Design Award Is Linked to Novel Modern-Decor Idea

Stuck for the right decor for your dream home?

Unsure how to make an interior design statement that combines the cutting edge of fashion with utility and durability?

I have a suggestion: chain-link fencing.

Forget that chain link is mainly known for schoolyards and construction sites. Suddenly, indoor chain link is au courant.

I know this because the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute has just announced that San Diego architect Dale St. Denis has been selected from 12 finalists to receive the institute’s 1989-90 Design Award.

St. Denis is being honored for using chain-link fencing inside the Iguanas Showcase Theater and Patio Bar in Tijuana. He doesn’t get any money, but he’s promised a nice write-up in the institute magazine, “On the Fence.”

Mark Levin, executive vice president, says the Washington-based institute is trying to improve the image of chain link for business and home use.

He says you’d be shocked to learn how many people don’t realize that chain-link fencing is a $750-million-a-year industry.

Chain link just doesn’t get much respect: a true profit without honor. The design award is meant to change that.

“We think we’re turning things around,” Levin said. “For the first time in 20 years, the use of chain link for residential fencing is increasing.”

St. Denis says he figured chain link was perfect for Iguanas, which features loud music and slam dancing. He put chain link around the dance floor and on the second and third levels.

“The clientele can beat it up, without it showing any worse for wear,” he says.

He thinks of chain link as industrial chic. He used it for an exercise area at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

And he’s got a surprise that should drive the conventioneers wild when he attends the institute’s convention in July to accept his award: chain-link furniture.

“I think it’s time,” St. Denis says.

Two to Ponder On

In the news.

- Prospective jurors in the Silberman trial are being quizzed on their media habits.

One told the court Thursday that she quit reading newspapers eight years ago because they’re “opinionated, biased and prejudicial.”

Her profession? “Hypnotherapist and rebirther.”

So far, neither prosecution nor defense has challenged her.

- Yes, the James Meredith listed among 13 candidates for six spots on the Republican Party Central Committee from the 78th Assembly District is James Meredith from the civil rights movement.

Meredith, 57, became the first black student at the University of Mississippi in 1963 with the help of federal troops and U.S. marshals. Later he taught at the University of Cincinnati.

Now he lives in Mission Hills and commutes to Washington as an adviser to Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.).

That’s the Ticket

San Diego Councilman Ron Roberts has asked the Padres to reconsider a new rule restricting the movement of news photographers at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

Roberts, a rabid fan and member of the Padres Community Advisory Council, suggests that the team should merely ban use of the dugout phone and instruct free-lance photographers on “reasonable behavior.”

After catching a Diamond Vision technician using the dugout phone, Padres Manager Jack McKeon last week had all photographers banned from dashing in front of the dugout.

Contributing to McKeon’s pique was crowding of the dugout by free-lancers shooting for baseball card companies.

Roberts, in a letter to the media relations department, reminded the Padres of an important equation: Pictures equals publicity equals ticket sales.

“Acting against an entire profession might be counterproductive,” he said.