Clairemont Times January 2016

Page 1

The

Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa

V6.E1

10

JANUARY 2016

News of the Neighborhoods

16

9

San Diego Lifeguard and Clairemont Resident Calls it a Career by Ed Harris

Recently Rich Haynes worked his last day of employment as a San Diego Lifeguard. It is not his last day as a guard because, once a Lifeguard, it is in your blood. He will never fully relax at the beach and will likely find himself making a rescue or two while recreating on our wonderful shorelines. I had the pleasure of working with Rich for the last 27 years. I worked with him on most of our beaches. At Ocean Beach and La Jolla Shores, we enjoyed some busy years with large surf and mass rescues. We worked as a team on night calls and made numerous rescues that provided challenges, rewards and entertainment. As a fellow Dive Team member, Rich was a reliable person with great insight. During long days, he did more than his part to lighten the mood and improve morale with a witty joke or clever comment.

During the ‘98 El Niño, I served as his crewman and swimmer. As a less experienced guard, I was amazed at his ability to pilot the Rescue Boat through the giant surf deep inside the cliffs. His calm approach instilled confidence as he dropped me off to assist those in need. We navigated the channel in closed out conditions and searched for victims in the fog before GPS was in use. Losing Rich is another loss to the Lifeguard service and to the City of San Diego. He is one of the past generation’s guards who really have seen it all. We are now down to about 21 Level Three Boat Operators (a skill that takes years to master.) We will lose many more in the next couple years; all who have saved hundreds of people. They have experiences that most will never know. Rich, it was real fun on most days and real sad on others. The hundreds of victims you rescued will not remember your name, and you have SEE Lifeguard, page 2

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2 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

From the Publisher By Chris O’Connell

Happy 2016 Folks! Right out of the gate I would like to wish all the readers a happy, healthy, fun and safe New Year. In This Edition In a past life I worked on the ocean on many types of vessels and when Ed Harris (page 1 story) was telling me about what a great boat operator Rich Haynes was I could relate. The ocean is no joke and while it is fun it can be very unforgiving. Rich thank you for your service, enjoy your retirement, and to all the San Diego Lifeguards keep up the great work you do. When I put my phone number and email out there for questions or concerns from readers I do my best to call back or email. Some common

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questions or inquires I have is “who do I call for such and such”. Many I am sure have the same questions or concerns so on page 4 I published a list that hopefully some of you will keep for future reference. There’s a story on (page 9) by Robert Ross that got me thinking on a pretty heavy topic but one we must all face. The San Diego Chowhound (page12) is back and he wrote a great piece on a new spot off Morena Avenue. There is a lot more, what I hope is useful information in this edition. Please enjoy and do not hesitate to call or email. (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com

Lifeguard Continued from page 1

forgotten more rescues than you remember. No family forgets tragedy and preventing that makes it all worthwhile. Under your watchful eye, they all went home at the end of “just another day at the beach.” Thanks for your service, instruction and friendship.

On the Cover Rich Haynes Retired San Diego Lifeguard (Photo Courtesy of Ed Harris) Ed Harris is a husband and father of two, a San Diego Lifeguard Sergeant, union spokesman and a former District 2 San Diego City Councilmember. He can be reached at harrisoblp@yahoo.com

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The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 3

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4 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

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Prospective Clairemont High Families Come learn about Clairemont High and discover what Academies and Linked Learning are all about on January 8th. Please check-in at the front office, get a visitor’s badge, and then proceed to the cafeteria. • Meet the Clairemont Administrative Team • Learn More About Academy Pathways

• Participate in Q & A • Take a Campus Tour of CHS Facilities • Visit Classrooms and Academy Programs Join us for our “Prospective Chieftain Parent Day” Friday, January 8, 2016 8:30 am – 10:30 am CHS Cafeteria Questions? Please e-mail Academy Coordinator Liz Rush at erush@sandi.net

College Life Saturday on the Mesa: Jumpstart Your Success Saturday, February 27, 2016 9:00am – 2:00pm Save this Saturday! Prospective students and their families are invited to attend Mesa College’s first “Saturday on the Mesa: Jumpstart Your Success.” The daylong series of workshops, activities and tours are intended to

help incoming students and their parents familiarize themselves with college life and the student support services and academic programs offered at Mesa College. Workshops will be offered by numerous departments and programs, tours will be provided by student ambassadors and peer advisors. More information will be posted soon to www.sdmesa.edu.

Who to Call at the City of San Diego by Chris O’Connell

I receive a lot of phone calls from readers about who should I call or do you have a number for….. Below is a list of the most frequently requested numbers or city departments to some common questions. I want to thank Jeff Powell in the office of San Diego City Councilor Scott Sherman who assisted in compiling this list. To research many more departments/services from the City of San Diego visit www.SanDiego.gov Neighborhood Cleanups I Love A Clean San Diego at (619) 291-0103 For help planting, organizing, and carrying out cleanups. It will provide trash bags, dumpsters, publicity, and some volunteer helpers, as well as speakers and informational material on ways to protect the environment. Special Trash Pickups Call the City’s Solid Waste Enforcement Unit at (858) 492-5055 to find out when special pickups are planned in your neighborhood. Crime Prevention Information Tips on Preventing Crime Call the SDPD Neighborhood Policing Resource Team at (858) 523-7049 for copies of the latest papers on home security, vehicle security, personal safety, preventing fraud & identity theft. Or visit www.SanDiego.gov/police Speakers for Community Meetings Call the SDPD Speakers Bureau at (619) 446-1018 to request talks on topics such as auto theft, burglary,

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domestic violence, gangs, graffiti vandalism, narcotics, personal safety, robbery, sexual assault and traffic. Reporting Other Problems Graffiti Call the City’s Graffiti hotline at (619) 525 8522 Victims can obtain free recycled paint and supplies to remove graffiti by calling the City Paint Bank Operation at (619) 527-5419 Litter on Private or Public Property Call the city Environmental Services at (858) 694-7000. Call Parks and Rec at (619) 685 1350 regarding litter on property in a Landscape Maintenance Assessment district Streets Unsafe Street Conditions Call city Street Division at (619) 527-7500 to report potholes, cracks, and other street problems with street surfaces, sidewalks, and curbs; missing, damaged, or obscured signs; inoperative street lights and traffic signals. Needs for New Street Safety Measures Call City transportation Engineering at (619) 533 3126 to suggest new crosswalks, curb markings, traffic signals, signs, speed bumps, additional street lights, obstruction removal etc. Street Trees that Need Trimming Call City Street Division at (619) 527 7500 City Code Violations Call the City Neighborhood Code Compliance Department’s Citizen Complaint Intake Line (619) 236-5500 regarding violations of the City’s housing, building, sign, zoning, vehicle parking, weed abatement and other codes.

To Advertise Your Business in the Clairemont Times Newspaper or online at www.ClairemontTimes.com Call or Email Chris (858) 752-9779 or Chris@Clairemonttimes.com


The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 5

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Clairemont Womens Club by Marge Weber

Happy New Year from the Clairemont Woman’s Club...here’s to a successful year for all of us. We ended 2015 with a lovely holiday luncheon in Mission Valley, which included the induction ceremony for 2 new members. This was our 10th year making Christmas Card Trees for Meals on Wheels trays. 200 trees were made and that brought us to over 4000 cards being recycled in the past 10 years. Our scholarship fundraiser for Clairemont and Madison High Schools will be at the Outback Restaurant in Clairemont Town Square on January 29th, noon to 2 p.m. Lunch will be salad, mashed potato, steak or chicken and a soft drink. Can’t beat that - $15 donation. For tickets:Wendy (858) 578-6266 or Linda (858) 273-1548. Our main fundraiser for Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, here in

San Diego, [see insert above} will be “Lunch and Laughter” at the Comedy Palace on Clairemont Mesa Blvd., March 5, 11:30 to 3 p.m. with a buffet, door prizes and 3 comedians. The donation is $40. For tickets: Call Marge (858) 274-8848. Come on out and get rid of the winter doldrums. More to follow in the February issue of the Clairemont Times. Come and visit us at our next meeting,Wednesday, January 6 at 1p.m. We meet at the Balboa Community Church at 6555 Balboa Ave. Please park around the corner on Mt.Albertine in the church parking lot. Refreshments will be served. Our newest members will tell us about themselves so we can get to know them and their interests better and vice-a-versa they us. For more information about CWC, visit our website at www.clairemontwomansclub.com or “like” us on Facebook. You may also call Jackie at (858) 273-7664 or Evelyn at (858) 279-4367 Contact us or attend a meeting to learn more.

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6 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

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JANUARY LIBRARY EVENTS

CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD., 92110 (858) 581-9935 SPECIAL EVENTS Adult Book Club 1/6 6:00 pm Will discuss Life After Life by Kate Atkinson Tales for Tails! 1/2 10:30am Volunteers from the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet-Assisted Therapy program help children improve their reading skills by reading to animals in a fun and relaxing environment. The animals may include guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and sometimes dogs and cats. Family Movie Night 1/20 6pm In this delightful family film, a sheep takes the day off to have some fun and gets more than he anticipated when a mix up with a farmer, a caravan and a steep hill leads to a big-city adventure. It becomes the whole flock’s responsibility to embark on a whimsical mission and bring everyone home. If you haven’t already guessed it, call the library for title at 858-581-9935. We welcome San Diego Seratones 1/27 6pm This 18 member mixed choir is offered through the San Diego Community College District Continuing Education program. The choir’s repertoire is varied; Jazz standards of the 1920s, international folk songs, Blues, and Beatles. The group sings in 2 and 3 part harmonies with original arrangements by the choir director, Dr. Momilani Ramstrum. The last portion of the show involves audience participation with lyric sheets and invite you to sing along.This program is made possible through generous donations from the Friends of the Clairemont Library. All are welcome, and no sign-up is required. RECURRING EVENTS Tuesdays: Crazy 8 Math Club 5pm. Join us for an after-school program that reinforces math skills with fun games and activities. Appropriate for Grades 3-5. Tuesdays: Homework Help 6:30 pm The library offers free for students

in grades K-12. Homework coaches are volunteers and no sign-up is required. Art Class for Children 1/6 4pm The class is led by Robert Gulli. For ages 6-12 Thursdays: Craft Time for Children 4pm The library offers a free and their families with our volunteer Rod. On the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at 10:30am The library presents “BabySign Storytime”, a storytime with sign language for children ages Birth-4 and their caregivers, with storyteller and sign language instructor Jennifer Duncan. On the 2nd, 4th and 5th Thursday of each month, at 10:30 am The library presents Song & Movement Storytime with our Youth Services Librarian, Karina. Friday: Preschool Storytime 10:30am The library hosts with Miss Fran.

BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT. ABERNATHY AVE., 92117 (858) 573-1390 SPECIAL EVENTS Happy New Year to all our patrons. We wish you all the best in the new year and look forward to seeing you at the library. If you are able to, please take a moment after the holidays to take a short survey and let us know how we are doing at the library by calling 619-376-2394. The code for Balboa Library is 017. We look forward to hearing from you about how we can make your library experience even more enjoyable and beneficial to you and your family members. Thank You! Happy Winter! Visit the Balboa Branch Library beginning January 5th and decorate a snowflake and we will display them creating a lovely winter wonderland at your library. Stop by the front desk to pick up your snowflake. Best books of 2015! Stop in to see our Best Books display and check out any you may have missed last year. New Programs for Seniors/Adults Chair Yoga for Adults 1/4 &

1/11 11:15-12 Join us for this relaxing fitness program presented by Lois Schenker. Come and bring a friend. First two Mondays of the month. Stitching with Seniors/Adults 1/5 & 1/12 1:30-3pm Bring your knitting, crocheting and other stitching projects. Share ideas and helpful hints with fellow seniors in a relaxed setting. Instruction may be available. First 2 Tuesdays of the month. Games in the Afternoon for Seniors/Adults 1/7 & 1/14 Noon-3pm We will supply the games...Chess, Scrabble, Rummikube and of course playing cards. Come bring a friend and enjoy playing games at the library. First 2 Thursdays of the month. New Programs for Teens Zines for Teens Workshop 1/13 3-4:30pm Grades 7th -12th Tweens and teens – join us for our first zine program. Share ideas and talents and together create a cool zine that participants can take home. Teens DIY! Light up the New Year! 1/20 3:30-4:30 Grades 7th -12th Visit the library and create a cool project to take home. Paws to Read is back! 1/12 6pm Therapy dogs provide a positive environment for children to practice reading. Come and enjoy reading to our sweet therapy dogs provided by Love on a Leash. They love to listen to your stories. K-5th grade Balboa Book Discussion Club 1/19 11:45 Join us for a lively discussion of The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Children’s Book Discussion 1/22 3:45-4:45 Come and enjoy a lively book discussion. We will be discussing, The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm. Clairemont History - A Look Back 1/26 6-7pm Come and discover the history of your Clairemont community. Bring a friend and enjoy! Light refreshments will be served. RECURRING EVENTS Mondays: Lego Club 4-5pm We supply the Legos you supply the imagination. Can you create a Lego snowflake and a pair of mittens and a hat for winter? (Libraries will be

closed Monday January 18th commemorating Martin Luther King’s Birthday.) Wednesdays Chapter Book Storytime with Ms. Terri 6-6:30pm Ms. Terri will read terrific chapter books to children. For K-2nd grade Story Craft with Ms. Remi 1/7 & 1/21 10am Enjoy a story and create a story based craft. Preschool – 5y/o Signing Storytime with Miss Jennifer 1/14 & 1/28 Miss Jennifer uses sign language to enhance the reading of well-loved children’s picture books and includes sing-a-longs and bubbles too! Preschool – 5y/o Wee Reads 1/8, 1/15 & 1/22 10:30-11am Baby and toddler storytime. Come and enjoy stories, music and rhymes. Birth-5y/o with Parent/Caregiver Drop in & Play 1/29 10:30-11:30 Enjoy a relaxed and informal playtime for you and your child with music and toys while getting to know other families in our community. Birth – 5y/o with Parent/Caregiver Saturdays: Kids Krafternoon 1-2 pm No Craft on 1/2 Create a fun craft at your library.

NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DRIVE, 92117 (858) 581-9931 RECURRING EVENTS Mondays: Sign-A-Story Circle Time 10 am Join us for a fun performance that combines American Sign Language with songs, stories,and engaging toys and props! All ages. Tuesdays: Rhythm & Rhyme for Tots 11:45am Tuesdays: Kids Crafternoons 4pm Wednesdays:Chair Yoga 11:45 am Fridays: Toddler & Preschool Storytime Class 10:30am


The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 7

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Religious Directory Atonement Lutheran Church www.atonementlutheranchurchsd.com 7250 Eckstrom St (Balboa & 805) San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 278-5556 Sunday Worship Time 9 am, Bible Study 10:30 am Clairemont Lutheran Church www.clairemontlc.org 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117 Sunday Worship Times 8:30, 10:00 (English) & 11:30 am (Spanish) Sunday School for kids 9:45am Holy Cross Lutheran Church www.holycrossword.com 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Sunday Worship 9:00 am Northminster Presbyterian Church www.northminstersandiego.com 4324 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117 (858) 490-3995 Sunday Worship Time 10:00 a.m. Northminster Preschool (858) 270-3760

San Diego Branch Church www.branchsd.org 4833 Doliva Drive, San Diego, CA. 92117 (Madison High Auditorium) Sunday Worship at 9:30am Church Office: 8344 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite 100 Phone: 858-384-6788 St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church www.stcatherinelaboure.net 4124 Mt. Abraham Ave., San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3133 Weekend Mass Times Saturday 5:30 pm, Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am St. David’s Episcopal Church & Preschool www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 am Traditional • 10:30am Contemporary

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St. Mark’s United Methodist Church www.stmarksumcsd.org 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-1480 Sunday School & Church Worship 9:30 am For information on advertising your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com


8 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

Squaremont By Bill Swank

Who’s Who in Clairemont? Contrary to common misconception, Clairemont is not named after former U.S. congressman Clair Burgener. He has a street named for him, but not the entire community. Google “Clairemont” and you will learn that 80,000 of us live in a community named after the wife of developer Carlos Tavares, who happened to be a building partner with Clair Burgener. On an overcast day in the late 1940s, Claire Tavares looked east at a sunny mesa from her Mt. Soledad home. She turned to her husband and said,“That’s where you should build homes.” 80,000 people are a lot of people, but apparently none of us are very important. Wikipedia reports three “notable residents” from Clairemont: novelist Adam Gnade, serial killer Cleophus Prince, Jr. and Playboy model and television personality Kendra Wilkinson. Surely Clairemont can do better than this. Who is Adam Gnade? Many of his book titles cannot be printed in a family newspaper. His publisher, Pioneers Press, claims one of Gnade’s books made Powell’s small press best seller list which might be equivalent to being the world’s tallest midget. Clairemont needs to recognize significant members of our community. Please e-mail bill@clairemonttimes.com with your nominations for individuals who deserve to be honored in “Who’s Who in Clairemont.” Andy Warhol predicted that some day, everybody would be famous for 15 minutes. This is such an opportunity. To date, most of the correspondence received at my Clairemont Times e-mail address is from individuals who claim they can improve the profitability of the newspaper’s website. Another e-mailer mistakenly thinks I am the crime and safety reporter for the Clairemont Times. These people would never qualify as legitimate Clairemonters. Are there famous Clairemonters from the past? Did you know Claire Monter (a woman) gave birth to a son, Jean Baptiste Bogaerts, on September 20,

1808 in Antwerp, Belgium? According to the 1940 national census, Claire Monter (a man) lived in Kansas City, Kansas. Margot Horgan describes herself as a “Clairemont-er.” She is affiliated with Clairemont Communications and specializes in helping others manage their “freakouts.” A black Labrador Retriever named Billy is the Chief Motivational Officer at Clairemont Communications. Because Clairemont Communications is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Margot is not eligible for “Who’s Who in (our) Clairemont?” Then there are the Clairemonsters. According to their website, Clairemonsters support and promote San Diego’s finest community. They are involved with our local schools. Julee Jenkins is a founder of Clairemonsters. When contacted about possible consideration for inclusion in “Who’s Who in Clairemont,” she politely responded that she was “knee deep in school” and unable to send a bio. Being “knee deep in school” qualifies! The remainder of my e-mail correspondence this past year has been from real people who live or work in Clairemont and made comments about “Squaremont.” For that reason, they join Julee Jenkins in Squaremont’s initial 2016 edition of “Who’s Who in Clairemont.” Julee Jenkins, founder of Clairemonsters Tom Leech, author Bruce Miller, retired city engineer Richie Morris, real estate agent Mike Pallamary, surveyor Ronn Rohe, notary public Congratulations, Julee, Tom, Bruce, Richie, Mike and Ronn. If anybody asks, it is permissible to brag that you are listed in “Who’s Who in Clairemont.” Shortly before Christmas, three perfect strangers approached to ask if I was Bill Swank. They said they like the column, which qualifies them with the distinction of being “perfect” strangers. Surely, they didn’t recognize me from the 1955 picture in the Squaremont box. How did they know who I am? If these gentlemen will send an e-mail with their names and credentials, they will receive serious consideration for “Who’s Who in Clairemont” for 2017. Do women read “Squaremont?” More women are needed for the list. History is an important component of this column. 1916 was a year of invention. The origin of hamburger buns, Lincoln Logs, supermarkets, cloverleaf traffic interchanges, tow trucks and condenser microphones trace back 100 years. Make 2016 a year to do something noteworthy to qualify for “Who’s Who in Clairemont 2017.” Happy New Year! Email: Bill@ClairemontTimes.com Pictured: Bill Swank outside the Buena Vista Garden Apartments on Cowley Way in 1955, with East Clairemont off in the distance.

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The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 9

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The Death Café Comes to Kearny Mesa by Robert Ross

“The other day, I invited someone to join me in a conversation about death. That someone scoffed. They laughed. They scowled. I waited. ‘That’s a little … creepy, don’t you think?’ They asked. ‘I mean, how morbid can you be? What’s WRONG with you?’” - Why I Talk About Death by Kate Brassington Epiphanies happen, out of nowhere an “aha” moment, a flash of insight, a nudge from within. And, when that spark of awareness flares-up, as it did for me – at a café focusing on death – I knew exactly what I had to do. The Death Café is a social gathering of people who eat cake, drink coffee and talk about death. The goal:“To increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their finite lives.” In Southern California, these events are held in libraries, churches and other public venues. The time allotment is about two hours. In 2010 Jon Underwood, a British self-proclaimed “death entrepreneur,” developed a series of projects about

death, one being talking about death. Using the “café mortal” model developed by Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, Jon created the Death Café. Since 2011, the Death Café has spread to 31 countries in North America, Europe and Australia, and has offered over 2,300 events, all on a volunteer basis. I attended a Café in San Diego, at a public library. In preparation, I went to their website: www.deathcafe.com. The site included an entertaining six minute video by Kate Brassington. The video, friendly in its presentation, with a young lady’s voice, and music playing in the background, addressed the issues surrounding death, directly. For days after the viewing, the video lingered with me. At the library, our facilitator, a professional hospice worker, described the Death Café concept.“It’s a group directed discussion of death with no

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agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.” We broke into two groups of four, all new to the experience, eager to talk. To the question, why are you here? The answers were as different as the people in the room. “I want to be able to discuss these issues with my aging father,” one woman stated. Another said,“I lost a child, made mistakes in dealing with the death process; I’m here to learn.” And my response:“I’m not getting any younger, so I want to get comfortable with the whole concept of death – my death.” In the center of our table a glass jar contained perhaps fifty strips of paper, each with a question. For example:“Do you remember the death of your first pet? How did you deal with it?” Or,“What should you say or not say to a friend who is facing death?” And “If you died today, do you want people reading your diaries?” A question was picked and read by one in the group. We went around the table giving our responses. Two hours passed, feeling like ten minutes. Between questions and answers I found myself dashing to the refreshment table – fresh strawberries, chocolate covered strawberries, pastries, coffee, tea, juice. Food and drink are a part of the Death Café experience. Food, associated with significant events in life, like weddings and funerals, helped make the café experience comforting, as though we were in someone’s home, chatting about. . . well, death. By the end of

the two hours, we had bonded as a group, and could have easily gone out to lunch afterwards to continue the conversation. With only a few minutes remaining, out of nowhere I started talking about Wayne Dyer, the self-help pioneer who recently passed away at age 75. I’ve never read anything by Mr. Dyer, yet his comments about death had suddenly become profoundly important. He couldn’t wait, he said, “For this next adventure to begin and had no fear of dying.” The following days I kept thinking about Dyer’s comments:“No fear of dying.”“No fear.”“No fear.”The epiphany. I wanted that! I wanted to embrace his philosophy. When the time comes I want to say:“I have lived more than a full life; I contributed, and had great adventures. And now I’m ready, without fear; ready for death, ready for what lies ahead.” In the coming days, there’s work to do. Have I made a contribution? Am I living up to my potential? Is the bucket list being honored? Are my affairs in order? As I finish writing this piece, my thoughts drift back to the opening lines of Kate’s video:“And now, listen… Yes! … It’s morbid. Yes, it’s disturbing. It’s dark and twisted. Yes, it’s morose. But it’s not death I’m referring to, nor dying. It’s the life and the living we submit ourselves to when we don’t allow death into the room.” The Death Café will be offered on January 19, 2016 at the Sera Mesa–Kearny Mesa Public Library, 9005 Aero Drive. Start time 1:00 p.m. For further information, please visit www.deathcafe.com Robert Ross is a long time resident of Clairemont. When not writing or exercising, he enjoys travel and classical guitar. He can be reached at sandiegoross@yahoo.com

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10 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

From the Desk of Chris Cate by Chris Cate, District 6

On Thursday, December 17, I volunteered at our City of San Diego North Clairemont Recreation Center’s Senior Extravaganza.The aging population is the fastest growing population in the nation. By 2030, adults ages 65 and above will double and outnumber youth (under the age of 17). Streets repaved in Clairemont: • Clairemont Drive between Clairemont Mesa Blvd and Balboa Ave • Ashford St between Hatton Street to Beal Street • Batista Street between Antiem Street Arverne Street • Arverne Street from Batista Street to Auburndale Street • Mt.Aguilar Drive between Arverne Street to Mt.Alifan Drive • Mt.Adelbert Drive between Mt. Abraham Ave to Mt.Albertine Ave • Mt.Abraham Ave between Mt.Alifan Drive to Mt.Aguilar Drive • Mt.Alifan Drive between Genesee Ave to Balboa Ave

Free Pre-Filled Sandbags! The Boy Scouts of America and I will be providing FREE pre-filled sandbags to residents on Saturday, January 16th at the Mira Mesa Home Depot. El Niño is expected to bring heavy rain fall this season and we want to help you protect your home and your family. Sandbags are one of the most effective ways to divert water flows and keep water out of your home.Ten (10) FILLED sandbags per household will be provided at no cost to residents so please joins us and make sure you’re prepared. 9am-1pm Mira Mesa Home Depot, 10604 Westview Parkway, San Diego, CA 92126 Contact: Jenna Harris, Outreach Director JEHarris@SanDiego.gov Email: chriscate@sandiego.gov Phone: (619) 236-6616 Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd6/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D6ChrisCate Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisjcate Mailing Address: 202 C Street, 10th Floor San Diego, CA 92101

Attention Pet Owners Have You Heard the News? Dr. Laura Schultz & Dr. Kelly Pizzo Now Make House Calls For Your Dogs and Cats 858-914-1934 • www.coastalveterinaryhospital.com Most veterinary services can be provided during a house call. Please call or visit our website for more information.

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Introducing New Youth Educational Arts Program by Scott Sherman, District 7 Councilmember

In November, I joined with San Diego Opera General Director David Bennett to announce a new youth educational program named “My Voice in the Arts” that will provide free full-season subscriptions to San Diego Opera performances to San Diego youth in each Council District. Students will also be able to go backstage after performances to meet and learn from singers, performers, and backstage personnel. This new program will expose students from all backgrounds who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the arts firsthand. The program will also help create and educate a new generation of opera enthusiasts.“My Voice in the Arts” was funded through the Council Offices of Sherman, Cate, Gloria and Zapf. To apply, students must complete an application and submit a written

250-500 word essay responding to the question: “One example of how art has affected me is…” To be a world class city, San Diego needs world class arts and entertainment. This new youth program will help inspire new interest in the opera for the next generation of San Diegans. Applications for My Voice in the Arts are currently being accepted. Students and parents can find more information and apply at: www.sdopera.org/education/my-voicein-the-arts. This is an excellent opportunity for students to meet with opera performers and experience a new musical art form. If you have any questions or need assistance in applying, please contact my office at 619-236-6677. If you may know of family or friends that have children who may be interested in this program. Please forward this information to them. Contact my office: 202 C Street, MS #10A San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 236-6677 Email: scottsherman@sandiego.gov


The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 11

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From the Desk of Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins Every other January marks an interesting time in the Capitol. As you might know, the state Legislature works in two-year sessions. The current session began last January and concludes on Aug. 31, 2016. So, we’re right in the middle, a time to reflect on the first year’s work and look forward to the coming year. I’m very proud of the things we achieved for the people of California in 2015. As the state budget continued to rebound from the Great Recession, we were able to beef up our rainy-day reserves and pay down debt, and we pumped more money into public schools, higher education, and childcare support. We created a new system for the regulation of medicinal marijuana, solving a problem that has dogged the state for 20 years. We’ve made much progress in our efforts to conserve water amid a prolonged drought. We passed a crucially important climate-change law that pushes us more toward renewable energy and increases energy efficiency in our buildings, and a few of my colleagues and I traveled to Paris last month to demonstrate to world leaders how California is leading the way in the fight against climate change. And we created California’s first state-level Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to supplement the federal EITC and put more money into the pockets of the workers who need it most, benefitting roughly 2 million people. Still, not all of the important work was finished. Our system of highways,

Daniel Smiechowski

roads, and bridges is in serious decay, and we haven’t settled how to pay for the needed repairs. Likewise, we must fill a billion-dollar shortfall in our Medi-Cal system, and more funding is needed to provide services for residents with developmental disabilities. Nor have we decided on a permanent funding source for affordable housing. Housing affordability is a growing crisis in California, one that’s threatening to further erode the middle class and make it difficult for many working-poor families to escape poverty. The issues are complex and difficult, but we need to address them. I’ll assist Assembly SpeakerDesignee Anthony Rendon’s transition into the Speaker’s office. The Assembly Democratic Caucus selected Mr. Rendon as the next Speaker. He will be elected formally on Jan. 11 and be officially sworn in on March 7, allowing for a two-month transition period. After that, during what will be my final nine months in the Assembly, I’ll continue advocating for veterans, homeless people, the LGBT community, the working poor, and all San Diegans and Californians in my role as Speaker Emeritus. Indeed, 2016 will be an interesting transitional year for me, and I am looking forward to it. I have high hopes for what can be accomplished for San Diego and California. I wish you all a productive and joyous year. xYou’ll soon be hearing more about the EITC, as we launch the effort locally to make sure San Diegans take advantage of this tax credit and the related federal tax credit. For more information, including tools, calculators and charts, please see caleitc4me.org. You may also call 2-1-1

San Diego for appointments for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) …Having an issue with a state agency can be challenging. If you find you need help getting answers, please call my district office at (619) 645-3090. My staff would be happy to assist you … Many new laws take effect in California on Jan. 1 including AB 1116, which stops manufacturers of smart TVs from capturing private conversations, and AB 774, which will allow craft beer tastings at farmers markets. For a more extensive list,

please see my January e-newsletter at http://asmdc.org/speaker/news-room/ district-reports. Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins has served in the California State Assembly since 2010, and was elevated to the top leadership post in 2014, when her colleagues unanimously elected her as the 69th Speaker, and the first from San Diego.

degree of wisdom and we subsequently cure the ills of ignorance by seeking truth. The more things change, the more things stay the same may be an old French saying but in reality, human behavior has changed little during the past ten thousand years. While the federal government cannot seem to make up its mind in the mandating of standardized testing, local schools should be given more autonomy in how they educate and test our children. Does anyone really believe that some bureaucrat inside the beltway knows best for your children? I have never been a big fan of rote learning and filling in some silly bubbles in order to be judged intellectually adequate through the lens of some testing committee. Some of the smartest folks I know have only a high school diploma.

Public K-12 education still brings college graduates and post graduates into mainstream society.This is to be expected. Children and adults undergo natural change in acquiring knowledge and learning with the passage of time. But all of this learning should lead to the betterment of society with the recognition that we live in a simplistic culture without much grounding in intellectual curiosity. By incorporating the humanities into K-12 education and stressing a worldly curriculum, many of our society’s problems can be mitigated and perhaps we can just plain get along better. Be nice, do good deeds and don’t be stranger as we at the Clairemont Times value your participation.

Local Schools Should Take a Worldly Approach to Education

IEWPOINT In perhaps one of the greatest ironies of our time, the new information age has yet to unleash a torrent of personal desire in advocating for a broad sweep of worldly knowledge. Fighting against the grain of human history is not for sissies. When hundreds of movie goers line up in the freezing rain to entertain themselves in the newest rendition of the Star Wars flick with most of these folks unlikely interested in current events, world history, geography and philosophy, we as a society have a problem.That is not to say some movie goers are

disinterested in worldly events, but arguably most of these folks have no stomach for global issues. Public education must promote critical thinking skills together with a mix of the humanities in order to better understand human behavior across the millennia and beyond. Local schools must foster historical comparisons to recent events in problem solving and opening young minds to new frontiers in the quest for knowledge. Epistemology is just a fancy word for the study of knowledge. It’s safe to say that with knowledge comes a certain

Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins has served in the California State Assembly since 2010, and was elevated to the top leadership post in 2014, when her colleagues unanimously elected her as the 69th Speaker, and the first from San Diego

Daniel J Smiechowski has been a resident of Clairemont since 1967 and can be reached at smiechowskid@aol.com or 858.220.4613


12 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

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Start Your New Year with Some By Michael Baehr

Spice and Soul

Photos by Michael Baehr, San Diego Chowhound

The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Mike Baehr Kevin Casillo Ed Harris Gary Hyde Susan Lewitt Robert Ross Daniel J. Smiechowski Bartley Stratton Rob Stone Bill Swank The Clairemont Times is a free publication published each month and circulated throughout the neighborhoods of Clairemont, Linda Vista, Bay Park & Kearny Mesa. Story ideas, advertising & editorial questions can be sent to The Clairemont Times P.O. Box 17671, San Diego, CA 92177 or chris@clairemonttimes.com Copyright ©2015-16 The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing. Reuse of material from this edition or past editions is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher. The opinions in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing but instead, of each individual author/contributor. The Clairemont Times is proud to partner and contribute with:

With winter well underway, this she explained that roasted meats were Chowhound has been in search of one of their specialties. This comfort food to satisfy my hunger and Chowhound loves a good chicken, so warm my soul. I found just the place recently at a new restaurant called Spice and Soul on Avati Drive just off Morena Blvd. On a chilly evening, a group of us decided to give this new restaurant a try. Located in a small strip mall (across the parking lot from isa.bella artisan pizza & beer garden) , this Clairemont newcomer is setting the right tone with comfort food, bistro classics The bar at Spice and Soul. and a wide range of craft beers. Once inside, the space is on the the roasted chicken dinner ($16) small side with a roll-up garage-style served with two sides was the logical window leading out to a small patio… choice for me! The chicken was perfect for lunch on a warm day. A roasted with spices, salt and pepper small bar seats about ten customers making the skin amazingly crispy and and the main dining area, consisting full of salty flavor, yet the inside was of tables and high tops along one juicy and cooked to perfection. The wall, seats about 30. This night was portion is huge and comes with your surprisingly busy and the tastefully choice of two sides, making it easily decorated dining room was bustling sharable for two people. For my sides, with noise. (I understand the owner is I chose the mac and cheese and the currently working on the acoustics.) Spice and Soul began as a catering company several years ago and just a few months ago opened this eat-in restaurant. Upon seating ourselves, our server greeted us quickly, offering menus and asking about our drink order. Without missing a beat, one of our friends ordered the beer flight ($7) and the crunchy chickpea appetizer ($4). With 20 beers on tap, bottled beer and wine, there were plenty of drink options. I opted to stay on the lighter side with the San Diego Pale Ale from Drunken shellfish (mussels) with grilled sourdough bread. AleSmith ($6.50). The roasted chickpeas arrived and, in this Chowhound’s humble opinion, were shoestring fries. The mac and cheese dry and flavorless, although everyone was rich and gooey, with hints of else seemed to enjoy them. cheddar and other cheeses running When I asked our server to tell us through it and topped with melted what Spice and Soul was known for, cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. The side portion was just right (about a cup), although if you’re a mac and cheese fan, there’s also a full entrée that includes your choice of chicken, pork or brisket for $13. When ordering sides, I usually opt for fries as this is always a good test of any restaurant. These shoestring fries were thin as you’d expect, and cooked crispy, served in a salty mound. I couldn’t be happier. My husband ordered the drunken The half chicken entrée with shoestring fries shellfish ($14) with shoestring fries and mac-n-cheese.

Michael Baehr is known as the San Diego Chowhound. He is an accomplished home cook, food blogger, cooking demonstrator and self-proclaimed foodie. He also loves to sample and write about new eateries, local restaurants, fast food and specialty markets. You can follow his food journeys at www.sdchowhound.com

(add $3). The mussels were cooked in an herb butter white wine sauce with smoked Harissa aioli. Harissa is a mildly spicy chili paste commonly used in Middle Eastern foods, and it added a uniquely smoky and interesting flavor to the already rich sauce. The mussels were served with plenty of grilled sourdough for soaking up all that flavorful sauce. Note to self: come back for this one to de-stress after shopping at Costco! Our friends ordered the BBQ pulled pork ($13) and smoked brisket ($14) sandwiches, which were both good as well. We ended our meal by sharing the ice cream sandwich ($5). The sandwich was cut into four wedges for easy sharing and consisted of vanilla ice cream wedged between two homemade chocolate chip cookies topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce—yum. While Spice and Soul is relatively new and understandably making adjustments, the first impression is a good one. It goes without saying that my tummy was happy and my soul was satisfied—this Chowhound was in comfort food heaven. I’ll definitely be back! Spice & Soul is currently open Monday through Friday from 11am-9:00pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Plans are being considered to open on Saturday and/or for Sunday brunch in the New Year, so be sure to check. Spice & Soul 4033 Avati Drive (Just off Morena Blvd.) San Diego, CA 92117 (858) 291-8480 www.spicensoul.com

Chowhound Sidenote For those of you who were fans of Kitchen 4140 on Morena Blvd., they have closed their doors permanently. After some sniffing around, this Chowhound has learned that owner-chef Kurt Metzger plans to open a new restaurant closer to downtown San Diego in 2016. Let’s hope so!


The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 13

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Saving Orchids, the Largest Flowering Plant Family

Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road San Diego, CA. 92110 • 858-581-9959

by Susan Lewitt

Did you know there are more different orchids than roses, asters and daisies; that saving habitats for orchids saves others species? Orchids are an integral part of the communities where they occur, mutually supporting life in White and pink orchid: Hybrid: Brassolaeliocattleyas Chinese jade “Marco their habitat and Polo” indicating a healthy ecosystem. propagated.Third, try your hand at (www.deccanherald.com/content/2250 propagating orchids yourself. Fourth, 17/orchids-vital-forest-ecosystem.html#) support the Orchid Conservation HABITAT LOSS: “The monumental Alliance, an organization that buys land tragedy of our vanishing tropical forests including rainforest land to protect is well known ...but... hard to these areas from development. comprehend.” (The Illustrated (www.orchidconservationalliance.org/ Encyclopedia of Orchids edited by Alec OCA/OCA_Home.html) Finally, attend the SDCOS shows and meetings. When you attend an orchid show, you will see two basic categories of plants: species, plants as they are found in nature, and cultivars or hybrids, which are crossbred plants. It is very unlikely that any of these cultivars occur in the wild; although some crossbreeding occurs resulting in new species. Yellow orchid: Species: Rhyncholaelia digbyana SD County Orchid Society shows for 2016: Pridgeon) Ecosystems consist of many Winter Show, Casa Del Prado room coexisting species. Preserving an area 101, Balboa Park, Saturday, January 30, preserves biodiversity. Restoring noon - 5 pm. and Sunday, January 31, 10 compromised areas is difficult due to am- 4 pm. FREE. the complexity of such areas. Spring Show (with gardenlike Preservation is best. settings): Scottish Rite Center, 1895 Here are ways you may help Camino Del Rio South, San Diego. conservation efforts: First, you can Friday March 11, 3 pm - 7 pm, Saturday assist the SDCOS conservation group March 12 from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday by purchasing conservation orchids. March 13, 10am-4pm. Admission: $8, Second, make sure the plants you buy Discounts, weekend passes available aren’t from the wild but are artificial (www.sdorchids.com/Shows.html)

Monday – Closed, Tuesday –Saturday 9:00-4:00, Sunday 9:00-2:00 Closed on January 1* All activities begin at the Tecolote Nature Center

Saturday, January 2 • 8:00am Fitness Walk Keep that resolution! Take a brisk walk on the Battle Trail Loop. We’ll go 1.5 miles in about 30 minutes. Come on! No excuses, it’s only 30 minutes. Sunday, January 10 • 9:00am Nature Walk – Battle Trail Join the Tecolote Canyon Interpretive Group (TCIG) as we observe the local plants and animals and hear about their natural history. This is an easy hike on a mostly flat trail. Saturday, January 16 • 9:00-11:00am – Weed Warriors Clean up the canyon with Park Ranger Janice. This is a great way to get your community service hours in. Sunday, January 17 • 9:00am Sunday in the Garden Volunteer with Park Ranger Steven Get dirty, have fun, help out your community Wednesday, January 20 • 1:30 – 3:00pm Art & Activities – Free! Nature themed indoor and outdoor activities for kids Saturday, January 23 • 8:00am Audubon Society Birding Walk All skill levels welcome! *Walks generally last for about 2 hours but you can leave whenever you are ready, or stay on to learn more. For more information call 858-581-9959. Activities are posted at www.meetup.com/Friends of Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center or Like us on Facebook – Friends of Tecolote Canyon

Community Meetings Open to the Public CLAIREMONT TOWN COUNCIL 1/7/16 (1st Thurs. of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium • 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117 CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP 1/19/16 (3rd Tuesday of the month) 6:30 PM Cadman Elementary Auditorium • 4370 Kamloop, 92117 LINDA VISTA TOWN COUNCIL 1/21/16 (3rd Thursday of the month) 6:30 PM Baha’i Faith Center • 6545 Alcala Knolls, 92111 LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP 1/25/16 (4th Mon. of the month) 5:30 PM Linda Vista Public Library • 2160 Ulric St, 92111 MARIAN BEAR REC COUNCIL 1/13/16 (2nd Wed.of the month) 6:30PM Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road, San Diego, CA 92110

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14 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

in the landfill. By recycling trees, residents help reduce the amount of material in the landfill and give holiday trees a new purpose as compost, mulch or wood chips.” Through January 23, 2016, San

Christmas trees seven days-a-week at the Miramar Landfill Greenery or any of the 16 drop-off locations listed below at no charge. Only “clean trees” are accepted at city recycling locations. Residents must remove all tree stands, lights, ornaments, tinsel, and non-recyclable materials. Please do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off locations. Trees from commercial tree lots or fundraising projects are not accepted at the drop-off locations. Instead, these trees can be dropped off anytime during regular business hours at the Miramar Greenery for a nominal fee. In addition to clean trees, flocked trees (fake snow) are also accepted. If you are transporting your Christmas tree in a plastic bag for drop-off, please be sure to remove the tree and take the bag with you. All trees will be recycled into high quality mulch and compost. Thanks in part to the Christmas Tree Recycling Program, City residents can self-load mulch and up to two cubic yards of compost for free at the Miramar Greenery throughout the year. Curbside yard waste recycling customers can also recycle trees through the curbside collection program by placing trees at the curb with their regular yard waste recycling bin. Customers with automated greenery containers must cut up their clean trees into roughly 3-foot pieces to fit easily inside their greenery container. Customers who are unable to cut their trees for manual collection or who cannot fit the tree into the green automated container, should drop off their tree at any of the City’s convenient drop-off locations. Curbside recycling program customers should remove all non-recyclable materials before placing trees inside the automated bin or at the curb next to yard waste collection containers. Christmas tree recycling provides residents a free and convenient way to recycle trees after the holidays. Recycling trees produces useful mulch and compost, and helps extend the life of the Miramar Landfill. The recycling program diverted

Diego residents can recycle their

approximately 1,400 tons of holiday

Annual Percentage Yield as of December 23, 2015.

City of San Diego Hosts 42nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program Recycling Your Christmas Tree Extends the Life of the Miramar Landfill While Turning Trees into Mulch and Compost The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department will host the 42nd Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program through Saturday, January 23, 2016. This year’s program offers 16 drop-off locations, available to City residents only, as well as curbside pickup for customers with curbside yard waste collection. “Christmas tree recycling is a great way for San Diegans to do their part to help the environment by extending the life of the Miramar Landfill,” said Mario X. Sierra, director of the Environmental Services Department. “Organic materials like yard clippings and Christmas trees make up more than 20 percent of the material buried

www.clairemonttimes.com trees from the Landfill in 2014, which translates into more than 150,000 individual Christmas trees. The Miramar Greenery is located inside the Miramar Landfill, at 5180 Convoy Street, just north of Highway 52. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Landfill will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Additional information about the residential drop-off site locations is available by calling Environmental Services Department Customer Service at 858-694-7000. For information on mulch and compost produced at the Miramar Greenery, call the Miramar Landfill at 858-492-6100. For more information on recycling and the Environmental Services Department, call 858-694-7000 or visit our web site at www.recyclingworks.com The drop-off locations are in the following neighborhoods: Encanto: Cielo Dr at Woodman St Carmel Valley: Carmel Valley Rec Center, 3777 Townsgate Dr. Golden Hill: Golden Hill Rec Center, 2600 Golf Course Dr. La Jolla: Kate Sessions Memorial Park, Soledad Road and Loring Street Logan Heights: Memorial Rec Center, 2902 Marcy Ave. Miramar: Miramar Landfill at Greenery 5180 Convoy St., north of Highway 52 Mission Bay: SeaWorld Drive at Pacific Highway Oak Park: Chollas Lake, 6350 College Grove Dr Ocean Beach: Robb Athletic Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St. Otay Mesa: Montgomery Waller Community Park Rancho Bernardo: Rancho Bernardo Rec Center, 18448 W Bernardo Dr. Rancho Penasquitos: Canyonside Rec Center, 12350 Black Mountain Rd. SDSU: Parking Lot D off Alvarado Rd Scripps Ranch: Scripps Ranch Rec Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Dr. Tierrasanta: Gaspar de Portola Middle School, 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. University City: Swanson Pool, 3585 Governor Dr.


The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 15

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‘Americas Got Talent’ Audition Scheduled for San Diego This fall, the #1 show of the summer for the past decade, “America’s Got Talent”, will embark on a nationwide search for America’s next big undiscovered entertainer. NBC’s hit talent show will be in San Diego on January 12th in the hunt for the Season 11 winner. Those interested in auditioning can currently register for all open call cities. Online auditions are also available through March 2016 for anyone unable to make it to one of the 12 cities. For more information on audition cities and venues, the audition process and tips, or to submit an online video audition for season 11, please visit http://www.AGTAuditions.com/. “America’s Got Talent” is the only

talent competition series open to performers of all backgrounds, allowing them to showcase their skills and take the stage in front of the celebrity judge panel, as well as the entire country. Last season, America crowned their first magician as their winner. Mat Franco currently stars in “Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly” at the LINQ Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, and will star in his own primetime special “Mat Franco’s Got Magic,”Thursday, September 17 (9-11 p.m. ET) on NBC. Acts in the current season of the show range anywhere from comedians, to dancers, to mentalists, to ventriloquists – the “AGT” stage truly welcomes all. Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/agt

Genesee Avenue Utilities Relocation (UTC) Beginning late 2015 – early 2016 preliminary work along Genesee Avenue will begin to relocate utilities in advance of construction on the Mid-Coast Trolley project. Construction activities will include: • Potholing, trenching, and street excavations. • Water and sewer pipeline installation along Genesee Avenue starting at the intersection of Regents Road and ending at the intersection of Nobel Drive. • Temporary water service interruptions may be necessary to complete this work; residents and businesses will be provided with advanced notice prior to service interruptions. • Crews will minimize impacts to neighboring residents and businesses as much as possible. • Temporary traffic controls will be in place. Access to nearby businesses will be maintained at all times. Schedule and Work Hours Utility relocation construction activities are anticipated to begin in late 2015 and completed in spring 2017. However work in your area may be completed prior to that date.

Due to the location and nature of the work, some night and weekend work is required. Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nighttime work hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. There may be times when 24-hour work is required. Prior notice to residents and businesses will be provided. Major construction of the Mid Coast Trolley project and its nine new stations will begin in 2016 with service anticipated four years later. For updates on the Mid Coast Trolley project visit: www.KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/midco ast Social Media: Facebook & Twitter @MidCoastTrolley A new Construction Hotline has also been started (877) 379-0110.


16 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

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Adoptable Pet of the Month Harmony, a 5-year-old Rottweiler mix, is looking for a cozy place to call home. This lovely girl was transferred from another Name: Harmony shelter because Age: 5 years old she wasn’t Gender: Spayed female feeling very Breed: Rottweiler mix well. Her ID #: 194724 medical team Adoption Fee: $95 has been working very closely with her and now that she is feeling better, she’s ready for a new home! Harmony’s caregivers can’t say enough good things about this girl. She is unbelievably sweet with everyone she meets, easy-going and docile. She appears house-broken, never tears up her bedding, and is eager to please. Harmony is an

affectionate girl and would love a gentle, calm home who will take her on leisurely walks and let her snuggle on the couch. Her adoption fee includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, 30 days of worry-free medical insurance from Trupanion Insurance, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, and a license if residing in Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos or Poway! Harmony is available for adoption at the San Diego Humane Society’s San Diego Campus at 5500 Gaines Street. To learn more about making her part of your family, please call (619) 299-7012. ADOPTION HOURS MON.-FRI.: 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SAT. & SUN.: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. (760) 757-4357

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The Clairemont Times • January 2016 • 17

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ROB STONE REPORT

USD Toreros Spear SDSU Aztecs in Debut of College Hoops at Petco Park

The University of San Diego (USD) Toreros defeated the San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs 53-48 in the first non-conference collegiate basketball game ever played at Petco Park on Saturday evening, December 6. With the victory by USD, the Aztecs nine-game winning streak in the City Championship series has now come to a screeching halt. It was all Toreros in the first half as USD took a 31-13 lead into the locker room at halftime. “We grew up today,” said Toreros coach Lamont Smith. “Obviously, when you win a game of this magnitude over a tremendous basketball program like them (SDSU) and Coach Fisher, I think it will help us in recruiting.” Duda Sanadze paced USD in scoring with a game-high 15 points, while also adding six rebounds, five steals, and one assist to the Toreros triumph. Sanadze was followed in the USD statistical column by Olin Carter III (12 points, five rebounds, one assist, one block), Marcus Harris (nine points, four rebounds, three steals), Brett Bailey (eight points, seven rebounds, four assists), Brandon Perry (four points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks), Jito Kok (three points, one rebound, two assists, three blocks),

Tyler Williams (two points, two rebounds, one assist), and Vasa Pusica (zero points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal). Other Local College Basketball Scores USC 83, USD 45; Western Michigan 74, USD 62; Cal State Fullerton 67, USD 55; Loyola 67, USD 57; San Jose St. 76, USD 67; USD 62, Drexel 59; USD 71, Bethesda 56; USD 53, SDSU 48; Denver 59, USD 47; USD 61, UC Davis 55; SDSU 71, Illinois St. 60; Utah 81, SDSU 76; SDSU 71, San Diego Christian 61; Little Rock 49, SDSU 43; SDSU 79, East Carolina 54; SDSU 72, Cal 58; West Virginia 72, SDSU 50; SDSU 76, Long Beach St. 72; USD 53, SDSU 48; SDSU 73, Biola 53; SDSU 84, Nicholls 47; Grand Canyon 52,SDSU 45; College Football Scores & Statistics SDSU 31, Nevada 14, (Donnel Pumphrey 162 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns); SDSU 27, Air Force 24, (Pumphrey 154 total yards, one touchdown); Oregon 52, Oregon St. 42, (Darren Carrington five catches, 38 yards); Rob Stone is a life-long resident of the San Diego area and is also a certified talent scout through Sports Management Worldwide. Rob has been working with and helping to assist sports agents in getting their clients signed to contracts. If you would like a professional scouting report written up on your favorite athlete, you can feel free to contact Mr. Stone directly. He may be reached at: 1 (619) 241-6516, rstone@smww.com, Sportsguyrob@att.net, http://www.smwwscout.com/scout/robstone, orhttp://www.rsscouting.blogspot.com

What is the #1 Clinical Condition Affecting our Adult Pets? Do You Know? It is Periodontal Disease. by Bjorn Barré, DVM

Caring for our teeth is part of our daily routine and has been since we can remember. We know how important it is for our own teeth but it’s just as important in our cats and dogs. Dental care is as important for your pet’s’ overall health and well being. Studies have shown that dental problems can affect other organs as well. What is ‘periodontal disease’? It’s really no different in our pets as it is in humans. Bacteria live in the grooves between your pets teeth and the gum. This creates a biofilm called ‘plaque’ that goes both over the teeth but also under the gum line into the underlying bone and roots of the teeth. As the bacteria and plaque move they cause bone loss, root infections and pain. Will your dogs and cats show you signs of periodontal disease? The answer is both a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’. By

the time we smell bad breath, there is usually loose teeth or severe reddening of the gum line. This is an indicator that there is already significant disease. Pets will not stop eating in the face of severe dental disease. In the wild they are meant to eat to survive and will still do so in our homes. How can we prevent and treat periodontal disease? At home care and veterinary dental care are the two best ways. At home you can brush your pets’ teeth, use dental treats/chews, and medicated water additives. Proper veterinary dental care involves general anesthesia. This is to make sure that each tooth surface, tooth root and gumline is evaluated. Like with humans, dental xrays are taken to evaluate what is under the gumline. Much of what we can see with our eyes is deceiving and a significant amount of periodontal disease lies under the gumline is only observed with xrays.

Mini Grants Offered to Groups that Encourage Residents to Go By Bike National Bike Month may be six months away, but SANDAG is gearing now up – offering $3,000 grants to fund programs and projects that promote biking as a viable transportation choice in San Diego County. Through its iCommute and GO by BIKE programs, SANDAG is encouraging a wide variety of groups to apply for the mini-grants, including local government agencies; community-based and nonprofit organizations; colleges and universities; business improvement districts; main street associations; and chambers of commerce. The grants help support a key goal of SANDAG – to encourage people to ride more for everyday trips, including work, play, and practical purposes.There are more than 1,340 miles of bikeways throughout the region. SANDAG and local governments are actively adding new segments to the network – making it easier and easier to choose to ride. These mini grants are available to

groups that sponsor or host events that educate or encourage people to commute by bike. Eligible activities include: • Community rides • Bike scavenger hunts • Guided bike tours • Bike maintenance and safety classes • Bike-to-business promotions in neighborhood business districts • Bike-to-work or bike-to-campus events • Campaigns or contests that promote bike riding • Bike valets at bike-related community events A total of $30,000 is available to fund GO by BIKE mini-grants.Applications will be accepted through Jan. 22, 2016 at 5 p.m.The funds will be awarded by February 19, 2016. To be eligible, activities must take place between April 1 and June 15, 2016. Complete details on eligibility, reporting requirements, evaluation and selection criteria, and timelines are available on the Bike Month web page www.icommutesd.com/events/bike-month

There is often a fear of ‘general anesthesia’ in our pets. Fortunately, with proper monitoring, blood/urine screening and training, anesthesia is very safe. Our pets are living longer, healthier lives because of improvements in dentistry.

Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center is having a free veterinary dental seminar Saturday, January 16th at 3pm. It is is open to the public. There will be information, a raffle, a question and answer session and a tour of our treatment area. We hope to see you there.

Applications accepted through January 22


18 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

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Residential Burglary 2300 Cardinal Dr.

Commercial Burglary 8000 Frost St.

Vandalism 4000 Antiem St.

Battery 7500 Linda Vista Rd.

Vehicle Break-In 3700 Convoy St.

Residential Burglary 2300 Cardinal Dr.

Vehicle Break-In 3900 Biddle St.

Residential Burglary 3400 Kearny Villa Lane

Battery 3800 Camto Aguilar

Residential Burglary 2500 Cowley Way

Vehicle Break-In 4000 Huerfano Ave.

Residential Burglary 3200 Annrae St.

Vehicle Break-In 4500 Chateau Dr.

Vandalism 6500 Tait St.

Vehicle Theft 3300 Clairemont Dr.

Vehicle Theft 3000 Childrens Way

Residential Burglary 3300 Cowley Way

Vehicle Theft 3800 Ashford St.

Vehicle Theft 5100 Santa Fe St.

Vehicle Theft 7300 Mesa College Circle

Residential Burglary 6800 Thornwood St.

Residential Burglary 6500 Salizar St.

Vandalism 5500 Balboa Arms Dr.

Residential Burglary 6800 Beadnell Way

Residential Burglary 3200 Armstrong St.

Residential Burglary 6600 Beadnell Way

Battery 1800 Westinghouse St.

Residential Burglary 2100 Westinghouse St.

Residential Burglary 1700 Linbrook Dr.

Residential Burglary 4400 Mt. Castle Ave.

Residential Burglary 8600 Harjoan Ave.

Commercial Burglary 2100 Ulric St.

Battery 7700 Westside Dr.

Commercial Burglary 6900 Kramer St.

Residential Burglary 5100 July St.

Residential Burglary 3200 Clairemont Dr.

Fraud 3500 Belford St.

Vehicle Break-In 3100 Via Arcilla

Residential Burglary 1500 Linbrook Dr.

Commercial Burglary 4000 Morena Blvd.

Vandalism 2800 Daniel Ave.

Vehicle Theft 4100 Mustang St.

Vehicle Break-In 3000 Health Center Dr.

Residential Burglary 3400 Del Rey St.

Vehicle Theft 3200 Berger Ave.

Vehicle Theft 8000 Linda Vista Rd.

Vehicle Theft 7700 Westside Dr.

Vehicle Theft 5300 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.


20 • The Clairemont Times • January 2016

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