2014 Feb-Mar - Rolando Community Council

Volume 7, No. 2
February-March 2014
STREET FAIR BECKONS YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART
The Rolando Community Council’s 18th
annual Rolando Street Fair is set for
Sunday, March 30, from 10 a.m. until 6
p.m. on the 4700-4800 blocks of Rolando
Boulevard.
The family friendly fair offers something for
everyone, from the specialty home-brewed soda
enthusiast to the music aficionado. The air will
resonate with the work of a variety of musical
stylists. They include the Ballad Mongers, Katie
Leigh and the Infantry, Len Rainey and the
Midnight Players, the Afrojazziacs with special
guest Steph Johnson, and a SoCal Reggae
Xplosion with J. A. M. KwesT and surprise
special guests.
With more than 200 booths including 21
food vendors as well as various businesses,
crafters, and non-profits, there is something for
They fly thru’ the air at last year’s Rolando Street Fair. (Photo credit:
Jolyne Harris)
everyone in every budget category. In fact, to walk the
event and listen to the music is a treat in itself – and it’s
RCC has planned
completely free.
some great nights out
The young and/or adventurous will discover a special
for
February
and
section of games and rides, including an obstacle course.
March. On Thursday,
Food vendors offer a variety of dining alternatives
February 27, we will
including special diet, vegan, and ethnic choices.
meet at Social Life
If you are a local crafter why not have a booth at our fair?
Pizza at 6011 El Cajon
Share your talents! Local crafters get a reduced rate. To
Blvd; meet us any time
participate go to our website rolandocc.org and fill out a
after 6:00 p.m. Then
vendor application.
For questions contact us at
on Thursday, March
[email protected]. Volunteers are needed on fair
27, we’ll gather after
day. Contact Jerrett at [email protected].
6:00 p.m. at Chelato’s Mexican Bar & Grill at
What’s not to like, Rolando? Come on out. Let’s have
7149 El Cajon Blvd.
fun!
ROLANDO NIGHT OUT
Rolando Community Council Meetings
Tuesday, February 18: San Diego Police Museum
Tuesday, March 18: College Area Business Improvement District (BID)
Clay Elementary School Auditorium – 6506 Solita – Socializing at 6:30, meeting at 7 :00 p.m.
www.RolandoCC.org
Page 1
NEIGHBORS MAKE ROLANDO
HOLIDAYS SPECIAL
by Daniel Anderson, RCC president
The holidays are special in Rolando. Nearly
100 neighbors enjoyed our annual Rolando
Holiday Party on December 17. Musicians who
live in our community contributed their
professional talents, whether with voice, piano or
string quartet, in renditions ranging from carols to
anthems. A large number of local eateries like
Alforon Mediterranean Cuisine and Bistro Sixty,
together with home chefs, set out a feast lining
three sides of the room. Santa and his elves
turned up at the right moment and in the right
way to make everyone happy and bright!
Seventeen neighbors entered their homes in the
very first annual Rolando Holiday Light Contest.
Danny and Roger’s incredible singing light display
won the first prize gift card to the Christmas store.
All entrants received a “Thank You” card and gift
from RCC for their inspiring show of community
spirit.
For the second year in a row, more than 20
neighbors from throughout Rolando decorated a
lamppost on Aragon Drive in memory of LaVerne
Hintz and her exceptional efforts to build
community pride and togetherness.
Lastly, the recent RCC grant towards the KROC
Center holiday gift program enabled that
organization to provide 7,300 toys to 913 families
with 1,526 children from the College and Eastern
Areas. The RCC grant allowed KROC to invite
every student and family at Clay Elementary
School to participate.
Special thanks to the RCC Community Events
Team, Rene Sheldon, our great Rolando
neighbors, and the KROC Center for making these
events possible. The holidays really do bring out
the best in Rolando.
www.RolandoCC.org
February-March 2014, Page 2
COMMUNITY ASKED FOR IDEAS TO UPGRADE CLAY PARK
by Denise Armijo
Councilmember Marti Emerald in late December asked the RCC BLVD63 Action Team to provide a
preliminary list of desired improvements to Clay Park, along with an estimate of the cost. Emerald wants to
include Clay Park upgrades in agenda plans for her district.
The action team drew up and submitted a list of possible changes based on previous surveys and
expressions of community opinion. It projected the costs at roughly $450,000. This list, by no means final, is
intended simply as a placeholder for funding purposes. The list includes these potential improvements:
 Pedestrian Plaza / Gathering Area with seating or other amenities and trees
 Entrance arbor at west end of park
 Prefab shade structure near play structure
 New accessible play structure with rubberized surfacing
 Remove underused ball field and add new basketball court
 Concrete BBQ grills
 Hot coal receptacle(s)
 Concrete trash receptacles
 Renovate linear park area across Solita St. to be formal dog park
 Renovate turf areas
 Renovate shrub areas
RCC will work with Councilmember Emerald’s office to revise the existing General Development Plan for
Clay Park to incorporate upgrades desired by the community. That process will include community input.
Give RCC your email address, if we don’t already have it, so that you will be informed of meetings
([email protected]). Put the park on your radar and start thinking about changes you would like to see. You
can take pictures of parks or improvements that you would like and start conversations with users and nonusers about what they envision in the park to best address community needs.
www.RolandoCC.org
February-March 2014, Page 3
www.RolandoCC.org
February-March 2014, Page 4
RQUID ATTORNEY TO SPEAK
by Karen Collins, RQUID Board Member
Craig Sherman, the attorney for Rolandans for Quality Infill Development (RQUID), will provide an
overview on RQUID’s lawsuit and its progress on Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. at a public
meeting at Clay Elementary School, 6506 Solita Ave.
Despite assurances from the developer, Carmel Partners, that its new project at 63rd and El Cajon Blvd.
was modeled after the previously approved Douglas Wilson mixed-use project, a very large 4-story dormitory
complex is currently under construction. RQUID is fighting to hold the city and the developer accountable for
this bait and switch deal, and is demanding that Rolando have the voice in the development process that is
required by law.
In October 2013, RQUID filed suit in California Superior Court against the City of San Diego and naming
CPIII CenterPoint, LLC (Carmel Partners). The suit alleges that the City failed to enforce applicable laws and
codes, improperly approving the project without any public notice or input.
We hope to see you at our informational meeting. You can track our progress and read court documents at
our website: RQUID.org. Send us an email and we’ll add you to our mailing list: [email protected].
Mr. Sherman has agreed to cap his fees at $30,000 to represent the people of Rolando against the City and
Carmel. As of mid-January, we have collected approximately $20,000 from neighbors who are willing to fight
for what’s right and to keep Rolando peaceful and friendly. More financial support is needed to keep the
lawsuit viable! We are offering three ways to donate: PayPal (using your checking account or a credit card),
iGive on the web, and checks mailed directly to RQUID: P.O. Box 15337, San Diego, CA 92175.
ROLANDO NEEDS YOU
The 2012-13 membership year is over. It’s past time for you to send in your membership for this year. The
ability of the Rolando Community Council to make a difference depends on you. We all need to work together
to create a strong community. Please pitch in by becoming a 2013-14 member.
“After all, the
villagers make the
village strong.”
SUPPORT
ROLANDO
I want to support my neighborhood by joining the Rolando Community Council:
□
□
Annual Membership – Single $10
□ New
Annual Membership - Dual/household - $15
□ Renewal
(1) Name: _________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
(2) Name: _________________________________
Phone: _________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Address: _______________________________________
ALL INFORMATION REMAINS CONFIDENTIAL
This is a tax deductible donation. Term of Membership is October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014
Go to RolandoCC.org and pay via PayPal or send this application and your check payable to
Rolando Community Council
P.O. Box 151163
www.RolandoCC.org
♦
San Diego CA 92175
February-March 2014, Page 5
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE EL
CAJON BLVD.?
Although the median installed on El Cajon Blvd.
several years ago was a welcome first step, vehicular
traffic, pedestrian experience, public transit and
bicycle traffic all continue to be problematic.
The anticipated increase in vehicular traffic
associated with the BLVD63 development is of
particular concern. How can it all be managed?
Rolando is not alone in its concern regarding traffic
on the Blvd. or in its interest in making the corridor
more pedestrian friendly.
The College Area
Community Council/Planning Committee, the College
Area BID, the El Cerrito Community Council, the
Eastern Area Communities Planning Committee, and
the Kensington-Talmadge Community Council have
all identified making significant changes to El Cajon
Blvd. as high priorities in future planning. To this
end, the College Area Community Council has
convened a working group of representatives to work
together to bring about major improvements on the
Boulevard. The BLVD63 Action Team is looking for
RCC representatives to join the working group. To
join the effort, contact Jan Hintzman at
[email protected] or (619) 287-1380.
www.RolandoCC.org
February-March 2014, Page 6
COMINGS & GOINGS
College Area Taste returns for the 4th time on Sunday, April 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars. Ride the Old Town Trolley up and down Rolando and enjoy food at 20 different
locations. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CollegeAreaBID.com or call (619) 582-1039.
The Spring Home Tour, happening Saturday, April 26 and sponsored by College Neighborhoods
Foundation, will feature beautiful Rolando homes once again. Ticket sales will begin at the Rolando Street
Fair. Stop by the CNF booth to learn more about the tour. More information in our next newsletter.
Mesa Commons construction on El Cajon Blvd next to Lamplighter Inn will be completed by
end of summer 2014. Plans encompass 77 two- and three-bedroom units and will serve families with incomes
ranging from 30-60 percent of area median incomes.
Former RCC Board member Supi Bhullar passed away unexpectedly in late December. Supi was an
ambitious and energetic SDSU student from Arizona with a strong connection to his new community of
Rolando. Supi was always in motion, active at SDSU and here in Rolando. He served on the Rolando Street
Fair committee and was frequently seen helping out at our monthly book sales. Supi inspired all of us to give a
little more to our community.
THE MYSTERY OF THE GLASSFRONTED BOX
by Aimee Lee Cheek
Have you tried to guess what goes on in the
small glass-fronted box in the front yard of a
home on the east side of Aragon Drive just one
block south of El Cajon Blvd.?
No, it’s not a capacious mailbox. Nor a house
for a toy poodle that likes leaping. Nor a nesting
place for either low-flying birds or high-flying
chickens. Bzzzt, time’s up. Unlikely as it may
seem, it’s a Little Free Library, part of a national
and international movement to share good things
to read.
Ha, ha, you say. Books in a box? That’s a good
one, old chap. But wait, it’s true, thanks to Aaron
and Jennifer Oakes, who built it for their son
Wynne. They call themselves “stewards for the
Little Free Library on behalf of our neighbors and
our community.”
Anyone can use it and help it go. You take a
book that interests you, return it to the Little
Library or pass it on to a friend, give books that
others might want to read. Children’s books,
adult’s books; “books that teach, intrigue and
engage you.” The library steward says, “All of us
can help by keeping this collection stocked with
good reading material.”
The movement’s goals are ambitious: “to
promote literacy and the love of reading by
building free book exchanges worldwide; to foster
a sense of community and connection as we share
skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.”
To build many more Little Free Libraries. And no
Marion, madam librarian, is likely to say
“Shhhhh!”
www.RolandoCC.org
ROLANDO BOOK SALE TRADITION NEEDS
YOU!
by Doug Lister
S i n c e
neighbors
f i r s t
organized
the monthly
Rolando
Book Sale 15
years ago,
this special
event
has
become one
of Rolando Community Council’s most productive
fundraisers. It’s a top source of money used by RCC to
organize neighborhood events and sponsor other
nonprofit organizations’ programs that benefit Rolando.
Held the first Saturday of each month, the Rolando
Book Sale has expanded from a few boxes of books on
one or two tables to 300 boxes of books, video and audio
tapes, and magazines on nearly 30 tables. We’ve grown
from taking up a small corner of the Rite Aid parking lot
to spreading across the entire northern section next to
the Boulevard. Our sales raise thousands of dollars a
year.
Like everything RCC does, we rely on neighborhood
volunteers. This year, we find ourselves short on
volunteers. While we have a few regular helpers with
trucks, we could always use more. We also need
dedicated book sellers to help sell books and keep the
book tables tidy. Not only is this a fun, rewarding way to
give back to the community, it’s also a great way to meet
new neighbors. To get involved, call Doug Lister at (619)
261-5895 or email [email protected].
February-March 2014, Page 7
NEIGHBORS AT WORK
Many of our neighbors have small business operations based in Rolando. They provide a variety of services.
Take a look below at the many skilled neighbors offering services you might need. Let’s support our
neighbors. RCC members are welcome to submit their information free of charge by emailing copy to
[email protected].
Dee Patty is operating Giggling Heights Daycare in her Rolando home. GHDC provides loving care and
creative play year-round for your little ones. (619) 990-6511
Jeff Wilson — Wilson Woodscape. Full service landscape construction company specializing in decks,
fences and patio covers. License #945974. (619) 838-1398
Jolyne L. Harris — PhotOptions Photography. At your location within San Diego and portable studio
available. www.facebook.com/PhotOptions Email [email protected] or call (619) 500-6336.
Kara Camden — Basic Computer and Internet Skills Tutoring. Learn how to set up email, upload
photos, navigate social media and privacy settings, manage online accounts, smart phone skills, and more!
First consultation is FREE! (619) 335-5122
Amy Zink — Edible Garden Consultant/Coach. Design solutions & education for a thriving &
productive edible landscape. www.greenpeagardens-sd.com or call (619) 300-0713
Brenda King — Integrative Fitness Nursing. Licensed RN fitness expert. Maximize fitness goals,
reduce your waistline, and restore health. New: Gentle Fitness Classes, B12 shots, Lawn Yoga.
www.IntegrativeFitnessNursing.com (619) 200-1911
Patty Delgadillo — Certified Trainer and Massage Therapist. Teaches lifestyle changes in diet,
exercise and daily activities to achieve fitness goals. (619) 865-3880
Aleah Cohen — Teen Babysitter. Energetic, responsible and fun. CPR and First Aid certified. Is available
to babysit for your children. (619) 246-7993.
Sean LaPerruque — Music Teacher. Take violin, viola and/or piano from an experienced professional
performer with teaching experience. [email protected] or (858) 722-5249
Karen Sherman — Renovating Woman, Inc. Home repair and improvement services for women home
owners. Plumbing, tile, wall repair, and light electrical.
[email protected] or (619) 249-6223
Tom Anglim — CPR, ADE, First Aid, Home
Emergency Preparedness, Smoke/CO Detectors
& Babysitter Safety Training. Classes held at home
and at local sites. (619) 488-0154, [email protected]
Aron Oakes — Acorn Garage Doors. Installation,
repair and service of garage doors and garage door
openers. License #897261. Neighborhood references.
(619) 218-1581
Tim Heasman — Interior/Exterior Painting.
Twenty-three years in Rolando. Many references. (619)
866-9369, [email protected]
www.RolandoCC.org
February-March 2014, Page 8