IB CONNECTION APRIL 2016

MidCityNewspaperGroup.com Vol. 1 No. 2 April 2016

Stephen and Lori Mahoney reuniting with their heroes in front of the fire truck that saved Stephen's life. JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Pet of the MonthDahlia is an active playful spayed 3year old Pit Bull Terrier. PG. 3

HONU BJJ Jiu Jitsu holdsribbon cuttingChildren, teens, women and menfrom beginner to advanced levelsare welcome PG. 11

CONTACT US

EDITORIAL/[email protected]

[email protected]

Story Behind the StairsIf you have been out to the beachlately, you will have noticed thenewly exposed steps PG. 3

PRESORT STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSAN DIEGO, CAEDDM RETAIL

Local Postal Customer

A Positive Community Newspaper Created by Locals, for Locals, Supporting Local Businesses

I B C ONNECT I ONFamily Reunites with Imperial BeachFirefighters Who Saved His Life

Imperial Beach’s Pocket Park Receives Large Check from IB Beautiful

IB Beautiful presented a check to the cityof Imperial Beach on April 5, 2016 in sup-port of the Pocket Park on Seacoast Dr. andDate Ave. This is to coincide with their mis-sion statement: IB Beautiful is a nonprofitorganization dedicated to the beautificationof public and private lands for ImperialBeach residents. In our commitment to com-munity development, we also host the Impe-rial Beach Farmer's Market to support publicnutrition programs and offer fresh andorganic healthy foods. The organization wasapproached by Mayor Serge Dedina and CityManager Andy Hall to support the PocketPark and other projects in the city. The orga-nization was able to give a check for $10,000for the park and additional $8,000 for addi-tional projects. The City of Imperial Beach

held a community open house in March toget input and ideas from the community tobetter utilize the space on the corner of Dateand Seacoast Dr. There were many creativeideas written on the boards as communitymembers and business owners stopped by.

These funds donated by IB Beautiful wereraised from the managing of the weeklyImperial Beach Farmer’s Market held Fridaysat Portwood Pier Plaza. IB Beautiful is alsoholding their annual “Meet and Greet” whichis open to the public, on April 25. TheFarmer’s Market is also looking for addition-al farmers and vendors.

If interested, visit IB Beautiful’s website athttp://www.ibbeautiful.org/. IB Beautiful thelocal community group that does more thanjust the Imperial Beach’s Farmer’s Market.

Candy Unger NamedWoman of the YearCandy has been instrumental inbuilding a more diverse and engagedcommunity service sector PG. 14

CONTACT US TO HAVE YOUR FRONT PAGE BANNER ADVERTISEMENT PLACED HERE

[email protected] (619) 779-7846

BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

City officials with residents and business owners attend the open house atthe pocket park JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

It’s not every day our local Imperial Beach Firefighters get to meetsomeone who’s life they saved. PAGE 3

2| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP COMMUNITY

AMERICAN LEGION POST 8201268 Palm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 423-7662

As an organization, we are here for Veterans and theirfamilies. The Post consists of those members whohave served honorably in the Armed forces and areserving today on active duty. It is serving during con-flicts that make this organization so worthy to belongto. The Auxiliary are those women and girls that areWifes, daughters, mothers, grandmothers and step

daughters eligible to be members. The Sons of the American Legion orSAL’s are those sons, grandsons and stepsons who have had a parentwho is in the American Legion. Come on down to the Post home if youfall into any one of these categories. We will let you know how to becomea member.

FLEET RESERVE ASSOCIATION (FRA) BRANCH 289659 Silver Strand Blvd.,Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 429-3485

We are a non-profit organization comprised of activeduty, veterans and retirees of the US Navy, MarineCorps and Coast Guard. Besides gathering for cama-raderie, the Branch supports, among other things,the Warrior Foundation, Wounded Warriors, BoysClub of Imperial Beach, Imperial Beach Little League

Baseball and softball, and bestows scholarship donations to patrioticyoung men and women. Regularly, Branch members visit warriors atBalboa Naval Hospital providing toiletry articles and cookies. The branchalso makes its presence during National Holidays supporting functionsin Imperial Beach. Come on by for membership information. We wouldwelcome your visit any time.

VFW POST 5477 SILVER STRAND123 Palm Ave.,Imperial Beach, CA 91932 (619) 424-6666

Proudly supports US veterans of all past and presentwars. We are committed to supporting the needs ofour veterans, currently deployed troops, their familiesand our community. Post 5477 welcomes all membersand active duty. For information on membership,stop on by or give us a call.

MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS Publishers Notes: Hello Imperial Beach!

IB Connection is your brand newcommunity based newspaper cre-ated by local IB residents for you,our neighbors, for the purpose ofcelebrating our wonderful commu-nity as well as supporting our localbusinesses. We would like to takethis opportunity to thank all thelocal residents who have respondedto our initial edition which wasmailed last month. It’s been trulyremarkable to see all of the com-munity support. We hosted a boothat the recent Taste of IB event andit was so much of fun to meet faceto face with community memberswhile sharing our first issue. Weappreciate all of your kind words,compliments and feedback and wewould like to say THANK YOU toeveryone. We encourage you to con-tinue to send in your thoughts andshare with us any news, events,information, or just tell us why youlove Imperial Beach as much as wedo!

We would also like to take thisopportunity to introduce ourselvesand our staff! My name is JeannetteShambaugh, and I am the RegionalPublishing Manager. I am a writer,

photographer, and long time resi-dent of Imperial Beach. Our EditorStacey Long is also a longstandinglocal resident and newspaper con-tributor for many years here inImperial Beach. Another local resi-dent, Jordan Jacobo, will be anongoing contributing writer, andwill be helping us with variousvideo projects featuring local resi-dents, businesses, and events thatwe’ll be sharing with you in thecoming months.

We are also excited to announcethat we will be sharing updates andinformation with Paul Spear atwww.digimperialbeach.com, so besure to check out the site for com-plete albums, videos and photos ofvarious events, as well as updates onevents and news that may not becovered in the paper. IB Connec-tion is a truly grass roots organiza-tion. We are off to an amazing startand we’re growing, so if you wouldlike to join our staff to assist as anadvertising sales rep, writer, distrib-utor, or other service, please submityour resume to [email protected].

If there is an event which you

would like us to cover, or somethingyou would like to see in our paper,please send your ideas and infor-mation to [email protected]. You may also con-tribute to our monthly calendar bysubmitting your events to be addedby the last Wednesday of the month.

Our newspaper is mailed free ofcharge each month to many com-munity residents, and if you don’tget one in the mail, they are avail-able at dozens of local businesses.Feel free to contact us if you havequestions about where to pick upthe latest copy. Since we don’tcharge for subscriptions, our papersare available only through the sup-port of our local businesses. We sug-gest you thank them by visiting andpurchasing goods and services fromthem – and remember to make sureand tell them you saw them in thelocal IB Connection!

Thank you IB for welcoming usto the community. We look forwardto being the very best positive com-munity news source Imperial Beachhas ever seen.

- Jeannette Shambaugh, RPM

It’s not every day our local Imperial BeachFirefighters get to meet someone whose lifethey saved. In early March this year, we werelucky enough to be a part of this incrediblereunion! On March 7, Stephen and LoriMahoney came down to the firehouse toreunite with the local heroes who savedStephen’s life just one year ago. It was a beau-tiful reunion full of tears and joy. The entireteam was there and they were able to walkStephen and Lori through the entire lifesavingprocess they endured together.

In the early morning at 3:52 am on Febru-ary 18, 2015, Laurie was awakened by Stephenflailing in bed next to her. She woke up andgrabbed him as he fell limp in her arms. Sheimmediately jumped into action and revertedto her CPR training from work, she checkedfor a pulse or a heartbeat but Stephen wasnot responding. She ran to her phone andcalled 911. The 911 dispatch operator Karen,began instructing her to begin “By-Stander”CPR. She calmly counted with her as shebegan to do chest compressions that wouldsave her husband’s life. Within 7 minutesImperial Beach Firefighters arrived and tookover compressions. Stephen’s heart hadstopped and they had to take immediateaction. They quickly inserted a bone marrowIV and gave him the proper medications.

Firefighters stabilized him enough for trans-port and took him to the hospital. It was amiracle that within a year, Stephen wouldmake a full recovery. The quick thinking ofhis wife Lori, the dispatcher and IB Firefight-ers, Stephen was able to enter and completethe Tour of San Diego Bike Race earlier thisyear. It was a proud moment for the entirefamily as he crossed the finish line.

There are many of us who are not trainedin the basics of lifesaving CPR. It’s one classthat could save you or your loved ones lives.The Imperial Beach Fire Department is nowoffering these lifesaving CPR Classes withopen enrollment to the public. Signing up iseasy, stop by the Fire department to sign upat 865 Imperial Beach Blvd. Classes are only$60.00 per person and will be held in thecommunity room located behind 825 Impe-rial Beach Blvd. All classes start at 9 am andwill be held once per month through Decem-ber. The first class will be held on April 23,2016.

Stephen and Lori Mahoney would like togive a special thank you to the entire teamwho saved Stephen’s life. Without them thisreunion would not be possible. From the bot-tom of their hearts THANK YOU IB FIREHOUSE!! Saving one life at a time!

COMMUNITY MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 | 3

Family Reunites with IB Firefighters Who Saved His Life

Firefighters showing Stephen and Lori the tools they used to save Stephen's life. JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH


PET OF THE MONTHDahlia is an active, playful spayed 3 year old Pit Bull Ter-rier. She currently weighs 75 lbs. She was originally foundas a stray in January when she was brought in to theshelter. She would thoroughly enjoy the activity of longwalks and maybe a game of fetch. Dahlia would do bestin a home with children 10 years of age or above due toher play style. She gets along with many dogs and anintroduction can be done at the shelter before you adopt.She is not recommended for a home with cats.

The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility is observing an adop-tion special, "Pardon a Pit" for the month of April for allPit Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier Mix adoptions, soDahlia's adoption fee is $25 and includes her beingspayed, microchipped, dewormed and vaccinated. Formore information call the adoption counselor at 619-691-5174 or email [email protected].

Do You Know the Story Behind the Stairs? BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

If you have been out to the beach lately, youwill have noticed the newly exposed steps at theend of Imperial Beach Blvd. and Seacoast, directlyunder the ART sign. With these years, El Niño infull effect, our beaches have undergone some seri-ous changes and erosion like never before. Youcan walk up and down the beaches in IB and seethe effects of it everywhere. There is one placethat stands out more then all of the rest. The newlyexposed stairs under the ART sign. Depending onthe day or time you go, you can see that there aremore than 22 newly exposed steps to the beach.Historically, there have always been 3 or 4 stepsexposed. I have lived in IB for more than 9 yearsand have never seen these steps. Where did theycome from? How many are there? When werethey made? Who put them there? That’s why weneed your help IB. Please send in your letters tothe editor at ibconnectionnewsdesk@ gmail.comwith your information and let’s find out togetherthe story behind the stairs.

MUSIC4| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

MUSIC HOPPIN’Adams Avenue Unplugged is like a 2-mile-

long walkabout, but with music as the princi-pal commodity.

The annual music fest takes place this yearon the weekend of April 30 and May 1 alonga two-mile stretch of Adams Avenue, fromUniversity Heights on the west through Nor-mal Heights and into parts of Kensington tothe east.

There will be 150 live musical performances.Unlike many other festivals, where performersplay on outside stages, these performers willdo their musical numbers inside restaurants,bars, coffee houses and galleries.

“Being able to pair the Avenue’s unique din-ing and drinking establishments, each withtheir own special ambiances and selections,with free musical performances, makes AdamsAvenue the place to be on the last weekend ofApril,” says the sponsoring Adams AvenueBusiness Association on its website. “TheAABA hopes to treat musical aficionados andfoodies to the rich neighborhood culture.”

Performances will be held from noon to 10p.m. on Saturday, April 30, and noon to 7 p.m.on Sunday, May 1. The business associationsays some artists will be playing multiple sets,allowing attendees more opportunity to seeand hear their favorite performers.

Here’s biographical information on someof the performers, courtesy of the AdamsAvenue Business Association:

Sam Outlaw“The music I play, I call ‘SoCal country,’”

says Outlaw. “It’s country music but with aSouthern California spirit to it. What is itabout Southern California that gives it thatspirit, I don’t exactly know. But there’s an ideathat I like that says — every song, even happysongs, are written from a place of sadness. Ifthere’s a special sadness to Southern Californiait’s that there’s an abiding shadow of loss ofwhat used to be. But then, like with any place,you have a resilient optimism as well.”

Augie MeyersAugie Meyers’ style and his Vox Continental

has become one of music’s most distinctivekeyboard sounds around. Augie can be heardwith the Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornados,Meyers’ solo efforts as well as on landmarkalbums by Bob Dylan (”Time Out of Mind”

and “Love and Theft”) and John Hammond(“Wicked Grin”). Echoes of the Meyers’ styleand sound can be heard in the music of theDoors, the Kinks, the Animals as well as theBeatles, just to name a few.

Rolling out of San Antonio, Texas in theearly ’60s, the Sir Douglas Quintet, a musicalpartnership formed with Doug Sahm, broughtsuch hit tunes as “Mendocino” and “She’sAbout a Mover.” Fusing Tex-Mex, Conjuntoand soulful rock along with the power of Mey-ers’ distinctive Vox organ, is an impact stillbeing felt in rock ‘n’ roll today.

There will be a cover charge at the Kens-ington Club for Augie Meyers’ performance

The Cactus Blossoms“When my brother (Page Burkum) and I

started making music as The Cactus Blossoms,there wasn’t a big plan,” says Jack Torrey. “Wecut our teeth performing some well knownand obscure country songs that were popularor unpopular pre-1960, partly out of curiosityand deep appreciation, but mostly because itwas fun. Early on we were given a residencyat the Turf Club in St. Paul, Minn. We got aband together and it became our weekly prac-tice-in-public where we would pull out everysong we could think of, no matter how wellwe knew it. It was our first chance to play allnight and do whatever we wanted. Over thecourse of our year and a half at the Turf Clubour repertoire had snowballed into an amal-gam of original songs and a bunch of gutwrenching, tongue-in-cheek heartbreakers,that were 30 years older than us. Not everyonecould tell what was new and what was old,and it didn’t really matter. People just seemedto enjoy it. That’s when the wheel got goingand gave the illusion of spinning backwards.We weren’t born in the wrong era. We just gotinto some music from a different era andfound a way to make it our own.”

Allison Lonsdale“I am a singer-songwriter guitarist,” says

Lonsdale. “I’ve been doing this since I was 12,and doing it competently since I was 16. I per-formed with San Diego Celtic folk band TheWild Oats (not to be confused with the WildOats band from the UK) during the 1990s andstarted performing solo in 1999. I play myoriginal songs about sex, science and God, full

of metaphors from math, physics, biology, thesupernatural, comic books, Tibetan Bud-dhism, and role-playing games, at coffeehousesand science fiction conventions.”

Birdy and the Bow TieBirdy and the Bow Tie are inspired by early

20th century music, particularly vintage jazzfrom the 1920s through the 1940s. The duo’sappealing sound is a mix of Alison Marae’scontralto vocals and cheery ukulele with WilForbis’ tasty lead guitar and jazzy scat. Throwninto live shows are dreamy harmonies, softshoe percussion and scat solos. The duo playsvintage acoustic jazz, swing, blues and origi-nals inspired by generations past.

The duo hosts community ukulele eventsand workshops, where people gather to strumand sing along to different ukulele songbooksthat they’ve arranged. They also teachukulele, guitar, voice and piano out of theirhome studio in San Diego.

Britt Doehring“My name is Brittney Marie Doehring but

most just call me Britt. I am 23 years old. I’mcaught in between wanting time to slow downand being excited to enter into a new phaseof my life. My life… blessed is the most appro-priate adjective I can think of to describe it.Whenever I couldn’t fall asleep when I wasyounger, my mom always used to tell me totry to count my blessings. Of course, I couldnever possibly do that which always ended upputting me right to sleep. Safe to say, mymom’s a smart woman. Music is where myheart’s been all my life and I doubt that any-thing will ever change that. My parents havehome videos of me at around age three singingmy little heart out to “Rudolph the Red NosedReindeer” and “Can You Feel The LoveTonight.”.I’ve been singing ever since I canremember. I learned to play the guitar when Iwas fourteen. It started as a jealousy thingwhen my mom got a guitar for her birthday. Iended up stealing it and haven’t been able toput it down since. . . I love to perform for peo-ple. It’s my absolute favorite feeling in thewhole world to bring a smile to a face that wasonce frowning or bring a tear to someone’seye.”

Adams Avenue Unplugged puts music on your plate

Fanny of Fanny and the Atta Boys

Enter the Blue Sky

Juju Satori

Nathan and Jessie

Robin Henkel

Christie Huff

Sara Petite Band

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

ALSO PERFORMING

BUSINESS MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 | 5

Survey Shows Small Banks Providing Better Rates

You might think economies of scale and ongo-ing federal subsidies to the megabanks wouldmean they’d price services lower than commu-nity banks. Yet MoneyRate.com’s latest semi-annual survey found small banks (holding $5billion or less in deposits) were far more likelyto offer totally free personal checking accountsthan big banks (more than $10 billion indeposits).

Thirty-one percent of small banks surveyedprovide this benefit, compared to 17.5 percentof big banks. Mid-sized banks ($5 – $10 billion)fell in-between at 28 percent.

And among banks charging monthly checkingfees, small and medium-sized banks charged farless — $11.50 compared to $15.15 at big banks.Ten banks and thrifts in each of 25 large U.S.metropolitan markets were included in the sur-vey, conducted during July-August of 2015.

Using your bank card at a non-network ATMalways comes with a fee these days, but the chargeagain varies with bank size. The big banks capturenearly 6 percent more in ATM fees than smallbanks from non-customers, and they chargeaccount holders using out-of-network ATMsabout 17 percent more for the service.

Mid-sized banks again fell between. You mayfind community banks offer unexpected valuein this realm, too. Needham Bank (MA), one ofjust two we contacted for this story, not onlyoffers free checking with no minimum balance,but also automatically reimburses customers forATM fees charged by other banks! Vice President

Eric Morse notes this is possible only becauseNeedham is a mutual bank whose shareholdersalso are customers.

Despite the largest banks controlling moreassets than ever before, the value and servicesmaller banks provide may be starting to pay off.According to Accenture Plc, community bankssaw a 5-percent increase in account holders aged18 to 34, while credit unions gained 3 percent.At the same time, large national and regionalbanking chains lost 16 percent of their millen-nial-age clients.

“Customers appreciate the personal attentionthey find at community banks, even if youngercustomers choose to do most day-to-day trans-actions online,” said one bank president. “Thepersonal attention can’t be replaced.”

Of course, there are many other reasons toseek out community financial institutions ratherthan a megabank. You’ll likely receive more per-sonal service, enable more loans to help localentrepreneurs and keep decision-making powerrooted in your community.

Bob Marino of BankLocal, an online tool thatmeasures the local economic impact of U.S.banks, noted, “our data demonstrate that smallerbanks and credit unions lend substantially moreto small businesses. And when you bank locally,a much larger portion of your deposit is rein-vested back into your community.”

Jeff Milchen is co-director of the American Inde-pendent Business Alliance.

They’re also gaining young customersBY JEFF MILCHEN

Celebrate Independent BookstoresWhen one thinks about

what drives the economy of San Diego County,the highly visible contributions of defense, biotech,medical, communications technology and tourismquickly come to mind. Small business is often over-looked, possibly because the products and servicesprovided by these entrepreneurs are such an inte-gral element in the fabric of the region.

Starting and operating a small business carriesthe same risks, rewards, challenges and dynamicsas major corporations or industries, but withoutthe benefit of the size, scale, and resources enjoyedby the big players. That’s why SCORE was estab-lished here 50 years ago.

SCORE is a national nonprofit volunteer orga-nization with a clear mission: Use the hands-onbusiness experience of our members to help smallbusiness owners succeed. SCORE is a resourcepartner of the Small Business Administration with320 chapters and 11,000 volunteers across thecountry. The national organization started in 1964.

What does SCORE’s mission look like in prac-tical term in San Diego?

Let’s imagine that you are thinking about startingan apparel business or are looking for advice onhow to market to premium customers. Would itbe valuable for you to get advice from someonewho was one of the original six employees ofTommy Bahama?

Interested in doing business with the govern-ment? One of our mentors sits on the board ofthe major supplier council and can guide youthrough DUNS numbers, NAICS, CCR, ORCA,and the other acronyms used in that world to devel-op plans and make contacts.

Are you more comfortable discussing your busi-ness needs in Spanish, or want advice from some-one who has experience in Mexico? SCORE hasbilingual mentors who have operated businesseson both sides of the border.

Financial questions? Applying for a SBA loan?How about meeting with a former Big Eightaccounting firm partner, or an officer of a bankthat served the needs of small businesses every day?

That’s a snapshot of who SCORE is in San DiegoCounty—90 volunteers, a mix of women and men,

current and retired business owners and corporateexecutives, and a selection of ages spanning sixdecades. Collectively, the members have workedin virtually every industry and can share experiencein all business functions.

SCORE volunteers are busy. During 2015SCORE San Diego worked with 9,091 in mentor-ing sessions and workshops, and played a role instarting 751 new businesses and creating 1,044 jobs,according to research conducted for the SCOREFoundation by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Counseling is free, confidential, and customizedto the needs of the client.

“Having SCORE as an on-call resource has beenincredibly important as my business successfullyevolved over several years from an idea, throughprototypes and manufacturing to active sales,” saysYana Mohanty, founder of Geometiles, an inno-vative tool for math education. “I use SCORE men-tors for reality checks and regular advice and spe-cialized topics including manufacturing, finance,packaging, and sales and marketing. They are con-sistently accessible and helpful.”

SCORE also presents workshops on about 40topics, ranging from exploring the basic question“Do you really want to start a business?” to topicsincluding how to write a business plan, tax con-siderations for small businesses, intellectual prop-erty, and tools like QuickBooks. There are fiveworkshops on different aspects of the wild worldof e-commerce and social media.

SCORE San Diego is celebrating its 50th anniver-sary by telling the success stories of its clients whohave contributed so much to San Diego County’svibrant small business community and the region’seconomy. If you can benefit from SCORE’s uniqueand valuable approach to business success, or thinkSCORE would be a great volunteer opportunity,please visit www.sandiego.score.org or call us at(619) 557-7272.

Sally Broff is president of SCORE San Diego. Shehas 35 years of experience in the electronics industry.This opinion piece originally appeared in Times ofSan Diego.

How SCORE Helps San Diego’s Small Businesses Succeed

April 30, 2016 marks celebrations of independent bookstores in both theU.S. (Independent Bookstore Day) and Canada (Authors for Indies).

BY SALLY BROFF

6| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Automotive Museum Opens ‘British Invasion’ Auto Exhibit

The San Diego Automotive Muse-um in Balboa Park has opened its newexhibit -- The British Invasion.

The exhibit, which runs until May31, highlights British automotivemanufacturing since the 1930s. Theexhibit is enhanced with the culturalimpact the British have also had onour fashion, music, and literature (theBeatles, Harry Potter, Twiggy, Down-ton Abbey, and such.)

Featured in the exhibit: a 1933Austin Seven, 1937 MG VA Tourer,1939 Lagonda V12, 1948 Bentley(prototype), 1950 Jaguar Mark VSaloon, 1951 Jowett Jupiter, 1953Jaguar XK 120, 1955 Triumph TR2,1958 Austin A35, 1967 Austin MiniCooper S, 1967 Austin London CabFX4, 1967 Rolls Royce Phantom V,

1969 Jaguar E Type OTS, 1970 Mor-gan 4/4 1600, 1971 Jenson Intercep-tor, 1972 TVR Vixen, and a 2005Aston Martin.

The London taxi was owned anddriven by Frank Sinatra. The RollsRoyce Phantom was used by QueenElizabeth, Princess Grace of Monaco,and several American astronauts.

The museum’s annual fundraiseris centered on this exhibit. That eventwill be Saturday, March 12, from 6to 9 p.m. Call (619) 398-0301 forinformation or tickets.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Admission prices are: $9.00 foradults, $6 for seniors (65 and over),$5 students with ID, $4 children ages

6 –15. Children under the age of6 are admitted free of charge.

PHOTOS BY PAUL BRANDES

Natural History Museum Chooses Smithsonian Veteran as New CEO

The San Diego Natural HistoryMuseum has selected a 30-year vet-eran of the Smithsonian Institutionand a native Californian to becomeits new president and CEO.

Judith Gradwohl, the MacMillanasssociate director for educationand public engagement at theNational Museum of AmericanHistory — the Smithsonian’s thirdlargest museum — will assume thejob on July 1, the start of the muse-um’s fiscal year.

Gradwohl will replace Michael“Mick” Hager, who will retire June30 after 25 years at the helm of themuseum.

“TheNAT is a gem -- it hassuperb staff and collections and isthe best possible visitor center forthe natural world in San DiegoCounty and Baja,” said Gradwohl.“This role is a perfect fit, as it bringstogether my work in field biology,environmental conservation, digitaloutreach, education, and museum

management at the Smithsonian.”Gradwohl has held various lead-

ership positions within the Smith-sonian Institution. In 1985, shestarted at the National Zoo focus-ing on animal behavioral research,education, and exhibits, and thenwent on to establish the Smithso-nian’s Office of EnvironmentalAwareness where she curated largetraveling exhibitions and raisedmajor funding toward operationsand projects.

Gradwohl developed the Smith-sonian’s first exhibition website,after which she joined the NationalMuseum of American History, theSmithsonian’s third largest muse-um. There, she supervised thedevelopment of the museum’s webpresence and, in 2004, became partof the senior leadership team,assuming her most recent role.

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson) Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson) Alan Land (Photo: Dennis Anderson)

Judy Gradwohl will assume the post ofpresident and CEO of the San DiegoNatural History Museum on July 1.

MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 | 7

MUSIC8| APRIL 2016 | MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

San Diego has many wonderful musiciansliving in its midst, but few have had the impacton our local community as saxophonist JoeMarillo, who passed away on March 26 at age83. He had been battling cancer.

Marillo, who lived in Normal Heights, wasfar more than a musician; he was a catalyst, apromoter, bringing together musicians andmusic fans and in the process helping to createthis city’s jazz scene. He was also a belovedteacher and mentor to hundreds of local musi-cians. It’s safe to say his legacy will live on inhis recordings and filmed appearances but evenmore so in his students playing.

Marillo moved to San Diego from his nativeNew York in 1974, complete with an alreadyimpressive resume. Although known today forhis love of jazz, early on Marillo played R&B,first in the Buffalo area with his own band, andthen beginning in 1955 with Jimmy Cavallo &The Houserockers. It would be Marillo’s firsttaste of national fame as he and his band caughtthe initial wave of rock ’n’ roll and performedfor legendary DJ Alan Freed, appearing in his1956 movie, “Rock, Rock, Rock!” and scoringa recording contract with Coral Records — thesame label as Buddy Holly — in the process.

It didn’t take long after his arrival in SanDiego for Marillo to become an integral partof the music community, booking national tal-ent at the Catamaran and bringing jazz tovenues such as La Jolla’s Elario’s and Chuck’sSteakhouse, helping establish music as a drawlocally. He also released several albums on hisown and with pianist Mike Wofford, as well asguesting with numerous locals, including play-ing on several abums by guitarist Buddy Blue,who even recorded a track, “The Joe MarilloStory,” on his 1999 album, “Dipsomania.”

“I met Joe two years ago,” said Joe Flammini,owner of famed coffeehouse Java Joe’s, whereMarillo held a residency. “He walked into JavaJoe’s one day and said, ‘I want to play here.’ I

agreed without even knowing who he was. Hehad that vibe.” He played a weekly afternoongig. “I don’t remember which day it was,because he showed up five times a week topractice,” Flammini with a smile. “So every daywas a gig for Joe. What did I enjoy about hismusic? It was his enjoyment when he nailed asong. Which he would often do.”

Marillo was also a mainstay at local jazzvenue Dizzy’s. “Joe loved everything about jazz,

the history, the process, the practice and thepresentation,” said owner Chuck Perrin. “It’shard not to like someone as passionate aboutthe music as he was.”

“I got a chance to record Joe Marillo forBuddy Blue’s album, Dipsomania,” said pro-ducer Sven Erik Seaholm. “Buddy had gottenquite inspired by the idea that Joe was an amaz-ing jazz musician whose genius had somehownot been given its due. So Buddy wrote a whole

spoken word piece that pretty much hit thebullet points on Joe’s resume, including hisappearance in the Alan Freed film and histenure in Buddy’s own band some years later.”Blue called up Marillo and very respectfullyasked if he would play his saxophone behindhis words on the recording. “Not only was Joetotally on board with the concept, but his replywas so cool that Buddy added it into the pieceword for word and had Joe speak it on therecording,” Seaholm recalled.

Violinist Jamie Shadowlight worked withMarillo in various projects for many years. “Iloved his tone,” she said. “Strong and breathyand very much like Stan Getz. I most admiredthe fact that he was a totally unique humanbeing, in every way. He was Joe Marillo andthere is only one Joe Marillo, He lived outsideof the system. He was a challenge and pleasureto work with, a lot of laughs, a lot of personalityand a lot of helping others get their start. Hewas a true character. I met so many musiciansthrough playing with Joe, most notably, MikanZlatkovich and Gilbert Castellanos. Joe wasalways giving people a chance to play.”

“He was history on the hoof,” noted RebeccaZearing, owner of Rebecca’s Coffeehouse,where Marillo was a regular. “He spoke of StanKenton and Miles Davis as friends. He was likeJack Webb on the old ‘Dragnet’ TV show. Nobull, just fact. He was a treat for me to talk toand if it was about music and history he waseasy. I always loved him the most when heplayed his saxophone. It was rich, and theinstrument looked heavy as heck,” she said.“When he played sax, he let go and went some-where else, maybe to his younger days?”

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared insdnews.com, San Diego Community NewspaperGroup. Reprinted with permission.

Local Musicians Mourn Loss of Jazz Legend Joe Marillo BY BART MENDOZA

Joe Marillo performing at the 2003 San Diego Music Awards.

Joe Marillo1932-2016


By Bart Mendoza

April 24Celebrate David Bowie’s Music with Holy HolyThe music world is still in mourning over the recent passing oficonic musician David Bowie, so the appearance of tribute group,Holy Holy, at the Music Box on April 24, offers a wonderful oppor-tunity for fans to get together and celebrate his life and music. Butthis is no mere gathering of players. A true all-star band, on handwill be Woody Woodmansey, original drummer for Bowie’s famedbacking band, The Spiders from Mars, as well as famed bassist/pro-ducer,Tony Visconti, frontman Glenn Gregory, best known for hiswork with synthpop combo, Heaven 17, and Terry Edwards, who isa founding member of the UK group, the Higsons. Holy Holy, playsa changing set list that includes hits, but also deep catalog cuts, mak-ing this show a Bowie fanatics dream come true. musicboxsd.com

May 2Solid Blend of Punk, Glam Stomp and Powerpop HooksBritish rock trio The Subways returns to San Diego for a show atthe Casbah on May 2. Touring behind their new, self-titled album,the key to the band’s sound is down to their manic energy andthe vocal interplay between guitarist Billy Lunn and bassist Char-lotte Cooper resulting in a solid blend of punk, glam stomp andpowerpop hooks. The Subways rock hard enough to have beenasked to open for AC/DC, but still pack enough hooks into theirsongs, such as “Good Times,” to appeal to crossover pop listeners.www.casbahmusic.com

April 23Shadowlight: Accompanist of ChoiceThere’s prolific and then there is violinist Jamie Shadowlight, whoappears at Java Joe’s On April 23. The sheer number of artists she hasperformed with is staggering. Gifted at everything from classical tohard rock, in addition to her own groups, Shadowlight has been theaccompanist of choice for dozens of performers ranging from jazzheroes Joe Marillo and Gilbert Castellanos to country combo, ThePalominos and rocker Joey Harris. A beloved lynchpin of the localmusic community, this intimate performance at Java Joe’s will confirmthat Shadowlight is truly one of San Diego’s musical treasures.www.javajoessd.com

April 28Warm Vocals and Cryin’-in-Your-Beer WeepersSan Francisco Indie Pop/Americana duo Sugar Ponies performs atLestat’s on April 28. Touring behind their second album, “Its A Sign,”the pair’s music is built around the warm vocals of Suzanne Kramer,with a broad palette of influences, including a pop edge that matchesrock elements to country flourishes, infusing songs such as “Happy IsFor Humans,” with melody to spare. Particularly striking is theirsparse, crying-in-your-beer weeper, “Give A Girl A Break,” but any-where you drop the needle on the Sugar Ponies latest will bring up awinner. www.lestatscoffeehouse.com

April 28’60s Rock with a Touch of Punk EnergyRock ‘n’ roll fans will want to check out Gone Baby Gone, appearingat Bar Pink on April 28 on a bill with Bad Kids and Big Bloom. Theevent celebrates the release of their latest album, “Love Stories,” butit’s live where the band excels, turning in their own cool garage rock-ers such as “Miss Bossy” alongside occasional covers by the likes ofThe Animals or Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. Led by Dynamic front-woman Dizzy Collins, the group is perfect for anyone who likestheir ’60s-influenced rock infused with a touch of punk energy.www.barpink.com

May 17Chance to See and Hear Modern English Tunes LiveAlthough relegated to one-hit-wonder status, ’80s new wavefavorites Modern English, who appear at the Hideout on May 17were in truth more of an album band, their dense, guitar-led indierock sound leading them through four now classic albums in theirinitial run. Testimony to the power of a great song, their signaturetune, “I Melt With You,” actually never charted higher then No. 76in the U.S., but the ensuing years have seen it become a standard,covered by bands worldwide and heard on soundtracks galore.Only drummer Richard Brown is missing from the original lineup,which continues to release new music so longtime fans will bethrilled for a chance to see and hear Modern English’s classic tuneslive. www.thehideoutsd.wordpress.com

Jamie Shadowlight

Spiders from Mars

Gone Baby Gone

Sugarponies

Modern English

Subways


I B C ONNECT I ONIB Connection is published by Mid City Newspaper Group

228 Evergreen Imperial Beach, CA 91932MidCityNewspaperGroup.comAssociate Publisher: Brad Weber

Regional Associate Publisher: Jeannette ShambaughEditor / Office Manager: Stacey R. Long

Graphics: Chris Baker • Stacey R. LongSales: Stacey R. Long • Jeannette Shambaugh

Distribution: Jeannette Shambaugh Writers/Contributors: Jeannette Shambaugh • Jordan Jacobo • Paul Spear

Photographers: Jeannette Shambaugh • Jordan Jacobo

Please call our newsdesk at (619) 779-7846, or e-mail [email protected]

Re: Advertising, Story Coverage/Calendar items/Letters to the Editor Send all Ad copies to: [email protected]

Coming to theatres this Friday from direc-tor/writer Ben Falcone, Melissa McCarthy andSteve Mallory along with Universal Pictures arethe rules of knowing who is THE BOSS.

Life hasn't always been easy for Michelle Dar-nell (Melissa McCarthy). Being turned awayfrom families, she made it clear early on thatshe was going to become something all on herown. Becoming the 7th richest person in theworld, she has no problem telling people whatshe thinks or feels.

Especially to her assistant Claire (KristenBell) treating her roughly and not really caringabout her life. What Michelle doesn't realize isthat watching her from afar is Renault (PeterDinklage), a former lover and co-worker whois still holding a 25-year old grudge. In an actof revenge, Renault calls the authorities toreport Michelle for insider trading.

Sentenced to time in prison, Michelle bidesher time. Claire finds a new job working withMike (Tyler Labine) who has a tad bit of a crushon Claire. Keeping herself busy raising daughterRachel (Ella Anderson), she is surprised tocome home from work to find Michelle on herdoorstep. Knowing there is no place for her togo since her assets had been seized; Claire agreesto let her stay until for a while.

Asking Michelle to take Rachel to her Dan-delion meeting, Michelle comes up with a wildidea and a way to make money again. UsingClaire's brownie recipe she creates her owntroop of girls and sells the brownies!

The problem is Michelle still has to deal withRenault who wants to steal what's hers, dealingwith feelings of family and keeping crazy Dan-delion Mom Helen (Annie Mumolo) - what'sa bossy ginger to do?

McCarthy as Michelle is a sharply dressedrich lady with a bad attitude about life and fam-ily. Thinking only of herself it is inevitable thatlooking down (sorry Peter) on someone willcatch up. McCarthy is just brilliant in this rolegiving straight forward comedy that truly didhave everyone in the theatre laughing hysteri-cally and shooting an asner or two. Never eator drink during a McCarthy movie is what I'mbeginning to think. That being said there isn'tanything about this film and her role that I did-n't like.

Bell as Claire is a little less flamboyant butinstead doing the 'television-sweater-loose-bra-

wearing' single Mom who doesn't really putout an effort to better her situation - financiallyor romantically. It takes a crazy lady likeMichelle to point out her flaws. Bell gets achance to be a little more dowdy and down toearth as a brownie baking Mom.

Dinklage as Renault is a man on a missionof revenge. Feeling he is owed more than a sillyapology, the Samurai wanna-be is in destructmode. I love when Dinklage gets a chance toput in a little comedic time and

I have seen him do it well (check outKNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM if you don'tbelieve me!). Spending the last few years in seri-ous Tyrion Lannister mode - this had to havebeen fun for him.

Anderson as young Rachel is so adorable Ican't stand it. She takes to Michelle when mostpeople would run the other way. She is accept-ing of the craziness and wants the best for notonly her Mom but the lady who is makingthings difficult. Mumolo as Dandelion MomHelen is completely insane and the showdownwith Michelle is nothing short of Matrix action.

Labine as Mike is what most would considerthe average nice guy who really does have acrush on Claire. His "hitting" skills could use alittle work but then again the fact that he does-n't have those skills would make me take notice.There is a scene that Labine had me falling outof my chair and I want to thank him for beingsuch a good sport about it. Yes, you'll know itwhen you see it.

Other cast include: Cecily Strong as DanaDandridge, Mary Sohn as Jan Keller, Eva Peter-son as Chrystal, Timothy Simons as Stephan,Aleandra Newcomb as Mariana, Presley Coleyas Hannah, Kathy Bates as Ida Marquette andBen Falcone as Marty.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give THE BOSSfour and a half tubs of popcorn out of five.This must be the year of jaw dropping andthoroughly hilarious inappropriate comedybecause I came home with my sides hurting. Ilove that McCarthy delivers her lines with dis-tain, snap, straight faced and a stare than cankill.

The audience couldn't contain themselvesand the laughter got very, very loud! Okay, Iwas part of that which makes it even more fun.From the start of the film to the very end Ialmost wanted the theatre to turn up the vol-ume of the film because there were very fewmoments where people weren't laughing and Ididn't want to miss anything!

I also loved that Falcone, McCarthy and Mal-lory had no problem bringing the male jokesin for the ladies to enjoy. Of course it madejaws completely drop (pun intended) and Iknew that that alone was cause for me to telleveryone to see it. Hey, it's time the guys got inon the jokes.

As much as I enjoy Bell as well, it is McCarthywho steals the entire show and I personallydon't have a problem with that in the slightest.She looks great too! I want to throw a shout-out to Kathy Bates who has a small role in thefilm. Yes Ms. Bates I think everything you havedone and continue to do is just frakken fantasticso thanks and it is great to see you outside of ahorror story.

So if you’re looking for a whammy of a goodlaugh then head out this weekend for THEBOSS...take lots of friends.

In the end - watch your assets!

BY JERI JACQUIN

THE BOSS Tests the Amount ofLaughter One Person Can Take

MOVIE MAVENS


HONU BJJ Jiu Jitsu holds ribboncutting ceremony BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

HONU BJJ Jiu Jitsu held their ribbon cuttingceremony and joined the Imperial BeachChamber of Commerce on Saturday, March13th. Honu BJJ Jiu Jitsu specializes in BrazilianJiu Jitsu classes for kids ages 3 and up. Children,teens, women and men from beginner toadvanced levels are welcome and in a safe, clean,professional and family fun environment.HONU BJJ was created in December of 2012,when two longtime friends and training part-ners tossed a series of ideas around ultimatelyforming HONU BJJ. Coming from two differ-

ent BJJ lineage umbrellas, they fused togethera brand that would not only incorporate wherethey live, their commitment to family, theirlifestyle, but also the vision they want othersto see. HONU BJJ is located at 631 9th Streetand they are open on Monday, Wednesday andFriday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Stop by andtry a free class. If you are interested or wouldlike more information, you can visit their web-site at www.honubjj.com or call at 619-365-HONU (4668).

Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce welcoming HONU BJJ to our community. JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Families in IB celebrate Easter at the Beach

Families from all over Imperial Beachjoined together for the yearly Easter EggHunt at the Portwood Pier Plaza on March26th. The IB Egg Hunt committee spentcountless hours filling up hundreds of eggsfor kids to collect. Before the hunt began,the Easter Bunny arrived on the fire truckwith Imperial Beach Firefighters escortinghim safely to the beach. Families also enjoyedafree arts and crafts booth sponsored by theBoys and Girls Club. Every child alsoreceived a free raffle ticket for the big raffleat the end. Exactly at 10:30am Mayor Dedinaand the Easter Bunny said GO! Children ranwith excitement and filled their baskets fullof eggs. It was truly a magical and excitingtime for the kids of IB. When all of the eggswere collected the big raffle contest began

and the big prizes were given out. This yearthere were two new additions to the event,the Tot-Lot and the adult raffle prizes. IBPosse came out and built a beautiful Easteregg sand sculpture for families to enjoy. Itwas truly a beautiful way to kick off Easter. Icaught up with Sha-Ron Cobb, chair of theIB Egg Hunt Committee and she said Weowe a very big thank you to our wonderfuland very giving community.

She would like to give a very special thankyou to all of the hard working committeemembers Aaron Ruiz, James de la Cerna,Shawna Rauch, Josie Hamada, Evie Ramisierand Elizabeth McKay. Also IB Possee, all ofthe countless volunteers and all of the spon-sors. Thank You IB without you events likethis are not possible. -Jeannette Shambaugh


The SBUSD has many wonderful pro-grams to offer and one of them is the Visualand Performing Arts (VPA) programhoused at Mendoza Elementary School. Itis made up of approximately 96studentsand consists of one 4th grade, one 5th gradeand one 6th grade class composed of stu-dents from all over the South Bay UnionSchool District. These classes are selectivelyassembled with a specific rubric and all stu-dents enrolled must submit an application,essay of intent and a letter of recommen-dation from their current teacher. Studentsreceive rigorous Common Core Academicinstruction as well as concentrated lessonsin Choral Music, Basic Musicianship, DanceCombinations, Fine Art, Set Design andDramatic Performance and artistic disci-plines are integrated within each and everyschool day. At the beginning of the yearthe VPA teachers Mrs. Wahamaki, Mrs.Cappadona and Ms. King, select a produc-tion and they begin the laborious processof creating a professional quality set, full ofdrama, music, creativity and art. All of thestages, props and the sets are created from

the students, teachers, parentvolunteers andVPA Assistant Mrs. McCoy.Each year thestudents put on a variety of performancesleading up to their feature show. This year’sVPA feature “Once Upon a Mattress” wasbreathtaking, funny and full of talent andsurprises! Students created a magical worldand put on a show where they invitedtheaudience to join them in a magical kingdomfit for a queen. The VPA students performedthe play for each and every student in ourentire district.One by one each and everyschool in the South Bay came and watchedstudents as they performed. By the finalshow students performed the play over 28times in just 2 weeks. They do all of thisduring the school day while stillkeeping upwith the district’srigorouscurriculum. It istruly is a remarkable program that inspiresthe Arts into the school day. If you areinterested in enrolling your student orwould like more information you can visittheir website at www.mendoza.sbusd.org orcall 424-0100 and ask for Mrs. McCoy inthe VPA Department.

SBUSD Visual and Perfuming Arts Program(VPA) Accepting Applications BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Hundred of children enjoying the IB Egg Hunt at Portwood Pier Plaza. JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

WE INVITE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR PUBLICATION

We want to hear from you. Contact us at: (619)779-7846 or [email protected]

I B C ONNECT I ON


Advertise your Event here with IB Connection

Call 619-779-7846 or mail us at: [email protected]

Advertise your Event here








AD SALES REP WANTED

Adams Avenue News • Bay Park ConnectionThe Boulevard News • Hillcrest News

IB Connection • KEN-TAL NewsNorth Park News • South Park News

We are growing and expanding so if you are not in any of these areas –apply anyway as we will be there soon!

[email protected]

April 18th is Tax Day! Don’t Delayin getting Your Taxes Done byyour Liberty Tax Specialist The perks of filing with your Liberty Tax Specialist.

Candy Unger was named 2016 “Woman ofthe Year” by Toni Atkins Office in March. Shereceived her award with other dignitaries at aluncheon put on by Speaker Emeritus ToniAtkins office. When Candy Unger wasyounger her compassion for children was cre-ated when she was caught in the middle offamily conflict. This sparked the idea to starther own company where she is professionallyinvolved in providing monitoring services forFamily Court in San Diego County. Candyhas long been a champion of increasing infras-tructure and services for parks and recreationin Imperial Beach. Through her organizationI Heart IB, she has helped to lead efforts toidentify recreational opportunities for dogowners in Imperial Beach, played a major rolein advocating for a free skate park, and was a

leader in the successful effort to preserve com-munity access to the Sports Park RecreationalComplex. Additionally, she initiated a success-ful grassroots campaign to bring back a com-munity-centered July 4th Celebration forImperial Beach that has become a big success.A founding member of the Imperial BeachCollaborative, Candy has been instrumentalin building a more diverse and engaged com-munity service sector in Imperial Beach. As acoordinator and administrator at the ImperialBeach Chamber of Commerce, Candy hashelped to increase membership among minor-ity-owned businesses and has helped to pro-mote successful and inclusive communityevents for Imperial Beach residents. ImperialBeach is lucky to have a woman in our cornerfighting for us like Candy Unger. Congratu-lations Candy!

Imperial Beach’s CandyUnger Named Woman of theYear by Toni Atkins office


Candy Unger, Tim O'Neal, Speaker Emeritus Toni Atkins and Mayor Serge Dedina. JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

When you visit a Liberty Tax office, youcan rely on real help from real people. LibertyTax provides products and tax services withreal benefits. With Tax Day (April 18th)quickly approaching you will find yourfriendly Liberty Tax specialist ready to assistwith any of your tax needs. Liberty Tax offersFree Estimates, Free Extensions, help applyingfor an ITIN and even a $50.00 refer a friendreferral program. When you file with LibertyTax you can rest assure that your taxes aredone right. They stand behind their workwith their 100% accuracy guarantee. LibertyTax offices will give you the most accurate

return and the largest possible refund. Theyguarantee to help you year round at no extracharge. Liberty Tax offices guarantee their ser-vices 100%. If you are not satisfied with thetax preparation service for any reason, theoffice will refund your tax preparation fees.You can rest assure that your taxes are doneright when you file with Liberty Tax. Call toschedule an appointment today with yourneighborhood Liberty Tax Specialist at 619-271-1811 or stop by the 1555 Palm Ave loca-tion.

Liberty Tax, Fast Accurate and Friendly.

Mr. Liberty getting his taxes done. JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH




Electriquettes Coming to Balboa ParkA small fleet of the Electri-

quettes is coming to BalboaPark in the spring.

The dapper gentleman inthe photo is riding an Electri-quette, a replica of thesame motorized wicker cartswidely used during San Diego’s1915 Panama-California Expo-sition. The fleet of electric cartswas supposed to be introducedto the park for the 2015 BalboaPark centennial celebration,but it, and many other ideasand proposals, fell throughwhen the big civic party infa-mously imploded.

“The city did take a while to

get the agreement going,” saidKim Keeline, who’s doing themarketing for the Electri-quettes. “But we’re thrilledthat we’re able to get them tothe park now.”

Keeline said the carts, thebrainchild of San Diego devel-oper Sandy Shapery, will beavailable for the public to rentout possibly as soon as March.She said folks will only beallowed to cruise up and downEl Prado pedestrian walkwayand on the sidewalks in frontof the Botanical Building. Fornow, a ride on one of the cartswill cost you $10 for 15 min-

utes or $25 for an hour.Part of the delayed roll-out

of the carts was because thecity had to put out a publicrequest for proposals for “bat-tery-powered wicker cart con-cessions.” It released the requestlast March and — big sur-prise — Shapery was the onlyone to respond.

Keeline said the carts,designed by architect and his-torian David Marshall to behistorically accurate, were quitepopular during the Panama-California Exposition.

“So, we hope they’ll be aspopular today,” she said.


Janua

L San Dy 2016arry

Sar

Diego6

Jan

convarriva

eabrwe

to ouk k VIP

id d a wealth

hi k d away to our accom

ovided a wealth b tiful hotel in 2

verted to a b

akfast and prtorainTrSkythe

ending parade of unique wedmaneuver

er

eom the start ~ E

s r, jo

eatment frtr

oine

of local knowledge. On thv

2009 David, the ownermmodation, a former 1920’

toRiverPhrayaChaothof local knowledge. On this f

o

M darin

RivePhrayaChaothe

t ant at the Mandarincraft that ply the waters. water

id nceesidenceEarly am

ed us for , ee day

vi the iew fr

n Orientaln Oriental Enjoyed

24 ~ Jan 27 / SJanused by former en

bquaint villages in

lsbt

i ine what lRex Hotel, the Op

Kathryn aa Ja

feed tor

h

/ Flight arrival Saigon. VSaigon

ces to hide and storMlushbeautifulh

nemy for

iti jungle setting, w

House and other significan

Saigon is a vibrant, sprawli

e i

ith obvious sig

life must have been like tlif st have been like therpera House and other sig

and Lance, San D

i

unnels, u

b rveobserve their supplies. A private

to Delta

wth Seeing the

Mekong

owth. Seeing the

while meandering along

efnt landm

ng city with skyscrapers

k l ft us tryings.

gns of grwith skyscrapers

D g

s and 70’in the 60’nt landmarks left us trying

isited the Cu Chi T

neve

folloa

Spa

JanaccridSti

Fle

thes

L g” massage

ending parade qer

owed by a “Jet- Lag” massageid

a.

ont wht i erfr( nals)

n 12 ~ Jan 15 / Bangkok and

d along th

ont, whanied us to riverfr

tte on the klongs (canals) to the

ed along thtter

ew to Phuket and next day w

e water and it was not unusua

i ted te in the in their beautifully appointed testaurant at the Mandarid

e we b il/ Our private driver a

e we boarherd Phuket

ded our longtail

eline had g

her

owounding Ban

eline had garhe shore backwaters surr

d baskdens gr

he shor

ft t Phie sped

al to see a monitor lizar

t the time change in

emple of Dawn annd Grait th T

we sped by motor craft to Phi

teakwoodteakwood

boat for ak k city

and guide

.t f

boat for a

wing out of ngkok city

king in the

i Phi Islandopical

and Palace.

l n a tr

to imagine what l

i Phi Island

30

e a mwonders oJan 27 ~ Jan

temples ar

h

behind their bea

d

atop the temple

struggles and theignedPol Pot r

f

as we witnesse

h i se of a foeverything avai

life must ha

0 / Flew to Siem/

ise

at Angkor W

t eound

A kor Thom and T

d temple grned temple grust see, especially at sunrise, ound

autifully ador

l

ll Our p ecou

h ountry’e walls. Our private guide r

s tragic history ds tragic history durin

. Vd i powerh

he country

d wisiting the local m

d in power

ce is soi

the lanndbl to them fr

d sour

ed first hand how these har

ood sourilable to

ce is something to be

icalm om. These magical Reap to experience the

w ees

a PhrTa

s ooted tril

ds, some with rls personal

watching the glow appear

h

ds, so

arkets was an eye-opener

unted his family’

king people made use of

ng the times when the tyrant

t corpions

markets was an eye-opener

i th fun

working people made use of

eet food

om snakes to scorpions,Fr

ith the sights of strehold. Our dinners in the fun

fopa

wJ

t

dc

t

k li g and adesort to eesort to eor a day of snorkeling and ad

aradise. Back to our r

15 Jan 19 / Hanoi and

R li hwelcomes of those we m

t antdriver to lead the wa

e to continue on. Never rushed a

former “Hanoi Hilton” used to

to Hanoi, wher

S

.yely dinnerenjoy a leisurenjoy a le

djusting to the time change i

li

/ Enjoying the

i er a local beer

eattment with privad th VIP trHa Long Bay

h d seems a new ad

hing 5 coursse lunches, highlig

o

ts lingering over a local beer

Mi h lying at State a

American flyers Our ho

l ’d (bicycle-driven cart) thrand each day seems a new ad

e out in the

H Chi Minh lying at State, an

i t venturhouse American flyers. Our

t an andhti g local

smiles and

eady

ate van and

yr until re

ghting local

fe. Ofdventurough th

r un

e “36

d isiteotel, centrally

dve

e early hours

nd visited the

s otel, centrally

their use of a fo

local dancers w

section of “Pub

a

villages near Tfam300some

werney

e the size

as we jour

J

ntinuingPrabang cam

d it”ce

Stood sour

gized wieet” left us ener

l S p Lake completed our

ith loud mb Str

float

with lovely costumes. Our priv

o i usonle Sap Lake completed o

theinlived oom, y

floatvarious

ay

milies

.yed on our wayof an American living r

i a

f warm smiles and w

b g Laos

l

prise a

flow of warm smiles and

eeffeaturingnd showsi

ith the sights of str

e in awe at how

and showsmusic

e wer

ting. Wstay

whichwhich ofof

vate cruise past the floating

some y

yet all had welcoming smiles houses, ting

l t n with

ith food and

s / Our experience in Luang

eeted us with food and

captivating small town with

welcomes. The owner of thewelcomes. The owner of the

fi ll wed us

located into explor

i

000 ear olde eets filled with som

oss stracrti ns A marvelous drive

dpassing rice

as we boared by our ow

d d ur own privaded oeparseafood pr

3,000 islets and bays.

of Hué and stayed at the ImHué/24J

Lea/

e out in thethe time to ventur

oss the countryside to H

d city and challengee ourselves

dib

5 million scooter bikes com

crme 5 m

edibioss the countrys

e acr

hef cruising for hours pas

i h a falo An incrater buf

wn chef, cruising for hou pj k loungging on the top d

ancito the flew we

h tiles the Citadel,

Hanoi,aving

, Imoya

perial Hotel, exploring the r

erom all

e y

Ha Lon B

ble experience

ming frto maneuver

ble experienceng Bay

st some of thest some of the deck as we ate

citycapital ient

Cit dmperial City and al mausoleums

a continuing

charming for

dcruise up the

example of h

available to t

ferings of ofma tradition d

e innocLaos. A qua

wher

lty home graciouslyvisit

flow

visitforforilloyalty home gracious y

rmer rinto a villa

converted

m the land one highli

Ri er aside the jung

le

h people manage the

fhow the

om the land. one highth m fr

b k to 13etting it is one of t

edible experiincrsticky rice by the townspeople

tinues to have a foo

dating back to 1344 when Bu

cence continues to have a fooaint town setting, it is one of

t boatting our private boateeted us with foo

guests. ting y gr

ovided anothereline pr

cesesour

fr

gle shor

obed

eir lives uusing the full r

eds of s on rfrf feds of safght of our visit was th

e to hundrght of our visit was the sunrise

eak, ando

e to hundr

oduce todhi was first intr

emaining des

ence to vieew at daybr

stinationthe few r

othold.

uddhism was first intr

nigeshing overefrl d d with a r

trs

de

d o

ns

ht

Our priv

of Hué and stayed

. Our privf h nd ma

Citl

laden with walls of h

fedrive

fthe Forbidden City

pr

ti

oviding a completely dif

sites. Having our own drive

perspectivepersonal ahear

id thrT

coast to Hoi An. Our 5* Pa

e the cylco ride thas weris r

i

owestricted in the Old T

iVesh Vow lanes in evening

l

the narr

took a cooking class, masome of the finest fr

f Riv

tive the town an

nch tiles the Citadel, Imd F

id d s many o

vate bvate boat on the Perfume Riv

erent perspective the town an

ietovided us many o

ietnamVVinin lifelifeonon l

er and guide pr

ont Resonwe jouras

e

destrian parad

den Beach Fralm Gar

h h d made lan

gh thee quaint town of Hoi A

wn making it a pedestrian parad

and enj

g all filled with hand made lan

i t mese food imaginable. Oietnamese food

higghlighted by aepes and enj

aking delicate cr

ver was exiting,ous

mp

s nd its wondr

opportunitie

ver was exiting,

the

nd

the downdowndopportunities to

l t ffic

neyed

ehicle traffic rt was excellent

dise olled e strns an

An. V

ns and tastednterdise. W

noon we

oyed a d

nter

f ot and back

One after

a foot and backoyed a delicious

Fin Bangkok

phuus a lifelonf

every dayfor their fa

firsSurprising

ww

i a latO t i conc

f being thankful for

t ” bak, enjoying a late night swim

l that we

t l was a marvelous

meng lesson of being thankful for

amilies seemed always to hav

r

bidable Custom Tforgly Aff

y of what truly was a marvelous

ra

stcabin.com • 858.395.10

eshing o

l ely ho

b hind taug

efrcluded with a r

ld b leaving behind taug

in a lovely hotel, while menta

ca

ack to the USA. The kind, gent

ca

e would be leaving behind taug

h d y toour blessings and to cherish o

il each a

.

each day towho struggleet

o

yneys jourve a welcoming smile each a

s jo

ghtght

ally

e

le,

e

ght

e ararand

our

and

our

tfulestfultook a cooking

ilmassage. Hoi An will longmeal follow by a r

t f vonoon, highlighted by al afterg remain one out our most favo

ed townsed towns.ora .firswww

CA Reg: or

stcabin.com016168 40

EDUCATION MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 | 19

Helen Griffith had little interest in a career ineducation when she came to the UC San Diegocampus as a transfer student. There was no way,she said, she would work around the clock likeher mother did as a teacher and principal.

But one thing stuck: a passion for reading and,hand-in-hand, libraries. She grew up loving theiconic Geisel library at UC San Diego.

Even as an adult, there is something about thelearning possibilities offered by a library thatexcite Griffith. Today, the 1981 Department ofCommunication graduate is the founding andcurrent executive director of e3 Civic High School— located, ironically, in the unique and beautifulSan Diego Central Library Downtown.

Also the founding principal of Millennial TechMiddle School, Griffith reflected on how shemade it to where she is now, balanced on a foun-dation she built at UC San Diego: “The experi-ence that I had as an undergraduate student gaveme the strongest base, especially in communica-tion, to go anywhere. It also provided me with astrong, strong base that I was able to later go tograduate school and be successful.”

Innovation at its CoreIn 2015, the charter high school Griffith directs

was named to the first “Most Innovative K-12Schools in America” list by Noodle, a website thatprovides educational resources to families. Noo-dle examined 140,000 schools to come up withits list, honoring those with “visionary method-ologies” who challenge “well-established notions”of education, the site says.

“Innovation means doing whatever’s necessaryto meet the end result and not being tied to theold way of doing business, but also being free toincorporate the old way if it meets the goal,” Grif-fith said. “Innovation to me really is thinkingabout, by any means necessary, achieving thegoals for the students.”

The school was recognized, in part, because itis located within the Downtown library. It sitson the sixth and seventh floors, with a separate,private entrance, and Griffith calls the library theschool’s “chief partner.” Not only does the locationgive these students fingertip access to a world-class system, but it also serves as a partner forcutting-edge technology initiatives: for example,students are helping to test an augmented realityprogram, for example, as well as training andworking in computer program internships.

What’s more, Griffith and the e3 Civic Highfaculty are teaching these kids to change theworld.

“Within everything that we do, we try to weavein an element of civic engagement, giving backand leadership,” Griffith said, who was named

one of San Diego’s 50 people to watch in 2013by San Diego Magazine. Among her other honorsare the 2010 – 2011 Educator of the Year awardfrom the California League of Middle Schoolsand the 2007 Outstanding African-AmericanEducator of the Year from Pi Delta Kappa.

“In our project-based learning, there’s alwaysan element of giving back,” Griffith said. “There’sthis relevance — this authenticity — that we liketo build in. It’s not a college requirement for ser-vice; it’s a way of life.”

Representing STEAMWith a goal of providing an education alter-

native for the downtown San Diego core, e3 CivicHigh School enrolls students primarily fromunderserved and underrepresented communities.Almost 90 percent of the students are of colorand 77 percent are below the poverty level, Grif-fith said. With a curriculum focus on science,technology, engineering, arts and mathematics— STEAM, not just STEM— the school hasgrand plans.

“We want to create the next generation ofunderrepresented students and female studentsin the STEAM professions,” she said matter-of-

factly.It’s not just talk. Griffith can discuss any num-

ber of ways they are innovating the way thesestudents interact with the arts and sciences. Theyhave a robotics program, a Central Library-focused partnership in computer programming,a mentoring program with engineers in the com-munity and a multiple-year project with the UCSan Diego School of Medicine.

UC San Diego medical school students DeniseYu and Jeremy Egnatios initially developed andhelped secure the partnership with Griffith threeyears ago. The pair worked closely with Griffithand her students, ultimately providing a “HealthyLifestyles, Healthy Living” curriculum to imple-ment. Based on the success with Yu and Egnatios,the relationship was then incorporated into theSchool of Medicine’s clinical foundations course.

One of the concepts for the course itself is forthe School of Medicine Academic Communitiesto engage with outside, non-UC San Diego com-munities to look at social determinants of health,environmental and occupational health, culturalhumility, and disparities. In this instance, groupsof medical students engage with several highschools in the region to perform a community

assessment.“We were attracted to the school because it was

a bit different from other high schools,” Yu said.The medical students also recognized that Griffithwas a strong advocate for her students Now afourth-year medical student having completedthe clinical foundations course, Yu returns to e3on her own time to tutor students in math. Shesaid she hopes to work with underserved popu-lations in the future, including at-risk youth.

“The administration wants to ensure that these[high school] students have the tools to succeedafter graduation, and this includes planning, lead-ership and critical problem solving skills,” Yu said.“Above all else, they support each and every indi-vidual student in achieving their dreams.”

Finding PassionGriffith has the option to take the community

assessment findings and apply them directly toher school, similar to what she did with the cur-riculum from the first interaction with Yu andEgnatios that addressed nutrition and health, bul-lying, gender inequality and the communicationthat divides teens, among others. The high schoolstudents participated in a School of Medicine-led “Doc for a Day” program, and even came tocampus for a behind-the-scenes look at theschool. Griffith said she hopes to have an e3 CivicHigh graduate as a UC San Diego med studentone day.

“Our vision is really to put [students] in theirplace of passion. Not everybody’s going to be ateacher, or an executive director, or a principal,or an author, but if that’s what gives you pleasureand drive and passion, then you need to be there,”Griffith said. “We need to create the fertile groundby which they can grow and thrive.”

So far, the results have been phenomenal, shesaid. Now in their third year, the first graduatingclass will get their high school diplomas this year:more than 70 students who took a gigantic leapof faith in 10th grade to come to a charter schoolwith no history. Griffith said that at the time, sheand the team were “selling a promise” to the chil-dren and their families.

When that first group of students arrived ate3 they were, for the most part, doing poorly intheir classes, with some outright failing. But Grif-fith said her school provided a place for studentslooking for a second, or better, chance.

“To see how they are thriving, speaking, per-forming, communicating, creating and owningtheir selves,” she said of those original students.“They are taking ownership for their future.”

From UC San Diego News Center — Photosby Erika Johnson/University Communications)

Changing the FutureHelen Griffith leads the ‘most innovative’ high school in San Diego’s Central Library

BY ANTHONY KING

The e3 classrooms promote discussion. This room shows small-group tables, while others can bearranged in more traditional classroom style.

Elizabeth Norby, left, shows Helen Griffith artwork Norby created to represent an element on the periodictable.

Dr. Helen Griffith, UC San Diego Department ofCommunication alumna 1981, now heads e3Civic High School.

Students Monica Randolph, left, and Tracy Raystudy in the high school’s common area, called‘the park.’

e3 Civic High School is located in the Downtown San Dieo Central Library, helping to earn it a ‘MostInnovative School’ honor.


12111098 7 6 5

4321

FAPTION COON CTRAC

MAG&NUFTONTESC

SEM

il tS

Ba

rba

raFu

scsi

ck©

OAPTION FT A CGO

SOR THI

onilutoS

.iefkeep them bre see and pleao thrions tssubmiur soo limit yyoemember te rsPlea

il 25th.y Aprbbyom.cupoaperGrppast@MidCityNewoonContestrCa

o ies tTo enter, email entr

ant!urattaesl raoct a laatteaattificift cer0.00 gceives a $5eThe winner r

ws knoand let uome up withan cu cot yyoSee whaat

t!ontesaption coon ctrachoodhbory neigur monthllyo oome tWelc

OON?TRACS OR THIAPTION FT A CGO

O

m

t cetore plpoey paaydyrevg einpleH

noitcetorr Pumenso C◆ts nmedgue Jtaac VVa◆e nseffeen Doitcellot Cb

[email protected] | sy!aaydol TTola. Cdevaavr $3,700,000 sevO

es. limiair ffand thees alvemsthe

TY AATRNEOTTAATgioerS aidhC

WAAWT Lezd

beD

619O

COMMUNITY MID CITY NEWSPAPER GROUP | APRIL 2016 | 21

For 50 years andthree generations,

the Stehly family has farmed with hard workand love. For the past 15 years, their passionfor growing organic food is seen in the smilesand faces of brothers Jerome and Noel Stehly.

Recently I met with Jerome Stehly, to talkabout the history and the goals of the familyfarm in Valley Center. He invited me to joinhim in the restaurant section of their beautifulnew grocery store on Adams Avenue in Kens-ington.

The corner building which houses theStehly Farms Market, is newly built and hasnever before been occupied . . . rather like ablank canvas upon which the artist can paintand create.

The “artists” in this case are Jerome andNoel. The specific tone of paint for the ceiling,different shade for the walls, the type of light-ing, the construction of shelving and aisleunits, are all family designed and built. AsJerome says, “farmers today have to know howto do everything!” The result is a store with awarm, friendly ambiance, much like shops Ihave seen in Paris. The artistic way the veg-etables and fruit are stacked on the shelves ,

the beautifully prepared food to take out oreat on the premises, visually draws the cus-tomer in . . . like a beautiful painting.

I asked him what his favorite part of theentire store was: “The kitchen,” he laughed. “Itaste everything first! Food is a fun thing toplay with . . . it can be beautiful and it appealsto four senses. I love to cook!” He did admit,however, that he cooks very little now, becausehis wife rules the kitchen at home.

Stehly’s other market at 1231 Morena Blvd,San Diego, has the same excellent organic pro-duce and products, but you have visit Kens-ington to enjoy their restaurant.

Since graduating from culinary school,Stehly’s Executive Chef, Craig Madden, hasworked at four restaurants in Kensington andas a sous chef at a fine dining restaurant inRancho Bernardo. This is where Jerome dis-covered him, and brought him back to Kens-ington, much to everyone’s delight. “We havea ‘from scratch’ kitchen, everything is preparedby hand,” Craig informed me, and also addedthat the food selections are his personal cre-ations.

Chef Madden is planning to have demon-strations and cooking classes. The first demon-

stration will be with their family-made MeyerLemon Preserves and a class for picklingcucumbers at home. More recipes? Ask thechef. He will be delighted to talk with you.

Inside Stehly Farm’s organic, gourmet mar-ket, you will find not only fresh foods but alsoaisles of canned, boxed, frozen, and packageditems. They have everything and anything thatyou could want, from specialty chocolate barsto bulk seeds and grains, from pasta andcheeses to beverages and breads. It is all here.

Stehly Farms has been very planet consciousfor some time, not only on the farm but alsoenergy efficient in the store. I asked Jeromeabout the changes in the history of StehlyFarms.

“Originally we were egg farmers, but 30years ago we got out of the chicken businessand 15 years ago we became organic; cleanproducts — no nitrates, no preservatives andhormone free meats. We also diversified ourproducts on the farm to need less water. Wateris our biggest problem.”

Whatever products Stehly Farms doesn’tgrow, such as apples, they buy from other localfarms who farm as organically and efficientlyas they do.

I wondered how they were able to keep theirprices down, and Jerome told me that theyonly buy at good deals, passing it on to theconsumer, so that their products are betterpriced than many other organic stores.

Jerome enjoys meeting his customers, sonext time you come in, say hello.

Parking on Adams Avenue can be a chal-lenge, but I am happy to say that there is plen-ty of parking in back of the market.

Stehly Farms Market 4142 Adams Ave. No. 101. (619) 280-7400

NOTE: There are three very special events

held each year at the Stehly Farm in ValleyCenter. Strawberry Picking in March, Black-berry Picking in June, and Pumpkin PatchDay in October.

Each event is family friendly with a play-ground, petting corral, tractor driven tours ofthe farm, and good food.

If your school or organization wants yourown special event at the Stehly Farm, pleaseemail: [email protected].

Farm to Table – Local Organic Farm Fresh Produce

Everything in the market was family designed.

BY HEATHER R. FRIEDMAN

Bulk Foods Section

Executive Chef Craig Madden Fresh Organic ProduceEntrees, Sandwiches, Salads

Fresh Organic Produce Brothers Jerome, left, and Noel Stehly.


Local Artist Designs Sun & SeaFestival Image For Second Year

Families from all over Imperial Beachjoined together for the yearly Easter EggHunt at the Portwood Pier Plaza on March26th. The IB Egg Hunt committee spentcountless hours filling up hundreds of eggsfor kids to collect. Beforethe hunt began, the EasterBunny arrived on the firetruck with Imperial BeachFirefighters escorting himsafely to the beach. Fami-lies also enjoyed afree artsand crafts booth spon-sored by the Boys and GirlsClub. Every child alsoreceived a free raffle ticketfor the big raffle at the end. Exactly at10:30am Mayor Dedina and the EasterBunny said GO! Children ran with excite-ment and filled their baskets full of eggs. Itwas truly a magical and exciting time forthe kids of IB. When all of the eggs werecollected the big raffle contest began and the

big prizes were given out. This year therewere two new additions to the event, theTot-Lot and the adult raffle prizes. IB Possecame out and built a beautiful Easter Eggsand sculpture for families to enjoy. It was

truly a beautiful way to kickoff

Easter. I caught up withSha-Ron Cobb, chair of theIB Egg Hunt Committeeand she said

We owe a very big thankyou to our wonderful andvery giving community.

She would like to give avery special thank you to all

of the hard working committee membersAaron Ruiz, James de la Cerna, ShawnaRauch, Josie Hamada, Evie Ramisier andElizabeth McKay. Also IB Possee, all of thecountless volunteers and all of the sponsors.Thank You IB without you events like thisare not possible. -Jeannette Shambaugh

South Bay Union School District PTA Council2016 Unity Games Athletic Field Day Eventfor District Students BY JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

SD SMALL BUSINESS FORUM INTRODUCES BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

SD Small Business Forum is a companybased in Imperial Beach that concentratesto help small business owners to grow theirbusiness and build their brand. They offerspecial services from web design, logo, busi-ness development, social media marketing,print media marketing, vendor events, eventplanner and much more. Because SD SmallBusiness Forum always support small homebased business this month of April theychoose their special business of the Month.

SD Small Business Forum would like tointroduce Edie Viramontez from Avon asthe business of the month. Edie is a wifeand a mother ofa 14 years old boy. Edie wasintroduced to Avon while helping her auntfive years ago. Her aunt invited her to thebig 125th year celebration where her aunt

was receiving special award for her 70 yearsas Avon representative. Edie look at her auntas a big mentor and example. In her fiveyears of being in the company she has grownso much and she love to have the relation-ship with her customer as a friend beforethey become her clients.

Edie have big passion for helping others,she doesn’t look at Avon as a regular job.Avon has giving her the flexibility to makeher own hours and spend more time withher family. If you would like to shop Avonor get to know Edie Viramontez, please visither website www.youravon.com/eviramon-tez

Edel Vernazza Owner and Co-FounderSD Small Business Forum.


Edie Viramontez with Avon is nominated Business of the Month by SDSBF JEANNETTE SHAMBAUGH

Back by popular demand, local studentartist Ily Alfred has designed this year’s Sun &Sea Festival Image. The 14-year-old ninthgrader impressed festival organizers so muchwith eye-catching and vibrant design in 2015that they selected her new artwork to be repli-cated on posters and t-shirts for the festival,July 15 & 16.

“A lot of people told me that they liked lastyear’s image because it was colorful and fea-tured a female surfer,” said Alfred. “ImperialBeach is celebrating its 60th birthday, so I keptthe bright colors and circular design becauseit catches your eye.” The pencil and ink 60s-inspired art prominently features psychedelicsandcastles, a flower-power VW bus andSurfhenge in front of a kaleidoscope sun.

According to event co-chair Shirley

Nakawatase, “The committee is delighted thata six-generation, Imperial Beach artist is oncemore representing the festival.” When askedabout her future as an artist, Alfred replies, “Idraw and paint every day but I also use myskills as a face painter for birthday parties andlocal events.”

This year’s official t-shirts, banners andposters will be supplied by Boca Rio, a localprinting company who specializes in non-profit clients, such as the Boys & Girls Club,the Taste of I.B. and the Fishing Derby. BocaRio, which means where the river meets thesea, has been in business since 1998, accordingto owner, Rick Alvarez, “We figure out a wayto help community causes because it is anopportunity for me to educate the customeras well as participate in their event.”

Sun & Sea Festival will take place July 15 & 16

EVENT SNAPSHOT

Saturday, July 16, 2015: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Pier Plaza

• Annual Parade: Starts at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Seacoast Drive.

• Kidz Zone – Children’s Activities and fun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Dunes Park

• Kids ‘n Kastles: Sand castle competition for kids - noon to 1:30 p.m. - Dunes Park

• Master & Family/Business Sand Sculptures: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. sand castle competition -- IB Pier.

Friday, July 15, 2015• Mayor’s 2nd Annual Imperial Beach Pier Swim & Paddle - 9 a.m. Dempsey Holder Safety Center

• The Mayor’s Community Breakfast 10 a.m. - Pier Plaza.

• Sandcastle Ball: 6:00 p.m. to midnight - Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club.


Cremation services and death ratesare both experiencing large spikes.Baby Boomers are going to be thenext generation to pass and what willtheir survivors do with the ashes?

Fewer than 30 percent plan forafter-life care and less than that everplan for the final disposition of thecremation remains. One in six homeshas cremation remains that are instorage with no final disposition.Someone inherited a relatives urn orbox of ashes and they sit in storageor on the mantle forever. At whatpoint do these ashes reach a final rest-ing place that meets the needs of thefamilies and gives them closure at atime of mourning? While cremationis on the increase; so is the awarenessof the impact we have on our envi-ronment.

Industry trends tell us that familiesare steering away from traditionalburial and funerals, mostly due tocost. Another significant factor is thatmost folks are informed and want toleave this world a better place. Fami-lies want to have something that isspecial and fits the expectations of ameaningful and ecologically soundmemorial.

In most situations, families mustmake a choice of what is best for theirloved one in a very short period of

time and during a time of grieving. There is one company that has

found a way to make the decisionmaker in the family a complete herowith the rest of the family and lovedones. Living Reef Memorial manu-factures artificial reefs from those cre-mation remains. They market theirartificial marine habitats as a greenalternative to traditional burials. Bydoing so, they are able to fund a veryimportant coastal habitat restorationproject. Any proceeds left over afterexpenses goes to save endangered seaturtles and they have been doing thissince 2002.

The reefs are made using brokensea shells, sand, cremains, and a littlebit of concrete to construct. Thecompany has obtained permits todeploy up to 100,000 of these artifi-cial reefs off the Los CoronadoIslands which lie in Mexican watersjust off the coast and visible from SanDiego. Within just a short time afterinstallation onto the sea floor, thereefs absolutely bloom with an abun-dance of life. This product is not onlygreen but, it is completely permanentand there is no economic motivationto remove, vandalize, or otherwisedisturb them.

The cremation remains are mold-ed into an object that resembles habi-

tat of specific endangered species.After curing for 30 days they aretaken on a wind-powered boat anddeployed by scuba divers to the oceanfloor. The reef is immediately inhab-ited by small fish and other marinelife and within a week, kelp and othermarine plant life take hold. In a veryshort period of time it blooms withabundant marine life.

In a video on youtube and thecompany’s website you can watch adeployment of one of these reefs andyou will notice that there is lots ofactivity going on around it. A sealplayfully does acrobatics while thedivers deploy the reef. Native fish peerinto the camera and eye the newhabitat while large schools of fishswim by. Grandpa is not going to belonely! He has given back to theearth and the sea at the base of thefood chain and will be surroundedby all the marine life that the reefnow supports.

Profits from Living Reef Memori-als go to The Coastal PreservationProject and fund their Sea Turtle Res-cue. So far they have saved over40,000 endangered sea turtles.

For more information visitwww.livingreefmemorial.com or call(800) 569-7333

Living Reef Memorial The green alternative to traditional burials

QTTAAT ADTTAOMM SALCQU DIUMAP 116--15 14th-PRILL 7th1


Documents

IB CONNECTION APRIL 2016