San Diego Uptown / Downtown News, February 5th, 2021 by San Diego Community Newspaper Group

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 2

February 2021 Follow us on social media

Columbia • Core/Civic • Cortez Hill • East Village • Gaslamp/Horton Plaza • Little Italy • Marina

Grim Ave. History P. 5

2020 changed face of cycling for good?

LITTLE ITALY P. 7

Businesses prevail despite pandemic

LITTLE ITALY P. 7

Italian culture is preserved

HISTORY P. 8

San Diego County Bicycle Coalition board member Alex Flores sitting with her bike at Balboa Park. (Photo courtesy Alex Flores) KENDRA SITTON | Downtown & Uptown News

The First National Bank Building

FASHION P. 10

2020 brought many unforeseen changes and also highlighted pre-existing disparities in society. Just one of the industries affected by the pandemic and a renewed focus on racial inequalities was bicycling. The year of the pandemic

brought new cyclists on the road from many diverse backgrounds and abilities. Ridership went up over 40% from March to August 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, according to data from SANDAG. John Cooper of City Heights, owner of a mobile bike repair shop

called Stay True Cycleworks, said he went from trying to get his name out there as a new business that began in January 2020 to his phone ringing off the hook as soon as the pandemic started. Since then, business has not slowed down as many people dusted off bikes that had gone unused.

“A lot of people who weren't cycling the last couple years found a new hobby. I know a couple people they don't like running too much, but since the pandemic they started biking more and more and they're very active. SEE CYCLING CHANGES, Page 11

Fighting COVID in America’s hardest hit city By JEFF CLEMETSON

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Like a lot of filmmakers, La Jolla resident Adam Raby’s film projects in 2020 were put on hold. But on Dec. 31, Empowering a Billion Women (EBW, ebw2020. com) connected with Raby for an opportunity to film ground zero in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic — El Centro, California. EBW is an organization made up of a global network of women leaders who advocate for women’s health and prosperity. Raby was activated as part of the EBW network to aid in a public information campaign in El Centro, informing residents about the availability of monoclonal antibody treatments (MABs).

“When President Trump got diagnosed with COVID-19, they took him to Walter Reed in a helicopter and as soon as he landed they gave him this treatment,” Raby said. “It was only available to certain people at that point, it wasn’t available to anybody, really. Now the government wants to use this as a vehicle to lower the hospital rates in because hospitals are overwhelmed. In El Centro, they got parking lots full of tents with people in them and they’re just trying to find a way to help this community.” The MAB program that EBW, Raby and his partner Jose Valdez filmed was started by Assistant SEE FIGHTING COVID, Page 6

EBW founder and CEO Ingrid Vanderveldt (left) on the ground in El Centro meeting with other women leaders. (Courtesy photo)

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Guerrero receives four life sentences for murders NEAL PUTNAM | Downtown & Uptown News

Four consecutive terms of life in prison were handed down Tuesday to Jon David Guerrero who killed three homeless men in Ocean Beach, Mission Bay, and Downtown plus a woman in North Park. The sentencing of Guerrero, now 43, ends the nearly five-year case involved attacks upon mostly homeless people that occurred in 2016. “You took a piece of my heart that I’ll never get back,” said Linda Gramlick, the mother of Shawn Longley, to Guerrero, whom she referred to as “a monster.” Gramlick spoke via a computer feed from her Florida home, and appeared on a video screen before San Diego Superior Court Judge Kennth So. Longley, 41, was found dead July 4, 2016, near the Robb Athletic Field tennis courts in Ocean Beach. He was attacked while asleep by Guerrero who hammered a railroad spike into his head. So gave Guerrero credits of serving 1,642 days in jail, although that is moot since he can’t be paroled. He was fined $11,204, and ordered to pay $3,761 in restitution. Guerrero’s first case occurred in 2009 when he shoved a homeless woman and took her bicycle, records show. He pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to 1,168 days in jail that includes time at a mental hospital. So ordered the life terms to run without the possibility of parole. He also imposed an additional sentence of 143 years. Guerrero pleaded guilty in Jan., 2020, to four counts of first-degree murder as well as two arson counts in which victims had been set on fire. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of attempted murder and assault of other homeless people. The motive for all of the attacks was hatred of homeless people. Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey told the judge that one surviving victim who asked Guerrero why he assaulted him said Guerrero answered “because you’re a bum.” The sentencing was delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak. Other delays occurred when Guerrero was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a state mental hospital for treatment. The judge who sentenced him later found him to be mentally competent. Angelo DeNardo, 53, was sleeping under a bridge near Mission Bay on July 3, 2016, when a railroad spike was driven into his head and his body was set on fire. D eNa r do at t e nde d t he Met ropol it ia n Com mu n it y Church which held a funeral for him and the others. “After many years, justice is being served on behalf of Angelo

and the other innocent people who were brutally murdered,” said Rev. Dan Koeshall, the senior pastor at MCC, on Tuesday. “This is a painful reminder of how dangerous life can be on the streets,” said Koeshall. “May we continue to support social services and continue aid to this vulnerable population.” “Everyone is of precious value in God’s eyes,” concluded Koeshall in a statement. The third victim, Dionicio “Derek” Vahidy, 23, died four days after he was mortally wounded downtown. His cousin, Renzo Lara, told Guerrero “You… took our beloved Derek from this world.” “Only cowards like you have the audicity of attacking…while (victims) are sleeping,” said Lara. Guerrero is also charged with killing Molly Simons, 83, in North Park, on July 13, 2016. The slaying of Molly Simons, 83, in North Park broke the pattern on July 13, 2016 when she was struck with an object around 5 a.m. while walking to a bus stop. She was on her way to a local YMCA where she volunteered and she died of a skull fracture. The victims also included Manuel Mason, a 61-year-old man SEE GUERRERO HEARING, Page 13

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HISTORY Grim Avenue in the Park Villas tract sdnews.com

San Diego street names: Part 10 of the series

Joseph Nash formed his two-part Park Villas tract in 1870, three years before William Jefferson Gatewood and Aaron Pauly filed their maps for West End and Pauly’s Addition. Perhaps Nash was the first of his fellow tract founders to name north-south streets after people he knew, including himself. The Park Villas tract east of present-day Ray Street encompasses the north-south streets Nash originally named Grim Avenue, Hart Avenue (now 31st Street), Herman Avenue, Nash Avenue (now 32nd Street), Washington Avenue (now Bancroft Street), Webster Avenue (now 33rd Street), and Franklin Avenue (now Felton Street). Grim Avenue has held its name for more than 150 years in spite of an effort in 1934 to change the name to Royal Avenue. The San Diego Union’s March 31, 1934 issue reported that “Petitioners had asked the change on the ground that many persons called it Grime st.” But other property owners declared “it would be an outrage to slap a name like Royal ave. on a democratic street.” The San Diego Union’s June 26, 1934 issue announced the name change effort had failed under the headline “Royalists Lose in Grim Battle,” noting that city councilmen said “it was hard to know what the people wanted as they appeared to

Abraham K. Grim is pictured in Volume 2 of “A History of the New California,” published in 1905. Although he never lived in San Diego, he may be the namesake for North Park’s Grim Avenue. (Courtesy of Google Books, in the public domain)

be signing both for and against the name change.” Those in favor of keeping the name in 1934 theorized the street might have been originally named for the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, authors of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, with the final letter being lost over the years. But the true source of the Grim street name is likely a merchant or land dealer known to Joseph Nash, as the street name was never recorded as “Grimm” on maps. No Grims appear to be living in San Diego during the early 1870s. However, the 1870 federal census recorded a family in San Francisco headed by Abraham Grim, and his history indicates he had much in common with Nash, whose ties to San Francisco ran deep. Abraham Keefer Grim (18301910) was born in Canton, Ohio. His father was a merchant, and young Grim left school at age 16 to become a clerk in Wayne County. In 1849, he made the long trek across the plains to Sacramento in response to the news of gold in California. Volume 2 of “A History of the New California Its Resources and People” — edited by Leigh H. Irvine and published by The Lewis Publishing Co. in 1905 — summarizes Grim’s personal history, including the following about his adult years: “His long and tedious journey across plains and over mountains terminated at Sacramento, October 6, 1849. The following spring, he mined at ‘Hangtown,’ now Placerville. Mining, however, did not then claim his attention long.

Historic stamps are supposed to be preserved and re-set nearby when construction requires their removal. This stamp at Grim and Dwight was saved by an alert resident who stopped the contractor in mid-cut. Grim is one of the few original street names remaining from the 1870 Park Villas tract map. (Photo by Katherine Hon)

He turned to merchandising, banking and the real estate business, and thus he was variously occupied, in Sacramento, until 1863. Also, in 1852, he was one of the business managers of the Sacramento Union, one of the first daily newspapers in California. In 1863 Mr. Grim went to Virginia City, Nevada, and established a bank, which he operated until 1867. His next move was to San Francisco, where he was interested in stocks and mining. In 1892 he moved across the bay to Berkeley, and from that year to 1896 was manager of the Consolidated Street Railway Company of Oakland. Throughout the whole of his busy business career Mr. Grim has had the happy faculty of making friends, and his growing popularity manifested itself when, in 1898, he was elected county recorder of Alameda county, and again, in 1902, when he was honored by re-election to the office, as an independent candidate.” City directories provide more career details for Grim. The 1864 Virginia City, Nevada directory listed A.K. Grim as being “of B.F. Hastings & Co.,” which was included under “Bankers” in the business listings for this silver mining town that boomed after discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859. Grim first appeared in the San Francisco city directory in 1868, when his occupation was president of the Pacific Union Express Co. This company was organized in late 1867 by promoters of the Central Pacific Railroad, including Leland Stanford. Stockholders A. K. Grim and Lawrence W. Coe were appointed as managers for the express on the West Coast. Its service was advertised as including transport of materials and letters by every steamer via Panama and similar service to Hawaii, China and Japan. The company was set up to compete with Wells Fargo, who bought out the company in October 1869. In the 1870 federal census, Grim’s occupation was “real estate agent.” He was a “stockbroker” in the 1872 San Francisco city directory. His occupation was listed as ““expressman,” “capitalist” or “mining” in the following years through the 1880s.

San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

As a banker in Virginia City, Nevada, from 1863 to 1867, Abraham Grim would have been familiar with this express company advertised in the 1864 Virginia City directory. He was manager of a similar company in San Francisco for several years after he moved there in 1867. (Courtesy of

Ancestry.com, in the public domain)

In 1892, Grim moved his family to Berkeley, where he became superintendent of the Oakland Consolidated Street Railroad Company. The Oakland Tribune’s October 8, 1905 issue announced his 50th wedding anniversary, noting his paternal ancestors had come from Holland before the American Revolution and settled in Pennsylvania before the “City of Brotherly Love” was founded by William Penn. The article stated Grim had been elected County Recorder of Alameda County in 1898 and 1902 “by handsome majorities.” Abraham Grim died on January 6, 1910 at age 79. He was buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. The Oakland Tribune’s February 6, 1910 issue published a resolution passed by employees in the Recorder’s Office in honor of his memory. The clauses included, “Whereas, We the undersigned, have known him personally as a true and loyal friend, a just and considerate employer and an exemplar of honest and honorable manhood, and Whereas, He was an ideal officer, a devoted husband and father and an upright and highly esteemed citizen. He was a man of high ideals, of integrity of purpose and his death is a great loss to this community.”

The resolution was signed by 52 employees of the Recorder’s Office. Although historical records are not definitive, it is plausible Nash and Grim knew each other. Nash visited San Francisco frequently during the late 1860s after he set up shop in New Town San Diego, and he moved to San Francisco around 1876. In the early 1880s, San Francisco city directories indicate Nash and Grim were working in the mining industry in offices at 328 and 331 Montgomery Street, respectively — across the street from each other in the business district. Perhaps they met in 1868, when Grim had newly arrived in San Francisco, and Nash posed at the Hector W. Vaughan photographic gallery for a photograph labeled as “Vaughan’s Enameled Cards, 18 Third Street (Late 511 Montgomery St.) San Francisco.” As a land dealer and merchant with a large general store in 1868 who also advertised himself as a “Commission Agent,” Nash certainly would have appreciated Grim’s fine character and connections to banking, express, mining and real estate businesses. —Katherine Hon is the secretary of the North Park Historical Society. Reach her at info@northparkhistory.org or 619-294-8990.

San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

OPINION / FEATURE

Guest Editorial

Letters

The Way Forward: Democracy is the answer

In the recent January issue of Uptown News, DA Summer Stephan stated that the Moderna and Pfizer Covid19 vaccines have been FDA approved when they have actually been released under the emergency authorization act. The difference between approved and authorized is the difference between endorsed and allowed and I think you should make a correction.

By Brian Schrader

For years we’ve seen popular ideas fail to become law even when they enjoy broad and bipartisan support. In that same time, we’ve seen the needs of society change dramatically and the intensity of political polarization increase to levels unseen in the modern era. Our political institutions have found themselves paralyzed and unable to cope with the stresses placed upon them and so many have begun to look outside the political system for solutions. American governance has been paralyzed by polarization and by a history of anti-democratic practices. For the most part, the latter feeds the former, but in this new chapter of American history we have a chance to break this cycle, right some of our past missteps, and improve the lives of all Americans. To do so we need to make our government more "small d" democratic. Democratic reforms, which are unrelated to the Democratic party, are changes that improve democracy and promote the rights of all citizens. Yascha Mounk, in his book "The People vs. Democracy," defines the fundamental goal of liberal democracy (i.e. a representative or direct democracy that protects the rights of all people) thus: Proposals should become public policy if they are popular with the majority and don’t unjustly infringe upon the rights of the minority. This is how most Americans believe their government works, but it’s not, and it never has been. At the federal level, the Senate filibuster rule has become a hot-button topic in political circles, and for good reason. This arcane procedural rule, in effect, ensures that a simple majority of 51 votes is almost never enough to pass major legislation. In most cases, a supermajority of 60 votes is required, ensuring that no party is or ever will be able to regularly enact policy goals. This is obviously not how democracy is supposed to work, but it gets worse. When parties can’t enact their preferred legislation, the outcomes, and performance of publicly elected officials can’t be judged by the people at large. This breaks the fundamental feedback loop of democracy and only serves to increase tensions between the parties and foment distrust. Popular reforms are never implemented, polarization increases and society stagnates. At the state level things are different in kind, yet similar in

outcome. Even in California, the greatest state in the union, we’re not immune. In fact, we may be among the worst offenders. Our laws are littered with anti-democratic policies. Multiple state laws and constitutional amendments include supermajority requirements to repeal or amend. Prop 22, made law by voters in November 2020, includes a requirement that a 7/8ths majority of both houses of the state legislature is needed to approve any amendments. Whatever you think of Prop 22, this requirement should raise considerable suspicion, as it ensures that no changes will ever be made to the law, no matter the situation. In a democracy, the people are free to make laws as they see fit, but those laws should never prevent future voters from unmaking them, since what is good for one generation will not always be good for the next. Some argue that supermajority requirements ensure bipartisan outcomes, but this simply doesn’t play out in practice. It fails to recognize our current polarization and it underestimates the potential of government to simply do nothing. Instead of building consensus, supermajority requirements increase the likelihood that nothing actually happens, and that no reforms can be made. The trajectory of American history has never been a straight line towards progress, but with the correct reforms at the state and federal levels we could alter our present course and work to build "a more perfect Union." To paraphrase Astra Taylor’s book "Democracy May Not Exist, but We'll Miss It When It's Gone," democracy is not a goal that can be achieved. Instead, it is a vision to pursue, requiring constant adjustment and rededication. When asked, the vast majority of Americans approve of numerous consequential societal reforms. We can all see that things need to be fixed, but our history, and a few outdated traditions, prevent us from enacting meaningful change. If we want to move forward, we need to dismantle the obstacles in our path. Supermajority requirements stand in our way and encourage further division. We must shun such minoritarian tactics and become more democratic. —Brian Schrader is a local business owner, software developer, writer and San Diego resident living in Normal Heights.

Fighting COVID CONTINUED FROM Page 1

Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Dr. Robert Kadlec and is carried out by HHS and the El Centro Regional Medical Center, a UCSD hospital. The team’s role was to inform the public about the program, help alleviate fears and fight misinformation about the new treatment.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION OF COVID TREATMENTS Women make 80% of health care decisions in the United States, according to Department of Labor statistics, so gaining the trust of women was critical in galvanizing support for the MAB program. “There is a lot of messaging out there that has made this virus and this pandemic even more tragic,” Raby said. “Using EBW to engage the women in this community and say ‘We have something that will help you, don’t be afraid to go get a test, don’t be afraid to go to the hospital, there are resources there that will help you,’ was an important part of this.” Raby recalled one woman his team interviewed named Laura, a general manager at electrical cooperative, who shared that one of her employees called in to work because she was not feeling well. Laura encouraged her to get tested. “She also told her, because now she was aware of this, that she should ask her doctor if she meets the requirements for monoclonal antibody treatment. Two hours later she was getting the monoclonal antibody. So that’s the power of sharing the story.” Another success story was the El Centro fire chief, Cedric Cesena, who had severe symptoms from COVID. “Within 48 hours after the monoclonal treatment, I was at 80% back to normal,” Cesena said. “My wife’s life was also saved by the infusion. She’s got bronchitis and developed a pneumonia, and without the infusion she probably would’ve died.” But educating the public about MABs wasn’t the only issue facing the EBW team. “Our roll in El Centro started with how we galvanize people

Brian Schrader's second guest editorial is more maddening that the first. After elected officials push policies that decimate local and independent businesses, we should then go to work for them? There's nothing wrong with picking up trash but government is supposed to work for us, not the other way around. Teagan McClain around knowing about the antibodies,” said EBW founder and CEO Ingrid Vandeveldt. “It has morphed into something far greater than that. How do we simplify for the American public COVID’s five-step progression?” Vanderveldt said that progression starts with prevention through masks, washing hands and social distancing for people not infected with the virus. Vaccinating the population is another step. The third step is for people who test positive, and if the virus is caught early enough, to treat them with antibodies which will likely keep them out of the ICU. “But after that, things start to rapidly go downhill,” she said. “Stage four is you’re in the hospital; stage five is the ICU; and after that is death. “[Health officials] haven’t communicated this five step process well enough — and probably the most important message is to communicate this five step process,” she added.

INFUSION CENTER SUCCESSES

The MAB program in El Centro utilizes infusion centers where patients at high risk of severe reaction to COVID are treated within 72 hours of symptoms or after receiving a positive test. The MAB drugs, like the COVID vaccines that are now available, are already purchased by the government and are given to qualified patients at no cost. The program has been so far successful. Of the first 133 patients treated with the infusion, only six later required treatment in an ICU, said El Centro Regional Medical Center CEO Dr. Adolphe Edward. “That means we avoided hospitalizations for a lot of people – six wound up coming back and were admitted, so there’s a slight chance that you’ll get admitted. “But what we’re talking about is we’re avoiding hospitalization early; we’re catching the COVID positives early; we’re treating the COVID positives with the monoclonal body early; and we’re getting better results at the end of the day,” he added. Dr. Edward estimates that one ICU bed is freed up for every 10 patients treated with a MAB infusion. Pre-COVID, the El Centro Regional Medical Center had SEE FIGHTING COVID, Page 15

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EDITOR Kendra Sitton kendra@sdnews.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jeff Clemetson x130 Tom Melville x131 Dave Schwab x 132 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diana Cavagnaro Tom Cesarini Christopher Gomez Katherine Hon Neal Putnam Brian Schrader Sandee Wilhoit WEB / SOCIAL MEDIA Kendra Sitton

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Mike Rosensteel (619) 961-1958 miker@sdnews.com Lauren Vernon (571) 259-1530 lauren@sdnews.com BUSINESS CONSULTANT David Mannis (619) 961-1951 david@sdcnn.com ACCOUNTING Heather Humble x120 accounting@sdnews.com PUBLISHER Julie Main x106 julie@sdnews.com

OPINIONS/LETTERS: San Diego Downtown News encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email either to kendra@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: Press releases and story ideas are welcomed. Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to kendra@sdnews.com. For breaking news and investigative story ideas contact the editor by phone or email. DISTRIBUTION: San Diego Downtown News is distributed free on the first Friday of every month. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

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LITTLE ITALY An enclave with a rich and diverse history sdnews.com

Little Italy Culture & Heritage

By TOM CESARINI Little Italy offers more than just phenomenal food and splendid shops. This colorful neighborhood also shines with tradition and legacy. Convivio strives to preserve this legacy through its auxiliary, the Little Italy Heritage Foundation, with the following objectives: • Preserve the historical and cultural-heritage assets of Little Italy • Organize heritage and cultural events, exhibits, and projects • Engage in advocacy and fundraising to help secure fiscal support • Maintain Amici House, Little Italy’s event, heritage, and visitor center • Solicit the community for Little Italy artifacts for inclusion in the Italian Archives of San Diego, a digital repository of community

Bay City Drug served the community for many years and was a local hangout for the teens in the neighborhood. Today, patrons visit Born and Raised steak house on this site. (Courtesy of the Cresci Family and Convivio) historical photographs, documents, and oral histories. Convivio is at the forefront of efforts to perpetuate the historical narrative and vibrant heritage of

this treasured Italian enclave. We are currently working on several historical projects through SEE LITTLE ITALY, Page 12

Despite pandemic, Little Italy businesses prevail Little Italy News By CHRISTOPHER GOMEZ It’s been a year since our community and the rest of the world began battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses everywhere have been affected and put into survival mode during this time of crisis. Many have needed financial assistance to stay open or had to completely shut down if they weren’t able to make ends meet. Even our beloved and resilient businesses here in Little Italy have had to quickly pivot to stay open. We are so grateful to say that because of their determination and unrivaled community support, no businesses have had to close their doors. Little Italy cafés, restaurants, pubs, fine dining, boutiques, art galleries and shops have all adapted to this “new normal.” Local eateries began offering curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery services. And that’s not all. Many businesses have gotten creative and found innovative ways to continue providing services to the community and engage with their customers safely: boutiques are offering FaceTime personal shopping; shops are offering personalized subscription services for jewelry, coffee, or ice cream; and wineries are even delivering local wine right to your door. Even with the challenges of COVID, new businesses are opening and flourishing in our beautiful community. Allegro, a new Italian restaurant, expects to open its doors to the community later this month. Pizza enthusiasts,

Little Italy fountain (Photo courtesy Little Italy Association) get ready for a new go-to spot in the neighborhood, Mr. Moto Pizza — specializing in authentic New York-style pizza. For those of us who want to eat with our eyes first, there’s Pop Pops Paletas, a pop art inspired popsicle ice cream shop. They are already open and running, so make sure to get your natural, gourmet, handmade popsicle when you get the chance! All of this amazing success couldn’t have been possible without the support of our Little Italy community. We want to thank everyone who has supported and continues to support local businesses during this difficult time. Thank you for continuing to help our famiglia in any way you can, whether it be big or small. We also can’t forget about those in our neighborhood that haven’t been able to open their doors: barbershops, hair salons, gyms and yoga studios. Some have gone virtual, while others have continued

to stay closed in the meantime. Our goal is to continue to support in any way we can. So please, take that virtual yoga class, buy those gift cards for a manicure and hair color and cut once they’re open again. Let’s continue to stand by our businesses and show that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” For a running list of open bu s i ne s s e s , p l e a s e v i s it LittleItalySD.com For more ways to Shop, Dine & Support #LittleItalySD join our Facebook group dedicated to supporting our Little Italy community and local business owners. Stay up to date by following us! Instagram @littleitalysd, Facebook @littleitalysd and Twitter @littleitalysd. —Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager since 2000. Reach him at chris@littleitalysd.com.

San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

HISTORY / NEWS Heavenly architecture and flights of fancy San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

SANDEE WILHOIT Gaslamp Quarter Historical District

The stately Victorian building still standing on the corner of 5th and E has housed many financial institutions and numerous businesses. Having undergone several remodels, it is a testament to imagination, transformation and progress. It was originally sold by Alonzo Horton to James Kearney, a grocery man, on February 9, 1869. By January of 1874, Kearney had transferred the property to Joseph Campbell, who sold it with a profit to the Thomas Brothers, Richard and John. The brothers joined forces with Jacob Gruendike, a local successful businessman. The newly formed threesome set about to plan their new endeavor — the establishment of a national bank in the growing city of San Diego. Gruendike, who was president of the San Diego Water Company, the Coronado Peninsular Railroad and the San Diego Lumber Company, was to serve as president of the new bank, while Richard Thomas First National Bank Building 1884-86, 1927 Northwest Corner of 5th and E St. Architectural Style: Baroque Revival Architect: A. W. Delane

would be the vice-president and his brother would be the cashier. They were very eager to begin operations, which necessitated them initially opening the new “Bank of Southern California” in the De Level Building on the corner of 5th and F. The partnership quickly moved the frame structure on their property, and had plans for a brick structure drawn up by A. W. Delane. The first story and the full brick basement of the edifice was to be constructed immediately, with two additional stories to be added in the next year. On September 12, 1883 work began on the structure and the building was com-pleted on February 5, 1884.The San Diego Union described it as “elegant with the finish-ing work as by far the finest in the city.” The exterior walls were masonry over brick, while the interior walls were painted plaster with marble wainscoting in the halls and wood pan-eling. The banking room, which was 50-by-75 feet was entered through double doors from 5th St., and featured a horseshoe shaped lobby surrounded by mahogany counters with railings of burnished brass and heavily beveled French plate glass. The floor was Italian marble, and the ceilings were 16 feet high. To the right of the entry was a 10-by-10-foot room, the office of the vice president. The office of the president was towards the rear of the main floor.

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First National Bank Building (Photos by Tim Trevaskis) In the basement level, directly across from the Director’s Rooms, was the vault. It was a 9-by-12-foot brick room with six feet of stone and cement underneath as a foundation. The walls were two foot thick and heavily lined with iron. Thus, it was both burglar proof and fireproof. The safe was a Beard Brothers screw door safe with a time lock attachment. To this day, the vaults and safety deposit boxes are still in the basement, still intact, and it is said that some of the boxes are still sealed. All the basement rooms were also heavily car-peted. Assets were transferred from the De Level Building, and the bank opened as the First Na-tional Bank of San Diego. As one might suspect, such an opulent setting drew many of the city’s most formidable men who desired to operate their businesses from the building. To accommodate their growing clientele, the partnership began construction on the second phase of their project, adding two more stories, four more vaults and an elaborate folding security gate across the front door. The renovations, which cost $15,000, were completed in 1886. In 1885, two gentlemen, Hampton Story and Elisha Babcock, made a notable deposit of

$50,000 in the bank. Gruendike promptly installed them on the Board of Directors. A very smart move on his part, as Babcock and Story formed the Coronado Beach Company and built the Hotel Del Coronado! They kept their offices in the bank building, as did other well known San Diegans— John D. Spreckels, George Puterbough, a Superior Court judge, ar-chitects W.S. Hubbard and the Reid Brothers (Hotel Del Coronado), Ephraim Morse and several attorneys and judges. Another more infamous tenant was the International Company of Mexico, which was formed in 1887 for the purpose of “inducing immigration to Lower California” near Ense-nada. Although their business practices were somewhat suspect, the Mexican consul, who was also a tenant in the bank building, said he had “no objections” to their methods and practices. I n 1922, the Secu r it y Commercial and Savings Bank, forerunner of the Security Trust and Savings Bank, purchased the building and began a complete overhaul of the aging struc-ture. Although it was simplified and much of the ornate trimming was pared down, the building survived

intact. With its new look, it continued to draw prominent professionals to its doors and offices. In more modern times, it was purchased in 1973 by Gaslamp pioneer, Tom Hom and his brother Dr. George Hom. The Hom brothers opened the Far East Trading Company, special-izing in Asian products on the first floor. The San Diego Republican headquarters leased the second floor. In 2004, Osetra, an upscale restaurant, opened at the location. The high ceilings provided an area for “wine angels” to ascend to the wine tower on a wire, select a wine, and then slowly descend to the appropriate floor to deliver the wine. Due to COVID, the restaurant is now only open for takeout. Throughout all its incarnations, the First National Bank Building has endured as a symbol of the zeal, enthusiasm and ingenuity that has made the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego an international tourist destination and America’s finest city. —Sandee Wilhoit is the historian and lead tour guide at the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. She can be reached at swilhoit@gaslampfoundation.org.

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The Waldorf School of San Diego was recognized as one of the top 10% best schools in the nation and 20th Best High School for the Arts in California, receiving a 2020-2021 Grade A from Niche. Niche is a leading school search platform in public and private school rankings, rigorously analyzing dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews to produce comprehensive rankings, report cards, and profiles for every K-12 school, college and neighborhood in the U.S. “Waldorf School of San Diego, more than ever, is poised to help children succeed in an everchanging world,” said Rachel Davis, Waldorf School administrator. “Waldorf curriculum progresses in accordance with child development, awakening students to the joy of knowledge, strengthening their sense of responsibility,

and empowering them to move towards the future with courage and conviction.” The Waldorf School of San Diego is a private, independent Waldorf school and registered 501(c)3 nonprofit located in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego, California. It offers preschool/Kindergarten through 12th grade and is the only Waldorf high school in San Diego County. Founded in 1981, it is one of approximately more than 250 independent North American and 1,000 worldwide Waldorf schools. The school is an accredited member school of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America. “Our school continues to welcome students from nearly every San Diego community to become their truest selves,” stated board member, Suzy Bramzon. “This

recognition highlights the tremendous work by faculty, staff and the entire Waldorf community to truly commit to high-quality education.” The Waldorf School of San Diego continues to offer in-person, on-campus instruction taught outdoors, whilst offering online offerings or a home school option for families who wish to stay home and continues to welcome families with CDC recommendations, precautions and safety protocols in place. For newly interested families, the school provides Waldorf 101 online question & answer sessions and has rolling admissions. This has been especially appealing to parents looking for a safe and supportive in-school option, with less reliance on screen time. For more information, please visit waldorfsandiego.org.

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San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

FASHION Lunanorte’s jewelry shines San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

Fashion Files By DIANA CAVAGNARO Lunanorte was founded on the principles of avant-garde fashion, gemology and fine arts. This jewelry line infused with nature was co-founded by Rosemary Nowell and Jessica Blankley GG AJP. Jessica said the name Lunanorte was something special to them

Example of layering of necklaces from the “Dare to Dream” Collection

when they started and they really wanted to reference the moon. They decided to keep it unique by choosing to translate it into Spanish. I asked this creative pair how they started in fashion. Nowell said that she grew up in California and loves connecting art, fashion and jewelry design. She went to school to study fashion merchandising. Blankley is from New Jersey and went to gemology school at the University of Massachusetts. Combining their two interests in fashion they began this business in 2014. They blend colors and textures with earthly elements to create a balance with semi-precious gemstones. I asked them how they operated their business and what was their experience during Covid last year. Unfortunately, they had to completely close down but were able to still pay their employees.

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Opening back up at the beginning of June they began placing their jewelry at more outlets such as vintage stores, hair salons, health food stores and flower shops. They were able to triple their business in 2020. Some of the trends in jewelry are hair sticks. They are the perfect ornament to accent your zoom meetings. Quartz necklaces are popular right now and the women said that layering necklaces is huge. Additional fads are sterling silver rings and jewelry with birthstones. I asked this creative

Rose Quartz believed to be the stone of unconditional Love

Rosemary Nowell and Jessica Blankley GG AJP

Amethyst thought to be the stone of protection (Photos courtesy Lunanorte)

duo what is in the future for their business. They said that they were going to add semi-precious gem stones for home decorations which will add earthly elements to the interior of your house. Look for this in the future. Their website has a wonderful guide for the meaning of each gemstone which covers both the scientific and metaphysical signifi- Bermuda Triangle Necklaces and Mini Hoops cance. Some examples are Rose Quartz which is believed to and a look at this uplifting jewelry be the stone of unconditional love. visit: lunanorte.com It encourages forgiveness and helps you let go of anger, resent—Diana Cavagnaro is an inment and jealousy. Amethyst is ternationally renowned Couture thought to be the stone of protec- Milliner based in Alpine, tion. Turquoise is believed to be a California. Learn more about our purification stone that dispels neg- Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at ative energy. For more examples DianaCavagnaro.com.

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San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

John Cooper making a bicycle repair (Photo courtesy John Julio Garcia examining a bike (Photo by Oliver Zuniga)

Cooper)

Cycling changes CONTINUED FROM Page 1

They found a new hobby for themselves,” Cooper said. “So, I think it's changed for the better.” “There's definitely been a boom in cycling. People are looking for alternatives to stay mentally sane and busy outdoors,” said Julio Garcia, a volunteer with City Heights based co-op Bikes Del Pueblo. Garcia taught 13 classes to new cyclists about safety and repairs with a social justice lens. Many of his students were youth in City Heights or South Bay. “It gets them involved in looking at the way they move around their community in a different way. We teach them about transportation and why is it that sometimes in their communities there's more car accidents or why their sidewalks are not maintained or they're cracked, there’s potholes,” Garcia said.

Despite the increase in biking, injuries actually went down during the year. SANDAG noted a decrease in the number of injuries sustained by cyclists in 2020 in their August report. This was attributed to less vehicular traffic as well as safer infrastructure. As San Diego continues with its regional plan to add protected bikeways with barriers like planters, parked cars and concrete, the road is becoming safer for more cyclists, so novices, the elderly and children can ride their bikes with less concern about being hit by a car. Still, the construction is slow to roll out and has faced opposition in many neighborhoods and business districts that want to preserve parking. While construction on planned bikeways continued throughout the pandemic, the city also unveiled a temporary Shared Streets program that closed off some streets from cars so people biking and walking could use them while maintaining social distancing.

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Julio Garcia riding in his community (Photo courtesy Julio Garcia)

However, the program received criticism for not going far enough in protecting pedestrians and cyclists: drivers could pull around the barriers and still use the protected roadway. In addition, many of the streets were only one block long so did not take up significant space for exercising. SEE CYCLING CHANGES, Page 13

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different media, and we need your support. Contact us at info@conviviosociety.org to donate financially, volunteer, or contribute artifacts to our historical projects.

CAFFÈ CARITÀZZA: WHERE COFFEE MEETS CULTURE Caffè Caritàzza by Convivio is Little Italy’s only nonprofit coffee bar, located in the Little Italy dog park. The caffè serves to complement Amici House, the neighborhood event, heritage and visitor center. Along with serving delicious espresso drinks or specialty teas, Caffè Caritàzza serves other great products such as specialty pastries, panini, breakfast burritos, kombucha, sparkling water and Italian sodas. Emphasizing stellar customer service, the outdoor coffee bar continually caters to its constituents, putting them first. After all, getting your cup o’ joe should be virtually effortless! Now, Convivio introduces an exciting new feature for getting your daily pick-me-up: the Caritàzza Coffee Club. For one small monthly fee, members get a whole lot of coffee drinks and other members-only benefits. And in becoming a coffee club member, you can spread some good in the neighborhood: Membership helps to support Convivio arts, culture, and education programs in the community! Proceeds from membership also benefit unsheltered and at-risk youth at Washington Elementary in Little Italy, a Convivio partner in the neighborhood. Caffè Caritàzza prides itself on its premium-quality items, topnotch customer service and an unrelenting focus on community. At Amici House, we look forward to returning to our programs and events soon. In the meantime, come on down for a cup of coffee or your other favorite beverage and to say hello—and be sure to wear your mask! Follow us on social media to stay informed of all the cultural goings-on in the neighborhood. —Tom Cesarini is the executive director and founder of Convivio and also serves as the Italian honorary consul in San Diego. Convivio cultivates community and fellowship, advances Italian cultural identity, and fosters multicultural awareness across myriad disciplines through education and research, social enrichment, and innovative programming. Visit: conviviosociety.org | Follow: @conviviosociety (Facebook / Instagram / Twitter)

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NEWS / FEATURE / PUZZLES Guerrero hearing Cycling changes

San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

sdnews.com

CONTINUED FROM Page 11

who survived the attack, but was left blinded in the Midway District area near Greenwood Street. Mason died in July, 2019. Guerrero literally was walking around with the bloodstains of many victims whose DNA was found on his shoes and clothing, according to his sentencing report released on Jan. 27. Many victims’ DNA was found on the sledgehammer and railroad spikes used as weapons. Guerrero has a history of schizophrenia, but was found mentally competent to stand trial after treatment at a state mental hospital. “I should have been on my medication,” said Guerrero to authorities. “I should have been more responsible knowing the gravity of my illness.” “Mr. Guerrero is severely mentally ill,” said his attorney, Dan Tandon, who added that his client “has been held accountable.” Tandon said Guerrero benefited from his time at the mental hospital, saying “He’s remarkable stable today as a result of that treatment.” Guerrero told officials he believed all those he killed and attacked were spirits and not human. He said he saw “vampire spirits with sharp teeth” who were following him and communicating with him daily. When a probation officer who wrote the sentencing report asked Guerrero about why he killed Simons, he said this: “I didn’t think she was human either.” Guerrero’s guilty pleas brought “some measure of closure” and a sense of justice to some, said Harvey. Simon’s son, Greg Asumbra, told officials he was satisfied with the sentence and was opposed to the death penalty for him. Asumbra said he wished Guerrero had received help before his killing spree. He said his mother would have wanted him to receive help also.

“These were, in my opinion, a good idea but it didn't go all the way. Cars would disregard the sign and drive through them and that was really disappointing because it made it like ‘Okay well, nothing's gonna stop cars from making it a little bit unsafe for bicyclists [even when] the street is specifically for them,” said Alexandra (Alex) Flores, one of San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s new board members. She has pledged to use her platform on the board to make it safer for women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color). When Flores began cycling as an adult a few years ago, she initially would not bike alone because she was afraid of being in a hit-andrun collision. She did experience drivers yelling at her or throwing objects at her while riding. She now bikes almost everywhere but still wants safer bikeways for everyone. “Making [biking] more accessible to the most vulnerable population or less experienced population would make it so much easier for people to see themselves riding their bike to work or to the grocery store. Some of the new the new bike lanes are going to be fully protected and I think that's truly amazing because it really cuts the fear of being next to cars,” Flores said. With advocacy from Garcia and Flores, the face of cycling is changing. “A lot of the cycling that we see is more geared towards like white men and clip-in shoes,” Garcia

—Neal Putnam is a local court reporter.

Alex Flores and two fellow cyclists

Dine YOUR AD HERE ver ch o 0 a e R 0,00 20 ers read Call Mike Rosensteel

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(Photo courtesy Alex Flores)

SUDOKU PUZZLE John Cooper smiles as he holds a bicycle wheel (Photo courtesy John Cooper)

said. “We've been excluded from that mainstream idea of cycling. I’m kind of breaking that.” He was recently honored with the Educator of the Year Golden Gear Award through the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition for his role in teaching underserved communities. “A lot of folks in the cycling community, they're like ‘Don't bring race and class into cycling. It's just a sport.’ But race and class are linked to everything in our society,” Garcia said. “Biking is not just a sport. It’s a mode of transportation. There's a lot of inequities that kind of show that in each community.” Flores is hopeful that as biking becomes safer, more people can take part in it for transportation as well as recreation, which is good for meeting climate action goals. “Hopefully in the future it will be safer for everyone to ride their bike,” Flores said.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

—Reach Kendra Sitton at kendra@sdnews.com.

Julio Garcia wearing a Bikes del Pueblo shirt (Photo by Edgar Ontiveros)

Local Present this coupon to obtain discount.

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Fill in the blank cells using number 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process elimination to solve the puzzle.

CONTINUED FROM Page 3

2965 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

CLUES ACROSS 1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Of she 8. Hyperbolic function 12. Rice dish 14. A team’s best pitcher 15. Strong and healthy 16. Induces 18. Popular manga series 19. From a distance 20. Split 21. Consumed 22. Cushions

23. All over 26. One who provides food 30. St. __ Girl, brand of beer 31. Walking slowly 32. Wood 33. Semitic gods 34. Bugle 39. 60-minute periods (abbr.) 42. Congressman 44. Plant of the heath family 46. Subdivision of an army 47. Having many different forms 49. Shellfish

50. Latin for hail 51. Between sixth and seventh 56. Maori war dance 57. Precious or semiprecious stone 58. Teeter totter 59. Deity 60. A major division of geological time 61. Fishing net 62. Small Caribbean bird 63. Field force unit 64. Japanese beverage (incorrect American pronunciation)

CLUES DOWN 1. Prevents oil spills 2. Monetary unit 3. The color of the sky 4. Dough used to make tortillas 5. Popular comic strip character 6. Distinct form of a plant 7. Replenishment 8. Has its own altar 9. Expedition to see animals 10. Group of related organisms 11. His and __ 13. Frenetically

17. Small integer 24. Unit of energy 25. Studies of culture 26. Taxi 27. Doctors’ group 28. Don’t know when yet 29. Former measure of length 35. Popular CBS series 36. Skin condition 37. Christian creator and ruler of the universe 38. They __ 40. Caused severe damage

41. Work done under harsh conditions for no pay 42. One point east of due south 43. Sea eagles 44. Drenched 45. State capital 47. Italian city 48. Sweetheart (archaic) 49. Brief talk 52. Popular disco group: Bee __ 53. First Chinese dynasty 54. Military vehicle 55. Chinese Moslem

San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

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NEWS

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Fighting COVID CONTINUED FROM Page 6

only 12 ICU beds, but has now expanded to over 60 in the hospital and even in outside tents.

THE FRONTLINES OF A PANDEMIC As Raby, Valdez and Vanderveldt interviewed local community leaders, healthcare professionals and citizens who shared their stories about the successes of the infusion centers, their backdrop was often the COVID-positive tents where the filmmakers witnessed the around-the-clock battle healthcare workers were engaged in trying to save lives. “It felt like we were in a war zone,” Raby said. “People weren’t shooting at us but there was the effect of the bodies that were lined up outside the hospital ward because they had nowhere to put the deceased. We had that view. And it was powerful. It was disheartening. It was tragic.” Dr. Edwards described the situation in El Centro as “a fearful fact. That is the reality here.” “We’ve been on the New York [Times] list of bad places with very high concentrations of COVID positives. We’ve been ranked number 1 for 10 weeks, although we’re down to three or four right now, but that’s one of those lists you don’t want to be on,” he said. After the team finished filming in El Centro, they realized they had documented more than just a government program. “The emotions of what I experienced over the last six days hit me and tears just started pouring down my face,” he said. “Because what we were witnessing wasn’t just something about COVID-19, it was about a community. It was about people. It was about a history of the land.

“This was once a desert and because of water it has turned into the fruit and vegetable basket of our country in the winter months. Along with that comes people who’ve been affected by this pandemic more than most places in the county. I think their positive rate was at 37%.” The high rate of infection comes from a variety of factors in El Centro, where a sizable portion of the population are migrant workers exposed to environmental pollutants like pesticides and many families live in multi-generational households with little to no ability to quarantine at home. “These people have been affected for a long period of time and their health is at risk. COVID-19 picks on people who have those kind of health issues and it doesn’t allow them up,” Raby said. “And now, hopefully, the people that were there — HHS, certainly EBW, as well as the Department of Defense that is doing this Operation Warp Speed — they will see this community needs the help. And if we can help this community, we can take this program and help the entire country.”

San Diego Downtown & Uptown News February 2021

the patient, which is a healthier society.” The EBW team and Dr. Edward see the one-two punch of infusion and vaccination center as a chance to educate the public about the availability, safety and efficacy of each treatment no matter where a person is in the fivestep process. If a person comes into the tent to get a vaccine, he/ she can be educated on the MAB treatment and then go and encourage family and friends to get the treatment if they get a positive test. If someone comes in for a treatment, he/she will find out about the availaibilty of vaccines. Dr. Edward thinks that for every10,000 vaccines administered at an infusion center, they will find 500 at-risk people with COVID to get treated with antibodies and save El Centro Medical Center 50 hospital beds in the process. Vanderveldt also points out that right now it seems unlikely that the surge will be stopped by vaccines alone. “Rolling out vaccine distribution without antibody distribution at the same time is a problem because there are not enough vaccines out there,” she said. “Plus, there is still too much doubt about vaccine safety and so the public adoption rate may not be enough to reach herd immunity.” This is not a plan that will take months to see results. According to Dr. Edward, if the community gets vaccines and their distribution is paired with infusion centers, El Centro could start to turn around in three days. In the meantime, spreading the word about the MAB infusion treatment is underway. EBW has launched a communications campaign using the Rady’s film images on billboards, flyers to hang on doors in English and Spanish, social media and short-form,

A STRATEGY EMERGES

As the COVID vaccine becomes more available, the EBW team, as well as the doctors at El Centro Medical Center, envision a new tactic to fight the surge by pairing vaccination stations with infusion centers. “When EBW first visited here, I encouraged that we marry up the infusion and vaccination together because it helps us at the end of the day,” Dr. Edward said. “We’re been talking about getting more vaccinations down here, it hasn’t happened yet, we’re still waiting for distribution. But avoiding hospitalization, avoiding an ICU bed means a better outcome for

Adam Raby (far left) is interviewing Dr. John Redd, the chief medical officer for the office of the assistant of secretary of health and human services for preparedness and response. (Courtesy photo) podcast-type interviews to educate community members about the MAB program. EBW and Raby hope the next phase is to tell this story in a documentary form, possibly a series. That documentary or series, the team imagines, would not only show the devastation of the pandemic in one of America’s hardest hit cities, but also the hope that comes out of people helping people. “If we come together and put aside some of those differences, put aside those ideas and thoughts the

messaging, put that aside and help each other, maybe this is an opportunity to move forward and make some changes in our community where we all help each other — even outside of healthcare.” “For the first time in history, we’re all focusing on the same issue,” Valdez added. “We’re all focusing on COVID-19 and that’s the comradery of what can bring us together as a society, so hopefully this can be an opportunity.” —Reach editor Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdnews.com.

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