Inland Edition, September 15, 2023

Minus funds, shelter moves temporarily

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO

— With a looming $1 million shortfall in operating funds, Haven House, the city’s only homeless shelter, is temporarily moving across the street to its sister recuperative care facility while its parent nonprofit searches for a long-term solution.

Interfaith Community Services held a community forum on Sept. 8 to inform the public of Haven House’s move to the Abraham and Lillian Turk Recuperative Care Center, which CEO Greg Anglea said would take place in the next few weeks.

Haven House is a 49bed, low-barrier shelter located in Interfaith’s Betty and Melvin Cohn Center at 550 W. Washington Avenue. Although Interfaith has been sheltering homeless individuals for more than 40 years, the shelter only operated during the winter months until 2016 when it transitioned to a year-round, overnight-only shelter.

Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Haven House switched from overnight-only to 24/7 care, providing access beyond just a one-night stay for its inhabitants.

Prior to offering 24/7 access, Haven House’s annual operating budget was $600,000. The budget has jumped to approximately $1.1 million after the expansion. Last year, Interfaith received $400,000 in one-time COVID-19 relief funding from the city of Es-

TURN TO SHELTER ON 15

North County photojournalist Rios dies at 84

By Laura Place ESCONDIDO

— Celebrated photographer Dan Rios, who spent decades chronicling North County for local newspapers, has died at 84.

Rios passed away at his Escondido home on Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, following a long period of illness, according to his wife of 42 years, Theresa Rios.

Recognized as an ac-

complished photojournalist and mentor in North County, Rios worked as a photographer from 1968 to 2001 for the former Escondido Times-Advocate newspaper, which became the North County Times in 1995.

Through his camera lens, Rios documented happenings in Escondido, San Marcos and other North County cities, San Diego and Mexico.

His subjects ranged from everyday scenes at parks, schools and businesses to historic events like the building of the Coronado bridge and former prime

minister Margaret Thatcher’s 1991 visit to Camp Pendleton.

Rios’s contributions to the community would continue even into retirement when he donated a massive collection of photo negatives from his time at the paper to the Special Collections department of the Cal State San Marcos library in 2018.

Coined as the Dan Rios Papers, the one-of-a-kind collection includes an estimated one million images stashed in over 40,000 envelopes between around 200 boxes.

Since then, with the

CSUSM welcomes largest freshman class

By Laura Place

SAN MARCOS — Cal

State San Marcos kicked off

the start of the 2023-24 academic year with its largest first-year class ever.

There are a record 2,766 students in this year’s freshman class of Cougars, and total enrollment is over 16,000, marking a 3% in-

Charges weighed in bus scuffle

By City News Service ESCONDIDO

— Three

14-year-old girls who attend San Pasqual High School face possible criminal charges over a dispute during which they allegedly assaulted a 64-year-old school bus driver, authorities reported Aug. 31.

The events that led to the alleged violence began about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 29, when students of the Escondido secondary school started creating a disturbance while riding the bus following the conclusion of classes for the day, according to police.

help of students, local historians and community members, library staff have been working to catalog the photos and identify the subjects they show.

As a feature writer and investigative reporter, E’Louise Ondash worked alongside Rios at the Times-Advocate/North County Times for 15 years. She said Rios was “an institution in San Diego journalism circles” with a reservoir of knowledge about San Diego County and a great sense of humor.

“One time, Dan agreed

The driver responded to the disorder by pulling over and calling his supervisor, after which the disruptive youths tried to get off the bus, police said. When the driver blocked their way by standing in the doorway, a hostile standoff ensued.

The driver eventually let the youths get off the bus, but pushed a student as she and her companions walked by, according to police. One of the girls then allegedly punched the man, knocking him to the ground, and continued attacking him with at least one of her friends joining in.

The fracas ended when a male student and a security guard moved in and pulled away the girls, who then fled, police said.

The driver reported no injuries from the scuffle.

crease since last fall, university spokesperson Brian Hiro said.

Just under 2,000 students moved into student housing in mid-August, after the university received a record number of housing applications.

The university is planning for even more growth

via a new student housing and dining complex, with construction set to kick off in early 2024 and be completed in 2026. The affordable housing complex will accommodate 600 additional residents.

CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt told employees at this year’s convocation on

Aug. 24 that student recruitment, retention and success is an important part of the university’s new strategic plan, the Power of CSUSM and the Power of Us.

“There are people populating committees across this campus, faculty and staff and students, to [make] that happen,” Neufeldt said.

Grape Day fun

Festival-goers celebrate Escondido’s rich heritage at annual event. 3

The Escondido Police Department is looking into whether to seek criminal sanctions against the students who allegedly attacked the driver, according to EPD public affairs.

The results of the investigation will be forwarded to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for possible filing of charges in juvenile court.

The names of the suspects were withheld because they are minors.

PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Rios pictured with his collection of photo negatives at his Escondido home in 2018, the year he donated the collection to the Cal State San Marcos library’s Special Collections department. Photo by Laurie Brindle

Three HS students allegedly hit driver

Photo by Samantha Nelson

‘Legacy locked into the photographs’

Caring for you and your family

Tri-City Medical Center has served our community for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County As a full-service acute care hospital with more than 500 physicians practicing in more than 60 specialties, TCMC is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our neighbors

Tri-City Medical Center’s affiliated primary care practices in the community serve hundreds of thousands of patients in our coastal region The hospital received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community

For more information on primary care services in the Tri-City Healthcare District region please contact (760) 940-7499

The Tri-City family of clinics includes

Grape Day Festival takes trip down memory lane

By Samantha Nelson ESCONDIDO

— The historic Grape Day Festival returned for another year in the heart of Grape Day Park, inspiring thousands to learn about the history of the region and get a taste of its sweet grapes.

Dozens of local vendors lined the park while historians showcased oldworld crafts like blacksmithing, lacemaking and grape-stomping while musicians and dancers provided entertainment on the festival’s central stage.

The classic Escondido festival first started in 1908 and ran until 1950. At the time, the festival attracted thousands of visitors from all over Southern California to Escondido, which was known for its sweet grapes and wine.

The festival grew so popular that it was second only to Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses.

The festival experienced a 40-year hiatus before the Escondido History Center revived the festival in 1990 and ran it until 2018. After another short break, the festival returned last year.

Robin Fox, director of the Escondido History Center, called the Grape Day Festival a fun, free “one-day history lesson” for the city.

An Escondido festival showcasing the city’s history wouldn’t be complete without classic cars on display — and time spent remembering legendary Escondido characters.

Don Martin brought in a classic Ford truck honoring Rube Nelson, who opened the city’s first big supermarket sometime in the late 1930s. He also helped found the Escondido National Bank on the southeast corner of Escondido Boulevard and West Valley Parkway.

“He was very influential in the community,” Martin said.

David Shaffer, a Branch 22 member of the National Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, recalled meeting Nelson as a young man.

He had just returned to Escondido from serving in the military and bought a piece of land in the countryside where he planned to build a house, but first he needed a $40,000 loan to do so.

Shaffer went to the bank where he met Nelson, who was highly impressed by Shaffer’s blueprints for his new home and immediately granted him the loan.

At the time, Nelson was wearing a cowboy hat and bib overalls, which stood out from the typical banker attire but was “Poor Ole Rube’s” signature outfit.

“I always liked Rube,” Shaffer said. “He was a good guy — a real character.”

Nelson died in his Escondido home in 1991. In 2021, he was named one of eight “Escondido Legends.”

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DON MARTIN presents a classic truck in honor of Rube Nelson at the historic Grape Day Festival on Sept. 9. Nelson, recently named an “Escondido Legend,” opened Escondido’s first big supermarket in the 1930s called Rube’s Country Corner.

Photo by Samantha Nelson

GRACE AND SEBASTIAN, top, learn how to make wine the traditional way by stomping on grapes at Escondido’s Grape Day Festival. Above, guitarist Melody Maker of the Silk Button Butchers performs. Photos by Samantha Nelson

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California cops’ winning summer

Things were looking negative for individual police officers and police forces in California earlier this year.

Job vacancies piled up, state Attorney General Rob Bonta seemingly launched constant brutality investigations and there was copious negative publicity about so-called capture-and-release of shoplifters and other misdemeanor suspects.

New rules also compelled most police to wear body cameras tracking almost every move they make.

All this has been fallout from the police killing of the African American George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020.

2023’s wild weather sends stark warning

By AJ van de Ven

alien.

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Send check or money order to: The Coast News, P.O. Box 232550, Encinitas, CA 92023-2550.

We are living in weird weather times.

Normal -

ly we’d be about to hit the peak of wildfire season, those dangerous months of September and October, where fuel is at its driest after a hot summer and the potential for sudden blazes is extremely high.

But things are a little different this year.

We’ve just experienced Tropical Storm Hilary, the

This was definitely unexpected, and consequently very hard to plan for.

Then there’s the spate of wildfires in Canada between May and July which covered parts of the country and the northern U.S. in eerie, toxic smoke.

Nearly 34 million acres have burned in Canada this wildfire season, an ominous record.

Certainly, the images of the sky turning orange and red above New York

Our 2023 rainfall, and the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary, may have reduced our wildfire risk temporarily.

But it increases our risk of complacency.

The Santa Ana winds can rapidly change things, too, quickly parching vegetation and creating the drier conditions in which wildfires thrive.

The truth is, we now need to be on year-round alert mode: for fires, for flooding, for snap freezes

But late summer brought a fast turnabout for law officers in many places.

Begin with recruiting bonuses and starting salaries. As vacancies stared them in the face and police response times climbed, many cities began offering large sums to new recruits who complete training and become sworn peace officers.

San Francisco now hands out $5,000 signing bonuses and has raised entry-level pay to about $108,000. Richmond police won a labor contract giving them raises of 20% over the next two years. Los Angeles police are on the verge of a new pact that will increase starting pay by 13%.

Incentives also include free gym memberships and dry cleaning for uniforms in many cities. But the richest benefits for rookie cops are coming in Alameda, whose force had vacancies in about one-third of its authorized positions just last spring.

that when a Merced officer testified he had opened containers in a motel room accidentally, while in fact they could not have opened without being deliberately unzipped, it was not automatic grounds for dismissal.

“Whether termination was an abuse of (police department discretion) should be (up to) the trial court,” Poochigian wrote. So the cop’s lying about how he came to open containers without a warrant, the judges ruled, was not necessarily grounds for dismissal.

Mere days later, a panel of the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a policeman who shot a naked man allegedly trespassing in a gym locker room was not personally liable for killing the man, but was protected by “qualified immunity,” which shields police from personal responsibility when they do not violate “clearly established law.”

The panel originally ruled last spring that circumstances of the shooting should leave the policeman liable to pay damages for the fatal shooting, but one of the original panel members resigned from the bench before that decision became final. When a George W. Bush appointee replaced that judge, the newly shaped panel first voted to vacate the original ruling, then to reverse it.

first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.

The storm brought flooding, power outages, mudslides, downed trees and high winds as the storm raged through the Baja peninsula and north to us here.

We had more rain fall here than on any other August day on record.

Just weeks earlier, we witnessed almost unimaginable devastation as fires tore through Maui, with more than 100 lives lost, families left grieving and bereft, while homes and businesses were destroyed.

It was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

The combination of extremely low rainfall and powerful winds created the conditions for this destruction, in an environment where fires of this severity are almost entirely

City in June carried menacing apocalyptic undertones.

For years we’ve been warned by scientists that our climate is changing. They’ve told us that these extreme weather events will occur more often.

And now, we can see for ourselves that it’s happening.

In the Netflix movie “Don’t Look Up,” people ignored the warnings of scientists as a comet approached that would destroy human civilization.

It was a not-veryveiled allegory for the danger of climate change, and our propensity to ignore the science if it feels inconvenient for us.

The evidence of this summer is that we can’t afford to ignore our climate crisis.

We now need to be prepared for extreme weather events at any time of year.

even in places where that has never happened before.

It’s our responsibility to keep updated on weather conditions, and to prepare the environments in which we live and work to be ready for extreme events.

We also need to let those who represent us in government know that these are things that matter to us; that we are worried about the impact of climate change, for ourselves and for our children; and that efforts to reduce that impact need to be a priority.

Our future depends on it.

A.J. van de Ven is president of Carlsbad-based smart irrigation company Calsense and a board member of the nonprofit EcoLife Conservation.

Money changed this quickly. Jobs are no longer going begging since the city council of the Oakland suburb authorized $75,000 enlistment bonuses and a base salary starting at $110,000 yearly, not including overtime.

Then came the courts. Led by judicial appointees of ex-President George W. Bush and ex-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, both federal and state courts have lately expanded police privilege. The recent decisions may eventually be reversed, but for now, they’ve handed police officers vast new license.

First came the state’s Fresno-based 5th District Court of Appeal, where a three-judge panel ruled early this fall that committing documented perjury as a sworn witness may not be enough to guarantee a cop’s firing.

The 2-1 decision authored by Presiding Justice Charles Poochigian, a former Republican state senator named to the bench by Schwarznegger, held

In both cases, dissenting judges were appointees of Democrats, and the majorities were named by Republicans. Both decisions stand a strong chance of being reversed on further appeals, the perjury result possibly by the state Supreme Court and the “qualified immunity” ruling by an 11-judge “en banc” panel of the Ninth District.

In both cases, the political leanings of the judges involved — not the facts — appeared to be major factors. Republicans voted to give police more leeway and more protection from responsibility for their actions, while Democrats voted to be tougher on them.

At least for the moment, both decisions remain on the books, giving law enforcement more legal shielding than officers had lately appeared to possess.

All of which has made the last few weeks the most relaxed time in several years for police in California.

For years we’ve been warned by scientists that our climate is changing. They’ve told us extreme weather events will occur more often. And now, we can see for ourselves that it’s happening.

Discount grocer opening in San Marcos by year’s end

By Laura Place

SAN MARCOS — Shoppers in San Marcos will have another low-price option for groceries by the end of the year as discount grocery store chain Aldi prepares to open a new location at Rancho San Marcos Village.

Residents have eagerly awaited the store’s arrival since early 2022, when it was shared that Aldi would be moving into the former Vons site at the intersection of Rancho Santa Fe Road and San Marcos Boulevard.

However, the opening has been repeatedly pushed back since the spring.

According to the San Marcos officials, the retailer is waiting for an electrical switchgear.

Aldi spokesperson Johnathan Folino said the store has no firm opening date at this point, but things are getting close.

“We are excited to confirm we are planning to open a San Marcos store in the coming months,” Folino said. “In the coming weeks,

we’ll ensure all equipment and technology are running properly and begin stocking the shelves for the Grand Opening.”

The shopping complex also contains restaurants like Eugenio Italian Ristorante, a Planet Fitness location and various business offices.

This Aldi location will be the newest of nearly 100 stores recently opened throughout California, in addition to others in Vista, Escondido, Oceanside and

SOROPTIMISTS IN IRELAND

to go to Tijuana with another reporter and me while doing a series of stories on obtaining medical care across the border,” Ondash recalled.

“He agreed to go because he had a favorite restaurant there, and he really earned his meal. He chauffeured us all over Tijuana even though we had no idea where we were going. It was hot, we had no air-conditioning, and we got lost more than once. Dan’s jokes kept us sane and laughing on what turned out to be a very long day.”

Laurie Brindle, another former Times-Advocate colleague and friend who worked in the advertising and art department from 1979 to 2012, described Rios’s warm personality and great skill.

“Dan was an amazing news photographer who had a keen eye for details and great compassion for his subjects. His huge smile, quick wit and wildly contagious laugh are what I will remember the most. And wow, could he ever tell a story,” said Brindle.

Rios grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in the Central Valley and dropped out of school in the eighth grade to labor

in the fields to help support his family. His family eventually moved to San Diego, where he worked with his father at a landscaping company.

He would come to photography by chance while enrolled in San Diego City College in his mid-20s, where he was studying English grammar and math to help increase his career prospects.

Rios found a mentor in photography teacher William Dendle, who he said taught him the important

lesson of never throwing away photo negatives — a lesson that would benefit the entire North County community when Rios eventually donated his collection.

Escondido historian Alexa Clausen was one of the individuals who first spoke with Rios about donating his collection back in 2017 and helped him sort through and organize the negatives when they were at CSU San Marcos.

Over those six years, this work brought her a

friendship with the Rioses that she greatly valued.

“Dan always had time to share many stories about his career and adventures as a newspaper photographer,” Clausen said. “The news of Dan’s passing is, of course, very sad and I will miss these exchanges. However, it’s a great comfort to know that his legacy is locked into the photographs he had taken and are safely stored at the CSUSM archives.”

Rios is also survived by his three children.

Encinitas.

“When it comes to choosing new store locations, we carefully consider several factors. Bottom line, we look for convenient locations for our customers that can support high traffic volume daily. We are happy to continue serving California shoppers with an additional location,” Folino said.

Aldi will be at 671 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road in San Marcos.

For more information, visit aldi.us.

Human trafficking gets more school awareness

By City News Service

REGION — The county Board of Supervisors approved a policy on Aug. 29 to increase of human trafficking awareness education in public schools.

As proposed by Supervisors Jim Desmond and Nora Vargas, and District Attorney Summer Stephan, the policy will apply to grades kindergarten through 12. As of now, only seventh- and eighthgrade students receive anti-trafficking training.

According to Desmond’s office, the policy will involve using more educational materials across for students, parents/guardians, school staff and teachers; support working with educational institutions, officials and the state Legislature to require enhanced human trafficking awareness education in the classroom for teachers and students; and find more funding to support on-campus human trafficking prevention programs.

According to information on the county agenda, supervisors also directed the chief administrative officer to work on a public awareness campaign that would include billboards, posters, radio, social media and outreach events. The CAO will report back to the board in 120 days with a plan and funding options.

Before the vote, Desmond said that San Diego is one of the nation’s 13 hot spots for human trafficking, and “we do not want to be in the top 13 or any of the top 100.”

Desmond said that sex trafficking generates $800 million a year to San Diego’s underground economy and there are 8,000 victims per year in the county, with average age being 16.

Desmond said that knowledge is power, and the new policy has the potential to prevent children from becoming victims.

“Our goal is to expand the work that our county education team is doing and support their efforts,” he said, thanking Vargas, Stephan and Paul Gothold, county school superintendent, for partnering with him.

“Human trafficking

doesn’t care about your income level or status or where you live,” Desmond said, adding that children are vulnerable due to their social media habits.

Speaking to the board, Stephan said that the policy timing “is absolutely appropriate,” as both the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and a local task force “have seen a trend in the wrong direction, and that trend is for more young people being trapped in human trafficking.”

Stephan said a recent study showed that 90% of San Diego high schools have documented cases of human trafficking.

Stephan added there is strong local enforcement, including Operation Better Pathways that resulted in the arrest of 48 traffickers and criminal buyers. That operation also rescued eight children and eight adults, including a 15-year-old girl “dropped off at 2 a.m. to be sold like a slice of pizza, time after time,” Stephan said.

She added that a suspect used social media to lure the female victim with promises of fame. After six months of grooming by the suspect, the girl was enslaved and abused before being reunited with her family in Arizona, Stephan said.

Stephan said that while education efforts have reached 56,000 in schools, there are 500,000 students in the county.

Vargas thanked Stephan for her efforts, adding that it’s important for young people and parents to have the tools they need to avoid danger. “This really, truly is a partnership,” said Vargas, board chairwoman.

According to a KPBS report, Desmond introduced the proposal during a Friday press conference and was accompanied by Vargas, Stephan, Gothold and Kileen Washington, a native San Diegan who shared her own trafficking ordeal that started when she was just 14.

“I was stripped from my family,” Washington said. “Sold across the country — over a dozen states in total – for over three-and a-half years.”

Members of Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland attended the Soroptimist International quadrennial International Convention in Dublin, Ireland, the last week of July. From left, Jennifer Luz-Olson, Thoralinda Soyland, Karen Thompson, Runa Gunnars, Elizabeth Freed and Sherry Luz. Courtesy photo

ALDI is opening at 671 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road at the Rancho San Marcos Village shopping plaza. Stock photo

DAN RIOS and his wife, Theresa, are shown last year looking over some of the materials he donated to Cal State San Marcos. With the help of students and others, library staff have been working to catalog the photos. Photo by Jamie Higgins

RIOS CONTINUED FROM FRONT

This weekend’s Encinitas Beach Run helps water safety nonprofit

By Staff

ENCINITAS — One of North County's iconic beaches this month will serve as the backdrop for the Encinitas Beach Run, a family-friendly race, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Encinitas Lifesaving Association, a local nonprofit promoting water safety

awareness. The Encinitas Beach Run is set to take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Moonlight Beach, offering participants a choice of competing in 5K, 10K or Kids K races entirely on hardpacked sand.

The races start at the giant palm tree near the J

Street overlook, head north to Athena Street and back again to complete a 3.1-mile (or 5K) loop.

Encinitas Lifesaving Association is the nonprofit arm of the Encinitas Ocean Lifeguards and promotes water safety awareness, provides learn-to-swim programs for youth in underserved com-

munities, and supports professional education in open water lifesaving standards.

The event, formerly the Moonlight Beach Fun Run, is presented by Excelarace, an Encinitas-based event management company that also hosts the Thanksgiving Encinitas Turkey Trot and next year’s Moonlight Beach

Half Marathon. The Encinitas Run Club is the official run club partner of the event. The club meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a 3.8-mile run or walk, meeting up at Culture Brewing on Highway 101 and heading to the beach.

For more information, visit them on Instagram at

Who’s NEWS?

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

ELECTIONS

Oceanside Deputy Mayor Ryan Keim officially announced his plan to run for mayor in 2024.

COAST TO CREST

The state is providing $1.4 million to complete the one-mile Osuna Segment of the Coast to Crest Trail in the San Dieguito River Park.

RAIL SAFETY

The North County Transit District Board of Directors unanimously adopted September as Rail Safety Month to educate the public about dangerous behaviors

around railroad tracks.

DEAN’S LIST

The following students made the summer dean’s list at their respective universities: James Singer of Rancho Santa Fe at the University of Alabama; and Michelle Huerta of Carlsbad, Mechelle Head of Vista, Steven Epperson of San Marcos, Meredith Creteau of Encinitas and Joshua Morris, Brynn Savage, Sheila Gue and Robert Lesniak of Oceanside at Southern New Hampshire University.

PRESIDENT’S LIST

The following students made the summer president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University: Westin Erdman of Escondido, Jacqueline Kessel of Rancho Santa Fe, Daniel Morse of San Marcos, Breanna Jones and Yvonne Shell of Vista, Rachel Irons and Skyla Nelson of Carlsbad, and Daniel Peck, Bet-

JOIN THE VISTA SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT SENIOR VOLUNTEER

The Senior Volunteer Patrol of the Vista Sheriff’s Station performs home vacation security checks, assists with traffic control, enforces disabled parking regulations, patrols neighborhoods, schools, parks and shopping centers and visits homebound seniors who live alone for the community of Vista & portions of the county’s unincorporated areas. Volunteers must be at least age 50, be in good health, pass a background check, have auto insurance, a valid California driver’s license, and be a US citizen. Training includes a mandatory two-week academy plus training patrols. The minimum commitment is 6 hours per week & attendance at a monthly meeting. erested parties should contact Administrator Jim Baynes to arrange an information meeting.

(760) 940-4434 Jim Baynes

ty Santiago, Reuel Wilson, Briana Kennedy, Freesia Farris, Hengameh Bahadori, Kyle Campbell, Carter High and Jose Garza of Oceanside.

SUMMER GRADUATES

Lauren Hervey of Del Mar and Presley Simo of Carlsbad graduated from the University of Alabama over the summer.

NEW STUDENT

Alfonso Young of Del Mar has enrolled as part of the class of 2027 at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

NEW BOOK

Oceanside author Teresa Kokke has published her new novel, “Yes, Milord,” through RoseDog Books.

TEACHER ARTWORK

The Poway Center for the Performing Arts is showcasing artwork by Soudabeh Memarzadeh, a teacher at Del Lago Academy in Es-

condido, in the “Miniscapes: Exploring Nature’s Details with Watercolor, Ink, Mixed Media and Markers” exhibit through Sept. 24.

LIGHTHOUSE AWARDS

The Escondido Union High School District has announced recipients of the 2023 Lighthouse Awards, which are given each year to faculty who go above and beyond their daily work. This year’s recipients are Sabrina Green, humanities teacher at Del Lago Academy; Desiree Victoria, accounts clerk at the District Service Center; Jesus Gonzalez, ESL teacher at the Escondido Adult School; Enrique Cardon, special education teacher at Escondido High School; Carlos Tirado, printing equipment operator at Orange Glen High School; Oscar Vera, lead campus security at San Pasqual High School; and Monica Lee, RTP teacher at Valley High School.

HWAC’s Remember Me Thursday set for Sept. 28

By Staff RANCHO SANTA FE

— Actors and humanitarians Andie MacDowell and daughter Rainey Qualley have taken the lead as the 2023 Spokes-Team for the 11th annual Remember Me Thursday on Sept. 28.

Observed each year on the fourth Thursday in September, the campaign has garnered an esteemed group of celebrities who join with animal welfare organizations and other animal proponents to become an unstoppable, integrated online voice advocating for orphan pets.

Helen Woodward Animal Center representatives met both celebrities at the Hollywood Beauty Awards

last March. The center was there as the beneficiary of the prestigious event and brought orphan puppies as Red Carpet “CorresPAWndents.”

Qualley immediately fell in love with a furry center orphan schnauzer-blend and has since adopted the dog she named Arlo.

Recently, Qualley visited Helen Woodward Animal Center to record a PSA for the upcoming campaign and to tour the facility. Both MacDowell and Qualley will champion social media posts to encourage their many followers to echo their posts of support for animal adoption on Remember Me Thursday.

More information at animalcenter.org.

@encinitasrunclub. The Encinitas Beach Run is sponsored by Hudson SafeTLite, Gaspar Doctors of Physical Therapy, Carlsbad Jewelry, Herman Cook VW, The Coast News, Brews Up, Road Runner Sports, Foggy Bay Photos and SPY+. Register at encinitasbeachrun.com.

Losing sales under mountain of books ask mr. marketing rob

Years ago, my bride and I wandered through a Massachusetts antiques shop. A sign suggested, “If it doesn’t say NFS (not for sale), make me an offer.”

The store was the owner’s hobby, and I scored an awesome typewriter for $12.

This memory prompted me into an old bookstore in Nyack, New York. Books of every type touched the ceiling. Finding something appealing at eye level, I suspected reaching for it would cause mountains of printed matter to collapse upon me.

If a mouse ran through there, he’d probably break a leg.

Tucking in my arms, I inched my way through the aisles fearing I’d knock over everything. Books were casually “organized,” with baby nutrition books in the children’s section and “Murder on the Orient Express” in travel.

Seeing no method to the madness, I sadly retreated. There were potentially some gems in there somewhere, but my time and patience were short, and I opted to move on.

The older gent at the desk never acknowledged me. As my companions awaited my return, I marveled at the jumbled disorganization, decided shopping there wasn’t worth the hassle and left empty-handed.

Meaning: Walk-in customer + disinterested management + disorganized inventory = disgusted customer + lost sale.

Obviously, it didn’t have to be this way. Had the own-

er said anything or the books been remotely accessible, I’d have probably bought a few things. I love old shops and strongly believe in supporting small businesses.

And I’d walked in, for heaven’s sake. Obviously, I was interested.

Yet it felt like selling was an afterthought for this man. Perhaps the place was a hobby for him, too. Still, considering the rent, light, inventory and other ancillary costs, it struck me as a pricey diversion.

Regardless of what you sell, you’re probably trying to make money. And taking time to consider the buying experience from the customer’s perspective can go a long way to helping you achieve your objective.

It could be as simple as saying hello when someone walks in the door. Or making it easy to sort through your merchandise. Or both.

But making it overly challenging or uncomfortable guarantees you’ll chase away customers and, regardless of your original goals, you could easily end up with an expensive pastime on your hands.

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

Get organized at marketbuilding.com.

ACTORS Andie MacDowell and daughter Rainey Qualley are spokeswomen for this year’s Remember Me Thursday, a campaign to advocate for orphan pets. Courtesy photo

AMONG THOSE honored with Lighthouse Awards, presented by Escondido Union High School District, are Escondido Adult School ESL teacher Jesus Gonzales, flanked by Assistant Superintendent Amanda Phillips, left, Adult School Principal Stacey Adame and Superintendent Jon Petersen, and Sabrina Green, a humanities teacher at Del Lago Academy Courtesy photos

North County teen takes sustainable food campaign to D.C.

By Abigail Sourwine ENCINITAS — Mi-

chael Christensen is entering his senior year at La Costa Canyon High School, which, for him, marks 12 years of underwhelming public school lunches.

He’s grown accustomed to pepperoni pizza with small amounts of meat and cheese that is sometimes burnt. For plant-based options, his school offers a bun that he can only describe as a hard square of compressed wheat.

“It’s not great quality food,” the Encinitas resident said. “Not in terms of nutrition or in terms of even taste.”

Having experienced food insecurity when he was younger, Michael wanted to see public access to food that is higher quality, more sustainable and more inclusive. Last year, he started talking with the school’s principal and nutritional programs about his concerns. As he got more into it, he found he wasn’t alone.

The Youth Steering Committee at the Healthy Future Students & Earth Coalition is a group of about a dozen young people across America working to advance their federal bill on plant-based school food, push for inclusion of plantbased food policies in federal programs and shift U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines to support plant-

based food and plant-based milks, program coordinator Chelsea Velez said.

“You hear about how dairy and meat industry lobbyists are trying to change the laws to favor their industries, but you don't really realize the extent unless you look at the law systems in place and

Tri-City Medical gets $33.2M loan from state

By Staff OCEANSIDE

— TriCity Medical Center will receive a $33.2 million, no-interest loan through the state’s Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which was established earlier this year to assist hospitals across the state that are having financial problems.

The program, established through Assembly Bill 112, offers interest-free, working capital loans to nonprofit and publicly operated, financially distressed hospitals, including facilities that belong to integrated healthcare systems with less than three separately licensed hospital facilities.

Recipient hospitals are expected to repay the loans over a 72-month period, with an initial 18-month grace period at the beginning of the loan term. The program will end on Dec. 31, 2031.

The Distressed Hospital Loan Program is providing about $300 million to 17 different health care facilities across California. Tri-City is receiving the largest loan amount among all of the program’s recipients.

“Tri-City Medical Center and the services it provides are hugely important to North San Diego County residents,” said state Sen. Catherine Blakespear. “The medical center is a community resource, and this loan will help it weather its

the policies in place,” Christensen said.

For example, USDA guidelines on school lunches do not limit red meat and processed meat despite studies showing heavy

meat consumption can be unhealthy. The USDA also changed its standards in 2018 to allow schools to serve more sodium and flavored milk, reversing some of the changes from the Obama-era Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.

The Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act would establish a pilot grant program for school districts to provide plant-based food and milk options.

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) introduced the act in 2021, but it stalled. Velázquez and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the act in May.

Christensen and the rest of the committee went to Washington, D.C., in July to advocate for the act and hold meetings with USDA officials, members of Congress and even the executive office of the president. They also met with Bowman to thank him for helping introduce the bill.

“They were very grateful for our work, not only specifically for what we're trying to promote here, but also for getting involved in government at a young age,” Christensen said.

He said it’s refreshing to be around the YSC because they all understand the importance of adding

sustainable school food options. Some have been impacted by food insecurity, health issues and houselessness, Velez said. Working together, they’ve been able to see an impact.

Last year, the YSC held the first youth-focused, plant-based listening ses-

collaboration plus time to test them in small batches.

“I’m not unaware of or ignoring the limitations in terms of budget or supplies or anything like that of the nutrition services,” Christensen said.

“I know that they're working really hard, and I appreciate what they do. … My goal is just to keep working with them and keep improving the system, keep trying to implement healthier, sustainable and all around just better plantbased options in school menus.”

Christensen is workshopping plant-based meals with local chefs and coordinating with principals and kitchen staff. He says his work involves a lot of emails.

Michael Christensen

On public school lunches

sion with the USDA to advocate for opportunities for youth input at the USDA. This year, they continued that work and organized 39 youth-led legislative meetings, Velez said.

At the local level, progress can be difficult. Local schools and districts can have small budgets for food programs, and introducing new meals involves a lot of

His dreams aren’t too lofty. He said he’d like to see something like bruschetta or some good soups at lunch because they’re healthy and cost-effective.

“Plant-based food is not just an environmental thing, it’s our right to have healthy, allergy alternative, religious, cultural and nutritional choices for every one of us,” Christensen said. “Food is important to everyone; it plays an important cultural role in society. By moving in this direction, we are including everyone.”

current storm and get its finances back on sound footing.”

According to Blakespear, Tri-City Medical Center has taken “significant steps to address its current financial troubles,” including suspending the hospital’s labor and delivery department due to low usage. Increases in labor and supply costs have also hurt the hospital’s budget.

“We recognize the financial difficulties we’ve faced, and we’re taking proactive measures to ensure our hospital’s sustainability,” said Dr. Gene Ma, president and CEO of the hospital. “This loan will play a pivotal role in enhancing our ability to maintain high-quality health care services for our patients.”

Tri-City Medical Center has a long-standing history of serving the North San Diego County cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad and Vista. According to officials, the loan will help the hospital adapt to changing circumstances while upholding its commitment to patient care.

“We remain focused on implementing strategies that will allow us to navigate these financial challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” Ma said. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the state of California for demonstrating unwavering confidence in our turnaround plan.”

Handel’s: Crafting Irresistible Ice Cream, One Batch at a Time!

In the summer heat of 1945, Alice Handel created the sweetest of legacies in Youngstown, Ohio. Using fresh fruit from her backyard garden and her own personal recipes, Alice lovingly made ice cream that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Handel’s, and a commitment to quality, was born.

To this day, Handel’s upholds the traditions Alice started all those years ago. From making each batch fresh daily to using her original methods and recipes, we’re still sharing our homemade ice cream and serving the communities we love so much one scoop at a time.

Celebrating 78 sweet years in the biz! Handel’s has been serving up the ice cream, one delicious batch at a time, for nearly eight decades and finally with a new location here in San Marcos! Quality ingredients, unbeatable flavors, and a commitment to the community that’s as strong as their love for ice cream.

What does your business do? Best Ice Cream on the Planet.

What services and/or specialty products do you provide?

Homemade Ice Cream, sundaes, shakes, hurricanes, etc.

What sets you apart from others in your industry? We make our ice cream the same way for the last 78 years, one batch at a time everyday in our stores. We only use the best

ingredients and never skimp.

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

What’s your favorite flavor

What is your favorite business success story?

We are where the community gathers after sporting events,

with their friends and family or for the amazing ice cream. We continue to grow in sales year over year.

What motivated you to join The San Marcos Chamber?

As someone doing business in San Marcos, what are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Chamber?

We like to say, “Communities are happiest at Handel’s” the chamber is all about the community and so are we. We sponsor high school sports and try to attend as many local events as possible.

What’s your best piece of business advice?

Our ice cream is amazing, and our service must be better than our ice cream.

Business website: https://handelsicecream.com/ store/san-marcos/

Business Instagram handle: @HANDELSSANMARCOS

Business Facebook page: https://handelsicecream.com/ store/san-marcos/

MICHAEL CHRISTENSEN, a senior at La Costa Canyon High School, shown at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., in July. Courtesy photo

It’s not great quality food. Not in terms of nutrition or in terms of even taste.”

KEITH KESLER, Owner, Handels Ice Cream San Marcos. Courtesy photo

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In the desert, Perseid meteor shower a hot ticket

hit the road

There aren’t a lot of smart reasons for visiting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in August. In fact, most of the campgrounds are closed between June 1 and Sept. 30 because it’s just too darn hot. But this year, we had a valid reason to head to the desert at the peak of summer: to see the Perseid meteor shower.

This annual heavenly phenomenon is so named because it appears in the northeast sky in the general area of the constellation Perseus, and highest activity occurs mid-August.

This year, the viewing of the meteor shower was to be extra special on the night of Aug. 12 because the sky would be moonless until about 4 a.m. Aug. 13. That, and my grandson’s interest in astrophysics, was enough to lure us to one of the hottest places in the country, and we lucked out.

Temperatures the previous week had hit 110-plus degrees; on the Saturday we arrived, it was only 102 degrees, with a promised middle-of-the-night temperature in the mid-70s.

We didn’t know it at the

time, but making hotel reservations early was fortuitous. “We are sold out,” the desk clerk at the Borrego Springs Resort and Spa told us at check-in. “Usually at this time, we are at about 50 to 60 percent, but with all the publicity about how good the meteor shower is going to be this year, we are at 100 percent.”

Borrego Springs also is a designated Dark Sky Community, so unlike the coast, there is little ambient light. Also, it’s a great big desert out there, so it’s easy to find solitude.

We set our alarms for 12:30 a.m., piled in the car with snacks and drinks, and headed for the nearby spot on the dead-end road that

SD Air & Space Museum opens Moon Base for hands-on learning

By City News Service REGION — Space explorers of all ages can now head to the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park to experience Moon Base San Diego, an activity and education center, museum officials announced last week.

“Moon Base San Diego is a one-of-a-kind experience offering explorers of all ages the opportunity to learn what it takes to live, learn and perform experiments on the moon without ever leaving planet Earth,” museum President and CEO Jim Kidrick said.

“We re-imagined Moon Base San Diego to make it interactive, educational, and most importantly fun for adventurers seeking a truly unique and immersive experience right here in their own backyard.”

Moon Base San Diego “immerses families in life on the moon with living quarters and a lunar surface they can experience and explore,” museum officials said.

Children can visit a NASA lunar lander capsule, taking on the roles of pilot and astronaut. In the center of the room, children of all ages can sit and interact around tables teeming with interactive learning materials.

Other areas of interest include a book nook, desk space and a moon habitat.

The exhibit was made

possible by donations from the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation and Las Patronas.

Moon Base San Diego is included with general admission to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, which is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and also is home to the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

Report: Tourism jobs offer economic mobility

REGION — A study of tourism jobs in San Diego’s economy released Aug. 29 found many provide “good pay and versatility of employment opportunities,’’ despite what the study’s authors say is an assumption that these jobs are low-wage.

The report, penned by the San Diego Tourism Authority and the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center, found the range of jobs provide significant social and economic mobility, as more than 70% of jobs in the industry do not require a college degree.

“San Diego’s tourism industry is a powerful engine driving economic and social progress,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. “As the industry flourishes throughout our

region, San Diego residents benefit from the direct and indirect spending by visitors. The authors interviewed more than 500 people in the region.

Tourism Economics estimates there are more than 13,000 tourism job openings in the San Diego region. Slightly more than half of 214,000 total tourism jobs fall within the leisure and hospitality segment. The remaining positions range from finance, information technology, legal services and more.

Direct tourism jobs in the city of San Diego boast an average hourly wage of $28, and adding in indirect tourism jobs, workers in the industry command $32 per hour, the authors write.

“The tourism industry is vital to San Diego’s economy, and to the lives of the residents working in the 214,000 jobs it provides,” said Daniel Enemark, chief economist at the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center. “This report dispels unfair myths about the industry, showing the large number of high-quality tourism jobs.

“It also reveals worker’s priorities and insights for further improving those jobs and attracting future workers,” he said.

In 2022, the tourism industry in the region generated $22 billion.

we had scoped out earlier while the sun still shone. We parked the car, pulled out our reclining beach chairs, looked skyward and waited for our eyes to acclimate.

I was surprised to find that it really does take 20 minutes and 30 minutes to develop “night eyes.” As the moments passed, more and more of the nighttime cano-

py appeared, with the number of visible stars, planets and satellites increasing by the minute.

Gazing at the inky sky with its millions of pinpoints of light — some pulsating (stars) and some steady (planets) — provided, at once, an understanding of the vastness of the universe and how we can’t

possibly understand the vastness of the universe.

I tried to picture the four of us riding this Big Blue Marble through the asteroid debris field and the celestial meadow of planets, stars, moons, comets, black holes and other astrological phenomenon that I’ve only seen in photos.

We saw a couple of dozen meteors streaking above Anza-Borrego (I know people who said they saw up to 60), and it was impossible to quell the reflex that prompted us to say, “There goes another one!” each time it happened.

My son and grandson stayed busy learning how to photograph the nighttime sky. It’s impossible to photograph a meteor unless you just happen to have the lens open and pointed in the exact location, but their cameras captured stars and galaxies that we couldn’t see with the naked eye.

Just after 4 a.m., a magnificent, glowing, sliver-of-a-moon appeared on the horizon and began ascending, blotting out the low-hanging stars. I was surprised at how much light could radiate from even this small slice. It was the bonus that capped off our perfect summer night in the desert.

Peak viewing of the 2024 Perseid meteor shower will occur from Aug. 11 to Aug. 13.

For more, visit www. facebook.com/elouise.ondash.

THE PERSEID meteor shower, as seen at Joshua Tree National Park in an undated photo. Peak viewing of the 2024 Perseid meteor shower will be Aug. 11 to Aug. 13. Stock image

MONARCH TIME OF YEAR

jano’s garden

jano nightingale

When I was 12 years old, I spent a summer with my family at a small cottage on the shore of Lake Michigan, just an hour north of Milwaukee.

The location was private, and we were lucky to have the lake just 20 feet in front of our house and a small Audubon Preserve located on the dirt road behind the cottage.

While my dad and I were walking up the onemile road, we noticed activity outside the small building that we always thought was a deserted shed on the Audubon property.

My dad, in his usual neighborly manner, waved at the group and we introduced ourselves as one of the summer cottage families.

They explained that they were students at the University of Wisconsin Department of Horticulture and were staying at the camp (as they called it) to study the migration of the monarch butterfly.

Their summer job was

to locate, record and tag the migrating butterflies. Nearly a teenager, I couldn’t imagine anything quite as boring as sleeping in a shed to study butterflies, but my dad thought the whole process was fascinating.

He watched with great interest as they showed him the small stickers to be placed on the butterflies’ wings and the record-keeping methods written about each butterfly.

The butterflies that we were seeing in Wisconsin had traveled from Canada headed to their destination in Mexico.

My dad was hooked, said he would love to help and he was hired as their first volunteer!

We became part of the great “Monarch Watch,” even back in 1960, and little did I know that decades later, I too would be assisting in the preservation of this amazing species.

HOW CAN WE HELP THE WESTERN MONARCH?

Each year monarchs congregate in colonies along the California coasts. Although not as well known as the colonies in Mexico, the overwintering grounds of the western monarch population are also critical for their survival and monitored each year by volunteers for the Xerces Society.

The Thanksgiving

counts are performed each year in the fall after monarchs have returned from their breeding grounds.

Over 300 sites are regularly counted and over 100 volunteers participate each year. To volunteer and assist in the monitoring of the western monarch, visit www. westernmonarchcount.org.

MONARCH WATCH

There are many organizations, such as the Xerces Society, that make it their mission to save and preserve the existing monarch population.

“Given the great numbers of monarchs (up to 100 million) that gather to migrate each fall, it is hard to imagine them facing any threat of extinction. In reality, however, monarchs and their amazing annual migration are seriously threatened by human activities, in both their summer and overwin-

tering sites. Many of these threatening activities hinge on the destruction of good monarch habits,” according to the Xerces Society newsletter.

COLLECTING AND GROWING MONARCHS

If you and your family and friends wish to enlarge and preserve the population of western monarchs, you can help by gathering the larvae of the female butterfly that has been laying eggs for the past few weeks in North County. We all see these lovely creatures darting through our butterfly gardens, and Monarch Watch at www. monarchwatch.org has given us full-page instructions for the growth and preservation of these lovely creatures. Here is how to start.

MONARCH HABITAT Find a clean, gallon

3 Escondido residents killed in Palm Springs crash

By City News Service ESCONDIDO — Authorities have identified three Escondido residents who were killed in a three-vehicle collision over Labor Day weekend that might have been caused by dusty conditions and poor visibility in Palm Springs.

The Riverside County coroner's office identified them on Monday, Sept. 4, as 32-year-old Yovani Aguilera Tapia, and 29-yearolds David Losacco and Millicent Lewis.

“As we prioritize the well-being of those injured and extend our support to the affected families during this challenging time, we remind all drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safe driving practices, especially when faced with adverse weather conditions,’’ the Palm Springs Police Department wrote in a statement.

Police said officers responded at 2:48 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, to a report of a three-vehicle collision on North Gene Autry Trail between Salvia Road and Via Escuela in the wash area.

Two vehicles traveling north on Gene Autry slowed down due to “blowing sand,” but a third vehicle “failed to slow down, resulting in a rear-end collision with one of the vehicles,” police said.

The driver and the two rear passengers in one of

the vehicles were fatally injured, according to police.

The other people involved in the wreck suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital, police said. Investigators do not suspect that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

Man, 21, suspected of DUI in fatal crash

ESCONDIDO — A 21-year-old Escondido man was arrested Sept. 10 on suspicion of driving under the influence after crashing his car into an SUV, killing a person.

The accident occurred at 5:30 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 805 in San Ysidro, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver who allegedly caused the accident was in a northbound Volkswagen coupe when he rear ended a 58-year-old Tijuana man in a Honda SUV.

The victim died from his injuries, but it was not determined whether he was taken to a hospital or died at the scene.

The surviving driver was taken to a hospital for unspecified injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, the CHP confirmed.

Both the driver and victim’s identities were not immediately available.

Authorities encour-

aged anyone with information related to the accident to contact the California Highway Patrol at 858293-6000.

Driver killed in crash near Vista courthouse

VISTA — A man possibly in the throes of a medical crisis was fatally injured early Sept. 8 when the car he was driving crashed into a traffic signal in front of Vista Courthouse, authorities reported.

The silver Mercedes-Benz veered off the roadway and hit the light

pole in the 300 block of South Melrose Drive about 12:30 a.m., according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Paramedics took the motorist to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Sgt. Eric Cottrell said.

The victim’s name was withheld pending family notification.

Preliminary evidence indicated that the driver lost control of the car due to a medical emergency, sheriff’s Lt. Matthew Carpenter said.

tach themselves with silken thread. They drop their larval skin and create the hard shell of a chrysalis.

Adults emerge in 10-14 days. This process is amazing to watch and usually happens in the morning. Allow the emerging butterfly to dry, and keep in the cage for 24 hours before releasing. Please remember this is a small-scale home garden project and not meant for the sale or mass production of butterflies. Contact Monarch Watch or call them for details and supplies at 785864-4441.

To take part in the Western Monarch Count in November, contact www. westernmonarchcount.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD

glass container with a lid. Poke holes in the lid and fill the container with milkweed leaves. Gently place your green caterpillar in the jar on a branch.

Once these larvae emerge, they will need fresh milkweed leaves every day. Simply harvest fresh leaves from the branches of your garden plant each day.

You will be surprised at how much the little critters eat — and poop! So, the jar must be emptied each morning.

From then on, the budding scientists can watch as the larvae eat their way through jars full of leaves each day. As the larvae become larger, they will need to be moved to larger glass containers.

THE FINAL PHASE

When larvae are ready to pupate, they crawl to the top of the cage and at-

MONARCH LOVERS

Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring a butterfly garden at the Village Rock Shop at 2690 State Street in Carlsbad Village. There, owner Xenia Mateiu and her gardener, Chris Bany, have been planting butterfly plant material and creating a monarch butterfly project for over three years.

For a look at their butterfly project, visit the shop, open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Carlsbad librarian Cathleen Baxter was also helpful in sharing her many years of experience with raising monarchs at her home in Carlsbad. Call the library at 442-339-2049 to find books about monarchs and talk to Cathleen in the Children’s Library.

Jano Nightingale is a Master Gardener and horticulturist. Contact her at janosgarden@gmail.com

A MONARCH BUTTERFLY emerges from the hard shell of the chrysalis. Stock image

Carlsbad’s Pollos Maria closes after 38 years

By Steve Puterski CARLSBAD

A wave of local support for Pollos Maria was overwhelming as the popular Mexican restaurant closed its doors on Sept. 4 in Carlsbad.

—

Janice Davies, who owns the Mexican restaurant, said the past several days saw lines from 9 a.m.9 p.m. as residents came to say their goodbyes after she announced the restaurant was closing. Davies said the property owners gave them notice 60 days ago and are in escrow for selling the property.

The iconic restaurant was opened in September 1985 by cousins Marie Davies and Carmen Gastelum,

Tips sought in 2 burglaries at ice cream shop

By City News Service

SAN MARCOS — Authorities reached out to the public last week for help identifying and locating a pair of thieves who burglarized a San Marcos dessert shop twice over a three-day period.

The men managed to open a combination-operated lockbox to enter the Baskin-Robbins store in the 700 block of Nordahl Road shortly before 12:30 a.m. July 14, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Once inside, they damaged the business security system and stole about $120 in cash before fleeing.

On July 17, the same burglars shattered a glass front door at the ice cream and cake shop to gain entry, then took apart a safe and stole roughly $1,500 in cash, sheriff’s Detective Paul Brown said.

Damage to the safe was estimated at about $2,500.

A security camera inside the store captured images of the thieves.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-5808477 or contact the agency online at sdcrimestoppers. org.

Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Say to our advertisers by visiting them and doing business with them. They make this publication possible.

(and be sure to tell them you saw their ad in the Inland Edition)

a pair of single mothers whose secret recipe for broiled chicken was an instant hit, quickly establishing the restaurant as a go-to spot in Carlsbad.

Now the restaurant is gone, but Janice Davies, Marie’s daughter, still operates a second location in Oceanside at 125 Old Grove Road, which celebrated its 18th anniversary on Labor Day. Janice Davies said she will re-launch their catering business targeting Carlsbad in October.

“My mom and aunt shook hands,” Janice Davies said about the original business arrangement. “Nobody wants to shake hands anymore.”

Davies said her mother and aunt started the restaurant to be social and hold community events. Its suc-

cess was the product of community-focused service work and helping the homeless. Gastelum passed away in

February 2022. Marie Davies, now retired, turns 91 in October.

“I can’t believe the community support the last two weeks, honestly. It was so emotional,” Janice Davies said. “The other restaurants in town rallying around us. Señor Grubby’s, especially, said they would help us do whatever we need to do.”

A potential sale emerged several months earlier, and the deal is moving forward, with Pollos Maria transitioning to its Oceanside location.

As for the prospect of opening a new location in Carlsbad, Janice Davies said her team is focused on getting through their current situation before evaluating

That’s the power

to help prevent wildfires.

the next steps.

“It’s been very emotional and challenging,” Janice Davies said. “There are many moving parts in running a business, and unfortunately, those moving parts have been in place for 38 years, making it a little more challenging.”

Over the last 48 hours, Janice Davies said the restaurant has been filled with old friends coming to say goodbye. Customers, residents and friends also commented on social media about the closing and sharing memories.

“A heartfelt thank you to those patrons who came through those doors,” Janice Davies said.

as a last resort. Because there’s nothing more important to us than keeping you safe. Once the weather improves, we’ll work quickly and safely to restore power to affected communities. Learn more about PSPS at sdge.com/psps.

EVENTS CALENDAR

SEPT. 15

FAN HALEN

“The World’s Most Authentic Tribute to Van Halen” sets the stage for a night with Dave, Eddie, Alex and Michael with a true-to-life tribute. $18, 9 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

MÚSICA EN LA PLAZA

Catch Grupo Bella at this Friday's Música en la Plaza. The event is free with $60 VIP tickets including a Mexican buffet. 7:30 p.m. at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido.

ROSH HASHANA DINNER

Join the center to welcome the Jewish New Year with a Rosh Hashana mea. 7:30 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Center Oceanside/Vista, 1930 Sunset Dr, Vista.

STREET LEVEL VOL 1.4

Join OMA for Street Level Vol. 1.4: Surfsiders featuring sensational surf band The Tourmaliners and vocalist Celeste Barbier. $10, members free with a personalized member code.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside.

‘THE SAVOYARD MURDERS’

Roustabouts Theatre Company presents “The Savoyard Murders.”

$45, thru Sept. 30 at Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego.

‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical” is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the power of imagination. Tickets $18-$30 through Sept. 17 at Star Theatre Co., 402 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

MARI BLACK

Multi-style violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black delights audiences around the world with her virtuosic fiddling. $15-$18,

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Templars Hall, Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway.

CHAMBER GOLF TOURNEY

The Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Third annual Chamber Challenge Cup Golf Tournament. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. $150 per person, Team of 4 $550. The Vineyard Escondido, 925 San Pasqual Rd, Escondido.

FREE MOVIE NIGHT

Join Village Church for a special showing of “The Little Mermaid.” Children and teens must be accompanied by adults. 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Village Community Presbyterian Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe.

SEPT. 16

VISTA VIKING FESTIVAL

California’s premiere Viking and Nordic heritage event is moving two miles down the road to the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. Adults $25, Youth $10, and Child $5. Kids under 5 free. 10 a.m. Sept. 16 & Sept. 17 at Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista.

SOLAR DISCOVERY DAY Baker Home Energy

is hosting a solar and battery discovery day to help community members learn more about clean energy choices. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at Baker Home Energy, 2120 Harmony Grove Rd, Escondido.

‘A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE’

Author Vanessa Wilkie of The Huntington discusses and signs her new book, “A Woman of Influence.” 1 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 1040 N El Camino Real, Encinitas.

OZOMATLI

Since forming in 1995, the lineup’s collaborative, energetic blend of multi-cultural music and activism has earned the band three Grammys, four Hollywood Bowl shows, a TED Talk and much more. $35, 9 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

UKRAINE CULTURE & ART

Enjoy Ukrainian dance performances, songs and a Ukrainian artwork exhibition. 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Escondido Public Library, 239 S Kalmia St, Escondido.

THE DNA GROUP DNA expert Dr. Kathryn Johnston will present remotely, “What’s new in crossover recombination and why it is so important?”

Free, registration necessary only for virtual attendees at nsdcgs.org. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad.

SDVAN/SYNERGY 20 YEARS

The Synergy Arts Foundation and San Diego Visual Arts Network anniversary celebration will include art, dancing, live music, a silent auction, food and more. $50, 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 16 at Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego North, 1550 S El Camino Real, Encinitas.

CARDIFF FARMERS MKT

Join us for the new Cardiff Farmers Market every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MiraCosta San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave, Encinitas.

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Labrador Rescuers of San Diego invites all to its biggest fundraising event of the year. Tickets include apps, drinks, a three-course meal and more. $200, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Westin Carlsbad, 5480 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.

SEPT. 17

SUNSHINE SOIREE BY SEA

Oceanside Theatre Company will host an afternoon of entertainment, food

and celebration by the sea at the Mission Pacific resort. $150, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at Mission Pacific Resort, 201 N Myers St, Oceanside.

ENCINITAS BEACH RUN

Join us for the annual Encinitas Beach Run 10K, 5K and Kids K races to benefit Encinitas Lifesaving Association. 10K ($72), 5K ($62) and kids ages 10-17 ($45). 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at Moonlight Beach, 398 B St, Encinitas.

...A SENSE OF PLACE...

PHES Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for our newest exhibition, featuring local artists Bruce Dean, Paul Henry, Bridget Rountree and Susan Savory. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 at PHES Gallery, 2633 State St, Carlsbad.

JAZZ EVENSONG

Traditional Anglican evensong combined with the best of contemporary American jazz, free and open to the public in downtown Carlsbad Village. 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at St. Michael’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad.

SEPT. 18

THE MONKEES

Micky Dolenz, the last surviving original member

of the legendary ’60s group The Monkees is set to grace the Belly Up stage. $95, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

OAK TREE DEMOCRATS

Oak Tree Democrats will host Kesha Spoor at their hybrid meeting for a presentation on Coastal Roots Farm. 6:30 p.m. at Enzo's BBQ Ale House, 4141 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside.

JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE

Jim Curry returns to North Coast Repertory Theatre to perform the music of the late John Denver. $42, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 18 & 2 p.m. on Sept. 19 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach.

SEPT. 19

CHESS GAMES FOR 50+

Meet in Room 15 in the North Wing every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for casual games of chess. All skill levels welcome, participants must be 50 and over. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave, Carlsbad.

BEBEL GILBERTO

Four-time Grammy nominee Bebel Gilberto released her most heartfelt and personal album last month, entitled João. $38, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

TASTE OF ENCINITAS

Experience the 34rd annual Taste of Encinitas featuring a number of local restaurants. Attendees can sample wine and beer at Sip Stops and enjoy a variety of live music. $45, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Downtown Encinitas, 1403 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.

FOOD 4 KIDS: BACKPACKS

Volunteers to fill backpacks with nutritious foods for local elementary school students living in poverty. 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at North

VISTA VIKING FESTIVAL awaits this weekend, Sept. 16-17, at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. File photo

Educational Opportunities

Back to School with Music!

By Amber Flynn

“One of the most beautiful things we can give our children is music education.” — Gloria

Estefan

Everyone loves and enjoys music. Whether listening, playing, or singing, we understand the gift that music brings personally and global. Consider adding music education to your schedule by finding a local music school and enrolling in a group or private music education.

Here are a few benefits that are considered some of the top reasons to add music to your schedule this Fall.

Start learning Music Early: Early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning.

The left side of the brain develops with music and songs help imprint information on young minds.

A Sense of Achievement:

Learning to play music on a new instrument can be challenging but achievable. Those who master even the smallest goal will be able to feel proud of their achievements.

Kids stay engaged in school:

Music is fun and enjoyable. It keeps all children interested and involved.

Better Self-Confidence: With encouragement from teachers and parents, students playing a musical instrument build pride and confidence.

Research also shows that music education can help students, even preschoolers, prepare for future endeavors.

It also helps with enhanced language capabilities, improved memory, hand-eye coordination, study habits, teamwork, and enhanced mental processing and problem-solving abilities.

And quite simply, It is fun!

County Food Bank, 3030 Enterprise Ct, Vista.

SEPT. 20

THE BROOK & THE BLUFF

The Brook & The Bluff is poised between the past and the present, at an unexpected crossroads where indie rock and folk-rock have found new frontiers and possibilities online. $35, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Ced-

ros Ave, Solana Beach.

REPUBLICAN CLUB

The Republican Club of North County welcomes keynote speaker, 74th District Assemblymember Laurie Davies. She will provide an update on current legislation in Sacramento. 12 p.m. at El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way, Oceanside.

TEEN ART STUDIO

Join the library every month for Teen Art Studio. This month’s activity fea-

tures air-dry clay. For ages 12 to 18. 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Escondido Public Library, 239 S Kalmia St, Escondido.

PACE BOOK DRIVE

Help stock our book shelves with our Book Drive. Please donate any gently used or new book to help our center. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Family Health Centers of San Diego, 2201 Mission Ave, Oceanside.

SOULFUL SCREENWRITING

Join an empowering

in-person workshop series where we explore dramatic narrative storytelling supported by writing exercises. $40-$250, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at The Film Hub, 170 Eucalyptus Ave, Vista.

SEPT.

21

AMBAR LUCID

Twenty-one-year-old Ambar Lucid grew up just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of New York City in the quiet suburbia of Little Ferry, where

National Preparedness Month: Tips to stay prepared, connected when nature strikes

Southern California residents have endured extreme weather incidents such as wildfires and floods in recent years, and experts predict the trend will continue.

The record rain last winter resulted in an explosion of new vegetation. When the vegetation dries out during warmer summer and early fall months in San Diego, it creates more fuel for wildfires.

Preparing and protecting your home or business in the event of a natural disaster is a daily reality.

A leader in customer satisfaction in any weather, Cox Communications makes it a top priority to keep customers connected during an emergency such as a wildfire so they can stay informed, check in with family and friends, and even access their Cox video, phone, and internet services while taking temporary shelter away from home during an evacuation.

Wildfires and PSPS

When weather conditions like strong Santa Ana winds create an increased risk for wildfires, the local power company may notify their residential customers, and their business customers like Cox, that they’ll be implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

In the event of a PSPS,

Cox services may be interrupted in a neighborhood where power is shut off.

Whether a wildfire, flood, or PSPS, Cox works closely with the power company and public safety agencies to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of its network and facilities to keep customers connected.

While Cox is at the ready in an emergency, here are some ways Cox customers can be prepared for an unexpected event:

Keep a corded landline phone and backup battery

Cox Voice customers should keep a corded landline phone and a fully charged backup battery for phone modems in case of emergency.

To purchase a battery, call 855-324-7700 or visit your local Cox store.

Download Cox apps before a wildfire or PSPS occur

• Cox app – Check on outages, stay up to date with text alerts, and manage your account.

• Cox Contour app – Cox TV customers can access the latest news and weather and stream shows and movies to their smartphones and tablets.

Follow @coxcalifornia on Twitter for updates

In the event of a PSPS, wildfire, or natural disaster, Cox will post real-time service outage updates, tips, and other important information on Twitter.

Keep your premises powered

If your home has lost power, a generator allows for limited functions of our services. Check your generator’s

owner's manual for more information on safe operation.

Update your contact information

Make sure you update your preferred contact information with Cox before disaster strikes so you can receive emergency and outage alerts.

Know about Disaster Relief Protections

As a Cox Voice customer, you could be eligible for disaster relief assistance if a state of emergency declared by the California governor’s office or the president of the United States impacts your voice service. Disaster relief protections include waiver of a one-time activation fee for establishing remote call forwarding, among other protections. Learn more at cox.com.

Learn how Cox Homelife functions during an emergency

If your internet connection is not available during an emergency, a cellular backup will be used to ensure your Cox Homelife security system continues to communicate alarms. Cox Homelife security will continue working during an emergency with limited functions.

Visit cox.com for more disaster preparedness tips and support.

she spent day-dreaming of a brighter future. $25, 8 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

RODNEY ATKINS

Rodney Atkins LIVE @ Beach House. 5 p.m. at Belmont Park’s Beach House, 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego.

ENCINITAS CRUISE NIGHTS

The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association announces its 24th annual presentation of Encinitas Cruise Nights, including new and familiar car clubs and local, live bands. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Downtown Encinitas, 1403 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas.

DAY OF PEACE

The Encinitas Library is hosting an event with live music, inspiring messages, local community efforts and food recognizing the UN International Day of Peace. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 21 at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas.

TWEEN BOOK CLUB

Make cool crafts while you Read And Then Eat, and Discuss (R.A.T.E.D.)

“Invisible” by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein. For ages 8 to 12. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Escondido Public Library, 239 S Kalmia St, Escondido.

FERMENTERS CLUB

Come join us for our next free community meeting & fermented goodies potluck!. 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at Maya Moon Collective, 3349 Adams Ave, San Diego.

JAI WOLF

Watch Jai Wolf with Evan Giia and Manila Killa. $39.50, 8:30 p.m. at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar.

SEPT. 22

ROGER CLYNE

Hailed as one of the most exciting live acts on the road today, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers are fueled by witty and insightful lyrics, crunching guitar

riffs, a dynamic rhythm section and tequila. $25, 9 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

LUISITO VADEL

Catch Luisito Vadel at this Friday’s Música en la Plaza. The event is free with $20 Bistro seats available. 7:30 p.m. at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido.

OCEANSIDE READS

The Oceanside Public Library is celebrating 25 years of its adult literacy program, Oceanside Reads. 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at John Landes Park, 2855 Cedar Rd, Oceanside.

IYA TERRA

Watch Iya Terra with Arise Roots, E.N. Young & Imperial Sound and Irie Souljah. $30, 8 p.m. at The Sound, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar.

SEPT. 23

GROUNDATION

Catch Groundation and Ginger Roots and the Protectors at Belly Up. $26, 9 p.m. at Belly Up, 160 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach.

HORTICULTURAL FAIR

The Vista Garden Club is hosting its annual Horticultural Fair at the Vista Garden Club Memorial Grove and Gardens in Brengle Terrace Park. 10 a.m. at Brengle Terrace Park , 1200 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista.

ELY GUERRA

Ely Guerra is one of the key artists in contemporary Mexican music, releasing six recordings in 19 years, and touring throughout Mexico, Latin America and around the world. $20, 7:30 p.m. at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY BBQ

Vista Historical Society is inviting the public to its annual community barbecue. Brisket, baked beans, corn, coleslaw, bread, dessert, beer, wine and more included. 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Vista Historical Society, 2317 Foothill Dr, Vista.

condido for its Haven House expansion.

Interfaith has also received around $50,000 annually from the city’s Community Development Block Grant funds, which comes from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, to provide resources for housing, homelessness, prevention and services for low-income households.

This year is the first time in over a decade that the city did not provide CDBG funding to Interfaith for its homeless shelter.

Funds are cut

According to Anglea, city staff informed Interfaith the City Council’s homelessness subcommittee — comprised only of Mayor Dane White and Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia — that the nonprofit was not chosen this year for funding because only 60% of Haven House residents were from Escondido.

City Clerk Zack Beck said the ad-hoc subcommittee has held six internal meetings this year to gather data and plans to hold public meetings soon to gather community input.

Instead, that money went to The Alabaster Jar Project, a San Diego-based organization located south of Escondido and the community of Rancho Bernardo, which offers transitional housing for human trafficking survivors.

Although neither the mayor, who has publicly stated he was once homeless and addicted to drugs, nor any of the other council members were present at the Sept. 8 forum, Anglea noted they only received a few days’ notice and couldn’t make it due to conflicting schedules. At the time, White was at the

In loving memory of Beverly Ann Stiles

January 4, 1937August 21, 2023

Beverly Ann Stiles was born at home on January 4, 1937, in Selah, Washington, and we were lucky enough to have her sparkle and light upon this world for 86 years until she danced her way into the heavens above Encinitas, California on August 21, 2023.

Beverly’s family and friends formed her trusted entourage on her life’s journey. Survived by her children, Katherine Marie Osuna, William Joseph Perry Jr., Kathleen Perry Milford, and Barbara Perry-Lorek, her grandchildren, Jasmine Folden-Diaz, Sarah Perry, Matthew Perry, Jessi-

SANDAG meeting. Without additional revenues from Covid relief and CDBG funds, as well as what Anglea called “an unwillingness to invest in low barrier shelters” by local governments and the community, Interfaith is missing nearly all the necessary funding to sustain Haven House in its current model.

A temporary solution

The Turk Center, which opened earlier this year, is a repurposed 77-room hotel offering 106 beds for homeless individuals who are recovering from hospital stays due to varying physical and mental illnesses. Interfaith originally ran the program out of its Hawthorne Veteran and Family Resource Center, which is set to become the home of the nonprofit organization’s new

ca Tyler, Konrad Lorek, Tanner Milford, Cameron Lorek, Jack Milford, and Cailin Lorek and great granddaughters Josephine Diaz, and the twins, Luna and Leota Lorek. She is also survived by her former spouses, William J. Perry with whom she raised four children and was married to from 1956 to 1981 and Frank Miller to whom she was married from 1985 - 1994. She was preceded in death by her father Odis Vernon Stiles, mother Nellie Margaret Stiles, brother Donald Vernon Stiles, and sister Virginia Lee Thomas.

Beverly was not only a loving and nurturing mother, grandmother and great grandmother, but also her life was marked by her dedication to helping others. Receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands after she had raised her children, Beverly served as the Executive Director of Mid Valley Recovery Services in El Monte, CA until her retirement in December of 2008.

As a fearless leader and passionate advocate of recovery programs,

shelter for single women and families.

Currently, less than 40 beds are occupied in the new recuperative care center as Interfaith slowly builds the program. In the meantime, the extra empty space will host Haven House where more adequate staffing levels are available — at least for now.

“We anticipate being able to help more people through this change… but it’s not a forever solution,” Anglea said. “If we cannot identify a long-term solution that provides a higher level of care and dignified locations for that care, then we will not be able to provide continued general shelter.”

Anglea noted that the $1 million shortfall is the biggest shortfall the agency has experienced thus far. He also said he does not anticipate

she believed in providing an alternative to incarceration for substance abusers. Beverly’s tireless efforts expanded the center’s outreach, saving countless lives and improving the quality of life for many. In her own journey of recovery, she celebrated 45 years of sobriety.

In her free time, Beverly indulged in her talent for art and sculpture, particularly working with clay. She even donated her own kiln to the community center at Oceana where she resided. Her artistic endeavors brought her joy, and she also formed many friendships through her involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous.

A celebration of life to honor Beverly’s incredible spirit will be held on Saturday, September 16th, 2:00 pm at the Recreation Center, Harding Community Center, located at 3098 Harding Street in Carlsbad, California.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Brother Benno Foundation in Oceanside, CA.

the Haven House move to affect the recuperative care center’s growth but does expect the center to eventually need the beds temporarily taken by Haven House.

Low vs. high barrier

The first in several community forums also served to educate the public about homelessness, including discussing misconceptions about homelessness and the importance of low-barrier shelter access.

The region continues to debate whether low-barrier or high-barrier shelters are the better option. Low-barrier shelters have limited or minimal requirements for entry. High-barrier shelters place limitations such as sobriety, curfews, church attendance, program participation and identification requirements, which can im-

mediately disqualify many potential candidates.

While proponents of low-barrier shelters believe unhindered access is the most humane way of helping people struggling with homelessness by meeting people where they are, those who favor high-barrier shelters argue low-barrier shelters encourage bad behavior and residents need sobriety and stricter rules.

Interfaith’s Haven House is low-barrier, but the nonprofit also offers case management, substance-use treatment, morning meals, daily showers, vocational training and other basic needs.

Interfaith Chief Program Officer Filipa Rios said it is less challenging to work with people struggling with addiction and other issues once they’re sheltered.

“Whether it be to a shelter bed or recuperative care, we want to get someone inside so we can work with them,” Rios said. “It’s much easier to work with someone once they’re indoors.”

Interfaith also partners with several other North County cities to provide services, including its partnership with the Oceanside Homeless Outreach Team, and agencies like the San Diego Rescue Mission, which refers its shelter residents in need of medical detoxing services to the new Oceanside Navigation Center.

Region lacks shelters

Anglea said there are currently only 99 low-barrier beds for approximately 2,000 homeless people in North County. Those numbers include La Posada de Guadalupe in Carlsbad, a 50-bed shelter for single men, and Haven House.

However, the number of beds may soon grow. Last year, the city of Carlsbad received a $2 million grant from the county to expand its shelter by 30 to 50 beds to serve women and families with children. Additionally, the cities of Encinitas and Vista are pooling resources for a master lease on a property that would operate 24 shelter beds.

The Oceanside Navigation Center, which officially opened within the last few weeks, provides another 50 shelter beds for the region. Although the navigation center refers to itself as low-barrier, it does require its residents to be sober, and Anglea said it’s not considered low-barrier by the nonprofit’s definition of the term.

Beyond those lower-barrier shelters, Operation HOPE-North County offers a 45-bed high-barrier shelter for single women and families.

Inocente Emilia Cordova, 91 Oceanside

September 1, 2023

Julia Niven Rowe Vista

August 29, 2023

Isabel Castillo Alvarado Vista

August 23, 2023

Albert Henry Cerda, 84 Vista

August 23, 2023

GREG ANGLEA, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, speaks at a Sept. 8 forum on regional homelessness. Recently, the city of Escondido decided against allocating HUD funding to Interfaith-run Haven House, the city’s only low-barrier homeless shelter. Photo by Samantha Nelson

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SALOME’S STARS #12345_20230911 FOR RELEASE SEPT. 11, 2023

EDITORS: These horoscopes are for use the week of SEPT. 18, 2023

1. U.S. STATES: Which state is home to a giant sequoia tree named General Sherman?

2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: Is a rhinoceros an herbivore, omnivore or carnivore?

3. GEOGRAPHY: Which city in India is home to the Taj Mahal?

4. MOVIES: What is the title of the rst James Bond movie?

5. TELEVISION: What was the product featured in the rst TV advertisement?

6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which French fashion designer is credited with inventing the Little Black Dress?

7. FOOD & DRINK: What does it mean to julienne vegetables?

8. GOVERNMENT: What does the acronym GDP stand for in economic terms?

9. LITERATURE: What is the cat’s name in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”?

10. SCIENCE: Who is considered the father of the atomic bomb?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

With your Arian charm quotient at an almost all-time high this week, plus all the facts you have to back you up, you just might win over the last doubters of your proposal.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might be in line for that job change you applied for. But be advised that you could be called on to defend your qualifications against supporters of other applicants.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Creating a new approach to an old idea is one way to get beyond that workplace impasse. There’s no such problems in your personal life, though, as things continue to flow smoothly.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Be more forthcoming about your feelings concerning a proposed change either in your workplace or in your personal life. Your opinions are valuable. Don’t keep them hidden.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A changing situation in your life needs more patience than you appear to be willing to offer. Allowing it to develop at its own pace is the wisest course you can take at this time.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) With more stability in your life — both on personal and professional levels — this could be a good time to strengthen relationships with both friends and colleagues.

TRIVIA TEST ANSWERS

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) People have always relied on your integrity not only to get a job done, but to get it done right. So don’t be pressured by anyone into cutting corners to save time.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) While others might get rattled over unexpected changes, your ability to adapt calmly and competently helps you make a positive impression during a crucial period.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A changing environment might be daunting for some, but the adventurous Sagittarian takes it all in stride. A friend from the past could awaken some meaningful memories.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) With your self-assurance rising to full strength, the bold Goat should feel confident about opening up to new ventures as well as new relationships.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Reaching out to someone who has been unkind to you might not be easy. But in the long run, it will prove to have been the right thing to do. A friend offers moral support.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your keen insight once again helps you work through a seemingly insoluble problem in your workplace. The weekend offers a good chance to develop new relationships.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a penchant for finding details that others would overlook. You would make a fine research scientist.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

1. California, Sequoia National Park. 2. An herbivore, a plant eater. 3. Agra.

4. “Dr. No.” 5. Bulova watch. 6. Coco Chanel. 7. Cut into short, thin strips.

8. Gross domestic product. 9. Grimalkin. 10. J. Robert Oppenheimer.

CREAM OF THE CROP

Agronomist wins San Diego County Farm Bureau honor

By Samantha Nelson OCEANSIDE

— The San Diego County Farm Bureau has named Oceanside resident Mary Matava, who has been involved in the region’s agriculture industry for 45 years, the 2022 Farmer of the Year.

As an agronomist and leading expert in soil assessment and amendments, green waste recycling, facility management and avocado farming, Matava has spent much of her career studying local soils to determine what kind of nutrients are present and beneficial for crops while also finding more efficient ways to use water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“I have a soil testing laboratory that allowed me to really study our local soils to see what kind of nutrients we have here, which is how I got involved in the composting business,” Matava said.

Matava owns Agri Service and operates the El Corazon Compost Facility in Oceanside, which prevents

organic waste from going to landfills, where it creates methane emissions.

“Landfills are the biggest urban producers of methane,” Matava said.

The compost facility converts the organic waste to fertilizer for local farms, processing about 300 tons of compost daily and supplying fertilizer for approximately 2,000 acres annually.

Overall, the compost facility has processed approximately 2.5 million tons of compost.

Matava also uses her facility’s compost on her farm in South Morro Hills, where she grows six varieties of avocados. There, she studies which avocados grow best in a high-density planting

environment.

“We want avocados that can grow in a high-density environment versus how they’re usually grown because it’s a better use of water and carbon capturing,” she said. “The real benefit of avocado trees is that they sequester much carbon dioxide.”

So far, the Kona Sharwil and Reed avocado varieties are performing the best under Matava’s margins.

Matava’s interest in soils stemmed from a fascination with growing food.

“Growing up in the ’70s, we talked a lot about population increases, and I became fascinated by the question of how do we grow enough food to feed an exponentially growing popula-

Media exec to challenge Levin in the 49th District

By City News Service REGION — Media

executive Margarita Wilkinson last week announced her candidacy for California's 49th Congressional District, aiming to replace Rep. Mike Levin, D-Dana Point, in 2024.

Wilkinson, a Republican, is the senior vice president and general manager of Entravision Communications, which owns and operates Univision San Diego and broadcast affiliates in Tijuana.

have skyrocketed 404%,” Wilkinson said in her campaign announcement. “In every measurable way, things are getting worse, and I am running for Congress to put my focus on the real issues impacting the lives of the people who live and work in the 49th District.”

tion,” Matava said. “That led me to study soil chemistry.”

Over the past few decades, her focus on soil mixed with the challenge of mitigating the effects of pollution and climate change.

“If you can sequester carbon and produce food simultaneously, that’s a double win,” she said.

Matava is one of more than 5,000 farmers in San Diego County. She previously served as president of the San Diego County Farmers Bureau.

Neil Nagata, the previous recipient of the Escondido-based nonprofit’s top farmer honor, is also from Oceanside.

Matava was recognized during a celebration on Sept. 7 at Bernardo Winery.

“For the last 13years, I’ve served as the eyes and ears of my community working in media and with local nonprofits that lift people up,” she said. “Californians are struggling to make ends meet and many feel voiceless in Washington.”

Wilkinson serves on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Old Globe Theater and Lincoln Club of San Diego, and has previously served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Red Cross, San Diego Symphony and ONE San Diego.

“Over the last five years, inflation has increased 44%, gas prices are up 85%, a 38% increase in the mortgage interest rate is just a small piece of the 39% increase in housing costs, while homelessness is up 21% and immigration enforcement actions

She has been endorsed by fellow Republicans San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, former San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, and former San Diego council members Chris Cate and Scott Sherman. Wilkinson was born in Mexico City, before moving to El Paso, Texas to attend American public schools. She became fluent in English and was accepted to the University of Texas, El Paso, graduating with a degree in special education. She and her husband, Philip, live in Del Mar and have four children.

California's 49th Congressional District covers the northern coastal areas of San Diego County and a portion of southern Orange County. Levin beat out Republican Brian Maryott in the 2022 election.

According to the Cook Partisan Voting Index, the district leans Democrat by just three points, making it a rare battleground in Southern California.

SOIL EXPERT and avocado farmer Mary Matava of Oceanside was recently named the San Diego County Farm Bureau’s 2022 Farmer of the Year. Courtesy photo