Inland Edition, April 28, 2023

Man charged with running illegal gun lab

By City News Service

ESCONDIDO — A 20-year-old man accused of operating an illegal firearms manufacturing lab out of an RV in Escondido pleaded not guilty April 19 to more than two dozen felony counts.

Jace Allan Tornio was arrested April 14 following a traffic stop in which he allegedly fled from a vehicle.

Escondido police said he was arrested and found with a concealed, “loaded unserialized Glock-style firearm,” as well as two high-capacity magazines and about three dozen rounds of ammo. Police said he also had five auto sear/switch devices, which allow guns to be converted from semi-automatic into automatic firearms.

Investigators searched his residence one day later and found an “illegal gun manufacturing operation” inside an RV on the property, where 3D printers, 3D printed gun parts and ammunition were allegedly found.

Tornio faces around 10 years in state prison if convicted of all charges, which include possession of a machine gun, converting a firearm into a machine gun, and possession of an assault weapon.

VISTA, SAN MARCOS, ESCONDIDO

O’side OKs project on Vista border Modera

Melrose a mixed-use plan

By Samantha Nelson OCEANSIDE

— A 323-unit, mixed-use multifamily project is set to complete the buildout of a three-way intersection near the Vista city limits.

The Oceanside Planning Commission on April 10 unanimously approved a development plan and final environmental impact report for the Modera Melrose mixed-use project at the intersection of Oceanside Boulevard and Melrose and West Bobier drives.

Modera Melrose will take over 7.40 acres of hilly property where a shopping center was previously proposed and denied by the Planning Commission in 2008.

A HISTORIC PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

North County residents to help identify people, places and events featured in a collection of local images from the 1970s and ’80s taken by former Escondido Times-Advocate photographer Dan Rios. Story on Page 19

Documentary to highlight Vista cannabis industry

By Steve Puterski

VISTA — A podcaster turned filmmaker is planning to release a full-length documentary film this summer showcasing the growth and impact of Vista’s budding cannabis industry since the city legalized recreational marijuana five years ago.

“California Cannabis Corridor,” a film produced by Zeke Corley, takes a closer look at a variety of aspects related to the city’s legalized recreational cannabis industry, including law enforcement, business models, dispensaries, city revenue and dispelling myths long associated with marijuana.

Corley, host of the Same Business Different Day podcast, previously worked on podcasts in conjunction with the city of Vista, including episodes about the city’s historic downtown (“Visiting Downtown Vista”) and local breweries (“Pioneer Beer Trail”).

Originally, Corley made a series of short videos offering a “behindthe-doors” look at five of the city’s successful cannabis dispensaries hosted by Councilman Joe Green, a proponent of legalized marijuana

who helped champion Measure Z, a 2018 citizens’ initiative legalizing recreational cannabis in Vista.

Green said he jumped at the opportunity, hosting five short videos featuring local cannabis dispensa-

ries. But after making the video series, the group of cannabis enthusiasts felt there was more that needed to be told.

Soon, Corley and his production team, A Different Day Radio, along with Star Fox Media and Guide Me Tours, expanded the short video series into a full-length documentary film.

“I feel like the cannabis industry is another draw to the city of Vista,” Green said. “Since it’s been implemented, it’s been a great revenue generator, but we haven’t seen the focused impacts. It was eye-opening (producing the film). We’ve seen them really step up for the community.”

The feature-length film includes footage and interviews with owners and employees from Hello Cannabis, Off The Charts, Coastal

The project’s 323 units will be divided between six buildings on site, including five 4-story buildings and a single 5-story structure. The units will consist of one, two and three-bedroom homes ranging in size from just under 700 square feet for the smallest one-bedroom units and more than 1,400 square feet for the largest three-bedroom units.

Approximately 2,336 square feet of ground-level commercial space will be reserved for a restaurant or retail tenants.

Proposed amenities on site include a recreation area with a club and fitness center, pool and spa with surrounding shaded, private lounge areas, a barbecue area with a shade structure and a television wall for residents.

Dan Niebaum of The Lightfoot Planning Group represented the developer, Mill Creek Residential, at the project’s public hearing on April 10.

“They’ve been working on this project for a fairly long time,” Niebaum said.

“They vetted the site very TURN TO MODERA ON 16

In this undated photo, family members embrace before troops are deployed from Camp Pendleton. The library at Cal State University San Marcos is asking longtime

Photo by Dan Rios/CSUSM Special Collections

‘CALIFORNIA CANNABIS CORRIDOR’ producer Zeke Corley, from left, Vista Councilman Joe Green, Hello Cannabis owner Sidl Hurmiz and his niece Shanna Hurmiz, the store’s general manager, and employee Geraleen Brown. Hello Cannabis is one of 11 dispensaries in Vista.

Photo by Steve Puterski

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Panel considers future of several VUSD schools

By Laura Place

VISTA — A nine-person committee comprised of Vista Unified School District teachers, parents, administrators and community members is beginning to form recommendations regarding the future of several school sites.

In the face of declining enrollment in Vista Unified, the district has convened the Asset Management Advisory Committee to help determine what changes, if any, need to be made at four identified school sites — Rancho Minerva Middle School, Monte Vista Elementary, Beaumont Elementary, and Vista Innovation and Design Academy, or VIDA.

The Vista school board appointed nine members from over 20 applications at its April 6 meeting. The advisory body will meet several times over the next two months, gather community feedback and make recommendations this summer to the board of trustees. Possible proposals could include school closures, consolidation or transitioning campuses to magnet schools.

The committee comprises representatives from several categories to ensure proper representation of district voices. According to Kristen Rose, CEO of Foresight Planning Management, the newly-formed committee will also help make other district site recommendations.

“We want to make sure that we have a variety of perspectives,” Rose said. “This is a long-term committee — it stands for approximately two years, so making sure that you have as much equal representation from across your district is really important to getting a really useful and collaborative process.”

Major General Raymond Murray High School principal Dr. Narciso Iglegsias was selected to fill the administrator requirement on the committee, and Grapevine Elementary School’s Craig Groschup is the teacher representative.

Other members are business owner Tory Walker, property owner/renter Amanda Remmen, parent Sophia Ramos, expert knowledge representative Kevin Kirby, and California School Employees Association representative Mario Bojoquez, representing the district’s demographic composition.

The committee can have as few as seven members, but the board appointed two at-large members, Charles Bradshaw and Keri Avila, a representative from the Vista Teachers Association.

In determining their recommendations, the committee will examine several factors related to the four schools. These include the facility’s age and condition, enrollment and logistics, potential for site improvements, and equity considerations.

Information about the asset management process is available at vistausd.org under the District Asset Management Committee tab.

Long-awaited South Lake Park opens in San Marcos

By Laura Place SAN MARCOS — Of-

ficials in San Marcos have opened a new park at the retired South Lake Reservoir, an effort nearly 20 years in the making.

The new South Lake Park off Sunstone Drive, previously inaccessible, has been transformed into a 10-acre space with a milelong hiking trail around the reservoir and various access points for fishing with an impressive view.

The lake, currently filled with runoff water, and its surrounding areas are home to freshwater fish, the rare Western pond turtle, waterfowl like cormorants, gallinules, various species of ducks and other wildlife including quail, deer, rabbits,

Vista ends water use restrictions

By Staff VISTA

— On April 19, the Vista Irrigation District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to declare an end to Level 2 conditions and return to Level 1, thanks to improved water supply conditions statewide. The return to Level 1 is effective immediately.

The Level 2 condition included mandatory water use restrictions including limiting landscape watering to three days per week and 10 minutes per sprinkler station. These restrictions are no longer in effect with the return to Level 1.

However, mandatory water-use efficiency practices, such as watering landscape in the early morning and evening hours, eliminating run-off, not using water to wash down paved surfaces and repairing leaks in a timely manner, remain

in place with the return to Level 1.

The return to Level 1 does not mean that longterm water supply challenges related to multi-year droughts in California have ended but that the significant rainfall throughout the state and snowfall in northern California this winter improved short-term water supply conditions such that available supplies should be sufficient to meet District’s water demands for the foreseeable future.

“We want to thank our customers for their water-saving efforts and ask them to continue using water efficiently,” said general manager Brett Hodgkiss. “Continued water wise practices play an essential role in helping us manage our water supplies.”

The district’s action was taken in response to Gov.

Gavin Newsom’s March 24 executive order terminating a requirement that all urban water suppliers implement Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans.

For more information on water-use efficiency measures in place during Level 1, visit vidwater.org.

The district provides water service to more than 134,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

raccoons, skunks, bobcats and coyotes.

Vallecitos Water District and city officials celebrated the park’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony April 19.

“After years of planning, we are so proud to finally cut the ribbon on this much-anticipated community park and welcome residents to this special location,” said Mayor Rebecca Jones. “Today is a shining example of what is possible when you persevere and hold true to your vision.”

Plans for South Lake Park have been in the works since 2005, when the city first entered into a rental agreement with the ValleciTURN TO SOUTH LAKE ON 20

THE NEW South Lake Park off Sunstone Drive, previously inaccessible, has been transformed into a 10-acre space with a mile-long hiking trail around the reservoir and various access points for fishing with an impressive view. Courtesy photo/City of San Marcos

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California housing dreams in death spiral

By Jackson Stromberg

Iam dreaming.

The California Legislators and bureaucrats working on housing would look to the future (say 8 years for the next cycle and 16 years for the following cycle). They envision what may happen, take responsibility and act accordingly.

There is a political steamroller coming from Sacramento to deny local input on housing on the theory that any kind of housing whatsoever is always good, and they know best.

Impersonator scams

By Summer Stephan

As tax season ends, it’s the perfect time to remind the public that if you get a call from the “IRS” saying you owe money and you need to pay immediately using cryptocurrency, a gift card or some other unusual form of payment, this is a scam.

Even if your caller ID says IRS or any other legitimate sounding government agency, know that career scammers use technology to make any number they want appear on a caller ID.

No government agency will call, text or reach out via social media and threaten to arrest you if you do not pay.

In addition, cryptocurrency, gift cards or a wire transfer service are never forms of payment with government agencies, so you should see requests like this as a red flag.

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verify this is actually the case by contacting the person that the caller claims is in jail and their immediate family members.

• If the caller tells you not to tell anyone about your conversation, hang up. It is a scam.

• Never pay anyone who insists you pay with cryptocurrency, a wire transfer service like West-

This is especially true when it comes to getting cold calls on your phone.

There are so many fraudsters who make a living off of scamming people, so the best defense is to prevent the crime by not falling for their tricks in the first place.

As your District Attorney, I’m committed to increasing communication

The system is eager to build, build and build. Everyone profits: contractors, plumbers, carpenters, developers, mega investors, money managers, appliance salesmen and on and on.

These politics are indeed powerful. The issue that should be honestly addressed is how this will play out in the long run.

The opportunity for new homeowners will be squeezed out in favor of a landlord/tenant model. There goes the American dream. There goes my dream.

Most of Sacramento’s mandated new housing will be occupied not by owners, but by tenants paying market rates or, for a very select few, being subsidized.

Subprime mortgages generated by the last building frenzy ended with the catastrophic financial collapse of our country in 2008. These subprime mortgages financed the build, build, building mania and all the profiteering of those days. And disaster ensued.

on its citizens.

And there will be significant negative impacts on everyone’s quality of life.

We are facing bloated numbers. Freddie Mac estimated in 2021 that the entire country was short some 3.8 million housing units. Gov. Gavin Newsom has floated the number at 3.5 million for California alone.

A 2021 state audit found that the Housing and Community Department (HCD) has been using defective methodologies in determining its inflated numbers.

The 6th cycle (20232031) RHNA numbers are on average 600% higher than the numbers in the last 8-year cycle.

It does not have to be this way. Our people in Sacramento do not have to be so militant and combative.

For example, state Attorney General Rob Bonta has formed what he calls a “strike force,” using taxpayers’ money to beat down the homeowning taxpayers in our cities.

Impersonation scams were the top reported scam in 2022 according to data released by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which reports that it received more than 700,000 reports about impersonation scams, many of them involving the loss of money.

Here are tips on how to avoid being scammed by an impersonator:

• Do not provide your Social Security number or banking information to any caller, even if the caller ID shows IRS, Social Security or another known government agency.

• If you get one of these calls, hang up and call the IRS or government office yourself to verify.

• Scammers use technology to make any number they want appear on a caller ID.

• Many calls cannot be traced because they originate overseas.

• If you get a call saying someone you know is in jail and needs bail money,

ern Union or MoneyGram, or a gift card — this is a typical method that scammers use to bilk you.

• Never click on links in unexpected emails or text messages including those that claim to be your Apple, Netflix, Amazon, or any other account, and do not give remote access to your computer to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

One of the most important things you can do to prevent yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim of a financial scam is to never provide your personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know or trust.

and accessibility between the DA’s Office and the public in order to keep you safe. I hope these consumer and public safety tips have been helpful.

The DA’s Consumer Protection Unit is composed of Deputy District Attorneys, Investigators and Paralegals dedicated to protecting consumers and law-abiding businesses from fraudulent or unfair business practices.

To report a consumer complaint, you can call (619) 531-3507 or email consumer@sdcda.org.

Summer Stephan is the District Attorney of San Diego County.

Today’s rental obligations will probably not, like the subprime mortgages of old, become derivatives, collateralized, sliced and diced and traded worldwide. But the effect will be much the same.

In the great majority of homes there would be tenants with absentee and distant landlords. Tenants and city officials would have no one to appeal to except hired managers with no vested interest in the properties.

Even the remaining homeowners will find their dreams tarnished. In Marin and throughout California, the bloated housing quotas, called regional housing need allocations (RHNA), will foist upon us tenant complexes and multi-story rental quadraplexes with no on-site parking.

The community costs incurred from these unfunded mandates for fire departments, police, schools, sewers, and intolerable parking and traffic congestion will be imposed

Cities are concerned that there will be retaliation with fines and the like if they join lawsuits pending or planned against the state.

The chief legal officer of California has taken it upon himself to thwart access to our courts. This is unconstitutional, particularly when the perpetrator is our own attorney general. We are entitled to sue the state and have our day in court.

In my dreams, it would be recognized that it is irresponsible to develop new legislation and take actions justified on distorted facts. Our legislators, the HCD staff and other bureaucrats would stop imposing unreasonable, unfunded mandates. They would engage in realistic planning. There would be no more simplistic top down, one-size-fits-all mind sets.

We citizens in California can continue to dream. Where there is responsible action, there is hope.

Jackson Stromberg is a resident of Mill Valley in Marin County.

Opportunity for new homeowners will be squeezed out in favor of a landlord/ tenant model.

Proposed battery storage site worries Esco neighbors

Eden Valley residents point to high fire risks

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO — A

proposed battery energy storage facility near Escondido has some residents worried about its proximity to their homes, horses and other farm animals in the predominantly agricultural area.

AES Corporation, a global energy company focusing on developing green energy solutions, has proposed a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) facility, known as the Seguro Energy Storage project, in the Eden Valley neighborhood near Harmony Grove, Escondido and San Marcos.

Eden Valley is known for its cluster of ranches that make up the community. The project is proposed to be constructed on 22 acres of land at 925 Country Club Drive, which was previously a horse reining arena before the land was sold to the energy company. According to AES representatives, the project will provide a reliable and cost-effective power source to support the local electric grid. It also intends to help San Diego County meet its decarbonization goals and the state’s 100% carbon-free energy goals by 2045.

The project would feature 40-foot-long metal storage containers ranging between 8 to 10 feet in height that would house racks of battery modules meant for storing extra energy generated throughout the day and delivering it to homes during high-demand periods.

The system connects to the power grid from a new substation built on the project site to the nearby existing San Diego Gas & Electric Escondido Substation via an electric transmission line.

While not the first battery storage system in California or even San Diego County, the Seguro Energy

Storage project’s 400 megawatts/1600 megawatt hours of stored energy capacity would be one of the largest in the state — enough to power nearly 300,000

Scout troop set to climb to raise funds for outings

By Staff VISTA — Boy Scout Troop 709, of Vista, will perform a first-of-its-kind Peak-A-Thon from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6, heading up the Double Peak Trail in San Marcos.

A Peak-A-Thon is similar to a Jog-A-Thon, requiring the Troop to hike the Double Peak Trail with a 1,040-foot elevation gain, from Discovery Lake to Double Peak, up to a maximum of nine times, for a total of 9,360 feet, the elevation of California’s Mt. Baden-Powell, named after the founder of scouting.

The money raised for this event will help the troop afford future outings to local sites/campgrounds, national parks, and even

an Alaska trip planned for 2025.

Troop 709 is one of the largest Boy Scout Troops in North County (more than 40 Scouts), and more than 100 of its Scouts through its 35+ year history have achieved the rank of Eagle.

It is recognized that not all the Scouts will be able to do all nine hikes up, but they’ll do their best.

Through the Scouting program, the Scouts learn a wide range of outdoor and first aid skills, citizenship and leadership skills.

To make a donation or help sponsor the event, visit https://go.rallyup.com/ troop709/Campaign/Details, or contact Assistant Scoutmaster Dan Wilbers at (858) 344-6837.

homes in California for four hours.

Despite being touted as a green energy solution, many nearby residents feel the project isn’t as green as

it may seem. In addition, many feel the project is too dangerous to be located next to so many homes and farm animals in a high-risk fire zone, pointing to other similar facilities catching on fire and exploding in the last few years.

Bill Osborn, a neighbor to the project and a former firefighter, said the proposed Seguro project is much closer to residential homes than the Elkhorn battery storage facility in Moss Landing, Monterey County, where a Tesla Megapack was destroyed in a fire in September of last year.

Highway 1 was shut down and a shelter-inplace advisory was ordered during the blaze.

The Elkhorn battery storage facility and the proposed Seguro project hold lithium-ion batteries, notoriously difficult to extinguish due to high-burning temperatures and dangerous fumes.

AES officials presented information on the project to the San Dieguito Planning Group on April 13, where a room full of residents, including Osborn, shared their concerns about the project.

“To put this here would set a precedent,” Osborn said. “This would be the first of its kind.”

Osborn, who lives on Milpas Drive and shares a property line with the project, is worried about evacuating his home in the event of a disaster. He also noted that Palomar Hospital is within a kilometer of the project and could be shut down along with state Route 78 and the Sprinter rail system if a disaster occurred.

In 2019, a battery fire at the Arizona Public Service McMicken site in Surprise, Arizona, caused by a cascading thermal runaway event from an internal cell failure within one of the battery cells, injured several

responding firefighters.

More recently, another fire broke out at another battery storage facility in Chandler, Arizona, in April 2022. The facility was owned by AES Corporation, the company proposing the Seguro storage site.

AES officials explained the new system at the proposed Seguro site will feature upgraded safety precautions, unlike the company's previous facilities that experienced fires.

Max Guarniere, associate developer of the project, said the battery management system equipped with 24-hour monitoring detects and isolates a fire in one of the containers by blocking it from the electrical power, closing off ventilation and dowsing the fire.

Each of the battery containers would also be spread out from one another to reduce the risk of a quick-moving conflagration.

“This isn’t one building where a fire could spread within,” Guarniere said. “We use a containerized solution so that in the unlikely event if a fire does occur, it will stay within one container.”

AES will also work with local first responders to develop an emergency response plan addressing evacuation and shelter concerns.

Regarding its proximity to nearby residents, AES officials said the site used land near existing electric grid infrastructure to minimize the need for overhead transmission lines.

The project is still in the early stages, with more public meetings. Currently, the developer is in its developing, siting and permitting phase and hopes to start construction sometime in fall of 2025. Once built, the facility’s operations are expected to commence in late 2025.

Before construction occurs, the project must develop an environmental impact report and receive final approval for its major use permit from the San Diego County Planning Commission.

Officer hit by car on I-15 shoulder

By City News Service ESCONDIDO — An Escondido police officer was struck and knocked onto the hood of a car on the shoulder of Interstate 15 on April 23 as he was directing traffic around a stalled vehicle.

The officer was off-duty when the California Highway Patrol was notified of a hit-and-run at 10:27 a.m. near Deer Springs Road, authorities said. The officer got out of his vehicle to help direct traffic, the Escondido Police Department said.

A red Ford Focus trying to get around the traffic by driving on the shoulder hit the officer, the EPD said. The officer received minor injuries, called EPD dispatch and gave them the license number of the vehicle. Police officers arrived and detained the driver of the Focus.

AES CORPORATION’S Advancion energy storage. The company’s Dorman battery storage facility site in Chandler, Arizona, burned for nearly two weeks in April 2022. According to investigation findings, a rack of LG Chem lithium-ion batteries heated up and caught fire. Courtesy photo

A PROPOSED battery storage facility near Escondido has locals concerned about potential fire hazards and other potential harms to their homes, horses and other farm animals in the largely agricultural area of Escondido. Photo by Samantha Nelson

MEMBERS OF Boy Scout Troop 709, of Vista, get in shape for their mountain climb fundraiser up Double Peak Trail on May 6. Courtesy photo

Esco police OK to use military gear

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO

— With Council’s recent approval, the city’s police department can continue to use its current stock of equipment defined as military-grade by state law.

At the April 19 council meeting, Police Chief Ed Varso and Police Captain Kevin Toth presented the department’s annual military equipment report following AB 481, a state law passed in 2021 that requires law enforcement agencies to seek City Council approval to buy and use military equipment.

As part of the law, the department must present an annual report to the council that demonstrates what equipment the department has, how many times it has been used and if there have been any complaints in the past year about its use.

This is the second year the department has presented its annual military equipment report.

Varso explained that the term military equipment is only as defined by the state law, when in actuality much of the equipment that falls under the category isn’t actually equipment that would be used by the military.

“A lot of them are commercially available or designed specifically for law enforcement use but were lumped into this law as military equipment,” Varso said.

Toth explained the reason for having these pieces of equipment is to be able to respond to a variety of situations, oftentimes volatile and dangerous ones. He also noted that the department is cautious about their equipment inventory.

“We don’t just have it to have it,” Toth said.

The department’s military equipment includes drones used for observation purposes, a robotic platform that includes an intercom for emergency incidents, incident command vehicles for command control, armored personnel carriers for pro-

Sheriff’s Dept. veteran takes helm in San Marcos

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense to introduce military equipment if we’re trying to make people feel safe,” said Clay Scheller. “There are AR15 rifles in there… we’ve seen the carnage of what they could do, and we’re trying to continue that?”

AR-15s are among some of the patrol and SWAT rifles used.

Some speakers defended the police department’s usage of the equipment in question.

By Laura Place SAN MARCOS —

The leadership torch has been passed at the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station to Capt. Kevin Ralph, city officials announced on April 12, following the departure of former captain Ken Jones.

ting back to my roots here in San Marcos and ardently providing the citizens of San Marcos with the highest quality public safety services expected of today’s law enforcement profession.”

In this new position

tection, breaching equipment, patrol and SWAT rifles, flashbangs, long range acoustic device, 40-millimeter launchers and chemical agents like tear gas.

Of that equipment, drones were the most used in the past year with approximately 190 mission flights. The police also loaned it to the fire department.

The incident command vehicle was used twice last year for large city events like the Fourth of July fireworks, while the armored personnel carriers are used two to five times per month for high risk situations.

Flashbangs were used twice on barricaded suspects with high-risk warrants, and tear gas was used once on a suspect hiding in an attic.

The 40-millimeter launchers, which deploy “less lethal” sponge rounds, were fired three times and pointed at suspects 27 times without being shot last year.

The department did not use its breach equipment, patrol and SWAT rifles, long range acoustic device or the robotic platform, which is currently inoperable.

The department does not have weaponized drones or other aircraft, humvees, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, tracked ar-

Ex-swim instructor’s child sex abuse trial pushed to July

By Laura Place

VISTA — A trial initially scheduled for May has been pushed to July in the case of a former swim instructor charged with sexually abusing young children in North County.

In an April 17 hearing at the Vista Courthouse, Judge Michael Washington granted defendant Nicholas Piazza a new July 11 trial date at his attorney’s request.

Piazza, 20, is facing charges in the alleged sexual assault of three children between the ages of 5 and 7.

The first of these incidents occurred in 2021 while Piazza was a swim instructor at Callan Swim School in San Marcos and another in September 2022 while working as a private instructor in Rancho Santa Fe.

Deputy District Attorney Isaac Jackson said the prosecution was ready to go to trial in May as origi-

mored vehicles, firearms or ammunition of .50 caliber or greater or firearms designed to launch explosive projectiles.

The police chief also noted that the department is currently not asking for additional equipment or looking to expand in any other ways.

Though the report is largely a procedural item required by state law to ensure transparency from police about types of equipment being used, several members of the public spoke against the police’s use of most or all of the equipment.

“We need the police force now more than ever,” said Robert Netherton. “It is alarming to hear some citizens believe law enforcement officers are evil and request them to be defunded. … It’s surprising when citizens with no experience in law enforcement think they have a better solution to stopping crime.”

Council unanimously approved the report.

Councilmember Consuelo Martinez spoke at the Legislature in support of the law in 2021. For her, the law boiled down to increased transparency for the public about what equipment the police department is using.

“I’m glad AB 481 exists,” Martinez said. “I advocated for this law — it may be burdensome to do but it’s an important thing.”

Ralph has served 20 years with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, working in patrol and investigative roles as a deputy, sergeant and lieutenant, including four years of service in San Marcos earlier in his career.

His most recent posts were as lieutenant with the Alpine Patrol Station, Border Crimes Suppression Team and Major Crimes Division, where he managed the Family Protection Detail.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of continuing to make positive changes for the San Marcos community in collaboration with the City,” Ralph said.

“I look forward to get-

Ralph said his priorities are supporting a strong and effective team of law enforcement officers and building community trust by being available to listen to citizens’ needs.

“I know I have to focus on the development of my staff, so they have the tools and training to be the most efficient and professional representatives of this public safety profession,” Ralph said.

Ralph took the reins following the departure of Jones, who was recently promoted to the Detention Services Bureau after one year of leading the San Marcos station.

Jones received a City Council recognition last month for his 29 years of service in the department, where leaders thanked him for his time serving the city.

“It’s been a wonderful experience, and I wish I had been here earlier in my career,” Jones told the council on March 14.

San Marcos Chamber

John Garner brings Juice Plus+ to San Marcos

For over 25 years John Garner has been selling the health benefits of Juice Plus+. Recently he and his wife moved to San Marcos and quickly joined the San Marcos Chamber.

What services and/or specialty products do you provide?

nally scheduled, but he was not surprised to see the trial date pushed back.

“These cases do typically take a long time,” Jackson said.

Defense attorney Andrew Limberg declined to comment on why he requested a later trial date, stating that it would be inappropriate to share these details.

Jackson said there is no indication at this time that there are additional accusers.

However, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department investigation into this case remains open if anyone comes forward.

A jury will hear from the existing young accusers whenever the case goes to trial.

“If there is still a trial, it is most likely that all victims will testify,” Jackson said.

The next hearing, in this case, has been scheduled for June 6.

Blended fruit, vegetable and berry plant powders / functional foods / plant-based omegas

What sets you apart from others in your industry?

53-y/o company, 30y/o products, Nutrition (food) Label, NSF-Certified and supported by 45+ peer-reviewed scientific publications (gold-standard studies with the actual product - on humans - at leading universities, hospitals and research centers around the world).

What question are you asked most frequently by clients / prospective buyers?

How is Juice Plus+ different.

What is your favorite business success story?

Repeatedly hearing “I have more energy” and unsolicited feedback about major health improvements!

What motivated you to join The San Marcos Chamber?

(1) Wanting to become part of the fabric of San Marcos as a new resident and (2) have an opportunity to connect/serve with my health and wellness services and products. As someone doing business in San Marcos, what are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Chamber? Improving the health of families - particularly grandparents and their grandchildren.

What’s your best piece of business advice?

Honor God with your work and serve/help others with your skills, products and services.

Business website: www. john-garner.me

Business Instagram handle: @johnpgarner

Business Facebook page: @johnpgarner88

RALPH

JOHN GARNER Joined the San Marcos Chamber quickly after moving to San Marcos. Courtesy photo

THE ESCONDIDO POLICE Department presented its annual military equipment report last week to the City Council, which unanimously approved it. Photo by Samantha Nelson

Big thanks as ‘Small Talk’ heads for the door

‘You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.”

That used to be my favorite smart remark as I went out the door. But I am fresh out of glib remarks now, as I retire from The Coast News newsroom and the world of print media.

I began my career in 1973 at the San Clemente Sun Post. From there I went to Palm Springs, then the chain of Glendale papers

small talk

jean gillette

and some time at the Pasadena Star-News.

After moving to San Diego, I worked a few months at the Oceanside Blade Tri-

VISTA CHAMBER RISING STARS

bune and then on to The Coast News.

I am lucky enough to have been part of this extraordinary community newspaper for 25 really fun years. I still believe that this is where you get the news that matters to you, that you won’t find anywhere else.

My decades at The Coast News, like all my time as a journalist, were the most fun you can have and still work.

When you work in print news, every day is different. You have your finger on the pulse of your city and the world and you never know what will happen next.

I only discovered I had some talent for writing after I left college. (I’ve always been a late bloomer.) Once I tasted the high of getting published every day, I was hooked.

Working in a newsroom, surrounded by bright,

clever writers and editors, kept me informed, feeling young and laughing, far beyond the norm.

I also feel privileged to have had a place to continue sharing my Small Talk column all these years.

I will never be able express enough thanks to Coast News publishers Jim and Chris Kydd, who treated me like family and royalty.

I will miss the jour-

nalism world and everyone here enormously and will probably continue to mentally edit everything I read. And once I am gone, I do hope you will miss me just a little bit.

Jean Gillette is a freelance writer and longtime reporter/copy editor making her bittersweet exit. Contact her, for the next week, at jean@coastnewsgroup.com.

Free stuff pays off

It’s noon Saturday, and Costco customers are lining up to gorge on free food samples.

Manufacturers happily give away these goodies, knowing customers who like what they try are more likely to buy in bulk.

They’re not alone, either. Companies of every kind strive daily to get free samples into prospective customers’ hands, recognizing that this logic works.

The Vista Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Rising Star Students of the Month for April at a scholarship breakfast. The honorees: Shiva Rajesh, Mission Vista High School; Hieu Kelly, Trade Tech High School; Maya Beecher, Guajome Park Academy; Liam Jones, Vista High School; Melissa Soria, Murray High School and Ezra Oshima, Rancho Buena Vista High School. The awards are given to local high school seniors who demonstrate character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities and/or the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education. Courtesy photo

Who’s NEWS?

Business news and special achievements for North San Diego County. Send information via email to community@ coastnewsgroup.com.

TAX CHANGES

CITY

District tax changes approved by California voters in the November 2022 election went into effect this month. The tax rate changes apply only within the indicated city or county limits. The new tax rates, tax codes and expiration dates are available to view and download as a spreadsheet at cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-andfees/sales-use-tax-rates. htm. New rates are Solana Beach - 8.750%, Encinitas - 7.750%, Del Mar - 8.750%, Carlsbad - 7.750%, San Marcos - 7.750%, Oceanside8.250% and Vista - 8.250%. For questions, call (800) 400-7115 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT S

• Aviya Afra, a junior at The Grauer School, was awarded an honorable mention in the 2023 National High School Design Competition presented by Cooper Hewitt, a Smithsonian Design Museum. This year’s competition theme was “What Would You Design With Data for Your Community?” The competition had 707 entries from across the United States, with 3 finalists and 12 honorable mention awards, so Aviya’s entry

ask mr. marketing

rob weinberg

thing for nothing, look at what you sell and find a way to give away enough to whet your audience’s appetite.

was ranked in the top 2% of entries submitted.

• AnnMarie Walker, a pianist and student from Oceanside, performed in the Student Solo Recital April 21 at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland.

• Cassidy Matwiyoff of San Diego was elected to serve on the College of Arts and Sciences Student Government Association at the University of Alabama.

NEW DIVISION CHIEF

Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, and the University of California, San Diego announced that Encinitas resident Benjamin Maxwell, MD, has been appointed as Division Chief of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and The Una Davis Family Chair in Behavioral Health. Maxwell will oversee the clinical divisional structure and lead efforts to improve access to mental health care for children and families, especially those from underserved communities.

OMWD AWARDS

Olivenhain Municipal Water District's 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility was awarded California Water Environment Association’s statewide 2022 Plant of the Year Award. In addition to the honors as California’s plant of the year, the facility received the same designation at the local level earlier this year from CWEA’s San Diego Section.

The award acknowledges the facility’s accomplishments to increase water

supply reliability by reducing imported water demand and plant operations.

MORE WATER

April 20, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that public water agencies will now receive 100% of contracted water supplies from the State Water Project (SWP) this year. This increased allocation is up from DWR’s 75% allocation announcement in March, following the series of heavy storms from earlier in the year and DWR’s prudent water management decisions.

GRANT EARNED

Cal State San Marcos physics professor Justin Perron led a California State University-wide effort that has resulted in a grant of more than $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy that will help develop a workforce capable of thriving in a quantum landscape. Perron is the principal investigator for a three-year, $2,534,399 grant titled “QIST in the CSU: Expanding Access to Quantum Information Science and Technology.”

RECYCLE FOR ANIMALS

Rancho Coastal Humane Society and the RCHS Thrift Shop had already been “recycling” for more than 10 years. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet supplies at the shelter. Clothing, furniture, appliances, jewelry, sporting goods, and more at the Thrift Shop. You can “re-

duce your carbon paw print” by making environmentally friendly choices for pets and by making donations or shopping at the RCHS Thrift, 120 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff by the Sea.

NEW PECHANGA PRO

Pechanga Resort Casino has partnered with professional golfer Gabriella Then to act as its Ambassador to the Ladies Professional Golf Association. The partnership serves to support Then’s tour and her efforts as she promotes the sport to young girls and women everywhere.

GREEN LEGISLATION

Legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to ensure cities and counties have the information they need to combat global warming and make reductions in greenhouse gas emissions passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on Wednesday. SB 511 would direct the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to prepare inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for cities and counties to use in their preparation of Climate Action Plans and efforts to reduce GHG emissions in local communities.

NEW PALOMAR BOARD

The Palomar Community College District Governing Board elected new officers, including Roberto Rodriguez as president of the board, Judy Patacsil as vice president and Michelle Rains as board secretary.

Regular readers may recall last year’s start of Write Away Books, dedicated to helping authors go from Idea to Manuscript to Marketplace™.

Recognizing that roughly 98% of the population either wants to write a book or knows someone who is on that journey, my partner and I sought to set ourselves apart from competing firms.

This thinking led to us giving away free samples. Visitors to writeawaybooks.com can submit some of their manuscript for a free critique and, just like at Costco, some folks buy more.

We enjoy providing these complimentary analyses. We get to know our authors in a risk-free environment, and they get valuable feedback.

Our team’s diversity also helps, with virtually every kind of experience, background, geography, age, gender or politics on hand to do a review.

And yes, giving out these free samples has expanded awareness, interest and sales.

Regardless of what you sell, you too can probably take advantage of this strategy to grow your bottom line. Understanding that everyone wants some-

Of course, it’s easy when it’s food-related. Give away one Swedish meatball, and you may sell a package of 200. But it works with services too, like:

• A masseuse who gives away five minutes of massage

• A dentist who provides free assessment of your teeth

• A Rotary club that invites prospective members for a free meeting and meal

In each instance, there are minimal out-of-pocket costs, meaning each incremental new customer should add straight to the bottom line.

Admittedly, nobody converts 100% of sales prospects. But with minimal investment, knowledge of your customer profile and location and a willingness to think differently, you too may find your bottom line growing.

Finally, remember hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky, who once observed: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So go on … take your shot.

With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.

Submit your sample pages at https://bit. ly/10-pages.

Brothers’ fight leads to shooting

By City News Service

REGION — A fight between two brothers in Vista last week led to an apparent self-defense shooting that left one of the men wounded and under arrest, authorities said.

The gunfire in the 2000 block of Buena Creek Road was reported at about 9:45 a.m. April 19, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies determined that one of the combatants, 30-year-old Elias Cruz, al-

legedly attacked his younger brother with a shovel, prompting the other man to open fire with a handgun to protect himself, Lt. John Spach said.

Paramedics took Cruz to Palomar Medical Center for treatment of leg wounds. He was expected to fully recover, Spach said. Cruz was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. It was not immediately clear if the younger man suffered any injuries.

NAMED #1 IN RELIABILITY IN THE WEST FOR 17 YEARS IN A ROW

“I’m proud to be part of a company that works hard every day to provide reliable energy to our community. It’s satisfying knowing that my co-workers and I are directly responsible for powering the lives of our customers.”

Kat L. Lineworker

Escondido’s Jacked Up Brewery a destination for beer, music lovers

By Jeff Spanier

Coastal craft brew enthusiasts, enjoying our embarrassment of riches, can sometimes forget to look eastward. On my recent venture to Escondido, I revisited Jacked Up Brewery.

Not only was I impressed by the lineup of beer (and seltzer) offerings, but the venue has grown into a destination spot offering much more than just award-winning beer.

Michael and Caroline Paulson opened Jacked Up in 2016, and each year has seen exponential growth. I sat down with the couple to learn more about their beers, their plans and their commitment to the community.

Cheers!: Thank you for having me! I am excited to hear the story of Jacked Up Brewery. But first, tell me about this beer we are drinking.

Michael: This is the Razz Sour. It started off as a cream ale. Then we allowed wild yeast to get into it and allow it to sour. It’s a true sour; we expose it to the air and let Mother Nature do her thing. And it’s not too sour, just a little tart on the tongue. Has that nice bite, but not overpowering. We introduce raspberry into it to give it that nice sweet kick.

Cheers!: It’s both light

and jammy at the same time.

Michael: It’s refreshing, perfect for spring and summer. More tart than sour, really.

Cheers!: Tell us about your beer journey.

Michael: My journey in beer started in 1994 when I thought I could brew beer cheaper than buying it. Which is every homebrewer’s thought.

Caroline: It was before the internet. So we went down to Tacoma to a homebrew store, bought a book, bought the equipment, took

it home and started making beer.

Cheers!: What was the first beer?

Caroline: An apricot hefeweizen!

Michael: When I retired from my construction company, I said to Caroline: let’s start a brewery.

Caroline: And we said, if we’re going to do this, let’s do it in San Diego. San Diego has great beer, and if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

Cheers!: When did you know it would work?

Caroline: When we started entering home brewing contests and winning medals, I knew we wouldn’t be looking back.

Cheers!: Speaking of awards, you’ve recently won a Gold Medal for your Dragon Fruit IPA.

Michael: That is our most popular beer here. It’s seasonal.

Caroline: When we have fresh dragon fruit, we brew it. All our dragon fruit is locally sourced.

Michael: The beer has an IPA base. We use 30

pounds of fruit per barrel. The whole idea for this beer came to us in 2017 when a local grower asked if I’ve ever brewed with dragon fruit. I said, “No.” He said, “Well, I have a whole bunch of it.” So we gave it a try.

Cheers!: This is the most unique IPA I’ve ever had from both a color and flavor perspective.

Michael: We went to the pink and red fruits to give it that deep red color. The color is based on the fruit. We make the beer, but God makes the fruit, so the

color can vary from batch to batch. The sweetness of the fruit kills the bittering Warrior and Simcoe hops.

Caroline: Careful, this beer is dangerous. It’s a triple IPA. 11% ABV.

Cheers!: Wow! You’d never know that.

Michael: The dragon fruit hides the esters. We take the fruit, we flesh it out of the skin, we freeze it, and as it thaws, it self-purees. We introduce it into the beer at secondary fermentation, making it very drinkable.

Cheers!: Great beers, but Jacked Up isn’t just a brewery. It’s an event space.

Caroline: We wanted to feature live music. Michael plays guitar, So in our second year, we decided to add music. That’s been a journey in and of itself.

Cheers!: You have an impressive stage setup!

Caroline: We have a phenomenal stage with everything: stage lighting, monitors, and amps.

Michael: Full stage and a cabaret license. We are a licensed music venue. Light shows, the whole nine yards, you get a great experience with the beer and with the entertainment.

Cheers!: And food?

Michael: Yes, we have a full kitchen with great food.

Cheers!: It sounds like,

CEA Brings Cleaner Energy to the Cities of San Marcos and Escondido

As of April 1, all Escondido and San Marcos residents were automatically enrolled in CEA’s Clean Impact Plus power product, the default selected by the City of San Marcos, offering 75% carbon-free energy.

CEA is proud to offer 3 power supply products, including Green Impact, which supplies 100% renewable energy. Customers have the option to opt up to Green Impact 100% renewable, opt down to Clean Impact 50% renewable, or they may also choose to opt out of CEA and remain with SDG&E.

Each month, CEA customers receive a single monthly bill from SDG&E. This bill includes all recent electric charges, including CEA’s power generation charges. SDG&E will continue to charge for the transmission and delivery services they provide.

MICHAEL PAULSON, co-owner and head brewer of Jacked Up Brewery in Escondido. In addition to food and award-winning beer, Jacked Up is a licensed concert venue with a stage and live music. Courtesy photo/Jacked Up (left); Photo by Jeff Spanier (right)

DOCUMENTARY

Wellness, Wellgreens and Tradecraft Farms.

Sidl Hurmiz, owner of Hello Cannabis, and his niece, Shanna Hurmiz, the store’s general manager, said the documentary was a great opportunity to show the inner workings of a dispensary and the industry.

Also, it shows how Sidl Hurmiz transitioned from family-run grocery markets, like La Vista and Tropicana, into a new industry when Hello Cannabis opened in 2020, becoming one of 11 dispensaries in the city.

Shanna Hurmiz said one of the biggest challenges is the ongoing stigma surrounding the cannabis industry as a whole, even though California voters approved Proposition 64, legalizing adult-use cannabis statewide in 2016.

In Vista, voters approved Measure Z for medicinal cannabis in 2018, but the city pivoted to allow recreational use.

“We wanted to be in the environment of Vista … and I knew there was opportunity here,” Shanna Hurmiz said, noting the film will help convey the message. “By having the City Council behind us trying to get a better point of view of cannabis … they (residents) can see us doing something good for the community.”

Corley said the film also highlights their knowledge of the industry and products, professionalism, secu-

Vista eyes events to boost city’s cannabis dispensaries

By Steve Puterski

VISTA

— As the city’s cannabis industry continues to grow, the City Council is supporting outdoor public and private events for its 11 dispensaries.

During its April 25 meeting, the council directed staff to look at crafting regulations consistent with state laws for cannabis-related events at city parks or on private property.

Councilman Joe Green brought forward the item and said state law already has stringent guidelines for cannabis events and the city could add its own regulations in a push to draw more visitors and highlight its businesses.

“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m trying to get the wheel rolling,” Green said. “This is simply allowing an event organizer to have an event.”

Green, who led the push to pass recreational cannabis in 2016 and then again with Measure Z in 2018, listed a number of

rity and client bases. “This turned into a whole video thing,” Corley said. “It’s going to look really good. One of the things I was surprised about was how young some of the managers are. But also, the sheer professionalism … and you have the different clientele. You got people

regulations event organizers, vendors and attendees must comply with.

He said all event organizers must be licensed by the California Department of Cannabis Control 60 days prior to an event, events can’t be more than four consecutive days, attendees must be 21 or older, all the city’s dispensaries must be allowed an opportunity to attend and no alcohol or tobacco can be consumed at a cannabis event, to name a few.

Also, all cannabis must be packaged and sealed in a tamper evident bag upon exiting the event, Green said.

Additionally, he said the events would boost the city’s other industries such as hotels and restaurants.

“Speaking with the owners, they want events,” Green said of his discussions with dispensaries. “They don’t have the ability to have any events, even a TURN TO CANNABIS ON 20

from all walks (of life) coming to these places.”

A spokesperson said they expect the Vista cannabis documentary to be released sometime in July. Green said he hopes to partner with a movie theater for the film’s premiere, but so far, the date and time have yet to be determined.

HELLO CANNABIS GM Shanna Hurmiz speaks to a customer last month. Photo by Steve Puterski

Tonto National Forest’s exquisite vistas found off beaten path

hit the road

I’ve got a death grip on the seat in front of me as our well-worn Hummer bumps and twists over a sandy trail that loops through Tonto National Forest, about a half-hour east of Scottsdale, Arizona.

We are on a two-plushour tour with Stellar Adventures, seeing parts of the Sonoran Desert only possible with a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Our guide, Brian Foley, born and raised in and around Scottsdale, knows this country like it is a part of his being — which it is. He grew up on a horse ranch and maintains one today when he isn’t transporting visitors through the desert, educating them on its history, biology, geology and climate.

“Most people unfamiliar with the desert are surprised to learn about the diversity of the flora and fauna here,” he tells us as we bump and slide over the rutted, sandy road. They think of it as they see it on TV — some desolate thing. Even in other parts of the year, things are lush. This desert is full of things you’d never dream of seeing.”

On this day in late

March, we are only two of the 3 million tourists who annually visit Tonto National Forest, and we are seeing only a speck of its 2.9 million acres, but quality counts.

Copious winter and spring rains in this urban forest have created vistas worthy of an Arizona Highways magazine spread.

Carpets of golden Califor-

nia poppies blanket the hillsides and meadows.

Legions of lapis lupine and dense, saffron-colored brittlebush line highways and backroads. Beavertail, cholla and hedgehog cactuses are just beginning to push forth waxy flowers of magenta and yellow (low cactuses typically bloom after wildflowers).

And verdant, near-per-

fect specimens of saguaros, plump with rainwater, stand majestically everywhere.

At one point, we climb out of the Hummer and examine a saguaro that is easily 40 feet tall. We do not miss this photo op.

As it often is in the spring, the temperature here is a perfect 72 degrees, so wandering through the

landscape is nearly effortless. But “you have to watch out for snakes at this time of year,” Foley cautions. “They like to come out and sun themselves on the rocks.”

He adds that they are unlikely to strike unless provoked, and we don’t plan to do that.

Part of our ride takes us past evidence of the massive June 2020 Bush fire, so

named because it was ignited by a car fire along the Bush Highway, which cuts through the southwestern corner of the forest. Many ancient saguaros fell victim to the flames, “and it will take hundreds of years to replace them,” Foley says.

Visitors who want another option for seeing Sonoran Desert flora can check out the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park on the Phoenix-Scottsdale border.

We have visited multiple times, and since its 50,000 plants and trees are managed under a controlled irrigation system, the garden never disappoints. It showcases the Sonoran Deseret at its most glorious.

The spring months offer a bonus: the Majestic Mariposas exhibit in the 3,200-square-foot, openair pavilion created to give mariposas (butterflies) a paradise in which to thrive and multiply.

Exploring the entire garden and its five themed trails can easily consume a full day (photo ops abound), so visitors who need a break can enjoy lunch or a snack at Gertrude’s, just inside the front gate (no ticket necessary). The seasonal menu offers tasty and healthy fare and offers plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.

For more photos and discussion, visit www.facebook.com/elouise.ondash.

RAIN, WIND, AND FIRE...

“The three menaces to any chimney, fireplace, or stove.”

Every year there are over twenty thousand chimney / fireplace related house fires in the US alone. Losses to homes as a result of chimney fires, leaks, and wind damage exceeds one hundred million dollars annually in the US. Additionally, mold, mildew, pollen, dust and flammable creosote are among the hazards that can build up and collect in the flue of a chimney. A thorough inspection, and cleaning if necessary, will dislodge and remove such build-ups.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS, INC., one of San Diego’s leading chimney repair and maintenance companies, is here to protect you and your home from losses due to structural damage and chimney fires.

Family owned and operated and having been in business for over 30 years, Chimney Sweeps Inc. is a fully licensed and insured chimney contracting company (License # 976438) and they are certified with the National Fireplace Institute and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For a limited time, readers of this paper will receive a special discount on our full chimney cleaning and safety inspection package with special attention to chimney water intrusion points in preparation for the rainy season.

CHIMNEY SWEEPS, INC

e’louise ondash

VISITORS FROM Scripps Ranch, passengers on a Stellar Adventures Hummer tour out of Scottsdale, Arizona, explore the Tonto National Forest. It’s an excellent place to see pristine giant saguaros, some 200 to 300 years old. Photo by Jerry Ondash

thoroughly before bringing this forward and took their time to develop a quality project that would be appropriate on this site.”

Niebaum said Mill Creek Residential is one of the “most respected multifamily developers” in the nation. One of its more recent projects includes Modera San Diego, a 368-unit multi-residential development project currently underway.

Under city zoning ordinances, the project would have a maximum density of 215 units, however as a density bonus project proposing to restrict 15%, or 33 units, as affordable housing, state law allows for up to 323 units.

Density bonus projects are also allowed to ask for additional incentives, concessions or waivers to help maximize the cost of building affordable housing, according to City Planner Sergio Madera. The devel-

In loving memory of Willa Jean Verbanic

August 18, 1932March 29, 2023

San Marcos, California – Willa Jean Verbanic, 90, of San Marcos, passed away on March 29, 2023 of natural causes.

“Jean”, as she was known to friends and family, was born in Buffalo, Missouri on August 18, 1932 to Vera and Cecil Sanford. She attended Edison High School in Stockton, California where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen.

She was married to Marine Corps Master Sergeant Joseph “Joe” Robert Verbanic (retired) and spent most of her early years raising a family and following his career which included service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

After Joe’s retirement

Phase 1 of low-income housing rebuild in San Marcos completed

By Staff SAN MARCOS

— National CORE, the city of San Marcos, the county of San Diego and their partners have completed reconstruction of 85 apartment homes at the Villa Serena affordable housing community that offer new amenities and one of the nation’s highest levels of energy-efficient design.

ing complex in 2004 along with city efforts to increase walkability, according to local media.

The San Diego Association of Governments reports San Marcos now has some of the lowest crime rates in the county. San Marcos was ranked the 25th safest city in California, according to FBI crime statistics and the 2020 U.S. Census.

oper did not request any incentives or concessions but sought several waivers on setbacks, building height, parking and open spaces.

The project intends to build 526 parking spaces, with eight reserved for commercial space. Under normal city conditions, a project that size would require more than 600 parking spaces. However, its proximity to the Melrose Sprinter Station could have limited that number to as low as 170 spaces.

Located on the southeast corner of Melrose Drive and West Bobier Drive and directly east of the Melrose Sprinter Station, the project is located in a smart growth opportunity area of the city. Smart growth is defined as compact, efficient and environmentally sensitive urban development that utilizes more public transit resources.

As part of its adopted Climate Action Plan, the city has a goal of developing 550 units in smart growth areas by 2024. With the recent approval of Modera Melrose

from the Marine Corps, the family relocated to Oceanside and started Vectra Corporation, a successful TV, electronics and appliance repair business. After selling the business and retiring, they turned their hobby of buying and selling antiques into a full-time business that evolved into owning one of the largest antique malls in North San Diego County.

After her husband’s passing in 1995, Jean retired again and moved to Murrieta where she pursued her interests in crafting and painting while serving on her HOA’s board of directors and in other volunteer positions.

In 2015, she moved to San Marcos to be closer to her family.

Jean is survived by her two children, Linda (Verbanic) Geldner and Joseph R. Verbanic II. Jean will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with Joe and their infant son. A private service is planned for close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of her favorite charities, Tunnels to Towers.

For more information, contact: Linda@ Geldner.com

along with the approval of the 295-unit Ocean Creek project earlier this year, located directly next to the Crouch Street Sprinter Station, the city is set to surpass that goal by 68 apartments for a total of 618 units approved in smart growth areas.

Construction of Melrose Heights, a mixed-use development with 33 single-family homes, 268 townhomes and 20,000 square feet of commercial retail, is currently underway across the street from the Modera Melrose site.

While commissioners appeared generally supportive of Modera Melrose, they wanted to see developers make a better attempt at creating an alternative pedestrian access point to the nearby sprinter station as well as the adjacent Inland Rail Trail. As proposed, the project only offered one entrance and exit for all modes of transportation at the traffic-signalized intersection of West Bobier Drive and Sports Park Way.

“I like the idea of another exit point,” said Commissioner Kevin Dodds, who noted his concern about children’s safety with only one entry and exit point.

Commissioner Louise Balma noted that the single entry and exit point was inconveniently far from the sprinter station and rail trail, given the project’s proximity to those amenities.

Some of the public’s concerns about the project had to do with additional greenhouse gas emissions from the construction as well as impacts on local wildlife, the environment and potential traffic issues.

Madera explained that although the environmental impact report found the project could create potentially significant impacts on on the environment and culturual resources, mitigation measures taken reduced the impacts to below a level of significance.

If the public appeals Modera Melrose, the project will go before the City Council for final consideration.

The reconstruction, celebrated with a grand opening on April 20, represents the first of two phases that will replace 136 apartments with 148 stateof-the-art homes through a partnership between local government and National CORE to improve the quality of living in the Richmar neighborhood.

“Villa Serena's transformation represents more than 20 years of planning and preparing. National CORE is honored to be part of the collaborative efforts to bring new resources to the community — ultimately making Richmar a better place to raise a family," National CORE President Michael Ruane said.

In 1997, National CORE acquired the 1970s era Lido-Imperial apartment complex — now one of five developments it has created in San Marcos and four in the Richmar neighborhood. Immediate changes boosted community safety while National CORE built a partnership to fund reconstruction.

Richmar has experienced a revival since the opening of the National CORE’s Paseo del Oro hous-

“I am proud to support the reconstruction of Villa Serena, a true collaborative effort between National CORE, the City of San Marcos and the County of San Diego,” San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond said. “This community represents a significant investment in safe and affordable housing for our residents and provides a platform for neighborhood stabilization. With the completion of the first phase of this two-phase transformation, we are one step closer to bringing beautiful apartments that our residents can be proud to call home.”

The first phase includes 85 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes for individuals and families earning less than 60% of the area median income. Eight homes are set aside for young adults aging out of the foster care system. Forty-seven of the homes have three bedrooms to better meet the needs of the family-centric neighborhood.

Construction on the second phase, which will provide 63 more apartment homes, is anticipated to begin early next year.

email us at: obits@coastnewsgroup.com 760.436.9737

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.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” — Irwsh proverb

Pamela Joyce Dunham, 68 Vista April 12, 2023

Maria Eugenia Lopez, 62 Oceanside April 2023

Patricia Elizabeth Miller, 96 Oceanside April 8, 2023 Janet Douglas, 81 La Jolla April 14, 2023

MODERA MELROSE near the Vista-Oceanside border will include 323 housing units. Courtesy rendering

MODERA CONTINUED FROM FRONT

EVENTS CALENDAR

April 28

JOBAPALOOZA

Job Fair at Belmont Park. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apr. 28 at Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego.

NERD COMEDY NIGHT

Clever comedy and a smart audience make this Carlsbad tradition one-of-akind. $15, 7 p.m. at Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St, Carlsbad.

SHANE HALL: CIRCA 94

Shane Hall partners with Blake Dean from the band Mrs. Henry to perform an intimate acoustic tribute to the sounds of the ‘90s. $35-$100, 8 to 10:30 p.m. Apr. 28 at Oceanside Theatre Company, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Coast Kids presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid. $18-$30. 7:30 p.m. at Star Theatre Company, 402 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

April 29

JESSICA FICHOT QUARTET

Chanteuse and songwriter Jessica Fichot and her fiery band return to

the Carlsbad Library to present their mix of French chanson, Shanghai jazz, and multilingual folk. Free, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Apr. 29 at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad.

BEATLES VS. STONES

The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road will compete against Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash. $25, 9 p.m. at Belly

Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

THE BOOB RIDE

We have a lot of fun while making a HUGE difference. 100% of rider reg-

istration directly help local low-income people during their battle to win against breast cancer. Sign up to ride or volunteer!. $80, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Apr. 29 at Encinitas Park & Ride , 483 N

Vulcan Ave, Encinitas.

SPRING STREET FAIR

The Spring Street Fair, presented by the Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association feature 450+ booths, live music, the Beer Garden, and Electra bike valet. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Downtown Encinitas, S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas.

DÍA DE LOS NIÑOS

Celebrate Children’s Day and Book Day with bilingual stories and songs from Mexico and around the world, traditional paper flower bouquet, crafts. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Apr. 29 at Escondido Public Library, 239 S Kalmia St, Escondido.

TENNIS

Tennis is an American indie pop band made up of husband-and-wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley. $31, 7:30 to 11 p.m. Apr. 29 at Humphreys by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego.

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

This beloved Jefferson tradition is making a comeback! Carnival games,

Getting to know Tri-City Medical Center’s interim president and CEO

Gene Ma, MD, FACEP, recently named Interim President and CEO at Tri-City Medical Center (TCMC), served as an emergency medicine physician at Tri-City Medical Center (TCMC) for more than 20 years and is a 10-time honoree of San Diego’s Top Doctors in emergency medicine. He has also held numerous administrative roles during his tenure at TCMC including chief of staff and chief medical officer, as well as CEO of WorkPartners, the region's dominant occupational health practice.

Why did you decide to become a doctor?

Life experiences are often the reason people become doctors and I was no exception. My mom had a ruptured aneurysm in her 30s, which changed her personality, as well as our family’s lifestyle. We frequently interacted with healthcare providers who made a significant impression upon me. I see my mom’s health experience as the inflection point that most influenced me to become a doctor.

I was drawn to emergency medicine not only because of the adrenaline rush, but also for the diversity within the specialty. Every day you can see something different, which requires that you be knowledgeable in multiple aspects of medicine, rather than just one specialty – ‘a jack of all

trades, but a master of none.’ Emergency medicine physicians expect the unexpected; they must think fast on their feet and communicate closely with other physicians when trying to save a patient’s life.

What drew you to become a hospital administrator?

I’ve always thought that I have natural tendencies toward administration and leadership as I thrive on creating processes to improve operations and employee and patient satisfaction. When physicians and staff enjoy their jobs and find meaning in their work, they are happy, and this results in a better patient experience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to lead TCMC in different clinical and non-clinical roles of increasing responsibility and to be a stakeholder in the decision-making process to bring about positive change.

What is your leadership style?

I always tell people that being a hospital administrator does not automatically make me a leader until I prove it and gain their trust. I would describe my style as that of a servant leader – I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work with everyone else to get the job done. When we sit side-byside, rowing together with the same purpose in mind, we can accomplish our

goals. Throughout TCMC, there are many people doing really hard work who do not have a manager or administrator title, but people look to them as leaders. They are the true leaders.

What motivates you to come to work each day?

The people I work with are like family at Tri-City. Without them, it’s just brick and mortar, another building. Family is what defines us; that sense of nurturing and belonging is unique to Tri-City. Since we often

spend more waking hours with this family than our own, I want the physicians and staff to know that they are valued and appreciated for all of their hard work. But I also want them to know that we are all in this boat together and to feel free to share their insights and ideas with leadership so that we can move forward together.

How is Tri-City building a healthier community?

It’s our Tri-City fami-

ly, working together, that is helping to build a healthier community. Our people are absolutely our ‘secret sauce’ and critical to our community outreach.

North County residents and businesses recognize what we are trying to accomplish and want to be a part of it. We continue to engage with the community through the COASTAL Commitment including events, educational seminars, health fairs and more to increase awareness of all that Tri-City offers.

As we look to the future at TCMC, we are further investing in minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgeries because they offer better outcomes, while lowering the risks of infection and rates of complications for our patients. We have become a leader in this area, being the first in North County to offer Mako SmartRobotics™ for knee and joint replacement surgery, which is outstanding for a community hospital.

Providing transformative surgical technology to improve patient care is just one of the many ways that Tri-City is defining the future of healthcare for our neighbors.

How do you maintain your wellness (physical health) and wellbeing (mental health)?

Growing up, my dad’s side of the family was always filled with laughter – wheth-

er it was from watching a TV comedy or reading a humorous book or sharing funny moments with each other. It became instilled in my personality and today, my family and I really enjoy laughing. People underestimate the value of what laughter brings to your physical and mental health.

The saying, ‘laughter is the best medicine’ is really true as laughing releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that help ease pain and improve mood. I do exercise and eat healthy, but keeping laughter in my everyday life is most important for me.

When not at work, what brings you joy?

I was born in Hawaii, but lived in Burma, Hong Kong and Japan when I was younger because my father worked for the U.S. State Department. That sparked my love for travel. Today, my bucket list is filled with travel experiences such as an African safari.

Also, I have five daughters, a King Charles Cavalier dog named Sadie and pet fish, which I’m fairly sure are all female too! My favorite thing is to spend time with my family, watch my girls play sports and, when possible, go dirt biking, wakeboarding or snowboarding.

To learn more about its services, visit Tri-City Medical Center or call 855-2228262.

GENE MA, MD, FACEP. Courtesy photo

ESCONDIDO PUBLIC LIBRARY presents a week of Star Wars-themed programs, such as

building your own custom Star Wars spaceship

from upcycled materails. Star Wars Week runs from May 1 to May 6. For

more information, visit the library’s website

at escondidolibrary.org. Stock photo

FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-708-7311 EXT. 257

SALOME’S STARS #12345_20230424 FOR RELEASE APRIL 24, 2023

EDITORS: These horoscopes are for use the week of May 1, 2023.

1. MOVIES: Which movie gave actor Tom Hanks his rst Oscar?

2. SCIENCE: Apollo astronauts reported that the Moon smelled like what substance?

3. GEOGRAPHY: How many stars are on the Australian ag?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president killed a man who insulted him in a duel?

5. MUSIC: Which pop group produced the hit song “God Only Knows”?

6. TELEVISION: “The Brady Bunch” features how many blended family members?

7. LANGUAGE: What is the o cial language of the United States?

8. U.S. STATES: What is the state capital of Rhode Island?

9. ASTRONOMY: Which is the only planet in our solar system that is not named after a god or goddess?

10. FOOD & DRINK: What is a cheese connoisseur called?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

Changes in the workplace might be daunting for some, but you love challenges and will do just fine with this one. Remember to work with facts, not rumors.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

Just when you need some emotional reassurances, you find an almostforgotten, friendly gesture repaid in the most wonderful way. More good news follows.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You have a chance to restart a stalled personal relationship. Additionally, a workplace change bodes well for new opportunities, but you need more facts before you can act.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Talk to your longtime friends about why they’re not in sync with your new pal. You might learn some startling facts. Also, a difficult workplace situation eases.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) What seems to be a golden opportunity is, naturally, attractive to Leos. But be careful that it’s not just a lot of surface glitter. You need to ask more questions.

VIRGO (August 23 to September

22) There are still some issues with getting decisions made on your workplace project. Talk to a supervisor about ways to break the impasse.

TRIVIA TEST ANSWERS

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A family matter could become more complicated and reach an apparent dead end. Don’t give up on trying to find a solution. Work patiently with everyone involved.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You’ll soon hear more about an offer that could change the direction of your career. Meanwhile, enjoy the newly positive on-the-job environment.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Expect a favorable reply to a workplace request. On the home front, a full explanation helps you sort out a long-standing personal problem.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A serious matter needs focused consideration. Watch that your sometimes capricious nature doesn’t create any unnecessary distractions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You win added support for your determination to turn a bad situation into a good one. One new ally arrives from a most unexpected source.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Family and friends need to be told about a decision you want to make. Be prepared to offer a full explanation when asked. Hold nothing back.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be a fighter and a lover. You are a natural leader with a strong sense of justice that makes people respect you.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. “Philadelphia.”

Burnt gunpowder. 3. Six. 4. Andrew Jackson. In 1806 he shot and killed Charles Dickinson in a duel. 5. The Beach Boys. 6. Eight: six children and two parents.

TITLE: None -- the United States doesn’t have an o cial language.

8. Providence. 9. Earth. 10. A turophile.

Get the picture?

CSUSM asks community to help identify historic photos by photojournalist Dan Rios

By Laura Place

Cal State San Mar-

cos is asking longtime North County residents to help identify people, places and events featured in a collection of local historical images from the 1970s and 80s.

The photos are part of a treasure trove of around one million images taken from 1968-2001 by former Escondido Times-Advocate photographer Dan Rios.

Referred to as the Dan Rios Papers, this collection was donated to the university library’s Special Collections Department in 2018, along with the rights to all the images.

Most of the photos are of happenings Rios documented in Escondido, San Marcos and other North County cities, as well as San Diego and Mexico. However, around half of them lack context and critical details to make them identifiable.

That’s where the community comes in, said Sean Visintainer, head of special collections.

Until the end of June, community members can view around 5,000 photos needing identification on Flickr.com at bit.ly/DanRiosPhotos and leave comments directly on any of the images they recognize.

“One of the things we were really hoping to get out of this project is to find those community members interested to do that detective work. This is a great way to include the community and draw on some of that shared knowledge,” Visintainer said.

“Relying on local knowledge is incredibly helpful, because it allows more people to use the collection over time.”

When Rios donated the negatives to the library, they were stored in over 40,000 envelopes and 200 boxes, measuring around 200 linear feet of material.

Since 2017, personnel has been working to inventory and digitize the negatives.

Much of this effort has been completed by librarian Laura Nelson and later by student Ryan Eble, whose work was paid for via a university grant.

The photos include everything from images day to day scenes to significant events like former prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s 1991 visit to Camp Pendleton.

“It’s really, really rich in terms of the amount of material that is covered,” said Visintainer. “It’s really thrilling to be able to start making some progress to make it available to folks.”

The identification project is a partnership between the university and the Escondido History Center.

According to center volunteer Alexa Clausen, most of the photos in the collection could be identified because the envelope featured the name of the corresponding Times-Advocate newspaper story.

However, negatives from the mid-80s and earlier were stored in sleeves that only stated the month they were taken.

While Clausen has been able to match some of the negatives to newspaper archives from that time, many were never printed or featured few clues to go

off of.

“They have about 10 years that need identifying,” Clausen said. “In the evening, I’ll go through Newspapers.com and so I’ll just try to match stuff.”

By identifying these photos, the hope is to work

AN UNDATED photo of a Fallbrook High School tennis player.

Photo by Dan Rios/Courtesy of CSUSM Special Collections

PHOTOS TAKEN in August 1980 depict a group of people, left, in cycling outfits and a man, right, speaking into a folded pamphlet with the word “Shopmen’s” printed on it in a couple of places. Cal State University San Marcos is asking North County residents to help identify thousands of photos donated to the university’s library by former Escondido Times-Advocate photojournalist Dan Rios. Photos by Dan Rios/Courtesy of CSUSM Special Collections

AN UNDATED PORTRAIT of an elderly man with mustache wearing bucket hat. Photo by Dan Rios/CSUSM Special Collections

A MAN LYING in a hospital bed is asleep or unconscious as a woman holds his hand in this undated picture. Photo by Dan Rios/CSUSM Special Collections

A MAN MAKES a face as he sits for a portrait in November 1970. Photo by Dan Rios/CSUSM Special Collections

tos Water District to rent the property for $1 per year for 50 years. However, the project quickly faced difficulties that delayed its progress.

The project hit a major roadblock in 2010 with the loss of state redevelopment funds, leaving the city short on anticipated project dollars. In the following years, drought shrunk the lake to nearly half its original size.

By 2016, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported the city had spent around $3 million on the project — including $1 million for the purchase of land next to the lake — with years still to go before it would open.

Since then, the city has had to drastically downsize its plans for the park, which originally included a wish list of items such as an am-

phitheater, boat rentals and an overlook area.

The man-made lake along South Twin Oaks Valley Road was built in 1959 as a local drinking water source but has been decommissioned since 1984. It will continue to serve as an emergency water storage reservoir, according to officials.

“When the district’s need for the reservoir ended, the visionary leaders on the City Council and Water Board had the wonderful idea to open this space up to the public,” said Vallecitos Water District President Jim Hernandez. “Thanks to them, and all those that came after, we can now enjoy this beautiful retreat in our community.”

South Lake Park is located at 975 Sunstone Drive. For more information about the park and its flora and fauna, visit san-marcos.net.

3 classical music pieces to get you in the mood for spring!

By Amber Flynn

“The first blooms of Spring always Make my heart sing.”

— S. Brown

Spring will be here on March 20th We welcome this season of longer days, and the excitement of the sun, and the bursting of spring flowers!!

Music has always been known for capturing and celebrating how we feel. What better way to celebrate it with classical music designed to “nod” toward the seasons?

• Antonio Vivaldi, The Four Seasons La Primavera (“Spring”)

You will feel the excitement and vibrancy of this song within the first 10 seconds - it is such a joy! It moves in so many ways and pleases the ear. Featured in the Netflix series “Wednesday,” and also “Pretty Woman,” “The Simpsons,” and “Runaway Train.”

• Johann Strauss IIVoices of Spring Waltz

The orchestral or piano versions of this waltz are what you’ll hear more often these days, but first,

PETA adds to reward for information on dog abandoned, left to die in Esco

By City News Service

ESCONDIDO — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals this week added up to $5,000 to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for abandoning a malnourished Yorkie mix in Escondido —a case in which the dog ultimately needed to be euthanized.

The 7-year-old dog was found abandoned in a crate near Mayflower Dog Park on the morning of March 28, according to the San Diego Humane Society, and authorities are seeking public help in a felony animal cruelty investigation.

When rescuers arrived, the small dog was malnourished, missing hair and had thick, crusty skin, according to the SDHS.

The dog was rushed to the SDHS’ Escondido Campus, where the organization’s veterinary team performed medical care and watched over the little dog for a week, according to the SDHS.

“We’re less than half a mile from

PHOTOS

CONTINUED FROM 19

toward a more complete collection that can be used for community research purposes for years to come.

To participate in the photo identification project, residents only need to create

the park where this dog, who was already suffering, was placed to endure an extremely cold night without shelter,” Lt. Regina Price with SDHS Humane Law Enforcement said. “If anyone knows anything at all, or think they recognize this dog, please reach out to us. We want to find who’s responsible for this.”

The dog, which the team decided to call Champ, was put down to relieve his pain and suffering, according to authorities.

“It’s distressing to think of how long and intensely this little dog suffered from hunger and horrific, painful crusted skin before he was dumped for dead,” said PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O'Brien. “If there are any other dogs in the culprit’s custody, they’re likely in danger, and PETA is urging anyone who might know something about this case to come forward immediately.”

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call Crime Stoppers — which is offering a $1,000 reward in addition to PETA's — at 888-580-8477.

a free Flickr account, which allows them to make and publish comments.

While all identified photos will be removed from Flickr at the end of June, those that still need context will remain online so community members can continue to look through them.

there was “the music of the breeze that comes humming through the trees.”

•Robert Schumann, Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, “Spring.” Robert Schumann’s Spring is grand and moves beautifully. The composition’s celebratory spirit is felt from start to finish. Schumann conceived this symphony with the season of rejuvenation in mind. We hope they inspire you to the joy and beauty music brings!

For more info visit www. leadingnotestudios.com

CANNABIS CONTINUED FROM 13

non-cannabis event, on their properties.”

Green and the rest of the council stressed public safety, and he noted a typical event has about 100 security personnel in attendance.

Councilwoman Corinna Contreras said she supports the idea but wouldn’t commit to moving forward with sanctioning events until the city finished its cannabis equity study, which should be completed by the end of the year, according to City Manager John Conley.

Councilwoman Katie Melendez said the events could also be boon for the city’s short-term rentals, which the council is addressing by working on regulations and an ordinance. She said those rentals would help boost the city’s transient occupancy tax.

Mayor John Franklin, who was opposed to Green’s 2016 attempt and Measure Z, said he’s come around. He said the traffic the dispensaries generate is positive for the city.

Franklin said at least one dispensary accounts for 1,600 cars per day and many of the other operators have similar customer bases.

Visintainer said the next steps regarding the physical collection are to rehouse the negatives into “archivally safe materials” and create a catalog record for the collection’s contents.

He also hopes to hire another student who can digitize even more imag-

es with the help of another grant.

“In the future, folks will be able to go and search through our finding aid and our digitized images,” he said.

To view the collection, visit Flickr.com at bit.ly/ DanRiosPhotos.

CHEERS!

CONTINUED FROM 11

n retirement, you’ve found a way to be busier than ever.

Michael: I love what I do. I don’t look at it as work. We love what we are doing here. We love making the beer, we love the process, and we love the community. And we love the smile on people’s faces after they taste our beer.

Jacked Up Brewery is located at 800 West Grand Avenue in Escondido. Jeff Spanier is a monthly columnist for The Coast News and the host of I Like Beer the Podcast.

To hear the full interview, take a listen wherever you get podcasts. Follow Spanier’s adventures @ ilikebeerthepodcast on Instagram.

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crafts, food, and free cultural performances and a silent auction. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Apr. 29 at Jefferson Elementary School , 3743 Jefferson St, Carlsbad.

MISSION FED ART WALK

San Diego’s Little Italy will come alive with artwork from more than 250 artists from around the world, plus entertainment, live music, food, drinks & more!. 12 a.m. at Little Italy, 1528 India St, San Diego.

AAPI FESTIVAL

Two main performance stages, martial arts demonstrations, a family cultural activity center by Studio ACE, various ethnic food and artisan vendors, a liter-

acy program by the Oceanside Public Library. 5 p.m. at Oceanside Civic Center, 300 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

PET DAY ON THE BAY 9 a.m. at Pier 1 - Hornblower Landing, 1800 N Harbor Dr, San Diego.

MASTER CHORALE

The San Diego Master Chorale presents Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil.” $40, 7 p.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave, Cardiff by the Sea.

BOOTS & BLING

This fundraiser supports ALRSD Philanthropic Programs. BBQ Dinner, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Wine Pull and Live Entertainment. $100, 4 to 8 p.m.

Apr. 29 at San Diego Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas.

YACHTLEY CREW

Soft rock. $35, 8 p.m. at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar.

LITVAKDANCE: SPRING

Performances April 29 at 4pm and 7pm and April 30 at 2pm and 5pm. $17-$30, 7 p.m. at UC San Diego: Molli and Arthur Wagner Dance Building, Mandell Weiss Ln, La Jolla.

April 30

MEET THE CHEFS

Help support the Casa de Amparo kids at the 26th annual food/wine festival in Del Mar. Proceeds go to help prevent child abuse and neglect in San Diego Coun-

ty. 12:30 to 4 p.m. Apr. 30 at Del Mar Hilton , 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar.

BACK TO THE GARDEN

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young cover band. $25, 7 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

ETHAN CHAN ART EXHIBIT

A series of wearable sculptures made from sauce packets drawing on the connection between consumerist culture and how we craft our personas through apparel. 5 p.m. at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside.

OLIVENHAIN BEER & BRAT

Beer and bratwurst celebration. $45, 12 to 4 p.m. Apr. 30 at Olivenhain Meeting Hall, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Encinitas.

LEGION RUGBY MATCH

San Diego Legion, a pro rugby union team, hosts the Houston SaberCats in a Major League Rugby matchup at SnapoDragon Stadium. 1 p.m. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego.

JOSEPH

Alternative/Indie. $30, 8 p.m. at The Music Box, 1349 India St, San Diego.

POWER OF PURPLE

Spring Benefit Celebrates Hands of Peace Changemakers and the Power of Purple. 5:30 to 9 p.m. Apr. 30 at The Secret Garden at Rancho Santa Fe, 17025 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe.

May 1

CARLSBAD PLAYREADERS

Subject of motherhood from a collection of celebrated American writers. $5 suggested donation. 7:30 p.m. at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad.

STAR WARS WEEK

A full-Force week of Star Wars activities for all ages. Build Your Own Spaceship. Ages 5+ up. 4 to 5:30 p.m. May. 1 at Escondido Public Library, 239 S Kalmia St, Escondido.

'MY LIFE WITH WILL'

James Sutorius chronicles his lifelong love affair with the Bard of Avon. $39, 7:30 p.m. at North Coast Rep, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.

May 2

COAL YOUTH ART EXHIBIT

Through May 30 at North Coastal Art Gallery - COAL, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad.

May 3

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

Hawai’i-born ukulele player. $50, 7 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

FAMILY FIDDLE CAMP

A five-day acoustic music camp for people of all ages and musical abilities. $800, 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. May. 3 at Camp Whispering Winds, 17606 Harrison Park Rd, Julian.

AUNT LI-ANNE

Aunt Li-Anne, sings, acts, teaches and is a professional storyteller and state liaison for the National Storytelling Network and cochair of the Youth Educators and Storytellers. 9:45 a.m. at Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave, Carlsbad.

CARLSBAD NEWCOMERS

A morning of storytelling with Aunt Li-Anne. 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. May 3 at Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave, Carlsbad.

STUDENT ART

The Kruglak Art Gallery at MiraCosta College features Visions Revealed student art exhibits through May 16. 5 p.m. at Kruglak Art Gallery, 1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside.

May 4

ARISE ROOTS

Roots-Reggae. $20, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

TASTE OF CARDIFF

Each stop provides a sample of North County’s finest foods, craft beers, wines, and/or kombucha. $40, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 4 at Cardiff Town Center , 2033 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff by the Sea.

‘SPAMALOT’

The Carlsbad High Theatre Department presents Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (School Edition) featuring talented student actors, singers, dancers, technicians, and live pit orchestra — shows May 4, 5, 11, 12, 13. $15, 7 to 9:30 p.m. May. 4 at Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3557 Monroe St, Carlsbad.

JOSH BLUE

Mic Drop Comedy Club presents Josh The Freak Accident Tour performing May 4th 7pm, May 5th 7pm and 9:30pm, and May 6th 7pm and 9:30pm!. $35, 7 p.m. at Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego.

May 5

LAGOONA KAHUNA

Environmentally friendly initiative, brand recognition, team-building, support your local nature center, and honor military vets as heroes with the opportunity to participate. 9 a.m. at California Watersports, 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad.

NERD COMEDY

Nerd Comedy features Rene Garcia, a L.A.-based comedian, actor and podcast host. $25, 8 p.m. at The Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

‘SPAMALOT’

The Carlsbad High Theatre Department presents Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (School Edition) featuring talented student actors, singers, dancers, technicians, and live pit orchestra — shows May 4, 5, 11, 12, 13. $15, 7 to 9:30 p.m. May. 4 at Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center, 3557 Monroe St, Carlsbad.

ROOFTOP CINEMA CLUB

Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero at the Manchester Grand Hyatt has announced its extended lineup through July 2. Tickets now on sale. 4:30 p.m. at Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero, 1 Market Pl, San Diego.

NERD COMEDY

Nerd Comedy will feature Rene Garcia, an L.A.based comedian, actor and podcast host. $25, 8 p.m. at The Brooks Theatre, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

POET LAUREATE

San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Perez comes home to Oceanside to share his work in the city where he grew up. $20, 7 p.m. at Oceanside Theatre Company, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.