Mission Valley News, Vol. 13, Issue 1 by Lgbtqsdnews

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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

sdcnn.com Mission Valley

INSIDE

Linda Vista

Old Town

Morena District

Get up to date on local events! Page 20

Serra Mesa

Check out our winners!

M IS SION VA LLEY

NEWS BRIEFS

THIS ISSUE B FEATURE

Building better ﬁtness

An artist rendering of the entry to the proposed Witt project (Courtesy The Dinerstein Companies)

Planning group approves Witt

Former bodybuilder starts ﬁtness center with wellness focus. Page 3

B FEATURE

A helping hand

Volunteers of America Southwest opens facility in East Mission Valley. Page 3

B FOOD & DRINK Testing, testing …

Page 9 >>

Newly released book details the First United Methodist Church of San Diego’s history

Grantville kitchen creates new recipes for restaurant group. Page 7

B ALSO INSIDE

See NEWS BRIEFS page 2

Church celebrates 150 years Cynthia Robertson

Politics Community Opinion Business Classifieds Lifestyle

On Jan. 9, The Mission Valley Planning Group voted unanimously to approve the Witt housing project. The mixed-use project will be built in the over 5-acre parcel that currently houses the Witt car dealership at 588 Camino Del Rio North. The Witt project is being built by The Dinerstein Companies, who recently completed the Millennium Mission Valley project on the property adjacent to the Witt property,

Like Millennium, the Witt project will be a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments in five-story buildings wrapped around courtyards. There will be a total of 277 housing units, 10 of which are live/work “shopkeeper units,” said Dinerstein partner Josh Vasbinder. In addition to the dwelling units, there plan calls for 6,000 square feet of retail space and 3,600 square feet of commercial space. The project will also be heavy on sustainability. “We’ve got solar panels essentially covering every square inch of available roof space that we have,” Vasbinder said. Amenities include rooftop decks, a pool area, a dog park and a classic courtyard space. Next step for the project is a vote at the Planning

5 5 6 17 18 19

Editorial / Letters (619) 961-1969 jeﬀ@sdcnn.com

Every day, thousands of drivers pass through Mission Valley on Interstate 8. Perched high on a hill above the freeway is the First United Methodist Church of San Diego (FUMCSD). It sits like a sentry over the city. Inside the light-filled sanctuary, the faint sound of traffic can still be heard, a constant reminder that the church has remained in the heart of the city, even from its humble beginnings one and a half centuries ago. This year, the church will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a series of special events.

There will be a book launch on Jan. 30 by Krista Ames-Cook, author of “Images of America: First United Methodist Church of San Diego.” Over the course of nearly four years, even as she worked full-time, Ames-Cook wrote the book, which began as a mere concept in 2014 when the church was celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Mission Valley location. She used vintage photographs from local archives, including the church’s collection. The book is also an intriguing story of how San Diego has changed in the past 150 years. See CHURCH page 2

Krista Ames-Cook in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of San Diego, about which she wrote a book on its history to commemorate the church's 150th anniversary in San Diego. (Photo by Cynthia Robertson) San Diego campus 2020 Camino Del Rio North Suite 900 San Diego, CA 92108

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Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

uuChurch, from page 1 As the church congregation expanded and its ministries grew, the church has had to move a number of times from its original location. “As the city grew, so did the church,” Ames-Cook said. One of the most surprising things Ames-Cook discovered while doing research for the book was architect Irving John Gill’s impact on San Diego. Known as “Jack” to his friends, Gill is considered a pioneer of the modern movement in architecture. He had no formal education in architecture and never attended college. Instead, he apprenticed under architects in Syracuse, New York and then later in Chicago, Illinois. He

moved to San Diego in 1893 for health reasons and launched his own architecture studio specializing in large residences in eclectic styles. Gill designed several buildings considered examples of San Diego’s best architecture. “The Gothic Revival sanctuary that Gill designed for First Church in 1906 was his only example in this style,” AmesCook said. First Church worshipped at this location at the corner of Ninth and C streets from 1907 until 1964. It was later demolished due to earthquake safety concerns. In addition to the many homes that Gill designed in San Diego, he also created the fountain in Horton Plaza, featured in chapters three and nine of the book, and the former

Live parkside. Chill poolside.

Pickwick Theatre, featured in chapter two. “We can better understand the way the San Diego grew as a city from the history of First Methodist Church of San Diego,” Ames-Cook said. For example, San Diego is often referred to as the birthplace of California since this was the location for the first permanent Spanish settlement when Mission San Diego de Alcala was built in 1769. One hundred years later, as more people started arriving in San Diego from the East Coast and other parts of America, the first Methodist prayer meeting was held along the waterfront in a former Army barracks. Over the hill from the area San Diegans know as Old Town today, Alonzo Horton established

CiViTA RECREATion CEnTER

New Town and set up roads and parcels of land that became the foundation for San Diego’s Downtown. From 1870 to 1906, the church was in the center of what is now Downtown near Ames-Cook points out the photo of the chapel of the Horton Plaza. After a move few 1950s with the stained glass windows, three of which blocks northeast, were placed into the current Mission Valley location of the church. (Photo by Cynthia Robertson) the congregation worshipped from 1907 to 1964 in the Gothic community where it is located,” Revival-style sanctuary. Even she said. with additions, First Church outFor example, in 1876 the grew this space, and so it moved pastor of the church officiated again in 1964 to its current a marriage by telegraph. The place, a Spanish Contemporarychurch’s former location near style church in Mission Valley. Horton Plaza was also the site Over the years, the church’s of community lectures in the reach from Mission Valley has late 1800s, including one for expanded to multiple sites and the women’s suffrage movement several congregations, includwhen Susan B. Anthony spoke ing to the Point Loma United in June 1895. Methodist Church. This church When the church moved to has many examples of serving Ninth and C streets, a set of San Diego through its various chimes, or bells, was gifted to locations and ministries. the city of San Diego in 1908 John Fanestil, pastor of diswith First Church as the custocipleship at FUMCSD, believes dian of the bells for the people. that the church is the oldest “These same chimes are in Protestant congregation in San the Mission Valley bell tower Diego. When the church held today,” said Ames-Cook, who its first prayer meeting in 1869, will speak of this and many San Diego was still forming an other historical facts at the identity as a border town in a book launch on Jan. 30 from new state but was an attractive 12:15 to 1 p.m. place for people coming from As is true of any event at both the South and the East, First United Methodist Church Fanestil explained. of San Diego, all people are “We are still living in this welcome to come to the book hope and dream, of being a launch, which will be held in church for all people,” he said. Linder Lounge. For more inforIn doing research for the mation, go to fumcsd.org or call book, Ames-Cook learned some- 619-297-4366. thing else. “It’s important for people to understand the histo—Cynthia Robertson ry of their church to know and is a San Diego-based freeappreciate the role it has played lance writer. Reach her at in helping and serving the c1g2robertson@gmail.com.■

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uuNews briefs, from page 1

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Commission, hopefully sometime in February, Vasbinder said. “Assuming all that goes well, the earliest we’d be out there starting construction would be November or December, it may end up leaking into 2020. Then the construction schedule is about two years to complete the project,” he said.

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Hazard Center is now home to a new cycle studio. (Courtesy Rush Cycle)

Cycling enthusiasts can now stay fit, even in bad weather at a new studio opened in Mission Valley. Rush Cycle, located in Hazard Center, offers full-body workouts by skilled instructors that are synced with high-energy music. Rush Cycle held public grand openings by offering the public a free “Rush Ride” during events on Dec. 15 and 22.

“We can’t wait to be a driving force for health and fitness,” said Rush Cycle franchise owner Corinne Lewis in a press release. Co-owner Enrique Velazquez added, “We ride as one during class and count on our neighbors to get us through to the end. We are so grateful to be a part of the Mission Valley community.” Rush Cycle’s 45-minute workout combines the effective cardio burn of fast-paced indoor cycling with exercises that target riders’ cores and arms to burn more than 500 calories per workout. Riders can also track their personal progress via the Rush Ride Dashboard, which monitors calories burned, max RPMs, total distance, class rank and more. “An excellent addition to Hazard Center’s diverse offerings, Rush Cycle will provide our visitors with a new and exciting workout in a fun setting,” said Lisa Gualco, Hazard Center’s general manager in a press release. “In welcoming Rush Cycle, we’ve further cemented Hazard Center’s place in Mission Valley as visitors’ go-to for it all – workouts, dining, entertainment, shopping, services and more.” Rush Cycle is located at 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 203, San Diego, CA 92108 – between Lakeshore Learning Store and FedEx Office. For more information, visit rushcycle.com.■

FEATURE A holistic approach to ﬁtness

sdcnn.com

Envisions founder uses life experience to bring well-rounded approach to her wellness gym

Jeﬀ Clemetson

Margie Palmer There have been many trends in health and fitness that have emerged in the past 20 years. From aerobics to CrossFit, and from the South Beach Diet to the ketogenic eating plan, many throughout the U.S. are consistently looking to take advantage of the newest “fast-fix” to help them shed pounds and get in shape. But Vickie Nickerson, owner of Envisions Wellness Center in Grantville, believes that fullbody wellness is about more than fad diets and exercise plans. In her view, these types of goals are best accomplished by taking a more holistic approach. The native San Diegan’s path toward wellness began in the 1980s, after an anxietyand stress-related hospitalization had doctors encouraging her to eat better, sleep better and to start going to the gym. “When looked for a trainer to help me, I didn’t find one. There weren’t any certifications for personal trainers at that time, but I met someone who was going to San Diego State University who was studying kinesiology,” she said. “He taught me some things and helped me with supplements and the more I worked out, the stronger and more powerful I felt.” A few years later, she and her then-husband moved to Northern California, where she met a physician who owned a gym. Since she’d done some training in San Diego, he asked her if she wanted to help train clients at his facility. “When I was under the wing of this physician, I learned the importance of incorporating nutrition and stress management with fitness,” Nickerson said. “When I came back to San Diego a year later for a wedding, I looked at the gyms here and had to decide whether I wanted to be a big fish in a little pond in Northern California, or if I wanted to be a small fish in a big pond in San Diego.” After returning to Southern California, Nickerson continued to study nutrition and eventually went onto obtaining the first-ever gold certification for

3 Difference maker: Volunteers of America Southwest Mission Valley News

Editor

[Editor’s note: This article is part of an occasional series about local nonproﬁts or local people who work in the nonproﬁt sector who make a difference in our community. If you know of an organization or person who deserves recognition for their work, please email information to jeff@sdcnn.com.] Vicki Nickerson is a former bodybuilder who now runs a holistic wellness center in Grantville. (Photos courtesy Vicki Nickerson)

personal trainers. She also took up bodybuilding. “I competed from 1989 to 1994 and competed in a number of local and national competitions,” she said, noting that her most memorable was the Excalibur completion in San Diego, where she not only won in her weight class, but she also won the overall trophy. She eventually went on to win the World Cup. Not surprisingly, her experience and commitment to fitness helped land her a number of personal training clients. In 1991, after spending time training an international-traveling executive who needed help getting his blood pressure down, that client told her he thought it was time for her to branch out and open her own facility. He also offered her a loan to help get her business started; Nickerson jumped at the opportunity. Three years later, she stopped competing as a bodybuilder, so she could give her full attention to her business. “What Envision [does] different is that I look at the whole body. There are lots of trends in fitness, such as CrossFit and Peloton, but they don’t address the whole body,” Nickerson said. “Kaiser and Sharp are now looking at the mind as being as important as the physical body, and with my history of having gone through anxiety and stress, and crashing, I believe that mental health is as important as physical health.” Today, she trains her trainers on the importance of holistic health and wellness. “A lot of gyms take a cookie-cutter approach, but when

Envisions approach to wellness includes nutrition, workouts and destressing clinets through massage and yoga.

Envisions founder Vicki Nickerson today

a new person comes into Envision, we have them complete a 13-page health history that gives us information about their lifestyle, their nutrition, how well they are sleeping and how happy they are, along with their blood pressure, heart rate and ﬂexibility,” she said. “With my clients, I incorporate little pieces of a lot of things while knowing that not everything is appropriate for every individual.” Nickerson also teaches and studies Ayurveda, the Hindu system of medicine that’s founded in the idea of creating balance between the mind, body and spirit. “It’s a science of life that’s as old as Chinese medicine and it has the same principles. If we live our life in harmony with nature and with what our body is telling us, we’re better as people,” she said. Not surprisingly, Envision Personalized Health has grown from being an exercise facility to a fully integrative wellness center that offers fitness programs, health coaching and body treatments. “I’ve had clients that have trained with me for 25-30 years and they love the fact that I’ve evolved along with them, and that I address their needs as whole person as opposed to just providing fitness instruction,” she said. “Teaching people about what their body needs as opposed to focusing on the latest trend is what makes Envision different.” —Margie Palmer is a freelance journalist who has been racking up bylines for over a decade. Reach her at margiep@alumni.pitt.edu.■

On Oct. 10, 2018, Volunteers of America Southwest cut the ribbon on its new Resource & Recovery Center at 4525 Mission Gorge Place in Grantville along the East Mission Valley border. The new center will serve approximately 500 individuals annually from Volunteers of America Southwest’s Renaissance Treatment Center — a substance abuse and treatment center. The new resource center will help these people continue their treatment and aid them in getting jobs, housing, education and more. Mission Times Courier recently interviewed Volunteers of America Southwest President and CEO Gerald McFadden about the new facility and the other work the organization does.

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

McFadden became president and CEO of Volunteers of America Southwest in 1998. In his role, he has executive responsibility for the southwest region of California, including five major counties, and the entire state of Arizona. He oversees corporate growth, mergers, brand management, and capital acquisition through bond financing and business partnerships to fund longterm corporate strategic initiatives. McFadden said he became involved with the nonprofit sector because of the sense of purpose, fulfilment, and joy that was awakened in him when he realized the difference he could make in the lives of others through compassionate listening and servicing those who are vulnerable and often without hope. “The nonprofit sector is where I found an opportunity for a vocation, but it is the calling to serve others that truly breathed life into to me as an individual,” he said. “I have come to realize that one person is often all that it takes to positively alter the life of another human being and turn personal challenges into an opportunity for a new beginning.” See VOLUNTEERS page 4

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Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

uuVolunteers, from page 3

Can you share a brief history of Volunteers of America Southwest?

Volunteers of America Southwest is a non-denominational faith-based social service organization that has provided vital services to vulnerable individuals in the San Diego metropolitan area for more than 122 years. Today, the organization is made up of skilled professionals and volunteers who turnaround the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community: homeless veterans, adults with addiction challenges, struggling seniors, and children with unique educational needs. Through best-in-class programs, we transform the lives of vulnerable individuals each day by inspiring hope and providing skills that result in an improved quality of life for those we serve. We understand that everyone who comes through our doors may not at first decide to turn their life around, but we never give up on anyone that seeks our help. We are a source of hope for those who have broken spirits, those who have taken a wrong turn, or those who life has dealt a difficult blow.

The services provided by Volunteers of America Southwest are focused in three primary areas: the education and social development of young children; behavioral health services that provide treatment for adults with addiction and mental health challenges; and support services for vulnerable veterans. Annually, Volunteers of America Southwest assists more than 6,500 individuals through more than 25 direct service programs located in San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties. At present the organization has an annual operating budget of approximately $34 million, employs 400 staff and works in partnership with more than 350 volunteers.

How bad is the substance abuse problem in San Diego and has it gotten worse over the years?

In San Diego, 6.79 percent of pregnant women use illicit drugs. More than 11,500 Californians were admitted to hospitals for heroin or other opioid overdoses in 2017. One baby born every 25 minutes in the U.S. suffers from opioid withdrawals. The number of individuals, including newborn children trapped in the snares of drug and alcohol addiction in

FEATURE the San Diego metropolitan area, continues to increase at an exponential rate; meanwhile, the availability of treatment beds and aftercare services remains woefully insufficient to meet the needs of those who are in dire need of treatment.

What is the mission of Volunteers of America and how does the alumni club at the Resource and Recovery Center fit with the organization’s mission?

The mission of Volunteers of America is to inspire hope through our ministry of service by providing individuals and families with the tools to improve their quality of life. The Volunteers of America Southwest Resource and Recovery Center, located in the Mission Valley area, has been established for the specific purpose of strengthening the continuum of care available to persons struggling with addiction challenges as they pursue their journey for a clean, sober and long-term productive life. This center will provide individuals with specific services such as: employment readiness training and job placement assistance; transitional and permanent housing placement; computer literacy training; alumni and peer support

Volunteers of America Southwest President and CEO Gerald McFadden cuts the ribbon on the new VOASW Resource & Recovery Center in Grantville. (Courtesy Volunteers of America Southwest)

meetings; health screening; music, art and fitness therapeutic support programs; and a safe, caring, and supportive environment where the hard work of recovery will be available to them. It is our belief at Volunteers of America Southwest that this Resource and Recovery Center will truly help transform lives in ways that will enhance longterm positive outcomes for persons working through addiction challenges; improve treatment outcomes and behaviors of individuals in ways that are consistent with the fundamental principles of restorative justice; and finally, transform the lives of formally vulnerable individuals into vibrant and productive

lives, while improving public safety and strengthening families.

Are there other programs Volunteers of America Southwest does besides addiction treatment? What are those?

Volunteers of America Southwest provides innovative, results-driven programs and services to assist vulnerable individuals and families in the communities we serve. The services provided by Volunteers of America Southwest are focused in three primary areas: the education and social development of young children; behavioral health services that provide treatment for adults with addiction and mental health challenges; and support services for vulnerable veterans. The programs that are part of the education and social development of young children service area include early childhood development programs for ages 2 months through 3 years of age, pre-school programs, and K-6 grade charter schools. The programs that are part of the behavioral health service area include detoxification medication management, long-term residential treatment, and aftercare support service through the Resource and Recovery Center. Additionally, included in the behavioral health service area, are residential supportive care centers for individuals with mental health challenges. The programs that are part of the veterans' service area include supportive services for veteran families, residential and case management housing, and employment training and job placement assistance.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Volunteers of America Southwest is in the turnaround business. We turnaround the lives of vulnerable individuals with challenges by cultivating their hope, providing them with concrete skills, and creating paths that help turn their seemingly impossible journey into the best life possible. We get to see miracles happen as a result of the work done by Volunteers of America Southwest. We create sparks of hope in individuals and help those we assist to imagine new possibilities for their life. We guide, encourage, and walk beside those in our care. We love this work because we get to be the co-creators of thousands of life-changing success stories. —Reach Jeff Clemetson at jeff@sdcnn.com.■

POLITICS / COMMUNITY City oﬀers rebates for rain gutters

Mission Valley News

sdcnn.com

District 7 Dispatch Scott

Sherman San Diego is blessed to have a beautiful ecosystem of beaches, bays, and waterways that stretch from the coast to District

7 and beyond. While we have been blessed with this beautiful natural landscape, it is also our responsibility to take care of it. This is why the city of San Diego is offering rebates for homeowners to install rain gutters on their homes to help conserve water and divert rainwater from paved surfaces and storm drains.

Rebate amounts range from $62.50 to $500 depending on the quantity and type of materials (PVC, aluminum, steel) used for the gutters. Rain gutters efficiently capture rainwater from rooftops and divert runoff away from paved surfaces and storm drains and into a green space, landscapes, and/or rain

Victims of sex trafﬁcking City Attorney News Mara W. Elliott Sex trafficking may seem like something that could never happen in our own close-knit community, but don’t be mistaken: It is happening right here, right now. At $800 million annually, sex trafficking is second only to drug trafficking among underground economies in San Diego County. Sex trafficking occurs when force, fear, fraud, or coercion are used to compel a commercial sex act, or anytime a minor is involved in a commercial sex act. The average sex trafficking victim in San Diego County is only 16 years old. Remember, that’s the average: many of its victims are much younger than 16. Most sex trafficking victims live as virtual prisoners along with other trafficking victims, or with an abusive and controlling partner. They didn’t enter this nightmare with open eyes. More likely, they were lured into the life with promises of love, protection, adventure, or opportunity. Here’s one scenario that’s all too common: Your high school-age daughter starts coming home with new clothes and expensive gifts, and won’t tell you where they came from. Over time you notice her withdraw, and one night she doesn’t come home. When your texts go unanswered and your calls go straight to voicemail, you call the police to report her missing. Days later, the police show up at your front door and

say your daughter has been brought in as a victim of sex trafficking. She was preyed upon by a man who made her believe he loved her and was her boyfriend. Once he earned her trust, he betrayed her in the worst way possible. He forced her into a life of sexual exploitation and crime. Victims of sex trafficking often feel they have nowhere to turn. That’s why my office is committed to ensuring that anyone who has had to endure the trauma of sex trafficking has a safe place to seek refuge and get help. At the San Diego Family Justice Center, a division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, we are dedicated to transitioning victims into survivors. Starting in January 2019, Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the San Diego Family Justice Center (SDFJC) is extending the same high caliber of services it provides to domestic violence victims to victims of sex trafficking. In offering these new services, we are responding to a need. We discovered that many of our clients are also sex trafficking victims. We are bringing on new, specialized community partners to make sure that any victim who walks through our doors gets the specific kind of support they need. Our services include forensic examinations, counseling, workforce readiness support, legal advice, and other assistance to help victims break free from a life of violence and become thriving, self-sufficient survivors. Our team includes mental health providers, forensic

nurses, prosecutors, legal and military advocates, immigration and family law attorneys, detectives, restraining order clinic attorneys, and other social service providers. Each case is unique, and each client has different needs. Despite these challenges, the SDFJC’s interdisciplinary design and holistic approach gives us the right tools to serve these vulnerable populations well. There’s no judgment at the SDFJC. We offer services free of charge, no questions asked, to anyone in need. We provide a safe place for victims and their families to reclaim their lives, seek justice, and begin healing. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual exploitation, help is available. You are safe at the Family Justice Center. San Diego Family Justice Center 1122 Broadway, 2nd Floor San Diego, CA 92101 Toll free: 866-933-HOPE (4673) Local: 619-533-6000 sandiego.gov/fjc —Mara W. Elliott was elected City Attorney of San Diego in 2016 after serving as the chief deputy attorney for the Ofﬁce’s Public Services Section and legal adviser to the city’s Independent Audit Committee and Environment Committee. Mara and the lawyers in her section held polluters accountable, reformed city contracting, cut administrative red tape, and strengthened the city’s Living Wage and Non-Discrimination in Contracting ordinances.■

Sudoku & Crossword puzzle answers from page 18

barrels. Diverting rainwater naturally filters out pollutants, which can otherwise ﬂow into San Diego’s storm drains and eventually into our ocean, bays and estuaries. Rain gutters also protect a home’s roof and foundation. The rebate comes just in time for winter months when San Diego normally gets the most rain. More information about this and other rebates, as well as additional water

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

conservation options, is available on the city’s website at sandiego.gov/rebates. Do your part to help protect our environment and save money while you’re at it! —San Diego City Councilmember Scott Sherman represents the District 7 neighborhoods of Mission Valley, Grantville, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and San Carlos.■

USD alum stars in ‘Hamilton’ Noli Zosa University of San Diego Class of 2013 graduate Edred Utomi has taken over the title role in the Angelica Tour of “Hamilton,” one of two national tours of the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning Broadway musical. Utomi has been a standby and stand-in for the role of Alexander Hamilton, the Revolutionary War hero and U.S. statesman, since March of 2018. He has also subbed in the roles of Aaron Burr, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and other key roles throughout the national tour. On Jan. 9, Utomi posted on his social media, “BREAKING NEWS! 2019 is already blessing me. It is with great pride that I announce that starting tonight, I will be taking over

the role of Alexander Hamilton on the Angelica Tour. Actually, ‘pride’ is not the word I'm looking for. There is so much more inside me now. Lol sorry I had to. Anyways, LET'S GET IT!” The role became available with the departure of Austin Scott who played Hamilton throughout most of its run, including when the show came through San Diego a year ago. Utomi is the son of Nigerian immigrants. After graduating from USD in 2013, he has appeared in numerous shows on the San Diego theater scene such as San Diego Rep's production of “My Manana Comes.” His older sister Joy is also a USD alum graduating from the law school in 2011. —Noli Zosa is chair of the Linda Vista Planning Group. Reach him at Lvpgchair@gmail.com.■

Edred Utomi prepares for his role as the lead in “Hamilton.” (Facebook)

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Mission Valley News

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

OPINION Guest editorial

A parent's guide to school choice in San Diego Andrew R. Campanella

Guest editorial

Mission Valley road rage remedies Steve Rodriguez The words “heavy traffic” and “Mission Valley” are too frequently used in the same sentence. Our great community has its many advantages, but the number of cars that travel through Mission Valley produces major burdens for its citizens — rush-hour delays, stressful driving conditions, congested parking lots, and the most dangerous burden of all: road rage. Think back on your own personal experiences with Mission Valley road rage — those encounters with rude drivers who carry out or provoke the yelling of obscenities and other forms of taunting across lanes. The build-up of stress, aggravated by bad driving and rude manners, can lead to a dangerous escalation of emotion in these situations. Fortunately, common sense usually kicks in to de-escalate matters before any violence occurs. Since traffic isn’t expected to get any easier in the near future, however, I suggest Mission Valley residents resolve this year to take active measures that will greatly minimize the possibility of road rage. I contend we can combat road rage, while at the same time pursue some of the great things that Mission Valley has to offer, by committing to the following community-related New Year’s resolutions: 1. Take the initiative to de-escalate potential road rage situations: The next time someone cuts you off while driving down Friars Road, or fails to let you merge on to Friars Road while getting off the state Route 163 off-ramp, or ignores the red turn signal at the Friars Road entrance to the Fashion Valley all, don’t get mad! Don’t retaliate! Instead, take a deep breath and mouth the following chant 10 times: “Stay Mission Valley cool.” This will help you to attain the serenity required for avoiding road rage. Add the word “dude” to the front/end of this mantra to reach a level of stoner-like serenity capable of rivaling Ocean Beach’s laid-back vibe. 2. Attend a University of San Diego basketball game. The Toreros have a very good team this year. They’ve beaten

some big-time Pac-12 foes, not to mention their Montezuma Mesa cross-town rivals. The team is exciting to watch, and the Jenny Craig Pavilion is a great place to take in a game. Before or after the game, stand along the rim of the campus and take in the magnificent views of the ocean or Tecolote Canyon. Any lingering tension caused by road rage-related stress will soon evaporate into the ether. 3. Foster/adopt a kitten from the San Diego Humane Society. The Kitten Nursery at the SD Humane Society is a great success story — a model for other shelters throughout the country. In support of the shelter’s nokill policy, the nursery takes in thousands of kittens each year, providing neo-natal kittens with 24 hour-a-day care. Kittens are cared for until they are eight weeks old, and then spayed/neutered prior to being made available for adoption. Volunteers (after receiving training) can support the Kitten Nursery effort by fostering kittens in their own homes, helping to socialize them for eventual adoption. Face it, it’s hard to stay stressed after interacting with a kitten. If you are looking for something more permanent, head down to the SD Humane Society building on Gaines Street and adopt one or two kittens (or one of the often-overlooked older cats). 4. Get your workout in: Numerous references on the internet claim at least 30 minutes of walking each day reduces the risk of heart disease. Accomplish this 30-minute goal by taking your walk along Friars Road between Ulric (at the east end of the Fashion Valley Mall) and Napa (near the YMCA), or walk along the Riverwalk (begin near Hazard Center and proceed east). Both of these routes provide comfortable, level surface opportunities to log in your 30 minutes. And let’s not forget that a brisk walk along these scenic routes will work wonders for reducing your stress. Remember, stay Mission Valley cool this year! —Steve Rodriguez is a humorist and Mission Valley resident.■

Think about the school your children currently attend. Are you happy with it? Are your kids learning and growing in ways that make you proud? If so, sign them up again for next year, and tell your friends about how great your school is. But if you want to learn more about different options available for your children’s education, now is the time to start thinking about switching schools. Deadlines for applications and scholarships are approaching, and you do not want to miss out. During National School Choice Week (Jan. 20-26), you can discover the tools and resources you need to evaluate these choices. Here in California, there are plenty of educational options, including open enrollment, charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. But you still have this week’s homework to supervise, bills to pay, work to do, and a million other things occupying your mind. Here are a few suggestions to help you navigate the school choice process. First, consider what you do like about your school, and what you don’t like. This will help you understand what’s most important to you. Consider academics, college readiness, languages, arts, diversity, extracurriculars, location, special programs, friends and classmates, your values, and anything else that seems important. In a word, think about what matters to you. Second, consider your children and their specific needs, talents, and goals. If your child has special needs or is an English-language learner, for example, you will want to find a school that can address those needs. Third, research schools in your area and see which ones look like they could be a good fit for your children. Don’t let tuition or transportation worry you at this point -- there may be more options than you realize, and you are not committing to anything at this point. And if you have more than one child, you can even enroll different children in

different schools if that will work best for them. Once you have a list of schools, arrange visits. Talk to teachers and school leaders. Talk to parents. Look at bulletin boards and observe how people interact at the school. What is the school proud of? How involved are the parents? How does the school keep the students safe? How informed are parents of their children’s academic growth? What books are they reading? How do students treat each other? How do they treat teachers? Ask questions and make your own observations. What do you think? Could your daughter or son be happy here? When you find a school that seems like a good fit, it is time to begin exploring options. Most schools understand that tuition and transportation can be difficult for some families, and you can, talk to the school leaders about options. See what options are available, and consider whether you could make it work. California does not have a state-run scholarship program, but privately run programs may be available. If you are struggling to find the right setting, think outside the box. A nearby charter school has exactly the program your son or daughter needs. Your great local public school, complemented by activities at your place of worship, may provide the faith-based education you’re looking for. There may be a thriving homeschool co-op in your area that provides the instructional support you’re missing. A nearby magnet school could be perfect for your oldest, but a virtual school is a better fit for your second. Other parents have made it work, and you can, too. But most importantly, remember that you are the parent, and nobody knows or loves your kids like you do. You know, better than anyone else, what your children need. And with time and information, you can and will find the perfect setting. —A nationally recognized advocate for children and families, Andrew R. Campanella serves as president of National School Choice Week, the world's largest-annual celebration of opportunity in education. He lives in Northwest Florida.■

444 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 519-7775 MissionValleyNews.com Twitter: @MissionVllyNews EDITOR Jeff Clemetson (619) 961-1969 jeff@sdcnn.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sara Butler, x118 Albert Fulcher, x110 COPY EDITOR Dustin Lothspeich WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Sara Butler Jess Winans CONTRIBUTORS Andrew R. Campanella Steve Doster Mara W. Elliott Kathy McSherry Erica Moe Margie Palmer Karen Reilly Sari Reis Cynthia Robertson Steve Rodriguez Frank Sabatini Jr. Scott Sherman Noli Zosa

SALES ASSISTANTS Erik Guerrero Eric Diaz ACCOUNTING Priscilla Umel-Martinez (619) 961-1962 accounting@sdcnn.com SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Mike Rosensteel (619) 961-1958 mike@sdcnn.com MARKETING MANAGER Francisco Tamayo (619) 272- 2179 ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Heather Fine, x107 PUBLISHER David Mannis (619) 961-1951 david@sdcnn.com PUBLISHER EMERITUS Jim Madaﬀer

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jess Winans EDITORIAL INTERN Jules Shane

OPINIONS/LETTERS: Mission Valley News encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email submissions to editor@sdcnn.com and include your phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or staff. SUBMISSIONS/NEWS TIPS: Send press releases, tips, photos or story ideas to editor@sdcnn.com. For breaking news and investigative story ideas contact the editor by phone or email. DISTRIBUTION: Mission Valley News is distributed free the third Friday of every month. © 2019. All rights reserved.

FOOD & DRINK TRIED AND TESTED

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Mission Valley News

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

A hidden eatery serves up impressive lunches

Restaurant Review Frank Sabatini Jr. Just outside the fast-food jungle that is Mission Gorge Road — down toward Interstate 8 — is a winding office park housing an unexpected find: Test Kitchen Eatery & Workspace. The operation is located on Mission Gorge Place, a street I’ve driven past for years without ever noticing. Yet for the restaurant group, BBG Cal, which operates a small constellation of New Zealand-inspired restaurants throughout San Diego, the street is home to an industrial kitchen where recipes are tested whenever chefs within the group conceive of

who saunters through the door — whether they’re dining in or claiming to-go orders. Such a devoted employee, there’s a sign hanging on the wall behind the order counter he faithfully occupies stating: “This is Mack.” It contains an arrow pointing to where you’ll usually find him stationed when he isn’t delivering food to customers’ tables. His enthusiasm over a recently tweaked tuna sandwich called “The Nina” led me into ordering it. In addition, my hankering for red meat was sated with beef-pork meatballs tucked into a French roll with melted mozzarella and housemade marinara sauce. It had all the characteristics of any meatball hoagie, but with the bonus of a roll that was extra

Superior turkey chili

new dishes. It is also where things like lamb pies and turkey chili are constructed and sent out to all of the restaurants, which include Bare Back Grill in Pacific Beach; Queenstown Public House in Little Italy; and Dunedin in North Park. Even better is that Test Kitchen is fronted by a bright, airy cafe that serves lunch Monday through Friday. Upon walking in, you’re suddenly transported into what could be a trendy eatery in some other neighborhood. The warm-industrial atmosphere features high ceilings, pendant lighting and blonde-wood tabletops. There’s also a faux vegetable garden set along a cleverly designed menu wall ﬂaunting hanging clipboards instead of a common chalkboard. Hearty sandwiches served with potato chips dominate the bill of fare, along with a few salads, tomato-basil soup and a “protein platter” of hummus and hard-boiled egg. There is also a chicken quesadilla, and the aforementioned turkey chili, which you’ll be remiss to pass up. The chili combines ground turkey with small, tender white beans, diced red onions and fresh jalapenos. Lurking in the recipe are pinches of cayenne pepper, which makes the dish deliciously outgoing without being too spicy. It’s served with tri-colored tortilla chips that you break apart and sprinkle over the top for added texture. Mack Forrest is the cheerful front-of-the-house manager who warmly greets customers with a wealth of knowledge about the menu and operation. He seemingly knows everyone

buttery and infused with a distinctive grill ﬂavor. The surprise in the albacore tuna sandwich was jalapeno mayo, which Forrest says was recently added into the scheme along with sliced cucumbers. Layered generously between grilled white bread along with crisp lettuce and diced jalapenos, this isn’t the boring tuna sandwich common to school lunch boxes. Its zesty quality proves that fish and spicy chilies strike happy matches, at least with seafood as strong-tasting as tuna. A lengthy front counter serves as the condiment bar. It’s also where you’ll find self-serve dispensers of lemonade and mint-infused sun tea. Forrest makes each of them in the mornings before opening, and his attention to detail becomes apparent when you encounter a filled ice bucket and neatly cut lemons parked alongside the cups.

Mack Forrest is the friendly and devoted front-line manager. (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

It should be noted that proteins such as ham, turkey breast and roast beef used in a variety of other sandwiches are in the form of cold-cuts, which Test Kitchen outsources. The meats are not roasted and sliced onsite as some might suspect. But they’re put to hearty use in combinations that extend such sandwiches as turkey-bacon-avocado with mozzarella; ham, bacon and Swiss cheese with Dijonnaise; and roast beef with blue cheese crumbles, pepperoncini and horseradish aioli. Other options include a Buffalo-style chicken sandwich kicked up with red onions, blue cheese and pepper ranch, plus the Frisco club combining

The tuna-jalapeno “Nina” sandwich

A wall menu is artfully displayed near the order counter.

turkey, bacon and ham with lettuce, tomato and mayo on sourdough. Forrest says new sandwiches for Test Kitchen’s menu materialize “about twice a month.” If not, then small tweaks are made to existing sandwiches. One of the workplace perks at Test Kitchen is that everyone on staff gets to evaluate new dishes that any or all of BBG Cal’s chefs introduce on behalf of their respective restaurants. Those items range from appetizers and salads to entrees and desserts. “It’s a team effort. And I can say that I love my job,” Forrest added.

Test Kitchen Eatery & Workspace 4650 Mission Gorge Place (Grantville) 619-955-6844 testkitchensd.com Prices: Soups, salads and starters, $6 to $11 sandwiches, $9 to $11.50

—Frank Sabatini Jr. is the author of ‘Secret San Diego’ (ECW Press) and began his local writing career more than two decades ago as a staffer for the former San Diego Tribune. You can reach him at fsabatini@san.rr.com.■

Mission Valley News

Frank

Sabatini Jr. Joining a collective of 30-plus culinary tenants at Liberty Public Market is the upcoming Hold Fast, a fast-casual concept featuring sashimi and hand rolls by Chef Rob Ruiz, who also owns The Land & Water Company in Carlsbad.

Hold Fast sashimi: Sustainable sashimi and hand rolls are coming to Liberty Public Market. (Photo by Sam Wells)

Committed to ocean conservation, Ruiz is slated to becoming the first chef/ restaurateur in San Diego to be officially certified by the James Beard Foundation for sustainable seafood practices. Hold Fast will use locally sourced seafood, Californiagrown organic rice, and organic produce area farmers. The venture is due to open in February. 2820 Historic Decatur Road, 619-487-9346, bluebridgehospitality.com.

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

Mission Hills has seen the much-anticipated arrival of Fort Oak, a restaurant specializing in wood-fired cooking by Trust Restaurant Group, which includes executive chef Brad Wise and general manager Steve Schwob. The 3,400-square-foot venture opened Jan. 16 to a menu featuring seafood towers, rabbit sausage, aged rib eye, local duck and hearth-grilled branzino. Anchored in Jonathan Segal’s new mixed-use building, The Fort, customers enter through an old Ford dealership facade and into an inviting Old Town’s new mezcal-centric Tahona Bar will encroach on an existing storage space behind the bar to create a candle-filled speakeasy named Oculto 477. Co-owner Steven Sadri said it will open in late February or early March, and that design details are still in the works. He added that a door for customers to enter into the intimate confines has yet to be created. 2414 San Diego Ave., 619-255-2090, tahonabar.com.

Fort Oak interior: Mission Hills is abuzz with the recent opening of Fort Oak. (Photo by Jim Sullivan)

bar and four distinct dining areas. The bar opens daily at 3 p.m., followed by dinner service starting at 5 p.m., and brunch is offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, 619-7223398, fortoaksd.com.

After fulfilling a five-year lease in University Heights, chef Mike Almos will close Circa Restaurant next month. His last day of service is on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), when customers can savor a prix-fixe meal of three courses that are still in the planning. Almos is concluding his run with the “California soul food” restaurant because of his involvement with a local culinary project that he can’t publicly discuss yet. In addition, “My wife and I are going to enjoy spending more time together,” he said. In the lead-up to the Valentine’s Day dinner, Almos plans on holding customer-appreciation events at the restaurant, which he will post on the web site and Facebook once they are scheduled. Operating the restaurant, he added, “has been lovely and hugely rewarding.” 2121 Adams Ave., 619-269-9152, circasd.com.

San Diego will likely become home to an establishment boasting the largest commercial whiskey collection in the world when reps from Guinness World Records conduct an inventory count at The Whiskey House, located just outside the Gaslamp Quarter. Exceeding the collection of whiskeys at the Aero Club in Middletown, which offers several hundred labels, The Whiskey House greets customers with 2,800 choices from all over the globe. The tally by Guinness is scheduled to conclude Jan. 15. Co-owner Alex Minaev and business partner, Ryan King, started out with a mere 200 bottles when they opened the bar/restaurant four years ago. Minaev attributes the growing trend in whiskey drinking to Bakers Andrea Hazel Bender and Jade Warner have teamed up to open Hazel & Jade, a vegan bakery that launched this month in the address previously occupied by Bardo Lounge. Both women are vegan and worked the pastry industry for eight years before starting their company as wholesalers a year ago. This is their first retail venture. The daily inventory features fresh croissants made with coconut oil-based butter, plus cakes, muffins, brownies, scones and more. The offerings also include coffee drinks using beans from Steady State roaster in

A world record may be set for a San Diego whiskey bar. (Alternative Strategies)

the massive collection, which includes Scotch whiskeys that are more than 40 years old. Potential contenders for the world record are Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C., and a hotel in Sweden. But unless they quickly beef up their commercial inventories and register them with the organization, The Whiskey House takes the title. 420 Third Ave., 619-5466289, thewhiskeyhousesd.com.

Hazel and Jade croissants: Croissants and other treats are in the oﬃng at a new vegan bakery in Hillcrest. (Courtesy of Hazel & Jade)

Carlsbad. 3852 Fourth Ave., 619295-2001, hazelandjade.com. —Frank Sabatini Jr. can be reached at fsabatini@san.rr.com.■

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO MISSION VALLEY NEWS, JANUARY 2019

SDRC

Fiesta de Reyes

Oggi’s

Dunk ‘N Dogs Dog Wash & Grooming

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BEST OF 2018 WINNERS Stuart Benjamin and Company Jewelry Designs

Kikos Seafood Lunch Truck

Mission Valley is centrally located in San Diego, a vibrant and growing community that is an epicenter for upscale shopping, fine dining, sports events, entertainment venues, and hotels and hospitality centers. We recently asked readers of Mission Valley News to tell us their favorite restaurants, bars and retail businesses found throughout Mission Valley or beyond. Mission Valley News is published on the third Friday of the month and can be found at convenient, high-traffic newsstand locations throughout the area. Our readers voted on a number of categories, such as best beer, break-

Rowling & Associates

Mr. Peabody’s

fast, burger, dinner, sports bar, auto dealer, gym/health club, massage, pet boarding, real estate office and veterinarian. Inside, Mission Valley News has devoted nine pages to showcase this year’s reader-chosen winners of gold and silver honors. Some of the winners have been around for a long time, and some are new on the scene. To each of our winners, we extend a heartfelt congratulations on your Best of Mission Valley award and we hope our loyal readers — and your loyal customers — continue to show you patronage and appreciation for years to come. —SDCNN Staff■

Paradise Yogurt

Kings Inn

Pedro Sun, Feel Good Fitness

10 Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT AMERICAN CUISINE GOLD – Bud’s Louisiana Cafe 4320 Viewridge Ave. budscafe.com | 858-573-2837 SILVER – Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks 2441 Fenton Parkway islandsrestaurants.com | 619-640-2727

BAKERY GOLD – Nothing Bundt Cakes 5624 Mission Center Road, Suite B nothingbundtcakes.com 619-294-2253

Best of Mission Valley News

SILVER – Corner Bakery Café 1025 Camino De La Reina #3 cornerbakerycafe.com | 619-692-0423

SILVER – Balboa’s Tap House 4421 Genesee Ave. balboastaphouse.com | 858-277-8226

BARBECUE

BILLIARDS

GOLD – Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill 7510 Hazard Center Drive #215 woodranch.com | 619-764-4411

GOLD – Que Billiards 4428 Convoy St. 858-571-7152

SILVER – Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ 1127 West Morena Blvd. bullssmokinbbq.com | 619-276-2855

SILVER – Pockets Billiards and Brew 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite E pocketsbilliardsandbrew.com 858-876-5452

BEER GOLD – Poseidon Project 4126 Napier St. poseidonprojectsd.com | 619-230-5334

BREAKFAST GOLD – The Waffle Spot 1333 Hotel Circle South wafflespotsandiego.com 619-297-2231 SILVER – The Broken Yolk 1760 Camino del Rio North thebrokenyolkcafe.com 619-574-9655

BRUNCH GOLD – Mimi’s Café 5180 Mission Center Road mimiscafe.com | 619-491-0284 SILVER – The Waffle Spot 1333 Hotel Circle South wafflespotsandiego.com 619-297-2231

BUFFET D.Z. Akins

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GOLD – 356 BBQ & Bar 1640 Camino del Rio North 356bbq.com | 619-260-0356

BURGER

GOLD – Mr. Peabody’s 6110 Friars Road, Suite 108 bit.ly/2HeZbCx | 619-542-1786 Mr. Peabody’s Burger & Ale is as local as sports bars get, being claimed as “hidden gem” by many Yelpers. Established in the mid-90’s we stay true to the original owner’s vision. Our loyal and long-term employees deliver a memorable experience to new comers and regulars. With a “Cheers”-like environment, there is no wonder why many locals call us home. If you’re an early bird, Mr. Peabody’s offers breakfast as early as 9 a.m. on weekends. For all other occasions, our menu has delicious lunch, dinner, and drink options for everyone including daily specials. SILVER – Smash Burger 7610 Hazard Center Drive #507 smashburger.com | 619-359-8333

BURRITO GOLD – Primos Mexican Food & Bar 2401 Fenton Parkway, Suite 104 primosmex.com | 619-684-5777 SILVER – Roberto’s Taco Shop 7710 Hazard Center Drive robertostacoshop.com 619-491-0059

BUSINESS LUNCH GOLD – Oggi’s 2245 Fenton Parkway #101 oggis.com | 619-640-1072 Come visit Oggi’s Sports, Brewhouse & Pizza in Fenton Marketplace, a quarter

mile east of Qualcomm Stadium! We recently remodeled in November 2018. Come enjoy our new feel! Our bar tap selection increased to 34 micro and domestic beers and we have new furniture and décor. Come sit on our patio and enjoy a tasty salad or sandwich for lunch, or bring friends and hang out in the bar where Happy Hour starts at 3 p.m. We are a family oriented sports bar and restaurant and we love kids. We also love our sports, and football reigns supreme on Sundays where you will find all teams represented by the various jerseys sported by the clientele. “Oggi” stands for “today” in Italian. It symbolizes freshness as well as “the here and now.” It is congruent with high quality pizza, pastas, salads and beer. Come join us for dinner! And if you don’t feel like cooking, we will deliver our entire menu (minus the alcohol) to your door. We also offer to delivery within a five mile radius, so call today and have your dinner delivered! SILVER – Marketplace Cafe 6997 Friars Road bit.ly/2DHRTUd | 619-295-4441

CASINO GOLD – Viejas Casino & Resort 5000 Willows Road, Alpine viejas.com | 619-445-5400 SILVER – Barona Resort & Casino 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside barona.com | 619-443-2300

CASINO BUFFET GOLD – Barona Resort & Casino 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside barona.com | 619-443-2300 SILVER – Viejas Casino & Resort 5000 Willows Road, Alpine viejas.com | 619-445-5400

CASUAL DINING GOLD – The Kebab Shop 1570 Camino De La Reina thekebabshop.com | 619-491-0279 SILVER – Boudin SF 5407 Balboa Ave Balboa Mesa boudinbakery.com | 858-737-6571

CATERING GOLD – L&L Hawaiian BBQ 3145 Sports Arena Blvd. #102 hawaiianbarbecue.com | 619-223-8888 SILVER – Primos Mexican Food & Bar 2401 Fenton Parkway, Suite 104 primosmex.com | 619-684-5777

CHINESE CUISINE GOLD – Dragon Chinese Cuisine 2169 Fenton Parkway #102 dragoncuisine.com | 619-281-2198 SILVER – Pei Wei 1025 Camino De La Reina, Suite P-5 peiwei.com | 619-321-6670

COCKTAIL GOLD – Champ’s Lounge 3050 Clairemont DrIve 619-276-3760 SILVER – The Zodiac 7027 Friars Road bit.ly/2EdfYU6 | 619-542-4450

COFFEE SHOP GOLD – Intermezzo Espresso 7610 Hazard Center Drive #519 hazardcenter.com | 619-296-5282 SILVER – Milano Coffee Company 8685 Rio San Diego Drive milanocoffeecompany.com 619-688-1882

COMEDY CLUB GOLD – The Comedy Palace 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. thecomedypalace.com 858-573-9067 See COMEDY CLUB page 11

Best of Mission Valley News

sdcnn.com

FARMERS MARKET

FROM PAGE 10

COMEDY CLUB

SILVER – Old Town Improv Co. 2415 San Diego Ave. #103 oldtownimprov.com

COMFORT FOOD GOLD – The Habit Burger Grill 845 Camino De La Reina habitburger.com | 619-299-9913 SILVER – Grater Grilled Cheese 5618 Mission Center Road gratergrilledcheese.com | 619-458-9611

DANCE SCHOOL GOLD – 2 to Groove 7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. swingdancenow.com | 619-291-3775 SILVER – Infinity Dance Sports Center 7243 Engineer Road, Suite B infinity-dance-sport-center.business.site 858-560-4372

DELI GOLD – Which Wich 7610 Hazard Center Drive #501 whichwich.com | 619-686-9424 SILVER – D.Z. Akins 6930 Alvarado Road dzakinsdeli.com | 619-265-0218

DESSERT GOLD – Paradise Yogurt 5664 Mission Center Road #401 paradiseyogurt.com | 619-295-9648

GOLD – Stehly Farms Markets 1231 Morena Blvd. sdweeklymarkets.com 619-233-3901 SILVER – Hillcrest Farmers Market 3960 Normal St. hillcrestfarmersmarket.com 619-299-3330

FAST FOOD GOLD – Smash Burger 7610 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 507 smashburger.com | 619-359-8333 SILVER – Which Wich 7610 Hazard Center Drive whichwich.com | 619-686-9424

FINE DINING GOLD – Blue Smoke Sushi Lounge Fashion Valley, 7007 Friars Road bluesmokesushi.com 619-291-7711 SILVER – Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 380 K St. flemingssteakhouse.com 619-237-1155

SILVER – Admiral Baker Golf Course 2400 Admiral Baker Rd. bit.ly/2AzqgKM 619-487-0090

SILVER – GNC 1640 Camino Del Rio North gnc.com | 619-542-0962

SILVER – Pita Pit 5375 Napa St. #110 pitapitusa.com | 619-359-4458

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SILVER – Gordon Biersch 5010 Mission Center Road gordonbiersch.com 619-688-1120

GOLD – Buffalo Wild Wings 1640 Camino Del Rio North #1376 buffalowildwings.com | 619-298-7068 SILVER – Hooters 1400 Camino De La Reina westcoasthooters.com | 619-299-4668 See DINING & ENTERTAINMENT page 12

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SILVER – Cupcakes a la Yola 10450 Friars Road. cupcakesalayola.com | 619-708-5088

The French Gourmet has catered for San Diego businesses, families and individuals since 1979. We specialize in various styles of menus, cuisine, and service. We know what works and will guide you in making your event both delicious and successful. We are experts in creating memorable, personalized events, as well as gala fundraisers, corporate and university events, holiday celebrations, celebration of life memorials, and wedding receptions. The humble beginnings of The French Gourmet’s chef/owner, who was raised on a farm in Normandie France, makes him a natural when it comes to the farmto-table style of cooking. Michel and his team of chefs know how to maximize the extraction of ﬂavors of ingredients. Our dishes are prepped in our kitchen and cooked on-site. Our staff can assist you in choosing the perfect meal or dish that best suits your taste and circumstances.

GOLD – Troy’s Greek Restaurant 10450 Friars Road troysgreek.com | 619-281-7741

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SILVER – Nothing Bundt Cakes 5624 Mission Center Road, Suite B nothingbundtcakes.com | 619-294-2253

GOLD – Trader Joe’s 1072 Camino Del Rio North traderjoes.com | 619-297-0749

HAPPY HOUR

l Wa

Thank you for voting SDCCU the Gold Award for Best Credit Union

Blv

GOLD – Rose Donuts 5201 Linda Vista Road 619-294-8856 SILVER – Heavenly Donuts 5132 Waring Road 619-286-1997

Message and data rates may apply.

FAMILY RESTAURANT GOLD – Postcards American Bistro 950 Hotel Circle North sd.handlery.com/dining-en.html 619-298-0511 SILVER – Studio Diner 4701 Ruﬃn Road studiodiner.com | 858-715-6400

(877) 732-2848 Federally insured by NCUA

HEALTH FOOD STORE

GOLD – Riverwalk Golf Club 1102, 1150 Fashion Valley Road riverwalkgc.com | 619-296-4653

3:07 PM

GOLF COURSE

GREEK CUISINE

SILVER – Hello Kitty Cafe 7007 Friars Road sanrio.com/pages/hellokittycafe 949-329-8629

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

SILVER – Et Voilà! French Bistro 3015 Adams Ave. etvoilabistro.com | 619-209-7759

GOLD – Kikos Seafood Lunch Truck 6090 Friars Road 619-623-0675

Carrier

GOLD – The French Gourmet 960 Turquoise St. thefrenchgourmet.com | 858-488-1725

FOOD TRUCK

sbad Blvd

Paradise Yogurt was originally established in 1990 in Mission Valley. The women- and family-owned yogurt shop is San Diego’s finest source for healthy and delicious frozen delights and snacks. Paradise Yogurt was the first to introduce frozen soy/vegan gluten-free softserve, dietary soft-serves, creamy tart yogurt and other more healthy great tasting products to the San Diego area. We deliver serving sizes that please and only use quality brands that contain quality ingredients. We strive for quality, cleanliness, selection and customer service. Almost all of our frozen yogurts are fat-free. All of our yogurts contain probiotics in excess of 100 million active yogurt cultures per gram at the time of manufacture. We have the National Yogurt Association-developed Live & Active Cultures seal. Our frozen yogurt contains two additional beneficial live active cultures than the minimum requirement for the NYA Live & Active Cultures seal. Come by and learn why our customers tell us “Everyone should know we are more than just a cup of yogurt and toppings.”

FRENCH CUISINE

Mission Valley News

It’s not big bank banking. It’s better.™

Best of Mission Valley News

12 Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019 Wealth Management

Investments

Taxes

FROM PAGE 11

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT INDIAN CUISINE

GOLD – Tandoor 5608 Mission Center Road #902 tandoorsandiego.com 619-497-0751

www.rowling.com

SILVER – Himalayan Curry and Grill 10330 Friars Road himalayancurryandgrill.com 619-280-4048

(619) 295-0200

IRISH PUB GOLD – McGregor’s Grill & Ale House 10475 San Diego Mission Road mcgregorssandiego.com 619-282-9797

BEST 2018

Thank You Mission Valley News Readers For Voting Us Best Of!

MISSION VALLEY NEWS

SILVER – The Ould Sod 3373 Adams Ave. theouldsod.com 619-284-6594

ITALIAN CUISINE GOLD – Cucina Basilico 3755 Murphy Canyon Road cucinabasilico.com | 858-874-6436 SILVER – Filippi’s Pizza Groto 10330 Friars Road realcheesepizza.com 619-281-3511

JAPANESE CUISINE GOLD – Fuji 911 Camino Del Rio South bit.ly/2BO79Oa | 619-298-3854

20 % OFF

FREE

(excludes alcohol & cannot combined with any other offer)

(cannot be combined with any other offer)

Your Bill Dine in Only

Appetizer!!!

2245 Fenton Parkway # 101 • 619-640-1072

SILVER – Benihana 477 Camino Del Rio South benihana.com | 619-298-4666

JAZZ BAR GOLD – Dizzy’s 1717 Morena Blvd. dizzysjazz.com | 858-270-7467

JUICE GOLD – Everbowl 5624 Mission Center Road everbowl.com | 619-487-0443 SILVER – San Diego Blenders 4242 Camino Del Rio North 619-282-5363

VOTED BEST JEWELER

LATE NIGHT DINING GOLD – Stacked 7007 Friars Road #356 stacked.com | 619-225-7900 SILVER – Lazy Dog 1202 Camino Del Rio North lazydogrestaurants.com 619-481-6191

LIVE MUSIC VENUE GOLD – Humphrey’s 2241 Shelter Island Drive humphreysrestaurant.com 619-224-3577

SILVER – Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant 5302 Napa St. tioleos.com | 619-542-1462

LUNCH GOLD – Tender Greens 1640 Camino Del Rio North tendergreens.com | 619-894-8916 SILVER – Oggi’s 2245 Fenton Parkway #101 oggis.com | 619-640-1072

MARGARITA GOLD – The Amigo Spot 1333 Hotel Circle South kingsinnsandiego.com | 619-297-2231 SILVER – Barra Barra Saloon 4016 Wallace St. barrabarrasaloon.com | 619-291-3200

MARTINI GOLD – Madison 4622 Park Blvd. madisononpark.com | 619-269-6566 GOLD – Tony’s Martini Bar 5034 Newport Ave. tonysob.com | 619-223-0558

MEXICAN CUISINE GOLD – Fiesta de Reyes 2754 Calhoun St. fiestadereyes.com | 619-297-3100 Comprised of 19 locally owned specialty shops, three distinct restaurants and a 10-room boutique hotel, Fiesta de Reyes is operated by Old Town Family Hospitality Corporation under the direction of president and veteran restaurateur, Chuck Ross. Bringing his experience from more than 30 years in the destination restaurant business to bear in 2009, Ross renamed the plaza Fiesta de Reyes meaning “celebration of kings,” renovated two of the aging restaurants and many of the 19 shops surrounding the Fiesta de Reyes plaza, and presided over the completion of the project to restore the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant to its 1870’s glory. Dubbed as “Old Town’s Turnaround Specialist” by the San Diego Union-Tribune, Ross has worked tirelessly to create a festive and fun ambiance in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — both within and outside of his concession. Fiesta de Reyes is very much a family business with the entire Ross clan working together to create an unmatched experience for guests and visitors. Whether it’s the authentic Mexican food of Casa de Reyes, the bold yet sophisticated fare of Barra Barra or a unique gift for someone special that brings you, we invite you, your friends and your family to experience what Fiesta de Reyes is all about: great food, fantastic atmosphere and an experience to remember. SILVER – The Amigo Spot 1333 Hotel Circle South kingsinnsandiego.com 619-297-2231

MICRO-BREWERY

GOLD – Groundswell 6304 Riverdale St. groundswellbrew.com | 619-795-2337 SILVER – Deft 5328 Banks St. deftbrewing.com | 858-999-5728

MOVIE THEATER GOLD – Ultrastar Cinema Mission Valley 7510 Hazard Center Drive ultrastarmovies.com | 619-574-8684 SILVER – AMC Mission Valley 20 1640 Camino Del Rio North amctheatres.com | 619-296-2737

NEW RESTAURANT GOLD – Farmers Table 3057 Clairemont Drive myfarmerstable.com/bay-park 619-359-4485 SILVER – Tanuki 4191 Adams Ave. tanukisakebar.com| 619-624-0592

NIGHTCLUB GOLD – Torch 7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. torch-san-diego.business.site 619-632-3080 SILVER – Blue Agave Nightclub 6608 Mission Gorge Road 619-521-3194

OUTDOOR DINING GOLD – Acqua California Bistro 1775 East Mission Bay Drive sandiegohilton.com | 619-275-7922 SILVER – Luce Bar & Kitchen 1959 Morena Blvd. sandiegoluce.com | 619-275-0321

PET FRIENDLY DINING GOLD – Lazy Dog 1202 Camino Del Rio North lazydogrestaurants.com 619-481-6191 SILVER – Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ 1127 Morena Blvd. bullssmokinbbq.com 619-276-2855

PHO/NOODLE HOUSE GOLD – Pho Cali 1400 Camino De La Reina #105 pho1cali.com | 619-542-1062 SILVER – Mignon Pho + Grill 3860 Convoy St. mignonpho.com | 858-278-0669

PIZZA GOLD – Coneys Pizza 5201 Linda Vista Road. 103 coneyspizza.com | 619-230-5771 SILVER – North Italia 7055 Friars Road. bit.ly/2sgHh7Z 619-343-2301

ROMANTIC DINING GOLD – The Godfather Restaurant 7878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. godfatherrestaurant.com 858-560-1747

For over 20 years we’ve been known for the Finest Jewelry, Custom Designs, ReDesigns Appraisals and Repairs All Repairs Done on Premise

SILVER – Baci Ristorante 1955 Morena Blvd. sandiegobaci.com 619-275-2094

ROOFTOP LOUNGE GOLD – Born and Raised 1909 India St. bornandraisedsteak.com 619-202-4577

7510 Hazard Center Dr. #405 San Diego CA 92108 (619) 297-7666 • StuartBenjamin.com

SILVER – Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge 722 Grand Ave. firehousepb.com | 858-274-3100 BRE Lic.#: 01755681

See DINING & ENTERTAINMENT page 13

sdcnn.com

Best of Mission Valley News

Mission Valley News

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

DUNK‘N DOGS

FROM PAGE 12

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

SELF SERVICE Dog Wash Professional Grooming Natural Pet Food & Supplies

SALAD GOLD – Boudin SF 5407 Balboa Ave. boudinbakery.com | 858-737-6571

Thank You Readers Of The Mission Valley News For Voting Us #1 Pet Grooming!

SILVER – Tigris 5285 Overland Ave. #102 tigrisgrille.com | 858-576-9999

3056 Clairemont Dr. San Diego • 619-276-3047

SANDWICH

SEAFOOD GOLD – Bay Park Fish 4121 Ashton St. bayparkfishcompany.com 619-276-3474 SILVER – King’s Fish House 825 Camino De La Reina kingsfishhouse.com | 619-574-1230

SPANISH CUISINE GOLD – Café Sevilla 353 Fifth Ave. cafesevilla.com | 619-233-5979 SILVER – Costa Brava Pacific Beach 1653 Garnet Ave. costabravasd.com | 858-273-1218

SPORTS BAR GOLD – Champs Lounge 3050 Clairemont Drive 619-276-3760 SILVER – Channel 2 Sports Bar 3232 Greyling Drive 858-430-6442

STEAKHOUSE GOLD – Hunter’s Steak House 2445 Hotel Circle North huntersteakhouse.com | 619-291-8074 SILVER – Pampas Argentine Grill 8690 Aero Dr. #105 pampasargentinegrill.com 858-278-597

SUSHI GOLD – Sushi Kuchi 2408 Northside Drive sushikuchi.com | 619-284-8036 SILVER – Sushi Diner 7530 Mesa College Drive, Suite B sushidiner1.com | 858-565-1179

THAI CUISINE GOLD – Ka Prao 8590 Rio San Diego Drive #105 kapraothaicuisine.com 619-326-8083

Thank You Readers Of Mission Valley News For Voting Best Of!

The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant SILVER – King of Thai 6171 Mission Gorge Road kingofthaicuisine.com 619-640-9688

THEATER GOLD – The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way theoldglobe.org | 619-234-5623 The internationally-acclaimed, Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the most renowned regional theaters in the country and has stood as San Diego’s ﬂagship arts institution for over 75 years. The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 plays and musicals on its three stages, including its highly-regarded Shakespeare festival. The Old Globe has become a gathering place for leading theater artists from around the world, such as Tom Stoppard, Daniel Sullivan and Chita Rivera, among many others. Numerous Broadway-bound premieres and revivals, such as “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “The Full Monty,” and “Damn Yankees,” have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs in New York and at regional theatres across the country.

6110 Friars Fri Rd. #108 San Diego, CA 92108 619.542.1786

The Old Globe is at the forefront of the nation’s leading performing arts organizations, setting a standard for excellence in American theater. SILVER – Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas 3107, 3965 Fifth Ave. #200 landmarktheatres.com | 619-298-2904

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN GOLD – The Purple Mint Vegetarian Bistro 6171 Mission Gorge Road #118 thepurplemint.com | 619-280-3388

Best Personal Trainer BEST

SILVER – True Food 7007 Friars Road #394 truefoodkitchen.com | 619-810-2929

WINE BAR GOLD – Hive 4428 Convoy St. #100 hivesandiego.com | 858-576-0700 SILVER – Blue Door 4060 Morena Blvd. thebluedoorwinery.com | 858-274-4292 See BEST OF MISSION VALLEY page 14

TRAINING WITH YOU ON A PATH TO WELLNESS. 2018

SILVER – Jersey Mike’s 8590 Rio San Diego Drive #109 jerseymikes.com | 619-291-1122

2018

GOLD – Which Wich 7610 Hazard Center Drive #501 whichwich.com | 619-686-9424

MISSION VALLEY

Pedro Sun

(562)668-7626 feelgoodﬁtsd@gmail.com

14 Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019 FROM PAGE 13

BEST OF MISSION VALLEY

BUSINESS & RETAIL ACCOUNTANT GOLD – Rowling & Associates 8889 Rio San Diego Drive #202 rowling.com | 619-295-0200 Rowling & Associates is an award-winning, fee-only, San Diego-based, registered investment advisor that offers investment management, and tax and financial planning services. The firm’s ideal clients are professionals, business owners, retirees, and executives with complex financial situations seeking financial or tax advice to meet their goals. Rowling & Associate’s client-centric, tax-efficient investment approach sets it apart from other advisors and adds tremendous value to clients, serving in a fiduciary capacity. Rowling & Associates also specializes in socially responsible investing, as well as a personalized service offering catered towards young professionals. The firm’s principal, Sheryl Rowling, CPA/PFS, is an accomplished author, regular columnist, and professional speaker who has been nationally recognized for her continued efforts as an industry innovator and leader. Rowling & Associates is proud to be a prominent financial services business serving the San Diego area for more than 30 years. SILVER – David York’s Tax Service 7860 Mission Center Court #107 davidyorkstaxservice.com 619-684-5005

ACUPUNCTURE GOLD – Morton Acupuncture 409 Camino del Rio South #110 mortonacupuncture.com 619-829-3931

Best of Mission Valley News

SILVER – Mission Valley Acupuncture 3456 Camino Del Rio North missionvalleyacu.com | 619-281-7696

ADULT BUSINESS GOLD – Adult Emporium 5101 Convoy St. 858-874-2317 SILVER – Mercury Books 8081 Balboa Ave. 858-571-9673

ANTIQUES GOLD – Reusable Finds 5320 Custer St. reusablefinds.com | 858-449-4381 SILVER – Kobey’s Swap Meet 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. kobeyswap.com | 619-226-0650

APPLIANCES STORE GOLD – Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home 5151 Mission Center Road pacificsales.com | 619-574-1076 SILVER – Coast Appliance Parts Co. 4408 Twain Ave. coastparts.com | 619-584-1192

ART GALLERY GOLD – Mesa Art Gallery Mesa College Drive sdmesa.edu/art-gallery | 619-388-2829 SILVER – Quint 5171 Santa Fe St. quintgallery.com | 858-454-3409

ATTORNEY GOLD – Shana J. Black 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 800 shanablack.com | 619-557-0122 SILVER – Allen Matkins, Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis, LLP One America Plaza, 600 West Broadway allenmatkins.com | 619-233-1155

AUTO CARE

GOLD – So Cal Auto Detail Center 7610 Hazard Center Drive #113 socalautodetailcenter.com 619-683-7420

AUTO DEALERSHIP GOLD – Courtesy Chevorlet 750 Camino Del Rio North courtesysandiego.com 619-297-4321 SILVER – Mossy Ford 4919, 4570 Mission Bay Drive mossyford.com | 858-273-7500

AUTO REPAIR SHOP Gold – Fix Auto 750 Camino Del Rio North fixautousa.com/mission-valley 877-521-6763

BANK GOLD – Wells Fargo 5624 Mission Center Road wellsfargo.com | 619-209-6740 SILVER – Chase 5111 Mission Center Road chase.com | 619-298-9688

BARBER GOLD – Floyd’s 99 Barbershop 5658 Mission Center Road, Suite 306 floydsbarbershop.com 619-487-1014 SILVER – Sport Clips Haircuts of Mission Valley 2169 Fenton Parkway, Suite. A-107 haircutmenmissionvalleyca.com 619-281-5566

BIKE SHOP GOLD – Bicycle Warehouse Kearny Mesa 5710 Kearny Villa Road bicyclewarehouse.com 858-292-8449

SILVER – Trek Bicycles 4240 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite 108 trekbicyclesuperstore.com 858-974-8735

BOUTIQUE GOLD – Looks Better on Me 6940 Alvarado Road, Suite C looksbetteronmesd.com 619-265-5251 SILVER – Blink Lash Boutique 7801 Mission Center Court #104 blinklashboutique.com | 619-964-6082

CHIROPRACTOR GOLD – The Joint Chiropractic 2245 Fenton Parkway, Suite 109 thejoint.com | 619-313-4893 SILVER – Herfindahl Chiropractic 438 Camino del Rio South #120 herfindahlchiropractic.com 619-295-3885

COLLECTIVE GOLD – March and Ash 2835 Camino Del Rio South #100 marchandash.com | 619-314-7336 SILVER – SDRC 1299 Camino Del Rio South sandiegorecreationalcannabis.com 619-906-5546

CONSIGNMENT/RESALE GOLD – Consignment Classics 1895 Hancock St. consignmentclassics.net 619-491-0700 SILVER – Reusable Finds 5320 Custer St. reusablefinds.com | 858-449-4381

COSMETIC SERVICES GOLD – Vital Hair and Body 7610 Hazard Center Drive #702 vitalhairbody.com | 619-574-7895

SILVER – Renew Laser and Skin Care 1400 Camino De La Reina renewlaserandskincare.com 619-299-7546

CREDIT UNION GOLD – San Diego County Credit Union 2245 Fenton Parkway #107 sdccu.com | 877-732-2848 San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) is San Diego’s largest, locally-owned financial institution serving San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. SDCCU has assets of $6.7 billion, more than 279,000 customers, more than 35 convenient branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. SDCCU is the leading way, offering free checking with e-statements, SDCCU Mobile Deposit, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa credit cards and business services. Federally insured by National Credit Union Administration. Equal housing opportunity, equal opportunity employer. SILVER – First Financial Credit Union 7510 Hazard Center Drive #417 ffcu.org | 800-537-8491 ext. 5211

DAY SPA GOLD – Timeless Age Defying Laser 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 607 timelesslaserclinic.com 619-294-8463 SILVER – Pure Salon & Spa 7710 Hazard Center Drive thepuresalonspa.com | 619-291-9215

DENTIST GOLD – New Image Dental 8989 Rio San Diego Drive #170 newimagedentalcare.com 619-280-9100 SILVER – Mission Valley Dental 5638 Mission Center Road #107 missionvalleydentists.com 619-220-0159

DERMATOLOGIST GOLD – Dr. Alexsandr Itkin 7565 Mission Valley Road #200 scripps.org | 619-245-2800 SILVER – GK Dermatology of San Diego 3023 Bunker Hill St. #102 858-273-2726

DOCTOR GOLD – William Tontz Jr, M.D. 7485 Mission Valley Road califortho.com | 619-291-8930 SILVER – San Diego Podiatry Group 2650 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 101 sandiegopodiatrygroup.com 619-291-0777

DRY CLEANER GOLD – Apadana Cleaners 7610 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 515 apadanacleaners.com 619-298-2928 SILVER – Royal Touch Deluxe Dry Cleaners 4242 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 22 bit.ly/2Ty2Mh2 | 619-624-0989

FINANCIAL PLANNER GOLD – Rowling & Associates 8889 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 202 rowling.com | 619-295-0200 SILVER – Charles Schwab 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 407 schwab.com | 619-574-4800

FLORIST GOLD – The SD Flower Shop 5101 Waring Road thesdflowershop.com | 619-392-5155 SILVER – Tessfresk and Tessilk Flowers 1405 Morena Blvd. tessfreshflowers.com | 619-276-4221 See BUSINESS & RETAIL page 15

sdcnn.com

Best of Mission Valley News

FROM PAGE 14

BUSINESS & RETAIL FURNITURE STORE

GOLD – Hold It Contemporary Home 1570 Camino De La Reina holdithome.com 619-295-6660 SILVER – Jerome’s 1190 West Morena Blvd. jeromes.com | 858-924-1871

GARDEN SUPPLY GOLD – Armstrong Garden Centers 1364 Morena Blvd. armstronggarden.com 619-276-9970 SILVER – Walter Andersen Nursery 3293, 3642 Enterprise St. walteranderson.com | 619-224-8271

GYM/WORKOUT STUDIO GOLD –Mission Valley YMCA 5505 Friars Road ymca.org | 619-298-3576 Mission Valley YMCA has been proudly serving Mission Valley families since 1981. Dedicated to empowering people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, the Y believes a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. As a leading nonprofit organization, the Y offers programs that foster youth development, promote healthy living and advance social responsibility. We offer a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for people from all backgrounds and walks of life to come together to bring about meaningful change not just within themselves, but in their community, too. With 18 locations across San Diego County, the YMCA of San Diego County builds stronger communities by connecting families and neighbors in a place where they can learn, grow and thrive together.

Membership at the YMCA includes plenty of opportunities to learn, play and get healthy. That’s because when you join one Y, you join them all! When you enroll at a YMCA near you, your membership will include all the benefits at your home branch with access to the offerings at 18 locations across San Diego County. And your Joiner Fee is waived in January. So don’t wait, sign up today! SILVER – Orangetheory Fitness 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 401 orangetheoryfitness.com 619-297-7000

HAIR SALON GOLD – Vital Hair & Body 7610 Hazard Center Drive, Suite 702 vitalhairbody.com | 619-574-7895 SILVER – Bella Gia Hair Salon and Day Spa 2185 Station Village Way bellagiasalonandspa.com 619-297-7601

HARDWARE STORE GOLD – Lowe’s Home Improvement 2318 Northside Drive lowes.com | 619-584-5500 SILVER – The Home Depot 5920 Fairmount Ave. homedepot.com | 619-280-0230

HOSPITAL GOLD – Kaiser Zion 4647 Zion Ave. kaiserpermanente.org 619-528-5000 SILVER – Scripps Clinic Mission Valley 7425 Mission Valley Road scripps.org | 619-245-2790

HOTEL GOLD – Kings Inn 1333 Hotel Circle South kingsinnsandiego.com | 619-297-2231

CA M Y Y E L L A V MISSION valley n o i s s i m / g r ymca.o

Looking for a San Diego hotel near everything? Plan your next getaway at Kings Inn Hotel in Mission Valley. The property has been impeccably maintained and renovated to keep up with the times and yet still retains the charm of a 1950s/1960s retro property. The rooms are well appointed and stylish. Looking for a San Diego hotel with a pool and hot tub? The Kings Inn is the place. Come take a refreshing dip in our outdoor swimming pool, let the little ones splash with our fun floaties, or soothe your tired muscles against the jets in our relaxing heated jacuzzi. Enjoy breakfast at the restaurant the locals love, The Waffle Spot! The atmosphere is light-hearted at The Waffle Spot, but they’re serious about serving scrumptious waffles, fluff y pancakes, and a complete breakfast menu. They’ve even been heralded for the best waffles in San Diego. For dinner, you won’t want to miss The Amigo Spot. The reds and greens of Old Mexico add charm and keep your spirits high. Sipping one of our many-flavored margaritas, munching on a California burrito, and enjoying the aroma of freshly grilled fajitas is a great way to feed and entertain the family. GOLD – Doubletree Mission Valley 7450 Hazard Center Drive doubletree3.hilton.com 619-297-5466 SILVER – The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant 2660 Calhoun St. oldtowncosmopolitan.com 619-297-1874

INSURANCE BROKER GOLD – C3 Risk and Insurance Services 404 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 410 c3insurance.com | 619-233-800 SILVER – Automobile Club of Southern California 2440 Hotel Circle North calif.aaa.com | 619-233-1000

Mission Valley News

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

New Image Dental

JEWELRY GOLD – Stuart Benjamin and Company Jewelry Designs 7510 Hazard Center Drive #405 stuartbenjamin.com | 619-297-7666 A rare gem in the jewelry industry, for more than 20 years as one of San Diego’s exclusive jewelers, Stuart Benjamin & Co. Jewelry Designs has helped people express the special moments in their lives together. Business partners Stuart Benjamin and Barbara Wasserstrom share a love and knowledge for jewelry style and design that is rare in today’s market. Together, they have guided Stuart Benjamin & Co. Jewelry Designs as a full-service jewelry store that is known for the finest custom designs, fashion jewelry, engagement rings and exquisite diamonds. For unsurpassed service, they also have an on-site jeweler who can do repairs in one day in most cases, along with the only certified professional jewelry appraisals in San Diego. Their service and integrity have been rewarded by becoming an American Gem Society (AGS) member, which

only 5 percent of jewelry stores in the nation qualify for. In addition, they are all Graduates of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), which means you can feel confident with your purchase and know they stand behind their jewelry and reputation of quality. SILVER – Robbins Brothers 7717 Friars Road robbinsbrothers.com | 619-543-0525

LAWYER GOLD – Leslie S. Shaw 7860 Mission Center Court, Suite 111 sandiegoworkerscompensation.com 619-683-2346 At the Law Office of Leslie S. Shaw, A P.C., we have been aggressively, knowledgeably and effectively protecting the rights of injured workers for more than a decade in and around the San Diego, California, area. Workers’ compensation law is all that Attorney Leslie Shaw practices. She is committed to seeing you get See LAWYER page 16

d e v i a W e e F r e n i o J

Terms and conditions: Offer expires January 31. Limit one per household. Promotional offer not redeemable for cash, is non-transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon or discount. YMCA reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at its own discretion.

Join at ymca.org/join and enter My Y Code HEALTH at checkout

16 Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019 FROM PAGE 15

LAWYER

the help you need, as is your right under the law. Deadlines are important in workers’ comp matters. If you’ve been injured at work, we want to talk to you as soon as possible after you have received medical treatment. This is so that we can make sure all legal deadlines are met in your case and all required paperwork is turned in on time to ensure the protection of your employee rights. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your concerns with an

Best of Mission Valley News

experienced San Diego, California, workers’ compensation lawyer. All communications are returned promptly. SILVER – Patricia H. Tirey, Kimball, Tirey & St. John, LLP 7676 Hazard Center Drive, Suite #900 kts-law.com | 800-338-6039

LOCAL COMMUNITY EVENT GOLD – PAWmicon 7510-7610 Hazard Center Drive hazardcenter.com/superhero 619-543-8111

SILVER – Holiday Bowl SDCCU Stadium holidaybowl.com 619-283-5808

MANICURE/PEDICURE GOLD – Lavish Nails 7610 Hazard Center Drive lavishnailsandlounge.com 619-294-9800 SILVER – The Newme Nails 5658 Mission Center Road #303 thenewmenails.business.site 619-692-1512

MASSAGE GOLD – Massage Envy 7610 Hazard Center Drive massageenvy.com 619-325-0333 SILVER – Pure Salon & Spa 7710 Hazard Center Drive C thepuresalonspa.com 619-291-9215

MMA OR BOXING GYM GOLD – UFC GYM 5448 Mission Center Road ufcgym.com | 619-298-8321 SILVER – 9Round Fitness 6110 Friars Road 9round.com | 619-684-5632

NEW BUSINESS GOLD – Battle Axe San Diego 6330 Riverdale St. battleaxesd.com 619-501-8811

L&L Hawaiian BBQ

Located in Mission Valley, the heart of San Diego, Battle Axe San Diego is one of the first indoor axe throwing facilities in Southern California while also being the largest! Battle Axe San Diego is a family owned business that is introducing a unique, adrenaline packed activity with some style. If you’ve never thrown an axe, don’t worry, a Battle Axe Axpert will be assigned to your group the entire game. We have 22 full throwing lanes, two swings, basketball hoop, NES Nintendo, tiki toss, a military discount on Thursdays, and five axes to throw. We host corporate outings, birthdays, and bachelor/bachelorette parties and also walk ins and smaller groups. Our Sunday cash league runs every Sunday from 4–5 p.m.

OPTOMETRIST GOLD – Dr. Walter R. Thomas 7610 Hazard Center Drive #517 619 291-7712 SILVER – Dr. Robyn D. Slikker 2345 Fenton Marketplace Driveway slikkeroptometry.com 619 521-1006

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REAL ESTATE AGENT GOLD – Kathy McSherry, Coldwell Banker 1621 West Lewis St. kathymcsherry.com | 702-328-9905 Kathy McSherry began her real estate career in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2000 in residential real estate. In 2004, Kathy switched to working for a new home builder in new home construction, and model homes. In her 11 years with new home builders, she received many sales achievement awards. Kathy relocated to San Diego, California in 2006, and continued to work for new home builders, and was one of the original sales agents in Civita, Mission Valley — selling over 200 homes. In 2015, Kathy made the switch to residential real estate, where she currently hangs her license with Compass and resides and works in the Master Planned Community, Civita. In addition, she serves on the board of the Mission Valley Planning Group which gives her additional knowledge to service the Mission Valley community. Kathy McSherry has been writing for the Mission Valley news on real estate for two and a half years, offering advice on real estate questions. Visit her at kathymcsherry.com or call her at 702-328-9905/Kathy.mcsherry@compass.com. SILVER – Brian Lacklen, Ascent Real Estate 2900 North Park Way ascentrealestate.net | 619-814-3420 Ascent Real Estate agent Brian Lacklen was born in suburbs of Washington, DC and went to college in North Carolina. His first career was

in telecommunication sales to the US Navy. His business travel brought him frequently to San Diego and in 2007 he decided to change careers so he could live in San Diego and not have to always travel for work. Brian has bought/sold many houses in his life and especially enjoys renovating homes to increase their value which is why he found real estate as the perfect next career that allows him to work with clients who share his view that your home is your greatest investment and finding the right home at the right price is the best way to protect your investment. Brian specializes in working with buyers, sellers and investors in the core San Diego neighborhoods of Mission Valley, North Park, University Heights, Hillcrest, Missions Hills and Bankers Hills. I also work with clients on beach area properties (Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla and Coronado) and downtown condo's. Brian Lacklen is dedicated to your Mission Valley real estate needs!

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| BUSINESS 17 Buy, or continue renting? Hold tight during market storms Mission Valley News

sdcnn.com

ASK KATHY Kathy McSherry Hi Kathy: I’m renting in Mission Valley but I really do want to have home ownership. I keep reading about the market going from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. The interest rates have been slowly rising. The current political administration is very controversial right now, and foreign relations in combination with stock markets … I am so confused. How would you advise a renter when to purchase? —Lenny T. Hi Lenny: Trust me when I say you are not alone. No one can predict what will truly happen but the market has shifted based on more homes being available, and interest rates that have been on the rise. As of recently, early January, they took a slight dip to about 4.5 percent. However, historically, that is still advantageous for a buyer. We all knew that 3 percent was not going to be around forever. Those that could take advantage did. Lucky them. My own personal home is locked in at 4.2 percent, which is great. Unfortunately for me, I could not refinance to the 3 percent interest rates that were being offered, due to my own personal situation. But you know what? I still own my own home and I still get the tax benefits and I still have equity. Home ownership is the American dream that many of us hope to obtain. According to the California Association of Realtors (CAR) on homeownership, here are some interesting stats: 1. 21 percent of renters feel that homeownership provides a good long-term investment. What prevents them: Only 40 percent of renters are familiar to the credit and loan criteria needed to purchase a home. 2. 2.19 percent of renters feel that homeownership gives them the freedom to do what they want with their home. However, 14 percent of renters are under the impression that you need more than 50 percent down payment to purchase a home. 3. 12 percent of renters feel that home ownership allows them stability to plant

roots. Yet nearly 40 percent of California renters believe that more than 20 percent is required to become a homeowner. According to the CAR 2018 State of California Consumer Survey, these misconceptions result in many renters delaying their home purchase or giving up on the dream of homeownership. Lenny, you should really sit down and plan if you want to purchase a home and consider the benefits of both. When you rent, you have the ﬂexibility to move out and you are not responsible for any repairs and maintenance. You can take time to work to save for down payments. You do not have to worry about homeowners association fees or Mello-Roos tax which increase monthly mortgage payments. Also, you can take time to build your credit and, if need be, work on your FICO scores. When buying, you get the tax benefits associated with homeownership. Over the long haul and based on real estate prices, you can build equity and hopefully plan for an easier retirement. Your payments are generally fixed and you do not have to be susceptible to rent hikes or answer to landlords. Another article written in youstayhealthy.com had statistics relevant to San Diego: Owning a home in San Diego: Around 50 percent of people in San Diego are homeowners; The average monthly mortgage payment in San Diego is $2,475; the gross monthly income you need to afford to buy in San Diego is $12,680. Renting in San Diego: Around 50 percent of people in San Diego are renters; the average monthly rent in San Diego is $1,743; the gross monthly income needed to rent (30 percent of income) is $5,281. Lenny, if you keep reading my articles, I will always tell you to buy now with what you can afford. The advantages of home ownership can be great and advantageous. Always consult a professional Realtor and a recommended loan officer to help you figure out your financials. Great question and best of luck.

Mission Valley Money Steve Doster Daily swings of the Standard & Poor’s 500 (abbreviated as the S&P 500 and what most refer to as “the market”) have been excessively large the past couple of months. These swings occur throughout the trading day. There is no way to predict or time the stock market. Holding tight during these storms is the best strategy for a long-term investor. As an example, there was one day in December when the S&P 500 index was down about 1 percent during morning trading. Despite the rough start, however, the S&P 500 index finished the day with a small gain. A 1 percent change translates to about $300 billion of ﬂuctuating value for 500 of the largest U.S. companies. Let that number sink in. The trading day lasts for 6 1/2 hours. A $300 billion swing is about the size of Columbia’s annual gross domestic product. These 500 companies still own the same buildings, sell the same products (to the same customers), have the same supply chains, and are run by the same people. Investors couldn’t decide how much these 500 companies were worth that day even though

nothing changed with the companies themselves. It is impossible to predict what information the market is digesting and how it will impact stock prices. Following the market’s short-term moves can be very misleading and detrimental to investors. Most investors tend to sell when the market drops and buy back in when stocks get hot again. It would be nice to be able to sell right before a downturn and buy back right before an increase. The problem with this market timing strategy is that an investor needs to be correct twice. Research shows this is impossible to do over long periods. A better way is to invest in a diversified portfolio and stay the course. A diversified portfolio is one that includes stocks, bonds, and real estate. These different investments work together to keep your money safer during downturns. A portfolio of 100 percent stocks will be about as volatile as the current S&P 500 index. However, a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and real estate will remain more stable throughout these uncertain times. Having more stability in your portfolio allows you to feel calmer and stick with your investments while the storm passes. Systematic rebalancing is another way to stay the course during volatile times. As stocks and bonds increase

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

or decrease in value, one asset class can be sold, and another purchased to keep your investments in balance. When this is done correctly, investors will automatically sell high and buy low. You will sell something that has grown so much, you end up with too much of it. That money is reinvested in something that has gone down in value and you need to buy more to get back to the target amount. When markets get bumpy, as they have been the last couple of weeks, rely on a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and real estate to get you through the storms. Attempting to time the market by getting out of stocks with a plan to get back in at some point in the future is a losing proposition. Choose a mix of investments that allow you to sleep at night. Check on it every so often to make sure things are still in balance. Then ignore everything else. It’s all noise from a storm that will pass. —Steve Doster, CFP, is the financial planning manager at Rowling & Associates – a fee-only wealth management firm in Mission Valley helping individuals create a worry-free financial life. Rowling & Associates helps people with their taxes, investments, and retirement planning. Read more articles at rowling.com/blog.■

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—Kathy McSherry is a Realtor at Compass. Email your questions to Kathy. mcsherry@compass.com or call 702-328-9905.■

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LIFESTYLE / LIBRARY The cost of veterinary care

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Sari Reis In a recent discussion I had with a veterinarian, who happens to be a client, we discussed how the biggest problem facing most pet owners today is the cost of veterinary care. She shared with me the story of a young rottweiler, who had presented at a veterinary clinic for treatment nearly two months previously, very sick. Radiographs revealed a large, pointed object lodged in the intestinal tract. The veterinarian recommended urgent surgery to remove the object. The surgery was costly and the dog’s owners said they would have to think about it. Over the next few days, they thought the dog was getting better, and delayed a decision. The day before my client told me this story, the dog was brought to the Humane Society at which my client is a veterinarian. He had become desperately ill in the last few days, and the owners couldn’t afford another trip to their veterinarian. They were forced to relinquish their pet because they couldn’t afford veterinary care. The Humane Society took the dog straight to surgery, but the damage from the obstruction was so extensive, and the

patient was so critically ill, that the only option was euthanasia. This same sad story appears repeatedly in veterinary clinics all over this country. Veterinary care can be expensive due to the sophistication of treatment modalities, the cost of state-of-the-art equipment, and the costly educational investment veterinarians make. So what is one to do if you love your furry kids but are concerned about the medical cost to care for them? First, you can look into pet insurance. There are many different plans available that can reimburse your pet medical costs or offset them substantially. Conversely, you can set up a savings plan designed specifically to cover any major medical procedures your pet may require. One of the most proactive solutions and the least expensive is to have your dog or cat checked annually by your veterinarian. Commit to setting up a wellness check for your pets at the beginning of each year. Make sure routine preventive health care treatments are up to date. The best approach lies in a pet owner’s attention to their pet. Changes in behavior are often the only sign that an animal may be ill or in pain. Your observations and the progression of signs that something

may be wrong are critical information for your veterinarian. Changes in appetite, water consumption, and elimination habits are very significant. Is your cat eliminating outside of the litter box? Notice if your pet is favoring a limb, not jumping the way he used to or playing the games she normally likes. Feel his body regularly for lumps, bumps, or any other changes in the fur or skin. Is she hiding a lot, seem jumpy or more anxious or fearful? Is your usually easy-going pet more irritable and short-tempered? Does your pet smell differently? Anything unusual or unfamiliar could be a sign that your pet isn’t feeling well. By catching signs early, you can often head off more costly problems down the road. No one knows your pet like you do. Use this privilege to keep your pet healthy, and to mitigate costly veterinary bills. Your attentiveness will strengthen the bond you already share with your pet, which keeps you both healthy. —Sari Reis is a certiﬁed Humane Education Specialist and the owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more information, you can reach her at 760-644-0289 or missionvalleypetsitting.com.■

Fat-burning zone — fact or fiction? Erica Moe This new year, it is likely that you have already, or soon will be, entering a fitness center. As you step onto that treadmill, sit on the bike or pedal the elliptical, you’ll have to make some decisions. First, you will adjust the incline for the treadmill, the seat for the bike or the ramp height for the elliptical. Once the machine is physically set for you, the real brain-teasing begins. Which program to select? Some options include aerobic, interval, rolling hills, mountain peaks, and the all-alluring fat-burning zone program. Who doesn’t want to burn more fat? Interestingly, your body uses a great percentage fat for fuel when you are less active. Fact: You are the least active when sleeping, and it turns out that’s when your body uses the greatest percentage of fat for fuel — about 80 percent. At a lower exercise intensity, which has been coined the “fat-burning zone,” the percent of fat for fuel is still high — approximately 70 percent. However, the overall total calories burned can be less than a more intense workout, which will use about 50 percent fat and 50 percent carbohydrates for energy. Let’s do the math: A. Sleeping 30 minutes burns approximately 25 calories, with 20 calories coming from fat energy. B. Walking at 2 mph for 30 minutes burns approximately

The “fat-burning zone” will not help you lose weight as well as burning calories through intense workouts. (Courtesy YMCA)

100 calories, with 70 calories coming from fat energy. C. Cycling moderately for 30 minutes burns approximately 250 calories, with 125 calories coming from fat energy. Fact: In the three options above, both A and B burn a higher percentage of fat, but yield few total calories used. Therefore, if you want to burn more calories, aim for a more intense workout, which will help you achieve your goal faster. Fact: This doesn’t mean that you should throw out your walking shoes. Walking, or other low-intensity exercise, is a great place to start a fitness regimen. For beginners, it may be a comfortable starting point and allow for a longer exercise session when building a fitness base. However, if and when it is feasible to find ways to increase intensity, it is well worth the effort to go beyond the fat-burning zone. Fact: When moving your body, burning calories (fat or otherwise) should not be the

first and definitely not the only measurement of success. Instead, focus on increased cardiovascular endurance with longer exercise sessions or increased strength and flexibility as beneficial health rewards, not just the readout on the screen. Fiction: Selecting the fat-burning zone workout on a machine at the gym will help you lose fat more quickly. Selecting that program will burn a higher percentage of fat and that is where the confusion starts. To lose weight, it is imperative to understand that it is a balance of calories in (nutrition) and calories out (exercise). If you need assistance understanding this more, or learning which program will help you get to your goals more efficiently, contact your local YMCA. —Erica Moe, M.S., is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist who writes on behalf of the Mission Valley YMCA where she is fitness director.■

19 Resolve to donate used books this year Mission Valley News

Karen Reilly

Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

Operation Book Support, which identifies titles that have a high value on the secondary market. The titles they choose are often obscure, such as scholarly monographs, and are unlikely to sell in the Friends book sale. Operation Book Support sells these items online, and returns a significant percentage of the proceeds to the Friends.

It’s January, and that means it’s New Year’s resolution time. Every year, library staff can tell that many patrons have resolved to tidy up their homes because a ﬂood of donated books, CDs and DVDs washes into the library. But I’m not complaining. These donations are invaluable to our work. Here’s what we do with your many donations. First, I review them (yes, all of them!) to see what might be added to the library’s collection. Some titles are bestsellers, which still have a lengthy waiting list. I am always excited when we can add an adStacks of donated books at the Mission Valley ditional copy of Library (Courtesy Friends of the Mission Valley Library) one of these and send it right out to an eagerly waiting reader. The Friends then review In other cases, we may have the remainder of the donaowned a title for a long time tions for items they believe and our copy may be worn, are likely to sell in the dirty or damaged. Replacing Friends book sale. This is that title with a donated copy, the core of their work: selling which has only been read once books, audiobooks, DVDs and or twice, is a low-cost way to music CDs for an average refresh our collection and pro- price of $1 each, which brings vide our patrons with books in in over $1,000 a month to good condition. support our materials, proOccasionally, we also gramming and equipment. receive a treasure that I deWith this money, we are able liver to San Diego Central to offer many of our children’s Library’s California Room, programs, including baby which holds the library’s arsign language and Summer chival collection. A recent exReading Program events, and ample: a big cardboard poster our OASIS adult lectures. that showed all of the aircraft This book sale funding also built by the San Diego comallows us to purchase new pany Consolidated Aircraft printers, chairs and tables, (which became Convair) shelving, and many of our from the 1920s through the books. The Friends truly are a 1960s. My apologies to those vital part of our operation. of you who saw it in my office Any materials that neither and really wanted to take it Operation Book Support nor home. But you and all San the Friends want come back Diegans can now see it in the to me, and I pack them up California Room on the ninth and send them off to our secﬂoor of the Central Library. ondary vendor, Better World Finally, there are some Books. Better World Books is donations which can go no a nonprofit that collects books, further. Battered mass maraudiobooks and DVDs from ket paperbacks; books that libraries around the country are torn, dirty or water-damand sells some on various onaged; magazines over a year line platforms, donates others old; and cassette and VHS and recycles whatever simtapes cannot be sold by our ply cannot find a home. The Friends (and they have tried!) Friends and the San Diego or our secondary vendors Public Library Foundation (more about them soon). If get a portion of the proceeds you are thinking of donating from these sales. It’s small, these, you might want to save but that seems fair, as Better yourself the effort of packing World Books pays for their them up and hauling them own boxes and arranges and here. As much as we apprecipays for shipping. ate the thought, these items With luck, this has inspired are simply going to end up in you to take another look at the trash or recycling — deyour collection and ask yourpending upon what they are self, “Could the Library use made of. this?” Think how freeing it Once I have reviewed evwill feel to have room on your erything, I pass the donations shelves, and to know that you along to the Friends of the are helping the library in the Mission Valley Library, who process. conduct their own review. They scan every book, DVD —Karen Reilly is managand CD for a local vetering librarian of the Mission an-owned company called Valley Library.■

20 Mission Valley News | Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2019

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Mission Valley News

COMMUNITY AND ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR FEATURED EVENTS FRIDAY

Jan.

Brewery for an evening of crafty cocktails as guests paint their own personal masterpieces as a group. Admission includes all necessary art supplies (easels, paints, brushes, aprons, etc.) Ages 16+ welcome. Guests under age 18 must be registered with an accompanying registered adult. Free Parking. Food and wine are not included in the event fee. Runs from 6–9 p.m. Cost is $35. Register online at bit.ly/2FkTSzJ.

21+ only. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. 1130 Buenos Ave. Purchase tickets at ticketf.ly/2FgVZV9.

Jan.

SATURDAY

Jan.

New York based, all-female tribute band Judas Priestess to take the stage at Brick by Brick with special guests opening. $15. Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. 21+ only. 1130 Buenos Ave. For tickets, visit ticketf.ly/2FgAio5.

SATURDAY

Jan.

Feb.

Jan.

Margarita Madness 5k

Margarita Madness 5k is a unique night 5 kilometer fun run focused less on speed and more on Margarita fun with friends and family. Margarita participants come from all different ages, shapes, sizes, and speeds; every participant will enjoy complimentary margaritas while having the time of their life. Whether you are an avid runner/walker or not, the 3 miles of the Margarita Madness 5k course will have you beaming and waiting for the next one! Race starts at East Mission Bay Park, 1292 E Mission Bay Drive. Registration is $40. Event is 21+ only. Go online to bit.ly/2Fmdvqc for information and registration.

MONDAY

Jan.

Get ready to program and ﬂy pocket-sized drones through aerial acrobatic missions! Working in groups, students will build a remote controller and program a drone to compete in a high-ﬂying race. The class is recommended for students with little or no experience with circuits and computer programming. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. 2123 Fenton Parkway.

Is it time to change your financial strategy? Oasis San Diego hosts this class to examine the many economic and tax law changes that have occurred in the past year and give guests the information needed to make informed financial decisions. Located in the Community Room of the Mission Valley Public Library from 1–2:30 p.m. Free. 2123 Fenton Parkway.

FRIDAY

Jan.

Lunar New Year Children’s Celebration

Join the Mission Valley library as they ring in the Year of the Pig with stories and activities in honor of the Lunar New Year. This program is geared to toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary ages. No registration required. Free. 2123 Fenton Parkway.

Diversity Career Fair

Join Dizzy’s Jazz Club for a bopping night of Jazz celebrating one of the most inﬂuential guitarists of the 20th century. Vocalist Allison Adams Tucker & Friends unite to celebrate the life and music of French “Hot Club” gypsy jazz founder Django Reinhardt. Also featuring a special performance by the Mission Bay High School Gypsy Jazz Quartet. Admission is $20. 4275 Mission Bay Drive.

FRIDAY

Feb.

Growing Orchids

Orchids add beauty and elegance to any home. Let the folks at Armstrong Garden Center show you everything you need to grow orchids with ease in this free class. The course will take place from 9 – 10 a.m. at the Armstrong Garden Center in Mission Valley. 1364 Morena Blvd. Email info@armstronggarden. com for more information.

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

Feb.

ASL Story & Music Time

Etsy Guild Market

The Southern California Etsy Guild’s monthly outdoor market will be held on Feb. 2 at the Westfield Mission Valley mall. Vendors will sell handmade art, clothing, goods, jewelry, and more. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free. Located in the parking lot of Nordstrom Rack and Michael’s. 1640 Camino Del Rio North.

Bach at Noon

The Bach Collegium of San Diego hosts concerts showcasing the classic works the likes of Bach, Handel, Mozart, and more. This month’s repertoire includes The music

Best-selling author, Monta Z. Briant uses songs, stories and engaging toys and props along with American Sign Language Signs in a super-engaging performance for babies through preschoolers. Whether you're already signing with your baby or are looking to get your feet wet with some like-minded friends, this is the place for you. Free. Located at the Mission Valley Library from 3–3:30 p.m. 2123 Fenton Parkway. Register at bit.ly/2FwUmBP.■

ONGOING EVENTS

Feb.

All Girls STEM Society presents Neuroscience

Primitive Man

Winter Radiance

Circus Vargas

Circus Vargas is back with an all-new show that's sure to spark joy in the hearts of adults and kids alike. The traveling big top circus journeys back to the golden era of circus with "The Greatest of Ease" in San Diego. Jampacked with aerial feats, acrobatics and clowning, not to mention a colorful cast of characters, world-class performers, singing, comedy and more, "The Greatest of Ease" has plenty of treasures for the whole family to enjoy. $40. Westfield Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio North. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/2Fk8crk.

MONDAY

Jan.

Join Wine & Canvas San Diego at Gordon Biersch

Feb.

SATURDAY

Django Fest

Find a great job in San Diego on Jan. 24, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Handlery Hotel. This job fair is open to the general public and there is no cost to attend. Make sure to bring plenty of resumes and dress for an interview. 950 Hotel Circle North.

Feb.

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

Jan.

Oasis Economic Update

DIY Drone Coding

Are you a veteran looking to move or be a first-time home buyer? This VA home loan workshop is designed to arm veterans with the education needed to make the most of their hard-earned VA home loan benefits. An experienced, all-veteran team will guide the workshop through the top benefits of and strategies for maximizing BAH and help to distinguish the facts from the myths of the VA home loan. Free. 8885 Rio San Diego Drive. Register online at bit.ly/2Flomk0.

of J.S. Bach and Arvo Pärt. Located at the All Souls’ Episcopal Church, the show will begin at 12:15 p.m. Admission is free to all Bach at Noon events. 1475 Catalina Blvd.

SATURDAY

VA Home Loan Workshop

on Feb. 4 on his Astroworld tour. Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. Purchase tickets online at bit.ly/2Fj1Kl9.

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

Judas Priestess with Special Guests

TUESDAY

Denver, Colorado-based sludge metal three-piece Primitive Man will play at Brick by Brick with special guests opening. Tickets are $14 online or $18 at the door.

In collaboration with the All Girls STEM Society, Mission Valley Library presents a fun and accessible program about neuroscience. This workshop is recommended for girls in grades 3–8. Registration is required. Located in the Community Room of the Mission Valley Branch Library. 2123 Fenton Parkway. Sign up online at bit.ly/2FByNjP.

Mondays

LEGO League The Mission Valley Public library hosts this is weekly LEGO freestyle build session where creating, learning, and collaborating is the key to making everything fit. All LEGO pieces will be provided. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Free. 3:30–4:30 p.m. 2123 Fenton Parkway.

Thursdays

Travi$ Scott

Rapper Travis Scott will take the stage at Pechanga Arena

Game Night The Hazard Center continues its family game night series and invites guests to

join them at Barnes & Noble each Thursday at 6 p.m. for an evening of classic and new games for the whole family. Free. 7610 Hazard Center Drive.

Fridays

Civita Park Famers Market San Diego Farm Bureau presents a weekly farmers market in beautiful Civita Park each Friday from 3–7 p.m. Meet local famers and small business owners and pick up high-quality ﬂorals, baked goods, and produce. Free. 7964 Civita Blvd.■