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VOLUME 28 NUMBER 39
ELECTION 2012
■ Meet the San Dieguito Union High School District board candidates. Page 13
Oct. 11, 2012
More studies needed before fairgrounds upgrade can proceed BY JOE TASH The state agency that oversees the Del Mar Fairgrounds will have to complete additional environmental studies before it can move forward with plans to upgrade the property, based on a judge’s ruling in a lawsuit against the agency. The lawsuit was filed by
the San Diego chapter of the Sierra Club, and alleged that the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs the state-owned fairgrounds, did not adequately address a series of environmental issues before approving an ambitious master plan for the property in 2011. San Diego Superior
Court Judge Ronald Prager, in a split decision issued Wednesday (Oct. 3), rejected some of the Sierra Club’s allegations and upheld others regarding the environmental impact report for the master plan. The bottom line is that further environmental work will be required before the
Walk to School Day in CV
district can start any of the projects in the master plan, which includes construction of a new exhibit hall with underground parking, paving a large dirt parking lot, realigning the Solana Gate, building new offices and box office, adding an electronic reader board along Interstate 5 and construction
of a health club and sports training facility. Both sides interpreted the ruling as a victory. “The overwhelming majority of complaints were rejected by the judge. This is a huge victory for the district and the taxpayers,” said See FAIRGROUNDS, Page 6
Solana Beach Council debate brews up a variety of issues Only three of six SB candidates participate
■ Gloria Steinem featured guest at Inspiring Minds Speaker Series. Page B1
On Oct. 3, students, parents and volunteers in Carmel Valley walked, rolled and cycled to school to celebrate International Walk to School Day. Walk to School Day is an annual event celebrated in more than 40 countries worldwide. (Above) Walkers from Sage Canyon Elementary School. See page B16. Photo/Jon Clark
BY CLAIRE HARLIN Whereas debates are common election season affairs to test candidates’ prowess and demonstrate their differences in the issues, there wasn’t much disagreement at an Oct. 8 Solana Beach City Council debate co-hosted by the city’s Clean and Green Committee and Solana Homeowners Association Group (SHAG). Perhaps that’s because the three of the six candidates who might have brought differing opinions to the table didn’t show up, stating concerns that the format of the event — which organizers actually referred to as a forum, not a debate — was “not conducive to an informative and broad discussion
of the issues.” Still, nearly 200 residents packed the Boys and Girls Club to listen and submit questions in an open format on a variety of topics — from seawalls, to medical marijuana, to affordable housing. The League of Women Voters moderated, and candidates Lesa Heebner, David Zito and Peter Zahn answered each question, often sounding more like teammates than opponents — and with three seats open on the council, that consistency could mean a less divided council if they all win. Candidates Vickie Driver, Paul Frankel and Daniel Powell said in a statement that they hope to participate in a See DEBATE, Page 16
Yes on Prop CC campaign Judge rules in favor of ex-superintendent Judgment specifics pending in wrongful termination suit makes its case for bond Next community forum scheduled for Oct. 18 ■ 3rd Annual Amanda Post Memorial Golf Tournament held. Page B12
BY KAREN BILLING As the Nov. 6 election grows near, the Yes on Prop CC campaign is hoping to get the word out on the Del Mar Union School District bond by hosting community forums. The first forum was held on Oct. 4 and the second is upcoming on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m.
at the Ocean Air Recreation Center. “The choice is up to voters to consider the impact of Prop CC on the quality of education in the district and what that quality has on their property values,” said Suzanne Hall, the co-chair of the Committee for Quality Local Schools running the forums. Prop CC is a $76.8 million general obligation See BOND, Page 6
BY KAREN BILLING While the trial ended Oct. 3 in the case of former Del Mar Union School District Superintendent Sharon McClain versus the district, the specifics of the judgment of the wrongful termination lawsuit won’t be known for weeks. “I won,” McClain said. “I feel vindicated… The most important thing was the vindication to me that they did the wrong thing. I’m glad it’s been proven
that they were wrong.” McClain said she will be owed two years and three months in back payments, plus retirement from the California State Teachers Retirement System (STRS). McClain’s attorney, Dale Gronemeier, emailed this newspaper copy from the court’s statement of intended decision that said: “The Court finds in favor of plaintiff for breach of contract in the sum of $413,500, which includes
ANGELA MEAKINS-BERGMAN
SHAREN BELSLY
KELLEY LEFFERDINK
858-405-9270
(760) 533-7699
619-813-8221
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CA DRE #00863096
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the district’s STRS contribution plus $32,000 for the tax sheltered annuity less the consulting income earned mitigation of $56,963. The total award to plaintiff is $388,537 plus 7 percent interest from the time of breach.” However, the district’s attorney Dan Shinoff said that the judge did not blanket order those two years and three months in comSee MCCLAIN, Page 6
JOHN R. LEFFERDINK
619-813-8222 CA DRE #00888645
www.johnlefferdink.com