Seaside Courier — October 2015 by Maggie Avants

Changing Lanes: Encinitas’ former strawberry fields site of future park and ride Maggie

Avants

ALSO INSIDE

Editor

altrans’ move to acquire a 20-acre parcel of Encinitas’ former strawberry fields solidified its plans to begin a freeway widening project. Caltrans expects to close the deal — the terms of which were not disclosed — by the end of this year, according to Allan Kosup, the agency’s project director for the North Coast Corridor project. The land — the larger of two parcels east of Interstate 5 at Manchester Avenue — will be used for a park and ride multiuse facility to include parking for carpools, bicycle lockers, electricvehicle charging stations and recreational access to the San Elijo Lagoon and the new North Coast Bike Trail. About five acres will be used for the park and ride, while the remaining 15 acres will be reserved as open space and for agricultural mitigation under the California Coastal Commission’s guidelines for the project, the Caltrans representative said. The facility will be built as part of Phase 1, which is scheduled to get under way in spring 2016 and take about four years to complete at a cost of $700 million. Funding will come from the state and federal governments, as well as TransNet, which is administered by the San Diego Association of Governments. Also included in the first phase will be the construction of one carpool lane in each direction between Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach and Highway 78 in Oceanside, Kosup told Encinitas City Council during a presentation Sept. 16. However, a direct-access ramp (connects surface streets directly to carpool lanes via the center median) from I-5 to Manchester Avenue will be built in the second phase of the project rather than the first phase as planned, because of budget SEE CALTRANS PAGE 22

LOCAL NEWS Encinitas Oktoberfest

Sand artists Bruce Phillips and Stephanie Davis are pictured at ArtSplash, Sept. 27, 2015. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

ArtSplash marks 13th year The event featured locally and internationally recognized artists from all walks of life, while Contributing writer showcasing North County’s cultural image and talent. The location provided picture-perfect he 13th annual ArtSplash was held Sept. 26-27 along scenery, overlooking both the Flower Fields and Armada Drive in Carlsbad, once again attracting Pacific Ocean, while temperatures reached about thousands of spectators to revel in the arts. 85 degrees with clear skies. Dubbed “A September to Remember,” the free, nonprofit event focused on promoting and benefiting arts within the community, in addition to raising money for art and music in North San Diego County schools. Last year, more than $59,000 was donated by the ArtSplash nonprofit organization to grant recipients from North County schools, including: Alamosa Park Elementary School, La Costa Meadows Elementary School, Aviara Oaks Middle School, Rancho Buena Vista High School, Sage Creek High School and several others.

Michael Loeschnig

Percussionist group, Crew and Jr. Crew, perform at ArtSplash. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

SEE ARTSPLASH PAGE 18

Encinitas: Council finds potential partner for Pacific View Ruarri Serpa

Contributing writer

he Encinitas City Council chose to advance discussions with the Encinitas Arts Culture and Ecology Alliance, a diverse group of community leaders, and hear a formal presentation to operate the space at the former Pacific View Elementary School. The unanimous decision was a response to six let-

ters of interest that the city sought in July, and while not a binding agreement, it moved the project one step closer to fruition. Heading into the Sept. 23 Council meeting, city staff had recommended two potential operating partners for Pacific View. “There’s a lot of representatives from the local group, and none from the other group — that makes the decision easy,” SEE PACVIEW PAGE 15

Encinitas Oktoberfest celebrates ‘20 years strong.’ Page 2

LOCAL NEWS Celebration of Philanthropy

The Coastal Community Foundation recognizes its donors, volunteers and community partners. Page 4

INDEX Around Town ............................... 5 Commentary ................................ 6 Business Notes ............................ 7 Home & Garden .......................... 8 Health & Fitness ......................... 9 Pet of the Month ........................13 North County Notables ..........16

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 A mosaic pays tribute to the former Pacific View Elementary School in Encinitas. (Photo by Maggie Avants)

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Encinitas Oktoberfest celebrates ‘20 years strong’ Michael

Loeschnig

Contributing writer

he Encinitas Chamber of Commerce celebrated “20 years strong” when its annual Oktoberfest was held Sept. 20. More than 200 vendors and thousands of folks turned out to the 20th annual Encinitas Oktoberfest for the music, food and beer that lined up and down Mountain Vista Drive near Camino Village Plaza. The street was filled with dozens of food vendors, including San Diego-based Tarantino Gourmet Sausage Company, which served popular German foods, such as bratwurst, sauerbraten, currywurst and apple strudel. These authentic German dishes were, of course, not complete without some local favorite craft beers to “Prost!” — cheers — with. The “Keepin’ it Local” Craft Beer Garden started serving beer at 11 a.m., featuring Spaten Oktoberfest, a Munich favorite, as the main beer at Sunday’s event. Shock Top, a traditional Belgian-style wheat ale created in 2006, came in at No. 2. Four of San Diego’s finest breweries were also welcomed at this year’s Oktoberfest, including Ballast Point, Green Flash, Culture Brewing Co. and Latitude 33 Brewing Co. The family friendly event provided a fun-filled atmosphere for both adults and children. Encinitas resident Bobby Fitzsimmons and his daughter, Malloy, rode on the carnival ride “Round Up,” and shared some good laughs inside the large yellow cage spinning around, while his wife, Elisabeth and younger daughter Brecken, looked on. “This event is a good way to get people out of the house and get people together,” Fitzsimmons said. “It’s easy to get in a rut of coming home from work and staying inside but this is a great way to see neighbors and people you know to be able to connect.” His daughter Malloy, who has been going to the Encinitas Oktoberfest with her parents and younger sister for the past several years, was ecstatic about the amusement ride. “I think the ride is really cool,

David Odenwalder (Gemütlichkeit Alpine Dance Group), Uncle Ralph and Jon Lundgren (Alpine Quintet) were among the entertainers for Encinitas Oktoberfest. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar and Mr. Oktoberfest (Photo by Cam Buker)

San Diego-based Tarantino Gourmet Sausage Company, served popular German foods, such as bratwurst, sauerbraten, currywurst and apple strudel. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

Oktoberfest entry sign (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

The Round Up and other carnival rides were popular among the young crowd. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

even though I almost threw up,” she said. “This is my fifth time here and it’s a lot of fun.” Aside from the great food and beer, there was also some great live entertainment. Local German bands, including the German Oom-Pah-Pa Band, Alpine Quintet and the Gemütlichkeit Alpine Dancers were a few well-known performers on stage at Sunday’s event.

Cardiff resident Ralph, 85, who preferred not to give his last name and is better known by his stage name “Uncle Ralph,” has been a local since 1968 after moving from Cincinnati, Ohio and retiring in Southern California for the great weather. Credited as being one of the very few concertina performers in California, Uncle Ralph was on hand to play the beautiful accor-

dion-style instrument, creating the ultimate German ambiance. “This is a great opportunity to have a nice Sunday afternoon and enjoy German music and a couple of beers,” he said. “Every year the festival gets larger.” Uncle Ralph, who often travels to perform at various locations, said this was his second time at the Encinitas Oktoberfest and that he plans to return next year.

Encinitas’ German roots go back to the northeastern colony of Olivenhain, which was populated by German farmers beginning in 1884. The Encinitas Oktoberfest also coincides with the Deutschland Oktoberfest, which traditionally begins around mid-September. For more information about next year’s event, visit Encinitasoktoberfest.com ■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Neil Christiansen teaches in the Bocas del Toro, Panama school he founded in 2010. (Courtesy photo)

Sea Creatures: School of surf Chris

Ahrens

Columnist

eil Christiansen grew up surfing the Jersey Shore as part of a family always quick to help the less fortunate. By his mid-20s, however, the now 32-year-old Christiansen realized there was something more to life than his occupation of selling medical devices. He quit that job nearly five years ago, and moved to Panama where his love of adventure, surfing and helping those in need is met with the group he founded, Give and Surf, a nonprofit offering surfers great waves and an opportunity to make the world a better place. Interviewed exclusively for the Seaside Courier in Encinitas. Courier: How did you start Give and Surf? Christiansen: I quit my job, went to Panama, sold all my stuff and decided to set up a nonprofit there. Outside of that, there wasn’t much of a plan. Living in Panama it soon became apparent the children there were lacking a sufficient education. Not by design but by sheer will, I began designing educational programs in Bocas del Toro, an island on the Caribbean side.

Fast forward four and a half years and we have two full-blown schools with various educational programs for 3-year-olds up to 16-year-olds. Courier: Is surfing part of school? Christiansen: Originally it wasn’t. The idea was for surf travelers to come to Panama, give to the local communities and surf. Prior to this, I found that my surf travels gave little back to the local communities. Instead it often exploited the ocean and land. About a year ago, we started a surf outreach for our teenaged students. At the end of the week, they go surfing with us, after they’ve done their studies. Courier: Are you worried that advertising this place will have the drawback of making it well known to tourists? Christiansen: Tourism has become a necessary evil because so much of the land has been taken for development and the indigenous people no longer have the means to survive off the land with a barter economy with their neighbors. It’s unfortunate that tourism exploits these areas, so now many locals are required to work in the tourism industry. That’s a reality. I’m proud to be a surfer because the surfing community as a whole is far more connected to the local commu-

nities than most other visitors. Most surfers aren’t thinking of creating some metropolis to benefit them in the future. Courier: What sort of improvement have you seen in the students you’ve taught? Christiansen: The students I first worked with four and a half years ago are now almost 10 years old. Watching them develop through working with our program is the greatest gift to me. I hope to work with these students for as long as they wish to be part of our program. But we don’t push education on them. If they or their families feel it’s better for them to work on the family farm, we encourage that. Still, my hope is to educate people in many ways including the importance and value of their land. Courier: You’ve done some great work for the people of Bocas del Toro, but you admit it’s not completely altruistic on your part. Christiansen: Yeah, the waves are incredible there. For me that’s part of the receipt to create something I desired. I encourage anyone who wants to surf great waves and teach great kids to come down and spend some time with us. To learn more about Christiansen’s nonprofit, check out Giveandsurf.org. ■

LOCAL NEWS

Kaye Colvin and Danny Salzhandler of 101 Artists’ Colony were among the guests at A Celebration of Philanthropy, Sept. 29, 2015. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

(l to r) Lynne Calkins, Barbara Berrier, Bill Berrier, Rick Collins, June Collins, Robyn Sirota, Richmond Johnson, Donna Johnson and Ken Calkins (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

Celebration of Philanthropy T

(l to r): K.J. Koljonen, Annie Burchard, Leslie Louis, Jerry Louis and Bill Cox (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

he Coastal Community Foundation hosted a Celebration of Philanthropy Sept. 29 to recognize its donors, volunteers and community partners. More than 110 people attended the event. Coastal Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization of North County since 1987, has over 50 charitable funds. Behind each of the charitable funds at the Foundation there is story about how local residents are making a difference through their philanthropy. The Foundation allows people who live here to give here as well as to all of their favorite causes. Individuals or families can establish a donor advised fund to support the causes and organizations they care about most or they can contribute to an existing fund that supports education, scholarships or women and girls issues. The Foundation helps residents with the right strategy to accomplish their current and long-term charitable goals. Donors also can leave a legacy by establishing an endowment fund that benefits the community forever. At this year’s celebration, Board President Alice Jacobson thanked all the donors, volunteers and community sponsors for their philanthropic efforts. “We are grateful for your investment in our community through your donations and volunteer time,” Jacobson said. Annie Burchard from Welcome Home Ministries shared her personal story and explained how the organization’s F.A.I.R. Dorm program successfully helps women transition from jail. The program was awarded grants from the Hand to Hand fund. The program has received national recognition for reducing recidivism from 60 percent to less than 10 percent. Board member Ed Blodgett shared that he and his wife Betsy established a donor-advised fund before he retired to receive the maximum tax benefits and continue their diverse philanthropic giving locally and on the East Coast in their second home community. Guests viewed displays from community grantees and learned

(top) Guests mingle before the start of A Celebration of Philanthropy, held Sept. 29, 2015 at Green Dragon Tavern and Museum in Carlsbad; (middle) Guests viewed displays from community grantees such as Trauma Intervention Project, which provides volunteer emergency support during accidents and crisis and Casa de Amistad, which provides after-school and summer programs for Hispanic children in Solana Beach; (right) Coastal Community Foundation Executive Director Sharon Omahen (left) accepts a certificate of appreciation from Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar. (Photos by Michael Loeschnig)

how grants are positively impacting nonprofits and community projects. A few of the highlights included Trauma Intervention Project, which provides volunteer emergency support during accidents and crisis; Casa de Amistad, which provides afterschool and summer programs for Hispanic children in Solana Beach and EdVenture grants that bring art and science into North County classrooms. Gold sponsors of the event were the Leichtag Foundation, Mike and Adele Lapadula, the John and Mary Rainsford Charitable

Foundation and California West Communities. Silver sponsors were Debbie Carpenter of P.S. Platinum properties, Bill Cox, Shea Homes, Seaside Courier, Bobbie Hoder and the Edward and Betsy Blodgett Family Foundation. Community sponsors were P-O-L-O B-A-Y and the Board of Directors of Coastal Community Foundation. For more information on Coastal Community Foundation, visit Coastalfoundation.org or call 760-942-9245. —Contributed content ■

CALENDAR OF NORTH COUNTY EVENTS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Around Town Don’t miss

these upcoming

events around North County .1 OC T. 2 - NOV

Held at Del Mar Scaregrounds, San Diego County’s largest haunted experience, the Scream Zone is considered among the goriest, scariest and screaming-est fright fests to be found in the dark corners of Southern California. Tour the House of Horror and take a Haunted Hayride at the Scream Zone, open 25 select nights: Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-4, Oct. 8-11, Oct. 15-18, Oct. 21-31 and Nov. 1. The Scream Zone hours are 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. all other nights. Del Mar Scaregrounds, 2600 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. Admission ranges from $18-$52, with military pricing available. Thescreamzone.com. The Senior Expo Active Lifestyles event, presented by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza. The event will showcase products and services available to the senior community. Admission is free. For more information, visit Oceansidechamber.com.

OC T. 8

Join thousands for the Surfing Madonna Beach Run at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Choose from a 5K, 10K or 10-mile run/walk on the sand. At the finish line, enjoy live music, fresh fruit and a medal. Then enjoy a free beer at the Beer Garden. Barefoot runners/walkers are welcome. The event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. For more information, visit Surfingmadonna.org.

OC T. 24

From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, stop by a haunted house at the Boys & Girls Club, 3115 Roosevelt St. in Carlsbad. Here you can pick up your Trick-or-Treating Merchant Maps for the following day, or continue to the Carlsbad Causes for Community Costume Party down the block at 2801-B Roosevelt St. The all-ages C3 party fun includes live music, a taco bar, a donation beer and wine bar and a costume contest (check-in by 8:30; judging at 9 p.m). Best costume and best group costume prizes will be awarded. Community sponsors include: Homelife Village Realtors; Heritage Senior Care, and Carlsbad Village Yoga Co-op.

OC T. 30

Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association’s 14th annual Safe Trick-or-Treat will be held on from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31. A stretch of South Coast Highway 101, from Encinitas Boulevard to K Street, becomes “Pumpkin Lane,” decorated with elaborately carved pumpkins at different viewing locations. Downtown merchants hand out treats to thousands of costumed kids and Her Royal Highness grants wishes at the Queen’s Court next to the Self-Realization Fellowship Bookstore. For more information, visit Encinitas101.com.

OC T. 31

The city of Carlsbad will host its annual Public Safety Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 10. The open house, which will celebrate “Fire Prevention Week” and “Crime Prevention Month,” will be at the Safety Training Center located at 5750 Orion St. in Carlsbad. Open house attendees can watch live demonstrations including a burning house, a car extrication, a SWAT mission and police K9 maneuvers. Displays will feature fire, police and public works vehicles, prevention and preparedness, emergency services information, CSI equipment and technology, trauma intervention and volunteerism. For more information, visit Carlsbadca.gov.

OC T. 10

North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s annual Pride by the Beach festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Pier View Way and Ditmar in Oceanside. An opening ceremony is scheduled for noon. Enjoy festivities such as food, vendors and a live entertainment lineup of Celeste & The Upbeats, Popsicle, Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles For more information, call 760-994-1690 or visit Ncresourcecenter.org.

The city of Solana Beach’s Parks and Recreation Commission and La Colonia de Eden Gardens Foundation are hosting Dia de los Muertos from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1 at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave. in Solana Beach. Festivities include a free showing of the Disney Pixar movie, “The Book of Life,” a car show, an opportunity drawing, vendors, food, Day of the Dead altars, sugar skulls, Aztec dancers, ballet folklorico, a live band and kids’ games.

NOV. 1

Encinitas Elks Lodge is hosting a 1940s’-themed Veterans Day dinner, dance and ceremony to salute local veterans and active military. Highlights of the evening include a tri-tip dinner made by local barbecue competition winners; live entertainment by Sinatra crooner, Dwayne Lawson; and donation presentations to Semper Fi Fund, Warrior Foundation~Freedom Station and the SEAL Foundation. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. The lodge is located at 1393 Windsor Road in Cardiff. For more information, visit Encinitaselks.org, email bbq2243@gmail. com or call 760-753-2243. ■

NOV. 7

OC T. 11-12

The Cardiff Surf Classic & Green Beach Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12. The fun local surf contest and environmental beach fair is hosted by the Cardiff 101 MainStreet Association. Attendees can stroll vendor booths and enjoy a variety of musical entertainment on a unique solar-powered stage. The Lost Abbey Beer Garden will be open on Saturday. Both days will feature multiple kids’ activities, local eats and a fun surf contest to watch throughout the weekend. For more information, visit Cardiffsurfclassic.com/.

OC T. 17-19

San Diego Botanic Garden’s 32nd annual Fall Plant Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Oct. 19. Plant donations from more than 100 local growers, wholesalers, retail nurseries, and individuals make this one of the most interesting and diverse plant sales in San Diego County. Plant selections include California natives, cacti, succulents, bromeliads, fruit trees, and sub-tropicals. Entrance to the sale is free with membership or paid admission of $14 on Saturday or $5 on Sunday and Monday. 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. Sdbgarden.org.

COMMENTARY Publisher's note: Opinions expressed on commentary pages are not necessarily the views of the Seaside Courier.

Mayor's minute

New city manager, Pacific View, and Commentary: Complete Streets Second Density Bonus aren’t complete nonsense Lawsuit Update Thomas K.

Arnold

Commentary

There’s a squabble between members of the Encinitas Traffic and Public Safety Commission that would be perfect fodder for a “Family Guy” episode: absurd and ridiculous, yet very telling about our culture. It’s essentially a showdown between the “Cars uber alles” mindset that is at the very root of our traffic and transportation problems, and the “Complete Streets” movement that critics say is a plot to discourage us from driving by making our roads increasingly inhospitable to the automobile. Commissioner Brian Grover was asked to resign by Commissioner David Hutchinson because Hutchinson believes his colleague is too bike-friendly. Grover is an advocate for Complete Streets, which according to Smart Growth America’s National Complete Streets Coalition holds that streets should accommodate “all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.” Grover’s crime: He asked city staff how much the city was spending on road improvements, and sent a letter to two Encinitas City Council members, asking the city to begin discussions with the California Coastal Commission to do a “road diet” on Coast Highway. Hutchinson says Grover’s bike advocacy is “too radical” and will wind up working against that very goal. Boys, boys, settle down. There is a philosophical divide here that really should not exist. The car culture and Complete Streets are not mutually exclusive. Grover: You should not send letters to the council asking them to get cracking on slimming down our roads. Your commissioner status means you are speaking under color of authority, and you should not be doing that. Hutchinson: Take a deep breath. Complete Streets has everything to do with traffic flow – it’s just not all about cars. Back when coastal North County was being planned and built, gas was cheap and cars were it. We did not want to be like Europe, where everyone was herded together onto trains and buses. We had room to roam, and the automobile symbolized the spirit of American independence and individualism.

As a result, we put down stakes wherever we wanted, and we built lots and lots of roads to take us there. In retrospect, we should have planned things a little better. We should have anticipated the huge growth in population and built denser communities on a more linear route, and our planning process should have included public transportation. Instead, we settled wherever we wanted to, confident we would always have our cars to take us home. Flash forward to the present. We have our cars, all right — so many of them that Interstate 5 has become a parking lot and our surface roads, during rush hour and on weekends, are not much better. The really sad part about all this is that it is too late to change. Public transportation would never work — we are far too spread out. And while there is plenty of talk about plans to widen the 5 and fix up problem intersections like the I-5/SR 78 exchange, none of that is really going to do much good in the long run. We just do not have the room. Critics of Complete Streets feel narrowing our roads to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians is only going to make the situation worse. People are not going to give up their cars and all of a sudden bike or walk to work. That is a utopian pipe dream. They’re 100 percent right. We can build all the bike lanes and sidewalks we want, and yet commuter habits will not change. But here is my take: Complete Streets still makes a lot of sense, and I am glad Grover sits on the Commission to advocate its implementation. I believe every street should have a sidewalk — and every major road should have space permitting a bike path. It may not change commutes one iota, but it will encourage people to explore their communities. But let’s go about this in a sensible way, without making life more difficult for those of us who choose to drive, too. Shave a few feet off the road instead of taking away an entire lane; on major routes like the Coast Highway explore creative options like sharrows or, in Leucadia, building a bike and pedestrian path on the east side of the road, along the railroad tracks. Complete Streets may not solve our traffic problems, but it can certainly have a positive impact on our communities. ■

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Catherine’s Column: Encinitas needs to focus on streets Catherine

Blakespear

Deputy Mayor of Encinitas Guest commentary

Welcome to fall, Encinitas! September was very busy at City Hall following summer break. Our new city manager, Karen Brust is off to a great start. I expect her to work well with staff, optimize customer service and improve the retention rate of our valued employees. My 15 years of management experience in the private sector have taught me that organizations and departments who are able to retain the best employees are in the best position to maximize efficiency, minimize retraining costs and succeed in the long-term. It is no secret that Encinitas has experienced a high key-employee loss rate during recent years. I am confident that Karen will work well with current and future Councils to help the city improve its customer service and staff retention. On the agenda, the Council continues to deal with a potential second lawsuit related to its density bonus and development policies after settling a lawsuit over the summer expending $350,000 in legal fees. The potential second lawsuit involves mostly the same issues. It is my hope that Encinitas is able to establish as much local control as is legally possible without becoming a target for expensive lawsuits by affordable housing advocates and developers. While it is difficult to accept a state law that the Council disagrees with, the cost to the city and your tax dollars is too great to not carefully follow the law. The cost in the first lawsuit, has illustrated this very clearly. To put this in perspective, the $350,000 cost of this lawsuit, roughly equates to the cost of adding a sheriff’s deputy for two years. So we must make the difficult decision as to where our priorities are — defending more lawsuits, or expanding police protection for

The Encinitas City Council re-started “strategic planning” this week, aiming to prioritize the city’s finances and staff time, while establishing measurable milestones. A professional strategist interviewed us to prepare for a focused, four-hour group discussion of our priorities. The following is my opinion, not that of the entire Council. Every city’s three most important roles are to safeguard the public’s money, keep people safe and maintain infrastructure, such as roads. We’re doing the first two very well. We’re fiscally prudent, saving for a rainy day, and budgeting sensibly. Our fire and sheriff’s personnel are top-notch; we have low crime statistics and a consistently safe community. But when it comes to transportation infrastructure, there’s room for improvement. Cars: Many Encinitas residents work full-time outside the city, driving to and from the freeway every workday. Any discussion of additional housing density needs to go hand-in-hand with a re-evaluation of the roads that will carry those new residents. We haven’t made much progress toward updating the city’s “Circulation Element,” which is the blueprint for all roads. Maintaining high quality pavement is also a priority. Bikes: Despite a 10-year-old Bicycle Master Plan, we have many roads without adequate and continuous bike lanes. More than 3,000 students attend MiraCosta College, yet to the west of campus there are no bike lanes and to the east, only very narrow ones. There is no public transportation to the college at all. Some of our bike lanes abruptly end — after using the Santa Fe undercrossing, cyclists have no bike lanes along Vulcan to the library, downtown or the train station. The road infrastructure along Coast Highway between Swami’s and Solana Beach is old and outdated. The city has made some recent improvements, but there’s more to do. Pedestrians: We live in a stunningly beautiful city, with perfect weather. It should be comfortable, safe and, most of all, fun to walk. We need continuous sidewalks, streetscape in Leucadia, open-space trails that connect and are wellmaintained, and dedicated safe routes to school. This takes money, focus and commitment. Rail Corridor: The status quo is not adequate for our rail corridor. Only the young and able-bodied will run across two lanes of speeding cars, scramble over rocks and dart across the railroad tracks to get to the beach. People with dogs, kids, strollers, beach gear, disabilities and the elderly won’t

SEE GASPAR PAGE 12

SEE BLAKESPEAR PAGE 12

Kristin

Gaspar

Mayor of Encinitas Guest commentary

COMMENTARY / BUSINESS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Water supply benefits of El Niño remain uncertain Mark Muir

Vice Chair, San Diego County Water Authority Guest commentary

It’s hard to turn on the news or read a weather report these days without seeing something about the El Niño, and with good reason. There is a strong likelihood – 95 percent – that El Niño conditions will continue through the winter, and one way or another they will play an important role for statewide water supplies after four years of historically hot and dry weather. The El Niños are characterized by high water surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. They often – but not always – deliver above-average rainfall to southern California. Current projections are for aboveaverage rainfall at least through November across the Southwest, which would be a welcome relief. Heavy rain in San Diego County this winter would help fill some local reservoirs that have large watersheds for 2016, but that’s not as significant as many people assume. The last time local water supplies were sufficient to meet our region’s demands was 1946. During the last strong El Niño event in 1998, local rainfall was 180 percent of average. Even with that inflow to reservoirs, local surface water only met about 20 percent of regional water demands. A bigger impact of potential rainfall this winter is actually on the demand side. By state law, it’s illegal to irrigate landscapes during or for 48 hours after a rainstorm. In reality, you can leave irrigation systems off

for a week or more following significant rainstorms without damaging your landscape. A series of storms would make it easier for homes and businesses to turn off irrigation systems for weeks at a time, saving significant amounts of water. However, temperatures are projected to remain above average statewide during the fall, making efforts to conserve water more challenging. Another important consideration is that it took four dry years for statewide water supply conditions to dwindle to where they are today, and it’s almost certain to take more than one wet winter to emerge from drought. Remember that the snowpack in the Sierra on April 1 was just 5 percent of average, and it will take huge amounts of snowfall to make up for that. The key issue for regional and statewide water supplies is how much precipitation – particularly snow – will fall in the Sierra Nevada. That will determine how much water is available next year from the State Water Project, an important supply source for much of southern California, including San Diego County. Unfortunately, current rainfall models are unclear about how much the Sierra Nevada will benefit from the El Niño conditions. Because of these uncertainties, it’s critical for residents and businesses to continue their extraordinary conservation efforts. And our region truly has been extraordinary when it comes to meeting state water-use mandates. Over the summer – the most important period for meeting the targets – water use across the county was down by 27 percent compared to June, July and August 2013 (the baseline year used by the state). This was even better than the countywide average target of 20 percent. The bottom line is that it will take months for the El Niño conditions to play out. No matter how much precipitation this winter brings it will always be important in San Diego County to make the most of every drop of water we have. Note: For information about the El Niño, go to Elnino.noaa.gov. ■

BUSINESS NOTES

Lisa Odenweller, founder of Beaming (left). Beaming products include organic cold-pressed juices and superfood smoothies (right). (Courtesy photo)

Del Mar-based superfood café opens La Jolla location An organic superfood café founded by a Solana Beach resident recently opened its newest location in La Jolla. Beaming, which was first opened in 2012 in Del Mar by Lisa Odenweller, opened its fifth location Sept. 14 at La Plaza La Jolla. Beaming’s other locations are in Brentwood, Santa Monica and West Hollywood. “I am so excited to open our fifth Beaming location and bring it home to San Diego where it all began three and a half years ago with my raw food superfood programs followed by the opening of the first Beaming café in Del Mar two and a half years ago,” said Odenweller, a mother of three. Distinguished by a menu of organic cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, gluten- and dairy-free baked goods and grab-and-go salads and entrées, Beaming’s mission is to provide customers with “exactly what they need to live a balanced, healthy and joy-filled life.” Beaming offers a plant-based selection of seasonally influenced, nutrient-dense superfood menu items that are also free of preservatives and GMOs. The La Jolla café offers a superfood porridge bar as well as in-store wellness and culinary events. “Del Mar gave us the opportunity to open three locations in Los Angeles this year and I am thrilled to bring Beaming to the beautiful community of La Jolla where customers have supported us since the beginning,” Odenweller said.

Nygaard appointed chair of ACHD Finance Committee

Tri-City Medical Center announced that Julie Nygaard has been appointed Finance Committee chair by the Association of California Healthcare Districts. She has been a member of the ACHD Board of Directors since May 2014 and currently serves as treasurer. Nygaard is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Julie Nygaard (Courtesy photo) Tri-City Healthcare District, serving on the Finance Operation and Planning Committee and as chair of its Community Health Alliance Committee. Nygaard’s past and current public service contributions are numerous. They include being a member of the Carlsbad City Council for 12 years, two as mayor pro tempore; a member of the Executive Committee of the League of California Cities; chair of the North County Transit District; North County Transit District representative to the High Speed Rail Corridor Agency; chair of the Southern California Intercity Rail Group, and chair of the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission. A nationally recognized speaker with experience defending cases brought against product manufacturers, transportation companies and premises owners, Doody was included in the coveted annual report. Doody has extensive jury trial experience and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, which requires 20 jury trials to verdict as first chair. Doody is the former President of San Diego Defense Lawyers and former President of the San Diego Inn of Court. He is a member of the prestigious Federation of Peter Doody, Solana Beach resident Defense and Corporate Counsel, (Courtesy photo) a national association of attorneys whose members are admitted by invitation only, and is a board member of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel. Doody received the highest rating available (A-V) from Martindale-Hubbell for ethics and legal ability. As a nationally recognized speaker, Doody has spoken before civil litigation defense organizations such as the American Law Firm Association, Defense Research Institute, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Transportation Lawyers Association and Trucking Industry Defense Association. In addition, Doody received the organization’s “Lawyer of The Year” designation. This is given to high-profile specialties in large legal communities with only a single lawyer in each field being honored. A former San Diego County District Attorney, Pfingst represents clients in complex litigation, white collar crime and professional licensing matters. Pfingst is recognized as one of San Diego’s top trial lawyers and his successful prosecutions of San Diego’s most serious criminal cases earned him a national reputation. He is the former President of the California District Attorneys Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the National District Paul Pfingst, Del Mar resident (Courtesy Attorneys Association. photo) In 2000, the United States Attorney General presented Pfingst with the coveted “William French Smith Award” for outstanding contributions to law enforcement. Pfingst has lectured extensively on trial technique and has contributed to a variety of legal publications. Prior to his election in 1994, Pfingst was a Firm partner specializing in product liability, medical malpractice, professional licensing and general litigation. He is a prolific trial lawyer representing clients in both state and federal courts and has been selected by his peers to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Honors and listings are based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 41,000 leading attorneys cast almost 3.9 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Honorees are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.” ■

HOME & GARDEN

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Gardening with Evelyn: Yes, you can … create fall in San Diego Evelyn Weidner Columnist

ere in warm San Diego, where we don’t have many fall-colored leaves, we still want to have that feeling of fall. You can create fall with a few of the right plants, gourds and pumpkins. Meet the best fallblooming, fall-colored plants to help you create autumn in California. Create fall with ornamental peppers. Red, yellow or orange, these peppers add a south-of-theborder touch to fall arrangements. They may be too hot to eat, but they are very ornamental. Peppers last for months, and when they are finished you can throw them away without guilt. Create fall with mums. This ultimate fall bloomer is so easy to grow and can be trimmed back into bloom. Mums like the sun but are very happy indoors while they are in bloom. Pinch off the spent blooms and you will soon have more. Create fall with colored millet grass and feed the birds, too. These grasses provide the tall background plant that is essential

Create fall in California by adding a pumpkin or two to autumn-colored flowers and plants. (Photo by Evelyn Weidner)

to any good front-door arrangement. The bronze ones have seeds for your birds. Create fall with sunflowers. They love the sun just like their name. Keep watered with a saucer at the base for extra water. Enjoy them and let the birds have a treat, too. Other plants that have fall colors are the yellow or burgundy plume flower called celosia, bright orange zinnias, and yellow or

orange lantanas. For shade, use bright yellow Golden Candles. Succulents such as Kalanchoes and many others have dark bronze foliage. Dress up your fall arrangements. This is the time when the trailing ivies are so useful: twine them around, tuck them in — everywhere and anywhere. Get some of our brown Sphagnum moss to hide the pots and make everything look coordinated.

Try out these easy arrangements for that California fall look. For the front entry: one tall, bronze millet plant. The seeds will feed your birds for weeks. Next comes either a fall-colored mum or a bright yellow sun flower. Add in a glossy leafed mirror plant or some green millet for a mixer. Finish with a 6-inch pepper or orange succulent Kalanchoe. There should be three points of color. Add some gourds or pumpkins at the base and you have a fall entry arrangement that will last through Thanksgiving. You can add a few Halloween decorative items before the holiday. For the kitchen window: Your center plant is the 6-inch ornamental pepper. Nestle in a gourd or two. Add in some smaller pepper plants and a few 4-inch dark bronze succulents. Then twine one or two 4-inch ivies around your arrangement. Put saucers under your main plants and water everything with ice cubes to make it easy. Enjoy fall every time you’re in the kitchen. Build the same basic arrangement for other rooms. The largest plant always goes in the center, with smaller sizes surrounding

it. Tuck in gourds and succulents and some cut mixer green comes from the Coprosma aka mirror plant. Add candles, fake miniature pumpkins and sprinkle in some Halloween candies to add that sweet touch. You’ll find a nice variety of fall colors and decorating ideas at Weidner’s Gardens, 695 Normandy Road in Encinitas. Pick up some succulents to make a succulent pumpkin top, along with sample arrangements to help you make your own. When you get to Weidner’s to choose your “Create Fall” plants, bring in this article for your free mirror plant branches to tuck in around your “Create Fall” table arrangements or use this article for a $2 off on any Coprosma mirror plant. These greens are so useful. Every garden needs their own plant, and you can try some for free. (While supplies last; limit of five to seven cut branches.) For the dining room table, the coffee table or anywhere else you want to add a touch of autumn, there are plants that will help you create fall in California. —Sponsored content ■

HEALTH & FITNESS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Body in Balance:

Fueling for maximum results Dana Nitti Columnist

hat you eat prior to exercising influences your performance during your workout, and what you eat afterward influences how well you recover. These are essential components to determining your overall progress but are often overlooked. Depending on your workout routine, it may not be necessary to fuel before your workout. If your exercise consists of walking, using the elliptical, or biking at a low-moderate pace for under 30 minutes, you most likely will not need to fuel beforehand. However, if you engage in heavy weight lifting, circuit training, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), or an intense cardio workout lasting more than 30 minutes, fueling before your workout will provide energy to get you through your workout. Before your workout, you will want to fuel with slow-burning carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide the best source of energy. Sweet potatoes, whole grains, vegetables and fruit are great options for pre-workout snacks. They digest easily and provide sustained energy. Whatever you do, avoid simple carbs — cereal, pasta and baked goods — which spike blood sugar. After your workout, you will want to refuel with carbohydrates and protein. Protein

YOU INSPIRE US.

consists of amino acids, which build muscle and speed recovery time between workouts. Muscle breaks down during a workout and needs to be rebuilt with protein. Your post-workout meal should be protein-heavy with some fiber and carbohydrates. Aim for vegetables, beans, fruit, nuts, whole grains and lean meats, keeping healthy fats to a minimum right after a workout. Keep in mind that there’s a small window of opportunity, often referred to as the anabolic window, to maximize protein’s effects. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recommends 20 grams of protein

within 30 minutes of exercise. Sticking with these general guidelines should give you a good idea of how to fuel for the best performance and results. When it doubt, always try to get your nutrition needs from whole foods as opposed to supplements but if you need to, choose a protein powder with little to no sugar and 20 grams or more of protein. Dana Nitti is a certified personal trainer and is the owner Body in Balance by Dana. She offers safe and effective fitness programs designed specifically to help you reach your goals. All programs include nutritional support and monitored progress. BodyinBalancebyDana.com. ■

Wellness in North County:

Testing the Orange Theory Chris

Ahrens

Columnist

ou may think I’ve been living under a rock, but until last week I had never heard of the Orange Theory. So when my friend Robin suggested I try it, I thought she was either offering me some psychedelic drug or a sequel to the classic Stanley Kubrick movie, “Clockwork Orange.” Knowing her, however, I quickly eliminated those two possibilities and learned this was actually a scientific new way to get fit. Still, I figured it could be some new gimmick, and a way to take my hard earned shekels while leaving me in a pool of my own penniless sweat. Since Robin is a trustworthy friend, however, I thought I’d give it a try. So, on a Monday in August, I

approached the Encinitas studio with unequal parts excitement, dread, hope, and Southern California born and bred skepticism. Dragging into the lobby at 8 that morning, I was greeted with early-evening nightclub enthusiasm as fit, attractive people moved to the beat in subdued light. OK, different enough, but what were those big screen monitors doing everywhere? I was introduced to Hannah, was given a black band to strap around my chest and led like a sacrificial sow to my workout station. The object before me didn’t look like any rowing machine I’d ever encountered but instead resembled a 2050 BMW in its futuristic, slick, shiny appearance. While cool to observe, the device turned out to be practical in application also, and I quickly fell into the rhythm of a kayak fisherman moving out to sea. Turns out, the chest band was

linked to one of the big screens above us where items like heart rate, calories burned and a number highlighted in colors of blue, green, orange or red. With blue signifying the least amount of effort expended and red the most, the idea here is to stay in the orange (zone) as long as possible. Finally, the name Orangetheory Fitness made sense to me. Staying in the orange zone, according to the website, creates post excessive oxygen consumption (EPOC) which in turn burns calories. Each day of the week emphasizes a different aspect of fitness and on that Monday morning, the focus was on strength. While this did not seem like a taxing workout, the unusually high ratio of attractive, fit, enthusiastic women in the room was enough to make me believe something SEE WELLNESS PAGE 17

LET’S CELEBRATE

YOU.

BRING FRIENDS FREE!

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CARLSBAD VILLAGE

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

State Street Farmers’ Market: Every Wednesday in the Village

or well over a decade, Carlsbad Village has been home to a certified organic Farmers’ Market with more than 50 individual vendors offering items such as fresh, locally grown flowers and produce to homemade tamales and everything in between. The State Street Farmers’ Market takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Wednesday between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. Winter hours are from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. but it still goes on, every Wednesday.

Here is what you’ll find. Local farms offering organic pluots, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, eggs, and so much more are tucked in alongside producers of every imaginable herb like basil, cilantro and sorrel. The market even offers fresh, locally caught fish that is second to none. But there’s more than just produce at the market. There are also packaged food vendors with local products such as bread and pastries, gourmet cakes, cheesecake, granola, hummus, cheese, olives, pesto and tapenade, and the list goes on and on.

Food vendors serve food during the market as well. The barbecue is fantastic and the gyros will keep you coming back for more. And the kettle corn is a must-have! Crafters are on site offering soaps, oils, lotions, wood planters, jewelry, clothing and more. Consider the State Street Farmers’ Market a great alternative to one of your weekly trips to the grocery store for fresher

items and great variety while also helping support local business and local family farms. Come stroll the market and take in the sights, smells and sounds. Or, sit back and relax and listen to live music while enjoying a late lunch, mid-day snack or early dinner. Just don’t forget to bring home a bag of delightfully fresh, locallygrown produce to support local business and local family farms. ■

CARLSBAD VILLAGE / LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

The Zahn family in Cuba. (Courtesy photo)

Solana Beach to Cuba — a world away Rachel

Zahn

Guest columnist

uba! A country of mystery and romance, so close to our shores yet shrouded by a veil of historic and political hostility. My husband and I have always been fascinated by this place, and were delighted to learn that Pope Francis, having played a huge role in brokering the diplomatic breakthrough between Cuba and the U.S., was planning a visit. It had even more meaning in light of our fascinating, enigmatic trip to the island with our three grown kids the summer before. Aside from the obvious pomp and pageantry, how might the Pope’s impressions compare to ours? Our trip started with a complicated series of arrangements to get the ‘People to People’ visas required for most visitors from the U.S. Add to that my mom job of herding three young adults, all living in different parts of the country, to complete and deliver the required paperwork on time, and you have an idea how great it felt to finally board the charter flight from Miami to Havana. That part may have gone more smoothly for the Pope. Cast of characters: Son No. 1 is an academic in philosophy with a diverse, 30,000-foot view of the world of ideas. Son No. 2 is a writer and community activist with left leaning politics. Daughter is a college student majoring in global development and Spanish — lucky for the rest of us, whose Spanish is spotty. No shortage of opinions here. We arrived, and after brief questioning at the airport —“Why did you come to Cuba? Where are you staying? Who do you know here?”… that sort of thing — we were taken to our hotel, an idyllic, aging, structure in a beautiful section of Old Havana. Minutes later we were out on the hot and humid streets, soaking up the eclectic mix of Colonial, Baroque, and Art Deco styles and striking up

conversation with regular Cuban folk. Son No. 2, an intrepid interviewer, asked question after question: “Are you able to find work?” “Can you express opinions freely here?” “How do you feel about your government?” “What are the pros and cons of the Castro regime?” “How do you feel about the U.S.?” “Is Fidel alive or dead? (oops, that was my question, not his).” In this curious place of contrasts, where the literacy rate approaches 100 percent — considerably higher than the U.S., where educated doctors and nurses are the country’s most valuable exports — yet where average citizens live in deep poverty, typical answers throughout the island were surprisingly hopeful. Warm, friendly and happy to talk to Americans, one man described his eight (!) attempts to leave the island by hand-made boat bound for Florida. Though he’d been caught and returned every time, there had been no punitive consequences, and he openly told us he would try again. A university professor, who chooses to stay and live in Cuba, told us about a recent invitation to deliver a keynote speech at an important meeting, only to be derailed when her application to travel wasn’t approved on schedule, despite the one-year lead time. To a person, everyone we talked to believed life in Cuba would improve dramatically once the American embargo is lifted. The optimism was pervasive, with high hopes for great change and economic development. To our surprise, they also agreed about the freedom to express diverse opinions and disagree with the government, with one exception: they must not directly disparage Fidel or Raoul Castro. Our conversations confirmed this, and we heard wide-ranging views on every subject under the sun. Cubans are outgoing, talkative and fun people. From what I hear, Pope Francis is, too.

As for Fidel’s viability, back then we got conflicting opinions about that. Now that we’ve seen him attend Mass with 100,000 others in Revolutionary Square, we know the answer. Maybe it takes a papal visit to get him out of the house.

Fun — and less fun — facts about Cuba It is the mojito capital of the world. I conducted a one-woman, countrywide taste test, which often began right after breakfast. Rum costs less than water in Cuba, and they are a people who enjoy their cocktails. The landscape is tropical and varied, with unbelievable natural beauty. At the Bay of Pigs, we watched a fabulous variety of colorful fish as clearly as if we were using a snorkel and mask, right from the shore. Those 1950s American cars you see in documentaries and films? Yes, they’re real and beautifully restored, but they’re mostly used as taxis for tourists. Everyday cars, not affordable to many, are imported from other countries without embargos. Cuba is a leader in organic farming techniques. Necessity being the mother of invention, they haven’t been able to import pesticides due to the embargo. The severe economic downturn in Cuba, known as “the special period” began with the fall of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, when financial support and exports abruptly ended. Shortages of food, fuel and necessities were disastrous. Many Cubans will tell you that the special period hasn’t yet ended. All in all, we spent a week traveling this very special country, and didn’t see nearly enough. We’d go back in a heartbeat, and I wonder how it will have changed by then. What will American private enterprise do to its unique culture? Oh, you’re asking if we brought back any Cuban cigars? You won’t hear it from me. I wonder if the Pope did. ■

EDUCATION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

MiraCosta Matters:

Relevant, responsive, ready: Changing the education paradigm Dr. Sunny Cooke Superintendent/ president

iraCosta College is engaged with business and industry on the state and local levels. In collaboration with the city of Carlsbad, our new Technology Career Institute in Carlsbad has successfully responded to local industries and their specific workforce needs, which have gone unmet by two-year and four-year programs. Short term, fee-based certificate programs graduate machinists, veterinarian assistants, corporate and celebrity protection specialists, as well as engineering technicians. The quality of our instruction and the industry’s need is evidenced by an over 90-percent hiring success rate. Similarly, it has been an honor to be asked to lead the collaboration between California community colleges and industry to solve one of the most pressing problems in our state’s economy. The goal was to address the thousands of jobs that are currently unfilled, and the tens of thousands of Californians who can’t get a job because they don’t have the right set of skills. The work has

been an amazingly rewarding experience. Chairing the California Task Force on Workforce, Job Creation and a Strong Economy, has given me the opportunity to demonstrate our district’s progressive and innovative approach to aligning faculty, curriculum and student services with the region’s rapidly changing needs — specialized training at our Technology Career Institute and the country’s first biomanufacturing baccalaureate degree program, which we introduced to Seaside Courier readers last month. To prepare Californians for the 1.9 million jobs, which will require some college education by 2025, our unique task force presented California Community College Board of Governors with 25 recommendations in September, including: Common metrics for evaluating career and technical

GASPAR, FROM PAGE 6

education program success. Quality and accessibility of labor market data in response to industry needs. Revised curriculum development process, more closely aligned with employers. Career pathways with “stackable” components for moving students to successively higher levels of education and training. Enhanced career awareness, pathway planning, and job placement services, and shared information about high demand jobs and related earning potential among high school counselors and community college students. Predictable and targeted college funding source to create high-quality, often more expensive, Career and Technical Education courses, involving coordination between existing State funding streams. Locally, we launched the Business Roundtable, with an inaugural meeting held Sept. 29. Gathering the region’s business leaders will better position the college to develop the workforce required to address demands for today and the future. For more information about the Business Roundtable, contact Elaine Dodge at edodge@miracosta.edu. ■

BLAKESPEAR, FROM PAGE 6

our city. I will continue to work with my colleagues to clearly navigate this issue. Last, the Council unanimously chose the Encinitas Arts, Culture and Ecology Alliance as the proposed operator for the former Pacific View School site, which the Council purchased in March 2014. We also learned that unfortunately it would take about an additional $4 million to prepare the site for occupancy. While I opposed the $10-million purchase price for Pacific View because the appraised value of the property was only $3.3 million, now that we own the property we must consider the best future use that will enrich our community. We must move forward with the challenge of raising the $4 million dollars needed to renovate the existing facilities and offset the current approximately $70,000 per month in debt service to repay the bonds used to acquire the property. I commend Garth Murphy and his entire team for pulling together a diverse community coalition, including, but not limited to the band, Switchfoot, and Rob Machado, whose activism and foundation work have touched the lives of many Encinitans. I look forward to helping the Encinitas Arts, Culture and Ecology Alliance clear the high hurdles in front of them. With that in mind, please consider contacting the coalition to help donate to the cause by sending an email to Garth Murphy at garthmy@ gmail.com. Thank you for your help and thanks to all of the citizens for helping make Encinitas one of the greatest cities and happiest places on Earth! Have a happy and successful October!

do that. We need to prioritize building as many legal rail crossings as possible. We are already working toward one at Montgomery Avenue in Cardiff, and an undercrossing at El Portal in Leucadia just received a $4.7 million funding grant. Final thoughts: Many people’s daily car trips are for things such as running errands, going to the supermarket, dropoff and pick-up at school, nearby jobs and visiting each other’s homes. Mode-shifting even a small number of these trips from driving to biking, walking or riding would create health and mood benefits and would reduce the number of cars fighting to get through the next light. The design of our city’s streets can either limit our choices by making walking, biking and taking public transit inconvenient, dangerous and unappealing, or it can inspire new alternatives by providing practical options for those willing to get their cars off congested roadways. I have a list of other priorities as well but I believe the transportation piece of our city’s puzzle is especially urgent. Encinitas needs to look ahead, plan for our growing prosperity and popularity, and enhance our resident-serving infrastructure. Working together, I hope we can establish a clear consensus during our strategic planning.

—Kristin Gaspar, Mayor of Encinitas, kgaspar@ encinitasca.gov. ■

—Reach Catherine Blakespear at cblakespear@encinitasca.gov. ■

PETS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

over. She’ll do great in a home with older kids or adults. The $100 adoption fee for Cake Pop includes medical exam, vaccinations, spay and microchip. For more information, call 760753-6413, visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, or log on to SDpets.org. Kennels and Cattery open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.

Other happenings this month at RCHS Cake Pop (Courtesy photo)

ake Pop is pet of the week at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She’s a 3-year-old, 7-pound, Torbie cat (Tortoiseshell/ Tabby mix) She recently had a litter of kittens that were adopted at another animal shelter. Now she’s been transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society through the Friends of County Animal Shelters program and it’s her turn to find her furrever home. Her days as a “single mom” are

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, Project Homeless Connect will place homeless individuals and families with winter shelters in North County in preparation for the season. Rancho Coastal Humane Society will be on hand to provide information and resources for homeless people with pets. The event will be held at Bread of

Life, 1919 Apple St. in Oceanside. Fall Animal Camp runs Oct. 19-23 and 26-30 at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Children learn about animals and their importance in the world through arts, crafts, games and hands-on experiences. Space is limited because this camp fills up quickly. Tickets are now available for Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s “Celebration of Second Chances,” to be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Del Mar Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. The theme of “Give, Love, Grow” celebrates the RCHS’ first 55 years its future. For more information about any of these events, visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413, or log on to SDpets.org. ■

MUSIC

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8: Mike Wojniak at Café Panini, Carlsbad. Free. Soulful singer-songwriter Mike Wojniak combines folk, rock and more in his intricate songs. Sounding like a combination of Glen Hansard (The Swell Season) and Mat Kearney, Wojniak’s lines are hypnotic and impactful. His latest EP, “Anima Mundi” features four songs, which range from ethereal (“Stone and the Sea”) to upbeat (“Oak Tree”). His vocal prowess is sure to fill the intimacy of Café Panini with wide-ranging tunes and an uplifting spirit. CafePaniniCarlsbad.com.

8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19: Heartless Bastards and Slothrust at BellyUp Tavern, Solana Beach. $20. If you love a powerful front woman (like I do), you’ll want to see Erika Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards do her thing live. The singer-songwriter’s vocals vacillate from wild and free-wielding to atmospheric and haunting on the band’s newest record “Restless Ones.” Guitarist Mark Nathan matches with a gritty soundscape on some tracks and more gentle acoustics on others. We’re hoping one of the newest tunes “Into the Light” makes the set list with its swaggering rhythm and crooned lyrics. Doors open at 8 p.m. BellyUp.com 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25: The North Coast Symphony at Seacoast Community Church, Encinitas. $10 general admission; $8 students/ seniors/military; $25 family maximum (tickets only available at the door). The North Coast Symphony will perform “Fall Favorites” under the direction of Maestro Daniel Swem. The concert will include “Symphony in E Minor (No. 2)” by Sergei Rachmaninoff, “Crown Imperial Coronation March” by William Walton and various pieces of Klezmer music featuring clarinet soloist Dr. Robert Zelickman. This event kicks off a new series of five concerts by the volunteer community orchestra, which will also perform on Dec. 12 this year and Feb. 28, March 1, May 15 and 17 and July 31 in 2016. NorthCoastSymphony.com

Out of the Woods Pick of the Month

8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29: A pre-Halloween party with Los Bastardos, Stallion and Halloweezer at The Casbah, Little Italy. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Members of several notable San Diego bands have put together a very unique pre-Halloween bash. Each band will be performing covers of a celebrated rock band: Los Bastardos doing Primus; Stallion performing Ween; and Halloweezer rocking Weezer’s “The Blue Album” along with a few other tracks. This one-of-a-kind show promises to be full of rock ‘n’ roll madness courtesy of members of: Badabing, Bargain Music, Duping the Public, The Fiction, Neighbors to the North, and Old Tiger. Plus members of Little Dove will be performing jazzy versions of rock hits in the Atari Lounge under the name Duo De Los Muertos. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. CasbahMusic.com. ■

Young Encinitas singer releases mature music Jen Van Tieghem

hile most teens are probably singing along with pop songs on the radio, Encinitas resident Cordelia Degher is writing her own. At the fresh age of 15, Cordelia, a sophomore at San Dieguito Academy, recently released her debut four-track EP. “Open Up To Me” features the young songstress showcasing a style that blends pop with folk, soul and more. While her age is striking to note, it’s easy to forget when listening to her songs; Cordelia’s vocals betray her youth with a depth and resonance; she emotes on a variety of universal topics: love lost – or never found, regret and, of course, boy trouble. It’s no coincidence that Cordelia has found her way to music: both her father, Darius Degher, and older sister, Cleopatra Degher, are musicians who also put out records in the last year. The youngest Degher began her musical journey at just 5 years old. “I remember my dad and my sister teaching me my first chords,” Cordelia said. “And I would be jamming with them on my mini guitar, a Yamaha Guitarlele.” Fast-forward a decade and Cordelia’s circle of musical influence has grown beyond her family. Co-producer of her EP, Jeff Berkley, is a prolific local musician who tapped various talents for the project, including Jake Najor on drums (Rebecca Jade and The Cold Fact, Chess Wars), Ben Moore on electric piano and Lauren Scheff on bass. “I was really impressed with how cool she was in the studio and professional she was,” Scheff said, of working with Degher. “She has a great style of melody and her voice has her own thing. I dig something unique; she has something.” Though Cordelia wrote the majority of the songs herself, she

also got some lyrical assistance on one track from accomplished songwriter Billy Steinberg, whose credits include “Like A Virgin” by Madonna, “Give Your Heart a Break” by Demi Lovato and more. Cordelia explained how one of the EP’s songs came about. “The story behind ‘I Recycle’ is that I had a melody for a song, but I just couldn’t write a lyric for it,” she said. “I asked my dad, who is an accomplished singer/ songwriter, to help me … and he said he had a friend [Steinberg] whom we should try and get in on the collaboration.” The result is a girl-power anthem with a cheeky theme of recycling boyfriends — by passing them along to her gal pals — rather than just cutting them loose. The tune is as catchy as it is clever. Cordelia admitted that her opinionated style sometimes produces sassy songs. On the other end of the spectrum is the tender “Crumbling Tower,” with poetic lines sung over gentle piano playing. Cordelia’s inflections on this and other tracks are unique and give her songs signature flair. This one in particular conveys heartache in a powerful way. Cordelia will celebrate the release of “Open Up To Me” with a free, all-ages show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Ducky Waddles, 414 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. “It is very exciting for me to release this EP because playing music is what I want to do with my life and this is the first step,” Cordelia said. “At the same time, however, it is a little scary to release it, because I don’t know how everyone will react to it, and if they will like it.” And as if releasing her first EP wasn’t daunting enough, she’ll be performing the songs solo with sister Cleopatra possibly providing harmonies on a few songs. “I thought it would be more intimate that way.” ■

xennA latsoP

8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16: 22 Kings at Searsucker, Del Mar. Free. Listening to the duo of Sandi King and Sam Bybee is a great way to spend a Friday night! The two blend countrytinged Americana and soft rock with a strong focus on the vocal talents of each member. Bybee’s deep gravelly lines mixed with King’s soaring singing are a dynamic combination on songs like the emotive “Follow You” and the twangy “Out to Sea.” Searsucker.com

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015 PACVIEW, FROM PAGE 1

This map shows the future site of Villa Storia Planned Development. (Photo courtesy City of Oceanside)

Oceanside Council OKs new homes near Mission San Luis Rey Ruarri Serpa

Contributing writer

he approval of up to 420 homes near the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside drew sharp criticism — and even some tears — from nearly two dozen residents who spoke against the project. The 4-1 vote by the City Council on Sept. 16 denied an appeal by Lucienne Austin and other residents of the nearby San Luis Rey Mobile Homes to overturn the recommendation by the Planning Commission to approve the Villa Storia Planned Development. “We think the project is a good fit for this area,” said Russ Cunningham, a planner with the city. “It would contribute to the city’s housing goals.” Cunningham added that while the city needs to build approximately 6,200 units to meet population growth demands by 2020, only 600 units have been permitted or built. Beyond the approved homes, the developer, Integral Communities, plans to construct 38 affordable housing units on site, a move that gained the support of many of the Council members and affordable housing advocates. Austin, and more than a dozen speakers, argued that the homes would bring increased traffic and crime and isolate the seniors who live in the nearby mobile home park, harming their quality of life and increasing the danger of living there. “Lives might be lost because of the distance between the front and back gates to services,” Austin said. The back gate of the mobile home park joins Academy Road, which would run through the middle of the development, and is the closest access to nearby stores and the fire stations. The increased traffic — estimated at 5,000 trips per day — would prevent seniors from walking or riding their scooters on Academy. The issue of public safety response times was mentioned by several residents who spoke in opposition of the project. Activist Nadine Scott said the

City Council was failing to protect the seniors who live in San Luis Rey Mobile Homes. “It’s a fire trap,” Scott said. “A ladder truck is not going to make a right turn into that road. You’ve got to say ‘no.’ You’ve got to protect your seniors.” Scott also referred to a report commissioned by the City Council in 2007, which concluded that the Fire Department needed to add more neighborhood primary fire stations, increase the number of firefighters on duty, and add at least one more ladder truck to the fleet. Since that report, the city has constructed only one fire station, and has not purchased any additional ladder trucks. Fire Chief Darryl Hebert said the development would not affect response times to the mobile home park, but would add to the difficulty of responding to multiple calls. Councilman Jerry Kern and Deputy Mayor Chuck Lowery voted in support of the project, but said they hope the Fire Department will come back and ask for additional resources when the city makes its annual budget. Mayor Jim Wood expressed concern about the response times for police and fire crews, but ultimately voted for the project. Councilwoman Esther Sanchez cast the lone vote in opposition, after a nearly 40-minute criticism of the project. Sanchez said that the project, which would require amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Plan, did not warrant approval because it had an annual negative impact of nearly $128,000 on the city’s budget, did not meet smart growth guidelines, and had an effect on the seniors in the mobile home park. “General plan and zoning amendments should not be done unless it’s in the best interests of the city,” Sanchez said. “I’m extremely mindful of the economic viability of the city.” The homes will be built on 35 acres of land — half of which was owned by the Catholic Diocese of San Diego — located north of Mission Avenue and east and west of Academy, bordered on the southeast by State Route 76. ■

said Deputy Mayor Catherine Blakespear. The other recommended letter proposed a joint venture between Radlab Designs and Sequoian Investments in San Diego, for outdoor commercial, dining and entertainment. Many of the Council members agreed with criticisms by neighbors of Pacific View that the space wasn’t appropriate for restaurants and bars. Nealy a dozen of the members of EACEA outlined a community spaced modeled after The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, including gardens that host schools and community groups for tours, lessons, and meals. Garth Murphy and Jon Humphrey represented the group. EACEA advisors also spoke, including Rob Machado, professional surfer, and Evan Marks, executive director for The Ecology Center. Other advisors that formed the group of local leaders include President of the Encinitas Historical Society Carolyn Cope, Executive Director of Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association Thora Guthrie, and Danny Salzhandler of 101 Artists’ Colony. Surfing legend Rusty Miller, a member of the first class at Pacific View in 1953, was also present to support EACEA.

EACEA outlined potential uses, including arts workshops, ecological and historic landscapes, a theatre and a cafe. EACEA said funding would be provided through grants, donations, sponsorships, events and memberships. Council members noted that EACEA’s plan seemed more like a vision for a longterm project, rather than the interim operator initially sought by the city. “This is starting to transition to a long-term project,” said Councilman Mark Muir. “We need to do due diligence to understand our partner before we enter into that pre-nup.” Councilwoman Lisa Shaffer, who serves alongside Councilman Tony Kranz on the Pacific View Site Activation Subcommittee, said that this was just the beginning of a complex process with EACEA. EACEA will still have to go through the permitting and zoning process, complete parking and traffic studies, as well as bring any major changes to the California Coastal Commission. “We’ve always said that whatever operating partner we end up with, will have to have a plan that’s compatible with zoning and get the necessary permits. We need to give the group an opportunity to submit their full proposal,” Shaffer said. Of the four other letters of interest, one was disqualified

because it was received after the Aug. 3 deadline. Another called for incremental development of the site into an arts and education facility. Two other letters did not address the full concerns outlined by the city. One imagined a school where, “ ... People will visit from around the world to partake in the teachings of the greatest thought leaders and influencers from around the world.” The other was a handwritten letter that proposed a laundry washing business that would provide a model of community development, to be outlined in a book, with sales shared by the city. The city purchased the former school site on Third Street from Encinitas Union School District for $10 million in a deal that closed last January. The Council on Sept. 23 also accepted a draft Preliminary Design Report for 90 percent rehabilitation of the site, and asked to include the adjacent historic schoolhouse in the final 10 percent. Council asked that the architectural firm limit some of the details to allow the future partner to make some decisions based on its needs. The cost estimates to restore the Pacific View school buildings and site range from $3.9 million to $4.4 million, but Council did not approve funding to start the rehab work. EACEA would preferably help with funding by taking the lead on obtaining grants. ■

This rough sketch shows a potential site plan for the Encinitas Arts, Culture and Ecology Campus on the former site of Pacific View Elementary School. (Photo courtesy Encinitas Art, Ecology and Culture Alliance)

NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES / LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES LOCAL RESIDENTS MAKING A MARK

Youth of the year

The 2015-2016 Scripps/Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Foundation scholarship recipients (not pictured are Oreana Diaz and Alexander Flores). (Courtesy photo)

Students receive healthcare scholarships

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Foundation awarded 2015-2016 scholarships to 15 North County students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field. This joint scholarship program is now in its 12th year providing assistance for needy and deserving young people. The awards were presented at a luncheon on Aug. 3 at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Scholarship recipients are: From Sunset High School – Sara Velez is attending MiraCosta College and plans to become a nurse. From La Costa Canyon High School – Natalia Price will attend California State University, San Marcos and her intended course of study is women’s studies; Jacklyn Vasquez will attend MiraCosta College and plans to become a nurse. From Oceanside High School – Oreana Diaz, Stephanie Murillo, Maryjane Arroyo, Jennifer Casarrubias Rendon, Jackelyn Carrillo and Ashley Campos all plan to attend CSUSM and become nurses; Monica Mozo plans to attend MiraCosta and also study nursing; Jennifer Magbata will be attending Grand Canyon University and wants to become a pediatric nurse. From Carlsbad High School – Christina Flores-Lopez will be attending CSUSM studying political science and Beenish Ismail will also attend CSUSM and study nursing. From El Camino High School – Steven Avalosmontes will be attending MiraCosta and plans to become a nurse. From San Dieguito Academy – Sophia Hernandez is going to Biola University and will be studying human biology. Students receiving a renewal of their scholarships are: Rebekah Chung, a 2012 graduate of Carlsbad High School, is attending her fourth year at San Diego State University. This year she will be entering SDSU’s nursing program. Georgina Akuffo graduated from La Costa Canyon and is in her second year at MiraCosta studying kinesiology. Alexander Flores graduated from Oceanside High School and is in his second year at University of California, Los Angeles and wants to become a nurse. The scholarship program was the brainchild of Leonard Polster, an ardent supporter of both Scripps La Jolla and the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito as well as a long-time member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Polster brought both organizations together to form the scholarship program in hopes of encouraging students to pursue careers in the medical field to help offset the shortage of healthcare workers. ■

A Solana Beach teen was recently named “Overall Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito. Elvert Vasquez, 16, received the honor during the third annual Youth of the Year Celebration, held July 24 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Infield Pavilion. Each of the organization’s seven clubs nominated a candidate for Youth of the Year, and each received a laptop and backpack donated by HP. In addition, Elvert received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Foundation. Elvert has attended La Colonia Branch in Eden Gardens Solana Beach since he was 8 years old. Before attending the Boys & Girls Club, he did not receive a lot of academic help and he was struggling with school. Neither of his parents received a high school or college education and neither could read or speak English. Therefore, they were unable to help him with his school work. In addition to his academic struggles, Elvert was diagnosed with Diplopia, a condition in which a single object appears as two objects. From one day to the next, Elvert found himself struggling to see and focus on objects correctly. It was a very depressing time in Elvert’s life and he sometimes felt lonely with having no one to turn to. Slowly he became more and more comfortable with the people in the program, the staff members, and more comfortable with speaking English. Eight years later, after Elvert’s first day at the La Colonia Branch, he is scheduled to graduate Torrey Pines High School in 2016 and will be the first in his family to graduate high school. “The club has a very big influence on the educational needs of students like me and offers the necessary tools and supplies to those who do not have access to them,” Elvert said. “Thanks to the club, I have a positive vision for myself and have the tools and support to achieve all my goals.” Elvert volunteers with the city of Solana Beach in the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Cinco de Mayo event, Casa de Amistad program, feeding the homeless in downtown San Diego, and participates in community trash pick-ups. Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year recognition is Elvert Vasquez (Courtesy photo) the highest honor a club member can achieve. The Youth of the Year program celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. A committee was comprised of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito volunteers and board members who chose Elvert, the Overall Youth of the Year for 2015. Elvert will go on to compete on the local, state and regional levels for Youth of the Year, with the five regional winners meeting in Washington D.C. to compete for the National Youth of the Year title and a $50,000 college scholarship. The National Youth of the Year serves a one-year term as representative and spokesperson for some 4 million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide. ■

Traditions of Homecoming: The SDA Mustang Maureen "Mo" Muir Guest columnist

I just received an email from my alma mater, University of San Diego, calling all alumni to attend homecoming. It is a tradition of extending alumni the opportunity to visit and reminisce about their college and high school experience. USD has planned a week-long plethora of activities, culminating with a football game played on the home field. I occasionally go back for games and also participate in alumni events. I just recently reconnected with someone I went to college with. Her son is in my son’s class, and we have developed a close camaraderie thanks to USD. My son bought a ticket to his homecoming at San Dieguito

Academy. At the high school level, the Associated Student Body infuses school spirit by holding wacky lunch-time events. On Sock Day, everyone wore non-matching socks. The next day was Tourist Day, followed by Spirit Day. But homecoming has really changed since my high-school days. The

kids don’t ask a date to go to the homecoming dance. Most kids go in groups. It is not a dating event; it is a socializing event. What is unique about homecoming at La Costa Canyon High School and San Dieguito Academy is the number of proud alumni. Many parents

I asked the superintendent where it was. He wasn’t sure, but he guaranteed me it would be brought back to its original place of honor. I was on a mission to find the proud mustang. At the end of last school year, I attended the San Dieguito Union High School District employee retirement party. I greeted everyone and thanked them for their service. I started talking to a maintenance person retiring from SDA. Did he know where the mustang was slumbering? Yes, the majestic mustang was in one of the last trailers under a tarp, he said. The mustang was awaiting the opportunity to reclaim its position — as a beacon welcoming alumni and children to SDA.

and grandparents of current students went to these schools, too. It is a generational event for many families, and a lot of parents attend the homecoming game. They support the schools and the community, and are proud and excited their kids are a part of this tradition. It was my honor as a board member of the San Dieguito Union High School District and a parent to attend the homecoming game, such a big part of the community fabric. I have also gone to every back-to-school night, to talk and listen to parents. Most parents did not speak about homecoming, but they did ask me about the SDA Mustang. The iconic mustang is a statue in front of San Dieguito Maureen “Mo” Muir is a Academy, rearing up on its hind member of the Governing Board legs. It is a school landmark. But of the San Dieguito Union High it was missing. Where was it? School District. ■

HEALTH & FITNESS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Where old memories are cherished, and new ones made. Orangetheory Fitness, 215 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas (Courtesy photo)

WELLNESS, FROM PAGE 9 was working. After an hour-long combination of rowing, pushing light weights, squats, exercycle rotations and floor work, I still lacked that wrung-out dishtowel feeling that often accompanies a vigorous workout. The hour flew by with little indication that I was being pushed to my limits, and I felt exhilarated rather than exhausted as the theory began to move into the category of fact for me. Once at home, I received an email revealing my average and maximum heart rate during the workout, amount of calories burned and length of time in the orange zone. The

next day, I was a bit sore; not that barely-get-into-the-carseat sore, but that satisfying type of soreness that lets you know you’ve done something worthwhile. Orangetheory Fitness workouts are by appointment only and it is more expensive than the basic gym membership, but I’m thinking of joining. This might just be the key to squeezing into my favorite surf trunks again and enjoying, rather than dodging the anticipated big surf just beyond summer’s corner. I suggest you try Orangetheory Fitness. It’s an amazing workout and the first two sessions are free. To learn more, visit: Orangetheoryfitness.com. ■

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

The Retail Beat

Bikes for the rest of us Katrina Dodson Columnist

Chalk artist Willie Sumlin displays his work at ArtSplash, Sept. 27, 2015. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

ARTSPLASH, FROM PAGE 1 Musicians, street entertainers and performing artists contributed to the festive ambience of the weekend-long event. Members of Crew and Jr. Crew, an El Cajon-based percussion group, were amongst several musical entertainers at this year’s event. The group, which consists of boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 19, performed for many spectators assembled in front of the main stage, exhibiting their superb percussion and dance skills. Sand art was also a crowd favorite. Bruce Phillips and his girlfriend Stephanie Davis, both local sand artists, drew much attention to a closed-off section of Armada Drive, where more than 6 tons of sand was poured onto the asphalt. Phillips and Davis had begun working on a sand sculpture early Saturday morning and according to Phillips, they put in about eight hours of work, including four hours of compacting. Phillips has been sand sculpting for 25 years, and said his interest in the art form sparked when he witnessed renowned sand artist Gerry Kirk sculpting 1,500 tons of sand at the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar more than two decades ago. Kirk, who is known as the founding father of the World Sand Sculpting Academy, began sand sculpting in the mid-1970s after coming from a background as a carpenter. Today, Phillips carries on the art of sand sculpting, often traveling to take part in various contests and commissioned projects. “This kind of event opens the door so people can come out and get blown away by what these artists can do,” Phillips said. “Every city should have something like this that showcases local talent and artists. It’s good for the community and it’s a great kids’ event.” Returning for the second time this year was Murrieta resident and chalk artist, Willie Sumlin. A U.S. Navy veteran, Sumlin retired in September 2011 after 20 years of service, part of which he spent tour-

(above) Thousands of spectators take in the arts along Armada Drive in Carlsbad; (below) The 13th annual ArtSplash was a family friendly event. (Photos by Michael Loeschnig)

ing on aircraft carriers such as the USS Carl Vinson and USS Nimitz. When gathered around Sumlin’s drawing, spectators did not stop and pose for the usual photos as they did for other nearby chalk art. Rather, they displayed reverence and respect for his work, which portrayed a hopeful sailor gazing upward, silhouetted by other service members. “Each individual does not know what tomorrow holds,” Sumlin said. “These soldiers don’t know what lie ahead of them but we should rest in knowing that there are clear skies and peace ahead.” Sumlin has also participated in surrounding chalk art events, including Murrieta’s

Chalk Walk, Temecula’s Street Painting Festival and FESTA!, which is held in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy. “I think that this event brings the community together to see what their local artists have to offer,” he said. “It’s great to see who is in your neighborhood and to promote these types of city events.” ArtSplash began in 2002 with a small group of dedicated locals who shared a love of the arts. Over the past decade, the event has grown tremendously, with proceeds continuing to benefit arts and music programs in North San Diego County Schools. For information, visit CarlsbadArtSplash.org. ■

ast year, I gave up on a bicycle that I had bought 20 years ago. It was a mix of part mountain bike and part road bike, with a little beach cruiser seat and a bike lock I could never remove. At first, I was glad for the extra garage space, but I missed the simple transportation it provided on certain occasions. I would take my bike to visit neighbors, grab a quick item at the mini-mart nearby, or throw it in the back of my SUV if I had a big beach day planned along Mission Bay. I recently went on a mission for its replacement and found some excellent choices close to home. El Camino Bikes (121 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas) had helped me in the past with the old bike, so I knew they had a good selection of bikes and gear. After explaining what I was looking for — a basic bike to tool around town and maybe go as far as 20 miles — Ernie steered me to several choices. Their top brands are Trek, Haro and Electra, and amongst these names there were several types of bikes to choose from. They have hybrid bikes, comfort hybrid with a more comfortable saddle and slightly higher handles, a comfort beach cruiser called a Townie, and then your basic beach cruiser. They also carry high-end road bikes and a variety of mountain bikes for the enthusiast. A good selection of kids’ bikes were also available, along with a very large selection of helmets, bells, baskets, tires, treads, shoes, clothes, Thule racks and basic parts. They recently added the IZip line of electric bikes (upward from $2,200) along with an Electra Townie electric version ($2,900), which is intriguing if you want to be able to both pedal and motor. After 40 years in the community, this shop has built a long and lasting customer base that comes back consistently for upgrades and maintenance. Ride Cyclery (449 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas and 4901 El Camino Real, Carlsbad) has had a great location in the heart of downtown Encinitas for over 20 years. They carry four main brands: Specialized, Ridley, Wilier and Electra. Brent walked me through several good choices for a “hybrid cruiser” person like me, and I had plenty of good styles and features to choose from. There are also demos and rentals here for you to try out if they have what you are looking for. I was impressed with their kids’ bike

selection, as well as accessories for taking a child on your own bike. I listened as another salesperson walked a customer through picking out the right saddle for the type of riding he wanted to do, as he was moving up from a hybrid to a road bike. Fantastic selection of clothing and accessories, along with the grips, tires, helmets, baskets, brackets and bells. They also had several selfmaintenance kits that I thought would be highly useful, along with energy bars, chews and protein snacks for those swinging in from their coastal ride. Ride also carries a selection of electric Specialized bikes, and will soon carry the Electra models for those who are looking for a lower price point. Revolution Bike Shop (235 S. Coast Highway 101, Solana Beach) had some amazing online reviews so I was anxious to check them out. They carry five main lines: Felt, Scott, Colnago, Linus and Salsa. Mikki explained to me that they do a huge business in the Felt “Z” line of bikes for the road bike rider, but for me he suggested a potential purchase of a “commuter” bike by Felt, in the Versa Café line. This kind of bike can be used on all kinds of surfaces and would give me a longer ride option if I needed it. The touring bikes were also intriguing and built for both comfort and long ride durability, should I decide a trip on a bicycle was a future goal. I really liked the Felt beach cruisers with a wide array of customization choices. This bike shop has a well-known technician in its service department, Dano, whom many of the online reviewers mention. The shop specializes in a variety of specialty parts and also carries a smaller selection of shoes, helmets, clothing, tires, pumps and gloves. Leucadia Cyclery (823 N. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas) is known for carrying several excellent bike brands. They carry Klein, Time, Turner, Marin and Bianchi bikes for all levels of cycling. They also carry some great options for the young and teen rider. This bike shop also sells used road and touring bikes for those people who want to test out the next level of cycling before they make the big financial commitment to a new purchase. This shop carries plenty of basic accessories for any biker, from helmets and gloves to tires and chains. I haven’t yet pulled the trigger on a purchase, but now I know that shopping local will give me plenty of options and price points to choose from, as well as some excellent staff to guide me. ■

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Annual event recalls region rich in lima beans Faye Mankowske Contributing writer

ima beans for appetizers, lima beans for main courses, lima beans for desserts — lima-bean dishes of all types were concocted in an annual throwback to Encinitas’ agricultural history. The San Dieguito Heritage Museum held its seventh annual Lima Bean Cook-off and Faire on Saturday, Sept. 26 — a unique tribute to the often under-appreciated, under-utilized and little-recognized part of community history. “At first you might think, ‘Yuck, lima beans,’” said cook-off contender Kristyn Otto. “But then you realize how good they can be.” The museum’s entire one-acre site was dedicated to the celebration. The main event was the Lima Bean Cook-off, a community tradition that pitted cooks against each other in two categories — professional and amateur — to create the most delicious dishes out of lima beans. The friendly spirit of the cook-off was alive and well. Otto, an entrant in the amateur category, competed for the second year. “Last year, I won first place with a southwestern white chili,” Otto said. “This year my daughter, Hannah, was convinced that she was going to beat me, so I said ‘Let’s do it!’” Otto said her love of Encinitas’ history is what keeps her coming back. “Mostly, it’s a lot of fun, and it helps keep this place going,” she said, adding that there is great value in being able to hear old stories of the area’s families from the museum and its members. Evelyn Weidner, a longtime member of the museum’s Board of Directors, said their mission is to save the history of the area and to make it interesting for visitors. A section of the museum features photographs and relics of the San Dieguito region’s history as a limabean producing area. “Lima beans used to be grown all the way along the coast from Pacific Beach to Oxnard and Ventura,” Weidner said. “In the San Dieguito area, fields stretched east as far as Carmel Valley … it is all tract houses now.” The lima bean plant was purportedly introduced to California in the 1870s when a plant arrived at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, from Lima, Peru. Depictions of the lima bean appear on 15th -Century Peruvian Moche pottery. In the moderate climate of coastal California, it quickly became a major crop. By 1915, lima beans dominated the area’s agricultural production. According to Weidner, lima bean crops were collected and then shipped by train out of Del Mar. The Lima Bean Association marketed the product to buyers, she said. Herman Weigand, known simply as “Pop” to many, headed one of the local families who became suc-

cessful by growing lima beans. The Hammond and Teten families also had some of the largest farms in the area. Farmer Sam Hammond’s daughter, Pam Hall, a museum docent, was at Saturday’s event. She pointed out an old photo of her ancestors, Bettie and Bob Grice, Bish McKee and Jean Hammond standing on a raft in the middle of Sunset Ranch Pond. At the time, Sunset Ranch was a lima bean farm. Quite fittingly, the pond, now part of the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, is located less than a halfmile from the museum’s grounds where the annual celebration of the crop is held. In addition to lima beans, eventgoers could indulge in root-beer floats and browse through plant and bake sales. Other festivities included a silent auction, a petting zoo and children’s games, while Oceanside Classic Rock quartet, Two of Us Plus One kept the crowd entertained. Students from the Interact Club at San Dieguito Academy assisted in various ways. Students Colleen Coveney and Sophie Bustamante manned a lima bean craft table. Both had also helped out at the museum’s annual barbecue in May, and explained that the club focuses on community service. SDA Interact Club members Savannah Casey and Kathryn Finley also volunteered in the kids’ area, where they manned carnival-style games such as beanbag toss, “Shoot the Skillet” and “Rope the Goat.” The festivities culminated with the announcement of cookoff winners at 3 p.m. by County Supervisor Dave Roberts. In the professional category, the winner for best entrée and for people’s choice was Rita Petinos from Greek American Family Restaurant, for her Giant Lima Bean Bake. The dessert winner was Mary Drahle, while Asha Jain won for her Lima Bean Potato Soup. In the amateur category, Carolyn Cope’s Lima Bean Poppers appetizer was a winner, while Lizz Schaude won for her side dish, Couscous and Lima Bean Gratin. Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar won People’s Choice and Best Dessert with her entry, Cinnabean Buns, while Deputy Mayor Catherine Blakespear won an award for her Lima Bean and Kale Salad. Aside from the food, guests enjoyed the thoughtful way the museum presents the area’s history. “I’m totally enthralled with this entire museum — what the San Dieguito Heritage Museum has done in this place is amazing,” said visitor Barbara Sumner. “As a member of the Del Mar Historical Society, I just hope we can follow suit. This has turned into a beautiful exhibition.” The theme of Saturday’s event was also a draw for Sumner, who said she grew up in Texas with her mother serving lima beans once a week. “I loved them,” she said. ■

Kristin Otto (left) and daughter, Hannah Otto, competed against each other in the lima bean cook-off. (Photo by Faye Mankowske)

Pam Hall serves root-beer floats. (Photo by Faye Mankowske)

San Dieguito Academy students Sophie Bustamante and Colleen Coveney, from the school’s Interact Club, host a lima bean craft table. (Photo by Faye Mankowske)

County Supervisor Dave Roberts (far right) announces the winners of the San Dieguito Heritage Museum’s seventh annual Lima Bean Faire and Cook-off, Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Faye Mankowske)

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Carlsbad coastline (Photo by Thomas K. Arnold)

First General Plan since 1994 approved for Carlsbad Thomas K.

Arnold

Contributing writer

arlsbad’s City Council on Sept. 22 approved the city’s newly updated General Plan and Environmental Impact Report. Council’s unanimous vote was the culmination of an eight-year process that involved a series of community workshops, meetings and surveys in which residents had the chance to share their vision of Carlsbad’s future, according to a city news release. Also approved was the city’s first-ever Climate Action Plan, which includes specific actions the city will take to meet state-required reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The last time Carlsbad updated its General Plan was in 1994. Most of the development in the city has taken place since then, and while the updated General Plan includes changes in some areas that are either vacant or underdeveloped, most land uses remain unchanged. “This is a great project,” said Mayor Matt Hall. “We appreciate all the community input, all those who worked on the plan, and especially the Planning Commission, which spent more than 22 hours in one week on their deliberations, and to our staff, which spent eight long years working through this process.” A city’s General Plan is essentially a blueprint on how to manage future growth, identifying areas where development will take place and defining what sort of development will be allowed. All cities in California are required to have a General Plan and update it periodically to conform to new national and statewide regulations, such as California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. This new update, for example, is the first with sections on “sustainability” and “economic development.” Earlier, the city’s Planning Commission had recommended some changes, including a reduction in the maximum number of homes that can be built in two proposed new residential areas east of El Camino Real, one in

the Sunny Creek community near College Boulevard and the other in a final portion of the Robertson Ranch development between Cannon Road and Tamarack Avenue. The new General Plan also includes a Mobility Element, which addresses transportation. Depending on the location and nature of the road, the Mobility Element recommends how to best meet the needs of all users, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, movers of commercial goods and users of public transportation. The Housing Element, which applies to affordable housing within the city, was also approved as part of the General Plan. The Housing Element now heads to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for certification that it complies with state housing mandates. The state agency has 90 days to review the document. The process of drafting a new General Plan began eight years ago and included an ambitious public outreach initiative called “Envision Carlsbad.” That project ultimately involved more than 8,000 residents, 100 community groups and organizations, and dozens of business owners, elected officials and city staff members. Participants were asked to prioritize what’s important to them and the results were summarized in a list of Carlsbad’s nine core values, which were used in assembling the final plan: Small-town feel, beach community character and connectedness Open space and the natural environment Access to recreation and active, healthy lifestyles The local economy, business diversity and tourism Walking, biking, public transportation and connectivity Sustainability History, the arts and cultural resources High quality education and community services Neighborhood revitalization, community design and livability ■

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015

Lisa Rodman, CEO of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, and Carlton Lund are pictured near Darlene, a dolphin created by marine artist Wyland to symbolize the coastline and stewardship of the ocean to the next generation. (Photo by Thomas K. Arnold)

BEFORE Foundation set to dedicate ‘Kindness Walk’ at lagoon AFTER Thomas K.

Arnold

Contributing writer

he Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation this month is launching a fundraising and awareness campaign. The Foundation has found a unique way to raise money for its children’s programs as well as area nonprofits while partnering with Kids for Peace to promote a sense of kindness and harmony among Carlsbad’s young people. Two “smart” parking meters, manufactured locally by the IPS Group of Sorrento Valley, will be installed at the foundation’s Discovery Center on Cannon Road, on either end of a half-mile “Kindness Walk” adorned with inspirational signs. The meters, capable of accepting quarters as well as credit cards, are the same ones that are being rolled out by the city of San Diego to eventually replace all 4,700 of the city’s coin-only meters. But the ones at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon will only be used to collect donations, with proceeds from one meter going toward the Foundation’s educational programs. Monies from the other meter will be given to Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, which last year doled out $104,000 in grants to seven local charities, including Carlsbad-based Kids for Peace, a nonprofit that emphasizes youth leadership, cross-cultural experiences, arts, service, and caring for our earth to youth.

The meters are being donated by veteran Carlsbad realtor Carlton Lund and arranged through IPS Group’s chief operating officer, Chad Randall. Foundation CEO Lisa Rodman said the nonprofit group currently hosts some 7,000 kids a year, mostly from field trips and festivals, but would like to expand its offerings. “The lagoon is a great natural resource, so important to Carlsbad’s sense of place,” Rodman said. “Kids come here and really learn a lot about nature as well as the area’s rich Native American cultural heritage, and we’d like to expand that and get more kids out here.” The two meters, and the “Kindness Walk,” will be formally dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 17. In addition to the meters, renowned marine life artist Wyland will create a mural on the Discovery Center wall facing the lagoon. His mother, Darlene Wyland, will be at the dedication.■

Darlene Wyland, mother of marine artist Wyland, will be present at a dedication ceremony Oct. 17 at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center. (Photo by Thomas K. Arnold)

(top) Existing conditions along Interstate 5 north at Manchester Avenue. (bottom) Future conditions along Interstate 5 north at Manchester Avenue. (Photos courtesy KeepSanDiegoMoving.com)

CALTRANS, FROM PAGE 1 constraints, Kosup said. Ramp construction will coincide with the construction of a second additional lane in Phase 2, he said. Councilman Tony Kranz said he was not bothered by the postponement of the ramp. “I was one of the ones that was skeptical about needing the DAR [direct-access ramp] and the impacts the DAR would have on traffic on El Camino Real, so it does not break my heart to see that it is not in this first round,” Kranz said. “... Deferring it down the road a piece is probably going to give us more time to get a better public transit system in place.” Encinitans can expect other changes as a result of Phase 1, such as the replacement of the MacKinnon Avenue overpass, widening of the San Elijo bridge, and six noise-mitigating sound walls, some of which will be transparent glass to preserve property owners’ views. Another important part of Phase 1 will be the addition of new bicycle and pedestrian paths under the freeway at Encinitas Boulevard and Santa Fe Drive, meant to improve east-west connectivity. To accommodate the MacKinnon portion of the project, Kosup said the bridge will

need to be torn down. “That connection will be down for as much as a year and so as we get closer to construction, we really need to be as communicative as possible so that everyone knows that there is just no other way to build it than to remove and replace it and have it out of service,” Kosup said. “The southern access to the park will also be down during that time.” Once completed, however, he said the 40-foot-wide overpass will feature 8-foot pedestrianand bicycle-friendly paths on either side of the two-lane bridge, serving as the “new gateway to Encinitas Community Park.” Councilwoman Catherine Blakespear noted that the MacKinnon overpass is a direct route between Cardiff School District’s two schools. “It is important to have a safe route to school when the bridge is gone,” Blakespear said. According to Kosup, Caltrans is working with city staff on a traffic management plan. The goal is to begin holding community meetings in Encinitas and Carlsbad this fall, he said. Council members said they hope that is the case, and Councilwoman Lisa Shaffer asked for more regular project updates. “It would be good to not have to wait another year on this,”

Shaffer said. “... Our staff could maybe once a quarter or so let us know of any significant changes and if everything is on schedule.” Kranz asked how the locations of sounds walls were being determined, saying that he received several emails on the topic. He also asked about a grinding method used on a stretch of Solana Beach freeway that made it quieter. According to Kosup, grinding the concrete in a certain way can reduce the noise level by three to five decibels. It is something the project team is still discussing for Phase 1, he said, because it comes at a higher cost and would have to be done on the entire 13-mile stretch of freeway. Kosup also noted that another seven sound walls will not be built until Phase 2 because they require additional infrastructure. He said among the key next steps is another hearing with the Coastal Commission in early spring 2016, to ensure that environmental commitments are being addressed. Following that, construction would begin on Phase 1. “The good news is, we have a contractor on board … and we are working with your staff about how to handle the flow of traffic during probably a four- to fiveyear construction process,” Kosup said. “There is more to come.” ■

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — OCTOBER 2015