The
Clairemont Times Serving Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista & Kearny Mesa
V4.E2
News of the Neighborhoods
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FEBRUARY 2014
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11
The Two Mayoral Candidates In Their Own Words Vote Tuesday, February 11th by David Alvarez
Born and raised in San Diego, I grew up in a neighborhood forgotten by City Hall and had to fight for clean air and more parkland.Those experiences led me to run for City Council to protect other neighborhoods throughout the City from the same special interests supporting my opponent that have been in power for too long. In my time on the City Council, I’ve pulled the City out of its budget crisis and we’re now restoring library, police and other vital services to our neighborhoods. I ended the Fire Department’s brown outs in 2011 and I’m the only mayoral candidate to lead the City’s efforts to develop a plan to build more fire stations throughout our neighborhoods to keep our families safer. In this important campaign, I’ve received endorsements from California’s nurses, San Diego’s teachers and firefighters, Mayor Todd Gloria, former Councilmember Donna Fry,Assemblymember Shirley Weber, United States Senator Barbara Boxer and many other business, community and elected leaders. When elected Mayor, I will continue working to restore and protect our neighborhoods. I’ll work with the Clairemont Town Council, Clairemont Community Planning Group and other community groups to solve neighborhood issues. I’ll work collaboratively with each City Councilmember to ensure each receives the resources and services their neighborhoods need. I will walk the walk and focus on helping San Diegans in every part of the city, working to ensure that all residents have good schools, that we have healthy, safe and vibrant neighborhoods that attract new businesses and that we make it easier for companies to grow and create good jobs. There’s a clear choice in this election: Stick with the leadership of past that held our neighborhoods back, or support me to move our city forward. Please vote David Alvarez on February 11.
by Kevin Faulconer
I was elected to the City Council in 2006 and worked for the last eight years to fix San Diego's pension problems and save the city from bankruptcy. Now, I’m running for Mayor of San Diego to finish the job, bring back integrity and trust to City Hall, and create good-paying jobs and opportunities for all San Diegans. I will get the City working for San Diegans again. My administration will direct more of our tax dollars toward repairing streets, rebuilding infrastructure, and investing in our parks and libraries.We will restart the voter-approved program that makes government more efficient through competitive bidding.We will also make San Diego a safer place to live by hiring more police officers so every family can feel safe at night. Unlike my opponent, a freshman city councilmember, I have the experience to start leading San Diego on day one.As the longest serving councilmember, I have a record of working across party lines and finding common ground to solve problems. I'm proud to have brought environmentalists and businesses together to protect Mission Bay Park, worked with service providers to create a permanent homeless center, and co-authored the pension reform initiative to save San Diego nearly $1 billion. And unlike my opponent, who has 80 percent of his support coming from government and out-of-town unions — totaling nearly $3 million — I will be an independent voice. My campaign is primarily supported by individuals through smaller donations. My broad base of support also includes police officers, small business owners, and civic leaders like Jerry Sanders and Father Joe. As Mayor, I will continue to work with anyone who has a good idea to move our city forward. I know San Diego's best days are ahead, and when we work together we can achieve anything. I would be honored to have your support.
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LW’s “San Diego Style” BBQ Opens in Clairemont spices I use.” If you ask about the finer points of the spices and techniques, good luck his lips are sealed. Only LW and executive chef Javier Lopez know the secret. On site the restaurant houses a state of the art smoker. The machine keeps the hickory smoke circulat-
LW’s “San Diego Style” BBQ Opens in Clairemont The icon for over thirty years in the Clairemont Village Center known as the Chinese Gardens is now a Smokehouse Barbeque restaurant named LW’s San Diego Style BBQ. The LW acronym stands for the owner’s name, Larry Wayne a long time Clairemont resident.The North Carolina native LW retired from a career on the water serving in the US Navy as well as working for the Military Seaflift Command. Throughout the past 20 years he has also had a thriving BBQ catering side business. Opening LW’s BBQ is the culmination of all his hard work. As he puts it,“Only a portion of people in the last 20 years has had the opportunity to try my BBQ. Now with the opening of LW’s we are open for all.” While the catering is still a part of the business plan the restaurant opening is a dream fulfilled. What is San Diego Style BBQ? As LW puts it,“It’s a technique of many factors, from the hickory wood, to the local proprietary blend of local
Attention Business Owners Would you like to support a local youth organization celebrating their 58th year in Clairemont? Could your business utilize exposure to several hundred families all living in Clairemont? Why not donate an item, gift card, or prize pack to the annual Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League Fundraiser Dinner. It could be a raffle or auction item. All money raised through this event goes right back into the Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League program. Last year, over a dozen local individuals and businesses donated to this
LW's San Diego Style BBQ Grand Opening January 18, 2014
ing for longer hours without releasing the BBQ aroma in the atmosphere, thus allowing the meat to be cooked “low and slow”. LW’s San Diego Style BBQ serves all the traditional BBQ staples from pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, brisket, ribs as well as an extensive list of side dishes. If you are looking for a local space to have meetings or events, LW’s offers a community room for public use with free wifi, an easel and seating for plenty. Inquire within. Please see our ad for special coupons on page 5. LW’s BBQ 3057 Clairemont Dr., San Diego, CA 92117 Hours: Mondays CLOSED Tue-Sat 11am-9pm; Sunday 11am-8pm (619) 275-2888
event. If you would like to donate, please contact Ken Cicalo at 619-889-9216 or KenC1313@yahoo.com before February 15th.
Auction item from last year. Custom engraved baseball bat.
Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League 7th Annual Fundraiser Dinner 2/22/14 The Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League will be holding its 7th Annual Fundraiser Dinner and Auction on Saturday, February 22 at 6 p.m. at the SkyBox Sports Grill at Clairemont Square. SkyBox, is again generously offering their restaurant to Clairemont Hilltoppers for dinner that evening, with all proceeds benefiting the league. Simply buy a $15 ticket, come have a wonderful dinner, and the proceeds go to Hilltoppers. SkyBox will, of course, also be selling beverages that evening, which are not
included in the dinner donation.This is an adults-only event. In addition, there will be a raffle and both live and silent auctions that evening, with items such as Disneyland passes, dinners, sports memorabilia from the Padres and Chargers, and much more.A list of many of the great auction items will be available soon on the league website: www.ClairemontHilltoppers.com. Dinner tickets will be on sale at all Clairemont Hilltoppers events in the next few weeks, or you can make reservations by contacting Ken Cicalo at 619889-9216 or KenC1313@yahoo.com. Space is limited, so make your plans today.
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4 • The Clairemont Times • February 2014
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Larry Wilske Running for the 53rd Congressional District
Linda Vista Skate Park Update On Wednesday, January 22nd the City submitted a grant application to the state for the Linda Vista Skate Park (LVSP) project. The results of the application are expected back in 2-3 months. LVSP looks forward to working with local
councils, community stakeholders and others going forward with the project. Thanks to all for the support so far, stay tuned! Respectfully, Chris Limon
Bay Park Community Food Drive Donates over ONE TON of Food This is the eighth year Laura Hollister of Keller Williams Realty La Jolla has organized the annual Bay Park Community Food Drive.The 2013 food drive was the most successful to date. Donations were collected on December 21st and delivered to the San Diego Food Bank.This year boasts the most families yet to join with 175 households participating. Over 2100 pounds of food were donated to the San Diego Food Bank just in time for the holidays.This was a huge increase
from last year where the food drive collected just over 1000 pounds of food with approximately 75 participating households. Kitchen 4140, a local eatery located at 4140 Morena Boulevard, sponsored the Food Drive by providing gift certificates that were raffled off to the contributors. Keil’s Grocery, located at 3015 Clairemont Drive, was also an invaluable sponsor by donating all the bags to be distributed to Bay Park residents.
Master Chief (SEAL) Larry Wilske has just finished a 30year career as a Navy SEAL and is now taking his Leadership experience to represent the people of California’s 53rd Congressional district. With the re-drawing of the Congressional districts, the 53rd now represents a snapshot of Larry’s life growing up in San Diego.Attending; John Paul Jones and St. Columbia Elementary Schools, Kearney and University of San Diego HS, San Diego Community Colleges, and National University. Larry has competed and coached Wrestling throughout San Diego County and been a community leader supporting the Warrior Foundation, the Optimist Club of Bonita, San Diego Wrestling Association, and speaking at dozens of community events over the last 20 years. Larry also has numerous athletic awards that can be seen at the San Diego Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. After college, Larry was heavily recruited to enlist in the Navy to compete on the All Navy Wrestling team and after two years of competition, he was led into trying out for the Renowned Navy SEAL Teams; where he graduated from training in class 139 and was stationed at Seal Delivery Vehicle Team One in 1986. Larry has enjoyed an arduous and colorful career serving as a Navy SEAL on 3 different SEAL Teams in San Diego and deploying overseas 14 times (5 Combat deployments). He has also served on the famous Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs) and his final duty station at the Naval War College in Newport RI. Larry had just returned from a 7month deployment on September 6, 2001 and was sitting at home during post deployment leave when he (as we all did) witnessed the tragic events of 9-11; when our Country was shamelessly attacked by radical jihadist cowards. Only 21 days later, Larry deployed with the famed Task Force Ka-Bar to Southern Afghanistan for 6months and returned to take immediate orders to the newly commissioned SEAL Team Seven as their first Task Unit Leading Chief. During the 1-year work up Larry succumbed to previous injuries and had his hip replaced. Only missing 4-months due to recovery, he completed the pre-deployment workup with his Team and deployed to
Operation Enduring Freedom, Philippians’ and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Larry completed additional deployments to Iraq as an Operations Chief, Operations Master Chief, and Command Master Chief; where he participated in countless combat missions. Larry also led the plan to replace 35,000 Marines along the Euphrates river Valley with Special Operations Forces trained Iraqi SWAT police officers, affording continued stability in the region while freeing up our Marines to join the fight in Afghanistan. After returning home from his final Combat tour as a Command Master Chief, Larry continued service to Naval Special Warfare as the Command Master Chief for the SEAL’s Logistics Support Command. During that tour, Larry wrote his first book: Leadership, From the Middle to the Top, based on the Leadership development training he conducted with the Chiefs and Officers of that Command. For his final tour of duty Larry was chosen to be the first SEAL Master Chief to be stationed at the Navy War College and Teach at the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy.While there, Larry wrote and introduced lectures on Ethos and the Elements of National Power. Both lectures are part of the curriculum today. Larry retired after 30-years of dedicated service to his country on July 4, 2013 and subsequently moved back to his home of San Diego to continue selfless service to his country. During his career his awards include: SEAL Warfare Insignia, Surface Warfare Insignia,Air Warfare Insignia, the Bronze Star Medal with combat V (Valor, two awards), the Meritorious service Medal (two awards), the Joint Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action ribbon (two theaters), the Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation and various other personal and unit awards. Larry is a true Patriot and believes in Liberty and Freedom with a Government that is truly transparent and works for,“We the People”. For those that know Larry he is usually described by one of two words, “Patriot” or “Leader”. Larry and his wife Therese live in Mid-town San Diego and are parents of 4 daughters and two grand-children. www.LarryWilske.com
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EMERGENCY NUMBERS LOCAL USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Sponsored by
EMERITUS at CLAIREMONT SAFETY Police 911 Fire 911
Non emerg 619.531.2000 Non emerg 619.533.4300
TRANSPORTATION MTS iTN On the Go
877.232.7433 619.282.0073 858.637.3000
USEFUL Post Office Sr. Center AARP AAA VA Hospital Social Security Medicaid Alzheimer’s Assoc
858.273.0558 858.483.5100 619.641.7020 800.400.4222 858.552.8585 800.772.1213 800.541.5555 800.272.3900
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FEBRUARY LIBRARY EVENTS NORTH CLAIREMONT BRANCH 4616 CLAIREMONT DRIVE, 92117 858-581-9931 SPECIAL EVENTS Live Music: Raggle Taggle Band 2/11 5pm Join us for an engaging Children's music program with the Raggle Taggle band. It will get your toes-atappin' and you may even jump up to do a jig! Live Music: Bayou Brothers 2/25 6:30pm Get Ready for Mardi Gras! With a sound straight out of Louisiana's bayou festivals, the BAYOU BROTHERS will rock you right on into "Fat Tuesday" with their extensive experience and endless enthusiasm to deliver a rousing, rollicking, heart thumpin', foot stompin' musical gumbo y'all won't soon forget.
CLAIREMONT BRANCH 2920 BURGENER BLVD, 92110 858-581-9935
Free Concert: de la Motte Strings 2/19 6:30pm Join us for a unique concert event---string music as performed by Amber de la Motte and her four children! This concert features Baroque, Classical and Folk music from Germany, Russia, Israel, Ireland and the United States.All are welcome, and no signup is required. Free Concert: Adrienne Nims 2/26 6:30pm Passionate energy and dazzling musicianship create an inspiring and unforgettable entertainment experience. Her dynamic sound expresses a vast array of musical culture and style, as well as the magic and mystery of life. She has recorded and performed in many parts of the world, opening for such greats as Joe Cocker, Boz Scaggs and many others.
Tales for Tails 2/8 10am A free interactive animal program with the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet-Assisted Therapy Program.This monthly program helps 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.This program is appropriate for grades 1-6, and no sign-up is required.
• While waiting for hot water to come through the pipes, catch the cool water in a bucket or a watering can. Use this water later to water plants or run your garbage disposal. • Hand wash dishes once a day using a minimal amount of detergent to cut rinsing. Use a sprayer or short blasts of water to rinse.
Family Fun Time:Valentine’s Day Arts & Crafts Extravaganza 2/12 2pm Join us for an afternoon of Arts & Crafts! Make something for a special Valentine, or just a friend! All materials supplied, all ages welcome. RECURRING EVENTS
After School Art Class by Robert 2/5 4pm Free art class for children ages 6-12 Homework Help K-12 Tuesdays 6:30-8 Tutors are adult volunteers, and no sign-up is required. Story Times • Thursdays 10:30 “BabySign Storytime,” a storytime with sign language for children ages 0-2 and their caregivers, with storyteller and sign language instructor Jennifer Duncan. • Fridays 10:30 a.m. the library hosts Preschool Storytime with Miss Fran.
Water Conservation Tips Last month, Governor Brown declared that California is in a severe drought—the driest year in 119 on record.What can you do to use less this month? Whatever your conservation goal is, says San Diego Coastkeeper, the more of these steps you take, the more water you'll save.
SPECIAL EVENTS
RECURRING EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENTS Adult Book Club 2/5 6pm The Book Club will be discussing “The Botany of Desire” by Michael Pollan
BALBOA BRANCH 4255 MT.ABERNATHY AVE, 92117 858-573-1390
• Save up to 250 gallons of water a week when watering your lawn! Water your lawn and landscaping before dawn or after the sun sets when there's less evaporation.Adjust your sprinklers so they don't spray on sidewalks, driveways or streets. • By replacing your regular showerheads with low-flow showerhead you can save up to 230 gallons a week. • Turn the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving. • Channel your inner plumber.You can save more than 150 gallons for each leak that you fix inside and outside of your home.Think about faucets, fixtures and pipes. • Flush the toilet only when neces-
Stories with Susan Wednesdays 6:00 pm Miss Susan reads well-loved children’s stories. Come hear your favorites, or discover something new! Preschool Activity Hour Thursdays 10am Miss Linda will help young preschool children receive the basics of learning, language and reading skills. Parents and caregivers will have some time to network and learn tips for helping their children get a great start on learning. “Wee Reads” Baby & Toddler Storytime Fridays 10:30 am Storytime for our youngest patrons! Plenty of adult/child interaction, songs, stories and play Kids Krafternoons Saturdays 1:00 pm Let your creativity run wild with a fun craft activity! Children under 8 welcome with an adult or older sibling.
sary. Never use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. • Adjust your car washing methods:When taking your vehicle to a car wash, take it to a place that recycles its wash water. If washing your car at home, use a bucket of water and sponge. Rinse quickly at the end, never allow the hose to run continuously. • Never do laundry or run the dishwasher
with less than a full load.This simple method can save up to 30 gallons per week. • Always use a broom when cleaning your patio or balcony; never use a hose. • Remember, if you see someone wasting water, please report them to us using this secure, anonymous online form. Visit www.sdcoastkeeper.org to learn more conservation tips.
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Save the Date
San Diego’s Second CicloSDias Rides into Pacific Beach on March 30 CicloSDias returns to San Diego to bring people out of their cars and into the streets.
For more information, visit www.ciclosdias.com
Welcome to our new column as this opportunity belongs to all readers of The Clairemont Times. Our community may not match in age that of La Baule Les Pins, France, one of many towns around the world where I spent my childhood, but it certainly has been home to some noteworthy trivia and interesting reflections. In speaking of politics, business, education and sports, the previous sixty years in Clairemont have produced some great anecdotes. So, do you remember when ... ? Our local Congressman was Bob Wilson, King Golden campaigned for a House seat in Clairemont, former Mayor, Governor and Senator Pete Wilson lived in our community, former candidate for Mayor and House of Representatives, Peter Navarro lived in Clairemont with his famous quip referring to “The plant 19 vote.”The reference was in regard to the many retired Convair General Dynamic voters residing in our area. What about the huge juicy burgers at Defalco’s in the former Clairemont Quad or the candy store with the great white chocolate a few doors up toward the old Clairemont Bowl, there were even four service stations at the corner of Clairemont Drive and Burgener Bl., do you remember when
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 & Preschool www.holycrossword.com 3450 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117 Church (858) 273-2886 Preschool (858) 273-7768 Sunday Worship 9:00 am
Viewpoint by Daniel Smiechowski
Religious Directory
there was only one giant building at the northeast corner on Balboa and Genesee Ave, that being Fedmart or how about the old Clairemont Square? What about Grubb and Ellis,Art Leitch and Century 21 Blaise Realty, Mission Escrow and the construction of Costa Verde Condominiums? How many of you remember the original French American School and the many French instructors in our community, including my Mother, a French Professor at San Diego Mesa College? Do you remember Anthony’s School of Real Estate on Balboa Ave.? What about the walkout by students at Clairemont High over the sailing of the USS Constellation to Vietnam? Here is one of my favorite memories that being the arrival of “Broadway Joe” and the New York Jets to practice on Clairemont High School’s football field. Do you remember the outstanding track and field teams at Clairemont High during the sixties? Finally, as kids we played all sports and then played more sports including street hockey of which my Mother had sewn our make believe NHL net. It’s been great remembering, be nice, do good deeds and don’t be a stranger as we at the Clairemont Times value your participation.
Pathway Christian Fellowship www.pathwayonline.org 3811 Mount Acadia Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone (858) 277-3027 Join us Sundays at 10 am
So, do you remember when ... ?
Daniel J. Smiechowski has been a resident of Clairemont since 1967 and can be reached at smiechowskid@aol.com or 858.220.4613
Joyful Living Spiritual Center www.joyfullivingsandiego.org Services and classes at the LiveWell Center 4425 Bannock Avenue, San Diego 92117 Sunday services and Junior Church at 10 am Are you ready for a happier, healthier and more abundant life? St. David’s Episcopal Church www.saintdavidschurch.com 5050 Milton Street, San Diego CA 92110 Sunday Worship Times: 8:00 am Traditional • 10:30am Contemporary For information on promoting your place of worship in the Religious Directory please call or email Chris O’Connell, Publisher (858) 752-9779 chris@clairemonttimes.com
Have a hot news tip? An idea for a story? Call or email 858 752 9779 • info@clairemonttimes.com
8 • The Clairemont Times • February 2014
Mayor’s Update by Todd Gloria, Interim Mayor; City of San Diego
Dear Friends, Thank you to all who joined me last month when I presented the annual State of the City Address. When I walked on stage and looked out to the audience assembled in the historic Balboa Theatre, I was again humbled by the support shown by San Diegans. As I shared in my remarks, San Diego will always be America’s Finest City. But we shouldn’t be content with just being fine.We must dare to be great.A great San Diego future means developing a comprehensive infrastructure funding strategy and a bond for voters’ approval in 2016; it means better uti-
that question. Snap a picture of your vision or describe it and post it on Instagram or Twitter with #SDFuture. On the topic of infrastructure, please know we aren’t waiting until 2016 to address this challenge. Late last month, the San Diego City Council unanimously approved $120 million of bond funding for neighborhood infrastructure projects. San Diegans deserve neighborhoods with smooth roads, sound facilities, and water and sewer pipes that don’t break. This bond will help us achieve that goal. More than $43 million from the bond will fund street resurfacing.The project list also includes $4.3 million for accessibility improvements. Also last month, Councilmember Mark Kersey, Chair of the City’s Infrastructure Committee, and I kicked off the first ever citywide sidewalk assessment.This assessment, funded in the Fiscal Year 2014 budget for up to $1 million, is expected to take approximately one year to complete and will provide an unprecedented evaluation of the conditions of
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2014 Linda Vista Town Council Board Members
(L-R) Tom Kaye, Doug Beckham - President, Dorothy Winnard, Al Demoran - Vice President, Dottie Greenan - Treasurer, Greg Delgadillo, Rick Bussell & Burnie Lund. Missing: Tisha Rocha - Secretary, Gary Stang
Community Meetings Open to the Public CLAIREMONT TOWN COUNCIL 2/6/14 (1st Thursday of the month) 7:00 PM Cadman Elementary Cafeteria 4370 Kamloop Ave, 92117
CLAIREMONT COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP 2/18/14 (3rd Tuesday of the month) • 6:30 PM LiveWell Senior Center 4425 Bannock Ave, 92117
LINDA VISTA TOWN COUNCIL 2/20/14 (3rd Thursday of the month) • 6:30 PM Baha’i Faith Center 6545 Alcala Knolls Drive, 92111
LINDA VISTA PLANNING GROUP lizing available resources to truly address the challenges of homelessness; it means implementation of a progressive Climate Action Plan; and it means investment into Balboa Park for the 2015 Centennial Celebration of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.The 2014 State of the City Address is available for reading and viewing at www.sandiego.gov. San Diego’s future is dependent on your continued participation as we work together for a great city. I’ve heard from many of you that a highlight of the State of the City evening was the video asking,“When you think about San Diego’s future, what do you see?” This is meant as a conversation starter, and I would love to hear and see how more San Diegans answer
sidewalks throughout San Diego. The City of San Diego has approximately 5,000 miles of public sidewalks and the bulk of the assessment work is being completed by 24 student engineering interns. Remember, if you tweet, you can follow the City’s infrastructure conversation on Twitter #RebuildSD. As I said in my State of the City Address, I know more great ideas and big dreams are out there; let’s work together to make them happen. You can email me your ideas at toddgloria@sandiego.gov. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve. Sincerely,Todd Gloria INTERIM MAYOR
2/24/14 (4th Monday of the month) • 5:30 PM Linda Vista Public Library 2160 Ulric St, 92111
Potholes in your Neighborhood? Report the Street & Cross Street to City of San Diego Streets & Potholes Division
619 527 7500
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About the Canyon
Nature and Man: Inseparable Companions by Joan Brosnan
I have heard our natural San Diego environment described as dead and dry; I too once viewed the Coastal Sage Scrub that way.What purpose does it serve? How does nature thrive there? How did the native people survive in this environment? What could learning about this environment do
California Sagebrush
for me? Living in Clairemont and investigating Tecolote Canyon, I developed an appreciation for the native plants rooted in the terrain and the history of this region. The Coastal Sage Scrub is a uniquely southern California plant community named after the commonly found California Sagebrush.The native plants that grow on the west facing slopes are described as sparse, low-growing aromatic shrubs, mostly gray-green in color.As you drive through Clairemont many of the native plants may appear to be dead, but they are actually dormant, the survival mode during drought. “Those plants all look the same to me,” noted one visitor to Tecolote Canyon Natural Park. How do you
develop friendships? We begin by taking the time to learn personal details and enjoying companionship.Tecolote Canyon Interpreters Group (Trail Guides) invites the community to become Friends of Tecolote Canyon by joining us on nature walks. Get the answer to your questions about native plants. Identify California Sagebrush. Learn why the native peoples survived
Photo: Eloise Battle
for centuries in this environment as well as get exercise for the body and food for the soul. “Let those who are wearied with the clash of warring nations…turn their attention to the silent life of vegetation… and remember that the earth continues to teem with new life.” Alexander von Humboldt Join the walk and discover the value, purpose and history of Tecolote Canyon’s Coastal Sage Scrub community on Saturday, March 1 from 9:0011:00. Park and meet at the end of Gardena Street.The hike is about a 2 mile round trip with medium to steep grade in some spots.Wear sunscreen, hats, and carry water. It is not suitable for dogs or young children.There are no facilities.
“Hello everyone! I am back and doing Massage Therapy. Tight neck? Back pain? Stressed? Please give me a call. I look forward to working with you and seeing you!” Cynthia McGovern CMT (619) 807-3699 CA Cert. #6619, AMTA #29931, NCBTMB #5250-00
Happy Valentine’s Day from The Clairemont Times
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Mid Coast Transit Project Update STATION AT VA MEDICAL CENTER APPROVED In late 2013, the SANDAG Board of Directors unanimously approved the option to add a station to the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project at the VA Medical Center.This station, located between the Nobel Drive and Pepper Canyon (UCSD west) stations, was studied in the draft environmental document as an option, and comments received from the public were strongly supportive of adding the station to the project. It will be located on the east side of the VA Medical Center campus with a pedestrian path connecting to the hospital.The station is expected to serve more than 1,600 passengers a day. CENTER COLUMN DESIGN OPTION SELECTED FOR GENESEE AVENUE The SANDAG Board of Directors recently decided on a final design option for the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit
Project aerial guideway that will travel down the center of Genesee Avenue from Regents Road to Westfield UTC. The "center column" design option, which calls for placing a single row of columns in the median, was selected over the "straddle bent" design option, which called for using structures that placed columns on either side of the road and connected them with large beams. Both design options were considered in the draft environmental document.The "center column" design was found to cost less and provide better visibility along Genesee.The elevated guideway will support two aerial stations on Genesee – at Executive Drive and at the terminus station near Westfield UTC. SANDAG REVIEWING PROPOSALS FOR CM/GC SANDAG has received and is reviewing proposals for construction manag-
www.clairemonttimes.com er/general contractor (CM/GC) services for the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project.The CM/GC method will allow SANDAG to bring a construction contractor onboard while the project is still being designed, allowing the builder to provide input and advice during the design process. Because of significant overlap between the Mid-Coast project and two coastal rail double-tracking projects that will share railroad right-of-way with the trolley project, the CM/GC contractor also will work with SANDAG on the San Diego River Bridge Double Track Project and the Elvira-Morena Double Track Project. These are the first projects on which SANDAG will use the CM/GC project delivery method. CM/GC will allow SANDAG to engage a construction manager much sooner than is typical, with that contractor providing input on scheduling, pricing, phasing, and other areas that will help SANDAG design more constructible projects. Once the design is between 60 percent and 90 percent complete, a guaranteed maxi. Dr nd a l t Ju
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mum price for construction will be negotiated. Proposals from CM/GC applicants were due January 14, 2014. MID-COAST MILESTONES IN 2014 The Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project is poised to make significant progress in 2014 … • The design process for the project's stations is underway. Public input on station design will be sought in the first half of 2014. • The final environmental document – called the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIS/SEIR) – is anticipated to be complete in mid-2014. • The SANDAG Board of Directors is anticipated to certify the Final SEIS/SEIR in summer 2014. • The Federal Transit Administration is expected to issue a Record of Decision on the Final SEIS/SEIR in fall 2014. Achieving these milestones will clear the way for the project to enter engineering and construction in 2015.
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REPURPOSING 101 Repurposed Grandfather Clock
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Cape Town, South Africa! by Kevin Casillo
I thought, with the passing of “Nelson Mandela” it would be an appropriate tribute to highlight some of the many marvels of this incredibly beautiful country. Rich in history, culture of very proud people, both Blacks and Whites, riddled with inequality of Apartheid and a class based system, South Africa is one of the most beautiful we have had the pleasure of visiting. From vast oceans with its waves caressing shorelines that join the dry arid deserts this is a place everyone should visit. We started this 16 hour journey in San Diego on American Airlines, changing in Dallas, then to Miami flying South African Airlines landing in Cape Town. Fully exhausted but filled with excitement we were memorized by the sites that lay before us. Staying in an area of Cape Town called Seapoint we had previously booked an ocean front timeshare, complete with full kitchen and large balcony with a dead on view of the sparkling sea boasting amazing sunsets. Behind was the world famous Table Mountain and everything Cape Town had to offer. Five star restaurants with the best possible, eats and all for 1/3rd of what it might cost here in the states. As I say, it’s always best to get out and walk, but when we wished to drive further into town we would flag down unmarked vans, they would slide over and you’d just hop in and for a nominal fee and a cigarette you’d be safely taken to your destination. We later learned this is how tourists were kidnapped and held for ransom, but I guess they could tell by looking at us, we were not your average American Millionaire. (Must be the hole in my sneakers.)
There are many sites in Cape Town, one must, the top of Table Mountain. At just 3,300 feet above sea level January 10th, 2014 welcomed the 23rd millionth visitor to Lions Head the top! And once you arrive you soon realize why. The 360 degree view is the entire town below with the Indian Ocean on one side while the other is the Atlantic, both mighty seas meeting to forge one. There are walking trails well marked guiding you to spectacular viewpoints for optimum views.Along side are what I called large rats nibbling on wild flora and grasses as well as the “Chacma baboon”. These guys allow you to get incredibly close, but be careful they are wild and protect their territory. Being an animal lover of all types, I had to resist from offering food as this just creates a bigger problem. If you’ve been reading my column right along, you know we tend to shy away from group tours as we prefer to take a left when everyone else is turning right, or worse, just going straight ahead without even looking left or right. That is a very frightening thought for me.We hired a helicopter that turned out to be one of the best ideas we’ve ever had. The pilot handed us the headsets so we could com-
municate, Bob is 6’7” had to squeeze in the back of the helicopter while I enjoyed a front row unobstructed view. The engine hums as the blades begin to rotate ever so gently lifting above the heliport and you‘ll be soon high above marveling at the coast line, the landscape, and just when you think it can’t get any better, it happens, whales playing in the surf below as you seem to fly at lightening speed alongside a sandy beach as you and head toward the mountains. Once over land you start to see the shanty towns, the ones the then Government thought would be a great idea for the blacks, it wasn’t. Such poverty paired with such natural beauty was just surreal. It just made no sense.We later toured the cell that held Nelson Mandela, who was still president at the time of this trip. (1998) and then drove through Soweto. It became painfully obvious why there was so much unrest here, only one word sums it up, inequality. We also travelled to Namibia, small country by chartering a small twin engine Cessna with what can only be described as a 15 year old pilot flying
over absolutely nothing but desert dunes and the skeleton coast.With camera in hand flying over whales one day, and the driest of deserts on another watching Giraffes in the wild reach high on Eucalyptus,White Rhinos and wart hogs frolic in mud holes. One of the many highlights of this journey was spending time with members of the Himba Tribe in Namibia. The Himba are the most gracious, hospitable people, living off the extremely hot very dry and to us seemingly worthless land by raising cattle and goats. Untouched by modern culture they live in mud and dung huts that serve them well. I remember how they responded to my video camera, or when they saw and heard themselves on film when I played it back for them. Laughter is the language of the world. My only wish is we could all live with as little as they do and yet have as much as they seem to have. South Africa is a must see. If you would like to see more photos, please visit my website at www.hotshots360.smugmug.com
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12 • The Clairemont Times • February 2014
January Crime Report
The Clairemont Times PO Box 17671 San Diego, CA 92177 (858) 752-9779 Founding Publisher: Chris O’Connell Graphic Designer: Elaine Hall Contributors: Kevin Casillo – Travel Stella Monde – Neighborhood Eats Daniel J. Smiechowski – Local Rob Stone – Sports
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 ©2011-14 The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing. Reuse of material from this edition or past editions is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Vehicle Break-In 6600 Beadnell Way Vehicle Break-In 4800 Mt. Royal Ave. Battery 5600 Mt.Ackerly Dr. Residential Burglary 3600 Mt.Alvarez Ave. Residential Burglary 4700 Mt.Alifan Dr. Vehicle Break-In 3500 Ethan Allen Ave. Residential Burglary 5300 Jamestown Rd. Vehicle Break-In 3000 Jemez Dr. Vandalism 4400 Clairemont Dr. Assault 6600 Beadnell Way Residential Burglary 3300 Chicago St. Residential Burglary 3600 Budd St. Vehicle Break-In 5200 Balboa Ave. Vehicle Break-In 3500 Ave. Residential Burglary 4900 Sunline Ave. Vandalism 4800 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Residential Burglary 3900 Mt. Blackburn Ave. Residential Burglary 5100 Balboa Ave. Residential Burglary 5200 Balboa Arms Dr. Residential Burglary 4400 Paola Way Vehicle Theft 5300 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
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www.clairemonttimes.com Vehicle Theft 5100 Rebel Rd. Residential Burglary 5400 Balboa Arms Dr. Vandalism 5300 Via Aquario Fraud 6900 Salizar St. Vehicle Theft 6600 Tait St. Commercial Burglary 4500 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Theft 2100 Ulric St. Vehicle Break-In 4000 Huerfano Ave. Vehicle Theft 4600 Limerick Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4700 Diane Ave. Vehicle Break-In 3500 Waco St. Commercial Burglary 4100 Morena Blvd. Vehicle Theft 2200 Dunlop St. Vehicle Break-In 7800 Stalmer St. Commercial Burglary 8000 Othello Ave. Residential Burglary 2100 Garston St. Vehicle Break-In 4700 Pocahontas Ave. Vehicle Break-In 3500 Idelwood Way Vehicle Theft 4100 Mt.Albertine Ave. Vehicle Break-In 300 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Theft 4600 Leher Dr. Assault 4000 Genesee Ave. Residential Burglary 4900 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Commercial Burglary
5400 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Commercial Burglary 4700 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Theft 4900 Coconino Way Residential Burglary 4200 Tacoma St. Residential Burglary 4300 Chelford St. Vehicle Theft 6800 Beloit Ave. Vehicle Break-In 4800 Cole St. Residential Burglary 4200 Tacoma St. Vehicle Theft 4100 Genesee Ave. Vehicle Theft 3300 Cowley Way Residential Burglary 3400 Mt.Armour Ct. Vandalism 4200 Dakota Dr. Battery 5000 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Vehicle Theft 4400 Verley Ct. Vandalism 5100 Balboa Arms Dr. Vehicle Break-In 4800 Huron Ave. Vehicle Break-In 3700 Boyd Ave. Commercial Burglary 3600 Clairemont Dr. Vehicle Break-In 4900 Longford St. Vehicle Theft 5100 Balboa Arms Dr. Residential Burglary 4900 Pacifica Dr. Vehicle Break-In 3900 Genesee Ave. Battery 3300 Sandrock Rd. Residential Burglary 2400 Judson St.
by Chris O’Connell
The opinions in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of The Clairemont Times/McSierra Publishing but instead, of each individual author/contributor.
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The Rob Stone Scouting Report: Sanadze Steps Up for USD by Rob Stone
Christopher Anderson exhibited leadership in keeping teammates such as Duda Sanadze and Dennis Kramer involved with the flow of the action as the University of San Diego (USD) Toreros defeated the Loyola Marymount University Lions 74-67 in a West Coast Conference (WCC) men’s basketball matchup at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on the campus of USD in Linda Vista on Thursday evening, January 9. Sanadze, a six-foot-five-inch sophomore guard, paced the Toreros with a season-high 22 points, while Anderson, a five-foot-seven-inch junior guard, added 20 points, and Kramer, a 6-foot-11-inch senior post player, had 14 of his own. Two nights later, Kramer showed a nice shooting touch around the basket in converting successfully on seven out of 11 of his field goal attempts, but it wasn’t quite enough as USD suffered a tough 69-65 loss at the hands of the Pepperdine Waves on Saturday evening, January 11. Kramer finished with a team-high 17 points and was followed in the Toreros scoring column by Sanadze (14 points), six-foot-three-inch sophomore guard Chris Sarbaugh (12 points), and six-foot junior guard Johnny Dee (11 points). In a WCC contest played on Thursday night, January 16, USD gained another victory by a final score of 69-66 over the Santa Clara Broncos (behind a career-high 25 points from Sanadze) before falling to the University of San Francisco (USF) Dons 64-62 on Saturday evening, January 18. “It's a team win - every single guy in that locker room one through 15,” said USF coach Rex Walters. “We didn't make it easy that's for sure. “We have to make our free throws down the stretch and take care of the ball a little better. We got the W - we're two points better tonight and we'll take it. It was a great locker room. I'll take that feeling every day and twice on Sunday.” Local High School Boys Basketball In local high school boys basketball on Friday night, January 24, it was: Francis Parker Lancers 59,Army-Navy Academy Warriors 57 (2 OT’s); Kearny
Komets 73, Crawford Colts 57; Madison Warhawks 77, Point Loma Pointers 42; Horizon Christian Academy Panthers 60, La Jolla Country Day Torreys 45; and Christian Patriots 49, Clairemont Chieftans 46. Francis Parker’s Michael Pelaiz (game-winning bucket at the buzzer) and Evan Fitzner (28 points and 16 rebounds); Madison’s Curtis Anderson (32 points), Perry Davis (11 points), and Anthony Jensen (11 points); Kearny’s Austin Knox (19 points 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks),Takoda Browne (14 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and eight steals), Jeremiah Jorden (13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and five steals), and Robby Robinson (10 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one block); and Horizon Christian Academy’s Ethan Underwood (15 points) and Jacob Beneventi (13 points); were all stat sheet stuffers in showcasing their strong and athletic moves on the hardwood for their respective ballclubs. Rob Stone is a lifelong resident of the Clairemont Mesa/Kearny Mesa area and is also a certified scout with Sports Management Worldwide. If you would like a professional scouting report written up on your favorite athlete, you can feel free to contact him directly. He may be reached at http://www.highvoltigesports.blogspot.com, http://www.smwwscout.com/scout/rob-stone, rstone@smww.com, Sportsguyrob@att.net, or 1 (619) 871-7024.
14 • The Clairemont Times • February 2014
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Curtis
Breed: M/Russell Mix DOB: 7/11/2011 Place of Birth: San Diego, CA Likes: Playing fetch with his tennis ball, running on grass, licking dirty dishwater when Mom's loading the dishwasher Dislikes: Baths, puddles, water
K9 Park at the Trails Update Coming up in Tecolote Canyon February 2014 Come discover Bay Park’s best kept secret. Visit the Tecolote Nature Center Tuesday through Saturday 9:00-4:00 or Sunday 9:00-2:00, or come to one of the upcoming activities listed below. Tecolote Nature Center 5180 Tecolote Road, San Diego, CA. 92110 858-581-9959 Native Plant Walk California Native Plant Society 1st Sunday of every month at 9:00 a.m. Weed Warriors Canyon Clean Up 3rd Saturday of every month 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Work with a Park Ranger to help clean up Tecolote Canyon Everyone welcome! Earn service credits for school and help your community Many other volunteer opportunities available Bird Watching Walk San Diego Audubon Society 4th Saturday of every month at 8:00 a.m. *Call the nature center to schedule a guided walk with our Tecolote Canyon Interpretive Group - We offer walks for all ages and interests Walks are free and open to the public. Walks and canyon clean ups may be canceled due to inclement weather or poor trail conditions. No walks in July or August.
Thank you to everyone that helped our cause in 2013.We have over 5100 petition signatures, endorsements from both politicians and local business establishments. With the turmoil within our local government about to come to an end, we look forward to being back with a full effort for BARK FOR THE PARK. Newly elected SDUSD Board of Education President, Kevin Beiser, reports that the school district is still waiting for an acceptable parcel to exchange with the City of San Diego. Until then please help keep the effort going by signing our electronic petition at www.k9patt.org or calling the
City Council offices of Scott Sherman @ 619 236-6677. With all our community support, business endorsements, positive input from both State Assemblymember, 77th District, Brian Maienschein’s, and City Council member Scott Sherman blessing plus the active participation of the SDUSD we will make this happen!!!
The Clairemont Times • February 2014 • 15
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