North Park News April 2012

sdnorthparknews.com Vol. 20 No. 4 April 2012

BY MANNY CRUZ

Serving San Diego’s Premier Urban Communities for 20 Years

NORTH PARK SCENETo Hell In A HandbagAs a celebrity stylist, Ashley Carattini has styled Chelsea Handler and Chuy Bravo

on the set of “Chelsea Lately,” dressed Will Ferrell for the cover of Wired Magazineand worked again as a stylist for Handler for a Forbes magazine piece. Last monthshe branched off from being a fashion stylist to open a new accessories boutique at32nd and Thorn streets that offers one-of-a-kind jewelry and a host of other design-er products — scarves, hats, dog collars, handbags and the like — all American made.

Reinventing Lindbergh FieldAirport Authority puts a new spin on Lindbergh’s future

Five years have elapsed since countyvoters rejected an advisory ballot mea-sure for the relocation of LindberghField, a long-festering issue that hasbeen fiercely debated for the past fourdecades. A year after that vote, AlanBersin, then the chairman of the SanDiego County Regional AirportAuthority — the agency overseeing theairport — sought to put the issue torest once and for all. “Our job,” he said,“is to end the San Diego airport con-

troversy, this 40-year endless debate.“We’re building a new airport — atLindbergh Field.”

In fact, the Airport Authority is rein-venting Lindbergh Field, casting off thecontroversies of the past and movingahead to expand and streamline air-port operations, attract new air carri-ers, create new concession opportuni-ties for local companies and ease theairport experience for the thousandsof passengers who utilize the airport

each year — currently at 17 million. The push to improve airport opera-

tions stems from studies indicating thatLindbergh Field (San Diego Interna-tional Airport) — the busiest singlerunway airport in the nation — willreach its maximum capacity some timeafter 2015 which, if not addressedquickly, could result in automobile traf-fic congestion surrounding the airport,long lines for tickets and securitychecks, higher ticket prices, difficulties

in obtaining flights in and out of SanDiego and airline defections. Studiesalso have shown that San Diego’stourism industry would suffer andbusinesses that rely on air transporta-tion services would relocate elsewhere.

The ambitious airport expansionand improvement program is beinghandled under the tutelage of ThellaBowens, president and CEO of the Air-

SEE AIRPORT, Page 18

SEE SCENE, Page 4

Sitting Pretty!Councilman Todd Gloriahas a free ride to a second termBY MANNY CRUZ

You don’t have to go to a lot of trouble to find ToddGloria. The man who has occupied the District 3seat on the San Diego City Council for nearly four

years seems to be everywhere. In coffee shops, holdinginformal talks with consituents. Attending meetings of localcommunity groups. Chatting it up with folks attending fes-tivals and open houses. Or attending to city business atCity Council meetings and meetings of City Council com-mittees.

He is, as one admirer puts it, forever on the go. “He’s beenthere whenever we’ve needed him,” says Judy Elliot, execu-tive director of the Adams Avenue Business Association. “I

don’t know when he finds a moment to himself.”Indeed, the councilman’s ubiquitous behavior around

the district and his achievements in office are primary rea-sons why he has encountered no opposition in his pursuitof a second term at this year’s city elections. (DempseyMcGibbony, an Arkansas native newly arrived to NorthPark took out nominating papers to run, but failed to qual-ify for the ballot.) Gloria will be sworn into his second termon Dec. 3 of this year.

You would think that a past foe of Gloria’s would havesome criticisms to make of the councilman’s behavior over

SEE GLORIA, Page 6

Hess Brewing to Open in North ParkCanned beer will be a specialty

A home brewer since 1995, Mike Hess will bring hiswealth of knowledge of craft beer to North Park in late

August — opening the second location of his award-winning nanobrewery, HessBrewing. Situated at 3812 Grim Ave., this forthcoming Hess Brewing location willadd to North Park’s growing repertoire of social establishments, following the recent

SEE HESS, Page 11

‘The whole vibe of North Park is being reimagined into a vibrant, booming area. We want tobe part of that scene,’ says Mike Hess.

Illustration by Jason Luper.

BY COLETTE MAUZERALLE

Thella Bowens, president and CEO of the SanDiego County Regional Airport Authority.

2 | sdnorthparknews.com | April 2012

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April 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 3


SCENECONTINUED FROM Page 1

The boutique’s name — To Hell in a Handbag — speaks volumes about Carattini’smarketing sense. She hopes that, plus the quality of her products, will bring customersinto her shop.

Carattini isn’t out of the fashion business, though. She has organized the “Fight-ing with Fashion” runway show on April 28 at the Encinitas Library ballroom, a ben-efit for the YWCA. The 2 p.m. runway show will highlight summer fashion trendsin swimwear, accessories, modern sports wear and high fashion.

.

Ashley Carattini


A Scandalous AffairThe San Diego Woman’s Club is hosting a musical fundraiser on May 12 that is inspired by the best-seller“Sweethearts” that includes sexual betrayals, suicide attempts, blackmail and, of course, death threats. Theproduction, laced with humor and shocking Hollywood secrets, is the true love story between JeanetteMacDonald and Nelson Eddy and boasts the music of Victor Herbert, Sigmund Romberg, Cole Porter andVerdi. Metropolitan Opera baritone Theodore Lambrinos appears as Nelson and international soprano Hal-lie Neill appears as Jeanette. The fundraiser will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, 2557 3rd Ave. in BankersHill. Following the performance there will be a lecture and book signing by Sharon Rich, author of “Sweet-hearts.” Cost is $45 and $40 for students. To reserve seating, call (619) 464-3923.

Museum of Man Budget WoesThe San Diego Museum of Man has become one of the latest museums in Balboa Park to suffer layoffsand other cutbacks because of lagging revenues. The museum has laid off seven of its employees and hasclosed its gift store. The yearly American Indian Art Market also has been shelved for this year. The boardof the museum has approved a long-range plan to produce a balanced budget by 2016. One of the muse-um’s current special exhibits is “Adventures in Photography: A Century of Images in Archeology andAnthropology,” that extends through Jan. 13, 2013.

Energy All-Star Award WinnerSoheil Nakhshab, who designed and built a 5,600-square-foot, canyon-side home for his family in Mis-

sion Hills, has won an Energy All-Star Award from the California Center for Sustainable Energy for its highstandards of energy efficiency and sustainability. The two-story home incorporates natural ventilation,high-efficiency building materials, xeriscape landscaping and a solar energy system. The home is certifiedas LEED for Home Gold.

Pita Jungle Coming to HillcrestAnother eating healthy restaurant will come to Hillcrest this month in the form of Pita Jungle, a 150-

seat eatery in the Charles Jurman Building at 1045 University Ave. Pita Jungle’s menu features a varietyof salads, hummus and taboule, healthy burgers, wood-fired pizzas, pitas and fresh seafood. The conceptis based on offering a healthful and natural cuisine abounding with vegetarian and vegan options, craft-ed within the principles of the Mediterranean diet. The menu has items that seek to balance greens, grains,legumes, meats and fruits. For more information, visit pitajungle.com.

Media Company to Help Plan CentennialThe nonprofit organization charged with planning the 2015 Balboa Park centennial celebration has

selected a prominent San Diego communications and marketing agency to help shape the celebration. Bal-boa Park Celebration Inc., the official event organizer, chose Loma Media for the work, a firm that hasworked for a number of San Diego companies and organizations, among them General Atomics, Qual-comm Inc., SRI International, Callaway Golf, San Diego State UC San Diego and Junior Achievement. LomaMedia’s first task will be the creation of a “Community Outreach Plan.” John DeBello, Loma Media prin-cipal and creative director, said the goal of his firm’s relationship with the event organizer is to refine andcommunicate a strategic vision that will define a world-class event. “The 1915 Panama-California Expo-sition put an ambitious San Diego on the map and transformed Balboa Park into what we see today,” saidDeBello. “A century later, all of us in ‘America’s Finest City’ have a wonderful opportunity to shape ourfuture as we celebrate our past.”

Union Bank Honors Local HeroesMichelle Elise Houle of Golden Hill, who began her career in education as a substitute teacher at the

Lindsay Community School for pregnant and parenting mothers, and Dr. Doris A. Howell, who helpedestablish the San Diego Hospice, have been honored by Union Bank as part of its Local Heroes program.Under Houle’s direction, the Lindsay school gained a positive reputation for motivating and educatingyoung mothers. Houle has published numerous books and is credited with creating an Early ChildhoodProgram. Howell has practiced medicine for more than 50 years. In 1977, she helped establish San DiegoHospice, the first hospice program in the country, and the first and only academic hospice program of itskind in the region.

Hallie Neill and Theodore Lambrinos in San Diego Woman's Club event.

SCENECONTINUED FROM Page 4

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Writers/ColumnistsTodd Gloria

Ann JarmuschJennifer Kester

Donna MarganellaBart Mendoza

Katelyn O’RiordanSandy PasquaDavid Raines

PhotographyManny CruzMike ShessSande Lollis

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the past few years. Not so for StephenWhitburn, who lost to Gloria in the2008 election. “I think Todd has been atremendously hard-working coun-cilmember,” says Whitburn. “He makeshimself accessible at events and coffees,he’s responsive to problems that cropup, and he keeps people informed aboutthings going on in the district. He’s hadvisible success improving many of thestreets, he’s advocated for our neighbor-hoods in some key areas, and he clearlydoes his homework on matters thatcome before the council.”

Because of redistricting, District 3will have a whole new look when Gloriaenters his second term. Downtown,Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Old Townand Park West will be added, while thedistrict will lose Kensington, Talmadgeand City Heights. North Park and sur-rounding neighborhoods will remain.Gloria addresses this and other issuesin response to questions posed by theNorth park News:

How does it make you feel now thatyou are guaranteed a second term,after the only person to take outnominating papers failed to qualifyfor the ballot?

I am humbled. When I knocked on25,000 doors in 2008, the people of Dis-trict 3 set a very clear agenda for me:strengthen public safety, improve infras-tructure, and stabilize city finances.With continued input from communi-ty members, progress has been madeon all of these fronts, and it’s hearteningto know that people want to see addi-tional accomplishments for the nextfour years.

Why do you think that, in all of thepresently constituted District 3, onlyone person had taken out nominatingpapers for the June election?

I don’t know why but I’d hope that it’san indication of satisfaction with theresults my staff and I have delivered forthe district. I hope that we’ve workedcollaboratively with my constituents sothat they see themselves as partners inour efforts to improve our neighbor-hoods and the city.

Please explain what your most sig-nificant accomplishments have beenduring your tenure as councilman forDistrict 3.

I focused on the issues neighborscared most about. I helped bring Com-munity Relations Police Officers backto the neighborhoods and added policebike teams to Hillcrest and North Park.We have dedicated significantly morefunds to fixing streets, yielding 60 milesof repaved roads in District 3 alone. Andwhen I was sworn into office, almost$200 million of budget cuts had justbeen made; through a variety of toughreforms and fiscal discipline, we nowhave a $16 million surplus.

In going into your second term inoffice, what will be your most impor-tant priorities?

It is critical that San Diego remainfocused on fiscal reform. Moving fromyears of deficits and service cuts to ourcurrent surplus and limited servicerestorations took a lot of work and sac-rifice. I want to continue the work ofreforming city finances to ensure thatthey become a part of the municipalculture and that we never return to themistakes of the past.

I hope to continue the critical work of

rebuilding streets and public infrastruc-ture. We must find a new way to stimu-late economic growth in light of the endof redevelopment. These efforts shouldresult in job creation and I intend tolead on both issues.

Finally, I’m also looking forward tocontinuing work in Balboa Park. Thethree major initiatives going on — thereclamation of the Plaza de Panama, the2015 Centennial, and the Balboa ParkConservancy — are long-term projectsthat will positively impact the SanDiego’s crown jewel for future genera-tions.

In your second term you will beadding a whole new constituency —Downtown San Diego — as a result ofredistricting. How is that going toaffect the way you run your office?

When I gained Downtown, MissionHills, Bankers Hill, Old Town and ParkWest, I lost Kensington, Talmadge, andCity Heights. My focus will shift withthose boundaries but I will representthe new areas with the same dedication.

With major civic projects like Con-nections Housing and the new CentralLibrary opening soon and the potentialfor a Convention Center expansion, cer-tainly Downtown attracts a fair amountof attention. However, Downtown is likeso many other neighborhoods: residentswant to be safe and they want well-maintained streets. The area is slated toreceive many more residents in thecoming years, and we need to make surewe have the infrastructure in place tohandle the density.

Will you be able to balance theneeds of your Downtown constituentswith the needs of your constituentsin North Park and other neighbor-hoods that have long been a part ofDistrict 3?

Absolutely. Through my many yearsof involvement in North Park, I havebuilt relationships and a knowledge basethat will allow me to continue to givethe existing neighborhoods of District 3

GLORIACONTINUED FROM Page 1

Gloria meets with Katherin Hon, secretary of the North Park Historical Society, and fifth graders from McKinley Elementary School at a ‘North Park Now and Then’ presentation. ‘He and his staffare always friendly and accessible. We feel very fortunate to have him as our councilmember,’ says Hon.

SEE GLORIA, Page 8

http://www.sdnorthparknews.com










the high level of service they deserveand have come to expect from my office.I am confident that I can balance thedemands of the new district and ensurethat all of my constituents’ voices areheard at City Hall.

The Downtown business establish-ment is strong and politically savvy.Do you think its interests will domi-nate the business interests of theother parts of your district?

The differences between Downtown’sbusiness community and the areas Ialready represent are more geographicthan anything else. Everyone will bene-fit from a stronger economy and morejobs; every business wants to operate ina safe neighborhood with excellent pub-lic safety resources. All corners of thedistrict are grappling with urban issueslike parking and homelessness. Thereare large civic projects and the elimina-tion of redevelopment we will continueto address, but those have implicationsbeyond the Downtown boundaries, too.

The addition of Downtown to the dis-trict obviously means a larger respon-sibility for yourself. Although yourterm hasn’t yet begun, can you spec-ulate on whether you will need to addstaff?

While we are adding Downtown,Mission Hills, Bankers Hill and OldTown, we are losing Kensington, Tal-madge, and City Heights. We will shuf-fle some staff assignments accordingly,and I am confident my current staff andI will continue our strong partnershipwith all of District 3’s areas. In keepingwith my desire to hold the line onspending, I do not anticipate addingnew staff positions.

You have been having fundraisers tofinance your re-election campaign.

How much funds have you collectedto date? What will happen to funds that

were collected but have not been spent?We raised over $100,000 in anticipa-

tion of the June election. I still expect todo some voter communication to intro-duce myself to the new parts of the dis-trict to ensure they know that I am attheir service.

As a member of the City Council, whatis your position on the pension reforminitiative on the ballot?

I am opposed to the ballot initiative.According to an independent financialanalysis, the money it purports to save isall from a legally dubious long-termsalary freeze. Moving to a 401k planactually increases the city’s pension billin the short term by $54 million. MayorSanders and most councilmembers havebeen vigilant in working on REAL pen-sion reforms that are saving taxpayersREAL money now. This initiative willnot continue this progress and sets thecity up for costly and lengthy litigation.

During your first term, you havetaken very strong steps to improve thecondition of district streets, fixing pot-holes, and such. Are you going to carrythrough with that in your second term?

I am passionate about this issue andwill not let up until all of our city’sstreets are in a good state of repair. Any-one who has driven on San Diego’sroads knows they are getting better, butmany more still need attention. Ourrepaving efforts will continue, and wewill focus our next infrastructure bondfunds on street maintenance, so theroads will not worsen to a state of dete-rioration again.

Because of term limits, your secondterm on the City Council will be yourlast. Can you talk a little bit aboutwhat your future political ambitionsmight be after you leave the council?

I don’t know exactly what lies aheadfor me. What I do know is that I love myjob and it will be tough to leave whenthe time comes. The good news is thatDistrict 3 has plenty of work to keepme busy the next four years.

GLORIACONTINUED FROM Page 6

District 3 Map

Gloria is passionate about having District 3 streets improved and cleared of potholes.

North Park Lions ClubServing the community since 1926

Meet Every Wednesday at NoonCome join us and make reservations for lunch

Email: [email protected] more information: northparklionsclub.com

3927 Utah St., San Diego, CA 92104-2906



In a neighborhood known for Crafts-man homes designed almost a centuryago, South Park today is home to manymodern-day craftsmen (or should we saycraftspersons?), including more than a fewwho operate popular local businesses.

Among them are Jeffrey Parish, theeclectic fashion designer (clothes, furnish-ings, décor, graphics) who owns Junc Life& Style, a boutique on Fern Street, andRay Lawson & Melissa Hendrix-Lawson,co-owners of Crow Thief, whose flagshipmen’s wear store is on Grape Street.

Like other South Park businesses, Juncand Crow Thief are locally-owned andoperated, giving the entrepreneurs andtheir customers more opportunities forcreative expression. “You won’t find goodslike ours in malls and strip centers,” saysone South Park merchant. “And much ofour merchandise is by artisans who live inSan Diego or produced with locally-sourced materials.”

Jeffrey Parish — Junc Life & StyleJeffrey Parish explains, “As a designer, I

look to the world around me for inspira-tion — music, history, movies, and art,”says Parish. “As a store owner I have tolook at San Diego, and the people who arein my store spending their money, as myinspiration. I was lucky to have theseincentives when I was putting togetherJunc.”

In Junc Life & Style. customers will findfashions designed by Parish (Neiman-

Marcus featured his collection last fall intheir Fashion’s Night Out event), as wellas home accessories and furniture,antiques, jewelry and apparel, paintings,prints and graphics. Parish frequentlyhosts group art shows showcasing workby over a dozen local designers, and cele-brates show openings at South Park’squarterly Walkabouts.

“Someone I know once said that ‘Fash-ion is the ability to create aspirations, andtell a story.’ I agree,” he says. “Whether it’sin regards to living spaces, my owndesigns, or the merchandise I sell in mystore, the story is most important.”

Ray Lawson & Melissa Hendrix-Lawson — Crow Thief

In business since 2008, Ray and Melis-sa Lawson opened Crow Thief on GrapeStreet in 2011. “When we decided to openour first flagship store we wanted toembrace the sophistication and crafts-manship of custom men’s wear. We havealways featured limited edition and qual-ity items made locally here in San Diego,”says Melissa.

When you enter Crow Thief, itsambiance is warm, rustic and welcom-

ing. On one side of the shop, customerscan custom-design their own garmentswith expert “interactive” assistance, andon the other side browse through a rackand shelves of Crow Thief ’s ready-towear designs, including shirts, slacks,vests, scarves and accessories.

Crow Thief ’s custom craftsmanshipdivision exudes their passion for creativ-ity. “We specifically created our concept soclients can experience the process andwalk away with a unique story and a cus-tom piece of clothing,” Melissa says. Shetakes actual body measurements and cre-ates a pattern specifically for the client.She then creates a mock-up of the gar-ment to make sure everything fits per-fectly. Once the sample fit is approved,she proceeds with the final garment intoproduction. Each custom pattern is kepton file so clients can continue to designnew shirts with the same individualizedfit.

“We don’t follow trends, we followinstinct,” Melissa says. “Fit is first and fore-most our No. 1 priority. Versatility, detailand craftsmanship are also very impor-tant. If you offer a gentleman a great fit-ting blazer that has a great style, he has theopportunity to wear the blazer with

denim, dress it up with slacks or eventake it a bit more formal by adding a tai-lored vest underneath. Fashion is a blend-ing of fit, craftsmanship, manner and ver-satility.”

Crow Thief offers a selection of mate-rials, thread, buttons etc. for those whowant to design their own garments. “Sincewe opened our doors the community hasbeen extremely supportive,” Melissa says.“Gentlemen walk in, sigh and say ‘finally’,and women often ask if we will get intowomen’s wear. We are very thankful toreceive such great local encouragement.”

Fashionable South ParkFind more local fashion ideas, inspira-

tion and apparel in several South Parkshops, including these listed below. A fulldirectory of South Park businesses, as wellas a map and calendar of events, is avail-able at www.SouthParkScene.com.

Bad Madge & Company2205 Fern St.www.badmadge.com

Crow Thief Handcrafted Men’s Wear3309 Grape St.www.crowthief.com

Graffiti Beach2220 Fern St.www.shopgraffitibeach.com

Junc Life & Style2209 Fern St.www.junclifeandstyle.com

Mythology by Richard Fredrick2365 & 2367 30th St.www.mythologyecoboutique.com

(Other South Park shops which carryapparel items include The Grove atJuniper & 30th, Make Good on Fern St.,and Studio Maureen on Beech St.)

BY MARSHA SMELKINSON

Creative Designers and Custom Craftsmen in South Park Shops

Jeffrey Parish, owner of Junc Life & Style inSouth Park.

Fashion designer Jeffrey Parish designed thisdress, modeled by Jasmine Worth. His dresscollection was featured last year by NeimanMarcus. Current designs at Junc Life & Style.Photo by iconicshot.

This red pattern shirt is available in CrowThief’s ready-to-wear line.

Cierra Salzano modeled a printed fitted dressfrom the ’50s at Bad Madge & Co.’s one-yearanniversary. Photo by Tanya McAnear.

http://www.SouthParkScene.com

http://www.badmadge.com

http://www.crowthief.com

http://www.shopgraffitibeach.com

http://www.junclifeandstyle.com

http://www.mythologyecoboutique.com



which will share a back parking lot withthe future brewery.

Hess’ choice of opening his secondbrewery in North Park is no rocket sci-ence: “The whole vibe of North Park isbeing reimagined into a vibrant, boom-ing area. We want to be part of thatscene,” says Hess. He claims North Park’slarge amount of foot traffic, often lackingat Hess Brewing’s Miramar location, as acompelling reason for the choice. “Tohave the opportunity to put a brewery ina neighborhood where we can be so closeto its people; we want that, too.”

The brewery will take over what wasonce a book store, and Hess has quite afew changes in mind for the space’s12,500-square-foot interior. Upon enter-ing the building, visitors will walk acrossa 50-foot long indoor sky bridge to reachthe nearly 3,000-square-foot tastingroom, and Hess intends to removingnearly half of the main level’s flooring toallow guests to look down into the brew-house’s basement-level production area.Meanwhile, portions of the ceiling will bepulled out to expose the building’s wood-en beams and create an industrial feel.

Hess Brewing is also primed tobecome the first San Diego brewery tocan its beers, which will begin in May,beating out close competitor, Pizza Port,by mere months. This decision comesfrom Hess’ realization that canned beer ismore recyclable, lighter weight, moretransportable and protects the integrityof the beer better than bottles, as no lightor air can enter a can.

Hess opened his first Hess Brewinglocation to the public in July 2010, afterreading an article about regular people

with full-time jobs who found the timeto open small breweries of their own.Alas, Hess Brewing — intended to be apart-time gig for Hess —would notremain so. Instead, it has become thefounder’s full-time passion. “It can be apart-time job or a full-time job, depend-ing on the way you want to do it,” hesays.

The brewery boasts the strongest IPAin San Diego, the Amplus Acerba (trans-lated from Latin as “ample bitterness”),averaging in at 11.3 percent. However,Hess Brewing’s best seller is by far theGrazias, a Vienna Cream Ale and the onlybeer of its kind in San Diego. Guests typ-ically describe Hess’ Latin-named beers(easier to drink than to say) as “well-bal-anced,” and have been querying for morethan the nanobrewery can create.

“Our first quarter, we brewed 14 bar-rels. Last quarter, we brewed 70 barrels.We can’t keep up with the demand,” saysHess, though he’s certainly not lamentingover the favor his brewery has beenshown, including a worthy second placein Taphunter’s first annual San DiegoBrewery Awards.

In the meantime, Hess, a native of SanFrancisco who served in the Navy andrelocated to San Diego in 1997, continuesto hold the title of CBO, or as he’s so per-fectly coined it, Chief Brewing Officer.There could be no better title for thefounder of this growing company, asHess finds educating others about beerand introducing them to the world ofcraft-brewing a most rewarding experi-ence.

“We’re about bringing the most highquality experience to beer lovers — orpeople who will soon be beer lovers.”

HESSCONTINUED FROM Page 1

Mike Hess plans to open Hess Brewery in North Park in August.

There’s a newhost in town. Vic-toria House Corp.

is the new keeper of the North Park Toy-land Parade. North Park Main StreetDistrict, which has managed the paradesince 2008, officially passed the baton toVHC on Feb. 15.

Many local organizations have operat-ed the parade in the past, which is tradi-tionally held on the first Saturday inDecember. It’s VHC’s turn and the localNorth Park nonprofit is extremely excit-

ed to take on the parade. We are adding an after-parade holi-

day festival. Our goal: involve the familiesand community of North Park by offer-ing them entertainment before, duringand after the parade, engaging parade-goers to enjoy local businesses, and fam-ily and social life here in North Park.

As for the parade itself, VHC intendsto maintain the integrity of the originalparade while making it our own. Ourtheme for 2012 is: “Back to the Past,” withtitled division names reflecting various

categories, eras and/or times.We are extending the route, increasing

the number of entries, hosting bandcompetitions, honoring our heroes fromthe military, involving local schools, andinviting local celebrities as a part of thisannual event.

The festival, immediately following theparade, will offer a variety of entertain-ment for families, children and teens.Live entertainment, competitions,Christmas caroling, Santa’s Workshop,puppet shows, holiday movies, and per-

formances by local high school dramateams are a part of the festival.

It is our plan to increase patronage forNorth Park businesses who will offer spe-cial parade discounts extending farbeyond the day of the parade. Partici-pating businesses and sponsors willreceive perks to bring San Diegans toNorth Park in the months prior to theparade. While having so much fun, Vic-toria House Corp. is committed toincreasing community awareness. Weinvite you to come visit us and partici-

pate. Join us to live, work, and play inNorth Park.

Victoria House Corp. extends its handsto North Park residents and business own-ers to become involved in this year’s paradeby offering their support and volunteerefforts. This year’s parade will be held onSaturday, Dec. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,with a band competition starting at 9 a.m.and the festival immediately following theparade until 4:30 p.m. To contact VHC,visit our Website at: vhcorp.org.

A New Home for the North Park Toyland ParadeBY DEBRA FUENTES

VICTORIA HOUSE CORP.


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While most kids her age were outsideplaying, 5-year-old Billy Anne Crews wasin her room listening to records andstudying the lyrics. Decades of pianolessons and a music degree later, Crewsjust wants to plug in her guitar, writesongs and sing.

That’s what she will do when she takesthe Beats & Eats Stage during the

16th annual Festival of the Arts onMay 20 in North Park. She’s one of sev-eral musical artists signed to perform atthe festival — a rollicking celebrationthat will treat adults and children alike toa daylong feast of music, arts and craftsbooths, a plein air competition, a freebeer garden — for adults only, of course— and much more. The Beats & EatsStage, to be located at Illinois Street andUniversity Avenue, also will feature nineother acts besides Crews’ performance.

Stage performances will run from 10a.m. to 6 p.m., the same hours as the Fes-tival of the Arts.

“I don’t remember a time where I did-n’t read music,” Crews once told an inter-viewer. “My uncle taught me piano andI used to play the clarinet. Now I justplay guitar.”

Known as the Southern GrungeChick, Crews was born in Waukegan, Ill.and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn. She’s aSan Diego resident now and has playedclubs in the U.S. and England as well asin local beach coffeehouses and clubs.Her vocals seem reminiscent of the richnotes of Fiona Apple with the countrystylings of Lucinda Williams. Some ofher major recordings are “Hard Life to

Live,” “Gasoline,” Don’t Want to Settle”and “Taking My Promises.”

Lisa Vincent has been the Beats & EatsStage manager for the festival for the pastsix years. “The exposure here really helpsthe musicians,” she said. “They get spotson morning TV shows, performing live.It’s great publicity.”

The staging area for the Festival of theArts is on University Avenue, from 32ndStreet on the East and 30th Street on thewest, and from Lincoln Street on thenorth to North Park Way on the south.

Five musical stages will offer a varietyof musical acts. Other attractions will bea Kids Art Block on Herman Avenue, afree beer garden on 31st street and theCraft Beer Block on Ohio Street (ticketscan be purchased online at $30, or $35 onthe day of the event). The first 300 per-sons to purchase tickets from the Website(northparkfestivalofarts.com) will receivea free t-shirt.

Also featured will be a plein air com-petition organized by Lesley Andersonof The Art Department on Ray Street.

More than 75 vendors will displaytheir wares during the festival. A multi-cultural craft bazaar arranged by AlmaRodriguez of Queen Bee’s Art & Cultur-al Center, will be the attraction on RayStreet.

North Park Main Street, a nonprofitorganization funded in part by assess-ments of business owners, is the sponsorof the Festival of the Arts. Funds gener-ated from the festival also support theorganization’s programs.

Celebrating Music & the ArtsFestival of the Arts to liven North Park streets

Accessories Galore!The vendors who are members of the North Park Inde-pendent Bazar will occupy a big space at the Festival ofthe Arts, offering a wide assortment of jewelry, fashionsand handcrafted products.The vendors include Maggi’s (custom straps, clothing,accessories); Scarves by Momma; Bella Rouge Designs(jewelry);Uneeke2 Clothing; and Wyng’d Lyon Cre-ations (Teddy Bears, other stuffed animals and hand-carved and painted boxes).

Billy Anne Crews will perform at the Beats & Eats Stage at the Festival of the Arts.

Mercedes Moore with band mate.Chris Vannoy.

Jinx King Larry Teves.


Art Glass Guild’sSpring Show Sparklesin Spanish VillageThe Art Glass Guild Spring Patio Showand Sale — the largest art glass show inSouthern California — will be held inthe Spanish Village Art Center on May12-13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.All forms of art glass, including blown,

fused, torch worked, stained glass, cast,etched, and mosaic will be featured. Over30 juried glass artists of the Art GlassAssociation of Southern California willbe exhibiting their art. Children and adults are invited to takepart in the guild’s hands-on mosaic pro-jects. Completed projects can be pickedup the following weekend. The show andsale also will include a variety of demon-strations such as torchworking and glass

cutting. Musical entertainment will bestage from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.Some of the featured glass artists are RickKnight, Michael Hermann and GinaLunn, John Long and Jennifer O’Con-ner.“I am fascinated by all the possibilities inusing glass as a medium,” said Knight. “I continue my exploration of kiln-formed glass fusion by applying manylearned unique techniques and imagina-

tion to create design, color, texture andshape.”Hermann and Lunn studied under Ital-ian masters, absorbing age-old tech-niques and learning the importance ofstructure and design. “Combining thesetraditional techniques with a more con-temporary style, we create glass that isboth beautiful and timeless,” they said. O’Conner primarily works with borosil-icate crystal and manipulates her glass

utilizing the ancient Italian method oflampworking. Long is well-versed in twovery different styles of Italian glassblow-ing. He does lampworking, which is alsoknown as torchworking. Long andO’Conner are featured artists on theHGTV series “Crafters Coast to Coast”and “That’s Clever.”For more information visit artglass-guild.org or the Art Glass Guild, Studio25, or call (619) 702-8006.

‘Harmony’ — Michael Herman and Gina Lunn

LEFT‘Hunters’ — Rick Knight.‘Tarantula’ — John LongOrange Burst — Jennifer O’Conner


The West Coast premiere of “The Scottsboro Boys,” a musicalbased on the 1930 case of nine unjustly accused African-Amer-ican men whose lives would eventually spark the civil rightsmovement, will be staged May 5 through June 10 at the OldGlobe Theatre. The musical, based on a book by David Thompson, is directedby Susan Stroman, with music and lyrics by John Kander andFred Ebb. Tickets start at $39.An Insights Seminar, featuring a panel of artists from the show,including director/choreographer Stroman and playwright DavidThompson, will be held at 7 p.m. on April 30.

Post-show forums — informal question-and-answer sessionswith cast members, will be held May 8, 15 and 23.A Diversity in the Arts seminar on May 7 will feature conversa-tions by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg of the MOXIE Thetre andSeema Sueko of the Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company on howtheater artists, present and past, explore stories about race onstage. The seminar is at 7 p.m.On June 4, Dr. Carrol Waymon and Dr. John Warren will lead adiscussion of the civil rights movement in San Diego. A receptionis at 6:30 p.m. and the seminar is at 7 p.m.

Old Globe Stages West Coast Premiere of ‘The Scottsboro Boys’

The San Diego Natural History Museum will explore the age-old question ofwhether flying monsters once inhabited the earth in a new adventure film open-ing June 1. “Flying Monsters 3D,” a film by Atlantic Productions in association withSky 3D and distributed by National Geographic Entertainment, uses 3D and CGItechnology to immerse audiences in a prehistoric world inhabited by pterosaurs,flying vertebrates with a wingspan of up to 45 feet that lived alongside dinosaurs.Filmmaker Anthony Geffen produced the movie, which is narrated by naturalistSir David Attenborough.Flying Monsters will employ pioneering scientific techniques that reveal new detailsabout pterosaurs. “It’s almost as if this animated 3D technology was created to tellour story,” said Geffen.

‘Flying Monsters 3D’

A new digital planetarium show —“Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” — isfeatured every Saturday and Sunday at11 a.m. at the Reuben H. Fleet ScienceCenter’s Heikoff Dome Theater. Theshow introduces kids to the solar sys-tem, lets them learn what a planet is,how the planets are different from eachother, and why our earth is such a spe-cial place. The show is great for young childrenages 3-10 and their families. Tickets are$15.75 for adults and $12.75 for kidsand seniors. 40 minutes

Digital Planetarium Show


Peter and Catherine Chester operate aretail shop in Little Italy that a lot ofNorth Parkers wish was located in our‘hood. Called The Bungalow Store (2317India St., 619-234-7383), the businessspecializes in furnishings, art, lightingand pottery mainly in three genres: Arts& Crafts, Monterey and Mexicana.

“We feel that we have a good businessproduct and service aimed at bungalowhomeowners in San Diego and all overCalifornia,” says Peter. The shop’s Web-site (www.thebungalowstore) opens upyet another arena with clients across theUnited States.

Whatever the style of bungalowenjoyed by the homeowner, the LittleItaly shop provides furniture, lightingand art specific to the period fromthe‘teens, ’20s, ’30s and ’40s when thesehomes were built.

The couple has been in antiques salesand restoration since our graduationfrom college in 1973, even made a dollaror two from it during college. Theirfocus has varied over the years fromAmerican Oak, 18th and 19th centuryAmericana and mid-century modern.

Over the past several years the Chesterssay they’ve grown in their appreciationfor the bungalow home in San Diego andCalifornia in general.

“Not only did our passion grow forthese great furnishings, but we saw abusiness opportunity — a mission if youwill — to educate homeowners as well asoffer up period specific items relating tothe bungalow home,” says Peter.

Peter is quick to add, the “bungalowhome” is actually comprised of many dif-ferent styles and influences, some reflect-ing revival styles that began in San Diego.“The 1915 San Diego Exposition was thecauldron for the revival of the Spanishand Moorish (North African) styles thatspread all across California by architectsBertram Goodhue and William Temple-ton Johnson,” Peter says. “So, along withSpanish, you have the Moorish andother Mediterranean styles. With theCraftsman home come the Prairie influ-ence, Japanese and the Swiss.”

As the Spanish Revival style becamepopular, a void for furnishings was filledby the Mason Furniture Co. of Los Ange-les, he says. Approached by Barker Bros.,a very large furniture retailer, Masondesigned a line of furniture that wasuniquely California. It was called “Mon-

terey.” This line of furniture was toharken back to the 19th century days ofthe California Rancho. Solid, well-made,comfortable and casual are the hallmarksof Monterey furniture. There are sever-al other makers of the California Ranchostyle, notably Imperial and Del Rey aswell as Coronado. Coronado furniturewas part of the original furnishings ofCasa de Pico Motor Court designed byRichard Requa in Old Town.

If you want to gab about Craftsman orSpanish bungalows, you’ll find kindredspirits at The Bungalow Shop.

“Owning an older bungalow home isboth a challenge and an adventure,” saysPeter, “Furnishing it with appropriateitems from the period can be the samechallenge and adventure. One can sim-ply choose to furnish with the new quick-ly, or experience the fun and adventure oflooking for just the right piece to fit thatspot. Not everyone has the patience, butfor those that do, the ‘hunt’ and the findcan be a very rewarding pasttime. It’s forthose people we have our shop.”

Tom Shess is founding editor of the WestCoast Craftsman and creative director ofSan Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles mag-azine.

The Young Curiosity ShopQuaint store serves Craftsman and Spanish Revival bungalows

BY THOMAS SHESS

Small Arts & Crafts oak footstool, 1915.

Spanish Revival Honduran mahogany console table with trestle base was sold by the store.

Set of four vintage Mexican painted chairs.

Vintage California redwood Arts & Craftsdesk. Pigeonhole interior. Vertical slats atbase.

The Bungalow Store sold this 19th centurySpanish carved armchair. Old needlepointseat is appropriate to the style.

http://www.thebungalowstore


“Cradle to Grave,” a docent-led walk-ing tour hosted by Mission Hills Her-itage on April 21, will explore a core areaof Mission Hills in its infancy 100 yearsago.

Anchored by four long-establishedcommunity fixtures — Grant Elemen-tary School, Pioneer Park, the MissionHills Methodist Church and MissionHills Nursery — the provocative themepromises amazing stories and a visit tohidden gems of the past. Tour hours arefrom 1 to 4 p.m.

The “cradle” element of the tour cen-ters on the 102-year-old Mission HillsNursery. Established in 1910, it was thesecond San Diego nursery location forKate Sessions when she moved out ofBalboa Park. Pivotal in promoting Mis-sion Hills, Sessions’ nursery constitutesboth the cradle of the development inthe area as well as a source of newgrowth.

Grant Elementary School, built in1914 and educating Mission Hills chil-dren since that time, provides anotheranchor to the tour. Docents will discussthe evolution of this 98-year-old institu-tion, and Grant graduates are invited toshare tales, too. One might recall thedays when an unused portion of the Cal-

vary Cemetery, adjacent to Grant, servedas a playground for the crowded institu-tion.

On the stroll through this neighbor-hood, docents will also point out won-derful century-old homes looking muchthe same as when built by masterbuilders and famous architects.

Walking tour members will also visitthe Mission Hills Methodist Church onFort Stockton and Lark Street. A spiritu-al home for generations of Mission Hillsresidents, it was built in 1913 and retainsits original design and detailing. Con-struction on the church was overseen bychurch trustee Nathan Rigdon, builder ofmany homes in Mission Hills.

Established in 1875, Calvary Ceme-tery is the tour’s fourth anchor. Docentshave many fascinating stories about thegraveyard and those who found theirfinal resting place there.

Refreshments will be served at theMethodist Church following each walk-ing tour. Tickets are $10 for Mission HillsHeritage members and $15 for non-members and may be purchased the dayof the tour from 12:30 p.m. at the park-ing lot in Pioneer Park off WashingtonPlace. For more information, phone(619) 497-1193.

‘Cradle to Grave’Walking TourMission Hills Heritage hosts visit to core areaof the neighborhood

Vintage photo of Grant Elementary School.

Headstones at Calvary Cemetery in Pioneer Park.

Mission Hills Nursery.


The St. Augustine High soccer teamwon the 2012 CIF Southern CaliforniaRegional Division II Championship bybesting the Lindsay High School Cardi-nals, 2-1, in overtime, during the cham-pionship match in Downey in March.

The Saints’ winning goal was made byKostas Kotselas, a junior and son ofDonna and John Kotselas, owners ofOlympic Café. He scored the winner withabout nine minutes left in the 15-minuteovertime on a towering header from athrow-in by Michael “Ike” Arinze.

The Fresno Bee quoted Cardinalssenior Jonathan Colunga saying thisabout the Saints’ team: “They were tall,and they were tough. That’s what killedus.”

Lindsey High (24-2-3) was the topseed. St. Augustine (20-5-4) was the No.3 seed.

The Saints finished the league seasonwith a 13-5-4 record, sixth ranked in thecounty. They defeated El Capitan High 1-

0 in the first round of the CIF San DiegoSection playoffs, then defeated fourth-ranked University City High School 4-0.In the semifinals, the Saints went againstsecond-ranked Southwest High School,beating them 1-0 to earn a finals matchwith arch-rival Cathedral Catholic HighSchool.

The Sports Nation prep blog reportedthe Saints-Cathedral tilt this way:

“As expected, the match was an excit-ing contest. Cathedral scored in the 22ndminute of the game off a free kick, andheld that lead well into the second half.As time was ticking down and it lookedas if the Saints’ run would end, sopho-more Cheyne Davis converted a throw infrom teammate Ike Arinze for the tyinggoal with six minutes left. The two teamsthen moved through scoreless overtimeto the penalty kick phase. There, juniorFlavio Borquez scored the deciding goalas the Saints finished on top 5-4 in PKs.”

In the CIF Regionals, the Saints defeat-

ed Desert Mirage High School 5-1 in theopening round, then earned a trip to thechampionships by taking a 5-4 victoryover Santa Ana Valley High School inovertime.

Members of the Saints championshipsoccer team: Nick Allen, Aaron Martinez,Traeger Jarrad, Daniel Johnston, JohnnyCosta, Joe Saad, Flavio Borquez, JaimeCharles, Anthony Tangredi, ChadFitzgerald, Connor Keefe Garrett Blod-gett, Spencer Calvert, Dominic Chavez,Kostas Kotselas, Hector Castellanos, MattPalpallatoc, Alex Galan, Ryan Stamper,Andre Garcia, Cheyne Davis, Michael“Ike” Arinze, Carlos Lopez, Esteban Que-sada, Timothy Shen, Robert DeCort.

Michael Stephenson is St. Augustine’sathletic director. Brendan Johnston issoccer varsity head coach. Bill Polan isvarsity assistant coach. Cathy Fitzgerald isTeam Mom.

Soccer Champion SaintsSt. Augustine wins CIF Southern California Regional Division II Championship

The Saints’ Kostas Kotselas (center, leaping) scores the winning goal against Lindsay HighSchool.

Two of the greatest challenges of livingin older urban neighborhoods are ensur-ing adequate park space and preservingpublic safety. I’m happy to reportprogress on both fronts for in the com-munity of North Park.

Last month, my colleagues on the CityCouncil unanimously approved movingforward with a joint-use field at NorthPark’s Jefferson Elementary School.

The agreement between the city andSan Diego Unified School District willresult in a synthetic turf multi-purposesports field of almost an acre as well as0.50 acres of hard courts, which willinclude a children’s play area and a drink-ing fountain. It should be complete andopen this spring.

The total project cost is estimated to beapproximately $1,892,912, including landvalue, and design and construction costs,all of which will be borne by the schooldistrict’s Prop S funds. The city will beresponsible for maintenance of the joint-use area.

When I stopped by Jefferson for ReadAcross America Day in March to read toMrs. Hubbard’s fifth grade class, the stu-dents could not have been more excitedabout their new play field. Me either!

My commitment to adding park spaceto District 3 continues, and I hope neigh-bors will participate in the upcomingfourth community workshop for theNorth Park Mini-Park and AssociatedStreetscape Improvements project,scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on April 23 at theNorth Park Recreation Center, 4044

Idaho S. In case you are unfamiliar withit, the site of the Mini-Park is on NorthPark Way between Granada and 29thStreet, directly behind the North ParkTheatre.

If you would like more informationabout the North Park Mini Park andAssociated Streetscape ImprovementsProject, you may contact the city’s projectmanager, Todd Schmit at (619) 533-4620, [email protected]. And youcan always access up to date informationon the project at: sandiego.gov/engineer-ing-cip/projectsprograms/northpark-minipark.shtml.

Lastly, I want to offer my thanks to theNorth Park Community Association andStonewall Citizens Patrol for facilitatingthe first community policing meeting inMarch. With this initiative, volunteerswould monitor activity around in theresidential areas and the business districtduring the evening and early morninghours on weekends. This model of com-munity policing has long been practicedby the Stonewall Citizens Patrol and hasbeen effective in other areas, includingTalmadge and Hillcrest. I’m grateful to allthose who have signed up to be part ofthe solution.

The ongoing dedication of North Parkneighbors is inspiring, and I am proud tobe your partner in improving the com-munity.Councilman Todd Gloria can be reachedat [email protected]; (619)-236-6633; 202 C Street, MS 10A, San Diego,CA 92101; and on Facebook and Twitter.Visit his website at www.sandiego.gov/cd3.

Parks and public safety continueto improve in North Park

BY COUNCILMAN TODD GLORIA



port Authority. She was appointed tothe post in 2003 after state legislationremoved the airport from the controlof the San Diego Unified Port Districtand placed it in the hands of the newlycreated Airport Authority. Bowens hadbeen the Port’s senior director of avia-tion for seven years before the switch,and when the changeover occurred shewas given the responsibility of planningand implementing the transfer of theairport to its role as an independententity.

Bowens, who works under a contractthat gives her an annual salary of$258,323, says running the airport is nodifferent than running a business. “Weare a business,” she says, emphasizingthe word. “We are a business that oper-ates in the public arena and we are sub-ject to all of the public laws that governpublic organizations… Our stakehold-er is the general public. Our emphasis ison being a really good, publicly operat-ed entity.”

Green Build In ProgressThe most visible part of the airport’s

“reinvention” is the $1.2 billion GreenBuild at Terminal 2, the largest improve-ment project in airport history. Whencompleted in 2013, the terminal willhave 10 new gates, a dual-level roadwaywhere arriving and departing passen-gers can conduct their business on sep-arate curbs, more overnight parkingspaces and more dining and shoppingoptions, among other improvements.

“It includes the waiting room forthose new gates, it includes the new con-cession core where you will see just alot of the new concessions that are com-ing in through the process than we had

just a few months ago,” says Bowens. “Itincludes over a million square feet ofadditional aircraft parking apron whichis really going to help our efficiencybecause we will no longer have to parkour overnight aircraft over on the northside and then in the morning have themcome through the traffic to get overhere…

“All real airports have dual level road-ways, and that’s very important to usbecause if you have used Terminal 2,you know that the curb front here isvery, very congested and that is becausewe have totally outgrown in terms ofnumbers, the number of passengers andthe number of cars that we have theability to handle on one level. If we canseparate the departures and arrivals onseparate levels, you really cut down thecongestion. When you cut down on thecongestion, you cut down on emissions

and other issues that go on as a result ofthat. So we’re looking to not only easethe passenger’s experience, but to con-tribute to a better level of quality byhaving that traffic continue to move.”

Food and Retail ConcessionsThe airport’s new food and retail con-

cession program will be implementedthroughout the facility — Terminals 1and 2 and the Commuter Terminal. It isa major departure from the past, whereone company ran all airport conces-sions. San Diegans will see some famil-iar local dining choices in the new sys-tem, such as Jack in the Box (but notMcDonalds), and a lot of other eatingspots operated by local businesses thatwill be operating at the airport for thefirst time, such as Pannikin Coffee &Tea, Saffron Thai, Phil’s BBQ, and StoneBrewing Company, to name a few. Onthe retail side, a new feature at the air-port will be Spa Didacus’ Be Relax Spain two locations. In all, the AirportAuthority board approved 16 food andretail packages. Travelers will begin see-ing the new shops, restaurants and ser-vices beginning in December 2012.

“One of the things that we wanted todo was to provide what in this industryis called a local flavor,” says Bowens. “Itmeans that you want your airport toreflect your local community, your localculture, things that are indigenous toyour culture, things that people in thismarket, who come to this market wouldexpect to see and for people who live inthis market are comfortable with.(Although) you cannot under federalguidelines give any preference to a localcompany, you can create a program thatreflects the local culture and when youdo that, you really open the avenue formore local companies to be partici-pants.”

Bowens says the “local flavor” featureis new to San Diego, but not elsewhere.“That’s something that’s happening in

airports across the country,” she says.“If you go to St. Louis for instance, youare going to see things that really reflectSt. Louis. If you go to DFW ( Dallas/FortWorth) you’re going to see Bar-B-Q, andthe Texas wine country and so that’swhat we’re trying in San Diego. If younoticed the concessions in the past, theyhave been mostly national brands andthat was the trend 15-20 years ago. Andnow the trend is really to create a senseof place. To a person just walking offthe plane, he might say, ‘wow, I knowI’m in San Diego because I see some-thing that’s very San Diego related.’”

FinancingAccording to the Port Authority, the

Green Build project will top out at $1.2billion, which includes $865 million indirect construction costs and financingcosts of about $145 million. Moneyfrom airport user fees, concessions, rev-enue bonds and grants from the Feder-al Aviation Administration are beingused to finance the project.

Aside from the physical improve-ments at the airport, the AirportAuthority works aggressively to bringmore air carriers into Lindbergh Field.It currently has 18 passenger carriers,the largest being Southwest Airlines,(which carried 37 percent of the airportpassenger volume in 2010), and fourcargo carriers. “We work in collabora-tion with ConVis, the chamber, the Eco-nomic Development Corporation, theWorld Trade Center,” says Bowens. “Wework very, very closely with the busi-ness community to develop those rela-tionships with the airlines, to developthose relationships with the businesstraveler so that we can go to a particu-lar airline and make a presentation thathelps them to see the value of San Diegoto their business. The actual decision bythe airlines to come here is really a tes-tament to this community because this


AIRPORTCONTINUED FROM Page 1 San Diego

International Airport Quick FactsEstablished: 1928Acres: 661; Total employees: 6,377Passengers per day: 40,000-50,000; 53 percent leisure, 43 percent busi-nessDaily arrivals and departures: 550 Nonstop destinations: 48Passenger totals: 16.9 million in 2010 Gates: 41 gates for jet aircraft in Ter-minals 1 and 2; 4 gates for regionalplanes in Commuter TerminalAirlines: 18 passenger carriers and 4cargo carriers Largest carrier: Southwest; 37 per-cent of passenger volume in 20102010 operations-air carrier: 79 per-cent; general aviation: 17.5 per-cent; cargo 3 percent; military: .5percent Economic impact: SDIA contributessome $10 billion annually to theregion Job creation: Approximately115,000 jobs, or one of every 16 jobsin the region, are directly or indirect-ly related to operations at the air-portAirport Authority: 340 Authorityemployees; $151 million operatingbudget for FY2012

Green BuildNew gates: 10 at Terminal 2 WestDual-level roadway at Terminal 2: arrivals and departures on separatecurbs Smart curb technology: travelerscan check in for their flight evenbefore entering the terminal Aircraft parking: additional remain-over-night parking New, expandeddining and shopping optionsMore and improved security check-points Funded by user fees, airportrevenue bonds, airport cash andFAA grants, not by local tax dollars Cost: $1.2 billion—$865 million forthe project; remainder in financingcostsSustainability: Pursuing Leadershipin Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) silver certification. Sustain-able design elements include:Decreased water usage; reducedenergy consumption; use of alter-native energy sources

Japan Airlines to Offer Non-stop Flights from San Diegoto Asia

The first-ever nonstop flightsbetween San Diego and TokyoNarita International Airport will beoffered in December by Japan Air-lines using the 787 Dreamliner air-craft. San Diego has been thelargest U.S. market without nonstopservice to Asia. The new service ismade possible by the advent of the787 Dreamliner, the first aircraft withthe size, airfield performance andrange to make the nonstop ocean-ic flight viable. The San Diego-Tokyoroute is the first announced sched-uled Dreamliner service in SouthernCalifornia. “San Diego has thelargest unserved U.S. passengermarket to Asia, and thanks toJapan Airlines, these passengersare now linked nonstop to Asia,”said Thella F. Bowens, president andCEO of the San Diego CountyRegional Airport Authority.

Rendering of the Sunset Cove.

Thella Bowens runs airport operations out of her office in the Commuter Terminal.

community, despite how bad the econ-omy is to us, it has not taken the samehit as a lot of other communities, sowe’re seeing airlines come in herebecause the travelers are here.

“They know they can come in here,put their equipment here, and make aprofit and that’s the only way they willcontinue to do that. And I always say ifwe get nonstop service to a market, it’svery important that people use itbecause it is a ‘use it or lose it’ proposi-tion. If they can’t make money, they willpull out. They have no community loy-alty. The loyalty is to the stockholderand to the bottom line.”

Terminal 1A plan for the replacement of Termi-

nal 1 will be a focus of the upcomingAirport Development Plan, which is thenext phase of airport master planning.The planning process is slated to beginin early 2012, allowing two years forplanning and two years for environ-mental documentation. Upon adoptionof the state and federal environmentaldocuments, work can begin.

No cost estimates are yet available. “Itis way too early to have a sense of costfor something that has not beenplanned and designed,” said StevenShultz, deputy director of public rela-tions for the Airport Authority.

The Capacity IssueAlthough Lindbergh Field is con-

strained by its location, its single runwayand no viable relocation options (shecalls it a dead issue), Bowens doesn’tdwell much on the issue of the airportrunning out of capacity. “I’m sure I’llbe retired (by then),” she says. “And Iwill sit back and watch the next groupgo through what we went through in2003-2006 to look at all the solutions.And with technology and changes in

technology and changes in the demo-graphics of the traveler, the advent ofthings like high-speed rail, it will changesome of the decisions-making assump-tions that you use when you do thosekinds of studies. Right now, our job isreally to make this work. Because thevoters spoke about what they wanted:they didn’t want us to move the airportat that point. And so, I don’t knowwhat’s down the road.”

Economic Asset“One of the things that I always like to

talk about and I don’t think people real-ly realize it is that the airport is atremendous economic asset to the com-munity,” Bowens says. “It is a majorengine in terms of helping businessesto develop and having people comehere. We’re a great tourist and conven-tion market. But we also have great busi-nesses here that depend on air traveland having the right air service and theright facilities to support that air ser-vice is just really, really critical in a citylike San Diego. People who don’t regu-larly study this business don’t realizethat the companies like Qualcomm andthe universities and all the biotech andall those industries depend very heavi-ly on not just air service, but great airservice to the extent that we make it effi-cient. We save them time and therefore,we save them money. This airport is acritical asset; we don’t really dip into thetax funds of this community. We gener-ate a lot of revenue for this communityand the green build itself is generating atits peak about 1,000 jobs and the newconcession program will generate lotsof new jobs, lots of new opportunities.So everything that we do here is really agreat support economically to the com-munity.”


North Concourse rendering.

Rendering of the USO building.


Lindbergh Field’s Airline MakeupA conversation with Hampton Brown,director of air service development for the San Diego Regional Airport Authority» Number of daily non stops from Lindbergh?Approximately 236 flights in summer months; approxi-mately 218 flights in winter months (Southwest Airlines has94 flights in summer months; 86 in winter months)

» Domestic non-stop destinations and the airlines providing the service:

Albuquerque SouthwestAtlanta DeltaAustin SouthwestBaltimore SouhwestBoston Jet BlueCharlotte USAirwaysChicago O’Hare American, UnitedChicago Midway SouthwestCincinnati DeltaCleveland Continental (holiday seasonal)Dallas-Ft. Worth AmericanDenver Frontier, Southwest, UnitedDetroit DeltaEl Paso SouthwestHonolulu Alaska, HawaiianHouston Inter ContinentalHouston Hobby SouthwestMaui AlaskaKansas City Southwest, SpiritLas Vegas Southwest, SpiritLos Angeles American Eagle,

Delta Connection, UnitedExpress

Mammouth United Express (winter months)Milwaukee Frontier (summer seasonalMinneapolis Delta, Sun CountryNashville SouthwestNew York JFK American, Delta, Jet BlueNewark ContinentalOakland SouthwestPhiladelphia USAirwaysPortland, Oregon AlaskaReno SouthwestSacramento SouthwestSan Antonio SouthwestSan Francisco Southwest,

United, Virgin America

San Jose SouthwestSalt Lake City DeltaSt. Louis SouthwestSeattle AlaskaWashington Dulles United

» International non-stop destinations and the airlines providing the service:

Calgary West JetGuadalajara VolarisLondon Heathrow British AirwaysMexico City VolarisPuerto Vallarta Alaska (winter seasonal)San Jose Del Cabo AlaskaToronto Air CanadaVancouver Air Canada

» Why additional flights to Hawaii?San Diego has long been underserved to Hawaii.The Hawaiian government’s annual statistics for2010 on arrivals indicate that San Diego is the fifthlargest inbound mainland market to the Hawai-ian Islands. This represents over 125,000 San Diegovisitors to Hawaii annually. Until recently, over halfof San Diego passengers traveling to Hawaii hadto connect to the islands either through LosAngeles or San Francisco.

» Lindbergh’s runway is 9,400 feet. How does thatimpact 777 and 787 aircraft?The required runway length of a fully loaded 777-200ER on a typical day is 11,000 feet. However,flights to Europe do not need to leave fully load-ed. The runway length on a fully-loaded 787-B ona typical day is 10,100 feet. The runway lengthon a fully-loaded 787-8 (high thrust option) is 8,500feet.

» Do you believe a 787 could fly non-stop fromSan Diego to Tokyo or Seoul?Yes, we are optimistic that it can perform fromSan Diego to both Tokyo and Seoul non-stop. Weare in the early stages of sensitive conversationswith Japanese and Korean air carriers. It cansometimes take a decade to secure service.Denver has been seeking service to Asia for over10 years and it is a Star Alliance hub, whichmeans we have a lot of competition.

» How do you overcome the perception thatLindbergh is sometimes called “Tom Bradley Ter-minal South”? (Tom Bradley is the name of theinternational terminal at Los Angeles InternationalAirport).We explain to the airlines that we have a ratherlarge base of international passengers that live inSan Diego County who would prefer to connectless to their final destinations. Our sales presenta-tions include data such as origin-destination data(where people are flying to), fare data (howmuch people are paying to fly) and the connec-tion profiles (how many stops people have tomake to get to their final destination). For San

Diego to Asia, we have a lot of people flyingto Asia but who have to connect two orthree times to get to their final destination.That makes us uncompetitive.

» What airports are Lindbergh’s major com-petitors?Denver, Phoenix and Las Vegas. This is whereour incentive marketing programs for the air-lines come into play. However, in the endthe airlines will fly where they will have themost business.

787 Dreamliner Aircraft


When Robert Gleason gets a textmessage on his phone, it might be acomplaint from a friend about inade-quate customer service. But it’s notlikely to have anything to do with hisjob as chief financial officer of EvansHotels, a chain of three local luxuryresorts.

Instead, Gleason often hears fromhis pals who are annoyed by problemsat the airport, like broken lights ortrash cans that need to be emptied.

Such is life for the chairman of theSan Diego County Regional AirportAuthority, which oversees LindberghField, aka San Diego International Air-port.

Tough gig? Gleason says he’s actual-ly willing to hear the gripes of justabout everyone who has an opinionabout the region’s major airport, whichhappens to be just about everyone.(Not least of all that peeved guy whobecame a national hero when he told aLindbergh security agent to not touchhis “junk.”)

Not that Gleason will necessarilyjoin in any negativity. His sunny per-sonality and optimism may leave youbrimming with a sense of the airport’spromise instead of griping about itslong lines, cramped terminals andmessy traffic.

In an interview, Gleason talked upthe massive “Green Build” project atTerminal 2, explained why things soonwon’t cost so much and promised abetter experience for hungry and line-averse travelers. He also put up withquestions about a few of my personalpeeves.

Among other things, the airport isbusy expanding and renovating Ter-minal 2 to allow the airport to han-dle more flights and planes. What onthe horizon will change how weexperience the airport?

Our mandate is to improve the expe-rience throughout the airport.

For example, the Green Build, whichincludes 10 new gates. They’ll comewith expanded seating areas and amuch bigger security screening areaalong with more types of concessionsfor food, beverage and retail. And therewill be a double-level roadway in frontof Terminal 2 where you will arrivebelow and depart above, like at otherairports. There will also be a signifi-cant curbside check-in area.

In Terminal 2 East, which is mostlyAmerican Airlines, we’ll be increasingthe seating areas and the concessionsoptions. And the parking will be backin front of Terminal 2.

At the same time, we’re doing otherimprovements overall. At the end ofthis year, we’ll be expanding the num-ber and variety of offerings on thefood, beverage and retail side. We’llhave a lot more local flavor. You’ll seePhil’s BBQ, Warwick’s books, a KPBSstore, Pannikin coffee, Ryan Brotherscoffee.

Will the airport ever give passen-gers a break in terms of $5 bottles of

water and other jacked-up prices?

The new concessions are restrictedto street pricing plus 10 percent. Thatmeans a cup of coffee here from Peet’swill be no more than it is at an off-air-port location plus 10 percent. You willsee significant changes.

What about Terminal 1, whereSouthwest is based? It can beaggravating since many of therestaurants are outside the securedarea. That means you — and by you,I mean me — risk getting stuck in along security line, potentially miss-ing your flight if you take time for abite to eat.

Right now, 70 percent of concessionsare pre-security, which is a remnant ofpre-9/11 construction. With both theopening of the new Green Build pro-ject and a reconfiguration of all of therest of the concessions, 80 percent ofthose options will be post-security as ofnext year.

Terminal 1 is cramped, comparedto the much more roomy Terminal 2,and has the food-before-securityproblem. Why renovate Terminal 2first?

What we’re doing is building 10entirely new gates, adding capacity.

Will we ever return to the good olddays when incoming passengers couldwalk across the street in front of bag-gage claim to shuttle buses and theircars without having to deal with anyannoying pedestrian bridge?

The pedestrian bridges will still be atTerminal 2 and Terminal 1.

What about security lines? Willany of this affect their size?

What we can do is provide better,more efficient facilities to allow screen-ing to take place faster. In the new por-tion of Terminal 2, the security areawill be twice as big and greatly expand-ed in terms of the lanes available. Itwill be for all of the terminal.

What about how I sometimes getconfused in Terminal 1 if my South-west flight is at gate 1 or 2 and I endup going in the wrong security line?Could you put up some signs just forme?

How about if we provide an escort?(Laughs.)

That would be awesome!So the airport is working on cre-

ating a consolidated car rental facil-ity, like some other airports have, by2015. And there are other construc-tion projects in progress. Does thismean talk of moving the airport isdead?

In 2006, voters very decisively saidthey did not want the airport moved toMiramar, which was the only viableoption. Since then, the focus has beenon making this airport work to themaximum extent possible.

This summer, we’ll start on the Air-port Development Plan, a processwhich will last probably about fouryears. It will address what the develop-

ment will look like at this airport forthe next 20 years. It will talk about Ter-minal 1, the Teledyne Ryan site (onNorth Harbor Drive), which is now inthe late stages of demolition and envi-ronmental remediation, and the air-port’s capacity.

Passengers are often quite criticalof Lindbergh Field, although theyappreciate its convenient location,and it recently got an average ratingfrom the J.D. Powers people. Theremust be plenty of passengers likeme whose favorite part of the air-port is the exit. Is it difficult for youpersonally when people like me saystuff like that and complain endless-ly about travel hassles?

I love listening to the stories. I’veexperienced them too, and part of my

job is to respond to the concerns,explain who might be responsible andsee if we can work to improve things.

I am proud of this organization, itsstaff and its ability to work in a con-strained environment, in terms of thephysical and financial constraints. Weare excited about where things aregoing.

The interview was first published inVoice of San Diego on March 2, 2012.Reprinted with permission. Interviewconducted and edited by Randy Dotinga.Please contact Dotinga directly at [email protected] and follow him onTwitter: twitter.com/rdotinga.

King of the Air(port)We sit down with Robert Gleason, chairman of the Airport Authority, to see what’s up with allthat construction and when we'll start hearing about relocation again.

BY RANDY DOTINGA

Robert Gleason is chairman of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which oversees San Diego International Airport.




SWEET HOME

Popular resorts entice locals to stay in town for spring break

Spring has sprung and you’re probably ready for a little getaway. With fuel prices painfully high, you might want to con-

sider a spring break staycation in sunny San Diego this year. Consistently ranked as one of the top vacation destinations

in the U.S., our beautiful home town has quite a bit to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some family fun,

quality time with your special someone, or fun with friends, pack your bags for a few days and enjoy a relaxing stay at

one of these homes away from home.

SAN DIEGOBY MICHELLE LYN

Paradise Point Resort & SpaI don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a good travel deal.

Here’s one for you: what if I told you that minutes away fromDowntown San Diego you can journey straight to the heart of Fiji,Bali, Hawaii or Thailand and immerse yourself in the island fromhead to toe with opulent global rituals? Without the price of a planeticket. Sounds pretty good, right? If so, check yourself into ParadisePoint Resort in Mission Bay for a tropical experience starting withone of their Global Spa Rituals. The Fiji Island Bliss Ritual beginswith a full body exfoliation with Fijian cane sugar infused with aro-matic oils. Then, they drench your body with exotic oils and wrapyou in warmed beach stones.

This year is the resort’s 50th anniversary, so it’s celebrating byoffering a package that includes accommodations, a $50 resortcredit to use towards poolside cocktails, The Spa at Paradise Point,waterfront dining at Baleen or the Barefoot Bar & Grill, or jet skirental at their full-service marina

You also go home with a commemorative lambs wool sherpablanket, perfect for keeping warm while roasting s’mores on one oftheir 15 beach bonfire pits. Minimum two nights required, so puton your bathing suits and stay awhile. Visit paradisepoint.com.

The Lodge at Torrey PinesFor an active getaway with a dose of luxury, look no further than

The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Check into this stunning Craftsman-stylehotel that was constructed with respect for the natural landscape andintegration of indoor and outdoor living space. Recently ranked oneof the top golf resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the lodgeboasts views from the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course.

If golf isn’t your thing, head outside to hike through the TorreyPines State Reserve. Roughly 2,000 acres of rugged canyons and cliffsoverlook the gorgeous La Jolla coast. Wind your way through the

wooded hill tops to the edge of the cliffs for a breathtaking view ofthe Pacific below. If it’s your first time there, The Lodge also offersguided walking tours at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. After dinner, retreat toyour room for a nightcap. Take advantage of their Extended StaySpecial and save 20 percent off your room when you stay threenights or more. Visit lodgeattorreypines.com.

The Grand Del MarComplete decadence. That pretty much describes The Grand

Del Mar. Allow yourself to indulge and enjoy their Spring Escape3-for-2 special, where you reserve three consecutive nights and yourthird night is complimentary.

If ever there was a dining experience that you were willing tospend all your pennies on, it would have to be at Addison, the finedining restaurant in The Grand Del Mar hotel. This spring, ChefWilliam Bradley and his team have created 3, 4, 6 and 10 coursetasting menus to elicit “pure gustatory satisfaction from the first bite

to the last sip.” Starting at $90 per person and going up to $225 perperson for the 10 course Gourmand Menu, I promise it will be oneof the most impressive dining experiences you will ever have.

I say experience, because that is exactly what you will be getting.Service is unparalleled, polished and almost choreographed toperfection. And the food, of course, is incredible. Consider such del-icacies as Foie Gras with grilled apples, verjus and thyme or But-ter Baked Brittany Turbot with vegetables a la grecque. Visit the-granddelmar.com.

Hotel del Coronado For a family friendly staycation, cross the bridge to Coronado, where the beach offers

something for everyone. Start the morning with a walk, jog or swim along the Pacific.Coronado’s generally small waves are perfect for learning to surf or boogie board. Bicy-cles, surfboard rentals and lessons are available. The Coronado bike trail, which runs alongGlorietta Bay and the beachfront walk, is safe, easy to navigate and beautiful year-round.Just in time for spring break and summer, the Hotel del Coronado presents the V.I.K. (VeryImportant Kid) program. The program is designed to make younger guests (ages 4 to 12)feel extra special starting at check-in, where they will receive their V.I.K. pass. The lanyardpass can be worn around the neck and entitles kids to great offers at their favorite spotsincluding MooTime Creamery, Spreckels Sweets & Treats, Blue Octopus and Kidtopia.After they visit these locations and get a sticker from each one (no purchase required),they will receive a special toy prize at Kidtopia.

For the ultimate beach experience on one of America's best beaches, Hotel Del’s BeachRetreat Package includes accommodations, private s’mores on the beach, a two-hour sur-rey bike rental and beach umbrella set-up. Rates start at $349 per night. Visit hoteldel.com.


By Bart Mendoza

Vanja James New Band SoundVanja James music is taking a harder-edged turn. A mainstay of the local club circuit as a solo singer-

songwriter, James has put together a new band sound, debuting her blues-rock-punk hybrid though aWednesday evening (5 p.m.) residency at Eleven, beginning in April. The shows are intended to help herwork out the kinks in new material before heading into the studio to record an album. With no cover, anearly start time and a band lineup that includes explosive drummer Brian “Nucci” Cantrell, if you like yourmusic rockin’ on this Wednesday night, happy hour set, is just what the doctor ordered.

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Vanja James: Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 5 p.m. 21 and up. No cover. elevensandiego.com.

Jazz is Premier for the Tough Times TrioWhile rock music, hip hop and singer-songwriters are easily found in North Park, it’s a different story

with jazz, so aficionados won’t want to miss the Tough Times Trio performing at Claire De Lune on April13, 8 p.m. Led by pianist Chase Pado, with drummer Ryan Shaw and virtuoso bassist Ben Levinson, per-haps best known as frontman for ska band The Demeanors. There are touches of Funk and Latin musicto The Tough Times Trio sound, but jazz is the focus. Mixing originals with classic tunes such as “PureImagination,” the band offer up music thats an excellent soundtrack to an evening out.

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Tough Times Trio: Friday, April 13 at Claire de Lune, 2906 University Ave. 8 p.m. All ages. Free. clairedelune.com.

Jurado’s Great Songs Ripe for Rediscovery

Though Damian Jurado has not yet crossed over to mainstreammusic fans’ attention, there is no doubt he has a song catalog of greatsongs ripe for rediscovery. Appearing at the Soda Bar on April 15, heis currently touring behind his new album, “Maraqopa.” Longtimelisteners will find Jurado’s plaintive voice and tunesmithing asstrong as ever, no mean feat in a career that’s now 11 albums deep.Eventually, music fans in droves will come to acknowledge Jurado’smusic as some of the best that’s emerged over the past two decades.In the meantime, you can be slightly ahead of the pack at this inti-mate gig.

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Damian Jurado: Sunday, April 15, at The Soda Bar, 3615 ElCajon Blvd. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $10. sodabarmusic.com.

Jimmy Dale Gilmore’s Alterna-tive Country Sound

Best known as a country music singer, with Jimmy DaleGilmore that’s just the tip of the iceberg. A songwriter, pro-ducer and actor, Austin-based Gilmore has released 15albums since he first began performing, though his mostvisible role was likely that of “Smokey” in cult film, “The BigLebowski.” Appearing at AMSD Concerts on April 19, 7:30p.m., Gilmore is currently touring behind his latest of 15album’s to date, “Heirloom Music.” Gilmore is one of the pio-neers of alternative country, but anyone who enjoys heartfeltsongs in the tradition of Willie Nelson won’t want to miss thisshow.

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Jimmie Dale Gilmore: Thursday, April 19 at AMSD Con-certs, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All Ages. $25-$52.amsdconcerts.com.

Local Debut for Please, Please Meand Jessie Torrisi

The band’s name might imply Beatles-inspired music, butThe Please, Please Me, featuring Jessie Torrisi, are actuallycloser to country and rock bands such as Cake. Making theirSan Diego debut on April 25, 9 p.m., at Lestat’s, The Please,Please Me have an excellent front woman in Torrisi, with solidpop hooks in her tunes, but the key to the Austin band’ssound lies in the instrumentation, which includes cello as alead instrument, as well as trumpet. It all adds up to music thatwears it’s influences, from Herb Alpert to Victoria Williams,on its sleeve, but is still a fresh and fun listen.

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Jessie Torrisi & The Please Please Me: Wednesday, April25 at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All Ages. CoverTBD. lestats.com.


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North Park News April 2012