presidio sentinel, april 2013. vol. 14, no. 3

Serving the Heart of San Diego | A Publication by Presidio Communications

Volume 14, No. 3

www.PresidioSentinel.com

April | 2013

Play Ball...

Scott & Quinn has three offices, in Mission Hills at 1111 Fort Stockton Drive, in Normal Heights at 30th and Adams Avenue, and in South Park at 2973 Beech Street. The company also features Scott & Quinn Property Management. Founded in 1982, Scott & Quinn is the oldest full service real estate firm in Mission Hills and is still locally owned and operated. Jim has been a homeowner in Mission Hills since 1976. Jim’s past Market Reports dating from 1997 are on the company web site at www.sqre.com.

Jim Scott, Broker, DRE #830226, 619-920-9511

San Diego’s residential real estate sellers are happily enjoying their Housing Spring. Suddenly bidding wars for homes and condos are everywhere, particularly in the market for properties priced under $900,000. After suffering for so long, our region’s beleaguered homeowners are finally cashing in and gaining back lost equity. This is not a bubble but a new kind of market driven more by supply and demand and less by fear.

To begin with, housing prices had a very respectable 2012 performance. Encouraged by an accommodative Fed enabling record-low mortgage rates and a steadily improving economy, many fence-sitters entered the marketplace. Values moved up steadily and the inventory of properties for sale was cut in half by year end. By December the table was set for a bull market in homes and condos.

Buyers entering the market this year soon discovered not much was for sale. Between January and March sellers suddenly gained the upper hand in homes selling between $450,000 and $900,000. Usually market distortions such as this end badly, but I am not sure it is so off-kilter. In my view, we are witnessing an overdue reset of the price structure of local property. As the stock market talking heads say, San Diego property was way oversold and intrinsically undervalued. Given local economic factors, buyers are actually behaving rationally, even though prices in some market segments seem to be accelerating at an unsustainable pace. Price discovery is what is happening; buyers and sellers are establishing a new floor the next cycle will build upon.

Think of this spring market as a reboot to adjust for lower supply of and increasing demand for homes. For 2013, constrained housing supplies will not match demand. The resulting higher prices will encourage more owners to come to market but other factors will possibly offset resulting inventory gains. As an example, many potential sellers with negative equity and the financial capability to service their debt may keep their homes off of the market to build more equity. Merchant builders have found it extraordinarily difficult to rachet up production. Their infrastructure dissipated during the Great Recession; skilled labor fled to greener pastures and many lots remained unfinished. The lending community, facing political and regulatory pressures, have slowed down their foreclosures mills and have made serious efforts to keep distressed owners in their homes. What banks do with their personal inventories this year is anyone’s

guess and thus far it appears they are loathe to bring their seized assets to market. As you can painfully recall, over the past few years distressed properties accounted for nearly half of the resale market.

On the demand side, buyers have a collective expectation that mortgage money will be more expensive within the next 18 to 24 months. The price of ten-year treasuries determines mortgage rates and the yields on those notes are being suppressed by the Fed’s

quantitative easing program, known as QE 1, 2, and so on. Without their monthly injection of 85 billion freshly printed greenbacks into the bond market, mortgages would be far dearer. When the unemployment rate falls to 6.5%, the Fed has cleared stated it will reduce their purchases of securities, sending mortgage rates higher. I will take Mr. Bernanke at his word on this matter. In the past, potential buyers have always rushed into the market when interest rates move off their lows in expectation of more expensive mortgages. This makes perfect sense as I doubt we will see mortgage money this inexpensive again in our lifetimes.

Last, the idea of the economic value of homeownership has been validated by the change in the business cycle. Much has been written in the past few years about young adults, scarred by unemployment, underemployment, and the foreclosure crisis, forsaking the idea of owning their own homes. Other financial writers have produced studies showing there is little long term economic benefit to

owning. In spite of this negative press, I do not believe a cultural shift in attitudes toward San Diego real estate ownership has occurred. True, our relationship with property is often strained and difficult. I have been through four recessions and I doubt I have seen the last of them, but owning land is in our cultural DNA and once enabled economically, those under 35 will begin to act like their parents.

Since 2002 or so we have witnessed an incredible ride up, followed by a harrowing descent. After bumping along the bottom for past few years, it seems the process is beginning anew, but I think over the next two or three years we will see a mild seller’s market. Stability is relative, and if anything, the public has learned we now live in a financial world that is far less stable than before. Volatility in world economies has become the norm, and as we saw in 2008, outside financial events can wreak havoc on local real estate markets. Unfortunately, there will be future economic shocks, but statutory and regulatory changes that came from the Great Recession should protect us from ourselves.

1995 Guy StreetNorth Mission Hills • $1,395,000

A perfect blend of old and new. Freshly redone Prairie home in North Mission Hills. 2650 square feet, spa, views, and a spectacular outside entertainment space.Call Jim to view this special property.

Call Jim Scott, Broker (DRE#830226) at 619-920-9511

Marlee Matlin is keynote speaker.

Ayer gets a forever home.Students get science.Pillars get a new facelift. 13 17108

These are the Minors Division 2004 Batting Practice Padres, coached by Charles Tiano (back, far left) and Anthony Block (back row, center), team parent and Rick Brooks (back, far right) and Jill Parkey (not shown).

It is officially spring in San Diego. Presidio Little League, after a one week rain delay, held their opening day ceremonies at Sefton Field on Saturday, March 16. Sefton Field is in Mission valley at the far west end, off Taylor Street and Hotel Circle Place.

Continued on pg. 2

WEB EDITIONApril 2013

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After last November’s election, Carl DeMaio, who lost to Bob Filner in the mayor’s race, held several press conferences to share with us what he thought needed to happen at City Hall and how he would monitor Mr. Filner’s tenure in office, even if that had yet to occur.

I suggested on Facebook Mr. DeMaio’s conduct was unseemly, that he should consider leaving town for a while and come back, say when the mayor had been in office for, oh, 90-days, and then tell us what he thought. I have no illusions Mr. DeMaio pays attention to what I write, but he did disappear and, so far I know, hasn’t been heard from since; which is as it should be, at least for now.

Of course, the U-T San Diego, was so extreme in its support of Mr. DeMaio (remember the front page endorsement wraps?) it lost whatever credibility it had to opine on the contest for mayor (at least in the eyes of most Democrats), chose not to follow Mr. DeMaio’ example and began immediately critically weighing in on the mayor’s performance (surprise).

One might have hoped, as it relates to the newspaper, our new mayor would have enjoyed a brief cessation from criticism, but that didn’t happen; too bad.

Herbert Block, or Herblock, as he was famously known, the great political

Bob Filner: Up to Now By George Mitrovich

town. That the ticked off also happen to be the very people who poured hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, into Carl DeMaio’s campaign, is just, what, happenstance? Probably not, but the mayor believes any agreement written for 40-years is a bad agreement; it would be bad enough in the private sector but when public money is involved, as it surely is, then it is irresponsible.

If you think the mayor loses on this in public opinion or political support, you would be wrong. Whatever level of attention people give the goings on at City Hall, they know enough to know a 40-year agreement should have been a non-started.

I confess when the agreement was reached with hotel/motel interests by Mayor Sanders and the city council, with the city attorney’s legal backing, I was clueless. Had I paid attention my voice would have been heard. It almost certainly would have been ignored, but it would have been heard.

Hotel/motel people, feeling their 40-year deal was legitimate, went to court to force the mayor’s signature, and came away with, at minimum, a pyrrhic victory. But whatever the final judgment in the court of law, in the court of public opinion, the mayor has already won – and he knows it.

cartoonist of the Washington Post, long portrayed Richard Nixon, with a heavy, dark beard; one that made Mr. Nixon looks quite menacing. However, when Richard Nixon became president in 1968, Herblock dropped the heavy, dark beard, and gave the new president a clean shave, which was appropriate. But no such concession was conceded Bob Filner by the U-T.

Mayor Filner has been in office 118-days, but having supported him – I predicted in this space last April he would face Mr. DeMaio in the mayoral run off and would win – I’m released by whatever restraints I deemed otherwise appropriate for Mr. DeMaio and Mr. Manchester’s newspaper.

Several things have happened in the mayor’s short term in office, issues that have upset people. Among which are his commandeering the city attorney’s press conference, refusal to sign an agreement with the hotel/motel people agreed to by Mayor Sanders and city council, but while offering hotel/motel a compromise insisted no one working for any agency associated with hotel/motel be paid more than $160,000 a year.

So, in that order, let me say this:First, the mayor’s commandeering

of City Attorney Jan Goldsmith’s press conference was in exceedingly bad form. The mayor has his own bully pulpit; he needn’t have upstaged Mr. Goldsmith. Never mind the issue was

hotel/motel and the mayor’s marked unhappiness with what he thinks is a really bad deal (it is). The mayor should have called his own press conference to disagree with the city attorney; that’s what decorum and proper respect for the dignity of others mandates, that’s what civil society requires. That the mayor’s uninvited participation occurred right after his presence at a conference on civility, only underscored his bad manners.

But the idea held by some this was indicative of a politician going off half-cocked “is silly”, one highly knowledgeable political observer suggests. If you paid attention to what the mayor said at Mr. Goldsmith’s news conference, you realize he spoke in “complete sentences.” That alone, this individual contends, should have disabused anyone of thinking Mayor Filner had not thought this through, that this was just a “let’s crash the city attorney’s news conference.” Which then makes the mayor’s conduct all the more regrettable – the stealing away of a news conference from another publicly elected official. (Oh, by the way, I do think politicians speaking in complete sentences, is a good idea.)

On the second matter, by refusing to sign the hotel/motel agreement intended to free up millions of dollars to promote tourism, the mayor ticked off a whole lot of powerful people in our

Mine Eyes Have Seen

George Mitrovich

4Local Author Wins National Honor.

Mission Hills Walking Tour.Media Offers Support for Homeless Animals.

Brett Young Performs at the House of Blues.

San Diego Youth Symphony & Conservatory Invitation.

An Inspirational Young Woman.

Warner Springs Gets New Owners.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”

Continued on page 7

George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader. He may be reached by email: [email protected]

Featured Stories Featured Events

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© A Publication of Presidio Communications | April 20132


Local News

South Mission Hills Walking Tour Hosted by Mission Hills Heritage

Approximately 130 fam-ilies and 150 players in 13 teams gathered to kick off the season in grand style. The University of San Diego Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard presented the colors at 9 a.m., followed by recognition of the league’s sponsors. Then each of the team’s coaches introduced each of the league’s divisions from Bam-Bam (4 years old) to Intermediate (12 to14 years old).

After the introductions were over, the season began with games on four of the five fields. Presidio Little League welcomes the community to come and watch these energetic boys and girls play ball. Sefton Field is an exciting, fun-filled family environment, and has been the home of Presidio Little

Historic mansions, a legendary evangelist’s Spanish Revival domicile and post World War II ranch homes are part of the potpourri of architectural styles to be explored on the first-ever walking tour focusing on South Mission Hills.

Sponsored by Mission Hills Heritage (MHH), the event is slated for Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“We’ll be showing homes built by such important San Diego architects as William Templeton Johnson and Richard Requa and get to see many wonderfully preserved Craftsman and Spanish Eclectic homes of yesteryear,” said Barry Hager, MHH Board Chairman.

“And there’s an extra dividend,” Hager said. “Some of the best views in Mission Hills are in South Mission Hills.”

Tickets are $10 for MHH

Play Ball

A Spanish Revival home on the MHH Walking Tour is one of the many varied architectural style seen on a walking tour of South Mission Hills.

League since 1970. Looking around the field, you will see the names of many of Mission Hills’ most prominent residents, including J.W. Sefton, Art Bishop, Scott Palmer, Jack Hacker, Ed Luce and Ron Carrico.

Joseph Franca runs the bases. His grandfather was one of the original dads

who built the ballpark around 1970. Come explore south Mission Hills. Learn about the history of the area and its early residents, and enjoy a cross-section of architectural styles and breathtaking vistas! This is the first-ever historic walking tour to focus on the hidden gems of south Mission Hills.

A new tour leaves every 15 minutesEach tour lasts 60-90 minutes

members and $15 for non-members, and may be purchased at the starting location on Hawk Street between University and Bush Streets. A new tour leaves every 15 minutes.

Each tour lasts between 60 to 90 minutes and docents stop frequently to talk about the homes along the way and the colorful people who lived there. Refresments are served at the end of the tour.

Please mark the date on your calendar. The walking tour is on the same day Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) is conducting a morning walking tour of North Mission Hills. We welcome SOHO attendees to join

the MHH afternoon tour as well.Mission Hills Heritage is an all-

volunteer, non-profit organization established to protect and preserve the character and charm of the

historic Mission Hills Community.For information, visit www.

MissionHillsHeritage.org or phone (619) 497-1193.

Don Schmidt Broker Associate, SFR • CA DRE# 01347868

Historic and Architectural Specialist

858.274.DUNN ext. 220 ( 3 8 6 6 )

SellWithDon .comDunn, REALTORS®

Continued from cover page.



3Local News

Historic Home Tour Weekend

An Inspirational Young WomanBy Patty Ducey-Brooks

Tehya Foussat was born with the most severe form of Spina Bifida. Lipomyelomeningocele occurs when the spinal cord is exposed through an opening in the spine, resulting in partial or

complete paralysis of parts of the body. The paralysis may be so severe that the affected individual is unable to walk, and he or she may have other issues affecting neurological function.

However, Foussat, and her parents didn’t let this stop her from living a full life. She he grew up without boundaries and there was no activity or sport that was beyond her reach. Soon the girl who wasn’t supposed to walk became a competitive cheerleader, gymnast and swimmer.

She did have setbacks. A few months after her third spinal cord surgery, her medical condition mysteriously deteriorated and she started to lose function. She was no longer able to walk or run, and she suffered from debilitating headaches, neck and back pain, and several other neurological

Join SOHO on April 13 and 14 for the Annual Historic Home Tour Weekend featuring early 2 0 t h - c e n t u r y homes in Mission Hills.

On Saturday, April 13, select from your choice of walking or bicycle tours, and a textile workshop, and on Sunday, April 14 spend the day with us at the Historic Home Tour.

On Saturday, April 13 the 90-minute walking tour will focuse on the Arnold & Choates and North Florence Heights subdivisions. Highlighted are many early architects of these communities, including Joel L. Brown, William Templeton Johnson, Frank Mead & Richard Requa, and Alexander Schreiber. The tour will include the commercial district, an early Mission Revival church, a progressive school, and a former cemetery, as well as the surrounding architecturally significant homes and stories of the people who lived and worked here.

Tehya Foussat earned the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and the “Heart of Our School

Award” from Cathedral Catholic High School.

A 1914 English Tudor is included on the SOHO Home Tour.

deficits. She was no longer able to attend school regularly and was tutored at home.

Although she missed many days of school due to severe pain and illness, she was able to maintain her 4.0 grade point average. Foussat went on to run for ASB president and won the honor to represent her school. As the year passed, she continued to struggle through painful days, but she made it through and actually received two awards at her graduation ceremony.

Additionally, Foussat and her former teacher, Martin Reisert, started Tehyathon, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose purpose is to raise funds to increase awareness of Spina Bifida. The organization offers support to patients and their families who live with the challenges of Spina Bifida and its related conditions.

Because of her inspirational actions, Cathedral Catholic High School, Outreach Through Dance, Feeding the Soul Foundation, and Make-A-Wish San Diego are helping Foussat fulfill her vision to create

a day of inspiration and celebration with Tehyathon, a 5K Fundraiser, an Inspiration Walk, and a Celebration Concert. The event takes place from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 21 at Cathedral Catholic High School, 5555 Del Mar Heights Road.

She found her strength when it was so difficult to continue; she used her talents to compensate for her medical condition, and she is sharing her gifts to support the Spina Bifida community and provide loving care to the homeless and those in need.

For more infor-mation, please visit www.tehyathon.com.

Continued on page 12

The 90-minute Bicycle Tour takes cyclists along the quieter streets of one of the most historic neighborhoods in San Diego. Explore numerous works of master architects and builders with a local resident and fitness enthusiast to guide the sometimes hilly route.

Artist Natalie Richards will lead a six-hour hands-on instructional workshop on Arts & Crafts textiles. A Roycroft Renaissance Artisan, Natalie will instruct students on classic techniques to master and create heirloom quality linens. Students will create a pillow or



M o v i n g o n D o w n

Local News

grown to love the whole Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Mission Hills’ neighborhood and could not imagine myself living anywhere else. I can’t leave this city life with all the nearby shops and restaurants, the “walkability” factor, the convenience and most of all the local characters who contribute to the diversity of this urban life.

Soon I found myself looking at many different possibilities. Some were much smaller than I wanted, some were way over my budget and some were just plain ugly. It was like The Three Bears story, but none were just right. It was also like Kubler- Ross’s stages of death and I was running the gamut of those stages. Bargaining was my favorite. If it’s a great location I’ll trade in the size requirement. If it’s got everything but the location, maybe I’ll consider another neighborhood. Nooo... I don’t want to leave and go to the suburbs, and Mission Valley has no charm. Maybe a tiny place will do.

When I first moved in I bought furniture to fit the layout. Now I was walking around from room to room wondering what I could take and what I would have to part with. I made trades with myself. I’ll take the one

A few months ago my topic for this column dealt with the pain of finding out I had to move. It was stressful to think of picking up and

leaving a place I had grown to love, but being a first time renter I had made peace with the fact that the length of my stay in my beloved home was at the discretion of the owner not me. The landlords gave me notice in November that they were putting the place up for sale in the summer, giving me plenty of time to find something comparable.

Comparable was the key word and a word I found to be most daunting. Here I was in a beautiful spacious unit right across the street from Balboa Park. It was an open floor plan with a view forever. How would I ever replace this wonderful setting? With all that lead time I told myself not to panic, just get to work on the search. This meant checking everyday on Craig’s List, plus walking and driving all over the neighborhood looking for “For Rent” signs. I also told everyone I know to keep me in mind if they hear of something that would be suitable. I had

By Ilene HubbsPatty Ducey-Brooks

Publisher

Ilene Hubbs Associate Editor

Michal A. Tuzinkiewicz Creative Director

Phyllis E. Zawacki Graphic Designer

The Presidio Sentinel is a monthly publication

that is distributed by the first of each month to

households in Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and

Point Loma, with additional drop off points

in Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Point Loma,

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The publisher assumes no responsibility for

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All rights are reserved. Reproduction of this

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©A Publication of Presidio Communications

Contributing Writers

Concetta Anitico

Blake Beckcom

Rick Brooks

Melody Brown

Ian Campbell

Richard Cone

Cath DeStefano

Barry Hager

Ilene Hubbs

David Kamatoy

Alice Lowe

Aubree Lynn

George Mitrovich

David Rottenberg

Anne Sack

Sabine Starr

Barbara Strona

Charlotte Tenney

Laura Walcher

piece and sell the other one. I’ll give up the dining room set and stop having family over. If I have to, I‘ll part with most of my clothes.

I began to psyche myself for a move out of neighborhood. I would accept what I had to accept. Then an amazing thing happened. Maybe it was good karma. Maybe it was serendipity. My hope was that a unit would come up in my building, but I didn’t count on that happening… until it did. A realtor who lived in my building told me a unit was coming up for rent in March. I was over the top, this is too good to be true. We looked at the place and it was even better than the one I was in. It was all upgraded, had unusual semi circle windows and even faced the park. Yes, it was two stories down, but the view was interesting, taking me even closer to the park and the people who populate it very day.

A move within a building is not stressful. With friends helping me to make many elevator trips using our building’s shopping carts, it was a breeze. Even though I’ve moved down, to me I’ve moved up, and life in the hood goes on.

B e t w e e n t h e L i n e s : L o c a l A u t h o r W i n s N a t i o n a l H o n o rvolunteer while undergoing dialysis and multiple kidney transplants. The fascinating rose breeding detail came from extensive research and the helpful expertise of a California breeder.

This is Margaret’s second novel. The first, “How to Be an American Housewife,” was a partly autobiographical story about a Japanese woman who marries an American GI, like Margaret’s own parents. The novel is told in two voices, those of the woman and her American-born daughter. Now Margaret has completed her third novel, about Samurai women in the 12th century, inspired as well by family history—the discovery that her mother’s family is descended from a Samurai line. The research was daunting, she said, as much of the literature hasn’t been translated into English.

Margaret Dilloway grew up in San Diego, is married and the mother of three children. Her husband, “a finance guy” whom she calls “Cadillac” in her blog, reads her manuscripts; she says he’s “uncannily good at finding problems.” Her web site includes 20 random things about herself, including the fact that she wrote a novel in the eighth grade, was an art major who never made art, and has an aversion to handling meat (which I share). Also that she doesn’t finish books

“The Care and Feeding of Roses with Thorns” jumped out at me from the rack of new and featured books at the Mission Hills Library branch

a few weeks ago. Not only is it a terrific title, but the author, Margaret Dilloway, is a San Diego writer whom I heard read at a San Diego Writing Women event. And in January it was selected by the Reference and User Services Division of the American Library Association as the Best Women’s Fiction on its 2013 Reading List.

I checked the book out and found myself glued to it from beginning to end. Dilloway’s protagonist, Galilee “Gal” Garner, is a biology teacher who breeds rare roses and has chronic kidney disease for which she must undergo dialysis every other day while awaiting a suitable organ for a much-needed transplant. As if that isn’t enough to deal with, a troubled and troublesome teenage niece lands on her doorstep like an abandoned kitten. I wondered if the novel wasn’t taking on too many themes, but I was pleasantly surprised at the skill with which Margaret weaves the strands together into a compelling story.

Gal is energetic and demands much of herself, so one of my first questions to Margaret when I interviewed her was about the reality of someone in such fragile health being so active. It turns out that Gal was modeled on Margaret’s sister-in-law, who was a go-getter herself, a chemist and an active community

By Alice Lowe

Margaret Dilloway is a San Diego based writer.

she doesn’t like, although she tactfully declined to tell me the last book she put down unfinished. She did say that she recently completed Alice Munro’s latest story collection, “Dear Life,” and is currently reading (and will finish) the newest by Barbara Kingsolver.

The wealth of local writing talent never ceases to amaze me. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many San Diego authors and to write about a number of them here. And I’m starting to get the impression that I’ve barely scratched the surface, so stay tuned!



5

Telethon for the AnimalsThe San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s 16th annual Telethon for

the Animals was a big success, raising more than $285,000 in gifts and pledges for the animals.

Animal News

Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for boarding, bathing, grooming, pet food and prescription and non-prescription

drugs. Expires 04-30-2013

Sammy is a three-year old, lovable and playful California/mix rabbit with lots of energy and charisma. Once he gets to know you he will shower you with his abundance of love and affection. In addition to being a fantastic snuggler, this bunny is also litter box trained. Sammy is waiting to be your newest family member!. Sammy’s adoption fee Adoption Fee of $25 includes neuter, permanent microchip and a certificate for a free veterinary exam. He is at the San Diego Humane Society’s North Campus, located at 572 Airport Road in Oceanside. For more information, call (760) 757-4357 or visit www.sdhumane.org..

Buddy is a seven-year old, Shar Pei/American pit bull terrier mix. He has plenty of energy and sweet playfulness to spare. In addition to running in the agility yard, Buddy loves to give nuzzles and kisses. It’s his sweet, charming personality that got him recognized recently as a volunteer favorite, for which he was described as a wonderful blend of high energy and sweetness. Buddy’s adoption fee of $25 includes his neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, a bag of food from Hill’s Science Diet, and a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista. Buddy is currently located at the San Diego Humane Society’s 5500 Gaines Street in San Diego. For more information, call (619) 299-7012, or visit www.sdhumane.org.

For information on Sammy, call 760.757.4357

For information on Buddy, call

619.299.7012

SPCA

KFMB Channel 8 News Anchors Barbara-Lee Edwards, Dan Cohen, Marcella Lee and 105.7 The Walrus radio host, Dave Mason led

the three hour, high energy, live broadcast along with the animal stars of the show.

emBARKadero

8am-9:30am 4 Legged 4K Run/Walk9am-2pm Festival

Proceeds benefit Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs

to people with disabilities completely free of charge

www.CCI.org/embarkadero

Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego 92101

K9 Agility Playground | Flyball Dog Yoga | Vendors with Unique Pet Products Assistance Dog Demos | Kids Zone Live Entertainment | Delicious Food for Dogs & People!



Lifestyle

Fo u r Way s t o K e e p Yo u r K i d s A ct i ve t h is S p r i n ginterests by signing them up for a fitness-oriented camp that will keep their minds and bodies engaged this spring.

• Schedule family fun fitness time into your daily schedule: Working out as a family not only sets a good example for your children to live a healthy and fit lifestyle, but it also provides an opportunity to spend quality time as a family working together to accomplish a common goal. Instead of turning on the TV after dinner, plan an activity together that incorporates fitness with family time. The activity can be as simple as taking the dog for a walk, playing at the park or riding bikes together.

• Try a new spring sport: Spring is a great time for kids to try out a new sport or activity such as soccer, rock climbing, dance, softball/baseball or ultimate frisbee. Sign them up for a spring sports camp or recreational team; to not only try something new, but also to keep them active as spring rolls in to summer. As you plan for your children’s spring activities this year, make sure to incorporate fitness and fun into their daily schedules. Consistent and regular physical activity each day is

Although playing video games may exercise your child’s hands and fingers, it’s important to get kids off the couch, out of the house and engaged in total body physical activity during spring break.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should do at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. It is recommended that your child’s physical activity include a mix of aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and bone strengthening. The following four tips can help keep your child’s activity levels on track. • Hit the pool at your local recreation

center: Aquatic activity is an excellent total body workout and spring is the annual kickoff to pool season. So take advantage of the opportunity to combine fitness with fun by taking your kids to the local recreation center pool.

• Sign up for community sports or activity camps: Spring break camps that cater to small group activities for kids are usually offered through local community organizations, recreational facilities or fitness studios. Expand on your children’s

Blake & Gwen Beckcom.

By Blake Beckcom

For further information on Sabine Starr´s activities see

www.starrcoaching.comFollow her blog (since 2009) at

www.HealthwithTaste.blogspot.com

key to raising healthy and fit children who will succeed at school, home and in their extracurricular activities. Fitness is as much about the mental as it is about the physical, and that success legacy can be passed on from generation to generation. Why not lead the charge now, to alter the fitness and health pathways for your great great great grandchildren and their children and so on and so on? It is important to set the foundation today for making fitness a priority in your life and your children’s.

Fitness Together Mission Hills offers personal training with qualified professionals by regular appointment in private suites. Exercise and nutritional programs are custom designed to fit your needs and abilities.

Sigmund Freud, the Father of Psycho-analysis, coined the term “Super-Ego.” It is a concept we all carry inside ourselves that helps us with ethical

conduct and moral decisions. It is responsible for self-imposed standards of behavior. We “acquire” the Super-Ego while growing up and getting feedback from our parents on our behavior, when we get punished or rewarded for various actions. Eventually we get an idea about the moral code of the community, about what is desired, acceptable or rejected.

Another effect of our super-ego is our inner critic; it is the constant voice inside us judging decisions and actions. We have an opinion about good or bad for anything we come across in our daily lives. The super-ego aims for perfection and is the driving force for many goals. Perfectionists can thank their super-ego for their accomplishments. But the price of that can be high. Often, a critical parent is the origin of this. The constant demands for better and more have been internalized. Eventually that parent does not have to be present to give his/her opinion. We can almost “hear” what they have to say and act

The Super-Ego - an Ego on Steroids?

accordingly; and if we don´t, we feel guilty.

With an “overactive” super-ego we might also start to look for what´s right or wrong in other people. That leaves little room for interacting and showing who we are or getting to know the other person. I am referring to little things, as opposed to the common agreement not to hurt other people. If our thoughts are busy with judgments, not much new can unfold or happen. We keep having the same feelings and experiences.

In adulthood we can take a good look at our own and unique super-ego. Are we overly critical of ourselves and others? Do we quickly feel guilty when our own plans clash with what other people want from us? Chances are that if you read this column, your tendency is more towards being conscientious. After all, my readers tend to be interested in personal growth and a good life and co-existence with others. Therefore, I would like to gear the questions towards what sentences are still ringing in your ears from your childhood. Some common examples are “Work is hard,” “money is hard earned and does not grow on trees,”, “the early bird gets the worm.” If your sentences are working positively for your goals

By Mrs. Freud

and for your well being, great! Keep them and continue to use them. If the sentences feel heavy, confining and counterproductive toward your goals, come up with a new sentence to replace the old one. “Work is hard” can turn into “I love my work. I do it with ease and much success”.

Our super-ego can be on steroids, meaning that it is shooting beyond its purpose. The main purpose is to make living together with others comfortable, to create a safe environment and to be able to pursue human values like companionship, team spirit and personal fulfillment, or even ethical business success. It is what sets us apart from animals that are mainly instinct driven. An overactive super-ego can also make us anxious, foster low self-esteem or hinder us in the pursuit of our goals and dreams. It is the balance of Freud´s three conceptual parts of the psyche: id, ego and super-ego, that makes a balanced and fulfilled person. At the end of the day an overactive super-ego is more helpful to society than a missing one, since if it was not for its development, we would not have a moral compass to guide us through life and be able to have and enjoy culture.

Side bar:We are introducing Mrs. Freud, who is written by Sabine Starr. She is a psychologist licensed in Vienna, Austria, currently living and working in Mission Hills. She has written numerous articles for professional psychology journals. We present this column with the idea that spirituality and science can be married in order to make the world a better place to live.

Credentials:Licensed clinical psychologist (Vienna, Austria)10,000 calls on a government-funded psychology helplineLife Coach, certified by the International Coaching FederationCo-editor of the association of Austrian psychologists´ psychology journal “PiOe”Publishing 2 monthly psychology related columnsCo-host of the radio show Marvels and StarsCo-facilitator of Workshops for better work relationshipsAuthor of the upcoming book “A Better Childhood at 40”

Call 619-794-0014 for more information or to schedule a free assessment session. See what others are saying about us on Yelp and San Diego City Search.



7

This column is prepared by Rick Brooks, CFA, CFP®. Rick is Vice President for Investment Management with Blankinship & Foster, LLC, a wealth advisory firm specializing in comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Rick can be reached at (858) 755-5166, or by email at [email protected]. Rick and his family live in Mission Hills

For the first time in over a decade, tax rates on income and investment gains have risen. In addition, a new Net Investment Income tax has been imposed on all

investment income for taxpayers whose Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is above certain thresholds ($200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married filers).

So, given these higher tax rates, how can investors maximize their after-tax returns? To do this, you first need to understand what kinds of income are generated by diffe rent investments. This is the first step in designing an investment strategy to maximize the amount of income you keep within the framework of existing tax laws. The caveat here, of course, is the word “existing;” nobody can predict what or how tax laws will change in the future.

There are basically two types of investment earnings: income and capital gains. Let’s start with income.

Investment income comes in two different flavors: interest and dividends. According to Investopedia(.com), interest is “the charge for the privilege of borrowing money… Lenders make money from interest, borrowers pay it.” When you purchase a bond, you are in essence lending money to the issuer of the bond, and they will pay you interest income in return. Most interest income is taxable as ordinary income; it will be taxed at your regular income tax rates just like your wages or pension income.

Some income, generally from bonds issued by state and local governments (municipal bonds), may be exempt from federal and/or state taxes. Note that not every municipal bond is tax-free, but most are. Offsetting the benefit of this this tax-free income, most municipal bonds pay lower interest rates than corporate bonds with similar credit risks and maturities. For most high-income investors, the low tax-free interest from municipal bonds will provide better after-tax income than

Tax Efficient Investing , Part I

Business News

By Rick Brooks

Bob FilnerContinued from page 1

However, the money being withheld from hotel/motel because they don’t have the mayor’s signature is not without consequences, as it does affect their ability to publicize San Diego as a destination city for conferences and conventions – and a downturn in that industry would be a big economic hit for our town, one we can ill afford. (In a subsequent ruling a different court found the mayor does not need to sign the agreement.)

But since the mayor is not stupid, he gets it, and thus offered hotel/motel a “compromise.” He would sign the new five and one-half year proposal offered by hotel/motel (against the original 40) in return for their agreeing no executive paid with direct public dollars made more than $160,000 a year. To the U-T’s credit they put that story on the front page and provided a balanced account of what Mayor Filner wanted and the push back by hotel/motel.

Here again, there is no conceivable way the mayor loses public standing by proposing a $160,000 cap on executive compensation for those whose salaries are paid for, in part or whole, by taxpayer dollars; can’t happen. (But someone should tell that to Joe Terzi, San Diego Tourism Authority’s CEO, who made $435,121 in 2011, and thinks the mayor’s salary cap idea is ridiculous.)

On writing “Bob Filner & the Politics of Change” for this newspaper in December, I said he would be a mayor like no other; that in the 163-year history of San Diego, we’ve never had a mayor this liberal, ever. I also wrote with his election November 6 the dominant business interests of

George Mitrovich is a San Diego civic leader. He may be reached by email: [email protected]

higher yielding taxable bonds. For investors paying 25 percent or less of their income in taxes, higher yielding taxable bonds will usually provide a higher after-tax income. A tax professional or a Certified Financial Planner® professional can help you figure out which is better for your situation.

The other kind of income is Dividend income. Dividends are paid by corporations to the owners of their stock, and are basically payments of a share of profits to the owners of a company. Dividend income used to be taxed the same way as interest and wage income, but is now taxed at a special tax rate of either 15 or 20 percent, depending on your income level.

The other basic type of investment earnings is capital gains. This is the profit you earn by selling an investment for more than you bought it. Net capital gains on investments held for less than one year, called “short-term capital gains” are taxed at your ordinary income tax rates. Long-term gains, those on investments held for more than a year, are taxed at a special “capital gains’ tax rate,” currently 15 percent (20 percent for higher income taxpayers). Some capital losses can be written off against ordinary income.

There are also some special tax rules surrounding capital gains and mutual funds. When a fund manager sells an investment stock for a gain, he is required to distribute that gain to shareholders. Thus, towards the end of every year, mutual funds will make “capital gains distributions” to shareholders. Note that these are NOT extra income; a fund worth $100 that distributes $10 as capital gains will be worth $90 after that distribution. The shareholder will go from having $100 of fund shares to holding $90 of fund shares and $10 in cash.

Some other investment income may be treated in other special ways, such as distributions from partnerships, but that’s beyond the scope of this article. Next month I’ll go into how to position your investments in light of the kinds of income they generate and the tax implications of that income.

our town suffered their worst political setback, ever.

No one familiar with San Diego politics would dispute either contention, but amazingly the very business interests so soundly defeated election day appear clueless; they think, it seems, it’s business as usual. Sorry, it’s not.

I approve of much of what Mayor Filner is endeavoring to accomplish, to bring about changes clearly needed; changes he was elected to effect. I do not, therefore, have issue with his issues, but I have issues with his personal style, which can be off-putting, at best, insulting, at worst. And, on a personal level, I am baffled by his betrayal of friendship.

However, the chance that he, Robert Earl “Bob” Filner, at age 70, will change, that he will stop dismissing out of hand those who fail to measure up to his intellectual standards; that he will cease haranguing those who disagree with him, remains to be seen. He is who he is. So am I. So are you. But you’re not mayor, neither am I, but he is.

Somehow going forward, in the 44-months ahead, the mayor must find a way to temper his tantrums, because we need him to be mayor of all the people – and the mayor I promised when I endorsed him one year ago this month.



Lifestyle

Historic Pillars Are Restored in Mission HillsWith the support of

Mission Hills Heritage (MHH), several pillars located in Mission Hills received new plaques and were refurbished. According to Barry Hager, MHH board chairman, after proposing the project to the City’s Historical Resources Board (HRB), the pillars were photographed and measured to replace the missing plaques. MHH worked with a plaque manufacturer in Pennsylvania who came up the design and specifications and an estimate to produce them.

Councilman Kevin Faulconer provided funding from his office’s discretionary funds to manufacture the plaques and have then installed. Because spending those funds requires City Council approval, he brought the matter before the City Council and was able to get approval. Faulconer’s staff worked with HRB staff to get the plaques ordered from the manufacturer in Pennsylvania and followed up to help see the project through.

At the request of MHH, Mike Chism and Chism Brothers Painting stepped in after the plaques were installed and repaired and repainted the pillars. Chism

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AN ABBREVIATED HISTORY OF MISSION HILLS

Captain Henry Johnston became the first property owner in Mission Hills, paying $16.25 for 65 acres of public land, which he had used as a sighting point when he steered his steamship into harbor. Within 39 days he sold half of this land to his first mate for $50, a 700% return, making him also the first land speculator.

In 1887, Captain Johnston’s daughter Sarah Johnston Miller filed a subdivision named “Johnston Heights” and built the area’s first home at the highest point. Villa Orizaba, as it is now called after her father’s namesake ship, salvaged pieces from the boat and incorporated them into the house.

Kate Sessions began to buy land in Mission Hills in 1903 because of its good soil, moist sea breezes and distance from the settled areas. To increase traffic to her nursery, she petitioned for the City Council to approve an extension of the Spreckles Electric Railway Trolley line, and by 1909 you could go from Market Street downtown to Lewis and Stephens Street. Four years later the line was extended northwest to Trias.

In 1908, considered the official birthdate of Mission Hills, a group of investors headed by George Marston bought a tract north of Johnston Heights and named it “Mission Hills”. Schools and churches followed. Francis Parker School opened in 1912. By 1922 there were 10 homes, by 1927 there were 39.

Legends have come and gone. And we have our own legends in the making now. All reminding us that someday we will be the history and hopefully our progeny will be proud.

We don’t just sell homes, we sell neighborhoods.

This Month We Celebrate the Heritage of a Special Neighborhood

Residents and business owners join Councilman Kevin Faulconer to celebrate the refurbishment and replacement of plaques on pillars located throughout Mission Hills.

Brothers donated all their time and the materials for the work. They had a three-man crew working for two days on all three pillars. The work involved patching the cracked and deteriorated stucco, prepping and painting the pillars from base to tile roofs.



9Lifestyle

some from my family that are at least 80 years old.

Citrowske incorporates items found in the home, yard, country, hardware, craft or grocery stores such as wired ribbon, paper-covered wire, colored spooled aluminum, miniature trellises. Most of these items can be used for what Citrowske calls “natural mechanics.”

Before creating a design, Citrowske showed us her materials. One can make a grid by tying sticks together and setting them on or in a container; but for those who find tying tedious and time-consuming, a structure of Mason jar lids linked with plastic or metal zip cable ties makes an easy grid for your container, and can be used over and over. Citrowske presented an arrangement of yellow gerbera daisies and a new variety of green carnation that looks like moss on a stem. The flowers were held in place with mason jar lid rings which rested on top of a simple structure of sticks placed outside the four corners of an apple-green ceramic cube. To stabilize the structure, she tied diagonally crossed dowels about two inches below the rings while two more crossed dowels rested atop the square vase. The flowers’ stems created

a vertical effect accented with a few strands of hanging sheer green ribbon. The rings were barely visible, but the arrangement was unusual, exciting, and the structure was re-usable. We learned that this is a way to keep gerberas happy; they do not like having their stems deep in water. These blooms hung with their stem bottoms just above the ceramic floor suspended in less than an inch of fresh water.

Another design had pale green sheer wired ribbons wrapped vertically around a tall, rectangular clear vase. Each ribbon segment ended in a bow forming a barrier to keep bunches of a few daffodils each in place. Like the gerbera composition, this separation enabled the stems to make their own design statement.

Citrowske also may use a wire wreath frame with a diameter larger than the vase’s rim. Using a sturdy vine, weave the vine throughout the wreath frame, and across the opening. She then gathers the ends of the vine, like a bouquet, and place the cut ends in the water, so the vine doesn’t wilt. Now you have a bed of foliage doubling as a grid to in which you use to organize your flowers as you wish with their stems poking through to the water. Citrowske angled roses and hydrangea deep in the water. The crossed stems further supported the display. Then she added more roses for height. Finally she added a few euphorbias allowing them to hang almost to the table just as they grew.

As she worked, Citrowske gave us tips on flower preservation. Euphorbia and daffodils have a sap which is toxic to other plants. Before using them in an arrangement, always cut the ends and place them in a bucket of water for several hours or overnight. This allows the sap to run out and seal the cut edge. When designing, do not re-cut the stem. Just place them in the vase. The flower still absorbs water through its stem, but it does not contaminate the water for the other flowers.

To keep hydrangeas looking fresh, submerge the entire head in fresh, room temperature water for 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully lift out each flower. Gently (petals are fragile and break off easily) shake the excess water from the plant

and re-cut the bottom of the stem at an angle. Hydrate in water for at least an hour, then design. Daily misting adds to their longevity. You can buy products to “seal in” moisture. (Fausto has some.) If you don’t need much for one small arrangement, “Hairspray works in a pinch,” Citrowske told us.

Another tip from Citrowske is to use a knife instead of clippers to cut stems. Clippers or scissors may crush the stem, hindering its ability to take in water. For efficiency, when you need two hands, you have to drop the clippers, whereas you can hold a knife loosely in one hand and still use that hand to place flowers.

As Citrowske continued embellishing the various structures she had built, she explained what her vocational floral design classes involve. These are five hour laboratory classes consisting of lecture, floral design, clean up, and math. Many of her students hope to run a business. Most florists go out of business within two years. Unless they know exactly what the various expenses are, what jobs are involved, the availability of perishable product, among other things, the entrepreneur will fail. Citrowske’s students will understand exactly what the cost of the final product is -- retail and wholesale -- and will have a better chance for success.

April 24 Mission Hills Garden Club meets from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church on Jackdaw between West Lewis and Fort Stockton Drive for a presentation by Sky Jeanette: A Tower Garden for Small Spaces. Tickets for the Garden Walk, Saturday, May 11, are available at the nursery.

Floral Design Using Stuff on HandFebruary’s Mission

Hills Garden Club meeting featured a repeat speaker, Diane Citrowske, who spoke on floral design. This year she focused on designing with armatures and grids. She also

included a few tips on prolonging the life of cut flowers.

Citrowske began with an overview of the mechanics of floral design. Throughout history, we have used various materials as armatures for arrangements. However, in 1950 floral foam became “ubiquitous in the industry.” It’s easy and fast to use. Made from petroleum products, this foam, also known as Oasis, crumbles into sand-like particles but never decomposes. In Europe, businesses are taxed if they use non-biodegradable products. Many European floral designers have turned to methods from the past for providing structure in floral arrangements. The Japanese still use sticks, branches, or even stems for their arrangements. When they use a non-biodegradable material such as their metal kenzans (pin frog), it will last forever. I have Citrowske presented an arrangement of yellow

gerbera daisies and a new variety of green carnation that looks like moss on a stem.

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Tax Time & Some Statistics Mortgage interest is, for many of us, a nice write-off when

tax time rolls around. For anyone contemplating trading up, this is a good time to sell AND buy.

From mid December until mid March in the 92103 zip code, there were 34 detached homes actively for sale, 27 in escrow, and 41 solds. During that period 25 condos were active, 43 in escrow, and 82 sold. The average time on the market for detached and attached homes before receiving accepted offers was 29 days; the average market time for closed sales of detached homes 76 days, for condos, 45.

The higher priced homes stay on the market longer than medium priced, and the lowest priced homes seem to sell immedi-ately.

Interest rates are low. Inventory is low, but the higher the price point, the longer the property takes to sell. Thus, if you are planning to sell your home and buy something larger, this is the time to do so. Priced right, your home should sell quickly, but there will still be more upscale homes available.

If you are thinking of making a move and gaining a bigger interest deduction, take advantage of a real estate agent who has your best interests at heart. Please call me for a consultation.



School News

Opening Day at the Races 20th Anniversary Big Bash for St. Vincent de Paul School

Grant K-8 School Science Olympiad

Eating for Education Brooklyn Girl Eatery Hosts Grant School Fundraising Dinner

Silver Gate Elementary School Gala

The Parent Teacher Guild of St. Vincent de Paul School in Mission Hills is proud to present the 20th Anniversary “Big Bash” charity fundraiser, 6 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Catamaran Resort on Mission Bay. This year’s theme, “Opening Day at the Races,” reflects the fanfare and pageantry of thoroughbred horse racing at Del Mar in an exciting and festive atmosphere. As in years past, this affair will feature both silent and live auctions along with raffles, prizes, music and dancing, along with a hat contest.

Have skills and a passion for science to share? Come find out how you, too, can coach a Science Olympiad (SO) event and enjoy rewards of mentoring enthusiastic young science seekers.

Friends and members of the Mission Hills Community are invited to join Grant K-8 School for a Science Olympiad Awards picnic at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 14 at Pioneer Park. Rain will postpone this fun gathering. Please RSVP to receive updates. Contact Grant School SO Head Coach, Denise Santoro: GrantSOInfo@ gmail.com, 619-206-2716

Grant K-8 School embraced its 3rd Science Olympiad this season with a growing number of students and expanded teams. Grant students won awards among the top 20 teams for Write It Do It, Crime Busters and Rocks and Minerals! Congratulations to all students and coaches who prepared from October through January to compete on a single day, among 98 teams from 31 middle schools across San Diego County. They cracked crimes, uncovered scientific properties of food, explored electric circuitry and magnetism, built elastic-powered helicopters, designed rotors on devices to protect an egg dropped from over four meters high, converted mousetraps to speedy vehicles, configured Rube Goldberg-like contraptions, identified characteristics of stars and their life cycles, gained knowledge about functions of the human nervous and

On Monday, February 25th, Brooklyn Girl Eatery (www.brooklyngirleatery.com) generously donated a percentage of its dinner revenue from Grant K-8 patrons back to Grant K-8, a public school in Mission Hills. This donation helps support Grant’s Imagine Annual Giving Campaign.

Grant K-8’s Annual Imagine Giving Campaign has a fundraising

Guests at Silver Gate Elementary School’s Masked Gala, the school’s annual fundraiser and silent auction, enjoyed a successful night of fundraising to support the school’s Eco-lab, classroom assistants, teacher grants, the computer lab and more. Held Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, the 18th annual event featured dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions.

“We were honored to have such an overwhelming turnout and support from the community and our sponsors,” said Principal Sandy McClure. “Silver Gate families showed up wearing lavish masks and costumes and were ready to have lots of fun. From the hours

2013 Science Olympiad award winner: Crime Busters.

Lara Gates stands next to Michael McGeath of Brooklyn Girl Eatery. Standing in front of them

are Lina Gates (left) and Natalie Gates.

Silver Gate Elementary’s Masked Gala fundraiser attendees smile ear to ear—guests are happy to support education. L to R: Auction committee members Lisa Heffernan, Karen Sullivan, Nicole Sieger, and Julie Cegelski; Principal Sandy McClure, and Bernadette Cale.

With a delicious four course meal and complimentary wine during the silent auction, this event will prove to an exciting and enjoyable evening for the parents, parishioners and guests of St Vincent de Paul.

The proceeds from the gala directly benefits the students and faculty by improving the learning facilities and making tuition more affordable for the school’s families. For information, visit www.svscatholic.com or call (619) 296-2222.

digestive systems, the basis of heredity and much more.

A stimulating career builder, the Science Olympiad program inspires learning, promotes teamwork, and fosters community, mentorship and fun. Teams are made with up to 15 students, each eligible to enter between one and four events. Students compete in pairs for most of the 23 events offered, covering all areas of science. Coaches and students prepare an average of 1-2 hours per week in each event, leading up to the Olympiad on the first Saturday in February. Volunteer screening is required for coaches. See more event information at soinc.org.

goal of $80,000 for the 2012-2013 school year. Money raised from this campaign will be used to support academic achievement and enrichment for all of the students at Grant K-8, with a special emphasis on math, science and technology.

If you would like to make a donation, or sponsor Grant K-8 school, please visit www.grantk8.com

of preparation to the great turnout, it is support like this that makes a difference.”

Sponsors donating $1,000 included Beatrice DeSilva, Flagship Cruises and The Schoeffel Family; sponsors donating $500 included JPS Financial; sponsors donating $350 included Madebydigital Style, Rancho Buena Vista Real Estate, Re/Max Coastal Properties/Joe Caltabellotta, Reliable Man Movers, Rigworks and the Wright Family, $100 Silver Gator sponsors included Ronstadt & Associates PR and Matt and Jack Sullivan Family. Vendors donating included Kristi Durment, Jennifer Jo Loofbourrow Design, East Tavern & Bowl and Sugar & Scribe.



11Local News

World renowned artists Yale Strom, Elizabeth Schwartz and Jeff Pekarek will present a book lecture and Klezmer concert and book signing with their new book, SHPIL: The Art of Playing Klezmer from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 11 at Mission Hills Books & Collectibles, 4054 Goldfinch Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

Klezmer music is the infectious East European Jewish instrumental folk music that was played at weddings and other celebrations. Klezmer music was an integral part of Yiddish culture and was also performed by the Roma (Gypsies) who sometimes

Book Signing and Lecture on Klezmer Musicplayed in Jewish ensembles. Klezmer music and Yiddish folk song was the soundtrack of the Jewish experience in Eastern Europe prior to the Holocaust. “SHPIL” (Yiddish for “play”) tells the history of klezmer along with chapters by members of Yale Strom’s klezmer ensemble Hot Pstromi. Each member writes about how they approach playing klezmer on their particular instrument. The individual chapters cover the accordion, bass, clarinet, drums, violin and vocals. “Shpil” is a book for music enthusiasts, amateur and professional musicians, both solo and ensemble.

Left to right are Jeff Pekarek, Yale Strom and Elizabeth Schwartz who will be present for a book signing and concert.



Local News

Poised to rejuvenate a longtime San Diego County destination, Pacific Hospitality Group, Inc. (PHG) has acquired the historic Warner Springs Ranch – an iconic San Diego County destination long known for its healing natural hot springs. The nearly 2,400-acre property was purchased by PHG at auction and will have $15 to $18 million invested in the acquisition, with plans to invest up to $50 million in the renovation and redevelopment of all facilities.

PHG is scheduled to take over operations on April 1.

According to PHG’s Chairman, William H. McWethy, Jr., an extensive renovation will be completed in phases, with the first phase – a completely upgraded and renovated golf course – slated for completion in the Spring of

Pacif ic Hospital ity Group Purchases Histor ic Warner Spr ings Ranch San Diego-based Firm to Invest $50 million in Landmark Property

The existing 250 casita units and main lodge will be upgraded and renovated.

2014. PHG has also announced plans to incorporate a new winery/tasting room; a state-of-the-art gym and fitness facility, a beach and tennis club, expanded meeting facilities, cattle and horse grazing, a spa/wellness center, cultural center, luxury RV park, hunting and fishing opportunities, and a variety of food and beverage options. In addition, the existing 250 casita units and main lodge will be upgraded and renovated.

Before gaining popularity as a resort, Warner Hot Springs operated for many years as a cattle ranch and trading post. It was declared a California Historical Landmark in 1939, and a National Historic Landmark in 1961. From the 1980s until 2012, the ranch operated as a recreation-oriented fractional ownership resort.

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table runner. The class will be held at the Marston House.

From 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 14 tour the interiors of five historic houses in Mission Hills. The self-driven tour features homes with an abundant diversity of architectural styles dating from a 1914 English Tudor to a 1949 early Modern. Mission Hills is one of our great San Diego neighborhoods where a prolific number of works by locally and nationally significant architects can all be found in one geographic area. Sites by Morris B. Irvin, Richard Requa, and John Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright are just three that visitors will get to tour. This year’s tour is a must

Historic TourContinued from page 3

see for architecture lovers.Advance sales through Friday,

April 12 only, this option closes at 5 p.m. You can purchase advance discount price tickets from the convenience of your home online, by phone, or in person.

Home Tour tickets purchased on the day of the tour are $50 for all, non-members and members alike. Buy online through a drop down menu at SOHOsandiego.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Whaley House Museum Shop, 2476 San Diego Avenue and the Marston House Museum Shop, 3525 Seventh Avenue. Call SOHO (619) 297-9327 for more information.



13Lifestyle

Center for Community Solutions (CCS), a non-profit agency that offers a complete range of sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder abuse prevention and intervention services, announced that its 14th annual “Tea & Tonic” event will be held on Friday, April 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Grand Del Mar Resort. Chaired by Cyndi Benson, the event raises community awareness while honoring dedicated volunteers and local businesses that have donated time and resources to help San Diegans affected by these relationship issues.

This year’s event welcomes author, activist and critically acclaimed actress Marlee Matlin as the keynote speaker. The winner of an Academy Award and Golden Globe for her performance in “Children of a Lesser God” at age 21, she is the youngest recipient of a Best Actress Oscar and one of only four women to receive that honor for a film debut.

In the months ahead there will be numerous celebrations for Mother’s Day, graduation, as well as wedding and baby showers. While planning your celebrations, there is a very unique tea house situated at the center of Old Town’s beautiful Heritage County Park and surrounded by7.6 acres of gardens and historic homes. It is the new Coral Tree Tea House.

This is an ideal place for people who appreciate the rich traditions of tea time and in a vintage, Victorian house that feels warm and inviting. It’s a step back in time as you savor a pot of fresh steeped tea while indulging in a delicious assortment of

M a r l e e M a t l i n i s K e y n o t e S p e a k e r f o r “ Te a & To n i c ”

C e l e b r a t i o n s w i t h a Tr a d i t i o n R i c h I n C u l t u r e

Marlee Matlin shares her personal experiences as the keynote speaker.

Come dressed for tea or purchase your fashion accessories at the Coral Tree Tea House.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ccssd.org. For information, contact CCS at 858-272-5777, ext. 151.

tea sandwiches, warm savories, fresh baked scones, lemon curd, Devonshire cream and decadent desserts.

The Coral Tea House also has an onsite gift store where you can purchase a variety of items, including hats, jewelry, scarves and special occasion cards.

Coral Tree Tea House is located in the historic McConaughy House, 2490 Heritage Park Row in Heritage County Park, off Juan Street. The tea house is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended. To schedule your special event and for more information, call (619) 291-5464 or visit www.CoralTreeTeaHouse.com.

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San Diego Opera’s 48th International Season comes to a close with Giuseppe Verdi’s beloved opera “Aida,” which opens on Saturday, April 20, 2013 for the first of four performances. This production marks the return of fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.

Making her Company debut in the title role is American soprano Latonia Moore. Moore’s last minute Metropolitan Opera debut as Aida in 2012 and at Opera Australia in 2013 made her an overnight sensation. Other

Lisa O’Hare (left to right) as Sibella Hallward, Ken Barnett as Monty Navarro

and Chilina Kennedy as Phoebe D’Ysquith. Photo by Henry DiRocco.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” based on the Novel “Israel Rank” by Roy Horniman and directed by Darko Tresnjak, runs through April 14, 2013 at the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.

When Monty Navarro finds out he is ninth in line to inherit a dukedom, he decides to eliminate the other eight heirs standing in his way. The cast includes Ken Barnett (Monty Navarro), Heather Ayers (Miss Barley, Lady Eugenia), Rachel Izen (Miss Shingle), Chilina Kennedy (Phoebe D’Ysquith), Kevin Ligon (Tour Guide, Magistrate), Jefferson Mays (The D’Ysquiths), Lisa O’Hare (Sibella Hallward), Kendal Sparks (Farmer, Guard), Price Waldman (Barber, Detective) and Catherine Walker (Sibella’s Maid, Phoebe’s Maid).

The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park at 1363 Old Globe Way. For information, call (619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623].

Theatre

Andy Collins (left) and Kürt Norby are members of the cast of “Assassins.” Photo courtesy of Rich Soublet II.

Zandra Rhodes brings her Aida to San Diego Opera. Photo to Cory Weaver, San Francisco Opera.

Continuing its 10th Anniversary Season, Cygnet Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s thought-provoking and alarmingly funny musical “Assassins,” which runs through April 28th, 2013.

Artistic Director Sean Murray has had a long-time love affair with Sondheim’s tricky musical scores, and “Assassins” has topped his wish list of productions. “Assassins,” with book by John Weidman and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is a uniquely dark and funny musical which explores the motives and inner workings of nine individuals who assas-sinated or attempted to assassinate the President of the United States.

The musical first opened Off-Broadway in 1990, and the 2004 Broadway production won five Tony Awards. It uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of nine stories that span decades. The cast includes such notorious characters as John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, John Hinckley and Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme.

Old Globe Theatre Cygnet Theatre

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Verdi’s “Aida” Closes San Diego Opera’s 2013 Season Production features bold and imaginative sets and costumes

A live orchestra, featuring six musicians, will be directed by Patrick Marion.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 619-337-1525, online at www.cygnettheatre.com or by visiting the Box Office at 4040 Twiggs St.

singers making Company debuts in this production are American mezzo-soprano Jill Grove as Amneris and Italian tenor Walter Fraccaro as Radames. Italian conductor Daniele Callegari will make a long-awaited Company debut leading the orchestra for these performances. British stage director Andrew Sinclair will stage the opera.

Call (619) 533-7000 or visit www.sdopera.com for more information.



15Entertainment News

When preparing to direct an opera I first learn the score, the text and, where appropriate, something of the history of the characters. In the case of “Murder in the Cathedral,” the text comes from the T.S. Eliot play which touches

accurately the history of Becket’s conflict with King Henry II. In both opera and play, characters such as the Herald and the Four Tempters reference true history, and use phrases traced to what Becket actually said, wrote or heard.

Does knowing that history change the way I direct the opera? Not really, since it is not a “real time” story, but it provides a backstory for the singer which assists with motivation.

With that as background, and with the set and costumes designed, I “see” much of the staging in my head. There is insufficient time when directing an opera to explore and debate every single move with the singers. There

are simply too many of them when the chorus is also involved. There must be a blueprint from which to work or the goal cannot be achieved.

But rigidity has to be avoided. A director is also a “corrector,” a very important thing to recognize. In any opera I must direct to the strengths of the individual soloists and not ask them to do the impossible, nor ask for what makes them uncomfortable, musically or dramatically. Negotiation is essential. Most of it has minimal impact to my initial concept, yet, makes the artist feel he can do his job better.

Simple things: Ferruccio Furlanetto, our Becket, made his first entrance singing as he walked down the steps. I wanted him to stay at the top of the steps and move later. This was an easy change. In the same scene my concept was that the women of Canterbury fall to their knees on his arrival with heads bowed. Becket then tells the priests to stop bothering them. I thought Becket’s seeing the action earlier from the steps was enough, but Ferruccio wanted the action to happen just before he addresses the priests. We discussed it, and I gave in, requiring the priests to

At the Opera with Ian Campbel l

Ian Campbell, Mission Hills

resident, shares his love for opera.

repeat an action I had not considered. I was reluctant to the change, but the result for Ferruccio was so much better. We did it his way. No big deal.

But it’s harder for the chorus. I “saw” them as always being observers to the action, but moving in and out of the stage focus, up and down steps, frequently rushing. In the rehearsal room without their long dresses this went well. I thought that once they were in their dresses for stage rehearsals they would be slower,and it still would look right. It didn’t. They were slower than expected. So I had to re-think the pacing, and “negotiate” with several individuals who managed well without the dress, but simply got too concerned once on stage. So re-positioning had to be done. “There goes the original concept” was my immediate reaction, and time was running out, but what we finished up with works suitably. I had to be prepared to change some of the visual flow. That was a bigger deal, since I had already lived with my images for several years.

Sometimes I just give a singer full rein. The character known as The First Chorister, sung by Susan Neves,

is one of two principal singers who lead the chorus in commenting on the action. This character, a soprano, has the only truly “traditional” aria in the opera. This is where “correction” takes over from “direction.” I told Susan to begin as a curled up “lump” revealed in the middle of the stage as the female chorus moves away. She was then to uncurl like a seed beginning to sprout. She resisted the “lump” reference laughingly, and proceeded to uncurl. I asked her to move and sing ad libitum and I’d correct rather than tell her every move. What resulted was all hers. Her movements were perfect for both music and her character. I have to know when to stand back.

It is exhilarating to work with a cast of the caliber I had for “Murder in the Cathedral,” to see them take hold of my concept and develop their characters beyond what I had imagined, and pull together an opera only one had ever sung before, delivering to the audiences a story clearly told, dramatically intense and also deeply moving. There’s nothing like it.

I’ll see you at the opera.

As Grant reopens old wounds and reconnects with former members of his antiwar group, the Weather Underground, Shepard uncovers the shocking secrets Grant has been keeping for the past three decades. Based on the novel by Neil Gordon, this cat-and-mouse thriller’s all-star cast includes Julie Christie, Sam Elliott, Brendan Gleeson, Anna Kendrick, Brit Marling, Stanley Tucci, Nick Nolte and Susan Sarandon.

“The Company You Keep” is 125 minutes long, Rated R, and opens April 12, 2013 at Landmark’s Hillcrest Cinemas. For information and times, call (619) 819-0236, or visit www.landmarkTheatres.com. Film times and dates are subject to change.

“The Company You Keep” tells the story of Jim Grant (director Robert Redford), a public interest lawyer and single father raising his daughter in the tranquil suburbs of Albany, New York. His world is turned upside down when a brash young reporter named Ben Shepard (Shia LaBeouf) exposes his true identity as a former 1970’s antiwar radical fugitive wanted for murder. After living for more than 30 years underground, Grant must now go on the run. With the FBI in hot pursuit, he sets off on a cross-country journey to track down the one person that can clear his name. Shepard, knowing this to be the opportunity of a lifetime for a journalist, is willing to stop at nothing to capitalize on it.

L A N D M A R K T H E A T R E S

Robert Redford (Jim Grant) and Jackie Evancho (Isabel Grant) star in this antiwar thriller.

San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory Invites Students to Audition

San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS) invites talented musicians, ages 8 to 25, of all levels to audition for its exciting music programs. Registration opens April 2 and runs through May 24, 2013. Auditions will be held from June 10 through June 20, 2013.

Now in its 68th season, SDYS provides a platform for aspiring young musicians to excel under the leadership of passionate and challenging conductors.

Students perform at the Music Education Concert.

SDYS’ Balboa Park Programs include 8 orchestras and 5 wind ensembles. Year after year, these ensembles provide students with the pride and enjoyment of performing at top San Diego venues, such as Copley Symphony Hall, alongside friends who share their dedication to and love of music.

Students can find all the materials for SDYS auditions online at www.sdys.org or call 619.233.3232 for more information.

Y A R D S A L ESat., May 4, 2013

Mission Hills Community Garage Sale is coming!



Lifestyle

What Now? What Dogs ThinkThere is that look I get when

Barney doesn’t get the look I give. But I understand it completely: it means, “NOW what language are you speaking?” That’s what he “said” when I informed him that he’d be out-ed in this column.

You remember Barney, our bratty cairn mix? He’d been some wild

puppy, but now that he’s he a senior citizen, he appears to be wiser; except for certain breeds of fellow canines, and the parking ticket scooters, he picks his battles pretty thoughtfully. For instance, he‘s sensibly decided that he actually can’t catch the squirrel that has a serious head start.

Not that he’s forgiven those enemies, noted above. His unrelentingly longing to kill boxers, Dobermans and select others continues unabated, and of course, the kill-prize of all would still be the parking-ticket cab. Goin’ bananas time! His hysteria over a passing ticket truck is something to behold. When I’ve finally managed to prevail, tho we’ve stopped traffic in every direction, he’s angry, resentful: “Don’t go thinking I’m going to give up just because you’ve won this time.”

Because he really is just a dog (oh! forgive me!), his main motivation in life is the relentless search for sidewalk snacks - - both putrid and on occasion, fresh-ish. Relentlessly, I monitor his every move, of course, but if blink, he’s on it. Then, to his

chagrin, I’m on him, and I normally win, though it might take wrestling him to the ground. But I do win, and when I do, here’s what I get:“What is your problem? You never let me do ANYTHING!”

Our clan comes to visit: “OMG! OMG! It’s MJ and Isabelle! They’re here to see me! I love them better that anybody, even HER.” (Read that, ME.)

Yet the clan’s not always around, and then, it is my turn. Although Barney’s grown hard of hearing, he soars from his slumber and twirls through the halls at my merest move towards the door. Oh, the desperation! “OMG. OMG. Am I going with her? CAN I go with her? She won’t leave me, will she. Will she? WILL SHE?”

The longing in his eyes is palpable. Not so at Bob Walcher’s merest move. The dog’s

immobile, eyes, half-mast: “Hoooooo Hummmmm, Why would I want to go anywhere with him?” (While quite clear, this is indeed puzzling, given that Mr. Walcher feeds him.)

By Laura Walcher

and Agatha Christy’s Hercule Poirot murder mystery series, as well as mention being made in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and King Lear and even in a poem by John Keats.

The real danger with hemlock is that it is a member of a large family of plants that look similar, and many of which are cultivated as food. This makes it possible to confuse the hemlock with a wild carrot, celery, parsnip, fennel or many of the other plants that flower and form seeds in a “umbel” formation. Umbels look like an umbrella composed of many small flowers held on the “spokes” extending from a central stem. With a little training, you can learn to make a positive identification; a crushed leaf with have a decidedly pungent, rank, “mousy” smell. The stems will be grey-green and have purple stains, blotches or streaks at the base. The seeds, being the most concentrated source of toxin, taste bitter. Carrots, celery and fennel will all have strong characteristic odors that remind you of food.

Ancient Romans made use of hemlock as early as the 11th century, according to monastery records, as part of their “soporific sponge” solution that was administered over the nose of surgery patients. The fumes of hemlock, opium, henbane and mandrake were enough to sedate the person for over 48 hours. The Roman monk healers also used it as a treatment for skin conditions and to reduce cancerous tumor growth though they did not give their formula or methods for this use.

In our world, you can find hemlock in the homeopathic preparations, taking advantage of their understanding that, like a vaccine, an infinitesimal amount of a substance that causes a symptom can

Herbalist thought process can be unexpected. If a plant is poisonous, so goes the herbalist thinking, then it must be useful. A well-known expert in plant lore, Christopher Hobbs, once explained at a lecture that when a plant is “toxic” it is to be used in small amounts and with great caution; when a plant is lethal, it will kill you.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to strong-acting herbs as “little poisons.” Following this line of thinking, even a plant as famous for being deadly as hemlock (Conium maculatum) must have some therapeutic value.

Toxic plants have mostly fallen out of use due to the fact that the difference between an effective treatment dose and an overdose is so small that it is easy to make a mistake. Much like the goals of chemotherapy for cancer, the technique is to calculate the maximum amount that can be tolerated by an individual without actually killing the patient. And this calculation requires far more than a simple body weight ratio. It involves the determination of the relative constitutional robustness of the person, the rate of their metabolism and the state of their immediate health.

Many of the more toxic plant extracts have found their way into modern chemotherapy drugs.

Most of us have heard the story that Socrates was executed or committed suicide, depending on which version of history you believe, by taking a drink made of hemlock. Based on the description of his symptoms, and the fact that the event took place in Greece, the plant can be presumed to be the conium type of hemlock and not the water hemlock (Cicuta virosa) that grows in cool wet climates in Northern Europe and especially not the tree called Hemlock (Tsuga) that grows in wet mountain areas of Japan, Canada and similar locales. When you find reference to hemlock in literature, it is the poison-of-choice for its presumed “gentle” death from progressive paralysis starting at the extremities and moving to the lungs, where is stops the breathing. This device has been used in Ellis Peter’s Brother Cadfeal

treat or prevent that symptom. As you might guess, the homeopathic medicine is used for weakness and paralysis, vertigo, vision problems, as well as the same cancerous tumor growth that the Romans identified. It has been cited for use as a sedative, to reduce muscle cramping or spasms. The homeopathic preparation has been so repeatedly diluted that no amount of the toxic alkaloids remain, eliminating the danger of overdose.

Hemlock is an invasive weed that originated in the Mediterranean and Europe. It now shows up in San Diego County in our creeks and marshes during the spring. It grows closer to the water and less out in the open fields than fennel or carrot. If you are hiking, take the opportunity to look closely at the plants, crush leaves and smell them, compare leaf shapes to similar plants and generally become familiar with what is growing. Take some pictures and carry a plant identification book. The toxic dose of hemlock depends on your health, as well as the age and freshness of the plant and the part consumed (seeds being the most potent). Be careful when sampling the bounty of nature so that you can enjoy the experience.

Hemlock for Your HealthBy Charlotte Tenney, MA Integrative Medicine

Hemlock is an invasive weed that originated in the Mediterranean and Europe.

“Y’know,” says Barney, “I actually know better than you how to deal with this issue.” That’s the look I’m getting. I’ve put a tin-foil pan down in the tiled floor with the delectable remains of dinner, but as he tries to get into every corner, it slides around the kitchen. He picks it up and transports it to the carpeted living room, where it stops sliding so he can get each and every scrap, no problem at all.

Mr. Walcher thinks I’m over-thinking this one. O.K. O.K. I’m just sayin’...

Barney is now a senior citizen.



17Lifestyle

Human TuneUp with CathThey both were saying this very thing. The woman from Liberia was saying it.The woman from Afghanistan too. “You have to do it yourself.” Ultimately in the quiet moment of truth time,

it’s up to each.

True Story God had told her in a dream she was to end the

long war in her country of Liberia.She tried to give the dream to her local priest,

to end the war. He told her it was for her and not him.So she set about doing it herself, ending the war. Ending the war! Of course she didn’t do it

herself, she gathered others. But she took it upon herself to start. To make a long story very short, the final act

came when the men were in peace meetings to bring the factions to agreement.

Nothing was happening.No movement toward peace.No agreements forthcoming.When the women heard this, they gathered and

filled the hallway outside the meeting room with themselves and would not move, would not let them out of the room until they agreed on peace.

They did. Ultimately in the quiet moment of truth time,

it’s up to each.

True Story She did what she wanted in a land that thought

women shouldn’t.When she said it was awful under the Taliban,

her eyes and tone told the truth deeply.

She made a career move that no woman had ever done before.

She was the first woman police officer in drug trafficking prevention

in Afghanistan. For this she paid prices.Her uncle broke her nose over it! Many of her

family shunned her.She had to leave the funeral of her mother

before it was over due to death threats to herself and the innocents

there.Why do this? She says she dreams of the day

when women and men are equal. Despite threats to her life, she wants to be a

beacon for other women. Ultimately in the quiet moment of truth time,

it’s up to each of us.

Cath DeStefano CEO Speaker Author Artist [email protected] www.HumanTuneUp.com

By Cath DeStefano

University Christian

ChurchDisc ip les o f Chr is t

3900 Cleveland Avenue San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 295-4146

APRIL 2013 Display Ad for Presidio SentinalPlease send Invoice to University Christian Church 3900 Cleveland Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 Pnone: 619-295-44146

Regular Sunday Schedule

8:55 a.m. Contemporary Worship 10:00 a.m. Church School Classes 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

For information, call or visit our web site. www.univchristianchurch.com

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An Open and Affirming Congregation

After theEaster Egg Hunt

Come by forsome great music, aninspirational message and meet some nicepeople.

Foster to Rescue a PupBy Aubree Lynn Writer/Producer/Stylistwww.stylishlyaubreelynn.com

To rescue is the act of saving or being saved from danger or distress. My husband and I have found joy in finding causes worth acting upon. Back in November 2012 we decided that being foster parents to dogs in need of being rescued was a worthy cause. We decided to take on this volunteer responsibility when I fell in love with one of the puppies at an adoption event. This little guy, Barkley, and his sister were abandoned and landed in the foster home of a Second Chance volunteer.

Second Chance Dog Rescue is a great organization that saves dogs from being euthanized and keeps them out of shelters and finds foster homes until adoption. This organization is one of San Diego’s largest and most successful non-profits dedicated to saving dogs. When Second Chance receives a dog, regardless of the situation (abandoned, on the street or from a shelter), they provide medical care, including spay and neuter services. They also microchip their dogs, which is such a helpful tool if a dog happens to get lost.

My husband and I have had six dogs and each one has been a different breed, size and personality.

Ayer is a handsome dog who benefitted from the Second Chance Dog Rescue Program.

The family of our first foster, Ayer, had to give him up because they were moving. We picked him up the same night he was dropped off. He was one of the coolest min pins ever. A month later a couple from Temecula came to meet Ayer. He showed affection toward them and left with his new adoptive parents. Watching this happen brought tears to our eyes. What’s also cool about the program is if you happen to fall in love with your foster dog you’re allowed to become adoptive parents.

Here’s more to share more about the Second Chance foster program: Second Chance pays for all the expenses of the dog. You get to dictate what size and type of dog you want to foster. If for some reason

it doesn’t work out, you are able to take the dog back and wait for a new one that better fits your situation. There are adoption events weekly at different Petco Stores around San Diego County. So if you love dogs and are ready to foster or adopt, go to

this site and like them on Facebook: www.SecondChanceDogRescue.org.

Aubree Lynn is a writer, stylist and producer. To learn more, visit www.stylishlyaubreelynn.com.



Not bad for what Young once thought would just be a “hobby.” But when a major elbow injury and reconstructive surgery took him off the pitcher’s mound for good, he found out that his love for music became so much more, and what he thought was the end was only the beginning.

“Everyone leaves a trail of ‘almosts’ and bittersweet memories behind on the road to ‘the one’,” says Young. “It happened to me on my journey—it happens to everyone. Now I use those moments when I write music. I guess it is fortunate for me that people most easily relate to heartbreak. I’m an over-emotional, hopeless romantic who feels everything, and that shows in my songs.”

With three independent albums already under his belt, Young is taking his newest batch of songs into the studio with David Hall at the production helm, known for his Grammy Award winning work as an engineer, with artists of nearly every genre. And true to form, he’ll be showcasing that intensity and emotion in his recordings, of songs like “Fire” and “Breathe Again.”

“I grew up with Al Green, Marvin Gaye—soul singers. I like that the emotion carries the songs, where the music is almost secondary,” he says. “Van Morrison’s ‘Crazy Love’—that’s just timeless. They influence me; as a songwriter and a performer, I want to connect like they did. And when your audience feels like they can relate, then

Though echoing the past, “Vintage France” proves how alive and hip classic French chanson remains. Several generations of musicians continue to find inspiration in tunes that were first popularized in the early to mid-1900s. On “Vintage France,” sultry songstresses demonstrate the

connection between Paris of the 1940s and the vibrant French music scene of today. “Vintage France” is available at select music, book, gift, and specialty stores and for download at select online stores and on www.putumayo.com.

you have something much more special than a show, or a sale. You have a fan.”

When it comes to Young, it isn’t so far from a pitcher’s mound to a major stage, and it doesn’t really matter what kind of Big Show you’re talking about. Because in the end, when you have that thing called heart, it shows. You may see it in his eyes, but you’ll hear it in his voice.

Young has since played venues ranging from House of Blues to Troubadour, and shared the stage with such artists as Mandy Moore, Tyrone Wells, Jason Reeves, Gavin deGraw, Tyler Hilton, Katy Perry, Hoku and many more. Young recently released his second record, Make Believe and is currently in the studio finishing up his latest album.

Unbelievably, Young is still, as of today, an unsigned artist. It’s absolutely mind-boggling that there hasn’t been more interest in this guy yet. A Newport Beach based musician – fitting, as he looks like he would fit right into an OC episode – Brett has a kind of Gavin deGraw vibe to him. There’s a soft, yet gritty quality to his brand of soul… and it’s damn promising from what I’ve heard.

Young will be appearing at 8 p.m., Friday, April 19 at the House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue in downtown San

When former San Diego Padres player Tim Flannery made the transition to a performing guitarist and singer, it was quite a switch from the ball field to the stage. Today, Flannery is known as

much, or more for his music as he was for his baseball career. Flannery will now have some “competition” in his music world from Brett Young, who was a pre-draft selection of the Tampa Devil Rays, after starting as a nine-year old kid in the Babe Ruth Little League.

There’s a look in Young’s blue eyes that makes it easy to understand what took him straight out of high school to a million dollar ace in the Majors – it’s an intensity that goes right to his core. And it isn’t too hard to understand what took this California boy from a ball field to the recording studio. His gritty vocals and impassioned lyrics are built on the same firm foundation.

Those same qualities have gotten Young’s songs placed on television shows like MTV’s The Real World and Kardashian pop culture favorite “Kourtney and Kim Take New York,” and his feet planted firmly on some of the most well-known stages in the world—The Roxy, The Troubadour, The Viper Room, sharing those stages with some of pop music’s best and brightest, from Colbie Caillat to Gavin DeGraw to Katy Perry.

Can’t afford that trip to Paris right now? No worries – just pop Putumayo’s “Vintage France” in your player, throw on your beret, light some candles and uncork a bottle of your favorite vin de pays and you’re practically there.

Despite the fact that I remember almost nothing – presque rien? – from my high school French, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Putumayo’s “Vintage France.” These classic French songs are great fun to listen to. The melodies are distinctly French and the vocals evoke Edith Piaf, scenes from cabarets seen in so many movies, and 1960’s black and white French films I used to watch. They’re nostalgic without being hokey, some jazzy, some sweetly sad, almost all of them made me alternately want to either run out and jump on my Vespa or get up and dance. But then I remembered – merdre! – I don’t own a Vespa and I’m a terrible dancer. So all that’s left for me is to sit back, adjust my beret and enjoy the music.

Brett Young—From the Pitcher ’s Mound to the Performance Stage

A Tr ibe Cal led Red at the Casbah Apr i l 21

Music Scene

By Richard Cone

Diego, with tickets costing $17. This IS an age-restricted show, so make sure to check the website for House of Blues for guidelines. Young will be opening for Wakey! Wakey! an adult alternative pop group fronted by Michael Grubbs and based in Brooklyn, New York. Michael Grubbs is also known for his role as “Grubbs” on One Tree Hill, where the band’s music has been featured. They reached critical acclaim with their 2010 release, “Everything I Wish I’d Said the Last Time I Saw You,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard’s Heatseeker’s Chart.

For sound samples of Brett Young go to his website at http://www.myspace.com/brettyoungsmusic and for tickets to the April 19 show at House of Blues, go to www.houseofblues.com.

Brett Young appears at 8 p.m., Friday, April 19 at the House of Blues.

A Tribe Called Red. Photo courtesy of Art and Culture Maven.



19

The popular phrase “If you snooze, you lose” takes on a whole new meaning when visiting the similarly named restaurant in Hillcrest. Located on Fifth Avenue, across the street from the center that houses the Landmark Cinema, diners can identify the location of Snooze by the crowds that are usually milling around in front, waiting for seating.

Snooze is an example of a limited hours’ restaurant, a type that some successful restaurateurs favor because it usually involves shorter working hours and smaller menus. Snooze is open for breakfast and lunch but really is much more of a breakfast place. There are only a few menu items that are usually associated with lunch. It seems that lots of diners enjoy eggs and pancakes later in the morning.

Snooze has six locations – five of them are in Colorado. The owners saw opportunity in San Diego along with great weather in America’s Finest City

diners sitting inside. The high ceilings reach up to a large skylight. Large swirling ceiling decorations, which resemble voluminous Chinese lanterns, add color and movement. Even the cutlery adds to the cheerful ambiance. Dishes are very bright. Silverware is stylish and heavy. The décor tries to create a sense of gaiety and fun.

Caveat – despite the height of the ceiling, the noise level can be pretty formidable. This may be the sounds of people having a good time but don’t expect to be able to hold a serious conversation without stretching the vocal cords.

The menu is a study of what can be served with eggs. “Flavors From The Hen” combines Niman Ranch Cage Free eggs with cheeses, pork, pico de gallo and other ingredients into a selection of dishes, most coming with hash browns. The hash browns, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, are formed into small cylinders a couple of inches wide and a couple of inches high.

Several flavors of Hollandaise sauce can be poured onto a number of versions of eggs Benedict. Lox Ness Benny, one of my favorites, combines poached eggs, cream cheese hollandaise and lox.

Pancakes are another featured item. They come plain, blueberry, chocolate chip, pineapple upside down, and sweet potato flavors, among others. A “pancake flight” is a sampler of three

Snooze!and grabbed this prime location when it became available. They even clued in the owners of the restaurant next door about their decision (they were friends back in Denver) so Hillcrest soon became home to two interesting eateries.

The Schlegel brothers are the moving spirits behind the business. Jon Schlegel, the founder, spent his career in hospitality, having gone through training programs at University of Denver and at Hyatt. He also worked at a variety of restaurants in Denver to round out his experience. Adam Schlegel, the advisor, brings his management training to the nuts and bolts of this business. Together, they make a formidable team.

It took time and money to develop the location but the owners have created a comfortable, colorful ambiance. A patio edges along the sidewalk in front. Exterior wall of glass windows open up to allow mild spring breezes to bathe

flavors. And, if memories of snowy winter days and chestnuts roasting by the fire are relevant, chestnut roasting pancakes are topped with roasted chestnut caramel.

Snooze management is very eco-conscious. They strive for sustainability and efficiency and recycle whatever they can. And, the company “gives back” to the local community.

More caveats – expect long waits, especially on weekends. So, it may pay to get there early. And, be careful of the “flavor saveurs.” Sometimes, diners find they are charged for the fillings they order, even though the menu does not clearly point out that possibility.

Parking can be a challenge. Snooze does not have its own lot so most diners either need to scramble for on-street parking (often hard to find close by), park at some of the nearby commercial lots or park underground across the street. Of course, parking can add to the cost of the meal.

Bottom line – Snooze can be fun. Prices are on the pricey side for breakfast but some of the food combinations are interesting and tasty. The restaurant opens at 6:30 am weekdays and 7 am weekends, closing daily at 2:30 pm. It is located at 3940 Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest. Call 619-500-3344.

The restaurant does not take reservations so, if you don’t want to wait, get there early. “If you snooze, you lose.”

Dining Scene

Guests of Snooze enjoy breakfast and some lunch.

The outdoor signage at Snooze draws a curious crowd.

by David Rottenberg

Enjoy Spr ingt ime With Us!



AprilThru Apr. 5n All Rise! LawSuits Now in Session - Six

San Diego legal firms have joined in the competition to collect funds and professional clothing for Second Chance’s Job Readiness Training program participants. For more information about LawSuits, visit www.secondchanceprogram.org/lawsuits.

Thru Mayn Spruce Up 2013 - The American Society of

Interior Designers (ASID) is offering affordable in-home design advice. For information and registration, call 858-274-3345 or visit www.ASIDSanDiego.org.

Thru Jul. 7n Art Exhibition - Piranesi, Rome and The Arts

of Design, will transport audiences from the gallery to the cobblestone streets of Rome at the San Diego Museum of Art. For tickets and information, visit www.sdmart.org.

Apr. 1 – 7n Bug Week at the NAT - Dr. Entomo’s Palace of

Exotic Wonders. Watch the 3D film, Bugs 3D, see Camp-o-Saurus transformed into Bug-o-Saurus, collect insect trading cards and explore bug-themed activity stations. For information, visit www.sdnhm.org.

Apr. 3n Robin Henkel Band performs with Whitney

Shay, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. at ArtLab Studios, 3536 Adams Ave., San Diego. For information, call 619-283-1151.

Apr. 5n Singer, songwriter Carla Bizett performs

a unique blend of jazz, gospel and world music with a fresh, rich, warm dynamic tone, accompanied by the Full House Band from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, 2600 Calhoun St. in Old Town. Limited seating; reservations recommended; call 619-297-1874.

n Dizzy’s - Fred Benedetti & George Svoboda share an engaging evening of music from Spain and Eastern Europe from two gifted guitarists at 8 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 5 – 7n Goodguys 13th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals

– So.California’s largest hot rod & custom car festival featuring over 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street rods, muscle cars & trick trucks through 1972 vintage at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. For information, visit www.good-guys.com.

Apr. 5 -21n 1st Annual Live Arts Fest - All types of live art

including dance, mime, theater, music, light installations and more. The Fest will feature workshops and performances by 24 local, national, and international artists in the new White Box Theatre. For tickets and information, visit, www.sandiegodancetheater.org/whitebox.

Apr 6.n Dizzy’s - Honoring the music of Joni Mitchell

with their own creative voices, Robin Adler & Mutts of the Planet have built a loyal following around the world. For this show, they present an intimate rendering of Joni Mitchell’s “For the Roses” album in its entirety, plus a few tunes from Joni’s first two albums “Songs to a Seagull” & “Clouds” at 8 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 7n Dizzy’s - Tenor saxophone dynamo Gerard

Nolan with Gunnar Biggs bass, LA trumpeter Brian Swartz, Bob Weller piano, & Matt Taylor drums performs at 7 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 11n Free monthly Mental Health Lecture with Kelly

Cavanaugh on “Youth Suicide Prevention using the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program” from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Sanford Children’s Research Center (Bldg 12), 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego. R.S.V.P. to [email protected]. Event and parking are free.

n Book Lecture/Klezmer Concert and Book Signing - SHPIL: The Art of Playing Klezmer from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mission Hills Books & Collectibles, 4054 Goldfinch Street, San Diego.

Apr. 13n Flutist Lori Bell renders ballads with exceptional

sensitivity while bringing wonderful nuances to swing and be-bop, accompanied by the Full House Band from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, 2600 Calhoun St. in Old Town. Limited seating; reservations recommended; call 619-297-1874.

n Drum Making, Crafting and Ceremony Workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido. Share in the sacred crafting of drum making and learn about creating a bond and relationship with your drum through an experiential drum journey and consecration ceremony. For registration, visit www.drummakingjourneys.com.

n The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble presents 2013 Spring Concert, featuring the music of Europe including the British Empire, France, and Germany at 7:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church near UCSD hospital. For information, visit www.hillcrestwindensemble.com.

n Just Jazz Two: Camarada - Music by Peter Sprague at 6:30 p.m. at Meyer Fine Art, 2400 Kettner Boulevard, #104, Little Italy. For information, call 619-231-3702 or visit www.camarada.org.

n Mission Hills Heritage (MHH) presents South Mission Hills Walking Tour, showing homes built by San Diego architects William Templeton Johnson and Richard Requa and see many wonderfully preserved Craftsman and Spanish Eclectic homes of yesteryear. For information, visit www.MissionHillsHeritage.org or call 619-497-1193.

n Dizzy’s - Jazz pianist Richard Thompson with his Quintet featuring Tripp Sprague saxophone, Derek Cannon trumpet, Bob Magnusson bass, & Russell Bizzett drums perform at 8 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 13 & 14n 2nd Annual Healthy Living Festival - Join

the celebration of living healthier at San Diego’s largest health and fitness expo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. There will be cooking demonstrations, medical testing and screenings, belly dancing and more from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For information, call 805-461-6700 or visit www.healthylivingfestival.com.

n SOHO Annual Historic Home Tour Weekend - Featuring early 20th-century homes in Mission

Hills. Bicycle and walking tours available. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sohosandiego.org.

Apr. 14n Drum Making, Crafting and Ceremony

Workshop - Share in the sacred crafting of drum making and learn about creating a bond and relationship with your drum through an experiential drum journey and consecration ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the San Diego Archaeological Center, Kumeyaay Ipai Interpretive Center, 13104 Ipai Waaypuk Trail, Poway. For registration, visit www.drummakingjourneys.com.

n Dizzy’s - The Tonga Ross-Ma’u Quintet featuring Tonga Ross-Ma’u piano/guitar, Kamau Kenyatta soprano sax/piano, Derek Cannon trumpet, Antar Martin bass, & Richard Sellers drums performs at 7 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

n The Humanist Film Study and discussion meets at1 p.m. at the U/U Church, at Front and Arbor Street in Mission Hills, room 323. The topic for this session is “The Revisionists.”

Apr. 17n Robin Henkel Band with Whitney Shay and

Billy Watson perform from 8 to 10 p.m. at the ArtLab Studios, 3536 Adams Ave., San Diego. For information, call 619-283-1151.

Apr. 18n A Day with KCBQ and the Experts: Mark

Larson, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Hugh Hewitt, and Craig Sewing. This 14-hour Live Broadcast will host seminars throughout the day on mortgage, finance, real estate, credit management, legal matters and business solutions. Listeners can attend for exciting thought provoking radio at the San Diego Hall of Champions from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For tickets and information, visit, www.kcbq.com.

n Decoupaging Clay Pots - David Root, noted floral designer and speaker, will guide students through the process of antiquing a terracotta pot into a beautiful Decoupage Pot from noon to 2:30 p.m., Room 104, Casa del Prado, 1650 El Prado, Balboa Park. To register, call SD Floral at 619-232-5762 or visit www.sdfloral.org.

n Dizzy’s - The Joshua White Trio featuring Joshua White piano, Hamilton Price bass & Marvin “Smitty” Smith drums performs at 8 p.m. with a $15 cover ($10 students). For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 19n Vocalist Scott Woker - Blues, jazz and funk,

accompanied by the Full House Band performs from 7:30 – 10 p.m. at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, 2600 Calhoun St. in Old Town. Limited seating; reservations recommended; call 619-297-1874.

n 6th Annual Plant Sale and Open House - Eco-Warrior and Living Architecture professional, Jim Mumford, will host at the Good Earth Kearny Mesa office. Featuring new green wall systems, hydroponics, aquaponics and a portable Tower Garden planted with vegetables, the event is from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP to [email protected].

n Dizzy’s - “For those in need of having their dervish whirled, the Bay Area’s Fishtank Ensemble are the rompin’ stompin’ leaders of cross-pollinated Gypsy music. They perform at 8

Calendar

p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.Apr. 20n Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step 5K Walk/Run

Event - NTC Park at Liberty Station in Pt. Loma. For information on how to register or become a sponsor, visit www.ParkinsonsStepbyStep.org or call 858-273-6763.

n Dizzy’s - Alto-madness: 2 exceptional alto saxophonists - LA’s Danny Janklow & San Diego’s Christopher Hollyday - square off with the cookin’ rhythm section of Joshua White piano, Hamilton Price bass, & Bob Weller drums at 8 p.m.. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 21n Robin Henkel Band with Horns with Whitney

Shay - Blues and Jazz concert is at 8:00 p.m. at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave., San Diego. For information, call 619-282-0437.

n First Tehyathon 5k Fundraiser, Inspiration Walk, and Celebration Concert - This event is inspired by local San Diego teen Tehya, a Make-A-Wish recipient who lives with the challenges of Spina Bifida. The event is from 3 to 8 p.m. at Cathedral Catholic High School, 5555 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego. For tickets and information, visit www.tehyathon.com.

n Dizzy’s - Grammy Award winning keyboardist/composer/arranger/music director for Louis Miguel - Francisco Loyo performs with his group - featuring Miguel’s extraordinary percussionist Tom Aros, & more at 7 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 22n Dizzy’s - The New Youth Orchestra Lab Jazz

Band & Advanced Jazz Ensembles under the direction of Steve & Ella Steinberg – featuring talented young musicians, ages 8-20, from the greater San Diego area. Come hear & support the young jazz performers of tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. For information, visit www.dizzysjazz.com.

Apr. 26n Vocalist, Lisa Hightower – Traditional Jazz

and scat accompanied by the Full House Band performs from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, 2600 Calhoun St. in Old Town. Limited seating; reservations recommended; call 619-297-1874.

n Center for Community Solutions presents: 14th Annual Tea & Tonic from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Reception with Marlee Matlin from 2 to 3:30 p.m. with High Tea Service and program at the Grand Del Mar. For information, visit www.ccssd.org.

Apr. 27n Bingo Party for Just in Time Foster Youth -

Opportunity drawings, door prizes, and plenty of Bingo! This event is for all age groups and takes place at the San Diego Woman’s Club, 2557 3rd Ave, San Diego. To RSVP please call Diane Hazard at 619-464-3923.

Apr. 27 & 28n 29th Annual Mission Federal ArtWalk - An

outdoor exhibition of original fine art from an array of different genres including paintings, sculpture, photography and more is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Little Italy. For information, visit www.missionfederalartwalk.org.

April 28n The Humanist Film Study and discussion meets

at1 p.m. at the U/U Church, at Front and Arbor Street in Mission Hills, room 323. The topic for this session is “What Darwin Didn’t Know.”

Local News

Over 3,000 Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Street Machines, Muscle Cars and Trucks through 1972 vintage will fill both exhibit buildings and the entire Del Mar Fairgrounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 5, 6 and 7, 2013. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA. Lil’ deuce coupes, hot rod roadsters, chopped Mercury customs, Hemi Cuda’s, Six Pack Challengers, Boss 429 Mustangs, Pontiac GTO’s and many other types of specialty vehicles will be on display. Fans can get up close to the hottest machines in the West.

For information, call (925) 838-9876 or Del Mar Fairgrounds (858) 755-1161, or visit www.good-guys.com.

The Goodguys 13th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals

Hot rods and classics are on display.

David Root, noted floral designer and speaker, will guide students through the process of antiquing a terracotta pot into a beautiful decoupage pot that looks as if it were hand painted at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 18 at Room 104, Casa del Prado, 1650 El Prado in Balboa Park.

Roots work has appeared in various publications including Flowers & and San Diego Home and Garden Magazine. Register and pay by April 12 by calling SD Floral 619-232-5762 or by going to www.sdfloral.org. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for others. Teens and up are welcome.

Learn to antique a terracotta pot into a beautiful decoupage pot.

Decoupage Clay Pots



21Classified

Commissioned sales position for print, video

and website ads.Join an exciting team and rapidly

growing company.Sales experience preferred.

Call 619-481-9817

Need a helping hand? Seniors, Children, Pets, House

Sitting & MoreGreat references and experience.

Call Mr. Tom at 619-885-9605

Let Me Tame Your Paper Monster

Do you need help? Bill paying, accounting, tax preparation, organizing your office and home? With 25 years experience and lots of qualified references, I have worked for small business owners and home based owners and independent contractors, etc. Let me do what I do best so you can do what you do best - run your home or business. Call Isabelle at (619) 335-7074. References available.

VIDEO PRODUCTIONVideo production services from conception to final product. Call 619.296.8731

AD SALES POSITION

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CAREGIVER SERVICES

Master Carpenter at Your Service?

Free estimates. Remodeling and repairs. Replace decks. Replace doors and windows. Cabinet repairs, and dry rot repairs. Painting projects. Beekeeping services. Local references. Contractors’ License #6066009 Call Ralph at (619) 250-1691

• •SERVICES CONTINUED

Voices for Children is determined to help each and every child in

San Diego’s foster care system. Meeting this ambitious goal means a CASA

volunteer for every foster child who needs one. It means we must have the community’s help.

It means we need you.Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

and make a difference in the life of a foster child.Go to www.speakupnow.org

or call 858-598-2235 for location.

Grace Lutheran Church and Preschool

Our website is: www.gracesandiego.com

Sunday School and

Bible Study is at 9:00 a.m.

The Divine Service is at 10:00 a.m. and a Wednesday evening Communion

service at 6:00 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Preschool6 months to Pre-K directed by Rexanna Blas

UNIVERSAL SPIRIT CENTER A Center for Spiritual Living

Rev. Kevin Bucy, Senior Minister 858 Front Street (at University and Front Streets)

San Diego, CA 92103 Extra parking across the street at Florence School

www.universalspiritcenter.org.(619) 291-4728

SUNDAY MORNING GATHERINGS 8:00 a.m. Meditative with full message

10:00 a.m. Music-filled gathering (with Youth Ministry available)

11:30 a.m. Music-filled gathering

Wednesday Night Gathering at 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday

Mission Hills Branch Library April 2013 Events

Pajama Storytime4/02, 4/09, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 (Every Tuesday) 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Children are invited to an evening storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets.

Feel free to come dressed in your pajamas.LEGO Playtime

4/03, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 (Every Wednesday) 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Kids can have fun and get creative

while building with LEGOs.Mission Hills Book Group

4/04, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Mission Hills Book Group will discuss “On Gold

Mountain” by Lisa See. New members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk

while supplies last. Note: This month’s meeting will be at Mission Hills Books & Collectibles at 4054 Goldfinch St.

Preschool Storytime4/05, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26 (Every Friday) 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Children are invited to a fun storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets.

Children’s Craft Time4/06, 4/13, 4/20, 4/27 (Every Saturday) 10:00 a.m.

Kids can develop their artistic skills while enjoying a fun craft time.

Signing Storytime4/08, 4/15, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.

Twice a month, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers can have fun while learning sign language

Road Scholar Presentation4/18, 6:30 p.m.

Learn about high-quality, affordable travel adventures from Road Scholar ambassador Jill Swaim. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, Inc.,

the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learningBook Sale

4/20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Friends of the Mission Hills Branch Library will hold a book sale. Come by and stock up on

books while supporting your LibraryMystery Book Group

4/24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Mystery Book Group will discuss a mystery novel. New

members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at

the Circulation Desk while supplies last.Poetry Reading

4/25, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate National Poetry Month with two Pushcart Prize nominees. Trish Dugger reads from her first

collection, “Scrambled,” examining everyday events with humor, compassion, and irreverence. In “Santa Monica Disposal & Salvage,” Penny Perry links 34

autobiographical poems into a stirring memoir.

Mission Hills Branch Library925 West Washington Street

San Diego, CA 92103 • 619.692.4910 www.facebook.com/mhlibrary

DANCE & Musical TheatreGet into shape, feel beautiful, graceful, and get in touch with your creativity. Classes for Kids

and Adults in North Park. Kids Musical Theatre, Pre-dance for 3-5, Adults—Broadway Stars Jazz,

Classical Ballet, Contemporary, and Tap. [email protected] call 619.501.4821



Directory

Put Your Name In Front of 35,000 Potential Customers! For more information, call (619) 296-8731

Civic CalendarHillcrest1st Tuesday

UPTOWN PLANNERS Joyce Beers Hall in Uptown Mall. 6:30 p.m.

1st ThursdayUPTOWN PARTNERSHIP3101 Fifth Ave. Call (619)298-2541. 4:30 p.m.

Thursdays 7 - 8:30 pmSAN DIEGO UPTOWN ROTARYCLUB The Uptown Rotary Club has moved to their new home at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe, 3172 Spruce at the corner of 5th. Breakfast meetings are held every Thursday 7 to 8:30 a.m. Guests are welcome to attend a meeting to learn how to become part of this dynamic organization and see why their motto is “Service Above Self.” For information, visit www.sdurotary.org or call 619-894-0140.

Kensignton-Talmadge2nd Wednesday

KENSINGTON-TALMADGE PLANNING COMMITTEEKensington Community Church. 6:30 p.m.For information, call (619) 284-0551

Linda Vista2nd Monday

LVCPC Agenda– LINDAVISTACOMMUNITYPLANNING COMMITTEE AGENDALinda Vista Library meeting room.Contact Jeff Perwin at 1-619-806-9559 for details 6 pm.

3rd TuesdayTech Committee - Technology Committee Bayside Community Center. Contact Xiongh Thao for detail at (858) 278-0771 or email [email protected] or [email protected] or visit our website www.lindavistaSD.org.

3rd WednesdayLV Historical– LINDAVISTAHISTORICALCOMMITTEE Bayside Community Center. This committee is collecting historical photos, documents and memories of Linda Vista’s past. For more information, contact Eleanor Frances Sennet at (858) 277-3817. 4 p.m.LVCollab– LINDAVISTACOLLABORATIVE Bayside Community Center at 3pm. Contact Monica Fernandez at 858-278-0771 or [email protected]. For details visit www.facebook.com/LVCollaborative

3rd Wednesday (Odd Months)TCCAC– TECOLOTE CANYON CITIZEN’SADVISORYCOMMITTEE Tecolote Nature Center. Contact Eloise Battle for details. 7 p.m.

3rd ThursdayLinda Vista Town CouncilBaha’i Faith Center Alcala Knoll DriveContact Thomas Kaye 858-277-6793 at 6:30 p.m.

4th MondayLVCPC– LINDAVISTACOMMUNITYPLANNING COMMITTEELinda Vista Library Meeting Room.Contact Ed Cramer at (619) 222-2047 for details. 7:00 p.m.

4th WednesdayLVPC – Linda Vista Planning Committee monthly meeting.Linda Vista Library Meeting Room at 6 pm. Contact Jeff Perwin 619-806-9559 for details, minutes and agenda at www.LindaVistaSD.com.Linda Vista ViewLinda Vista Town Council Community NewsletterContact Thomas Kaye at 858-278-6973

Various WednesdaysLVNewsletter– LINDAVISTAVIEW Civic Association Community Newsletter. Bayside Community Center. Contact Sarah Granby at (858) 405-7135 or e-mail [email protected]. 2:00 p.m.

Mission HillsApril 24, 2013

Mission Hills Garden Club meets from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church on Jackdaw between West Lewis and Fort Stockton Drive for a presentation by Sky Jeanette: A Tower Garden for Small Spaces. Members are free; guest fee is $10 which you may apply toward your membership if you join that night. For information, visit www.missionhillsgardenclub.org.

Ocean BeachOCEAN BEACH PLANNING BOARD Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave. Call (619) 523-1700. 7 - 9:30 p.m.

4th WednesdayOCEAN BEACH TOWN COUNCIL Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Avenue. Call Jere Battan at (619) 515-4400 for information. 7 p.m.

Point Loma April 10, 2013

Point Loma Garden Club. A bus tour of some of San Diego’s premiere nurseries and gardens organized by Margaret Cook will take place on this date for Point Loma Garden Club members. A general meeting of the club will be held during the trip. More info at: www.plgc.org

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23All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of this law. Our readers hereby informedthat all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-Free at 1-800-669-9777. The Toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275

Real Estate

Real Estate

Show Your Listing Here!Put Your Name In Front of 35,000 Potential Customers! For more information, call (619) 296-8731

Call Jim Scott, Broker DRE #830226 at (619) 920-9511

4252 Aloha PlaceCharming Spanish jewel nestled on a quiet canyon setting in North Mission Hills. Enjoy both verdant and Point Loma views from this lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Gleaming

hardwood floors, 15’ ceilings in the living room, glorious sun porch, tranquil courtyard, beautiful fireplaces, multiple trex

decks, along with superb storage and workshop rooms.

North Mission Hills

$1,095,000


1042 CypressBeautiful drought tolerant courtyard landscaping ushers you

into this charming Spanish style casita. Hardwood floors gleam throughout the 3 bedroom, 2 bath Marston Hills home on one of its most magical streets. Wood beams accentuate

the living and dining room ceilings while the upgraded kitchen leads you to a very special breakfast room featuring

original built-in corner cabinetry.

Marston Hills

$849,000

Sold


1774-1776 Torrance StreetPrivate North Mission Hills duplex featuring sweeping city, bay and ocean views. 2200 square feet, spacious patios, and two large

garages. A real value at $795,000.

North Mission Hills

$795,000

Price

Reducti

on

Call Rocky Rockhill, Agent, DRE #01197738 at 619-972-3033

3701-3703 Hawk StreetGreat location with beautiful downtown skyline views. Lovely duplex with two single level 3 bedroom, 2 bath

homes with open floor plans. At the end of a cul-de-sac in South Mission Hills, the building overlooks a canyon with

unobstructable downtown views. Perfect for an owner-occupant, an investor who wants fully rentable units,

or a multi-generational family home.

South Mission Hills

$1,100,000

Maureen and Antoinette Coldwell Banker

Residential Brokerage

619-800-1103

Gated EstateThis one-of-a-kind property was designed by world renowned architect Arthur Porras and

has never before been offered for sale. Over 6,000 sq. ft. of exceptional quality on huge,

private canyon parcel. Please call for details.

Mission Hills



619-800-1103

1977 Alameda TerraceThis 1922 Mission Hills Classic has been lovingly expanded & updated with a new

gourmet kitchen, fabulously tiled bathrooms, and a brand new master suite. Front and back patios make this home an entertainer’s delight!

Mission Hills

$1,045,000



619-800-1103

3755 Pringle StreetToday’s version of Yesterday’s Craftsman—this stylish 3/3.5 was built with character, style and

quality materials. Featuring an indoor/outdoor family room, peaceful master retreat, and panoramic views

of the Downtown skyline and harbor.

Mission Hills

$1,629,000

Y A R D S A L E

Sat., May 4, 2013

Mission Hills Community Garage Sale is coming!

74-430 PALO VERDE DRIVE Short sale in the luxury Vintage. Over 5,000 square feet on a private lake.

See more details at www.SDHomePro.com

JONATHAN SCHNEEWEISSJ.D., LL.M. Broker

Voted in San Diego Magazine’s, “Best in Client Satisfaction,” 2008 -2013

DRE# 01378508

619-279-3333

Indian Wells

$1,895,000

Pending

1465 C #3219 Union Square 2b/2ba, Condo in Union Square with giant terrace, 2 parking spaces and

amenities galore. See more details at ww.SDHomePro.com

JONATHAN SCHNEEWEISSJ.D., LL.M. Broker

Voted in San Diego Magazine’s, “Best in Client Satisfaction,” 2008 -2013

DRE# 01378508

619-279-3333

Downtown

$359,000

New

Listing

2868 Hawthorn Street 3 bed/2bath with pool on a cul de sac. See more details at

ww.SDHomePro.comJONATHAN SCHNEEWEISS

J.D., LL.M. BrokerVoted in San Diego Magazine’s,

“Best in Client Satisfaction,” 2008 -2013DRE# 01378508

619-279-3333

SOUTH PARK

$699K—$749K

New

Listing

Call Salvatore Cefalu • 858-243-4554 DRE# 01435914 • [email protected]

1302 Elevation Road Wow… Gorgeous Bay Park property with sit down views… Traditional sale… This single level home has been recently

updated inside and out. This view property has great attention to detail from the custom gournet kitchen with ss hood to the new custom stone floors and newly renovated bath. Let your

self enjoy sit down views from a large living room and from the backyard views that sprawl to La Jolla.

Bay Park

$499,000

Active

Thank You for Reading this Months Issue!- Presidio Communications -

Scott & Quinn has three offices, in Mission Hills at 1111 Fort Stockton Drive, in Normal Heights at 30th and Adams Avenue, and in South Park at 2973 Beech Street. The company also features Scott & Quinn Property Management. Founded in 1982, Scott & Quinn is the oldest full service real estate firm in Mission Hills and is still locally owned and operated. Jim has been a homeowner in Mission Hills since 1976. Jim’s past Market Reports dating from 1997 are on the company web site at www.sqre.com.

Jim Scott, Broker, DRE #830226, 619-920-9511

San Diego’s residential real estate sellers are happily enjoying their Housing Spring. Suddenly bidding wars for homes and condos are everywhere, particularly in the market for properties priced under $900,000. After suffering for so long, our region’s beleaguered homeowners are finally cashing in and gaining back lost equity. This is not a bubble but a new kind of market driven more by supply and demand and less by fear.

To begin with, housing prices had a very respectable 2012 performance. Encouraged by an accommodative Fed enabling record-low mortgage rates and a steadily improving economy, many fence-sitters entered the marketplace. Values moved up steadily and the inventory of properties for sale was cut in half by year end. By December the table was set for a bull market in homes and condos.

Buyers entering the market this year soon discovered not much was for sale. Between January and March sellers suddenly gained the upper hand in homes selling between $450,000 and $900,000. Usually market distortions such as this end badly, but I am not sure it is so off-kilter. In my view, we are witnessing an overdue reset of the price structure of local property. As the stock market talking heads say, San Diego property was way oversold and intrinsically undervalued. Given local economic factors, buyers are actually behaving rationally, even though prices in some market segments seem to be accelerating at an unsustainable pace. Price discovery is what is happening; buyers and sellers are establishing a new floor the next cycle will build upon.

Think of this spring market as a reboot to adjust for lower supply of and increasing demand for homes. For 2013, constrained housing supplies will not match demand. The resulting higher prices will encourage more owners to come to market but other factors will possibly offset resulting inventory gains. As an example, many potential sellers with negative equity and the financial capability to service their debt may keep their homes off of the market to build more equity. Merchant builders have found it extraordinarily difficult to rachet up production. Their infrastructure dissipated during the Great Recession; skilled labor fled to greener pastures and many lots remained unfinished. The lending community, facing political and regulatory pressures, have slowed down their foreclosures mills and have made serious efforts to keep distressed owners in their homes. What banks do with their personal inventories this year is anyone’s

guess and thus far it appears they are loathe to bring their seized assets to market. As you can painfully recall, over the past few years distressed properties accounted for nearly half of the resale market.

On the demand side, buyers have a collective expectation that mortgage money will be more expensive within the next 18 to 24 months. The price of ten-year treasuries determines mortgage rates and the yields on those notes are being suppressed by the Fed’s

quantitative easing program, known as QE 1, 2, and so on. Without their monthly injection of 85 billion freshly printed greenbacks into the bond market, mortgages would be far dearer. When the unemployment rate falls to 6.5%, the Fed has cleared stated it will reduce their purchases of securities, sending mortgage rates higher. I will take Mr. Bernanke at his word on this matter. In the past, potential buyers have always rushed into the market when interest rates move off their lows in expectation of more expensive mortgages. This makes perfect sense as I doubt we will see mortgage money this inexpensive again in our lifetimes.

Last, the idea of the economic value of homeownership has been validated by the change in the business cycle. Much has been written in the past few years about young adults, scarred by unemployment, underemployment, and the foreclosure crisis, forsaking the idea of owning their own homes. Other financial writers have produced studies showing there is little long term economic benefit to

owning. In spite of this negative press, I do not believe a cultural shift in attitudes toward San Diego real estate ownership has occurred. True, our relationship with property is often strained and difficult. I have been through four recessions and I doubt I have seen the last of them, but owning land is in our cultural DNA and once enabled economically, those under 35 will begin to act like their parents.

Since 2002 or so we have witnessed an incredible ride up, followed by a harrowing descent. After bumping along the bottom for past few years, it seems the process is beginning anew, but I think over the next two or three years we will see a mild seller’s market. Stability is relative, and if anything, the public has learned we now live in a financial world that is far less stable than before. Volatility in world economies has become the norm, and as we saw in 2008, outside financial events can wreak havoc on local real estate markets. Unfortunately, there will be future economic shocks, but statutory and regulatory changes that came from the Great Recession should protect us from ourselves.

1995 Guy StreetNorth Mission Hills • $1,395,000

A perfect blend of old and new. Freshly redone Prairie home in North Mission Hills. 2650 square feet, spa, views, and a spectacular outside entertainment space.Call Jim to view this special property.

Call Jim Scott, Broker (DRE#830226) at 619-920-9511

presidio sentinel, april 2013. vol. 14, no. 3

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