la mesa courier - september 2013

See Dr. A, Page 20

See Coyotes, Page 4See Helix Water, Page 8

Councilman Mark Arapostathis was voted Favorite Politician in this year’s Neighborhood Best.

‘Dr. A’ mAkes the grADeBy Jeremy Ogul

When a young Mark Arapostathis first started acting in productions of the Peter Pan Junior Theater in 1976, few could have predicted that he would be leading the city as an educator and city councilmember more than 35 years later.

First elected to the La Mesa City Council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, Arapostathis’s political career has been buoyed by the widespread connections he has made and respect he has earned as an educator and public servant in the city over his career.

Arapostathis, unlike many La Mesa natives, stuck around after graduating from Helix High School. He earned bach-elor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at

San Diego State University and began teaching in La Mesa-Spring Valley schools in 1992. Known as “Dr. A” to his students, he currently teaches second grade at Rolando Elementary but has also taught at Murdock Elementary and Lemon Avenue Elementary.

In the early 1990s, Arapostathis took over as director of the Peter Pan Junior Theater, a position he has held ever since. The nonprofit theater group brings together 90 La Mesa children, ranging from fourth-graders to eighth-graders, to put on a blowout stage production at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego.

DiscourAging the wily coyoteBy Jeremy Ogul

Cindy Patterson at first thought the muti-lated feline carcass she saw on a neighbor’s lawn was the result of “some kind of barbaric torture.”

She quickly realized that the cat was actually the victim of one of the many coyotes that prowl the residential streets of La Mesa after dark.

Coyotes, wild members of the dog family, are native to western North America and have adapted well to suburban development over the past century. In fact, some of the highest coyote population densities in the world have been recorded in suburban Southern Cali-fornia, according to University of California researchers.

Having noticed a glut of “missing pet” signs throughout her neighborhood, Patterson is afraid coyotes are nabbing the family pets of uninformed residents.

“It just breaks my heart because I see all

helix water District Approves rate hikesBy Andy Cohen

The Helix Water District in a 3-to-2 vote Aug. 21 approved proposed rate hikes for fiscal years 2013-14 and 2014-15, with plans to revisit addi-tional rate hikes in subsequent years.

The district cites drought condi-tions and the necessity to increase the amount of water purchased from the San Diego County Water Authority. It is anticipated demand for purchased water will increase by at least 16 percent over 2012-13, which was 21 percent higher than the previous year, translating to a projected increase of $6.3 million to $36.6 million for the fiscal year just begun.

According to the San Diego County Water Authority, annual rain-

fall fell from 10.6 inches in 2010 and 12.7 inches in 2011 to just 7.9 inches in 2012. Thus far in 2013, the San Diego area has received just over six inches of rain.

Drought conditions affect the water supply in two ways: With less natural rainfall, property owners must use more water from the system to water their property, increasing demand. But with less rainfall, the supply in reservoirs is down, neces-sitating the purchase of additional water to meet the higher demand from sources such as the Colorado River or the Sacramento River Delta.

Additionally, the San Diego

September 2013 On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com Volume 3 – Number 9

insiDe this issue

news tiPs(619) 697-2500 [email protected]

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See Pickleball, Page 2 See Tree City USA, Page 5

See Journal, Page 9Lillian Palmer

La Mesa Journal

HOA President Hits the High NoteBy Genevieve A. Suzuki

Lillian Palmer seems like the sweet neighbor next door as she walks her dog, Sparky, a scruffy adopted pound pooch she affectionately calls “Sparkalicious.” Palmer, a svelte redhead, waves happily to her fellow residents in her Baltimore Drive townhome complex, politely inquiring about events in their lives only a friend would know.

Because she serves as the president of her homeowners association, it’s not surprising that she would be on a first-name basis with at least half the neighborhood. It’s

hard to believe, however, this organized HOA president is a crooning, sensual diva in her other incarnation.

And yet it only takes a few minutes in Palmer’s presence to realize what a force the lady is. A true entertainer, Palmer can vamp like Vivian Leigh in Gone with the Wind one minute, perform a scene from Hitchcock’s Rebecca the next, before suddenly dropping a funny line from an old Cheech & Chong film.

Palmer said it all started at the family

La Mesa Named Tree City USA for 33rd Year

By Genevieve A. Suzuki

For the 33rd year in a row, La Mesa earned the distinction of being a Tree City USA, an honor bestowed upon the city by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

La Mesa achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual commu-nity forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, an Arbor

Pickleball Play in Collier ParkBy Gina McGalliard

Everyone’s heard of tennis, paddleball, ping-pong and squash – but have you heard of pickleball?

Pickleball, which has been steadily gaining in popularity for several decades, is a game played indoors or outdoors on one-third the size of a tennis court with perforated balls and light-weight paddles. Invented in 1965 in Washington by Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell, the game was named after Pritchard’s cocker spaniel, Pickles, who had a habit of chasing stray balls. The first pickleball tourna-ment was held in 1976, and in

1984 the USA Pickleball Associa-tion was formed. By the '90s, pick-leball was being played all around the country.

The game has earned a devoted following in La Mesa, where players meet to battle it out on Wednesday and Friday morn-

ings in Collier Park.La Mesa residents Justine

and Tim Frazee even serve as San Diego’s East County ambassa-dors for the USA Pickleball Asso-ciation. The couple learned about pickleball from Tim’s mother, a former professional tennis player. Knowing the game was popular among seniors, however, and wary it was simply a watered-down version of other racquet sports, it took them almost a year before they tried it out themselves. But that changed on a trip to Tucson, Ariz.

“We were there for five days,

and played four out of the five days we were there. We were hooked right away,” said Justine. “Because it’s a lot easier [when] you’re playing on one-third the size of a tennis court, and it’s a much more easier game to play than tennis.”

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May 2013 On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com Volume 3 – Number 5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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

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

Jewel of a LadyHistorical View introduces the author who coined La Mesa’s motto. 2

Santee SurpriseEast County destination provides an ideal getaway for lake lovers. Page 6

Mind for MusicLocal music teacher Evans Kontopols inspires and challenges students to reach their potential. Page 7

Players interested in joining La Mesa's East County group can meet at Collier Park on Palm Avenue Wednesday and Friday mornings until 11 a.m.

Senior momentsA brain condition may keep old dogs from new tricks.

Page 5

Cohn returnsLocal restaurateurs take over Gingham’s old spot in the Village.

Page 6

Neighborhood BestsYou voted; now see who won our top awards.

Page 11

Music well done“The Riv” hires bands to give diners more value for their tabs.

Page 17

Noteworthy La Mesans in the NewsLa Mesa resident Kelley

O’Leary recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, for her outstanding commit-ment to community service. O’Leary became a Girl Scout 13 years ago when she joined the organization as a Daisy. Girl Scouts is a tradition in her family; her mother, Michele Hottel, was a First Class Girl

Scout, which represents the equivalent highest honor that the Gold Award now exempli-fies. O’Leary graduated with honors from Grossmont High School in 2012 and will begin her sophomore year at CSU Chico in the fall.

As part of the Gold Award process, O’Leary created a project called “The Art of Knowledge” that gave children

diagnosed with epilepsy an artistic and cathartic outlet. The children she worked with at The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County drew pictures and wrote responses about how epilepsy affects their life. These were incor-porated into a booklet and distributed to The Epilepsy Foundation, Girl Scouts and San Diego schools.

Her goal was twofold: to give children with epilepsy a way to express themselves, then share their thoughts and feelings with other chil-dren who may not understand seizures and typical behav-iors of those diagnosed with epilepsy. “I am a sibling of a child with epilepsy, so this topic affects me and my family. I wanted to make a difference for my brother,” O’Leary said.

“Earning the highest award granted to Girl Scouts makes me feel more confi-dent in my actions and deci-sions. I made the right choice staying in Girl Scouts to make a difference and learn leader-ship skills through this Gold Award process,” she explained.

Dr. Chris Hill receives Distinguished Faculty Award

Dr. Chris Hill, geology professor and former presi-

dent of the Academic Senate who filled in last college year as acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, was honored as Grossmont College’s Distin-guished Faculty Member of the year at an academic convo-cation held on the campus Aug. 12.

In announcing the award, Sue Gonda, current president of the Academic Senate, said Hill created a course studying natural disasters, and had re-instituted courses on Cali-fornia geology and California natural parks. Hill also wrote numerous articles, papers and abstracts in the field of geology, including those studying land-slide movements in California and geologic processes in the Sierra Nevada.

The choice of Hill was clearly a popular one as faculty collectively leaped to their feet to give her a standing

See Noteworthy, Page 9

SeptemberEvents Calendar“Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 7

The Sixth Annual “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival, scheduled for Sept. 7, offers hands-on activities, such as hydroponics, solar cooking, composting, electric vehicles, kids’ crafts and face painting. The free event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, located at 9550 Milden St. For more information, visit cityoflamesa.com/SustainLaMesa.

Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons – starts Sept. 8Learn Cha-Cha, Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot, and Two Step

on Sundays 3 to 4:30 p.m. No previous experience necessary. People with two left feet or two right feet are welcome. Intro-ductory classes held Sept. 8, 15, and 22. Introductory classes are free at La Mesa Senior Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. Call (619) 448-8088 for more information.

Modern Square Dance Lessons – starts Sept. 8Learn modern square dance to music from the ‘70s to

today in a fun, friendly atmosphere on Sundays 5 to 6:45 p.m. Dancing is a wonderful alternative to the gym. No partner necessary. No special attire required. Great family activity as kids 10 and up are welcome. Introductory lessons held Sept. 8, 15, and 22. Introductory classes are free at La Mesa Senior Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. Call (619) 448-8088 for more information.

Celebrate Scandinavia! – Sept. 14Ascension Lutheran Church celebrates Scandinavia Sept.

14 with a festival offering handmade arts and crafts, artwork, goods and services from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Scandinavian Festival tickets costs $25 each adult and $10 per child. The authentic Scandinavian Smor-gasbord starts with a bake sale at 5 p.m. and dinner to follow at 6 p.m. The menu includes herring, salmon, Danish meat-balls, Swedish potato sausage, red cabbage, brown new pota-toes, salads, assorted cheeses and breads, and desserts, such as krumkake and assorted Scandinavian cookies. For more information, call Tracy Provins at (619) 934-6934 or Ascension Lutheran Church at (619) 582-2636.

The kickoff party celebrates the 30th Annual La Mesa Oktoberfest with brats, beer and more. The meeting includes the election of the board of directors. The Sept. 18 meeting is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Continental Catering, 8238 Parkway Dr., La Mesa. Free for La Mesa Chamber of Commerce members, Oktoberfest volunteers and sponsors. Guests pay $10 each. RSVP by Sept. 13 at [email protected] or call (619) 465-7700, ext. 2.

2013 Kids Care Fest – Sept. 21The 2013 Kids Care Fest is a free, family-oriented event

that features free health care screenings and fingerprinting Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Briercrest Park, 9001 Waka-rusa St., La Mesa. Organizers expect more than 1,000 children under age 12 will receive free, potentially life-saving, health care screenings, including hearing, vision and dental screen-ings, from healthcare professionals. Free parking is avail-able at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Brier Patch campus at 9000 Wakarusa St. and Grossmont Medical Arts Building at 8851 Center Dr. For more information, call (619) 825 5050 or visit www.KidsCareFest.org.

La Mesa City Council – Second and fourth Tuesdays of every month

The La Mesa City Council meets at Council Chambers in City Hall, 8130 Allison Ave., at 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month and 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month.

La Mesa Village Farmers’ Market – FridaysThe La Mesa Village Farmers’ Market is located at La Mesa

Civic Center, off Allison Avenue at the foot of Date Avenue, across from the new Police Headquarters, just a stone’s throw away from the previous site. Every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.

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LaMesaCourier.com — September 2013

See City Council, Page 21 See Panhandling, Page 19

lA mesA city council uPDAteBy Dave Schwab

La Mesa City Council heard a new legis-lative bill to curb panhandling in medians is dead for this year and approved a special event application for the 2013 Oktoberfest requiring full cost recovery for the city from the event.

With Mayor Art Madrid absent, the Council Aug. 13 also voted in favor of an item brought by Vice-Mayor Mark Arapostathis to move public comments up before consent calendar on council agendas as a courtesy to speakers so they wouldn’t have to wait so long to address the Council.

La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves delivered some bad news before his quarterly crime report.

“S.B. 604, the Safe Streets Act introduced by State Sen. [Joel] Anderson that deals with solicitors in center medians, did not receive enough votes to pass in an Assembly committee and is dead for this year,” he said, adding Anderson immediately put in a request to have the bill reconsidered in the next legis-lative session in April 2014.

The bill would authorize a city or county to enact an ordinance to prohibit a person from soliciting, displaying, selling, offering for sale, or otherwise vending or attempting to vend any merchandise or service while being wholly or partly within any center median that is within 300 feet of an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal.

“Unfortunately, the vote was less about the issues and more about politics,” said Aceves, who thanked Anderson for his tireless efforts in pushing this legislation.

Panhandling bill dies in AssemblyBy Jeremy Ogul

A proposal to ban panhandling in roadway medians came to a screeching halt in a vote of the state Assembly Committee on Transporta-tion last month.

Introduced by Sen. Joel Anderson (R – El Cajon) as S.B. 604, the bill would allow cities to enact bans on selling or soliciting money on any center median near an intersection with a traffic signal. It passed the state Senate on a 38-to-1 vote on May 29.

In its first major test in the California State Assembly, however, the bill was stymied by concerns about whether it would violate constitutional protections over freedom of speech.

The bill “essentially died in the committee,” said La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves, a sponsor and vocal supporter of the bill. Aceves went to Sacramento on Aug. 12 to testify on behalf of the bill at the committee hearing.

It takes nine votes to pass the 16-member committee, but the record shows only seven members voted to pass S.B. 604. Two members voted against the bill; seven members did not vote.

“To say that I am disappointed in the process is probably an understatement,” Aceves said.

Anderson has requested the committee reconsider the bill, but that will not happen until next April after the next session of the Assembly begins, said Michele Kane, Ander-son’s communications director.

Aceves speculated that the bill failed for partisan reasons.

“Unfortunately, yesterday was less about

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Coyotes, from page 1

these signs and I know that these pets aren’t coming back,” she said.

There is no official count of the coyotes in the area, but their population may swell when food and water is abundant.

Coyotes are naturally inclined to avoid interacting with humans, but human habitats provide an excellent food source in the form of cats, dogs, pet food and water. This supplements the coyote diet of rodents, rabbits, fruits and insects, depending on what’s available.

Many area residents are

not aware that coyotes will jump over fences or dig under them to prey on cats and smaller dogs, said Chris Jones, a licensed trapper who lives in La Mesa.

The best solution is to never leave a pet unattended in the backyard between dusk and dawn, said Jones, who owns San Diego Wildlife Removal Services.

Jones also recommends against leaving pet food and water outside.

Another approach is to design a backyard fence that precludes coyotes from entering the yard – a service

Jones provides to customers who want something done about coyotes. One method that works particularly well is placing a horizontal metal pole, known as a roller, across the top of a wooden fence, which prevents the coyote from gaining a foothold at the top of a fence.

Experts recommend closing off crawl spaces under homes and under patio decks as well as securing backyard sheds and other structures to prevent coyotes from estab-lishing a den in these areas.

Killing coyotes is not illegal under California law,

but killing is not a viable option, Jones said.

“You can’t just open a firearm up and start shooting coyotes in the middle of a neighborhood,” he said. “It’s not legal to fire a firearm in city limits.”

Furthermore, leghold traps and most poisons are illegal under California law.

Even if you do manage to kill some coyotes, “Brother Joe or Uncle Rex – the coyote down the way – is gonna move up and take that little area” that once was the territory of the exterminated coyotes, Jones said. Killing a few coyotes will only have a marginal impact on the total popula-tion of coyotes in the area.

Coyotes from Cowles Mountain, Mt. Helix and Rancho San Diego naturally move into unoccupied canyons and open spaces tucked with neighborhoods around La Mesa, Jones said.

Elizabeth Castillo, a friend of Patterson’s who lives on Nagel Street, said she has begun to see coyotes in the middle of the day, an uncommon behavior that suggests the coyotes may be getting more aggressive, according to UC research.

The coyotes have also been chewing through drip irriga-tion pipes in search of water

on her property, Castillo said. She does not want to see

the coyotes removed, however. “They’re pretty, and

people like to see wildlife in their neighborhood,” she said. “They’re there, and they’re part of our community.”

While coyote attacks on humans are rare, one of those unusual cases happened in La Mesa 13 years ago when a coyote bit and injured a 3-year-old boy.

Animal Control, a unit of the La Mesa Police Depart-ment, only gets involved with coyotes if they are actively menacing the public or if they are sick or injured, said Animal Control officer Kathy Gremillion.

The USDA has a program called Wildlife Services that kills a large number of coyotes and other predators, but it is very secretive about its work, according to a Sacramento Bee investigation last year. A Wildlife Services contact for La Mesa did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

For a link to an in-depth report on managing coyotes prepared by the Integrated Pest Management program at the University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources, go to www.LaMesaCourier.com.


See Rent Sense, Page 20

PET CORNER

senior Dogs AnD their Aging brAinsBy Sari Reis

The chances our canine companions will have physical and mental health prob-lems increase as our furry friends live longer. Along with physical illnesses, such as arthritis, cancer, and kidney problems, which affect many humans as we age, our dogs may also experience some of the mental decline humans suffer in our later years.

One example of this is Canine Cogni-tive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also known as Old Dog Syndrome or Doggie Alzheimer’s Syndrome. Similar to the Alzheimer’s Syndrome that affects humans, the disorder is defined as “the geriatric onset of gradual and progressive behav-ioral changes not entirely attributable to other medical conditions.” It displays most notably as disorientation, confusion, memory loss and personality changes. The statistics on the number of older dogs affected vary but, generally, 25 percent to 62 percent of dogs age 10 to 15 years of age display at least one major symptom. Like human Alzheimer’s Syndrome, CDS is diffi-cult to diagnose. All potential medical prob-lems should be ruled out before a diagnosis of CDS is made.

Symptoms of CDS may include one or more of the following:

� Forgetting how to navigate stairs � Sleeping more hours per day than

usual � Wandering and pacing at night – with

whining, vocalizing and scratching the ground

� Getting into corners of the room and staring not knowing how to get out

� Becoming more aggressive or devel-oping separation anxiety

� Disorientation and confusion � Housetraining declines – urinating

and defecating in the house � Seeking less attention � Failure to recognize human

companions � Activity and sleep patterns disturbed

Causes of CDS are not fully known, but research on aging canine brains has revealed a few potential processes that

may be responsible. One is a protein called B-Amyloid that, when deposited in the brain, forms plaques that can cause cell death as well as brain shrinkage. Changes in the neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are also potential triggers. It has also been noted that oxygen levels are decreased in the brains of dogs affected by CDS.

In the past, the only humane solution for dogs suffering from CDS was eutha-nasia. In many cases, it may still be the best solution depending on the severity of the symptoms and the general physical health of the dog. But today, there is an alterna-tive. A drug called Anipryl, used to treat human Parkinson’s disease, has proven to be quite effective. This once-a-day pill does have potential side-effects; but in one study, after just one month of treatment, there was a 77 percent improvement in the dogs’ symptoms and quality of life. There are also some holistic treatments available including acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Needless to say, seeing symptoms of CDS can be disturbing to pet parents. If your “furry senior” is displaying any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care. Tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms should be done first. If it is Canine Cogni-

tive Dysfunction Disorder, consider the options.

Sari Reis is a certi-fied humane education specialist and the owner of Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services. For more informa-tion you can contact her at (760) 644-0289 or www.missionvalleypetsitting.com.

rent sense: smArt owners AVoiD mistAkesBy Neil Fjellestad and Chris De Marco, FBS Property Management

Some investors become independent rental owners by design as a result of well-planned financial strategy and/or the advice of a trusted CPA or CFP. These “strategic investors” usually employ recommended professional property manage-ment as well. Others are “situational investors” due to inheri-tance, a market condition or a personal requirement that results in the non-occupied ownership of a property. Regardless of how or why you have become a landlord you are now in the “rental business.”

So what are the mistakes that when avoided separate the smart owners from the typical landlord? Here is a short list:

Requiring an arbitrary rent rate. Setting the rent without strict adherence to the current market will hamper

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See Pam Crooks, Page 16

The Sun Shines Sooner… By Pam Crooks

the cohns come (bAck) to eAst countyI knew the rumors of a

Cohn restaurant opening in the Village were true because I confirmed the facts with Lesley Cohn. But finally this week the official news broke: The new Cohn restaurant, to be called “Bo-Beau Kitchen + Garden,” will be opening in the former Gingham/Gio’s location at the intersection of Allison and La Mesa Boule-vard sometime in September. Lesley qualified that by saying they “hope to have it open by Oktoberfest.”

I met David and Lesley Cohn when they were chosen to operate a new restau-rant in Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality in the late 1990s. They had been in the restaurant business for less than 15 years at that point. The couple moved to San Diego from the Midwest with David’s siblings and parents, after researching a number of possible other locations for a family business. None of them lived here. His dad had been in the grocery busi-ness in Iowa, and there was a potential niche market in San Diego for corn-fed beef. Thus Iowa Meat Farms was born in a small business center on

Mission Gorge Road in 1980. It’s still a thriving family business.

Five years later in 1985, David and Lesley decided to open a little restaurant right next door, called Rory’s, featuring corn-fed beef hamburgers from the IMF, Vienna beef sausages from Chicago and “the first self-serve frozen yogurt bar with toppings in the city.” Lesley

remembers it well, because she was the one cooking the hamburgers. More than once when she was picking up her two young children from school, they told her she smelled like a hamburger!

Rory’s proved to be a successful concept, they were having fun and were even

considering opening 10 more like it, when they discovered and fell in love with a Hill-crest building they remod-eled into the wildly popular 1950s-themed restaurant known as Corvette Diner. The restaurant operated in that location from 1987 to 2009, when the Cohns moved it to Liberty Station.

After their success with Corvette, the rest, as they say, is history. Lesley has actually lost count of all the restau-rants they have opened since (a few have closed along the way). “Let’s just say it’s been a lot of restaurants!” In fact, along with a new one opening in Imperial Beach in November, their La Mesa restaurant will be one of 15 in operation in California and Hawaii by the year’s end.

I asked Lesley to what she attributes their success. “Hiring the right people and choosing good locations is the key. We look for pocket areas with a lot of poten-tial,” she replied. It’s not unusual for the advent of a Cohn restaurant to precede the transformation of a mori-bund business area into one

Clockwise, from top left): Jeremy, David, Lesley

and Jessica Cohn (Photo courtesy Lesley Cohn)

Letter from the EditorBy Genevieve A. Suzuki([email protected])

It’s always difficult to do a “Bests” issue. I find myself constantly wondering, “But what about this place…,” or “Why did they vote for that one?” And then I take our readers’ advice and think, “Ohhhh, that’s why.”

Recently I’ve realized my own personal Bests are in odd nooks and crannies around La Mesa. Take the food court at Grossmont Center – who knew they served some of the best pizza and blended the most delicious bubble tea smoothies? I also like to go to Rico’s Café on Baltimore Drive to get some of the most delicious flan you’ve ever tried. Alas, there’s no cate-gory for “Best Flan.”

Another spot I just discovered in town – and it’s been in the neighborhood for quite a while – is Chopsticks Inn, which serves Chinese food the way I remember it in Honolulu. Thanks to venturing out of my box, we no longer have to get on the 15 to travel to Convoy – I can get authentic chow mein five minutes from home.

The funny thing is I often find myself getting into a rut of same old, same old. Once I like something, I return again and again, until my family begs me to give it a rest. And that’s why lists like our Neighborhood Bests are so useful. Thanks to readers’ votes and recommendations, I have a list of things to try.

Another reason I love our Bests list is it reminds me of how lucky we are to live in La Mesa. We have a lot for which to be grateful in La Mesa: Harry Griffen Park, Mt. Helix, La Mesa Village, Oktoberfest, warm citizens and an eclectic group of businesses. I take these things for granted until I see a list like this and realize, “Wow, I haven’t been there in a while!”

For me, however, the Best thing about La Mesa is La Mesa itself. We’re close to the freeway, the airport and downtown for business. We have a mayor who isn’t a national disgrace and a city council comprising folks who really know our town. And our inhabitants – I love that I can offer a smile and get one in return without a raised eyebrow.

La Mesa is big-town San Diego and small-town America all wrapped up in one handy Jewel of the Hills package.

If you see our Bests and disagree with the winners, we’d like to invite you to write us via email ([email protected]), Facebook or via U.S. mail. After all, my Best is likely not your Best, which means we could benefit from your educated opinion.


Grossmont High School

Foothiller FootstepsBy Connie and Lynn Baer

Since 1920, Grossmont High School’s students and staff have taken great pride in their commitment to their school and their education.

Beginning in 1925, each year at gradua-tion, the most outstanding seniors have been recognized for their achievement. In 2013, nine seniors out of the 585 graduates were honored with these decades-old honors.

In 1925, outstanding seniors were first recognized with a Circle G, a pin “made of hammered gold” shaped like a G, which was the highest award then given to graduating seniors. In 1925 the seven recipients were Dinon Busch, Lawrence Carr, La Rue Fry, Karl Kalstrom, Charles Levy, Josephine Price and Braxton Small. In 2013, the six graduating seniors honored were Erik Bergstrom, Erin Kownacki, Stephen Sena, Brett Stone and Rachel Recksiedler. The 2013 seniors received

a “new” retro version of the Circle G, which returns to the simplicity of a G enclosed in a circle, a reminder of the legacy binding GHS graduating seniors for nine decades.

The most dramatic testaments to the wonders of Grossmont’s past are the three perpetual graduation trophies. Since 1927, two identical silver loving cup trophies have acknowledged one graduating senior girl and boy. Engraved on the girls’ trophy are these words: “Grossmont High PTA Perpetual Trophy, Outstanding Senior Girl”; the 1927 recipient was Carmelita Harkleroad and the 2013 recipient was Sarah Sprague. The Outstanding Senior Boy trophy states “Gross-mont High La Mesa Rotary Club, Outstanding Senior Boy”; the 1927 recipient was Donald Cole; the 2013 recipient was Paul Hazlebeck. The 86 recipients’ names are engraved on the trophies.

The most prestigious award given at graduation is the Norman Freeman Award, first given in 1953 as a memorial to Norman Freeman, Class of 1947, who was killed in an air accident in Japan in March 1953. According to the 1947 year-book, during his years as a Foothiller, Norman distinguished himself as the “ASB President who is everybody’s friend,” who “considers the problems of the student body as his own personal problems….” The trophy is engraved “For the Grossmont

See Foothillers, Page 10See Helix, Page 20

The Helix Highlanders are ready for another great year. More than 2,400 students were welcomed back for their first day of school Aug. 7. We are excited for so many things already in the works for the 2013-14 school year.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the Helix High School Foundation will take over the Off Broadway Live Theater in Santee for their production of “Decades – The ‘70s: A Musical Review”. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Not only will this be a great night of entertainment, but the theater management has offered to make a generous donation to the Foundation’s scholarship fund. Tickets are on sale now – mention Helix when you call (619) 988-5483. Tickets are $24 for adults.

This year’s Homecoming will be on Friday, Oct. 18. High-landers from all graduating classes are invited to attend the football game and celebrate the “Once a Scottie, Always a Scottie” way. Mark your calendars and more details will come as the date approaches.

The 4th Annual Helix Supporters’ Breakfast will be held on Friday, Dec. 6 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. It’s a free event at which breakfast is served, some student groups perform, and accom-plishments of the school and its students are shared. The event is free, but it is a fundraiser. There is no minimum or maximum gift required. More importantly, we welcome you to come hear the Helix story. If you would like to attend, please contact me at [email protected].

In other news, as budgetary issues are stabilizing, there is now an opportunity for Helix to reinstate some of the practices that had to be adjusted to reduce financial strain. One major piece that Helix’s administration will focus on in the near future is ensuring class sizes are returned to their “pre-budget crisis”

Save these dates:

Friday, Oct. 18: Homecoming

Friday, Nov. 1: 2nd Annual Retro Helix Football Game, with

players from the 1951, 1952, 1953 teams present


Helix HighlightsBy Jennifer Osborn

Helix Water, from page 1

County Water Authority, citing increased costs passed along from the Metropolitan Water District that serves all of Southern California, recently announced a rate increase of their own by 2.6 percent following a 9.6 percent increase for 2013.

HWD said domestic customers using 25 units of water on a bi-monthly basis will see their water bills rise by 6 percent, or $7.58 in FY 2013-14. Commercial users will see their bills increase by 3 to 6 percent. Rates will rise again in FY 2014-15, 6.2 percent for domestic users ($8.23) and 5 to 8 percent for commercial users.

One unit of water equals 748 gallons.

While the figures presented by HWD were compelling, not

everyone was convinced of the necessity of a rate increase. Susan Nichols, president of the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improve-ment Association, insisted the district’s current tier system is unfair, requiring consumers in tier three who use larger quantities to subsidize tier one users, putting an undue burden on larger property

owners. “The proposed move from 79 percent of cost to 80 percent, with no further move towards true cost in 2014-15, is tokenism,” she said in a prepared statement.

Instead, she said, the district should further raise rates on tier one users, bringing them to within 90 to 95 percent of what she said is the actual cost of delivery.

The tier system is designed, in part, to encourage conservation.

“There is a legitimate increase” in costs, said Larry Nichols, the treasurer of the GMIA. “We’re just saying that it isn’t 6 percent.”

“[HWD] acknowledged in a meeting that we had with them that part of what they’re doing is leveraging now against the

concern that they may have bigger jumps the year that the desalination plant comes online,” he said.

The Carlsbad desalina-tion plant is expected to begin delivering water to San Diego County in 2016, providing up to 7 percent of the county’s water supply, but initially at nearly double the cost.

‘Art in the PArk’ At mission trAilsOur publisher, Jim Madaffer,

and CBS8 TV meteorologist and lifestyle reporter Shawn Styles are the honorary chairs of the second annual “Art in the Park” fundraiser for the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation on Saturday evening Oct. 5. More than 75 pieces of art, from paint-ings to ceramics to photography to sculptures, will be on display and for sale. Tickets are $25 and include fine wine, fine art, fine cheese and fine chocolate – don’t forget the fine company as well. The event starts at 6 p.m.



Noteworthy, from page 2

See Historical View, Page 23

The recently completed Congregational Church (3rd Avenue) is seen behind the La Mesa city band prior to the 1911 Fourth

of July Parade. Image courtesy La Mesa Historical Society.

ovation in salute of not only her academic work but also her seemingly inexhaustible willingness to volunteer for some of the tougher, drier, but necessary jobs required to make a college campus run smoothly.

For example, Hill helped lead a group of over 80 staff, faculty and administrators, who, over a two-year period, developed a comprehensive self-evaluation of Grossmont College. This nine-part docu-ment will be utilized by an accreditation visiting team drawn from administrators and faculty from throughout the California Community College system. The accredi-tation team will make an extensive fact-finding visit to Grossmont College Oct. 14-17 to determine who well the college lives up to its educa-tional mission.

Now having volunteered to serve as acting senior dean for college planning and insti-tutional effectiveness, Hill is currently leading the effort to implement new software for outcomes assessment and implementation of the college’s planning goals.

Although by now Hill should be used to the acco-lades of her faculty colleagues, it was clear as she gave her

acceptance speech that she was touched by the honor. She said that as a little girl she enjoyed learning and always had her nose in a book or was watching ‘Schoolhouse Rock,’ and to this day can recite the preamble to the U.S. Consti-tution. Along life’s path, she figured out that she liked to help other people learn as well, and not just in the classroom, but also as a coach (basketball) and in other settings as well. Teaching is “who I am, what I do,” she said, and it is “just humbling” that her colleagues recognize it. She said it was amazing that with the schedule she keeps, her partner, Jeanine, has been willing to hang with her for 21 years, and she introduced her to general applause.

East County realtors honored with `PSAR Day’

The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a San Diego-area trade group for realtors who serve in East County neighborhoods, was recently honored by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The realtors were recognized for completing a home make-over beautification project for a disabled and unemployed La Mesa homeowner down on his luck.

Dianne Jacob (center) presents proclamation to Jeff Campbell and Carey Guthrie.

The Supervisors declared July 30 “PSAR Day” in the county. County Supervisor Dianne Jacob presented a proclama-tion to Jeff Campbell, 2013 PSAR president, and Carey Guthrie, chair of Helping Hands 4 Homes, a committee of PSAR members who assist less-fortunate homeowners facing hardships and in need of new hope.

Earlier this year, over several weekends, a small army of more than 100 PSAR members and supporters, including contractors and other building trade special-ists, volunteered their labor over at a home previously cited by La Mesa city offi-cials for housing code viola-tions, said Campbell. The improvements included a new roof, landscape renova-tion and general clean-up. Donated construction mate-

Historical View

A bit of ‘our’ ArchitecturAl heritAgeBy James D. Newland

Most can readily admit there are no structures comparable to the Taj Mahal, Sears Tower, Robey House, or other interna-tionally-renown architectural landmarks in La Mesa.

That of course does not mean La Mesa is in any way devoid of its own architectural gems – and heritage.

Noted San Diego architect Richard Requa’s Mt. Helix Theater (1925) is one structure of notable regional significance. Requa was a pioneering leader in San Diego’s architectural profession and a key promoter of the Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival styles for the region in the early 20th century.

He also was a designer of other significant La Mesa build-ings including the Mission-Revival style La Mesa Grammar School (1914) and Spanish-Mediterranean style La Mesa Country Club (1923). Although warmly remembered, neither


Foothillers, from page 7



rials included plywood, roofing, paint and plants, according to Guthrie.

La Mesa attorneys make Best listFour La Mesa attorneys across La Mesa were honored for

their legal expertise and success Aug. 15 by being named to the 20th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America: S. Michael Love of McDougal, Love, Eckis, Boehmer & Foley; Nicholas A. Leto, Jr.; George de la Flor; and Sandra L. Mayberry.

The attorneys named to Best Lawyers are recognized by their peers in the legal industry for their professional excel-lence in 134 different practice areas. Individuals awarded a “Lawyer of the Year” recognition received the highest scores in their practice area and city this year. In this past year, Best Lawyers evaluated more than 131,000 lawyers around the world, and collected more than 6 million voting results.

Lawyers nominated for Best Lawyers are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are evaluated by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication review to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Silvergate Bank appoints vice president/branch manager

Silvergate Bank, a San Diego-based community bank specializing in small busi-ness, appointed Bryan Shull vice president and manager of its La Mesa branch, which serves East County from offices at 8530 La Mesa Blvd.

Shull, a Rancho San Diego resident, brings 10 years of banking experience to his

student who has most strengthened democ-racy through participation and leadership in student government.”

The first recipient of the Norman Freeman award in 1953, Patty Carone Bender, recalls, “I had a wonderful high school education and experience at Grossmont and the recognition for my contributions was a special honor.” The 1958 recipient, Jim Spackman, remembers, “When the award was announced during the graduation ceremony in the Greek Bowl, my adoptive father (a 6-foot-3, 220-pound Marine) cried! I’m most grateful to all the principals, counselors, teachers and classmates who

made it possible for the then-unschooled kid from Korea to go to college.” Gail Griffin, the 1966 recipient, reminisces, “I was so grateful that I had so many wonderful opportunities to learn and grow…my first thought was, ‘You’re kidding!’ The 2013 recipient of the award is senior Jaidin Holder, the 60th student honored as the outstanding senior.

To see the trophies and the complete list of recipients in person and to learn more about Grossmont’s unique heritage, visit the Museum on the first Wednesday of the month (Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6) from noon to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.


Bryan Shull

Best Place to Clean Your Ride

Soapy Joe’s Car Wash5322 Jackson Dr.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 462-7360

Just around the corner from Costco, Soapy Joe’s is best known for its $5 wash, which includes free interior vacu-uming and a hand dry in about five minutes, but they also offer more luxurious wash treat-ments for vehicles, including hot wax, paint sealant. This family-owned and operated business gets great reviews on Yelp for the friendliness of its employees. Don’t forget to tip the hand dry guys!

Best Place to Buy Your Ride

Drew Ford8970 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(888) 373-9367

The Drew family has been in the auto business in La Mesa since Drew’s Garage opened almost 85 years ago. The iconic “Roundhouse of Value” near the Interstate 8 and State Route 125 inter-change has been home to Drew Ford since 1967. Drew Ford is consistently ranked one of the top dealerships in the U.S. in terms of both sales volume and customer satisfaction. The Drew family attributes their adherence to the Golden Rule as the key to their perennial success.

Best Place to Fix Your Ride

Bond’s Automotive7066 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, Calif. 92115(619) 461-7623

Mike Bond and his staff have served more than 12,000 customers since he started out as a mobile mechanic in 1994. Most of those customers happily testify to Bond’s Auto-motive testifies to the patience, honesty, fairness and exper-

tise of the staff. Many profit-seeking mechanics are keen to “upsell” their customers on unneeded services, but Bond’s has earned the respect of many customers by selling them only what they truly need. Note you will need an appointment on Saturdays, and the shop is closed on Sundays.

Best Hair Salon

Haircut Store6195 Lake Murray Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 92942(619) 589-7999

The sleek interior design of the Haircut Store should bode well for the design of your new haircut. Just like in any salon, each stylist at the Haircut Store has their own strengths and weaknesses, but fans of the Haircut Store agree that this little shop offers great coloring and cuts at the best price. Stylists pamper their customers with a shampoo wash before every haircut, ensuring you will leave both looking and smelling good.

Best Barber

Pat’s Barber Shop7309 University Ave., Ste. BLa Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 466-2421

Pat himself is long gone, but hair stylist Pauline Do and owner Lu Nguyen have kept alive the barber shop bearing his name. With men’s haircuts offered for $8 and senior citi-zens’ haircuts offered for $6, Pat’s Barber Shop is just about the best deal you can find anywhere. Pauline has been cutting hair in San Diego and Ventura County for 12 years. Appointments are not neces-sary and there is rarely a wait.

Best Gym

John A. Davis Family YMCA8881 Dallas St. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 464-9622

The John A. Davis Family YMCA offers modern exercise equipment, a swimming pool and group exercises classes including Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, water aerobics, circuit training, resistance training and more. Local residents say they like the family-friendly community atmosphere and high level of cleanliness here. Kids have a place to hang out while their parents are working out. Also, the cost of membership here is cheaper than some of the other

brand-name gyms in the area.

Best Place to Work Out for Free

Lake Murray5440 Kiowa Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 668-2050

If you’re on a tight budget, a gym membership can easily break the bank. For some basic aerobic exercise, Lake Murray’s 3.2 miles of shore-line are a great free alterna-tive to the local gym. The most popular form of exercise here is simply walking, but bicy-cling, rollerblading and jogging are also welcome. You can even rent a kayak if you’re looking for a more intense workout for the upper body, or incorporate your own pushup, jump rope or other workout regimen as you enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Best Day Spa

Millicent and Company4695 Palm Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 590-1177

This independent, full-service salon is named after its owner, Millicent “Millie” Hultenius, who opened the place in San Diego in 1985. Millicent does hair, makeup, massage, pedi-cure, nails and facials. Millie says her salons have been so successful because their focus on “fostering a culture of excel-lence” earns loyalty “one client, one technician at a time.” Millicent makes an effort to ensure that its technicians are trained and monitored to stay on top of emerging trends and products.

Best Seafood Restaurant

Anthony’s Fish Grotto9530 Murray Dr.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 463-0368gofishanthonys.com

Setting the standard for seafood for over 60 years, Anthony’s Fish Grotto was a shoo-in for this category. Their charming La Mesa location features a patio overlooking a serene lake and a cozy dining room with under-the-sea décor. Their menu presents a variety seafood dishes to suit any appetite. Their freshly caught selections and regularly rotating specials are always good options. Plus, you can’t go wrong with classic dishes like clam chowder, fish tacos, and lobster tail.

Best Plumber

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical5161 Waring Rd. San Diego, Calif. 92120(619) 583-7963

Though it is based in San Diego’s Allied Gardens, Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is the most popular plumber in La Mesa. Ideal’s expert plumbers get the job done “as promised, within budget and on time,” the owners say. Ideal ensures


customer satisfaction by treating each customer like a member of the family. In addi-tion to repairing drain stop-pages and backflows, Ideal can also install and repair water filters, tankless water heaters, icemaker lines and more.

Best Home Repair

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical5161 Waring Rd. San Diego, Calif. 92120(619) 583-7963

“Plumbing” may come first in their business name, but Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical does it all. The company gets high marks among reviewers for its professionalism, transparency and honesty. As one reviewer recently put it on Yelp, “…Ideal represents that sweet spot of a true family business, with the best that implies, that has grown enough to offer a full range of services.”

Best Do-Gooder Organization

La Mesa RotaryLa Mesa Community Center4975 Memorial Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942

La Mesa Rotary is one of the best known and most loved civic institutions in La Mesa. The Rotarians organize fund-raisers and service projects to benefit both international and

local organizations, including InterFACE, La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation, Volunteers in Medicine, the East County Family YMCA, Peter Pan Jr. Theater, La Mesa Spring Valley School District and many more. The group meets Wednesdays at noon and welcomes new members.

Best Park

Mission Trails Regional ParkOne Fr. Junipero Serra TrailSan Diego, Calif. 92119(619) 668-3281

With more than 5,900 acres of both natural and developed recreational land, Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. The park includes a camp-ground, several picnic areas and trails of varying difficul-ties for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the history of the park, the plant and animal communities, how to stay safe on the trails and more. The Visitor Center also includes a 94-seat theater that screens educational films daily.

Favorite Activity at Lake Murray

WalkingWith about 3.2 miles of paved waterfront pathway, Lake Murray is a great place to take

a walk. Health researchers have discovered that just 30 minutes of walking a day leads to enormous improve-ments in health outcomes, and what better place to get that exercise than among the wild-life of Lake Murray? Dogs are welcome too, as long as they are kept on a leash and kept at least 50 feet from the water.

Best Doctor

Alvarado Hospital6655 Alvarado Road San Diego, Calif. 92120(619) 287-3270www.alvaradohospital.com

We’re not surprised our readers selected Alvarado Hospital as the Best Doctor. The 306-bed acute care hospital was recently recognized as part of the only hospital system in California – Prime Healthcare – named one of the nation’s Top 15 by Thomson Reuters. The award was based on clin-ical outcomes, patient safety and satisfaction, and opera-tional efficiency.

Best Spot To Get Your Drink On

Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill5500 Grossmont Center Dr.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 713-6900 www.Hooleys.com

What would an Irish Pub be without its whiskies and brews from the Emerald Isle? Hooleys at Grossmont Center has a thorough variety of these and other refreshments. Several screens for game days and live music on weekends complement the drink menu whether you’re in the mood for a Guinness or a Jameson. We recommend a unique drink option by way of the UK – a Snakebite –made with half Guinness and half cider. Cheers!

Best Dentist - Tie!

Purrfect Smile! Orthodontics6080 Lake Murray Blvd, Ste. ALa Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 466-8888

Dr. Rob Low, DDS7872 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa Calif. 91941(619) 464-1211

Dr. Cynthia Jackson is an orthodontist who graduated seventh in her class of 150 students at Ohio State Dental School in 1986 and continues to lead her field in professional associations and publications. Dr. Jackson, who has long

practiced in Alpine, opened her new Purrfect Smile! Orthodontics office in La Mesa this year. Her unforgettable stuffed Cheshire cat symbol-izes her ability to connect with her young patients.

Dr. Robert Low completed his DDS degree at USC in 1984 and has been prac-ticing dentistry at La Mesa Dental Group since 1998. Dr. Low’s decades of experience contribute to his glowing repu-tation among patients as an honest expert. Dr. Low is also known for his upbeat person-ality and great sense of humor.

Best Chiropractor

La Mesa Village Chiropractic4690 Nebo Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 460-2224villagechiropractic.com

Dr. Jason W. Graney’s office has a “no wait” policy, which makes sense since many of his patients can’t sit without significant discomfort. The life-time La Mesa resident offers patients large private rooms and the support of friendly staff. Graney is trained in the latest rehabilitation tech-niques and specializes in auto and work injuries.

Best Casino

Barona1932 Wildcat Canyon RoadLakeside, Calif. 92040(619) 443-2300Barona.com

Barona claims there are more chances to win at their Casino, which touts itself as featuring “the loosest slots.” Sounds like a line except Barona was actually certified loosest video poker in San Diego by expert Bob Dancer. The casino was also honored as having the Best Blackjack in the country by Casino Player magazine and in the state by the Black-jack Hall of Fame. We’d write more, but we’ve got some blackjack to play.

Best Place to People Watch

La Mesa VillageThere are several spots to sit and watch people go by in La Mesa Village. You can grab a seat at Cosmos Coffee Café, a table at Por Favor or just sit on one of several available benches. Depending on where you park yourself, you can see a number of different individ-uals, including the frustrated parents trying to hold their daughter back from Royal Candy Castle, college students looking frazzled after pulling all-nighters down the street at San Diego State, and elderly couples who still hold hands as they stroll down La Mesa Boulevard.

Best Place To Be Seen

Cowles MountainHiking yields many benefits. Obviously it’s good for your health and stamina, and it affords you a beautiful reward when you reach your destina-tion. But who knew hiking up Cowles Mountain was the thing to do at the place to be seen. It’s a logical choice, though – everyone wants to project fitness and health. What better way to do it than while hiking with friends at Cowles, an attractive backdrop no matter what you look like by the time you get to the top.

Hidden Gem (non eatery)

Top of Mt. Helix4905 Mt. Helix Dr.La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 741-4363

It’s not exactly hidden, but it’s definitely a gem only locals know. The top of Mt. Helix is perhaps prettiest early Easter morning, when attendees of the popular Easter service greet the sun. Seeing the large white cross set against the rising sun is enough to turn anyone religious.

Liveliest Place for Live Music

Cosmos Coffee Café8278 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 698-4217cosmoscoffeecafe.com

There’s something about jazz that makes it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee. As the guest musicians jam on their instruments, it’s easy to sit back and enjoy the music while downing one, two, three servings of the smoky brew. By the time the set is over, you might feel enlight-ened by the music’s complex notes, but we’re willing to bet it’s more due to the caffeine kick.

Best Billiards

Jolt’n Joes8076 La Mesa BlvdLa Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 466-2591www.joltnjoes.com

Jolt’n Joe’s has a lot of TVs for sports, yummy wings and happy staff to help you, but what it’s really got in spades are a number of billiards tables. There’s no school like the old school when it comes to billiards spots like Joe’s. As you line up your shot – eight ball in the corner pocket – it’s hard not to feel like you’ve been transported to a time

4031 Avocado BlvdLa Mesa, CA 91941

Call: 619-670-4024foothillsumc.org

New in 2013...

10:1 student to teacher ratiotablets and smartboards

Led by a credentialed teacher

9 am - 3 pmfull day class

7 am - 6 pm option

Kindergarten

Thank you, La Mesa,for voting us best preschool!


before video games dominated teens’ attention.

Best Golf Course

Sun Valley5080 Memorial Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 466-6102sunvalleygolfclub.com

Fees are pretty low at this nine-hole golf course, which could use a little TLC. Still, it’s a solid spot to work on your short game, such as chips shots and putting. Even better, there’s little pressure to look like Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie so you can revel in your mediocrity without being judged by golf snobs. Sun Valley definitely earns its self-acclaimed title of “Friendliest Golf Course Around.” Guess friendly goes a long way – it’s the best golf course to our readers.

Best Place to Take the Kids

Balboa Park1549 El PradoSan Diego, Calif. 92101(619) 239-0512www.balboapark.org

If there’s one thing most kids love to do, it’s run around like crazy. Balboa Park has more than enough space for a family picnic that begins and ends with a lot of running. If your children are old enough to appreciate a little culture, Balboa Park offers several world-class museums, including the fascinating Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the wonderful San Diego Model Railroad Museum. And if you like animals, there’s always that cozy spot also known as the San Diego Zoo.

Best Place to Feed The Kids

Fuddruckers5500 Grossmont Center Dr.La Mesa, CA 91942(619) 589-6144www.fuddruckers.com

Fuddruckers’ kids menu has everything your munchkin could want in a restaurant. There are cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sand-wiches, chicken bites and mac n’ cheese. Entrees come with a drink, cookie and choice of fries, apple wedges, fruit cup, BBQ beans or coleslaw so parents don’t have to pack juice boxes to keep Junior happy.

Best Preschool

Foothills United Methodist Church4031 Avocado Blvd.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 670-4024www.foothillsumc.org/what-we-do/faithacademy/the-preschool/

Foothills Preschool has been serving the community for more than four decades. The school boasts a low student-

to-teacher ratio and aims to provide “rich learning expe-riences that meet the devel-opmental needs of preschool children.” Foothills also strives to meet the needs of busy, working parents – it provides childcare from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The preschool focuses on the following areas: independence and self-esteem; reading readi-ness; math and science; motor coordination; creative experi-ences; social skills; and spiri-tual awareness.

Best Place to Get a Burger and Fries

Johnny B’s Burgers, Brews & Spirits8393 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 464-2465www.johnnybsburgersand brew.com

It’s hard to say whether Johnny B’s is a burger spot with a bar or a sports bar that serves juicy burgers. What-ever the case, you can’t exactly bring the kids in for a burger and fries – patrons must be 21 and older, which suits many of its regulars just fine. Sports, good beef in a bun and beer without kids screaming over who took the yellow crayon? Sounds like the recipe for a great guys’ night out.

Best Breakfast

Swami’s Cafe8284 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 668-9030www.swamiscafesd.com

Swami’s Café serves up break-fast with a smile. Walk into this joint and try – we dare you – try not to smile back at the friendly guy at the counter. It’s gotta be all that healthy living. Swami’s prides itself on healthful fare and offers a variety of good-for-you grubs and fresh juices. While the regular breakfasts are pretty good, we especially love their refreshing Acai bowl. If you decide to surf Swami’s in La Mesa, however, be ready to wait for a bit – there’s a reason our readers rated it No. 1.

Best Coffee

Cosmos Coffee Cafe8278 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, Calif. 91942 (619) 698-4217www.cosmoscoffeecafe.com

Finding a perfect home in the quaint La Mesa village area, Cosmos is buzzing any time of day. The cafe prides itself on serving only organic and Fair Trade items purchased locally. A popular spot on La Mesa Boulevard, it is frequented by locals of all ages looking for a caffeine fix, plus they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We recommend perusing the pastry case filled with an array of treats to go with a coffee craving.

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

See’s Candy

5500 Grossmont Center Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 463-3355ca.lamesa.sees.com

See’s Candy in Grossmont Center offers all the sweet goodness this company has served for over 90 years. Honoring tradition, they still serve quality old-fashioned chocolates, fudge and more, plus everyone gets a free sample. The familiar black and white shop is a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of mall shopping whether you need a bite or a whole box.

Best Ethnic Restaurant

Por Favor8302 La Mesa BlvdLa Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 698-5950www.porfavorrestaurants.com

It’s no secret that we locals love our Mexican food. Por Favor’s variety of authentic dishes earned it La Mesa Courier readers’ high praise this year. Their fresh and flavorful menu items range from Desayunos (breakfasts) to Postres (desserts) with all kinds of favorites in between. Tender Carnitas served with all the fixings are a big hit and perfectly portioned for a big appetite or sharing, if you feel generous. Keep in mind, we recommend saving room for deep fried ice cream.

Best Pizza

Sanfilippo’s Pizza8141 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 464-2088Sanfilippospizza.com

A La Mesa staple since 1975,

Sanfillipo’s serves a wide range of Italian food but it’s the pleasure of their pizza that earned them this award. The combinations they’ve crafted are popular picks. Anna’s Pizza is a unique savory and sweet blend of pineapple, onions, garlic, and artichoke. Lots of guests take a creative approach building their own pizza masterpiece from Sanfil-lipo’s fresh choice of toppings. Either way, we recommend getting a large pie because who doesn’t love leftover pizza?

Best Place to Get a Steak

The Brigantine9350 Fuerte Dr. La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 465-1935www.brigantine.com

They made a name for them-selves with seafood, but The Brigantine also serves up serious steak options. Their La Mesa location is a hidden gem tucked in to the side of Mt. Helix with impeccable views and a relaxing ambiance. In addition to the setting, carni-vores will appreciate their filet mignon wrapped in bacon and broiled served with a decadent whiskey-peppercorn sauce.

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The New York strip is another favorite with caramelized shallot butter. Is your mouth watering yet?

Best Eatery in the Village

Swami’s Cafe8284 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 668-9030

La Mesa Village has lots to choose from and lucky locals have found Swami’s Cafe to be their favorite this year. The menu offers a wide variety with lots of health-conscious and vegetarian options. This is a great spot for a quick bite or leisurely meal any time of day seven days a week. We recom-mend starting your morning with a smoothie or breakfast burrito. And their flavorful burgers are tasty choices for lunch or dinner.

Best Sports Bar

McCarter’s Grill8622 Lake Murray Blvd.San Diego, Calif. 92119(619) 337-3807Mccartersbarandgrill.com

A ton of TVs, nightly food and drink specials, and happy hour are just some of the reasons McCarter’s is the quintes-sential sports bar of La Mesa. Their full bar features 14 beers on tap and they’ll whip up any cocktail you like. One midweek special we’re wild about is

their Wednesday Wing night. Five tasty sauces to choose from for less than $6 a pound plus discounted drinks to cool your palate.

Best Pet Store

Petco 8501 Fletcher Pkwy.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 337-0701Petco.com

From food to toys to pet neces-sities this large store carries it all. Of course, they also sell pets themselves in case you’re ready to bring home a new family member, be it four-legged or water-dwelling. And the staff is highly knowledge-able about animals and enjoys educating pet owners. Check their weekly ads for extra savings.

Best Veterinarian

Helix Pet Hospital4223 Palm Ave.La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 469-2129Helixpets.com

Helix Pet Hospital has been serving La Mesa’s four-legged residents for over 50 years. The full service pet care facility offers expanded hours on weekdays open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., accommodating busy schedules. They’re also open on Saturday and have avail-ability by phone and email 24 hours a day. This pet hospital also shows their commitment to the community with free pet exams for animals adopted from official animal adoption agencies.

Best Place to Groom Fido

The Barking Lot7991 La Mesa Blvd.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 697-2284

For the second year in a row The Barking Lot is claiming this prize. Their stellar repu-tation in La Mesa keeps them busy making our four-legged friends look their best. The Barking Lot has been located just outside the village area on La Mesa Boulevard since 1996- a prime spot to drop

off your pooch and run some errands. “I feel blessed that we have so many people think so highly of us,” said owner Vickie Frei.

Best Bank

San Diego County Credit Union8555 Fletcher Pkwy., Ste. 101La Mesa, Calif. 91942(877) 732-2848

As one of the most respected institutions in the region, it is no wonder La Mesa loves San Diego County Credit Union. As a not-for-profit financial institution, SDCCU’s earn-ings are returned to its more than 245,000 members in the form of lower fees, cheaper loans and better returns on deposits. With over $6.2 billion in assets, SDCCU is among the 10 largest credit unions in the United States. SDCCU’s members enjoy access to over 30,000 ATMs as part of the credit union CO-OP network.

Best Place to Spend Five Bucks

99 Cents Only Store7908 El Cajon Blvd. La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 697-759999only.com

The large 99 Cents Only Store in La Mesa offers lots of options for spending a little cash. They carry food items, including

fresh produce, toys and games for little ones and all types of household necessities. Their knick knacks and art supplies are perfect for crafters and teachers working on a budget. And they always have seasonal items for simple holiday deco-rating and gift-giving.

Next Best Thing to Antique Road Show

La Mesa Antique Mall4710 Palm Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 462-2211

Whatever you’re in search of, the Antique Mall on Palm Avenue probably has it. The space is filled top to bottom with trinkets big and small, from unique collectibles to classic furniture pieces. Toys from yesteryear, vintage comic books, and vinyl records all find a home within the large shop just off of La Mesa Boule-vard. This is a great spot to find functional household items with special charm.

Best Thrift Store

La Mesa Thrift Shop8340 Lemon Ave. La Mesa, Calif. 91941(619) 466-6678

La Mesa Thrift Shop is a bargain-hunter’s paradise especially for clothing and accessories. Everything is well-organized and easy to explore. Check the window for which colored tag is featured at half-off for an extra deep discount. Tons of name brand items can be found here and are priced very inexpensively. They also carry some vintage treasures for those with a discerning eye. This is a must-stop when in the Village – just make sure you bring cash with you!

Best Grocery Store

Trader Joe’s5495 Grossmont Center Dr.La Mesa, Calif. 91942(619) 466-0105Traderjoes.com

The uber-friendly staff at Trader Joe’s is knowledge-able about all their products from an extensive wine and beer selection to ready-made food items and more. Their produce is always extremely fresh and offers a wide variety. The store caters to health-conscious shoppers and those with dietary concerns while still offering tasty groceries.

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La Mesa ReadsBy Jessie Goodwin, Librarian

Greetings from the staff of San Diego County Library’s La Mesa branch. Now that fall is in full swing, we hope you’ll stop in to pick up some of the latest books, movies and music appearing on our shelves.

Last month at the La Mesa branch, Six Years by Harlan Coben was our most popular fiction title. In Coben’s latest stand-alone thriller, a man’s life is thrown into turmoil after he discovers that his lost love might not be who he thought she was. Starting Now by Debbie Macomber was also flying off of our shelves. The newest entry in Macomber’s popular “Blossom Street” series, this novel again centers on the customers who frequent the cozy A Good Yarn knit-ting store. Non-fiction readers were requesting Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison by Piper Kerman. This true story has been adapted into a Netflix series, and details Kerman’s experiences in a minimum security prison after she is convicted of a crime she’d committed years before.

Are you seeking more information about the upcoming changes to health insurance starting in 2014? Find out more about how to obtain coverage at a free program on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. A representative from the Neighborhood Healthcare organiza-tion will be here to answer your ques-tions about getting health insurance and the Affordable Care Act.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to read this year’s One Book San Diego selection, there’s still time. Readers countywide will discuss Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks begin-ning Sept. 30. Check with your local branch to learn more about programs and to reserve your copy of the mesmerizing novel based on the true story of the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College in 1665.

The La Mesa Branch library is open seven days a week. We invite you to stop in to one of our many programs, browse our collection, and let our staff know how we can assist you. As always, please come in and check out what’s new. See Commentary, Page 23

GUEST COMMENTARY

La Mesa PBID Historical PerspectiveBy La Mesa City Councilman Ernie Ewin

A number of years ago before the formality of hiring a consultant and going public with a process, with the memory of the defeat of the BID referendum in mind, various commit-tees had been meeting regarding what to do with downtown La Mesa as its age began to show. A subcom-mittee was established to keep the issue before the Council and staff sought approaches to provide a stra-tegic approach. Mr. Madrid and I were the first members. Later, Dave Allan requested to be involved to try to bring new businesses to La Mesa Village. I stepped aside.

When the PBID process and formation committee was established, the Council affirmed the Council Downtown Subcommittee would observe and periodically report back to the full Council. Mr. Allan was not able to fulfill his assignment and Mr. Madrid did not initiate reporting to the Council. In fact, while the rest of

the Council was adhering to the approved PBID process, Mr. Madrid was taking an advocacy position on his own. None of us know what tone or demeanor was used by Mr. Madrid when he may have visited Village property owners soliciting for property owner PBID support. We also did not know if he did it under the color of office. Some may have thought the entire Council must be supporting this advocacy unless the Mayor made an upfront disclosure. The Council has not taken final decision as to its position. Not at that point or at the current point in time.

Earlier this year the Council formally took action to reserve the interaction and involvement with the PBID formation committee (and the Streetscape project) to itself and elim-inated the Council Subcommittees on

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LA MESA ROTARY


See Sycuan, Page 22See La Mesa Bistro, Page 20

Pam Crooks, from page 6

breAking for brunch At lA mesA bistro AnD bAkery

Before you walk into La Mesa Bistro and Bakery, you are hit with a load of options for brunch. There are the specials on the sidewalk chalkboard, more on the white board, a few written on the framed board by the door and even more await you once you step inside. On weekends, the line of people waiting to place their orders at the cash register extends half way into the main dining area. It may dissuade you, but actu-ally it gives you enough time to decide on what to order — and change your mind several times — before you reach the front.

Everything on the menu is available from 6 a.m. until they close at 3 p.m. Traditional breakfast items and sandwiches make up the menu. But for those with a breakfast mindset, and with more than one person in the party, the best decision is to go with something both savory and sweet.

Breakfast for me is not complete without eggs. There are the usual standbys: omelettes (incorporating breakfast meats or vegetables) and scrambles. Their lobster Benedict is one of many specialties highlighted in the menu and is nicely priced at $9.95. Two poached eggs are topped with hollandaise sauce that hides a generous helping of shredded lobster, chopped asparagus and toasted English muffins. Country potatoes and side of not-too-spicy salsa completes this plate. It’s a delicious and extremely rich dish that’s almost too much for one person.

uP close

with sycuAn’s entertAinment VenueBy Jen Van Tieghem

The lights go down, curtains part and enter-tainers takes the stage. It all looks effortless from your comfortable vantage point in an intimate setting. And it’s supposed to look that way. Sycuan Casino’s entertain-ment venue, Live and Up Close, wants to ensure the experience appears as flaw-less and magical every time they put on a show.

Though it seems to come together with ease, a recent behind-the-scenes tour gave La Mesa Courier the chance to see all the hard work it truly takes. With great attention to detail and obvious pride in what Live and Up Close has to offer, security director Juan Baca walked us through all the steps that lead to a big show.

One striking note upon entering the theater is its size.

Less than 500 seats offer any guest a clear view of the stage plus two large projection screens broadcast the show from three cameras oper-ated under the supervision of a video engineer. The “Up Close” part of their moniker makes perfect sense.

In addition to the inti-mate nature of the venue, it sets itself apart in a variety of ways. As one select area of the casino allowed to serve alco-holic drinks, the theater opens its doors an hour before show time, offering a full bar of

adult beverages at reasonable prices. Another item to note for frugal show-goers is ticket prices. Without inflated fees, the chance to see high caliber

acts in a small venue is well worth what they charge. (Insider tip: With a player’s club card you can get a 20

Sycuan Live and Up Close

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(619) 445-6002

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thriving with trendy shops and restaurants. Corvette did this in Hillcrest.

“Why did you decide to open a restaurant in La Mesa?” I asked.

“La Mesa is really ‘under-served’ when it comes to restaurants,” she explained. “La Mesans are sophisti-cated people. And the Village has good freeway access and available parking.” Although the Cohns no longer live here, they spent many years living in East County. Their children, Jessica and Jeremy, both graduated from Valhalla High School. So they know the area. “It’s a great place to raise kids!” Lesley added.

In case you’re wondering, Bo-Beau Kitchen + Garden will be family friendly with an area on the patio with a pretend bus where kids can play. The restaurant will also cater to couples looking for a special night out.

Sounds like a winner to me. Knowing the Cohns and their track record, I wouldn’t be surprised if the advent of their new restaurant on La Mesa Boulevard sparks the transformation many have been longing to see in the Village – PBID or no PBID.



JAzzWednesdays – Gilbert Castel-lanos Jazz Jam at Seven Grand. Free. 9 p.m. Seven GrandBars.com.

Wednesdays - Jazz with Kice Simko and Friends at Riviera Supper Club. Free. 9 p.m. RivieraSupperClub.com.

Fridays – Sam Johnson Jazz Group at Cosmos Coffee Cafe. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. Cosmos-CoffeeCafe.com.

Saturdays – Jazz with George and Alan at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoDesserts.net.

Saturdays – Douglas Kvandal with the LiveJazz! Quartet at the Amigo Spot a the Kings Inn. Free. 7 p.m. www.king sinnsandiego.com.

Aug. 31 – Teagan Taylor Band at 98 Bottles. $12 adv. / $15 day of show. 8 p.m. 98bottlessd.com

Sept. 21 – Normandie Wilson at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www.sanpasqualwinery.com

Sept. 26 – Cool Soul Trio at Riviera Supper Club. Free. www.RivieraSupper Club.com 9 p.m.

CLASSICAL Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 – Summer Pops: 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular at Embarcadero Marina Park South. $20-$79. 7:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoSym phony.org.

Sept 5 - 13th Annual Toy Piano Festival in the Seuss Room of Geisel Library at UC San Diego. Noon. Libraries.ucsd.edu/events_new/toy-piano-festival.html

Sept. 29 – Hungarian Folk Ensemble. $20-$85. 2 p.m. www.SanDiegoSymphony.org

Oct. 4 – 6 – A Carnegie Hall Preview at Copley Symphony Hall. $20-$96. Friday & Saturday 8 p.m./Sun. 2 p.m. www.SanDiegoSymphony.org

ALTERNATIVEMondays – Stevie Harris at The Go Lounge. Free. 8 p.m. www.TheGoLoungeSD.com.

Aug. 31 – Leanna May and the Matadors at The Griffin. $6. 9 p.m. www.TheGriffinSD.com

Sept. 1 – The Tilt, The Filthy Violets, and Gone Baby Gone at The Casbah. $6. 8:30 p.m. www.CasbahMusic.com

Sept. 13-14 – San Diego Music Thing. Showcases with local and national bands throughout the county at various venues. Price and times vary. www.SanDiegoMu sicThing.com

Sept. 28 – Rock the Boat for the MARSOC Foundation aboard a ship cruising Mission Bay: featuring Dead Feather Moon, TarrBaby, Oliver Trolley, and more. $29. 7 p.m. SanDiegoConcertCruise.com

POPTuesdays - Suzanne Shea at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoDes serts.net

Thursdays – Greg Shibley at The Westgate Hotel. Free. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. www.west-gatehotel.com

Fridays – Nathan Welden at Bistro Sixty. Free. 6:30 p.m. www.SanDiegoDesserts.net

Aug. 31 & Sept. 28 – People of Earth at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www.SanPasqualWinery.com

Sept 7 – The PushPins at San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room. Free. 7 p.m. www.SanPasqualWinery.com

Bands, venues, music-lovers: Please email listings to [email protected].

new position with Silvergate Bank. “Bryan’s years of expe-rience in bank management along with his knowledge of the East County community will be invaluable as he leads our efforts to provide supe-rior banking services to our growing customer base,” said Alan Lane, Silvergate Bank’s president and CEO. “We are very pleased to welcome Bryan to the Silvergate Bank team.”

“I am very pleased to be part of a growing community bank where the focus is on building strong customer rela-tionships and providing busi-nesses and individuals with a rewarding banking experi-ence,” said Shull. “Silvergate Bank’s strong capital ratios, highly experienced banking professionals and competitive products give it a distinct edge in serving the East County area. I look forward to being part of that effort.”

Supping with soul at The RivBy Jen Van Tieghem

The idea of dinner and a show might seem old-fash-ioned, but Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room in La Mesa keeps the spirit of this night out alive with modern-day flair. Known for do-it-yourself steak dinners, the restaurant and bar possess a mid-century charm. And as one of the few venues for live music in the neigh-borhood, it presents shows several nights a week without a cover charge.

For nearly a year, talent buyer Jason Rammelsberg has been in charge of booking shows and entertainment at Riviera, or, as locals affection-ately call it, “The Riv.” Music has always been a draw and as part of the new owner-ship team, Rammelsberg has worked to improve upon that while keeping well-loved parts of it intact.

The Riv’s eclectic lineup includes rockabilly, blues, jazz-fusion and rock bands, according to Rammelsberg. But something somewhat surprising to The Riv’s regu-lars is the recently added

karaoke night every Tuesday. “Karaoke has been fabu-

lous, actually,” Rammelsberg said. “When I brought it in here, I was just like, ‘Let’s give it a try.’ There isn’t a lot of karaoke around here.” The idea is a spillover from its success at Rosie O’Grady’s in Normal Heights, also owned by Rammelsberg and his family.

Another important part of bookings at Riviera are bands that will come back regularly once it’s established they’re a good fit. Some bands have residencies and appear once a month, and many of the bands performing now are new addi-tions since Rammelsberg’s arrival.

Rammelsberg and company are happy to keep the diverse line-up coming and offer La Mesans and their neighbors the opportunity to enjoy a full night out.

“You can pay for one cab here, spend five hours, have dinner, go the bar and do that whole thing,” he said. “You don’t have to go anywhere else and there’s no cover!”

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What’s Cookingwith Julie by Julie White

French Mushroom Salad

This salad is a little odd , but delicious and earthy tasting. The mushrooms are like little sponges so brush off any dirt with a paper towel instead of washing them. Its lem-ony taste makes it great with chicken.

French Mushroom SaladIngredients:8 oz. of baby Bella Crimini mushrooms or white button

mushrooms can be used. Wipe clean and slice.3/4 cup of flat leaf parsley leaves (no stems)2 oz. of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (Parmesan

cheese)Zest and juice of 1 lemon1/2 tsp. of black pepper1/4 tsp. of salt1 Tbs. of White Wine or Rice Vinegar2 Tbs. of extra virgin Olive OilIn a salad bowl, place the cheese, parsley and mushrooms. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix remaining ingredi-ents and emulsify into a salad dressing. Pour over the mush-room mixture. Toss and serve. To bulk up this salad you can add 1 cup of chopped lettuce.

sustAining lA mesA for the futureThe Sixth Annual

“Sustain La Mesa” Environ-mental Festival, scheduled for Sept. 7, is heating up to be quite the dish. Attendees can enjoy hands-on activities, such as hydroponics, solar cooking, composting, electric vehicles, kids’ crafts and face painting. Visitors can also learn about Styrofoam recy-cling, energy efficiency and see butterflies. The free event is presented by the La Mesa Environmental Sustain-ability Commission and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, located at 9550 Milden St.

“This is another example of La Mesa addressing citi-zens’ needs on environ-mental issues,” said Mayor Art Madrid. “We invite every-body to join us and to appre-ciate all the hard work done by our commission members, employees and volunteers.”

This year’s theme is “Bringing Green to the Table.” The theme highlights that the words “La Mesa” translates into “The Table” in Spanish. During the festival, participants can listen to live music and expert speakers throughout the day. The festival finale butterfly

release will give everyone a chance to experience the grace and beauty of these delicate creatures. Plan to spend the day and enjoy the beauty of the park, its trees, and amphitheater.

The winners of the “Our Planet, Our Home” K-12 Environmental Literacy & Art Contest will be announced and their entries will be displayed at the festival and the La Mesa Library.

For more information on the festival and contest, please visit cityoflamesa.com/SustainLaMesa.

toasting the masters of mount helixBy Dave Schwab

Once a Mount Helixian, always a Mount Helixian.

That’s the unspoken oath of “The World Famous” Mount Helix Toastmasters Club of La Mesa, which marked its 75th anniversary this year with a reunion celebration Aug. 17 at Carlton Oaks Country Club in Santee.

Founded in 1938, Mount Helix Toastmasters has been devoted for three-quarters of a century to developing public speaking and leadership skills. It was the 126th club formed in Toastmasters Inter-national founded by Ralph Smedley in 1924.

An educational director of the YMCA, Smedley perceived the deep and abiding need for speech training. He devel-oped the comprehensive learn-by-doing-and-analysis approach that has persisted in Toastmasters to the present day. Toastmasters Interna-tional has since swelled in 2013 to include 13,500 clubs in 116 countries with approxi-mately 280,000 members.

Longtime Mount Helixian Dr. Larry Pawl said what’s remarkable about the club is how its members have shared their knowledge and experi-ence over the years to help newcomers overcome their fear of public speaking.

“Watching people grow,” said Pawl, when asked for his fondest memories of the

club. “To see someone go from awkward and reserved, and watch them blossom into someone that has confidence and is comfortable and really becoming outgoing.”

Current Mount Helix president Bob “BVD” Decker joined originally just for some-thing to do on Wednesdays, and found he couldn’t stay away because of the quality of the people involved and the depth of the experience.

“The camaraderie is a big thing,” said Decker about the club’s appeal. “There is a mosaic, a diversity of people here with different politics, religions and backgrounds, yet we learn from each other.”

John Stark, who has been a Mount Helixian more than 40 years, agreed that the sum of the club is greater than its parts.

“Our members care about each other and the progress everyone is making,” he said. “We run good meetings so we bring in higher-quality new members than most other clubs. We sincerely adhere to the program. We provide quality evaluations, saying what we mean and meaning what we say. We enjoy extra-curricular activities that other clubs mostly do not. We are serious about the whole program – and it shows.”


See Panhandling, Page 21

Panhandling, from page 3

the bill and more about the politics,” Aceves said.

All members who voted against or abstained were Democrats. Those supporting the bill included all Republi-cans on the committee and one Democrat, Assembly Member Tom Daly (D – Anaheim).

Assembly Member Shirley Weber (D – San Diego) is a coauthor of the bill.

While S.B. 604 had wide-spread support from law enforcement leaders across the state, the California Professional Firefighters labor organization opposed the bill because it would have

interfered with charitable collections such as “Fill the Boot” campaigns, which have raised millions of dollars for muscular dystrophy research and victims of severe burns.

When it passed the Senate, S.B. 604 included language that would allow charitable collections by law enforcement and firefighter groups, but that exemption was removed before the first vote on the bill in the Assembly.

One of the biggest oppo-nents of SB 604 has been MALDEF, the Mexican Amer-ican Legal Defense Fund. In a letter of opposition, MALDEF

attorney Jeannette Zanipatin argued that the bill would violate the free speech rights of day laborers and street vendors in California.

“This bill by its very terms singles out vendors and indi-viduals who are attempting to sell services for differential treatment,” Zanipatin wrote. “This bill would discriminate content on its face which would violate the First Amendment.”

MALDEF has success-fully defeated city ordinances intended to suppress the speech and conduct of day

unique golf tournAment chAnges liVes

One of the most unique golf tournaments in San Diego is being held Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Cottonwood Golf Club in El Cajon. The SoCal Rehab Golf Glass is a one-of-a-kind tournament that pairs physically challenged golfers with able-bodied players to increase awareness about golf as a therapeutic tool—especially for those who have survived a stroke, traumatic brain injury or amputation. Because of the large mili-tary population in San Diego, many of the participants are wounded warriors.

The tournament is spon-sored by the San Diego Rehabilitation Institute at Alvarado Hospital.

“This is a high-caliber tournament orchestrated for adaptive golfers and their supporters in Southern Cali-fornia,” said PGA Profes-sional John Klein, who helps facilitate the annual event and teaches adaptive golf clinics to physically chal-lenged golfers throughout the year. “I encourage busi-ness leaders and others from the community to come out and play in this life-changing tournament.”

“The SoCal Rehab Golf

Classic is the only one of its kind in San Diego area,” added Mary Williams, ther-apeutic recreation coordi-nator at Alvarado Hospital. “We promote restorative golf programs for golfers of all physical abilities and provide a great opportunity for the physically challenged to play in a tournament format.”

The tournament is a four-player scramble format. Teams will be comprised of at least two individuals with a physical challenge. Partici-pants will play 9 holes on a regulation course. Physically challenged golfers will have the option to play from desig-nated forward tees.

Last year, Charles Fazzino, one of the most popular and highly collected pop artists of all time, donated a piece of artwork specifically designed for the Rehab Golf Classic and the San Diego community.

A putting contest is held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and the tee-off is at 2 p.m. An awards dinner follows the event. For more information, cost, brochure and registra-tion, visit AlvaradoHospital.com or email [email protected].

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*Complimentary High Holy DayFamily Service Tickets (with reservation)

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

Devorah Marcus, Rabbi • Martin S. Lawson, Rabbi Emeritus • Myrna Cohen, Cantorial SoloistJim Lewis & Ron Marx, Co-Presidents • Susanne Geshekter, Executive Director

Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism

6299 Capri Drive • San Diego, CA 92120(619) 286-2555 • [email protected]

www.teesd.org

Looking for a synagogue?For membership information, visit our website

www.teesd.org or call the Temple office

*Complimentary High Holy DayFamily Service Tickets (with reservation)

SUKKOT • ATZERET/ SIMCHAT TORAHSukkot Under the Stars

Wednesday, September 18 Dinner begins at 5 pm • Service starts at 6 pm

A Great Evening For All Ages!Join us for an outdoor celebration in our courtyard.

Reserve by September 13 to purchase a dinner at a cost of $10 per person.Or bring your own picnic – no reservation required.

Sukkot Festival ServiceThursday, September 19 • 10:30 am

Sukkot Open HouseSunday, September 22 • 2 - 4 pm

Everyone Welcome!

Erev Atzeret/Simchat TorahWednesday, September 25 • 6 pm

The service will include consecration of all new Torah/Hebrew Schoolstudents in all grades. Be a part of this joyous celebration!

Atzeret/Simchat Torah Festival ServiceThursday, September 26 • 10:30 am • Yizkor Memorial Prayers

HIGH HOLY DAYS5774 / 2013

Schedule Of ServicesCommunity Selichot Service

Saturday, August 31 • 8:30 pmat Congregation Beth Israel

hErev Rosh Hashanah

Wednesday, September 4 • 7:30 pmh

Rosh HashanahThursday, September 5

9:30 am • Morning Service 12:30 pm • Early Childhood Service1:30 pm • Family Service*5:00 pm • Tashlich at Lake Murray

hCommunity Memorial Service

Sunday, September 8 • 12:30 pm at El Camino Memorial Park Chapel

hErev Yom Kippur

Friday, September 13 • 7:30 pmKol Nidre Service

hYom Kippur

Saturday, September 149:30 am • Yom Kippur Service 12:30 pm • Discussion Forum2:00 pm • Family Service* 3:00 pm • Afternoon Service 4:30 pm • Yizkor Memorial Service5:30 pm • Neilah


Helix, from page 7 Rent Sense, from page 5La Mesa Bistro, from page 16

numbers. Helix prides itself on providing a quality education, and small class sizes are an integral part of that experience.

And finally, we invite you to the Excellence in Education Tour, a one-hour tour and program during which we will share our vision of excel-lence in education. Do you know that Helix’s educa-tional program focuses on college preparation for all students? Do you know how Helix’s test scores and other data compare to some of the top schools in the county? Have you heard from Helix students about how Helix changed their lives? Are you interested in becoming involved to help Helix meet the objectives of its mission and vision? Join us for a program that highlights the history, goals, accomplish-ments, and needs of Helix Charter High School. Tours are offered throughout the school year. The next Tour will take place on Friday, Sept. 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., starting in the Helix library.

As always, we welcome your questions and comments. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Dr. A, from page 1

“He’s not like some politicians who go out and do the work to seek glory for themselves,” said Kelley McGue, a production manager at Peter Pan Junior Theater who has known Arapos-tathis for more than 18 years. “He does it because he believes in the community.”

Scott Archer, pastor at La Mesa Central Congregational Church, said Arapostathis is a paragon of integrity.

Archer said Arapostathis earns the respect and love of his students because he demands a high level of achievement from them.

“He sets the bar so high, and it’s always amazing to see how well they achieve the goals that he sets for them,” Archer said. “His leadership is about respecting the people that he’s working with and expecting a lot out of them.”

Arapostathis served in several other leadership roles in La Mesa before joining the City Council. He served on the La Mesa Community Services Commission and led the La Mesa Arts Alliance. In 2002 Arapostathis helped organize the first annual “Sundays at Six” summer concert series in Harry Griffen Park. He has been the emcee for the series every year since.

Within city government, Arapostathis has prioritized public safety initiatives, including the Neighborhood Watch and Safe Routes to School programs. Neighborhood Watch encourages neighbors to organize and communicate with each other to prevent petty crime. Safe Routes to School is a feder-ally funded program designed to encourage children to walk and ride bicycles to school.

Arapostathis is also now working to open a new magnet school, La Mesa Arts Academy. Expected to open in 2014, the school’s mission is to provide fourth through eighth grade students with a “comprehensive, interdisciplinary standards-based arts curriculum” as part of a rigorous academic program. La Mesa Arts Academy will share a campus with La Mesa Middle School.

your ability to get the best return on your investment. The home priced “right” generates the most collected rental income over the length of ownership.

Not enforcing the lease. There are times every owner wants to be “nice.” Playing the “nice guy” is usually counter-productive. Resi-dents who get away with paying late once may continue to do so every month. An unauthorized pet can do considerable damage that won’t be covered by a pet deposit. The new roommate/love interest/spouse not on the lease is not liable if the rent is unpaid or the premises are damaged and may be difficult to evict. Often owners let things slide to the point that their protections intended in the terms of the lease may not be enforceable.

Letting little things get big. Minor repairs have a way of becoming big problems when let go for too long. Leaking pipes can even-tually result in major water damage. That little electrical problem can cause a fire. Responding quickly to a repair request both heads off bigger problems later and increases resident satisfaction. In addition, making a repair that’s not neces-sary but relatively inexpensive can increase resident satisfaction and a factor when it’s time to renew or increase the rent.

Mistaking cheapness for frugality. While it’s important to be frugal when operating the property, remember that the least expensive

option is not always the best. A higher quality product or procedure can pay for itself with a longer “useful life” or decreased maintenance costs. It’s often more

cost efficient to replace an appliance when the repair bills are mounting. Buying an energy-efficient appliance may have incentives or rebates that make it more cost effective. In addi-tion, spending a bit more on quality work or products sends a customer-friendly message to residents that might help explain a rent increase.

Letting insurance or other payments slide. It’s imperative to stay on top of all property expenses; particularly the reoccurring ones. Even an unintentional lapse can be expensive if unnoticed or unpaid. Owners have found out that their homeowner’s policy was expired after their property suffered from fire or other damage. Unpaid prop-erty taxes can result in substantial penalties or worse, the forced sale of the property. An unpaid contractor or water bill can result in a lien on the property that can make it difficult to sell or transfer later on. Responding to filing requirements by local, state and federal tax authorities can cost time and money. These behaviors can also affect the owners’ credit.

Overleveraging your prop-erty. Leverage is a powerful invest-ment advantage and the primary reason why the financial return for independent rental owner-ship continues to outperform other alternatives. It is also the primary pitfall for inexperienced investors. If the investor does not have suffi-cient equity the rental property will always produce a negative cash flow. This underlying condition clouds every operational discussion and decision. The negative cash flow owner needs unrealistic rent, stalls to make smart repairs, allows bad tenant behavior as long as rent is paid and is likely to push back on annual premiums, etc.

If lobster isn’t your thing, alternatives include a version with chorizo or avocado. A regular half order of eggs Benedict is $5.45.

On the sweeter end of the spectrum, La Mesa Bistro and Bakery has an equally daunting selec-tion with twelve varieties of pancakes (including gluten-free), waffles and French toast.

Their blue corn pancakes ($6.95) caught my eye, touting organic blue corn meal folded into the batter with shredded coconut, pine-apple chunks and brown sugar. Despite all the ingre-dients it’s still fluffy with a slightly noticeable cornmeal crunch. The coconut and brown sugar are tasty addi-tions, but the pineapple is slightly overkill for this already loaded pancake. It might do better on its own if it the whole thing was topped with pineapple instead of parsley. The pancake is sweet enough that it doesn’t require syrup but no one will look down on you if you still decide to pour some on. Two strips of bacon or ham and eggs cooked your way is $2.50 more.

La Mesa Bistro and Bakery also serves the smoothie-for-breakfast-set with fruit-based, yogurt-based or ice cream-based 20 oz. smoothies (all $4.99) primed for those who choose their sustenance in liquid form.

A second restaurant opened up in El Cajon at the beginning of this year which is only a testament to their good food and fast service despite the long lines. (Phone-in orders are also accepted.) La Mesa Bistro is open seven days a week.

Darlene Horn is a San Diego-based food blogger and has penning her opinions on food for eight years at MyBurningKitchen.com. She’s also the author of the semi-autobiographical, food-centric comic, The Girl with the Donut Tattoo, drawn by her husband and artist, Paul Horn.

La Mesa Bistro8697 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 589-0806

lamesabistro.com

Viejas Casino & Resort reserves all rights. Please play responsibly. Persons under the age of 18 are allowed only in The Buffet and mustbe accompanied by an adult. For help with problem gambling, call 1-800-426-2537. © 2013 Viejas Casino, Alpine CA.


City Council, from page 3 Panhandling, from page 19

“The goal of this bill was really a safety initiative,” Aceves said. “It’s unsafe for pedestrians to be in center medians, which were really not designed for pedestrians to walk up and down, and this bill would limit that expo-sure as much as possible.”

The Council received a staff report and public testi-mony on a joint applica-tion by the La Mesa Village Merchants Association and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce to host this year’s Oktoberfest. This year’s fest is not to include carnival rides, a major draw for teens which has proven problematic in the past with threats of violence and other disruptive behavior. Previ-ously, Arlene Moore of the merchants association had noted that removing the carnival would be a great way of “moving away from the teenage element” while eliminating much of the negative impact of Oktober-fest crowds on nearby busi-nesses and residents.

La Mesa police said Oktoberfest security will be tightened this year with the addition of two command posts on the east and west sides of La Mesa Boulevard. Police said the Oktoberfest event, proceeds from which fund other merchant activi-ties including the Antique Street Fair, 12-week car show and Christmas in the Village, is now completely self-supporting.

“I appreciate always the police department taking the point and working, as best they can, to herd everybody to a conclusion at a reason-able amount of time, though I still have no idea why we’re always dealing with this at the last minute as we now have less than two months,”

said Councilman Ernie Ewin about the event application process.

Councilwoman Ruth Sterling said discontinuing the carnival while adding two more security officers was “a pretty good plan.” She said she thought negotiations between police and groups staging the Oktoberfest were “on the ball this year more so than last year.”

“I think any problems have been ironed out,” added Sterling, stating the event is “valuable not only for the chamber but for the city.” She noted, “Oktoberfest is synonymous with the city of La Mesa.”

“I commend the chamber, police and the merchants association for sitting down and getting this done because it is a wonderful event that brings people to La Mesa,” said Councilwoman Kristine Alessio.

Mary England of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce promised security would be tight during the event, and cleanup thorough afterward at the Oktoberfest because “we don’t want to have a black eye.”

One longtime La Mesan testified he’d never seen the community so trashy as after last year’s Oktoberfest.

David Smiley, who was responsible for event cleanup, took responsibility, promising it wouldn’t happen again.

In other action:At the behest of Arapos-

tathis, the Council voted unanimously to allow naming rights for the La Mesa Teen Center as part of The Boys and Girls Club Foundation’s funding plan. Arapostathis said taking action to make it easier to fund the teen center supports a good cause. “As

a place for kids to go after school, it’s going to have an immediate effect on that area,” he said.

The Council supported a resolution authorizing the city manager to reduce the interest rate, from 7 to 3 percent, to allow debt relief for loans to home buyers under the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCCA) program.

City staffer Greg Humora updated the Council on the status of the Downtown Streetscape Project noting construction wouldn’t begin before next year.

Councilwoman Alessio read a proclamation declaring August as “Sustain La Mesa Month – Bringing Green to the Table,” which she presented to city staffer Greg Humora citing the city’s achievements promoting recycling and energy sustain-ability. Humora thanked the city noting the sixth annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental Festival will be Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park.

laborers seeking work.La Mesa Police Chief Ed Aceves said the bill was supposed

to be addressing a public safety issue, not a speech issue. “We have determined this is an unsafe area for pedes-

trians,” he said. “It’s really not designed for pedestrians to walk up and down.”

But the staff analysis prepared by Assembly Committee on Transportation cast doubt on that reasoning.

“Despite the author’s claims about the safety risk presented by persons in roadway medians, there appears to be no data available on the frequency with which vendors or solicitors are involved in accidents at intersections,” said Victoria Alvarez in the written analysis of S.B. 604 for the Committee on Trans-portation. “As a result, it is unknown how much of a public safety risk currently exists.”

The Featheringill Family has been assisting families inSan Diego County in their time of need for over 100 years. This long service has given us a great respect for people and

meeting their needs whether it is for local burial, cremation,pre-needs or transfers to a faraway place.

If you have questions concerning your family needsplease call us. We will do everything we can to help you.

www.featheringillmortuary.com

Wallace FeatheringillOwner/Manager

Teri FeatheringillGeneral Manager(619) 583-9511

COLLEGE CENTER CHAPEL6322 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92115

License# FD1083


Sycuan, from page 16

percent discount when you buy tickets at the box office.)

“Our goal is to show people we’re not only a casino,” Baca explained.

While many casinos present music and comedy acts, they are often forced to perform in low-budget all-purpose rooms without proper lighting or sound. Live and Up Close has those features covered and then some. Two skilled sound engineers work each show and sound checks are done with special attention to ensure quality is heard from any seat in the house. The venue also has custom lighting so performers have the option of light show effects to accompany their performances.

Booking three to five shows a month, the venue brings in a variety of talents and caters to a wide demographic. Music acts from Bret Michaels to Chubby Checkers to Everlast have performed, representing diverse musical genres. Comedy show are also a large draw – George Lopez performed two sold out shows earlier this year and D.L. Hughley performed to an enthusiastic audience of both young and old fans.

Another vital aspect, from Baca’s point of view, is how the talent is treated. He wants all performers to be treated like royalty from start to finish so their focus can be on their perfor-mance. His production director, Andrew “Pinch” Pinching, is a musician himself, playing with British punk band The Damned and bringing that personal experience to handling enter-tainers. Pinch keeps the day on schedule to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

The backstage areas for musicians and comedians are equipped with everything from full showers to multiple setups for makeup and dressing. The entertainers can order dinner from the casino staff and have it served before

they go on stage. Between intercom access and in-house TVs showing them the action in the theater all are well-equipped to take the stage.

Baca and his staff take the utmost care to make sure the shows run smoothly. From the ticket sellers to the theater staff, they ask guests for feedback about their experience in order to keep improving. Seeing patrons return time and again and seeing audiences light up when the show starts makes all the hard work worthwhile, according to Baca.

With big-name talents coming through year-round and prices that rival any large venue in town, it’s easy to see Sycuan Live and Up Close will continue to grow in popularity.

Upcoming Shows at Sycuan Live and Up Close

Sept. 19 – Soul Asylum. 8 p.m. $40-$50.

Sept. 21 – Drew Carey. 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. $35-$45.

Oct. 11 – Modern English & The Romantics. 8 p.m. $40-$50.

Oct. 13 – Billy Ocean. 8 p.m. $40-$50.

Oct. 19 – Paul Rodriguez. 6:30 p.m. & 9 p.m. $35-$45.

For more shows visit www.sycuan.com/entertainment.

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$18/Month Auto Insurance - Instant Quote - Any Credit Type Accepted - Get the Best Rates In Your Area. Call (800) 869-8573 Now

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WANTED TO BUYCASH PAID- up to $28/Box for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. 1-DAY PAYMENT. 1-800-371-1136

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Statewide AdsLocal Classified Ads

FREE CLASSIFIEDSFree classified ads are available to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services and private party items for sale. Only one ad per or organization will be accepted per issue as a free classi-fied - additional ads must be paid for with submission of the ads. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less. Ads of more than 25 words cost 50¢ per addi-tional word; payment must accompany the ad. All free classifieds will run for only one issue even if you indicate on the ad that you want it to run more than one time. No calls will be answered for free classifieds. Free classifieds MAY NOT be submitted online. Free classifieds must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at: 6549 Mission Gorge Rd #199 San Diego, CA 92120

PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $10/25 words or lessAds cost $10 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads. Paid ads may run for any con-secutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance.

NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD.

When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds. No personals are accepted. Paid classifieds may be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at: 6549 Mission Gorge Rd #199 San Diego, CA 92120. For your convenience, paid classified ads may be placed using our self-serve system online at ScoopSanDiego.com/Classifieds.

SPECIAL NOTICEThe La Mesa Courier reserves the right to edit or refuse classified ads due to inappropriate content, space consid-erations, etc. The La Mesa Courier assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for omission of copy for classified ads. By submission of ad, advertisers agree to indemnify and hold the La Mesa Courier harmless from any claims and expenses arising from the publication of any ad. No refunds given or cancellations accepted unless such notice is received by mail 10 days prior to the publication date. MAKE SURE YOU REMIT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THE AD – WE ARE UNABLE TO CONTACT YOU - NOR RUN THE AD - IF THE INCORRECT AMOUNT OF MONEY IS SENT WITH THE AD. Your cancelled check is your receipt.

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Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.”

Mail to 6549 Mission Gorge Road, #199San Diego, CA 92120.

FOR SALE CHILD CARE BUS. OPP.

NOTICES FOR RENT SERVICES(see restrictions above)

WANTED HELP WANTED LOST & FOUND

GARAGE SALES

AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCLUDED WITH AD: $ ____

CHECK # ___________

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITYWill your job alone allow you to live the lifestyle you deserve? Create wealth and long term residual income in a part-time home based business. Will train and help support you to success . Call 858-278-2120 (12/13)

FOR SALEBeauty Salon For Sale. 6790 University Ave S.D. Established 38 yrs. Move-in ready. 5 stations, 3 shampoo bowls, 7 dryers. $12,000. For more information call 619-889-1581 (09/13)

35+ years National Geographic Magazine - Free 619-463-6717 (09/13)

NOTICESHave a question or dispute with your energy bill? Call Alliance for African Assistance: 619-286-9052. We can help for FREE! Www.alliance-for-africa.org. (09/13)

SERVICESJenna’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.,

8:30-5:30pm; Sat. 8:30-noon. Walk-ins or By appt., 619-644-3669. (12/13)

Roofing Lic# 691295-C39. Veteran Owned, Allied Gardens based. Celebrating 20 years in business. Full roof & repairs. Free Est. Veteran and Senior discounts. 619-823-7208. (07/14)

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. (04/14)

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! (04/14)

Quality exterior carpentry. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers and Termite Repair. Lic365241. www.aactionbuildersofsandiego.com. Bob 619-275-1493 (4/14)

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. (03/14)

German Setter Tile and Marble. Professional marble/tile setter with 28 years experience. European craftsmanship. Punctual & dependable. License# 872804.

Contact Jens Sedemund: 619-415-6789 or [email protected] (12/13)

Professional Flute/Piano Instruction. 32 years experience. Beginner to advanced. Music Education. B.A. Degree. Reasonable rates. Teaching in your home or mine. Rick, 619-286-8012. (12/13)

Carpet Cleaning/truck-mount-steam (method) by Tim the Owner/operator. Call (619)772-4764. I also clean tile & grout, sofas, chairs, mattresses, treat pet urine damage and control odors. (12/13)

Dan Patterson Handyman/Carpentry: Repair and replacement of plumbing, electrical repair, installation of water heaters, doors, windows, cabinets, flooring, fencing. Pressure washing of driveways, all phases of home repair. And remodel including kitchen and bathroom remodel. No job too small, free estimates. Raised in Allied Gardens, 17 years in construction. Dan Paterson 619-481-9978. (12/13)

Mature Jill of all Trades offering efficient home care services with affordable rates. Services provided include cooking, cleaning, laundry, organizing, pet care, errands and transportation to appointments. Call Charlotte Booth at 619-867-1272. (11/13)

Roy L. Schwarz Tree Service. I.S.A. Certified Arborist. Dependable service since 1977. 60-foot aerial truck. WE-6180A. Lic #775662. 619-282-3562. ARoyLTreeSVC.com. (10/13)

DJ-Experienced. I will help you plan your wedding and reception, as well as play the music you want, and act as MC. $100 off regular fees for weddings in La Mesa or El Cajon. DJ Jim, 619-818-1266, www.discount-dj.com (09/13)

We provide all your REMODELING, HOME IMPROVEMENT and maintenance needs. With over 30 years experience and a long list of happy San Diego clients, we can make your dreams into a reality. Call today 619-669-1944. www.undertheson.weebly.com. CSLB # 754584

WANTEDOLD MILITARY ITEMS WANTED- Cash Paid for medals, patches, uniforms, souvenirs, swords, photos, documents, etc. CALL 619-368-2055 for fair cash offer. (12/13)


Drew cArey

La Mesa Courier

8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 La Mesa, CA 91942

Phone: (619) 697-2500Fax: (619) 697-2505

[email protected]

Executive EditorGenevieve A. Suzuki, Ext. [email protected]

ContributorsAndy CohenJeremy OgulDave Schwab

Graphic ArtistAleta El [email protected]

Advertising ManagerBecky Suffridge, Ext. [email protected]

PublisherMission Publishing Group, LLCJim [email protected]

Circulation: 23,000. Published 12 times in 2013 and mailed to all addresses in 91941 and delivered to all single family homes in 91942 and at over 150 bulk locations through-out 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: 6549 Mission Gorge Rd #199 San Diego, CA 92120.

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 omit-ted advertisement at the advertiser’s cost. All claims for adjustment must be made in writ-ing 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, limita-tion 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 vio-lation 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 discrimina-tion 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 writ-ers and should not be considered the views of the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2013, all rights reserved.

MEMBER

The October issue of the La Mesa Courier will be

published Friday, Sept. 27. The advertising deadline

is Tuesday, Sept. 10.

California Newspaper Publishers Association

both the PBID and Streetscape. Peri-odic updates were and still are expected from the PBID formation committee. Public transparency has been a publicly stated goal of this Council.

Despite this, Mr. Madrid continues to openly participate on the PBID formation committee. He neither holds property in the Village nor has he a business in the Village. Nor does he adhere to the formal Council adopted PBID process; nor can the Council entrust this selective rule follower with anything. Why do law abiding citizens stop at stop signs?

The Council is not staff. Each member is elected by those citizens who vote. Except for the position of mayor, which only has additional ceremonial duties, all five elected officials have equal authority on Council matters. We all have the same ethical responsibili-ties and should act appropriately as to the oversight of public funds. We should speak as one or respect the majority vote as fundamental to our democracy in public service. In the matter of the PBID and Streetscape matters, at least four councilmembers avoid the non-public meetings. As a council we have only one employee who reports to us and none of us individually can direct the City Manager to do anything.

Policy/law requires at least three votes to adopt or change something.

Respecting the Brown Act and “sunshine law” as being the best disin-fectant for public policy, the super majority of this council follows the law…and respects the proper process for publicly changing what governs what happens in La Mesa. Would you expect any less?

Commentary, from page 15 Historical View, from page 9

of these buildings unfortunately is extant.During the community and city’s early history individuals and contractors

constructed most of La Mesa’s buildings, including 19th century farmhouses and early 20th century buildings, with little or no input from architects – these buildings are generally referred to as “vernacular” architecture.

This did not mean noted architects did not do residential or commercial work in La Mesa and its surrounding area.

Perhaps San Diego’s most influential locally based architect, Irving Gill, designed two buildings in La Mesa. These were the original Bank of La Mesa building (1909) that sat at the northeast corner of Spring Street and Lookout Avenue (today’s La Mesa Boulevard) and the second La Mesa Heights School (1911), the current loca-tion of today’s Harriet Tubman charter school in the College Neighborhoods. (Again, neither building is still with us).

Much of La Mesa’s built environment comprises residential buildings – a large percentage of these La Mesa buildings being Pre-World War II “minimal traditional” style small homes and a large number of Post-War “tract” homes. Many of these were also constructed with minimal or no architect input.

Research, however, has documented buildings previously or still standing from many notable local architects. These buildings date from the late 19th century to the late 20th century.

The City currently recognizes approximately 38 properties on its Historic Land-marks register. Master San Diego architects, such as Lillian Rice, Alberto Treganza, Lloyd Ruocco and Cliff May, to name but a few, are contributors to that list of local historic La Mesa properties.

In addition, as seen with Ruocco and May, La Mesa has only recently come to recognize its connection to the mid-century modern styles that, combined with our neighboring communities of Grossmont and Mt. Helix, can boast of buildings from recognized modernist architects such as C.J. Paderewski, Homer Delawie, Welton Beckett, Ronald Davis and La Mesa’s own Sam Hamill and Robert Des Lauriers.

Of course this is just a small taste of the architectural heritage of La Mesa.

Historical Society Roundtable Features ArchitectureFor those interested in learning more about “our” fascinating architectural heri-

tage, the La Mesa Historical Society has invited local historian Alex Bevil to present a lecture on architect Emmor Brooke Weaver, an Irving Gill and Richard Requa contemporary, at its next History Roundtable Lecture series event, Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District’s Auditorium (9001 Wakarusa Dr.). There is no charge for this event.

Bevil will provide an overview of Weaver’s prolific San Diego architectural career including discussions of his over half-dozen buildings designed in La Mesa, including the original La Mesa Congregational Church (1911) and Ed Fletcher’s Grossmont Inn (1913) and the nearby John Vance Cheney House (1913).

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la mesa courier - september 2013

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