San Diego Downtown News, Vol. 20, Issue 2 by Lgbtqsdnews

VOLUME 20 ISSUE 2

February 2019 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter sdcnn.com

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

DowntownBriefs

Honeymoon Bridge

NEWS P. 8

CLIENT

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SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN NEWS

Logo Design

FINAL

CLIENT APPROVAL

DATE

1/9/12

American Legion commander visits Downtown

FEATURE P. 9

The Honeymoon Bridge, which spanned Palm Canyon, was built in 1935. (Photo courtesy of Friends of Balboa Park)

Historic romantic bridge in Balboa Park to be restored

The art of conflict resolution

Albert H. Fulcher | Editor

DINING P. 14

The ultimate steakhouse experience

ENTERTAINMENT P. 16

Friends of Balboa Park and the City of San Diego Parks & Recreation Department recently partnered together to embark on an ambitious project — reconstructing the 1935 Honeymoon Bridge. This landmark previously spanned Palm Canyon, connecting Alcazar Garden and the International Cottages in Balboa Park. At a fundraiser event at the Ballroom in Balboa Park on Jan. 13, supporters of this project gathered for an evening of entertainment from the world-famous Yale Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a capella singing

ensemble. This event kicked off fundraising efforts for Phase 2 of this three-stage reconstruction project. The bridge, which stretched over Palm Canyon, was built in 1935 and demolished in the 1950s. With an array of variable elements designed by renowned California architect Richard Requa, the 150-foot trestle bridge featured mission-style bell lights, wood plank walkways and railings made from eucalyptus trees. The complete recreation of this historic romantic bridge is slated for completion in late 2020 or early 2021. George Hardy, Friends of Balboa Park board chair, confirmed Phase 1 is complete.

“The first phase was already taken care of by fundraising efforts which involved the creation of the conceptual drawings,” Hardy said. “Now we are headed towards the construction drawings.” John Bolthouse, Friends of Balboa Park executive director, said that reconstructing the bridge will bring back a charming piece of Balboa Park’s history. Sitting 50 to 60 feet above the Palm Canyon floor, he said the original design — featuring mission bell light fixtures with drilled holes filled with jade colored glass — enhanced the bridge’s romantic attraction.

see Romantic bridge , pg 3

Angels of mercy

Urban Street Angels land Downtown By Vince Meehan

‘Somebody to Love’

Index Politics

Opinion

Puzzles

Fashion

Advertising

619-961-1958 mike@sdcnn.com

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Eric Lovett is a fireball of energy and enthusiasm. Ask anyone who has ever met him, and they will agree. Founder and executive director of Urban Street Angels is a local nonprofit whose purpose is to house homeless transitional-age youth, those who are in the 18-to-25-year range. The Alabama native’s positive, can-do personality is infectious and exactly what you would want in the director of a nonprofit whose mission is to rescue youth from the streets. His Southern drawl is a thick as his enthusiasm and

see Urban Angels, pg 20

The Urban Street Angels center at Fifth Avenue and Ash Street. (Photo by Vince Meehan)

Get up to date on local events! Page 22

Gloria takes aim at private prisons

Assemblymember Todd Gloria announced in January that he is taking part in drafting legislation that would prohibit the practice of contracting private, for-profit prisons within California. The law titled AB 32, if ratified, would bar state agencies from entering into or renewing contracts with private prison corporations starting in 2020. “Private prisons are a practice that should have never been permitted in California, and it’s time we end their presence,” Gloria said in a press release. “For-profit prisons do not serve the best interests of Californians nor are they in line with our values. No one should profit off human incarceration, especially after we have refocused our corrections system away from incarceration and towards rehabilitation.” The use of private prisons in America stretches deep into the nation’s history, and today over 8.4 percent of all prisoners are housed in such institutions. For-profit penitentiaries are a multi-billion-dollar industry, and there has been a growing demand to shift away from the practice. If the proposal becomes law, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would be required to transfer all state prison inmates from private facilities (about 9,000 prisoners) to state facilities by January 2028.

Shelter Island boat launch

The Port of San Diego unveiled the newly revamped Shelter Island boat launch facility at a ribbon cutting in January. Construction has been underway since 2015, when the California Department of Parks and Recreation awarded a $6.1 million grant to fund the project. Its completion aims to increase the launching capacity of what many say to be the busiest facility of its kind in the state. “This state-of-the-art boat launch facility will allow more people to safely and quickly get out and enjoy our San Diego Bay,” said Garry Bonelli, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, adding, “The Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility handles more boaters than any such facility in the

see News Briefs, pg 3

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

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NEWS

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San Diego Downtown News | February 2019 FROM PAGE 1

ROMANTIC BRIDGE

NEWS BRIEFS

If fundraising goes well, plans include extending the lights within the Alcazar Garden and also reconstruction of the original pathways leading to the bridge. With the help of San Diego Central Library, Bolthouse said they found Requa’s original drawings of the bridge. The original staircase abutments on each side of the canyon are still intact and will be the “two pieces of the historic fabric that will be part of the recreation.” “Actually, it was called Rustic Bridge, designed by Requa, one of the greatest architects in San Diego in the early 20th century,” Bolthouse continued. “Within five years from now you are going to see an extraordinary makeover of the entirety of Palm Canyon, including the Honeymoon Bridge.” Kim Duclo, who has served as a Park Ranger for Balboa Park for 24 years, said that the original two acres of Palm Canyon began with Mexican fan palms dating back to the early 1900s. Now, there are more than a 1,000 species of palms that have sprouted throughout the canyon naturally, which will provide a lush view for visitors to the new bridge. As part of the reconstruction, San Diego Parks & Recreation will renovate the canyon including the variety of palms. Duclo said that the reconstruction of the bridge almost happened 17 years ago when the Timber Framers Guild held its annual conference in San Diego. “They wanted to build the bridge right then and offered to buy the material — and the only reason that it didn’t get done then was because the city couldn’t meet the ADA requirements in getting to the landings,” Duclo said. “Ever since that time, I think it has been back-burner for a bit. I think we have a lot of drawing, photographs, and even some of the lighting that was on it. So the Friends of Balboa Park have taken up on themselves to make this project happen.” Duclo said that he has been archiving to try to put bits and pieces of the park's history.

entire state of California. It’s one of many projects being added to jumpstart the port’s ‘renaissance on the bay.’” Overall the project has expanded the maneuvering space within the facility, built additional boarding platforms, added new public walkways and viewing areas, and updated signage and lighting. Constructed within the allocated budget, the project finished just over $9.6 million.

An old photograph of the Honeymoon Bridge before it was demolished in the 1950s (Photo courtesy of Friends of Balboa Park) Currently, his collection includes approximately 65,000 items. To complete this project, he worked with others to find old photographs, postcards and drawings mainly from the second exposition in the 193536 eras. One of his quests in researching was to find out how Requa’s famous Rustic Bridge became commonly known as the Honeymoon Bridge. “Not knowing why or when it became known as the Honeymoon Bridge is the most embarrassing thing,” Duclo said. “I’ve been trying to help find out. I’ve said [there are] many possibilities, but the historians keep debunking all of the urban myths and lores.” Hardy said he thought the name generically evolved because of the bridge’s romantic ambience. Bolthouse added that no one really knows how or when the name change occurred. However, there is one story that he is willing to accept pertaining to eternal love. “Why is it called the Honeymoon Bridge? I wish I could tell you exactly,” Bolthouse said. “But there is an urban myth where the legend goes that when a couple got married they would be at each end of the bridge, then walk to the center and meet with a kiss. They were supposed to have good luck. I think it is a pretty good fable — we should go with that.” With Phase 1 of the project complete, Bolthouse noted Phase 2 is all about capital campaign fundraising, development of the Palm Canyon Comprehensive Site Improvement Plan, public workshops, community outreach and public comment.

Bolthouse said the estimated cost of the entire project is around $450,000. To date, the Friends of Balboa Park have secured approximately $37,000, and the first $24,000 went towards the due diligence phase. However, the next step is to develop architectural plans and secure more definitive cost estimates, which will require additional funds, estimated between $70,000 and $80,000. The group encourages the San Diego community to get involved in the reconstruction process and help funding the project. Though much of the night’s talk was focused on fundraising and urban legends about the name of the rustic bridge, a major highlight of the Jan. 13 event was the entertainment element. With its harmonious tones, the Yale Whiffenpoofs ranged from jazzy compositions to contemporary versions of old classics. One of the singers is from San Diego, and another is Whiffenpoof’s first female second tenor touring with them this season. The group sang with precision and a lot of personal charm with some exceptional, noteworthy arrangements. All different in genre representation, specific standouts for the night included renditions of “Rainbow Connection,” “Nature Boy,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “Got to Get You into my Life,” and “Sweetest Berry.” For more information about the Friends of Balboa Park’s recreation of the Honeymoon Bridge project and how to donate, visit bit.ly/2CM4Prq. —Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.v

The world-famous Yale Whiffenpoofs performing at the Jan. 13 fundraiser event (Photo by Albert H. Fulcher)

San Diego candidates announce plans for 2020 election

San Diego Councilmember Chris Ward from District 3 announced he will be campaigning to represent the state’s 78th state Assembly district. His decision comes after Assembly member Todd Gloria announced his decision to run for San Diego mayor, leaving the house spot open. In a recent press release, Ward said, “I am deeply committed to responding to the immediate threats of climate change, housing affordability, and economic security. I’ve built my life and my family in this community, and I see the challenges we face to make sure everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive here.” He added, “I know that means enough housing at every income level, access to quality education, affordable health care, a healthy environment, and sustainable jobs that allow everyone to achieve everything they’re capable of right here in San Diego.” Ward has served on the City Council since 2016, having previously served eight years as chief of staff in the state legislature. His announcement comes early into the 2020 election cycle and the field is still open for

candidates to announce their bid for the spot. Following the announcement that Ward would be vacating his council position, former executive director of San Diego Pride, Stephen Whitburn, announced his intention to run for the 3rd District. A longtime nonprofit leader within San Diego, Whitburn has advocated for LGBTQ protections and equality. He has also volunteered with several municipal committees including advisory panels for the city, the San Diego Business Association, and as vice chair of the North Park Planning Committee. Both candidates are registered as Democrats, though the positions they are running for are officially nonpartisan.

Mayor Faulkner calls for bipartisan support on longstanding issues

In his 2019 State of the City address, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer stressed the importance of rising beyond political division to solve problems that have long been cumulating in the San Diego region. “Our national landscape has become one that seeks to divide us. But let us never allow our differences to blind us to the common humanity we all share. We cannot achieve the goal of inclusion using the tools of division,” Mayor Faulconer stated in a press release. “We are stronger than the national political division. We are smarter than the partisan rhetoric. And we are better together than we are apart. The state of our city is strong, and united, we will make it even stronger.” The mayor touched on key issues including homelessness, climate change, and city infrastructure. He also touted some of the programs he has helped institute such as the

see News Briefs, pg 4

NEWS

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

sdcnn.com FROM PAGE 3

NEWS BRIEFS Clean SD program which has removed more than 2,700 tons of trash from the San Diego River and the city’s urban canyons. He outlined several projects with the intention of protecting the region’s energy, water, and natural resources. These include the creation of a new power division to supply renewable energy to residents and businesses, connecting the public trolley system to the airport, and constructing an immense water-recycling facility with the goal of delivering one-third of the city’s water by 2035. Faulconer has invited other regional public and business leaders to join him in planning and executing many of these goals.

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The Museum of Man announced in a recent press release that the California tower overlooking Balboa park will receive a seismic retrofit in February. The popular attraction will be closed beginning Feb. 18 but will continue to offer regularly scheduled tours up until that date. Built between 1915 and 1916 in honor of the PanamaCalifornia Exposition after the completion of the Panama Canal, the tower has long stood as the architectural crown jewel of Balboa Park. The project, which has been funded by FEMA, will increase the tower’s ability to withstand earthquake damage using the latest building codes. In total, the city predicts the project to last between seven and ten months.

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San Diego based law firm Thornes Bartolotta McGuire recently saw two of its lawyers named among U.S. News’ “Best Lawyers of 2019.” Brett Schreiber, and Kevin F. Quinn received the honors in January, adding to both their list of acknowledgments. Schreiber specializes in mass torts and malpractice law and has worked at the firm since starting as a clerk in 2004. Quinn practices in a number of fields including liability and personal injury and is a longtime partner of the firm.

see News Briefs, pg 5

POLITICS / NEWS

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Phone scams: Don’t always believe caller ID 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. One of the most important things you can do to prevent yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim of a financial scam is to never provide your personal or financial information to anyone you don't know or trust. This is especially true when it comes to getting cold calls on your phone. There are so many fraudsters who

make a living off of scamming people, so the best offense is to prevent the crime by not falling for their tricks in the first place. Be aware that newer technology is now allowing scammers to make their call number or email appear like an official government agency such as the IRS or the Social Security Administration in order to gain your trust. The latest scam we’ve been warning people about is phony calls from the Social Security Administration. In fact, you could substitute the Social Security Administration for any other organization such as the IRS, your bank, even someone claiming to be your relative or calling on behalf of your loved one. In the Social Security scam, callers are pretending to be

from the agency in an attempt to obtain Social Security numbers for financial crimes. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to this scam and have been a main target. There are multiple versions of the rip-off. For example, in some cases the caller may say your Social Security number has been linked to a crime and has been blocked, but that for a fee it could be reinstated. The caller will then ask you to verify your Social Security number. Another variation involves the caller saying that your Social Security number has been used to apply for multiple credit cards, which could cause you to lose your Social Security benefits. Or the caller may say that your bank account is on the verge of being seized and that you must withdraw all of your

Halting the ivory trade protects elephants City Attorney News Mara W. Elliott Known for their keen intelligence, immense strength, and devotion to their young, elephants are unique and fascinating animals. Like other keystone species, they play a significant role in sustaining the ecosystems in which they live. They are also important cultural symbols and magnets for tourism, which make them crucial economic assets in developing nations. A century ago, there were as many as 5 million elephants across Africa. Now, there are fewer than 500,000. They are largely found in national parks and preserves, yet poachers still hunt and kill 96 elephants each day for their ivory tusks. At this rate, we have 10 years left to save them, or they’ll be gone forever. San Diego may be continents away from the brutality of ivory poaching, but we are working locally to halt the ivory demand that drives the senseless killing of these majestic creatures. With a few narrow exceptions, the sale of ivory products in California is illegal. It’s a serious law with serious consequences. In November 2018, my office filed criminal charges against the Carlton Gallery in La Jolla, its owner, and an employee for trafficking ivory in defiance of California law. This prosecution follows

the largest seizure of ivory products by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife since a state law, authored by state Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins of San Diego, banning their sale took effect in 2016. The investigation into Carlton Gallery began when officers from the Fish and Wildlife’s Trafficking Unit observed two art-deco sculptures that appeared to be made of ivory in the gallery’s Prospect Street display window. They returned and observed additional items that appeared to contain ivory. Through an undercover sting operation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife seized more than 300 pieces of ivory, and items containing ivory, from the gallery and its warehouse. While we know the black-market value of the confiscated ivory is more than $1.3 million, we may never know how many animals were slaughtered to make these objects. Whatever the number, ivory trafficking is a reprehensible business. We are fortunate in San Diego to have the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where we see these noble creatures for ourselves, and teach our children the gentle side of these towering figures — how they show empathy and affection, protect their families, and grieve their dead. I hope this prosecution helps to educate San Diegans

liS

about the laws to protect elephants and other endangered animals that have ivory tusks and teeth. I also hope it sends a strong message to anyone who sells, or is thinking about selling, ivory on the black market in San Diego: We will find you, and we will prosecute you. If it weren’t for the sharp eyes of the undercover wildlife officers who spotted a potential ivory sculpture, Carlton Gallery could have continued to profit undetected from the slaughter of elephants. That’s why we need your help. If you suspect a business or individual is involved with illegal ivory trafficking in San Diego, please contact our Nuisance Abatement Unit, which oversees environmental and wildlife protection cases. Contact NAU at 619-5335500, cityattorney@sandiego. gov, or bit.ly/2MuHNIP. —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. Elliott and the lawyers in her section held polluters accountable, reformed city contracting, cut administrative red tape, and strengthened the city’s living wage and non-discrimination in contracting ordinances.v

cash, which the caller will conveniently tell you he or she can keep safe. When answering calls from unknown callers, keep in mind: ● Do not provide your Social Security number or banking information to any caller, even if the caller ID shows the Social Security Administration’s 1-800 number. ● If you get one of these calls, hang up and call the Social Security Administration to verify: 1-800-772-1213. ● Scammers use technology to make any number they want appear on a caller ID. ● Many calls cannot be traced because they originate overseas. ● If you get a call saying someone you know is in jail and needs bail money, verify this is actually the case.

FROM PAGE 4

NEWS BRIEFS Quinn graduated magnum cum laude from California Western School of Law, going on to become certified as a trial lawyer from Hastings College of Advocacy. In 1993, he acted as council for the first settlement case to win against defective Shiley heart valves. He has since been nominated for and presented a myriad of prestigious awards recognizing his impressive tenacity and legal skills. Following his 2010 victory for the largest single-plaintiff verdict in the state, Quinn was recognized by the Consumer Attorneys for San Diego (CASD), receiving the exclusive Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year award.

● If the caller tells you not to tell anyone about your conversation, hang up. It is a scam. 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 nearly 30 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 A distinguished attorney, Schreiber was the youngest person to serve as president of CASD and continues to serve on the foundation board. He has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Award of Merit from the Consumer Attorneys of California. As leader of CASD, Schreiber has organized community outreach to underprivileged communities, educating students about the nation’s legal system and donating gently used office supplies to schools around the county. Originally a Florida native, Schreiber graduated cum laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in downtown San Diego. He went on to receive hands on legal experience as an intern and lobbyist in the Florida senate before returning to California to practice law. The U.S. News “Best Lawyers in America” awards recognized the top five percent of practicing attorneys in the U.S. from participating firms. For 2019, over 16,000 lawyers provided more than 1,125,000 law firm assessments, and almost 12,000 clients provided more than 107,000 evaluations.

Bill introduced in response to county’s handling of hep. Outbreak

Following a state audit which found the City of San Diego’s response to the recent hepatitis A outbreak inadequate, assemblymember Todd Gloria of the 78th district

Brett Schreiber (Courtesy photo)

to the

see News Briefs, pg 17

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OPINION

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Toni G. Atkins John Bolthouse Tom Cesarini B. J. Coleman Mara W. Elliott Christopher Gomez Dora McCann Guerreiro Anne McClure Vince Meehan Summer Stephan

Women in the workplace By Anne McClure I was recently asked by an aspiring young lady for advice, as she strives to reach executive status in her career. The question initially struck me as odd, as it’s not like I can recommend reading a specific book or listening to a self-help podcast. Nonetheless, there are certainly a number of things young women can do to be successful and work toward moving up the corporate ladder. Need I state the obvious? Work hard. Do you need to put in more than eight hours a day? Maybe. But working long hours isn’t necessarily the key to being promoted. On the other hand, being a clock-watcher will certainly get noticed — just not in a good way. Volunteer for extra responsibilities. Do your research when working on a project, investing the necessary time to produce a quality result. Do something you love. It is a lot easier to work hard when you love what you do. We invest far too many hours in the workplace to be involved in a career or a role that we do not find rewarding. If you don’t love it, do some soul searching and put yourself on the right path. Your job doesn’t have to be perfect, but finding the overall feeling rewarding and enjoyable will allow you to achieve greater success, and more importantly, overall happiness. Use your voice. There is a balance between being too vocal and being a fly on the wall. If you wish to move up the corporate ladder, you need to be heard. During

meetings, be engaged. Don’t just listen and pay attention; more importantly, contribute. Share your ideas. Know the topic so that you can give intelligent input, not talk just to hear yourself speak. Volunteer to perform the necessary research for the task at hand. Have an opinion derived from intellectual thought and share it. Surround yourself with people who support you. Hopefully you work in an environment where people believe in you and are encouraging your growth. If you don’t, it may be time to re-evaluate your path. Remain positive. Looking through a lens of positivity is a lot healthier than constantly seeing the glass half-empty. While you may have an outlet at home for venting about work issues, most of your time at home, and definitely at work, should be spent spreading good news. Negativity breeds negativity and it can consume your thoughts, your actions, and your physical-being. There is no room for “woe is me” in the executive wing. Focus on your blessings, the successes you’ve achieved, the things that went right. Make sure the majority of your mental energy is spreading good news, not your worries or your complaints. Avoid negative people. The biggest part of remaining positive is who you surround yourself with. Both at home and at work, remove yourself from negative environments. Some people choose to be negative. Everything they do includes complaining, blaming others, feeling persecuted — it’s a miracle they’ve lived

past their teenage years. While these people may be humorous, or you may believe you can “fix” them, ultimately they drain your energy and can cause you to see things through their same jaded glasses. Learn how to cut those conversations short. Don’t contribute to negative discussions, and certainly do not bad-mouth others in the workplace. The grapevine is alive and well and you do not want your name attached to anything that can negatively impact your reputation. Envision what you want. Allow that to be your driving force. Believe it and make it happen. While this may be a picture of yourself in a role, try to focus on certain behaviors or attributes you believe are important for you to have in order to attain the role. For example, if you’re working on your confidence, envision yourself as the confident individual you want to be. If you wish you were more positive, see yourself as spreading positivity through the workplace. Wake up every day and write it down. Spend time contemplating the words as you compose them. This five-minute daily exercise can set your mood for the day. It will inspire you into positive action. Be aware that you are always making an impression. Remember that and keep that in focus (this is a great parenting tactic too). The relationships you build today, while they may seem small, can lead to incredibly significant results; often unknowingly. The actions, and reactions, you provide is ultimately crucial to opportunities in the future.

Chris Ward

Be confident. Present yourself confidently and capitalize on your strengths. There is a balance between confidence and over-confidence. Finding it is important. Presenting yourself with poise and knowledge helps ensure others see self-assurance but not self-righteousness. If you believe in yourself, others will too. The more confidence you exude, the more confidently you are viewed. Foster collaboration. Recognize that, while you may be confident, others have a voice. Encourage others to speak and be respectful of ideas. People want to be part of an organization in which they themselves are valued. While you may be working on your own career path, be cognizant that others are doing the same. As such, encouraging the exchange of ideas, respecting contributions by others, giving credit to people within the workplace helps create an organization built on respect. Get to know everyone. Whether your workplace has 10 employees or 10,000 employees, staff members at all levels are contributing to the success and growth of the organization. Recognizing employees’ individual strengths and/or circumstances, helps create an environment built on respect. While an entry-level employee may not be responsible for the next biggest negotiated contract, she may be a factor in your company’s next five-star Yelp review. Everyone has a contribution to the organization. Celebrating individuals by simply getting to know them will help others to promote you, both vocally and emotionally.

see Working Women, pg 7

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

POLITICS / OPINION

Council appointments, budget priorities and future plans for 2019 Chris Ward D3 Update This last year, we accomplished quite a lot for District 3 and the city of San Diego. With so much going on and in these fast-paced times it’s often difficult to remember all our progress. To have the most up-to-date information available to residents, I have made sure my city website includes neighborhood policies, accomplishments, and my ongoing work plan. I’m excited to share with you that this year I will continue my chairmanship of the Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee and have been appointed vice chair of the Committee on Active Transportation & Infrastructure and vice chair of the Committee on Land Use & Housing. I have also been appointed to the board of directors of the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and as chair of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH). With these appointments, I have an opportunity to address our most pressing concerns, like the need to move homeless families and individuals off our streets and into the types of attainable, affordable housing that all San Diegans deserve. San Diego is uniquely positioned to utilize its land, and its financial and political strength, to implement desperately needed changes to address our housing shortage. Safe, stable homes are critical to the constituents we serve, the sustained growth of our economy, and the opportunities for future generations. In the past two years, our City Council has taken critical steps to make progress on the dual crises of homelessness and insufficient affordable and workforce housing. However, we are not keeping up with population demands and the persistent failure to meet this need has jeopardized both individual dreams and our city’s future. I intend to ensure policies are drawing on known best practices and innovative solutions, so we are able to

FROM PAGE 6

WORKING WOMEN Follow-through. Remember what you have committed to doing, and follow through. Ensure others in the organization know they can rely on you. Whether you promise a frontline employee you will get someone to look into their slow computer, or you commit to calling a colleague for a reference, make sure you

finally implement a deliberate and holistic plan to house our homeless, ensure development of affordable housing is proportional to our overall housing stock, and further prioritize much-needed supportive housing units. This year, I will be continuing bi-monthly community walks to bring city business and policy to your door. As residents, you are entitled to know what your elected officials are doing, why it’s important, and its impact on your neighborhood. I also want to hear directly from you, what your concerns are and how I can better advocate for the city services you depend on. If you have any questions regarding this outreach program or would like to suggest neighborhoods that my team could visit, please feel free to contact my office. In January, I issued a memorandum to our independent budget analyst stating our district’s budget priorities that will continue to develop a spending plan and balances fiscal responsibility while making bold investments in San Diego’s future. Our budget is a reflection of the values of our communities and illustrates my commitment to making San Diego an equitable city that is growing responsibly and addresses the needs of all neighborhoods and residents. Throughout this budget process I intend to fiercely advocate for solutions to homelessness, create safe and livable neighborhoods, fulfill our Climate Action Plan, and expand initiatives that support the mobility of healthy citizens in a safe, accessible, vibrant San Diego. I encourage everyone that is able to participate in this process and share with my office your priorities. Please contact my office with your thoughts or with any questions you at 619-236-6633 or by email at christopherward@ sandiego.gov. —Councilmember Chris Ward serves the 13 communities in District 3, which include Downtown, Little Italy, Golden Hill, Old Town, Mission Hills, Hillcrest, University Heights, North Park, South Park, Normal Heights, Bankers Hill and others.v do as you say. Follow-through can also be taken to the next level; simply remembering an earlier conversation with a coworker. Asking about the vacation they mentioned, or their spouse’s surgery; these small gestures reflect your human-side and allows staff to see you with more depth. There isn’t a formula for rising on a career path. Nonetheless, it is within your control. Focusing on what you can do versus your obstacles

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

Strong ﬁscal and community stance with new governor

Notes from Toni Toni G. Atkins Governor Gavin Newsom got off to an active start as he began his tenure as California’s 40th governor, proposing several ambitious policy changes and releasing a draft state budget in his first few days in office. On day one, the governor announced new health care policy proposals, including making all residents up to age 26 eligible to obtain health insurance through the Medi-Cal program, helping middle-class Californians afford health insurance, and lowering the cost of prescription drugs through increased bulk purchasing power. On day two, he announced proposals to strengthen California’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from devastating wildfires, including $305 million in additional funding to improve the health of our forests and enhance emergency response. On day four, the governor released his proposed $209 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. Drawing from a $21.4 billion surplus thanks to a strong economy, his budget keeps California on a positive path that balances the need for fiscal responsibility with our goal of strengthening programs that support our residents and provide opportunity. Newsom’s budget recommendation adds another $1.8 billion to our rainy-day fund, bringing it to $15.3 billion, and increasing the safety net reserve that we created last year from $200 million to $900 million, which will protect vital services for vulnerable Californians and working families. Other prudent ideas include a one-time payment of $4.4 billion to eliminate past debts and one-time funds of $5.3 billion to pay down public employee retirement liabilities. In addition to the health care and wildfire proposals, his budget increases grants to local governments to build affordable housing and creates new incentives to help meet local housing goals. It proposes yet another record investment in public schools and free tuition for the second year of community college, increases Cal Grants to make higher education accessible to more students, and adds will ultimately put you in the driver’s seat and provide you with self-satisfaction and overall happiness. Remember your more natural traits as a female. Are you compassionate? Sensitive? Intuitive? Build on your strengths. Don’t try to hide them or be something you’re not. Be the best version of you. —Anne McClure is the chief executive ofﬁcer for Cabrillo Credit Union.v

funding for the UC and CSU systems. Although our economy is strong and our budget is in the best shape in a generation, many individuals and families are still struggling. That’s why Newsom would like to double the impact of California’s earned income tax credit — it would be the program’s third expansion in three years. He also wants to increase CalWORKS grants to lift most children in the program out of deep poverty and send an additional $500 million to communities across the state to address homelessness.

“

I enjoy an excellent working relationship with Newsom and look forward to working with him on this year’s budget. His proposals will be vetted thoroughly in an extensive series of Senate and Assembly Budget Committee hearings this spring, and I am confident that, working together, we will craft a budget that once again will reflect California’s values and move California forward. —Toni G. Atkins represents the 39th District in the California Senate. Follow her on Twitter @SenToniAtkins.v

REVENGE, TERRIBLE REVENGE

IS ALL THAT MY HEART DESIRES.”

RRO O M O T S N OPE

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February 2–10, 2019

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NEWS

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

2019 centennial celebration

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The American Legion begins the year with Downtown visit

P. Reistad was escorted by American Legion Riders and other local Legion family members, during the early afternoon touring statues and sites along the Greatest Generation Walk near the USS Midway Museum on the Downtown San Diego Bay front. Reistad informed listeners that he was familiar with California. “I love San Diego,” Reistad said. “Remember that I’m here for you, I’m one of you, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week in California.” Reistad was elected national commander on Aug. 30, 2018. A member of the nation’s largest veterans organization since 1981, he resides with his family in Manassas, Virginia. Reistad served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Active at all levels of The American Legion, he is past president and honorary life member of the National American Legion Press Association. The American Legion kicked off the centennial-year events on New Year’s Day, with Reistad and other veteran representatives honoring

By B. J. Coleman One hundred years of continuous service on behalf of military veterans is impressive. Welcoming the 2019 centennial of The American Legion, national representatives of the volunteer veterans service organization paid an early visit to Downtown San Diego on Jan. 3, beginning 100-year anniversary celebrations throughout the country. The American Legion National Commander Brett

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the occasion on the third float appearing in the annual Pasadena Rose Parade. On Jan. 1, day two of the yearlong commemorative activities, Reistad traveled into eastern San Diego County, for the re-dedication of the Ocotillo Wells Veterans Memorial Cross, followed by a meet-and-greet session at Santee American Legion Post 364. Reistad spoke to fellow Legionnaires during his multiple two-day stops throughout San Diego, mentioning the honor of being on the Legion float

Brett Reistad at the USS Midway

Brett P. Reistad, currently serving National Commander of The American Legion, visited Downtown San Diego on Thursday, Jan. 3, touring the Greatest Generation Walk along the bayfront near the USS Midway Museum. Reistad, in red cap, was in San Diego for the second and third days of 2019, beginning a national tour in celebration of The American Legion Centennial year. (Photos courtesy of Fran Del Santo)

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in the Rose Parade, and his gratification at being selected as national commander for the Legion’s centennial year. “My first and primary focus for the centennial year is on fighting how we are losing membership,” Reistad said. “We are 72,000 Legionnaires short nationwide versus the same time last year, which is surprising.” Reistad asked for assistance with membership recruitment, saying, “I request that you begin personally engaging with potential members instead of staying with a social media focus.” Reistad earlier on Jan. 3 received a presentation about a promising new treatment for combat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress and related conditions. He toured Chula Vista’s Veterans Home of California before lunch there, and then stopped by the Downtown San Diego bayfront veterans World War II commemorative walkway. Reistad’s second busy day in San Diego County rounded out with a special national commander dinner hosted at Escondido’s J.B. Clark Post 149. The American Legion’s origins trace from Paris, France, to St. Louis, Missouri, through Washington, D.C., to Minneapolis, Minnesota — all in 1919. After World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918, four Army line officers of the American Expeditionary Forces met in Paris in January of 1919 to renew acquaintances and share how other comrades from the war were faring in the aftermath. Those men were: Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., who had served with the 1st Division; Lt. Col. George S. White, formerly with the 41st Division but later attached to General Headquarters; Maj. Erick Fisher Wood, of the 88th Division; and Lt. Col. William J. Donovan, of the 69th, proudly known as New York’s “Fighting Irish.” These men foresaw the need for an organization to formalize their efforts, and an announcement published in the newspaper Stars and Stripes for an open meeting in Paris led to a gathering

over March 15-17, 1919, known as the Paris Caucus, which is now taken as The American Legion’s birthday. The Paris Caucus Executive Committee set up a subcommittee tasked with organizing veterans in the United States. A second caucus six weeks later was held in St. Louis, Missouri, from May 8-10, 1919, deciding to adopt the name “The American Legion,” and approving a draft preamble and constitution for the new veterans organization. In the interim, the first American Legion post was established in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 1919, receiving the first post charter on May 19, 1919. (This post was initially named for Gen. John Joseph Pershing, but the St. Louis caucus determined that Legion posts should not be named for living persons, after which American Legion Post 1 became George Washington Post 1.) From temporary organizing headquarters in New York City, Post 1 began a minimal set of programs focused on veteran relief, employment and Americanism. The National Executive Committee designed and adopted the Legion emblem on June 9, 1919. Congress granted a national charter to The American Legion on Sept. 16, 1919, as an official American patriotic society under Title 36 of the United States Code. The organization’s first national convention met in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from Nov. 10-12, 1919, representing veteran members whose numbers had already surpassed 700,000. That first Legion convention delivered a permanent constitution and elected the first slate of officers. The American Legion has worked to bring about significant accomplishments on behalf of veterans during the intervening years. One such early notable achievement, on Aug. 9, 1921, was the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, the precursor of today’s Veterans Administration. Two years later, on June 15, 1923, a Legion conference in Washington drafted the first

see American Legion, pg 21

sdcnn.com

Conflict resolution

FEATURE

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

National center utilizes the power of mediation and prevention Albert H. Fulcher | Editor People in society need to be inclusive in their conversations. People don’t talk about religion, politics and other touchy subjects because it will evoke a reaction — because they don’t know how to talk about it in a productive way. There is a need to learn to talk about difficult topics in a constructive way, and it applies everywhere in culture. It’s not just the workplace. It’s at home, in the schools, on the sidewalk or with a neighbor. A completely different mentality is necessary. If everyone looked at both viewpoints, they could think more critically and can have more intelligent conversations, said Attorney Danna J. Cotman, Esq., Lawyer’s Club of San Diego president. “I think that the partnerships that we are developing, not only with what the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) is doing at large in the country and internationally, is really important because we can’t do this ourselves,” said Cotman. “It’s important to look at who we can collaborate with and how we can build synergy across sectors. We’ll be able to accomplish more than what we can do independently.” Owner and president of ARC Intellectual Property Law,

Cotman is the only known woman- owned boutique intellectual property law firm in San Diego and one of NCRC’s many partners. Cotman said that NCRC was brought to her attention through the Lawyer’s Club and Judge Susan P. Finlay of the Superior Court, Ret., who worked on NCRC’s Avoiding the Pipeline to Prison program, said that she and her husband were extremely integrated by that program because of its educational component. She said this was the beginning in partnering with NCRC. “What we don’t learn in school, especially in law school, is how to have constructive conversations that are not argumentative,” Cotman said. “Most of our conversation is how to argue your point. Surprisingly that is not always the best way to succeed in reaching a solution.” And conflict resolution is what NCRC has specialized in for 35 years. With its humble beginnings in 1983, The San Diego Mediation Center originated from the San Diego County Bar and University of San Diego (USD) Law School and began as a small community communication center in Golden Hill. Steven P. Dinkin, National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) president, said the

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(l to r) Steven P. Dinkin, National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) president and Attorney Danna J. Cotman, Esq., Lawyer’s Club of San Diego president and ARC Intellectual Property Law owner and president (Photo by Albert H. Fulcher) Center resolved different types of community disputes rather than going through the traditional court system. “Over time, our mediation programming continued to grow outside of community mediation to a range of business disputes, malpractice issues, and divorce,” Dinkin said. “As the Center developed, many people became interested in the field of mediation, so we set up a training institute to begin training lawyers, and retired judges. We’ve now been doing that for several decades.”

As the years went on, he said NCRC began to focus on how the organization could have a more significant impact across all levels of society — in the community, businesses, and throughout the country in government. “What we realized is that in the mediation methodology, there is a very powerful tool on how to resolve conflict,” Dinkin continued. “People started coming to our offices and 85 percent of the time people would walk into the room with a dispute and walk out with a

resolution. We tracked it over time and 90 percent of the time those resolutions would actually be sustained. We figured out the reason why is that because we engage people in the resolution. As an active participant, if you’re coming up with the solution you are more likely to sustain it.” Dinkin said if they took the methodology of mediation and supported it, the organization could impact the San Diego region at all levels of society.

see NCRC, pg 18

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

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EVery day eﬀorts, keeping East Village clean and safe East Village Biz News Dora McCann Guerreiro Keeping America’s Finest City both clean and safe is a vital public function provided for residents, businesses, and tourists. An adopted guiding principle for the East Village Association (EVA), works with multiple Downtown community partnerships for the implementation, review, and needed scalability of clean and safe services.

Downtown San Diego Partnership: Clean & Safe Program

Operating as a Property and Business Improvement District (PBID), funded through property tax assessments, the Downtown San Diego Partnership (DSDP) Clean & Safe Program is responsible for providing enhanced cleaning and security services to the six Downtown neighborhoods of the East Village, Gaslamp, Marina, Columbia, Civic Core, and Cortez. The 56 Clean & Safe maintenance ambassadors provide 24/7 removal of trash, graffiti, stickers, posters and flyers services; the sweeping and power-washing of sidewalks; landscaping, tree planting, and lighting-source enhancement; and the operation and maintenance of the public doggie bag

Aug. 6 will be the annual SDPD National Night Out. (Photos courtesy East Village Association)

stations. Specifically, 12 ambassadors are dedicated solely to the East Village neighborhood due to our 130-block super-size and scale of demographics! Clean & Safe safety ambassadors complement local law enforcement efforts, by serving as an extra set of “eyes and ears” for businesses and property owners, authorized to respond to called-in service requests. See something unusual? Worried about the well-being of a passer-byer? Not feeling safe and need a safe escort walk? Or just notice a broken tree-grate? Fill out the information on the website form downtownsandiego. org/clean-and-safe or call Clean & Safe directly at 619-234-8900 for all non-emergency situations. Clean & Safe homeless outreach coordinators serve as the homeless outreach team that also work with the San Diego

In 2018, San Diego County reported the fourth largest homeless population in the nation.

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Police Department (SDPD) to conduct outreach efforts and connect homeless individuals to available resources. Since the program’s inception, 2,436 individuals have been reunified with their families! And with the renewal of dedicated public funding, outreach and reunification programs can be continued!

Regional Task Force on the Homeless

The Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH) is a public-private regional stakeholder group that provides comprehensive data and trusted analysis for regional efforts in identifying, implementing, and supporting efforts to prevent and alleviate homelessness. The RTFH provides technical assistance, ongoing training, and critical data reports, whereas EVA uses these quantified metrics to work with the city and county to pursue right-sized homeless solutions vs. the right-now. Thank you to the East Village Councilman Chris Ward (District 3) for his leadership as the task force’s chairman! The San Diego Point-InTime (PIT) Count is just one

Clean & Safe Program is responsible for providing enhanced cleaning and security services to six Downtown neighborhoods. RTFH responsibility, managing the annual volunteer-staffed homeless persons count. The 2019 count is scheduled for Jan. 25, 4-8 a.m., and will provide a better understanding of the current state and scope of San Diego homelessness. This year, advanced technologies are assisting with the count to include drones and helicopters outfitted with heat-infrared detection technology; and a SDPD helicopter equipped with thermal imaging equipment, to communicate with ground crew volunteers. In 2018, San Diego County reported the fourth largest homeless population in the nation, which is weighted in helping the region compete for critical national and state homeless eradication funding opportunities.

San Diego Police Department

And aside from their numerous partnership efforts, EVA thanks SDPD, who maintain community peace and order by fostering the highest level of trust and safety. In September 2018, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report named San Diego as the safety

big city in the United States. Thank you to Marlo Woods, the East Village community relations officer, monthly SDPD report-outs at the first Thursday of every month Public East Village Board Meetings at 4 p.m., at the San Diego Central Library, Neil Morgan Auditorium, numerous stakeholder meeting participation, and daily support services. Aug. 6 will be the annual SDPD National Night Out, which is a national program intended to strengthen the neighborhood spirit and police-community relations by spending the evening outdoors with neighbors, friends, and the local policing force. More details to come! And for all East Village events, please visit the EVA calendar at eastvillagesandiego.com/calendar. EVA extends a sincere thank you to all three of the above organizations for their combined East Village Clean & Safe efforts every day. For more information and questions on EVolving East Village, please contact director@eastvillagesandiego.com. —Dora McCann Guerreiro is the executive director of the East Village Association. To learn more, visit eastvillagesandiego.com or you can reach her at director@eastvillagesandiego.com.v

Sudoku & Crossword puzzle answers from page 19

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GASLAMP QUARTER / BALBOA PARK

A sight for sore eyes!

Gaslamp Landmarks Sandee Wilhoit In 1831, newspaperman Horace Greeley popularized the saying by John Soule, “Go West, young man.” Many enterprising immigrants took these words literally and made their way to the burgeoning city of San Diego, California. One of the most resourceful of these was a Prussian Jew named Isadore Louis. Born in Lessen, Prussia on July 4, 1836, Louis arrived in the United States on his 21st birthday. He first lived in San Francisco, then Los Angeles, and finally arrived in San Diego in 1870 with his wife and family in tow. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen on Nov. 2, 1874. Upon his arrival, he opened a cobbler shop on Fifth Avenue, and quickly became a “cobbler to the stars” of San Diego, as he made fancy French shoes for all the local rich and famous, both men and women. All this within two years! Additionally, he served as a notary public and managed the Louis Opera House, which specialized in road shows, circuses, and minstrel shows, not operas. Louis built the opera house, located on the east side of Fifth Avenue between B and C streets, in 1887. He later expanded his real estate holdings to include a cigar store and a candy shop. As he quickly went from cobbler to capitalist, in partnership with the Bank of Commerce, Louis built the Louis Bank of Commerce Building during San Diego’s boom years of the 1880s. The bank specialized in business loans, so this proved to be a perfect fit. Designed by well-known architects, Stannard and Clemment, this four-story Baroque Revival structure possesses so many noteworthy and elaborate Victorian architectural features that it has been dubbed “The Queen of the Gaslamp.” It is also reputed to be the most photographed building in the Gaslamp. The building itself is composed of brick with a granite facade. Four large, three-sided bay window projections on the second and third levels are elaborately decorated in cast terra cotta and wood. Stone spandrel panels between the second and third floors have a carved radiating motif. As some of the building materials were pre-built on the East Coast, all did not arrive in a timely manner. Consequently, only three of the four planned balconies were built. This gave the building a somewhat unbalanced look, which is actually

Louis Bank Of Commerce 1888 835-837 Fifth Ave.

Architectural Style: Baroque Revival Architects: Stannard and Clemment

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

Easter lily seasonal ﬂoral display, The Balboa Park Carousel and being a friend Growing Balboa Park John Bolthouse With San Diego’s temperature climate and spring time around the corner, we look forward to new beginnings around 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 enhance Balboa Park throughout the coming weeks:

Easter Lily Seasonal Floral Display

Designed by well-known architects, Stannard and Clemment, this four-story Baroque Revival structure possesses so many noteworthy and elaborate Victorian architectural features that it has been dubbed “The Queen of the Gaslamp.” (Photo by Sandee Whilhoit) not usually noted when viewing the structure, as there is so much detail to absorb. The building is capped by twin towers on the mansard roof. Atop the towers are eagles with outstretched wings. The original towers were lost in a fire in 1904 but have been restored as the original molds by a New England foundry were still available. An elaborate skylight in the interior allows natural light through to the second level, which is lavishly appointed with carved wood railings and doors. The Bank of Commerce remained until 1893. On the ground floor, Isadore Louis opened the Maison Doree, featuring an oyster bar and an ice cream parlor. As San Diego did not have an ice plant at the time, ice was brought in from Lake Tahoe. The oyster bar was said to be the favorite hangout of Wyatt Earp, another noteworthy capitalist, and his wife, Josie. The Maison Doree was touted as the finest restaurant in San Diego, so all the wealthy ate there, providing Wyatt with a cadre of future patrons for his gambling parlors! The upper floors, consisting of 33 rooms, were rented out as lodging quarters and offices. Early tenants included J.H. Grovesteen, a bookseller and county clerk, a jeweler, an optical needs store and real estate offices. After the turn of the century, the upstairs rooms were rented out by a lady who billed herself as a fortune teller, but soon re-invented herself as Madam Cora. Madam Cora was a marketing genius. While San Diego’s other infamous madam, Ida Bailey, specialized in quality, Madam Cora specialized in quantity. Knowing that many foreign sailors arrived at Horton’s wharf at the

foot of Fifth Avenue, and that they may not speak English, Madam Cora devised a method to ensure that their needs could be met. She dressed her girls in dresses of different solid-colored hues and strolled them up and down Fifth Avenue. If a gentleman saw a lady that struck his fancy, he tapped Madam Cora on the shoulder, pointed out the object of his desire, and she handed him a marble of the same color as the lady’s dress. That evening, he would present himself at Madam Cora’s Golden Poppy Hotel on the upper floors of the Louis Bank of Commerce Building, show her the marble, and she would direct him to the door of the same color. Behind that door would be the lady whose dress corresponded with the marble. Not a word had to be spoken! After their business was concluded, the gentleman could leave by the back stairs and drop the tell-tale marble down the outhouse. This was most useful if the patron was an elegant gentleman from Banker’s Hill or some such neighborhood, who absolutely did not want to return home with the offending marble! Further into the 20th century, the building housed Ratner’s Electric, which earned it the nickname, “House of 1,000 Lights.” Tenants additionally included offices and restaurants. In November of 2016, the fully restored stately structure was purchased by PREF Commerce, an affiliate of local Paragon Real Estate, for $7.1 million. The 22,000 square feet of this Gaslamp jewel are still being redeveloped. —Sandee Wilhoit is the historian for the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. She can be reached at swilhoit@gaslampfoundation.org.v

Friends sponsors the seasonal floral displays in Balboa Park’s iconic Botanical Building, made possible by donor dedications. We hope you consider a lily dedication during this special time of springtime renewal. The Easter lilies will be on display from early April to mid-May, so be sure to stop by and celebrate one of the region’s most festive seasonal displays!

Balboa Park Carousel

Friends of Balboa Park has undertaken numerous projects around Balboa Park, but our acquisition of the Balboa Park Carousel has been by far the organization's most significant. We are in the home stretch of the Phase I fundraising milestone to complete the purchase of the carousel, and every dollar will help towards our goal. Please consider a contribution of any size as we steer toward the home stretch!

Benefits of being a friend

Friends is celebrating our 20th anniversary this year

(Photos courtesy of Friends of Balboa Park)

and is commemorating this milestone by launching a formal membership program that rewards supporters and encourages even more people to join our park improvement projects and youth and education programs throughout Balboa Park. Join online at friendsofbalboapark.org/ membership.

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

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

sdcnn.com

A guide to the perfect Valentine’s Day in Little Italy Little Italy News Christopher Gomez There’s no better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Diego than in one of the city’s most romantic neighborhoods

— Little Italy. From the top drink spots and one-of-a-kind shopping to the best places to stay and dine, Little Italy has everything you need for a seamless evening with your significant other. Valentine’s Day gifts are just as important as dinner reservations on this special

day. At Little Italy, there are many local boutiques that offer unique and thoughtful gifts for that special someone. For him, check out Atacama Surf Shop and for her, you’ll fi nd accessories and fashionable clothing at Vocabulary or Little Apple. If you’re looking to get the perfect gift for the home that you both can enjoy, check out Vitreum or Love & Aesthetic. To kick off the perfect evening, visit one of Little Italy’s top bars like King & Queen Cantina, Kettner Exchange or Nolita Hall and grab a few cocktails or delicious appetizers. Selecting a restaurant in Little Italy is easy, especially with plenty of great options. If you’re looking for a quaint, intimate restaurant make a reservation at Buon Appetito, where you can find generous plates of Italian cuisine and a spectacular wine selection.

Other eateries to check out for a memorable evening include Born & Raised, Juniper & Ivy, Barbusa, Ironside and Little Italy’s newest dining experience, Farmer’s Table. There’s nothing like ending the perfect night indulging in sweet treats with the one you love. Grab some chocolate tartes or crème brulee at Extraordinary Desserts, a scoop of flavorful gelato at Pappalecco or an exquisite pastry from Nonna + Café Zucchero. After dessert, stroll through the lively neighborhood and stop at the recently opened Piazza della Famiglia to enjoy charming views of the San Diego Bay under the twinkling overhead lights that will be lit red for amore. Nothing says a romantic evening like sharing a bottle of wine from the Little Italy Food Hall underneath the stars in the piazza.

To surprise your lovebird and show them how much you appreciate them, plan a staycation at La Pensione, a modern, chic boutique hotel located in the neighborhood or the Porta Vista Hotel with beautiful views of the neighborhood. Little Italy makes it easy to prepare for Valentine’s Day as a one-stop destination for all — gifts, cocktails, appetizers, dinner and a sweet nightcap. 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

Little Italy is a perfect spot for a photo op

Stroll through the lively neighborhood and stop at the Piazza della Famiglia to enjoy charming views of the San Diego Bay. (Photos courtesy Little Italy Association)

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LITTLE ITALY

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

Memories of Washington Elementary Little Italy Heritage Tom Cesarini The Convivio Now and Again Series comprises oral histories from Italiancommunity members. In these excerpts from interviews with various community members, they discuss cherished remembrances of their time spent at Washington Elementary School in Little Italy. “It was a beautiful old school. I was very athletic. I played on the playgrounds and played on the rings and enjoyed all my little friends.” Fran Marline Stephenson remembers fondly her time at Washington Elementary in the heart of Little Italy. She makes a point to note her affection for the librarian at the school, Mrs. Krause, who would spark

Fran’s interest in reading. More important, she would help Fran in learning how to pronounce words, as Fran had difficulty in this regard. “I have her to thank for teaching me how to speak,” Fran states, continuing to discuss her education. “I took courses that would teach me something. I wanted to learn not just because I want[ed] to learn reading and writing and my arithmetic — I wanted to learn something else.” Fran would eventually dabble in art, sewing, “foolish acting on the stage,” and she also joined the glee club. And most importantly about her participation in school plays, Fran exclaims, “My parents came and saw me, and I was thrilled because my father, being a fisherman, he was never home … I was very proud of myself, to look out there and see my parents in the audience.” Andy Asaro recalls that in Little Italy, “The neighborhood was composed of a lot of

different kids … and we all went to Washington School. And in those days we all walked to school, and we'd walk home, and of course … nobody worried about things like they worry about today. Anyway … a lot of us Italians were in the Junior Traffic Patrol, so that would be manning the intersection of State and Elm streets … we'd be dressed in white Washington Elementary School was architecturally modeled after the White House. When pants, white shirt, this photograph was taken in 1940, the interior was made predominantly of marble, and lion heads originally marked the front entrance but were later removed. The school served and red sweaters, and a yellow garri- the entire Italian community. Sadly, the original building was torn down in 1980. (Courtesy of Fran Marline Stephenson and Convivio Italian American Community Archives) son cap with a red stripe down it … and most of the people, or most lot — I really did. I always felt Today, Washington of the kids that I knew, enjoyed that I was learning something Elementary, its initial foundagoing to Washington School. As every day.” tional structure long faded into a matter fact, I enjoyed school a Jim Bregante notes, “The memory, has been rebuilt and place that probably had a lot restructured for a new generato do with our development tion of school kids. Washington was Washington Elementary Elementary still serves as a School, and Washington had a pillar of the Little Italy commuhuge playground. The neighbor- nity. See more historical imaghood children spent countless es of Washington Elementary hours there. The school also and the surrounding area at had an underground gymnasiitalianarchives.org. um that was open in the eveVisit: conviviosociety.org to nings. Across the street from learn more. the school was Bayside Social Get Social: @conviviosociety Center, operated by the nuns — (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) who would accompany the children on many varied outings —Tom Cesarini is — and they would offer cultural the executive director of and educational programming, Convivio. Reach him at cooking classes, and the like.” tom@conviviosociety.org.v

Children seated on the school steps of Washington Elementary, circa 1930. The school towers over the children, once again signifying its prominence in the community as the structure through which the children began their formal American education. (Courtesy of Fran Marline Stephenson and Convivio Italian American Community Archives)

Dr. Marla Saltzman Dr. Scott Lafey Dr. Kim Fritz 2135 Columbia St. San Diego, CA 92101

619-795-2400 The Washington Elementary playground circa 1930. Today, Amici Dog Park stands nearby in its place, catering to a new generation of little (and big) ones. (Courtesy of Washington Elementary and Convivio Italian American Community Archives)

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www.amicipethospital.com

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

DINING

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by a dizzying wine collection shelved in glass-paneled walls that follow you along the interior stairway. In terms of views, the upper level puts you in eyeshot of San Diego Harbor. Portions for most dishes are Texas-sized. Take the thick-cut Restaurant Nueske’s bacon au poivre. As Review a twosome, we expected a few slices of the Frank Sabatini Jr. bourbon and molasses-glazed Long live those dinners pork, similar that start with martinis to what I’ve and shrimp cocktails encountered and progress to baked in trendy potatoes, creamed corn restauand lush steaks crowned rants over with sautéed mushthe past rooms. Since the early decade. To 1800s, the American steakour shock, this house experience has surwas like an elonvived myriad culinary trends gated steak offering and economic depressions. chunky mouthfuls of Butter cake with ice cream and caramel sauce The Texas-based Del Frisco’s smokiness, sweetness, Double Eagle Steakhouse is and heat from rings of no exception; it’s been around modern design featuring bars, red peppers on top. I’ve never since 1981 and has become syn- dining rooms and outdoor been served bacon this big and onymous with epicurean luxury patios on both levels — your beautiful. in nearly 20 cities around the first clue menu prices aren’t The “chilled shrimp tastnation. cheap. Anchored in the new ing” was also substantial. It The two-story restaurant InterContinental Hotel, and featured six perfectly cooked arrived to San Diego in late with somewhat tricky points of jumbo shrimp divided in pairs October with a $10 million entry, customers are greeted and set in three different sauces: classic cocktail, mild garlic, and a mayo-heavy remoulade, Thick-cut bacon in bourbon-molasses glaze (Photos by Frank Sabatini Jr.) which least complimented the sweet flesh of the crustaceans. 901 Bayfront Court (North Embarcadero) Conversely, the Caesar salappear sexy to some and sadly 619-272-5060, delfriscos.com ad that our waitress touted lacking to others. because of its “award-winning Perhaps it’s Dinner prices: dressing” measured up to a also because Soups, salads and shareable appetizers, $15 to $54 mere single serving. Using the days of Seafood and chicken entrees, romaine lettuce leaves in their inclusive $42 to $49 (market price for lobster tail) long form, the salad tasted steak Steaks and chops, $57 to $140 more garlicky compared to othdinners Wagyu steaks in 3-ounce servings, $70 to $205 er Caesars, yet not earth-shatare long Side dishes, $17 to $24 tering. Even after a few inquigone, with ries, I never learned where the no more supposed honors for the dresspotatoes and ing originated. veggies filling out Chilled shrimp with three sauces The main event of the dinner the plates. Everything’s — two different steaks — rea la carte, which here includes sulted in a partial letdown. My options such as three preparaOur drink intake included companion’s 22-ounce bone-in tions of potatoes — au gratin, glasses of earthy Del Frisco prime ribmashed or Cabernet from Sonoma and a eye was baked. The beautifully structured blend of cooked to his latter feasyrah, grenache and mourveexact liking tures fontina dre from Washington state. We (medium-rare cheese and also tried “The VIP,” a sweetish plus), but it lacked shaved trufmartini made with Svedka depth of flavor. The fles on top. clementine vodka that’s infused fine marbling inherThere’s also onion in-house with pineapple. The ent to prime grades of rings, asparagus, creamed loveliness of the fruit sprang beef also seemed missing. spinach and Brussels forward with every sip. He rated it as “good but not sprouts. We chose creamed For dessert, a slice of great.” I concurred after takcorn accented with shishito six-layer lemon cake was as ing a couple of bites. peppers, plus a medley of sauhumongous as the “chocolate My prime strip steak, téed mushrooms strewn with motherlode” cake you’d find at cooked medium-well, was pearl onions. Both dishes were Claim Jumper. Unfortunately it everything I expected — commendable, particularly was a similar case of quantity nicely seared, beefy, the mushrooms because over quality, as the frosting and naturally firmer of their diverse variety. was too sugary and the crumb than the rib eye. Much In addition to a good was dry and flavorless. But my to my liking, it was number of dry and companion’s butter cake was seasoned decently wet-aged steaks, irresistible. The light, spongy The pineapple-infused not to mention with black pepper construct was draped in carVIP martini and restrained pricey wagyu beef amel sauce and served ideally measures of salt. hailing from Japan, with butter pecan ice cream. For reasons that are probAustralia and Texas — each Del Frisco’s aims ambitiousably meant to showcase their sold in 3-ounce portions — carly for robust flavors, sizable lusciousness, the steaks are nivores can indulge in dry-aged portions and a wide breadth of served plainly on white plates Colorado lamb, king salmon, food and drink choices. The opwith nary a garnish adorning broiled lobster tail and roasted eration is well-staffed with atthem. The presentation may Jidori chicken. tentive servers, some of whom cohere to fine-dining decorum better than others. But regardless, the spirit of indulgence descends upon you.

San Diego’s latest luxury steakhouse is for splurging

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Prime rib-eye (Courtesy of H2 Public Relations)

—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

DINING

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Look for a March-April opening of Eggies, a walk-up window on the East Village property of Breakfast Republic that will sell coffee drinks, English muffin sandwiches, and various noshes layered in small Mason jars such as French toast, potato hash and frittatas. Conceived by the locally based Rise and

Shine Restaurant Group, which currently operates seven locations of Breakfast Republic within San Diego County, the Eggies concept will also spring up in Pacific Beach (4465 Mission Blvd.) around the same time. Both will operate out of large shipping containers. 707 G St., 619-501-8280, breakfastrepublic.com.

A third location of Farmer’s Table has emerged — this time in Little Italy. Conceived by Sicilian-born restaurateurs Alberto Morreale and his cousin, Vincenzo LoVerso, their latest opening precedes those in La Mesa and Bay Park. All three restaurants offer whimsical farmhouse décor, including red tractors in the dining rooms and American-Mediterranean cuisine constructed largely with locally sourced ingredients. Their menu includes Neapolitan-style pizzas, duck gnocchi, artichoke ravioli and more. Breakfast and lunch are also served daily. 550 W. Date St., 619-255-0958, myfarmerstable.com.

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

A farm-inspired restaurant run by two Italian cousins has opened on Date Street. (Courtesy of Alternative Strategies)

Parakeet Cafe in La Jolla has branched into Little Italy with a plethora of trend foods such as avocado toast, cacao waffles, organic quinoa bowls, kale-hemp salads, and a broccoli-based “green soup” also containing lentils and mung beans. From the beverage list we find “adaptogenic” drinks blending mushrooms with various additives like honey, turmeric, collagen, and ashwagandha, an Indian root herb touted for its medicinal powers. The cafe operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1680 India St., 619-2551442, parakeetcafe.com.

A new Asian-fusion eatery in the East Village recently introduced colorful poke bowls. (Courtesy of Made in Kitchen)

San Diego gourmand Mary Kay Waters has released a cookbook of prized recipes from her culinary ventures.

Chinese native Faye Xie is introducing several new items to her menu since opening Made in Kitchen in December. The fast-casual eatery specializes in Chinese-Japanese dishes, and is anchored in the East Village condominium building, Pinnacle on Park.

(Courtesy of Waters Fine Foods & Catering)

Downtown businesses and event organizers that have employed Waters Fine Foods & Catering for their special events now have access to many of the recipes owner Mary Kay Waters has used over the 30 years she’s been in business. Her new 240-page hardcover cookbook, “Waters Fine Foods — Stories and Recipes from our Kitchen,” is hot off the press and available for $28 at various outlets. They include Specialty Produce (1929 Hancock St.), Warwick’s (7912 Girard Ave.), and Waters Fine Catering Cafe (1125 W. Morena Blvd.) Replete with color photography, the book features chapters on breakfast, salads, soups, sandwiches, entrees, desserts and more. It is also available on the website: waterscatering.com. We’re normally unfazed by unofficial “observance holidays” commemorated by certain foods and drinks. But the one being celebrated Feb. 13 at Prohibition (548 Fifth Ave., 619-501-1919, prohibitionsd. com) and The Morning After (531 F St., 619-542-9664, themorningaftersd.com) is too salacious to ignore. In celebration of national Mistress Day, which throws a spotlight on straying men and their female lovers, the underground Prohibition will offer cocktails tailored after three American presidents’ wellknown mistresses: Marilyn Monroe, Monica Lewinsky and Stormy Daniels. Concocted by beverage director Ryan Andrews, the $13 cocktails pay respective homage to those particular women with rye whiskey, gin and tequila. We’ll leave the

Swooped up avocado toast at Parakeet Cafe in Little Italy (Facebook)

The “Marilyn” is among a trio of cocktails at Prohibition named after mistresses of U.S. presidents. (Wicked Creative) remaining ingredients in each drink an alluring mystery. Nearby at The Morning After — a new breakfast-brunch spot featuring a

full bar — you can score short stacks of “side cakes” for $9, a fruity rum-based cocktail named “affair-y tale” for $11, and other related items.

Xie’s latest additions include cashew shrimp, house salads and a poke bowl stocked with salmon, ahi and veggies. 1460 J St., 619-255-5335, sdmadeinkitchen.com. —Frank Sabatini Jr can be reached at fsabatini@san.rr.com.v

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

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‘Somebody to Love’ Uniting the music of Queen, power vocals and ballet for a multi-sensory performance Albert H. Fulcher | Editor San Diego singer Brian Justin Crum and renowned ballet dancer Kirsten Bloom Allen are teaming up for a special Valentine’s Day performance at Music Box in Downtown on Feb. 14. This collaboration, presented by ARC Entertainment Company and The Dream Adopters, promises to take the audience on a journey through the many wild, beautiful facets of love. This show, “Somebody to Love: A Queen Musical with a Ballet Twist,” which showcases the iconic music of Queen, the power vocals of Crum and the graceful talents of Allen. It promises to be a multi-sensory debut performance embracing the diverse aspects of love. Brian Justin Crum hit the national spotlight on season 11 of “America’s Got Talent” with his powerful vocals and intimate performances, coming in fourth place. But on Jan. 28, he revisited “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” and was voted to the finals with his

brilliant performance of Elton John’s “Your Song.” Kirsten Bloom Allen, founder of ARC Entertainment, boasts a repertoire of globe-spanning performances at institutions such as The Kennedy Center with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet; Shanghai, Beijing; and for George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. Allen noted that there are many creative elements happening on both ends of the spectrum with music and dance throughout the Valentine’s Day performance. Accompanying dancers are from City Ballet of San Diego. “They are beautifully trained classical ballet dancers but have such a cutting-edge style of movement that they can do both,” Allen said. “They can do the ultra-classic works and also get very contemporary. So they are more edgy and sexy which is what we are going for with this show.” “Queen’s music has always held a place near and dear to my heart,” Crum said. “I grew

Renowned ballet Dancer Kirsten Bloom Allen (left) and singer Brian Justin Crum (center) pair with the San Diego City Ballet for the upcoming performance at the Music Box (Photos by Mark Mendoza) up listening to their music and I got the chance to tour with the musical ‘We Will Rock You.’ So when this opportunity came up to mix the music of Queen with my favorite form of dance of contemporary ballet, it was a no-brainer for me. It’s been exciting being a part of that creative process and putting the show together, figuring out what it is going to look like and

“Somebody to Love: A Queen Musical with a Ballet Twist,” stages the iconic music of Queen, the power vocals of Brian Justin Crum (center) and the graceful talents of Kirsten Bloom Allen (right).

Kirsten Bloom Allen rehearses with a dancer from San Diego City Ballet for “Somebody to Love”

how it is going to flow. I’m really excited to present it to San Diego.” Allen said the music itself is so iconic and that most people can relate to Queen, due to the band’s many great songs. “People coming in [for the show] are going to have a feast for their senses,” Allen said. “They are going to have the beautiful voice of Brian Justin Crum, the incredible catalog of Queen and the stunningly gorgeous visual element of dance. So it’s a well-rounded, built-forthe-senses artistic experience. It is a very innovative and creative new way of looking at a concert with [the addition of] that visual element of dance in there. I still find ballet so beautiful every day and every day it inspires me.” Crum, who has a lot on his plate right now, said this performance is one of the exciting projects he is doing right now — and that the premise of mixing the arts in this unusual way is something very special to him. Crum grew up in the world of musical theater and said this show brings him back to his theatrical beginnings. He performed in his first Broadway show at 18 years old and spent eight years in New York doing different shows. He said this performance is going to be nothing short of a roller coaster ride for the senses. “The show is highlighting different avenues of love,” Crum said. “Whether it is friendship, romantic, gay, straight — we are exploring all the different types of love through music and through dance. It is going to be a really beautiful story that we tell. Expect a lot of incredible music. The band is insane, the dancers are really beautiful so the audience can expect something really entertaining with lots of energy and a really romantic Valentine’s Day event. And the Music Box is a great venue.” Allen said performing on Valentine’s Day with the purpose of putting a message out there of love and acceptance is particularly beautiful. “Love comes in any forms. It can be with a man and a woman, a man and a man, woman and a woman … there

‘Somebody to Love: A Queen Musical with a Ballet Twist’ Music Box

Feb. 14, 8 p.m. 1337 India St. Prices: $67-$100 bit.ly/2Bc1e4O are no boundaries. We are trying to promote the unifying message of love and acceptance and equality with this show. I believe in that 100 percent and it is coming from my heart,” Allen said. When asked about Crum, Allen gushed about his talent — and feels that the pairing between the two was meant to be. “He’s absolutely wonderful to work with,” Allen said. “He’s so talented, so creative and I love the ideas that he’s putting into this show creatively and artistically. He’s just a joy. He lights up the room whenever he enters it. I like his energy a lot.” Allen added that costumes are in production and they are extremely cool, sexy and edgy. There are a lot of elements implemented into the production including adding little nuances to the costumes, choreography, music, and writing to create a magical environment. “I think we landed in a great spot for the beginning,” Allen continued. “We are definitely going to reproduce this many times. It’s already getting such great response and a tremendous amount of buzz. There's some talk about possible touring, so we’ll just see where this flies.” Forming ARC Entertainment Company, Allen said this is her concept in adding the visual element of dance to rock concerts. These performances features working with classically trained dancers and combining them with the music of the Wallflowers and Jefferson Starship — adding dance to the sets of different

see Somebody to Love, pg 17

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ENTERTAINMENT / NEWS

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019 FROM PAGE 5

NEWS BRIEFS

(l to r) Brian Justin Crum and Kirsten Bloom Allen explore the diversity of love at The Music Box. (Photos by Mark Mendoza) FROM PAGE 16

SOMEBODY TO LOVE rock musicians to create an explosive energy. “I want to give ballet a new platform to shine and increase awareness of the art form,” Allen said. “Many people that come to this show, it could be their first ballet they have ever seen and that is part of what this is. Exposing ballet to another generation in a cool, edgy sort of way. I’ll always be true to the classics but integrating it in a way with contemporary movements and dynamic works can capture an audience that did not grow up watching it. They’ll be entertained and look at ballet in another way, that they love it and it is really cool. That is the goal.” Having not performed in San Diego for six years, Crum came

San Diego singer Brian Justin Crum

home for a two-night, sold-out intimate concert at Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage on Jan. 16-17. He rocked the house with Queen’s “Somebody to Love” — his audition piece for “America’s Got Talent” — and his viral take on Radiohead’s “Creep.” He went full-on campy with Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.” Along with his piano player/vocalist Nicholas Connell, they had the audience roaring with their dual performance of “Suddenly Seymour” from “Little Shop of Horrors” — all after a full day of rehearsal for the upcoming “Somebody to Love: A Queen Musical with a Ballet Twist” performance. “San Diego is my home and my heart,” Crum said. “Everything that I learned in the arts came from the incredible teachers that I had in San Diego. Teachers and the schooling, there is so much respect

for the creative arts. I have to say thank you [to San Diego] for being my home, and for being such a great teacher to me. It’s always exciting to be able to come back. Martini’s [show] and ‘Somebody to Love’ are really things that I can share back to San Diego, so I am so happy to bring these projects to the place that I grew up. I’m sending lots of love and I’m really excited to brings these shows to San Diego.” —Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com.v

announced he had drafted new legislation targeting future potential outbreaks. “The recent state audit confirmed many of our worst fears: people fell ill and died that didn’t have to. We want to make sure an outbreak like this never happens again,” said the assemblymember. “The public should feel confident that its officials know what to do and how to handle public health emergencies. That’s why I introduced AB 262 – legislation that makes very clear the responsibility of local government and public health officers to protect the public against future communicable disease outbreaks.” he continued. The new bill, titled AB 262, would establish specified duties for local governments in the event of outbreak of a communicable disease. It would require public health officials to inform cities

in their jurisdiction about outbreaks, as well as make relevant information about outbreaks available within affected jurisdictions. The state audit revealed multiple areas lacking in county’s response following the declaration of a public health emergency in August 2017. County officials failed to communicate location date concerning the concentration of outbreak cases to the city. As well, state auditors found that despite talks between the county and city taking place in August, sanitary measures were not implemented until later in September. By April of 2018, the county had reported a total of 587 related cases, with 402 hospitalizations and 20 deaths caused by the outbreak. AB 262 was joint-authored by local assemblymembers Lorena Gonzalez and Tasha Boeren-Hovath. The bill is pending its referral to the state assembly committee for review. —Compiled by Jules Shane.v

HELP WANTED San Diego Community News Network, (SDCNN.com), has an opening for an advertising sales representative to join our six-newspaper publishing company to sell print advertising and our digital products. Our newspaper group includes San Diego Downtown News, San Diego Uptown News, Mission Valley News, Mission Times Courier, La Mesa Courier and Gay San Diego.

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San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

FROM PAGE 9

NCRC

NCRC developed a series of trainings all based in communication and the mediation methodology that it now utilizes in universities, companies and neighborhoods. This organization’s impact has now expanded internationally. “It’s very timely today where everybody feels a sense of instability, starting with our government, within our families, the neighborhoods, these trainings have become ever more critical,” Dinkin said. The Art of Inclusive Communication focuses on empowering individuals to communicate effectively across cultures and differences in society. The Exchange is a formal mediation process for supervisors and managers to proactively manage conflicts in the workplace. For the Bystander Challenge, NCRC worked with the Lawyer’s Club to empower individuals in the workplace to stand up when they see inappropriate behavior before it escalates to a serious problem. This program is a response to the #MeToo Movement. NCRC is now working on a couple of significant issues across society as it grows and develops. “One of our signature programs is Avoiding the Pipeline to Prison,” Dinkin said. “It is grounded in restorative justice with the idea that right now there is an inordinate number of youths of color that find

themselves caught in a pipeline to prison.” NCRC partnered with the San Diego Unified School District, law enforcement agencies, and the District Attorney’s office for this program. If a youth commits an offense, a misdemeanor or even a felony, and if NCRC is able to come to a resolution through restorative conference, then the DA;s office will drop the charge so the offense will not follow that youth throughout the rest of his or her life. “Sometimes our youths make a mistake,” Dinkin said. “The key is that if they make a mistake and they are willing to meet with the victim and other community members and come to a solution, work through that issue, then they can be reintegrated into society as opposed to continuing on through juvenile hall.” The cost to society. It costs $150,000 a year to house a youth in criminal justice, opposed to $6,000 to complete NCRC’s program. A second major initiative, the Galison Campus Civility Program, comprises of 12 college campuses across the region and the state. With an increase of diversity at universities, there is arguably a lot of tension on these campuses. NCRC trains youth on how to communicate more effectively and have more confidence to interact with others who are different from them. “We are instilling the skill set that they can use on the campus but then, as they go

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into society and enter into the workforce, they will become citizens with the critical skill set of how to work around differences,” Dinkin said. The Lawyer’s Club of San Diego’s mission is to advance the status of women in law in society. With both male and female members, this year’s theme was to demand equality. “I came up with that [theme] because there is such a divide,” Cotman said. “We are still, at least in the legal profession, very lacking in advancement for women in equal opportunity, especially in the private sector.” As a community-based program, Avoiding the Pipeline to Prison caught Cotman’s attention. She said it was there that she learned all of NCRC’s programs. At the same time, the Lawyer’s Club had partnered with Council member Barbara Bry’s Workplace Equity Initiative, Athena, and Run Women Run in developing a code of conduct for employers in San Diego to adopt, which stemmed from the #MeToo Movement. “We were getting real synergy and the next step was partnering with NCRC,” Cotman said. She attended the early brainstorming session for the Bystander Challenge and was so impressed with the training that NCRC does and the conscientiousness of how NCRC works to be inclusive. “What it really boils down for me is how to be kind and still be on different sides and how to listen,” Cotman said. “How to express yourself in a way that is not demeaning to somebody else. That was everything that I was trying to accomplish.” Cotman adopted the four I’s that she now runs her business by. “If you want to be successful you need to do or have four things. You need to take initiative. You have to work hard, so you need industry. You have to be educated on what you are doing, so you need intelligence. And then, above all, you need integrity,” she said. Cotman said there is a real need for the civility component in society in general, but especially in law. so there was kind of a movement with what NCRC was doing, what the Lawyer’s Club was doing, what the federal courts were working on, and it all started forming together.

Lawyer’s Club sent its staff to each of the trainings. Each one is certified in the Civil Workplace Training and Initiative. “The trainings are so impactful because every single person I know that has gone comes back just gushing with how positive the trainings are and what they found out about themselves, like what they were insensitive to, and the communication is facilitated [forward in the workplace] because they are so excited about it. It can really make good change in workplaces.” Cotman said. She added that some in her own office have gone through the trainings as well. Dinkin said understanding the instability that society is facing is crucial. NCRC identified the workplace as where people spend most of their waking hours — even more so than with members of one’s own family. “If we want to tackle issues of incivility the workplace is a perfect place to focus on,” Dinkin said. “We entered into a partnership with the [San Diego] Union-Tribune to set up an initiative where we would certify companies across the region who were dedicated to a civil workplace. If they send 50 percent or more of their employees to one of three critical trainings that focused on different components of civility and communication then they would be taking a very positive step in the right direction.” Dinkins said if NCRC could get a majority of companies in the region committed to a civil workplace, as a community, San Diego could be a model for other cities taking a stand for appropriate behavior in the region and across the country. In order to gain momentum, NCRC needed more key organizations to join in this effort, so they started with the Lawyer’s Club. NCRC also linked with San Diego Downtown Partnership, and Procopio. “We want to get leading organizations in various sectors to become part of this process,” Dinkin said. “That is our initiative in the workplace. This has been a significant effort.” NCRC is headquartered in San Diego, but it trains nationally and internationally. It has approximately a $5 million budget, a well as a host of mediators and trainers who help us implement its work.

Dinkin said in working on college campuses there is a lot of interest from other universities across the region. NCRC also works with local government employees, teaching them the same set of skills. Additionally, it works with the Department of Homeland Security and many other federal agencies. “The thing about conflict is that it is like water that seeps into all types of crevices, so it is across society, and as an organization [we] have developed some innovative tools to address that,” Dinkin said. Dinkin said if people are avoiding the tough conversations we can’t really evolve as a society. “People tend to be isolated into their own groups and with like-minded thinkers,” Dinkin said. “We, as an organization, are looking at all different ways that society can continue to engage in dialogue and debate around challenging issues. That’s critical.” Dinkin said one way that NCRC promotes its work is with its annual Peacemaker’s Awards Dinner. The 31st Annual Peacemaker Awards will be held on April 6 at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel. “I think that all the concepts of confl ict resolution and civility needs to penetrate through society,” Dinkin said. “This dinner is a great opportunity to create exposure of all these ideas. That's really the goal of the dinner, to engage people so that everyone feels that they can help in being a role in transforming society.” Rev. Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industry — which is the largest gang intervention prevention program in the nation — will receive this year’s National Pacemaker Award. Additionally, the Philanthropy in Peacemaking Honoree will be recognized, and The Local Peacemaker Awards will be presented. Learn more about this year’s honorees and the awards dinner at bit.ly/2MFAfDa. For more information about the National Conflict Resolution Center, visit ncrconline.com. —Albert Fulcher can be reached at albert@sdcnn.com. (Graphic by www.CanStockPhoto.com)v

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San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

FROM PAGE 1

URBAN ANGELS easily his most recognizable feature. Lovett recently leased a building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Ash Street where he can now make his six-year vision a reality. As Lovett readied the premises for its open house, he bounced around the building high-fiving his staff, volunteers, and residents. The director is still stinging from watching his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide lose to Clemson Tigers in the college football championships the night before. The Alabama Crimson Tide logo can be found everywhere in his office. For a second, his enthusiasm gets knocked down two notches as he stares off while reflecting on the game. But just as quick, his eyes light up again as he explains how his vision has come to life. “This building is owned by Father Joe’s, and they gave me a screamin’ deal on the lease,” Lovett said while beaming with pride. “The building comes with a large commercial grade kitchen, and both a gym and art studio downstairs. It’s just amazing how this all came together!” This first-of-its-kind housing complex not only serves as a home, but as a resource center where his residents can seek job training and employment opportunities, as well as holistic health care and counseling. “We have our own van and take it around San Diego contacting homeless youth who might qualify for our help,” Lovett said. “Ocean Beach is by far ground zero for these kids. All of our youth are homeless, they deal with mental illness, and we are combating the stigma of that, and then saying you can do it, and we can help you do it.” Candidates for housing must meet three qualifications to enter the program. First, they must be homeless and between the ages of 18 and 25 (also known as transition age youth or TAY). They must also have been identified with mental

illness and qualify for services in the San Diego County’s Behavioral Health Services System of Care. Qualified participants can enroll in the county-sponsored Just Be U three-month program, which includes support, housing and linkage to ongoing behavioral health treatment. After completion of the Just Be U program, they graduate and then can register for the ninemonth Short-Term and Bridge Housing program. Participants then receive case management and an interactive roadmap to achieve success, along with safe, supportive housing. With this new center, Urban Street Angels aims to successfully help more than 100 homeless youth off the streets by 2020, and more than 500 by 2025. “On any given night, we have 1,000 homeless youth on the streets of San Diego,” Lovett said. “Many have been sexually or physically abused, a lot have experienced emotional abuse. Close to 100 percent of our youth have dealt with mental health issues in some shape, sort, or fashion. Therefore I saw the need — six years ago, when I started this — to make a difference in the community.” Lovett started by going to the streets with water and sandwiches for the kids and providing basic life necessities. He saw there was no real dedicated homes for these youth and opened up his apartment to house a few. “I started with two, and all my friends said, ‘Eric, don’t do it, they’ll rob, they’ll steal from you, what are you doing?’” Lovett said. “But I felt the need to do that. So we started there, moved up to six in my own home, and over the period of the last few years we’ve grown, and now we’ll have 35 living in this new facility.” Lovett also realized that beyond housing, these youths needed jobs and job training. So with his nonprofit, he created a social enterprise 8 West which creates high-end natural soap and candles. “I started that in my own home as well,” Lovett said. “The name comes from — at the end of Interstate 8 West

FEATURE

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Eric Lovett in front of a mural donated to Urban Street Angels by local artist Alexander Salazar (Photos by Vince Meehan) — is Ocean beach, which is one of the largest demographics for homeless youth in the country.” Lovett uses 8 West to teach job skills and partners with 20 other companies to get his youth ready for the work force. He lets the kids gravitate to whichever aspect of the business they feel the most comfortable with. Some choose to manufacture the soap, while others sell it at local farmer’s markets. Others are involved in creating the marketing graphics “I’ve always said, a job is what you’re paid for, but a calling is what you’re made for,” Lovett said. “And that’s the whole purpose of 8 West.” Lovett credits 8 West with solidifying an existing partnership with the county, which helps fund his programs. This includes not only his new building, but also satellite emergency shelters such as Missiongathering Christian Church in North Park. He specifically credits Cecily Thornton-Stearns of the county’s Behavioral Health and Human Services Department with making that happen. “Cecily came to me in March of 2016 after seeing our soaps somewhere, and she was like,

(l to r) Resident Autumn Rapson and Just Be U case manager Sunny Rey in front of a mural at Urban Street Angels painted by Rapson

‘So what are you doing?’” Lovett said. “I told her I wanted to house people and I wanted to teach them sustainability. I wanted to give them a hand up, not just a hand out. She then said we want to partner with you — we want to pay for the beds. The county of San Diego now funds 90 percent of all our programs. We are just so thankful for the county and their belief in this and changing homelessness.” Lovett himself came from a background of being rejected early in his life because of his sexuality. “I was a Christian musician — from the South, Alabama — and naturally when I came out, I lost everything I had,” Lovett reflected. “That was many years ago, and I never wanted a young person to feel rejected or ostracized because of their sexuality, the color of their skin, where they’re from or who they choose to love. So that’s what really motivated me to start this.” Because of this, Lovett has strong ties to the local LGBTQ community. “Our organization is not just for LGBTQ, but we probably have 40 percent that are,” Lovett said. “We accept transgender, those who identify as how they identify, and we also accept undocumented. Basically we believe in giving hope to those who need it.” Lovett found San Diego the perfect place to start his vision. He credits the accepting nature of San Diegans as inspiration. “San Diego is like the South to me, people here want to meet you face to face; they are very hospitable,” Lovett said. “So I felt at home, but I also felt … welcomed. People here didn’t care if I was gay, they don’t care what color your skin is. So that was a big calling card for me.” Autumn Rapson is a current resident of Urban Street Angels, and her story is somewhat typical of the youth housed there. She, too, identifies as LGBTQ. The Waco, Texas native grew up with an abusive mom, which caused her to “house hop” and have run-ins with Child Protective Services. After running off to San Diego, she experienced several mental

health breakdowns, which resulted in hospitalization. After a few unsuccessful attempts to seek treatment at several programs, she got news that a dear friend had taken their life. “When I found that out, I spun into a really deep dark place,” Rapson said. “I was then in and out of the hospital quite a lot and had a few attempts myself. I was losing everything and felt completely hopeless, I couldn’t honestly say like, if someone said, ‘What do you see tomorrow?’ I’d say, I’m not gonna make it to tomorrow.” As a last resort, Rapson posted a plea for help on Facebook saying she had nowhere to go and asked for leads. Somebody posted back the name Sunny Rey, a case manager with Just Be U. Rey picked her up at the hospital when she was discharged, and she has been there since. Rapson credits Rey and Urban Street Angels with saving her life. “If they weren’t there to pick me up when I was down, I don’t know what would have happened,” she said. Urban Street Angels held its grand opening ceremony on Jan. 18, although they have actually been in operation since last year. City officials and sponsors were treated to a tour of the facility. Rapson opened the event with a stunningly stellar a capella version of “The Star Spangled Banner.” Councilman Chris Ward along with Father Joe’s President and CEO Deacon Jim Vargas said a few words, while BIA Cares and the Cushman Foundation presented sizable donations. As the event wound down, officials from several communities such as El Cajon and Vista were already pitching Lovett to expand Urban Street Angels to serve in their areas. Lovett was enthusiastic about the concept. “We need to do it! We need to do it!” he repeatedly emphasized in his Southern drawl. Support 8 West and the Urban Street Angels by purchasing handcrafted premium bath, shower and spa products at 8west.org. —Vince Meehan can be reached at vinniemeehan@gmail.com.v

NEWS

sdcnn.com FROM PAGE 8

AMERICAN LEGION “Flag Code,” which Congress adopted in 1923. And two years subsequent to that, the Legion created the American Legion Baseball Program, which continues as an effective program with each year with nearly 82,000 youth players on Legion-sponsored teams. Fast forward to the World War II years, and The American Legion actively responded to support emerging needs of the new veterans. The Legion in 1942 changed its organizational charter to allow World War II veterans to join as Legionnaires. The American Legion wrote the original version of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act. Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery began this endeavor, writing the first draft in longhand on Mayflower Hotel stationery in Washington, on Dec. 15, 1943. Legislation based on it passed Congress, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the measure into law on June 22, 1944. This was the GI Bill, which The American Legion considers the organization’s greatest legislative achievement. In recognition, Commander Colmery’s original draft is preserved at the Legion's National Headquarters. Then came the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Shield-Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom-Operation Iraqi Freedom — each with different problems and concerns for returning and non-returning veterans…. On Sept. 1, 1966, The American Legion began official expression of concern about the fate of prisoners of war in Vietnam. The Legion pressed for meaningful research into the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, into the possible causes of Gulf War Syndrome, and into effective treatment methods for post-traumatic stress disorder. The Legion continues these efforts today, calling for a full accounting of all military personnel from all conflicts who

are not yet accounted for, and repatriation of their remains. The Legion has also pressed forward with community service for disaster relief and national security. On Aug. 24, 1969, the National Executive Committee established the National Emergency Fund to mitigate the devastating effects of Hurricane Camille. By June 11, 1997, the NEF surpassed the $1 million mark in cash grants provided to flood victims who were members of the Legion family, most of whom were residing in the flood plains of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Minnesota and North Dakota. On Jan. 1, 1989, at Legion urging, the Veterans Administration was elevated to cabinet-level status as the Department of Veterans Affairs. And on Oct. 16, 1989, the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals became operational, to improve adjudication procedures for veterans claims, based on the Veterans Reassurance Act, which was written by the Legion. The American Legion today still stands at the forefront on vital matters affecting veterans and citizens alike, under the rubric of the Legion’s “Four Pillars of Service,” which are Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security and Foreign Relations, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. The main American Legion Headquarters is located at the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza in Indianapolis. This facility houses the primary office for the National Commander and also is site of the historical archives, library, and the membership, internal affairs, public relations, and the magazine editorial offices. The Legion further maintains a building in Washington, D.C., for the offices of economics, legislative, veterans affairs, foreign relations, national security, and media relations.

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

New transit connections in south San Diego County

SANDAG, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), and Caltrans District 11, together with the cities of Chula Vista and San Diego, celebrated the launch of the new South Bay Rapid service between South San Diego County and Downtown San Diego and the opening of the Otay Mesa Transit Center on Jan. 28. “The opening of the Otay Mesa Transit Center and full launch of the South Bay Rapid are part of broader efforts to enhance regional mobility and foster growth in binational trade,” said Poway Mayor Steve Vaus, SANDAG board of directors chair. “Together with our agency partners, we are working to build upon these efforts through new active transportation improvements like the Border to Bayshore Bikeway and the state Route 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project, which will create a fast, efficient, new stateof-the-art port of entry and secure border crossings for all who travel on both sides of the border.” Full service began Jan. 27 on the new South Bay Rapid route (route 225). There are 12 stops along the 26-mile

route, which operates between the Otay Mesa Transit Center in south San Diego and Downtown San Diego via eastern Chula Vista. South Bay Rapid operates seven days a week from 4:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. “The start of South Bay Rapid service brings a new and reliable transportation option, connecting south San Diego County communities with major employment and entertainment centers throughout the region,” said San Diego City Council President Georgette Gómez, chair of the MTS board of directors. “The Otay Mesa Transit Center further enhances these transit connections and provides a critical transit link for our binational mega-region.” The opening of the Otay Mesa Transit Center and launch of South Bay Rapid service builds upon recent border transportation improvements, such as the expansion of the San Ysidro Port of Entry and Cross Border Xpress. “This new transit center will serve as a gateway between the United States and Mexico,” said SANDAG Borders Committee chair and

Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. “Our community welcomes the addition of the South Bay Rapid route to the regional Rapid transit network, which will link South County residents to the greater San Diego region.” All of these improvements along the United States/ Mexico border help support the binational region’s interconnected economy, as well as San Diego County’s environmental and climate action efforts. In addition to Mayors Vaus and Dedina and Council President Gómez, Mayor Kevin Faulconer and San Diego Council member Vivian Moreno, Mayor Mary Casillas Salas from the city of Chula Vista, Director Cory Binns from Caltrans District 11, Ambassador Marcela Celorio from the Consul General of Mexico, and Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alejandra Mier y Teran also were on hand to commemorate the milestone and greet morning commuters. South Bay Rapid operates daily. For more information on schedules and fares, please visit rapidmts.com.v

—B.J. Coleman is a local freelance journalist and editor/staff reporter with 22nd District Legionnaire. B.J. can be reached at bjcjournalist@gmail.com.v

South Bay Rapid service between South San Diego County and South Bay Rapid provides full service from Otay Mesa to Downtown (Courtesy of SANDAG)

National Commander of The American Legion Brett Reistad visits the National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military at the Navy Pier, San Diego (Photo courtesy of Fran Del Santo)

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

sdcnn.com

Downtown News

COMMUNITY AND ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENT

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

Feb.

Monster Energy Supercross

‘Women in Blue’

Tickets are now on sale for the ninth annual “Women in Blue” Luncheon. The event is a celebration of female leadership, diversity, and empowerment of women. This year’s theme, “Courage Knows No Gender,” embodies the resilience, strength, and bravery of the fearless female leaders serving America's Finest City. The event will take place on March 7 with registration starting at 11:30 a.m. followed by a program and lunch at noon. Located at Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel, 1 Park Blvd. Prices start at $125 and sponsorship opportunities are also available. bit.ly/2EUufV1

Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is comprised of 17 high-speed races inside one of the most recognizable stadiums in North America, Petco Park. Featuring tight corners, fast straightaways, challenging rhythm sections, triple jumps and whoops sections, this race promises to be action-packed from start to finish. Tickets start at $20. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. 100 Park Blvd. bit.ly/2FXQqer

Human Rights Watch Film Festival

The San Diego Human Rights Watch Film Festival returns this year to the Museum of Photographic Arts. One of 20 cities that hosts the festival, San Diego’s chapter will show five films relating to the crucial need to address human rights violations around the world. The festival will run until Feb. 2 with films spread out over two days. Festival passes are available for $40, or single screening tickets may be purchased for $10. 1649 El Prado. For film listings, show times, and tickets, visits the museum website at mopa.org.

Golden Hill residents and business owners/representatives are invited to get to know their neighbors at Golden Hill Community Development Corporation’s monthly mixer. The Events Committee meeting will be held at 6 p.m. 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Los Reyes, 2496 Broadway. Email info@ goldenhillcdc.org for details.

THURSDAY

Feb.

MONDAY

Feb.

Travi$ Scott at Pechanga

Rapper Travis Scott will take the stage at Pechanga Arena on his Astroworld tour. Show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. bit.ly/2Fj1Kl9

Little Italy Hotel Council Meeting

10:30 a.m. at the Little Italy Association’s Office, Conference Room, 2210 Columbia St.

Little Italy Board Meeting

Feb.

4 p.m. at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd.

House of Blues’ ultimate craft beer, food and music festival will feature 12 local bands performing on two stages paired with 12 local breweries showcasing their fi nest craft selections, along with tasty food bites. 21-plus. 4 p.m. with early access at 3 p.m. for VIP ticket holders. $10–$60. 1055 Fifth Ave. bit.ly/2GdAynC

THURSDAY

Valentine’s Day at SDMA

Feb.

The 29th annual Jewish film festival returns to San Diego with 11 days and over 30 films shown across five venues. Take in each film with a festival pass or just catch a couple with one of the festival’s film passes. Full pass is $275, single show tickets $15. Festival runs till Feb. 17. Showtimes and venues available online. bit.ly/2FYt0ps The San Diego Museum of Art invites you to meet and mingle with fellow teen artists and learn about works on view. Participate in art projects led by Museum educators and artists, enjoy special performances, and go on an exclusive afterhours tour through the museum. Light refreshments and opportunities to win prizes are available. Event runs from 6–8 p.m. in the James Copley auditorium. Free. 1450 El Prado.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The Faith-Based Action Coalition will host their annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include free HIV testing, snacks, activities for kids, opportunity drawings, music, and lots of resources and information from participating exhibitors, including The Center’s #BeTheGeneration team. The event will be held in the parking lot of the Salvation Army, located at 825 Seventh Ave.

Battle of the Bots Robotics Competition

Robotics scholars at e3 Civic High will host middle school students from across Southern California for a full-day robotics competition. Middle school students will be mentored by older ones, some who have been involved with robotics for many years. All skills levels are welcome. All scholars will receive lunch, an e3 goodie bag and an Arduino Nano. Free. Registration required. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 395 11th Ave. on the sixth floor. bit.ly/2GdU5Ef

WEDNESDAY

Feb.

Law Library 7th annual Open House

Where is the love? At the San Diego Law Library! As the heart of the legal community,

Advertise your local event in our digital, citywide calendar! Visit bit.ly/DTNCal for more info.

Tickets are now on sale for the San Diego Museum of Art’s special Valentine’s Day art tour. This after-hours, docent-led tour showcases the Museum’s most romantic and love-filled works of art from various Museum collections. Enjoy a picnic basket meal for two at Panama which includes gourmet sandwiches, a cheese or vegan plate, dessert and a bottle of wine, champagne or draft beer. Tours begin every half hour from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets are $110 for members, $130 for non-members, per couple. bit.ly/2FvU91Y

Romance at the Abbey

Take your Valentine back to the sublime romance of the 1910s at San Diego’s historic venue, The Abbey. Originally constructed as an Episcopal church, this elegant 1910 landmark is San Diego’s only remaining Classic Revival structure. Enjoy an intimate private table and bottomless champagne all evening long. Vibrant, romantic, and entertaining live music from Republic of Music will set the mood and bring out your moves on the dance floor. Savor the evening with delectable hors d'oeuvres and divine desserts. $55-$75 per person. 8–10 p.m. Reserve seats by phone. 619-686-8715.

Feb.

‘Culture & Cocktails’ at Museum of Art

The popular event returns, with a new theme, “Legends and Voyages,” named after the museum’s three panels by José María Sert. The panels were recently gifted to the museum by the Silver family and will be unveiled Feb. 21. In addition to the debut of this art, attendees can watch mermaid siren performers, participating in message in a bottle jewelry making, and dance to the beat of DG Gabe Vega and more. Enjoying a picnic in the park or buy seafood dishes from Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck. $10–$15 members and $25$35 nonmembers. 6–10 p.m. at San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado. bit.ly/2GdSbDB

SATURDAY

Feb.

‘Somebody to Love’

Mistress Day at Prohibition

The meeting for the Little Italy board of directors is on at 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Hall.

Feb.

East Village Association Board Committee Meeting/Holiday Party

TUESDAY

Feb.

SUNDAY

‘Local Brews Local Grooves’

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Little Italy DISI Committee Meeting

9 a.m. at the Little Italy Association’s Office, Conference Room, 2210 Columbia St.

3 p.m. at San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd.

Teen Art Café

The Horton Grand Theatre presents an award-winning musical that’s sure to enchant audiences of all ages. Brimming with classic Gershwin tunes, “Crazy for You” tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theater, but not before he falls in love with the theater owner’s daughter. Tickets start at $70. 444 Fourth Ave. bit.ly/2GaiPgF

by lead bartender and GBOD Hospitality Group beverage director, Ryan Andrews, the hand-crafted cocktails will be available for $13. Bar hours 8 p.m.–1:30 a.m. 548 Fifth Ave. prohibitionsd.com

East Village Association Marketing Committee Meeting

Jewish Film Festival

‘Crazy for You’

Feb.

Golden Hill CDC Monthly Mixer

Feb.

SUNDAY

FEATURED EVENTS FRIDAY

Feb.

the library opens its doors to friends and supporters each year to come together for live entertainment, light refreshments, and to catch up with friends. Come share the Valentine’s Day spirit and share the love. 5–7 p.m. at 1105 Front St. bit.ly/2Ga5t45

Prohibition, the Gaslamp Qua r ter ’s underg round speakeasy, will celebrate Mistress Day with cocktails that pay homage to three of American presidents’ most well-known women: Marilyn, Monica and Stormy. Created

Tickets now on sale for “Somebody to Love,” a Queen musical with a ballet twist. The show debuts in San Diego on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. It features San Diego native and “America's Got Talent” fi nalist Brian Justin Crum and local renowned ballet dancer Kristen Bloom Allen. Through the dynamic music of Queen, mixed with the visual elements of dance, this performance promises to take the audience on a multi-sensory journey through the different facets of love. $67. 8 p.m. The Music Box, 1337 India St. fgtix.to/2RMlKSX

East Village Association Parking & Transit Committee meeting

4 p.m. at EVA office, 633 Ninth Ave.

Randy Jones Run & Walk

Home of Guiding Hands’ (HGH) invites the community to its ninth annual Randy Jones Run & Walk for Independence 5K at Crown Point Park. Make a difference in the lives of more than 3,200 children and adults living with a developmental disability. Check-in/registration opens at 7 a.m. The run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by an awards and sponsor presentation at 10 a.m. Meet and greet with Randy Jones throughout the event. bit.ly/2GcpZkHv

sdcnn.com

‘Everlasting Love’

Fashion Files Diana Cavagnaro The Bridal Bazaar took place at the Convention Center Downtown on Jan. 13 to a crowd of perspective brides and grooms. Exhibitors set up for the convenience of one-stop shopping for that special day. Every aspect of their wedding could be found from music, photography, catering with yummy food samplings, honeymoon destinations, and of course, bridal gowns and tuxedos for sale and for rent. There were fun photo booths, fabulous giveaways, and many of the vendors had a spin the wheel for prizes. There were three fashion shows packed with attendees during the event. The theme for the runway was “Everlasting Love.” Gretchen Productions presented entertaining shows that incorporated dance, singing, and fashion with all the latest bridal trends. Each unique show began with music from Classic Brass. Patricia Norvell created the hair and makeup for all the models. Some of the trends on the runway revealed stunning lace

gowns with spaghetti straps. Many were heavily embellished with sequins and beads that sparkled and shimmered. Several models showed off strapless mermaid dresses. Princess dresses seem to be a style that is always a favorite for brides. There were a variety of necklines such as low V-necks, strapless, and bateau necklines revealing the shoulders. One of my favorite fashion was the criss-cross necklines. A variety of sleeves styles were shown such as cap sleeves and long sleeves. Some gowns had side straps and others had one-shoulder sleeves for a different look. The top-pick colors for bridesmaids were shades of burgundy, blue, and lilac. Many dresses had slits revealing their leg. One bridesmaid’s dress even had a floral design with the trendy slit. A few of the gowns had long trains and many of the models wore glamorous gloves. The runway showed styles for men from the Friar Tux Shop and the Men’s Wearhouse. The tuxes were slim fit, two button and notch lapel suits. The Friar Tux Shop revealed a variety of colors such as asphalt, heather grey and charcoal. The Friar Tux Shop has

FASHION

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

Strapless gown by Bridal & Veil (Photos by Diana Cavagnaro) a new performance fabric from its Michael Kors Collection, which has stretch and Coolmax fabric for a more comfortable wear. It also had expert stylists available to help solve your style dilemmas. Zeglio Custom Clothiers was on hand for those who were interested in a custom suit.

Model (left) shows a shimmering gown with spaghetti straps while model (right) shows a mermaid dress with bateau neckline and long gloves

The show gave everyone a first-hand look at the current trends in bridal fashions to help them make a decision for their special day. At the end of each fashion show, models threw sachets into the audience with thousands of dollars in prizes from the exhibitors. The next Bridal Bazaar will be on March 24, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, visit: BridalBazaar.com

Upcoming Events

●● Feb. 9 - Winter Bridal Show from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Westin San Diego. Free

Brides of San Diego shows strapless gown

gifts for all attendees. For tickets, visit thesandiegobridalshow.com. ●● Feb. 26 - Wiggles & Waggles presenting Zandra Rhodes Fashion Show at the Del Mar Country Club. Event benefits the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. To purchase tickets, visit sdpets.org. —Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned couture milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com.v

A sparkling gown from David’s Bridal with a low V-neck and spaghetti straps

1-800-44-FUTON www.thefutonshop.com 7470 Girard Ave, San Diego, CA 92037 (858) 729-1892 1232 Los Vallecitos Blvd. Suite 108, San Marcos CA 92069

(760) 304-1265

*Santa Rosa *San Mateo *Sacramento *Los Altos *San Jose *Pleasant Hill *San Francisco *Los Angeles *Encino

Model twirls around on runway with side straps on gown

Printed fabric on bridesmaid dress with slit

San Diego Downtown News | February 2019

sdcnn.com

Congratulations

TOP AGENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

Gregg Neuman 124 Chad Dannecker 49 Denny Oh 29 Francine Finn 19 Michael Chious 17 David Stone 14 Rebecca Roman 14 Claudette Cooper 12 Ralph Vagnone 12 Mark Mills 12 Deborah Herscovitz 11 David Spiewak 10 Eric Jauch 9 Seth O’Byrne 9 Melissa Goldstein Tucci 8 Alan Hamrick 8

17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.

Total Sales by Real Estate Agent in 2018 (Incl. buyer sales and listings sold, January 1 - December 31, 2018)

in 92101 Michael Lange Robert Whalen Thomas Holmes Daniel Beer John Husar Michael Ciampa Jojo Giordano Michael Althof Gregory Burnham Jeffrey Walker Baskaran Panchadsaram Jorge Castellon Rosemary Snow Gerry Burchard Lisa Padilla Ryan Ponce

8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 5

33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.

Kevin Waller Barbara Truglio Jamie Pullman Joe Marcotte Riley Greene Ann Lebaron Kellie Martinez Jason Cassity Nathan Crowley Gina Barnes Evan Banning Stephen Clark Lon Woodard Patricia Doyle Greg Cummings Glen Henderson

REAL Marketing, Inc. Congratulates the Top Downtown San Diego Real Estate Agents in 2018! REAL Marketing Inc. has helped real estate agents build their market share and client retention for more than 27 years across North America, specializing in increasing market share and improving customer retention. We are pleased to announce our team has helped Gregg Neuman and the Neuman & Neuman Team extend their lead in Downtown sales for the NINTH consecutive year.

Results for 2018 Total sales for the 92101 zip code decreased to 840 units last year, which is a 4.33% decrease from 2017. The average sales price decreased 7.8% to $644,718, while the average days on market have decreased by 2.5% to 39 days. Gregg Neuman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties tops the list for a NINTH consecutive year with 124 total 92101 sales. While his sales represent 60% of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ sales in Downtown, he continues to outsell

entire brokerages including Coldwell Banker Residential, Willis Allen, Welcome to San Diego Real Estate, Redfin Corporation, Big Block Realty, and Bennion Deville Homes. With a total of 205 sales according to data available from Trendgraphix, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties finished another strong year and also sustains their lead over all other Downtown brokerages. Congratulations to all Top Real Estate agents in Downtown San Diego for another outstanding year.

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64.

Jeffrey Grant Lucas Hanson Maureen Tess Jeffrey Sill Cindy Davis Jennifer Rix Nick Emerson Richard Haynie Jr. Amanda Mitts Brian Cane Ana Gramling Ginny McGill Matthew Matson Kurt Wannebo Nicole Malek 44 Agents Tied With

TOP 25

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3

in 92101

Total Sales by Company

1. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 2. Pacific Sotheby’s Int’l Realty 3. Coldwell Banker Residential 4. Welcome To San Diego Real Estate 5. Big Block Realty 6. Redfin Corporation 7. Canter Brokerage 8. Willis Allen 9. Keller Williams SD Metro 10. Bennion Deville Homes 11. Urban Pacific San Diego Realty 12. Hunter & Maddox Intl. Inc. 13. Ascent RE 14. C21 Award 15. Greater Good Realty 16. Keller Williams Carmel Valley 17. Keller Williams Realty La Jolla 18. The Condo Showroom 19. Windermere Homes & Estates 20. Citymark Realty 21. Balboa Real Estate Inc. 22. Centre City Properties 23. Re/Max Real Estate Consultants 24. Compass 25. Two tied with

205 152 67 64 58 50 40 29 28 25 20 19 18 18 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 11

REAL Marketing, Inc. is a marketing company dedicated to promoting real estate agents and their businesses. Gregg Neuman is the team leader of Neuman & Neuman Real Estate, Inc. a team of more than two real estate agents working together for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and the data above under Gregg Neuman includes all transactions closed by the Neuman & Neuman team. Many of the agents featured in this ad are also teams or sole practitioners. All information above was based upon data available at the end of December 2018, for January 1 through December 31, 2018. The information is based upon data supplied by Sandicor MLS and includes all transactions reported under the agents named above. Neither Sandicor nor the MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by Sandicor or their MLS may not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright © Trendgraphix, Inc. ©2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. DRE 01317331