Senate while retaining a conservative voting record. The audience-generated questions mostly dealt with housing and development and issues of dealing with homelessness and mental health in East County.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT

All the candidates said they would protect rural and open

spaces in District 2, while promoting new housing developments. Vaus pointed to Poway’s recent construction of housing in its downtown area. “At the same time that we approved those 200 homes, we’ve expanded our open space by 342 acres,” he added. Vaus also said that building affordable units doesn’t have to diminish a city’s character and that low-income housing in Poway hasn’t caused higher crime. Answering a question about campaign contributions from developers, Vaus stated that owning a home is a piece of the American dream. “That’s only possible thanks to builders,” he said, adding that he doesn’t have a litmus test for who can contribute to his campaign and that no one can buy his vote for a campaign contribution. Anderson also said he takes contributions from developers but his voting record shows he has voted for and against their interests. “I remember one time somebody else asked this and I said, ‘Well if you think I can be bought, then why haven’t you donated to me?’” he said. Anderson said low-income, high-density projects “make zero sense” in backcountry. In Sacramento, he said, he worked on bill to lower cost and streamline approval process to build density projects within a half mile of public transportation. “SB 35 provided high-density, low-income [housing] near trolley

NEWS stations,” he said. “[Housing] takes planning and sticking to the plan, but the plan keeps changing [and that] is the problem.” Taylor, who said she does not take campaign contributions from developers, said she supports a “housing first” approach for lack of affordable housing. “But it is important for us to remember that everyone doesn’t make less than $30,000 a year or less than $10,000 a year,” she added. “We need to make sure we have a plan for the middle class.” She said she is against development sprawling into the backcountry because “we need to make sure we’re not the next Paradise, California.” She suggested accessory dwelling units could be a solution to adding housing in East County without taking away open space. Sesko said housing problems stem from mandates coming from Sacramento that “make no sense for those of us that live in the backcountry.” He said he feared the state will remake all neighborhoods to be more dense and decried affordable housing as “a way for people to look to government to solve the problem.” “I don’t think every taxpayer wants to be paying every nickel and extra dollars to accommodate all the wishes and pleasures of people that need affordable housing,” he said. He suggested less regulations to lower cost of housing. All the candidates supported developing around Gillespie Field

Joel Anderson, Brian Sesko, Kenya Taylor, Steve Vaus (Photo by Jeff Clemetson)

to spur economic activity in the region.

HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH While all the candidates acknowledged a growing homelessness problem in East County, they differed on solutions. “One thing that we can do quickly is give the sheriff the tools so he can start arresting these people, getting them into housing to get them off our streets, to get them out of our parks,” Sesko said. He suggested public housing can be done easily by building military-like housing with cots and storage. Taylor said her experience as a therapist has taught her that “everyone who is homeless doesn’t have mental health issues,” and stressed that economic issues are a primary factor that impacts mental health and wellness.

She said she would work to expand programs like vouchers for hotels and motels for the recently homeless and added that “housing in jail should not be tolerated. I disagree with that. People deserve dignity and respect.” Vaus said people have a right to clean and safe streets and parks, but at the same time, there is a “moral obligation” to help people who are struggling. The county increasing short-term housing vouchers and the homeless assistance HART program are “big steps in right direction but we need a lot more big steps,” he said. Anderson touted a bill he helped work on in the Senate to bring state funding to address homelessness in San Diego County. “It was a pilot program and the county chose not to use that money,” he SEE DISTRICT 2 FORUM, Page 3

NEWS

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District 2 Forum CONTINUED FROM Page 2

said. “We need that mental health money to triage the homeless.” Anderson acknowledged that not all homeless are mentally ill, “but we’ve all seen people talking to themselves. We know that that’s a big portion.” He said it is important to not “warehouse these people, but address their issues.” He said there are only 100 beds for mental health patients in a county of 3.5 million people and that he would expand beds by working with Supervisor Nathan Fletcher to fix problem. A question on ambulance response times in East County brought a mix of responses. Sesko and Vaus said the county should find funding for more ambulances. Anderson said that more ambulances are only part of the solution. “We can get more money for ambulances, but if we don’t preserve our roads, we’re wasting our time. They go hand in hand,” he said. Taylor said the county needs to invest in programs that bring health care to the backcounty. “People shouldn’t have to just go to the hospital by ambulance,”

she said. “We should have opportunities where we’re invested in apprenticeship programs, so when people are interested in going into EMT or other helping professions, we have resources that are there to protect the backcountry and use prevention and early intervention.”

JOBS AND TRANSPORTATION

Other questions issues raised at the forum included jobs and the state Route 94/125 interchange. On jobs, Anderson pointed to the 70 acres around Gillespie Field as “ripe for good jobs.” Vaus also said infill areas are a good place to look for economic development opportunities. Taylor said she would push to bring apprenticeship programs back to schools, ease regulations for entrepreneurs and promote jobs for veterans. Sesko said the problem with jobs is lack of work ethic among workers, that he and his friends can’t find people to “actually show up and work.” “I use GoStaff when I need somebody to come out and help,” he said. “I love those guys because they come out and they’re willing to work for minimum wage.” The night’s biggest back and forth came following a question about the 94/125 interchange.

Vaus laid blame to the delayed project on the state. “Those are state routes. That should have been in the plan, should have been fought for in Sacramento,” he said, adding that as SANDAG chair, he got the board to prioritize $90 million to fund highway routes in East County, including the 94 and 125. “And we’re not done yet,” he added. Anderson countered that it is SANDAG’s fault for taking $120 million in bond money for roads and using it for the trolley system. Sesko blamed SANDAG’s bloated overhead. “One of the ways we can fund some of these roads is do a little investigation as to how come so many people are getting so much money at the top of the food chain out there,” he said. Taylor stressed urgency to fix the “nightmare” roads in District 2. “It’s important regarding the discussion about transportation to include the East County now – not later, now,” she said. All four candidates will be on the ballot for the March 3 primary. The top two candidates with the most votes will compete for the seat in the November election. —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

San Diego Vintage Flea Market moves to Grossmont Center By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier

Local residents nostalgic for the days when strolling through La Mesa’s Downtown Village meant popping in and out of the plethora of antique stores in search of the perfect vintage knickknack or piece of furniture will soon be able to enjoy a new vintage shopping experience when the San Diego Vintage Flea Market moves to Grossmont Center at the end of March. Held every fourth Sunday of the month, the San Diego Flea Market began in 2012 with 32 vendors at the Masonic Lodge in El Cajon, said market founder Michelle Enders. “We were there for just about a year and outgrew the space very fast,” she said. By the time the market moved to its next location, the lot behind what is now the Observatory Theater in North Park, there were 76 vendors and eventually grew to average between 95 and 100. “But our biggest was last month when we managed to squeeze in 110 vendors,” Enders said. “The space was quite small for having that many vendors so we knew that it’s been time for us to seek bigger opportunities where there’s room for us to grow in.” Size restraints, coupled with the fact that the lot behind the Observatory will soon be cleared to make a pocket park for North Park residents, prompted Enders

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

27 Ways to Drive Up the Sales Price of Your Home

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Michelle Enders has put on the San Diego Vintage Flea Market since 2012 (Photo courtesy Michelle Enders)

to look elsewhere, eventually landing in Grossmont Center. “After knowing the history of Grossmont and working closely with the family that owns it, I am really excited for the move. I think it’s going to be a great transition for shoppers, for sellers, for everyone,” Enders said, adding that the space for the market — the lot between Chuze Fitness and Fuddruckers — has the potential for 500 vendors. The vendors at the San Diego Vintage Flea Market are more

“upscale” and are carefully curated by Enders. “When you hear ‘flea market,’ people think of more of a swap meet, but that’s not the way we are,” she said. “This is people’s livelihoods, this is how their making money. They’re bringing items that you’re not necessarily seeing anywhere else.” Items typical of flea market vendors include vintage clothes furniture, pottery, and “a little bit SEE VINTAGE MARKET, Page 19

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NEWS La Mesa becomes home to a first-ever pudding shop Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

By FRANK SABATINI JR. | La Mesa Courier

If you do a Google search for “pudding shops” or “pudding cafes,” you won’t come up with anything except for hundreds of results related to bread pudding. But we’re talking about classic North American-style pudding, the smooth and velvety kind we spooned from small glass bowls as kids while nestled on the couch in front of our favorite TV shows. San Diego native Toran Grays is doing what no culinary entrepreneur to our knowledge has ever done anywhere in the country. He’s opening a retail business that primarily sells pudding made in small batches. Grays was lucky to grow up with the homemade version

Owner Toran Grays (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

opposed to ready-made puddings or those originating from powdered mixes. The family’s top flavor was banana, a recipe authored by his late great-grandmother, Agnes White, who is precisely his inspiration for opening Extraordinary Banana Pudding in La Mesa on March 14. The shop will spotlight her signature scratch recipe in conjunction with other flavors that Grays developed such as pistachio, red velvet, lemon, chocolate, coconut and more. For the holidays, pumpkin spice will enter the lineup. “My great-grandmother and I were very close. She lived in Mississippi and passed away when I was 16 years old. It was her dream to someday open a pudding place,” Grays recalled. While that never happened, White always made the pudding for Grays when he visited her in the South, or when she traveled to San Diego. “As I got older, it became a big thought of mine to open a pudding shop in her honor,” he added, noting that his roughly 800-squarefoot shop will greet with a modern design and photographs of White and other family members. Banking on the novelty of the business and the quality of the product, Grays is currently transitioning from working as a floor manager at Catalina Offshore Products to immersing himself full-time into the shop.

The shop’s signature banana pudding (Courtesy photo)

His small-batch puddings will be sold in rectangular plastic trays with snap-on lids from refrigerated units inside the store. They’re priced at $8 for 8 ounces; $12 for 12 ounces; and $30 for party trays that feed nearly 25 people. Though tailored for takeout, the shop features a few tables for enjoying the specialty product onsite. Homemade pudding offers a particular decadence in both texture and flavor. It is simultaneously creamy and airy — like a hybrid of mousse and crème brulee. Grays calls it “an American staple,” noting that “it brings me back to when I was a kid eating meals with my family.” Adhering faithfully to his great-grandmother’s recipe, Grays uses whole milk as the base. He adds in light cream, whey protein, and a little corn syrup for sheen. Fresh fruits and extracts are used to achieve the various flavors.

For the banana pudding, slices of the fruit are added right before the admixture Interior design work is underway for a March 14 opening. cools and thick- (By Frank Sabatini Jr.) ens. It is then garnished with wafer cookies, grand opening of Extraordinary which are also used as a light Banana Pudding will be held from bedding to most of the other noon to 6 p.m., March 14. It will puddings. feature catered food, live music, Grays said he will eventually and pudding samples. introduce to the menu cakes and Regular store hours thereafter cupcakes, frosted with none other will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. than — pudding. Those too hail Monday through Friday; until 6 from White’s recipe collection. p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. By then, coffee will be available For more information, call 619as well. 642-6274 or visit extraordinary“My grandmother was a really bananapudding.com. good baker and did a lot of cakes and pies. Her recipes for them, and —Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author the pudding, are all written out on of ‘Secret San Diego’ (ECW Press) index cards that are over 50 years and began his local writing career old,” he noted. more than two decades ago as a staffLocated in a small strip plaza at er for the former San Diego Tribune. 8257 El Paso St. in La Mesa, the Reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.

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NEWS

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News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 1

movie “Screenagers Next Chapter” (dealing with social media, mental health and resilience) on March 4. Get free tickets at bit.ly/2PtkPVh. To learn more visit unpluggedvillage.com and go to NationalDayofUnplugging.com to “Take The Pledge,” and download a free toolkit with tips and more.

Julianna Barnes (Courtesy photo)

CUYAMACA COLLEGE PRESIDENT SELECTED FOR ASPEN INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIP Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes has been selected by the Aspen Institute to join the 2020-21 inaugural class of the

Aspen New Presidents Fellowship program. The new initiative is designed to support community college presidents in the early years of their tenure to accelerate transformational change on behalf of students. Barnes is one of 25 college leaders selected from more than 100 applicants for the Aspen Fellowship, which is funded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and run by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. The leaders, all of whom are in their first five years at their post, begin their seven-month fellowship in June. Their institutions span 15 states and vary widely, from a rural college with fewer than 2,000 students to a statewide system that educates more than 150,000. “I am truly honored to be selected for this prestigious program that will benefit our students and, in turn, our community,” Barnes said. “The Aspen Presidential Fellowship’s focus on student success and equity resonates with the mission and vision of Cuyamaca College, which is a higher education leader. I cannot wait to learn all I can to make certain the college remains on the cutting edge in meeting student needs.”

‘A life well-lived’

Barnes began her tenure as Cuyamaca College president in October 2015. Under her leadership, Cuyamaca College instituted reforms that have markedly increased the number of students completing transfer-level math and English classes. The college was honored with the Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

from the California Community Colleges and recognized nationally by Excelencia in Education. Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, said that kind of leadership is critical. “We know more than ever before about how community colleges can improve outcomes for students, both

in and after college,” he said. “And the urgency for them to do so only increases – especially for students of color and low-income students. These fellows have shown they are fully, urgently committed to excellence and equity, and we look forward to working alongside them.” SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 7

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(l to r) La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis, Roy Woodall and Waterford Terrace Executive Director Melissa Dimayuga (Courtesy photo)

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La Mesa resident Roy Woodall celebrated his 100th birthday at the Waterford Terrace Retirement Community where he lives on Feb. 7. Dozens of friends and family, as well as Mayor Mark Arapostathis, attended the event to wish him a happy 100. Woodall’s “life well-lived” includes serving as a U.S. Army Sergeant during World War II, rising to the rank of postmaster at a Northern California post

POLITICS

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

Let’s rebuild America CA 53 BULLETIN 1621 Grand Ave., Suite C San Diego, CA 92109 (858) 270-3103 LaMesaCourier.com Twitter: @LaMesaCourier

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeff Clemetson x130 jeff@sdnews.com

Connie Baer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kendra Sitton x136 Tom Melville x131 Emily Blackwood x133 Dave Schwab x132

Lynn Baer Jeff Benesch Pat Boerner

By REP. SUSAN DAVIS (l to r) Carl Luna, Matt Strabone and Will Rodriguez-Kennedy (Courtesy LMFDC)

Primary election analysis at next Dem meeting

Rep. Susan Davis Dianne Jacob Linda Michael Jennifer Osborn Cynthia Robertson

COPY EDITOR

Tina Rynberg

Dustin Lothspeich

Frank Sabatini Jr.

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Jeff Clemetson

Jake Sexton Dave Thomas Rebecca J. Williamson

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ADVERTISING CONSULTANT

Chris Baker x107 chris@sdnews.com

Heather Fine x 118

MARKETING DIRECTOR Francisco Tamayo, x116

BUSINESS CONSULTANT David Mannis

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Julie Main, x106 julie@sdnews.com

OPINIONS/LETTERS: La Mesa Courier encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email submissions to jeff@sdnews.com and include your phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or staff. SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS: Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to jeff@sdnews.com. For breaking news and investigative story ideas contact the editor by phone or email. DISTRIBUTION: La Mesa Courier is distributed free the fourth Friday of every month. COPYRIGHT 2020. All rights reserved.

LA JOLLA

By TINA RYNBERG and JEFF BENESCH

For the first time in modern political history, California’s March 3 primary election will have a significant bearing on the presidential race. With our state being the biggest part of Super Tuesday, at the end of the evening, the delegate count and prospective leader should be in much sharper focus.

There are also very important congressional outcomes to examine, including our two local races, the 53rd Congressional District and the oh-so-contentious 50th in East County. Who will end up being Ammar Campa Najjar’s November opponent? We also have many local races of interest: The county supervisorial contests; the countywide measures A and B, which deal with building in the backcountry; the San Diego City Council race in District 7, which SEE LMFDC, Page 7

Republicans build enthusiasm as election nears By PAT BOERNER

In President Trump’s recent State of the Union address, he articulated many of the accomplishments of his administration which have improved the quality of life for every American. Record low unemployment, passage of the UAMCA trade deal, increased wages, reduction of taxes for the middle class, the killing of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and 187 confirmed federal judicial appointments are some of the highlights of Trump’s first term. We couldn’t be prouder of our president. Now that the impeachment hoax is over, it is time to move on and focus on the March primary and November’s general election. Mail ballots have been delivered and early voting has begun. This is the time to do your research and make decisions that will reflect your conservative values. We must stop the march toward socialism in our country. Of course, we all want quality medical treatment available to everyone, but turning it over to the federal government and abolishing all private insurance companies would be a disaster. Based on data from countries that use single payer, there would not be enough doctors, hospital beds or money to provide free health care for all. Think about this when you listen to the presidential candidates that are trying to sell the idea of single payer to the American voters. Trump would never support the

idea of government-controlled health care. You are welcome and encouraged to attend the Monday, March 9, meeting of the Republican Women of California San Diego County. After a short business meeting, Gene Ho, personal photographer to Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, will be the speaker and share his anecdotes and insights. Lunch is included in the cost of $35. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Legacy Resort Hotel and Spa, 875 Hotel Circle South, San Diego. RSVP by Tuesday March 3 to rdelamart@cox.net. Please join Republican Women of California–Navajo Canyon at the La Mesa Brigantine, on Tuesday, March 10. Tia Quick, from the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, will be our featured speaker with the very interesting topic of “When Money Talks, Criminals Walk … How Politics Impacts Criminal Reform.” Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. for the 11 a.m. meeting. A fullcourse lunch is served for a cost of $25. Reservations are absolutely required as space is limited. Cash and checks are accepted, but no credit cards. Please RSVP to RSVPrwcnc@gmail.com or call Marjie at 619-990-2791 for questions or to confirm your reservation. For more information on our activities, please visit our website at rwcNavajo-Canyon.org and check us out on Facebook at Republican Women of California-Navajo Canyon. —Pat Boerner writes on behalf of the Republican Women of California–Navajo Canyon.

As Southern Californians, we spend an inordinate amount of time in our cars and on the road. Bad, congested roads can mean delays and auto repairs. And repairs mean money — a lot of it. San Diego has been known for having some of the worst roads in America, but we have made some improvements. In 2015, we ranked eighth in the country for poor road conditions. It wasn’t until 2018 that San Diego dropped out of the top 20 in cities with bad roads. This progress is certainly good news. The $760 billion infrastructure proposal recently unveiled by House Democrats, called Moving Forward, provides a chance for regions like ours to build on those improvements and ensures a transportation system that is green, affordable, reliable, efficient, and provides access to jobs. As it addresses our nation’s most urgent infrastructure needs, this bold proposal will create 10 million good-paying jobs, take important steps to address climate change, improve safety, and spur economic activity. Equally important, this framework will give communities a greater say in how these funds are used to rebuild their neighborhoods. Currently, states play a large role in determining how federal transportation funds are used. Under the new plan, cities will get a seat at the table, allowing them to direct the dollars where there is the greatest need in their communities. Let’s take a look at this ambitious proposal and what it can mean for San Diego. Modern highway and safety investments will see a 21% increase that prioritizes fixing roads and bridges through long-term and sustainable funding. According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, San Diego has 200 bridges that need replacement, rehabilitation, or other structural work. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is working to improve transportation access to San Diego International Airport and potentially pave the way for a Metropolitan Transit System trolley route to the airport. The last major expansion to our trolley was the Green Line connecting San Diego and El Cajon, which I was proud to help secure funding

for in Congress. The MidCoast extension, currently underway, is scheduled to open next year. The 72% increase in funding for transit will aid transit agencies as they add new routes and provide more reliable service to their public transportation systems. Southern California has become synonymous with traffic and expanding public transportation that encourages viable public transit options will get people out of their cars. Less cars clogging our roads will reduce carbon emissions, result in cleaner air, and allow San Diegans to spend more time with their families and less time stuck in traffic. San Diego is a leader in renewable energy and working to reduce carbon emissions. Unique to this infrastructure plan compared to others is the emphasis on combating climate change. The Move Forward plan includes a strong focus on energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, electric vehicles, and supports the expanded development of alternative fuels. Investments in the development of Smart Communities, the state energy program, and the Clean Cities Coalition Network could help San Diego meet its goals under its aggressive climate action plan. Support for the Move Forward plan is broad and growing. The National League of Cities, the AFLCIO, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Business Roundtable are just a few of the organizations praising the proposal. If you can get the chamber and Labor on board, you must be doing something right. Rebuilding America should be a bipartisan endeavor. Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump must come together on behalf of Americans who are clamoring for an infrastructure that will lead us into the future. The cost of inaction is too great for our communities. An investment in our infrastructure is an investment in American workers and manufacturing, including steel through strong Buy America protections. The Move Forward framework sets those priorities, creates jobs, and will be a key component in the goal to address climate change. So, let’s get moving and get this done. —Rep. Susan Davis represents central San Diego, as well as La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley and parts of El Cajon and Chula Vista.

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News from your County Supervisor Dianne’s Corner By DIANNE JACOB Tackling homelessness: The Board of Supervisors recently joined me in approving a wide range of short- and long-term measures aimed at addressing homelessness in our unincorporated communities. These steps include moving to expand a new homeless outreach team, offering more motel/hotel room vouchers and seeking land for permanent, supportive housing and emergency shelters that would offer health services. Recent encampments at Lamar Park in Spring Valley, Lakeside and in other outlying communities have underscored the need to address chronic homelessness in those areas. Many of those without homes have serious and chronic needs, and are stuck in a cycle of homelessness, addiction, medical emergencies and incarceration. Helping them break free of that cycle is tough. It requires more than quick fixes. What we need is a comprehensive approach that offers a continuum of care. The recent board vote

opens the door to doing exactly that. Our great outdoors: Park and recreation opportunities in East County just keep getting better and better. Thanks in part to funds provided by the county, Santee recently expanded Mast Park to include more parking and improved bathrooms and playgrounds. Congratulations to Mayor John Minto and all the folks in Santee. Meanwhile, park improvements are in the works at Lindo Lake in Lakeside, Estrella Park in Casa de Oro and in other unincorporated communities. Stay in touch: Have questions, suggestions or feedback about your county government? Call me at 619-531-5522 or email me at dianne.jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov. Or, swing by my next community coffee. Want to hear about improvements underway in your unincorporated community? Come by one of my revitalization meetings. For locations and dates of these important meetings, go to www.diannejacob.com. —Dianne Jacob is chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and represents District 2.

POLITICS / NEWS LMFDC

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

team of experts to give us their best analysis of the ballot results, why certain races trended the way they did, and who will face whom on the November ballot. We’ve confirmed the appearance of the head of the county Democratic Party, Will Rodriguez-Kennedy, who should have keen insights as to what went right, or wrong for certain local candidates and whether county party-endorsed candidates and measures succeeded per slate recommendations. We lined up the services of talented lawyer and pundit Matt Strabone to moderate our discussion, and if you’ve caught Matt’s regular podcast, “Show in Progress,” you know he’s got a keen sense of the San Diego political scene and is a skilled interviewer. We invited our popular and returning political science professor Carl Luna to weigh in on the national, state and regional

races. And also hope that past county chairs, and keen political minds in their own right, Jess Durfee and Jessica Hayes, will join the political gabfest. The meeting starts promptly at 7 p.m. after our half-hour social time featuring snacks, salads, desserts and beverages supplied by the club and member donations. The forum will follow shortly thereafter and we generally adjourn by 8:30 p.m. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa and everyone is welcomed. For more information about the event or about joining the club, visit lamesafoothillsdemocraticclub.com.

budgeting, online safety, rentals and housing, student loans, scholarships, and employment scams. CONTINUED FROM Page 5 On Jan. 15, scholarships were HELIX STUDENTS AWARDED awarded to students who presented $3,500 FROM BBB the information they were coached Better Business Bureau (BBB) on to the highest number of their partnered with San Diego County peers during a reception at iHeartCredit Union (SDCCU) and award- Radio. All BBB Ambassadors were ed $5,000 in scholarships to three celebrated for their success, reachSan Diego students through the ing nearly 22,000 high school stuBBB Ambassador Scholarship pro- dents through 100 presentations in gram. Through presentations, am- San Diego, Orange, and Imperial bassadors empowered high school counties. peers nearing college and beyond Receiving a $2,500 scholarwith tools for navigating credit and ship, Sundus Hersi represented

Helix Charter High School in first place. Kevin Do, Serra High School student, received the second-place scholarship of $1,500. Third-place scholarship recipient, Zubeyda Farah of Helix Charter High School, received $1,000. “ B y s u p p o r t i n g B B B’s Ambassador Program, SDCCU has helped to educate the next generation on issues of financial awareness, scam avoidance, and how to make the right decisions for their futures,” said Michael

CONTINUED FROM Page 6

affects many of our club members; the mayor’s race in San Diego with club favorites Barbara Bry and Todd Gloria going toe to toe; and San Diego city attorney, which pits incumbent Mara Elliiott against Cory Briggs, among others. There are a host of state Assembly races of interest, including our own Shirley Weber in the 79th, and some key judgeships up for grabs, with many of the candidates appearing before our membership looking for support. The only race without drama appears to be for our state Senate seat in District 39, with club favorite Toni Atkins running unopposed. On Wednesday night, March 4, the day after our California primary, the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club will lean on a

News briefs

—Tina Ryneberg is president and Jeff Benesch is vice president of programming for the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club.

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EDUCATION Academic, athletic achievements at Helix Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

AP Computer Science Principles. Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded young women’s access to AP Computer Science courses. Out of the 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, 818 By JENNIFER OSBORN achieved this important result during the 2018-19 school year Helix Charter High School — nearly 20% more than the has earned the College Board 685 schools recognized last year. AP Computer Science Female In 2019, Helix was one of 639 Diversity Award for achieving recognized in the category of AP high female representation in Computer Science Principles. Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved either 50% or higher female representation in either or both of the AP Computer Science courses, or the percentage of female computer science examinees meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Providing female students with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensuring gender parity in high-paying technology (l to r) Alex Chau and Marvin Locke (Photo jobs and to drive innovation, courtesy Helix Charter High) creativity, and competition.

Helix Highlights

A 2014 Google study found that women are more likely to pursue computer science if they are given the opportunity to explore it in high school.

CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES HELIX STUDENTS Alex Chau and Marvin Locke were recognized at the La Mesa City Council meeting held on Feb. 11, for their participation in a project of San Diego County’s Resident Leadership Academy Internship program at Helix. There were 15 student interns during the spring of 2019 who were involved in activities that would make their communities healthy, safe, and thriving places to live, work, learn, and play. Chau and Locke conducted a walk audit and found that there were no public trash receptacles along University Avenue. They worked with the community group Envision La Mesa to advocate the city of La Mesa for trash receptacles to be installed. Thanks to their community advocacy, the city purchased and installed trash receptacles along University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard in December 2019.

ACADEMIC COMPETITION SUCCESSES Helix’s Academic League team closed out a successful season with a victory over El Capitan High School. Academic League is a scholarly competition that requires a team of students to answer questions from a wide variety of academic areas, including math, literature, science, history, and more. The team finished the season with a record of 7-4, tying with Grossmont, Grossmont Middle College, and Steele Canyon. Their victories included winning the inaugural award given to the winner of the match between Helix and Grossmont, sponsored by the La Mesa City Council. “We had a strong varsity team, with several seniors new to Academic League,” said co-coach Jennifer Underwood. “It is such a joy to watch our players improve and develop self-confidence in the game.” Underwood noted the growth of players Zain Shields, Lucas Osborn, and Delaney Leavitt, recognizing them as team standouts. The San Diego County Department of Education broadcasts matches on ITV Cable 16.

Move this image to the jump page with caption: Eric Ginsperg (Courtesy photo)

Catch Helix’s team in action against Grossmont Middle College on April 2 at 8 p.m. The Helix Sports Medicine students competed against 12 other schools in a Sports Medicine Quiz Bowl and advanced to the semi-final round. The Hel i x Mathemat ics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) team competed at the San Diego State University competition on Feb. 22. All Helix teams placed in their divisions. The first-place teams will continue to regionals in April at the University of California Riverside. Congratulations to the SEE HELIX HIGHLIGHTS, Page 15

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Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020 EDUCATION La Mesa Courier sdnews.com Peer Listeners share the love on Valentine’s Day

One of the many wonderful facets of Grossmont High School’s counseling program is the GRC (Grossmont Resource Center), which was created in the 1990’s to provide personal and social support for students and their families. Within the GRC, the Peer Listener program is one of the ways in which students are supported by their peers.

Peer Listeners are carefully selected seniors, who are highly trained in peer support and mediation skills throughout their junior year. Peers must exhibit strong academic skills and personal/social decision-making skills. These seniors offer confidential, one-onone support for students to create their own solutions to challenging issues; a safe space without adults or counselors; a judgement-free zone; and peer mediation. Not surprisingly, the Peer Listeners are constantly seeking ways to support the entire Foothiller community, which was evident with the activities they planned for the week of Valentine’s Day by hosting weeklong activities with the theme, “Where Is the Love?” To prepare for the week, they created and

Sara Brooks swings on the winning door.

The “Kindness Tree” door

Foothiller Footsteps By CONNIE and LYNN BAER

showed a video at the winter sports assembly featuring the importance of empathy. Peer Listeners encouraged all students and staff to participate in this kindness movement by visiting every fourth period class to discuss what it means to have empathy and to encourage students to show kindness. They shared that studies show that kindness has many benefits including increased happiness and a healthy heart. It slows the aging process and improves relationships and connections, which indirectly boosts health. A little kindness goes a long way to help each other during the difficult challenges of life. Their hope was that everyone would look for opportunities to be kind and positive toward others and not just for one week. During the week, bulletin notices shared statistics about how kindness can improve health and make the world a better place. During the week, they encouraged students to share a random act of kindness done to them or that they had done. Students posted stories of “Random Acts of Kindness” on the school’s ASB Instagram and then challenged students to continue looking for moments to give a random act of kindness. The Peer Listeners offered free Valentine’s Day grams for anyone who wanted to send kind, supportive, or loving messages:

Students signing Valentine Day grams (Photos courtesy GHS Museum)

600 grams were delivered on Valentine’s Day. Also that day, students and staff could add a positive message to the “Love Meter” poster, displayed in the lower quad; small hearts with kind messages filled the heart meter. Finally, the Peer Listeners challenged fourth period classes to a door-decorating contest to reflect the idea that showing love and kindness has more power than showing hate or negativity. History teacher Christina Alley’s period four class’ winning door celebrated the theme in unique style: the interactive door featured a student doing acts of kindness such as tying someone’s shoe, picking up a pencil dropped by someone else, and even student Sara Brooks swinging on the door.

Other inspiring doors included art teacher Susan Phillips’ “Kindness Tree,” in which kindness grew from roots of caring and the words “Foothillers nurture and grow kindness.” In the tree branches, “love,” “empathy,” “respect,” “happiness,” and “trust” grow. E ngl ish teacher A mber Garrett’s door’s theme was “Leave Footprints of Love and Kindness Wherever You Go,” and featured thoughts within hearts such as “Love for All, Hatred for None,” “You are Strong,” “You Are Enough,” “What We Think We Become” and more. Reflecting on such a wonderful week, Peer Listener co-advisor SEE FOOTHILL FOOTSTEPS, Page 14

La Mesa Courier

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FOOD & DRINK

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

Food court oddball

A plant-based meal vendor takes root in Grossmont Center lush, little oasis snagging even incredulous consumers with braised plant-based concoctions that are By FRANK SABATINI JR. wildly flavorful. The business is owned by Sergio Just when I thought vegan cui- Garcia of Chicano Soul Food sine hit its creative zenith, along Catering in San Diego, and pascomes OleriCultura — and in a try chef Vanessa Corrales of Split place where you’d never expect Bakehouse, a wholesaler located to find dishes using things like just outside the food court. ancient grains and nutritionally She specializes in vegan renrich legumes. ditions of Mexican sweet bread, The food stall opened about airy puff pastries (campechanas), a month ago inside Grossmont molasses cookies shaped like pigs Center’s sunny food court, where (puerquitos de piloncillo), and mall shoppers typically give their more. None of it disappoints. feet a rest over gyros, pizzas and Garcia takes charge of the satacos. Yet for those seeking a pur- vory experience by helping paer alternative, OleriCultura is a trons customize their food bowls while touting the nutritional properties of OleriCultura the various options. He 5500 Grossmont Center Drive refers to himself as a olericultura.com “nurturer” rather than a chef. But as an indusPrices: Bowls, $8 and $10; desserts, $2 to $4 try veteran who used to head the kitchen at Del Sur Mexican Cantina in South Park, he’s innately both. You first pick a bowl size (small is $8, large is $10) before choosing whether you want beans as a base. If so, forget pintos or the everyday varieties. Garcia only offers heirloom tepary beans sourced from a North Assorted vegan pastries

Restaurant Review

County farm. Brined in salt water with epazote and bay leaves, they’re tenderly cooked and super meaty, not to mention higher in protein and fiber compared to their counterparts. Owners Vanessa Corrales and Sergio Garcia You next choose a grain (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.) mix — either wild rice I tried the first two. The mushand amaranth pilaf cooked in tomato-achiote broth, or quinoa room-pepper guisado tasted with brown rice cooked in cilan- like that essential topping to an tro-parsley broth. I tried both (and Italian sausage hoagie or a Philly you can too) with nary a dull mo- cheesesteak. So much so, I didn’t ment in either. miss the fry oil or the meat. The lentil-veggie mixture was equally comforting, but with a loving kick from the salsa. There are toppings and sauces to choose from as well. Texture is achieved with such options as cabbage-cactus slaw, hemp seeds, fried onions or nutritional yeast. (The slaw was my A customized food bowl containing favorite.) tepary beans, wild rice, lentils and Of the sauces, I went gaga over cabbage slaw the bright-red puree of beets and habanero chilies. It rivaled in The next option has you decid- depth and flavor the hundreds ing on a guisado, the Mexican of hot sauces that have whetted term for “stew.” Garcia presents my palate over the years. There’s three types — a medley of mush- also a smooth and cooling carooms and green bell peppers in shew-sunflower seed crema, and truffled rice gravy; a mix of lentils tasty avocado sauce that jives and charred veggies accented by with everything. four-seed salsa verde sauce; and For the ultimate palate refreshspiced beans mingling with plan- er, Garcia makes a rotating selectains and kale. tion of crafty agua frescas that

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change weekly. On this visit it was a delicious “four citrus” blend with chia seeds. What’s most surprising about OleriCultura is that the chow appears muted in color. Not unappealing, but brightened mainly by the space’s clean and modern design, which indeed brings an iconoclastic hipness to this food court. Yet the meal components, or any combination thereof, send your taste buds over the moon no matter how much meat you might require in your diet. The stall is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and until 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Garcia says he will eventually extend the hours and add signature items to the menu once the business becomes further established. —Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of ‘Secret San Diego’ (ECW Press) and began his local writing career more than two decades ago as a staffer for the former San Diego Tribune. Reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.

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News briefs

All participants received a certificate recognizing their contributions as official BBB Ambassadors and are encouraged to include their involvement on resumes and college admission applica- A sunset view from La Mesa Summit Estates tions, highlighting their ex- site (Courtesy photo) perience in public speaking. For additional information on the begin construction on its La Mesa program, please visit ambassador. Summit Estates project. bbbcommunity.org. The gated community of 30 homes will feature three single-story and two-story floorplans LA MESA SUMMIT ESTATES with four to five bedrooms and TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION three to five baths. The Phair Company has Each of the 30 homes feature a n nou nce d it w i l l soon a multi-generational suite — a

CONTINUED FROM Page 7

Sedio, VP, chief operating officer and general counsel at the Better Business Bureau. “As one of Southern California’s largest locally owned financial institutions, SDCCU sees improving the financial health of today’s students as essential in helping them thrive in a competitive society. Learning the basics on how to manage your money early on, at a young age, is vital to future financial success.” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO.

second master bedroom with a full bath, a kitchenette, a media center, a stacked washer and dryer, and a separate entrance. “This allows grandparents or a boomerang adult child to live in a supportive extended family environment, but at the same time have a feeling of independence,” the Phair Company stated in a press release. Situated in a 10-acre parcel atop Eastridge Drive, La Mesa Summit Estates will have unobstructed views of the ocean and the Coronado Islands, Downtown San Diego, Point Loma, Mt. Soledad, Cowles Mountain, the Cuyamacas, or Mexico. Each

home will feature a great room living area with 12-foot sliding doors to optimize the views. The homes will also utilize “earth-friendly” design and construction: renewable/sustainable materials, energy-efficient HVAC systems with Wi-Fi remote control programmable thermostats, tankless water heaters, rooftop solar, plumbing for gray-water use in xeriscape drought-tolerant landscaping, Energy Star-rated appliances, fire sprinklers, nonVOC paints, and an electric car charging station in each garage. Prices will start in the mid $900,000s.

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Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020 A&E La Mesa Courier sdnews.com Featured art: Linda Morton Lamplighters presents and Geraldine Dorfi Christie’s ‘The Hollow’ By REBECCA J. WILLIAMSON | La Mesa Courier

By LINDA MICHAEL

The crux of Linda Morton’s work, contemporary impressionism and abstract figurative painting, stem from observations and everyday encounters painted alla prima. Alla prima refers to a direct painting approach where paint is applied wet on wet without letting earlier layers dry. In Italian, the term alla prima means “at first attempt.” Linda’s colorful, expressive strokes, emphasizing light and shadow, create the feeling of a captured moment, often in a

A painting by Geraldine Dorfi

go to gdorfi@cox.net or instagram.com/jeridorfi or call her at 619-887-1747. L i n d a Mo r t o n a n d Geraldine Dorf i invite the public to an Artists’ Reception on Saturday, March 14, from 1-3 p.m. at the Foothills Art Gallery, 4910 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The gallery is open to the public without charge Tuesday through Saturday A painting by Linda Morton (Photos courte- from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Agatha Christie’s murder mystery play “The Mousetrap” is the longest-running play in modern history. It opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has not closed yet. The up-and-coming production of Christie’s play “The Hollow,” put on by Lamplighters Community Theatre, may not run quite as long. Not because it isn’t popular, but their next play, “Company,” opens May 1. Scheduling issues hamper another 68-year run. “The Hollow” opens Feb. 28 and closes March 29. “Almost every performance sells out,” said director Mark Loveless of their Christie

productions. “We do Agatha Christie almost every year.” A “British cozy cottage mystery” — as some reference the genre — involves cheating, romance, a murder, and characters that all might have wanted the victim dead. Or, a gathering of guests at a country house disturbed by an abrupt death. “In the second act it won’t be clear who did it,” said actress Connie Terwilliger who plays Lady Lucy Angkatell. “People think they know who did it but then it changes.” Christie is known for writing victims that very few empathize with. The victim in “The Hollow” is a philandering husband, Dr. Cristow, but still a murder victim.

“It is a play with changing romantic affiliations,” said Terwilliger. (The less polite, call it marital cheating.) Agatha Christie aficionados can speculate if Dr. Cristow’s character is based upon Christie’s first husband Archibald Christie, who cheated on her. The marriage ended in divorce in 1928. Christie’s second marriage to Sir Max Mallowan, married in 1930, lasted until her death in 1976. “Just before this (the murder) happens, he (Dr. Cristow) is remorseful and regrets his actions but not to his mistress,” said co-producer Heather Kenney. “The play differs from the book,” said Loveless. “There are SEE THE HOLLOW, Page 15

sy Foothills Art Association)

—Linda Michaels is editor of Footnotes, the monthly newsletter of the Foothills Art Association.

(l to r) Fran Godinez and Lizette Kent Allen

(l to r) Connie Terwilliger and O.P. Hadlock (Photos courtesy Lamplighters Theatre)

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café, street scene, or park. Her figurative abstract works convey energy and emotion through their composition, texture, and vibrant color. Linda’s work has been shown in galleries throughout San Diego and has received several awards. In her prior career as a law professor, she taught and published extensively on creative and interdisciplinary processes. For inquiries about Linda’s work, contact her at 619-405 6311 or lm@cwsl.edu. To view her recent work, visit bit.ly/2Szc3qE or bit.ly/2HB5Fso. Geraldine Dorfi began painting 18 years ago after she retired from 34 years of teaching middle school at Cajon Valley Union School District. Eventually, painting in the abstract captured her imagination. Abstract art is a non-representation art form, rendered without the use of visual references. Through the use of colors, textures, shapes, forms and gestural marks, Geraldine achieves visually creative abstract compositions using her intuitive expression and feeling. Working in this way is an intensely personal process which allows her the freedom to explore her own creative and emotional energy. Geraldine uses watercolors, acrylics, oil and cold wax as her mediums. Geraldine is a member of the Foothills Art Association, the East County Arts Association and the San Diego Water Color Society. Her work has been shown in galleries throughout San Diego. To learn more and see her work,

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Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

Church CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination. California has always been of the more progressive bent and will not be a part of this Traditionalist separation. In effect, the Methodist churches in San Diego and the La Mesa congregation will remain the same and preserve their buildings. And the reason for this proposal in the first place? It has to do with the mindsets of people on the issue of homosexuality — in particular, one line in the Book of Discipline that states:

NEWS / EDUCATION

“The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” The conflict over this is in no way new. It has always been just under the surface since 1972, explained Pastor Kim. Just four years before that, in 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Episcopal branches united to form the current United Methodist Church. Still, the division over the homosexual issue repeatedly came up in the General Conference, which takes place every four years. The conservative influence of the Evangelical United Brethren branch had the church put in the line about homosexuality being incompatible with leadership of Christ

into the Book of Discipline. That’s when the conflict ramped up. In the last 20 years, it has become a difficult matter for conference members because of all the demonstrations and angry people on both sides. In 2016, things came to a head and a special conference was called just to answer the question of how the United Methodist Church would deal with the issue. Pastor Kim explained that the second event the news is now reacting to is the proposal put out by a group of leaders from both sides of the debate. Conservative and liberal leaders of the United Methodist Church met during these past months to come to a compromise.

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La Mesa United Methodist Church (Photo by Cynthia Robertson)

The new proposal is to allow the extreme conservative churches, those in the Southern states, Africa, and the Philippines, who did not want the church to include any liberal theologies, to go and create their own denomination. The rest of the church members would remain as the United Methodist Church. Of the 13 million members of UMC, this could be as much as 6 million people leaving to form a new denomination. “So essentially the church is splitting 60/40,” Pastor Kim said. “However, this would be the worldwide UMC and not the UMC that we’re mostly familiar with in the United States. Of the 7 million Methodists in the United States, maybe half a million folks will decide to become part of the new denomination. The remaining 90% would still be the United Methodist Church. As far as the church that we’re familiar with in California and San Diego, we will still be the United Methodist Church that we’ve always known. “The decisions from General Conference 2019 came as a surprise to many, especially in our conference, because of the punitive penalties imposed on anyone who practiced progressive theology on the issue of homosexuality. “You will see in the history of the Methodist church that it has always responded to the social culture of the times, the issues of the age,” Kim said, citing the confusion and conflict over the issue of slavery in the 1800s. “In our United Methodist Church, there is a wide range of theological stance from very liberal to very conservative. But most Methodists, whether they lean right or they lean left, believe that

we can have differing opinions and still be one church. The decisions from last year created a rift because of mandated penalties.” However, due to the controversies of this matter, those penalties have been put on hold even as it officially went into effect Jan. 1. Kim said that the congregation of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church and all concerned can rest assured that the church will remain as it has since nearly its beginning — diversified but united. This premise is clearly stated in the church’s mission statement, which the church officially adopted last November, stating that it is welcoming and affirming as a diverse community. “We may not all think alike, but we can all love alike,” said Kim, explaining that this was the overarching thought of John Wesley, considered the father of Methodism. “And we will definitely all be in ministry together, just as always.” Some of the ministry projects of the church include those of United Methodist Women as well as the quilting ministry of Prayers and Squares; Interfaith Shelter Network; Fresh Start Saturday for persons experiencing homelessness and the Guatemalan Mission Project. This year is an especially important one for La Mesa First United Methodist Church. It will commemorate its 125th year. “We were the first church established in East County,” said Kim. “We will have quite the celebration.”

Foothill Footsteps

making a difference in the world by funding this amazing week.” To learn more about GHS and the ways students and staff past and present have made a difference, visit our website at foothillermuseum.com or visit the GHS Museum Tuesday, March 3, from noon-3:30 p.m. or by appointment on Wednesdays. Contact: 619668-6140 or email ghsmuseum@ guhsd.net.

CONTINUED FROM Page 9

• • Stay away from downed power lines. • If you smell or hear a gas leak, turn off the gas. Only SDG&E Be prepared for aftershocks.

should turn it back on.

Krista Santoro shared, “Having kindness, giving love, and showing support to each other helps create a stronger community and a safer place to learn and take risks. We are lucky to have students who look for opportunities to build an environment with these elements. And a special thank you to retired GHS Principal Bill Ashman and the La Mesa Rotary Club for caring about students and

—Cynthia Robertson is a San Diego-based freelance reporter and author. Her most recent book is titled ‘Where You See Forever.’

—Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum.

EDUCATION / A&E The Hollow

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Helix Highlights CONTINUED FROM Page 8

following first-place winners: Miguel Talamantez, Alex Chau, Mahmoud Salem, and Nick Smith (National Engineering Design Competition); Nicholas Lam (Civil Structures); and Bernard Bausa, Janae Farinas, and Jeannette Nguyen (MESA Machine).

WINTER SPORTS WRAP UP

Helix’s winter sports teams enjoyed many successes this season. Boys basketball, wrestling, boys soccer, and girls water polo all captured league championships. Also of note was the girls

JV soccer team going undefeated with a record of 20-0-1. CIF Playoffs are in progress as of this writing. • Seven wrestlers have advan ced to the SDS Masters Wrestling Tournament in El Centro. • Boys soccer will play in the semifinals. • Girls soccer qualified and lost in the first round. • Girls water polo advanced to the semi-final game. • Girls and boys basketball advanced to the quarter-finals.

STAFF RECOGNITION

Helix English teacher Eric Ginsberg received the Classroom Excellence Award at the February conference for the California

Association of Teachers of English (CATE). Ginsberg’s peers nominated him for the award, noting his accomplishments in demonstrating classroom excellence on an ongoing basis.

HELIX TOURS

If you are interested in finding out more about Helix Charter High School, please attend one of our Excellence in Education Tours, held monthly. The March tour will take place on March 6 at 8:10 a.m. Reserve your spot using our website, helixcharter.net. Note: Helix will be closed March 16-27 for spring break. —Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School.

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

CONTINUED FROM Page 13

12 actors.” The book debuted in the U.S. in 1946. It is considered an example of classic Christie literature. One of those 12 actors has a long history with Christie’s brand of murder. “I’m very familiar with Agatha Christie,” said O.P. Hadlock. “I did ‘The Mouse Trap’ in 1982 in Orange County.” Hadlock plays Sir Henry Angkatell K.C.B. in “The Hollow.” How does some of the search go in finding a role to play for an actor? “When you do community theater you wait for a character in your age range,” quipped Terwilliger.

When asked how to build suspense, Terwilliger responded, “It’s all in the timing, body language — plus in every speech and every line there can be different intent.” The intent in this play is murder — and it gives an audience member a chance to be an armchair detective. “The Hollow” plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 28 at Lamplighters Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. Tickets range $18-$23. For more information or tickets, visit lamplighterslamesa.com. —Rebecca J. Williamson is a freelance writer based in the Easy County San Diego area.

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BOOKS Black History Month titles for every taste Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

By JAKE SEXTON

As Black History Month draws to a close, I hope it’s not too late to recommend some great titles celebrating the amazing contributions of African Americans to our society and culture. I’m excited about two recent biographies about two very different musicians with impressive cultural contributions and complicated lives. Howie Abrams’ “Finding Joseph I: An Oral History of H.R. from Bad Brains,” tells the story of enigmatic punk rock icon Paul “H.R.” Hudson, his influential time in the hardcore scene, and his personal battles with mental illness. The book combines his own words and views with interviews with his

friends, family, and musical compatriots. In a completely differently musical genre, we have “The Beautiful Ones” by Prince. The revolutionary musician had begun writing his memoirs at the time of his death, and this book is a combination of that unfinished work, a long intro from his collaborator Dan Piepenbring, a scrapbook of photos and other writings, and a handwritten draft of Prince’s script for “Purple Rain.” Abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ autobiography is one of the most famous works of American memoir, but a new interpretation helps bring his story to life for modern generations. “The Life of Frederick Douglass: A graphic narrative of a slave’s journey from bondage to freedom” takes Douglass’ life story and turns it into a graphic novel. Writer David F. Walker and

artists Damon Smyth and Marissa Louise combine Douglass’ words with dramatic artwork to depict Douglass’ harsh upbringing in the grips of slavery, escape to freedom, and powerful impact as an activist and orator. One of the gratifying stories of this year’s Academy Awards was the success of the short, animated film “Hair Love.” The movie is a humorous yet surprisingly emotional story about a black father and daughter, attempting to style the young girl’s hair before a special visit to Mom. Former NFL player Mathew A. Cherry raised money online to produce the film, only to have it meet critical acclaim and popularity after years of hard work. Cherry and illustrator Vashti Harrison have created an accompanying “Hair Love” children’s book, telling the same story of Dad, Zuri, and Zuri’s beautiful hair.

While Black History Month is primarily about highlighting the accomplishments of black Americans, there are several important new books about broad historical patterns of African Americans in the 20th century. The first is the powerful and award-winning “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America,” by Richard Rothstein. It is an unrelenting look at how the past and present geographic segregation of black people in America didn’t happen because of a coincidental confluence of individual choices but was caused by explicit government policies. The book details dozens of examples of redlining, discriminatory loan policies, racist housing covenants, and many other tactics designed to exclude African Americans, but thankfully does conclude with

some ideas of how to rectify this damage. Another exciting new title is Blair Imani’s new “Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream.” This book reflects on the decades of migration of black Americans from the South to all regions of the country, and their impact on the culture and politics of the entire nation. The historical facts are accompanied by tales from the famed lives of people like James Baldwin and Ella Fitzgerald, and are even more compelling thanks to the artwork of Rachelle Baker. On March 7 at the library, writer and humorist Richard Lederer will give a presentation about a different kind of history, the history of names. Starts at 1 p.m., come early because it will be crowded! —Jake Sexton is a librarian at the La Mesa Branch Library.

2020

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BEST RESTAURANTS New Restaurant _____________________________ Ahi Poke ___________________________________ American __________________________________ Appetizer __________________________________ Bakery_____________________________________ Bar________________________________________ Bbq _______________________________________ Beer Selection ______________________________ Billiards ____________________________________ Breakfast___________________________________ Brewery ___________________________________ Brunch ____________________________________ Burger_____________________________________ Burrito_____________________________________ Cafe_______________________________________ Casino & Casino Buffet________________________ Casual Dining _______________________________ Coffee Shop ________________________________ Chinese____________________________________ Deli _______________________________________ Desserts ___________________________________ Dinner_____________________________________ Donuts ____________________________________ Family Restaurant ___________________________ Fine Dining_________________________________ Fish Taco ___________________________________ Greek _____________________________________ Happy Hour ________________________________ Hot Wings__________________________________ Ice Cream/ Frozen Yogurt _____________________ Indian _____________________________________ Irish Pub ___________________________________

Italian _____________________________________ Japanese___________________________________ Juice Bar ___________________________________ Live Music__________________________________ Lunch _____________________________________ Margarita __________________________________ Martini ____________________________________ Mediterranean ______________________________ Mexican ___________________________________ Patio Dining ________________________________ Pet Friendly Restaurant _______________________ Pho _______________________________________ Pizza ______________________________________ Sandwich __________________________________ Seafood ___________________________________ Sports Bar __________________________________ Steak______________________________________ Sunday Brunch______________________________ Sushi ______________________________________ Thai _______________________________________ Vegetarian _________________________________ Wings _____________________________________ Wine Bar ___________________________________ Wine Selection ______________________________ Wine Shop _________________________________ BEST RETAIL Accountant_________________________________ Acupuncture _______________________________ Antiques ___________________________________ Applicance Store ____________________________ Art Gallery _________________________________ Attorney ___________________________________

Auto Dealership _____________________________ Auto Repair ________________________________ Bank ______________________________________ Barber _____________________________________ Bike Shop __________________________________ Boutique___________________________________ Car Wash___________________________________ Child Care __________________________________ Chiropractor _______________________________ Computer Repair ____________________________ Consignment/Resale _________________________ Cosmetic Services ___________________________ Credit Union________________________________ Day Spa ___________________________________ Dentist ____________________________________ Dermatologist ______________________________ Dispensary _________________________________ Doctor ____________________________________ Dry Cleaner ________________________________ Electrician__________________________________ Financial Planner ____________________________ Florist _____________________________________ Furniture Store ______________________________ Garden Supply ______________________________ General Contractor __________________________ Gift Shop __________________________________ Gym ______________________________________ Gym (Boxing) _______________________________ Handyman _________________________________ Hair Salon __________________________________ Hardware Store _____________________________ Health Food Store ___________________________ Home Care/Caregiver ________________________

Hospital ___________________________________ Hotel ______________________________________ Insurance Broker ____________________________ Jewelry ____________________________________ Locksmith__________________________________ Manicure/Pedicure __________________________ Massage ___________________________________ Martial Arts Studios __________________________ New Business _______________________________ Optometrist ________________________________ Office Supply / Shipping ______________________ Personal Trainer _____________________________ Pet Boarding / Day Care_______________________ Pet Groomer________________________________ Pet Sitter ___________________________________ Pharmacy __________________________________ Photographer_______________________________ Physical Therapist / Rehab_____________________ Pilates _____________________________________ Plumber ___________________________________ Pool Service ________________________________ Real Estate Agent ____________________________ Real Estate Office ____________________________ Retirement Living ___________________________ Solar Company______________________________ Supplement Store ___________________________ Tailor ______________________________________ Tanning Salon ______________________________ Tattoo / Piercing Studio _______________________ Tutoring ___________________________________ Veterinarian ________________________________ Waxing / Threading Salon _____________________ Yoga Studio ________________________________

CALENDAR

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Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

Community and Arts & Entertainment Calendar FEATURED EVENTS Friday, Feb 28

improvements to help make walking and bicycling safer; and discover the health benefits of walking. During the workshop, enjoy a free cup of coffee with purchase, or a 10% discount on your order, compliments of Spacebar Cafe. And after the workshop, join us for an educational walk. 10 a.m.-noon at Spacebar Cafe, 7454 University Ave., Suite A. Free.

Friday, March 6 ‘The Hollow’ Through March 29 Lamplighters Community Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s comic mystery about an unhappy game of romantic follow-the-leader that explodes into murder at the home of Sir Henry and Lucy Angkatell. Dr. Cristow, the Harley Street lothario, is at the center of the trouble when we find his dull but devoted wife Gerda, his mistress and prominent sculptor Henrietta, and his former lover and Hollywood film star Veronica. Also visiting are Edward and Midge, whose romantic assertions are likewise thrown into the mix. As the list of romantic associations grows, so does the list of potential suspects when Cristow is shot dead. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Lamplighters Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. Tickets range $18-$23, available at lamplighterslamesa.com.

Satrurday, Feb. 29

Slime Pop-Up Bazaar Visit Grossmont Center for a day of fun with slime, craft goods, music, food and so more. Support young entrepreneurs and their slime startups while having a blast with the whole family! 1-4 p.m. at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. Free.

First Friday Night Market Free monthly vegan market at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa, in front of Hooleys and between Fuddruckers and Chuze Fitness. 5-10 p.m. Celebrate the vegan lifestyle with all-vegan eats, sweets, drinks, goods, plus a local vegan-friendly beer in a 21-plus beer garden featuring live music.

Saturday, March 7

Brew Community Market The Brew Community Market brings the community together by creating this diverse venue of local artisans, craft home goods, hand-made jewelry, bath soaps, scented candles, and more. The Brew Community Market is located in the parking lot to the side of the Brew Coffee Spot building, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd. in La Mesa, and hosts up to 25 different vendors. This is a monthly event. Come shop 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from many local businesses in the community. For more information, visit brewcoffeespot.com.

Sunday, March 8

both sides of Second Amendment issues. In addition to the play itself, many performances will also include discussion on gun issues, student activism related to school shootings and more. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 and 7 p.m. at Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Suite N. Tickets are $40. To purchase ticket and get more information about special discussions, visit bit.ly/37AMUQL.

San Diego Harp Society The San Diego Harp Society will present their yearly Advanced Students Harp Recital at Mission Trails Church, 4880 Zion Ave., as part of the Second Sunday Community Concert series. At last year's recital, one of their students, a 13-year-old, absolutely wowed the audience with her performance. A few tunes later, another harpist was joined on stage by a sax player, performing a Duke Ellington tune, a nice departure from the usual harp repertoire. The San Diego Harp Society is a local chapter of the American Harp Society. Their purpose and mission is to celebrate the harp legacy, inspire musical excellence, and empower the next generation of harp players throughout San Diego. 3-4 p.m. Free, but donations are encouraged.

Tuesday, March 10 Cooking for a Healthy Brain Learn how to use essential oils in your cooking and how they help with gray matter health. Samples, recipes and a free e-book come with this class held at San Pasqual in the wine tasting room, 8364 La Mesa Blvd. 6 to 8:15 p.m. Cost is $22. Please RSVP by emailing StressLessPros@Cox.net or text Nancy at 619-933-1716.

Thursday, March 12

Active Transportation Education Workshop The city of La Mesa invites residents to learn what makes a community walkable and bike-friendly; identify

‘gUnTOPIA’ Through March 29 Moxie Theatre presents “gUnTOPIA” — a dark comedy by Will Cooper about America’s obsession with gun culture. Set in a 1950s-esque television show format, the play explores how gun violence affects people on

‘Clybourne Park’ Through March 21 Spanning 50 years, this insightful, satirical drama from playwright Bruce Norris is a witty exploration of race relations, the "ownership" of neighborhoods, and the breakdown of communication in American society. Borrowing a character from Lorraine Hansberry's classic play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” the play opens in 1959 with Bev

and Russ selling their house to the first African American family in the neighborhood, causing discomfort among some of their white neighbors. Act 2 turns the tables by jumping to 2009, where the same house is being sold by a white couple who, oblivious to the wishes of their African American neighbors, plan to tear it down and rebuild it. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and additional Saturday performance at 2 p.m. at Stagehouse Theatre, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. $12/$15 tickets available at bit.ly/2S2yaUL.

Sunday, March 15

Waipuna - A Dedication to the Mauna Hawaiian trio Waipuna — Kale Hannahs, Matt Sproat and David Kamakahi — bring their award-winning Polynesian music to San Diego. 5-11 p.m. at the San Diego Performing Arts Center, 4579 Mission Gorge Place. Tickets range $30-$35; available at bit.ly/38PNvyQ.

‘Garden of the Dead’ Lecture & Historic Walk March 15, 21 The House of Spain is sponsoring a lecture, followed a week later by a historian-led guided walk through Presidio Park’s historic “Garden of the Dead.” Learn about the sacrifices made by members of the historic Sacred Expedition to establish Spain’s presence in California from 1769 to 1774.Visit the sites of the Spanish camp, which contained California’s first Spanish fort and mission, as well as a military field hospital and adjacent cemetery, which reportedly

still contains the unmarked graves of at least 30 of San Diego’s first “Unknown Soldiers.” Visit other modern memorial markers to the Serra Palm and the nearby La Playa Trail and Derby Dike. Free. RSVP to the House of Spain at rsvp2hos@ gmail.com. Lecture: March 15, 5-6:30 p.m. at House of Spain, 2168 Pan American Road East in the Balboa Park Palisades area. Free parking is located across the street in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion parking lot. Historic Walk: Saturday, March 21, 9-11 a.m. at the foot of Presidio Hill, at the corner of Taylor Street and Presidio Drive.

Thursday, March 26 EDITOR'S PICK

‘Peter Pan’ Through March 28 Peter Pan Jr. Theater presents its namesake play, “Peter Pan.” Flying boy Peter Pan and his fairy companion Tinkerbell encounter Wendy and her brothers when flying through London searching for Peter’s shadow. When Wendy helps Peter sew it back on, he offers to take them all to his home in Neverland where they meet the Lost Boys and encounter the evil Captain Hook. The conflict between Peter and Hook takes center stage as the magical adventure turns dangerous and teaches everyone the true power of friendship. Shows are at 7 p.m. and an additional 1 p.m. show on Saturday at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Performing Arts Center, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $17 tickets and information found at ppjt.org.

RECURRING EVENTS Tuesdays La Mesa Walks! Enjoy a fun walk with friends and neighbors. First and third Tuesdays, meet for a fast-paced walk in the evening from various locations around La Mesa. On the second Tuesday, meet at 9 a.m. for a slower-paced walk beginning at the La Mesa Library, and on the fourth Tuesday, meet at 9 a.m. for a slower-paced walk beginning at the Porter Park Gazebo. Call 619667-1300 or email SRTS@cityoflamesa.us for more information.

Wednesdays Senior Women’s Support Group City of La Mesa offers senior women's support group, every Wednesday 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. Please contact 619-667-1322. Wellness Wednesday Wellness Wednesday is a health series normally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Herrick Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa. Admission is free and advance RSVP is not required. Light refreshments and informational handouts will be available. For more information, call the library at 619-825-5010 or visit herricklibrary.org. Grossmont Center Farmers Market Grossmont Center hosts a produce-only farmers market, 2-6 p.m. in the back lot in front of the Dollar Tree. Thursdays Movie Matinee The La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center hosts a series of modern and classic film viewings every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the center’s main hall. Cost is $2 per ticket. For movie listings, visit bit.ly/2FVrOSQ. Fridays La Mesa Farmers Market La Mesa’s farmers market offers fresh local produce, florals, pastries, live music, and arts and crafts each Friday. 3-7 p.m. along La Mesa Boulevard. Free. Saturdays Shop Local Market Last Saturday of the month at Grossmont Center, participating shops set up tables outside and offer markdowns and new product showcases. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. McKinney House Museum The McKinney House Museum, 8369 University Ave., is open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Fall 2019 exhibit is “La Mesa’s Hospitals: A Brief History of Local Healthcare Institutions.” Sundays Traveling Stories Visit Grossmont Center each Sunday for an interactive story time for kids. Kids visit the StoryTent, pick out a book that interests them, and then read it out loud to a volunteer. The volunteer asks engaging questions that help the child build reading comprehension and critical thinking skills all while earning book bucks to trade for cool prizes. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.

BUSINESS & SERVICES / CLASSIFIEDS

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Wed. Night........6:30pm to 8:00pm Sat. Night..........6:30pm to 8:00pm Sunday.............10:00am to 11:30am Tuesday.............6:30pm to 8:00pm

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

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SPORTS / NEWS / PUZZLES sdnews.com Rodriguez hopes to net a successful senior season By DAVE THOMAS | La Mesa Courier

Being in his last season of scholastic boys basketball, Grossmont High senior forward Mykol Rodriguez is looking to go out on top. Rodriguez and the Foothillers have a winning record as February winds down and they prepare for CIFs. According to head boys basketball coach Frank Foggiano, Rodriguez has been a cornerstone of the program at Grossmont. “I have known Mykol since he was a fifth-grader,” Foggiano commented. “I have watched him develop into a very good basketball player. He is a pleasure to coach and will do anything for the team. He works hard every day at his game. My goal for Mykol in his final year has been to continue to improve his game.” For Rodriguez, playing in his final campaign for the Foothillers, the love he has for the sport shows on and off the court. La Mesa Courier recently caught up with Rodriguez for an interview.

How old were you when you first began playing basketball as a kid and what interested you in the sport? I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. But I remember that I didn’t start taking basketball seriously until I

Vintage Market CONTINUED FROM Page 3

of everything you think would be there,” Enders said. “We have one vendor who specializes in vintage stemware. That’s their forte, these phenomenal 1920s, 1930s, 1940s glassware, like stuff you might find in a speakeasy. Everyone has their own niche, all the vendors, and they do such a good job at it.” What won’t be found are “asseen-on-TV” items, car parts, or

was around 13 years old. I’ve always had a love for the sport being that both of my parents are big basketball fans so I was exposed to it really young.

Feb. 28 – March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

Patricia Ann McFarlane Patricia Ann McFarlane, founder of The Grey Rabbit Pre-School in La Mesa, which she opened in 1981, passed away on December 9, 2019 after a long battle with Wegener's Granulomatosis. In Honor of Pat's amazing life and the hundreds of children and their families that she touched over the years, we will be celebrating at The Grey Rabbit Pre-School, 4542 Palm Ave. La Mesa, on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 11am to 3pm with a slide presentation at 1pm. Please RSVP to info@thegreyrabbitpreschool.com

Being your senior season, what have you been looking to accomplish this year?

SERVICE DIRECTORY

I’ve gone into my senior season as I do every year with the main goal of just trying to go all the way in playoffs.

I am involved in Mykol Rodriguez has played hard in what is his final a student and staff season of scholastic basketball at Grossmont High. group at my school (Courtesy photo) called Student Summit, where were we meet Do you plan on college in once a month to discuss issues and the fall and any hopes of new ideas to ultimately improve continuing your basketball career? the environment of Grossmont. Well, playing basketball at the How has basketball helped next level at college definitely isn’t you grow as a person? out of the question. Importantly, I Basketball has given me many do plan on studying sports medithings that I have come to ap- cine in college. preciate. But what first comes to mind is that basketball has helped —Dave Thomas is a freelance me with a work ethic, patience, sports writer. Email his at hoopstand discipline to stick to the task homas@yahoo.com with comments at hand. or story ideas.

The Vintage Flea Market has been a huge draw at its North Park location behind the Observatory Theater.

CONT.

Y ENJO OUR TOS? PHOw us on

Folloagram p inst sgrou w e n @sd

Are you involved in anything else in school?

the kinds of items found when people clean out their garages. “Vendors seek out the items they bring to the market. It’s not just them cleaning out their closet,” she added. In addition to vintage items, the market also has a “Makers’ Row” for local businesses that make new products and the move to Grossmont has allowed Enders to expand this section of the market. In addition to expanding the makers’ section, Grossmont Center is looking to possibly add a beer

garden for shoppers during the markets. The San Diego Vintage Flea Market will open on March 29 at Grossmont Center, 550 Grossmont Center Drive. Market hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For questions about the market or to inquire about becoming a vendor, email Michelle Enders at sdvintagefleamarket@ yahoo.com, or visit sdvintagefleamarket.com. —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

Vendors at the markets are carefully curated. (Photos courtesy Michelle Enders)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS 1. Fall down 5. American TV company (abbr.) 8. Exclamation that denotes disgust 11. Gallantry 13. Chinese word signifying “doctrine” 14. Prefix meaning “beside” 15. Act of imitating 16. Tall, rounded vase 17. 6th month of Jewish civil calendar 18. Rural Iranian village 20. Time zone 21. Military weapon (abbr.)

22. Gets rid of 25. Aggressive 30. Addressed one’s appearance 31. Affirmative 32. Denoting Indo-European languages 33. French noble family 38. Shock therapy 41. Having characteristics of both sexes 43. Large suitcase 45. One who identifies God with the universe

48. Swiss river 49. Frequently 50. Wipe out 55. Invests in little enterprises 56. Waste 57. Resembles a large shrimp 59. Derogatory name for rural resident 60. Menswear accessory 61. Tropical American tree 62. Pitching statistic 63. Camera type 64. Cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

CLUES DOWN 1. Surgical procedure of the heart (abbr.) 2. Northern Scandinavia indigenous person 3. Evergreen trees and shrubs 4. Meat from a domestic hog 5. State of insensibility 6. Herb 7. Annuity 8. San Diego-based ballplayer 9. Members of a Semitic people 10. Any physical damage 12. Woolen rug

14. Alsos Mission leader 19. Aromatic plant used as culinary herb 23. Where you sleep 24. Ruled Russia 25. Indicates density of data (abbr.) 26. Sea eagle 27. Type of light bulb 28. Wreath 29. Graduate with a degree 34. What thespians do 35. “Orange is the New Black” character 36. Comedienne Gasteyer 37. Romanian monetary unit 39. People treated as a group

40. Small European plant 41. First responder group 42. A person’s head 44. Giggle 45. Bura-__: Chadic language 46. Snout moth genus 47. Body part 48. Inspirational Wimbledon champ 51. Revolutions per minute 52. American software developer 53. Ancient Greek city 54. Female sheep 58. “The Science Guy”

Feb. 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 26, 2020

La Mesa Courier

sdnews.com

RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE 2O19 OFFICIAL AWARD WINNER

GOLD