Seaside Courier — December 2014

On the Internet at www.SEASIDECOURIER.com

December 2014

INSIDE

Grand opening set for Encinitas Community Park

THIS ISSUE LOCAL NEWS At the Ranch

Maggie

Avants Editor

T

he new year will bring a new park to Encinitas.

The city plans to host a grand opening celebration for Encinitas Community Park on Saturday, Jan. 10.

The Encinitas City Council and Mayor Kristin Gaspar will be on hand for the “Day in the Park” festivities, which will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. at 425 Santa Fe Drive.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are planned for the Skate Park, Maggie Houlihan Memorial

"Farmer D" gives an update on the Leichtag Foundation's plans for the Ranch in Encinitas. Page 2

LOCAL NEWS Full Circle

Maggie Avants)

Electra Bicycle Company and its president come full circle. Page 3

HOLIDAY GUIDE 'Tis the Season

Hoa

Quach

Seaside Courier

A oto by

Brothers to serve as Encinitas Holiday Parade marshals Maggie Avants Seaside Courier

N Get into the holiday spirit with our holiday gift and event guides. Page 8

ALSO INSIDE Who do you know? ..................... 4 Opinion Page ............................. 6 Publisher's Corner ...................... 6 Business Notes ........................... 10 North County Notables .............. 11 Sea Creatures ............................. 12 Music Calendar .......................... 14 North County Wellness .............. 15

CONTACT US Editorial / Letters (760) 456-7075 ext. 145 editor@seasidecourier.com Advertising (760) 456-7075 ext. 147 sales@seasidecourier.com www.SeasideCourier.com Seaside Courier - North County News

othing says community like the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade, and this year, two men whose names are synonymous with community have been chosen to kick off the grand event.

John and Pete Najjar, owners of Cardiff Seaside Market, will the parade route this year.

Organizers said the parade will also honor the brothers for their community service.

The two brothers who opened Seaside Market in Cardiff nearly 30 years ago are a “huge part of the community,” said their nephew John Shamam, who works as store manager.

The Najjar brothers, who

Gretchen Morgan (center), her husband Bill Morgan (second from left), and Kelsey Burgess (right) are joined by other volunteers to prepare an apartment for a local foster youth.

(Courtesy photo)

Led by Del Mar woman, group brightens lives of foster youth

according to a city news release.

Encinitas mm unity Park is set “Enjoy the day with a lei- to open JaCo n. 10, 2015. (Ph SEE ENCINITAS PAGE 7

Volume 1 – Number 13

John Najjar

Pete Najjar

are originally from Michigan, are known for giving to local schools and charities, Shamam said. Most recently, they made a $20,000 donation to repair the stairs at the San Elijo State Beach campground.

They are “humbled and

excited,” Shamam said, about leading the parade that is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 along Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas.

With the theme of “Droppin’ SEE BROTHERS PAGE 7

Del Mar resident is known for making sure her second family of sorts gets cared for not only during the holidays, but all year round.

Gretchen Morgan serves as a volunteer leader for the Foster Youth Ministry at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, and has been working with foster youth for more than 30 years.

Morgan, a tax accountant, said she first began working with Del Mar resident foster youth Gretchen Morgan when she serves as a was just 24 volunteer leader years old. for the Foster Youth at Solana Now, as a Ministry Beach Presbyterian mother of Church. (Courtesy two, she photo) feels the need to support foster youth even more.

“I’ve always just had a heart for foster kids,” Morgan said.

“I grew up in a really great family and now that I’m older with my own kids, I know how important it is to have family and that support.”

The Foster Youth Ministry

SEE MORGAN PAGE 7

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

Good things growing at the Leichtag Ranch Hoa

grams will be free or be donation-based.

“It will just be one of the

T

generate some revenue for the farm and the programs,” Joffe said.

The farm is currently in the process of receiving its 501(c)3 status. It’s receiving support from the foundation but will need about $800,000 to $1 million to operate effectively in the future, according to Joffe.

But the director said he hopes the community will also support the farm.

Quach he site of the former Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, acquired in 2012 by the Leichtag Foundation, will soon be open to the public.

Leichtag Foundation’s Ranch Development Director Daron Joffe, also known as “Farmer D,” said staff is currently working on building a long-term plan for the 67.5-acre site that he hopes the focus will be on farming as well as delivering fresh foods to those in need, he said.

“We’re spending the year on the design of the farm and its long-term plan,” Joffe said.

“The community farm is a powerful tool and is really a part of the Foundation’s core values to help people become Joffe, 38, was hired by the prominent Leichtag Foundation in April after serving as a consultant for 18 months. The longtime biodynamic farmer and author now lives onsite.

Two full-time farmers and two full-time fellows work alongside Joffe in order to prepare The Ranch to host a “robust amount of programming to educate, connect and engage the community with topics surrounding farms,” he said.

“Of all the projects I’ve done, this one has been so much more

“We hope to engage a lot of volunteer activity,” Joffe said.

“Most organic, fresh food importantly, we to the Community want to give the Resource Center community the and the North opportunity to County Food Bank. come together The 3,000 pounds of around a food was grown on vibrant and just one acre of the robust farm. farm.

We have some Ranch in Encinitas recently donated 3,000 pounds of organic, fresh Another goal The pretty exciting food to the Community Resource Center and the North County Food of the farm is to Bank. The produce was grown on just one acre of the farm. farm programs introduce sustainin the hopper able and innovative and we’ll practices used in Israel to local the great things coming out of announce it soon. I see us here residents.

Israel,” Joffe said. “There’s a lot for a long time. I see myself here “This is a great opportunity of ideas going around.” for a long time to help bring this for us to raise awareness about Joffe said most of the pro- incredible vision to fruition.”

(above) The Ranch in Encinitas, operated by the Leichtag Foundation, currently offers tours as staff maps out long-term plans for the 67.5-acre site. (above right) Daron Joffe, also known as “Farmer D,” is Leichtag Foundation’s Ranch Development Director.

aligned with my values,” Joffe location for a farm in a town as beautiful and dynamic as Encinitas. It’s really inspiring to me.”

Programs will include do-ityourself workshops, beekeeping programs and those geared toward youth and seniors.

Joffe also plans to implement a “Farm without Gates” program in which the farm will deliver food to lower income neighborhoods and organizations. Just recently, the farm donated more than 3,000 pounds of

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

Kevin Cox, a Del Mar resident, is president of Electra Bicycle Company. (Courtesy photo)

Full circle: Electra president discusses career, company’s move back to Encinitas Hoa

Quach

Seaside Courier

K

evin Cox remembers riding a bike down a hillside and crashing because the chain fell off. He was just 6 years old. of a bike experience,” Cox said, laughing. “A few branches broke but nothing on my body.”

Many years later, Cox is the president of Electra, which boasts the best-selling bicycle in the U.S. A longtime businessman, Cox said he began racing bikes with his friends in college. But after earning his degree, he chose to follow his “gut instinct” and went into business while his friends became competitive racers.

“After I got my degree, I just went straight into business,” Cox said. “I think it just became really clear to me that I needed to follow my gut instinct even if it goes against the grain. I turned around and saw my friends racing in the Olympics. But I told myself that I wanted to be that businessman who takes risks and lives with no regrets.”

But now, Cox said he feels his career is coming full circle.

Cox joined Electra as a consultant and later became the executive director of sales and

marketing. He was named president in January and moved from Ventura to Del Mar this summer “The timing was right to make that full-time commitment,” Cox said of the move. “I always joke that I’m not a bike person; I don’t have a lot of run time in the bike industry but the interesting thing about me is that I bring a very diverse background to the company.”

Cox’s background is diverse.

He lived all over Europe for six years, and is the founder of two companies: Troika Networks, a high-tech start-up in storage virtualization, and 3 Dots Design, a brand-building marketing retail company for the action sports industry.

He cut ties with the companies after joining Trek Bicycle Corporation’s Electra full-time.

And, now, just like Cox, the company is also returning to its roots by returning to Encinitas.

The company, which was founded in Leucadia, plans to make Encinitas its home by the end of 2014. Electra made Vista its headquarters in 2012 but after two years, Cox said it’s time for Electra to return home.

“We drifted east because pricing was better,” Cox said. “But we took a hard look at things in the beginning of this year and

realized it didn’t make sense. We make bikes that people ride along the beach and where we are isn’t conducive to that.”

Under Cox’s guidance, Electra’s Ladies’ Loft 7D bicycle was named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2014. The company also saw its Ladies’ Townie 7D bicycle become the best-selling bicycle in the U.S. The company employs 25 people and though Cox declined to share the company’s annual revenue, he said Electra sells “hundreds of thousands of bikes” each year.

Cox said the company’s success “We focus on a very large consumer demographic,” Cox said.

“We like to say that, ‘We make the bikes of the rest of us.’ While we live and breathe in the bicycle world, we’re a lifestyle brand.”

He said most bike companies cater to certain people while Electra attempts to cater to an array of backgrounds.

Ensuring consumers are made a priority will also ensure Electra’s success, said Cox whose family owns eight Electra bicycles.

“I think the ultimate goal is to are doing the same thing we’re doing now and that is being true to Electra and the brand,” Cox said. “If we’re still selling the No. 1 bike in America, I will deem that a success.”

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LOCAL NEWS

4

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

Who do you know in Solana Beach?

Zahn: Public service is a big time commitment, and it’s largely volunteer. What motivates you to keep doing it?

Rachel

Zahn

Guest Column

-

Meet Lesa Heebner, deputy mayor Rachel Zahn: Welcome Lesa, and thank you for this interview. In the interest of full disclosure, I want to tell readers that we know each other. You serve on the Solana Beach City Council with my husband.

Lesa Heebner

Heebner: It started with the Coastal Rail trail. When they lowered the train tracks in Solana Beach below ground, part of the plan was to build a linear park parallel to the tracks. It was very personal for me. I used to run along that area often and

to Solana Beach? Why did you natural feeling it did prior to choose it as your home? the “big dig”, so I got involved, ended up recruiting now-Council Lesa Heebner: I grew up in LA member Mike Nichols to design and I came down to this area a revised plan, and with help with my best friend’s family from other community members every summer. I fell in love with involved with city issues, gaththe feel of the place and moved ered signatures from residents, to Cardiff in 1974. My family and presented it all to the City Council at the time. The Council Beach in 1976. unanimously approved it, and the result is a wonderful destinaZahn: How did you become tion for locals and visitors. That involved with community issues? was in 2002, and I ran for City What drew you to local politics? Council in 2004.

Heebner: This is my home and I love it. Solana Beach is a special place, due in large part to its people, but also due to its location and the way it “grew up.”

It’s not perfectly polished, and we love it that way! Now that the economy is starting to rev up again, we know we will see new development, which we encourage. However, it’s important that it’s done in the same spirit and vibe that exists now. That won’t be easy, but with the right proposals and stewardship, it can be done. After all, we all bought into Solana Beach because of what it IS. This is what drew us here. So my job, along with my council colleagues, is to balance improvements with existing community character. THIS is what motivates me!

Zahn: What does it feel like to be a public person in local politics?

Do you miss your privacy?

Heebner: Actually, when I’m around town I seek out residents and business owners to ask about their opinions and problems: “What do you like?”

“What do you need?”

My sister was visiting recently, and everywhere we went,

whether it was a shop on Cedros or a restaurant or whatever, I stopped to ask: “How are things going?” Before she left she said to me, “You’re always working, aren’t you?” But I love that part of the job, even though it sometimes makes me vulnerable to criticism. I believe my public role is to be a conduit for those I encounter in Solana Beach.

Zahn: What issues do you see as the greatest priorities for Solana Beach moving forward?

Heebner: Fiscal sustainability always has to be a priority. This means controlling costs and expanding resources. We were perhaps the State to implement full pension reform back in 2010, but we have new pension challenges to keep our eyes on due to new actions by the state. As far as expanding resources, the 101 Streetscape and Renovation project has been a big success, and, as anticipated, is already encouraging private market forces to propose development projects. A priority is to stay mindful of keeping the community character we love while we review these projects. It’s always a balance.

Zahn: What do you want the outside community to know about Solana Beach that they may not know? Any little fun facts come to mind?

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Heebner: We are a city of neighborhoods, each with unique personality. We love living here and are immensely proud of our home.

Zahn: A fun fact ...?

Heebner: When the Distillery Disco, across from Fletcher Cove, opened in 1976, George Harrison was at the opening. He was a friend of the owners. And I was there too!

And now, the 10 questions: What is your favorite word?

Choice What is your least favorite word?

Intrusion What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Space What turns you off? Being rushed What is your favorite curse word?

What sound or noise do you love?

Light continuous rain What sound or noise do you hate?

Sirens What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

What profession would you not like to do? Surgeon If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

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Friends. Family.

Community.

Lesia Stockall Cartelli was 9 years old when she suffered burn injuries to more than half of her body and face in a house fire.

(Photos courtesy of Lesia Stockall Cartelli)

We’re all in this together.

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support and serve our community.

Get to a better State®.

Encinitas resident shares story of hope, courage in new book Hoa

Quach Seaside Courier

A

n Encinitas resident who port burn victims has taken her mission in life one step further “Heart of Fire.”

Lesia Stockall Cartelli, who founded Angel Faces in 2003, tells her story of surviving a her book that was released in September.

Cartelli was 9 years old when parents’ Detroit home, burning more than 50 percent of her face and body. Her injuries forced her into the hospital for months but she said the “real healing” began when she was released.

“The recovery process is very, “Your whole world shatters open.

Everything that was secured in your life is now blown into pieces. The real healing happens when you are discharged because you’re back into the real world. I had to face the teasing, the rejection and the feeling that I didn’t look like anybody else.”

Cartelli, now 54, shares her

hope it will inspire others facing their own challenges in life.

“There are many stories in the book about the journey from the explosion to the adolescent years,” said Cartelli, who wrote the book over three years. “It’s about facing courage and facing fear.”

But, Cartelli’s journey to over-

an easy one. It wasn’t until her 30s that Cartelli faced her fear when she encountered a controlled burn.

“I wanted to be free of the “It was very powerful to expose yourself to an intense fear that you have. There’s also a tremendous amount of freedom that comes with facing your fear.”

Overcoming fears and gainCartelli started Angel Faces.

Cartelli said she created the burn and trauma injuries, after working at a burn camp that she felt wasn’t providing the children with the tools they needed to recover from their injuries.

Angel Faces offers a weeklong retreat for girls ages 12-19; a 4-day leadership and mentorship retreat for girls age 19 to 21; and long-term support.

“I wanted to provide a place for

the girls to heal and teach them how to handle the staring and the teasing,” Cartelli said. on an annual budget of $500,000, has served more than 200 girls with the help of three staff members and countless volunteers including therapists, counselors and yoga instructors.

But the programs also affect burn victims’ loved ones, Cartelli said.

“The girls come to the retreat and learn these skills and go home with a whole different perception of themselves,” Cartelli said. “That perception gets poured over to her family and friends because she is suddenly walking tall and being the teacher herself. They just don’t come for a week; we follow these girls all the way through. It’s a very intense program.”

Cartelli, who received the Heart of a Woman Award on the “Dr. Phil Show,” said she plans to develop a program for boys and possibly tell more of her stories in the future.

“People tell me I have 200 books inside of me,” Cartelli said.

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OPINION

6

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

Good riddance to SANDAG has it right: I-5 widening SANDAG’s dinosaur of a should remain top priority transportation plan 3 to 7 in the afternoons—and all so tired of being stuck on the 5

Darius

Degher Seaside Courier

Cheers to the Cleveland National Forest Foundation, the Center for Biological Diversity and Sierra Club for winning their lawsuit against San Diego Association of Government’s Regional Transportation Plan!

The plan is like an old gasguzzler at an electric vehicle show: out of place and outmoded.

This development, thankfully, forces San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) back to the drawing board. Emphasizing the expansion of Interstate 5 at the expense of funding for public transportation and cycle routes would be a backwards move, one that would harm the environment while also failing to like retro too—you should see my record collection—but long-term transportation projects should look to the future, not to the past.

S A N D A G calls its plan “balanced”—in fact, most of the funding goes to freeway widening. This is wrongheaded, both practically and symbolically.

The I-5 widening project would take 40 years to complete! By then, there would be three times the number cars on the freeway, rendering the project futile.

And according to every scientist not funded by the Koch brothers, we are at a crucial juncture for climate change. This is the moment when we need to prove to our children that we’re serious about not screwing up the climate.

And SANDAG’s answer is to build more freeway? Pleeeeze!

Public transportation and safe cycle paths are hardly a utopian concept. I have lived in Europe and can tell you that they’ve been mundane reality for decades, in both large and small towns. That we Californians have trouble imagining this derives from simply never having experienced it. As our population has ballooned here in North County, so has the number of cars, and—sacred cow warning, Californians—these cars are one reason our quality of life has deteriorated so rapidly.

No, there’s nothing utopian about trains, buses and bikes.

On the contrary, there is some-

thing liberating about them.

They provide mobility for an aging population; freedom for parents who currently drive their kids everywhere; and the out having to drive afterward.

And the kicker? We have cleaner tion of a no-brainer?

Actually, there’s another kicker, too; an economic one. A recent article in The Guardian stated that Europe’s cycling economy has created 650,000 jobs! That makes it larger than both their mining and steel industries. So, even if we choose to ignore what’s good for the planet, for our bodies and for that cycling, along with other green industries, are job creation machines? I’m assuming this is an argument that Conservatives, especially, will appreciate.

Let’s get the one HOV lane completed, since it’s already started; let’s take one of the existing lanes for high-speed buses; and let’s put the rest of the money into light rail, ecobuses, and bike paths. (This is what Los Angeles has planned.) That would be a “balanced” model.

Yes, natural-gas buses are part of the solution, a temporary part, while the light rail lines are being constructed.

When these are linked to safe bike paths and walking routes, we won’t find giving up one of our cars so unimaginable.

What irritates me most about SANDAG’s plan is the defeatism inherent in it. We have fallen behind other developed nations on most quality-of-life indicators. Our tax phobia has expanded to such triple-wide proportions that the mere mention of a new tax shuts down any potential progress.

Are we not the nation that put

Californians— these cars are one reason our quality of life has deteriorated so rapidly

California no longer the state Now, it seems we simply give up, using the “no new taxes” mantra as an excuse for complacency. If public transit is too expensive in the largest economy in the richest nation on earth, something’s wrong with our math—because it seems to be thriving in other developed countries.

Thomas K.

Arnold

Seaside Courier

Kudos to our regional leaders for putting their foot down and saying “Enough!” to cries for more public transportation and demanding freeway expansion through North County be done sooner rather than later.

San Diego Association of Governments board of directors are absolutely correct when they said they don’t want to allocate funds from freeway expansion projects like the long-awaited, and badly needed, widening of Interstate 5 into transit projects, a move that could delay I-5 widening even more.

The folly of the “transit first” approach favored by various health and community advocates is simple: While expanding bus and rail service, as well as building more bike paths and pedestrian walkways, is well and good— I’m an avid walker and bicyclist myself—our basic transportation needs, like getting to work or school, remain focused on the car.

Maybe we’re control freaks; maybe the geography of North County, where everything is scattered— unlike the East Coast, where trains do work—just isn’t amenable to public transportation. But the car is simply not going to be displaced, and congestion on the I-5 has gotten so bad that “rush hour” lasts from 6:30 to 9:30 in the mornings and

day Saturday.

Therefore, I agree wholeheartedly with SANDAG’s current balanced approach, and with board member Lesa Heebner, the deputy mayor of Solana Beach, who unequivocally stated at a recent SANDAG board meeting, “We cannot take freeway money and built transit with that.”

Critics of freeway expansion want freeway projects to be

that they will aggressively seek out alternatives. The problem is, getting, say, from Carlsbad to Del Mar on a Monday morning may take three times as long as normal. Yet it’s still faster than

a bus to take you anywhere near where you want to go, particularly the schools and business parks east of Del Mar in Carmel Valley. And we simply can’t build enough transit lines fast enough to change that.

Government, after all, tends to move at glacial speed.

Freeway expansion plans have already been drawn up and vetted (although the source of the estimated $6.5 billion in funding, just for the North Coast Corridor project, is still, sadly, an open question). Widening the I-5 will take long enough as it is without any further delays, especially since forecasts see delayed as SANDAG focuses 300,000 vehicle trips on the 5 on pushing out an avalanche of each weekday by 2030—up from transit projects over a 10-year 200,000 trips today. span, citing the need to reduce pollution that comes from the gone to court to get its way, further delaying I-5 expansion. I county’s car-happy culture.

What they fail to realize is that call on them to drop their lawmuch of this pollution comes suits and abandon their utopian hopes for a car-free future, where minutes on what should be a everyone tools around on bikes 15-minute commute. No matter or rides trains or buses to school how many rail or bus lines we and to work. It simply won’t implement, or bike lanes we happen; it simply can’t happen.

The balanced approach build, even at 45 minutes the car is invariably the fastest and SANDAG currently favors is the right approach, and hopefully from here to there.

Conventional wisdom holds when it votes on its latest longrange plan update by October take care of itself. People will get 2015.

The problem is, getting, say, from Carlsbad to Del Mar on a Monday morning may take three times as long as normal

Publisher’s Corner:

A letter to Encinitas Alice

Jacobson

Publisher, Seaside Courier

Late in July of this year, I became the publisher/owner of Seaside Courier.

I wanted to share with you a reprint of a column I wrote for this newspaper many months before I was to become the publisher.

The city of Encinitas is embarking on a very large project to update our Housing Plan in order to meet the future housing needs for our changing population and bring us into compliance with state law.

There have been and will continue to be many public meetings so that public input and as much dialogue between the citizens of Encinitas and the Planning Department can take place. Our City Council wants to hear from all of us about our thoughts and wishes for the future housing plans of Encinitas.

In 2016, a ballot measure to adopt a new plan on future housing will be presented for a vote by

the citizens of Encinitas.

It is my belief that we have a clear opportunity to look carefully at the issues of affordable housing that are facing us. It is now that we get to plan carefully for the future and to make sure that we are building all types of housing to accommodate a diverse population.

Let us not become known as the “City of Elitist Encinitas.” It is not the reputation that our city should be known as throughout the county.

to live, work and play. As the demand to live here in our coastal community continues, the cost of housing continues to rise and the number of people able to buy or

It is my belief that we have a clear opportunity to look carefully at the issues of affordable housing that are facing us.

Reprint: “A change in mindset”

By Alice Jacobson Feb. 7, 2014 I support and have always supported all types of housing that is considered affordable whether it is single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes or apartments.

Encinitas is a beautiful place

rent decent and affordable housing continues to decline.

Property in Encinitas is hard to come by and comes with a large price tag. The private sector has been unable to or has chosen for a variety of reasons not to build affordable housing without some type of government subsidy. The State of California has accommodated private sector needs by imposing solutions through SEE PUBLISHER PAGE 15

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

7

MORGAN, FROM PAGE 1 in Time for Foster Youth and Promises2Kids, and each year, helps about four foster youths between the ages of 18 to 22 move The group of seven volunteers from the Foster Youth Ministry, two of whom are social workers, provide the furniture and household items the young people need

BROTHERS, FROM PAGE 1 in for the Holidays,�—celebrating Encinitas’ reputation as the mecca for action sports—the Najjars will be followed by a host of big name surfers, skateboarders and snowboarders, according to the city.

The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., immediately following a 5 p.m. tree lighting ceremony near Starbucks at The Lumberyard on South Coast Highway 101.

The city encourages parade-

goers to park at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas off Santa Fe Drive or the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park parking lot on Saxony Road.

Free shuttles will run from both locations to downtown from 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. the evening of the parade. The shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes and will take passengers to the NCTD bus station on Vulcan Avenue, a short walking distance from downtown.

ENCINITAS, FROM PAGE 1 surely stroll along the park’s meandering pathways and read the many personalized pavers along the way; bring the family for a classic community picnic, complete with hot dogs, children’s games, pro-skater meet and greets, youth sports demos, and a pet health expo,� stated Marlena Medford, communiEncinitas.

Commemorative giveaways are also in the works to mark the long-awaited day.

The city purchased the property for the park for $18.5 million in 2001. Construction began in September 2012 and was completed earlier this year.

a decomposed granite pathway and alcoves with benches.

General park hours of operation will be 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, with the exception of the skate park, dog will be open from 8 a.m. until dusk daily.

Visit EncinitasParksandRec. com or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 760633-2740 for more information.

The appreciation from the foster youths is there.

Morgan—who volunteers about 15 to 20 hours a week during the holidays and maintains her own storage facility for the foster youths—said she recently helped a young man named Victor move “We made that apartment so nice,� Morgan said. “Victor sent me a message telling me I should be an interior designer and he made a video telling me how happy he was. I was so happy to see that. We try really hard to work for them.�

The Foster Youth Ministry does more than just help young

Victor, a local foster youth, comes home from work to find his new apartment decorated by Gretchen Morgan and other volunteers from Foster Youth Ministry of Solana Beach Presbyterian Church. (Courtesy photo)

Morgan said the group hosts an for the foster youth in the region, annual Christmas party to give particularly in North County, is crucial, she said. with necessities, gift cards and a “It’s so important to bring batch of homemade cookies. The people together to support them program also recently received a [foster youth],� Morgan said. “I $3,000 grant to pay for California think, especially during the holidriver education training for days, we have to take advantage youths who are 15 and older. of this time. The kids need the Morgan, who has lived in Del support during the holidays when Mar for 26 years, said the need is they realize that other kids their greater for foster youth who are age are getting items that they 18 and older, and have “aged out may not.� of the system.� Providing support

in Time for Foster Youth, hopes to raise enough money and goods to transform more than 100 empty apartments into safe, comfortable homes for transitioning youth by the public to consider donating cash, gift cards or household items such as pots and pans.

in Encinitas since 2002 when Cottonwood Creek opened.

Nearly $20 million was initially budgeted for Encinitas Community Park; $5.2 million was spent for environmental review, design and development, and $19.3 million was spent for construction, according to Lisa Rudloff, director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Last June, Encinitas City Council voted to name the dog park in memory of former Councilwoman Houlihan, who died in 2011 of cancer. Houlihan was said to have supported the Encinitas Parks system, taking “particular interest� in dog recreation. The new two-acre dog park features a large turf area, a show circle and an area for large, small and shy dogs and their owners.

Other Encinitas Community Park amenities include: paved walking paths and bench areas; restroom buildings; a skate park totaling 13,000 square feet including a skate bowl and urban plaza area; and one soccer including two baseball and one to allow for unrestricted play.

Surrounded by a landscape buffer, a dry creek meanders through the park and is dotted with boulders as part of the dense landscape. There are also

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE / EVENTS

8

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

‘Tis the Season: Get in the spirit with these local happenings Jen

Van Tieghem Seaside Courier

As the holidays approach there are many festive opportunities to celebrate. In the Seaside Courier coverage area our readers will ity toy and food drives, and much more. Here are some ways to celebrate the season and, in some cases, give to those less fortunate in our neighborhoods. Happy Holidays!

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8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 to Sunday, Dec. 7: Jingle Bell Horse Show. Free.

Head over to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a festive horse show. The show will feature American Saddlebreds, Morgan and Hackney Ponies, Baroque horses and more. For more information, Jinglebellhorseshow. com/

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: Santa by the Sea. Free.

The Del Mar Village Association will turn on its

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La Costa Town Center

holiday lights. The northwest corner of Camino del Mar and 15th Street will host Santa from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a tree lighting at 5 p.m. The free event will be include with special prizes, hot cocoa and cookies.

For more information, visit Delmarmainstreet.com.

5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: Solana Beach Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Free.

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 to Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Friday, Dec. 26 to Tuesday, Dec. 31. Garden of Lights. $6-$14.

The famous San Diego Botanic Garden will transform into a winter wonderland in the month of December. Visitors can expect horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, live music and a visit from Santa. For more information, visit Sdbgarden.org.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission will light up the Solana Beach tree at Fletcher Cove Park with Santa arriving at 5:20 p.m. The free event will be topped off with treats and live music. For more information, call the city of Solana Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department at 858-720-2453.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Holiday at the Rancho. Free.

5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Encinitas Holiday Parade. Free.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8: Annual Holiday Book Boutique. Fundraiser.

Floats and bands will make their way through Coast Highway 101 for the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade. The event will be preceded by a tree lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard at 5 p.m. For more information, visit Encinitasca.gov.

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Head over to the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historical Park for face painting, crafts, holiday shopping and entertainment. The event will be complete with a tree lighting and a visit from Santa at 5:15 p.m. For more information, call 760-476-1042.

The Friends of the Carlsbad Library Bookstore will host a holiday book sale at 1775 Dove Lane. The proceeds from the City Library programs. For more information, email friendsofcarlsbadcitylibrary@gmail.com.

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. Free.

Make your way to Oceanside’s stunning harbor for a festive evening. Boats, kayaks and nearby businesses will decorate the area with Santa expected to make an appearance or two.

CONCERTS 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7: Holiday Concert with Perla Batalla at the Carlsbad City Library, Carlsbad. Free.

This is the second in a series of concerts at Carlsbad’s libraries.

The free events celebrate the holiday season with good cheer and good music. Mexican-American singer-songwriter Perla Batalla is the featured talent on this occasion. Batalla, once a backup singer for legendary song man Leonard Cohen, went on to pursue her solo career and was nominated for a Grammy in 2007. In 2010 she released “We Three Kings” – a collection of favorite holiday songs – so expect some inspired holiday song selections at this event. Free tickets for the show will be distributed the day of starting at 1 p.m.

The concert is made possible by the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation’s Robert H. Gartner Cultural Endowment Fund.

1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. For more information: CarlsbadCA. gov.

2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7: 20th Annual Holiday Concert with the Coastal Communities Concert Band at Carlsbad Community Church, Carlsbad. $15-$20.

The Coastal Communities Concert Band will give back to San Diego’s homebound seniors with this special concert event benefiting Meals-OnWheels Greater San Diego Inc. Professional musician and CCC band member Carl Janelli has been a volunteer for the program for decades and helped start ago. Over the years the band has given $185,000 to MealsOn-Wheels through ticket sales year’s concert will include old holiday favorites along with new arrangements performed on brass, wind and percussion instruments. There will also be a special salute to service men and women. Advance tickets are recommended as the concert sells out year after year.

3175 Harding St., Carlsbad.

For ticket information: 800-5SENIOR or Meals-On-Wheels. org/holiday-concert/.

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Siobhan Sullivan Crews

November 29 – December 24, 2014 PERFORMANCES: Nov. 29 & 30/ Dec. 12 – 14 and 19 – 24 All performances at 11am TICKETS: $20 Adults/$16 Children (858) 481-1055 or NorthCoastRep.org Professional adult actors perform for families

NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE / EVENTS

3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16: North Coast Symphony presents Holiday Cabaret at Encinitas Community Center. $8+

This unique event will include a narration of the holiday classic “T’was the Night Before Christmas” along with solo song performances and audience-participation caroling.

Attendees are invited to bring a picnic and non-alcoholic refreshments. Tickets are available at the door only: $8 for students, seniors and military personnel and $10 general admission with $25 maximum paid per family.

1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas. For more information: NorthCoastSymphony.com.

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: Holiday Concert with Robert Parker at the Georgina Cole Library, Carlsbad. Free.

Wrapping up the Carlsbad libraries’ concert series is this event with Robert Parker.

Parker will perform holiday selections along with jazz, rock, blues, country and classical standards while giving insight on the pieces and the instruments used.

Parker is a seasoned improviser who promises to deliver entertainment and education. The Friends of the Carlsbad Library is sponsoring the concert.

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive,

Carlsbad. For more information: CarlsbadCA.gov.

8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: For the Sender Holiday Show at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. $18-$20.

“For the Sender” is a one-ofa-kind project by Alex Woodard and various contributors in which the musicians convey true stories told through songs based on letters. Woodard has also written two acclaimed books inspired by the letters. This intimate seated show at Belly Up promises to be a moving experience with the heartfelt songs performed by local favorites. Woodard will be joined by: Jordan Pundik (New Found Glory); Sara and Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek); Nena Anderson; legendary songwriter Jack Tempchin; and more. Proceeds will go toward the Switchfood Bro-Am Foundation. 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. For more information: BellyUp.com.

7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20: Feeding the Soul Foundation presents A Holidaze Show at Star Theatre, Oceanside. $40.

Soul Foundation creates concerts for causes including this annual holiday show. This year’s Holidaze concert will

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Girls in Los Angeles—an organization that empowers young girls through music education. The incredible lineup for this show includes Bushwalla, Day Old Johnson, Lee Coulter, Cody Lovaas, Tolan Shaw and more along with a supergroup of musicians including members of Raining Jane and Jason Mraz’ band. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 402 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. For more information: FTSHolidaze.EventBrite. com.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24: Peter Sprague at L’Auberge Amphitheater. Free.

Jazz guitarist Peter Sprague will bring his popular tunes to the outdoor L’Auberge Amphitheater for a free concert. The Leucadia resident’s most recent album is “Ocean In Your Eyes,” which was released this year. For more information about Sprague, visit Petersprague.com.

TOY AND FOOD DRIVES Through Dec. 11: Toy and Food Drive in Carlsbad, multiple locations.

Collection bins located at Carlsbad City Hall, librar-

SEE HOLIDAY PAGE 14

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BUSINESS NOTES

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

NORTH COUNTY BUSINESS NOTES AT&T donates $300K to Oceanside program for at-risk youth An Oceanside school program recently received a large donation.

AT&T gave a $300,000 contribution to Interfaith Community Services to assist in launching the Transitional Youth Academy at El Camino High School.

The Transitional Youth Academy program, operated by Interfaith Community Services in partnership with Oceanside

Missions at Rancho Del Oro, 4795 Frazee Road, Oceanside, Calif. (Courtesy photo)

Oceanside’s Mission at Rancho Del Oro Sold A 284-unit luxury apartment home community in Oceanside was recently sold.

Built in 2001, Missions at Rancho Del Oro features a mix of one-, twoamenities include a courtyard pool, spa, barbecue areas, children’s center, game room, business center and a media room with theatre seating and surround sound.

Kevin Mulhern, Dixie Hall, Rachel Parsons and Tyler Anderson of the CBRE Multifamily Investment Properties group represented the seller, an institutional owner based in New York. The buyer was a The purchase price was not disclosed.

Services and the Transitional Youth Academy program through our Aspire commitment,” stated John Osborne, director of external affairs for AT&T. “Solving the drop-out crisis and preparing

been immensely successful in improving graduation rates for at-risk youth, showing a 100-percent high school graduation rate among program participants, according to a news release.

The program currently serves 55 students at Oceanside High School, and with AT&T’s contriAssemblymember Rocky Chavez (right) recognizes Interfaith Community Services bution, will serve an additional Executive Director Greg Anglea for their great work. Also pictured is John Osborne 60 students at El Camino High (left), external affairs for AT&T. Nov. 6, 2014. (Courtesy photo) School.

Because of its successful track record, Transitional kids for college and career success takes more than Youth Academy was named as one of 30 recipients just in-school support. The Transitional Youth from 1,100 applicants nationwide for a share of nearly Academy is a model program for Oceanside and $12.5 million from AT&T Aspire. the San Diego region. AT&T is proud to be a part“AT&T is thrilled to support Interfaith Community ner in this effort.”

Encinitas Chamber of Commerce celebrates 50th anniversary The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 50th anniversary by holding an awards dinner Nov. 7 at the Encinitas Community Center.

Established in 1964, the Encinitas Chamber was the community resource for advocacy and county resolutions until the city was incorporated in 1986.

The Chamber presented Golden Awards to Suzanne Perez-Swanson and Donna “Sunshine” Smith for their years of volunteerism; San Diego

(Photo by: Bill Wechter) PROCLAMATION: Pictured to left to right are: Councilman Mark Muir, Chamber CEO Bob Gattinella, Mayor Kristin Gaspar and Deputy Mayor Tony Kranz at the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce 50th anniversary awards dinner, Nov. 7, 2014.

(Photo by: Bill Wechter) Marie Joyce (left) of Sen. Mark Wyland’s office, presents a proclamation honoring the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s 50th anniversary, Nov. 7, 2014.

(Photo by: Bill Wechter) Pictured at the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce 50th anniversary dinner Nov. 7, 2014, are some of the Golden Business award winners, which included Charlie’s Foreign Car Service, Hansen’s Surfboards, Nyberg Financial Services, Herman Cook VW and Schmidt Electric.

(Photo by: Diego Sanchez) Edgar Engert and his wife, Renate, are pictured at Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s 50th anniversary awards dinner. Edgar was honored with the “Mr. Oktoberfest” award during the Nov. 7, 2014 event.

Foreign Car Services, Hansen’s Surfboards, Herman Cook VW, Nyberg Financial Services and Schmidt Electric as Golden Businesses and Oktoberfest”...a well overdue accolade.

Attendees included Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar, who helped install the Chamber’s 2015 Board of Directors.

Deputy Mayor Tony Kranz was also in attendance at the event that drew a crowd of about 75.

Several proclamations were presented, including one from the city of Encinitas to honor the Chamber’s history and longevity in the community.

Jim Benedetti will serve as president of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2015.

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES

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NORTH COUNTY NOTABLES LOCAL RESIDENTS MAKING A MARK

Hospice of the North Coast volunteer, 92, recognized at annual awards luncheon Of more than 60 volunteers recognized Nov. 7 at North County Philanthropy Council’s annual awards luncheon, Robert Johnsmiller was arguably the most deserving.

Johnsmiller, 92, was commended for his volunteer work with Hospice of the North Coast, a of support services for terminally ill clients and their families.

“With the indefatigable energy of someone half his 92 years and an always sunny disposition that brightens the lives of terminally ill patients and

Dr. Salvatore Pacella and his wife, Jennifer, are pictured at the Top Doctor Gala, Nov. 1, 2014. (Courtesy photo)

Del Mar surgeon honored at Top Doctors Gala

A local plastic surgeon was among those honored at the San Diego County Medical Society’s annual Top Doctors Gala, held Nov. 1 at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.

Dr. Salvatore Pacella, who has a practice in Del Mar specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, was recognized by his peers for his outstanding work and contributions to the community.

The event was held as Breast Cancer Awareness month was coming to a close so many, including Pacella, took the opportunity to raise awareness for the cause by sharing ways they serve patients managing and overcoming the impacts of breast cancer.

“I am truly humbled to be joining my colleagues with this honor as a Top Doctor,” he said. “I am delighted to be invited to this event in the company of such amazing fellow doctors. I’m sure my colleagues would agree that our biggest reward comes from helping our patients results they have always dreamed of. Or even more so, return to normal after a life-changing illness.”

(Courtesy photo) Oceanside teams compete at Riverside Sheriff’s Association 19th annual K9 Trials Competition, held Nov. 7-8 in Temecula.

Top Dogs: Oceanside police K9 teams win at competition K-9 teams from the Oceanside Police Department earned some top honors this past weekend. their four-legged partners were among 120 teams who traveled to Temecula Friday and Saturday to compete in the Riverside Sheriff’s Association 19th Annual K9 Trials.

“The competition highlighted obedience drills, bite demonstrations, area searches and an agility course,” said Oceanside police Lt. Leonard Cosby.

Representing the Oceanside Smith and his partner Nero; his partner Atlas.

The contest drew teams from Riverside County, San Diego

Camp Pendleton and from as far away as Mexico and Canada, according to a news release.

There were 63 teams in the narcotics competition and 57 patrol teams.

The Oceanside teams took the following awards: won third place in narcotics parcels and third place overall in the novice division out of 63 teams; place in agility, and third place in area search out of 57 teams; and second place in obedience out of 57 teams.

residence, where he volunteers three days each week, Bob is a shining role model of compassion and service,” stated Sharon Lutz, executive director of Hospice of the North Coast.

Described in a news release as “a humble man with a cheerful smile and quiet demeanor,” as a nurse, was his role model.

“She lived with leukemia for seven years, and she trained me on being a caregiver,” he said.

After she died, Johnsmiller became a hospice volunteer; initially with Tri-City Hospice. In 2013, he joined Hospice of the North Coast when “It makes me feel rewarded that I’ve done something for others,” Johnsmiller said. “I am so thankful that my brain is working and I’m in good health, and so thankful I can be here.”

The feeling is mutual.

“Hospice of the North Coast staff, clients and families are very thankful that Bob Johnsmiller is here with us,” said Lutz.

Hospice of the North Coast volunteer Robert Johnsmiller accepts his award at North County Philanthropy Council’s annual awards luncheon, held Nov. 7. (Courtesy photo)

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

Cannon Art Gallery’s 2014 Juried Biennial Sea Creatures: Mr. UGG Exhibition opens Dec. 14 takes America

T

he city of Carlsbad’s William D. Cannon Art Gallery will present 66 works of art in its upcoming and highly anticipated “2014 Juried Biennial Exhibition”—the 11th juried exhibition to be held since the gallery opened in 1999.

Featuring works in all media by artists who live, work or maintain a studio in San Diego County, the 2014 Biennial will open on Dec. 14, and continue on display through Feb. 7, 2015, at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery in the Carlsbad City Library complex, located at 1775 Dove Lane. A free reception celebrating the opening of the new exhibit is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.

More than 60 works, created by 34 artists, were selected from 1,200 images submitted by 231 artists—illustrating the enthusiasm that regional artists have for this biennial exhibition and the rigorous competition they face to be included. Thirteen of the selected artists are North County residents, 16 have had works selected for previous exhibitions at the gallery and an additional 18 are being shown Jurors represent Southern California’s most prestigious art institutions. The 2014 jurors are Professor Tina Yapelli, director of the University Art Gallery at San Diego State University, and John D. Spiak, director/ chief curator of California State University, Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana. Yapelli has originated more than 60 exhibitions as the director of the University Art Gallery at San Diego State since 1985, including contemporary art by regional, national and international artists. An advocate for public art, Yapelli has served on numerous public art selection

the Cannon Art Gallery is a focal point for arts and culture in San Diego’s North County, offering a broad range of exhibitions, school and family programs, gallery tours and lectures. The The 2014 Juried Biennial, featuring 34 San Diego-area gallery is open artists, will open on Dec. 14, and continue on display through Feb. 7, 2015 in Carlsbad. (Courtesy photo) to the public from 11 a.m. to committees including the city 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday of San Diego’s Commission for and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Arts San Diego from January Sunday. Admission is free. For 2008 to December 2010. information on gallery programs, Prior to his position at Grand contact the William D. Cannon Central Art Center, Spiak was Gallery at 760-602-2021 or visit curator at the Arizona State Carlsbadca.gov/arts.

University Art Museum, curating the residency series Social List of artists with their Studies. For 15 years he was also director of the annual home cities: Short Film and Video Festival. Dan Adams (San Diego) Spiak has curated more than Erin Dace Behling (San Diego) 100 solo and group exhibitions Patrick Blocher (Oceanside) and currently serves on the Mary Bukhman (San Diego) editorial board for the journal Benjamin Cabral (San Diego) Museum and Social Issues and is co-founder of Santa Ana Joyce Corum (La Mesa) Sites.

Bronle Crosby (San Diego) While each Juried Biennial Annette Cyr (San Diego) has its own emphasis, due Maria De Castro (Fallbrook) to the change of jurors from Irene de Watteville (Solana exhibition to exhibition, what Beach) remains constant is the chance Dick Ditore (San Diego) for gallery attendees to see Kristina Bell DiTullo (Encinitas) what is taking place in San Rachel Edwards (Encinitas) Diego County’s visual arts com- Don Fike (Vista) munity. From young, emerging Kaori Fukuyama (San Diego) artists to veterans of gallery Gilberto Guzman (San Diego) and museum exhibitions, and David Hewitt (La Jolla) with works in painting, lithog- Jacob Lenc (Carlsbad) raphy, photography, ceramic, Stacy Mann (San Diego) metal, wood mixed media and Brad Maxey (San Diego) - Michelle Montjoy (Oceanside) shot of art in San Diego County Candace X. Moore (San Diego) today.

Leslie Nemour (San Diego) Operated by the city of Rebecca Payne (Oceanside) Ana Phelps (Carlsbad) Matt Picon (San Diego) Constance Rawlins (San Diego) Vincent Robles (San Diego) Gail Schneider (San Diego) Aren Skalman (San Diego) Fritzie Urquhart (Carlsbad) Peggy Wiedemann (San Diego) Zigaloe (Encinitas)

Chris Ahrens Commentary for the Seaside Courier

I

t seems ridiculous now, but there was a time when I had never seen sheepskin boots. You probably hadn’t either, unless you had traveled to Australia, the land of sheep and honey.

I was living in Oz in the winter of 1973 when I pulled up to a Sydney beach to see this radical young surfer named Col Smith and his mates standing on the grass overlooking the break one damp morning. After exchanging pleasantries, I glanced down and noticed that Col and all his mates were wearing what looked to be roughly sewn high-top slippers with wool sticking out of them. Figuring it was some weird new surf cult I slipped away from them and into the water.

It would be a while until I learned that many surfers in Australia wore such footwear. Then, I saved my money; got a pair of sheepskin boots and realized that while not elegant, these were the most comfortable items ever to cuddle my feet.

Since then I have worn out numerous pairs of sheepskin boots.

In that time I have watched them become more popular in Southern California than possibly any other single style of footwear. Yet, if not for Australian surfer and visionary Brian Smith’s decision to import them to America, our toes would insulated in soggy, canvas footwear.

I had run into Smith a few times cially meet until last week when we sat down to talk about his new book that chronicles his bringing those wooly wonders to America.

While I enjoyed speaking with the man known as Mr. Ugg, I expected his book, “The Birth of a Brand” to be a proverbial yawner. Still, as a favor to an aspiring fellow writer I cracked the tome late one night.

Four hours later I had to force myself to put it down, so I could get some sleep.

Not only does the story of an underdog rising above the pack come alive on each page in plain English, there are endless valuable tips for young entrepreneurs.

Take this one, for instance: “The secret to sustaining leadership [of

Pet of the Month “Neil Catrick Harris” “Neil Catrick Harris” is the Seaside Courier Pet of the Month at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

He’s a 4-year-old, 8-pound, Short-Haired Orange Tabby.

Neil Catrick Harris is very entertaining. He’s friendly and he purrs a lot. His previous owner surrendered him to Rancho Coastal Humane Society when he moved into an extended care facility.

The $100 adoption fee for Neil Catrick Harris includes medical exam, vaccinations, neuter, and microchip.

Find your best friend at Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas or log on to SDpets.org. Call 760-753-6413 for more information or to sponsor a pet until it’s adopted.

Kennels and Cattery are open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Monday.

UGG founder Brian Smith is pictured at his third warehouse (bedroom) in Pacific Beach; 1982. (Photo: Smith collection)

your brand] is to always strive for innovations that keep you one step ahead of the imitators.”

The story of a young surfer from Western Australia with dreams of riding all the breaks he’d heard about in California is worth the price of admission all on its own as young Smith is jolted from one cultural reality to the next, facing nearly endless rejection for his laughably weird looking house slippers, while working his way through the Golden State and beyond, only to discover that the U.S. is a very diverse place and that “California itself is like a separate country.”

Comparing building a brand to raising a child, Smith walks us metaphorically through the process: conception, birth, infancy, toddler years, youth, teens and adulthood. Everyone who’s ever started a business will relate to Smith’s early days when he spent his last $500 for several pairs of sheepskin boots, only to be turned down by every store he visited.

This Australian story is about as American as it’s possible to be; involving a man turning his dream into a reality. People like Brian Smith have paved the road for those of us who are weary of hitting potholes barefooted. Here’s hoping you have a healthy baby and nurture it well into adulthood.

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

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LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

Gratitude expressed to campaign volunteers Maggie Avants

6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12: Opening reception for the “What Music Means to Me” exhibition at Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad. $15.

This unique opening at MoMM showcases photographs and testimonials to created to impart the impact of music on its makers. The exhibit was inspired by author, photographer and musician Richard Rejino and utilizes his photography. tion and he has invited some special guests. Young pianist Lewis Warren Jr., who appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” will perform. Wine and desserts are to be served at the event as well. What’s not to love? 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad. For more information: Museumofmakingmusic.org

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21: Mike Wojniak at Cafe Panini, Carlsbad. Free.

Singer-songwriter Mike Wojniak’s delicate vocals and ambient alternative sound is a perfect match for a laidback Sunday afternoon. His soulful storytelling style is reminiscent of wellknown acts like Glen Hansard, Coldplay and Snow Patrol. We and is now based locally; so much for all our UK comparisons!

Nonetheless, the ethereal spirit is sure to reel in wide-ranging listeners. Hopefully Wojniak will have some CDs on hand for last-minute holiday shopping. 505C Oak Ave., Carlsbad. For more information: CafePaniniCarlsbad.com

9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26: Tolan Shaw and Second Cousins at Mr. Peabody’s, Encinitas. Free.

Tolan Shaw’s pop-rock style has been landing him fans left and right as of late, including popular local radio station 91X. The alternative rock station chose Shaw’s groovy single “Eyes” as their “Local Break” a couple months ago, featuring the song during regular air time; it’s been stuck in our head ever since—and that’s a good thing. Shaw will be joined for this one by a group of talented young musicians: Second Cousins are an indie rock quartet pulling from blues and Americana for a soothing sound. This should be an excellent way to unwind after the holiday rush! 136 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. For more information: PeabodysRocks.com

8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27: The Greyboy Allstars at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. $25-$44.

Formed in San Diego, The Greyboy Allstars have been in existence in one form or another for 20 years. Blending multiple genres resulting in a soulful funky jazz style, the band has maintained a loyal fan base throughout the years. The group’s lineup has changed over time with several members pursuing solo careers and other projects. With catchy beats and an innovative sound the band’s hometown show promises to be a killer dance party. 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. For more information: BellyUp.com

Out of the Woods Pick of the Month 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11: Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas, Kera and the Lesbians, and Social Club at Soda Bar, Normal Heights. $10.

Retro rockers Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas headline this stellar lineup. With their star on the rise this may be the such a small setting. Check out their song “Caught Up” for a taste of the addictive nature of Hernandez’s sultry vocals.

They’ll be joined by SoCal garage-blues trio Kera and The Lesbians and San Diego’s own pop-rock darlings, Social Club.

3615 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights. For more information: SodaBarMusic.com

Seaside Courier

The campaign trail will become a distant memory as December brings swearing-in ceremonies for most of the newly-elected local In a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9, Kristin Gaspar mayor elected by the people. She will be joined by Councilwomanelect Catherine Blakespear, who on City Council.

“Thanks to the fabulous group of supporters and volunteers who spread the word neighbor-toneighbor and friend-to-friend...

Thank you for joining me on this political journey,” Blakespear said in an email blast shortly after her election. “Now the real work begins. We have much to tackle.

I hope together we will continue about Encinitas, while enhancing our charming city to make it an even better place to live.”

In other local races, Carlsbad, re-elected Mayor Matt Hall will pledge his time for another term, while Michael Schumacher won City Council member.

And in Oceanside, Chuck Lowery returns to Oceanside City Council.

In Gaspar’s case, she wanted to be sure she thanked her many supporters. In the Nov. 4 election, she garnered nearly 50 percent of votes “To all the volunteers, donors, and supporters of my campaign for mayor, I want to extend my most heartfelt thanks,” Gaspar said.

“I was so proud to stand with the passionate and diverse people

(above) Newly-elected Carlsbad Councilman Michael Schumacher (center) is pictured with family, friends and campaign supporters on election night. (Photo credit: Diego Sanchez/ Seaside Courier) (left) Encinitas Councilwoman-elect Catherine Blakespear and her husband, Jeremy, are pictured at a victory party.

(Courtesy photo)

who represented my campaign for mayor. We share a belief that ing in roads, infrastructure, public safety, parks, and beaches, that we can enhance quality of life and safety in every neighborhood.

“The work, of course, doesn’t stop with the conclusion of this historic election. There remains much to be done to hold this city, to the ideals that we all care about.”

To that end, Encinitas Council Mark Muir and his wife, Maureen “Mo” Muir—who campaigned alongside Gaspar and garnered more votes than an incumbent in her bid to serve on the San Dieguito Union High School District board—hosted a thank you party at their home.

“I’m so thankful people came and that I was able to thank them in person,” said Muir, who will soon serve at her last meeting as an

Encinitas Union School District board member.

Muir said it was important to thank everyone, such those who put a sign in their yard.

“It means a lot when people you don’t even know call you and say, ‘How can we help you out?’ And you have to thank you friends who have always stood by you,” Muir said.

Muir, who along with her siblings was raised by a single mother, said one of her goals while serving on the SDUHSD board will be to ensure information and guidance about college is readily available for students and families.

“I was 5 or 6 when my mom said her dream was for me to go to college but that I had to make it happen,” Muir said. She was eventually inspired by one of her high school teachers to apply for University of San Diego.

“And if they don’t want to go to college, they need to know what else is out there,” Muir said. “That is my passion.”

HOLIDAY, FROM PAGE 9 Chamber of Commerce and other locations will be up through Dec. 11. Donations sought include: unwrapped gifts, nonperishable food items, school supplies, hygiene items and more. For more information: ChristmasBureau.org.

Through Dec. 19: Toys for Tots Program, drop-off locations throughout North County.

The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve annual program collects toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to children in need. Drop-off locations are all over our North County neighborhoods and their headquarters at the Marine Corps Reserve Center (9955 Pomerado Rd., Miramar). Toys for Tots asks for new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations online. For more information: San-Diego-CA. ToysForTots.org.

Through December: Feeding America San Diego Holiday Campaign.

Feeding American is asking for support during the holi-

Pet Food Bank Drive. Multiple locations.

day season noting that 1 in 6 people, including 1 in 4 children, struggle with hunger in San Diego County. Help can be in the form of one-time and monthly monetary gifts, volunteering at distribution centers, or organizing a food drive to help children, families and seniors facing hunger throughout the holidays. For more information: Feedingamericasd.org.

RCHS Blue Barrels are around town including permanent locations at Vons and Albertson’s stores in La Costa and Walmart in Encinitas. Items needed include: packaged pet food, pet supplies and more to help individuals on hard times keep their pets. For more information: RCHumaneSociety.org.

Through December: The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank Holiday Food Drive

Through Dec. 19: Community Resource Center’s Holiday Basket Drive

Support for The Jacobs and Cushman food bank comes in a number of ways and events. One simple way to donate is with the food at San Diego Vons locations.

In addition, monetary donations can be made online on behalf of a loved one or yourself, or you can host a virtual or actual food drive. Individual events are being added online. For more information: SanDiegoFoodBank.org.

Each year, approximately 1,500 local needy families are provided with food, coats, blankets, gifts and more during the holiday season. This year’s distribution dates are set for Dec. 19-21.

Leading up to that, members of the community are invited to help make Holiday Baskets 2014 a success through corporate sponsorships, hosting drives, volunteering or making dona-

Ongoing: Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s Community

More information can be found at Crcncc.org/hb14/.

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

North County Wellness:

PUBLISHER, FROM PAGE 6

That healing Hawaiian power f low

Chris Ahrens Commentary for the Seaside Courier

Akoni Apana at the 2008 UCSD Luau and Longboard Invitational. I was emcee of the event that year, but was having some asthma-related breathing problems, making my usual conApana, who is not a surfer himself, was doing bodywork on some of the legendary wave riders in attendance, and teaching them to heal themselves. Among that to alert me to the man whose techniques would eventually change my life with a touch. He directed me to the Hawaiian man with the Aloha shirt working beneath a tent in the sand.

I took a break and approached Apana with my concerns; he did a few manipulations, and I got through the event without further coughing or wheezing.

A few days later my asthma kicked in again, and I blasted my inhaler into my lungs and forgot about my helper.

About a week later I received a call from Apana, asking how my asthma was coming along. When I reported that I was still having trouble breathing, he requested my address and 20 minutes later he was at my door. A mere halfhour from the time of his call, I was breathing freely without the aid of pharmaceuticals.

I was asthma-free for years after that, but eventually found myself congested and back at the doctor how I had found relief naturally, he scowled, and wrote a new prescription. Make no mistake, this man is a good doctor and helpful in many instances.

And not being one to argue with a trained physician I took his advice and fought my asthma

Akoni Apana, pictured, is know for his Hawaiian healing technique, Lomi Lomi Kaomi. (Courtesy photo)

with chemicals to my lungs. That worked pretty well for a while.

Then, one day while short of breath and with my prescription empty, I remembered Apana. I called and he was at my door quickly, just as before, gently massaging and pressing on various areas in the neck and shoulders until my breathing returned to normal.

That was three years ago, and I have only had two asthma attacks since; both of which came under control through techniques I learned from Apana. With no further need for them I gave my inhalers to someone wanting to treat asthma conventionally.

Over the years Apana has not only helped my breathing, but improved everything from a sore lumbar spine to allergy related bloating.

Based on the idea that healing is related to unrestricted hands over soft body tissue until he locates the culprit. He then into the affected areas, rather than around them.

“If the blood can’t get to the infected area it won’t heal,” he says, convincingly. “When you rectly, it will move in and do its

job, like water cutting stone.”

Apana became interested in bodywork decades ago when he worked as a Navy mechanic.

It was then he realized the machines he repaired were similar in some ways to damaged human bodies. He took what he knew from mechanics, trusted what he felt intuitively, employed some acupressure techniques and his patients quickly began seeing positive results.

Apana’s technique is called Lomi Lomi Kaomi, or Hawaiian Power Flow. Call it what you will, I know numerous people it.

He has worked to improve his techniques for over 30 years, practicing on thousands of patients. I call him whenever I feel a pinch in my back or a catch in my shoulder, or simply need what he calls a “tune up,” where he gets my sluggish blood moving again. To be honest I have no idea how this works.

I simply know my back rarely hurts, and that I no longer have any use for inhalers.

A twist on a holiday classic: ‘This Wonderful Life’ comes to North Coast Rep More than 32 colorful folks from Bedford Falls will be on stage at North Coast Repertory Theatre this holiday season— to bumbling Angel Clarence, from patient Mary to greedy Henry Potter—and they’ll all be played by one brilliant actor, James Leaming.

The intimate Solana Beach theatre is presenting the San Diego premiere of “This Wonderful Life,” a captivating one-man stage adaptation by Steve Murray of the beloved holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Leaming, who starred in North Coast Rep’s “Who Am I This Time,” leaves audiences cheering with his amazing display of physical and verbal virtuosity.

Carmen Roman directs her husband in this impressive oneman tour-de-force, and Marty Burnett works his usual magic

2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D, in Solana Beach.

Ticket prices for all performances are $40 adult, $37 for seniors, students and military, and $35 for Season Subscribers. Call 858-481-1055 or visit Northcoastrep.

James Leaming stars in "This Wonderful Life" at North org to purchase Coast Rep. (Photo by: Aaron Rumley) tickets. as scenic designer.

Leaming appears through “This Wonderful Life” per- the courtesy of Actors’ Equity formances begin Wednesday, Association, the union of profesDec. 10 and run through Dec. sional actors and stage managers 28. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. in the United States.

Wednesday through Sunday with matinee performances offered at

legislation. There are two pieces of legislation that now RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment), the State mandated process used to identify the total number of housing units by affordability level that each city must accommodate in its housing element as well as show how the City plans to accommodate the numbers.

The second is Density Bonus, also state law; this allows increases in the number of units that may be built on a property.

A developer who wishes to take advantage of Density Bonus is allowed to increase the total number of units he is constructing over the amount otherwise allowed, provided a certain percentage of the total number of additional units are reserved for lower and low to moderate income households. The added density is intended to compensate the developer, with additional revenue from the increase in density, for the construction of affordable units without City subsidies.

There have been many heated debates over the subject of RHNA and Density Bonus. To date the City of Encinitas has not settled upon a solution. This type of conversation has gone on in many other cities throughout California.

I would like to see us have a change in mindset, to be more open and innovative as we continue to discuss affordable housing in Encinitas.

More affordable housing helps families’ increase their spending in the community since it accommodates people’s ability to live and work in the same place. When retail workers, service providing industry workers and others work and live in the same place they have more discretionary income and will in turn spend more money here in to everyone. People who work in Encinitas ought to be able to live tion, less damage to our natural environment—less time commuting leads to an increase in quality of life for everyone.

Research shows that with more affordable housing, low-and moderate-income families have more dollars to put nutritious food on the table, money available to receive necessary medical care and money to provide reliable daycare for their children.

It has been shown when families have the stability of an affordable home with an affordable mortgage or an affordable apartment to rent, a profound effect on childhood development occurs and school performance improves and there is an improvement in health outcomes for families and individuals. (Lubell, Crain and Cohen 2007) It is my hope that if we change our mindset as we continue discussing our need for affordable that will be derived from better more diverse housing, we will in turn change our attitude and ways to provide the much needed housing.

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM —DECEMBER 2014

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