Ghouls, goblins & drag queens
Spooky events will be held around San Diego on Friday to mark All Hallow’s Eve aka Halloween, the third largest party day in the nation behind New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and Hillcrest does it to the hilt. This unofficial national gay holiday that has a reputation for uninhibited mayhem and wild, sensual fun and because October 31st falls on a Friday this year, there will likely be many more fabulously frocked people roaming Hillcrest streets in costume, seeking both tricks and treats. Hotspots will be brimming with celebration and most will feature special Halloween events and draws, including costume contests, drink specials and plenty of eye candy. Drivers and pedestrians— be alert as the sometimes mayhem of fright and fun overflows into dark neighborhood streets. Or stay home and carve a punkin.
1,000s are also expected in Hillcrest for the 16th annual “Nightmare on Normal Street” Friday night from 7-10pm. The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Halloween celebration will be set up on Normal Street just north of University Avenue to Blaine Street. This year’s celebration is for those 18 and older and will include a costume contest with more than $1,000 in prizes. The parade of costumes will be emceed by Nicole Murray-Ramirez. Guest costume judges will include Monique Marvez from Monique and the Man on 100.7 JACK FM. DJ Steven Oliveri will spin and the Rich’s go-go boys will be performing throughout the night. A $5 donation will be collected by The Center. Here’s sumptin scary. <
October 30,
2008
October 29,
2008
John Balistreri, a Hillcrest craftsman since 1953
At the age of 74 Hillcrest’s oldest businessman has a contagious smile, nine grandchildren and a remarkable set of bushy eyebrows…yet after 54 years he still repairs luggage in the back of his store. Amazingly, the namesake for John’s Fifth Avenue Luggage also finds time to garden and play the links at Singing Hills Golf Course. John Balistreri is a Hillcrest icon with a strong work ethic and a loyalty to customers and employees that has contributed to his great success.
The Italian native emigrated from Sicily in 1950 and lived/worked downtown before securing a job at Foster Shoe Repair near the corner of Fifth and University. Three years later Mr. Foster sold the business to the young Balistreri who continued to work six days a week in the space now home to Alexis’ Greek Restaurant. Looking for a way to increase revenues and provide a better life for his family, he began selling luggage. He soon realized the profit was much greater (and easier) than spending all day with repairs.
John seized the new opportunity and grabbed on with gusto. He expanded his space next door to 3849 Fifth Avenue (now Flashbacks) and the first John’s Fifth Avenue Luggage came into being. The large storefront windows showcased a wide array of quality cases. John also added locations to Fashion Valley (his son-in-law Jon Cantwell has been the manager since 1982), North County Fair and University Town Center malls. Hillcrest rents grew with the community, so in 1991 Balistreri purchased 3833 Fourth Avenue and moved one street to the west. Since then John’s Fifth Avenue has been located on Fourth! It may be the brunt of jokes or confusion, but the shop has free parking, a rarity in Hillcrest, and his customers love it. Next time you are strolling through the neighborhood, stop in and enjoy the wide assortment of traveling accessories, and say hi to John’s longtime employee Simon Luna who continues to work on repairs just as he has since 1968.
October 28,
2008
Celebrate the holidays with a little Scrooge
Diversionary Theatre’s third production of the 2008-2009 season is the new holiday show Scrooge in Rouge – A British Music Hall Christmas Carol, a quick-change, cross-dressing version of the Dickens classic, set in a Victorian music hall where three actors play 23 roles! Running November 20-December 21, Diversionary will present the West Coast Premiere of the show which was created last holiday season in New Orleans. Directed by Rayme Sciaroni, with costumes by Jennifer Brawn Gittings, the cast features Eric Vest, Kim Srassburger, Tony Houck and Ric Shaffer at the piano. The show was created by a company of actors at the cabaret Le Chat Noir, with book and lyrics by Ricky Graham, additional material by Jeffrey Roberson (aka Varla Jean Merman), other interesting bits by Yvette Hargis and original music composed by Jefferson Turner.
October 27,
2008
October 26,
2008
October 25,
2008
Balboa Park high tech makeover on nature & running trails to be announced Monday a.m.
Next Monday morning at 10:30 Mayor Jerry Sanders, City Council Member Toni Atkins and representatives from the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Department will be announcing (near Sixth and Upas) the establishment of a park-wide system of nature and exercise trails for runners and walkers of all levels. The first in a series of gateway signs is located at the intersection of Balboa Drive and Sixth Avenue, on the northwest corner of the park.
A satellite image-based map has been merged with a series of GPS-documented routes, a significant advancement in park signage designed to highlight topography, incorporating park landmarks to help guide the user and gauge the level of difficulty of the trails. The routes are clearly marked with color coded, numbered signs, which inform users of the distance, degree of difficulty and change of route direction. This is one of a series of projects designed to increase safety and usability within the many canyons and natural areas of the park, adhering to the Balboa Park Master Plan. The project was paid for in large part by a generous grant from the Balboa Park Trust at the San Diego Foundation. A committed group of community volunteers envisioned and developed this system in partnership and with guidance from the City of San Diego’s Department of Park & Recreation and the Balboa Park Committee.
