north park news, january 2011

To our customers, neighbors, associates and friends, go our thanks and best wishes at the New Year. We wouldn’t be where we are without people like you, and we’re grateful for your loyal support.

We wish all of you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve celebration, and we look forward to seeing you soon in 2012!

sdnorthparknews.com Vol. 20 No. 1 January 2012

North Park Welcomes Wang’sNew year brings an Asian fusion restaurant to thebusiness core

Master Builders ofMission HillsSeminar focuses on builders’ role in development “Master Builders of Mission Hills,”an educational seminar focusing onthe builders who constructed manyof the homes that still stand today inthe century-old neighborhood, willbe held Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 4pm. at the Francis Parker LowerSchool.Presented by Mission Hills Heritage,the lecture series will explore impor-tant Master Builders and their rolein the development of Mission Hillsincluding Martin Melhorn, NathanRigdon, Cliff May and Morris Irwin. “The contribution of builders in the

NORTH PARK SCENE

BATTLE OVERBALBOAIrwin Jacobs and SOHO are leading opposing plans to upgrade thepark for its 1915 centennial

Bruce Coons is executive director of theSave Our Heritage Organisation.

Irwin Jacobs, co-founder of Qualcomm Inc.

BY DELLE WILLETT

SEE BALBOA, Page 6

2012 North Park

Calendars AvailableThe North Park Historical Society has

published its fourth annual North ParkCalendar featuring photos of NorthPark architecture and events.

The calendar, which sells for $14.99,can be ordered through the organiza-tion’s Website at northparkhistory.org.Proceeds are used to support the Histor-ical Society, whose current projectsinclude historical walking tours, desig-nating historical districts and landmarksand distributing historical publications.

S.D. Musical Theatre Comes to North Park

Roger Bean’s “The Marvelous Won-derettes” comes to the North Park The-atre Feb. 10-26, thanks to the San DiegoMusical Theatre, which is taking up res-idence in the facility. Other productionswill follow — “Rent” from June 22 to

SEE SCENE, Page 4

Balboa Park’s plazas were originally designed like the

grand plazas of Europe, accommodating pedestrians,

automobiles and pigeons. Over the years, however, the

park has literally been taken over by cars with nearly 7,000 vehi-

cles driving through the plazas and promenades daily. With 12

million visitors to the park each year, conflicts between pedes-

trians and vehicles abound. This problem has long been recog-

nized, and every plan for the park in the past 60 years has had a

goal to remove the cars and return the park’s core to people.

Newcomers to North Parkwould never guess that, a mere

handful of years ago, this neighborhood was a quiet, residen-tial haven. They would also never guess that the massivebuilding on the corner of University Avenue and Ray Streetwas once a JC Penney department store. It is in this ware-house-turned-anew that North Park has recently received itsnewest urban addition in the form of Asian fusion eatery —Wang’s North Park.

Opening its San Diegan doors this past November, Wang’sNorth Park is the second establishment of its kind, its suc-cessful predecessor still raking in plenty of enthusiasm inPalm Desert.

Considering the desert is no 15-minute drive away, this

Wang’s North Park owners Beth Gattus, Tom Eads and JoelJerzer.SEE WANG’S, Page 8

SEE MASTER, 0

BY COLETTE MAUZERALLE

20YEARS

SAN DIEGO NORTH PARK NEWS

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2 | sdnorthparknews.com | January 2012

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January 2012 | sdnorthparknews.com | 3


July 8, and “Footloose” from Sept. 28 to Oct. 14. “The Marvelous Wonderettes” takesthe audience to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where the Wonderettes areintroduced — Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy — four girls with hopes anddreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match. Act I has the girls per-forming renditions of classic ’50s songs while Act II has them at their 10-year schoolreunion. Although Lyric at the Birch, the owner and operator of the theater, filedfor bankruptcy, the theater is still being used for performances. San Diego Musi-cal Theatre will be the only group launching a full season of performances there.More information on the shows are available online at sdmt.org or by calling (858)560-5740.

Created and directed by Roger Bean, “The Marvelous Wonderettes” will includeperformances of such classics as “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover” and “Lipstick On YourCollar.” The cast will feature Bets Malone, Misty Cotton, Beth Malone,and LoweTaylor. The production will feature musical direction by Don LeMaster, and chore-ography by Bets Malone.

University Heights Community ForumsThe University Heights Historical Society and the University Heights Commu-

nity Development Corp. have established a community forum seriesto give resi-dents an overview of community planning and recent changes in redevelopment.Forums have been scheduled in January, February, March and April, all held from6 to 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church at 3993 Park Blvd. Here’s a schedule:

• Jan. 12 — What’s So Special About University Heights? Kristin Harms of theUniversity Heights Historical Society will give an overview of the early history ofthe community and changes in the community’s demographic profile since 1980.

• Feb. 9 — Community Planning: Balancing Individual Property Rights withCommunity Benefit. Speaker Barry Hager, an attorney, will discuss the constitu-tional framework for property rights and a local real estate agent will speak on theimpact of location and other factors on property value.

• March 8 — Tools for Preserving Community Character: Historical Designa-tion. Cathy Winterrowd, senior planner of the city’s Historical Resources Board,will discuss the benefits of historic designation, financial incentives for owners ofhistoric properties and the process for historically designating individual proper-ties and historic districts.

• April 12 — Tools for Preserving Community Character: Conservation Areas.Speaker Marlon Pangilinan, senior planner with the city of San Diego, will give anoverview of the purpose and process for using conservation areas and how theymight be used in University Heights.

For more information, contact the University Heights Historical Society at(619) 297-3166.

SCENECONTINUED FROM Page 1

Misty Cotton

SEE SCENE, Page 5


Sudan Refugee to Promote Book at Lestat’sEl Cajon resident Augustino L. Nyigillo, a refugee from his home country of Sudan, will sign copies

of his book, “Calamities,” from 1 to 3 p.m. at Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave. Faced with theprospect of genocide in his home country of Sudan, Nyigillo had two choices —abandoning his life therefor a chance at freedom abroad, or facing death at the hands of machete-waving terrorists at home. Fromthe holy war in his own country to the political strife of the Middle East, Nyigillo’s travails, from theSudan to Syria to Lebanon to Egypt, describe the plight of the Sudanese Diaspora in his book.

Crime-Ridden Hotel TransformedPathfinders of San Diego, with help from the city Redevelopment Agency and the San Diego Housing Com-

mission, has turned a crime-ridden hotel on University Avenue into a residential apartment complex for home-less men diagnosed with substance abuse and mental illness. The Shelter Plus Care Facility celebrated its firstyear anniversary in November. The former hotel, which now houses 17 residential apartments, was knownas a vice den before its transformation. Pathfinders secured $2 million in loans from the Redevelopment Agen-cy and the Housing Commission to renovate the property. “By using redevelopment dollars to create a pos-itive impact on a neighborhood, it opens up opportunities for private investors to follow,” said Janice Wein-rick, deputy executive director of the Redevelopment Agency.

Glimpse Art Gallery ShowArtists Tricia Skoglund and Bonnie Dull are featured in the gallery event at

Glimpse (3813 Ray St.) opening Jan. 21 and continuing through Feb. 14. An open-ing reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 21. Skoglund’s mixed-media metal-work is meant to proclaim love of independence and love of peace of mind. Thewater-themed work of Dull is designed to enhance inspiration and relaxation. Thecuration of the exhibition is managed by American Society of Interior Designersmember Lynle Ellis.

Tricia Skoglund work.Bonnie Dull artwork.

Committee And Board MeetingsGreater Golden Hill Community

Development Corp.The CDC normally meets at 6:30

p.m. the third Thursday of the month atthe SDYS Golden Hill Center, 2220Broadway. For information, call (619)696-9992.

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

The North Park RedevelopmentProject Area Committee meets at 6p.m. the second Tuesday of the monthat the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El CajonBlvd. Meetings focus on redevelopmentprojects in construction or planning.For information, visitsandiego.gov/redevelopment-agency.

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

The North Park MaintenanceAssessment District Committee nor-mally meets at 6 p.m. the second Mon-day of every other month at North ParkCommunity Adult Center, 2719Howard Ave.

The Greater North Park Communi-ty Planning Committee meets at 6:30p.m. the third Tuesday of the month atNorth Park Christian Fellowship, 2901North Park Way. The committee is anadvisory group to the city on NorthPark land use, including the general

plan, infrastructure and density. Forinformation, visit northparksd.org.

The North Park Community Associ-ation board normally meets at 6 p.m.the fourth Wednesday of the month atthe Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd..For information on the NPCA HistoryCommittee, visit northparkhistory.org.

The Business Group for South Parkand Golden Hill meets at 8:30 a.m. thelast Wednesday of the month at theMoose Lodge, 1648 30th St. The busi-ness group rotates its meeting locationevery few months. It helps organize thequarterly Walkabouts. For information,call 233-4060 Ext. 314.

The University Heights CommunityAssociation meets at 7 p.m. the firstThursday of the month in the auditori-um of Birney Elementary School, 4345

Campus Ave. For information, call 297-3166.

The Adams Avenue Business Asso-ciation board of directors normallymeets at 7:30 a.m. the first Tuesday ofthe month at the Normal Heights Com-munity Center, 4649 Hawley Blvd. Fortime, place and more information, call(619) 282-7329 or visit adamsaveon-line.com.

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

The Lions Club of North Park meetsfor lunch every Wednesday from noonto 1:30 p.m. at the club, 3927 Utah St.Prospective members are welcome toenjoy their first lunch on the club. For

information, call (619) 692-0540.

Uptown Rotary welcomes prospec-tive members at its 7 a.m. Thursdaybreakfasts at Jimmy Carter’s MexicanCafé, 3172 Fifth Ave. For more, call(619) 500-3229 or visit sdurotary.org.

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

SCENECONTINUED FROM

With the 2015 Centennial Celebra-tion of the 1915 Panama-CaliforniaExhibition in Balboa Park presentingthe perfect opportunity, plans have beendeveloped to make the Plaza de Panamaa centerpiece for the centennial, remov-ing approximately 54 parking spaces aswell as preparing the park for the addi-tional pedestrians and cars that it willrequire.

The two major plans being consid-ered are The Plaza de Panama Circula-tion and Parking Project, presented byThe Plaza de Panama Committee, anonprofit entity formed by Dr. IrwinJacobs, and the SOHO Precise Plan“Lite” that complies with the existingBalboa Park Master Plan and CentralMesa Precise Plan, represented by SaveOur Heritage Organisation (SOHO)and a coalition of over 20 groups andorganizations.

The Plaza de Panama Project is a per-manent plan that involves building abypass road— the Centennial Bridge—from the Cabrillo Bridge through theAlcazar Garden parking lot and on to anew 785-space, paid-parking, under-ground garage south of the SprecklesOrgan Pavilion, topped with a two-acrepark; free accessible tram service fromthe parking structure to the Plaza dePanama, resurfacing the plaza with con-temporary hardscape materials, andadding shade trees, benches and replicasof the original street lights. Overall, theproject adds 267 parking spots in theheart of the park and provides forincreased disabled parking, a safe drop-off area and valet service.

All told, the project will reclaim 6.3acres of parks and plazas (the Plaza dePanama, West El Prado, Plaza de Cali-fornia and the Esplanade) for pedestrianuse only from what are now roads andsurface parking lots, and significantlyreduce conflicts between pedestrians andcars. This plan has been vetted by CIVI-TAS, a landscape and planning firm. Theproject is estimated to cost $40 million.Approximately $25 million of this cost isfor plaza and park improvements, theconstruction of Centennial Bridge andRoad, and improvements to the AlcazarGarden parking lot. The undergroundparking structure is estimated to cost $15million.

FinancingThe project will be paid for by private

donations raised by the Plaza de Pana-ma Committee and a self-supportingbond. No taxpayer funds will berequired. The bond will be repaid with

revenue generated from parking lotcharges. The revenue will also pay foroperation and maintenance of thegarage and free tram service. A studyfound that the parking structure wouldgenerate enough rev-enue to support aconstruction bond,operations andmaintenance of thestructure, and theoperation of the freetram.

The Plaza dePanama Committeehas agreed to coverall cost overruns toensure that there isno risk to taxpayerfunds. The Commit-tee will spend over $1,000,000 on theEnvironmental Information Report(EIR). Leading up to the MOU meeting,Jacobs, co-founder of Qualcomm Inc.,has already spent over $2 million onpublic meetings and planning.

The Plaza de Panama Project mustbe approved by the San Diego CityCouncil. Leading up to the decision bythe City Council, a number of otherbodies must provide advisory votes onthe project. These include the BalboaPark Committee, the Park and Recre-ation Board, the Historical ResourcesBoard and the Planning Commission.

It is anticipated that the Draft EIRwill be completed and ready for publicreview and comment January 2012; pre-sented to the City Council in summer2012; and with all approvals in place,construction started by January 2013with a scheduled completion date ofJanuary 2015.

To date the Committee has partici-pated in roughly 90 meetings with citi-zen groups, Balboa Park organizationsand other stakeholders. Feedback hasresulted in positive changes to the pro-ject from the first meeting, held morethan a year ago. Since then, there havebeen countless improvements made tothe project based on public feedback,and there continue to be.

Alternative PlansOn July 19 the city approved a Memo

of Understanding (MOU) with thePlaza de Panama Committee, whichserved as a contract to continue withthe Plaza de Panama plan. At the sametime, a number of alternatives to thisproposed project are also being thor-oughly studied in the EIR. The environ-mental review process will assess poten-tial impacts of the proposed project andalternatives in the areas of traffic circu-lation, cultural and historic resources,

biological resources, and a number ofothers. Some people believe as is, theMOU puts the city in the position togo with Jacobs’ plan and precludes themusing any alternative.

In response to them e m o r a n d u m ,SOHO sued in SanDiego SuperiorCourt to rescind them e m o r a n d u mclaiming the cityapproved the con-tract illegally beforethe completion of astate environmentalreview. On Dec. 16,Superior CourtJudge Judith F.Hayes, in a prelimi-

nary ruling, deemed the memorandumillegal for the time being. With final rul-ing pending, Jacobs declined to com-ment.

The Plaza de Panama website reportsa partial list of backers that includes themajority of Balboa Park institutions,ConVis, San Diego Hotel-Motel Associ-ation, Downtown San Diego Partner-ship, over 900 individuals and business-es.

Representing the public (with over5000 signatures so far on a petition) anda coalition of over 20 groups and orga-nizations, including The League ofWoman Voters, The Committee of 100,Citizens Coordinate for Century 3,SOHO recommends the SOHO PrecisePlan “Lite,” an alternative plan that con-sists of a low-cost, reversible, andphased-design approach for the Plazade Panama Circulation and ParkingProject that complies with the existingBalboa Park Master Plan and CentralMesa Precise Plan. The plan meets thegoal of converting the Plaza de Panamato pedestrian use while retaining the

maximum degree of flexibility, pro-grammability and access to all, andwould allow for managed traffic on theCabrillo Bridge when appropriate ordesired. All of this achieved with theleast impact to the park and the Nation-al Historic Landmark District.

The SOHO Plan for Circulation is toroute two-way vehicular traffic alongthe southwest corner of the Plaza dePanama, adjacent to the Mingei Interna-tional Museum, and provide a valet andpassenger drop-off on both sides ofthrough traffic. In addition, a newentrance driveway would be providedinto the Alcazar Garden parking lot bymodifying the existing southern exitroad.

SOHO Parking PlanThe SOHO Plan for Parking will

replace all 54 current parking spaces inthe Plaza de Panama, including the 20accessible spaces, by creating new pub-lic parking spaces in existing parkinglots behind park institutions and streets,enabling better and more direct accessfor visitors and the disabled.

The SOHO alternative plan has nosignificant adverse effects, and a limitedamount of proposed changes, thereforethis project could proceed without theneed of an EIR. It also has consensus ofmost of San Diegans, according to BruceCoons, executive director of SOHO.

“This is a perfect time to try out theplan with the 2015 Centennial. We cansee how it works and then adopt it per-manently or change it later,” said Coons.“Why do something permanent andunchangeable when we can use a planthat can be changed?”

The SOHO part of the plan can beaccomplished well under $1 million.The potential funding sources: Throughthe use of a CCDC Redevelopment Tax

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Artist’s sketch of the Centennial Bridge proposal.

“This is a perfect timeto try out the plan withthe 2015 Centennial. Wecan see how it worksand then adopt it per-manently or change itlater”

BRUCE COONS Executive Director of the Save Our

Heritage Organization

BALBOACONTINUED FROM Page 1

SEE BALBOA, Page 7

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Increment for funding project sites con-tiguous to CCDC’s downtown ProjectArea, the General Fund’s TransientOccupancy Tax (TOT), and the TouristMarketing District. As a project for the2015 Centennial could be yet anothersource of funding.

The principal objections to the Jacob-s’/CIVITAS plan include: That the Cen-tennial Bridge and Road will impact thehistoric nature of the Park that couldresult in a loss of its National RegisterDistrict classification and the grant sup-port that comes with this designation.

That the bypass bridge would ruin thehistoric appearance of Cabrillo Bridge.That the plan does not have the public’ssupport nor the support of the 20-member coalition made up of historicalsocieties, community and neighbor-hood activists, and preservation andenvironmental stakeholders.

Plea for a VoteCoons believes that the Jacobs’ plan

should be put to a vote. “If we let thepublic decide it will end the arguments.San Diego has the right to be ugly aswell as it does to be beautiful. If the pub-lic votes for this plan then SOHO won’tprotest. If this isn’t put to the publicvote, people will be shocked when they

see how much this changes Balboa Park,and they’ll say ‘Why did you let this hap-pen!’” said Coons.

The preservation of Balboa Park isone of the toughest and biggest preser-vation fights that San Diego has everhad and it’s garnered more support forSOHO than any other. The two otherlarge ones preservationists fought forand won are Petco Park and theGaslamp District. “Now people lovethem; everybody wants to say theyfathered them now that they see thatthey are successful,” said Coons.

The controversial CentennialBridge proposal.

BALBOACONTINUED FROM Page 6

Plaza de Panama today.

closer in establishment arrives to openarms. With any luck, it will achieve thesame happy hour crowd that currentlyflocks to its Palm Desert location forpost-workday pick-me-ups. Wang’sNorth Park’s trio of owners — TomEads, Joel Herzer and Beth Gattus —seem happy with the new location thusfar, and while it is still too early to tell,the most recent buzz heard on the streetsounds promising.

From the outside, it remains diffi-cult to discern that this building, tower-ing over North Park’s main strip, is evena restaurant, sans the vertically-readingWang’s sign scripted out in red Samuraifont. Even one of the front window dis-plays still lies bare, a reminder of thedepartment store that once reignedhere. Step through these double glassdoors, however, and it becomes appar-ent that this is not a book to judge by itsstill-in-the-works cover.

Inside, high rise ceilings and a sprawl-ing floor plan leave ample room for amyriad of Eastern art that bedecks thewalls, and an ornamental tree serves asboth the restaurant’s centerpiece anddividing line between the bar and din-

ing area. The lights are soft and dim, and the

subtle beat of lounge music lingersattractively behind guests’ hum-likechatter. It all combines to render thespace toward something of a museum-meets-swanky-art-show, and yet, thisrestaurant is not all about looks, as themenu will quickly remind you.

Wang’s North Park offers a compila-tion of inspired favorites and innovativedishes. In the former category, guestscan order up familiar faces like chicken

dumplings and shrimp and scallop pot-stickers, then follow through with ever-trendy chicken lettuce wraps or Mongo-lian beef medallions. Unique to therestaurant are the jalapeno calamari,seasoned in garlic and lemon juice, andthe General Wang’s Chicken, a sweetand spicy plate favorably accompaniedby candied walnuts. I’m told the orangepeel chicken (other meats may be sub-stituted) is another house hit.

Too many options can quickly wearon the ability to make decisions, butWang’s has an app for that, or rather, adivine “Good Fortune Hour,” runningdaily from 4 to 6:30 p.m. A succinct listof $3 appetizers allows me to sample atrio of crab rangoons and the sameamount of various flavors of dumplings;all are at least passable, but I enjoy mostmy lamb and rosemary dumpling,which is hearty, flavorful and could onlybe made better if more were to appear.Other small plates include vegetablespring rolls, beef skewers, and customiz-able edamame. Happy hour drinksrange from $3 to $5.50.

A Wangarita, ordered from the spe-cialized cocktail list, graces my tablebefore I can remove my scarf, a nodtoward the restaurant’s speedy service.This tequila-based drink’s initial impres-sion is tart, strong, and also delicatelysweet. Added flavors feel fresh on thetongue, as if the limes were justsqueezed and raspberries crushed. Theslight crunch of raspberry seeds andpulp add a pleasing texture. For thosewho can handle more than one drink,try the aptly named Wangalicious or theWangnut, and don’t miss out on a cock-tail they infamously call the Long DuckDong.

Appetizers and drinks (Wang’s offers arange of alcohol, including craft beer andwine) are followed up with Mandarinpork, a difficult choice over another dishluring me: panko crusted sweet and sour

Chinese perch. My Mandarin porkarrives to the table and it’s immediatelyrecognizable as a family sized-portion(read: tomorrow’s lunch and dinner).

Flanked by edamame and scallionsand seasoned in ginger and garlic, I fin-ish more than I’d thought, because this isnot the stringy pork I’ve too often foundon evening runs to the nearest grocerystore deli. Frankly, I could cut it with thewrong end of a butter knife, and evenhad I not been alone in my meal, I’m notso sure I would want to share. I just wishI had room to handle one of two intrigu-ing desserts: banana spring rolls andbanana katsu. Instead, I box my pork to

go, and guarantee it won’t be forgotten inthe back of the fridge.

Next for Wang’s: stay tuned for thepossibility of a lunch hour, when theupstairs — which I’m told is just as largeas the ground floor — opens to draw ineven more diners. Also underway, guestscan expect an expanded menu, boastingeven more options. The bottom line: ifAsian is your persuasion, stop intoWang’s and give North Park’s new after-hours establishment a try.

Wang’s can be visited at 3029 Univer-sity Ave. (619)291-7500. Hours: Tues-day-Thursday, Sunday 4 to 10 p.m. Fri-day-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.


Beth Gattus, Tom Eads and Joel Herzer at the bar.

The Wangarita, on of Wang’s specializedcocktails.

Wang’s North Park occupies the old JC Penney building at 3029 University Ave.

Wang’s patrons can dine in comfortable seating surrounded by handsome wall art.

Mandarin Pork entrée.

Vegetable, lamb and rosemary and shrimp dumplings, and crab rangoons.

WANG’SCONTINUED FROM Page 1


You may not have heard of the SouthPark Business Group. But if you haveshopped or dined in the neighborhood,attended one of the popular quarterlyWalkabouts, or checked out what’s hap-pening on the South Park Scene websiteor Facebook page, the “SPBG” has pro-vided you with a helpful service.

Why? Well, the merchants and restau-rateurs who own and manage the busi-nesses here are determined to promotethe economic health of the South Parkbusiness community, to serve local res-idents and to restore and save the idea of“buying local” throughout San Diego.

Throughout the historic communitythat brackets 30th Street from SwitzerCanyon to A Street in Golden Hill aresmall businesses, independently-ownedand locally-operated. Many of the own-ers and business people are South Parkand nearby residents. They meetmonthly at an early-morning gatheringat Alchemy Restaurant, contribute thefunds to organize and produce theWalkabouts (with help from a city ofSan Diego BID grant), produce andpromote maps and online materials thatintroduce visitors to all that is here, andsupport one another in the quest forsmall business success.

Unlike other San Diego business dis-tricts, South Park does not feature anychain stores, shopping centers or bigbox destinations. Its customers are thosewho seek the kind of personal service,unique inventory and creative retail andrestaurant offerings that only local busi-nesses can provide.

Indeed, one of South Park’s popularbusinesses, Grant’s Marketplace on

Beech Street, has become the “worldheadquarters” for an organizationknown as “S.L.O.B.,” an acronym forSupporter of Locally-Owned Business-es. Clever illustrations on t-shirts andcanvas bags promote the concept andthe website imaslob.org.

A national grass roots campaign,known as The 3/50 Project, similarlyencourages Americans to support localbusinesses such as those throughoutSouth Park. The 3/50 Project promotesan informal pledge to spend $50 eachmonth at (any combination of) yourfavorite local businesses. Consider thesefactors when making shopping or din-ing decisions: Small business (defined ashaving 500 or fewer employees) are thelifeblood of the American economy,accounting for an astounding 99.7 per-cent of all employer firms, according toa 2007 study by the U.S. Department ofCommerce.

Yet locally owned independent busi-nesses are under far more pressure thanever. Trying economic times that haveconsumers closing their wallets, thecredit crunch, and shoppers searchingfor perceived bargains at large chainstores have taken a severe toll, whilebuyouts of corporations that are “toobig to fail” largely don’t benefit the littleguys.

Cinda Baxter of Minneapolisresponded in 2009 with a blog post thatsoon became an international move-ment to support locally owned busi-nesses. Baxter’s idea was simple: if halfof the employed U.S. population chosethree locally owned independent busi-nesses they would hate to lose, and thenspent a combined total of $50 a monthwith them, it would have a majorimpact — generating an estimated

$42.6 billion of revenue annually.The burgeoning idea now has a web-

site (the350project.net), 86,000 Face-book fans, and over 25,000 local busi-nesses listed as supporters, including theSouth Park Business Group.

What caused the groundswell? Per-haps it’s the straightforward way Baxterpresents the facts: For every $100 spentin locally owned stores, $68 remains inthe local economy. In contrast, only $43of every $100 remains local when spentin national chains, and little or no localrevenue results from online purchases.

“No one has talked this through withconsumers,” Baxter says. “The experts

all talk in terms of macro ormicro¬economics — not how con-sumers talk to each other over the din-ner table. We simply say, ‘Here’s theimpact.’ It really resonates that even asmall amount of spending can make abig difference.”

Another difference is that The 3/50Project takes a realistic approach. “We’rethe only buy local movement that does-n’t ask consumers to stop going to bigboxes. I understand that while you canfind many things in a local business,there are some items that people willcontinue to go to big boxes for. We justask them to balance their spending a lit-

tle better; that all- or-nothing mentali-ty is what got us into this mess in thefirst place,” she states.

Thanks to The 3/50 Project, and themerchants and managers of the SouthPark Business Group, the effort is active-ly visible in this corner of San Diego.

For more information, visit the SouthPark Business Group website at south-parkscene.com.

BY MARSHA SMELKINSON

South Park business group campaigns to save local business

The South Park Business Group will again welcome newand returning visitors to the quarterly Walkabouts during2012. These popular events, held on Saturday eveningsfrom 6 to 10 p.m., feature shops open late, gallery showopenings, samples and specials, live entertainment and afree trolley tour from Juniper to Beech Street. Also fea-tured is a free historic walking tour by Urban Safaris, at

the first three Walkabout events of the year.Dates for the 2012 Walkabouts are:• Spring - March 24. • Summer - July 14.• Harvest - Oct. 6 • Holiday - Dec. 1.This year’s Old House Fair date has been announced aswell. The 14th annual event will return to Father’s Dayweekend on Saturday, June 16, and will again feature atour of historic homes as well as the old house festival onBeech Street, with vendors and musical entertainment.For more information, visit theoldhousefair.com.

South Park Walkabouts 2012


Community Housing Works willturn a set of blighted buildings andvacant lots into an 83-unit affordableapartment complex on Florida Streetthat the agency said will generate jobs,invigorate the local economy and pro-vide comfortable housing for workingindividuals and families. The $10 mil-lion project was called a model of inno-vation and sustainability during an Oct.19 groundbreaking ceremony.

The apartment complex will be calledKalos, a Greek word meaning beautifuland noble.

The upcoming project will redo afailed condo development at 3795 Flori-da St. It will offer one, two- and three-

bedroom apartments that the agencysaid would be affordable to residentsearning up to $49,140 for a family offour at 60 percent of the Area MedianIncome. Seniors, families and childrenliving at Kalos will benefit from Com-munity Housing Works’ after-schoolprograms and adult training that movefamilies to economic independence andhomeownership. The community willinclude a multipurpose meeting roomwith kitchen, media center, computercenter, two courtyards, a bike shed andstorage space.

Sustainability components willinclude onsite solar hot water and apart-ment heating, photovoltaic electricity

energy production and water saving fea-tures.

According to the agency, Kalos willcreate about 126 jobs — 66 jobs fromdirect and indirect effects of construc-tion, 35 jobs supported by the inducedeffects of increased spending, and long-term creation of 25 new jobs to supportthe increased ongoing consumer activ-ity. The construction contract, it said,will invigorate the local economy withincreased demand for retail from work-ers and millions in construction mate-rials. “When new residents arrive, theywill generate an estimated $2 million inearnings for local business owners andemployees annually,” the agency said.

“Cities and states also benefit financial-ly from the development of affordablehousing through the capture of sales taxon building materials, income taxes onconstruction workers and fees for parks,water and sewer upgrades and schoolfees.”

Community Housing Worksfinanced the development with fund-ing from the San Diego RedevelopmentAgency, the San Diego Housing Com-mission and the Federal Low IncomeHousing Tax Credit program.

“CHW took a failed condo project, atruly blighted set of old buildings anddirt filled vacant lots and is transform-ing them into 83 homes affordable to

lower income, working families close tojobs in Mission Valley and Downtown,transit, schools and several colleges,”said Susan Reynolds, CEO of the agen-cy.

Said Councilman Todd Gloria, “I amglad that the North Park communitystrongly supported this new construc-tion project and applaud the leaderswho worked hard to make these apart-ments affordable to working families,young people joining our workforce,and seniors.”

development of Mission Hills has longbeen neglected in deference to the roleof architects,” said Tom Roetker, eventschairman for Mission Hills Heritage.“This seminar focuses on the majorcontribution made by Master Buildersto the way Mission Hills looks today.”In addition to talks exploring the workof several Master Builders, table topdisplays of vintage tools, photosand additional building informa-tion will also be featured in theschool’s courtyard.Tickets are $10 for individuals and$15 for two. Sale begins at 12:30p.m. on the day of the event at theFrancis Parker Lower School, 4201Randolph Street. For information,call (619) 497-1193 or [email protected] from Chism BrothersPainting will be served in thecourtyard. Mission Hills Heritage isa nonprofit community organiza-tion whose mission is to preservethe character, charm and historicresources of Mission Hills, assuringthat development projects harmo-nize with the established commu-nity and provide for communityinput into these projects.Photos courtesy of Mission HillsHeritage.

MASTERSCONTINUED FROM Page 1

1. Home by Master Builder Cliff May at 2400 Presidio Drive.2. Cliff May-built home at 4366 Marilouise Way. 3. Morris Irvin-built home at 4186 Jackdaw. 4. Nathan Rigdon-built home at 1770 W. Lewis St.5. Martin Melhorn-built home at 4127 Palmetto Way.6. Home built by Martin Melhorn at 4119 Palmetto Way.7. Nathan Rigdon-built home at 1770 W. Lewis St.8. Nathan Rigdon built the home at 1885 Sheridan St.

Affordable apartments to be built on Florida StreetCommunity Housing Works breaks ground for 83-unit project

Rendering of the Kalos affordable apartment complex.

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5. 6.

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2012 is certain to be a busy, positiveyear in North Park. Building on thework and successes we’ve achieved inthe past few years, I’m excited aboutwhat the new year will hold.

North Park’s business district willcontinue to thrive as new businessesincluding Sipz Fusion Café come to theneighborhood. Sipz, which operates asuccessful location in Clairemont, willfeature an all-vegetarian and primarilyvegan menu. Importantly, the businesshas also taken advantage of the city’sStorefront Improvement Program, so it

will be attractive, too. I anticipate thatWang’s North Park will be successful inits first full year as well.

Wang’s was made possible in part bythe use of redevelopment funds. Most ofyou are aware that the state governmenttried to end redevelopment to solve itsown budget problems, effectivelystalling the significant progress we’vemade locally through redevelopment.The state money grab is currently beingexamined by the California SupremeCourt, and 2012 should see the case’sresolution. I hope the court finds thestate’s action illegal and restores theredevelopment process.

Upgrades to the Woolworth’s build-ing are thankfully not among those in aholding pattern until the court decidesredevelopment’s future. The renovationsto the 1949 building will result inchanges to the exterior, 7,000 square feetof commercial space on the groundfloor and six two-bedroom, two-bathapartments on the second floor. TheNorth Park Gateway project will alsoinclude improvements to the nearbysidewalk, streetscape and alley.

The update to the Greater North ParkCommunity Plan will continue in 2012.City staff is currently drafting theupdate based on numerous publicmeetings and significant input. If youhaven’t been involved in this process, Iencourage you to stay tuned; the updatewill guide zoning and development and

greatly impact the quality of life in ourneighborhood. Visit www.sandiego.gov/planning/community/profiles/greaternorthpark/index.shtml regularly forupdates.

Central to creating desirable commu-nities is the maintenance and additionof open spaces and parks. In 2012, we’llcelebrate the completion of the joint usefield at Jefferson Elementary, meaningthat field will be open for neighborhooduse in non-school hours. I’m workingon adding more park space behind theNorth Park Theatre, too. Though cur-rently dependent on redevelopmentfunds, I expect design and implementa-tion of Phase I of the North Park MiniPark to begin this year.

In addition to these new park pro-jects, visiting North Park CommunityPark will be more enjoyable after a thirdphase of improvements, which shouldget underway this year, too.

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

The Year Ahead North Park’s business district will continue to thrive

BY COUNCILMAN TODD GLORIA

Wang’s North Park will be successful in its first full year of operation.

http://www.sandiego.gov/


http://www.sandiego.gov/cd3


Water: A California Story

Building for Fun

Scholars Panel Discussion

Water: H2O=Life takes a global perspective, but inmany ways, Southern California acts as a microcosm forexploring the worldwide water crisis. Many global dilem-mas are represented in southern California: infrastructurechallenges, transportation of water, shortages, conserva-tion, restoration, agriculture, and the effects of climatechange.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is developing“Water: A California Story” — a unique 2800-square-foot exhibition that explores the vulnerability of ourwater supply in Southern California. The exhibitionaddresses where our water comes from, how we use waterand where our water goes after we use it — all within thecontext of global climate change and people as majorplayers in the ecosystem.

Through photos, maps, video, and hands-on activi-ties, visitors will see that water is a service provided bynature that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Natural histo-ry specimens and live animals will serve as remindersthat the natural environment and its inhabitants are alsolegitimate users of water resources.

The exhibition teaches visitors about current, localissues on land (adaptations to water scarcity, increasingwildfires due to prolonged drought) and in the ocean

(urban run-off, ocean pollution, and overfishing). Exam-ining the infrastructure of the regional water system, vis-itors will learn about how we import the majority of ourwater, and the costs associated with this practice. Theexhibition also looks at effects of a changing climate onour region’s water supply and reveals how Southern Cal-ifornians can help protect water for future generations.

The newest addition to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s per-manent collection is Block Busters! — where visitors can build free-

form structures with thousands of wooden KEVA planks. Andno glue or connectors are necessary. Each KEVA (Knowledge-Exploration-Visual Arts) plank is uniform in size and shape,made from maple wood and measures 1/4 inch thick, 3/4inch wide and 4 1/2 inches long. Structures are built bystacking the planks in an infinite number of ways. Stackingthe KEVA planks upright, they may look as unstable as a

house of cards, but even this type of structure is surprisinglystable. Adults and kids alike cannot resist the draw of KEVA planksand will quickly find themselves building, interacting and collab-orating together. Once your tower has been built and admired,you’ll quickly find that half the fun is in knocking it down.

Throughout the exhibition, KEVA displays will include a cas-tle turret, a spiral staircase, sail boat, airplane and train. Visitors can

test their skills with building experiments such as:• “Spirals” – Make a structure using spirals. How manydifferent types of spirals can be made? How can thenumber of layers be designed in different ways to com-

plete a revolution?• “Impossible Structures” – Build a structure

and remove some of the planks to create a sculp-ture that could not be built from the ground up,

such as an eagle or hexagon uprights.• “Think Like an Architect” – Build a tower as tall as yourself. Add

patterns and structure to make it more beautiful or interesting.• “Minimalism” – Build a sculpture using only 10 planks or

objects with only the most essential elements –i.e. an airplane withthree planks.

A scholars panel discussion on how pho-tography and fieldwork aid and legitimizethe study of the human condition will beheld Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. inthe San Diego Museum of Man’s Gill Audi-torium.

Participating scholars are from SanDiego State University’s Department ofAnthropology: Seth Mallios, professor andchair of the department, and associate pro-fessors Matt Lauer and Erin Riley. The pro-

fessors represent different sub-disciplines ofanthropology — archaeology, culturalanthropology and biological anthropology— but each are dependent on the field-work process and employ similar methodsof collecting and documenting insightfrom the field. The panel discussion is relat-ed to the current exhibition, “Adventures inPhotography: A Century of images inArchaeology and Anthropology.”

Polar Bears to PenguinsAs the world celebrates the 100-year

anniversary of the Amundsen- Scott race forthe South Pole, a new exhibition opening May14 at the San Diego Natural History Museumexplores Earth’s extreme—and extremely frag-ile —polar ends with stunning vistas, massivepolar bears, comical penguins and braveexplorers. “Ends of the Earth: From PolarBears to Penguins” runs through April 15,2012, and is included with museum admis-sion. “Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears toPenguins is a hands-on, family-friendly exhi-

bition that also faces head-on the seriousthreats of climate change and endangeredspecies in a way that non-scientists can under-stand,” says Michael Hager, president and CEOof the museum. Interactive games, mountedpenguins and polar bears, videos, animalskulls, and authentic artifacts encourage visi-tors to explore the unique nature of Earth’sspectacular polar regions. In San Diego, theexhibition is curated by Gerald Kooyman, pro-fessor emeritus at Scripps Institution ofOceanography, UCSD.

Above: Dead trees on the westernshore of the Salton Sea. Photo: Michael Field.

Left: Heron and trash in Ventura Harbor.Photo: Michael Field.

Right: Pelican along the Embarcadero. Photo: Michael Field.


The Museum of Man hosts a Jan. 14 lecture at 11a.m. on the ancient Egyptian mummy genre in con-junction with its exhbit, “Modern Day Mummy: TheArt & Science of Mummification.” Featured will beStuart Tyson Smith, professor and chair of anthropol-ogy at UC Santa Barbara and co-convener of theArchaeology Research Focus Group, InterdisciplinaryHumanities Center. Smith will outline the basicEgypt-inspired themes in film — “The Mummy”(1999) and “The Mummy Returns” (2001) — with afocus on the mummy genre. He also will compareHollywood’s depiction of mummies to the insightsthat archaeology and Egyptology have given into thereality of death and burial in ancient Egypt, wheremummies took a central, if a generally less mobile,role. The lecture will be in Gill Auditorium and isopen to the public and free with paid admission tothe museum.

Mummy Talk FREE GUIDED NATURE HIKESFebruary 2012Ramona GrasslandsIn Ramona, take a 5-mile walk to viewwildflowers and a pond while movingthrough grassland, sage scrub and cha-parral habitats. For more information ordirections, visitwww.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call (619)232-3821; option 4 (M–F).Saturday, Feb. 4; 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Pinyon Wash In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, fol-low a trail that begins at the end ofPinyon Wash, hiking 2 miles to HarperFlat, once the site of a large Indiancamp. For more information or direc-tions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneersor call (619) 232-3821; option 4 (M–F).Sunday, Feb. 5; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Indian Hill In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, hikethrough hillsides of teddy bear chollaand barrel cactus to visit the remains of

a primitive 1912 railroad camp. Four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles arerecommended to reach the trailhead.For more information or directions, visitwww.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call (619)232-3821; option 4 (M–F).Saturday, February 11; 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Daley Ranch In Escondido, Daley Ranch has severalhabitats that support a variety of plantand animal species. On the BoulderLoop trail, enjoy spectacular views ofthe surrounding area. For more informa-tion or directions, visitwww.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call (619)232-3821; option 4 (M–F).Sunday, Feb. 12; 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Fortuna MountainIn San Diego’s Mission Trails RegionalPark, Fortuna Mountain looks out overan area that once contained ancientbeaches. Look for early wildflowersalong the trail. For more information ordirections, visit

www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call (619)232-3821; option 4 (M–F).Saturday, Feb. 18; 8–11 a.m.

Rose Canyon Open Space Park In San Diego’s University City neighbor-hood, watch for hawks soaring aboveRose Creek while hiking in this 275-acreoasis along the old Santa Fe Railroadroadbed. For more information or direc-tions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneersor call (619) 232.3821; option 4 (M–F).Sunday, Feb. 19; 9–10:30 a.m.

Lake HodgesIn Rancho Bernardo, hike through variedterrain, pass a waterfall, and learn aboutNative American uses of plants in thisarea rich in Kumeyaay history. For moreinformation or directions, visitwww.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call (619)232-3821; option 4 (M–F).Saturday, Feb. 25; 8–11 a.m.

http://www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers







Special to the North Park NewsThe last several years have been any-

thing, but certain for the local, regionaland national real estate markets. How-ever, 2012’s outlook is “healthy” for thecommunities of North Park and Hill-crest. Experts say barring any major eco-nomic changes, the outlook is positivefor both North Park and Hillcrest realestate.

Today, the North Park market can bedescribed as healthy with ample home-owner improvement, from new roofs tokitchen remodels and fresh landscape.

Driving through the local neighbor-hoods, it’s impossible to miss the home

and landscaping improvements that arebeing made every few blocks, includingfull tear downs to new facades, saidJason J. Riehl of Andrew Arroyo RealEstate, which has been specializing inSan Diego real estate for 14 years.

“As one of San Diego’s original neigh-borhoods, there are many homes thatneed the updating and it’s great to seehomeowners and investors taking onthe challenge,” said Riehl.

Overall, North Park price trends areconsistent with San Diego County as awhole.

“The small uptick in average homeprice sales we saw in 2010 was given

back in 2011,” said Riehl.“The positive note is that thenumber of home sales or transac-tions per year has been increasing since2009. As we’ve moved into the fourthquarter of the year, we’ve seen a season-al slowdown in transactions, but priceshave remained steady.”

As far as prices in North Park, theaverage single-family home sale price in2011 was $436,536 or $361 per squarefoot, according to Sandicor, while theaverage condo/townhome sale price was$179,578 or $215 per square foot.

North Park can be considered a “sell-er’s market” with 65 properties current-ly listed for sale and 95 sales in the lastthree months.

Hillcrest area activity was on par, andcurrently considered a balanced mar-ket—not far from a “seller’s market”—with 39 properties listed for sale and 40sales in the last three months.

According to Sandicor, Hillcrest’saverage single-family home sale price in2011 was $595,800 or $392 per squarefoot with an average condo/townhomesale price at $341,345 or $305 per squarefoot.

“The rate of sales over the past yearhas really shrunk the amount of inven-tory for sale in the area,” explained

Riehl. “Buyers maynot have as much bargain-

ing power as they once had. It’stough to say if prices will increase, butbased on the ratio of sales to inventory,sellers should not have a problem sellingtheir property, if priced correctly. Bar-ring any major economic changes theoutlook is bright for North Park realestate.”

Some of the buyers in the areainclude a “range of individuals, couplesand families taking advantage of the lowmortgage payments available,” saidRiehl. “With interest rates so low andhousing prices still stagnant, the oppor-tunity for qualified buyers to purchase anew home is greater than ever.”


Real Estate ForecastOutlook healthy for North Park and Hillcrest

By Patricia PooreArts & Crafts Homes

The word “bungalow” may seemtoday like a synonym for “cottage,” butin its heyday it was prized both for itsexotic,

Anglo–Indian associations and itsartistic naturalism.

A bungalow nestles into its site, lowand spreading. It was inevitable that

the form would be embraced bytastemakers and builders of the Arts& Crafts movement. The architectsGreene and Greene in California calledtheir millionaires’ chalets bungalows.Gustav Stickley sang their praises inthe magazine The Craftsman. Dozensof plan books between 1909 and 1925promoted “artistic bungalows.” Onlylater, with the ascendancy of a mid-dle-class Colonial Revival, did Arts &

Crafts ideals lose favor; eventually,“bungalow” become a derogatorylabel.

The bungalow as a house form hasclose ties to the Arts & Crafts move-ment — and an even stronger affinitytoday, as thousands of bungalows,some quite modest, are snatched upto be interpreted in a manner that’soften beyond the tastes and budgetsof the original owners.


House Styles: The Craftsman BungalowA form embraced by tastemakers and builders of the Arts & Crafts movement

A typical builder’s semi-bungalow with such artistic details as knee-braces under overhanging eaves, exposed rafter tails dec-oratively sawn, and battered posts on piers. Photo by Douglas Keister.

Some bungalow owners preferred a lighter approach, especially upstairs in bedroomsand when the house had elements of the Colonial Revival. Furnished with a mix ofperiod antiques and contemporary pieces, this bungalow dates to 1906.

Photo by William Wright

Built-in sideboard and Stickley furniture in a later Midwestern bungalow with Prairieleanings. Photo by William Wright.

Indigenous MaterialsAn artistic use of such materials as

river rock, clinker brick, quarried stone,shingles, and stucco is common.

Artistic NaturalismMost bungalows are low and spread-

ing, not more than a story-and-a-halftall, with porches, sun porches, pergolasand patios tying them to the outdoors.

The A&C bungalow follows an infor-mal aesthetic; it is a house withoutstrong allusions to formal English or

classical precedents.

Emphasis on StructureLook for artistic exaggeration in

columns, posts, eaves brackets, lintels,and rafters. Inside, too, you’ll find ceil-ing beams, chunky window trim, andwide paneled doors. Horizontal ele-ments are stressed.

Exotic InfluencesThese appeared in builders’ houses

and the pages of style books and maga-

zines: stick ornament in the manner ofSwiss Chalets; Spanish or Moorish arch-es and tilework; and orientalism, espe-cially Japanesque.

Inside the BungalowThe typical bungalow interior, at least

as it was presented in the house books ofthe period, is easy to recognize. Basical-ly, the bungalow interior was a Crafts-man interior.

In a complete departure from Victo-rian interior decoration, bungalow writ-ers frowned on the display of wealthand costly collectibles. Rather than buy-ing objects of obvious or ascribed value,the homeowner was told to look forsimplicity and craftsmanship: “a luxuryof taste substituting for a luxury of cost.”

Keep in mind that both Greene andGreene’s Gamble House in Pasadenaand a three-room vacation shack with-out plumbing were called bungalows.And they both affected what the typicalyear-round bungalow would look like.The finest examples of Arts & Craftshandiwork found a place in the bunga-low, as did rustic furniture.

Walls were often wood-paneled tochair-rail or plate-rail height. Burlap insoft earth tones was suggested for thewall area above, or used in wood-bat-tened panels where paneling was absent.Landscape friezes and abstract stencilingabove a plate rail were often pictured.Dulled, grayed shades and earth tones,even pastels, were preferred to strongcolors. Plaster with sand in the finishcoast was suggested. Woodwork couldbe golden oak or oak brown-stained tosimulate old English woodwork, orstained dull black or bronze green.


Painted softwood was also becomingpopular, especially for bedroom, withwhite enamel common before 1910 andstronger color gaining popularity dur-ing the ’20s.

It became almost an obsession withbungalow builders to see how manyamenities could be crammed into theleast amount of space. By 1920, the bun-galow had more space-saving built-insthan a yacht: Murphy wall beds, ironingboards in cupboards, built-in mailbox-es, telephone nooks.

Writers advocated the “harmonioususe” of furnishings small and few. Oakwoodwork demanded oak furniture,supplemented with reed, rattan, wicker,or willow in natural, gray, or pastels.Mahogany pieces were thought bestagainst a backdrop of woodwork paint-

ed white. (Bright white was used mostoften for bathroom trim; “white” couldalso signify cream, yellow, ivory, lightcoffee, or pale gray.) A large table with areading lamp was the centerpiece of theliving room in these days before TV.

Restraint was the universal cry ofgood taste. Clutter was out—“clutter”being a relative term. Pottery, Indianbaskets, Chinese and Japanese wares,vases, and Arts & Crafts hangings weresuggested to satisfy the collector instinct.More affluent households might displayRookwood pottery, small Tiffany pieces,hammered copper bowls, and decora-tive items from Liberty and Co. A water-color landscape or two, executed by theamateur painter of the family, was theultimate Arts & Crafts expression forthe home.

The Gamble House in Pasadena by architects Greene & Greene is one of their ‘Ulti-mate Bungalows.’ Photo by Douglas Keister.

Typical interior in a 1916 bungalow in New York State. Note the colonnade betweenrooms, the open plan, the simple lines, and the use of unpainted wood.

Photo by Dan Mayers.

Even with the use of wallpaper and a papered frieze, patterned rug, and collectibles,this bungalow is restrained by comparison to rooms of the Victorian era.

Photo by William Wright.

Look for nature and vernacular expression in the architecture and design of the Arts& Crafts bungalow.


Breakfast room in a 1916 Seattle bungalow: simplicity reigns. Photo by William Wright.

Book RecommendationsDo a search at amazon.com and you’ll see there are dozens ofbooks about bungalows and the American Arts & Crafts move-ment. Some of the now-classics are out of print but you canalways find a used copy. Here is a basic library for owners ofbungalows old and new:• The Bungalow: America’s Arts & Crafts Home by Paul Duch-

scherer; Penguin Studio 1995.• Inside the Bungalow: America’s Arts & Crafts Interior by Paul

Duchscherer; Penguin Studio 1997.• Outside the Bungalow, America’s Arts and Crafts Garden by

Paul Duchscherer, photos by Douglas Keister; Penguin 1999.• http://www.loghome.com/product/1151 Bungalow Kitchens by

Jane Powell, photos by Linda Svendsen; Gibbs Smith 2000.• http://www.loghome.com/product/1152 Bungalow Bathrooms

by Jane Powell, photos by Linda Svendsen; Gibbs Smith 2001.• http://www.loghome.com/product/1153 Bungalow: The Ulti-

mate Arts and Crafts Home by Jane Powell, photos by LindaSvendsen; Gibbs Smith 2004.

• Bungalow Details: Exterior by Jane Powell, photos by LindaSvendsen; Gibbs Smith 2005.

• http://www.loghome.com/product/1589 Bungalow Details:Interior by Jane Powell, photos by Linda Svendsen; GibbsSmith 2006.

• Bungalow Nation by Diane Maddex and Alexander Vertikoff;Abrams 2003.

• American Bungalow Style by Robert Winter; Simon & Schuster1996.

• http://www.loghome.com/product/1590 Bungalow Colors:Exteriors by Robert Schweitzer; Gibbs Smith 2002

Decorating and furnishing:• The Beautiful Necessity: Decorating with Arts & Crafts by

Bruce Smith and Yoshiko Yamamoto; Gibbs Smith 1996 and2004.

• Arts & Crafts Textiles by Ann Wallace; Gibbs Smith 1999.• Arts and Crafts Furniture by Kevin P. Rodel and Jonathan

Binzen, Taunton Press 2004.• Grove Park Inn Arts & Crafts Furniture by Bruce Johnson; Pop-

ular Woodworking Books 2009• Craftsman Style by Robert Winter; Simon & Schuster 2004• Gustav Stickley by David Cathers; Phaidon 2003To see Prairie School interiors:• Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Houses by Alan Hess et al; Rizzoli

2006.• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Interiors by Thomas A. Heinz; Gramercy

Books.• Frank Lloyd Wright: The Houses by Alan Hess et al; Rizzoli

2005. • Purcell & Elmslie, Prairie Progressive by David Gebhard; Gibbs

Smith 2006.

Bungalows newly built or renovated:• http://www.loghome.com/product/1534 Bungalow Plans by

Gladu and Gladu; Gibbs Smith 2002.• Small Bungalows by Christian Gladu and Ross Chandler; Gibbs

Smith 2007.• The New Bungalow by Bialecki and Gladu; Gibbs Smith 2001.• http://www.loghome.com/product/1500 The New Bungalow

Kitchen by Peter Labau; Taunton Press 2007.• Bungalow Style: Creating Classic Interiors in Your Arts &

Crafts Home by Treena Crochet; Taunton Press 2004.• Updating Classic America: Bungalows, Design Ideas for Reno-

vating…and Building New by M. Caren Connolly and LouisWasserman; Taunton Press 2002.

Scholarly histories of bungalow architecture:• The Bungalow by Anthony D. King; Routledge & Kegan Paul,

London, 1984.• The American Bungalow by Clay Lancaster; Abbeville Press

1985 Tagged as:http://artsandcraftshomes.com/tag/bungalow-2/ (bungalow),http://artsandcraftshomes.com/tag/bungalow-history/ (bun-galow history), http://artsandcraftshomes.com/tag/bungalow-style/ (bungalow style)

http://www.loghome.com/product/1151







http://artsandcraftshomes.com/tag/bungalow-2/

http://artsandcraftshomes.com/tag/bungalow-history/

http://artsandcraftshomes.com/tag/bungalow-style/



CORONADO MUSEUM OF

HISTORY AND ART“Hotel del Coronado Tour”: TheCoronado Museum of History andArt offers a one-hour, docent-ledtour of the Hotel del Coroado andits history. It is the only tour to goinside the hotel. Make reservationsthrough the Coronado VisitorsCenter by calling (619) 437-8788.The fee is $15. Tours run Tuesdaysat 10:30 a.m. and Fridays, Satur-days and Sundays at 2 p.m.

“PROMENADE THROUGH

THE PAST”Departs from the lobby of theMuseum of History and Art, 1100Orange Ave, Wednesdays at 2 p.m.Learn about some of Coronado’sfamous buildings and architecturalsites, including Tent City resort.Tour fee includes “Promenadethrough the Past – A Walking TourGuidebook of Coronado” and cov-ers admission into the Museum ofHistory and Art. $10. (619) 437-8788. Reservations Required.

Hebbard and Gill, with Gill as thelead designer, to design a large,boxy red brick house that brokewith the English Arts and Craftscottage style in favor of the moremodern streamlined style of itsneighbor, the Marston house. Meadand Requa designed a stripped-

down, geometric home inspired byPueblo architecture for Lorenzeand Miriam Barney in 1913. Itstands next to the house Lorenze’sparents had commissioned twoyears earlier from Pacific BuildingCompany, a San Diego design andconstruction firm staffed by Gill’sformer draftsmen.

GAMBLE HOUSE

ONGOING, PASADENAThe David B. Gamble House, con-structed in 1908, is an internation-ally recognized masterpiece of theturn-of-the-century Arts & Craftsmovement in America. It is themost complete and original exam-ple of the work of architectsCharles and Henry Greene and aNational Historic Landmark. One-hour guided tours Thursday-Sun-day noon to 3 p.m. Closed nationalholidays. General admission: $8;Students/65+: $5; Children under12 with an adult, free. Group toursavailable by reservation. For infor-mation call (626) 793-3334.

MUSEUM OF ART

ONGOING, LONG BEACHThe museum home includes asplendid, imposing example of theCraftsman bungalow. Built in 1912as the summer home of heiressElizabeth Milbank Anderson, it hasthe natural materials and rugged

texture of wood shingles and clink-er brick. The prominent gables andprojecting rafter beams, like therest of the main house and car-riage house, retain their originalintegrity. The style is echoed bysimilar homes in the nearby BluffPark Historic District. 2300 E.Ocean Blvd. (562) 439-2119.

STANLEY RANCH MUSEUM

ONGOING, GARDEN GROVEA California bungalow built in1916 is one focal point of this two-acre property, home to some ofGarden Grove’s oldest homes andbusiness buildings. Phone the Gar-den Grove Historical Society at(714) 530-8871.

LUMMIS HOME MUSEUM

ONGOING, HIGHLAND PARKThe arroyo-stone home built byCharles Fletcher Lummis, founderof the Southwest Museum, is astate historic monument listed onthe National Register of HistoricPlaces. 200 E. Ave. 43. Friday-Sun-day, noon-4 p.m. Free; donationsaccepted. For information, call(323) 222-0546.

LANTERMAN HOUSE TOUR

ONGOING, LA CANADAThe Craftsman-style house, built in1914 by Arthur Haley, was theregion’s first concrete residence.Located at 4420 Encinas Dr., it isopen Tuesdays and Thursdays, andthe first and third Sundays of themonth, from 1-4 p.m. Adults, $3;students, $1; under 12, free. Formore information, call (818) 790-1421.

HOMESTEAD MUSEUM

ONGOING,

CITY OF INDUSTRYDocumenting a century of South-ern California history, the six-acremuseum features the WorkmanHouse, La Casa Nueva and ElCampo Santo cemetery; 15415 E.Don Julian Road. Tuesday throughFriday, 1 to 4 p.m. (626) 968-8492.

L.A. ART DECO TOURS

ONGOING, LOS ANGELESTours of downtown Los Angelesare led on Saturdays; $5 admis-sion. For reservations, call (213)623-CITY.

JUDSON STUDIOS

ONGOING, LOS ANGELESThe Judson Studios served as theturn-of-the-century core of theArroyo Craftsman movement,located at 200 S. Ave. 66. For moreinformation, call (800) 445-8376or click on judsonstudios.com.

HERITAGE VILLAGE TOUR

ONGOING, CLAREMONT The first Saturday of each month.The 1 3/4 hour walk begins at 10a.m. in front of the Historic Clare-

mont Metrolink Depot, 200 W.First St. (Walk is canceled if it’sraining at 8 a.m.) Call (909) 621-8871.

RIORDAN MANSION PARK

ONGOING, FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ.

One of Arizona’s best examples ofCraftsman architecture, the man-sion was designed by Charles Whit-tlesey and built as a duplex. Origi-nal furnishings, including pieces byEllis, Stickley and Tiffany Studios,are found at the house museum.Guided, handicapped-accessibletours are held daily. The house islocated at 409 Riordan Road. Fur-ther details are available at (520)779-4395.

BOETTCHER MANSION

OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

ONGOING, GOLDEN, COLO.Tour a 1917 Arts & Crafts man-sion, a 10,000-square-foot sum-mer home built by Charles Boettch-er, famous Colorado entrepreneur.Dramatic cathedral ceilings withcarved beams, massive stone walk-in fireplace, some original hard-ware and lighting. See permanentexhibit of early mansion photosand original blueprints, includingan ink-on-linen drawing. Open allyear, generally Monday throughSaturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundayvaries. On 110 forested acres withviews of the Continental Divideand the Colorado plains. Twentyminutes from Denver. Free for tour-ing. Call (303) 526-0855.

MOSS MANSION

ONGOING, BILLINGS, MONT. Nearly unchanged since 1903,Moss Mansion, designed by HenryJaneway Hardenbergh, can befound on the National Register ofHistorical Places. Visitors will findoriginal furniture, Oriental carpets,handmade light fixtures, and avariety of design styles inside themansion. Contact (406) 256-5100.

KELL HOUSE

ONGOING, WICHITA FALLS,TEXAS

Frank Kell built one of the mostarchitecturally significant build-ings in Wichita Falls, the red-brickneoclassic Kell House in 1909. Itfeatures distinctive architecture,original family furnishings, tex-tiles, decorative arts and early-20th-century costumes. Exhibi-tions change in April andSeptember. Ask for directions to theSouthland and Floral Heights bun-galow neighborhoods when youvisit. The Kell House is open Tues-day, Wednesday and Sunday from2-4 p.m. Adults, $3; children 12and under, $1. For information,call (940) 723-2712.

VAN BRIGGLE POTTERY

ONGOING, COLORADO SPRINGS

With its works showcased in world-renowned museums such as theLouvre and Metropolitan Museumof Art, complimentary tours of theVan Briggle studio were establishedin 1899. Call (719) 633-7729 forfurther information.

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTHOME AND STUDIO

ONGOING, OAK PARK, ILL.These 45-minute guided tours ofthe restored Frank Lloyd WrightHome and Studio are offered year-round at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3p.m. Monday through Friday and11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sun-day. 951 Chicago, Oak Park, IL60302, (708) 848-1976.

UNITY TEMPLE

ONGOING, OAK PARK, ILL.Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright,the temple is open weekdays, 1-4p.m., with weekend guided tours.Call (708) 383-8873. More Crafts-man gems are evident throughoutChicagoland neighborhoods.

JOHNSON WAX COMPANYBUILDING

ONGOING, RACINE, WIS. Reservations are required for tours,held Fridays only, of the FrankLloyd Wright-designed building.Call (262) 260-2000 for informa-tion.

BRYN ATHYN CATHEDRAL

ONGOING, BRYN ATHYN, PA.

Guided tours of the center of theSwedenborgian community. Spe-cialty tours by request. The cathe-dral was built between 1919-1927using a purist idea of the Arts &Crafts Artisan Guild System. Someof the original guild shops are stillin use and continue to housecraftsmen. This building and itsenvironment are unique amongArts & Crafts communities in thatthe religious beliefs of the Sweden-borgian community were blendedwith the Arts & Crafts ideology.Tours for individuals are free. Toursfor large groups $2 per person.Contact the cathedral between thehours of 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at (215)947-0266.

GUSTAV STICKLEY EXHIBIT

ONGOING, SYRACUSE, N.Y.A small ongoing exhibit of GustavStickley and the Arts & Crafts era.Showing period examples of hiswork along with his peers. At theEverson Museum, corner of Harri-son and State streets. Call (315)447-6064.

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

ONGOING, NEW YORK Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright,the museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Sunday through Wednesday and10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Satur-day. Call (212) 423-3500 for more.


Craftsman Calendar of

Events


Music With A SweetSoul Edge

San Diego’s music scene continues tobe very healthy, as evidenced by theamount of performers moving here to bea part of the local community, if only fora season or two. On Jan. 7 at 9 p.m.,singer-songwriter Ashley Juavinett hosts aCD release show for her debut album atLestat’s. The former East Coast residenthas a song sensibility somewhere betweenAni Difranco’s rhythmic solo work andCarole King’s introspective pop. At its best,such as on her song, “You Got Me,”Juavinett’s music has a sweet soul edge,which is a breath of fresh air in the localcoffeehouse circuit.

Ashley Juavinett: Saturday, Jan. 7 at

Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m.All

ages. Cover TBD. mys-

pace.com/ashleyj.music.

Los Hollywood: No Translation Necessary

Quirky, punk, pop, and new wave influenced as well as bilingual, LosHollywood, who appear at The Soda Bar on Jan. 14 at 8:30 p.m., have a lotgoing for them, but it starts with their wonderful songwriting. Songs suchas “Te Busco” may be in Spanish, but the material is so strong, translationisn’t necessary. Indeed, the tunes — many with a clear ’80s pop influence— are strong enough to carry the moment. The quartet’s set list can rangefrom acoustic balladry to terrific rockers such as “Renacer,” but whichev-er version of Los Hollywood you manage to catch, this is a combo that’sboth fun to watch and listen to.

Los Hollywood: Saturday, Jan. 14, at The Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon

Blvd. 8:30 p.m. 21 and up. $7. myspace.com/loshollywood.

Casting A Long Shadow

Dave Alvin may not be a household name, but hecasts a long shadow. Appearing at AMSD Concertson Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m., Alvin initially found fameduring the early 1980’s as a member of rockabillyacolytes The Blasters, with classic tunes such as“Border Radio” and “Marie, Marie.” One of theleading lights in roots American music, Alvin hasalso spent time in such legendary groups as TheKnitters, X, Gun Club and The Flesh Eaters; thoughtoday he can usually be found performing in solomode. His most recent album is called “ElevenEleven,” a more than worthy addition to his musi-cal canon. In the 30-plus years since he made hisrecording debut, Alvin has recorded little that was-n’t of substance and well worth hearing.

Dave Alvin: Wednesday, Jan. 21 at AMSD Con-

certs, 4650 Mansfield St. 7:30 p.m. All ages.

$25-$52. amsdconcerts.com.

Loud and Manic With KlogrThe computer age has brought us many things, but for musicians the best is likely the abil-

ity to collaborate with musicians in faraway lands. Such is the case with alternative metal groupKlogr, who open a West Coast tour at Eleven on Jan. 19 at 9 p.m. The band, touring in sup-port of their new album, “Till You Decay,” includes both Italian and American musicians, allof whom know their way around bombast and heavy riffing. This quartet has the musicalchops to keep things from getting overblown or boring. Expect things to get loud and manic.

Klogr: Thursday, Jan. 19, at Eleven, 3519 El Cajon Blvd. 9 p.m. 21 and up. $6.

klogr.net.

Live Version of a Well-Stocked Jukebox

Fronted by Michael Rennie, Rio Peligroso is eas-ily one of the best bands playing covers in town.Performing at Bar Pink on Jan. 26 at 9 p.m., the keyto their success is their eclectic set list which drawson all manner of musical Americana, mixing upclassics with worthy lesser-known tunes, for a setthat will please casual fans and music junkies alike.Blasting out tunes ranging from country legendssuch as Hank Snow or more recently minted rock-abilly heroes The Blasters, Rio Peligroso comesacross like a live version of a particularly well-stocked jukebox.

Rio Peligroso: Thursday, Jan. 26. Bar Pink,

3829 30th St. 9 p.m. 21 and up. mys-

pace.com/riopeligrosoband.

By Bart Mendoza

north park news, january 2011

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