FOOD TRUCKS TO RALLY TO RAISE MONEY FOR BIRNEY ELEMENTARY
In response to the arson fire that burned Alice Birney Elementary School in University Heights that took place on Jan. 16, several food trucks will gather to raise money for the school. On Feb. 3 from 3:30 – 7 p.m. in the New Vision Christian Fellowship parking lot located at 4353 Park Blvd., The Tabe, Food Farm, New York On Rye, Groggy’s and Mrs. Frostie trucks will be there and will donate 20 percent of the nights earnings to the fire relief fund. Monetary donations can be made at friendsofalicebirney.org.
HILLCREST CLEAN UP COMING SOON
The Hillcrest Clean T.E.A.M. and the Hillcrest Town Council will host its next Hillcrest Clean Up on Feb. 11 starting at 9 a.m. Participants can meet at Park Boulevard just south of University Avenue. Tools will be provided, but participants are asked to bring and wear their own gloves. A large dumpster provided by Councilmember Todd Gloria’s office will be located in the parking lot at 301 University Ave. for anyone wishing to dispose of larger items. The Hillcrest Clean T.E.A.M. asks participants not to drop off flammable items, paint, oil or electronics. Call (619) 260-1929 for more information.
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS ROBBER ARRESTED
San Diego Police Department Air Support and patrol officers arrested Christopher Anthony Williams, 37, for a robbery at the Park Chevron gas station located at 4180 Park Blvd. in University Heights on Jan. 19. The suspect showed the clerk a note announcing the robbery and stating that he had a weapon. The suspect then punched the clerk in the face. The clerk opened the register and the suspect removed cash from the drawer. The suspect left the store on foot. The San Diego Police Department helicopter, ABLE, was almost immediately on scene overhead. Williams was booked into county jail on one count of commercial robbery and for a parole violation.
FIDO & CO TO HOST PUGS AND KISSES FUNDRAISER
Pug Rescue of San Diego County, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing Pugs will host its third annual Pugs ‘n’ Kisses event. Nine out of 10 pugs that enter the rescue need medical attention. This event is hosted by Fido & Co., Canine Country Club, located at 1228 University Ave. in Hillcrest and will take place on Feb. 4 from 2 – 5 p.m. Tickets are $22 pre-registration, $25 at the door for Pugs and their parents. Guests interested in adopting a Pug from the organization are encouraged to fill out an application in advance. For details, applications, and photos of available Pugs, visit pugsandiego.com.
LOWER PUBLIC TRANSIT FARES BECAME PERMANENT EFFECTIVE JAN. 20
Starting Jan. 20, several public transit fare reductions for BREEZE, LIFT and COASTER services, as well as the RegionPlus Day Pass, became permanent. Also starting Jan. 20, Albertsons in Mission Hills will replace Vons as the exclusive grocery store outlet to purchase and reload Compass Cards, the region’s smart card transit pass for bus and rail services provided by MTS and NCTD. The cost of the RegionPlus Day Pass will drop from $14 to $12. One-way regular cash fare for BREEZE are reduced from $2 to $1.75, LIFT fare is reduced from $4.00 to $3.50
LOST BOYS FOUNDATION HOSTS ‘FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA’
The Lost Boys and Girls Foundation presents “From Africa to America: A Journey in Music” on Feb. 12, at the Ken Cinema in Kensington. The festival, tracing the roots of modern rock and rap to traditional African rhythms is a fundraiser for the Lost Boys. The event will be held from noon – 2 p.m., with a special ticket price reduced to $20. Four acts representing the evolution of musical elements will be presented with narration illustrating the fusion into modern music. All proceeds from the event will go to fund the Lost Boys Tooth Project, repairing the neglected and broken teeth of Sudan refugees. More information about the Lost Boys of Sudan can be found at DreamToBeMore.org. Tickets are available through Stan Sewitch at Sewitch1@cox.net.
SOHO SUES CALTRANS REGARDING DISTRICT OFFICE SALE
On Jan. 18, Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) sued Caltrans in the County of Sacramento where the state agency is headquartered. The suit alleges that Caltrans failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) when it decided to sell its District Office in Old Town San Diego, despite acknowledged significant impacts. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared by Caltrans failed to analyze any alternatives to public sale, such as transfer to State Parks or restrictive covenants that protect its historic status and use. The Caltrans District 11 Office Complex meets criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources.
DOCENT TRAINING BEGINNING AT TIMKEN MUSEUM
The Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park is looking to train new docents, starting this month. Docents provide guided tours and in-gallery talks to a wide range of museum audiences from novice to more experienced viewers. They also give PowerPoint presentations in the community, and help with special events and programs. Classes take place every Monday from 9 – 11 a.m. Upon completion of the 14-month training, new docents contribute a minimum of four touring hours per month. For more information or to review the docent program description, visit timkenmuseum.org/education/volunteer-opportunities, or email education@timkenmuseum.org
EGO SOLEIL FASHION LAUNCHES SPRING COLLECTION
Designer Blaine Degannes, whose studio is located in North Park, designed a new collection with versatile women in mind. “When I was designing this line, I was thinking about the woman wearing the clothes, her love of flexibility in these designs because she works hard and plays hard and often needs versatile designs she can wear from day into the evening,” said Degannes. Now available at Vocabulary in Little Italy, Degannes is looking into other Uptown boutiques for his collection. Degannes also describes the collection as “a bit of androgyny with subtle references to twenties, forties, and sixties, the patterns are cut into fabrics that present an expression of character, forcing you to sit up and pay attention, to deconstruct the familiar.”
ION THEATER PRESENTS ‘BLASTED’
ion theatre’s Off-the-Radar series will present the San Diego premiere of “Blasted” by the late Sarah Kane, featuring company member Steve Lone, Ron Choularton in his ion debut and Gemma Grey in her San Diego debut. Directed by ion executive artistic director, Claudio Raygoza, “Blasted” plays for a limited engagement from Feb. 7 through Feb. 18.
Opening Night for “Blasted” is Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. “Blasted” is for mature audiences only as there are scenes of nudity, sexual situations, graphic violence and language. No one 17 years or under will be admitted.
INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL COMING TO BALBOA PARK
The International Dance Association presents its Dance Festival in Balboa Park on Feb. 12. The free event will begin at noon and feature dance demonstrations from around the world, including showings from the Academy of Highland Dance, Moreton Bay Fig Morris, Reels and Square Variety Dancing, Pride of Erin Ceili Dancers, Waltz and Such Vintage Social Dancers, International Folk Dancers, San Diego ‘N’ Line Dancers, the Bon Temps Social Club, Balboa Park Dancers and Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Lessons will also be offered and partners are not required.
HILLCREST MARDI GRAS CELEBRATES FAT TUESDAY
This year’s Hillcrest Mardi Gras will take place on the traditional Fat Tuesday, the day before the traditional Ash Wednesday, on Feb. 21, from 6 – 11 p.m. on University Avenue at Fourth Avenue. Hillcrest Mardi Gras will feature live entertainment, special guest performers and an exclusive V.I.P. area. Food and drink will be available for purchase from participating vendors and venues. Cocktails will be served at this 21 and older event. All proceeds from the event benefit LGBT youth scholarships and neighborhood improvements. This event is run by the Hillcrest Business Association and the GSDBA Charitable Foundation. The festival will take place rain or shine. For more information visit hillcrestmardigras.com
ASSEMBLYMEMBER ATKINS LOOKING FOR INTERNS
Assemblymember Toni Atkins’ San Diego district office is currently accepting applications for internship positions. If you are an energetic and hardworking individual looking to experience the excitement of working in a legislative office, Assemblymember Atkins’ district office is looking for you. Interns must commit to a minimum of twelve hours per week in three 4-hour shifts for a minimum of three months. It is an unpaid internship. To apply, send a résumé and cover letter to the office, applications via fax, email or regular mail will be accepted. The mailing address is Attention: Rachel Gregg, Assembly Majority Whip Toni Atkins
2445 Fifth Avenue, Suite 401
San Diego, CA 92101. The fax number is
619-645-3094 and email submission should be sent to Rachel.Gregg@asm.ca.gov
