THE POPPY PAPER. Official Monthly Publication of the Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park A Non-Profit Organization

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1 THE POPPY PAPER Official Monthly Publication of the Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park A Non-Profit Organization May 2015 Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Each year, thousands flock to Old Town San Diego s oldest historic neighborhood to take a step back in time and to celebrate! This annual, FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo celebrates 32 years of tradition, packed with activities for ALL AGES! Old town will be transformed into the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration north of the border, filled with mariachis, cervezas, great food, and more! The Fiesta will feature four stages with live entertainment, over 40 bands, including vibrant, traditional ballet folklorico performances, lively beer and margarita gardens and, of course, Low Rider Lane! Feed your appetite by feasting at over 15 delicious restaurants and tequilerias to enjoy the flavors of the celebration and quench your thirst. How does a specialty margarita sound? Maybe an ice cold cerveza or traditional agua fresco (fresh water), like tamarind, jamaica or horchata! Get into the fiesta spirit; gather the amigos and head to Old Town for the ultimate in Cinco de Mayo fun. Proceeds benefit the Historic Old Town Community Foundation. For additional information please call (619) or visit President s Notes by Jeanne Ferrell Looking for a fun volunteer experience?? BOOT is looking for volunteers for the Craft Committee. Anyone can do crafts with these wild, wacky and wonderful people. Believe me, I thought it was all sewing and I don t sew a stitch. If you are breathing, they can find a job just for you. I promise you, it really is fun. I look forward to the days I can be there. All the terrific items we make are sold in the BOOT Store. Thanks to the Craft Committee, the BOOT Store is doing quite well - it seems that good old-fashioned handcrafted items are in demand, despite this digital age. Come join us on the 2 nd and 4 th Fridays of each month, behind the Robinson-Rose building. pg. 1

2 From the Editor s Desk Apologies are in order for the absence of a Poppy Profile over the last several months. My intent back in April 2014, when I highlighted Tom and Mary Ellen Young, was to provide a monthly introduction of one of more of the members on the BOOT Board of Directors. In so doing, I hoped to dispel any misconceptions that the Board was comprised of a bunch of stuffy, self-absorbed, selfserving, political wanna-be s. To the contrary, the BOOT Board is comprised of a diverse group of highly qualified, well-educated, dedicated individuals who all bring their specific areas of expertise for the benefit of our nonprofit organization. They volunteer inordinate hours to BOOT, and they all are deserving of kudos! We have successfully profiled all that agreed to participate, except for one! So, last but not least, it gives me great pleasure to profile Bob Wohl on pg. 5. Personally, I have known Bob since 2002, when I was a park aide, and he was my boss! There are many stories to tell, but this one I will never forget One morning, as I was opening museums, a disheveled and dirty man was sleeping in front of one of the alarm boxes. I was not going to confront him, and I certainly was not going to step over him!!! So, I ran upstairs in the Robinson-Rose Building to Bob s office, pleading for assistance. As I started towards the front door, Bob bolted out the back door, yelling, This way, it s faster!!! We jumped in his vehicle, he put it in gear, and we literally flew! In no time, the harmless (yet stinky) man was roused, sent on his way and I was able to safely finish my duties! So, why do I tell you this little story? Well, when some knew Bob as the Superintendent who had to attend meetings, manage problems, and deal with far too many personalities I knew him as a kind and compassionate boss who would truly spring into action for his staff. I m happy to say that now I know him, not only as a former boss, but also as a colleague and a friend! Speaking of friends as we remember those who have served in our armed forces this Memorial Day, let s also take a few moments to reflect on all of our Old Town friends who have given so much of themselves for State Parks, and who are no longer with us. In Memoriam (pg. 7) honors some of those who I have known during my time in Old Town, from my dear friend Jackie Perkins to our beloved matriarch Mary Ellen Young. This certainly is not an all-inclusive list. Sadly, there are many others! Let the memory of a few be a constant reminder of the legacy of the many who have given life to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Happy Cinco, Happy Mother s Day, and Happy Reading! Ruth French poppypapereditor@gmail.com (Deadline for submissions is the 20 th of each month for inclusion in the following month s issue.) GARDEN VIEWS Deanna Turton reports that, despite the current drought conditions, the gardens are looking lovely this time of year! The pear tree that was planted last year has about 20 pears on it! The Machado- Stewart garden is currently locked due to the repairs at the casa, but Deanna and her garden crew continue to keep all of the gardens beautiful. The drying shed and Deanna s garage are full of harvested herbs, so the Craft Committee will certainly be kept very busy in the future!!! pg. 2

3 Treasurer's Notes by Deanna Turton Although it seems that I have reported a lot of red ink so far this year, this month's Poppy Paper article can report that we came out $ a head of the game, which is very good news indeed! Besides good sales in the BOOT Store, we also received the quarterly deposit from the Round It Up America program, which equaled $ Many thanks to Chuck Ross and his restaurant staff for participating in this program, as well as all the restaurant patrons who rounded up their credit cards!!! Craft sales were also a big part of the Store's success, with $ worth of handwork purchased. Perhaps the only disappointing note is that the daily average in the donation boxes continues to be very low at $ With the tourist months right around the corner, it is our hope that this figure will increase, because our budget is based on an average of $55 a day from the donation boxes. In addition, BOOT recorded $100 in soap sales in March (with many thanks to our volunteer soap makers), as well as $ in period attire purchases. On the expense side of the ledger, categories over $300 were: $ replacement of store inventory $ care and feeding of our two park burros $ Period Attire Bank purchases and subsidies $ Supervising Ranger Chris Lozano s discretionary fund. These charges were mainly for the thank you plates at the BOOT-Volunteer Appreciation Brunch which was held in early March. And finally, there were an additional nine spending categories under $ As I write this article on April 8th, I can also report that I am about half to two-thirds done with the annual tax forms. So, the yearly task is nearly completed, which is always good news to your treasurer. Our accountant has given me a review date in early May, so by Gary and my 50th wedding anniversary on May 15, everything will be copied, stamped, mailed, and filed. (The deadline for non-profits is May 15, so we do not share the April 15 deadline with everyone else.) Every year, this task gets done a bit faster. Thank goodness!!! And The Winner Is Park Aide Ellen Green is our winner again for the highest guide book sales in March - 18 books! Congratulations to Ellen for her hard work!!! We appreciate all the hard work that the Park Aides do for BOOT, tending to the BOOT Store and helping to sell our products. Since the BOOT Board authorized a gift certificate of $20 each month for the park aide or volunteer who sells the most tour guide books in a month (ten book minimum), the guide books are flying off the shelves! Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and park aides who are helping to make this a successful incentive program! To All of Our Mothers pg. 3

4 Welcome new seasonal employee Peter DiSimone! History means acknowledging and knowing who we are; you and I are linked. I am honored to be part of California's Historic Park of Old Town San Diego. As a Park Aide, I am thrilled to be that contact to the public, engaging and informing on the park's history and it's connection to visitors. I currently also work at the San Diego Maritime Museum in their Education Department conducting Living History programs with school groups. I enjoy participating in historical interpretation, showcasing a way of life at sea bygone in our times, allowing me to preserve such an existence in the present. I am truly passionate about History and Education. Sharing knowledge is quintessential to our progress as a society, and I am proud to be part of an organization who fosters this. I am excited to take part in Living History, historical tours and demonstrations here at Old Town. Knowledge is power; in my free time I enjoy studying up on birds, literature and music. -Peter DiSimone Cinco de Mayo with an Educational Twist By Gregg Giacopuzzi, Interpreter I Cinco de Mayo 2015 will have significant changes this year in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The pop-up tents selling colorful souvenirs and a variety of fast foods will be absent on streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. A large portable stage will still dominate the Plaza, yet entertainment for this venue will focus primarily on traditional Mexican folk dancing. Wells Fargo will continue hosting free stagecoach rides in Parking Lot B, along with the annual Mexican equestrian show in Seeley Yard. La Casa de Estudillo will be the location of a new, and exciting interpretive center this year. Five free Living History presentations will be provided by State Park staff and volunteers from 10:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday May 2nd. These activities will provide an opportunity to introduce locals, some of whom may have never visited the Park before, an opportunity to experience a slice of Old Town history through 19 th century interpretive presentations and hands-on activities. Old Town Family Hospitality was gracious in providing the necessary funds to provide staffing for these interpretive activities. pg. 4

5 As a young college graduate in the late 1960s, Bob Wohl had an impressive list of academic achievements in Pre-Law, History, Political Science, and Film Production; yet he started his historic career as a high school history teacher in Bayside, Queens, NYC, and later in Santa Cruz County, CA. While in Santa Cruz, he was chosen for State Park Ranger Trainee and, as they say, The rest is history! Bob s ranger duties took him from Big Basin Redwood State Park to Salton Sea State Recreation Area; then to many of the state beaches and natural reserves throughout California including San Elijo, Torrey Pines, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Moonlight Beach, Leucadia, Los Penasquitos, and Torrey Pines. As Bob climbed the career ladder to supervising ranger and superintendent positions, his purview extended from the natural preserves and beaches into the historic sectors. From law enforcement to natural preservation/conservation and historic interpretation, Bob absorbed a vast knowledge base and expertise in practically every aspect of State Parks. So much so that he has served on the advisor committees for the development and creation of museums at Salton Sea, Torrey Pines, and our very own McCoy House; while also writing and publishing historic books, hosting television shows, and developing PBS specials for the Parks Department. I did go around the world, mostly to South Asia, for 3 months in After 33 years with California State Parks, Bob retired in 2005 from his position as Historic Sites And I do have a delightful daughter Shayna, finishing her licensing this year as Manager and State Park Historic Sector Superintendent III for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park a CPA accountant, and fabulous wife Robyn, now a retired Psychotherapist and and former San Pasqual central Battlefield control Foster State Historic Care Park. coordinator But, certainly for all retirement County did Child not mean Protective that his Services. work with Yes, we Parks both was are hitting over! 70 Since this that year, time, and have Bob been has together simultaneously nearly 50 served years. I on did the go around Boards the of world, Directors mostly for to Boosters South of Old Town Asia, San Diego State for Historic Park, 3 San Pasqual months Battlefield State in Historic Park, the Torrey Pines Association, and the Committee of One Hundred for the Preservation of Spanish Colonial Architecture for Balboa Park. And I do have a delightful daughter Shayna, finishing her licensing this year as a CPA accountant, and fabulous wife Robyn, now a retired Psychotherapist and former central control Foster Care coordinator for all County Child Protective Services. Yes, we both are hitting 70 this year, and have been together nearly 50 years. I did go around the world, mostly to South Asia, for 3 months in Besides committing so much of his time to nonprofit organizations, Bob enjoys volunteering for special events, donning his period attire to provide information and historic interpretation for our visitors. He also is a dedicated husband and proud father. His face beams when he speaks about his fabulous wife of nearly 50 years, Robyn, and their delightful daughter Shayna. Robyn is a retired psychotherapist, and Shayna is currently finishing her licensing as a Certified Public Accountant. And I do have a delightful daughter Shayna, finishing her licensing this year as a CPA accountant, and fabulous wife Robyn, now a retired Psychotherapist and former central control Foster Care coordinator for all County Child Protective Services. Yes, we both are hitting 70 this year, and have been together nearly 50 years. The BOOT Board is so fortunate to have a member with such a breadth of knowledge and experience with State Parks. Over the last few years, Bob has represented BOOT to successfully secure grants from San Diego County, which allows us to financially enhance ongoing interpretive and educational programs. His insights and contributions are invaluable to the mission of our non-profit organization. Thank you, Bob, for all you do! pg. 5

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7 IN MEMORIAM Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart. -author unknown Pictured (clockwise from top left): Jackie Perkins, Martha Rosenberg, Jeanette Marline, Bill Glum, Fred and Helen Shipp, Steve Antis, Bill Thorpe, Madeleine Marietti, June Goldenberg, Adrian Fernandes, Mary Ellen Young, David Weim pg. 7

8 Descendants of Early San Diego 2015 Family Research Workshops By Linda Jacobo, Secretary Mark your calendars for upcoming DESD Genealogy Workshops in Old Town: Saturday, June 27, 2015 (Descendants Annual Luncheon), time to be determined Saturday, August 29, 2015, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., (McCoy House, 2nd Floor) Saturday, November 7, 2015, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., (McCoy House, 2nd Floor) Family research materials and historical photo collection will be showcased at all of the above 2015 events. If you've been wanting to begin tracing your early San Diego familial roots or continue searching for that new piece of your family's puzzle, this is your opportunity! Attendance is free! The amount of time you want to spend at the workshop is up to you. Stagecoach Days Schedule of Events Dates Event Times Location July 4 th 19 th century July 4 th Celebration 11:00am 4:00pm Plaza July 11 th A Taste of the Past 12:00pm 4:00pm Plaza July 18 th Women of the West 12:00pm 4:00pm Plaza July 25 th Days of the Vaqueros 12:00pm 4:00pm Seeley Yard August 1 st Trades that Shaped the West 12:00pm 4:00pm Plaza August 8 th Soldiers and Citizens 12:00pm 4:00pm Plaza August 15 th Twainfest 11:00am 4:00pm Plaza August 22 nd The West on the Move 12:00pm 4:00pm Seeley Yard If you have any questions about the events or want to participate, please contact Becky Green or Gregg Giacopuzzi at We want to extend a very special thank you to the Boosters of Old Town for their financial support, as well as for obtaining the San Diego County grant. Old Town State Historic Park Native Plant Landscape Work This year our monthly work parties will be the second Saturday of every month (not the fourth) so we can coordinate better. Kay Stewart fieldtrips@cnpssd.org pg. 8

9 THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS! SEE YOUR AD HERE!!! Join these businesses in their support of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) Toby s Candle and Soap Shop Write Out Loud Please refer to the back cover page for more details. BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Jeanne Ferrell (619) Vice President: Gary Turton (619) Secretary: Linda Jacobo (619) Treasurer: Deanna Turton (619) BOOT Store: Mary Jones Historian/Grants: Bob Wohl Restoration Spec: Chuck Ferrell Web Master: Bob Jones Board Members: Tom Young Cindy Furlong Poppy Paper Editor: Ruth French poppypapereditor@gmail.com BOOT Website: Park Website: pg. 9

10 BOOSTERS OF OLD TOWN San Diego State Historic Park 4002 Wallace Street San Diego, CA NOTICE: If you have a friend who would like to learn more about San Diego History, enjoys meeting people, and likes to have a good time, give him/her this application form to fill out and send in. **Current BOOT Members will receive a free year of membership!** Please make sure the BOOT Member s name appears here in order for us to give credit for his/her referral. Referred by: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION $ Single Supporting Member $ Corporate Membership* $ Family (2 or more individuals) (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper $ Senior (62+ years)/student Single and on our website for one month) $ Senior Couple (62+ years) $ Enhanced Corporate Membership* $ Life Member (62+ years) (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper and on our website for 12 months) *Corporate Applications Only: Please enclose a business card or corporate logo with your payment. NAME(S) ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE Make your check out to BOOT and mail to: BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA pg. 10