The City of Solana Beach
25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition past. present. future.
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
Businesses on
The Plaza
congratulate the City for 25 years of service on behalf of the residents and business community of Solana Beach.
Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
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May 19, 2011
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Help Solana Beach celebrate anniversary at festive events Celebrate the City of Solana Beach’s 25th Anniversary at the following events: •June 4, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.: The City of Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Community Celebration Parade on Highway 101. The parade will start at the Solana Beach City Hall, located at 635 Highway 101, and proceed up Highway 101 to the intersection of Highway 101 & Lomas Santa Fe. •June 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: City Hall Art Gallery Opening presenting a
visual history in celebration of Solana Beach. •July 1: 25th Anniversary Community Celebration — Fletcher Cove Park Starts off at 5:30 p.m. at the Fletcher Cove Community Center for the grand re-opening celebration. At 6 p.m. the party moves to Fletcher Cove Park and moves to the sounds of a 1980s band, celebrating the year of incorporation – 1986. At 6:45 p.m. a magician does magic tricks for the audience entertainment; additionally,
there will arts and crafts activities for the youth to enjoy. At 7 p.m. the band starts playing the ‘80s again. At 7:45 p.m. the Mayor, City Council and other dignitaries present and past will be introduced and will present how the City became to be, the challenges encountered, and where the City is going in the next 25 years. For the grand finale at 8:45 p.m., a spectacular laser light show extravaganza celebration will light the night.
Solana Beach Sun congratulates city on special milestone The Solana Beach Sun extends our sincere congratulations to the City of Solana Beach and its residents on all that has been accomplished over the last 25 years since the city incorporated. This special section was created to commemorate the city’s 25th anniversary, which will be celebrated with a number of events (see schedule at top of this page). Throughout this section you will find photos and stories on just a few of the many accomplishments that have occurred in Solana Beach over the past quarter century. Thank you for sharing your remarkable stories and helping us cover your city— it is a true honor to be part of this unique community.
Courtesy photos in this special section Unless otherwise indicated, the majority of photos in this special section are courtesy of the following: Trudy Synodis, Peter House and Carol Childs ; Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society; Jim Nelson; Carl Turnbull; San Diego Union Tribune; San Dieguito Citizen; Latham Family Trust; Barbara Nomessen; Diane Y. Welch; San Diego Historical Society; Jack and Judy Hegenauer; Margaret Schlesinger.
Self-determination always the main reason for the incorporation of Solana Beach BY MARGARET SCHLESINGER, FIRST MAYOR OF SOLANA BEACH The Victory Party was held at Winner’s Circle on the night of June 3, 1986. Of course, those who gathered did not know if it would be a victory or the second defeat for the incorporation of Solana Beach. But as the results filtered in late that night and in the early hours of June 4, it became apparent that by an overwhelming vote of 64 percent there would be a new City of Solana Beach in San Diego County. In 1985, a group of concerned and committed citizens and business owners had formed a committee, “Citizens Intending to Incorporate” (CITI), headed by Jack Moore and Gail Paparian to explore the possibilities of incorporation. The main reason was always self-determination, the ability of local residents to make their own decisions about where they live, a principle that harks back to the founding of this country and independence from England! It had become clear over the years that the County of San Diego, our governing body before we became a city, was not able to provide the services we needed and was allowing major development to occur over the objections of the residents who had to travel downtown to the County Administration Center and endure long, tedious meetings to be heard. More than half the taxes raised in the community of Solana Beach were being spent elsewhere in the county. A massive amount of research by Jack Moore produced a study to take to LAFCO, the state permitting agency for new cities, to prove that a City of Solana Beach could not only support itself, but would do a better job of providing services — police, fire, lifeguard, road and park maintenance, lighting, etc — than the County. If we could keep the revenues raised in our community, we could provide better services and more responsive government to our residents and businesses. LAFCO, through its independent study, agreed and the election date was set for June 3, 1986. A lively campaign followed. Funds were raised for materials, printing, signs and precinct kits. Letters were written to newspapers and debates were held. On May 3, hundreds of residents participated in a walk-a-thon down Lomas Santa Fe Avenue. The supporters were convinced that the quality of life and character of the community could be preserved only through incorporation. On June 3, together with incorporation of a new city, five city council members were elected: Jack Moore, Marion Dodson, Richard Hendlin, Celine Olson, and myself. For threeand-a-half frantic weeks, we worked to form a City. Early on the morning of July 1, 1986, our County Supervisor, Susan Golding, swore in the five council members and the business of the new city began with our placing a moratorium on all development. Decisions on land use had been the number one issue of the campaign and we were responding to the concerns of the people of Solana Beach. Over the months, as each project was discussed,
The first Solana Beach City Council: (l-r) Celine Olson, Marion Dodson, Jack Moore, Richard Hendlin, Margaret Schlesinger. development went forward. Within two years, a citizen’s General Plan committee of over 50 members, ably led by Jack Peek, brought forward a plan for the city. Since 1986, I believe that first Council and those that followed have delivered on the promises of incorporation. A new City Hall and Fire Station were built, La Colonia Park was improved, a Community Center was built and the first house in Solana Beach was moved to the park to become the Heritage Museum. The Train Station and grade separation, placing the railroad tracks under Lomas Santa Fe, would not have happened without incorporation. Many other improvements have occurred, but that is the subject for another column. As for me, I believe that incorporation is the best thing that ever happened to the beautiful, seaside community of Solana Beach.
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May 19, 2011
Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
ey Photo courtesy Aaron Ruml
Solana Beach through the years
gives a standing ovation to The City of Solana Beach Proudly Sharing 25 years of excellence together.
North Coast Repertory Theatre is proud to announce the 30th Anniversary Season to open September 7, 2011 North Coast Repertory Theatre • 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D • Solana Beach, CA 92075 • (858) 481-1055 81-11055 or www.NorthCoastRep.org
Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
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Solana Beach still going strong 25 years after a dramatic start BY JOE TASH CONTRIBUTOR The swearing-in ceremony was set for the evening of July 1, 1986. At that time, the five newly elected members of the Solana Beach City Council would take the oath of office, and a new city would be born. But shortly before the event, the council members-elect learned that if the ceremony was held at night, the County of San Diego would continue issuing building permits throughout the day for approved projects. So the decision was made to move up the ceremony by 12 hours, and the council members were sworn in at 7 a.m. while standing on the beach. Among the panel’s first official acts was to impose a 45-day moratorium on any new building permits. The action was taken “to give the new council a chance to look at what was going on and to consider what we wanted for the community, that was the whole point of incorporation,” said Margaret Schlesinger, the city’s first mayor. “We didn’t want to give the county one more opportunity to make bad land-use decisions,” said Richard Hendlin, another founding council member. (The first Solana Beach City Council also included Jack Moore, Marion Dodson and Celine Olson.) Twenty-five years after that dramatic start, the City of Solana Beach is still going strong, and supporters of the drive for cityhood say that self-determination has made all the difference. “It’s more than most of us ever thought it could be. The city has been blessed with great leaders,” said Michael Newhouse, who was part of the committee that supported cityhood in the June 1986 election. In spite of spirited opposition by community residents who felt that creation of a city would simply add another costly layer of government, the “yes” votes won out by a margin of 64 to 36 percent. Solana Beach is the second smallest of the county’s 18 cities (after Del Mar), at just 3.4 square miles in size. According to the San Diego Association of Governments, its population of 12,867 has remained basically flat since 1990. Before becoming a city, it was governed by the county Board of Supervisors as an unincorporated community. Among the key issues that motivated cityhood supporters were local control over land-use decisions and keeping a
larger share of tax revenue generated within the community. Supporters said the county was not sensitive to the wishes of the community when it came to development, and that more tax money was sent out of Solana Beach than was spent on services for its residents. “I don’t think there’s any question — it would not be the kind of city it is today where most of the citizens in the community agree on the way in which the City Council administers the codes and zoning,” said Jack Peek, a cityhood supporter who led the effort to draft Solana Beach’s first general plan. Without the controls a city provided, by now Solana Beach would probably have high-rises along the beach, and higher density development along the San Elijo Lagoon, said Newhouse. “The county had very sparse regulation of development. The Board of Supervisors was a pro-development organization that expedited developers’ desires,” Newhouse said. Being a city allowed Solana Beach to bring in the Amtrak and Coaster train station, and secure funds more quickly to lower the train tracks below Loma Santa Fe, the city’s main east-west artery, said Hendlin. Other projects include en-
hancements to the Cedros Design District and Fletcher Cove, and work on the coastal Rail Trail, a linear park with a bicycle and pedestrian path that runs between the train tracks and Coast Highway. A former nightclub that had long drawn complaints from neighbors was remodeled into City Hall. One controversial action, which Hendlin said he is particularly proud of, was the council’s vote to ban smoking in public workplaces. “We became the first non-smoking city in the county of 18 cities,” Hendlin said. While some business owners fought the ordinance, claiming it would drive away customers, it actually proved a draw for people who wanted to dine without breathing in second-hand smoke, Hendlin said. Former city leaders recall the period around the incorporation as an exciting, but busy, time. “It was an incredible amount of work in the beginning. But when I look back on it now, I think, how many people get to start a city?” said Schlesinger. Gloria Curry, who served as interim city manager until a permanent top administrator could be hired, recalled the early days when she worked out of a two-room office where the pro-incorporation campaign had made its headquarters. Curry said she asked her secretary to make some phone calls. The woman replied, “I’d be happy to make these calls, but I don’t have a telephone.” The nascent city government’s only phone was on Curry’s desk, so she hastily swapped desks with her secretary. “The things you take for granted that aren’t there.” “I worked probably 20 hours a day for first couple of weeks but it was a very exciting thing to do,” Curry said. Solana Beach boosters point to the last two City Council elections as an indication that things are going well, and citizens are happy with the direction set by their leaders. No challengers came forward to take on the incumbents either time, so the elections were cancelled. But Hendlin cautioned against complacency. “We have a little postage stamp of paradise and we have to protect it. That should be the watchword, preserve and protect the quality of life here,” Hendlin said.
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Spotlighting the future of Solana Beach: What’s next? BY SOLANA BEACH MAYOR LESA HEEBNER Where were you in 1986 when Solana Beach became a City? What was going on in your life? I was a newlywed and, although a resident of Solana Beach since 1976, my husband and I had just bought our first home here together. He was building his business and I was in the midst of a job change. Our own pursuits took center stage and, to be honest, we relied on others—the visionaries of our city—to do all the work that has made such a difference to each of us today. Whatever you were doing or wherever you were in 1986, each one of us owes a huge debt of gratitude to those founders who did take the time out of their lives to make the incorporation of Solana Beach their priority! In her article on page 3 in this section, our first Mayor, Margaret Schlesinger, described the process, the issues and concerns for our quality of life that swelled the sentiment for cityhood. As the current mayor, let me share with you what’s ahead for Solana Beach. Self-determination, the driving force behind cityhood, remains a challenge today. Since incorporation we do have greater land use authority than we did (for instance we don’t have to put up with the County approving an unwanted develop-
many of our concerns. She submitted Senate Bill 468 (SB 468), which has had to undergo a few transformations in order to stop the “Super-Widening” that SANDAG decided to pay for (without my vote, I might add!). It looks like we will see a reprieve from that outlandish proposal due to SB 468, and instead see a smaller project. Yes, this means there will be some widening, but it will be in accord with what the voters passed in the Transnet measure of 2004, which is eight “General Purpose Lanes” plus four “Managed Lanes” (no barrier), phased over decades. This would mean two more lanes through Solana Beach, or one more Managed Lane (HOV lane) in each direction. More good news for Solana Beach is that these would be built in the current right-of-way—meaning NO taking of any property! Stay tuned for more as this legislation heads through the State Assembly, back to the Senate, and on to the Governor’s desk. Please write our Legislators (Sen. Mark Wyland and Assembly member Martin Garrick) and ask them to support SB 468!* See addresses at bottom of this column. Another challenge for us that has turned into a potential opportunity is the issue of the governance and ownership of the Fairgrounds. At this time, we don’t know whether our new Governor will want
ment against our wishes anymore). However, we do face mandates from the region and the state that will impact our community. The most well-known project over which the City does not have ultimate control is the proposed widening of the I-5. This 10-lane freeway already bisects our city and causes noise, pollution, street congestion and 62 percent of the green house gas (GHG) emissions of our city. If we had our say, this freeway would not widen one inch. Unfortunately, the decision to widen or not is not entirely up to us. Caltrans, a state agency and the Federal Highway Administration sit together in the driver’s seat on this one. The SANDAG Board of Directors and a host of regulatory agencies also play roles in whether to approve and pay for the project. Once Caltrans released the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the project for public comment, our community showed up in droves to speak out against the excessive widening of the I-5 at the EIR hearings and workshops, and even held their own well-attended meetings. Thankfully, State Senator Christine Kehoe shared
to sell this land or not. Whatever he decides, we remain committed to having a say in the future of this property, whether that be through a new, more accountable board or through a joint regional governance and/or ownership model. As I said before, the Fairgrounds isn’t just in our back yard, it’s in our back room! While we do benefit from this proximity, we also shoulder many unmitigated negative impacts and costs. Please know that your Council is actively involved in creating a long overdue change to the current model. Other challenges facing us come directly from Sacramento. The State mandates that we must accommodate 1.3 million additional residents in San Diego County between now and 2050. Solana Beach, like all other jurisdictions in the County, is required to provide our fair share of housing for these new residents. Where are all these people coming from? Our children are having children who want to live here, we’re living longer, and certainly there will be individuals relocating here from other areas. Now add another State mandate to the
The current Solana Beach City Council (l-r): Mike Nichols, Joe Kellejian, Mayor Lesa Heebner, David Roberts and Thomas Campbell. mix: the State requires us to grow in a more responsible manner so as not to raise GHG emissions. We’re specifically told the way to do that is to add density to those areas near transit—and Solana Beach has a train station. As a community known for our environmentalism, we support the goal of reducing GHG emissions. However, will adding density at a train station really reduce GHG if there aren’t trains every 15-20 minutes to take these residents where they’re going? Or will these new residents still have to drive to get to work, school, and errands? Your Council is committed to continuing the call for more dollars to be dedicated to improved Transit services. As you can see, the pressure is on and we will see changes. But I believe Solana Beach is up for these challenges! THIS is why we became a city: to solve our problems our way … and together! It is our collective challenge to find that sweet spot where we can participate in the mandates the state and region have given us AND still remain the laid-back beach town we call home. Just as our first Council had its band of supporters and advocates who carried us to cityhood, your current Council also needs help to face these challenges. We are truly a unique community, different from any of the other beach cities in looks and feel. And this is because we’ve worked together to gain our autonomy and to express it in all areas of our life here: in our homes, businesses and public places. Look at what we’ve accomplished in Solana Beach. Besides all that First Mayor Margaret Schlesinger mentioned, we have a beautiful new Fletcher Cove Park, the Coastal Rail Trail, two pedestrian bridges that link neighborhoods to the beach and business districts to each other.
We’re about to break ground on our Community Center paid for in part by community donations. We will be cutting the ribbon on the first phase of our Highway 101 renovation in a few months, paid for with Transnet funds, which will slow traffic, create more parking, a more pedestrian-friendly destination, and we anticipate more resident-friendly businesses will establish here because of that. The Cedros Avenue Design District is something we’re all proud of. The city works collaboratively with the property owners and businesses there to keep improving its attractive qualities. We have a design for La Colonia Park—a gorgeous one that honors the Hispanic roots of Eden Gardens—for which we are actively seeking funds. We designed all of these projects with your input! Your voices have added inertia to your Council’s work, and together we have shown what team work can produce! Let’s keep this momentum going. As we move forward into our next 25 years, this truly unique city, born of self-determination, a respect for our environment and seaside way of life needs you to speak out and continue our tradition of successfully crafting our own future! *Write Legislators Sen. Mark Wyland and Assembly member Martin Garrick and ask them to support SB 468 at the following : Senator Mark Wyland 1910 Palomar Point Way Suite #105 Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 931-2455 Assembly member Martin Garrick 1910 Palomar Point Way Suite #106 Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 929-7998
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Solana Beach through the years
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Cedros Avenue Design District: An eclectic, hip community focal point BY DIANE Y. WELCH CONTRIBUTOR Cedros Avenue Design District, formerly home to carpenters, contractors and electricians when Sean MacLeod became acquainted with it in 1992, has since become iconic as an important facet of the city’s more recent history and representative of Solana Beach’s unique culture. The two-and-a-half block street which in the early 1950s was home to defense contractor Bill Jack, who built the quonset hut structures to house the Jack and Hines Company, was on its way to being transformed into an eclectic, hip focal point in the community, almost 20 years ago, due largely to MacLeod’s vision. Dave Hodges, a Hermosa Beach native, became the tenant in one of the quonset huts that stretched the long block on the west side of the avenue in 1974. His reuse of the arch-shaped corrugated metal structure, which Hodges then purchased in 1976, sparked a slow but steady metamorphosis of the avenue into the vibrant lifestyle destination that it is famed for today. Hodges’ Belly Up Tavern helped put South Cedros Avenue on the map and although he sold it in 2006, it continues to be an anchor tenant and a big attraction for music lovers. In the early 1980s sidewalks were installed, the first of several street improvements, said Hodges, who actually met MacLeod for the first time in the Belly Up Tavern in 1992. “At that meeting Sean came up with the idea of the Cedros Design District and we discussed the future of the avenue,” Hodges recalled. “Since then Sean and I have worked very closely over the years to create a buzz about the district.” In 1997, the street arches were installed, designed to echo the curved silhouette of the quonset huts, which give the avenue its signature look. MacLeod, a California native, was born and raised in Los Angeles, is a UCLA undergraduate, who majored in motion picture and television production, then gained an MBA in marketing and finance from USC. His profession is in real estate finance, mortgage banking and adaptive reuse of buildings. Property owners and merchants were brought together
designers and architects. And despite the recent economic downturn there has been a resurgence of energy over the last 12 months, said MacLeod. “From the customers to the farmers’ market attendees, to the merchants, everybody seems to be happier. This is like our own little community and we’re an optimistic group. We’ve seen business improve 30 percent in general, “ he said. Now Cedros Avenue is “the avenue with everything” to quote its website, with more than 85 unique shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. There is also a younger generation of professionals renting office space on the south end of the avenue. “We The Cedros Avenue Design District have internet businesses and Photo/Bil Skidmore game designers using the by MacLeod in the early 1990s when the Cedros Design Disspace and there’s a new adtrict Association was formed. Over the years, mainstay busivertising agency, NYCA, with a 10,000-sq.-foot space denesses have helped the avenue weather a lagging economy. signed by award- winning designer, Jennifer Luce. These Like the Antique Warehouse, formerly a roller skating rink, young interesting creative people are enhancing the Cedros which was transformed in 1982 into a 15,000-square-foot Avenue community,” MacLeod said. mall with over 100 dealers of antiques, collectibles and Looking ahead, MacLeod has a new vision for the south memorabilia; Cut and Dried Hardwood, which has now end of the avenue, one that creates a unique look and feel evolved into the David Alan Collection, importers of Baliwith public art, shade trees, new lighting, a distinctive bannese art and antique; and Leaping Lotus, with over 20,000 ner program and ongoing street activities. In the works is square feet dedicated to home decor accessories, art, furniapproval for a boutique wine bar with an outdoor roof top ture, clothing, jewelry, and clothing. deck area which would complete the “South Village” feel. Over the past decade the avenue has evolved from “The avenue has started to rebloom,” said MacLeod. “The mostly home furnishings and décor businesses to include future looks positive.” health and beauty, fashion and footwear, fitness and wellVisit www.cedrosavenue.com to find out more. being, bistros and cafes, galleries and gift ware businesses,
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
Solana Beach Transit Center — a special location Community workshops were held at Earl Warren MidBY DIANE Y. WELCH dle School where residents were given large pieces of CONTRIBUTOR paper and crayons and had hands-on participation in The location of the Solana Beach Transit Center contributing to Quigley’s conceptual design that used had a stormy start. Marion Dodson, a Solana Beach the word “funky”– a description that was used in the City Council member from 1986-2000 who was on city’s master plan — as a jumping off point for his apthe committee that was looking at different sites for proved structure which replicated the form of the the proposed station, remembers it well. quonset huts on South Cedros Avenue. Dodson, then city representative on the SANDAG The transit center opened in 1995 and within eight (San Diego Association of Governments) transportayears the long-awaited plan to implement the pedestrition committee, worked on the transit center project an-friendly Coastal Rail Trail became a reality. Solana during the late 1980s prior to the station’s construcBeach is the first segment of what will ultimately be a tion. “It was very contentious,” Dodson recalled. Both linear park that stretches south to north, from downthe cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach had to decide town San Diego to Oceanside along the Coaster train where the train station should stand. line on North County Transit District (NCTD) property, Several sites in Del Mar were under consideration, and east to west along the Sprinter line from Oceanside including one adjacent to the fairgrounds. Solana to Escondido. Beach leaders looked at sites at the Central School area The design of the rail trail went back to the drawand on Solana Beach’s side of Via de la Valle, which ing board when some council members felt it was not divides the two cities. In all there were about half a in character with the coastal ambiance, said Dave Robdozen suggested sites, said Dodson. In addition, both erts, who was elected to the city council in 2004 when The Solana Beach Transit Center. Photo/Robert W. Quigley FAIA cities looked closely at having a joint station that the proposed plan was presented. A revised design, evistraddled the border at Via de la Valle. sense of identity and community...For those train passengers dent today, included drought tolerant plantings, long flowBut as that location, due to its proximity, would have going to the fairgrounds, Cedros Avenue could become a ing grass, transplanted Torrey Pines, public art, and poetry benefited the fairgrounds and, historically, Del Mar had not cheerful analogy to Main Street at Disneyland, and become stamped into the ground. “We wanted it to be that you been supportive of the state-owned facility, the plan for the a boon to shopping there.” came along the trail and experienced it as a special locajoint station was rejected, said Dodson. In addition, the Del It was decided then that North Cedros Avenue was the tion,” said Roberts. Mar City Council only wanted the Amtrak station without best site. At that time the rail tracks crossed over Lomas SanThe latest chapter in the Solana Beach Transit Center is the daily run of the Coaster commuter train, a decision that ta Fe, and each time a train came through, traffic stopped, a its adoption by the Del Sol Lions. On Wednesday, May 11, would ultimately secure the fate of the station and one that negative in Dodson’s view. “So I felt the plan had to come 2011, the station was officially dedicated with Solana Beach was discussed at length at a fateful council meeting in 1989. with grade separation to lower the tracks beneath street levMayor Lesa Heebner, city officials, and members of the DelThe press who attended that decisive meeting quoted counel; I was the lone dissenter,” she said. However, the plan Sol Lions in attendance. A permanent plaque with the charicil members as saying, “If Solana Beach wants the station passed without that condition. But working diligently on a ty’s emblem was unveiled by NCTD executive director Matt that badly, they can have it,” Dodson recalled. separate committee for the LOSAN Rail Corridor Agency, Tucker. By adopting the center volunteers from Del Sol Lions The project was secured for Solana Beach which led to Dodson made a strong case to get the grade separation and, will ensure its neat appearance, and help keep it free of trash seeking the ideal location. Ed Siegel, longtime Solana Beach with council member Joe Kellijian, the two secured the necand remain aesthetically representative of the ambiance of resident, sent a letter to the editor of the 1989 version of the essary funding to make it happen. “We were jubilant,” said the city. Solana Beach Sun. Titled “Downtown Station Benefits ComDodson. munity,” Siegel wrote, “An attractive train station can create Requests for the station design went out to architects just what Solana Beach needs, a central focus to give us a with San Diego-based Robert Quigley, FAIA, being selected.
Solana Beach through the years
Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
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The
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
SB Art Association helps enhance city’s culture BY DIANE Y. WELCH CONTRIBUTOR Part of the recent history of Solana Beach is the formation of the first Solana Beach Art Association. Bringing the arts to the community and the community to the arts, the volunteer-run organization aims to enhance the culture of the city and its appreciation for the arts. By providing venue and opportunity for local artists to share their talents, whether it is in fine, literary, music, poetry, performance or photographic arts, SBAA upholds its mission to foster high standards of aesthetics and craftsmanship, to promote art in the community and to develop the professional efforts of its members. Its debut show in December 2008, titled, “Nine Artists, One Sensory Feast” showcased local artists with a range of mediums, including ceramics, acrylics, photography, video arts, sculpture, mosaic art and music. The premier show began an annual trend, thanks to the city’s generous sponsorship of subsequent exhibitions curated at Solana Beach City Hall gallery. SBAA’s next show at city hall is scheduled for this coming November/December. The association was formed in spring 2008 by five Solana Beach residents: Amber Irwin, mosaic artist; Christie Beniston, ceramicist and public artist; Carol Beth Rodriguez, mixed-media and acrylic artist; Sharon Leib, poet and columnist; Diane Y. Welch, author and feature journalist. Membership in the SBAA is open to all and is not restricted to Solana Beach residents, said member chair Amber Irwin. Two honorary members are famed fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, and Eleanor Antin, world-acclaimed artist. Members may opt to be friends of the association, exhibiting members or participatory members from a variety of fields. Each year the association presents a popular Valentine poetry reading event, with plans to introduce a flash fiction event later this summer.
Founding members of the Solana Beach Art Association: Left to right: Carol Beth Rodriguez, Diane Y. Welch, Christie Beniston, Amber Irwin (not present, Sharon Leib). Photo/Ellie Beniston In addition to providing a place for networking for its members and friends, SBAA supports lectures and activities that emphasize the importance of the arts in personal and community life. SBAA members organized the first springtime art walk event at Flower Hill Promenade in 2009. “Arts in Bloom” drew huge crowds while showcasing the talents of local fine artists, authors, dancers, and musicians. SBAA has plans for future art walk events in Solana Beach along the Cedros Avenue corridor. To find out more about the Solana Beach Art Association and its future events, visit www.solanabeachartassociation.org. Membership is open to everyone, including students.
Congratulations to the City of Solana Beach on its 25-year Anniversary!
Solana Beach School District top notch The Solana Beach School District schools consistently rank at or near the top in the county in testing. Many of its schools have received numerous awards and have been recognized at the state and national level for a variety of accomplishments. The district, which serves approximately 2,700 students, has six elementary schools: Solana Vista (grades K-3), Skyline (grades 4-6 and the K-6 Global Education Program), Solana Santa Fe (grades K-6), Solana Highlands (grades K-4), Carmel Creek (grades K-4), and Solana Pacific (5-6). Earl Warren Middle School, which is part of the San Dieguito Union High School District and a California Distinguished School, is also located in Solana Beach. For more, visit www.sbsd.k12.ca.us (most information above courtesy of the site). Solana Beach’s excellent private schools include Santa Fe Christian Schools, St. James Academy, Santa Fe Montessori, and Fusion Academy. Photo/Jon Clark
Congratulations Solana Beach On Your 25-Year Anniversary!
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
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May 19, 2011
Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy congratulates conservation partner City of Solana Beach Many visitors hike, run, and enjoy family outings in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve from several trailheads that originate in Solana Beach. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is the community-spirited, nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting and enhancing the nearly 1,000-acre reserve and its watershed, bordered by the cities of Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Rancho Santa Fe. Trailblazers can follow the whispers of butterflies, gaze at wading and soaring birds, and enjoy the fragrances of native plants through weekly guided walks led by the Conservancy, or self-paced. The Conservancy announces that reservations will soon be taken for its “Birds of a Feather Gala” on Sept. 17. This environmental education fundraiser also kicks off its 25th Anniversary in 2012. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy congratulates its conservation partner, The City of Solana Beach, in its 25th Anniversary Year. For more information about San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, visit www.SanElijo.org or call (760) 436-3944.
Celebrate Solana Beach at June 4 Parade Our beautiful City of Solana Beach celebrates the 25th anniversary of becoming an incorporated city. Congratulations to all who are lucky enough to live, work or play in gorgeous Solana Beach. We are planning a parade incorporating many of our children, schools and organizations that call Solana Beach home! Commencing at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, at City Hall and making our way north on the west side of the closed-off Highway 101. Highway 101 west-side will be closed off from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. from Lomas Santa Fe (Plaza) south to City Hall, 635 S Highway 101. Marching bands, musical groups on flatbed trucks, unique cars, school kids, dignitaries and parents will start the parade at 9 a.m. and end up at the Fiesta Del Sol location on Acacia Street between Acacia and Sierra at 10 a.m. Be a part of this first-ever parade and arrive at the stage area for the Chamber of Commerce’ Fiesta Del Sol’s 32nd Annual Celebration. Join in and be a part of the opening ceremonies that will feature mezzo soprano Laurel Semerdjian, a Solana Beach resident. Laurel is an accomplished graduate of the USC Horton School of Music. Laurel has performed throughout the USA and Europe in opera companies and will perform “God Bess America” followed by our thrilling “National Anthem,” with a backdrop of our Mayor Lesa Heebner, and our City of Solana Beach City Council members and city officials on stage. Come and be a part of this historic event in our wonderful City of Solana Beach. — Submitted by David L Carroll, president of the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce; and Frida Silveira, executive director of the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and Fiesta Del Sol Chairwoman.
(Top, l-r): Snowy and Great Egrets make a splash. Photo courtesy San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy by Bill Wechter; Children explore wetlands in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Photo courtesy San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy by Janine Free; (Bottom photo) San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy-led hike. Photo courtesy San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy by Susan Hamilton
Del Sol Lions Club supports local initiatives, recognized for growth and innovation Many community groups have organized over the years to serve unmet needs in the local Solana Beach area. The Carlsbad Lions Club chartered the Encinitas Lions Club in December 1991. The Encinitas Lions Club wanted to charter a new Lions club in the Solana Beach/Del Mar region and started to organize neighborhood canvases as far back as 2004. For the next five-and-a-half years, Encinitas Lions Club members, including Past International Director Bill and Past District Governor Julie Crawford, worked tirelessly on this mission. In October 2009, approximately 15 individuals had signed a request to start a new Lions Club and these individuals were meeting at the Denny’s restaurant between Solana Beach and Del Mar on Via De La Ville. In December 2009, Solana Beach Councilman Dave Roberts agreed to serve as Interim Club President at the request of Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce President David Carroll in order to get the new group of individuals launched as a Lions Club. The club reached 20 names and District Governor Julie Crawford submitted the required 20 signatures and dues to charter a new club known as the Del Sol Lions Club. Then-District Governor Julie Crawford was the Guiding Lion for the new club. The club was chartered on Feb. 15, 2010, and Roberts was elected as the Charter President. Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner and Deputy Mayor Joe Kellejian are members of the Del Sol Lions club. As of May 1, 2011, the new club has 73 members and is going strong! Today, the Del Sol Lions Club is known for supporting many local initiatives such as Fiesta Del Sol, Recycling for Sight, Cycling for Sight, Community Serve Day, Adopt-A-Train Station and Disaster Relief efforts and has been recognized by International Lions for growth and innovation. For more information on the Del Sol Lions Club, visit www.DelSolLions.org.
Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
PAGE 17
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
Solana Beach History of Mayors
Solana Beach through the years
Margaret Schlesinger, July 1986 to Dec. 1988 Jack Moore, Dec. 1988 to Dec. 1989 Marion Dodson, 1989 to Dec. 1990 Richard Hendlin, Dec. 1990 to Dec. 1991 Celine Olson, Dec. 1991 to Dec. 1992 Margaret Schlesinger, Dec. 1992 to Dec. 1993 Paul Tompkins, Dec. 1993 to Dec. 1994 Teri Renteria, Dec. 1994 to Dec. 1995 Marion Dodson, Dec. 1995 to June 1996 Joe Kellejian, Jun. 1996 to Dec. 1996 Thomas Campbell, Dec. 1996 to Dec. 1997 Paul Tompkins, Dec. 1997 to Dec. 1998 Marion Dodson, Dec. 1998 to Nov. 1999 Joe Kellejian, Dec. 1999 to Dec. 2000 Thomas Campbell, Dec. 2000 to Dec. 2001 Marcia Smerican, Dec. 2001 to Dec. 2002 Doug Sheres, Dec. 2002 to Jun. 2003 Thomas Golich, June 2003 to Dec. 2003 Joe Kellejian, Dec. 2003 to Dec. 2004 Thomas Campbell, Dec. 2004 to Dec. 2005 David Powell, Dec. 2005 to Dec. 2006 Lesa Heebner, Dec. 2006 to Dec. 2007 Joe Kellejian, Dec. 2007 to June 2008 David Roberts, July 2008 to Dec. 2008 Mike Nichols, Dec. 2008 to Dec. 2009 Thomas Campbell, Dec. 2009 to Dec. 2010 Lesa Heebner, current
Congratulations to City of Solana Beach
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
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Solana Beach through the years
Congratulations to the City of Solana Beach for 25 Great Years!
Congratulates The City of Solana Beach for 25 years of “Fun in the Sun”
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Solana Beach 25th Anniversary Edition
May 19, 2011
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