THE RUSSIANS WERE COMING--ONCE THERE WAS BORSCH: APRIL 7 IN LEMON GROVE

By Helen Ofield, Lemon Grove Historical Society President

March 28, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- Jack Innis of "San Diego Legends" fame will hole up in the H. Lee House, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove on April 7 at 7 p.m. with one intent: to tell all about the time San Diego nearly became a Russian city.

Gasp, wha-a-a-t, duh, huh? For the faithful--and isn't that everyone--it's the April edition of the "History Alive" lecture series when we vow to wow.

If the fates had prevailed, sushi, fish tacos and craft beer would be history in this town.  Vodka (and lots of it), borscht, and anything made with potatoes would be standard fare.

Instead of council members, we'd have государственные служащие (apparatchniks).

Instead of a nice, comfy county jail with good food, we'd have Тюрьма Любянки (Lubyanka Prison) and заплесневелый картофель (moldy potatoes).

Instead of freeways and shiny cars, we'd have  грунтовая дорога (dirt roads--oh, wait, isn't that what we have now?) and сломанная Волга (broken down Lada from Nizhny Novgorod).

Instead of Elvis, we'd have Волжские лодочники (Volga Boatmen with boat, no white satin--boring!)

Instead of the Stars & Stripes, we'd have a totally other red, white 'n blue (see below).

On the plus side, blini and caviar would abound provided, of course, you were in the Кремлевские правящие круги (Kremlin inner circle).

Jack Innis, the last word in stories of the strange, the hilarious and the true.  You'll hate yourself in the morning if you miss this charismatic speaker. Plus, he's bringing the latest edition of "San Diego Legends"!  увидимся! (see you later!)