North Park News March 2012

Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 20 Years sdnorthparknews.com

Vol. 20 No. 3 March 2012

NORTH PARK SCENE

SAINTS’ LEGENDARY COACH

BY CECILIA BUCKNER

‘Forever Plaid’ Debuts at The Birch “Forever Plaid,” the popular musical that has delighted audiences in San Diego for years, will debut at the Birch North Park Theatre on March 30 and 31 and April 1. Performances the first two days are at 8 p.m. and the April 1 performance is at 2 p.m. The deliciously goofy revue centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the “Plaids” are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they’re not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950s. Ticket prices start at $20.

Magic lives in childhood memories — playing “red light, green light” in the street, prank calling the local grocer and watching scary movies, late night, while at a sleepover. This same kind of magic is detectable in the voices of those who recall childhood memories of a man who has been an integral part of the North Park youth sports community for several decades

Bill Whittaker saw his St. Augustine boys turn into good teachers and coaches — and pro athletes

— Coach William “Bill” Whittaker.

“I dispute whether or not his right fielder fell in a ditch!” said Wes Braddock, laughingly. Braddock, principal at Monte Vista High School and former San Diego High School student, spent many a summer in North Park playing sports. He hit a grand slam as a young athlete in a game against Whittaker’s St. Augustine High School team. To this day, Whittaker still jokes about how his player missed the ball, Braddock said.

“Whittaker,” as the boys at Saints respectfully called him, got his start coaching at the city of San Diego Park & Recreation Department in 1946, after graduating from St. Augustine, North Park’s Catholic school for boys.

He coached the full gambit at the Rec — football, basketball and baseball, while attending San Diego City College, but baseball was his expertise.

“I wasn’t a good player, I just loved baseball and we were very successful. I have a pretty good eye for talent,” SEE COACH, Page 6 Bill Whittaker doffs his cap at Saints, where he coached for more than three decades.

Valet Service Comes To North Park Citizens Patrol Will Follow

Residents living near North Park’s commercial sector have often complained about the scarcity of parking on weekend nights when restaurants, bars and other businesses lure gobs of patrons to their establishments. A new program launched in February is now working to free up those scarce parking spaces — a valet service connected to the North Park Parking Garage.

And for some of those same residents who have griped about rowdy behavior around local bars, the North Park Community Association is preparing to launch a North Park Citizens Patrol modeled after the Stonewall Citizens Patrol in the Hillcrest area. You’re invited to a March 13 meeting to hear about it.

Valet Service The North Park Valet Service is the result of a pact between the city, Ace Parking, which operates the city-owned parking garage on 29th Street, and North Park Main Street.

The service is provided on Friday and Saturday nights. Motorists can leave their vehicles at any one of three locations in the area and valets will park them in the garage. The cost is $5.

Shop Farmers Market and Help Schools The Cash Crops program at the North Park Farmers Market provides a way to support local schools, local farmers and the local economy by doing something SEE SCENE, Page 4

SEE VALET, Page 13

Adams Avenue Unplugged

CLICK & SHOOT George’s Camera in focus

BY DELLE WILLETT

Weekend music festival has all the right sounds

It’s been voted “Best Camera Store in San Diego” year after year for a good reason.

George’s Camera is unique. One of the country’s largest single-store operations, it’s the only full-service camera store in San Diego, providing everything that focuses on photography. The shop sells and rents equipment and all types of supplies. It teaches classes and offers photo finishing services. And it’s been at it for a long time — 40 years.

Adams Avenue Unplugged will make its debut along a two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue on Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, April 22, noon to 7 p.m.. This exciting new weekend music festival — formerly called the Adams Avenue Roots Festival — is free and open to the public.

SEE CAMERA, Page 5

David Rivera took over management of George’s Camera in 1999 from his father, George Rivera, who opened the store in 1972.

SEE UNPLUGGED, Page 19

2 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

(619) 683-5420 | www.aftonmiller.com | amiller786@aol.com

A F TO N S E L L S S A N D I E G O Specializing in North Park and Metro Area since 1986 SOLD - $289,587

SOLD - $350,000

SOLD - $380,000

SOLD - $415,000

SOLD - $423,000

SOLD - $649,000

2482 Harcourt Drive | 3br 2ba

4877 Monroe Ave | 3br 1.5ba

3111 Vancouver Ave | 3br 1 ba

3327 Nile St | 3br 1ba

2674 Montclair St | 2br 1ba

4869 Marlborough | 3br 2ba*

SOLD - $437,000

SOLD - $448,900

SOLD - $449,000

SOLD - $510,000

SOLD - $525,000

SOLD - $564,625

4807 Jean Dr| 3br 1.5ba

4719 Caroline Dr| 3br 2ba

2234 Bancroft. | 2 br 1.5ba

2204 Bancroft | 2br 1.5ba*

3659 32nd St | 3br 2ba

2186 Dunhaven St| 3br 2ba

SOLD - $575,000

SOLD - $675,000

SOLD - $615,000

SOLD - $620,000

AVAILABLE - $699,900

SOLD - $645,000

4865 Lorraine Dr| 4br 3ba

4625 Patricia Pl | 3br 2ba *

3406 Olive St | 3br 2ba

4766 Lorraine Dr | 3br 2ba

4794 Winona Ave | 4br 3.5ba

4726 Lucille Dr | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $655,000

SOLD - $675,000

SOLD - $783,000

SOLD - $845,000

SOLD - $1,042,550

SOLD - $1,125,000

4846 Lila Dr | 4br 2ba

3161 1st St #2N | 2br 2ba *

4134 Lymer Dr | 3br 2ba

3415 Villa Terrace | 3br 2ba

2521 San Marcos Ave | 4br 2.5ba *

1359 Ahlrich Ave | 4br 3.5ba

SOLD - $339,000

SOLD - $449,000

SOLD $470,000

SOLD $453,100

IN ESCROW - $640,000

IN ESCROW - $449-459K

4620 Max Dr | 2br 2ba

4795 50th St | 2br 1ba

4665 Lucille Dr, | 3br 2ba,

4778 Caroline Dr. | 2br 2ba

4806 Adams Ave | 2br + FR

4836 50th St, | 3br 2ba

SHORT SALE IN ESCROW $410,000

SHORT SALE IN ESCROW $548,000

SOLD SHORT SALE $306,000

SOLD SHORT SALE - $243,000

SHORT SALE SOLD $515,000

SHORT SALE SOLD $375,000

2244 Felton St | 2br 1ba

4631 Lucille Dr | 3br 2ba

4083 Vista Grande | 3br 2ba *

2173 Haller St | 3br 2.5ba

4634 Estrella Ave | 3br 2ba

4744 50th St | 3br 2ba

SHORT SALE SOLD $395,000

SOLD SHORT SALE - $139,900

SOLD SHORT SALE - $465,000

SOLD SHORT SALE - $595,000

SOLD SHORT SALE - $440,000

AVAILABLE - $649,000

4464 Kansas St | 3br 3ba

5423 Lake Murray Blvd #3 | 2br 2ba *

4841 51st St | 3br 2ba

4142 Lymer Dr | 3br 2ba

3236-38 Grim Ave | 3units

4607 Janet Pl | 4br 3.5ba

*BUYER I have had terrific success in helping people AVOID FORECLOSURE. If you or someone you know is having a hard time making mortgage payments, contact me for assistance.

Afton

CERTIFIED DISTRESSED PROPERTY EXPERT.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 3

4 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

SCENE CONTINUED FROM Page 1

everyone does every week: shopping for groceries. Shoppers receive a ticket for each dollar spent at the farmers market every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. and deposit those in the bin for the school of their choice. SD Weekly Markets and North Park Main Street then donate 5 percent of the dollars spent directly to local school groups. Participating schools include Jefferson Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School.

Historic South Park Buildings Sold The three single-story historic buildings on 30th Street and Fern Street in South Park — including Fire Station No. 9, the oldest standing fire station in the city — have been sold for $4.5 million to Hamon Properties. The seller was 12th & A Hotel Partners. The other buildings are the Rose Grocery Building and the Burlingame Garage. All three buildings were renovated in 2007 and are leased to a variety of tenants, including the Stone Brewing Co. Store, South Park Fitness and Edward Jones. Cushman & Wakefield represented the seller and procured the buyer. The buildings are known as the South Park Commercial Center.

Three District 3 Projects Get Funding The office of District 3 Councilman Todd Gloria has contributed over $34,000 to fund three projects in the district. The funding will allow the Park and Recreation Department to provide hourly staffing for the restoration of 30 additional hours of operation per month at the Balboa Park Activity Center through June 30.

The Activity Center, which had been closed on Sundays, will now be open seven days per week.

Also, new marquee will be purchased and installed at the Adams Avenue Recreation Center, and the basketball and volleyball courts at the Golden Hill Recreation Center will be repaired and resurfaced. The marquee and court improvements will be complete by the end of June.

Previously, $1,000 was contributed to purchase and install sod and seed at Grape Street Park. The funds were matched by funds raised by the dog owners of Grape Street. Also, $10,000 was contributed to Fire Station 14 in North Park.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 5

Scripps Mercy Hospital 2nd Phase Addition Completed McCarthy Building Cos. Inc., has completed construction of the 13,500-square-foot addition to the emergency department and trauma center at Scripps Mercy Hospital at 4077 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest. Scripps Health officials recently dedicated the expanded facility, renaming it the “Conrad Prebys Emergency & Trauma Center” in honor of its largest donor. Representing the second phase of a four-phased, $41.3 million expansion and remodeling project, the new addition doubles the size of the existing emergency department and trauma center to encompass a combined 27,000 square feet of space. The phase two, 13,500-square-foot addition was performed by McCarthy on an18,500-square-foot site on the east side of Fifth Avenue, immediately adjacent to Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego’s existing emergency department. When fully complete, the Conrad Prebys Emergency & Trauma Center will accommodate 49 beds — double the number of beds previously available. Four trauma bays will double the patient capacity of its current trauma center, accommodating up to eight people.

Cohns Bring European Influence to Hillcrest Restaurateurs David and Lesley Cohn, founders of the Cohn Restaurant Group, have unveiled their newest concept — 100 Wines Hillcrest, set to open in early summer. Their partner and designer in the new venue is Philippe Beltran. The three say the 2,500-square-foot space will bring an authentic, soulful European influence to the location at 1027 University Ave. “We love Hillcrest,” says David. “Both Lesley and I are deeply rooted in this neighborhood, and we can’t wait to introduce our newest concept to the community.” Beltran is best known in San Diego as the creative mind behind Euro-inspired institutions including Kensington’s Blue Bohème and Vagabond in South Park. The restaurant will feature an array of wines ranging from local California to international selections. Wines will be sold by the glass and by the bottle through a program allowing guests to browse though selections priced in categories of $20, $30 and $40+ per bottle. 100 Wines Hillcrest also will offer a full bar including a craft cocktail menu. Heavily influenced by Spain, France, Italy and touches of other Mediterranean countries, the menu will showcase a number of shared small plates crafted by numerous local chefs, including Katherine Humphus, a rising culinary talent and executive chef of BO-beau kitchen + bar.

Memories in the Making Art Auction The Memories in the Making Art Auction, set for March 23 at the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, offers patrons the opportunity to purchase the artwork created by people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Besides those, the event will feature “paired” work by local artists. These pieces will be placed side-by-side at the exhibit and attendees will have an opportunity to purchase this art and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s programs and services. The event also will feature palettes designed by local artists, which will be included in the silent auction. VIP tickets are $250. Individual tickets are $175. Marsha Mooradian is event chair. The event will include the awarding of the fifth annual Reagan-Thal Award to a community leader and a special tribute to Darlene Marcos Shiley. For more, visit alz.org/sandiego, or call (858) 492-4400.

One-Woman Art Show Artist Thia Nevius will sponsor a one-half price art show and sale featuring watercolors, drawings and monoprints on Saturday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3312 Vancouver Ave. in North Park.

Pre-Earth Day Celebration The WorldBeat Cultural Center, in collaboration with Sarva Dharma, Bhakti Fest and Vision Magazine, will host internationally-renowned sacred music artists MC Yogi, Dave Stringer and Simrit Kaur for an evening of World Music, Ecstatic Kirtan, Yoga and Dance. The Bhakti Fest Pre-Earth Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 21, from 6 p.m.to midnight at the WorldBeat Cultural Center, in Balboa Park at 2100 Park Blvd.

Aerial Revolution also will perform yoga and acrobatics and will be joined

by Six Degrees Recording Artist DJ Jef Stott, as well as multi-media visionary art and light displays.The Prophet Restaurant will offer East Indian vegetarian cuisine and beverages for purchase. Sponsor gifts, prizes and discounted Bhakti festival tickets will be available as well.

Portions of the evening’s proceeds will go to the WorldBeat Cultural Center’s ongoing community efforts. Advance tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchase at the WorldBeat Cultural Center box office.

Vending and sponsorship spaces are available.

Atlas Retail Space Sells for $2.4 Million The ground floor retail space at the Atlas mixed-use building in Hillcrest has been sold for $2.4 million to Hamon Properties by Western Pacific Housing Inc./D.R. Horton, the original developer of the building. The building at 3650 Fifth Ave. was constructed in 2009. The four-unit commercial space is leased to Pappalecco’s Gelato Café, Osteria Origano Italian Restaurant, Beauty By Dolly salon and Pure Barre fitness studio. Cassidy Turley BRE Commercial represented the seller. Cushman & Wakefield represented the buyer.

6 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

COACH CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Whittaker said.

After a decade of coaching at the Rec, Whittaker began coaching at his alma mater, St. Augustine, where he remained for more than three decades.

Now 84, Whittaker has coached some San Diego kids that turned out to be big leaguers, such as former Padres and Los Angeles Angels (then, Anaheim Angels) pitcher John D’Acquisto and Deron Johnson, who played major league baseball for 17 seasons for several teams, including the Phillies and the Yankees, and later coached the Anaheim Angels.

Whittaker said his greatest achievement — what he is most proud of — is not the professional athletic endeavors of the youth he coached, but the number of kids he coached who became coaches and teachers.

Said Whittaker: “I guess they saw me doing it and they figured, ‘Hell if he can do it, I can do it. Whittaker never worked a day in his life. I’m going to go do what he did.’”

“That’s the way I feel,” said Whittaker.

“I never really worked a day in my life!”

Whittaker said most of the coaching

The City Council declares May 13, 1996, as Coach Bill Whittaker Day.

legends at the San Diego Hall of Champions played for him at the Rec and a lot of them went to Saints. “Some of them played pro ball, but most of them were teachers and coaches — successful human beings. You know, I’ve had a lot of guys that were born with that stuff.

You just find some guy that’s just smart enough to stay the hell out of the way and let you play!”

Obviously, Whittaker did more than stay out of the way — during his tenure

as head varsity baseball coach at Saints, the team won more than 250 games, three league titles, made the CIF playoffs six times and won three Lions tournaments.

Whittaker said times were different in his early coaching days. “We did everything — every playground would have football, basketball, track, baseball teams and the city paid for it all,” he said. “Parents didn’t have to worry about the kids and they weren’t off hanging out at the 7Eleven, trying to get some guy to go buy a beer or cigarettes.”

But playing ball for Whittaker meant more to the boys than just having a place to go. They looked up to him.

“We were looking for someone to emulate, and I was blessed,” said Academy of Our Lady of Peace track coach, Dan Keays. “We wanted to act like him.”

As a young boy, Keays was impressed by the laughing and ribbing that went on during Whittaker’s games. He wasn’t all fun though. He demanded excellence. But if you made an error on the field, he was empathic — he knew you already felt bad

enough.

Today you will find Whittaker, who still works for the city as a recreation leader, riding around in a golf cart, making sure all is up and running and occasionally volunteering his coaching time. And he still has that sense of humor that riled the boys during game time. But now, his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline, shares in the ribbing and riling.

“I used to think I was a great coach because the guys would hustle out and hustle in,” he said. “They just wanted to sit down next to Jackie on the bench.”

“That’s because I was voluptuous,” Jackie said, chuckling.

Whittaker said he fell for Jackie because she could hit the ball as a young girl. “She was the best hitter on the block,” he laughed.

Smiling, Jackie said she also was a good catcher. “I caught him.”

HALL OF CHAMPIONS INDUCTEE In 2004, Bill Whittaker was among other coaches and sports enthusiasts honored at the sixth annual San Diego County High School Coaching Legends Induction Banquet at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

Bill Whittaker — Baseball — St. Augustine Bill Whittaker began coaching at St. Augustine in 1956 as the junior varsity coach in football, basketball and baseball. After two years, he was assigned to the varsity baseball coaching position at Saints, a title he held for the next 26 years.

Coach Whittaker and his wife, Jackie, share a hug, an uncommon sense of humor, seven children and 16 grandchildren.

During his tenure, the Saints varsity baseball team won 264 games, three league titles (1967, 1971, 1972), made the CIF playoffs six times and won three Lions tournaments (1967, 1968, 1969).

As a high school coach and a City Recreation Department leader, Bill has coached countless numbers of young men that have gone on to professional baseball careers, such as Graig Nettles, John Wathan and Bob Cluck.

Whittaker retired from Saints in 1990 after dedicating 49 years of service to the school. The Saint Augustine home baseball field was named in Bill Whittaker’s honor in 1991. Bill is considered the patriarch of Saints baseball, the figure responsible for elevating a small program to unanticipated heights.

www.sdnorthparknews.com Serving San Diego’s Premier Bungalow Communities Chairman/CEO Bob Page BobPage@sandiegometro.com Publisher Rebeca Page RebecaPage@sandiegometro.com Editor Manny Cruz Manny@sandiegometro.com Art Director Chris Baker kurisub@gmail.com Advertising Sales Ada Laura Duff (858) 442-7766 adaduff@gmail.com -----------------------------Writers/Columnists Todd Gloria Ann Jarmusch Jennifer Kester Donna Marganella Bart Mendoza Katelyn O’Riordan Sandy Pasqua David Raines

Photography Manny Cruz Mike Shess Sande Lollis Letters/Opinion Pieces North Park News encourage letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please address correspondence to Manny@sandiegometro.com or mail to Manny Cruz. Please include a phone number, address and name for verification purposes; no anonymous letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit letters and editorials for brevity and accuracy.

Story ideas/Press Releases Do you have an idea for an article you would like to see covered in this newspaper? We welcome your ideas, calendar item listings and press releases. For breaking news, please call us at (619) 287-1865.

For all other news items, please email Manny@sandiegometro.com.

ADDRESS PO Box 3679, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 PHONE (858) 461-4484

North Park News distributes copies monthly to residents and businesses of North Park, South Park, Golden Hill and Normal Heights.

The entire contents of North Park News is copyrighted, 2012, by REP Publishing, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent.

All rights reserved.

An old newspaper clipping shows the coach with a few of his St. Augustine baseball players.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 7

Tom’s Blog: If I Owned the World/North Park Edition

BY TOM SHESS

Feb. 1, 2012 UNFUNDED BRAIN—When you grow up in the ‘hood you can find yourself day dreaming about ways to make our part of town better. Here are some tweaks that have a home in this blog.

— In the February issue of SD Home/Garden there’s a cool article on Cinepolis, the chic Del Mar Highlands movie house (858-794-4045) that serves food and adult beverages along with flicks. Can someone ask the owners if they’d do the same makeover at the North Park Theatre (since the latter is up for sale?). We’d all go back to see “Citizen Kane” if we could sip on a local brew along with some creative tapas?

— The 1920s water tank at Howard & Idaho Streets should be lit up for the holidays. And, why not paint “North Park” on the tank like the folks in the Midwest paint on their water tanks? The tank isn’t going anywhere. It still delivers water every day. Let’s give it some buzz.

— Now that North Park has a collection of superb restaurants and beer- centric establishments why don’t restaurants and bars and night retailers pool resources and hire a fleet of bicycle taxis to ride up and down 29th or 30th between Upas and El Cajon Boulevard to take customers back and forth between all the night spots? Charge a flat rate for everyone and a buck tip. How much fun would that be, especially for Ray at Night and 30 on 30th events?

— How about someone opening a brew pub, where on-site craft beer can be quaffed with a tasty menu? That shutdown post office would make a dandy

brew pub.

— Why can’t the weekly Farmers Market be held at the North Park Theatre parking lot? And, you could close down 29th street from University to the opening of the parking building.

— 29th Street or 28th Street from University to Upas could be renamed in honor of North Parker Christine Kehoe, who served as a City Councilmember from District 3, the state Assembly and the state Senate. I’d be proud to live on that street. “….“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” — Quote from George Bernard Shaw’s play “Back To Methuselah.”

Feb. 1, 2012 UNFUNDED BRAIN, Part 2 — Being a kid in North Park, Balboa Park was a huge plus. Like all San Diegans I love the park. And, I often find myself day dreaming about ways to make the park more interesting. Here are a few thoughts that have found a home in this blog.

— Every summer the North Park community raises funds to have concerts in Bird Park (Upas & 28th St).

How about taking this idea to Balboa Park during the daylight hours by turning the sleepy Starlight Bowl into a weekend concert stage for local groups to play for free or a modest fee? Hire a music/arts expert like George Varga of the UT to book the acts. No one in town knows more music acts than him. Cut him a deal and every weekend there would be sweet contemporary music coming from the bowl during the day?

—Wandering around America’s Finest

City Park, it sure would be nice to get a good caffe latte. OK, I’m a coffee addict.

But you don’t think all the visitors would shun a good cup from Peet’s or Pannikin or Claire de Lune, or Starbucks. Turn the House of the Falkland Islands into a small coffee bar with cute tables, where folks could relax and map their next attraction visit. Yes, I know there’s no House of Falklands, I’m being silly, but maybe there’s space in one of existing houses to put in a coffee bar. Coffee just doesn’t taste the same off of a cart. On every street corner in Europe there are tables and chairs where people can sit and watch the world go by. Hire someone like the Urban League crew to collect all the tables and chairs each evening if we’re worried about losing them. Store them in one of several empty City buildings in the park. I’d rather pay for chair & table set up every day than a new mega million parking garage. Fill the Prado with café tables and chairs!

—What if we replaced some of the “comfortable” benches at the Organ Pavillion with the aforementioned caberet tables and chairs. Very cool to sit around a table and listen to the organ music. And, maybe our civic organist could cut loose and perform an entire program of rock and roll organ music ala Jimmy McGriff or Booker T & the MGs. The park would rock! Come on, just once! Crank up those pipes!

—Let’s just stop all cars in Balboa Park’s Central Mesa, including Laurel Bridge and Plaza de Panama period (keep parking lots adjacent to Park Blvd.)

Banning cars in the central mesa reSEE BLOG, Page 13

North Park Lions Club Serving the community since 1926 Meet Every Wednesday at Noon Come join us and make reservations for lunch Email: northparklionsclub@gmail.com For more information: northparklionsclub.com 3927 Utah St., San Diego, CA 92104-2906

8 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

The store founder working on a camera back in the day.

CAMERA CONTINUED FROM Page 1

“Customer experience is our primary objective. We want to be sure that every customer who walks through the door experiences the best environment of any store they shop in—not just camera stores,” says President and CEO David Rivera.

David’s father, George, started the business in 1972. His entrepreneurial traits can be attributed to father Jorge Rivera, founder of The Mighty 690 —at the time the world’s strongest 50,000watt radio station. He also owned XETV Channel 6 TV in Tijuana.

A graduate of St. Augustine High School and the University of San Diego

George’s Camera store is filled with thousands of cameras, camera equipment and supplies.

(1964) with a business degree, George expected to go into his father’s radio business. But after suffering a stroke in the early 1960s, Jorge decided to retire and sell the network. So instead of radio, George got into the photography business with his cousin and brother-in-law, with Jorge financing the growing conglomerate of four camera stores (San Diego Camera Exchange, North Park Camera, Pacific Beach Camera and College Camera), Surfer magazine and several liquor stores.

The San Diego Camera Exchange opened in 1965 at Fourth Avenue and B Street Downtown, run by George. Eventually the partnership broke up and George took over North Park Camera in 1972, changing the name to “George’s Camera & Video Exchange,” and bring-

ing with him all the relationships he had developed with vendors, manufacturers and customers.

George’s Camera is a destination store for North Park. An icon. Centrally located, it draws customers from all over San Diego to North Park, which has changed dramatically and completely over the recent years. “The area is a happening place now,” says David, who appreciates the additional exposure George’s is getting with the swarms of people patronizing North Park’s new restaurants and night spots.

Over the years George’s clients have been literally everybody: owners and players of both major league teams in San Diego, the city of San Diego, U-T San Diego, the aerospace industry, the U.S. Navy, President Jimmy Carter, and

The store is a fixture on 30th Street.

An old photo print shows George Rivera (left) assisting a customer.

well-known entrepreneurs such as Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs.

Rivera, 42, started working in the store in 1988 and took over management in 1990. George officially retired in 2009.

Before taking the management role, Rivera gained management and administrative experience at Aladray ANA, while he was in high school and college.

He also spent nearly eight years shooting NFL and major league baseball in San Diego. This experience helped create a clientele of professionals for the camera store.

Business has grown every year for the past 20 years. And it’s changed. Changed with the Internet. With the death of film.

With rapidly evolving digital technology.

With shorter product lifecycles. With introduction of the Best Buys of the world.

The Internet creates challenges because, since taxes are not included in the online price, it gives the customer the perception that George’s is the more expensive option. Conversely, the Internet has helped the store because it provides a wealth of information on equipment, specs and training. People will research online and then buy in the store.

Or, research in the store and then buy online.

Regardless, given any opportunity to help someone, the staff of George’s Camera will. “We’ll train anyone who requests help; everyone is a potential customer even if they have purchased everything online,” says Rivera. While the firm lost a huge revenue stream from the dropoff of film processing, George’s is selling more cameras. Most people today replace their digital cameras every two years or less, while the life of a film camera is three to 10 years.

To compete with the purchasing power of the Best Buys of the world, George’s is part of PRO, the largest photography-buying group, with 2,000 locations. Through this group, the shop gets recognition from the manufacturers, giv-

ing them buying leverage in the constant battle for product availability and distribution.

“My father worked in the business; I work on the business,” explained Rivera.

Working on the business includes working with every local chapter of national photographic trade associations and every photographic business in San Diego in some capacity, and sitting on a number of boards — at one time five of them: Museum of Photographic Arts, Photographic Research Organization, Digital Imaging and Marketing Association, American Dental Association and High Tech High.

Wanting to be more than the owner of a camera store, Rivera saw an opportunity with the introduction of digital technology. “Right from the get-go I embraced digital technology,” says Rivera, who became involved in helping mold industry standards through his involvement in professional associations such as the American Society of Media Photography. With his considerable experience, David also serves as expert witness for U.S. Customs and the DEA, and also works on private criminal cases.

“Photography has opened up my life to going places and meeting people I never would have known otherwise,” says Rivera.

Continuing the family tradition, Rivera’s mother, Mary (who died in 2009), and his wife, Franca, have both worked in the business. His daughters, 11 and almost 13, aren’t working there yet, but the almost-13-year-old, who is a “phenomenal photographer” (according to Dad), could very well be in there some day soon, giving the excellent customer service that George’s is known for.

George’s Camera is located at 3837 30th St. Phone: 619) 297-3544 .

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Website: georgescamera.com.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 9

‘Wild West’ Walkabout Features Beech Street Barbecue Shops and sidewalks ready for March 24 event circulate from Beech Street to Grape Street to Juniper Street from 6 to 10 p.m.

Urban Safaris will conduct a one-hour South Park shops and eateries will kick walking tour of the neighborhood, off the 2012 schedule of special events departing at 6:30 p.m. from the Info Table For a sampling of South Park shop offerings, with the annual Spring Walkabout, this on Juniper Street near 30th. consider these belts and buckles by Richard year designed to celebrate a “Wild West Fredrick, sold at his Mythology EcoBoutique.

Walkabout” theme. On the evening of Saturday, March 24, the sidewalks and and pets. shops of Beech Street, the southern end of Among the festive shops that now the historic neighborhood’s business disreside in the restored garage buildings trict, will be decorated and lighted to host along 30th Street between Juniper and visitors in the first “Beech Street Buckaroo Ivy is the Stone Company Store, which Barbecue.” Local eateries Alchemy, will offer 14 different beers on tap for Grant’s Marketplace, and Hamilton’s growler fills and a “keep the glass” tasting Tavern & Cafe will celebrate with tasty special for the South Park Walkabout. take-away platters of chuck-wagon style More than 40 South Park businesses specialties. Also on Beech Street, Ginseng participate in the Walkabout and will be Yoga offers Walkabout night specials and open throughout the festivities. The sale discounts on merchandise purchases, neighborhood publishes a shop-by-shop and Culinary Creative serves up Fat Molly Walkabout Guide, available to its email Colorful, one-of-a-kind birdhouses are featured Brownies and refreshments for visitors. at Dig Garden & Home, a new shop opening subscribers and visitors to southOn the nearby corner where 30th this month at The Grove on Juniper & 30th. parkscene.com, facebook.com/southStreet meets Beech, live musical enterparkbiz, and at the Info Table and Troltainment will accompany the walkabout Junc Life & Style Boutique (Fern ley on the evening of March 24. festivities.

The Walkabouts are produced by the Street) will open a spring group art show The menu items for the special event titled “Freaks of Nature” and featuring South Park Business Group Inc., with are a combination of the creative and the the designs of two dozen local favorites. support from a city of San Diego BID classic for barbecue fans. Hamilton’s will At the busy corner of Juniper and 30th grant. Additional 2012 events in the serve up its signature Hop Sausage Sand- streets, Rebecca’s Coffeehouse features neighborhood are the Old House Fair wiches (house-ground sausage spiced entertainment by Jim Earps & Acoustic (June 16) and Walkabouts on July 14, with hops and Hamilton’s secret spices) Guests, and a benefit for Second Chance Oct. 6, and Dec. 1. with peppers and onions on an Italian Dog Rescue. Across the street, The Grove roll, with a side of handcut Kennebec at Juniper will celebrate the opening of french fries. The platter is priced at $7. two new shops within its emporium of Always busy during South Park Walkabout evening are the shops along Fern St., including Alchemy’s plate includes marinated vendors. Circa A.D. brings its home furMake Good, which features crafts and gifts by local artisans. whole-roasted pig-pulled pork on a sand- nishings and imported furniture to South wich with ancho BBQ sauce and topped Park, and Dig Garden & Home introwith hickory house cole slaw, all for $5. duces art, accessories and supplies for the At Grant’s Marketplace, in addition to garden. specials on wines and craft beers inside Just north of that intersection are the market, diners may enjoy a one-half- Vagabond Kitchen, celebrating its sevsize BBQ roast beef sandwich with white enth anniversary on 30th Street, and cheddar, baked open face in the pizza Plum Pottery offering its ever-changing oven and served with a side of Bush’s selection of functional and decorative baked beans. pieces along with new work by students.

The rest of South Park will be abuzz Mythology EcoBoutique welcomes Walk- Artist Douglas Thompson, whose abstract designs are often crafted with unusual materiwith activity during the Spring Walka- about visitors to explore its new and cus- als, will open a showing of his recent work at bout evening. As always, a free Trolley will tomized designs for men, women, kids The Next Door Gallery, beginning March 24.

BY MARSHA SMELKINSON

10 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

Spring Camps — Fun With A Camera The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) annual Spring Camp is the best way for kids to enjoy their spring vacation with fun and creativity. The full-day camps start on Monday, April 2, and will end Friday, April 6. Each day will feature a different activity and theme on-site at MOPA. The cost is $45 per day or $210 for all five days of camp.

MOPA members enjoy a special rate of $35 per day or $160 for five days of camp. To learn more or to register, visit mopa.org/springcamps.

Monday, April 2: Picture Me: Fun and Creative Self-Portraits. Learn the different techniques of self-portraiture. In this session, students will learn creative ways to express themselves in portraits. Learn how to show the qualities and characteristics that make you special with photography.

Tuesday, April 3: New Landscapes: Panoramic Photo Collages . Create large-scale panoramic photo-collages of Balboa Park. Students will photograph in natural landscapes and make original artworks by creatively assembling multiple images.

Wednesday, April 4: MOPA Geographic: Photo Safari (Includes free admission to San Diego Zoo) . The day begins at the zoo as youngsters are led on a photographic safari.

They will complete the day by creating an animal photo collage.

Thursday, April 5: Fun in the Sun: Cyanotype Printing Mania . Discover how to use the sun to make photographs. The Cyanotype, or sun print, is one of photography’s oldest processes. Students will learn how to combine modern digital photography with sun printing.

Friday, April 6 : Hands On: Get Crafty With Your Camera. Explore the crafty side of photography — digital photography, photo collage and more while visiting exciting locations in Balboa Park.

Boomerang at the WorldBeat Cultural Center Vision Magazine is presenting a new monthly event at San Diego’s WorldBeat Cultural Center that will feature live visionary art, music, dance and education with a positive message. It’s called Boomerang, a new monthly community cabaret for 2012 and will be held at the WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd., March 17 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Bay Area’s Eco-Afro-Latin-Funk Band “AFROLISCIOUS” will perform and the keynote speaker will be internationally renowned author Doug Noll sharing from his new book, “Elusive Peace.” International cuisine and beverages will be available for purchase from the Prophets Restaurant. Admission $12 at door. worldbeatcenter.org.

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Over two dozen Balboa Park institutions and community partners will once again put their heads together to demonstrate how much fun learning science can be at the Science Family Day. The park-wide Family Day on March 17 will kick off the weeklong San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering 2012, as various museums and cultural institutions feature science-related hands-on activities and special programs for kids of all ages. In addition, a DNA Moving Performance, featuring one of the world’s longest DNA models (created by area science students), will be paraded down the Prado at 11:15 a.m.

Children 12 and under will be admitted free with a paid adult admission at participating museums (some restrictions apply). In addition, a free drawing at the Balboa Park Visitors Center will give away, among other items, a Family 4-Pack of Balboa Park Passports, tickets to Honk! at the San Diego Junior Theatre, and Old Town Trolley/Seal Tour tickets.

From March 17 to 24, the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering 2012 will present programs throughout the county, culminating in the free Science & Engineering EXPO DAY at Petco Park on March 24, which will feature more than 135 hands-on exhibits and 16 stage performances. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For a complete schedule, visit www.sdsciencefestival.com.

All Balboa Park Science Family Day activities take place on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For updates, visit www.balboapark.org.

Paper Airplane Festival at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

‘Anna Christie’ Featured at the Old Globe

Jessica Love stars as Anna Christopherson and Austin Durant as Mat Burke in ‘Anna Christie.’ Photo by Henry DiRocco.

The Old Globe announced the cast and creative team for the Globe’s revival of “Anna Christie,” Eugene O’Neill’s masterpiece about the knotty relationship between an old sailor and his estranged daughter. The production will be directed by Daniel Goldstein, who is currently represented on Broadway with the hit revival of “Godspell.” “Anna Christie” runs March 10 through April 15 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Opening night is March 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at theoldglobe.org, byphone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Anna Christie is Eugene O’Neill’s classic play about a weathered sailor and the daughter he hasn’t seen in almost 20 years. Their new bond becomes strained when she falls in love with a young man whose seafaring life isn’t what her father wants for her. When Anna reveals to both men the shameful secret she has been harboring, they must all come to terms with the harsh reality of her past.

Jessica Love makes her Globe debut in the title role made famous on film by Greta Garbo and Austin Durant portrays her seafaring lover, Mat Burke. Broadway veteran Bill Buell plays her father Chris Christopherson.

Rounding out the cast of Anna Christie are Chance Dean (Longshoreman, Johnson), John Garcia (Postman, Deckhand), Raymond Lynch (Johnny-the-Priest, Deckhand) and Jason Maddy (Longshoreman, Deckhand).

The creative team includes Wilson Chin (Scenic Design), Denitsa Bliznakova (Costume Design), Austin R. Smith (Lighting Design), Paul Peterson (Sound Design), Jan Gist (Vocal and Dialect Coach), Calleri Casting (Casting) and Annette Yé (Stage Manager).

Bill Buell, Jessica Love and Austin Durant.

Photo by Henry DiRocco.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 11

Chuck Yeager in his flying days.

War Vets Jerry Coleman and Chuck Yeager Honored Two World War II veterans — San Diego’s Jerry Coleman and Air Force fighter pilot ace Gen. Chuck Yeager — were feted at the Spirit of ’45 Awards and Celebration Dinner on Feb. 18 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. The event was part of the 2012 Spirit of ’45 National Leaders Conference. Yeager, who served as a fighter pilot during WWII and was the first to break the sound barrier in October 1945, will be presented the Individual Lifetime Achievement Award. Coleman, a decorated Marine Corps pilot and current broadcaster for the San Diego Padres, will serve as honorary chairman of the event.

One of the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2012 Spirit of ’45 Awards to six World War II industry leaders, which were major contributors to America’s “Arsenal of Democracy” during World War II — Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Ford, General Motors, Lockheed Martin and Chrysler. Several other World War II veterans and defenders of freedom will be in attendance, including Rossco Brown of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The Spirit of ’45 is a nonprofit, non-partisan initiative to raise public awareness about National Spirit of ’45 Day so that it is observed every year in communities throughout the country Coleman, World Series MVP for the New York Yankees, left professional baseball to serve as a pilot during World War II and the Korean War. He is the only Major League Baseball player ever to see combat in two wars). Coleman earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses for his wartime exploits. He was a second baseman and member of the six-time World Series champion New York Yankees.

Yeager joined the Army Air Forces in 1941 and received his pilots wings in 1943. During World War II, he shot down 13 German aircraft, becoming an ace. At Edwards Air Force Base, in 1947m Yeager became the first pilot to break the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 aircraft. During the Vietnam War, Yeager flew 127 combat missions.

He retired from active duty in 1975. In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of his historic flight, he broke the sound barrier again in an F-15 fighter. He retired from flying active military planes in 2002.

The retired general today.

Jerry Coleman

12 | sdnorthparknews.com | February 2012

Urban Agriculture: Chickens, Goats and Bees Need Not be Feared measures we passed will allow more San Diegans to keep small numbers of animals on their property and strengthen their connection to their food.

Since the changes were approved, I have heard from a few folks who are concerned that their neighborhoods will soon be overrun with loud and smelly animals. I assure you that community impacts were certainly considered throughout the development of the new rules and hope this information clarifies some aspects of the regulations.

BY COUNCILMAN TODD GLORIA

Chickens: Roosters prohibited.

Up to five chickens allowed with no setback requirements from the onsite house. The coop must be located outside the required setbacks.

Up to 15 chickens allowed with no setback from onsite house. The coop must be outside required setbacks, or at least 15 feet from property line, whichever is greater.

Up to 25 chickens may be kept on premises, as long as the coop and outdoor enclosure are a minimum of 50 feet from any residential structure.

The coop must be predator proof, watertight, ventilated, easily accessed and cleaned, with a minimum of 6 square feet per chicken.

More than two hives: Must be located 600 feet from offsite residence and 100 feet from right of way.

No more than two hives allowed per lot.

Must have six-foot screen unless located eight feet above grade.

Required compliance with recognized best practices for bee keeping.

Community Gardens: Allowed to sell produce in residential zones one day per week.

Allowed with Neighborhood Use Permit in the IL-21 industrial zone.

Most of the changes are expected to go into effect in mid-March. If you have questions about this, please contact my office.

City staff work on this was made possible partially by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through the County of San Diego and the San Diego Association of Governments.

I am excited about these changes and look forward to implementing more of your good ideas in the future.

The San Diego City Council recently approved changes to local urban agriculture regulations, making it possible for more San Diegans to access locally-produced food. I was proud to champion many of the changes, which grew out of discussions during the council’s previous passage of an ordinance easing community garden rules.

At a community coffee in 2009, a couple of North Park neighbors told me about the challenges they faced because they wanted to raise a couple chickens in their small yard for their eggs. I am Miniature Goats: incredibly proud that the common-sense Miniature goats only. Must be dehorned. Males must be neutered.

Can be kept at single-family homes and lots developed with single-family homes.

Shed must be located outside required setback, predator proof, watertight, ventilated, easily accessed and cleaned, with a minimum of five square feet per goat.

Enclosure must have minimum fivefoot high fence, minimum pen area of 400 square feet, excluding shed.

Goat products allowed for personal Councilman Todd Gloria can be reached consumption only. at ToddGloria@sandiego.gov; (619)-2366633; 202 C Street, MS 10A, San Diego, Bee Keeping: CA 92101; and on Facebook and Twitter.

For up to two hives: Must be located Visit his website at www no closer than 30 feet from offsite resi- .sandiego.gov/cd3. dence and 50 feet from right of way.

Paesano's Neighborhood Specials (Mon thru Fri. 11am-2pm) Lunch Special: Your Choice of Entree: Lasagna,Ravioli,Manicotti,or Spaghetti w/ meatballs. Served with salad and garlic bread. Only $4.99 SINCE1967

+10% of ALL TO GO ORDERS Dine in or Take Out Open 11-12/4:30-8:30 Sat 4:30 - 9:00 Sun 5:00 - 9:00

3647 30th St. 291-4090

will be donated to our neighborhood schools at St. Patricks (just tell us the school you would like to help when you pick up your order!)

Don't forget Tuesday Nights for live Italian music.

Wine Wednesday 20% off all our wines!

Visit our website: PaesanoOfNorthpark.com

Golden Hill property owners win case to abolish maintenance assessment district The city of San Diego is faced with the prospect of paying back a total of about $2 million that Greater Golden Hill property owners have been assessed since the Greater Golden Hill Maintenance Assessment District was formed in 2007. The payback results from a ruling by San Diego Superior Court Judge Richard Whitney that vacated the city’s resolution forming the district. The ruling was ordered by a state appellate court last September.

Essentially, the courts ruled that the district should never have been formed. It will be up to the City Council to determine how to pay back the past assessments.

The Golden Hill Neighborhood Association (GHNA), a group of neighborhood residents, filed two lawsuits, one in 2007 and one in 2008, arguing that the MAD had been formed illegally. In 2009 Judge Whitney partially ruled in favor of the GHNA. Both the city and the GHNA appealed the verdict to the appellate court, which ruled wholly in favor of the GHNA. It declared that the city over-weighted the value of city-owned property in the neighborhood, which skewed the result of the vote on whether to establish a MAD. The city, the court ruled, also failed to distinguish between the specific benefits the MAD would provide assessed property owners and the benefits received by the general public, as required by the California Constitution.

Attorneys Charles Khoury and Steve Haskins argued the case for the GHNA. Deputy City Attorney Car-

men Brock represented the city.

Councilman Todd Gloria has previously stated through a spokesperson that he has read and accepts the court’s decision and will work with city staff “to implement the court’s decision in a timely fashion.”

According to John McNab, president of GHNA, this was the first time a neighborhood group has challenged the city’s procedures for forming MADs and won. He said the rulings have implications for existing maintenance assessment districts and those on yet to be formed.

In the original election, each property was given a specific weight that gave it more or less weight in the final tally. City-owned properties received 4.6 times the weight of single-family homes, but the city never explained or justified this greater weighting, according to McNab. Because the city owns 95 neighborhood properties, these made the difference in whether the MAD passed or failed.

The court stated: “When a local agency owns a substantial amount of property subject to a special assessment, its failure to publicly disclose the basis for the determination of the proposed assessment amounts to be charged against its parcels invites the sort of mischief the Association suggests the city committed in this case — i.e., the agency could over-assess its own properties without public scrutiny for the purpose of obtaining a majority affirmative vote on the special assessment.”

The court also refuted the city’s argument that the assessments benefited only Golden Hill property ownSEE MAD, Page 14

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 13

VALET CONTINUED FROM Page 1

The locations and hours of operation: • On 30th Street, next to Union Bank, from 6 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

• On Ray Street, across from Wang’s Restaurant, from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

• At the Birch North Park Theatre on weekend nights when there are theater performances.

“The city staff had been working toward establishment of the valet ser-

BLOG CONTINUED FROM Page 7

invokes a 1915 founding fathers vehicle prohibition. Back then you needed a special permit to drive across the Laurel Street Bridge. And, it was only because FDR was in town and needed a ride to the park.

— OK, here’s where fantasy hits the stucco: If we ban cars in central mesa, in order to bring attendees into Balboa Park on a daily basis (a) fund the old trolley lines and (b) grade parking lots over where the city dump used to be south of the Velodrome and west of Balboa Park Golf Course. The East Mesa ex-dump area is huge. Park all the cars there. Grade it flat. If the idea works pave it later.

— Still with me? Here’s where it gets crazy, but a good crazy. Like Internet storage this fantasy has no limits. We’re now going to build an extension line of the Zoo’s overhead Skyfari cars from Zoo entry all the way across the park to the East Mesa. We could be creative regarding the design of the aerial trams. From the

vice as a way to further increase use of the (parking) garage while minimizing impacts to the residential areas which are so close to the commercial core around 30th Street and University Avenue,” said Eliana Barreiros, a project manager for the city. “The value service also helps us to continue to spread the word about the existence of the garage and increase demand for its continued use.”

“It’s a way to free up street parking,” said Mike Vargason, operations manager for ACE Parking. Twelve valets work the shifts.

comfort of these new sky gondolas passengers could ride from the new parking lot across the Florida Canyon and arrive just outside the main gate of the Zoo or the Carousel Parking lot (now that cars are banned from that lot).

— The new aerial tram would aid in park people moving needs and give us a bird’s eye view of the park and the downtown skyline. We’re talking tourism here.

Build an aerial tram system instead of the mega million proposed parking garage behind the Organ Pavillion. The new aerial trams from East Mesa parking to Mid-Zoo could have corporate advertising sponsorships. Snapdragon, GoodYear or Southwest Airlines would be just fine.

Tom Shess is a longtime North Park resident, creative director of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles magazine and founding editor of West Coast Craftsman. His blog, portions of which appear here, can be seen at tomshess.blogspot.com.

Citizens Patrol The North Park Community Association will tailor the North Park Citizens Patrol to the one that covers Hillcrest and surrounding areas by the Stonewall Citizens Patrol.

To learn more about the program, attend the March 13 meeting of the North Park Community Association at 6:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. Attendees will be able to sign up to be volunteers of the program to be launched in North Park.

The push for the citizens patrol arose out of the growth of nightlife in the central business district of North Park, which has resulted in recurring prob-

lems with public drunkenness, rowdy behavior, loud noise, fighting and other nuisances. “A lot of residents are directly affected by these issues,” said Nikki Berdy, president of the association.

“People can’t park near their homes.

There is a lot of vandalism. Some of the bars try to be responsible, but others don’t seem to care.”

The Stonewall Citizens Patrol consists of 30 volunteers who have received training from the San Diego Police Department and take turns patroling the streets. The organization focuses on crime awareness and crime prevention, including distributing safety whistles, posters and safety tip cards. “Our

volunteers conduct themselves with a ‘hands-off ’ approach and do not carry weapons,” according to the organization’s Website. “We are merely additional ‘eyes and ears’ for the San Diego Police Department.

The organization has three objectives: Increase awareness of street crime within the area; provide safety and crime prevention education; and help police fight crime by serving as extra eyes and ears.

14 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

Middle class scholarships make college affordable for all Californians

BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER TONI ATKINS

California’s public universities and colleges used to be a bargain for middle class parents.

In addition to their relatively low cost, they were also among the top academic colleges in the nation. They were the ultimate equalizer, as an excellent student could go to a world-class university even if their parents were not wealthy.

Due to the national recession and chronic budget shortfalls, college fees have risen dramatically over the last decade. Since the 2003-2004 school year, California State University fees have increased 191 percent, University of California fees have increased by 145 percent, and community college student fees have also increased significantly.

While low-income students can still rely on Cal Grants and Pell Grants, middle income students whose families make just over the cutoff limit are being increasingly squeezed out of higher education.

To keep college affordable for all Californians, I am joining with Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez and my Democratic colleagues in the Assembly to propose the Middle Class Scholarship, a program to keep college fees down for middle income families. These scholarships will be funded by closing a tax loophole for out-of-state corporations.

All students in the CSU and UC systems with family incomes less than $150,000 who do not already have fees covered from another source will receive a Middle Class Scholarship that cuts costs by 2/3. To apply for the Middle Class Scholarship,

CSU and UC students will fill out the standard financial aid forms.

Under this proposal, approximately 150,000 CSU students will receive the Middle Class Scholarship and save over $4,000 per year. About 42,000 UC students will also receive the Middle Class Scholarship and save up to $8,169 per year. Further, community colleges will receive $150 million to expand affordability efforts.

Investing in California’s students is an investment in our future. For every $1 we spend on higher education, the state gets a $3 return on its investment.

Passing this legislation will require a 2/3 vote of the Legislature, which means Republican and Democrat legislators will have to join together in supporting the plan. This won’t be easy to accom-

plish, but with enough persuasion from students, parents, and all who depend on an educated workforce in California, it can become a reality.

For more information about the Middle Class Scholarship, please visit my website at: asmdc.org/members/a76.

Toni Atkins represents the 76th Assembly District of California, which includes North Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Her district office is at 2445 Fifth Ave., Suite 401, in Downtown San Diego. Phone: (619) 645-3090.

Committee And Board Meetings Greater Golden Hill Community Development Corp.

The CDC normally meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the SDYS Golden Hill Center, 2220 Broadway. For information, call (619) 696-9992.

Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at the Balboa Golf Course clubhouse, 2600 Golf Course Drive. For information, call (619) 533-5284.

The North Park Redevelopment Project Area Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. Meetings focus on redevelopment projects in construction or planning.

For information, visit sandiego.gov/redevelopment-agency.

The North Park Main Street board meets at 7 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month at its storefront office, 3076 University Ave. North Park Main Street has more than 250 members, primarily businesses paying annual assessments in the city-authorized North Park BID. For information, call 294-2501.

The North Park Maintenance Assessment District Committee normally meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every other month at North Park Community Adult Center, 2719 Howard Ave. The Greater North Park Community Planning Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at North Park Christian Fellowship, 2901 North Park Way. The committee is an advisory group to the city on North Park land use, including the general

plan, infrastructure and density. For tional outreach in order to facilitate information, visit northparksd.org. preservation of North Park's cultural and architectural history. For more The North Park Community Associ- information, visit www.northparkhisation board normally meets at 6 p.m. tory.org. the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd..

The University Heights Community For information on the NPCA History Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Committee, visit northparkhistory.org. Thursday of the month in the auditorium of Birney Elementary School, 4345 The Business Group for South Park Campus Ave. For information, call 297and Golden Hill meets at 8:30 a.m. the 3166. last Wednesday of the month at the Moose Lodge, 1648 30th St. The busiThe Adams Avenue Business Assoness group rotates its meeting location ciation board of directors normally every few months. It helps organize the meets at 7:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of quarterly Walkabouts. For information, the month at the Normal Heights Comcall 233-4060 Ext. 314. munity Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. For time, place and more information, call The North Park Historical Society (619) 282-7329 or visit adamsaveonmeets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third line.com.

Thursday of each month. The Historical Society conducts research and educaThe Kensington/Talmadge Planning

Group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Kensington Community Church, 4773 Marlborough Drive. For information, call 287-3157.

The Lions Club of North Park meets for lunch every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the club, 3927 Utah St. Prospective members are welcome to enjoy their first lunch on the club. For information, call (619) 692-0540.

Uptown Rotary welcomes prospective members at its 7 a.m. Thursday breakfasts at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Café, 3172 Fifth Ave. For more, call (619) 500-3229 or visit sdurotary.org.

The North Park Recreation Council meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of every other month at North Park Recreation Center, 4044 Idaho St. For information, call 235-1152.

MAD CONTINUED FROM Page 12

ers. It said the park property in the district “is unquestionably used by members of the general public outside the district.”

McNab has said there were other flaws in the way the MAD was formed.

Although the law states that 30 percent of property owners must express an interest in a MAD for a vote to proceed, in Golden Hill only 18 percent of property owners returned a preliminary bal-

lot, and many of them opposed a MAD. However, said McNab, the city went ahead with a binding vote. The Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee was required to weigh in on the matter, but it did not, said McNab. He added that the official voting material prepared by city staff failed to include any argument against a MAD, such as the fact that once established, it goes on in perpetuity.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 15

Old House Fair Returns to South Park June 16 To include bonus tour of Historic Craftsman Firehouse

By Marsha Smelkinson The Batchelder tile fireplace in this home is one of the interior details that Old House Fair tourgoers will appreciate. The five-house tour includes docent-led visits, with historic and architectural features described in detail. Each tourgoer also receives an Old House Fair program booklet with complete descriptions of each home, prepared by design expert Tracey Raz of R+M Designs. Photo by Robert Pigott.

he 2012 Old House Fair in South Park, an historic neighborhood on the edge of Balboa Park, will again feature a fivehouse tour of architecturally significant homes, along with a bonus visit to a 100-year-old firehouse building.

The 14th annual event will be held on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Complete information, including advance ticket purchases for the Historic Home Tour, is available on the website: theoldhousefair.com.

Always an Old House Fair highlight is the docent-led Home Tour, for which tickets are available at $20 per person.

The homes selected for this year's Historic Home Tour are all oriented to celebrate their locations with views of the eastern sections of Balboa Park and its adjacent canyons.

Other tours on June 12 will include a guided Trolley Tour ($5), a free Urban Safaris neighborhood walking tour and

T

A highlight of the 2012 Old House Fair Historic Home Tour will be a visit to this grand eight-bedroom house built in 1913, Mediterranean in style with neoclassical details. An anomaly in the South Park neighborhood of mostly smaller Craftsman-style homes, this large residence was made for entertaining and is situated across the street from Balboa Park. Its original owner served as Vice Consul to the Netherlands in San Diego for 15 years and entertained foreign dignitaries. The two-story house has an elongated floor plan where all of its rooms open onto extra wide hallways with beautiful wood doors, molding and staircase. Photo by Robert Pigott.

a self-guided walk-or-bike tour of the historic homes of South Park.

Throughout the day, a festival featuring exhibitors and vendors, food and musical entertainment, will be held on the streets where 30th Street and Beech Street intersect. Craftsmen, contractors, restoration and repair experts will be available to answer questions, along with SOHO’s popular “Ask The Experts” booth.

A few blocks north of the festival is the Firehouse No. 9 building, originally built in 1912, and recently restored to house South Park Fitness. The oldest surviving firehouse in San Diego, the building will be open for tours of its historic architecture in conjunction with the 2012 Old House Fair.

The Station Tavern, also just a few blocks away from the festival’s center, is the Presenting Sponsor of the Old House Fair. Honored with the “Grand SEE FAIR, Page 15

16 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

FAIR

A highlight of the 2012 Old House Fair Historic Home Tour will be a visit to this grand eight-bedroom house built in 1913, Mediterranean in style with neoclassical details. An anomaly in the South Park neighborhood of mostly smaller Craftsman-style homes, this large residence was made for entertaining and is situated across the street from Balboa Park. Its original owner served as Vice Consul to the Netherlands in San Diego for 15 years and entertained foreign dignitaries. The two-story house has an elongated floor plan where all of its rooms open onto extra wide hallways with beautiful wood doors, molding and staircase. Photo by Robert Pigott.

CONTINUED FROM Page 15

Orchid� for its historic-centered design, The Station will be open throughout the day of the fair, welcoming visitors to its indoor dining and outdoor patio areas.

Also sponsoring the 2012 Old House Fair are local businesses South Bark Dog Wash, Andrea Frank Homes, Ed Landsberg Realtor, Home Restoration & Remodeling of San Diego, Berkley Construction, Thomas Bike Shop, Hamilton’s Tavern, Alchemy Restaurant, Whistlestop Bar, R+M Designs, and Studio Maureen & The Next Door Gallery.

The event is produced by the South Park Business Group Inc., an association of businesses located in the historic neighborhood, which also organizes the quarterly South Park Walkabouts. The Spring Walkabout will be held on Saturday, March 24, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Additional information is available on the website: southparkscene.com.

Old House Fair Seeks Exhibitors The 14th annual Old House Fair is seeking exhibitor and vendor applicants. The event will be held on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Businesses that engage in the building or design trades, or which market products or services to those who own or appreciate older homes, are encouraged to apply for exhibit and vending space. A 10x10-foot booth is available at $165, with early bird discounts available. An estimated 2,500 visitors attend the festival, which includes a five-house Historic Home Tour as well as guided trolley and walking tours of the historic neighborhood. More information on the event, and exhibitor applications, are available on the Website: theoldhousefair.com, or by calling (619) 233-6679.

Fire Station No. 9 was built in 1912 on 30th Street and is the oldest surviving firehouse in San Diego. Its Craftsman-style architecture has been carefully restored, and the building now houses South Park Fitness, a neighborhood gym. Free tours of the hhistoric restored building will be available during the Old House Fair.

Exhibitors who specialize in tile will be among the attractions at the June 16 Old House Fair.

Photo by Luci Dumas Fine Photography.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 17

Laid-Back Luxury IN LAGUNA

Slip away to Montage Laguna Beach for the perfect weekend escape B M L Y

ICHELLE YN

The moment you pull up to the entrance of Montage Laguna Beach, you know you are in for an unforgettable experience. The valet team greets you instantly, and I say team because before you know it, someone is opening your doors, another person is unloading your bags and yet another is walking you into the lobby, chatting amiably until it’s your turn to check in.

You are immediately greeted by sweeping ocean views the second you walk through the door. If you’re checking in with your family, as I was, one of the team members instantly rolls out a red radio flyer wagon stuffed to the brim with complimentary stuffed animals, much to your child’s delight.

A brief and scenic drive up the coast from San Diego, Montage Laguna Beach is a sophisticated, yet approachable resort that makes for the perfect relaxing weekend away from home.

Built in 2003, Montage Laguna Beach is discreetly perched on an oceanfront bluff along South Coast Highway. Spanning 30 acres, this luxury Craftsman-style resort melds the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

The lobby lounge is spacious and welcoming, flanked by a fireplace and a bar on either end. Once you’ve checked in, you are guided across the lobby to the main balcony for a vantage point tour of the property.

Having entered on the fifth and top floor of the resort, you’re able to get your bearings as you quickly scan rooms to the left and right of you and settle on the jaw-dropping view of the Pacific Ocean that extends beyond the massive mosaictiled infinity-edged pool in the center of the grounds.

To the right of the pool is Mosaic Bar & Grille, a casual bluff-side terrace and grill complete with a fire pit. On the edge

of the bluff in a standalone Craftsman cottage is Studio, the resort’s signature fine dining restaurant.

After several minutes absorbing the picturesque view, you are then escorted to your room. There won’t be any aimless hallway wandering here.

To say we were impressed by the balcony view from the lobby would be an understatement compared to how we felt once we entered our suite.

Walking into our foyer (yes, foyer), we were greeted once more by the same stunning ocean view we had just left moments ago. Just a few floors lower, we were directly in front of the pool. Sheer white curtains billowed in the breeze that wafted in from our living room balcony, and yes, I have to specify because our suite had two.

Fresh flowers arranged on the coffee table added a welcome touch, as did the personalized note welcoming us to the resort.

Within minutes, a pistachio crusted, cranberry goat cheese hors d’oeuvre of sorts was delivered, only to be followed by a chilled bottle of champagne, of course.

We had been at Montage less than an hour and I was beginning to think I might never leave.

Although it felt like we probably had the best room on the property, each of the 250 guest rooms have their own private oceanfront balcony with floor to ceiling SEE LAGUNA, Page 18

18 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012

Montage Laguna Beach is nestled on the Pacific.

LAGUNA CONTINUED FROM Page 17

windows that afford a view of the glittering sea.

The well appointed rooms boast marble bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs, feather topped beds with goose down pillows, plenty of sitting areas and a bar area that make it a more than comfortable home away from home.

Taking advantage of our early arrival, we headed over to Mosaic for an informal, light lunch before taking a walk along the beach. The fire pit in the mid-

dle of the terrace provided just the right amount of warmth.

On the edge of the property, there is an enchanting path that leads you along the lush landscaping, overlooking four pristine white sand beaches that rival those in Hawaii or Southern Portugal. From a perfectly manicured park at the edge of the path, you can peer over the cliff, down into the marine tide pools. Perfect for a romantic stroll or a walk with the family, beach access is available from several different spots on the path.

After walking the grounds, our afternoon agenda consisted of nothing more than indulging in the resort’s amenities.

Child care accounted for, my husband your pick of $20 glasses of wine, the headed to the fitness center where he ambience is nothing what you would could work out while watching the sun- expect for a restaurant with such steep set through the floor to ceiling windows prices. The bar actually feels more like overlooking the private adult lap pool. you’re at a swanky cocktail party at a I, on the other hand, chose to retire to friend's lavish beach cottage.

Upon entering the dining room, I was Spa Montage for a complete dose of relaxation. There’s something intoxicat- struck by the laid back chatter and instant ing about walking into a spa and smelling warmth I felt as we're led to our table. that combination of candles, scented Servers clad in dark suits rush about in lotion, cucumber water and eucalyptus every direction, smiling with a sense of authenticity you don't often see in fine emanating from the steam room.

The outdoor waterfall whirlpool beck- dining establishments. Service is impeconed me to leave the outside world and cable, while achieving congeniality at the all my worries behind. It isn’t surprising that I soon found myself contemplating the logistics of replicating this experience in my own home.

The next couple hours were an escape from all responsibilities as I retreated into the steam room, followed by a customized balancing massage.

The spa successfully manages to achieve a sense of quiet intimacy, despite the labyrinth of treatment rooms.

Refreshed and ready for our The lobby lounge at Montage Laguna Beach. next meal, we made our way down to the edge of the property for din- same time-not always an easy thing to ner at Studio. We passed the Studio gar- do. The menu is described as ‘Modern den, where Executive Chef Craig Strong French with California influences,’ so we grows fruit trees, berry bushes and five decided to leave the progression to the raised planter beds full of organic vegeta- experts and embark on the Chef's Tastbles and herbs that provide a year-round ing Menu: six courses appropriately source of fresh produce for use in Studio paired with unique wines from around the world. cuisine.

Before our first course, however, we Dining at Studio is everything you would expect from a 5-star restaurant, were treated to some delectable small minus the pretension and arrogance. Ser- bites, such as a caviar taco and a mini vice is friendly and unhurried the instant quiche, as well as a warm brioche roll served with house made lemon garlic you arrive.

Before sitting down to dinner, we butter. Yum. And it just got better and better after pulled up a chair at the communal bar table for a drink. Although you have that. Dungeness crab, persimmon and

Sunlight floods the resort restaurant.

Guest bedroom. Photo by Scott Frances.

ginger salad, followed by parsnip soup with quince and candied pecans (paired with a Champalou Vouvray which was absolutely delicious), filet mignon with a creamed parsley, and one of my favorites...the cheese course.

Chef prepared a Brillat Savarin Affiné, a decadent triple cream Brie that was paired with a blueberry – rosemary compôte. I think I finished mine before my husband had even taken a bite of his.

Towards the end of our meal, the affable Chef Strong came out to our table to introduce himself. It was refreshing to hear his philosophy on fine dining and his vision for it to exist in an unpretentious atmosphere where you don’t have to spend all your time worrying about which fork to use.

This dining experience runs you around $500 for two people.

As our weekend came to a close, we headed to The Loft for breakfast. If you don’t want a sit down breakfast, it’s great to grab coffee and a pastry and head down to the beach. Very family friendly, the staff was happy to accommodate our stroller at a table on the gorgeous balcony with a perfect view. Complimentary warm banana bread was served immediately alongside my coffee, yet another pleasant surprise. I ended my culinary sojourn with some of the best french toast I’ve ever had-brioche with cinnamon and whipped crème fraîche with a citrus zest.

Our entire stay was just under 24 hours, but we felt so well rested and rejuvenated, it was as if we’d been on vacation for a week.

March 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 19

By Bart Mendoza

Melody Over Bombast Lestat’s has long been known as one of the area’s top spots for local acoustic performers, but more recently the venue has expanded its bookings with more worthy touring acts appearing on their stage. Such is the case with Bay area acoustic pop trio Caught in Motion. Though they’ve only released one album, “Doldrums” (2011), songs such as “Take Away Show” have a keenly placed sense of melancholy and harmony well worth hearing. Based around the music of guitarist Banah Winn, Caught in Motion’s music will appeal to fans of Deathcab for Cutie or other such bands that place emphasis on melody over bombast.

Caught in Motion: Wednesday, March 7, at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. myspace.com/lestats.com.

Classic Celtic Tunes for St. Pat’s What would St. Patrick’s Day be without the Down’s Family?

Nowhere near as fun. The Celtic rock combo has been knocking them dead on the local circuit for several decades, known for a manic performing style perfect for a night of drinking, dancing and singing along. Helmed by guitarist David Dick and backed by a top-rate band that includes accordionist Ed Moore, the band is adept at classic Celtic tunes with plenty of like-minded originals to keep the energy level up.

If you’re a fan of Flogging Molly or the Pogues, you’ll love this band, but anyone who is looking for an energy-packed St. Patrick’s Day will enjoy every second of this show.

Downs Family: Saturday, March 17, at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd.

5 p.m. 21 and up. $8. elevensandiego.com.

Metallagher With Smashed Watermelon

Case and Collins Surprise Reunion Show of the month is easily the appearance of musical cult hero’s Peter Case and Paul Collins at Bar Pink. The pair first came to prominence together in iconic powerpop band the Nerves in the mid-70s, later going on to individual success with their own bands in the early ’80s: Case with the Plimsouls and hits like “Million Miles Away,” Collins with the Beat and classics like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Girl.” Case has long since had an illustrious solo career, while Collins has been touring with a new version of the Beat. But this surprise reunion promises to be one of the top music events of 2012.

Peter Case & Paul Collins: Thursday, March 8, at Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $12. barpink.com.

Just when you think that all possible musical avenues have been exhausted, along comes something truly new — prop comic metal. Metallagher combines the music of hard rock heroes Metallica with the over the top humor of comedian Gallagher, for a show that’s as messy as it is loud. Both Metallica and Gallagher are impersonated, wigs, mustaches and all. The music centers on the classic “Master of Puppets” album, while the stage show includes the classic onstage smashing of a watermelon with a sledge hammer. Rain gear or at least something fairly waterproof is recommended for the front of the stage area. Silly? Yes. Great fun? Absolutely.

Metallagher: Thursday, March 29, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. myspace.com/crocodilescrocodilescrocodiles.

Ian Tyson Strikes the Right Chord

Although perhaps best known as one half of ’60s folk duo Ian and Sylvia, today Ian Tyson’s career is more country oriented and concerned with western culture, as in the type that might involve cowboys. An acclaimed songwriter, his hits include evergreen “You Were On My Mind,” but his music has struck the right chord with many artists: Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot and Chris Hillman among the dozens who have covered his songs. A true legend, Tyson’s part of a diminishing group of performers who were pioneering music before there was color TV. If you’re a fan of folk or country roots, don’t miss this concert.

Ian Tyson: Wednesday, March 21, at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All ages. $35-$62. amsdconcerts.com.

UNPLUGGED CONTINUED FROM Page 1

From Texas Street on the west end to Kensington on the east end, more than 30 participating restaurants and bars will present more than 170 live unplugged (acoustic) musical performances.

Adams Avenue Unplugged will offer

music lovers a more intimate and clublike setting as well as three community stages spread out along Adams Avenue.

A variety of musical genres will be performed by some of San Diego’s top musicians over the weekend with some performers playing multiple sets to allow attendees to catch their favorite artists while enjoying the neighborhood’s many unique shops along the Adams Avenue

business corridor.

Adams Avenue Unplugged is being programmed by a quartet of local music veterans who have curated past music festivals, including the Adams Avenue Roots Festival and Adams Avenue Street Fair. The fab-four are: Kent Johnson, a local musician and co-publisher of the The Troubadour; Lou Curtiss, roots music historian and owner of Folk Arts

Rare Records; Louis Brazier, talent programmer at Lestat’s; and Steve Kader, music programmer for several Adams Avenue Street Fairs.

Since street parking is limited, organizers will provide free trolley service along Adams Avenue, as well as bike valet. In addition, mass transit bus service (MTS #2 and 11) will also be available since Adams Avenue will be open to traffic.

For further information, call Scott Kessler at (619) 282-7329, or visit adamsavenuebusiness.com.

Adams Avenue Unplugged is produced by the Adams Avenue Business Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and revitalize the Adams Avenue business corridor and is made up of area businesses and property owners.

20 | sdnorthparknews.com | March 2012