LESLEE EVANS RECEIVES L.I.O.N. AWARD FOR RESTORED CRAFTSMAN

Following a talk by Mayor Bob Filner, the Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) handed out a Let’s Improve Our Neighborhood (L.I.O.N.) award to Leslee Evans for her work restoring the Craftsman building at 3734 Sixth Ave.

Evans, who also owns the Creative Futons and Furniture store in North Park, opened this second location in Hillcrest after years of renovation. “Every detail, for two and a half years, has been thought through,” Evans said when accepting the award at the Jan. 8 HTC meeting. “There’s not one thing I didn’t touch in that house – not one – down to the custom-made stained glass … chandeliers. It’s amazing.” HTC Chair Luke Terpstra said he thought the building was going to be demolished before Evans took over, and encouraged people to stop by and look at the renovations. “It used to be a run down … encampment for people who didn’t have a home. That was a blighted problem. Leslee moved in there … and turned things around. We want to recognize her for this with a L.I.O.N award,” he said. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new store held Dec. 15, 2012, Evans said she was proud to be able to restore the home. The Hillcrest location will carry items for small homes and apartments, in addition to arts and crafts furniture, lamps and futons. “The history of that house is incredible,” Evans said at the HTC meeting. “It was a church in 1952 and sat empty for over 10 years. … One man owned it and three women. I’m the third woman.”

BALBOA PARK ‘RE-IMAGINED’ THROUGH NEW MOBILE APP

Interns from the Balboa Park Online Collaborative (BPOC) recently created a new mobile application called, “Set in the Park.” The app displays locations of the park that have been previously filmed and used for the silver screen. Other features of the app allow users to catalog mobile phone photos of the park and imagine their own scenes that could take place within the park’s 1,200 acres. Users can tour attractions that have appeared in movies as well as browse scenes and settings suited to the park’s diverse architecture and landscape. Visitors of all ages can use their phone’s camera to catalog locations and plan out a series of shots throughout the park that can be used as movie sets. The development of the app was made possible through a $15,500 Empowerment Grant from the Motorola Mobility Foundation. The Foundation supports U.S.-based nonprofits in their development of mobile apps to enrich the communities they serve. Developed and launched for Android devices with support from the Motorola Mobility Foundation, Set in the Park is free and currently available from Google Play. It is another example of Balboa Park’s growing mobile presence, which also includes a free guide on the Meridian app for iOS and Android devices and will soon launch a mobile version of balboapark.org. BPOC’s goal is to meet the needs of visitors by offering more creative and playful experiences and taking advantage of emerging technology. For more information on the BPOC and their projects, visit bpoc.org.

YOGURT SHOP ROBBERY SUSPECT SOUGHT

Employees at the Hillcrest Golden Spoon yogurt shop were surprised by a man weilding a knife and demanding money on January 8, at 9:30 p.m. San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit detectives are still investigating and are looking for anyone who might have information about the suspect, who was described as a white male with a thin build, approximately 6 to 6 foot 3 inches tall, in his 30’s. He was wearing a green turtleneck pulled up over the lower half of his face and had short, light brown or dark blond hair. He was also wearing jeans and a dark blue jacket. The suspect left the scene with cash from the safe and was walking westbound on University. The robbery was captured on video, and copies are available at the customer service desk of SDPD headquarters on Broadway customer service counter. Anyone with information is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Robbery Unit at (619) 531-2299 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

SANDAG INVITES PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT FOR REGIONAL PLANNING

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) invites the public to review the draft Public Involvement Plan (PIP) and make comments. The plan can be reviewed at http://www.sandag.org/uploads/projectid/projectid_428_15385.pdf and comments should be directed to [email protected]. The PIP will be used to support the development of a consolidated regional plan. It outlines a variety of opportunities for individuals, organizations, agencies and other stakeholders to provide input into the regional plan development process. Other outreach efforts include consultation with Native American tribes and partnerships with community organizations to engage low-income and minority populations, as well as public workshops, use of social media, visualizations and other practices to involve the public and receive input. SANDAG Board of Directors approved the merging of the updates from two primary documents, the Regional Comprehensive Plan and the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, into a single document back in May 2012. The new consolidated regional plan is to be adopted in 2015. For more information visit sandag.org.

CARL DEMAIO TO CHAIR LOCAL, STATE REFORM GROUPS

Former San Diego City Councilmember Carl DeMaio announced Thursday, Jan. 10 that he will now be heading two different reform groups, Reform San Diego and the California Reform Council. “I’m excited to take on these two new roles that allow me to continue to shine a big light on state and local government and hold both accountable to taxpayers,” DeMaio said in a released statement. Focusing locally, Reform San Diego is a “research and political advocacy group” that serves as a re-launch of DeMaio’s former San Diego Citizens Budget Project, which began in 2003 to explore the city’s financial problems and offer reforms to help balance the budget. DeMaio said his new focus with Reform San Diego will be to see that the city “stays on the course of fiscal reform, rather than sliding back to past practices.” One focus will be the implementation of Proposition B, the pension-reform initiative spearheaded by DeMaio and passed by voters in 2012. “We must hold the Mayor and City Council accountable for fully implementing the Pension Reform Initiative voters approved last year and implementing other reforms to transform how city departments serve our neighborhoods,” he said. DeMaio lost his bid for mayor to Bob Filner, who took office Dec. 3, 2012. California Reform Council is a part of the Los Angeles-based Reason Foundation, with a focus on reforming the state’s pensions using San Diego’s Proposition B as a model. DeMaio said the state faces a “pension tsunami,” claiming service cuts could occur through a “wave of municipal bankruptcies.” He will serve as chair for the Reform Council.

LOCAL MAN WHO CLAIMED TO ‘CURE’ HIV CHARGED WITH PRACTICING MEDICINE WITHOUT LICENSE

Keith Allen Barton has been charged with multiple felony counts, including treating patience without a medical license, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis announced Wednesday, Jan. 9. Barton claimed to be a medical doctor and that he could cure patients of cancer and HIV. He was arraigned in San Diego Superior Court on five felony counts, including additional charges of identity and grand theft. “By posing as doctor and charging thousands of dollars for a phony cure, this defendant showed callous disregard for his victims and the medical field,” Dumanis said in the release. In one instance, a woman paid Barton $18,000 to be treated after he promised to cure her and her children of HIV. One of the children died as a result of not receiving effective treatment. Not a licensed medical doctor, Barton does share his name with a real doctor in California, using that fact to fool potential patients. Barton pleaded guilty on all counts, and faces up to five years and eight months in state prison if convicted. Arrested Jan. 8, the DA’s office said there may be more victims and are asking for anyone with information to call them at 619-531-3507.

NEW MAJORITY LEADER ATKINS RECEIVES KEY ASSIGNMENTS

Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez handed Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins key committee assignments, including the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Agriculture Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised of members of both the Assembly and the Senate, and serves as a “watchdog” group ensuring “fiscal responsibility and performance accountability by state programs,” a release stated. Atkins’ office said the Agriculture Committee is of high importance to San Diego County, as the county has the 12th largest farm economy in the nation, with an annual value of $5.1 billion. San Diego is home to more small farms and part time farmers than any other county in the United States. Atkins will continue to serve on the Health, Housing and Community Development and the Veterans Affairs committees. The new assignments are effective immediately, with the legislature beginning the new session Monday, Jan. 7.

SOUTH PARK ANNOUNCES A YEAR OF ACTIVITIES

The charming and historic neighborhood of South Park will be hosting several special events during 2013. The first event, Wild West Spring Walkabout, will take place March 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. South Park merchants invite the public to explore new eateries, browse colorful shops and galleries and enjoy music and other entertainment. The Walkabout also highlights the annual Beech Street Buckaroo BBQ. On June 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the 15th Annual Old House Fair is a free event that welcomes thousands to South Park’s 30th and Beech Streets to enjoy home tours, browse shops of art and antiques, and enjoy music and food. The Summer of Love Walkabout will take place July 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. from Kalmia Street to Beech Street. Shops will be open late with specials, entertainment and surprises. On Oct. 5 the Artoberfest 2013 Walkabout will fill the shops and sidewalks of South Park with artwork by local artists, music, specials and more from 6 to 10 p.m. The last event on the calendar is the Twinkle, Twinkle Mix & Mingle Holiday Walkabout on Dec. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy festive lights, seasonal music, unique holiday shopping, strolling carolers and more. For more information on these and other events in South Park, visit southparkscene.com.

ANTHOLOGY CLOSES ITS DOORS FOR GOOD

Amid weeks of rumors and confusion, Anthology, the popular music and supper club located at 1337 India St. on the edge of Little Italy, has permanently shuttered its doors as of the start of the New Year. A statement issued by Casey Pukl, the venue’s marketing manager said, “It is with great sadness that I send this email today to inform you that owner, Howard Berkson announced today that Anthology has officially closed its doors and will not be reopening.” Berkson declined to comment at this time. Open over five years, the venue known for “fine tuned music and cuisine” had reached iconic status among visitors and musical artists. The venue boasted rock, jazz, blues and other musical greats, as well as comedic geniuses on its critically acclaimed and acoustic sound stage over the years. In addition the venue often served as a site for private events and the owners also offered up the space for dozens of nonprofit fundraising events over the years.

ST. PAUL’S SENIOR HOMES & SERVICES HOSTED ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

The 12th annual Legislative Breakfast was held on Dec. 14 at St. Paul’s Villa. The breakfast, held for city, county, state, and nationally elected officials and their staffs, was to inform local legislators and highlight the top legislative priorities for 2013. Keynote speaker Jennifer Litwak cited the success of Blitz Week San Diego, a program which helped 100 homeless people get immediate housing for up to 90 days while they receiving the help they needed as well as assistance in finding meaningful work. According to a press release, the breakfast also informed legislators of subsidized senior housing with current wait lists of two to five years, while many older senior housing projects are coming to the end of their low income restrictions. The release listed the top legislative priorities for 2013. Housing with services was identified as the first item, including the development of a state-funded program for low-income seniors, disabled and veterans; ensure existing HUD housing stock is restrained, and restore/replace redevelopment funds. Health care was the next priority, to include the implementation of the new health care agenda without “crushing providers.” Economic was the third item on the list of priorities, with a specific clause that called the legislators to ensure that the tax deduction incentive for “charitable giving” remains. For more information on St. Paul’s Senior Homes & Services visit stpaulseniors.org.

SOUTH BAY POWER PLANT SCHEDULED FOR IMPLOSION

Weather permitting, the obsolete South Bay Power Plant is scheduled to be imploded the morning of Feb. 2 in a historic milestone event for the Chula Vista Bayfront. The removal of the structure will open up land that the Port of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista have designated for future parks. “After a banner year for the bayfront in 2012, the implosion of the South Bay Power Plant is an event many Chula Vistans are looking forward to, and an excellent way to begin the new year,” said Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox in a press release. “After the years of hard work that went into the approval of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan, the plant’s removal will kick start redevelopment plans as we look forward to further progress on what will become a world-class destination for the entire region.” The final decision for the implosion, currently set to happen at 7 a.m., will be made earlier that morning dependent on weather and other conditions, such as wind speeds of 15 mph or less. Approval of the implosion plan was made by the California Coastal Commission and the City of Chula Vista, and it includes comprehensive measures to protect public safety, air and water quality, and the environment. The implosion will be carried out by the plant’s former operator, Dynegy South Bay, LLC. Removal of the 165-foot-tall structure, which was fully shut down in 2010, is part of a 14-year promise that the Port of San Diego made for the betterment of the San Diego region. “The removal of the South Bay Power Plant is a visual signal to the community of Chula Vista and the San Diego region that we are serious about bayfront redevelopment,” said Ann Moore, chair of the board of port commissioners in the release. “I am thrilled that we have finally set a date to bring down this huge industrial structure. I am even more pleased that we plan to replace it with a public park, as well as an RV park, that everyone will be able to enjoy.” The implosion event is expected to take fewer than two minutes and will sound like rolling thunder with reverberations. The controlled explosion will potentially generate about 21,000 tons of recyclable metals and 3,400 tons of other non-hazardous waste.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS PLANS TO ENTER SOCAL MARKET

Dunkin’ Donuts, the popular, quick-service restaurant, has plans to open hundreds of new U.S. restaurants this year, many in the Southern California region. “We anticipate opening approximately 150-200 restaurants in Southern California by 2020,” said Sophie Hamersley, company spokesperson. “We eventually plan to have more than 1,000 restaurants throughout the state.” The East Coast-based company is strategically planning on expanding in contiguous markets across the country with a long-term goal of more than 15,000 restaurants in the U.S. With today’s announcement, Dunkin’ Donuts is now recruiting multi-unit franchisees for Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange counties. There were no specific locations within those markets to announce at this time.