Route 44
Matt Ohlin, owner of Route 44, began skateboarding when he was 7 years old. Since then he has pursued what is most important to him. For years, he played in a local band and assisted special education. When both careers came to an end, skateboarding was something he continued to pursue. Opening a skateboard shop was a logical way to turn his passions for skateboarding, music and mentoring children into a business opportunity.

Route 44, located on 2002 El Cajon Boulevard is not your ordinary skateboard shop. While most shops are located in malls, this one is the only independent option in the area. There are a core group of kids that stop by almost every day to hang out, watch videos and skate. Route 44 has an excellent collection of records, so if you are into punk rock, metal, soul, funk, jazz or surf music, you should come have a look. One of the most interesting components of the store is the skateboard museum, with a collection of 100 or so boards which date back to the late 1950s.

Route 44 opened in 2000. The name Route 44 was selected when the store first opened on Linda Vista Road, because that was the number of the local bus route. Being relocated is a hassle, but Matt claims he is "addicted" to El Cajon Boulevard and will never leave. There is a good local population of skateboarders that range in age and he loves the location at the corner of Florida and El Cajon Boulevard versus being tucked away in a strip mall.

Matt wants to do all he can to improve the community with ideas such as cleaning the neighborhood, enhancing the arts and rallying behind a local skate park. Having only been located on El Cajon Boulevard for a year, Route 44 should be commended for the difference that they've made to enhance the local culture of skateboarding and attracting a new scene of skateboarders onto the Boulevard.


Dad's Day Chocolate Bar-B-Que at Eclipse Chocolat
Choco-philes and friends! The next Five Course Chocolate Tasting Dinner is scheduled for Father's Day Weekend! Thats right, that makes it a Dad's Day-themed Chocolate Bar-B-Que. Tickets are $35 per person, and include a full-service experience. This event is limited to three seatings on Saturday, June 14th ONLY, which means there are only 84 reservations available. RSVP early, space is limited. Call 619.578.2984 for reservations. Heres the full line-up:

Chile-roasted Corn on the Cobb with House-made Cocoa-nib Butter
Heirloom Tomato-Goat Cheese Brulee with White Chocolate-Balsamic Drizzle
Bar-B-Que Baked Beans with Cocoa-Glazed Bacon (veggie option)
Cocoa Nib-Smoked Pulled Pork Sammie with White Chocolate Slaw (veggie option)
Milk Chocolate S'mores with House-made Vanilla Bean Marshmallow
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70 years for Chicken Pie Shop
The San Diego Chicken Pie Shop is a local institution. For more than 70 years it has attracted families, retirees, politicians, business leaders, cops, community big shots and common folks. Five of its regular customers are more than 100 years old.

Advertisement locations have changed, but little else. When George Whitehead bought the fledgling restaurant in 1938, it was on Fifth Avenue near B Street downtown with a second location at Fifth and Robinson in Hillcrest. In 1970 the restaurant moved across the street, and the downtown shop closed. In 1990, it relocated to its current site at 2633 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park.
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Featured Utility Box
Artist Rudy Gonzalez portrays a historic day for El Cajon Boulevard, when on June 6, 1963, JFK rode in a black limousine motorcade through Downtown and up El Cajon Boulevard. Thousands of people cheered along the streets as he headed to San Diego State College to deliver a commencement speech.