Seaside Courier — June 2015

ALSO INSIDE

Pacific View deal wins ‘Grand Golden Fleece’ award for Encinitas, EUSD

LOCAL NEWS Biometrics controversy

Thomas K. Arnold

Contributing writer

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he city of Encinitas walked away with the grand prize at a big annual awards ceremony on May 21, but the three city leaders who deserve credit for the win were not present to accept the award.

District’s facial-recognition software concerns some parents. Page 9

POWERING UP

LOCAL NEWS Coastal Rail Trail

Once the new units are online, NRG expects to begin the process of demolishing the retired Encina plant, shown here.

(Photo by Thomas K. Arnold)

CPUC approves peaker plants for Carlsbad’s Encina station Thomas K.

Arnold

Contributing writer

The “Grand Golden Fleece” and other watchdog awards were presented as part of a 20th annual ceremony held by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, May 21, 2015.

That’s understandable: the prize was the Golden Fleece Award, which each year is presented by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, the region’s leading taxpayer watchdog, to government programs, services or expenditures that exemplify wasteful, inefficient or downright absurd use of taxpayer dollars.

This year, the top prize – the “Grand Golden Fleece” — went to the city of Encinitas, for its $10-million purchase last year of the abandoned Pacific View Elementary School site. The co-winner was the Encinitas Union School District, which sold the city the 2.8acre parcel of land and its crumbling school building at more than twice the appraised value.

Or, as SDCTA described it: “The City of Encinitas and the Encinitas Unified School District EUSD fleeced the taxpayers over the transfer of the Pacific View Elementary School Property. The Encinitas Unified School District Board of Trustees rejected an offer of $4.3 million made by the city of Encinitas in November of 2013 and demanded at least $9.5 million for the SEE AWARD PAGE 14

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n a turnaround, the California Public Utilities Commission voted May 21 to approve a cluster of five gas-fired, 100-megawatt “peaker plants” on the site of the old Encina Power Station in Carlsbad.

The plants, to be built by NRG Energy Inc., will provide power to San Diego Gas & Electric, which is still looking to compensate for the closure three years ago of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

Earlier in May, commissioners had voted to deny the plants’ construction and urged SDG&E to

seek renewable energy sources to replace the power lost by the 2013 closure of SONGS. But they said they would revisit the matter again at the end of the month, which they did.

In a news release, the CPUC said “the five-unit natural gas peaking plant expects to help ensure reliability in southern California following the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in 2013 and the impending retirement of the Encina Generating Station due to California’s Once-ThroughCooling ban.”

The five little power plants, known as the Carlsbad Energy Center, are expected to come

online in conjunction with the retirement of the existing Encina Power Station at the end of 2017.

“We appreciate the CPUC’s vote of confidence that the Carlsbad Energy Center is the best approach to have the appropriate, flexible capacity online by 2017 to enable California to reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals through building additional renewable generation while preserving the reliability of the grid,” John Chillemi, president of NRG Energy’s West region, said in a statement.

Once the new units are online, SEE ENCINA PAGE 12

Ousted Ecke YMCA board members launch website, Facebook page

Gardening ideas from Evelyn Weidner. Page 8

INDEX Around Town ................................. 2 North County Notables ........... 2 Opinion ........................................ 4,5 The Retail Beat ............................. 9 Wellness in North County .....10 MiraCosta Matters ....................13 Sea Creatures .............................13

Advertising (760) 456-7075 ext. 146 sales@seasidecourier.com

Avants

Editorial / Letters (760) 456-7075, ext. 124 Maggie@seasidecourier.com

Editor

wo members of the founding families of the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA in Encinitas have launched a public awareness campaign after they said they were asked to resign from the board of directors.

Lizbeth Ecke and Bob Ayers are using the website Ynowsd.com and the Facebook page “Ynowsd” to publicly disagree with the YMCA of San Diego County’s decision to cease offering youth memberships.

HOME & GARDEN The Begonia family

CONTACT US

Maggie

T

Cardiff segment divides City Council, community. Page 3

Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA and other San Diego locations no longer offer youth memberships; instead, a family membership is required to enroll in camps and other activities. (Photo by Maggie Avants)

Offered to children younger than 12, the membership ranged from $80 to $100 per year and enabled the member to receive discounts on proSEE YMCA PAGE 11

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

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CALENDAR / NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES

AROUND TOWN DON’T MISS

THESE UPCOMING

EVENTS AROUND NORTH COUNTY

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

Summer Fun on the 101, Leucadia’s Music Festival takes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 26 and noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. Friday is Support Local Business and Record Swap Night at 454 N. Coast Highway 101. On Saturday, the festivities will be held at Leucadia Roadside Park, 860 N. Coast Highway 101. More information is at Summerfunonthe101.com.

JUNE 26-27

JUNE 5 - JULY

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The San Diego County Fair runs June 5 through July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year’s theme is “A Fair to Remember,” in partnership with the centennial celebration of the World’s Fair at Balboa Park.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live busker music every Friday night on the sidewalks of Carlsbad Village. More information is at Carlsbad-village.com.

JUNE 12

JUNE 13-14

The World Famous Mud Run returns to Camp Pendleton for a second weekend. Choose from a 5K, 10K or Kids’ course.

Registration is available the day of the event. More information is at Mccscp.com/ mudrun.

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., enjoy cars, live music and all that comes along with Classic Car Cruise Night along Coast Highway 101 in Downtown Encinitas. More information is at Encinitas101.com/events.

JUNE 18

Held from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., Concerts at the Cove kicks off at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. Sponsored by Belly Up Tavern, the event repeats each Thursday through Aug. 20. On June 18, enjoy the Palominos; on June 25, hear the Billy Watson Band.

JUNE 18

San Diego County Fair (Photo by Thomas K. Arnold)

NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES LOCAL RESIDENTS MAKING A MARK Carlsbad student wins ‘Best Actress’ at Southwest Ben Vereen Awards

Brogan Griffin (Courtesy)

MiraCosta student named PCAC female scholar Athlete of Year Pacific Coast Athletic Conference has voted MiraCosta College student Brogan Griffin as the 2015 Female Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Griffin has a 4.0 GPA and is majoring in business administration, plays for MiraCosta College’s women’s basketball team and is an all-conference basketball player. She has been accepted to USC—her dream university since high school—and will transfer in the fall.

“Brogan represents the nearly 1,000 female student-athletes in the PCAC and demonstrates the true definition of a student athlete,” said Athletic Director Patrick Conahan.

A San Clemente High School graduate, Griffin had no clear path in life and sought ways to get back in the game. In 2013, Griffin found MiraCosta College, where her former junior-high basketball coach, Roger Moses, now coaches the women’s basketball team.

Moses always knew of Griffin’s passion and skills for the game and recruited her.

“I’ve known Brogan since eighth grade and remembered her as being a very good player, but she had an unfortunate accident, which took her out of the rest of her high school basketball career,” said Moses.

Griffin’s injuries forced her to withdraw from playing basketball the rest of her junior year, which hindered her from earning any athletic scholarships for college and ultimately denied of any college acceptance.

“I was really good in basketball and thought I would get a scholarship based on my athletic skills alone, but I hurt my ankle really bad during my junior year. Then, I tore my ACL and needed to have surgery which took me out of the game my whole senior year,” said Griffin. “Since I didn’t really focus in school and had really bad grades, I couldn’t get accepted to any four-year universities.”

To be eligible for the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Female Scholar Athlete of the Year award, a student-athlete must have completed at least two years at a California Community College, have letters of recommendation, achieved a 3.5 GPA or greater, be nominated by their college and then voted on by the conference. ■

Pacific Ridge junior Catherine Ames was named “Best Actress” at the 2015 Southwest Region Ben Vereen awards on May 24 in Tucson, Ariz.

Ames and Pacific Ridge senior Ben DeSoto Mayor were among 10 San Diego finalists at the regional musical theatre competition. Both Pacific Ridge competitors advanced to the regional finals (top three males; top three females), with Ames winning the top female prize and a trip to next month’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City.

In New York, Ames will join finalists from regional competitions across the country for five days of private coaching, workshops, field trips, master classes and rehearsals with theatre professionals. The week concludes with a panel of industry experts selecting one exceptional actress and actor to receive Jimmy™ Awards, the coveted high school musical theatre awards named for legendary Broadway theatre owner and producer James M. Nederlander.

As an NHSMTA competitor, Ames will also have the opportunity to be awarded merit scholarships, professional advancement and other prizes. Scholarships in 2014 included the opportunity for merit and need-based assistance to attend NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, New Studio on Broadway: Acting and Music Theatre. Pacific Ridge School students Catherine Ames and Ben DeSoto Ames’ Ben Vereen Award nomination was based on her per- Mayor are pictured at the 2015 formance as the Leading Player in Pacific Ridge School’s spring Southwest Region Ben Vereen awards, production of “Pippin.” Her regional-winning performances May 24, 2015. (Courtesy) included “Simple Joys” from “Pippin,” as well as “I Hate Men” from “Kiss me Kate,” and “A Moment in the Woods” from “Into the Woods.” In addition to rehearsing and performing her individual pieces, Ames put in long hours learning music and choreography for the show’s opening and closing numbers.

Ames will be the second student in Pacific Ridge history to earn a trip to the NHSMTA. Alumnae Annika Gullahorn competed in 2013. ■

Encinitas’ Farmer D honored with food writing award

Daron “Farmer D” Joffe (Courtesy)

Encinitas resident Daron Joffe was awarded for his food writing by the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Joffe, also known as Farmer D, was recognized for his book, “Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities, and Give Back to the Earth.”

“I am honored and humbled by the IACP award,” Joffe said. “Everyone can be a farmer and make a contribution to a better and more sustainable world. This book was written to empower people to find the soul in their food and share it with their community.”

Joffe moved to Encinitas in 2014 to serve as director of agricultural innovation and development of the Leichtag Foundation, which is developing the former Ecke Ranch between Quail Gardens Drive and Saxony Road into an educational community farm inspired by Jewish agricultural traditions.

One goal of the farm is to improve the local food system.

During the month of March, 1,000 heads of lettuce were donated to the Community Resource Center in Encinitas. ■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

Cardiff divided on Coastal Rail Trail

Rendering of rail trail along San Elijo Avenue (Photo credit City of Encinitas)

Thomas K.

Arnold

Contributing writer

A

divided Encinitas City Council wants the Cardiff portion of the Coastal Rail Trail to run alongside San Elijo Avenue and not Coast Highway 101.

The Council on May 20 voted 3-2 to build the trail along the inland route, so as to better connect neighborhoods east of the railroad tracks.

Councilwoman Catherine Blakespear, who voted with Council colleagues Tony Kranz and Lisa Shaffer to approve the San Elijo Avenue route, calls it “an unbelievable opportunity to enhance our local community.

Having a trail there will connect Cardiff with Encinitas — currently there’s not a safe way to ride or walk there.”

Councilman Mark Muir, who with Mayor Kristin Gaspar voted against the proposal, said his decision “was based on the strong opposition the project has received from our residents who were concerned about its impact on their quality of life and community character. These concerns focused on traffic, parking, beach access and loss of scenic and natural feel.”

The Coastal Rail Trail is an ambitious project that consists of a trail built along the North County Transit District right-ofway from San Diego to Oceanside.

Each city along the right-of-way has assumed responsibility for construction and maintenance of its respective section of the trail.

The Cardiff section of the trail runs from Chesterfield Drive to downtown Encinitas. The trail’s location has been debated in recent months among the city’s residents, with some calling for it to be built east of the train tracks

and others, on the west side, along Coast Highway 101. The project is being funded through $5.1 million in federal grant money from the San Diego Association of Regional Governments.

Residents at recent council meetings have spoken out against building the trail on the east side of the tracks, saying for safety purposes the trail will have to be shielded from the roadway by a 4-foot-high fence, which would hinder beach access by preventing people from cutting across the

start the following year.

In an opinion piece for Seaside Courier, Gaspar said she opposes the San Elijo route because so many residents spoke out against the proposal at council meetings.

Acknowledging that SANDAG has awarded a $5 million grant to help complete the project, Gaspar wrote: “…Most residents are still saying they don’t want a fix for something that is not broken. But then there is the thought that if Encinitas passes on this ‘free’ money, we may not get another Typical rail trail cross section (Photo credit City of Encinitas)

tracks to reach the beach. They also say a trail will eliminate valuable parking.

Those in favor of building the trail on the east side of the railroad tracks say it’s needed to connect the community, noting that except for Restaurant Row the community of Cardiff is almost entirely contained east of the tracks.

To alleviate concerns by residents that because of the fence and trail their beach access will be limited, the council also directed city staff to work with transportation agencies to build an at-grade railroad crossing at Montgomery Avenue. Last month, county Supervisor Dave Roberts announced the Federal Railroad Administration had approved a $2.2-million grant to improve another nearby crossing, at Chesterfield Drive.

SANDAG plans on completing an environmental review for the project in 2016.

Construction is expected to

Pet of the Month

Opie is the Seaside Courier Pet of the Month at Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

He’s a 9-month-old, 9-pound, shorthaired Tabby kitten.

Opie is ideal for a family who wants the benefits, without the challenges, of having a kitten. That’s what happened with Opie’s previous owner; she realized that any kitten requires time and attention. Opie (Courtesy photo) Kittens need socialization, physical exercise, and mental stimulation.

Keep in mind that kittens only stay kittens for a short time. After that they become adult cats that will rely on their owner throughout their whole lives.

The $100 adoption fee for Opie includes medical exam, vaccinations, neuter and registered microchip. Find your best friend at Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, or

chance to do the project in our lifetime — a thought which many Cardiff residents apparently can live with.”

Gaspar also noted that the atgrade crossing at Montgomery the Council majority directed staff to explore building “is not funded as part of our nearly adopted sixyear Capital Improvement Project budget, which is concerning because it would cost approximately $1.5 million to construct.”

Councilmember Tony Kranz, however, said in an emailed response to Seaside Courier that he has no reservations.

“I’m really pleased that we are moving forward with the trail concept that was initially proposed by SANDAG as part of their regional bicycle and pedestrian improvements,” he said.

“Now we need to do the work with NCTD to build safe railroad crossings in Cardiff to go with the trail enhancements along San Elijo Avenue.” ■

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 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.

Other happenings at RCHS this month:

Summer Animal Camp, which runs June 22 through Aug. 21 at RCHS, is almost full. 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.

The Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS provides food and other supplies for the pets of senior citizens; families that are working poor; people with disabilities or terminal illnesses; veterans; and members of the homeless community.

Donations are always welcome to support the program.

For more information about either of the above, visit RCHS, call the shelter or visit its website. ■

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OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

Water rate proposal accounts for state mandates, seawater desalination Mark Muir

Vice Chair, San Diego County Water Authority Guest commentary

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ne of the most difficult balancing acts in water utility management is keeping rates as low as possible when water sales shrink. All water agencies have fixed costs – infrastructure, debt obligations and the like – that remain no matter how much water is sold.

As communities embrace water conservation over time, water utilities can gradually accommodate reduced demands through cost-saving measures such as debt restructuring and staff reductions. During times of drought and immediate water-use cutbacks, however, it’s very challenging to minimize rate increases.

With the 2016 rate proposal released by the San Diego County Water Authority in late May, the Board of Directors is assessing the many factors involved with rate setting – including the connection between water sales volumes and rates.

The staff recommended increasing rates charged to its member agencies by 6.6 percent for untreated water and 5.4 percent for treated water in calendar year 2016. Those figures are near the low end of projections made in 2011, and well below the double-digit increases during the last drought that were driven by steep price hikes from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Next year’s rate proposal is based on higher costs for droughtproof water supplies from the Carlsbad Desalination Project, higher costs from MWD and statemandated reductions in water use that are expected to lower the Water Authority’s sales. To moderate rate increases, the Water Authority restructured about $14.3 million in debt, and it’s planning a draw of $8 million from the agency’s Rate Stabilization Fund.

On June 25, the Board will hold a public hearing on the 2016 rates and consider their adoption along with the recommended budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The Water Authority proposes charging its 24 member agencies the municipal and industrial rate of $1,159 per acre-foot for untreated water in calendar year 2016, or $72 more than they currently pay. The Water Authority also proposes charging $1,439 per acrefoot for treated water, or $74 more than in 2015. (Note: An acre-foot is about 325,900 gallons, enough to serve two typical four-person households in San Diego County.)

Actual costs will vary by member agency, and each member agency will use its own financial tools to mitigate increased costs

from the Water Authority into the retail rates it charges to residents, businesses and institutions. Even with careful management, rate increases are often unavoidable.

The Water Authority’s rate proposal was developed in conjunction with an independent cost-of-service study, which confirmed that the proposed rates and charges complied with legal requirements, cost-of-service standards and Board policies.

A piece of the Water Authority’s proposed rate increase is due to rising prices at MWD, which supplies about half of the San Diego region’s water. The Water Authority has decreased reliance on MWD by increasing purchases from independent sources such as the Imperial Irrigation District under long-term contracts designed to avoid rate spikes from year to year. In 2016, the cost of treated and untreated water from MWD will increase 2.1 percent.

Proposed 2016 rates and charges also include the first full year of production from the Carlsbad Desalination Project, which is expected to start commercial deliveries of water this fall. The desalination project is being developed and financed by a private developer, Poseidon Water, with the Water Authority making system improvements to accept the desalinated seawater for distribution throughout the region.

The desalination plant will produce 50 million gallons of water per day as the largest facility of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.

Although it’s more expensive than traditional water supplies, desalinated seawater is a locally controlled, drought-proof resource and an important component of the region’s long-term strategy to improve water supply reliability.

In 2016, the net increase in costs related to desalinated seawater is $39.5 million.

In addition, proposed 2016 rates are driven by declining water sales to the Water Authority’s member agencies, which are under state orders to cut water use by between 12 and 36 percent in response to drought conditions.

The Water Authority anticipates a reduction in water sales in line with the state mandates will put significant upward pressure on rates as fixed costs are spread over fewer acre-feet of water sold.

The Water Authority’s fiscal strategy – including the draw from the Rate Stabilization Fund and debt restructuring – helps to moderate water rates. The 2016 rate proposal was designed to ensure debt-coverage ratios that maintain the Water Authority’s strong credit ratings and minimize the cost of borrowing money for construction projects, an approach that ends up saving ratepayers money over the long run. ■

During times of drought and immediate wateruse cutbacks, it’s very challenging to minimize rate increases.

OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

The Mayor’s Minute

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Community character: Defined by the Council or the citizens?

Kristin

Gaspar

Mayor of Encinitas Guest commentary

D

uring my first term in office, as well as during my tenure as Mayor of Encinitas, there has been a lot of discussion regarding community character. As elected Council Members, it is our duty is to listen to citizens’ feedback because it is the residents and members of our unique communities who determine the attributes and assets that make our five communities and smaller neighborhoods within them unique.

During the last several weeks, the Council heard from dozens of Cardiff residents regarding the proposed SANDAG rail trail project along San Elijo Avenue. Many attended the workshop in late April and/ or the Council meeting on May 20, 2015. A wide majority of those attending were strongly opposed to the project because of the potential negative impacts on community character, including the loss of parking, difficulty with home access, traffic problems, a 4-foot fence along the view corridor, reduced access to the beach, and the loss of the area’s natural, unspoiled feel.

Nevertheless, on May 20, the Council voted 3-2 (Blakespear/ Kranz/Shaffer) to move ahead with the project, with Council Member Muir and I opposing.

This is not the first time that a rail trail project has been considered. It was discussed about a

decade ago, but was abandoned because the local residents were not in favor and the need was not compelling enough — the main issue being that North County Transit District will not allow a trail without a 4-foot fence along the entire length. Today, the main supporters of the project are promoting safety, as well as connectable bike paths and walkways, which may induce some to get out of their cars, thereby

of locals opposing the project. It is important to note that a rail crossing project is not funded as part of our nearly adopted 6-year Capital Improvement Project budget, which is concerning because it would cost approximately $1.5 million dollars to construct. This potential project is also in good company with the nearly $275 million dollars in other unfunded capital improvement projects currently on the City’s books. Many residents contend that even if a crossing at Montgomery is constructed, they will never walk the necessary distance to cross the tracks legally.

Further complicating the matter is that federal regulations require the train horn to blow when approaching “at-grade” crossings, which could mean that train horns would be sounding off day or night. It would take a lot of money to fix that problem too, which might make the total investment not worth pursuing if the problem we are trying to solve is not deemed worth fixing by our residents, particularly those living near the proposed project. I share in the position of many community members who feel the rail trail project should only move forward with improved, concurrent, and multiple beach access opportunities.

Time will tell with the rail trail project, but regardless of the outcome, this issue serves as a reminder of the need for careful long range planning, a budget connected to community priorities, and a Council in tune with community desires and expectations. ■

The Council heard from dozens of Cardiff residents regarding the proposed SANDAG rail trail project along San Elijo Avenue. reducing their carbon footprint and improving their health.

SANDAG has awarded a $5 million grant to help complete the project, but most residents are still saying, “they don’t want a fix for something that is not broken.” But then there is the thought that if Encinitas passes on this “free” money, we may not get another chance to do the project in our lifetime — a thought which many Cardiff residents apparently can live with.

The Council was appreciative of the comments of the attendees at both discussions. In the end, the Council majority, promised an expedited “at-grade” rail crossing at Montgomery Avenue to address only one of the concerns

Editorial Cartoon

Writer Thomas K. Arnold attends the Del Mar Fair for the very first time — in June 1962. (Courtesy photo)

Commentary:

Another fair to remember Thomas K.

Arnold

Commentary

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very year since I began writing a weekly column on North County coastal issues back in 2009 — first in the North County Times, then in the U-T San Diego and, since early last year, here in the Seaside Courier — I take a break from commenting on political and land-use issues and share my thoughts about one of my very favorite annual events: the San Diego County Fair, which to us locals will always be the Del Mar Fair.

This year the fair kicked off Friday, June 5, and runs nearly a month, through the Fourth of July weekend. Every year the fair has a theme – from the Beatles to pigs — and this year it’s “A Fair to Remember: a Celebration of World’s Fairs and Balboa Park.” The tie-in with Balboa Park is particularly appropriate: this year the park celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, which transformed the park into the cultural center it remains today.

Over the years, the first exhibit hall to your right as you enter the fair has been set aside as a museum of sorts to celebrate that year’s theme. It’s grown from an aside to an aha!, and last year the Beatles exhibit was truly memorable, with a replica of the Cavern Club where the group first played to all sorts of one-of-a-kind historical photos.

I can’t wait to see what the fair folks have in store this year – the history of Balboa Park is intriguing, and the bonus element of a world’s fair concept promises to bring some really cool exhibits and displays, as well.

I first attended the fair in the early 1960s, as a little lad, and since then the fair has both changed and stayed the same.

The changes are largely in what society will tolerate. I remember when you could buy color-changing “chameleons” (in truth, anoles) on little leashes with

safety pins so you could clip them to your shirt. I also remember the famous freaks shows, including the dog-faced boy whom a week later was billed as the boy-faced dog. I never really knew what it was. I also remember writing a story about the 600-pound “Fat Lady” for the Los Angeles Times in the middle 1980s. It was a sad, lonely, hopeless tale — and one that I am told led the fair board to ban all freak shows the following year.

Most everything else has stayed the same, including the wild rides in the Fun Zone; the carny vendors who convince you you’re going to win the giant stuffed panda but $40 later all you’ve got is half a dozen Chinese finger traps; and the marvelous food, which in recent years has revolved around bacon. Then there are the timeless throwbacks to midcentury Americana that to me remain the very heart and soul of the fair: the hobby show (I’ll never forget the year someone entered a collection of used oil rags, each with a unique stain); the exhibit of wooden furniture crafted by local high schoolers; and of course the livestock, from cows and pigs to pigeons and rabbits. As a kid, this was my favorite of the fair, and it still is today.

I also have to give the fair a nod for the consistently high standards in musical entertainment. Just over the last few years, I’ve seen such favorites as Blue Oyster Cult, the Grass Roots, the Steve Miller Band, Eric Burdon, Dave Davies of the Kinks and, just last year, Johnny Rivers and the Spinners.

In addition to seeing KC and the Sunshine Band on opening night, my calendar for this year is already marked with Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick (June 10), Robert Cray (June 14), Tony Orlando (June 18), Three Dog Night (June 24), and Judy Collins (July 2).

I’ve already bought my pass, good for the fair’s entire run. And I will use it — believe me, I will use it. ■

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

Campaign launched to build new American Legion Post Faye Mankowske Contributing writer

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an Dieguito American Legion Post 416 has served the community for 84 years, since 1931 when veterans from World War I moved a turn-of-the-century, wood-framed building to 210 West F Street in Encinitas.

“Back then this was an agricultural community,” said Ralph Bettencourt, an active member of the post. “There were very few buildings here other than a train station.”

Post 416 served as a base for World War I veterans to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and to meet people who understood what they had faced.

Today, the San Dieguito Post still stands. It supports veterans, their families, and the greater community of a wide area ranging from Black Mountain west through the communities of Carmel Valley, Fairbanks Ranch and Rancho Santa Fe, up the coast through Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas and Carlsbad, and east to San Marcos.

But the building is badly in need of renovation if it is to continue to honor veterans and serve the community.

“This building won’t be here in another 80 years without renovation,” said Bettencourt, the chairman of Save Our Legion, the organization behind the capital campaign to restore and improve Post 416.

The current facility encompasses both the original building, which contains a beautiful wooden bar from the 1900s, and an addition, built in the 1940s, which is experiencing severe structural deterioration.

“This addition really is patched together and is falling apart,” Bettencourt said. “One year ago, part of an external rock wall along 2nd Street crumbled away, and you could walk right into the building through the hole.”

The addition resembles a portable; it has no ventilation or air conditioning.

Inside, however, the Legion’s pride in veterans is apparent.

The rooms are kept scrupulously clean, and are decorated with pictures of veterans and post commanders dating back to 1931.

“In this corner here we always have a spot reserved for POW MIAs,” Bettencourt said. “Our mission at this post is not just to serve veterans, their families, and active military, but also to welcome the community to participate. We invite the community to remember the living history that our veterans represent, and to hear them speak while we still can.”

For instance, a recent past event featured Lester Tenney, a 95-yearold survivor of the Bataan Death March, and author of a book on the ordeal titled, “My Hitch in Hell.” Tenney packed Post 416 and enthralled his audience.

“He’s a phenomenal public speaker, and a local treasure. He had people alternately in histrionics and tears,” Bettencourt said.

(Above) San Dieguito American Legion Post 416 decorated for Memorial Day, May 25, 2015. (Photo by Kate Steinauer); (Below) Ralph Bettencourt and Bill Hicks are pictured at the 1900s-era wooden bar inside Post 416. (Photo by Faye Mankowske)

On June 29, Post 416 will host Michael Thornton, whom Bettencourt said is “one of the most decorated U.S. Navy SEALs in history.”

He also alluded to a possible upcoming event featuring a local veteran who served as a beachmaster for the Normandy Landings on D-Day. The Legion currently offers many other public events that it plans to continue, including live music, Bingo, Saturday dinners and Sunday brunches.

“Most people don’t know we are here, and they don’t know they have access to our facility, events and community,” Bettencourt said. “We are an asset to the community, and the bar is a fun place to kick off a night of restaurant crawling in Encinitas.”

Post 416 is open seven days a week: From 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on. Sundays.

Visitors are welcome to drop in and take part in events, or to chat. They will likely meet Bill Hicks, the current bar master, or his wife, Chris.

“This place has a real sense of family. It’s welcoming, like being in an episode of ‘Cheers,’” said Chris.

Which is why they want to preserve it. The goal of the Save Our Legion capital campaign is $750,000 to $1 million — funds with which a new building will be built.

“This figure includes capital as well as in-kind donations,” Bettencourt said. “Closer to construction, we will have memorial

plaques available for people to purchase to honor our veterans.”

Plans for the new post have already been drafted and donated

by Baker Iron Works, LLC of Solana Beach. The vision for the new building includes preserving the original wooden bar room and creating another story for the addition of amenities such as a kitchen, community meeting space for public use, offices, a stage and two rooftop decks.

“Our vision is to renovate Post 416 to make it a place that welcomes all veterans groups as well as the larger community,” Bettencourt said. “We want to create a meeting place that is more inviting, and more family oriented. The facility will be a memorial to veterans that is worthy of the regard that we hold them in.”

And ultimately, it will better support Legion’s mission of serving the local community through education, outreach and events, he said.

To that end, San Dieguito American Legion Post 416 is welcoming new members, as well as support for renovations.

Tax-deductible contributions to the nonprofit Save Our Legion campaign can be made by contacting Ralph Bettencourt or Carol Statterstrom at Ralph’s State Farm Insurance office at 760-942 2277.

For more information on the effort to renovate American Legion San Dieguito Post 416, visit the website Calegionpost416.org/index.html or look up the Save Our Legion Community on Facebook.■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. (Courtesy photo)

The Moonlight’s 35th summer season is upon us Moonlight Stage Productions is proud to present an amazing summer theater series in the nearby community of Vista.

June 10-27: “All Shook Up” The 35th season at this beautiful open-air amphitheater begins with this brand new show featuring the hits of Elvis. Get ready to shake things up with this hysterical new musical comedy about a guitarplaying, hip-swiveling roustabout who rides into a sleepy town in 1955 determined to help everyone discover the magic and romance of rock and roll.

July 15-Aug. 1: “The Music Man” Described as American as apple pie, it is family entertainment at its very best. The show follows fasttalking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City into buying instruments and uniforms for a boy band that he will lead despite the fact that he

doesn’t know the difference between a trombone and a treble clef.

Aug. 12-29: “Shrek: The Musical” “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek…” Thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Sept. 9-26: “Big Fish” Last but not least, the San Diego regional premiere of this musical based on the celebrated Daniel Wallace novel and the acclaimed Tim Burton film, overflows with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft. It reminds us why we go to the theatre, to have an experience that’s richer, funnier, and bigger than life itself.

For all details about purchasing tickets, picnicking and parking, visit Moonlightstage.com and click on Newcomer Guide. ■

Gala celebrates launch of new foundation Artists, local supporters, and friends gathered along the central promenade of the Encinitas Country Day School to herald the opening of the new Polestar Lifetime Learning Foundation with a Gala celebration.

Polestar performing arts staff rocked the campus amphitheater stage with Gala international, classical and contemporary performances and light shows that culminated with the Yanni version of “For All Seasons,” inspiring the crowd to a standing ovation.

Polestar Performing Arts Academy director, Kraig KiddDragula performed master of ceremonies duties to introduce the Polestar volunteer board members and share the vision of the new public benefit nonprofit.

Inspired by the Polestar vision, “to support young artists and scientists in becoming the principled

leaders we need for tomorrow’s world,” the director explained how the new foundation supports the aspirations of serious young artists, scientists and leaders throughout the community, regardless of their individual ability to pay.

The organization’s threepronged approach is designed to inspire leadership qualities in local youth through offering performing arts and community outreach programs for children, and professional development for the adults who serve them.

Polestar Lifetime Learning has received a grant from Encinitas Country Day School to share its performing arts facilities and resources. To learn more about Polestar Lifetime Learning Foundation visit Polestarlifetimelearning.org on the worldwide web. ■

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8

HOME & GARDEN

Gardening ideas from Evelyn Meet the Begonia family Evelyn Weidner Guest columnist

S

uccess in the garden begins with choosing the best plant for the best place, and there is a begonia that is just right for your garden.

Meet the Begonia family — a giant family with sisters, brothers and kissing cousins, glamorous or sturdy workhorses, begonia baskets and ones that get tall. There are so many choices, all of them good. In this column, I will share with you some of my favorites.

Sun Begonia

This old favorite is still a winner. Often called the Sun Begonia, B richmondensis or Rich’s Begonia, it is tough, pretty and versatile. Can’t remember the name? Just think, “Rich Man Dancing.” Put this begonia in the sun and the leaves turn a coppery red. Put it in the shade and you have green. It makes a compact, low, almost ever-blooming full plant.

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

maybe a family feud?

Honesty note: Catalogs will sometimes tell you a plant blooms all year. Many begonias and other plants do bloom all year long, but just because a plant blooms all the time doesn’t mean it looks good all the time.

All plants need trimming and maintenance. Most begonias go through UWP: the Ugly Winter Phase. Still blooming but kind of ugly. Don’t worry: spring, some food and a haircut will bring it back to beauty.

Cane Begonia

Pictured: Encanto, Richmondensis and Dragon Wing Begonias (Photo by Evelyn Weidner)

Helpful Hint: To transition any plant from shade to sun, think of lying on the beach for six hours with lily- white skin. You’d get sunburnt pretty badly. The same goes for your plant: don’t put it right out in full sun if it was growing in the shade in the garden center. Give it time.

Want to start your own? Yes you can! This begonia is an easy one for beginners.

Dragon Wing Begonia

Along comes competition: Dragon Wing Begonia takes over, roaring and breathing fire. Dragon Wings are prettier, bigger, and flashier and also take shade or sun. Richmondensis, look out! Dragon Wings are winning the competition. The Dragon flourishes anywhere: in baskets, planters, pots, or in the ground. Is it competition or

Here come the Canes. These begonias are big and strong with leaves that look like an angel’s wings. Most Cane Begonias enjoy the shade. Where do they go best in your garden? They do well in big pots for the patio, by the door, or as background in your shady area plantings.

Tuberous Begonia

The real beauties are the Tuberous Begonias. They flower up to 5 inches across. They are not hard to grow: give them some coastal cool, light shade, a good breezy spot and do not overwater. These begonias will make your patio come alive.

Encanto Begonia

The newest star in the bego-

nia family is Encanto. This is a hybrid of the Tuberous Begonia with tough boliviensis resulting in masses of hot orange blooms.

It thrives in shade or sun and more heat. This is the plant that will always attract attention.

Watering tips

Begonias are actually quite water-wise. Dig your own Tuberous Begonias from the field and your begonias will be happy with a once-a-week drink.

Baskets like a drink twice a week. Water needs depend on the type of plant, weather conditions, size of the container and the soil mix. Use your fingers to test for moisture. Learn to recognize the signals the plant will give you when it needs a drink.

Learn more at Weidner’s Gardens This is just the beginning; from pretty Solenia to King Rex there is a begonia for every garden.

There is even a festival just for begonias at Weidner’s Gardens, June 20-21. Come for the beauty; come to learn. Call 760-753-2194 for details. Weidner’s Gardens is open to the public and is located at 695 Normandy Road in Encinitas.

Get all the details for yearround care with Weidner’s begonia-growing instructions. ■

Begonia Festival JUNE 20 & 21

Join us for our biggest festival of the year!

Free seminars by begonia experts Specialty begonias for a limited time Sales and specials on many begonia varieties

e e r F DIG-YOUR-OWN BEGONIA WITH ANY PURCHASE

Limit one per family. Valid June 19 - 28. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Visit www.weidners.com/product/begonia-festival/ for more details Open every day, 9am to 5pm

695 Normandy Rd, Encinitas

760-436-2194

www.weidners.com

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

The Retail Beat:

9

Gifts for foodies Katrina Dodson Guest columnist

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spot to hit on your way to an Italian-themed dinner party.

Bursting with bags of handmade pastas and luscious wheels of imported cheeses, this store inspires you to take home a few things as well as finding a fantastic gift. If you still want to bring wine to dinner, Vigilucci’s has some excellent selections of Italian wines and wine accessories.

There are two spots in the Flower Hill Mall in Del Mar to grab a terrific foodie gift: The

ost of my friends enjoy a good bottle of wine, but I have found that these same friends enjoy really great food to accompany their great wine finds.

In an effort to replace my usual bottle of wine in a gift bag that I bring to every dinner or house party, I recently went on a shopping trip for more interesting alternatives. In coastal North County, we have some great gift options that go way beyond a bottle of Syrah.

Humble Olive Oils (2922 State St.) is the newest store in this Carlsbad shopping district and has some great prices to go with a wide selection of oils and vinegars.

They offer gift baskets of either two- or four-bottle packs, which can be combined with Mama’s pastas and pasta sauce starters for a beautiful hostess The Spice Way, 260 N. El Camino Real in Encinitas, offers gift. I tried the pre-packaged jars and tins. (Photo by Katrina Dodson) Tuscan Herb and the Persian Lime olive oils and Wine Collection and Venissimo both were light and fresh with a Cheese. I can’t imagine a hostess who would turn down a few wellnice olive tasting finish.

The Spice Way in Encinitas selected cheeses and organic (260 N. El Camino Real) has crisps from this cheese shop. The some awesome gift items to con- wine shop sells a lot more than sider. I love making my own iced wine, with a fun assortment of tea, and this store has all the picnic baskets, copper cookware, elements you need to brew your wine openers, serving trays, own. The store has pre-packaged kitchen gadgets and, of course, a gift baskets for a quick fix, but terrific wine vault. Sample your you could also make your own. vintage at the tasting counter as I liked the pre-packaged dried you consider your purchase!

Baker and Olive (in Encinitas fruits and nuts, jars of spices, blends and rubs, soup mixes in and Carmel Valley) has premason jars, dip mixes, oils and packaged flavor “Zing” boxes vinegars, and an eclectic mix of with four well-thought oil and teapots, infusers and teacups. vinegar selections in an attracThere were at least six samples tive box which staff will gift open to try and the staff can wrap for you. I was drawn to easily guide you through the its gorgeous cookbooks on the most current foodie trends. Its store’s varied selection.

Temecula Olive Oils (342 S. good selection of spiced sea salts Cedros Ave.) in Solana Beach would also have a home chef is well known for its extensive drooling. Baker and Olive has selection of quality oils and lively expanded its section of jams to vinegar. The shop is stocked include confit, tatin and curds. full of a variety of mustards, I bought a jar of raw honey in tapenades and jar upon jar of both sweet yellow clover and stuffed olives with jalapeno, New York Aster.

Breaking the boring cycle of garlic, bleu cheese, pimento and more. Its top-selling oils are the grab-and-go bottle of wine Basil and the Blood Orange, both turned out to be an easy and fun task! Our local small businesses of which were delicious.

Vigilucci’s Market (2943 State really do have some excellent St.) in Carlsbad is an awesome and inventive choices. ■

This image taken from Virtual Keyring’s website depicts biometric facial recognition. (Photo credit Virturalkeyring.com)

District’s facial-recognition software sparks controversy Thomas K.

Arnold

Contributing writer

I

s Big Brother going to be watching over students in the Encinitas Union School District?

Some parents whose kids attend school in the district are fearful he already is and that they’re footing the bill for it.

The controversy surrounds the district’s decision to install facialrecognition software — known as biometrics — on school-issued iPads so students do not have to memorize passwords.

Parents are concerned not just about their children’s images stored somewhere up in cyberspace, but also the district’s expenditure of approximately $189,000 to make it happen —

instruction from Kindergarten through sixth grade — have iPads that set taxpayers back $2.7 million.

Among the critics is Jennifer Hamler, who unsuccessfully ran for school board last November but has remained active in district affairs. Hamler launched a petition drive in April, a month after the deal with Virtual Keyring was cut, to prevent the district from bringing biometrics to local schools. As of May 28, the petition on Change.org had garnered 351 signatures.

“I started the petition for EUSD to reconsider the contract with Virtual Keyring because I wanted to get the word out that this was even being considered,” Hamler said.

“The Virtual Keyring contract — a $189,000 expenditure on biometric software so our chil-

Parents are concerned not just about their children’s images stored somewhere up in cyberspace, but also the district’s expenditure of approximately $189,000 to make it happen. although the district insists it is only embarking on a “pilot” involving 100 students. The money is going to Virtual Keyring, a Utah-based company whose software employs biometric technology to scan the faces of student iPad-users every 60 seconds and automatically log them into multiple programs in lieu of requiring them to enter a password.

EUSD officials say that if the 100-student trial is successful, the same technology will be deployed on all district iPads, although parents have to opt in first.

Currently, all 5,400 students in the district — which includes nine elementary schools, with

dren don’t have to memorize a password, which will just serve to promote overuse and over dependence on use of iPads in the classroom while sacrificing real, meaningful teacher instruction — is yet another example of wasteful spending by the EUSD board and Dr. [Superintendent Tim] Baird.”

Hamler accuses Baird, and the district, of a history of wasteful expenditures, including a retreat at a posh desert resort, a promotional “infomercial” about the district and an infusion of money into a district farm that has yet to materialize, “all while parents in our district continue to fund art, music, and PE, and all while our teachers struggle to imple-

ment the new Common Core Curriculum, and while our kids struggle to adapt to this change, without the benefit of resources like math specialists.”

“We have such great resources in Encinitas,” Hamler said. “I firmly believe the district should get its priorities straight about what will truly benefit our children’s education.”

Another parent, Darcy Brandon, addressed the board in April and sent a follow-up letter to board members. She believes that based upon a review of the contract, “there will NOT be a pilot program and that this will be fully deployed across the district.”

The contract does mention a pilot, but notes it can only last 90 days and specifies an annual “license” of $63,050 for a “threeyear term” of full deployment.

The contract is signed by Baird.

An EUSD purchase order also shows a March 2015 expenditure of $63,050.

Brandon maintains this implies full deployment among the district’s 5,400 students is a done deal, even though the contract states “EUSD may cancel [the] agreement and receive a refund if pilot deployment fails to meet agreed to scope requirements because of material deficiency.”

Baird did not respond to an email seeking comment, but on the district’s home page is a notice headlined “Virtual Key Ring Project” that reads: “Our Information Technology department is in the very early stages of exploring the Virtual Key Ring project.

Information will be sent out before anything is implemented district-wide. The goals of the project are to provide single sign-on capability as well as protection of student data. Facial recognition would be an optional feature that parents could opt into in lieu of a password. Parents will have an option to indicate their preference at the time of implementation if the project makes it through the pilot phase.” ■

10

HEALTH & FITNESS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

Wellness in North County:

Doc Blaze and surf-specific medical problems about cholesterol. I haven’t eaten poultry since 1995. These might be OK in moderation, but I think many people overdo it and if they don’t have enough fiber in their diet, it can cause intestinal and cardiovascular problems. I’ll eat fish, vegetables, fruit and fiber.

Because of that I feel that I’ve maintained my general health and sense of youthfulness while maintaining my surfing without any sense of decline.

Courier: Can an older surfer get into great shape?

Baniadam: Sure. Do some calorie-burning exercise. Maybe maintain a calorie deficit for a while. Keep your Body Mass Index below 25. You’ll be surprised what even a 10-pound weight loss will make.

Courier: The current thinking is that people generally need more sun.

Baniadam: People who don’t get enough sun have to take Vitamin D pills. We walk a fine line, but it depends on how resilient people are to the sun’s rays. Everyone should use some sun block.

Courier: What else do surfers need to be cautious of?

Baniadam: High performance surfing requires a lot of spine pivoting. That stuff can be hard on the joints. If you want to be surfing into old age, which we all do — try not to get too radical with these movements. I see a lot of bad hips in surfers. I think it’s somewhat preventable. Be kind to your joints and they’ll take care of you.

Chris Ahrens Columnist

P

rofessionally, he’s known as Dr. Behzad Baniadam, but those who know him call him “Blaze.” He earned the nickname by being a “trailblazer,” and a big wave hunter. And, while practicing traditional “Western” medicine,” this doctor is primarily interested in preventing you from ever seeing him.

Interviewed exclusively for the Seaside Courier.

Seaside Courier: What’s the best way to stay out of the doctor’s office?

Behzad Baniadam: Good nutrition and regular exercise.

Keep your weight at a good level.

Being overweight can really limit your surfing and other physical activities. If you get injured don’t keep going back in and keep injuring it. Let your body heal, and seek medical care.

Courier: A lot of people will hurt themselves and take medications to mask the pain, rather than listen to their bodies and avoid reinjuring themselves.

Baniadam: If you keep masking the pain you could get wear and tear and arthritis eventually.

If there’s any meniscus tear or ligament tear you need to address those with an orthopedic doctor.

Courier: What sorts of problems are “surfer-specific?”

Baniadam: I see a lot of surfer’s ear, which is the bony growth on the ear canal. The canal can

Doctor and big wave charger, "Doc Blaze." (Photo by Chris Ahrens)

completely close up. To prevent this, surfers should wear earplugs.

Also pterygium can form on the eye from looking directly into the afternoon sun. These can grow and occlude the vision if they grow onto the cornea.

Courier: You must see a lot of bumps and bruises from loose boards.

Baniadam: Yeah, I’ve stapled a lot of people’s scalps after they’ve been hit by loose boards. After I got a concussion from a loose board that hit me, I decided to wear a helmet full time.

Courier: I understand you like big surf?

Baniadam: I live for it. As soon as it gets overhead I don’t miss it. If it’s less than head high I’ll do other stuff. I’m lucky that I’m naturally thin and don’t get out of good condition. I don’t think that’s the case for most people so they need to stay fit. Yoga, walking, swimming are all great exercises when you can’t surf, with low chances of injury.

Courier: Any advice on diet?

Baniadam: Personally, I don’t eat red meats because I’m worried

To learn more about Doctor Baniadam, visit Missionurgerntcare. com ■

ASK THE EXPERT

“Carrots are Good for Your Eyes” When we think of nutrition for eye health, most people will say: “Uh, carrots?” So is your mom right and are carrots really good for your eyes?

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene (which where they got the carrot name). Beta-carotene is a strongly-colored orange pigment abundant in plants and fruits, and especially carrots.

Beta-carotene converts into Vitamin A in the body and vitamin A is important in the function of the retina. It seems to follow that, since vitamin A is needed by the retina, then beta-carotene will lead to better eyesight. However, it’s not quite that simple!

First, if your liver has adequate vitamin A in storage, then there is no need to convert more betacarotene to vitamin A. The body

Dr. Jeff Anshel, Optometrist

maintains this balance. Secondly, the process of beta-carotene conversion is decreased with age.

One issue with excessive betacarotene is that it competes with other similar molecules for transport around the body.

We know that lutein and zeaxanthin (similar molecules) must get transported to the

retina. If excess beta-carotene is eaten, then it might impinge the transport of the lutein and zeaxanthin and leave the eye under-protected.

So, the bottom line is that beta-carotene is not an adequate substitute for vitamin A for eye health. Oh, and eating some carrots is still a good idea to stay healthy!

For information on nutrition for your eyes and much more, Contact Dr. Jeff Anshel at 760. 931.1390

OPINION / LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015 YMCA, FROM PAGE 1

Editorial Cartoon

Eric Hall Scholarship Fund Established The Coastal Community Foundation is accepting making a difference in the academic goals of studonations for the Eric Hall Scholarship Fund, which pro- dents interested in public service. vides financial support for graduating high school seniors Donations may be directly mailed to: interested in careers in public administration, architecCoastal Community Foundation ture, construction management or public finance.

Eric Hall Scholarship Fund The fund is established in honor of Eric Hall, who P.O. Box 230415 retired from the San Dieguito Union High School District Encinitas, CA 92023-0415 as an associate superintendent with 27 years of service.

More information is available online at The Coastal Community Foundation administers the fund. Gifts are tax-deductible and will support Coastalfoundation.org. ■

grams offered by the YMCA such as classes, camps, entry to the skate park and other perks. In 2013, the county board of directors voted to only offer a family membership, which runs about $1,000 annually.

Ecke and Ayers sent a letter to the board in January questioning the change, along with other issues. That letter, they told KPBS in an interview published last month, is what they believe prompted them being asked to resign from the board of the Ecke Family YMCA. In a telephone interview with Seaside Courier, Ecke explained that she and Ayers’ complaint is not with the YMCA in Encinitas, but with the county association it belongs to.

“It is the association board that is making these decisions and the Ecke Y is just having to follow the rules that are being sent down by the corporate board,” said Ecke, whose family donated the land on which the local YMCA sits. (Her father, Paul Ecke Jr., helped found the YMCA and Ayers’ father, Rollie Ayers, was the first executive director. Her grandmother, Magdalena Ecke, the wife of well-known Encinitas poinsettia farmer, Paul Ecke Sr., is its namesake.)

“What we don’t understand is why you would do anything to make the Y more restrictive,” Ecke said. “The whole idea of the Y is to serve the community you are in and that means making it accessible to the community.

Why would you restrict it? That is what we don’t understand.

What is the benefit of restricting membership?”

For some, it may not make sense to purchase a family membership, she said. For example, a family may have one child signed up so they can use the Gymnastics Center in Carlsbad but may live in Escondido or Oceanside.

“The parents are not going to

11

want to workout in Encinitas,” she said.

Questions like those were what were contained in the letter, according to Ecke.

In their letter, Lizbeth Ecke and Bob Ayers also questioned the redirection of “significant funds” from Y branches to Y headquarters, the lack of a clear multi-year strategic plan, and indications that Y employee satisfaction is going downhill.

“We are asking these questions and we are not getting any answers from them,” Ecke said.

“We are not trying to be critical; we are trying to ask legitimate questions and get the answers...

You have to have people willing to ask the hard questions in an organization — that is a good thing.

You don’t want all yes men.”

Shortly after the letter was sent, they were asked to resign from the board, on the grounds that they wrote a letter to the corporate board without the Ecke board’s approval.

In a statement to KPBS, San Diego County YMCA CEO Baron Herdelin-Doherty wrote: “As a 133 year old San Diego organization with over 500 community members serving on our branch boards of management, it is unfortunate, but understandable that two former board members were not fully knowledgeable about the strategic direction of the YMCA of San Diego County. Additionally, we are proud of our efficient, transparent and sound fiscal policies and practices.

“Our vision is clear. It is outlined in our 10 year vision plan to serve even more families in a variety of programs that help people reach their fullest potential. For those who don’t come to the Y with a family, we want to be their family.

“Our primary goal remains to strengthen the San Diego community through programs in our three focus areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.” ■

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BUSINESS

ENCINA, FROM PAGE 1 NRG expects to begin the process of demolishing the retired Encina plant, a 50-year-old behemoth whose 400-foot smokestack has long been considered an eyesore

by Carlsbad city leaders.

NRG, which owns the 95-acre Encina Power Station property on the southwestern banks of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, initially wanted to build one big 550-megawatt base-load plant, with no guarantee of tearing down the old facility. NRG won final approval from the California Energy Commission in May 2012, despite opposition from the Carlsbad City Council and various environmental groups.

A year later, SONGS announced it was shutting down for good, and regional leaders began warning of brownouts and blackouts. NRG changed its plans, from building one big plant that would generate power for mostly out-of-town customers to six low-profile, 100-megawatt “peaker” plants that would generate power for the local market.

When that amendment was filed, and SDG&E expressed interest in buying the power, the city dropped its opposition on the condition that the old plant, much bigger than the proposed new facilities, be torn down.

The CPUC on May 21 scaled back the project from six to five “peaker” plants, but environmental groups are not placated. The local chapter of the Sierra Club said it will appeal the decision, denouncing the ruling in a news release headlined: “CPUC deci-

sion locks San Diego area into 40 years of fossil fuel generation.”

According to the Sierra Club release, the plan “nearly mirrored the $2.6 billion gas plant proposal SDG&E and developer NRG pushed through prior to reviewing other energy contracts, amid public opposition, and after a CPUC administrative judge determined that clean energy could potentially make up the needed power…Even after commissioners expressed concerns over rushing to build this plant during their May 7 meeting, they decided to push those issues aside and move forward before reviewing other energy bids. Clean energy advocates, public officials, environmental groups and others are deeply disappointed by decision and frustrated by the commission’s lack of foresight into the state’s clean energy future.”

In a statement, Sierra Club attorney Matt Vespa said: “This decision is just more of the same from the CPUC. What they did today will lock San Diego into paying for a multi-billion dollar gas plant, a proposal that was drafted behind closed doors. By allowing this gas plant to be built, we are stifling San Diego’s clean energy potential, job growth, and ambitious efforts to reduce pollution that exacerbates health issues and climate change. With Gov. Brown touting California’s ambitious new greenhouse gas goals to the international community, back at home the CPUC continues to direct billions of dollars toward outdated energy sources and undermine our state’s clean energy future.” ■

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

NORTH COUNTY BUSINESS NOTES

New Encinitas store adds spice to healthy lifestyle line is its wide variety of blends that help make cooking delicious Contributing writer and interesting dinners faster.

There are blends to add to rice, to use as dry rubs or marinades for New Encinitas is home to proteins including fish, meat and tofu, to make dips, or to augment a notable new store. hummus and pasta dishes.

Many spice mixes work well with hen one walks through the door of The Spice Way — multiple dishes, Kornberg said.

“My son is vegetarian; we use located in Camino Plaza at 260 N. El Camino Real — the aroma many of the products on his makes them feel as though they veggie and soy meats,” she said. have been transported to an “They work fantastically, and Eastern market. The air is alive honestly, it is a great way for me not to have to with the scent of make so many difthe colorful spices ferent dishes when and herbs, which I need to get dinner line the walls in on the table. The plastic bins labeled Shawarma Blend to encourage lifting and the Indian the lid and smelling.

Curry Blend both “Spices provide are great.” a lot of health benThe Spice Way efits,” said owner — the European Debbie Kornberg. company’s first “They are part of franchise in the an ancient way of United States — living that we’ve opened April 9 and largely forgotten is already attracting about in a world of Debbie Kornberg (Courtesy photo) a group of regular technology.”

Kornberg and her staff are customers. Having a visitor drop quick to offer a closer look at any by before the store opens at 10 a.m. of the products, and they have is a fairly common occurrence.

“Debbie and her store are a great suggestions for recipes using them. The store offers refills for asset to the community,” one cuscumin jars, but it’s about much tomer said on a recent early visit.

Kornberg credits her Nana more than that.

She explained that The Spice Claire for her own interest in Way is all about helping people cooking with natural foods.

“I used to cook with her in integrate fresh, pungent, high quality, and non-GMO spices and her kitchen. In the 1970s she herbs into their lifestyle and their was into things like shopping at cooking. The company at its farm health food stores, and making grows the spices and herbs, and no yogurt long before it was trendy,” caking agents are used. The Spice Kornberg said.

In college, Kornberg explored Way stocks pantry basics, but a particular strength of the product cooking ethnic foods, and when she

Faye Mankowske

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later came across The Spice Way stores in London and Germany, she loved their products.

“I thought that here [in Encinitas] was a great opportunity to open a store in the United States,” she said.

The company agreed, and has even named a product after her: Debbie’s Smoked Paprika.

Pungent, rich, textured and smoky, it makes a fantastic dry rub for grilled fish for fish tacos.

The store has a full kitchen, which Kornberg uses to cook up daily food samples for visitors.

She plans to begin offering cooking classes this summer.

“We’re an educational center to help people learn how to cook with spices and herbs,” she said.

Our goal is to teach them how to enhance food, and achieve a healthy lifestyle. In order to do this, people need to taste the spices. Cooking is a highly sensory experience, and the smell and taste of many herbs and spices provoke a personal reaction.”

On any given morning, Kornberg is in the store creating dishes like cheese dips, pasta, and hummus with vegetables as part of her daily menu to share with customers. Fruit infusions are another popular item. Steeped like a tea, they contain dried fruit, but no tea leaves.

“They can make fun popsicles for kids,” she said.

The Spice Way is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Private events are available.

“I encourage people to explore the store and to find the spices that are right for them,” Kornberg said. “It’s a sensory experience.” ■

Fairfield Inn & Suites Carlsbad resident hired as IT director opens in Carlsbad

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad, 1929 Palomar Oaks Way. (Courtesy)

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June 10 - 27

Broadway’s Best Under the Stars!

A new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott opened May 19 in Carlsbad near the McClellan-Palomar Airport.

Located 3 miles from the beach at 1929 Palomar Oaks Way, the 99-room Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed

by Excel Hotel Group of San Diego.

It is the first Fairfield Inn & Suites in the area to feature the brand’s new design and décor, according to a news release.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Shruti Buckley, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites. “At Fairfield Inn & Suites, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience, as well as the promise of consistent and reliable service at an exceptional value. The Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary new look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Carlsbad area.”

The Carlsbad location adds to more than 700 Fairfield Inn & Suites properties throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and India. ■

The San Diego Foundation recently announced the hire of a Carlsbad resident as its new information technology director.

Shawn Lowery will develop and implement the IT strategy of the organization, as well as manage IT infrastructure, staff and vendor solutions to ensure The San Diego Foundation is positioned at the forefront of nonprofit IT innovation. Lowery has extensive experience building IT infrastructures that address business and system requirements in the nonprofit industry.

He previously served as director of technology for the National Shawn Lowery (Courtesy) Association of Music Merchants, where he was responsible for the enterprise-wide technology strategic plans. He also worked at the YMCA of Orange County leading a team on the design and implementation of information technology and marketing solutions.

Lowery earned a master’s degree in business from Colorado State University.

Also recently hired to serve in a key director’s role for the Foundation was Robyn Sharp, who will head up the Planning Giving Department. ■

EDUCATION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

MiraCosta Matters:

Sea Creatures: Texas surfers

Class of 2015 marks college’s 80th commencement Dr. Sunny Cooke Superintendent/ president

I

n 1935, MiraCosta College celebrated its first graduating class—consisting of just one man.

This year, 520 of MiraCosta’s estimated 2,000 graduates participated in the college’s 80th commencement ceremony, which was held on May 22. MiraCosta applauds the hard work of these men and women, each of whom comes from a unique background and circumstance.

Graduate Samantha Webb delivered this year’s commencement address. She is a former foster youth student who now has a degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences. She works as a compliance coordinator for Genentech and will transfer to CSU San Marcos in the fall where she will major in business.

Nursing graduate Tara Ponsot began her college journey more than two decades ago but left school to work full-time and take care of her daughter. In 2007, she entered MiraCosta’s Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) certificate program. Today, she has an RN degree.

Graduate Jason Blevins is a Marine Corps veteran and 2015 Medal of Honor student. He found civilian life a challenge and chose to attend MiraCosta

College after learning about its supportive environment.

“After being out of school for years, I needed an environment that offered help and support to students whenever they needed it,” he said. “MiraCosta College offered just that.” A computer science major, Blevins is starting an internship as a software developer at Hewlett-Packard.

“The college really lived up to what I thought college life would be and has really prepared me to transfer.”

-Ian Rigby, MiraCosta student

Graduate and ASG President CoCo Brown is no stranger to hard times. One of her saddest moments was when she and her mother found themselves homeless and living out of a vehicle, at one point even becoming squatters. Today, Brown has a double major in kinesiology and health science at MiraCosta College.

She plans to transfer to San Diego State University this fall.

Graduate Ian Rigby has earned both a high school diploma and

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an associate degree this year.

Rigby was home schooled and had never stepped onto a school campus until the first day of fall classes in 2011.

“The college really lived up to what I thought college life would be and has really prepared me to transfer.” He will attend UCLA this fall and plans a career in neurolinguistics.

A reentry student, Dee Jaykus found herself unemployed when the recession hit and even her two decades of experience as an executive personal assistant could not help her find a job. She found MiraCosta College and soon realized her discovery was everything she had hoped for.

“I felt very depressed, dejected and unworthy before MiraCosta,” said Jaykus. “But when I arrived on campus, I just felt very welcomed, encouraged and supported,” said Jaykus. She is now employed in MiraCosta’s Foundation Office.

While much has changed since the college’s modest beginnings in 1934, MiraCosta’s strong commitment to student success, academic excellence and innovation has been constant. Today’s graduates have taken a huge step toward a brighter future, and their degrees and certificates will open doors to all the possibilities life offers.

Congratulations, MiraCosta College Class of 2015! ■

Chris Ahrens Columnist

O

ver the years, I have befriended many Texan surfers but for the longest time, I didn’t know anything about the region that bred them.

The first surfer I ever met from Texas was a 15-year-old kid living in Waikiki named Scott “Creature” Volks. Creature was a ripper of no small ability who dominated the lineup at a Waikiki surf spot called Queens.

In 1970, I moved to Cardiff where I shared a house with Texas transplant turned Sunset Beach Superman, Ken Bradshaw.

Through Bradshaw I met a number of Texas surfers, some who were excellent wave riders, and most who were better than average. Apparently the reason they learned to surf so well was that the waves, while usually not very powerful, are amazingly consistent when there’s a swell.

Exactly 10 years ago, my friend, artist Wade Koniakowski suggested we do a road trip across the U.S. together where he could sell his (very) fine surf-inspired art and I could sell my surf books.

The tour, loosely termed “Surf America” was not a great financial success, but paid off in some lifelong friendships as we stopped along the Texas coast to visit surf communities there. I had never met so many stoked surfers.

Early last month, Koniakowski and I retraced our tracks and landed in Port Aransas, a stoked

surf town in south Texas that sometimes gets good surf and always displays tons of hospitality and stoke. I was hosted by Roger and Jill Brodnax, and treated to the finest in Southern hospitality while learning from Roger about the history of stoke in his home state.

We were in Port Aransas for its Cinco de Mayo Longboarding Contest, and while the waves failed to show, stoked surfers did not. Most drove in from Corpus Christi or surrounding regions, but some, like Robert August, the star of the original “Endless Summer “and his sidekick, Wingnut, who starred in ES II were in town for the 50-year celebration of ES, while West Coast ripper Guy Takayama flew in to promote his new line of boards, make new friends and compete in the event.

Since there are not always waves there, Texas surfers enjoy several diversions when the surf is flat: One of the main ones is “tanker surfing,” when a larger steel ship moves into the channel and creates a surf-able wave. Made famous in “Endless Summer II,” Port Aransas surfers have their own artificial wave, waiting for a tanker to cruise by with just the right amount of tonnage at just the right speed. Some of the riders are so stoked on this method they even have an app on their cell phones to alert them to a ship bringing in a “swell.”

Mostly, it’s wait for the gulf to kick up enough wind to drive a swell into the window, where good, warm water waves break on sandbars and are greeted by stoked riders of the Lone Star State. ■

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MUSIC / LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

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

Van Tieghem 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 13: Colbie Caillat at San Diego County Fair, Del Mar. Free with fair admission; reserved seats $16 - $36; dinner package $106.

As always, this year’s fair offers a diverse lineup of musical acts throughout the season. One of many highlights is singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat, with her golden vocal pipes and easy-going spirit. The show will be on the Heineken Grandstand Stage and entry is included with fair admission (reserve seats and dinner packages cost a bit extra). Of all her many hits and soulful songs we’re hoping for “Bubbly” and “Realize” to make the set list. SDFair.com 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 18: Dead Feather Moon, The Paragraphs and Low Volts and the Hi-Watts at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. $12+.

Some of San Diego’s finest will be sharing the stage for this show. One-man band Low Volts will kick start things, quite literally, on his kick drum and guitar with help from the Hi-Watts; the resulting blues-rock is unique and toetapping. Next up, The Paragraphs will continue the rock vibe with an alt-country and surfy style. This band’s charismatic performances never disappoint. And of course, North County favorites and men of the hour, Dead Feather Moon will seal the deal with their genre fluid antics that draw from rock, pop, country, soul, psychedelia and more. We can’t wait! BellyUp.com.

4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 20: Third annual Village Music Walk featuring Euphoria Brass Band, The Lovebirds, The Red Fox Tails, Taken by Canadians, Trouble in the Wind and many more at the Village of Carlsbad. Free (suggested donation of $5 per person).

What would the summer be without some great music?

The Village Music Walk won’t let you find out. A precursor to the Carlsbad Music Festival, this event features over 50 musical acts for six hours of music-loving fun. The collection of genres is vast, plus the festivities are all-ages and free of charge, though donations are welcome. Some of our favorite options to see are the dance-worthy and Mardi Gras-ready Euphoria Brass Band; the delicious folk harmonies of The Love Birds; the swanky surf-jazz vibes of The Red Fox Tails; the Americana rocking of Taken by Canadians and the alt-rock stamina of Trouble in the Wind. Don’t miss all these great bands and more! CarlsbadMusicFestival.org.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 21: International Make Music Day at The Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad. Free.

If you need an excuse to celebrate music, here it is. MoMM is participating in this worldwide event with free museum admission all day! If you’ve never had a chance to peruse the museum’s vast collection full of fun music facts, you’ll want to make it out! There will also be opportunities to jam with other musicians on three stages throughout the museum. The history that surrounds you at MoMM will surely be inspiring for this unique day of music — starring you! Call Bill at 760-304-5819 to reserve playing time.

MuseumOfMakingMusic.org.

Out of the Woods Pick of the Month: 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19: The Burning of Rome, Get Back Loretta, Neighbors to the North, and Madly at The Casbah, Little Italy/Midtown. $12.

Friday night’s as good a time as any to make the trek toward downtown San Diego. Another great reason is our quintessential rock club hosting such a killer lineup of bands. Headliners psych-space-rockers, The Burning of Rome give one of the most rousing live performances in town. Guitarist Joe Aguilar is a force to be reckoned with as he wails on guitar in an eye-popping onesie. Get Back Loretta plays shows few and far between with a nearly theatrical energy and a pop-rock vibe that conjures up images of The Beatles. Also on the bill are alt-classic-rockers Neighbors to the North and psychedelic blues outfit Madly. CasbahMusic.com. ■

A sampling of the Golden Fleece awards handed out annually by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. (Photo by SDCTA via Facebook)

AWARD, FROM PAGE 1

private property as open space even though it was a golf course, and zoned for housing, when he bought it. A judge in March ruled the law unconstitutional, but only after the city had already spent more than $1 million of taxpayer money in legal fees.

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association was formed nearly 60 years ago and is focused on fiscal policy research and advocacy efforts on behalf

property. Two appraisals have been completed — one for $3.3 million, and another for $7.3 million. The City paid $10 million with no plan or funding to rehab the property.”

Accepting the award at the Golden Watchdog and Fleece Awards Dinner held at the San Diego Sheraton Hotel and Marina were Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar and Councilman Mark Muir, who voted against the purchase.

Council members Tony Kranz and Lisa Shaffer and then-Mayor Teresa Barth, who constituted the 3-2 majority in approving the purchase, did not attend.

Shaffer later Pacific View Elementary School (Photo by Maggie Avants) commented, via email: “I am confident that our investment of taxpayers. The group claims in Pacific View will enable the to have saved the region’s taxcommunity to develop a wonder- payers hundreds of millions of ful asset for the arts, history, dollars. The group has successculture and ecology. The school fully fought for the Point Loma district’s decision to auction the Sewage plant, the development land with a minimum bid price of Mission Bay Aquatic Park, was unfortunate, but that’s and the construction of San what we had to deal with, and Diego (now Qualcomm) Stadium. we made the best decision under The SDCTA also played a key role in reforming San Diego the circumstances.”

Kranz, the other current coun- County government when it took cil member who advocated, and a leadership role in supporting voted, for the Pacific View pur- privatization efforts that have chase, said he has “not much to saved over $40 million annually.

According to the SDCTA, say about the SDCTA.” Asked public opinion polls consistently why he didn’t attend the ceremony, he said, “Because I had rate the group as the most “influbetter things to do with my time ential” and “trusted” public policy and money. But the trophy will institution in San Diego. Board look nice in the refurbished members range from top business executives like Michael Bardin Pacific View.”

The city of Encinitas’ purchase of Scripps Health, Mark Nelson of Pacific View — which will ulti- of Sempra Energy and Kim mately cost taxpayers untold Elliott of the Corky McMillan millions more in interest, rehab Companies to labor leader and operations costs — won Michael Zucchet of the San Diego the 20th annual Golden Fleece Municipal Employees Association Award over two other finalists: and Sheilla Alvarez of the Barona the city of San Diego, for install- Band of Mission Indians.

Last year’s “Grand Golden ing two mobile “Portland Loo” outhouses for nearly $300,000 Fleece” award went to the apiece in downtown; and the Sweetwater Union School city of Escondido, for caving in District, which saw four of its to a cadre of angry seniors and five district trustees indicted in adopting the Citizens Property a bribery scandal and more than Rights Initiative, a flawed law $100,000 of taxpayer funds go to that designated a developer’s a private investigator.■

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM — JUNE 2015

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