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Salon Cabana
In the 1990s, Christina DiCandilo, who owns Salon Cabana, loved dressing up with her friends and gallivanting around town to clubs like the Pink Panther, Ole Madrid, and the Casbah. Christina was always in charge of styling her friend's
hair in French twists and other 90's hairdos, so it eventually occurred to her she should be paid to do it. Christina signed up at San Diego City College of Cosmetology and was trained in what she describes as the glamour side of hair,
which includes period retro hair styling.
In 2001, after years of working as a hairstylist and further training at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, as well as apprenticing with local renowned stylists, Christina felt that it was time to open a salon of her own. Christina had her eye
on a location in the historic area of San Diego, with lots of character. When she came upon the old craftsman cottage at the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and Mississippi Street, she knew it was the one. Looking at the neighborhood today,
there is an exotic nursery next door, the Historic Lafayette Hotel across the street being restored, and several popular new restaurants in close vicinity, it is clear she was right on the mark.
A cabana is literally a bathhouse on the beach, and when Christina began to consider what type of salon to create, she decided that she wanted to create space where people can simply relax. Christina's favorite season is summer, a
tropical destination is her idea of a vacation, and so Salon Cabana is a place that resembles her personal harmony. The Hawaiian Cabana was originally what she had in mind, but now that is has been almost 10 years, Christina is working
on a fresh update, resembling the glamour of old Hollywood. Christina gives much of the credit to her husband who hand built almost everything in the salon including the funky, mid-century inspired wall panels, chandeliers and work
stations.
Inside this divine work of art, Salon Cabana provides progressive hair cutting and hair coloring techniques along with full service skin care. With a fresh update to the salon, new services will be added to the menu including nails and
make-up. In actuality it may not be a beach front property, but if you close your eyes, allow their stylists to pamper you from head to toe, with soothing sounds of cars driving down the Boulevard, an appointment at Salon Cabana may in
fact resemble the sensation of a cabana on the beach.
Salon Cabana – 2200 El Cajon Boulevard
(PARK)ing Day on the Boulevard
On September 17, 2010, in cities around the globe, citizens temporarily transformed parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called PARK(ing) Day. In City Heights, local residents (including
students from Crawford and Hoover High Schools) converted the former Pearson Ford site on El Cajon Boulevard into a festive, green park. This vacant lot was temporarily transformed into a healthy and lush public gathering space with
creative seating and decorations made from recycled materials. This one-day place of beauty and community celebration highlighted the importance of a healthier, safer neighborhood for local residents.
Click
here to view pictures of (PARK)ing Day on the Boulevard.
Cali Baguette Express - Family, Food, Culture
Thien Phung, Manager of Cali Baguette Express talks about his Vietnamese roots, food, family, education and thriving family business on El Cajon Boulevard.
A Re-cap of the Taste of University Heights
Written by Polly Gillette, Board Member
One of the benefits of living downtown is that I can board the number 15 bus for a short ride to El Cajon Boulevard, which I did for the Taste of University Heights. The taste started at the Old Teachers Annex building on Normal Street.
The event also included a display of local artists' works and a celebration of the 100 anniversary of the old stately building, soon to be renovated and put to use as a joint community center and library.
Although there was a trolley that provided a ride around the 17 stops for the taste, I chose to walk. The weather was typical San Diego, warm and sunny. I started down El Cajon Boulevard, and the first stop was Pomegranate's where the
friendly staff gave us a plate full of their tasty menu items, other tasters and I wondered how many stops we would make. I added a glass of wine for extra cost. Next was Restaurant Petrushka, again a generous plate of their European
selections; then on to Apertivo's for a tasty turkey meatball and, at my expense, a glass of wine from their extensive array.
I had picked up the flyer for the Taste at Eclipse Chocolate across the street so was saving them for last. I had tried their chocolate on that trip and know how yummy the confections are.
It was a bit of a hike south down Park Blvd. which helped settle the food and the day was perfect for a stroll down through the neighborhood. A couple more stops at Pizza Gourmet Express and Muzita Abyssinian, where again the staff was
friendly and portions generous. I had to stop, because I could hold no more. A very pleasant Sunday afternoon was spent tasting food and chatting with staff and other tasters in the warm San Diego sun. I hope to repeat it again next year
going in reverse order to hit the places I did not make.
Yelp About the Boulevard
Yum Yum Yo
4444 El Cajon Boulevard
Yelper: Yum Yum is right! This place just opened near my work and I went after looking at their awesome website. I got a small peanut butter yogurt with Reese's and strawberries. It was delicious and only $2.78! FYI - as of right
now they only accept cash.
They have a lot of flavors... blueberry, pomegranate, cheesecake, etc. They even have the natural yogurt that is a tart but I'm sure it would be better with fruit. It's fun to be able to serve yourself to any yogurt and toppings! They also
have boba, sandwiches, and stuff that I am looking forward to trying.
I was the only person in there so I hope business picks up. I will keep going back whenever I need a midday snack and you should too!
Click
here for more yelp reviews.
Featured Art on the Boulevard
This public display of banners featuring local chefs & Crawford High School garden students is located on El Cajon Boulevard at the former Pearson Ford sight between 43rd Street and Fairmount Avenue.
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