VOLUME 2 ISSUE 25


December 10–23, 2010 PG. 15 OLD TOWN • MISSION HILLS • HILLCREST BANKERS HILL • UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS • NORTH PARK • SOUTH PARK • GOLDEN HILL • NORMAL HEIGHTS • KENSINGTON • TALMADGE


From Uptown to downtown, trolley fever is spreading, but getting the project from concept to tracks is another story


By Lauren Ventura SDUN Editor


Imagine Uptown, downtown


San Diego, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo all being ac- cessible via old-fashioned trol- leys chugging down University Avenue, Park Boulevard and beyond. Imagine not having to drive, find parking, take a taxi or find a designated driver to get you to and from restau- rants, shops and bars around town.


San Diegans Christian


Chaffee and Harry Mathis do all the time. Although they are two


see Trolley, page 8 DINING P. 12 (Courtesy of San Diego Historic Trolley) The Kensington sign


Bankers Hill eatery Wet Stone infuses cuisine with international flavors.


THEATRE P. 18


returns home, sort of Residents speak out on the unveiling of the community’s new replica


By Dave Schwab SDUN Reporter


After a two-year battle over


San Diego's Grinch isn't such a 'mean one.'


Index


Calendar………………4 Cartoon………………9 Health…………………7 Slow Lane……………10 Art…………………21 Book Review…………22 Puzzles……………24


Contact Us Editorial/Letters


619-519-7775 ext 103 anne@sduptownnews.com Advertising


619-519-7775 ext 108 miker@sduptownnews.com


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whether to repair, restore or replace Kensington’s community sign strad- dling Adams Avenue, a near-exact replica of the more than 50-year-old original is in a place that most—but not all—are content with. The new sign was unveiled on


Nov. 27 just in time for Kensington’s 100th anniversary. It was paid for by private donations and a $40,000 grant secured by County Supervi- sor Ron Robers. San Diego City


Councilmember Todd Gloria, Mayor Jerry Sanders and Roberts joined with community members to com- memorate the return of the sign as part of the Kensington Centennial Celebration Picnic, which took place at a park adjacent to the sign and the Kensington branch library. “The overwhelming sense is


we’re just happy to have it back up,” said Tom Hebrank, chair of the Kensington-Talmadge Planning Group. “It was very old, most of the lights were burnt out, birds living in


see Sign, page 9


The original sign, shown above, was created in 1952 by the San Diego Neon Sign Company. (l to r) Congresswoman Susan Davis, Councilmember Todd Gloria, Supervisor Ron Roberts and Mayor Jerry Sanders cut the ribbon to celebrate the new replica sign on Nov. 27. (Courtesy Councilmember Todd Gloria)


Longtime GLT publisher dead of apparent suicide Larry Pease, the hotel’s


Michael G. Portantino,


publisher of San Diego’s lon- gest-running LGBT newpaper, the Gay & Lesbian Times, has died of an apparent suicide. Reports from the County


Medical Examiner’s office and San Diego Police confirm that the 52-year-old Normal Heights resident appears to have leapt to his death from the seventh story of the Park Manor Suites Hotel Dec. 8. His body was discovered on the side-


walk across from Balboa Park at about 8:10 p.m. by passersby. A 911 call was placed and paramedics confirmed the death due to obvious signs of trauma.


general manager, declined to comment on the incident, cit- ing “respect for the family” of the deceased. It had been a tough year for


Michael G. Portantino (1958-2010)


the longtime publisher and for- mer stockbroker. Portantino’s newsmagazine of more than 20 years ceased publication in Sep- tember and he had put his home on Cromwell Place up for sale. Those closest to Portantino


said the paper’s closure was devastating to him. He also was under investigation for business practices by the district attor-


see Portantino, page 9


“A MUST-SEE!” - San Diego Union-Tribune


DDAAVID McBEAN as HARRY BAILEY


VID McBEAN as


ADAPTED BY JOE LANDRY “FIRST-CLASS”


- North County Times


FOLEY SOUND EFFECTS BY SCOTT PAULSON


TIM WEST as CLARENCE


TIM WEST as


GEORGE BAILEY TOM ANDREW as TOM ANDREW as


MELISSA FERNANDES as


MELISSA FERNANDES as VIOLET BICK


JONATHAN DUNN-RANKIN as


JONATHAN DUNN-RANKIN as MR. POTTER


VERONICA MURPHY as FIFTH SMASH YEAR!


“Outstanding! It’s a wonderful night. Don’t forget to put this inspiring show on your holiday To-Do list.”


–KPBS, SAN DIEGO www.cygnettheatre.com OLD TOWN | SAN DIEGO


VERONICA MURPHY as MA BAILEY


MARY HATCH AMANDA SITTON as AMANDA SITTON as


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