VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5 May 22 – June 25, 2020
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INSIDE
NEWS BRIEFS
THIS ISSUE
HOAGIES FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
B OPINION Seniors in isolation
Oasis CEO shares ways to keep seniors from getting the COVID blues online. Page 6
B EDUCATION Signs of respect Blackbird owner Evangelina Gomez stands in the doorway where she conducts all her curbside business. (Photo by Jeff Clemetson)
A rough reopening for retail By JEFF CLEMETSON | La Mesa Courier
Grossmont High School’s plaques and other items that honor past Foothillers. Page 10
B VILLAGE VOICES Ready for ‘battle’
When the COVID crisis first began, retail businesses were some of the hardest to be hit. Deemed unessential, gift shops, clothing stores and the like were ordered
closed. Then on May 8, shops could again reopen in California, but under strict guidelines that only allowed for customers to utilize online purchases with curbside pickups or by-appointment-only shopping. And on May
20, the state announced that San Diego County businesses and restaurants could open for in-person shopping and dining with a new set of guidelines. SEE RETAIL REOPENS, Page 2
Gomez running as ‘true blue progressive’
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Decision
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By JEFF CLEMETSON | College Times Courier Gen X shares the story of a local martial arts instructor’s unique plan to provide PPE. Page 13
B ALSO INSIDE
Politics Art Books Business & Services Classifieds
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The race for California’s 53rd Congressional District seat, vacated by retiring Rep. Susan Davis, has gained some national press attention for its similarities to other Democrat vs. Democrat races. On one end there is Sara Jacobs, granddaughter to Qualcomm founder Irwin Jacobs SEE GOMEZ, Page 4
San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez is a candidate for the CA53 congressional seat. (Courtesy Georgette Gomez for Congress)
B CONTACT US
www.sdnews.com San Diego Community Newspaper Group
LA MESA NAMED TREE CITY USA FOR 40TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR The Arbor Day Foundation, in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management, has named La Mesa a 2019 Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year. La Mesa achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. “Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 3
OUR FAMILY CARES FOR YOURS
Editorial (858) 270-3103 x130 jeff@sdnews.com Advertising (951) 296-7794 hfine@sdnews.com
On May 12, Jersey Mike’s sandwich shop and a collection of local professional athletes delivered over 200 meals to hospital workers at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. The gesture was a way to give thanks and encouragement to nurses and other frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Organizers also pointed out that May 12 was also the 200th birthday of modern nursing pioneer Florence Nightengale. The athletes who delivered the meals from Jersey Mike’s included former San Diego Charger Cam Thomas; former Carolina Panther and current firefighter Nate Chandler; professional heavyweight boxer Trent Rawlins former Women’s NBA and SDSU basketball star Courtney Clements; former San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novak; and world surfing champion Rick Takashi.
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NEWS
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
(l to r) Time and Treasures owner James Simpson, Gino's Wide Shoes & Repair owner Gino Serrano, Modern Market owner Claudia Sotelo, and Amethyst Moon owner Teri Favro (Photos By Jeff Clemetson)
Retail reopens CONTINUED FROM Page 1
For retail shops in La Mesa, the last few months have been a struggle to adapt to a different set of rules, develop new safety protocols, navigate government assistance programs and — most of all — attract customers in what is already one of the worst economic downturns in all of history.
COSTING BUSINESS
“Saying that business is down is way an understatement for a lot of us retail people. It’s just pretty nonexistent,” said Evangelina Gomez who owns Blackbird, a retail shop on the corner of La Mesa Boulevard and Date Avenue. Like a lot of shop owners caught off guard by the mandatory closure following the virus outbreak, Gomez used the time away from running her store to work on building up her online presence. She started a Shopify page and updated her website to allow customers access to her shop during
quarantine. However, she said the results were “very, very small.” “I did just start that so I’m being patient to see the growth for it, but the reality is that most of us are doing [business] at like 10% [of normal],” she said. “We are still in that place of concern.” Unsurprisingly, paying rent on a storefront in the Village is one of the most difficult expenses to manage for Gomez. “That is very, very hard for me. I’ve only been in here for two years and I’ve always paid my rent and to be in that hole … it takes a hit to the gut. It’s also very scary,” she said. For Teri Favro, owner of Amethyst Moon, rent and employee costs were too much for her to keep the doors open at a second business she was in the process of building up. “That store was just going to focus on classes and seminars and we had a lot of people lined up to do everything from belly dancing, yoga, meditation, Reiki classes, painting classes you name it — it was such a great spot for that — but with all this happening, I
couldn’t carry both rents and wait for someday when we could have a class again,” she said, adding that she also had to lay off all her employees at both businesses. For Act II owner Deanne Ross, rent was more of an issue before the crisis began. Just before the mandatory shutdown, her landlord at one of her Downtown locations tripled her rent, so she decided to consolidate her two stores into one. She spent the last couple months remodeling. “I think [business] is slower than normal but I also think that we’re fortunate because it’s not too slow. We’ve been doing pretty darn good,” she said. “We’ve been around for 38 years so we have a really good product that’s super cheap so people realize during this quarantine that ‘Wow, this is what’s missing in my closet.” Or, ‘I’ve gained weight’ or ‘I’ve lost weight’ and we changed seasons during the quarantine so people need to ramp up their summer wardrobe.” For businesses that haven’t been around for almost 40 years,
ramping up online sales was key to staying afloat during the quarantine. That is what Small Batch owner Brittany Pena did. She worked on her online stores and posted her products to Instagram and Facebook to make sales and then delivered them to customers before stores could open for curbside pickup. She credits the La Mesa community for stepping up to support hers and other businesses during the crisis. “Everyone’s been really supportive. It seems like everyone’s been really conscience of ordering food from local and then we’ve done pretty well with the online sales,” she said. “It’s not necessarily that people needed a candle, it’s just making sure they support us and they don’t want us to go anywhere.”
SAFETY FIRST
When Pena was allowed to reopen her storefront for curbside pickup and no longer had to deliver her products to customers who orders online, she had to decide
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on safety protocols for her business. For Small Batch, that means all customers must still purchase through her online stores so that Pena doesn’t have to handle any cards or cash. She also decided to not let anyone in her store. Gomez enacted a similar policy at Blackbird, although she does allow customers to purchase items at her door where she set up a no-touch card reader. Still, most of her business right now is from an online purchase that is then picked up at her door. “That’s usually how people are making their purchases,” she said. “People can also come to my windows. I have a lot of my products window-facing — so old school window shopping. I also have menus on the doors with my essential oils and my different apothecary products that I have.” Not every business banned customers from entry into their shops. James Simpson, owner of Time and Treasures instead installed a doorbell for customers to ring for entry. He only allows a couple of customers in at a time and requires masks. “Because if they don’t have a mask on, they’re not coming in,” he said. “It’s common sense. If you wear a mask and you keep a distance, you’ll be okay. That’s pretty much plain and simple.” Despite being in a high-risk group because of his age of 74 years, Simpson said he feels comfortable with opening his door to customers as long as they follow his mask policy. “It’s actually worked out very well for me and I intend to keep it that way,” he said. “I don’t want to put my health at risk and I don’t want to put anybody else’s at risk.” Claudia Sotelo, owner of Modern Market in Grossmont Center, reopened her store in the beginning on May for pickup only. “But I decided there was no point in doing curbside pickup, especially for my store. Everyone wants to touch and see what I have,” she said. Now she allows a few customers at a time into her spacious store and also requires masks, which she also makes and sells. Modern Market is one of just a few Grossmont Center shops that are open for business — other than large retailers like Target and Walmart. Ben Potter, general manager for Grossmont Shopping Center General Manager Ben Potter said tenants are allowed to do curbside, but some of the national SEE RETAIL REOPENS, Page 3
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NEWS
sdnews.com
Retail reopens CONTINUED FROM Page 2
chain stores that rent space there are waiting for more direction from officials on how to open for in-store shopping. “When we do have the directive that we can do in-store shopping, as soon as we get that, we’re ready to do that,” he said. “We’re excited to get everyone open. It’s on the horizon.” Amethyst Moon owner Favro also chose to forgo curbside pickup, and eventually opened for instore shopping at the end of May. “I don’t have an online business, that’s not why I’m in business,” she said. “I’m in business to have the one-on-one, which is what I thrive on. I help people every day. Online you just can’t get that. That’s not what I set out to do when I was little girl wanting my own shop.” For safety, Favro has ordered Plexiglas for the store’s counter and reading room; she is requiring masks; and is allowing only a few people in at a time. She is confident that those precautions will provide herself and her customers with enough safety. “People know what to do at this point,” she said “It’s been nine weeks of shutdown. People are ready to go with some guidelines and get out for their shopping and get back to their life.” Craig Maxwell, owner of Maxwell’s House of Books reopened for curbside at beginning of May when Governor Newsom allowed it. “We decided to do a slow unfolding of the opening – take it incrementally, stage by stage,” he said, adding that he thought about allowing small groups or individuals in at a time but decided against it. Online purchasing and pickup works for his bookstore because he has a website and his inventory is cataloged on several shopping sites, including Amazon. He added that the varied way shops are reopening in the Village and elsewhere in the region is because of a
News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 1
“Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.” Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
REAL ESTATE FIRM DONATES DONUTS TO NURSES The team of Strexin Real Estate knew just the thing to show
lack of clarity when new rules or guidelines are presented to businesses. “[The rollout of guidelines] has been a little haphazard seeming and kind of scattered, certainly at the federal level – what they give with one hand, they take back with the other,” he said “And Newsom’s directives have been vague enough to make people frustrated and I can see why.”
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
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27 Quick and Easy Fix Ups to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar
HELP ON THE WAY?
Guidelines on reopening is just one area businesses owners are Act II utilized the COVID quarantine by consolfinding frustration with idating stores and remodeling. (Photo by Jeff state and federal govern- Clemetson) ment. A bigger problem has been with aid programs. One bit of relief for businesses Blackbird owner Gomez said she has come from the city of La Mesa. has applied for every kind of as- On May 12, the City Council votsistance she could qualify for. She ed to suspend collecting business applied for an Economic Injury license fees. Council member Disaster Loan and was notified Kristine Alessio said the savings that her application was received to businesses — averaging only but she hasn’t heard back in over $75 depending on number of emsix weeks. She applied for a state ployees — was a pittance for struggrant for women business own- gling shop owners, but felt that the ers and is in phase two of four- gesture was important. She added phase process but has no idea that the Council is also exploring when she might get through all other ways to help local retailers the phases — if she even does at and restaurants that will be disall. Similarly, the unemployment cussed at upcoming meetings. office confirmed they received her Although government aid will application but she hasn’t heard help struggling businesses, what anything else from them. retailers said they need most are Gomez said she sees that busi- customers to return to shopping nesses that have between 50 and — and on May 20, the state gave 500 employees are the ones get- businesses in San Diego a bit of ting help right away, but small good news when it decided to alindependent shops with few or low the region to accelerate phase no employees are stuck in a sort two reopening which will officialof assistance limbo. ly allow for in-person shopping. “We are the ones falling That is the only aid that some through the cracks,” she said. businesses have been hoping for. Gino Serrano, owner of Gino’s “I don’t need any help. I just Wide Shoes & Repair in Grossmont need to open my front door,” Favro Center applied for an SBA (Small said. “I think that we don’t need Business Association) loan two any more printing of money. We months ago but was denied. don’t need any more stimulus. We “Two days ago I got an email, just need to open our front doors.” said they couldn’t do anything for me. So that’s when I decided —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com. to start opening up again.” appreciation to nurses and staff on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic during National Skilled Nursing Care week: dozens of freshly-baked doughnuts and mask coverings. During National Skilled Nursing Care week, the team of La Mesa-based Strexin Real Estate delivered 300 donuts – 25 dozen – and mask coverings to all employees of The Covenant Living at Mt. Miguel on May 21 as a way to thank the nurses for their work. “We wanted to show our appreciation to all the essential employees and to thank all of them for their courage, strength, and for keeping our seniors safe and healthy,” team member MaryAnn Oliveira said. “Freshly baked doughnuts are a perfect way to make their day.” Strexin Real Estate is a local team helping buyers and sellers navigate through their real estate journey. The team quickly adjusted
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Nurses at The Covenant at Mt. Miguel pose with masks and donuts given by Strexin Real Estate. (Courtesy Strexin)
their routine to comply with new safety guidelines during this pandemic offering virtual buyer and seller consultations, showings and closings to continue helping clients with their real estate goals. “The doughnuts were still warm when they arrived and the masks are great! Thank you to the Strexin Real Estate team for your thoughtfulness and generosity,” said Linda Leota, Human Resources at The Covenant Living at Mt. Miguel. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 5
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NEWS
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
Gomez
INFLUENTIAL CHILDHOOD
CONTINUED FROM Page 1
and a former policy wonk in the Obama Administration’s State Department. On the other end is San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez, daughter of undocumented immigrants and a progressive with the endorsement of leftist presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders. In the March 3 primary, Jacobs came out on top with 29.1% of the vote, compared to Gomez’ 20% — a result Gomez chalked up to the race’s crowded field of 14 candidates and being heavily outspent by the Jacobs campaign and a SuperPac that supports her. “We always knew that Sara was going to come in first and us in second just because the nature of the spending,” Gomez said. Gomez added that she wasn’t disappointed with the primary results and that she expects to win in November because her “message is really stronger.” That message includes a humble-beginnings backstory and policy positions that focus on income inequality, poverty and the environment. “As a true blue progressive — and I mean that with sincerity in terms of that my life experience has guided me in everything that I do — it really is a motivator for me to transform government to address some of these serious issues that people are facing.”
Gomez is a San Diego native and first generation MexicanAmerican who was born in Barrio Logan and lived south of Interstate 8 her entire life. “I grew up very humble but at the same time, my parents did everything they could to provide a better path for all three of their children,” she said. Gomez’ parents were undocumented and worked multiple jobs that paid minimum wage. “Jobs that took advantage of them because they were undocumented,” she said “They kept their heads down and did their work.” Gomez said her family moved around the South Bay a lot while growing up. At one point, they didn’t have a home of their own and lived in the living room of another family’s house. “So, you can imagine growing up in somebody else’s space. That leaves a strong imprint on a child,” she said. “For me growing up, that was my experience: having housing insecurity, at times food insecurity. But I also felt that my parents worked to make it through and provide for their children.” Gomez credits her parents’ sacrifices as a motivating factor for her to work hard in school. In middle school and high school, Gomez woke up every morning at 5 a.m. to take public transportation to San Carlos and then Tierrasanta because her mother knew that wealthier communities had better schools and “access to success.”
“That was really an eye-opener for me because growing up I knew that we were struggling but I just thought that was the reality for everybody,” she said. “I noticed how different my community was from the community where my school was. There were grocery stores and parks.”
EARLY ACTIVISM
In her senior year at Serra High School, Gomez said she became politically active. “That was the year that Pete Wilson introduced Prop 187 targeting immigrant [communities],” she said, adding that her older brother brought her along to help with voter outreach to defeat the proposition. It passed but was later ruled unconstitutional by the courts. Gomez continued her activism at SDSU where she studied urban planning with an “environmental and cultural lens.” “Growing up in Barrio Logan, I knew there was no question that my community was treated completely different than other communities. You could taste it in the pollution in the air,” she said. “My intention of going to college was to try and understand how do you influence the development of communities and how do you do it in a way that is healthy and is reflective of the community members.” At SDSU Gomez got involved with an environmental justice club where she was introduced to the Environmental Health Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy
group that she went to work for after graduation. As a community organizer at EHC, Gomez lead a campaign to stop an old power plant from reopening; organized to shut down a peak power plant proposed for a location near an elementary school; influenced community developments in Barrio Logan and National City to create better jobs, affordable housing, and better mobility; and helped create the statewide California Environmental Justice Alliance to influence state policy. The latter resulted in her working on the national Sustainable Communities Program started by the Obama Administration which worked to transform underserved neighborhoods by making them greener — she worked on the pilot program in National City. Also during this time, Gomez worked on helping get fellow Democrats elected, which is what eventually lead her to run for the San Diego City Council District 9 seat.
A LOCAL OFFICIAL
“I thought, ‘Okay, I know how to do policy. I know how to bring people together. I’ve been involved in other people’s campaigns. I challenged myself to think of myself differently,” Gomez said. “When I decided to run for local election, it wasn’t something that I felt comfortable with, so I really struggled with that because I thought that was something that somebody else does. But because I was so committed, I just felt like,
Gomez cites her roots as a South Bay native as a reason she is best to serve the 53rd. (Courtesy Georgette Gomez for Congress)
‘okay I know that I can bring something to the table. I know that.’” Gomez credits a strong grass roots campaign for her election to the District 9 seat — a race she was outspent by her opponent 3 to 1 and “wasn’t supposed to win.” Since her election to the City Council, Gomez said she has maintained a strong agenda to help underserved communities — like the ones she grew up in. Her decision to serve on the MTS board was influenced by her high school years riding the bus to school almost every day.. Gomez eventually ran to be chair of MTS and was elected by her colleagues from 10 different cities in San Diego County. “My goal was to highlight the importance of transit in our region,” she said. “If you look at the history of transit here in our region, it has never been a priority SEE GOMEZ, Page 5
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Gomez
CONTINUED FROM Page 4
for electeds. But these last couple of years we’ve built a strong voice on the importance of it and we’re going to continue pushing.” In addition to being elected by her colleagues to lead the MTS board, Gomez was elected twice by her fellow City Council members — unanimously by Democrats and Republicans — to be Council President. Gomez credits her transparency as the reason for gaining the trust of the Council members from both sides of the aisle.
A RUN FOR CONGRESS
As the elected representative of District 9, Gomez said she has always worked to be supportive of the district’s large immigrant community. When Rep. Susan Davis announced she would be stepping down from her CA-53 seat at the end of this year, Gomez decided to run for congress with the idea that she could be a voice for immigration reform in the U.S. “My values really are about justice, about making sure government is more inclusive about who we are and recognizes that,” she said. “Everything really stems from that. Everything that I’ve done as a community organizer, as public policy advocate has been to really try and transform the system to be more reflective of who we are.” Since launching her campaign, Gomez has racked up support from a wide range of groups and people,
including labor unions, teachers, the Sierra Club, and politicians like presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders all the way to La Mesa Mayor Mark Aropostathis, who now considers himself an independent but originally ran as a Republican. Although she expects to be outspent by the Jacobs campaign, Gomez sees her strong message, experience and local roots as key to winning in November — even as the COVID crisis has taken away door-to-door canvassing, one of the main tools of grassroots campaigns. “The COVID just creates more creativity in how to reach out to voters. As a grassroots campaign you have to be creative. It’s not going to slow us down at all,” she said. Like many other campaigns, Gomez said her team recently focused on phone banking wellness checks for seniors in CA-53 and also built a resource page to share with any constituents that might need it. “It wasn’t about, ‘Can we count on your support?’ It was about an ‘Are you okay, do you need any support, how can we assist?’ type of message and just leave it at that,” she said. Still, Gomez said she is ready to get back to campaigning on her message of support for policies like universal single-payer healthcare and a Green New Deal. “If you look at my background as public policy advocate on addressing environmental racism, the Green New Deal gets to that,
so that is something I’ll continue pushing,” she said. With the COVID crisis pushing spending to its limits, Gomez said she is working on formulating some plans for addressing the deficit. “I don’t think we’re maximizing taxation on the wealthy and we have created a system where we are taxing more on the middle class and people living in poverty than the 1%,” she said, adding that corporate taxation and reforming military spending would be in her plan to fund more domestic spending to put people to work — a necessity to create a more diverse economy in San Diego beyond serving the tourism industry which has been decimated by the COVID crisis. “Being one of the leaders getting us through the COVID crisis has given me more energy to work hard and earn the votes of the residents of the 53rd and get to D.C. and get to work for our region,” she said. “We need to get more resources to address our income inequality, to address our huge infrastructure deficits that we have here in San Diego region, to address our housing affordability crisis. “I understand what we need as a region. I have that experience and I’m ready to lead and really fight hard to ensure we’re moving the country in a more inclusive, more equitable way to advance on these major issues that have not been a priority – and I’m going to do that when I get to D.C.” —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
News briefs
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• Any restaurant and/or bar legally operating an outdoor CONTINUED FROM Page 3 dining and/or smoking facility continuously for not less Oliveira along with couple than 60 days prior to March of her team members made 28, 2020 and not located or enthe delivery early morning croaching upon City property to ensure the freshness of the or rights-of-way. doughnuts. Oliveira said the In addition, the ordinance pandemic has been tough for requires “No Smoking or a lot of people and she was Vaping” signs be clearly, sufglad when her broker, Melania ficiently and conspicuously Mirzahanian, supported her posted in the outside window idea to spread some sweetness of every building which is open to essential workers during to the public. A free downloadappreciation week. It was im- able “No Smoking or Vaping” portant to make a gesture of sign is available on the City’s appreciation. website at cityoflamesa.us/ “We did it from our hearts smokingordinance. and we knew we did the right The new smoking reguthing,” Mirzakhanian said. lations went into effect on Saturday, March 28.
SMOKING ORDINANCE NOW IN EFFECT On Jan. 28, 2020 the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2020-2878 updating and revising the regulation of smoking in the city of La Mesa. The ordinance prohibits smoking in enclosed areas of employment and in public places including on streets, sidewalks and in unenclosed places of employment with limited exceptions: • Twenty percent of the guestroom accommodations in a hotel, motel or similar transient lodging establishment; • Retail or wholesale tobacco shops; • Private smokers’ lounges (including hookah bars);
ALS ASSOCIATION MAKES DONATION TO SHARP GROSSMONT As part of its response to serve the San Diego community during the coronavirus pandemic, the ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter has announced it recently loaned six electric hospital beds to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. “In response to a request for assistance from the Sharp HealthCare Foundation, we replied with an offer to share resources from our equipment storage unit,” said SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 12
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OPINION / POLITICS
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
Guest Editorial 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 Lynn Baer Jeff Benesch Pat Boerner Dianne Jacob Linda Michael Jennifer Osborn Tina Rynberg William J. Schmitz Denise Smith Genevieve Suzuki Simona Valanciute
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kendra Sitton x136 Tom Melville x131 Dave Schwab x132
WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Jeff Clemetson
PRODUCTION MANAGER Chris Baker x107 chris@sdnews.com
ACCOUNTING Heather Humble x120 accounting@sdnews.com
ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Heather Fine x 118
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PUBLISHER 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.
Social isolation: Spotting the signs Help feed veterans and opening minds of seniors during COVID-19 By SIMONA VALANCIUTE
If you’re the caretaker of a parent or other elderly relative, it can be challenging to convince your loved one to try something new. However, what you may perceive as stubbornness could be a sign they are experiencing social isolation, which poses serious risks to their health and wellbeing. Social distancing, while important to containing the coronavirus, may exacerbate their loneliness by taking away normal routines and activities, as well as physical contact and hugs from family and friends. It’s now more important than ever for caretakers to identify the signs of social isolation and help loved ones find ways to stay curious and engaged with the world virtually. Social isolation occurs when a person withdraws and becomes disconnected from friends, family and their community. Multiple studies have shown social isolation is as bad for a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is even more harmful than obesity; it has also been linked to higher blood pressure, a lowered immune response and earlier onset of dementia. Here are just a few ways an older parent or relative may show negative effects of social isolation: • Lack of interest in staying connected to the outside world, their hobbies or social activities they once enjoyed • Poor personal hygiene • Signs of poor nutrition, such as rapid weight gain or loss, or lack of appetite • Significant disrepair, clutter or hoarding behavior in their home • Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual • Declines in memory or information processing If you’re thinking these sound a lot like the signs of depression, you’re correct: depression and social isolation often go
hand-in-hand. As with depression, the solution for social isolation will differ from person to person, but staying active, socializing with others and focusing one’s mind on something else are the keys to combating both. It can be difficult, though, to convince an older loved one to get outside their comfort zone, whether that’s embracing different ways of communicating through technology or trying new activities. There are a variety of reasons older adults may be reluctant to open their minds to new ways of doing things. Change is hard for people of any age, and seniors especially may rely on rigid ways of thinking to navigate a constantly changing world and feel good about themselves. One healthy way to give seniors that self-esteem: help them learn a new skill, or at least experience a familiar activity in a new, virtual way. Doing so may allow them to socialize with new people and develop confidence as they improve. Here are some ideas: • Go back to school. Multiple community colleges in the San Diego area offer online classes for seniors, and many are free. Organizations like San Diego Oasis, a national nonprofit that offers lifelong learning courses for seniors, offer dozens of free or low-cost courses in topics from art history, meditation, foreign language to telehealth and more. If your loved one speaks fondly of their college days, or has previously expressed curiosity about a certain subject, sign them up for an online class. • Get moving in the living room. Virtual fitness classes are everywhere now. Yoga studios and gyms are offering live streamed online classes or video workouts, but your loved one may feel that these are too “young” for them. If that’s the case, check out Silver Sneakers’ selection of home workout videos
designed especially for people aged 65 and older. If you’re their primary caretaker and can still visit them at home, try a workout with them—it might get you two laughing, which is also good for your health! • Participate in religious services online. Seniors who regularly attend some kind of religious service or spiritual group can often live longer than their non-religious peers, particularly because it provides them with a strong social network. Encourage your loved one to attend services or meetings online, if possible, and help them get comfortable with the technology to do so. If your loved one misses a support group their faith community previously provided, encourage them to check out the free support groups available through San Diego Oasis. • Demystify technology. Many of the same colleges and nonprofit organizations offering academic or lifelong learning courses for seniors also teach practical skills workshops that help them use new technology. San Diego Oasis offers multiple virtual lessons, taught by our engaging, smart, and funny instructors, to help seniors master video chats with Zoom, figure out their smartphone and more. You’ve probably heard many people say, “we’re all in this together.” For caretakers of seniors, this means not just looking out for your loved ones’ physical wellbeing, but also watching out for the signs of social isolation. Opening our minds to new experiences is the best way to stay mentally healthy and connected to community.
—Simona Valanciute is the president and CEO of San Diego Oasis, an award-winning nonprofit organization serving people age 50 and better, who pursue healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles, and community service. Learn more at sandiegooasis.org.
News from County Supervisor Dianne’s Corner LA JOLLA
By DIANNE JACOB I’ve led several virtual Town Hall meetings since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and one thing is clear: All of us are deeply concerned about our community and local economy. We’ve never had to confront anything quite like this before. Hearing your questions in these Town Halls, and the feedback I’m getting from residents, I know
many of you remain frustrated and worried – and I share your concerns. The Board of Supervisors supported my request to call on Gov. Newsom to give our region total control over decisions related to COVID-19. We know our region best and will make the right decisions. I also know that we’re resilient and that we will come out stronger at the other end of this crisis. Folks in East County don’t lack for grit and backbone. They’re about pulling together and
getting things done. Some are already showing us the way. I want to thank all the organizations that have stepped up big time by providing food, transportation and other essentials. They include Meals on Wheels, FACT and Feeding San Diego. For a list of resources, go to my website: diannejacob.com. To catch my next Town Hall, follow me on Twitter at @dianne_jacob or Facebook at facebook.com/dianne.jacob.58. And SEE DIANNE’S CORNER, Page 14
By WILLIAM J. “DOC” SCHMITZ
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for all Americans, including residents in San Diego, California. As a result, the demand for food assistance has increased at an extraordinary rate. While food insecurity – which is defined as the lack of access to enough nutritionally adequate foods to live an active and healthy life – is a serious issue impacting millions of Americans, it is particularly concerning for our nation’s service men and women. Given this critical need, Humana, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and offices within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – including the VA Secretary’s Center for Strategic Partnerships, Voluntary Service Office, and Homeless Programs office – are mobilizing donors and volunteers for the “Uniting to Combat Hunger” campaign in an effort to help food insecure veterans and their families through this pandemic. By donating directly to VA medical centers across the country, we are able to take a targeted approach to assist our nation’s service men and women and ensure donations go directly to those who are experiencing food insecurity or are at risk of food insecurity, whether it’s providing food, gift cards to local grocery stores or even basic supplies they need to help them during this difficult time. While our team’s efforts have helped to provide more than 200,000 meals thus far, we invite citizens and organizations to join us in this mission by visiting vfw.org/ utch and making a monetary donation to a VA medical center near you, such as VA San Diego Healthcare System. Every donation will go a long way to help veterans in need. Now more than ever, it’s important we don’t take anything for granted – including access to food. Let’s work together to ensure no one goes hungry and honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. —William J. “Doc” Schmitz is Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
May 22 – June 25, 2020 POLITICS La Mesa Courier sdnews.com 7 Dems keep busy with Navajo Canyon Republican virtual meetings despite Women looking ahead ‘bizarro’ world
By TINA RYNBERG and JEFF BENESCH
It’s been a strange and tragic couple of weeks, even for the incredibly dysfunctional Trump Administration. As the economy continued its free fall with a shrinking GDP and unemployment numbers near Depression Era levels, the U.S. COVID-19 death toll eclipsed 70,000, passing the total American casualty count of the Vietnam War in a little over two months. It was a bizarro world where armed militants with AK-47s and body armor entered Michigan’s Capitol Building; a Von’s shopper in Santee used his Klansman hood as a face mask; anti-government protesters used Nazi verbage on their homemade signs; and in Downtown San Diego and Encinitas, a couple hundred MAGA clad nutjobs ignored social distancing (some with gloves and N95 masks!) protested Gavin Newsom and our state’s shelter-in-place mandates. The President of the United States seriously suggested Lysol, bleach and UV rays be taken internally to stem the virus and he signed an executive order commanding all meat processing plants to remain open,
even while workers in those facilities contract and die of COVID-19 in staggering numbers. “Reopening” began in states, even while new COVID cases are increasing in those states. Bizarro world indeed. On May 6, the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club held its first ever virtual round table with a number of influential politicos offering up their experiences and suggestions for Democratic activism during our sequestering in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Created and moderated by our own social media guru Mitch Wagner, you can find a link to the YouTube recording of the meeting on our club website: lamesafoothillsdemocraticclub.com or on our Facebook page. Furthermore, if you’re looking for an opportunity to volunteer to help your neighbors without leaving the house, sign up for phone-banking through the San Diego County Democratic Party. You’ll call seniors throughout the county who live alone to help connect them with helpful resources. All you need is a phone and computer. Sign up at sddemocrats.org/wellness. —Tina Rynberg is president and Jeff Benesch is vice president of programming of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club.
By PAT BOERNER
During this time of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we feel fortunate to have President Trump who is working well with Republican and Democrat governors, mayors and advisors to assure that Americans have the best possible guidelines and policies to get us through this crisis. Thank goodness he had the courage to stop incoming flights from China when he did, even though many accused him of over reacting and being a racist. Under his guidance private factories retooled in order to provide needed ventilators, masks and gowns and got them delivered where they were needed most and in remarkably short time. We are proud to live in a country where Americans always rise to the occasion and help others in a time of need. We have many reasons to be proud, and are especially proud of our President. We are a nation that knows how to get stuff done! While we are all hunkered down at home, there are ways
we can volunteer with the upcoming election. Perhaps you would like to write postcards or make phone calls. Noli Zosa, candidate in the District 7 San Diego City Council race would appreciate your help. Contact Victor Lopez at campaign@ noli2020.com. Navajo Canyon members will be very focused on getting out the vote for the November election. We will be reminding voters to mail in their ballots on time or go the polls in person. Please contact us and see how you can help! As our economy is beginning to re-open, Republican Women of California – Navajo Canyon look forward to returning to our regular meetings. We surely miss the smiling faces and camaraderie of our members, guests and speakers. We had a wonderful evening event planned at the Carlton Oaks Country Club, which we will reschedule as soon as it is feasible. Our annual fashion show is still on target for Oct. 13 at the beautiful outdoor patio of Bali Hai. Until then, please stay safe, healthy and keep in touch with us via our website at rwcNavajo-Canyon.org and on Facebook at Republican Women of
California-Navajo Canyon. For other information please call Marjie at 619-990-2791. This is a time when we should all be united in helping those who need assistance. An encouraging word or a gesture of kindness can change the day for someone struggling with isolation. These times are a bit rough on everyone, but Instead of focusing on the negative, this is the time to be creative and think of ways to help others. There is a delicate balance right now between our personal freedoms and protecting our population. People have fought and died for these freedoms, and it is not like us to toss them aside casually. It does seem reasonable that for now we can respect others, wash our hands, quit touching our face and stay inside for a few weeks. Let’s show our appreciation for all those that are keeping our food supply flowing, our healthcare facilities functioning, our streets safe, along with everything else that we may have been taking for granted. —Pat Boerner writes on behalf of the Republican Woman of California – Navajo Canyon.
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May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
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FOOD & DRINK
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Dining guide to support La Mesa’s open restaurants* Albert’s Fresh Mexican Food – Take out and third party delivery 8038 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942 619-464.2252 albertsmexicanfood.com/ Anthony’s Fish Grotto - Take out from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. The retail operation to purchase fresh fish is open noon-7 p.m. To order, call 619-463-0368. 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa anthonysfishgrotto.com BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse - Delivery: 11a.m. - 11:30 p.m.; Curbside pickup: 11a.m.-9 p.m. 619-589-7222 5500 Grossmont Drive Grubhub | Postmates | DoorDash | Online Ordering Brew Coffee Spot - Daily from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily for take out; fresh coffee and other items. 619-246-1244 6101 Lake Murray Blvd -La Mesa brewcoffeespot.com Cali Comfort BBQ - Take out dinners and full menu from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. Call 619-337-0670 or go to calibbq.media to order. Deliveries can be done through DoorDash. 8910 Troy St. in Spring Valley Cucina Basilico - Take out orders from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Order via telephone 619825-3171. At that time the staff will tell you of the fresh pasta choices and the specials! 7200 Parkway Dr. in La Mesa cucinabasilicolamesa.com Dream Dinners: Easy, Homemade Meals - Our March menu features 12 recipes that cook in 30 minutes or less. Place your order today. 619-460-6800 5208 Jackson Dr #116 - La Mesa dreamdinners.com Edible Arrangements – take out La Mesa, CA 91942 619-464-1111 hediblearrangements.com/ El Pollo Loco - Open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. for drive through meals. 619-797-1956 4990 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa elpolloloco.com Himalayan Cuisine - Take out meals - 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Friday & Saturday: 11a.m.-10 p.m. Call to order at 619-461-2503. 7918 El Cajon Blvd #P - La Mesa himalayancuisineone.com Hooleys Public House - 11:30 a.m.7:30 p.m. 619-713-6900 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. #277 DoorDash hooleys.com Johnny B’s Burgers, Brew & Spirits – food delivery & take out, bottles of wine and six-packs of beer available for pick up only (no delivery), available daily from noon–8 p.m. 8393 La Mesa Blvd. 619-464-2465 johnnybsburgersandbrew.com/
La Mesa Wine & Spirits – take out and delivery 8292 La Mesa Blvd. 619-460-7500 facebook.com/LaMesaWineSpirits
Sheldon’s Service Station – take out available daily from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 8401 La Mesa Blvd. 619-741-8276 sheldonslamesa.com/
Light Bulb Coffee – take out and 3rd party delivery available from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8138 La Mesa Blvd. 442-224-7750 light-bulb-coffee.business.site/
Starbucks Coffee – drive thru only 7966 La Mesa Blvd. 206-318-4994 starbucks.com/
Little Roma - Take out & curbside pick up: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner from 2-10 p.m. (Except Sunday & Monday dinner take out is available 2-9 p.m.) 619-461-7000 5575 Baltimore Drive #104-La Mesa littleromalamesa.com Los Pinos Taco Shop - Open for take out. The menu is on their website. Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m..; Sunday 4-9 p.m. 619-462-5031 5646 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa lospinostacos.com Marie Callender's - Open for take out meals, pies & bakery items from 11 a.m.8 p.m. Place orders over the phone at 619-465-1910. 6950 Alvarado Road in San Diego mariecallenders.com Nonno's Ristorante Italiano - Take out meals: Lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dinner from 4-9 p.m. Call 619-337-9559 to place your order. Closed Sunday & Monday. 5314 Baltimore Drive in La Mesa mynonnos.com Panda Express – take out 8011 University Ave., La Mesa, 619-462-6836 Pizza Hut – take out or delivery 8011 University Ave. #C2, La Mesa 816-224-3336
Swami’s Café – take out only 8284 La Mesa Blvd. 619-668-9030 swamiscafe.com/ Tamarind Thai Restaurant – take out and third party delivery 7970 University Ave., #310, La Mesa 619-337-2581 The Lunch Box – Tues.-Fri.: take out meals 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday breakfast take out 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. 619-463-4013 8751 La Mesa Blvd. thelunchboxcafe.com The Yogurt Mill of La Mesa – take out and third party delivery 8158 La Mesa Blvd. 619-729-9577 the-yogurt-mill-of-la-mesa.business.site/ Trolley Stop Deli – take out 8150 La Mesa Blvd. 619-697-3354 trolleystopdeli.com/
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
9
CHICKPEA SALAD
By JULIE WHITE
Chickpeas are in inexpensive ingredient that can be used as a main course or a veggie side dish. This recipe is a perfect salad to make ahead as the chickpeas absorb the dressing and soak up lots of flavor. You can also add other vegetables you like or olives or salami-type meats if desired.
SALAD INGREDIENTS: • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 4-5 marinated artichoke hearts, chopped • 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced in half • 4 green onions, sliced thin • 1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley • 1/4 cup fresh shaved parmesan cheese (in the fresh cheese section)
Starting Tuesday, May 26th Our outdoor patio tables will be available for dining and drinks! Full bar & bartender on duty!
• 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced very thin
DRESSING: • Juice of 1/2 of a lemon • 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or honey mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS:
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well and chill. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. Saves really well in the refrigerator. “Dawn always comes after the darkness.” —Lisa Wingate
Award Winner
Red Lobster – Sun.-Thurs.: 11a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat.: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 619-463-4449 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa Grubhub | Postmates | UberEats | DoorDash | Online Ordering Take out only! Free delivery when ordering at redlobster.com! Round Table Pizza – take out or delivery 8032 La Mesa Blvd. 619)-462-1650 roundtablepizza.com San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room – pick up or delivery available for bottle sales from noon-6 p.m., offering 25% discount on purchase of six or more; $5 shipping for overnight delivery in CA. 8364 La Mesa Blvd. 619-462-1797 sanpasqualwinery.com/ Subway – take out and third party delivery 8142 La Mesa Blvd. 619-697-8048 subway.com Surf Rider Pizza Co. – take out available Tue.-Sun. from 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., closed Mondays, and 3third party delivery available 8381 La Mesa Blvd. 619-340-1270 surfrider.pizza/locations/la-mesa/
*List provided by La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and La Mesa Village Association. To be added to the list, email jeff@sdnews.com.
Thank you again for supporting us and helping keep our doors open during the shutdown. Everyone coming to get take-out and retail seafood is playing a vital role in keeping us afloat and giving our great team jobs they’re now returning to. We are proud to announce starting this Tuesday (May 26th) we will be opening our outdoor tables for reserved take-out dining. We’re excited you can relax with your food while enjoying our beautiful view once again. Please visit our website for full details on dining with us.
619-463-0368 • 9530 Murray Drive, 91942
→ANTHONYSFISHGROTTO.COM←
See all our announcements, news, special menus, and get exclusive deals by friending us on Facebook!
10
EDUCATION
May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
Plaques and clock honor past Foothillers the past 10 decades. Our thanks go to the alumni, retirees and community members whose donations have made these plaques possible.
Chapter 133-Western Electrics of Southern California, which specializes in electric horology, the clock was restored with a new pendulum and a display of the tapes that originally controlled the classroom clocks and the bell system.
HISTORIC MASTER CLOCK
Foothiller Footsteps By CONNIE and LYNN BAER
Grossmont High School’s nearly 100 years are reflected throughout its historic campus. While the campus has been dramatically modernized over the past 10 years, reminders of its past include a remarkable historic clock and indoor bronze plaques celebrating those who have led the way over
Since 1922, the clock has hung on a wall of Grossmont High School, first in the original school and from 1958 on in the high school office. We can only imagine the tales that the clock could tell. Three pages of the 1925 yearbook “El Recuerdo” document the unique perspective of the clock with the “Diary of the Hall Clock.” It begins: “September 8. Once again, I have been wound and started in order to
Old Gym Bronze Plaques (Photos courtesy GHS Museum)
CELEBRATING HISTORIC PRINCIPALS
1922 Clock and Office Plaques
keep watch over the various things which happen to high school students. School has opened and I am not lonesome as usual.” The Oct. 1, 1928 student newspaper, Foothill Echoes, also personifies the clock: “The old clock grins broadly, as he is responsible for the resounding, unharmonious bell which sends boys and girls hurrying in all directions.” In 2014, thanks to the members of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors,
On campus, th ree past Foothiller principals have been honored within buildings with bronze plaques. Bill Davis is recognized for his commitment to the values which have been permeated the campus since its beginning in a plaque that reads: “2016 Student Support Center Dedicated to William F. Davis, Jr. GHS Class of 1948 1966-1970: GHS Vice Principal 1976-1988: Principal A man who loved Grossmont and reminded us of its values and traditions” Across the upper quad, the second principal plaque in the New Gym honors a man whose love of Grossmont was legendary. This plaque reads:
Principals Bill Davis and Walt Barnett
“1970 New Gym Dedicated to Walter Barnett GHS Class of 1928 1945-1959: GHS Teacher, Coach, Counselor, Vice Principal 1959-1976: Principal Grossmont Spirit in Person, a fitting tribute to a man who devoted half of his life to Grossmont High School.” There are two plaques in the GHS Auditorium-Gymnasium. The first honors a principal whose SEE FOOTHILLER, Page 11
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EDUCATION
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May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
Helix students cope with virtual tests, graduations
Helix Highlights By JENNIFER OSBORN
It is the time of year when, traditionally, we celebrate. In a regular year, that means a graduation ceremony on the football field, with hundreds of family members and friends in attendance. This year is far from “regular,” but students and staff are making every effort to make sure there are still celebrations. Helix students have accomplished so much and their achievements should not be overlooked. Hundreds of Helix students took on the challenge of taking their Advanced Placement (AP) tests between May 11 and 22. Students all over the country enroll in AP classes, which are courses designed to prepare students for the rigor of college courses. After completion of the course, students can choose to take a test conducted and graded by College Board, the entity that conducts the tests nationally. Tests are scored on a scale of one to five; those earning
Foothiller CONTINUED FROM Page 10
leadership during its early years created the traditions Foothillers hold dear and established the school as the social hub of the community and as a source of comfort during challenging times. It reads: “1937 Old Gym Dedicated to Carl Quicksall 1920-1924: GHS Math and Science Teacher 1924-1944: GHS Principal ‘who knew almost every student personally and each felt it a privilege to be able to consult him.’” Finally, beside the Carl Quicksall plaque in the Old Gym is the plaque honoring the beloved Christmas Pageant. For 50 years, from 1937-1988, the Old Gym was the site of the pageant. The plaque reads: “Christmas Pageant Grossmont’s Gift to the Community 1926-1988 The annual Christmas Pageant was one of Grossmont’s most beloved traditions. Free tickets for each night were issued beforehand to guarantee seats. Due to the Pageant’s popularity, the number of performances grew from two in the 1930’s to three in the 1950’s and then four in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The Christmas Pageant was the result of the vision of Eva McCarthy Quicksall. Over the years, she, and the hundreds of GHS faculty, staff, and community members who followed, collaborated to create this gift for the community.
a score of three or better can be granted college credit, and have those courses waived at the college level. This year’s test was a very different experience. Testing was all done online, with the students testing from home. Any work done on paper was photographed and submitted electronically. According to Helix’s AP coordinator, Helix students experienced few, if any, difficulties in adapting to the technology and the testing process seemed to go well, all things considered. Scores will be sent to students in July, and we hope the results will reflect the hard work put in by students. Congratulations to the students who persevered to not miss out on this opportunity. In place of the annual College/ Career Signing night traditionally held on stage in the Performing Arts Center Main Stage Theater, a virtual ceremony was held to celebrate our seniors and their plans following high school. Students were recognized for their plans to go into the military, join the workforce, or attend a two- or four-year college. Helix senior class officers are leading a Senior Memory Night on May 30. The graduating class has been invited to a virtual The Pageant consisted of three main scenes: an Old English Feast Scene, the Madonna Scene, and the Nativity Scenes. The “Hallelujah Chorus,” sung by the choir, accompanied by an organist and the orchestra, provided a dramatic finish! Thousands of Grossmont students in the cast and crew remember the Christmas Pageant as the highlight of their years at Grossmont.”
11
gathering, where memories of getting out of cars, or spectators continue to work with county their senior year will be shared will be permitted). At 6 p.m. on authorities to determine the best via photos, video, and other June 4, the Grade Level Team will ways to provide students with a surprises. And even though the host a graduation ceremony on quality education, while keeping prom was an unfortunate casu- YouTube, incorporating the tra- them safe and secure. The chalalty of the shut down, the Class ditional elements of the ceremo- lenges are immense, but we will of 2020 officers conducted vot- ny, such as valedictorian speeches remain flexible and will prepare ing so that prom royalty will be and the tassel ceremony. We wish for as many scenarios as possible crowned during the Memory our graduates all the best as they to provide seamless service to our Night. go out into the world to achieve community. Check the school website at heThese celebrations will culmi- great things! nate in a graduation ceremony As the school year winds down, lixcharter.net for the most current unlike any in the past. On their the focus turns to the 2020-21 information regarding the status previously scheduled graduation school year. At this writing, of the campus. date, the class of 2020 will drive there is quite a bit of uncertain—Jennifer Osborn writes on bethrough the parking lot to ac- ty surrounding how classes will half Helix Charter cept their diplomas (no stopping, be conducted. School leaders will 20SDG16324_Pipeline Safety Print Ad__SDCNN La Mesa__RUN: 03_27_20__1/2Vof4C__TRIM: 6.1” x High 10.96”School.
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BECOME PART OF AN HISTORIC CAMPUS Today, there are several opportunities to celebrate yourself, your family, your class, or your business. One way is to contribute to our GHS Endowment Fund and become a Foothiller Friend or Founder. Your donation will be permanently commemorated with a gray tile on campus. Visit grossmont.donationtiles.com to place an online order or contact us to receive an order form by mail. Other opportunities include donating a personalized royal blue bench on campus or sponsoring a decade showcase for the new GHS Museum, opening next school year. Please email or phone us for more information. To learn more about GHS, past and present, visit the GHS Museum website at foothillermuseum.com. Due to the coronavirus, the GHS Museum is currently closed, but we are checking our emails at ghsmuseum@guhsd. net and our phone messages at 619-668-6140. —Connie and Lynn Baer write on behalf of the Grossmont High School Museum.
San Diego relies on a huge network of underground pipelines to provide the natural gas used for heating, hot water and cooking. SDG&E® builds, inspects, upgrades and repairs thousands of miles of gas pipelines to ensure their safety. As a customer, its a good idea to work with a licensed contractor from time to time to make sure the gas lines serving your appliances are in good shape. You can also stay safe by knowing the signs of a gas leak: See-Hear-Smell. If you suspect a gas leak: immediately evacuate the area and call 1-800-411-7343 or 911 from a safe place. Your safety is our highest priority.
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May 22 – June 25, 2020
La Mesa Courier
News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 5
Steve Becvar, executive director, ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter. “The response we received to our offer was beds. During these unchartered and unusual times, we are happy and willing to do whatever we can to help our community.” Becvar said the ALS Association’s storage unit, referred to by ALS staff as the “loan closet,” has an assortment of durable medical equipment, including fully automated beds with SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 14
NEWS / ARTS Enjoy local art in isolation By LINDA MICHAEL
During these stay-at-home days, San Diegans are exploring new ways to stay engaged with their community. Enjoying an art show without leaving home is now possible on the website of the Foothills Art Association. With the Foothills Gallery currently
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closed due to the coronavirus, exhibits of our artists’ works are being posted online. Featured artist has found the self-isolating of the pandemic quarantine as an opportunity. “Being more confined at home gave me opportunities for painting without the distractions of going places,” said Bob Pinner. “However, I really miss attending Foothills’ events and shopping for art supplies. These paintings are a synthesis of elements that I’ve
LA MESA
been exploring for some time, but they are also energized by my frustration with the state of humanity.” You can see Pinner’s and many other local artists’ work by taking a virtual “stroll” through the Footlhills Gallery by visiting foothillsartassociation.com. —Linda Michael is the editor of Footnotes, the monthly newsletter of the Foothills Art Association.
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Although they are never welcome, crises can bring out the best in people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people like me are hunkering down with their families, baking bread and cutting their own kids’ hair, and doing whatever they can to tread water. And there’s no shame in that. We do what we need to do to survive. But I wish I could be more like Andrew Truong, who went from spending his own $30 on a few masks for frontline workers to fundraising thousands for the cause. Truong, a 27-year-old instructor at White Dragon Martial Arts in La Mesa, was moved to action by a nurse friend who described having a difficult time obtaining personal protection equipment, more commonly known as PPE. “That’s when I really learned the heartbreaking truth about what is happening behind the scenes and how this pandemic is affecting their personal lives,” Truong said. “Immediately, I
Andrew Truong in a mask
wanted to help everyone on the frontlines, but of course I didn’t have the resources so I created the fundraiser on GoFundMe as a way to gain the resources so I could buy masks on a larger scale.” After launching the GoFundMe page, also known as “The Battle of the Mask,” to raise money and posting it on social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, Truong began sending masks for free – shipping included – to first responders, healthcare workers and their families. Nurses for the VA Greater Los Angeles When I spoke with Truong on Healthcare System show off their masks by La Mesa martial arts instructor May 15, he had raised more supplied Andrew Truong (Courtesy photos) than $3,000 and distributed approximately 1,500 masks. His goal – for now – is $5,000. “My sister is using a Cricut Those who know Truong are Maker to cut all the vinyl and a conot surprised about this mission. worker is going to do the ironing,” “He has always been the sort he said. “I’m glad they’re helping of person at the school to help me me because as the fundraiser got with a positive attitude toward bigger and the requests for masks training,” said Jules Wertis, a stu- exponentially grew, it got a lot dent at White Dragon. “People like harder to do on my own. “I want to help as many people him give me a feeling of hope. “This crisis shows people as possible,” Truong continued. “I through a magnifying glass. We wish I could eliminate this pansee who people really are at their demic, but since that’s not possicore. Mr. Truong is a person of ble, I’m doing everything I can to the highest character. We need to raise more money and buy more hear stories of positive people do- masks. I want those in the fronting good deeds in times like this,” lines to feel the support, proteccontinued Wertis, who works as a tion and love they deserve.” San Diego library assistant. Interested in joining the fight As word has spread about for The Battle of the Masks? Visit Truong’s good work, his crusade Andrew Truong’s GoFundMe has expanded enough to require page at gofundme.com/f/proa little help from his friends. tect-the-fighters or check out his One friend is handling email fol- Instagram page @struongtruong. low-ups and two more volunteers are looking into getting “#bat—Genevieve Suzuki is a family tleofthemask” ironed onto masks law attorney and former editor of the for distribution. La Mesa Courier.
By DENISE SMITH
Some of you may be wondering what this article could possible entail considering libraries nationwide are closed during the “stay at home” order. But never fear, fellow La Mesans, your San Diego County Library is still here for you. Our website offers free access to apps such as Libby for e-books and digital audiobooks for all ages, Flipster for e-magazines like Sports Illustrated, People, etc., as well as a wide range of online learning resources. Now is the time that you can learn a new language with Mango Languages, read the New York Times every day, or explore any of the other many electronic resources. You can access all of these 24/7 at sdcl.org/elibrary. San Diego County Library is growing its digital library collection to broaden the reading selection for you. All of these resources can be accessed with your library card
reopen, and fines will not be accrued during the closure. Outside book drops will remain closed as well during this period. Are you in need of wifi? Simply sit at any of the benches or park in a spot directly around the building and you can still use our wifi for free. If you need to ask a staff member a question about your account, how to use the e-resources, or anything else, we are still here for you. When you are on our homepage, a chat button now appears at the bottom-right of the screen. Type a question and you will receive a response. As San Diego County continues to stay the course in our fight against COVID-19, the La Mesa Branch Library staff look forward to one day answering these questions in person, providing new physical materials for you to borrow, and offer events and programs tailored to our unique community. We hope to see you all soon. —Denise Smith is a librarian at the La Mesa Branch Library.
La Mesa Courier
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LaMesaVillageAssociation.org
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Dianne’s Corner CONTINUED FROM Page 6
to keep up with the latest local developments, go coronavirus-sd.com. Among the other resources you should also continue to keep handy: • 2-1-1 SAN DIEGO Access to local resources and services Call 2-1-1 • SENIOR HOTLINE County Aging & Independence Services 800-339-4661 • MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE County Behavioral Health Services 888-724-7240 • CONSUMER PROTECTION HOTLINE San Diego County District Attorney’s Office 619-531-3507 • I N S U R A N C E H O T L I N E State Department of Insurance 800-927-4357 • LOCAL COVID-19 INFO VIA TEXT San Diego County Text COSD COVID19 to 468-311 • STATE DEPT. OF PUBLIC HEALTH covid19.ca.gov —Dianne Jabob represents District 2 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. For suggestions or feedback, call 619- 531-5522 or email dianne.jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov.
News briefs CONTINUED FROM Page 12
hand controls, which typically are provided at no cost to ALS patients and their families. Becvar said the loaning of hospital beds to Sharp Grossmont Hospital was “the right thing to do” and the hospital can keep the beds for as long as necessary or needed during this unprecedented COVID-19 period of time. “We are grateful for the generosity of the ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter and for their offer of beds that will be used if needed,” said Bill Littlejohn, Senior Vice President and CEO, Sharp HealthCare Foundation. “Thanks to the ALS Chapter for answering our call for help and their assistance in helping us remain prepared to be ready to serve our patients and the community.”
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Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance announce a $10,000 donation to Father Joe’s Villages – nominated by Brian Ruiz of Teague Insurance – as part of an Emergency Community Support Grant to help independent insurance agents give back to their local community during the COVID-19 crisis. The donation will go directly to Father Joe’s Villages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness, one life at a time. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, Page 15
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“My team and I have recognized the hard work and dedication performed by Father Joe’s Villages during this pandemic and we are incredibly thankful for Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance for providing extra funds to help the community when we need it most,” said Brian Ruiz with Teague Insurance. “Father Joe’s Villages has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and the $10,000 donation will help them continue to make a difference to the community they serve.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Father Joe's Villages established an Emergency Response Fund to provide increased critical health care services through the Village Health Center and Street Health team for homeless veterans and neighbors. The $10,000 donation will fund these critical services which include providing shelter, to-go meals, showers, laundry, and screening and testing for COVID-19. “ The goa l of t he Emergency Community Support Grants is to help our independent agents make an immediate impact during this critical time in the local communities where they live and work,” said Alexis Holzer, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance Independent Agent Giving Program Manager. The La Mesa community can get involved and give back to Father Joe’s Village’s Emergency Response Fund by making a monetary and/ or hygiene product donation to help them assemble kits that will be distributed to their neighbors most in need. For more information or to make a donation, visit my.neighbor.org/. For more information, visit agentgiving.com.
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Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
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May 22 – June 25, 2020
SERVICE DIRECTORY SOLAR
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Call 858.270.3103 to get your property featured today! Call us before you List or Purchase your home Tony Romano
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We are your Concierge Real Estate Company Christie Romano
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christie@restandrelaxrealestate.com ChristieRomanoBroker BrokerChristieRomano
Fill intowards the blank cells using number 1 to 9. Each number can appear only oncecosts in each mention this ad for $2,500 re/non-reoccuring closing row column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle.
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La Mesa Courier
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