Seaside Courier — May 2015

Odyssey takes Encinitas students to world finals at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, the 36th Contributing writer annual competition will draw more than 800 teams from around tudents from Encinitas Country the world.

Odyssey of the Mind is an Day School have triumphed in Odyssey of the Mind, a state cham- educational organization that pionship that qualifies them to promotes creativity and teamwork by hosting an represent California competition, at an international “Each student annual open to kindergarcompetition. overcame ten through college Seven stustudents, which dents from fourth personal presents five openand fifth grade — Shahin Alaei, challenges and ended problems. the experience The problems must Mykelle Brainard, be solved with creElla Decking, Tate has been ativity, divergent Jennings, Michelle empowering.” thinking and imagiMargolin, Miles nation. Founded Pulvers and Cooper —Maria Jennings, Coach at Rivard, with their Encinitas Country Day School by Sam Micklus, a professor of induscoaches, Maria Jennings and Dr. Laura Rivard trial design at Rowan University — recently won their division at in New Jersey who challenged University of California, Riverside his students to create flotation and earned the opportunity to devices to cross a lake as well as compete at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals. Held this year SEE ODYSSEY PAGE 12

ALSO INSIDE HOME & GARDEN Blooming good tips

Faye Mankowske

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(above)Team Wilson is pictured after performing at a school assembly. (below) Team Wilson celebrates its win as California state champions in Odyssey of the Mind.

(Photos by Teresa Decking)

Encinitas, Solana Beach shoreline protection study approved

A jagged crack near the base of a bluff at Encinitas (Photo by Greg Fuderer)

Maggie Avants Editor

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multimillion-dollar sand replenishment project meant to protect the shorelines of two north San Diego County cities from further erosion is closer to happening.

Following a presentation April 21 in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works

Review Board approved the study for the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Protection Project.

The five-member board voted unanimously to approve the study, which proposes methods to reduce storm-induced damage along the cities’ shorelines. The board took that action after presentations by South Pacific Division Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Toy, Col. Kim Colloton, Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar and Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner. The mayors were accompanied to Washington, D.C., by the local project teams, including Encinitas Director of Public Works Glenn Pruim, Encinitas Project Manager Kathy Weldon (who has worked on the project since its inception), and Solana Beach Interim City Manager David Ott. SEE SHORELINE PAGE 18

Attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your patio garden. Page 8

BUSINESS NOTES Encinitas nutritionist

Video series helps navigate grocery aisles for healthy meals. Page 16

LOCAL NEWS Classic Car Cruise Nights

Cruise the 101 on opening night, Thursday, May 21. Page 19

INDEX Around Town ................................ 2 Opinion ........................................... 4 Summer Day Camp ................... 6 Sea Creatures ............................... 11 The Retail Beat ............................ 13 North County Notables .......... 14 Music Notes................................... 18 A new ordinance passed by Carlsbad City Council limits vacation rentals to the city’s coastal neighborhoods. (Photo by Maggie Avants)

Carlsbad to regulate shortterm vacation rentals Seaside Courier Staff

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unit or a portion of a dwelling unit rented for a period of less than 30 consecutive days — are illegal in the city but more than 400 homes are advertised online, according to city staff.

“It’s confusing and unclear. It’s a really unclear policy,” a city staff member told the City Council. “It’s not a good sustainable, good gov-

he city of Carlsbad will soon have rules for short-term vacation rentals.

The City Council voted May 5 to limit short-term vacation rentals to coastal neighborhoods.

As of now, short-term vacation rentals — defined as a dwelling SEE RENTALS PAGE 10

CONTACT US Advertising (760) 456-7075 ext. 146 sales@seasidecourier.com Editorial / Letters (760) 456-7075, ext. 124 Maggie@seasidecourier.com

ONLINE SeasideCourier.com facebook/ seasidecourier.com twitter/ @seasidecourier

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CALENDAR

Around Town Don’t miss

these upcoming

events around North County Day in Encinitas MAY 16 Arbor May 16: The city of Encinitas is

celebrating Arbor Day, Saturday, May 16, working with local volunteers and city staff to plant trees in the various parks around Encinitas.

The tree-planting will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning at the Encinitas Community Park located at 425 Santa Fe Drive, on the most southerly end of the park off Mackinnon Avenue.

Volunteer registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar and San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts will commence the event. In addition to the tree-planting, the community is invited to enjoy free children’s activities and vendor booths. Celebrating Arbor Day 2015 will keep Encinitas’ status as a Tree City USA for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, contact Donna Trotter at 760-633-2850 or dtrotter@encinitasca.gov.

West Fest MAY 16 Wild May 16: The annual Wild West Fest returns to Carlsbad on

Saturday, May 16.

The event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, will include western-themed activities, a salsa contest, root beer tastings, pony rides and mechanical bull riding for children.

The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park was established in the late 1930s by Leo Carrillo and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in addition to being a registered California Historical Landmark. Regular walking tours at the park will be preempted by the event festivities on May 16, but the Hacienda will remain open for tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free parking for the event will be available at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane, Carlsbad.

The event is free, with activity cards available for purchase for $6. Root beer tastings cost $3.

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

MAY 17 EcoFest May 17: The ninth annual EcoFest is from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 450 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas.

EcoFest is free and features live music and fun-filled, transformational experiences in sustainability with 100 green exhibits and 25 interactive children’s activities (Costume Parade, Dr. Zoolittle, Bubble Man); Eco Car Show; and nine pavilions: Health and Wellness; Green Cuisine; Craft/Home Brewing; Solar and Energy; Ocean and Water Conservation; Gardening and Landscaping; Recycled Art and more. Live music includes: Kainga Music Steel Drums, Kaz Murphy, Yael Songs, Cleopatra Degher, Ashley Mazanec and Hullabaloo. EcoFestEncinitas.org. See EcoFest, page 10.

Car Nights MAY 21 Classic May 21: The streets of downtown Encinitas will be rockin’ and rollin’

for Encinitas Classic Car Nights from May through September. The third Thursday of each summer month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., hot rods, Woodies and other classic and vintage cars will line South Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street. These beauties will be parked in dedicated lots, along Coast Highway 101 and on side streets.

As part of the monthly event, the Retro Rocketts will provide live entertainment in the Lumberyard Courtyard.

Visit the presenting sponsor, O’Reilly Auto Parts, in the SMOG Test Only lot at F Street, where guests will find live music, the featured car club and an awards ceremony that begins at 7:15 p.m. Clubs are hosted by Coastal Furniture at H Street, thanks to State Farm Agent Ralph Bettencourt. See “Cruisin’ in a Postcard,” page 19.

Dieguito Heritage Museum Deep Pit BBQ MAY 23 San May 23: Join San Dieguito Heritage Museum from noon to 4 p.m.

on Saturday, May 23 for its 27th annual Deep Pit BBQ. The event has become a community tradition as friends and families enjoy visiting with new friends and neighbors while enjoying slow-roasted BBQ meat, beans, Cap’n Kenos coleslaw, macaroni and cheese from Brett’s BBQ, soft drinks, beer and baked goods. Tickets are $20 for adults ($25 at the door); $15 for teens (13-17), $7 for children (5-12), and under 5 are free with an adult. Food is served from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are available at the museum, or on the museum website, Encinitas 101 (formerly DEMA) and Weidner’s Gardens. On May 23, admission is free to the museum grounds and all events, 450 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas.

Visit Sdheritage.org for more information. See BBQ Page 3.

Strawberry Festival MAY 24 Vista May 24: Head to Historic Downtown Vista on Sunday, May 24 for a strawberry-themed street fair with live music, pie-eating and karaoke contests, food court, beer garden, vendors, rides, kids’ zone and of course—strawberries! The events takes place near N. Santa Fe Avenue and Vista Village Drive. For more information, visit Vistastrawberryfest.com.

Del Sol MAY 30 Fiesta May 30: The Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting the

Guests take part in a Lagoon Dip — viewing fish and other aquatic life found in a bucket of water from the Buena Vista lagoon — as part Endangered Species Day Open House at Buena Vista Audubon Society Visitor Center in Oceanside.

Species Day Open House MAY 16 Endangered May 16: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, celebrate

Endangered Species Day Open House at the newly remodeled Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside.

This free event will engage the entire family in fun, nature-themed activities. Enjoy live birds, mammals, snakes, and lizards from Eco-Vivarium’s traveling zoo. At the “Lagoon Dip,” participants will look at fish and other aquatic life that is find in a bucket of water from the lagoon. Look through the new microscope at the Nature Discovery Lab and see the compound eye of a dragonfly or the wiggly life in a drop of lagoon water. In the garden, visitors can help plant milkweed plants for endangered Monarch butterflies. There will be loads of other fun activities, including kid’s crafts, nature storytime, and the Teddy Bear’s Parade and Picnic.

For more information, contact the Buena Vista Audubon Society at 760-439-2473.

CineCucina MAY 16 May 16: From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, enjoy dinner

action stations, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, dessert and coffee served by KITCHEN 1540 and a gorgeous Italian film (“Without Makeup”) in the outdoor amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar. Cost is $90 per person. For more information, contact the Del Mar Village Association at info@delmarmainstreet.com or by phone 858-735-3650.

36th annual Celebration of Fiesta del Sol from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31. The free, two-day music and crafts event is a kick off to summer in Solana Beach. Plus, enjoy live music and a children’s area with rides and games.

Fiesta del Sol has something for everyone: live music, food trucks and vendors, arts and crafts, a beer and wine garden, and more. On Sunday, enjoy the Solana Beach Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, and much more! We are also hosting a special place exclusively for local artists and local food vendors.

Fiesta del Sol takes place adjacent to Fletcher Cove, within the area bordered by South Sierra Avenue and Acacia Avenue. For more information, visit Solanabeachchamber.com.■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

The San Dieguito Heritage Museum in Encinitas is hosting its 27th annual Deep Pit BBQ on Saturday, May 23. (Courtesy photo)

Museum to host 27th annual ‘Deep Pit BBQ’

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f you are new to the community or just have never attended, don’t miss this annual afternoon of fun at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum. We will be celebrating our local heritage by hosting its 27th Annual Deep Pit BBQ on Saturday, May 23. The barbecue event starts at noon and food will be served until 2:30 p.m.

The museum grounds will be alive with families — old timers chatting with newcomers, and visitors touring the museum and discovering a history they never knew.

The Deep Pit BBQ has become a community tradition as friends and families enjoy visiting with new friends and neighbors. In addition to the slow-roasted barbecue meat, beans and coleslaw will be provided by Cap’n Kenos, and macaroni and cheese will come from Brett’s BBQ. Adding to the feast will be soft drinks, beer, and for dessert, delicious baked goods from the bake sale table.

The annual event follows the early Mexican tradition begun locally in the late 1800s, when the German settlers of the Olivenhain Colony learned the

deep-pit barbecue style from the vaqueros, their cattle-herding neighbors on the surrounding rancheros. Adding their own homegrown lima beans and delicious desserts, these early homesteaders passed the old family recipes on to their children, who then shared them with following generations.

The famous ritual continues at this year’s barbecue, as the loyal longtime crew slowly roasts the tender beef all night long over hot coals in a deep covered underground pit. Staying up all night poking at the fire, reminiscing, and looking at the stars is a much sought-after job!

Cooking barbecue in a deep pit is the perfect technique to slow cook beef to its tastiest and most succulent level. The Deep Pit BBQ has become a community tradition as friends and families enjoy visiting with new friends and neighbors, learning about history, and tasting great food.

There will be an animal exhibit, along with a fun and games zone for the kids, photo ops, silent auction, the soft classic rock band “Two of Us Plus

One,” tours of the museum, the old Del Mar fire engine, and the museum’s stage coach and Model T. The Teten House, dating back to 1883, is nearing completion of its full renovation and is furnished with much of the original family furnishings. Sign up for a tour time when you first arrive, so that you can be sure to see the craftsmanship entailed in the rehabilitation.

Tickets are $20 for adults ($25 at the door); $15 for teens (1317), $7 for children (5-12), and under 5 are free with an adult.

Food is served from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. We always sell out, so be sure to arrive early to get your share! The Deep Pit BBQ will be held at the Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas.

Tickets for the event are available at the museum, or on the museum website, Sdheritage.org, Encinitas 101 (formerly DEMA) and Weidner’s Gardens. On May 23, admission is free to the Museum grounds and all events.

For additional questions, call the Museum at 760-632-9711.

—Contributed content ■

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OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Money stirs conflict aboard USS Encinitas Thomas K.

Arnold

Commentary

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enjoyed Andrew Audet’s rant at an Encinitas City Council meeting last month. While council members sat stoically behind the dais, Audet, a longtime local gadfly, blasted the council for what he called “irresponsible fiscal mismanagement.” A year ago, he said, residents warned the council about “underfunded road maintenance, underfunded capital projects, underfunded pension liability, and increased debt.” But the only solution he heard from city leadership was a proposal to spend $100,000 on a research study to see if Encinitas residents would go for a hike in the sales tax to help balance the books.

Not only after that doomed proposal, Audet noted, the city dug itself further into the financial hole by agreeing to spend $10 million to buy the abandoned Pacific View Elementary School site, “a property appraised at $4.5 million.” Again, he said, residents warned that taking on this new debt “would take money that could be used to pay for youth sports, the elderly and infrastructure projects.” Instead, Audet said, all Encinitas got was the “Shaffer-Kranz tax hike,” a proposal to raise the sales tax floated by Council members Lisa Shaffer and Tony Kranz “that would take $3 million to $5 million out of the hands of Encinitas families and into the hands of city staff.” And just last week, Audet said, insult was added to injury when Councilwoman Lisa Shaffer “stated there is no guarantee the city even has the money to rehabilitate Pacific View.”

“The U.S.S. Encinitas is a sinking ship,” Audet fumed. ”The city is spending money it does not have, and taking on debt it cannot afford.”

Audet made some good points, particularly in light of the city’s six-year capital improvement plan, presented to the council in March. While nearly $400 million in infrastructure and other improvements are needed throughout the city, according to the plan, only $41 million is available, city staff said.

But where I take issue with Audet is his assertion that city staff is to blame for this financial mess, whereas in truth the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the city council members who

are supposed to direct staff.

That’s how city government works. A municipality’s staff is only is good as its elected leaders.

My hunch is that Encinitas as proceeds with the process of drafting a new city budget, Audet won’t be the last to address the Encinitas City Council and blast them over their fiscal policies.

Perhaps the single most important thing he said was that the city is spending money it does not have, and taking on debt it cannot afford.

There’s no way the Pacific View purchase makes fiscal sense, not when you’ve got so many infrastructure projects and repairs on your plate. And as I have warned before, the $10 million the city is paying for Pacific View will likely mushroom, perhaps by staggering amounts, as the city grapples with ways to first rehabilitate the property and then operate it. Up in Carlsbad, by contrast,

city must live within its means and exercise fiscal restraints.

Just like at home, there are always more wants than dollars available.” He stressed the importance of prioritizing projects, noting that the city “has identified $394 million in unfunded projects,” and asserted the total debt liability for Pacific View, factoring in interest and other costs, had come to nearly $20 million, and that’s just to buy the property.

Muir’s column prompted a response from Shaffer, who seemed to focus on picking apart Muir’s fiscally conservative credentials and downplaying Encinitas’ sorry financial condition. “The truth is that there has not been a proposal to raise taxes since Mr. Muir was elected, and there has not been a vote on this question,” she wrote. She also maintained Muir’s claim of $394 million in unfunded projects was “misleading,” since “the biggest of that number is a rough estimate for trenching the rail corridor, something that may or may not ever happen.”

If Shaffer seems overly defensive, it might be because she’s having second thoughts about the Pacific View purchase. I can’t blame her — any rational person would.

But by maintaining “there has not been a proposal to raise taxes since Mr. Muir was elected, Shaffer is being disingenuous or, as the Encinitas Undercover blog site puts it, “dissembling the truth of what happened.”

No, there wasn’t a specific vote to raise taxes. But just about a year ago, the council was considering a plan to spend $100,000 on a study to see if taxpayers would be open to a hike in the sales tax, and Shaffer, along with then-Mayor Teresa Barth and Councilman Tony Kranz, voted in favor of the proposal, with Muir and Gaspar opposed.

Ultimately, the plan died when Muir and Gaspar said that even if the survey found residents open to the idea of a sales-tax increase, they would refuse to become the fourth vote to put such a measure on the ballot.

In the midst of this flap over the study, Shaffer told the U-T San Diego “she was in favor of increasing the sales tax because a small sales tax increase would have very little impact on individual residents, yet generate a great deal of money for the city.” Kranz also told the newspaper he favored a sales tax hike.

It will be interesting to see if either, or both, will start humming the same song as the budget process draws on and it becomes more and more apparent that Pacific View is a white elephant that epitomizes Audet’s assertion that Encinitas “is spending money it does not have, and taking on debt it cannot afford.” ■

The Encinitas City Council, never a model of harmony, is beginning to show even more stress fractures as the city’s bleak financial outlook becomes clear. the city had plenty of money to build the Alga Norte Community Park and Swim Complex, but waited until it made sure operating funds were available. With Pacific View, the city not only didn’t have the cash on hand to buy the property outright, but it certainly doesn’t have the money to rehab it and, down the road, operate whatever the property will become.

It’s been said that money problems can tear families apart. The Encinitas City Council, never a model of harmony, is beginning to show even more stress fractures as the city’s bleak financial outlook becomes clear.

In a column in the Seaside Courier, Councilman Mark Muir wrote a commentary on the budget process. He wrote that he and Mayor Kristin Gaspar voted against increasing taxes “because we believe that, as with your budget at home, our

The careful balance between development and drought Mark Muir

Vice Chair, San Diego County Water Authority Guest commentary

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ne of the most common questions people ask me these days is, “Why do we continue to provide water meters for new development when we’re in a drought?” Essentially, they want to know why we allow more homes and businesses in the region by providing water for them when the resource is already strained.

It’s an important question with a complex answer.

Let’s start with the mission that the state Legislature gave the San Diego County Water Authority when it was formed in 1944. The Water Authority was charged then – as it is today – with providing the water needed for the current economy and population, along with forecasted growth.

The last full year that the native supply of water – rainfall captured in local reservoirs – was sufficient to support our region’s economy and population was 1946. The Water Authority is not a land-use planning agency, but rather a resource agency designed to meet the region’s water needs anticipated by those agencies that are charged with land-use planning.

To address situations when water supplies become constrained, the Water Authority worked with its member agencies to develop a model drought response plan for the region.

This plan calls first for voluntary water conservation and then for mandatory water-use restrictions. That orderly, progressive approach is designed to reduce water waste first while minimizing damage to our economy, and it has allowed San Diego County to successfully grow its economy over the past 20-plus years while improving water-use efficiency.

The exact restrictions vary by local agency. In times of shortage or steep mandatory water-use cuts, local ordinances may include prohibitions on new water meters and new service area annexations. Decisions about how and when to restrict meters is ultimately up to local water agencies, some of which may allow developers to offset new water demand by funding an equivalent amount of water conservation or local supply projects. The local agency cannot declare a meter moratorium unless they make the findings of fact under Water Code §350 that the “ordinary demands and requirements of water consumers cannot be satisfied without depleting the water supply of

the distributor to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation and fire protection.” If lawns are still green, then many consider there is still water for human consumption, sanitation and fire protection. As water demand reductions increase, we may be able to consider whether conditions exist that will allow the Board to restrict new meters.

Since 1992, the Water Authority has worked closely with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) through a formal agreement to collaborate and coordinate longrange land-use, economic and population-forecasting data with long-range water supply plans.

This partnership is designed to meet the region’s water needs for decades to come, just as it has in decades past. It’s important to note that SANDAG projects that two-thirds of our region’s growth will be from births in the county; in essence, the bulk of new housing and businesses will be to meet the needs of our children and grandchildren.

To meet projected water demands, the Water Authority and its 24 member retail water agencies are implementing a multi-decade strategy to create a diverse and reliable water supply. It includes the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad (expected to start production this fall). It also includes the nation’s largest agriculture-to-urban water transfer (as part of the 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement), new water storage and conveyance facilities, and an array of water conservation programs.

Today, the San Diego metropolitan area is one of the 20 largest in the country with an amazing array of industries and opportunities that make it the vibrant region we all love. Between 1991 (the peak of another major drought) and 2014, potable water use in the region actually dropped about 12 percent, even though the population grew by 700,000 people and the economy expanded more than 80 percent. One big reason why that could happen is that new development is typically far more water-efficient than developments from decades past.

Another is that residents and businesses have continued finding new ways to conserve water through more efficient devices and practices – a strategy that we need to embrace to endure the current drought and prepare for future dry years.■

Why do we continue to provide water meters for new development when we’re in a drought?

OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Letter to the Editor: The mass exodus of our The Sybil of our time

city managers

Submitted by Dadla Ponizil, Encinitas

Thomas K.

Your reprint of the LA Times story: “Scientists explain how climate change helps fuel California drought” in your April edition got me thinking about cost, risk and the devastating episode of “Downton Abbey” my wife and I recently suffered through. Those of your readers enthralled as we are in the highs and lows of aristocratic family life of 1900s England will know what I mean. The youngest daughter, Lady Sybil Crawley, just gave birth and all seems lovely when the family doctor sees signs of preeclampsia, a potentially fatal disorder, and urges medical care. A second doctor, a “London specialist” shrugs it off as routine, and, with arrogant bravado dismisses his colleague’s concerns. The outcome is tragic because the family follows wishful beliefs rather than medical science.

So what does this have to do with the drought story? We all want to believe the drought is just natural variation and we’ve made it through dry spells before. No one wants to think we are in any way responsible.

The Stanford scientists analyzed historical records and found higher temperatures coincided with drier years more

Arnold than twice as often during the last two decades. And higher temperatures follow higher C02 concentrations—an undisputed fact of climate science. In disagreement, scientists from the American Meteorological Society attribute our drought to “natural variability, stating there was “no appreciable long-term change in the risk for dry climate extremes over California since the late 19th century.”

Preeclampsia Foundation’s motto is “Know the symptoms; trust yourself.”

I think that’s good advice.

If the Stanford scientists’ predictions play out and we chose inaction, we will be in drought conditions as long as global warming remains unchecked.

If, on the other hand, the meteorologists are correct, we will have improved our water security, developed water-optimized agricultural practices, recycled water systems for our cities, along with energy efficient technologies and ramped up renewable energy innovation— all for nothing. In view of the shrinking snowpack and 2014 being yet another hottest year on record, my sense tells me we should be very cautious. And I will really miss Lady Sybil. ■

News Analysis

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hy do our cities have such a problem finding, and then keeping, good managers?

Over the last five months, four of our five coastal North County cities have lost their city managers — and the partings in three of the cases have not exactly been amicable.

In Encinitas, City Manager Gus Vina sat through the fall campaign hearing candidates call for his firing and was only too happy to resign of his own accord in December 2014 when he was offered the city managership of Brentwood, a city of 55,000 people in northern California’s Bay Area in Contra Costa County. In an interview with the Seaside Courier, he wouldn’t elaborate on why he decided to leave, but conceded there were many “problematic” issues and he had to have “thick skin.”

In Oceanside, City Manager Steve Jepsen in February was forced out of the job he had held for 16 months in the wake of the November election of a new council majority. Jepsen had been city manager once before, from 2000 to 2006, and then was brought back in October 2013 at the behest of Council members Jerry Kern and Jack Feller, who at the time were in control (with

ally Gary Felien). But when Felien lost to Chuck Lowery in November, the balance of power shifted back to Mayor Jim Wood, who had opposed Jepsen’s rehire. And three months later, he was gone, with Wood telling the Seaside Courier that Kern and crew were “foolish to bring Mr. Jepsen back,” and that “they brought him back to do all their bidding.”

Now, in Carlsbad, Steven Sarkozy’s departure was announced April 24 in a remarkably candid news release. In the release, Mayor Matt Hall conceded Sarkozy and Carlsbad were “just not the right fit,” while Sarkozy said, “To reach peak performance, the City Council, city manager and staff need to be in complete alignment, and we just weren’t able to get there.”

Other than in Solana Beach — where City Manager David Ott retired last November but agreed to stay on as interim until his replacement was found — what, exactly, is the problem?

The council-manager form of government was created in the early 1900s by progressive reformers eager to rid city halls and county courthouses of political machines, spoils systems and rampant graft and corruption.

The council-manager form of government was first adopted in 1908 in Staunton, Virginia, and today is the dominant

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form of government in all but the largest cities, according to the International City/County Management Association, a professional and educational association for appointed local government administrators.

Citizens elect a governing body to take care of the legislative functions of a municipality, such as setting a vision, establishing policy, passing local ordinances.

These elected officials then appoint a professional manager to function as the city’s chief executive officer, overseeing administrative functions and effectively running the city.

In a way, it’s a classic case of checks and balances. If the manager screws up, the council fires him and hires a new one; if the council is out of whack, the manager keeps the city running smoothly regardless of what shenanigans occur behind the dais.

The city manager form of government also creates a buffer to partisan politics and ensures that a trained manager is in charge of the troops — not an elected mayor who might not possess the necessary skill sets to, in effect, run a large corporation.

On the downside, a city manager is in the unique position of running a city without direct accountability to voters, since he is appointed. As a result, he SEE MANAGERS PAGE 18

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SUMMER CAMPS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Summer Day Camp Guide

Many choices offered locally S

ummer is just around the bend. For parents, Seaside Courier has put together this guide of just a few of the many summer camp choices offered in coastal North County.

Sylvan EDGE camps

If you’re looking for ways to introduce your child to new and fun experiences, you’ve got to check out Sylvan EDGE camps.

Whether your child is interested in a robotics camp, a video game design camp, or a cool study edge camp, their camps are designed to be fun and interactive. Kids just love them! In addition they offer Early reading, Fit4Algebra and Creative Writing camps. All camps at Sylvan of Encinitas have group dynamics, so your child can bring his or her friends or make new ones. More details can be found on their website at http://locations.sylvanlearning. com/us/encinitas-ca/program/ sylvan-edge-camps or by calling Kimm Emerson at 760-942-5454.

The Grauer School

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Looking for something fun and enriching this summer? The Grauer School offers for-credit and enrichment programs for kids in Grades 3–12 and adults.

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The Grauer School is expanding its summer program to include additional enrichment camps in 2015. Students can devote time to art or dabble in music at the school FINE Magazine readers voted “San Diego’s Finest School for the

S, C A LIF

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Academic courses meet UC standards and are approved by WASC. Camp programs range from music and art to language, fitness, drama, writing, math, Spanish and more.

For session dates and a complete list of offerings, call, email or go online today! Enroll

by June 12.

COME ROLL WITH US!

1500 S. EL CAMINO REAL, ENCINITAS, CA 92024 760.274.2118 | WWW.GRAUERSCHOOL.COM SUMMERSCHOOL@GRAUERSCHOOL.COM

Performing Arts.” The enrichment camps are inclusive to students as young as fourth grade and some are even open to adults. The Grauer School is continuing to offer a diverse set of UC-approved summer school courses for high school and college-bound students looking to get ahead this summer. Virtually all classes can be offered in an independent studies format to accommodate busy summer schedules. For more information, go to Grauerschool.com or email summerschool@grauerschool.com.

Encinitas Parks and Rec

Get ready for summer in Encinitas! Encinitas Parks and Rec has hundreds of camps, classes, leagues and special events lined up for the summer months, including Seaside Day Camp, offered weekly all summer long and our localfavorites, Encinitas Junior Lifeguards and Encinitas Beach Kids at Moonlight Beach.

Make this summer your child’s best yet and one to remember.

View their online brochure and browse and register for all of the summer programs online at EncinitasParksandRec.com. For more information, call 760-6332740. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for news and info from Encinitas.

Encinitas Country Day School

Encinitas Country Day School offers “Summer Camps Kids Love!” beginning July 6 for six consecutive weeks. Open to the general public, ECDS Campz are week-long, action-packed, age-appropriate, teacher-supervised, educational summer programs filled with fun, discovery and adventure.

Students enjoy a wide array of academic, artistic and outdoor enrichment activities, including lab time and on-site and off-site field trips.

VarietyCampz serves children entering kindergarten and first grade; LabCampz is for second- and third-graders; and OdysseyCampz is for fourth- through sixth-graders.

Visit ecdscampz.org for all the camp details, registration and early enrollment discount information.

Carla Funk Art Camp

Have fun at this extraordinary ceramic and pottery camp in Encinitas. The main focus is on ceramics, with additional projects involving painting, drawing and mosaics to broaden the creative experience. Students enjoy exploring with clay and making things from their own imagination.

Daily instructions in clay SEE CAMPS PAGE 7

SUMMER CAMPS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015 CAMPS, FROM PAGE 6 hand building techniques, learning to center and throw on the potter’s wheel, decorating and making animals out of a pot; plus glazing the fired creations. Beginners explore and learn in this hands-on experience, while advanced students further their skills with more challenging projects. The focus is more on the experience than the finished product. Afternoons of the full-day camps include more ceramics, watercolor painting, spatter painting, acrylics, pastels and drawing. Come enjoy the fun at this very popular camp in Encinitas. To register, visit Arttilesbycarla.com or call Carla at 760-943-6313.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito

School’s out for summer, the Club is in! Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Summer Adventure Camps program offers a fun-filled active summer for youth ages 5-15. Skilled staff, amazing programming, field trips and activities provide a rewarding camp experience.

Five convenient camp locations throughout north coastal San Diego County, located in Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas. Choose from many flexible and affordable camp options: Day Camps (ages 5-13), Adventure Specialty Camps (ages 8-12), Half-day Jr. Specialty Camps (ages 5-7), Teen Adventure Camps (ages 12-14), and Leadership In

Training Program (ages 14-15).

Visit Bgcsandieguito.org/programs/camps to browse an online Summer Program Guide pick one up at any of the five locations. Get ready for the best summer ever! BGCSD offers military discounts and financial assistance to those who qualify.

Please contact the Camp Office for more information. Register online at Bgcsandieguito.org/ programs/camps or contact the Camp Office at Polster branch at 858-720-2180 or camp@bgcsandieguito.org.

Encinitas Karate

Encinitas Karate has actionpacked fun for your child, with four exciting summer camps to choose from: Science and Astronomy Camp, Ninja Camp, Karate Party Camp, and Beach and Park Karate Training Camp.

All camps are held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For dates and more details, visit Encinitaskarate.com or call 760-635-3699. (See ad on Page 7.)

Summer Animal Camp

Summer Animal Camp runs June 22 through Aug. 14 at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. There are three themes: All About Our Pets, Animal Keepers and Wildlife Among Us. Campers enjoy hands-on experiences with animals, arts, crafts, and games. Space is limited and Animal Camp fills up quickly. For more information visit RCHS at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to Sdpetsorg. ■

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HOME & GARDEN

Gardening ideas from Evelyn Blooming good tips for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds Evelyn Weidner Guest columnist

M

ay marks the beginning of summer activities: Mother’s Day, graduation day, Memorial Day and all the out-of-town summer company.

It is the best time to spruce up the patio. Add some color; fix up some pots by adding a few more plants and throw out what can’t be saved. It’s your patio for your enjoyment. It is also the patio for the company that is sure to come as the summer months progress.

Can you do this — have blooming color and still save water?

Absolutely! It just takes the right plants in the right place and a little creativity.

Check out these blooming good ideas.

Let’s attract some butterflies, because what can be more entertaining than watching butterflies and hummingbirds flitting

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

terfly weed. Their real name is Asclepius, but everyone calls them butterfly weeds. They grow as easily as a weed and are the best attractor for the Monarch butterfly. This is both a host plant where the butterflies lay their eggs and a nectar plant for sweet sipping. Why two plants?

Because those caterpillars can really eat and you want to make sure you have enough.

Buddleia Buzz

This is the other butterfly attractor. It has very pretty long racemes of blue, purple or pink flowers and no caterpillars.

Buddleia Buzz is one of the new Buddleias that will stay small enough that you can keep it in nice, big 20-inch pot. No caterpillars on this blooming beauty, just lots of butterflies. It is perennial and doesn’t take lots of water, and is a good plant to put in a sunny corner.

Hummingbird attractors Butterflies are attracted to plants in sunny areas.

around your garden? Children can watch the Monarch’s life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to a brand new butterfly. Try out these two butterfly attracting plants, but be sure they are in

the sun — butterflies only come to sunny spots. Choose both or only one.

Butterfly weed

Use one big pot for the but-

Are there hummingbirdattracting plants that are still low water? Try these for your patio: pots of red or blue Salvias.

Almost all the Salvias attract hummingbirds. Any plant with tube like flowers is likely to have that sweet nectar that the hummers need. Kangaroo Paw plant

W E I D N E R ’ S

Streptocarpella

doesn’t look like the hummers would like it, but they surely do. Kangaroo Paw plants need perfect drainage so they are very happy in a big pot.

Succulents take almost no water. Try a Kalenchoe succulent mixed combo for the patio table. Leave the Kalenchoe in its pot and changing it out later is super quick. Surround it with any of the Sedums. Simple, colorful and no care.

What about the shady parts of your patio? Try Blue Dancing flowers — aka Stretocarpella — for easy, bright color in the shade. It is one of the hummer’s favorite stops at Weidner’s SEE GARDENING PAGE 9

G A R D E N S

Saturday, May 23 COME SEE LOCAL ARTISTS IN THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF WEIDNER’S GARDENS EVENT IS FREE TO ATTEND, OPEN FROM 10AM-4PM VISIT WWW.WEIDNERS.COM/PRODUCT/ART-WALK/ FOR MORE DETAILS

Featuring Art Jewel Studio • Art of Elizabeth Zaikowski • Carol Collins Carroll Crannell • Dyan’s Poterie • Jan Neff-Sinclair • Karen Gassaway Lara Bennett • Mostly Mosaics • Mariah Armstrong • Patricia Hilty Pots with a Purpose • Refn Art • Shilo Glass • SKM Pottery • and more!

s!

Plu

Ladybug & Butterfly Festival

695 NORMANDY RD, ENCINTAS

May 16 & 17 A celebration of your garden’s beneficial insects

WWW.WIEDNERS.COM

9 HOME & GARDEN / LOCAL NEWS The Retail Beat: Strolling on State

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Katrina Dodson Guest columnist

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Any plant with tube-like flowers is likely to have sweet nectar that hummingbirds need.

GARDENING, FROM PAGE 8 Gardens. Yellow brightens up shady corners and nothing is prettier than Golden Candles.

Loaded with nectar, this beauty blooms all summer long.

One more blooming good idea: The herb pot that you let bloom so the beautiful will attract the Swallowtail butterfly to come and lay her eggs. Use one big pot for dill, anise, carrots and parsley. Go ahead and let them come into bloom and see if that big yellow butterfly will show up. We had Swallowtail chrysalis on our plants at the nursery.

I have to tell the truth that my 5-foot-high anise plant got nary a butterfly. The anise plant is still alive, so maybe this year.

There are lots and lots of butterfly- and hummingbird-

attracting plants — too many to even begin in this space.

To fill your garden with many more of them, come to Weidner’s Gardens big Ladybug, Butterfly and Hummingbird Event on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, special speaker, Marcia Van Loy will teach you everything you want to know about planting a butterfly garden.

There will be free ladybugs for kids, crafts, huge insect collections, and even some guest animals.

More information is available on Weidners.com or by calling 760-436-2194. Or see the Weidner’s Gardens ad on this page.

Here’s to more of those beautiful little free loaders. They can sip in my garden anytime. ■

hile on a recent mission to find some new, hip outdoor furniture I came across Skylar’s Home and Patio online and thought I would swing in and see if it was as good in person as it looked virtually. What I didn’t expect was to spend three hours strolling down this two-block area and finding myself tempted to buy much more than a new patio set. People: State Street in Carlsbad is updated and rivals any street in La Jolla for fun fashion. My list below includes almost every shop, and includes a quick snap shot of each.

Coolest Shoes in California, 2984 State St.: Their tag line is “where comfort and style meet” and I would concur. Lines like Vionic, FitFlop, Soft Walk and Galgla line the walls in this friendly business.

Mulloys Fine Jewelry, 2978 State St.: Carrying the top, name brands in fine fashion jewelry, this longstanding store has an excellent reputation, three gemologists and designers, and also offers estate jewelry.

Ooh La La Boutique, 2972 State St.: This store is a blast of glitzy and bejeweled, fringe and lace, and some seriously splashy and sometimes sexy items. This seemed like a great store for buying a “party top.”

Aranelle, 2940 State St.: Gorgeous clothing, a huge assortment of Brighton jewelry and accessories, and knowledgeable staff make this store a must-see. They carry lines like Dylan, Johnny Was, Tarantola, Driftwood and Splendid, and the store has an updated, coastal feel.

Olde Ivy Antiques, 2928 State St: This is one of those fun antique stores with multiple vendors to choose from. They also carry an assortment of new-but-looks-old whitewashed furniture and coastal inspired interior decorator items.

Vickie Kay’s, 2898 State St.: This women’s clothing store has a colorful selection of casual comfort lines and fun pieces for any wardrobe. Their brands include Neon Buddha, Color Me Cotton, and Parsley & Sage.

Skylar’s Home and Patio,

2840 State St.: I finally reach my destination! This is a fantastic store with competitive pricing, great styles and good customer service. Every time I come in the store has new merchandise, and I want to redo yet another area of my home.

Somaly’s Fashion Boutique, 2957 State St.: The front window screamed COLOR and the inside was no different. Brimming with inexpensive bottoms and tops of many patterns and vibrant colors, this store has something for everyone. Fifteen colors of jeans – wow!

Ollie & Me, 2965 State St.: The only children’s clothier on the street and it is simply fabulous. Modern and hip in store design, the fashions match the décor and its tag line of being “not your average baby store.”

Lines such as Rags to Raches, Lennon Wolfe and Tiny Wolf are mixed in with home goods, pregnancy-friendly clothing, and bath products.

Cielo Boutique, 2969 State St.: My wallet couldn’t stand it anymore! I bought a very fun

and well-priced swing top here

by Love Stitch and will return for the store’s varied selection of modern prints and solid pieces — and maybe some of their amazing soy candles. This shop smelled fabulous!

The Beat Clothing, 2971 State St.: A super fun store for the rocker in your life! This store is filled with ripped jeans, studded accessories, fringed denim and dozens of choices of rock t-shirts to go with the pleather skirts and lug-soled boots.

CoCo Rose, 2975 State St.: You would be hard pressed to find a better store for island-inspired jewelry and clothing than this store. This boutique carries Bali Queen, Flax, Haviana and a small selection of bathing suits to compliment the amazing wood, coral and shell jewelry selection.

Wednesday nights from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. is the Carlsbad Village Farmer’s Market on State Street: all the shops stay open, there is plenty of food and music to enjoy, and it has become quite the scene. I will be putting this on my calendar for sure! ■

10 RENTALS, FROM PAGE 1 ernment position to be in.”

The same staffer said Airbnb. com, a popular website for advertising short-term vacation rentals, is valued at more than $10 billion.

The value is more than some hotel chains, he said.

The new ordinance requires owners of the short-term vacation rentals to pay the city’s 10-percent transient occupancy tax, plus a $1-per-night room assessment fee to support the Carlsbad Tourism & Business Improvement District.

According to city staff, 15 businesses currently operate or manage short-term vacation rentals and contributed more than $333,000 in fiscal year 2013-2014.

Short-term vacation rentals will be limited to homes west of Interstate 5, which, geographically, is about 37 percent of the city.

The new rules are effective June 4 and come after more than 10 months of research by the city staff.

The new requirements, which apply to parts of the 92008 and 92011 ZIP codes, include: Owners are required to obtain a business license and a shortterm vacation rental permit. The license requires a fee, but the permit will be free.

Owners/operators must acknowledge that they are responsible for complying with any homeowners’ association rules that ban short-term vacation rentals.

Rental residences must post a local contact for neighbors to call in case of problems, and that contact must respond within 45

LOCAL NEWS minutes, and keep that notice on display at all times of day.

Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus one.

For example, a two-bedroom residence is limited to no more than five occupants.

The owners and occupants must acknowledge receipt of the city’s Good Neighbor Guidelines, which cover such issues as noise, trash, parking and oversize vehicles.

Violations are a misdemeanor offense.

Homeowners can check whether a specific property is in the affected coastal zone by calling 760-602-2403.

Staff asked the City Council to review the ordinance again in early 2016 to “assess its effectiveness and determine if any additional regulations or changes are needed to effectively manage short-term vacation rentals in the city.”

Municipalities across the U.S.— including San Diego—have begun adopting rules surrounding shortterm vacation rentals as websites such as Airbnb and VRBO.com continue to gain popularity. In a recent committee meeting, San Diego City Council listened to hours of public testimony both for and against short-term vacation rentals.

Marcie Beckett, who belongs to a grassroots group called Save Our San Diego Neighborhoods, said such properties diminish the housing supply for people who want to buy or rent long-term.

While she and some others want to prohibit short-term vacation rentals in residential areas, other opponents said enough regulations

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015 are on the books, but the city of San Diego — home to an estimated 3,100 short-term vacation rentals — needs to enforce them.

On the other side of the issue, Tony Griffin, who lives in the Windansea area of La Jolla, said he rents his house when he goes away on vacation.

“In two years, I’ve had one problem,’’ Griffin said, adding that his loud renters quieted down immediately after being warned of neighbors’ complaints.

Other owners who rent their properties said more problems are caused by full-time residents than vacationers.

California state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, has authored Senate Bill 593, which would require the websites to report booking information. The businesses will also be required to collect taxes.

In a blog post, Airbnb’s David Owen, said the company is “deeply concerned” about the proposal.

“Airbnb (has) a duty to protect the private data of our community — and lawmakers have a responsibility to protect their constituents’ important privacy interests,” Owen wrote. “We aren’t alone in raising these concerns. Leading organizations are speaking out against these proposals.The growth of peer to peer commerce over the last decade raises unique challenges that require innovative regulatory solutions. Proposals like SB 593 wrongly disregard consumer privacy.”

—City News Service contributed to this report. ■

EcoFest features over 100 exhibitors and 25 family-friendly activities highlighting sustainable practices to inspire children of all ages to become active stewards of the environment. (Photo by Russ Wilson)

Ninth annual EcoFest is May 17 Terri Steele Guest columnist

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s Earth Day celebrations draw to a picture-perfect close, a showcase of fun-filled unprecedented, hands-on transformational experiences in sustainability await North County San Diego residents at the ninth annual EcoFest, slated for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17 at 450 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas.

“EcoFest is a day-long celebration showcasing over 80 100 exhibitors, purveyors of green cuisine, live entertainment and 25 interactive family activities to inspire the community to live healthier, more sustainable lives not just on Earth Day, but each and every day,” said EcoFest President and COO Dave Ahlgren.

Among EcoFest’s many components are a Children’s

Costume Earth Parade; Eco Car Show featuring an enticing line-up of alternative-fuel and low-emissions vehicles and solar charging options; Health, Wellness and Fitness Pavilion; Taste of Organics Food and Lifestyle Pavilion; Craft Beer Tent; eHome Solar and Energy Pavilion; Ocean and Water Conservation Pavilion; Gardening, Composting and Landscaping Pavilion; eBike Tours and bicycle valet; a Community Mosaic Art Project and a Recycled Art Pavilion.

Live animal interactions, adoptions, face painting, dancing, hula-hooping, Dr. Zoolittle and Bubble Man add to the fun.

San Diego County Supervisor Dave Roberts, Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar and Leichtag Foundation President and CEO Jim Farley will offer welcoming SEE ECOFEST PAGE19

MOONLIGHT AMPHITHEATRE 760.724.2110 • moonlightstage.com

June 10 - 27

Broadway’s Best Under the Stars!

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Wellness in North County: Pressure Points Chris Ahrens Columnist

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don’t know what I expected an acupuncture practitioner to look like, but it wasn’t Lindsey Miuccio. I recently interviewed Miuccio for the Seaside Courier concerning her chosen profession.

Seaside Courier: What drew you to acupuncture?

Lindsey Miuccio: I was in my last semester before getting a degree in psychology when my instructor said, “If you don’t love this profession, don’t do it.” I shut my laptop, walked out, dropped all my classes and had no idea what I was going to do next.

As a young girl I had always tried to keep up with the boys —mountain biking, jumping off cliffs, snowboarding, ski racing.

By the time I hit undergrad I couldn’t move my shoulders and couldn’t put my arms up, due to severe restriction. Then I got into a car accident. I have a high threshold for pain, but my pain was consistently eight out of 10. I had been a yogi and now I couldn’t bend over and touch my toes, or even turn my neck.

One day my mother’s best friend asked me to go to the acupuncturist with her. I had pain in my abdomen and the acupuncturist pressed on my ankle and the pain in my abdomen went away.

That’s when the light went on.

I immediately applied to Tri City College in New York City,

Acupressure/acupuncture practitioner, Lindsey Miuccio (Courtesy photo)

took three years, passed the board and now I’m out here.

When I started acupuncture school, I began getting acupuncture once a week. I immediately went from pain ranging from eight out of 10 to three or four. By the end of the first semester, I was down to a one and a half to two.

By the end of that summer, I had no pain whatsoever and was back to doing all the things I love again.

Courier: Is the training rigorous?

Miuccio: It took me three years of trigger point needling to get to where I could work on someone.

We train for over 2,500 hours.

Courier: How does acupuncture/ acupressure work?

Miuccio: We look to stimulate areas where there are high concentrations of nerves. That’s where the acupoints are. You stimulate them and that stimulates areas of the brain.

Courier: I hear acupuncture

Sea Creatures: Hodads Chris Ahrens Columnist

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group of us kids were seated; playing cards for cigarettes and nickels when two men in white shirts, slacks and wingtips approached us. We eyed them suspiciously and they told us they were reporters for a big LA newspaper. When they asked to sit in, we made room and after taking all of the change from their pockets, they began questioning us about surfing. While I don’t recall much from that kooky quiz, I can still remember us laughing in unison as they asked us to define what a doodad was. It’s hodad, I offered.

They took a few notes and left the beach to write about real surfers as we did what surfers do, went surfing.

Now I had been called a hodad quite often in those days, a derogatory term that I always thought meant poser or phony, like the kooks who used to drive around in panel trucks with their boards bolted to the roof. Nobody liked a hodad, except for other hodads and I doubt they ever knew that is what they were being called.

I have no idea of how the word came into existence, but Australian surf filmmaker Steve Core once told me that he had heard from some of the old Malibu crew that they used to drive past

road workers with hoes and would shout, “Hoe dads.” According to this second-hand account, the words were put together and eventually became one Surfer Denny Aaberg, the co-author of the movie “Big Wednesday,” grew up at Malibu and so is an expert on all things hodad. While Aaberg offered no help in the origin of the word, he grew up a hodad. According to him, a hodad was a “greaser” — a guy who combed his hair in a greasy pompadour and wore shirts buttoned to the top with khaki pants and spit-shined shoes. Hodads and surfers, according to Aaberg, often rumbled in places like Santa Monica. When I still didn’t get the picture, he said, “Think Fonzie,” a guy like Maynard G. Krebs who before he personified beatniks became the face of hodads to the world. Of course nobody would have called the Fonz a hodad ¾ nobody ever called a hodad by that name.

I was a hodad without ever knowing it, something old photos prove, like the one of me with my hair combed in what we called a “mop,” all greased back with a

can stop even the most severe pain.

Miuccio: Acupuncture is sometimes used for anesthesia. Most of our patients come in for pain relief.

They’re not ready for their fourth back surgery, and we’ve helped people not have to get them.

Courier: Do the needles hurt?

Miuccio: No, they’re hair thin.

Courier: Is there anything people can try, to prove to themselves acupressure works?

Miuccio: There are two acupoints I show everybody. One is for anxiety and one is for headaches.

For headaches or toothaches, press beneath the bone where the thumb and index finger intersect. For anxiety, panic attacks or stomachaches move your thumb two thumb-widths down from the crease in your wrist, and press between the tendons.

Courier: Most people don’t realize there’s an alternative to medication.

Miuccio: I hope to let people know there are alternatives to what they’re used to. You don’t have to take all these drugs. I used to live on medications, but no longer. It’s all about informing people, but they have to want to get better to be healthy. You choose your life.

Direct any questions on acupressure or acupuncture to Lindsey Miuccio @: akasha.com or on Facebook at akasha116.

Miuccio practices at House of Crossfit in Carlsbad, and Alpha Physical Therapy in Twin Oaks Valley. ■

little peak protruding forward, wearing a sleeveless terrycloth shirt, clam diggers and a shark tooth, while holding a pair of bongos. That was about a year before surfing took hold of my life and I forever put aside my hodad ways.

I remember that fateful day when I walked into a men’s store, asking the clerk where they kept the khakis. He spied me disdainfully before suggesting I shop elsewhere. He was tanned with blond hair and a healthy glow about him. As I stood wonder-

ing what sort of being this was, a kid walked in and asked if they had any Madres plaid shirts.

This time the clerk beamed as he walked the kid over to the requested section. Then the kid said something to the clerk that would forever change my life.

“You’re a surfer, aren’t you man?”

The clerk nodded in the affirmative as the boy, whom I now realize was a gremmie (young surfer) said, “I knew it man, you’ve got natural grease.” ■

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Officials with Olivenhain Municipal Water District and The Farms Golf Club turn the new recycled water valve, April 30, 2015. (Courtesy photo)

Golf Club makes switch to recycled water City News Service

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ith drastic state-mandated water use cutbacks looming, The Farms Golf Club recently switched over to a recycled water system to irrigate its greens and fairways, which is expected to save millions of gallons of drinking water.

Until the April 30 switch, 96 percent of the 83-acre course was irrigated with potable water, according to the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.

“As California regulators consider mandating specific reductions in potable water use, the timing for this conversion could not have been better,’’ said Kimberly Thorner, OMWD general manager. “OMWD has been committed to reducing our reliance on imported water, and this is yet another step toward

fulfilling that goal.’’

While the club spent around $200,000 on the conversion, it will eventually pay for itself because recycled water is less expensive than drinking water, according to the OMWD. The State Water Resources Control Board is determining specific cutback levels for water agencies across California because of the continuing drought, in order to meet Gov. Jerry Brown’s demand for an overall 25 percent reduction.

Around 12 percent of golf courses nationwide are irrigated with reclaimed water, including some in San Diego County, according to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

The OMWD delivers water to seven golf courses, and five get recycled water. A sixth course is close to converting, according to the district. ■

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EDUCATION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

MiraCosta Matters:

ODYSSEY, FROM PAGE 1 mechanical pie throwers, the organization still prides itself on presenting fun problems for students to solve.

Team Wilson formed in September, when first-time coaches Rivard and Jennings solicited interest from students, who chose a problem called “Silent Movie.” The team had to create a play with a silent movie that included a humorous villain who performed three acts of villainy, subtitles and music from a team-created instrument. The villain had to get away with one of their villainous acts, and be caught in another act, with the outcome of the third act left up to the team. Team Wilson worked on Sundays to create the characters and the play, build the set and scenery, and practice the performance. They had a budget for materials of $125.

Ella Decking, who plays a movie critic, said the biggest lesson she had from this process was in learning how to cooperate to create the play.

“At first, everyone had different ideas and there was a lot of arguing. So we split into groups, decided our lines for the scene as a group and performed it, then everybody voted,” Ella said. “If the vote was even we combined ideas from the top two groups.”

In this way, the team created their project without adult intervention, an important part of the independent spirit of Odyssey of the Mind.

The focus on fostering out of the box creative thinking is reflected

MiraCosta opens Carlsbad-based institute to train workers for in-demand jobs Dr. Sunny Cooke Superintendent/ president

O Team Wilson performs for Odyssey of the Mind judges at University of California, Riverside. (Photo by Teresa Decking)

in the competition’s spontaneous challenge component, where a subset of the team is pulled aside with the judges and answers an on-the-spot problem.

“They can be verbal, hands-on, or hands-on and verbal,” said Ella.

With a satisfied smile, she added, “And there are no wrong answers.”

At a recent Friday school assembly, Team Wilson presented its solution to the Silent Movie problem. The end result was a funny and lighthearted imaginative play featuring tropical climes and a silent movie icon. Since the team will be competing in the world finals in May, it can’t reveal the secrets of how it solved the problem, but the students completely captivated their audience. This was the result at the State Championships as well.

One of the parents mentioned that the audience at UC Riverside responded well to their performance.

“Even some of the adults in the audience were laughing,” said Laura Rivard. “At the award

ceremony, when the team was called up to receive first place, we were over the moon.”

Coaches Jennings and Rivard say they’ve seen a progression in the confidence and teamwork skills of each student due to this experience. Jennings noted an evolution in tackling obstacles.

“Each student overcame personal challenges and the experience has been empowering,” Jennings said.

The coaches also noticed that spontaneity, focus, and control have improved.

Team Wilson is excited to go to the World Finals, which features events including a Creativity Festival, NASA’s E-Theater, and pin-trading, a tradition that encourages students to make new friends from all over the world. To compete, the team must ship its set, then travel with its chaperones and coaches to Michigan State University for the event May 20-23. To support this trip, Team Wilson is fundraising on Giveforward.com with a goal of $15,000. ■

n Sept. 11, 2001, while sitting in a high school classroom, Richard Garcia witnessed the World Trade Center in New York City catch fire and collapse. That day, he marched into a recruitment office to join the Marine Corps.

Garcia spent almost a decade in the Marine Corps, including a tour in Afghanistan. In 2011, he left as a sergeant and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Garcia then applied to the Los Angeles Police Academy, but after a year with no reply, enrolled in a private protection detail program. When he finished that program, he again waited for job offers, which never came.

Garcia then found MiraCosta College’s Homeland Security Program, which is approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and accepts the GI Bill.

Three weeks after finishing the program, Garcia received a job offer. Today, he works as a team leader for a private company in Los Angeles.

Garcia now joins 250 other veterans who have graduated from the college’s Homeland Security Program and have found careers as armed guards or personal security detail.

In 2013, to help develop and expand programs like Homeland Security, the US Department of Labor awarded MiraCosta College a $2.75 million grant.

In 2014, the college teamed up with the City of Carlsbad to identify a location for a new Technology Career Institute (TCI) where students, including military veterans and the unemployed, will be trained to fill a growing demand for industrial technicians in North San Diego County.

“The Technology Career Institute will benefit Carlsbad businesses and businesses throughout the region by providing much-needed training and

workforce development, while offering local residents a convenient option for gaining highly marketable, advanced machining and manufacturing skills,” said City of Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall. “This kind of partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when organizations collaborate toward common goals.”

The TCI houses programs like Homeland Security, as well programs that train students to work in industries such as hightech manufacturing, maritime technology and biotech manufacturing. The institute will also expand the college’s Machinist Certificate Program and create industry-recognized electronics engineering technician and robotics/automation certificate programs. Plus, the TCI offers accelerated 12- to 16-week programs in which students are immersed in hands-on, skillsbased environments.

The building is also a new home to the San Diego North Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which MiraCosta College has hosted since 1999. The SBDC provides resources, workshops and leadership programs for growing and established small businesses— an important part of MiraCosta College’s mission of strengthening the economic well being of the community.

In 2014, the SBDC, through 150 workshops and 3,182 hours of counseling, helped small businesses obtain $4.4 million in financing, increase sales by $14.3 million, win government contracts of $9.9 million, and create/retain 366 jobs.

For more information about the Technology Career Institute, or to find out the types of programs that are being offered, visit miracosta.edu/community or contact our Community Education and Workforce Development Department at 760-795-6820. For more information about the SBDC, visit sandiegosmallbiz.com or call 760-795-8740 ■

Carlsbad resident appointed to MiraCosta board

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new trustee to represent the Carlsbad area has been appointed to the MiraCosta College Board of Trustees.

During the board’s meeting held April 22, Frank Merchat was sworn in as the trustee for area 4, according to a news release.

Merchat fills the seat vacated following the resignation of Leon Page, who had served on the board since December 2012. Merchat will serve as an appointee until the next regularly scheduled election for district governing board members on Nov. 8, 2016, when the term expires.

Merchat is founder and manager of Night Oak, LLC, a multistage commercial real estate company based in Carlsbad. He has served five years as a member of the

Frank Merchat (Courtesy photo)

MiraCosta College Foundation and holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from San Diego State University.

“As a trustee, I will be able to bring my finance and real estate experience to bear on the projects directly in front of the college,” Merchat said. ■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Who do you know in Solana Beach?

Rachel

Zahn

Guest columnist

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his is the third in a series of interviews with notable residents of this unique and charming seaside city. Each interview concludes with the series of questions made famous

by James Lipton of “Inside the Actor’s Studio.”

Meet Ginger Marshall Ginger Marshall is the newest addition to the Solana Beach City Council, joining in 2014.

She got lucky, as there were two candidates running for two open seats, the Council voted to cancel the election and she was appointed to office.

Rachel Zahn: When did you come to Solana Beach? Why did you choose to live here?

Ginger Marshall: I was born and raised in San Diego and always liked the laid back vibe of North County. Back in the day, I would eat great Mexican food at the Market Café and listen to bands at the Belly Up Tavern.

After college and several years living Solana Beach City Councilwoman Ginger and working Marshall (City of Solana in Colorado, Beach) I came back to the area and moved to several locations in San Diego, eventually landing in Solana Beach. I bought a small beach shack on Sierra in 2003 and redeveloped it after a flood in 2006. I met my husband, Jim who was a former golf professional and we moved to the east side of Solana Beach to be closer to the golf club.

Zahn: When did you become involved in community issues?

What drew you to local politics?

Marshall: In 2006, my home flooded and I decided to re-build.

I was fortunate to have plans approved for a remodel just before legislation passed that would have limited my re-build.

As an active realtor I have a passion for private property rights and believe there needs to be a balance between property rights and preserving the community character that is so charming in Solana Beach.

The main catalyst for running for City Council was the special election regarding hours and use of the Solana Beach Community Center. I believed that wasting money on a special election to determine the usage of a small community

center was a gross misuse of public funds.

Zahn: How does it feel to be the “new kid” on the Council?

What’s been surprising about being a council member?

Marshall: It’s been an interesting and enlightening experience. The structure of the City Council has been an adjustment due to guidelines imposed by the Brown Act. I’m finding getting involved in city issues to be rewarding. Hiring a new city manager is exciting and I’m ready to get that process finalized and move forward.

Zahn: What issues do you see as priorities for Solana Beach moving forward? Any changes you’d like to see?

Marshall: I’d like to see the city focus on core issues such as protecting our citizens and vacationers as well as our children—get back to basics on providing city services such as filling potholes, supporting our local public safety officers, firefighters and life guards.

I’d also like to see dogs allowed off-leash on our beach possibly from dawn ‘til 9 a.m. and then from 4 p.m. ‘til dusk.

I believe it would help our local businesses that allow dogs on patios and the local dog groomers.

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And now, the 10 Questions:

1. What is your favorite word?

Vacation

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2. What is your least favorite

1/4/15 3:05 PM

Presents the

word? Hate

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?

Being in the mountains, skiing

4. What turns you off? People who don’t follow through

5.

What’s your favorite curse word? I try not to curse

6. What sound or noise do you love? Country music 7. What sound or noise do you hate? Nails on a chalkboard 8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Veterinarian

9. What profession would you not like? Sanitation worker

10.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? “Welcome, Ginger. Your grandparents can’t wait to see you.” ■

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NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES - LOCAL RESIDENTS MAKING A MARK

The Grauer School names its great hall in honor of longtime trustee The Grauer School is proud to announce naming its campus’ Great Hall, a signature site and location of premiere events on campus, the David C. Meyer Hall in honor of the extraordinary voluntary and lasting achievements of Encinitas resident, David C. Meyer.

Meyer, a longtime Grauer friend, parent, patron and trustee has accomplished more for Grauer than any other individual or group who has set foot on the campus. All who have ever been on the Grauer campus have benefited from Meyer’s 20 years of voluntary labors over the years whether they be in the area of education, development, philanthropy or culture.

The longest serving board member and friend in the quarter century history of The Grauer School, Meyer, who served as chairman for five years, has given unsparingly of himself in service with constancy in all areas of the school’s advancement.

“David Meyer has presided over and provided critical leadership for all three major developments of the school, including the acquisition of the current property, the building of our Great Hall, and the phase III campus completion campaign among many of his other commitments and herculean efforts towards the growth and success of The Grauer School,” read the resolution prepared for the announcement.

A loyal Grauer parent for nine years, he and his wife, Lizbeth Ecke-

David Meyer (Photo by Lori Gertz)

Meyer have donated consistently and substantially in time, treasure and talent.

“The Great Hall is the space most eminently representing The Grauer School in the community of Encinitas,” said Founder and Head of school, Stuart Grauer. “The Grauer School has emerged as a community and regional resource of stature and reputation due in significant part to David’s talents, patronage, efforts and dedication. This honor reflects our highest permanent gratitude for David’s lasting achievements in the areas of education, development, philanthropy and culture, and most importantly his friendship.”

—News release submitted by The Grauer School ■

Vodicka named Superintendent of the Year Ray Huard Vista School Superintendent Devin Vodicka has been named superintendent of the year by the Association of California School Administrators.

Vodicka also was presented with proclamations at the April Board of Education meeting from the Vista and Oceanside city councils honoring him for his work to improve Vista Unified School District Superintendent Devin Vodicka receives award from Kelli Moors (left), Peter Fagen and Tiffany Santos (right) district schools.

About a third of district students live in Oceanside, with boundaries that include superintendent of the year.

“This is a real honor, it really is,” Wood said. “It some Oceanside neighborhoods.

Vodicka said the award from the Association sends a message to everybody about the quality of of California Administrators and the proclama- education here in Vista and Oceanside.”

The Oceanside City Council, in its proctions were “a reflection of a lot of great things lamation, said that Vodicka “consistently happening in Vista.”

“I’m tickled anytime our district gets posi- demonstrates the ability to focus on essential tive recognition,” Vodicka said. “For that elements of an enriching educational experience reason, I think this is exciting for all of us as for all students.”

Peter Fagen, whose law firm has worked with a community.”

In presenting the proclamation from the Vista the school district, said his firm would have 100 City Council, Deputy Mayor John Aguilera said trees planted in Vodicka’s name in a California “I thank you for your service and the good work forest “in recognition for his planting seeds, the seeds for success.” you put in for our children.”

“We’ve watched him grow as a leader, and, “I’ve got two children in the school district in turn, use that growth to benefit children and and I’m very happy,” Aguilera said.

As part of the proclamation, the Vista City adults alike,” Fagen said. “By developing his own Council named April 17 Dr. Devin Vodicka Day. leadership skills, he supports teachers, parents The Vista proclamation read, in part, that, and staff in educating children.”

Earlier this year, Vodicka was named superin“Dr. Vodicka continues his commitment to every student and consistently demonstrates tendent of the year by the Pepperdine University the ability to focus on the essential elements of Graduate School of Education and Psychology a quality and enriching education experience Superintendent Advisory Council.

Vodicka earned a master’s of science degree in for all students.”

Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood said he was educational leadership and a doctorate in educa“very impressed,” by Vodicka’s selection as tion from Pepperdine.■

The 76th State Assembly District’s 2015 Woman of the Year, Santhi Castle, is pictured alongside elected officials, March 9, 2015 at a ceremony in Sacramento.

Santhi Castle recognized as Woman of the Year An Encinitas resident was named the 2015 Woman of the Year from the 76th State Assembly District.

Santhi Castle is a fourth-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and the sole owner of Encinitas Karate where she teaches alongside her 21-year-old son, Skyler, who is a second-degree black belt.

Castle moved to the United States in 1993 where she continued her training in Shotokan Karate.

In 2000, she transitioned into the martial arts style of Tang Soo Do at Encinitas Karate and became a partner in the studio in 2004. The school’s mission is to help students become more successful in life by teaching a karate-based traditional martial arts system focused on positivity, confidence, respectfulness and high personal

standards of conduct.

Castle became the sole owner of Encinitas Karate in 2014.

Besides running a successful business, Castle has spearheaded several fundraising efforts through the karate studio. In 2005, the studio raised nearly $2,000 to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The next major fundraiser was held in 2007 in support of St. Jude’s Children Hospital, bringing in nearly $9,000. In 2014, Castle spearheaded a fundraiser in support of the firefighters who risked their lives putting out the San Diego County wildfires, raising just over $14,600.

Castle lives in Encinitas with her son, who is currently a college student majoring in accounting.■

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

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Encinitas nutritionist launches video series

BUSINESS NOTES

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

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n Encinitas resident is using technology to spread her knowledge and passion for healthy eating.

Chassie Bell, a nutritionist and founder of Forkin’ Healthy, has launched a series of videos to help the public navigate the grocery store. She said she created the videos because she wanted to help people plan their meals efficiently without letting food go to waste.

“I decided to make these videos because I have been exactly where you are right now — Grocery shopping multiple times a week, buying the same things and then throwing away so much that it made me sick,” said 34-year-old Bell.

Bell, who founded Forkin’ Healthy in 2013, graduated from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and became a certified transformational coach. Her passion has led her to spend thousands of hours in the kitchen “learning, burning and getting curious about food,” she said.

“I have always been a foodie and have had a deep passion for cooking and feeding people I love but it wasn’t until I was faced with my own health problems that I started to look more closely at the food I was eating,” Bell said. “However, I was not willing to sacrifice flavor for health, so I made it my mission to not make healthy food, but to make food that tasted amazing, supported my health goals and were pretty to look at.”

Bell later began working at Whole Foods and became familiar with grocery stores and how to effectively shop for nutritious food on a budget.

“When you spend 40 hours a week in a grocery store you learn a thing or two,” Bell said.

“You get very acquainted with dietary needs, food trends and labeling.”

From there, Bell began “perfecting” her own meal planning.

“I got curious about different ingredients and I spent years honing my cook once, eat several times skills,” she said. “I also got very, very comfortable in a grocery store.”

But she understands how the majority of the public can be overwhelmed by the options available to them — and the confu-

Chassie Bell has plans to offer virtual cooking classes and videos on YouTube. She is the founder of Forkin’ Healthy. (Courtesy photos)

sion over diet labels and what is considered “healthy eating.”

“Should I give up dairy? Go gluten free?

What about Vegan? Oh! Paleo sounds fun – you can eat bacon! What does natural mean?

What is Non-GMO? Organic? Is all of this just a marketing ploy?” Bell said. “It’s enough to make your head spin and then pop off.”

The 10 five-minute videos, which can be purchased in a package on the Forkin’ Healthy website, cover every aisle of the grocery store — from dairy to meat to seafood.

She said those who watch the video will begin to save money, energy and time when meal

planning or visiting the grocery stores.

But more importantly, they’ll enjoy grocery shopping, and inspired about cooking.

“People are really enjoying them,” Bell said. “The goal is to help people feel more confident shopping at a natural food store, preparing healthy meals and saving money.

Ultimately I want to empower people to get curious in the kitchen, eat delicious food and have fun doing it because food should be fun.”

Bell, who has lived in Encinitas for five years, said there’s more in stored for Forkin’ Healthy. She plans to offer virtual cooking classes and offer cooking videos on YouTube.■

Solana Beach attorney takes statewide leadership role

S

olana Beach-based family law attorney Shawn Weber was installed as president of Collaborative Practice California, the statewide organization for Collaborative Practice groups, at its annual conference held April 25 in Los Angeles.

CP Cal’s mission is to unify, strengthen and support the Collaborative Practice community and to increase public awareness of the Collaborative Process throughout California.

Individual members of the practice groups include collaborative lawyers, mental health practitioners, financial specialists and other professionals.

The Collaborative Process is being used in divorce and family law, domestic partnerships, same-sex marriages, employment law, probate law, construction and real property law, malpractice and other civil law areas.

“My goal during my term as CP Cal Board President is to foster

Shawn Weber was recently named the 2015-2016 president of Collaborative Practice California. (Courtesy photo)

communication about the many benefits of Collaborative Divorce and to encourage more legal, financial, and mental health professionals to embrace this philosophy as a possible solution for their clients,” said Weber.

“Divorce is a human experience, not just a legal process.

Collaborative Practice through CP Cal represents a significant shift in our approach toward resolving civil disputes including divorce. The litigation model doesn’t have to be the first choice. In a divorce, we help people resolve their issues without harming each other or their children. We help them arrive at options that preserve the longterm interest of the family.”

For nearly 20 years, Weber has worked exclusively in the area of family law. He is especially skilled at resolving difficult divorce, alimony, child support, custody, and visitation issues in an unthreatening and confidential environment through mediation, with a success rate of 98 percent.

Weber started with the Solana Beach-based law firm of Brave, Weber & Mack in 1999. Just a few years later, he became the firm’s managing attorney. In

this role, he has grown the firm from a small solo practice to a full-service firm. In 2006, he also became a Partner and CFO of the firm and is trusted with the firm’s day-to-day financial management.

Weber served on the Collaborative Family Law Group of San Diego board from 2005 to 2013 and served as its president in 2009. He is also currently a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

Weber has been a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, Family Law Section since 2001 and is currently a member of the San Diego Family Law Bar Association.

He received his law degree at the University of San Diego School of Law, and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and Germanic studies at Indiana University.

He is the father of five children and lives in El Cajon.■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

Solana Beach announces Pet of the Month new city manager Maggie

Avants Editor

T

he city of Solana Beach has selected its next city manager.

Greg Wade will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former City Manager David Ott, who has been serving as interim city manager.

Wade, a San Diego County resident since 1984, has worked Greg Wade (Courtesy photo) for the coastal city of Imperial Beach for 14 years. Most His duties included oversight recently, he served as commu- of several long-range planning nity development director and efforts including an update to the assistant city manager.

City’s Commercial Zoning and Solana Beach has been Local Coastal Program. actively recruiting for the posiWade is a graduate of tion since last June “in search University of California, San of the best candidate with a Diego’s Urban Studies and passion for public service and Planning Program with a conan ability to work with the City centration in urban design and Council to help achieve the goals environmental studies and of the community,” according to minor in sociology. a news release issued April 29.

He comes to Solana Beach When that initial search did with a combined 25 years of not result in a compatible can- experience in the fields of urban didate, the City Council hired planning, redevelopment, Dave Morgan and urban design, long Jim Armstrong of Having reviewed range and policy Ralph Andersen & planning and comand evaluated Associates to conmunity outreach a total of 120 duct an extensive and engagement applicants over national search. with the majority of the course of Having reviewed his career focused two searches, and evaluated on built-out, urban the City Council communities. a total of 120 unanimously applicants over A past chair selected Wade. of the San the course of two searches, the City Diego Planning Council unanimously selected Directors Association, Wade Wade — contingent upon is very active in regional approval of an employment planning serving as a curagreement scheduled for con- rent member of the San Diego sideration at the next regularly Association of Government’s scheduled City Council meeting Regional Planning Technical on May 13.

Working Group, the Shoreline “We are excited to bring Mr. Preservation Technical Wade onboard as the next City Working Group, the Coastal Manager of Solana Beach,” Commission-Cities Working said Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Group and the Regional Heebner, “We are confident we Housing Working Group. have selected a highly qualified Wade was a four-year varsity and talented person to help guide member of UCSD’s Triton Water this community into the future.” Polo team and began his public In his position for Imperial sector career as a beach lifeguard Beach, Wade accumulated for the city of San Diego. A selfextensive experience working on described ocean-lover, Wade said local coastal issues through the he “enjoys swimming and body California Coastal Commission surfing and looks forward to conand Army Corps of Engineers, tinuing his career in the beautiful the news release pointed out. coastal city of Solana Beach.” ■

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No hangers. No tags.

Thousands of pieces of unsorted clothing at $3 per item with the fifth item free. Proceeds benefit RCHS’ programs for people and animals.

For more information visit the Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop at 120 Aberdeen Drive in Cardiff-by-theChloe (Courtesy photo) Sea, call 760-753-0970, or like Rancho Coastal Humane Society Thrift Shop on Facebook.

The second annual “Paws and Pints” fundraiser supporting Friends of County Animal Shelters in honor of Peggy Howell will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 Other happenings at RCHS: at La Jolla Brewing Company, 7536 Fay Ave. Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Thrift in La Jolla. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are 5SDG12890__EUCPrint__SeasideCourier__Run:05_01_2015__6.1x10.96 Shop is holding a “Naked Sort Room Sale” welcome to attend. For more information, visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at La Jolla Veterinary Hospital, call 858-4542380 Camino Vida Roble, Unit G, in Carlsbad. 6155, or log on to Pawsandpintslajolla.com.■ Chloe is the Seaside Courier Pet of the Month at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She’s a 2-year old, 67-pound, bassett hound.

Bassetts are scent hounds. Their long, loose skin and ears help trap the scent. They’re so focused on following their noses that they can shut out everything else. They sing when they bark.

Chloe is friendly, outgoing and playful. She loves kids and other dogs. Her previous family moved to a place that doesn’t allow pets.

The $75 adoption fee for Chloe includes medical exam, vaccinations, spay and registered microchip.

Find your best friend at Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas or log on to SDpets.org. Call 760-753-6413 for more information or to sponsor a pet until it’s adopted. Kennels and Cattery are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.

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Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade provides assistance and incentives for home improvement projects that can reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable. This statewide program is managed locally by utilities and regional energy networks and directed by the California Public Utilities Commission in collaboration with the California Energy Commission. This program is funded by California utilities customers and implemented by SDG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Incentives are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are effective until funding is expended or the program is discontinued. Programs may be modified or terminated without prior notice.

© 2015 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Material may not be reproduced without permission. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Some materials used under license with all rights reserved by the Licensor.

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015 SHORELINE, FROM PAGE 1

This month’s not-to-miss live music events Jen

Van Tieghem 9 p.m. on Friday, May 15: Young Dubliners and The Paragraphs at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. $20+.

As their name suggests, Young Dubliners’ music comes with a heavy dose of Irish influence. Sometimes deemed “Celtic Rock” the band’s style combines classic elements (like the fiddle) along with straight-up rock ‘n’ roll grit.

The result has made this band well loved by many around the world and they’re no strangers to San Diego. They’ll be joined by one of our local favorites, The Paragraphs, for this show, making it a bona fide rock party. Both bands are known to bring high energy and inspire the crowd to jump, dance and shake. 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. BellyUp.com.

7 p.m. on Friday, May 15: Deborah Henson-Conant at Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad. $25+.

Electric harpist Deborah Henson-Conant will perform as part of MoMM’s 15th anniversary “All Star Concert Series.” The talented beauty blends music and stage performance in a unique way, drawing from a multitude of genres includes Celtic, jazz, blues and more. Between the power of her harp, the clarity of her vocals and her storytelling interludes, this is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Her last show at MoMM in 2013 sold out, so don’t wait to buy tickets! 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad.

MuseumOfMakingMusic.org.

7 p.m. on Sunday, May 17: Stratos at Solace and the Moonlight Lounge, Encinitas. Free.

Sunday nights at Solace are a great place to unwind before the work week takes hold. Local band, Stratos is an ideal fit for the laidback, dreamy atmosphere of this second-floor lounge. The three-piece blends funk, soul and jazz, with vocalist Casey Gee entrancing listeners with smoky and powerful vocals. Grab a glass of wine or a cocktail to complete the experience. 25 East E St., Encinitas. EatAtSolace.com 9 p.m. on Friday, May 22: Pinback and Sleeping People at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. $20+.

A couple of San Diego’s favorite sons, Pinback will bring their atmospheric pop-rock to the Belly Up stage once again. The duo’s instantly memorable songs over the past 17-plus years have garnered the band success locally and beyond. “Penelope,” “Good to Sea,” and “Summer in Abaddon” are just a few on my list of favorites. Local instrumental rockers Sleeping People, who have played in various iterations for the past dozen years, will join them. 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. BellyUp.com.

Out of the Woods Pick of the Month 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15: The Palace Ballroom’s album release show with Birdy Bardot, Grizzly Business and Diamond Lakes at The Casbah, Little Italy/Midtown. $10.

Indie-rockers The Palace Ballroom are celebrating the release of their selftitled second album with a little help from their friends. And to give fans a preview of the upcoming release, the band is releasing a video each week featuring their new tunes. From the sounds of things, the album will be guitar-heavy and full of pop-rock melodies. A trio of other local rock bands will round out the release show. 2501 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy/Midtown.

CasbahMusic.com. ■

“A tremendous amount of hard work and dedication over nearly 15 years was realized yesterday,” said Colloton, commander of the Corps’ Los Angeles District. “We received (an) unanimous 5-0 vote in favor of our recommended plan! We now have approval to release the reports for state and agency review—getting us closer to a Chief of Engineers Report.”

“I’m extremely proud of the team and all of the collaboration that has occurred over many years to make this successful milestone,” Colloton said.

The review board culminated the study investigating a variety of methods to reduce the effects of erosion along the cities’ shorelines and included an independent peer review by the private sector on Corps policy and technical issues, according to a news release from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Among potential actions were managed retreat of the shoreline, construction of revetments, seawalls, groins and breakwaters, notchfill (notches are carved into bluffs by increased crashing waves as sea levels rise) and beach nourishment. The study ruled out all alternatives except notchfill and beach nourishment, the news release stated.

The 50-year beach nourishment project will provide enhanced bluff protection, improve public safety, reduce the need for more seawalls, protect public infrastructure and beach access, as well as provide mitigation measures for sea level rise, according to Mayor Gaspar.

“Encinitas and Solana Beach crossed an important milestone...”

Gaspar said. “This critical project represents a 15-year partnership between the two cities and the Army Corps of Engineers. It has also been the recipient of an $8-million dollar investment from local, state and federal sources.”

Planners looked at the costs and benefits of periodically widening the beach. Crunching the numbers told the planners the most effective and economical methods for the two shorelines.

For Encinitas, the final plan calls for widening the beach by 50 feet by placing 340,000 cubic yards of beach sand along a 7,800-foot stretch of shoreline and adding an additional 220,000 cubic yards every five years.

For Solana Beach, the final plan calls for widening the beach

carries some weight when these projects get reviewed.”

Regarding the lengthy amount of time that has passed since the project was first proposed, Fuderer said it is not uncommon because of all the agencies involved.

“The California Coastal Commission had some concerns with some of the environmental issues and what our proposed resolutions to those were,” Fuderer said. “I know that as we went through the review process and we worked with the cities and the Coastal Commission staff to develop this...the Corps needed to go back and take a look so we could address their concerns.”

At the close of the April 22 Encinitas City Council meeting, Gaspar briefly updated her colleagues about her visit to the nation’s capital to represent the city.

“It was really nice for me to be there and really witness the level of commitment,” Gaspar said.

“It was just a massive meeting.”

According to Gaspar, Encinitas city staff will begin working on a report for presentation to City Council.

In Solana Beach, the project would widen the beach from 20 feet at high — Mayor Lesa Heebner, Solana Beach tide to 150 feet, according to Mayor Heebner.

“The bottom line is we need if the work is going to get done,” Fuderer told Seaside Courier in sand,” said Heebner, a 39-year resident of Solana Beach. “There a phone interview.

“What this is is an internal are dams and jetties that have prereview within the Corps present- vented the natural sources of sand ing — from our district in the from coming back to our beaches, South Pacific Division out of San and every day at high tide the Francisco — that information to waves pound our bluffs and they a review board,” Fuderer said. are eroding and eroding.”

She described “notches” as “Basically what this means is that the leadership in the Corps caves that get carved into the of Engineers has agreed with the bluffs as a result of the erodocuments and proposal devel- sion — a point she said she oped by the Los Angeles District... believes the Army Corps now that this is a project worth going understands. As part of the presentation — which she said forward with.

“Once we get the state and she and Gaspar practiced and agency reviews, that will be rolled perfected — they showed the up into a report for the chief and review board a Google flyover then if he approves it then it of the two cities’ shorelines.

“They are used to hearing facts would go to Congress to put in and figures, so that made such the president’s budget.”

And the fact that the mayors an impression on the panel,” of Encinitas and Solana Beach Heebner said. “It showed commitwere present in Washington, D.C. ment and it put a personal touch for the review hearing certainly on the problem.”

Because the project would helped, Fuderer said.

“It was not required for them involve sand replenishment to be there, but with a decreasing every 10 years in Solana Beach federal budget and fewer dollars and every five years in Encinitas, to get things done, the Corps of she said that would also relieve Engineers likes to see a project the need for residents to install that has significant support of its seawalls to protect their property.

“We need an ongoing plan, stakeholders,” he said. “So when we can get local elected repre- that is why this is so important,” sentatives to be there...that all Heebner said.■ by 150 feet by placing 700,000 cubic yards of beach sand along a 7,200-foot stretch of shoreline and adding an additional 290,000 cubic yards every 10 years.

The material will be acquired from two borrow sites located off Encinitas/Solana Beach and one off Mission Beach. The total cost of the 50-year project will be about $165 million, about $87 million from the federal government and $78 million from the non-federal local sponsors. Annual benefits are estimated to be $247,000 for Encinitas and $1.35 million for Solana Beach.

According to Gregory Fuderer, a Carlsbad-based spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, the board’s approval was an important step.

“It is not final but it is a critical step that needs to be taken

"There are dams and jetties that have prevented the natural sources of sand from coming back to our beaches, and every day at high tide the waves pound our bluffs and they are eroding and eroding."

MANAGERS, FROM PAGE 5 might be less inclined to react to voter concerns and address matters quickly, since large corporations — and large bureaucracies — simply aren’t known for being nimble and quick.

The polarized city councils in Oceanside and Encinitas are certainly not conducive to an impartial manager.

Pleasing two masters simply doesn’t work.

In Carlsbad, meanwhile, the harmony between council members and the time-honored (and time-tested) “Carlsbad way” of doing things makes a manager almost superfluous. They want someone to lead, but when he does, it’s “whoa, not so fast.

That’s not how we do things.”

And if they get a complacent city manager who waits for council direction, he (or she) gets blasted for not taking enough initiative.

For Oceanside and Encinitas, I urge the city councils to keep

trying, because they desperately need a strong, competent manager.

But Carlsbad might want to consider a strong mayor form of government, where the elected leaders are directly in charge of running the city.

That’s what San Diego did a few years back — a smart move, everyone agreed, until voters elected a man by the name of Bob Filner.

Not the best way to usher in a strong mayor form of government.■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — MAY 2015

(Photos by Dave Lindsay/SoCalCarCulture.com)

Cruisin’ in a Postcard: Classic car nights kick off May 21 in downtown Encinitas

T

he Model Ts, As, woodies and duesies are no longer just vehicles rumbling along the seaside the 101 as they did decades ago. They’re now vintage, hot-rodded, customized and beautified, and they’re cruising into Encinitas. Like in an old seaside postcard, these vintage cars, and hundreds like them, drive along surf-washed cliffs to the town that is home to the only coastal cruise in North County San Diego.

On Thursday, May 21, Encinitas 101 Mainstreet Association, Downtown by the Beach, kicks off the 16th season of Encinitas Classic Car Nights, formerly known as Rods and Woodies.

Thanks to the support of O’Reilly Auto Parts and Haggerty Auto Insurance, Classic Car Nights take place on the third Thursday of every month, from May through September, and the 2015 Season will include more car clubs, bands and other activities like:

will show up driving something cool or rare — Jay Leno, Richard Dreyfus, Gidget?

Randomly chosen volunteers assign winners of tongue-in-cheek awards like those for Best Stickers, Best Fins, Best Flames, Gidget’s Ride To The Beach, Beach Boys Buggy, This Ride’s Not Going To Make It Home Tonight, and more. Even the Fire Dept has an award: “I’ll Save You Tonight Honey!” (It’s always red).

Classic Car Nights officially start at 5:30 and end at 7:30 p.m., though cars start showing up at noon and the crowds tend to linger long after 8, movin’ and groovin’ to the tunes of the bands as the sunsets illuminate the summer skies.

Opening evening on Thursday, May 21, includes:

Charlies Third Annual Vintage Motorcycle show The Fabulous Woodies and Little Guys Street Rods Shelby Club (Cobras too) Toms Beach Drifters and the Tower 7 Band Retro Rockets The old beach town feeling prevails along Coast The T-Birds Highway 101 in Encinitas on these nights. Toe Go to Encinitas 101 Main Street Association’s tappin’, know-the-tune, happy, smiling, friendly people of all ages make their way along blocks of website, Encinitas101.com, for updates on bands, shining metal bodies, glistening leather interiors and car club, group applications and sponsors.

Thanks to the generous support of O’Reilly Auto proud owners. Motown, Surf City, Gidget, Wipe Out and “Hold Your Honey at Sunset” ballads waft in the Parts and Hagerty Auto Insurance, come enjoy the glow of the setting sun. You never know what or who evening —it’s free.■

VW Bus Night Heels and Wheels (The gals own these rides!)

Porsche Vintage Club Secret Car Club

ECOFEST, FROM PAGE 10 remarks at 11:30 am.

“EcoFest is chock full of ideas to help people live better, thrive and preserve the region’s extraordinary quality of life for generations to follow,” said Supervisor Roberts.

Live music by Kainga Music Steel Drums, Kaz Murphy, Yael Songs, Cleopatra Degher, Ashley Mazanec and perennial kid’s folk favorite Hullabaloo will be featured throughout the day.

EcoFest benefits citizens by introducing them to unique products, services, activities and initiatives available they can embrace to save money, live and breathe healthier and contribute to a revitalized, sustainable community. EcoFest benefits businesses by affording them access to over 2,000 enthusiastic, sustainably inclined consumers in a single day. And EcoFest benefits nonprofits and government agencies like Live Well San Diego and Zero Waste by introducing them to eager audiences who can help them achieve their water, waste and

Join Supervisor Dave Roberts, pictured with Bike/Walk Solana’s Karl Rudnick, at 11:30 a.m. May 17. (Photo by Roberta Walker)

energy conservation goals.

Adding an exciting new energy to this year’s event is the E3 Cluster, a group of Encinitas neighborhood organizations collaborating to improve the community through environmental education.

“Encinitas Environmental Education is the genesis for our name and is at the heart of our mission,” noted E3 Cluster Director Marjorie Fox. “The E3 Cluster provides for a wide range of opportunities for growing together as a sustainable community; and EcoFest provides citizens with an extraordinary

inventory of tools, activities and inspiration to achieve that end.

It’s a powerful partnership that benefits us all.”

Eco ambassadors (volunteers) ages 15 and up are needed to assist with: marketing; hospitality; traditional and social media relations; staging and acoustics; traffic flow; booth management; children’s activities; tivities; general event nd VIP logistics; craft beer garden (must be 21); raffle; parking; media; and photography. chronicling this meaningful event Volunteers may register for different tasks and activities by sending an email to encinitas. environmentday@gmail.com.

Citizens who walk, bike, carpool, take public transportation or drive EVs, hybrid and other low-emissions vehicles to the event will be rewarded with a free raffle ticket to win one of over $5,000 in prizes featured at EcoFest this year.

“It’s just another way to demonstrate that sustainability can be fun – and it certainly pays!,” Ahlgren said.

To learn more, visit EcoFestEncinitas.org.■

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