north park news, may 2013

sdnorthparknews.com

Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 21 Years

Gloria Might HavePlayed Key Role inMove That Costthe City $500,000Councilman calls campaign accusation‘gutter politics’

What can artists create from an old encyclo-pedia? Tish McAllise Sjoberg, owner ofExpressive Arts San Diego (above), and agroup of other artists have created an assort-ment of weird and whimsical art pieces outof an old encyclopedia set that was donatedto the gallery. They are on exhibit until June 8.Story on 0. An artist’s rendition of the Kepler-62f exoplanet, the most Earth-like planet found to date on the

Kepler mission. Credit: NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech.

Vol. 21 No. 5 May 2013

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace(OLP) will receive more than $500,000from taxpayers because a jury found latelast year that the city unfairly rejected itsexpansion project.

The school’s lawyers won their case byarguing City Councilman Todd Gloriaimproperly pressured city staff intochanging a vital report on the projectfour years ago. That change cleared theway for the City Council to reject theschool’s plans.

Gloria denies any wrongdoing, butthere is significant evidence to suggesthe tampered in the planning process.

In 2007, OLP asked the city toapprove its plans to expand its class-room and parking facilities to betterserve its over-capacity enrollment. Thecouncil eventually voted to reject theproject.

Before the council killed the project,

Astronomers Discover TwoHabitable Zone ‘Super Earths’A team of astronomers, including two fromSDSU, have discovered two Earth-like planetswith the potential to support life.

SEE GLORIA, Page 5

Until now, the primary focus of theMedia Arts Center San Diego DigitalGym in North Park was to provideprograms for the community thatteach filmmaking and video skills.

Offering such programs as the TeenProducers Project — involving teensin the filming of documentaries, thenonprofit producer of the annual SanDiego Latino Film Festival recentlyadded another element to its venue —a 49-seat film screening cinema.

The theater aspect of the centermade its debut in March, while the filmfestival was getting underway. The cin-ema features foreign, locally producedand independent films that nevermade it to the big screen.

“I Am Not a Hipster,” a film by SanDiego State grad Destin Daniel Cret-ton, which was primarily shot in SanDiego, was one of the first films to bescreened at the cinema. The hour anda half film follows the life of a sorrow-ful singer/songwriter confronted with

the death of his mother and shows howmusic and family played a role in hishealing.

“They’re filling an extremely impor-tant role in the art community,” Cret-ton said about MACSD. “They’re ableto play movies there that you wouldn’tget to see anywhere else. Their seats arereally comfy too.”

MACSD moved to the vacant, graf-fiti-ridden, former auto parts site on30th and El Cajon Boulevard from aCraftsman home in Golden Hill abouttwo years ago.

The neighborhood was still trans-forming itself from an area known forcrime and prostitution, to an areaknown for restaurants, coffee shops,home brew supplies and now a newmovie theater/technology space,according to Ethan van Thillo, execu-tive director and founder of the center.

Thanks to volunteers and support-ers, the 30th and El Cajon Boulevard

BY ANDREW KEATTS | VOICE OF SAN DIEGO

Innovative Cinema Debuts in North ParkMedia Arts San Diego opens screening roomfor local, foreign and independent films

BY CECILIA BUCKNER

SEE CINEMA, Page 7

Ethan van Thillo, founder of the Media ArtsCenter San Diego, sits in one of the comfort-able seats at the center’s new cinema.

The Media Arts Center San Diego Digital Gym is at 2921 El Cajon Blvd.

A team of astronomers, including two from San Diego State University,announced the discovery of a five-planet system with two super-Earth-sized plan-ets in the “habitable zone.” The detection was made using NASA’s Kepler space tele-scope, which launched in 2009, on a mission to find Earth-like planets.

SEE EARTHS, Page 14

2 | sdnorthparknews.com | May 2013

(619) 889-5420 | www.aftonmiller.com | [email protected]

AFTON SELL S SAN DIEGOSpecializing in North Park and Metro Area since 1986

SOLD - $649,000

4869 Marlborough | 3br 2ba*

SOLD - $546,000

3027 Granada | 3br 1ba

SOLD - $675,000

3161 1st St #2N | 2br 2ba *

SOLD - $799,000

2503 Bancroft St | 4br 2ba

SOLD - $845,000

3415 Villa Terrace | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $600,000

3674-72 Texas | 2 units

SOLD - $441,000

4615 Altadena | 2br+den 2ba

SOLD - $469,000

4677 Winona | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $276,500

3681 Grim | 3br 2.5ba

COMING SOON!

3585 Redwood St. | 2br 1ba

IN ESCROW - $229,000

3774 33rd St #5 | 2br 2ba

AVAILABLE - $447,000

4738 Winona Ave | 2br 1ba

SOLD - $665,000

4654 Natalie | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $628,000

4607 Janet Pl | 4br 3.5ba

SOLD - $750,000

3795 Alabama | 4 units

SOLD - $682,500

4806 Sussex | 3br 1.5ba

SOLD - $769,000

2428 33rd St | 3br 2.5ba

SOLD - $632,000

4624 Lucille Dr | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $250,000

4549 33rd #4 | 2br 2ba

*BUYER

SOLD - $510,000

3788 Park #4 | work/live

SOLD - $640,000

3210-12 Felton St | 2br units

SOLD - $565,000

4365 Alder Dr | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $460,000

2515 30th St. | 2br 1ba

SOLD - $650,000

4558 Delaware St | 2br 2ba

AVAILABLE $475,000 | 3412 32nd St. #D North Park

Spacious Finberg-style 2br + loft 2.5ba 1,519 ESF townhouse offers fireplace, 2 master suites, newer appliances andCeasarstone counters, attached garage and patio, great for entertaining!

SOLD - $692,000

2914 Redwood St | 3br 3ba

SOLD - $428,000

3311 Juniper St | 2br 1ba

SOLD - $387,000

4502 Euclid Ave | 2br 1ba

SOLD - $746,000

2735 33rd St | 4br 4.5ba

SOLD - $153,000

4545 Collwood #57 | 1br 1ba

SOLD! - $605,000

4632 Marlborough | 2br 1.5ba

SOLD - $800,500

4165 Middlesex | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $530,000

4720 51st | 3br 2ba


4912 Lorraine Drive | 2 br 1.5ba


2320 Landis | 2br 2ba

AVAILABLE - $695,000

4488 41st | 3br 2ba

REDUCED - $629,000

3256 N Mtn View | 3br 2ba

SOLD - $559,000

4812 50th | 4br 2ba *

SOLD - $545,000

3687 4th #408 | 2br 2ba *

COMING SOON! $690,000-$725,000 | 2736 Teresita St.

Charming 3br 2ba St. Augustine area Spanish home. Remodeled kitchen, pristine baths, new landscaping and win-dows plus covered back patio.

SOLD - $746,000

4604 Edgeware | 3 units


Ask Dr. Z(Editor’s Note: South Park’s Dr. Tara Zandvliet -Dr. Z — answers common — andnot so common — health questions for our readers.)

Q. What sunscreen should I use on my children? On me? I recommend sunscreen whenever you will be out in the sun more than 15 min-utes. Be sure to put a lot on at least 15 minutes before you go out, and reapply everyhour or two, and anytime you come out of the water. That includes those that say“waterproof” or “sweat resistant.” Avoid ingredients like Retinyl palmitate, oxyben-zone, and “nanoparticles.” Use ones with zinc oxide or titanium oxide, andavobenzene. Get an SPF 15 to 30 to protect against cancer — anything over thatis overkill. And watch the expiration date — they really mean it.Do not use sunscreen in an infant less than 6 months old. They absorb too muchof it, and they need to stay completely out of the sun. Lightweight long sleevefooties and a hat work really well, and a sun umbrella or sun shade for the parkor beach. And that’s a good idea for the rest of us too!Q. What is heat exhaustion? How is it different from heat stroke?Both are brought on by being in very hot circumstances or doing strenuous exer-cise in the heat. Heat stroke has the neurologic symptoms like passing out, hav-ing a seizure, getting confused, etc. Their temperature often reaches over 104degrees F, and they have vomiting, diarrhea, and stop sweating. They often shiv-er, even though they are extremely hot. This is a medical emergency that shouldinvolve calling 911. Heat exhaustion is still very severe, but does not involve the neurologic problems.They may have the shivers, diarrhea, vomiting, profuse sweating, increased tem-perature, headache, muscle cramps and dizziness. Prompt medical attention, cool-ing down, rest, and rehydration are needed. People are predisposed if they have trouble sweating, are not conditioned to workor exercise in the heat, the elderly and the young, and people taking certainmedicines — water pills, stimulants (including energy drinks), blood pressure pills,anti-depressants, or heart medication.So when it first starts getting warm, go slow on the exercise and time out in thesun. Go for a few hours to the beach instead of the whole day, or decrease the inten-sity of your run or the length of your bike ride. Pour water over yourself to cooloff, especially if you don’t sweat well, take breaks in the shade, and hydrate well!Q. Can you ever drink too much water?Yep! If you drink a lot of pure water, and don’t eat much, you can lower the saltlevel in your body to a dangerous level and have seizures, brain damage and death.Babies whose formulas are mixed with too much water or are given too much ofthe herbal colic remedies of Manzanilla tea (Chamomille) often succumb. Athletesin marathons, long bike rides or triathlons are at risk because of the copioushydration (good job — see previous question), but paucity of eating to supply thesalt over the long event. You don’t need to always drink sports drinks (too muchsugar), but do eat some pretzels or beef jerky here and there with it.

Dr. Tara Zandvliet welcomes your questions. Send them to [email protected]. She practices at 2991 Kalmia St. Phone: (619) 929-0032.

Gloria met with a city staffer involved inthe city’s formal review of the school’sproposal. That same staffer instructedthe author of a key report to change itsconclusion to better reflect Gloria’s posi-tion on the project.

Gloria used the changed report tojustify rejecting the project, reciting itsnew conclusion nearly verbatim to hiscouncil colleagues, who then votedagainst the expansion.

Presented with this evidence, a dis-trict court judge ruled last year therewas sufficient evidence for the case to gobefore a jury. The judge specifically citedGloria’s involvement, and the pressureplaced on city staff to change the pro-ject’s official report.

Five months later, a jury found thecity treated the school unfairly, andawarded the school $1.1 million in dam-ages. In February, the school and coun-cil agreed to settle for $500,000 plus thecost to relocate the homes. The cityagreed not to appeal the verdict.

Amplifying the verdict was an accusa-tion about why Gloria may have insert-ed himself in the process: The school’sattorneys claimed in court that thecouncilman killed the project to satisfya neighborhood group that later helpedpay back debt from his 2008 electioncampaign.

Gloria says that’s nonsense. He mayhave taken money from the group thatopposed the project, but he also tookdonations from Our Lady of Peace sup-porters, he said.

“It All Looked Pretty Disgusting”“I live in a 300-square-foot studio

apartment,” Gloria said. “If I’m on thetake, I’m not doing it right.”

Our Lady of Peace’s case was based ona critical change made to a city reporton its expansion project.

In early 2009, the council held twomeetings to discuss the school’s plannedexpansion.

A staff report provided to the coun-cil at the first meeting said the project fitwithin North Park’s community plan, adocument drawn up by communitymembers to guide neighborhood devel-opment.

But a month later, the staff ’s conclu-sion had been changed to say it wasinconsistent with the community plan.

Staff reports provide the councilinformational background on any item.The council sometimes votes against thecity staff ’s official recommendation, butin land use cases like this, council mem-bers legally must base their vote on aspecific fact provided in the item’s sup-porting materials. They can’t arbitrari-ly rule for or against something.

Between the council meetings, twokey things happened: Gloria met with astaffer charged with collecting cityreports on the project, and that samestaffer instructed a colleague to changea report’s conclusion to better align withGloria’s preference, according to courtdocuments.

That wasn’t simply a coincidence,claimed the school’s attorneys. They sayGloria told city staff to change the deter-mination, and then used the change tojustify denying the project.

“Only after the planner changed thereport did Todd have an in to deny theproject,” said Dan Dalton, lead lawyerfor Our Lady of Peace. “The jury sawthat, and it all looked pretty disgusting.”

Consistency Is KeySince it was first discussed in 2006,

Our Lady of Peace’s expansion projecthad been a contentious issue in theneighborhood surrounding the school,an area between University Heights andNormal Heights that’s adopted the

moniker “BeHi” for “Between Heights.”The final plan called for removing

two historic, Spanish eclectic-stylehomes the school owned to build a largeclassroom building and parking garage.

In September 2008, the local com-munity planning group voted againstthe project, but that vote was just a rec-ommendation to the Planning Com-mission, a citywide body that votes onchanges to San Diego’s land use poli-cies.

Almost a month later, the project wonunanimous approval from the PlanningCommission.

Because the project was deemed con-sistent with the community plan, thePlanning Commission, rather than thecouncil, had final say on approving theproject. But when neighbors appealedthe Planning Commission’s decision,the project went to the council for afinal decision.

The council heard the appeal in Jan-uary 2009. The hearing lasted more thanfive hours. Ardent supporters and oppo-nents in council chambers showed sup-port during public comments by wavingtheir arms above their heads, ratherthan through applause, on the requestof then-Council President Ben Hueso,who thought it would speed up the pro-ceedings.

At the council hearing, Gloria, whohad been elected a few months earlier torepresent the council district in whichthe school is located, made a motion toreject the construction proposal.

He based his move on the fact thatNorth Park’s community plan called forthe preservation of historic resources.An environmental report on the pro-ject said relocating or demolishing thehomes would irreparably damage theirhistoric character.

Gloria said those facts proved theproject contradicted the communityplan, which says preserving historicresources should be a priority. Then-Councilwoman Donna Frye stronglyopposed the project, too. It was obvious,she said, that the project wasn't consis-tent with the community plan.

But the staff report said otherwise.While it noted the historical resourcesissue, the original version of the reportsaid those concerns were essentiallytrumped by other benefits the projectwould bring to the community.

That made things tricky for the coun-cil members who opposed the school’splans.

They couldn’t just deem the projectinconsistent with the community plan— they needed a staff report backingup that conclusion.

And killing the project based on suchan inconsistency, rather than some otherreason, was the best way to shield thecouncil from lawsuits going forward,legal experts said.

Cory Briggs, an attorney who oftensues over land use deals, said a city is ina much stronger position if it can pointto a report saying a project violates acommunity plan.

“You always want to be in front ofthe judge saying, ‘They got it right’ …rather than saying, ‘They got it wrong,and here’s why.’”

At that first hearing, the council votedto continue the discussion a monthlater.

Between the two hearings, Gloria metwith the city staffer in charge of manag-ing the city’s reports on the project,Michelle Sokolowski. In court and againin a recent interview, Gloria said themeeting was a follow-up to the discus-sion at the first hearing and that he did-n’t remember what he and Sokolowskitalked about. Sokolowski didn’t respondto a request for comment.

Also in the period between the twohearings, Sokolowski instructed a col-league, city planner Marlon Pangilinan,

to change his report stating the school’sproject was consistent with the com-munity plan.

In a Feb. 9 email, Pangilinan wroteto Sokolowski, “Let me know if you thisis sufficient (sic). I figure that you canstill use the language in the finding allthe way up to the very last paragraphwhere it says the project would notaffect the (community plan), and justadd this paragraph.”

The new paragraph included in theemail concludes that removing the his-toric homes would adversely affect thecommunity plan's objectives for pre-serving architectural variety.

Sokolowski, the city staffer who hadmet with Gloria, forwarded the newconclusion to the city attorney’s office.She told them city staff had prepared aconclusion allowing for the denial ofthe construction.

According to court documents,Pangilinan said this was the only time hecould recall in his 10 years with the citythat he’s been asked to change one of hisconclusions. He also said his opinionon the project never changed, but thathe wrote the new conclusion becauseSokolowski told him to.

Elected representatives aren’t barredfrom asking city staff to change a report.But Kelly Broughton, head of the city’sdevelopment services department, saidin his deposition that doing so wouldviolate the department’s internal pro-cedures and training practices.

“My experience with the departmenthas always been that management, mymanagers from when I first started withthe city, and I’ve maintained the sameposition, that it’s inappropriate for deci-sion-makers to talk with staff aboutdevelopment projects going throughprocess if it’s a project that will be beforethem at some point in time,” Broughtonsaid, according to court documents.

At the beginning of the second coun-cil hearing, Gloria made the samemotion to kill the project he had tried tomake at the first hearing. He supportedit by reading, nearly word for word, thenew determination in the staff reportthat Pangilinan had been asked to write.

“Based upon these findings and thefindings of the information containedin the staff report, I move that the (con-struction project) be denied,” Gloriasaid.

The council rejected the project on a5-3 vote.

Our Lady of Peace sued the city overthe rejection, under a federal law thatrestricts how cities can apply land useregulations on religious entities. Theschool alleged the decision put anunreasonable burden on its ability topursue its religious mission.

U.S. District Court Judge Cathy AnnBencivengo ruled there was substantialevidence to send the case before a jury.Her ruling pointed specifically to thecity staffer being told to rewrite his con-clusion on the project, and Gloria’smeeting with city staff before the coun-cil ultimately rejected the plan.

“Plaintiff has presented evidence that,among other things … the city plannerwas pressured to draft ‘reverse findings’so that a report would say that the planwas not consistent with the neighbor-hood plan, something he testified hehad never been requested to do,” Ben-civengo wrote.

She wrote that “city staff met withCouncilman Gloria, who allegedly lead[sic] the charge to deny OLP’s permits,in the interim period between the Plan-ning Commission's decision to grantOLP its required permits and the CityCouncil’s hearing where they ultimate-ly denied the permits.”

A jury ruled six months ago in favorof Our Lady of Peace, and awarded theschool $1.1 million in damages.

Then, earlier this year, the council

voted to settle for $500,000 plus the costof relocating the two historic homes.The city also agreed not to pursue anappeal.

Gloria denies ever telling anyone tochange a report.

“The nefarious suggestion of whatwas going on ignores that we were readyto make the decision at the first hear-ing,” he said.

“I know how the plaintiff ’s attorneystried to portray it, but that wasn’t rightat all,” he said.

He also said the city was prepared fora lawsuit from historical preservationistsif it allowed the project to go forward.

“There was no way we were gettingout of that case without getting sued bysomeone,” Gloria said.

“Gutter Politics”Attorneys for Our Lady of Peace did-

n’t just tell the court that Gloria improp-erly influenced the process. They alsotried to explain why he did it.

After the council’s vote to reject theproject, Our Lady of Peace argued, Glo-ria accepted donations from projectopponents that helped pay off debtfrom his 2008 campaign.

Gloria told U-T San Diego in June2009 that a lobbyist hired by projectopponents, Jim Bartell, of Bartell &Associates, had held a fundraiser forhim.

The fundraising still hasn’t shown upon any campaign finance reports, eitherbecause it didn’t meet the threshold fordisclosure, or because it was improper-ly filed. Bartell didn’t respond torequests for comment.

Gloria scoffed at the idea that cam-paign funds had anything to do withhis opposition to the project.

He called the accusation “gutter pol-itics,” and said it ignores the fact thathe's also accepted donations from OurLady of Peace supporters who liked theexpansion project.

“They definitely made a point of this,and I found it very unfair,” he said.

Posted April 16, 2013, by Voice of SanDiego.

May 2013 | sdnorthparknews.com | 5

GLORIACONTINUED FROM Page 1

A historic Spanish-electic style home at 2746Copley Ave. will be relocated as a result of asettlement between the city and the Acade-my of Our Lady of Peace.

The Academy of Our Lady of Peace

The city of San Diego must pay to relocate ahistoric home at 2544 Collier Ave. after set-tling a lawsuit with the Academy of Our Ladyof Peace.

www.sdnorthparknews.com

Serving San Diego’s Premier Bungalow Communities

Chairman/CEOBob Page

[email protected]

Publisher Rebeca Page

[email protected]

EditorManny Cruz

[email protected]

Art DirectorChris Baker

[email protected]

Advertising SalesAda Laura Duff(858) 442-7766

[email protected]

------------------------------

Writers/ColumnistsTodd Gloria

Ann JarmuschJennifer Kester

Donna MarganellaBart Mendoza

Katelyn O’RiordanSandy PasquaDavid RainesDelle Willett

PhotographyManny CruzSande Lollis

Letters/Opinion Pieces

North Park News encourage letters to the edi-

tor and guest editorials. Please address corre-

spondence to [email protected] or

mail to Manny Cruz. Please include a phone

number, address and name for verification

purposes; no anonymous letters will be print-

ed. We reserve the right to edit letters and edi-

torials for brevity and accuracy.

Story ideas/Press Releases

Do you have an idea for an article you would

like to see covered in this newspaper? We

welcome your ideas, calendar item listings

and press releases. For breaking news, please

call us at (619) 287-1865.

For all other news items, please email

[email protected].

ADDRESS PO Box 3679,

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067PHONE

(858) 461-4484

North Park News distributes copies monthly

to residents and businesses of North Park,

South Park, Golden Hill and Normal Heights.

The entire contents of North Park News is

copyrighted, 2012, by REP Publishing, Inc.

Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited

without prior written consent.

All rights reserved.


28th Street fountain.

Garden Tour to Cover the ‘Eastern Prospects’

Weigh in on the City Budget

Spring in San Diego means greatweather, the start of the baseball season,and the development of next year’s citybudget. As the Budget and FinanceCommittee Chair, I ask for your inputthroughout the budget review process,which is in full swing at the beginning ofMay.

On April 15, the mayor released hisproposed budget. It’s now in the CityCouncil’s hands, and we’ll spend con-siderable time and energy delving intoits details through mid-May.

The full calendar of departmentalbudget hearings can be found online:http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd3/pdf/news/2013/newsrelease130403.pdf.

At each hearing, department budgetswill be explained and examined, andneighbors like you will have the oppor-tunity to both learn more about howfunds are used and to share thoughtson your preferences and priorities.

Though I am still going through theproposed budget myself, there are somepromising inclusions and some con-cerning aspects, too.

Over my first four years as your coun-cilmember, I worked tremendously hardto help improve the city’s finances.Through fiscal restraint, partnershipwith our employees, and implementingefficiencies and reforms, we went fromhaving a deficit of almost $200 millionin late 2008 to having a small surplusearlier this fiscal year.

Largely due to the approval of Propo-sition B by voters in 2012, which causedan increase in our pension payment, thecity again faces a deficit of approximate-

ly $40 million. While the economy hasimproved somewhat, never is the righttime to make financial commitmentswithout identifying the ongoing fundsneeded to pay for them.

As we more closely review themayor’s proposal for the FY 14 budget,your participation is critical so we con-tinue making smart decisions about

spending our limited resources in waysthat best serve San Diegans.

Councilman Gloria can be reached [email protected]; (619) 236-6633; 202 C Street, MS 10A, San Diego,CA 92101; and on Facebook and Twitter.Visit his website at sandiego.gov/cd3.

BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT TODD GLORIA

Community and Board MeetingsGreater Golden Hill Community Devel-opment Corp. The CDC normallymeets at 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday ofthe month at the SDYS Golden HillCenter, 2220 Broadway. For informa-tion, call (619) 696-9992.

Greater Golden Hill Planning Commit-tee meets at 6:30 p.m. the secondWednesday of the month at the BalboaGolf Course clubhouse, 2600 GolfCourse Drive. For information, call(619) 533-5284.

The North Park Redevelopment Pro-ject Area Committee meets at 6 p.m.the second Tuesday of the month at theLafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd.Meetings focus on redevelopment pro-jects in construction or planning. Forinformation, visit sandiego.gov/redevel-opment-agency.

The North Park Main Street boardmeets at 7 a.m. the second Wednesdayof the month at its storefront office,3076 University Ave. North Park MainStreet has more than 250 members, pri-marily businesses paying annual assess-ments in the city-authorized North ParkBID. For information, call 294-2501.

The North Park Maintenance Assess-ment District Committee normallymeets at 6 p.m. the second Monday ofevery other month at North Park Com-munity Adult Center, 2719 Howard Ave.

The North Park Planning Committeemeets at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday ofthe month at North Park Christian Fel-lowship, 2901 North Park Way. Thecommittee is an advisory group to thecity on North Park land use, includingthe general plan, infrastructure and den-sity. For information, visit northpark-planning.org.

The North Park Community Associa-tion meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the fourthWednesday of each month at theLafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. TheCommunity Association provides aforum for issues and concerns aboutpublic safety, education, land use, pub-lic facilities and services, commercialrevitalization, community image andcultural activities. For more informa-tion, visit www.northparksd.org.

The North Park Historical Societymeets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third

Thursday of each month. The HistoricalSociety conducts research and educa-tional outreach in order to facilitatepreservation of North Park's culturaland architectural history. For moreinformation, visit www.northparkhis-tory.org.

The South Park Business Groupmeets on the last Wednesday of eachmonth at 8:30 a.m. at Alchemy Restau-rant, 30th & Beech. The SPBG is com-prised of business owners with store-fronts and service businesses located inSouth Park. The organization producesthe quarterly South Park Walkaboutsand the annual Old House Fair. Formore information, call (619) 233-6679or email [email protected].

The University Heights CommunityAssociation meets at 7 p.m. the firstThursday of the month in the auditori-um of Birney Elementary School, 4345Campus Ave. For information, call 297-3166.

The Adams Avenue Business Associ-ation board of directors normallymeets at 7:30 a.m. the first Tuesday ofthe month at the Normal Heights Com-

munity Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. Fortime, place and more information, call(619) 282-7329 or visit adamsaveon-line.com.

The Kensington/Talmadge PlanningGroup meets at 6:30 p.m. the secondWednesday of the month at Kensing-ton Community Church, 4773 Marl-borough Drive. For information, call287-3157.

The Lions Club of North Park meets forlunch every Wednesday from noon to1:30 p.m. at the club, 3927 Utah St.Prospective members are welcome toenjoy their first lunch on the club. Forinformation, call (619) 692-0540.

Uptown Rotary welcomes prospectivemembers at its 7 a.m. Thursday break-fasts at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Café,3172 Fifth Ave. For more, call (619) 500-3229 or visit sdurotary.org.

The North Park Recreation Councilmeets at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday ofevery other month at North Park Recre-ation Center, 4044 Idaho St. For infor-mation, call 235-1152.

The San Diego Floral Association will pre-sent its annual “garden tour with a difference”May 18 covering the gardens of Burlingameand North Park. The hours are from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. “Neighborhoods east of Balboa Parkprovide a different perspective on our city andon the park itself,” says the association. “Youwill have the opportunity to explore eight gar-dens in these charming and historic neigh-borhoods.” Vendors in a garden marketplaceon the day of the tour will offer arts and crafts.Tickets are $20 ($25 day of the tour) and will

be available at local San Diego nurseries andonline through the Floral Association web-site: www.sdfloral.org. The point of origin ofthe tour will be included with the ticket pur-chase.

“San Diego Floral is pleased to again joinwith award-winning plant breeder Jim Zem-cik as he brings a new geranium hybrid tomarket. ‘Linda Anne’ will be introduced in anexclusive first sale during the ‘EasternProspects’ garden tour,” the association said.


center location was part of that transfor-mation.

“We’ve slowly been able to create avibrant community technology spacewhere all ages can learn new skills andtechnologies, where you can buy techiegifts for the ‘nerd’ of the family . . . buysome snacks . . . ,” and now, says vanThillo, “See some greatindependent/foreign films.”

Van Thillo’s confident the intimate,unique environment of the venue, cou-pled with the exclusivity of the viewingmaterial, will contribute to the successof the center.

The cinema now brings what themedia technology hub has to offer fullcircle — from filmmaking to the finalproduct, while providing reasonablypriced technological education to thecommunity.

“Our son had an awesome time par-

ticipating in the center’sSpring Camp sessions,” saidEast Village resident YessicaDiaz Roman. Marcus

Roman, 7, learned to direct and pro-duce short films utilizing sophisticatedediting and production techniques.

“And he had lots of fun!” said Roman.“The best part for us as parents was par-ticipating in the screening where we hada chance to see the final production.”

Every year, more than 120 volunteersassist with the center’s services and pro-grams.

A North Park resident, van Thillo’sfamily roots are in Belgium where hisfather was born. Art and music had aconsistent presence in the family home.

The son of a bilingual school teacher,van Thillo grew up speaking Spanishwith his mother’s students, traveling toMexico and playing Cumbia music.

“So, understanding arts/culture andcelebrating the diversity of our commu-nity has always been a part of who I am

. . . ,” he said.Van Thillo also played the violin, but

his passion for organizing and promot-ing education and social change, withmedia as the messenger, controlled thedirection of his life and career.

Much of the media at the centerfocuses on social issues — issues relat-ed to the environment, labor and gangculture, among others.

General admission is $10.50 and stu-dents, seniors and members of the cin-ema are admitted for $8.50.

“Wanting to give to the communityand provide leadership opportunities tomedia students, be more of a positive tothe neighborhood — that’s my motiva-tion for operating the center,” said vanThillo.

For more on the Media Arts CenterSan Diego Digital Gym, located at 2921El Cajon Blvd., including updated filmschedules and programs and services,visit mediaartscenter.org or call (619)230-1938.

CINEMACONTINUED FROM Page 1

Ethan van Thillo, Media Arts Center San Diego executive director, in acenter classroom.

UPCOMING SCREENINGS:May 3-9: “La Rafle” (France)

May 7, 9, 11, 12: “The World Before Her” (India)

May 10-16: “Aqui y Alla” (Mexico/Spain)

May 14, 16, 18, 19: “Fruit Hunters”

May 17-23: “The Brass Teapot” (tentative)

May 21, 23, 25, 26: “Charge”

May 28, 30, June 1, 2: “Ping Pong”

‘The Brass Teapot’ May 17-23 (tentative).

Bill Pullman in ‘The Fruit Hunters’ May 14, 16, 18, 19.

Sales from the concession stand help support the center.

The Media Arts Center provides a training ground for studentsinterested in the visual arts.


Visitors to the 2013 Old House Fair on June 15 will againhave the opportunity to visit five historic homes on the event’sHistoric Home Tour. The Craftsman, Spanish Revival andBungalow Court homes on this tour feature classic architecturaland interior features of special interest.

“In the United States the Arts and Crafts style incorporatedlocally handcrafted wood, glass, and metal work, creatingobjects that were both simple and elegant,” according to aWikipedia description of the early 20th century styles that areprevalent in South Park. At each home, docents will provideguided information about interior highlights as tourgoers wan-der through the houses. Among the special interior elementsthey will point out are those pictured here.

Tickets to the Historic Home Tour 2013 will be available atthe Ticket Booth at 30th and Beech streets on the day of the OldHouse Fair (Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), or foradvance purchase online at www.theoldhousefair.com.Although all the homes are within walking distance, a shuttlewill be available for transportation to the furthest address,which

Tickets to the Historic Home Tour 2013 will be available atthe Ticket Booth at 30th & Beech Street on the day of the OldHouse Fair (Saturday June 15th, from 10am to 4pm), or foradvance purchase online at theoldhousefair.com. Although allthe homes are within walking distance, a shuttle will be avail-able for transportation to the furthest address.

Interiors, Hand-Made Woodwork Featured in The Old House Fair 2013 Tour

Paesano's Neighborhood Specials(Mon thru Fri. 11am-2pm)

Lunch Special: Your Choice of Entree: Lasagna,Ravioli,Manicotti,orSpaghetti w/ meatballs. Served with salad and garlic

bread. Only $4.99

+10% of ALL TO GO ORDERSwill be donated to our

neighborhood schools at St. Patricks (just tell us the school you would like to help when you pick up your order!)

Don't forget Tuesday Nights for live Italian music.

Wine Wednesday 20% off all our wines!

SINCE1967

Dine in or Take OutOpen 11-12/4:30-8:30

Sat 4:30 - 9:00 Sun 5:00 - 9:00

3647 30th St.291-4090

Visit our website: PaesanoOfNorthpark.com

PHOTOS BY BONNIE NICHOLLS

This home’s interior features many original elements including two-inch oak plank floors, sash windows, double-grooved plate rails,and tall base-boards. The keyhole passage into the dining room reveals a built-in with geometric posts and diamond-paned leaded glass doors.

Featured in this Craftsman living room are beautiful gumwood paneling and moulding, an orig-inal brick fireplace and tile hearth. The fireplace is framed by intricately-designed built-ins thatinclude a secretary desk.

This antique icebox is visible at a pre-World War I Craftsman Bungalow on the 2013 Old HouseFair home tour.

Custom wood cabinetry like this built-in breakfront built in 1913 are original to many South Parkhomes.


This time of year it seems as if thereis always something happening inSouth Park. In the historic neighbor-hood nestled between adjacent NorthPark and Golden Hill, visitors and res-idents will enjoy a variety of Springevents, from the “Pet Whisperer” to the15th annual Old House Fair. Here’s asampling from the South Park calendar:

Historic Garden Tour – Sat.May 18

The San Diego Floral Association’sAnnual Historic Garden Tour willexplore gardens in the “EasternProspects,” along the eastern edge ofBalboa Park, including homes in SouthPark, Burlingame and North Park.10am to 4pm. Tickets are available inadvance at www.sdfloral.org, or at thefestivities at Bird Park on the day of theevent.

South Bark Dog Wash EventsThe neighborhood’s popular pet care

place has special events throughout themonth, including Labs and LagersHappy Hour on May 15, Animal Com-municator Terri Steuben on May18, and Lionel’s Legacy RescueEvent on May 19. Info on these andother events (including adoptionvisits almost every weekend), spe-cials such as 50% Off Fridays,puppy classes, nail-trimming days,and more are posted regularly onwww.southbarkdogwash.com, andwww.Facebook.com/southbark.

Bike Local Sundays – May19 in South Park

Organized by the San DiegoCounty Bike Coalition, “Bike LocalSundays” events promote cyclingand San Diego’s neighborhoods.The third-Sunday schedule for2013 features South Park on May19th. Participants will enjoy dis-counts, specials and festivities atneighborhood eateries and shops.

Warrior Pose Event at GinsengYoga – May 5

Deep Yoga founder Bhava Ram visitsSan Diego to launch his memoir, War-rior Pose, at Ginseng Yoga on Sunday,May 5, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Ginseng’sschedule also includes upcoming work-shops as well as ongoing classes. Forinfo, visit www.ginsengsandiego.com

15th Annual Old House Fair(free) – Sat. June 15

Thousands of locals and visitorsdescend on South Park for this popularstreet festival and home tour, which cel-ebrates the special life of old homes andhistoric neighborhoods. With music,food, exhibitors, pet adoptions, kids’crafts, artisans and home restoration andrepair experts, there’s something foreveryone in the family too enjoy. Thefree festival closes off the intersection of30th & Beech on the southern end ofSouth Park, and is the starting point fortours galore throughout the day.

Tours include the popular HistoricHome Tour, where you get to visit five

beautiful homes, tour their interiorswith docent guides, and learn about theneighborhoods Craftsman and Span-ish Revival architecture. Tickets for thistour are $25, and are available online atwww.theoldhousefair.com. A narratedTrolley Tour ($5) is also available totake you through the neighborhoodeach hour, and Urban Safaris offers itspopular walking tour during the after-noon.

New this year at the Old House Fairwill be Vintage Row, a festive area wherevintage vendors, antique dealers andlocal shops will offer design finds, vin-tage and rescued furnishings, clothing,and jewelry.

Summer of Love Walkabout –July 20

Get your tie-dye and love beadsready for the South Park “Summer ofLove” Walkabout on Saturday night,July 20th. More info on what’s happen-ing always available on www.south-parkscene.com

CicloSDias – Aug. 11San Diego’s streets will become an

urban park for walkers, cyclists, joggers,pets and people. 10am to 2pm. Select-ed streets will be closed to vehicles(from Barrio Logan through SouthPark and up to North Park) for safeand festive wandering. More info atwww.ciclosdias.com.

There are plenty of events expectedin the fall and holiday seasons as well,including the New Belgium Tour de Faton Sept. 28 (with the costumed bikeparade from Golden Hill Park throughSouth Park and back), the ArtoberfestWalkabout on Oct. 5, South Park’s Hol-iday Tree Lighting on Dec. 1, and theHoliday Walkabout on Dec. 7. Moreinformation on all events is posted onwww.facebook.com/southparkbiz.

‘Tis The Spring Season: Events in South Park

Hand-crafted glass doors such as these arecharacteristic of the Craftsman style.


From an anonymous mom:“My nephew was over last night and he is 11. He was doinghomework and asked me about the people involved in theKennedy assassination. I told him to go grab the K encyclope-dia, and he looked at me as if I was speaking greek. I told him itwas a book with information on many different historicalevents, and he said ‘I don't wanna look in a book, just let meget on your computer.’ Sign of the times, I guess.”

While many Internet-savvy youngsters of today don’t havemuch use for the encyclopedia, that’s not to say those time-

honored information texts aren’t finding creative uses inways not imagined by their publishers.Take Tish McAllise Sjoberg, for example. Not long ago, theowner of Expressive Arts San Diego received a set of encyclo-pedias as a donation, intending to use them in her “Imagelibrary” to be cut up for collage and mixed media uses.But once she realized how much space that would take up,she changed directions. Her need to get rid of the“dinosaurs,” as she calls them, and the fascination with how

1928 CRENSHAW ST FAIRMOUNT PARK

Original owners now selling this 1953 beauty

Pristine hardwood floors & wood paned windows

Spotless kitchen with vintage tile, period stove and sunny dining area

3 Bedrooms - fenced yard with shed - appealing street - prepare to be delighted!

JUST

LIS

TED

- M

ULT

IPLE

OFF

ERS

OVE

R LI

ST P

RICE

!

COMING IN JUNE: Kensington Classic! North of Adams Ave, 3 BR, 2 BA highly upgraded - low $700K

501 First Avenue, San Diego 92101 www.argsd.com

E N C Y C L O P E D I A A RTGallery owner Tish McAllise Sjoberg challenged artists to create art out of an old set of encyclopedias

Stewart Calhoun hangs his creation from the ceiling.

this project was created by Elena Ganev.

Sharon Tittle named her creation ‘One Flew Over the Kookoo’s Nest.’

SEE ART, Page 11

the information world has changed,was the inspiration for an exhibit thatshe has named the “Old People’sGoogle: The Encyclopedia Project.”“As I thumbed through the books, Iwas struck by the fact that when grow-ing up, these books were the go-toplace for information — the same set,for 10 to 15 years,” says Sjoberg. “Andthey were probably outdated beforethey even hit the presses. Compare thisto today’s world where, with a few fin-ger strokes, breaking information isavailable to us.”“For those of us who used them, ency-clopedias are also filled with memoriesfrom childhood — looking things upfor school reports, getting informationthat could decide who won a bet or justlooking at the pictures of birds, humananatomy or insects,” says Sjoberg. “Printencyclopedias, though still being pub-lished, are more a piece of history thanan everyday tool like they were. Stu-dents 20 and younger may have neverused an encyclopedia.”For her exhibition, Sjoberg distributedvolumes of the donated encyclopedia

set to more than 25 artists. She toldthem: “Create something out of it orwith it: altered books, sculptures, col-lage. Use the pages, use the cover, cut itup, mulch it, paint it, write in it — dosomething creative with it! You willhave the chance to make somethingwith encyclopedia leftovers.”The artists took Sjoberg’s advice toheart, fashioning all sorts of artistic cre-ations out of the pages of the encyclo-pedia. Stewart Calhoun, for example, tookpages from an encyclopedia book,twisted them into different shapes,hooked them together and hung theresulting appendage from the ceiling.Sjoberg created her own piece of artwith the use of a female clothesdummy, outfitting it with a dress madefrom encyclopedia pages.These and other creations by the artistsare viewable at Expressive Arts SanDiego at 32nd and Thorn streetsthrough June 8 during regular businesshours, or by appointment (619-251-8474).“Come see how these books have beenrepurposed into art,” Sjoberg says.“Join us — and you get to make art,too. You will have the chance to makesomething with encyclopedia leftovers.”


Tish McAllise Sjoberg with her encyclopedia art.

ARTCONTINUED FROM Page 9

Peter SheaStewart CalhoonSuzy GrayPamela UnderwoodDeborah OgburnCatherine ZanghiPatricia StutzkaRoc MorinSharon TittleScott KrawitzEider FiedlerCarmen CostelloTish McAllise SjobergNancy Huber

Colleen TounendGenevieve ThielCarol AshtonColleen VeltzDiane OwensDelen KitchenGrace Ann PianoJorge MorenoKatherineMichele LyonsAlyssa Vallecorsa

Students from CathedralHigh School

Participating Artists (partial list):

Eider de Mello’s tall contraption is dominated by a birdcage. Brad Lawley’s creation from two encyclopedia books has a curious com-puter look to it.

Sherri Raum with her ‘T of Life.’


Coronado Museum Of History And Art“Hotel del Coronado Tour”: The Coron-ado Museum of History and Art offers aone-hour, docent-led tour of the Hoteldel Coroado and its history. It is the onlytour to go inside the hotel. Make reserva-tions through the Coronado Visitors Cen-ter by calling (619) 437-8788. The fee is$15. Tours run Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. andFridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

“Promenade Through the Past”: Departsfrom the lobby of the Museum of Histo-ry and Art, 1100 Orange Ave, Wednes-days at 2 p.m. Learn about some of Coro-nado’s famous buildings and architecturalsites, including Tent City resort. Tour feeincludes “Promenade through the Past –A Walking Tour Guidebook of Corona-do” and covers admission into the Muse-um of History and Art. $10. (619) 437-8788. Reservations Required.

Hebbard and Gill, with Gill as the leaddesigner, to design a large, boxy red brickhouse that broke with the English Artsand Crafts cottage style in favor of themore modern streamlined style of itsneighbor, the Marston house. Mead andRequa designed a stripped-down, geo-metric home inspired by Pueblo archi-tecture for Lorenze and Miriam Barney in1913. It stands next to the house Lorenze’sparents had commissioned two years ear-lier from Pacific Building Company, a SanDiego design and construction firmstaffed by Gill’s former draftsmen

Gamble HouseOngoing, PasadenaThe David B. Gamble House, construct-ed in 1908, is an internationally recog-nized masterpiece of the turn-of-the-cen-tury Arts & Crafts movement in America.It is the most complete and originalexample of the work of architects Charlesand Henry Greene and a National His-toric Landmark. One-hour guided toursThursday-Sunday noon to 3 p.m. Closednational holidays. General admission: $8;Students/65+: $5; Children under 12 withan adult, free. Group tours available byreservation. For information call (626)793-3334.

Museum Of ArtOngoing, Long BeachThe museum home includes a splendid,imposing example of the Craftsman bun-galow. Built in 1912 as the summer homeof heiress Elizabeth Milbank Anderson, ithas the natural materials and rugged tex-ture of wood shingles and clinker brick.The prominent gables and projectingrafter beams, like the rest of the mainhouse and carriage house, retain theiroriginal integrity. The style is echoed bysimilar homes in the nearby Bluff ParkHistoric District. 2300 E. Ocean Blvd.(562) 439-2119.

Stanley Ranch MuseumOngoing, Garden GroveA California bungalow built in 1916 isone focal point of this two-acre property,home to some of Garden Grove’s oldesthomes and business buildings. Phone theGarden Grove Historical Society at (714)530-8871.

Lummis Home MuseumOngoing, Highland ParkThe arroyo-stone home built by CharlesFletcher Lummis, founder of the South-west Museum, is a state historic monu-ment listed on the National Register ofHistoric Places. 200 E. Ave. 43. Friday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Free; donationsaccepted. For information, call (323) 222-0546.

Lanterman House TourOngoing, La CanadaThe Craftsman-style house, built in 1914by Arthur Haley, was the region’s firstconcrete residence. Located at 4420 Enci-nas Dr., it is open Tuesdays and Thurs-days, and the first and third Sundays ofthe month, from 1-4 p.m. Adults, $3; stu-dents, $1; under 12, free. For more infor-mation, call (818) 790-1421.

Homestead MuseumOngoing, City Of IndustryDocumenting a century of Southern Cal-ifornia history, the six-acre museum fea-tures the Workman House, La CasaNueva and El Campo Santo cemetery;15415 E. Don Julian Road. Tuesdaythrough Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. (626) 968-8492.

L.A. Art Deco ToursOngoing, Los AngelesTours of downtown Los Angeles are ledon Saturdays; $5 admission. For reserva-tions, call (213) 623-CITY.

Judson Studios Ongoing, Los AngelesThe Judson Studios served as the turn-of-the-century core of the Arroyo Crafts-man movement, located at 200 S. Ave. 66.For more information, call (800) 445-8376 or click on judsonstudios.com.

Heritage Village TourOngoing, Claremont The first Saturday of each month. The 13/4 hour walk begins at 10 a.m. in front ofthe Historic Claremont Metrolink Depot,200 W. First St. (Walk is canceled if it’sraining at 8 a.m.) Call (909) 621-8871.

Riordan Mansion Park Ongoing, Flagstaff, Ariz.One of Arizona’s best examples of Crafts-man architecture, the mansion wasdesigned by Charles Whittlesey and builtas a duplex. Original furnishings, includ-ing pieces by Ellis, Stickley and TiffanyStudios, are found at the house museum.Guided, handicapped-accessible tours areheld daily. The house is located at 409Riordan Road. Further details are avail-able at (520) 779-4395.

Boettcher Mansion of LookoutMountain Ongoing, Golden, Colo.Tour a 1917 Arts & Crafts mansion, a10,000-square-foot summer home builtby Charles Boettcher, famous Coloradoentrepreneur. Dramatic cathedral ceilings

with carved beams, massive stone walk-infireplace, some original hardware andlighting. See permanent exhibit of earlymansion photos and original blueprints,including an ink-on-linen drawing. Openall year, generally Monday through Satur-day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday varies. On110 forested acres with views of the Con-tinental Divide and the Colorado plains.Twenty minutes from Denver. Free fortouring. Call (303) 526-0855.

Moss Mansion Ongoing, Billings, Mont. Nearly unchanged since 1903, Moss Man-sion, designed by Henry Janeway Harden-bergh, can be found on the National Reg-ister of Historical Places. Visitors will findoriginal furniture, Oriental carpets, hand-made light fixtures, and a variety ofdesign styles inside the mansion. Contact

(406) 256-5100.

Kell House Ongoing, Wichita Falls, TexasFrank Kell built one of the most architec-turally significant buildings in WichitaFalls, the red-brick neoclassic Kell Housein 1909. It features distinctive architec-ture, original family furnishings, textiles,decorative arts and early-20th-centurycostumes. Exhibitions change in Apriland September. Ask for directions to theSouthland and Floral Heights bungalowneighborhoods when you visit. The KellHouse is open Tuesday, Wednesday andSunday from 2-4 p.m. Adults, $3; chil-dren 12 and under, $1. For information,call (940) 723-2712.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEE EVENTS, Page 14


Van Briggle Pottery Ongoing, Colorado SpringsNearly unchanged since 1903, Moss Man-sion, designed by Henry Janeway Harden-bergh, can be found on the National Reg-ister of Historical Places. Visitors will findoriginal furniture, Oriental carpets, hand-made light fixtures, and a variety ofdesign styles inside the mansion. Contact(406)

Frank Lloyd Wright Home And StudioOngoing, Oak Park, Ill.These 45-minute guided tours of therestored Frank Lloyd Wright Home andStudio are offered year-round at 11 a.m.,1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Fri-day and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sun-day. 951 Chicago, Oak Park, IL 60302,(708) 848-1976.

Unity Temple Ongoing, Oak Park, Ill.Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, thetemple is open weekdays, 1-4 p.m., withweekend guided tours. Call (708) 383-8873. More Craftsman gems are evidentthroughout Chicagoland neighborhoods

Johnson Wax Co. Building Ongoing, Racine, Wis. Reservations are required for tours, heldFridays only, of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building. Call (262) 260-2000for information.

Bryn Athyn Cathedral Ongoing, Bryn Athyn, Pa.Guided tours of the center of the Sweden-borgian community. Specialty tours byrequest. The cathedral was built between1919-1927 using a purist idea of the Arts& Crafts Artisan Guild System. Some ofthe original guild shops are still in useand continue to house craftsmen. Thisbuilding and its environment are unique

among Arts & Crafts communities in thatthe religious beliefs of the Swedenbor-gian community were blended with theArts & Crafts ideology. Tours for individ-uals are free. Tours for large groups $2per person. Contact the cathedralbetween the hours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at(215) 947-0266.

Gustav Stickley ExhibitOngoing, Syracuse, N.Y.A small ongoing exhibit of Gustav Stick-ley and the Arts & Crafts era. Showingperiod examples of his work along withhis peers. At the Everson Museum, cornerof Harrison and State streets. Call (315)447-6064.

Guggenheim MuseumOngoing, New York Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, themuseum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundaythrough Wednesday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m.Friday and Saturday. Call (212) 423-3500for more.

EVENTSCONTINUED FROM

“These two planets are the most Earth-like we have foundto date. They are similar in both size and temperature to ourplanet,” said William Welsh, professor of astronomy at SDSUand co-author of the study published today in the journal Sci-ence.The habitable zone

The habitable zone is a region around a star where liquidwater could theoretically exist on a planet’s surface. Since wateris a requirement for life as we know it, planets in the habitablezone are particularly interesting to astronomers. “The compo-sition of the planets is not known, but it is possible they arerocky. If so, and if liquid water is present, there’s a chance theseplanets could harbor life,” said Welsh.

At only 60 percent and 40 percent larger than the Earth, thesetwo super-Earth planets are the smallest planets yet discoveredin the habitable zone.”

The planetary system, known as Kepler-62, contains fiveplanets, ranging from 0.54 to 1.95 times the size of the Earth.The innermost planet orbits its star every 5.7 days, while theouter one takes 267 days to complete one orbit.

The star itself is smaller and fainter than Earth’s sun with 69percent of the sun’s mass, 64 percent of the sun’s radius, andonly 21 percent of the sun’s brightness.

“Since Kepler-62’s star is only a fifth as luminous as oursun, the planets in its habitable zone have to orbit much clos-er to it, resulting in a much shorter year. For the two planets in

the habitable zone, Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f, this is 122 and267 days,” said co-author Jerome Orosz, associate professor atSDSU.1,200 light years away

The new planetary system is located 1,200 light-years away,in the constellation Lyra. Its age is estimated at approximately7 billion years, somewhat older than the solar system.SDSU’s contribution

Welsh and Orosz have been working on the Kepler missionsince 2008, contributing their expertise to the discovery ofdozens of new planets.

“The Kepler mission continues to be a great success,” saidOrosz who analyzed data from the Kepler telescope to help ruleout false positives and confirm that these really are planets.

Welsh worked on estimating the planets’ temperatures andwhether they are in the habitable zone.

“All five planets are smaller than twice the size of the Earth,and one is even the size of Mars. This is an absolute gem of aplanetary system,” said Welsh.More information

The investigation of Kepler-62 was led by William J. Boruc-ki, at NASA Ames Research Center. More than 40 researchersin the United States and Europe contributed to the research.The full paper, “Kepler-62: A five-planet system with planets

of 1.4 and 1.6 Earth radii in the Habitable Zone” by W.J. Boruc-ki, et al. is published online in Science Express. Funding for thiswork was provided in part by NASA and the National ScienceFoundation.

EARTHSCONTINUED FROM Page 1

A comparison of the five planets of the Kepler-62 system with our own terrestrial planets. Much like our Solar system, Kepler-62 has twoplanets in the habitable zone: Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f. Credit: NASA/Ames/JPL-Caltech.


Kelsey Kurz appears as Brad in ‘Be a GoodLittle Widow.”

A bittersweet look at the messy parts of life

‘Be a Good Little Widow’to Open at Old Globe

Melody thought being a young wifewas hard — until she became a widow.Luckily her mother-in-law Hope is anexpert in the field. As she navigates theprickly terrain of pressed black dresses,well-meant advice and inappropriateoutbursts, she stumbles toward under-standing what it means to find someonethrough losing them. A bittersweet lookat the messy parts of life, “Be a Good Lit-tle Widow,” running May 11 throughJune 9 at the Old Globe, contemplateshow grief, devotion and hope can perse-vere within us all.

The production will run in the Globe’sConrad Prebys Theatre Center.

Tickets can be purchased online atwww.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at(619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the BoxOffice at 1363 Old Globe Way.

“Be a Good Little Widow” was writtenby playwright Bekah Brunstetter anddirected by Hal Brooks.

“One of this theater’s most importantjobs is to introduce San Diego audiencesto the voices that will shape the next peri-od in the American theater, and Bekah’sis surely one of those,” said Artistic Direc-tor Barry Edelstein. “’Be a Good LittleWidow’ is a gentle work, humane andintimate, and I marvel at how its lighttouch delivers such a moving evening inthe theater.”

Christine Estabrook (Hope) originat-ed roles in the Off Broadway produc-tions of Christopher Durang’s “Babywith the Bathwater,” Craig Lucas’s “BlueWindow” and Deborah Eisenberg’s “Pas-torale,” for which she won an ObieAward.

Ben Graney (Craig) has appeared onBroadway in “War Horse” (Lincoln Cen-ter Theatre) and Off Broadway in “Whenthe Rain Stops Falling” directed by DavidCromer (Lincoln Center Theatre), andThe Netflix Plays (Ars Nova).

Kelsey Kurz (Brad) has previouslybeen seen at the Globe in “Nobody LovesYou” and Richard O’Brien’s “The RockyHorror Show.” He has appeared onBroadway and Off Broadway in “TheMerchant of Venice” (The Public The-ater), “Davy & Stu” (The Ensemble Stu-dio Theatre) and “I Coulda Been aKennedy” (2006 New York InternationalFringe Festival).

Zoë Winters (Melody) has appearedOff Broadway in “4000 Miles” (LCT3 atThe Duke, Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E.Newhouse Theater) and “Love Song”(59E59 Theaters). Her other New Yorkcredits include “Hater” (Ohio Theatre),“The Eyes of Others” (New Ohio The-atre) and two productions of short sto-ries that she wrote and performed,“Swimming Legs” and “Not At The Din-ner Table.”

Ben Graney appears as Craig. Hal Brooks directs ‘Be a Good Little Widow.’

‘Be a Good Little Widow’ was written byplaywright Bekah Brunstetter.

Christine Estabrook (left) appears as Hopeand Zoë Winters as Melody in the WestCoast premiere of Bekah Brunstetter’s ‘Be aGood Little Widow,’ directed by Hal Brooks.Photo by Snaps Studio.


Champion for the North Park Arts District

The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s SpaceDay celebration is set to launch on Saturday, May11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space Day featuresdemonstrations, giveaways and hands-on activi-ties with local and national space experts. Visitorsalso have the chance to meet and talk to GarrettReisman, an astronaut who flew on the spaceshuttle, lived on the space station and has walkedin space. Garrett plans to share stories about spaceexploration.

Space Day is free for children 17 and under(with paid adult admission). Admission is dis-counted for adults with a coupon available onthe museum’s website: sandiegoairandspace.org.

Invited presenters include NASA, Sally RideScience, San Diego Space Society, JPL, The MarsSociety, SETI, San Diego Astronomy Society,UCSD EarthKAM, UCSD MoonKAM, The Plan-etary Society, UCSD Near-Space Balloon Team,Virgin Galactic, Aerospace Legacy Foundation,Astronaut Teacher Alliance and others.

Activities include: driving a Mars Rover; build-ing and flying paper rockets;

talking to space experts; and designing yourown space patch.

The museum’s Space Galleries are also open forviewing throughout the event, including a flownApollo spacecraft, moon rocks and space suits.

Floral Association Spotlights ‘Fauxbois’ Artist

Amy Paul, San Diego native andNorth Park leader, is a champion forthe North Park Arts District.

A force on the Ray Street scene,Amy has three spaces in the area —her working studio on the third floorof the Groth building, her signature

gallery Pigment on 30th Street andthe Pigment Workshop where all thewoodwork is executed on Ray Street.

She is committed to North Parkand has helped to enhance the artscene since 1998. Unlike most artistswho have difficulties with the busi-

ness side of the career, Amy hasembraced it and unites her talents anddrive to be a successful artist, teacherand business woman.

Amy’ art is multi-media. She createson canvas, paper and wood. Herimagery is inspired by the simplicities

of nature and the mendacity of every-day — for example a shadow stretch-ing under a bending branch or graph-ic city silhouettes against the sky.

The paintings are thoughtful andstill, they inspire quiet moments andreflections from within.

She often works in a series. “Succu-lent Silhouettes” are four panelsdepicting various native plants andthey are painted on wood with a resinfinish. The elegant imagery of plantsilhouettes is painted in subtle colorsand the minimalized shapes createunique negative spaces.

The city scenes in the “Ant Farm”series have a feel of older photos takenfrom a one-shot Polaroid camera, theyreflect a time gone by but the slickfinish gives a contemporary flair. Thefour panels also are reminiscent of oldnegatives, a quick sequence of shotscapturing a silent moment. Pigmentdisplays a wide variety of Amy’s grace-ful and chic paintings.

The relocation and expansion Pig-ment is Amy’s latest project, the newlocation is 3801 30th St. in the oldPacific Drapery building. The 3,000-foot storefront doubles the squarefootage and triples the floor space.

The fresh face of Pigment willchange the landscape of the cornerand add an exciting energy to the ArtsDistrict.

Similar to the current Pigment, thegallery will display and sell work from

local vendors and artisans. Pigmentholds a unique collection of jewelry,bags and children’s accessories. Thereare terrariums ready to take home aswell as the materials and set up to cre-ate your own hanging garden. Thereare eclectic cookbooks, leather goodsand kitchen wears such as mushroomcocktail glasses.

Amy’s newest art work will debut atthe Pigment grand opening in earlyJune. This work is a bit of a departureand change of direction artistically,her inspiration comes from the beau-ty of old palettes and scrap papers.The imagery is still organic, the sub-ject matter being clouds, but the pro-cess is different in that she cuts up theold palettes and pieces them togetherin a collage. Amy states that she is“inspired by the beauty of old palettesand their reflection of other paint-ings.” The final paintings have a mod-ern Seurat feel.

A community which supports thearts is an enriched community. AmyPaul has been a great contributor toNorth Park and she continues to leadthe way. The new Pigment will have asoft opening in May and the grandopening will be in June. Come cele-brate the arts.

(The websites: artbyamypaul.comand shoppigment.com.)

At the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena in March 2010, Ter-rance Egan began restoring the tree-like concrete structuresthat support the Wisteria and Roses forming arbors over thewalkways.

San Diego Floral Association will introduce artistand craftsman Terence Eagan at its annual dinnerand lecture June 18 at 6 p.m. in Casa del PradoBuilding 101. Eagan has fine tuned a techniquecalled faux bois, a unique and useful procedure thatboth creates garden art and preserves it in settingswith concrete and sculpture. He has found animportant niche at the Huntington Gardens. Herehe is making possible the restoration and preserva-tion of deteriorating garden settings that have beencherished for 100 years. He will share the history ofthe development of the unique skill and how hefound a place with the Huntington’s team that wasengaged in the restoration of the Japanese Gardensthat turned 100 in 2012. The restoration projectwith the use of Eagan’s faux bois is expected to liveon for perhaps another century. Admission is $20.For information, call (619) 232-5762.

Space Day Features Astronautand Hands-On Activities

Amy Paul’s paintings are thoughtful and inspire quiet moments

Paul says she is ‘inspired by the beauty of old palettes and their reflection of other paintings.’

BY PRUDENCE HORNE

The San Diego Natural History Museum pre-sents a new photography exhibition featuringnature photographer Raúl Gonzalez’s latest worksin the museum’s fourth floor Ordover Gallery.“The Log from the Sea of Cortez: Marine LifeImages by Raúl Gonzalez” will focus on themarine life in the Gulf of California, also knownas the Sea of Cortez, which is a major research andconservation area of the Natural History Museum.The exhibition, which opens May 7 and will be onview at the museum until Sept. 10, is includedwith general museum admission. The exhibitionis produced in collaboration with National Geo-graphic and sponsored by Sony Electronics Inc.

Sixty plates will illustrate the magnificentmarine life that John Steinbeck and naturalistEdward Ricketts chronicled during their historicjourney there in 1940. Steinbeck’s book of theexcursion, “The Log from the Sea of Cortez,”remains a tribute to Baja California and an impor-tant scientific study of marine biodiversity that isused by travelers and biologists alike.

Gonzalez’s works have also appeared in Nation-al Geographic, Nature and other publications.

The exhibition is produced in collaborationwith National Geographic and sponsored by SonyElectronics Inc. Gonzalez exclusively uses Sonyequipment for his photography. More about Gon-zalez’s project, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, canbe found at www.raulgonzalez.com.mx/logblog2.

The Log from the Sea of Cortez:Marine Life Images by Raúl Gonzalez

Photos inspired by John Steinbeck’s 1941 bookand scientific study of the Gulf of California innew exhibition opening May 7 at theNAT

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin in Spe-cial Book-Signing

The San Diego Air & Space Museum onMay 22 is offering a special after-hoursopportunity to meet Buzz Aldrin who,together with Neil Armstrong, became thefirst person to land on the moon on theApollo 11 lunar mission.

Aldrin and co-author Leonard David willbe signing their new book, “Mission to Mars:My Vision for Space Exploration.” Copies ofAldrin’s children’s book, “Look to the Stars,”will also be available for purchase. The event,which lasts from 5 to 8 p.m. requires anadvanced online ticket and book purchase.Only books purchased online through themuseum will be signed. Tickets are $29,which includes museum admission.

“Mission to Mars: My Vision for SpaceExploration” – Price $26. Buzz Aldrinspeaks out as an advocate for the continu-ing quest to push the boundaries of theuniverse as we know it. In the book, Aldrinplots out the path he proposes: takinghumans to Mars by 2035.

“Look To the Stars” (children’s book) –Price $18. As one of a handful of astronautsto have walked on the moon, Aldrin intro-duces us to the pioneers of space. FromCopernicus to the Wright brothers, fromthe Apollo program to dreams of futuretravel, he reminds us that humankind hasalways looked to the stars.

Leonard David is a space journalist whohas reported on space activities for 45 years.


The idea of spending a few days inYosemite in the middle of an ice-coldwinter would most likely appeal only tothe hardy few, but the fabled Ahwahneeresort might convince you otherwise.

As autumn turns to winter, the Ahwah-nee presents three incredibly elegantevents to showcase the holidays.

We chose to attend the 28th annualYosemite’s Chef ’s Holidays, an annualevent which runs throughout January.There are eight sessions from which tochoose, each one running over three daysand featuring some of California’s mostnoted chefs.

The Ahwahnee’s winter festivities begin

in November by celebrating winemakers’fall harvests. Winemakers from through-out Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coastattend, conduct wine tastings and semi-nars and wrap it up with a divine five-course gala dinner.

In December, the Bracebridge Dinnertransforms the Ahwahnee into a 17thcentury English manor for a feast of food,song and mirth. The inspiration for thisyuletide ceremony was Washington Irv-ing’s Sketch Book that described SquireBracebridge and English Christmas tradi-tions of the period.

The Bracebridge Dinner is an elegantand artistic four-hour pageant of classic

carols, Renaissance rituals and entertain-ment of the Middle Ages. More than 100players create the roles of the Squire andhis family, their sevvants, the Lord of Mis-rule, minstrels and other performers. Thecenterpiece of this revered event is aseven-course banquet of rich and won-drous dishes prepared by the Ahwahnee’sworld-class culinary staff.

The first of the eight Bracebridge Din-ners scheduled for this December starton Friday, the 13th, concluding with thelast dinner on Christmas evening. FiveChristmas concerts are also scheduledover the same dates.

But as the new year descends, theAhwahnee turns January into the chef’sholidays.

We were treated to watching three ofNorthern California’s top chefs, DouglasKeane of Cyrus in Healdsburg, VictorScargle of Lucy in Yountville and PeterArmellino of Plumed Horse in Saratogawork their culinary wonders in the tem-porary kitchen workshop with theAhwahnee had set up for them in thehotel’s lobby.

Keane, who closed the award-winningCyrus last fall, recently turned guest chefat Jardiniere in San Francisco, which iswhere he launched his career. In themeantime, he says he is spending moretime with family and the dog rescue mis-sion which he founded.

Dining at the Ahwahnee

ELEGANT FESTIVITIES IN YOSEMITEThe fabled Ahwahnee resort offers elegant events to showcase the holidays By Bob Page

SEE POLYNESIA, Page 18


Chef Demonstration

At the Ahwahnee, Keane’s creation was a lobstersalad with daikon and ponzu.

Scargle has been an integral player in the kitchensof Go Fish, Julia’s Kitchen at Copia, Jardiniere andAqua, all in San Francisco with the exception ofCopia, the wine, food and art museum in Napawhich sadly didn’t pencil out for its owners.

Scargle’s Lucy restaurant and bar, which is at theBardessono Hotel & Spa in Yountville, preparedbagels for those in attendance.

Armellino’s cavatelli pasta with wild mushrooms(porcini, chanterelles and black trumpets) was agreat hit. Armellino, like Keane and Scargle, trainedunder Traci des Jardins after launching his careerat the Gramercy Tavern and Gotham Bar & Grill inNew York.

Our three days concluded with a gala dinner inwhich the three visiting chefs, plus the Ahwahnee’s chefand staff, worked their culinary wonders. The fivecourses were complimented with wines from Cake-bread, Treanna, Alexander Valley and Bridlewood.

It’s never too late to book for the Chef’s Holidays inJanuary 2014. This is an experience not to be missed.

In the meantime, the National Park Service, whichoversees Yosemite, has released plans to add camp-sites, improve the river ecosystem, upgrade roadwaysand parking by balancing the visitor experience whileprotecting the environment at the same time.

YOSEMITECONTINUED FROM

The AhwahneeYosemite National Park, CA, 95389(801) [email protected]: $350 + (depending on dates)

The Lodge at Yosemite Falls9006 Yosemite Lodge DriveYosemite Village, CA, 95389(801) [email protected]: $150 + (depending on dates)

The lobby of the Ahwahnee

Chef Demonstration Chef Demonstration


Rendering of the USO building.

By Bart Mendoza

Songs to Touch Your Heart Strings or Uplift SpiritsEast Coast-based singer-songwriter Natalie Gelman performs at Lestat’s on May 17, 9 p.m. Her plain-tive voice and heartfelt songs have earned her rave reviews in the likes of The New York Post, as well ascomparisons to Sheryl Crow or Jewel, though in truth her music has more of a folk edge than either.The concert will double as a CD release party for Gelman’s brand new disc, “Streetlamp Musician.”Produced by Mark Needham (The Killers), the album shows Gelman to be a master at her craft. With aseemingly endless touring schedule and a selection of great songs that can touch your heart strings oruplift your spirits, it won’t be long before Gelman gets her share of the national spotlight.

Natalie Gelman: Friday, May 17, at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All ages. Cover TBD. www.Lestats.com.

Cheesy Jokes and Original Music by Captured by RobotsThere are plenty of bands out there playing classic rock covers, but nothing will prepare you for Cap-

tured by Robots, performing at The Soda Bar on May 31, 8:30 p.m. Featuring just one human amongsta sea of crude robot musicians, the “band” performs slightly twisted versions of such evergreens as

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Modern English’s “Melt With You.” Mixing comedy routines withmusic, the group’s frontman, “J-Bot” keeps things interesting, complete with banter among the

machines, cheesy jokes and a few original songs, from the four albums they’ve released to date. You canrest assured this will be the most unique show of the month and possibly the year.

Captured by Robots: Friday, May 31, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd. 8:30 p.m.

21 and up. $10. www.sodabarmusic.com

Fiery Guitar Playing Will Leave You Breathless

Guitar aficionados won’t want to miss Incendio, who appear atAMSD Concerts on May 11, 7:30 p.m. Featuring three acoustic gui-tarists, plus a percussionist, the group self describes their music as“Latin Guitar World Fusion,” but they specialize in nylon-stringedSpanish guitar music, with virtuoso performances from all involved.Incendio means “fire” in Spanish and this guitar trio’s fiery playingwill leave you breathless, with thrilling runs and intricate guitarpicking that’s as impressive as it is melodic. The group has sevenalbums to date, all well worth hearing, but live is where the band ismost impressive. Anyone who enjoys the sound of the guitar will loveevery second of this concert.

Incendio: Saturday, May 11, at AMSD Concerts, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All ages. $20-$47. www.amsdconcerts.com.

The Phantoms Sport a RevampedLineup with VetsGarage rock fans won’t want to miss the Phantoms, whoappear at Bar Pink on May 23, 10 p.m. Now sporting arevamped lineup comprised of music scene vets includingbassist Chris Iandolo (Dizzy), drummer Jarrod Lucas (TheDragons), guitarist Xavier Anaya (The Baja Bugs) and front-man/ guitarist Victor Penalosa (The Melanies). The latter ispossibly one of San Diego’s most underrated musicians, hav-ing played in such legendary international groups as TheFlamin’ Groovies and The Zeros. Here, singing his own mate-rial, he just may be at his peak. If you enjoy music in the tra-dition of Badfinger, The Replacements and Cheap Trick, thePhantoms could quickly become your new favorite band.

The Phantoms: Thursday May 23, at Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. www.barpink.com

Music Befitting One of the BestIrish Pubs in TownLexington Field unveils their latest album, “No Man’s War,” onMay 28 with a special show at the Belly Up Tavern, but in themeantime, they’ll be playing at the rather more intimate RosieO’Grady’s on May 18, 10 p.m. Originally performing moretraditional Celtic folk-inspired music, Lexington Field’s musicnow slots in perfectly with that of punk-inspired groups suchas The Pogues and Flogging Molly. With their uptempo, fid-dle-led tunes and choice covers such as “Drunken Sailor,”Lexington Field are the perfect soundtrack for a Saturdaynight at one of the best Irish pubs in town.

Lexington Field: Saturday, May 18, at Rosie O’Grady’s, 3402 Adams Ave. 10 p.m. 21 and up. Cover TBD. www.rosieogradyspub.com

north park news, may 2013

Documents

costthe city

city toapprove

art community

seat film screening

itsexpansion project

teenproducers project

artists rendition

hour anda half film