San Diego Downtown News: Vol. 19, Issue 12

VOLUME 19 ISSUE 12

December 2018 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter sdcnn.com

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New artisanal market in Downtown Albert H. Fulcher | Editor

Redesigning Children’s Park

HOLIDAY GUIDE P. 10

Robert DeLaurentis with “Citizen of the World,” the Gulfstream Turbine Commander 900 plane that will complete the mission (Photo courtesy of flyingthrulife.com)

Bankers Hill pilot sets off on world peace mission

Looking for Christmas

Sara Butler | Contributing Editor

FEATURE P. 13

January 2019 will mark the beginning of a global adventure for Robert DeLaurentis.

DeLaurentis, a Bankers Hill resident, has an extensive aviation resume under his seatbelt. Since receiving his pilot’s license seven years ago, he has completed 1,100 flight hours and visited more than 53 countries. One of his most notable trips was “Spirit of San Diego,” a 27 stop and 27,000 nautical mile flight

Dentist provides new smiles for seniors

around the world from May to August 2015.

Now he will embark on his biggest expedition yet — traveling to the ends of the earth, from the South Pole to the North Pole. After his initial departure from San Diego, he will fly southeast through Texas, Central and South America to the South Pole, then up through Africa and Europe to the North Pole before turning back home.

“It just seemed like the natural thing to do next,”

DeLaurentis said, referring to his upcoming adventure.

DeLaurentis named his expedition “Citizen of the World” after the Gulfstream Turbine Commander 900 plane he will pilot on the mission. It is a 90day journey, with a mission of connecting humanity from all over the globe.

“The South Pole and the North Pole are the two places on the planet where peace exists, and the flight will connect

see DeLaurentis, pg 3

Race for the Cure

FASHION P. 19

By Jules Shane

Le Diner en Blanc

Index Politics

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Opinion

6

Puzzles

17

Calendar

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Balboa Park was awash in a sea of pink on Nov. 4 as more than 9,000 people came to support the cause of ending breast cancer. The 22nd annual Susan G. Komen San Diego Race for the Cure (KSDRC) brought the park along Sixth Avenue to life in the early morning, where hundreds of tents assembled alongside a full-sized stage.

Venders offered samples and refreshments, local health care providers shared success stories, and sponsors handed out pink keepsakes to participants. At 7:30 a.m., the

see Komen Race, pg 3

Lane Field Park Markets is a family destination venue with food, games, arts, music and more. (Courtesy of Andrew Sisley)

Covering Balboa Park in pink

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Former home to the San Diego Padres, Lane Field Park was inspired by San Diego’s love for baseball. But now, on Sundays, this park is transformed into an artisanal wonderland of food, crafts, the arts and music. The market debuted in mid-September, Lane Field Park Markets founder and manager Andrew Sisley wanted to bring a different vibe other than normal farmer’s market, making it a venue rather than just a place to buy produce.

Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray was named San Diego’s 2018 Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor. (Photo by Jules Shane)

Settled by the San Diego Bay next to the InterContinental San Diego in Downtown, this venue offers beautiful scenery, as well as creative foods, drinks, artists and musicians.

This was Sisley’s goal, to go against the come and go pedestrian traffic and create a common space for them to find and spend a morning, afternoon or a day.

“The concept was to bring community to this space Downtown and it is a really nice environment to come and hang out and enjoy some food, music and really enjoy a gathering space,” Sisley said. “We have about 25 food vendors with a nice variety and diverse selection of food. We’ve created a browse environment, so we bring in about 100 umbrellas and picnic blankets and lay it all out, so it is really a nice sanctuary whether it be tourist from the nearby hotels or

see Park Markets, pg 16

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

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FEATURE / NEWS

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the two — I like to say, ‘on a mission of global peace,’” he said, adding that the plane is “a global billboard for the causes we’re trying to promote.”

For this trip, DeLaurentis has partnered with United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA), a nonprofit affiliated with the United Nations (UN). After meeting Joan Augsburger, the manager of the UN Building International Gift Shop in Balboa Park, DeLaurentis was connected to the executive director of UNA-USA’s San Diego chapter, Bettina Hausmann.

DeLaurentis will make various stops to meet with people at UNA regional offices around the world, coordinated by Hausmann. He plans to conduct interviews with these individuals about what it means to them to be a “Citizen of the World.”

“One people. One planet.

One plane,” is the overarching concept driving the trip.

DeLaurentis noted that he first encountered the philosophy of “oneness” when completing his graduate studies in Spiritual Psychology, a three-year study from University of Santa Monica.

Once he became a pilot and began his global travels, he encountered many diverse individuals and the concept of “oneness” stuck with him.

“In this world in this day in age, the world is divided. Mostly with politics, it seems, but there’s color of people, their race, their socioeconomic class,” he said. “But what I found on my first trip is that there are more similarities than differences amongst people. Everybody basically wanted peace, safety, health for their family, financial security, and the pursuit of joy and happiness.”

In addition to his work with UNA, he is also supporting efforts of UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

DeLaurentis will have the Wafer Scale spacecraft experiment onboard, designed by scientists at UCSB and funded by NASA, which is a small circuit board approximately the size of a hand.

It consists of several small “spacecraft” that are prototypes for the NASA Starlight program. Fitted with sensors, they automatically record data, take pictures and measure elements such as altitude and speed.

“Each spacecraft will have a GPS, optical communications devices to interact with each other, ultra-low power radio (optional), inertial navigation, temperature and optical imaging sensors,” according to a statement from UCSB scientists, which can be found on DeLaurentis’ website.

The ambitious journey has a high price tag of approximately 600,000 to $1 million — funded with the help more than 70 sponsors — due to the extensive airplane modifications that he and his team have had to make in order to ensure the plane can travel the distance.

opening ceremony commenced with survivors and KSDRC organization members taking the stage to share their stories and honor those in San Diego and around the world who are fighting breast cancer.

President and CEO of Komen San Diego, Shaina Gross, commemorated the success of previous years’ races and rallied participants of this year’s to continue to help fund and support breast cancer awareness and treatment. As of this year, it is predicted that roughly 12 percent of women in America will develop some form of invasive breast cancer throughout her life, about 1 in 8 odds. Komen San Diego has a local board of directors that determine what programs to fund with the money raised from the event.

“That’s what’s important about this race is that 75 percent of all the funds that are raised stay here in San

DELAURENTIS

KOMEN RACE

DeLaurentis, also known as the “Zen Pilot,” in the cockpit of his plane (Photo courtesy of flyingthrulife.com)

“Taking a plane to its absolute limits — and yourself — and going after some records is fun,” DeLaurentis said.

Lack of navigation information, the threat of single pilot fatigue, and flying in some of the worst weather in the world are also difficulties DeLaurentis has had to prepare for. Most recently, he visited Connecticut to complete an open ocean survival training in case of a water crash.

Despite his preparation and faith, DeLaurentis is not facing this journey without nerves or anxieties. But rather than run from the fear, he chooses to “lean into it.”

In fact, one of the defining moments of his aviation career so far was rooted in fear — his brush with death due to an engine failure in a single-engine plane over the Strait of Malacca, which occurred during his “Spirit of San Diego” trip around the globe back in 2015. To survive the incident,

see DeLaurentis, pg 8

Board chair elect Merrilee Neal

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018 Diego to help provide services and support for women and their families,” said incoming board chair Merrilee Neal, noting that the remaining “25 percent goes to international research.” Funds go on to offer complimentary health services such as mammograms, biopsies, and MRIs to local residents who might otherwise be unable to access them. Additionally, Komen San Diego provides free cancer treatments including surgery and chemotherapy for those who cannot afford their often-debilitating costs.

This year’s race raised more than $800,000 to be put towards the organization’s mission of helping those in need navigate the arduous process of beating breast cancer. The Komen San Diego 3-Day further expanded these funds on Nov. 16–18 as people walked 60 miles over the course of three days to raise awareness about breast cancer and in support of being the generation to discover a cure for the disease. With hundreds of participants, this event raised more than $6.3 million, bringing a total to date of $126.3 million raised.

“We cannot thank our amazing 3-Day family enough for their time and dedication to this cause,” said Carrie Stovall, Susan G. Komen senior director of events, in a press release. “Every step they take and every dollar they raise gets us closer to the day when we can finally say goodbye to breast cancer forever.

Their passion is inspiring.”

3

Shaina Gross speaks at the opening ceremony (Photos by Jules Shane) Participants trained and fundraised in preparation for the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day. The event fosters lifelong friendships and memories, while providing the community a moving opportunity to honor those who have battled and for those who continue to fight breast cancer. Participants spent the weekend walking through San Diego communities and camping in pink tents each night.

The event, which began early Friday morning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, concluded with a moving closing ceremony at Waterfront Park.

For more information, visit The3Day.org.

—Jules Shane can be reached at jshaneap@gmail. com.v

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

POLITICS

Preventing gun violence before it happens City Attorney News Mara W. Elliott Mass shootings and everyday gun violence have become so commonplace in America that many are losing hope that we can stop the senseless loss of innocent lives.

In San Diego, my office and the Police Department are restoring hope by leading the state in using a relatively new tool that prevents gun violence when red flags appear: the Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO).

Courts issue GVROs against a person who poses a clear threat to themself or others, preventing them from possessing, accessing, or purchasing firearms or ammunition.

My office has obtained more than 80 GVROs this year, leading to the surrender of more than a dozen assault weapons, 200 other firearms, and 80,000 rounds of ammunition. In each case, we presented a judge with clear and convincing evidence — warning signs that could not be ignored.

There’s no telling how many lives we’ve saved. Some GVRO respondents had made specific threats to kill. Others

threatened suicide. Many used their firearms recklessly because of addiction or mental health issues.

The California law was prompted by the 2014 mass shooting in Isla Vista, a community where I felt safe as a student while attending University of California Santa Barbara. A GVRO could have prevented that tragedy and hundreds like it. Yet few California cities were obtaining GVROs until I became your city attorney and made this program my priority.

Our success was noticed in Sacramento and we were asked

see Gun Violence, pg 16

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Buyer beware: Automatic renewal scams District Attorney News Summer Stephan As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication and accessibility between the DA’s Office and you, the community. One way I have been doing that is through this monthly column, where I provide consumer tips on public safety matters.

Many of us are enticed by introductory rates for services such as online dating sites, software products or technical services. But, just when we start taking advantage of the service, a month has gone by and the tempting rate is no longer so low. At this point, consumers should be able to make a choice about whether to opt out of the service or allow the service to continue at the higher rate. But, that’s not always the case.

Online subscriptions and other automatically recurring charges have proliferated in the U.S. in recent years. Some renewals come after free trials, where consumers need to cancel in time to avoid charges.

Federal and state law requires businesses to make these auto-renewals clear to consumers, and to get their “express, affirmative consent” before they collect any money. However, many businesses still don’t follow this law.

Consumers should know that automatically renewing customer payments, without the consumer’s express prior consent, is against the law. These

laws are in place so consumers know what they’re getting when they sign up with a company. The company needs to make it clear that transactions will renew automatically and they should not hide that information in the fine print.

The District Attorney’s Office has a Consumer Protection Unit that works to protect people and their hardearned money from unfair business practices like this and make sure companies are following California laws.

Here’s what businesses are supposed to do: ● Clearly and conspicuously disclose the renewal terms. ● Get consumers’ express consent – which should be through a separate check-box (or similar mechanism) that does not include other terms and conditions. ● Send a clear summary of the renewal terms and cancelation policy, including how to cancel, after consumers pay. ● Allow consumers to cancel easily. (And if the consumer signed-up online, the consumer must be allowed to cancel online).

When businesses do not follow the law, they can be held liable for civil penalties and restitution. In September, for example, my office along with other prosecuting agencies across California, settled a consumer protection case against Spark Networks USA, LLC, the parent company of niche dating sites Jdate and Christian Mingle. The Los Angeles-based

see Buyer beware, pg 9

Voting is a fundamental right of citizenship in our great country Notes from Toni Toni G. Atkins In California, we believe that democracy works best when all voices are heard, and every vote is counted. In recent years, we’ve worked hard to make voting as easy and accessible as possible.

We’ve taken steps to increase voter participation by allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote; automatically registering eligible voters through the Department of Motor Vehicles; allowing voters to register online until 15 days prior to an election, even allowing sameday registration and provisional ballots for those who miss the voter-registration deadline. And, starting in 2020, all mail-in ballots will be postage-paid, because no one should have to pay to have their vote counted.

The California Voter’s Choice Act of 2016 authored by my colleague, Sen. Ben Allen, created a pilot program to open one-stop Vote Centers in seven counties across the state. At any vote center in a

participating county, voters can now: ● Vote in-person. ● Drop off their ballot. ● Get a replacement ballot. ● Vote using an accessible voting machine. ● Get help and voting material in multiple languages.

All of these steps have paid off in a big way, as Californians registered to vote in record numbers and, last month, produced the highest turnout in recent memory for a non-presidential election. Roughly 12.8 million Californians cast a ballot on Nov. 6, or 65 percent of the 19.7 million registered voters in the state. According to the Secretary of State, more Californians voted early this year than in any previous midterm election.

We still have a long way to go to make sure every eligible voter can have their voice heard. But rest assured, we want to hear you, and we will continue to break down barriers to voting, because it’s your right as an American.

—Toni G. Atkins represents the 39th District in the California Senate. Follow her on Twitter @SenToniAtkins.v

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TOWN VOICES

Role-player in the future of sustainable place- and city-making public’s personal connection with a public space,” he said.

Art on the Land The questions he internally Delle Willett asks himself on every completed project are: Is it engaging?

Is the material selected susMartin Flores’ love of urban- tainable? Is there a benefit for ity, outdoors and physical form all age groups? Does it add has always influenced how he value to the space and its surguided his career in landscape roundings? Did the design meet architecture. the client’s expectations?

“When our family voted “My multi-disciplinary where to go on vacation, I was background has allowed me to the only one wanting to go to a be engaged where urban dencity rather than a national park sity and the natural processes or rural setting,” he said. “On can come together to create my birthday, I begged my mom a sustainable solution,” he to take me to the Downtown explained. drugstore rather than a pizza Martin has worked on sevhouse, where I always ordered a eral special projects at Carrier grilled cheese sandwich and sat Johnson. One is SDSU West, at the counter watching people where the plan is to transform pass by the large window that the man-made parking lot into faced the street.” a campus that coexists with Always drawing, Martin the San Diego River. The natwas introduced to a drafting ural-site restoration will form class in seventh grade — the the open spaces which will beginning of realizing that his weave in and out of the campus visual ideas, attention to detail connecting students, residents, and visual concepts can come employees, and visitors to the together. river. Overall, the campus in the park will be authentic to the site’s terrain and embrace the river and manifest the outdoor lifestyle that San Diego is known for.

Another is Block F Makers Quarter, an innovative neighborAn artist rendering of the SDSU Mission Valley hood in the East (Courtesy photo) Village District of Downtown A high school career-counSan Diego, which is undergoing seling class identified a career redevelopment inspired by the best for him — landscape maker movement and guided architecture. The counseling to establish, enhance, and prooffice had no additional informote San Diego’s core culture, mation about the profession create a new employment hub, — just a very short paragraph an authentic sustainable urban which he read a few times and space, and foster a walkable decided then and there that his future would be in landscape design.

After graduating high school, he found a landscape architecture class at a junior college and was captured. A seasoned professional taught the class, grunting and groaning at the new ramps and railings required for the Americans With Disabilities Act. The professor, recognizing Martin’s The Innovation Hub (Courtesy photo) eagerness to learn, encouraged him to develop his talent for conceptualization.

After a long journey, Martin earned his bachelor of landscape architecture from CalPoly, San Luis Obispo.

Today he is director of landscape architecture and urban design at Carrier Johnson + Culture, where he manages all landscape architectural and urban design projects and staff within offices in Downtown San Diego and Los Angeles.

Previously, he was with Rick Engineering Company of San Diego, as the director of urban design and planning.

Martin thrives on the challenges of developing and reconnecting existing neighborhoods, the open space, and mobility corridors. “I am inspired by how the places and spaces that I design can influence the

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

5

Seasonal floral displays and the Balboa Park Carousel Growing Balboa Park John Bolthouse

Martin Flores (Courtesy photo) neighborhood that encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Martin believes that landscape architects have become important role-players in the future of sustainable place and city-making. “Our skillsets allow us to become the building block of contemporary urban form while incorporating aspects such as ecology and process,” he said.

Martin is doing his part to encourage students to join his profession. More than 10 years ago, he and a handful of his professional colleagues started a CalPoly alumni group — The Landscape Architectural Design Council (LADAC) — that mentors, critiques student work, and provides internships to first- to fifth-year landscape architect students.

LADAC has now grown to more than 20 landscape architecture professionals from all over California, who provide professional support to the students and professors and help to propel the landscape architectural program to one of the top three landscape architectural academic institutions in the United States.

Martin lives in Talmadge with his wife, high school sweetheart Christie Flores.

He can’t leave home without a sketch pad and a camera.

—Delle Willett has been a marketing and public relations professional for over 30 years, with an emphasis on conservation of the environment. She can be reached at dellewillett@gmail.com.v

With fall in full swing and the holidays around the corner, we look forward to celebrating the spirit of the season, especially in the “Jewel of San Diego.” Friends of Balboa Park, a nonprofit that champions the legacy and beauty of the park, is stewarding a number of exclusive opportunities for the community to celebrate and enhance Balboa Park throughout the holidays:

Dedicate a poinsettia

Friends sponsors the seasonal floral displays in Balboa Park’s iconic Botanical Building and is now accepting dedications for the annual winter poinsettia display.

The poinsettias are scheduled to be on display from the first week in December to mid-January. Dedications can be made “in honor” or “in memory” of a loved one, and are tax-deductible. Limited opportunities are available, so please consider supporting this seasonal tradition.

Balboa Park Carousel

In 2017, Friends acquired the historic Balboa Park Carousel and launched a multi-year $3 million fundraising capital campaign to restore and complete the purchase. The campaign has surpassed the $1.3 million mark, thanks to the community’s generosity. We still have a ways to go to reach our next milestone, and need your

(Photos courtesy of Friends of Balboa Park)

support. Please consider a tax-deductible donation today and help preserve one of the park’s most beloved icons!

For more information on Friends’ events and park improvement projects, or to support the Balboa Park Carousel, call 619-232-2282 or visit friendsofbalboapark.org.

—Friends of Balboa Park is a nonprofit affinity organization that champions and enhances the park by connecting the philanthropic community to Balboa Park.

The group has spearheaded major capital improvement initiatives throughout Balboa Park, including upgraded carillon speakers in the California Tower, restoration of the historic gate houses and Lily Pond, information kiosks, Adopt-A-Plot, program, dedicated benches and trees, operation of the historic Balboa Park Carousel, and other programs that facilitate the community’s direct involvement in the enhancement of Balboa Park.

John Bolthouse is the executive director of Friends of Balboa Park. For more information, visit www.

FriendsOfBalboaPark.org.v

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

OPINION

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Why the city must stay committed to solving our homelessness crisis When I took office two years ago, San Diego’s urban core neighborhoods were in the midst of a homelessness crisis with no clear strategy to tackle the issue. My top priority has been improving our response to this devastating crisis, but one council member can’t do it alone.

Building on successful approaches in other cities and national best practices, I outlined ideas and policies for a holistic response. My colleagues and I have made important progress to increase funding, expand life-saving supportive services and house our homeless.

In early 2017, the City Council created a Select Committee on Homelessness dedicated to reviewing and improving city approaches for reducing homelessness.

The committee held its final meeting Thursday, Nov. 15, and our ongoing work now continues through standing committees. It’s important to review our accomplishments, and identify what challenges and opportunities remain ahead to ensure all San Diegans have a safe, stable home.

Last year, the hepatitis A emergency demanded quick action. With the leadership of the council and Mayor Kevin Faulconer, we successfully implemented temporary safe camping and parking programs, additional public restrooms, hand-washing stations, targeted street sanitation, storage facilities,

and bridge shelters providing safety and services for 700 homeless San Diegans.

Meanwhile, as chair of the Select Committee, I started with the basics. We updated the council’s Policy on Homelessness for the first time since 1995, with a commitment to proven Housing First strategies.

Collaborating with our state legislators, we streamlined housing development opportunities. The city also officially declared a Shelter Crisis, unlocking millions of dollars in new state funding for housing and services.

With the county, we’ve doubled the Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams providing emergency assessment and referrals to help people with mental illness.

At the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, we’re improving the region’s underlying data systems and coordination, while paving the way to receive millions more in state homeless dollars and private investment to scale up successful programs countywide.

As we identified gaps in our system, the Select Committee acted on new approaches to house our homeless. That has included a targeted rapid housing effort, emphasizing diversion programs, and tapping state funding to lay the groundwork for a new flexible housing spending pool to support innovative rental assistance strategies. We’re currently moving forward a pilot program coupling intensive

SALES INTERNS Allie Droze

Summer Stephan

Nic Carle

Chris Ward

Guest Editorial

By Chris Ward

Jean Lowerison Frank Sabatini Jr.

employment services with our rapid rehousing programs, and implementation of the Housing Commission’s Housing 3.0 plan is providing $79 million to boost affordable housing.

As success stories from other regions have demonstrated, real change takes years of sustained effort. We have a strong foundation — and Downtown’s on-street homeless population is decreasing — but there’s much more work ahead.

Last month, the council unanimously adopted my resolution setting a goal of building 140 permanent supportive housing units in each council district — enough to house every chronically homeless San Diego household. And city staff have now begun assessing city-owned properties to identify possible housing sites and ways to expedite projects.

Our committee also moved forward on creating a citywide outreach protocol, improving our proactive work meeting homeless San Diegans where they are in order to resolve encampment issues as well as connect them with the specific services and housing they need. And now the Housing Commission is underway on my request to develop a comprehensive plan to help ensure our limited homelessness dollars go to our most acute needs.

In 2019, we need a regional solution to provide recuperative care beds allowing people to fully

recover from acute health issues after leaving area hospitals, and revival of the Resource Access Program (RAP) to relieve pressure on our 911 emergency services. Additionally, we need a workable strategy to convert dilapidated motels into supportive housing, which brings new units online faster and cheaper.

We’ve made critical progress to develop services and outreach programs aligned with clearly-defined needs, and soon we’ll have the analysis for a comprehensive homelessness strategy to guide future city investments.

Ultimately, we will be judged by the most important metric of all: making housing attainable for all San Diegans. I am confident we’re finally on the right track, and we have identified opportunities that will bring us closer to resolving our homelessness crisis. I remain committed to prioritizing this work throughout San Diego until every homeless individual is housed.

—Councilmember Chris Ward serves the 13 communities in District 3, which include the Uptown neighborhoods of Old Town, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, North Park, South Park, Normal Heights, Bankers Hill and others. He is also the chair of the City Select Committee on Homelessness and vice-chair of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless.v

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TOWN VOICES

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

7

Very fancy and not odd at all Colorful history of the I.O.O.F. building

Pierce as president. Mr. Pierce, a civic and political leader, was the first vice president of the Bank of San Diego (A.E. Horton, president), president of the Chamber of Commerce, and What’s an odd fellow? I later a representative to the guess we have all known a state Assembly. few, but the Odd Fellows of the It was estimated that the 1800s were a national fraternal stylish classical revival edifice order of gentlemen dedicated to would cost $25,000. Withers “Friendship, Love, and Truth.” and Meyer were contracted Their identifying symbol was for the job of excavating for a series of interlinking circles the foundation and cellar at alluding to their motto, mak73 cents per square yard. The ing them also known as the architectural firm of Payne and Triple Link Fraternity. They Lacey were selected to design were both religiously and pothe building. They had also litically independent. Although designed the Horton House the organization was active Hotel and the Horton Bank in England as far back as the structure. However, due to 1700s, the American branch shortage in capital and matewas not organized until 1819 by rials, the actual building was Thomas Wildey in Baltimore, not begun until nine years Maryland. During the period later. Finally, on March 7, between 1862-1920, they were 1882, the cornerstone was laid. the largest of all fraternal A casket-shaped box, as was organizations. By 1889, they the custom of the Odd Fellows, had lodges in every American was paced in the northeast corstate. San Diego’s Lodge 153 ner. It contained Masonic and boasted such prominent leaders I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of as Alonzo Horton, John Young, Odd Fellows) documents, newsJohn Gray, E.W. Tebbutt, papers, coins, historical data, Edward W. Bushyhead, W.A. a piece of wood from Lebanon, Begole and George Hazzard. and a piece of stone from The Masons were also active Solomon’s Temple. To celebrate in early San Diego , as the the occasion, a joint parade San Diego chapter was foundwas held by both organizations, ed in 1851. They were the which started up D Street (now first Masonic lodge founded Broadway), down D Street to in California, preceding Los Sixth Street and down Sixth to Angeles by one year. To this H Street (now Market Street. end, the two organizations The City Guard Brass Band banded together to finance played, and the parade was construction for a large buildfollowed by numerous speeches, ing that could be used by both and finally culminated with organizations. The Masonic the laying of the casket. The Building Association was master of ceremonies was W.W. founded in 1872 with James Bowers, another prominent San Diego architect. At the conclusion of the festivities, Mr. Bowers announced that $16,000 more was needed to complete the structure, so George Hazzard, prominent business leader and the incorporator of the San Diego Water Company and the City Gas Company paid the difference, thus making him the largest stockholder in the building.

Upon completion of the project, controversy arose over the quality of some of the construction materials used.

Although court This iconic structure was designed for street level action ensued, it commercial use, which would then provide financial was settled by arsupport for the building. bitration. The brick

I.O.O.F. Building Independent Order of Odd Fellows 526 Market St. 1873-1882 Classical Revival Architects: Payne and Lacey came from San Francisco and the roof was built to be totally waterproof and fireproof.

This iconic structure was designed for street level commercial use, which would then provide financial support for the building. Originally, the building had a 100-foot frontage on H Street, with a 63-foot frontage on Sixth Street, which provided space for six stores. The second floor had two large halls (56-by-30-feet) with three anterooms, a library and a chess room. In 1905, the Masons added a 12.5-by-85-foot room for storage along the back of the north wall. This room had no basement. The basement in the original structure was 8,500 square feet with 8-foot-tall ceilings and 18-inchthick walls.

The first floor has a cast iron base and pilasters to support the structural columns. The second floor was finished in plaster over a 16-inch brick wall. The impressive exterior cornices are plaster over sheet metal and the balconies feature antique wrought iron railings.

The unique and heavy arched windows required pipe columns to support the lintels along the roofline.

Throughout the years, the first floor has housed saloons, wholesale and retail liquor stores, gun shops, book stores, a seed store, dry goods stores, billiard parlors, barbers, tobacco stores, a laundry, shoe repair shops, restaurants, a chili con carne factory and the Wells Fargo Express Company.

The Gas Company was one of the original inhabitants of the ground floor, and in 1885, John.

C. Daley’s Masonic Building Book Store offered the ladies fancy linen paper and envelopes, gold pens, artist’s materials and seals and wax for letters. Mr. Daley also took orders for “magnificent plates of game fishes of the U.S.” for $50 per set. These plates were designed to provide “adornment for parlor or library.” Additionally, at one time, the Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO)

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On March 7, 1882, the cornerstone was laid. A casket-shaped box, as was the custom of the Odd Fellows, was paced in the northeast corner. It contained Masonic and I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) documents, newspapers, coins, historical data, a piece of wood from Lebanon, and a piece of stone from Solomon’s Temple. (Photos by Sandee Wilhoit) also had its offices there. In 1974, the San Diego Ballet used the second floor, with its elegant wood floors as their headquarters.

The Masons moved to their new hall at Fifth and Ash in 1910, but the Odd Fellows continued to use the building for many years. They now meet in a much smaller hall in North Park.

Throughout its colorful history the I.O.O.F. building has hosted many dignitaries, but perhaps one of the most notable was King Kalakaua of Hawaii.

He arrived in 1890, as he was touring the mainland and there was talk of Hawaii becoming a state. He sat by one of the magnificent arched windows

and, unfortunately and literally, caught his death of a cold.

By the time King Kalakaua reached San Francisco, the cold had developed into pneumonia and he passed away. It must be noted, however, that the king was known as the “Merry Monarch,” because of his predilection for rich food and drink.

He had developed nephritis (kidney disease), which was the underlying cause of his demise.

A very popular Asian-fusion restaurant now occupies the ground floor.

—Sandee Wilhoit is the historian for the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. She can be reached at swilhoit@gaslampfoundation.org.v

www.yourgreenpal.com An app that connects homeowners needing lawn care with local professionals has launched in La Mesa GreenPal, based in Nashville, is already being used in 23 states by more than 300,000 homeowners, according to company officials.

Homeowners can list their lawns with their service date and lawn care needs. Lawn care companies then bid on the properties based on the Google street and aerial images and any other lawn details the homeowner provides.

Homeowners can then select who they want to work with based on vendor’s ratings, reviews and price. Once the law care company has completed the service, it sends a time-stamped photo of the completed work.

Homeowners pay using the app and can set up more appointments.

Co-founder Gene Caballero said the app has already launched in about 40 major markets around the U.S., including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, among others.

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

FROM PAGE 3

DELAURENTIS he had to fly with a broken engine and complete an emergency landing.

“At first it was tragic and scary and kind of primal, but it really changed my life,” DeLaurentis said. “Now [with] that experience I learned so much. At first, I thought ‘Hey, this plane is about to take my life,’ but then I came to realize the plane saved my life.

“Even though that on the surface it would appear to be a tragic moment, it really set my life in motion in a lot of ways — about giving back, trying to improve the safety and technology of flying, sharing the passion and inspiring people to go after the things that may have thought were impossible,” he continued.

This persistence to fly is what keeps him propelling forward — even in the wake of numerous threats and obstacles.

Though the “Citizen of the World” is a solo trip, DeLaurentis has a nine-person team helping him with preparations, and a few co-pilots who will join him on legs of the trip.

During the year-and-ahalf-long preparation process, DeLaurentis encountered many individuals who lent a hand, asking little to nothing from him. A fellow pilot gifted him navigation charts for free; many mechanics offered services pro bono; and an artist insisted to illustrate a children’s book named “The Little Plane That Could” without pay, telling DeLaurentis he was “doing this for the world.”

“It’s really remarkable. The funny thing is it’s not really wealthy people [donating], these are just regular people who are giving,” DeLaurentis said.

DeLaurentis hopes that in return, he can help connect

humanity around the globe and inspire them to do good — for themselves and for others.

“Pilots and people can be ambassadors to whatever causes they support … I think everybody has an opportunity to do something positive,” he said. “You don’t have to be rich — you can just want to do good and help out in some minor way, but it could be the missing piece that matters.”

In addition to his pilot title, DeLaurentis wears many other hats including speaker, businessman, blogger and author. He has written two books — “Flying through Life” and “Spirit of San Diego” — and hopes to turn this next flying expedition into a third. He may also release a documentary film using footage he will record up in the air and during the U.N. interviews.

Though he is a “Citizen of the World,” DeLaurentis still values his connection to Uptown and his nearly three-decade residency, previously living in Golden Hill and South Park. He noted that his inspiration often sparks from morning walks through Balboa Park.

It’s also no surprise that local aviation icon Charles Lindberg has influenced his path, as DeLaurentis lives in the same Bankers Hill neighborhood and even named his “Spirit of San Diego” plane after Lindberg’s “Spirit of St. Louis.” And if things go according to plan, Lindberg’s great grandson Eric may accompany DeLaurentis on the last leg of the journey home to San Diego.

Through this trip — which has been completed by a very short list of pilots — DeLaurentis hopes he can break records as well as inspire others to follow their dreams.

“I’d like for the people who don’t think they can’t do something to go out and at least try,” he said. “Some of the sponsors said [to me], ‘Well what happens if you crash? Our name is on the side of your plane.’

And my response to that is, ‘Well, at least I tried.’

And that’s better than not doing anything.”

To learn more about DeLaurentis and his mission, visit flyingthrulife.com.

Bankers Hill pilot Robert DeLaurentis will soon embark on a 90-day journey. (Photo courtesy of flyingthrulife.com)

—Reach Sara Butler at sara@sdcnn.com.v

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FEATURE / EAST VILLAGE

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Evolving with East Village East Village Biz News Dora McCann Guerreiro Dear neighbors, friends, visitors, and our business community: On behalf of the East Village Association (EVA), we want to wish you a happy holiday season! This past year, our business association achieved many milestones as a burgeoning neighborhood.

We’ve provided readership, success stories ranging from new business openings, charitable community events, association changes, and all things that contribute to the betterment of our 130-block Downtown East Village community.

And as an association with a newly dedicated board of 18, we are distinctively aware of the stark dichotomy that accompanies the name East Village — and to that, we proudly accept the responsibility of representing a truly celebrated working city. East Village hosts the global headquarters of Sempra Energy, your world class Major League Baseball (MLB) San Diego Padres, and soon-to-be coming exclusive Ritz-Carlton.

We garner innovative design modeling found both architecturally and educationally in the I.D.E.A. District/ Makers Quarter; are implementing San Diego’s fi rst Smart Cities sustainability corridor; celebrate unique venues like the Quartyard’s open-air, repurposed shipping container dog park/ food-drink/and concert hall; and are advancing the next generation through premier educational facilities like San Diego City College, New School of Architecture, and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

East Village welcomes the neighborhood feel of our restaurants, distilleries,

and breweries which are ever-growing and have rightfully earned the cozy reputation that the East Village is where you want to go, “where everybody knows your name … and are always glad you came.” And we perform these roles while also recognizing the social and civic responsibility of helping thy neighbor by shouldering a large size of the disadvantaged population. Collectively EVA works hand in hand with city decision-makers to provide thoughtful, right-size policy choices; and through community partnerships, we work to provide every neighbor with a roof over their head, a hot meal, and a chance for a new beginning as witnessed by transformational programing led by our own Father Joe’s Villages, David’s Harp Foundation, and the necessary-life skills and resources provided by the nationally recognized iconic architecture and rich history of the San Diego Central Library.

But how does EVA currently keep up while also preparing for a doubling in the residential population, and an ever-growing business community? By trying to complement our membership momentum with new neighborhood activation projects to include for example: the fi rst East Village off-leash dog park at Fault Line Park coming in spring 2019; the fi rst leg of the Downtown mobility-walkability-livability corridor on 14th Street coming in summer 2019; planning for the future 4.1-acre East Village Green Park between F and G street (projected phase I completion date 2021); and a right-now-to-be implemented banner corridor refreshment program throughout the streets to newly decorate the East Village corridors with a design that captures the neighbor’s authentic vibe; providing an ever-improving new, user-intuitive website

(eastvillagesandiego.com) that boasts of community accomplishments, a boundless calendar of events, business directory, San Diego-friendly resources, and a function that maps out all of the new Downtown residential/offices developmental projects; and launching an inaugural 2019 placemaking undertaking that will decorate the East Village streets with multiple pieces of innovative way-fi nding while creating that public space to promote community health, happiness, and well-being.

But we also want you to be part of the EVA EVolving movement. And for our holiday appreciation — we extend our warmest invitation to two new inaugural holiday events: ● Thursday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.: EVA Monthly Board Meeting followed by a business celebration holiday party at Melvin Brewing, located at 634 14th St. ● Sunday, Dec. 9 from 3-8 p.m.: EVA “Holiday Market and Tree Lighting Ceremony” at Quartyard, located at 1301 Market St., brought to you by Quartyard, Holland Partner Group (building one day at a time the new UCSD East Village Campus, coming approximately in 2021), and Park 12: The Collection luxury apartments.

Look up and you’ll see a new skyline of luxury residential towers, look out and you’ll notice contemporary activation projects, and look down to appreciate a cleaner and safer East Village street. Join us, as it’s an exciting time to be living, working and exploring our livable urban EVolving Village! May you all have happy holidays.

—Dora McCann Guerreiro is the executive director of the East Village Association. To learn more, visit eastvillagesandiego.com or you can reach her at dora@eastvillagesandiego.com.v

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TOWN VOICES / POLITICS

Children’s Park: The ‘Redo’

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

9

Marina District Joan Wojcik The long-awaited, redesigned Children’s Park is on course to becoming a reality.

The 1.5-acre neighborhood park is located on Island Avenue and Front Street in the Marina District. The park was originally designed by world famous landscape architect Peter Walker and constructed in preparation for the 1996 Republican National Convention. Walker designed the park to provide the feel of a dense forest of pine trees surrounding grassy mounds and a 3-foot-deep tranquil pond where visitors and residents could enjoy a break from the urban setting.

The forest park setting, unfortunately, resulted in the attraction of an unexpected group of individuals. The grassy knolls and dense trees provided the perfect backdrop for criminal activities to occur in the many dark, shadowy areas of the park. Petty theft, disturbances of the peace, assaults, arson, prostitution, vandalism and drug usage were common occurrences at Children’s Park.

The anticipated users of the park soon became hesitant and fearful of visiting their own neighborhood park.

In an effort to eliminate the criminal element from the park, in 2011 the City Council approved a redesign of the park to include more open landscaping, additional playground equipment and a restroom. The plan was never implemented because of funding issues and the crime rate continued.

During the two-year period between 2014 and 2015, records from the San Diego Police Department reported that officers responded to more than 450 calls at Children’s Park.

Today as you walk through Children’s Park, you will notice the landscape is sadly desolate.

The grassy knolls have been removed leaving a barren ground of dirt surrounded by thinned pine trees. It was meant to improve the safety and visibility in the park but resulted in an unappealing, dissolute

FROM PAGE 4

BUYER BEWARE company agreed to change its website and sales practices to better protect California consumers. The company agreed to pay $500,000 in civil penalties and up to $985,000 in restitution to customers whose subscriptions automatically renewed or who were denied refunds when requested.

Our office has settled similar cases in recent years including against Dropbox – a file sharing site and Active – an online event service. And we continue to look at other businesses which offer automatically renewing products or services in order to ensure that San Diego consumers are protected.

In an effort to eliminate the criminal element from the Children’s Park, in 2011 the City Council approved a redesign of the park to include more open landscaping, additional playground equipment and a restroom. These after photos show the open space of the redevelopment of the park. (Photos by Joan Wojcik) neighborhood park. This vision is about to change.

In November 2016, renewed plans to redesign Children’s Park began with the first of many Civic San Diego community workshops. After a lengthy dialogue with the residents of the Marina District during the workshops, Civic San Diego developed the long-awaited final improvement plans for Children’s Park.

Civic San Diego’s newly designed park includes preserving the basic features of the park’s original design. The civic pond, stone benches, and thinnedout pine trees would stay but the new plan incorporates six specific areas, with each area interactively coordinated with the other five areas to maximize the activation of the entire park. The park’s new redesign adds improved lighting, features public art work, and fosters a feeling of openness, but the most exciting aspect of the Children’s Park redesign plans are the six well-defined park areas. A children’s play and picnic area, open space turf, elevated walkway, vendor and restroom building, off-leash dog park, and an adult fitness area form the six specific areas comprising the final redesign plans of Children’s Park.

The children’s play and picnic areas will include playground equipment for children of all ages. To continue the forest theme of the park, the playground equipment will resemble a tree fort housed within the surrounding woods. A rail fence, with ingress and egress The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit is composed of deputy district attorneys, investigators and paralegals dedicated to protecting consumers and law-abiding businesses from fraudulent or unfair business practices. To report a consumer complaint, you can call 619531-3507 or email consumer@ sdcda.org.

—District Attorney Summer Stephan has dedicated more than 28 years to serving justice and victims of crime as prosecutor. She is a national leader in fighting sex crimes and human trafficking and in creating smart and fair criminal justice solutions and restorative justice practices that treat the underlying causes of addiction and mental illness and that keep young people from being incarcerated.v

points of entrance, will provide safety for the children who will be enjoying the equipment.

Abutting the children’s play area is the open space turf area, where parents can relax and watch their children play on the playground equipment.

In addition, families can picnic, and children can play ball in an area of approximately 10,000 square feet.

Next to the open space turf area is the iconic Civic Pond.

The plans include installation of an open stainless-steel walkway extending across the pond in a modified V shape.

Pedestrians will be provided a wonderful experience of walking over the pond as sprays arise from the fountain.

Bordering the Civic Pond will be a vendor and restroom building. Continuing the forest

theme, the building will have a rustic look and have covered seating. There will be two restrooms with an attendant on duty during the park hours to ensure security.

One of the most exciting additions for the many dog lovers in Marina District will be an off-leash dog park. The dog park will have a double gate entrance on Island Avenue, which will create a convenient sidewalk entrance.

Also located along the Island Avenue side of the park will be an adult fitness area. In an area of approximately 1,400 square feet, adults will be able to utilize outdoor exercise equipment on a decomposed granite pad.

The Final General Development Plans for the redesigned Children’s Park were approved in July 2017. Civic

San Diego’s timeline for the completion of the Children’s Park improvements is as follows: Between June 2018 and March 2019, construction documents will be completed; between the preparation stage, March 2019 and August 2019, all permits will be obtained; and finally construction of Children’s Park will be completed by August 2020.

In 2020, children, families, couples, individuals, visitors, and dogs of the Marina District will finally be able to enjoy a very welcoming, fun, relaxing, and safe experience at the newly redesigned Children’s Park.

—Joan Wojcik is the president of the East Village Residents Group. Contact Joan at eastvillageresidentsgroup@ yahoo.com or visit evrgsd.org.v

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Holiday 0 Guide

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

sdcnn.com

‘Looking for Christmas’ A heartwarming holiday musical for all Albert H. Fulcher | Editor If you’re looking for a friendly, warm story that upholds the meaning of Christmas for the entire family, look no further than The Old Globe’s

world premiere of “Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas.” Based on the album of the same name

by Grammy Award-winning country music legend Clint Black, the play is a story of love, faith, and the strength of

Alissa Miller (Syndee Winters) singing Clint Black’s original “Never Knew Love” for the play.

Get ready for holiday gatherings with stylish new shades and save.

family and friends told through the singer-songwriter’s lyrics and music. With a few exceptions, all of the songs are from the album or songs he wrote specifically for this play and intertwined into a chocolate-box tale. Black worked extensively with writer James D. Sasser and The Old Globe to bring his first piece of theatrical art to San Diego. Once it debuted, the play was extended through Dec. 31.

And it’s no wonder, as “Looking for Christmas” is a beautiful story with an exceptional message for the holiday season. The plot centers around Staff Sergeant Mike Randolf (Aaron C. Finley), who returns home right before Christmas, but only after tragically losing his best friend just days before the deployment was over.

Carrying the ghost of his friend Douglas Miller (DeLeon Dallas) with him, they go through conversations as Mike tries to deal with the guilt, anguish and problems in reconnecting with his family, friends and society.

It is with the help of his wife, young daughter and his ghostly friend that he’s given chances to find the spirit of Christmas once again.

The musical brigade begins with Mike and his wife Ellie (Kaylin Hedges) video-chatting, which leads to the musical basis of the play, “Looking for Christmas.” Finley exhibits the classic country vocal sound with a few of Clint Black’s signature breaks in his voice, that for the Clint Black fan, is a sure pleasure to hear. With a voice beyond her years, their daughter Jessie (Liana Hunt) is a remarkable talent for her age and brings childlike wonder into the play’s storyline.

For those familiar with Black’s album, you will hear the classics “Looking for Christmas,” “The Coolest Pair,” “Christmas for Every Boy and Girl,” and “Under the Mistletoe.” With the addition of new Black songs in the

(l to r) Ellie Randolf (Kaylin Hedges), Jessie Randolf (Liana Hunt) and Mike Randolf (Aaron C. Finley) in a heartwarming reunion after Mike returns from deployment in Afghanistan. (Photos courtesy of The Old Globe) collection, there are some amazing numbers not to be missed.

The widow of Miller, Alissa (Syndee Winters), who attempts to cope with the holiday season with as much difficulty as Mike, produces a most compelling evening, soloing two of Black’s originals for the play. Winters’ performance of “Me and the Moon” leaves the audience in awe — as does her performance with “Never Knew Love.”

This heartwarming tale is perfection for the holiday season and San Diego is fortunate to be ground zero in the

production of this play. The Old Globe has another definitive classic to add to its already impressive repertoire.

This play is 90 minutes with no intermission, but sadly, it goes by as quickly as the holiday season. The venue is quaint with no bad seats in the house and the entire ensemble brings the joys of the holidays with a relevant message of peace, hope and joy.

For more information, visit theoldglobe.org.

—Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.v

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Cast members of “Clint Black’s Looking for Christmas” perform the Christmas story at their local church.

Holiday 0 Guide

sdcnn.com

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

Stealing hearts Theater Review Jean Lowerison Uh-oh. It’s December again.

Time for His Grinchiness to reappear (in a moldy green costume that matches his disposition) to growl, grumble and glower about all those happy, smiling Whos down in Whoville.

But instead of just staying up there in his frigid digs on Mt. Crumpit and ignoring them, the Grinch (Ed Watts) wants to meddle and make everybody in Whoville as miserable as he is.

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is narrated

by Old Max (Steve Gunderson), the Grinch’s old dog who has retired and is about to move away. Old Max narrates the story as he looks around the old homestead one last time.

The thing that really gets the old grouch’s goat is Christmas, that cheery time when everybody runs out to buy gifts for friends and family,

sings happy holiday songs, and plans a big feast with roast beast. The Grinch can’t stand all that cheer, and vows to put an end to it.

This year, he gets a wonderful, awful idea: he’ll go down to Whoville and steal Christmas.

Surely when everybody wakes up to no gifts, no stockings hung by the chimney with care and no dinner fixings, that’ll do the trick.

His poor dog Young Max (Tommy Martinez) is forced to go along when the Grinch dresses Western style (complete with a 10-gallon hat) and goes down to Whoville to case the joint. They bump into several Whos, who think the Grinch weird but graciously invite him to dinner the next night.

You know what happens: the Grinch — and poor, unwilling Max — come to dinner and wait until everyone’s in bed.

Then the green menace grabs all the packages, stockings and even the Christmas tree and stuffs them all up the chimney.

Then they pack the “sleigh” (powered by poor Max) and

Cindy Loo Hoo catches the Grinch stealing Christmas from Whoville

Citizens of Whoville gather for the holiday

11

‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’

Through Dec. 29 The Old Globe’s Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage 1363 Old Globe Way Balboa Park Tuesday—Friday: 7 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m.

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” runs through Dec. 29 (Photos by Ken Howard)

Tickets: 619-234-5623 or theoldglobe.org whisk all the goodies away to Mt. Crumpit.

But what the Grinch doesn’t count on is little Cindy-Lou Who (the irresistibly adorable Sadie Tess Coleman) and her ability to touch his two-sizestoo-small heart.

When Christmas Day arrives, the Grinch eagerly listens for weeping and wailing from Whoville. But he’s shocked to hear them singing.

It makes him wonder if maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

This is The Old Globe’s 21st iteration of this Christmas tradition. By now there are regular cast members, some of whom have played more than one role over the years. But this whole cast — regulars and newbies — is excellent. And so is the fine orchestra led by Elan McMahan and the tech team that has been in place for some time.

James Vásquez directs and has restaged some of the choreography with great élan.

Every year the Grinch packs houses, and every year audience members leave the show with a smile, many humming the tunes. If you haven’t seen it — or even if, like me, you’ve seen every single one — grab a kid and get down to the Globe.

You won’t regret it.

—Jean Lowerison is a long-standing member of the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle and can be reached at infodame@cox.net.v

(l to r) The Grinch grumbles about the Whos in Whoville with his dog, Young Max (Tommy Martinez)

12

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

Ciao 2018! San Diego’s Little Italy has big plans for the New Year neighborhood. Some of Little Italy’s other new openings included Bespoke Partners, Born & Raised, Choice Juicery, Doggie Style Pets and LIVV Natural.

Along with the new businessAs we enter the new year, es, the Little Italy Association it’s the perfect time to reflect announced the addition of the on the past and look forward to Piazza Giannini and the Piazza what’s next. For the Little Italy della Famiglia — two public Association, this means looking gathering spaces that encourage back on milestones and projthe San Diego community and ects in 2018 and anticipating visitors to embrace European the exciting new additions the culture, relax and spend time community can expect in 2019. with friends and family. The In the past year, San Diego’s Piazza Giannini, a 500-squareLittle Italy introduced a number foot public piazza created in of new piazzas, events, cafes, honor of Amadeo Giannini, a fitness studios, eateries and distinguished Italian-American much more including the highly and founder of the Bank of Italy, notable Little Italy opened in the Food Hall. neighborhood in From the poplate September. ular café Frost The Piazza delMe Gourmet to la Famiglia, a the chic Nolita 10,000 square-foot Hall, 2018 was a European-style piyear filled with azza located in the an abundance of “heart” of Little remarkable new Italy officially shops that each opened in August Frost Me Gourmet (Photo added something — bringing not Courtesy of Little Italy Association) only a place to special to the

Little Italy News Christopher Gomez

sdcnn.com

enjoy stunning views of the San Diego Bay, but also a mix of new public, residential, retail and restaurant space.

And it didn’t stop there!

The Little Italy Association launched a brand-new weekly farmer’s market, the Little Italy Wednesday Market, for chefs and the community to shop local and support local farmers and food-makers. The Little Italy community also brought a new event to the neighborhood — Solo Italiano: Dinner in Rosso presented by PenFed Credit Union, that welcomed guests to an evening of endless Italian courses, strolling Italian entertainment, dancing and more!

Visitors and locals can expect just as much excitement in 2019. Little Italy has a great lineup of eateries, cafes, developments and businesses that will elevate the neighborhood’s offerings and bring more options for all to enjoy. A few of the businesses expected to debut in Little Italy include Bobboi, Farmer’s Table, Morning Glory, Parakeet Café, Shake Shack, Supernatural Sandwiches and Zinque. So, while it’s time to say goodbye to 2018, the new year will bring new possibilities in one of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods.

To stay connected with Little Italy, check out what’s going on in the neighborhood by following the community on Instagram and Twitter: @LittleItalySD and Facebook: LittleItalySD. To learn more things happening in the neighborhood, visit LittleItalySD.com.

—Christopher Gomez has been Little Italy’s district manager since 2000. Reach him at chris@littleitalysd.com.v

Ghosts of Christmas past and present Little Italy Heritage Tom Cesarini The Convivio Now and Again Series comprises oral histories from Italian community members. In these excerpts from interviews with Louis Palestini and Luke Vinci, the treasurer and secretary of the Little Italy Association, respectively, they discuss the importance of food and the holiday season.

Palestini recalls with a particular fondness the holidays spent in the Italian neighborhood, noting importantly the family dynamics during these times, saying, “Holiday times, like most families, we have the whole gang over the house …

Actually, our family would go from house to house for a whole week … My mother and aunts and grandmothers would make the pasta, raviolis, cookies, and of course, the cannolis … I remember my grandmother making bread, like in the old days, with the ovens they had in the backyard. I used to love it when my grandmother would call us; she'd get the bread out of the oven and call me and my cousins and then she would cut the bread in half, put the oil on it —and it was good stuff.

Christmas was celebrated

Scene from a Christmas play at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Little Italy, c. 1928. (Courtesy of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish and the Convivio Italian Community Archives)

with your family but also the rest of your neighborhood friends. You'd walk down the street; they’d have you come in the house; they had all the homemade cookies. It was just a good life.”

Examining the intermingling of his two primary cultural influences, American and Italian, Vinci states, “We grew up in a house that holidays were celebrated. Tradition is very important in Italian families.” As his mother isn’t Italian, Vinci explains that his father handled the “responsibilities for Christmas dinner,” adding, “We always have lasagna, and other than barbecuing, (Christmas) was the only time of the year my dad cooked.” Vinci mentions the importance of the “family endeavor that we created” in the traditional preparation of the holiday meals. “We cooked 15 trays of lasagna, and it would take a week, a day for the sausage, a day with the meatballs, and assembling it all, and cooking the sauce,” he explains.

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On Dec. 14, Convivio continues the tradition of breaking bread in good company as we celebrate the holiday season at Amici House! ● Dec. 14 | 6 p.m. | Amici House, Little Italy ● Music, music, music!

Featuring Jim Bianchi tickling the ivories and Rosario Monetti on vocals, plus our world-famous sing-along! ● Delicious pot luck and scrumptious desserts — bring a dish to share with everyone. ● Espresso coffee drinks by Arcidiacono Coffee. ● Holiday Giveback. Bring a non-perishable food item or clothing, coats and/or blankets for our homeless community.

We look forward to seeing you for our festivities with friends old and new!

And be on the lookout for our pre-sale tickets this month for “Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA,” coming May 5 to Little Italy!

Get social: @conviviosociety (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) —Tom Cesarini is the executive director of Convivio. Reach him at tom@conviviosociety.org.v

FEATURE

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Nonprofit dental center creates hundreds of smiles for low-income seniors Tucked away upstairs in the Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center on Fourth Avenue in Downtown, there’s a small but mighty nonprofit dental clinic improving the lives of low-income San Diego County seniors.

In only two years, hundreds of patients have been welcomed to the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center (GMWSDC), where more than 8,000 visits were administered.

Led by Karen Becerra, DDS, MPH, the center has restored the ability of hundreds of seniors to eat, speak and smile – improving poor dental health and making strides against a silent epidemic. The dental center, co-located with a thriving senior wellness center, is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is a model for the future of dental care for older adults.

While dental care is routine for many, visits to the dentist tend to decrease as people age.

With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, seniors are the fastest growing, high-need population in health care, and the problem is even more acute with dental care. Although it is a known gateway to systemic wellness, dental health is overlooked and under-covered. One in 5 seniors have untreated cavities, 1 in 4 have no teeth at all, and 70 percent of seniors have no dental insurance.

The American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute states that approximately 67 percent of low-income seniors did not visit a dentist in the last year. The top three barriers to dental care are high cost, transportation and lack of providers accepting Denti-Cal. Seniors attending the center live primarily on less than $850 a month and often have to choose between paying for basic necessities like rent, food or medications, making dental care a lower priority. Some seniors even believe it is no longer necessary to visit the dentist as they get older.

“Poor dental health is a silent epidemic for seniors,” said Becerra. “Research shows there are links between tooth infections and chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease, which can be especially devastating to older adults.

What happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth.

When treating the root causes of dental pain, we aim to decrease other types of disease and infection that would affect other parts of the body.”

Becerra became a dentist because she had a deep desire to help others. Caring deeply about alleviating people in pain, dentistry was a natural fit for her as it allows her to be empathetic and artistic at the same time. However, before helping to establish the nonprofit dental center for seniors, she was in private practice. Eight years ago, she was traveling in a single-engine plane that failed in the air and she lived through what she thought were going to be the last minutes of her life.

After landing safely, she decided to move from private practice and devote her time to a larger cause that will leave a legacy.

Together with philanthropists Gary and Mary West, she was able to create a model for holistic patient-centered care that aims at being replicated in other California communities and across the U.S. The senior dental center links high-quality and affordable oral health care with a suite of nutrition, case management and wellness services offered at Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, creating a one-of-a-kind, integrated community-based system of care for older adults.

Before treatment can begin, patients participate in a comprehensive health assessment and attend an oral health education workshop. The workshops give patients the knowledge and tools to develop healthy habits and self-care and also help the senior dental center team understand the overall needs of their patients.

Once in treatment, Dr. Becerra and her team use state-of-theart technology, including the American Dental Association’s Chairside Instructor app for the iPad, to show patients what is happening in their mouths and what the prescribed treatment will involve.

“Visuals are key for our patients as they are clear and explanatory and can be used across languages,” Becerra

said. “This is important given our diverse patient population and also the severity of the cases — some seniors need root canals, others need tooth extractions or new denture work.

We are also able to detect signs of oral cancer early and can provide treatment recommendations in alignment with medical professionals.”

Patients come from throughout San Diego County, not just from Downtown San Diego where the center is located.

The majority of patients seen at the senior dental center are eligible for Denti-Cal, the dental program within California’s Medicaid (Medi-Cal) program.

The senior dental center team helps patients navigate the Denti-Cal system and also provides services based on a sliding fee scale.

Patients like Jeralene Taylor, a military veteran and a resident of Lemon Grove. She needed dental work and was encouraged to come to the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center by a woman that lives in her building. Becerra and her team had to be resourceful to complete a treatment plan that involved removal of some complex non-functional implants that were causing her pain. Parts of the non-functional implants were failing, and she was unable to afford the extractions. Taylor was limited in what she could eat and had opted to not to smile anymore.

She also needed to have some

(center) Jeralene Taylor, a military veteran and a resident of Lemon Grove received a full mouth restoration and is now an oral health ambassador encouraging other seniors to get checked and to receive help for their dental health.

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018 cavities filled to be ready to receive a full and lower partial set of dentures.

“The treatment has changed my life,” Taylor said. “I simply couldn’t afford it and can now eat things I couldn’t eat before, and I now have a clean and healthy mouth. I can speak, and I can even smile.”

Taylor found such great benefit in her dental journey that she is now an oral health ambassador encouraging other seniors to get checked and to receive help for their dental health.

“San Diego does not have a dental school, which typically provides a safety net for low-income individuals to receive oral health care,” Becerra said. “We are proud to be a part of the expanding safety net making San Diego a hub for dental innovation, which includes the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic and the Veteran’s Village. By focusing on seniors, the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center is working to ensure that this rapidly growing demographic receives the care they need.”

Dr. Tina Beck is a dental specialist from Scripps Ranch who volunteers her time at the senior dental center.

“As a periodontist, I have a lot of senior patients, and I know many cannot afford high-quality dental care and must resort to community clinics or emergency hospital care where they are simply treated to prevent life-threatening infections,” Beck said. “In contrast, the GMWSDC provides high-quality care, in a modern facility, by a highly knowledgeable and caring team. I am proud to be able to serve our aging population to help them improve their quality of life.”

Becerra wants to help more San Diego County seniors access oral health care but she cannot do it alone. That is why the senior dental center established an Oral Health Peer Ambassador Program, which allows the center to add to their continuum of holistic services and extends the center’s successful dental education workshops outside of the classroom into a familiar environment – the main floor of the Serving Seniors’ GMWSDC. The pilot program began training ambassadors in August, with outreach that commenced in November.

“The ambassadors are patients of the senior dental

13

Led by Karen Becerra, DDS, MPH, the Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center is a nonprofit dental clinic improving the lives of low-income San Diego County seniors. (Photos courtesy of Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center)

center, who have completed treatment and can speak to their experience. They also received training to answer questions about how to access dental services, how to maintain a healthy mouth, oral hygiene adaptive aids and products, and the importance of seeing a dentist regularly,” Becerra said.

“Through learning and discussing issues with their peers, seniors can empower themselves to maintain a healthy mouth at home and take the first step to making a dental appointment.”

The senior dental center recently added a new full-time managing dentist to the team, who joins Becerra and Dr. Vicki Petropoulos, a board-certified prosthodontist, and the rest of the team in providing care to senior patients. Sharilyn Moniz, DDS, is a full-time dentist who joined the team in September 2018. She is a practicing general dentist of 15 years with experience in hospitals, private practice, corporate dentistry, and community health clinics.

She has found her niche in community health dentistry, where her primary focus is improving the patient’s oral health by helping to prevent and treat all oral related disease.

Individuals, businesses, and licensed dental professionals can all support the nonprofit senior dental center. In addition to financial donations to support center operations and also direct services for seniors, businesses can sponsor the education workshops and ambassador program. Licensed dental specialists can assist Drs. Becerra, Petropoulos and

see Dentist Smiles, pg 16

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DINING

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

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From rebellion to quiet acceptance

10 Barrel Brewing settles into the local beer and dining scene Restaurant Review Frank Sabatini Jr. I’m going to take a stand that won’t sit well with San Diego’s homegrown brewers and their diehard fans: The beers produced by 10 Barrel Brewing in the East Village fall squarely into the craft category. And many of them taste just as good, if not better, than the suds flowing out of our esteemed local breweries.

Because the company was founded in Oregon and came under the ownership of corporate giant Anheuser-Busch — the makers of savor-less

Master brewer Ben Shirley is constantly creating new beer recipes.

Budweiser and Bud Light — its 10 Barrel subsidiary landed on the public guillotine.

Several local breweries crowdfunded a banner that was flown over the East Village brewery-restaurant last year during opening weekend, which stated 10 Barrel is not a craft brewery.

Since then, the company has been banned from local beer festivals, and it still repels a slice of San Diego’s beer-drinking population because of its parent company.

“I haven’t any doubt they’re making quality craft beer,” said one-time customer Daniel Hicks of nearby Golden Hill.

“But knowing that my money will ultimately end up in the coffers of Anheuser-Busch is reason enough for me to go elsewhere.”

Ben Shirley is the master brewer for 10 Barrel’s San Diego location. He produces nearly a dozen beers onsite through a 20-barrel brewing system and insists that Anheuser-Busch is “hands-off” when it comes to the varied beer recipes. Ditto for the food menu, which is headed by chef Tommy Fraioli, who hails from Beaumont’s Eatery and the former Sea Rocket Bistro.

Beer-battered cod tacos “We are our own brewery, and we chose San Diego because it’s where people know beer,” said Shirley while citing the range of hops he uses in beer-making, such as those from South Africa for his light, crisp Sasquatch ale; American Northwest Chinook hops for achieving grapefruit-like overtones in Brickdust red ale; and English target hops, which play into the robustly roasted flavor of Boneriver double black ale.

For Shirley’s Airstrike IPA (created in response to the protest banner that flew overhead), an aromatic trio of cascade, comet and Chinook hops impart a quasi-tropical flavor perfected beyond any you’ll find in the commercial beer aisles.

Beer aficionado Mark Scott of Little Italy cares less about territorial antics than he does how the suds taste and feel in his mouth.

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A sampler featuring most of 10 Barrel’s beers that are brewed onsite (Photos

by Frank Sabatini Jr.)

“I’ve tried around five different beers from 10 Barrel and I liked all of them enough to go back and drink more,” he said, referring in particular to the Cali Love IPA, which stood out to him as “quintessential San Diego.”

Shirley says it’s become a top seller.

Visiting as a twosome, one of our favorites in an 11-beer sampler was the Night Cap porter on nitro, which Shirley designed to taste like German chocolate cake. Its creamy notes of coconut and baker’s chocolate indeed hit the mark.

In comparison to our diverse and satisfying beer intake, the food we ordered was hit and miss.

A starter of smoked corn shaved fresh from the cob proved satisfying with the inclusions of cotija cheese, sour cream, lime and cilantro.

Conversely, the Baja Caesar salad, which substituted desirable baby gem lettuce for that week’s recalled romaine lettuce, was overly tart due to a heavy hand of Tajin seasoning afflicting the dressing.

10 Barrel Brewing 1501 E St. (East Village) 619-578-2311 10barrel.com Prices: Salads and appetizers, $4 to $15 Sandwiches, burgers, tacos and other plates, $12 to $17 Pizzas, $14 to $20 Beers by the glass, $6

adorned with cream cheese, fried jalapenos, bacon and veggie fixings. It was served on a jalapeno-cheddar bun. I was craving something deliciously busy — and got it.

A pair of tacos encasing beer-battered cod lacked oomph, despite the fact the fish was in the good company of radishes, smoked-scallion crema and feta cheese. But as I’ve learned in this town, playful enhancements don’t always send the classic flavors and textures of fish tacos to a better place.

We lastly tried a house-made pizza carpeted in well-spiced pepperoni. Most of the pie came home with us, at which point we discovered it completely lacked tomato sauce under its thin layer of mozzarella. A full ladle of sauce was needed to bring it up to par.

Other food options include shrimp Cobb salad; pan-roasted freeAn appetizer of smoked corn fresh off the cob range chicken with broccolini, roasted An order of “party wings” garlic and mashed potatoes; were rubbery, despite our plea short rib mac and cheese; carne to have them cooked extra-exasada street tacos and a chitra crispy. They arrived to the michurri steak sandwich. table in five minutes, a telltale For dessert we chose a big, sign our request had fallen square piece of butter cake, through the cracks. which was accented with tart With enough good beer in berry sauce. My companion our sampler lineup to wash compared the flavor and consisdown more grub, we encroached tency to a fluffy pancake, which on the jalapeno popper burgdidn’t appeal to her. Just as well er featuring a hefty patty of see 10 Barrel Brewing, pg 15 coarsely ground wagyu beef

DINING

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Heading to Saiko Sushi in Coronado for a spot of sake with your meal? If so, look for bartender Keaton Heston, who just became a level 1 certified sake specialist through the Sake Education Council, which offers certification programs globally. The intensive syllabus and exam he completed focused on the making and usages of sake, as well as interpretations of Japanese symbols used on the bottles of certain imported sake.

“Sake is such a diverse beverage and it takes a lot of study to understand it,” said Heston, who is also the sous chef at Saiko Sake & Sushi Bar in North Park, where he sometimes cooks with the Japanese rice wine.

Heston took the course in Las Vegas, and the level 2 program for becoming an advanced sake specialist will be offered in 2020 in Japan.

Keaton Heston of Saiko Sushi in Coronado is now a certified sake specialist (Photo by Arlene Ibarra) “I’ve already reserved my spot for it,” Heston added. 116 Orange Ave., 619-435-0868, saikosushisd.com.

The new “Signora Pomegranate” at Little Italy Food Hall (Courtesy of Contour PR + Social)

As the Little Italy Food Hall heads into its first winter since opening in July, it has made the first seasonal changes to its cocktail program. The new roll outs include spiced pear limoncello with clove and star anise; a “crema di zucca”

featuring a comforting blend of pumpkin pie liqueur, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Modern Times cold brew coffee; and the “Signora pomengranate” made with Spring 44 Honey Vodka.

550 W. Date St., 619-269-7187, littleitalyfoodhall.com.

FROM PAGE 14

Shirley added while shrugging off the local beer community’s noisy opposition to 10 Barrel when it first opened.

He acknowledges most the commotion has died down while pointing to new brews soon to be introduced — chi spice on nitro, a dark Mexican lager, and an agave sour — beers that are technically classified as “craft.”

10 BARREL BREWING because I fell in love with how nicely the sweetness of the cake contrasted the tangy sauce.

Seating at 10 Barrel Brewing is available on two levels. The ground floor greets with a retail-merchandise area and offers views into the semiopen kitchen and looming steel tanks. The upstairs features a roomy bar and plenty of tables under open skies.

The brewery has supplied some of its beers to other local bars as well as to events such as San Diego LGBT Pride and Oktoberfests in La Mesa and Oceanside.

“We’re doing our best to be part of the community,”

—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.v

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

15

Each year, we look forward to seeing what Cafe 222 rolls out for its special New Year’s Day breakfast, which owner Terryl Gavre designs specifically for restoring our equilibriums after a night of festive drinking. As always, those who mosey in wearing a tuxedo, dress or other formal attire from their New Year’s Eve parties the night before pay only half price for the meal.

This year’s special is “the hangover helper,” a fitting name for a platter featuring a waffle and two pancakes stacked with a slab of Spam, a pair of sausage links, two eggs any style and country gravy. It’s served with orange juice and coffee. The full price,

should you show up in casual attire, is $16.95. The meal will be served from 7 a.m. to 1:45

Touted as “great American whiskeys,” various spirits from the Kentucky-based Michter’s Distillery will be paired to a multi-course dinner at Stake Chophouse & Bar in Coronado on Dec. 13.

Michter’s dates back to the mid-1700s and has become known for its barrel-finished bourbons, small-batch whiskeys and sour mash, all of which will be poured alongside courses that include dry-aged beef roast and mushroom panisse. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $150 per person. 1309 Orange Ave., 619522-0077, stakechophouse.com.

Whiskeys from our country’s oldest distillery will be paired to a dinner at Stake Chophouse & Bar. (Courtesy of Blue Bridge Hospitality)

Bar Moxy, located in the arcade-like lobby of the new, playful Moxy San Diego hotel by Marriott International, recently opened to the tune of signature cocktails, craft beers, and coffee drinks by San Diego Coffee Co. It also offers an all-day bar menu that includes everything from flatbreads and banh mi sandwiches to tacos and loaded fries.

Styled with a millennial crowd in mind, the 126-room hotel boasts an industrial aesthetic while paying homage to our region’s storied naval past. The bar is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily to both the public and hotel guests, and it also features live DJs later in the day.

Happy hour specials will be

Get this hearty breakfast for half off on Jan. 1 if you’re still wearing your party attire from the night before. (Courtesy of Wicked Creative)

introduced in about a month.

831 Sixth Ave., 619-239-6699, moxyhotels.com.

p.m. on Jan. 1 exclusively. 222 Island Ave., 619-236-9902, cafe222.com.

—Frank Sabatini Jr can be reached at fsabatini@san.rr.com.v

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

FEATURE / NEWS / POLITICS

FROM PAGE 13

FROM PAGE 1

Moniz to see patients who need advanced treatments.

Volunteer specialists like Dr. Beck donate their time and skills on some Fridays.

“I love that I get to provide much-needed quality dental services to the underserved in our community, alongside the kindest of dentists, hygienists, and supportive staff,” Beck said. “It is a wonderful experience.”

“It’s been an amazing two years since we opened our doors. The need is great to keep seniors healthy and independent – and to put a smile on their faces where for years there may have been none is priceless” Becerra said. “Our mission-centered work relies on our collaborative partners, volunteers, and donations from the public.”

To learn more about the nonprofit Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center, to sign up to volunteer, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit seniordentalcenter.org.v

people that might live in that area and [Sisley is] working on bringing a broader scope of people from the San Diego area.”

Lane Field Park Markets is a little bit different than the traditional farmer’s market scene, which technically is designed for people to go purchase their produce. This is a space designed for people to visit and spend quite a bit of time, buying food from local vendors and browsing through a range of arts and crafts.

“It is more an artisanal food market, with wood-fired pizzas and burgers, but we also provide a wide selection of culturally diverse food,” Sisley said. “It is more than a market, it is a venue for people to come down and enjoy the day. It is very family- friendly and quite different than anything else that is around in San Diego.”

In terms of music, Sisley wants to expose lots of artists.

Each weekend is different and there is live music from folk, indie, reggae and jazz musicians.

DENTIST SMILES

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PARK MARKETS

Explore the history of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community in the ♥ of Balboa Park.

Unlike other neighborhood markets, Lane Field Park Markets is created for families to spend a morning, afternoon or day with its wide variety of food, arts and entertainment.

“The chefs are artists on their own as well as some of the craft vendors, and the painters that are there painting live,” he continued. “But

GUN VIOLENCE

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also in the music scene, we didn’t want a large stage with loud booming music, we just wanted a great singer with a guitar singing under a tree

An aerial view of Lane Field Park Markets (Photos courtesy of Andrew Sisley) FROM PAGE 4

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM - 5PM

Lane Field Park Markets boasts 25 plus food vendors, including some of San Diego’s established restaurateurs.

to conduct GVRO training for law enforcement agencies and their attorneys throughout California. Our fourth training is this month, in Anaheim.

Previous trainings were held in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Here are examples of how we’ve used GVROs to prevent predictable tragedies: A car dealership employee made disturbing comments to his co-workers, praising the Las Vegas mass shooter for setting a modern record for killing, fantasizing about shooting up a mosque, and vowing to return to work with a gun if he were fired. My office obtained a GVRO and the man

surrendered a semi-automatic rifle with significant killing capability.

After a student discussed conducting a school shooting on social media, police found disturbing images on his social media, including racist posts and photos of him shooting an AK-47 rifle, and learned he had killed small animals on campus. Our GVRO prevents the student from accessing firearms.

A wife heard her husband cocking a pistol in their bathroom during an argument over their divorce and hid the pistol the next morning. The husband returned two days later and said he was going to shoot her and their infant child. Our GVRO allowed police to confiscate the pistol.

A man made a suicide threat to his fiancé, and later

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for a few hours. That is the type of environment that we have created. The music compliments the atmosphere, but it gives that live element and close contact with singers, guitarists and various other musicians. We are building up a portfolio as we go and want to expose these artists, create something different each week.”

Sisley said that the market is growing organically week by week. Recently, it has added outdoor games and the market represents some of San Diego’s established restaurants, retailors and vendors as well as bringing in up and coming vendors, helping to launch the careers on new local talents.

For more information visit lanefieldparkmarkets.com.

—Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.v assaulted his elderly father for refusing to hand over his firearms. Police arrested him and he threatened to shoot a police officer on his release. With our GVRO, police confiscated seven guns, including three AR-15 rifles.

A man believed to be in the early stages of dementia threatened to shoot his wife and a neighbor because he erroneously believed they were having an affair. His 75-yearold wife escaped the house, barefoot, by climbing over a fence and running through a cactus garden. We obtained a GVRO and police seized a rifle and two pistols.

These examples show how GVROs prevent gun violence in a range of situations where other laws do not allow so quick a response to an immediate threat.

As the mother of young children, I was forever changed by the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Now, as your city attorney, I work every day to protect San Diego’s children, and everyone else who could be the victim of foreseeable gun violence.

—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 NonDiscrimination in Contracting ordinances.v

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San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

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Downtown News

COMMUNITY AND ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR FEATURED EVENTS FRIDAY

Dec.

7

‘The Nutcracker’

Through Dec. 23 Spreckels Theatre presents its rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classically scored “The Nutcracker.” A timeless and enchanting ballet production returns to Spreckels for the holidays. Tickets range from $30-$80. 121 Broadway. bit.ly/2qXh1yL

Parade of Lights

The 47th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns this year to dazzle crowds along the bayfront. Ships will float through the bay decorated to this year’s theme, “Tropical Island Christmas.” A parade will take place at 5 p.m. both on the night of Dec. 9 as well as Dec. 16. Parades will start at Shelter Island and end at Ferry Landing in Coronado. Free.

MONDAY

Dec.

10

Spring Open Registration

SATURDAY

Dec.

8

Golden Hill Cleanup

The Golden Hill Beautification Committee will hold its last community cleanup of the year on Dec. 8 from 9-11:30 a.m. and is looking for volunteers to #teamuptocleanup with them. All necessary equipment will be provided, coffee included. Group will meet at Golden Hill Park, Russ Boulevard and 25th Street. To RSVP, text “volunteer” to 619-786-2749

Open registration for the spring semester begins at the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) on Dec. 10. Those interested in enrolling are encouraged to register for classes early, with the semester beginning Jan. 28. bit.ly/2rh6Ipr The inauguration ceremony for the newly elected San Diego City Council members in districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 will be held on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at Golden Hall. There will be brief remarks by the outgoing officials and swearing-in and brief remarks by the newly elected officials. 202 C St.

11

Dec.

The Forum

‘All Is Calm’

Learn how you can bring your fi lm concept to life at a discussion panel aimed at discussing the nuances and challenges of producing a film, film festival or cultural event with some of San Diego’s most visionary film leaders. Hosted by artistic director of the San Diego Italian Film Festival, Antonio Iannotta. $10. 7-9 p.m. at the IDEA1 Building Complex. 899 Park Blvd. bit.ly/2rhHveu

WEDNESDAY

Dec.

SUNDAY

The Downtown Community Planning Council will meet to discuss the Union and Ash residential development project. The meeting aims to review the design approval before its final approval by CivicSD. Meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Civic San Diego office at 401 B St.

THURSDAY

Dec.

13

9

Beach Fossils & Wavves

Brooklyn-based indie rock 4-piece Beach Fossils and locals Wavves will play the House of Blues on Dec. 9.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. livemu.sc/2FxQr9y

‘Ask Me Another’

Join NPR host Ophira Eisenberg at the Balboa Theatre, as she invites guests, celebrities, and listeners alike to

15

SUNDAY

23

Dec.

Dec.

14

Local media startup, Fourth Wall Cinema will host its first event presentation on December 14-15 titled, Among the Pines. Step into a transformed Gaslamp venue blanketed in snow as you make your way to your seat for one of five classic Christmas films.

Matinee shows $16, evening performances $32. bit.ly/2FXhnj8

Advertise your local event in our digital, citywide calendar!

Visit bit.ly/DTNCal for more info.

Jan.

1

Painting in the Park

Gallery Grand Opening

The San Diego History Center has announced the unveiling of a special new gallery exhibition dedicated to local artist Bob Matheny. A rare exhibit featuring works from a living artist, many pieces will be displayed for the first time to the public. The grand opening will take place from 4-6 p.m. Free. 1649 El Prado. bit.ly/2FU3VMT

Dec.

Pink Easel, a creative group offering workshops in art, invites you to join their picnic-style painting session where guests will create three 4-by-4-inch mini canvas panels with acrylic paint. All supplies provided at the event.

Located outside the botanical building in balboa park from 10-11:30 a.m. $25. 1549 El Prado. For more information, and to purchase tickets, bit.ly/2FA2rHI

MONDAY

Dec.

24

16 Winter science camps

Cornucopia

McFadden’s pub hosts a night of local fashion, art, hip-hop, and electronic performances.

Event entry is free until 10 p.m., then will be $5 at the door. Runs from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 731 Fifth Ave.

Taste ‘n’ Tinis

Fabulous Hillcrest presents an evening of holiday treats, drinks, and shopping through the neighborhood. Festivities will include bites and sips from participating restaurants coupled with special holiday deals at select businesses around Hillcrest.

Event runs 4-9 p.m. and tickets are $25 on pre-sale. bit.ly/2G0Ajh1

Registration for the race is $35 till Dec. 6 when it will go up to $40. bit.ly/2FWjvHX

TUESDAY

Wild Night Out

Join the San Diego Zoo for an evening of music, socializing, and animal friends at their Wild Night Out event.

Adults 21-and-up can enjoy a complimentary beverage, talk with keepers, and meet some animal ambassadors up close.

Festive music, holiday lights, dancing, and special entertainment will fi ll the night as well. 5:30-9 p.m. $40. 2920 Zoo Drive. bit.ly/ZooWildNight

Among the Pines

Dec.

Dec.

SUNDAY

FRIDAY

12

and personal items and gifts for sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 600 W. Date St.

SATURDAY

Community Planning Council

City Council inauguration

TUESDAY

The San Diego Opera presents a show commemorating the Christmas truce of 1914, which famously brought together German and Allied troops during WWI. This family-friendly production will be told through Christmas carols, patriotic songs, and letters from soldiers and will air live on KPBS TV at 7 p.m. that night. Shows will run through the weekend.

Tickets start at $35. 233 A St. bit.ly/2FYQJGV

take on challenges and to be serenaded by house musician Jonathan Coulton, with one contestant crowned quiz champion. Special guests this episode are skateboard legend Tony Hawk and singer/songwriter Adam Lambert. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 868 Fourth Ave. bit.ly/2r0qu8E

Holiday Gospel Brunch

The House of Blues hosts its final gospel brunch at 11 a.m. of Dec. 16, featuring live, soulful music and an all-youcan-eat buffet of comfort food.

Soak in some of the liveliest gospel music around while enjoying a slew of southern specialties and favorites. Tickets are $44 for adults and $22 for kids. 1055 Fifth Ave. livemu.sc/2FYNqzk

WEDNESDAY

Dec.

The Fleet Science Center will hold classes exploring STEM and Computer Science fields over the holiday starting Dec. 24 and running through Jan. 4 (excluding New Years Day).

The curriculum for the science camps for grades one through three incorporates important skills using science, technology, engineering and math. For grades four through six, the Fleet will offer computer science and programming camps. Each day, kids will learn how to create different elements of a 2-D video game, using features of the popular game Fortnite.

Camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Grades one through tree, prices are $65 per day. For the computer science and technology camp, grades four through six, prices are $75 per day. bit.ly/2rhLgR1

MONDAY

Dec.

19

31

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

ONGOING EVENTS Tai Chi in the Garden

The Chinese Historical Museum hosts free tai chi sessions in the museum’s gardens every Saturday morning from 8-9 a.m. Tea is provided. 404 Third Ave.

Jewels of the Season

Through Dec. 30 The Timken Museum of Art has partnered with SDSU’s School of Art and Design to bring an expansive display of decorative holiday ornaments.

For the third year, the museum will be filled with glittering, handcrafted ornaments, with over 1,400 distinct pieces.

In addition, guests can create their own holiday ornaments in the exhibition’s workshop.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Through Dec. 30 Cygnet’s holiday smash hit is back for its fi fth season.

Guests are invited to enjoy the holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. This reimagined, fully staged production features original new music, creative stagecraft and puppetry, and live sound effects. Runs through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $45. 4040 Twiggs St. bit.ly/2qI82Bt

Holiday by the Bay

Hilton San Diego Bayfront has unveiled its reimagined winter adventure park along the waterfront. Located in Bayfront Park, this family-friendly event series features a two-story, 100-foot ice slide, ice bumper cars, an interactive holiday light show, Santa’s workshop, Claus kitchen, and more. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children (4-11). Part of all ticket purchases will be donated to the USO to help troops around the world. 1 Park Blvd. bit.ly/2FYMgDY

Dali: The Argillet Collection

Little Italy Holiday Market

Get some last-minute holiday shopping done as the Little Italy outdoor market is turned into a winter bazaar, with venders offering handmade

Solar Turbines 5K

Through Dec. 29 By popular demand, the exhibition of works by renowned artist Salvador Dali has been extended through the month of December. Located at the Meyer Fine Art Gallery, this exhibit is partnered with daughter of Dali’s publisher and friend, Pierre Argillet.

Free. 2400 Kettner Blvd.

The 24th annual Solar Turbines Run/Walk will take place at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade on Dec. 31. The race will start at 9:45 a.m. on the corner of —Calendar compiled by Jules North Harbor Drive and West Shane. For Downtown calAsh Street with more than endar events email albert@ 100,000 spectators expected. sdcnn.com.v

sdcnn.com

‘Party with Z’

FASHION

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

19

Fashion Files Diana Cavagnaro Dame Zandra Rhodes presented “Party with Z” on Oct. 30 at the Westgate Hotel to a sold-out crowd. This luncheon fashion show is highly anticipated each year. The guests sat down to a menu prepared by executive chef Fabrice Hardel with themed names by Jeanne Jones. Rhodes presented The Party Collection to an eager audience and narrated each garment as they came down the runway. Guest models — along with San Diego influencers such as Sherry Ahern from The Connector, Tabitha Lipkin from Fox 5, and Cindy Matalucci from The Pulse SD — rocked the runway. Many designs were from the past with Zandra’s classic prints and some with her famed pleating. The new pieces showed off fan pleating in gold and silver lame.

After the show, guests were able to come backstage, try on the garments and order one with a custom fit. Funds raised benefited the American Friends of the Zandra Rhodes Museum in London. The museum is currently showing “Cecil Beaton: Fashion, Film and Fantasy. ” For more information about Zandra, visit zandrarhodes.com.

One of the things Zandra is remembered for is the cape Freddie Mercury wore on stage with the rock group Queen. With the recent release of the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” about the life of Freddie Mercury, I jumped at the chance to interview Rhodes about her experience with him.

She said that he called her studio off Bond Street London in 1974 to see about coming over. Both Mercury and Brian May, the band’s guitarist, came in and she said to them, “Have a look.” They began to look through the rail of clothes in her little studio. Mercury picked the now infamous cape that was photographed by Mick Rock and is always shown when speaking about Mercury.

The guitarist Brian May took three tops.

The group invited Rhodes and a guest to one of Queen’s concerts in Earls Court Olympia. Rhodes said she went with Doggie Fields, the painter, and remembers that everyone in the audience was about 15 years younger than them. Since Mercury’s death, May, who also holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics, has been involved with AIDS charities.

I asked Rhodes what was coming up in the future for her.

She said that her new book, “Zandra Rhodes: 50 Years of Fabulous” is coming out at the beginning of September 2019.

In conjunction with this, the Fashion and Textile Museum will have a 50-year retrospective in the museum at the end of September 2019. There will also be an exhibition starting June 2019 at John Wayne showing the costumes from the Opera’s “The Pearl Fishers” and “Aida.” In addition, Zandra

Guests dined overlooking the bay at Le Diner en Blanc will be a guest influencer at the Formex Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. A reproduction of Zandra’s flat in London will be shown there from Jan. 15-18, 2019.

Model wears Zandra Rhodes at Westgate Hotel Fashion Show “Party with Z”

Models surround Zandra at the Finale at the Westgate Hotel (Photos by Diana Cavagnaro)

Le Diner en Blanc

Le Diner en Blanc was presented on Nov. 9 to a crowd of 2500 guests. This international organization began in Paris and has come to San Diego for the seventh year.

After registering for the event, you meet at a designated spot to be picked up by a bus and taken to a secret location, which is different each year.

Everyone is to be dressed in white, bring tables and chairs, a place setting, and amazing centerpieces all in white. The secret location this year was at the Embarcadero Marina Park South in Downtown.

The sea-of-white crowd dined outside on this picture-perfect evening overlooking beautiful Downtown San Diego. Guests

Model wears Zandra Rhodes at Westgate Hotel Fashion Show

Model wears Zandra Rhodes at Westgate Hotel Fashion Show

enjoyed stilt walkers, photo booths, and music, making this an extraordinary experience.

Moving that many people in a one-hour time frame is such an amazing feat and couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of countless volunteers and staff. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list

Zandra show off the Freddie Mercury cape for the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Elaborate table settings at the White Party (Le Diner en Blanc)

for next year, visit sandiego. dinerenblanc.com

throughout the day. For more info: 760-334-5500.

Upcoming events

—Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.v

Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019: Winter Bridal Bazaar with fashion shows presented by Gretchen Productions at the San Diego Convention Center. Three shows presented

6 SMART HOME ESSENTIALS With so many devices and home automation available these days, turning your house into a smart home is easier than you might think. But, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding which devices are essential – and what kind of internet service you’ll need to maximize your smart home experience.

• Smart Search entertainment. There are many options to watch TV and stream content online, and Cox’s Contour TV service brings smart search options, Netflix integration, a voice-controlled remote, and cool apps together into one service that is easy to navigate. Speak into the remote to find the programming you want to watch – use a famous movie quote, the title of a show, a genre, or the name of an actor. You can even say “free movies,” and available titles in the On Demand library will pop up.

Just as important as the devices you select is the internet service you choose.

• A home speaker that doubles as a virtual assistant. Current models can answer questions, turn on lights, play video, access virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa, share weather and news updates, act as a timer, and play music on demand. Some models even help you shop online.

• Home cameras. The latest in home monitoring such as Cox Homelife allows for remote live video viewing from your smartphone, video recording and customizable notifications.

• Smart lights. Replace existing light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs that can be controlled remotely with a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. Cox Homelife has an automation feature to control indoor and outdoor lights, bringing you (and your pet) peace of mind while you’re away from home, as well as saving energy and money.

• Smart locks. Remotely control doors in your home. Features can include voice commands, customized chimes, activity logs, integration with other smart devices, and special codes for friends, dog walkers, and deliveries.

• Smart thermostats. Programmable thermostats allow you to remotely turn the air and heat in your home up and down, and on and off. Save money and energy, and arrive to a warm or cool home.

In San Diego, Cox Communications recently doubled internet download speeds automatically for the majority of its customers at no additional charge. Preferred, the company’s most popular tier of service, is now up to 100 Mbps, while Essential and Starter, which are ideal for lighter users with one to five devices connected to the home network, doubled to 30 Mbps and 10 Mbps, respectively.

For households with multiple family members who want to connect dozens of devices simultaneously, are heavy gamers or have the need for the fastest speeds around, Cox’s Gigablast service offers download speeds of 1 gigabit (1,000 Mbps).

Take a short quiz on the speed advisor at www.cox.com to determine which speed is right for your household.

Cox is also improving the in-home internet experience with Panoramic WiFi, which provides “wall-to-wall” WiFi coverage so you have a connection wherever you may roam in your smart home.

20

San Diego Downtown News | December 2018

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Pinnacle 2BD / 2.5BA / $1,025,000

TheLegend d.com 2BD / 2BA / $1,099,900 2BD / 2BA / $789,000

LOFT / 1BA / $374,900

TheMeTSD.co coM M 3BD / 3BA / $1,850,000

TrellissD.com 1BD / 1BA / $485,000

WatermarkSD.com Union

1BD / 1BA / $324,000

3+BD / 3.5BA / $1,800,000 3BD / 2.5BA / $1,299,000 2BD / 2BA / $795,000

3BD / 2.5BA / $1,360,000 1BD / 1/5BA / $589,900

East

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©2018 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS.

An Independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Data from Sandicor as of 12/4/2018.