Amy the Tailor: A Good Fit for Linda Vista
Plus, the Civita Park Ascent to the Heavens
Amy the Tailor
For many of you Linda Vista residents, whether long or short term, Amy’s Tailor Shop on Ulric St. is a very familiar place. Most of us have long used her alteration services. In my case, whether it was my husband’s Marine Corps uniforms, my work or dress clothes, or anything else that needed repair by someone other than one who can barely thread a needle, Amy has been our go-to person.
We were wondering how Amy was doing in this time of the pandemic, so we paid a visit to her shop. We asked her some questions, and she and her niece Una were gracious enough to provide us with answers.
How long have you been in Linda Vista?
I have lived here over 30 years, and my shop has been open more than 23 years.
Where did you learn to sew?
I learned to sew back in my hometown in Vietnam.
What are the most common requests for your services?
The most common requests are for dress alterations, and professional work attire, but I really have seen it all. People will throw ideas my way about various projects such as curtains, laundry bags, aprons, and now the very essential item we all need – face masks.
What is the most unusual request you have ever had?
The most unusual so far would probably be a customized tarp to fit a contraption a gentleman created. It was challenging and not something up my alley, but since this was a long-term customer, I wanted to help him out. I really prefer sewing clothing.
Are your customers mostly men or women?
I really get quite a variety. Men and women both come in all the time.
Has the pandemic affected your business?
I think the pandemic has hurt business all around. This year has definitely affected me. I’m currently in my 70’s and plan to sew as long as my body allows me. This has been my passion my whole life and I have met many great friends along the way. I am blessed for the support this community has shown me over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, the shutdowns and requirements to stay away from events and functions has put a damper on our business. We have had good days and slow days in the past, but since early March I can honestly say that business has gone down. I figure this will be the new norm.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I am kind of a homebody, so I spend a lot of time at home. When not sewing, I catch up with my sisters on the phone and enjoy cooking for myself and others.
Do you read your Yelp reviews? They are really good and always mention your reasonable prices.
Since English is not my first language, I do not usually read them, bult my nieces and nephews do. It makes me happy to know people take their time to show their appreciation for my service.
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Thank you, Amy and Una, for taking the time to speak with us. And to our readers, if this pandemic has caused you to gain (or lose) weight, take those clothes to Amy and she will make sure they are a comfortable fit once more.
Name. Amy Yeung
Amy’s Tailor Shop
2301 Ulric St.
The Civita Park Ascent to the Heavens
Readers, what great physical challenges have you accomplished in your respective lives? Have you climbed Mount Everest? Completed the Ironman Triathlon? Swam the English Channel? Competed in the annual Coney Island Hot Dog Eating contest?
Though not as famous as the above, I am proud to tell you that I have completed the Linda Vista Triad of Uphill Walk Challenges. Yes, all three stages!! And I don’t mean to brag, but I am happy to report that I have also recently conquered what many are calling the new Civita Park Ascent to the Heavens (or at least to the rim of Serra Mesa).
What’s that you say? You’ve never heard of the LVTUWC? And you’ve never heard of the Civita Park Ascent to the Heavens? Well, I suggest you read below and familiarize yourself with these local tests of human endurance.
The LVTUWC consists of the following three strenuous walks in the Linda Vista area:
--The Donut Walk (which consists of walking up Linda Vista Road from Rose Donut Shop at the corner of Napa and Linda Vista Road to Yum Yum Donuts at the Linda Vista Plaza Shopping Center).
--The Mr. Peabody’s Trek (which consists of walking up Via Las Cumbres from Mr. Peabody’s at the corner of Via Las Cumbres/Friars Road to Linda Vista Road. Some people add to this challenge by commencing the walk after drinking several beers at Mr. Peabody’s).
--The Ulric Street Golden Arches Death Climb (which consists of walking up Ulric Street from Friars Road all the way to the McDonald’s in downtown Linda Vista).
But for those of you looking for a new physical challenge sure to test your fitness, I suggest you head over to the new park located in the center of the huge Civita development in Mission Valley.
Civita Park is the new shining jewel of Mission Valley—one of the most impressive looking parks you’ll ever see! It is the product of a a public-private partnership made up of Sudberry Properties, the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, and the Grant family (the former owners of the quarry)
The 14.3 acre Civita Park is laid out as a multi-level park which goes from street level to the rim of Serra Mesa.
If you want to get a good look at all levels of the park—while also taking on a physical challenge--then follow the path of steps that leads all the way to the top of the park.
Along the way you can check out the numerous gaming areas, the tables and benches available for sitting or picnicking, as well as the basketball courts, children’s playgrounds, and the wide expanses of grass for football or frisbee tossing. Climb higher up the Civita Park Ascent to the Heavens and you’ll see a couple of stylish amphitheaters, as well as different works of art and displays that recognize the quarry history of the area.
Hang tough as you make your way up the steep flight of stairs that seems to go on forever. You may want to give up and turn back at this point, but don’t do it. Keep your eyes on the prize.
When you get near the top you’ll go through a tunnel that contains a great mural depicting notable aspects of Mission Valley and San Diego history. And you’ll walk past two leash free dog parks (the envy of every other Mission Valley development).
Upon finally reaching the top of the park you can celebrate by patting yourself on the back, while shouting out the words “I’m quite the physical specimen,” and then leisurely take in the awesome views of the park and Mission Valley before beginning the descent.
There’s no need to tell your admiring fans that the climb is only about a half mile long, and that you’ll see several people pushing baby carriages up most of the way, and that little kids will probably race ahead of you on the stairs. After all, some things are better left unsaid.
The Left Bank of Linda Vista…Or Rather, the Bank Left Linda Vista
Seems like you can only “bank” on one thing in life, and that’s the inevitability of change. The above photo is proof of that concept. There’s not much left of the former Bank of America on Ulric Street—just remnants of the safe deposit vault.
Coming soon…a new apartment building.
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