Residential Customer Del Mar CA, 92014 ECRWSS
Volume XV, Issue 40
www.delmartimes.net
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Sept. 29, 2011 Published Weekly
Depositions allowed in lawsuit against Del Mar school district
■ See our annual ‘Best of ’ North Coast section inside.
■ Knorr Candle Factory and shop listed for sale. Page 17.
BY MARSHA SUTTON SENIOR EDUCATION WRITER Over the defendant’s objections, a judge ordered at a hearing held Aug. 19 that depositions could be taken of former Del Mar Union School District board members Steven McDowell and Annette Easton, in the
case of Sharon McClain vs. the DMUSD. Other rulings overturned DMUSD’s objections to providing documents and interrogatory responses to former DMUSD superintendent McClain. Attorney Dale Gronemeier, who represents McClain in her case against the
school district for wrongful termination, called it a very successful hearing. “We’re starting to get the information we need,” Gronemeier said. “I think we have broken down an approach to the litigation where the other side was thinking that maybe they could prevent us from get-
The Boy Scouts of Troop 713 served up delicious treats at a pancake breakfast held Sept. 24 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall. (Above) Antonia Bavaro, Joe Dalton and Frank Bavaro are ready to serve a tasty breakfast to supporters. See page B6. Photos/Jon Clark
BY MARSHA SUTTON SENIOR EDUCATION WRITER A complaint objecting to the representation of Islam in the seventh-grade history textbook in use by the San Dieguito Union High School District was rejected Sept. 1 by the California Department of Education, after the CDE sent the complaint to the textbook’s publishers for review. Thomas Adams, director of the standards, curriculum frameworks, and instructional resources division of the CDE, notified SDUHSD superintendent Ken Noah that the publishers of “World History – Medieval to Early Modern Times” –
Del Mar’s Taste and Art Stroll offers something for everyone — including pets ■ Dude — the Surf Dog Surf-AThon in Del Mar raised big bucks. Page B6
ment creating a festive ambiance. For the foodies in the family, the Taste of Del Mar, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — for a pre-event ticket cost of $25
lege,” said Gronemeier, explaining that the deliberative process privilege is a rule of law that does not permit inquiry into the motives of legislators. The defendant, Gronemeier said, was claiming that members of an elected
SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 6
History textbook free of bias, state claims
Perfect Pancakes!
BY DIANE Y. WELCH CONTRIBUTOR On Sunday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., everyone is invited to the annual Taste and Art Stroll in Del Mar. The event takes place along Camino Del Mar/Pacific Coast Highway 101 starting at 15th Street, in the historic downtown village of Del Mar, and ending at 11th Street. The art stroll is a free family-friendly event with more than 100 noted local and regional juried artists exhibiting their works, and live music and entertain-
ting meaningful discovery.” Gronemeier requested the McDowell deposition in March, but DMUSD’s legal counsel made a motion to quash the notice of deposition. “They immediately asserted that it was improper because of what’s called the deliberative process privi-
or $30 payable at the event — will provide a wide variety of great eats. “You’ll discover irresistible culinary creations offered by a number of our fine restaurants, along with selections from California wineries and breweries,” said Jen Grove, executive director of the Del Mar Village Association (DMVA), who has sponsored and organized the event with the support of the City of Del Mar. “There’s truly some-
SEE TASTE, PAGE 18
published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston – reviewed the objections point by point and determined that changes were not needed. “The publisher responded at length to the allegations of inaccuracy included in the complaint,” Adams wrote to Noah. “After reviewing the contents of the original criticisms and the publisher’s response, we have determined that there is no need to change current materials.” “We’re disappointed, [but] it’s not unexpected,” said Michael Hayutin who, with colleagues Linda
SEE TEXTBOOK, PAGE 19
Safety concerns prompt removal of Torrey pine BY CLAIRE HARLIN STAFF WRITER A 60-foot-tall Torrey pine tree that has stood between Hidden Pines Road and Torrey Pines Terrace for decades will soon be removed, after the Del Mar City Council voted on Sept. 23 to uphold the city planning department’s July approval of a tree removal permit. The three-foot-wide tree is situated atop a steep sandstone bluff that
towers at least 30 feet above applicant Judd Halenza’s home, which he recently purchased to demolish and construct a new two-story home. The pine traverses the property line, its canopy spanning across and providing shade and distinction for both Halenza’s property and that of its southward neighbors, Gary and Michele Burke. The council’s
SEE TORREY, PAGE 18