Residential Customer Del Mar CA, 92014 ECRWSS
Volume XVI, Issue 10
www.delmartimes.net
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN DIEGO, CA PERMIT NO. 1980
March 1, 2012 Published Weekly
Fairgrounds awards program on hold
‘Toast to Torrey’
State officials say $500 gift cards to employees may violate rules BY JOE TASH The president of the Del Mar fairgrounds board has instructed fairgrounds staff to postpone an awards program under which workers would receive $500 gift cards as a reward for the fairgrounds’ financial performance in 2011, after state officials said the program may violate personnel regulations. The 2011 Superior Accomplishment Awards Program was approved unanimously by the fair board at its Feb. 15 meeting. The program dates back to 1998, when the fairgrounds began giving workers annual awards of up to $500 apiece.
■ Bestseller looks at Julia Childs’ life in wartime spy agency. Page 8
Karen Jaczko, Melanie Turner, Garry Thornton and David Turner attend the ‘Toast to Torrey’ event on Feb. 26 at the Pacific Athletic Club. The event is the kickoff to Torrey Pines High School Foundation’s spring fundraising season. See page B10. PHOTO: JON CLARK
■ Local artist shares her gift by helping teens create mural Page 13
■ Dressage Affaire returning to Del Mar Horse Park. Page B1
The state-owned fairgrounds are operated by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, whose ninemember board of directors is appointed by the governor. The 22nd DAA — and other similar districts around the state — fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and its Division of Fairs and Expositions. Fairgrounds CEO and general manager Tim Fennell told the board at its meeting — and affirmed in an interview — that he be-
SEE FAIRGROUNDS, PAGE 6
Education Foundation Community mourns closing of Sam’s Place calls for contributions BY CLAIRE HARLIN
EDITOR@DELMARTIMES.NET
Del Mar Schools organization has raised half of last year’s total BY KAREN BILLING Don’t use the word “donation” with the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation (DMSEF) President Drew Isaacman. “One of my big things is that I don’t look at any parent’s or company’s dollars as a donation, I hate that word,” Isaacman said. “Ours is a contribution. We’re contributing to the benefit of all of our students, community and school district.” DMSEF’s annual campaign is entering the home stretch toward its April 30 deadline to fund the district’s Extended Studies Curriculum (ESC), which includes the subjects of science, PE, art, music and
Del Mar
oices
What are your thoughts on this topic? Voice your opinion at www.delmarvoices.com or www.carmelvalleyvoices.com
technology. So far they have raised $535,000 from 740 families, which represents a 23 percent participation rate. “We have to raise double that to get to where we were last year and triple to get to where we were four years ago,” Isaacman said. “Hopefully the community will rally and hear our message.” Isaacman said it should be noted that most schools
Solana Beach oices
Sam’s Place, a Greek What are your thoughts on this food institution for 34 topic? Voice your years, has shut its doors, opinion at www. and although the reason solanabeachvoices. com for closure is unclear among locals, one thing is certain according to area residents — an integral part of the Solana Beach community will be sorely missed. Restaurant owner Sam Peltekian was known not only for his gyros, shish kabobs and Greek salads, but his love of music, his undying work ethic and his engaging, wit-
SEE SAM, PAGE 11
Del Mar tribute to Irish heritage Bailee Tinney and Lupe McElvenny celebrate Irish culture Feb. 26 at the Powerhouse Community Center during a special event put on by the Del Mar Foundation’s Children’s Committee. See page B11.
SEE EDUCATION, PAGE 11
PHOTO: JON CLARK
JOHN R. LEFFERDINK
619-813-8222
www.johnlefferdink.com
ANGELA MEAKINS-BERGMAN
LISA KELLEY
VERONICA MOORE
858-405-9270
858-880-5242
619-250-5076