la mesa courier - july 2011

July 1, 2011 On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com Volume I – Number 2

See Live Well, page 8

See Art Colony, page 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEWS TIPS(619) 697-2500 [email protected]

ADVERTISE WITH US(619) 697-2500 [email protected]

By Pam CrooksThink La Mesa is an especially

healthy community? Not yet. But La Mesa is out in front when it comes to improving the health of its citizens. Last month, over 30 regional leaders invited by the County Department of Health & Human Services and Super-visor Dianne Jacob, gathered to hear what La Mesa is doing to embrace healthier living. This regional group of advisors has been charged with imple-menting a 10-year “Building Better Health” initiative adopted by the County Board of Supervisors last year.

Pam Smith, Deputy Director--County Department of Health and Human Services for Aging & Indepen-dence Services, who has been leading

the East County team meetings, holds La Mesa up as a great model for the rest of the region. “La Mesa’s work in this area has been phenomenal!”

But why did La Mesa City Council and staff feel the need to focus on health in the first place? Because research on La Mesa yields some surprisingly unhealthy statistics. Have you heard of the 3-4-50 principal? Across the U.S., 3 behaviors—poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and tobacco use—lead to 4 diseases: heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease, which account for 50% of all deaths. But in East County, these diseases account for 62% of all deaths.

La Mesans may wonder if our numbers are really that bad and whether, if the City is isolated from the

rest of East County, we come up with a better ratio. Actually, no. Not when you consider that La Mesa has the highest rate of diabetes in the County among people over 65, probably related to the fact that we have the highest percentage of adults over age 85. So the City of La Mesa began looking at this problem several years before the County decided to tackle the same issue.

In 2006, the La Mesa City Council approved a strategic plan called “Ready…set…Live Well!” And to date La Mesa has won numerous awards and grants for these efforts (for more specifics on La Mesa’s “Live Well” project, see the guest column by Yvonne Garrett, Assistant City Manager on page 4).

A Look Back: The Grossmont Art ColonyBy Kathleen Crawford

Early in the twentieth century, the Grossmont Art Colony was developed by Ed Fletcher, San Diego pioneer and developer, and William Gross, a theatrical agent with famous clients. Fletcher and Gross met at Yellowstone National Park while on vacation in 1901 and struck up a friendship that resulted in a plan to develop the former Villa Caro property in the Gross-mont area. The plan was to sell property to artistic people who would build homes on the hillsides, and serve as a draw for other residents. Prompted by the success of other artistic groups, Fletcher and Gross envisioned a colony popu-lated by literary and musical personalities.

The small peak of Grossmont, nestled beside its larger sister summit, Mount Helix, had long been used as an observation point by the citizens of San Diego.

Purchased by Fletcher and Gross in 1902, the Villa Caro Ranch was a show-place with acres of lush citrus trees, fragrant with the aroma of scented blossoms. A spacious wooden Victorian home, barns and corrals, a lily pond, and masses of deep green camellia bushes graced the property. Cork oak, mulberry, and wild persimmon trees blan-keted the grounds in direct contrast to the chaparral-covered slopes. Two hundred acres of “useless” land were thrown into the deal and this acreage formed the nucleus of the art colony. By early 1910, the outlines of the art colony were taking shape and the land was ready for sale and the homes that would be built by famous residents.

Fletcher laid out four-teen miles of roads with rags tied to the bushes to mark the path. Nicknamed “Freaky Fletcher’s Fancy Flight” by the La Mesa

Scout, the picturesque, crooked thoroughfares, some a mere twenty feet wide, had a definite purpose. Always thinking of the potential customer, Fletcher planned them this way in order to give the buyers the best possible views. Each weekend Fletcher brought one hundred trees of different varieties from

downtown San Diego on the train and transformed the barren, wind-swept slopes into forested niches thick with foliage. In addition, he laid electrical lines and installed a water system to provide water for all the proposed homes. He completed the initial road to the summit, El Granito Avenue, in 1913. Lillian

Madame Schumann-Heink at her Grossmont Colony home

Michele Greenberg-McClung checks on Day Camp kids

Restaurant Review Page 9

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‘Back to the 50s’ car show returns and ‘Rosie’ is ready! Page 9.

Life is larger in La Mesa…and lemons, too! 4

Wheelchair dancing. New 8-week class starts this month. And it’s FREE. Page 11

‘Live Well,’ La Mesa!

LaMesaCourier.com — July 2011News

San Diego’s ‘Most Wanted’ TV show yields arrest ofLa Mesa woman

In early 2011, the La Mesa Police Department began working closely with the “San Diego’s Most Wanted – The FBI Files” television program, in an effort to apprehend wanted criminals. And this partnership has already shown one impressive result.

On four different occasions in January and February of this year, an unknown female suspect was observed by loss prevention staff at the Gross-mont Center Target store stealing hundreds of dollars-worth of electronic merchandise. The suspect entered the Target and went directly to the elec-tronics and gaming area, where she was seen on video surveillance selecting numerous items and removing their electronic security devices. The suspect concealed the merchandise in a large tote bag and walked out of the store without paying. All of the thefts occurred in less than five minutes.

On at least one occasion, the suspect disguised her appearance with a wig and dark sunglasses.

La Mesa Police detectives created a crime bulletin, with photographs of the suspect taken from surveillance video and details of the crimes. The bulletin was distributed to San Diego County law enforcement agencies, including the

San Diego Office of the FBI. The FBI featured the Target burglary series on its “San Diego’s Most Wanted – The FBI Files” television program, on March 19 and 20, 2011. That episode was re-broadcast in early May.

The FBI received a tip from a citizen who recognized the suspect, and provided information on the suspect’s identity. LMPD detectives were able to match known photographs of the suspect to the surveillance video. The suspect was on felony probation, and a search of her residence turned up evidence linking her to the crime. The suspect, Kimberly Dawn Roehr of La Mesa, was arrested on four counts of burglary and one count of receiving stolen property.

The FBI’s Most Wanted program provides the community with a means to forward anonymous information to assist police in solving open cases. In turn, the tipsters become eligible for cash rewards while maintaining their anonymity and helping improve the quality of life in our community. The La Mesa Police Department maintains a similarly close relationship with the San Diego Crime Stoppers program.

Grossmont Work Training Center Closes After 37 Years

After 37 years of service, a vocational training center for developmen-tally-disabled students, ages 16–22, has closed due to school budget cuts. The Center, which provided a variety of assembly, packaging, collating and mailing services for businesses, was subsidized by the Grossmont Union High School District.

Teacher Norma Fifield, a La Mesa resident, said the students, ages 16-22, will still attend classes on site. The staff is currently exploring other vocational opportunities.

AREA DENNY’S RESTAURANTS HELPING VETERANS IN NEEDLocal Denny’s restaurants are wrapping up a

campaign benefitting the annual San Diego Stand Down event. As a part of an ongoing partnership with the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), 39 participating restaurants are serving as drop-off points for diners to deliver much-needed supplies and funds to help military veterans in need.

Through July 7th, diners may come by any of the participating San Diego area Denny’s to drop-off clothes, blankets and hygiene products, which will go toward the Stand Down, a VVSD program designed to help San Diego homeless veterans

combat life on the street.“We are grateful for Denny’s participation and

ongoing efforts in supporting our military veterans,” said VVSD’s President and CEO, Phil Landis. “As citizens of this great country, we must do all we can to support our veterans. With our partnership with Denny’s, we’ll be better able to assist our veterans in need.”

Last year, provisions collected prior to Stand Down served more than 900 homeless veterans and their families. The annual, three-day event takes place July 15th through July 17th and provides

medical services, counseling, legal services, warm meals and more for the military veterans of greater San Diego County.

There are five Denny’s restaurants conve-niently serving the La Mesa area: 4235 Spring St., La Mesa 6970 Alvarado Rd., San Diego; 2691 Navajo Rd., El Cajon; 1202 W. Main St., El Cajon; and 2642 Jamacha Rd., Rancho San Diego. For a complete list of participating restaurants, please visit www.dennys.com.

LaMesaCourier.com — July 2011

See Goats, Page 6

See Grossmont Nutrition, Page 7

Business News

Nicole Wahl-Mathistad

Noshing their way through tall weeds and grass, seventy goats are enjoying the spacious area at the base of the Chet Harritt Dam in Lakeside. Protected by an electric fence powered by a solar cell and an Anatolian Shep-herd, these hungry little girls are doing what they do best—eat. In so doing, they are providing: fire protection for critical water treatment and pumping station facilities owned by the Helix Water District; an environmentally friendly mowing services; reduction in the District’s carbon footprint by elimi-nating most of the use of gasoline powered, two-stroke engine weed-eaters and the gasoline consumption from tucking and hauling debris to a landfill from this large area; cost savings to Helix ratepayers—clearing 10 acres for about the same amount as 4-acres would cost using commercial weed-abatement. The goats provide an additional service by munching on steeply inclining terrain

celebrates 50 years of satisfying customersBy Cynthia Robertson

Grossmont Nutrition, cele-brating its 50th year along with Grossmont Shopping Center, needs a birthday card of its own.

Famous for its eclectic collection of greeting cards, shoppers find that a stop in at Grossmont Nutrition completes the whole mall experience. More than just a vitamin corner, the store is often the ultimate place for the perfect card or gift, easy on the wallet.

People today who know and love it have the Wahl family to thank. In 1972, Phil Wahl took over the store from its original owners, the very first tenants of the shopping center.

At any time of the day, Wahl could be found in the store restocking the greeting cards, or reorganizing the wide array of gifts from super-bounce balls to candles and journals as well as piggy banks.

Wahl’s warm, resonant laugh was always a comfort to his faithful customers. But rather suddenly, in March of 2008, Wahl passed away. His daughter Nicole Wahl-Mathistad quickly took over. She has managed to keep the store’s fun, efficient atmosphere.

“I have always loved this store ever since I was a little girl, and I wanted to follow in my father’s foot-steps,” Wahl-Mathistad said.

Some subtle changes with the fixtures have been made along with the use of more natural light from the windows. “The store has a bright look to it, and I feel we’ve been able to showcase more of our merchandise than before,” she said.

Probably the biggest change has been in the garden department. The store now carries garden flags, picks, wind spinners, stones and humming-bird feeders. “We found a little niche with the garden department, and have expanded on it,” Wahl-Mathistad said.

The store moved to its current, larger location in 2003. “With more windows, the store has a bright look to it, and I feel we’ve been able to showcase more of our merchandise than before,” she said.

Still, for over twenty years, Grossmont Nutrition has been known for its selection of cards. The greetings cards are still a bargain—some sell as low as four for a dollar. Wahl-Mathistad said she finds them at trade shows, going-out-of-business sales, and even from people coming and selling them right out of their car trunks.

Vitamins also continue to be one of their best sellers. “We believe this is

JEWELRY IDEAS FOR SPECIAL DAYS – MOMS, DADS, AND GRADSShopping at Enhancery Jewelers can also benefit

your favorite community organization. A percentage of all of you purchases and jewelry repairs will be donated to your designated non-profit orga-nization. We are currently contributing to these local community groups Globe Guilders, San Diego Zoo RITZ, CCT/CYT, San Diego Madres Youth Baseball, Mt. Helix Park Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research, Soroptimist International of La Mesa, San Diego and La Jolla, Rady’s Children’s Hospital Del Cerro Unit and many more regional and national organiza-tions. Please let us know when you shop which organization you belong to, or would like to support and all your future transactions will be credited to their donations.

JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBYRuby is the birthstone for the month of July and is also desig-nated for the 40th wedding anniversary. In ancient legends it was believed that the wearer of ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. Many women like to combine rubies with diamonds in their wedding or anniversary bands. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum family, which is also the same family as sapphire. With a hardness of nine on the Mohs scale ruby is the next hardest stone to diamond. Call Enhancery Jewelers 619-282-3900 for answers to any gem and jewelry ques-tions you may have. Enhancery Jewelers is located in the Chili’s Shopping Center at 4242 Camino del Rio N.#17 (at I-8 & Mission Gorge). Open Tues.–Fri., 10–6 pm; Sat. 10–4 pm. Martin and Kathleen White have owned Enhancery Jewelers for over thirty two years. They specialize in diamond and gemstone jewelry, custom design, appraisals, jewelry and watch repairs. Visit us online at www.enhancery.com and become a fan on Facebook

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Goats mow for Helix Water District— giving fire protection to critical facilities

Grossmont Nutrition


See Better Health, Page 10

Civic Life

Building Better Health inLa MesaBy Guest Columnist Yvonne Garrett, Assistant City Manager/Community Services DirectorAlthough La Mesa boasts a population just under 57,000, our City thinks big when it comes to health and wellness. Through active partnerships, the City of La Mesa has focused on community wellness through its award-winning “ready…set…Live Well” Initiative. The

work began in 2005 with the La Mesa Wellness Task Force. This partnership of committed community individuals and organizations began formulating plans to address growing concerns of obesity—in our children, and aging population. In 2006 the La Mesa City Council adopted a Community Wellness Program with elements that include:

•Developing design strategies that support active lifestyles;• Improving quality and access to park green space;• Promoting recreational

opportunities for all ages;• Raising awareness of no

and low cost health insur-ance programs through the League of California Cities’ communities for healthy kids program; and

• Targeting safe routes to schools based on the city’s walkability plan.

The challenge for City staff and community partners is to create everyday opportunities that promote physical activity and good nutrition. A 2006 Walk-ability Plan reviewed pedestrian friendly elements in the City, making recommendations to improve walkability as appropriate. In 2008, a community planning grant from The California Endowment helped set the stage for policy and systems change that have resulted in: healthy changes to school meal programs; more healthy fare offered through youth athletic field snack bars; City-owned vending machines being modified to contain more healthful selections; and City parks have been designated as smoke-free zones.

The community’s built environment plays a major role in how people gain access to fitness and wellness opportunities. Are sidewalks free of hazards and barriers? Can residents easily access park open space within 20 minutes

Foothills Democratic Club Salutes Military Veterans

The La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club will welcome Phil Landis, Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), as its featured speaker on July 6 at 7 p.m. VVSD is the only program of its kind in the U.S., and is nationally recognized as the leader in serving homeless military veterans. Each year VVSD provides services to more than 2,000 military veterans throughout San Diego County.

Mr. Landis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965, and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1969, with the rank of Captain. He has been affiliated with the VVSD since 1996, serving as CEO since 2007. He was recently appointed to serve on the national 12-member Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. His topic for the Foothills Club on July 6: “Leave No One Behind: A Tribute to U.S. Military Veterans.”

The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, at the La Mesa Community Center. The August meeting will feature a panel on political balance on broadcast radio. More information at: www.lmfdc.sddem.org/index.html.

Yvonne Garrett

La Mesa ReadsBy Jessie Goodwin, Librarian La Mesa Library

La Mesa residents love to read. In fact, La Mesans love to read so much that the La Mesa Library was the third highest circulating branch in the San Diego County Library system this May. In the previous month, our most popular titles included bestsellers like The Post-card Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund, a fast paced serial killer mystery set in Europe, Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich, featuring the ever-popular bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, and The Search by Nora Roberts, a romantic suspense thriller. Our non-fiction readers checked out The Happiness Project by Gretchen Craft Rubin, chronicling a year in the author’s life as she tests out conventional wisdom on finding happiness and Promised Land: Thirteen Books that Changed America by Jay Parini, which looks at thirteen literary works that had a profound influence on American history, culture and character. Come by the library if you’d like to check out any of these titles. And remember, if we don’t have it on our shelf we can request it from one of our other county branches, or even from another library in the state—all for free. And don’t forget that you can get on the waiting list now for some of the summer’s

See La Mesa Reads, Page 6

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See Herrick Library, Page 10

See Grossmont Healthcare, Page 10

Grossmont Healthcare DistrictBy Deborah McElravy, Guest Columnist

The American healthcare system in the future could be very different from today depending on politics, the economy and advances in medicine. It’s been calculated that Americans spend more on healthcare every year than we do on educating our children, building roads, even feeding ourselves, an estimated $2.6 trillion, or around $8,300 per person.

Regardless of the uncertainty and trepidation over healthcare reform, the Grossmont Healthcare District is committed to maintaining and improving the physical and mental health of our constituents to the greatest possible extent consistent with the available resources. Your GHD board is diligent in moni-toring the healthcare services provided under contract at Grossmont Hospital to assure that patient care and safety needs are met and reasonable expecta-tions are exceeded. We also are dedicated to anticipating and recognizing the unmet healthcare needs of the communities we service.

The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is a public agency formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital. We support various health-

Herrick Library offers free health information

A hidden gem in La Mesa, the Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library offers residents free access to a comprehensive consumer health library.

The public library, which opened in 2002, is located at Brier-crest Park, 9001 Wakarusa St., in La Mesa. The library provides free access to the latest consumer-level health information in print and electronic formats. It is both a traditional library as well as a “digital library,” with emphasis on Internet access to on-line resources. The library’s collection totals about 2,500 items. Ten computers are available for public use. The library also offers two small meeting rooms that are available to community-based, non-profit health-related organizations for workshops and meet-ings. The library staff is trained to assist patrons in providing reference and research assistance about their health concerns. The public also can access the resources from home or office as well.

News and ViewsBy Mary England, CEOLa Mesa Chamber of Commerce

I am happy to report I have just completed my third year of taking over the reins of the new La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and things are really looking up. The Chamber has grown to 270 members, and has brought a signature event called the Taste of La Mesa to the City, enjoyed by all and so successful that it has sold out all three years! Next years’ event promises to be even better, as we celebrate the 100th birthday of the city with the Taste of the Century on June 11, 2012, and

increase the size of the venue and attendees. To get advance notice of ticket sales for the 2012 Taste, email the Chamber at [email protected].

We have seen a lot of changes to our fair city in those three years while we battled through the recession. The City Center now boasts a new library, police and fire stations and post office. Street improvements on Allison have been completed. And there could be even more improvements, pending passage of the proposed PBID. Many new businesses have opened up, while sadly some long time businesses have closed. The Chamber has been there to welcome many of these new businesses with ribbon cuttings and grand openings, as we strive to represent the interests of business in the City and promote commerce.

We have also seen a revival of local media, and the Chamber is very excited to once again have a local print newspaper with the advent of the Courier. Our events are not just for members, and the Chamber encourages the public to attend our breakfasts, mixers, ribbon cuttings and major events, such as our Casino Night, Taste of La Mesa, Oktoberfest and new events in 2012, yet to be rolled out. Our breakfast meetings often include a local, state or federal political representative to keep you informed and up to date. All events can be found on the Chamber calendar at www.lamesachamber.com.

The Chamber would like to welcome the newest 2011 members and businesses in La Mesa, including Ad Concepts, Advanced Shuttle Services LLC., Almighty Plumbing Services Inc., Amazing Grace Cleaning Service LLC, AXA Advisors, B 2 Be Sports and Wellness, Boys & Girls Clubs of East County Foundation, Casa De Pico Mexican Restaurant, Cbeyond, Coupons for Philanthropy, Earl W. Fite & Sons Plumbing, Edward Jones Investments-Scott Schwitzer Fin. Advisor, Hearth House, Hernquist & Associates, Hess Collec-tion, Howard’s Lemon Grove Deli, JCA Communications, Jejjoni Sign MFG, Keith L. Meeker Law Office, La Mesa Courier, La Mesa Woman’s Club, Lake Murray Fitness, LaMesaToday.com, Love in Bloom Floral and Design, Moore, Schulman & Moore APC , Optimist Club of La Mesa, Partners Urgent Care, Raza Design LLC, Risque Hair Design, SCF Insurance Services, SD Homes, Shakey’s Pizza, Springleaf Financial Services, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, St. Martin of Tours Academy, Sycuan Casino, techmate, The Regal Bar, The Reserve on Baltimore Apts., The Village House Kalina Restaurant, The Vine Cottage Restaurant, Village Gym La Mesa, and Windermere Real Estate SoCal - La Mesa.

A special congratulations go out to Pret-a-Porter Salon celebrating their 13th anniversary on July 13th and A Gentle Way Yoga and Joyful Movement Center celebrating their 10th anniversary on July 15th. Both businesses are having FREE events on those days, so RSVP on the Chamber website to attend.

Mary England

Deborah McElravy

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LaMesaCourier.com — July 2011Community

La Mesa Reads, from page 4

Goats, from page 3

that would otherwise be considered difficult, and perhaps even dangerous, to be mowed by individuals with hand-held weed-eaters.

This project will be done in two phases—the current phase will concen-trate on the lower areas around the Harold Ball Pump Station, and the second phase will begin in September in order to protect sensitive habitat, and will spread up the face of the dam and the steep hills leading up to the

R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant. This is an area that was part of the burn during the 2003 Cedar Fire, forcing the Plant staff to fight the flames by hand as the destructive force approached.

Fire protection for water treatment and pumping facilities is critical to the District and the community at large. This environmental friendly project has benefits to both.

The second phase will employ about 150 – 200 goats, also from Brad Woolf ’s company, Hire-a-Goat. With the larger number, Mr. Woolf may place a guard lama in the pen. In addition to the fencing, the guard dog or lama protects the goats from predators such as coyotes. Water is provided and goats are tended daily by Mr. Woolf who works out of his ranch in Ramona.

hottest titles like Smokin’ Seventeen, the newest book in the Stephanie Plum series.

Our Summer Reading Club is in full swing. You still have time to sign up online at www.sdcl.org, or come into the library and pick up a reading log. The program is open to all ages from babies on up to adults, with events and prizes for everyone. For the adult readers, we’ll be raffling off a Nook ebook reader as a grand prize. The last day of the Summer Reading Club is August 7th. Be sure to look at our calendar of events to see all of the fun, free activities we have going on for all ages this summer.

There really is something for everyone at the La Mesa Community Library. Books, movies, music, and free family events—we have it all!

The La Mesa Library is located at 8074 Allison Avenue, adjacent to the Post Office. It is open Mon–Thurs 9:30 AM–8:00 PM, Fri–Sat 9:30 AM–5:00 PM, and Sun 1:00 PM–5:00 PM

Life in La MesaBy Pam Crooks, Editor

One of my favorite childhood memories is waking up on a summer morning and hearing the neighbor across the street sweeping her sidewalk. The sound of that broom meant the weather was good and I could ride my bike and play games in the neighborhood all day.

In those days, parents would chase us outside in the summer with instructions not to come home ‘til lunch or suppertime. Today, kids spend much of their vacation time watching television and playing computer games. It’s rare

to hear kids playing outside. And that’s unfortunate. According to a study mentioned in La Mesa’s

“ready…set…Live Well” strategic plan, one in five American 4-year olds are now considered obese; as a result, the life expectancy of their generation may be shorter than ours.

This month I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michele Greenberg-McClung, La Mesa’s Community Services Recreation Supervisor, to talk about the programs she organizes for children and adults, especially the wide variety of summer day camps her department offers.

She and I agreed that kids’ physical activities today are more struc-tured and supervised than when we were kids, but that it’s never been more important to encourage physical activity in whatever form. The La Mesa Park & Recreation Department is offering 14 different summer camps this year, besides their regular aquatic, fitness and dance classes.

This issue of the Courier is dedicated to the tremendous emphasis our elected officials, County, City and school district staffs are placing on improving the health of La Mesa residents. To date, there are already healthier food choices in school lunches and vending machines, an expanded Farmer’s Market, safer walking and biking access to several local schools and three great “Urban Walking Trails as a result of their efforts. There is much more to come.

But in the final analysis it’s up to us to eat better and get moving. We just need to chase ourselves outside to play…

Pam Crooks

La Mesa Resident Roberta Taylor (left) with Dance Director William Valencia.

WHEELCHAIR DANCING LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT HOMEPopular program began at Grossmont Rehab Center

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Grossmont Nutrition, from page 3Art Colony, from page 1

Russell, the statuesque beauty and star of light opera and vaudeville fame, opened the road and drove the first car to the top.

With the completion of the road, the land became ready for sale. Lots sold for $2,500 and up per acre, with a continual rise until the Great Depression in 1929, when they plummeted to $250-500 per acre. While Fletcher continued with the subdivision plans and sales, Gross contacted his theatrical friends and soon had an impressive lineup of future residents. Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink, the famous operatic contralto, became the first artist to live in the colony; followed by Carrie Jacobs Bond, poetess and composer of the popular ballad, “I Love You Truly”; Havrah Hubbard, editor and music critic in Chicago and San Diego; Owen Wister, the novelist and creator of the cowboy genre in literature via his book - The Virginian; Johanna Gadski, a German contralto; Teresa Carreno, a Venezuelan pianist and composer; Charles Wake-field Cadman, a devotee of American Indian music and composer of the “Land of Sky Blue Waters,” John Vance Cheney, a poet; and Charles W. Clark, a bari-tone singer. This international roster of celebrities and their friends constituted

the circle of artists that called Grossmont home.

Attracted by the unique ambiance so carefully created by Fletcher, one artist after another voiced extravagant tribute to the charms of their special haven from the exces-sive demands of their very public careers. Madame Schumann-Heink described her joy and anticipation in a letter to Ed Fletcher - “I read

so much about ‘Paradise’; well, I think I found my dreams realized when I saw Grossmont in our blessed ‘California’ and I am happy as a child in thoughts of my wonderful future home - Casa Ernestina.” Fletcher and Gross gave the grand diva the first home site on the condition that she build a home there. This estate, built in 1913, and designed by architect Del Harris to complement her primary residence on Coronado, became the keystone to the little community.

Each of these international personalities made a unique contribution to the lives of San Diego and the world. They felt privileged to call San Diego

their home and strove to give back to the people of the community, each in his own way, something precious. Even though the artists are long gone, and their homes have passed into other hands, the aura of gentility and creativity remains to charm a new group of home owners.

Kathleen Crawford will be contributing regular columns on the history of La Mesa and its environs. The author has lived in the Grossmont area for thirty-eight years. She currently teaches history at San Diego State University and works as an historical consultant in the San Diego area.

because over the years we changed with the times,” she said. They never used to discount the vitamins, but now there are always at least two brands on sale, with other small specials featured each month.

With great gifts and collectibles, most priced at 40 to 70% off retail, the customer can find much to feed the soul, along with every imaginable vitamin and supplement to also feed the body.

Whole families have had their souls nurtured at the store. Some customers have been coming around for more than thirty years, according to Wahl-Mathistad. Even the second and third generation of the same families now comes by.

“I just love it when people come in and see me or one of the other employees, and say, ‘My goodness I cannot believe you still work here!’ ”

“Me too,” says the store’s manager, Gail Armstrong. “I’ve been here 28 years,” Armstrong said, “and some of the other employees are going on ten years plus. The Wahl family has been great to work with.”

Wahl-Mathistad feels the same about the GN family. “I love GN, and I look forward to being around for the next 50 years,” she said. “Without the support of the community, the customers and the loyal and wonderful employees, we would not have been here this long.”

Stop in and pay Grossmont Nutrition a birthday visit. Just ask for Nicki or Gail. They’ll point you to the best bargains tailored to your needs.

Mount Helix and Grossmont before development

Carrie Bonds home in Grossmont Colony with poem

Less expensive juicers than those sold elsewhere.L

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of $2000 or moreExpires 7/31/2011

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We offer Party Goods, Wrapping Goods, Cards priced from 25 cents to 99cents. We have collectibles and gifts for everyone. All A Brand vitamins and we always offer a discount on 2 or more brands.

Grossmont Shopping Center(next to Target store) 619-465-5225

Mon-Fri 9am to 9pm • Sat. 9:30am to 8pm • Sun 11am to 6 pm“Celebrating 50 Years of Business in Grossmont Center!”

GROSSMONTNUTRITION & GIFTS


Because schools and parks are the heart of any great community, they were a natural place to start. La Mesa has 14 City parks, six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Partnering with the two school districts (La Mesa-Spring Valley and Grossmont Union High School Districts), City staff, high school students and community volunteers began looking at ways to encourage better nutri-tion and safer walking routes to school. Last year saw better walking access, including a new sidewalk added behind Helix Charter High, and a $522,300 grant was recently received for similar improvements along the Glen Street route to Lemon Avenue Elementary School.

The efforts of the team that assessed the needs around Helix Charter High, yielded even more benefits: the City applied for and won a $10,000 state award that enabled the development and promotion of three great new “Urban Walking Trails” in La Mesa (see map upper right).

Michele Greenburg-McClung, Community Services Recreation Supervisor, a 22-year employee of the La Mesa Parks & Recreation Department, is totally invested in the City’s desire to improve the health of its citizens. She is espe-cially proud of the trails the City has been able to establish and promote for three levels of fitness. In fact, the creation of these urban trails led to another

award, “The Golden Footprint,” from Kaiser Permanente.Michele may have one of the most rewarding jobs with the City and she

takes it seriously. Besides organizing dozens of year-round classes for kids and adults, on-going adult exercise programs and 14 summer day camps, she also coordinates the Sunday summer concerts at Harry Griffin Park and outdoor family movie screenings. Recently she teamed up with the Friends of the La Mesa Library, Target, Readers, Inc., and the Park & Recreation Foundation, to host a “Read in the Park” event in Collier Park.

Does such a passive activity in a Park really contribute to a healthier citizenry? “Well,” says Michele, “whether it’s just reading, enjoying a concert or watching a movie on a summer night, we want our residents to use our Parks.”

Sounds like one sneaky way of getting us away from the television and computer games and outdoors. They are serious about wanting us to “Live Well,” La Mesa.”

Secret Stairs

Need some fun, but serious exercise? La Mesa has some “secret stairs” that you might want to check out some-time. A set of stairs was built in 1912 on Fairway, and then another set was constructed in 1925 when the Windsor Hills subdivision was being developed. The stairs were designed to help the residents on Mt. Nebo and the Windsor Hills area connect with

their neighbors more easily. There are three sets of public stairs in the area. The stairs are tucked away between the houses and you’ll have to look carefully among the foliage to find them but they are there, just waiting to challenge you.

From the intersection of Windsor Drive and Canter-bury Drive, you climb a total of 245 steps, interrupted by two cross streets, to reach the top of Summit Drive. On reaching the 245th step, at Summit Drive, you’re on one of La Mesa’s highest knolls, elevation 830 feet. Stop to enjoy the spectac-ular vista! Continue by following Summit Drive about 100 yards to a second stairway descending east. Follow its 184 steps to Beverly Drive. A third, shorter stairway can be found on Fairview Avenue near Alta Lane. Ascend 44 steps, cross Pasadena Avenue, and continue via the remaining 16 steps and a paved pathway to Vista Drive. It’s only 60 steps total, but with the steep pathway it’s a good workout nonetheless.

Check out all three La Mesa Urban Walking Trails (see map at right). There are three walks around the city from one for beginners to the one which includes the secret stairs for people who are really fit. Whichever hike you do, you’ll enjoy lovely views and have fun getting to know La Mesa while you work out!

Lisa Miller (left), Emma Dean 7½, and Laura Carson exercise twice a week on the steps.

Live Well, from page 1

St. Martin of tourS acadeMy

• Preschool • Full Day Kindergarten • First through Eighth Grades

celebrating 60 yearS of Quality catholic education

in la MeSa!

Fully accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association & Western Association of Schools and Colleges

7708 El Cajon Boulevard • La Mesa, California 91942

• quality instruction • challenging curriculum • emPhasis on liFe sKills • WorKshoP Way® system oF education

• reasonable tuition & day care rates

CheCk us out and see why Parents Choosest. Martin of tours aCadeMy for their Children!

• Schedule a tour: (619) 466-3241 • Visit our website: stmartinacademy.org

◊ Computer Lab ◊ Fine Arts / Physical Education ◊ Enclosed Secure Campus◊ *Technology in the Classrooms ◊ Focus on Life Long Learning ◊ After School Classes◊ Community Outreach in all grades ◊ Extended Day Care Program ◊ Parochial Sports League *doc-u-cameras *portable mimeo boards *amplification system (grs. K-3) *classroom computers/updated software

St

. Martin of tourS acadeMy

CURRICULUM PROGRAM:All aspects of the curriculum are designed to support and achieve our goals. Children are encouraged to listen, touch, smell, taste and observe in the process of learning. Experiences are provided in the areas of math, science, music, cooking, art, dramatic play, language and literature. Ample opportunities are provided for development of large and fine motor skills. Our teachers are highly dedicated to the development of young children and are certified in Early Childhood Education.

St. Martin of tourS PreSchool Since 1993

• for children 3 to 5 years of age • day care and enrichment programs 7a.m. - 6 p.m.

Our preschool provides a warm, joyful, and nurturing environment for a young child. Learning takes place with an emphasis

on assisting children to feel valued and loved by God and by those around them.

COMe And see Us! (619) 698-8462 • 7714 El Cajon Boulevard • La Mesa, CA 91942 • www.stmartinacademy.org

Fully accredited by the Western Catholic Education Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Preschool license#370806413

UNIVERSITY AVE.

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Look for the green directional markers on the sidewalks.

• Start at Jackson Park (Jackson Dr. and Laird St.) North on Jackson Dr. to Dallas St. • Right on Dallas St. to La Mesita Park • (There are 37 steps on the south side of Dallas St., go down &

back up to add to your walk)* • Cross street at Fire Station 12 • West on Dallas St. to Lake MurrayBlvd. • Turn left at Lake Murray Blvd. • Right on El Paso - slight hill at SDG&E Transfer Center

• Left at Baltimore Dr. • Left at Lake Murray Blvd. • Cross Lake Murray Blvd. at Aztec Dr., (to be on the south side, there is no Lake Murray Blvd. crossing at Marengo Ave.)

• Continue on Lake Murray • Right at Marengo Ave. • Left at Tex St. to Laird St. • Right at Laird St. to Jackson Park where you began

*Optional

RESTROOMS AVAILABLEAT THE LOCAL PARKS.

“�e Stride” Intermediate Route (slight hill, steps optional, 5 miles)

Look for the red directional markers on the sidewalks.

• Start at Highwood Park, (4200 Parks Ave.) • Right on Cinnabar Dr. • Right on Highwood Ave. • Left Weatherly St., walk up hill • Right on Eastridge Dr. • Right on Murray Hill Rd.

• Right on Orien Ave. • Left on Lowell St. • Right on Normal Ave. • Right on Windsor Dr. to steps• Up 245 steps to the top • Swing around Summit Dr. to east side, down 184 steps to Beverly Dr.

• Left on Beverly Dr. • Right on Summit Dr. • Left on Pasadena Ave. • Left on Windsor Dr. • Left on Normal Ave. • Left on Cinnabar Dr. to Highwood Park where you began.

“�e Challenge” Advanced Route(hills, steps, 3.5 miles)

Look for the blue directional markers on the sidewalks.

• Start at the La Mesa Railroad Depot (La Mesa Blvd. and Nebo St.)• South on Nebo St. • Right on Finley Ave.

• Right on Date Ave. • Date Ave, to La Mesa Blvd. & cross street• Back up Date Ave. to Finley Ave. • Right on Finley Ave. • Right on Acacia St.

• Right on La Mesa Blvd. • End at La Mesa Railroad Depot

“�e Stroll” Beginner Route (flat, 1 mile)

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La Mesa Depot Museum

La Mesita Park

Jackson Park

Highwood Park


See Kalina, Page 12

Dog Days of Summer: PETCO, San Diego Padres To Set World Record

World Records® Officials will be at PETCO Park’s annual “Dog Days of Summer” event to count dogs, as PETCO attempts to set the world record for most dogs at a professional sporting event. The record setting attempt will take place during the Wed., Jul. 27 7:05 p.m. game as the San Diego Padres take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. To help encourage attendance of pets and their parents, tickets will be free of charge to accepted applicants courtesy of PETCO. The deadline to submit applications was Jun. 20 and were accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

An official Guinness World Records® representative will be in attendance to verify the record and share the result with attendees by the end of the night.

Last year’s sellout event was open to 500 dogs. However, this year the event has been expanded to allow up to 750 dogs to participate and become part of history.

“Last year’s event was our biggest and best yet, which is why we are excited to set the record for the most dogs at a professional sporting event,” says Greg Seremetis, Vice President of Marketing for PETCO. “At PETCO we are passionate about having our dogs active in all aspects of our life and thanks to our partnership with the San Diego Padres, this includes inviting hundreds

of dogs out to the ballpark.”In the spirit of PETCO’s commitment to

“Think Adoption First,” local shelters will be in attendance to educate the public on the importance of pet adoption and help find pets a loving home.

Russian Restaurant ReviewBy Eileen Sondak

San Diego is a melting pot for culi-nary offerings from around the world. But it wasn’t easy to find Russian and Ukrainian cuisine in this neck of the woods before Village House Kalina opened its doors in La Mesa several weeks ago.

Fortunately for local diners, Kalina dishes out some of the best cuisine from that part of Europe avail-able -- including traditional favorites like borscht, pirogy, chicken Kiev and

strogonoff. If you love these classic epicurean treats, head for Kalina and enjoy!Village House Kalina has a three-course lunch menu and a dinner menu

served all day long. The chef makes a daily meat and cheese platter, which is available at $10.99 for the assorted meats and $8.99 for cheeses.

The appetizers are some of the best dishes in this exotic cuisine. We love the eggplant salad ($6.95) a peasant-style mixture made with eggplant, walnuts, tomatoes and onions. The carrot salad ($5) is another favorite. This consists of fresh grated carrots with spices and walnuts.

Beets are a staple in Russian and Ukrainian cooking, so you’ll find a vegan beet salad ($5), as well as the timeless favorite soup known as borscht. Lalina has two different varieties of this popular beet soup -- Ukrainian borscht with beef, cabbage, celery, carrots, bell pepper, onions, and potatoes (along with beets) and the meatless, vegetarian version. The beef-based borscht costs $6.99, and the vegetarian borscht is $5.99. Either way, this is a delicious and hearty soup, served with a heaping spoonful of sour cream on top.

Pirogy ($6.99) is the most recognizable Ukrai-nian dish on the menu. These hand-made dumplings are filled with potatoes and onions or potatoes and

Illustration courtesy of: Village House Kalina

Sandy, Chessie and Zoe Owen of La Mesa were among the best dressed at last year’s Dog Days of Summer event.

Classic Cars Return to La Mesa VillageCruising the boulevard, La Mesan Phil Cusamano proudly shows

off “Rosie,” the 1956 Chevrolet 210 Sport Coupe he has been restoring for over 10 years. She was finally ready in June.

Cha

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Cro

oks

Protect Your Family Finances - Music - Photos

St. Dunstan’sEpiscopal Church

www.stdunstans.org6556 Park Ridge Blvd.San Diego, CA 92120

619-460-6442

Vacation Bible School at St. Dunstan’s Church

July 25 – 299 A.M. – 12 noon

30 per childTo register call Jennie Morse

at (619) 460-6442Children entering kindergarten

through sixth grade are welcome!


Herrick Library, from page 5

AIR CONDITIONINGIdeal Plumbing, Heating, Air & ElectricalServing our community since 1960! Residential/commercial. Service, repair, installation, thermostats, registers, filters, indoor air quality, and more.

BBB Accredited business.

www.idealsvc.com(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

BANKRUPTCYChapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy

Debt negotiationFree Consultations

Law Offices of Adam B. Arnold • 2552 Fletcher Pkwy #A, El Cajon, CA 92020

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CARPENTRYBest-Rate Carpentry Repairs:

Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers, Stairs, Doors, Dry-Rot and Termite Damage. License #700811 FREE ESTIMATES! Member BBB Insured Visa/MC

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CARPET COLOR REPAIRAre there bleach spots on your beautiful carpet? I use factory dye to correct bleached spots (or any spots from color loss) to their original color. The dyed spots are colorfast. Questions?

Call Professional Flooring Inspections.619-993-3817 Horizon

COMPUTER SERVICESRepair-Setup-Speed Up Your Computer

PC Help for Families, Seniors, Home Offices. (08-11)

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DIETSTired of diets that don’t work?

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ELECTRICALFischbeck Electric Inc.

For all of your electrical needs. Solar systems, Green energy savings, panel upgrades and changes, remodels, recessed lighting, etc. CA Lic. #900788

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Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & ElectricalServing our community since 1960! Panel upgrades, sub panels, outlets, ceiling fans, whole house fans, solar systems, recessed lighting, and more.


www.idealsvc.com(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

GARAGE DOORSUp & Down Garage Doors

Garage door service, new doors, new openers, spring replacement, BBB Member, La Mesa Based, CLSB #904512, 619-464-0116

(619) [email protected]

HANDYMANHandyman / Remodel + Additions.

Full service, local and independent. Expert Journeyman All Trades, Member BBB.

Call John Irwin Today – FREE ESTIMATES.IHI-Contractor CAB=762615

619-277-2077

HOUSE CLEANINGHouse Cleaning, Maid Service,

Carpet Cleaning, Hauling.Online Pricing & Appointments. Available 7 days a week. A Perfect Shine Cleaning. Call the best!

(619) 269-1745 or (858) 483-8290

www.aPerfectShine.com

Professional WindowCleaning and Pressure Washing

Exceptional service at exceptional rates. Free consultation. Tracks, screens, and sills Included. Gutter

cleaning and Pressure Washing. Exterior Cleaning / Screens / Tracks. Insured (10-11)

858-248-1870 or visit

www.SDProWindowCleaning.com

LANDSCAPELANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SOLUTIONS

Drip Irrigation, Sprinkler Timers, Landscape Lighting. EXPERT TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIRS In Business Over 25 years in San Carlos (08-11)

Creative Landscape MaintenanceLic # 736809619/465-2237

Payless Tree ServicePruning, Removal, Trimming, Stump Grinding. Fully Covered with Commercial General Liability and Workers Comp. Insurance for your Protection. 35% OFF All Tree Services, Additional Senior Discount Available. Call for FREE Estimates. CA Lic #800853

(619) 938-1559 • (858) 568-0689

PAINTINGPaint by Mike

Interior / Exterior Painting. Residential Repairs and Upgrades. Give Your Home a Fresh Look. Quality Workmanship you can Trust. CSLB# 710547

(619) 540-6946 [email protected]

PLUMBINGIdeal Plumbing, Heating, Air & ElectricalServing our community since 1960! Toilets, water heaters/tankless, drains, disposals, faucets, slab leaks, repipes, camera inspections, and more. Visit our showroom!

BBB Accredited business.www.idealsvc.com

(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

Native San Diego PlumbingPlumbing Repairs and Remodels

Commercial/Residential‘Family owned and operated in the community since 1967’. Over 50 years’ experience. Water Heaters, Disposals. We do it all! We beat competitors’ rates. 20% off First time customers. San Diego’s Best Plumbing

Value. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. CSLB# 642924

(619) 778-0630

POOL & SPA SVCSBlue Line Pool & Spa Service

Specializing in Spas. Custom Spa Covers, Repairs and Supplies, Drain & Cleaning, Acid Washes. Member of BBB SD County

(619) 466-1999

16 years of quality service

REAL ESTATEReal Estate Marketing Done Right!

Let me build you a marketing plan that works! Internet exposure, Email blast, Multiple listing service, Extensive relocation resources, Open houses. I’m with you every step of the way. A local realtor you can trust. DRE #01392134

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(619) 287-7777

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REMODELINGIdeal Plumbing, Heating, Air & ElectricalServing our community since 1960! Kitchens, bathrooms, closets, grab bars, walk-in tubs, and more!


www.idealsvc.com

(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

SENIOR CARE SERVICESHome Instead Senior Care

Dedicated to providing non-medical in-home care.

Services Include:

Meal Preparation, Medication Reminders, Light Housekeeping, Personal Care & Bathing Assistance, Incidental Transportation.

619-460-6222www.homeinstead.com/190

Business & Services Directory

The Herrick Library is operated by the Grossmont Healthcare District, a public agency that supports many health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region. Formed in 1952, to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, GHD serves as landlord of the hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles in the East County.

The library is named after the late Dr. Herrick who passed away in March 1998, while serving as a member of the District board of directors. He also served as director of the Grossmont Hospital Pathology Department (1961-1996), chair of the Continuing Medical Education Department (1963-1993), and was a founder of El Cajon Valley Hospital (1967).

Regular library hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more infor-mation about the library, phone (619) 825-5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org.

Grossmont Healthcare, from page 5

related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region. The District is governed by a five-member board of directors, each elected to four-year terms, who represent more than 500,000 people residing within the District’s 750 square miles service territory. The District is a pubic agency that serves the community in many different ways.

As stewards of the public trust, the District serves as landlord of the Hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings, on behalf of local taxpayers. In 1991, the District leased the Hospital’s operations to Sharp Healthcare under a 30-year lease that runs through the year 2021.

La Mesa is fortunate to have an excellent regional, acute care medical facility like Sharp Grossmont Hospital located squarely within the City limits. This hospital has served the East County region for more than 50 years with an emphasis on community health and well-ness. We’re especially proud of the hospital’s Magnet-designated status, recognized nationally for nursing excellence, and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

In addition to assisting many non-profit, health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region, the District also is an active supporter of healthcare education and training for the benefit of future generations. As a taxpayer-supported public agency, the District receives property tax revenues. These tax dollars are then distributed for a variety of community programs and services through sponsorships and grants. About half of this revenue is provided to local non-profit, health-related organizations. The other half is allocated to enhance services at Grossmont Hospital. District funds to Grossmont Hospital help purchase an array of needed, high-cost medical equipment, and make improvements to the physical plant.

In June 2006, voters approved Proposition G, a $247-million bond measure that is projected to fund capital infrastructure improvements through the year 2013. Voters passed Prop. G by more than 77 percent, well above the two-thirds requirement. A volunteer citizens group, called the Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, oversees how the District is spending these millions of dollars in voter-approved public financing for construction projects at the hospital.

In 2007, the District began its annual awards program called Health-care Heroes to recognize front-line volunteers, caregivers and other indi-viduals who help advance the delivery of healthcare and improve the quality of life for East County residents. Typically, nominations are accepted at the beginning of the year and recipients are honored in the spring.

To learn more about the Grossmont Healthcare District, visit www.gross monthealthcare.org.

Deborah McElravy is the 2011 president of the Grossmont Healthcare District board of directors. She previously served on the board from 2000 to 2004, and returned to the board in December 2006 as an appointee to fill a vacant seat. She was elected to a four-year term in November 2008.

Better Health, from page 4

walking distance of their home? Or can they easily access public transportation hubs that will allow them to access these opportunities? The City will include a new Health and Wellness element to the General Plan to answer these and other planning and wellness questions. The General Plan Update is expected to be completed in time for the City’s 100th birthday in 2012. A SANDAG grant supporting a city-wide park master plan also slated for completion in 2012.

The City was awarded a planning grant to specifically increase walking and biking around La Mesa’s six elementary and two middle schools. The “La Mesa Kids Walk & Roll to School” Safe Routes program has begun a number of site specific programs like Lemon Avenue Elementary’s WOW – Walk to School Wednesday program. A recent grant added sidewalk improvements and traffic calming around Helix Charter High School. New funding will provide a new sidewalk across from La Mesa Middle school and sidewalks on Glen Street providing safer access to Lemon Avenue Elementary school. A sustainability program to encourage more middle school children to walk and bike to school, and a training program for parent volunteers who will coordinate walking and biking to school at each site is currently under develop-ment. Results of walkability/bikability studies around the schools are being used to leverage additional funding for sidewalk, bikeway, and traffic calming improvements near school sites.

Community involvement plays a key role in maintaining the focus of “ready…set…Live Well.” Last year the La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation and the Drew Ford Family, renovated the playground at Jackson Park. This project is the first of five playground renovations planned for City parks as part of the Foundation’s “It’s Child’s Play” capital campaign.

La Mesa is committed to Live Well and continues to improve walkability. The City has received both a Community Development Block Grant and SANDAG Pedes-trian/Bike funds for intersection improvements at Spring St and High St, and at El Cajon Blvd. and La Mesa Blvd. Improvements at these intersections will help to increase pedestrian safety, improve accessibility, and improve traffic flow through the intersections. Kaaren McElroy, Administrative Analyst II, also contributed to this column.

List your business here!619-697-2500


CHURCH GROUP CONDUCTS COLLIER PARK SURVEY

Journey Community Church’s college-age group adopted Collier Park in August 2010, and has been working hard to improve the safety, usage, and cleanliness of the park. On a recent Saturday they held a “Sidewalk Meeting,” gathering information from the neighboring community for the La Mesa Park and Recreation Department. They were asking folks about their concerns and dreams for Collier Park.

(l. to r.) Marina Kleit, Bryce Turner, Edward Santiago, Group Leader Sarah Merk-Benitez, Daryl Steed, Emily Gillespie and Amanda Ruff.

Kids and adults enjoy “Read in the Park” program

On a gorgeous Saturday in June, families gathered in Collier Park, to hear authors reading chil-dren’s books. Kids enjoyed making arts and crafts. Gabby Koffman, 9, (right) shows off her bookmark, while (below) Wilson brothers Demetrius (age 3) and Kwali (5 yrs) concentrate on designing their own. Event was co-sponsored by the City of La Mesa, LM Park & Recreation Foundation, San Diego County Library, Friends of La Mesa Library, Readers, Inc., and Target.

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Call (619) 465-5298 today for Auto, Home, Life and Business.


See Hearing Loss, Page 13

Letters to the Editor Happy to see a newspaper back in La Mesa

As the former editor of the La Mesa News, published back in the 1990s by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, I applaud Pam Crooks and the team she has put together to give La Mesa a long needed local newspaper.

The product is solid, with good writing, interesting features and an impressive list of advertisers who deserve support from what I’m sure will be a growing dedicated readership. In a world of declining newspaper readership, I have always believed that La Mesa could and would read and support a local newspaper. Kudos to all involved, including my former associate and friend Regina Williamson, on the advertising sales team.

Keep up the good work.......I’ll be reading.

Andy Phemister

Let’s hear about more “mini-getaways”!I enjoyed the first issue of the La Mesa Courier. I especially enjoyed the

“Staycation in San Diego” article by Jim Madaffer. When I was a child, my father drew a circle on a map with our house as the center. Within the circle were places we could visit, enjoy, have a picnic (we didn’t eat fast food) and return home in a day. With today’s economy, my husband and I are exploring similar adventures.

The San Diego Museum Council has 45 member museums all within an easy drive; several offer free admission. Other inexpensive “daycation” ideas include a trip to Julian for apple pie, star gazing in Laguna, visiting the beau-tiful desert of Borrego (only in winter for me), a stroll on the Ocean Beach pier or a downtown La Mesa meander along antique row.

I hope Mr. Madaffer continues his column with “obvious” or “secret” places for us to go for a mini-getaway.

Kathleen A Mclaughlin(Editor’s note: Although Jim will occasionally write other pieces for us, the

‘Staycation’ article was not really the start of a column. However, I think you will find other nearby getaway stories by different writers appearing frequently. This is also a passion of mine!)

Is technology lacking at La Mesa Middle School?A lack of leadership at La Mesa Middle School has resulted in their failure

to adopt technology that is commonplace at most schools.My son has recently completed the eighth grade at LMMS, and we have

spent the last three years having to harangue his teachers about grades and assignments, because most of them refused to use their websites, and some would not use email. When questioned, Principal Beth Thomas responded that she cannot force teachers to use the online tools that are made available to them. Our similar inquiries to the Superintendent and Board of Education went unanswered. The use of websites and email is clearly not a priority.

NONE of our son’s teachers maintained a current website with the daily or weekly assignments, nor did they post grades online.

Shame on Beth Thomas, Superintendent Brian Marshall, and the Board of Education for failing to enter the 21st century.

John Garrod

Our "Letters" PolicyThe Courier welcomes letters under 150 words in length, but may not print

them all. The Editor will select letters for publication which represent a diver-sity of opinions and topics. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Name, address and a phone number are required. (Only the name will be shown.)

Kalina, from page 9

cheese. Then they’re tossed in butter and served with sour cream or yogurt sauce. You must try these, if you haven’t already.

Chicken Kiev ($19.99) is a dish fit for a king. The elegant entree is made from a boneless chicken breast, rolled around cold garlic butter and herbs. The chef breads it and bakes it -- and when you cut it open, the chicken makes its own sauce. The chicken is served with mashed potatoes, and it is succulent.

If you like strogonoff, you can order it at this restaurant with either beef, chicken, or vegetables. We had the vegetarian version, and it was chock full of veggies in a rich creamy sauce. The chef serves the strogonoff with noodles or potatoes, and it’s priced at $15.99 on the dinner menu.

Stuffed cabbage is another Ukrainian delicacy. The traditional cabbage rolls are called golubtzi or holubsti in Ukrainian, but whatever you call them you’ll enjoy these beauties (stuffed with ground beef, carrots, sauteed onions, herbs, and rice). The cabbage rolls are served with tomato sauce and accompa-nied by sour cream or yogurt sauce.

Zharkoe (one of the most popular beef dishes throughout Russian and the Ukraine) is another specialty. This stew, made with braised beef, onions, carrots, and prunes, is priced at $15.99. Shashlik is another favorite. It consists of a skewer of meat marinated and grilled, then garnished with vegetables and served with pomegranate sauce on the side. You can order it made with pork ($13.50), chicken ($12.49) or lamb ($15.50).

The dessert list includes baked apples with dried fruits and nuts ($5.99) blini with fruits ($5.99), and sour cherry soup ($7.95). The chef prepares a special dessert every day, and ice cream is always available for dessert. The Russian tea with fruit flavored syrup ($2.75) is the most popular beverage on the menu.

Kalina is located in a small strip mall in La Mesa, with plenty of parking outside the door. The decor at this unpretentious eatery is quaint and comfort-able. The interior is decorated with antique samovars (used for brewing tea) and other collectables from Russia and Ukraine. You can ask for carry out service, and there’s even free local delivery with a minimum order of $20.

The Village House Kalina8302 Parkway Drive

La Mesa(619) 461-1100

LA MESA RESIDENT LISA MCGINNIS RECEIVES THE 10NEWS LEADERSHIP AWARD

On June 9, 10News honored Lisa McGinnis and her husband Roger for establishing a non-profit organization known as the Kelly McGinnis Memo-rial Foundation (KMMF). KMMF helps to positively impact the lives of future generations by funding San Diego County High School Vocational Programs, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and providing scholarships to high school seniors starting vocational careers.

Lisa McGinnis and her husband Roger both initiated the foundation in memory of their son, Kelly McGinnis, who died tragically in a car accident on Christmas Eve, 2005. He suffered from learning disorders, visual disabili-ties and neurological delays during his academic career until finding success in CTE programs with an emphasis on welding and auto mechanics. These courses became the inspiration he needed to undertake his academic classes and graduate in 2005. They sought to commemorate their son’s legacy while helping other students in the community.

Students benefit with an improved education, an increased potential in their careers, and scholarship opportunities. Scholarships have been awarded up to $10,000 in the last couple of years. More than $7,000 was donated last year to support CTE programs in the San Diego Unified District.

Last December, $3,000 in scholarships was donated to Madison High School’s automotive programs. The money went towards equipment and soft-ware helping students in their daily tasks.

KMMF encourages people to get involved in the program through dona-tions and the raising of funds to school ROP, Vocational and Continuing Tech-nical Educational programs as well as scholarships and sponsorships to high school students.

Lisa McGinnis dedicates countless time, effort, and money to ensure the success of the program. McGinnis continues to work professionally as a General Manager for Cal-West Products.

Lisa McGinnis received the 10News Leadership Award on Thursday, June 9. For more information, please contact the Kelly McGinnis Memorial Founda-tion at http://www.thekmmf.com/index.php.

Hearing Loss and Dementia Linked in Study

Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, a study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers suggests. The findings, the researchers say, could lead to new ways to combat dementia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and carries heavy societal burdens.

Although the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, the investigators suggest that a common pathology may underlie both or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders.

Whatever the cause, the scientists report, their finding may offer a starting point for interventions — even as simple as hearing aids — that could delay or prevent dementia by improving patients’ hearing.


La Mesa OrganizationsLa Mesa Rotary ClubWednesdays – NoonSalvation Army-Kroc Corporation Community Center6611 University (corner 69th and University)San Diego, CA 92115

Sunrise Rotary ClubFridays – 7:15 a.m.Terra American Bistro7091 El Cajon BoulevardLa Mesa, CA 91941

Lake Murray Kiwanis ClubFirst and Third Saturdays:7:30 a.m. - BreakfastMarie Callendar’s Restaurant6950 Alvarado RoadSan Diego, CA 92120Fourth Wednesday6:30 p.m. - DinnerCoco’s Restaurant5550 Lake MurrayLa Mesa, CA 91941

La Mesa Optimists ClubWednesdays, 7:15 a.m.Marie Callendar’s Restaurant6950 Alvarado RoadSan Diego, CA 92120

La Mesa Soroptimists ClubFirst Four Thursdays – September to June – 7:30 a.m.Denny’s Restaurant2691 Navajo RoadEl Cajon, CA 92020

Foothills Republican Women’s Federated ClubThird Thursdays – 10:30 a.m. (No meet-ings in June or July)Elks Lodge1400 E. WashingtonEl Cajon, CA 92020

La Mesa Foothills Democratic ClubFirst Wednesdays – 7:00 p.m.La Mesa Community Center4975 Memorial DriveLa Mesa, CA 91941

Grossmont Garden ClubSecond Mondays – 10:00 a.m.– NoonLa Mesa Community Center4975 Memorial DriveLa Mesa, CA 91941

La Mesa City CouncilSecond Tuesdays – 4:00 p.m.Fourth Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m.Council ChambersLa Mesa City Hall8130 Allison AvenueLa Mesa, CA 91941

La Mesa Women’s ClubThird Mondays – September to May – 1:00 p.m.Second Wednesdays – September to May – 7:00 p.m.5220 Wilson StreetLa Mesa, CA 91941

La Mesa Community Welfare Assn.8340 Lemon Ave.La Mesa, CA 91941(619) 466-6678

Kiwanis Club of La MesaFridays Noon–1:30 p.m.Nan Couts Cottage4975 Memorial Dr. La Mesa, CA 91941

La Mesa Lion’s ClubEvery Tuesday – Noon–1:30 p.m.La Mesa Community Center4975 Memorial DriveLa Mesa, CA 91941

Service Club Profile

La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club

Meeting time – every Friday morning from 7:15 – 8:30 amLocation – Terra Restaurant, 7091 El Cajon Blvd. (at corner of El Cajon

Blvd. and 71st Street)The La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is a community service club in La Mesa

whose members contribute time, talent, and resources to support both local and international communities in addressing concerns and providing oppor-tunities for growth. Examples of projects that this club has initiated include:

Foster Parent Night Out, where foster kids are provided activities, games, movies, and dinner while their parents receive a much-deserved quiet evening together.

Shelter Box Project, where provisional supplies are sent to families living in areas that have been devastated by natural disasters such as flood, famine, tsunami, hurricane, tornado, and earthquake.

Clean Water Projects, where communities in developing countries are provided with the resources required for ongoing access to clean water.

Model UN competition, Speech Contest Competition, Community Service Clubs (Interact and Rotaract), Youth Scholarships, and Leadership Camps for high school and college students.

Micro Credit Loans, where people in developing countries are provided with start up funds (i.e. to purchase a sewing machine) to start their own busi-ness to support their families.

Refurbishing Project on the building used by the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in El Cajon.

Eradication of Polio around the world, where each club contributes to the international effort to remove polio from the face of the earth.

These are just a few of the many projects that the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club participates in. For information about joining this club, please contact Manuela Bump-Murillo, Club President for 2011-2012 (619-807-7281), or Janet Castanos, Club Service Director (619-933-9960). Visitors are welcome at any of their Friday morning meetings.

Healthy summer programs offered by YMCA

The East County Family YMCA serves more than 50,000 people each year at the John A. Davis Family YMCA in La Mesa, the Cameron Family YMCA in Santee and the McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego (opened in April 2010, with a new Aquatics Complex opening this summer). All three full-service YMCAs are available for members to use seven days a week.

Group fitness, personal training, classes for special populations, water exercise and mind/body classes are always available. They also offer licensed childcare, gymnastics (beginning at age 12 months), teen clubs, youth sports, swim lessons and organized swim teams.

Summertime brings week-long day camps with fun themes like “Radical Reptiles and Friends,” “Splash Camp,” “Leaders in Training,” “Gymnastics,” “Ocean in Motion,” “Equestrian Camp,” “Archery” and even “Web Design.” Special family nights are also planned.

Space is still available for YMCA summer programming. Financial assis-tance is available for income eligible families. To learn more, call (619) 464-9622, or visit www.eastcounty.ymca.org.

Hearing Loss, from page 12

“Researchers have looked at what affects hearing loss, but few have looked at how hearing loss affects cognitive brain function,” says study leader Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Otology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “There hasn’t been much crosstalk between otologists and geriatricians, so it’s been unclear whether hearing loss and dementia are related.”

To make the connection, Lin and his colleagues used data from the Balti-more Longitudinal Study on Aging (BLSA). The BLSA, initiated by the National Institute on Aging in 1958, has tracked various health factors in thousands of men and women over decades.

The new study, published in the February Archives of Neurology, focused on 639 people whose hearing and cognitive abilities were tested as part of the BLSA between 1990 and 1994. While about a quarter of the volunteers had some hearing loss at the start of the study, none had dementia.

These volunteers were then closely followed with repeat examinations every one to two years, and by 2008, 58 of them had developed dementia. The researchers found that study participants with hearing loss at the beginning of the study were significantly more likely to develop dementia by the end. Compared with volunteers with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold, and fivefold, respectively, the risk of developing dementia over time. The more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing the memory-robbing disease.

Even after the researchers took into account other factors that are associ-ated with risk of dementia, including diabetes, high blood pressure, age, sex and race, Lin explains, hearing loss and dementia were still strongly connected.

“A lot of people ignore hearing loss because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age,” Lin says. “Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem .”

The research was supported by the intramural research program of the National Institute on Aging.

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Coming next month…A look at the La Mesa real estate market


Boys & Girls Club honors La Mesa teen

The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County recently celebrated the achievements of four very special children from this region with two hundred friends and family in attendance.

The event was held to honor those children who have excelled as positive role models (showing such traits as caring, honesty, fairness, citizenship and responsibility) throughout the year.

One of those honored during the ceremony was Kaitlyn Nicole Keys. Kaitlyn is a member of the La Mesa Teen Center, who has demonstrated leadership skills by showing new members around the Club and encouraging them to join in the fun. Award presenters explained that she also consistently provides a positive role model for younger members.

Kaitlyn attends La Mesa Middle School, maintains a good grade point average and has aspirations of attending college and becoming an actress.

Since 1961, the goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County is to provide a safe haven for children 6-18 every day after school and during the summer months. Four facilities in the communi-ties of Lakeside, El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee are fully staffed and equipped to provide more than 2,300 children annually with programs and activities that not only entertain, but teach. The La Mesa Teen Center, located in Highwood Park near La Middle School, is operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs for the City of La Mesa.

New Executive Director/Vice President at East County YMCA

After 20 years of dedicated, professional service as East County Family YMCA’s Executive Director/VP, Steve Rowe has left to tackle a new role as the new Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of San Diego County. Under his leadership, two new Y’s were built (Santee and Rancho San Diego) and the John A. Davis facility in La Mesa was renovated in 2008.

Rob Sauvajot has been named the new Executive Director/Vice Presi-dent of the East County Family YMCA, which now operates the John A. Davis Family YMCA in La Mesa, the Cameron Family YMCA in Santee, and the new McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Peninsula YMCA in Point Loma, where he success-fully led a growing branch through a Capital Campaign and construction of a new Gymnasium and Fitness Center. He worked hard to develop strong local school and church partnerships to position the Peninsula YMCA for continued growth.

Sauvajot’s long career at the YMCA of San Diego County started at the La Jolla YMCA in 1988 as a Day Camp leader. At the La Jolla YMCA, he held positions such as Childcare Site Supervisor, Day Camp Coordinator, Program Department Head and Associate Executive Director before accepting his most recent position as Executive Director of the Peninsula Family YMCA, in 2004.

A native East County San Diegan (he graduated from Patrick Henry High School), Sauvajot now lives in University City with his wife Mary Jean. He is a graduate of UCSD with a B.A. in Psychology and attained an M.B.A. from San Diego State University in 1998. He is currently Board President of the Associa-tion of YMCA Professionals, receiving the President’s Award in 2003, and also serves as a Board member of the Community Campership Council.

For more information, please visit www.eastcounty.ymca.org

Nile Brandt, Unit Director, La Mesa Teen Center (l.), Kaitlyn Nicole Keys and Sal Olloqui, Director of Operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of East County (r.)

Advertise in theLa Mesa CourierCall 619-697-2500

Jumbo Lemon Harvested In La MesaA La Mesa woman recently harvested an lemon from her tree that

looks more like a softball! Kim Taylor said the jumbo, organic lemon measured 17” in diameter and was about 8” in length.

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La Mesa Courier8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942

Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505email: [email protected]

Visit our website at: www.LaMesaCourier.com

Editor:Pam Crooks, ext. 124

Publisher:Mission Publishing Group, LLC

Graphic Artist:Aleta El Sheikh

Advertising Consultants:Lionel Talaro, ext. 128Regina Williamson, ext. 133

Contributing Writers:Kathleen CrawfordCynthia Robertson

Writers and Advertising Sales Experts WantedPlease call 619-697-2500, Ext 122

Circulation: 20,000. Published 7 times in 2011 and delivered to all single family homes in 91941 and 91942 and at over 150 bulk locations throughout our circulation area of La Mesa, California by Mission Publishing Group, LLC. Classified ads and articles must be submitted by mail, e-mail or dropped off at our business address, 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or material submitted which are deemed to be objectionable. Publisher’s liability for errors: La Mesa Courier assumes no financial liability for errors nor for omission of copy and upon request will furnish a letter of correction to the advertiser. The Publisher, Mission Publishing Group, LLC., shall not be liable for any error in published advertising unless an advertiser proof is requested in writing 12 days prior to publication date and clearly marked for corrections. If the error is not corrected by the Publisher, the liability, if any, shall not exceed the space occupied for the error. Further, the Publisher shall not be liable for any omission of an advertisement ordered to be published. On written request, Publisher shall reschedule and run the omitted advertisement at the advertiser’s cost. All claims for adjustment must be made in writing within 30 days of the date of publication. In no case shall the Publisher be liable for any general, special or consequential damages.

Equal Housing Opportunity: Real estate advertising in La Mesa Courier is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” La Mesa Courier will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. This is to notify La Mesa Courier readers that all dwellings advertised in La Mesa Courier are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or TTY at 1-800-927-9275.

News and information printed in La Mesa Courier is obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy on information sent to the paper cannot be guaranteed. Articles and opinions of writers or letters to the editor that are submitted for publication to the La Mesa Courier are the views of the writers and should not be considered the views of the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2011, all rights reserved.

Classified AdsSERVICES

Quality exterior carpentry. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers and Termite Repair. Lic 365241 www.aactionbuildersofsandiego.com Bob 619-275-1493 (04/12)

Pet/Housesitting Services. Est. 1983, Bonded. Pet-tenders offers feeding, walking, plant care, housesitting-and above all...spoiling...in your own home! www.pet-tenders.com 619-298-3033. (03/12)

Flute/Piano Instruction. 30 years experience. Beginner to advanced. Music Education. B.A. Degree. Reasonable rates. Available for teaching in your home or mine. Rick, 619-286-8012. (03/12)

Professional Power Washing. We specialize in cleaning driveways, patios, tile roofs, stucco, wood decks, rain gutters. Call 619-460-8177 www.sandiegopowerclean.com. (03/12)

Contractor/handyman, small jobs ok. Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, doors, roll up garage door repair, laminate floors. Licensed and insured, Bill #701783. 619-698-0375. (01/12)

Linda’s Puppy Love. Bonded, licensed, insured pet & house sitting service offers daily dog walks, cat care, vacation visits, overnight care, love, care & attention. www.lindaspuppylove.com 619-857-3674. (01/12)

Keith Everett Construction and Handyman Service: All phases of home remodeling and repair. Window and door replacement specialist. Repair or build any style of fence, deck, or patio cover. Kitchen and bath remodels. Senior discount, references. No job too small. Lic #878703. Call 619-255-3499. (01/12)

Roofing, licensed, bonded, second generation Allied Gardens roofer. Over 100 homes in Allied Gardens roofed. Repairs, all types of roofing. Free estimates. Call 619-287-7149. (12/11)

Locksmith – Discount Deadbolts & Rekeying – security door viewers, patio door locks, simulated alarms, magnetic door stops. Cliff Henderson 619-840-3327 – Lic #LCO4353 – Bonded – Never a trip charge! (10/11)

German Setter Tile and Marble. Professional stone/tilesetter with 26 years experience. European craftsmanship. Punctual & dependable. License #872804. Contact Jens Sedemund: 619-415-6789 or [email protected]. (10/11)

Computer Repair-Set-Up-Tune Up. PC help. For families, seniors, home offices. Trusted in Homes for over 25 years. Call 619-992-5882. BBB CA Lic #81527. (10/11)

Save water, save money. Take the hassle out of irrigation scheduling, and upgrade your irrigation system with a ‘smart’ controller or timer. Your watering schedule will be adjusted as the weather changes. Rebates available. Call 619-251-3775. (10/11)

Computer Services for home & office by local, seasoned, 18 year IT Pro. Wireless, upgrades, troubleshooting, system tuning/cleanup, training, minor miracles - Ed - 619-517-7153. (08/11)

Landscape maintenance, installations, repairs, sprinklers, shrubs, lighting a specialty, residential & commercial. Business since 1979. Call Darrell 619-401-9835 or 619-972-8744. (08/11)

Wallcovering Contractor - Enhance the beauty and value of your home! Removal, prep and installation. Precise, superior workmanship by Mr. Elisha Blatt, Lic.# 644396. Discounts on wallcoverings available. Free estimates. 619-582-4449. (07/11)

Gardening Service: Lawns, hedges, weeding, trimming, we do it all! 20 years experience, Allied Gardens resident since 1983. Weekly/bi-weekly service. Licensed/Insured. Free estimates. 619-287-6947. (07/11)

Handy Man + Remodel + Additions. Full service, local & independent. Expert journeyman all trades. Member BBB. Call John Irwin today – free estimates. IHI-Contractor. #762615. Phone 619-277-2077. (07/11)

Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage. Deep-tissue, sports, Swedish massage for rehabilitation and/or relaxation by appointment only. Introductory one-hour massage $35 (normally $50) at home office by certified LMT and HHP. Call Suzy 619-767-8866. License #92010781. (07/11)

Best San Diego Reading Tutor for Young Children –Now enrolling ages 3-7 for private lessons. Unique, multi-sensory, musical, advanced phonics program. Children advance very quickly. (619) 520-0953 http://sandiegoreadingtutor.blogspot.com/

HELP WANTEDDel Cerro Insurance Agency needs P/T clerical assistance. Pay depending on experience. Call 619-265-4041 ask for Chris.

BUS. OPPORTUNITIESWanted: Independent...motivated...profit-driven entrepreneurs! Is your way of getting ahead... leading you to distress? Plug into our marketing system... Allowing you to be in control! For information call Dixie at 858-278-2120. (09/11)

CHILD CAREBusy Days Daycare – A warm, safe. Kid-friendly environment. Licensed (#376617988) childcare. Affordable, excellent references educational fun. Healthy meals provided. www.BusyDaysDaycare.weebly.com (619) 549-3661 (9/11)

FREE CLASSIFIEDSFree classified ads are available to private parties and to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services. Only one ad per party or organization will be accepted per issue as a free classified - additional ads must be paid for with submission of the ads. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less. Ads of more than 25 words cost 50¢ per additional word; payment must accompany the ad. All free classifieds will run for only one issue even if you indicate on the ad that you want it to run more than one time. All classified ads - free or paid - must be submitted by mail only or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD - IF NO DATE IS GIVEN, THE AD RUNS ONLY ONE ISSUE. The following ad classifications are eligible for free classified ads: FOR SALE, GARAGE SALES, LOST & FOUND, WANTED, FOR RENT, NOTICES and YOUTH SERVICES. However, this does not include WANTED ads for multi-level sales or FOR RENT ads for vacation/rental condos or NOTICES for any profit-making organization.

PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $8/25 words or lessBUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS including SERVICES, CHILD CARE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, NOTICES, HELP WANTED, & FOR SALE ads for any profit-making enterprise costs $8 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. NOTICES ads may NOT be ads normally classified under SERVICES (i.e., business ads) the Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads sent in under the NOTICES category that should more appropriately be placed elsewhere. PAID ADS may run for any consecutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD. IF NO DATE IS INCLUDED AFTER THE AD, IT RUNS ONLY ONCE. When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000 San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER”PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE

CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.”Mail to 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145 La Mesa, CA 91942.

FOR SALE CHILD CARE BUS. OPP. NOTICES

FOR RENT SERVICES WANTED (see restrictions above)

LOST & FOUND HELP WANTED GARAGE SALES

AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCL. WITH AD: __________CHECK #

Grossmont Center Concert Series ContinuesGet your Groove on! Every Friday in Macy’s Courtyard, 6 – 8 p.m.

JULY

7/1 Charly and Calico Ridge - Country Dance Band 7/8 Bayou Brothers - Cajun, Zydeco, Blues 7/15 The Moondawgs - Oldies & Surf Music 7/22 Rubber Souls - Beatles Tribute Band 7/29 The Earthwalkers - Celtic, Folk

Cat-illacs performance on June 25th

2011 LA MESA COURIER SCHEDULEPublication date: 1st Friday of each monthNote: Deadlines are firm. No extensions.

Display ads & Business/Service Directory listings are paid in advance.

PUBLICATION DISPLAY AD SPACE AD ARTWORK ARTICLES CLASSIFIED ADDATE DEADLINE 5 pm* DEADLINE 5 pm DEADLINE 5 pm DEADLINE NoonAugust 5 July 19 July 26 July 26 July 30September 2 August 16 August 23 August 23 August 27October 7 September 13 September 20 September 20 September 24November 4 October 18 October 25 October 25 October 29December 2 November 15 November 22 November 22 November 26

*Deadline to reserve space for advertisers not currently on a contract.Mail or drop off your ad or article at our mailing address at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942

Articles may be sent via E-Mail to: [email protected]

‘Camp Wildcat’ Created for Disappointed Sixth Graders

The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District eliminated its popular sixth-grade camp program this year due to budget constraints, so La Mesa Middle School teachers, parents and staff organized a special day camp instead. With volunteer

help and donations, they created “Camp Wildcat” (the school’s mascot). Every sixth-grade student was able to participate in a week of special activities on a variety of nature topics, and a day at Louis Seltzer Park. The children even enjoyed abbreviated versions of traditional camp favorites like trying archery and making s’mores.

No funding was required from the school district. The Seltzer Family Foundation generously provided a grant for buses to take 350 kids to the County park (two classes each day).

Camp Wildcat students meet a porcupine


Grieving Father Organizes Support GroupTeen daughter died of drug overdose

Candice Norton was a Little League All-Star growing up, and as a student at Grossmont High, attended her senior prom in 2004. A year later she was dead of a meth-amphetamine overdose.

Her family was devastated. Her dad, Shawn Norton, explained, “Recovering from grief in any circumstance is never easy, but because of the very nature of substance deaths, it is even more difficult for surviving family and friends.”

As a result, Shawn has decided to reach out to other families and individuals who have experienced a similar loss due to substance abuse. He is forming a support group chapter of G.R.A.S.P. (Grief Recovery After A Substance Passing) in the La Mesa area.

“In 2005, my 18-year old daughter Candice, who was born in Grossmont hospital

and was a La Mesa All-Star, passed away in that same hospital on the 3rd floor. A bad choice—not a bad kid or from a bad town! She overdosed on “meth” (methamphetamine). It changed my life and the entire family.”

“San Diego has an epidemic and many fami-lies are left devastated without a solid support group. I want to reach out and help.” Shawn is looking for a regular meeting place in La Mesa. The group meets monthly for 1½ hours. For more information, contact Shawn Norton, (619) 793-8958, [email protected].

la mesa courier - july 2011

Documents

mesa city council

rest of east county

county board of supervisors

east county team meetings

william gross

grossmont area

better health initiative

ed fletcher