The Coast News
VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO
VOL. 10, N0. 22
NOV. 10, 2023
Panel pans Restaurant Row pitch
Ex-Chamber CEO: Claims defamatory By Samantha Nelson
ESCONDIDO — The former CEO of the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce is pushing back against claims from anonymous “sources” alleging he mismanaged the organization’s finances, “categorically denying” accusations he calls defamatory, untrue and baseless. Reports of inner conflict at the Chamber came out last month, along with the alleged firing of several employees, including CEO James “JR” RowROWTEN ten, by the board of directors. According to those reports, the Chamber was facing financial struggles after exhausting a line of credit to pay its bills, which led it to lay off the employees and instead rely on volunteers to run its operations. Deanna Smith, chairperson of the Chamber board, issued a press release announcing a “transformative reorganization of the nonprofit driven by a group of dedicated volunteers” but made no mention of the layoffs. During the confusion, anonymous allegations emerged against Rowten, claiming he embezzled money, removed all of his personal items from his office before leaving on a long-planned family trip to Italy, and wiped his TURN TO CHAMBER ON 10
Parking, more lead planners to object By Laura Place
the number of retail tobacco licenses in general in our city,” said Councilmember Corinna Contreras. City Attorney Walter Chung said two businesses have failed to renew their tobacco licenses in the past two months, but that generally doesn’t happen too often. When discussions about a cap began in August, local convenience store owners selling tobacco shared concerns about how their businesses might be affected. Representatives from
SAN MARCOS — The San Marcos Planning Commission voted Monday not to recommend approval of the Restaurant Row mixed-use development due to a litany of concerns with parking and potential legal issues that one commissioner said warranted a “total redesign.” The project has drawn massive public attention more than any other in the city’s recent history, with a proposed 202 residential units, park and over 10,000 square feet of commercial space at the historic Old California Restaurant Row property along San Marcos Boulevard and Via Vera Cruz. Originally a thriving hub of local restaurants, the site is long past its heyday, with a majority of businesses departing in recent years. Developer and applicant Lennar Homes of California first made public its plans for the project last summer, and in the months since has held various community workshops to help finalize the design in preparation to go before the Planning Commission and City Council. Commissioners, however, said they believed the project had been brought to them too soon. They praised several elements
TURN TO TOBACCO ON 5
TURN TO RESTAURANT ROW ON 9
He’s right at home In the decade after the Rancho Buena Vista shortstop was selected in the 2010 MLB Draft, Vista native Tony Wolters has relocated behind the plate and spent parts of seven seasons in the big leagues. Now catching for the minor league St. Paul Saints, he’s grateful for the chance. “I work hard every day so I can go to sleep at night.” Story on 18
Vista sets tobacco retail license cap By Laura Place
Photo by Samantha Nelson
Bridges at EHS: Stuff of legend Longtime Escondido High coach and athletic director was recently honored as San Diego Coaching Legend. 17
VISTA — The Vista City Council set a limit this week on the number of tobacco retailers permitted to operate locally as part of a continued effort to regulate the expansion of tobacco in the community. The council agreed on Oct. 24 to set a cap at 70, accounting for 67 existing businesses with active tobacco retail licenses and three businesses currently applying for a license. This cap does not prevent tobacco retailers from transferring their licenses upon selling their businesses.
Other businesses seeking a tobacco retail license would be placed on a waiting list. They could only apply if the number of licenses fell below the cap due to attrition — when businesses fail to renew their license or lose their good standing due to code violations. However, the council said that as attrition occurs in the future, they would like to gradually lower the cap, possibly to 60. “It would be important, as businesses may lose their good standing, that that gets reported to the council so we can continue to lower
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Arrest made in fatal fire
CSUSM music teacher honored by Steinway By City News Service
Man, 50, charged with arson, murder By Laura Place
VISTA — A man was arrested last week on arson and homicide charges in connection with a fire at a Vista independent living facility that left one person dead, law enforcement said Wednesday. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department received reports of a fire in the 100 block of Palmyra Drive around 8 p.m. on Oct. 27. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and began extinguishing the fire and evacuating the multiple people occupying the home. Deputies and fire personnel learned that one resident was missing following the evacuations, but they could not safely locate them in the home until the fire was contained, according to Lt. Joseph Jarjura. When fire personnel were able to enter, the body of a deceased individual was found inside a bedroom. The victim has not been identified, Jarjura said. Gregory Triana Villegas, 50, matched the suspect description from the 911 call and was detained after being seen walking near the scene. Deputies said the motive behind the incident is unknown, but Villegas was also a facility resident. “The relationship is not completely known yet,” Jarjura said. Evidence collected at the scene by homicide detectives, bomb and arson detectives, and a fire specialist suggested the fire was set intentionally. However, Jarjura said the department is withholding further details to protect the integrity of the investigation. Villegas was charged with a single count of arson and one count of murder and booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Law enforcement urges anyone with information about the incident to call the Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 (after hours 858-565-5200). Anonymous reports can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 888580-8477.
THE NEW STEM center at Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences in Escondido. The school also welcomed a new performing arts center. Courtesy photo/Escondido Union School District
Del Dios celebrates new student centers By Staff
ESCONDIDO — The Escondido Union School District recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize two new “stateof-the-art” buildings at the Del Dios Academy of Arts and Sciences. The new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Visual and Performing Arts Centers total 52,000 square feet of science labs, faculty lounges, collaborative workspaces and 34 classrooms. The district considers the new buildings as “milestones in EUSD’s vision to actualize the unlimited potential of every learner at the school district,” accord-
ing to district spokesperson Susana Villegas. Both centers were funded by Proposition E, which Escondido voters approved in 2014. “The new Del Dios Academy STEM and Visual and Performing Arts Centers will support high-quality, rigorous education that inspires our students to achieve their potential and be the innovators of tomorrow,” said Superintendent Luis Rankins-Ibarra at the Oct. 26 ceremony. “Today, we thank everyone who supported and helped to build these cutting-edge facilities – our families, educators, staff, community partners, board of directors and es-
pecially the voters of Escondido. They believed in their school district and voted for the funding to build these Centers so that EUSD can continue to inspire learning for future generations of Escondido children.” Designed by HMC Architects and built by Lusardi Construction, the “ultra-modern” STEM and Visual and Performing Arts Centers are built around the concept of student- centric, rather than a teacher-centric, classrooms. The Escondido Union School District serves more than 14,000 students in preschool through 8th grade at 24 campuses in the city of Escondido.
SAN MARCOS — A Cal State San Marcos music professor has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame. Ching-Ming Cheng was among 67 teachers from across the United States and Canada who were honored this fall by piano company Steinway & Sons. Cheng was nominated by Steinway Piano Gallery of San Diego, located in Miramar. “To be inducted into the Steinway Teachers Hall of Fame, seeing my name and also Cal State San Marcos listed on the walls inside the legendary New York Steinway factory for generations to see, this whole journey is just beyond this world,” Cheng said in a statement. “To be recognized by Steinway, alongside some world-famous piano teachers like Norma Kreiger and Dr. Robert Weirich, I am so grateful and humbled.” Cheng, who is also an active performer and soloist, joined Cal State San Marcos' faculty in 2011. She is the chair of the university's music department and has received Steinway & Sons' Top Music Teacher Award every
CHING-MING CHENG, a pianist, joined the CSUSM faculty in 2011 and now chairs the university’s music department. Courtesy photo
year since 2016. “While performing is part of my career, teaching and working with students makes me a better teacher and the experience has been so rewarding and fulfilling,” Cheng said. “With this recognition, I hope I continue to motivate students in the way that they will find inspiring and enthusing in their own musical journey.”
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Police shootout leaves parolee dead Gift of Music! By City News Service
ESCONDIDO — Escondido police fatally shot a parolee who allegedly opened fire on them Nov. 3 at a mobile home park in a neighborhood south of Daley Ranch. The events that led to the fatal shootout began shortly after 6:30 a.m., when Escondido police got a report of a trespasser asleep in a sleeping bag on the porch of a residential trailer in the 2500 block of East Valley Parkway, according to the San Diego Police Department. The SDPD investigates police shootings in the North County city under the terms of a countywide anti-conflict-of-interest agreement. “As officers responded, the call was updated to state that the (man) had ... gotten up and was pushing a blue
motorcycle through the mobile home complex,” SDPD Lt. Jud Campbell said. A pair of Escondido police officers arrived at the trailer park about 10 minutes later, spotted the suspect and stopped him for questioning. “During the contact, based on the information provided by the (man), they learned he had a felony warrant for a parole violation out of Indiana,” Campbell said. “As officers began to detain (him), he turned and began to run. He also began reaching into his waistband.’’ The suspect then allegedly pulled a gun, pointed it across his body at the officers and opened fire, according to police. The patrol personnel returned fire, wounding the suspect, who fell to the ground, the lieutenant said.
“He then rolled over with the gun, again pointing it in the direction of (the) officers, prompting one of them to fire several more rounds at him,” Campbell said. The officers provided first aid to the mortally wounded suspect prior to the arrival of paramedics. An ambulance crew then took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported. The name of the suspect, believed to have been a 48-year-old former Indiana resident, was not immediately available. One of the involved officers has been employed by the Escondido Police Department for about six years, the other for roughly a year, Campbell said. Their identities were not released.
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Back for an encore.
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NEW ESCO ALLEY ART MURAL
Mural artist Sebastian Stehr is flanked by Supervisor Jim Desmond’s office community liaison, Adrienne Cisneros-Selekman, left, and Esco Alley Art Committee Chair Heather Moe as they pose in front of Stehr’s mural in the alleyway at 125 N. Kalmia St. in Escondido. The German artist traveled to Escondido in October for the installation of his mural, “Philosophical Graffiti: What is Love,” on the side of the Royal Traveler building in the alleyway off North Kalmia Street in downtown. The mural is the first of many planned to fill the alley north of Grand Avenue as part of Esco Alley Art’s third phase. The southside alleyway already has several murals lining its walls from earlier phases. The murals are installed on removable panels in case they need to be moved. Photo by Samantha Nelson
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‘Monumental shift’: Tri-City, UCSD merge By Samantha Nelson
OCEANSIDE — Amid mounting financial struggles and staffing shortages, the Tri-City Healthcare District is partnering with UC San Diego Health to boost the hospital’s services. After hearing proposals from both UC San Diego Health and Sharp HealthCare on Oct. 26, the Tri-City board unanimously voted to go with the first healthcare system. “The Board executed a vision to better the lives
of North County residents, creating a monumental shift in the way health care will be delivered for generations to come,” said Tri-City CEO Gene Ma on Friday. “In choosing UC San Diego Health, Tri-City Medical Center augments its renowned stroke, heart attack, orthopedic, spine and robotic care with worldclass specialty care.” Ma said UC San Diego Health’s national reputation as a top-tier health care system with “innovative” information technology
and its status as the region’s only academic medical center ultimately led the board to its decision. Hospital leaders hope to bring back Tri-City’s labor and delivery unit, which was suspended earlier this year due to financial hurdles and a lack of deliveries. For the last eight years, Tri-City Medical Center has experienced an annual loss of $3.5 million and was averaging less than one delivery per day. The hospital then be-
gan a search for a partner to help bolster its facility and services. “We are delighted that Tri-City has chosen UC San Diego Health as its strategic and operational partner in its efforts to revitalize its 60-plus year legacy as an award-winning community hospital,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. UC San Diego Health’s obstetrics and gynecology program is ranked No. 15 nationally. Through the new partnership, the hospi-
EUSD pulls two books after audit
Esco man’s killer handed sentence of 16 years to life
TURN TO LIBRARY ON 15
Zamora was arrested the following month on suspicion of murdering Stephens, though Stephens’ body was not located until a few days after Zamora’s arrest. A criminal c ompl a i nt a lleges the killing ZAMORA occurred three days before Stephens was reported missing. A motive for the killing has not been disclosed. A neighbor of Stephens told CBS8 last year that Stephens and Zamora were once roommates.
By City News Service
By Samantha Nelson
ESCONDIDO — The Escondido Union School District has removed two of the most challenged books in the U.S. from campus libraries following an early October audit to seek out and remove any age-appropriate material from its collections. The district closed libraries at all 23 of its elementary and middle school campuses in late September after a book “containing sexually explicit material” was found in one of its campus libraries. Library services were cut off until Oct. 6 so library technicians could conduct a “thorough audit” of its collections. Following the audit, the district removed the alleged sexually explicit book, “This Book Is Gay,” a non-fiction book by Juno Dawson, who described the book as a guide for life as a person identifying within the LGBTQ spectrum. According to Amazon. com, the book is rated for ages 14 to 17. The book audit and subsequent removal of “This Book is Gay” stemmed from a district parent’s concerned statements to the board on Sept. 21 after her son found the book in the Bear Valley Middle School library in mid-September. Anne White said her 13-year-old son found the book when his eighthgrade class went to the school library. Later that night, he told his mother, who also works for the district, about the book. “I was utterly disgusted and saddened that my son was exposed to this type of explicit, pornographic material,” White said. “I demand that all this and all other books be banned from school libraries.” White said although some community members may argue freedom of speech when it comes to accessing the book in school libraries, she felt the book “canceled the rights of these young children to be children.” White also said the
bers from the Tri-City medical staff and five members appointed by the UC San Diego Health Executive Governing Board — UC San Diego will also take over Tri-City’s property, debt and staff. The health care system plans to invest $170 million in its first two years of taking over. Tri-City’s takeover follows UC San Diego’s recent acquisition of Alvarado Hospital Medical Center, a community hospital serving eastern San Diego.
tal hopes to become a destination for pregnancy care and delivery services. UC San Diego Health also plans to expand new and existing specialty programs at Tri-City, including services for gynecology, cancer, cardiovascular, neurosurgical, behavioral health and other needs. Cyber security will also be improved In addition to forming a new, nine-member governing board — comprised of two appointees from the District Board, two mem-
THE NUMBER of licensed tobacco retail stores in Vista will be limited to 70 under new regulations adopted by the City Council. Photo by Laura Place
TOBACCO
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
the Neighborhood Market Association and National Association of Tobacco Outlets also spoke to the council, encouraging the city to work with retailers to develop fair regulations. “I guarantee you, these potential businesses will go to another city that will allow them to apply for these privileges and sell these tobacco products legally,” Neighborhood Market Association President Arkan Somo told the council in August. At the Oct. 24 meeting, several residents encouraged the city not to allow the transfer of tobacco retailer licenses. However, council
members said that would hurt existing owners who may eventually choose to sell their business, which they cannot do without a valid license. “I don’t want to impair businesses that may want to sell in the future, whatever might happen. I don’t want to decrease their value, for people who have poured themselves into opening a business,” said Councilmember Dan O’Donnell. Many Vistans have been vocal over the past year about the need to reduce local tobacco use, particularly the use of e-cigarettes among youth. Around 2.5 million middle and high school students, or 1 in 10, reported using e-cigarettes
nationally in 2022, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In response to these concerns, the city council in March agreed to increase fines for the sale of tobacco to minors. The ordinance increased fines for the first offense from $200 to $1,000 for retailers, among other penalties. “As someone who works closely with youth, I can personally say I have seen an increase of e-cigarette use in high schools. Although flavors have been banned in the state, this policy must be enforced,” said Alex Carrasco, Community Engagement Coordinator for Vista Community Clinic’s Tobacco Control Team.
City Council OKs ‘Marcos’ project By Laura Place
SAN MARCOS — A mixed-use project containing over 100 housing units, a maker’s village and community plaza has been officially approved for a plot of vacant land along state Route 78 after passing the San Marcos City Council on Oct. 24. The project, known currently as the Marcos, will be located on a 12-acre site at the southwest corner of Linda Vista Drive and Grand Avenue, which has been empty for over a decade. The Marcos will be split into a west end containing a 102-unit multifamily condominium development and an east end featuring a commercial area with
round buildings for maker spaces, creative offices, food and beverage uses, and seven live-work units. Terry Matthews of CCI Consultants Collaborative, the planning consultant for the project, said the development will serve as a high-quality, artist-inspired hub for events, retail and maker activities, as well as a new source of housing in the city. “From what it is now, just vacant land, it will be a very aesthetically pleasing project,” Matthews said. “The commercial space is going to be kind of a backyard amenity to the residential space — they’re going to play off each other.” The project was brought
to the City Council after being unanimously approved by the city’s Planning Commission in September. Council members applauded the project’s ingenuity and said they were happy to see a final product brought forward for approval. “I haven’t been this excited about a project, maybe ever,” said Councilmember Mike Sannella. “I think it’s a very special project. I think there’s been a lot of thought and creativity that has gone into this.” Developer Shaheen Sadeghi first proposed the concept to the city in 2018, when his company, LAB Holding, LLC, purchased TURN TO MARCOS ON 10
VISTA — A man who killed an Escondido man whose body was found dumped near Lake Henshaw was sentenced Nov. 1 to 16 years to life in state prison. Eduardo Zamora, 33, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and a knife allegation in the slaying of 71-year-old Stanley Stephens. Stephens was reported missing from his North Broadway home in August 2022, and Escondido police put out a call to the public for information regarding his whereabouts. A search of the area near Stephens’ home was conducted by police to no avail.
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Nov. 10, 2023
Desperate in Sactown
O
By Garvin Walsh
ne of California’s biggest political battles in years is underway, and if the Democrats in Sacramento have their way, voters will be denied a say in the outcome. On Sept. 26, they applied to the California Supreme Court for a writ to keep an already-qualified voter initiative off the November 2024 ballot. Doing so would overcome more than 1 million valid signatures that were gathered to support the measure. The target of this effort is a voter initiative known as the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, a constitutional amendment that would prohibit any increase in taxes and government fees without the approval of the voters. The Dems’ move hints of desperation in Sacramento, evincing a fear that the voters will put an effective leash on taxing and spending in state government. Ostensibly advanced in the names of the California Legislature, governor and an individual “elector,” it’s clearly a partisan maneuver. According to Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner’s office, no vote for this was taken in the Legislature. It’s not law, just politics. The lead attorney opposing the initiative is Richard R. Rios, of the Sacramento-based firm of Olson Remcho, well-known as agents of the Democratic Party. Their clients include “the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate President pro Tempore, the California Democratic Party, dozens of labor organizations, and members of the California Congressional Delegation,” according to the firm’s website. According to Rios’ brief, the proposed amendment is an “unlawful attempt to revise the Constitution.” His argument makes a distinction between an “amendment” and a “revision,” the latter proposing “far reaching changes in the nature of our governmental plan.” The amendment would also
impact the executive branch by restricting its power to increase fees and charges. Defending the initiative is Sacramento attorney Thomas W. Hiltachk, acting for Californians for Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability, which has the backing of the California Business Roundtable and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, among others. Hiltachk’s reply brief asks for summary denial of the Writ, arguing firstly that the Dems “cannot overcome this Court’s long-standing rule against removing a duly qualified initiative measure from the ballot absent a clear and unquestionable showing of invalidity.” He debunks Rios’ “revision” argument, pointing out that Proposition 13 encountered much the same objection, yet government in California managed to adapt after voters approved it. A notable feature of Rios’ argument is its reliance on obscure, judge-made law, in contrast to the plain language of the Constitution: “The electors [i.e., the voters] may amend the Constitution by initiative.” Speculating here on the outcome would be imprudent: Legal argument can be contorted to favor most any result, and the Supreme Court, with only one Republican-appointed justice, may accept Rios’ pitch. This move opens another front in the fight over taxing and spending. Revenues are insufficient to the Legislature’s unremitting appetite. Pushing back, critics point to incompetent administration, wasted billions and Sacramento’s harmful intrusion into the private sector and local government. Voters may be ready to assign blame for this problem to the Democrats. And it is a problem. The tax and spending burden is driving residents and businesses away. California has the highest income tax rates in the nation, offset somewhat by Prop 13’s limits on property taxes. Overall, California ranks near the bottom (48th) in the State Business
Tax Climate Index, according to the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy research center. State revenues, which are very dependent on capital gain taxes from the (now faltering) stock market, are under pressure. What was a substantial surplus in the state budget in 2022 has swung sharply negative. Likely the federal government, with fiscal problems of its own, will not come to California’s rescue. But legislators, instead of looking for ways to cut unsustainable spending, have been eyeing increases for both taxes and fees. A predictable result is afflicting the Golden State – many taxpayers are leaving. Outmigration jumped 135% from 2019 to 2022, the largest in the nation, benefiting lower-tax states. Many who left were high-income, contributing a disproportionate share of taxes. Their departure will make it tougher for those who remain. Democrats have enjoyed a trifecta in state government since 2011, now with super-majorities in both the State Senate and the Assembly. They are in a position to pursue their agenda nearly without restraint. But California is becoming too expensive for working families, for family businesses, and for high-end earners. Given Democrat dominance of state government, their tax-and-spend formula gives legislators nearly unchecked power, at the expense of the people. There must be a limit to that power. If things don’t change, the people will wither away. The time is right for the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, a worthy challenge to the status quo. The question should be put to a vote, not decided in court. Let’s hope our Supreme Court reasserts the most basic premise of our Constitution — all political power is inherent in the people. Garvin Walsh is a resident of Encinitas.
or the last several years, the dominant sentiment among Gov. Gavin Newsom, other top state officials and leading state legislators has held that one size fits all of California, when it comes to housing. The conviction that the state can and should dictate virtually all policy on land use and development — an area that was previously the purview of local government as long as California has been a state — lurks behind all the major new housing laws California has adopted over the last three years. These measures make denials of building permits almost impossible in most places even when proposed projects far exceed local plans approved by city councils, county boards and voters. So the character of many cities is changing rapidly, but vacancy signs proliferate more than ever as most people who badly need housing can’t afford even supposedly affordable rents or purchase prices in the dense new developments. Now the same “we know what’s best for everyone” notion has spread to schools, where some social issues spur responses even more emotional than neighborhood-changing high-rise buildings. It’s too early in the school disputes for a statewide rebellion to develop, but if disagreements on how to approach gender-identity issues remain as wide as they are now, expect a ballot initiative to appear, just as an initiative to override most of the new housing laws is now seeking signatures statewide. The state’s conflict with some school districts began in mid-summer when the Chino Valley Unified district in western San Bernardino County adopted a “parents’ rights” policy on children’s gender identity. A court order at least temporarily delayed its effective date. That policy would require written notice to parents within three days if a child identifies as transgender, becomes violent or mentions possible suicide. Under these rules, identifying as transgender can be as innocuous as children seeking to change the pronouns by which they refer to themselves or using bathrooms and changing rooms not matching their apparent birth gender. Similar rules have since been adopted by the Murietta Valley Unified district in southern Riverside County and a few others that also sought to reject a state-mandated social studies curriculum discussing the assassinated gay civil rights leader Harvey Milk.
california focus
tom elias
The legal holdup stems from direct intervention via a lawsuit by state Attorney General Rob Bonta. Meanwhile, Newsom said he is working with legislators to develop language for a new law to negate or mitigate policies like those adopted for Chino and Murietta schools. The fear of LGBTQ+ leaders and their allies like Newsom is that some children exhibiting transgender tendencies would become victims of extreme parental violence if they were “outed.” Opponents of the recent school district rule changes believe children only hide their transgender tendencies and wishes from parents if they fear such violence. They believe schools should protect children’s interests over parental authority. Meanwhile, lower court judges have differed on whether the state or local districts have ultimate authority on these issues. This is not a unique California situation. Florida, for example, has adopted a statewide policy almost identical to the Chino/ Murietta models. It’s no surprise that the moves by California districts come largely in Republican areas where the GOP has stressed electing local officials like school board members, since the party has been unable to dent Democratic super-majorities in the Legislature. Open hostility to Democratic state officials was exemplified in July when state Schools Superintendent Tony Thurmond, nominally a nonpartisan official, was escorted out of a Chino district board meeting after speaking against the gender-baring rule. So far, Bonta has not filed more lawsuits or tried to block state funding for districts involved, as he has with several cities resisting the statewide housing laws. But it’s plain that the effort to create new laws prohibiting policies like those adopted for Chino and Murietta schools is a function of the same onesize-fits-all notion that dominates state housing policy. The issues in schools are, however, more complex and emotional than even housing, itself a hot-button issue. Right now, it’s uncertain who will eventually prevail or what will be the next conflict between state and local authority. Email Thomas Elias at tdelias@aol.com.
In free speech case, board member sues Palomar Health By Samantha Nelson
ESCONDIDO — A Palomar Health board member has filed a free speech complaint against the health care district after being threatened with sanctions over comments she made to a San Diego media outlet concerning controversial terms of use on the hospital's website. The issue arose shortly after Palomar Health added a mandatory terms of use agreement to the hospital’s website in August. The pop-up window required users to waive legal rights (i.e., privacy, the right to participate in a class action lawsuit, etc.) and permit the collection of personal identifying information before entering the website. The terms also included a copyright clause that said users could not copy, republish, post or distribute any of the website’s information or materials without first receiving permission from the district. According to a Voice of San Diego article, experts agreed the terms were likely in violation of the Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and other state laws due to Palomar’s status as a public healthcare district. Under the terms of use, board meeting agendas, minutes, adopted budgets, financial reports and other public records would have been included under the copyright clause, preventing anyone from republishing or distributing materials without the health care district’s permission. Palomar Health has since updated the agreement to allow public records to be copied or distributed following the Voice’s story. Following the article, Laurie Edwards-Tate, a Palomar board member and founder of At Your Home Familycare, made a comment on behalf of herself, not the board, expressing her concerns about the terms of use creating a barrier to public access. “It was shocking to me, and I felt prohibited from its use, and I felt like it was a barrier to being able to access it,” Edwards-Tate told the Voice after she tried to access the website for meeting agendas. Edwards-Tate told The Coast News that she was not aware of the broad nature of the hospital’s terms of use and did not get a chance to vote on them or debate their contents before they were implemented. Edwards-Tate is currently in her second term on the board. She was first elected in 2018 for Zone 3 and then subsequently reelected in 2022. She told The Coast News about her passion for serving the public and felt that creating a barrier to public information like the terms of use is “the antithesis of what it means to be a public institution.” “I realize there is a need for special sessions and con-
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LAURIE EDWARDS-TATE sued after being threatened with sanctions for speaking to the press about Palomar Health’s new terms of agreement on its website. Courtesy photo
fidentiality, but I found this to be very difficult to accept as a member of the board knowing how much the voter depends upon the people they elect to look out for their welfare and interests,” Edwards-Tate said. Following her comment, Edwards-Tate received a notice of action via email from the board’s attorney listing potential infractions she committed against the district’s media policies for making the comment without getting permission first. “It was very intimidating to receive it,” she said. Then, an item was placed on the Oct. 9 board agenda to take a vote of no confidence against Edwards-Tate. Instead, the majority of the board decided to conduct an investigation into the matter. It was after that board meeting that Edwards-Tate sought legal counsel. “If I see something happening in the district and there is a concern about it, I have both the right and the responsibility to let (constituents) know,” she said. “Yet for doing that, the district is threatening to sanction me.” The Dhillon Law Group, in conjunction with the Center for American Liberty, filed a legal complaint against Palomar Health due to First Amendment violations. Through this, Edwards-Tate asked the court for a declaration that the board’s policies violate the First Amendment and an injunction that would prevent the district from sanctioning her speech. “We asked for a temporary restraining order—it’s an emergency relief that stops the hospital from restricting Edwards-Tate’s freedom of speech,” said attorney Karin Sweigart. Sweigart said the district’s actions are a “blatant infringement on First Amendment speech.” On Thursday, Nov. 2, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California denied
Edwards-Tate’s application for a temporary restraining order because she failed to provide the district’s media policy, duty of care and duty of loyalty policies to be considered. Though she did attach the notice of action, the full text was not provided, according to the court. “The Court will not enjoin that which it has not reviewed. Nor, as a practical matter, can the Court craft a temporary restraining order without being provided the full text of the policies at issue,” the court response states. The Court also found other “deficiencies” in the restraining order request, noting that Edwards-Tate failed to allege she was being investigated and did not provide adequate evidence that she was being sanctioned or what that entails. “The Court detailed Director Edwards-Tate’s numerous failures, ranging from failing to attach the policies she claims violated her rights to showing how investigation of her misleading comments impacted her at all to wondering why she waited a month to file despite her newfound claims of ‘imminent harm,’” a statement from Palomar Health reads. According to the healthcare district, there is only one policy rather than three separate policies: the Palomar Health Board of Directors Code of Conduct. “The Code of Conduct details all the rights and responsibilities of directors,” explained district spokesperson Bianca Kasawdish via email. “Director Edwards-Tate was present when the Board adopted the Code of Conduct, and so should be familiar with its terms, including the media policy in 3.8.” According to the policy, board members are “encouraged to contact” the district’s marketing department or a media representative before speaking or TURN TO PALOMAR ON 15
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of the project but noted concerns related to parking and property disagreements with neighboring businesses that still need to be sorted out. “I probably feel more nervous about this project than, quite frankly, anything we’ve had in a number of years,” said Commission Chair Christopher Carroll. “It feels like, if this project was given some additional time to bake, there's a way for all sides to come together and get this project over the finish line. It feels like we should have waited another six to eight months.” As an advisory board, the commission only provides its recommendation to the City Council. Commissioners voted 6-1 to withhold this recommendation but noted the council could still approve the project. A City Council hearing for the project has not been scheduled yet, according to the city.
Parking
Apart from 401 parking spaces planned for residential use, Lennar has proposed just 100 on-site parking spaces for visitors to the Restaurant Row property. The project will otherwise rely on around 1,000 available spaces at the neighboring Sears/movie theater property to the west and the eastern portion of Restaurant Row that houses Fish House Vera Cruz, Cocina Del Charro and Buffalo Wild Wings.
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LENNAR HOMES proposes a redesign of the historic Old California Restaurant Row property along San Marcos Boulevard and Via Vera Cruz, featuring 202 residential units, a park and over 10,000 square feet of commercial space. Photo by Laura Place
Alex Plishner, senior vice president of Lennar’s San Diego division, said Lennar confirmed through a parking analysis that this is enough to meet peak needs of all the businesses and Restaurant Row. Additionally, the planned 501 on-site spaces exceed the 477 technically required under city guidelines. Despite this, commissioners said the project seems drastically under-parked, considering people will be accessing not only restaurants and homes, but the planned park that includes pickleball courts and a skate park. “This project seems woefully inadequately parked,” Commissioner Eric Flodine said.
Owners of Fish House Vera Cruz and Cocina Del Charro also said the project will violate private agreements they made with the Eubanks family — the previous property owners and founders of Restaurant Row —in the 1990s. The agreements established shared parking plans between Restaurant Row, the two restaurants as well as the movie theater site, establishing a certain number of spaces on each site that can be used by visitors to the other sites. John Butler, co-owner of Fish House, said one of these agreements granted his business 36 spaces on the Restaurant Row project site that cannot be used by the general public or for public
use. Lennar has planned to have pickleball courts that will replace these 36 spots, as well as an easement that Butler said the business had to pay for at the time. Butler, accompanied to the meeting by his attorney, said Lennar has not worked sufficiently with them to reach an agreement about how to navigate this. “If the city authorizes this, the city is authorizing a taking of our property without compensation. I don't want you guys in that position,” said Butler. Plishner said Lennar is close to reaching agreements with the two businesses, and that they have been trying to convince Fish House to give up its easement. He noted that the plans also in-
clude the option of 15 extra parking spaces alongside the park area. Commissioners said the city cannot police private agreements between outside parties and expressed frustration with Lennar for not settling the matter with other businesses before requesting approval for the project. Approving it, they said, could lead to lawsuits against the city from affected business owners. “I am very concerned about infringing on two longtime staples in our community and the parking issues, so I would like to see some further work done with them to mitigate the situation,” said Commissioner Diana Cavanaugh.
Other concerns
Other elements of the project also drew concerns, including a series of paseos planned to connect east-towest through the Restaurant Row project and neighboring businesses. Commissioner Kevin Norris said the path “comes from nowhere and goes nowhere.” “This is a connection to itself and that’s it,” Norris said, noting that he would like to see it connect to other areas such as San Marcos Creek to increase walkability. The residential element of the project will involve for-sale rather than rental homes, which Lennar described as “attainable” and “accessible.” The project will not include any deed-restricted affordable units, meaning Lennar will have to pay in-lieu fees to the city
to support future affordable projects. “It's unfortunate that a project of this size does not have any affordable housing,” said Commissioner Robert Crain.
City history
Despite their criticism, commissioners, as well as several public commenters, said they understand the need for a change at Restaurant Row. Plishner said Lennar recognized the strong community attachment to the site and the importance of preserving original design elements in the new development. The project design was altered following community feedback to have more wood and brick elements reminiscent of the Old California style, he said. Lennar will also repurpose lumber from the site and transform the trademark bell found in the Restaurant Row signage into an element of the new playground. “A key element of this project has been to create a sense of place,” Plishner said. “The new design references Old Restaurant Row but modernizes it for today.” San Marcos Historical Society President Tanis Brown thanked Lennar for being “attentive to the history” and helping to preserve the site. “I'm a little sad watching this, and I think for any of you who have lived here in San Marcos for a long time, you will have all of those memories of Restaurant Row,” Brown said.
INCREASE THE PEACE
Because conflict is never the answer.
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the property as a purely commercial development before adding in the residential element.. LAB Holding is known for its alternative, community- and artist-focused developments in Southern California, including the popular Anaheim Packing House, Costa Mesa LAB Anti-Mall, and the CAMP Eco Retail centers. While the council unanimously approved the project and its associated General Plan amendment, Councilmember Maria Nuñez expressed some hesitation about the very literal inspiration of the San Luis Rey Mission in the residential building design. “I honestly was not ex-
pecting to see literal mission style. When I see these renderings, where they are mini missions, I’m having a hard time reconciling really what it means for our city … There’s a lot that’s attached to it historically, and there’s a lot of pain and suffering for a lot of natives,” Nuñez said. Mayor Rebecca Jones said she did not get the same impression from the design as Nuñez and said it reminded her more of the old California style of the city’s Restaurant Row. “It’s a very, very exciting project, and to see it finally happen because we started moving forward on this such a long time ago, it’s just really exciting,” Jones said. The project site is bisected by Las Posas Creek
and will feature a pedestrian bridge allowing access between the residential and commercial sides. LAB Holding intends for makers and artists of all kinds to enrich retail and restaurant spaces on the east end. The seven livework units could be used by tenants like metalworkers, woodworkers or culinary artists. All the buildings will face a community plaza, which Matthews said can serve as a gathering space for events of varying sizes, including farmers markets, art events, performances, holiday events, or movie nights, in addition to art installations. “The real unique part of it, is that there will be this very large, central, park-like setting that all
the buildings sort of face onto. That will lend itself very well to the community gatherings,” Matthews said. The residential condominiums will be supplemented with a pool, modern playground area, barbecue area and walking paths along the creek. There will be nearly three acres of total open space throughout the project, with plans for over 200 trees to be planted. At the same meeting, the City Council also approved a separate 16-unit residential development along Pico Avenue adjacent to the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos. The 0.63acre site includes two lots, one vacant and the other containing a decommissioned fire station.
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Nov. 10, 2023
THE ESCONDIDO Chamber of Commerce was suffering from declining membership and a lack of financial support when it hired JR Rowten in 2019. Photo by Samantha Nelson
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computer of all data. Rowten told The Coast News that these and other allegations were “completely false” and that Smith, some other board members, and employees were leading a campaign against him. “I have been defamed, accused of wrongdoing that never occurred, targeted by a small group of people, and two disgruntled employees who did not want the Chamber to go in the direction the previous four boards had wanted and decided upon,” Rowten said. Additionally, Rowten said the Chamber had violated California labor laws and basic human resource procedures when it came to being laid off, noting that he was never actually informed of his termination. In June 2019, Rowten was hired as the Chamber’s CEO to help turn around the then-Escondido Chamber of Commerce, which was suffering from declining memberships, minimal financial support and a soured relationship with the city following election endorsements the previous year. During his tenure, Rowten helped expand the organization’s defined area of influence and rebranded it the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce. Rowten also helped launch the Green Transportation Expo, increased membership and mended the Chamber’s relationship with the city. Rowten had worked with five board chairs during his fewer than five years with the organization, the last of whom was Smith, who became chair over the summer. “I had great relationships with almost all of them,” Rowten said. “But the fifth one, for whatever reasons, we were unable to align and communicate in the necessary manner to have a really good, symbiotic relationship to forward the mission of the Chamber.” According to Rowten, Chamber supporter Jack Raymond presented him with a $25,000 “discretionary CEO fund” for the Chamber through two checks of $12,500 each to be used at the CEO’s discretion. The checks were then deposited into the Chamber’s bank account, Rowten said, even though anonymous sources purported the funds had gone missing. “There is no embezzlement,” he said. “No funds were used by me personally.” The Chamber had approved a three-year budget in May 2023 that included
cash flow shortfalls and securing bridge loan funding to be used to pay down debts and provide a cushion for the anticipated shortfall. Rowten also denied a $50,000 monthly debt, contrary to previous reports from anonymous sources. According to Rowten, Banner Bank refinanced the Chamber’s mortgage due to pandemic hardships, allowing the organization to take advantage of a better interest rate and a $250,000 line of credit. “There were also a few short-term promissory notes by a few board members, knowing at that time that we were on track to show positive cash flow in the coming months as there would be a short-term cash flow need,” Rowten said. “All of this was unwound by the new quorum board and chair within weeks of her appointment as chairperson, with little understanding of what had been approved by the previous board and already in the works.” According to Rowten, Smith’s actions also slowed the stop-gap measure included in the budget with final funding from the city for the digital directory app, which would have generated paid advertisers. Rowten also pushed back against “brokering” deals with Palomar Health. “The Chamber is always linking local businesses, in particular our sponsors and members, to each other with the intent of enhancing the business community and building on Chamber value,” Rowten said. “There was never any discussion, agreement or desire for the CEO to broker any deal.” Reports also allege that Rowten wiped the data from his computer before leaving on his trip. Rowten said that on Oct. 4, after hearing about “untrue statements” and a potential layoff of all staff while on medical leave prior to his vacation, he retrieved his personal documents from the Chamber offices before leaving the country for two weeks. “That is the only data I deleted,” Rowten said. “There was no removal of any financial data, which for the most part is reported via Banner Bank and QuickBooks; no harm was done to the Chamber, and no emails were removed from the (website) address.” The Escondido Police Department previously confirmed the department has not received an official criminal complaint on the matter. Smith has not responded to The Coast News’ requests for comment.
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Eat&Drink
I Like Beer: A column for those who like beer
W
By Jeff Spanier
elcome to I Like Beer, a column dedicated to great beer and the stories that go with them. Since 2019, I have co-hosted I Like Beer the Podcast and through the good fortune of meeting beer enthusiasts over the years, I have been allowed a little space to write about beer and beer-related topics here at The Coast News. There’s truth in the simple advertising. I do like beer. I like the community of craft beer makers and enthusiasts here in San Diego and abroad. I like the convivial nature of beer drinking with friends: telling stories and sharing thoughts. And, I really do like the taste of beer. All kinds. So, I hope you’ll read along in this article and those to follow joining me in an ongoing journey and conversation about all things beer. I have previously contributed as a guest columnist to Cheers! North County. My first assignment was the grand opening of South O Brewing in Oceanside in December 2021. I decided South O was also the best place to launch this new column. In the year and a half of operation, co-owners
JEFF SPANIER at South O Brewing in Oceanside. After serving as a guest columnist, Spanier is taking over the beer beat at The Coast News. Courtesy photo
Joel Steinmetz and Trevor Whitehead have leaned into Whitehead’s Australian roots with a few of their beers and the results are
some of the most unique beers you will find in San Diego. On my visit, the South O team walked me through
three beers that both surprised me in flavor and had the added benefit of a little story to go with. The perfect combination for beer talk! Beer #1: Sea Rover, a New Zealand hoppy pilsner made in collaboration with Mission Brewing featuring Nelson, Cascade and Motueka hops. It is full of hop flavor, but light bodied and easy drinking at 4.9% ABV. “Sea Rover is essentially an Australian pirate,” Whitehead says. “And since Mission Brewing has a pirate theme, so with our Australian roots it made sense. The beer we made with them at their brewery is named Plunder Down Under.” Beer #2: Larrikin Lager, an Australian lager fashioned after some of Australia’s most popular macrobrews. It’s a very light, malt forward style hard to find in San Diego. Larrikin is an Australian term for a prankster. “It’s very unique,” Whitehead says. “It’s modeled after Victoria Bitter, XXXX Gold and XXXX Bitter. We used the same malt and hops in making this. We had to have the ingredients sent over to the states.” The biggest challenge in brewing Larrikin Lager was
doing it without tasting the beers they were modeling. Whitehead would describe the style from memory, and then the experimentation began. “You don’t quite know what will happen when you’re crafting something, or what it might turn into,” Steinmetz says. “We are trying to craft something amazing every day, and that’s the fun of it. And when it happens, it’s beautiful. There’s nothing like it.” Whatever the process, it turned out to be a hit. “A lot of Aussies and folks from New Zealand come by and drink it. And they say it’s a little bit of home,” Whitehead says. Beer #3: Oside Bogan, an Australian pale ale made with Galaxy hops. It’s also a lighter version of the style at 4.5% ABV, but the hoppiness is full-flavored. According to Whitehead, a bogan is an uncouth, unsophisticated person, rough around the edges and possibly not a pleasure to be around. That was his politer explanation. The beer may be misnamed because it is an absolute pleasure to drink. While the beers may be influenced from far away and down under, the focus of South O remains here at home. Its commitment
to the community is commendable as the brewery has helped raise funds for the Oceanside Fire and Police departments. South O has even brewed a beer with a local principal for the celebration of his retirement. And then hosted the party! Its events feature local bands, weekly trivia and bingo nights and monthly car shows to bring the community together. At the brewery, I met with members of the Fab Five Brewing Club. The focus on local and community brings them back to South O regularly. “We usually go for the Station Five Red, but today we’re drinking the amber ale,” Michael McKenzie says. It was a unanimous hit, and the second round of ambers assured me that they weren’t just being cordial. South O Brewing is located at 1575 S Coast Highway, Oceanside. To find out what’s happening at South O Brewing, check its Instagram @southobrewingco. Jeff Spanier is the cohost of I Like Beer the Podcast. Take a listen wherever you get podcasts. Follow Spanier’s adventures on Instagram @ilikebeerthepodcast.
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T he C oast News - I nland E dition
Nov. 10, 2023
In Winston-Salem, find histories behind the hyphen hit the road e’louise ondash
‘T
his view, right here, represents the hyphen in Winston-Salem,” announces my cousin, David Norman, a longtime resident of this North Carolina city with a metro population of more than a half-million. He is escorting us to the city’s important historical and contemporary sites and has made an astute observation. Beneath our feet, representing the right side of the hyphen, is the Salem Moravian Graveyard. It is the resting place of the Moravian pioneers who founded the settlement of Salem in 1753. Looking up and to the north, we see a representation of the left side of the hyphen — the city’s tallest building — the domed Wells Fargo Center, constructed in 1995. The historic and the modern, the agrarian and the industrial — they existed side-by-side until 1913, when the two cities merged. The 40-acre, emerald-grass cemetery is blanketed with endless, meticulously aligned rows of identical alabaster tombstones that lie nearly flush with the ground. The graves
THE 14-STORY-TALL smokestacks of the R.J. Reynolds cigarette plant in Winston-Salem were left in place when the manufacturing facility and all the adjacent buildings were repurposed. At right, the Salem Moravian Graveyard, known as God’s Acre, holds all of Old Salem’s pioneers who founded the settlement in 1753. The graves are grouped according to sex and date of death, and the cemetery is still used today. Photos by Jerry Ondash/E’Louise Ondash
are grouped according to sex and display no embellishments. The simplicity and uniformity of the stones gives testimony to the Moravian belief that all are equal in the eyes of God and community. Known as “God’s Acre,” the cemetery is still used by today’s Moravian Salem Congregation. Protestants who predate Lutherans by a century, Moravians came to North America in 1735 from today’s Czech Republic. Their history and culture lives in Winston-Salem’s Old Salem Historic District. A National Historic
Landmark, the district encompasses nearly seven dozen restored and reconstructed buildings and gardens embraced by leafy, mature trees — a good place to be on this warm day. Each church, home, shop, school and tavern tell a story, and on occasion, well-versed guides in authentic costumes reenact life and the trades of this 18th century village. Local researchers also “are leaning into the conversation” about the legacies of the African Americans who lived in Salem. One compelling narrative is that of St. Philips Moravian Church. Built in 1822, it is the oldest,
continuously operating Black church in the state, and the only Black Moravian church in the country. Early congregations consisted of both whites and Blacks, but eventually the mores of slavery caused division. In 1865, a cavalry chaplain read the Emancipation Proclamation to the Black congregation in St. Philips’ sanctuary. Jump ahead about 40 years to find the story of Winston, inescapably tied to R.J. Reynolds and his tobacco empire. Its presence “meant just about everything to the city for 75 years,” David says.
The history and many mutations of R.J. Reynolds between 1913 and the present is voluminous and complicated. Easier to see is the scope of the company’s size and influence. David leads us through what was once the Bailey Power Plant, which produced the steam and electricity necessary to manufacture, in multiple steps, millions of cigarettes. The plant employed thousands, and Reynolds donated to charitable concerns. I’m at once in awe and angry. I think of the engineering genius it took to create this plant and the corpo-
ration’s contribution to the city’s economy and cultural scene, but also the millions of lives adversely affected by tobacco products. While R.J. Reynolds’ corporate headquarters is still in Winston-Salem, it manufactures tobacco products in nearby Tobaccoville. The original plant became an industrial ghost town, but is enjoying renewed life as the Innovation Quarter. Described as a “mixed-use hub,” it works to attract startups and established companies; research and educational institutions; and residential, restaurant and retail enterprises. “A big part of the story here is the adaptive use of buildings,” says David, whose skill in making 3D laser models of old buildings helped architects figure out how to reimagine the structures’ uses while maintaining the integrity of their designs. The tasteful melding of preservation and renewal is apparent. It’s an urban design that feels comfortable and welcoming. Where once there was a parking lot and empty buildings, there now are pedestrian trails; Bailey Park, a lovely expanse of grass dotted with colorful umbrellas and café tables; and restaurants nestled in the arches of the former steam plant. For more photos and discussion, visit www.facebook.com/elouise.ondash. Contact eondash@coastnewsgroup.com.
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T he C oast News - I nland E dition
EVENTS CALENDAR
Nov. 10, 2023
Know something that’s going on? To post an event, visit us online at calendar.thecoastnews.com
NOV. 10
bad Blvd, Carlsbad.
This 58th annual FFA event includes includes a 12-ounce ribeye grilled steak or BBQ chicken, unlimited salad bar, student awards, bingo and a silent auction. $20, 5:30 p.m. at Escondido High School, 1535 N Broadway, Escondido.
TRI-CITY HOSPITAL GALA
ESCONDIDO HS STEAK FRY
NOV. 11
VETERANS DAY PARADE
Join the Army and Navy Academy in commemorating and honoring veterans from all branches of the military during our annual Veterans Day Parade. 11 a.m. to BUILT TO SPILL performs its latest album, “When the Wind 12 p.m. Nov. 11 at Army and Forgets Your Name,” on Nov. 17 at the Belly Up . Courtesy photo Navy Academy, 2605 Carls-
Gala celebrates military and health care heroes with proceeds benefiting emergency and essential services at Tri-City Medical Center. $400, 5 p.m. at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa del Mar Rd, Carlsbad. DEVO
Devo’s current tour is called the “Farewell Tour, celebrating 50 Years of De-Evolution.” The band will perform two nights at The Sound. $78-$128. Shows at 8 p.m. on Nov. 11 and Nov. 12. The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar.
NOV. 12
SELLERS' FAIRE
Hidden Meadows Sellers’ Faire has 60 vendors selling art, sculpture, artisanal soap, handcrafted fashion and baby items, hair and beauty products, ceramics, plants and antiques. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at Boulder Oaks Golf Club, 10333 Meadow Glen Way E, Escondido. UKRAINIAN ORCHESTRA
LIGHT UP A LIFE CANDLE
Everyone in the community is invited to Light Up a Life, a special candle-lighting ceremony to celebrate the people whose lives have warmed their hearts and whose memories illuminate their lives. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido.
NOV. 13
Encinitas Friends of the CORI STRELL
Arts presents the Ukrainian Mosaic Orchestra, formerly the Los Angeles Balalaika Orchestra. 3 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Oceanside Performing Arts Center, 1 Pirates Cove Way, Oceanside.
North County San DIego native Cori Strell returns from Brooklyn to showcase her latest original songs during a free concert at the Encinitas Library Community Room. 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 13 at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas.
NOV. 14
CHESS FOR 50-PLUS
Meet in Room 15 in the North Wing every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. for casual games of chess. All skill levels welcome, participants must be 50 and over. 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave, Carlsbad. THE NICK MOSS BAND
The Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling celebrate the release of their third Alligator Records album with a live performance at Coomber Craft Wines in Oceanside on November 14. $20, 6 p.m. at Coomber Craft Wines, 611 Mission Ave, Oceanside. SPORTS DIPLOMACY
Explore the significance of sports within the context of individuals with disabilities. Engage with coaches and athletes from Romania and members of the Roll to Success Team. 5 p.m. at La Jolla Country Day School, 9490 Genesee Ave, La Jolla. OAXACA DANCE CLASSES
Learn the flor de piña and chilena dances, two of many traditional dances unique to Oaxaca and its eight regions. 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Oceanside Civic Center Library, 330 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.
NOV. 15
GIN BLOSSOMS
An unforgettable acoustic set featuring the Gin Blossom’s classic alternative rock hits benefiting Adapt Functional Movement Center, a nonprofit recovery center for people with neurological injuries. $75-$150, 7 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach. RIPPLES IN TIME
Join us to learn how the Ripples of these Chinese American pioneers created scholarships for the CSUSM School of Nursing with Russell Low. Free-$5, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at CSUSM UniTURN TO EVENTS ON 18
Nov. 10, 2023
I’m discurejjed. Diskurraged. Sad. ask mr. marketing rob weinberg
I
’m pretty sure I’ve shared this story before, of the fellow applying to my New York ad agency seeking a position as a proofreader … and he had three typos in his resume. No, I’m not kidding. As a writer and editor, I’ve long since grown accustomed to seeing typographical errors. Websites, signs, emails and sales letters all have them, and these mistakes virtually jump, unbidden, off the page at me. Having been taught early on how to properly write and spell, these obvious mistakes give me the heebie-jeebies. And you should see my reactions when reading most restaurant menus! Today’s prize for worst example of concentrated misspellings undoubtedly goes to the resume sitting on my desk. Within 400 words crammed onto a single page, this woman presented her professional profile, including 10 blatant mistakes. To someone who uses words to make a living, it was a Halloween nightmare. It was bad enough that she misspelled words like responsibilities, collaborated and application… especially when spell check so easily identified these issues. But she even misspelled her current job title.
Was she careless, ignorant or apathetic? Admittedly, everyone makes mistakes. The occasional typo has even slipped into my newsletters and blogs. But that’s once every few months, not a breathtaking 10 in a single page. And certainly not when one is supposedly putting their best foot forward for a job search. Horrors! I recognize I’m a dinosaur because I write without using ChatGPT. My draft materials are frequently done longhand, and yes — I’ll admit it — I go out of my way to use my brain. Yet while I’m offended that this woman couldn’t spell and didn’t make extra effort to have her work proofread, it apparently didn’t matter. You guessed it: Desperate to fill the position, her (new) employer overlooked her spelling handicap. Still, I find myself wondering if her luck will hold in the future. At some point the job market will again shift, with employers able to pick and choose from an army of applicants, rather than whoever happens along. Wouldn’t it be nice for this woman to not only present herself well during the interview but to also sound more intelligent on the job? Or, in these days of AI and texts, maybe proper spelling and grammar just don’t matter anymore. Sigh! With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing. Hire proofreaders at marketbuilding.com.
15
T he C oast News - I nland E dition
Who’s
NEWS? Business news and
special achievements for North San Diego County. Send information via email to community@ coastnewsgroup.com. GRAND OPENING
StretchLab in San Marcos is holding its grand opening this weekend at 310 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, Suite 110. The celebration includes free demo stretches, special pre-opening membership rates, local vendors, raffle prizes and ribbon cutting ceremony. Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Nov. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
PALOMAR
CONTINUED FROM 7
otherwise publishing to the media on matters of district business. The policy also cautions that board members should define opinions that reflect their personal views. “Board members must be aware that they are always perceived and recognized as Board members, even when they designate
LIBRARY
CONTINUED FROM 5
book goes “directly against our Christian beliefs as a family” and her right as a parent to guide her child. The district agreed that the book was “clearly inappropriate for a school library.” The audit also removed “Looking for Alaska,” a coming-of-age novel by John Green, who also wrote “The Fault in Our Stars.” The book is rated best for ages 14 and older, though some opinions vary. “This Book is Gay”
Ribbon cutting and raffle ide and El Camino High at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Learn Schools in Oceanside. more about StretchLab at stretchlab.com/location/ COMMS AWARD sanmarcos. France Cruz, marketing and communications SENIOR VOLUNTEER coordinator for MiraCosta Diane Nygaard was College, received the 2023 named Oceanside’s senior District 6 Communicator of volunteer of the year. An en- the Year Award by the Navironmentalist and strong tional Council for Marketadvocate for parkland, ing and Public Relations. she formed Friends of El Corazon and the Preserve LAW FIRM Calavera non-profit while Sullivan Hill law firm remaining a strong ally to in San Diego has named the San Luis Rey Band of Oceanside resident Xenia Mission Indians. Tashlitsky as an associate attorney. LONGBOARDERS
Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club donated funds to surf clubs at Carlsbad and Sage Creek High Schools in Carlsbad as well as Oceans-
TASTY TREATS
comments as personal, the policy states. “As such, board members must be mindful of their fiduciary duties of care and loyalty and the consequences of a violation of either or both in the context of any discussion with the media.” The policy goes on to state that although board members have the right to express their personal views regarding matters concerning the public,
these views could conflict with an official board position. Sweigart said Edwards-Tate’s legal team will be filing a first amended complaint in return that will include the “necessary documents” once the hospital provides them. “We’re going to be clarifying some of the facts for the court,” Sweigart said.
and “Looking for Alaska” are among the nation’s top 13 banned books due to complaints regarding their alleged sexually explicit details and LGBTQ content. According to the district, library technicians conducted the audit in consultation with the Certificated Librarian of Record from the San Diego County Office of Education. “We have a duty and responsibility to ensure that the books we purchase for our students are age-appropriate,” said Superintendent Luis Rankins-Ibarra.
Kimy Gets Skinny will begin selling its line of healthy, sugar-free, gluten-free, oatmeal donuts
FREE TV FOR LIFE*
throughout Camp Pendleton starting Nov. 8. LUCKY DUCKS
The Lucky Duck Foundation hosted its inaugural Showcase Soirée in September at The Sound in Del Mar, where the nonprofit raised more than $2.5 million to address homelessness efforts including support for shelters, job training and employment opportunities, programs to aid youth and seniors, food and water. NEW BOOK
Encinitas author Dave Jacinto has published his new book, “Out of the Darkness,” a historical fiction rated at the top of its class for new releases on Amazon.
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Escondido fire displaces family By City News Service
REGION — A fire that started in a home’s garage and extended into the second floor and attic was extinguished Nov. 7, displacing one family, the Escondido Fire Department said. Firefighters contained and controlled the main body of fire in the garage, in
the 1660 block of East Lincoln Avenue, in about 30 minutes after it was first reported at 1:19 a.m., officials said. One resident received a minor injury and refused transportation to a hospital, and no firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
JOIN THE VISTA
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
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The Senior Volunteer Patrol of the Vista Sheriff’s Station performs home vacation security checks, assists with traffic control, enforces disabled parking regulations, patrols neighborhoods, schools, parks and shopping centers and visits homebound seniors who live alone for the community of Vista & portions of the county’s unincorporated areas. Volunteers must be at least age 50, be in good health, pass a background check, have auto insurance, a valid California driver’s license, and be a US citizen. Training includes a mandatory two-week academy plus training patrols. The minimum commitment is 6 hours per week & attendance at a monthly meeting. erested parties should contact Administrator Jim Baynes to arrange an information meeting.
(760) 940-4434 Jim Baynes
VETERANS DAY Honoring All Who Served Jeanne Louise Boettcher Encinitas October 5, 2023
Vivan Benetatos Vista October 26, 2023
Jane Elizabeth Quirk San Marcos October 9, 2023
Magdalena Chavez Vista October 22, 2023
Share the story of your loved ones life... because every life has a story. For more information call
or email us at: 760.436.9737 obits@coastnewsgroup.com Submission Process
Please email obits @ coastnewsgroup.com or call (760) 436-9737 x100. All photo attachments should be sent in jpeg format, no larger than 3MB. the photo will print 1.625” wide by 1.5” tall inh black and white.
Timeline
Obituaries should be received by Monday at 12 p.m. for publicatio in Friday’s newspaper. One proof will be e-mailed to the customer for approval by Tuesday at 10 a.m.
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Rates: Photo: $25 Art: $15
Approx. 21 words per column inch
(Dove, Heart, Flag, Rose)
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” — Irish proverb
In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. Our U.S. Veterans Day coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Today this legal holiday is dedicated to American veterans of all wars. It is a time for us to pay our respects to those men and women who have served our country and protected the freedoms we all enjoy.
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T he C oast News - I nland E dition
Nov. 10, 2023
Sports
Bridges’ Escondido High tenure the stuff of legend sports talk jay paris
M
ike Martz watched a young Steve Bridges run pass patterns and immediately predicted his future route. “You would make a good coach, and that’s something you should think about,’’ Martz told Bridges. That was decades ago when Martz was San Diego Mesa College’s offensive coordinator, and Bridges was a wannabe wide receiver. Martz, who later led the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl 34 title, was convinced Bridges had the chops to coach. “He was right,’’ Bridges said. “I was interested in the Xs and Os of football since I was in high school.’’ Bridges could catch passes, and he finally caught on to Martz’s message. A coach’s life would soon be Bridges’, and the gratitude he exudes for having that occupation is undeniable. “I’m very humbled,’’ Bridges said. And very decorated. Bridges was recently saluted at the 23rd San Diego Coaching Legends event, where he was surrounded by colleagues who gave their all for prep athletes. Bridges settled in at Escondido High School in 1992 and if he ever looked back, it was to see if every teenager possible was tagging along. All are welcome around
LONGTIME Escondido High coach and athletic director Steve Bridges coached golf, JV girls hoops and football during his tenure at the school. Photo by Samantha Nelson
Bridges as he puts people at ease with his modesty and roll-up-the-sleeves attitude. When Bridges reached Escondido he knew he was in the right place, surrounded by mentors who put their players first. “Emotionally, you just learn to be a man of faith and that it’s about being a servant and loving kids,’’ Bridges, 64, said. “And trying to give back to the community and its people.’’ Bridges, a longtime Escondido resident and PE teacher, did so by diving headfirst into Cougars sports, trying to disprove the notion of there only being 24 hours in a day. With a motor that never receded from the red line, Bridges was always on the go, seeing about this and making sure about that. His name is wellknown in prep golf circles as he coached the Escondido squad for 25 seasons and he’s run the CIF tournament
Reign again rules the Wave to reach NWSL championship By City News Service
REGION — San Diego Wave FC’s hopes of playing for the NWSL championship this weekend at Snapdragon Stadium ended Nov. 5 with a 1-0 loss to OL Reign in a semifinal. Veronica Latsko scored in the 47th minute on what was intended to be a cross, but went inside the left goalpost into the goal’s netting. The Wave led 13-9 in shots and 5-4 in corner kicks but trailed 5-4 in shots on goal in front of a crowd announced at 32,262 at Snapdragon Stadium. The Wave, which had a league-best 11-7-4 regular-season record, is winless against OL Reign (9-85) in all competitions in its two seasons, going 0-7-2, including 0-2-0 marks in both regular-season and Challenge Cup games this season. The victory advances the Seattle-based Reign into the NWSL Championship for the third time in the 10 years it has been played
and first since 2015. It will face NJ/NY Gotham FC, a 1-0 winner over Portland Thorns FC in extra time in the other semifinal earlier in the day, in the championship at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. The site was announced July 19.
San Diego’s MLS team name, crest unveiled
REGION — San Diego’s Major League Soccer expansion team, set to begin play in San Diego in 2025, unveiled its name, crest, and brand identity in front of thousands of fans on Oct. 20 at Snapdragon Stadium. The team will be called San Diego Football Club, or San Diego FC for short, and its colors are listed by The Athletic as “chrome and azul.” The team is building a training facility and youth academy on 28 acres of Sycuan tribal land in El Cajon.
for a dozen years. That’s in addition to being Escondido’s athletic director for 17 years and the head honcho for girls junior varsity basketball for nine campaigns. Lori Becker, a former Escondido volleyball and girls basketball coach, was honored at the banquet along with Bridges. “Steve always had a smile on his face and you could tell he loved his job, that he enjoyed it,” Becker said. “He respected the kids, had fun with them and always thought there was some good about everybody.” Bridges also coached Escondido football for four seasons but it ended abruptly when he was curtly summoned to the athletic director’s office after a challenging season. “He said, ‘You are not doing a good enough job and we are going to have to let you go,’’’ Bridges recalled. “Basically, it was that the
program was going to move in a new direction.’’ That athletic director’s name? Steve Bridges. It was the only football coach Bridges dismissed and the scenario still draws a chuckle. Bridges’ routine, although he bid adieu to Escondido in 2022, hasn’t changed drastically. He’s gone full circle at Mesa, now serving as the squad’s defensive coordinator. It’s still about showing young men the path forward, without getting in the way, that keeps that whistle around Bridges’ neck. Just what makes a good coach? “There are two ways to be a successful coach and that is to coach through fear or through love,” Bridges said. “I wanted to use the
second one.” “No. 1 is you have to want to mentor young men and women to be successful in life. No. 2 is you have to have a good work ethic. If you have those two things, and a knowledge of the sport, you can be successful.’’ Bridges proves what keen coaches realize: Players care how much you know, but only after they know how much you care. “It’s not only about the wins and losses,’’ Bridges said. “I love to win but it’s also about giving a great experience to kids. It’s about giving those kids a chance to do something that they would have never done.’’ Bridges isn’t finished, although he jokes about his year-to-year contract at Mesa. Hanging with his grandchildren is a joy that he doesn’t take lightly.
“I’m richly blessed with the people I got to work with, the kids I got to coach and the coaching colleagues I got to know,’’ he said. “Plus, having a great family and wife.’’ The marriage between Bridges and Escondido? Rightly so, it’ll long be remembered and celebrated. Among others honored at the San Diego Coaching Legends event: + Rob Gilster (Orange Glen and Valley Center; football, track and field and girls basketball) + John Farrell (Torrey Pines, Army-Navy, La Costa Canyon, El Camino; boys and girls basketball) + Steve Riehle (Rancho Buena Vista; baseball). Contact Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com and follow him @jparis_sports
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T he C oast News - I nland E dition
Nov. 10, 2023
Sports
RBV alum right at home behind the plate
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By Noah Perkins
ehind the plate, Tony Wolters lives by the golden rule of catching, passed down from one generation of human backstop to the next. “The thing I learned from [longtime major league catcher and coach] Mike Redmond is rule No. 1: Be ready for everything,” Wolters said recently from the St. Paul Saints clubhouse during the final days of the Triple-A season. “I go into games with that mindset.” Wolters, a native of Vista and a Rancho Buena Vista alum — class of 2010 — spent this past season with the minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, following five seasons at the big league level with the Colorado Rockies and two seasons split between the minors and majors with the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations. “I’ve played at the highest level,” Wolters said. “Baseball is a hard sport because you are playing on a team, but it gets individualized. The whole team doesn’t get called up; it’s one guy at a time. It’s a grind when you are in the minors trying to work your way
back. My mindset has been, ‘Hey, be OK with where my two feet are because that’s how you are going to get the best from me; that’s how I am going get to the big leagues.’” Wolters appeared in 57 games this season as part of the Saints catching platoon. “I work hard every day so I can go to sleep at night,” he said. “I was in the moment this year, and I didn’t take it for granted. I am only trying to control the things I can control.” The 5-foot-10 Wolters isn’t the prototypical catcher. The Cleveland Guardians selected him as a shortstop in the 2010 draft, but during spring training in 2013, manager Terry Francona proposed a position change on a whim. In 2016, without ever catching a game at the Triple-A level, Wolters was thrown into the fire with the Rockies. “It’s a selfless position, and you are always going to sacrifice being a catcher,” Wolters said. “Managing staffs, talking with different personalities, figuring out what gives guys an itch to do well — it’s a servant mentality. Being back there can cost pitchers their career — I have their careers in my hands. I don’t take
RANCHO BUENA Vista High School alum Tony Wolters is a catcher for the St. Paul Saints, a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Courtesy photo/St. Paul Saints
Adjusting to a new pothat lightly. Catchers, more so than not, are winning or sition is hard enough in losing games, and at the big the minors, but on-the-job league level, it’s enhanced.” training with big-league
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arms throwing their best stuff at you is another dimension of difficult. Rockies teammates Tyler Chatwood and Germán Márquez were the hardest pitchers to catch for in the majors, Wolters said. “Both have unbelievable, all-star stuff. They throw the curveball 10 feet in front of you; they throw really hard, and you can have a ball in the dirt anytime. They kept me on my toes.” This past season, Wolters, 31, leaned heavily on lessons learned in the early days of his professional career. “I was with the Rockies at spring training [in 2016], and I had a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I just got designated for assignment by the Guardians, and I was determined to show people how I was going to play. After that, I made the big leagues.” According to Wolters, he viewed this season as an opportunity to continue improving behind the plate. “The one place I was very focused was the catching side,” Wolters said. “It’s more mental than physical. I’ve dominated by trying to learn and grow with pitchers. The other catchers all learned from each other. We have conversations go-
erness. 6 p.m. at Oceanside College Community LearnCivic Center Library, 330 N ing Center, 1831 Mission Coast Hwy, Oceanside. Ave, Oceanside.
versity Student Union Ballroom, 595 Campus View Dr, CHRISTMAS AT THE BARN San Marcos. The Barn Redefined is excited to host another Christmas-themed festival ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ on November 2-5, 9-12 & AL FRANKEN Al Franken entertains 16-19. 12 a.m. at The Barn and enlightens as he dis- Redefined, 14051 Midland cusses his far-ranging ca- Rd, Poway. reer in comedy and public service. $60-$150, 7 p.m. at Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center: Gar- BUILT TO SPILL field Theatre, 4126 ExecuBuilt to Spill, Prism tive Dr, La Jolla. Bitch and miniaturized live at the Belly Up. $35, 9 p.m. OAXACAN FILM SCREENING at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Watch a screening of Ave, Solana Beach. the documentary film, “The Return” (Ziff, 2021), which MIRACOSTA FEEDBACK chronicles three generaCome share your tions of the Mejía family thoughts for the future diand deals with the nuances rection of MiraCosta. 4 to of both belonging and oth- 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at MiraCosta
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NOV. 17
Your donation made through Nov. 28 at sdhumane.org/Tuesday will provide double the shelter, lifesaving care and second chances for animals in need, thanks to a $50,000 match from our friends at The JEM Project!
ing a million miles to where you can learn about other people, how they do things, and experiment with what works. “I went every day focused, like I’m ripping every pitch in the zone for a strike,” he added. “It’s the same way you need to approach life off the field.” Wolters has never had a big bat, but it’s his versatility and his ability to play multiple positions that he sees as his biggest asset to a major league team next season. “Where the game is going, having guys who can play multiple positions helps the team,” Wolters said. “It helps managers make and mix up a lineup. They can bring up extra pitchers. It is a big benefit and is another way I can show my selflessness.” Life in the minors is less glamorous than Major League Baseball. Even so, Wolters said he is at peace, even if he never plays another game in the majors. “I am very stuck on trying to be in the moment,” he said. “I think when you get too caught up in the future or the past, that’s when things start to unravel. I am truly satisfied with where I am at day to day. That’s what I want my whole life.”
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Artists, filmmakers, musicians, actors, performers, poets, fashion designers, models promoters and others are invited to this networking mixer hosted by Thumbprint Gallery. 5-7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Escondido Arts Partnership , 100 E Grand Ave, Escondido. AUTHOR TALK: JO JOSLYN
Jo Joslyn is author of the book “Unmistakable Errors, the Travel Club Mystery,” an intriguing fictional novel informed by the real backstory of the current Camp LeJeune water contamination tragedy. 2 p.m. at Mission Branch Library Oceanside, 3861 Mission Ave, Oceanside. FUN ANIMAL FRIDAY: BEES
Join us onsite for Fun Animal Friday with Sager Family Farm Friday November 17 from 10:00am to 11:30am. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 17 at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, 320 N Broadway, Escondido. COMPOSERS THEN & NOW
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Escondido Choral Arts presents a concert, Composers Then and Now, featuring the works of two composers from different eras, Joseph Haydn, classical and John Nettles, contemporary. Free. 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 17 at The Ritz Theater, 301 E Grand Ave, Escondido.
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T he C oast News - I nland E dition
Nov. 10, 2023
Marketplace News Ookla® ranks Cox as fastest provider of internet speeds in US and San Diego Sponsored content
Give second chances this Giving Tuesday Animals make great confidants, excellent exercise buddies and adorable reminders of the love, kindness and compassion we should extend to others. They deserve the world, or at the very least, a worldclass safe haven to fall back on should they become lost, injured or homeless. And thankfully, in San Diego, animals have a national leader in animal welfare acting as their safety net. San Diego Humane Society has been working to create a more humane world for animals since 1880, and it offers lifesaving support to more than 40,000 companion and wild animals every year. This includes pets like Lady, a senior cocker spaniel who was surrendered to San Diego Humane Society at 13 years old. She clearly had not received medical care in quite some time and was suffering from infections in both of her eyes, permanent deafness caused by repeated, untreated ear infections, painful, bloody ulcers on her paws and matted and missing fur. She was in pain, but her cheerful and sweet demeanor quickly won the hearts of the team working hard to get her healthy. After several weeks of medical treatment and recovery in a foster home, she was ready to start her new life. It didn’t take long before she found a family committed to filling her remaining years with love. Now, she is spending the holiday
13-YEAR-OLD LADY will spend the holidays in a loving home after getting much-needed medical care at the San Diego Humane Society. Courtesy photo
season in a loving home. Lady is just one of the thousands of animals who have been given a second chance thanks to San Diego Humane Society’s commitment to Staying at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable animals. The organization meets this ambitious goal through a wide range of innovative programs, including shelter medicine, a state-of-the-art Behavior Center and the country’s first Kitten Nursery. It also works to keep animals out of shelters in the first place by offering community support services, including affordable veterinary care, free pet food and supplies and behavior and training resources. This Giving Tuesday, donations to San Diego Humane Society will go twice as far to provide safe shelter, lifesaving veterinary care and second chances for animals in need. When you make your gift between now and Nov. 28, your donation will be matched up to $50,000 by The JEM Project! Donate today at sdhumane.org/Tuesday to help animals like Lady — animals who have so much to give, given a second chance.
Cox Communications’ high-speed fiber-powered broadband service has been recognized by Ookla® Speedtest® (speedtest.net) for offering America’s – and San Diego’s – fastest dow nload speeds for the third quarter of 2023, achieving median speeds of 260.09 Mbps in the U.S. Ookla is a global leader in connectivity intelligence. “The enhancements we continue making to our fiber-powered network are helping us deliver a worldclass experience to our customers, with an eye on immense value and equipping home networks for the technologies of tomorrow,” said Ingo Hentschel, Cox’s market vice president for San Diego. “This recognition from Ookla, the standard bearer for reliable internet speed testing, is a testament to investments we’ve made and will continue to make for our customers in the coming years.”
By the numbers
In the past 10 years, Cox has invested more than $11 billion nationally in network upgrades to deliver some of the most powerful internet, TV, phone, smart home, and mobile services and will continue making multibillion-dollar annual infrastructure investments over the next several years. This year, the company: • Increased speeds for the majority of its customers, more than 75% of whom now
IN THE PAST 10 years, Cox has invested more than $11 billion nationally in network upgrades to deliver powerful internet, TV, phone, smart home and mobile services. Courtesy photo
enjoy download speeds of a half-GIG or greater; • Expanded fiber-to-thehome connectivity; • Expanded multi-GIG speed capabilities, which will be available to approximately half of Cox customers by the end of 2023. All customers already have access to GIG speeds or greater.
Getting the most accurate test of internet speeds
Cox customers seeking to measure the speed of a connected device while at home should download the Ookla Speedtest app for their desktops and mobile devices. Ookla Speedtest can also be run from a web browser at www.speedtest.net. Internet speed test results can vary based on several factors such as the devices themselves, the location of
the equipment and sharing connections with other users. Most individual devices like smart phones, tablets and laptops aren’t capable of supporting super-fast speeds. The age and capabilities of the modem or router from which the test is run can also impact results. Newer model modems can better leverage available network capacity. Device network interface is also important. For speed tiers above 100 Mbps, your router, modem or hardwired device must have a 1 Gbps Ethernet Port. It’s important to remember that most households can connect multiple devices at one time seamlessly with 250 Mbps download speeds. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for fixed median download speeds, United States and San Diego, Q3
2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
About Ookla®
Ookla is a global leader in connectivity intelligence that provides consumers, businesses, and other organizations with data-driven insights to improve networks and connected experiences. We help our clients efficiently solve their biggest connectivity challenges and drive forward innovation. Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech. Ookla®’s world-renowned brands include Speedtest, Downdetector, Ekahau, RootMetrics, and more.
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T he C oast News - I nland E dition
Nov. 10, 2023
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