Volume XV, Issue 52
www.solanabeachsun.com
Dec. 22, 2011 Published Weekly
That’s a wrap
SB welcomes Kellejian as new mayor Dave Roberts takes over as deputy mayor for one year
■ Meteorologist developing flashflood warning system. Page 4
Tina Rohall and Madison Jones wrap gifts for military families Dec. 17 as part of a special program at Calvary Lutheran Church. See page B12. PHOTO: JON CLARK
Officials discuss Ag. Board relations
■ Check out our fantasy gift guide. Page B1
BY CLAIRE HARLIN EDITOR@DELMARTIMES.NET Could Solana Beach have representation on the 22nd District Agricultural Association Board when seats come open in January? Could the Ag. Board, which governs the 400-acre Del Mar Fairgrounds, become a nonprofit? These were among possibilities discussed by the Solana Beach City Council and City Manager on Dec. 14 in an update
on the possible sale of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. City Councilwoman Lesa Heebner said she recently received a call from Gov. Jerry Brown’s office and she had a “lengthy conversation” with a representative regarding the selection of Ag. Board members come January, when terms will end for those who have not already been replaced. “They said they were worried they had
SEE BOARD, PAGE 6
BY CLAIRE HARLIN editor@delmartimes.net In its yearly reorganization, the Solana Beach City Council on Dec. 14 voted in Joe Kellejian as mayor and Dave Roberts as deputy mayor. The two will serve for one year. City officials and community members shared many kind words about outgoing mayor Lesa Heebner, including City Manager David Ott, who said the community many not realize the extent of what those who serve on the city council do. “You truly are volunteers that love your community and you give so much to the community they never see, and it is truly out of the love,” he said, addressing Heebner. “The hours that you all spend is amaz-
ing to me.” Ott pointed out that Heebner not only dedicated many hours on the council, but also in representing Solana Beach on a number of regional Joe Kellejian boards and committees. “Your voice has been heard throughout the region,” Ott said. “We’ve had some very important issues come before us this year and you represented the city with dignity and professionalism, and you’re doggone good at what you do, too.” Kellejian said he wanted
SEE MAYOR, PAGE 6
Ailing sea lion rescued at Tide Park
■ Fourteen Falcons receive All League honors for football. Page 11
BY TIM PICKWELL It took two Solana Beach Lifeguards and three members of SeaWorld’s animal care team to corral an aging, sick sea lion at Tide Park in Solana Beach, on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 10. The male sea lion, estimated to be 17-20 years old, weighed 392 pounds. “He stood up—about 6 feet tall,” said Solana Beach Lifeguard Bill Feeney, who assisted in the rescue. “He looked me right in the eye. It was pretty intimidating.” The lifeguards and SeaWorld
handlers used soft hoop and cargo nets to herd the unwilling sea lion into a cage for transport to the Mission Bay aquatic park. The first two attempts at driving him into the cage were unsuccessful, before the sea lion finally backed in on his own accord. “We often get lost sea lion pups that wash ashore in the summer in Solana Beach,” said Feeney. “But, something on this scale is quite unusual. The pups can be put into an ordinary pet transport cage. This
BE SURE TO HELP US GIVE THANKS. We are donating up to $1,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in December. Visit us on Facebook to learn more and help us reach that goal!
SEE SEA LION, PAGE 6
An ill California sea lion beached itself at Tide Park in Solana Beach on Dec. 10. He was rescued by SeaWorld animal trainers and Solana Beach Lifeguards and taken to the aquatic park. Photo/Jillian Jaffee (Age 11, Skyline Elementary)
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