la mesa courier - june 2011

June 3, 2011 On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com Volume I – Number 1

See Hello, page 15

See People, page 7

See Chief, page 3

FACES OF LA MESA

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

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

The Real Jewel of La Mesa: Its Peopleby Elizabeth A. Berg

One hundred years ago, La Mesa was on the cusp of becoming an incor-porated city. A few stores, such as La Mesa Lumber, which opened in 1908, lined the spacious streets and the land was dotted with citrus trees. “San Diego’s Pasadena,” according to first edition of the La Mesa Springs Scout in March 1907, “is the ideal location,

away from the water. Its drier atmosphere, 850 feet altitude, and tempered sea breezes will benefit you in case of rheumatic trouble or cough.” For $200, a person could purchase a large lot on a graded street with “almost a birdseye view” of the ocean, city and moun-tains. A payment of $2,500 would buy five acres, trees, a house, a barn, and a water

line.Today, La Mesa still

offers opportunities for people to enjoy their “ideal” location. The average cost of a 3-bedroom home in February 2011 was $333,000, which is compa-rable with a similar home in San Diego. The city draws a demographic mix that includes 62 percent Whites, 20 percent Latinos, seven

percent Blacks, six percent Asians and four percent who identify with two or more races, according to the 2010 Census. The Registrar of Voters reports a slight nudge of more Democrats (38 percent of total voters) than Republicans (35 percent), with a number of La Mesans who vote along non-partisan lines (21 percent) or minor parties (six percent). There

An Interview with La Mesa Police Chief Alan LanningBy Pam Crooks, Editor

PC: I attended the neighborhood forum at La Mesa Dale Elementary School last evening (May 23). How often do you hold those? What is typically the attendance? What is the one thing everyone wants to know?

AL: Last night’s attendance was pretty typical; the average is about 15-20 people. These started last year and happen pretty much on a monthly basis, except in the summer. Holding them at elementary schools is a natural fit because they are in neighborhoods. It’s always interesting to see what will be the hot topic. Questions about sex offenders were more frequent at the beginning because of the high-profile nature of those crimes; the subject of graffiti is also often raised. People today always ask about the crime rates because they have read or heard about the blip in our crime stats last year.

PC: You mentioned last night that our crime rate in La Mesa skewed higher in the early part of last year due to a rash of property crimes, but that in general La Mesa is experiencing

Look for FACES throughout this issue, as La Mesa residents

tell us how long they've lived here and what they love about

our town!

Chief Lanning

Beautiful garden scene on GMIA tour, see page 9 for story

La Mesa’s 14th Annual Flag Day Parade!On Saturday, June 4, beginning at 9

am, downtown La Mesa will dress up in red, white and blue for the 14th Annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade, “A Salute to Old Glory!”

The parade begins at 10 a.m. and marches through downtown La Mesa Village.

Spectators will enjoy over 75 entries, including marching bands led by the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The 2011 Grand Marshals are the 1961 Little League World Champions from La Mesa. Floats, military vehicles, active and retired war heroes, equestrian units, service clubs and youth groups will celebrate civic pride and our national symbol, along with a 20-foot wide ‘living flag’ carried by community volunteers.

Enjoy a patriotic pre-parade concert from 9 am–10 am by the La Mesa Middle School band at La Mesa Blvd. and Palm Ave. Spectators are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire and cheer on the partici-pants in this annual parade.

For more information log onto www.cityoflamesa.com or call the Parade hotline at 619-667-1172.

Hello, La Mesa!We are proud to introduce La Mesa’s very own community newspaper,

the La Mesa Courier. This monthly publication will feature all the things that make La Mesa unique and great, including community culture and events, youth sports, family activities, social events, entertainment, local news and more.

This first issue is devoted to the very special quality of life and people of La Mesa. We will regularly feature community highlight stories, such as the interview below with La Mesa Police Chief Alan Lanning. Next month’s paper will have a special focus on health and fitness.

For the first time in nearly 15 years, La Mesans have their very own print publication. Starting with this issue, free copies are being delivered the first Friday of every month to each single-family home in the 91941 and 91942 zip codes, with additional copies made available at over 150 bulk loca-tions around town. The La Mesa Courier is modeled after Mission Publishing Group’s successful sister publication, The Mission Times Courier, published since 1995 and delivered to homes and businesses in San Carlos, Del Cerro, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Janet CastanosGrossmont College

Dean of English & Social/Behavioral Sciences“29 years…I like the

growing diversity, mix of ethnicities and cultures

in La Mesa.”

Bud WillisRetired elementary-school

teacher, blues festival organizer

“71 years…the people!”

Oscar BarillasSenior Class valedictorian,

Helix Charter High“10 Years…La Mesa is at the center of everything, close to the mountains

and the beaches.”

LaMesaCourier.com — June 2011

See Huntamer, Page 6

See Fair Trade, Page 4

News

La Mesa: A ‘Fair Trade’ Town by Centennial Year?Commerce with a Conscience

Fair Trade Products, originating from countries all over the developing world, repre-sent a wide variety of unique items. A steering committee is at work to bring awareness to La Mesa of how the sale and use of Fair Trade certified products can bring about self-sufficiency for those who live in poverty. Fair Trade creates trading rela-tionships with growers and artisans in developing countries that guarantee equity, fair wages, healthy and safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable practices.

For a product to be Fair-Trade certified, requirements must be met by the growers and artisans to protect the environment, build economic sustainability and provide opportunities for education and health care. School fees are paid; nutritional needs are met; health care costs are covered.

Products that are Fair-Trade certified include coffee, tea, food items,

Local Farmers Insurance Agent Attends “Championship” Conference

Marilyn Huntamer, a La Mesa Agent, has qualified as a “Championship” Agent by Farmers Insurance for outstanding overall performance.

“Huntamer is among the best of the best at Farmers who have achieved a high sales volume for auto, home, life and business policies, while maintaining high client retention and profitability,” said Farmers President of Enterprise Marketing, Paul Patsis. “Through Huntamer’s excellent customer service, Farmers continues to be local customers’ first choice for their insurance needs. All of us at Farmers are proud of Huntamer’s commitment and service to the community.”

As part of this special recognition on Farmers’ 83rd year, Huntamer attended a Championship conference in San Francisco, May 22 - 26, to discuss new business strategies and key issues affecting customers and the insurance industry in the local community. Only 199 agents and 32 district managers earned the distinct honor to attend this conference.

Grossmont College Commencement Launches 50th CelebrationInspiring La Mesan delivers student address

More than 2,100 students received their degrees or certificates from East County’s two community colleges early this month, capping a challenging year marked by the state’s ongoing budget crisis and launching the start of Gross-mont College’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration.

Grossmont College honored 1,504 students on Wednesday, June 1, who received associate’s degrees and certificates of achievement at the 50th annual commencement at the college’s main quad. On Thursday, June 2, Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego feted 619 students at the college’s 33rd commence-ment at the student center quad.

Both colleges in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District have had to deal with three years of state budget reductions leading to major funding losses and cutbacks for hundreds of classes, potentially delaying students’ educational progress.

“These graduates have had to deal with some of the toughest budgetary

Two La Mesans Honored as ‘2011 Healthcare Heroes’The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports

many non-profit, health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region, honored five East County residents with a 2011 Healthcare Hero award at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 11, at Sycuan Resort in El Cajon.

Now in its fifth year, GHD’s Health-care Hero awards program recognizes and rewards front-line volunteers, caregivers and other individuals who help advance the delivery of health care and improve the quality of life for East County residents, said Debbie McElravy, GHD 2011 board president. Recipients of a 2011 Healthcare Hero Award included two La Mesa residents:

Patricia Bull of La Mesa is a retired Navy nurse who has volun-teered over the past four years at a free medical clinic operated by Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), a non-profit that brings together medical professionals and patients who don’t have health insurance. Her experience has helped streamline operations and increase services to patients at the clinic in El Cajon, according to VIM officials.

Jack Shuk of La Mesa is a volunteer spiritual counselor and Eucharistic minister who has volunteered more than 1,000 hours since October 2007 with San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine (SDHIPM). A

former Franciscan priest, Shuk works directly with hospice patients and their families at SDHIMP’s 24-bed facility for patients whose pain or symptoms can be best managed in a medical setting. He worked on staff at SDHIMP from 2001 until his retirement in September 2007, and then began volunteering the very next month.

Grossmont Healthcare District, formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital, serves as landlord of the hospital, including ownership of the property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The taxpayer-supported 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 San Diego’s East County. GHD also operates the Dr. William C. Herrick Community

Health Care Library, a public library specializing in health research informa-tion, located at 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. For more information about GHD, visit www.grossmonthealthcare.org.

Patricia Bull

Jack Shuk

See Grossmont College, Page 7

Helix Charter High Graduates Largest Class in School’s History

Helix Charter High School awarded diplomas to approximately 500 students on Wednesday, June 1 at Benton Hart Stadium—the largest gradu-ating class in the school’s history. The Class of 2011 entered Helix as the first class required to meet more rigorous graduation requirements implemented in 2007. As a result, each graduate left Helix meeting the admission require-ments for the University of California and California State University systems.

There were 191 students graduating with honors (earning a 3.5 or higher grade point average) and 89 earning gold caps (outstanding performance on California Standards Tests). Both of these totals are the highest ever for a Helix graduating class.

Helix’s class of 2011 performed more than 18,000 community service hours and took more than 500 college admissions tests (SAT and/or ACT). Class vale-dictorians were Oscar Barillas, Cristi Marie Magracia, Samuel Stowe, and Kevin Tran.

Helix Charter High School is located in La Mesa, California and serves approximately 2,400 students from all over the county, with the majority from La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley. Helix High School was established in 1952, and was granted its charter in 1997, becoming the first comprehen-sive charter high school in the state. The school is located at 7323 University Avenue.


See Chief, Page 12

See News and Views, Page 8

See Grossmont Center, Page 5

Chief, from page 1

Business News

Grossmont Center Gives $50,000 to Local Charities for 50th Anniversary

Grossmont Center has donated over $2 million dollars to local charities since its doors opened in 1961. The missions of these charities are in education, health and well-being and the futures of our youth. Some of the recipients include the La Mesa Parks and Recreation Founda- tion, the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Center, the Wounded Warriors Fund, the Boys & Girls Club of East County, and the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Foun- dation. This year alone Grossmont Center will donate more than $50K to these and other local charities.

Grossmont Center is celebrating its anniver-sary throughout 2011 with a 1960s Flower Power theme campaign to include '60s music throughout the center and exciting events including; Get Your Groove On Summer Concerts Series that begin every Friday evening in June and July, which includes a Beatles Tribute Band.

And, to celebrate Father’s Day, a Classic Car Show and Retro Rock N Roll Band on June 18th. The center also launched its Facebook page this year with

Mount Helix Garden Will Supply Award-Winning RestaurantSUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC FARM SITE BREAKS GROUND

The Red Door Family Garden, a customized ½ acre garden/farm on Mount Helix will soon provide hyper-local produce for The Red Door restaurant in San Diego’s Mission Hills neighborhood, and fulfill Executive Chef Brian John-ston’s specific menu needs year round.

The Red Door Family Garden will incorporate a “food forest,” edible flowers and raised beds for a smart assortment of produce (from rainbow chard to lychee tomatoes), as well as a natural composting system (that will dispose of food waste from the restaurant).

The half-acre garden has been designed by Urban Plantations, a local urban farming company. The Red Door Family Garden will provide consumers a first-hand look at the possibility of saving money and growing fresh, organic produce. The garden is also leading the way in this unique farm-to-fork move-ment: restaurant supported agriculture (RSA).

News and ViewsBy Mary England, CEOLa Mesa Chamber of Commerce

After many years there is now a newspaper in La Mesa and I am proud to be able to write a column that will inform you on business happenings around the city, as well as other tidbits that will hopefully interest you!

As the economy continues to struggle there are 2 business owners that have taken the “plunge” and are expanding their business and I want to send a HUGE “round of applause” for their efforts! Himalayan Cuisine (7918 El Cajon Blvd. in the Crossroads Shopping Center) has taken over the vacant suite next door to his current restaurant and it is fabu-lous! Owner, Khem Kharel has invested his time, money, heart and soul into this

addition. I visited Khem and took a tour of the new location and was astounded at the increased space that will certainly add to the dining experience of his many patrons. Khem is a constant supporter of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and each year tantalizes people at the Taste of La Mesa with his unique recipes of Himalayan food. The other busi-ness that is expanding their location is The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli (8751 La Mesa Blvd.) , owned by the Mother and Daughter team of Megan Custeau and Jennifer Tanner. They are also expanding to the suite next door and from a personal visit I

can say it will be beautiful.In May, Windermere Real Estate moved

from its temporary location on La Mesa Blvd. to 8131 Allison Avenue across from City Hall in the old California Coast Credit Union space and celebrated the grand opening with a big open house catered by chamber member Continental Catering. Bob Deville and Kirk Gregor welcomed over 150 people who were enthusiastic about this new vibrant business corner of La Mesa.

On May 16th, the Chamber put on the third annual Taste of La Mesa at the Community Center to another sold out crowd. With 26 event sponsors, 28

Future Mt. Helix Red Door Family Garden site

Mary England

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8unprecedented low levels of crime not seen since the 1960s. What do you attri-bute that to?

AL: In general our statistics follow those of the greater San Diego region. For the last five to 10 years there has been more emphasis on regional crime-fighting efforts. Because this is a border region, San Diego has received federal grant money (Operation Stone Garden) for additional personnel, surveillance, etc. As a result, along the I-5 corridor and up the coast, we’ve seen significant decreases in crime. There has also been effective cooperation between agencies on every level with regular meetings and joint task forces. (This type of coop-eration is unusual throughout the country. More than one new federal official will tell us after they’ve been here for six months that they’ve never seen law enforcement on the level they’ve experienced here in San Diego.)

Our emphasis in la Mesa is on being proactive. We monitor trends, paying attention day to day, shift to shift. We will take the initiative if we see a problem brewing in an area. We also address quality of life issues like transients and graffiti. We make a good effort at dealing with these.

PC: You also answered a question about our ranking in East County with


Fair Trade, from page 2

See Jacob, Page 10

See Madrid, Page 13

Civic Life

WELCOME TO LA MESA!A Guest Column by La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid

Congratulations to Publisher Jim Madaffer and Editor Pam Crooks, with their new venture, the La Mesa Courier.

Community journalism has always served as the nexus between residents, government, social issues, the arts and other topics of interest and import to its readers. I foresee the same opportunity for the Courier.

The timing could not be better as La Mesa is planning a community-wide celebra-

tion for our Centennial on February 16, 2012, and the Courier will have a front row seat as plans and events go forward.

Our city has been going through a major transformation, not just in new or major upgrades to all levels of infrastructure, but state-of-the-art construc-tion of major public buildings. We are especially proud of the seven awards recently received from regional and state wide organizations that recognize these major accomplishments.

As the Courier becomes established, they will find an embarrassment of riches in reporting that which makes La Mesa the true “Jewel of the Hills.” First and foremost are its residents—a group of honest, hardworking individ-uals who care about their families, neighbors and community. They give freely of their time, talents and energies to schools, churches, services clubs, civic and business organizations and their city.

In addition, there are legions of visionary pioneers in the civic and commu-

HOW NEWSPAPERS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCEA Guest Column by Dianne Jacob,San Diego County Supervisor, 2nd District

Congratulations to the La Mesa Courier for launching a newspaper that covers issues specific to La Mesa residents! A hyper-local newspaper is good news for the people of La Mesa and great news for democracy. I strongly believe that a free press is instrumental in holding government accountable and keeping the public informed of important civic issues.

Good reporting is two-fold: it can accentuate the positive or highlight the negative. Either way, the results are beneficial to the public.

A good reporter can spotlight foolish spending and ultimately influence positive reforms of government and other agencies. A good reporter can also tell the stories of the fascinating people and heroes that make La Mesa the vibrant city it is today. By featuring those that make La Mesa proud, commu-nity identity deepens and residents take greater pride in their hometown.

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along gorgeous Lake Murray or a visit to the one-of-a-kind merchants in the historic downtown area, La Mesa has a lot to brag about. At the same time, as government and schools struggle with budget woes every day, now more than ever, the public needs to participate in critical decision-making that will greatly impact wallets and lives.

Need an example of how influential a newspaper can be? I’ve got a personal favorite.

Longtime residents might remember the 2001 Viejas fire near Alpine. It torched 10,000 acres and destroyed about 80 buildings and hundreds of cars. Victims were scared for their lives and some fled to nearby La Mesa. During the critical hours that followed the fire, the local chapter of the American Red Cross collected about $400,000 for fire victims, in part by using photographs of

Republican Women Meet at La Mesa Brigantine

April Boling will be the featured speaker when the Navajo Canyon Repub-lican Women, Federated, gather on Tuesday, June 14, for the Flag Day lunch meeting at the Brigantine restaurant in La Mesa. April is former president and a long-time member of NCRWF. She is well-versed in city politics, having served as a leader on several city-wide task forces to reform city government. She is also a former president of the San Diego Taxpayers’ Association.

Check-in time for the 11 a.m. meeting is at 10:45 am. Luncheon is served at noon with April’s presentation at 12:30. Reservations are required. Email [email protected] or call 619-697-2235. Cost for the full-course luncheon is $18. If you are interested in learning about membership in NCRWF, contact membership chairman, Diana at (610) 669-6500 or [email protected].

After the June meeting, NCRWF will ‘go dark’ for the summer. Next luncheon meeting will be Sept. 13, also at the Brigantine in La Mesa.

clothing and accessories, jewelry, craft items, baskets, household items and many more. In Downtown La Mesa, some participating merchants carry some of these Fair Trade items. All Things Bright and British has some Fair Trade chocolate, tea and jam. Cosmos Coffee Café serves only Fair Trade coffee. Mostly Mission has a small assortment of hand hammered copper bowls, with more Fair Trade items coming in. Readers, Inc.: A Children’s Book Store, has a wonderful display of journals and other Fair Trade products. Other La Mesa stores carrying Fair Trade include Starbucks, Albertsons, Costco, Henry’s Markets, Trader Joe’s and Cost Plus World Market.

To qualify for an official declaration as a “Fair Trade Town” a certain number of merchants in the city must carry the certified products. Consumers need to be aware of the benefits that come when those products are purchased. In addition, a number of organizations, churches, schools, etc., should be committed to serving Fair Trade coffee / tea and/or other products at their events. The La Mesa Fair Trade Steering Committee’s goal is to spread the word and also encourage the use of Fair Trade within the city. Members of the steering committee are Dennis Andolsek, Flora Funk, Susan Glevanik, Jack Harris, Midge Hyde, Ephraim Mallari, Anne Pacheco, Lee Quinn, Nancy Ryan, David Schmidt, Dawn Stary-Sweeney, Cindy Vasquez. Nancy Ryan is the Chair.

There are many Fair Trade towns throughout the U.S. and Europe. The La Mesa Steering Committee encourages all merchants to explore the unique

items Fair Trade has to offer. Consumers should look for the black and white logo of Fair Trade certification on the products that you buy. Fair Trade empowers consumers to vote with their dollars for justice and a better world. To learn more, see www.fairtradetownsusa.org/towns/ca/la-mesa.

Faces of La Mesa

Patricia ReyesGraduating senior, Helix Charter High

“7 years…nice quiet area; love the Octoberfest!”

Faces of La Mesa

Matt ReadSoftware engineer, “old-time”

musician“Since 1991…small-town

mentality; I feel safe here…”

Foothills Democratic Club to Discuss Military Families in our Midst

The La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club is the second-largest Democratic club in San Diego County. Its 300 members are celebrating the recent shift in La Mesa voter registration, making Democratic voters the most common in La Mesa. Club meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, at the La Mesa Community Center, with average attendance of about 80.

The July 6 meeting will be about military families in our community (speaker to be announced), and the August 3 meeting will feature a panel on political balance on broadcast radio. More information at: www.lmfdc.sddem.org/index.html.

Craig’s Custom Landscaping“Serving all of San Diego’s East County”

619-841-6572

Craig Buteau Owner/Landscaper

LaMesaCourier.com — June 2011 Health

Summer Healthcare Event at Grossmont Center on June 11

Summer Healthcare Saturday, the largest annual free health fair in San Diego’s East County region will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, June 11, near the movie theaters at Grossmont Center. Exhibit booth space for is still available for health-related for-profit businesses or non-profit organiza-tions. Cost for exhibit space begins at $75. The event is presented by the East County Chamber of Commerce.

Organizers expect more than 75 exhibit booths to feature health screen-ings for stroke, blood pressure and blood glucose/diabetes, as well as the latest information on health-related techniques and products. Information will also be available about senior housing and home care services, hospice, home safety, fitness centers, health insurance, herbal supplements, medical supplies and volunteer opportunities. In addition, information will be available about Alzheimer’s disease, chiropractic, dentistry and eye surgery. The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at the health fair.

Event sponsors include the Grossmont Healthcare District, Sharp Gross-mont Hospital, Grossmont Center and Alvarado Hospital. For more informa-tion and an exhibitor application, contact Jarryd Davis at the East County Chamber, (619) 440-6161, or visit www.eastcountychamber.org.

La Mesa Transportation & Mobility Expo, June 15:For older adults and persons with disabilities

The City of La Mesa will host its second annual Transportation and Mobility Expo for older adults and persons with disabilities on Wednesday, June 15. Supported by funding from SANDAG, Expo will be held at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Expo is a free event for older adults, adult children of aging parents and persons with disabilities who are interested in learning more about specialized transportation options, ADA paratransit services, vehicle adapta-tions, electric scooters, and other mobility equipment.

The Expo offers “one-stop shopping” for adults facing life changes that affect their independence, can no longer drive and/or suffer chronic physical problems, and are looking for transportation and comfort options.

Guest speakers will make presentations on a variety of related topics, including how to apply for and use ADA Paratransit Services, and important tips on using taxis and public transportation. There will also be a Latin and ballroom dance demonstration by the Wheelchair Dancers (www.wheelchair dancers.org).

There is no fee to attend. Shuttle service will be available from the La Mesa Blvd. trolley station, the parking area by the softball field at La Mesa Blvd. and Memorial Dr., and street or lot parking close to the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center. Shuttles will be marked “Expo Shuttle”. For further infor-mation please call 619-667-1321.

Whooping cough disease still going strongProof of a Tdap booster now required for grades 7-12

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency announced in late May that five new pertussis cases, where others may have been exposed, increased the local case total to 212 this year.

The new confirmed cases occurred in schools across the region. In 2010, pertussis, also known as whooping cough, reached a record 1,144 cases for the county, including two infant deaths.

“The County continues to urge parents to make sure their children are fully vaccinated and better protected against the epidemic,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “Parents of middle and high school students should also be aware of a new law that requires proof of a pertussis booster before they can enter 7th to 12th grade classes for the next school term.”

Residents can get vaccinated at their primary care doctor or at an HHSA Public Health Center if they don’t have a regular healthcare provider.

The California Department of Public Health recommends a pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) for everyone 10 years or older who has not yet received it, especially women of childbearing age, before, during, or immediately after pregnancy; and other people, including household contacts, caregivers, and healthcare workers, who have contact with pregnant women or infants. Chil-dren 7 to 9 years of age who did not receive all of their routine childhood shots are recommended to receive a Tdap booster dose.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that children get one dose of Tdap vaccine at the following ages: 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years. Children should receive a Tdap booster shot at 11 or 12 years of age. Beginning July 1, all students in 7th through 12th grade, in public and private schools, must show proof that they had the pertussis booster shot before they return to school.

A typical case of pertussis starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks, followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever, if present, is usually mild. The disease is treatable with antibiotics. For more information about whooping cough, please call the HHSA Immunization Branch at (866) 358-2966, or visit the web site at www.sdiz.org.

See LIHP, Page 10

COUNTY APPROVES HEALTH PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME RESIDENTSProgram Expands Coverage for Uninsured; Leverages Federal Funds

On July 1, the County Board of Supervisors will begin implementation of a Low Income Health Program (LIHP), approved by the Board in late May. The program will expand the successful Coverage Initiative program, which the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has been operating since 2007.

The expanded program will provide access to primary care and mental health benefits to low-income, uninsured adults. The program will help improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs in the region.

LIHP will serve single, medically indigent individuals at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, and provide them with a patient-centered medical home.

“The Low Income Health Program provides an integrated approach to treat our high-cost, high-need population,” said Chairman Bill Horn, County Board of Supervisors. “Not only is this program leveraging important federal

La Mesa: Long-Lived Ladies but Fewer Young AdultsPopulation by Year-of-Age

Comparing the breakdown of La Mesa’s population by age to that of the San Diego region shows relatively few late teens and young adults, a surge of adults in their 30s and the long-lived ladies of La Mesa outliving La Mesa males and San Diegans as a whole.

Data Source: 2010 Estimates, SANDAG, San Diego Associations of Govern-ments www.sandag.org

Grossmont Center, from page 3

a “Bit O’ Luck if you Like” campaign in March. Fifty $25 Grossmont Center gift cards were awarded to facebook friends, and one lucky winner was awarded a $1000 Grossmont Center gift card. The giving doesn’t stop there, July 8th through the 10th, the mall will partner with the San Diego Humane Society and S.P.C.A. to reach a goal of adopting 50 pets over the 3-day event at the mall. Adoption fees for kittens, cats, puppies and dogs, will be reduced to $50 and the mall will give a $50 Grossmont Center gift card to each adopter with a confirmed adoption. On August 13th, Thank You La Mesa Day to include free gift bags and one lucky winner of a 50” flat screen T.V. And you won’t want to miss the Birthday Bash planned for September 24th. You may want to dig out your tie-dyed shirts and bell-bottoms, as it’s going to be a Gas!. Be sure to visit grossmontcenter.com frequently or friend them on Facebook to keep informed about all the celebratory events.

$500 offany purchase

of $2000 or moreExpires 6/30/2011

Cannot be combined with any other offers

(coupon not valid on Pinatas, Paper Mache, or Juicers)

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

LaMesaCourier.com — June 2011Community

See Nowak, Page 12

Helix Grad Considers Future in TheaterBy Roger Conlee

How much does Annie Nowak, a graduating senior at Helix Charter High School, love drama? Well, last year she appeared in the Highland Players’ performance of “Twelfth Night,” hobbling on crutches. She’d broken a leg but didn’t let that stop her. And yes, she was endlessly ribbed

over the old show-business axiom, “Break a leg.” That summer she attended a Shakespearean play at the Old Globe Theatre, gamely managing the steep steps of the outdoor Festival Stage on those crutches.

La Mesa Soroptimist Chapter turns 60

Soroptimist is an organiza-tion for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, locally, nationally and globally. Soropti-mist International of La Mesa, a local chapter, just celebrated its 60th birthday, and was honored by the County Board of Supervisors, who declared May 10 “Soroptimist International of La Mesa Day.

Locally, we are involved in several projects that improve the lives of women and girls. Several times throughout the year, we prepare and serve nutritious, home made dinners for the women served by Rachel’s Women’s Center in downtown San Diego. Because we also decorate the dining room and visit with the women while they eat, our meals have a “homey” feel that the homeless women enjoy. Our club is also involved with the women incarcerated at the Brig at Miramar. Our members not only mentor individual inmates, but also conduct a monthly book club for the women. Locally, we work not only with women but with children, conducting a “Sewing Up Self Esteem” program at La Mesa-Dale Elementary School.

Globally, we have worked to assist with disaster relief, give a “leg up” to women who have borne the brunt of warfare. Another important mission has been to bring awareness, advocacy and action to eradicate domestic violence and human trafficking.

Soroptimist clubs throughout the world give Women’s Opportunity Awards to women heads of households who are bettering their lives through education. Our Violet Richardson Award recognizes teenage women who provide service to improve their communities, and our Ruby Award recognizes women whose organizations have provided outstanding service to women and girls.

Huntamer, from page 2

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is the country’s 3rd largest insurer of both personal lines passenger automobile and homeowners insurance, and also provides a wide range of other insurance and financial services products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with more than 20 million individual policies across all 50 states through the efforts of over 50,000 exclusive and independent agents and nearly 24,000 employees.

For more information about Farmers, visit its Web site at www.farmers.com or at www.Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.

Students at St. Martin of Tours Academy supported “Plant

with Purpose” as an outreach project for the season of Lent.

One of the several trees the students made is pictured at left. It takes $100 to plant a

forest and each leaf represents $1.00. The school raised enough

money for four forests to be planted in a developing country! (Photo credit: Pamela Barclay)

Life in La MesaBy Pam Crooks, Editor

A few years ago, after our youngest son graduated from Grossmont High School and left for college, I convinced my husband to sell the big family house and move downtown to a high-rise condo near Balboa Park.

And while there were many great things about living there, I found myself returning to La Mesa to run errands that could easily have been completed closer to the condo. I eagerly looked forward to summer gatherings in La Mesa friends’ backyards and meeting with our book

club each month in a different La Mesa home.I missed running into people I knew at the grocery store and in restau-

rants. In short, I was homesick for La Mesa. So my husband, resembling some-thing like a saint at this point, agreed that we should move back. We had sold the family home but found another just right for us.

Most of the people my husband, Ted, works with live in North County and they don’t understand why he would want to live where we do, when all the growth (new development) and excitement (in their view) seems to be along the I-5 corridor.

As an introductory piece for the paper, I decided it would be fun to inter-view and photograph up to 20 people who live in La Mesa and ask them to tell me one favorite thing of theirs about La Mesa. The answers were varied but always spoken with surprising passion. Of course I understand and agree with every one of their answers.

But I would like to add one of my own as I sip my morning coffee in a La Mesa garden filled with birdsong: “The sun shines sooner in La Mesa…”

Pam Crooks

La Mesa Soroptimists receive recognition from San Diego County Board of Supervisors

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It’s all about the people.

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Playwright/director Annie Nowak, flanked by her parents, Paul and Kelley Nowak, on closing night of her play, “Something’s Brewing.”


See People, Page 8

Grossmont College, from page 2 People, from page 1

times in the history of our district,” said Cindy L. Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. “I’m so proud that they have succeeded…and wish them well as they embark on their new educational and career ventures.”Grossmont launches golden year

Grossmont College launched its year-long 50th anniversary celebration at the commencement ceremony with the introduction of five alumni guests, each representing one of the college’s first five decades. Also at commencement, the public and campus community got a first look at a commemorative book, “Grossmont College, Celebrating 50 Years,” on sale at the campus bookstore or through the bookstore website, www.grossmont.bncollege.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Grossmont College Foundation.

This year’s student speaker at Grossmont’s commencement was Timothy Snowball, a 28-year-old La Mesa resident, an honor graduate earning associate degrees in political science and University Studies despite having dropped out of high school. Diagnosed with severe depression and social anxiety disorder, he left West Hills High School in Santee during his senior year and began working, but never lost his love for learning.

He enrolled in a political science class at Grossmont College in 2008, and something clicked for the history buff with a keen interest in political science. “I quickly discovered that not only was I capable of being a student, I was actually good at it,” Snowball said. “My entire perception of school was changed forever.”

In his three years at Grossmont, his grade point average earned him placements on both the president’s and vice president’s lists and membership in the community college honor society, Phi Theta Kappa. With a 3.92 GPA, he has been accepted to three Univer-sity of California campuses, and has decided to attend Berkeley.

He aspires to either teach at the community college or university level or to pursue law.

“It’s just fascinating when helping someone with their homework to see their eyes light up when they make that connection,” Snowball said. “When it comes to political science, people get set in their views, but using the Socratic method, you are able to show people there is merit to opposing views — things aren’t as black and white as people believe.”

Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, president of Grossmont College, said Snowball’s story exemplifies what community colleges are all about: changing lives through education and offering oppor-tunity and hope to nearly three million students in California.Cuyamaca College speakers

At Cuyamaca College, the keynote speech was given by Scott Himelstein, president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, which sets policy and provides guidance for the state’s system of 112 community colleges. The San Diego resident was appointed in 2008 by the governor to the 17-member board, and assumed his current position as president this year.

Presenting the valedictorian address was East County native Tyler Uhlig, a mid-year graduate who is

currently attending San Diego State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He plans to eventually earn a post-graduate degree in human factors or ergonomics.

Uhlig said he likes the academic challenge at Cuyamaca College. He is graduating from Cuyamaca with a straight-A average. “You’re tested based on your knowledge, not the amount of busy work that you do,” said Uhlig, 21, who lives with his parents in Spring Valley.

He credits a two-year stint as a teacher’s assistant to psychology instructor Steve Weinert for sparking his interest in psychology. Being a part of the college and having an active role in the educational process gave him insight and a respect for the dedication of instructors and professors, Uhlig said.Faculty honors

In addition to lauding graduates, both colleges publicly honored outstanding faculty members. At Grossmont College, the 2010-2011 Distinguished Faculty Honoree is English instructor Sue Jensen. At Cuyamaca College, the recipient of the Teacher of the Year award is English instructor Tim Pagaard.

Grossmont College is at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon. For more information, visit www.grossmont.edu or call (619) 644-7000. Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in El Cajon. Visit www.cuyamaca.edu or call (619) 660-4000.

are weekly events, such as the Farmer’s Market, and annual events, such as the Flag Day Parade. La Mesans enjoy 14 parks, a municipal pool, a golf course, a major shopping mall, convenient public transportation, and the ‘Village’ – one of the best examples of preserving downtown charm in the County.

A Small Town Feeling“I like the small-town feeling,” says Caroline Lemler, a resident of La Mesa

for 22 years. She and several other 40-something women who had gathered to burn off calories in a boot-camp workout at Aztec Park, were effusive with praise for their hometown. “I love the downtown area,” says Shawna Hall, a mother of two young girls. “We walk everywhere…to shops, restaurants, and the farmer’s market.” Many non-residents also take advantage of what is offered and connect with others in the community. “I come to La Mesa for everything,” says Christy Bakke, a mother of three from El Cajon. “We shop in La Mesa, come to the parks, go to classes, and meet our friends here.”

“La Mesa has always been a stable, community-aware place,” says Jim Newland, Vice President of the La Mesa Historical Society, Member of the Centennial Committee and Supervising Historian Manager with California State Parks. “Turning a rural, fruit-bearing area into a town or city was accomplished with the awareness that this is a special place. I think overall there has been a community spirit that has held.”

This sense of commu-nity is cultivated by the City. Maintaining a “village” feeling amidst the urban growth of the last half of the 20th century required visionary urban planning to alleviate congestion. The construction of SR 125 in the 1990s helped draw commuter traffic away from the center of town, while parking lots and low speed zones opened up the downtown area to be more pedes-trian-friendly. The resulting Mayberry-like charm is lacking in many urban environments.

La Mesa’s Future Depends Upon a Healthy CommunityWill La Mesa be able to maintain its charm as the pressures of an

expanding population, limited space, and shrinking natural resources continue to grow? The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) estimates that La Mesa’s current population of 57,000 residents will increase to 77,000 resi-dents by 2050, a 34 percent increase. To accommodate this growth, La Mesa planners are implementing a mixed-use urban overlay zone.

“We are looking at developing more live/work units along the transit corri-dors,” says Bill Chopyk, Community Development Director for La Mesa. A plan for the future includes creating multi-unit housing above retail or commercial spaces. One project underway on El Cajon Blvd. has two levels of residential space above its ground floor. The new “Alterra” and “Pravada” units next to the trolley line and Grossmont Center are an example of even denser residential space. While La Mesa’s residents who live in single family homes still outnum-bers those who don’t, accommodating the population growth of the future will mean learning to live with less space.

Crucial to preserving a sense of La Mesa’s town spirit are opportunities that unite the population as neighbors. “We will be making options more avail-able for people to get out of their cars and circulate around the City with biking and walking lanes,” says Chopyk. The City also encourages people to utilize its established trolley and bus lines to alleviate auto traffic. La Mesa has risen to the occasion of supporting its citizens year after year with entertaining and

Faces of La Mesa

Michael CollinsOwner, Michael Collins Jewelers“37 years…friendly, village atmo-sphere. Can walk everywhere, do

everything here without getting in my car.”

A group of 40-something women gather weekly for a Boot-Camp-type workout at

Aztec Park, just one of the great programs offered by La Mesa Park & Recreation.

Leisure

Faces of La Mesa

Patty O’ReillyRetail Manager, Mission Trails

Regional Park Foundation“Since 1953…when I travel or

just go downtown (to San Diego), I come home and it’s like taking a

psychic deep breath.”


People, from page 7 Memories just waiting to be made: La Mesa Summer Camps

Do you have a budding artist or a child who loves to act? Or is he or she a sports enthusiast? Do they love math and science? La Mesa Commu-nity Services is offering fourteen “memories-to-be-made” camps that will put a smile on any child’s face ages five years and up:

Art Smarts Art Camp, Creative Theatre Camp, Day Camp, Engineering Camp, Flag Football Camp, Fencing Camp, FRESH Flix Filmmaking Camp, Jump Rope Camp, Mad Science Camp, Math Zoom Camp, Princess Camp, Rock Star Camp, Surf Camp and Tennis Camp.

Summer is just around the corner! For more information, please visit www.cityoflamesa.com/classes or contact La Mesa Community Services at (619) 667-1300.

News and Views, from page 3

restaurants, 3 wineries and a local San Diego Brewery providing more than one could eat or drink, this signature event once again was the toast of the town. Over 400 attendees also walked away with gift bags filled with coupons and discounts from many of the restaurant participants and chamber business members. Plans are already underway for the “Taste of the Century” on June 11, 2012 for the City’s 100th birthday celebration. The event will be expanded to two buildings with more food, entertainment, seating and goodies to be announced. The Chamber is already taking advance reservations for this event which can be called in 619-465-7700 or by email to [email protected].

I look forward to continuing to keep you informed of business activities and Chamber events through the La Mesa Courier and am very excited to have a local print media back in La Mesa.

educational events that bring people together in celebration. In addition to the weekly Farmer’s Market – a nod to La Mesa’s agricultural beginnings – the City is home to these summer events:

14th Annual Flag Day Parade: June 4, all day

“Sundays at Six” Summer Concert Series at Harry Griffin Park, June 12- July 24

“Dive-In Movie” (Toy Story 3) at La Mesa Municipal Pool, July 15

“Movie In the Park” (Despicable Me) at La Mesita Park, July 29

New laws passed by the California legislature aimed at preventing obesity have influenced City programs. As part of its ready, set, Live Well program, La Mesa developed its popular “Walk and Talk” for seniors and created an urban walking trails map designed to get people moving and socializing. “Our emphasis in Parks and Rec is on health, wellness and learning,” says Michelle Greenberg-McClung, Community Services Recreation Supervisor. “We are offering positive choices to make La Mesa a healthier community.” From infants to seniors, the City has addressed community wellness. For example, safe zones are being evaluated to enable children to walk or bike safely home from school and “heart healthy” classes are now offered at the La Mesa Rec Center.

La Mesans: the Real JewelLa Mesa’s demographics by age show that the population is very evenly

distributed with as many infants as there are young children, and adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. With the exception of teens who comprise about half the size of other age groups, the population is steady until the 60s, when the totals dip to about half of the other age groups. This mix of ages also contributes to the strength of the community. Services are geared toward the range of needs for each age group and there is an opportunity to reach across age groups for support. (See graph with La Mesa Population by Year-of-Age on page 5.)

If it “takes a village” to get things done, then La Mesans are in the right place. People not only participate in their community, they also give back to it. There are more than 300 non-profit organizations in La Mesa devoted to making the world a better place. From Kiwanis to Rotary International, from Soroptimists to the Lions Club, the efforts of dedicated volunteers have contrib-uted to youth development, health and human services, environmental quality, medical research, housing, arts, and more.

La Mesa has a richer tapestry of cultures and ethnicities today than when it began. While faces may change, the spirit of community that has brought people to La Mesa over the past 100 years will endure through the next century. As the City approaches it Centennial on February 16, 2012, there are many reasons to celebrate, but one especially stands out. La Mesa, says Newland, “still has the ability to be everybody’s hometown.”

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50% off Membership Joining Fee $5 off per Camp Week & Group Swim Session*** $10 off a session of Gymnastics, Pee Wee or Youth Sports 3 Months of FREE Youth Fitness (Santee Facility Only)

*Membership Plus Excluded. Monthly Membership rates still apply. **Program Discounts will only be valid for June 12-30, 2011. Can register for up to 3 months in advance for programs. ***Pools are currently only available at the Santee and La Mesa facilities (Rancho SD facility’s Aquatics Center opening this Summer).

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St. Martin of tourS acadeMy

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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.

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Faces of La Mesa

Gage FaulknerGraduating senior, Helix Charter

High, Rap musician“7 or 8 years…really like the

environment, sense of security; teachers here are really interested

in us, they really care.”

Faces of La Mesa

Lionel TalaroAdvertising Consultant, Mission

Times Courier“2 years…living in the Village; I can eat in a nice restaurant, shop or even workout—all right where

I live.”


SummerFest Fundraiser at Mission Trails

Imagine live classical music, gourmet treats and wine-tasting with a backdrop of Mission Trails Regional Park at twilight. The Chefs De Cuisine, East County Magazine and Mission Trails Regional Park invite you to savor a very special fundraiser—SummerFest at Mission Trails. On Sunday, June 26 from 6-9 p.m., culinary masters will be firing up a gourmet feast on a special midsummer’s eve.

Festivities at the event will include fine foods, wine tasting, music by La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, behind-the-scenes tours with Mission Trails tour guides, a silent auction, an opportunity drawing, fabulous prizes, wildlife visits, guided trail walks, museum tour, twilight views, a video preview of the exciting new East County Guide and stargazing.

Prizes to be given away include a vacation on the bay, dinners, gold jewelry, art, wine, kayak trip, gift baskets, camp over at Lions, Tigers & Bears, stargazing party, tickets to America’s Finest Beer Festival, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, La Jolla Symphony and much more.

Terra Restaurant ReviewBy Eileen Sondak

Chef Jeff Rossman, owner/chef of the critically-acclaimed restaurant, Terra, has been a favorite with local diners for 13 years. Recently, Terra gave up its Hillcrest home and moved to the Rolando/La Mesa border; although the restaurant has a new address, the quality remains top notch. The new Terra is called Terra American Bistro, and its casual bistro atmosphere and convenient parking (right outside the door) has made Chef Rossman’s longtime customers happy—and even gained the restaurant a lot of new fans. In fact, after just under a month, Chef Rossman’s high standards and exquisite cuisine, have propelled Terra to a major spot on the College area’s culinary map.

The restaurant has a large bar area in its midst, where the Happy Hour crowd congregates. Comfortable tables and booths can accommodate twosomes or larger groups in the main dining area, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable.

Many restaurants tout their use of organic and locally-grown produce. Chef Rossman goes one better. He grows his own produce in his garden—and he’s adding a roof-top garden to produce even more.

The best value at Terra is the three-course tasting menu for early diners—priced at just $19.95. Between 4:30 - 6 p.m., you get a three-course meal that

Annual GMIA Art & Garden Tour Held in May

Each year April showers bring May flowers and the annual GMIA Art & Garden Tour. The Gross-mont - Mt. Helix Improve-ment Association (GMIA)

is a 70+ year old non-profit membership organization. The organization’s mission is to preserve and enhance the character and quality of the commu-nity and foster pride in the area. Over 250 members enjoyed this year’s tour of four private gardens in the Grossmont/Mt. Helix area on a picture-perfect day. GMIA members receive complimentary admission. Yearly membership is $18.00. Visit their website at gmia.net.

Faces of La Mesa

Regina WilliamsonAdvertising Consultant,

La Mesa Courier“Almost 10 years…Lake Murray!”

See Terra, Page 16

See SummerFest, Page 10

Faces of La Mesa

John MeadPresident, Adventure 16 Outdoor

Outfitters“32 years…feeling of community,

like a small town that has been plopped down in the middle of a

big city.”


LIHP, from page 5

Jacob, from page 4 SummerFest, from page 9

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Viejas Fire victims on television and in advertisements to appeal for donations.The American Red Cross is chartered by Congress to care for victims of

disaster. Communities must have every confidence that the organization will be there in times of need. Instead of confidence after the Viejas Fire, I became suspicious.

Weeks after the fire, I got calls from the very same fire victims that were held out by the Red Cross as reasons to donate to the organization. One victim received a rake. Another was denied immediate assistance because she had insurance. Adding up the numbers, I calculated that the amount of money the Red Cross collected in the name of fire victims in no way compared to the amount of money returned to those victims.

For months, I pressured the local chapter of the Red Cross to open its books and be honest with donors about its expenditures. I went to the then-District Attorney, contacted the Attorney General and met with the U.S. Attorney in San Diego too. After months of stonewalling on the part of the Red Cross and one highly-charged meeting with the agency’s then-executive director, news-paper reporters started asking the same question I ask asking: where did the money go?

First, it was the Union-Tribune demanding that local chapter show the public how the money was allocated. Then, it was the Washington Post asking the same questions of national Red Cross officials. Suddenly, Mike Wallace from CBS’s “60 Minutes” was on my phone asking me if I would sit down for an interview to explain my frustration. Mike Wallace, it should be noted, is a charming man but he doesn’t fool around when it comes to getting to the bottom of wrongdoing.

Would you believe that as a result of all that reporting, a leaked internal audit revealed that the local chapter had mismanaged funds and violated other guidelines? The entire board of the local chapter of the Red Cross was fired. It’s true. New leadership was installed and I was asked to play a role in helping the agency earn back the trust of the San Diego public once again.

That’s the condensed version of the Red Cross saga—a saga that carried many lessons for me. One of the primary lessons, however, was the power of the press. The La Mesa Courier can do great things by keeping watch over organi-zations that serve the public. I know that because I’ve lived it. Congratulations to the Courier for its inaugural edition and best wishes upholding the obliga-tions of the Fourth Estate….

Faces of La Mesa

Joe MountainRetired tour bus driver/VFW

volunteerSince 1973…great place to raise a family; my kids grew up here and now came back with their

families.

Faces of La Mesa

Jim RoachIndependent tax accountant

“26 years…all the greenery—it feels like we’re living in the

country.”

dollars to provide this care, it is also providing more integrated care to more people.”

This effort is an important collab-oration with community stakeholders, especially the community clinics and Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties. HHSA has contracted with five clinic systems at 16 sites for services since 2007.

“The LIHP addresses a key component to our “Live, Well, San Diego!” strategy to build better health throughout the region,” said Nick Macchione, Director of HHSA. “Treating the whole health of a person— physical and mental—leads to better clinical and cost outcomes. Providing the right care at the right time is crucial to the health of those we serve and the health of the entire community.”

Prize sponsors include Holiday Inn on the Bay, Viejas, Golden Artistry, Lions, Tigers & Bears, Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, Golden Dawn Productions, Heritage of the Americas Museum, Lemon Grove Historical Society, Gio Bistro Wine Bar, Nights of the Sound Table, East County Magazine, Chefs de Cuisine and Mission Trails Regional Park.

For more information or to purchase tickets (ages 21 and up only), visit www.eastcountymagazine.org or call (619) 698-7617. Tickets are $25/each or $40 for two if purchased by June 20.

Proceeds benefit two 501(c)3 non-profits, East County Magazine and Chefs de Cuisine.

List your business here!Call Lionel Talaro at 619-697-2500, Ext. 128

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28


See Chief, Page 13

Nowak, from page 6

Chief, from page 3

Last month, the leg healed and the crutches put aside, the La Mesa resi-dent had her biggest triumph. For her senior project, she wrote and directed a play, “Something’s Brewing,” the longest of a series of one-acts called “Boy Meets Girl.”

“Seniors must propose and complete a project,” Annie explained, “that requires them to challenge themselves. There’s a minimum time commit-ment of 20 hours but between researching, writing and directing, I spent more than 60.” When the project is complete, a comprehensive portfolio is prepared, often more than 100 pages, and seniors face a panel of judges and defend their project. Then they twice deliver a 10-minute speech about the project: one to their peers, the other to community leaders and faculty. “There’s no room for senioritis,” she said.

“Annie’s pleasantly unusual sense of humor was evident in her writing,” said her drama teacher, Gregg Osborn.

Annie’s was a character-driven play set in a coffee shop. “That was great,” she said. “I was able to write about two of the best things life has to offer: coffee and love. I had to focus on my knowledge of playwriting and my own personal strengths. I molded my piece around my quirky sense of humor. The characters were modeled a bit after myself or the people close to me, with all their quirks and oddities. I fell in love with these characters. There was a sort of common understanding with the audience, the actors, and myself, because we all knew to some extent how love and rejection impact our lives.”

If Annie wasn’t wrung out enough from directing her play—which ran for four nights—she then appeared onstage in a later one-act. This two-person play, “Awkward Silence,” is a blind date with fellow actor Austin Potts. It starts off with some tongue-tied clumsiness but they eventually find common ground and the date becomes a success.

Annie joined the Highland Players as a sophomore and this year she became president of the performing group. Will she continue in drama? “Abso-lutely! Theater has had such a huge impact on my life, I couldn’t imagine giving it up. I hope to continue, both on stage and behind the scenes, because I love the acting side of theater as well as the crew aspect. Now that I’ve tried my hand as a playwright I would like to continue that as well.”

Her next step is college, but she’s not sure where. Her SAT scores were so high that many top-flight universities have sought her out. She’ll make her decision soon. And the crutches will stay at home.

Roger Conlee, proud grandfather of Annie Nowak, is a 1955 graduate of Helix High School himself. A novelist and retired professional journalist, Roger was editor of “The Highland Fling” school paper as a senior.

Faces of La Mesa

Rick GriffinPublic relations/communications

consultant“Since 1983…convenient shopping, nice parks, good

schools, central location near freeways, an emphasis on healthy

living, dedicated community volunteers and a refreshing breeze

from the Pacific that flows up through Mission Valley...”(Editor’s

note: Not too surprising from a wordsmith!)

regards to crime levels saying we probably rank second highest to other cities in our part of the county? Why is that?

AL: We have some unique features due to our location (in relation to other jurisdictions). We sometimes see a “push” of crimes into La Mesa from other areas. There are numerous off-ramps, so it’s easy to get off and back onto the freeway. We also have five trolley stations (the most in the region) with four of them having significant parking associated with them (El Cajon only has three). In light of that, the stats are not so surprising. In tracking where crimi-nals come from, we’ve discovered that one-third come from La Mesa, one-third from East County and another third from elsewhere. Also our levels of staffing compared to other cities in our region probably has something to do with it.

PC: What is the website address where people can go and see the crime stats for their own neighborhood? How often is it updated?

AL: The best site is ARJIS.org (Automated Regional Justice Informa-tion System). You can get crime data and print out a map that shows crime by type in your neighborhood within a certain radius, by choosing a school, park, address or intersection. The information is updated monthly.

Neighborhood information is also available on the City of La Mesa website (cityoflamesa.com) by clicking on the Departments tab and selecting “Police Department.” Under “Quick Link” you’ll find the “Neighborhood Calls for Service” which tracks inci-dents and activity in your area.

LaMesaNeighborhoodWatch.com is a private website with broad infor-mation about crime in La Mesa and surrounding areas.

PC: What is the biggest problem you have to deal with as chief of police in La Mesa?

AL: Keeping the “big picture” perspective when there are so many demands on the police department and not enough resources to match them. Last fall the City Manager asked me to develop staffing recommendations. I recommended adding a total of 11 positions (sworn and non-sworn). We’d like to have more staff, but the state of the budget is such that we haven’t been able to add staffing.

PC: How’s the new police station working out? Why does La Mesa need such a big space if crime rates are the lowest they’ve been in almost 30 years?

United Church of Christ in La Mesa30+ years of making dreams come true for an orphanage in Mexicoby Mary Domb Mikkelson

You never know where or to what a visit to the in-laws could lead. The “where,” in Ron Young’s case, was Casa Hogar, a small orphanage in the tiny mountain village of San Antonio de las Minas, Baja California, Mexico; the “what,” 30-plus years of active participation by the people of the United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM) in providing for the daily needs and fulfilling the hopes and dreams of the children living there.

It was 1968, when Ron, a young professor from the University of Illinois, and his wife, Rinda, joined her parents on a trip to Ensenada and made that fateful stop at Casa Hogar – the first of several to bring desperately needed food and clothing to the orphanage.

Three years later they moved to San Diego, Ron to teach at San Diego State University, both to join UCCLM. Professor Ron started something new at State – “orphanage runs” by his students every semester.

The church folk got involved in 1978, when Kathy Sowa, UCCLM’s secre-tary and Christian Ed leader asked the congregation for ideas for a youth outreach project. Ron had just the one. The youths’ first sojourn to Casa Hogar,

by then a “bustling orphanage with some thirty boys and girls,” was to take toys and food – and to play with the children. Language, they quickly learned, was no barrier to kids having fun.

When they learned that the youngsters slept on cots and pads on the floor, the church’s second outreach project – to buy 15 bunk beds – was born.

The whole congregation got into the act, funds were raised easily and Ron and Kathy finagled a huge discount on beds and mattresses. A caravan of cars and motorhomes filled with bed parts and mattresses made the trek south (the first of many, many such journeys in the decades to come), where UCCLM youth and adults got to work – with screwdrivers, crescent wrenches, sweat and “tears of joy,” building beds. It was, Ron remembers, a very full day.

New beds…old, inadequate bedding. The next youth project was to get donations of sheets and blankets.

Caravans to Casa Hogar during Epiphany, taking a picnic lunch and pres-ents to the children, quickly became a tradition. The children, in turn, put on wonderful Christmas pageants for their guests.

On…and on…and on it went from there, eventually becoming a major church outreach program.

The orphanage was growing and children were leaving as they became older…leaving for uncertain futures and lives. The need to educate them and get them involved in productive lives in their community became the congregation’s new goal, a challenging one in a country where family connections are the key to success and prosperity. While they continued – and continue – to provide food and clothing, a new emphasis was placed on collecting money for tuition (public education is very expensive in Mexico), books, backpacks and uniforms.

“During the school year,” Ron elaborates, “we pay for all of their tuitions, uniforms, transportation, a healthy breakfast each day, school books and supplies and two after-school tutors to help those who need the extra review boost to keep their grades and learning at level.”

Thirty-plus years of sharing and caring later, the children of Casa Hogar are thriving and excelling academically. Among them are graduates of business college, secretarial school, beauty school and most recently, law school, who are staying and blooming as leaders in their community in the Ensenada area. One UCCLM family sponsored the child they had “adopted” so many years ago as he progressed through his law degree program, which culminated in the summer of 2010 with an internship in Mexico City working with and observing the Mexican legal system and spending time in seminars at the Mexican Supreme Court. Eight special scholarship funds have been set up by individuals and families (many via memorial funding) and there’s a large fund established by members of the former New Creations UCC when they joined UCCLM. 100% of all donations go directly to the orphanage.

See Casa Hogar, Page 15


Chief, from page 12Madrid, from page 4

nity arenas, business entrepreneurs and luminaries who have contributed to the place we are all proud to call home.

All who deserve mention in this article are too numerous to list; those listed are but a representative example of our past and current leaders.

Civic and Community Leaders:Robert Allison, Dr. Henry and Edward Porter, Dr. Charles Samson, Nan

Couts, Ben and Jim Polak, Reverend Henry McKinney, Ann Porter Hall, Ed Fletcher, George Bailey and Jim Orsborn.

Business Entrepreneurs:Charles Park, Ray and Don Olson, Elmer and Joe Drew, Elliott Cushman,

Ed and Sandy Burr, Bob Stall, Andy and Lloyd Kitzman, E.S. and Ron Brady, Mario Lopez and Alan Urich come quickly to mind.

Luminaries:Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, Hall of Fame Basketball Player Bill Walton, Helix

High School Coach Jim Arnaiz, Actor Dennis Hopper, Golf Executive Norrie West, Former Helix High School football standouts, Alex Smith and Reggie Bush, also the La Mesa 1961 Little League World Series Champions. But these individuals represent only a small fraction of their peers.

We also have long-term organizations, including the La Mesa Women’s Club, the Historical Society, the Foothills Art Association and the Adult Enrich-ment Center, which collectively serves the specific needs of their membership as well as the general public.

Another significant community asset is our schools. Of the La Mesa Spring Valley School District, eight of their twenty-one schools are located in our city. They, along with Helix Charter High School and Grossmont High School repre-sent the best in the education field.

Three must-attend activities include the annual Oktoberfest, largest “German-themed Festival” west of the Mississippi, the annual Car Show and our weekly Farmers Market, largest in East County.

We welcome the La Mesa Courier to our community, and look forward to adding them to the electronic journal publications in our city.

Faces of La Mesa

Gloria GoldbergOwner, B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center

of La MesaInternational yoga teacher/trainer

“Since 1995…my students are very regular attendees; people here are lovely, really care about each

other.“

Faces of La Mesa

Margaret “Muffy” OwensOwner, The Box Shop shipping &

packaging store“34 years…the camaraderie; there

are so many people who know each other.”

AL: The size of the station has to do with the personnel and the type of services we provide. The architect the City used interviewed our department, and did a needs assessment. We only had 15,000 square feet in the old police station, which was 40 years old; now we have 45,000 square feet, with an addi-tional 4,000 sq. ft. available to us in the future.

PC: What is the one question you wish people would ask (one thing you want the people of La Mesa to know more than anything else)?

AL: I wish people would ask ques-tions first and base their conclusions on facts. Instead, they often form their conclusions on limited information and facts. So we have to back up and explain.

PC: Do you live in La Mesa? What is one of your favorite things about this town?

AL: I’ve lived in La Mesa for 12 years. This community offers every-thing a community could want: shop-ping, restaurants, community events, nice neighborhoods, so you can take care of the things you need to without ever leaving La Mesa. And yes, I do consider La Mesa a safe place to live.

(Editor’s Note: Alan Lanning has been with the department for 35 years; he has been Chief of Police in La Mesa since 2005.)

La Mesa OrganizationsLa Mesa Rotary ClubWednesdays – 12:00 p.m.Salvation 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 Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - DinnerCoco’s Restaurant 5550 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. - 12:00 p.m.La 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 Lion’s ClubEvery Tuesday – 12:00-1:30 p.m.

La Mesa Community Center4975 Memorial DriveLa Mesa, CA 91941

For more information contact:JoJo Giordano, Realtor

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Advertise in theLa Mesa Courier

Call 619-697-2500

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Staycation in San Diego Take a great vacation only 20 minutes from La Mesa!By Jim Madaffer

Nestled on the northern edge of Mission Bay Park is a San Diego treasure that has been a treat for visitors and locals for decades: Campland on the Bay. We stayed at Campland over the Easter weekend – reliving childhood memo-ries growing up in San Diego when my family spent many summers camping at Campland.

Modernized with free WiFi, a skateboard park, new amenities and a wonderful leash-free dog park, little has else has changed at Campland over the years. It is well-maintained as a charming family destination getaway in the middle of a busy city, right on Mission Bay.

On Easter weekend, the RV park was bustling with people, young and old, families, kids on wheels everywhere, music, fun, entertainment and lots of smiles and laughter.

The park boasts over 600 spaces offering room for motorhomes and trailers as well as traditional camping. A shuttle bus is available to take guests to various attractions around Mission Bay. Other services include a pool and spa, laundromat, and the Campland market which is fully stocked in case you forgot to bring something for the weekend. There is a gameroom and the Hungry Wolf BBQ restaurant, plus an Ice Cream Parlor for dessert! Most spaces offer Cable TV. At the marina guests can rent Surreys, Quad Bikes, Kayaks, Paddle Boats, Aqua Cycles, Pontoon Boats, Catamarans, Golf Carts, Chariot Scooters – not to mention Wave Runners, Ski Boats, Aqua Cycles and Paddle Boards. There are constant activities going on with an extensive recreation calendar that’s sure to keep everyone very busy.

The park also offers what they call their “Supersite” – a completely fenced in and private campsite with the best view of the bay. A six foot fence with a lockable entry provides additional security. The site steps into the realm of luxury with its own gas grill, deluxe lawn furniture, a private whirlpool spa, a washer and dryer and phone line. The Supersite rivals the honeymoon suites of many luxury hotels and is targeted to travelers who think that “roughing it” is not a prerequisite to fun camping.

For those who don’t own an RV, services such as Camp ‘N Style will deliver a trailer to your site with rates starting at $189 per day and San Diego Ulti-mate RV rental will provide you with a motorhome with rates ranging from $149 to $369 per day. Both charge fees to deliver to your campsite and take it away.

Campland’s rates range from $47 to $308 (for the Supersite) with the average being about $100 per night.

If you want to have the ultimate vacation – why not do it right here in our own backyard – San Diego. Campland is a great way to enjoy everything our wonderful San Diego region has to offer.

Camping in style at Campland Mission Bay

Visit the San Diego County Fair on June 14—and save

Come to the 2011 San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons/Sav-on, on Tuesday, June 14, for just $3. That’s it. Just $3 and stay all day. Here’s how:

Buy your $3 admission ticket at Albertsons/Sav-On ($5 minimum purchase required with Albertsons Preferred Card). No tickets will be sold at the Fair on this day; these tickets are sold only at Albertsons/Sav-On. $3 Tuesday is also Kids’ Day! All kids 12 and younger are admitted free.

Park for free at Horsepark, on the corner of Via de la Valle and El Camino Real, east of Interstate 5. Round trip shuttle ride is free. There’s free enter-tainment all day and long into the evenings on eight stages, plus the Charity Fair Horse Show in the Chevrolet Del Mar Arena. On Tuesday, June 14, the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Heineken Grandstand Stage will have the comedy of Bill Engvall. The show is free with Fair admission for unreserved

seats. The 2011

San Diego County Fair’s wheels are in motion to “Race to the Fair” for 22 days starting Friday, June 10, through Monday, July 4. (The Fair will be closed the first three Mondays, June 13, 20 and 27.) The theme for

this year’s Fair is everything about cars, Cars, CARS! Southern California is a mecca for car clubs and car enthusiasts from around the world. Featured throughout the Fair are exotic cars, luxury cars, “star” cars, muscle cars, low riders, Southern California car culture and lots more.

Gates open daily at 11 a.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, July 4. Admission is $13 for adults; $7 for ages 6-12 and 62 and older; and free for ages 5 and younger.

The San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the sixth largest fair in the United States. The 2010 Fair hosted more than 1.3 million guests and hit an all-time attendance record.

For more information about the Fair and the activities on June 14, go to www.sdfair.com. Daily schedules are posted in the Events section.

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Casa Hogar, from page 12

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:Elizabeth BergJeff Barnes

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 Ads Faces of La Mesa

Robyn GephartShaklee coordinator/Realtor

“For 31 years… lifestyle is not as fast-paced as that in a bigger city yet we’re right next to a big city.”

Faces of La Mesa

Sandy HongOwner, Tam’s Alterations

“10 years…my customers were so nice I decided to move here…La

Mesa is just the best!”

Recent events – new border restrictions and requirements (passports are needed to re-enter the U.S.) and a disturbing increase in banditry on Baja’s back roads, have gotten in the way of the much loved caravan trips – a tempo-rary obstacle, participants hope. “We haven’t given up,” Ron reports. In the meantime, UCCLM’s involvement continues. There are, as Ron says, “no limits to the love, caring and generosity of the people of UCCLM or to their commit-ment to the youngsters of Casa Hogar.”

UCCLM’s outreach to Casa Hogar has had a major impact not just on the children but on the people of the church, for whom “our orphanage” and the programs with which they support it are an exciting and meaningful ministry of love. Ron explains, “The children’s gift of love to us over the years outweighs anything we could give to them. Our gift has been to Mexico, giving them a good supply of educated citizens who are proud of their country and are becoming positive leaders in their community.”

SERVICESQuality 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 & housesitting 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)

Jenna’s Barber Shoppe. Styling for men, women & children. Wheelchair friendly. Old time expert haircuts at affordable prices. Colors & perms. 7424 Jackson Dr.#1A (across from Keil’s in Bank of America lot) Tues-Fri., 8:30-3:30pm; Sat. 8:30-noon. By appt., 619-644-3669. (12/11)

Bathtubs Refinished. Fiberglass & porcelain. Bathtubs – kitchen sinks – washbasins. Fiberglass crack support and repairs. Over 25 years experience – same owner. Lic #560438. Call 619-464-5141. (12/11)

Honor Guard Roofing since 1993. Allied Gardens, family owned, repairs and all types of roofing. Free estimates. Call 619-229-9112. (10/11)

Tait’s Tree Service. Trimming, shaping, removals, stump grinding, hedges, and yard clean up. 48 year Allied Gardens resident. Senior discounts available. Quality service at affordable prices. License 777395 Call 619-583-5771. (10/11)

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)

Window Cleaning and Pressure Washing by Green Earth. We specialize in window cleaning and pressure washing of residential properties. We also offer repair and replacement of window and door screens and rain gutter cleaning. Family owned. Lic #009237. Free estimates 619-808-4663. (08/11)

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)

San Carlos Handyman Service: Reliable, affordable, licensed and insured. No job too small. Call Dan @ 619-994-5680. (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)

Just Ask Crystal - specializing in odd jobs for seniors but all ages welcome. Organizing home & yard. Errands/meal preparation. Caretaker reprieve. Moving? Downsizing? Help before, during & after. Vacation pet & plant care. Walking partner for incentive. Too many jobs to list, just ask! Gift certificates available. San Carlos resident with local references. Call Crystal at 619-887-1211. (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)

Roy L. Schwartz Tree Service. 55 foot aerial truck. I.S.A. Certified Arborist #WE-6180A. Dependable service since 1977. Lic.#775662. 619-282-3562. www.ARoyLTreeSVC.com. (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)

Sing! Sing! Sing! Grow your voice! Breathing techniques; increase range. Have fun while you learn. Take Voice Lessons with Susan Simmons. 858-349-8490. (07/11)

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. Senior discount, references, and member of the BBB. No job too small. Lic #878703. Call 619-255-3499. (07/11)

Let Stronger, Safer Seniors improve your strength, balance, stamina and confidence! We offer you fun and invigorating personalized workouts in the privacy of your home. Call Pam Melody, Certified Personal Trainer, at 619-962-7144 or email to [email protected] to schedule your free consultation. (07/11)

Quality exterior carpentry by Bob. Decks, fences, patio covers and termite repair. Free estimates, reasonable rates, insured and reliable. LIcense #365241 since 1978. Phone: 619-275-1493. (06/11)

Live Your Dreams! Voice/Piano Instruction. Accomplished performer/instructor, 35 years experience. Credentialed with B.M./M.A. Degrees. Any age or level. Available, my studio or your home. Reasonable rates! Call Dora 619-287-8706. (06/11)

REAL ESTATESelling a home? Free report “9 Steps to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar”. Call Lynn Dasteel, REALTOR®, Casa Pacific Realty. 619-287-7777 DRE# 01392134. (06/11)

Large family? Need extra space? Huge home has 2,650 s.f. and 1,000 s.f. guest house. Highly upgraded, beautiful views. 619-287-7777 DRE# 01392134. Fletcher Hills. (06/11)

Seniors Real Estate Specialists have the knowledge and certification to council clients 55+ through real estate transitions involving relocating or selling. For more information, Lynn Dasteel, 619-287-7777 REALTOR® DRE# 01392134. (06/11)

Thinking about selling? Over 55? You may qualify for tax breaks under Props 60 & 90. For free information contact Lynn Dasteel, REALTOR® DRE# 01392134. (06/11)

FOR SALERare Princess Del Cerro 4 BR, 3 bath, one-level house near park! 2,230 s.f. EZ care yards. 619-501-1883. By owner - $650,000. No agents. (06/11)

Kohler cast iron double basin white sink. Hartland model. Self rimming. 33x22x7.5. Like new $160. 619-596-8886. (06/11)

FOR RENTSan Carlos 2 BR 2 BA house $1700, near schools & shopping, 2 car garage, A/C, washer/dryer hook-ups, no pets. 858-349-6362. (06/11)

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)

NOTICESWater ski or wakeboard year round on Mission Bay and the Colorado River. All ages/abilities welcome. Visit www.sdwaterski.org or call 858-430-9439. (06/11)

Republican Women are welcome to attend monthly Navajo Canyon Republican Women, Fed. lunch mtgs. We meet 2nd Tuesday at The Brigantine Restaurant, La Mesa. 619-697-2235. (06/11)

East County PFLAG. Meets every second Monday of the month, 7 pm in the library, Summit UU Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Ave, Santee. 619-334-8214. (06/11)

Practice your public speaking and leadership skills. Saturday Savants Toastmasters meets every Saturday morning at Ascension Church, 8:30-10:00am. SaturdaySavants.blogspot.com. (06/11)

SERVICESBest 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/

We invite you to submit articles about your neighborhood, church, club or business events for consider-ation. Please send them to [email protected]. Your feedback is important. Let us know what you think and be sure to tell us about people and places in La Mesa you think deserve coverage. This is YOUR newspaper La Mesa…ENJOY!

Jim Madaffer, Publisher and Pam Crooks, Editor

Hello, from page 1

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 NoonJuly 1 June 14 June 21 June 21 June 25August 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]


Terra, from page 9

features some of the chef ’s most popular dishes. You can start with the soup of the day (the server will tell you what the chef is preparing that day)—or you can opt for the delicious ginger chicken potstickers with sweet chile soy sauce as your appetizer. An iceberg salad with avocado butter-milk dressing is the third choice of starters.

All three entrees are signature dishes, but we love the braised pot roast. This preparation has been one of Chef Rossman’s best sellers for years. It is prepared with Karl Strauss Amber Lager, mush-room ragout, and roasted garlic potato mash with truffle oil. Seafood fanciers can select the grilled local sea bass with ginger-soy glaze, stir-fried vege-tables, and wasabi aioli. The fish is accompanied by brown rice. Chicken and sausage pasta with grape tomatoes, asiago cheese, and fettuccini pasta is the third tasty choice on this early dining menu.

The dessert list is a real winner as well—with a mini-flourless chocolate cake, lavender creme brulee, and mango sorbet with fresh berries as the three selections.

The regular dinner menu is organized by small plates (and sharing items), flatbread pizza selections, and a slider bar. Soups and salads are another category on this oversized menu, and finally you have the large plates—which include hearty portions of lobster macaroni ‘n’ cheese (made with Maine lobster), fish and chips, flat iron steak, and grilled salmon with barbeque sauce—just to name

a few. The large plates range from about $11 - $20.The most exciting offerings on the dinner

menu are the flatbread pizzas. We were delighted with the caramelized onion and tomato flatbread, with asiago and jack cheese. This vegetarian deli-

cacy is great for sharing, and costs $10.50. The slider bar is another interesting choice. You can get a kobe and Meyer Angus blend bistro burger with gorgonzola cheese and caramelized onions for $9.50.

The lunch menu features many of the same dishes, with more of an emphasis on salads and sandwiches. There are many gluten-free and vegan selections on both the lunch and dinner menus—and if you have any allergies, the chef will accom-modate you.

Saturdays and Sundays, Terra serves a break-fast menu from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Even that menu is chock full of choices. There are several egg dishes, three egg omelets and scrambles, and a wonderful selection of pancakes and French toast—from traditional buttermilk pancakes ($6.95) to Terra’s stuffed French toast with house-made ricotta cheese and fruit ($9).

Terra has a busy catering department as well, and many of the items (such as dressings, marmalades, and chickpea spread) are available for take-home.

La Mesa diners won’t have far to go now that Terra has moved into the area – and it’s worth a trip to savor the Terra dining experience.

Terra American Bistro7091 El Cajon Blvd.

San Diego(619) 293-7088

Terra Chef/Owner Jeff Rossman’s own words about why the move to East County:

Location: We were in a bloody shopping center!

East County needs a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on sustainability and supporting local growers, artisans and families.

Our current address wasn’t “Googleable,” “GPS-able” or easily accessible. Parking was a nightmare for everyone. Even our vendors nearly got ticketed for double-parking in the red zone out front.

13 years of commuting from East County, and 12 hours per day in the kitchen was making this once-spry chef a little too weary.

Our (Hillcrest) landlord increased our rent, so combine that with redesigning the place and it made more sense to start from scratch.

We can more easily expand our efforts to bring fresh, local produce to children with myriad schools in East County.

Cabin fever: 13 years, folks.

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la mesa courier - june 2011

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